cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-term dispersal of Fukushima-derived radionuclides off Japan: modeling efforts and model-data intercomparison

The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that caused a loss of power at the Fukushima nuclear power plants (FNPP) resulted in emission of radioactive isotopes into the atmosphere and the ocean. In June of 2011, an international survey measuring a variety of radionuclide isotopes, including 137 Cs, was conducted in surface and subsurface waters off Japan. This paper presents the results of numerical simulations specifically aimed at interpreting these observations and investigating the spread of Fukushima-derived radionuclides off the coast of Japan and into the greater Pacific Ocean. Together, the simulations and observations allow us to study the dominant mechanisms governing this process, and to estimate the total amount of radionuclides in discharged coolant waters and atmospheric airborne radionuclide fallout. The numerical simulations are based on two different ocean circulation models, one inferred from AVISO altimetry and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis wind stress, and the second generated numerically by the NCOM model. Our simulations determine that > 95% of 137 Cs remaining in the water within ~600 km of Fukushima, Japan in mid-June 2011 was due to the direct oceanic discharge. The estimated strength of the oceanic source is 16.2 ± 1.6 PBq, based on minimizing the model-data mismatch. We cannot make an accurate estimate for the atmospheric source strength since most of the fallout cesium had left the survey area by mid-June. The model explained several key features of the observed 137 Cs distribution. First, the absence of 137 Cs at the southernmost stations is attributed to the Kuroshio Current acting as a transport barrier against the southward progression of 137 Cs. Second, the largest 137 Cs concentrations were associated with a semi-permanent eddy that entrained 137 Cs-rich waters, collecting and stirring them around the eddy perimeter. Finally, the intermediate 137 Cs concentrations at the westernmost stations are attributed to younger, and therefore less Cs-rich, coolant waters that continued to leak from the reactor in June of that year.
Stress-Induced Bladder Mast Cell Activation: Implications for Interstitial Cystitis

ABSTRACTPurpose: To investigate whether acute psychological stress may activate bladder mast cells which appear to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis, a syndrome that occurs primarily in females and is characterized by urinary urgency, frequency and suprapubic pain, all of which often worsen with stress.Materials and Methods: Non-traumatic immobilization stress was used as a model of acute emotional stress by placing a rat in a plexiglass immobilizer, after first bringing each rat in the laboratory daily for 4 days to reduce the stress of handling. The rat was then anesthetized, decapitated and the bladder removed and fixed for light and electron microscopy.Results: This type of stress resulted in activation of over 70% of bladder mast cells within 30 minutes, as evidenced by light and electron microscopy. Pretreatment of the animals with intraperitoneal administration of polyclonal antiserum to corticotropin releasing hormone had no effect on bladder mast cell activat...
Simulation of solvent isotope effects on aqueous ferrous and ferric ions

Abstract By appropriate averages over the molecular dynamics trajectories of solution models we find how the change in solvent from H 2 O to D 2 O affects both the solvation thermodynamics and the ferrous-ferric electron transfer rate constant k 23 for these models all at 298 K and a constant density of 1 gm cm −3 . The thermodynamic effects, generated by simulating systems comprising one ferrous or ferric ion and a hundred water molecules, are determined by the zero point energy differences. The kinetic effects are generated both from similar one-ion systems and from a ferrous-ferric pair of hexaaquo ions, a super molecule , immersed in 418 water molecules. The kinetic effects are determined by differences in zero point energies and nuclear tunneling, for which we adapt a semiclassical approximation due to Holstein. The quantitative conclusions from this study depend on the interpretation of the vibrations of the “bath” water molecules, those in the basic cell of the simulation, but outside the hexaaquo complexes. If we ignore the direct contributions of the bath molecules we attain satisfactory agreement between model calculation and laboratory experiment for the thermodynamic effect, while this extreme approximation leads to a value of the kinetic isotope effect somewhat lower than that based on experiment. These calculated results are compared with recent studies of a rather similar model of the same system by Bader et al . On balance, both models give kinetic solvent isotope effects large enough to account for the experimental data if contributions from beyond the hydration shell are included.
Angular deformity of the middle fingers in a young athlete: A case report

A case is reported in which a radial deviation deformity of the middle fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints developed in a young athlete who sustained repeated trauma to the finger tips by a basketball. There were no other factors that suggest a different etiology for this deformity.
Experimental results on p(d)+A collisions at RHIC and the LHC

Abstract Recent experimental results at both the LHC and RHIC show evidence for hydrodynamic behavior in proton–nucleus and deuteron–nucleus collisions ( p + A ). This unexpected finding has prompted new measurements in p + A collisions in order to understand whether matter with similar properties is created in A + A and p + A collisions or whether another explanation is needed. In this proceedings, we will discuss the new experimental data and its interpretation within the context of heavy-ion collisions.
Remediation of Toxic Particles from Groundwater

