cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome sequence analysis of Helicobacter pylori strains associated with gastric ulceration and gastric cancer.

Background Persistent colonization of the human stomach by Helicobacter pylori is associated with asymptomatic gastric inflammation (gastritis) and an increased risk of duodenal ulceration, gastric ulceration, and non-cardia gastric cancer. In previous studies, the genome sequences of H. pylori strains from patients with gastritis or duodenal ulcer disease have been analyzed. In this study, we analyzed the genome sequences of an H. pylori strain (98-10) isolated from a patient with gastric cancer and an H. pylori strain (B128) isolated from a patient with gastric ulcer disease.
EGFR Inhibition Promotes an Aggressive Invasion Pattern Mediated by Mesenchymal-like Tumor Cells within Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with an infiltrative invasion pattern carry a higher risk of treatment failure. Such infiltrative invasion may be mediated by a mesenchymal-like subpopulation of malignant cells that we have previously shown to arise from epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resist epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting. Here we demonstrate that SCCs with infiltrative, high risk invasion patterns contain abundant mesenchymal-like cells, which are rare in tumors with low risk patterns. This cellular heterogeneity was modeled accurately in three dimensional culture using collagen-embedded SCC spheroids, which revealed distinct invasive fronts created by collective migration of E-cadherin-positive cells versus infiltrative migration of individual mesenchymal-like cells. Because EGFR expression by mesenchymal-like cells was diminished in the spheroid model and in human SCCs, we hypothesized that SCCs shift toward infiltrative invasion mediated by this subpopulation during anti-EGFR therapy. Anti-EGFR treatment of spheroids using erlotinib or cetuximab enhanced infiltrative invasion by targeting collective migration by E-cadherin-positive cells while sparing mesenchymal-like cells; by contrast, spheroid invasion in absence of mesenchymal-like cells was abrogated by erlotinib. Similarly, cetuximab treatment of xenografts containing mesenchymal-like cells created an infiltrative invasive front comprised of this subpopulation, whereas no such shift was observed upon treating xenografts lacking these cells. These results implicate mesenchymal-like SCC cells as key mediators of the infiltrative invasion seen in tumors with locally aggressive behavior. They further demonstrate that EGFR inhibition can promote an infiltrative invasion front comprised of mesenchymal-like cells preferentially in tumors where they are abundant prior to therapy.
A recent significant growth condition in optimal control theory

In 1934, Tonelli proved, for free problems withn=1, that the trajectories of a minimizing sequence are equiabsolutely continuous provided a pointwise growth condition is satisfied everywhere except at the points of an exceptional set where an additional mild hypothesis is required, condition (T). The author extended this result to optimal control problems by the use of a uniform growth condition, called (α), which is equivalent to Tonelli's pointwise growth condition for free problems with convex integrand (Refs. 4–5, 10). More recently, condition (α), or condition (Φ), which is equivalent to (α) for optimal control problems, was replaced by the much weaker condition (β) in existence theorems for optimal control problems (Refs. 1–2).
Notes from the search for deep indicators in services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective look at the search for deep indicators that explain service performance as well as an illustrative example of this kind of work. Design/methodology/approach – The work described involved constructing a complex model, using it to predict performance, and then exploring data that helped disclose even deeper indicators. Data were collected in operating units of a single organization to ensure comparability. Findings – The primary challenges in this type of work are the availability of data and data comparability, not the availability of hypotheses or analytic techniques. Also, trust was found to be a deep indicator of performance not often identified in service management research. Research limitations/implications – The example study described requires replication within the organization studied, more sophisticated analysis, and application across service businesses. It contains numerous hypotheses requiring further validation. Originality/va...
Plasma Derivatives in Tissue Cultures intended for Growth of Poliomyelitis Viruses.

SummaryPlasma fractions added to synthetic Mixture 199 have been compared with whole serum for growth enhancement of monkey kidney cells in tissue culture. Fraction IV and/or V, when used in the concentrations given, appear to be capable of stimulating cell multiplication at least as well as whole serum. Yields of poliomyelitis virus were enhanced by the effect of these substances upon cellular growth.
Decomposing the Composition Effect: The Role of Covariates in Determining Between-Group Differences in Economic Outcomes

In this article, we study the structure of the composition effect, which is the part of the observed between-group difference in the distribution of some economic outcome that can be explained by differences in the distribution of covariates. Using results from copula theory, we derive a new representation that contains three types of components: (i) the “direct contribution” of each covariate due to between-group differences in the respective marginal distributions, (ii) several “two-way” and “higher-order interaction effects” due to the interplay between two or more marginal distributions, and (iii) a “dependence effect” accounting for between-group differences in dependence patterns among the covariates. We show how these components can be estimated in practice, and use our method to study the evolution of the wage distribution in the United States between 1985 and 2005. We obtain some new and interesting empirical findings. For example, our estimates suggest that the dependence effect alone can explai...
The pharmacokinetics of glycopyrrolate in Standardbred horses.

