cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of focal vs. balloon radiofrequency ablation devices in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus.

Background and aimsThe safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of Barrett’s esophagus (BE)-associated dysplasia has been well established. The effectiveness of focal and balloon RFA devices has not been compared. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of focal and balloon RFA devices in the treatment of BE by calculating absolute and percentage change in BE length with RFA therapy by comparing pre- and post-treatment BE length.Patients and methodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients who underwent at least one treatment with either focal and/or balloon RFA devices who were identified from two tertiary centers. Patients’ demographics, hiatal hernia, pre- and post-treatment BE length, prior use of endoscopic therapies and number of sessions were recorded.ResultsSixty-one patients who had undergone 161 RFA treatment sessions met inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in percentage change in BE length with greater number o...
Evaluation of the Directigen and Phadebact agglutination tests.

Comparison testing of the Directigen™ latex agglutination (LA) kit, the Phadebact® coagglutination (COA) kit, and counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) demonstrated that the commercial LA reagents were slightly more sensitive than the COA reagents for the detection of pneumococcal polysaccharide types 2, 4, 8, 9, 12, 19, 23, 25, 51, and 56, and meningococcal polysaccharide from Group C. The COA reagents were slightly more sensitive than the LA reagents for the detection of pneumococcal polysaccharide type 6A. The sensitivity of LA and COA reagents for the detection of Hemophilis influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide, pneumococcal polysaccharide types 1, 3, 14, and meningococcal Group A were equivalent. Purified meningococcal polysaccharides of Groups B, C, and W135 were detected uniformly by CIE but not with the COA reagent. The COA reagent reacted with antigen of Groups B, C, and W135 from broth culture but with less sensitivity than CIE. In general, CIE was the least sensitive method for detecting bacterial antigens. In addition, the commercial CIE antisera for H. influenzae type b, or meningococcal polysaccharides were susceptible to false-negative results due to antigen excess.
Soft-Landing Deposition of Al17− on a Hydroxyl-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayer

Small aluminum clusters (<30 atoms) have been the subject of extensive study, demonstrating markedly different properties as even a single atom is added or removed. Successfully depositing and characterizing mass-selected clusters are the next steps in producing precise surfaces or cluster-assembled materials that demonstrate properties that differ from those of bulk materials. This proves to be difficult due to the reactivity of these all-metal clusters and their susceptibility to agglomerate in bulk form. In the present study, we have successfully deposited Al17− onto self-assembled monolayers using reactivity previously characterized in the gas phase.
What Course to Follow for Ethernet Exchange in Cloud Calculation Time

In the cloud calculation time,the development of Ethernet exchange is described from high bandwidth,virtualization,multi-service,high security and green energy saving.
Diagnosis Analysis on Transformer Winding Deformation Failure

This paper analyzes 220 kV main transformer winding deformation failure by taking frequency response method and short circuit impedance method respectively.It explains that testing results of single diagnosis can not be taken as the only basis for judging whether the transformer winding is deformed or not.It expounds necessity to combine results of multi-term tests such as chromatographic analysis for dissolved gas in oil,short circuit impedance test,direct current resistance test and partial discharge and so on for comprehensive analysis and judgement.It suggests transverse and lengthways comparison when processing data analysis.
Glutamine is essential for epidermal growth factor-stimulated intestinal cell proliferation.

Background. Glutamine stimulates growth of intestinal mucosa in vivo, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether glutamine is essential for proliferation of enterocytes stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). In addition, we determined which specific mitogenic actions of EGF require glutamine. Methods. A nontransformed rat intestinal mucosal cell line (IEC-6) was stimulated with EGF (20 ng/ml) without and with glutamine (0.1 to 10 mmol/L). DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis were quantitated by determining incorporation of tritiated thymidine, tritiated uridine, and 14 C-leucine, respectively. Cell numbers and messenger RNA levels of early growth response genes (zif268, jun-B, c-myc) were also determined
Carcinogenesis in Mammalian Urothelium: Changes Induced by Non-Carcinogenic Substances and Chronic Indwelling Catheters

AbstractCarcinogenesis in urinary bladders may not be represented by a continuum of pathological lesions beginning with papillary tumors or flat dysplasias/atypias. In a previous experiment, sterile water and saline continuously infused via catheters connected to ALZA mini-pumps were shown to induce papillary urothelial lesions indistinguishable from tumors considered to be carcinomas in most histological classification schemes. The animals in the initial experiment were followed for relatively brief periods which did not allow for determination of potential reversibility of the process and did not distinguish the effects of the catheters versus those of the infused substances. The present study was designed to control for these variables. Rats were divided into seven groups to examine the urothelial changes after: 1) surgery alone, 2) continuous infusion of the sterile water and mitomycin C, and 3) chronic indwelling catheters with and without infusion. The results indicated that chronic irritation with ...
A fast algorithm for two-dimensional KolmogorovSmirnov two sample tests

