cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement and analysis of the second‐day air small and light‐weight package shipping environment within Federal Express

This study measured and analysed the parcel shipping environment within Federal Express. The package sizes and weights monitored in this study represent the ‘light-weight’ and 'small-size' packages within the FedEx handling system. Five packages, ranging in size from 0.18 × 0.19 × 0.13 m to 0.36 × 0.37 × 0.31 m, and weighing 1.9–2.5 kg, were shipped, both with and without warning labels with the text ‘Fragile – Handle With Care’. The shipments were done between Michigan and California or Florida using the second-day air shipment mode. The data showed that neither the package size/weight nor the labels had any significant effect on the severity of drop heights. The highest drop height measured was 1.85 m. The data is presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95 and 99th percentile of occurrence. Impact orientation is also discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carcinogenicity tests in rats of two nitrosamines of high molecular weight, nitrosododecamethyleneimine and nitrosodi-n-octylamine.

Nitrosododecamethyleneimine and nitrosodi- n -octylamine are the largest molecules in their respective nitrosamine classes that have been tested in rats. The cyclic nitrosamine nitrosododecamethyleneimine was definitely carcinogenic, although not very potent, giving rise to a 30% incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas after administration of a total of 2.4 g per rat (12 g/kg body weight). The aliphatic nitrosamine nitrosodi- n -octylamine did not induce a significant incidence of tumors in rats after administration of a total of 3 g per rat (15 g/kg body weight).
Separable approximation for exchange interactions in electron-molecule scattering

We have formulated and applied a separable approximation for treating the nonlocal exchange interactions that arise in electron-molecule collision problems. A separable representation of the exchange terms in the electron-molecule interaction potential is obtained by projection onto a finite set of Cartesian Gaussian functions and is combined with a single-center expansion of the direct potential terms that accurately treats the long-range, multipolar forces. An integral-equation method is used to obtain a solution of the set of coupled equations obtained in a body-frame formulation of the collision problem. The method is illustrated by application to low-energy e/sup -/-H/sub 2/ and e/sup -/-LiH scattering in the static-exchange approximation.
Determining PCB sorption/desorption behavior on sediments using selective supercritical fluid extraction. 2. Describing PCB extraction with simple diffusion models

A simple diffusion model is fitted to selective SFE profiles obtained in Part 1 for native (not spiked) PCBs in historically contaminated sediments and soils. The model takes two types of geometry into consideration, a spherical one (Hot Ball, HB) and a planar one (Finite Slab, FS) and is extended to describe the influence of increasing temperature during the extraction. In this work, soil/sediment organic matter (SOM) is treated as a polymer-like organic material (POM). Consequently, diffusion is considered to be an activated process where the diffusion coefficients depend on the temperature according to the Arrhenius equation. When using one type of POM in the model, the characteristic “temperature humps” obtained in the extraction profiles are simulated relatively well, but at least three types of POM are needed for excellent fits to experimental data. The final model, consisting of three different POMs with spherical geometry, was fitted to all matrixes to estimate diffusion coefficients and activatio...
Physiological functions and regulation of TRPC channels.

The TRP-canonical (TRPC) subfamily, which consists of seven members (TRPC1–TRPC7), are Ca2+-permeable cation channels that are activated in response to receptor-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis via store-dependent and store-independent mechanisms. These channels are involved in a variety of physiological functions in different cell types and tissues. Of these, TRPC6 has been linked to a channelopathy resulting in human disease. Two key players of the store-dependent regulatory pathway, STIM1 and Orai1, interact with some TRPC channels to gate and regulate channel activity. The Ca2+ influx mediated by TRPC channels generates distinct intracellular Ca2+ signals that regulate downstream signaling events and consequent cell functions. This requires localization of TRPC channels in specific plasma membrane microdomains and precise regulation of channel function which is coordinated by various scaffolding, trafficking, and regulatory proteins.
Recommendations for nomenclature on fibrinogen and fibrin.

Many different terms related to fibrinogen and fibrin have come into general use in the fibrin(ogen) field, but there is much confusion and controversy over some of the terminology. The existing terminology related to fibrinogen structure and fibrin polymerization and recommendations on the standardization of commonly used nomenclature have been discussed at the 52nd and 53rd annual meetings of the ISTH Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC), Subcommittee on Fibrinogen and Factor XIII. The recommendations on nomenclature of fibrinogen and fibrin presented here are based on numerous comments and suggestions made by the Subcommittee members and leading scientists from the fibrin(ogen) field. They have been approved by the Subcommittee at the 54th ISTH SSC meeting in Vienna in 2008.
Preening Behavior of Adult Gyrfalcons Tagged with Backpack Transmitters

