cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silicide Formation by Pulsed Excimer Laser Annealing

Silicide formation may occur at the interface of metal and a-Si films upon annealing with a pulsed excimer laser (XeCl 308 nm; 30 ns). During laser-induced melting, the melt front reaches the Si/metal interface, where liquid phase kinetics allow reaction to occur to form a silicide, despite the <100 ns time-scale. It is thought that silicide reaction would occur if TM, metal ≍ TM, a-Si (1480 ± 50K). The a-Si/metal film stacks that have been investigated include a-Si/Al/Cr, a-Si/Ti, and a-Si/W on thermally oxidized Si. Samples were laser-annealed at varying energy densities in order to determine the onset of melt, and the fluence at which Si/metal interface reaction and film ablation occurs. Rutherford backscattering (RBS), optical inspection, cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), as well as parallel and serial electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were used to analyze the films. For the a-Si/Al/Cr and a-Si/W films, no reaction is observed at the Si/metal interface. With a-Si/Ti, intermixing of Si and Ti at the interface is observed, as indicated by RBS and parallel EELS analysis. Laser annealing at higher fluences and further characterization is needed to determine if this mechanism does allow for silicide reaction to take place.
Strong normal-incidence infrared absorption and photo-current spectra from highly uniform (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dot structures

The authors report normal-incidence infrared absorption in the wavelength range 12 – 14 µm and low temperature (40 K) photo-current spectra from an (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dot structure. The basic structure consists of 20 periods of highly uniform (In,Ga)As/GaAs dot arrays. The strong room temperature absorption indicates the high quality of the superlattice structure; this is considered to be very promising for the fabrication of high performance, long wavelength photodetectors.
White-noise estimators for seismic data processing in oil exploration

This paper is motivated by a problem from seismic data processing in oil exploration. We develop a Kalman filtering approach to obtaining optimal smoothed estimates of the so-called reflection coefficient sequence. This sequence contains important information about subsurface geometry. Our problem is shown to be equivalent to that of estimating white-plant noise for a linear dynamic system. By means of the equations which are derived herein, it is possible to compute fixed-interval, fixed-point, or fixed-lag optimal smoothed estimates of the reflection coefficient sequence, as well as respective error covariance-matrix information. Our optimal estimators are compared with an ad hoc "prediction error filter," (PEF) which has recently been reported on in the geophysics literature. We show that one of our estimators performs at least as well as, and in most cases, better than the prediction error filter. Simulation results are given which support and illustrate the theoretical developments.
Whither Experimental Semantics

The main goal of the paper is to propose a methodology for the theory of reference in which experi- ments feature prominently. These experiments should primarily test linguistic usage rather than the folk's referential intuitions. The proposed methodology urges the use of: (A) philosophers' referential intuitions, both informally and, occasionally, scientifically gathered; (B) the corpus, both informally and scientifically gathered; (C) elicited production; and, occasionally, (D) folk's referential intuitions. The most novel part of this is (C) and that is where most of the experimental work should be. The secondary goal of the paper is to defend my earlier paper "Experimental Semantics" from the criticisms of Machery, Mallon, Nichols, and Stich in "If Folk Intuitions Vary, Then What?" They charge that I have seriously misunderstood their goal in "Semantics, Cross-Cultural Style" and that many of my arguments are "largely irrelevant". I argue that these charges are baseless.
Elogio a la herejía: el ateísmo radical de Rorty

Rorty se debe estudiar, no especialmente por la fidelidad de sus narraciones de la historiografia filosofica, o por la correccion de sus lecturas, sino principalmente porque, como los grandes pensadores de la filosofia occidental, el nos ha ofrecido una gran meta-narrativa. Rorty fue un meta-filosofo, para quien el meta-relato mas importante es el de la filosofia como lucha contra dioses, fetiches y mitos que han subyugado y humillado al hombre. A la vez, esta meta-narracion tiene como columna basica la centralidad de la capacidad de persuadir mediante el juego de dar y recibir razones, razones que expanden el circulo de aquellos que debemos considerar dialogantes. En esta expansion de nuestro circulo de conversacion la imaginacion tiene prioridad sobre la razon.
The black box in somatization: Unexplained physical symptoms, culture, and narratives of trauma

Stimulated by our clinical work with patients who manifest unexplained "somatoform" symptoms in the primary care setting, this article addresses a theoretical black box in our understanding of somatization: how does culture mediate severe stress to produce symptoms that cannot be explained by the presence of physical illness? Despite various problems in his explanation of hysteria, Freud broke new ground by emphasizing narratives of traumatic experiences in the development and treatment of unexplained physical symptoms. Except in anthropologically oriented cultural psychiatry, contemporary psychiatry has traveled away from a focus on narrative in the study of somatization. On the other hand, recent interest in narrative has spread across many intellectual disciplines, including the humanities and literary criticism, psychology, history, anthropology, and sociology. We operationally define narratives as attempts at storytelling that portray the interrelationships among physical symptoms and the psychologic, social, or cultural context of these symptoms. Regarding somatization and trauma, we focus on the ways that narrative integrates the cultural context with traumatic life events. In explaining the black box, we postulate that extreme stress (torture, rape, witnessing deaths of relatives, forced migration, etc.) is processed psychologically as a terrible, largely incoherent narrative of events too awful to hold in consciousness. Culture patterns the psychologic and somatic expression of the terrible narrative. Methodologically, we have developed some techniques for eliciting narratives of severe stress and somatic symptoms, which we illustrate with observations from an ongoing research project. In designing interventions to improve the care of somatizing patients, we are focusing on the creation of social situations where patients may feel empowered to express more coherent narratives of their prior traumatic experiences.
Exploring the role of television in married life

