cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GEF Energy Efficiency Investment Portfolio

As of 30 June 2010, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) had invested US$9.5 billion in six focal areas, with the climate change mitigation focal area receiving the largest proportion of funds. Within the climate change focal area, investments in energy efficiency received the highest proportion of funds when exclusive and mixed energy efficiency projects are included. From 1991 to 30 June 2010, the GEF has invested US$872 million in 162 exclusive energy efficiency projects in 35 countries. Of the 162 projects, 49 were completed by 30 June 2010. China has developed and implemented the largest number of GEF energy efficiency projects involving a significant amount of GEF funds. Two Agencies, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), implemented 85 % of the 162 projects and utilized almost 90 % of total funds (GEF resources and co-finance). Within energy efficiency, buildings projects received the most funding. In addition to the 162 financed projects, 75 energy efficiency projects were slowly moving and 65 of these were exclusively focused on energy efficiency alone. The 49 completed and 65 slowly moving projects are the basis for this analysis. Open image in new window
Importance of the Implant Screw Access Channel Location: Development of a Screw Access Channel Locating Device and Radiographic Integrator

There are occasions when the implant restoration requires removal. Cemented restorations may not allow easy removal. The clinician may then be presented with the challenge of accessing the abutment screw channel with a bur. This chapter deals with several ways to provide information that could be useful in determining where the access cavity should be made. These may expedite the procedure and limit any damage as a result, saving time and, potentially, expense.
Nanoprobes for Live-Cell Gene Detection

The ability to visualize in real time the expression dynamics and localization of specific RNAs in vivo offers tremendous opportunities for biological and disease studies including cancer detection. However, quantitative methods such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA microarrays rely on the use of cell lysates thus not able to obtain important spatial and temporal information. Fluorescence proteins and other reporter systems cannot image endogenous RNA in living cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays require washing to achieve specificity, therefore can only be used with fixed cells. Here we review the recent development of nanostructured probes for living cell RNA detection and discuss the biological and engineering issues and challenges of quantifying gene expression in vivo. In particular, we describe methods that use oligonucleotide probes, combined with novel delivery strategies, to image the relative level, localization, and dynamics of RNA in live cells. Examples of detecting endogenous messenger RNAs, as well as imaging their subcellular localization are given to illustrate the biological applications, and issues in probe design, delivery, and target accessibility are discussed. The nanostructured probes promise to open new and exciting opportunities in sensitive gene detection for a wide range of biological and medical applications.
Abstract 5083: Using proteomics profiling to elucidate the interactions of breast cancer-derived exosomes with the blood-brain barrier

Breast cancer metastasis to brain is associated with a dismal prognosis commonly attributed to a limited understating of the mechanisms driving this pathological process. Elucidation of the early events leading to brain metastasis is essential to the development of more effective therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. With an interest in the role of breast cancer-derived exosomes in brain metastasis, our group has previously shown that exosomes derived from a brain-seeking variant of the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (Br-Ex) can facilitate brain metastasis by inducing alterations in the protein expression profile of astrocytes, one of the components of the blood brain barrier (BBB). This observation led us to hypothesize that the interaction(s) between exosomes and astrocytes is more efficient compared to brain endothelial cells (ECs) or pericytes, the two additional major components of the BBB, resulting in more prominent alterations in the protein expression profile of astrocytes. To test this hypothesis, we first quantified and compared the uptake of exosomes by brain ECs, astrocytes, and pericytes in vitro. The uptake of Br-Ex by astrocytes was significantly greater than that of brain ECs (P These findings indicate that exosomes derived from brain-seeking breast cancer cells can preferentially interact with astrocytes and these interactions can be driven by exosomal integrins and annexins. (The authors are grateful for the support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Advanced Medical Research Foundation.) Citation Format: Golnaz Morad, Hasan H. Otu, Simon T. Dillon, Marsha A. Moses. Using proteomics profiling to elucidate the interactions of breast cancer-derived exosomes with the blood-brain barrier [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5083.
Emergency Department Visits for Sexual Assault by Emerging Adults: Is Alcohol a Factor?

