cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma engineering of gases in micro ion Atomic Clocks

Summary form only given. Atomic Clocks are quantum devices; when ions are used they also become plasma devices. This paper investigates the ions that can be produced from the gas available in a RF linear Paul quadrupole trap used for an Yb ion frequency standard. The gas issues in plasma science and engineering investigated include dimensionless stability parameters from Mathieu's equation considering the clock ion, buffer gas ion and background gas ions. With the buffer gas having the highest partial pressure, the potential for a DC gas discharge is discussed. The coupling parameter is determined along with the potential depth and ion charge density for the ions previously mentioned. From these parameters it is determined that in this case the plasma is characterized as a weakly coupled nonneutral cold ion plasma gas. Using electron impact ionization and expected partial pressures, the reaction rates for ion production are also determined in order to compare how the different ions would fill up the trap. Considering the plasma characterization, ion particle traces for the configuration are determined and a comparison of analytical stability and numerical simulation stability is presented. The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of the results on plasma engineering design for micro ion atomic clocks.
Prostatic abscess due to Histoplasma capsulatum in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

AbstractDisseminated histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection that may occur in previously healthy or immunocompromised patients. The condition is being recognized with increasing frequency in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The most common organs involved include the lung, bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, adrenals and central nervous system, with genitourinary involvement being exceedingly unusual. We describe a Histoplasma capsulatum prostatic abscess occurring after therapy for pulmonary histoplasmosis in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The prostate may be a difficult focus from which to eradicate disseminated fungal infection in immunocompromised patients.
Turning point: the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's effort to revitalize public health at the state level

The Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation initiated Turning Point in collaboration with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Kellogg) in 1997. The purpose of this major national initiative was to strengthen the public health infrastructure in the United States so that states, local communities, and their public health agencies might respond to the challenge to protect and improve the public's health in the 21st century. RWJ funded 21 states and Kellogg funded 43 communities to work together to create a new way of thinking about how health could be improved and who should be involved. Although the ultimate outcome was to improve health, both foundations expected diverse partnerships to work together to create strategic health improvement plans at both the community and state levels. The foundations funded a variety of strategies within those health improvement plans during an implementation phase. The premise in funding partnerships, as opposed to a single entity, was that effective public health systems would be developed best through a shared responsibility (including the private sector) for the health of a community.
Does leptin contribute to obesity hypertension

The discovery of leptin and its multiple biologic actions, including sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation, has provided a possible link between obesity and hypertension. Short-term leptin administration directly into the brain stimulates sympathetic activity, and long-term leptin infusion, at rates that mimic plasma concentrations found in obesity, increases arterial pressure via adrenergic activation in nonobese rodents. Short-term studies suggest that the sympathetic effects of leptin may depend on interactions with other neurochemical pathways in the hypothalamus, such as melanocortin receptors. However, it is still unclear whether there is resistance to the long-term SNS and blood pressure effects of leptin in obesity. Results from clinical trials using long-term leptin administration in humans in an attempt to reduce body weight should help to answer some of these questions.
The Virus Watch program. IV. Recovery and comparison of two serological varieties of adenovirus type 5.

SummaryDuring continuing virologic surveillance of family groups observed excretion of type 5 adenovirus comprised two antigeni-cally distinct varieties, one which reacted normally in HI and neutralization tests and a variant which, with a particular stock type 1 antiserum, cross-reacted extensively in tests of both types. The variant strains were isolated during a distinct outbreak and appeared to spread more readily within families and the community than did normal reacting strains, possibly because of more abundant (especially respiratory) shedding. All type 5 isolates from members of the same family, regardless of interval after first isolation, were of the same variety. In 4 individual instances, including one variant infection, excretion persisted intermittently for more than 100 days (313 maximum). The prolonged excretion of but one variety argues for persisting infection rather than reinfection as the source of the intermittent excretion and also suggests relative genetic stability of the variant.
Influence of nanoparticle-ion and nanoparticle-polymer interactions on ion transport and viscoelastic properties of polymer electrolytes

We use atomistic simulations to probe the ion conductivities and mechanical properties of polyethylene oxide electrolytes containing Al2O3nanoparticles. We specifically study the influence of repulsive polymer-nanoparticle and ion-nanoparticle interactions and compare the results with those reported for electrolytes containing the polymorph β-Al2O3nanoparticles. We observe that incorporating repulsive nanoparticle interactions generally results in increased ionic mobilities and decreased elastic moduli for the electrolyte. Our results indicate that both ion transport and mechanical properties are influenced by the polymer segmental dynamics in the interfacial zones of the nanoparticle in the ion-doped systems. Such effects were seen to be determined by an interplay between the nanoparticle-polymer,nanoparticle-ion, and ion-polymer interactions. In addition, such interactions were also observed to influence the number of dissociated ions and the resulting conductivities. Within the perspective of the influence of nanoparticles on the polymer relaxation times in ion-doped systems, our results in the context of viscoelastic properties were consistent with the ionic mobilities. Overall, our results serve to highlight some issues that confront the efforts to use nanoparticle dispersions to simultaneously enhance the conductivity and the mechanical strength of polymer electrolyte.
Comparing dependent robust correlations

