cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do changes in the fundamentals have symmetric or asymmetric effects on house prices? Evidence from 52 states of the United States of America

ABSTRACTTime-series studies that have tried to establish the long-run relationship between house prices and economic fundamentals have been criticized due to low power of their cointegration tests. On the other hand, those who have used panel data and panel tests to increase the power have found mixed results. Both groups have assumed that changes in the fundamentals have symmetric effects on house prices. In this article, we use nonlinear ARDL approach to cointegration and error-correction modelling and quarterly data from each of the states in the US to show that changes in the fundamentals have asymmetric effects on house prices, in the short run as well as in the long run. Cointegration between house prices and fundamentals is established in 30 states and in District of Columbia.
Molecular Interaction of Acrylonitrile at Target Sites of Carcinogenicity in Rats

Acrylonitrile (CH2 = CH-CN), a plastic monomer, is known to produce microglioma of the central nervous system, cell papillomas of the stomach and squamous cell carcinoma. The molecular interaction of [2,314C]-acrylonitrile (VCN), its metabolites or both with proteins, RNA and DNA of various rat tissues after a single oral dose of 46.5 mg/kg has been studied. RNA and DNA molecules were separated by hydroxyapatite chromatography, and the DNA nucleosides were separated after enzymic hydrolysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Binding of VCN to proteins of various tissues was extensive and time dependent. Radioactivity incorporated in the nucleic acids was highest in liver and the target organs stomach and brain. DNA alkylation, which increased by time, was significantly higher in the target organs, brain and stomach (119 and 81 pmol/mg respectively) than that in the liver (25 pmol/mg). The covalent binding indices for liver, stomach and brain were 6, 52, and 65 respectively. HPLC analysis of DNA hydrolysate revealed that by 24 h most of the applied radioactivity appeared in peaks corresponding to standard deoxyguanosine and deoxyadenosine. These results are consistent with the ability of VCN to act as a multipotent carcinogen by preferential alkylation of DNA in the extrahepatic target tissues, stomach and brain.
A PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF CHARACTER DISPLACEMENT IN CARIBBEAN ANOLIS LIZARDS

Twenty-seven islands in the Lesser Antilles contain either one or two species of Anolis lizards. On nine of the ten two-species islands, the species differ substantially in size; 16 of the 17 one-species islands harbor an intermediate-sized species. Two processes could produce such a pattern: size adjustment (or character displacement), in which similar-sized species evolve in different directions in sympatry; and size assortment, in which only different-sized species can successfully colonize the same island together. Previous analyses implicitly have assumed that size is evolutionarily plastic and determined solely by recent ecological conditions, and consequently have tested the hypothesis that character displacement has occurred on each of the ten two-species islands. Other studies have focused only on size assortment. By analyzing such patterns in a phylogenetic context, I explicitly consider historical effects and can distinguish between size adjustment and size assortment. Using a minimum evolution algorithm, I assess evidence for size adjustment by partitioning changes in size along branches of the phylogenetic tree. Size evolution appears rare (a minimum of 4-7 instances of substantial size evolution). In the northern (but not the southern) Lesser Antilles, size change was significantly greater when a descendant taxon occurred on a two-species island and its hypothetical ancestor occurred on a one-species island, thus supporting the size adjustment hypothesis, though size adjustment might have occurred only once. The relative rarity of size evolution suggests that size assortment might be responsible for nonrandom patterns. In both the northern and southern Lesser Antilles, a null model of no size assortment is convincingly rejected. Closely related taxa, however, are usually similar in size, and hybridization between species has been reported. Consequently, similar-sized species might not coexist because they interbreed and coalesce into one gene pool. A null model that only allows species from different "clades" to co-occur is rejected for the northern Lesser Antilles, but is ambiguous with regard to the southern Lesser Antilles. Thus, competitive exclusion is probably responsible for the pattern of size assortment in the northern Lesser Antilles; both competitive exclusion and interbreeding of closely related species of similar size might be responsible for the patterns evident in the southern Lesser Antilles.
We cannot see them, but they are there : Marketing library services to distance learners

Abstract Distance learners are a unique target-population for the marketing of library services and resources. Because these patrons do not visit the library often, if at all, it is crucial to actively promote the library resources and services available to them. Marketing strategies for distance learning library services need to take a multifaceted approach to reach distance learners in as many ways as possible, and collaboration with various groups and departments on campus is an important part of the process. Promotion of distance library services can take advantage of high-tech options, but it should also work in the realm of “traditional” publicity as well.
Repetitive firing occurring during synchronized electrical stimulation of the heart