By using the brute force algorithm, the application of the two-dimensional two-sample KolmogorovSmirnov test can be prohibitively computationally expensive. Thus a fast algorithm for computing the two-sample KolmogorovSmirnov test statistic is proposed to alleviate this problem. The newly proposed algorithm is O(n) times more efficient than the brute force algorithm, where n is the sum of the two sample sizes. The proposed algorithm is parallel and can be generalized to higher dimensional spaces.
Evolution of prokaryotic respiratory molybdoenzymes and the frequency of their genomic co-occurrence

Molybdoenzymes are an ancient protein family found in phylogenetically and ecologically diverse prokaryotes. Under anaerobic conditions, respiratory molybdoenzymes catalyze redox reactions that transfer electrons to a variety of substrates that act as terminal electron acceptors for energy generation. Here, we used probe sequences to conduct an extensive genomic survey and phylogenetic inference for NarG, DmsA, TorA and nine other respiratory molybdoenzyme subfamilies. Our analysis demonstrates their abundance in 60% of prokaryotic phyla. In contrast to many other autonomic genetic units in prokaryotes, the major route of evolution of their predominant subfamilies is vertical gene transfer, gene duplication and divergence. Our results show the robustness of genomic co-occurrence of respiratory molybdoenzymes genes, found in the majority of studied species, for most of the enzyme subfamilies. Genomes which encode for multiple respiratory molybdoenzymes are also enriched in genes regulating replication, recombination and mobility of genetic elements. Respiratory molybdoenzymes were found in prokaryotes associated with diverse environments occupying terrestrial, aquatic, food and host-related habitats, emphasizing their essential role in adaptation of prokaryotes to changing environments. Interestingly, host-associated prokaryotes such as human pathogens more frequently carry multiple respiratory molybdoenzyme genes compared with non-host-associated prokaryotes, highlighting the importance of metabolic flexibility in host-microbiome environments.
The Effects of Group Support Systems Usage Over Time

The combination of groupware with high performance teams is a natural pairing since the fundamental goal of groupware is to support the work performed by groups and teams. Therefore the study of groups and how group members work together is central to groupware’s continuing development and understanding. Throughout this development process, field studies help identify significant characteristics.
Numerical Modeling of Storm Surge Generated by Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) model (Luettich, et. al. 1992) is applied to simulate the storm surge generated by Hurricane Iniki (1992) in Hawaii. The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of the ADCIRC model in predicting hurricane-generated storm surge in the Pacific insular environment and to investigate the sensitivity of storm surge generation to different wind models for this particular region. The simulated results showed good agreement with the recorded storm surge near the southwest shore of Kauai Island where Iniki made landfall. Our present numerical results revealed that the dominant forcing factor for the storm surge generation by Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii is the drop in atmospheric pressure near the eye of the hurricane, while the wind-generated surface stress has little direct effect in generating the surge. i Research Assistant, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, gica@wiliki.eng.hawaii.edu 2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 3 Professor, Insifitute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, NC 28557 4 Associate Professor, Deparanent of Ocean and Resources Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 5 Oceanographer, Oceanography Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529 6 Physical Scientist, Office of Science and Technology, National Weather Service, NOAA, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 7 Sel~or Research Hydraulic Engineer, US Army Engineering Waterways Experiment Station, Coastal Engineering Research Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Coarse-Grained Models of Aqueous and Pure Liquid Alkanes.

A model for linear alkanes is presented in which interaction sites are only on the carbon atoms, and the range of the potential is reduced using the Stillinger–Weber potential. The model is optimized for aqueous and liquid alkane properties and can match thermodynamic and structural properties, including solvation free energies, liquid densities, and liquid/vapor and liquid/water surface tensions for alkanes over a range of lengths. The results for long alkanes indicate that such models can be useful as accurate, yet efficient, coarse-grained potentials for macromolecules in water and other environments.
An Evolving Epidemic for African American and Latino HIV Positive Gay Men: Understanding the Sociocultural Contexts of Stigma, Marginalization, and Structural Inequalities

There has been a critical void in research related to prevention and care for African American and Latino HIV positive gay men. Epidemiologic research has indicated that African American and Latino HIV positive gay men experience deleterious health outcomes related to the HIV continuum of care (e.g., early diagnosis, linkage to care, retention in care, and viral suppression). Research has also shown that African American and Latino HIV positive gay men have inadequate access to culturally informed HIV care and treatment. The primary objective of this chapter is to examine core socio-cultural contexts that influence prevention and care for African American and Latino HIV positive gay men. More specifically, this chapter will explore: (1) prevention and care-related outcomes for African American and Latino HIV positive gay men; (2) health care delivery for African American and Latino HIV gay men; (3) role of health insurance; (4) theoretical approaches in prevention and care for African American and Latino HIV positive gay men; and (5) psychosocial support needs of African American and Latino HIV positive gay men.
0181 Better Performance on The Psychomotor Vigilance Task is Associated with Longer Sleep Duration and Lower Self-reported Sleep Need in the Real World

The psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) is sensitive measure of performance impairment arising from sleep loss and circadian misalignment. Some individuals are able to maintain stable, good performance during laboratory-imposed sleep restriction. It is unclear whether such individuals need less sleep or whether they are more resilient to the effects of sleep loss. We aimed to characterize the relationship between sleep duration and perceived sleep need with PVT performance under real-world conditions.
Child- and Family-Focused Policy in Botswana

Botswana is a nation in transition, evolving into one of the wealthiest nations in Africa largely as a result of expansion of diamond and copper mining. Despite this growth, the nation also faces a number of serious threats to child and family well-being. The greatest of these is the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has ravished the nation for the past three decades. The nation also exhibits high rates of poverty, lack of access to essential services, and high maternal mortality rates, especially in rural areas. Policy approaches to child and family issues reflect both the considerable threats that the nation faces and the growth in resources and social supports that have accompanied economic growth. This chapter describes examples of macro-level policy approaches to addressing issues impacting child and family well-being and discusses further policy needs in relation to critical national issues impacting children and families.
Actinide compounds with heavy oxoanions containing a stereochemically active lone-pair of electrons

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the key compounds with atypical structures where the influence of the lone-pair of electrons can be ascertained, if only in part. It addresses the role of heavy oxoanions containing a chemically inert but stereochemically active lone-pair of electrons on the structures of purely inorganic actinide compounds. It is apparent that there are many roles for these electrons, including the formation of channels and cavities, alignment to create polarity and chirality, and especially dimensional reduction. Dimensional reduction to one dimensional chain structures is particularly apparent in actinyl iodates but is also observed in selenites and tellurites. The statistics for the dimensionality of uranyl compounds are skewed by such strong efforts to prepare compounds with anions containing nonbonding electrons.
How Should We Think About Race? A Conversation on Equity, Inclusion and Integration

The purpose of the chapter is to better understand the differences between black and white Americans in the ways they think about race and what they see as the primary objective of desegregation. Recent studies on the concept of race by Hannaford (1996), Ignatiev (2008) and Painter (2011) as well as recent commentary on the state of race relations in the United States provided by Coates (2014, 2015, and 2017) and Kendi (2016) informed the focus group agenda. Two main themes emerged from the conversation. One, African Americans view societal dynamics very differently than whites. Whites tend to think of society as an integrated whole, while African Americans tend to see it as being comprised of competing factions. Two, as a result, whites tend to understand racism in terms of attitudes, while African Americans view it through a sociopolitical lens and as an unequal distribution of power and resources. Consequently, blacks and whites conceptualize the goal of desegregation antithetically. For whites, integration is the goal, whereas blacks are more interested in equity or the fair distribution of power and resources. In the accompanying essay, “American Urban Housing and Racial Integration Before 1968,” Eric Mumford examines attempts by architects and planners to develop racially integrated communities before the 1968 Fair Housing Act.
Characterisation of information Hospitals Provide Parents on Tube Feeding, Including Tube Weaning

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterise the content of hospital parent guides related to pediatric tube feeding. Design and Methods A naturalistic search strategy was used to retrieve parent guides produced by hospitals using Google. Guides were analysed and content identified as being associated with codes which were derived from previous research into the education of parents on tube feeding and the prevention and treatment of tube feeding dependency and tube weaning. Results Of the 17 collected guides from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, most (64.7%) were published between 2009 and 2016. The guides provided comprehensive information regarding the reasons for and types of tube feeding, details of multidisciplinary teams and the practical management of tube feeding. All guides covered common medical problems and trouble-shooting solutions. Yet there was infrequent coverage of goal setting, risks and prevention of oral aversion and tube feeding dependency, social and emotional management of tube feeding and tube exit planning including tube weaning. Conclusions A gap exists in the education of families regarding psychosocial implications of tube feeding, oral aversion and tube feeding dependency and prevention, and tube exit planning. Practice Implications Improvements need to be implemented in the development of education materials for families of children who require tube feeding. Families need information on all aspects of tube feeding including practical, social, and emotional management as well as advice on tube exit planning including tube weaning.
Brigatinib: Novel ALK Inhibitor for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Objective: We review here the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, potential drug-drug interactions and place in therapy of brigatinib for abnormal anaplasti...
Variation in the Thoroughness of Pathologic Assessment and Response Rates of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancers After Chemoradiation

Pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with better prognosis and guides management for patients with advanced rectal cancer. Response rates vary between series for unclear reasons. We examine whether the thoroughness of pathologic assessment explains differences in pCR rates. We retrospectively reviewed pathology reports from patients with stage II/III rectal cancer who underwent chemoradiation and resection in a prospective, multicenter trial. We utilized a novel measure for the thoroughness of pathologic assessment by dividing residual tumor size by the number of cassettes evaluated (tumor size to cassette ratio, TSCR), and evaluated whether TSCR is associated with pCR. We validated our findings using a separate cohort. From the trial cohort, 71 of 247 (29%) patients achieved pCR. The pCR rate ranged from 0 to 45% and mean TSCR ranged 0.29 to 0.87 across 12 institutions. Within each institution, a lower TSCR was associated with pCR, demonstrating a higher degree of thoroughness used for tumors that achieved pCR. Moreover, across all samples, low TSCR was independently associated with pCR on multivariable analysis. This finding was corroborated in a separate cohort of 201 tumors evaluated by five pathologists; each pathologist had a lower mean TSCR for pCR calls compared with non-pCR calls. However, the mean TSCR for an institution was not associated with its overall pCR rate. Pathologists assess rectal cancers that have responded significantly to neoadjuvant therapy more thoroughly. Thoroughness does not appear to explain differences in pCR rates between institutions. Our results suggest pCR is not a sampling artifact.
Evaluation of Growth Regulator Effects of Embark, Atrinal, Blazer, and Bayleton on Container-Grown Azaleas

Three chemicals that are not normally used to promote branching were evaluated for their abilities to increase shoot production of containerized outdoor-grown azaleas and compared with Atrinal (dik...
Using Web-Based Pin-Drop Maps to Capture Activity Spaces Among Young Adults Who Use Drugs in Rural Areas: Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Epicenters of harmful drug use are expanding to US rural areas, with rural young adults bearing a disproportionate burden. A large body of work suggests that place characteristics (eg, spatial access to health services) shape vulnerability to drug-related harms among urban residents. Research on the role of place characteristics in shaping these harms among rural residents is nascent, as are methods of gathering place-based data. Objective: We (1) analyzed whether young rural adults who used drugs answered self-administered Web-based mapping items about locations where they engaged in risk behaviors and (2) determined the precision of mapped locations. Methods: Eligible individuals had to report recently using opioids to get high; be aged between 18 and 35 years; and live in the 5-county rural Appalachian Kentucky study area. We used targeted outreach and peer-referral methods to recruit participants. The survey asked participants to drop a pin in interactive maps to mark where they completed the survey, and where they had slept most; used drugs most; and had sex most in the past 6 months. Precision was assessed by (1) determining whether mapped locations were within 100 m of a structure and (2) calculating the Euclidean distance between the pin-drop home location and the street address where participants reported sleeping most often. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for all variables; distributions of missingness for mapping items and for the Euclidean distance variable were explored across participant characteristics. Results: Of the 151 participants, 88.7% (134/151) completed all mapping items, and ≥92.1% (>139/151) dropped a pin at each of the 4 locations queried. Missingness did not vary across most participant characteristics, except that lower percentages of full-time workers and peer-recruited participants mapped some locations. Two-thirds of the pin-drop sex and drug use locations were less than 100 m from a structure, as were 92.1% (139/151) of pin-drop home locations. The median distance between the pin-drop and street-address home locations was 2.0 miles (25th percentile=0.8 miles; 75th percentile=5.5 miles); distances were shorter for high-school graduates, staff-recruited participants, and participants reporting no technical difficulties completing the survey. Conclusions: Missingness for mapping items was low and unlikely to introduce bias, given that it varied across few participant characteristics. Precision results were mixed. In a rural study area of 1378 square miles, most pin-drop home addresses were near a structure; it is unsurprising that fewer drug and sex locations were near structures because most participants reported engaging in these activities outside at times. The error in pin-drop home locations, however, might be too large for some purposes. We offer several recommendations to strengthen future research, including gathering metadata on the extent to which participants zoom in on each map and recruiting participants via trusted staff.
Tracheostomy After Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

Background Respiratory failure, the most frequent complication after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, necessitates tracheostomy in severe cases. We examined risk factors for and outcomes of tracheostomy after TAAA repair. Methods We reviewed the records of 1267 consecutive patients who underwent TAAA repair. Patients with a preexisting tracheostomy were excluded. Extensive repairs (Crawford extent I or II) were performed in 716 patients (56.6%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for postrepair tracheostomy. Results Tracheostomy was necessary in 140 patients (11.1%). Operative mortality was significantly higher in patients with tracheostomy (27.9%) than in those without (5.8%; p Conclusions Patients who undergo tracheostomy after TAAA repair have a high risk of early and late mortality as well as prolonged hospitalization. Strategies for improving survival outcomes in tracheostomy patients warrant investigation.
Seeing Spanish: The Effects of Language-Based Media Choices on Resentment and Belonging

Does seeing Spanish-language news in the media change the racial and political attitudes of Whites and Spanish-speaking Latinos? We examine the effects of Spanish-language media on White and Spanis...
Two new species of Desmopachria Babington, 1841 in the D. convexa species group (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Hyphydrini).

