cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Spectral Color Filter Array Design for Optimal Image Recovery

In digital imaging applications, data are typically obtained via a spatial subsampling procedure implemented as a color filter array - a physical construction whereby only a single color value is measured at each pixel location. Owing to the growing ubiquity of color imaging and display devices, much recent work has focused on the implications of such arrays for subsequent digital processing, including in particular the canonical demosaicking task of reconstructing a full color image from spatially subsampled and incomplete color data acquired under a particular choice of array pattern. In contrast to the majority of the demosaicking literature, we consider here the problem of color filter array design and its implications for spatial reconstruction quality. We pose this problem formally as one of simultaneously maximizing the spectral radii of luminance and chrominance channels subject to perfect reconstruction, and - after proving sub-optimality of a wide class of existing array patterns - provide a constructive method for its solution that yields robust, new panchromatic designs implementable as subtractive colors. Empirical evaluations on multiple color image test sets support our theoretical results, and indicate the potential of these patterns to increase spatial resolution for fixed sensor size, and to contribute to improved reconstruction fidelity as well as significantly reduced hardware complexity.
The Development and Importance of Affection

Ample evidence exists to support the idea that people in our society are concerned about affection as well as other positive feelings and behaviors in their personal relationships. This concern is reflected in the media. For example, in television commercials, such as the Bell Telephone Company’s “reach-out-and-touch someone” series, products are presented in the context of warm, affectionate interactions. Similarly, in many television or film comedies and dramas, characters are frequently affectionate toward each other, especially during times of trouble or crisis. The conclusion that can be drawn from their interactions is that the affection and support people experience within their families, friendships, and work groups facilitate problem solving and management of stress.
Pectic Cell Wall Fragments Regulate Tobacco Thin-Cell-Layer Explant Morphogenesis.

Pectic fragments of cell wall polysaccharides, released from the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells by treatment with endopolygalacturonase, were tested for morphogenesis-regulating activity in a modified tobacco thin-cell-layer explant (TCL) bioassay (D. Mohnen, S. Eberhard, V. Marfa, N. Doubrava, P. Toubart, D. J. Gollin, T.A. Gruber, W. Nuri, P. Albersheim, and A. Darvill, manuscript submitted). The pectic fragments inhibited the formation of roots on TCLs grown on a root-inducing medium containing 15 micromolar indole-3-butyric acid and 0.5 micromolar kinetin. Addition of the pectic fragments to a root-inducing medium containing 7 micromolar indole-3-butyric acid and 0.15 micromolar kinetin caused roots to form on the basal end of TCLs. TCLs cultured on this medium in the absence of added pectic fragments formed roots along their entire length. The pectic fragments induced polar tissue enlargement and the formation of flowers on TCLs cultured on transition medium. The flower-inducing activity was stable to heat treatment and proteolytic digestion. Pectic fragments isolated from the walls of suspension-cultured tobacco cells were as effective as those from the walls of sycamore cells in inducing de novo flower formation in the TCLs. These results support the hypothesis that oligosaccharins from plant cell walls regulate morphogenesis.
Surface Responses in Cultured Fibroblasts Elicited by Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Cultures of chick heart fibroblasts were perfused with the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Cellular responses were observed under phase optics and recorded by time-lapse cinemicrography. In interphasic fibroblasts, EDTA induces cellular contraction followed by continuous protrusion and retraction of ectoplasmic blebs ("surface bubbling"), formation of motile vermiform processes, and production of rotatory ectoplasmic swellings. The contraction and surface bubbling closely resemble the metaphase contraction and "anaphase bubbling" normally displayed by cultured fibroblasts. In dividing cells, EDTA does not affect metaphases, but anaphase bubbling appears and persists; telophasic expansion and migration of daughter cells are prevented. Initiation of new mitoses occurs during and after exposure to EDTA. No cellular responses are induced by calcium, magnesium, or ferrous chelates of EDTA. The EDTA elects are completely reversible on removal of the chelating agent, resulting in the restoration of the normal interphasic cell form and the normal expansion and migration of mitotic products. The EDTA effects are interpreted to result from the chelation and removal of divalent cations from the cell surface. Possible relations to surface activities observed in normal mitosis are considered, and an hypothesis is presented regarding the role of the developing spindle in cation transfer.
Dll4 Blockade in Stromal Cells Mediates Antitumor Effects in Preclinical Models of Ovarian Cancer

