cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic and Prophylactic Anticoagulation in Cirrhosis Patients

Because of the complexity of changes in the pro- and anti-hemostatic cascades in liver disease, therapeutic and prophylactic anticoagulation in cirrhosis patients is currently one of the most challenging areas in clinical medicine. We have endeavored to comprehensively address the most salient issues and controversies in this field based on the current literature. Laboratory and clinical science discoveries which have accrued over the past several decades have dramatically changed our understanding of hemostatic pathways in patients with chronic liver disease. As a result, many past clinical tenets are no longer supported by existing laboratory and current clinical science. We present current data in cirrhosis patients regarding the treatment of portal vein and peripheral deep vein thrombosis and prophylactic strategies for peripheral thrombotic disease as well as for cirrhosis patients with co-existent atrial fibrillation. We also present very provocative data on prophylaxis of portal vein thrombosis in patients with underlying liver disease. The latter, if confirmed with blinded prospective study, could have an impact on chronic liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.
Lesch–Nyhan Disease

Lesch–Nyhan disease results from mutations of the gene encoding the purine salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. Patients typically suffer generalized dystonia, recurrent self-injurious behavior, cognitive disability, and overproduction of uric acid. A definitive laboratory diagnosis is achieved with genetic or biochemical tests. Treatment focuses on controlling uric acid and neurobehavioral difficulties.
Barista Cool: Espresso Fashion Transformed

In many parts of the world today, being a barista is cool. Young, bearded hipsters, tattooed artists, and pretty but disaffected teenage girls serve up their latte art specialties while dressed in attire worthy of fashion blogs. Some coffee brands prefer a distinctive uniform that reflects their marketing strategies while others recommend a look or allow for self-expression. Barista cool is a relatively new phenomenon, however. It appears to have been launched in youth-oriented cultures, such as in the United States and Australia and then re-crafted, like artisan coffee, in trend-setting countries, such as Japan, and re-imagined in countries with long-standing coffee cultures, such as Italy, the birthplace of espresso. Historic Italian espresso producers now encourage branding through uniforms that combine personal style and Italian fashion. New espresso bars in Italy moreover reflect the influences of third wave coffee and global fashion trends. This article seeks to analyze how and why espresso and cool fashion have only recently converged through the use of a variety of sources, such as archival research, interviews, and participant observation.
Dynamometer-Based Evaluation of Low Oxides of Nitrogen, Advanced Concept Diesel Engine for a Passenger Car

An Advanced Concept Diesel (ACD) engine, previously evaluated under a U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration contract, was dynamometer tested to provide data for the computer simulation of a diesel passenger car. The car was calculated to have the potential for meeting a 0.25 g/km (0.4 g/mi) NO standard (without cold start) if high EGR rates were introduced. The 0.25 g/km (0.41 g/mi) hydrocarbon standard would not be met by the unmodified vehicle, although use of an advanced transmission was projected to decrease hydrocarbons just to that level. Before the ACD engine is considered further, adequate durability should be demonstrated with high EGR rates, and lower hydrocarbon emissions are needed.
Perspectives on Precision Medicine in a Tribally Managed Primary Care Setting

Precision medicine (PM) research and clinical application is moving forward at a rapid pace. To ensure ethical inclusion of all populations in PM, in-depth understanding of diverse communities’ vie...
The roles and clinical activities of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in practices caring for older adults.

Abstract Background Population aging and physician shortages have motivated recommendations of increased use of registered nurses in care provision; little is known about RN and NP employment in primary care and geriatric practices or service types each provide. Purpose Determine current RN and NP employment frequency in practices in the U.S., identify services provided by RNs, and whether NP presence in practice is associated with the types and frequency of services provided by RNs. Methods National survey of 410 primary care and geriatric clinicians. Findings Only half of practices employed RNs. RNs most frequently provide teaching or education for chronic disease management. RNs provide significantly more primary care and geriatric services when practices employed a NP. Discussion Reasons for RN underuse in practices should be identified, clinical placements in such practices should increase, and NP education programs should include care models using RNs to their full scope of practice.
Why Promoters Like Scalpers

If a monopoly supplies a perishable good, such as tickets to a performance, and is unable to price discriminate within a period, the monopoly may benefit from the potential entry of resellers. If the monopoly attempts to intertemporally price discriminate, the equilibrium in the game among buyers is indeterminate when the resellers are not allowed to enter, and the monopoly?s problem is not well defined. An arbitrarily small amount of heterogeneity of information among the buyers leads to a unique equilibrium. We show how the potential entry of resellers alters this equilibrium.
Monocyte-derived S1P in the lymph node regulates immune responses