Abstract The presence of radioactive colloids (radiocolloids) in groundwater has been documented in several studies. There is significant evidence to indicate that these colloids may accelerate the transport of radioactive species in groundwaters. Because field experiments are often fraught with uncertainties, colloid migration in groundwater is an area of active research and the role and existence of radiocolloids is being investigated. This paper describes an ongoing study to characterize groundwater colloids, to understand the geochemical factors affecting colloid transport in groundwater, and to develop an in-situ colloid remediation process. The colloids and suspended particulate matter used in this study were collected from a perched aquifer site (located at Los Alamos National Laboratory's Mortandad Canyon in Northern New Mexico, USA) that has radiation levels several hundred times the natural background and where previous researchers have measured and reported the presence of radiocolloids containing plutonium and americium. At this site, radionuclides have spread over several kilometers. Inorganic colloids collected from water samples are characterized with respect to concentration, mineralogy, size distribution, and electrophoretic mobility (zeta potential), and radioactivity levels. The methods used to investigate the physiochemical factors affecting colloid transport and some of the preliminary results are presented. These include a description of a colloid transport model and the corresponding computational code, water analyses, characterization of the inorganic colloids, and a conceptual description of a process for in-situ colloid remediation using the phenomenon of polyelectrolyte capture. An overview of this project is presented and preliminary test results are described.
On the probabilities of rankings of k populations with applications

The method of approximating a continuous distribution by a discrete distribution is used to approximate certain multidimensional ranking integrals. In the location scale parameter cases the method results in a simple iterative counting algorithm. A bound on the error term is given. The algorithm is applied to the problem of completely ranking normal means and shown to be quite accurate and fast. Applications of the above complete ranking problem are given, and the results are used to compute upper confidence bounds for mean difference in a trend situation.
Calculation of the amplitudes to the electron propagator from a minimal basis CI calculation on N2

A comparison between overlap amplitudes and ionization energies calculated by the method of configuration interaction and by the electron propagator for a model problem is presented. Details of the approximations in both types of calculations made are outlined. The close, but not exact, agreement reported between CI and propagator calculations is encouraging and indicates that truncations of the propagator equations can be performed in a systematic manner with results comparable to those obtained from methods relying on the variational principle.
Drought-Related Changes in Two Hunter–Gatherer California Populations

Abstract Skeletal remains from two California cemeteries bracketing a severe drought that began around 1200 yr B.P. are analyzed to determine drought-related quality of life changes in Native Americans. Cemetery 1 predates the drought at 2895±160 yr B.P. to 1845±90 yr B.P. and Cemetery 2 dates it at 1100±90 yr B.P. to 1220±200 yr B.P. Quality of life was assessed through femoral computerized tomography scan measures of cortical thickness, age at adult death, and pathology/trauma frequency. After controlling for age and sex differences, changes from Cemetery 1 to Cemetery 2 showed decreases in cortical thickness and age at death and increases in pathology and trauma frequency.
Characterization of a Drosophila Centrosome Protein CP309 That Shares Homology with Kendrin and CG-NAP

The centrosome in animal cells provides a major microtubule-nucleating site that regulates the microtubule cytoskeleton temporally and spatially throughout the cell cycle. We report the identification in Drosophila melanogaster of a large coiled-coil centrosome protein that can bind to calmodulin. Biochemical studies reveal that this novel Drosophila centrosome protein, centrosome protein of 309 kDa (CP309), cofractionates with the gamma-tubulin ring complex and the centrosome-complementing activity. We show that CP309 is required for microtubule nucleation mediated by centrosomes and that it interacts with the gamma-tubulin small complex. These findings suggest that the microtubule-nucleating activity of the centrosome requires the function of CP309.
Ischemic preconditioning protects against infarction in rat heart.

We examined the anti-infarct effect of ischemic preconditioning in the rat heart. All hearts were subjected to 30 min of regional coronary ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was determin...
Protein Structure Classification Based on Conserved Hydrophobic Residues

Protein folding is frequently guided by local residue interactions that form clusters in the protein core. The interactions between residue clusters serve as potential nucleation sites in the folding process. Evidence postulates that the residue interactions are governed by the hydrophobic propensities that the residues possess. An array of hydrophobicity scales has been developed to determine the hydrophobic propensities of residues under different environmental conditions. In this work, we propose a graph-theory-based data mining framework to extract and isolate protein structural features that sustain invariance in evolutionary-related proteins, through the integrated analysis of five well-known hydrophobicity scales over the 3D structure of proteins. We hypothesize that proteins of the same homology contain conserved hydrophobic residues and exhibit analogous residue interaction patterns in the folded state. The results obtained demonstrate that discriminatory residue interaction patterns shared among proteins of the same family can be employed for both the structural and the functional annotation of proteins. We obtained on the average 90 percent accuracy in protein classification with a significantly small feature vector compared to previous results in the area. This work presents an elaborate study, as well as validation evidence, to illustrate the efficacy of the method and the correctness of results reported.
Time: Measured responses

