cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient Spectral Testing With Clipped and Noncoherently Sampled Data

In built-in self-test (BIST) environment, clipping is hard to avoid if one wants to obtain full range performance of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This could be due to several factors such as circuit component mismatch, noise, clock jitter, and so on. Furthermore, coherency is a challenging task to implement in BIST as its accuracy requirement on frequency of input signal is extremely high. This paper proposes a new spectral testing method with the efficiency and accuracy similar to the straightforward fast Fourier transform, but it can simultaneously handle amplitude clipping and noncoherent sampling. By replacing a noncoherent and clipped fundamental with a coherent and unclipped fundamental, correct spectral specifications can be obtained. Simulation results show accurate spectral parameters of four ADCs with different resolutions. The proposed method is validated using measurement result of a commercial 16-bit ADC. The algorithm error is quantitatively bounded using theoretical analysis and also justified with simulation result.
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE OF THE SUPERCONDUCTING TRANSITION TEMPERATURE.

A theory of the superconducting transition temperature using a simple model for the electron-phonon interaction has been used to calculate the pressure dependence of the transition temperature for nontransition metals. The pressure dependence of the Debye temperature and phonon frequencies is included by using a Gr\"uneisen model. The theory is compared to experiment for aluminum, lead, zinc, cadmium, indium, and tin, and the agreement is generally quite good. The results have been used to predict the critical pressures at which ${T}_{c}=0$; and for the cases of zinc, cadmium, and possibly aluminum, it should be possible to carry out experiments where ${T}_{c}$ is pushed below presently measurable temperatures. The empirical ${T}_{c}=f(P)$ relations published in the literature are discussed and compared with the present results.
Clinical pregnancy and live births after transfer of embryos vitrified on day 3

Human embryo vitrification is a promising new technology but clinical outcome data is needed to gauge its effectiveness and safety. While pregnancy and live-birth data is available for blastocyst vitrification, such information is lacking for human embryo vitrification at the 6- to 8-cell stage. The current work presents clinical and obstetric outcomes from the transfer of embryos vitrified on day 3 at the cleavage stage. A total of 270 transfers were performed. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates for patients under 38 years of age (n=200) were 45% and 24%, respectively. Corresponding rates in patients 38-42 years old declined to 29% and 13% (n=70). Embryonic compaction and/or blastulation by the time of transfer were excellent prognostic indicators of a successful pregnancy outcome. Of the 66 deliveries, 12 (18.2%) were twin pregnancies and nine were preterm (13.6%). The mean birthweight for singletons was 3281+/-644 g, compared with 2506+/-549 g in the twin pregnancies. A total of 78 infants have been born with no major congenital malformations. These data attest to the efficacy and safety of the vitrification technique for cryopreservation of human embryos at the 6- to 8-cell stage.
Recruitment of Black Howler Fruit Trees in Fragmented Forests of Northern Belize

We examined recruitment of trees whose seeds are dispersed by black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in forest fragments within the Community Baboon Sanctuary in north-central Belize. In the fragments, most other large frugivores are absent and howlers dominate the large frugivore community. Consequently, we expected to observe an increased representation of howler fruit trees among the sapling community. To test this prediction preliminarily we observed howler feeding behavior for one year and conducted adult tree and sapling transects in 6 locations where howlers were present. We sampled a seventh site where howlers were absent for vegetation only. We found that in 4 of 6 sites there were proportionately fewer howler fruit saplings when compared to adult tree samples. However, when recruitment of howler fruit trees in the 6 sites was compared to a site where howlers were absent, 11 of 12 species had relatively higher recruitment. The lack of recruitment among howler fruit trees in general likely reflects differences in responses of individual species, as well as disruptions from human activities to natural processes within the forests. The observed lower recruitment patterns of howler trees suggest that over time, the abundance of the trees will likely decline and thus affect the foraging behavior and possibly survival of howlers in the fragmented forests.
Validation of the TUV module in CWRF using USDA-UVB network observations

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the source energy for tropospheric photolysis processes, while harmful for living organism of the earth. It is thus necessary to incorporate UV radiation for an integrated earth modeling system to predict interactions between climate, chemistry and ecosystem processed. The widely-used NCAR TUV (Tropospheric Ultraviolet and Visible) radiation model has been coupled with the state-of-the-art mesoscale CWRF (Climate extension of the Weather Research and Forecasting model) to predict the UV dependence of local climate conditions and its impacts on air quality and crop growth. The original TUV v4.2 has been significantly improved by (1) replacing the core radiation transfer solver, DISORT v1.1 with the latest v2.0beta; (2) adding a new aerosol scheme based on the Shettle (1989); (3) recoding the entire model to follow the CWRF F90 standard with dynamic memory allocation and modular design; and (4) developing a flexible interface for coupling with CWRF. Given the lack of detailed cloud information in observations, this study focuses on validation of the TUV module in a standalone mode against the USDA UV-B data under clear-sky conditions. To facilitate this, a cloud detection scheme based on Long and Ackerman (2000) is incorporated to distinguish clear versus cloudy sky conditions from the UV-B observations. The model input includes in situ measurements of the column ozone and total aerosol optical depth; TOMS retrievals of the column ozone (in case missing in situ) and climatologically surface reflectivity; and the NARR (North American Regional Analysis) meteorological conditions. The TUV results agree well with the UV-B measurements at 7 narrow spectral bands (300, 305, 311, 317, 325, 332, 368 nm).
Quantitative food habits of the bullnose ray, Myliobatis freminvillii, in Delaware Bay

