cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Localization Algorithm Based on Reference Selection of Selective Weighting ILS Technique

The choice of the reference node in the Least Squares (LS) approach based on received signal strength (RSS) is an important aspect that can have a significant impact on localization accuracy. Recently, a LS selective and weighting approach was proposed in the non cooperative frame for localization in NLOS environments. In this paper, we rather consider the cooperative scenario and we optimize the reference node choice. By analyzing the objective function of LS algorithm, a new cooperative method for selecting the reference node is proposed, which selects the reference node based on two existing algorithms for reference selection (RS) minimum residual and residual weighting for reference selection (RS) to form a new algorithm which we denote Cooperative-Rwgh-RS. Using numerical results, we demonstrate the impact of the proposed cooperative method and the node selection procedure on the localization accuracy.
Too much and too fast? Public investment scaling-up and absorptive capacity ☆

Abstract A recent trend in several low-income developing countries has been a rapid scaling-up of public investment. It is argued that in the presence of limited absorptive capacity countries are not able – in terms of skills, institutions, and management – to translate additional public investment into sustained output growth. We test for the presence of absorptive capacity constraints using a large dataset of World Bank investment projects, approved between 1970 and 2007 in 80 countries. Our results indicate that projects undertaken in periods of public investment scaling-up are less likely to be successful, although this effect is relatively small, especially in poor and capital scarce countries. We also verify that this effect is unrelated to large aid flows and donor fragmentation.
Capital Intensity, Neutral Technological Change, and Earnings Inequality

Using a neoclassical production function with aggregate amounts of labour, skill, and capital, earnings inequality is derived as the product of inequality in skills and inequality multiplier. Evidence from growth accounting supports the capital-intensity hypothesis that capital accumulation increases the inequality multiplier. Neutral technological change then raises the inequality multiplier by inducing capital accumulation. The results provide a theoretical basis for Jan Tinbergen's characterization of the evolution of inequality as a race between technological development and education.
Orthostatic Circulatory Disorders: From Nosology to Nuts and Bolts

When patients complain of altered consciousness or discomfort in the upright posture, either relieved by recumbency or culminating in syncope, physicians may find themselves baffled. There is a wide variety of disorders that cause abnormal regulation of blood pressure and pulse rate in the upright posture. The aim of this focused review is 3-fold. First, to offer a classification (nosology) of these disorders; second, to illuminate the mechanisms that underlie them; and third, to assist the physician in the practical aspects of diagnosis of adult orthostatic hypotension, by extending clinical skills with readily available office technology.
Immunochemical studies of human urinary erythropoietin

SummaryAn immunochemical study of human urinary erythropoietin has been presented. The experiments indicate that the erythropoietic activity as assayed in the polycythemic mouse of erythropoietically active human urinary concentrates can be neutralized in vitro by addition of sera obtained from rabbits previously immunized with such concentrates. A significant depression of erythropoiesis was observed after injection of such sera into normal mice. It is concluded that neutralization is the result of an antigen-antibody reaction.
Validation of a cultural cancer screening scale for mammogram utilization in a sample of African American women.

Background The Cultural Cancer Screening Scale (CCSS) was developed to identify cultural factors relevant to breast and cervical cancer screening in a sample of Hispanic and white women in Southern California. This scale identified 5 distinct cultural factors as relevant in cancer screening decision making. Objective The purpose of this study was to consider psychometric estimates of the validity and reliability of this scale in a sample of African American women residing in an urban area of New Jersey. Interventions/methods A total of 122 women, aged 40 to 90 years, with no history of breast cancer participated in the study. Internal consistency, reliability, construct, and predictive validity were assessed. Results Exploratory factor analysis resulted in the formation of 5 subsets: cancer screening fatalism, negative beliefs about health professionals, catastrophic disease expectations, symptomatic deterrents, and sociocultural deterrents, all clearly independent of each other. The Cronbach's α for the composite score of the scale was .89. Predictive validity of the composite scale score was not significant, but 4 cultural items were significant: problems making an appointment, lack of transportation, discomfort with health professionals, and health professionals inappropriately touch their patients. Conclusions Overall, the CCSS demonstrated acceptable preliminary values of reliability and validity in this population. Implications for practice Cultural and social factors relevant to cancer screening are very important for all women. The CCSS has not yet been used in nursing research but would be very appropriate for nurses to use to better understand why women choose to access cancer screening services.
RF-driven modification of phase space distribution

It is shown that bunch phase space distribution can be modified by means of RF phase modulation.
An interesting electrocardiogram.

