cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitality models found useful in modeling tag-failure times in acoustic-tag survival studies

Acoustic telemetry studies often rely on the assumption that premature tag failure does not affect the validity of inferences. However, in some cases this assumption is possibly or likely invalid and it is necessary to apply a correction to estimation procedures. The question of which approaches and specific models are best suited to modeling acoustic tag failures has received little research attention. In this short communication, we present a meta-analysis of 42 acoustic tag-life studies, originally used to correct survival studies involving outmigrating juvenile salmonids in the Columbia/Snake river basin. We compare the performance of nine alternative parametric models including common failure–time/survival models and the vitality models of Li and Anderson Theor Popul Biol 76:118–131, (2009) and Demogr Res 28:341–372, (2013). The tag-life studies used acoustic tags from three different tag manufacturers, had expected lifetimes between 12 and 61 days, and had dry weights ranging from 0.22 to 1.65 g. In 57% of the cases, the vitality models of Li and Anderson Theor Popul Biol 76:118–131, (2009) and Demogr Res 28:341–372, (2013) fit the tag-failure times best. The vitality models were also the second-best choices in 17% of the cases. Together, the vitality models, log-logistic, (19%), and gamma models (14%) accounted for 90% of the models selected. Unlike more traditional failure–time models (e.g., Weibull, Gompertz, gamma, and log-logistic), the vitality models are capable of characterizing both the early onset of tag failure due to manufacturing errors and the anticipated battery life. We provide further guidance on appropriate sample sizes (50–100 tags) and procedures to be considered when applying precise tag-life corrections in release–recapture survival studies.
Hedgehog produced by the drosophila wing imaginal disc induces distinct responses in three target tissues.

Hedgehog (Hh) is an evolutionarily conserved signaling protein that has essential roles in animal development and homeostasis. We investigated Hh signaling in the region of the Drosophila wing imaginal disc that produces Hh and is near the tracheal air sac primordium (ASP) and myoblasts. Hh distributes in concentration gradients in the anterior compartment of the wing disc, ASP, and myoblasts, and activates genes in each tissue. Some targets of Hh signal transduction are common to the disc, ASP, and myoblasts, whereas others are tissue-specific. Signaling in the three tissues is cytoneme-mediated and cytoneme-dependent. Some ASP cells project cytonemes that receive both Hh and Branchless (Bnl, a Drosophila FGF), and some targets regulated by Hh signaling in the ASP are also dependent on Bnl signal transduction. We conclude that the single source of Hh in the wing disc regulates cell type-specific responses in three discreet target tissues.
Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Among Commercially Insured Patients in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study uses commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data to compare medication fills, outpatient visits, and urine tests for opioid use disorder in January-May 2020 vs 2019.
Infected port-a-cath leading to subpectoral and sterno-manubrial abscess

Sterno-manubrium and subpectoral abscess have been rarely reported in literature. If the diagnosis and treatment are not properly performed, a soft tissue abscess can cause serious complications such as sepsis or even death. Therefore, awareness of such conditions is essential for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Here, we report a case of sterno-manubrial and subpectoral abscess with significant destruction of cartilage due to extension from an infected subclavian porta-a-cath. Our management started with intravenous antibiotic therapy initially; however, due to lack of clinical resolution, incision and drainage followed by serial debridements were performed, highlighting importance of awareness of uncommon presentation.
Effects of temporary psychiatric holds on length of stay and readmission risk among persons admitted for psychotic disorders.

Abstract The practice of involuntary psychiatric commitment is central to the acute treatment of persons with severe mental illness and others in psychiatric crisis. Deciding whether a patient should be admitted involuntarily requires weighing respect for autonomy against beneficence, considering the clinical needs of the patient, and navigating ambiguous legal standards. The relative dearth of information about the impact of involuntary commitment on objective patient outcomes complicates matters ethically, legally, and clinically. To address this gap in the literature, we sought to determine the association between temporary psychiatric holds and length of stay and readmission rates among a retrospective sample of adult patients admitted to a large psychiatric hospital with diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mania, and other psychotic disorders. In total, we identified 460 patients and 559 unique encounters meeting our inclusion criteria; 90 of the encounters were voluntary (involving a temporary psychiatric hold) and 469 were involuntary. Univariable and multivariable analyses suggested that temporary psychiatric holds were not significantly associated with either length of stay or readmission rate. These findings are relevant to clinicians who must decide whether to admit a patient involuntarily, as they suggest that making a patient involuntary is not associated with differences in length of stay or readmission risk.
Taxonomy and Evolution of Sea Otters