Comportamiento de Acicalamiento de Halcones Falco rusticolus Adultos Marcados Con Transmisores de Mochila Realizamos observaciones continuas o muestreos de observacion instantanea para documentar el comportamiento de acicalamiento de dos hembras adultas reproductivas de Falco rusticolus con transmisores satelitales de 30 g y de sus companeros libres de transmisores en el Refugio Delta Yukon de Vida Silvestre, en Alaska, (61.5°N, 164°W) a partir del 20 de mayo hasta el 6 de julio de 2005. Los transmisores fueron fijados a las aves usando arneses tipo mochila hechos de una cinta de nylon de 5 mm recubierta por teflon, siguiendo las recomendaciones publicadas para halcones. Los transmisores pesaron menos de 2% de la masa corporal de cada ave y se colocaron en las aves durante el final del periodo de incubacion o a principios del periodo de polluelos. El tiempo dedicado a acicalarse oscilo entre 0% y 50% del tiempo total observado durante las observaciones de las hembras con transmisores y de 0% a 8% en las o...
Continuous music playback based on its chord-progression continuity

This paper presents a new music playback system that can continuously playback a plural number of music lipped from CDs or out of compressed formats without provoking musically uncomfortable feeling. Moreover, it allows users to enjoy their personal collection of music uninterruptedly without any special equipment by which "keys and/or tempo" may be changed for specific pieces of music.
Elicitation of Anti-1918 Influenza Virus Immunity Early in Life Prevents Morbidity and Lower Levels of Lung Infection by 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus in Aged Mice

The Spanish influenza virus pandemic of 1918 was responsible for 40 million to 50 million deaths and is antigenically similar to the swine lineage 2009 pandemic influenza virus. Emergence of the 2009 pandemic from swine into humans has raised the possibility that low levels of cross-protective immunity to past shared epitopes could confer protection. In this study, influenza viruslike particles (VLPs) were engineered to express the hemagglutinin (HA) and genes from the 1918 influenza virus to evaluate the duration of cross-protection to the H1N1 pandemic strain by vaccinating young mice (8 to 12 weeks) and then allowing the animals to age to 20 months. This immunity was long lasting, with homologous receptor-blocking antibodies detected throughout the lifespan of vaccinated mice. Furthermore, the 1918 VLPs fully protected aged mice from 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus challenge 16 months after vaccination. Histopathological assessment showed that aged vaccinated mice had significant protection from alveolar infection but less protection of the bronchial tissue than adult vaccinated mice. Additionally, passive transfer of immune serum from aged vaccinated mice resulted in protection from death but not morbidity. This is the first report describing the lifelong duration of cross-reactive immune responses elicited by a 1918 VLP vaccine in a murine model. Importantly, these lifelong immune responses did not result in decreased total viral replication but did prevent infection of the lower respiratory tract. These findings show that immunity acquired early in life can restrict the anatomical location of influenza viral replication, rather than preventing infection, in the aged.
Absorption imaging of ultracold neutral plasmas

We report optical absorption imaging of ultracold neutral plasmas. Imaging allows direct observation of the ion density profile and expansion of the plasma. The frequency dependence of the plasma's optical depth gives the ion absorption spectrum, which is broadened by the ion motion. We use the spectral width to monitor ion equilibration in the first 250 ns after plasma formation. On a microsecond time scale, we observe the radial acceleration of ions resulting from pressure exerted by the trapped electron gas.
Human BAT possesses molecular signatures that resemble beige/brite cells.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates chemical energy and generates heat to protect animals from cold and obesity. Rodents possess two types of UCP-1 positive brown adipocytes arising from distinct developmental lineages: “classical” brown adipocytes develop during the prenatal stage whereas “beige” or “brite” cells that reside in white adipose tissue (WAT) develop during the postnatal stage in response to chronic cold or PPARγ agonists. Beige cells’ inducible characteristics make them a promising therapeutic target for obesity treatment, however, the relevance of this cell type in humans remains unknown. In the present study, we determined the gene signatures that were unique to classical brown adipocytes and to beige cells induced by a specific PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone in mice. Subsequently we applied the transcriptional data to humans and examined the molecular signatures of human BAT isolated from multiple adipose depots. To our surprise, nearly all the human BAT abundantly expressed beige cell-selective genes, but the expression of classical brown fat-selective genes were nearly undetectable. Interestingly, expression of known brown fat-selective genes such as PRDM16 was strongly correlated with that of the newly identified beige cell-selective genes, but not with that of classical brown fat-selective genes. Furthermore, histological analyses showed that a new beige cell marker, CITED1, was selectively expressed in the UCP1-positive beige cells as well as in human BAT. These data indicate that human BAT may be primary composed of beige/brite cells.
Methane fluxes, concentrations, and production in two Adirondack beaver impoundments

