cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geoelectrical response of surfactant solutions in a quartzitic sand analog aquifer

Geoelectrical Response of Surfactant Solutions in a Quartzitic Sand Analog Aquifer by Meghan Therese Magill In this project, the resistivity and phase shift of ten surfactant aqueous solutions in a sand matrix were measured using spectral induced polarization (SIP). In addition, specific conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and dielectric constant measurements of the solutions were also evaluated. The frequency range assessed was 0.091-12000Hz. The surfactants, which are typically used in the remediation of tetrachloroethylene, were Aerosol MA 80-I, Dowfax 8390, and Steol CS-330. The surfactants were mixed into solutions of both deionized and tap water at varying concentrations and injected into a closed system of silica sand. The surfactant treatments altered resistivity, specific conductivity, and pH to varying degrees. Increased real and specific conductivities associated with surfactant presence support the work of Werkema (2008), and the correlation between real and specific conductivities indicates that the primary electrical conduction mechanism in quartz sand-water environment. A decrease in the pH response associated with high concentration surfactant solutions could impact subsurface organisms, potentially affecting bioremediation. Phase, dissolved oxygen, and dielectric constant response to surfactant showed little change from the control. The positive results suggest that geoelectrical changes may be an applicable property to map and monitor surfactant floods in the subsurface. In order to better understand how the
Cycling Through Migraine Preventive Treatments: Implications for All-Cause Total Direct Costs and Disease-Specific Costs.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disease associated with substantial economic burden. Among patients with migraine, it is unknown if cost differences exist when preventiv...
A Dynamic Trust Weight Allocation Technique for Data Reconstruction in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

Data accuracy and low energy consumption in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) are crucial attributes for real-time applications. Although there are many existing methods to reconstruct data for wireless sensor networks, there are few developed for highly mobile environments. We propose Dynamic Trust Weight Allocation Technique (DTWA), a novel in-network data reconstruction method that determines the trust level in the data accuracy of each candidate node by evaluating spatio-temporal correlations, trajectory behavior, quantity and quality of data, and the number of hops traveled by the received data from the source. DTWA is capable of evaluating second-hand data when there is no first-hand data available and selecting second-hand data when this last is more accurate than the first-hand data. Our results demonstrate that data reconstructed using DTWA depicts significantly lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) compared to the IMC method when tested for both low and high incomplete dataset scenarios.
Correlation of constitutive PD-1 resistance in HNC with GM-CSF expression and presence of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).

6049Background: PD-1 checkpoint blockade is active in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNC) with a response rate of ~18% and significant impact on survival. However, only a subset of patient...
Engage or Retreat Differential Game with Two Targets

We examine a two player, engage or retreat differential game, in which one player represents a mobile attacker and the opposing player represents a defender protecting two static, high-value targets. The Attacker chooses to terminate the game either by capturing any one of the two high-value targets or retreating to a defined retreat surface. The Defender’s sole goal, is to protect the high-value targets. It attempts to persuade the Attacker into retreat by manipulating the integral cost within the Attacker’s utility function. We pose this scenario as a non-zero sum differential game and show that the solution of this game can be constructed from the solutions of two related optimization problems. Additional path constraints are imposed on retreat trajectories in order to ensure the Attacker does not move into regions in which it becomes optimal to switch to engagement. The complete solution of the game divides the state-space into two regions with different qualitative agent behaviors. In one region, the Attacker engages the Target and the Defender responds by minimizing the Attacker’s utility. In the other region, the Attacker retreats and the Defender responds by maximizing the Attacker’s utility.
Some Problems With the Analytical Argument in Support of RP67 in the Context of the Bookmark Standard Setting Method.

The choice of response probability in the bookmark method has been shown to affect outcomes in important ways. These findings have implications for the validity of the bookmark method because panelists’ inability to internally adjust when given different response probabilities suggests that they are not performing the intended judgment task. In response to the concerns these findings raise, proponents of the bookmark method argue that such concerns can be addressed by using a response probability of .67. A crucial part of their argument includes the often-repeated claim that the .67 value corresponds with the maximum information for a correct response, which is believed to be beneficial in some way. In this article, it is shown that this claim is mistaken; that the formula upon which the .67 result is based is incorrect; that (for the relevant measurement model) there is no difference between the information for a correct response, for an incorrect response, or for the item overall; and, more generally, t...
Advanced Light Management in Photovoltaics using Dielectric Nano-Resonator Arrays

We describe advanced light management technique using a variety of dielectric nano-resonator arrays. Substantial enhancement of optoelectronic properties with silicon dioxide nano-resonator arrays is demonstrated for various photovoltaic materials including silicon and gallium arsenide. Based on calculations and macro-/nanoscale experiments, we reveal that the enhancement is a joint effect of the excitation of whispering gallery modes and thin-film interference. The suggested light management technique is further optimized by changing size, configuration, or materials of nano-resonators. We also suggest a novel configuration of nano-resonator arrays combining multiple materials including silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and titanium dioxide, that enhances the light absorption by more than 30 % for a silicon solar cell potentially surpassing a conventional thin-film-based antireflection technology based on complicated, costly fabrication processes.
Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Outpatient Cancer Surgery.

