cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global Analysis of Perovskite Photophysics Reveals Importance of Geminate Pathways

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites demonstrate desirable photophysical behaviors and promising applications from efficient photovoltaics to lasing, but the fundamental nature of excited state species is still under debate. We collected time-resolved photoluminescence of single-crystal nanoplates of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3) with excitation over a range of fluences and repetition rates to provide a more complete photophysical picture. A fundamentally different way of simulating the photophysics is developed that relies on unnormalized decays, global analysis over a large array of conditions, and inclusion of steady-state behavior; these details are critical to capturing observed behaviors. These additional constraints require inclusion of spatially correlated pairs along with free carriers and traps, demonstrating the importance of our comprehensive analysis. Modeling geminate and nongeminate pathways shows that geminate processes are dominant at high carrier densities and early time...
HPC infrastructure to support the next-generation ARM facility data operations

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility is establishing an adaptive data services and operations architecture in support of the Next-Generation ARM Facility as explained in its Decadal Vision. In this paper, we describe the capabilities of the ARM Data Center (ADC) and the upcoming high-performance computing infrastructure in support of this Next-Generation ARM Facility.
Social Media Platforms and Heart Failure

With the pervasive use of the internet and social media, the potential applicability toward patients with heart failure (HF) remains understudied. Here, we outline the general use of social media and some early work with the use of social media as well as data from our own Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media experience. Both enterprise-wide social media data as well as those specific to HF-related pages and posts appear to support the preferential use of Facebook and Youtube for potential benefit in patients with HF. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these anecdotal results, and to ensure we can optimally, yet safely, engage our patients with HF to improve their care.
Design and experimental observation of valley-Hall edge states in diatomic-graphene-like elastic waveguides

We report on the design and experimental validation of a two-dimensional phononic elastic waveguide exhibiting topological valley-Hall edge states. The lattice structure of the waveguide is inspired by diatomic graphene, and it is imprinted in an initially flat plate by means of geometric indentations. The indentations are distributed according to a hexagonal lattice structure which guarantees the existence of Dirac dispersion at the boundary of the Brillouin zone. Starting from this basic material, domain walls capable of supporting edge states can be obtained by contrasting waveguides having broken space-inversion symmetry (SIS) achieved by using local resonant elements. Our theoretical study shows that such material maps into the acoustic analog of the quantum valley-Hall effect, while numerical and experimental results confirm the existence of protected edge states traveling along the walls of topologically distinct domains.
The Development of High-Field /High Frequency ESR

We discuss the development of high field ESR into a powerful and flexible tool for studies of structure and dynamics in a wide variety of systems including those of biological interest. A range of techniques are discussed with particular emphasis on the developments at Cornell University, but the contributions of other groups to the constant refinement of the state of the art are also noted.
Semiring parsing

We synthesize work on parsing algorithms, deductive parsing, and the theory of algebra applied to formal languages into a general system for describing parsers. Each parser performs abstract computations using the operations of a semiring. The system allows a single, simple representation to be used for describing parsers that compute recognition, derivation forests, Viterbi, n-best, inside values, and other values, simply by substituting the operations of different semirings. We also show how to use the same representation, interpreted differently, to compute outside values. The system can be used to describe a wide variety of parsers, including Earley's algorithm, tree adjoining grammar parsing, Graham Harrison Ruzzo parsing, and prefix value computation.
A Pro-Grid Middle Path for Africa: Sub-Saharan Region Electricity Upgrades

It is just about 9 p.m. in Abuja, Nigeria, when large parts of the Maitama district suddenly go dark. Right on cue, several engines hum to life, and the darkened windows light up once more. This is a relatively affluent part of the city, and almost everyone owns a generator that can and often does provide up to 19 h of electricity needs in a day. Across the country, it has been dark for more than 2 h already, and the only lights you see in some villages are from kerosene lanterns, dry cell torches, and, increasingly, some solar lamps.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Patients With Advanced Lung Carcinoids

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are a family of malignancies of diverse origin, including the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. Lung NEN include well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) classified as typical carcinoids or atypical carcinoids, and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas classified as small-cell lung carcinoma or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. According to a recent analysis of a large, population-based registry, approximately one-third of all patients with lung typical/atypical carcinoids have distant metastases at diagnosis, and median survival for these patients is 24 months. At present, only 1 therapy is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with advanced lung typical/atypical carcinoids, everolimus, indicating a clear need for more treatment options in this patient population. Although not yet supported by results from randomized prospective trials, somatostatin analogues are considered an acceptable treatment option for patients with lung typical/atypical carcinoids expressing somatostatin receptors. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic NET; however, the role of PRRT in patients with lung typical/atypical carcinoids remains unclear, because they were not included in the pivotal NETTER-1 (Neuroendocrine Tumors Therapy) trial. Herein we provide a comprehensive review of the available clinical evidence for efficacy and safety of PRRT in patients with lung typical/atypical carcinoids. On the basis of the preliminary evidence of efficacy and the consistent safety profile in this patient group, we propose that experienced multidisciplinary NET teams may consider PRRT alongside everolimus as an option for patients with advanced somatostatin receptor-positive lung typical/atypical carcinoids whose disease is progressing during first-line treatment with somatostatin analogues.
Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-In (TC3): Initial Validation of a Clinical Measure for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults Receiving Psychological Services