I was dismayed by Raphael G . Kazmann's conclusion in his review of a symposium on ‘Cosmochronology, geochronology, and the neutrino crisis’ (Time: In Full Measure, Eos Trans. AGU, 60(2), pp. 21–22, January 9, 1979) that essentially casts in doubt the entire science of geochronology, on the basis of an absurd interpretation of the origin of ‘polonium’ halos in minerals observed by Robert Gentry. I have no doubt that Gentry's halos exist, but to ascribe the halos to ‘primordial’ 218Po unsupported by 222Rn can be quickly reduced to an absurdity by the following argument: (1) 218Po has a half-life of 3 minutes; (2) more than one 218Po atom would be required to produce a halo; (3) the probability of 1 atom of 218Po surviving after 490 minutes is 1 out of 16.5 × 1048 based upon the exponential decay law; (4) 16.5 × 1048 atoms of 218Po are equal to the mass of the earth. Therefore, in order to accept the assertion that Gentry's halos are caused by unsupported primordial 218Po, either the earth must be composed entirely of 206Pb (the stable isotope in the 238U chain following 218Po) or the earth must have been less than 490 minutes (8.2 hours) old at the time the mineral was formed so that a n amount of 218Po less than the mass of the earth was originally present. Clearly the earth is not composed entirely of 206Pb. It is no less credible to suggest that the earth and its strata were formed and intruded by granitic magma that subsequently cooled to the point where both the mineral and the halo were stable all in less than 8.2 hours. ‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ said Alice in Wonderland.
Teaching Graduate and Undergraduate Research Methods: A Multipronged Departmental Initiative

This article describes a departmental initiative designed to integrate the teaching of graduate and undergraduate sociology through research methodology and the completion of actual research projects. The goal was to develop a multilevel team approach within which faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates would view their work as part of a connected project. The authors describe the three central components of the multilevel approach: a newly required research seminar for graduate students, an approach to teaching research methods in a joint seminar of graduate and undergraduate students, and an approach to teaching undergraduate research methods that includes having graduate students model research techniques for undergraduates. The authors then assess each of these components based on course evaluations and additional data gathered from participants. The authors conclude with a series of suggestions about how this model might be expanded and developed further in their own and other institutional co...
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae)

We report the isolation and development of 81 novel primers for amplifying microsatellite loci in the Rhagoletis pomonella sibling species complex, and the sequencing, characterization and analysis of basic population genetic parameters for nine of these genes. We also report the successful cross-species amplification of several of these loci. The R. pomonella sibling species complex is a textbook example of genetic differentiation in sympatry via host-plant shifting. Microsatellite markers can be useful for mapping host-plant-associated adaptations in Rhagoletis that generate reproductive isolation and facilitate speciation, as well as for resolving the genetic structure and evolutionary history of fly populations.
A study on effects of grounding systems on transient voltages in 154kV substation

This paper describes the transient effects by grounding system methods on substation. Generally, the substation grounding system is modeled by just resistance. However, in this paper, new method which is considered the impedance of grounding lead cable and the grounding wire connection methods has been proposed. 3 cases including conventional method are variously analyzed in 4 kinds of transient frequency ranges. The results will contribute to improving grounding system modeling of substation in the range of high frequency transients.
Optimizing coverage for a Chlamydia trachomatis screening program

Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a major sexually transmitted disease, affects millions of people worldwide. A key public health challenge in managing such a transmitted disease is identifying infected but asymptomatic individuals so that they can be treated with antibiotics. Effectively resolving such a challenge will benefit both treated individuals (by improving quality of life) and the entire population (through reduced transmission). We adapt a well-established SEIRS (susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered-susceptible) model to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of different coverage levels of screening. To find the optimal screening rate, we formulate the question as a parameter optimization problem of ordinary differential equations and then apply a line search method which exhibits fast convergence. The numerical results as well as sensitivity analysis are presented in the paper.
Professional development and job-embedded collaboration: how teachers learn to exercise leadership

Research shows that professional development alone does not provide adequate leadership preparation for teachers, yet many develop into established teacher leaders. The purpose of this study was to explore how teachers learn to exercise informal leadership in the schools and districts where they work. Eight elementary teachers who lived and worked in the Midwestern region of the United States participated in the study. Data collection included written self-reflections, questionnaire responses and a participant focus group. Teachers in the study learned to exercise leadership gradually, over time as they accumulated professional experience. Findings of the study revealed three factors that developed teacher leadership: exposure to research-based practices, increased teacher self-efficacy, and serving beyond the classroom. Professional development designed to improve teaching practice, paired with job-embedded collaboration, supported teachers’ progress toward leadership. Contrary to the findings of similar...
Suppression of Rat Vocalizations to Shock by an Auditory CS

