cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combat Exposure Factors Associated With the Likelihood of Behavioral and Psychiatric Issues

The objective was to evaluate correlated combat exposure factors among active-duty combat veterans deployed to Afghanistan and then determine how these factors are associated with behavioral and psychiatric issues postdeployment. Active-duty soldiers from one brigade combat team (N = 1,739) were surveyed to assess their most recent combat exposures and behavioral outcomes. Combat exposures were factor analyzed and included in a larger structural equation model. Three factors emerged from the analysis: some combat exposures (e.g., “active exposure”) are protective of screening positive for post-traumatic stress, while others (“passive exposure” and “exposure invoking emotion”) are predictive of screening positive for post-traumatic stress. These varying relationships should be considered during implementation of intervention and treatment of redeploying soldiers.
Smart-NICs: Power Proxying for Reduced Power Consumption in Network Edge Devices

The number of edge devices connected to the Internet is increasing at a rapid rate. To maintain network connectivity, the majority of these devices remain completely powered on when idle, wasting unnecessary energy. A novel idea to conserve energy while maintaining network connectivity is to place the computer in standby mode during idle periods and delegate the packet-handling functions to its network interface card (NIC). The NIC, acting as a liaison for the host, can proxy a variety of network protocols, increasing the standby time of the host without compromising its active connections. In this paper, we analyze the requirements of such a packet classifier and design a low-power hardware-based packet classification technique, which, compared to a software-based packet classification technique, consumes 59% less energy with a 9x speedup.
Nomograms Aid Interpretation of Complex Regression Models

Ecologists often develop complex regression models that include multiple categorical and continuous variables, interactions among predictors, and nonlinear relationships between the response and predictor variables. Nomograms, which are graphical devices for presenting mathematical functions and calculating output values, can aid biologists in interpreting and presenting these complex models. To illustrate benefits of nomograms, we developed a logistic regression model of elk (Cervus elaphus) resource selection. With this model, we demonstrated how a nomogram helps scientists and managers interpret interactions among variables, compare the relative biological importance of variables, and examine predicted shapes of relationships (e.g., linear vs. nonlinear) between response and predictor variables. Although our example focused on logistic regression, nomograms are equally useful for other linear and nonlinear models. Regardless of the approach used for model development, nomograms and other graphical summaries can help scientists and managers develop, interpret, and apply statistical models.
LAM: luminance attenuation map for photometric uniformity in projection based displays

Large-area multi-projector displays show significant spatial variation in color, both within a single projector's field of view and across different projectors. Recent research in this area has shown that the color variation is primarily due to luminance variation. Luminance varies within a single projector's field of view, across different brands of projectors and with the variation in projector parameters. Luminance variation is also introduced by overlap between adjacent projectors. On the other hand, chrominance remains constant throughout a projector's field of view and varies little with the change in projector parameters, especially for projectors of the same brand. Hence, matching luminance response of all the pixels of a multi-projector display should help us to achieve photometric uniformity.In this paper, we present a method to do a per channel per pixel luminance matching. Our method consists of a one-time calibration procedure when a luminance attenuation map (LAM) is generated. This LAM is then used to correct any image to achieve photometric uniformity. In the one-time calibration step, we first use a camera to measure the per channel luminance response of a multi-projector display and find the pixel with the most "limited" luminance response. Then, for each projector, we generate a per channel LAM that assigns a weight to every pixel of the projector to scale the luminance response of that pixel to match with the most limited response. This LAM is then used to attenuate any image projected by the projector.This method can be extended to do the image correction in real time on traditional graphics pipeline by using alpha blending and color look-up-tables. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to match luminance across all the pixels of a multi-projector display. Our results show that luminance matching can indeed achieve photometric uniformity.
Development Impact Fees and the Acquisition of Infrastructure

This article considers the impact that the use of impact development fees has on the level of capital investment made by local governments in the United States. Using a sample of 85 cities, we find that the use of fees is associated with lower levels of capital spending. The data also reveal that the debt-to-expenditure ratio for these cities is associated with higher levels of capital spending, leading us to conclude that fees act as a quasi-pricing mechanism regulating the amount of capital investment demanded by developers.
Influence of sex on in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival after contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background Early studies suggested that morbidity and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were greater for women than men. However, in recent reports, sex-related differences in short-term outcome have decreased as outcomes among women have improved. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sex on long-term mortality among a large cohort of patients undergoing PCI in the contemporary era. Methods Three hospitals in New York City contributed prospectively defined data elements on 4284 consecutive patients undergoing PCI in 1998 to 1999. All-cause mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years was the primary end point. Results Of the 4284 patients, 1331 (31%) were women. Women were significantly older than men (mean age 67 vs 62 years, P Conclusions Despite more high-risk characteristics, female sex conferred a long-term survival advantage after PCI.
Microstructure Development of Zinc Oxide in Hydrogen