Let r1 and r2 be two dependent estimates of Pearson's correlation. There is a substantial literature on testing H0 : ρ1 = ρ2 , the hypothesis that the population correlation coefficients are equal. However, it is well known that Pearson's correlation is not robust. Even a single outlier can have a substantial impact on Pearson's correlation, resulting in a misleading understanding about the strength of the association among the bulk of the points. A way of mitigating this concern is to use a correlation coefficient that guards against outliers, many of which have been proposed. But apparently there are no results on how to compare dependent robust correlation coefficients when there is heteroscedasicity. Extant results suggest that a basic percentile bootstrap will perform reasonably well. This paper reports simulation results indicating the extent to which this is true when using Spearman's rho, a Winsorized correlation or a skipped correlation.
Acute effect of air pollution on respiratory symptoms of primary school students in Taiyuan

Objective To know the acute effect of air pollution on respiratory symptoms of primary school students in Taiyuan,a typical city with heavy air pollution caused by coal-related industry in China.Methods A panel of 479 primary schoolchildren aged 6-11years were asked to record daily respiratory symptoms for one year.The data of concentrations of daily PM10,SO2,NO2 and CO were collected at one air quality monitoring site of local EPA within 1.5 km from the school.Generalized Estimating Equation(GEE) regression model was used to establish the association between air pollution and schoolchildren's respiratory symptoms.Results An association was confirmed between SO2 levels in ambient air and the daily occurrence of schoolchildren's respiratory symptoms.All results concerning SO2 effects were statistically significant.The risk of lag1-lag3 and lag5 were relatively higher,after adjustment for the effects of other pollutants,an increase of a quartile interval in SO2 was associated with about an 8%-17% increase in children's respiratory symptoms.For cumulative effect,the risks increased by cumulative period.The cumulative effects were obviously larger than Lag effects.These estimates were not appreciably altered by inclusion of individual characteristics in the models;the estimated odds ratios were generally consistent with and slightly higher than the findings of previous studies conducted outside of China.Conclusion SO2 levels in ambient air has adverse effect on children's respiratory health.It is urgent to adopt more stringent measures to reduce SO2 emission to protect children's health in local area.
Legislative Forms of Chinese Chattel Security:Choice

The Choice of legislative forms plays key role in the perfection of chattel security. The legislative forms of Chinese chattel security defects the fundamental forms of civil legislation, but it is reasonable to distinguish typical security and untypical security, make stipulation separately in real law and special statutes. 
Influence of ENSO Event on Rainfall Anomaly over Yunnan Province and Its Neighboring Regions during Late Spring-Early Summer

Using the monthly gridded precipitation data in China,the NOAA extended reconstruction sea surface temperature(SST) data,and the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data,the authors investigate the impact of the ENSO on the interannual variability of late spring-early summer rainfall in Yunnan Province and the relevant physical mechanism.The analysis of composite and correlation study reveal a strong negative correlation between the rainfall anomaly in Yunnan Province and the Nin~o index.An El Nin~o(La Nin~a) event is concurrent with less(more) precipitation during late spring-early summer(April-May) in Yunnan Province.Further analysis of atmospheric circulation demonstrates that an El Nin~o(La Nin~a) event is coincident with an anomalous easterly(westerly) over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the lower troposphere,a stronger anomalous anticyclone(cyclone) over the Bay of Bengal,as well as a stronger(weaker) subtropical anticyclone in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.The correlation between height at 200 hPa and rainfall anomaly during late spring-early summer(April-May) in Yunnan Province reveals a relevant Indian Ocean-Asia teleconnection(IA) pattern.The water vapor transport indicates that during an El Nin~o(La Nin~a) event there is a stronger water vapor divergence(convergence) over the region.All above evidences demonstrate that,in comparison with the physical processes in controlling the interannual variation of the summer rainfall in southeastern China and the Yangtze River-Huaihe River valley,the conversion of Indian Ocean-Asia teleconnection pattern from winter to spring is dominant in determination of the rainfall anomaly in Yunnan Province during late spring-early summer,and particularly the increased water vapor transport associated with the intensification of the anomalous cyclone over the Bay of Bengal plays an important role.
Atomic Field Bremsstrahlung — Comparison Between Theory and Experiment

The recent theoretical work of Pratt et al (1977) on the energy spectra dσ/dk for atomic field bremsstrahlung and by Tseng, Pratt and Lee (1979) on the angular distribution dσ/dΩdk makes possible a more extensive and detailed comparison with experiment. Although Tseng and Pratt (1971) have made some comparisons with experiments, and the agreement is generally good, there remain some areas of disagreement. A precise comparison over a wide range of parameters is certainly desirable but has been difficult for several reasons. It has not always been possible for theory and experiment to be carried out for the same values of parameters. The errors in absolute cross section measurements are typically of the order of 10–20% due to errors in target thickness, detector efficiency, charge collection and angular corrections, and they tend to increase at lower incident energy. The background in bremsstrahlung experiments is especially difficult to handle, and this is probably the source of some of the discrepancies among experiments.
Musculoskeletal Spect-Ct: A Pictorial Review.