Objective: Our primary research aim was to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing outpatient cancer surgery. Our secondary aim was to examine the association between preoperative anxiety and negative intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing outpatient cancer surgery, including increased anesthesia requirements, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), extended overnight stay, total length of stay (LOS), transfer to hospital, surgical complications, and postoperative visits to urgent care centers (UCC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and its association with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing outpatient cancer surgery. Our retrospective cohort included 10,048 outpatient procedures performed on 8683 patients at a large comprehensive cancer center between January 1, 2016, and April 30, 2018. Results: The analysis included 8665 patients undergoing procedures at an outpatient facility over 16 months; 16.7% had preoperative anxiety. In patients with preoperative anxiety, higher rates of adverse outcomes were seen, including PONV (adjusted difference 1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12%, 3.4%, P = 0.029), unplanned overnight admission (adjusted difference 1.1%, 95% CI 0.07%, 2.0%, P = 0.021), and urgent care visits within 30 days (adjusted difference 1.5%, 95% CI 0.44%, 2.6%, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Even assuming a causal relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative outcomes, preventing one instance of PONV would require treating at least 30 patients for anxiety, and preventing longer-term outcomes such as urgent care visits or readmissions within 30 days would require treating even larger numbers of patients. Future studies should attempt to elucidate the causal pathway between preoperative anxiety and postoperative adverse events in outpatients undergoing outpatient cancer surgery.
Mobile Robots Healing Strategy for Event Coverage Holes in Wireless Sensor and Robot Networks

It is necessary for wireless sensor and robot networks(WSRNs) to meet the changing monitoring requirements and complex network environment. There will be many event coverage holes in the networks with the changing of monitoring tasks. The traditional network healing methods cannot adapt to the changing monitoring tasks and complex multi-constrained network environment. Mobile robots have good adaptability and mobility in dangerous and complex environment. Therefore, in this paper, an event coverage hole repairing model is proposed under a variety of constraints. Then, a joint event coverage hole repairing algorithm (JECHR) based on global optimization and local optimization is proposed to use mobile robots to repair event coverage holes in wireless sensor and robot networks. Unlike traditional coverage hole repairing methods, JECHR algorithm can effectively repair event coverage holes caused by the changes of monitoring scenarios and monitoring requirements. Simultaneously, it provides an optimal repairing strategy, which is suitable for a variety of complex scenarios and multi-constrained network environment. Finally, the performance of the JECHR algorithm is verified by network repairing experiments in the multi-constrained environment.
Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Prinsip Dalihan Natolu sebagai Hak Konstitusional Masyarakat Adat Batak Toba

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perlindungan hukum terhadap hak konstitusional masyarakat dalam nilai hukum “ dalihan natolu” sebagai bagian dari sistem hukum Indonesia untuk upaya penegakan hukum. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian normatif-empiris. Titik beratnya adalah penelitian kepustakaan ( library research ), sedangkan studi hukum sebagai kenyataan (perilaku) yang bersifat empiris dilakukan melalui penelitian terhadap perilaku atau pola tingkah laku masyarakat mengikuti nilai hukum dalihan natolu sebagai hukum yang hidup ( the living law. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlindungan hukum terhadap hak masyarakat adat Batak Toba, dijamin secara konstitusional dalam Pasal 18 ayat (2) jo. Pasal 28 I ayat (3) UUD Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia sepanjang masih eksis sebagai sub sistem hukum Indonesia juga sebagai identitas budaya dan hak masyarakat tradisional yang merupakan hak asasi manusia yang harus dihormati. Sebagai sub sistem hukum, prinsip dalihan natolu, juga mempunyai tata cara dan pembagian tugas yang tegas antara ketiga unsur kekeluargaan/kekerabatan dalam menyelesaikan konflik yang terjadi antara kerabat yang terikat dalam prinsip dalihan natolu . Di samping itu, secara yuridis, ditentukan bahwa hakim dan hakim konstitusi sebagai penegak hukum wajib untuk selalu mengikuti perkembangan nilai-nilai hukum dan keadilan masyarakat dalam mengadili dan memutuskan perkara yang dihadapkan kepadanya. This research aims to determine the legal protection of the constitutional rights of the community in the legal value of "dalihan natolu" as part of the Indonesian legal system for law enforcement efforts. This research is a normative-empirical research. The emphasis is on library research, whereas legal studies as facts (behavior) are empirical conducted research on behavior or behavioral patterns of society that apply the legal values of dalihan natolu as a living law. The results show that the legal protection of the constitutional rights of the Toba Batak indigenous people is guaranteed constitutionally within the Constitution of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as long as it still exists as a sub-integral of the Indonesian legal system and remains recognized in law enforcement efforts, because as a sub-system of law, the principle of dalihan natolu, also has a clear procedure and division of tasks between the three elements of kinship or kinship in resolving conflicts that occur between relatives who are bound in the principle of dalihan natolu. The reality of the validity of the principle of natolu dalihan is supported by the constitutional recognition of the state and reinforced by the granting of rights to customary law communities as parties to the dispute in the Constitutional Court. In addition, the obligation of judges and constitutional judges as law enforcers to always follow the development of legal values and justice of the community in splving and deciding cases faced to them.
Test of a Hybrid Method of Sampling the LGBT Population: Web Respondent Driven Sampling with Seeds from a Probability Sample