Two new species are described in the Desmopachria convexa species group in the Neotropical genus Desmopachria Babington: D. mancosp. nov. (Guyana), and D. mortimersp. nov. (Costa Rica). Two subgroups, the D. convexa-convexa and the D. convexa-signata groups are defined. Desmopachria convexa-convexa species are from North and Central America and have a subapical articulable lobe on the male lateral lobe that is large and elongate and extends well beyond the slender, oblique apex of the lateral lobe. Desmopachria convexa-signata species are from South America and have a subapical articulable lobe on the male lateral lobe that is small and discrete and does not extend beyond the truncate apex of the lateral lobe. The male genitalia of all recognized species in the D. convexa group are redrawn from the literature. New species are illustrated from specimens and described species have morphological features redrawn from published illustrations.
From atomic-scale to mesoscale: A characterization of geopolymer composites using molecular dynamics and peridynamics simulations

Abstract A multiscale approach that couples molecular dynamics (MD) and peridynamics (PD) simulations was implemented to study the mechanical behavior of geopolymer composites (GC) consisting of geopolymer binder (GB), calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and quartz. Using MD, intrinsic mechanical properties such as bulk modulus, shear modulus and strain energy release rates were determined for the constituent phases as well as the respective two-phase systems. The MD generated properties were then used to determine the input parameters for PD simulations. Both bond-based and state-based PD models were considered for simulating the GC. The first part of the PD study consisted of characterizing the properties of mesoscale porous GB. Interestingly, the predicted modulus of porous GB at porosities corresponding to experimental values compared well with experimental observations based on nanoindentation (NI). NI tests were also conducted using PD simulation to predict the hardness of GB, which was also consistent with experimental data. Finally, PD simulations of mesoscale GC consisting of multiple GB, CSH and quartz (010) domains showed that the presence of quartz (010) increases its strength. It was also observed that the strength of GC increased with increasing domain-sizes of the constituent phases, which can be compared to inverse Hall-Petch effects in nano-crystalline materials.
Thermal acclimation leads to variable muscle responses in two temperate labrid fishes.

Temperature can be a key abiotic factor in fish distribution, as it impacts most physiological processes. Specifically, temperature can affect locomotor capabilities especially as species are exposed to temperatures nearing their thermal limits. In this study we aimed to understand the effects of temperature on muscle in two labrids that occupy the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. When exposed to cold temperatures in autumn, cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) and tautog (Tautoga onitis) go into a state of winter dormancy. Transitions into dormancy vary slightly where tautog will make short migrations to overwintering habitats while cunner overwinter in year-round habitats. To understand how muscle function changes with temperature, we held fish for four weeks at either 5 or 20°C then ran muscle kinetic and workloop experiments at 5, 10 and 20°C. Following experiments, we used immunohistochemistry staining to identify acclimation effects on myosin isoform expression. Muscle taken from warm acclimated cunner performed the best, whereas there were relatively few differences among the other three groups. Cunner acclimated at both temperatures downregulated the myosin heavy chain, suggesting a transition in fiber type from slow-oxidative to fast-glycolytic. This change did not amount to a detectable difference in muscle power production and kinetics. However, overall poor performance at cold temperatures could force these fishes into torpor to overwinter. Tautog, alternatively, retained myosin heavy chains which likely increases locomotor capabilities when making short migrations to overwintering habitats.
Velocity Estimation and Robust Non-linear Path Following Control of Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Abstract This work addresses the problem of non-linear path following control for under-actuated autonomous surface vehicles in the horizontal plane. The presence of multiple unknowns is considered, including unmodelled hydrodynamics, internal parametric model uncertainties, and unmeasurable disturbances due to wind, waves, and ocean currents, whereas the surge, sway, and yaw velocities are also considered to be unmeasured. Firstly, a non-linear extended state observer is applied to recover the unmeasured velocities and estimate the lumped generalised disturbances, that include all unknown terms previously detailed. Secondly, regarding the path following control, a surge-guided line-of-sight guidance law is applied to simultaneously compute the surge and heading/yaw references, while a simplified robust-adaptive backstepping control strategy is proposed. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed estimation and control strategy is verified in simulation considering challenging disturbance and current profiles.
How the Rhetoric of Information Took over Our World

This chapter examines James Gleick’s The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood in order to examine the history behind our current replacement of reality with language. My central argument is that through a mixing of distinct discourses, the separation of nature and culture has been broken down, and this loss of difference has profound social and psychological implications. On the most basic level, Gleick’s text presents the projection of linguistics onto biology and technology as a purely scientific advancement with little need for concern; however, what is missing from his analysis is not only any sense of critical distance but also an understanding of how human language actually works. By offering a rhetorical analysis of his book, I hope to show how we can fight the growing power of this new form of cultural animism.
Thrombosis and Hemodynamics: external and intrathrombus gradients.