One key aspect of evidence-based psychological services is monitoring progress to inform treatment decision making, often using a brief self-report measure. However, no such measure exists to support measurement-based care, given the distinct needs of transgender and gender diverse people (TGD), a group facing large documented health disparities and marginalization in health care. The purpose of the present study was to develop and provide initial psychometric validation of a short, behavioral health progress monitoring self-report measure, the Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-in (TC3). TGD communities, providers identified as TGD-affirmative, and relevant academic experts contributed to item and scale development. The final 18-item version was administered to 215 TGD adults (75 transfeminine, 76 transmasculine, 46 nonbinary, 18 unknown; mean age of 30 with a range of 19 to 73), who were recruited for an online study, with other questionnaires assessing negative affect, well-being, gender dysphoria, gender minority stressors, and resilience. Higher scores on the TC3 (indicating better adjustment and comfort with gender) were generally associated with lower depression, anxiety, minority stress, and gender dysphoria and greater life satisfaction, body congruence, and positive aspects of being TGD such as pride in identity and community belongingness. These results support the validity of the TC3 as a brief measure to be used as a clinical tool for TGD people receiving mental health services. Additional research is needed on the reliability and validity of the TC3 across multiple time points to determine utility as a progress monitoring measure. The TC3 should also be further validated with more culturally diverse samples.
Effect of essential amino acid supplementation and aerobic exercise on insulin sensitivity in healthy older adults: A randomized clinical trial

Summary Background & aims The combination of prolonged essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation and aerobic exercise training (Ex) improves muscle protein metabolism, strength and function in healthy older adults. However, excess EAA intake may worsen insulin sensitivity. Here we report the effects of EAA supplementation (EAA, n = 11), placebo (PLA, n = 10), aerobic exercise with placebo (Ex + PLA, n = 11) or Ex with EAA supplementation (Ex + EAA, n = 10) for 22 weeks on insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic older adults. Methods A 2 × 2 design with block randomization and double blinding for supplement or placebo was used. Subjects ingested EAA (15 g) or placebo daily. Exercising subjects participated in supervised progressive vigorous treadmill walking 3 times weekly. Measures of insulin sensitivity by oral glucose tolerance testing were collected at baseline and 22 weeks. Dietary intakes of protein and specific amino acids were determined in a subset of subjects. Results Overall, exercise improved insulin sensitivity, while EAA supplementation had no effect. In the dietary subset, post-intervention insulin sensitivity did not correlate significantly with the total intake of EAA, anti-angiogenic amino acids (cysteine, methionine), or branched-chain amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, valine). Conclusions Overall, we conclude that in healthy older adults with moderate protein intake, EAA supplementation is metabolically safe as it does not decrease insulin sensitivity regardless of its combination with aerobic exercise. Thus, daily protein intake should be controlled for when modeling insulin sensitivity. Future studies should explore the role of increased blood flow as a potential explanatory factor for the observed interaction between aerobic exercise and supplementation. Clinical trial registration number NCT00872911 .
Prolactin responses to im haloperidol in drug-naive and drug-experienced schizophrenic patients

The prolactin (PRL) responses to 5 mg im haloperidol were assessed in the drug-free state and after one month treatment with neuroleptics in 14 male schizophrenic patients who had never received drug treatment, and in 20 male patients who had discontinued their neuroleptic treatment for periods of two months to one year. Drug experienced patients showed lower PRL increases after acute haloperidol (mean 31.7 ng/ml) than drug-naive patients (mean responses 43.4 ng/ml). After treatment with neuroleptics in doses appropriate for the best clinical response, the baseline PRL levels were similar in the two groups, and im haloperidol did not cause any further PRL increases. The results provide evidence that after discontinuation of neuroleptics, the hypothalamic-pituitary dopamine receptors are subsensitive, and remain in that state for long periods of time.
Does Riparian Fencing Protect Stream Water Quality in Cattle-Grazed Lands?

