cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrepancies in Radiograph Interpretation Between Pediatric Radiologists and Pediatric Intensivists in the Pediatric or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract Background In pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), patient management decisions are sometimes based on preliminary interpretations of radiographs by pediatric intensivists (PIs) before a formal interpretation by a pediatric radiologist (PRs). Objective To quantify and classify discrepancies in radiographic interpretation between PRs and PIs in the PICU and NICU. Materials and Methods This institutional review board–approved multi-institutional prospective study included three PRs and PIs at two PICUs and three NICUs. Interpretations of chest and abdominal radiographs by PIs and PRs were recorded on online forms and compared. Discrepancies in interpretations were classified as "miss," "misinterpretation," or "overcall." The discrepancies were also categorized as "actionable" or "nonactionable" based on extrapolation of the ACR actionable reporting work group's list of actionable findings. Results In 960 radiographic interpretations, the total, nonactionable, and actionable discrepancy rates between PRs and PIs were 34.7%, 26.8%, and 7.9%, respectively. The most common actionable discrepancies were line or tube positions and identification and interpretation of parenchymal opacities in the lungs. Identification of air leaks in the PICU and differentiation of normal from abnormal bowel gas patterns in the NICU followed in frequency. Air leaks accounted for 1% of total discrepancies and 11% of actionable discrepancies. Most discrepancies were nonactionable and included retrocardiac atelectasis and mischaracterization of neonatal lung disease in the PICU and NICU, respectively. Conclusion Although the total discrepancy rate was high, most discrepancies were nonactionable. Actionable discrepancies were predominantly due to line and tube position, which should be an area of focused education.
Dual-polarised hybrid feed microstrip patch antenna for multifunction application

In this Letter, a dual-polarised aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna with low cross-polarisation and high isolation is presented. A microstrip patch antenna is designed and fabricated to meet the multifunction phased array radar requirements. The proposed single element is fabricated and the measurement results along with simulation results have been presented, showing the performance of the designed single element. An input isolation of better than 50 dB and a cross-polarisation level of <;-30 dB are achieved in the measurements.
The Life Cycle of Human Papillomavirus

This chapter provides an overview of the life cycle of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including: (1) infection, (2) genome maintenance and cell proliferation, (3) genome amplification, (4) virus assembly and release, and (5) integration and tumor progression. While many of the processes involved with the HPV life cycle are still not well known, this chapter summarizes the research to date that has formed our current understanding of the cellular mechanisms driving each of these steps. Furthermore, this chapter describes known differences in the life cycle of high-risk and low-risk HPV infections, and the resulting tumor progression associated with each.
A Simple but Rigorous Model for Valence Mixing: Energy Levels, Thermodynamic Properties, and Phase Diagrams

The model for rare earth valence mixing which we discuss here is a generalization of that presented earlier for Eu valence instabilities.3 In particular, we will address the singlet ground state formation, the degeneracy dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, and potential phase diagrams when intersite magnetic or valence state interactions are included. Finally, a method of treating spin fluctuations within such an ionic configuration model is discussed.
How the Immune System Discriminates Infectious Nonself from Noninfectious Self

It is abundantly clear that the complex of host defense systems now known as the immune system arose in evolution to provide the host with defense against infectious agents. All host defense reactions involve three components. First, the foreign material must be recognized by some mechanism that discriminates it from self. Second, a response must be initiated. Third, that response must lead to the removal of the foreign material from the body. In this paper, I wish to make three points about the host system of defense. First, the removal or final effector system are the same for both innate and adaptive immune responses. Second, I argue that the adaptive immune response arose through the development of clonally distributed receptors encoded in rearranging genes and utilizes these receptors to regulate existing innate defense mechanisms. Third, I want to show that these two classes of responses are also linked at the recognition and response phase, in that adaptive immunity utilizes an older, nonclonal system of recognition to discriminate the infectious from the noninfectious, as well as its clonally distributed receptor to discriminate nonself from self. Thus, one can see that the immune response discriminates infectious nonself from noninfectious self. Without both of these types of recognition event, responses fail to occur. This has important consequences both for host defense and for the avoidance of autoreactivity [1].
Acidithiobacillales ord. nov.

