cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic health record phenotype in subjects with genetic variants associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a study of 30,716 subjects with exome sequencing

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart disease. Clinical follow-up of incidental findings in ARVC-associated genes is recommended. We aimed to determine the prevalence of disease thus ascertained. Individuals (n = 30,716) underwent exome sequencing. Variants in PKP2, DSG2, DSC2, DSP, JUP, TMEM43, or TGFβ3 that were database-listed as pathogenic or likely pathogenic were identified and evidence-reviewed. For subjects with putative loss-of-function (pLOF) variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUS), electronic health records (EHR) were reviewed for ARVC diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes. Eighteen subjects had pLOF variants; none of these had an EHR diagnosis of ARVC. Of 14 patients with an electrocardiogram, one had a minor diagnostic criterion; the rest were normal. A total of 184 subjects had VUS, none of whom had an ARVC diagnosis. The proportion of subjects with VUS with major (4%) or minor (13%) electrocardiogram diagnostic criteria did not differ from that of variant-negative controls. ICD-9 codes showed no difference in defibrillator use, electrophysiologic abnormalities or nonischemic cardiomyopathies in patients with pLOF or VUSs compared with controls. pLOF variants in an unselected cohort were not associated with ARVC phenotypes based on EHR review. The negative predictive value of EHR review remains uncertain.
Self-Regulated Learning: The Continuous-Change Conceptual Framework and a Vision of New Paradigm, Technology System, and Pedagogical Support:

A modified conceptual framework called the Continuous-Change Framework for self-regulated learning (SRL) is presented. Common elements and limitations among the past frameworks are discussed in rel...
An ultra-high Q inductorless narrowband filter based on the voltage divider phase shift method

The voltage divider phase shift filter (VDPSF) has been used in the past to construct inductorless narrowband filters with moderately high Q values, for example, Q = 50. This work reports a new configuration of this filter that can achieve extremely high Q values over a range of frequencies from very low to very high values. A typical value is Q = 2500, but can be even higher. These high values of Q can be obtained at very low frequencies, solving a long-standing problem for LC tank circuits. The new configuration consists of one voltage divider phase shift filter nested within a second such filter. A simulation is done to verify the accuracy of the theory and demonstrate the stability of Q with respect to circuit element value changes. One significant application of such a filter is in the creation of a tunable oscillator with a very high degree of spectral purity.
The effects of changes in land value on the value of buildings

Abstract We show that increases in land value generally lower the value of existing buildings by amounts roughly proportional to the square of the difference in size between the existing building and a new building of optimal size. Our model suggests that the sight of deep discounts for space in new buildings in a growing city is not necessarily a sign that developers have overestimated demand; it might rather reflect their anticipation of continued urban growth. Our model offers an intuitive way of dividing property values between the land and the structures on it, which is relevant for establishing the appropriate base for taxes on land rent, for identifying the correct income tax deductions for depreciation, and for assessing appropriate amounts of property insurance.
Longitudinal Studies of the Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Development and Behavior

Abstract This chapter describes methodological challenges in studying the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE), including issues of sample selection, assessment of substance use, selection of appropriate comparison groups, and measurement of covariates. The Maternal Health Practices and Child Development Project, an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the long-term consequences of PCE, is described, followed by a review of findings from that study and other longitudinal studies of PCE. Associations between PCE and growth are inconsistent, with some studies reporting negative relations and others reporting no association. Most studies report that global cognitive development is not associated with PCE, although there are specific areas of central nervous system and cognitive development that are negatively affected by PCE. The most consistently reported associations are between PCE and behavior problems, such as aggression, delinquency, and substance use. Continued follow-up of these longitudinal cohorts into early and midadulthood is important to evaluate whether the observed deficits continue to increase or whether there is some amelioration with maturation, and what factors are associated with different developmental patterns.
Long lifetime of thermally excited magnons in bulk yttrium iron garnet

Spin currents are generated within the bulk of magnetic materials due to heat flow, an effect called intrinsic spin Seebeck. This bulk bosonic spin current consists of a diffusing thermal magnon cloud, parametrized by the magnon chemical potential (${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{m}}$), with a diffusion length of several microns in yttrium iron garnet (YIG). Transient optothermal measurements of the spin-Seebeck effect (SSE) as a function of temperature reveal the time evolution of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{m}}$ due to intrinsic SSE in YIG. The interface SSE develops at times $l2$ ns while the intrinsic SSE signal continues to evolve at times $g500\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$, dominating the temperature dependence of SSE in bulk YIG. Time-dependent SSE data are fit to a multitemperature model of coupled spin/heat transport using the finite-element method (FEM), where the magnon spin lifetime ($\ensuremath{\tau}$) and magnon-phonon thermalization time (${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{mp}}$) are used as fit parameters. From 300 to 4 K, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{mp}}$ varies from 1 to 10 ns, whereas $\ensuremath{\tau}$ varies from 2 to $60\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ with the spin lifetime peaking at 90 K. At low temperature, a reduction in $\ensuremath{\tau}$ is observed consistent with impurity relaxation reported in ferromagnetic resonance measurements. These results demonstrate that the thermal magnon cloud in YIG contains extremely low-frequency magnons ($\ensuremath{\sim}10$ GHz), providing spectral insight to the microscopic scattering processes involved in magnon spin/heat diffusion.
Identification of a metabolic disposal route for the oncometabolite S-(2-succino)cysteine in Bacillus subtilis