Having spent years collecting electrocardiograms (ECGs), I found this one the most intriguing (Figure). Try to solve it. Two hints: (1) don't be seduced by the top row; and (2) a caliper is useful. Figure. An interesting electrocardiogram.
Variability analysis of crosstalk among pairs of differential vias using polynomial-chaos and design of experiments methods

The variability of the worst-case crosstalk among differential vias in response to the change of the relative locations of the ground and the differential vias are studied in this work. The polynomial-chaos (PC) and the design of experiments (DoE) methods are applied to construct the statistical models. Both methods work well. But the DoE method is preferred in our case since it takes fewer simulations.
Effect of Propionibacterium freudenreichii on Salmonella multiplication, motility, and association with avian epithelial cells

We investigated the effects of a probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, on Salmonella multiplication, motility, and association to and invasion of avian epithelial cells in vitro. Two subspecies of P. freudenreichii (P. freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii and P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii) were tested against 3 Salmonella serotypes in poultry, namely, S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Heidelberg, using co-culture-, motility, multiplication, cell association, and invasion assays. Both strains of P. freudenreichii were effective in reducing or inhibiting multiplication of all 3 Salmonella serotypes in co-culture and turkey cecal contents (P ≤ 0.05). P. freudenreichii significantly reduced Salmonella motility (P ≤ 0.05). Cell culture studies revealed that P. freudenreichii associated with the avian epithelial cells effectively and reduced S. Enteritidis, S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium cell association in the range of 1.0 to 1.6 log10 CFU/mL, and invasion in the range of 1.3 to 1.5 log10 CFU/mL (P ≤ 0.05), respectively. Our current in vitro results indicate the potential of P. freudenreichii against Salmonella in poultry. Follow-up in vivo studies are underway to evaluate this possibility.
Syntagmatic and Paradigmatic Synergism: Notes on “Lanigan’s ‘Encyclopedic Dictionary’”

ABSTRACTRichard L. Lanigan, founder of the International Communicology Institute, has formulated a synergistic account of the relationship between sign-systems (semiotics) and lived experience (phenomenology). In this article I overview some of the technical vocabulary found within Lanigan’s “Semiotic Phenomenology” and attempt to clarify the parallel relations between (a) part/whole, (b) variance/invariance, (c) empirical/eidetic, and (d) context-dependence/decontextualization by examining the relationships between the syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes of discourse. I also contextualize the relationship between “information” and “communication” by locating the former mainly within the evolutionary advent of denotation, and I furthermore spell out the role that alphabetic literacy plays in fortifying paradigmatic and syntagmatic resources.
Chemical and optical studies of electrochromic hydrated nickel oxide films and devices

Over the last few years, hydrated nickel oxide or hydroxide has gained interest as an electrochromic materiall. It has many important features. First it shows a transparent to bronze coloration which is suitable for a number of architectural, vehicle and aerospace glazing applications. This material is stable in an alkaline environment and colors and bleaches at potentials below 1.0V and below the oxygen and hydrogen evolution potentials. It can be deposited by a wide range of processes, including anodic and cathodic electrodeposition, r.f. and d.c. sputtering, vacuum evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, and solgel processes. In this work we will discuss films made chiefly by anodic electrodeposition. Some of the best characteristics are seen in films made by electrodeposition. The properties of films made by other deposition processes will be discussed in subsequent chapters. Much of the electrochemical knowledge about hydrated nickel oxide comes from studies of metallic nickel electrodes used in batteries. The study of hydrated nickel oxide based electrochromic devices is just emerging, and so far very few devices have been reported2-4. Some of the work by my group on nickel based devices will be outlined later in this chapter.
Return to Kahiki: Native Hawaiians in Oceania

"Between 1850 and 1907, Native Hawaiians sought to develop relationships with other Pacific Islanders, reflecting how they viewed not only themselves as a people but their wider connections to Oceania and the globe. Kealani Cook analyzes the relatively little known experiences of Native Hawaiian missionaries, diplomats, and travelers, shedding valuable light on the rich but understudied accounts of Hawaiians outside of Hawaiʻi. Native Hawaiian views of other islanders typically corresponded with their particular views and experiences of the Native Hawaiian past. The more positive their outlook, the more likely they were to seek cross-cultural connections. This is an important intervention in the growing field of Pacific and Oceanic history and the study of native peoples of the Americas, where books on indigenous Hawaiians are few and far between. Cook returns the study of Hawai'i to a central place in the history of cultural change in the Pacific."--Book description from Cambridge University Press
A review on catalytic-pyrolysis of coal and biomass for value-added fuel and chemicals

Pyrolysis is an attractive method for converting solid/liquid carbon-based fuels into higher –value or more convenient products. During the process, organic compounds are decomposed into smaller sp...
Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations of Catalytic Energy Barriers in a Metallorganic Framework with Transition-Metal-Functionalized Nodes

We have investigated electronic energy barriers for ethylene hydrogenation and C–H bond activation in transition-metal-functionalized Zr-based nodes in the NU-1000 metal–organic framework using qua...
Von der Technik zum Kunden

Die Automobilindustrie hat in den vergangenen 100 Jahren ein unvergleichliches Wachstum durchschritten und hat sich von einer Nischenindustrie zu einer der wichtigsten Industrien der Weltwirtschaft entwickelt.
The Nature of Sudden In-Custody Deaths