The Notch ligand delta-like 4 (Dll4) has been identified as a promising target in tumor angiogenesis in preclinical studies, and Dll4 inhibitors have recently entered clinical trials for solid tumors, including ovarian cancers. In this study, we report the development of REGN421 (enoticumab), a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds human Dll4 with sub-nanomolar affinity and inhibits Notch signaling. Administering REGN421 to immunodeficient mice engineered to express human Dll4 inhibited the growth of several human tumor xenografts in association with the formation of nonfunctional tumor blood vessels. In ovarian tumor xenograft models, Dll4 was expressed specifically by the tumor endothelium, and Dll4 blockade by human-specific or mouse-specific Dll4 antibodies exerted potent antitumor activity, which relied entirely on targeting Dll4 expressed by tumor stromal cells but not by the tumor cells themselves. However, Dll4 blockade reduced Notch signaling in both blood vessels and tumor cells surrounding the blood vessels, suggesting that endothelial-expressed Dll4 might induce Notch signaling in adjacent ovarian tumor cells. The antitumor effects of targeting Dll4 were augmented significantly by simultaneous inhibition of VEGF signaling, whereas this combined blockade reversed normal organ vascular changes induced by Dll4 blockade alone. Overall, our findings deepen the rationale for antibody-based strategies to target Dll4 in ovarian cancers, especially in combination with VEGF blockade.
Optimum element spacings for Yagi-Uda arrays

A method is developed for the maximization of the forward gain of a Yagi-Uda array by adjusting the interelement spacings. The effects of a finite dipole radius and the mutual coupling between the elements are taken into consideration. Currents in the array elements are approximated by three-term expansions with complex coefficients which convert the governing integral equations into simultaneous algebraic equations. The array gain is maximized by the repeated application of a perturbation procedure which converges rapidly to yield a set of optimum, generally unequal, element spacings. This method eliminates the need for a haphazard trial-and-error approach or for interpreting a vast data collection. Illustrative examples are given.
I Can, I Do, I Am: The Narrative Differentiation of Self-Efficacy and Other Self-Evaluations while Adapting to Bereavement

Abstract Research has established a strong link between self-efficacy and psychological health, particularly during times of crisis. Theory on self-efficacy posits a difference between the ability to do something and actually doing it. In this study, personal narratives of people whose spouses had died during midlife were coded by distinguishing self-evaluations of abilities (“what I can do or be”) from self-evaluations of actual behaviors (“what I do”) and characteristics (“what I am”). The narratives came from interviews at 6 months post-loss. The narrative self-evaluation variables were compared to separate clinical interview measures of grief at 6, 14, and 25 months post-loss. As predicted, narrative descriptions of self-efficacy (i.e., overt evaluations of one's abilities) predicted less grief over time, even when controlling for perceptions of actually doing well and being good. Furthermore, self-efficacy appeared to neutralize the ill effects of negatively evaluating one's behaviors but not one's characteristics. Findings are interpreted in terms of identity construction and personal meaning making during times of major life change, highlighting self-efficacy's distinct role in both narrative thinking and psychological adaptation.
Non-symmetric gravity waves on water of infinite depth

Two different numerical methods are used to demonstrate the existence of and calculate non-symmetric gravity waves on deep water. It is found that they appear via spontaneous symmetry-breaking bifurcations from symmetric waves. The structure of the bifurcation tree is the same as the one found by Zufiria (1987) for waves on water of finite depth using a weakly nonlinear Hamiltonian model. One of the methods is based on the quadratic relations between the Stokes coefficients discovered by Longuet-Higgins (1978a). The other method is a new one based on the Hamiltonian structure of the water-wave problem.
Diets naturally rich in polyphenols improve fasting and postprandial dyslipidemia and reduce oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial

Background: The postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) concentration is a recognized independent cardiovascular disease risk factor. Diet is the natural approach for these postprandial alterations. Dietary polyphenols and long chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3s) are associated with a lower cardiovascular disease risk.Objective: This randomized controlled study evaluated, in persons with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, the effects of diets naturally rich in polyphenols and/or marine LCn3s on plasma TRLs and urinary 8-isoprostane concentrations, a biomarker of oxidative stress.Design: According to a 2 × 2 factorial design, 86 overweight/obese individuals with a large waist circumference and any other component of the metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to an isoenergetic diet 1) poor in LCn3s and polyphenols, 2) rich in LCn3s, 3) rich in polyphenols, or 4) rich in LCn3s and polyphenols. The diets were similar in all other components. Before and after the 8-wk intervention, fasting and postmeal TRLs and 8-isoprostane concentrations in 24-h urine samples were measured.Results: Dietary adherence was good in all participants. Polyphenols significantly reduced fasting triglyceride concentrations (2-factor ANOVA) in plasma (P = 0.023) and large very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) (P = 0.016) and postprandial triglyceride total area under the curve in plasma (P = 0.041) and large VLDLs (P = 0.004). LCn3s reduced postprandial chylomicron cholesterol and VLDL apolipoprotein B-48. The concentrations of urinary 8-isoprostane decreased significantly with the polyphenol-rich diets. Lipoprotein changes induced by the intervention significantly correlated with changes in 8-isoprostane.Conclusions: Diets naturally rich in polyphenols positively influence fasting and postprandial TRLs and reduce oxidative stress. Marine LCn3s reduce TRLs of exogenous origin. Through their effects on postprandial lipemia and oxidative stress, polyphenols may favorably affect cardiovascular disease risk. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00781365.
Can Marijuana Reduce Social Pain