Feeding habits of many batoid elasmobranchs have been recorded, but diets, prey selection, and resource partitioning within specific populations are not fully understood. Few descriptions exist of the diet of a batoid species throughout its entire life history. Through gut content analysis, our research examined the feeding habits of the bullnose ray, Myliobatis freminvillii, to understand the diet and trophic role of this species in the Delaware Bay at various life stages. We were able to collect a higher abundance of neonate and juvenile rays than expected allowing for a more comprehensive diet characterization than in past studies. Over the course of 2 years, 160 specimens were collected through fisheries-independent trawl surveys, of which 132 had stomach contents. Overall, this species feeds mainly on hermit crabs and gastropods, with some bivalves as well. Diet was shown to vary across months and across life history stages. Diet data for the various months and life stages of this species in Delaware Bay can provide new information for future efforts in conservation, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and modeling.
Relationship between the yield of cheese (Chevre) and chemical composition of goat milk

Abstract The relationships between goat milk constituents and cheese (Chevre, a fresh goat’s milk cheese) yield were determined to develop formula for predicting the moisture-adjusted yield of Chevre. Samples of commingled goat milk shipped to a commercial manufacturer of Chevre were collected weekly over a 12-month period and analyzed for milk fat, crude protein (CP), casein, total solids (TS), and mineral contents. The yield of Chevre made from the sampled milk was measured and adjusted to a 60% moisture content. There was a definite trend in the 60% moisture-adjusted yield of Chevre during the year, which ranged from 14% in June to 20% in December and January. Milk TS and CP contents were the most significant predictors of Chevre yield ( Y ): Y=2.64 TS −15.48 ( r 2 =0.81, P Y=8.6116 CP −12.7598 ( r 2 =0.79, P
Emptying and filling a tunnel bronze

The classical orthorhombic layered phase of V2O5 has long been regarded as the thermodynamic sink for binary vanadium oxides and has found great practical utility as a result of its open framework and easily accessible redox states. Herein, we exploit a cation-exchange mechanism to synthesize a new stable tunnel-structured polymorph of V2O5 (ζ-V2O5) and demonstrate the subsequent ability of this framework to accommodate Li and Mg ions. The facile extraction and insertion of cations and stabilization of the novel tunnel framework is facilitated by the nanometer-sized dimensions of the materials, which leads to accommodation of strain without amorphization. The topotactic approach demonstrated here indicates not just novel intercalation chemistry accessible at nanoscale dimensions but also suggests a facile synthetic route to ternary vanadium oxide bronzes (MxV2O5) exhibiting intriguing physical properties that range from electronic phase transitions to charge ordering and superconductivity.
Democratic states and international disputes

A growing literature in international relations concludes that democratic states pursue distinctive foreign policies. Specifically, democracies do not engage each other in war and only rarely engage each other in serious disputes short of war. Scholars have offered three basic explanations to support these findings. Each of the three invokes a different explanatory variable: norms, checks and balances, and trade. None of the three, however, provides a convincing explanation of the peace that is said to prevail between democratic polities: the distinction between norms and interests is unclear; substitutes for checks and balances exists in nondemocracies; and trade can deter conflict only under restrictive conditions.
Modeling transcriptional regulatory networks.

Summary Developmental processes in complex animals are directed by a hardwired genomic regulatory code, the ultimate function of which is to set up a progression of transcriptional regulatory states in space and time. The code specifies the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that underlie allmajor developmentalevents.Modelsof GRNs are required for analysis, for experimental manipulation and, most fundamentally, for comprehension of how GRNs work. To model GRNs requires knowledge of both their overall structure, which depends upon linkage amongst regulatory genes, and the modular building blocksofwhichGRNsareheirarchicallyconstructed.The building blocks consist of basic transcriptional control processes executed by one or a few functionally linked genes. We show how the functions of several such buildingblockscanbeconsideredinmathematicalterms, and discuss resolution of GRNs by both ‘‘top down’’ and ‘‘bottom up’’ approaches. BioEssays 24:1118–1129, 2002. 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Serum-Derived Sphingosine-1-Phosphate as a Small Molecule Regulator of YAP