Zinc oxide powder compacts with green densities of 60% of theoretical sintered in hydrogen do not densify but exhibit significant grain coarsening. The temperature dependence of the coarsening was greater than that expected from vapor-phase coarsening models and is close to that obtained for grain growth in dense ZnO. This suggests that the rate of particle coarsening is controlled by grain-boundary mobility. This possibility was reinforced by the reduction in coarsening with ZnAl2O4 present as a second phase. The results emphasize the importance of controlling grain growth throughout all stages of densification.
Assignment of terminal penalties in controlling genetic regulatory networks

Probabilistic Boolean networks have been used to model inter-gene relationships and their dynamic behavior. Optimal control of such networks has been proposed by turning on or off individual genes. Though this problem was solved in an earlier work by using a dynamic programming algorithm, issues regarding the assignment of terminal penalties and selection of genes for intervention were not addressed. In this work, we provide an algorithm for assigning terminal penalties, taking long term uncontrolled behavior into account. We also discuss the possibility of using gene influence for pre selection of genes to be used for intervention. This is implemented for the popular WNT5A network.
Models for reliability prediction of fine-pitch BGAs and CSPs in shock and drop-impact

Drop-induced failures are most dominant in portable electronic products. In this study, explicit finite element models have been used to study the transient dynamics of printed circuit boards during drop from 6ft. Methodologies for modeling components using smeared property formulations have been investigated. Reduced integration element formulations examined include - shell and solid elements. Model predictions have been validated with experimental data. Results show that models with smeared properties can predict transient-dynamic response of board assemblies in drop-impact, fairly accurately. High-speed data acquisition system has been used to capture in-situ strain, continuity and acceleration data in excess of 1 million samples per second. Ultra high-speed video at 40,000 fps per second has been used to capture the deformation kinematics. Component types examined include - plastic ball-grid arrays, tape-array BGA, QFN, and C2BGA. Model predictions have been correlated with experimental data. Impact of experimental error sources on model, correlation with experiments also has been investigated.
Geodetic location of acoustic ocean-bottom transponders from surface positions

In late 1969, Battelle Memorial Institute-Columbus Laboratories (Battelle-Columbus) was involved in a NASA experiment in the Bahamas, the over-all objective of which was to determine the feasibility of using C-band radar for ship positioning and for establishing marine geodetic control points. The use of C-band radar for marine measurements is desirable for several reasons: (1) C-band radar can be operated in a ranging mode by measuring distances from ship to satellites and provides a particular advantage in that errors in ship velocity are not as critical as they are with the Doppler satellite technique; (2) several ships already have C-band radar systems on board; and (3) it provides an additional satellite system for geodetic measurements at sea.
Weight-Based Argatroban Dosing Nomogram for Treatment of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUNDManufacturer recommendations for argatroban use in the setting of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) state that the dosage should be titrated to a goal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 1.5–3 times the baseline aPTT. The lack of a clear dosing strategy with argatroban may result in delayed stabilization of aPTT. There are no published nomograms to guide the dosing of argatroban.OBJECTIVETo study the anticoagulant effect and incidence of bleeding and thrombotic events in patients receiving argatroban, with doses determined using a weight-based nomogram.METHODSPatients with suspected or documented HIT at an 800-bed teaching community hospital were prospectively treated, in a nonrandomized, nonblinded manner, with argatroban; dosage adjustments were made according to 1 of 2 variations of a dosing nomogram: standard or hepatic/critically ill. The primary outcomes were time to aPTT stabilization and percentage of patients whose aPTTs were within the therapeutic range of 45–90 second...
PVT Analysis With A Deconvolution Algorithm

Polyvinyl Toluene (PVT) plastic scintillator is the most common gamma ray detector material used for large systems when only gross counting is needed because of its low cost, robustness, and relative sensitivity. PVT does provide some energy information about the incident photons, as has been demonstrated through the development of Energy Windowing analysis. There is a more sophisticated energy analysis algorithm developed by Symetrica, Inc., and they have demonstrated the application of their deconvolution algorithm to PVT with very promising results. The thrust of such a deconvolution algorithm used with PVT is to allow for identification and rejection of naturally occurring radioactive material, reducing alarm rates, rather than the complete identification of all radionuclides, which is the goal of spectroscopic portal monitors. Under this condition, there could be a significant increase in sensitivity to threat materials. The advantage of this approach is an enhancement to the low cost, robust detection capability of PVT-based radiation portal monitor systems. The success of this method could provide an inexpensive upgrade path for a large number of deployed PVT-based systems to provide significantly improved capability at a much lower cost than deployment of NaI(Tl)-based systems of comparable sensitivity.
Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea on topoisomerase inhibition and oral carcinoma cell proliferation.

