cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shifts in Children's Ear Asymmetry During Verbal and Nonverbal Auditory-Visual Association Tasks: A “Virtual Stimulus” Effect

Dichotic consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) syllables were presented to 96 right-handed children between the ages of 8 and 12 years. Children were assigned either to a "code" condition that entailed translating the CVCs into English words or to a "bird" condition in which the CVCs had to be matched to cartoons of birds. A differential ear asymmetry for the code and bird tasks developed linearly across four blocks of trials. By Block 4, the code task yielded a significant right-ear advantage and the bird task yielded no ear advantage. The results are inconsistent with any model that attributes ear asymmetries entirely to fixed structural characteristics of the nervous system. Instead, ear asymmetries are influenced by the subject's categorization of the stimuli, i.e., by "virtual stimuli". These appear to be constructed over time (blocks of trials).
Effect of column temperature on enantioseparation of dihydropyrimidinones using alcohol solvated Chiralpak AS and AS‐H columns

In this study we report the application of column temperature programs to compare the chromatographic behaviors of four commercially available dihydropyrimidinone (DHP) compounds on Chiralpak AS and AS-H phases under different alcohol solvation conditions such as 1-propanol (1-PrOH), 2-methyl-1-PrOH (2-Me-1-PrOH), 1-butanol (1-BuOH), 2-BuOH, and tert-BuOH (t-BuOH) in n-hexane (n-Hex). It was observed that the apparent retention factors of the DHP compounds on the AS phase in t-BuOH/n-Hex mobile phase had the largest reduction (>27%) among the mobile phases studied after a heating and cooling temperature cycle (10 to 50 back to 10°C). However, the average reduction of the apparent retention factors of the compounds on t-BuOH solvated AS-H was less than 4%. No clear trend of changes in the apparent retention factors on AS and AS-H columns was observed in other alcohol modified mobile phases. Step-temperature programs showed that alcohol solvated AS phase had larger changes in the apparent retention factors with time than those of AS-H phase at the elevated temperature step (50°C). Both t-BuOH solvated AS and AS-H phases showed kinetic behaviors in chromatographic processes at the elevated temperature.
DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENTS AND INELASTIC RESPONSE IN STEEL BRIDGE BEAMS

A proposed method for mitigation of pavement faults at bridge abutments (the "bump at the end of the bridge") is the use of shallow foundations. Abutments on shallow foundations are expected to settle compatibly with embankments and thus to minimize pavement faults. Allowing bridge abutments to settle may reduce faults, but it creates a demand for tolerance of different settlement in bridge superstructures. Current guidelines for tolerable differential settlement of bridges are empirical only, and the application of elastic analysis of bridge superstructures to determine tolerance of settlement has not produced satisfactory results. Inelastic analysis of steel bridge beams was applied to the computation of tolerable differential settlement. Tests of inelastic rotation capacity of steel beams were reviewed and compared with the results of inelastic analyses. A model of tolerable inelastic rotation capacity in steel beams is proposed.
CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES IN THE MITOCHONDRIAL CHANNEL PROTEIN, VDAC, AND THEIR FUNCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract The voltage-dependent, anion-selective channel (VDAC) is generally considered the main pathway for metabolite diffusion across the mitochondrial outer membrane. It also interacts with several mitochondrial and cytosolic proteins, including kinases and cytochrome c. Sequence analysis and circular dichroism suggest that the channel is a bacterial porin-like β-barrel. However, unlike bacterial porins, VDAC does not form tight trimeric complexes and is easily gated (reversibly closed) by membrane potential and low pH. Circular dichroism indicates that the protein undergoes a major conformational change at pH
Intermetallic formation in gold-aluminum systems

Abstract Intermetallic formation in gold-aluminum systems has been studied at 200°C–460°C using butt-welded diffusion couples. The predominant intermetallic phase was found to be Au5Al2, but all five equilibrium phases of the system were present in the couples after annealing at long times. The kinetics of the process were measured and the activation energy for overall intermetallic formation was found to be 15.9 kcal/mol. The effect of silicon on intermetallic formation was also investigated. It was found that while silicon had little effect on the growth rate of AuAl, Au2Al, Au5Al2, and Au4Al, it substantially increased the amount of purple phase in the couples. An electron microprobe traverse indicated that this purple phase contained 6 wt.% Si. The relative tensile strengths of the intermetallics were determined indirectly by measuring the tensile properties of the diffused couples. It was found that all the intermetallics were stronger than gold or aluminum. However, appreciable voiding occurred in Au5Al2 after long times above 300°C and in AuAl2 after long times above 400°C weakening these phases catastrophically. The voiding was greatly accelerated by intermittent aging.
Creating a Collaborative Playground: Pediatric Nurses and Physicians Improving Communication to Ensure Patient Safety

Does the perception of increased collaboration between critical care nurses and critical care physicians improve job satisfaction for critical care nursing staff?
Whisker Sensor Design for Three Dimensional Position Measurement in Robotic Assisted Beating Heart Surgery

