cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Host-Plant Resistance to Soybean Aphid

Soybean aphid [ Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] is the most damaging insect pest of soybean [ (L.) Merr.] in the Upper Midwest of the United States and is primarily controlled by insecticides. Soybean aphid resistance (i.e., genes) has been documented in some soybean accessions but more sources of resistance are needed. Incorporation of the resistance into marketed varieties has also been slow. Genome-wide association mapping can aid in identifying resistant accessions by correlating phenotypic data with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across a genome. Aphid population measures from 2366 soybean accessions were collected from published studies screening cultivated soybean () and wild soybean ( Siebold & Zucc.) with aphids exhibiting Biotype 1, 2, or 3 characteristics. Genotypic data were obtained from the SoySNP50K high-density genotyping array previously used to genotype the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection. Significant associations between SNPs and soybean aphid counts were found on 18 of the 20 soybean chromosomes. Significant SNPs were found on chromosomes 7, 8, 13, and 16 with known genes. SNPs were also significant on chromosomes 1, 2, 4 to 6, 9 to 12, 14, and 17 to 20 where genes have not yet been mapped, suggesting that many genes remain to be discovered. These SNPs can be used to determine accessions that are likely to have novel aphid resistance traits of value for breeding programs.
The Health of Trees in Bioretention: A Survey and Analysis of Influential Variables

AbstractBioretention is a commonly used stormwater control measure that, through biogeochemical processes, can improve water quality and reduce runoff volume generated from impervious surfaces. Veg...
The Effect of Faculty Coaching on Resident Attitudes, Confidence, and Patient-Rated Communication: A Multi-Institutional Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objective Despite a national focus on physician–patient communication, there is a paucity of literature on how patient and family feedback (PFF) can be used as a tool to help residents learn communication skills. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of coaching on residents’ attitudes towards PFF, self-confidence in communication, and patient-rated communication skills. Methods This was an institutional review board–approved, randomized-controlled trial with pediatric residents at 3 institutions from 2015 to 2016. Pre- and postintervention, residents completed a self-assessment of their attitudes and self-confidence in communication. PFF was collected for each resident using the Communication Assessment Tool, which has been validated in other medical disciplines. Intervention group residents reviewed their baseline PFF with a faculty coach; control group residents reviewed their PFF independently. Results In total, 114 residents completed the study, 57 in each arm. Intervention group residents were significantly more likely to ask for PFF compared with control group residents (mean change 0.36 vs –0.11, P = .01). There were no other significant differences in resident attitudes, confidence, or patient-rated communication between groups. Both groups had increased self-confidence over time and with increasing postgraduate year level. Patient ratings of resident communication did not differ over time or between groups. Conclusions Residents who reviewed PFF with a faculty coach were significantly more likely to report they would ask patients for feedback than residents who reviewed PFF independently, suggesting review of feedback with a coach may enhance appreciation of patient feedback. Although self-confidence improved over time in both groups, patient ratings of resident communication skills were not significantly different over time or between groups.
Sustainability Study of Inherent Damping in Additively Manufactured Nickel Alloy

The laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process has been used to fabricate unique specimens with inherent damping capability for suppressing vibratory responses associated with high cycl...
Remote-Access Thyroidectomy: A Multi-Institutional North American Experience with Transaxillary, Robotic Facelift, and Transoral Endoscopic Vestibular Approaches.

Background Many remote-access approaches (RAAs) to the thyroid have been described to circumvent anterior neck scarring, including the transaxillary, robotic facelift, and transoral endoscopic vestibular approaches. These techniques have been popularized in Asia, but adoption has been slow in North America. We aimed to examine multi-institutional North American outcomes with RAA thyroidectomy in the context of these institutions' transcervical approach (TCA) outcomes. Study Design Cases of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy via transaxillary, robotic facelift, and transoral endoscopic vestibular approaches were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, outcomes, and complications were compared with the same measures in patients undergoing lobectomy and total thyroidectomy via TCA by the primary RAA surgeons at each institution. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy or other concomitant neck dissection procedures were excluded. Results Two hundred and sixteen RAA thyroidectomies were attempted (92 transoral endoscopic vestibular approaches, 70 transaxillary, and 54 robotic facelift) and 410 TCA thyroidectomies were performed. There was no difference in mean index nodule sizes between RAA (2.8 ± 1.6 cm) and TCA (2.9 ± 1.9 cm) cohorts (p = 0.72). Median operative times for lobectomy were 146 minutes (range 60 to 343 minutes) and 90 minutes (range 25 to 247 minutes) for the RAA and TCA cohorts, respectively (p Conclusions Remote-access approach thyroidectomy can be performed in a select North American patient population with outcomes comparable with TCA.
Draft Genome Sequences of Type VI Secretion System-Encoding Vibrio fischeri Strains FQ-A001 and ES401.