Summary Repetitive firing due to synchronized pacemaker stimuli falling in the vulnerable phase of the ventricles was observed in 4 patients with complete or advanced A-V block. In 1 case this phenomenon occurred exclusively during idioventricular beating. In another patient, multiple responses led to ventricular fibrillation, which required electrical countershock. The minimal intensity required for the occurrence of repetitive responses was in the range of four to four and one half times above threshold. Threshold values ranged between 0.6 and 1.5 volts. The duration of the vulnerable phase was 20 to 40 msec. in 2 cases in which it could be measured. It is suggested that the energy employed when performing paired or coupled electrical stimulation or when considering the adequate outputs for clinical pacing should not exceed twice threshold.
Involvement of arachidonic acid in the chloride secretory response of intestinal epithelial cells

The inflammatory mediator, adenosine, induces chloride secretion from the human colonic epithelial cell line, T84, in a manner apparently independent of increases in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, or cytoplasmic Ca2+. This prompted a search for other messengers that might account for the secretory response. A possible role for arachidonic acid or a metabolite in the response to adenosine has been demonstrated 1) by showing a relationship between arachidonic acid mobilization and chloride secretion induced by the adenosine agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) and 2) by determining that exogenous arachidonic acid affects T84 cell function. Addition of NECA to T84 cells induces chloride secretion and release of radioactivity from cells preloaded with [3H]arachidonic acid with similar dose dependencies. The effect of NECA on chloride secretion is inhibited by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor 4-bromophenacyl bromide or the diglyceride lipase inhibitor RG80267 but is unaffected by inhibitors of lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase. Arachidonic acid has a small but significant effect on chloride secretion when added alone to T84 cells and synergistically enhances, as does NECA, responses to calcium-dependent secretogogues. Thus receptor-stimulated release of arachidonic acid in T84 cells may provide a second-messenger system promoting chloride secretion, in addition to calcium and cyclic nucleotides.
Quaternary Biogeography and Climate Change

The Quaternary (2.588 Ma to the present) is characterized by substantial climatic and biogeographic change. The earth cycled between a series of glacial and interglacial periods, which affected the climatic and physical environment. In response to these and other drivers, biogeographic change occurred, including changes in abundances, genetic diversity, compositional structure, ranges, speciation, and extinction. Together, these processes shaped the evolution of modern biotic communities. These changes, and the increasing impacts from humans, have culminated in the likely appearance of the Anthropocene, a proposed new epoch within the Quaternary characterized by significant human impacts on natural processes.
Anti-prothrombin antibodies and the lupus anticoagulant

The investigators have evaluated the frequency and manifestations of anti-prothrombin antibodies in patients with the lupus anticoagulant. Thirty-one of 42 patients with lupus anticoagulants associated with a variety of underlying conditions (74%) had evidence on crossed immunoelectrophoresis of anti-prothrombin antibodies. Twenty-four of 25 patients with an activated partial thromboplastin time exceeding 50 seconds and 14 of 15 patients with a prothrombin time exceeding control by more than two seconds had demonstrable anti-prothrombin antibodies. Three of the 31 patients with anti-prothrombin antibodies had essentially no measurable plasma prothrombin, a presumed result of accelerated clearance of prothrombin/prothrombin antibody complexes. Each of these patients had bled abnormally. The remaining patients with anti-prothrombin antibodies had neither substantial hypoprothrombinemia nor hemorrhagic manifestations, which confirms the non-neutralizing property of anti-prothrombin antibodies associated with the lupus anticoagulant. Since lupus anticoagulant immunoglobulins are known to react with phospholipids, the high prevalence of antibodies binding prothrombin led us to test the hypothesis of antibody polyreactivity. Adsorption of three lupus anticoagulant plasmas with insolubilized prothrombin markedly diminished evidence of both prothrombin/prothrombin antibody complexes and anticoagulant activity. Eluates of the insolubilized prothrombin contained IgG that not only bound prothrombin but possessed lupus anticoagulant activity.
Validating behavioral sampling techniques for lame sows administered flunixin meglumine and meloxicam

Abstract Lameness poses a welfare challenge for pigs as it is associated with pain. Monitoring changes in behavior is a useful tool for recognizing illnesses in animals, including lameness. Lame sows spend more time lying down compared to non-lame animals, but there is currently no practical way of recording these changes in behavior. The objectives of this study were to determine if scan sampling could detect behavioral changes in sows induced lame, and detect changes in behavior associated with pain mitigation in sows induced lame. Lameness was induced in 12 multiparous, crossbred sows using a chemical synovitis model. Standing, sitting and lying behaviors were evaluated using continuous sampling, as well as 5, 10 and 15 min scans (‘scan sampling’) for 12 h/d (0600-1800) over a 5-day period. Three pain control treatments were evaluated: flunixin meglumine, meloxicam, and sterile saline administered approximately 28 and 52 h after lameness induction. No differences were found in lying and standing behavior in saline treated sows for all sampling methods (P =0.99). Regardless of sampling method, standing time decreased in the days following lameness induction compared to the day before induction (P
Dialysis Access Interventions (Arteriovenous Fistulas and Grafts)

