cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factors: Diverse roles in liver diseases†

Hypoxia has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of several forms of liver disease. The Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators that affect a homeostatic response to low oxygen tension and have been identified as key mediators of angiogenesis, inflammation, and metabolism. In this review, we summarize the evidence for a role of HIFs across a range of hepatic pathophysiology. We describe regulation of the hypoxia inducible factors and review investigations that demonstrate a role for HIFs in the development of liver fibrosis, activation of innate immune pathways, hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as other liver diseases in both human disease as well as murine models.
Measurement of Expected Nucleation Precursor Species and 3–500-nm Diameter Particles at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii

Abstract Atmospheric measurements of expected homogeneous nucleation precursors and aerosols were made at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, from 28 June to 27 July 1992. Large molecular clusters and gas phase species including sulfuric acid (H2SO4), methane sulfonic acid (MSA), and OH were measured with a mass spectrometer. Aerosol measurements consisted of ultrafine particle concentrations (∼3–4 nm diameter) and fine particle size distributions (15–500 nm diameter). The altitude of the observatory (average pressure 680 mb) and the presence of mountain–valley winds permitted sampling of both up- and downslope air. Downslope air was found to have the highest concentrations of MSA but low ultrafine concentrations, whereas, upslope air had the highest H2SO4 and ultrafine concentrations. Episodes of substantial increase in ultrafine particles were observed during periods of rapid increase in H2SO4 concentrations. Total aerosol surface area and H2SO4 concentrations had the strongest influence on ultrafine par...
Occipitocervical Fusion Surgery: Review of Operative Techniques and Results

Objective Varying types of clinicoradiologic presentations at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) influence the decision process for occipitocervical fusion (OCF) surgery. We discuss the operative techniques and decision-making process in OCF surgery based on our clinical experience and a literature review. Material and Methods A total of 49 consecutive patients who underwent OCF participated in the study. Sagittal computed tomography images were used to illustrate and measure radiologic parameters. We measured Wackenheim clivus baseline (WCB), clivus-canal angle (CCA), atlantodental distance (ADD), and Powers ratio (PR) in all the patients. Results Clinical improvement on Nurick grading was recorded in 36 patients. Patients with better preoperative status (Nurick grades 1-3) had better functional outcomes after the surgery (p = 0.077). Restoration of WCB, CCA, ADD, and PR parameters following the surgery was noted in 39.2%, 34.6%, 77.4%, and 63.3% of the patients, respectively. Complications included deep wound infections (n = 2), pseudoarthrosis (n = 2), and deaths (n = 4). Conclusion Conventional wire-based constructs are superseded by more rigid screw-based designs. Odontoidectomy is associated with a high incidence of perioperative complications. The advent of newer implants and reduction techniques around the CVJ has obviated the need for this procedure in most patients.
The structure of a tetrabromotetrahydrodibenzocyclooctene

5, 6, 11, 12-Tetrabromo-5, 6, 11, 12-tetrahydrodibenzo[a, e]cyclooctene, C16H12Br4, crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c witha=8.6917(7),b=15.135(2),c=12.892(2) A, β=101.836(8)°, V=1660.0(7) A3,Z=4. The structure was refined toR=0.058 for 3137 observed reflections. The molecule has approximate C2 symmetry, with the eight-membered ring adopting the twist-boat conformation. The planes of the two phenyl rings form a dihedral angle of 117.3(2)°, C−Br distances range 1.965(5)–1.981(5) A.
Stereotactic Biopsy for Intrinsic Lesions of the Medulla Through the Long-Axis of the Brainstem: Technical Considerations

The authors report the technique and results for stereotactic biopsy of intrinsic lesions of the medulla oblongata through the long-axis of the brainstem. Multi-planar stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging and/or reformatted computed tomography imaging is used for coordinate determination and trajectory selection and facilitates a completely intra-axial pathway through critical neural tissue. Two patients with small, solitary, enhancing lesions of the medulla had stereotactic sampling via this approach performed under local anesthesia. There was no morbidity and in both the patients a histologic diagnosis of lymphoma was obtained. We believe that with high-resolution, multi-planar stereotactic imaging, small lesions in the medulla can safely be biopsied, avoiding the need for either posterior fossa craniectomy and open biopsy, or for empiric management.
Postmortem Drug Levels: Innocent Bystander or Guilty as Charged

