cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A framework for adaptive, cost-sensitive intrusion detection and response system

Intrusion detection has been at the center of intense research in the last decade owing to the rapid increase of sophisticated attacks on computer systems. Typically, intrusion detection refers to a variety of techniques for detecting attacks in the form of malicious and unauthorized activities. There are three broad categories of detection approaches: (a) misuse-based technique that relies on pre-specified attack signatures, (b) anomaly-based approach, that typically depends on normal patterns classifying any deviation from normal as malicious; and (c) specification-based technique that although operates in a similar fashion to anomaly-based approach, employs a model of valid program behavior in a form of specifications requiring user expertise. When intrusive behavior is detected, it is desirable to take (evasive and/or corrective) actions to thwart attacks and ensure safety of the computing environment. Such countermeasures are referred to as intrusion response. Although the intrusion response component is often integrated with the Intrusion Detection System (IDS), it receives considerably less attention than IDS research owing to the inherent complexity in developing and deploying response in an automated fashion. As such, traditionally, triggering an intrusion response is left as part of the administrators responsibility, requiring a high-degree of expertise. In this work we present an integrated approach to intrusion detection and response based on the technique for monitoring abnormal patterns in the program behavior. The proposed model effectively combines the advantages of anomaly-based and specification-based approaches recognizing a known behavior through the specifications of normal and abnormal patterns and classifying unknown patterns using a machine-learning algorithm. Such combination not only allows adaptation of the specification-based detection to the new patterns, but also provides a method for automatic development of specifications. In addition to detection, our framework incorporates preemptive response. By preemption, we imply deploying response before a monitored pattern is classified completely as an intrusion. Such response deployment is likely to stop an intrusion before it can affect the system. However, preemption also inherently suffers from false positives; i.e., responses are deployed to deter correct execution which may look intrusive in its initial phase. To reduce false positives, we have developed a multi-phase response selection and deployment mechanism based on the evaluation of the cost information of the system damage caused by potential intrusion and candidate responses.
Absentee Ballot Day in the library: Empowering students to vote

On September 25, 2018, American University Library held its inaugural Absentee Ballot Day, helping 1,005 students request absentee ballots. The library partnered with student government, the alumni association, and the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia to empower our students in exercising their fundamental right and responsibility as citizens in a democracy. This article describes the reasoning behind this initiative, the planning process, and the event itself. The hope is that many academic libraries will join in this effort for the 2020 general election. Resources for institutions wishing to hold their own Absentee Ballot Day are included.
Abstract TP147: Quantitative Measures of Strength and Synergy Differentiate Individuals With Chronic Stroke With and Without Clinically Detectable Elbow Contracture

Many individuals with chronic stroke demonstrate contracture of the elbow flexors. The development of contracture may be attributable to underlying impairments such as weakness, flexion synergy, an...
Information scrambling and chaos in open quantum systems

Out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOCs) have been extensively used over the past few years to study information scrambling and quantum chaos in many-body systems. In this paper, we extend the formalism of the averaged bipartite OTOC of Styliaris et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 030601 (2021)] to the case of open quantum systems. The dynamics is no longer unitary but it is described by more general quantum channels (trace preserving, completely positive maps). This ``open bipartite OTOC'' can be treated in an exact analytical fashion and is shown to amount to a distance between two quantum channels. Moreover, our analytical form unveils competing entropic contributions from information scrambling and environmental decoherence such that the latter can obfuscate the former. To elucidate this subtle interplay, we analytically study special classes of quantum channels, namely, dephasing channels, entanglement-breaking channels, and others. Finally, as a physical application we numerically study dissipative many-body spin chains and show how the competing entropic effects can be used to differentiate between integrable and chaotic regimes.
Predictors of Mother's Milk Feeding in Early Preterm Infants in an Urban Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background/Purpose: Greater use of mother’s milk (MM) is associated with improved outcomes for preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Racial, mental-health, and socioeconomic disparities exist in provision of MM to preterm infants. Further research is needed to better identify modifiable barriers to providing MM in these high-risk populations. Our Level IV NICU serves a predominantly urban, underserved, low socioeconomic-status patient population, allowing us to better study this important demographic. The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence and predictors of provision of MM to early preterm infants …
"Doing" healthcare at end-of-life: Identity tensions, negotiations, and conflicts.