SPECT-CT being a hybrid imaging scanner provides molecular and anatomical imaging in one go as a one stop shop. The addition of correlative CT scan to the planar skeletal scintigraphy gives better localization of the lesion, its characterization and attenuation correction as well. We present a brief overview of our institutional experience with hybrid SPECT-CT, as an adjunct to planar skeletal scintigraphy. SPECT-CT imaging improves the diagnostic yield and specificity of planar skeletal scintigraphy. Keywords: Bone scan, planar skeletal scintigraphy, hybrid, SPECT-CT, equivocal bone lesions
Control of Intracellular pH

Because virtually every biological process is sensitive to changes in pH, acid–base homeostasis is of critical importance to cells and organisms, and has attracted considerable attention. Until relatively recently, acid–base homeostasis, for both clinicians and basic scientists, has been synonymous with pH regulation in the two most easily accessed compartments, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The pH in these extracellular compartments (pH o ) is certainly important for organisms. For example, alterations in pH o may affect various extracellular biochemical reactions (e.g., hemostasis, complement fixation) and influence binding of various substances (e.g., hormones, metals, therapeutic agents) to plasma proteins or cell surface receptors. Moreover, certain ion channels as well as transporters that move solutes across cell membranes are sensitive to pH o changes. Nevertheless, the number of processes sensitive to changes of extracellular pH pales in comparison with the myriad processes sensitive to alterations in intracellular pH (pH i ). Thus, pH i homeostasis should be a matter of central importance not only for individual cells, but also for the organism composed of these cells.
Current and Potential Applications of Biopesticides to Manage Insect Pests of Maize

Abstract Maize is attacked by a range of lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, and these pests feed on plants at every phenological stage. Historically, the management of maize pests has focused on conventional insecticides. However, beginning in the 1990s, genetically engineered maize that produces insecticidal toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was made commercially available for the management of pest insects. The first Bt maize produced single Bt toxins that targeted lepidopteran pests, but later Bt toxins targeted coleopteran pests, specifically corn rootworms Diabrotica spp., and multiple Bt toxins were placed into the same maize hybrids. The planting of Bt maize has provided an effective management option for many key pests of maize, but recent cases of pest resistance illustrate the potential limitations of this technology. More diversified management will increase the sustainability of pest management in maize. Past research has demonstrated the potential efficacy of a range of microbial control agents, including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses. Of particular interest are entomopathogenic fungi for the management of aboveground pests, and entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes for the management of belowground pests. One challenge to the implementation of microbial control agents is the need for pest management options that are cost-effective and may be applied easily and rapidly over a large area. Potential future applications of microbial control agents in maize may include bolstering populations of entomopathogens in the soil through conservation biological control, developing entomopathogenic fungi for application to maize seeds, and novel Bt toxins for genetically engineered maize.
Crime and Violence in Barbados: IDB Series on Crime and Violence in the Caribbean

This report is part of the Inter-American Development Bank's Technical Note Series on Crime and Violence in the Caribbean. The overall aim is to establish a baseline of the crime-prevention arena against which progress can be assessed. The report compiles available data from multiple sources to provide a diagnostic of the size, characteristics, and changing nature of the problem in Barbados in recent years. In addition, the report provides a survey of the various crime-prevention and suppression policies, programs, and projects adopted by the government, private companies, and nongovernmental organisations. In performing the aforementioned tasks, the report (a) offers an assessment of the data collection, analysis, and crime response capabilities in Barbados; and (b) makes suggestions about the most effective plans for corrective action.
Full Nyquist 4-bit ADC operating at half clock rate in InP-HBT technology

Half clock rate 4-bit flash A/D converters have been designed and fabricated in HRL's InP-HBT-OEIC technology. Two versions of the circuits (with and without on-board divider) have been characterized. The circuits utilize distributed resistor ladder structure to create the quantization reference voltages. Based on signal-to-noise-and-distortion measurements, the typical effective number of bits was calculated to 3.9 bits at 10 GS/S and 4.9 GHz analog input. The two circuit versions (with and without on-board divider) consume about 2.6 and 2.3 A from a single 3.4V supply respectively and allocate a total area of 3675 /spl times/ 1875 /spl mu/m/sup 2/.
Face Recognition in Forensic Science