Determining the etiology or cause of an event in forensic cases often creates many theories. On piece of additional information which may be helpful in cases involving a drug or medication are concentrations or serum levels. Although many confounders can affect the interpretation of the drug level, it is imperative to also relate the data to the clinical scenario presented. Drug levels can be highly variable, depending on the time drawn, location from where the sample was obtained, and reference/references utilized in its interpretation. Postmortem drugs levels often do not reflect the blood levels before death. A drug level can be elevated exclusively because of postmortem distribution. This may result in a conclusion of a poisoning as the cause of death when in fact the death resulted from nonpharmacologic or nontoxicologic causes. Caution is advised from making any conclusions based solely on the drug level; rather an in-depth review of the clinical scenario, reference literature, and drug characteristics are required.
OFDM systems with both transmitter and receiver IQ imbalances

The implementation of OFDM-based systems suffers from impairments such as in-phase and quadrature-phase (IQ) imbalances in the front-end analog processing. Such imbalances are caused by the analog processing of the radio frequency (RF) signal and can be present at both the transmitter and receiver. The resulting IQ distortion limits the achievable operating SNR at the receiver and the achievable data rates. In this paper, the effect of both the transmitter and receiver IQ imbalances in an OFDM system is studied and algorithms are developed to compensate for such distortions.
A Boundary/Finite Element Analysis of Magnetic Levitation Systems: Surface Deformation and Thermal Phenomena

We describe a coupled boundary and finite element analysis of electromagnetic, free surface deformation and thermal problems in magnetic levitation systems under both normal and microgravity conditions. A computer code is developed, which involves the use of finite elements in the regions of interest and boundary elements in other regions for electromagnetic field calculations, along with an iterative and remeshing scheme for free surface deformation calculations. The code is tested against available analytical solutions and experimental measurements, and then applied to study the free surface deformation and temperature distribution in magnetically levitated droplets on earth and in microgravity
Design of an RSFQ microprocessor

We are discussing a general-purpose microprocessor architecture that is suitable for implementation using the Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum (RSFQ) family of logic-memory circuits. While the microprocessor provides a functionally complete RISC instruction set with 16-bit words, a bit-serial self-timed approach makes it simple enough to be fabricated using the current Josephson junction technology. Our plans are to design, fabricate and test a completely operational prototype of this system. >
Quantifying Global Uncertainties in a Simple Microwave Rainfall Algorithm

While a large number of methods exist in the literature for retrieving rainfall from passive microwave brightness temperatures, little has been written about the quantitative assessment of the expected uncertainties in these rainfall products at various time and space scales. The latter is the result of two factors: sparse validation sites over most of the world’s oceans, and algorithm sensitivities to rainfall regimes that cause inconsistencies against validation data collected at different locations. To make progress in this area, a simple probabilistic algorithm is developed. The algorithm uses an a priori database constructed from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar data coupled with radiative transfer computations. Unlike efforts designed to improve rainfall products, this algorithm takes a step backward in order to focus on uncertainties. In addition to inversion uncertainties, the construction of the algorithm allows errors resulting from incorrect databases, incomplete databases, and time- and space-varying databases to be examined. These are quantified. Results show that the simple algorithm reduces errors introduced by imperfect knowledge of precipitation radar (PR) rain by a factor of 4 relative to an algorithm that is tuned to the PR rainfall. Database completeness does not introduce any additional uncertainty at the global scale, while climatologically distinct space/time domains add approximately 25% uncertainty that cannot be detected by a radiometer alone. Of this value, 20% is attributed to changes in cloud morphology and microphysics, while 5% is a result of changes in the rain/no-rain thresholds. All but 2%–3% of this variability can be accounted for by considering the implicit assumptions in the algorithm. Additional uncertainties introduced by the details of the algorithm formulation are not quantified in this study because of the need for independent measurements that are beyond the scope of this paper. A validation strategy for these errors is outlined.
Expectancy theory predictions of work effectiveness.