Abstract Distinct from dilute, isotropic, and homogeneous reaction systems typically used in laboratory kinetic assays, blood is concentrated, two-phase, flowing, and highly anisotropic when clotting on a surface. This review focuses on spatial gradients that are generated and can dictate thrombus structure and function. Novel experimental and computational tools have recently emerged to explore reaction-transport coupling during clotting. Multiscale simulations help bridge tissue length scales (the coronary arteries) to millimeter scales of a growing clot to the microscopic scale of single-cell signaling and adhesion. Microfluidic devices help create and control pathological velocity profiles, albeit at a low Reynolds number. Since rate processes and force loading are often coupled, this review highlights prevailing convective-diffusive transport physics that modulate cellular and molecular processes during thrombus formation.
The Impact of Geospatial Data Processing on Conflict-Supporting Beliefs

This chapter discusses how data analyses and information exchange affect disputants’ decisions during a conflict. The chapter explains that values and interests that cause and sustain a conflict rest upon information available to the opposing parties. The disagreements can also result from misinformation and misunderstanding. Given that decisions are influenced by our beliefs, values, and interests, feeding the rival parties with useful information about the conflict can counter the stream of false and biased information and help the parties understand the conflict and work toward a consensus. The chapter argues that opinion provides a window to the core of our interests and beliefs and can reveal the real motives behind stakeholders’ attitudes and actions. Therefore, engaging disputants in mapping and open discussion of their disagreements compel them to tap into their beliefs to express opinions that reveal motives which drive the conflict. Thus, through the mapping exercises and information exchange between the rival parties, PGIS applications can help the disputants understand the conflict, learn together, and develop a shared understanding of issues to dispel potential barriers to cooperation.
A Role for Cell Polarity in Lifespan and Mitochondrial Quality Control in the Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary Babies are born young, largely independent of the age of their mothers. Mother-daughter age asymmetry in yeast is achieved, in part, by inheritance of higher-functioning mitochondria by daughter cells and retention of some high-functioning mitochondria in mother cells. The mitochondrial F-box protein, Mfb1p, tethers mitochondria at both poles in a cell cycle-regulated manner: it localizes to and anchors mitochondria to the mother cell tip throughout the cell cycle, and to the bud tip prior to cytokinesis. Here, we report that cell polarity and polarized localization of Mfb1p decline with age in S. cerevisiae. Moreover, deletion of BUD1/RSR1, a Ras protein required for cytoskeletal polarization during asymmetric yeast cell division, results in depolarized Mfb1p localization, defects in mitochondrial distribution and quality control, and reduced replicative lifespan. Our results demonstrate a role for the polarity machinery in lifespan through modulating Mfb1 function in asymmetric inheritance of mitochondria during yeast cell division.
Permittivity Measurement System Using Stripline Method for the Europa Clipper Mission

High radiation Jovian environment can deposit electrons in highly resistive dielectric materials, which could result in internal electrostatic discharge (IESD) causing damage to sensitive electronics such as the radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-Surface (REASON) instrument on NASA’s Europa Clipper mission. Special dielectric materials like static dissipative Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) ESD are under consideration for the Europa Clipper mission. PEEK loaded with carbon nanofibers improves the ESD performance for this material but the RF characteristics are unknown. We have developed a method to characterize the dielectric constant of a material as a function of frequency and temperature down to 30K. We present the measurement results of four samples of ESD. The measured data shows the permittivity of TECAPEEK ESD 11 is in the range of 7.16 to 9.87 at HF and in the range of 6.8 to 8.55 for VHF frequencies. The change in permittivity of ESD 11 down to 30 K is less than 7% at HF and less than 3% at VHF frequency. The sample to sample variability can be attributed to the inhomogeneity of the material.
Encounters after Appointments Cancelled Due to COVID-19 in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (preprint)

This statistical brief examines subsequent encounters after a cancellation due to COVID-19 in the Veterans Affairs System. We find that he vast majority of VA patients that had appointments cancelled in mid-March to mid-April of 2020 had another encounter within 180 days. The most common next encounter was a virtual visit with a VA provider on the same day of the original appointment. We also find that patients that saw a provider through VA community care had a lower median time to next encounter.
The Peasants of Ottobeuren, 1487–1726: A Rural Society in Early Modern Europe

List of figures List of maps List of tables Acknowledgements Note on weights, measures and currencies Introduction 1. Right and might (c.1480-c.1560) 2. The discrete society (c.1480-c.1560) 3. A crisis of numbers? (c.1560-c.1630) 4. Integrity and the market (c.1560-c.1630) 5. Living on borrowed time (c.1560-c.1630) 6. To empty and to refill (c.1630-c.1720) Conclusion Bibliography Index of places General index.
Social Work Education and Direct Practice in the Computer Age.

