cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decoding of IRIG-B(DC) code based on FPGA

A decoding means of IRIG-B(DC) time code is proposed on the basis of analyzing the wave characteristics of IRIG-B(DC)code.This design is made up of peripheral circuits and FPGA to implement decoding of IRIG-B(DC) code and 1 pps signal output and real-time time display and serial asynchronous communication.Compared with traditional methods,it has lots of advantages such as smaller size,lower cost and more reliable stability,and can replace the main functions of traditional B-code device.
A galactoside derivative of a nitrosoisocytosine inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthase: Synthesis and biological evaluation

The synthesis of the O-β-D-galactosyl derivative 3 of the dihydropteroate synthase inhibitor 6-(3-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propylamino)-5-nitrosoisocytosine (2) was accomplished through coupling of N-(3-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl)phthalimide (4) with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-galactopyranosyl bromide followed by complete deblocking of the resulting β-glycoside 9 with hydrazine and then methanolic ammonia to provide amine 10, and subsequent condensation of 10 with 6-methylthio-5-nitrosoisocytosine (11). Glycoside 3 inhibited the synthase with moderate potency (I50 = 11 μM) but did not exhibit antibacterial activity.
Young Women with Eating Disorders or Disordered Eating Behaviors Delinquency, Risky Sexual Behaviors, and Number of Children in Early Adulthood

Despite the well-documented link between eating disorders (EDs) and female infertility, it is unknown how EDs or disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) influence overall parity in early adulthood. Usin...
Finding meaning in mammoth age profiles

This paper summarizes standard methods for estimating ontogenetic ages of individual proboscideans and alternative approaches to presenting the data. Age (a.k.a. mortality) profiling of multiple-mammoth assemblages can provide information about possible causes of death, population health, and other ecologically significant topics, even when the assemblages have been time-averaged. However, caution must be exercised in how the age profiles are calculated and interpreted, to avoid potential misdirection or error.
Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a progressive autoimmune rheumatic disorder. Its precise etiology is unknown, although several contributing factors have been identified. One theory is that the condition results from complications related to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Primary exposure to or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus elicits expression of the human leukocyte antigen complex. This is recognized by T lymphocytes (CD 4+) resulting in the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and others). A genetic marker specific for Sjogren's syndrome, HLA-DR4, has been identified. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown. A recent epidemiologic study in Sweden estimated the prevalence in the adult population to be 2.7%. In the United States, 10 years ago, the number of patients with Sjogren's syndrome was thought to be fewer than 100,000. This number today is estimated to be more than 1 million. Sjogren's syndrome has been reported in nearly every major country of the world, and the geographic distribution of cases appears to be relatively uniform. Sjogren's syndrome typically affects women (90%) during the fourth or fifth decade of life. Isolated cases of Sjogren's syndrome in children have been reported.
35-GHz GaAs FET detector-downconverter

The use of optical fibers for microwave signal transmission offers significant advantages over conventional coaxial links. The advantages include significantly lower losses for large transmission distances and high frequencies and the benefits of smaller size and weight. Directly modulated laser diodes can function as transmitters for frequencies up to 20 GHz,1 while other techniques such as FM sideband injection locking,2 are useful for transmission of signals up to 35 GHz and higher.
Fast Leaky Modes on Cylindrical Metal-Ceramic Interfaces

In our previous work [1,2,3,], we have studied in detail the radial-axial modes in an infinitely clad isotropic rod. We have shown that in metal matrix composites, where the fibers are stiffer than the matrix, many of these modes are leaky, transmitting energy into the surrounding medium. The existence of this leakage energy offers a potential means for monitoring and imaging the characteristics of the interface zone [2,3,4,]. Detailed numerical methods have been developed for analyzing radial-axial leaky modes in composite systems [1]. The present paper shows an example of these methods applied to determining the sensitivity of the maximum phase velocity to the matrix density changes for leaky modes.
Generous hosts: What makes Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) the perfect experimental host plant for fastidious bacteria?

Although much attention has been paid to the metabolism and biosynthesis of monoterpene alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus, its value as an experimental host for a variety of agriculturally and economically important phytopathogenic bacteria warrants further study. In the present study, we evaluated the chemical composition of the phloem and xylem saps of C. roseus to infer the nutritional requirements of phloem- and xylem-limited phytopathogens. Periwinkle phloem sap consisted of a rich mixture of sugars, organic acids, amino acids, amines, fatty acids, sugar acids and sugar alcohols while xylem contained similar compounds in lesser concentrations. Plant sap analysis may lead to a better understanding of the biology of fastidious Mollicutes and their complex nutritional requirements, and to successful culture of phytoplasmas and other uncultured phloem-restricted bacteria such as Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of huanglongbing in citrus.
The association of medication use with clearance or persistence of oral HPV infection.