The sudden death of an arrestee, a detainee in police/detention custody, or an individual confined in a mental health facility, after a violent encounter, is an unexpected event that can create a significant impact on the criminal justice system, the community at large, and the medical community. For a number of years, police, correction, and psychiatric entities have undergone sharp public, medical, and legal scrutiny regarding the type and degree of force that was used, as well as the type of restraints that were applied in subduing the resisting person. In a significant percentage of incidents the resisting person exhibits bizarre behavior, combative and violent resistance, requiring multiple personnel to respond and use higher levels of physical force, and varying types of force methods and restraint equipment. The resisting person’s behavior is often related to chemical impairment, symptoms of mental impairment, or both. After restraint has been accomplished, responding personnel notice that the once combative person has become tranquil and unresponsive, requiring medical intervention. Efforts to revive the person by the responding personnel or emergency medical personnel were unsuccessful, whereupon it is determined that the individual is dead, all within a short time after the confrontation.
Basic Cognitive Modes

By cognitive modes we mean here those processes or dynamic relationships in which the cognitive elements dealt with in the previous section are included.
Proposed Approach for Admittance Testing of a Complex Aerospace Structure

It is common practice to utilize lower fidelity payloads to represent a complex aerospace payload during delivery system-with-payload, ground testing. Typically, the high fidelity payload hardware is not only costly but hard to acquire. Admittance testing can theoretically be used to experimentally model responses of a payload due to interface forces. In this paper we will consider the question, “Can the response of high fidelity payload hardware be predicted from an environmental test on a delivery system with low fidelity payloads and admittance data on all the substructures?” In theory, by acquiring the admittance models of the high and low fidelity payloads as well as the delivery system, one can adjust the measured interface responses and predict the response as if the high fidelity unit had been present in the ground test instead of the low fidelity payload. In this paper, work in progress is described to demonstrate the payload substitution capability for a specific complex aerospace structure.
Effects of Climate‐Related Stream Factors on Patterns of Individual Summer Growth of Cutthroat Trout

U.S. Geological Survey-Priority Ecosystems Science Program; Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation; University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Station; Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited Chapter
“Banking Deserts,” Bank Branch Losses, and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Characteristics in the City of Chicago: A Spatial and Statistical Analysis

Because banks have the potential to bring a variety of benefits to their surrounding neighborhoods, the (often poor) areas that lack them can face even stronger economic challenges. These “banking ...
Academic Jobs in Political Science: A Review of Listings with the APSA Jobs Service

The academic job market for political scientists has been relatively strong in recent years, with job listings in the last several years outpacing those in the 1980s and 1990s. The number of jobs posted for academic year 2003 was the highest in over 20 years. Listings for last year, AY2004, dipped from these recent highs. But early numbers of listings in AY2005 seem to have rebounded and are greater than those for corresponding quarters in the last few years. In AY2004, 920 positions were listed with the association, compared with 1,123 the year before. The 2004 level still exceeded all openings posted annually during the 1990s. Total numbers of academic jobs listed with APSA are charted in Figure 1 .
High-performance dense tucker decomposition on GPU clusters

The dense Tucker decomposition method is one of the most popular algorithms for analyzing and compressing data with multi-way relationship. Its execution time is typically dominated by dense matrix multiplication operations, which makes it well-suited for GPU acceleration. State-of-the-art distributed dense Tucker implementations for CPU clusters adopt multi-dimensional partitioning that optimizes for storage and communication. This, however, leads to smaller matrix dimensions that result in under-utilizing the GPU resources. In this paper, we present our optimized implementation and performance analysis of dense Tucker decomposition on a multi-GPU cluster. We propose three key optimizations: a new partitioning strategy that improves performance for GPUs, a new tensor matricization layout that halves the number of communication and matricization steps, and a variation of the randomized SVD algorithm to overcome the eigenvalue calculation bottleneck that arises from the high speedup gained from GPU acceleration. When compared to the state-of-the-art TuckerMPI library, our best GPU implementation, which employs all three optimizations described above, achieves up to 11.8× speedup on 64 nodes. Our best CPU implementation, which also employs all three optimizations, achieves up to 3.6× speedup over TuckerMPI on 64 nodes. When we compare our best GPU implementation to our best CPU implementation, the speedup ranges from 2.1× to 3.6× on a single node, and from 1.8× to 3.3× on 64 nodes, depending on the input data set.
Probabilistic programming: A review for environmental modellers

Abstract The development process for an environmental model involves multiple iterations of a planning-implementation-assessment cycle. Probabilistic programming languages (PPLs) are designed to expedite this process with general-purpose methods for implementing models, efficiently inferring their parameters, and generating probabilistic predictions. Probabilistic programming exists at the intersection of Bayesian statistics, machine learning, and process-based modelling and therefore can be of value to the environmental modelling community. In this review article, we explain how it can be used to accelerate model development and allow for statistical inference using more complicated models and larger data sets than previously possible. Specific challenges and limitations to employing such frameworks are also raised. We provide guidance to help modellers decide whether incorporating probabilistic programming in their work may improve the efficiency and quality of their analyses.
Chapter 9 – Concluding Remarks