The lipid chemoattractant sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) guides cells out of tissues, where the concentration of S1P is relatively low, into circulatory fluids, where the concentration of S1P is high1. For example, S1P directs the exit of T cells from lymph nodes, where T cells are initially activated, into lymph, from which T cells reach the blood and ultimately inflamed tissues1. T cells follow S1P gradients primarily using S1P receptor 1 (ref. 1). Recent studies have described how S1P gradients are established at steady state, but little is known about the distribution of S1P in disease or about how changing levels of S1P may affect immune responses. Here we show that the concentration of S1P increases in lymph nodes during an immune response. We found that haematopoietic cells, including inflammatory monocytes, were an important source of this S1P, which was an unexpected finding as endothelial cells provide S1P to lymph1. Inflammatory monocytes required the early activation marker CD69 to supply this S1P, in part because the expression of CD69 was associated with reduced levels of S1pr5 (which encodes S1P receptor 5). CD69 acted as a ‘stand-your-ground’ signal, keeping immune cells at a site of inflammation by regulating both the receptors and the gradients of S1P. Finally, increased levels of S1P prolonged the residence time of T cells in the lymph nodes and exacerbated the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. This finding suggests that residence time in the lymph nodes might regulate the differentiation of T cells, and points to new uses of drugs that target S1P signalling. Monocyte-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate gradients in the lymph nodes regulate the response of T cells under inflammatory conditions.
Correlating Scores but Contrasting Outcomes for Eat Sleep Console Versus Modified Finnegan.

OBJECTIVES: The Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (M-FNASS) and the newer Eat, Sleep, and Console (ESC) model guide the clinical management of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). In this study, we evaluate how the M-FNASS and ESC model directly compare in inpatient practice. We hypothesized that ESC scores would correlate with M-FNASS scores, whereas ESC management would reduce health care use for infants with NOWS. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared management of infants with NOWS admitted to nursery settings. Epoch 1 was managed by using an M-FNASS algorithm. Epoch 2 was scored simultaneously with the M-FNASS and ESC model and managed by using the ESC approach. In the statistical analysis, we compared M-FNASS and ESC scores and outcomes between epochs. RESULTS: A total of 158 infants provided 2101 scoring instances for analysis. Demographic characteristics were similar between epochs. ESC scores significantly correlated with overall M-FNASS scores and specific M-FNASS domains. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that an ESC score containing at least 1 “no” was best predicted by an M-FNASS cutoff value of 7.5 (sensitivity 0.84; specificity 0.70; area under the curve = 0.842). Length of stay (median 9.5 vs 5 days; P = .0002) and initiation (53% vs. 33%; P = .018) and duration of pharmacologic treatment (median 11 vs 7 days; P = .0042), as well as length of stay for infants who were pharmacologically treated (median 15 vs 10 days; P = .0002), were significantly reduced with ESC-based management after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: The ESC approach meaningfully correlates with the M-FNASS to detect NOWS. Management with the ESC approach continues to be associated with reduced health care use when compared with an M-FNASS approach, implying that the ESC approach may facilitate higher-value inpatient care.
High Statin Adherence over 5 Years of Follow-up is Associated with Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the IMPRES Study.

AIMS Despite proven benefits of LDL-C lowering among those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), statin adherence remains low. Very little real-world data exist on the effect of long-term statin adherence on cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 7,339 patients ≥18 years first diagnosed with ASCVD with a statin prescription within 12-months of diagnosis who had 5-years of continuous Select Health insurance or died during years 2-5 while a member were studied. The proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated using pharmacy claims for statin use by year, and patients were stratified into pre-defined categories: Fully-adherent (PDC≥80% for years 1-5 or until death, n = 353[4.8%]), Short-term-adherent (PDC≥80% for years 1-3, n = 330[4.5%]), Early-adherent-only (PDC≥80% for year 1, n = 890[12.1%]), Complex-adherent (PDC≥80% in any of years 2-5, but not year 1, n = 1,292[17.6%]), and Non-adherent (PDC<80% for years 1-5 or until death, n = 3,942[72.1%]). Patients were followed for major adverse clinical events (MACE=death, MI, and stroke). Patients averaged 56.4±9.6 years and 76.5% were male. During year 1, statin adherence was poor, with PDC<20% in 4,007 (54.6%) patients and PDC ≥80% in 1,573 (21.4%) patients, which dropped to 16.9% by year 5. Increased adherence was associated with significantly fewer MACE (11.6%, 17.9%, 21.9%, 21.1%, and 26.4% for those fully-adherent, short-term-adherent, early-adherent only, complex-adherent, and non-adherent, respectively, p-trend<0.0001). After adjustment, fully-adherent was associated with a significant decrease in MACE (HR = 0.51 [0.37, 0.71]). CONCLUSION Among ASCVD patients with at least 5-years of continuous pharmacy benefits, long-term adherence to statins was associated with decreased long-term MACE in a linear-fashion.
Possible contribution of cerebellar disinhibition in epilepsy.