Observing how healthcare providers deal with death and dying, in terms of “doing” identity, allows us to explore how they cope with patient end-of-life (EOL) and highlights how the professional ide...
Computerized Cognitive Training: A Review of Mechanisms, Methodological Considerations, and Application to Research in Depression

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is receiving attention as a promising and widely accessible intervention that is designed to ameliorate the cognitive symptoms commonly seen across multiple clinical populations as well as mood and activities of daily living. The primary purpose of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms of action and response factors of CCT. The secondary purpose is to review and propose the applicability of CCT to individuals with depression who have been shown to experience several cognitive symptoms that often predate, co-occur, and persist even with the resolution of mood symptoms. Design recommendations for future studies are proposed to determine the suitability of CCT as an adjunctive treatment for depression, including use of both active and waitlist control groups and having shorter yet more frequent training protocols.
Relationship Between Central Artery Stiffness, Brain Arterial Dilation, and White Matter Hyperintensities in Older Adults: The ARIC Study-Brief Report.

Objective Nonatherosclerotic outward remodeling of the large intracranial arteries may facilitate propagation of excessive aortic pulsatile energy into the cerebral microcirculation and has been associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. We sought to determine the relationship between central artery stiffness, brain arterial diameters, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in the general population of older adults. Approach and Results: We examined data from 1275 stroke-free participants of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study (59% female, 30% Black, mean age 77 years) who underwent carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging. A cf-PWV >12 m/s was considered elevated. Relationships between WMH and arterial diameters at the M1A1 segment of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries (whichever larger) were analyzed in the absence of artery-specific plaque, adjusting for intracranial volume and potential confounders. The average cf-PWV was 11.7 m/s and WMH volume was 11.2 cm3. Each 0.5 mm increment in M1A1 diameter was associated with 24% greater WMH volume in participants with elevated cf-PWV (exponentiated β=1.24 [95% CI, 1.12-1.36]), compared with a 10% greater WMH volume in participants without elevated cf-PWV (exponentiated β=1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.19]), P value for interaction=0.04. Conclusions In this examination of older adults from the general population, larger, plaque-free arterial diameters in the middle cerebral circulation were associated with greater WMH volume, particularly among participants with elevated central artery stiffness. Strategies to reduce central artery stiffness may mitigate the association between cerebrovascular outward remodeling and microvascular damage.
Movable window insulation as an instantiation of the adaptive building envelope: An investigation of its cost-effectiveness in the U.S

Abstract Improving the performance of building envelope is essential to energy conservation and emission reduction. Adaptive building envelope (ABE) has the potential to effectively reduce building energy consumption at a lower cost. Movable window insulation is an instantiation of the ABE with great application potential in buildings, but it has not been systematically studied. Trying to fill this gap, this paper proposes an automatic control system and a manual control rule for movable window insulation. The energy consumption of double-glazed windows, triple-glazed windows, movable insulation with automatic/manual control, and electrochromic windows is compared in different scenarios using building energy simulation (BES). In some scenarios, the optimal solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for windows with movable insulation is higher than that required by the building code. Triple-glazed windows are only effective in reducing the heating energy, while electrochromic windows are only effective in reducing the cooling energy. Infiltration has a great impact on the performance of movable insulation. The net preset value (NPV) analysis shows that movable insulation has a great application potential in Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Phoenix, while triple-glazed windows are only viable in some cases in Minneapolis. Electrochromic windows are not a profitable investment at their current prices.
Visions, writings and walls: perceptual learning and the artwork of Kemang Wa Lehulere

It is not easy to define where, for Kemang Wa Lehulere, the making of art begins and ends. Wa Lehulere’s artworks suggest an attitude toward looking focused on less developed aspects in contemporar...
Tube-based robust MPC with adjustable uncertainty sets using zonotopes*

