cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symmetric cell approach and impedance spectroscopy of high power lithium-ion batteries

High power lithium-ion cells are a very promising energy source for practical hybrid vehicles. It is found that the impedance of the 18650 high-power cells using LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} chemistry increases with time during the beginning period of storage. A symmetric cell approach is developed to distinguish the anode and cathode effects on the impedance rise. Cathode impedance, especially charge-transfer resistance, is identified as the main component of the cell impedance and is most responsible for the rise of the cell impedance during storage at room temperature. With analysis of impedance spectra from a variety of cells, the charge-transfer process is thought to take place at the interface between the electrolyte solution and the surface of surface layers on the electrode. We also propose that the surface layers might be mixed conductors of electrons and lithium ions, instead of pure lithium-ion conductors. The nature of the surface layers on the cathode is likely different from that of the surface layers on the anode.
Redefining the meaning of teaching: A work in progress

Abstract Particular elements of a new initial certification program are described. The use of inquiry, collaboration, and reflection as teaching strategies resulted in new learning for preservice teachers, experienced teachers, and university faculty involved in the program. Each partner in the endeavor indicated an increased understanding of these strategies as effective tools for teaching and learning at every level of the profession. Furthermore, a vision of professional development for experienced professionals in the context of their work with novice teachers emerged. Guidelines for the design and implementation of such programs are proposed.
X-Ray Diffraction Study of Argon and Xenon in the Liquid State near Their Triple Points

X-ray diffraction patterns obtained from liquid argon and liquid xenon in equilibrium with their vapors at temperatures 0.3 K\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} above their triple points were used to calculate the corresponding distribution functions and radial distribution functions. Isothermal compressibilities and the mean-square variations of the distance between nearest neighbors were calculated from these functions. The numbers of nearest neighbors based on ideal peak fittings were determined to be 8.52 for argon and 8.94 for xenon with peaks occurring in the undamped radial distribution functions at 3.79 and 4.38 \AA{}, respectively. A comparison of the distribution functions for the two liquids indicates that the work is consistent. Distance ratios in the distribution functions are in good agreement with that obtained by Scott et al. for random-packed spheres. Intensity functions of argon were compared with the experimental work of Eisenstein and Gingrich and with the Lennard-Jones convolution-hypernetted-chain (L. J. CHNC) theoretical calculations of Khan. Similar comparisons were made for xenon with the experimental work of Campbell and Hildebrand and with the L. J. CHNC theoretical calculations of Khan and Broyles.
The effects of sorption and molecular size of solutes upon elution from polyhydroxylic gels

Abstract A study is reported of the elution of a variety of sugars, methylated sugars, polyethylene glycols, and derivatives of 2-imidazolidinone (ethyleneurea) from colunns of the dextran gel Sephadex G-15 2 . Low-moleclar-weight polyethylene glycols were eluted in much smaller volumes than sugars having comparable molecular weights. While the homologous series exhibited the usual inverse relation of logarithms of the relative elution volumes to molecular weights, sorption appears to be a factor in the greater retention of sugars, which have more numerous hydroxyl groups capable of hydrogen bonding with the polyhydroxylic gel. The 2-imidazolidinone derivatives show no simple relationship of elution volumes, to molecular weights, but sorption via hydrogens on ring nitrogen atoms appears to be a factor in determining their relative elution volumes.
Comparison of mitochondrial enzymes between young and adult forms of Trypanosoma lewisi.

SYNOPSIS. The changes in young, 6-day-old to adult (13-day-old) forms of T. lewisi during the course of infection in rats are attended by some changes in mitochondrial enzyme activities. The most significant differences between the 2 forms are in the content of isocitric dehydrogenases (2 distinct enzymes are present), and in the ability to carry out oxidative phosphorylation. In the mitochondria of adults there is a significant decrease in the ability to form ATP.
Response to: improving postpartum screening rates.

1. Gupta y, Karla S (2014) Improving postpartum screening rates. Arch Gynecol Obstet. doi:10.1007/s00404-014-3213-9 2. Mendez-Figueroa H, Daley J, Breault p et al (2014) Impact of an intensive follow-up program on the postpartum glucose tolerance testing rate. Arch Gynecol Obstet. doi:10.1007/s00404-014-3157-0 We would like to thank Drs. Gupta and Kalra [1] for their comments regarding our study [2] evaluating a strategy aimed at improving postpartum glucose tolerance testing. This difficult clinical dilemma may only be overcome if the problem is addressed from different angles or in a multifactorial approach. We agree that other strategies should be evaluated in order to overcome suboptimal postpartum testing rates currently seen. These strategies should not only lead to increased detection of diabetes and prediabetes but also be cost-effective. Direct home visits, screening with hemoglobin A1C levels and self-administered OGTT may lead to increased testing rates and may be part of the
Dielectric integrity associated with circulating insulating fluids

