cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The long noncoding RNA RNCR2 directs mouse retinal cell specification

Recent work has identified that many long mRNA-like noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in the developing nervous system. Despite their abundance, the function of these ncRNAs has remained largely unexplored. We have investigated the highly abundant lncRNA RNCR2 in regulation of mouse retinal cell differentiation. We find that the RNCR2 is selectively expressed in a subset of both mitotic progenitors and postmitotic retinal precursor cells. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of RNCR2 results in an increase of both amacrine cells and Muller glia, indicating a role for this lncRNA in regulating retinal cell fate specification. We further report that RNCR2 RNA, which is normally nuclear-retained, can be exported from the nucleus when fused to an IRES-GFP sequence. Overexpression of RNCR2-IRES-GFP phenocopies the effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown of RNCR2, implying that forced mislocalization of RNCR2 induces a dominant-negative phenotype. Finally, we use the IRES-GFP fusion approach to identify specific domains of RNCR2 that are required for repressing both amacrine and Muller glial differentiation. These data demonstrate that the lncRNA RNCR2 plays a critical role in regulating mammalian retinal cell fate specification. Furthermore, we present a novel approach for generating dominant-negative constructs of lncRNAs, which may be generally useful in the functional analysis of this class of molecules.
The Arabidopsis ascorbate peroxidase 3 is a peroxisomal membrane-bound antioxidant enzyme and is dispensable for Arabidopsis growth and development

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) exists as several isoforms that are found in various compartments in plant cells. The cytosolic and chloroplast APXs appear to play important roles in antioxidation metabolism in plant cells, yet the function of peroxisomal APX is not well studied. In this study, the localization of a putative peroxisomal membrane-bound ascorbate peroxidase, APX3 from Arabidopsis, was confirmed by studying the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-APX3 fusion protein in transgenic plants. GFP-APX3 was found to co-localize with a reporter protein that was targeted to peroxisomes by the peroxisomal targeting signal 1. The function of APX3 in Arabidopsis was investigated by analysing an APX3 knockout mutant under normal and several stress conditions. It was found that loss of function in APX3 does not affect Arabidopsis growth and development, suggesting that APX3 may not be an important antioxidant enzyme in Arabidopsis, at least under the conditions that were tested, or the function of APX3 could be compensated by other antioxidant enzymes in plant cells.
The Changing Public Image of Smoking in the United States: 1964–2014

Tobacco use behaviors in the U.S. have changed significantly over the past century. After a steep increase in cigarette use rates over the first half of the 20th century, adult smoking prevalence rates started declining from their peak reached in 1964. Improved understanding of the health risks of smoking has been aided by the U.S. Surgeon General's Reports, issued on a nearly annual basis starting in 1964. Among the many forces driving down smoking prevalence were the recognition of tobacco use as an addiction and cause of cancer, along with concerns about the ill effects of breathing secondhand smoke. These factors contributed to the declining social acceptance of smoking, especially with the advent of legal restrictions on smoking in public spaces, mass media counter-marketing campaigns, and higher taxes on cigarettes. This article reviews some of the forces that have helped change the public image of smoking, focusing on the 50 years since the 1964 Surgeon General's Report on smoking and health.
A study of occupational stress and depression among emergency physicians.

Objective: To determine the level of stress and depression among emergency physicians and whether these variables were related to the emergency physician's decision to leave the specialty. Study design and type of participants: The study involved a random sample of 1, 350 emergency physicians who received a questionnaire containing scales on depression and occupational stress as well as questions about their future plans for remaining in the specialty. Results: Seven hundred sixty-three usable surveys (56.5%) were returned. Mean scores for the locus of control, Work-Related Strain Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies — Depression Scale (CES-D) were within normal ranges. However, a disproportionate number, ie, more than 2.5% of the sample, scored more than two standard deviations from the mean. With the exception of the work satisfaction scale, there were no significant differences between the scores of fellows and nonfellows on measures of locus of control, stress, or depression. Of the population, 12.4% indicated that they were somewhat likely to very likely to leave the clinical practice of emergency medicine within the next year; 26.7% planned on leaving in the next five years, and less than half (42.9%) planned on seeing patients ten years from now. Older men, women, and those with high levels of stress and low job satisfaction were more likely to leave the specialty over the next ten years. Conclusion: While the vast majority of emergency physicians reported normal levels of stress, a disproportionate number reported high levels of stress and depression and plan on leaving the specialty of emergency medicine. The number of individuals planning to leave appeared to be greater than the number that will be replaced through residency training.
The Effect of Distance and Cost on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Rural Texas

Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with improved health outcomes, yet there is limited understanding of the impact of cost and accessibility on fruit and vegetable intake in rural settings. This study examines the relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and their cost and accessibility among blacks and non-Hispanic whites in a rural area. Individual characteristics from a 2006 mail survey (n = 1,510) were combined with store locations and price information from a 2006 ground-truthed census of retail outlets. The mail survey covered seven counties in central Texas with 38 supermarkets/grocery stores. Blacks tended to live closer to a supermarket or grocery store, but they were only slightly more likely than whites to consume two or more servings of fruit daily and much less likely to consume three or more servings of vegetables. Multivariate probit regression analysis revealed that neither access nor cost was related to fruit or vegetable consumption among white respondents. Among blacks, cost was also not associated with consumption. In contrast to whites, however, each additional mile was associated with a three percentage point decline in the probability of consuming two or more servings of fruit daily and a 1.8 percentage point decline in the probability of consuming three or more vegetable servings.
Receiving right/wrong feedback: Consequences for learning

Prior work suggests that receiving feedback that one’s response was correct or incorrect (right/wrong feedback) does not help learners, as compared to not receiving any feedback at all (Pashler, Cepeda, Wixted, & Rohrer, 2005). In three experiments we examined the generality of this conclusion. Right/ wrong feedback did not aid error correction, regardless of whether participants learned facts embedded in prose (Experiment 1) or translations of foreign vocabulary (Experiment 2). While right/wrong feedback did not improve the overall retention of correct answers (Experiments 1 and 2), it facilitated retention of low-confidence correct answers (Experiment 3). Reviewing the original materials was very useful to learners, but this benefit was similar after receiving either right/wrong feedback or no feedback (Experiments 1 and 2). Overall, right/wrong feedback conveys some information to the learner, but is not nearly as useful as being told the correct answer or having the chance to review the to-be-learned materials.
Self-Checking and Self-Diagnosing 32-bit Microprocessor Multiplier

In this paper, we propose a low-cost fault tolerance technique for microprocessor multipliers, both non-pipelined (NP) and pipelined (P). Our fault tolerant multiplier designs are capable of detecting and correcting errors, diagnosing hard faults, and reconfiguring to take the faulty sub-unit off-line. We utilize the branch misprediction recovery mechanism in the microprocessor core to take the error detection process off the critical path. Our analysis shows that our scheme provides 99% fault security and, compared to a baseline unprotected multiplier, achieves this fault tolerance with low performance overhead (5% for NP and 2.5% for P multiplier) and reasonably low area (38% NP and 26% P) and power consumption (36% NP and 28.5% P) overheads
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling in vertebrate reproduction

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a cell membrane phospholipid metabolite that can act as an extracellular signal. Its effects are mediated through at least five G protein-coupled receptors, LPA 1–5 , and probably others as well. Studies in multiple species including LPAR-deficient mice and humans have identified or implicated important roles for receptor-mediated LPA signaling in multiple aspects of vertebrate reproduction. These include ovarian function, spermatogenesis, fertilization, early embryo development, embryo implantation, embryo spacing, decidualization, pregnancy maintenance and parturition. LPA signaling can also have pathological consequences, influencing aspects of endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Here we review recent progress in LPA signaling research relevant to female and male reproduction.
Religion and mental health among women veterans with sexual assault experience.

Objective:Religion has been shown to have a positive impact on well-being and to play an important role in coping with stressful life events. However, the buffering effect of religiosity on mental health, after a particularly stressful life event such as sexual assault, has not been studied. In this study we examined the buffering effect of religion on mental health and depression for women who report experiencing sexual assault while in the military.Method:The sample includes a nationally representative sample of 3,543 women veterans who use VA ambulatory care. Two dimensions of religiosity were used: organizational (frequency of religious service attendance) and subjective (the extent religious beliefs are a source of strength/comfort). Mental health was measured by the mental component summary (MCS) from the SF36 and depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.Results:Women veterans who reported experiencing sexual assault while in the military had...
A Novel 180 $^{\circ}$ Hybrid Using Broadside-Coupled Asymmetric Coplanar Striplines

In this paper, a new way to realize a 180deg hybrid is presented. This technique utilizes a broadside-coupled asymmetric coplanar-stripline section to meet the tight coupling requirement that usually arises from the traditional reduced-size hybrid-ring configuration. In addition, this coplanar technique facilitates the implementation of a hybrid ring in a cascadable format. While providing a simple design procedure for the device, analytical details are also discussed. An experimental prototype, operating at 2.4 GHz, has been fabricated using conventional printed circuit board technology. Measured performances show good agreement with analytical and full-wave simulations, showing promising potential for a variety of applications such as balanced mixers, power amplifiers, and antenna feed networks.
Interstitial-mediated arsenic clustering in ultrashallow junction formation