Cellular thiols such as cysteine spontaneously and readily react with the respiratory intermediate fumarate, resulting in the formation of stable S-(2-succino)-adducts. Fumarate-mediated succination of thiols increases in certain tumors and in response to glucotoxicity associated with diabetes. Therefore, S-(2-succino)-adducts such as S-(2-succino)cysteine (2SC) are considered oncometabolites and biomarkers for human disease. No disposal routes for S-(2-succino)-compounds have been reported prior to this study. Here, we show that Bacillus subtilis metabolizes 2SC to cysteine using a pathway encoded by the yxe operon. The first step is N-acetylation of 2SC followed by an oxygenation that we propose results in the release of oxaloacetate and N-acetylcysteine, which is deacetylated to give cysteine. Knockouts of the genes predicted to mediate each step in the pathway lose the ability to grow on 2SC as the sulfur source and accumulate the expected upstream metabolite(s). We further show that N-acetylation of 2SC relieves toxicity. This is the first demonstration of a metabolic disposal route for any S-(2-succino)-compound, paving the way toward the identification of corresponding pathways in other species.
Anti-biofouling droplet manipulation by slippery liquid infused porous surface (SLIPS) integrated with electrowetting and liquid-dielectrophoresis

This paper presents a simple, versatile, and anti-biofouling droplet manipulation on a single substrate using a slippery liquid infused porous surface (SLIPS) integrated with a coplanar electrode array. This platform was confirmed effective for both electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) driving conductive liquids (e.g., water and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein solution), and liquid-dielectrophoretic (L-DEP) driving dielectric liquids (e.g., propylene carbonate and isopropyl alcohol or IPA) in the open environment. The SLIPS enormously reduces the biological adhesion because of the highly deformable nature of liquid. Biomolecules (e.g., proteins) can move easily on the SLIPS. This property can overcome the burdensome biofouling problem in digital microfluidics, as well as other bio-related devices.
An Electro-Optical Technique for Measuring High Frequency Free Space Electric Fields

Electro-optical voltage measurement techniques, based on the Kerr and Pockels effects, offer a number of advantages over conventional resistive or capacitive voltage dividers. As with all electron analog sensors, their performance is affected by EMI, ground loops, and noise pickup; and their frequency response is limited by stray capacitance and inductance associated with the divider circuits. Optical analog sensors are not susceptible to these perturbations and are often considered superior [1]. One of the most outstanding characteristics of optical analog sensors is their inherent band width; for example, the intrinsic response time of Kerr fluids is measured in picoseconds [1]. In practice, however, the cells are placed between electrodes and the associated capacitance usually limits the sensor band width to less than 1 GHz. In addition, electrodes may introduce electrical breakdown along the surface of the cell. These concerns are contributing factors to the under utilization of the electro-optic techniques in pulse power research and systems.
Void Growth and Collapse in Viscous Solids

Summary Deformation of an isolated void in an infinite block of linearly or nonlinearly viscous material is studied for remote axisymmetric stressing. The material is isotropic and incompressible with a power-law dependence of strain-rate on stress. Included in the family of materials are a linearly viscous solid and a rigid–perfectly plastic solid at the extreme limit of nonlinearity. Evolution of the void shape and size is analyzed in detail for voids starting as spheres in the linearly viscous material under all possible combinations of remote axisymmetric stressing. Asymptotic, or self-similar, shapes towards which the voids evolve are exhibited as are the associated rates of growth or collapse. Under conditions of high remote triaxial stressing the growth-rate of the asymptotic void is found to be identical to that of a spherical void with the same volume. The influence of nonlinearity on the growth-rate and deformation of a spherical void is investigated. Under high triaxiality conditions the behavior of a void in the nonlinearly viscous or rigid–perfectly plastic material is qualitatively different from that of a void in a linearly viscous material. In particular, a void in a nonlinear block undergoing tensile straining with sufficiently large superimposed remote hydrostatic tension grows more rapidly in directions perpendicular to the straining direction than along it and becomes significantly oblate. Asymptotic growth-rates are estimated numerically for the nonlinear materials. The results for the isolated void are used in a simple, approximate way to investigate the roles of material nonlinearity and stressing conditions on the strain required for ductile failure by void growth and coalescence.
Nutritional Night Blindness during the Crimean War and the U.S. Civil War (S57.004)

