cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimum leakage vector pattern estimation

With rapid scaling of CMOS technology, subthreshold and gate leakage mechanisms have become dominant. With feature size scaling beyond 50 nm, gate leakage has become comparable to subthreshold leakage. In such a scenario, gate leakage currents can no longer be ignored in NMOS devices that are switched OFF. Previous studies on gate leakage current do not consider the effect of this component. In this paper, we study the interdependence between subthreshold and gate current by including gate current in OFF transistors and estimate minimum leakage input vectors. Performing analysis on fundamental CMOS combinational and sequential blocks has shown that the gate leakage current in OFF transistors has a significant impact on the total leakage current to the extent that the minimum leakage vectors are no longer the same when this particular leakage component is considered. Based on the factors affecting subthreshold and gate leakage currents and their interdependence, different scenarios are identified which are used in minimum leakage vector pattern estimation. In the case of stacks with variable number of transistors, a standard approach is developed in determining minimum leakage vectors.
Transitional cell carcinoma in fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus): pathology and expression of cyclooxygenase-1, -2, and p53.

A high prevalence of urinary bladder transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) has been noted in captive fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus). Of the 91 adult deaths between 1995 and 2004, 12 (13%) were attributed to TCC. To help elucidate mechanisms of carcinogenesis, archival sections of urinary bladder from 14 fishing cats were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for p53, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, and COX-2 expression. Ten cats had TCC, and 4 were unaffected. The average age at death was 10.8 years in affected individuals and 10.5 years in unaffected individuals. There was no sex predilection. Fishing cat TCCs were characterized histologically as papillary and infiltrating (n 5 6), nonpapillary and infiltrating (n 5 3), or carcinoma in situ (n 5 1). Glandular and squamous metaplasia, necrosis, and lymphatic invasion were prominent histologic features. Two individuals had documented metastasis. p53 nuclear immunolabeling was detected in 4/10 (40%) TCCs. In two cases, immunolabeling was limited to less than 10% of the neoplastic cellular population and was comparable to staining of normal fishing cat bladder. Therefore, p53 gene mutation did not appear to be an essential component of TCC carcinogenesis in examined fishing cats. COX-1 immunohistochemistry was negative in all cases. All TCCs had some degree of COX-2 cytoplasmic immunolabeling, which was exclusively within the invasive portions of the neoplasms. Papillary portions were uniformly negative. COX-2 overexpression was a prominent feature in the majority of the examined fishing cat TCCs, suggesting that COX-2- mediated mechanisms of carcinogenesis are important in this species and that COX-inhibiting drugs may be of therapeutic benefit.
Rapid preparation of nuclei-depleted detergent-resistant membrane fractions suitable for proteomics analysis.

Background: Cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains known as lipid rafts have been implicated in diverse physiologic processes including lipid transport and signal transduction. Lipid rafts were originally defined as detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) due to their relative insolubility in cold non-ionic detergents. Recent findings suggest that, although DRMs are not equivalent to lipid rafts, the presence of a given protein within DRMs strongly suggests its potential for raft association in vivo. Therefore, isolation of DRMs represents a useful starting point for biochemical analysis of lipid rafts. The physicochemical properties of DRMs present unique challenges to analysis of their protein composition. Existing methods of isolating DRM-enriched fractions involve flotation of cell extracts in a sucrose density gradient, which, although successful, can be labor intensive, time consuming and results in dilute sucrose-containing fractions with limited utility for direct proteomic analysis. In addition, several studies describing the proteomic characterization of DRMs using this and other approaches have reported the presence of nuclear proteins in such fractions. It is unclear whether these results reflect trafficking of nuclear proteins to DRMs or whether they arise from nuclear contamination during isolation. To address these issues, we have modified a published differential detergent extraction method to enable rapid DRM isolation that minimizes nuclear contamination and yields fractions compatible with mass spectrometry. Results: DRM-enriched fractions isolated using the conventional or modified extraction methods displayed comparable profiles of known DRM-associated proteins, including flotillins, GPI-anchored proteins and heterotrimeric G-protein subunits. Thus, the modified procedure yielded fractions consistent with those isolated by existing methods. However, we observed a marked reduction in the percentage of nuclear proteins identified in DRM fractions isolated with the modified method (15%) compared to DRMs isolated by conventional means (36%). Furthermore, of the 21 nuclear proteins identified exclusively in modified DRM fractions, 16 have been reported to exist in other subcellular sites, with evidence to suggest shuttling of these species between the nucleus and other organelles. Conclusion: We describe a modified DRM isolation procedure that generates DRMs that are largely free of nuclear contamination and that is compatible with downstream proteomic analyses with minimal additional processing. Our findings also imply that identification of nuclear proteins in DRMs is likely to reflect legitimate movement of proteins between compartments, and is not a result of contamination during extraction.
Quadrature-detector errors in scanning tomographic acoustic microscopy