Cattle degrade streams by increasing sediment, nutrient, and fecal bacteria levels. Riparian fencing is one best management practice that may protect water quality within many grazed lands. Here we surveyed the literature and summarized the responses of sediment, nutrient, and fecal indicator bacteria levels to riparian exclosure fencing in cattle-grazed lands. Overall, our review of relevant literature supports the role of riparian exclosure fencing in reducing the negative impact of cattle on water quality, particularly for sediment and fecal indicator bacteria in temperate forest and temperate grassland streams. Establishing buffer widths > 5–10 m appears to increase the likelihood of water quality improvements. Fencing may also be effective at reducing pollutant inputs during stormflows. Our survey also identified critical spatial and thematic gaps that future research programs should address. Despite cattle grazing being prevalent in 12 terrestrial biomes, our systematic search of the empirical literature identified 26 relevant studies across only three biomes. Regions with the greatest cattle populations remain largely unstudied. In addition, we identified inconsistencies in how studies reported information on regional factors, cattle management, and other metrics related to study results. We provide a list of standard parameters for future studies to consider reporting to improve cross-study comparisons of riparian fencing impacts. We also encourage future studies in semi-arid and tropical regions where cattle grazing is common.
Online Efficiency Optimization of a Closed-Loop Controlled SiC-Based Boost Converter

This paper presents an online optimization strategy for a silicon-carbide (SiC) based Boost converter where the converter switching frequency and dead times are adjusted to set the peak synchronous-rectifier (SR) turn-off current so that zero-voltage switching quasi-square-wave (ZVS-QSW) operation is achieved at any given operating point while minimizing inductor current ripple. The optimal converter switching frequency and dead times are determined based on sensed converter input/output voltages and inductor current using multidimensional parametric curve fit. These timing parameters are applied to the converter in a low-bandwidth feed-forward path operating in conjunction with closed-loop regulation of the converter output voltage. Experimental validation of the online optimization strategy is carried out on a 10kW, 600V converter prototype, demonstrating a close match between analytically computed and curve-fit based switching frequency and dead times over wide ranges of operating points. The proposed approach enables operation of the converter with efficiencies greater than 97.5% for input voltages ranging from 200V to 400V, conversion ratios up to 2.5, and power levels between 2kW and 8kW.
Differential Effect of Repeated Lipopolysaccharide Treatment and Aging on Hippocampal Function and Biomarkers of Hippocampal Senescence

Markers of brain aging and cognitive decline are thought to be influenced by peripheral inflammation. This study compared the effects of repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in young rats to age-related changes in hippocampal-dependent cognition and transcription. Young Fischer 344 X Brown Norway hybrid rats were given intraperitoneal injections once a week for 7 weeks with either LPS or vehicle. Older rats received a similar injection schedule of vehicle. Old vehicle and young LPS rats exhibited a delay-dependent impairment in spatial memory. Further, LPS treatment reduced the hippocampal CA3–CA1 synaptic response. RNA sequencing, performed on CA1, indicated an increase in genes linked to neuroinflammation in old vehicle and young LPS animals. In contrast to an age-related decrease in transcription of synaptic genes, young LPS animals exhibited increased expression of genes that support the growth and maintenance of synapses. We suggest that the increased expression of genes for growth and maintenance of synapses in young animals represents neuronal resilience/recovery in response to acute systemic inflammation. Thus, the results indicate that repeated LPS treatment does not completely recapitulate the aging phenotype for synaptic function, possibly due to the chronic nature of systemic inflammation in aging and resilience of young animals to acute treatments.
Effects of polymer crystallinity on non-fullerene acceptor based organic solar cell photostability

While there has been rapid progress made in the performance of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells in recent years, the device stability remains a major bottleneck for commercialization. In this work, we blended a stable acceptor (O-IDTBR) with two photostable donors (PTB7-Th and PffBT4T-2OD) having different polymer crystallinity, and the resulting devices show a significant difference in the OPV degradation rate. The OPV devices employing a highly crystalline polymer PffBT4T-2OD as an active layer show a good resistance against light soaking, maintaining 80% of the initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 100 hours, while the devices employing an amorphous polymer PTB7-Th as an active layer show a significant PCE loss in the initial 20 hours mainly due to a rapid loss of the fill factor. By carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the device degradation mechanisms, we conclude that the origin for the PTB7-Th:O-IDTBR device degradation is the formation of mid-gap states under continuous sunlight illumination, leading to a significant drop in electron mobility. Device simulation revealed that deep traps act as charge recombination centers and increase the trap-assisted recombination rate, lowering the FF and Jsc.
The OGTT is highly reproducible in Africans for the diagnosis of diabetes: Implications for treatment and protocol design.

Abstract Whether an OGTT reproducibly detects either type 2 diabetes (T2D) or prediabetes in Africans in unknown. Therefore, 131 Africans had two OGTT. Diagnostic reproducibility for T2D was excellent (κ = 0.84), but only moderate for prediabetes (κ = 0.51). A single OGTT positive for T2D may be sufficient to guide clinical care and inform epidemiologic study design. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00001853.
Trabecular Microbypass Stent and Phacoemulsification in African American Patients With Open-angle Glaucoma: Outcomes and Effect of Prior Laser Trabeculoplasty.