This study assessed perceptions of television's fit in married life and examined the influence of viewing pattern and program preference discrepancies on those perceptions. Telephone interviews were conducted with 416 married adults. Most respondents evaluated television positively in their married lives. Television viewing was seen as a shared and valued activity that typically did not disrupt activities with spouse or friends. Greater program preference discrepancies were related to television being evaluated as disruptive and to lower marital satisfaction scores.
Boron Solubility Limits Following Low Temperature Solid Phase Epitaxial Regrowth

The work described herein focuses on examining the effect of solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) on boron implanted silicon. It is shown that boron levels within the silicon can greatly enhance or reduce the regrowth rate of the silicon. Electrical measurements show optimum sheet resistances for 5 keV, 2×1015 cm-2 implant conditions yielding sheet resistance values of ∼140 Ω/sq at 500 °C annealing to ∼120 Ω/sq at 650 °C. Results using Hall effect and four-point probe show lower doses of boron will become fully active but levels will drop significantly as dose is increased. Lastly, maximum active concentrations of boron appear to reach values of ∼3-4×1020 cm-3 for a boron dose of 1×1015 cm-2 after SPER. Lower SPER anneal temperatures or higher doses tend to activate less boron.
Dual-axes confocal reflectance microscope for distinguishing colonic neoplasia

A dual-axes confocal reflectance microscope has been developed that utilizes a narrowband laser at 1310 nm to achieve high axial resolution, image contrast, field of view, and tissue penetration for distinguishing among normal, hyperplastic, and dysplastic colonic mucosa ex vivo. Light is collected off-axis using a low numerical aperture objective to obtain vertical image sections, with 4- to 5-microm resolution, at tissue depths up to 610 microm. Post-objective scanning enables a large field of view (610 x 640 microm), and balanced-heterodyne detection provides sensitivity to collect vertical sections at one frame per second. System optics are optimized to effectively reject out-of-focus scattered light without use of a low-coherence gate. This design is scalable to millimeter dimensions, and the results demonstrate the potential for a miniature instrument to detect precancerous tissues, and hence to perform in vivo histopathology.
Model-Based Dependency Management for Migrating Service Hosting Environment

The proper operation of service-oriented architecture (SOA) strongly depends on the correct configuration of the service hosting environment that is essentially being shaped on a distributed system. Effective migration management of the distributed system is an absolute requirement to cope with intrinsic-changed nature of SOA. However, due to the large amount of configurations existing in the distributed system services and the complex dependencies among them, to migrate into a distributed system satisfying the operation requirement of SOA becomes an error-prone and time-consuming task. In this paper, we propose a model-based dependency management approach to migrate the distributed system services of the service hosting environment. Our approach has three contributions. Firstly, a model, called system service configuration model is defined for describing configuration parameters and the dependencies of different distributed system services. Secondly, based on the model, dependency management mechanisms are provided for validating the integrity of the configuration discovery process, checking the potentially cyclic dependencies and forming the correct setting sequence. Thirdly, a supporting tool, called system configuration migration (SCM), is implemented to demonstrate our approach, which has been deployed and used in the real migration cases.
MicroRNAs circulate around Alzheimer's disease

A select group of microRNAs identified in blood samples can differentiate between Alzheimer's disease, other neurological disorders and age-matched healthy controls with high accuracy.
Impact of a family history of prostate cancer on clinicopathologic outcomes and survival following radical prostatectomy

While a family history (FH) of prostate cancer represents an established risk factor for prostate cancer diagnosis, conflicting data exist regarding the oncologic importance of FH. Herein, we evaluated the association of FH with clinicopathologic outcomes among men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). We identified 16,472 men who underwent RP between 1987 and 2010 at Mayo Clinic. Patients were considered to have a positive FH if at least one first-degree relative had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The associations of FH with clinicopathologic features and survival were evaluated using logistic and Cox regression analyses. Overall, 5323 (32.3 %) men reported a FH of prostate cancer. Median follow-up was 9.9 years (IQR 5.9, 15.5). Patients with a FH were significantly more likely to have low-risk disease (47.7 vs. 43.0 %; p < 0.0001) and were significantly more likely to have organ-confined disease at RP (79.2 vs. 74.4 %; p < 0.0001). Men with FH had a significantly higher 10-year cancer-specific (99 vs. 97 %; p < 0.001) and overall survival (92 vs. 85 %; p < 0.001) than men without FH. Moreover, on multivariable analysis, FH of prostate cancer remained independently associated with reduced cancer-specific (HR 0.68; p = 0.003) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.69; p < 0.0001). In this surgical population, FH of prostate cancer was associated with lower-risk disease at diagnosis, more favorable pathology at RP, and significantly better cancer-specific and overall survival. These results may be utilized for patient counseling.
Water Oxidation by [(tpy)(H(2)O)(2)Ru(III)ORu(III)(H(2)O)(2)(tpy)](4+).