Tea flavonoids have antitopoisomerase activity and can inhibit cell proliferation. The objectives of this study were to determine the phenolic content of yerba mate tea products (MT) (Ilex paraguariensis) and evaluate their capacity to inhibit topoisomerase I (Topo I) and II (Topo II) activities and oral carcinoma cell proliferation. Total polyphenols of aqueous extracts of dried MT leaves were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay, using chlorogenic (CH) and gallic (GA) acids as standards. Topoisomerase inhibition was determined by a clone-forming assay, which uses yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) strains as a model. Controls included dimethyl sulfoxide (1.66%); camptothecin (50 microg/mL), a Topo I inhibitor; and amsacrine (100 microg/mL), a Topo II inhibitor. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted using a nontumorigenic human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and two human squamous cancer cell lines (SCC-61 and OSCC-3). MT was found to be a rich source of phenolic compounds. Total polyphenol content of various commercially available traditional MT products ranged from 236 to 490 mg equiv of CH/g of dry leaves. Such levels were significantly different among products depending on their origin (P 1500 mM). MT showed catalytic anti-topoisomerase activity against Topo II but not against Topo I. In addititon, MT exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against all squamous cell lines tested. In comparison to premalignant cell line HaCaT [28 microg equiv of (+)-catechin mL(-1)], the cell line SCC-61 [21 microg equiv of (+)-catechin mL(-1)] was the most sensitive to MT, resulting in 50% inhibition of net cell growth. It is concluded that MT is rich in phenolic constituents and can also inhibit oral cancer proliferation. The effect on cancer cell proliferation may be mediated via inhibition of topoisomerase II. The lack of correlation between polyphenol content and the inhibition of topoisomerases suggests that the effect of MT on topoisomerase inhibition may be due to other still unidentified biologically active phytochemicals constituents.
Exciton–plasmon interactions in molecular spring assemblies of nanowires and wavelength-based protein detection

Electronic interactions at the nanoscale represent one of the fundamental problems of nanotechnology. Excitons and plasmons are the two most typical excited states of nanostructures, which have been shown to produce coupled electronic systems. Here, we explore these interactions for the case of nanowires with mobile excitons and nanoparticles with localized plasmons and describe the theoretical formalism, its experimental validation and the potential practical applications of such nanoscale systems. Theory predicts that emission of coupled excitations in nanowires with variable electronic confinement is stronger, shorter and blue-shifted. These predictions were confirmed with a high degree of accuracy in molecular spring assemblies of CdTe nanowires and Au nanoparticles, where we can reversibly change the distance between the exciton and the plasmon. The prepared systems were made protein-sensitive by incorporating antibodies in the molecular springs. Modulation of exciton-plasmon interactions can serve as a wavelength-based biodetection tool, which can resolve difficulties in the quantification of luminescence intensity for complex media and optical pathways.
The convergence of radiation and immunogenic cell death signaling pathways

Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers programmed cell death in tumor cells through a variety of highly regulated processes. Radiation-induced tumor cell death has been studied extensively in vitro and is widely attributed to multiple distinct mechanisms, including apoptosis, necrosis, mitotic catastrophe (MC), autophagy, and senescence, which may occur concurrently. When considering tumor cell death in the context of an organism, an emerging body of evidence suggests there is a reciprocal relationship in which radiation stimulates the immune system, which in turn contributes to tumor cell kill. As a result, traditional measurements of radiation-induced tumor cell death, in vitro, fail to represent the extent of clinically observed responses, including reductions in loco-regional failure rates and improvements in metastases free and overall survival. Hence, understanding the immunological responses to the type of radiation-induced cell death is critical. In this review, the mechanisms of radiation-induced tumor cell death are described, with particular focus on immunogenic cell death (ICD). Strategies combining radiotherapy with specific chemotherapies or immunotherapies capable of inducing a repertoire of cancer specific immunogens might potentiate tumor control not only by enhancing cell kill but also through the induction of a successful anti-tumor vaccination that improves patient survival.
Kalman filtering and Riccati equations for multiscale processes

Multiscale representations of signals and multiscale algorithms are addressed. A two-sweep smoothing algorithm is analyzed for fusing multiscale measurements of multiscale processes defined on trees. The algorithm is a generalization of the Rauch-Tung-Striebel algorithm for the smoothing of time series, and the filtering step differs from that of time series in that it consists of the successive fusing of data from level to level, thus introducing a new type of Riccati equation. The fusion step makes it necessary to view the optimal estimation as producing a maximum likelihood (ML) estimate which is then combined with prior statistics, and it is the dynamics of the ML estimate recursion which must be analyzed. Elements of a system theory required to derive bounds on the error covariance of the filter are developed. These results are then used along with a careful definition of stability on trees both to prove the stability of the filter and to give results on the steady-state filter. >
Computational Algorithms for Interactive Pattern Recognition