Two studies are reported using rat vocalization to electric shock as the behavioral measure. Study 1 used a classical conditioning procedure with an auditory CS for one group while presenting only the UCS to a second group. The second study investigated the same phenomenon but used a within- instead of a between-groups design. In both studies, Ss given CS-UCS pairings vocalized significantly less to UCS than when the UCS was given alone. Both studies also produced gradual UCR curves but no detectable vocalizations to the CS occurred.
A note on some piecewise-linear difference equations with Mersenne- type periodic solutions

This paper studies solutions of some piecewise-linear difference equations. In two particular cases, a descent argument is used to show that all solutions are periodic with either prime period 3(2 k − 1) or 6(2 k − 1) for some k ≥ 1. The existence of solutions with such periods is also considered.
Histomorphometric analysis of age-related structural changes in human clitoral cavernosal tissue.

AbstractPurpose: To characterize age-associated histological changes of human clitoral cavernosal tissue and to determine whether age-related histological changes of clitorial cavernosal tissue correlate with vascular disease-related mortality.Materials and Methods: Human clitorises were obtained from 15 fresh cadavers (age: 11 to 90 years) and from 3 patients undergoing clitoral surgery (age: 6 months to 15 years). Cross sections of the clitorises were stained with Masson's trichrome and utilized for computer assisted histomorphometric image analysis to determine the clitoral cavernosal content of smooth muscle and connective tissue.Results: These studies revealed a strong link between increase in age and decreased clitoral cavernosal smooth muscle fibers. In histomorphometry, the percentage of clitoral cavernosal smooth muscle (mean +/− standard error) in an age group of 6 months to 15 years (n = 4) was 65 +/− 1.5, in 44 to 54 years (n = 7) was 50 +/− 1.2, and in 55 to 90 years (n = 7) was 37 +/− 1.3 (A...
Differential current-sensing for on-chip interconnects

This paper presents a differential current-sensing technique as an alternative to existing circuit techniques for on-chip interconnects. Using a novel receiver circuit, it is shown that, delay-optimal current-sensing is a faster (20% on an average) option as compared to the delay-optimal repeater insertion technique for single-cycle wires. Delay benefit for current-sensing increases with an increase in wire width. Unlike repeaters, current-sensing does not require placement of buffers along the wire, and hence, eliminates any placement constraints. Inductive effects are negligible in differential current-sensing. Current-sensing also provides a tighter bound on delay with respect to process variations. However, current-sensing has some drawbacks. It is power inefficient due to the presence of static-power dissipation. Current-sensing is essentially a low-swing signaling technique, and hence, it is sensitive to full swing aggressor noise.
Sensory nerve conduction deficit in experimental monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) neuropathy.

An emerging body of evidence from in vitro studies and in vivo animal models supports a pathogenic role of antibodies in the development of peripheral neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Although the assessment of motor and sensory nerve fiber function is of clinical importance, it is seldom applied experimentally. We describe the application of an electrophysiologic method for the evaluation of motor and sensory nerve fiber function using an experimental model of MGUS neuropathy. Supramaximal stimulation of the tibial nerve elicited an early motor response (M-wave, 1.7 ± 0.1 ms, n = 10) and a late sensory (H-reflex, 7.8 ± 0.1 ms, n = 10) response that was recorded from the hind foot of anesthetized rats. Intraneural injection of serum antibodies from a MGUS patient with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, but not from an age-matched control subject, produced a marked attenuation of the H-reflex (P < 0.01, n = 10) without affecting the M-wave. Light and electron microscopy of affected nerve showed myelinoaxonal degeneration with sparing of the smaller unmyelinated nerve fibers. The combined electrophysiologic and morphologic findings presented in this study are consistent with a selective sensory conduction deficit in MGUS neuropathy. Selective injury of afferent nerve fibers by this patient's serum antibodies may result from reactivity to neural antigens uniquely expressed by sensory neurons. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 809–816, 2001
The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory: A Construct Validation Study:

The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) was examined using a modified version of the Sabers and Whitney model for construct validation. The SEI, Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (CSCS), and Children's Social Desirability Scale (CSDS) were administered to 55 males and 50 females enrolled in six intact fifth-grade classes. Each student also received a teacher rating of self-concept using the Coopersmith Behavioral Academic Assessment Scale (BASE). Regression analyses indicated that the SEI has convergent validity with regard to the CSCS (p .05), is sensitive to differences in achievement level (p < .01), and is internally consistent (coefficient alpha = .86). Intra-rater stability for the BASE ranged from .85 to .97; average inter-rater agreement was .86.
Minimum skew multiple clock routing in synchronous ASIC systems