Holographic scanning laser acoustic microscopy which employs a quadrature detector has high spatially varying errors, because the real and imaginary components are detected by two sequential scans. A new technique for simultaneously detecting the real and imaginary components in a single scan which will remove the spatially varying errors is proposed. In addition, an estimation and correction algorithm for the remaining errors is presented. >
Complex variable formulation of hygrothermoelasticity problems

The power of conformai mapping is well recognized for solving plane elasticity and potential flow problems in mechanics. Complex geometric boundaries may be transformed to those that can be described by a single space variable. By applying the concept of holomorphic functions, general form solutions may be written down. For problems involving removable singularities, numerical calculations carried out in the transformed plane are divorced from singularities as they are generally embedded in the mapping function. Such procedures are now well-known, the details of which can be found in [1, 2] for plane elasticity problems. Extension of the method to include thermal behavior is straightforward [3, 4].
Data Exploration, Descriptive Statistics, and Measures of Central Tendency

The purpose of this lesson is to give attention to descriptive analysis, measures of central tendency, and graphical presentation of data, which are essential before any statistical analyses are conducted. Initial efforts should be placed on data exploration and specifically the use of descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency (e.g., mode, median, mean, standard deviation, etc.). A complete summary of descriptive statistics is presented in this lesson, both for factor-type object variables as well as numeric object variables of an interval or continuous nature. An initial summary of graphical presentations available through R is provided, with emphasis on publishable quality graphics deferred until later lessons.
Simulation of electronics manufacturing systems with two-card kanban

In this paper, two simulation models of an electronics manufacturing system are developed in order to evaluate the performance of kanban-based production with make-to-stock and make-to-order strategies. The first simulation model is based on the concept of make-to-stock, an approach in which a company assumes that the finished products in stock can be immediately delivered to the market. The second simulation model considers the same type of electronics manufacturing system, but the products are assumed to be make-to-order based on weekly demand. To meet the fluctuated demand, release time of raw materials and the number of kanbans can be varied to produce the desired number of finished goods. The effects of several system design parameters are studied and the difference between the make-to-stock and make-to-order strategies on the system performance is also examined.
Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Citrus Greening Disease in Louisiana

Abstract. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was detected in Orleans Parish, LA, in May 2008. Soon after detection, the tree upon which the Asian citrus psyllid had been found tested positive for citrus greening (or huanglongbing). In response to these detections, personnel from the Louisiana State University AgCenter worked with representatives of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and USDA-APHIS-PPQ to respond to the situation. Pest control recommendations were developed for nursery, commercial, and backyard citrus production. This information was distributed to stakeholders via traditional extension channels (publications, media, Internet sites, and in-person presentations). County field faculty worked with inspectors to identify locations to survey. The efforts culminated in the implementation of an area-wide management approach in Plaquemines Parish, the largest citrus-producing region of Louisiana. To date, huanglongbing has not been detected in Plaquemines Parish...
What if…? Language, health care, and moral imagination

Language is important to human life. It shapes the way we see our world, is the symbolic means by which we express our knowledge of the world and each other, and guides and justifies our actions. In addition to these roles, language conveys what moral ideas and values are significant to a group. These functions are related and not mutually exclusive.
Toward secure distributed spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio is a revolutionary technology that promises to alleviate the spectrum shortage problem and to bring about remarkable improvement in spectrum utilization. Spectrum sensing is one of the essential mechanisms of CR and is an active area of research. Although the operational aspects of spectrum sensing are being studied actively, its security aspects have attracted very little attention. In this paper, we discuss security issues that may pose a serious threat to spectrum sensing. Specifically, we focus on two security threats - incumbent emulation and spectrum sensing data falsification - that may wreak havoc in distributed spectrum sensing. We also discuss methods for countering these threats and the technical hurdles that must be overcome to implement such countermeasures.
Privacy and proportionality: adapting legal evaluation techniques to inform design in ubiquitous computing

We argue that an analytic proportionality assessment balancing usefulness and burden on individual or group privacy must be conducted throughout the design process to create acceptable ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) applications and services. We introduce the principle of proportionality, which originates within the legal and data protection communities. Inspired by this principle, we develop a design method for ubicomp applications, based on our own experience, and aimed at HCI practitioners and designers. We discuss the method in relation to real-world examples, user inquiry techniques and requirements engineering models. Finally, we report a sample application of the method, involving a ubiquitous, personal memory aid tool.
Incorporation of murine brain progenitor cells into the developing mammalian retina.