Author(s): Tadros, Allison; Sharon, Melinda J.; Hoffman, Shelley M.; Davidov, Danielle M. | Abstract: Introduction: Emerging adults (18-25 years of age) are at increased risk for sexual assault. There is little Emergency Department (ED) data on sexual assaults that involve alcohol among this population. The purpose of this study was to analyze ED visits for sexual assault and determine if alcohol consumption by the patient was noted. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients aged 18-25 presenting to an ED in a college town over a four-year period. Extracted variables included age, gender, delay in seeking care, sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) evaluation, and alcohol consumption by the patient. For analysis of alcohol use, cases were categorized as ages l 21 and ≥ 21. Results: There were 118 patients who presented to the ED from 2012 to 2015. The mean age of the cohort was 20 years, and almost 70% of visits were among those l 21. Of those aged l 21, 74% reported alcohol consumption, in contrast to 48% of those ≥ 21 (p = 0.055). Of those reporting alcohol use, 36% were evaluated on the day of the assault compared to 61% of those not reporting alcohol (p=0.035). Conclusion: This study found that ED visits for sexual assault in emerging adults were more common in younger patients. Alcohol use occurred more frequently with patients under the legal drinking age, and presentation was also more likely to be delayed. The relationship between sexual assault and alcohol use should underscore primary prevention efforts in emerging adult populations.
Gene inversion potentiates bacterial evolvability and virulence

Most bacterial genes are encoded on the leading strand, co-orienting the movement of the replication machinery with RNA polymerases. This bias reduces the frequency of detrimental head-on collisions between the two machineries. The negative outcomes of these collisions should lead to selection against head-on alleles, maximizing genome co-orientation. Our findings challenge this model. Using the GC skew calculation, we reveal the evolutionary inversion record of all chromosomally encoded genes in multiple divergent bacterial pathogens. Against expectations, we find that a large number of co-oriented genes have inverted to the head-on orientation, presumably increasing the frequency of head-on replication-transcription conflicts. Furthermore, we find that head-on genes, (including key antibiotic resistance and virulence genes) have higher rates of non-synonymous mutations and are more frequently under positive selection (dN/dS > 1). Based on these results, we propose that spontaneous gene inversions can increase the evolvability and pathogenic capacity of bacteria through head-on replication-transcription collisions.
E-092 Transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula with ONYX: a single center experience

Objective The therapeutic challenge of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF) is the anatomy of the CS, which consists of a network of interconnected venous pockets, one or many of which may receive shunt arteries. Although the standard treatment of CSDAVF is coil packing, a substantial number of platinum coils are required to treat the fistulas in most cases, and the treatments may result in incomplete occlusion because of complicating venous structures. Onyx (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) can be penetrated and might be able to reduce the number of platinum coils. Despite inherent advantages of the liquid embolic material, the neuro- and angiotoxic effects of DMSO and clinical outcomes are still not well documented. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the single-center experience of transvenous treatment of CSDAVFs with the DMSO-based liquid embolic material, ONYX. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 52 cases whose CSDAVFs were treated in our hospital between 2005 and 2016. Four patients treated with transarterial embolization and 2 patients with transorbital embolization were excluded from this study. Their hospital records, angiograms and operation reports were reviewed. Results There were total of 46 patients (13 male and 37 female, age 32–89 years) treated transvenously using Onyx. Thirty patients had a combination of coils and Onyx and 16 patients had Onyx embolization used for treatment. Complete obliteration immediately after the treatment was achieved in 42 patients (91%). There were 5 (11%) periprocedural complications including transient worsening of cranial nerve palsy (n=2, 4%), transient worsening of eye symptoms (n=1, 2%) a transient thromboembolic event (n=1, 2%) and alopecia (n=1, 2%). No patients developed a bradycardia during DMSO injection. Conclusion In our case series, transvenous embolization of CSDAVFs using Onyx has favorable long-term clinical outcomes with low complication rates. Cranial nerve palsy and bradycardia caused by DMSO were uncommon, but should be carefully monitored. Disclosures N. Kaneko: None. S. Tateshima: 1; C; Medtronic. 2; C; Medtronic. V. Szeder: 1; C; Medtronic. F. Liang: None. A. Mowla: None. R. Jahan: 1; C; Medtronic. 2; C; Medtronic. F. Vinuela: None. G. Duckwiler: 1; C; Medtronic.
Enhancing Trip Distribution Prediction with Twitter Data: Comparison of Neural Network and Gravity Models

Predicting human mobility within cities is an important task in urban and transportation planning. With the vast amount of digital traces available through social media platforms, we investigate the potential application of such data in predicting commuter trip distribution at small spatial scale. We develop back propagation (BP) neural network and gravity models using both traditional and Twitter data in New York City to explore their performance and compare the results. Our results suggest the potential of using social media data in transportation modeling to improve the prediction accuracy. Adding Twitter data to both models improved the performance with a slight decrease in root mean square error (RMSE) and an increase in R-squared (R2) value. The findings indicate that the traditional gravity models outperform neural networks in terms of having lower RMSE. However, the R2 results show higher values for neural networks suggesting a better fit between the real and predicted outputs. Given the complex nature of transportation networks and different reasons for limited performance of neural networks with the data, we conclude that more research is needed to explore the performance of such models with additional inputs.
Inhibitory role of Gi-coupled receptors on cAMP-driven cancers with focus on opioid receptors in lung adenocarcinoma and its stem cells