The complex [(tpy)(C2O4)RuIIIORuIII(C2O4)(tpy)]·8H2O (1·8H2O) (tpy is 2,2‘:6‘,2‘‘-terpyridine) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography and FTIR, resonance Raman, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. From the results of the X-ray analysis, ∠RuORu is 148.5° with a torsional angle (O22−Ru2−O1−Ru1−O12) of 22.7° and there is a short Ru−O bridge distance of 1.843 A. 1 undergoes a chemically reversible one-electron, pH-independent oxidation at 0.73 V vs NHE (0.49 V vs SCE) from pH = 4−8 and a pH-dependent, two-electron, chemically irreversible reduction at −0.35 V below pH = 4.0. Addition of 1·8H2O to strong acid generates [(tpy)(H2O)2RuIIIORuIII(H2O)2(tpy)]4+ (2), which has been characterized by UV−visible, resonance Raman, and 1H NMR measurements. In pH-dependent cyclic voltammograms there is evidence for a series of redox couples interrelating oxidation states from RuIIORuII to RuVORuV. In contrast to the “blue dimer”, cis,cis-[(bpy)2(H2O)RuIIIORuIII(OH2)(bpy)2]4+, oxidation state RuIVORuIV (RuVORu...
The Use of Regression Equations to Increase the Usefulness of Historical Temperature Data in On-line Pest Management

The density of stations in on-line weather monitoring networks for pest management is likely to be rather low because of the cost of maintaining them. Multiple and simple linear regression techniques provide a means of estimating missing data, and of estimating temperatures at the much denser “a” network stations of the National Weather Service. In general, the improvement in the multiple correlation coefficient by using more than 2 stations as predictors is marginal, and when the resulting temperatures are used to compute degree-days, one predictor station is nearly as good as 14. That is true whether one predictive equation is used for the season or if new equations for consecutive 15-day periods in the season are used. Computer-generated maps provide a convenient means for estimating degree-day accumulation at locations between weather stations. By using regression equations to estimate temperatures for stations that are not on-line, it is possible to increase the resolution of the accumulated degree-day maps.
An Investigation of the House Fly Heartbeat through Transection Experiments

Transection experiments of hearts in male and female house flies, Musca domestica L., indicate that there are at least 11 regions in the female and 10 in the male that can beat for extended periods. The beat does not appear to be contingent upon the alary muscles, heart continuity, size of heart segments, or heart symmetry, and evidences no constant starting point in the intact heart.
Abstract 4114: Trimeric G protein-CARMA1 axis links smoothened to NF-κB activation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy in adults. Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) and NF-κB pathways is ubiquitously observed and known to mediate tumor growth, survival and chemo-resistance in DLBCL. Previously, we found that activation of Hh signaling is positively correlated with NF-κB pathway in DLBCL tumors and that modulating the activity of smoothened (SMO), the signal transducer subunit of Hh pathway, but not GLI1, transcriptional factor of Hh signaling, resulted in modulation of NF-kB pathway activation. Hereby, we investigate the molecular mechanisms that link SMO to NF-kB pathway. To elucidate whether there was interaction between G protein superfamily and SMO, we immunoprecipitated representative members of the Gα subfamilies (Gαi, Gα16, Gαq, Gαs and Gα12), and found that SMO was associated with Gαi, Gαq, and Gα12 in two DLBCL cell lines. Stimulation of SMO with Shh recombinant increased the recruitment of Gαi and Gα12 to SMO and also increased the GTPase activity of Gαi and Gα12. We also found that the activation of SMO with Shh in DLBCL cell lines was associated with increased total activity of PKC, phosphorylation of PKCβ1 and -2, and recruitment of CARMA1-MALT1-BCL10-TRAF6 to SMO receptor complex supporting that G proteins are involved in the transmission of the signal between SMO and NF-κB. Opposite results were seen when SMO was inhibited or silenced. As polyubiquitination of TRAF6 and NEMO (IKKγ) at lysine 63 (K63) are also important events in propagating NF-κB signaling, we examined the effect of SMO overexpression on K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF6 and NEMO. Transient overexpressing SMO resulted in increased polyubiquitination of TRAF6 and NEMO, supporting activation of both proteins by SMO. Moreover, functional inhibition of SMO (cyclopamine-KAAD) enhances the cytotoxic effect of NF-κB inhibitor (BAY-11-7082). Altogether, our study reveal a non-canonical Hh signaling pathway, in which SMO activates trimeric G proteins and CARMA1-associated signaling complex, leading to NF-κB activation. This signaling cascade contributes to the survival of DLBCL, and may serve as potential targets for combination therapies in DLBCL. Citation Format: Changju Qu, Yadong Liu, Kranthi Kunkalla, Rajesh Singh, Marzenna Blonska, Nitin Agarwal, Xin Lin, Francisco Vega. Trimeric G protein-CARMA1 axis links smoothened to NF-κB activation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4114. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4114
Early-Stage Developmental Abnormalities Induced by Murine Cytomegalovirus