This article presents the results of a pilot feasibility study comparing two alternative recruitment approaches based on Respondent Driven Sampling using initial seeds selected from a US nationally representative panel, AmeriSpeak, to augment the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) respondents to a short web survey on smoking, discrimination, and health. In the nomination condition after completing the survey both LGBT and non-LGBT seeds were invited to share the names and email address of up to four LGBT persons they knew. In the recruitment condition, seeds were given four unique PINs and links to the survey to distribute to LGBT persons. Both conditions were successful in producing new LGBT respondents. The recruitment condition was much more productive. LGBT seeds (and their recruits) were much connected to and willing to contact other LGBT people they knew to participate in a survey. Comparisons of characteristics and responses from the initial samples and the LGBT referrals as well as comparisons to LGB samples from a large national survey are presented. Results demonstrate the promise of this hybrid technique for increasing the number of LGBT respondents through referrals from an initial probability based sample.
Intratumor heterogeneity could inform the use and type of postoperative adjuvant therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND After surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), decisions regarding adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are based on staging and the presence of high-risk pathology. Because higher mutant allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH; a measure of intratumor genetic heterogeneity) is associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC, the authors sought to determine whether MATH analysis might further inform these decisions. METHODS Adjuvant therapy-associated relationships between MATH and OS were analyzed for 389 patients with HNSCC who were treated surgically. Data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and analyzed with Cox proportional hazards multiple regression accounting for 7 other patient characteristics. RESULTS The relationship between MATH and OS differed with adjuvant therapy in a way that could inform therapy decisions. Adjuvant RT alone was found to provide substantial benefit for patients having high-MATH tumors (RT vs no adjuvant therapy: hazard ratio, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.17-0.51]) but no benefit for those having low-MATH tumors. In contrast, adjuvant CRT provided no benefit beyond that of adjuvant RT for patients with high-MATH tumors but substantially improved OS among patients with low-MATH tumors (CRT vs no adjuvant therapy: hazard ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15-0.78]). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current analysis suggested that patients with HNSCC with high-MATH tumors who underwent surgical treatment could benefit from adjuvant RT, even when current clinical guidelines indicate otherwise. The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with high-MATH tumors would not be indicated. Adding chemotherapy might be necessary to radiosensitize low-MATH tumors to adjuvant RT. This potential predictive role of tumor MATH analysis should be evaluated in prospective clinical trials.
Influence of flow direction and turbulence intensity on heat transfer of utility-scale photovoltaic solar farms

Abstract High operation temperatures in photovolatics (PV) strongly reduce efficiency, reduce panel lifetime, and negatively influence the cost of energy. Here, the convective heat transfer coefficient for a utility-scale solar farm is studied with combined thermal and particle-image-velocimetry measurements in a scaled wind tunnel experiment. Two key factors that have critical roles in modifying the overall efficiency, the turbulent inflow condition and the panel configuration, are investigated. The combination of Reynolds shear stress and buoyancy causes upward flow entrainment, increases the mixing mechanisms and the Nusselt number. Results show how variations in the turbulent inflow can increase the convective heat transfer by at least 7%. Further, increasing the panels inclination angle enhances convection up to an angle of approximately 30°, with more substantial increases measured when the mean flow approaches the solar array from the back.
Aging lowers PEX5 levels in cortical neurons in male and female mouse brains.

