cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Women's Sexual Identity Patterns: Differences Among Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Unlabeled Women

To better understand women with same-sex attractions who do not identify as lesbian or bisexual (i.e., unlabeled women), we examined differences and similarities among self-designated lesbian, bisexual, and unlabeled women. Two hundred eight non-heterosexual women ranging in age from 18 to 69 years (85% identified as White) completed an online survey examining indicators of sexual orientation and beliefs and self-perceptions associated with sexual identity. Compared to lesbians, unlabeled women reported the weakest collective sexual identities and, along with bisexuals, they were less likely to view sexual orientation as fixed, being more focused on the "person, not the gender." Unlabeled women reported the greatest likelihood that their sexual identity would change in the future. These findings highlight the complexity of women's sexual identities and question the adequacy of categorical approaches.
First report of summer patch of Kentucky bluegrass caused by Magnaporthe poae in Colorado.

The ectotrophic, root-infecting fungus Magnaporthe poae is the cause of summer patch of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). The disease is widely distributed in the mid-Atlantic Region of the United States and west to central Nebraska and Kansas (2). It also has been found in certain locations of Washington and California (2) but has not been confirmed in the Rocky Mountain Region. In August 2005 and 2006, tan patches and rings of dead turf ranging from 10 to 30 cm in diameter were observed in Kentucky bluegrass swards in Grand Junction and Greeley, CO, respectively. The sites, separated by approximately 360 km, are located west and east of the Continental Divide. A network of ectotrophic hyphae were observed on diseased root segments collected from both sites. A fungus morphologically similar to M. poae (2) was consistently isolated from these segments. DNA was extracted from mycelium of one isolate from each location and amplified by PCR with the M. poae species-specific primers MP1 and MP2 (1). A 453-b...
Self-Assembly and Manipulation of Particles on Drop Surfaces

It was recently shown by us that particles distributed on the surface of a drop can be concentrated at the poles or equator of the drop by subjecting it to a uniform ac electric field. The dielectrophoretic and hydrodynamic forces which cause the motion of particles depend on the parameters such as the particles’ and drop’s radii, the dielectric properties of the fluids and particles, and the frequency of the electric field. The hydrodynamic force, which arises because of the induced motion in the liquids, is the main focus of this paper. We show that it can be used to control the distribution of particle monolayers on the surface of a drop.© 2014 ASME
A model for the spatial distribution and transport properties of defects in mixed ionic-electronic conductors part I: Defect concentration — Pressure relationships and the spatial distribution of defects

The spatial distribution and transport of defect species in a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) depend on the activity of the external gas phase at either side of the MIEC, the defect equilibria and mobility of the species within the MIEC. Previous researchers [1, 2] developed models for defect distribution and transport based on various assumptions, the most prevalent of which is that the concentration of the ionic defect species is constant through the range of activities of the external gas phase in which the MIEC finds application. However, the defect equilibria for many MIECs do not support this assumption. It is desirable, therefore, to have explicit, analytical expressions for the spatial distribution of the defects as a function of position and the flux as a function of the activity gradient of the defect species and the gas phase. Towards the development of such a model, the defect concentration-oxygen partial pressure dependence in an oxide MIEC, such as Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ, is considered. From the defect equilibria, equations are developed for the dependence of the defect species on the oxygen activity in the oxide MIEC. Then, to relate the defect equilibria to the spatial parameters of the MIEC, an analytic expression for the variation of oxygen activity as a function of position in an electrolyte is derived. Equations relating oxygen activity to position and defect concentration to oxygen activity are then combined to obtain a defect concentration-position relation. All the relations are derived without the assumption of constant vacancy concentration. Finally, the results are compared with those of previous models.
Splat-cooled alloys in the Ag-Sn-Cu system

Strength, dimensional change during setting, and corrosion resistance have been measured for amalgams prepared from splat-cooled alloys of different compositions in the Ag-Sn-Cu system. The amalgam with optimum values of these properties was made from the alloy containing 60 at. % Ag, 25 at. % Sn, and 15 at. % Cu. Tensile strengths for amalgams from this alloy were about 8000 psi, dimensional change during setting near zero, and corrosion resistance was good. X-Ray diffraction showed that the γ1 and γ2 phases formed during the early stages of setting but that the γ2 phase had essentially disappeared after about 24 hr. At the latter time Cu6Sn5 was present.
Gold-195m, a new generator-produced short-lived radionuclide for sequential assessment of ventricular performance by first pass radionuclide angiocardiography