In the robotic-assisted off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, surgeon performs the operation with intelligent robotic instruments controlled through teleoperation that replace conventional surgical tools. The robotic tools actively cancel the relative motion between the surgical instruments and the point of interest on the beating heart. Measuring the motion of the heart during this operation is an important part of this scheme. In this paper, a novel whisker sensor design to measure the heart motion in three dimensions (3D) is presented. The proposed whisker sensor is a flexible contact sensor. Low stiffness of the sensor prevents damage on the tissue it contacts. This paper explains the design concept, and reports the simulation and measurement results of the prototype whisker position sensor
Characterization of sulfur mustard vapor-induced cutaneous lesions on haired guinea pigs.

Summary: The identification ofantivesicant compounds has been hindered by the lack of a suitable in vivo model. Our laboratory has been evaluating the hairless guinea pig as a useful animal model to mrmic the human cutaneous response to sulfur mustard f HD) exposure. The characterization of two cutaneous responses to HD. quantification of erythema using a reflectance color meter. and pathology by light microscopN. is described in this manuscript. Fifty-two hairless guinea pigs were exposed to saturated HD vapor usir,' a vapor cup technique. The dose response of HD vapor was established by varying the duration (2-11 min) of skin exposure to an Hi) vapor conccntration of -0.77 g/m' under occluded caps. The degree of erythema was determined by measuring the increase in the reflectance meter's a* (relativc parameter measuring the degree of redness) response for each exposure site at 4. 5. 6. and 24-h postexposure. A linear increase in erythema was observed between the 2- and 4-min HDexposure doses for each postHD observation. The increase in erythema reached a maximum with the 5-mmin HD exposure dose. HD exposures between ; and I I min produced the same degree oferythema. -'- The second method ofelaluation-degree of lesion patholog.--was determined b, observing the percent incidence (percentage of exposure sites with positive response) of sc~eral parameters. including (in order of increasing dose dependence) intracellular edema. basal cell necrosis. pustular epidermitis. microblister formation, and follicular necrosis. All markers exhibited a linear dose-response curve with parallel slopes. The more extensive cellular damage occurred at longer exposure times. We have observed in the hairless guinea pig microblister formation at the dermal-epidermal junction similar to that reported in other animal models including humans. The linear dose-response curve for microblister formae
Pharmacokinetic Disposition of Cefonicid in Patients with Renal Failure and Receiving Hemodialysis

Cefonicid is a new cephalosporin with a spectrum of activity similar to that of cefamandole. The pharmacokinetic disposition of the drug was examined in patients with various degrees of renal dysfunction and who were receiving hemodialysis. After patients were given a 7.5 mg/kg dose as an iv infusion, multiple blood and urine samples were obtained at frequent intervals, and the samples were analyzed for cefonicid concentration. Five patients receiving hemodialysis received an additional dose before a dialysis period to assess removal of the drug. The half-life of cefonicid increased markedly with declining renal function (470 hr in anuric patients). Total clearance and renal clearance decreased linearly with decreases in creatinine clearance. Steady-state volume of distribution remained approximately the same (0.11 liter/kg) in all patients. Cefonicid dosage can be reduced in proportion to decreases in creatinine clearance from normal levels. A simple nomogram is provided. Cefonicid is a new cephalosporin derivative with broad in vitro activity against most gram-positive cocci, including P-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, as well as many Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella. Approximately 50%-60% of Enterobacter and Providencia isolates are also susceptible [1-3]. Pharmacokinetic data for subjects with normal renal function have demonstrated that the drug is primarily excreted into the urine, with a plasma elimination half-life of a 3.5-4.5 hr [4, 5]. Renal clearance accounts for 90%o-95% of total plasma clearance in these subjects, and total clearance is ~,20% of creatinine clearance. Cefonicid is 98%
Produtividade e características físicas de frutos de Passiflora edulis enxertado sobre Passiflora gibertii em diferentes espaçamentos de plantio

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes espacamentos de plantio na produtividade e nas caracteristicas fisicas de frutos do maracujazeiro-amarelo (Passiflora edulis Sims) enxertado sobre o maracujazeiro-de-veado (Passiflora gibertii N.E. Brown). O experimento foi conduzido no municipio de Adamantina-SP, no periodo de maio de 2009 a abril de 2010, adotando-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e quatro repeticoes. Os tratamentos constituiram-se de diferentes espacamentos na linha de plantio: T1 - 1,0 m (3.125 plantas/ha); T2 - 1,5 m (2.083 plantas/ha); T3 - 2,0 m (1.563 plantas/ha); T4 - 3,0 m (1.042 plantas/ha); T5 - 4,0 m (781 plantas/ha), e T6 - 5,0 m (625 plantas/ha). O espacamento nas entrelinhas foi de 3,2 m de largura em todos os tratamentos. Avaliaram-se o diâmetro transversal dos frutos, o numero de frutos por planta, a massa media por fruto e a produtividade. Verificou-se que o adensamento de plantas nao interferiu no diâmetro transversal e na massa media dos frutos. Observou-se um menor numero de frutos por planta nos espacamentos mais adensados, que foram compensados pela produtividade por area.
Field measurement of air pollutants near swine confined-animal feeding operations using UV DOAS and FTIR