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for dialysis access interventions (arteriovenous fistuals and grafts) procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Studies of Incomplete Antibodies I. Effect of Papain on Red Cells

A variety of typical agglutinating δG antibodies agglutinated papain-treated cells in a uniform manner in about 16-fold higher dilutions than nontreated cells. With δM antibodies the corresponding titer increase was on the average 4-fold. The papain-treatment of cells also increased the titers of cold agglutinins, phytohemagglutinins and preparations of PVP. Antiglobulin consumption experiments revealed that no more antibody was fixed from the same volume of antiserum onto papain-treated than onto nontreated cells. Possible mechanisms underlying enhanced agglutination of enzyme-treated cells were discussed. It is suggested that the same type of antibody may react with papaintreated and nontreated cells but that a smaller number of antibody molecules are needed for agglutination of papain-treated cells because of altered surface properties of treated erythrocytes.
Chemotherapy for Brain Tumors

The results of chemotherapy in the treatment of selected brain tumors in children are reviewed by the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego.
Designing Telemedicine Systems for Geriatric Patients: A Review of the Usability Studies

Abstract Background: One area where telemedicine may prove to be highly effective is in providing medical care to the geriatric population, an age group predicted to account for 20% of the population in the near future. However, even though telemedicine has certain advantages, the usability of these systems with this population merits investigation. Materials and Methods: This article reviews the literature published from 2000 to 2016 with the goal of analyzing the characteristics of usability-related studies conducted using geriatric participants and the subsequent usability challenges identified. Articles were found using Web of Knowledge and PubMed citation indexing portals using the keywords (1) Telemedicine* AND Geriatrics* (2) Telemedicine* AND Usability* (3) Telemedicine* AND Usability* AND Older Adults*. Results: A total of 297 articles were obtained from the initial search. After further detailed screening, 16 articles were selected for review based on the inclusion criteria. Of these, 60% of the...
Estrogen upregulates cyclic AMP response element modulator alpha expression and downregulates interleukin-2 production by human T lymphocytes (167.8)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a complex multifactorial etiopathogenesis and primarily afflicts women. T lymphocytes play a critical role in disease pathogenesis and display abnormal gene expression and function. A major defect is their inability to produce the vital cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) due to defects in IL2 transcription. We previously showed that the expression of the transcriptional repressor cyclic AMP response element modulator alpha (CREMα) is increased in SLE T cells, and contributes to reduced IL-2 production. While estrogen is implicated in the onset and exacerbation of SLE, the precise nature of molecular events regulated by estrogen in immune cell function is not well understood. Here we asked whether estrogen regulates the expression of CREMα in human T lymphocytes. We show that exposure of human T cells to 17- β-estradiol leads to increased CREMα mRNA expression, and this increase appears to be estrogen receptor dependent. We show that the increased expression of CREMα is due to increased transcriptional activity of the CREM promoter, and is mediated by increased expression and binding of the Sp1 transcriptional activator. We further show that estrogen treatment leads to decreased IL-2 production by T cells. Our results show that estrogen can modulate the expression of CREMα and lead to IL-2 suppression in human T lymphocytes, thus revealing a molecular link between hormones and the immune system in SLE.
Acute kidney injury: Acute kidney injury: still misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

New research supports the notion that pre-renal and intrinsic acute kidney injury are distinct molecular entities and hence different disease states despite similar increases in serum creatinine level. Pre-renal AKI induces protective molecular mechanisms whereas intrinsic AKI requires a 'second hit' that upregulates injury genes, and results in a persistent elevation of serum creatinine and kidney injury biomarkers.
Phase-Sensitive and Phase-Resolved Emission Spectra

In Chapter 5 we described the use of the FD method to measure lifetimes and to resolve complex intensity decays. In FD fluorometers, the sample is excited with intensity-modulated light, and one measures the phase shift and modulation of the emission, both relative to the excitation. The FD method also allows several other types of measurement which can be useful in special circumstances. One method is measurement of phase-sensitive intensities and/or emission spectra. Another method is to use the measured phase and modulation values to resolve the components of species in a mixture based on known decay times.
A Real Time EEG Analysis System