Persistent oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases risk for oropharyngeal carcinoma, and people living with HIV have higher rates of oral HPV infection and related cancers. Some prescription medications have immunomodulatory effects, but the impact of medication use on oral HPV natural history is unknown. Scope® oral rinse-and-gargle samples were collected semi-annually from 1,666 participants and tested for 37 types of oral HPV DNA using PCR; 594 HPV-infected participants with 1,358 type-specific oral HPV infections were identified. Data were collected on recent (past 6 months) use of medications. The relationship between medication use and oral HPV clearance was evaluated using Wei–Lin–Weissfeld regression, adjusting for biologic sex, prevalent versus incident infection, age, HIV status and CD4+ T cell count. Out of 11 medications examined, oral HPV clearance was significantly reduced in participants reporting recent use of antipsychotics (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.99), anxiolytics/sedatives (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63–0.96) and antidepressants (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–0.999). Among antipsychotics users, effect modification by HIV status was observed, with reduced clearance in HIV-infected (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.91), but not HIV-uninfected participants (p-interaction = 0.009). After adjusted analysis, antipsychotic use remained significantly associated with reduced oral HPV clearance overall (aHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.99), and when restricted to only HIV-infected participants (aHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.90). After adjustment, anxiolytic/sedative use and antidepressant use were no longer significantly associated with reduced oral HPV clearance. Some medications were associated with decreased oral HPV clearance, most notably antipsychotic medications. These medications are prescribed for conditions that may have immunomodulating effects, so characteristics of underlying illness may have partially contributed to reduced oral HPV clearance.
Clinical efficacy of SoftSeal-STF hemostatic pad with short hold time compared to traditional manual compression after transfemoral catheterization

Background: Access site complications after angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affect mortality, morbidity, length of stay and overall cost. The SoftSeal-STF Hemostatic Pad (SS) is a novel product to achieve hemostasis. We hypothesized SS with a short hold time was equivalent
A mixed formulation for nonlinear analysis of cable structures

The paper presents a mixed variational form for nonlinear analysis of elastic cables.The development is given in curvilinear coordinates and finite deformation measures.The finite element solution permits both continuous and discontinuous axial force.Example solutions verify the robustness and high accuracy of the formulation.Extension to inelastic materials and dynamics can be readily accommodated. This paper proposes a general finite-element procedure for the nonlinear analysis of cables based on a mixed variational formulation in curvilinear coordinates with finite deformations. The formulation accounts for nonlinear elasticity and inelasticity, overcoming the limitation of recent numerical approaches which integrate explicitly the global balance of linear momentum for a linear elastic material with infinitesimal deformations. The formulation uses a weak form of the catenary problem and of the strain-displacement relation to derive a new family of cable finite elements with a continuous or discontinuous axial force field. Several examples from the literature on nonlinear cable analysis are used to validate the proposed formulation for St. Venant-Kirchhoff elastic materials and neo-Hookean materials. These studies show that the proposed formulation captures the displacements and the axial force distribution with high accuracy using a small number of finite elements.
Analytical expressions for the yield stress and Lankford coefficients of polycrystalline sheets based on a new single crystal model

Among processes involving plastic deformation, sheet metal forming requires a most accurate description of plastic anisotropy. One of the main sources of mechanical anisotropy is crystallographic texture. In this paper, using the new single crystal yield criterion developed by Cazacu et al. (Int J Solids Struct, 2017), we provide analytical expressions for the variation of the uniaxial flow properties of polycrystalline sheets. It is shown that irrespective of the ideal texture component, Lankford coefficients exist and have finite values for all loading directions. The illustrative examples presented show that using this approach, the anisotropy in polycrystalline behavior can be estimated accurately in a very efficient manner. Another added advantage is that once the single crystal behavior is known, no additional calibration or macroscopic mechanical tests are needed in order to predict the effect of different texture components on the polycrystalline behavior.
Factors contributing to the retention of natural mentors among underrepresented students across the first year of college

The current study examined characteristics of natural mentoring relationships (NMRs; i.e. mentoring relationships that develop organically with adults in one’s pre-existing social network) among un...
Combining Near-infrared Excitation with Swept Confocally-aligned Planar Excitation (SCAPE) Microscopy for Fast, Volumetric Imaging in Mouse Brain