The feasibility of performing rapid sequential first pass radionuclide angiocardiography using a new short-lived radiotracer, gold-195m (195mAu) half-life 30.5 seconds) was evaluated. This radionuclide emits a 262 keV gamma ray and is the daughter of mercury-195 (195mHg) (half-life 41.6 hours). The prototype tabletop 195mHg/195mAu generator produced 20 to 25 mCi of 195mAu in 2 ml of eluate (yield of 40 percent). The breakthrough of 195mHg in the eluate was 0.02 percent of the amount of 195mHg in the generator. The eluate contained 20 microCi of 195mHg per study, resulting in an estimated human radiation dose of 0.007 rad/study to the whole body and 0.34 rad/study to the kidney. Four dogs each had 15 to 20 sequential first pass studies performed with 195mHg at 3 to 10 minute intervals using a computerized multicrystal gamma camera. During the left ventricular phase, 160,000 to 190,000 counts/s were acquired. The end-diastolic left ventricular region of interest contained 3,000 to 6,000 counts (background- and decay-corrected). Multiple reproducible values for left ventricular ejection fraction were obtained during stable conditions. The mean (+/- standard deviation) interstudy variability was 4 +/- 2 percent. During infusion of isoproterenol, rapid increase of left ventricular ejection fraction was demonstrated. Excellent agreement was observed between studies performed with technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) and 195mAu. The mean interstudy difference was 4 +/- 3 percent. Thus, sufficiently high yield and dose are obtained from the 195mHg/195mAu generator for reliable high count rate first pass determination of left ventricular ejection fraction. This new short-lived radiotracer makes possible rapid sequential assessments of ventricular function at greatly reduced patient exposure to radiation.
Introduction to Concepts in Laser Technology for Glucose Monitoring

Lasers are important tools in many diabetes-related applications, both diagnostic and therapeutic. Despite its wide range of uses, the laser derives all of its advantages over more conventional light sources from a few basic principles. A brief introduction to the fundamental properties of lasers emphasizes these points and suggests ways in which they can be exploited in experiments. Short descriptions of particular laser-based methods for monitoring glucose and related molecules provide introductions to research articles on these subjects.
Viscosity characterization of highly filled photopolymerizable liquid encapsulants for microelectronic devices

In this paper the viscosity of novel photopolymerizable liquid encapsulants (PLEs) for microelectronic devices was characterized as a function of the particle size distribution of the fused silica filler. Microelectronic devices are typically encapsulated using a transfer molding process in which the molding compound flows over the leadframe and wire bonds as it fills the mold. The molding compound should have a low viscosity to minimize problems such as: (1) incomplete mold filling; (2) lead frame movement during cavity filling; and (3) displacement of the wires that connect the die with the leadframe (wire sweep). We have developed a photopolymerizable liquid encapsulant using an epoxy novolac-based vinyl ester resin that may alleviate these problems. In this contribution, we have investigated the blending of two different particle size distributions of fused silica to tailor the viscosity of PLEs for microelectronic applications. We have characterized the viscosity of highly filled PLEs containing 70.0, 72.0, and 74.0 wt% silica, and found that a blend of particle size distributions with a particle size ratio of 3.13 resulted in the best viscosity reduction. In addition, the PLE viscosity decreased slightly with increasing concentration of a silane coupling agent. The resulting PLEs exhibit low viscosities at ambient temperature while maintaining desirable material properties for microelectronic applications.
Memory in the pigeon: Proactive inhibition in a delayed matching task

Proactive inhibition in a pigeon was studied, using a modified delayed matching-to-sample task. Proactive inhibition was defined as disruption in matching performance produced by the presentation of a stimulus prior to the sample stimulus (relative to control trials without prior stimulus presentation). In Experiment I, with a prior stimulus which was not presented as one of the comparison stimuli, temporary disruption in matching performance was found with a 5-sec delay between sample and comparison stimuli but not with a 0-sec delay. In Experiment II, with a prior stimulus which was later presented as the incorrect comparison stimulus, long-lasting disruption was found with a 5-sec delay, but again not with a 0-sec delay. Experiment III demonstrated a direct relation between the magnitude of proactive inhibition and length of the delay. These results offer some support for an interference theory of forgetting, but also suggest that it may not be the identity of the two stimuli but, rather, the order of the two stimuli which is lost.
Coarray analysis of the wide-band point spread function for active array imaging

Using the concept of the coarray, an expression is derived for the point spread function for wide-band pulse-echo imaging arrays. The performance of imaging arrays under near- and far-range conditions is analyzed, focusing on linear imaging using line arrays. The results are also extended to the case of planar arrays. The results provide a better understanding of the interplay between bandwidth, element locations, weighting of the elements, pulse shape within the bandwidth, and imaging performance. This leads to new insights on array and pulse design. The results are supported through computer simulations.
A plasmonic dimple lens for nanoscale focusing of light.