Summary Hippo signaling represents a tumor suppressor pathway that regulates organ size and tumorigenesis through phosphorylation and inhibition of the transcription coactivator YAP. Here, we show that serum deprivation dramatically induces YAP Ser127 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention, independent of cell-cell contact. Through chemical isolation and activity profiling, we identified serum-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as small molecule activators of YAP. S1P induces YAP nuclear localization through S1P 2 receptor, Rho GTPase activation, and F-actin polymerization, independent of the core Hippo pathway kinases. Bioinformatics studies also showed that S1P stimulation induces YAP target gene expression in mouse liver and human embryonic stem cells. These results revealed potent small molecule regulators of YAP and suggest that S1P and LPA might modulate cell proliferation and tumorigenesis through YAP activation.
Chest pain in emergency department patients: if the pain is relieved by nitroglycerin, is it more likely to be cardiac chest pain?

Introduction It is often believed that chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin is indicative of coronary artery disease origin. Objective To determine if relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin can be used as a diagnostic test to help differentiate cardiac chest pain and non-cardiac chest pain. Design Prospective observational cohort study with a 4-week follow-up of patients enrolled. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital, with 60,000 visits/year. Inclusion criteria Adult patients presenting to the emergency department with active chest pain who received nitroglycerin and were admitted for chest pain. Exclusion criteria Patients with acute myocardial infarction diagnosed after obtaining an ECG, patients whose chest pain could not be quantified, those for whom no cardiac work-up was done, or those who received emergent cardiac catheterization. Results 270 patients were enrolled. Nitroglycerin relieved chest pain in 66% of the subjects. The diagnostic sensitivity of nitroglycerin to determine cardiac chest pain was 72% (64%-80%), and the specificity was 37% (34%-41%). The positive likelihood ratio for having coronary artery disease if nitroglycerin relieved chest pain was 1.1 (0.96-1.34). Telephone follow-up at 4 weeks was performed, with a 95% follow-up rate. Conclusions Relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin is not a reliable diagnostic test and does not distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain.
Effects of Modeling and Model-Observer Similarity in Imitation and Generalization of Aggressive Verbal Behavior

This study involved 80 male undergraduates and was designed to assess the effects of varying model and observer similarity on a measure of social activism on the imitation and generalization of agg...
Radioimmunoassay of Calcitonin in Human Plasma

A sensitive, specific radioimmunoassay of calcitonin is described, suitable for measuring the hormone in peripheral plasma of normal man. With this assay we have demonstrated that calcitonin is detectable under ba sal conditions and the concentrations respond to induced and spontaneous hypercalcemia and induced hypocalcemia. The mean value for basal calcitonin of normal men was 182 pg/ml (range 63-450); patients with hypercalcemia of various etiologies had a statistically significant higher mean value of 510 pg/ml (range 110-2700). In calcium-infusion studies, concentrations of both total calcium and ionic calcium correlated well with plasma calcitonin (0.77 and 0.84, respectively). These findings strongly suggest that calcitonin is of physiologic importance in man.
Characterizing specimen quality of cell block samples in an era of personalized diagnostics: analysis of 221 lymph node fine-needle aspirations.

Introduction Cell block (CB) preparations of fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) are utilized for patient management, which requires retention of representative material on slides. Personalized medicine demands quality CB specimens. There is no standard protocol for CB preparation, often resulting in suboptimal slides. The utility of using two CB slides in lymph node (LN) FNA cases was investigated. Materials and methods We cut 10 serial sections from each CB, slides 1 and 5 are stained and considered the first and second cuts, respectively; the remaining slides are reserved for ancillary studies. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained CBs of 221 consecutive LN FNA cases were reviewed; qualitative and quantitative assessment of diagnostic value was made on sections 1 and 5. Results Of the 221 cases, 46.1% (102) had comparable diagnostic cellularity (equally representative) on both slides, whereas 26.7% (59) and 27.1% (60) had more representative material on the first and second cuts, respectively ( P = 0.52). Differences between the representativeness of first and second CB cuts of intrathoracic lymph nodes were minor (n = 192, P = 0.065). Differences between the first and the second slide representativeness of superficial (n = 22, P = 0.98) and intra-abdominal lymph nodes (n = 7, P = 0.38) are limited because of small sample sizes. Conclusion One CB cut can be suboptimal for diagnosis. In our study, inclusion of a second slide increases equal representativeness from 46.1% to 73.2%. These limited observations recognize the need for additional investigations regarding the collection and preparation of CBs.
Insulin resistance of muscle glucose transport in male and female rats fed a high-sucrose diet

It has been reported that, unlike high-fat diets, high-sucrose diets cause insulin resistance in the absence of an increase in visceral fat and that the insulin resistance develops only in male rat...
Microbial Spoilage of Tofu (Soybean Curd).