In this chapter, we will first explain the current means of comparing faces used by forensic science laboratories. It is a nonautomated process performed by forensic examiners and has been referred to as facial “photographic comparison” or forensic facial identification. Next, we will outline the innovative ways in which facial recognition systems are being used by the forensic community. Lastly, we will discuss the growing future of facial biometrics in the legal system and the increasing (not decreasing) need for human examiners to perform facial identification in combination with the automated facial recognition systems.
Unraveling the histories of pre planetary nebulae

HST images of pre planetary nebulae (pPNE) show a mesmerizing array of highly symmetric bi-lobed morphologies with pinched waists. I shall review the results of detailed Hydrodynamical model studies that nicely match the observed structures and reveal the outflow histories and the geometry of the nuclear outflows of two prePNe.
Diffusive and arrested transport of atoms under tailored disorder

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices offer a unique platform for investigating disorder-driven phenomena. While static disordered site potentials have been explored in a number of experiments, a more general, dynamical control over site-energy and off-diagonal tunnelling disorder has been lacking. The use of atomic quantum states as synthetic dimensions has introduced the spectroscopic, site-resolved control necessary to engineer more tailored realisations of disorder. Here, we present explorations of dynamical and tunneling disorder in an atomic system by controlling laser-driven dynamics of atomic population in a momentum-space lattice. By applying static tunnelling phase disorder to a one-dimensional lattice, we observe ballistic quantum spreading. When the applied disorder fluctuates on time scales comparable to intersite tunnelling, we instead observe diffusive atomic transport, signalling a crossover from quantum to classical expansion dynamics. We compare these observations to the case of static site-energy disorder, where we directly observe quantum localisation. Cold atom quantum simulation has had challenges in realising the tailored, dynamic types of disorder relevant to real materials. Here, the authors use synthetic momentum-space lattices to engineer spatially and dynamically controlled disorder to observe ballistic, diffusive, and arrested atomic transport.
REDUCING TRANSITION LATENCY AND TRANSITION-RELATED PROBLEM BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN BY ALTERING THE MOTIVATING OPERATIONS FOR TASK DISENGAGEMENT

Activity schedules, guided compliance, and differential reinforcement are often used to reduce transition-related problem behavior in children with autism. One potential way to increase the effectiveness of these procedures when transitioning children from preferred to nonpreferred activities is to alter the motivating operations for noncompliance. In Experiment 1, we used an alternating treatments design to compare the effects of activity schedules plus guided compliance alone and when combined with four brief interruptions, each followed by attention and immediate resumption in the preferred activity. Two preschool-aged children with autism participated. Although the combined procedure was more effective, the extent to which it temporarily reduced the reinforcing value of the pretransition activity was unclear. Experiment 2 addressed this limitation by directly examining the value-altering effect of brief interruptions. Two different preschool-aged children participated. Using a reversal design, response-restriction preference assessments were conducted with and without brief interruptions. Results indicated that both children's preferred activity was engaged in less when interrupted, but engagement levels immediately resumed when interruptions were withdrawn. Possible functions of brief interruptions followed by attention and resumption in a preferred activity are discussed.
The effect of resilience on task persistence and performance during repeated exposure to heat pain

The Pain Resilience Scale was recently developed to assess dimensions of resilience critical to pain-related adaptation and was found to predict experimental pain sensitivity in a pain-free population. Pain resilience has also been theoretically linked to behavioral persistence despite pain. To date, however, this hypothesis has not been experimentally tested. To address this gap in the literature, in the current study 105 healthy young adults underwent a baseline administration of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), a stressful mental arithmetic task, delivered with somatosensory distraction (i.e. detection of warm and cool thresholds), and finally simultaneous administration of the PASAT and a series of five heat pain threshold assessments. Results of hierarchical multiple linear regressions indicated that, after controlling for scores on a baseline PASAT and pain sensitivity, pain resilience was positively related to task persistence, B = 0.12, p = 0.04, and task performance, B = 0.14, p = 0.04, on the PASAT. These findings provide novel support for the relationship between pain resilience and behavioral perseverance.
Digging in Your Own Backyard: Archives in the Music History Classroom

Although the study of archival material is often the province of graduate students and professional researchers, bringing such objects into the undergraduate classroom can offer students new and beneficial ways of thinking about history and historiography. This essay argues that, unlike texts, objects contain a material, temporal component that can be mobilized toward pedagogical ends. First, when encountering physical objects, students are confronted with the object’s past use and must learn to situate the object within a thick cultural context. Second, since many of these objects are obscure and may not have a clear provenance, students cannot rely upon standard or pre-fabricated historical narratives; instead, they must themselves create historical arguments to frame the object. Third, we argue that the rituals involved in handling archival objects defamiliarize them, allowing for acts of historical imagination that can change students’ attitudes toward the process of gathering evidence. Ultimately, we believe that such kinds of experiences change the classroom experience by stressing, not what is familiar or comfortable, but what is unknown, thus encouraging students to approach the reading and writing of history with a critical mindset.
Li+ Transport and Mechanical Properties of Model Solid Electrolyte Interphases (SEI): Insight from Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Simulations