We measured methane release into the atmosphere, concentrations and fluxes of dissolved methane, and rates of methane production by peats in two bcavcr impoundments in the Adirondack Park region of New York to determine whether such impoundments are a significant source of atmospheric methane. In 1990, methane release rates were similar between impoundments and averaged 705 and 600 pmol cm-2 min-l (i.e. 162 and 138 mg CH, m-2 d- I). Water-column concentrations of dissolved CH, were lower in one impoundment (33 PM) than in the other (158 PM). Rates of CH, production by underlying peats were similar bctwecn impoundments and averaged 34.7 and 25.1 pmol crnm3 min- ‘. In both impoundments, CH, oxidation in the water and at the sediment-water interface secmcd to be an important factor controlling its release. Mossdominated wetlands adjacent to the impoundments had at least tenfold lower release rates for CH, and fivefold lower concentrations of dissolved CH,. Beaver impoundments in woodland streams appear to be important local sources of atmospheric CH,. Enhanced CH, cycling in these systems compared to that in local wetlands could be due to altered hydrology, increased retention of sediment and organic matter caused by beaver activities, or both.
Clinical Laboratory Evaluation of Potential Reduced Exposure Products for Smokers

Smoking-related cancer and other disease account for more than 400,000 U.S. deaths annually. Smoking cessation reduces smoking-related disease rates, but relapse rates are high. Thus, interest in reducing the harm of continued smoking is growing. Potential reduced exposure products (PREPs) are marketed to reduce smokers' exposure to smoke toxicants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carcinogens and may be harm reduction tools. New PREPs are proliferating, but past experience with "low-yield" cigarettes that failed to reduce smokers' toxicant exposure suggests that comprehensive evaluation is necessary to predict if these new products are likely to alter the harm caused by smoking. The purpose of the study was to develop clinical laboratory methods for PREP evaluation. Smokers (N = 35) completed four, 5-day conditions that differed by product used: Advance, Eclipse, own brand cigarettes, or no cigarettes. Carcinogen (as assessed by one nitrosamine and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarker) and nicotine exposure were assessed via thrice-weekly urine sampling. Withdrawal symptoms were measured daily, and smoking behavior was assessed on the first and last day of each condition. Relative to own brand, Advance reduced exposure to the nitrosamine NNK and CO, and Eclipse reduced exposure to nicotine and the nitrosamine NNK, increased exposure to CO, and resulted in larger, longer, and more frequent puffs. No smoking reduced exposure to the nitrosamine NNK, CO, and nicotine, whereas withdrawal was elevated (all p values <.05). Clinical laboratory evaluation of PREPs for smokers is valuable for measuring users' smoke toxicant exposure, withdrawal, and smoking behavior and should be incorporated into a comprehensive PREP evaluation strategy.
Feasibility study of the quantum XOR gate based on coupled asymmetric semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract We propose an implementation of the quantum XOR (controlled-NOT) gate on the basis of coupledasymmetricquantum dots. Results of our numerical simulations show that the coupling constant of the dipole–dipole interaction and the probability of spontaneous emission can be tuned over a wide range by a proper choice of the potential profile, material parameters, and distances between the dots. We argue that the use of the asymmetric potential profile provides better conditions for having the Ising-type interaction between the dots than earlier proposed schemes based on regular symmetric quantum dots biased with an electric field. Our system gives better resolution of different quantum states, avoids any undesirable time evolution of these states, and can be driven with a femtosecond laser. The qubit manipulation and time coherency requirements are also discussed.
The fate and distribution of chlorpropham when applied to stored potatoes as a sprout suppressant

Two varieties of potato were treated with 14C- or 36Cl-radiolabelled chlorpropham to suppress sprouting, and stored under controlled ventilation conditions in the laboratory for up to 6 months at 10°C. The migration of chlorpropham into the potato tubers was studied at intervals by autoradiography and analysis of tuber extracts. Little penetration of chlorpropham beyond the peel layer occurred even after storage for 6 months. No identifiable degradation product of chlorpropham was detected in the extracts, although there was evidence of bound non-extractable residues. Volatile compounds lost by ventilation through the storage containers were collected in cold traps and analysed by liquid scintillation counting. Loss of chlorpropham by volatilisation from the tuber surface was very small.
Optimization of the Fuzzy Logic Controller for an Autonomous UAV

In this paper, we describe the optimization of membership functions in an application employing a hierarchical Fuzzy Logic Controller. The size of the rule base is made manageable by using a unique formulation, known as Combs method, to help control the problem of ‘ exponential rule expansion’. The optimization is performed u sing a steady state genetic algorithm with a dynamic fitness function. The controller being developed is designed to fly a small, autonomous parafoil, suitable for short-range reconnaissance and land survey applications. The optimization process is performed in the Matlab/Simulink software environment and incorporates fuzzy logic modules developed in the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. Hardware limitations in terms of memory, computational speed and cost were c ritical factors driving the need for this simple yet robust control algorithm.
A Low-Power Dual-Channel Distributed Amplifier for Multielement Receivers