The disposition of plasma glycopyrrolate (GLY) is characterized by a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model after a 1-mg bolus intravenous dose to Standardbred horses. The median (range) plasma clearance (Clp), volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1 ), volume of distribution at steady-state (Vss), and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-inf ) were 16.7 (13.6-21.7) mL/min/kg, 0.167 (0.103-0.215) L/kg, 3.69 (0.640-38.73) L/kg, and 2.58 (2.28-2.88) ng*h/mL, respectively. Renal clearance of GLY was characterized by a median (range) of 2.65 (1.92-3.59) mL/min/kg and represented approximately 11.3-24.7% of the total plasma clearance. As a result of these studies, we conclude that the majority of GLY is cleared through hepatic mechanisms because of the limited extent of renal clearance of GLY and absence of plasma esterase activity on GLY metabolism. Although the disposition of GLY after intravenous administration to Standardbred horses was similar to that in Thoroughbred horses, differences in some pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were evident. Such differences could be attributed to breed differences or study conditions. The research could provide valuable data to support regulatory guidelines for GLY in Standardbred horses.
Evaluation of a Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop for Parents of Young Children

This study examined the effectiveness of an educational workshop designed to inform parents about childhood sexual abuse (CSA), promote parent–child communication, and help parents create molester-free environments for their children. Forty-seven parents of young children (mean age = 4.6 years) completed preworkshop questionnaires, participated in a 3-hour parent educational workshop led by a CSA prevention expert, and were tested 1 month later. Parents who attended the workshop gained knowledge about CSA and reported increased communication with their children about CSA. This study provided evidence that a relatively brief parent educational program can improve parents' knowledge and ability to talk with their children about personal safety. Suggestions for future program development and evaluation are provided.
Brief Report: Children's Response to Serious Illness: Perceptions of Benefit and Burden in a Pediatric Cancer Population

Objective To examine a revised measure of benefit finding for children, in relation to perceptions of illnessrelated burden, and other measures of child psychological functioning. Methods A sample of 78 children with cancer completed the newly revised Benefit/Burden Scale for Children (BBSC) and measures of optimism/ pessimism, positive/negative affect, anxiety and defensiveness. Results Factor analysis of the BBSC revealed a clear two-factor solution, with benefit finding and illness-related burden representing orthogonal factors. Both scales were internally consistent and demonstrated different patterns of correlation with the other measures assessed in the study. Conclusion The BBSC is internally reliable and preliminary data supports the validity of separate benefit and burden constructs. Children report positive and negative aspects of their illness simultaneously, and perceptions of benefit and burden function as independent constructs. The BBSC is a useful measure for pediatric cancer patients that could be applied to children experiencing other significant life events.
Coexpression of α6β4 integrin and guanine nucleotide exchange factor net1 identifies node-positive breast cancer patients at high risk for distant metastasis

Preclinical data indicate that alpha6beta4 integrin signaling through Ras homolog gene family, member A, plays an important role in tumor cell motility. The objective of this study was to determine whether the combined expression of alpha6beta4 integrin and neuroepithelioma transforming gene 1 (Net1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor specific for Ras homolog gene family member A, is associated with adverse clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. Immunohistochemical expression of each protein was evaluated in a tumor tissue microarray prepared from the primary tumors of 94 node-positive patients with invasive breast carcinoma treated with total mastectomy and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy without radiation with a median follow-up of 12.5 years. Associations between staining results and multiple clinicopathologic variables were investigated. Although there was no significant association between alpha6beta4 integrin or Net1 expression and clinical outcome when each marker was considered individually, coexpression of alpha6beta4 and Net1 was associated with decreased distant metastasis-free survival (P = 0.030). In the subset of patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors, coexpression of alpha6beta4 and Net1 was associated with a decrease in distant metastasis-free and overall survival (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Although an association between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression and coexpression of alpha6beta4 and Net1 (P = 0.008) was observed, coexpression of alpha6beta4 and Net1 (hazard ratio, 1.63; P = 0.02) and lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio, 2.35; P = 0.02) were the only factors independently associated with the development of distant metastasis in multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that coexpression of alpha6beta4 integrin and Net1 could be a useful biomarker for aggressive disease in node-positive breast cancer patients.
Role of the autonomic nervous system in the pressor response to calcium in conscious dogs.