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether night blindness among soldiers in the Crimean War and the U.S. Civil War was due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) or to malingering as commonly attributed. BACKGROUND: VAD can result in nutritional night blindness (from impaired phototransduction in retinal rod cells) and corneal epithelial disorders. DESIGN/METHODS: Review of reports of night blindness and corneal epithelial disorders identified through compilations of the U.S. Surgeon General, electronic databases and search engines, bibliographic compilations, diaries, memoirs, medical journals, and monographs. Quantitative morbidity data were obtained from extensive tabulations of the U.S. Surgeon General from July 1861 through June 1866. Incident cases of night blindness, scurvy, and diarrheal diseases, and mean troop strength among Union troops, were abstracted by month, year, and race. RESULTS: In both wars, medical officers commonly attributed night blindness to malingering among soldiers. However, a dietary deficiency basis is supported in both wars by: (1) the severely inadequate vitamin A content of military rations; (2) close correspondence of clinical descriptions with the full spectrum of VAD eye disease; (3) occurrence of night blindness in conjunction with other disorders that cannot be readily feigned, and that are now known to result from nutritional deficiencies (keratomalacia and scurvy); and (4) resolution of night blindness with appropriate dietary modification. Also, during the U.S. Civil War marked seasonal variation in night blindness incidence among Union soldiers corresponded closely to seasonal variations in both the availability of foodstuffs and the incidence of scurvy and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional night blindness occurred among soldiers forced to subsist on nutritionally inadequate diets during both the Crimean War and the U.S. Civil War. The seasonal pattern during the U.S. Civil War is consistent with seasonal variations in the availability of foodstuffs with high vitamin A content (or provitamin A carotenoid content) superimposed on marginal vitamin A reserves. Supported by: Department of Veterans Affairs. Disclosure: Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation from Medlink Neurology for medical publishing and editorial responsibilities.
Dexamethasone and estrogen regulate Xenopus laevis albumin mRNA levels.

Abstract The regulation of albumin mRNA levels by steroid hormones was examined in a primary Xenopus liver culture system. In the absence of exogenous steroid hormone, albumin mRNA levels declined rapidly in culture. Dexamethasone is required for preservation of albumin mRNA levels in culture and effects a > 10 fold induction of albumin mRNA in cultures maintained in steroid hormone-free medium. Estrogen can override the effect of dexamethasone and elicits a decline of greater than 80% in albumin mRNA levels. Our cDNA clones of the mRNAs encoding the two 74,000 dalton and one 72,000 dalton cellular albumins allowed us to show that all three albumin mRNAs were down regulated by estrogen.
A case of pipeline migration in the cervical carotid.

Abstract Since its emergence in 2011, the pipeline flow diversion (PFD) has gained recognition in the treatment of certain intracranial aneurysms. However, early or delayed pipeline migration (PM) and micro-catheter/guidewire retention have been infrequently reported. We report a case of PM and shortening in the treatment of a left cervical internal carotid artery (LICA) aneurysm. A middle-aged African-American patient presents for an off-label PFD treatment of an incidental 21 × 23 mm aneurysm at the sub-petrous segment of the left ICA. While the patient remained completely neuro-intact, a 6 months follow-up angiogram revealed a persisting filling of the cervical aneurysm with a foreshortening of the pipeline by 1/3 of its original 30 mm size and proximal migration into the aneurysmal sac. We opted to watch the aneurysm within 6 months especially that the aneurysm was extra-cranial and because of the potential risks involved in trying to re-access the device.
Female-Led Science Fiction Blockbusters: Performing “Stop Taking My Hand!”

Smith-Rowsey’s final full-length chapter ties together many of the threads of the previous chapters while mapping their insights onto female-led blockbusters. Beginning with Christine Cornea and Dennis Bingham’s separate observations that distinguish between male and female-led films of the same genre, the author finds that while “kick ass” women in canonical films are indeed performed appropriately, these roles tend to demand, and be attenuated by, a greater degree of performative virtuosity than that which characterizes their male counterparts. Smith-Rowsey notes Caroline Heldman’s dismissal of some such films as featuring “fighting fucktoys” and attempts to defend the better-performed Athenian blockbuster through three case studies: Aliens (1986), The Hunger Games (2012), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Circling back to points made in previous chapters’ case studies from Titanic (1997) to Star Wars (1977), Smith-Rowsey finds that actors such as Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Lawrence, and Daisy Ridley have established the unpredictable, strongly performed “bad ass” heroine as entirely blockbuster-worthy.
Utilizing Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging for Evaluating Fatty Liver Disease Progression in Pre-clinical Mouse Models.