The development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance of the most common human cancers are driven by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-signaling downstream of beta-adrenergic receptors (β-Ars) coupled to the stimulatory G-protein Gs. Receptors coupled to the inhibitory G-protein Gi inhibit this signaling cascade by blocking the activation of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase that catalyzes the formation of cAMP and function as the physiological inhibitors of this signaling cascade. Members of the Gi-coupled receptor family widely expressed in the mammalian organism are GABA B receptors (GABAB-Rs) for the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), opioid receptors for endogenous opioid peptides and cannabinoid receptors for endogenous cannabinoids. This review summarizes current evidence for the concept that the activation of Gi-receptor signaling by pharmacological and psychological means is a promising tool for the long-term management of cAMP-driven cancers with special emphasis on the inhibitory effects of opioids on lung adenocarcinoma and its stem cells.
Child Food Insecurity and Neighborhood Food Environment in Relation to Academic Performance and Behavior Problems Among a National Sample of Kindergarten Children (OR02-04-19)

This study assessed food insecurity in relation to academic performance and behavior problems among kindergarten children from low-income families and the moderating effect of neighborhood food access (NFE). Dataset of ECLS-K:2011, a nationally representative sample of kindergarten children attending elementary schools in 2010–2011 is linked to the 2010 Food Access Research Atlas based on census tract identifier. The analysis was restricted to 6460 children participating in the spring kindergarten assessment in families at or below 200% federal poverty level (FPL). Based on the USDA-validated Food Security Scale in the parent interview, food insecurity (FI) was defined as >3 affirmative responses to child-specific questions. Direct assessments of academic performance were administered; scaled scores were based on item response theory. Teachers reported internalizing/externalizing behavior problems with the Social Skills Rating System. Food desert was defined as a low-income census tract with at least 500 people and/or 33% of the population living >1 mile (urban) or >10 miles (rural) from the nearest supermarket. Survey regression analyses accounted for complex sampling design. 11.6% of low-income children were food insecure. 19% lived in food deserts. Children with FI had lower scores for reading (b = −1.23, SE = 0.59, P = 0.039) and math (b = −1.43, SE = 0.56, P = 0.011), than children without FI, with no moderating effect of NFE. No differences existed in behavior problems by FI status, accounting for demographic variables. NFE significantly moderated the relation between FI and externalizing behavior (b = 0.16, SE = 0.07, P = 0.033). Among children living in food deserts, those with FI had higher externalizing behaviors (b = 1.04, SE = 0.06, P = 0.024) than those without FI. FI was not related to externalizing behavior among children not living in food deserts. Child food insecurity among kindergartners is associated with low academic performance regardless of food access, and externalizing behaviors among children in food deserts. Efforts to reduce food insecurity among families of young children may promote academic performance, and strategies to incorporate healthy food into convenience stores in food deserts may prevent behavior problems. NICHD.
The Future of Precision Health & Integrated Diagnostics

Most of the world’s health care systems are focused on patients after they present with disease, and not before. While precision medicine uses personalized information to more effectively treat disease, the emerging field of precision health is situated to help assess disease risks, perform customized disease monitoring, and facilitate disease prevention and earlier disease detection. Currently an individual’s health is evaluated only a few times a year if at all, making it difficult to gather the amount of information needed to implement precision health. The emergence of continuous health monitoring devices with combined in vitro and in vivo(integrated)diagnostics, worn on the body and used in the home, will enable a clearer picture of human health and disease. However, challenges lie ahead in developing and validating novel monitoring technologies, and in optimizing data analytics to extract meaningful and actionable conclusions from continuous health data. This presentation will show some of the emerging technologies for diagnostics with a focus on cancer and the challenges to making precision health a reality in the decades to come. (Gambhir et al. 2018) (Slides 28.1, 28.2, and 28.3).
Efficacy of Combined Cox-Maze IV and Ventricular Septal Myectomy for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

ABSTRACT Atrial fibrillation (AF) has important clinical consequences in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). Safety and efficacy of the Cox-Maze IV procedure (when combined with ventricular septal myectomy) in patients with obstructive HC and paroxysmal AF is largely unresolved. Records of 395 consecutive HC patients (age 55 ± 13 years) who underwent septal myectomy for heart failure symptoms between 2004 and 2015 were reviewed. Sixty-two patients also had concomitant complete biatrial Cox-Maze IV for a history of symptomatic paroxysmal AF (3.0 ± 3.6 episodes) combined with myectomy comprise the study cohort. Freedom from symptomatic AF recurrences after operation was assessed. LV outflow gradients were reduced from 81 ± 28 mmHg preoperatively to 1.2 ± 6.8 mmHg after operation. At most recent follow-up, 53 patients (85%) were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Freedom from recurrent symptomatic AF after myectomy/Cox-Maze IV was: 85% (95% CI: 73, 92) at 1 year, 69% (95% CI: 55, 79) at 3 years, and 64% (95% CI: 48, 75) at 5 years, including 34 patients (54%) who have experienced no symptomatic AF episodes for up to 8.2 years following surgery. The only clinical predictor of recurrent AF over follow-up was preoperative transverse left atrial dimension ≥45 mm (p
EV driver characteristics: Evidence from Hawaii