The order Acidithiobacillales was circumscribed for this volume on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences; the order contains the families Acidithiobacillaceae and Thermithiobacillaceae.
Aging-Related Changes in Extracellular Matrix: Implications for Ventricular Remodeling Following Myocardial Infarction

In humans, age-related changes in the myocardium include increases in vascular intimal thickness, vascular stiffness, left ventricle (LV) wall thickness, and left atrial size. These changes in tissue structure and function are the result of altered expression profiles of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. While aging itself is not a pathological condition, this resetting of homeostasis sets up the LV to respond poorly to stress. As a reflection of this, morbidity and mortality rates after myocardial infarction (MI) strongly correlate with advancing age. To date, targeting specific ECM components for therapeutic purposes has only been achieved by indirect mechanisms. This book chapter summarizes the current knowledge of ECM remodeling during aging and MI, focusing on mechanistic insights that may reveal avenues to explore for therapeutic potential.
Implementing a pavement management system: The Caltrans experience

Abstract In this paper, the fundamental characteristics of PaveM—the pavement management system for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is introduced first, together with the various beta-testing efforts to validate and customize the engineering configuration of the software. The implementation of PaveM to support the development of the pavement asset ten-year management plan is then described. The tools and methods implemented to facilitate total investment determination and individual project evaluation and selection are presented in detail. In the end, lessons learned and future initiatives are presented.
Pregnancy hypertension and its associations with pre-pregnancy depression, anxiety, antidepressants, and anxiolytics.

Abstract Introduction Few studies have examined pre-pregnancy depression/anxiety and antidepressant/anxiolytic medication use in relation to hypertension disorders of pregnancy, i.e. chronic hypertension (CH), pre-eclampsia (PE), and gestational hypertension (GH). Methods This nested case-control study uses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) claims data of women with singleton live birth pregnancies (2010–2014) enrolled from 2 years prior to last menstrual period to ninety days after delivery. All women with ICD-9CM codes for CH, PE, GH, or unspecified hypertension were included as cases; women without hypertension were randomly sampled as controls. Linkage to Michigan birthfiles resulted in a sample of 12,647 women. Using weighted logistic regression, cases and controls were compared for depression and/or anxiety diagnoses (ICD-9CM codes) and anti-depressant and/or anxiolytic prescriptions throughout the study period. Depression and anxiety were defined as primary diagnosis in ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient visits. Results Among women with hypertension disorders of pregnancy, 59% had PE or GH, referred to here as pregnancy hypertension (PH). PH was associated with anti-depressant use prior to LMP only, (aOR = 1.2 95%CI 1.0, 1.5), continued use, (aOR = 1.4 95%CI 1.1, 1.7), and initiation of anxiolytic medication during pregnancy, (aOR = 2.5 95%CI 1.6, 4.2). In this latter group, 96% started medication before PH diagnosis. CH and PH were not associated with depression or anxiety in the absence of anti-depressants/anxiolytics. Conclusion While anti-depressants/anxiolytics may be useful indicators in risk stratification for pregnancy hypertension, the same does not appear to be true for depression/anxiety without related medication use.
Reported Knowledge of Typical Daily Calorie Requirements: Relationship to Demographic Characteristics in US Adults.

Abstract Background US obesity rates are at historically high levels, increasing the risk of negative health and economic outcomes at individual and population levels. Findings from earlier studies indicate that many consumers lack a clear understanding of calorie needs, potentially affecting their ability to manage caloric intake. Objective Our aim was to determine the knowledge of typical daily calorie needs of US adults by demographic and other characteristics, using a nationally representative sample. Design Data were analyzed from 6,267 respondents to the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its supplemental data source, the Flexible Consumer Behavior Survey, to assess reported knowledge of typical daily calorie requirements and associations with demographic and other characteristics of interest. Statistical analyses performed Logistic regression for complex sample surveys was used to estimate associations between self-reported daily calorie needs for men and women aged 21 years and older and participant characteristics. Results Most respondents accurately reported typical daily calorie needs for a person of their sex, age group, and physical activity level, however, distinct differences emerged between demographic groups. Women, non-Hispanic whites, and those with higher income and education levels were more likely to estimate typical daily calorie needs accurately; men were almost four times more likely than women to indicate a lack of knowledge of daily calorie needs. Conclusions Knowledge of typical daily calorie requirements is a foundational concept of nutrition literacy. Educational efforts to increase awareness, knowledge, and use of calorie information for certain groups may be helpful to refine interventions and ultimately improve public health in the United States.
Nucleate and film boiling heat transfer to liquefied natural gas.

A number of investigators [1–5] have demonstrated that nucleate boiling and the burnout heat flux can be strongly concentration-dependent. Perry and Bonilla [2] studied nucleate boiling of ethanol-water solutions from a flat plate heating element at atmospheric pressure. It was reported that at 4% ethanol, the burnout heat flux was about 10% higher than those for either pure component. A more striking result was reported by van Stralen and co-workers [3–5] on studies of the burnout heat flux for solutions of methylethylketone (MEK) and water. It was found that at 4.1 wt.% MEK, the burnout heat flux was twice as high as that for either pure component.
Social Science, Pornography, and Values

Through a close analysis of the writings of Augustus Brannigan and Sheldon Goldenberg on the causal effects of the consumption of pornography, the author reaches the conclusion that social scientific research on the effects of pornography, and specifically research on the causal relationship between pornography and rape, are inevitably value-laden. To the extent that values play a non-eliminable role in the formulation and testing of social science hypotheses, values -- if understood as subjective, non-cognitive, and essentially-contestable or "mere" opinions -- prevent the social sciences from being "mature" sciences and imply that the "science" in "social science" is misused.
Integrating Systems Thinking into Teaching Emerging Technologies