PURPOSE. To investigate the influence of a developing host environment on the survival, differentiation, and morphologic integration of murine brain progenitor cells (mBPCs) transplanted into the mammalian retina. METHODS. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing murine brain progenitor cells were transplanted into developing and mature Brazilian opossums (Monodelphis domestica). Animals were allowed to survive for up to 4 weeks after transplantation, at which time the eyes were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS. Transplanted mBPCs survived and differentiated in vivo, and extensive morphologic integration was observed within the host retinas. GFP-expressing cells often displayed morphologies characteristic of retinal neurons. GFP somata were located in nuclear layers, and their processes ramified throughout the inner (IPL) and outer (OPL) plexiform layers. Furthermore, in some cases, GFP-expressing neurites were confined to specific sublamina within the IPL. The greatest morphologic integration and differentiation were observed after transplantation into the youngest-aged host eyes. Some transplanted mBPCs incorporated within the inner retina expressed the neuronal markers microtubule associated protein (MAP)-2 or calretinin. Transplanted cells coexpressed GFP and recoverin only in the ONL. CONCLUSIONS. mBPCs survived and morphologically integrated after xenotransplantation without immunosuppression. mBPCs were capable of incorporating into specific layers of the retina and expressing neuronal and retinal markers. The age of the host appeared to play a key role in determining cell fate in vivo.
Relatedness of Chromosomal and Plasmid DNAs of Erwinia pyrifoliae and Erwinia amylovora

The plant pathogen Erwinia pyrifoliae has been classified as a separate species from Erwinia amylovora based in part on differences in molecular properties. In this study, these and other molecular properties were examined for E. pyrifoliae and for additional strains of E. amylovora, including strains from brambles (Rubus spp.). The nucleotide composition of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was determined for six of the seven 16S-23S rRNA operons detected in these species with a 16S rRNA gene probe. Each species contained four operons with a tRNAGlu gene and two with tRNAIle and tRNAAla genes, and analysis of the operons from five strains of E. amylovora indicated a high degree of ITS variability among them. One tRNAGlu-containing operon from E. pyrifoliae Ep1/96 was identical to one in E. amylovora Ea110, but three tRNAGlu operons and two tRNAIle and tRNAAla operons from E. pyrifoliae contained unique nucleotide changes. When groEL sequences were used for species-specific identification, E. pyrifoliae and E. amylovora were the closest phylogenetic relatives among a set of 12 bacterial species. The placement of E. pyrifoliae distinct from E. amylovora corroborated molecular hybridization data indicating low DNA-DNA similarity between them. Determination of the nucleotide sequence of plasmid pEP36 from E. pyrifoliae Ep1/96 revealed a number of presumptive genes that matched genes previously found in pEA29 from E. amylovora and similar organization for the genes and origins of replication. Also, pEP36 and pEA29 were incompatible with clones containing the reciprocal origin regions. Finally, the ColE1-like plasmid pEP2.6 from strain Ep1/96 contained sequences found in small plasmids in E. amylovora strains IL-5 and IH3-1.
Predictive factors of activity of anti-programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 drugs: immunohistochemistry analysis

Anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) therapeutic antibodies targeting regulatory pathways in T cells have recently shown to promising clinical effectiveness in several solid tumors by enhancing antitumor immune response. Immune checkpoint therapy has propelled therapeutic efforts opening a new field in cancer treatment. However, durable clinical response has been educed only in a fraction of patients, underlining the need to predictively select those patients most likely to respond, e.g., by detecting predictive biomarkers. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detection of PD-L1 in tumor cells has been used in various trials of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents to try to select those patients most likely to respond. However, since there are different techniques and scoring systems, results have not been conclusive. Thus efforts are needed to develop standardized IHC assays as well as to explore additional biomarkers to evaluate and predict immune responses elicited by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
Alpines: from Mountain to Garden

This beautifully illustrated book traces alpine plants from their homes in high mountainous regions around the world to growing them in rock gardens for everyone to enjoy. Alpine plants appeal to g...
The Tastemaker: Carl Van Vechten and the Birth of Modern America

Review of: "The Tastemaker: Carl Van Vechten and the Birth of Modern America," by Edward White
Preparing Teachers for Online Instruction with a Graduate Certificate Program

Online education for K-12 students has grown rapidly over the past decade. Approximately four million K-12 students enroll in one or more online courses each year. Because online learning is expanding into K-12 settings, teacher education programs need to prepare preservice teachers to be successful in these areas. This paper describes the design and initial implementation of a graduate certificate program in online instruction developed to help pre- and in-service teachers gain these skillsets. In addition to overviewing courses required for this certificate, the paper describes how the program has attracted attention beyond the college of education to include students from multiple disciplines. These diverse voices enrich the exploration of online teaching among all learners.
Measurements of Single Nucleotide Electronic States as Nanoelectronic Fingerprints for Identification of DNA Nucleobases, Their Protonated and Unprotonated States, Isomers, and Tautomers