Abstract Objective We hypothesize that loss of inhibition from the cerebellum can lead to cortical activation and seizures. Background The traditional model for development of seizures purports that the source of seizures is increased electrical activity originating from cerebral cortical neurons. Studies have shown a decrease in inhibition results in a shift of cortical activity to a hyperexcitable state, which may lead to seizures. Interestingly, a 1978 study suggested the term “disorder of disinhibition” as a way to describe epilepsy from studies of chronic cerebellar stimulation. Design/methods Cases and experimental studies in which cerebellar lesions have been implicated in the development of seizures were reviewed. Cases in which cerebellar inhibition has been targeted in the treatment of seizures were also included. Twenty-six studies and case reports are presented for this report. Results The cases show cerebellar lesions can lead to cortical epileptiform activity. Purkinje cell loss is linked to the occurrence of seizures in animals. The majority of patients with cerebellar lesions were seizure free after complete resection, while less than half of patients were seizure free after partial resection. Novel treatments using deep-brain stimulation targeting cerebellar structures demonstrated therapeutic benefits for seizures. Conclusions Although pathophysiology is not well-understood, the cerebellum likely plays an inherent role in inhibiting aberrant cortical epileptogenesis. Cerebellar lesions may cause seizures due to loss of the inhibition of cortical areas or through intrinsic epileptic activity. Treatments enhancing cerebellar stimulation have shown therapeutic benefits in treating seizures, which could potentially provide another avenue for treatment.
“There Was a Christmas Tree but No Christmas”: Religion in Public Schools

This chapter is an analysis of what happened when pre-service teachers at a large public university were asked about religion. Young adults, studying to become teachers themselves, struggled to define the word “religion” and then went on to explain that growing up “they had Christmas trees but no religion” in their public school classrooms. As a result, they, like millions of students around the country, grew up in classrooms that perpetuate the idea that Christianity is the national religion, with Christmas being the national holiday. This chapter takes on the oft-stigmatized topic of religion, arguing that schools need to do a better job of helping young people learn about a variety of religions in order to take away the fear they report feeling when they talk about this subject.
Aducanumab as a Novel Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Decade of Hope, Controversies, and the Future

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and is among the leading cause of death in the United States. Its worldwide prevalence is around 50 million and is projected to double by 2050. Deposition of beta-amyloid (also known as amyloid-beta) peptides (beta 40 and 42) in the brain continues to be the most widely accepted disease mechanism. Until recently, only two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved groups of medications, namely, cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, were available for symptomatic treatment with limited efficacy. Disease-modifying therapeutics, keenly desired by clinicians and patients alike, have long been elusive until recently. The FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program for the approval of a new agent, aducanumab, is being considered a step in this direction by some, but not without controversy. Aducanumab, marketed as Aduhelm by Biogen, has been shown to lower beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Biogen believes this will lead to improvement in cognition and functioning in patients with AD. However, within a month of this approval, the FDA has called for investigations into interactions between representatives of Biogen and the FDA preceding the approval of Aduhelm. This report provides an overview of the controversy surrounding the FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program as it pertains to the approval of Aduhelm, and the potential impact of these issues on researchers, clinicians, patients, and families in the ongoing battle against this devastating, debilitating, and ultimately fatal illness.
‘Police fire on rioters’: everyday counterinsurgency in a colonial capital

Many have shown how ‘the British way’, a doctrine of minimum force, was problematic in theory and practice, especially in the final decades of empire. While the role of the colonial police in suppr...
Feeding, defecation and gaseous emission dynamics of W-36 laying hens

Livestock and poultry producers face increasing challenge to reduce the negative impacts of their operations on the environment. Ammonia (NH3) released from animal manure to the atmosphere is one of the major environmental concerns associated with poultry production. There have been growing research efforts toward documenting or improving the inventory of NH3 emissions from animal production systems. Efforts also continue to develop process-based models for predicting gaseous, particularly NH3, emissions from animal feeding operations. In this thesis research, an environmentally -controlled dynamic gas emission chambers system was used to investigate the dynamic gaseous emissions, ingestion, and defecation activities of laying hens. Chapter 2 of this thesis describes the dynamic emissions of NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) relative to feeding and defecation activities of W-36 laying hens. Results presented include average daily feed consumption, manure production, relation of manure surface area to manure weight, daily NH3 and CO2 emission rates, and relations of NH3 and CO2 emissions to manure accumulation. The study revealed an inverse relationship between dynamic NH3 emissions and defecation events of the hens as manure accumulates. Results from this study will contribute to development and validation of process-based emission models for predicting NH3 emissions from laying-hen houses. The dynamic nature of NH3 emissions vs. defecation event of the hen may help guide the application timing of manure treatment agents to reduce NH3 emissions from laying-hen houses. Chapter 3 assesses the effect of a diet containing corn distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS, 15% by weight) vs. control diet (no DDGS added) on NH3 emission and production performance of W-36 laying hens. Compared with hens fed the control diet,
Photocurrent spectroscopy of exciton and free particle optical transitions in suspended carbon nanotube pn-junctions