Electroencephalographic (EEG) data modeling is useful for developing applications in the areas of healthcare, as well as in the design of brain-computer interface (BCI). We built a system for brain state modeling, which includes a web server that can process uploaded electroencephalographic (EEG) data, store the data in a local database, and perform data analysis on the stored EEG data. This paper introduces a mobile application that is able to interact with the web server to render selected data and display analysis results from the web server. We aim to build an efficient self-adjusting brain wave modeling system that can seamlessly capture and analyze EEG brainwave data. The platform provides user friendly interface with secure data storage and analytics capabilities for wave analysis, statistical analysis, and categorical classification using a number of well-established machine learning algorithms. We also present a systematic method to understand how the variation of raw data sets used in training models affects the accuracy of machine learning algorithms, and then analyze the performance of machine learning algorithms under various computational implementations. Overall, the study describes a successfully built incorporated data analysis platform, and provides preliminary insights into the performance of common machine learning algorithms on the brain wave data sets.
Trends in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Diagnosis and Management for Very Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE: To examine yearly trends of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diagnosis and treatment in very low birth weight infants. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of very low birth weight infants ( RESULTS: PDA was diagnosed in 42.8% (12 002/28 025) of infants, with a decrease in incidence from 49.2% of 4205 infants born in 2008 to 38.5% of 4001 infants born in 2014. Pharmacologic and/or surgical treatment was given to 30.5% of patients. Between 2008 and 2014, the annual rate of infants who received pharmacologic intervention (30.5% vs 15.7%) or both pharmacologic intervention and surgical ligation (6.9% vs 2.9%) decreased whereas infants who were not treated (60.5% vs 78.3%) or received primary ligation (2.2% vs 3.0%) increased. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing trend toward not treating patients diagnosed with PDA compared with more intensive treatments: pharmacologic intervention or both pharmacologic intervention and surgical ligation. Possible directions for future study include the impact of these trends on hospital-based and long-term outcomes.
Wireless and Optical Channels Capacities

This chapter is devoted to wireless channel and optical channel capacities. The chapter starts with definitions of mutual information and channel capacity, followed by the information capacity theorem. We discuss the channel capacity of discrete memoryless channels, continuous channels, and channels with memory. Regarding the wireless channels, we describe how to calculate the channel capacity of flat-fading and frequency-selective channels. We also discuss different optimum and suboptimum strategies to achieve channel capacity including the water-filling method, multiplexed coding and decoding, channel inversion, and truncated channel inversion. We also study different strategies for channel capacity calculation depending on what is known about the channel state information. Further, we explain how to model the channel with memory and describe McMillan-Khinchin model for channel capacity evaluation. We then describe how the forward recursion of the BCJR algorithm can be used to evaluate the information capacity of channels with memory. The next topic is related to the evaluation of the information capacity of fiber-optics communication channels with coherent optical detection. Finally, we describe how to evaluate the capacity of hybrid free-space optical (FSO)-RF channels, in which FSO and RF subsystems cooperate to compensate for the shortcoming of each other.
Emerging features of public administration in mozambique: sustainable democratic governance challenges

This research attempts to identify and observe emerging features of public administration (PA) in Mozambique, Africaʼs newest democracy. Mozambiqueʼs public administration has had to assume a significant role in the process of promoting sustainable human development. Public administration in the country is challenged by Napoleonic character of Constitutional arrangements for administering public policy, shortage of skilled human capital and the apparent absence of human development plans that would facilitate a more engaged civil society.
Abstract 14483: Early Changes in Metabolomics Signature and Prediction of Long-Term Successful Weight-Loss: The POUNDS Lost Trial

Introduction: Circulating metabolites such as amino acids and carnitine are associated with obesity and related metabolic diseases. There have been investigations on how to identify persons who cou...
The Cognitive Neuroscience of Psychological Treatment Action in Depression and Anxiety

Psychological treatments for anxiety and depression are not universally effective, with many individuals continuing to experience symptoms after treatment. A better understanding of how these treatments work has the potential to inform treatment development and optimization. Neuroimaging studies provide one level of analysis to investigate mechanisms of treatment action. Here, we review recent studies using this approach to assess mechanisms of psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression was associated with changes in activation of amygdala, ACC, and medial/inferior prefrontal cortices. Changes in connectivity between amygdala and prefrontal cortical regions were also demonstrated highlighting a role for altered functioning of neural circuitry implicated in emotion regulation. Greater concordance between neuroscience and clinical researchers would allow more focused investigation of treatment-specific and treatment-general mechanisms. More standardization in study design would facilitate the ability to compare effects across studies.
Case 31: Severe Decrease in Lung Compliance During a Code Blue

An 80-year-old, weight 90 kg and height 5′7’, male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, right inguinal hernia, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis is admitted to an intermediate ICU with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He is conscious, pale, cold, and clammy. Since he complains of being cold, he is covered with several blankets. His BP is 90/40 and his heart rate is 120 sinus rhythm. His Hct is 20, and he is transfused with three units of packed red blood cells over a 40-min period. Following this he becomes unresponsive with very weak respiratory efforts. A one-stick radial arterial blood gas shows a pH 6.9, pCO2 107, and paO2 of 53 on a 100% O2 non-rebreather mask.
Conclusion: Tocqueville’s Penal Reform and Today’s Penal Problems