Abstract Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an opportunity to dramatically decrease greenhouse gas emissions within the transport sector if fueled by renewable energy. Hawaii had been early-on considered an ideal place to launch new EVs because of the limited driving range of its island geography. Though it ranks second in new EV registrations per capita in the U.S., still the highest penetrations of EVs on the road at the zipcode level is 4%. This study identifies differences in zipcode EV registrations through 2018 using demographic and transportation behavior characteristics, as well as fuel prices and charging infrastructure. We find that income and level of education are positive and statistically significantly related to zipcode EV registrations. A zipcode with a $10,000 higher median income is associated with 8% more registered EVs, and a 1000 person increase in the population with a Bachelor's degree or higher is associated with 19% more registered EVs. While all public charging infrastructure is found to have a positive and statistically significant relationship to EV registrations, the magnitude is larger for fast charging stations (Level 3). Lastly, we find that trip distance is not linearly related to EV adoption, where zipcodes with shorter (under 20 min) and longer commute distances (45 min and more) are associated with fewer EV registrations.
Abstract P6-08-26: Clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients with ATM mutations

Background: Pathogenic ATM gene mutations are associated with increased risk of developing several cancers such as lymphoid, gastric, breast, central nervous system, skin, and other cancers. The relative risk of breast cancer is 2.3, with a higher risk seen for women under the age of 50 years. Only few and small studies have reported on the characteristics of breast cancers in women with ATM mutations. Here, we aimed to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of a single institution largest cohort, to the best of our knowledge, of breast cancer patients with ATM mutations. Methods: Patients with breast cancer who presented to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Clinical Cancer Genetics clinics and underwent genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer and were found to have an ATM mutation were included. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained research database was performed for ATM mutation status as well as patient clinical and pathological characteristics. IRB approval was granted for this analysis. Results: Between 2012 and 2019, a total of 4093 breast cancer patients underwent genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer that included ATM gene testing. The median age of diagnosis of breast cancer was 49.3 (17-89), and median age at genetic testing was 52.1 (18-86). 72% of patients had stage 0-III and 3.2% stage 4 disease. Among patients with ATM pathogenic mutations, 37.7% (10) versus 21.7% (843) of ATM negative patients had a history of multiple primaries of any cancers. The table below shows characteristics of ATM pathogenic mutation carriers versus ATM negative patients. Conclusion: This is a single institution cohort of breast cancer patients with ATM mutations that show distinct clinical characteristics, such as multiple primary cancers. These findings could have therapeutic implications and should be confirmed in larger cohorts. Citation Format: Loredana Militello, Angelica M Gutierrez Barrera, Constance Albarracin, Isabelle Bedrosian, Banu K Arun. Clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients with ATM mutations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-26.
Synergistic drug combinations for a precision medicine approach to interstitial glioblastoma therapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous form of brain cancer. Genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity drives drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Combination chemotherapy could overcome drug resistance; however, GBM's location behind the blood-brain barrier severely limits chemotherapeutic options. Interstitial therapy, delivery of chemotherapy locally to the tumor site, via a biodegradable polymer implant can overcome the blood-brain barrier and increase the range of drugs available for therapy. Ideal drug candidates for interstitial therapy are those that are potent against GBM and work in combination with both standard-of-care therapy and new precision medicine targets. Herein we evaluated paclitaxel for interstitial therapy, investigating the effect of combination with both temozolomide, a clinical standard-of-care chemotherapy for GBM, and everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that modulates aberrant signaling present in >80% of GBM patients. Tested against a panel of GBM cell lines in vitro, paclitaxel was found to be effective at nanomolar concentrations, complement therapy with temozolomide, and synergize strongly with everolimus. The strong synergism seen with paclitaxel and everolimus was then explored in vivo. Paclitaxel and everolimus were separately formulated into fibrous scaffolds composed of acetalated dextran, a biodegradable polymer with tunable degradation rates, for implantation in the brain. Acetalated dextran degradation rates were tailored to attain matching release kinetics (~3% per day) of both paclitaxel and everolimus to maintain a fixed combination ratio of the two drugs. Combination interstitial therapy of both paclitaxel and everolimus significantly reduced GBM growth and improved progression free survival in two clinically relevant orthotopic models of GBM resection and recurrence. This work illustrates the advantages of synchronized interstitial therapy of paclitaxel and everolimus for post-surgical tumor control of GBM.
Factors associated with rabies vaccination of dog shelter staff in the United States.