Several nanoelectronic techniques have been explored to distinguish the sequence of nucleic acids in DNA macromolecules. Identification of unique electronic signatures using nanopore conductance, tunneling spectroscopy, or other nanoelectronic techniques depends on electronic states of the DNA nucleotides. While several experimental and computational studies have focused on interaction of nucleobases with different substrates, the effect of nucleic acid biochemistry on its electronic properties has been largely unexplored. Here, we present correlated measurements of frontier molecular orbitals and higher-order electronic states for four DNA nucleobases (adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine), and first-principle quantum chemical density functional theoretical (DFT) computations. Using different pH conditions in our experiments, we show that small changes in the biochemical state of these nucleic acids strongly affect the intrinsic electronic structure, measured using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS...
Defects in Sexual Behavior as Factors Affecting Fertility in Turkeys

Abstract ATTACKS on the critical problem of low fertility in turkeys have been varied to the point of including embryological, genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral analyses. However, explorations along any one line are still exceedingly limited. Kosin et al. (1951) observed a high incidence of early embryonic mortality and suggested this might be the major factor contributing to low apparent fertility in Broad Breasted Bronze flocks. Family differences in fertility were observed by Harper and Parker (1950) and recent estimates of heritability have been relatively high (Abplanalp and Kosin, 1953; Blow et al., 1951). A seasonal decline in fertility observed by Olsen and Marsden (1952) was considered to be associated with a preseasonal molt in males brought about in part at least by fluctuations in thyroid function. A decline in sexual activity was suggested as a possible contributing factor. Impressive evidence that environmental temperature is an important factor in sexual maturation …
Metformin may be associated with false-negative cancer detection in the gastrointestinal tract on PET/CT.

ABSTRACT Objective Concurrent therapy with the antihyperglycemic drug metformin can hinder the detection of malignancy in the abdominal and pelvic portions of 18F-fluordeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging performed for the diagnosis or staging of malignancy, as well as for treatment response and radiation therapy planning. This is due to the metformin-induced increase in intestinal FDG radiotracer uptake. We aim to bring this potentially important interaction to the attention of clinicians who care for cancer patients with diabetes. Methods We searched MEDLINE (from 1970 to January 2014)and Google Scholar for relevant English-language articles using the following search terms: “metformin and FDG/PET, metformin and bowel uptake, metformin, and cancer, metformin and the intestine, metformin pharmacokinetics, hyperglycemia and FDG/PET.” We reviewed the reference lists of pertinent articles with respect to metformin gut physiology, impact on FDG uptake and the effect on diagnostic accuracy of abdominal-pelvic PET/CT scans with concurrent metformin therapy. Results We reviewed the action of metformin in the intestine, with particular emphasis on the role of metformin in PET/CT imaging and include a discussion of clinical studies on the topic to help refine knowledge and inform practice. Finally, we discuss aspects pertinent to the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients on metformin undergoing PET/CT. Conclusions Metformin leads to intense, diffusely increased FDG uptake in the colon, and to a lesser degree, the small intestine, which limits the diagnostic capabilities of FDG PET/CT scanning and may mask gastrointestinal malignancies. We suggest that metformin be discontinued 48 hours before FDG PET/CT scanning is performed in oncology patients. More rigorous data are needed to support the widespread generalizability of this recommendation. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:1079-1083)
A Structural Analysis of Sūrat Maryam, Verses 1–58

This article takes a structural approach to the stories told in Q. 19:1–58. Relying on the theoretical ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, Roland Barthes, and Wayne Booth, and focusing primarily on the Qur'anic text itself while referring to classical and modern Qur'an commentaries, it uses structural analysis as a tool with which to analyse the theme of secrets that is prominent throughout the various stories told in this section of Sūrat Maryam. In the course of this analysis this paper explores how structure is first established in this sura, and how it changes as the section progresses. It then goes on to discuss the narrative techniques through which the story presents metaphysical beliefs of God's centrality while moving from narrative to metanarrative. It addresses the ways in which the dramatic tension and irony inherent to the subtextual juxtaposition of the signs for secrets maintained and secrets revealed are expressed in the stories told within the text; by signifying God's omniscience, these sign...
Clinical Analysis on 13 Cases with Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of Kasbach-Merritt syndrome for reducing misdiagnosis,and to discuss its therapy. Methods The clinical data and therapeutic conditions of 13 patients diagnosed with Kasbach-Merritt syndrome from 2001.3 to 2008.2 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The 13 patients included 4 men and 9 women,with sex ratio is 1∶2.25. All the patients were infants less than 6 months or neonates featuring of hemangiomas varying in location and size combined with thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage,and 3 patients suffered from disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC). The therapy was based on high-dose corticosteroid shock,supplemented with supportive treatments. Conclusion Kasbach-Merritt syndrome is rare in clinic and easy to be misdiagnosed. It is likely complicated with DIC leading to death. According to patients' clinical characteristics,different therapeutic measures would be taken to relieve the state of illness and win time for regional injection or surgical removal. Injection into mass body guided by type-B ultrasonic is a new promising method to reduce drug dosage and side effects.
Serological surveillance on hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome after vaccination