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are members of the Mustelidae family, a monophyletic basal group of arctoid carnivores. They are the only member of the otter clade (subfamily Lutrinae; 13 extant species) that is fully aquatic (i.e., foraging, giving birth, raising offspring) in the marine environment, although they may occasionally rest on land. Lutrinae diverged from other mustelid lineages ~8 Mya in Eurasia. The earliest lineage to diverge from Eurasian otters ~5 Mya were the ancestors of sea otters (Enhydra). From the late Miocene to early Pliocene, a sister group of modern sea otters, Enhydritherium, was present in Eurasia. One hypothesis is that this group dispersed around the northern rim of the North Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf of Mexico. From there, E. terraenovae disseminated into the Pacific Ocean through the Central American Seaway. There it presumably gave rise to Enhydra (3–1 Mya), which is found only in the North Pacific Ocean. An alternative hypothesis is that Enhydra evolved in the North Atlantic and entered the North Pacific through the Arctic Ocean and Bering Straits. Today there exists one species of sea otter with three subspecies based on geographical and morphological differences.
Prevalence and Predictors of Background Television Among Infants and Toddlers from Low-Income Homes

Abstract TV use could be detrimental to children’s development because it may displace enriching activities like shared reading and caregiver-child interaction or disrupt children’s interactions with the adults in their lives by distracting both parties. Some prior research has shown that demographic factors (maternal education, siblings) and maternal mental health (depression risk and parenting stress) may predict household TV, but findings are mixed. Household TV is defined here as whether or how much the TV is on in the home. In the current study, we examine the following research questions: (a) what is the prevalence of household TV (i.e., whether or how much the TV is on) in the homes of infants and toddlers in a sample of families from low-income homes? and (b) do demographic characteristics (i.e., maternal education level and presence of siblings in the home), and maternal mental health (i.e., depression risk and parenting stress) predict household TV (i.e., whether or how much the TV is on)? Mothers (N = 220) reported on their household TV, education level, siblings in the home, depression risk, and parenting stress when children were four to seven months of age and again at 15–19 months of age. Results showed a high level of household TV, especially during infancy. Furthermore, education level, but not siblings, depression risk, or parenting stress, was related to household TV during infancy and toddlerhood. These findings are discussed in relation to prior research and the potential for informing future interventions or education efforts.
Time-dependent power law function for the post-dealloying chemical coarsening of nanoporous gold derived using small-angle X-ray scattering

Abstract Dealloyed nanoporous gold spontaneously coarsens when exposed to moderate temperatures (thermal coarsening), or to non-inert gases or liquids at room temperature (chemical coarsening). Although considerable research has been done on post-dealloying thermal coarsening, little attention has been paid to post-dealloying chemical coarsening, occurring not during, but after dealloying. Here, we use small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) techniques to study the post-dealloying chemical coarsening behavior of dealloyed nanoporous gold samples aged in nitric acid over the course of 6 days at room temperature. A quantitative relationship between the ligament size and coarsening time is derived. Typically, our SAXS data reveals that the ligament size in nanoporous gold chemically coarsens according to a ∼1/4 time-dependent power law, which is characteristic of a surface diffusion-dominated process. The derived relationship between the ligament size and coarsening time will guide the design of nanoporous gold with desired structure size to optimize its (electro)chemical properties.
Shift-register sequences and spread-spectrum communications

The maximum length linear shift register sequences, called M-sequences, have several properties suggestive of randomness. These "randomness properties" make the M-sequences particularly useful in many applications which are referred to as "spread spectrum", and more specifically "direct sequence spread spectrum". In the context of digital cellular communications, these sequences now form the basis of code division multiple access (CDMA) technology. Several other properties of M-sequences are outlined. >
The Choice Between Bank Debt, Non-Bank Private Debt and Public Debt: Evidence from New Corporate Borrowings

Using a sample of 1,560 new debt financings, we examine the choice among bank debt, non-bank private debt, and public debt. The primary determinant of the debt source is the credit qualit y of the issuer. Firms with the highest credit quality borrow from public sources, firms with medium credit quality borrow from banks, and firms with the lowest credit quality borrow from non-bank private lenders. Non-bank private debt thus plays a unique role in accommodating the financing needs of firms with low credit quality. In addition, the choice of debt source is (weakly) influenced by managerial discretion.
Real-time simulation of a small-scale distribution feeder using Simulink and a single PC

This work documents the implications, methodology, and results of modeling a power system in real-time using a single PC; offline and real-time results are both presented. It is known that a single PC running Windows cannot guarantee real-time performance, especially for higher order systems. Nonetheless, using the suggested optimizations real-time simulation times are achieved on a same computer. The system modeled is a three-phase radial system consisting of breakers, an autotransformer, two parallel transmission lines, switchable loads, and an induction motor. Among the targets provided by the real-time workshop for single PC prototyping, the generic real-time target (GRT) was used.
Two N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases catalyze the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate

We report that two N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases catalyze the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The first enzyme initiates heparan sulfate biosynthesis and can be measured by the transfer of GlcNAc from UDP-GlcNAc to GlcUA beta 1-3Gal beta 1-O-naphthalenemethanol. The second enzyme catalyzes the polymerization of heparan sulfate and can be measured by the transfer of GlcNAc from UDP-GlcNAc to the nonreducing terminal GlcUA present in oligosaccharide fragments prepared from the Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide, N-acetylheparosan. Kinetic characterization of the initiating GlcNAc-transferase (alpha-GlcNAc-TI) indicates an apparent Km for UDP-GlcNAc of 36 +/- 4 microM. The apparent Km for UDP-GlcNAc of the polymerizing GlcNAc-transferase (alpha-GlcNAc-TII) is 230 +/- 30 microM. Both enzymes have broad pH optima and require a divalent cation for activity. alpha-GlcNAc-TI can use both Mn2+ and Ca2+, while alpha-GlcNAc-TII will use only Mn2+. Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in the synthesis of heparan sulfate and lacking alpha-GlcNAc-TII activity and S49 Thy 1-a lymphoma cells deficient in alpha GlcNAc addition to phosphatidylinositol have wild-type alpha-GlcNAc-TI activity. Thus, distinct alpha-GlcNAc-transferases catalyze the initiation and polymerization of heparan sulfate.
Toroidal rotation profile control for the DIII-D tokamak

A model-based control approach for the combined regulation of the plasma toroidal angular rotation profile and stored energy for the DIII-D tokamak is proposed in this work. We consider, a first-principles-driven (FPD), control-oriented model of the toroidal rotation profile evolution which incorporates scenario-specific models of the momentum sources. Available rotation control mechanisms include the non-axisymmetric field coils, which provide rotation damping, and the neutral beam injectors (NBI). The plasma stored energy is regulated by the total injected auxiliary power. Optimal state feedback control with integral action is used to regulate the profile around a target while rejecting disturbances. The controller is designed to be robust against uncertainties in the anomalous momentum diffusivity term.
Development of the rat larynx: a histological study.

Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate and describe the cartilaginous and muscular development of the rat larynx. Study Design Histologic evaluation. Methods The larynges of Sprague Dawley rats of embryonic day (E) 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, postnatal day 0, 14, and adult of 250 gm were collected. Four larynges of each age were harvested, cut into 15-μm serial sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated under light microscopy. Representative digital images were recorded and evaluated at the preglottic (supraglottic in humans), glottic, and postglottic (subglottic in humans) levels. Results Brachial arches were observed at E13. At E17, immature structures of the larynx, including skeletal muscle, cartilage, and the lumen were identifiable. Chondrification and muscle formation were clearly seen by E19. The muscular and cartilagenous components of the larynx were well established by E21. During the span between birth and adult maturation, the size of the larynx increased from a height of 1.10 mm to 2.90 mm, and from a width of 1.80 mm to 5.40 mm, and from a length of 1.38 mm to 4.77 mm in the stained section. Although developed at E21, the laryngeal structures continued to grow by approximately 30%. Conclusion Rat laryngeal development parallels that in mice and humans. In the rat, at E17 immature structures of the larynx are identifiable, they are well developed at birth and grow by approximately 30% into adulthood. Understanding the chronology and morphology of the embryogenesis of the rat laryngeal musculature is essential and will allow for further evaluation of the embryologic innervation of these muscles. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3093–3098, 2013
Intelli-agent: simulation environment for cooperating intelligent agents

To study, model and enumerate intelligence, one must solve or approximate solutions to hard problems. Many methods have been advanced in this pursuit including simulated annealing (2J, genetic algorithms (3J, and evolutionary algorithms (4J. The Bayesian network method studied and reported here is another such method for optimizing a function, which we caU utility. We use the Bayesian network method asit is analogous to the way people perceive, categorize, and calculate on their environment (SJ. The Bayesian network method is a reasonable approximation to human reasoning process (SJ. The Decision-theoretic approach is used specifically to solve the 'Herding Problem' but the method and software is extensible to any other hard, discreet, optimization problem. We have successfully created a simulation environment in which we will be able to explore cooperation among multiple, intelligent, leaming-capable agents.
Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis after twenty-five years

This paper provides an abbreviated review of developments related to Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis since its original description a quarter of a century ago. My intervening years of interest and research in the field of vulvovaginal infections have served to further confirm the originally published concepts regarding this highly prevalent, precisely defined, readily recognizable, and aesthetically objectionable vaginal disease. An occasional investigator still questions the pathogenicity of the causative short gram-negative bacillus. The only remaining major controversy, however, concerns the taxonomic position of the organism. The evidence is that it belongs neither to the genus Haemophilus nor to the genus Corynebacterium.
Native defects in tetradymite Bi2(TexSe3−x) topological insulators