Social and physical pain share common overlap at linguistic, behavioral, and neural levels. Prior research has shown that acetaminophen—an analgesic medication that acts indirectly through cannabinoid 1 receptors—reduces the social pain associated with exclusion. Yet, no work has examined if other drugs that act on similar receptors, such as marijuana, also reduce social pain. Across four methodologically diverse samples, marijuana use consistently buffered people from the negative consequences associated with loneliness and social exclusion. These effects were replicated using cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs. These findings offer novel evidence supporting common overlap between social and physical pain processes.
Device optimization for digital subthreshold logic operation

Digital circuits operated in the subthreshold region (supply voltage less than the transistor threshold voltage) can have orders of magnitude power advantage over standard CMOS circuits for applications requiring ultralow power and medium frequency of operation. Although the implication of technology scaling on subthreshold operation is not obvious (since an obsolete technology node can deliver the same performance as a scaled technology in subthreshold), it has been shown that technology scaling helps to reduce the supply-voltage and, hence, the power consumption at iso-performance. It is possible to implement subthreshold logic circuits using the standard transistors that are designed primarily for ultra high performance super-threshold logic design. However, an Si MOSFET so optimized for performance in the super-threshold regime is not the best device to use in the subthreshold domain. We propose device designs apt for subthreshold operation. Results show that the optimized device improves the delay and power delay product (PDP) of an inverter chain by 44% and 51%, respectively, over the normal super-threshold device operated in the subthreshold region.
Private and Cheating-Free Outsourcing of Algebraic Computations

We give protocols for the secure and private outsourcing of linear algebra computations, that enable a client to securely outsource expensive algebraic computations (like the multiplication of huge matrices) to two remote servers, such that the servers learn nothing about the customer's private input or the result of the computation,and any attempted corruption of the answer by the servers is detected with high probability. The computational work done locally by the client is linear in the size of its input and does not require the client to carry out locally any expensive encryptions of such input.The computational burden on the servers is proportional to the time complexity of the current practically used algorithms for solving the algebraic problem (e.g., proportional to n3 for multiplying two ntimesn matrices). If the servers were to collude against the client,then they would only find out the client's private inputs, but they would not be able to corrupt the answer without detection by the client.
A new SONOS memory using source-side injection for programming

We reported a new polysilicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) nonvolatile memory using channel hot electron injection for high-speed programming. For the first time, we demonstrated that source-side injection technique, which is commonly used in floating gate nonvolatile memories for its high programming efficiency, can also be used in a SONOS device for achieving high-speed programming. Erase of the device is achieved by tunneling of electrons through the thin top oxide of the ONO charge storage stack. Since the thin top oxide is grown from the nitride layer, the self-saturated nature of the oxidation allows better thickness control. Endurance characteristics indicates that quality of the thin top grown from nitride is as good as the tunnel oxide grown from the silicon substrate. By increasing the top oxide thickness, it is possible to achieve ten years of retention requirement. The self-aligned sidewall gate structure allows small cell size for high density applications.
Liability Insurance Decisions And Premium Charges Among CPA Firms: An Empirical Analysis

In 1993 accountants faced 5,000 liability suits in which judgments were sought exceeding $30 billion. In response to potential litigation, numerous CPA firms have purchased liability insurance for protection. AT present little is known about the types of firms that become insured, and factors influencing the sources from which insured firms buy their coverage. Results o this study indicate that insurance coverage is less likely among small firms and firms that provide data processing services, while tax firms are more likely to acquire coverage. Among firms that purchase insurance, premiums tend to be higher among older firms, partnerships, and firms providing data processing services. Provision of auditing or tax services tends to be associated with lower premiums, other factors held constant. We do not find evidence of self selection bias in the determination of premiums. Further results provide insight into choices among insured firms regarding the sources of coverage.
Obama Tweeting and Twitted: Sotomayor’s Nomination and Health Care Reform

Having established the significance of young voters in the election of President Obama, this paper focuses on how they using micro-blogging social network site Twitter have affected the political discourse of the Obama administration centering on two of the most controversial political agendas of the Obama administration’s first 100 days – the legislation battle on health care reform and the nomination and confirmation of the first Hispanic female Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. This paper attempts to measure how this Obama followers react to these two politically important agendas as evidenced by their tweeting, replying, re-tweeting, and searching for further information. Despite a big difference between the total number of tweets and the amount of followers on both health care and Sotomayor nomination issues, an average of more than 1.5 million followers of President Obama’s account and around 450,000 followers of the White House account clearly shows a strong sign of engagement in the Twitter network.ed by author.
The Influence of Interactivity on Visit and Purchase Frequency: The Moderating Role of Website Informational Features

As Internet use continues to grow and as firms become more sophisticated in their use of the web, the ability to make the online customer experience unique has become increasingly more difficult. O...
Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Call for a Change in the Current Guidelines