Objective To observe the serological and epidemiological efficacy of hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome (HFRS) vaccine in Zhejiang province. Methods Immunofluorecent antibody assay and Mcro-CPE method were used to test specific IgG antibody and the titer of neutralizing antibody. Results Two weeks after the injection of the third dose, the sero-conversion rates by both immunofluorecent antibody test (IgG) and neutralization test were 100.0%(67/67)(95% CI: 96.3-100.0) and 44. 4% (8/18) (95% CI: 22. 0-69. 0) with geometric mean titers(GMTs) 72. 1 and 4. 6 respectively. The rates of seroconversion of immunofluorescent antibody by immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) were 28. 6%, 83. 3%, 75. 0%, 53. 1%,22. 6%, 10. 0% and 55. 0% before reinforcement, two weeks, one year, one year and a half years, two years, three years and five years after reinforcement. The rates of neutralizing antibody seroconversion by the Mcro-CPE method were found as 14. 8%, 55. 6%, 35. 0%, 31. 3%, 26. 0%, 10. 0% and 50. 0% respectively. We found some antibody dependent immunization enhancement phenomenon among the inoculated population, but further observation was needed. Conclusion HFRS vaccine was immunologically effective and the duration of serous antithey last long.
Three-Dimensional Molecular Imaging with Photothermal Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a three-dimensional optical imaging technique that has been successfully implemented in ophthalmology for imaging the human retina, and in studying animal models of disease. OCT can nondestructively visualize structural features in tissue at cellular-level resolution, and can exploit contrast agents to achieve molecular contrast. Photothermal OCT relies on the heat-producing capabilities of antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles to achieve molecular contrast. A pump laser at the nanoparticle resonance wavelength is used to heat the nanoparticles in the sample, and the resulting changes in the index of refraction around the nanoparticles are detected by phase-sensitive OCT. Lock-in detection of the pump beam amplitude-modulated frequency and the detector frequency allow for high-sensitivity images of molecular targets. This approach is attractive for nondestructive three-dimensional molecular imaging deep (approximately 2 mm) within biological samples. The protocols described here achieve a sensitivity of 14 parts per million (weight/weight) nanoparticles in the sample, which is sufficient to differentiate EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-overexpressing cells from minimally expressing cells in three-dimensional cell constructs.
Micromachined Silicon Parallel Acoustic Delay Lines as Time Delayed Ultrasound Detector Array for Real-Time Photoacoustic Tomography.

This paper reports the development of a new 16-channel parallel acoustic delay line (PADL) array for real-time photoacoustic tomography (PAT). The PADLs were directly fabricated from single-crystalline silicon substrates using deep reactive ion etching. Compared with other acoustic delay lines (e.g., optical fibers), the micromachined silicon PADLs offer higher acoustic transmission efficiency, smaller form factor, easier assembly, and mass production capability. To demonstrate its real-time photoacoustic imaging capability, the silicon PADL array was interfaced with one single-element ultrasonic transducer followed by one channel of data acquisition electronics to receive 16 channels of photoacoustic signals simultaneously. A PAT image of an optically-absorbing target embedded in an optically-scattering phantom was reconstructed, which matched well with the actual size of the imaged target. Because the silicon PADL array allows a signal-to-channel reduction ratio of 16:1, it could significantly simplify the design and construction of ultrasonic receivers for real-time PAT.
Language and social distinction: speaking Darija* with the right accent

In a multilingual setting such as Morocco, the dynamics of socio-political and economic relations are bound to be affected by power and status relationships among different ethno-linguistic groups ...
A Coupled Structural and Electrical Transition in La2CuO4 Near 30 K

Recently there has been an explosion of activity focused on the new class of oxygen defect, perovskite related, copper oxide superconductors. All of this was initiated by the discovery of superconductivity at temperatures in excess of 30 K in La-Ba-Cu-oxides[1] and the subsequent discovery of superconductivity in excess of 90 K in Y-Ba-Cu-oxides.[2] The prototypical compound for the lower transition temperature materials is La2CuO4 which, at room temperature, crystallizes in an orthorhombic distortion of the K2NiF4-structure. [3,4] It has recently been shown that the superconducting compounds La2−xMxCuO4, where M = Ba, Ca, or Sr, are also orthorhombic above TC.[5,6]
Minimal time detection of parameter change in a counting process

We present an algorithm for on-line detection of parameter change in a counting process (such as change in arrival rate in a queue), the optimality criterion being the minimization of the time delay in detection. The development is based on the theory of optimal stopping rules. An illustrative simulation study of a simple change model is included.
Rehospitalization Over 10 Years Among Survivors of TBI: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study.