Collaborations and partnerships across disciplines are becoming increasingly recognized as valuable endeavors toward solving emerging global challenges in our rapidly changing world. Thus, it is cr...
Digital geographies, feminist relationality, Black and queer code studies: Thriving otherwise:

Digitality is deeply implicated in sociospatial processes of exclusion, adverse incorporation, impoverishment and enrichment. Theorizing digital practices of life and thriving is politically and ep...
The Use of Educational Robots to Engage the Youth in Computer Science: A Case Study

The use of robotics and robot design programming was viewed to be strictly used in the domain of higher education. Degree programs like computer science, computer engineering, and even mechanical engineering utilize robotics courses to introduce students to the use of robotics in different applications. The advances in engineering and the lowered hardware cost made acquiring and building a robot an easier task for a person to get started in robotic education. That lower cost also made it possible for many organizations across the world to hold educational programs and camps to educate young students in programming and robotics. In this paper we show a case study on how robotic programming camps for teens helped shape their ideas in the computer science field and engage students in programming interest.
Chemotherapy after immune checkpoint blockade in patients with recurrent, metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract Objectives Given that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now preferred agents in first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), we retrospectively studied outcomes on post-ICI therapies. Materials and methods We collected data from the medical records of 60 patients with R/M SCCHN who received ICIs followed by at least one further line of cytotoxic or biologic therapy at our institution from 2014 to 2019. We also compared outcomes with those of historical trials in the ICI-naive, second-line or greater setting. Results Patients who received platinum-based regimens as their post-ICI therapies experienced improved overall response (ORR) (50% versus 10%, p Conclusions Platinum- and 5-FU-based doublet or triplet regimens may be superior options in the post-ICI setting. Immunotherapy re-challenge following ICI therapy may also be a reasonable option.
The Role of Eye Tracking Technology in Assessing Older Driver Safety.

A growing body of literature is focused on the use of eye tracking (ET) technology to understand the association between objective visual parameters and higher order brain processes such as cognition. One of the settings where this principle has found practical utility is in the area of driving safety. Methods: We reviewed the literature to identify the changes in ET parameters with older adults and neurodegenerative disease. Results: This narrative review provides a brief overview of oculomotor system anatomy and physiology, defines common eye movements and tracking variables that are typically studied, explains the most common methods of eye tracking measurements during driving in simulation and in naturalistic settings, and examines the association of impairment in ET parameters with advanced age and neurodegenerative disease. Conclusion: ET technology is becoming less expensive, more portable, easier to use, and readily applicable in a variety of clinical settings. Older adults and especially those with neurodegenerative disease may have impairments in visual search parameters, placing them at risk for motor vehicle crashes. Advanced driver assessment systems are becoming more ubiquitous in newer cars and may significantly reduce crashes related to impaired visual search, distraction, and/or fatigue.
Promoting Race Equality and Supporting Ethnic Diversity in the Academy: The UK Experience Over Two Decades

This chapter employs a macro perspective to examine the role of the state in the UK in promoting race equality in higher education. While the dominant policy discourse has periodically drawn attention to the need to combat racial disadvantage, the only serious race equality strategy which made a difference, was short lived and in the last decade race equality has virtually fallen off the policy agenda. And yet over the same period, research evidence accumulates to demonstrate that BME staff and students continue to experience considerable disadvantage. Reflecting on the emergence and demise of the strategy which sought to support racial inclusion and ethnic diversity in the academy, it is suggested that universities are remarkably complacent. Such complacency partly stems from the dominance in the academy and indeed of much of society of a liberal as opposed to radical perspective on equality. Universities typically see themselves as liberal and believe existing policies ensure fairness; they thus ignore adverse outcomes and do not see combating racial inequalities as a priority. Such inertia will remain intact unless significant pressure is placed on universities to change. The chapter concludes by outlining two ideal typical approaches to the promotion of race equality (mandatory vis a vis optional) and suggests that the period has witnessed the transition from an approach close to the first ideal type to an approach close to the second approach. In this context, universities are urged to have no truck with a deficit model and to see it as their responsibility to take action to ensure more equitable outcomes.
Postnatal Development of the Mouse Larynx: Negative Allometry, Age-Dependent Shape Changes, Morphological Integration, and a Size-Dependent Spectral Feature

Purpose The larynx plays a role in swallowing, respiration, and voice production. All three functions change during ontogeny. We investigated ontogenetic shape changes using a mouse model to inform...
Persistent Poverty and Cancer Mortality Rates: An Analysis of County-Level Poverty Designations.