Ferkaluk concludes her work on Tocqueville’s penal reform by noting two important questions that remain and briefly reflecting on the implications that a study of On the Penitentiary System has for the present. First, Ferkaluk notes that the question of evaluating Tocqueville’s penal reform in relation to his work in the Algerian colonization project needs further study. A second important question that emerges from this work is how do the themes of On the Penitentiary System compare to Tocqueville’s larger works, especially Democracy in America, which followed so closely in publication? Finally, Ferkaluk argues that Tocqueville’s moderate penal reform enables readers to navigate the relationship between crime and social mores, address multiple causes of crime, and understand the proper objects of the contemporary penal system in a moderate way.
Trauma-Informed Family Practices: Toward Integrated and Evidence-Based Approaches

Families are a primary context in which children and adolescents exposed to adverse experiences and traumatic stress receive care and support. However, families are relatively under-studied in the literature on trauma-informed practice (TIP). Extant research on family-focused TIPs emphasizes distinct conceptual approaches and is characterized by methodological limitations. To better understand how TIPs can optimize family health and well-being, we discuss the need for more integrated and evidence-based approaches, and summarize four key conceptual and methodological issues: (1) adopting a multilevel approach to TIP; (2) adapting evidence-based family interventions to TIP; (3) accounting for complexity in family systems; and (4) incorporating longitudinal, mixed-method designs into research on family TIPs. We integrate this discussion with examples of existing family-based practices, and conclude with a summary of potential directions for future research.
Conclusion: The Keys to Successful Design

The conclusion summarizes the keys to innovating through design. Additionally, the chapter will elaborate on the future of design management as a discipline and why more than ever before, design school could be a viable decision for executives and designers looking to harness the power of design to innovate products and services so that they can transform their organizations.
A Unified Approach to a Description of the Cuprate Superconductors: Major Normal and Superconducting Parameters and the Mechanism Responsible for the High Tc

We present a unified analysis which allows us to describe the normal and superconducting properties of the high Tc oxides as well as determine the underlying mechanism of high Tc. A number of crucial experiments have been performed recently and as a result, the basic physics of high Tc superconductivity has been clarified.
Effects of the Surface on CuPt Ordering During OMVPE Growth

Ordered structures are formed in semiconductor alloys spontaneously during growth. This paper describes the surface-related driving force for CuPt ordering and the processes occurring at the surface during growth. The effects of several growth parameters on the surface structure and the ordering process are described. The effects of ordering on the optical and electrical properties of these alloys are also described along with a brief discussion of how this phenomenon might be useful in device structures. The bulk of the paper relates to the newly-discovered use of surfactants for control of ordering during the organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of GaInP. Several donor and acceptor dopants are known to produce disorder. The mechanisms for the donors Te and Si and the acceptor Zn are discussed. Perhaps the most exciting development in this area is the use of isoelectronic group V elements, for example Sb, to control the surface structure and, hence, the degree of order and bandgap energy of GaInP. At an estimated Sb concentration in the solid of 10-4, the order is eliminated. Surface photo absorption data indicate that the effect is due to a change in the surface reconstruction. Modulation of the TESb flow rate during the growth cycle has been used to produce a heterostructure with a 135 meV bandgap difference between two layers having the same solid composition.
Evaluation of a Targeted Intervention Within a Schoolwide System of Behavior Support

A recommended component of comprehensive behavior support in schools is a targeted intervention designed to efficiently and effectively meet the support needs of students who are not responding to preventive schoolwide intervention strategies (Sugai, Horner et al., 2000; Walker et al., 1996). This study provides a fine-grained analysis using a multiple baseline across students design with the targeted intervention as the independent variable, and both classroom problem behavior and academic engagement as dependent variables. The multiple baseline analysis documents a modest functional relationship between implementation of the intervention and reduction in problem behavior. Implications for the design of behavior support in schools and the development of future research are provided.
Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Vitality

This research note presents unexpected findings on the role of pastoral leadership styles on congregational vitality. Drawn from a most-similar case study of two mainline congregations, one that has experience growth and vitality the other significant decline, the results indicate that leadership style is an under-studied contributing factor in congregational vitality. The findings demonstrate that pastoral style that is collaborative but decisive, as well as inspiring has a positive impact on congregational vitality; whereas a pastoral style that is more hands-off, seeking to empower lay decision making has a negative impact.
Microstructure evolution during laser direct energy deposition of a novel Fe-Cr-Ni-W-B hardfacing coating