Abstract Peroxisomes exist in nearly every cell, oxidizing fats, synthesizing lipids and maintaining redox balance. As the brain ages, multiple pathways are negatively affected, but it is currently unknown if peroxisomal proteins are affected by aging in the brain. While recent studies have investigated a PEX5 homolog in aging C. elegans models and found that it is reduced in aging, it is unclear if PEX5, a mammalian peroxisomal protein that plays a role in peroxisomal homeostasis and degradation, is affected in the aging brain. To answer this question, we first determined the amount of PEX5, in brain homogenates from young (3 months) and aged (26 through 32+ months of age) wild-type mice of both sexes. PEX5 protein was decreased in aged male brains, but this reduction was not significant in female brains. RNAScope and real-time qPCR analyses showed that Pex5 mRNA was also reduced in aged male brain cortices, but not in females. Immunohistochemistry assays of cortical neurons in young and aged male brains showed that the amount of neuronal PEX5 was reduced in aged male brains. Cortical neurons in aged female mice also had reduced PEX5 levels in comparison to younger female mice. In conclusion, total PEX5 levels and Pex5 gene expression both decrease with age in male brains, and neuronal PEX5 levels lower in an age-dependent manner in the cortices of animals of both sexes.
Pathways to eliminate carbon emissions via renewable energy investments at higher education institutions

Abstract Higher education institutions are among the many public and private sector entities that have committed to long-term sustainability goals in response to the threat of climate change. A key challenge for these institutions is establishing a commitment to make targeted investments in renewable energy technologies in support of emissions reduction goals. Such strategies require a vision to simultaneously coordinate strategic investments in renewable energy technologies with tactical operational decisions to achieve the desired benefits. In this paper, we formulate and solve a least-cost renewable energy capacity investment planning model to determine pathways to achieve emissions reduction strategies. Specifically, we apply our model to Rutgers University to evaluate its target of 100 % carbon neutrality. Using these insights, we share recommendations on how these strategies can be executed. This research serves as a springboard for administrators to assess and deploy their emissions reduction strategies, while ensuring system and financial constraints are satisfied.
Asian Americans’ Communicative Responses to COVID-19 Discrimination in Application of Co-Cultural Theory

Early news coverage of COVID-19 influenced public suspicions of Asians as being the origin and carriers of the disease, and stigmatizing and racist terms (e.g., “Kung flu”, “Chinese virus”, “Wuhan ...
Stranger in a Strange Land: The Importance of Remembering and the Consequences of Forgetting

Anthony Burgess once said: “It's always good to remember where you come from and celebrate it. To remember where you come from is part of where you're going.” The United States must wake up and recognize that there are many urgent problems that need fixing. For one, 25% of children in the United States live in poverty – the highest among all developed nations. The income of the middle class peaked in 1999 and has been either stagnant or declining since then. The Bible actually states the secret of what it takes for a country (or individual) to prosper. Moses mentioned it several times in the Book of Deuteronomy a few weeks before he died – shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Moses emphasized the importance of “And you shall remember that you were slaves in Egypt.” A country that thrives is one where the people remember the hardships that their own families had to endure in the past, and then do everything possible for others to succeed. We cannot remain a world power if we have no compassion for those struggling to make ends meet, i.e., the working poor and undocumented immigrants.
The Indications for and the Results of the Use of Novasurol, With Reports of Seven Cases

Excerpt The value of novasurol as a diuretic of hitherto unprecedented efficiency has come to be recogized during the past seven years. The first account of its use as a diuretic was given by Saxl ...
Adapted Physical Education Practicum

(1976). Adapted Physical Education Practicum. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 47, No. 6, pp. 39-41.
Consumer Preferences for National Brands and Private Labels: Do Business Cycles Matter?

Over 150 categories of consumer package goods, both national brands and private labels, are sold in U.S. supermarkets and this paper examines changes in market shares for these goods for one supermarket chain. This chain operates in most states but data used in Case Study 1 of this research covers 140 supermarkets across three states. These data are available for 2011–2013 and results show market share gains for private labels within 62 categories. The data period used has been one of economic growth for the U.S. and therefore market share gains for private labels cannot be attributed to declining disposable income. Rather, market share growth for private labels is most likely due to shifting consumer preferences. A second data set is used for Case Study 2 of this research and these data come from the same supermarket chain. Consumer preferences for breakfast cereals and coffee are analyzed and these data show significant growth of private labels among all consumers, but this growth is especially pronounced for lower-income consumers. These expressed preferences support the premise that lower-income consumers have higher price-sensitivity and higher propensities for purchasing private labels.
Probabilistic Methods in Multicast Key Management