12 This paper reports the results of ammonia measurements near two CAFOs. In September of 1999, measurements were conducted for 48 hours downwind of a large-scale CAFO using two open- path monitors; an ultra violet differential optical absorption spectrometer (UV DOAS), and a Fourier transform interferometer (FTIR). In March of 2000, measurements were conducted at a much smaller CAFO using UV DOAS. This paper describes the calibration of a UV DOAS, compares UV DOAS and FTIR measurements, describes the effects of wind and atmospheric stability on ambient ammonia concentration, and suggests potential applications for open-path monitors for assessing public health risk.
Preadolescent Temperament and Risky Behavior: Bicycling Across Traffic-Filled Intersections in a Virtual Environment

Objective This investigation used a bicycling simulator to examine how preadolescent temperament is related to risky behavior. Methods Children aged 10 and 12 years (N ¼ 109) rode a bicycle through a virtual environment where they crossed intersections with continuous cross traffic. Mothers filled out the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised. Results Older children and male participants timed their entry into the intersection more precisely than did younger children and female participants, as did 10-year-old children higher in inhibitory control and 10-year-old boys higher in aggression. However, only 10-year-old children higher in inhibitory control had more time to spare when they cleared the intersection. For 10-year-old boys higher in aggression, cutting in more closely behind the lead vehicle was accompanied by less stopping at intersections, less waiting before crossing, and choosing smaller gaps to cross. Conclusions The Discussion section focuses on inhibitory control as a protective factor and aggression as a risk factor for car–bicycle collisions.
Probabilistic fault diagnosis in discrete event systems

This paper presents a concept of discrete-event probabilistic fault diagnosis as an extension of the binary decision approach proposed by Sampath et al., where unobservable failure events are included in the representation of the system behavior under both normal and faulty conditions. It is assumed that the probability of each transition is known at the time of decision making. Based on this finite-state automaton model, probabilistic reasoning is applied for on-line diagnosis of dynamical systems. The major advantage of this approach is early detection of multi-component faults, which facilitates robust reconfiguration of the decision and control system.
Mathematical methods in coordination chemistry: topological and graph-theoretical ideas in the study of metal clusters and polyhedral isomerizations

Abstract : An area of increasing importance during the past several decades has been coordination chemistry, namely the chemistry of compounds containing central metal atoms surrounded by donor ligands of various types. The development of new mathematical methods for understanding chemical structure, bonding, and reactivity with particular emphasis on approaches using the mathematical disciplines of topology, graph theory, and group theory is discussed. An overview of such work in the two areas of metal cluster bonding topology and polyhedral isomerizations is presented.
Modular development of certified program verifiers with a proof assistant

I report on an experience using the Coq proof assistant to develop a program verification tool with a machine-checkable proof of full correctness. The verifier is able to prove memory safety of x86 machine code programs compiled from code that uses algebraic datatypes. The tool's soundness theorem is expressed in terms of the bit-level semantics of x86 programs, so its correctness depends on very few assumptions. I take advantage of Coq's support for programming with dependent types and modules in the structure of my development. The approach is based on developing a library of reusable functors for transforming a verifier at one level of abstraction into a verifier at a lower level. Using this library, it's possible to prototype a verifier based on a new type system with a minimal amount of work, while obtaining a very strong soundness theorem about the final product.
Scanner spiralé et IRM dans l'exploration du pancréas

Le scanner spirale et l'IRM sont deux techniques d'umagerie qui peuvent etre utilisees dans l'exploration non-invasive des maladies du pancreas. Alors que le scanner spirale multi-sondes offre une resolution spatiale superbe (taille de voxel d'l mm ou moins et quasi isotropique), l'IRM se caracterise par une excellente resolution de contraste (qui compense pour une resolution spatiale moindre), une grande versatilite (capacite d'imagerie multiplanaire, possibilite de combiner l'IRM classique avec la cholangio-pancreatographie RM et l'angiographie RM dans la meme seance), une precision inegalee pour la caracterisation des lesions et la possibilite de fournir des informations plutot fonctionnelles qu'anatomiques. Avec l'utilisation des techniques IRM les plus elaborees, des lesions minuscules comme les calculs intra-canalaires et les petites tumeurs endocrines sont maintenant detectees en routine.
Failure to activate interleukin 1β-converting enzyme-like proteases and to cleave retinoblastoma protein in drug-resistant cells