Background: Cancer mortality is higher in counties with high levels of (current) poverty, but less is known about associations with persistent poverty. Persistent poverty counties (with ≥20% of residents in poverty since 1980) face social, structural, and behavioral challenges that may make their residents more vulnerable to cancer. Methods: We calculated 2007 to 2011 county-level, age-adjusted, and overall and type-specific cancer mortality rates (deaths/100,000 people/year) by persistent poverty classifications, which we contrasted with mortality in counties experiencing current poverty (≥20% of residents in poverty according to 2007–2011 American Community Survey). We used two-sample t tests and multivariate linear regression to assess mortality by persistent poverty, and compared mortality rates across current and persistent poverty levels. Results: Overall cancer mortality was 179.3 [standard error (SE) = 0.55] deaths/100,000 people/year in nonpersistent poverty counties and 201.3 (SE = 1.80) in persistent poverty counties (12.3% higher, P Conclusions: Cancer mortality was higher in persistent poverty counties than other counties, including those experiencing current poverty. Impact: Etiologic research and interventions, including policies, are needed to address multilevel determinants of cancer disparities in persistent poverty counties.
ICT Capabilities and the Cost of Starting Businesses in Sub-Saharan African Economies: A Data Analytic Exploration

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be one of the reliable drivers of economic well-being of any economy. However, in the context of the poorest countries in the world- those of S...
Distant metastatic potential in primary renal sarcoma with MEIS1-NCOA2 gene fusion.

Recently, two cases of a distinct sarcoma characterized by a novel MEIS1-NCOA2 gene fusion arising in the kidney were described (1). Grossly, both these tumors were characterized by a distinctive nodular appearance, one of which was predominantly cystic with multiple excrescences projecting within cyst lumens, while the other demonstrated solid architecture, with perirenal fat and renal sinus vasculature invasion. Morphologically, the most distinctive feature of these neoplasms was their nodular growth pattern, produced by monomorphic plump spindle cells arranged in vague fascicles with a whorling pattern. A small component of a more primitive small round cell component typically centered on capillary vasculature was also present. In addition, both cases had variant patterns, including well-formed fascicles composed of elongated spindled cells in collagenous background, reminiscent of monophasic synovial sarcoma in one and epithelioid-round cell component with Homer Wright pseudorosette-like structures in the other. The latter tumor also showed aggressive features including necrosis and renal sinus vascular and perinephric fat invasion. The immunoprofile was not specific. Given the very limited clinical follow up in both these patients, the malignant potential of these tumors remains to be confirmed. To our knowledge, no additional cases have been reported. Herein, we report one such case with biopsy proven metastatic disease, broadening the histologic spectrum and confirming the distant metastatic potential of this emerging group of tumors.
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Assays and Novel Preclinical Technologies for Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Hemostasis is a complex wound-healing process involving numerous mechanical and biochemical mechanisms and influenced by many factors including platelets, coagulation factors, and endothelial components. Slight alterations in these mechanisms can lead to either prothrombotic or bleeding consequences, and such hemostatic imbalances can lead to significant clinical consequences with resultant morbidity and mortality. An ideal hemostasis assay would not only address all the unique processes involved in clot formation and resolution but also take place under flow conditions to account for endothelial involvement. Global assays do exist; however, these assays are not flow based. Flow-based assays have been limited secondary to their large blood volume requirements and low throughput, limiting potential clinical applications. Microfluidic-based assays address the aforementioned limitations of both global and flow-based assays by utilizing standardized devices that require low blood volumes, offer reproducible analysis, and have functionality under a range of shear stresses and flow conditions. While still largely confined to the preclinical space, here we aim to discuss these novel technologies and potential clinical implications, particularly in comparison to the current, commercially available point-of-care assays.
Imagining and teaching citizenship as non-citizens: Migrant social studies teachers’ positionalities and citizenship education in turbulent times

This study explored the positionalities of migrant social studies teachers in New York City and how those positionalities inform their perceptions and pedagogical practices of citizenship education...
Fungal taste for minerals: the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus triggers specific genes when extracting potassium from different silicates

Silicates make up about 90% of the Earth9s crust and constitute the main source of mineral nutrients for microorganisms and plants. Fungi can actively weather silicates to extract nutrients. However, it is unclear whether they are able to obtain the same amounts of nutrients and use the same mechanisms when tapping into different mineral sources. We performed a microcosm experiment using the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes Paxillus involutus and the silicates K-vermiculite, muscovite and phlogopite as only potassium sources, as they show a different resistance for the removal of K cations from the mineral structure. A combination of transcriptomic, elemental and SEM analyses showed that different minerals stimulated specific weathering mechanisms and led to a change in fungal genes expression. The differential expression of the fungal genes generated alternative chemical attacks on the minerals, resulting in a tailored dissolution and selective uptake of chemical elements according to the leachability of K from the silicate mineral. The K uptake capacity of the fungus was highest with vermiculite in comparison to growth on phlogopite and muscovite. The findings provide new insights into fungal-mineral interactions that will help to interpret key processes for the homeostasis of soil environments.
Impact of a crime prevention ordinance for small retail establishments.