We study photocurrent generation in individual, suspended carbon nanotube pn-junction diodes formed by electrostatic doping using two gate electrodes. Photocurrent spectra collected under various electrostatic doping concentrations reveal distinctive behaviors for free particle optical transitions and excitonic transitions. In particular, the photocurrent generated by excitonic transitions exhibits a strong gate doping dependence, while that of the free particle transitions is gate independent. Here, the built-in potential of the pn-junction is required to separate the strongly bound electron-hole pairs of the excitons, while free particle excitations do not require this field-assisted charge separation. We observe a sharp, well defined E11 free particle interband transition in contrast with previous photocurrent studies. Several steps are taken to ensure that the active charge separating region of these pn-junctions is suspended off the substrate in a suspended region that is substantially longer than th...
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) electronics on the International Space Station (ISS)

The AMS electronics reads out 300,000 signals from detectors and compress the 7Gbit/s of raw data to 10Mbit/s to meet of the downlink limitation. The system runs on the ISS, in Low Earth Orbit, for the duration of the lifetime of the ISS, ∼20 years. This article describes the system requirements, design and testing processes. It gives details about the two important issues: the radiation and thermal environments on the ISS. It also summarizes the running status of AMS on the ISS over the first 2.5 years.
Plant species diversity in Amazonian forests

Looking at the Amazonian landscape from space one sees unbroken forest stretching from the eastern lowlands of Colombia south through Peru to Bolivia, and east from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean. The expanse of trees—covering over half a billion hectares—is draped over a relatively flat landscape broken only by large rivers and human-induced habitat modification (Figure 10.1a).
Citizen participation is not community development

Abstract Citizen participation and community development share a fundamental value orientation but are really distinct programs. Community development practitioners enjoy a unique position in respect to community‐level intervention because of their citizen‐centered approaches. In this study government‐centered approaches to citizen involvement in decision making are contrasted with citizen‐centered approaches on a seven‐position continuum. Community development is presented as being concerned with creating viable problem‐solving groups in the community and building the capacity of these groups to take on increasingly complex tasks while avoiding dependency on “outside” powers.
Connecting P2P to the web: Lessons from a prototype Gnutella‐WWW gateway

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a means to improve the accessibility of files across different delivery platforms, making it possible to use a single search modality. The paper shows that both peer‐to‐peer file sharing networks and the worldwide web provide extensive information resources, and either network may contain data that satisfy a searcher's information need.Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes a gateway between the worldwide web and peer‐to‐peer networks that permits searchers on one side to be able to seamlessly search and retrieve files on the other side of the gateway. The design and prototype implementation of such a gateway to Gnutella is detailed, along with access statistics from test deployments and lessons learned.Findings – The prototype implementation was found to demonstrate the feasibility of a seamless gateway between the Gnutella network and the worldwide web. Gnutella users saw millions of web search results and initiated retrievals via the gateway ...
Demographic Trends in New England at Mid-Decade

Thanks to immigration and natural increase (more births than deaths), New England has compensated for some loss of population. Nevertheless, a net outflow is a concern to policymakers. The author helps them parse the data and think about implications.
The effect of anisotropic permeability on fluid flow and species transport within cortical bone

Investigates the effect of anisotropic permeability on fluid flow and passive non-diffusive species transport in cortical bone. A model is developed which focuses on flow and transport induced by a single blood vessel within a porous anisotropic matrix. Model predictions are found to be qualitatively consistent with experimental observations. More significantly, the model suggests that flow within the cortex can in some instances be determined by local permeability characteristics, independent of the local pressure (stress) gradient. This result challenges the notion that external stress alone determines in-bone flow characteristics.
Effect of Inhibitors of Polyamine Biosynthesis on Gibberellin-Induced Internode Growth in Light-Grown Dwarf Peas

When gibberellic acid (GA3) is sprayed on 9-day-old light-brown dwarf Progress pea (Pisum sativum) seedlings, arginine decarboxylase (ADC; EC 4.1.1.9) activity increases within 3 h and peaks at about 9 h after GA3 application. This is followed by a second lower peak at about 30 h; both peaks were higher than the corresponding peaks in the controls. In contrast, no appreciable effect of GA3 on internode length was observed until about 12 h, after which time a dramatic increase in growth rate occurred and persisted for about 12 h. Specific (DL-alpha-difluoromethylarginine) and non-specific (D-arginine and L-canavanine) inhibitors of ADC strongly inhibited ADC activity and to a lesser extent internode growth. The inhibition was reversed only slightly by the addition of polyamines. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide inhibited the rise in ADC activity induced by GA3. The half-life of the enzyme was increased by GA3 treatment. The results suggest that part of the GA3-induced increase in internode growth may result from enhanced polyamine biosynthesis through the ADC pathway. Furthermore, the GA3 induced increase in ADC activity probably requires de novo synthesis of both RNA and protein.
Improved Slice-Selective Adiabatic Excitation