We previously found that retinoblastoma (RB) is cleaved at the initiation of apoptotic execution. Here we report that when an HL-60 cell line resistant to cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) was exposed to this anticancer drug, neither RB cleavage nor apoptosis was detected. Consistent with that, processing of interleukin 1β-converting enzyme (ICE) and CPP32 (an ICE-like protease) was also prevented in these cells. In contrast, treatment of the HL-60-Ara-C-resistant cells with etoposide induced all of these apoptotic events. Furthermore, the etoposide-induced RB cleavage was inhibited by a specific tetrapeptide ICE-like inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that activation of the RB cleavage enzyme, an ICE-like protease, is required for overcoming drug resistance.
Improved carrier synchronization techniques for mobile communications

Architectures for carrier synchronization in frequency nonselective Rayleigh fading channels are presented. A two-stage algorithm is shown to provide roughly the same performance as a parallel-to-serial interface (PSI) with fully modulated signals. A hybrid PSI architecture is proposed which provides improvements in both performance and bandwidth efficiency.
Detecting the oldest geodynamo and attendant shielding from the solar wind: Implications for habitability

Abstract The onset and nature of the earliest geomagnetic field is important for understanding the evolution of the core, atmosphere and life on Earth. A record of the early geodynamo is preserved in ancient silicate crystals containing minute magnetic inclusions. These data indicate the presence of a geodynamo during the Paleoarchean, between 3.4 and 3.45 billion years ago. While the magnetic field sheltered Earth’s atmosphere from erosion at this time, standoff of the solar wind was greatly reduced, and similar to that during modern extreme solar storms. These conditions suggest that intense radiation from the young Sun may have modified the atmosphere of the young Earth by promoting loss of volatiles, including water. Such effects would have been more pronounced if the field were absent or very weak prior to 3.45 billion years ago, as suggested by some models of lower mantle evolution. The frontier is thus trying to obtain geomagnetic field records that are ≫ 3.45 billion-years-old, as well as constraining solar wind pressure for these times. In this review we suggest pathways for constraining these parameters and the attendant history of Earth’s deep interior, hydrosphere and atmosphere. In particular, we discuss new estimates for solar wind pressure for the first 700 million years of Earth history, the competing effects of magnetic shielding versus solar ion collection, and bounds on the detection level of a geodynamo imposed by the presence of external fields. We also discuss the prospects for constraining Hadean–Paleoarchean magnetic field strength using paleointensity analyses of zircons.
Isolation of high molecular weight amylose by dimethylsulfoxide dispersion

The problem of the isolation of the amylose component of starch under conditions of minimal degradation has been re-examined. It is confirmed that aqueous leaching of granules under anaerobic conditions as advocated by Gilbert and co-workers leads to amylose of high intrinsic viscosity and very high molecular weight (Mw > 1 × 106), and of high degree of digestion by crystalline β-amylase (∼95%). However, yields are poor under practical conditions. An alternative procedure is described based on the fact that fresh undried potato starch can be quantitatively dispersed in dimethylsulfoxide by prolonged contact at room temperature. Addition of butanol to this solution results in precipitation of both amylose and amylopectin components. This precipitate can, however, be redissolved in water and the amylose component separated in the customary manner by butanol complexing (following a brief heating of the aqueous solution to 70°C). After one recrystallization a product has been attained which possesses an iodine binding capacity of 18.9 mg./100 mg., and intrinsic viscosity and Mw even higher than in case of the material leached by water under anaerobic conditions. Further, the high degree of digestibility by crystalline β-amylase (>95%) indicates negligible chemical alteration of the normal linkages under the preparative conditions.
PHASEPLOT: An On-Line Graphical Display Technique

A parametric display technique for on-line graphical output is presented. This technique is particularly useful for rapid display of continuous ``smooth'' data, through relatively few computer commands. Graphical data to be displayed are composed from primitive segments, each of which corresponds to one computer command that specifies starting and stopping point, final slope, and ``curvature.'' Presented topics include the basic principle of operation, a class of hardware realizations, typical software requirements, and experimental results of a display prototype.
A review of "African Americans and Criminal Justice: An Encyclopedia", Edited by Delores D. Jones-Brown

It is hard to imagine a more timely reference work than African Americans and Criminal Justice: An Encyclopedia. Reports concerning the tragic deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and New York pol...
Of Commas, Gerunds, and Conjunctions: The Bankruptcy Jurisprudence of the Rehnquist Court

This article analyzes the individual cases reviewed by the Supreme Court under the tutelage of Chief Justice William Rehnquist by homing in on some of the issues unique to each case and identifying recurring themes. These individual cases are then viewed in light of what they reveal about the jurisprudence and methodology of the Supreme Court and of the individual Justices. This article also attempts to identify probable effects of the decisions, intended as well as unintended, and the difficulties created as well as those left unresolved.
An Information Exchange Framework Utilizing Smart Buildings for Efficient Microgrid Operation