ABSTRACT The type VI secretion system (T6SS) facilitates lethal competition between bacteria through direct contact. Comparative genomics has facilitated the study of these systems in Vibrio fischeri, which colonizes the squid host Euprymna scolopes. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two lethal V. fischeri strains that encode the T6SS, FQ-A001 and ES401.
Implementation of an adult code sepsis protocol and its impact on SEP-1 core measure perfect score attainment in the ED.

Abstract Introduction Timely management of sepsis has become an urgent concern among most hospitals. Institutions have been searching for unique ways to increase the quality of care and timely adherence to proven therapies. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an Adult Code Sepsis Protocol on the rate of SEP-1 perfect score attainment (PSA) among patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with severe sepsis or septic shock, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study in a 35-bed tertiary care hospital ED from December 2016 to February 2018. Adults (≥18 years of age) who met the CMS-case definition of severe sepsis or septic shock presenting to the ED either prior to or after implementation of an Adult Code Sepsis Protocol were included. Results The primary outcome of SEP-1 PSA, which was abstracted in an all-or-none fashion, increased from 30.7% to 71.3% (p Conclusions The addition of an Adult Code Sepsis Protocol in the ED significantly increased the rate of SEP-1 PSA, reduced inpatient mortality, and improved the time to initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy.
On the ancestry of woodrats

We evaluated the fossil record of extinct and extant woodrats, and generated a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis of woodrat origins and relationships based on these data. The galushamyinin cricetines are redefined and reclassified as a subtribe of the Neotomini, including Repomys, Miotomodon, Galushamys, Nelsonia, and a new extinct genus with two new species. The geographic distribution of Nelsonia, restricted to montane coniferous forests of western Mexico, suggests that this subtribe was mostly confined to western coniferous ecosystems or similar ecosystems at lower elevation during glacial advances. A second subtribe of the Neotomini includes a new archaic genus and species, Neotoma, Hodomys, and Xenomys. Lindsaymys, a possible neotominin from the late Clarendonian (late Miocene) of California, demonstrates an occlusal morphology consistent with ancestry for the Neotomini, but the presence of a fourth root on M1 is problematic and may preclude the known populations from filling that role. Molars identified as Neotoma sp. from the Hemphillian (latest Miocene or early Pliocene) Rancho el Ocote assemblage of Guanajuato, Mexico, may represent the earliest Xenomys. Extant Neotoma species with a bilobed m3 appear to have originated subsequent to about 2.0 Ma, whereas Hodomys alleni and Xenomys nelsoni likely originated earlier from one or more extinct ancestors with an S-shaped m3.
Effect of diabetes self-management education on glycemic control in Latino adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education (DSME) in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels in adult Latinos with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Five databases were searched for DSME randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental trials published between January 1997 and March 2019. A random effects model was utilized to calculate combined effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore possible sources of heterogeneity between studies. Results Twenty-three unique studies met criteria for this systematic review and of these, 18 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled estimate effect of DSME on A1C from the random effect model was -0.240 (95% confidence interval = -0.345, -0.135, p 8.0 [69 mmol/mol], and team-based approach. Conclusions Meta-analysis results showed that culturally tailored DSME interventions significantly reduce AIC in Latinos with T2DM despite the heterogeneity across the studies. Implications The heterogeneity in the study methodologies reinforce the need for additional studies to better understand DSME interventions to reduce disparities in Latino adults with T2DM.
Pathways from Early Family Violence to Adolescent Reactive Aggression and Violence Victimization

The current study examined how early childhood (EC) family violence and risk (i.e., maternal aggression, sibling aggression, environmental risk) predicted early adolescent (EA) reactive physical and relational aggression and violence victimization through middle childhood (MC) parenting (i.e., guilt induction, power assertive discipline). Mother-infant dyads (N = 216; 72% African American) were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study on prenatal cocaine and other substance exposure. Observations, interviews, and maternal and child self-report measures were collected from dyads in early childhood (1 to 36 months), middle childhood (84 months), and early adolescence (12 to 15 years). A cascading path model was specified where current variables were regressed on variables from the preceding time point. Primary results showed that environmental risk and EC child physical aggression predicted higher levels of MC caregiver power assertive discipline, which subsequently predicted lower levels of EA reactive relational aggression. Maternal substance use in pregnancy and the child’s continuous placement with biological caregivers predicted higher levels of reactive physical aggression in EA. Finally, MC physical aggression and EA reactive relational aggression predicted higher levels of EA violence victimization. There were a series of direct paths from early childhood family violence and demographic factors to reactive aggression and violence victimization. The current study underscores the importance of evaluating multiple facets of family violence and risk when evaluating aggressive behavior and victimization.
Clinical value of combined detection of CA125 and CA153 in endometrial carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of combined detection of CA125 and CA153 for diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. Methods The combined detection of CA125 and CA153 were performed in 48 inpatients with endometrial carcinoma who were suspected before surgery and being final diagnosed by pathological examinations after surgery, and 2 or 3 months after the operation. 96 cases of benign uterine myoma admitted for hysterectomy in the same period were control group. Results The sensitivity of combined detection of CA125 and CA153 for diagnosing endometrial carcinoma increased to 85.6% and the specificity decreased subtly. Total accuracy rate of diagnosis reached 80.5%. There was statistical difference between the group of endometrial carcinoma and the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion The combined detection of CA125 and CA153 has the important diagnostic value for differentiating benign and malignant diseases of uterus. The two markers can also predict the prognosis and recurrence of the carcinoma. Key words: endometrial carcinoma; CA125; CA153; hysterectomy; diagnosis
Three Machine Learning Solutions to the Bias-Variance Dilemma (Seminar Slides)