The effects of acute hypercalcaemia on arterial pressure and vascular tone have been poorly understood. We analysed the effect of a bolus of calcium chloride (15 mg·kg−1 iv) on arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, and left ventricular function in 25 conscious dogs studied with or without pharmacological autonomic blockade. Without autonomic blocking drugs, the maximum response to calcium included increases of +139.4 kPa·s−1 (+1046 mmHg·s−1) in maximum rate of change of left ventricular pressure, +2.2 cm3 in stroke volume, +2.6 kPa (+19.2 mmHg) in aortic systolic pressure, and +0.6 kPa (+4.4 mmHg) in mean aortic pressure, but total peripheral resistance was unchanged. During β-adrenergic blockade with propranolol, calcium again increased maximum rate of change of pressure and stroke volume, increased mean aortic pressure (2.2 kPa [+ 16.5 mmHg]), and increased resistance by 35%, When calcium was given during α-adrenergic blockade with phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine, mean aortic pressure did not rise, and resistance fell by 19%. The calcium-induced rise in resistance during β-adrenergic blockade was abolished by surgical adrenalectomy. We conclude that excess extracellular calcium ion may influence vascular resistance by increasing autonomic nervous system excitation of α- and (β-adrenergic vascular receptors. A major mechanism by which the sympathetic nervous system effects occur is through increased release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.
Assessing the Validity of Using Serious Game Technology to Analyze Physician Decision Making

Background: Physician non-compliance with clinical practice guidelines remains a critical barrier to high quality care. Serious games (using gaming technology for serious purposes) have emerged as a method of studying physician decision making. However, little is known about their validity. Methods: We created a serious game and evaluated its construct validity. We used the decision context of trauma triage in the Emergency Department of non-trauma centers, given widely accepted guidelines that recommend the transfer of severely injured patients to trauma centers. We designed cases with the premise that the representativeness heuristic influences triage (i.e. physicians make transfer decisions based on archetypes of severely injured patients rather than guidelines). We randomized a convenience sample of emergency medicine physicians to a control or cognitive load arm, and compared performance (disposition decisions, number of orders entered, time spent per case). We hypothesized that cognitive load would increase the use of heuristics, increasing the transfer of representative cases and decreasing the transfer of non-representative cases. Findings: We recruited 209 physicians, of whom 168 (79%) began and 142 (68%) completed the task. Physicians transferred 31% of severely injured patients during the game, consistent with rates of transfer for severely injured patients in practice. They entered the same average number of orders in both arms (control (C): 10.9 [SD 4.8] vs. cognitive load (CL):10.7 [SD 5.6], p=0.74), despite spending less time per case in the control arm (C: 9.7 [SD 7.1] vs. CL: 11.7 [SD 6.7] minutes, p,0.01). Physicians were equally likely to transfer representative cases in the two arms (C: 45% vs. CL: 34%, p=0.20), but were more likely to transfer non-representative cases in the control arm (C: 38% vs. CL: 26%, p=0.03). Conclusions: We found that physicians made decisions consistent with actual practice, that we could manipulate cognitive load, and that load increased the use of heuristics, as predicted by cognitive theory.
Social Environments, Genetics, and Black-White Disparities in Infant Mortality

Background Genes and environments often interplay to produce population health. However, in some instances, the scientific literature has favoured one explanation, underplaying the other, even in the absence of rigorous support. We examine parental race disparity on the risk of infant mortality to see if such an analysis might provide clues to understanding the extent to which genes and environment may shape perinatal risks. Methods We assessed parental racial disparities in infant mortality among singletons by analysing the risk of infant mortality among racially consonant vs. dissonant couples over time between 1989–1997 and 1998–2006 in the state of Michigan (n = 1 428 199). We calculated the degree of modification of the relation between maternal race and infant mortality by paternal race dynamically across the two time periods. Results Infant mortality among interracial couples decreased with time relative to white–white couples, while infant mortality among black–black couples increased with time after adjusting for socio-economic, demographic, and prenatal care differences. The degree to which paternal black race strengthened the relation between maternal black race and higher infant mortality risk relative to white mothers increased with time throughout our study. Conclusions Evidence from these data suggests that environmental factors likely play the greater role in explaining the parental race disparity and risk of infant mortality.
Early gestational expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms by the ovine placenta.