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by a decreased platelet count caused by excess destruction of platelets and inadequate platelet production. In many cases the etiology is not known, but viral illness is thought to play a role in the development of some cases of ITP. The current (2011) American Society of Hematology ITP guidelines recommend initial diagnostic studies to include testing for HIV and Hepatitis C. The guidelines suggest that initial treatment consist of observation, therapy with corticosteroids, IVIG or anti D. While most cases respond to the standard therapy such that the steroids may be tapered and the platelet counts remain at a hemostatically safe level. Some patients with ITP are dependent on long term steroid maintenance and the thrombocytopenia persists with the tapering of the steroids. Recent case reports demonstrate that ITP related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) can persist in spite of standard therapy and that antiviral therapy maybe indicated. Herein we report a case of a 26-year-old female with persistent ITP that resolved after the delivery of a CMV infected infant and placenta. Furthermore we review the current literature on CMV-associated ITP and propose that the current ITP guidelines be amended to include assessment for CMV as part of the work-up for severe and refractory ITP prior to splenectomy.
Pathways for apical and basolateral membrane NH3 and NH4+ movement in rat proximal tubule.

To examine the mechanism of preferential luminal ammonia secretion in the proximal tubule the apical and basolateral membrane pathways for NH3 and NH4+ movement were studied in the in vivo microperfused rat proximal tubule. Na and Cl were absent from all perfusates. Changes in pHi in response to rapid addition of NH3-NH4+ to either the luminal or peritubular perfusates were measured microfluorimetrically and expressed as the H(+)-equivalent flux (JeqH in pmol.mm-1.min-1). After ammonia addition ([NH3] 0.3 mM; [NH4+] 14.7 mM) to the luminal or peritubular fluids, pHi increased, and JeqH = 1,713 +/- 181 and 1,040 +/- 132 pmol.mm-1.min-1, respectively. To determine whether the above difference was due to NH3- or NH4(+)-driven fluxes, the effect of a fivefold greater [NH4+] ([NH3] 0.3 mM; [NH4+] 74.5 mM) on JeqH was examined. With luminal addition of a fivefold greater [NH4+], JeqH increased to 3,299 +/- 292 pmol.mm-1.min-1, demonstrating a pathway for NH4(+)-driven H+ efflux. One millimolar luminal amiloride inhibited JeqH in response to luminal NH3-NH4+ addition, suggesting that the amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-H+ antiporter mediates the NH4(+)-driven H+ efflux. JeqH was unaffected by addition of a fivefold greater [NH4+] to the peritubular perfusate, demonstrating the absence of an NH4(+)-driven H+ flux on the basolateral membrane. From these data, the calculated NH3 permeabilities were 6.2 +/- 1.3 and 7.0 +/- 0.9 X 10(-2) cm/s for the apical and basolateral membranes, respectively (NS). We conclude that apical and basolateral membrane NH3 permeabilities are similar and large. The apical membrane can also transport NH4+ on the amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-H+ antiporter.
A Double-Edged Sword: Social Media as a Tool of Online Disinhibition Regarding American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Experience Marginalization, and as a Tool of Cultural and Linguistic Exposure:

Social media has become a venue for social awareness and change through forum discussions and exchange of viewpoints and information. The rate at which awareness and cultural understanding regardin...
MULTI-OBJECTIVE AIRCRAFT OPTIMIZATION FOR MINIMUM COST AND EMISSIONS OVER SPECIFIC ROUTE NETWORKS

Historically, maximizing profits for corporate shareholders has been the primary goal for aircraft designers. Due to climate change concerns, environmental performance is quickly becoming a major design focus. A methodology to design one or more aircraft to satisfy demand on a given route network is described. The objectives are to minimize direct operating costs, CO2 emissions and NOX emissions. A hierarchical decomposition is used with discipline-specific optimization algorithms. A modified version of the NSGA-II multi-objective genetic algorithm is implemented in the system level aircraft design subspace. The CPLEX integer solver is used in the fleet assignment subspace. Results are presented for a test problem that involves designing a single aisle commercial aircraft for a route network consisting of 4 cities and 8 route segments. A Pareto front is found and the characteristics of the optimal aircraft designs and fleet assignment solutions are examined. The results show definitive trades between operating costs and NOX emissions and CO2 emissions and NOX emissions. Operating costs and CO2 emissions are strongly related, with little trade off evident. All designs show benefits from using higher bypass ratio engines and thicker, higher aspect ratio wings than today’s single aisle commercial transports.
Dietary balance of sodium, potassium, and chloride influences plasma uric acid concentrations in chicks.