Formation energies of native defects in Bi${}_{2}$(Te${}_{x}$Se${}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}$), with comparison to ideal Bi${}_{2}$Te${}_{2}$S, are calculated in density-functional theory to assess transport properties. Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ is found to be $n$ type for both Bi- and Se-rich growth conditions, while Bi${}_{2}$Te${}_{3}$ changes from $n$ to $p$ type going from Te- to Bi-rich conditions, as observed. Bi${}_{2}$Te${}_{2}$Se and Bi${}_{2}$Te${}_{2}$S are generally $n$ type, explaining observed heavily doped $n$-type behavior in most samples. A (0/\ensuremath{-}) transition level at 16 meV above valence-band maximum for Bi on Te antisites in Bi${}_{2}$Te${}_{2}$Se is related to the observed thermally active transport gap causing a $p$-to-$n$ transition at low temperature. Bi${}_{2}$(Te${}_{x}$Se${}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}$) with $xg2$ are predicted to have high bulk resistivity due to effective carrier compensation when approaching the $n$-to-$p$ crossover. Predicted behaviors are confirmed from characterization of our grown single crystals.
Detection Rates of Geckos in Visual Surveys: Turning Confounding Variables into Useful Knowledge

Abstract Transect surveys without some means of estimating detection probabilities generate population size indices prone to bias because survey conditions differ in time and space. Knowing what causes such bias can help guide the collection of relevant survey covariates, correct the survey data, anticipate situations where bias might be unacceptably large, and elucidate the ecology of target species. We used negative binomial regression to evaluate confounding variables for gecko (primarily Hemidactylus frenatus and Lepidodactylus lugubris) counts on 220-m-long transects surveyed at night, primarily for snakes, on 9,475 occasions. Searchers differed in gecko detection rates by up to a factor of six. The worst and best headlamps differed by a factor of at least two. Strong winds had a negative effect potentially as large as those of searchers or headlamps. More geckos were seen during wet weather conditions, but the effect size was small. Compared with a detection nadir during waxing gibbous (nearly full)...
Influence of continuous precipitation upon the growth kinetics of the cellular reaction in an Al-Ag alloy

Abstract The influence of the prior formation of a continuous precipitate upon the growth kinetics of the cellular reaction has been evaluated in an Al-17.9 wt. % Ag alloy. The continuous precipitate, in the form of intragranular plates of the γ′ transition phase, was shown to have reduced the upper bound of the driving force for the cellular reaction from the silver content of the untransformed alloy to that corresponding to the coherent solvus. When this reduction (≥ 98 %) is taken into account, the growth of cells is found to be controlled by cell boundary rather than by volume diffusion on the basis of both the Turnbull and the Cahn theories of the cellular reaction. Changing the mode of heat treatment from the usual quenching-and-aging to that of isothermal transformation reduces both the rate of growth of cells and the proportion of cellular structure formed by about an order of magnitude and increases the interlamellar spacing by 50–100%. These effects appear to result from a further decrease in the driving force. This decrease is attributed to a higher rate of introduction of misfit dislocations into the broad faces of the γ′ plates constituting the continuous precipitate, and thus to smaller values of the coherent solvus.
Feasibility and Mortality of Airway Balloon Dilation in a Live Rabbit Model

Importance Endoscopic balloon dilation is commonly performed in children with airway stenosis, but guidelines are needed for selecting safe and effective balloon inflation parameters. Objective To determine the feasibility and safety of airway balloon dilation in live rabbits using a range of balloon diameters and pressures. Design and Setting Prospective animal study using 32 adult New Zealand white rabbits with 1-week follow-up performed at an academic animal research facility. Interventions Rabbits underwent endoscopic laryngeal balloon dilation with diameters ranging from 6 to 10 mm and pressures of 5 to 15 atm. Main Outcomes and Measures Rabbits were observed for intraoperative complications and postoperative morbidity. Results All rabbit airways were sized to a 4-0 endotracheal tube (5.4-mm outer diameter). Balloon dilation was performed safely with no intraoperative complications in 25 of 30 cases. One rabbit developed transient cyanosis during balloon inflation. Three rabbits died while undergoing dilation with 10-mm balloons, and another rabbit developed respiratory failure shortly after the procedure. All rabbits that died perioperatively lacked endoscopic evidence of airway obstruction or gross trauma. Four rabbits developed postoperative feeding difficulties that did not correlate with balloon diameter or inflation pressure. Conclusions and Relevance Endoscopic balloon dilation is generally well tolerated in New Zealand white rabbits. Intraoperative mortality from cardiopulmonary arrest reaches 50% when the balloon diameter exceeds the airway diameter by 4.6 mm. Postoperative feeding difficulties may occur with any balloon diameter or inflation pressure. Additional animal studies are necessary to determine the short- and long-term histologic effects of balloon dilation on the airway.
A Visual Implementation of a Shape Grammar System

Shape grammars specify a mechanism for performing recursive shape computations. A general paradigm is established for a computer implementation supporting this computation in the algebras of points and lines in 2-d (U0 2 and U1 2). The guiding principles and the actual implementation are described.
Action of radiation or alkylating agents on LSA lymphoma during growth