Abstract While expectancy theory has been prominent in the psychological literature for some time, there has been relatively little research on the usefulness of the theory in predicting behavior in non-laboratory (i.e., “realworld”) situations. Using measurement techniques adapted from Fishbein's (1963) attitude theory, expectancy theory predictions were made of the work effectiveness of a group of 82 telephone company service representatives. The predictions were found to relate significantly to ratings of job involvement and effort, company performance appraisals, and error and sales data. Implications of the methodology and results of the study for diagnosing and changing the level of effort put forth by individuals in performance situations were suggested.
Job engagement in organizations: Fad, fashion, or folderol?

Engagement, broadly defined as involvement, satisfaction, and enthusiasm, is widely used by organizations and consultants for improving retention. However, engagement fails to meet many of the common criteria for positive organizational practice, i.e. theoretical, valid, unique, state-like, and positive. With attention to these criteria, engagement may useful to management. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cleavage of the Cytoplasmic Domain of the Integrin β3 Subunit during Endothelial Cell Apoptosis

Abstract In this study, we report that the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin β3 subunit is a target for limited proteolysis during apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Calpain inhibitors inhibited the cleavage of the β3 cytoplasmic domain, indicating that calpain is required. Calpain-mediated proteolysis of fodrin was also detected, indicating that calpain is activated during endothelial cell apoptosis. A phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate, inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis and cleavage β3, suggesting that protein dephosphorylation preceded integrin cleavage in the apoptosis signaling pathway. β3 cleavage was observed in cells that were viable, suggesting that it is an early event and not the consequence of post-death proteolysis. The extent of β3 cleavage correlated with a loss in the capacity of cells to reattach to matrix proteins. Loss of reattachment capacity during apoptosis was significantly retarded by a calpain inhibitor. As the β3cytoplasmic domain is required for integrin signaling and interaction with the cytoskeleton, our results suggest that cleavage in the β3 cytoplasmic domain by calpain or a calpain-like protease negatively regulates integrin-mediated adhesion, signaling, and cytoskeleton association.
Age-related differences in elevated plus maze behavior between adolescent and adult rats.

Abstract: Adolescence is a time of considerable transformations, often associated with increases in risk taking and novelty-seeking behaviors. Little is known of a possible age-dependent expression of anxiety-related behaviors in novel or potentially dangerous situations. The present study explored age differences in anxiogenic and anxiolytic stimuli between adolescent and adult Sprague-Dawley rats using the elevated plus maze (EPM). Data were compared across several experiments using factor analysis of multiple EPM measures. Under some circumstances, adolescents revealed a relatively low behavioral anxiety profile compared to adults, whereas in other situations results revealed the opposite pattern. Characteristics of the pretest circumstances altered considerably the nature of the conclusions reached regarding age-related changes in anxiogenic and anxiolytic stimuli. In general, anxiety measures in adolescents were less affected by variations in pretest conditions compared to the same variables in adults, suggesting possible adolescent immaturity of brain mechanisms involved in the regulation of anxiety.
An Original Demonstration of the $T_{\min}/T_{o}\leq 4N$ Inequality for Noisy Two-Port Networks

The inequality Tmin/T0 les 4N for any noisy linear two-port network is completely demonstrated for the first time. A graphical interpretation to link the Lange invariant N to the minimum noise performance Tmin or Fmin is also presented. A new term DeltaN is defined and demonstrated to be invariant to lossless transformations. Its sign is important for the network to contribute as little noise as possible. Finally, conditions required for a two-port's noise figure to be either minimum or maximum are pointed out.
Geometric structure of sum-of-rank-1 decompositions for n-dimensional order-p symmetric tensors

The canonical sum-of-rank-one decomposition of tensors is a fundamental linear algebraic problem encountered in signal processing, machine learning, and other scientific fields. Current algorithms that emerge from CANDECOMP or PARAFAC formalisms rely on the basic definition of tensor decomposition that describes rank as the minimum number of vectors that are needed to reconstruct the tensor using outer product linear combinations, which is an extension of the same property of matrix rank. In this paper, we reinterpret the orthogonality condition of symmetric matrix eigenvectors as a geometric constraint on the coordinate frame formed by the eigenvectors and relaxing the orthogonality, we develop a set of structured-bases that can be utilized to decompose any symmetric tensor into its sum-of-rank-one (canonical) decomposition. The eigenvectors of order-p tensors are observed to form a frame where the angle between various pairs of eigenvectors are integer multiples of pi/p. Validation of the proposed geometric structure and demonstration of decomposition accuracies obtained using these frames (at the level of a computer's numerical-epsiv) are provided.
Wind Power Generating Potential at the University of North Texas Campus