The problem of routing in the multiple clock environment is more complicated than a single clock environment. An efficient algorithm to obtain minimum skew layout for two clocks in a synchronous system is presented. The algorithm is tested on several industrial benchmarks with promising results. The routing layouts achieve almost zero skew, while using a minimum wire length for multiple clock routing. >
Incorporating Auditory Feature Uncertainties in Robust Speaker Identification

Conventional speaker recognition systems perform poorly under noisy conditions. Recent research suggests that binary time-frequency (T-F) masks be a promising front-end for robust speaker recognition. In this paper, we propose novel auditory features based on an auditory periphery model, and show that these features capture significant speaker characteristics. Additionally, we estimate uncertainties of the auditory features based on binary T-F masks, and calculate speaker likelihood scores using uncertainty decoding. Our approach achieves substantial performance improvement in a speaker identification task compared with a state-of-the-art robust front-end in a wide range of signal-to-noise conditions.
Scaling Laws for Ad-Hoc Wireless Networks: An Information Theoretic Approach

In recent years there has been significant and increasing interest in ad hoc wireless networks. The design, analysis and deployment of such wireless networks necessitate a fundamental understanding of how much information transfer they can support, as well as what the appropriate architectures and protocols are for operating them. This monograph addresses these questions by presenting various models and results that quantify the information transport capability of wireless networks, as well as shed light on architecture design from a high level point of view. The models take into consideration important features such as the spatial distribution of nodes, strategies for sharing the wireless medium, the attenuation of signals with distance, and how information is to be transferred, whether it be by encoding, decoding, choice of power level, spatio-temporal scheduling of transmissions, choice of multi-hop routes, or other modalities of cooperation between nodes. An important aspect of the approach is to characterize how the information hauling capacity scales with the number of nodes in the network.
HOST RESISTANCE TO THE FIR ENGRAVER BEETLE, SCOLYTUS VENTRALIS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE): 4. EFFECT OF DEFOLIATION ON WOUND MONOTERPENE AND INNER BARK CARBOHYDRATE CONCENTRATIONS

Monoterpene production, inner bark carbohydrate concentrations, and fir engraver attacks on grand fir were monitored for 3 years following Douglas-fir tussock moth defoliation. Monoterpenes were reduced for 2 years following defoliation. Defoliation caused a reduction in total sugars the first year following defoliation and a reduction in starch the second year. Total sugars and the previous year’s starch concentrations were positively correlated with monoterpene production. The trees which produced the least amounts of monoterpenes were the ones successfully attacked by the fir engraver.
Importance of Collaborative Research to Improve World Health

Funding agencies and governments in developing countries should increase their support of collaborative research designed to improve world health, and health care professionals should work together to support their colleagues in developing areas who have potential interest in research careers. Scientists in the United States and Canada, regardless of the specific of their investigative activities, should initiate a scientific relationship with colleagues in developing countries. Given the scarce resources available, research teams using new techniques and identifying cost-effective interventions will point the way to improved world health
Antidepressant-Induced Sweating

Objective To report a case of excessive sweating probably caused by paroxetine, review the literature on antidepressant-induced sweating, and provide recommendations for the management of antidepressant-induced sweating. Case summary A 59-year-old white female presented to a pharmacist-staffed pharmacotherapy clinic with episodes of excessive sweating. The episodes occurred primarily on her head and back of the neck. Other etiologies were ruled out and paroxetine was discontinued. Paroxetine had been initiated at least 7 months prior to the reporting of symptoms. Sweating symptoms gradually improved until resolution 5 weeks following discontinuation of paroxetine. The Naranjo probability scale indicated a causal relationship is probable. Discussion Excessive sweating has been associated with antidepressants including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and venlafaxine. In some patients, these symptoms require therapeutic intervention such as dose reduction, antidepressant substitution, antidepressant discontinuation, or addition of an agent to control sweating. Agents that have been reported successful in controlling the sweating include benztropine and cyproheptadine. Conclusions We recommend a patient-specific approach for the management of antidepressant-induced sweating. First, consider dose reduction or a trial off antidepressant medication. In patients in whom this is inappropriate or ineffective, substitution of another antidepressant should be considered. If episodes of excessive sweating persist, consider treatment of sweating symptoms with benztropine or cyproheptadine in the absence of contraindications.
How to Manufacture a Crisis: Evaluating Empirical Claims Behind 'Tort Reform'