US animal shelters house and care for dogs with unknown medical histories. Such unknown medical backgrounds pose concern for zoonotic transmission of diseases to the shelter staff. One important zoonotic exposure is to rabies virus which is almost always fatal after the onset of symptoms. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of dog shelters associated with the probability that the shelter had a policy to vaccinate shelter personnel against rabies. Five states with an established shelter registry were selected from each geographic region of the United States. A list of shelters within those states was developed from the registry list, through Internet searches and comparisons with other known lists. At least two forms of direct communication were used to ensure that humane organizations met the study definition of a dog shelter. In total, 342 of 461 (73%) shelters that met the study definition were visited by a team of students. Forty-two of 332 (13%) shelters responding to the question required staff to be vaccinated against rabies. Logistic regression was utilized to test shelter characteristics for association with the probability that they have a rabies vaccination policy for shelter staff. Municipally funded shelters were more likely to vaccinate staff for rabies than shelters funded privately (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.40-6.39). These results demonstrate that shelter funding source may influence rabies control programmes in shelters.
Epidemiology of fatal snakebites in the United States 1989-2018

Abstract Background There are 5000–10,000 snake envenomations annually in the United States. Fortunately, few are fatal. In this study we review the epidemiology of fatal snakebites. Methods Native snakebite cases from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System from 1989 to 2018 were reviewed. Additional cases that were not reported to the AAPCC were identified by reviewing Wikipedia and by searching PubMed and online news outlets using various combinations of relevant keywords. Results We identified 101 fatal bites from native snakes. Rattlesnakes accounted for 74 (90.2%) of the 82 deaths for which the species was known or which occurred where rattlesnakes are the only native crotalids. There were five fatalities attributed to copperheads, two due to cottonmouths, and one caused by an eastern coral snake. Males were disproportionately affected. The median age for victims was 40 years old. In cases for which data were available, many of the snake interactions were intentional, e.g. religious services, animal husbandry, and attempting to kill the snake. Conclusions Death following envenomation from a native U.S. snake is unlikely, particularly if medical attention is sought promptly. Rattlesnake envenomations are more likely to be fatal than bites from other species. Intentionally engaging with a venomous snake raises the risk of incurring a fatal bite, as does concurrent alcohol or drug use. Age less than 12 years old does not appear to be a risk factor for a fatal outcome, while elderly patients may have a slightly increased risk of death.
Enhanced End-Use Efficiency

Energy efficiency has been dubbed the sixth source of energy (Fig. 14.1). The other five sources of energy are coal, natural gas, petroleum, nuclear and renewable energy. This chapter is about energy success stories and potential success stories. Since the oil embargo, the United States has reduced its energy-use growth rate from 4.4 % per year (1960–1970) to almost zero, less than 1 % per year. The nation’s appetite for energy rose from 74 quads in 1973 to 100quads in 2004, a much smaller rise than the 1972 Atomic Energy Commission projected 160 quads for 2000. Electric power consumption actually grew by 2 % per year in the 1990s, reaching an average power of 430 GWe in 2012. This growth was also well below the 1972 Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) projection of 2,000 GWe for the year 2000. The reason energy demand didn’t match projections is because of the success of enhanced end-use efficiency. The United States saved 50 % of energy use on new autos (other than SUVs), houses and refrigerators since the oil embargo of 1973–1974. Appliance standards saved the building of 50 large power plants, which would have consumed 3 quads/year. Energy demand could be cut by another 50 % on new cars and houses, as it is being shown that these new-energy technologies are cost effective. Over a 10–20 year period, thicker insulation is cost effective, but it is far cheaper as installed on new construction, compared to retrofitting existing houses.
Effect of Additives on Shape Evolution during Electrodeposition II. Parameter Estimation from Roughness Evolution Experiments

Numerical analysis procedures are used to identify the most sensitive parameters and estimate their values based on experimental measurements and a hypothesized mechanism for the effect of additives on copper electrodeposition. The electrolysis system consists of an acid copper sulfate bath containing accelerator, suppressor, and leveler additives in the range of concentrations typically used for deposition of on-chip wiring interconnections. Experimental measurements, obtained with an impinging jet apparatus, included surface roughness evolution and potential-time curves under constant current deposition in a set of 36 electrolyte compositions, selected by a D-optimal design procedure. The hypothesized additive mechanism consisted of a set of 15 surface reactions and 3 homogeneous chemical reactions. A mathematical model was composed that couples kinetic Monte Carlo simulation (for roughness evolution) with a finite volume method (for computing surface concentrations and potential). After identifying the most sensitive parameters and estimating their values, the surface concentrations of key species associated with the additive mechanism were simulated. The methods reported here are reusable and may be applied to other applications beyond the copper electrodeposition used here for its initial development.
Classroom Peer Relations as a Context for Social and Scholastic Development