This study utilizes two sets of wind speed data at 3 m above the ground surface level retrieved from two on-campus weather stations to study the wind power generating potential at the University of North Texas Campus. Weather stations have been installed approximately 5 miles away from each other. The mean wind speed data of 10 minute intervals in a one-year period from February 1st 2011 to January 31st 2012 has been adopted and analyzed. The numerical values of the dimensionless Weibull shape parameter (k) and Weibull scale parameter (c) have been determined. Monthly average wind speed and standard deviation, power generation, and power density at the sensor level for both locations has been discussed. Lower values of wind speed were found during summer months and higher during spring months. The results show that the wind power density in the area is fair enough to be considered as a renewable power source for the University. Thereafter annual energy production by using two wind turbines with nominal capacities of 100 and 3.5 kW for both weather stations has been studied. Initial costs of using each turbine to maintain power demands of selected buildings have been compared. In order to utilize wind energy, it is recommended to install highly efficient wind turbines for electricity supply of campus buildings with lower power demands. Using grant monies to maintain the initial costs of the installation of wind turbines make them economically more desirable. Since wind power potential is low during summer, PV panels as proper supplements to the power generating system are suggested.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Vertical deformation monitoring at Axial Seamount since its 1998 eruption using deep-sea pressure sensors

Pressure measurements made on the seafloor at depths between 1500 and 1700 m at Axial Seamount, an active submarine volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeast Pacific Ocean, show evidence that it has been inflating since its 1998 eruption. Data from continuously recording bottom pressure sensors at the center of Axial’s caldera suggest that the rate of inflation was highest in the months right after the eruption (20 cm/month) and has since declined to a steady rate of ~15 cm/ year. Independent campaign-style pressure measurements made each year since 2000 at an array of seafloor benchmarks with a mobile pressure recorder mounted on a remotely operated vehicle also indicate uplift is occurring in the caldera at a rate up to 22F1.3 cm/year relative to a point outside the caldera. The repeatability of the campaign-style pressure measurements progressively improved each year from F15 cm in 2000 to F0.9 cm in 2004, as errors were eliminated and the technique was refined. Assuming that the uplift has been continuous since the 1998 eruption, these observations suggest that the center of the caldera has re-inflated about 1.5F0.1 m, thus recovering almost 50% of the 3.2 m of subsidence that was measured during the 1998 eruption. This rate of inflation can be used to calculate a magma supply rate of 1410 6 m 3 /year. If this rate of inflation continues, it also suggests a recurrence interval of ~16 years between eruptions at Axial, assuming that it will be ready to erupt again when it has re-inflated to 1998 levels. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
COMPLETION OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF SARCOCYSTIS NEURONA

Sarcocystis neurona is the most important cause of a neurologic disease in horses, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The complete life cycle of S. neurona, including the description of sarcocysts and intermediate hosts, has not been completed until now. Opossums (Didelphis spp.) are definitive hosts, and horses and other mammals are aberrant hosts. In the present study, laboratory-raised domestic cats (Felis domesticus) were fed sporocysts from the intestine of a naturally infected opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Microscopic sarcocysts, with a maximum size of 700 × 50 µm, developed in the muscles of the cats. The DNA of bradyzoites released from sarcocysts was confirmed as S. neurona. Laboratory-raised opossums (D. virginiana) fed cat muscles containing the sarcocysts shed sporocysts in their feces. The sporocysts were ∼10–12 × 6.5–8.0 µm in size. Gamma interferon knockout mice fed sporocysts from experimentally infected opossums developed clinical sarcocystosis, and S. neurona was identified in t...
Reckoning with the World

Architecture, as a coherent, integrated, and autonomous domain of study, is an ironic and academic fiction, and its appropriation as a field of semiotic inquiry is a compounded fiction. I want to talk here about the hazards of this fiction. Speaking of architecture today necessarily evoikes the problematics of recent writing on the semiotics of nonverbal aspects of culture and experience. On this front, as has been noted periodically for over a decade,1 we encounter a mutually–reinforcing chain of linguistic metaphors for what architecture is, what it does, and for what architectural semioticians should do with it.
Robotic Servicing Technology Development