Two important electrokinetic effects in transformer oil subjected to forced circulation are experimentally investigated using a laboratory model duct. Careful breakdown measurements with sustained voltage on circulating fluids have been extended to pulse voltages with a view to establishing the nature of time dependencies. The results, together with previous optical evidence and simulation, indicate that electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effects are intimately involved with the breakdown of flowing oil. The interaction of EHD motion and forced flow results in a local turbulence, and thus an inhomogeneous gap state, which is thought to initiate the breakdown of the gap. The relationship between this process and that of flow-electrification is also covered by highlighting the effects of entrained charges on dielectric integrity downstream. The result demonstrates that not only is charge in the bulk able to distort electric fields in the stressed gap, but charge deposited on a dielectric surface can affect the withstand voltage of an oil/cellulose structure. >
Morphological approaches to measuring biodiversity

Morphological diversity has the potential to provide a very useful biodiversity metric in that if emphasizes essential aspects of diversity that are not picked up by taxonomic or phylogenetic metrics. While morphological diversity metrics are used increasingly in paleobiological studies, quantitative data on the spatial distribution of morphology in modern ecosystems are scarce. The comparison between different aspects of diversity is often essential in understanding the processes underlying observed biodiversity patterns.
Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Variable Tension Riser

The transverse vibratory response of a long, slender vertical top-tension riser, subject to an ocean current, is studied. The problem is treated as a coupled fluid-flow/vibration problem which is solved numerically. The fluid flow part is represented by the 2-D Navier-Stokes equations, with LES and strip theory, which are solved numerically to obtain the flow field and determine the vortex-shedding behavior in the flow. The approach flow is a shear flow ranging in Reynolds number from 8000 to 10,000. Given the flow field and vortex-shedding behavior, the transverse fluid forcing function can be determined at a given instant, which becomes the input to the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation to calculate the displacement of the riser, using a technique that involves the WKB method and modal decomposition. The boundary conditions for the fluid-flow equations are updated each time step as the cylinder moves. The natural frequency of the riser is tension-dominated, not bending stiffness-dominated. With the decrease in tension with increasing depth, the natural frequency is affected. Therefore, the solution will be influenced by the depth-dependent tension. This study has indicated some interesting features regarding the VIV of a variable-tension riser. The vibrational response is greater for a variable-tension riser than for a constant-tension riser, when the variable-tension riser is assumed to have the same top tension as the constant-tension riser. Therefore, it is important to take into account the variable tension when estimating fatigue failures of marine risers.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Status of Field-Based Fitness Testing in Children and Youth

Abstract This paper describes the history of youth fitness testing in the United States and the different fitness test batteries that are currently available. Validity and reliability of test items are reviewed and a description of how test results are interpreted is presented. Fitness testing for children and youth has undergone many changes over the past 3 decades. The tests used to as sess the different components of fitness have evolved from a performance model to a model that considers health-related outcomes. Test interpretation currently employs criterion-referenced standards in contrast to the norm-referenced system of evaluation. Although some of the individual test items lack empirical data to verify that the test items provide a reasonable estimate of the fitness parameter, there is consensus on the health-related fitness components: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Data are also lacking that directly link fitness level in youth to health as an adult. Despite these limitations, fitness testing is of value to the teacher, researcher, child, and caregiver. Test results may provide a measure of fitness level and identify areas that need improvement, results to be tracked over time, an indication of risk for developing certain chronic diseases, and a teaching tool for teachers and students in comprehensive fitness education programs.
Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase (CD73) Regulates Host Inflammatory Responses and Exacerbates Murine Salmonellosis

Food-borne Salmonella spp., are a major cause of hospitalization and death. Adenosine, an important immune regulator of inflammation, limits tissue damage during infection. CD39 (nucleoside triphosphate dephosphorylase) combined with ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) metabolizes ATP to adenosine. We studied the expressions of CD39 and CD73 in tissues, and T helper cells in mice after Salmonella infection and evaluated the role of CD73 in regulating immune responses and bacterial clearance in wild-type and CD73-deficient (CD73−/−) mice. Both CD39 and CD73 transcript levels declined in the infected wild-type mice. Compared to wild-type mice, tissues from infected CD73−/− mice had significantly higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced anti-inflammatory responses. CD73−/− mice were more resistant to infection and had a greater inflammatory responses and a significantly lower bacterial load in the liver compared to wild-type mice. Thus, CD73 expression attenuates inflammation during murine Salmonellosis and impairs immunity, leading to increased bacterial colonization and prolonged infection.
Evaluation of a Remote Monitoring System for Diabetes Control