Plate counts and pH measurements were performed on tofu from different aged lots. The pH declined from to 5.8 to 5.2 with age. Aerobic plate counts of 1- and 30-d-old samples were approximately 106 CFU/g. Older samples had counts of about 108 CFU/g. Anaerobic counts rose from 106 CFU/g in the 1-d-old lot to a high of 109 CFU/g in the 30-d-old lot. The major species from the different age lots were lactic acid bacteria, enteric bacteria, and Pseudomonas species. Representatives from each of these groups were inoculated into autoclaved tofu and incubated at 5°C for 23 d. CFU/ml and pH of both water and cake were measured. Turbidity, mg protein per ml, and mg NH4+ per mi of the water were measured. All species tested increased in numbers in the tofu and caused changes in at least some of the characteristics measured. Samples were taken during the manufacture of tofu, and all organisms found in each sample were characterized. All organisms that were shown capable of causing spoilage in tofu were present in large numbers early in manufacture but were no longer found in samples subsequent to pressure cooking. All of the spoilage organisms reappeared later during manufacture. These data indicate that tofu is spoiled by enteric bacteria and Pseudomonas species, as well as by lactic acid bacteria. The spoilage organisms are probably introduced by equipment and personnel with which the product comes in contact after it is pressure cooked. In addition, aerobic plate counts can underestimate the bacterial load in tofu, and therefore, anaerobic plate counts should also be performed.
Politics in the Wake of Divine Violence

The modern political order rejects any notion of ‘divine violence’. But in refusing the possibility of the category, states obscure their own forms of sacred violence. Carl Schmitt describes the structure of a political theology that can illumine this dynamic. But his account of divine violence would put historical figures in the role of sovereign, and so open the way to theocratic tyranny. Walter Benjamin proposes a more transcendent sovereign power. He describes a divine violence that rejects both the theocracy of Schmitt and the neo-Kantian ‘realism’ critiqued by Gillian Rose. From Benjamin we can develop a notion of divine violence that interrupts the mythologization of the state and makes possible a rightly secular politics.
Comparative effects of bile acids on intestinal absorption of cholesterol.

Summary1. Effect of various bile acids on intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol has been investigated in lymph-fistula rats. 2. Cholanic, lithocholic, and deoxycholic acids, with none, one and 2 hydroxyl radicals, respectively, produced no increase in lymph cholesterol over the control group. 3. Conjugated bile salts, glycocholate and taurocholate gave comparable significant elevations in total lymph cholesterol/24 hours. 4. Cholic acid with 3 free hydroxyl groups and an unconjugated carboxyl radical was the most effective bile acid in promoting cholesterol absorption from the intestine.
Efeito do propranolol sobre a termorregulação comportamental em ratos com lesões do hipotálamo lateral

Ratos expostos ao frio foram treinados a pressionar uma barra para obter pulsos de calor e entao receberam lesoes bilaterais da area hipotalâmica lateral. Tanto antes quanto apos as lesoes, a taxa de resposta aumentou em decorrencia da injecao de propranolol. Portanto, rato com lesoes do hipotalamo lateral retem a habilidade de compensar atraves do comportamento uma deficiencia autonomica de producao de calor.
MASC: Ultra-low energy multiple-access single-charge TCAM for approximate computing

Memory-based computing using associative memory has emerged as a promising solution to reduce the energy consumption of important classes of streaming applications such as multimedia by avoiding redundant computations. In associative memory, a set of frequent patterns that represent basic functions are pre-stored in ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) and reused. The primary limitation to using associative memory in modern parallel processors is the large search energy required by TCAMs. In TCAMs, all match rows, except hit rows, precharge and discharge in every search operation, resulting in high and undesirable energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a new multiple-access single-charge (MASC) TCAM architecture which is capable of searching TCAM contents multiple times with a single precharging cycle. In contrast to previous designs, the MASC TCAM keeps the match-line voltage of all miss-rows high and uses their charge for the next search operation, while only the hit rows discharge. We use a periodic refresh scheme to guarantee the accuracy of the search. We also implement a new type of approximate associative memory by setting longer refresh times for MASC TCAMs, which yields search results within 1–2 bit Hamming distances of the exact result. Our evaluation on AMD Southern Island GPU shows that using MASC associative memory can improve the average GPGPU energy efficiency by 36.6%, 40.2% and 39.4% for exact matching, selective 1-HD and 2-HD approximations respectively, with acceptable quality of service (PSNR>30dB). These energy savings are 1.8X and 1.6X higher than GPGPU using exact matching TCAM and approximation TCAM that uses voltage overscaling, respectively.
Affective forecasting and medication decision making in breast-cancer prevention.