A fundamental understanding of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) properties is critical for enabling further improvement of lithium batteries and stabilizing the anode–electrolyte interface. Mechanical and transport properties of two model SEI components were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a hybrid MD-Monte Carlo (MC) scheme. A many-body polarizable force field (APPLE&P) was employed in all simulations. Elastic moduli and conductivity of model SEIs comprised of dilithium ethylene dicarbonate (Li2EDC) were compared with those comprised of dilithium butylene dicarbonate (Li2BDC) over a wide temperature range. Both ordered and disordered materials were examined with the ordered materials showing higher conductivity in the conducting plane compared to conductivity of the disordered analogues. Li2BDC was found to exhibit softening and onset of anion mobility at lower temperatures compared to Li2EDC. At 120 °C and below, both SEI model compounds showed single ion conductor behavior....
Chapter 13 – Mobile Health

Mobile Health, or mHealth, describes the use of mobile and wireless communication technologies to improve healthcare delivery, outcomes, and research. mHealth is poised to play a larger role in engaging patients in self-care as smartphone ownership is rising both in the United States and globally. Advances in smartphone software and hardware coupled with rising availability of wearable devices have resulted in exponential growth in the health apps market. Recent estimates suggest that more than 259,000 mHealth apps are available on app stores today and account for approximately 3.2 billion downloads annually. The evidence base supporting the use of apps independently of other interventions remains quite thin, and this has led to skepticism among large medical organizations about the role apps may play in healthcare. Nevertheless, apps continue to displace older technologies in several domains, for example, by replacing dedicated communication devices for individuals with autism and replacing medical bands with medical identification built into smartphone lock screens. Barriers such as privacy concerns and lack of integration into the electronic health record have limited the impact of apps, but mHealth has enormous potential to reshape healthcare delivery in the future.
Metabolomic Profiling of Serum Retinol in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study.

The role of retinol in the prevention of multifactorial chronic diseases remains uncertain, and there is sparse evidence regarding biological actions and pathways implicated in its effects on various outcomes. The aim is to investigate whether serum retinol in an un-supplemented state is associated with low molecular weight circulating metabolites. We performed a metabolomic analysis of 1,282 male smoker participants based on pre-supplementation fasting serum in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. We examined the association between 947 metabolites measured by ultra-high performance LC-MS/GC-MS and retinol concentration (from HPLC) using linear regression that estimated the difference in metabolite concentrations per unit difference in retinol concentration as standardized β-coefficients and standard errors (SE). We identified 63 metabolites associated with serum retinol below the Bonferroni-corrected P-value (p < 5.3 × 10–5). The strongest signals were for N-acetyltryptophan (β = 0.27; SE = 0.032; p = 9.8 × 10−17), myo-inositol (β = 0.23; SE = 0.032; p = 9.8 × 10−13), and 1-palmitoylglycerophosphoethanolamine (β = 0.22; SE = 0.032; p = 3.2 × 10−12). Several chemical class pathways were strongly associated with retinol, including amino acids (p = 1.6 × 10−10), lipids (p = 3.3 × 10–7), and cofactor/vitamin metabolites (3.3 × 10−7). The strongest sub-pathway association was for inositol metabolism (p = 2.0 × 10–14). Serum retinol concentration is associated with circulating metabolites in various metabolic pathways, particularly lipids, amino acids, and cofactors/vitamins. These interrelationships may have relevance to the biological actions of retinol, including its role in carcinogenesis.
Recovery of the CTM Reflex in Spinal-Injured Guinea Pigs After Exposure to Applied Extracellular Voltages

Implantable stimulator systems similar to those used in anatomical studies were used in tests designed to see if applied voltages could produce behavioral recovery of the CTM reflex. Since the CTM receptive fields are bilaterally organized (refer to Fig. 10), a complete transection of the right side of the spinal cord eliminated the CTM reflex on the right side of the animal below the level of the lesion. This technique was employed in several studies where the intact left side of the spinal cord was associated with a functioning left CTM receptive field. The receptive fields above and ipsilateral to the lesion were also unaffected by the hemisection. This allowed the animal to serve as its own control (Borgens et al. 1987, 1990). Please recall that severing the ascending CTM nerve tract eliminates the reflex for the life of the animal. One hundred percent of untreated control animals do not spontaneously recover this reflex for observation times over 1 year (see Borgens et al. 1993a).
Stochastic Programs with Chance Constraints: Generalized Convexity and Approximation Issues