We report out recent progress in combining near-infrared excitation with SCAPE microscopy for fast, volumetric imaging in mouse brain in vivo.
Hepatic artery infusion of melphalan in patients with liver metastases from ocular melanoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ocular melanoma has a predilection for liver metastases. Systemic treatment is ineffective and the optimal regional therapy approach is poorly defined. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) with melphalan has emerged as a viable treatment option, however a subset of patients are not candidates for this treatment. We therefore sought to determine if melphalan could be safely administered via the hepatic artery for these patients. METHODS A retrospective review of patients treated with hepatic artery infusion (HAI) of melphalan was undertaken. All patients had contraindications to IHP and were without other therapy options. Melphalan infusion was repeated every four weeks with consideration for dose escalation in the absence of toxicity or significant disease progression. RESULTS Fourteen patients were treated with HAI of melphalan from 2010 to 2015. All patients had hepatic dysfunction or prohibitive tumor volume precluding IHP. There were no procedure-related complications. Three patients (21%) died within 30 days and the median survival was 2.9 months. Elevated baseline bilirubin > 2.5 mg/dL was associated with worse overall survival (0.93 vs 6.3 months, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION HAI of melphalan is safe and feasible for patients with metastatic ocular melanoma. Further study to determine the optimal utilization of this treatment approach is warranted.
Individualization and the Health Care Mosaic in Assisted Living.

Background and objectives Assisted living (AL) is a popular residential long-term care option for frail older adults in the United States. Most residents have multiple comorbidities and considerable health care needs, but little is known about their health care arrangements, particularly over time. Our goal is to understand how health care is managed and experienced in AL by residents and their care network members. Research design and methods This grounded theory analysis focuses on the delivery of health care in AL. Qualitative data were gathered from 28 residents and 114 of their care network members followed over a 2-year period in 4 diverse settings as part of the larger study, "Convoys of Care: Developing Collaborative Care Partnerships in Assisted Living." Results Findings show that health care in AL involves routine, acute, rehabilitative, and end-of-life care, is provided by residents, formal and informal caregivers, and occurs on- and off-site. Our conceptual model derived from grounded theory analysis, "individualizing health care," reflects the variability found in care arrangements over time and the multiple, multilevel factors we identified related to residents and caregivers (e.g., age, health), care networks (e.g., size, composition), residences (e.g., ownership), and community and regulatory contexts. This variability leads to individualization and a mosaic of health care among AL residents and communities. Discussion and implications Our consideration of health care and emphasis on care networks draw attention to the importance of communication and need for collaboration within care networks as key avenues for improving care for this and other frail populations.
Prognosis of chronic subdural hematomas.

This article considers factors that may be of prognostic value in evaluating the chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) patient. It also examines conditions that predispose the development of a CSH. Variables such as admission neurologic status and presenting symptomatology are reviewed. Radiologic parameters (i.e., CSH density and midline shift) and intraoperative findings (i.e., pressure and pulse) are discussed.
Providing Distribution Estimation for Animal Tracking with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper focuses on the application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for animal tracking problem. The goal of this application is to monitor the target animals in large wild areas without any attachment devices. The WSN includes clusters of sensor nodes and a single UAV that acts as a mobile sink and visits the clusters. We propose a model predictive control (MPC) method that is used to guide the UAV in planning its path. We first build a prediction model to learn the animal appearance patterns from the sensed historical data. Then, based on the real-time predicted animal distributions, we introduce a path planning approach for the UAV that reduces message delay by maximizing the collected rewards. The experimental results show that our approach outperforms the greedy and traveling salesmen problem-based path planning heuristics in terms of collected value of information. We also discuss the results of other performance metrics involving message delay and percentage of events collected.
Optimal robust state-feedback control of nonlinear systems: minimal time to target

The design of optimal robust state-feedback controllers that guide a system to a target in minimal time is considered under constraints on the maximal input amplitude and the maximal overshoot of t...
OLD MATERIALS—NEW MATERIALS

ABSTRACT The mechanical properties of time tested traditional materials such as wood, rope, concrete, twisted yarn, stone, glass, wrought iron, etc., are reviewed and graded according to their specific properties and their cost. In comparison with the above, modern developments in metals, ceramics, polymers and fibers using advanced techniques of microstructure control such as thermo-mechanical treatment, splat cooling, directional solidification, spinodal decomposition, fiber spinning, and techniques for obtaining composites are reviewed and their typical performance characteristics are evaluated. Comparison of the properties of traditional materials with those of modern synthetic materials indicates that the former are still very attractive on the basis of properties per unit cost while the latter excel in delivering near ultimate properties that are well worth their higher cost in high performance applications.
Simplification of polylines by segment collapse: minimizing areal displacement while preserving area

This paper reports on a new Area Preserving Segment Collapse (APSC) algorithm for simplifying polygonal boundaries while preserving the polygonal area at simplified target scales and minimizing are...
Next-Generation Ultrahigh-Density 3-D Vertical Resistive Switching Memory (VRSM)—Part II: Design Guidelines for Device, Array, and Architecture