We propose a viable route for interstitial-mediated formation of arsenic-vacancy clusters that are primarily responsible for arsenic deactivation in the fabrication of ultrashallow junctions in Si, based on first-principles density functional calculations for the stability of arsenic-defect clusters. We present the atomic structures and binding energies of newly identified neutral arsenic-interstitial complexes (As m I n , m ≤ 6 and n ≤ 3), with comparison to the energetics of arsenic-vacancy complexes (As m V n , m ≤ 6 and n ≤ 2). Based on these results, we discuss the relative role of interstitials and vacancies in arsenic deactivation during ultrashallow junction formation.
TH and NPY in sympathetic neurovascular cultures: role of LIF and NT-3.

The sympathetic nervous system is an important determinant of vascular function. The effects of the sympathetic nervous system are mediated via release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from postganglionic sympathetic neurons. The present study tests the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSM) maintain adrenergic neurotransmitter/neuropeptide expression in the postganglionic sympathetic neurons that innervate them. The effects of rat aortic and tail artery VSM (AVSM and TAVSM, respectively) on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were assessed in cultures of dissociated sympathetic neurons. AVSM decreased TH (39 ± 12% of control) but did not affect NPY. TAVSM decreased TH (76 ± 10% of control) but increased NPY (153 ± 20% of control). VSM expressed leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), which are known to modulate NPY and TH expression. Sympathetic neurons innervating blood vessels expressed LIF and NT-3 receptors. Inhibition of LIF inhibited the effect of AVSM on TH. Inhibition of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) decreased TH and NPY in neurons grown in the presence of TAVSM. These data suggest that vascular-derived LIF decreases TH and vascular-derived NT-3 increases or maintains NPY and TH expression in postganglionic sympathetic neurons. NPY and TH in vascular sympathetic nerves are likely to modulate NPY and/or norepinephrine release from these nerves and are thus likely to affect blood flow and blood pressure. The present studies suggest a novel mechanism whereby VSM would modulate sympathetic control of vascular function.
Large-Scale Brain Network Coupling Predicts Acute Nicotine Abstinence Effects on Craving and Cognitive Function

imaging study in an academic medical center compared resting-state functional connectivity coherence strength after 24 hours of abstinence and after smoking satiety. We examined the relationship of abstinence-induced changes in the RAI with alterations in subjective, behavioral, and neural functions. We included 37 healthy smoking volunteers, aged 19 to 61 years, for analyses.
The Impact of Information Technology on Academic Scientists' Productivity and Collaboration Patterns

This study investigates the impact of information technology (IT) on productivity and collaboration patterns in academe. Our data combine information on the diffusion of two noteworthy innovations in IT---BITNET and the Domain Name System (DNS)---with career-history data on research-active life scientists. We analyzed a random sample of 3,114 research-active life scientists from 314 U.S. institutions over a 25-year period and find that the availability of BITNET on a scientist's campus has a positive effect on his or her productivity and collaborative network. Our findings also support the hypothesis of a differential effect of IT across subgroups of the scientific labor force. Women scientists and those working at nonelite institutions benefit more from the availability of IT in terms of overall research output and an increase in the number of new coauthors they work with than do men or individuals at elite institutions. These results suggest that IT is an equalizing force, providing a greater boost to productivity and more collaboration opportunities for scientists who are more marginally positioned in academe.
Monitoring persistently congested Internet links

Measurement tools that can accurately locate and monitor congested Internet links would significantly help us understand how the Internet operates. However, developing such tools is challenging, especially when our concerned target is congestion on the core Internet links rather than that on the relatively easily measured access links. Congestion on core links - and persistent congestion in particular - can reveal systematic problems such as routing pathologies, poorly-engineered network policies, or non-cooperative inter-AS relationships. In this paper, we present Pong, a novel tool capable of accurately locating and monitoring a subset of non-access Internet links that exhibit persistent congestion over longer time scales. Pong takes advantage of the persistently congested link property to overcome the long-lasting challenges common for delay-based inference tools. In addition, it exploits the same property to (i) infer otherwise unknown underlying path conditions, (ii) determine appropriate queuing delay thresholds to reveal congestion, (iii) achieve high accuracy with low probing rate, and (iv) detect moments of its own inaccuracy. Finally, Pong can quantify measurement resultspsila accuracy comprehensively, allowing us to further select vantage points that maximize the observability of the underlying congestion.
Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Nanoscale Barriers Around Dots: Experiment and Two-Diode Model Analysis