Until recently, digital computers have been used in the design of pattern recognition systems largely for the purpose of simulating or testing computational algorithms before they are implemented in the way of hardware. The evolving use of computer graphics, however, has changed the computer’s role significantly. In the past few years, the need for man-machine interaction in data analysis and algorithm synthesis has become increasingly evident to anyone who has undertaken a serious pattern recognition problem. Like many computer-aided systems, the interactive approach allows the speed and accuracy of a computer to be combined with man’s ability and intuition at various stages of the pattern recognition process. This approach is particularly desirable whenever one is faced with a large data base of which analytic and statistical properties must be calculated dynamically and in real time. In the event of minimum prior knowledge regarding the data base, man-machine interplay via some graphical medium often becomes a necessity.
Pathologic Studies of the Osteoporosis of Von Gierke's Disease (Glycogenosis 1A)

Pathologic and point count-morphometric studies of ribs, vertebrae, and iliac crests of 7 patients with Von Gierke's glycogenesis type la aged 5 months to 30 years were performed. The bone lesion i...
Spin coherence in a Mn3 single-molecule magnet

Spin coherence in single crystals of the spin S = 6 single-molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn3O(O2CEt)3(mpko)3]+ (abbreviated Mn3) has been investigated using 230 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Coherence in Mn3 was uncovered by significantly suppressing dipolar contribution to the decoherence with complete spin polarization of Mn3 SMMs. The temperature dependence of spin decoherence time (T2) revealed that the dipolar decoherence is the dominant source of decoherence in Mn3 and T2 can be extended up to 267 ns by quenching the dipolar decoherence.
Requeening Honeybee Colonies Without Dequeening

SummaryWhen ripe queen cells (9–10 days after grafting) were placed into queenright colonies, only 15% (0–39%) of the resident queens were replaced by a new queen. New queens reared in the queenless half of a temporarily divided colony replaced 50% of the resident queens when the colonies were re-united. Of the queenless control colonies, 90% were successfully requeened by the queen cell method.
Detection of Legionella by PCR in respiratory specimens using a commercially available kit.

Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of pathogens that are difficult to grow, such as Legionella species, may reduce difficulties encountered with culture and immunofluorescent staining. We evaluated a commercial PCR and hybridization kit, designed for environmental samples, for the detection of Legionella in respiratory specimens. Sixteen Legionella species cultures tested positive with the Perkin Elmer Legionella EnviroAmp Amplification and Detection kits (Perkin Elmer, Foster City, Calif). The assay detected as few as 100 colony-forming units per milliliter of spiked bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and no false-negative results were obtained. PCR inhibition by blood in the specimens was removed by washing pelleted specimens in sterile distilled water. Of 126 specimens screened with the kit, 1 induced sputum and 3 BAL specimens were positive by PCR. All 4 were validated as true-positive results by culture or serologic testing. The entire PCR and hybridization assay can be completed in less than 6 hours, whereas isolation and identification by culture requires up to 12 days, and serologic conversion may not be demonstrated for weeks. Molecular techniques based on direct extraction and amplification of DNA from respiratory specimens may be useful for the timely diagnosis of legionellosis.
Synthesis and structural characterization of bis(2-oxoimidazolyl)hydroborato complexes: a new class of bidentate oxygen-donor ligands.

A new class of bidentate ligands that feature oxygen donors, namely, the bis(2-oxo-1-tert-butylimidazolyl)hydroborato and bis(2-oxo-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands, [BoBut] and [BoMeBenz], have been synthesized via the reactions of MBH4 with 2 equiv of the respective 2-imidazolone. Chelation of [BoBut] and [BoMeBenz] to a metal center results in a flexible eight-membered ring that is capable of adopting a “boatlike” conformation that allows for secondary M···H–B interactions.
Structural and Photosynthetic Compensation for Leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Injury in Lima Beans

Palisade mesophyll tissue removed from mature leaves of Phaseolus lunatus L. by the leafmining herbivore Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) was replaced with photosynthetically active cells, permitting virtually complete recovery from injury. No significant differences in biomass production or levels of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase were observed between damaged and control plants. Decreases in photosynthesis did not exceed 10% for leaves with approximately one-fourth of the leaf area mined. Development of other, photosynthetically inactive callus cells along vascular bundles and frass deposits served to compartmentalize leafmines, generating a suitable microclimate for regeneration of cells as well as preventing intrusion of disease inoculum and arthropod pests. Such cellular regrowth not only benefits the host, but provides substantial advantages for facultatively cannibalistic larvae that are incapable of relocating to undamaged leaves.
Abstract 1386: Predictive markers of efficacy for an angiopoietin-2 targeting therapeutic in xenograft models

The clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies has been difficult to predict, and in this era of personalized medicine biomarkers that can predict effect are sorely needed. CVX-060 is an angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) targeting therapeutic, consisting of two peptides that bind Ang2 with high affinity and specificity, covalently fused to a scaffold antibody. The resulting therapeutic has shown promising activity in a phase 1 clinical trial, with several phase 2 clinical programs in progress/planning. In order to optimize the use of this compound in the clinic a set of predictive biomarkers are desired. Here we describe the construction of a predictive model based on the efficacy of CVX-060 in 13 conventional xenograft models, focusing on renal and ovarian cancer. Pretreatment size tumors from each of the models were profiled for the levels of ∼25 protein markers of angiogenesis, SNP haplotype in 5 angiogenesis genes, and somatic mutation status for ∼12 genes implicated in tumor growth and/or vascularization. The markers chosen for evaluation were accumulated from angiogenesis literature and a differential gene expression analysis of CVX-060 treatment-induced changes. CVX-060 efficacy was determined as tumor growth inhibition (TGI%) at termination of each study. A predictive statistical model was constructed based on the correlation of these efficacy data with the marker profiles, and the model was subsequently tested via prospective analysis in 7 additional models The results of this work reveal a range of CVX-060 efficacy in xenograft models of diverse tissue types (0-49% TGI, median = 38%). Notably, we define a subset of 5-7 proteins, the levels of which are predictive of TGI by Ang2 blockade. The majority of these proteins are proximal to the target of CVX-060 and the direction of the associations is such that better efficacy correlates with high levels of target and low levels of compensatory/antagonizing molecules. The SNPs and somatic mutations examined here did not correlate with TGI. Our study describes a systematic approach to the problem of identifying predictive markers of anti-angiogenic affect, and demonstrates the significant ground work necessary to reveal treatment-sensitive predictive markers which can be quantitatively defined. This effort has revealed a set of predictive markers for CVX-060 efficacy that will be further evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1386. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1386
Chronic Diffuse Infiltrative Lung Disease: Newer Approaches

A new scheme for description of diffuse infiltrative lung diseases using the graphic terminology of the International Labour Office Classification is described. Conventions for grading the type (rounded, or "pqr," and irregular, or "stu"), severity (profusion in 12 steps), localization of opacities, and pleural disease were retained. Modifications included (a) a third group of opacities, called "xyz," corresponding to reticulonodular patterns; and (b) "ground glass" (alveolar) patterns, subdivided into seven types by character and location. In a study of 365 cases proven by open biopsy, when this scheme was used without any knowledge of clinical data, the first two radiologic diagnostic choices corresponded with the principal histologic diagnosis in 50 per cent of cases. This classification provides an understandable and quantifiable system of communication and a tool for teaching, clinical research, and epidemiologic studies.
Replacement behavior following deprivation of food, water, running, or light.

In 4 separate experiments albino rats were allowed to stabilize in rate on an activity (eating, drinking, light-exposure, or running), after which they were deprived of that activity for a time ranging from 2 to 8 days for different groups. The intent of the methodology was to apply the classical test for “drive”—increased comsummatory behavior following deprivation—to 4 different response measures and to examine in detail the time-course of deficit elimination. Food and water deficits were replaced in an orderly fashion requiring about 3 wk. for completion. Deficits of running activity were not replaced. Compensation for deficits of light was intermediate, showing a little replacement on the first day after deprivation, but no clear evidence of replacement thereafter.
Early Functional and Morphologic Abnormalities in the Diabetic Nyxnob Mouse Retina.

Purpose The electroretinogram c-wave is generated by the summation of the positive polarity hyperpolarization of the apical RPE membrane and a negative polarity slow PIII response of Muller glia cells. Therefore, the c-wave reduction noted in prior studies of mouse models of diabetes could reflect a reduction in the RPE component or an increase in slow PIII. The present study used a genetic approach to distinguish between these two alternatives. Methods Nyxnob mice lack the ERG b-wave, revealing the early phase of slow PIII. To visualize changes in slow PIII due to diabetes, Nyxnob mice were given streptozotocin (STZ) injections to induce diabetes or received vehicle as a control. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks of sustained hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL), standard strobe flash ERG and dc-ERG testing were conducted. Histological analysis of the retina was performed. Results A reduced c-wave was noted at the 1 week time point, and persisted at later time points. In comparison, slow PIII amplitudes were unaffected after 1 week of hyperglycemia, but were significantly reduced in STZ mice at the 2-week time point. The decrease in amplitude occurred before any identifiable decrease to the a-wave. At the later time point, the a-wave became involved, although the slow PIII reductions were more pronounced. Morphological abnormalities in the RPE, including increased thickness and altered melanosome distribution, were identified in diabetic animals. Conclusions Because the c-wave and slow PIII were both reduced, these results demonstrated that diabetes-induced reductions to the c-wave cannot be attributed to an early increase in the Muller glia-derived potassium conductance. Furthermore, because the a-wave, slow PIII and c-wave reductions were not equivalent, and varied in their onset, the reductions cannot reflect the same mechanism, such as a change in membrane resistance. The presence of small changes to RPE architecture indicate that the c-wave reductions present in diabetic mice likely represents a primary change in the RPE induced by hyperglycemia.
Prelinguistic Communication Development