The ruminant blastocyst metamorphoses from a 1-mm sphere to a 1 x 190-mm thread between Days 12 and 15 of gestation. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF3) family of polypeptide growth factors are potential regulators of embryonic elongation because of their ability to regulate cellular replication, differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation. In mammalian development three isoforms of TGF--TGF01, 12, and 03- have been identified. Through the use of isoform-specific probes, ovine embryonic TGF1 and 2 transcripts were identified and characterized in the present study. TGF1 was expressed as a single transcript 2.6 kb in length. Levels increased by 14.8-fold from Day 13, when levels were barely detectable, to Day 27, when they were highest (p = 0.0001). Enriched samples of Day 20 chorionic and allantoic membranes demonstrated that the allantoic membrane contained 3.9-fold greater levels (p = 0.001) of TGFj1 message than the chorion. TGFI2 was expressed as five transcripts 6.2, 5.2, 4.8, 4.0, and 2.7 kb in length. From Day 13 to Day 23, there was a 6.2-fold increase (p = 0.0005) in TGF32 expression; thereafter, expression declined 20% by Day 30 (p = 0.03). Extra-embryonic membrane expression of TGF32 was slightlygreater (1.5-fold; p = 0.01) in allantoisthan in chorion. Expression of TGF,3 was not detectable by Northern blotting, and only trace quantities of TGF3 transcript were detected by slot-blot analysis. Antisera specific to TGF1, 2, and 33 were used to immunolocalize the proteins within tissues. TGF31 and 32 were identified in Day 16 trophectoderm and yolk sac. Both were also localized in chorion, allantois, and placental endothelium through Day 30. TGFI3 protein could not be detected in any conceptus tissue at any of the stages examined. The increase in expression of TGF01 and 12 mRNA coincidental with conceptus elongation and placental development, as well as tissue localization of the protein, suggests their involvement in early gestational development in sheep.
Airway reactivity and sphingolipids—implications for childhood asthma

Asthma is a clinically heterogeneous disorder, whose onset and progression results from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, allergens, and viral triggers. Sphingolipids and altered sphingolipid metabolism have emerged as potential key contributors to the pathogenesis of asthma. Orosomucoid-like 3 gene (ORMDL3) and the asthma susceptibility locus 17q21 have been strongly and reproducibly linked to childhood asthma, but how this gene is functionally linked to asthma is incompletely understood. ORMDL proteins play an integral role in sphingolipid homeostasis and synthesis, and asthma-associated ORMDL3 polymorphisms have been associated with early viral respiratory infections and increased risk of asthma. ORMDL proteins act as inhibitors of serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (SPT), the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo sphingolipid synthesis, and decreased sphingolipid synthesis through SPT increases airway hyperreactivity, which is independent of allergy or inflammation. In allergic models of asthma, the sphingolipid mediators sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide have been shown to be important signaling molecules for airway hyperreactivity, mast cell activation, and inflammation. This review will highlight how sphingolipids and altered sphingolipid metabolism may contribute towards the underlying mechanisms of childhood asthma.
IL-9, a local growth factor for synovial T cells in inflammatory arthritis.

Abstract Objective The regulatory role of the Th9 cells along with its signature cytokine IL-9 in human immune system and its aberrant activation in autoimmune diseases is currently under investigation. We are reporting the functional significance of IL-9 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Methods CD3+ T cells were obtained from peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. MTT, FACS based CFSE dilution assay and apoptosis assay (Annexin-V) were performed to determine the pro-growth/survival effect of human recombinant IL-9 on activated CD3+ T cells. Immunoblots were performed to determine the signaling proteins responsible for the progrowth/survival effect of IL-9. Results SF of PsA and RA was enriched with IL-9 producing CD3+ T cells compared to the SF in OA. IL-9 level measured by ELISA was significantly elevated in PsA and RA patients compared to SF in OA ( Conclusion IL-9 is functionally active, and is a pro-growth/survival factor for the localized pathologic T cells in the synovium of inflammatory arthritis. The pro-growth/survival effect is mediated by the activation of mTOR kinase cascade. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a functional role of IL-9 in human autoimmune arthritis.
Accurate and cost efficient object localization using passive uhf rfid

In a smart environment, accurate locations of objects are a fundamental and critical issue. To achieve this goal, we present several methods based on passive far-field UHF RFID technologies, which can satisfy accuracy, robustness and reliability, cost efficiency, simplicity, compatibility, and scalability. Our research overcomes several negative characteristics of the use of cost efficient passive UHF RFID. Our research has several important contributions. First, we study the causes of the problems of using passive UHF RFID in localization, with detailed empirical results, and then, present the impacts of the causes on existing localization techniques such as KNN. Second, we present a new model of backscattered signal strength for passive far-field UHF RFID system under tag-to-tag interference. We propose a method to estimate power variations due to tag interference, based on a tag-to-tag distance and angle using a second order under-damped system. We present a novel localization algorithm to estimate target object location using our Tag-to-tag Interference Model (LMTI). According to the empirical results, LMTI improves accuracy be over 200% compared with RSSI based KNN algorithm when objects are empty boxes, and 127% improvement when objects are the print cartridges contained in aluminum foil bags. Third, we present another approach to achieve accurate localization. Localization using Detection of Tag Interference (LDTI) algorithm, which detects the tag interference on a map of reference tags to estimate target location. To avoid selection of spatially non-adjacent reference tags, we also present the most interfered reference group finding algorithm, which considers spatial relations between reference tags. LDTI based smart shelf performs on average 0.0948m estimation error for 9 empty cardboard boxes, and average 0.1831m estimation error for 9 print cartridge containers, which is a 71% accuracy improvement compared to the KNN algorithm. Finally, we present a novel Vision and passive UHF RFID integrated Localization (VRL) system on smart shelf application to improve performance under harsh conditions. VRL performs on average 0.079m estimation error for 10 print cartridge containers, which is a 61% accuracy improvement compared to the LDTI algorithm under low False Negative Reference (FNR) interrogation conditions. Moreover, it shows 555% computation overhead reduction compared a homogeneous vision system. In high FNR conditions, VRL system achieves over 620% increased accuracy compared to LDTI, and 437% reduced computation time compared to a pure vision based localization system.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Fluorides Using HF–Pyridine as the Fluorine Precursor