This chapter provides a recapitulation of the main topics of the book, discusses the style adopted along with the intended use of the book and the contents of an online resource. This is followed by some key takeaways regarding variable and model selection, limitations of data-driven modeling and extrapolating from the past, and fitting versus over fitting. The chapter ends with some thoughts on the road ahead.
Technical Considerations of Single Port Ureteroneocystostomy Utilizing da Vinci SP Platform

Abstract Objective To demonstrate technical considerations of a true single port robotic assisted ureteroneocystostomy using the da Vinci SP platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Methods We present a 34 year-old female with an obliterative right distal ureteral stricture after undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications. After a period of ureteral rest, the patient elected to undergo a robotic assisted ureteroneocystostomy using the da Vinci SP platform. Results A refluxing ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 127 minutes, estimated blood loss was 20cc, and there were no complications. The infra-umbilical incision length was 25 mm. Intraoperative suction was achieved using flexible nasotracheal suction tubing passed alongside the 25 mm cannula. This was manipulated by the console surgeon with coordinated suction by the bedside assistant. A JJ stent was placed percutaneously with the assistance of a 14 gauge angiocatheter prior to completion of the anastomosis. Conclusion To our knowledge, this represents the first case of a robotic assisted ureteroneocystostomy using the da Vinci SP platform without the use of an assistant port. This approach is safe and was completed in a similar operative time to other da Vinci systems. Single port specific considerations include novel suction device placement type, percutaneous stent advancement, and needle introduction without the use of an assistant port. Potential advantages of this technique include improved cosmesis as well as enhanced visualization and dexterity of the fully jointed instruments. Future studies are needed to assess for differences in perioperative outcomes.
FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING OPHTHALMOSCOPY (FLIO) PATTERNS IN CLINICALLY UNAFFECTED CHILDREN OF MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2 (MACTEL) PATIENTS.

Purpose Macular telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) is an inherited retinal disease following an autosomal dominant pattern with late onset and reduced penetrance. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) enhances diagnosis by showing distinct changes in MacTel. This study investigates FLIO-associated changes in clinically unaffected family members. Methods Eighty-one patients with MacTel (61 ± 12 years), 33 clinically healthy children under age 40 years of these MacTel patients (MacTel-C; 31 ± 6 years), 27 other family members (children over age 40 years, siblings, and parents) and 30 controls were investigated with the Heidelberg FLIO. All subjects underwent multimodal conventional imaging, including optical coherence tomography, blue-light reflectance, fluorescein angiography, and macular pigment imaging. Results All 81 patients with MacTel showed typical FLIO patterns. Of the 33 investigated MacTel-C with completely normal eye examinations and conventional imaging, 12 (36%) show FLIO patterns consistent with early MacTel. Conclusion Prolonged FLIO lifetimes in the parafoveal area within the short spectral channel, especially temporally, are MacTel-specific. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy detects these lifetime patterns in over one-third of clinically unaffected MacTel-C. Although further studies will be necessary to determine the specificity of FLIO, it may help diagnose MacTel before conventional imaging modalities show changes or patients experience visual disturbances. Early detection may facilitate future gene discovery studies and interventional trials.
Subsidies from anthropogenic resources alter diet, activity, and ranging behavior of an apex predator (Canis lupus)

Acquisition of resources can be costly and individuals are predicted to optimize foraging strategies to maximize net energy gain. Wolves (Canis lupus) would be expected to scavenge on subsidies from anthropogenic resources when these resources provide an energetic benefit over the capture of wild prey. We examined the effects of subsidies from anthropogenic resources in the form of livestock carcass dumps (LCDs) on wolf space use, activity, tortuosity, and diet in portions of North America's northern hardwood/boreal ecosystem. We fitted 19 wolves with global positioning system collars during May-August of 2009-2011 and 2013-2015. Wolves with LCDs within their home ranges used areas adjacent to LCDs greater than non-LCD sites and had decreased home ranges and activity as compared to wolves without LCDs in their home ranges. Additionally, cattle comprised at least 22% of wolf diet from scavenging in areas with LCDs present as compared to no cattle in the diet of wolves without access to LCDs. Subsidies from anthropogenic resources in the form of LCDs can serve as attractants for wolves and alter wolf diet, activity, and ranging behavior. Apex predators may alter their behavior where subsidies from anthropogenic resources occur and management of these subsidies should be considered when attempting to reduce the impacts of humans on wolf behavior.
16S rRNA analysis of electrogenic bacterial communities in microbial fuel cells developed from temperate soils