In this paper, we propose an information exchange framework to incorporate smart building demands into a microgrid operation. We especially focus on scheduling smart building demand along with other possibly highly uncertain microgrid generation resources a day ahead or shorter ahead of operation. Since every building demand has different energy consumption profiles and dynamics, it is inefficient for the grid operator to directly control a potentially large number of buildings. On the other hand, if the grid operator does not have sufficient information on the buildings and their resource potentials, smart buildings cannot be deployed to the full extent. Our proposed framework attempts to align these conflicting objectives in a reasonable way, taking into consideration the realistic limitations of communication time, various physical characteristics and dynamics of the buildings, and the building managers' economic objectives. This framework is in line with the concept of dynamic monitoring and decision systems (DYMONDS), where the economic objectives and physical dynamics of any flexible generation and loads on the grid are aggregated by load aggregators and incorporated in the optimal system operation.
The Role of Diatomic SiO in Dry Oxidation of Si

The interaction of O2(g) with clean Si(s) surfaces at high temperature and low pressure leads to an etching reaction, 1/2 O2(g) + Si(s) → SiO(g), which results in the evolution of SiO molecules from the surface. Above a critical O2 pressure, an oxide film SiO2(s) begins to grow. The evolution of diatomic SiO during the early stages of film growth may provide a mechanism to account for deviations from standard models of oxidation kinetics for thin oxides, and for the results of oxygen isotope tracer studies of oxide formation. In order to monitor the rate of SiO evolution, we have made in-situ measurements of the SiO concentration in the gas phase, using a laser-induced fluorescence technique. With this method, SiO(g) can be monitored in the furnace with good spatial resolution and a sensitivity limit of ~ 106 molecules cm−3. Measurements of SiO evolution and the implications for oxide growth will be discussed.
51 HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL PROTECTS THROMBIN-INDUCED ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER DYSFUNCTION BY INDUCING ACTIN CYTOSKELETON REARRANGEMENT, WHICH RESULTS IN ROBUST ENHANCEMENT OF ENDOTHELIAL CELL BARRIER INTEGRITY.

ARDS is characterized by sudden, life-threatening lung failure with diffuse alveolar infiltrate, reduced arterial oxygenation, and pulmonary edema. Acute lung injury (ALI) is the end result of common pathways initiated by a variety of local or systemic insults. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds are inert and nontoxic polymers that act as a surrogate mucin lining providing protection against bacterial infections on intestinal epithelial cells. We hypothesized that PEG may provide similar protective effects on lung endothelium by attenuating endothelial cell (EC) activation that results in barrier dysfunction. This study examines the effects of a high-molecular-weight PEG (PEG15-20) on cultured human pulmonary microvessel EC from barrier disruptive agents. EC were cultured on microelectrodes and changes in transendothelial electrical resistances (TER) were measured to assess alterations in paracellular permeability. PEG induced a rapid, dose-dependent increase in TER similar to barrier-enhancing lipid such as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Optimal concentration of 7.5-9% PEG induced a robust increase in TER from 2,500 to 5,000 ohm, which was sustained for 40 hours. In comparison to S1P, which induced a 40% increase in resistance in 10-15 minutes, the maximum barrier enhancing effect of PEG was achieved in about 45 minutes, but with 100% increase in resistance. With a 2-fold increase in resistance, PEG is one of the most potent barrier-enhancing agents tested among all the barrier-enhancing agents, such as S1P, FTY720, phospho-FTY720, and HGF. Immunofluorescence data revealed that PEG altered the EC actin cytoskeleton to form a defined cortical actin ring that may help strengthen cell-cell junctional adhesion. PEG rapidly induced dephosphorylation of ERK and MLC as early as 1 minute and completely inhibited thrombin-induced ERK and MLC phosphorylation. More importantly, pretreatment with PEG for 1 hour attenuated thrombin-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. In summary, PEG activates a rapid, actin-associated, barrier-enhancing signal transduction pathway in EC, which may have therapeutic potential to prevent and reverse pulmonary edema. Funded by HL058064 and GM062344.
Discrimination of chiral copper(ii) complexes upon binding of galactonoamidine ligands.

The coordination between N-p-methylbenzyl-D-galactonoamidine, a putative transition state analogue of the hydrolyis of glycosidic bonds, and symmetric and chiral binuclear copper(II) complexes was characterized by spectroscopic titration, isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and DFT calculations to elucidate the binding sites in the carbohydrate upon coordination to selected metal complexes. For the formation of metal complex-glyconoamidine assemblies, contributions of the amidine site and of the hydroxyl group at C-2 in the glycon of the amidine are noted. The chiral complexes S- and R-Cu2bpdbo are discriminated by a third binding site in the carbohydrate that leads to higher stability of complexes derived from S-Cu2bpdbo (4–5 kcal mol−1) compared to those formed from R-Cu2bpdbo.
Energy-Efficient Power Control in Fading Channels With Markovian Sources and QoS Constraints