Abstract We developed a protocol to investigate and optimize the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to non-invasive diagnosis of progressing fatty liver disease in mouse models. Eighteen 4-wk-old male C57 L/J mice were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and placed on a control diet, high-fat diet or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis diet for the next 10 wk. After 14 wk, B-mode imaging and CEUS imaging using a VisualSonics Vevo2100 system were performed. CEUS imaging and data analysis using three different parameters—peak enhancement, wash-in rate and wash-in perfusion index—revealed a significant decrease in representative blood flow in the high-fat diet group versus controls and a further significant decrease in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group (p
Review: Voltage induced strain control of magnetization: computing and other applications

Strain and acoustic waves provide extremely energy efficient means to control magnetization in nanoscale and microscale magnetostrictive materials and devices. This could enable myriad applications such as non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, microfluidics, microscale and nanoscale motors, and generation of electromagnetic waves with sub-wavelength antenna. In this review, we discuss developments in control of magnetism at the micro and nanoscale with strain as well as its potential applications in computing and other emerging areas.
Reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A quality report.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective outpatient surgery can complicate discharge and increase patient suffering. Within our hospital system, there was variability in the use of postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which resulted in variable outcomes. To address this variability, we designed and implemented a standardized postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis guideline for the care of this surgical population. Aim We sought to develop and implement a standardized postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis guideline for all patients presenting for elective ambulatory anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the goal of reducing the rate of emesis to ≤5%. Methods We convened a multidisciplinary team to develop a postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis guideline which included administration of dexamethasone, ondansetron, and a low-dose propofol infusion in addition to a femoral and sciatic nerve block and routine ketorolac administration for pain control. Our primary outcome, emesis rate, was tracked using a P-chart. Process measures included use of guideline medications and balancing measures included opioid administration, pain scores, and emergence time. Results We analyzed postoperative nausea and vomiting outcomes for 817 patients from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. The baseline postoperative emesis rate for all anesthetizing locations was 17%. Following, guideline implementation, the emesis rate decreased to 5%. Opioid administration was decreased following guideline implementation. The percentage of patients managed without any perioperative opioids increased from 16% in the baseline group to 38% following guideline implementation. The P-chart suggests that the observed reduction in emesis rate represents special cause variation and this reduction was sustained over a two-year period. Conclusions Implementation of standard postoperative nausea and vomiting guidelines for adolescents undergoing outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was associated with lower emesis rates. This reduction in emesis rate may have been due to the concurrent reduction in opioids we observed following guideline implementation.
Occupation- and Activity-Based Interventions to Improve Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Rest and Sleep for Children and Youth Ages 5-21: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Practitioners seek evidence from intervention effectiveness studies to provide best-practice services for children. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions to improve instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and sleep outcomes for children and youth ages 5–21 yr. Data Sources: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, OTseeker, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study Selection and Data Collection: The American Occupational Therapy Association research methodologist conducted the first review of literature published from 2000 to 2017. The results were exported, and we completed the subsequent stages of review. Only peer-reviewed Level I, II, and III evidence was reviewed. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Cochrane risk-of-bias guidelines were used to compile evidence and risk-of-bias tables. Findings: We reviewed 96 articles; 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for IADL and rest–sleep outcomes. Analysis resulted in several themes: rest–sleep, health management (nutrition–dietary, physical activity–fitness, wellness), and the IADLs of driving, communication management, and safety. Strong evidence exists for interventions embedded in school programming to improve physical activity and fitness and for sleep preparation activities to maximize quality of rest and sleep. Moderate-strength evidence exists for interactive education and skills training interventions to improve health routines, dietary behaviors, and IADL participation and performance. Conclusions and Relevance: Use of skills-focused training in activity- and occupation-based interventions was supported. Service provision in the context of natural environments, including school settings and with parental or caregiver participation, is recommended for children and youth ages 5–21 yr with varied abilities and diagnoses. What This Article Adds: Occupational therapy practitioners can confidently examine their current practices and choose activity- and occupation-based interventions and methods of service delivery that are supported by evidence.
Reliability Characterization of Ring Oscillator Circuits for Advanced CMOS Technologies

Ring-Oscillator (RO) are most suitable to investigate the reliability of digital CMOS circuits operating up to GHz frequencies as a good correlation has been observed between RO degradation and Product Fmax degradation. In addition, the RO degradation testing can be performed with similar equipment used for discrete device reliability characterization. In this work, we discuss the role of BTI/HCI contribution in RO degradation and compare the contributions of NFET and PFET devices. To decouple BTI/HCI contribution, AC characterization on discrete devices is conducted and correlated to the RO degradation under diverse testing conditions. Additionally, specially designed reliability RO are used to quantify device type contribution under RO stress.
Paradoxical whole genome DNA methylation dynamics of 5’aza-deoxycytidine in chronic low-dose exposure in mice

Decitabine (5-aza-2ʹdeoxycytidine; DAC) is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor used to hypomethylate the epigenome. Current dosing regimens of DAC for use in mice vary widely and their hypomethylatin...
Identifying the role of inpatient portals to support health literacy: Perspectives from patients and care team members.