Bergen Community College (BCC) soils were used to generate mud suspensions to construct microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with the anode buried with the mud, while the cathode rested on top. MFCs incubated at 37°C showed more electrical output and electrogenic bacteria than those grown at 25°C. The most productive MFC generated a maximum of 80 microwatts with 1.67 × 109 electrogenic microorganisms. 16S rRNA clone libraries were developed and analyzed using next generation sequencing. The average soil bacterial community was comprised of 17 different bacterial phyla. The most abundant bacterial phyla in soils were Actinobacteria (33.76%), Proteobacteria (25.60%), Chloroflexi (9.70%), Acidobacteria (8.98%), and Planctomycetes (6.10%). The 16S rRNA genes of the biofilm grown on the anode of the most efficient MFCs were amplified and cloned to determine the composition and diversity of electrogenic bacteria. The average bacterial community was comprised of 21 bacterial phyla. The most abundant bacterial phyla in MFCs were Firmicutes (18.98%), Proteobacteria (18.79%), Actinobacteria (13.63%), Chloroflexi (11.43%), and Planctomycetes (7.91%). All MFCs showing electricity generation had an increase in Firmicutes sequences at all taxonomical levels. The MFC lacking large numbers of Firmicutes did not show electrogenic bacteria nor any electrical production. Bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes provided an important contribution to the development of diverse, stable, and sustainable electrogenic bacterial communities.
UHL’S ANOMALY: AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF FETAL CARDIOMEGALY

Uhl’s anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect associated with RV and TV dysplasia. Prenatal differentiation from Ebstein anomaly is difficult. A 29 year old woman underwent fetal echocardiography at 22 weeks gestation due to fetal cardiomegaly. Imaging revealed an abnormal cardiac axis (80°),
The impact of digital media use on the musculoskeletal and visual systems

Abstract When considering the large role that digital media plays in today’s society, questions regarding the impact it may have on physical health are becoming a topic of interest. This is particularly true for the adolescent population, as their bodies and minds are continuously developing. This chapter will focus on the impact digital media plays on the adolescent body and will provide the reader with information specifically regarding how adolescents’ digital media use behaviors impact their musculoskeletal and visual systems while offering the reader with practical guidance to address these health impacts at home and in the community.
Evaluating Protein Engineering Thermostability Prediction Tools Using an Independently Generated Dataset

Engineering proteins to enhance thermal stability is a widely utilized approach for creating industrially relevant biocatalysts. The development of new experimental datasets and computational tools to guide these engineering efforts remains an active area of research. Thus, to complement the previously reported measures of T50 and kinetic constants, we are reporting an expansion of our previously published dataset of mutants for β-glucosidase to include both measures of TM and ΔΔG. For a set of 51 mutants, we found that T50 and TM are moderately correlated, with a Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank coefficient of 0.58 and 0.47, respectively, indicating that the two methods capture different physical features. The performance of predicted stability using nine computational tools was also evaluated on the dataset of 51 mutants, none of which are found to be strong predictors of the observed changes in T50, TM, or ΔΔG. Furthermore, the ability of the nine algorithms to predict the production of isolatable soluble protein was examined, which revealed that Rosetta ΔΔG, FoldX, DeepDDG, PoPMuSiC, and SDM were capable of predicting if a mutant could be produced and isolated as a soluble protein. These results further highlight the need for new algorithms for predicting modest, yet important, changes in thermal stability as well as a new utility for current algorithms for prescreening designs for the production of mutants that maintain fold and soluble production properties.
The Most Demanding Test Known to Constitutional Law': Do Coronavirus Bans on Church Services Satisfy Religious Freedom Restoration Act Requirements?

On March 29, Houston Pastor Juan Bustamante was warned that he could face fines and imprisonment for continuing to hold in-person church services The next day
Deconstructing Multiteam System Action: Development and Content Validation of a Multilevel Multiteam System Action Taxonomy

Current theories of goal-directed action in networks of closely collaborating teams, have yet to provide a framework that can assist in identifying specific points of multiteam system (MTS) action ...
Tackling Burnout in the School Setting: Practical Tips for School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are responsible for providing services to about 55% of students with disabilities in the school setting across the nation. A shortage of qua...
Advancing Motivational Interviewing Training with Artificial Intelligence: ReadMI

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, brief interventional approach that has been demonstrated to be highly effective in triggering change in high-risk lifestyle behaviors. MI tends to be underutilized in clinical settings, in part because of limited and ineffective training. To implement MI more widely, there is a critical need to improve the MI training process in a manner that can provide prompt and efficient feedback. Our team has developed and tested a training tool, Real-time Assessment of Dialogue in Motivational Interviewing (ReadMI), that uses natural language processing (NLP) to provide immediate MI metrics and thereby address the need for more effective MI training. Methods Metrics produced by the ReadMI tool from transcripts of 48 interviews conducted by medical residents with a simulated patient were examined to identify relationships between physician-speaking time and other MI metrics, including the number of open- and closed-ended questions. In addition, interrater reliability statistics were conducted to determine the accuracy of the ReadMI's analysis of physician responses. Results The more time the physician spent talking, the less likely the physician was engaging in MI-consistent interview behaviors (r = -0.403, p = 0.007), including open-ended questions, reflective statements, or use of a change ruler. Conclusion ReadMI produces specific metrics that a trainer can share with a student, resident, or clinician for immediate feedback. Given the time constraints on targeted skill development in health professions training, ReadMI decreases the need to rely on subjective feedback and/or more time-consuming video review to illustrate important teaching points.
Time-magnified photon counting with 550-fs resolution

Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is an enabling technology for applications such as low-light fluorescence lifetime microscopy and photon counting time-of-flight (ToF) 3D imaging. However, state-of-the-art TCSPC single-photon timing resolution (SPTR) is limited to 3–100 ps by single-photon detectors. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a time-magnified TCSPC (TM-TCSPC) that achieves an ultrashort SPTR of 550 fs with an off-the-shelf single-photon detector. The TM-TCSPC can resolve ultrashort pulses with a 130-fs pulse width difference at a 22-fs accuracy. When applied to photon counting ToF 3D imaging, the TM-TCSPC greatly suppresses the range walk error that limits all photon counting ToF 3D imaging systems by 99.2% and thus provides high depth accuracy and precision of 26 µm and 3 µm, respectively.
Time-dependent probability analysis of fiber-reinforced polymer rehabilitated pipes

Abstract The goal of this chapter is to describe and to demonstrate the use of probabilistic analysis to evaluate the long-term performance of piping components rehabilitated with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Time-dependent probability analysis provides a means to evaluate the effectiveness of structural systems or components by accounting for uncertainties in design parameters, quantifying the impact of manufacturing quality, and long-term durability effects. In this chapter, Monte Carlo simulation is used as part of a framework to evaluate the failure probability of underground, steel-piping components rehabilitated with FRP composites. Carbon-FRP and glass-FRP composites are considered as well as the effects of material deterioration, fiber volume fraction, and variation in thickness parameters of the composite on failure probability in comparison to an as-built and corrosion-affected steel pipe.
Brain computer interface technology: Usability and applications in psychiatry.

BACKGROUND Commercially available electroencephalogram devices suitable for brain computer interface research are now widely available for neurofeedback applications. OBJECTIVE The authors of this study were interested in exploring the usability and acceptance of a commercially available electroencephalogram as a first step in introducing the technology, assessing patient receptivity, and acquiring preliminary clinical outcome data. METHODS The study was conducted among active duty military service members referred for psychiatric treatment to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Psychiatry Continuity Service in Bethesda, MD. The investigators used a commercially available single channel dry electrode electroencephalogram device paired with software programs that focused on promoting mediation and attention. A satisfaction survey was completed at the completion of each session. RESULTS One hundred and one (101) military patients completed a total of 273 brain computer interface sessions from May 2012 through June 2014. Participants overwhelmingly found the single channel electroencephalogram device easy to use (n=265/271, 97.8%). Following completion of the session participants most frequently reported "more focus" (n=85/271, 31.4%) followed by "more relaxed" (n=71/271, 26.2%), and "a sense of accomplishment" (n=44/271, 16.2%). DISCUSSION Based on survey results gleaned from 273 sessions completed during the two year study, brain computer interface using a single channel electroencephalogram was overwhelming rated as user friendly. Over two-thirds of the individual sessions were rated as improving the person's focus, relaxation, or sense of accomplishment.
Hierarchical representation of time-varying volume data with /sup 4//spl radic/2 subdivision and quadrilinear B-spline wavelets

Multiresolution methods for representing data at multiple levels of detail are widely used for large-scale two- and three-dimensional data sets. We present a four-dimensional multiresolution approach for time-varying volume data. This approach supports a hierarchy with spatial and temporal scalability. The hierarchical data organization is based on /sup 4//spl radic/2 subdivision. The /sup n//spl radic/2-subdivision scheme only doubles the overall number of grid points in each subdivision step. This fact leads to fine granularity and high adaptivity, which is especially desirable in the spatial dimensions. For high-quality data approximation on each level of detail, we use quadrilinear B-spline wavelets. We present a linear B-spline wavelet lifting scheme based on /sup n//spl radic/2 subdivision to obtain narrow masks for the update rules. Narrow masks provide a basis for out-of-core data exploration techniques and view-dependent visualization of sequences of time steps.
Tomato Wars: A Discussion of How International Trade, Structural Changes, and Competitiveness Affect the North American Produce Industry

The demand for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including fresh market tomatoes, has increased significantly over the past decade because of greater convenience in use, improved selection, and rising health and diet concerns. As U.S. demand for tomatoes and other horticultural crops strengthens, inexperienced domestic and international suppliers believe they can compete effectively within U.S. markets. Free trade agreements have reduced monetary barriers to trade, but remaining impediments, such as institutional and competitive market constraints, represent significant challenges for southern U.S. growers. This paper discusses points addressed by VanSickle, Eastwood, and Woods concerning trade and horticultural market development.
Molecular Genetics of Murine Lupus Models