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a variety of metal fluorides including ZrF4, MnF2, HfF4, MgF2, and ZnF2 was demonstrated using HF from a HF–pyridine solution. In situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies were utilized to examine the growth of these metal fluorides. ZrF4 ALD using tetrakis(ethylmethylamido) zirconium and HF as the reactants was studied as a model system. The QCM measurements determined a mass gain per cycle (MGPC) of 35.5 ng/(cm2 cycle) for ZrF4 ALD at 150 °C. This MGPC was equivalent to a growth rate of 0.9 A/cycle at 150 °C. MnF2, HfF4, MgF2, ZnF2, and additional ZrF4 were also grown using bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl) manganese, tetrakis(dimethylamido) hafnium, bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl) magnesium, diethylzinc, and zirconium tetra-tert-butoxide as the metal precursors, respectively. The growth rates for MnF2, HfF4, MgF2, ZnF2, and ZrF4 ALD were 0.4, 0.8, 0.4, 0.7, and 0.6 A/cycle, respectively, at 150 °C. All of these metal fluoride ALD systems displayed self-limiting reactions. ...
Comprehensive examination of a new mechanism to produce small droplets in drop-on-demand inkjet technology

For drop-on-demand inkjet technology, the capacity to reduce the inkjet droplet size without changing the size of the nozzle orifice would beneficially impact coating, processing, and maintenance attributes. To examine droplet sizes emanating from prescribed nozzle orifices, this manuscript applies numerical simulation based on computational fluid dynamics and an in-depth assessment of relevant parameters associated with producing liquid droplets, and then compares the outcomes with published data. For a given liquid, six distinct flow regimes were determined to affect droplet sizes, the critical characterization of which could be effectively assessed by using two non-dimensional parameters, including the Weber number, We, and a newly defined, non-dimensional temporal frequency number, Ω. The use of the regimes enables the specification of operational conditions to control and minimize droplet sizes to less than 20 % of the nozzle orifice diameter and up to 150 times smaller droplet volumes from nozzle orifices. As a consequence, a new method is proposed that would be useful for lowering droplet sizes while maintaining desired droplet quality for deposition on and coating of surfaces.
Delivery of RNA Nanoparticles into Colorectal Cancer Metastases Following Systemic Administration

The majority of deaths from all cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), is a result of tumor metastasis to distant organs. To date, an effective and safe system capable of exclusively targeting metastatic cancers that have spread to distant organs or lymph nodes does not exist. Here, we constructed multifunctional RNA nanoparticles, derived from the three-way junction (3WJ) of bacteriophage phi29 motor pRNA, to target metastatic cancer cells in a clinically relevant mouse model of CRC metastasis. The RNA nanoparticles demonstrated metastatic tumor homing without accumulation in normal organ tissues surrounding metastatic tumors. The RNA nanoparticles simultaneously targeted CRC cancer cells in major sites of metastasis, such as liver, lymph nodes, and lung. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these RNA nanoparticles as a delivery system for the treatment of CRC metastasis.
Police Psychologists as Expert Witnesses in Appeal Hearings: Testimony for Disqualified Applicants and Fitness-for-Duty Forensic Psychological Evaluations

The Boston Marathon Bombing is a terrorizing international reminder of the intertwined domestic and Homeland Security scene management demands confronted by police officers. Protests following the death of three black males indicate that police must exercise integrity and maintain public trust despite boundary intrusions from their surging personal life stressors. The post-Ferguson psychological screening, training, retention, and supervision of police officers are nonetheless challenging. The Boston Marathon Bombings, Homeland Security issues and Ferguson, Missouri incident all point to the relevance that psychological evaluations play as a critical tool in shaping how departments make decisions about applicants and incumbent officers. Police departments have mandated psychological evaluations for applicants and have implemented fitness-for-duty triggering mechanisms for those desiring to remain police officers after some perceived misconduct. Litigation alleging negligent hire or retention factors tends to reinforce the need for a suitability operational standard of “rule out” for police psychological evaluations. The decisions from these evaluations lead to appeal situations as individuals may disagree with what they view as unfavorable psychological findings and recommendations. This article examines forensic issues related to the appeal process, with considerable attention devoted to preparation factors associated with a psychologist’s sworn testimony often provided at appellant hearings.
Bridge Foundation Depth Estimation Using Sonic Echo Test