The onset of the effects of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection on an early stage of embryonic development (nine days) in a mouse model was studied with the aid of scanning electron microscopy. MCMV was injected into the endometrial lumina of pregnant mice at the time of implantation. The mice were later killed, and sites of embryonic implantation were examined. Compared with uninfected mice and mice inoculated with heatinactivated virus, litter sizes were reduced, and the incidence of abnormal fetuses was significantly increased among MCMV-infected animals. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed maldeveloped cranial regions characterized by an unclosed neural tube and severely underdeveloped head. Ectodermal abnormalities, including poxlike formations and ballooning cells, were observed in several embryos. Thus, early cytomegalovirus infection may not only result in fetal loss, but may also interfere with the process of morphogenesis. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpesvirus group, remains a serious health problem. Endemic throughout the world, it is the most frequent cause of human congenital viral infections leading to numerous birth defects [1,2]. Congenital HCMV infection can result from primary or recurrent maternal infections, with the latter being due mainly to the reactivation of latent virus. Furthermore, despite substantial levels of preconception antibodies, intrauterine HCMV infections occur in 3^0-4^0 of all seropositive women in the United States [3].
Hidden in Plain Sight on Locked Wards—On Finding and Being Found

Lost and falling, the feeling that life is disorienting: none of us escapes the experience. For those clinicians who venture on to inpatient wards, lost-ness takes on a special urgency. But what does it mean to "find" another? Surely feeling lost is at the heart of our existential search for grounding. And so how does one find oneself? And why is another so important in this self-search? This paper explores two brief encounters on an inpatient ward where the lost-ness of psychosis and despair cover the shock of unbearable feelings. Yet the intolerable story is displayed as both a symptom and a sign, inscribed in the body, an uncanny symbol hidden in plain sight. And here may be a way in, and a way out-here a person might be found.
Psychopathische Persönlichkeit bei Frauen

Hoch psychopathischen Frauen begegnet man in der forensischen Psychiatrie wohl eher selten. Dennoch ist das Konzept im diagnostischen Prozess im Rahmen von Begutachtung und Behandlung bei weiblichen Probanden nicht unwichtig. Ein Bereich, der bisher in der Forschung nur wenig Beachtung fand, betrifft die sog. „erfolgreichen Psychopathinnen“, die eine hohe Auspragung psychopathischer Personlichkeitszuge aufweisen, aber kein delinquentes Verhalten. Basis fur die Untersuchung von Geschlechtervergleichen und deren Interpretation ist die Diagnostik. Darin ergeben sich Besonderheiten fur weibliche Probanden, insbesondere, wenn es um die Bewertung antisozialen Verhaltens geht. Auf Basis der gangigen diagnostischen Verfahren zugeordnete hoch psychopathische Probandinnen weisen in dem einen Kernbereich der psychopathischen Personlichkeit, der fehlenden Inhibition, Unterschiede zu den mannlichen Probanden auf: Weibliche Psychopathinnen scheinen weniger Inhibitionsdefizite aufzuweisen und gleichzeitig auch weniger aggressives Verhalten. In dem zweiten Kernbereich, der emotionalen Distanziertheit, dagegen scheint es weniger Geschlechtsunterschiede zu geben, auch wenn dazu noch direkte Vergleichsstudien fehlen. Hoch psychopathische Probandinnen aus der Allgemeinbevolkerung zeigen jedoch einen starkeren Zusammenhang zwischen psychopathischen Zugen und ihrer Selbstwahrnehmung als Verhandlungspartner: Sie neigen mehr zu manipulativem Verhalten und sehen sich als machtiger in Verhandlungen. Zukunftige Studien sollten die diagnostische Variabilitat, die Geschlechtsunterschiede im direkten Vergleich und insbesondere den Zusammenhang zwischen psychopathischen Personlichkeitszugen, den Kernsymptomen Inhibition und emotionale Distanziertheit sowie beruflichem Erfolg untersuchen.
Under Sacred Ground: A History of Navajo Oil, 1922-1982