Using the reduced resistor network developed in Part I of this two-part article, we present practical design guidelines from device to architecture levels to achieve ultrahigh-density 3-D vertical resistive switching memory (VRSM). We first design both hexagon and comb arrays using 7-nm FinFET as pillar driving transistors (pillar drivers). Small-footprint pillar drivers are necessary for a high pillar areal density competitive to 3-D NAND. We then organize the arrays into an architecture using the compact staircase and highly conductive wordplane connection (WPC) to maximize array efficiency and chip density. We investigate the memory and selector requirements, tolerance of parasitic resistances, latency, and energy consumption for both hexagon and comb architectures. The results indicate that the hexagon array with large low-resistance state (LRS) and nonlinearity (NL) is required for ultradense 3-D VRSM. Compared to the comb array, the hexagon array benefits from a continuous WP pattern and yields a better tolerance of parasitic resistances and a smaller latency. The energy consumptions of both architectures are similar. Compared to the most advanced 3-D NAND, 3-D VRSM has higher chip density and shows better potential for future ultradense storage.
Marrow aspiration in aged mice: intramedullary osteogenesis, reduced mechano-adaptation, increased marrow fat.

Introduction: With age, the number of adipocytes and osteoclasts increases, the number of osteoblasts decreases, and mechano-adaptation is impaired.Objectives: Using marrow aspiration, which has a known osteogenic effect in young mice, we sought to recruit osteoblast progenitors to mediate the mechano-adaptive response to in vivo tibial loading.Methods: First, we assessed bone formation and marrow adiposity in the tibiae of old mice (>20 months) sacrificed 1, 2, and 4 weeks after unilateral marrow aspiration. Then, we examined the effects of marrow aspiration on mechano-adaptation in aged mice using tibial loading.Results: Two weeks after aspiration, aspirated tibiae had more bone than contralateral tibiae due to the formation of bone in the medullary canal. Two weeks and four weeks after marrow aspiration, the volume of marrow adipose tissue was higher in the aspirated tibiae, compared to contralateral tibiae. Histomorphometry indicated that aspiration increased non-periosteal (endosteal, intracortical, intramedullary) bone formation, compared to the contralateral tibia. Mice with marrow aspiration had reduced periosteal bone formation in the contralateral tibia, compared to mice that had loading alone. Loading-induced periosteal bone formation was higher in mice that had loading alone, compared to mice that had aspiration + loading, indicating that aspiration further reduced the mechano-adaptive response.Conclusion: These data demonstrate that, in old mice, bone forms in the medullary canal following aspiration. Adiposity is increased following marrow aspiration, and periosteal mechano-adaptation is reduced.
Development of the Nursing Quality Improvement in Practice Tool: Advancing Frontline Nursing Practice

Background Frontline nurse engagement in quality improvement (QI) improves nurse-sensitive outcomes; yet research suggests frontline nurses are not engaging in QI. Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop, refine, and psychometrically evaluate the Nursing Quality Improvement in Practice (N-QuIP) tool to measure nurses' competency, engagement, and barriers/facilitators to QI engagement. Methods Item development was guided by an expert panel and literature review. Factor analysis and reliability indices were assessed through 681 surveys completed by nurses at one medical center. Results Cronbach α coefficients were 0.97 (Skill Scale) and 0.90 (Attitude Scale). Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) for knowledge was 0.36. Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 (Skill) and 3 (Attitude) subscales respectively, aligning well with QI competencies. Conclusions Preliminary data suggest that the N-QuIP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing nurse QI competence and engagement. Understanding current knowledge, skills, and attitudes and identified barriers/facilitators can help the development of strategies aimed at increasing QI engagement.
Guardrails to Constructing Learning: the Potential of Open Microcredentials to Support Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning has been growing in popularity, but the ill-structured nature of complex problem-solving still has challenges related to how to ensure students learn the content and how to provide feedback. This paper addresses this gap by exploring how open microcredentials can support open-ended learning by providing “guardrails” that simultaneously honor the openness of student inquiry while addressing these challenges. This manuscript begins by exploring the theoretical tenents of IBI and the importance of self-directed learning in ill-structured problem-solving. We then discuss the challenges documented in the literature and how microcredentials could address some of the implementation issues described in the literature.
2D electronic materials for army applications

The record electronic properties achieved in monolayer graphene and related 2D materials such as molybdenum disulfide and hexagonal boron nitride show promise for revolutionary high-speed and low-power electronic devices. Heterogeneous 2D-stacked materials may create enabling technology for future communication and computation applications to meet soldier requirements. For instance, transparent, flexible and even wearable systems may become feasible. With soldier and squad level electronic power demands increasing, the Army is committed to developing and harnessing graphene-like 2D materials for compact low size-weight-and-power-cost (SWAP-C) systems. This paper will review developments in 2D electronic materials at the Army Research Laboratory over the last five years and discuss directions for future army applications.
Careful Choices: Parents Reflect on their Childcare Decisions

Parents (N = 123; 90% Caucasian; 99% with college experience) of young children (ages 1–5) were asked to list the top three reasons for their childcare choices. Parents were also asked a hypothetic...
Audit and Feedback: An Evidence-Based Practice Literature Review of Nursing Report Cards