Abstract This paper assesses the mission of social work education in the electronic information age. Educators must prepare students to use computers in practice, develop practice-relevant software, and protect and empower those who might be victimized by information technology. Issues and tasks associated with each of these areas are discussed in detail.
Long pulse, plasma cathode E-gun

A unique, long-pulse E-gun has been developed for high-power tube applications. The Hollow-Cathode-Plasma (HCP) E-gun overcomes the limitations of conventional thermionic-cathode guns that have limited current density (typically ≤10 A/cm2) or field-emission guns that offer high current density but suffer from short pulsewidth capability (typically 50 A/cm2), long-pulse operation without gap closure, and also requires no cathode-heater power. The gun employs a low-pressure glow discharge inside a hollow cathode (HC) structure to provide a stable, uniform plasma surface from which a high current-density electron beam can be extracted. The plasma density is controlled by a low-voltage HC discharge puiser to produce the desired electron current density at the first grid of a multi-grid accelerator system. A dc high-voltage electron-beam supply accelerates the electrons across the gap, while the HC puiser modulates the beam current to generate arbitrary pulse waveforms. The electron accelerator utilizes a multiaperture array that produces a large area, high perveance (>35 μpervs) beam consisting initially of many individual beamlets. The E-beam is normally operated without an applied magnetic field in the ion-focused regime, where the plasma produced by beam ionization of a background gas space-charge neutralizes the beam, and the Bennett self-pinch compresses the beamlets and increases the current density. The self-pinched beam has been observed to propagate over a meter without beam breakup or instabilities. The HCP E-gun has been operated at voltages up to 150 kV, currents up to 750 A, and pulse lengths of up to 120 μsec.
An 'Aerosol Effect' Detected in Winter Orographic Clouds but an Effect on Precipitation Could Not Be Determined

Analyses of a 22-year record (1984/85 - 2005/06) of wintertime (December - February) measurements at Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL) in the northern Colorado Rocky Mountains have shown aerosol particle concentrations were directly related to cloud droplet concentrations, the droplet concentrations were inversely related to mean diameters and the mean diameters were not related to the precipitation rates. A direct relationship between mean diameters and precipitation rates was expected due to snow crystal riming; the measurements were too variable to establish a relationship. Additionally, no significant trends in precipitation rate and snowfall water content were detected; at least a 40-year record is required. Nevertheless, the record defines average wintertime cloud and precipitation properties at SPL.
Microbial processes in fractured rock environments

Little is known about the types and activities of microbes in fractured rock environments, but recent studies in a variety of bedrock formations have documented the presence of a diverse array of prokaryotes (Eubacteria and Archaea) and some protists. The prokaryotes appear to live in both diffusion-dominated microfractures and larger, more conductive open fractures. Some of the prokaryotes are associated with the surfaces of the host rock and mineral precipitates, while other planktonic forms are floating/moving in the groundwater filling the fractures. Studies indicate that the surface-associated and planktonic communities are distinct, and their importance in microbially mediated processes occurring in the bedrock environment may vary, depending on the availability of electron donors/acceptors and nutrients needed by the cells. In general, abundances of microbes are low compared with other environments, because of the paucity of these substances that are transported into the deeper subsurface where most bedrock occurs, unless there is significant pollution with an electron donor. To obtain a complete picture of the microbes present and their metabolic activity, it is usually necessary to sample formation water from specific fractures (versus open boreholes), and fracture surfaces (i.e., cores). Transport of the microbes through the major fracture pathways can be rapid, but may be quite limited in the microfractures. Very low abundances of small (2-3 μm) flagellated protists, which appear to prey upon planktonic bacteria, have been found in a bedrock aquifer. Much more research is needed to expand the understanding of all microbial processes in fractured rock environments.
The 8-22μm Excess in Carbon Stars From IRAS LRS Spectra

We have measured the excess IR emission from carbon mira and SR variable stars from IRAS LRS spectra. The 8-22μm excess is defined as the ratio of flux above a 2500K energy distribution fit to the LRS spectrum at about 8μm. The carbon star LRS spectra show both emission and absorption features, which are incorporated into our 8-22pm excess. The most prominent feature in carbon stars is the 11.2μm SiC dust emission feature extending from 10μm to 13.8 μm. We observe another emission feature of unknown origin which peaks between 8.4-8.7μm. The SiC emission feature is occasionally blended on the red side by an absorption feature (attributed to gaseous HCN + C 2 H 2 ) which extends from about 12-16μm. Many of the spectra appear to turn down at the 8μm end due (?) to an HCN + C 2 H 2 absorption feature located at 7.1μm. Carbon stars do not generally show as large an excess as the M mira variables do. The figure below shows our measured excesses for both carbon miras and carbon semi-regular variables. There appears to be little correlation of excess with period, however the mira variables show about twice the range of variation of excess that the semi-regular variables do. We find little correlation between our measured 8-22μm excess and the excesses of Jura (Ap. J., 303, 327, 1986) based on the ratio of 12μm flux to 2μm flux. Our data do support hi s conclusion that longer period variable stars show larger average excesses, but this is only true for mira variables in our analysis.
Vasodilatation and sodium retention in prehepatic portal hypertension.