AbstractStudies were conducted to determine the influence of dietary electrolytes on plasma uric acid concentrations and daily uric acid excretion of chickens that had been selected genetically for uricemia (HUA strain) or low plasma levels of uric acid (LUA strain). Increasing dietary potassium from a nutritionally adequate level of 0.3% to 0.6, 1.0, and 1.5% of the diet resulted in no significant change in weight gain, food consumption, or net uric acid excretion, but significantly increased plasma uric acid concentrations in the HUA and LUA strains. Sodium was varied from a nutritionally adequate level of 0.3% to 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2% of the diet for the LUA strain only. Plasma uric acid concentrations increased with each level of dietary sodium. Dietary deficiencies of sodium and potassium caused reductions in plasma concentrations of uric acid. Excess dietary chloride (1.00, 1.25%) did not influence daily uric acid excretion in either strain of chickens, but depressed plasma uric acid levels in the LUA ...
Accuracy of the Frequency-Domain Multi-Distance Method to Retrieve the Brain Absorption Coefficient at Different Ages: Monte-Carlo Simulations

Using Monte-Carlo simulations in realistic head models segmented from MRI scans, we determine the accuracy of the multi-distance frequency-domain method to recover the brain absorption coefficient from premature infants to adults.
Fractionalized Fermi liquid in a Kondo-Heisenberg model

The Kondo-Heisenberg model is used as a controllable tool to demonstrate the existence of a peculiar metallic state with unbroken translational symmetry where the Fermi surface volume is not controlled by the total electron density. I use a nonperturbative approach where the strongest interactions are taken into account by means of exact solution, and corrections are controllable. In agreement with the general requirements formulated by T. Senthil et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 216403 (2003)], the resulting metallic state represents a fractionalized Fermi liquid where well defined quasiparticles coexist with gapped fractionalized collective excitations. The system undergoes a phase transition to an ordered phase (charge density wave or superconducting), at the transition temperature which is parametrically small in comparison to the quasiparticle Fermi energy.
5 SIGLEC-7 IS HIGHLY AND SIMILARLY EXPRESSED ON TH1 AND TH2 LYMPHOCYTES.

Purpose Siglec-7 is an NK-receptor that negatively regulates cell activation via its intracellular tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) when bound to its ligands, sialic acid-containing glycans of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Recent reports identified Siglec-7 on T cells and showed that it is capable of negative regulation of TCR signaling. As part of a larger study identifying novel differentiating markers between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes in respiratory illness, we aimed to determine whether Siglec-7 is differentially expressed between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes. Methods A novel antibody cocktail was used to negatively enrich TH1 and TH2 cells from the PBMCs of healthy volunteers. Microarrays allowed determination of differential gene expression. RT-PCR was performed for selected targets. Protein markers were studied using flow cytometry before and after activation. Results Isolates were > 95% pure TH cells with enriched TH1 (90.3%) and TH2 (84.1%) subsets. Expression profiling showed differential expression of Siglec-7 mRNA between TH1 and TH2 cells (TH1:TH2 ratio = 3.1). RT-PCR showed lower expression of Siglec-7 in TH1 cells (TH1:TH2 = 0.64 ± 0.06). Flow studies of resting and activated TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes showed increased expression of Siglec-7 from (mean ± SEM) 59.7 ± 16.5% of cells (mean fluorescence intensity = 24.1 ± 3) to 43.4 ± 24% of cells (19.3 ± 4.5) (p = NS) for TH1 cells and from 70.4 ± 13.3% of cells (48.3 ± 5.6) to 48.2 ± 24.5% of cells (29.6 ± 3.2) (p = NS) for TH2 cells. Conclusions We found marked expression levels of Siglec-7 on both quiescent and activated TH1 and TH2 fractions. The abundance of this receptor suggests that it may play an important role in regulating TH cell activation as it does on NK cells. This also implies that there may be value in examining the role of TH cell Siglec-7 in the immune response to influenza A and B, which express neuraminidase, a sialidase that cleaves sialic acid from glycoproteins.
Kinematic Model for Human Index Finger

Through analyzing anatomical structure of human hand and observing human hand motion,two viewpoints are proposed:(1) the metacarpal-phalangeal joint(MPJ) of human index finger has two rotational degrees of freedom(DOFs) with perpendicularly intersecting axes,and the kinematic models derived from different arrangement sequences of the intersecting axes are different,one of which is more approximate to human finger's MPJ;(2) the two rotational DOFs of MPJ are coupled at their extreme positions.The workspace of index finger is depicted through experiment.Then it is compared with that of two possible kinematic models,and the actual kinematic structure of MPJ is determined.In addition,the coupling motion of this joint is validated.Finally,kinematic model of finger is presented based on the aforementioned investigation,which conforms to the actual structure of human hand.
Intracellular control of IP3-independent Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic acini.