The prelinguistic stage is viewed as the time period between birth and when a child or adult begins to use words/signs meaningfully. It is a time when children typically increase their ability to communicate with others, first using eye gaze, attending, and social-emotional affect and later adding gestures and other nonverbal means to communicate. This stage builds the foundation for later developing skills such as using words (or signs) and combining them into sentences to communicate, as well as understanding and gaining appreciation of the nuances of successful communication. For children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the skills typically learned during this stage can be critical to helping these individuals be effective and successful communicators throughout their lives. Individuals with significant developmental disabilities including ASD can have substantially protracted prelinguistic periods of communication and language development. For some, a singular reliance on prelinguisitic communication may continue into adolescence or adulthood. Others may fail to develop productive communication altogether. Knowledge of prelinguistic skills, their developmental hierarchy, and their impact on children’s and adults’ current and future ability to communicate are key factors to be considered in assessing and intervening with children, youth, and adults with ASD. In this chapter, current research related to prelinguistic communication skills will be highlighted, along with challenges faced when examining prelinguistic skills, and the research and practice implications of looking at and intervening in the area of prelinguistic communication.
Cyclic ADP-Ribose and NAADP

Cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, which isolates them from the environment and, in so doing, defines their existence. Internally, cells are likewise compartmentalized by endo-membranes into organelles with diverse and specific functions. Information transfer, or signal transduction, across these membranes is fundamental to coordinating and integrating all cellular activities. Cells have developed various strategies to bypass the isolation imposed by the plasma membrane so that they can detect and adjust to environmental changes. Chemical signals are generally sensed by surface receptors, which upon binding specific ligands, activate intracellular production of second messengers. Cyclic AMP was the first of these second messengers identified by Sutherland and colleagues [1]. In many cases, surface receptor activation can also lead to changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which serve as communicating signals to initiate a myriad of further changes, such as enzyme activation, protein phosphorylation and gene expression. The source of Ca2+ can be either influx from outside or release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. The focus of this book is the latter process, the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores.
Establishing Requirements Using a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Information (RFI)

Once decisions have been made for build vs. buy and appropriate specifications have been completed, organizations need to create a document that can be examined by third-party vendors or product suppliers so that an estimate of “fit” can be assessed—fit meaning the amount of customization required or development time necessary. Two such documents can be used: a Request for Information (RFI) or a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Semi-analytical modeling of shale gas flow through fractal induced fracture networks with microseismic data

Abstract Hydraulic fractures connecting to the adjacent induced fracture network significantly promote the productivity of unconventional gas reservoirs. Precise characterization of the fracture network in stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is particularly important in modeling shale gas flow mechanisms. The objective of this work, based on available microseismic information of fracture density and field production data, is the integrated modeling of shale gas production with time-dependent pressure, pressure-dependent gas properties, and scale-dependent heterogeneous induced-fracture properties. This paper presents a Fractal Induced Fracture Network Distribution (FIFND) model to characterize SRV heterogeneity. The model consists of a novel fractal induced-fracture density distribution and a fractal permeability/porosity distribution. The FIFND model can accurately estimate the induced fracture permeability and porosity when only the microseismic data of fracture density are available. This is highly useful since microseismic fracture density data are more frequently available than permeability and porosity data. A semi-analytical Fractal Transient Shale Gas Flow model (FTSGF) is then derived for the multi-stage hydraulically-fractured horizontal wells. The FTSGF model is coupled with the FIFND model to better describe the fracture network heterogeneity in the SRV. The transient flow contribution from the matrix is modeled by apparent matrix porosity with the presence of adsorbed gas. The fractal transient flow features are ultimately transformed into a characteristic function of the fractal matrix-fracture flow transfer. The FIFND model is validated though the upscaled microseismic geological data for a Barnett shale well. Fracture density distribution, which is regulated by the Hausdorff dimension, is more significant on well productivity than fracture permeability, which is mainly subject to the fracture tortuosity index. The FTSGF model is verified by the field production data in Barnett shale. The robustness of the FTSGF model is justified by a good fit with the Power Law Exponential Decline model (PLE) and alignment with realistic values of multiple physical parameters, including average induced-fracture apertures. Our model is also validated for predicative robustness using fewer months of production data. Finally, we propose and implement a workflow for the integrated semi-analytical modeling of shale gas production. The workflow provides an effective tool for characterization, history-matching, and forecasting reservoir/well performance of hydraulically-fractured horizontal wells in shale reservoirs. The limitations of the proposed models and potential future expansions are discussed.
Nigericin decreases the viability of multidrug-resistant cancer cells and lung tumorspheres and potentiates the effects of cardiac glycosides.