Abstract The effect of 60 Co irradiation and the alkylating agents mustargen, cyclophosphamide, and bis-2-chloroethyl-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) was investigated on the LSA ascites tumor. Single exposures of radiation or alkylating agent was given at different stages of tumor growth. This tumor system was shown to have markedly changing tumor cell age cohort compositions at different tumor stages with differing 5 Fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivities for cell killing and treatment-induced increase in host survival time, at different tumor stages. Similar variation in altering survival time also was found for the alkylating agents with all showing greater activity against the early, rapidly growing tumor. Stationary phase and advanced tumors also showed markedly different tumor response. The different agents had greatly different potencies against the advanced G1-arrested non-proliferating tumor. 60 Co radiation showed much less variation in effectiveness than the alkylating agents based upon the host survival time. The mode of action of treatment-induced in vivo life prolongation by these agents is complex and tumor age dependent.
Comment on Coulomb corrections to weak transition amplitudes

An inconsistency is pointed out between a recent ''elementary particle'' treatment of Coulomb corrections to weak transitions due to Armstrong and Kim, and a previous analysis of the problem by Stech and Schulke. The correct procedure is derived and demonstrated.
Pivot poles and plate motion reconstructions

Abstract This paper presents a technique for simultaneously determining: 1. (1) the motions of individual plates with respect to any given earth reference frame; 2. (2) the poles of finite relative motion of the plates for a given interval of time; and 3. (3) a continuum of instantaneous relative motion poles over that time interval. The basis for the technique is the more or less standard set of plate motion relationships derived from Euler's theorem plus the additional assumption that, for intervals of time of the order of 10 to 20 million years, the poles of motion of individual plates remain fixed while the relative motion poles are free to move.
Orthotic Management of the Myelomeningocele Spine

SUMMARY The appropriate use of spinal orthosis is an important adjunct in the rehabilitation of spinal deformity in children with myelomeningocele. The Newington developmental programme described here employs a series of orthotic devices, used at different stages of development, with the aim of achieving a developmental sequence as close as possible to the usual age for normal development. RESUME Trahemenl orthopedique de la colonne vertebrate chez les enfants porteurs de myelomeningocele L'emploi approprie d'orthese vertebrale est un appoint important dans la presentation et la correction des deformations vertebrales chez les enfants porteurs de myelomeningocele. Le programme de developpement de Newington decrit dans Particle fait appel a une serie d'appareillages prothetiques, utilises a differentes periodes du developpement dans le but de realiser une evolution aussi proche que possible du developpement normal pour chaque âge. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Aufrichtung der Wirbelsaule bet Kindern mit Myelomeningocele Die Aufrichtung der Wirbelsaule ist fur die Prophylaxe und Wiederherstellung von Wirbelsaulendeformierungen bei Kindern mit Myelomeningocele sehr wichtig. Das hier beschriebene Newington-Entwicklungsprogramm bedient sich mehrerer orthostatisch wirksamer Hilfsmittel, die in den verschiedenen Entwicklungsstufen angewandt werden, urn damit einen moglichst normalen Entwicklungsablauf zu erreichen. RESUMEN Tratamiento ortotico del raquis en ninos con mielomeningocele El uso apropiado de una ortosis espinal es un importante coadyuvante en la prevencion y rehabilitacion de la deformidad espinal en ninos con mielomeningocele. El programa de desarrollo de Newington descrito aqui, emplea una serie de artifkios ortoticos utilizados en diferentes estadios del desarrollo, con le finalidad de conseguir una secuencia de desarrollo lo mas cercana posible al desarrollo normal de la misma edad.
Technological change and energy consumption in US iron and steel manufacturing

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which the rising relative energy prices of the past decade have influenced managerial decisions in U.S. iron and steel manufacturing. Efforts at energy conservation, as well as opportunities for short-run substitutions among energy sources, were constrained mainly by existing process technology. The actual pattern of substitution can be explained to a large extent by changes in techniques. Decisions concerning such investments were guided by many factors, among which considerations of energy savings played only a minor role. This observation can be explained by the fact that, although the industry in the aggregate is a prodigious consumer of energy, energy costs at any one production stage are but a small fraction of total variable costs. Integrated greenfield plants embodying state-of-the-art technology would achieve much higher levels of energy efficiency than are currently realized, but such new plants are unlikely to be built in the United States, under the current conditions of global excess capacity.
Development of the vertebrate ear: insights from knockouts and mutants

The three divisions of the ear (outer, middle and inner) each have an important role in hearing, while the inner ear is also crucial for the sense of balance. How these three major components arise and coalesce to form the peripheral elements of the senses of hearing and balance is now being studied using molecular-genetic approaches. This article summarizes data from studies of knockout and mutant animals in which one or more divisions of the ear are abnormal. The data confirm that development of all three divisions of the ear depends on the genes involved in hindbrain segmentation and segment identity. Genes that are regionally expressed in the inner ear can, when absent or mutated, yield selective ablation of specific inner-ear structures or cell types.
Technology Integration Through Collaborative Cohorts Preparing Future Teachers to Use Technology