A tube-based robust Model Predictive Control (MPC) formulation with adjustable uncertainty sets is presented where the size of the uncertainty set is optimized as part of the underlying optimization problem. To guarantee constraint satisfaction subject to uncertainties bounded to this set, Robust Positively Invariant (RPI) set computation and constraint tightening are integrated into the optimization problem. Zonotopes are used to represent the set containment conditions that define RPI sets and constraint tightening as linear constraints. The Hausdorff distance metric is shown to reduce conservatism when optimizing the size of these tightened constraint sets. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the ability to optimize the size of the uncertainty set within a robust MPC formulation and highlights the benefits and limitations of this approach.
Perioperative subcutaneous methylnaltrexone does not enhance gastrointestinal recovery after posterior short-segment spinal arthrodesis surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Postoperative ileus is a major barrier to gastrointestinal recovery following surgery. Opioid analgesics likely play an important causative role, particularly in spinal or orthopedic surgeries not involving bowel manipulation. Methylnaltrexone, a peripherally-acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist, is a potential prophylactic treatment. PURPOSE To assess the influence of perioperative subcutaneous methylnaltrexone administration on gastrointestinal recovery following short-segment lumbar arthrodesis surgeries. DESIGN This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. PATIENT SAMPLE Eligible patients undergoing posterior short-segment lumbar arthrodesis surgeries at a single institution between February 2019 and April 2021 were enrolled in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was time-to-first bowel movement. Secondary outcome measures included time-to-discharge/discharge eligibility. Exploratory outcome measures included daily postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores. METHODS In this study, eligible patients were enrolled to receive either methylnaltrexone or placebo perioperatively. Time-to-bowel movement, time-to-discharge/discharge eligibility, intra and postoperative analgesic administration, and pain scores were recorded and compared. RESULTS Eighty two patients in total were enrolled; 41 to the methylnaltrexone and 41 to the placebo group. Both groups were similar in their baseline characteristics. There was no difference in median (range) time-to-bowel movement between the 2 groups [61.8 hours (35.7–93.6) versus 50.7 hours (17.8–110.8), p = .391]. There was also no difference in time-to-discharge/discharge eligibility [105.0 hours (81.0 – 201.3) versus 90.7 (77.5 – 184.5), p=.784]. Finally, there were no differences in either postoperative opioid consumption or numeric rating scores for back, leg, or abdominal pain on postoperative days 0 to 4 (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS Methylnaltrexone did not accelerate gastrointestinal recovery and did not affect opioid consumption or pain scores following short-segment spinal surgery as compared to placebo. Additional studies will be needed to identify effective opioid receptor antagonist dosing regimens for patients undergoing either short- or long-segment spinal arthrodesis procedures.
Biomaterial-based antimicrobial therapies for the treatment of bacterial infections

The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including strains that are resistant to last-resort antibiotics, and the limited ability of antibiotics to eradicate biofilms have necessitated the development of alternative antibacterial therapeutics. Antibacterial biomaterials, such as polycationic polymers, and biomaterial-assisted delivery of non-antibiotic therapeutics, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides and antimicrobial enzymes, have improved our ability to treat antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections. Biomaterials not only allow targeted delivery of multiple agents but also sustained release at the infection site, thereby reducing potential systemic adverse effects. In this Review, we discuss biomaterial-based non-antibiotic antibacterial therapies for the treatment of community-acquired and hospital-acquired infectious diseases, with a focus on in vivo results. We highlight the translational potential of different biomaterial-based strategies and provide a perspective on the challenges associated with their clinical translation. Finally, we discuss the future scope of biomaterial-assisted antibacterial therapies. The development of antibiotic tolerance and resistance has demanded the search for alternative antibacterial therapies. This Review discusses antibacterial biomaterials and biomaterial-assisted delivery of non-antibiotic therapeutics for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, with a focus on clinical translation.
Student's Perspective on Distance Learning During COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Western Michigan University, United States

As the distance learning process has become more prevalent in the USA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand students’ experiences, perspectives, and preferences. Our study's purpose is to reveal students’ perspectives and preferences on distance learning due to the dramatic change that happened in the education process. Western Michigan University is used as the case study to achieve that purpose. Participants completed an online survey that investigated two measures: distance learning and instructional methods with a set of scales associated with each. Students reported negative experiences of distance learning such as lack of social interaction and positive experiences such as time and location flexibility. These findings may help WMU and higher educational institutions to improve distance learning education.
Simulation Software for Distributed Model

This chapter presents the numerical software we have developed to perform simulations using the distributed model of the ramp system. The software is developed in Matlab. We present a simple algorithm first. Then we show the limitations of that algorithm. Those limitations are removed by adding the projection dynamics elements discussed in the last chapter.
Calibration Methods for Eddy Current Measurement Systems

Calibration of eddy current measurement systems is an important factor for attaining the accuracy and precision of measurement that quantitative nondestructive evaluation requires. The quantity of interest in most forms of eddy current inspection is △Z, the change in probe impedance induced by a flaw. Flaw signals produced by surface-breaking cracks are small; typical flaw signals for an air core probe amount to a few tenths of one percent of the probe’s impedance in air. Such small signals are easily obscured by the impedance changes caused by small variations in the height of the probe above the workpiece (lift-off). To discriminate against lift-off, conventional eddy current instruments determine the phase of △Z relative to lift-off and the magnitude of the component of △Z in quadrature with lift-off. But this information is not sufficient to perform flaw signal inversion; rather, the absolute magnitude and phase of △Z are necessary. Thus, quantitative inversion of eddy current signals to obtain flaw sizes requires methods for calibrating eddy current measurement systems.
High Speed Atomic Force Microscope Design Using DVD Optics