Empirical claims about the operation of the civil justice system have received widespread media coverage and attention from politicians for over 30 years. Today it seems beyond question that that civil litigation is “exploding”; damage awards are “skyrocketing;” juries are “out of control; citizens file suit at the drop of a hat; “frivolous” claims are expanding. The media and political campaign for “tort reform” has proven enormously successful: every state and the federal government have adopted significant legislation “reforming” tort rules and civil justice practice. Scores of additional “reforms” are under consideration, including by the Obama administration. Meanwhile, cover stories from major newsweeklies trumpet the ongoing success of the tort reform campaign. For example, the Business Week cover story on January 8, 2007 is entitled, "How Business Trounced the Trial Lawyers." This article analyzes key empirical claims made by "Business" concerning the operation & impact of the civil justice system. These claims have deep roots: Most of the rhetorical frames described above have been deployed for at least 30 years. The article systematically reviews the factual basis of claims for “tort reform.” Evaluating scores of empirical studies conducted over 3 decades, I show that most of the credible evidence contradicts the empirical claims of the tort retrenchment movement. If the empirical evidence supporting tort reform is faulty, what is left of the case for further retrenchment of the civil justice system?
Persistent beneficial impact of H-reflex conditioning in spinal cord-injured rats.

Operant conditioning of a spinal cord reflex can improve locomotion in rats and humans with incomplete spinal cord injury. This study examined the persistence of its beneficial effects. In rats in ...
Task Coordination Skill: The Effects of Age and Training Type in Relationship Integration

Throughout the lifespan, humans need to understand complex relationships between environmental cues. These may be perceptual-motor cues, such as operating an input device, or cognitively oriented, such as understanding how exercise and food intake affect and interact with the body's blood sugar level. Past research has shown age-related differences in the ability to integrate cues: younger adults integrate related task components better than unrelated components while older adults perform the same for low and high relatedness (Korteling, 1991, 1993). What remains to be discovered is whether different types of training affect performance with different amounts of cue relation. Our prediction is that augmenting relationships of the cues during task will produce higher performance when task cues are interrelated. Simplifying the task (showing fewer relationships at one time) will produce higher performance when the cues are unrelated. We expect to uncover age-related differences for conditions when task and ...
Interactions Between Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-phyllosilicates During Microbial Reduction 2: Natural Subsurface Sediments

ABSTRACTDissimilatory microbial reduction of solid-phase Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-bearing phyllosilicates (Fe(III)-phyllosilicates) is an important process in anoxic soils, sediments and subsurface materials. Although various studies have documented the relative extent of microbial reduction of single-phase Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-phyllosilicates, detailed information is not available on interaction between these two processes in situations where both phases are available for microbial reduction. The goal of this research was to use the model dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium (DIRB) Geobacter sulfurreducens to study Fe(III)-oxide vs. Fe(III)-phyllosilicate reduction in a range of subsurface materials and Fe(III)-oxide stripped versions of the materials. Low-temperature (12 K) Mossbauer spectroscopy was used to infer changes in the relative abundances of Fe(III)-oxide, Fe(III)-phyllosilicate, and phyllosilicate-associated Fe(II) (Fe(II) phyllosilicate). A Fe partitioning model was employed to anal...
Macroevolution and Paleobiogeography of Jurassic-Cretaceous Ammonoids

Jurassic-Cretaceous (J-K) ammonoids experienced remarkably rapid rates of evolution and extinction. The processes that fueled this evolutionary volatility are not well understood. Evolutionary relationships among and within the six J-K ammonoid suborders are incompletely reconstructed, in part because the homeomorphy and intraspecific variability complicates phylogenetic analysis. J-K ammonoids appear to have been developmentally flexible; heterochronic shifts in their evolution are common and taxa are often distinguishable by variations in the timing of developmental events. Changes in environmental variables are consistently correlated with both diversification and extinction in J-K ammonoids. The tectonic separation of Pangea, greenhouse warming, and sea level change drove ammonoid dispersal and the development of biogeographic provinces. A synthetic view of J-K ammonoid evolution provides the foundation for a model of ammonoid speciation in which sea level change provides new epeiric sea microhabitats into which ammonoids disperse while developmental flexibility provides the morphological and ecological variation to fuel divergence and speciation. New quantitative and geospatial approaches will allow us to integrate phylogenetic and paleobiogeographic data to better understand the macroevolution of these cephalopods.
Computing Complex Functions using Factorization in Unipolar Stochastic Logic

This paper addresses computing complex functions using unipolar stochastic logic. Stochastic computing requires simple logic gates and is inherently fault-tolerant. Thus, these structures are well suited for nanoscale CMOS technologies. Implementations of complex functions cost extremely low hardware complexity compared to traditional two's complement implementation. In this paper an approach based on polynomial factorization is proposed to compute functions in unipolar stochastic logic. In this approach, functions are expressed using polynomials, which are derived from Taylor expansion or Lagrange interpolation. Polynomials are implemented in stochastic logic by using factorization. Experimental results in terms of accuracy and hardware complexity are presented to compare the proposed designs of complex functions with previous implementations using Bernstein polynomials.
Living Wills and Other Advance Directives

Advances in medical technology have been accompanied by widespread concern regarding the potential for their misuse, particularly in terminally ill patients. From an ethical standpoint, the fundamental issue is the autonomy of the individual, thus reflecting democratic and humanistic values. Strategies for meeting these concerns, such as the living will and the durable power of attorney, have achieved at least limited acceptance and serve as focal points for productive doctor/patient communication and public debate.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis).