PRECIS In African American patients with glaucoma, iStent/phacoemulsification lowered intraocular pressure and reduced glaucoma medication usage for up to 1 year, even in patients with prior selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). PURPOSE Currently, no studies have examined the outcomes of a trabecular microbypass stent and phacoemulsification in African American patients. Here, the authors investigate whether iStent/phacoemulsification decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) and/or medication usage in African American patients with glaucoma. They are also interested in whether prior SLT would affect outcomes of iStent/phacoemulsification. PATIENTS AND METHODS A multicenter, retrospective case series of eyes that underwent iStent/phacoemulsification between 2013 and 2017 with up to 1-year follow-up. Eyes with a confirmed diagnosis of glaucoma in African American patients were included. Eyes with neovascular glaucoma or closed angle glaucoma and eyes that underwent previous incisional glaucoma surgery were excluded. RESULTS Eighty-nine eyes were included in the study and data for 66 eyes were available at postoperative year 1 (POY1). IOP decreased from 18.3±5.7 mm Hg to 15.9±4.6 (P<0.001) and glaucoma medication usage decreased from 1.9±1.1 to 1.1±1.1 (P<0.001) at POY1. Eyes that underwent prior SLT experienced less of a decrease in IOP when compared with eyes without prior SLT, but IOP at POY1 was not significantly different between these groups. Both groups had a similar reduction in medication usage. The most common complications were IOP spikes on postoperative day 1 and microhyphemas. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, there was a significant decrease in IOP and medication usage 1 year after iStent/phacoemulsification. iStent/phacoemulsification is an effective and safe treatment option in African American patients with glaucoma.
How teachers, peers, and classroom materials support children’s inquiry in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool

The present study examined the roles of teachers, peers, and materials in the environment in supporting children’s inquiry processes at a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool. Reggio Emilia is an educa...
Pythagorean Paper Folding

Even fairly good students, when they have obtained the solution of the problem and written down neatly the argument, shut their books and look for something else. Doing so, they miss an important a...
New Student Films from Palestine: Dreamers and Dreams in the Classroom

Palestinian student filmmakers based in the West Bank and Gaza tell stories of daily life in a collected set of short films which provide valuable insights for classes on the Middle East.
Treatment Provider Perceptions of Take-Home Methadone Regulation Before and During COVID-19

Abstract Background The loosening of U.S. methadone regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic expanded calls for methadone reform. This study examines professional perceptions of methadone take-home dose regulation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand responses to varied methadone distribution policies. Methods Fifty-nine substance use disorder treatment professionals were interviewed between 2017 and 2020 in-person or over video call. An inductive iterative coding process was used to analyze the data. Constructivist grounded theory guided the collection and analysis of in-depth interviews. Results Treatment professionals expressed mixed views toward methadone take-home regulations. Participants justified regulation using several arguments: 1) patient care benefitting from supervision, 2) attributing improved patient safety to take-home regulation, 3) fearing liability for methadone-related harms, and 4) relying on buprenorphine as an “escape hatch” for patients who cannot manage MMT policies. Other professionals suggested partial deregulation, while others strongly opposed pre-pandemic take-home regulation, explaining such regulations impede medication access and hinder patient-centered care. Some professionals supported the COVID-19 policy changes and saw these as a test run for broader deregulation, while others framed the changes as temporary and cautiously applied deregulation to their services, at times revoking looser rules for patients they perceived as nonadherent. Conclusion Treatment professionals working in a range of modalities, including opioid treatment programs, expressed hesitation toward expanded take-home methadone access. While some participants also supported forms of deregulation, post-pandemic efforts to extend looser methadone distribution policies will have to address apprehensive professionals if such policy changes are to be meaningfully adopted in community services.
Multi-chips High-density Interconnection Design on InFO Platform

With the increase in the difficulty of process breakthroughs, advanced packaging has become a breakthrough for Moore's law to continue. 2.5D advanced packaging technologies can package together processors, memory and other IPs under different processes, which not only avoids the increase in die size, but also With the decline of the yield rate, IP can be selected according to the function, which reduces the development cost and speeds up the product launch. Compared with the silicon interposer board, the InFO package has a greatly reduced cost, and compared to the 2D package, it can achieve multi-chip packging while having good electrical performance. The package design is that one main ASIC chip is connected with two auxiliary ASIC chips, and the two auxiliary ASIC chips are connected. The auxiliary ASIC chip is used to enhance the function of the main ASIC chip. The high-density interconnection adopts the signal layer 2um/2um and the power layer 5um/5um 5-layer RDL wiring method, the frequency is 2.4Ghz, and the data rate is 4.8Gbps. The wiring method adopts the ground isolation reference wiring to ensure high-speed signal integrity. At the same time comparing a variety of wiring structure, the electrical performance under this wiring method is the most superior.
Equine peripheral gene expression changes in response to dose-dependent lipopolysaccharide-induced synovitis.