America depends on geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites for defense, communication, science, and weather monitoring. These high-cost assets eventually fail or run out of fuel. Refueling and maintaining these costly assets can keep them operating longer in space, giving the nation more value from its initial investment. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is performing a detailed study on the design of a GEO servicing spacecraft. This spacecraft would service operational GEO satellites by providing remote survey, relocation, refueling, repair, and component replacement services. This paper will present the progress of technology development activities conducted by the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at GSFC in support of this study, in particular: • Robotic system, • Tool drive system, • Motion control software, • Ground-based simulation platforms, • On-orbit demonstration of robotic servicing tasks, • Embedded tool sensors, • Machine vision, • Autonomous capture of client satellite with satellite dynamics on ground-based simulation platforms, and • Mitigation of time delay for robot teleoperations. The robotic technology being developed by SSCO could be applied to a variety of missions including but not limited to repair of human exploration spacecraft, assembly of a large space telescope, removal of orbital debris, and an asteroid sample return mission.
Analyzing Treatment Aggressiveness and Identifying High‐Risk Patients in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Return to Care

Rates of diabetes and its associated comorbidities have been increasing in the United States, with diabetic foot ulcer treatment representing a large cost to the patient and healthcare system. These ulcers often result in multiple hospital admissions. This study examined readmissions following inpatient care for a diabetic foot ulcer and identified modifiable factors associated with all-cause 30-day readmissions to the inpatient or emergency department (ED) setting. We hypothesized that patients undergoing aggressive treatment would have lower 30-day readmission rates. We identified patient discharge records containing International Classification of Disease ninth revision codes for both diabetes mellitus and distal foot ulcer in the State Inpatient and Emergency Department databases from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project in Florida and New York, 2011–2012. All-cause 30-day return to care visits (ED or inpatient) were analyzed. Patient demographics and treatment characteristics were evaluated using univariate and multivariable regression models. The cohort included 25,911 discharges, having a mean age of 63 and an average of 3.8 comorbidities. The overall rate of return to care was 30%, and 21% of subjects underwent a toe or midfoot amputation during their index stay. The most common diagnosis codes upon readmission were diabetes mellitus (19%) and infection (13%). Patients with a toe or midfoot amputation procedure were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (odds ratio: 0.78; 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 0.84). Presence of comorbidities, black and Hispanic ethnicities, and Medicare and Medicaid payer status were also associated with higher odds of readmission following initial hospitalization (p < 0.05). The study suggests that there are many factors that affect readmission rates for diabetic foot ulcer patients. Understanding patients at high-risk for readmission can improve counseling and treatment strategies for this fragile patient population.
The Metabolic Prospective and Redox Regulation of Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage plasticity is an important feature of these innate immune cells. Macrophage phenotypes are divided into two categories, the classically activated macrophages (CAM, M1 phenotype) and the alternatively activated macrophages (AAM, M2 phenotype). M1 macrophages are commonly associated with the generation of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory and often associated with tumor progression and fibrosis development. Macrophages produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent evidence suggests ROS can potentially regulate macrophage phenotype. In addition, macrophages phenotypes are closely related to their metabolic patterns, particularly fatty acid/cholesterol metabolism. In this review, we briefly summarize recent advances in macrophage polarization with special attention to their relevance to specific disease conditions and metabolic regulation of polarization. Understanding these metabolic switches can facilitate the development of targeted therapy for various diseases.
Executive function and health-related quality of life in pediatric epilepsy

Children and adolescents with epilepsy often show higher rates of executive functioning deficits and are at an increased risk of diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of the current study was to determine the extent to which executive dysfunction predicts HRQOL in youth with epilepsy. Data included parental ratings on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaire for 130 children and adolescents with epilepsy (mean age=11years, 6months; SD=3years, 6months). Our results identified executive dysfunction in nearly half of the sample (49%). Moderate-to-large correlations were identified between the BRIEF and the QOLCE subscales of well-being, cognition, and behavior. The working memory subscale on the BRIEF emerged as the sole significant predictor of HRQOL. These results underscore the significant role of executive function in pediatric epilepsy. Proactive screening for executive dysfunction to identify those at risk of poor HRQOL is merited, and these results bring to question the potential role of behavioral interventions to improve HRQOL in pediatric epilepsy by specifically treating and/or accommodating for executive deficits.
Correction of motion-induced artifacts in clinical cardiac SPECT studies using a stereo-motion-tracking system