Averaging has a smoothing and convexifying effect. So expectation functionals are ‘usually’ convex. However, for an important class of expectation functionals that arise in stochastic programs with chance constraints one can obtain no more than quasi-convexity. Approximation questions for this class of expectation functionals are also being considered.1
Traditional Approaches to Physiological System Identification

Having discussed the analysis of physiological signals, we must now discuss the specific ways in which they propagate through systems and the resulting transformation of a stimulus signal into a response signal.
Rapid 1024-Pixel Electrochemical Imaging at 10,000 Frames Per Second Using Monolithic CMOS Sensor and Multifunctional Data Acquisition System

Fast electrochemical imaging enables the dynamic study of electroactive molecule diffusion in neurotransmitter release from single cells and dopamine mapping in brain slices. In this paper, we discuss the design of an electrochemical imaging sensor using a monolithic complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) sensor array and a multifunctional data acquisition system. Using post-CMOS fabrication, the CMOS sensor integrates 1024 on-chip electrodes on the surface and contains 1024 low-noise amplifiers to simultaneous process parallel electrochemical recordings. Each electrochemical electrode and amplifier is optimized to operate at 10.38-kHz sampling rate. To support the operation of the high-throughput CMOS device, a multifunctional data acquisition device is developed to provide the required speed and accuracy. The high analog data rate of 10.63 MHz from all 1024 amplifiers is redundantly sampled by the custom-designed data acquisition system which can process up to 73.6 MHz with up to ~400 Mbytes/s data rate to a computer using universal serial bus 3.0 interface. To contain the liquid above the electrochemical sensors and prevent electronic and wire damage, we packaged the monolithic sensor using a 3-D printed well. Using the presented device, 32 pixel $\times32$ pixel electrochemical imaging of dopamine diffusion is successfully demonstrated at over 10,000 frames per second, the fastest reported to date.
Spelling Correction as an Iterative Process that Exploits the Collective Knowledge of Web Users.

Logs of user queries to an internet search engine provide a large amount of implicit and explicit information about language. In this paper, we investigate their use in spelling correction of search queries, a task which poses many additional challenges beyond the traditional spelling correction problem. We present an approach that uses an iterative transformation of the input query strings into other strings that correspond to more and more likely queries according to statistics extracted from internet search query logs.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Critical Illness and Injury

Most genes are variable in their nucleotide sequence. How this variability might influence the host’s response to critical illness and injury and contribute to the overall outcome is largely unknown. Yet this genetic variability may help identify critically ill children who are at greatest risk for poor outcomes and modify our monitoring strategies currently used in the pediatric intensive care unit. In addition, this variability may yield insight into certain disease processes observed in this vulnerable population, and may identify novel therapeutic interventions that may improve outcomes. The technologies used in examining genetic variability in populations are rapidly changing and able to examine a large number of variations simultaneously. Future studies using well defined disease phenotypes and large numbers of children will be needed to better take advantage of the potential of genetic studies.
Woodrow Wilson: Blueprint for Radical Change.

No one can turn to the career of Thomas Woodrow Wilson without feeling a touch of the enthusiasm and commitment with which he devoted an innovative mind to the educational problems of hisage. With today's institutions of higher education and other agencies and committees probing the inner mechanisms, organizational structures, financial dilemmas and student problems, a re-examination of Wilson's contributions seems appropriate. The blueprint he developed for higher education in America was both radical and far-reaching. No area of the collegiate academic enterprise remained unexamined. For like Wilson's plan for world peace, his assessment and plans for higher education were universal. Few people remember that Wilson accumulated a quarter of a century of higher educational service both as a faculty member and as a university president. These twenty-five years afforded him ample opportunity to both assess and diagnose the problems his era presented. Wilson became president of Princeton University in 1902 amid a multitude of difficulties. He took over the leadership at an institution that only six years previous had been a "college." Wilson, always the organizer and reformer, had been principal architect of Princeton's evolution from the status of liberal arts college to a full fledged university. Thus, the institution faced problems in such vital areas as leadership, organization, curriculum, instruction, research, finance and service. Perhaps foremost among the concerns was the coordination of the social and academic organization of the institution. As long range planner Wilson first developed his blueprint by outlining the goals of a college and the objectives of a university. To Wilson, the object of college was intellectual discipline and moral enlightenment. The college was meant for a definite discipline which fit men for the contests and achievements of an age whose every task was conditioned upon some intelligent and effective use of the mind, upon some
Crowned Dens Syndrome: Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease Masquerading as Osteomyelitis.