Background As more hospitals transition to electronic health records (EHR) and rely on technology to inform practice, what is done with that information is increasingly important. Performance report cards for physicians and nurses are not new, yet there is little recent evidence on nurse-specific audit and feedback. Aim The aim of the project was to conduct an evidence-based practice (EBP) review to answer the question, "Does implementing an individualized audit and feedback report tool for nurses improve compliance, adherence, and/or performance of nursing tasks?". Methods Evidence was gathered from several databases. Reviewers read and appraised articles that answered the EBP question using the Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model. Data were then collated to synthesize and generate recommendations. Results Of the initial 613 unique articles, eight (two research and six quality improvement) were included. Six articles demonstrated improvements while two did not. Articles analyzed nursing documentation (n = 3), tasks or skills (n = 2), and best practice compliance (n = 3). One manuscript utilized an EHR-generated report; all others were completed by hand. Overall, there was not consistent and compelling evidence to support individualized audit and feedback report tools in nursing. However, several themes emerged related to sustainability, timing of feedback, audit, and feedback in the context of quality improvement, and the methods of acquiring and distributing data. Linking evidence to action The ubiquity and ease of the EHR make providing automated feedback to nurses tempting, yet it is not supported by the literature. More implementation science research is needed to explore audit and feedback reports in nursing. This article adds to the literature by highlighting a significant lack of consistent and compelling positive results from the well-established quality improvement strategy of audit and feedback in the nursing population. The absence of good data is as telling as its presence.
Holiday gatherings, mobility and SARS-CoV-2 transmission: results from 10 US states following Thanksgiving.

Public health officials discouraged travel and non-household gatherings for Thanksgiving, but data suggests that travel increased over the holidays. The objective of this analysis was to assess associations between holiday gatherings and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the weeks following Thanksgiving. Using an online survey, we sampled 7770 individuals across 10 US states from December 4–18, 2020, about 8–22 days post-Thanksgiving. Participants were asked about Thanksgiving, COVID-19 symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 testing and positivity in the prior 2 weeks. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and COVID-19 symptoms in the weeks following Thanksgiving. An activity score measured the total number of non-essential activities an individual participated in the prior 2 weeks. The probability of community transmission was estimated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. While 47.2% had Thanksgiving at home with household members, 26.9% had guests and 25.9% traveled. There was a statistically significant interaction between how people spent Thanksgiving, the frequency of activities, and SARS-CoV-2 test positivity in the prior 2 weeks (p one non-essential activity/day in the prior 2 weeks). Had individuals limited the number and frequency of activities post-Thanksgiving, cases in surveyed individuals would be reduced by > 50%. As travel continues to increase and the more contagious Delta variant starts to dominate transmission, it is critical to promote how to gather in a “low-risk” manner (e.g., minimize other non-essential activities) to mitigate the need for nationwide shelter-at-home orders.
Effects of Native and Secondary Language Processing on Emotional Drivers’ Situation Awareness, Driving Performance, and Subjective Perception

Research shows that emotions have a substantial influence on the cognitive processes of humans and in the context of driving, can negatively influence driving performance. Drivers’ interaction with in-vehicle agents can improve their emotional state and can lead to increased road safety. Language is another important aspect that influences human behavior and information processing. This study aims to explore the effects of native and secondary-language processing on emotional drivers’ situation awareness, driving performance, and subjective perception by conducting a within-subject simulation study. Twenty-four young drivers drove three different laps with a native-language speaking agent, secondary-language speaking agent, and no agent. The study results are indicative of the importance of native-language processing in the context of driving. Native-language agent condition resulted in improved driving performance and heightened situation awareness. The study results and discussions have theoretical and practical design implications and are expected to help foster future work in this domain.
Fetal Growth Plate: A Developmental Model of Cellular Adaptation to Hypoxia

Fetal growth plate chondrocyte is a unique mesenchymal tissue, as it is avascular and hypoxic. Yet, chondrocytes not only survive in this environment, but also undergo all cellular processes (proliferation, growth arrest, differentiation, etc.) required for normal endochondral bone development. A crucial mediator of the adaptive response of cells to hypoxia is a transcription factor named hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (Hif-1alpha). One target of Hif-1alpha transcriptional activation is the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whereas Hif-1alpha accumulation is controlled by the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor, an E3-ubiquitin ligase that induces its degradation by the proteasome. We, and others, demonstrated that each component of this pathway is a critical regulator of endochondral bone development. In particular, we previously established that Hif-1alpha is a survival factor for hypoxic chondrocytes, and that it also negatively regulates cell proliferation. Interestingly, we also showed that hypoxia increases extracellular matrix accumulation in a Hif-1alpha-dependent fashion. This suggested that Hif-1alpha could be critically important not only for cell survival and proliferation but also for cell differentiation. We recently demonstrated that Hif-1alpha is indeed a differentiation factor since it is required in mesenchymal cells both for early chondrogenesis, and for joint development.
Madness and modernism: Insanity in the light of modern art, literature, and thought.