A dual-channel CMOS distributed amplifier (DA) is proposed for a highly linear receiver front-end. Proper choice for the number of stages and cutoff frequency of the distributed circuit realizes isolation between amplifier channels. Analysis of the distributed circuit describes the role of reverse gain in minimum noise figure (NF) and intermodulation distortion. The chip is fabricated in a 0.13-μm CMOS process, occupies an area of 0.60 mm2, and consumes 18 mW from a 1.2-V supply. Measurements of the DA show an NF of 5.7 dB, an output P1 dB of 4.9 dBm, and a forward gain of 9.6 dB at 24 GHz.
Quark matter and cosmology

The possible implications of the quark-hadron transition for cosmology are explored. Possible surviving signatures are discussed. In particular, the possibility of generating a dark matter candidate such as strange nuggets or planetary mass black holes is noted. Much discussion is devoted to the possible role of the transition for cosmological nucleosynthesis. It is emphasized that even an optimized first order phase transition will not significantly alter the nucleosynthesis constraints on the cosmological baryon density nor on neutrino counting. However, it is noted that Be and B observations in old stars may eventually be able to be a signature of a cosmologically significant quark-hadron transition. It is pointed out that the critical point in this regard is whether the observed B/Be ratio can be produced by spallation processes or requires cosmological input. Spallation cannot produce a B/Be ratio below 7.6. A supporting signature would be Be and B ratios to oxygen that greatly exceed galactic values. At present, all data is still consistent with a spallagenic origin.
The Relationship Between Initial Physical Examination Findings and Failure on Objective Validity Testing During Neuropsychological Evaluation After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND: The symptomatology after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is complex as symptoms are subjective and nonspecific. It is important to differentiate symptoms as neurologically based or caused by noninjury factors. Symptom exaggeration has been found to influence postinjury presentation, and objective validity tests are used to help differentiate these cases. This study examines how concussed patients seen for initial medical workup may present with noncredible effort during follow-up neuropsychological examination and identifies physical findings during evaluation that best predict noncredible performance. Hypothesis: A portion of pediatric patients will demonstrate noncredible effort during neuropsychological testing after mTBI, predicted by failure of certain vestibular and cognitive tests during initial examination. Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Level of Evidence: Level 4. METHODS: Participants (n = 80) underwent evaluation by a sports medicine physician ≤3 months from injury, were subsequently seen for a neuropsychological examination, and completed the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT). Variables included results of a mental status examination (orientation), serial 7s examination, Romberg test, and heel-to-toe walking test. The primary outcome variable of interest was pass/fail of the MSVT. RESULTS: Of the participants, 51% were male and 49% were female. Eighteen of 80 (23%) failed the MSVT. Based on univariable logistic regression analysis, the outcomes of the Romberg test (P = 0.0037) and heel-to-toe walking test(P = 0.0066) were identified as significant independent predictors of MSVT failure. In a multivariable model, outcome of Romberg test was the only significant predictor of MSVT failure. The probability of MSVT failure was 66.7% (95% CI, 33.3% to 88.9%) when a subject failed the Romberg test. CONCLUSION: A meaningful percentage of pediatric subjects present evidence of noncredible performance during neuropsychological examination after mTBI. Initial examination findings in some cases may represent symptom exaggeration. Language: en
INFLUENCE OF GONADS AND ADRENALS ON GROWTH OF SOLID EHRLICH TUMOR.

SummaryThe growth of solid Ehrlich tumor, as compared with body weight, was studied in relation to gonadal and adrenal function in Ha/ICR Swiss mice. Both tumor weight and body weight were much greater in males than in females, and castration reversed the differences. Adrenalectomy was inhibitory for tumor growth in females, but not in males. Body weight was decreased by adrenalectomy in both sexes. Hydrocortisone was generally inhibitory for both tumor weight and body weight, but increased tumor weight in females with sham surgery. Estrogen treatment in castrated females significantly reduced tumor growth, but not body weight. Testosterone administration increased body weight in castrated male mice, but had little effect on tumor weight. These findings are discussed in the light of the hormonal responsiveness of the tumor.
Secale cereale interference and economic thresholds in winter Triticum aestivum

Abstract Secale cereale is a serious weed problem in winter Triticum aestivum–producing regions. The interference relationships and economic thresholds of S. cereale in winter T. aestivum in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming were determined over 4 yr. Winter T. aestivum density was held constant at recommended planting densities for each site. Target S. cereale densities were 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 plants m−2. Secale cereale–winter T. aestivum interference relationships across locations and years were determined using a negative hyperbolic yield loss function. Two parameters—I, which represents the percent yield loss as S. cereale density approaches zero, and A, the maximum percent yield loss as S. cereale density increases—were estimated for each data set using nonlinear regression. Parameter I was more stable among years within locations than among locations within years, whereas maximum percentage yield loss was more stable across locations and years. Environmental conditions appeared to have a...
Use of SPT Blow Counts to Estimate Shear Strength Properties of Soils: Energy Balance Approach