Classical statistics (e.g., Econometrics) relies on assumptions that are often unrealistic in finance. Two critical assumptions are that the researcher has perfect knowledge about the model’s specification, and that the researcher knows all the variables involved in a phenomenon (including all interaction effects). When those assumptions are incorrect, classical estimators are not guaranteed to be unbiased, or to be the most efficient among the unbiased, leading to poor performance. In this presentation we explore why machine learning algorithms are generally more appropriate for financial datasets, how they outperform classical estimators, and how they solve the bias-variance dilemma.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus that often causes an asymptomatic infection and clears spontaneously. However, HPV infection may result in genital warts, dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head, neck and genitalia. Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. HPV infection may lead to significant morbidity for both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. Immunocompromised persons, including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are more likely to develop persistent HPV infection and its associated complications. All adolescents and young adults should get the HPV vaccine, ideally prior to initiation of sexual intercourse, in order to prevent infection and the subsequent potential for progression to malignancy.
Plasma metabolomics supports the use of long-duration cardiac arrest rodent model to study human disease by demonstrating similar metabolic alterations

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death and there is a necessity for animal models that accurately represent human injury severity. We evaluated a rat model of severe CA injury by comparing plasma metabolic alterations to human patients. Plasma was obtained from adult human control and CA patients post-resuscitation, and from male Sprague–Dawley rats at baseline and after 20 min CA followed by 30 min cardiopulmonary bypass resuscitation. An untargeted metabolomics evaluation using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was performed for plasma metabolome comparison. Here we show the metabolic commonality between humans and our severe injury rat model, highlighting significant metabolic dysfunction as seen by similar alterations in (1) TCA cycle metabolites, (2) tryptophan and kynurenic acid metabolites, and (3) acylcarnitine, fatty acid, and phospholipid metabolites. With substantial interspecies metabolic similarity in post-resuscitation plasma, our long duration CA rat model metabolically replicates human disease and is a suitable model for translational CA research.
Progress in hepatitis C virus management in chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of review The current review highlights advances in the use of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages G4-5, end-stage renal disease, and kidney transplantation. The use of DAA to facilitate kidney transplantation of HCV negative recipients with kidneys from HCV-infected donors and in the management of HCV-related cryoglobulinemia are also reviewed. Recent findings DAA treatment results in rates of viral clearance (sustained virological response or SVR) of 90-100% in all studied CKD populations, comparable to SVR rates in the general population. DAA treatment allows safe and effective transplantation of HCV viremic kidneys into uninfected recipients. Summary The high SVR results achieved with DAA allow successful treatment of previously under-treated CKD populations, and encouraged innovative interventions such as the use of HCV-infected donor kidneys to uninfected kidney transplant recipients.
Secondary impacts of constipation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in U.S. children's hospitals.

BACKGROUND Childrenwith acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) suffer a litany of chemotherapy-induced side effects. Constipation secondary to vinca alkaloids, psychological stressors, and opioid use are common issues for children newly diagnosed with leukemia. This study investigated the morbidity associated with constipation including infections, mucositis, and healthcare utilization in hospitalized children with ALL receiving induction chemotherapy. METHODS We analyzed data from 48 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System, extracting patients 1-21 years of age with ALL, hospitalized for induction from October 2015 through December 2019. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics, and comparisons of outcomes between those with and without constipation were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS We identified 2586 (56%) patients with constipation out of a total of 4622 unique ALL patients in induction. Compared to patients without constipation during induction, patients with constipation were significantly more likely to have mucositis (aOR = 2.30; p = 0.0010), perirectal issues (aOR = 3.21; p = 0.0092), or abdominal radiograph exposure (aOR = 2.40; p < 0.0001). The median length of induction hospitalization was significantly greater in those with constipation compared to those without constipation (10 days vs. 8 days; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Children with ALL suffering from constipation during induction therapy have increased length of stay, mucositis, imaging, and overall healthcare utilization compared to children without constipation. Further research should explore the causative relationship between constipation and infections. Increased attention should be given to constipation management in patients with ALL at the start of induction therapy, particularly in patients with complications or prolonged hospitalizations.
Weight Stigma by Association Among Parents of Children with Obesity: A Randomized Trial.