Results: In vivo images obtained of the human brain at 3 and 7 T demonstrate that STABLE-2 provides robust, uniform, sliceselective excitation over a range of B1 values. Phantom and in vivo knee images obtained at 3 T demonstrate the effectiveness of STABLE-2 for fat suppression. Conclusions: STABLE-2 achieves B1-insensitive slice-selective excitation while providing greater off-resonance immunity and a shorter pulse duration, when compared to the original STABLE pulse. In particular, the 9.8-ms STABLE-2 pulse provides slice selectivity over 120 Hz whereas the 21-ms STABLE pulse is limited to 80 Hz off-resonance. B1-Insensitive fat-suppressed excitation may also be achieved by using a variant of this pulse. Magn Reson Med 71:75–82, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The senior preceptorship as a method for anticipatory socialization of baccalaureate nursing students.

This study supported the effectiveness of a senior preceptorship experience as a method for promoting anticipatory socialization to the working role of professional nurses. Anticipatory socialization was evidenced by changes in role expectations and self-image. Corwin's Nursing Role Conception Scale was administered to 103 generic baccalaureate nursing students immediately prior to and after their final clinical course, a preceptorship experience. A significant decrease in perceived role deprivation (p less than .01) and a significant increase in the work-centered role models (p less than .01) indicated changes in students' self-image and role expectations. For many nurses, the most stressful time of their career was the period immediately after graduation. A difficult period of transition from student to practitioner is not unique to nursing. But, it seems to be more of a problem for baccalaureate nurse graduates than for other nurse graduates (Schmalenberg & Kramer, 1979). Pregraduation preceptorship is an increasingly popular approach for dealing with this problem. While nursing education, service, and students applaud the preceptorship experience as easing role transition, there is little research data to document this belief.
Folate Receptor Function Is Regulated in Response to Different Cellular Growth Rates in Cultured Mammalian Cells

The folate receptor (FR) binds physiologic folates with nmol/L affinities and is expected to play an important role in transporting serum folates into cells that express this receptor. Although it has been shown that FR expression increases when extracellular levels of folate are low, whether this receptor is regulated in response to altered cellular requirements for folates or by intracellular levels of this vitamin has not been investigated. In this study, FR levels, FR function and cellular folate levels were measured in cells with different growth rates to investigate FR regulation of this receptor under conditions in which cellular requirements for folate are altered. These experiments used cells that endogenously express FR (JAR, Caco-2 and MA-104) and cells stably transfected with this receptor (FRGPI-16 and FRTM-8). FR function decreased as cellular growth slowed in four of the five cell lines examined. Although cellular folate levels also decreased as cells reached confluence, the total amount of cellular folate in the culture remained constant, suggesting the depleted cellular folate was because of the cell partitioning its pool throughout cell division, not because of decreased FR function. Conversely, there was an inverse association with FR levels and cell growth (r = -0.998 to -0.999, P < 0.05) in cells endogenously expressing FR, with a significant increase in the percentage of total FR located in an intracellular compartment as growth slowed. These results suggest FR function is regulated by cellular requirements for folates but not in response to changing FR levels or cellular levels of this vitamin.
Effect of Water Activity on Lipid Oxidation and Protein Solubility in Freeze‐dried Beef during Storage

Ground beef patties (15% fat) were freeze-dried to different a w endpoints and stored at 25 °C or 49 °C. Water activity, total moisture (%), lipid oxidation (TBARS@450nm), and protein solubility were evaluated. TBARS @450nm was favored at 49 °C, but not at 25 °C except at high a w range (p 0.05). Protein solubility was lowest at medium a w at 49 °C (p < 0.05), while at 25 °C low a w protected protein solubility better than other low or high a w values.
Misreading the Arizona Landscape : Reframing Analyses of Environmental Degradation in Southeastern Arizona

Landscape change in southeastern Arizona represents one of the most thoroughly studied examples of long-term ecological and hydrological change in the American West. Researchers have documented the diminution of grassland and alteration of rivers using historical texts, matched photographs, transects, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. Their results generally paint a picture of widespread and irreversible ecological decline. In many cases, ranchers and farmers are identified as the primary agents of this destruction, but their views are rarely consulted within these analyses. This gives rise to measures that restrict their access to the land and water upon which these livelihoods are based, engendering local resentment toward environmental protection policies. This paper reframes the landscape history of grasslands and rivers around the local perspectives of contemporary farmers and ranchers. We compare perceptions held by farmers and ranchers regarding environmental change with more recent spatia...
New trends in information integration