Publisher Summary The chapter that addresses the Ig germ line gene organization in lupus-prone strains of mice suggested that the disease can develop in different Ig heavy and light chain haplotypes, and that the Ig germ line genes in lupus mice are probably normal. Analyses of the Ig gene segments expressed in monoclonal autoantibodies from autoimmune mice revealed that similar, moreover, in some instances even identical, gene segments are expressed in autoantibodies and in antibodies to exogenous antigens, and that antiself and antiforeign responses are encoded by the same, or at least an overlapping, germ line gene repertoire. Evidence has been obtained that, in an individual lupus mouse, the number of autoantibody-secreting clonotypes decreases after class switch, while that of productive mutations increases, suggesting that antiself responses might be (auto) antigen-driven responses, but this conclusion should be considered tentative. Finally, based on the investigations of I-E and Mls tolerance-related Vβ clonal deletions, the chapter proposes that the abnormally proliferating, autoimmunity-inducing/enhancing double-negative TcR α:β + lpr and gld cells are not related to immature CD4 - 8 - thymocytes, but instead are derived from CD4 + 8 + precursors through a process resulting in down-regulation of both accessory molecules.
Encountering MicroRNAs in cell fate signaling

The recent discovery of short regulatory RNAs called microRNAs has expanded our understanding of the regulation of gene expression, yet little is known about the role of microRNAs in developmental signaling pathways. In their Perspective, [Karp and Ambros][1] discuss a new study by [Yoo and Greenwald][2] that finds a microRNA to be a direct target of LIN-12/Notch signaling. This influences cell fate decisions during C. elegans development and may extend to other organisms, because the Notch signaling pathway is highly conserved. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/310/5752/1288 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/310/5752/1330
Contribution of Glial-Neuronal Interactions to the Neuroendocrine Control of Female Puberty

Mammalian puberty is initiated by an increased pulsatile release of the neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons. Although this increase is primarily set in motion by neuronal networks synaptically connected to GnRH neurons, glial cells contribute to the process via at least two mechanisms. One involves production of growth factors acting via receptors endowed with either serine-threonine kinase or tyrosine kinase activity. The other involves plastic rearrangements of glia-GnRH neuron adhesiveness. Growth factors of the epidermal growth factor family acting via erbB receptors play a major role in glia-to-GnRH neuron communication. In turn, neurons facilitate astrocytic erbB signaling via glutamate-dependent cleavage of erbB ligand precursors. The genetic disruption of erbB receptors delays female sexual development due to impaired erbB ligand-induced glial prostaglandin E(2) release. The adhesiveness of glial cells to GnRH neurons involves at least two different cell-cell communication systems endowed with both adhesive and intracellular signaling capabilities. One is provided by synaptic cell adhesion molecule (SynCAM1), which establishes astrocyte-GnRH neuron adhesiveness via homophilic interactions and the other involves the heterophilic interaction of neuronal contactin with glial receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase-β. These findings indicate that the interaction of glial cells with GnRH neurons involves not only secreted bioactive molecules, but also cell-surface adhesive proteins able to set in motion intracellular signaling cascades.
Enhanced bone metabolism induced by acupuncture.

A 29-yr-old man with several years of back pain was referred for a bone scan. High-resolution regional spot images of the skeleton were obtained following intravenous injection of 20 mCi 99m Tc-methylene diphosphonate. Posterior and lateral images of the skull showed focal increased uptake in several regions of the skull. Upon questioning, the patient stated that he had received acupuncture treatment for his back pain several times in the same regions as the increased uptake. The needle placement was confirmed by the patient's acupuncturist. Acupuncture can cause enhanced bone metabolism demonstrated by increased activity on bone scans.
Picturing Nature and Empire

Bleichmar discusses the importance of some 12,000 botanical illustrations that flowed from explorations of the Spanish empire in the half century after 1759.
Characterization of pore solutions expressed from high-calcium fly-ash–water pastes

Abstract A pore solution study was undertaken to provide additional understanding of the hydration behavior of high-calcium fly ash in fly-ash–water pastes. Three sources of fly ash were selected from a previous study on the basis of their hydration behavior, particularly their ability to form ettringite. Pastes were made from each fly ash and water, and pore solutions were expressed at varying times and were analyzed for the following ions: SO 4 2− , Ca 2+ , Al 3+ , Mg + , K + , Na + , Si 4+ , Fe 3+ , and OH − . The mineralogical compositions of the paste solids after expression of pore solutions were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The principal hydrated phases formed in the fly ash pastes were typical of those seen previously in hydrated high-calcium Class C fly ash, namely, the calcium aluminosilicate hydrate minerals, ettringite and monosulfate, and the calcium aluminosilicate hydrate mineral, stratlingite. Variations in the chemical composition of the pore solutions helped to explain differences in the relative amounts of ettringite, monosulfate and stratlingite formed in the pastes. Two of the fly ash samples had very similar bulk chemical compositions but contained slightly different amounts of soluble crystalline sulfur-bearing minerals. The fly ash that had the smaller amount of soluble sulfur-bearing minerals formed less ettringite in its paste and more monosulfate indicating that sulfur was more limited in this fly ash. The fly ash paste that formed the least ettringite and the most stratlingite had the lowest solution concentration of sulfur and the highest of aluminum. Stratlingite formation continued to increase with curing in all three fly-ash–water pastes suggesting that dissolution of the fly glass during pozzolanic reactions was releasing calcium, silicon, and aluminum ions. Sulfate concentrations in pore solutions from all three of the fly ash pastes rose significantly between 7 and 90 days, but data on pore solutions only extended to 90 days. At that time, the sulfate concentration in the pore solutions of one fly ash paste had decreased; concentrations in the other two fly ash pastes had not. However, it is likely that this increase in sulfate concentrations was a short-term phenomenon. Fly ash pastes studied previously have not been observed to form significant amounts of ettringite or any other crystalline sulfur-containing phase, after 28 days. The likely source of the sulfur between 7 and 90 days is the fly ash glass.
Bis-1,3-dithiole chemistry: Synthesis of compounds containing the 4,4′bis-(1,3-dithiole) unit