BACKGROUND Ordinances requiring the implementation of robbery prevention measures have been enacted at the city level in many jurisdictions. We evaluated the impact of an ordinance requiring crime prevention measures on subsequent crime rates. METHODS Crime reports for robbery and aggravated assault from January 2006 through December 2015 were linked to randomly-selected convenience stores and small retail grocers in Houston (n = 293). Store characteristics and compliance with a list of safety measures were collected by surveyors in 2011. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare rates of crime before and after the implementation of the ordinance. RESULTS Robberies decreased significantly after the ordinance went into effect (rate ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.51). No individual safety measure was associated with decreased robbery rates. No similar decrease was observed for aggravated assault. CONCLUSIONS City ordinances mandating crime prevention measures can be effective. We could not parse out the effectiveness of individual elements, suggesting a comprehensive approach may be more effective.
Does post prostatectomy decipher score predict biochemical recurrence and impact care

To examine the ability of the Decipher test to predict early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and to impact clinical decisions in advance of metastasis and death. We identified Decipher tests ordered after radical prostatectomy for adverse pathology in men treated for prostate cancer between 1/1/14 and 8/31/18. Biochemical recurrence was defined as prostate-specific antigen > 0.02 ng/mL. Decipher score is reported as lower risk ( 0.02 and < 0.20 ng/mL to determine if high-risk Decipher scores were associated with receipt of salvage treatment. A total of 203 cases were analyzed: 37.9% and 62.1% had lower and higher risk Decipher scores respectively, and 56.2% had a biochemical recurrence. Median (inter-quartile range) follow-up was 20 (13.5, 25.3) months. Decipher score was significantly associated with time to biochemical recurrence (p = 0.027) while in the secondary analyses, high-risk Decipher scores (≥ 0.60) were associated with salvage treatment (p = 0.018). Stage category and Decipher score were significant predictors of time from elevated PSA to salvage treatment in the secondary analyses. While it might not contribute statistically, Decipher score can be clinically useful in helping patients reach treatment decisions.
Gendered framing in human rights campaigns

Human Rights Organizations (HROs) often rely on gender stereotypes in their advocacy campaigns. Yet, we know little about the effects of such essentializing stereotypes on the success of HRO campai...
Hybrid regimes 1

Hybrid regimes are not new. Even in the 1960s and 1970s, there existed multiparty, electoral, but undemocratic regimes. Virtually all hybrid regimes in the world today are quite deliberately pseudodemocratic, 'in that the existence of formally democratic political institutions, such as multiparty electoral competition, masks the reality of authoritarian domination'. If scholarly treatment of hybrid or 'electoral authoritarian' regimes is relatively new, it is not without some intellectual foundations in the transitions paradigm and in other earlier comparative work on democracy. As Andreas Schedler elaborates, the distinction between electoral democracy and electoral authoritarianism turns crucially on the freedom, fairness, inclusiveness, and meaningfulness of elections. No less difficult is the challenge of distinguishing between competitive authoritarian regimes and hegemonic electoral authoritarian ones. Comparative politics is returning with new concepts and data to a very old issue: the forms and dynamics of authoritarian rule. As democracies differ among themselves in significant ways and degrees, so do contemporary authoritarian regimes.
Bloch and Bethe Ansätze for the Harper model: A butterfly with a boundary

Based on a recent generalization of Bloch's theorem, we present a Bloch ansatz for the Harper model with an arbitrary rational magnetic flux in various geometries, and solve the associated ansatz equations analytically. In the case of a cylinder and a particular boundary condition, we find that the energy spectrum of edge states has no dependence on the length of the cylinder, which allows us to construct a quasi-one-dimensional edge theory that is exact and describes two edges simultaneously. We prove that energies of bulk states, generating the so-called Hofstadter's butterfly, depend on a single geometry-dependent spectral parameter and have exactly the same functional form for the cylinder and the torus with general twisted boundary conditions, and argue that the (edge) bulk spectrum of a semi-infinite cylinder in an irrational magnetic field is (the complement of) a Cantor set. Finally, realizing that the bulk projection of the Harper Hamiltonian is a linear form over a deformed Weyl algebra, we introduce a Bethe ansatz valid for both cylinder and torus geometries.
Effects of Cold-Straining on Structural Sheet Steels

Tension and compression tests, transverse to and in the direction of plastic prestretching, indicate that cold stretching has pronounced effects on the mechanical properties of structural sheet steels. The effects are strongly directional and different for various types of structural steels. Increases in yield strength and ultimate strength and decreases in ductility are approximately proportional to the amount of prior cold stretching. The Bauschinger effect is present in the direction of prestretching whereas an inverse Bauschinger effect exists in the direction transverse to that of prestretching. Strain aging increases the yield strength and ultimate strength, decreases the ductility, and converts the stress-strain curve from gradual to sharp yielding. Current concepts of the crystalline nature of metals and dislocation theories are used to examine experimental observation regarding strain hardening, the Bauschinger effect, and strain aging.
Coal Particle Ignition and Devolatilization