Incorporation of quantum dots into the p-n junction of the photovoltaic device provides numerous possibilities for nanoscale control of photoelectron processes via engineering the band structure and nanoscale potential profile. The band structure is determined by the size and shape of quantum dots and width of the wetting layer. The potential profile is formed by selective doping, which leads to the built-in dot charge. To study the effects of the band structure and nanoscale potential barriers on the photovoltaic performance we fabricated and investigated 3-μm base GaAs devices with various InAs quantum dot media and selective doping. All quantum dot devices show significant improvement in conversion efficiency in comparison with the reference cell. The data obtained have been analyzed in frame of the diode model. It was found that the two-diode model with the ideality factors of n=1 and n=2 well describes the scope of data. The essential n=2 component evidences that the Shockley-Read-Hall recombination plays a substantial role in recombination losses. Further optimization of solar cells should be aimed at the formation of potential profile with large barriers that separate quantum dot areas from high mobility conducting channels.
Contrast and Medication Allergic Reactions

In the interventional suite, procedures like fistulograms, angioplasties, or thrombectomies require the use of radiocontrast media (RCM). These RCM however may evoke hypersensitivity reactions in patients. The elderly and those with a history of allergies are at risk. These reactions are classified as immediate or delayed. The immediate reaction is further classified as anaphylactoid and non-anaphylactoid. Clinically, anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions are indistinguishable and present as anaphylaxis. The exact pathogenesis of anaphylactoid reactions is not well known. Non-anaphylactoid reactions are secondary to the physiochemical properties of the RCM. Delayed reactions are T cell mediated. There are certain precautions that must be taken to prevent anaphylactoid reactions. Premedication with antihistaminics and steroids has been adopted as one such measure, though it is not accepted by all. The use of a structurally different RCM (compared to the culprit agent) has also been recommended. In spite of these precautions, breakthrough reactions can occur. The interventionalist should always be vigilant for early manifestations of such reactions, be aware of common clinical presentations, and be well versed in their management. Iodide mumps is a peculiar reaction that is treated by dialysis in dialysis-dependent patients. Delayed reactions are predominantly dermatological and self-limited though serious skin reactions can occur. Midazolam together with fentanyl is used to provide conscious sedation. These drugs have adverse reactions that may clinically resemble an anaphylactic reaction. In addition, opioids are also administered orally after a procedure for pain relief. While patients may state they have a narcotic allergy, in many instances this is not a true allergy. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) presents as acute kidney injury. Hydration and minimal use of RCM are effective strategies utilized to prevent this complication.
Distance to Radiation Facility and Treatment Choice in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Purpose Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is a recommended alternative to mastectomy (MT) for early-stage breast cancer. Limited access to radiation therapy (RT) may result in higher rates of MT. We assessed the association between distance to the nearest RT facility and the use of MT, in a modern cohort of women. Methods and Materials Women with stage 0-II breast cancer eligible for BCT diagnosed from 2004 to 2010 were identified from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS). Distances from patient census tracts to the nearest RT facility census tract were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify explanatory variables that influenced MT use. Results Of the 27,489 eligible women, 32.1% (n=8841) underwent MT, and 67.8% (n=18,648) underwent BCS. Thirty-two percent of patients lived in a census tract that was >5 miles from an RT facility. MT use increased with increasing distance to RT facility (31.1% at ≤5 miles, 33.8% at >5 to P P P P P =.235). Conclusions MT use in a modern cohort of women is independently associated with distance to RT facility. However, for young patients, distance to RT is not a significant explanatory variable for MT use.
Hard-on-Hard Bearings Are Associated With Increased Noise Generation in Young Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty.

Background Patient-perceived noise from prostheses after total hip arthroplasty (THA) does occur, yet questions remain including the overall frequency of this finding, demographic and prosthesis-related factors, and the association of noise generation with patient-reported outcomes.
Ameliorating the tumor microenvironment for antitumor responses through TLR5 ligand-secreting T cells

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are potent immunostimulatory agents that have demonstrated great potential for cancer immunotherapy. We have genetically-engineered tumor-specific T cells to deliver and secrete the TLR5 ligand (TLR5L) flagellin to the tumor site to provide costimulation for antitumor immune activity. We found that TLR5L-secreting T cells offered a therapeutic benefit by altering several aspects including augmenting T cell effector function and expansion as well as reshaping the tumor microenvironment toward one that enhances antitumor T cell responses.
Pressure-Dependent Ion Current Rectification in Conical-Shaped Glass Nanopores