Abstract The paper presents a detailed study on the microstructure evolution and cracking tendency of a novel Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo-W-B hard facing alloy deposited on a carbon steel substrate using blown powder directed energy deposition technique. CALPHAD approach was used to understand the phase equilibrium in the system and to optimize the volume fraction of the hard facing precipitates. The preliminary deposits showed extensive cracking in the hard facing deposit, which was attributed to solidification cracking. To evaluate the cracking tendency of the alloy solidification sequence of the current alloy was evaluated using a Scheil Gulliver simulation and contrasted with the solidification sequence of the commercially available alloys. The simulations showed that the alloy used in this current study showed a primary FCC mode of solidification as opposed to a primary BCC mode of solidification in the commercial alloys. Crack free deposits were then fabricated by preheating the substrate to 400 °C thereby reducing the thermal strains. The segregation of the elements and phase fractions calculated using the THERMOCALC's® TCFE8 data base were then compared with the experimentally measured phase fractions and compositions. Both the simulations and the experimental work showed that the as solidified microstructure consists of a (Cr,Fe)2B phase in a FCC matrix. However, while CALPHAD is able to capture the phase fractions of the various phases during build fabrication, the partitioning behavior of W is not accurately captured. In this work we have developed a novel alloy and demonstrate that crack free deposits can be obtained with this new alloy with a hardness close to 600 VHN (55 HRC).
Confirming the relationship between body size and perch height in tropical odonates (Odonata: Libellulidae): wet-season contrasts and experimental tests

In a previous study conducted during the dry season at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, mean perch height of libellulid dragonfly species (Odonata: Libellulidae) correlated with male body size, and interactions between species suggested a size-dependent competitive hierarchy. Here, I report on a wet-season study that examined whether seasonal changes in community composition affect these patterns. Males were captured, photographed, and marked, perch heights among individuals and species on natural and artificial perches (25, 50, and 100 cm) were compared, and the frequencies of aggressive interactions between species were analyzed. I also examined the responses of Micrathyria atra and Micrathyria mengeri males to decoys of these species placed in their territory at different heights (50 or 100 cm). Although the wet season community differed from the dry season community (Jaccard dissimilarity = 0.778), there was still a significant correlation between species perch height and body size, on both na...
The Need for a Holistic Approach to Prevent Reproductive Cancers Among US Latinas: The Potential Impact of Normalizing Sexuality and Improving Communication

US Latinas are disproportionately affected by health disparities, particularly in the domain of sexual and reproductive health. Past research across domains of study in the field of sexual and reproductive health, including cervical cancer prevention, has operated in a silo leading the field to overlook potential root causes of sexual and reproductive ill-health among Latinos. Furthermore, in the case of cervical cancer prevention, interventions have been informed by theories which assume that variables operating at the individual level will exert the greatest impact on behavior change. The purpose of this chapter is to present gaps in the field of cervical cancer prevention research and intervention development while making a call for researchers take a closer look at variables operating at multiple levels of influence. In hopes of moving the field forward, we present the results of two research studies which help bolster the case for a more nuanced conceptualization of the potential effect of culture which may operate at various levels of influence.
Electrophysiology-based stratification of pancreatic tumorigenicity by label-free single-cell impedance cytometry

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer lacking specific biomarkers that can be correlated to disease onset, promotion and progression. To assess whether tumor cell electrophysiology may serve as a marker for PDAC tumorigenicity, we use multi-frequency impedance cytometry at high throughput (∼350 cells/s) to measure the electrical phenotype of single PDAC tumor cells from xenografts, which are derived from primary pancreatic tumors versus those from liver metastases of different patients. A novel phase contrast metric based on variations in the high and low frequency impedance phase responses that is related to electrophysiology of the cell interior is found to be systematically altered as a function of tumorigenicity. PDAC cells of higher tumorigenicity exhibited lowered interior conductivity and enhanced permittivity, which is validated by the dielectrophoresis on the respective cell types. Using genetic analysis, we suggest the role of dysregulated Na+ transport and removal of Ca2+ ions from the cytoplasm on key oncogenic KRAS-driven processes that may be responsible for lowering of the interior cell conductivity. We envision that impedance cytometry can serve as a tool to quantify phenotypic heterogeneity for rapidly stratifying tumorigenicity. It can also aid in protocols for dielectrophoretic isolation of cells with a particular phenotype for prognostic studies on patient survival and to tailor therapy selection to specific patients.
Direct Integration of Carbon Nanotubes in CMOS, Towards an Industrially Feasible Process: A Review