HIGH SPEED ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE DESIGN USING DVD OPTICS By Thomas Beatty Carlson, MS Applied Physics A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Director: Dr. Jason Reed, Assistant Professor, Physics Department We examine the design of a high speed atomic force microscope using an optical pickup from a commercially available compact disc/digital versatile disc drive. An investigation of the commercial optical pickup is done with the goal of determining how it can be used for dimensional measurements on nanometer scale. An evaluation of noise sources, imaging capabilities, and functionality is performed.
Linking the Rule of Law and Trade Liberalization in Jamaica

Jamaica is one of several smaller countries that hope to improve their position in the global market, raise living standards, and strengthen democracy through trade liberalization. Adapting David Dollar's cycles of good governance, this article argues that sustainable trade liberalization, rule of law, and democracy are linked and that sustainable success in one area requires contemporaneous progress in the other two. It concludes that improving the rule of law in Jamaica is necessary for sustainable trade liberalization.
A recursive algorithm for efficient combinatorial library docking

Due to the rapid development of combinatorial chemistry and high throughput screening, a new virtual screening scenario emerged. While previously the focus was on analyzing large collections of compounds available to the medicinal chemist, nowadays the search space is defined in the form of large, possibly virtual, combinatorial libraries. In this article we describe how the structure of combinatorial libraries can be exploited to speed up docking predictions. Based on our incremental construction method implemented in the docking software FLEX X we developed a recursive scheme to traverse the combinatorial library space efficiently. We applied our docking algorithm to three libraries with sizes from a few hundred up to 20 000 molecules. In all cases, we are able to show that similar results are achieved as in a sequential docking of the library molecules. The computing time, however, can be reduced by a factor of up to 30 resulting in an average time of about 5 s per library molecule.
ULSD and B20 Hydrocarbon Impacts on EGR Cooler Performance and Degradation

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler fouling has emerged as an important issue in diesel engine development. Uncertainty about the level of impact that fuel chemistry may have upon this issue has resulted in a need to investigate the cooler fouling process with emerging non-traditional fuel sources to gage their impact on the process. This study reports experiments using both ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and 20% biodiesel (B20) at elevated exhaust hydrocarbon conditions to investigate the EGR cooler fouling process. The results show that there is little difference between the degradation in cooler effectiveness for ULSD and B20 at identical conditions. At lower coolant temperatures, B20 exhibits elevated organic fractions in the deposits compared with ULSD, but this does not appear to lead to incremental performance degradation under the conditions studied. Comparisons with a previous study conducted at low HC levels shows that the presence of increased volatiles in the deposit does not impact the degradation in effectiveness significantly. Moreover, the effectiveness loss divided by the deposit mass gain for both low- and high-HC conditions seems to indicate that the HC fraction in the deposit does not significantly alter the overall thermal properties of the deposit layer.
A Multilateral Exchange Rate Model for Primary Producing Countries

This paper presents a small simulation model that can be used to estimate the medium-run effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance of a primary producing country. The model is applied to four copper producing countries, Chile, Peru, Zaire, and Zambia. The model can estimate the effect of several simlutaneous exchange rate changes. It uses a commodity by commodity approach, and allows for a high rate of inflation in the primary producer. The model is simulated numerically, based on estimated parameters.
More than Shelter

Abstract Housing people with HIV/AIDSis a pressing need as poor and disenfranchised groups are increasingly infected. Advocates, planners, and direct care workers lack information on the impact of HIV/AIDShousing from the perspective of residents. This study interviews 57 persons in subsidized housing solely for people with HIV/AIDS. Findings indicate that stable housing made significant contributions to improvements to the health, medication adherence, mental health, and social support of the residents. Problems noted in the housing include behavior associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Differences in social support gains by subgroups, particularly women, are also noted along with recommendations for increased housing availability using this and Other models.
Evaluating intent-to-change among SNAP-Ed participants (626.14)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education on intent-to-change (ITC) behavior in low-income adults. In two regions of Riverside County, public health nutritionists recruited adults to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) related to increasing fruit and whole grain consumption, limiting sweetened beverages, or using smart shopping tips. Self-identified ethnicity/race of the sample was 76% Hispanic, 15% white, 5% black, and 4% other. The participants (n=2472) completed a 2-item ITC survey after receiving a single educational session. A comparison group (n=784) of low-income adults, recruited from the same social services lobby but not exposed to the intervention, also completed the survey. Among those who did not engage in the behavior before receiving the nutrition education, 52-68% reported an intent to eat more fruit; 45-62%, to eat more whole grains; 68-75%, to reduce sweetened beverages; and 57-70%, to shop with a list. Participants were...
Correlation of Fracture Behavior with Microstructure in Friction Stir Welded, and Spin-Formed Al-Li 2195 Domes