Ion current rectification that occurs in conical-shaped glass nanopores in low ionic strength solutions is shown to be dependent on the rate of pressure-driven electrolyte flow through the nanopore, decreasing with increasing flow rate. The dependence of the i–V response on pressure is due to the disruption of cation and anion distributions at equilibrium within the nanopore. Because the flow rate is proportional to the third power of the nanopore orifice radius, the pressure-driven flow can eliminate rectification in nanopores with radii of ∼200 nm but has a negligible influence on rectification in a smaller nanopore with a radius of ∼30 nm. The experimental results are in qualitative agreement with predictions based on finite-element simulations used to solve simultaneously the Nernst–Planck, Poisson, and Navier–Stokes equations for ion fluxes in a moving electrolyte within a conical nanopore.
Influence of Simulated Rain on Residual Activity of Ultra-Low-Volume Applications of Carbaryl and Malathion Against Grasshoppers

Aerial ultra-low-volume applications of Seven®-4-oil formulation of carbaryl (8 oz AI/acre) or of technical malathion 9.74 oz AI/acre were made to rangeland infested with grasshoppers. Then, 8-9 hr posttreatment, ⅛, ¼, or ½ in. simulated rainfall was applied to grasshoppers caged in the area. The control obtained with carbaryl was reduced at 6 and at 9 days posttreatment by ½ in. of rainfall, but at 12 days there were no significant differences among treatments. The control obtained with malathion was reduced significantly by even ⅛ and ¼ in. of rainfall. Also, mortality of grasshoppers confined to treated vegetation that had not been exposed to rain was substantially higher after treatment with carbaryl than after treatment with malathion, and the carbaryl was still effective at 18 days after treatment. Caging affected the results obtained with malathion but had little or no effect on the results obtained with carbaryl, because the confinement limited contact with malathion which is toxic for a shorter period.
Do males measure body sizes of males and females similarly? A test in the beaugregory damselfish, Stegastes leucostictus

Body length in fishes appears to serve as a “signal” for intra-sexual selection (i.e., male–male competition) and inter-sexual selection (i.e., mate choice). Previous studies indicate that the size of males correlates with the ability to gain or control resources from other males, while the size of females corresponds to features related to reproductive success such as fecundity. However, it remains unclear whether male size, as it relates to success in territory defense, is assessed similarly to female size as it relates to fecundity. Using the beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus), a Caribbean coral reef fish, we examined whether focal males measure the “signal”, body length, similarly in both sexes. We presented focal territorial males with pairs of males and pairs of females that differed in size by varying degrees, and judged whether the focal male used size to differentiate between the two stimuli. We found that focal males did respond differently based on sex (spent more time near the two...
Pictorial Review of CT and MRI in Pediatric Accidental Traumatic Head Injury

Head injuries in children are relatively common leading to a significant number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations annually. Although most injuries are minor, severe brain injury carries a significant mortality rate leading to 3,000 deaths per year in the United States. We describe the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury in children. Appropriate imaging modalities are discussed with a specific focus on the role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Classic patterns of injury and associated imaging findings on CT and MRI are described. In addition, characteristic findings seen in birth-related trauma are also reviewed.
SU-F-T-669: Commissioning of An Electronic Brachytherapy System for Targeted Mouse Irradiation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to commission the Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (eBT) source and 10 mm diameter surface applicator with NIST traceability for targeted irradiations of mouse anal carcinomas. Methods: The Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (eBT) and 10 mm diameter surface applicator was chosen by the collaborating physician as a radiation delivery mechanism for mouse anal carcinomas. The target dose was 2 Gy at a depth of 3 mm in tissue to be delivered in a single fraction. To implement an accurate and reliable irradiation plan, the system was commissioned by first determining the eBT source output and corresponding dose rate at a depth of 3 mm in tissue. This was determined through parallel-plate ion chamber measurements and published conversion factors. Well-type ionization chamber measurements were used to determine a transfer coefficient, which correlates the measured dose rate at 3 mm to the NIST-traceable quantity, air-kerma rate at 50 cm in air, for eBT sources. By correlating these two quantities, daily monitoring in the well chamber becomes an accurate and efficient quality assurance technique. Once the dose-rate was determined, a treatment recipe was developed and confirmed with chamber measurements to deliver the requested dose. Radiochromic film was used to verify the dose distribution across the field. Results: Dose rates at 3 mm depth in tissue were determined for two different Xoft Axxent™ sources and correlated with NIST-traceable well-type ionization chamber measurements. Unique transfer coefficients were determined for each source and the treatment recipe was validated by measurements. Film profiles showed a uniform dose distribution across the field. Conclusion: A Xoft Axxent™ eBT system was successfully commissioned for use in the irradiation of mouse rectal tumors. Dose rates in tissue were determined as well as other pertinent parameters to ensure accurate delivery of dose to the target region.
Who really won the FIFA 2014 Golden Ball Award?: What sports can learn from multi-criteria decision analysis