Focusing electromagnetic energy to subwavelength dimensions has become an increasingly active field of research for a variety of applications such as heat-assisted magnetic recording, nanolithograp...
Atomic oxygen resistant coatings for low earth orbit space structures

This review presents research in the area of polymeric coatings developed for protecting low earth orbit (LEO) space structures from atomic oxygen. Following a brief description of the LEO environment, ground-based simulation facilities for atomic oxygen and evaluation of protective coatings are discussed. Atomic oxygen resistant coatings based on different polymeric systems such as fluorinated polymers, silicones, poly (carborane-siloxane)s and decarborane-based polymers are presented. Finally, the performances of different coating systems are compared and the scope for further research to improve the performance of some of the coating systems is discussed.
Distinguishing second harmonic generation images of mouse preterm labor via wavelet-based texture features

This paper presents an image processing system for detecting mouse preterm labor using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy images. Two classes of SHG images are considered: normal pregnant cervix and premature cervical remodeling induced by Mifepristone. Among the commonly used texture features in image processing, wavelet-based texture features together with previously utilized image features for SHG microscopy of artificial collagen gels are identified to form an effective set of features for distinguishing the two classes of images. The results obtained indicate that correct detection rates above 98% are achievable.
QUANTITATIVE INHERITANCE OF FRUIT SIZE IN RED PEPPER (CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS L.)

HE objects of this experiment were to determine the pattern of inheritT ance of fruit-size characters, length, width, shape, and weight by successive selfings of a hybrid between two red pepper varieties which showed large differences: (1) to ascertain if shape genes are involved as such or if they are composites of length and width factors, (2) to observe the trend of means brought about by self-fertilization and to make deductions on actions of genes therefrom, (3) to estimate environmental, genotypic, and genetic variances in segregating generations, and (4) to estimate minimum number of genic differences required in the cross. The usual genetic analysis of complex quantitative characters utilizes statistical methods by which genes and their combined effects are investigated as a whole. It involves fitting data to one model of gene action and disproving other alternatives. The disproof is cumbersome, is frequently disregarded, and so deductions are inconclusive. In most instances in the past, materials were limited to parental, F1, Fz, backcross generations, and selected advanced progenies. Often, results were inadequate for precise conclusion. The present study includes unselected F3 and Fe generations to supply the additional information needed in these analyses.
Can the "one-drop rule" tell us anything about racial discrimination? New evidence from the multiple race question on the 2000 Census☆

Abstract The inclusion of multiple race information for the first time in the 2000 Census allows for a novel test for the presence of labor discrimination using the “one-drop rule.” Identifying discrimination is straightforward and essentially relies on the discontinuous nature of the one-drop rule, which treats biracial blacks similarly as monoracial blacks. If biracial blacks have levels of unmeasurable and measurable human capital that lie between the levels of monoracial blacks and whites then, absent discrimination, their wages should also lie between the wages of the two groups. Estimates from the Census indicate that biracial blacks have levels of education that lie almost perfectly between monoracial blacks and whites. In contrast, however, biracial blacks have wages that are roughly similar to monoracial blacks after controlling for education and potential work experience. Estimates from the 1980 Census also do not indicate that the parental characteristics and educational outcomes of biracial children differ from what would be expected by having both black and white parents. Several additional factors that potentially affect the human capital of biracial adults are explored. These findings provide some suggestive evidence on the “one drop rule” and the presence of discrimination in the labor market and provide new estimates of wages and educational levels of biracial blacks.
Skin tone, crime news, and social reality judgments: Priming the stereotype of the dark and dangerous black criminal.

An experiment examined the extent to which viewers’ emotional discomfort with a crime story and perceptions and memorability of a perpetrator and victim could be influenced by the race and skin tone of the perpetrator portrayed in a newscast. Participants were exposed either to a White, light-skinned Black, medium-skinned Black, or dark-skinned Black perpetrator. In addition, participants provided self-reports of their news viewing habits. Results revealed that heavy television news viewers were more likely than light viewers to feel emotional discomfort after being exposed to the dark-skinned Black perpetrator. Heavy news viewers also had favorable perceptions of the victim when the perpetrator was Black, regardless of skin tone. Results also indicated that all participants, regardless of prior news exposure, found the perpetrator more memorable when the perpetrator was a dark-skinned Black male. The methodological and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Relation of Soil Water Movement and Sulfide Concentration to Spartina alterniflora Production in a Georgia Salt Marsh

It is proposed that differences in plant height and productivity of the salt-marsh cordgrass Spartina alterniflora are the result of a dynamic interaction among tidal water movement, dissolved iron and sulfide concentrations in marsh soils, and bacterial sulfate reduction. Tidal water movement regulates the input of iron into marsh soils and the drainage of sulfide-containing interstitial water, and thereby controls the concentration of dissolved sulfide formed as a result of bacterial sulfate reduction. Near tidal creeks, where water movement and plant height and production are greatest, sulfide concentrations are lowest; in more elevated regions of marsh, where water movement andplant production are least, sulfide concentrations are highest. Plant height and productivity may be limited by the effects of sulfide on nutrient uptake.
Comparative metatranscriptomics identifies molecular bases for the physiological responses of phytoplankton to varying iron availability