Abstract Objective Health literacy is a fundamental contributor to an individual’s ability to self-manage their health and appropriately use health care services. Tools that positively impact health literacy therefore have potential to improve health outcomes. Inpatient portals are a tool that provides patients an opportunity to cultivate health literacy skills during hospitalization. Our study investigated how inpatient portal use could impact attributes of health literacy. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 132 patients and 440 care team members to learn about patients’ inpatient portal use. Interview transcripts were analyzed deductively and inductively to categorize data and understand emergent themes around health literacy. Results Patients and care team members identified inpatient portal functions that they perceived to positively impact health literacy. These functions included providing patients access to health information, care plans, and educational materials, as well as enabling patient communication with their care team. Conclusion Recognizing the potential of inpatient portals to improve health literacy is critical to ensure they are implemented in ways that leverage this benefit for patients. Practice Implications Health care organizations should implement inpatient portals that include features that support health literacy and encourage patients to use these portals in ways that improve their health literacy skills.
Telework and Sustainable Travel During the COVID-19 Era

This working paper explores how working from home (e.g. telework) may or may not have changed daily travel--both how and why you go places. This is of particular importance in light of mandated work from home events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While total driving and vehicle-miles-traveled may have declined slightly due to telework and shelter-in-place orders that reduced work-based trips, data illustrates an increase in total trips from 3.97 to 4.45 in total and that these additional 26% of trips have been induced by working from home. This means that while VMT and the share of driving may have declined, the number of trips and engine cold starts may have gone up. This provides a cautionary lesson to planners and engineers seeking to address climate and congestion goals through telework efforts and underscores the importance of thinking critically about the future of urban development, transit and behavioral strategies.
The Split Senate

The theory of split systems provides a mathematical formalism for understanding and visualizing collections of partitions of sets into two parts. In particular, split networks, which generalize phylogenetic trees, are widely used in evolutionary biology. Here we show that these tools can be used to analyze and visualize voting patterns. As an example, we consider United States Senate votes, and we show that the Neighbor-Net algorithm, coupled to SplitsTree visualization, provides an effective exploratory data analysis framework for elucidating voting patterns among senators. We also introduce a statistical approach to identify voting patterns associated with specific groups of senators, and use it to study shifts in inter- and intra- party structures over time. The analyses we describe should be broadly applicable to visualizing and studying coalitions in any voting organization.
Crop Pattern and Status Monitoring

Statistical approaches are traditionally used in approximating crop pattern and status monitoring which has limitations in timeliness and precision. Remote sensing has been increasingly adopted in monitoring crop pattern and status with the availability of observations in high spatial and temporal resolution. This Chapter surveys the methods and technologies for crop condition monitoring using remote sensing technologies. The advancements of remote sensing and related processing capabilities make it possible to operationally monitor crop pattern and crop status in very high spatial and temporal resolution. General workflows for applying remote sensing in both crop pattern monitoring and crop status monitoring are reviewed and described. Several operational cases are discussed in details. The increasing constellation of satellite sensors with different spatial resolution improves temporal resolution. Further development in machine learning and time series analytics and massive parallel computing technologies will facilitate the timely monitoring of crops up to field level. The application of remotely sensed data and derived information on crop pattern and status will be further expanded into procession agriculture.
MFG-E8 in the Blood Cell Homeostasis and Coagulation

Milk Fat Globule-EGF Factor 8 (MFG-E8), a multifunctional glycoprotein originally identified as a product of mammary epithelial cells, has diverse functions in the clearance of apoptotic blood cells, regulation of immune function, microglial phagocytosis, angiogenesis, sperm-egg interaction and possibly in many other physiological functions. With a phosphatidylserine (PS) binding domain at the amino-terminus and a integrin binding motif in the carboxy-terminus, it can anchor PS containing membranes to integrin expressing cells. Current chapter focuses mainly on its anticoagulant effect and on its role on the clearance of PS expressing platelet and red blood cell. It has imperative to define its role in the blood stream as it is being developed as an imaging event to detect apoptosis in vivo and possibly as an anticoagulant.
StarLite: a software education laboratory

Laboratories are a prerequisite to all scientific investigation. The ability to quickly create experiments amplifies a scientist's intellectual ability. For education, students experiment to learn and to gain experience. Ideally, a laboratory helps a student visualize a problem domain, such as concurrent or distributed systems. Eventually, the students learn to reason about a problem domain abstractly, but typically the experience must come first.
Bilingualism and Status Attainment among Latinos

Recent research demonstrates that bilingualism is associated with positive educational outcomes. Less is known, however, about its influence on status attainment in young adulthood. In this study, we utilize data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 2000 to examine the influence of bilingualism during adolescence on educational attainment, occupation, and income among Latinos. We find that compared with English dominance, biliteracy is positively associated with high school completion and occupational prestige among Latina women and that oral and passive bilingualism are negatively associated with high school completion among Latino men. We suggest these differences reflect the gendered experiences of language. Spanish-speaking men may be stigmatized, whereas biliterate women may gain valuable skills that are rewarded in school and in the labor market.
The Na-K-Cl cotransport protein of shark rectal gland. II. Regulation by direct phosphorylation.