Sodium retention and peripheral vasodilatation are common consequences of portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis. Although peripheral vasodilatation has been extensively documented in prehepatic portal hypertension, it is not known whether sodium retention is also a feature of this entity. The aim of this study in portal vein-constricted rats was to evaluate (a) whether sodium retention is a feature of prehepatic portal hypertension and (b) if sodium retention is present in this model, what its temporal relationship with peripheral vasodilatation might be. It was proposed that an understanding of the temporal interplay between peripheral vasodilatation and sodium retention could shed light on the current theories of sodium retention in portal hypertension. Rats were studied 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after partial portal vein ligation (n = 80) or sham operation (n = 63). Sodium retention was evaluated by changes in the size of the sodium space measured by the volume of distribution of 22Na. Systemic vascular resistance was calculated from mean arterial pressure (measured by arterial catheterization) and cardiac index (measured by thermodilution). A decrease in systemic vascular resistance was already observed on day 1 after constriction of the portal vein (4.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.2 +/- 6.1 mm Hg.min.mL-1.100 g; P less than 0.01). However, an expansion of the sodium space, which indicates sodium retention, was not observed until day 2 after induction of portal hypertension (37.1 +/- 0.8 vs. 32.6 +/- 0.7 mL.100 g-1; P less than 0.01). Therefore, sodium retention should be considered along with peripheral vasodilatation among the characteristic features of prehepatic portal hypertension. Because the reduction in systemic vascular resistance preceded the expansion of the sodium space by at least 24 hours, the finding of this study indicates that sodium retention follows peripheral vasodilatation.
A smartpower driver system for a third-generation ink jet printer

This paper describes the design of a custom smart power IC to perform the head drive functions for a third-generation inkjet printer. The advantages of custom smart power ICs for such applications are discussed. >
Particulate and Emulsion Sorting Using Microfluidics

We report on a microfluidic device capable of sorting nanoscale particulates and water-in-oil emulsions at high-throughput. The device is passive, relying solely on hydrodynamic forces and the emulsion mass to achieve separation. We use the microfluidic device to deliver surfactants and lipids to the emulsion surface. This is achieved by immersing the emulsions in a fluid stream with a high concentration of the nano-particulates. The particulates assemble on the surface of the emulsions as they are transported along the stream. The emulsions are then transferred (i.e. separated) into a second fluid stream that is devoid of surrounding material. The performance of the device is evaluated for a range of flow rates, nano-particulate concentrations, and emulsion sizes. We report separation efficiencies that exceed current technologies over a wide range of flow rates. The microfluidic device can be used to produce delivery vehicles for pharmaceuticals and models for membrane biology studies.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Specific Localization of β-Arrestin2 in Myenteric Plexus of Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract

β-arrestin2 is a key molecule involved in signaling and internalization of activated G protein-coupled receptors including µ-opioid receptors (MOR). Previously we have shown that decreased expression of β-arrestin2 upon chronic morphine is associated with the development of opioid tolerance in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the localization of β-arrestin2 within the gastrointestinal wall is not known. In this study we found that β-arrestin2 is localized in the soma of a select group of neurons in the myenteric ganglia but not in smooth muscle. The density of β-arestin2 was significantly higher in the ileum than the colon. We identified four variants of β-arrestin2 in the ileum, with ARRB-005 and ARRB-013 being the most abundant. Further, the current study utilized multiple-labeling immunofluorescence to characterize the chemical coding of neurons expressing β-arrestin2 in the murine myenteric plexus and the co-localization of MOR1 and β-arrestin2. β-arrestin2 co-localized with choline acetyltransferase and calretinin. In contrast, β-arrestin2 neither co-localized with substance P, nitric oxide synthase nor calbindin. Genetic deletion of β-arrestin2 did not affect cholinergic neuron activation by nicotine in the isolated ileum (-log M EC50: wild type = 5.8 vs. β-arrestin2 knockout = 5.9). Our findings suggest specificity in the localization of β-arrestin2 in the myenteric plexus within MOR1-expressing neurons and provide a relation for direct intracellular crosstalk between MOR1 receptor activation and β-arrestin2 signaling in the myenteric neurons. β-arrestin2 deletion does not directly alter basal enteric cholinergic neuronal function.