In vast expanses of the oceans, growth of large phytoplankton such as diatoms is limited by iron availability. Diatoms respond almost immediately to the delivery of iron and rapidly compose the majority of phytoplankton biomass. The molecular bases underlying the subsistence of diatoms in iron-poor waters and the plankton community dynamics that follow iron resupply remain largely unknown. Here we use comparative metatranscriptomics to identify changes in gene expression associated with iron-stimulated growth of diatoms and other eukaryotic plankton. A microcosm iron-enrichment experiment using mixed-layer waters from the northeastern Pacific Ocean resulted in increased proportions of diatom transcripts and reduced proportions of transcripts from most other taxa within 98 h after iron addition. Hundreds of diatom genes were differentially expressed in the iron-enriched community compared with the iron-limited community; transcripts of diatom genes required for synthesis of photosynthesis and chlorophyll components, nitrate assimilation and the urea cycle, and synthesis of carbohydrate storage compounds were significantly overrepresented. Transcripts of genes encoding rhodopsins in eukaryotic phytoplankton were significantly underrepresented following iron enrichment, suggesting rhodopsins help cells cope with low-iron conditions. Oceanic diatoms appear to display a distinctive transcriptional response to iron enrichment that allows chemical reduction of available nitrogen and carbon sources along with a continued dependence on iron-free photosynthetic proteins rather than substituting for iron-containing functional equivalents present within their gene repertoire. This ability of diatoms to divert their newly acquired iron toward nitrate assimilation may underlie why diatoms consistently dominate iron enrichments in high-nitrate, low-chlorophyll regions.
Board test coverage needs to be standardized

This paper introduced the "PCOLA/SOQ" defect model of board test coverage. The ability to take any board made up of any collection of devices, enumerate all the device and connection defects and grade the effectiveness of a test is a huge step towards really understanding and communicating board test coverage. Measuring expected board quality and the risk you necessarily take when coverage is incomplete it helps board manufacturers make more informed choices.
Stromal-epithelial interactions modulate cross-talk between prolactin receptor and HER2/Neu in breast cancer.

Prolactin (PRL) promotes the proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells in part via the transactivation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), also known as Neu in rodents. A PRL receptor (PRLR) antagonist, G129R, has been developed, which indirectly inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of HER2 (p-HER2) in human breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigate the effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) upon this molecular cross-talk using tumor cells and CAFs derived from spontaneous mammary tumors of female MMTV-neu transgenic mice. Tumors were resected and cultured as small tumor chunks (~3 mm3) or were cultured in monolayer. G129R reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of Neu (p-Neu) in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 ~10 μg/ml) in tumor chunks, but had no effect on primary tumor epithelial cells grown in monolayer. Direct co-culture of mouse or human tumor epithelial cell lines with CAFs restored the epithelial cells’ response to G129R, similar to that observed in mouse tumor chunks. The addition of PRL, as expected, induced p-Neu in both the tumor chunk and co-culture models. The inhibitory effect of G129R was absent when CAFs were physically separated from mouse tumor epithelial cells using a transwell system, or when CAFs were replaced with normal fibroblasts in direct co-culture with human or mouse tumor epithelial cells. In vivo, G129R reduced p-Neu levels in primary mammary tumors of mice in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, CAFs play a critical role in bridging the cross-talk between PRL and HER2/Neu in both mouse and human models of breast cancer. The inhibitory effects of G129R on p-Neu and on tumor growth are dependent upon interactions of tumor epithelial cells with CAFs.
The impact on health of recurring migrations to the United States

Considerable research has focused on whether or not immigrants’ health declines to match that of comparable native-born people. This immigrant health convergence is hypothesized to be driven by immigrants’ acculturation to American society and habits. This is particularly problematic for a country such as the United States which combines a high number of immigrants, bad health habits among the native born, and an expensive health care system. Previous research in this literature uses the duration of an immigrant’s current stay in the United States as the measure of exposure to acculturation. Using the duration of the immigrant’s current stay in the United States implicitly assumes one long-term move. However, the largest immigrant group in the United States (Mexicans) is characterized by a pattern of repeated migration trips. This paper separates out the effects of migration duration and lifetime cumulative experience for Mexican immigrants to the United States. The empirical analysis is carried out using data from the Mexican Migration Project. The Mexican Migration Project has been collecting data on Mexican immigrants to the United States since the mid-1980s. Empirical results find that while overall time spent in the United States supports the acculturation hypothesis, single-trip migration duration has the opposite effect. The positive impact of single-trip duration on health is likely caused by recovery time needed to compensate for difficult crossings into the United States which have an even harsher effect on health if the individual undertakes short, repeated migrations. We also find that having Latino friends improves health while Anglo friends cause faster convergence and worse long-term health impacts. Both support the acculturation hypothesis. Results suggest that researchers need to focus on the cumulative impact of time spent in the United States rather than relying on just the duration of the latest trip. This suggests a much larger negative effect of migration on health than studies relying solely on migration duration. In the case of repeated migration patterns, this imposes costs on both the health care systems of the destination (USA) and source (Mexico) countries. Repeated immigration to the United States can result in acculturation which causes bad health habits to be brought back to Mexico, along with the accompanying costs these incur.
Lessons From Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Trials in Patients With Glioblastoma

Treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, remains a significant unmet need in oncology. Historically, cytotoxic treatments provided little durable benefit, and tumors recurred within several months. This has spurred a substantial research effort to establish more effective therapies for both newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM. In this context, antiangiogenic therapy emerged as a promising treatment strategy because GBMs are highly vascular tumors. In particular, GBMs overexpress vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a proangiogenic cytokine. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated promising radiographic response rates, delayed tumor progression, and a relatively safe profile for anti-VEGF agents. However, randomized phase III trials conducted to date have failed to show an overall survival benefit for antiangiogenic agents alone or in combination with chemoradiotherapy. These results indicate that antiangiogenic agents may not be beneficial in unselected ...
Biogenic silica accumulation in the central equatorial Pacific and its implications for Cenozoic paleoceanography: Summary

Since the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) has made available long cores through Cenozoic deep-sea sediments, geologists have begun to study the history of sedimentation in the world ocean and to infer the oceanographic conditions which have influenced deposition of the sediment. During this time, the central equatorial Pacific Ocean has become one of the most intensively studied geologic provinces in the world ocean. This area lies beneath the biologically productive equatorial current system which supplies great quantities of calcium carbonate and amorphous silica (opal) to the sediment in the form of skeletal tests. This biogenic debris, together with terrigenous, authigenic, and hydrothermal sediment, has produced an unusually thick and complete marine record which was cored by four DSDP Legs (5, 8, 9, and 16). Because the productivity of the equatorial Pacific is a direct consequence of large nutrient concentrations associated with upwelling in the complex equatorial current system, the sedimentary section can be used to interpret the paleoceanography as well as the history of productivity in the equatorial Pacific. The history of carbonate sedimentation in the central equatorial Pacific is well known from the Initial Reports of DSDP Legs 8, 9, and 16 (Tracey and others, 1971; Hays and others, 1972; van Andel and Heath, 1973), as well as from a wealth of published information (Hays and others, 1969; McManus and others, 1972; Berger, 1973; Winterer, 1973; van Andel and others, 1975). There are limitations, however, to the use of carbonate sediments for interpreting the paleoceanography and productivity of surface waters. The patterns of distribution and accumulation of calcareous sediments in the deep ocean are modified by the dissolution of carbonate in undersaturated bottom Waters at rates which vary with depth (Peterson, 1966; Berger, 1973) and with time (van Andel and others, 1975). Because we are, at present, unable to determine past rates of carbonate dissolution in bottom waters unambiguously (van Andel and others, 1975; Heath and others, 1977), we are also unable to assess accurately the rate of supply of carbonate to an area in the past.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, are common and disabling disorders that often involve avoidance behavior. Cognitive-behavioral treatments, specifically imaginal and in vivo forms of exposure therapy, have been accepted and successful forms of treatment for these disorders. Virtual reality exposure therapy, an alternative to more traditional exposure-based therapies, involves immersion in a computer-generated virtual environment that minimizes avoidance and facilitates emotional processing. In this article, we review evidence on the application of virtual reality exposure therapy to the treatment of specific phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder and discuss its advantages and cautions.
The Chemical Discrimination of Clastic Sedimentary Components

ABSTRACT The detrital composition of siliciclastic rocks from six localities in the Taconic and Acadian sections of New York and Quebec can be described as mixtures of two or more differentiable sedimentary components. A sedimentary component is defined as a mineral or group of minerals that sort independently of other sedimentary constituents. Because of grain morphology, phyllosilicates usually dominate the finer-grained component, and quartz or mixtures of quartz and feldspar dominate the coarser-grained components. The chemical composition of a sedimentary component is distinctive, and the differentiation of sedimentary components usually results in the concomitant separation of associated elements. Typical separations include the enrichment of K2O and Al2O3 in the finer-grained, phyllosilicate-rich fraction and the enrichment of SiO2 and Na2O in the coarser-grained, tectosilicate-rich fraction. Fe2O3 and MgO are also enriched in the fine fraction, if they are abundant constituents in the phyllosilicates. The chemical composition of the graywackes from North America was compared to the chemical composition of unlithified turbidite sediments from the Black Sea. The chemical variation trends found in the deeply buried sedimentary rocks are similar to the trends found in the suite of slightly buried and unlithified deep-sea sediments. This indicates that burial alteration does not necessarily result in large-scale redistribution of the constituent elements. It is possible, therefore, to use the chemical variations observed in a suite of deeply buried and mineralogically altered sedimentary rock to infer the original clastic assemblage and to help clarify the processes that produced the sediment.
Increased Oxidative Stress and Cardiomyocyte Myofibrillar Degeneration in Patients With Chronic Isolated Mitral Regurgitation and Ejection Fraction >60%