In foundation designs, standard penetration test (SPT) blow counts are typically used to estimate shear strength properties of soils. Few correlations are widely in use to make such estimations. However, the selection of these correlation equations are not often justified or explained. This manuscript describes a new approach to estimate the shear strength properties based on the SPT blow counts. The proposed method treats SPT analogous to driving a miniature open-ended pipe pile. During SPT, part of the energy is transferred into the soil. This energy is dissipated at the soil-sampler interface to overcome skin and point resistance to penetrate a sampler into the soil. Energy balance was used to correlate the SPT blow count to the shear strength properties of the soil at the depth of testing. Two separate equations were derived: one to estimate the friction angle ( ϕ′ ) of sand and the other to estimate the undrained shear strength ( cu ) of clay. SPT results from two sites were used to calibrate the pro...
Iterative Learning for Reliable Crowdsourcing Systems

Crowdsourcing systems, in which tasks are electronically distributed to numerous "information piece-workers", have emerged as an effective paradigm for human-powered solving of large scale problems in domains such as image classification, data entry, optical character recognition, recommendation, and proofreading. Because these low-paid workers can be unreliable, nearly all crowdsourcers must devise schemes to increase confidence in their answers, typically by assigning each task multiple times and combining the answers in some way such as majority voting. In this paper, we consider a general model of such crowdsourcing tasks, and pose the problem of minimizing the total price (i.e., number of task assignments) that must be paid to achieve a target overall reliability. We give a new algorithm for deciding which tasks to assign to which workers and for inferring correct answers from the workers' answers. We show that our algorithm significantly outperforms majority voting and, in fact, is asymptotically optimal through comparison to an oracle that knows the reliability of every worker.
Diminished venous vascular capacitance in patients with univentricular hearts after the Fontan operation

Patients who have undergone Fontan's operation are known to have impaired cardiac output response to dynamic exercise. This may be due to either poor cardiac function or a limited ability to mobilize blood from capacitance vessels due to increased resting venous tone. We tested the latter hypothesis by determining venous vascular capacitance at rest and during orthostatic stress produced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in 6 subjects who had undergone the Fontan operation and 6 healthy age-, sex-, height-, and weight-matched controls. Resting blood volume was similar for Fontan and control subjects (79 +/- 6 vs 70 +/- 3 ml/kg body weight, respectively), while central venous pressure (CVP) was elevated in Fontan subjects (18.4 +/- 1.0 vs 3.5 +/- 0.9 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Forearm venous capacitance at a distending pressure of 40 mm Hg was less in Fontan subjects than in controls (2.6 +/- 0.1 vs 3.9 +/- 0.5 ml/100 ml), while resting plasma norepinephrine level was elevated in Fontan subjects (255 +/- 28 vs 144 +/- 9 pg/ml, p < 0.05). The increase in calf volume (1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 2.3 +/- 0.2 ml) and decrease in CVP (-5.0 +/- 0.5 vs -6.7 +/- 1.1 mm Hg) during -30 mm Hg LBNP were smaller for Fontan than control subjects (p < 0.05). Reduced forearm venous capacitance and diminished pooling of blood into capacitance vessels of the leg during orthostatic stress indicated higher venous tone in Fontan than control subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Designing localization algorithms robust to signal strength attacks

Received Signal Strength (RSS) based localization algorithms are sensitive to a set of non-cryptographic attacks. For example, the attacker can perform signal strength attacks by placing an absorbing or reflecting material around a wireless device to modify its RSS readings. In this work, we first formulate the all-around signal strength attacks, where similar attacks are launched towards all landmarks, and experimentally show the feasibility of launching such attacks. We then propose a general principle for designing RSS-based algorithms so that they are robust to all-around signal strength attacks. To evaluate our approach, we adapt two RSS-based localization algorithms according to our principle and experiment with real attack scenarios. All the experiments show that our design principle can be applied to achieve comparable performance with much better robustness.
Effects of vitamin D analog on bladder function and sensory signaling in animal models of cystitis.