We determined the relationship between the activation state and phosphorylation state of the Na-K-Cl cotransport protein in tubules isolated from the shark rectal gland, a prototypic chloride-secreting epithelium. In response to cAMP-dependent secretagogues (e.g. vasoactive intestinal peptide, adenosine, and forskolin) or osmotically induced changes in cell volume, the activation state of the cotransport protein (assessed from measurements of loop diuretic binding) increased 5-10 fold. The response was temporally associated with a comparable increase (3-9 fold) in cotransport protein phosphorylation. Graded changes in cotransporter activation evoked proportional changes in cotransporter phosphorylation. Under the conditions of our experiments, the 195-kDa cotransporter was the only membrane protein whose phosphorylation state increased conspicuously in response to both cAMP and cell shrinkage. Both stimuli promoted phosphorylation of the cotransport protein at serine and threonine residues. One of the cAMP-sensitive phosphoacceptors was found within a segment of the cotransport protein comprised of a sequence (Phe-Gly-His-Asn-Thr*-Ile-Asp-Ala-Val-Pro) that corresponds to a segment of the Na-K-Cl cotransport protein predicted by cDNA analysis, where the phosphoacceptor (Thr*) is threonine 189. Incubation of rectal gland tubules with K-252a or H-8, structurally different protein kinase inhibitors, rendered the cotransporter insensitive to both cAMP and cell shrinkage. We conclude that the rectal gland Na-K-Cl cotransport protein is regulated by direct reversible phosphorylation at serine and threonine sites.
Mb/s data transmission over an RF-optical-link using a LiNbO/sub 3/ microdisk optical modulator

Summary form only given. High quality data transmission at Mb/s data rates over an RF-optical-link using a new microdisk optical modulator has been demonstrated. The modulator is able to efficiently modulate an optical carrier (/spl lambda/ = 1550 nm) by a data modulated RF carrier (f = 7.6 GHz).
Natural convection heat transfer from sinusoidal wavy surfaces

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the natural convection heat transfer characteristics of sinusoidal wavy surfaces on vertical plates maintained at a constant temperature. Local heat transfer coefficients were obtained with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The heat transfer from the wavy surfaces, compared to a plane plate of equal projected area, increased with increasing amplitude-to-wavelength ratio. The heat transfer was increased by about 15 percent at an amplitude-to-wavelength ratio of 0.3; for this case a flow instability was detected. A quantitative comparison with a previously published numerical investigation is also presented. In general, there is agreement between the two studies.
Lipids of ocular tissues—X: Lipid composition of subcellular fractions of bovine retina

Abstract The phospholipid class and fatty acid composition of photoreceptor membranes, mitochondria, microsomes and nuclei of bovine retina are reported. All contain phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine as their major components. Docosahexaenoic acid is the major polyunsaturate in all lipid classes except phosphatidyl inositol, where arachidonic acid predominates. Photoreceptor membranes differ from the other organelles in two major respects: (1) they do not contain ethanolamine plasmalogens; and (2) phosphatidyl serine contains 24 carbon polyunsaturates. Other minor differences are noted.
Thirty Years of ER Conferences: Milestones, Achievements, and Future Directions

This paper describes the milestones/achievements in the past 30 years and the future directions for the Entity-Relationship (ER) Conferences or the Conceptual Modeling Conferences. The first ER Conference was held in 1979 in Los Angeles. The major milestones and achievements of the ER Conferences are stated. Several interesting points about the ER Conferences are pointed out including: (1) it is one of the few longest running IT conference series, (2) It is not a conference sponsored directly by a major IT professional societies such as ACM or IEEE, (3) It does not depend on the financial support of a major IT professional society or a commercial company, (4) It maintains very high quality standards for papers and presentations. The reasons for the successes of the ER Conferences are analyzed. Suggestions for its continued successes are presented.
A magnetic bomb scenario for relativistic jet events in the microquasar GRS 1915+105

We present a magnetic bomb scenario for the multiwavelength behavior during Type B relativistic jet events in the microquasar GRS 1915+105. These events are characterized by a hard X-ray dip which terminates in a soft X-ray spike. The scenario, based on the suspended accretion model for long gamma-ray bursts, posits a magnetic dynamo around an accreting Kerr black hole which reaches the Van Putten-Levinson critical value of poloidal magnetic field energy-to-kinetic energy (E_B/E_k ~= 1/15) in the inner accretion disk. The toroidal inner accretion disk subsequently becomes unstable, and the poloidal magnetic field energy in the inner torus magnetosphere is promptly released as it disconnects from the black hole -- the magnetic bomb (``B-bomb'') explosion. This scenario matches the long-duration time-scale and spectral evolution of the hard X-ray dip, and the short-duration time-scale and energetics of the soft X-ray spike of type B events, as well as correlated features in the infrared and radio wavebands. We discuss some implications of these results for understanding the formation of relativistic jets in black hole systems.
Stable Growth of a Penny-Shaped Crack Subjected to Thermal Load