Abstract Objective To experimentally test weight stigma and weight stigma by association in a parent-child relationship using a large, community-based sample. Methods We conducted a randomized experiment on Amazon Mechanical Turk using an online survey. Participants were randomly assigned to view a picture of a parent-child dyad, for which the parent and child's gender (male vs. female) and weight status (with obesity vs. without obesity) were manipulated. Participants read identical parenting descriptions that adhered to the American Academy of Pediatrics' parenting recommendations, then rated the parent's perceived effectiveness, helpfulness, and level of caring using a parenting questionnaire based on Barnhart et al. (2013). Results Participants (N = 1862; Mage = 36.8 [11.2] years) rated parents of children with obesity as less effective compared to parents of children without obesity (P = .010) and parents with obesity as less effective compared to parents without obesity (P = .033). Participants also rated parents with obesity as less helpful compared to parents without obesity (P = .021). No differences emerged in perceived caring. Parenting evaluations did not differ across daughters versus sons or mothers versus fathers. Conclusions Parents of children with obesity may experience weight stigma by association, which could have direct consequences for the parents, the children, and the parent-child relationship.
Social Stereotyping of the Physically Handicapped.

Although the hypothesis that the disabled are perceived as different is widely accepted, very little research has been done to delineate ways in which the disabled are viewed as different. The present research investigated three questions: On what dimensions are the disabled viewed as different frqm the able-bodied? Are differences, where they occur, in a positive or in a negative direction? Is there a general stereotype of the disabled such that persons with different disabilities are viewed similarly? To explore these issues, participants responded to a person description questionnaire on which they rated a person identified by either. age and sex (minimal description condition), age, sex and as a person the subject would like (liking condition), age, sex, and either blind, deaf, or confined to a wheelchair (disability conditions). Results indicated that in comparison tc the minimally described person and the liked person, the disabled person was viewed as less socially skilled, as more dependent, as more politically conservative, and as more personally good. It was also found that the blind, deaf and wheelchair persons were all described as being quite similar to each other.
Studies on Survival of Bacteria: Rhythmic Response of Microorganisms to Freeze-Drying Additives

Various materials were mixed with suspensions of Serratia marcescens and other organisms. Samples were removed and frozen at intervals after mixing; the number of cells that survived both freeze-drying and exposure to air varied rhythmically as a function of time between mixing and freezing. When assayed before or immediately after drying there were essentially no fluctuations. The response was evident only when these dried samples were exposed to air. In a typical experiment, the number of cells surviving in the sample frozen 30 sec after adding propyl gallate was at least 10 times that in samples frozen either 20 sec earlier or 20 sec later. Other "peaks" in survival were observed at approximately 125 and 450 sec, but the times at which the peaks were observed were not consistent from one experiment to the next. Although we have been unable to control or predict the time at which maxima in resistance occur, we have shown that the phenomenon does occur with Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as with S. marcescens. Furthermore, a rhythmic response also was obtained after a change in pH or cell concentration. It appears that microorganisms respond physiologically and synchronously to changes in their environment, and some of these responses have survival value.
The Epipolar Parametrization

The epipolar parametrization arises naturally in the reconstruction of surfaces from profiles with known camera motion. This is a special case of a local parametric representation which is a mesh. One of the advantages of this type of representation is that it is general and applies to any piecewise smooth surface, so it does not restrict the type of surface in any practical way. Local parametric representations can be combined into a global one by computing the transformation in parameter space on the overlap of the patches. This paper also discusses the applicability of this type of model to problems in grasp configuration determination and pose determination.
The role of gap junction protein connexin 43 in Chlamydial pathogenesis (MUC7P.752)

We have shown that Chlamydia-specific CD8 T cells do not significantly affect bacterial clearance but cause oviduct pathology, suggesting that they do not target infected cells efficaciously but cause pathology presumably by targeting uninfected cells. This suggests the possibility that chlamydial peptides are presented to CD8 T cells by uninfected cells, but begs the question: “How do uninfected cells acquire chlamydial peptides”? We hypothesized that gap junction mediated antigen transport (GMAT) via channels formed by connexin (Cx) proteins, predominantly Cx43 expressed on oviduct epithelium, contributes to this effect. We have found that HeLa cells engineered to express Cx43, but not those without, can efficaciously transfer Ova257-264 to co-cultured mouse APC, which subsequently activate CD8+ T cells from Ova primed OT-1 mice. Additionally, using Cre-Lox technology, we generated mice (Foxj1Cre-Cx43flox mice) with a conditional deficiency of Cx43 only in ciliated columnar epithelia, including oviducts. The Foxj1Cre-Cx43flox mice displayed comparable kinetics of vaginal chlamydial clearance, comparable splenic antigen-specific cytokine and serum antibody response, but significantly reduced oviduct pathology compared to WT mice on day 80 after intravaginal chlamydial infection. We have thus demonstrated the role of GMAT in immunopathogenesis of microbial infections.
Dam-Break Wave Model: Formulation and Verification