Objective To measure the effects of nonhypercalcemic vitamin D receptor agonist elocalcitol on bladder function in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis and on bladder function and sensory nerve activity in a mouse with acetic acid-evoked bladder irritation. Materials and Methods Female Wistar rats and male Balb/C mice were gavaged once daily with elocalcitol diluted in miglyol 812 (treatment group) or miglyol alone (control group). On experimental day 12, polyethylene tubing was implanted into the urinary bladder in all the animals. In the mice, a bipolar electrode was positioned under a single postganglionic bladder nerve. At 48 hours after surgery, bladder function was measured in awake, freely moving rats during bladder filling with 0.9% NaCl and both bladder function and sensory nerve activity was measured in awake, restrained mice during continuous intravesical infusion of 0.9% NaCl followed by 0.25% acetic acid. Results In rats, the treatment group showed a significant increase in bladder capacity and decrease in number of nonvoiding bladder contractions. In mice, the filling pressure during saline infusion was similar in both groups; however, during acetic acid infusion, the average filling pressure was significantly increased (47%) in the control group but not in the elocalcitol treatment group. The firing rate at filling pressure for the treatment group was 3.6-fold and 2.7-fold lower than that in the control group during the saline and acetic acid infusion, respectively. Conclusion Oral treatment with elocalcitol suppressed signs of detrusor overactivity in both animal models and exerted strong suppressive effect on urinary bladder sensory signaling during filling in mice.
Stroke Legislation Impacts Distribution of Certified Stroke Centers in the United States

Background and Purpose—The number of certified primary stroke centers (PSCs) have increased dramatically during the past decade in the United States We aimed to understand the factors affecting PSC distribution in the United States, including the impact of state stroke legislation. Methods—PSCs certified by national organization or state until December 2013 were searched from available databases. The proportion of PSC among short-term general hospitals in each state was calculated and factors affecting its distribution were analyzed. Results—By the end of 2013, the proportion of PSC varied from 4% to 100% among the 50 states and District of Columbia. The 18 states that had legislation in designating stroke centers and regulating stroke triage had higher PSC percentages (median, 43%; range, 13%–100%) than the remaining states (median, 13%; range, 4%–75%; P<0.001). State stroke legislation, urbanization, state economic output, and larger hospital size independently increased the likelihood of a hospital to ...
Child and Adolescent Homicide

Murders committed by children invariably arouse feelings of shock and dismay, and elicit probing questions about the social, psychological, or even biological factors that might account for such a tragic phenomenon. Yet, efforts to characterize “the adolescent murderer” or “the child killer” reflect a lack of familiarity with the diversity of homicidal youth as well as inappropriate expectations about the scientific status of a legal category. Apart from the victim’s fatality and the youthfulness of the perpetrator, homicides by juveniles defy a single common explanation or explication. Consider the following case examples: 17 year-old Fred goes cruising with friends through a poor urban neighborhood, looking for persons to rob. It is winter and the youth needs a new coat. They confront a young man wearing an attractive leather coat. When the man refuses to give up his coat, a struggle ensues, and Fred pulls out a pistol and shoots him. 15 year-old Alice has been sexually molested and forcibly raped by her stepfather regularly for nearly a year. Her mother has been physically and emotionally abusive for as long as she can remember. One night after an argument with her parents, Alice creeps into their bedroom and shoots them both in their sleep. 13-year-old Jackie lures a 4-year-old child away from the sidewalk and into a garage. Jackie sexually molests and then strangles the child.
Library Outreach to University Athletic Departments and Student-Athletes

Research has shown that student-athletes often enter higher education less prepared than their peers. The student-athletes then face the difficult task of catching up to their more prepared peers, while being asked to spend in excess of 20 hours per week training and competing. In order to assist student-athletes in becoming academically successful, the Axinn Library at Hofstra University partnered with the University’s Department of Inter-Collegiate Athletics and the Center for Academic Advisement to provide library services to athletes. Building on the subject specialist liaison model of librarianship, Axinn Library began providing reference desk hours, by-appointment research assistance, and an information literacy course.
Diffusion of Bacterial Cells in Porous Media

The chemotaxis signal transduction network regulates the biased random walk of many bacteria in favorable directions and away from harmful ones through modulating the frequency of directional reorientations. In mutants of diverse bacteria lacking the chemotaxis response, migration in classic motility agar, which constitutes a fluid-filled porous medium, is compromised; straight-swimming cells unable to tumble become trapped within the agar matrix. Spontaneous mutations that restore spreading have been previously observed in the enteric bacterium Escherichia coli, and recent work in other bacterial species has isolated and quantified different classes of nonchemotacting mutants exhibiting the same spreading phenotype. We present a theoretical description of bacterial diffusion in a porous medium-the natural habitat for many cell types-which elucidates how diverse modifications of the motility apparatus resulting in a nonzero tumbling frequency allows for unjamming of otherwise straight-swimming cells at internal boundaries and leads to net migration. A unique result of our analysis is increasing diffusive spread with increasing tumbling frequency in the small pore limit, consistent with earlier experimental observations but not captured by previous models. Our theoretical results, combined with a simple model of bacterial diffusion and growth in agar, are compared with our experimental measurements of swim ring expansion as a function of time, demonstrating good quantitative agreement. Our results suggest that the details of the cellular tumbling process may be adapted to enable bacteria to propagate efficiently through complex environments. For engineered, self-propelled microswimmers that navigate via alternating straight runs and changes in direction, these results suggest an optimal reorientation strategy for efficient migration in a porous environment with a given microarchitecture.
Noninvasive Optical Evaluation of Cerebral Autoregulation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A diffuse correlation spectroscopy and a frequency-domain tissue oximeter were combined to evaluate cerebral autoregulation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Differences in cerebral hemodynamics were found between the patients and healthy controls.
Relativism, Objectivism, and Theology