The Golden Ball Award is given to the best soccer player in every FIFA World Cup tournament. Although disagreements will inevitably arise when any award winner is selected, we propose that an analytic hierarchical process (AHP) approach, which is taken from the toolbox of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), be used for the purpose of selecting the Golden Ball winner. A review of the use of MCDA approaches within the sports management literature brought us to the conclusion that their use is still incipient in the scholarship within this community. AHP is proposed for the development of award evaluations because it is intuitive, accurate, and provides decision transparency to the public. The method is applied to the 2014 FIFA Golden Ball selection for illustration purposes and potential 2014 World Cup winners are suggested based on attack, defence, and fair play performance. Most importantly, the use of this proposed approach can be extended to the assessment of other sports awards.
Data-Pattern enabled Self-Recovery multimedia storage system for near-threshold computing

The growing popularity of powerful mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet devices has resulted in the exponential growth of demand for video applications. However, due to the intensive computation of the video decoding process, mobile video applications require frequent embedded memory access, which consumes a large amount of power and limits battery life. Various low-voltage memory techniques have been investigated to enhance the energy efficiency of multimedia processing system. Unfortunately, the existing research suffers from high implementation complexity and large area overhead. In this paper, we present a low-cost self-recovery video storage system by investigating meaningful data patterns hidden in mobile video data. Specifically, we propose a two-dimensional data-pattern approach to explore horizontal data-association and vertical data-correlation characteristics. Based on the identified optimal data patterns, we present a simple circuit-level SRAM design to enable self-recovery at low voltages. A 45nm 32kb SRAM is designed that delivers good video quality at near-threshold voltage (0.5 V) with negligible area overhead (3.97%).
Bicycle and pedestrian counts at signalized intersections using existing infrastructure: opportunities and challenges

Bicycling and walking have gained increased attention recently; however, systematic bicycle and pedestrian counts are still scarce. At intersections, transportation agencies are interested in counting bicycles and pedestrians and leveraging for counting purposes, if possible, existing signal detection equipment. This study evaluated four counting technologies: inductive loops and a thermal camera to count bicycles and passive infrared counters and pedestrian signal actuation data to count pedestrians. The four technologies were tested in a parking lot (controlled environment) and in an intersection (real-world environment). The findings revealed that while the inductive loops and thermal camera counted bicycles accurately in a controlled environment, the loops and cameras failed to do so at an intersection. Passive infrared counters were found to count pedestrians accurately at the intersection sidewalk, and pedestrian signal actuation data could be a cost-effective surrogate for pedestrian demand at sign...
Elementary-particle models of the two-nucleon force.

Let me begin my talk by saying that little progress was made in understanding the origin of the nucleon-nucleon force from the time of great activity in the early fifties until recently. The activity in 1950–1953 was concerned with incorporating Yukawa’s idea of meson exchange into half-way respectable formalism. Names like Levy, Klein, Brueckner and Watson are associated with these developments. The one-pion-exchange term, held responsible for the long-range part of the nucleon-nucleon interaction, was incorporated into the phase-shift analyses, by the Livermore and Yale groups, and found to enable significantly better fits of the data.
Seedling Growth, Leaf Injury and Ion Uptake Response of Cold-Resistant Palm Species to Salinity

Abstract Palms are becoming popular landscape plants in the upper desert region of the Southwest where water used for irrigation has elevated salinity. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to evaluate leaf damage and growth response of nine cold-resistant palm species to salinity. One-year-old potted seedlings were transplanted to 10-liter containers filled with loamy sand and irrigated with saline solutions containing 800, 2000, 5000, and 7500 mg/liter of predominantly NaCl salts. The corresponding electrical conductivity was 1.2, 4.4, 9.4, and 13.7 dS/m, respectively. Seedlings were irrigated at a leaching fraction of 30 to 35% for six months, and leaf growth, leaf injury, and leaf mineral contents measured. Under this irrigation regime, salinity of irrigation solutions approximately equals salinity of the soil saturation extract. Leaf growth and leaf injury were highly species-dependent. A significant growth reduction and leaf injury of Sabal palmetto, Butia capitata, and Trachycarpus fortunei a...
Best-first frontier search with delayed duplicate detection