A one-dimensional dam-break flood routing model is verified by using observed data from the flash flood resulting from the failure of Laurel Run Reservoir Dam near Johnstown, Penn. The model combined one of the characteristic equations with the Rankine-Hugoniot shock equations to trace the corresponding characteristic backward to the known state for solving the depth and velocity of flow at the wave front. A large reduction in the computational inaccuracies and oscillations of the previous model at the narrow breach was achieved by introducing the actual storage width in the equation of continuity and the imaginary conveyance width in the equation of motion. Close agreement between observed and computed peak stages at several stations downstream of the dam strongly suggests the validity and applicability of the model. However, small numerical noise appearing in the computed state and discharge hydrographs at the dam site as well as discrepancy of attenuated peaks in the discharge hydrographs indicate the need for further model improvement.
Postural stability associated with restricted ceiling height mining tasks

The manual material handling tasks in underground low seam mines present a myriad of ergonomic risk factors, which place inordinate demands on the miners' neuromuscular system. The mining industry requires work in restricted postures in mines with low-ceiling heights (low-seam mines). Material handling while in a restricted posture will cause an increase in the potential of loss of stability/balance to increase. Currently, such information does not exist for material handling while in a stooped/kneeling posture. The overall purpose of the study was to quantify postural instability of low seam miners while carrying out mine related tasks. For this study, a total of 25 miner subjects were tested. Each subjects' postural stability was quantified while performing simulated mining tasks under a low seam ceiling. The quantification of postural stability constituted exposure to individual and combined risk factors of 3 types of surfaces (firm-dry DCOF: 0.90, uneven-dry DCOF: 0.59 and firm slippery surfaces DCOF: 0.22); 2 types of environmental lighting (poor and glare); 2 types of postures (kneeling postures using one knee and two knees); and 4 types of mining tasks (stationary, lifting buckets of bits, lifting cables and scaling). Based on the results, the tasks of lifting of bits, cable lifting, scaling and stationary were ranked least to most stable as they relate to miners' postural balance, respectively. This finding is consistent with ranking of tasks producing the most to least number of observed slip events (during task performance) to be lifting of bits (19.4% slips observed), cable lifting (18.9% slips), scaling (16.3% slips) and stationary tasks (4% slips), respectively. Based on all the experimental conditions that were varied, the one knee posture was more unstable compared to the two-knee posture. A one-knee posture was rated higher in terms of both RPE and PSOS as compared to a two-knee posture, which is consistent with the objective measures of postural stability/balance. While consistency between subjective and objective measure supports the fact that miners were correctly judging the threat of instability associated with the one-knee posture, they were not successful in deploying appropriate and corrective postural responses to minimize slips during task performance with one-knee posture as this posture (as opposed to two-knee posture) produced the largest numbers of slips. This may suggest that a re-evaluation of the methods used to complete tasks be accomplished in order to develop changes in work methods that will minimize slips and/or falls during task performance.
Narrowband system activities in the NASA communications program

The objective of NASA's narrowband system activities is to identify, develop, and test the technology needed for future commercial satellite-aided mobile communications systems. Desired characteristics include low service cost, efficient spectrum utilization, and compatibility with terrestrial systems. Ongoing effort includes system concept definition and market analysis. A typical system would need a large spaceborne antenna with 50 to 100 beams, each 0.5 to 0.7 degree wide, onboard switching and processing, linear solid-state amplifiers, and low-cost user terminals. The paper describes current studies and discusses future NASA plans in this field.
Three-dimensional ultrasound-assisted popliteal catheter placement revealing aberrant anatomy: implications for block failure.

Background: The current means of introducing continuous sciatic catheters include nerve stimulation, with or without catheter stimulation techniques. More recently, ultrasound has been utilized to facilitate catheter placement. Methods: This case represents a stimulating catheter-guided continuous block facilitated by three-dimensional ultrasound, which revealed aberrant anatomy with proximal and wide bifurcation of the sciatic nerve with implications for block failure. Results: Before ultrasound imaging secondary failures were attributed to catheter misplacement or dislodgement. Conclusion: Because of this case observation, our current practice is to use ultrasound confirmation of the bifurcation of the nerve of all popliteal catheter placements, particularly catheters placed in patients having ambulatory procedures to prevent secondary failure of catheters at home.
Steady-state photoconductivity and multi-particle interactions in high-mobility organic semiconductors