Multiple factors including tumor heterogeneity and intrinsic or acquired resistance have been associated with drug resistance in lung cancer. Increased stemness and the plasticity of cancer cells h...
A HIERARCHY OF PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION ESTIMATES

1. Abstract and Summary The purpose of this paper is to consider a hierarchy of probability density function estimation procedures. The discussion will culminate in a speculation about a universal procedure. First the histogram approach will be investigated. We shall then consider the orthogonal function expansion approach, of which the histogram approach is a special case. Next in complexity is the slightly more complicated window function approach suggested by Parzen and Rosenblatt. One degree of freedom more is found in the approach of Loftsgaarden and Quesenberry in which the window size itself is allowed to be a function of the data. Finally we ask ourselves what is meant by large, small and medium size samples. How should the number of degrees of freedom of the fitting densities grow with the size of the sample? What is the notion of intrinsic complexity of the underlying true distribution?
H3K36 Methylation Regulates Nutrient Stress Response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Enforcing Transcriptional Fidelity

Set2-mediated histone methylation at H3K36 regulates diverse activities, including DNA repair, mRNA splicing, and suppression of inappropriate (cryptic) transcription. Although failure of Set2 to suppress cryptic transcription has been linked to decreased lifespan, the extent to which cryptic transcription influences other cellular functions is poorly understood. Here, we uncover a role for H3K36 methylation in the regulation of the nutrient stress response pathway. We found that the transcriptional response to nutrient stress was dysregulated in SET2-deleted (set2Δ) cells and was correlated with genome-wide bi-directional cryptic transcription that originated from within gene bodies. Antisense transcripts arising from these cryptic events extended into the promoters of the genes from which they arose and were associated with decreased sense transcription under nutrient stress conditions. These results suggest that Set2-enforced transcriptional fidelity is critical to the proper regulation of inducible and highly regulated transcription programs.
Early predictors of abscess development after perforated pediatric appendicitis.

Abstract Background: Approximately one-third of children with appendicitis present with advanced disease or perforation. Whereas this increases the risk for post-operative complications and re-admission, it is not yet possible to predict early on who will develop an abdominal abscess. We sought to identify specific risk factors for this complication, in an attempt to streamline post-operative care. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the records of all cases of perforated appendicitis over a 12-month period at a tertiary children's hospital. All patients who developed an abscess despite treatment minimum of seven days of antibiotic therapy were identified. Patients who presented or were re-admitted with an abscess were excluded from analysis. Records were reviewed for demographics, laboratory results, progression of oral intake, and vital signs. Results: Of 273 patients with appendicitis, we identified 59 cases of perforated appendicitis. Fifteen patients were excluded. Eight of the remaining 44 patients (1...
Motion of a Janus particle very near a wall.

This article describes the simulated Brownian motion of a sphere comprising hemispheres of unequal zeta potential (i.e., “Janus” particle) very near a wall. The simulation tool was developed and used to assist in the methodology development for applying Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRM) to anisotropic particles. Simulations of the trajectory of a Janus sphere with cap density matching that of the base particle very near a boundary were used to construct 3D potential energy landscapes that were subsequently used to infer particle and solution properties, as would be done in a TIRM measurement. Results showed that the potential energy landscape of a Janus sphere has a transition region at the location of the boundary between the two Janus halves, which depended on the relative zeta potential magnitude. The potential energy landscape was fit to accurately obtain the zeta potential of each hemisphere, particle size, minimum potential energy position and electrolyte concentration, or Debye length. We...
Skyway: The True Story of Tampa Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down. By Bill DeYoung

Bill DeYoung’s riveting treatment of the 1980 Tampa Bay, Florida, bridge collapse fits into the category of creative nonfiction written by journalists. It blends what seems to be every available so...
The effect of oxygen on growth and development of the chick embryo