Purpose The use of technology to implement cost-effective health care management on a large scale may be an alternative for diabetes management but needs to be evaluated in controlled trials. This study assessed the utility and cost-effectiveness of an automated Diabetes Remote Monitoring and Management System (DRMS) in glycemic control versus usual care.
Mechanisms of healing in synthetic grafts

Abstract In previous baboon studies we have shown that porous (60 μm mean internodal distance) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts heal by ingrowth of endothelium and smooth muscle cells from the adjacent artery and from capillaries penetrating through the interstices of the graft. However, porous grafts (principally made of Dacron) in humans do not heal. This has been attributed to a wound healing deficiency in humans; however, it might be due to an inhibitory effect of the Dacron itself. To examine the latter possibility, we undertook this study to compare the healing of 4 mm internal diameter porous Dacron grafts (USCI, Sauvage Filamentous Knitted) with that of Gore-Tex 60 μm PTFE grafts in baboons (the latter graft not available for clinical use). The grafts were harvested at 2, 4, and 12 weeks and assessed for (1) percentage of endothelial coverage, (2) endothelial cell (EC) proliferation (thymidine labeling index), (3) intimal area, and (4) smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation (thymidine labeling index). The PTFE grafts at all three time points were fully covered, whereas only one of five Dacron grafts was completely covered at 12 weeks. The intima of the PTFE grafts consisted of ECs and SMCs, whereas that of the Dacron grafts contained ECs and SMCs as well as focal accumulations of thrombus. The intimal cross-sectional areas in the Dacron grafts (3.0 ± 1.2 mm 2 ) were significantly greater than in the PTFE grafts (0.8 ± 0.6 mm 2 ) at 4 weeks; there was no difference at 12 weeks (Dacron, 2.6 ± 2.3 mm 2 and PTFE, 3.0 ± 2.5 mm 2 ). SMCs in the intima of the Dacron and PTFE grafts were actively proliferating at 4 weeks but returned to normal levels at 12 weeks. ECs continued to proliferate even at 12 weeks in both Dacron and PTFE grafts, suggesting continued denudation and replacement. Although both USCI Dacron and porous PTFE grafts heal by proliferation of cells derived from invading capillaries, nevertheless endothelial coverage in some Dacron grafts is incomplete even as late as 12 weeks. This result suggests that the failure of Dacron grafts in humans to develop an endothelial lining might be attributable in part to the graft material itself. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:429-36.)
Dopamine System Dysregulation by the Ventral Subiculum as the Common Pathophysiological Basis for Schizophrenia Psychosis, Psychostimulant Abuse, and Stress

The dopamine system is under multiple forms of regulation, and in turn provides effective modulation of system responses. Dopamine neurons are known to exist in several states of activity. The population activity, or the proportion of dopamine neurons firing spontaneously, is controlled by the ventral subiculum of the hippocampus. In contrast, burst firing, which is proposed to be the behaviorally salient output of the dopamine system, is driven by the brainstem pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPTg). When an animal is exposed to a behaviorally salient stimulus, the PPTg elicits a burst of action potentials in the dopamine neurons. However, this bursting only occurs in the portion of the dopamine neuron population that is firing spontaneously. This proportion is regulated by the ventral subiculum. Therefore, the ventral subiculum provides the gain, or the amplification factor, for the behaviorally salient stimulus. The ventral subiculum itself is proposed to carry information related to the environmental context. Thus, the ventral subiculum will adjust the responsivity of the dopamine system based on the needs of the organism and the characteristics of the environment. However, this finely tuned system can be disrupted in disease states. In schizophrenia, a disruption of interneuronal regulation of the ventral subiculum is proposed to lead to an overdrive of the dopamine system, rendering the system in a constant hypervigilant state. Moreover, amphetamine sensitization and stressors also appear to cause an abnormal dopaminergic drive. Such an interaction could underlie the risk factors of drug abuse and stress in the precipitation of a psychotic event. On the other hand, this could point to the ventral subiculum as an effective site of therapeutic intervention in the treatment or even the prevention of schizophrenia.
Fractional integral inequalities and applications

Fractional integral inequality results when 0<q<1 are developed when the nonlinear term is increasing in u and satisfies a one sided Lipschitz condition. Using the integral inequality result and the computation of the solution of the linear fractional equation of variable coefficients, Gronwall inequality results are established. This yields the results of q=1 as a special case. As an application of this, the uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solution on the initial parameters of the nonlinear fractional differential equations are established.
Defining Participant Exposure Measures in Web-Based Health Behavior Change Programs