ABSTRACT Equilibrium states which exist between the imposed thermal load and a penny-shaped crack of a given dimension are described quantitatively for the early (stable) phase of fracture growth. Three specific types of thermal loading were considered. The strain field within the non-linear end-zone formed ahead of a quasi-statically growing crack was represented by Wnuk's model of “final stretch”. Transition to unstable or spontaneous fracture, which follows the quasi-static crack extension, has been predicted for the three configurations considered, i.e., (a) prescribed constant heat flux, (b) given temperature difference across the surface of the crack, and (c)given constant rate of heat extraction due to the effect of a steady-state flow of a cooling liquid. The solution of the latter problem is directly applicable in considerations of stability of a reservoir in a geothermal power generating system.
Treatment of suicide ideators: A problem-solving approach

Social problem-solving therapy is based on research indicating that suicidal individuals have deficits in problem-solving skills in general and in interpersonal problemsolving skills, in particular. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of social problem-solving therapy compared to supportive therapy for treating suicidal older adolescents. The results indicated that problem-solving therapy was more effective than supportive therapy for reducing depression, hopelessness, and loneliness at three month follow-up, but not significantly better at reducing suicidal ideations. This study provides an example of systematic treatment research with suicidal individuals.
Live three-dimensional echocardiography of the human fetus.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a new three-dimensional ultrasound system to perform fetal echocardiographic examination in real time. The device consisted of a Philips Sonos 7500 (Andover, MA) ultrasound system and a 4 MHz, 4X matrix transducer. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and was performed with the informed consent of the mother. The study population consisted of 12 singleton fetuses with gestational ages of 16–37 weeks. Of these, ten fetuses had normal cardiac anatomy, one had complete atrioventricular septal defect, and the other a thickened tricuspid valve. The system allowed comprehensive visualization of fetal cardiac anatomy and color Doppler flow unattainable by two-dimensional approaches. This preliminary investigation suggests that live three-dimensional fetal echocardiography could be a significant tool for prenatal diagnosis and assessment of congenital heart disease in the human fetus. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, November 2003)
Detection of internal mammary lymph node enlargement: Comparison of ct scans and conventional roentgenograms

Sixty-two patients with breast cancer had thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans and conventional chest radiographic (CXR) examinations separated by an average of 29 days. CT served as the gold standard showing 13 cases with enlarged internal mammary nodes 0.4 to 7 cm in diameter. Original CXR interpretations were available. Additionally, these films were reinterpreted, without knowledge of the CT results, with special attention to the retrosternal region on the lateral film including the use of a bright light and comparison to prior lateral views. Original CXR interpretations detected only one (7 cm) enlarged node. Sensitivity was 8% and specificity 100%. Reinterpretation of the CXRs, without knowledge of the CT results, with special attention to the retrosternal region yielded five true positive and seven false positive determinations for a sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 86%. No enlarged node under 2.5 cm in diameter was detected on CXR. Sensitivity of CXR can be considerably improved by careful evaluation of the retrosternal space, but at the cost of considerable increase in false positive examinations. CT is necessary to achieve reasonable sensitivity and specificity in the detection of internal mammary lymphadenopathy.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES TO INSULIN INFUSIONS IN THE OVINE FETUS

Effects of fetal hyperinsulinemia were examined in six chronically catheterized ovine fetus (F), receiving 0.2 U/kg/hr of insulin (I) continuously for 24 hours, followed by 0.4 U/kg/hr of I for an additional 24 hours. Hemodynamic changes (microsphere method), fetal arterial levels of I, glucose (G), norepinephrine (NE) and O2 content were determined at 2 and 24 hours of each infusion period. Data (M±SD) are shown below: Fetal hyperinsulinemia resulted in increased fetal O2 consumption (FVO2) which in turn produced a surge in catecholamine (NE) release. The latter mediated an increase in CO, with a redistribution of CO providing a greater proportion distributed to the fetus at the expense of the placenta. We speculate that hemodynamic adjustments with a decrease in placental blood flow may occur in pregnancies complicated by fetal hyperinsulinemia.
Appalachia and "The Commons": An Introduction

The very existence of "Appalachia" as a region is a construct, something "invented" by federal bureaucrats, policy wonks, various media, fictional writers and poets, and scholars over the last 50+ years. Through these primarily non-indigenes' impact, Appalachia has achieved both a heuristic materiality as well as a disembodied imaginary identity (Powell 2007). Central to this process of Appalachian geogenesis has been the multi-billion dollar funding of projects by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal agency. Thousands of local organizations and university research teams have embraced the ARC definition of this region to solicit funds for various infrastructure and economic development projects since the 1960s, such that most now accept the ARC definition as the definition of the region (Couto 1995). ARC Appalachia is far too inchoate, expansive, and culturally variable, however, for anthropologists to use in a meaningful way when researching systemic issues related to political disempower...
Structure/Property Correlations Of Several Polyimide Optical Fiber Coatings For Embedding In An Epdxy Matrix