When eggs are incubated in 60% O2; the weight of the 18-day embryo is greater than that of the control incubated in 21% O2,. Conversely, when O2 availability is reduced by covering part of the eggshell, embryonic growth is retarded. The weight of the embryo at day 18 correlates with the surface area of its egg, as does the diffusing capacity for O2 and the calculated chorioallantoic capillary surface area. Furthermore, during the last few days of chorioallantoic respiration in 21% O2, the embryo becomes hypoxemic and its rate of growth slows. We propose that the O2 tension in blood leaving the chorioallantoic capillaries limits the rate of growth of the chick embryo until the onset of pulmonary respiration.
The Risks of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Despite the complexity of bypass surgery using extracorporeal circulation and various techniques for myocardial protection and small-vessel anastomoses, surgical teams in more than 500 United States hospitals perform this operation daily with a high degree of success.1 As the benefits of bypass surgery come into sharper focus, it is also important to define the risks of surgery, both the immediate risks of operative death and complications, and the delayed risks of graft occlusion and possible acceleration of the underlying coronary disease due to the presence of a functioning bypass graft. Patients at increased risk can be identified by several factors evident from their clinical courses and arteriographic studies. Various unexpected catastrophic events, however, account for the majority of operative deaths seen in patients undergoing bypass surgery. Also, it is important to recognize that patent bypass grafts hasten occlusion of obstructive lesions in the proximal coronary artery, and this risk must be weighed against the risk of eventual graft closure.
Human Evaluations of Environmental Noise

State Route 18 comes to a sudden end in the center of New Brunswick, New Jersey. The automobiles traveling on its six lanes create huge traffic jams as they enter already congested city streets or try to cross a narrow bridge across the adjacent river. For years city leaders have hoped to extend Route 18 through New Brunswick, threading the roadway between the dormitories of Rutgers College and the Raritan River. As plans for the extension became concrete, Rutgers students began to lobby actively to keep the highway from being built.
1.05 – Compton Emission Tomography

Compton cameras enable the imaging of high-energy photons without the use of heavy and inefficient mechanical collimators. Instead, electronic collimation is achieved by measuring the position of two or more photon interactions within a detector system, as well as the energy deposited at each interaction site. When the first interaction is a Compton scatter, it is possible to estimate the scatter angle and consequently the cone of possible directions of incidence. This chapter describes the fundamental operating principles of the Compton camera, the effects of limited detector energy resolution and Doppler broadening, interaction sequence determination methods, statistical image reconstruction algorithms, and applications in biomedical imaging.
Poultry semen cryopreservation technologies

Several techniques have been developed for the preservation and improvement of genetic resources to maintain genetic diversity. Among those techniques, semen cryopreservation is thought to be the best and successfully applied by dairy and beef industries, but so far, it has not been established in the poultry industry. This is because poultry sperm cells have a unique shape and membrane fluidity, differing from those of mammalian sperm. Also, poultry sperm membranes contain higher quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids than mammalian sperm, and hence may require more antioxidant protection. Due to the peculiarity of poultry sperm cells, commonly used cryoprotectants for cryopreservation have a contraceptive or toxic effect. This renders the fertility of frozen poultry sperm to become highly variable and not reliable enough for use in commercial production or preservation of genetic resources. The average fertility of frozen/thawed poultry sperm ranges between 2-80%. Therefore, this paper reviews the possible reasons for the lower success of poultry sperm cryopreservation.
Efficacy of Tedizolid against Enterococci and Staphylococci, Including cfr + Strains, in a Mouse Peritonitis Model.

In a mouse peritonitis model, tedizolid was comparable to linezolid and daptomycin against an Enterococcus faecium strain (VANr, AMPr), an Enterococcus faecalis strain, and a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain with and without cfr. Against a cfr(B)+ E. faecium, tedizolid was inferior in vivo to linezolid and daptomycin, despite an ∼4-fold lower MIC.
The prevalence of substance use in child welfare and general population eighth graders in the United States.

Background: Early substance use is an established risk factor for substance abuse and dependence. Objective: The current study sought to examine whether child welfare-involved eighth graders have higher rates of early substance use than general population eighth graders. Data from the first National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) were analyzed to assess the prevalence of self-reported substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and inhalant use in child welfare-involved eighth graders (N = 896). These figures were compared to general eighth grade student population estimates from the Monitoring the Future Study (N = 16,900) using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Finally, regression analyses were conducted to examine demographic predictors (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity, and out-of-home placement) of substance use among child welfare eighth graders. Results: Results indicated comparable or lower incidence of substances among child welfare eighth graders relative to the general population, but higher past 30-day inhalant use among child welfare youth in out-of-home placement (17.1%, 95% CI: 6.0%, 40.2%) than the general population (4.2%, 95% CI: 3.7%, 4.7%). Out-of-home placement was associated with higher inhalant use (lifetime β = .659, p = .034; 30-day β = .763, p = .040) and alcohol use (lifetime β = .415, p = .028). Conclusions/Importance: These findings imply the need for screening and prevention education about substance use in child welfare populations, particularly in regards to inhalant use.