Coal particle reactions are an essential aspect in all coal processes. Often, these reactions are among the rate-limiting steps that control the nature and size of coal processes. Further, these reactions have a direct impact on the formation of fine particles, nitrogen and sulfur-containing species, and other pollutants. This section provides an overview of these coal particle reactions.
An adaptive generalized transmission protocol for ad hoc networks

Wireless networking and group communication in combination allows groups of dispersed mobile users to collaborate. This paper presents AGENT, a medium access control (MAC) protocol that unifies point-to-point and multi-point transmission services to facilitate group communication in ad hoc networks. Analysis and experiments performed in a simulated ad hoc network demonstrate that AGENT exhibits reliable and stable performance with high spatial bandwidth reuse. Moreover, variation in the proportion of point-to-point and multi-point traffic is shown to have little impact on the overall performance of AGENT. Comparison with the other tested MAC protocols reveals that the performance of AGENT is superior, achieving higher channel utilization and lower access delay.
Update: ISU FARM Network

Since its inception in 1946, Iowa State University’s (ISU) Western Research Farm (WRF) has fulfilled its original stated objective of “careful research giving definite answers to specific problems.” In continuing with that tradition, the WRF joined the On-farm Research Network of the ISU Corn and Soybean Initiative (CSI) and started conducting on-farm trials with participating local producers during the 2010 growing season. The on-farm research network was initiated in 2006 and underwent a metamorphosis in 2011 into the Iowa State University Farmer Assisted Research and Management (ISU FARM) network.
Abstract 20478: Circulating Inflammatory Potential Measured by an Endothelial Biosensor Assay in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Introduction: Vascular disease is driven by systemic inflammation that can arise from sites distal to the affected coronary or cerebral vessels. The objective of this study is to characterize the inflammatory potential of serum from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) using cultured endothelial cells as a biosensor of the circulating milieu. Methods: Serum samples from CAD patients (N=48) and healthy control subjects (N=50) were incubated with primary human coronary artery endothelial cells at a 1:10 dilution for 4h, following by isolation of the cellular RNA. Alteration of inflammation-responsive elements (adhesion molecules and cytokines) was assessed on a gene expression level. Specific indicators included intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Additionally, the serum samples from the CAD patients and healthy individuals were quantitatively analyzed for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α using an electrochemical luminescence platform. Results: For the CAD subjects’ serum, the mean values of ICAM, VCAM, and IL-8 expression were all elevated compared to healthy control subjects (p Conclusions: As yet uncharacterized circulating factors in the serum of CAD patients appear to activate endothelial cells. This assay paradigm performed well in terms of discriminating patients with CAD compared to healthy subjects, with greater range and specificity than specific inflammatory markers.
Modeling the ionospheric E and F1 regions: Using SDO-EVE observations as the solar irradiance driver

[1] Over the altitude range of 90–150 km, in dayside nonauroral regions, ionization is controlled almost entirely by solar ultraviolet irradiance; the response time for ionization during solar exposure is almost instantaneous, and likewise, the time scale for recombination into neutral species is very fast when the photoionizing source is removed. Therefore, if high-resolution solar spectral data are available, along with accurate ionization cross sections as a function of wavelength, it should be possible to model this ionospheric region with greater accuracy. The Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) instrument on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite, launched in February 2010, is intended to provide just such solar data, at high resolution in both wavelength and time cadence. We use the Utah State University time-dependent ionospheric model to assess the sensitivity in modeling that this solar irradiance data provide, under quiet solar conditions as well as during X-class flares. The sensitivity studies show that the E and F1 regions, as well as the valley region, are strongly dependent upon wavelength in both electron density and ion composition.
Statistical comparison of TEC derived from GPS and ISR observations at high latitudes

[1] A comprehensive data set collected with the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) and GPS receiver in Fairbanks, Alaska (magnetic latitude = 65.4°N) in 2007–2010 is employed to analyze and compare the total electron content (TEC) estimates derived from two radio techniques at high latitudes. The average TEC trends are shown to be largely similar and consistent with expectations based on solar conditions. The TEC residuals expressed as the difference and ratio between the PFISR- and GPS-derived TEC are evaluated to be below 2 total electron content units (TECU = 1016 electronsm−2) and 0.7–0.8, respectively, with some dependence on solar conditions. The agreement between TEC estimates is examined by limiting the difference between the GPS satellite and PFISR beam elevations to 2.5° and postintegrating GPS measurements over the period of each PFISR measurement. Factors controlling the agreement are investigated, including possible roles of GPS satellite bias, GPS elevation angle, and topside contribution to TEC. It is demonstrated that the best agreement, expressed as a linear correlation and a fraction of points consistent with the linear trend, is achieved with satellites at the largest elevation angles and smallest distances from PFISR, which are a possible effect of small spatial differences and unremoved differential biases. Estimates of the topside contribution to TEC range between 14% and 30% and are most consistent during daytime hours, while observations near the solar terminator and during the night suffer from large uncertainties.
The Roper and Radiative Decay of Pentaquarks