In this paper, energy-efficient power adaptation policies in fading channels are analyzed when data arrivals are modeled as Markovian processes (namely, discrete Markov, Markov fluid, and discrete and fluid Markov modulated Poisson processes) and statistical quality of service (QoS) constraints are imposed on buffer overflow probabilities. In the analysis, both transmission and circuit power consumptions are considered. After formulating energy efficiency (EE) as maximum throughput normalized by the total power consumption, optimal power control policies that maximize EE are obtained for different source models. The impact of source randomness on EE is determined. Optimal power control schemes maximizing the throughput under EE or average power constraints are also investigated. With this, tradeoff between throughput and EE is studied. Finally, the analysis is extended to multichannel scenarios. Overall, the influence of source statistics, QoS constraints, and number of subchannels on the optimal power control policies, throughput, and EE performance is identified.
IV fosphenytoin in obese patients: Dosing strategies, safety, and efficacy.

Abstract Background: Previous studies evaluated the disposition of IV phenytoin loading doses and found that obese patients had increased drug distribution into excess body weight, larger volumes of distribution, and longer half-lives when compared to their nonobese counterparts. We assess the safety and efficacy of fosphenytoin loading doses in patients with different body mass indices (BMIs). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 410 patients who received fosphenytoin. Patients were divided into 2 groups: BMI Results: The median dose of fosphenytoin administered was 19 mg/kg (interquartile range 15–20). The most frequently encountered adverse event was hypotension, which occurred in 39% of the cohort. Using a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons, there were no differences in adverse events between the 2 groups. The need for additional antiepileptic loading doses was not different between the 2 groups ( p = 0.07). Conclusions: The incidence of adverse events and the need for repeat loading antiepileptic medications was similar between the 2 groups. From our findings, the patients in our study did not receive empiric loading dose adjustments and the current method of loading fosphenytoin achieves similar outcomes, regardless of the patient9s BMI.
Changes of Color of Aqueous Beef Extract Caused by Pseudomonas fragi1

Growth of Pseudomonas fragi had a significant (P < .05) effect on the color of aqueous beef extract stored at 1 ± 1 C. As numbers of P. fragi increased from log 5 to 7.9/ml during 10 days of storage at 1 ± 1 C, the pH increased from 5.5 to 6.0. At the end of 10 days there was a 76% loss of oxymyoglobin in samples inoculated with P. fragi . There was a 45% loss of oxymyoglobin in sterile-control samples. A possible mechanism for conversion of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin is suggested.
Mechanisms of surface alloy segregation on faceted core-shell nanowire growth

Abstract A general two-dimensional faceted model that accounts for capillarity and deposition of an AxB 1 − x alloy is developed for the growth of the shell on a hexagonal core. With this model, the surface alloy segregation and morphological evolution in the processes of the faceted core-shell nanowire growth are studied both analytically and numerically. Mechanisms of formation of Al-rich stripes along { 112 } facets and Al-poor quantum dots/wires at the apices of { 112 } facets are identified. More specifically, it is found that diffusion tends to move the atoms from { 112 } facets to { 110 } facets. The formation of Al-rich stripes along the { 112 } facets is due to the large ratios of mobilities of Al atoms and Ga atoms on { 112 } facets, even though Al atoms diffuse slower than Ga on the { 110 } facets. In addition, the difference of interaction parameters in the enthalpy on different facets can also lead to lines of enhanced concentration of Al behind { 112 } facets. If the attachment rates of Al on the { 112 } facets are smaller than that on { 110 } facets, Al-poor dots will grow at the end of the Al-rich stripes because the growth process switches from diffusion dominant to deposition dominant when the size of the nanowire gets large. Moreover, influences of different parameters on the distribution of concentrations of the atoms in the shell are investigated in details.
Utilization of an octocopter as a two-way field probe for electro-magnetic field measurements at an outdoor radar cross section range

Dynamic field probes intend to provide an efficient method for measuring the electromagnetic characteristics observed within an RCS test range. Outdoor RCS test ranges typically consume a large volume that require extensive time and labor to measure. This research explores the use of a shielded octocopter to function as a two-way field probe. The shield provides a characterizable RCS measured by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Random Noise Radar (RNR) system to determine the deviations exhibited on incident electromagnetic plane waves within the test volume. Accomplishing the analysis of magnitude and phase deviations requires creating an RCS calibration data set of the shielded octocopter and comparing its difference to the RCS measured during the drone's flight at the outdoor range. Uncertainty must be considered in the field probe measurement. The octocopters GPS and INS modules contribute to uncertainty in the location and orientation of the field probe as it is measured by the noise radar. The uncertainty values determined from the position and pose of the octocopter are applied to a Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis in which the result provides a notional range of possible RCS measurements observed from the field probe.
Scattered Dose Calculations and Measurements in a Life-Like Mouse Phantom.