Modern Navajo tribal government originated in 1923 solely to approve oil leases. From that beginning, the responsibilities and functions of tribal government expanded, fostering economic and political changes that brought the Dine people into closer contact with their Anglo neighbours. As tribal government undertook more projects, the revenue from oil and natural gas leases became key parts of the Navajo Nation's finances. This book is an ethnohistory of the changes wrought by oil. The economic development spurred by oil leases is a cautionary tale in the transition from a subsistence to a capitalist economy. The federal stock reduction program imposed in the 1930s and 1940s devastated the Navajo agricultural economy and altered family structure. Women had owned and cared for the sheep and goat herds which were now reduced in number by hundreds of thousands. Oil did offer some wage work, but only for men who dug trenches, laid pipe, or drove trucks. Following the end of World War II as the millions of dollars generated annually from oil and gas leases became available to the impoverished Navajo Nation, inter-clan squabbles erupted over uses for the money. Navajo was set against Navajo in disputes over lifeways and identity of the Dine people. This book is also an assessment of the price the land and culture of the Navajo ultimately paid for oil. Sadly, greater involvement in Anglo society meant! less reverence for the land and sacred sites of the Dine.
Experience with the Combination of a Hypomethylating Agent and Valproic Acid in Pediatric Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Abstract Combination epigenetic therapy consists of the combination of a hypomethylating agent (5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine [decitabine] or 5-azacitidine) with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. We have performed two studies combining either decitabine (n=55) or 5-azacitidine (n=54) with valproic acid (VPA). VPA is a neurotropic agent with weak HDAC inhibitory capacity in the mM range. Both studies were open to children with relapsed or refractory AML age 2 or older. Of the 109 patients, 10 (9%) were considered pediatric patients (pts). Seven patients were treated with a fixed dose of intravenous decitabine (DAC) and escalating doses of VPA, and three patients were treated with 5-azacytidine, VPA and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). All of the pediatric pts were refractory to a minimum of two chemotherapy regimens for AML or had multiple relapses of AML. The median age was 17 (range 5–21), 5 (50%) were diploid, and the median WBC at presentation was 3.4 (range 0.9 to 16.3). Five of the 10 pts derived benefit from the combination. In the DAC plus VPA trial, three pts achieved a complete marrow response, defined as a hypocellular marrow with less than 5% blasts without recovery of peripheral counts. An additional pt had a partial response with 6% marrow blasts after therapy and improvement in transfusion requirements. In the 5AZA/VPA/ATRA trial, 1 complete marrow response was observed. No complete remission (CR) was observed. No differences were observed in terms of LINE methylation (measured using a bisulfite pyrosequencing assay) pretreatment in pediatric versus adult patients (44.7% [40–65] pediatric versus 46.3 [37–65] adult, p=0.3) or after therapy with the combination treatment. There was a trend towards higher bound VPA levels in the adult group on days 5 or 7 (median 72 [0–202] in adult versus 32 [2–114], p=0.49). Pediatric pts treated with DAC/VPA had less acetylation compared to adult pts (14% vs 35%) and showed no evidence of mRNA activation of p21. Overall, administration of DAC/VPA or 5AZA/VPA/ATRA was safe with no grade 3 or 4 toxicity and no induction mortality in the pediatric group. Combination epigenetic therapy has potential clinical activity in pediatric pts with highly pre-treated relapsed or refractory AML and should be studied in pediatric specific clinical trials.
Monocular and Binocular Cooperation

In this chapter we introduce a model of depth perception that explores one way in which lens accommodation cues can be used to help disambiguate the correspondence problem of stereopsis. Although the model was originally developed to explain how frogs and toads accomplish binocular depth perception without the use of cues from vergence, it is also of general interest as an extension to the class of cooperative stereo models. It consists of two cooperative depth discrimination processes, each acting to build a depth map, with one process receiving monocular depth cues based on accommodation and the other receiving binocular depth cues based on disparity. Mutual excitatory connections between the maps allow the model to converge to a single solution where accuracy is governed by binocularity. The model will also function in a purely monocular mode if binocular input is removed. Neurophysiological data on the visual system of frogs and toads are used to constrain choices made in constructing the model, and results obtained from simulation runs are compared with data from behavioral experiments.
A BDDC Preconditioner for Saddle Point Problems

The purpose of this paper is to extend the BDDC (balancing domain decomposition by constraints) algorithm to saddle point problems that arise when mixed finite element methods are used to approximate the system of incompressible Stokes equations. The BDDC algorithms are defined in terms of a set of primal continuity constraints, which are enforced across the interface between the subdomains, and which provide a coarse space component of the preconditioner. Sets of such constraints are identified for which bounds on the rate of convergence can be established that are just as strong as previously known bounds for the elliptic case. The preconditioned operator is positive definite and a conjugate gradient method can be used. A close connection is also established between the BDDC and FETI-DP algorithms for the Stokes case.
Effects of magnesium chloride road deicer on montane stream benthic communities