Best-first search is limited by the memory needed to store the Open and Closed lists, primarily to detect duplicate nodes. Magnetic disks provide vastly more storage, but random access of a disk is extremely slow. Instead of checking generated nodes immediately against existing nodes in a hash table, delayed duplicate detection (DDD) appends them to a file, then periodically removes the duplicate nodes using only sequential disk accesses. Frontier search saves storage in a best-first search by storing only the Open list and not the Closed list. The main contributions of this paper are to provide a scalable implementation of DDD, to combine it with frontier search, and to extend it to more general best-first searches such as A*. We illustrate these ideas by performing complete breadth-first searches of sliding-tile puzzles up to the 3×5 Fourteen Puzzle. For the 4-peg Towers of Hanoi problem, we perform complete searches with up to 20 disks, searching a space of over a trillion nodes, and discover a surprising anomaly concerning the problem-space diameter of the 15 and 20-disk problems. We also verify the presumed optimal solution lengths for up to 24 disks. In addition, we implement A* with DDD on the Fifteen Puzzle. Finally, we present a scalable implementation of DDD based on hashing rather than sorting.
From erasure to opportunity: a qualitative study of the experiences of transgender men around pregnancy and recommendations for providers

Some transgender men retain their uterus, get pregnant, and give birth. However, societal attitudes about gender have erected barriers to openly being pregnant and giving birth as a transgender man. Little research exists regarding transgender men’s reproductive needs. Anecdotal observations suggest that social change and increasing empowerment of transgender men may result in increasing frequency and openness about pregnancy and birth. Specific needs around conception, pregnancy, and newborn care may arise from transphobia, exogenous testosterone exposure, or from having had (or desiring) gender-affirming surgery. We undertook a qualitative study to understand the needs of transgender men who had given birth. We interviewed 10 transgender men who had been recruited for a recently published online cross-sectional survey of individuals (n = 41). Subjects had given birth while identifying as male. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded. Analysis used a priori and emergent codes to identify central themes and develop a framework for understanding participant experiences. Participants reported diverse experiences and values on issues including prioritization and sequencing of transition versus reproduction, empowerment in healthcare, desire for external affirmation of their gender and/or pregnancy, access to social supports, and degree of outness as male, transgender, or pregnant. We identified structural barriers that disempowered participants and describe healthcare components that felt safe and empowering. We describe how patients’ strategies, and providers’ behaviors, affected empowerment. Anticipatory guidance from providers was central in promoting security and empowerment for these individuals as patients. Recognizing diverse experiences has implications in supporting future patients through promoting patient-centered care and increasing the experiential legibility. Institutional erasure creates barriers to transgender men getting routine perinatal care. Identifying this erasure helps shape recommendations for how providers and clinics can provide appropriate care. Specific information regarding reproduction can be helpful to patients. We provide recommendations for providers’ anticipatory guidance during the pre-transition, pre-conception, prenatal, and postpartum periods. Ways to support and bring visibility to the experience of transgender men are identified. Improving clinical visibility and affirming gender will likely enhance patient experience and may support patient-centered perinatal healthcare services.
MindScribe: Toward Intelligently Augmented Interactions in Highly Variable Early Childhood Environments

Early childhood is a period of critical development, with impacts that can last a lifetime. And inequities in the quality of care for this vulnerable population---especially for those at-risk due to disability, family income, or trauma---can perpetuate further downstream health and school-readiness effects. Technology-enabled solutions have the ability to bridge quality-of-care gaps by intelligently augmenting daily activities. However, many traditional computational approaches to natural language interactions are not yet feasible nor afford-able in highly variable and dynamic early childhood environments. Yet for rapidly developing preliterate young children, solutions are needed now. We present MindScribe, an interactive robotic object that leverages open-ended 'serve and return' natural language interactions to intelligently support reflective inquiry and school-readiness in highly variable and imaginative early childhood environments.
Recent violence and legal involvement among young adults with early psychosis enrolled in Coordinated Specialty Care

Aim Individuals with serious mental illnesses have a small increased risk of engaging in violence or legal involvement compared to the general population. This seems to be particularly true for young adults experiencing early stages of psychosis. This study analysed the prevalence of and risk factors for reports of violence and legal involvement in a sample of young adults receiving Coordinated Specialty Care for early non-affective psychosis. Methods A total of 373 young adults (ages 16-30) within 2 years of the onset of non-affective psychosis were enrolled in 10 Coordinated Specialty Care sites in New York State from October 2013 to August 2016. Baseline violent ideation or behaviour and legal involvement was described and predictors identified. Results Approximately one-quarter of individuals had either recent violent ideation or behaviour at baseline (n = 90, 24.6%); nearly one-tenth of the sample reported recent legal involvement (n = 33, 9.0%). Individuals with violent ideation or behaviour had lower levels of education and were less likely to be working. Those with recent legal involvement were more likely to be male and more likely to have substance use (alcohol, cannabis and other drugs). Conclusions The overall rate of recent violent ideation or behaviour is similar to other studies; up to one-third of individuals experiencing a first-episode of psychosis (FEP) report violence. Recent legal involvement was strongly associated with substance use. This study presents insight into violence and legal involvement among individuals with FEP and indicates the need for further research.
Facile Synthesis of Ligand-Free Iridium Nanoparticles and Their In Vitro Biocompatibility