Single-piece, spin-formed domes manufactured from friction stir welded (FSW) plates of Al-Li alloy 2195 have the potential to reduce the cost of fabricating cryogenic propellant tanks. Mechanical properties in the completed domes can be related directly to the final material condition and the microstructures developed. However, these new fabrication techniques have resulted in unexpected material challenges, such as abnormal grain growth in the weld nugget and the propensity for fracture in the adjacent thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). In this study, the microstructure and texture transformations within the TMAZ are related to fracture location in the vicinity of the weldment. The texture variations in the TMAZ are caused primarily by the varying amounts of shear deformation introduced during the FSW process. Grain morphology and microtexture characteristics are examined as a function of location in the TMAZ via electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). A strong correlation between fracture location and the presence of texture banding in the TMAZ is observed. The fracture path tends to follow a distinct region of low Taylor Factor (TF) grains.
Microevolution in island rodents.

We perform a meta-analysis on morphological data from four island rodent populations exhibiting microevolution (<≈ 100 years). Data consisting of incidences of skeletal variants, cranial, and external measurements are from house mice (Mus musculus) on one Welsh and one Scottish island, black rats (Rattus rattus) on two Galapagos islands, and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) on three California Channel islands. We report extremely high rates of microevolution for many traits; 60% of all mensural traits measured changed at a rate of 600 d or greater (max. 2682 d). The proportion of all mensural traits evolving at 600-800 d (23%) was idiosyncratic and departed from an expected negative exponential distribution. We argue that selection, rather than founder events, is largely responsible for the substantial shifts in morphology seen among insular rodents. Examining individual traits, there is a trend towards the nose becoming longer and wider, while the skull becomes shallower, shown by both rats and mice on five different islands. We found a significant correlation between island size and degree of skeletal variant evolution and between island distance from the mainland (or nearest island) and degree of cranial and external character evolution. Thus, microevolution of rodents is greater on smaller and more remote islands.
Some concepts for trajectory prediction for ship self defense

Threat trajectories are predicted for a one-on-one engagement against an anti-ship cruise missile in a ship self-defense scenario. The prediction trajectories belong to one of two classes: state based, and goal based. In the state based, the prediction is based entirely on the estimated threat state, while in the goal based it is assumed that the threat's destination is the ship. Several types of predicted trajectories are formulated. The selection of trajectory type depends usually on the reliability of the estimates of elements in the threat state, especially the threat acceleration. Less exact knowledge requires use of simpler trajectory models. Presence of the sea surface requires some modification of the trajectories in some cases. The different prediction methods are evaluated against a standard scenario.
Reduction by β-endorphin of efflux of dopamine and dopac from superfused medial basal hypothalamus

Abstract The effects of β-endorphin (β-EP) and naloxone on the efflux of dopamine (DA) and its specific deaminated metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), from superfused rat medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) were determined. After an equilibration period of 2.5 hrs with Medium 199 at 37°C 0.5 ml fractions were collected. Injection of β-EP, but not medium, into the system significantly reduced (P
BLURRED VISION AND THE TRANSPARENCY OF EXPERIENCE

: This paper considers an objection to intentionalism (the view that the phenomenal character of experience supervenes on intentional content) based on the phenomenology of blurred vision. Several intentionalists, including Michael Tye, Fred Dretske, and Timothy Crane, have proposed intentionalist explanations of blurred vision phenomenology. I argue that their proposals fail and propose a solution of my own that, I contend, is the only promising explanation consistent with intentionalism. The solution, however, comes at a cost for intentionalists; it involves rejecting the “transparency of experience”, a doctrine that has been the basis for the central argument in favor of intentionalism.
Hemodynamic effects of epinephrine and terbutaline in normal man