The similarities between madness and modernism are striking: defiance of authority, nihilism, extreme relativism, distortions of time, strange transformations of self, and much more. In this book, Louis Sass, a clinical psychologist, offers a new vision of schizophrenia, comparing it with the works of such artists and writers as Kafka, Beckett, and Duchamp and philosophers including Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault and Derrida. It provides a portrait of the world of the madman, along with a commentary on modernist and postmodernist culture.
Cardiac Arrest Stunning of Livestock and Poultry

A stunning method that will reliably render an animal insensible to pain and sensation prior to hoisting and bleeding is essential to prevent suffering. Cardiac arrest stunning is more effective than conventional electric stunning. In cardiac arrest stunning, an electric current is passed through both the brain and the heart to produce permanent insensibility. Since the animal is killed by the electricity it cannot revive during hoisting, bleeding, or slaughtering procedures. In contrast, conventional electrical stunning induces reversible insensibility for a short period of time (Hoenderken 1978a; Grandin 1980a; Warrington 1974; Lambooy and Spanjaard 1982; Blackmore and Newhook 1981).
Identity's Strategy: Rhetorical Selves in Conversation, Dana Anderson: Columbia: U of South Carolina P, 2007. ix + 209 pages. $39.95 hardcover.

The biblical account of Paul's epiphany on the road to Damascus is perhaps history's most repeated and influential telling of a spiritual transformation, and it is with this account that Dana Ander...
Effect of leucine on amino acid and glucose metabolism in humans.

Leucine has been reported to be an important regulator of protein metabolism. We investigated the effect of intravenous infusion of L-leucine versus saline on amino acid metabolism in eight healthy human subjects. Plasma concentrations of amino acids were measured and protein turnover was estimated using L-(1-13C)lysine and L-(3,3,3,-2H3)leucine as tracers. Glucose kinetics were measured using D-(6,6-2H2)glucose as a tracer. Leucine infusion increased the plasma leucine concentration from 103 +/- 8 to 377 +/- 35 mumol/L (P less than .01). Plasma concentrations of essential amino acids, including threonine, methionine, isoleucine, valine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were significantly decreased by leucine infusion. Leucine infusion did not change lysine flux significantly (108 +/- 4 during saline v 101 +/- 4 mumol/kg/h-1 during leucine infusion), but decreased lysine oxidation (13.2 +/- 0.9 v 10.7 +/- 1 mumol/kg/h, P less than .05) and endogenous leucine flux (from 128 +/- 4 to 113 +/- 7 mumol/kg/h, P less than .05) when plasma (2H3) ketoisocaproate (KIC) was used for calculation. During leucine infusion, the (2H3) KIC to (2H3) leucine plasma enrichment ratio increased from 0.76 +/- 0.02 to 0.88 +/- 0.01 (P less than .001), while estimation of leucine flux using plasma (2H3) leucine showed no change in endogenous leucine flux. Leucine infusion decreased hepatic glucose production and metabolic clearance of glucose, but did not change plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, or free fatty acids. We conclude that leucine spares glucose and lysine catabolism and decreases plasma concentrations of essential amino acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cosmopolitanism and the Uses of Tradition: Robert Redfield and Alternative Visions of Modernization during the Cold War

The history of the rise and fall of “modernization theory” after World War II has been told as a story of Talcott Parsons, Walt Rostow, and other US social scientists who built a general theory in US universities and sought to influence US foreign policy. However, in the 1950s anthropologist Robert Redfield and his Comparative Civilizations project at the University of Chicago produced an alternative vision of modernization—one that emphasized intellectual conversation across borders, the interrelation of theory and fieldwork, and dialectical relations of tradition and modernity. In tracing the Redfield project and its legacies, this essay aims to broaden intellectual historians’ sense of the complexity, variation, and transnational currents within postwar American discourse about modernity and tradition.
Data-acquisition system for the NRL electron linac

Abstract A description is given of a data-acquisition system used on-line with experiments performed at the 60-MeV electron linear accelerator at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. The primary application of the system involves the study of neutron capture gamma rays, employing in one case a Ge(Li) detector for high resolution, and in another experiment four NaI detectors in a coincidence arrangement. In both cases time-of-flight methods are used to record the neutron energy. Both the hardware and software for these experiments are described. The design of a subsystem for automation of electron-scattering experiments is also given. Overall emphasis is on maximum flexibility and performance within a limited budget.
Modular implementation of efficient self-checking checkers for the Berger code

A technique for designing efficient checkers for conventional Berger code is proposed in this paper. The check bits are derived by partitioning the information bits into two blocks, and then using an addition array to sum the number of 1's in each block. The check bit generator circuit uses a specially designed 4-input 1's counter. Two other types of 1's counters having 2 and 3 inputs are also used to realize checkers for variable length information bits. Several variations of 2-bit adder circuits are used to add the number of 1's. The check bit generator circuit uses gates with fan-in of less than or equal to 4 to simplify implementation in CMOS. The technique achieves significant improvement in gate count as well as speed over existing approaches.
The role of oral fluid intake following adeno-tonsillectomy.