Objectives: This study assessed myocardial damage in patients with chronic isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >60%.Background: Typically, MR patients h...
Beyond the Market: Designing Nonmarket Accounts for the US

Beyond the Market: Designing Nonmarket Accounts for the US, edited by Katharine Abraham and Christopher Mackie. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005. 209 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-309-09319-4, I...
Runtime Optimization of Broadcast Communications Using Dynamic Network Topology Information from MPI

Modern commodity compute clusters are often composed of many multi-core nodes, that are connected via a network to each other. On multi-core clusters, inter-node network communications are typically an order of magnitude slower than those between processes on the same node, which effectively creates a heterogeneous, tiered network topology. Presently, most MPI implementations assume a homogeneous network composition, which causes them to have less than optimal performance on multi-core clusters. In this paper, we treat a multi-core cluster as a heterogeneous cluster and optimize the performance of MPI broadcast communications by scheduling messages according to topology information. We experimentally demonstrate that previous heuristics for heterogeneous clusters such as Fastest Edge First (FEF) do not produce optimal results on multi-core clusters for broadcast communications. Our solution is to modify the Fastest Edge First heuristic by imposing an additional constraint, that permits only one core per node to participate in inter-node communications, creating a nested binomial tree structure. Using this constraint we are able to achieve performance gains of 20%-60% over the MPI broadcast implementation on homogeneous, multi-core clusters.
Colony stimulating factor levels in human serum and urine following chemotherapy.

SummaryThe colony stimulating activity (CSA) of serum and urine specimens from 10 patients with lymphomas before and after treatment with standard multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens has been studied. Prominent rises in the CSA in the urine of eight of these 10 patients correlating temporally with initiation of therapy was demonstrated when compared to pretreat-ment control values. Hourly serum specimens were collected following the administration of intravenous chemotherapeutic agents in two of these patients. In one of these two patients there was a prominent and early rise in CSA which returned to control values by the 12th hr after intravenous drug administration. In two patients who developed little or no increase in CSA during therapy, urine specimens were studied for the presence of inhibitors to colony stimulating factor. Aliquots of urine from each of these two patients when mixed with a standard control urine of known CSA, produced marked inhibition.
Increased maternal nighttime cortisol concentrations in late gestation alter glucose and insulin in the neonatal lamb

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that a modest chronic increase in maternal cortisol concentrations impairs maternal glucose metabolism and increases the incidence of perinatal stillbirth. The dramatic outcomes prevented our ability to study the effects of maternal hypercortisolemia on neonatal growth, glucose metabolism, and hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis response. Therefore, we developed a model in which pregnant ewes are infused for 12 h/day at 0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 from day 115 of gestation until delivery (~145), elevating nighttime plasma cortisol concentrations. This pattern of elevation of cortisol mimics that in patients with elevated evening cortisol concentrations, as in Cushing's syndrome or chronic depression. Plasma cortisol, glucose, insulin, and electrolytes were measured during pregnancy and postpartum in control and cortisol-infused ewes and their postnatal lambs for the first 14 days after delivery. Neonatal growth and plasma ACTH, aldosterone, renin activity, and electrolytes, and organ weights at 14 days of age were also measured. Infusion of cortisol increased maternal plasma cortisol during pregnancy but not postpartum, and did not alter neonatal ACTH or cortisol. Although maternal glucose and insulin concentrations were not changed by the maternal infusion of cortisol, neonatal plasma glucose was increased and plasma insulin was decreased compared to those in the control group. Neonatal ponderal index and kidney weight were reduced, left ventricular wall thickness was increased, and plasma sodium and creatinine were increased after maternal cortisol infusion. These results suggest that excess maternal cortisol concentrations in late gestation alter growth, glucose and insulin regulation, and organ maturation in the neonate.
Hybrid BiST solution for Analog to Digital Converters with low-cost Automatic Test Equipment compatibility