Nondestructive Tests are capable of determining unknown characteristics of the bridge foundations especially the depth of the piles and drilled shafts. Sonic Echo—Impulse Response (SE/IR) is one of the methods used in determining the depth of wooden and concrete piles and drilled shafts. When the top of the pile is inaccessible, sonic waves in the pile would be generated by either horizontally striking the side of the pile or striking vertically on a block attached to the pile surface. In the present research, in order to have reasonable criteria to determine the depth of piles, the data acquired by the sensors should be interpreted properly. In addition, while a sensor is mounted somewhere far from the top of the pile, the sensor receives different echoes at different times and reflection of the waves from the top of the piles and superstructures makes the case more complicated. In order to develop a methodology for testing and Interpretation, tests were conducted and analyzed in the laboratory and on railway bridges in New Mexico.
Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings in Brain Slices.

Whole-cell patch-clamp recording is an electrophysiological technique that allows the study of the electrical properties of a substantial part of the neuron. In this configuration, the micropipette is in tight contact with the cell membrane, which prevents current leakage and thereby provides more accurate ionic current measurements than the previously used intracellular sharp electrode recording method. Classically, whole-cell recording can be performed on neurons in various types of preparations, including cell culture models, dissociated neurons, neurons in brain slices, and in intact anesthetized or awake animals. In summary, this technique has immensely contributed to the understanding of passive and active biophysical properties of excitable cells. A major advantage of this technique is that it provides information on how specific manipulations (e.g., pharmacological, experimenter-induced plasticity) may alter specific neuronal functions or channels in real-time. Additionally, significant opening of the plasma membrane allows the internal pipette solution to freely diffuse into the cytoplasm, providing means for introducing drugs, e.g., agonists or antagonists of specific intracellular proteins, and manipulating these targets without altering their functions in neighboring cells. This article will focus on whole-cell recording performed on neurons in brain slices, a preparation that has the advantage of recording neurons in relatively well preserved brain circuits, i.e., in a physiologically relevant context. In particular, when combined with appropriate pharmacology, this technique is a powerful tool allowing identification of specific neuroadaptations that occurred following any type of experiences, such as learning, exposure to drugs of abuse, and stress. In summary, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices provide means to measure in ex vivo preparation long-lasting changes in neuronal functions that have developed in intact awake animals.
Innate Immunity: ER Stress Recruits NOD1 and NOD2 for Delivery of Inflammation.

NOD1 and NOD2, two members of the intracellular NOD-like receptor family, sense bacterial peptidoglycan-derived fragments and induce pro-inflammatory responses. Recent work provides evidence for a role for NOD1/NOD2 signaling in mediating ER-stress-induced inflammatory responses via a peptidoglycan-independent mechanism.
Acid–Base Physiology I: The Bicarbonate Buffer System and Respiratory Compensation

The definition of pH, acid, and base is discussed. Although the pH is really a function of the activity of the hydrogen ion, its coefficient is close to 1.0 in physiological solutions. Defense of changes in pH is achieved through the chemical buffers, the respiratory system, and the renal system. Buffers bind H + when H + is in excess and release it when H + is low. The maximum buffering capacity is when the pH=p K for the buffer. The isohydric principle says that all buffer systems are simultaneously in equilibrium with one [H + ]. The most important buffer is the bicarbonate buffer, whose buffering is encapsulated by the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. The respiratory system regulates blood pH by regulating the arterial P aCO 2 P aCO 2 and lowers blood pH. The acid–base status is visualized using a Davenport diagram in which HCO 3 − is plotted on the ordinate and pH on the abscissa.
Estimation of Kolmogarity through isotropy

We develop a metric that measures the isotropy of atmospheric turbulence. We then apply that metric to data from the RACHL experiment as a test of the Kolmogarity of the turbulence encountered in that experiment.
Review of strengthening techniques for masonry using fiber reinforced polymers

Abstract Various studies have been done over a number of years to develop strengthening techniques which will improve the performance of masonry structures. Many unreinforced masonry structures are seismically deficient and several research studies have been conducted to improve the seismic performance of these structures. Strengthening methods such as the addition of new structural elements, steel plate bonding, external post tensioning, steel bracing and many more have been applied with some degree of success. However, an innovative retrofitting technique using Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) has gained recognition and acceptance. FRP materials have light weight, excellent durability, and high strength, yet are lightweight and are easy and quick to install. All these properties make FRP materials attractive for strengthening and rehabilitating of reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures. Different strengthening techniques are available to increase the flexural and shear strength and ductility of masonry structures using FRP materials. This paper reviews these strengthening techniques, their advantages, disadvantages and limitations.
Trust relationships in schools: supporting or subverting implementation of school-wide initiatives