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a clinical and radiological entity consisting of acute neck pain, accompanied by specific radiographic findings of calcifications from calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals superior to and surrounding the dens of the axis, resulting in a “crown-like” appearance on coronal views1. A 76-year-old female presented from an outside hospital for concern of osteomyelitis, with persistent neck pain following treatment for Escherichia coli sepsis. She had mild tenderness to palpation but intense pain …
A Variable Switching Frequency Virtual Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation Based on the Current Ripple Prediction

Virtual space vector pulse-width modulation (VSV-PWM) is commonly used in neutral point clamped (NPC) three-level (3-L) inverters due to its intrinsic neutral point potential balancing feature. However, VSV-PWM brings higher switching loss than the traditional space-vector PWM (SV-PWM) under the same current harmonic content. To solve this problem, a variable switching frequency VSV-PWM (VSF-VSV-PWM) method based on the prediction of current ripple is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the current ripple of 3-L inverters under VSV-PWM is analyzed and a comparison of current ripple distribution under VSV-PWM and SV-PWM is presented. Based on the analytical results, a current ripple prediction method for 3-L inverters under VSV-PWM is proposed. In the proposed VSF-VSV-PWM, the current ripple is kept constant by varying the switching frequency dynamically according to the predicted current ripple. With this approach, the switching loss is reduced while the current ripple is controlled to track a given value. The distribution of current harmonics is dispersed and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise is mitigated using VSF-VSV-PWM. Experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed current ripple prediction and the VSF-VSV-PWM method.
Reciprocal c-di-GMP signaling: Incomplete flagellum biogenesis triggers c-di-GMP signaling pathways that promote biofilm formation

The assembly status of the V. cholerae flagellum regulates biofilm formation, suggesting that the bacterium senses a lack of movement to commit to a sessile lifestyle. Motility and biofilm formation are inversely regulated by the second messenger molecule cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). Therefore, we sought to define the flagellum-associated c-di-GMP-mediated signaling pathways that regulate the transition from a motile to a sessile state. Here we report that elimination of the flagellum, via loss of the FlaA flagellin, results in a flagellum-dependent biofilm regulatory (FDBR) response, which elevates cellular c-di-GMP levels, increases biofilm gene expression, and enhances biofilm formation. The strength of the FDBR response is linked with status of the flagellar stator: it can be reversed by deletion of the T ring component MotX, and reduced by mutations altering either the Na+ binding ability of the stator or the Na+ motive force. Absence of the stator also results in reduction of mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) pilus levels on the cell surface, suggesting interconnectivity of signal transduction pathways involved in biofilm formation. Strains lacking flagellar rotor components similarly launched an FDBR response, however this was independent of the status of assembly of the flagellar stator. We found that the FDBR response requires at least three specific diguanylate cyclases that contribute to increased c-di-GMP levels, and propose that activation of biofilm formation during this response relies on c-di-GMP-dependent activation of positive regulators of biofilm production. Together our results dissect how flagellum assembly activates c-di-GMP signaling circuits, and how V. cholerae utilizes these signals to transition from a motile to a sessile state.
Einführung in chromatographische Trennmethoden

Chemische Analysenmethoden sind in der Regel im gunstigsten Fall spezifisch; nur wenige, wenn uberhaupt, sind wirklich selektiv. Folglich ist im Rahmen einer Analyse die Abtrennung des Analyten von moglicherweise storenden Begleitsubstanzen in der Mehrzahl der Falle unumganglich. Die Chromatographie ist zweifellos die in allen Wissenschaftsbereichen am haufigsten verwendete analytische Trennmethode. Die Saulenchromatographie wurde von dem russischen Botaniker Mikhail Tswett kurz nach der Jahrhundertwende erfunden, dem sie auch ihren Namen verdankt. Er benutzte diese Technik zur Trennung verschiedener Pflanzenpigmente — der Chlorophylle und Xanthophylle, indem er Losungen dieser Verbindungen durch eine Glassaule laufen lies, die mit feinverteiltem Calciumcarbonat gefullt war. Die getrennten Substanzen erschienen als farbige Banden in der Saule, die Anlas fur den Namen gaben, den er fur diese Methode wahlte: chroma bedeutet im Griechischen „Farbe“und graphein bedeutet „schreiben“.
Lower State COVID-19 Deaths and Cases with Earlier School Closure in the U.S.

This study quantifies the relationship between school closure timing and COVID-19 deaths and cases in the general population in all U.S. states. COVID-19 has higher symptomatic infection rates among the elderly, suggesting school closures could be unrelated to transmission. However, predicting daily cumulative COVID-19 deaths by state, earlier school closure is related to fewer deaths per capita and slower growth in deaths per capita. Results are similar for COVID-19 cases per capita.
Aging and Positive Mood: Longitudinal Neurobiological and Cognitive Correlates.