Objective To describe the rates and causes for rehospitalization over 10 years after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to characterize longitudinal trajectories of the probability of rehospitalization using generalized linear mixed models and individual growth curve models conditioned on factors that help explain individual variability in rehospitalization risk over time. Design Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Setting Acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community follow-up. Participants Individuals 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of TBI. Main outcome measures Rehospitalization (and reason for rehospitalization) as reported by participants or proxy during follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years postinjury. Results The greatest number of rehospitalizations occurred in the first year postinjury (27.8% of the sample), and the rates of rehospitalization remained largely stable (22.1%-23.4%) at 2, 5, and 10 years. Reasons for rehospitalization varied over time: Orthopedic and reconstructive surgery rehospitalizations were most common in year 1, whereas general health maintenance was most common by year 2 with rates increasing at each follow-up. Longitudinal models indicate that multiple demographic and injury-related factors are associated with the probability of rehospitalization over time. Conclusions These findings can inform the content and timing of interventions to improve health and longevity after TBI.
Complete Genome Sequence of Undomesticated Bacillus subtilis Strain NCIB 3610.

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that serves as an important experimental system. B. subtilis NCIB 3610 is an undomesticated strain that exhibits phenotypes lost from the more common domesticated laboratory strains. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of DK1042, a genetically competent derivative of NCIB 3610.
EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS OF BEE COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER: FIRST STEPS TOWARD A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE CONTAGION HYPOTHESIS

The disappearance of honey bees from many managed colonies in the United States and Europe in 2006 and 2007 is modeled under the assumption that the cause is some contagion. Based on the limited data available, we use a simple model to suggest that colony collapse disorder will not destroy all colonies in the United States. To predict the evolution of future outbreaks, however, and perhaps trace their origins, it is recommended that graph-theoretic data be collected, and that census data be collected on a more frequent basis, concerning bee populations.
Information Visualization

This overview introduces the key structure of the field of information visualization, a number of influential exemplars in the field, and challenging as well as promising directions of future developments. The focus is on explaining some of the most fundamental concepts, prominent approaches, and commonly held criteria. The overview also aims to point out theoretical and practical challenges that the community as a whole has been addressing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Formation of the sacrum requires down-regulation of sonic hedgehog signaling in the sacral intervertebral discs

In humans, the sacrum forms an important component of the pelvic arch, and it transfers the weight of the body to the lower limbs. The sacrum is formed by collapse of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) between the five sacral vertebrae during childhood, and their fusion to form a single bone. We show that collapse of the sacral discs in the mouse is associated with the down-regulation of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the disc, and many aspects of this phenotype can be reversed by experimental postnatal activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling. We have previously shown that SHH signaling is essential for the normal postnatal growth and differentiation of intervertebral discs elsewhere in the spine, and that loss of SHH signaling leads to pathological disc degeneration, a very common disorder of aging. Thus, loss of SHH is pathological in one region of the spine but part of normal development in another.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Embryo Culture Methods for Farm Animals

Assisted reproductive technologies have played a major role in the genetic improvement of livestock as well as in the development of transgenic animal technologies. Artificial insemination (AI) was the first widely-accepted assisted reproductive technology for livestock, and this technology allows genetically superior males to produce more offspring than would be possible through conventional mating. Conventional AI has been enhanced in recent years with the use of sperm cells that have been flow cytometrically sorted into populations of X chromosome- and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, facilitating production of offspring of a pre-determined genetic sex. A related genetic improvement technology, embryo transfer, involves non-surgical recovery of preimplantation embryos from one female and subsequent transfer into recipient females to enable genetically superior females to produce a greater number of offspring than would be possible through traditional mating. With the advent of ultrasound-guided procedures for recovery of oocytes from living females, coupled with advances in in vitro oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization and in vitro embryo culture, the production of embryos in vitro is rapidly growing and may soon generate more embryos than are derived in vivo. Embryo micromanipulation procedures such as embryo bisection, microfertilization, and assisted embryo hatching are providing additional tools for reproductive biologists to produce live offspring. Embryo biopsy is permitting preimplantation genetic diagnosis not only for genetic sex determination but also for identification of embryonic genetic defects. Embryo culture and embryo coculture systems have also enabled proliferation of novel assisted reproductive technologies such as oocyte reconstruction and nuclear transfer.
Combining accuracy and precision of traceable standards to estimate uncertainties in trace element content measurements