Fundamental understanding of photocarrier generation, transport and recombination under a steady-state photoexcitation has been an important goal of organic electronics and photonics, since these processes govern such electronic properties of organic semiconductors as, for instance, photoconductivity. Here, we discovered that photoconductivity of a highly ordered organic semiconductor rubrene exhibits several distinct regimes, in which photocurrent as a function of cw (continuous wave) excitation intensity is described by a power law with exponents sequentially taking values 1, 1/3 and ¼. We show that in pristine crystals this photocurrent is generated at the very surface of the crystals, while the bulk photocurrent is drastically smaller and follows a different sequence of exponents, 1 and ½. We describe a simple experimental procedure, based on an application of “gauge effect” in high vacuum, that allows to disentangle the surface and bulk contributions to photoconductivity. A model based on singlet exciton fission, triplet fusion and triplet-charge quenching that can describe these non-trivial effects in photoconductivity of highly ordered organic semiconductors is proposed. Observation of these effects in photoconductivity and modeling of the underlying microscopic mechanisms described in this work represent a significant step forward in our understanding of electronic properties of organic semiconductors.
Effects of temperature on the median tolerance limit of pink salmon and shrimp exposed to toluene, naphthalene, and Cook Inlet crude oil.

The effects of temperature on the TLm's of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) fry and shrimp (Eualus spp. and Pandalus goniurus) exposed to toluene, naphthalene, and the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of Cook Inlet crude oil were measured. Static exposures were used in which the initial concentration of the toxicant declines with time, a situation that would also occur with an oil spill. Both the persistence of oil and the physiology of animals are affected by temperature, and the measured TLm's are the net result of both variables operating simultaneously. Toluene, a mononuclear, and naphthalene, a dinuclear aromatic hydrocarbon, were tested because they represent aromatic compounds implicated as major contributors to oil toxicity.
Use of a Weight Loss Index for Evaluating Weight Management in Adults

Abstract Objective A quantitative method for evaluating weight loss using the body mass index (BMI) standard 25, during part or the entire weight loss continuum, was designed and tested. Design Weight Loss Index (WLI) represents the area under the curve of the graphical representation of the weight loss attempt; x-axis=time, y-axis=BMI, BMI standard=25.0. Setting Reliability of the WLI for 1-5 years of weight loss efforts in 50 overweight (BMI=39.1±7.6) patients was evaluated by comparing their calculated WLI to a weight loss ratio, derived using a traditional 2-point comparison. Weight Loss Index sensitivity was tested by sending weight loss scenarios to obesity experts, who were asked to rank success of each weight loss attempt within a scenario. Expert rankings were compared to WLI rankings. Variables Measured Age, weight, height, BMI, WLI. Analysis Dependent t-test for WLI versus pre-post BMI values. Spearman's correlation coefficients for WLI versus expert rankings. Significance, P Results Weight Loss Index better described weight loss attempts for overweight adults than did traditional 2-point comparisons. Obesity experts could not distinguish differences in weight loss success among patients with fluctuating weights, but the WLI categorically ranked these individuals. Conclusions and Implications Using the WLI, researchers and clinicians can compare the weight loss attempts within an individual, among individuals, and among groups of individuals against the standard BMI reference of 25.0.
Turbo codes based hybrid ARQ with segment selective repeat

A new retransmission strategy, called segment selective repeat, is proposed for turbo codes based hybrid ARQ (TC-HARQ). With a small size of request information, the clustering feature of residual errors after turbo decoding is exploited so that only the most severely corrupted segments are retransmitted. Simulation shows a significant improvement in throughput efficiency compared with the type-I TC-HARQ.
EXPRESSION OF HEMAGGLUTININ/ESTERASE BY A MOUSE HEPATITIS VIRUS CORONAVIRUS DEFECTIVE-INTERFERING RNA ALTERS VIRAL PATHOGENESIS