The hemodynamic effects in normal man of the subcutaneous administration of 0.5 mg and 0.25 mg of epinephrine, an agent which stimulates α-adrenergic and β-adrenergicreceptors, and of 0.5 mg and 0.25 mg of terbutaline, an agent with a more selective β 2 -adrenergic activity in isolated organ preparations, and normal saline were assessed by a double-blind study using a modified Latin-square design. Noninvasive circulatory techniques were employed because of the large number of measurements and the five-hour duration of study for each agent. Instantaneous pulmonary capillary blood flow and calf blood flow were measured. Ten normal volunteers were studied in the supine position on alternate days. After a control period of one hour, the hemodynamic effects of these agents were studied over a four-hour period. Epinephrine and terbutaline had qualitatively similar actions. In terms of quantitative hemodynamic effects, 0.25 mg of terbutaline sulfate was equivalent to 0.5 mg of epinephrine hydrochloride. Terbutaline initially appeared to stimulate both β 1 -adrenergic and β 2 -adrenergic receptors, as evidenced by tachycardia, increased stroke volume associated with a fall in systemic vascular resistance, and an increase in calf blood flow. One to four hours after injection, the fall in systemic vascular resistance persisted, accompanied by an increased cardiac output related solely to tachycardia, since stroke volume had reached baseline values. Indirect evidence suggested that both terbutaline and epinephrine might have produced pulmonary vasodilatation; terbutaline appeared to give a longer duration of action.
Development and therapeutic applications of advanced biomaterials

Millions of patients worldwide have benefited from technological innovation from biomaterials. Yet, while life expectancy continues to increase, organ failure and traumatic injury continue to fill hospitals and diminish the quality of life. Advances in understanding disease and tissue regeneration combined with increased accessibility of modern technology have created new opportunities for the use of biomaterials in unprecedented ways. Materials can now be rapidly created and selected to target specific cells, change shape in response to external stimulus, and instruct tissue regeneration. Here we describe a few of these technologies with emphasis on targeted drug delivery vehicles, high-throughput material synthesis, minimally invasive biodegradable shape-memory materials, and development of strategies to enhance tissue regeneration through delivery of instructive materials.
Dunaway, Pete Seeger—How can I keep from singing? [audio documentary series]

D. K. (producer). (2008). Albuquerque: University of New Mexico. To call Pete Seeger an icon of American music may understate the importance of his contribution to the culture of the United States....
A Rasch model analysis of technology usage in Minnesota hospitals.

Abstract Purpose To identify whether the level of difficulty varied among various healthcare technologies. In addition, to examine the whether the degree of healthcare technology adoption was related to patient safety. Methods The data on healthcare technology usage came from a survey of hospitals in Minnesota. There were responses from individuals within 104 hospitals for an effective response rate of 72.7%. The data on patient safety was taken from the Hospital Compare database. Rasch model analysis and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results Rasch model analysis revealed that the difficulty of implementation of healthcare information technologies varied by the particular technology. That is, some technologies were more difficult than other technologies. Further, it was found that the degree of healthcare information technology implementation within a hospital was significantly related to patient safety. Conclusion This study identified design and policy implications for hospital decision makers. In particular, it was shown that the technological capability of a hospital is a key consideration in determining the level of resources that are necessary to implement specific healthcare technologies within a hospital.
Excess factor VIII: a common cause of hypercoagulability.

Background: Elevations of coagulation factor VIII have recently been described in significant numbers of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) previously thought to have had an “idiopathic” event. Three patients from a family practice are presented with recurrent VTE and increased factor VIII levels. Method: The case histories and results of laboratory tests were reviewed. Results: The 3 patients had no other clear coagulopathy. In 2 of the 3, the increase was confirmed with a second reading. Conclusions: Factor VIII assay should be considered in the work-up of idiopathic, recurrent VTE. Long-term anticoagulation may be appropriate in this setting.
Bent helix formation between RNA hairpins with complementary loops

The initial interaction between the ColE1 plasmid specific transcripts RNA I and RNA II, which function as antisense regulators of plasmid replication, comprises a transient complex between complementary loops found within the RNA secondary structures. Multidimensional heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to characterize complexes formed between model RNA hairpins having seven nucleotide complementary loops. Seven base pairs are formed in the loop-loop helix, with continuous helical stacking of the loop residues on the 3' side of their helical stems. A sharp bend in the loop-loop helix, documented by gel electrophoresis, narrows the major groove and allows bridging of the phosphodiester backbones across the major groove in order to close the hairpin loops at their 5'-ends. The bend is further enhanced by the binding of Rom, a ColE1 encoded protein that regulates replication.
A simple and general extraction procedure for phytoecdysones based on reversed-phase adsorption chromatography

Abstract We describe an extremely efficient and simple extraction procedure for ecdysones (moulting hormones) from plants. It is directly applicable to the crude ethanol extract of plants and can be readily scaled up to large scale extractions. The method is based on the principle of reversed-phase adsorption chromatography, and offers the advantage of versatility and economy in time and material.
Baseball, Alcohol and Public Health

What should we say about an employer who offers free alcohol to employees at the end of every workday? Some might call it a dream job, others would question the sanity of the employer, and many wou...
Studies of Non-Proportionality in Alkali Halide and Strontium Iodide Scintillators Using SLYNCI