Montane streams often intercept and run parallel to roads and highways where road deicer is seasonally applied for snow and ice removal. This research used stream mesocosms to evaluate the effects of MgCl2 road deicer to a Rocky Mountain stream benthic community in Colorado, USA. Measured responses included macroinvertebrate drift, community composition metrics, and macroinvertebrate biomass after a 10-day exposure. Natural benthic communities were exposed to concentrations of liquid MgCl2 road deicer that bracketed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) surface water chronic chloride ‘aquatic life criteria’ (230 mg Cl−/l). Results showed no effects on macroinvertebrate drift, but significant reductions in abundance, taxa richness, and community biomass. Specifically, stonefly (Plecoptera) and mayfly (Ephemeroptera) abundance decreased at Cl− concentrations below the U.S. EPA chronic chloride water quality standard, and at concentrations substantially lower than those generated from traditional laboratory toxicity tests. However, caddisflies (Trichoptera), midges (Chironomidae) and other dipterans were tolerant to all MgCl2 treatments. We conclude that MgCl2 road deicer has the potential to impair montane stream benthic communities at relatively low ionic concentrations, and regulatory agencies should manage for and establish regionally appropriate application rates for this stressor.
Parameterization of Large Variability Using the Hyper-Dual Meta-Model

One major problem in the design of aerospace components is the nonlinear changes in the response due to a change in the geometry and material properties. Many of these components have small nominal values and any change can lead to a large variability. In order to characterize this large variability, traditional methods require either many simulation runs or the calculations of many higher order derivatives. Each of these paths requires a large amount of computational power to evaluate the response curve. In order to perform uncertainty quantification analysis, even more simulation runs are required. The hyper-dual meta-model is used to characterize the response curve with the use of basis functions. The information of the curve is generated with the utilization of the hyper-dual step to determine the sensitivities at a few number of simulation runs. This paper shows the accuracy of this method for two different systems with parameterization at different stages in the design.
Activity-Dependent Remodeling of Presynaptic Boutons

Structural remodeling of preexisting synapses and the growth of new synapses accompany various forms of long-term memory. Long-term sensitization of the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia has been extensively studied in this regard and is associated with the presynaptic remodeling and growth of new synaptic connections made by identified sensory neurons onto their postsynaptic target neurons. Recent studies of living sensory–motor neuron synapses in culture have begun to define the cellular and molecular events that underlie these learning-related structural changes. This in turn has suggested the molecules and mechanisms the governing de novo synapse formation during development to be reutilized in the adult for the purposes of synaptic plasticity and memory storage.
Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Are Associated With Decreased Inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 by Sitagliptin

Context Patients with diabetes often have comorbidities such as hypertension. It is not known how individual characteristics influence response to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors. Objective We tested the hypothesis that individual characteristics, sitagliptin dose, and genetic variability in DPP4 influence DPP4 activity during sitagliptin. Design and setting Post hoc analysis of clinical and laboratory data from individuals randomized to sitagliptin versus placebo in crossover studies. Patients and interventions Sixty-five subjects [27 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, 38 healthy controls] were randomized to 100 mg/d sitagliptin or 200 mg sitagliptin and matching placebo in double-blind, crossover fashion. Fasting blood was obtained at baseline and 60 to 180 minutes after sitagliptin or placebo. Main outcome measures DPP4 activity and antigen during placebo and sitagliptin and DPP4 inhibition during sitagliptin. Results Sitagliptin 100 mg/d was less effective at inhibiting DPP4 activity in individuals with T2DM and hypertension than in healthy controls (P = 0.001, percent inhibition). In healthy controls, 100 mg/d sitagliptin was not as effective as single-dose 200 mg sitagliptin (P = 0.001, percent inhibition). DPP4 genotypes rs2909451 TT (P = 0.02) and rs759717 CC (P = 0.02) were associated with DPP4 activity during sitagliptin. In multivariable analyses, T2DM with hypertension, sitagliptin dose, age, systolic blood pressure, DPP4 activity during placebo, and rs2909451 genotype were significantly associated with DPP4 activity during sitagliptin. Conclusions Sitagliptin is less effective in inhibiting DPP4 in individuals with T2DM and hypertension than in healthy controls. Higher doses of DPP4 inhibitors may be required in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
American Diplomacy and Economic Aid in the Northern Ireland Peace Process: A Neoliberal Analysis

There are no purely military solutions to the myriad of ethnic and sectarian conflicts in the world today. If this is the case, then what are the most appropriate means of intervention? This article focuses on diplomacy and economic aid as means the United States employed to facilitate the achievement and effective implementation of a peace agreement. Most analysis of the Northern Ireland peace process that resulted from the signing of the Good Friday or Belfast Agreement has stressed the political machinations among the local parties to the conflict that resulted in the negotiated settlement. Some analysis has suggested that the US was either misinformed or relatively unimportant in this peace process. Basing my research on assumptions from neoliberal international relations theory, I argue that the US role in Northern Ireland, while not definitive in terms of achieving peace, was important in the complex pattern of mutual influence that made the Good Friday Agreement possible and then assisted in its implementation. The continuing US role in the peace process is illustrative of the role the US is increasingly playing in a world that requires coordinated international action to deal with complex global and regional conflicts.
A Meta-Analysis of Schema Instruction Implemented in Single-Case Experimental Designs:

Identifying mathematical interventions that practitioners can implement to improve the mathematical problem solving (PS) of students is a need for the field. Literature on the PS performance of stu...
Low-latency delivery of multiple video streams over a wireless channel