Summary Objective To compare the incidence of complications following pediatric adeno-tonsillectomy (T&A) in patients who are encouraged to drink oral liquid versus patients who drink on a voluntary basis. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, non-blinded study performed in a tertiary care medical center. Ninety-three otherwise healthy pediatric patients aged 2–12 years undergoing ambulatory T&A by a single surgeon were included in the study. Forty four patients were encouraged to drink 240 ml of clear liquid prior to discharge while 49 patients drank on a voluntary basis. Patients were followed prospectively for the incidence of emesis, dehydration and other complications. Results Overall, emesis was experienced by 18% of patients in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and by 20% at home. Fifty percent of patients in the encouraged group versus 31% in the voluntary group reached the goal volume of oral liquids ( p Conclusions The current practice of a mandatory trial of oral fluid intake in the post-operative period may not be a necessary requirement for discharge. Further, mandatory oral fluids may result in a higher incidence of emesis.
Implementation challenges in the intensive care unit: The why, who, and how of daily interruption of sedation

Purpose: Despite strong medical evidence and policy initiatives supporting the use of daily interruption of sedation in mechanically ventilated patients, compliance remains suboptimal. We sought to identify new barriers to daily interruption of sedation. Materials and Methods: We conducted 5 focus groups of intensive care unit physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists during a 2-month period to identify attitudes, barriers, and motivations to perform a daily interruption of sedation. Each focus group was audiotaped, and the transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods to identify recurrent themes.
Lightweight Automated Testing with Adaptation-Based Programming

This paper considers the problem of testing a container class or other modestly-complex API-based software system. Past experimental evaluations have shown that for many such modules, random testing and shape abstraction based model checking are effective. These approaches have proven attractive due to a combination of minimal requirements for tool/language support, extremely high usability, and low overhead. These "lightweight" methods are therefore available for almost any programming language or environment, in contrast to model checkers and concolic testers. Unfortunately, for the cases where random testing and shape abstraction perform poorly, there have been few alternatives available with such wide applicability. This paper presents a generalizable approach based on reinforcement learning (RL), using adaptation-based programming (ABP) as an interface to make RL-based testing (almost) as easy to apply and adaptable to new languages and environments as random testing. We show how learned tests differ from random ones, and propose a model for why RL works in this unusual (by RL standards) setting, in the context of a detailed large-scale experimental evaluation of lightweight automated testing methods.
Theoretical study of top illuminated planar SiC PIN ultraviolet detectors

It is the first time that the idea of planar PIN structure ultraviolet (UV) detection has been demonstrated on SiC EPI wafers. By using this structure, the surface illuminated device has no efficiency-bandwidth trade-off problem, also can be easily integrated as an array device which can solve the low signal issue in normal edge illuminated device due to small device area with no sacrificial of high bandwidth. The performance of SiC PIN photodetectors is analyzed based on a serial of process parameters and device structures. The calculated results show the correlations of dark current, photocurrent, bandwidth (BW) with PIN structures and fabrication processes. Speed and optoelectronics performances were carefully considered for real implementations under theoretical conditions. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temporal-imaging system with simple external-clock triggering

We demonstrate a temporal imaging system based on parametric mixing that allows simple triggering from an external clock by using a time-lens-based pump laser. We integrate our temporal imaging system into a time-to-frequency measurement scheme and demonstrate the ability to perform characterization of temporal waveforms with 1.4-ps resolution and a 530-ps record length. We also integrate our system into a temporal-magnification scheme and demonstrate single-shot operation with a 113 × magnification factor, 1.5-ps resolution, and 220-ps record length.
Modal and transient analysis of membrane acoustic metasurfaces

Dispersive surface waves on an acoustic 2D metamaterial, a metasurface consisting of membranes on a rigid surface, have certain propagation characteristics with potential applications for resonance based sensing and subwavelength imaging. The trapped modes of the system that is responsible for the dispersive properties of these acoustic waves are analyzed through modal analysis for a small linear membrane array to obtain the mode shapes, resonant frequencies, quality factors, and wavenumbers. Transient analysis is used for larger arrays to obtain the dispersive properties of the traveling waves and is compared to the modal analysis. Equifrequency contours of the 2D metasurface illustrate interesting features of the metasurface at different frequency regimes around the membrane resonance. These features include anisotropic wave propagation, directional band gap, negative refraction, and complete band gap. Effects of membrane pitch, randomness of resonance, and aperiodic membrane spacing on dispersion, band gaps, and quality factor of the trapped modes on the metasurface are investigated as they relate to realistic implementations for different applications.
A preliminary investigation of the neoprene tube finger extension splint