Dong quai is a perennial herb native to China, Japan and Korea; its root has been used for thousands of years as medicine.
Biotic Regulation of CO2 Uptake–Climate Responses: Links to Vegetation Properties

Identifying the plant traits and patterns of trait distribution in communities that are responsible for biotic regulation of CO2 uptake–climate responses remains a priority for modeling terrestrial C dynamics. We used remotely sensed estimates of gross primary productivity (GPP) from plots planted to different combinations of perennial grassland species in order to determine links between traits and GPP–climate relationships. Climatic variables explained about 50% of the variance in temporal trends in GPP despite large variation in CO2 uptake among seasons, years, and plots of differing composition. GPP was highly correlated with contemporary changes in net radiation (Rn) and precipitation deficit (potential evapotranspiration minus precipitation) but was negatively correlated with precipitation summed over 210 days prior to flux measurements. Plots differed in GPP–Rn and GPP–water (deficit, precipitation) relationships. Accounting for differences in GPP–climate relationships explained an additional 11% of variance in GPP. Plot differences in GPP–Rn and GPP–precipitation slopes were linked to differences in community-level light-use efficiency (GEE*). Plot differences in GPP–deficit slopes were linked to differences in a species abundance-weighted index of specific leaf area (SLA). GEE* and weighted SLA represent vegetation properties that may regulate how CO2 uptake responds to climatic variation in grasslands.
Investigation of triggering of poleward moving auroral forms using satellite-imager coordinated observations

Poleward moving auroral forms (PMAFs) are thought to be an ionospheric signature of dayside magnetic reconnection. While PMAFs are more likely to occur when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is southward, how often PMAFs are triggered by changes in solar wind parameters is still an open question. To address this issue, we used one of the Automatic Geophysical Observatories all-sky imagers in Antarctica and the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) B and C satellites, which can give solar wind measurements much closer to the subsolar bow shock than by Wind or ACE, to examine if PMAFs occurred in association with IMF orientation changes. We identified 60 PMAFs in conjunction with THEMIS B and C during 2008, 2009, and 2011 and 70% of events show reduction of Bz before PMAF onset indicating that IMF southward turning plays an important role in triggering a majority of PMAFs. In contrast, the magnitude of the IMF Bz reduction in OMNI data was smaller and the reduction occurred in a slightly smaller percentage of events (40–60%). This suggests that solar wind structures that missed the L1 point or evolution of solar wind between the L1 point and THEMIS may be important for identifying IMF changes responsible for transient dayside reconnection. Additionally, 17 PMAFs that did not have substantial IMF southward turnings are correlated well with foreshock events, indicating that foreshock phenomena may also play a role in triggering PMAFs.
Improving PC Services at Oshkosh Truck Corporation

This case presents the problems encountered at Oshkosh Truck, relating to improving productivity and user satisfaction of the IT department. The case presents the process of handling user problems, how well the process works, and some problems associated with the process. A metrics program was set up to help determine the value of moving to a standardized PC platform.
Comprehensive vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser model for optical interconnect transceiver circuit design

Directly modulated vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are commonly used in short-reach optical interconnect applications. To enable efficient optical interconnect transceiver systems operating at data rates up to 25 Gb/s and beyond, cosimulation environments, which allow for the optimization of driver circuitry with accurate compact VCSEL models, are necessary. A comprehensive VCSEL model, which captures thermally dependent electrical and optical dynamics and provides direct current, small-, and large-signal simulation capabilities with self-consistency, is presented. The device’s electrical behavior is described with an equivalent circuit, which captures both large-signal operation and electrical parasitics, while the optical response is captured with a rate-equation-based model. Bias and temperature dependencies are incorporated into both key electrical and optical model parameters. Experimental verification of the model is performed at 25 Gb/s with a 990-nm VCSEL to study the impact of bias current level and substrate temperature.
Children, Adolescents, and Families Exposed to Torture and Related Trauma

The child and adolescent population of South Africa will be the first generation to enter into adulthood in the postapartheid period. The academic achievement and economic productivity of these young people, as well as the stability they bring to marriage and family life, their views of their social institutions, and their role in society, are all vital to the future of this region. Thus, their recovery from the years of political violence and apartheid, together with their adaptive response to the challenges of the adverse social conditions of the postapartheid era, is essential for the well-being of South Africa. (Used with permission.)
Palliative Care and Health Care Utilization for Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease at the End of Life.