1,4-Dibrom-butan-2,3-dion (I) kondensiert mit dem Xanthogenat (II) zu einem Disubstitutionsprodukt (III), das mit konz. Schwefelsaure zu (IV) cyclisiert wird.
Serotonin-immunoreactive visceral nerves and neurohemal system in the cockroach Periplaneta americana (L.)

By use of the indirect immunofluorescent technique applied to whole mounts of tissues and organs of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, serotonin-like reactivity has been demonstrated in an extensive meshwork of fibers on the surface of nerves of the subesophageal ganglion and the tritocerebrum. This meshwork appears to serve the neurohemal release of serotonin. In addition, several of these nerves contain two or more centrally located axons that appear to be serotonergic. The corpora cardica show immunoreactivity but do not appear to be a principal release site for serotonin. The nerves and ganglia of the stomadeal nervous system show immunoreactivity for serotonin and provide serotonin-positive innervation to the salivary glands and the visceral muscles of the stomodeum and midgut. The heart, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, fat body, and skeletal muscles all appear to lack serotonin immunoreactivity.
Competitive decay at two- and three-state conical intersections in excited-state intramolecular proton transfer.

We demonstrate the existence of a simultaneous degeneracy (not required by symmetry) of three electronic states in malonaldehyde. This is one of the first reports of such a triple degeneracy involving S0, S1, and S2 in a molecule with a closed-shell ground state. We further report on a two-state S2/S1 conical intersection which is higher in energy than the three-state intersection, but closer to the Franck−Condon point. First-principles quantum dynamics calculations of the photochemistry after excitation to S2 show that there is a competition between these intersections, with more than half of the population decaying to S1 through the higher energy S2/S1 intersection. Surprisingly, much of the population which makes it to the triple degeneracy point is not funneled directly to S0, but rather remains trapped on S1. We attribute this to the large dimensionality of the branching plane at a three-state intersection (the degeneracy is lifted along at least five distinct molecular displacements).
Mutagenicity, stable DNA adducts, and abasic sites induced in Salmonella by phenanthro[3,4-b]- and phenanthro[4,3-b]thiophenes, sulfur analogs of benzo[c]phenanthrene.

Sulfur-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (thia-PAHs or thiaarenes) are common constituents of air pollution and cigarette smoke, but only a few have been studied for health effects. We evaluated the mutagenicity in Salmonella TA98, TA100, and TA104 of two sulfur-containing derivatives of benzo[c]phenanthrene, phenanthro[3,4-b]thiophene (P[3,4-b]T), and phenanthro[4,3-b]thiophene (P[4,3-b]T) as well as their dihydrodiol and sulfone derivatives. In addition, we assessed levels of stable DNA adducts (by 32P-postlabeling) as well as abasic sites (by an aldehydic-site assay) produced by six of these compounds in TA100. P[3,4-b]T and its 6,7- and 8,9-diols, P[3,4-b]T sulfone, P[4,3-b]T, and its 8,9-diol were mutagenic in TA100. P[3,4-b]T sulfone, the most potent mutagen, was approximately twice as potent as benzo[a]pyrene in both TA98 and TA100. Benzo-ring dihydrodiols were much more potent than K-region dihydrodiols, which had little or no mutagenic activity in any strain. P[3,4-b]T sulfone produced abasic sites and not stable DNA adducts; the other five compounds examined, B[c]P, B[c]P 3,4-diol, P[3,4-b]T, P[3,4-b]T 8,9-diol, and P[4,3-b]T 8,9-diol, produced only stable DNA adducts. P[3,4-b]T sulfone was the only compound that produced significant levels of frameshift mutagenicity and induced mutations primarily at GC sites. In contrast, B[c]P, its 3,4-diol, and the 8,9 diols of the phenanthrothiophenes induced mutations primarily at AT sites. P[3,4-b]T was not mutagenic in TA104, whereas P[3,4-b]T sulfone was. The two isomeric forms (P[3,4-b]T and P[4,3-b]T) are apparently activated differently, with the latter, but not the former, involving a diol pathway. This study is the first illustrating the potential importance of abasic sites in the mutagenicity of thia-PAHs.