The use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce a localized source of inflammation (acute synovitis) and allow for monitoring of changes in systemic mRNA expression has been recently reported. Here, the goal was to maintain a significant systemic mRNA response while limiting the severity of lameness such that this model can be used to examine the effects of various anti-inflammatory treatment modalities on mRNA expression. Three mixed breed, four year-old geldings were utilized for this study. One milliliter of phosphate-buffered saline containing 1,000ng or less of LPS from E. coli O111:B4 was aseptically injected into alternating radiocarpal joints following washout periods. Blood for complete blood cell count (CBC), serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration, and mRNA analysis via RT-qPCR for 23 different genes were collected before each injection, as well as at multiple times post-injection. Lameness severity was also graded at each time point. Two-way, repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). Results largely replicated those previously reported, with multiple genes exhibiting significant expression changes during the acute inflammatory period (including increases in CD14, TLR4, IL-1β, IL1RN, MMP1, and MMP9 expression) while some demonstrated dose-dependent changes; significant increases in CBC parameters and SAA concentrations were also noted. Attempts to temper the severity of lameness were not successful as non-weight bearing lameness was noted at doses of 10ng or higher, while a dose of 1ng elicited neither a detectable lameness nor a significant change in mRNA expression.
Developments and Testing of the Dripless Bubbler Ultrasonic Scanner

The “Dripless Bubbler” technique[1–3] merges the spatial resolution and coupling advantages of focused-beam ultrasonic immersion probes with an apparatus for maintaining a contained water pool and a commercially available portable robotic scanner and image processing software. The focused probe resolution is necessary for the detection and characterization of corrosion on the inside of the fuselage skin, within laps and joints and disbonds or other defects in composite materials. The system scans over the aircraft skin, following the curvature of a fuselage while maintaining a transducer orientation normal to the surface. Surface irregularities including button-head rivets and lap splices are scanned over with no couplant loss.
Toward a Taxonomy of Affective Computing

Affective computing, which is the topic concerned with the design of emotionally intelligent machines, has been a growing area of interest in the field of human–computer interaction. Many of the current questions in the field will need to be answered in order for progress to be made toward a truly affective computing platform. The current article seeks to summarize much of the existing research in affective computing focused in three primary areas: affective generation, affective understanding, and application. A taxonomy of affective computing applications is then proposed in an effort to help organize the efforts of researchers and designers alike. This taxonomy contains a hierarchy of five tiers: the purpose or goal of the system, the level of integration, the method of affective understanding, the method of affective generation, and the platform of use. The article concludes by highlighting several key issues that the field of affective computing faces moving forward.
Digest on Bee Poisoning, its Effects and Prevention

Poisoning of bees by agricultural chemicals is a subject of continuing concern to beekeepers, and to farmers whose crops require the pollinating services of bees. The pattern of the poisoning hazard changes each year, as new pesticides are produced, and as legislation, education, and public opinion gradually deter some growers from practices which especially endanger bees.Dr. Carl Johansen has specialized in these problems for many years, and has now written an up-to-date appraisal of the situation as it affects honeybees; he has brought together also what little is known about the effects of pesticides on wild bees. Table 1 lists the laboratory and field toxicity of 92 pesticides applied as sprays or dusts. The effects of pesticides on bees depend on many circumstances, and the toxicity of any one material may therefore appear somewhat different in countries which have different agricultural and beekeeping techniques. Dr. Johansen's results apply primarily to the western seaboard of North America, but th...
Flavin-Linked Dehydrogenation of Ether Glycols by Cell-Free Extracts of a Soil Bacterium

Payne, W. J. (University of Georgia, Athens), and R. L. Todd. Flavin-linked dehydrogenation of ether glycols by cell-free extracts of a soil bacterium. J. Bacteriol. 91:1533-1536. 1966.-Cell-free extracts of bacterium TEG-5 grown on tetraethylene glycol dehydrogenated a variety of ether glycols and nonylphenoxy and secondary alcohol ethoxy derivatives. Nicotinamide nucleotides did not serve as electron acceptors, but ferricyanide was effective. Dialysis of crude extract depressed activity with tetraethylene glycol, which was restored then by flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or boiled extract supernatant fluid (BES) but not by other flavins. Precipitatation of extract protein at pH 4.0 at 80% ammonium sulfate saturation dissociated FAD and yielded an inactive fraction. Activity was restorable by FAD and BES but not by other flavins. Ethylene glycol was not dehydrogenated by the acid ammonium sulfate fraction with FAD. Atabrine inhibited tetraethylene glycol oxidation, and the inhibition was relieved by FAD but not by other flavins. Tergitols which have sulfated ethoxy side chains on secondary alcohols were not dehydrogenated, but those with free ethoxy side chains on identical alcohols were.
Mobile Marketing Derailed: How Curbing Cell-Phone Spam in Satterfield v. Simon & Schuster May Have Banned Text-Message Advertising