OBJECTIVE Over 2 million American women at elevated risk for breast cancer are eligible to take chemoprevention medications such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, which can cut in half the risk of developing breast cancer, but which also have a number of side effects. Historically, very few at-risk women have opted to use chemoprevention medications. Affective forecasting theory suggests that people may avoid these medications if they expect taking them to increase their health-related stress. METHOD After receiving an individually tailored decision aid that provided personalized information about the risks and benefits of these medications, 661 women at elevated risk of breast cancer were asked to make 3 affective forecasts, predicting what their level of health-related stress would be if they took tamoxifen, raloxifene, or neither medication. They also completed measures of decisional preferences and intentions, and at a 3-month follow-up, reported on whether or not they had decided to use either medication. RESULTS On the affective forecasting items, very few women (<10%) expected the medications to reduce their health-related stress, relative to no medication at all. Participants with more negative affective forecasts about taking a chemoprevention medication expressed lower preferences and intentions for using the medications (Cohen's ds from 0.74 to 0.79) and were more likely to have opted against using medication at follow-up (OR range = 1.34-2.66). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that affective forecasting may explain avoidance of breast-cancer chemoprevention medications. They also highlight the need for more research aimed at integrating emotional content into decision aids. (PsycINFO Database Record
Suppression of Acid Sphingomyelinase Protects the Retina from Ischemic Injury

Purpose Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide and mediates multiple responses involved in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. However, the role ASMase plays in ischemic retinal injury has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate how reduced ASMase expression impacts retinal ischemic injury. Methods Changes in ceramide levels and ASMase activity were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and ASMase activity. Retinal function and morphology were assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and morphometric analyses. Levels of TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Activation of p38 MAP kinase was assessed by Western blot analysis. Results In wild-type mice, ischemia produced a significant increase in retinal ASMase activity and ceramide levels. These increases were associated with functional deficits as measured by ERG analysis and significant structural degeneration in most retinal layers. In ASMase+/- mice, retinal ischemia did not significantly alter ASMase activity, and the rise in ceramide levels were significantly reduced compared to levels in retinas from wild-type mice. In ASMase+/- mice, functional and morphometric analyses of ischemic eyes revealed significantly less retinal degeneration than in injured retinas from wild-type mice. The ischemia-induced increase in retinal TNF-α levels was suppressed by the administration of the ASMase inhibitor desipramine, or by reducing ASMase expression. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that reducing ASMase expression provides partial protection from ischemic injury. Hence, the production of ceramide and subsequent mediators plays a role in the development of ischemic retinal injury. Modulating ASMase may present new opportunities for adjunctive therapies when treating retinal ischemic disorders.
No-fault compensation for ventilator-dependent children: a reasonable settlement value for lifetime attendant care

Severe neurological outcomes sustained in childhood often result in lifetime health care needs that are beyond the financial means of most families. When severe neurological deficits are alleged to have resulted from professional negligence, relief may be sought through litigation; however, the American tort system often yields inconsistent results or no compensation for patients. We sought to identify a reasonable, objective, and data-based monetary range for a no-fault compensation system with high- and low-financial limits for those with severe neurological deficits. Based on documented life expectancies and attendant care cost studies, the data analysis indicates a no-fault settlement payment ranging from US$479,712.24 to $3,098,504.16, reasonably ensures care and services for life.
Marginal zero-inflated regression models for count data

ABSTRACTData sets with excess zeroes are frequently analyzed in many disciplines. A common framework used to analyze such data is the zero-inflated (ZI) regression model. It mixes a degenerate distribution with point mass at zero with a non-degenerate distribution. The estimates from ZI models quantify the effects of covariates on the means of latent random variables, which are often not the quantities of primary interest. Recently, marginal zero-inflated Poisson (MZIP; Long et al. [A marginalized zero-inflated Poisson regression model with overall exposure effects. Stat. Med. 33 (2014), pp. 5151–5165]) and negative binomial (MZINB; Preisser et al., 2016) models have been introduced that model the mean response directly. These models yield covariate effects that have simple interpretations that are, for many applications, more appealing than those available from ZI regression. This paper outlines a general framework for marginal zero-inflated models where the latent distribution is a member of the exponen...
High-temperature corrosion of superalloys

The performance of gas turbines has been improved by the development of alloys with progressively increasing high-temperature capabilities. While both strength and corrosion resistance are importan...
Survey on forced oscillations in power system

The oscillations in a power system can be categorized into free oscillations and forced oscillations. Many algorithms have been developed to estimate the modes of free oscillations in a power system. Recently, forced oscillations have caught many researchers’ attentions. Techniques are proposed to detect forced oscillations and locate their sources. In addition, forced oscillations may have a negative impact on the estimation of mode and mode-shape if they are not properly accounted for. To improve the power system reliability and dynamic properties, it is important to first distinguish forced oscillations from free oscillations and then locate the sources of forced oscillations in a timely manner. The negative impact of forced oscillation can be mitigated when they are detected and located. This paper provides an overview of the analysis technique of forced oscillations in power systems. In addition, some future opportunities are discussed in forced oscillation studies.
A conceptual model to assess stress-associated health effects of multiple ecosystem services degraded by disaster events in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere

Few conceptual frameworks attempt to connect disaster-associated environmental injuries to impacts on ecosystem services (the benefits humans derive from nature) and thence to both psychological and physiological human health effects. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first, if not the first, to develop a detailed conceptual model of how degraded ecosystem services affect cumulative stress impacts on the health of individual humans and communities. Our comprehensive Disaster-Pressure State-Ecosystem Services-Response-Health model demonstrates that oil spills, hurricanes, and other disasters can change key ecosystem components resulting in reductions in individual and multiple ecosystem services that support people's livelihoods, health, and way of life. Further, the model elucidates how damage to ecosystem services produces acute, chronic, and cumulative stress in humans which increases risk of adverse psychological and physiological health outcomes. While developed and initially applied within the context of the Gulf of Mexico, it should work equally well in other geographies and for many disasters that cause impairment of ecosystem services. Use of this new tool will improve planning for responses to future disasters and help society more fully account for the costs and benefits of potential management responses. The model also can be used to help direct investments in improving response capabilities of the public health community, biomedical researchers, and environmental scientists. Finally, the model illustrates why the broad range of potential human health effects of disasters should receive equal attention to that accorded environmental damages in assessing restoration and recovery costs and time frames.
Cat Heart Muscle in Vitro : VI. Potassium exchange in papillary muscles

The exchange of cell K with K42, JK, has been measured in cat right ventricular papillary muscle under conditions of a steady state with respect to intracellular K concentration. Within the limits of the measurement, all of cell K exchanged at a single rate. Cells from small cats are smaller and have larger surface/volume ratios than cells from large cats. The larger surface/volume ratio results in larger flux values. JK increases in an approximately linear manner as the external K concentration is increased twentyfold, from 2.5 to 50 mM, at constant intracellular K concentration. The permeability for K ions, PK, calculated from the influx and membrane potential, remains very nearly constant over this range of external K concentrations. JK is not affected by replacement of O2 by N2, or by stimulated contractions at 60 per minute, but K influx decreases markedly in 10-5 M and 10-8 M ouabain.
Spatial and environmental correlates of organism colonization and infection in the neonatal intensive care unit.

To examine organism colonization and infection in the neonatal intensive care unit as a result of environmental and spatial factors. A retrospective cohort of infants admitted between 2006 and 2015 (n = 11 428), to assess the relationship between location and four outcomes: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization; culture-confirmed late-onset sepsis; and, if intubated, endotracheal tube colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Klebsiella pneumonia. Independent risk factors were identified with mixed-effects logistic regression models and Moran’s I for spatial autocorrelation. All four outcomes statistically clustered by location; neighboring colonization also influenced risk of MRSA (p < 0.05). For P. aeruginosa, being in a location with space for more medical equipment was associated with 2.61 times the odds of colonization (95% CrI: 1.19, 5.78). Extrinsic factors partially explained risk for neonatal colonization and infection. For P. aeruginosa, infection prevention efforts at locations with space for more equipment may lower future colonization.
Spintronic detection of interfacial magnetic switching in a paramagnetic thin film of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III)

Organic semiconductors find increasing importance in spin transport devices due to the modulation and control of their properties through chemical synthetic versatility. The organic materials have been used as interlayers between two ferromagnet (FM) electrodes in organic spin valves, as well as for magnetic spin manipulation of metal-organic complexes at the molecular level. In the latter, the substrate-induced magnetic switching in a paramagnetic molecule has been evoked extensively but studied by delicate surface spectroscopies. Here we present evidence of the substantial magnetic switching in a thin film of the paramagnetic molecule, tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III) ($\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{q}}_{3}$) deposited on a FM substrate, using the magnetoresistance response of electrical spin-injection in an organic spin valve structure, as well as the inverse-spin-Hall effect induced by state-of-art pulsed microwave spin-pumping. We show that interfacial spin control at the molecular level may lead to a macroscopic organic spin transport device, thus bridging the gap between organic spintronics and molecular spintronics.
POROUS SILICON – SENSORS AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS

Abstract Current and future applications of porous silicon (PS) interfaces for the development of chemical sensors, microreactors, and lithium battery systems are considered. A brief overview of a diverse group of sensors, each with different applications, constructions, and benefits is used to provide a general understanding of the scope of PS sensors. A range of sensing mechanisms, methods of transduction, and fabrication methods for producing sensors for the detection of humidity, gas concentrations, and additional analytes are considered, indicating the diversity of PS sensors that can be developed as platforms for ever-increasing applications, especially as these devices are integrated into arrays with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS), and nano electro-mechanical system (NEMS) technologies. Within this framework, we consider the variety of pore structures associated with the PS interface and the demonstration of a micro/nanoporous morphology to form optimized structures both in terms of available surface area (sensitivity) and selectivity, through nanostructure-based surface modification. We outline how the enhancement and stabilization of the photoluminescence (PL) from PS has been used to provide a means of generating low-resistance (20–100Ω) contacts to the PS surface using PL-induced metallization from electroless solutions and the extension of these efforts to nanostructure-based surface modification. A discussion of select humidity, chemical, and gas sensors is presented to convey the diversity of these devices. We indicate future applications with a short discussion of nanoparticle photocatalytic coatings placed on the nanostructured walls of a microsctructured scaffolding as a means of producing solar or electroluminescence-pumped microreactors that might also be used as solar pumped sensors. We conclude with a brief outline of PS-based lithium batteries.
Three Areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairment: Research Priorities for Independent Living Skills, Self-Determination, and Social Interaction Skills

Abstract An extensive review of existing literature was conducted to identify intervention research in three areas of the expanded core curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments: independent living skills, self-determination skills, and social interaction skills. Students with visual impairments often struggle to develop competence in these three areas without direct instruction, yet it is thought that they are critical for successful adult functioning. After identifying over 700 potential articles through an extensive literature search, 23 intervention studies on school-age children with visual impairments met inclusion criteria for this chapter. Results are summarized by the ECC area, with seven (30%) studies on independent living skills, six (26%) studies on self-determination, and ten (43%) studies on social skills. Single-subject multiple baseline designs were most commonly used, though many of the researchers failed to demonstrate experimental control through sufficient replications of their interventions to support causality. Based on the paucity of intervention studies, the authors conclude that there are few research-based strategies to facilitate the development of skills in these three areas. More research, and research of higher quality, is needed.
Use of PRKO mice to study the role of progesterone in mammary gland development

To better understand the distinct physiological roles played by progesterone and estrogen receptors (PR and ER) as well as to study directly PR function in an in vivo context, a novel mutant mouse strain, the PR knockout (PRKO) mouse, was generated carrying a germline loss of function mutation at the PR locus. Mouse mammary gland development has been examined in PRKO mice using reciprocal transplantation experiments to investigate the effects of the stromal and epithelial PRs on ductal and lobuloalveolar development. The absence of PR in transplanted donor epithelium, but not in recipient stroma, prevented normal lobuloalveolar development in response to estrogen and progesterone treatment. Conversely, the presence of PR in the transplanted donor epithelium, but not in the recipient stroma, revealed that PR in the stroma may be necessary for ductal development. Stimulation of ductal development by the PR may, therefore, be mediated by an unknown secondary signaling molecule, possibly a growth factor. The continued stimulation of the stromal PR appears to be dependent on reciprocal signal(s) from the epithelium. Thus, the combination of gene knockout and reciprocal transplantation technologies has provided some new insights into the role of stromal-epithelial interactions and steroid hormones in mammary gland development.
LIPID MEDIATORS | Prostanoids

Prostanoids are a family of lipid mediators that include prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane. Their synthesis from arachidonic acid is initiated by the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is the molecular target of the widely employed class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Terminal synthase enzymes, expressed in cell-specific fashion, complete the synthesis of bioactive prostanoids. Via ligation of G-protein-coupled receptors, they exert autocrine and paracrine effects including modulation of smooth muscle tone, microvascular permeability, tissue repair and remodeling, inflammation, and immune responses. Either overproduction or underproduction of prostanoids has been implicated in a variety of lung diseases, including asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, cancer, and infections. Current therapies employ both blockade and administration of prostanoids, and additional applications of increasing selectivity can be envisioned in the future.
Scleral necrosis in patients with posterior uveal melanomas evaluated by transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy and treated by 125I plaque.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the incidence, potential correlation with transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy, and treatment of scleral necrosis in patients with posterior uveal melanomas treated by 125I plaque radiotherapy and assessed by transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy. Methods: We per­formed a retrospective review of posterior uveal melanoma treated by 125I plaque radiotherapy at a single academic institution between July 2006 and July 2013. Consecutive patients diagnosed with a posterior uveal melanoma during the study period that had an anterior margin at or anterior to the equator who were evaluated by transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy prior to 125I plaque radiotherapy were included. The main outcome measure was development of scleral necrosis, and the secondary outcome was treatment of this complication. Statistical analysis included computation of conventional descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and chi-square tests of potential factors related to the development of scleral necrosis, and summarizing of treatment approaches and results. The incidence of treatment of scleral necrosis was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: During the 7-year study period, 87 posterior uveal melanomas were evaluated by transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy and treated by 125I plaque radiotherapy. The median largest basal diameter of the tumor was 13.3 mm, and the median thickness was 6.8 mm. Eight patients (9.2%) developed scleral necrosis during follow-up. Thicker tumors (> 6.5 mm) were more likely to develop scleral necrosis (n=7) than thinner tumors (p=0.05). The median interval between 125I plaque radiotherapy and detection of scleral necrosis was 19.1 months. The overall cumulative probability of scleral necrosis was 6.2% at 6 months and 14.3% at 24 months, subsequently remaining stable. For thicker tumors, the probability of scleral necrosis was 23.5% at 45.4 months. Five patients were treated by scleral patch graft (62.5%) and three by observation (37.5%). One patient underwent enucleation after two failed scleral patch attempts and recurrent scleral necrosis. The mean follow-up period for patients with scleral necrosis was 34.5 months. Conclusions: Thicker posterior uveal melanomas are more likely to develop scleral necrosis after 125I plaque radiotherapy and transcleral fine needle aspiration biopsy. While observation is sufficient for managing limited scleral necrosis, scleral patch graft is a viable alternative for eye preservation in extensive scleral necrosis.
Glutathione content and expression of proteins involved with glutathione metabolism differs in longissimus dorsi, subcutaneous adipose, and liver tissues of finished vs. growing beef steers.