Relativism is a central issue in anthropology, philosophy of science, and a number of other disciplines. It is usually contrasted with objectivism or foundationalism, the quest for universal and absolute norms. Richard Bernstein has recently written an illuminating overview of the relativist-objectivist tension and has sketched out a notion of rationality “beyond objectivism and relativism.” This paper is an effort to follow Bernstein's lead and consider the theological implications of objectivism and relativism and the attempt to move beyond them. The first two parts of the paper take up objectivism and relativism in their philosophical and theological forms. The third section briefly explores some aspects of a non-relativist and non-objectivist model of rationality.
Ultra-High Density, Transcript-Based Genetic Maps of Pepper Define Recombination in the Genome and Synteny Among Related Species

Our ability to assemble complex genomes and construct ultradense genetic maps now allows the determination of recombination rates, translocations, and the extent of genomic collinearity between populations, species, and genera. We developed two ultradense genetic linkage maps for pepper from single-position polymorphisms (SPPs) identified de novo with a 30,173 unigene pepper genotyping array. The Capsicum frutescens × C. annuum interspecific and the C. annuum intraspecific genetic maps were constructed comprising 16,167 and 3,878 unigene markers in 2108 and 783 genetic bins, respectively. Accuracies of marker groupings and orders are validated by the high degree of collinearity between the two maps. Marker density was sufficient to locate the chromosomal breakpoint resulting in the P1/P8 translocation between C. frutescens and C. annuum to a single bin. The two maps aligned to the pepper genome showed varying marker density along the chromosomes. There were extensive chromosomal regions with suppressed recombination and reduced intraspecific marker density. These regions corresponded to the pronounced nonrecombining pericentromeric regions in tomato, a related Solanaceous species. Similar to tomato, the extent of reduced recombination appears to be more pronounced in pepper than in other plant species. Alignment of maps with the tomato and potato genomes shows the presence of previously known translocations and a translocation event that was not observed in previous genetic maps of pepper.
Optimal Size and Location of Capacitors on Power Distribution Lines

Shunt capacitor banks are used on power distribution feeders to reduce losses and regulate the voltage level. The decrease in transmission line current also leads to an increase in the amount of demand that can be supplied without increasing the size of the conductors. In order to maximize the benefit of adding capacitor banks to the distribution feeders, the optimal size and location of the capacitors must be determined. This paper presents a novel optimal control approach to both regulate the voltage drop and reduce the copper loss. A cost function that penalizes both energy losses and voltage drop is developed. The optimal size and location of capacitors can be found using the optimal control solution. Computer simulation results are compared with existing methods of determining the optimal size and location of capacitors. Our approach improves on current methods by providing flexibility to both regulate voltage levels and reduce losses.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Towards the Development of a Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT)

This workshop provides the AIED community with an in-depth exploration of the Army Research Laboratory’s effort to develop tools, methods and standards for Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) as part of their Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT) research project. GIFT is a modular, service-oriented architecture developed to address authoring, instructional strategies, and analysis constraints currently limiting the use and reuse of ITS today. Such constraints include high development costs; lack of standards; and inadequate adaptability to support tailored needs of the learner. GIFT’s three primary objectives are to provide: (1) authoring tools for developing new ITS, ITS components (e.g., learner models, pedagogical models, user interfaces, sensor interfaces), tools, and methods based on authoring standards that support reuse and leverage external training environments; (2) an instructional manager that encompasses best tutoring principles, strategies, and tactics for use in ITS; and (3) an experimental testbed for analyzing the effect of ITS components, tools, and methods. GIFT is based on a learner-centric approach with the goal of improving linkages in the adaptive tutoring learning effect chain in Figure 1.
Difficulties in Distinguishing Cardiac from Pulmonary Disease in the Neonate

The facts that respiratory difficulties and cyanosis underlie both cardiac and pulmonary disorders and that normal hemodynamic changes do occur in the newborn infant render differentiation of cardiac and pulmonary disease more difficult in this age group. Aids that may be employed in the identification of the infant at risk from heart disease are reviewed.
Mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell function

The past decade has seen an explosion of research directed toward better understanding of the mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) function during rescue and repair of injured organs and tissues. In addition to delineating cell–cell signaling and molecular controls for MSC differentiation, the field has made particular progress in defining several other mechanisms through which administered MSCs can promote tissue rescue/repair. These include: 1) paracrine activity that involves secretion of proteins/peptides and hormones; 2) transfer of mitochondria by way of tunneling nanotubes or microvesicles; and 3) transfer of exosomes or microvesicles containing RNA and other molecules. Improved understanding of MSC function holds great promise for the application of cell therapy and also for the development of powerful cell-derived therapeutics for regenerative medicine. Focusing on these three mechanisms, we discuss MSC-mediated effects on immune cell responses, cell survival, and fibrosis and review recent progress with MSC-based or MSC-derived therapeutics.
Clinical and Ultrastructural Studies of Epiretinal Pigmentary Deposits after Retinectomy with Silicone Oil.