The risk of receiving cell-phone spam — in the form of unsolicited text messages — grows as advertisers increasingly target cell-phone users. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) clearly prohibits an unsolicited telephone call made by an automated telephone dialing system (ATDS) without the recipient’s express prior consent. But until the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Satterfield v. Simon & Schuster, it was unclear how TCPA applied to text messages. Simon & Shuster argued their text messages were not “calls” under the TCPA and were not sent by an ATDS. The Ninth Circuit disagreed and held a text message is a “call.” The court also held ATDS means any equipment with capacity to store or dial random or sequential telephone numbers — regardless of whether such calls were actually made — a sweeping rule that arguably applies to any computer. The court also adopted narrow legal definitions of “brand” and “affiliate” that could hinder companies seeking third-party advertisers to send messages on their behalf. This Article explores how Satterfield exposes mobile advertisers to significantly increased liability.
Effect of Video-Game Experience and Position of Flight Stick Controller on Simulated-Flight Performance

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of video-game experience and flight-stick position on flying performance. The study divided participants into 2 groups; center- and side-stick groups, which were further divided into high and low level of video-game experience subgroups. The experiment consisted of 7 sessions of simulated flying, and in the last session, the flight stick controller was switched to the other position. Flight performance was measured in terms of the deviation of heading, altitude, and airspeed from their respective requirements. Participants with high experience in video games performed significantly better (p < .001) than the low-experienced group. Also, participants performed significantly better (p < .001) with the center-stick than the side-stick. When the side-stick controller was switched to the center-stick position, performance scores continued to increase (0.78 %). However, after switching from a center- to a side-stick controller, performance scores de...
Multiplex PCR for Identifying Dystrophin Gene Deletions

The identification of dystrophin as the defective protein in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD) has allowed the development of sensitive and specific tests to establish a diagnosis and to aid in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. The Basic Protocol describes three complementary multiplex PCR assays that detect 26 dystrophin gene exons. The Support Protocol describes preparation and storage of stock PCR reaction mixes with primers for each of the three diagnostic assays. The Alternate Protocol is a modification of the Basic Protocol for radioactive detection of duplications in males and deletions in carrier females.The identification of dystrophin as the defective protein in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies
Mother-Daughter Incest

Abstract Current literature neglects the topic of mother-daughter incest. This exploratory study contributes to the development of hypotheses regarding the impact of sexual abuse by mother figures on women's transitions into motherhood and begins to answer the broad questions of: (a) what happens when women who were sexually abused by mother figures become mothers themselves, and (b) what are their experiences as they transition into motherhood? Participants were interviewed using an in-depth phenomenologically based approach. Patterns noted include, but are not limited to: Ambivalence about having children and becoming mothers, a fear that they lack knowledge of mothering, and an active seeking of support and guidance in parenting.
Craniofacial approaches to large juvenile angiofibromas

Object Craniofacial approaches provide excellent exposure to lesions in the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The authors review their experience with craniofacial approaches for resection of large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. Methods Between 1992 and 2009, 22 patients (all male, mean age 15 years, range 9–27 years) underwent 30 procedures. These cases were reviewed retrospectively. Results Gross-total resection of 17 (77%) of the 22 lesions was achieved. The average duration of hospitalization was 8.2 days (range 3–20 days). The rate of recurrence and/or progression was 4 (18%) of 22, with recurrences occurring a mean of 21 months after the first resection. All patients underwent preoperative embolization. Nine patients (41%) developed complications, the most common of which was CSF leakage (23%). The average follow-up was 27.7 months (range 2–144 months). The surgery-related mortality rate was 0%. Based on their mean preoperative (90) and postoperative (90) Karnofsky Performance Scale scores...
Intermittency and Thermalization in Turbulence

A dissipation rate, which grows faster than any power of the wave number in Fourier space, may be scaled to lead a hydrodynamic system to actually or potentially converge to its Galerkin truncation. Actual convergence here means the asymptotic truncation at a finite wavenumber kG above which modes have no dynamics; and, we define potential convergence for the truncation at kG which, however, grows without bound. Both types of convergence can be obtained with the dissipation rate μ[cosh(k/kc) −1] that behaves as k2 (newtonian) and exp{k/kc} for small and large k/kc respectively. Competing physics of cascade, thermalization and dissipation are discussed for numerical Navier–Stokes turbulence, emphasizing the intermittency growth issue.
Cultural Competence in Health Care: A Practical Guide

By Anne Rundle, Maria Carvalho, and Mary Robinson (Editors). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999. 234 pages. $40.00, paperback. Reviewed by: Susan Murphy Cohen, BSN, SNM, Graduate Student In Nurse Midwifery, University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City, KS
Efficient Gene Transfer in Chick Retinas for Primary Cell Culture Studies: An Ex-ovo Electroporation Approach.