Increased tissue redox state may result in sub-optimal growth. Our goal was to determine if glutathione (GSH) content and expression of proteins involved with GSH metabolism change in longissimus dorsi (LD), subcutaneous adipose (SA), and liver tissues of growing vs. finishing steer phenotypes. Tissues were taken from 16 Angus steers (BW = 209 ± 29.4 kg) randomly assigned (n = 8) to develop through Growing (final BW = 301 ± 7.06 kg) vs. Finished (final BW = 576 ± 36.9 kg) growth phases, and at slaughter had achieved different rib-eye area (REA) (53.2, 76.8 cm2), marbling scores (296, 668), and 12th rib adipose thickness (0.54, 1.73 cm), respectively (Amino Acids, doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2540-8). GSH content (mg/g wet tissue) was determined by a commercial assay and the relative content of target protein and mRNA in tissue homogenates was determined by Western blot and reverse-transcribed PCR analyses, respectively. The effect of growth phase (Finished vs. Growing) was assessed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS. The LD of Finished steers had more (P 0.57). Principal component analysis found that GSH content of LD was associated with REA and marbling score. The SA of Finished steers had less (P 0.32). The liver of Finished steers had less (P < 0.02) mRNA content of GSH synthesizing (GCLC, 39%; GSS 29%) and metabolizing (GPX1, 30%) enzymes, and more (P < 0.01) GSTM1 metabolizing enzyme (114%). The change in GSH content as steers fattened indicate an increased antioxidant capacity in the LD of Finished steers, and a decreased antioxidant capacity in SA, consistent with changes in enzyme and transporter expression. Changes in liver enzyme and transporter expression were consistent with no change in GSH content. The relationship of EAAC1 regulatory proteins (GTRAP3-18, ARL6IP1) to GSH, EAAC1, and GS content differs and changes as Growing steers develop into Finished phenotypes. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how antioxidant capacity occurs in tissues of economic and metabolic importance as cattle fatten.
Academic Success and 1 Year of Intramural Sports Participation by Freshmen Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in academic indicators among intramural sports participants and nonparticipants following their first year of college. Matched samples (N = ...
Asynchronous Ballistic Reversible Fluxon Logic

In a previous paper, we described a new abstract circuit model for reversible computation called asynchronous ballistic reversible computing (ABRC), in which localized information-bearing pulses propagate ballistically along signal paths between stateful abstract devices and elastically scatter off those devices serially, while updating the device state in a logically-reversible and deterministic fashion. The ABRC model has been shown to be capable of universal computation. In the research reported here, we begin exploring how the ABRC model might be realized in practice using single flux quantum solitons (fluxons) in superconducting Josephson junction (JJ) circuits. One natural family of realizations could utilize fluxon polarity to represent binary data in individual pulses propagating near-ballistically, along discrete or continuous long Josephson junctions or microstrip passive transmission lines, and utilize the flux charge (-1, 0, +1) of a JJ-containing superconducting loop with Φ 0 <; I c L <; 2Φ 0 to encode a ternary state variable internal to a device. A natural question then arises as to which of the definable abstract ABRC device functionalities using this data representation might be implementable using a JJ circuit that dissipates only a small fraction of the input fluxon energy. We discuss conservation rules and symmetries considered as constraints to be obeyed in these circuits, and begin the process of classifying the possible ABRC devices in this family having up to three bidirectional I/O terminals, and up to three internal states.