BACKGROUND: Published research on the use of Web-based behavior change programs is growing rapidly. One of the observations characterized as problematic in these studies is that participants often make relatively few website visits and spend only a brief time accessing the program. Properly structured websites permit the unobtrusive measurement of the ways in which participants access (are exposed to) program content. Research on participant exposure to Web-based programs is not merely of interest to technologists, but represents an important opportunity to better understand the broader theme of program engagement and to guide the development of more effective interventions. OBJECTIVES: The current paper seeks to provide working definitions and describe initial patterns of various measures of participant exposure to ChewFree.com, a large randomized controlled trial of a Web-based program for smokeless tobacco cessation. METHODS: We examined measures of participant exposure to either an Enhanced condition Web-based program (interactive, tailored, and rich-media program) or a Basic condition control website (static, text-based material). Specific measures focused on email prompting, participant visits (number, duration, and pattern of use over time), and Web page viewing (number of views, types of pages viewed, and Web forum postings). RESULTS: Participants in the ChewFree.com Enhanced condition made more visits and spent more time accessing their assigned website than did participants assigned to the Basic condition website. In addition, exposure data demonstrated that Basic condition users thoroughly accessed program content, indicating that the condition provided a meaningful, face-valid control to the Enhanced condition. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that researchers conducting evaluations of Web-based interventions consider the collection and analysis of exposure measures in the broader context of program engagement in order to assess whether participants obtain sufficient exposure to relevant program content. [J Med Internet Res 2006;8(3):e15]
Second-trimester prenatal diagnosis of total arhinia.

Arhinia is defined as the congenital absence of the nose. It is an extremely rare condition, which is usually associated with other craniofacial abnormalities. An extensive literature search revealed that the prenatal diagnosis of this anomaly has only been reported on 1 previous occasion at 29 weeks' gestation, and the diagnosis at birth has been reported only 29 times in the pediatric literature. 1-29 To our knowledge, there has not been a previously reported case of congenital arhinia diagnosed during the second trimester. This report describes the 2- and 3-dimensional sonographic appearance of arhinia shown during second-trimester genetic sonography and reviews this exceedingly rare craniofacial defect. Early diagnosis of this defect allows the patient to consider all her options regarding pregnancy management. The detection of arhinia in the second trimester provides evidence that this rare disorder can be diagnosed through appropriate evaluation of craniofacial anatomy on a comprehensive second-trimester sonographic examination.
Nanometre-scale germanium photodetector enhanced by a near-infrared dipole antenna

A critical challenge for the convergence of optics and electronics is that the micrometre scale of optics is significantly larger than the nanometre scale of modern electronic devices. In the conversion from photons to electrons by photodetectors, this size incompatibility often leads to substantial penalties in power dissipation, area, latency and noise1,2,3,4. A photodetector can be made smaller by using a subwavelength active region; however, this can result in very low responsivity because of the diffraction limit of the light. Here we exploit the idea of a half-wave Hertz dipole antenna (length ∼ 380 nm) from radio waves, but at near-infrared wavelengths (length ∼ 1.3 µm), to concentrate radiation into a nanometre-scale germanium photodetector. This gives a polarization contrast of a factor of 20 in the resulting photocurrent in the subwavelength germanium element, which has an active volume of 0.00072 µm3, a size that is two orders of magnitude smaller than previously demonstrated detectors at such wavelengths. By scaling down device size, the principles of radio antennas can be used in the optical regime. These optical antennas act as a bridge between optics and electronics, collecting and enhancing light to enable the creation of tiny semiconductor photodetectors.
The Risks of Living Kidney Donation

Only candidates with an apparent low risk of kidney disease are accepted as living kidney donors. Postdonation studies that extend up to 12 years have shown rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among donors that are similar to those observed in the general population, which suggests minimal risk from the inevitable reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that occurs at donor nephrectomy.1 However, a recent 7.6-year study in the United States showed that the incidence of ESRD was 8 times as high among donors as among well-selected nondonor controls.2 A similar 15.2-year study in Norway showed that the risk . . .
The Insecure/Ambivalent Pattern of Attachment: Theory and Research

Relatively little has been written about one group of infants identified with Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" assessment of infant-parent attachment, those classified insecure/ambivalent. Although virtually all samples contain some insecure/ambivalent infants, these infants are uncommon, comprising 7%-15% of most American samples. Recently developed assessments of attachment in children and adults have identified attachment groups of older individuals thought to parallel the insecure/ambivalent infant group. Empirical work in which insecure/ambivalent individuals are examined as a separate group is reviewed within the context of attachment theory, and a coherent picture emerges of the antecedents (relatively low or inconsistent maternal availability; biological vulnerability) and sequelae (limited exploratory competence) of this group. This picture is used as the basis for additional theoretical proposals, and suggestions for future research are presented.
Relationship of velocity defined accuracy to phi defined accuracy in settling tubes

A conversion factor (T value) is presented to clarify the relationship between inaccuracy defined on the basis of settling velocity and inaccuracy defined on the basis of phi sizes in settling tubes.
A two-component drug delivery system using Her-2-targeting thermosensitive liposomes.