Although technology is increasingly being considered an instructional tool for students with disabilities, effective integration of technology into the preK—12 classroom for students with disabilities has been limited. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of a technology cohort model that seeks to enhance teacher use of technology through a collaborative learning model. By creating an environment where teacher educators, preservice teacher education students, and preK—12 teachers can learn together, changes can occur in how technology is effectively applied to the instruction of students with disabilities.
Nucleation and growth model for reordering of nematic-cholesteric liquid crystal mixture

Abstract A nucleation and growth model is proposed to explain NMR observations of the reordering of a nematic-cholesteric liquid crystal mixture. Two model involves the growth of three dimensional reordered regions. It predicts a time dependence involving exp(−AtN with N = 2.5. Previous measurements fit the model very well except for an unexplained time delay to; i.e. the data has a time dependence involving exp[−A(t − toN] with N = 2.5.
ProSight Lite: Graphical software to analyze top-down mass spectrometry data

Many top-down proteomics experiments focus on identifying and localizing PTMs and other potential sources of “mass shift” on a known protein sequence. A simple application to match ion masses and facilitate the iterative hypothesis testing of PTM presence and location would assist with the data analysis in these experiments. ProSight Lite is a free software tool for matching a single candidate sequence against a set of mass spectrometric observations. Fixed or variable modifications, including both PTMs and a select number of glycosylations, can be applied to the amino acid sequence. The application reports multiple scores and a matching fragment list. Fragmentation maps can be exported for publication in either portable network graphic (PNG) or scalable vector graphic (SVG) format. ProSight Lite can be freely downloaded from http://prosightlite.northwestern.edu, installs and updates from the web, and requires Windows 7 or a higher version.
Non-autonomous attractors for singularly perturbed parabolic equations on Rn

Abstract We study the asymptotic behavior of solutions of a class of singularly perturbed non-autonomous parabolic equations defined on R n with unbounded external terms. We first prove the existence of a pullback attractor for the perturbed equation in L 2 ( R n ) and then establish the upper semicontinuity of these attractors as small perturbations approach zero. The uniform estimates on the tails of solutions are used to overcome the difficulty caused by the non-compactness of Sobolev embeddings on unbounded domains.
Synthesis of high surface area monoclinic WO3 particles using organic ligands and emulsion based methods

Several synthetic approaches have been used to obtain nano-sized monoclinic WO3 (m-WO3) powders. All of these methods begin with a standard preparative method where H2WO4 is first generated by passing a Na2WO4 solution through a cation-exchange resin. It is shown that high surface area particles are produced by dripping the H2WO4 exiting from the ion-exchange column into a solution containing oxalate and acetate exchange ligands or alternatively, into a water-in-oil (w/o) based emulsion. In comparison to commercial WO3 powders, the surface area of the m-WO3 powders were higher by factors of 10 and 20 times when prepared in the presence of acetate/oxalate chelating agents and w/o emulsions, respectively. The much higher surface areas enable infrared spectroscopic identification of surface sites along with detection and monitoring of gaseous reactions and adsorbed species on the surface of this metal oxide. This is demonstrated with the adsorption of a nerve agent simulant, dimethyl methyl phosphonate. In general, little is known about the reactions of gaseous molecules on m-WO3 surfaces and the fabrication of high surface area m-WO3 particles will aid in gaining an understanding of the chemical processes occurring in WO3 based sensors.
Systematics of quasirotational states in N = 88 nuclei

The decays of 4.2-min $^{152}\mathrm{Tb}$, 3.3-min $^{154}\mathrm{Ho}$, 11.8-min $^{154}\mathrm{Ho}$, and 82-sec $^{156}\mathrm{Tm}$ have been studied by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray and conversion electron spectroscopy using the He-jet technique. High-spin states in $^{152}\mathrm{Gd}$ were also studied in the $^{152}\mathrm{Sm}$($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$4n\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction at 50 MeV and the $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}$($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$2n\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction at 28 MeV. The systematic behavior of quasirotational bands in $N=88$ nuclei has been studied, and observed features in the location of $\ensuremath{\beta}$- and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-band states are shown to be explainable from a consideration of available orbitals in a Nilsson diagram. Microscopic calculations employing fourth and sixth order versions of the boson expansion model of Tamura, Kishimoto, and Weeks reproduce the known low-lying positive parity states in $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{152}\mathrm{Gd}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Dy}$, and $^{156}\mathrm{Er}$. Experimentally observed negative-parity states are explained remarkably well by a quadrupole-octupole coupling model, but a backbending plot suggests a possible change in intrinsic structure above spin 11.RADIOACTIVITY $^{152}\mathrm{Tb}^{m}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Ho}^{{m}_{1}}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Ho}^{{m}_{2}}$, $^{156}\mathrm{Tm}$; ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\mathrm{ce}}$, ${E}_{\mathrm{ce}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coin. $^{152}\mathrm{Gd}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Dy}$, $^{156}\mathrm{Er}$ deduced levels, ICC, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$; systematics, comparison with microscopic theory.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{152}\mathrm{Sm}$($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$4n$), ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=50$ MeV; $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}$($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$2n$), ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=28$ MeV; measured ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, ${I}_{\mathrm{ce}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coin. $^{152}\mathrm{Gd}$ deduced levels, ICC, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$. Enriched targets, Ge(Li), Si(Li) detectors.
Simulation Decreases Nursing Student Anxiety Prior to Communication With Mentally Ill Patients