Abstract Objective Despite the losses commonly associated with aging, older adults seem to possess particularly preserved emotional regulation. To further understand this phenomenon, the authors examined longitudinal trajectories between age, depressive symptoms, brain structure, and cognition. Methods Seven hundred and sixteen functionally intact older adults (age M = 67.9, 56.8% female), followed longitudinally (visit range: 1–13, M = 2.5), completed cognitive testing and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A subset (N = 327) underwent 3T brain MRI. Mixed-effects linear regression models were conducted controlling for sex, education, and total intracranial volume. Results There was a significant interaction between age and time on GDS, such that GDS improved with increasing age over time, but attenuated around age 71 (age*time b = 0.10, p 0.05). Conclusion EF, processing speed, and white matter integrity moderated the longitudinal relationship between age and mood. Previous studies demonstrate the link between positivity and better cognitive control, leading to improved mood in older adults. Our results are not only consistent, but establish a potential neurobiological correlate. Future research further exploring biological mechanisms driving psychological processes may have important therapeutic implications.
Emerging Concepts and Novel Strategies in Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Cancer Management

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common head and neck cancer. Its pathogenesis is strongly associated with smoking. The management of this disease is challenging and mandates multidisciplinary care. Currently, accepted treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy-all focused on improving survival while preserving organ function. Despite changes in smoking patterns resulting in a declining incidence of laryngeal cancer, the overall outcomes for this disease have not improved in the recent past, likely due to changes in treatment patterns and treatment-related toxicities. Here, we review emerging concepts and novel strategies in the use of radiation therapy in the management of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma that could improve the relationship between tumor control and normal tissue damage (therapeutic ratio).
Exploring Emotion Regulation in Counselors’ Management of Attraction to Clients

Recent reports from malpractice insurance providers indicate an increase in the frequency of sexual misconduct among practicing counselors. This qualitative content analysis of practicing counselor...
Sex differences in gut microbiota modulation of aversive conditioning, open field activity, and basolateral amygdala dendritic spine density

Gut microbiota influence numerous aspects of host biology, including brain structure and function. Growing evidence implicates gut microbiota in aversive conditioning and anxiety-related behaviors, but research has focused almost exclusively on males. To investigate whether effects of gut dysbiosis on aversive learning and memory differ by sex, adult female and male C57BL/6N mice were orally administered a moderate dose of nonabsorbable antimicrobial medications (ATMs: neomycin, bacitracin, and pimaricin) or a control over 10 days. Changes in gut microbiome composition were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Open field behavior, cued aversive learning, context recall, and cued recall were assessed. Following behavioral testing, the morphology of basolateral amygdala (BLA) principal neuron dendrites and spines was characterized. Results revealed that ATMs induced gut dysbiosis in both sexes, with stronger effects in females. ATMs also exerted sex-specific effects on behavior and neuroanatomy. Males were more susceptible than females to microbial modulation of locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior. Females were more susceptible than males to ATM-induced impairments in aversive learning and cued recall. Context recall remained intact, as did dendritic structure of BLA principal neurons. However, ATMs exerted a sex-specific effect on spine density. A second experiment was conducted to isolate the effects of gut perturbation to cued recall. Extinction was also examined. Results revealed no effect of ATMs on cued recall or extinction, suggesting that gut dysbiosis preferentially impacts aversive learning. These data shed new light on how gut microbiota interact with sex to influence aversive conditioning, open field behavior, and BLA dendritic spine architecture.
Noninvasive transcranial classification of stroke using a portable eddy current damping sensor.

Existing paradigms for stroke diagnosis typically involve computed tomography (CT) imaging to classify ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke variants, as treatment for these subtypes varies widely. Delays in diagnosis and transport of unstable patients may worsen neurological status. To address these issues, we describe the development of a rapid, portable, and accurate eddy current damping (ECD) stroke sensor. Copper wire was wound to create large (11.4 cm), medium (4.5 cm), and small (1.5 cm) solenoid coils with varying diameters, with each connected to an inductance-to-digital converter. Eight human participants were recruited between December 15, 2019 and March 15, 2020, including two hemorrhagic stroke, two ischemic stroke, one subarachnoid hemorrhage, and three control participants. Observers were blinded to lesion type and location. A head cap with 8 horizontal scanning paths was placed on the patient. The sensor was tangentially rotated across each row on the patient’s head circumferentially. Consent, positioning, and scanning with the sensor took roughly 15 min from start to end for each participant and all scanning took place at the patient bedside. The ECD sensor accurately classified and imaged each of the varying stroke types in each patient. The sensor additionally detected ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions located deep inside the brain, and its range is selectively tunable during sensor design and fabrication.
The “Othering” of Latina Girls in School Sport Contexts

This study sought to enhance, through qualitative methods, an understanding of the othering of Latina girls in school sport contexts. Focus groups with 78 Latina girls (ages 12–15) and semi-structu...