The cost of testing mixed signal circuitry with conventional analog-stimulus is significantly higher than digital circuitry due to higher cost Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) required for generation of analog stimulus. Multiple variants of low cost testers have been developed for digital testing which rely on relaxed timing, power or tester channel requirements to lower hardware cost. Systems containing mixed-signal/RF components can thus not be tested on such ATE due to the cost and limitations of analog/RF stimulus and measurement modules. This paper proposes a hybrid BIST scheme for Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) to enable full production-quality testing with low cost ATE. The two major challenges addressed are generating the input stimulus, and a fully functional at-speed test to maintain the test quality of a pure analog ATE solution.
Ghrelin ameliorates adhesions in a postsurgical mouse model

Abstract Background Peritoneal adhesion formation is a well-recognized consequence of abdominal and pelvic surgery, causing infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and intestinal obstruction. We hypothesized that ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide predominantly found in the stomach, plays an important role in preventing postoperative surgical adhesions. The purpose of this study was to develop a new surgical peritoneal adhesion model to define the role that ghrelin plays in wound healing and adhesion formation. Materials and methods C57BL/6 wild-type mice ( n = 40) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor-knockout (GHSR KO) mice ( n = 20) underwent a midline laparotomy to establish a peritoneal adhesion model characterized by the combination of two different techniques: ischemic peritoneal buttons and cecal multiple abrasion. All mice received intraperitoneal injections with ghrelin (0.16 mg/kg) or saline twice daily for 20 d after surgery. Peritoneal ischemic buttons were harvested to determine protein expression of collagen (Masson trichrome, picrosirius red stain, and Western blot). Results The novel mouse model demonstrated consistent and easily reproducible formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. Ghrelin administration significantly reduced postoperative adhesion formation ( P Conclusions Ghrelin administration may improve surgical outcome by reducing peritoneal adhesion formation and fibrotic response in a mouse model.
High-speed data transmission using low-frequency clocks

An architecture for parallel-to-serial conversion that avoids high-frequency clocking is introduced. Instead of using fast clocks, it requires precise relative timing throughout the circuit. Such an approach is natural for an integrated circuit, where clock distribution is difficult, but devices in close proximity are very well matched. Roughly speaking, the architecture requires that the data be appropriately recorded, skewed with low-frequency clocks having precise phase mismatches, and merged through a combinational logic network with carefully matched delays. Both theory and implementation are discussed, although the approach is not closely tied to a specific technology. >
Mathematical Structure of Voting Paradoxes: I. Pairwise Votes

A theory is developed to identify, characterize, and explain all possible positional and pairwise voting outcomes that can occur for any number of alternatives and any profile. This paper describes pairwise voting where new results include explanations for all paradoxes, cycles, conflict between Borda and Condorcet rankings, differences among procedures using pairwise votes (such as the Borda Count, Kemeny's method, and the Arrow-Raynaud rule), and discrepancies among the societal rankings as candidates are dropped or added. Other new results include new relationships among the Borda and Condorcet "winners" and "losers." The theory also shows how to construct all supporting profiles. The following companion paper does the same for positional methods.
A Hybrid Monte Carlo Sampling Filter for Non-Gaussian Data Assimilation

Data assimilation combines information from models, measurements, and priors to obtain improved estimates of the state of a dynamical system such as the atmosphere. Ensemble-based data assimilation approaches such as the Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) have gained wide popularity due to their simple formulation, ease of implementation, and good practical results. Many of these methods are derived under the assumption that the underlying probability distributions are Gaussian. It is well accepted, however, that the Gaussianity assumption is too restrictive when applied to large nonlinear models, nonlinear observation operators, and large levels of uncertainty. When the Gaussianity assumptions are severely violated, the performance of EnKF variations degrades. This paper proposes a new ensemble-based data assimilation method, named the sampling filter, which obtains the analysis by sampling directly from the posterior distribution. The sampling strategy is based on a Hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) approach that can handle non-Gaussian probability distributions. Numerical experiments are carried out using the Lorenz-96 model and observation operators with different levels of non-linearity and differentiability. The proposed filter is also tested with shallow water model on a sphere with linear observation operator. Numerical results show that the sampling filter performs well even in highly nonlinear situations where the traditional filters diverge.
From Proposal To Product: Scaling Up The Chemical Synthesis of MOCVD Oxide Precursors

An essential step in the commercialisation of the MOCVD technique is the prompt availability of reliable precursors such as volatile alkoxides and diketonates for oxide deposition. Synthesis methods must be scaled by three orders of magnitude from grams to kilos to manufacture precursors for commercial devices. Impurities determine whether an identified method is viable due to the way in which they affect yield, shelf life and performance. Deleterious contaminants include free radicals, moisture damage and raw material remnants. Such considerations dominate multi-kilo synthesis but their impact may not have been perceived at an earlier stage. By particular examples we show attention to methodology can overcome these problems.
ADHESIVE MATERIAL OF THE HYPHOPODIA OF BUERGENERULA SPARTINAE