Abstract In pancreatic acini, the high affinity cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor agonist, CCK-OPE which utilizes the phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 )/arachidonic acid (AA) pathway, dose-dependently increased intracellular Ca 2+ spike frequency and amplitude. An uncoupler of proton gradients, FCCP, abolished Ca 2+ oscillations and amylase secretion induced by CCK-OPE. Furthermore, FCCP or decreasing extravesicular pH inhibited ATP-dependent 45 Ca 2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) fraction. On the other hand, cytosolic acidification induced by Na + -free medium led to Ca 2+ oscillations. Depletion of intracellular ATP by antimycin resulted in an abolition of the response to CCK-OPE. Administration of the K + ionophore, valinomycin, abolished the action of CCK-OPE. Decreasing K + concentrations outside the ER vesicles inhibited ATP-dependent 45 Ca 2+ uptake and AA-induced 45 Ca 2+ release. Caffeine inhibited the actions of CCK-OPE, whereas ryanodine did not have any effects. These data suggest that IP 3 -independent Ca 2+ oscillations mediated by the PLA 2 cascades involve the release of intracellular Ca 2+ by AA and reuptake of Ca 2+ by an ATP-dependent Ca 2+ /H + antiport. Furthermore, the presence of a K + membrane potential gradient across the ER membrane is required for normal Ca 2+ oscilla-tions.
Evidence for Neurotoxicity Due to Morphine or Hydromorphone Use in Renal Impairment: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Background: Opioids are the mainstay of pain control for patients with chronic pain. Often, opioids with reported active metabolites, such as morphine and hydromorphone, are thought to increase the risk of neurotoxicity in renal impairment. Objectives: To identify and assess the quality of evidence for neurotoxic effects in patients with renal impairment receiving morphine or hydromorphone. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted of the following databases from inception to December 2015: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, in addition to hand-searching relevant review articles’ citations. Studies were included if they reported neurotoxic effects of either morphine or hydromorphone for chronic or malignant pain in patients with renal impairment. Review articles and case reports were excluded. Narrative review was undertaken. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess study quality. Results: Six original articles, three prospective and three retrosp...
The Influence of Glutamate on Axonal Compound Action Potential In Vitro.

Background Our previous experiments demonstrated modulation of the amplitude of the axonal compound action potential (CAP) by electrical stimulation. To verify assumption that glutamate released from axons could be involved in this phenomenon, the modification of the axonal CAP induced by glutamate was investigated. Objectives The major objective of this research is to verify the hypothesis that axonal activity would trigger the release of glutamate, which in turn would interact with specific axonal receptors modifying the amplitude of the action potential. Methods Segments of the sciatic nerve were exposed to exogenous glutamate in vitro, and CAP was recorded before and after glutamate application. In some experiments, the release of radioactive glutamate analog from the sciatic nerve exposed to exogenous glutamate was also evaluated. Results The glutamate-induced increase in CAP was blocked by different glutamate receptor antagonists. The effect of glutamate was not observed in Ca-free medium, and was blocked by antagonists of calcium channels. Exogenous glutamate, applied to the segments of sciatic nerve, induced the release of radioactive glutamate analog, demonstrating glutamate-induced glutamate release. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that axolemma contains components necessary for glutamatergic neurotransmission. Conclusion The proteins of the axonal membrane can under the influence of electrical stimulation or exogenous glutamate change membrane permeability and ionic conductance, leading to a change in the amplitude of CAP. We suggest that increased axonal activity leads to the release of glutamate that results in changes in the amplitude of CAPs.
Efficient real-time mobile traffic information acquisition

We propose a simple scheme for real-time traffic data collection where our aim is to minimize data transmission cost. Our scheme utilizes random sampling and prioritization, and adapts to different requirements in both accuracy and timeliness of data. Simulations based on actual road network show that the proposed scheme can significantly outperform a widely-used baseline scheme.
Generalized Mechanics of Continuous Media

In the last few years there has been a flurry of interest in continuum-mechanical theories in which the deformation is described not only by the usual vector displacement field, but by other vector or tensor fields as well. This interest was stimulated mainly by the papers of Ericksen [1–3], Toupin [4], and Mindlin and Tiersten [5]. Although it is generally stated that these theories apply to materials with structure, it is not usually made very clear what features of the structure are incorporated into the theory and how the results of the theory are to be interpreted in terms of the structure.
Factor VIII elevation may contribute to portomesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a multicenter review of 40 patients.

Abstract Background Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) has been increasingly reported after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Factor VIII (FVIII) is a plasma sialoglycoprotein that plays an essential role in hemostasis. There is increasing evidence that FVIII elevation constitutes a clinically important risk factor for venous thrombosis. Objectives To report the prevalence of FVIII elevation as well as other clinical characteristics in a multicenter series of patients who developed PMVT after LSG. Setting University hospitals. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all patients that developed PMVT after laparoscopic bariatric surgery from 2006 to 2016 at 6 high-volume bariatric surgery centers. Results Forty patients who developed PMVT postoperatively, all after LSG, were identified. During this timeframe, 25,569 laparoscopic bariatric surgery cases were performed, including 9749 LSG (PMVT incidence after LSG=.4%). Mean age and body mass index were 40 years (18–65) and 43.4 kg/m 2 (35–59.7), respectively. Abdominal pain was the most common (98%) presenting symptom. Of patients, 92% had a hematologic abnormality identified, and of these, FVIII elevation was the most common (76%). The vast majority (90%) was successfully managed with therapeutic anticoagulation alone. A smaller number of patients required small bowel resection (n = 2) and surgical thrombectomy (n = 1). There were no mortalities. Conclusions A high index of clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis/treatment of PMVT usually leads to favorable outcomes. FVIII elevation was the most common (76%) hematologic abnormality identified in this patient cohort. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of FVIII elevation in patients seeking bariatric surgery.
Cardiac macrophage biology in the steady-state heart, the aging heart, and following myocardial infarction