Abstract A defective-interfering (DI) RNA of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was developed as a vector for expressing MHV hemagglutinin/esterase (HE) protein. The virus containing an expressed HE protein (A59-DE-HE) was generated by infecting cells with MHV-A59, which does not express HE, and transfecting thein vitro-transcribed DI RNA containing the HE gene. A similar virus (A59-DE-CAT) expressing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) was used as a control. These viruses were inoculated intracerebrally into mice, and the role of the HE protein in viral pathogenesis was evaluated. Results showed that all mice infected with parental A59 or A59-DE-CAT succumbed to infection by 9 days postinfection (p.i.), demonstrating that inclusion of the DI did not by itself alter pathogenesis. In contrast, 60% of mice infected with A59-DE-HE survived infection. HE- or CAT-specific subgenomic mRNAs were detected in the brains at days 1 and 2 p.i. but not later, indicating that the genes in the DI vector were expressed only in the early stage of viral infection. No significant difference in virus titer or viral antigen expression in brains was observed between A59-DE-HE- and A59-DE-CAT-infected mice, suggesting that virus replication in brain was not affected by the expression of HE. However, at day 3 p.i. there was a slight increase in the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in the brains of the A59-DE-HE-infected mice. Surprisingly, virus titers in the livers of A59-DE-HE-infected mice were 3 log10lower than that of the A59-DE-CAT-infected mice at day 6 p.i. Also, substantially less necrosis and viral antigen were detected in the livers of the A59-DE-HE-infected mice. This may account for the reduced mortality of these mice. The possible contribution of the host immune system to this difference in pathogenesis was analyzed by comparing the expression of four cytokines. Results showed that both tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 mRNAs increased in the brains of the A59-DE-HE-infected mice at day 2 p.i., whereas interferon-γ and interleukin-1α mRNAs were similar between A59-DE-HE- and A59-DE-CAT-infected mice. These data suggest that the transient expression of HE protein enhances an early innate immune response, possibly contributing to the eventual clearance of virus from the liver. This study indicates the feasibility of the DI expression system for studying roles of viral proteins during MHV infection.
Accuracy of the pressure-flow method in estimating induced velopharyngeal orifice area: effects of the flow coefficient.

A two-part study was conducted to determine the accuracy of the pressure-flow method in estimating induced velopharyngeal orifice areas when the flow coefficient k was empirically determined. In St...
Evaluation of barley yellow dwarf tolerance from plant traits in two winter × spring barley crosses

Winter-type experimental lines from crosses of two winter-type barley cultivars with a spring-type, barley yellow dwarf (BYD) tolerant cultivar were compared in inoculated and uninoculated hill plots. Mature plants traits-winter survival, height, number of spike-bearing tillers, and biomass-were examined. The experimental lines could not be compared with the BYD tolerant parent using these diagnostic symptoms since the spring-type parent would be winterkilled. Two criteria were used to rate experimental lines for BYD tolerance: (1) nonsignificant difference between BYD-inoculated and BYD-uninoculated treatments for all traits, and (2) a BYD injury score obtained by averaging percent reduction from BYD infection for each trait.
Psychophysiological arousal at encoding leads to reduced reactivity but enhanced emotional memory following sleep

While sleep’s role in emotional memory processing is gaining increasing support, its effect on emotion regulation remains equivocal. Moreover, little is known about the link between emotional reactivity at the time of encoding and subsequent sleep-based emotional memory consolidation. This study examined whether sleep would potentiate, protect, or depotentiate measures of heart rate and skin conductance in response to scenes containing emotional and neutral objects, and assessed how these measures of reactivity would predict subsequent memory for the objects across delays of sleep and wake. Heart rate deceleration (HRD) and skin conductance response (SCR) data were collected at encoding and recognition. Although HRD and SCR reactivity to objects were depotentiated after a sleep-filled delay, they remained unchanged after a delay containing wakefulness. Moreover, increased arousal responses to negative scenes at encoding as measured by HRD and SCR responses were positively correlated with subsequent memory for the negative objects of scenes, but only in the sleep group. This suggests that larger reactions to negative images at the time of encoding set the stage for the preferential consolidation of these images during a night of sleep. Although arousal responses are often thought to account for emotional enhancement in long-term memory, these findings suggest that both an arousal response at encoding and a subsequent period of sleep are needed to optimize selective emotional memory consolidation.
Comparison of see-and-avoid performance in manned and remotely piloted aircraft

See-and-avoid is the current FAA approved method for pilots to avoid objects and other aircraft while flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Although fully autonomous dasiasense-and-avoidpsila or dasiadetect-and-avoidpsila systems are in development, none are currently certified. Thus existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations are limited to case-by-case restricted airspace or require escort by manned aircraft. Many UAVs are equipped with at least a forward-looking camera. In the transition between current technology and future fully autonomous, certified sense-and-avoid systems, it seems reasonable to require a ground-based operator to perform the see-and-avoid function. This paper discusses the flight-testing performed to establish air traffic detection ranges for low-time pilots, and for a low-cost UAV camera system. The system was evaluated to determine if it could provide the equivalent see-and-avoid performance as the tested pilots.
Amnioreduction versus septostomy in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes in pregnancies affected with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Treatment consisted of serial amnioreduction or septostomy. Study Design: A retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome from June 1998 to June 2000 was conducted. Diagnosis was based on polyhydramnios (maximal vertical pocket, >8 cm) in conjunction with an enlarged fetal bladder, oligohydramnios (maximal vertical pocket, Results: There were 7 patients in the amnioreduction group and 7 patients in the septostomy group. The mean gestational age at enrollment for amnioreduction was 21.0 weeks and for septostomy was 18.0 weeks ( P =.01). There were 67% 2-twin survivors in the septostomy group ( P = not significant), but an overall equal number of survivors (78%) in both treatment groups. The rate of no surviving twins was equal (14%) in both groups. Pregnancy was prolonged an average of 12 weeks in the septostomy group and 6.5 weeks in the amnioreduction group ( P =.007). The average gestational age at delivery was 27.5 weeks for the amnioreduction group and 30.0 weeks for the septostomy group ( P =.08). Conclusion: The prolongation of pregnancy from diagnosis to delivery was statistically significant for septostomy when compared to amnioreduction. Although not statistically significant, there appears to be a trend toward increasing gestational age at delivery with septostomy. Further randomized studies are warranted for septostomy as a treatment modality in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:1044-7.)
SURFACE INHOMOGENEITY EFFECTS ON CONVECTIVE DIFFUSION