An electron-dense extracellular material with fibrillar strands functions as the adhesive material for the attachment of the hyphopodia of Buergenerula spartinae to surfaces. This adhesive penetrates the pores of polycarbonate membranes and also attaches the hyphopodia to glass surfaces. Hyphopodia are bound tightly to surfaces and most cannot be removed when washed under running water even after soaking overnight in water at 26 C, 37 C, or 90 C. Incubation in 0.5% pectinase and 0.2 M citrate buffer at 37 C removed few hyphopodia. Substantial numbers of hyphopodia, however, could be removed from glass coverslips by presoaking in 0.5% protease, 0.2 M phosphate buffer, 0.5% hemicellulase, or 0.5% ammonium oxalate followed by rinsing in water. The adhesive material of the hyphopodia did not stain at the ultrastructural level for polysaccharides with the alkaline bismuth, phosphotungstic acid, or ruthenium red techniques. Staining did occur with ammoniacal silver nitrate which is specific for positively charged basic proteins. Enzymatic digestion followed by electron microscopic observation indicated the adhesive material was digested by protease. Pectinase and hemicellulase had no apparent effect. These results suggest that the adhesive material of the hyphopodia of B. spartinae contains positively charged basic proteins.
Spatial Autocorrelation and Qualitative Sampling: The Case of Snowball Type Sampling Designs

Hidden populations are defined as subsets of a larger population that are hard to target with traditional (e.g., random) sampling methods. For qualitative research, difficulties of achieving a good sample could include the time of day surveys are conducted, the safety of interviewers in areas with high crime rates, or the unwillingness of members in a hidden population to interact with researchers. Various chain-driven methods, such as snowball sampling (SS) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS), have been developed as techniques to reach hidden populations. Such methodologies have been implemented in previous research for investigations into the networks of people associated with illicit drug use and other risky behavior. To date, some of these studies have considered the contribution to variance inflation attributed to the effects of social network (SN) autocorrelation but not to spatial autocorrelation. This article implements a probabilistic simulation based on two RDS network data sets: one from Rio d...
261 DEPRESSION AMONG LOW-INCOME AFRICAN AMERICANS AND LATINOS: EXPLORING SYMPTOMS AND SEVERITY.

Purpose Depression is a leading cause of disability and premature mortality in the United States. Depression is also highly underdiagnosed and undertreated in African Americans and Latinos. More research is needed on the mental health and mental health needs of ethnic minority groups. This study examined the differences in symptomatology for major depression among African Americans and Latinos in a low-income, primary care clinic setting. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using data gathered from three county clinics in Los Angeles, CA. Subjects completed a survey that assessed sociodemographic characteristics and their level of depression using a Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9). Logistic regression models were used to compare depressive symptoms between African Americans and Latinos. Results A total of 411 subjects were recruited, with an 83% response rate, of which 334 were African American or Latino. In general, the difference in depression symptoms, as characterized by items in the PHQ-9 scale, was not significant between the two groups. However, relative to Latinos, African Americans were more likely to be diagnosed with major depression (PHQ ≥ 10, p = 0.06, OR = 2.03) and suffer from changes to their appetite (p = .012, OR = 2.58). Conclusions We found that most depression symptoms were similar between African Americans and Latinos but differed with regard to changes in appetite. Results also suggest a higher prevalence of major depression among African Americans when compared with Latinos. More research is needed to see if these results are generalizable and to develop interventions that can successfully detect and treat depression among Latinos and African Americans attending public sector clinics.
Research and Application of Site Pollution On-Line Monitoring Device Based on Optical Sensing Technology under the Environment of Tropic Island Contamination and Humidity Characteristics

Artificial ESDD measurement is not accurate enough to obtain the maximum(saturated) salt density under the environment with tropical island sewage wet characteristics. It is proposed to use optical sensing technology which is not disturbed by electromagnetic wave to achieve real-time, online monitoring of on-site contamination degree. After test of 22 on-site monitoring points in Hainan, it has demonstrated preliminarily the feasibility accuracy, reliability and durability of this technology, and the monitoring data are consistent with the contamination of natural law and with the power system operating experience. In the next phase, we will expand appropriately the scale of distribution to build the filth online network covering the whole island, and comprehensively grasp the Pollution Rules of Hainan power grid to ensure safe operation of power.
Neoplastic Bone Marrow Infiltration

Bone marrow can be replaced by a number of neoplastic disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and metastases. In the past, evaluation of bone marrow required invasive procedures such as biopsy or aspiration at the time of diagnosis and follow-up after treatment. MRI is an excellent noninvasive diagnostic modality demonstrating the presence and extent of pathologic bone marrow involvement.