Macrophages play critical roles in homeostatic maintenance of the myocardium under normal conditions and in tissue repair after injury. In the steady-state heart, resident cardiac macrophages remove senescent and dying cells and facilitate electrical conduction. In the aging heart, the shift in macrophage phenotype to a proinflammatory subtype leads to inflammaging. Following myocardial infarction (MI), macrophages recruited to the infarct produce both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and growth factors), phagocytize dead cells, and promote angiogenesis and scar formation. These diverse properties are attributed to distinct macrophage subtypes and polarization status. Infarct macrophages exhibit a proinflammatory M1 phenotype early and become polarized toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype later post-MI. Although this classification system is oversimplified and needs to be refined to accommodate the multiple different macrophage subtypes that have been recently identified, general concepts on macrophage roles are independent of subtype classification. This review summarizes current knowledge about cardiac macrophage origins, roles, and phenotypes in the steady state, with aging, and after MI, as well as highlights outstanding areas of investigation.
Multi-Quantum Well Integrated Stacks for Detection in the Mid-Infrared

The development and improvement of advanced epitaxial crystal growth techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) during the last two decades, has opened the door for the realization of devices in the quantum size regime. Quantum size phenomena can be observed when the experimental dimensions approach the order of magnitude of the DeBroglie wavelength associated with the system under investigation. The tools needed to understand and design artificial semiconductor structures, are known under the label “bandgap engineering.”
Sensitization to Cocaine Following Chronic Administration in the Rat

Reports of an augmented behavioral response to cocaine with repeated administration in laboratory animals have existed for some time. The earliest of these described an enhancement of both the psychomotor stimulant action (Downs and Eddy, 1932a; Tatum and Seevers, 1929) and convulsant effect (Downs and Eddy, 1932b; Tatum and Seevers, 1929) of cocaine. More recent studies have documented this sensitization with more quantitative measures, particularly with regard to the locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior associated with the psychomotor stimulant properties of cocaine (Kilbey and Ellinwood, 1976; Post, 1976; Ho, Taylor, Estevez, Englert, and McKenna, 1976). Other psychomotor stimulants, such as amphetamine, have also been shown to produce an increased response following chronic administration (Kilbey and Ellinwood, 1976; Klawans, Crossett, and Dana, 1975; Magos, 1969; Segal and Mandell, 1974). This sensitization and its underlying mechanisms are of particular interest because of their possible relationship to the gradual evolution of psychosis seen in humans during chronic use of these drugs (Ellinwood, 1967; Connell, 1958; Lewin, 1931; Ellinwood, Sudilovsky, and Nelson, 1973).
The origins and promise of medical standards of care

Standards of care in medicine have gone through many changes and developments over the course of its history. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Successful implantation of frozen sibling embryos is influenced by the outcome of the cycle from which they were derived

Objectives To determine if the success of frozen embryos obtained from assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is dependent upon the outcome of the ART cycle from which they were derived and to determine if the length of time in cryostorage affects pregnancy rates (PRs). Design Retrospective analysis of pregnancy outcome of consecutive frozen ETs compared with their corresponding “fresh” cycles. Setting University-affiliated private ART program. Patients Between July 1986 and December 1992, 375 oocyte retrieval cycles had at least one subsequent frozen ET for comparison. Of the 375 patients, 94 achieved a clinical pregnancy during their fresh cycle (group A) and 281 patients did not (group B). Interventions Frozen ETs were performed using either natural (unstimulated) cycles (n = 79) or artificial cycles (n = 296). Transfers during natural cycles were timed with a combination of serum LH levels and ultrasound (US). These transfers were performed 2 days after ovulation. Ovarian suppression with leuprolide acetate followed by sequential estrogen and P replacement were used in the artificial cycles. These transfers were performed on the 3rd day of P administration. Clinical pregnancies were defined as the presence of a gestational sac on transvaginal US. Main Outcome Measures Patients were compared based on the pregnancy outcome of their frozen ET cycle and fresh ART cycle, χ2 analysis and Student’s t-tests were used to test for statistical significance. Results Twenty-three patients (24.1%) from group A achieved a pregnancy from their frozen transfers compared with only 24 patients (8.5%) in group B who achieved a pregnancy from their frozen cycle. PRs did not differ based on the method of follicle aspiration, laparoscopy versus transvaginal US retrieval. Significantly lower PRs were noted in frozen ETs done within the first 10 months after cryopreservation compared with fresh cycle PRs. Conclusions Sibling embryos from a prior successful ART cycle are more likely to initiate a frozen pregnancy and prolonged cryostorage did not affect PRs. This higher PR probably reflects better quality in both fresh and frozen embryos. Therefore, the outcome of the initial cycle can be used to predict the success or failure of subsequent frozen transfers and oocyte-embryo quality appears to be key.
Wearable Galvanic Skin Response for Characterization and Identification of Distraction During Naturalistic Driving