ABSTRACTThis article explores trust relationships in schools that involve disparities in power. Trust is a key factor in developing a positive school culture and strong leadership in schools. Even with the flattening of hierarchies through more distributive models of leadership, disparities in power exist and they influence the trust relationships in schools. Through both French and Raven’s and Follett’s conceptualisations of power, five brief autobiographical stories about trust in schools are deconstructed. Lessons for leadership are gleaned from the power relationships in the autobiographical stories of trust shared by public school educators. In addition, general recommendations are offered that are relevant for all levels of school leadership including but not limited to the instructional coach, the curriculum supervisor, the building principal, and the classroom teacher.
Changes in public affairs and administration doctoral research, 2000 and 2015

ABSTRACTThe study collected data from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database for years 2000 and 2015 in order to explore shifts in public affairs doctoral research. Results indicated a dramatic...
Nemertean collections at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: type specimens and vouchers for Wesley R. Coe's 1940 publication

The Department of Invertebrate Zoology at the SantaBarbara Museum of Natural History houses a smallcollection of nemerteans from the Eastern PacificOcean. At present the collection containsapproximately 2000 specimen lots stored in alcohol. The historically important elements of the collectionwere obtained in transfers from the Allan HancockFoundation of the University of Southern California,the Kerkoff Marine Laboratory of the CaliforniaInstitute of Technology, and the Benthic InvertebrateMuseum of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Thespecimens in these three collections voucher manyof the species treated in Wesley R. Coe's 1940revision of the nemerteans of the west coast of theAmericas. Type specimens were located for 4 of the 5new species group taxa and for 1 new subspecies grouptaxon erected in that publication. The Allan HancockFoundation material utilized by Coe was collected inthe 1930's during Pacific expeditions of the R/V Velero III. The material assembled by George andNettie MacGinitie at the Kerkoff lab contained anumber of specimens collected during the same timeperiod. The specimens from Coe's material at ScrippsInstitution of Oceanography were collected by TheodoreBullock and students in central California in 1939.
The ATLAS multithreaded offline framework

In preparation for Run 3 of the LHC, scheduled to start in 2021, the ATLAS experiment is revising its offline software so as to better take advantage of machines with many cores. A major part of this effort is migrating the software to run as a fully multithreaded application, as this has been shown to significantly improve the memory scaling behavior. This note outlines changes made to the software framework to support this migration.
The family Cypraeidae Rafinesque, 1815, in the northeast Pacific: One spectacular species

Neobernaya spadicea (Swainson, 1823) is the only representative of the family Cypraeidae in the northeast Pacific Ocean. It ranges from Monterey Bay, Monterey County, California, to southern Baja California Sur. This remarkable species is unmistakable and is unlikely to be confused with any other cypraeid.
Topological Characterization of Coordination-Driven Self-assembly Complexes: Applications of Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry

Coordination-driven self-assembly (CDSA) is increasingly used to synthesize coordination complexes containing metal-centered electron acceptors and typically nitrogen-containing electron donors. Characterization of the structures obtained from CDSA via crystallographic or spectroscopic means is limited due to difficulties in forming single crystals for X-ray studies and overlapping precursor and product signals in NMR. Here, we employ ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), which provides a direct measure of size and shape of the CDSA complexes, to study the intact reaction products of a rhomboid-shaped complex. This approach negates the need for product isolation and crystallization and allows for tracking of the product distribution as a function of time. A potential challenge of IM-MS is that the size/shape of the observed CDSA complexes can vary with internal energy; however, we show that proper tuning of the instrument reduces the effects of collisional activation thereby allowing for retention of ion conformations that reflect solution-phase ion structures.
Moving Beyond Inclusion to Participation: Essential Elements

This paper discusses the evolution of the early childhood education system from excluding children with disabilities to fully including them in a manner emphasizing full participation. Evidence indicates meaningful participation in everyday activities is necessary for development to occur. The essential elements needed to bring about participation will be presented as well as specific evidence-based strategies used to promote inclusion and participation.
Forearm Shortening Impact on Pronation and Supination.

Background: Shortening has been described to treat severely mangled extremities, replantations and nonunions. Outcomes after this procedure in the forearm are vaguely described. This study addresse...
Analysis of epidemic situation of AIDS in Kashi City from 1997 to 2008.