The Logical Key Hierarchy (LKH) scheme and its derivatives are among the most efficient protocols for multicast key management. Traditionally, the key distribution tree in an LKH-based protocol is organized as a balanced binary tree, which gives a uniform O(log n) complexity for compromise recovery for an n-member group. In this paper, we study improving the performance of LKH-based key distribution protocols by organizing the LKH tree with respect to the members' rekeying probabilities instead of keeping a uniform balanced tree. We propose two algorithms which combine ideas from data compression with the special requirements of multicast key management. Simulation results show that these algorithms can reduce the cost of multicast key management significantly, depending on the variation of rekey characteristics among group members.
Returns to Postincarceration Education for Former Prisoners

Objectives I estimate the returns to education for individuals who attain education after an incarceration spell. Methods Returns to labor supply and wages are estimated using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and a variety of regression and matching techniques. Results A positive relationship is found between postincarceration education and labor outcomes, especially for college completion. The General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is not associated with direct benefits. Conclusions The returns to post-incarceration education are positive but diminished, implying that programs targeted at college completion may best serve prisoners after release.
Single-frame dual-voltage generator, AC and DC output with independent control

Numerous examples are evident of the need for a compact electric generator that can provide dual independently controlled AC and DC voltage outputs for such applications as standby service, aircraft and vehicle electrical systems, and other applications. The generator described here utilizes radial air-gap magnetic fields of different pole numbers with dual stator and field windings, which also might be combined. The pole numbers are selected for the magnetic fields to be orthogonal, i.e., noninterfering. The article describes winding patterns, anticipated performance, and trade-offs between a dual-voltage generator and two separate generators.
Genetic monitoring of trout movement after culvert remediation: family matters 1

We contrasted various genetic analyses to evaluate their utility and constraints for detecting movement of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) through restored culverts in different field settings: population-level metrics of genetic variability (heterozygosity and allelic richness); Bayesian clustering and assignment of individual genotypes from age 1+ fish; and a novel "sib-split" approach, where movement patterns are extracted from the spatial distribution of young-of-year (YOY) full-sibling groups inferred via pedigree reconstruction. Family structure greatly influenced population-level and individual clustering results in our small headwater populations, even though field sampling was implemented to avoid siblings. Sib-split, which uses family structure to detect movement, uncovered passage of YOY just weeks after emergence. When retrospectively applied to older individuals, it proved essential in interpreting clustering patterns and captured passage in several families of 1- and 2-year-olds. Where family structuring may negatively affect genetic analyses or, alternatively, be prominent enough to allow application of sib-split is difficult to predict a priori; we discuss benefits and limitations of all approaches under different ecological, spatial, and management scenarios. Resume : Nous avons compare differentes methodes d'analyse genetique afin d'evaluer leur utilite et leurs limites pour ce qui est de detecter les deplacements de la truite fardee (Oncorhynchus clarkii) par des ponceaux remis en etat dans differents contextes de terrain. Ces analyses comprennent des mesures de la variabilite genetique (heterozygotie et richesse allelique) au niveau de la population, le regroupement bayesien et l'affectation de genotypes individuels de poissons de plus de 1 an, ainsi qu'une nouvelle approche dite de « sib-split », dans laquelle les motifs de deplacement sont extraits de la repartition spatiale de groupes de fratrie de jeunes de l'annee (YOY) inferes ala lumiere de la reconstitution de l'ascendance. La structure familiale influencait considerablement les resultats au niveau de la population et ceux du regroupement des individus dans nos petites populations d'amont, meme si l'echantillonnage sur le terrain etait concu pour eviter la fratrie. La methode sib-split, qui repose sur la structure familiale pour detecter les deplacements, a detecte le passage de YOY quelques semaines seulement apres l'emergence. Appliquee de maniere retrospective ades individus plus âges, elle s'est averee essentielle dans l'interpretation des motifs de regroupement et a releve les passages dans plusieurs familles d'individus de 1 an et de 2 ans. Il est difficile de prevoir les situations ou la structure de la famille pourrait avoir un effet negatif sur les analyses genetiques ou etre suffisamment forte pour permettre l'application de l'approche sib-split. Nous abordons les avantages et limites de toutes les approches dans differents scenarios ecologiques, spatiaux et de gestion. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Weakly-Coupled Higgs Bosons

We review the search for the standard Higgs boson, the Higgs bosons of the supersymmetric standard model, and Higgs bosons from a variety of other models at present and future colliders.
Individual differences in hyperlipidemia and vitamin E status in response to chronic alcohol self-administration in cynomolgus monkeys.