Fatalities due to road accidents are mainly caused by distracted driving. Driving demands continuous attention of the driver. Certain levels of distraction while driving can cause the driver lose his/her attention which might lead to a fatal accident. Thus, early detection of distraction will help reduce the number of accidents. Several researches have been conducted for automatic detection of driver distraction. Many previous approaches have employed camera based techniques. However, these methods might detect the distraction rather late to warn the drivers. Although neurophysiological signals using Electroencephalography (EEG) have shown to be another reliable indicator of distraction, EEG signals are very complex and the technology is intrusive to the drivers, which creates serious doubt for its implementation. In this study we investigate Galvanic Skin Responses (GSR) using a wrist band wearable and conduct an empirical characterization of driver GSR signals during a naturalistic driving experiment. We explored time and frequency domain to extract relevant features to capture the changes/patterns at the physiological level. Due to the fact that feature extraction is a manual process and to normalize the feature space toward the identification task, we then transform the feature space using linear discriminant dimensionality reduction to discover discriminative bases of the GSR multivariate feature space that identify distraction. That would eliminate both the computational complexity and the redundancies in the manually generated feature space. Due to multi-class nature of the identification task, there might be biases between the distracted and non-distracted categories that can bias the estimation of between- and within-class scatter matrices. Therefore, we incorporated a class dependent weight to calculate the within class scatter matrices. The proposed weight aims to increase the flexibility of the discriminative bases vectors to capture the factors that focus on eliminating the overlap between distracted versus non-distracted in the generalization phase. Our experimental results demonstrated high cross validation accuracies of distraction identification using GSR signals (i.e. 85.19%). Conducting dimensionality reduction using LDA resulted in slight improvement in accuracy (i.e. 85.94%) using only two discriminant bases. The generalization accuracy was further improved by applying our proposed weighting mechanism (i.e. 88.92%).
Outdoor exposure and accelerated weathering of polyurethane/polysiloxane hybrid coatings

Abstract Two Polyurethane/polysiloxane hybrid coatings were compared using both real time exposure and accelerated weathering. The urethane coatings were differentiated by oligoesters selection with one being derived from cyclohexane diacids (CHDA) and 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (BEPD) and the other adipic acid (AA), isophthalic acid (IPA), 1,6-hexanediol (HD), and trimethylol propane (TMP). Three sites in Hawaii, Campbell Industrial Park (CIP), Kilauea Volcano, and Marine Corp Base Hawaii (MCBH), were selected for the outdoor exposure test with the increasing severity of the environment. After weathering, the coatings were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Urethanes based on cycloaliphatic oligoesters exhibited much better appearance compared to the aromatic-based polyesters. A degradation of both the carbamate and ester functionality was observed spectroscopically which was accompanied by an increase in Tg, and erosion of the surface of the coatings. It was found that the accelerated weathering test conducted in weatherometer provides harsher conditions than the three outdoor exposure tests (marine, volcano, and industrial park), while marine is the harshest among the three outdoor exposure sites.
ACTIVE (Ability Captured Through Interactive Video Evaluation) Workspace Volume Video Game to Quantify Meaningful Change in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

AIM To evaluate the utility of Ability Captured Through Interactive Video Evaluation (ACTIVE) scaled scores to quantify meaningful change in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 or 3 due to disease progression or treatment. METHOD ACTIVE is a custom-designed video game that measures workspace volume (WSV). Participants included 62 individuals with SMA (mean age [SD] 10y 9mo [5y], range 2y 9mo-24y) and 362 frequency-matched controls (mean age [SD] 10y 9mo [3y 6mo], range 3y 2mo-24y 9mo). Participants completed ACTIVE, other traditional assessments, and patient-reported outcomes. Responsiveness to change was evaluated by comparing longitudinal data on untreated participants to those receiving Spinraza. RESULTS ACTIVE was significantly correlated to the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scales Expanded and Revised Upper Limb Module (ρ=0.85 and ρ=0.92 respectively; p<0.001). Relevance to patients and families was established by strong correlations to the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System self- and parent proxy-measures of upper extremity ability (ρ=0.63 and ρ=0.70 respectively; p<0.001). Responsiveness to change was demonstrated by significant change in scaled scores after treatment (median 15.9 points, Wilcoxon signed-rank test p<0.01). A preliminary minimum clinically important difference is presented. INTERPRETATION These results suggest that ACTIVE WSV scores are a meaningful assessment with which to quantify change over time in individuals with SMA types 2 and 3. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Ability Captured Through Interactive Video Evaluation (ACTIVE) quantifies upper extremity function in spinal muscular atrophy. ACTIVE's scaled workspace volume strongly correlates to self- and parent-report of function. ACTIVE quantifies meaningful change after treatment.