This article reviews our work on direct integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in MEMS vehicles and shows initial results in realizing direct CNT integration in CMOS. Extraordinary properties of CNTs are fully exploited if they are closely integrated with signal processing electronics. An example device is a CNT-based gas sensor, where CNTs with their huge surface-to-volume ratio act as a very sensitive sensing element, and the CMOS circuits provide the necessary signal processing for a device to give a standardized, calibrated, low-noise output signal. Direct synthesis of CNTs in CMOS will enable wafer-level, low-cost fabrication of CNT-based devices. A major challenge is the 800–1000 °C CNT synthesis temperature requirement, whereas CMOS-compatible temperature is <300 °C. We synthesized CNTs on purpose-designed MEMS microheaters by local resistive heating to avoid over-heating the bulk of the chip. An applied electric field guides the CNTs to grow towards a second electrode to close electric circuits by making a Si-CNT-Si system. The process is fully controlled through electrical parameters, indicating that the process can be automated and scaled up to wafer-level for a low-cost, high-volume industrial manufacturing process. Characterization of the synthesized CNTs reveals that the hottest region (∼900 °C) ensures low-diameter, less dense and high-quality CNTs. Also, our statistical analysis shows that the electric field guiding is diameter-dependent, ensuring that only well-ordered low-diameter CNTs become part of an electric circuit. Through electrical analysis of the CNT-Si contacts, we found that the Si-CNT-Si systems show either near-ohmic or non-linear (Schottky-like) behaviours depending on the Si doping level. We also demonstrated functionalization of the locally grown CNTs. For direct CNT synthesis on CMOS chips, a high thermal gradient around the CNT growth structure is required to maintain CMOS-compatible temperature. Several promising designs of CNT growth structures and their thermomechanical simulations are presented. Partially suspended microheaters provide thermal isolation to avoid heating the active CMOS region, while keeping reliable mechanical stability. In our attempt to direct CNT-CMOS integration, a purpose-designed CMOS chip is manufactured using a standard AMS 350 nm CMOS process. Layout designs and optical characterization of several fabricated CMOS microstructures are presented.
Derivative-Free Optimization of Neural Networks using Local Search

Deep Neural Networks have received a great deal of attention in the past few years. Applications of Deep Learning broached areas of different domains such as Reinforcement Learning and Computer Vision. Despite their popularity and success, training neural networks can be a challenging process. This paper presents a study on derivative-free, single-candidate optimization of neural networks using Local Search (LS). LS is an algorithm where constrained noise is iteratively applied to subsets of the search space. It is coupled with a Score Decay mechanism to enhance performance. LS is a subsidiary of the Random Search family. Experiments were conducted using a setup that is both suitable for an introduction of the algorithm and representative of modern deep learning tasks, based on the FashionMNIST dataset. Training of a 5-Million parameter CNN was done in several scenarios, including Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) coupled with Backpropagation (BP) for comparison. Results reveal that although LS was not competitive in terms of convergence speed, it was actually able to converge to a lower loss than SGD. In addition, LS trained the CNN using Accuracy rather than Loss as a learning signal, though to a lower performance. In conclusion, LS presents a viable alternative in cases where SGD fails or is not suitable. The simplicity of LS can make it attractive to non-experts who would want to try neural nets for the first-time or on novel, non-differentiable tasks.
MAP Joint Frequency and Channel Estimation for MIMO Systems with Spatial Correlation

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) and channel estimation is a classic topic with a large body of prior work using the maximum likelihood (ML) approach together with the CramA©r-Rao lower bound (CRLB) analysis. We give the maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) estimation solution which is particularly useful for tracking. Unlike the ML cases, the corresponding Bayesian CRLB (BCRLB) shows a clear relation with parameters and a low complexity algorithm achieves the BCRLB in almost all SNR range. We allow the time invariant MIMO channel within a packet to have arbitrary spatial correlation and mean. The estimation is based on pilot signals. An unexpected result is that the joint MAP estimation is equivalent to an individual MAP estimation of the frequency offset first, again different from the ML results. We provide insight on the pilot/training signal design based on the BCRLB. Unlike past algorithms that trade performance and/or complexity for the accommodation of time varying channels, the MAP solution provides a different route for dealing with time variation.
Chapter 61 – Cholesterol

: Although cholesterol is largely a product of animal metabolism, it is found in small amounts in plants. Cholesterol is distributed into 3 body pools, and not all CH molecules are equally accessible to metabolic interactions or to exchange. Bile is the major route for cholesterol elimination from the body. Acetyl-CoA is the source of all carbon atoms in cholesterol. HMG-CoA reductase is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Glucagon and cortisol, hormones typically elevated during starvation, inhibit hepatic CH biosynthesis. Insulin and thyroid hormones tend to enhance the hepatic clearance of CH from the circulation, as well as hepatic synthesis of CH. The cholesterol biosynthetic scheme in plants seems to end at squalene. The cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene nucleus of CH is common to all animal steroids. The liver synthesizes more cholesterol than any other organ. Cholesterol, coprostanol, and cholestanol are generally the primary sterols found in feces.
Chapter 3 – Laboratory assessment of corrosion

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the selection of a suitable laboratory corrosion test. It reveals that the conditions under which it is run depend on many factors, including: expected in-service environment, type of information desired, life expectancy of the component, how sensitively the corrosion can be measured, whether quantitative information is needed, or if qualitative comparison is sufficient. It is emphasized that care should be taken when selecting the tests that will be conducted and the way they will be carried out. The chapter illustrates the results from utilizing a sensor system based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It presents an example in which a new test methodology was developed and parameters were made to suit specific needs and desires. This test method accurately reproduced in a short period of time the corrosion damage observed in-service over much longer time frames. By putting forth this effort, the new test method that was developed allowed rapid screening of different processing steps, alloy modifications, and other treatments for improved corrosion performance without going through the expense of conducting full fabrication runs and placing components in service for several years.
Poly(acid)-functionalized membranes to sequester uranium from seawater