Identifying the Roper N(1440) and N(1710) as the pentaquark octet and anti-decuplet, respectively, we analyze their main decay modes in the diquark picture. The ratio of the partial decay widths is largely consistent with the nearly ideal mixing of the Jaffe-Wilczek diquark model, which then allows to predict the width of the radiative decay of N(1440), $\Gamma_{10}(N\to p\gamma)=1/4 \Gamma_{12}(N\to n\gamma)=0.25-0.31$ MeV. We then show that the three-body radiative decay of the pentaquark anti-decuplet is quite enhanced due to its mixing with the pentaquark octet. We find for the $J^P={1/2}^+$ pentaquark anti-decuplet $\Gamma(\Theta^+\to K^+ n \gamma)=0.034 \sim 0.041$ MeV. The diquark picture of the pentaquark predicts $\Gamma(\Theta^+\to K^+ n \gamma) =4 \Gamma(\Theta^+\to K^0 p \gamma)$. Finally we show that the difference in the Theta+ mass in the K0 p and K+ n decay channels may be accounted for by the missing photons in the radiative decay.
The basic building blocks and evolution of CRISPR-CAS systems.

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–Cas (CRISPR-associated) is an adaptive immunity system in bacteria and archaea that functions via a distinct self/non-self recognition mechanism that involves unique spacers homologous with viral or plasmid DNA and integrated into the CRISPR loci. Most of the Cas proteins evolve under relaxed purifying selection and some underwent dramatic structural rearrangements during evolution. In many cases, CRISPR–Cas system components are replaced either by homologous or by analogous proteins or domains in some bacterial and archaeal lineages. However, recent advances in comparative sequence analysis, structural studies and experimental data suggest that, despite this remarkable evolutionary plasticity, all CRISPR–Cas systems employ the same architectural and functional principles, and given the conservation of the principal building blocks, share a common ancestry. We review recent advances in the understanding of the evolution and organization of CRISPR–Cas systems. Among other developments, we describe for the first time a group of archaeal cas1 gene homologues that are not associated with CRISPR–Cas loci and are predicted to be involved in functions other than adaptive immunity.
Surrogate Markers of Insulin Resistance Are Associated with Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Drinks and Fruit Juice in Middle and Older-Aged Adults

In this study, we examined the association between sugar-sweetened drink, diet soda, and fruit juice consumption and surrogate measures of insulin resistance. Sugar-sweetened drink, diet soda, and fruit juice consumption was estimated using a semiquantitative FFQ in 2500 subjects at the fifth examination (1991-1995) of the Framingham Offspring Study. Surrogate markers of insulin resistance measured in this study included fasting insulin, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI(0,120)). Sugar-sweetened drink consumption was positively associated with fasting insulin (none vs. > or = 2 servings/d, 188 vs. 206 pmol/L, P-trend or = 2 servings/d, 5.28 vs. 5.18 mmol/L, P-trend = 0.006), but not with fasting insulin (none vs. > or = 2 servings/d, 200 vs. 188 pmol/L, P-trend = 0.37) or ISI(0,120) (none vs. > or = 2 servings/d, 26.0 vs. 27.0, P-trend = 0.19) in multivariate models. Diet soda consumption was not associated with any surrogate measures of insulin resistance after adjustment for potential confounders (insulin: none vs. > or = 2 servings/d, 195 vs. 193 pmol/L, P-trend = 0.59; glucose: 5.26 vs. 5.24 mmol/L, P-trend = 0.84; and ISI(0,120): 26.2 vs. 26.7, P-trend = 0.37). In these healthy adults, sugar-sweetened drink consumption appears to be unfavorably associated with surrogate measures reflecting hepatic more than peripheral insulin sensitivity. Studies of long-term beverage consumption using more direct measures of insulin sensitivity are clearly warranted.
Robotic Rehabilitation Game Design for Chronic Stroke

Abstract Objective: This study investigates games intended for use with an upper-limb exoskeleton robot operated unilaterally and bilaterally. Games are evaluated in terms of usability and preference for stroke survivors. Game design considerations relating to the human to machine interface, are also discussed. Subjects and Methods: Ten hemiparetic stroke survivors completed 12 90-minute sessions using an upper-limb robotic exoskeleton unilaterally and bilaterally. During the sessions subjects played seven different games designed for rehabilitation. At the conclusion of their sessions subjects completed an 83-question survey. Results: Subjects preferred static games to dynamic games. Preferred games elicited greater effort. Conclusions: Intermediate goals in addition to ultimate goals should be set with both static and dynamic games such that even with the patient's limited range of motion, speed, or coordination, the game should be playable and provide a sense of accomplishment to the patient. Marking t...
Ranging and grouping patterns of a western lowland gorilla group at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic.