We report on a new method for enhancing the specificity of drug delivery for tumor cells, using thermosensitive immunoliposomes. The liposomes are conjugated to the antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin®), which targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2), a cell membrane receptor overexpressed in many human cancers. Being thermosensitive, the liposomes only release their contents when heated slightly above body temperature, allowing for the possibility of tissue targeting through localized hyperthermia. Using self-quenching calcein, we demonstrate the release of liposome contents into cell endosomes after brief heating to 42°C. To further increase targeting specificity, we incorporate the concept of a two-component delivery system that requires the interaction of two different liposomes within the same endosome for cytoplasmic delivery. Experimental evaluation of the technique using fluorescently labeled liposomes shows that a two-component delivery system, combined with intracellular disrupti...
The nonmedical use of prescription ADHD medications: results from a national Internet panel.

Background Emerging evidence suggests that nonmedical use (NMU) of prescription attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications is rising, but many previous investigations have used clinical or regionally based samples or limited their investigations to stimulants rather than to medications specifically used to treat ADHD. Using an Internet-based epidemiological survey, this paper advances understanding of the prevalence and correlates of NMU of medications used to treat ADHD, sources of diverted medications, motivations for use, and consumption patterns.
Cystatin C in Alzheimer's disease.

Changes in expression and secretion levels of cystatin C (CysC) in the brain in various neurological disorders and in animal models of neurodegeneration underscore a role for CysC in these conditions. A polymorphism in the CysC gene (CST3) is linked to increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD pathology is characterized by deposition of oligomeric and fibrillar forms of amyloid β (Aβ) in the neuropil and cerebral vessel walls, neurofibrillary tangles, and neurodegeneration. The implication of CysC in AD was initially suggested by its co-localization with Aβ in amyloid-laden vascular walls, and in senile plaque cores of amyloid in the brains of patients with AD, Down’s syndrome, hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, Dutch type (HCHWA-D), and cerebral infarction. CysC also co-localizes with Aβ amyloid deposits in the brains of non-demented aged individuals. Multiple lines of research show that CysC plays protective roles in AD. In vitro studies have shown that CysC binds Aβ and inhibits Aβ oligomerization and fibril formation. In vivo results from the brains and plasma of Aβ-depositing transgenic mice confirmed the association of CysC with the soluble, non-pathological form of Aβ and the inhibition of Aβ plaques formation. The association of CysC with Aβ was also found in brain and in cerebrospinal fluid from AD patients and non-demented control individuals. Moreover, in vitro results showed that CysC protects neuronal cells from a variety of insults that may cause cell death, including cell death induced by oligomeric and fibrillar Aβ. These data suggest that the reduced levels of CysC manifested in AD contribute to increased neuronal vulnerability and impaired neuronal ability to prevent neurodegeneration. This review elaborates on the neuroprotective roles of CysC in AD and the clinical relevance of this protein as a therapeutic agent.
Mechanisms of Fertilization in Fishes

SYNOPSIS. Sperm motility in fishes is, in general, initiated by simple dilution of the epididymal suspension. A few simple organic compounds and poorly characterized proteincontaining “factors” associated with fish eggs seem to enhance sperm motility. True chemotaxis in fish sperm has not been demonstrated. Ultimately, sperm-egg interaction leads to a large, transient increase in the concentration of free calcium in the egg's cytoplasm. This calcium increase is responsible for lifting the egg's developmental block; some mechanisms by which the calcium flux may accomplish this are discussed. A pH change is apparently not involved in turning on synthetic activity in fish eggs. Electrophysiological events and the fusion of cortical vesicles with the plasma membrane, which are among the earliest changes in the egg resulting from fertilization, are apparently not necessary for development of fish eggs. Synthesis of RNA and protein required for normal cleavage, axiation and organogenesis occurs during and soon after the calcium transient. Completion of the egg's second maturation division occurs within minutes after fertilization. Ooplasmic segregation (by some totally unknown mechanism) and opposition of male and female pronuclei complete the transformation of the egg into a functional zygote.
Analysis of Microbial Communities by Functional Gene Arrays