The cone photoreceptor-enriched cultures derived from embryonic chick retinas have become an indispensable tool for researchers around the world studying the biology of retinal neurons, particularly photoreceptors. The applications of this system go beyond basic research, as they can easily be adapted to high throughput technologies for drug development. However, genetic manipulation of retinal photoreceptors in these cultures has proven to be very challenging, posing an important limitation to the usefulness of the system. We have recently developed and validated an ex ovo plasmid electroporation technique that increases the rate of transfection of retinal cells in these cultures by five-fold compared to other currently available protocols1. In this method embryonic chick eyes are enucleated at stage 27, the RPE is removed, and the retinal cup is placed in a plasmid-containing solution and electroporated using easily constructed custom-made electrodes. The retinas are then dissociated and cultured using standard procedures. This technique can be applied to overexpression studies as well as to the downregulation of gene expression, for example via the use of plasmid-driven RNAi technology, commonly achieving transgene expression in 25% of the photoreceptor population. The video format of the present publication will make this technology easily accessible to researchers in the field, enabling the study of gene function in primary retinal cultures. We have also included detailed explanations of the critical steps of this procedure for a successful outcome and reproducibility.
Project muse: A partnership of interset

In the first “Electronic Journal Forum” column, the purpose of the column was stated as “to promote awareness of the evolution of scholarly publishing on the network, and of Libra-related issues surrounding this development.“’ In keeping with this purpose, in the past, columns have focused on the “electronic journal,” defined as one available onZy in electronic format and distributed over the Internet usually without charge, as opposed to the “online journal” which maintains an electronic existence parallel to a print counterpart and tends to be commercially produced.* The online journal typically is made available through third party database services which meter access according to time online and/or by pay-per-view charges. In this column, a hybrid of these two approaches, Project Muse, will be discussed.
Dentigerous cyst involving maxillary sinus: report of case

The importance of a careful preoperative evaluation of any radiolucent iesion of the maxilla is discussed in this report of a dentigerous cyst. The need for a careful preoperative evaluation of a radiolucentlesion in the maxilla is discussed.
The unusual properties of effective blood substitutes

Blood substitutes or oxygen carrying plasma expanders were originally formulated to simulate the transport properties of blood, particularly oxygen carrying capacity, viscosity, p50, and colloid osmotic pressure, under the hypothesis that blood is the most desirable fluid in volume restitution. However, changes introduced into the organism during hemorrhage adversely affect microvascular function due to reflex vasoconstriction which causes the fall of functional capillary density, and lowers tissue oxygenation, conditions that are not universally reversed with retransfusion of blood. The restoration of microvascular function is seldom complete upon retransfusion of blood. New formulations of hemoglobin molecules in solutions whose oncotic pressure is in the range of 60-100 mmHg, p50 is about 5 mmHg, viscosity 3-4 cP, and oxygen carrying capacity in the range of 4-7 g/dl equivalent hemoglobin deliver better microvascular function after resuscitation when compared to whole blood and oxygen carrying plasma expanders with transport properties similar to those of blood. The improved performance is in part due to the increased plasma viscosity which increases capillary transmural pressure which reverses capillary collapse induced during low perfusion pressures. High oncotic pressure reinforces this effect, since it brings more fluid into the circulation. Microvascular transport studies of the effects of resuscitation in shock show that functional capillary density is the primary determinant of survival, thus maintenance of an open and fully perfused microcirculation is more critical than insuring oxygen supply, since closed capillaries lead to the accumulation of slowly diffusing byproducts of metabolism which ultimately become toxic. The required combination of properties can be achieved by conjugating hemoglobin and polyethylene glycol. Resuscitation fluids based on hemoglobin containing vesicles may provide the next level of functional improvement in the formulation of volume restitution fluids since their biophysical properties can be specifically controlled through the inclusion of specialized compounds into the vesicles, and the formulation of the suspending medium.
Distortion-rate tradeoff of a source uniformly distributed over the Composite P F (N) and the composite stiefel manifolds