Recently a collaboration of LLNL and LBNL has constructed a second generation Compton coincidence instrument to study the non-proportionality of scintillators [1]. This device, known as SLYNCI (Scintillator Light-Yield Non-proportionality Characterization Instrument), has an over 30 time higher data collection rate than previous devices enabling complete characterization of a sample with less 24 hours of running time. Thus, SLYNCI enables a number of systematic studies of scintillators as many samples can be processed in a reasonable length of time. The studies include difference in non-proportionality between different types of scintillators, different members of the same family of scintillators, and impact of different doping levels. The results of such recent studies are presented here, including a study on of various alkali halides, and the impact of europium doping level in strontium iodide. Directions of future work will also be discussed.
Idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion. Comparison with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Many patients with acid-peptic disease have idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion defined as a basal acid output >10.0 meq/hr; however, a significant proportion have basal acid outputs >15.0 meq/hr, which is within the range found in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Although idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion is more common than Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is important that these two disorders be differentiated because of differences in treatment and natural history. In the present study, we compared 124 patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion and 137 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. There were no significant differences with regard to age at diagnosis, history of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, nausea, vomiting, and family history of duodenal ulcer and other acid-peptic disease. However, significant differences were observed between patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion and patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with regard to percentage of males: 77% compared to 64% (P=0.008), mean serum gastrin: 60 pg/ml compared to 3679 pg/ml (normal 10.0 meq/hr) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (basal acid output >15.0 meq/hr). When 45 patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion and 39 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with basal acid outputs 15.1–30.0 meq/hr were compared, the main significant differences were with regard to mean serum gastrin: 69 pg/ml compared to 655 pg/ml (P<0.001), percentage of male gender: 82% compared to 62% (P=0.03), and percentage with diarrhea: 16% compared to 64% (P=0.000005). These results indicate that in general patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion and patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome often have similar clinical features that can be difficult to distinguish. However, the increased frequency of diarrhea and female gender should lead to a strong suspicion of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which can be distinguished in almost every case by measurement of serum gastrin.
Difficult airway management and the novice physician

Background: Selection of the ideal airway device in patients with difficult airways (DA) or potentially difficult airways remains controversial, especially, for a novice anesthesia physician (NP) who must deviate from conventional direct laryngoscopy with a rigid laryngoscope following a failed intubation and employ one of the several alternative devices. The author determines and compares tracheal intubation success rates, times to success and complications of a novice physician using four alternative airway devices in 20 obese (BMI more than 27.5) patients who may be more difficult to intubate than normal weight patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized experimental study the author investigates a novice physician's use of the Bullard™, Fiberoptic™, Fastrach™and Trachlight™ comparing reliability, rapidity and safety of orotracheal intubations. Following induction of anesthesia the NP was allowed up to a maximum of two attempts per device at oral intubation. Mean intubation times plus/minus SD, per cent success rates and postoperative complications were evaluated for each device. Results: The Fastrach™ was successful 100% of the time on the first attempt requiring a mean time of 55 seconds plus/minus 6.6. All intubations were unsuccessful following two attempts with the Fiberoptic™. A success rate of 20% (one of five) was achieved with the Trachlight™ on first attempt after 95 seconds. The Bullard™ was successful in 40 % (two of five) of the patients after a mean time 60 seconds plus/minus five, but was the only device to result in mild oral discomfort one day post operatively. Conclusions: In the hands of a novice physician managing a difficult or potentially difficult airway, often encountered in obese patients, the Fastrach™ demonstrated the highest success rate.
Measurement of residual stress in plasma-sprayed metallic, ceramic and composite coatings

Abstract Residual stresses in plasma-sprayed coatings were studied by three experimental techniques: curvature measurements, neutron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Two distinct material classes were investigated: (1) single-material coatings (molybdenum) and (2) bi-material composites (nickel+alumina and NiCrAlY+yttria-stabilized zirconia), with and without graded layers. This paper deals with the effects of coating thickness and material properties on the evolution of residual stresses as a function of composition and thickness in both homogeneous and graded coatings. Mathematical analysis of the results allowed in some cases the separation of the quenching stress and thermal stress contributions to the final residual stress, as well as the determination of the through-thickness stress profile from measurements of different thickness specimens. In the ceramic–metal composites, it was found that the quenching stress plays a dominant role in the metallic phase, whereas the stress in the ceramic phase is mostly dominated by thermal mismatch. The respective thermal expansion coefficients and mechanical properties are the most important factors determining the stress sign and magnitude. The three residual stress measurement methods employed here were found to be complementary, in that each can provide unique information about the stress state. The most noteworthy outcomes are the determination of the through-thickness stress profile in graded coatings with high spatial resolution (curvature method) and determination of stress in each phase of a composite separately (neutron diffraction).
Analytic Models for Temperature Distribution Near a Nanoantenna