Anatomically accurate phantoms are useful tools for radiation dosimetry studies. In this work, we demonstrate the construction of a new generation of life-like mouse phantoms in which the methods have been generalized to be applicable to the fabrication of any small animal. The mouse phantoms, with built-in density inhomogeneity, exhibit different scattering behavior dependent on where the radiation is delivered. Computer models of the mouse phantoms and a small animal irradiation platform were devised in Monte Carlo N-Particle code (MCNP). A baseline test replicating the irradiation system in a computational model shows minimal differences from experimental results from 50 Gy down to 0.1 Gy. We observe excellent agreement between scattered dose measurements and simulation results from X-ray irradiations focused at either the lung or the abdomen within our phantoms. This study demonstrates the utility of our mouse phantoms as measurement tools with the goal of using our phantoms to verify complex computat...
USE OF VIABAHN ENDOGRAFT FOR REPAIR OF POPLITEAL ARTERY ANEURYSM: LARGEST SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background: Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the most common peripheral aneurysm. When left untreated, it is associated with significant morbidity and limb loss. Here, we present our experience and outcome of endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm with Gore Viabhan stent. Methods: This
REARING OF TRICHOSIROCALUS HORRIDUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) LARVAE IN ARTIFICIAL DIETS

Diet components of an initially acceptable diet for larvae of Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer), an introduced weevil for thistle control, Carduus thoermeri Weinmann and C. acanthoides L., were systematically varied to determine if the yield of adult weevils could be improved. A total of 56 new diets were prepared and tested. Survival to the late third instar was slightly improved up to 39%, while larval development improved with additions of Vandersant Vitamin Supplement (8 g per 425 ml batch of diet), lyophilized thistle roots, ergosterol, or by transferring larvae to identical fresh diets after 4 weeks. However, larval survival decreased when excessive casein hydrolysate or 7-dehydrocholesterol was used. Sucrose did not improve larval growth. Of the six new diets that supported complete larval development, one diet yielded two adults, while the other five yielded one adult each. Only one of the diet-reared females oviposited eggs, and longevity of diet-reared adults was shorter than adults reared from ...
Towards a New Framework for Urbanization and Sustainability

This chapter describes the overall framework that links literatures, ideas, and scholars from urban ecology, environmental justice, and global environmental change; these subdisciplines have so far remained largely separate but have great potential for intellectual synergy.
Genetic diversity of Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. based on genomic simple sequence repeat markers

Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv., commonly known as poverty oatgrass, is a perennial bunch-type grass native to North America. D. spicata is often found in low input turfgrass areas on the East Coast of the United States and has potential for development as a new native low input turfgrass species. Roche 454 sequenced randomly sheared genomic DNA reads of D. spicata were mined for SSR markers using the MIcroSAtellite identification tool. A total of 66,553 singlet sequences (approximately 37.5 Mbp) were examined, and 3454 SSR markers were identified. Trinucleotide motifs with greater than six repeats and possessing unique PCR priming sites within the genome, as determined by Primer-BLAST, were evaluated visually for heterozygosity and mutation consistent with stepwise evolution using CLC Genomics software. Sixty-three candidate markers were selected for testing from the trinucleotide SSR marker sites meeting these in silico criteria. Ten primer pairs that amplified polymorphic loci in preliminary experiments were used to screen 91 individual plants composed of at least 3–5 plants from each of 23 different locations. The primer pairs amplified 54 alleles ranging in size from 71 to 246 bp. Minimum and maximum numbers of alleles per locus were two and 12, respectively, with an average of 5.4. A dendrogram generated by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis using the Jaccard’s similarity coefficient was in agreement with the grouping obtained by Structure v2.3. The analyses were dominated by clonal groupings and lack evidence for gene flow with some alleles present in a single plant from a single location. Fourteen multilocus genotype groups were observed providing strong evidence for asexual reproduction in the studied D. spicata populations.
Surgical removal of dystrophic calcification on a silicone intraocular lens in association with asteroid hyalosis.

We present a case of successful removal of late calcium deposition on the posterior surface of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) optic in association with asteroid hyalosis using a surgical technique that included pars plana vitrectomy, a lighted pick, and a modified silicone-tipped cannula. The lighted pick provided the most efficient and complete removal of calcium deposits. Postoperatively, the dystrophic calcification was removed and the IOL optic was clear at 6 months follow-up. The patient's symptoms resolved and uncorrected distance visual acuity returned to 20/20. This method can be considered in patients with dystrophic calcification of a silicone IOL in association with asteroid hyalosis and might avoid the need for IOL exchange and its associated complications and uncertain refractive outcomes.
Vegetation Response to Juniper Reduction and Grazing Exclusion in Sagebrush-Steppe Habitat in Eastern Oregon☆