The growth of organizations invariably leads to creation of multiple isolated data sources which are totally disconnected from each other. This leads to reduced efficiency and lack of complete knowledge of the enterprise and its customers while making critical business decisions. This is the classical Information integration problem which has become the biggest pain point for enterprises today. Information Integration has received considerable attention from researchers in academia as well as industry in the recent past. Information integration refers to the category of middleware which lets applications access data as though there were in a single database. It enables the integration of data and content sources so as to provide real-time read and write access, transform data for business analysis and data interchange, and data placement for performance, currency and availability. The integration problem arises mainly due to the complex and heterogeneous environments in the enterprise. Typical example applications of information integration include: integrating the transcribed calls records with the data warehouse, integrating the patient reports with the relational data about the patients, integrating mobile phone call description records made from different regions, integrating inventory and store information from different warehouses etc.
Optimal Exhaust Tube Design for Diesel After-Treatment System

Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are now considered a necessary and indispensable after-treatment system for reducing diesel soot to meet the future stringent regulations of diesel emissions. The present work is aimed at developing strategies for effective tube design to minimize the temperature drop (ΔT) between turbocharger outlet and diesel particulate inlet so as to improve the performance of DPF. Previous studies have shown that increasing heat retention in the operation of DPF improves fuel consumption by 5–7%. They have also shown that fuel economy can be improved by approximately 1% for every 4°C temperature reduction in downpipe. Exhaust tubes with diameter of 8.89 and 12.7 cm (3.5 and 5 in., respectively) with 2, 3, and 4 bends are examined in this study for their effects in the overall pressure drop. In addition, two types of insulations, thermolastic wrap and metal encapsulated with thermal conductivities of 0.133 and 0.024 W/m2 ·K respectively, are considered for their contribution to the overall temperature drop. It is expected that the results obtained will help in designing an optimal exhaust tube for a diesel after-treatment system.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
On the facilitation of self-efficacy

This article begins by briefly considering the current theoretical and research status of self-efficacy theory, suggesting that self-efficacy expectations may provide us with a useful index of the extent to which certain learning experiences have been cognitively processed. Moreover, self-efficacy theory leads us in the direction of considering how individuals may actually go about encoding, storing, and retrieving corrective experiences, so as to alter self-efficacy expectations. This article discusses and illustrates procedural guidelines that may be useful in facilitating cognitive processing of efficacy information in the clinical context, whereby the role of the therapist becomes that of (a)aiding the client in discriminating between past and present behaviors, (b)helping the client to view changes from both an objective and a subjective vantage point, (c)helping the client to retrieve past success experiences, and (d)aligning the client's expectancies, anticipatory feelings, behaviors, objective consequences, and subsequent self-evaluations. The ultimate objective of these therapeutic strategies is to effect a lasting change in clients' self-schemata. Some of the clinically related research questions that need to be addressed are noted.
Secobarbital and information processing.

The Sternberg fixed-set memory-search paradigm was used to assess the relative vulnerability of hypothetical stages of information processing to an oral dose of secobarbital (2.9 mg/kg). D-amphetamine (15 mg, oral dose) was intended to serve as an active placebo. However, since the amphetamine produced a slight, non-significant reduction in choice reaction time (RT), the principal analysis of secobarbital effects was conducted between drug and baseline conditions. Secobarbital showed choice RT by 60 msec. and did not increase errors significantly. The results, as interpreted within Sternberg's model, suggest that input processes, e.g., stimulus preprocessing-encoding, are particularly sensitive to the effects of the barbiturate. There was no evidence of a drug effect on cognitive processes associated with serial comparison, binary decision, or translation-response organization (response selection). In contrast, earlier studies have indicated that another CNS depressant, alcohol, interferes with both speed and accuracy of output processes, viz, the response selection stage.
Accurate performance analysis of UWB acquisition over multipath channels

Signal acquisition is a critical step for the ultrawideband (UWB) communication link to be set up, thus, accurate acquisition performance analysis is of practical importance. In this paper, we analyze the pulse-level acquisition performance of differential coherent and noncoherent acquisition schemes combined with a novel hopping method, nonconsecutive search (NCS) and path diversity (PD) for fast and low-complexity UWB acquisition over multipath channels. We derive the receiver output statistics and acquisition probabilities valid for arbitrary order of path diversity and for both differential and noncoherent acquisitions. Furthermore, using a generating function (GF)-based method, we accurately evaluate the mean, variance and the distribution function of the acquisition time TA, accounting for the effect of multiple co-channel interferers and multipath fading channels. Simulation and numerical results verify our analysis and show the large performance enhancement realized by NCS/PD than the serial search.
Modified boxing technique for mandibular impressions

Summary A modification of the traditional boxing of mandibular impressions has been presented to achieve a recessed tongue space for greater visibility of the lingual artificial tooth arrangement.
Calculation of the elastic constants of phenanthrene crystals