An emerging application for wireless local area networks is the distribution of high-quality video from so-called home media gateways to receivers throughout a local area. The challenge is to deliver streams reliably over a time-varying, error-prone wireless channel while meeting stringent latency constraints. It is also desirable to maximize the quality of concurrent streams that must share network resources. To address the problem of how to share network resources among streams, we introduce an algorithm for optimal channel-time allocation. An optimal allocation is one that maximizes the overall video quality of the streams given the transmission speed that is available to each receiver and the rate-distortion properties of each video sequence. We present solutions for several optimization objectives and show how the rate-distortion information needed for optimal allocation can be estimated on the fly from previous outputs of transcoders used in our system to control encoded rates. To address the problem of reliably delivering streams over an error-prone wireless channel when a latency constraint limits the amount of protective playout buffering that can be used, we introduce a scheduling algorithm that prioritizes packet transmissions. Transmissions are scheduled in order to maximize overall video quality when conditions make it unlikely that already-transcoded frames can all be delivered by their deadlines. We also show how Adaptive Media Playout (AMP), can be used to increase protective buffering without affecting user-perceived start-up latency. With the results of Markov chain analysis and simulation experiments we show how AMP can be used to greatly improve the reliability of a streaming system without adding perceived latency.
Learning to Extract Signature and Reply Lines from Email.

We describe methods for automatically identifying signature blocks and reply lines in plain-text email messages. This analysis has many potential applications, such as preprocessing email for text-to-speech systems; anonymization of email corpora; improving automatic content-based mail classifiers; and email threading. Our method is based on applying machine learning methods to a sequential representation of an email message, in which each email is represented as a sequence of lines, and each line is represented as a set of features. We compare several state-of-the-art sequential and non-sequential machine learning algorithms on different feature sets, and present experimental results showing that the presence of a signature block in a message can be detected with accuracy higher than 97%; that signature block lines can be identified with accuracy higher than 99%; and that signature block and reply lines can be simultaneously identified with accuracy of higher than 98%.
Impact of sediment dredging on sediment phosphorus flux in a restored riparian wetland

Abstract Many riverine wetlands have been drained for the creation of agricultural land; however, global declines in freshwater biodiversity have begun to motivate wetland restoration projects around the world. Legacy phosphorus (P) increases the risk that wetland restoration may liberate excess P to the water column and connecting waterbodies, resulting in a trade-off of restored habitat for degraded water quality. To avoid this trade-off, we dredged a former agricultural parcel prior to hydrologic reconnection, and evaluated restoration success by comparing sediment P dynamics before and after dredging. First, results from P adsorption isotherm experiments suggested that after dredging, the sediment would act as a sink for dissolved P only when water column soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations exceeded 40 μg L−1. Additionally, the dredging depth (~1 m on average) exposed sediment with significantly reduced P sorption capacities. Second, P release rates were measured in sediment cores that were incubated under two water temperatures (ambient; +2 °C) and two oxygen levels (oxic; hypoxic). Average maximum total phosphorus (TP) release rates ranged from 40 to 85 mg m−2 d−1 before dredging and from 0 to 7 mg m−2 d−1 after dredging, resulting in a 95–99% reduction in TP release rates after dredging. Similar reductions were measured also for SRP release rates. The significant reduction in sediment P release after dredging now creates a high potential for this restored wetland to reduce net P loads into downstream waters by facilitating the deposition and burial of particulate P. We conclude that sediment dredging can be a useful technique for balancing the goals of habitat restoration and water quality improvements in wetlands restored on former agricultural lands.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of sentinel lymph node detection in vulvar cancer by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy versus intraoperative detection alone.

Abstract Objective To determine cost-effectiveness of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) for detection of inguinofemoral sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). Method We compared the use of preoperative LSG prior to SLN excision versus omission of preoperative LSG. The two outcomes were death or survival. Costs associated with the procedure were determined by CPT code and published estimates. Cost analysis was performed using Treeage software, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. The measure of effectiveness was incremental survival benefit. ICER thresholds for considering LSG to be cost-effective were based on the value of a statistical life (VSL). Results Using a baseline probability of 0.93 for finding SLN with LSG, our model estimated LSG costs were $2783.84 with 84.7% survival. Our model then estimated the cost and survival without LSG by varying the SLN detection rate. Survival was equivalent when probability of SLN detection without LSG was 0.93. If detection without LSG was >0.93, not performing LSG was the dominant strategy. Costs were equal when probability of finding SLN without LSG was 0.6. For any SLN detection without LSG below 0.6, performing LSG was the dominant strategy. Formal cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using ICERs for probabilities from 0.60 to 0.93. In this range, costs were higher with LSG, but survival was improved. As long as the incremental detection with LSG was at least 1.05% to 1.47% higher, LSG was cost-effective with ICERs below the VSL. Conclusion In our model, LSG is cost-effective as long as it increases detection of SLN by at least 1.05–1.47%.
Madin-Darby canine kidney cell sialic acid receptor modulation induced by culture medium conditions: Implications for the isolation of influenza A virus.