It has been hypothesized that peers play a critical role in the orientations (i.e., behavioral, emotional, and cognitive) that children develop toward school, and these developments may ultimately influence the ways children participate and learn within the school environment. These underlying processes that link peer relationships and students' achievement appear to have both a direct (e.g., modeling academic skills, facilitating intellectual advances) and indirect (e.g., underlying social and emotional factors) impact on students' academic performance. In this chapter, we consider: (a) four distinct types of classroom peer relationships (forms of relationship), (b) how children develop these relationships (relationship formation), and (c) the means by which relationships affect children's scholastic participation and progress (relationship processes and effects).
Video Splicing Techniques for P2P Video Streaming

In HTTP live streaming (HLS), a video is spliced into multiple segments of equal duration. The size of the segments has a major impact on the stalls. In adaptive video streaming, clients adapt the bit-rate of the video to minimize the stalls. But it often degrades the video quality. In order to maintain a high video quality, we can adapt the duration of the segments instead of the bit-rate. Thus the splicing technique can have a major impact on a video streaming. In this paper, we studied different video splicing techniques for peer-to-peer video streaming. We spliced MPEG-4 video based on different durations and Group of Picture (GOP). We found that the duration based splicing performs better than the GOP based splicing, though the duration based splicing requires much more data to be transferred than the GOP based splicing. In P2P video streaming, peers can leave the swarm anytime. To maximize the availability of a segment, peers often download multiple segments simultaneously. Again, if a peer downloads too many segments at a time, it will increase stalls. In this paper, we proposed a formula to calculate the number of video segments a peer should download simultaneously in order to reduce the stalls. We conducted the experiment on GENI.
Revisiting the status of oral health services in adult PM&R programs: a 40-year follow-up survey

Purpose This survey compared the status of oral health service access and needs for adult Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) patients over a 40-year period. Methods This report compares two surveys (1974 vs. 2014) of Directors of PM&R residency programs in the United States. The same 14 survey questions used in 1974 survey were repeated in 2014, with four new questions added. Results The major comparative findings about oral health services were that while perceived need remained high and availability and adequacy of dental care remained low, program directors indicated a slightly lessened desirability, feasibility and overall support for the concept of integrating oral health services into their PM&R program in the 2014 survey. Conclusion These findings show that 40 years has not brought better access to oral health care for adult PM&R patients, only a slightly lessened enthusiasm in the program directors. Future research should explore the reasons underlying these disappointing outcomes.
Motor-neuron pool excitability of the lower leg muscles after acute lateral ankle sprain.

Context: Neuromuscular deficits in leg muscles that are associated with arthrogenic muscle inhibition have been reported in people with chronic ankle instability, yet whether these neuromuscular al...
On the nature and origin of solid components in the gut contents of aphids

Abstract Solid material accumulates in the crops but not in other parts of the alimentary canal of aphids when feeding on certain host plants, notably the Chenopodiaceae. Two components are described. One is a granular material which may occur in the lumen as amorphous aggregates, fibrils, or concretions. It is a neutral mucopolysaccharide other than pectin. The second component is an acid-soluble crystalline material. Vesicles containg granular and crystalline material are present in epithelial cells of the crop. Granular solids may also be present in the embryonic crop. It is suggested that the gut solids described are synthesized within the crop epithelium in response to components, as yet unknown, of the phloem sap of Chenopodiaceae, and released to the crop lumen where they aggregate and remain.
α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Alzheimer's disease: Neuroprotective, neurotrophic or both?

One of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease is the impairment in hippocampus-based episodic memory function, which is improved through the enhancement of cholinergic transmission. Several studies suggest that α7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) activation represents a useful therapeutic strategy for the cognitive impairments associated with early Alzheimer's disease as the α7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are expressed by basal forebrain cholinergic projection neurons as well as by their targets in the hippocampus. The current model for the cholinergic deficit in Alzheimer's disease posits that inappropriate accumulation of misfolded oligomeric aggregates of β-amyloid peptide leads to the dysfunction of the signaling mechanisms that support the cholinergic phenotype; this is manifested as an altered function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the nerve-growth factor trophic support system that results in the loss of cholinergic markers and eventually cholinergic neurons from the basal forebrain cholinergic system. A view was confounded by the fact that α7 nAChRs and β-amyloid peptides have been shown to interact in vitro and in vivo, including human post-mortem AD brain. This review will begin with a brief overview of the basal forebrain cholinergic system, followed by a discussion of the current knowledge of the cholinergic deficit in Alzheimer's disease, then a summary of the cholinergic phenotype observed in transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse models. We will also present our recent findings that support our hypothesis that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor performs both the neurotrophic and neuroprotective roles in the maintenance of the cholinergic phenotype and discusses potential mechanisms and implications for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Deregulation of cell signaling in cancer