High-density inorganic nanoparticles have shown promise in medical applications that utilize radiation including X-ray imaging and as radiation dose enhancers for radiotherapy. We have developed an aqueous synthetic method to produce small (~ 2 nm) iridium nanoparticles (IrNPs) by reduction of iridium(III) chloride using a borohydride reducing agent. Unlike other solution-based synthesis methods, uniform and monodispersed IrNPs are produced without the use of surfactants or other solubilizing ligands. These nanoparticles are highly crystalline as observed by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro metabolic toxicity assays using hepatocyte and macrophage cells demonstrate that both IrNPs and iridium(III) chloride are well tolerated at concentrations of up to 10 μM iridium. Furthermore, the IrNPs were assessed in a hemolytic assay and found to have no significant impact on red blood cells when exposed to concentrations up to 100 μM. Overall, these results support the potential for the in vivo application of this nanomaterial.
Association of BMI Changes Between Adolescence and Young Adulthood With Smoking Cessation

Purpose:Weight gain frequently accompanies smoking cessation. This study examined if increasing body mass index (BMI) during the early years of smoking influences quitting by young adulthood.Design...
Evaluation of wearable sensors to quantify construction workers muscle force: an ergonomic analysis

Construction industry has one of the highest rates of bodily injuries including serious Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies force level as a risk indicator associated with WMSDs. Without direct measurement, quantifying the force exerted during a given task performed by workers is difficult, if not impossible. Therefore, an indirect and non-intrusive way of identifying excessive force applied during physical tasks can effectively reduce the risk of WMSD injuries. In this research, a series of physical activities involving pushing and pulling are simulated by the research team in laboratory-scale experiments. The exerted force is measured using a work simulator tool and accelerometer data is collected from a smartphone sensor affixed on the working arm. Artificial Neural Network is trained with the accelerometer data and the force levels. Testing results indicate that the trained model can predict the force level with over 87.5% accuracy.
VALIDATION OF AN ELECTRONIC TOOL TO CALCULATE CHA2DS2-VASC SCORES

For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the CHA2DS2-VASc score may represent a viable target for automated algorithmic identification of patients in whom anticoagulation is indicated, but such a system would need to be validated prior to widespread implementation given the risk for over or under
Stratal architecture of a halokinetically controlled patch reef complex and implications for reservoir quality: A case study from the Aptian James Limestone in the Fairway Field, East Texas Basin

Abstract Widespread carbonate platform growth in the Cretaceous Tethys is associated with expansive reef margin and interior patch reef development. These reefs and their associated facies have the potential to be significant hydrocarbon reservoirs, but characterization is challenging because of complex facies distributions, inadequate understanding of biotic communities and processes impacting their development, and difficulties delineating timelines in systems that build their own topography. Other factors that may impact underlying topography, such as tectonics or halokinesis, further complicate the story. This study delves into these complexities in a dataset from the Fairway Field, a large oil and gas field (115 km2, 410 million barrels original oil-in-place) that produces from the Aptian James Limestone in the East Texas Basin, Texas, USA. The field contains a patch reef complex, here defined as an assemblage of patch reefs that grew near each other without necessarily being physically connected, that has significant lateral and vertical facies heterogeneity. Previous attempts at characterization have failed to fully recognize the importance of its proximity to four salt domes, which modified topography and influenced deposition prior to and during reef development. Here, we reassess the stratal architecture of the Fairway Field from a sequence stratigraphic perspective, with the goal of augmenting understanding of timing of reef development and facies distributions and ultimately building a better stratigraphic framework for a halokinetically influenced patch reef complex. Core descriptions and core-calibrated wireline-log correlation across the field yield a model that explains the relationship between halokinetic topography, energy regime, relative water depth, and reef- and reef-associated facies development. Porosity and permeability measurements taken across the field are analyzed to determine best reservoir facies and their distribution. The new stratigraphic model is useful for predicting facies architecture in other analogous reef complexes, such as those elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Middle East; its tie to reservoir facies distributions also improves its utility for exploration purposes. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that halokinesis has a major impact on carbonate development and necessitates a new generalized model for halokinetically altered carbonate platforms.