Background Chronic ethanol self-administration induces oxidative stress and exacerbates lipid peroxidation. α-Tocopherol is a potent lipid antioxidant and vitamin that is dependent upon lipoprotein transport for tissue delivery.
The Emerging Role of Telemedicine in the Evaluation of Sports-Related Concussion

Sports-related concussion is a highly prevalent and underreported neurologic condition which can present with a number of symptoms including headache, dizziness, cognitive complaints, emotional changes, and sleep disruption. Unrecognized and untreated concussions and post-concussive symptoms can leave an athlete at risk for exposure to further injury which may result in prolonged or permanent symptoms, or second-impact syndrome which can be fatal. Exposure to repeated concussions is felt to correlate to the development of neurodegenerative conditions and pathological changes seen postmortem beyond what would be expected in the general population. Although professional sports leagues have taken several measures to ensure the health and safety of its athletes, more susceptible populations including collegiate and youth athletes do not have similar access to concussion care. Telemedicine has been shown to be a highly reliable, safe, and effective means through which subspecialized neurologic care can be delivered to populations in need. Although teleconcussion programs have been initiated at various levels of play, there are currently no data to support their routine use.
Time dependent damage in half-plane part 2: Traction loading

Abstract Transient time dependent stress and strain distribution are obtained for a half-plane made of 4340 steel. A traction load is applied dynamically at a global strain rate of 5·10 2 s −1 . Unlike the classical theory of incremental plasticity, that assumes the same constitutive relation for all elements, the surface/volume energy density theory derives the uniaxial constitutive equation for each element individually according to the local strain rate and strain rate history. Meterial elements are shown to undergo cooling and heating as a result of thermal/mechanical interaction. The equivalent uniaxial response for the traction boundary condition therefore differed from that of the displacement boundary condition considered in Part 1 [1] of this communication. Effective stress and effective strain variations for the local elements next to the applied load exhibited considerable softening after hardening while the plasticity solution increased monotonically. These differences are attributed to the neglect of dilatational and change in local strain rate effects in plasticity in addition to assuming that unloading is parallel to the load path. Damage of the material elements is also discussed in connection with the surface and volume energy density when they reach their respective critical values.
SMD Simulations of a K+ Ion in the KcsA Channel

Ample evidence indicates that carbonyl groups on amino acids in the selectivity filter are responsible for K+ selectivity by the KcsA potassium channel, although the mechanism of K+ selectivity is incompletely understood. Here we present results of steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations of ion movement through the length of the KcsA channel. Our goal was to determine whether peaks in potential mean of force (PMF) within the selectivity filter, which would indicate strong coordination of the K+, could be identified by SMD. One K+ ion was placed in position S1 of a KcsA tetramer that had been inserted in a POPC bilayer and solvated in water, and the system was minimized and equilibrated. A 5 ns simulation was initiated with a force of 1 kcal/mol/A2 for a fictitious spring and atom that drags the K+ though the channel with a speed of 10 A/ns. As the ion was moved from the central water-filled cavity in the channel through the selectivity filter, four regions of very rapid step-wise change in PMF were found in the channel. Each relative peak and subsequent rapid drop in PMF corresponds to a region in the selectivity filter that has been identified as a site for ion binding (S1, S2, S3 and S4). Another region of very rapid change in the PMF was found in a region corresponding to a ring of 4 amino acids (THR 107) where the channel is constricted to its smallest radius of about 2.5 A. This region of the protein is relatively rigid. The PMF profile of different monovalent cations and the effect of amino acid substitutions near the constricted region of the channel on the selectivity of KcsA are the subject of ongoing investigations.
Applications of technology to teach social skills to children with autism

Abstract Children with autism spectrum disorder show deficits in social skills such as initiating conversation, responding in social situations, social problem-solving, and others. These deficits are targeted through the use of social skills interventions, some of which use a technology-based approach as a resource-efficient alternative to common forms of instruction. The current literature review aims to (a) determine the number of empirical studies using a technology-based social skills intervention, (b) explore the features of social skills targeted in these studies, and (c) analyze the number of studies reporting reliability of the dependent and independent variables. Results indicate that a majority of the studies relied on a video or DVD to deliver the intervention (modeling or feedback), were conducted in school settings, and targeted more than one social skill. The most common social skill addressed was initiating conversation followed by play skills. All but one study included standardized assessment before treatment; however, none of the studies used a published social skills assessment. Like previous research, reliability of the dependent variables was common; however, reliability of the independent variables was infrequent.
The Weddell-Scotia Confluence