A major hurdle to the study of microbial communities is that only about 1% of microorganisms are cultivated (Whitman et al. 1998). As such, culture-­independent approaches are necessary in order to examine the vast majority of environmental microorganisms. Many molecular techniques are available for community analysis, and most of these techniques utilize phylogenetic markers such as the 16S rRNA or the DNA gyrase gene (gyrB) (Wilson et al. 1990; Yamamoto and Harayama 1995; Hugenholtz et al. 1998; Brodie et al. 2006). While the use of these genes provides information regarding phylogenic diversity and structure of a microbial community, they don’t provide much, if any information relating to the functional potential and/or activity of the community. Functional genes have been used to examine both phylogenetic and functional diversities (e.g., McDonald et al. 1995; Braker et al. 1998). However, even if multiple functional genes are examined, conventional molecular techniques only provide information on a small fraction of the community. This is because conserved PCR primers cannot be designed for many functional genes of interest due to a lack of sequence homology or a lack of a sufficient number of sequences. Consequently, conventional PCR-based approaches cannot be used to detect and quantify many functional genes of interest. As such, a more comprehensive technique is required to provide a full picture of microbial community activity and dynamics in a rapid, parallel, and high-through-put manner.
Laryngotracheal giant cell tumor: case report and literature review

Giant cell tumor is a benign but locally aggressive tumor typically found in the long bones but has also been reported in several head and neck locations. Although rare, it can arise from endochondral bone within the larynx, however there have been no prior reported occurrences in the trachea. We report a giant cell tumor of the cricoid cartilage presenting as an endotracheal mass with dysphonia and dyspnea on exertion which was treated with endoscopic excision. The tumor is diagnosed histologically as no clinical or radiographic findings are specific for giant cell tumor. Optimal treatment and recurrence rate is unknown but review of laryngeal lesions suggests complete excision has favorable results. Radiation therapy poses risk for malignant transformation .
Creative Behavior, Motivation, Environment and Culture: The Building of a Systems Model.

With the exception of research examining the productivity of teams, the empirical study of creativity was until recently almost exclusively focused at the level of the individual creator. Investigators and theorists typically chose to decontextualize the creative process and failed to include a consideration of anyone or anything beyond the person doing the creating. The last decade has seen a long overdue proliferation of research focused on the creative milieu and the myriad of environmental factors that impact creators and serve to boost or inhibit their creativity of performance. In particular, the increasing globalization of corporate, entrepreneurial, and educational environments has underscored the need to take into consideration the impact of cultural forces. This article chronicles the construction of a systems model of creativity designed to incorporate a consideration of creative behavior at multiple levels of analysis. Over and above an examination of individual difference variables, the argument is made that creativity must be explored at the “little-c” cultural level (e.g., the culture of the classroom or workplace), at the societal level, and at the “Big-C” cultural level (i.e., culture writ large). An application of this systems approach is made to classroom-based data collected in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Geometry and Domain Modelling for Construction Robots

Construction robots operate in an environment very different from that of manufacturing robots. This environment is less structured, more complex and more dynamic than is the norm in manufacturing. In addition, construction robots are inherently mobile, as they are engaged in building or maintaining an immobile structure which is large compared to their dimensions. Another complicating factor is the uniqueness of actions that must he taken by a construction robot: the number of special conditions that may exist in buildings is large. All of diese differences provide arguments for two related capabilities that arc required of construction robots: the ability to reason about and to model their environment. In diis paper we present current work at Carnegie-Mellon University which addresses the problems of geometrie reasoning and domain modelling in the specific context of knowledge based expert systems.
Identification and characterization of circulating human transitional B cells

Murine B-cell development begins in bone marrow and results in the generation of immature transitional B cells that transit to the spleen to complete their maturation. It remains unclear whether the same developmental pathway takes place in humans. Using markers characteristic of human bone marrow immature B cells, we have identified a population of circulating human B cells with a phenotype most similar to mouse transitional type I (T1) B cells, although these human counterparts express CD5. These cells die rapidly in culture, and B-cell activation factor member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family (BAFF) does not effect their survival regardless of B-cell receptor (BCR) stimulation. In contrast, bone marrow stromal cells or interleukin-4 (IL-4) significantly enhanced their survival. In the presence of T-cell signals provided by IL-4 or CD40 ligation, BCR stimulation can induce progression into cell cycle. Interestingly, circulating B cells that phenotypically and functionally resemble murine T2 B cells are found in cord blood and adult peripheral blood, suggesting that B-cell maturation may not be restricted to the spleen. Notably, increased proportions of T1 B cells were found in blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), although bone marrow production and selection appeared to be normal.
Effect of Nitrogen Rates and Application Time on Sugarcane Yield and Quality