Thermoplasmonic structures produce highly localized temperature fields. For simplicity, researchers often use a superposition of representative spheres to model the temperature in the non-conductive region (presumably a substrate) near the metallic structures deposited on the substrate. The superposition model provides reasonable solutions, but direct comparison to experiments is difficult because local temperature variations at the nanoscale are not accessible. Moreover, the model requires several approximations. Therefore, we compare this model to other analytic models to determine the efficacy of the superposition approach in capturing temperature distributions close to the surface of the substrate and to capture realistic boundary conditions. Results indicate that a 3D analytic model can relax approximations required for the superposition model and show that the superposition model consistently over-predicts the surface temperature.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Transsituational negative contrast

Rats were shifted from 32% sucrose solution in one apparatus to a 4% sucrose solution in a different apparatus, and the performance of these animals was compared to rats that received the 4% solution in both situations. Transsituational negative contrast effects were found in both consummatory and instrumental measures of behavior and, in addition, these contrast effects were found to have some elements in common with both successive and simultaneous contrast effects, but were identical to neither.
Evaluation of system polarization quality for polarimetric SAR imagery and target decomposition

The quality of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) imagery and its polarimetric decompositions depends on the accuracy of polarimetric observations of the SAR system and its calibration. Polarization distortions on the polarimetric measurement can be incurred due to nonideal system polarization quality and propagation factors, such as channel imbalance, cross-talk, and Faraday rotation at lower frequencies. All these distortions have varying impacts on different target types as well as different decomposition methods. In this paper, we assess the polarization quality of the PolSAR system in the context of polarimetric imagery analysis and quantify the various effects of polarization distortions on polarization target decompositions. A generic metric is defined to measure the polarization purity of the system. Considering the fact that target decomposition plays an important role in imagery analysis, we apply several widely used decomposition methods to showcase the polarimetric system requirement based on the defined metric.
Functional Protein Additives in Surimi Gels

Medium-grade Alaska pollock surimi was used to investigate the effects of functional protein additives on texture and colors. Torsion failure and differential scanning calorimetry tests were applied to measure gel strength, gel deformability, and calorimetric properties. CIE Lab color values were also measured. Shear stress values of gels and peak temperature of DSC thermograms were all increased. Shear strain, a good indicator of protein-protein interaction, was increased only by addition of egg white and beef plasma protein. Yellowness (b*) values were affected by all additives except frozen egg white. Whiteness index (L*-3b*) was a more effective indicator to differentiate additives.
Micelle Formation by a Fragment of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is the major component of amyloid plaques found in the pancreatic islets of persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. HIAPP belongs to the group of amyloidogenic proteins, characterized by their aggregation and deposition as fibrillar amyloid in various body tissues. The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is thought to occur via a common pathway, but currently no unifying kinetic model exists. In previous work, we presented a model of amyloid fibril formation formulated from our observations of the aggregation of an amyloidogenic fragment of hIAPP, amino acids 20–29. Our model is based on nucleation-dependent aggregation, modified by the formation of off-pathway hIAPP micelles. In the present study we confirm the presence of peptide micelles, and experimentally determine the critical micelle concentration in solutions of hIAPP fragments using three different techniques: conductivity, pH, and fluorescence. All three techniques yield a critical micelle concentration of 3–3.5 μM peptide. Furthermore, based on changes in the fluorescence intensity of a labeled peptide fragment as well as a decrease in solution pH as a result of deprotonation of the amino terminus, we conclude that the amino terminus of the fragment undergoes a significant change of environment upon micellization.
Are honorifics polite? Uses of referent honorifics in a Japanese committee meeting

Abstract Taking the view that honorifics are indexes, this paper examines uses of referent honorifics in a committee meeting in a Japanese company. The ways in which referent honorifics occur in this committee meeting defy the explanation that honorifics are markers of politeness. The paper finds that most of the referent honorifics that occur in the meeting are used in the speech act of requests and descriptions of the third party not present in the speech context. Furthermore, the male participants use referent honorifics more than the female participants. The paper argues that neither Brown and Levinson's politeness theory nor Ide's notion of wakimae ‘discernment’ alone can adequately account for the usages of the referent honorifics in the committee meeting talk. This paper illustrates ways in which the participants discursively construct their institutional identity through the use of referent honorifics.