To model the benefit accrued due to limited rate feedback on the information transfer of optimal ‘input covariance matrices’ from a channel-aware receiver to the transmitting users in a multiple-access channel, we study the distortion-rate tradeoff of a source uniformly distributed over multivariate generalizations of P F (n,p2) (the set of positive semi-definite matrices with a trace constraint) and V n,k ℂ (the classical Stiefel surface) manifolds. Using sphere-packing and random coding arguments, the distortion-rate function is bounded within asymptotically tight limits.
The Confluence of Technology and Narrative Approaches in Group Work: Techniques and Suggestions for Using Interactive E-Journals

This article illustrates procedures for using e-journals as a creative and adjunctive approach in group work. Incorporating e-mail based journaling as an ancillary form of group interaction allows ...
Achromatic double phase conjugate mirror

Abstract We show that the double phase conjugate mirror may be made achromatic by using material dispersion to compensate the dispersion of the photorefractive grating. It is shown that the bandwidth of the entire visible spectrum may be accommodated in barium titanate crystal. The achromatic conditions found in the experiment are in good agreement with theory. Broadband to single frequency image conversion is demonstrated.
Has the Incidence of Pump Thrombosis and Stroke in Patients with a HeartMate II Increased over Time

Purpose Whether there has been a change in the incidence of pump thrombosis and thromboembolic complications with the HM2 following approval and changes made in the inflow and outflow grafts is unknown. We sought to evaluate if the incidence of these events had changed during these 2 time periods. Methods and Materials A retrospective review of all patients receiving HMII at a single center was undertaken to identify incidences of pump thrombosis and stroke. The incidence was evaluated at the 2 time periods following approval (2008) and following changes made to the grafts (2011). Results 235 patients (mean age of 53.9 +/− 14 years) underwent implantation of a HMII from January 2006 to April 2012. Suspected pump thrombosis occurred in 6.0% of patients, which was verified in 4.7%. The risk of pump thrombosis trended higher in the post-2011 era (HR 3.88, 95% CI 0.97-15.52, P=0.056). A recent therapeutic INR was not protective against pump thrombosis (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.89-1.23). Stroke occurred in 4.7% of patients, occurring with similar frequency before and after February 2008 and April 2011. A recent therapeutic INR (HR 0.04, 95% CI 0-0.74) and a higher proportion of therapeutic INR measurements (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.67) were protective against stroke (P Conclusions The incidence of pump thrombosis and stroke does not appear to have increased during the 2 time periods although there is a trend towards more frequent pump thrombosis in the post-2011 era. The relative contribution of the change in HMII design over patient-related factors can not be ascertained but this warrants a careful evaluation in a larger cohort of patients.
Grip effects in the deformation of single crystals

Abstract A calculation is made of the average shear stresses caused by the reaction with the grips during a tensile test of a single crystal. By adopting a suitable work-hardening description, effects of changing sample thickness can be understood for face-centred cubic metals.
A pointwise Bayes-type estimator of the survival probability with censored data

Abstract In this note we propose an estimator of the survival function at a given time point using a Bayesian argument, an approach different from that of [Susarla, V., Van Ryzin, J., 1976. Nonparametric Bayesian estimation of survival curves from incomplete observations, Journal of the American Statistical Association 61, 897–902]. It is shown that the Kaplan–Meier (K–M) estimator is a special case of the proposed estimators. We show pointwise asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator for suitable choices of prior distributions.
Patterns of active life among older women: differences within and between groups.

SUMMARY This study examines the distribution of total, unimpaired, and impaired life for several groups of older women defined by race, education, and marital history. Using data from the 1984–1990 Longitudinal Study of Aging, we model transitions among functional statuses using discrete-time Markov chains, and use microsimulation to produce summary indices of active life. Remaining years of life and the proportion of remaining years with disability vary substantially, both within each group of women studied and between pairs of groups. Of all groups studied, never-married, more-educated white women live the longest, healthiest lives. Ever-married nonwhite women with low education have the shortest life expectancy, and experience the most disability. Our findings show that life expectancy is an incomplete indicator of the time women, in particular sub-groups, can expect to live with and without impairment. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of disability processes and life expectancy for older women.
Glycogen accumulation in spinal cord motor neurons due to partial ischemia.

Partial ischemia of the spinal cord in adult cats was induced by abdominal aortic ligation. The most striking abnormality was an accumulation of glycogen in large motor neurons and astroglia in the peripheral anterior horns. Little or no histological and ultrastructural abnormalities were present in these regions. The first glycogen deposits appeared after 1/2 h in glial cells, whereas glycogen accumulation in neurons was first noticeable 1 h after ligation reaching a maximum in 24 h. A gradual decrease occurred with disappearance of glycogen at 10 days. Increase in UDPG-transferase was found preceeding glycogen appearance, and increase in glycogen-phosphorylase activity occurred later concurrent with glycogen accumulation. This unique neuronal glycogen deposition may be due to the UDPG-transferase normally present in γ-motor neurons of the anterior horns. Other possible mechanisms are also considered.