Current sugarcane nitrogen (N) rate recommendations are based of crop age and soil type. Fertilization is typically done up to two months prior to rapid N uptake by sugarcane crop. This study was established to evaluate the effect of N rate and application timing on sugarcane yield and quality. Treatments included four different N rates (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha−1) and four different application times (mid-April, late-April, mid-May, and late-May) arranged in a split-plot design with application time as the main plot and N rate as the sub-plot. Two of three site-years showed a significant positive effect of N rate on sugarcane yield. Further, the critical N rates range from 40 to 60 kg N ha−1 for responsive years, which is lower than current N rate recommendations. Results indicated that N fertilization could be delayed to later in the growing season in 5 of 6 sites.
Predictive control of diffusion-reaction processes

This paper focuses on the development of computationally-efficient predictive control algorithms for nonlinear parabolic PDEs with state and control constraints arising in the context of diffusion-reaction processes. Specifically, we consider a diffusion-reaction process described by a nonlinear parabolic PDE and address the problem of stabilization of an unstable steady-state subject to input and state constraints. Galerkin's method is used to derive finite-dimensional systems that capture the dominant dynamics of the parabolic PDF, which are subsequently used for controller design. Various MPC formulations are constructed on the basis of the finite dimensional approximations that differ in the way the evolution of the fast eigenmodes is accounted for in the performance objective and state constraints. The impact of these differences on the ability of the predictive controller to enforce state constraints satisfaction in the infinite-dimensional system is analyzed. Finally, the MPC formulations arc applied, through simulation, to the problem of stabilizing an unstable steady-state of a nonlinear model of a diffusion-reaction process subject to state and control constraints.
Finite field polynomial multiplication in the frequency domain with application to elliptic curve cryptography

We introduce an efficient method for computing Montgomery products of polynomials in the frequency domain. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) based method originally proposed for integer multiplication provides an extremely efficient method with the best asymptotic complexity, i.e. O(mlogmloglogm), for multiplication of m-bit integers or (m–1)st degree polynomials. However, the original DFT method bears significant overhead due to the conversions between the time and the frequency domains which makes it impractical for short operands as used in many applications. In this work, we introduce DFT modular multiplication which performs the entire modular multiplication (including the reduction step) in the frequency domain, and thus eliminates costly back and forth conversions. We show that, especially in computationally constrained platforms, multiplication of finite field elements may be achieved more efficiently in the frequency domain than in the time domain for operand sizes relevant to elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes the use of frequency domain arithmetic for ECC and shows that it can be efficient.
The widths and peak metallicities of thin-disc metallicity distributions for solar neighbourhood dwarfs and giants

For dwarfs near the Sun, published metallicity distributions commonly have peak metallicities that are a few tenths of a dex below the solar value. However, Haywood has recently used data from photometric calibrations to obtain a peak metallicity of about −0.05 dex. Haywood argues that uncorrected sampling biases explain the difference between his result and previous results. To check Haywood's peak metallicity, a statistical analysis is applied to Haywood's sample and also to a set of averaged high-dispersion metallicities for nearby dwarfs. In addition, a magnitude-limited sample of evolved stars is considered. Care is taken to make sure that all the data in these samples have a common zero-point which there is good reason to regard as reliable. In addition, sampling biases are duly considered, and full allowance is made for the contribution of the thick-disc population. Only statistical analysis is used; no conclusions are drawn by inspecting data or histograms without the aid of statistical analysis. The analysis yields a best-fitting Gaussian for dwarfs whose peak metallicity is fully consistent with Haywood's results. The 2σ width of that Gaussian is 0.37 dex, and its peak falls at a metallicity of −0.041 ± 0.013 dex. Although that peak differs detectably from zero, the difference is not appreciable when compared with a number of previous results. For evolved stars, a problem appears: their mean metallicity turns out to be significantly lower than that for dwarfs (by 0.054 ± 0.016 dex). In addition, the metallicity distribution for evolved stars is found to be narrower than its counterpart for dwarfs. It is suggested that these discrepancies can be traced to the present lack of knowledge about giants with [Fe/H] > +0.2 dex. This suggestion is supported (although not proven) by analysing an augmented test sample which includes data for a number of high-metallicity dwarfs. It is suggested that this problem should be examined further when more has been learned about the numbers of high-metallicity giants in the solar neighbourhood.
Modeling and simulation of nanoparticle separation through a solid-state nanopore.