Purpose Large relaxing retinectomies have become increasingly used in the repair of retinal detachment related to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Retinectomies expose the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the vitreous cavity; the direct effects of silicone oil on the RPE are only beginning to be understood. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Twelve patients noted to develop pigmented epiretinal deposits at regularly scheduled follow-up visits after repair of complex retinal detachments using silicone oil tamponade and retinectomy. Methods Epiretinal pigment deposits were characterized clinically by wide-field color photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). At the time of silicone oil removal, the pigmented membranes were preserved in fixative and analyzed by light microscopy/immunostaining or electron microscopy for histologic characterization. Main Outcome Measures Not applicable. Results We describe the development of diffuse preretinal pigmentary deposits in 12 eyes after surgery for complicated PVR detachments using retinectomies with oil, with an average onset of 3.2 months postoperatively. These pigment clumps produced a striking leopard-spot pattern on fundus autofluorescence imaging. Histopathologic and ultrastructural analysis of these epiretinal proliferations peeled at the time of silicone oil removal revealed RPE cells with intracellular silicone oil droplets, singly dispersed membrane-bound melanin granules, glial tissue (1 case), and a fibrous stroma. Conclusions Although in vitro studies have suggested that RPE cells can phagocytose emulsified oil droplets, this report represents the first in vivo documentation by electron microscopy of this phenomenon in patients. These findings underscore that direct contact with silicone oil may affect the behavior of the RPE, which may be clinically relevant in patients who have undergone large relaxing retinectomies with silicone oil tamponade for PVR-related retinal detachments.
Novel Function of FGFR1 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Stress Response.

The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is one of the best characterized tissue-specific stem cells in adult mammals, yet a great deal remains to be learned about the signaling pathways involved in its regulation. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), a large family of cytokines, and their cell-surface receptors (FGFRs) are known to play key roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, both during embryonic development and in the adult. Although HSCs are known to express certain FGF pathway components, the functional significance of this is not well understood. In order to investigate the contribution of FGF signaling to HSC regulation, we generated a conditional Mx1-Cre/FGFR1fx/fx knockout mouse line. Though lacking an overt phenotype within the hematopoietic system under homeostatic conditions, these mice displayed defects in mobilization of HSCs to the peripheral circulation and spleen after myelosuppression with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), as compared to littermate controls. We are currently exploring the mechanism of this defect by directly testing the migratory ability of a population of bone marrow cells containing stem and progenitor cells. Of interest are cells from FGFR1 knockout mice that displayed defective migration toward recombinant chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12), indicating a link between FGF signaling and CXCL12/CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis, a process with known roles in mobilization. We competitively transplanted LSK/Flk2- cells (a population highly enriched for HSCs) from FGFR1 knockout and control mice into lethally irradiated recipients to test their repopulation ability. Our findings indicate an important role for signaling through FGFR1 in the mobilization of HSCs in mice, knowledge which may enhance clinical mobilization protocols.
Robustness of Injection-Locked Oscillators to CMOS Process Tolerances

We present a model for injection-locked oscillator (ILO) phase shifter that includes high-frequency coupling through a Silicon substrate. In this model, we consider conductive and resistive features of the substrate and predict the locking range and phase shift in the presence of substrate coupling. The model is verified through agreement with Cadence simulations and measurements. The phase shifter measurements are verified in a 2 × 2 injection-locked oscillator array operating from 15.5 to 18.5 GHz implemented in 90-nm GlobalFoundries SiGe BiCMOS technology. A 71–86 GHz 2 × 2 phased array uses this injection-locked phase shifter where the high frequency parasitics play an important role in the circuit performance.
Optimizing Matrix Multiplication on Intel® Xeon Phi TH x200 Architecture

Matrix multiplication is ubiquitous in scientific computing. From computational science to machine learning, a large and diverse set of applications rely on the performance of general matrix-matrix multiplication (GEMM) subroutines. The Intel® Math Kernel Library(R) provides highly optimized GEMM subroutines that take full advantage of the available parallelism and vectorization in both Intel® Xeon® and Intel® Xeon Phi(TM) processors. In this paper we discuss the optimization of GEMM subroutines for the Intel® Xeon Phi(TM) x200 (code-named Knights Landing).