Background & Aims There has been increased attention on ways to improve the quality of end-of-life care for patients with end-stage liver disease; however, there have been few reports of care experiences for patients during terminal hospitalizations. We analyzed data from a large national database to increase our understanding of palliative care for and health care utilization by patients with end-stage liver disease. Methods We performed a cross-sectional, observational study to examine terminal hospitalizations of adults with decompensated cirrhosis using data from the National Inpatient Sample from 2009 through 2013. We collected data on palliative care consultation and total hospital costs, and performed multivariate regression analyses to identify factors associated with palliative care consultation. We also investigated whether consultation was associated with lower costs. Results Among hospitalized adults with terminal decompensated cirrhosis, 30.3% received palliative care; the mean cost per hospitalization was $48,551 ± $1142. Palliative care consultation increased annually, and was provided to 18.0% of patients in 2009 and to 36.6% of patients in 2013 (P Conclusions Palliative care consultation for patients with end-stage liver disease increased from 2009 through 2013. Palliative care consultation during terminal hospitalizations is associated with lower costs and procedure burden. Future research should evaluate timing and effects of palliative care on quality of end-of-life care in this population.
Integration of Primary Care and Psychiatry: A New Paradigm for Medical Student Clerkships.

Public health crises in primary care and psychiatry have prompted development of innovative, integrated care models, yet undergraduate medical education is not currently designed to prepare future physicians to work within such systems. To implement an integrated primary care–psychiatry clerkship for third-year medical students. Undergraduate medical education, amid institutional curriculum reform. Two hundred thirty-seven medical students participated in the clerkship in academic years 2015–2017. Educators in psychiatry, internal medicine, and pediatrics developed a 12-week integrated Biopsychosocial Approach to Health (BAH)/Primary Care–Psychiatry Clerkship. The clerkship provides students clinical experience in primary care, psychiatry, and integrated care settings, and a longitudinal, integrated didactic series covering key areas of interface between the two disciplines. Students reported satisfaction with the clerkship overall, rating it 3.9–4.3 on a 1–5 Likert scale, but many found its clinical curriculum and administrative organization disorienting. Students appreciated the conceptual rationale integrating primary care and psychiatry more in the classroom setting than in the clinical setting. While preliminary clerkship outcomes are promising, further optimization and evaluation of clinical and classroom curricula are ongoing. This novel educational paradigm is one model for preparing students for the integrated healthcare system of the twenty-first century.
Abstract 15640: A Digenic Etiology Implicates Alpk3 and Myl2 Variants as Likely Causal Mutations in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHCM) is an autosomal dominant single gene disorder, commonly caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. Despite genetic testing by whole exome sequencing (WES), the causal genes in approximately 40% of the FHCM remain unknown. Hypothesis: A subset of FHCM is digenic in etiology and hence, the affected individual do not share a single causal variant. Methods: WES of FHCM trios, rare variant analysis and sequencing of additional family members. Results: We identified 6 FHCM trios in whom WES did not identify a shared causal variant in the known FHCM genes. The WES data were filtered for the heterozygous Loss of Function (LoF), defined as stop gain/loss, splice and frameshift, variants and rare pathogenic missense (MAF ALPK3 gene, implicated in cardiomyopathies, was shared among the affected trios (mother and two offspring). The offspring but not the mother also shared a pathogenic variant (p.A13T) in the MYL2 gene, a known gene for FHCM. The p.A13T variant was inherited from siblings father, who had cardiac hypertrophy and aortic stenosis. Siblings digenic for the p.A13T and p.T81M variants had severe FHCM, heart failure, and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (mean gradient >100 mmHg). In contrast, family members with the ALPK3 variant had no or mild cardiac hypertrophy and were asymptomatic. The trio also shared other rare LoF and pathogenic variants, including a p.E2272X variant in COL6A5 and p.L1228I variant in PPRC1, which are expressed at low levels in the heart and were less likely to cause cardiac pathology. Conclusions: Rare variant analysis of the WES data in the affected FHCM trios with no shared pathogenic variants in the known FHCM genes led to identification of pathogenic variants in ALKP3 and MYL2 as the likely causal variants. The findings suggest that a subset of FHCM might be digenic in etiology. Thus, the “missing causal genes” in the conventionally considered single gene disorders might be in part due to a digenic etiology.
Understanding hospital quality: the case of cumulative and balanced quality

A more precise way to conceptualize and operationalize hospital quality is needed to increase hospitals’ productivity. This paper investigates how hospitals’ conformance quality (CQ) and experienti...
All That Glitters Is Not Gold: The Penalty Effect of Conspicuous Consumption in Services and How It Changes With Customers and Contexts

A service provider’s conspicuous consumption can undermine customer attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the provider—a so-called penalty effect of conspicuous consumption. Four studies inves...