Objective To analyze AIDS epidemic in Kashi City and understand the epidemic characteristics and trends in order to provide the basis for the focus on AIDS control and prevention in the city.Methods The data of reporting,monitoring and special survey of AIDS in Kashi were analyzed statistically.Results There were totally 535 reported cases with HIV/AIDS,including 73%(391/535) of the male and 27% (144/535) of the female.The proportion of men and women got close gradually.The young adults aged from 20 to 39 were dominant infected people with the proportion of 87%(463/535).Out of the total cases,231 cases accounted 43.2%infected by drug injection and 105 cases occupied 19.6%through heterosexual infection. From the view of change tendency,the proportion of sexual transmission increased generally year by year with the ratio growth from 9.09%in 2001 to 48.15%in 2008(Z0.000 1),and the proportion of intravenous injection decreased from 81.81%in 2001 to 40.74%in 2008.Conclusions The prevalence of AIDS in Kashi City tends upward,and the tendency of sexual transmission increases year by year with the growth of female infection.Health education and behavior intervention should be carried out tentatively according to the change trend of prevalence.The intervention should be continued in the high risk people such as unlicensed prostitutes and drug users,to spread basic knowledge of AIDS control,create non - discrimination surroundings with harmony,make the infected people feel cares from the society,and provide good basis for developing comprehensive prevention measures further.
Annual Variation in Stink Bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Seasonal Abundance and Species Composition in Georgia Soybean and Its Impact on Yield and Quality

Six soybean fields in southwest, south central and southeast Georgia were sampled weekly, beginning in mid-June and continuing until mid-October 1987–1991, for the presence of stink bug pests. Neza...
In ACS treated with drug-eluting stents and 3 mo of DAPT, ticagrelor monotherapy reduced clinical events at 1 y vs. DAPT.

SOURCE CITATION Kim BK, Hong SJ, Cho YH, et al. Effect of ticagrelor monotherapy vs ticagrelor with aspirin on major bleeding and cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the TICO randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2020;323:2407-16. 32543684.
Temperature dependence of aqueous-phase phenol adsorption on Pt and Rh

Condensed/aqueous phase surface reactions such as electrocatalytic hydrogenation of bio-oil often involve reactant adsorption and displacement of adsorbed solvent molecules. The enthalpy and entropy of these adsorption processes will influence the kinetics of surface reactions in the condensed/aqueous phase. The value of the adsorption entropy will have a significant effect on how the reactant coverages vary as a function of temperature. Here, adsorption isotherms from 10 to 40 °C and van’t Hoff plots were constructed to directly extract the adsorption entropy and enthalpy of phenol, a bio-oil model compound, on Pt and Rh in aqueous media. We show that the effective adsorption entropy of phenol on Pt and Rh in aqueous phase is positive, in contrast to the negative entropy expected in gas phase. The positive entropy values in the aqueous phase are consistent with adsorbed water gaining a fraction of the entropy of bulk liquid water upon displacement by adsorbed phenol. Consequently, the phenol surface coverage is less dependent on temperature in the aqueous phase compared to the gas phase. The results here give insight to the way in which temperature impacts reaction rates for aqueous-phase phenol hydrogenation reaction.
Development Of Low Dielectric Loss Polyimides And Fabrication Of Advanced Packagings For 5g ApplicationS

Recently we have developed novel polyimide adhesive sheet materials (PI sheet) which have advantages such as planarization, via-filling, low shrinkage (low stress) during curing and easy fabrication of multi-layer and cavity structures compared to spin-coating polyimide materials. The PI sheets are expected to be used in wafer level package (WLP) applications such as 5G telecommunication systems (5G) and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). To meet 5G and MEMS requirements, we recently have developed novel low-dielectric loss (low Df) and high mechanical properties PI sheets with good adhesion to Cu and polyimide layers on a substrate. We have achieved Df values of 0.003 and 0.007 at 20GHz for non-photosensitive (NP) PI sheet and photo-sensitive (PS) PI sheet, respectively. The use of low Df PI sheet as a redistribution layer can help realize low transmission loss due to low Df value itself and also to low conductor loss due to good adhesion to the smooth copper surface of the wiring.
It's right, but risky too: Inclusive behavior as a positive risk in adolescence

Abstract Introduction Although adolescent risk-taking is often characterized as negative, more recent work focuses on risk as a spectrum of negative to positive behaviors. We propose inclusive behavior as a new category of positive risk-taking focused on helping and facilitating social belonging for those who are marginalized or excluded. We use a qualitative approach to explore adolescents’ perceptions of the risks involved in inclusive behavior and the factors that motivate acting inclusively at school. Methods 30 focus groups were conducted at 16 middle and high schools across the United States. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 194 students in grades 6–12 (11–19 years old). Students were majority female (61%) and self-identified as white (68%). Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results Students often perceived the decision to act inclusively as risky because it involved weighing uncertain outcomes, including potential costs (e.g. peer rejection) and rewards (e.g. friendship). Students primarily focused on the role of peer group influence, but also discussed how school norms, the identity of the peer they were trying to include, and their own motivations affected the perceived risk involved in acting inclusively. Conclusions This study provides an exploratory look at adolescents’ experiences of inclusive behavior. Findings support the current conceptualization of positive risk-taking behavior and suggest a multi-level framework for inclusive risks. Exploring the factors that make inclusive behavior differentially risky across individuals and contexts is a first step towards understanding how inclusive behavior fits within the positive risk-taking framework and designing interventions to reduce the risks involved.