Abstract Introduction The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of high-fidelity human simulation on nursing student anxiety prior to attending clinical and interacting with a mentally ill patient. Method This quantitative, nonrandomized, quasi-experimental study was implemented with three groups of undergraduate nursing students who were enrolled in a psychiatric nursing course. The students participated in a 2-hour lecture on therapeutic communication techniques, followed by a simulation experience depicting a depressed patient or an anxious patient in alcohol withdrawal. A sample of 44 students participated by completing a demographic questionnaire, a pre- and postanxiety visual analogue scale, pre- and post–State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a Simulation Evaluation Survey. Data were collected during two semesters in 2010. Results The findings support the use of high-fidelity human simulation to aid in decreasing nursing students' anxiety prior to communicating with patients experiencing mental illness.
The diffusion of reachOut: analysis and framework for the successful diffusion of collaboration technologies

While virtual communities become more and more dominant, little attention has been directed towards understanding the conditions for creating a successful community. Significant progress has been made in understanding the diffusion of collaborative tools in the workplace. We read stories about the extraordinary success of some communities, and about the harsh failure of others. This paper argues that lessons learnt from these stories should be analyzed using the theoretical foundations of Diffusion of Innovations theories, and systematized to create a set of guidelines for community creators to make their efforts more efficient. We begin by presenting a theoretical background for analyzing technology diffusion. We then analyze the stories of diffusion of ReachOut - a tool for peer support and community building developed in our Research Lab - in two different communities, using this theory. Finally, we propose a framework for planning for successful diffusion of collaborative tools, using our experiences with ReachOut.
Cell wall remodeling in Arabidopsis stamen abscission zones: Temporal aspects of control inferred from transcriptional profiling

Organ shedding requires cell separation within abscission zones (AZs). Functional genomic AZ studies have been limited by their small size and low incidence. Optimization of laser capture microdissection (LCM) for AZs and other specialized cell types in Arabidopsis allowed recent characterization of the floral stamen AZ transcriptome responding to a developmental shedding cue. Analyses focused on 551 AZ transcripts (AZ551) that were regulated at the highest statistical significance (P
An op-amp sharing technique for continuous-time ΔΣ modulators

This paper presents a new operational amplifier sharing technique for a continuous-time ΔΣ analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This technique saves power consumption by reducing the number of active elements in the modulator. Furthermore, the shared amplifier acts both as an adder and integrator in two different clock phases. The proposed technique also can be realized in a noise-coupled delta-sigma ADC. To verify the idea, a 2nd-order continuous-time ΔΣ modulator has been designed and simulated successfully with and without noise-coupling techniques.
Microcomputer-based instruction for miner safety-training programs

Abstract The passage of The Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-164) is significant because it represents the first instance where the Federal Government, in addition to regulating and enforcing health and safety standards, mandated health and safety training for workers throughout an entire industry. Not only does 30 CFR 48 specify the various classifications of workers that must be trained, it also dictates the topics to be covered and the minimum number of hours that must be devoted to the prescribed training programs. The focus of this paper is on efforts being taken to develop cost-effective, microcomputer-based training aids for the mining industry. Four instructional programs have been developed at Penn State as part of a large research effort in miner training. Examples of the programs will be presented and implementation experience at several underground coal mines will be discussed.
Clinical signs and symptoms in pulmonary embolism. A reassessment.

The clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains difficult despite years of investigation. The clinical signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism are numerous, but they are not diagnostically accurate. Radionuclide ventilation perfusion imaging (VQ) has become an important adjunct in screening patients for suspected PE. This study re-evaluates the predictive capabilities of various clinical signs and symptoms in a population of patients in whom angiography was thought to be necessary because of clinical concern for PE. One hundred one patients with suspected PE were retrospectively identified. Clinical information on them was complete, and laboratory studies, VQ imaging, and pulmonary angiography were performed. Thirty-seven clinical signs, symptoms, and other characteristics were individually compared for patients whose angiographic results were positive or negative for PE. Modifying or interactive effects on PE were then examined with logistic regression analysis. Several clinical conditions, including immobilization and recent surgery, were significantly associated with PE. Shortness of breath and history of smoking were significantly associated with negative results on pulmonary angiography. A "high probability" VQ scan was highly predictive (P 23, diaphoresis in a nonsmoker and immobilized female, were significantly associated with PE. This study again documents the difficulty in using clinical criteria--including signs, symptoms, and laboratory determinations--to predict PE accurately, even in a population in which PE was of clinical concern irrespective of the VQ scan results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An update on the biology of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a membrane-derived lysophospholipid that acts primarily as an ex­tracellular signaling molecule. Signals initiated by S1P are transduced by five G protein-coupled receptors, named S1P1–5. Cellular and temporal expression of the S1P receptors (S1PRs) determine their specific roles in various organ systems, but they are particularly critical for regulation of the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, with the most well-known contributions of S1PR signaling being modulation of vascular barrier function, vascular tone, and regulation of lymphocyte trafficking. However, our knowledge of S1PR biology is rapidly increasing as they become attractive therapeutic targets in several diseases, such as chronic inflammatory pathologies, autoimmunity, and cancer. Understanding how the S1PRs regulate interactions between biological systems will allow for greater efficacy in this novel therapeutic strategy as well as characterization of complex physiological networks. Because of the rapidly expanding body of research, this review will focus on the most recent advances in S1PRs.
Inhibitory effect of thioacetamide on CdS dissolution during photocatalytic oxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenol

Abstract CdS dissolution and 2,4-dichlorophenol oxidation have been studied in the presence of thioacetamide during the photocatalytic reaction. It is interesting to find that both the organic oxidation and the degree of inhibition of CdS dissolution increase with increasing pH. In low pH range, the protonation of CdS surface is the major reason for CdS dissolution. Thioacetamide can inhibit the CdS dissolution to a certain degree only at the beganing of the first 8 hours. At high pH range, the formation of Cd(0H)2 determines the extent of CdS dissolution. The inhibition effect of thioacetamide on CdS has been minimized. The two proposed mechanisms have been confirmed by quantitative analysis of base consumption during the processes. The optimal light intensity is 700 watts and temperature was found to be not an important factor in CdS dissolution
United States of America Trade in Ornamental Fish

Ornamental fish production is among the leading cash crops of the United States of America aquaculture economy, and retail value of the fish trade is worth approximately US$l,000 million. However, few studies exist to document this trade. Using import and export documents we report trends in total values for the U.S. trade in ornamental fish. Also, we determined the number and value of the most commonly imported ornamental fish. In 1992, approximately 201 million fish valued at $44.7 million were imported into the U.S. The port of Los Angeles handled 39% of all trade activity, Miami 22%, New York 16%, Tampa 6%, and Honolulu 6%. Freshwater fish accounted for approximately 96% of the total volume and 80% of the value of the imports. Most freshwater ornamental fish were farm-raised and imported from Southeast Asia. Most U.S. exports of ornamental fish were cultured in the state of Florida. Although saltwater fish had a high market value (20% of the declared value of the imports), the volume of these fish was only 4%. Most imported and exported saltwater ornamental fish were collected from the wild. Of the 1,539 species declared as ornamental fish, 32 species dominated the trade. These were all of freshwater origin. The guppy Poecilia reticulala and neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi were the most popular ornamental fish kept in U.S. households. The average prices paid for imported ornamental freshwater fish were 45 cents for egg layers and 22 cents for live bearers. The results of this study document the importance of the ornamental fish industry and identifies the most valuable species in the trade for potential domestic culture and protection in the wild.
Health and social services for pregnant and parenting high risk teens

Abstract Adolescent parenting remains a serious problem despite the decline in teen pregnancy, largely because this at-risk population lacks health and social services. In this paper, we examine how a broad range of health and social services for pregnant and parenting teens meets their needs, access, utilization and satisfaction. We surveyed a sample of at-risk young women in shelters, community-based agencies and alternative schools. Interviews revealed that their lives were chaotic and traumatic, with frequent crises for which they had few resources. A majority reported symptoms consistent with clinical depression, yet very few received mental health services. Similar patterns of unfulfilled needs were evident in other sectors of services. Many were dissatisfied with the services they did receive and angry about frequent denial of services. We include recommendations for policy and programmatic changes as well as for future research.
A Method of Advertisement Selection in Multiple RFID-Tags Sensor Network for a Ubiquitous Wide-Area Advertising Service

As the ubiquitous society grows in maturity, RFID is expected to be widely used. However, they still cost more than bar codes. To make them cost-effective, it is necessary to develop applications that make secondary use of them. As such an application, we consider a wide-area advertising system, and propose an algorithm that selects advertisement to be displayed based on the people's interest information extracted from RFID tags they carry. We propose to use the "relevance rate" as a criterion for that selection, and show that the proposed algorithm selects an effective advertisement for display.