Abstract The Weddell-Scotia Confluence is the zone separating the waters of the Weddell Sea from those of the Scotia Sea. Available historical hydrographic station data were examined to improve the description of this boundary zone from its western limit near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (∼55°W) to 20°W. Vertical sections of potential temperature, salinity, oxygen and density, as well as horizontal property distributions, confirm that the waters in the western part of the Weddell-Scotia Confluence are more homogeneous in the vertical than the surrounding waters and that, at depth, this zone is characterized by relatively low temperatures and salinities and high oxygen values. Near the sea surface, on the other hand, the confluence is characterized by relatively high salinities and low oxygen values. The distinguishing characteristics attenuate toward the east. Previous speculation has been that the relative homogeneity of this zone is due to vertical convection driven during winter by ice f...
Where Are the Leaders? Music, Culture, and Contemporary Feminism

This article examines how cultural dynamics shape leaders' agency by investigating who is seen as articulating contemporary feminism. The author finds that many contemporary feminists have difficulty identifying leaders visible beyond their own communities, and when asked to identify those who are articulating contemporary feminism, many identify nationally known music icons. This results in “emotional mobilization,” empowering feminists, but does not translate into wide-scale mobilization or into the development of widely recognized leaders. This work investigates how leadership in contemporary feminism departs from standard sociological ideas about how leaders shape and influence movements, with some of the most influential contemporary feminists taking an antileadership stance.
Retinitis pigmentosa, growth hormone deficiency and acromelic skeletal dysplasia in two male siblings: possible familial RHYNS syndrome

The combination of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), hypopituitarism, and acromelic, skeletal dysplasia has been rarely observed. Here we report two brothers with RP, growth hormone deficiency and skeletal dysplasia. The proband was diagnosed with RP at age 9 years after short history of blurred vision; his electroretinogram (ERG) was markedly abnormal. Endocrinologic evaluation because of short stature 5 years later was consistent with growth hormone deficiency; gonadotropin deficiency was also confirmed. At 14 years his examination showed the height below the 5th percentile, mild facial asymmetry without ptosis, and acromelic shortening of distal extremities. The proband's brother was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at age 3 years and retinitis pigmentosa at 7 years; ERG was abnormal. He had a history of severe ptosis and mild hearing loss. Examination at age 10 years showed bilateral ptosis, facial asymmetry with right sided maxillary hypoplasia, prognathia and acromelic shortening. Both brothers had normal renal ultrasound. A routine chromosomal analysis was normal. The family history was non-contributory without known consanguinity; both parents were reportedly normal. The concurrence of RP, hypopituitarism and skeletal dysplasia is very rare. Two unrelated boys with similar features plus renal impairment were reported previously, and a potential syndrome RHYNS was suggested (Retinitis pigmentosa, Hypopituitarism, Nephronophtisis and Skeletal dysplasia). We propose that the clinical picture of these brothers is consistent with RHYNS and that they represent the first instance of a familial occurrence of this syndrome. RP, hypopituitarism and acromelic skeletal dysplasia are cardinal features of RHYNS syndrome and were present in all four reported cases. Nepronophtisis may be absent, at least at the beginning of the disease. The presence of RHYNS in two siblings supports an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. However, since all 4 known cases are males, this condition may be inherited as an X-linked disorder. Even though we did not detect a microdeletion, this clinical variability may be due to contiguous genes syndrome.
Dissolved ammonia sensing in complex mixtures using metalloporphyrin-based optoelectronic sensor and spectroscopic detection

Abstract We demonstrate dissolved ammonia (NH3) sensing in complex mixtures using an optoelectronic sensor comprising a composite sensing material based on a metalloporphyrin zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) and spectroscopic detection. The metalloporphyrin dye is incorporated within ion-exchange polymeric microbeads arranged in a microfluidic array. Spectroscopic analysis at multiple wavelengths allows sensitive detection in complex backgrounds. The sensor shows preferential sensitivity to ppm levels of concentrations of NH3 dissolved in water, as well as in human saliva, making it relevant for medical diagnostic applications (e.g. detection of stomach bacterial infections). The microfluidic platform and a miniaturized optical arrangement provide a potential for the development of a portable low-power sensor for detection of dissolved ammonia for a variety of applications.
Vascular inflammation as a therapeutic target for prevention of cardiovascular disease