Background The influenza A virus (IAV) binds to α-2,3- and α-2,6-linked sialic acid (SA) receptors expressed by Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The receptor distribution may therefore be important in regulating IAV propagation. Serum-free medium (SFM) avoids variability in conventional culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS), which can have variable composition and may contain endotoxins. However, little is known about the distribution of SA receptors on cells maintained in SFM. Objectives We assessed the influence of culture media on MDCK cell SA receptor distribution along with the effect of SA receptor distribution on IAV recovery. We hypothesized that SFM would increase the proportion of α-2,6-linked SA receptors present and alter isolate recovery. Methods Madin-Darby canine kidney cells were cultured in medium containing FBS and two SFMs. Cell surface distribution of α-2,6- and α-2,3-linked receptors was determined using flow cytometry. Recovery of swine- and avian-lineage IAVs from MDCK cells maintained in each medium was quantified as TCID50 . Results Madin-Darby canine kidney cells cultured in UltraMDCK SFM expressed both SA receptors and supported the growth of both swine- and avian-lineage IAVs. Cells maintained in other medium inconsistently expressed each receptor and the avian IAV grew to lower titers in cells cultured with FBS. Conclusions Medium conditions altered the distribution of SA receptors present on MDCK cells and affected IAV recovery. Culture in UltraMDCK SFM resulted in cells expressing both receptors and IAVs grew to higher titers than in the other culture condition, indicating that this medium may be useful for culturing IAV from multiple species.
Overcoming Institutional Barriers Faced by Community-Based Healthcare Institutions

Although community-based health institutions in the United States have a foundational history in grassroots advocacy and community autonomy, today they face multiple barriers in promoting their community’s values and addressing their community’s material, political, and health needs. The goals of this chapter are to identify the institutional barriers that community-based health institutions (CBHIs) in the United States face to promote health in their communities and to propose solutions to overcome these institutional barriers in order to return to CHC’s purpose of empowering local community members to eliminate health inequalities. I argue that one of the fundamental ways that U.S. community-based health institutions can overcome these barriers and foment the grassroots advocacy that shaped the community health center movement of the 1960s and 1970s, is if the United States implemented a single-payer universal healthcare system. Examining the effects of the implementation of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 on federally-qualified health centers, I will identify the institutional barriers that CBHIs face to deliver patient-centered care, empower marginalized populations, and circumvent constant fiscal threat. In response to each barrier, I propose recommendations which include legislative and regulatory recommendations, organizational changes, grassroots involvement, and finally, implementing a single-payer system.
Access to and Engagement in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Over Time.

Objective:This study evaluated whether access to and engagement in substance use disorder treatment has improved from 2010 to 2016.Methods:Data submitted by commercial and Medicaid health plans, re...
Engineered human myocardium with local release of angiogenic proteins improves vascularization and cardiac function in injured rat hearts

Heart regeneration after myocardial infarction requires new cardiomyocytes and a supportive vascular network. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of localized delivery of angiogenic factors from biomaterials within the implanted muscle tissue to guide growth of a more dense, organized, and perfused vascular supply into implanted engineered human cardiac tissue on an ischemia/reperfusion injured rat heart. We use large, aligned 3-dimensional engineered tissue with cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells in a collagen matrix that contains dispersed alginate microspheres as local protein depots. Release of angiogenic growth factors VEGF and bFGF in combination with morphogen sonic hedgehog from the microspheres into the local microenvironment occurs from the epicardial implant site. Analysis of the 3D vascular network in the engineered tissue via Microfil® perfusion and microCT imaging at 30 days shows increased volumetric network density with a wider distribution of vessel diameters, proportionally increased branching and length, and reduced tortuosity. Global heart function is increased in the angiogenic factor-loaded cardiac implants versus sham. These findings demonstrate for the first time the efficacy of a combined remuscularization and revascularization therapy for heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.
Seizure Freedom as an Outcome in Epilepsy Treatment Clinical Trials

Seizure freedom is recognized as the goal of epilepsy treatment by patients, families, and in treatment guidelines and is associated with notably improved quality of life. However, many studies of epilepsy treatments (including antiseizure medications/antiepileptic drugs, neurostimulation, and dietary therapies) fail to report data on seizure freedom. Even among studies that include this outcome, methods for defining and analyzing seizure freedom vary considerably. Thus, the available data are often difficult to interpret and comparisons between studies are particularly challenging. Although these issues had been identified over a decade ago, there remains a lack of clarity and standardized methods used in analyzing and reporting seizure freedom outcomes in studies of epilepsy treatments. In addition, it remains unclear whether short-term seizure freedom outcomes from pivotal clinical trials are predictive of longer-term seizure freedom outcomes for patients with treatment-refractory epilepsy. Ultimately, the limitations of the available data lead to the potential for misinterpretation and misunderstanding of seizure freedom outcomes associated with the spectrum of available treatments when examining treatment options for patients. Clearly defined outcome analyses of seizure freedom attainment and duration are essential in future clinical studies of treatment for seizures to guide treatment selection and modification for patients.