The accuracy and precision systematic of traceable certified reference material (CRM) standards can be combined to estimate the uncertainties that are achieved in analytical measurements. Standards (CRMs or other well characterized materials) in matrices similar to the unknown sample can be used for evaluation of the accuracy. The standards should be prepared following same preparation steps as the unknown samples and analyzed in the same analytical sequence as the samples using similar instrumental methods. The accuracy and precision of these quality control (QC) standards are combined to calculate uncertainty estimates for trace element contents. The uncertainties calculated from the QC standards are compared with those estimated following the guide to expression of uncertainty in measurements (GUM). For trace element content measurements using ICP-AES and ICP-MS instruments, the uncertainty estimates obtained by combining the accuracy and precision of the QC standards are found to be more conservative than those calculated by a model following GUM methodology. LA-UR-17-31180.
Removal of a potentially hazardous chemical, tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride from water using biochar as a medium of adsorption

Abstract The research investigates the efficiency of biochar to eliminate an emerging contaminant, flame retarding chemical, a.k.a. Tetrakis (Hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Chloride (THPC) from water. The THPC, which is a water-soluble, organophosphorus salt, is mainly used by textile industries as a flame retardant and crease resistant for cotton and cellulose fabrics. Our research explores the possible removal process of THPC from water while using biochar as a mode of adsorption. Commercial biochar was used to investigate the adsorption efficiency of THPC. Spectroscopic and surface characterization data were provided for the commercial biochar. Study showed the presence of several organic functional groups on biochar which have potential to contribute to an efficient adsorption process. Batch adsorption studies were conducted varying several parameters like biochar dosages, contact time of the substrate to biochar, agitation time, and temperature during the experiment. It was found that benign experimental conditions such as lower biochar dosage, lower temperature and lower agitation time maximized the adsorption capacity. Furthermore, biochar was chemically treated with various activation agents and the removal efficiency was compared between activated and non-activated biochar. It was found that chemical activation on biochar indeed improved the THPC removal efficiency. Results also indicates that the adsorption mechanism of THPC on to biochar surface followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Finally, it was observed that the adsorption process was fitted best with pseudo-second-order kinetic model which might indicate a possible chemisorption mechanism for the adsorption of THPC on biochar surface.
Constitutional Hardball Yes, Asymmetric Not so Much

This Response addresses Professors Joseph Fishkin and David Pozen’s Asymmetric Constitutional Hardball. Fishkin and Pozen argue that Republicans have engaged in “asymmetric constitutional hardball” since 1993. This Response accepts the authors’ contention that Republicans have increasingly engaged in constitutional hardball but casts doubt on the purported asymmetry. Part I questions whether one of the authors’ primary examples of Republican constitutional hardball—government shutdowns resulting from tensions over spending and other matters between Presidents Obama and Clinton on the one hand and congressional Republicans on the other—supports the authors’ thesis, especially given that the shutdowns could at least as easily be blamed on the Presidents as on Congress. Part II highlights important examples of Democratic constitu­tional hardball, especially hardball by the Obama Administration, that are omitted from the authors’ analysis. Part II also briefly reviews reasons why Democrats have been increasingly inclined toward constitutional hardball. Part III discusses in some detail a particularly important example of Obama Administration constitutional hardball—its efforts to reach and implement, over significant opposition in Congress, a nuclear agreement with Iran. These efforts circumvented Congress and involved lying to the public, engaging in legally aggressive lifting of sanctions on Iran, and even spying on the agreement’s domestic opponents.
Shifting Paradigms in the Mechanics of Nectar Extraction and Hummingbird Bill Morphology.

As functional morphologists, we aim to connect structures, mechanisms, and emergent higher-scale phenomena (e.g., behavior), with the ulterior motive of addressing evolutionary patterns. The fit between flowers and hummingbird bills has long been used as an example of impressive co-evolution, and hence hummingbirds’ foraging behavior and ecological associations have been the subject of intense study. To date, models of hummingbird foraging have been based on the almost two-centuries-old assumption that capillary rise loads nectar into hummingbird tongue grooves. Furthermore, the role of the bill in the drinking process has been overlooked, instead considering it as the mere vehicle with which to traverse the corolla and access the nectar chamber. As a scientific community, we have been making incorrect assumptions about the basic aspects of how hummingbirds extract nectar from flowers. In this article, we summarize recent advances on drinking biomechanics, morphological and ecological patterns, and selective forces involved in the shaping of the hummingbird feeding apparatus, and also address its modifications in a previously unexpected context, namely conspecific and heterospecific fighting. We explore questions such as: how do the mechanics of feeding define the limits and adaptive consequences of foraging behaviors? Which are the selective forces that drive bill and tongue shape, and associated sexually dimorphic traits? And finally, what are the proximate and ultimate causes of their foraging strategies, including exploitative and interference competition? Increasing our knowledge of morphology, mechanics, and diversity of hummingbird feeding structures will have implications for understanding the ecology and evolution of these remarkable animals.
Even When No One Is Watching: The Moral Psychology of Corporate Reputation