Recent experimental studies show that electrokinetic phenomena such as electroosmosis and electrophoresis can be used to separate nanoparticles on the basis of their size and charge using nanopore-based devices. However, the efficient separation through a nanopore depends on a number of factors such as externally applied voltage, size and charge density of particle, size and charge density of membrane pore, and the concentration of bulk electrolyte. To design an efficient nanopore-based separation platform, a continuum-based mathematical model is used for fluid. The model is based on Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations along with Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow and on the Langevin equation for particle translocation. Our numerical study reveals that membrane pore surface charge density is a vital parameter in the separation through a nanopore. In this study, we have simulated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as the sample nanoparticles to demonstrate the capability of such a platform. Numerical results suggest that efficient separation of HDL from LDL in a 0.2 M KCL solution (resembling blood buffer) through a 150 nm pore is possible if the pore surface charge density is ∼ -4.0 mC/m(2). Moreover, we observe that pore length and diameter are relatively less important in the nanoparticle separation process considered here.
Architecture of an ATCS network simulator

This paper discusses the architecture of a new system created to simulate a networking protocol called advanced train control system (ATCS). ATCS is a popular protocol used by railways to control track switches, relay sensor readings, and help improve safety. The new simulation environment plugs into the Network Simulator-2 (NS-2) framework, allowing the user to model railroad data networks. This simulator can be used to validate networks, predict how a network will act at load limits, test security vulnerabilities, and find what will happen when nodes fail.
Estimating the number of users behind ip addresses for combating abusive traffic

This paper addresses estimating the number of the users of a specific application behind IP addresses (IPs). This problem is central to combating abusive traffic, such as DDoS attacks, ad click fraud and email spam. We share our experience building a general framework at Google for estimating the number of users behind IPs, called hereinafter the sizes of the IPs. The primary goal of this framework is combating abusive traffic without violating the user privacy. The estimation techniques produce statistically sound estimates of sizes relying solely on passively mining aggregated application log data, without probing machines or deploying active content like Java applets. This paper also explores using the estimated sizes to detect and filter abusive traffic. The proposed framework was used to build and deploy an ad click fraud filter at Google. The first 50M clicks tagged by the filter had a significant recall of all tagged clicks, and their false positive rate was below 1.4%. For the sake of comparison, we simulated a naive IP-based filter that does not consider the sizes of the IPs. To reach a comparable recall, the naive filter's false positive rate was 37% due to aggressive tagging.
Outcomes of Influenza Infections in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: Application of an Immunodeficiency Scoring Index

Abstract Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients have lower immune response to influenza vaccination and are susceptible to lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) and death. We determined clinical characteristics and outcomes of laboratory-confirmed influenza, including 2014/H3N2 infection, in 146 HCT recipients. An immunodeficiency scoring index (ISI) was applied to identify patients at high risk for LRI and death. Thirty-three patients (23%) developed LRI and 7 (5%) died within 30 days of diagnosis. Most patients received antiviral therapy (83%); however, only 18% received it within 48 hours of symptom onset. The incidence of LRI was significantly higher in the ISI high-risk group than it was in the low-risk group (P
Race Dialogues in Teacher Preparation: Beginning the Conversation

This article describes a multicultural instructional activity used within a Master's of Teaching program in the Northwest to engage pre service teachers in critical self-reflection concerning their undestanding of the historical construction of race in the United States of America. The goal of the instructional project was for participants to become aware of their racial dispositions and biases, and consider how teachers' perspectives influence theaching and learning. The instructors-researchesr used theree films within the series, Rce: The Power of an Illusion, as curriculum to engage pre service teachers in critical self-reflection concerning the issues of race. The article describes the teaching strategy, narrative data collection, and critical narrative analysis. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT), the authors provide a critical narrative analysis of the pre service teachers' reflections on viewing the films.
Maternal Diet, Developmental Origins, and the Intergenerational Transmission of Cardiometabolic Traits: A Window of Opportunity for the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome?

Hales and Barker’s alternative hypothesis moved beyond simplistic genetic or lifestyle explanations and eventually led to a new paradigm for understanding chronic disease risk. Their main contribution to the advancement of science was the recognition of the powerful role of developmental plasticity, the ability of a gene to generate a range of possible phenotypes depending on environmental experience. This pathway is typified by nutritional excess in early life (e.g., maternal high fat/sugar/energy diets), followed by a “Western” high-energy/low-fiber diet in adulthood. The forefront of the primary mechanisms that drive developmental programming and its transmission from one generation to the next is epigenetics. Both human and animal studies surmise that the effects of developmentally programmed traits may be transmitted to subsequent generations even if not exposed to the same environmental unbalances. Major example of this trans-generational programming is represented by the high prevalence of cardiovascular risks in the US native Indians and Afro-Americans. Beyond this, a new concept of multigenerational programming is emerging from epigenetic studies. For instance, when a pregnant mother is consuming an inadequate, low-protein diet, three generations are effectively being exposed simultaneously to this dietary insult: the pregnant mother (F0), her fetal offspring (F1), and the primordial germ cells (PGCs)—the precursors of sperm and eggs—within the F1 fetus. Multigenerational (i.e., F1, F2) effects have been documented through extensive experimental animal studies as well as epidemiological studies.