Oncogenic mutations disrupt the regulatory circuits that govern cell function, enabling tumor cells to undergo de-regulated mitogenesis, to resist to pro-apoptotic insults, and to invade through tissue boundaries. Cancer cell biology has played a crucial role in elucidating the signaling mechanisms by which oncogenic mutations sustain these malignant behaviors and thereby in identifying rational targets for cancer drugs. The efficacy of such targeted therapies illustrate the power of a reductionist approach to the study of cancer.
Critical currents at the second peak in irradiated YBCO

Abstract YBCO samples frequently show a second peak (SP) in critical current, j c , at a large field, B p . The origin of this technologically important effect is unclear, although a connection between the systematics of the SP and the disorder introduced by oxygen vacancies has been shown. The decrease in j c at fields above the peak is probably related to plastic flow in the vortex glass. We have examined the SP in an optimally doped single crystal of YBCO and in a nominally identical sample irradiated by fast neutrons. At 76 K, j c =2.5×10 5 A/cm 2 in the irradiated sample, showing an irradiation induced enhancement by about a factor of three. Both samples exhibit a strong SP effect. We use SQUID-based creep data at B B p and B > B p to investigate changes in vortex relaxation mechanisms as the peak is crossed. The creep data show a change in relaxation mechanism as one crosses the peak. On the high field side of the peak we obtain results in both samples that are in good agreement with a plastic flow mechanism involving one-loop depinning.
Rivers and valleys of Pennsylvania, revisited

Abstract The 1889 paper by William Morris Davis on the “Rivers and Valleys of Pennsylvania” is a landmark in the history of geomorphology. It was in this manuscript that he set forth what came to be known as the Davisian system of landscape. It is important to understand that Davis' interpretation of landforms was restricted by the geologic paradigms of his day. Uniformitarianism was strongly entrenched and Darwin's theory of evolution had become popularly accepted. The concept of the landmass Appalachia and then current theories on mountain building affected the approach that Davis took in hypothesizing the origin and development of the Folded Appalachian drainage. All of these geologic precepts influenced the formulation and explanation of his theories. In his exposition he adapted, synthesized and embellished on ideas he derived from fellow geologists such as Gilbert, Dutton, Powell, and McGee. A number of the concepts he proposed in the 1889 paper quickly became the bases for geomorphic studies by others: the cycles of river erosion and landscape evolution and the peneplain (here called base level erosion). The cycle of erosion became the model for subsequent geomorphic analyses, and peneplain hunting became a popular sport for geomorphologists. Davis' hypothesis of the origin and development of Pennsylvanian drainage stimulated subsequent discussion and further hypotheses by others. In fact, many of the later theories were refinements and/or elaborations of ideas mentioned in this paper of Davis. He proposed the origin of the drainage as consequent streams, then antecedence, superposition, headward extension of divides by piracy, erosion along lines of weaknesses (faults, easily erodible beds) through resistant ridges and normal fluvial erosion. Thus, the hypotheses of regional superposition (Johnson), extended consequents (Ruedemann), consequents and local superposition (Meyerhoff and Olmstead), the utilization of structural weaknesses in development of transverse drainage (Thompson; Meyerhoff; Oberlander, among others), and migration of divides (Thompson), all had been suggested by Davis in 1889. Although the concepts of erosion cycles and peneplaination have waned in popularity in recent geomorphic research, the principles of formation of water and wind gaps, headward migration of divides, stream piracy and adjustment to streams to structure, so clearly and minutely explained in his 1889 publication, are still viable today.
A general method for the synthesis of thioester resin linkers for use in the solid phase synthesis of peptide-α-thioacids

Abstract A generalized procedure for the synthesis of thioester linkers for use in stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis is reported. The linkers are compatible with Boc chemistry and, upon cleavage in HF, generate peptide C-terminal thioacids.
EFFECT OF MODERATE HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA ON ORIENTING RESPONSES & CRY IN TERM INFANTS