To be effective in high temperature environments, optical fibers require coating materials which maintain their integrity over their lifetimes of intended use. Polyimide-based fiber coatings are suitable for temperatures up to 350°C. These fibers, used as embedded sensor elements, would remain undamaged during the cure cycles of low temperature composites. To enhance the utility of such sensor elements, an understanding of the structure/property correlations related to adhesion and composite matrix integrity is essential. Several commercially available polyimide coating/glass fiber systems were compared in uniform adhesion tests. The primary concern was the characterization of adhesion between these materials and the surrounding epoxy matrix. Factors to be considered were the effect of coated versus uncoated fibers, the performance of cured versus uncured coatings, and the method of fiber pretreatment. Specific analytical techniques were used to determine the relationship between molecular structure and physical properties. Fiber pullout tests were performed using a tensile stage attached to a light microscope. Failure modes were verified via infrared microspectrometry (FTIRMA) and optical microscopy.
Resonances in a continously forced anharmonic oscillator

Abstract Periodically forced motion of a classical particle in a one-dimensional potential with superquadratic growth at infinity is considered. It is shown that an arbitrary amount of energy can be transmitted to the oscillator by exciting the system with a continuous time-periodic forcing. This result extends Littlewood's example of unbounded motions in the presence of a discontinuous periodic forcing and, thus, sheds light on the relation between the smoothness of forcing and the stability of motion. A new version of the averaging procedure, which had to be applied to justify the construction, is outlined.
Methods for detecting carcinogens and mutagens with the salmonella/mammalian-microsome mutagenicity test

We describe in this paper the general methods for using the Salmonella/microsome test as a mutagenesis screening system. The methods described include the standard plate test, the use and storage of the bacterial tester strains, preparation and use of the liver homogenates (S/sub 9/), and the methods of inducing the rats for elevated microsomal enzyme activity. The application of this test system to screening large numbers of compounds, and the interpretation of test results is also discussed.
Stereochemically-rigid and fluxional pyrimidines within the bis-[Ru(hedta)(pym)2]− complex

Abstract The formation of the bis-pyrimidine complex [RuII(hedta)(pym)2]− occurs by sequential additions of pym to [RuII(hedta)(H2O)]− (hedta3− = N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetate; pym = pyrimidine). The second step is rate limited by the dissociation of an in-plane carboxylato donor of the hedta3− ligand; k = 1.57 × 10−4 s−1 at 22°C. E1/2 values for the RuII/III waves in 0.10 M NaCl, T = 22°C are 0.18 V for [RuII(hedta)(pym)]− and 0.54 V for [RuII(hedta)(pym)2]−. The latter is similar to the bidentate 2,2′-bipyridine complex, [Ru(hedta)(bpy)]−, with E1/2 = 0.48 V, illustrative of the influence of two-coordinated N-heterocyclic π-acceptor ligands. 1H NMR spectra of the [RuII(hedta)(pym)2]− complex reveal a differentiation in the coordination behavior of the two bound pyrimidines. One pyrimidine is stereochemically-rigid, exhibiting resonances at 9.25 (H2), 8.82 (H6), 8.68 (H4) and 7.45 (H5) ppm, respectively. The second pyrimidine is fluxional with rapid migration of the RuII center between N-1 and N-3 sites. This motion interchanges the H4 and H6 protons which resonate at 8.82 ppm; the H2 resonance appears at 9.15 ppm and H5 at 7.61 ppm. The weaker bonding exhibited by the fluxional pyrimidine also allows for rapid exchange of the fluxional pyrimidine with any free pyrimidine in the solution. The difference in the two pyrimidines is consistent with assisted displacement of the fluxional pyrimidine, promoted by associative attack by the pendant carboxylate arm which is displaced in forming the bis complex. The stereochemically-rigid pyrimidine is nearer the −CH2CH2OH (alcohol) arm of hedta3− which does not associate strongly and provide an assisted ligand exchange path. Acidification of the [RuII(hedta)(pym)2]− complex to pD ≅ 1.0 results in formation of η2(1,2)-[Ru(hedta)(pym)]− as the major product in 1.0 Da, rather than the previously established (Y. Chen, F.-T. Lin and R.E. Shepherd, Inorg. Chem., 36 (1997) 818) 2:43:22:33 distribution for N-1:η2(1,2):η2(5,6):η2(1,6) isomers which is generated spontaneously from the initially N-1-bound [Ru(hedta)(pym)]− 1:1 complex after 14 days.