It is suggested that convective scaling, with appropriate extensions, provides the most useful framework for estimating the effects of urban-scale surface inhomogeneities on diffusion in convective conditions. Strong contrasts in surface heat flux exist between cropland, forests, urban areas, and water or marshland surfaces. It is argued that a typical fetch for convective turbulence to readjust to changed heat (or buoyancy) input from the surface below is 2(U/w *)h, where U is the mean wind speed in the mixing layer, w * is the convective scaling velocity, and h is the mixing depth. In contrast, the fetch required for wind speed to readjust to new underlying surface roughness is of the order (U/u *)2h/2, where u * is the friction velocity. The ratio w */U is the best index of diffusion rates in moderately to very unstable conditions. General urban effects on heat flux, h, and U are discussed separately, then their combined effects on w */U are estimated. While this ratio can double over a large city during light winds, its increase is much less for small cities, or during moderate winds. Finally, some examples of heat flux in- homogeneities causing stationary convective features are presented. Steady downdrafts associated with these features are of the order of 0.4w *, and could significantly increase surface concentrations from elevated sources.
Pseudomorphic bipolar quantum resonant-tunneling transistor

A bipolar tunneling transistor in which ohmic contact is made to the strained p/sup +/ InGaAs quantum well of a double-barrier resonant-tunneling structure is discussed. The heterojunction transistor consists of an n-GaAs emitter and collector, undoped AlGaAs tunnel barriers, and a pseudomorphic p/sup +/ InGaAs quantum-well base. By making ohmic contact to the p-type quantum well, the hole density in the quantum-well base is used to modulate the base potential relative to the emitter and collector terminals. With control of the quantum-well potential, the tunneling current can be modulated by application of a base-to-emitter potential. The authors detail the physical and electrical characteristics of the device. It is found that the base-emitter voltages required to bias the transistor into resonance are well predicted by a self-consistent calculation of the electrostatic potential. >
Correlating equations for natural convection heat transfer between horizontal circular cylinders

Abstract Correlating equations for heat transfer by natural convection from horizontal cylinders to a cylindrical enclosure are obtained using a conduction boundary-layer model. The correlation is valid for heat transfer by conduction, laminar flow and turbulent flow. The results approach the correlation for heat transfer from a free horizontal cylinder as the outer cylinder diameter becomes infinite and for quasi-steady heat transfer to fluid within a horizontal cylinder as the inner cylinder diameter approaches zero. Horizontal concentric, eccentric and arrays of cylinders within the outer cylinder are geometries included in the correlation.
The Research and Development Approach to the Study of Change

What I have to say on the question of values in actionstems largely from a rather deep and personal involvement with this question for the past five years. In 1952, quite by design, although unexpectedly and suddenly, I found myself in the delicate position of having assumed the role of patron (in the name of Cornell University) of a Peruvian hacienda, called Vicos, for a period of five years, for the purpose of conducting a research and development program on the modernization process.
Liposome surface functionalization based on different anchoring lipids via Staudinger ligation

Liposome surface functionalization facilitates numerous potential applications of liposomes, such as enhanced stability, bioactive liposome conjugates, and targeted drug, gene and image agent delivery. Anchoring lipids are needed for grafting ligands of interest and play important roles in ligand grafting density, liposome stability, and liposome chemical and physical characteristics as well. In this report, glyco-functionalized liposome systems based on two kinds of anchoring lipids, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and cholesterol (Chol), were prepared by post chemically selective functionalization via Staudinger ligation. The size and stability of the liposomes were confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Particularly, the impact of anchor lipids on the stability of glyco-functionalized liposomes was investigated by comparing two different anchor lipids, namely Chol-PEG2000-TP and DSPE-PEG2000-TP. In addition, the encapsulation and releasing capacity of the glycosylated liposome based on the two anchoring lipids were investigated by entrapping 5,6-carboxyfluorescein (CF) dye and monitoring the fluorescence leakage, respectively. Furthermore, the density and accessibility of grafted carbohydrate residues on the liposome surface were evaluated for the two anchoring lipid-derived liposomes with lectin binding, respectively.