Brazelton auditory orienting responses and acoustic cry patterns were evaluated in 10 moderately jaundiced term infants, (BR-15.2±2.5 mg/dl, Mean±S.D.) and 11 non-jaundiced infants (BR-4.1±1.1 mg/dl). The groups did not differ in birthweight, gestational or postnatal age, or 5 min. Apgar score. Jaundiced infants scored lower on auditory orienting items, (4.7±1.25 vs 5.64±0.55, p<0.02) and on the global orientation cluster (4.96±0.92 vs 5.9±0.53, p<0.01). Cries were recorded during blood sampling, and analyzed by computing the log magnitude spectrum in 25 msec blocks for each cry unit; summary measures were computed across the 25 msec blocks of each cry unit. In jaundiced infants, the first cry utterance showed an increase in average first formant during dysphonation (AvDF1-1876±376 Hz vs 1434±470 Hz, p<0.05), and in the summation of first formant during dysphonation (SumDF1-2102±324 Hz vs 1192±786 Hz, p<0.005). 9 of 10 jaundiced and 4 of 11 non-jaundiced infants had episodes of hyperphonation, and jaundiced infants had greater variability (S.D.) in the maximum fundamental frequency of hyperphonation (Max HFo) for the entire cry (p=0.03 for S.D. Max HFo vs non-jaundiced infants). In summary, moderate hyperbilirubinemia decreases the global capability for orienting responses, and increases the frequencies and variability of some acoustic cry characteristics in term newborns.
Oxygen Consumption of Arterioles and Venules as Studied in the Cartesian Diver

1. The Cartesian diver microrespirometer has been applied to the measurement of oxygen consumption by mesenteric arterioles and venules from hamsters and human beings. Oxygen consumption by the smallest arterial vessels, less than 150 µ in diameter, averaged 1.05 µliter/mg/hr, in contrast to only 0.58 µliter/mg/hr for arteries 250 to 400 µ in diameter. Hamster venules consumed oxygen at an average rate of 0.53 µliter/mg/hr, nearly equal to the largest arteries studied. Venous oxygen consumption did not vary with vessel diameter. 2. Both arterioles and venules were highly resistant to hypoxia, maintaining normal rates of oxygen uptake at environmental oxygen tensions as low as 12 mm Hg, but not at 5 or 2 mm Hg. Veins consumed less oxygen at an environmental p O2 of 150 mm Hg than at 57, 28, or 12 mm Hg, whereas arterial Q OO2 was unchanged between 12 and 150 mm Hg. 3. Ten human mesenteric arteries, 65 to 175 µ in diameter, and 10 human veins, 130 to 450 µ in vitro, had average rates of oxygen consumption of 0.35 and 0.25 µliter/mg/hr, significantly lower than hamster vessels. 4. Vessels from hamsters sacrificed without anesthesia consumed oxygen at rates similar to arterioles and venules removed from animals under pentobarbital anesthesia.
An Algorithm for the Selection of Physical System Model Order Based on Desired State Accuracy and Computational Efficiency

In recent years, algorithms have been developed to help automate the production of dynamic system models. The focus of this development has been to create procedures and algorithms that use modeling metrics for generating minimum complexity models with physically meaningful parameters of dynamic systems (proper models). Existing algorithms, however, do not explicitly address the accuracy of the system variables, and validity of system models. The objective of this paper is to integrate a previously published accuracy and validation algorithm [9] with an energy based (activity index) reduction algorithm [2] to quantify model accuracy as a function of model complexity. In addition, a new metric for selecting the best model based on model accuracy and computational efficiency is introduced. A model of a Class VI International 4700 series delivery truck is used as an illustrative example. The results demonstrate that the proposed model assessment procedure not only provides the means for identifying the proper model based on accuracy and computational constraints, but also provides further evidence that practical systematic tools for improving the modeling process can be developed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Laboratory evaluation of rutting susceptibility of polymer-modified asphalt mixtures containing recycled pavements

Abstract This paper presents the results of the laboratory study on rutting susceptibility of polymer-modified asphalt mixtures containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). Accelerated rutting tests were conducted in the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) and binders were evaluated in the Dynamic Shear Rheometer in order to construct dynamic shear modulus (|G∗|) master curves and to evaluate their viscoelastic and recovery properties using the Multi-Stress Creep Recovery Test (MSCR). Polymer content and level of oxidation of different binders were analyzed using an Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer while X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers were employed to verify the mineral content of RAP aggregates. The effect of RAP binder on the APA and MSCR results showed reasonable correlation with reduced rutting for less-modified binders. Highly-modified binders were the least affected. Aggregate properties of RAP mix had a noticeable effect on rutting results and adding RAP binder to the mix lead to reduced rutting.
Reactivity of the Base-Stabilized Bis(silylene)iron Complex (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(η2-SiMe2-OtBu-SiMe2): Elevated Temperature Trapping of SiMe2 by R3EH (R = Me3Si, E = Si, Ge) and Elimination of Me2(OtBu)SiSiMe2H by n-Bu3SnH

The base-stabilized silylene complex (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(η2-SiMe2-OtBu-SiMe2) is unreactive toward (Me3Si)3EH (E = Si, Ge) under photochemical irradiation or at room temperature. However, at 80 °C it reacts, presumably via the equilibrium concentration of base-free complex (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(SiMe2OtBu)(SiMe2), to transfer the silylene group and form (Me3Si)3ESiMe2H. Attempts to transfer the SiMe2 group to tributyltin hydride led to formation of bis(tributylstannyl)iron complexes.