In recent years, there is a strong interest to sequester uranium from seawater as a sustainable source of nuclear fuel. In this work, ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate-grafted membrane adsorbe...
Increasing Joy for Pediatric Palliative Care Providers: #PACTimpact a Quality Improvement Initiative for Resiliency in the Workplace

Our pediatric palliative care group is called the “Pediatric Advanced Care Team,” also known as “PACT.” We created a novel system called #PACTimpact to identify situations in which team members go above and beyond for patients providing meaningful impact for our families. We hypothesize that by recognizing the impact we make on families we will bring more joy in the workplace ultimately facilitating improved resiliency. These impacts may be big or small such as conducting an afterhours home visit or bringing a parent a coffee. Problem statement: Pediatric palliative care …
Costly Zero Order Oracles

We study optimization with an approximate zero order oracle where there is a\ncost $c(\epsilon)$ associated with querying the oracle with $\epsilon$ accuracy.\nWe consider the task of reconstructing a linear function: given a \nlinear function $f : X \subseteq \mathbb{R}^d \rightarrow [-1,1]$ defined on a\nnot-necessarily-convex set $X$, the goal is to reconstruct $\hat f$ such that\n$\vert{f(x) - \hat f(x)}\vert \leq \epsilon$ for all $x \in X$. We show that this can\nbe done with cost $O(d \cdot c(\epsilon/d))$. \nThe algorithm is based on a (poly-time\ncomputable) John-like theorem for simplices instead of ellipsoids, which may be\nof independent interest.\n\nThis question is motivated by optimization with threshold queries, which are\ncommon in economic applications such as pricing. With threshold queries,\napproximating a number up to precision $\epsilon$ requires $c(\epsilon) =\n\log(1/\epsilon)$. For this, our algorithm has cost $O(d \log(d/\epsilon))$\nwhich matches the $\Omega(d \log(1/\epsilon))$ lower bound up to log factors.
Information-Centric Cyberattack Analysis and Spatiotemporal Networks Applied to Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) depend on cybersecurity to ensure functionality, data quality, cyberattack resilience, etc. There are known and unknown cyber threats and attacks that pose significant risks. Information assurance and information security are critical. Many systems are vulnerable to intelligence exploitation and cyberattacks. By investigating cybersecurity risks and formal representation of CPS using spatiotemporal dynamic graphs and networks, this paper investigates topics and solutions aimed to examine and empower: (1) Cybersecurity capabilities; (2) Information assurance and system vulnerabilities; (3) Detection of cyber threat and attacks; (4) Situational awareness; etc. We introduce statistically-characterized dynamic graphs, novel entropy-centric algorithms and calculi which promise to ensure near-real-time capabilities.
Combination Percutaneous and Medical Management of Cardiac Rhabdomyomas Obstructing Tricuspid Valve Inflow

Introduction: Cardiac rhabdomyomas can be prenatally diagnosed in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Many neonates require no intervention in early life other than close monitoring for regression of tumor over the period of months to years. In rare instances, cardiac rhabdomyomas can result in obstruction to blood flow or decreased ventricular function. Case Report: A newborn female who had been prenatally diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex was delivered at 38 and 2/7 weeks gestational age. The baby initially had saturations in the high 90s on room air. A post-natal echocardiogram demonstrated a patent ductus arteriosus, an atrial septal defect with bidirectional shunting, and multiple well-circumscribed masses consistent with rhabdomyomas predominantly affecting the right atrium …
Adding Mindfulness to an Evidence-Based Reading Intervention for a Student with SLD: a Pilot Study

Students with specific learning disability (SLD) are at a greater risk for reading difficulties, academic stress, and deficits in self-efficacy. There are several research-supported interventions used in schools that are effective in increasing reading skills (e.g., reading fluency) but do not explicitly address academic stress or deficient self-efficacy. A possible solution may be the addition of mindfulness techniques, as they have been shown to support a wide range of related student outcomes. Incorporating mindfulness through an app-based delivery approach may be beneficial in this scenario as they are low cost, easily accessible, and a simple tool to help meet the unique social-emotional and academic needs of students with SLD. The current study examined the extent to which adding a brief, app-based mindfulness intervention to an already established evidence-based reading fluency intervention (paired reading) would improve reading fluency, academic stress, and self-efficacy for a student with an SLD in reading.
Race, School Discipline, and Magnet Schools:

School environment plays an important role in student outcomes. Increasingly, research has also highlighted the role school environment plays in the White–Black suspension gap. We test whether magn...