Abstract Western juniper expansion is one of the largest threats to conserving sagebrush steppe ecosystems in the northwestern United States. Juniper expansion has degraded the sagebrush steppe by altering fire regimes and outcompeting shrubs and herbaceous vegetation for limited resources. We characterized the effect of juniper removal in a severely degraded sagebrush steppe habitat for 3 yr following juniper cutting. In addition, we measured the effect of low-intensity seasonal grazing on plant community recovery through cattle exclusion treatments. We monitored plant community composition (exotic annual grasses, preferred grasses, preferred forbs, and shrubs); fuel loads; and juniper recruitment in a factorial design of juniper removal and grazing exclusion. We found that although there were significant differences between cut and uncut juniper treatments, there were no consistent trends across all 3 yr. Our results suggest that other factors, such as timing of precipitation, may also have strong short-term effects on plant community composition. We detected no significant grazing effects during the study period, suggesting the current grazing regime is appropriate for the area. The cutting of juniper increased total fuel loads and herbaceous fuel loads. Compared with open interspace, a twofold increase in juniper seedlings and saplings was detected beneath juniper piles, which will act as sources for future juniper encroachment.
Gaze-based signatures of mind wandering during real-world scene processing

Physiological limitations on the visual system require gaze to move from location to location to extract the most relevant information within a scene. Therefore, gaze provides a real-time index of the information-processing priorities of the visual system. We investigated gaze allocation during mind wandering (MW), a state where cognitive priorities shift from processing task-relevant external stimuli (i.e., the visual world) to task-irrelevant internal thoughts. In both a main study and a replication, we recorded the eye movements of college-aged adults who studied images of urban scenes and responded to pseudorandom thought probes on whether they were mind wandering or attentively viewing at the time of the probe. Probe-caught MW was associated with fewer and longer fixations, greater fixation dispersion, and more frequent eyeblinks (only observed in the main study) relative to periods of attentive scene viewing. These findings demonstrate that gaze indices typically considered to represent greater engagement with scene processing (e.g., longer fixations) can also indicate MW. In this way, the current work exhibits a need for empirical investigations and computational models of gaze control to account for MW for a more accurate representation of the moment-to-moment information-processing priorities of the visual system. (PsycINFO Database Record
HEARING AND LATERAL LINE | Physiology of the Ear and Brain: How Fish Hear

Hair cells in the fish inner ear transduce sound into an electrical signal that is conveyed to the brain via auditory afferents. Fish auditory afferents are broadly tuned to low frequencies, are phase locked, and have monotonic rate-level function. The strength of phase locking decreases along the auditory pathway from the periphery to brain. Frequency tuning is enhanced at the midbrain but no further increase in tuning is found at higher levels of the brain. The peripheral phase locking is transformed into a central code. Octavolateral efferents have distinct response characteristics and regulate afferent inputs to the brain.
Towards a systematic framework for the synthesis of operable process intensification systems

Abstract In this work we present an integrated framework to derive intensified designs with guaranteed safety and operability performance. A step-by-step procedure is described featuring: (i) superstructure-based process synthesis using Generalized Modular Representation Framework, (ii) development of advanced multi-parametric control strategies following the PAROC framework and software platform, and (iii) inherent safety analysis at early design stage utilizing quantitative risk assessment. Two case studies with increasing intensification complexity, namely heat exchanger network synthesis and reactive distillation column design, are investigated to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed framework.
SLAM-Based Performance Quantification of Sensing Architectures for Autonomous Vehicles

The list of possible sensors supporting autonomous tasks in a vehicle is considerable. Sensors are one of the main drivers of costs for current prototypes of autonomous vehicles. As production volume increases, companies have to take into account this cost, and consider whether the increase in performance given by the addition of redundancy in sensing is worth the cost. This paper analyzes sensor fusion from a systems perspective, and proposes a method based on factor graphs to quantity the error given by a combination of sensors for the simultaneous localization and mapping task, as a function of the individual sensor capabilities. A total of 81 different combinations are analyzed, with 4 different types of sensors, and varying levels of performance and cost within each type of sensors. This analysis reveals several findings; in some cases, the addition of sensors can decrease the performance of the system by adding noise, and there is a cost over which performance stops increasing. Additionally, we quantity the intuitive idea that systems including sensors working in adverse conditions might still perform well if there are other complementary sensor to provide reliable information to the system.
A review of reviews: Sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease specific to older people

Background The incidence of sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease impacts the health of older people, potentially leading to serious and negative health consequences. Aim The purpose of this umbrella review was to identify the systematic reviews that explore the association between sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease specific to older people. Methods An umbrella review was undertaken to systematically search five databases. Papers included were published between 2011 and 2015. Results A search yielded 2,163 results. Six reviews met the inclusion criteria. While all six systematic reviews included older people in the overall sample, only one systematic review focused on an entirely older person population. Three of the six systematic reviews provided a meta-analysis, but none of the reviews reported a separate subgroup analysis for a discrete sample of older people CONCLUSION: This umbrella review demonstrates that while sedentary behaviour is associated with cardiovascular disease, a gap exists in the analysis on the relationship specific to older persons. Implications for practice Interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour may improve cardiovascular health and well-being among older people.