This is a dynamic and exciting time in cardiovascular medicine. Recent advances in understanding of the biologic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis and its acute complications have led to the identification of multiple new therapeutic targets. Inflammation is a fundamental contributor to atherosclerosis and its complications. Elevated inflammatory markers in prospective trials have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk among healthy individuals as well as those at higher risk because of the presence of other risk factors or known coronary disease. Some, but not all, standard therapies for prevention of cardiovascular disease have anti-inflammatory effects, effects that might contribute importantly to their observed clinical benefits. Specific targeting of the inflammatory process may result in improved and more effective treatments for control and prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, ultimate strategies that target inflammation will have to be developed cautiously because interference with the inflammatory process may have harmful, as well as beneficial, effects. At the present time, primary prevention and treatment of those risk factors known to initiate and propagate the disease (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking) should remain the focus of preventive cardiovascular strategies. However promising, before specific therapies targeting the inflammatory process can become a mainstay of preventive cardiovascular strategies, additional prospective, randomized trials are necessary to test directly their benefits and safety.
A simple, inexpensive stimulus waveform generator

A simple circuit for a sine wave generator is described. The total cost for construction is approximately $30.00. At present, the unit is used to generate a sinusoidally modulated light stimulus for steady state visual evoked response experiments. Modifications of the circuit for other applications are discussed.
Proteomic analysis of S-nitrosylation and denitrosylation by resin-assisted capture

We have modified the biotin switch assay for protein S-nitrosothiols (SNOs), using resin-assisted capture (SNO-RAC). Compared with existing methodologies, SNO-RAC requires fewer steps, detects high-mass S-nitrosylated proteins more efficiently, and facilitates identification and quantification of S-nitrosylated sites by mass spectrometry. When combined with iTRAQ labeling, SNO-RAC revealed that intracellular proteins may undergo rapid denitrosylation on a global scale. This methodology is readily adapted to analyzing diverse cysteine-based protein modifications, including S-acylation.
The thyroid in the spontaneously hypertensive rat: A light and electron microscopic study

The present study was undertaken to seek ultrastructural changes in the thyroid gland of the spontaneously hypertensive rat which would contribute to the understanding of previously reported abnormalities in thyroid function. Light and electron microscopic observations and measurements of plasma T3 and systolic blood pressure were recorded from a colony of Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The systolic blood pressure of SHR was significantly higher than that of WKY but the plasma T3 levels of the two groups did not differ significantly. After administration of propylthiouracil (PTU), serum T3 levels and systolic pressure of both groups decreased. The size of the thyroid follicles in SHR was highly variable throughout the gland, and the colloid contained unevenly dense areas and cell debris. The follicular cells contained slightly dilated rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and numerous pleomorphic bodies of uneven density. After treatment with PTU, the vessels between the follicles of SHR did not become as dilated as those in WKY but the fine structure of follicular cells in SHR was similar to that of WKY and was characteristic of the typical thyroid response to PTU administration. We suggest that the thyroid in SHR does not respond adequately to the elevated TSH levels reported to be present in these animals, although it can respond to the highly elevated TSH levels which occur with PTU administration. This impairment most probably involves defects in synthesis and/or secretion of thyroid hormones in response to TSH stimulation.
Game: Genetic algorithm for minimization of energy, an interactive program for three-dimensional intermolecular interactions

Abstract An interactive FORTRAN-77 program GAME has been developed for three-dimensional intermolecular interactions of molecular clusters or docking problems. In this note the essential features of the program are described. The source code can be compiled and run on most computer environments such as VAX/VMS, Unix and IBM and is available upon request.
Ecological release and directional change in White Sands lizard trophic ecomorphology

A species’ trophic ecomorphology can change drastically following the colonization of a new environment. Resource shifts may result in dietary change of colonists and therefore, the evolution of ecomorphological adaptations such as changes in bite force, head, and body size. To understand the drivers and dynamics of ecomorphological change after colonization we studied prey availability, diet, performance, and morphology in three lizard species (Aspidoscelis inornata, Holbrookia maculata, and Sceloporus cowlesi) in the ecologically distinct environment of White Sands, New Mexico. White Sands, which formed within the last 6,000 years, was most likely colonized by nearby “dark soils” populations. Therefore, for each species we compared White Sands individuals to conspecific inhabiting the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert habitat. The White Sands habitat had higher prey morphospecies richness, increased breadth of prey orders, and a higher percentage of hard-bodied prey than the dark soils habitat. Differences in prey availability in White Sands and dark soils habitats were reflected in lizard diets. Specifically, morphospecies richness and percentage of hard bodied prey were higher in the diet of White Sands lizards compared to dark soils lizards. These similarities in resource use across the three species in two habitats indicated parallel responses to a shared environment. Although some dietary shifts in the three species were predictable and reflected prey availability, differences in performance and morphology traits indicated different ecological responses in each species. In general, average prey hardness was higher in the two White Sands species that had stronger absolute bite force and larger absolute head size. While White Sands lizards generally also included a larger proportion of hard prey in their diets, had higher absolute bite-force, head size, and body size than dark soils lizards, the magnitude of these differences varied across species.