The most popular measure of corporate reputation is the ranking of the most admired companies. But what exactly do we admire in people and firms of good reputation? This article is about the ethica...
Discretized Gaussian Modulation-Based Continuous Variable (CV)-QKD

To overcome the low-reconciliation-efficiency problem of Gaussian modulation (GM)-based-CV-QKD, we propose to use discretized-GM-based-CV-QKD. This scheme has complexity and reconciliation-efficiency similar to discrete modulation (DM)-based-CV-QKD and at the same time solves for the problem of nonexistence of strict security proofs for DM-CV-QKD under collective attacks.
Toward a Theory of International Marketing

The field of international marketing is replete with research outlining various similarities and differences which exist across cultures and national boundaries. However, many of these studies have been exploratory in nature and limited to comparative descriptions of the nations and cultures in question. Those which have attempted to employ a sound theoretical approach have done so by borrowing from other disciplines such as social adaptation theory and theories of cognitive representation (Grunert, Grunert, and Beatty 1989). This presents difficulties for the researcher focusing on international marketing phenomena. The purpose of this paper is to develop an initial starting point for the development of a framework for international marketing in an effort to provide deeper theoretical direction for research in this area. It is hoped the perspective developed in this paper will serve to give some direction for future research, thereby allowing international marketing to move toward the construction of more generalizable, integrated theoretical foundations (Wills, Samli, and Jacobs 1991).
Characterizing the role of early alcohol reexposure in associations of prenatal alcohol exposure with adolescent alcohol outcomes.

BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure has been linked to a host of negative outcomes, although it is largely unknown whether prenatal exposure leads to an earlier age of initiation of alcohol use or exacerbates early alcohol initiation. The current study examined whether adolescents exposed to heavy drinking during gestation began drinking earlier than their nonexposed peers and whether an earlier age of alcohol reexposure in adolescence exacerbated associations with adverse alcohol outcomes. METHODS Adolescents (17 years of age; 57% female; 96% White) from a longitudinal, population-based cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, reported on the age they first consumed a whole drink and other alcohol behaviors. Adolescents' mothers also reported on their own heavy drinking during pregnancy (i.e., any consumption of 4+ U.K. units in a drinking day at either 18 or 32 weeks of gestation). RESULTS Survival analyses indicated that prenatal heavy drinking exposure was not associated with an earlier initiation of alcohol use after controlling for potential demographic and parental mental health and substance use confounds. Generalized negative binomial models demonstrated that prenatal heavy drinking exposure moderated associations of the age of alcohol initiation with alcohol quantity and heavy drinking frequency (but not alcohol frequency or Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score), after controlling for the same demographic and parental confounds. Specifically, earlier alcohol initiation was associated with more adverse alcohol outcomes regardless of prenatal exposure. However, the protective associations of delayed alcohol initiation were lower among adolescents exposed to prenatal heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for the interplay between prenatal and postnatal alcohol exposures. Importantly, adolescents who were prenatally exposed to heavy drinking appeared to be less protected by later alcohol initiation than those who were not exposed in utero.
Imaging sensory transmission and neuronal plasticity in primary sensory neurons with genetically-encoded voltage indicators

Detection of somatosensory inputs requires conversion of external stimuli into electrical signals by activation of primary sensory neurons. The mechanisms by which heterogeneous primary sensory neurons encode different somatosensory inputs remains unclear. In vivo dorsal root ganglia (DRG) imaging using genetically-encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) is currently the best technique for this purpose by providing an unprecedented spatial and populational resolution. It permits the simultaneous imaging of >1800 neurons/DRG in live mice. However, this approach is not ideal given that Ca2+ is a second messenger and has inherently slow response kinetics. In contrast, genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) have the potential to track voltage changes in multiple neurons in real time but often lack the brightness and dynamic range required for in vivo use. Here, we used soma-targeted ASAP4, a novel GEVI, to dissect the temporal dynamics of noxious and non-noxious neuronal signals during mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimulation in DRG of live mice. ASAP4 is sufficiently bright and fast enough to optically characterize individual neuron coding dynamics. Notably, using ASAP4, we uncovered cell-to-cell electrical synchronization between adjacent DRG neurons and robust dynamic transformations in sensory coding following tissue injury. Finally, we found that a combination of GEVI and GECI imaging empowered in vivo optical studies of sensory signal processing and integration mechanisms with optimal spatiotemporal analysis.