Abstract A lattice dynamical calculation in the harmonic approximation is employed to obtain the sound velocities in phenanthrene crystals at 0 K and with no stress. A Buckingham potential with Williams parameterization is used to determine the intermolecular potential energy. The potential obtained minimizes satisfactorily with respect to the known crystal structure. The elastic constants are obtained by using an iterative optimization procedure.
Isolation and characterization of the plasma membrane ofBlastocladiella emersonii zoospores

Abstract A procedure for the isolation of the plasma membranes from zoospores of Blastocladiella emersonii , which involves the rupturing of the plasma membrane, is described. The ultrastructural organization of the zoospore then permits the removal of the major cytoplasmic organelles as a single unit. Analysis of the membrane lipids indicated that the membrane is composed of glycolipids and neutral lipids, rather than phospholipids. The glycolipid fraction contained only diglycosyldiglycerides, and ≅ 90% of the glycolipid head groups were glucose, indicating that diglycosyldiglycerides comprise the largest single group of lipids in the plasma membrane preparations (≅ 47% of total lipid by weight). The membrane preparation was also characterized by the absence of triglycerides, although it did contain sterols. The preponderance of glycolipids in the plasma membrane preparations can account for the physical-chemical changes previously observed in zoospore plasma membranes in vivo , and in isolated plasma membrane preparations. The presence of glycolipids in both the plasma membrane and γ-particles, which directly interact with each other, via vesicle fusion, to form the chitinous cell wall, and the biochemical role of glycolipids in chitin synthesis in this organism suggest that the glycolipids may be involved in the regulation of zoospore encystment.
Mechanisms of Ca2+-stimulated fluid secretion by porcine bronchial submucosal gland serous acinar cells

The serous acini of airway submucosal glands are important for fluid secretion in the lung. Serous cells are also sites of expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFT...
A combination of inadequate and carbon-13 saturation for spectral implification

Simplification du spectre obtenu a partir de l'experience INADEQUATE tres utile, et mise en evidence de jonctions carbone-carbone dans une experience a une dimension
The response of rubrospinal neurons to axotomy in the adult opossum, didelphis virginiana

Abstract To provide endpoints for developmental studies of rubrospinal plasticity in the North American opossum, we have attempted to determine the degree to which rubrospinal neurons survive axotomy in the adult animal. Bilateral or unilateral injections of the long-lasting fluorescent marker fast blue were made into the T-10 or the T-11 segment of the spinal cord to label rubrospinal neurons, and 7 days later, the rubrospinal tract was cut unilaterally four segments rostral to the injection(s). In cases with unilateral injections, the lesion was made ipsilateral to the injection. The animals were allowed to survive for 30–60 days before being sacrificed and perfused so that sections through the red nuclei could be examined for labeled neurons. The results show that most axotomized neurons survived the lesion, suggesting that lesion-dependent cell death is not a major factor in the failure of the rubrospinal tract to regenerate in the adult animal.
Building a successful information literacy infrastructure on the foundation of librarian–faculty collaboration

Abstract Building a successful information literacy infrastructure begins by creating a foundation of strong faculty–librarian relationships in conjunction with faculty development programs. This paper chronicles the faculty–librarian collaboration at Towson University in the development and teaching of information literacy instruction. Findings from the faculty survey and information literacy instruction statistics indicate that this close collaboration yields a seamless blend of core subject information and information seeking/evaluation skills.
Factors Associated with Future Offending: Comparing Youth in Grandparent-Headed Homes with those in Parent-Headed Homes

This study examined risk factors for reoffending by youth in grandparent-headed homes and those in parent-headed homes. Using data abstracted from the juvenile justice records of youth in a variety of living arrangements, we compared the records of 29 youth living in grandparent-headed homes with those of 37 youth living in parent-headed homes. Youth in grandparent-headed homes were significantly more likely to have risk factors and needs associated with reoffending. The findings suggest that youth in grandparent-headed homes are at greater risk for reoffending and that factors predisposing youth in grandparent-headed homes to reoffend may differ from those that predispose youth in non-grandparent-headed homes.
Sequelae of parenteral domoic acid administration in rats: comparison of effects on different anatomical markers in brain.