The ranging and grouping patterns of a gorilla group were studied during 27 months from 1990–1992 at the Bai Hokou study site, Central African Republic. The study group ranged far daily (average = 2.3 km/day) and had a large home range (22.9 km2), relative to mountain gorillas, and ranging patterns differed between years. During 1990–1992, the bimale study group foraged less cohesively and had more flexible grouping patterns than mountain gorillas. The study group sometimes split into two distinct foraging subgroups, each led by a silverback, and these subgroups occasionally slept apart (mean = 950 m apart). Lowland gorillas rely on many of the same fruit resources as sympatric chimpanzees, and under certain demographic situations gorillas, like sympatric chimpanzees, may adapt their foraging group size to reduce intragroup feeding competition. However, the fiber content of the lowland gorilla diet likely relaxes constraints on foraging party size and facilitates group cohesion relative to chimpanzees. Am. J. Primatol. 43:111–133, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DISSOCIATION BETWEEN THE ANTI-AGGREGATORY & ANTI-SECRETORY EFFECTS OF PLATELET INTEGRIN αIIbβ3 (GPIIb/IIIa) ANTAGONISTS, c7E3 AND DMP728

The effects of αIIbβ3 antagonists on the blockade of fibrinogen binding to platelet αIIbβ3 are well documented, however, little is known about their effects on platelet secretion. We compare here the effect of two potent αIIbβ3 antagonists, c7E3 and DMP728, on platelet secretion. Using human platelet-rich plasma, P-selectin expression was measured by flow cytometry and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) secretion as well as β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) were determined by ELISA. At various concentrations of the antagonists that inhibited 80–95% of platelet aggregation, neither had any effect on P-selectin expression. In contrast, thrombin-stimulated PAI-1 secretion is only inhibited by c7E3, 49.6% at 3.5 μmol/L (p<0.05), but not at any other maximally effective anti-aggregatory concentrations of c7E3 or DMP728. Furthermore, a lack of any significant effects on platelet granular secretion of β-TG induced by either thrombin or ADP was demonstrated with DMP728, c7E3 or LM609. Two protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine and herbimycin, blocked both ADP- and thrombin-induced P-selectin expression at 10 μmol/L, but not PAI-1 secretion. Taken together this suggests that: (1) the mechanism of platelet granular secretion is independent of the integrin αIIbβ3 and (2) the subcellular locations of PAI-1, β-TG and P-selectin or the signaling mechanisms that regulate their secretion might be different. Although there is no direct effect of platelet αIIbβ3 antagonists on platelet secretion of PAI-1, β-TG and P-selectin, the present data demonstrates that reduction of platelet number by αIIbβ3 antagonists, via the reduction in thrombus size, might be an alternate mechanism for reduced platelet secretion. In conclusion, a discoupling between the anti-aggregatory and the anti-secretory effects of αIIbβ3 antagonists has been demonstrated. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Megacollect 2004: hyperspectral collection experiment of terrestrial targets and backgrounds of the RIT Megascene and surrounding area (Rochester, New York)

This paper describes a collaborative collection campaign to spectrally image and measure a well characterized scene for hyperspectral algorithm development and validation/verification of scene simulation models (DIRSIG). The RIT Megascene, located in the northeast corner of Monroe County near Rochester, New York, has been modeled and characterized under the DIRSIG environment and has been simulated for various hyperspectral and multispectral systems (e.g., HYDICE, LANDSAT, etc.). Until recently, most of the electro-optical imagery of this area has been limited to very high altitude airborne or orbital platforms with low spatial resolutions. Megacollect 2004 addresses this shortcoming by bringing together, in June of 2004, a suite of airborne sensors to image this area in the VNIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR regions. These include the COMPASS (hyperspectral VNIR,SWIR), SEBASS (hyperspectral LWIR), WASP (broadband VIS, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and MISI (hyperspectral VNIR, broadband SWIR, MWIR, LWIR). In conjunction with the airborne collections, an extensive ground truth measurement campaign was conducted to characterize atmospheric parameters, select targets, and backgrounds in the field. Laboratory measurements were also made on samples to confirm the field measurements. These spectral measurements spanned the visible and thermal region from 0.4 to 20 microns. These measurements will help identify imaging factors that affect algorithm robustness and areas of improvement in the physical modeling of scene/sensor phenomena. Reflectance panels have also been deployed as control targets to both quantify sensor characteristics and atmospheric effects. A subset of these targets have also been deployed as an independent test suite for target detection algorithms. Details of the planning, coordination, protocols, and execution of the campaign will be discussed with particular emphasis on the ground measurements. The system used to collect the metadata of ground truth measurements and disseminate this data will be described. Lastly, lessons learned in the field will be underscored to highlight additional measurements and changes in protocol to improve future collections of this area.