Neoprene tube finger extension splints were analyzed to determine the production, amounts, and directions of force magnitude on the proximal interphalangeal joint during the flexing of the tube up to angles of 80 degrees. The tubes were examined in their empty form, with a human digit inserted into the tube, and with portions of the tube on the volar and dorsal surfaces removed. Upward forces ranged from less than 100 g to 225 g in the empty tubes. Upon insertion of a human digit into the tubes, forces increased from 125 g at 10 degrees to 650 g at 80 degrees flexion. Removal of a 2-cm square portion on the dorsal surface over the PIP joint did not significantly affect the tube's ability to lift upward demonstrating little or no downward pressure in the device. The tube had little or no upward force following removal of a 2-cm square encompassing the angle of the device on the volar surface. Positive effectiveness of the tubes were examined in case reports.
SPIN RELAXATION IN AN OPTICALLY ORIENTED SODIUM VAPOR

The spin relaxation times of an optically oriented Na vapor diffusing in buffer gases of He, H2, and N2 have been measured, and from these times the spin disorientation cross-sections of atomic Na colliding with He, H2, and N2, and the mutual diffusion constants for Na in these gases have been determined. The spin relaxation times of a Na vapor in mixtures of He and dilute amounts of A, Kr, and Xe have been measured and the spin disorientation cross-sections for Na colliding with A, Kr. and Xe have been determined. In an Appendix, the relaxation time of Na in He is used to set an upper limit on the nuclear electric dipole moment of23Na.
Satellite remote sensing of fires, smoke, and regional radiative energy budgets over South America and Africa

Biomass burning events and their effects are investigated using measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) over Africa in 1997 and South America in 1995. Fires are detected, and aerosol optical thicknesses of the smoke pixels identified from the AVHRR imagery are retrieved using a table look-up approach. The retrieved mean aerosol optical thickness ((tau) 0.64 ) ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 over Africa and from 1.2 to 1.5 over South America. The top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface shortwave aerosol radiative forcings (SWARF) are estimated. Using two different approaches, the mean TOA SWARFs are about -20 and -40 Wm -2 , respectively, over Africa and about -50 and -60 Wm -2 , respectively, over South America, indicating an aerosol cooling effect. Over four sites where (tau) 0.64 measurements are available, values of aerosol single scattering albedos ((omega) 0 ) are retrieved and surface downward shortwave irradiances (DSWI) are estimated using a radiative transfer model. Comparison of calculated DSWIs with observed DSWIs shows that, for 9 out of 12 cases, the root-mean-square (RMS) differences are within 35 Wm -2 . The largest error is about 70 Wm -2 , which is mainly caused by the uncertainties of the retrieved (omega) 0 . This suggests that DSWI can be properly estimated from AVHRR measurements if aerosol optical thickness is available.
A new challenge to ethical codes: Heart transplants.

We have entered into a new era of medical achievement with the development of successful transplantation of human organs. The transplantation of the heart has aroused the greatest scientific interest and at the same time created serious new problems of an ethical and legal nature. It has been necessary to develop new criteria to determine the “moment of death” of the donor in order to ensure continued life for the recipient. The decision of the moment of death should be made by a small team of skilled physicians interested in furthering this important development, but not as emotionally involved as are the surgeons awaiting the chance to prolong their patient's life with a new heart. Available and suitable hearts will probably always be in very short supply, and the selection of recipients will therefore become critical if the procedure proves to be widely acceptable.
Improved distribution of antegrade cardioplegic solution with simultaneous coronary sinus occlusion following acute coronary artery occlusion.

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of cardioplegic solution infused antegradely with simultaneous coronary sinus occlusion. After 1 hr LAD occlusion, sheep were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. Hearts were arrested with 300 ml of cold cardioplegia and replenished with two additional doses. In group I ( n = 10), antegrade cardioplegia (ACP) was given alone; in group II ( n = 9), ACP was given in combination with simultaneous coronary sinus occlusion. Microspheres were infused into the cardioplegic line to determine the antegrade distribution of the solution, while a different microsphere was injected into the anterior interventricular vein to detect the venous backflow of the solution. The data showed that myocardium distal to LAD occlusion in group II received more antegrade (0.17 ± 0.02 versus 0.06 ± 0.02 ml/g/min, P P = NS, in subepicardium) and retrograde (2181 ± 455 versus 0 counts/g/min, P P