Brain damage following administration of domoic acid, a structural analog of the excitatory amino acids glutamic acid and kainic acid, was compared using different anatomic markers in adult rats. Seven days after administration of domoic acid (2.25 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle, brains were collected and sectioned and stained to visualize Nissl substance using thionin, argyrophilia using a cupric silver staining method, astroglia using immunohistochemistry to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein-like immunoreactivity (GFAP-ir), and activated microglia using lectin histochemistry to detect Griffonia simplicifolia I-B4 isolectin (GSI-B4) binding in adjacent sections. In approximately 60% of rats to which it was administered, domoic acid caused stereotyped behavior within 60 min, followed by convulsions within 2-3 h. Brains of domoic acid-administered rats that did not manifest stereotyped behavior or convulsions did not differ from brains from vehicle-administered controls. In animals that had manifested stereotyped behavior and convulsions, Nissl staining was mostly unremarkable in brain sections. In contrast, there was intense argyrophilia in anterior olfactory nucleus, CA1 hippocampus, lateral septum, parietal (layer IV), piriform, and entorhinal cortices, ventral posterolateral thalamus, and amygdala. This pattern was reminiscent of that seen in postmortem specimens from humans who consumed domoic acid-tainted mussels and in experimental animals after kainic acid administration. Adjacent sections displayed astrogliosis, evidenced by increased GFAP-ir, which was more diffuse than the argyrophilic reaction. Activated microglia were revealed using GSI-B4 histochemistry. These data suggest activation of discrete brain circuits in rats that convulse following domoic acid administration and subsequent pathological alterations. The data strongly suggest that neuropathology following domoic acid occurs only in animals manifesting domoic acid-induced sterotypy and convulsions. The data do not rule out more insidious damage in behaviorally normal rats that receive domoic acid.
Costs of Hospitalization for Stroke Patients Aged 18-64 Years in the United States

Background Estimates for the average cost of stroke have varied 20-fold in the United States. To provide a robust cost estimate, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the hospitalization costs for stroke patients by diagnosis status and event type. Methods Using the 2006-2008 MarketScan inpatient database, we identified 97,374 hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of stroke. We analyzed the costs after stratifying the hospitalizations by stroke type (hemorrhagic, ischemic, and other strokes) and diagnosis status (primary and secondary). We employed regressions to estimate the impact of event type and diagnosis status on costs while controlling for major potential confounders. Results Among the 97,374 hospitalizations (average cost: $20,396 ± $23,256), the number with ischemic, hemorrhagic, or other strokes was 62,637, 16,331, and 48,208, respectively, with these types having average costs, in turn, of $18,963 ± $21,454, $32,035 ± $32,046, and $19,248 ± $21,703. A majority (62%) of the hospitalizations had stroke listed as a secondary diagnosis only. Regression analysis found that, overall, hemorrhagic stroke cost $14,499 more than ischemic stroke ( P P Conclusions The costs of hospitalizations involving stroke are high and vary greatly by type of stroke, diagnosis status, and comorbidities. These findings should be incorporated into cost-effective strategies to reduce the impact of stroke.
Idealized simulation of hydrodynamic characteristics of Lake Victoria that potentially modulate regional climate.

This study explores, through three-dimensional (3D)-lake model simulations, the unique thermodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics of Lake Victoria that can potentially modulate the lake catchment climate. The simulations are mostly based on idealized forcing due to lack of sufficient observed data. A suite of simulations with an elliptic (oval) geometry and prescribed wind speed (surface wind stress), lake-atmosphere temperature difference and vertical temperature profile are performed. The time evolutions of lake temperature as well as the currents (circulation characteristics) at different depths and/or points are analysed to understand the lake's response to certain aspects of surface forcing conditions. Similarities and differences between the features simulated in a typical tropical lake (Lake Victoria) and typical mid-latitude lake based on the effects of the Coriolis force are also examined. Our simulations revealed a number of unique features in the time and space evolutions and profiles of the lake temperature. Considered at different points on the lake surface, the temperature of both runs with or without effect of Coriolis force equilibrates after almost the same time (between 30 and 40 days). However, there is a conspicuous difference in the vertical temperature profiles of the two runs (cases). For example, the MIDLAT run is characterized by a 'dome-shaped' profile in the bottom layers (40 m and deeper) after 30 days of model integration, in contrast to the VICTORIA case which is nearly isothermal over the full water column. Perhaps one of the most significant outcomes of the present study is that the two-gyre circulation pattern shown in the VICTORIA case after 30 days of model integration is also present in the simulations with observed lake bathymetry. Even more significant is that our results with a fully coupled regional climate-3D lake hydrodynamics simulate more realistic evaporation/evapotranspiration and precipitation over the lake surface and immediate environs.
Experimental mimicry of Duffing's equation

Abstract Extensive analytical and numerical investigations have focused on Duffing's equation. However, experimental work, in a mechanics context, has been limited to studying systems the stiffness characteristics of which can be approximated by a non-linear (cubic) restoring force; e.g., a buckled beam excited transversely or a rigid pendulum undergoing moderately large amplitude motion. This work describes a novel experimental approach whereby a particle/rigid body is contrived to mimic the behavior of Duffing's equation. This is a direct extension of the concept of a ball rolling on a double-well potential energy surface. Both free and forced oscillations are considered, illustrating familiar non-linear dynamics features including competing steady state attractors, hysteresis, sensitivity to initial conditions, subharmonic oscillations and chaos.