Patient body motion is inevitable in cardiac SPECT due to the lengthy interval of time patients are imaged (∼23 min with transmission scan) and even respiratory patterns can change over that period. The use of external tracking devices provides additional information which is expected to result in a more robust correction than using just the emission data. We have been investigating the use of stereo-motion-tracking of retro-reflective markers on stretchy bands wrapped about the chest and abdomen of patients to provide 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) tracking of the patient during cardiac SPECT. Recently we have introduced a visual-tracking-system (VTS) which utilizes 5 near-infrared (NIR) cameras to track markers from both ends of the clinic. This system is robust enough to compensate for multiple cameras being blocked from viewing all the markers due to the patient anatomy or viewing geometry restrictions imposed by the SPECT system. Initial studies have shown that the temporal and spatial accuracy of this motion-tracking system are well within the precision needed to correct for motion artifacts that can occur during cardiac SPECT. Clinical trials have been initiated for list-mode cardiac SPECT studies using bands of markers on the chest and abdomen, and so far we have been able to consistently track the markers. We have begun volunteer studies with IRB approval and informed consent where patients were asked to stay for a second cardiac-rest study with no additional radioactivity. Patients were asked to perform specific movements and we were able to correct for the rigid-body motion during SPECT reconstruction with our software as well as the standard clinical tool for comparison.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus C25 Isolated from Chicken Cecum.

ABSTRACT Lactic acid bacteria are important members of the gut microbiota of humans and animals. Here, we present the genome sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus strain C25, originally isolated from the cecum of 4-week-old chicken fed a standard diet. This isolate represents a potential probiotic strain for poultry.
Spectroscopic investigation and direct comparison of the reactivities of iron pyridyl oxidation catalysts.

Abstract The growing interest in green chemistry has fueled attention to the development and characterization of effective iron complex oxidation catalysts. A number of iron complexes are known to catalyze the oxidation of organic substrates utilizing peroxides as the oxidant. Their development is complicated by a lack of direct comparison of the reactivities of the iron complexes. To begin to correlate reactivity with structural elements, we compare the reactivities of a series of iron pyridyl complexes toward a single dye substrate, malachite green ( MG ), for which colorless oxidation products are established. Complexes with tetradentate, nitrogen-based ligands with cis open coordination sites were found to be the most reactive. While some complexes reflect sensitivity to different peroxides, others are similarly reactive with either H 2 O 2 or t BuOOH, which suggests some mechanistic distinctions. [Fe( S , S -PDP)(CH 3 CN) 2 ](SbF 6 ) 2 and [Fe(OTf) 2 (tpa)] transition under the oxidative reaction conditions to a single intermediate at a rate that exceeds dye degradation (PDP = bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) bipyrrolidine; tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine). For the less reactive [Fe(OTf) 2 (dpa)] (dpa = dipicolylamine), this reaction occurs on a timescale similar to that of MG oxidation. Thus, the spectroscopic method presented herein provides information about the efficiency and mechanism of iron catalyzed oxidation reactions as well as about potential oxidative catalyst decomposition and chemical changes of the catalyst before or during the oxidation reaction.
Influence of land use and landscape setting on the ecological status of rivers

The development of bioassessment methods for lotic ecosystems, combined with advances in geographic information systems and spatial analysis, has resulted in a rapidly expanding literature linking land use to river condition. Such studies provide evidence that declines in forested land and increases in agricultural and urban land frequently are predictors of a degraded state of the habitat and biota. However, further research should address a number of challenges to our current knowledge. Both linear and non-linear relationships have been described, and it will be useful to know when to expect non-linear or threshold responses. Legacy effects, where historical impacts may be stronger than present-day impacts, may be common but can be difficult to recognize. There is ample evidence that landscape factors influence lotic ecosystems across a wide range of spatial scales, but the roles of near-stream vs. larger spatial scales can be difficult to separate. This is part of the larger issue that multiple, interacting factors link landscape change to stream response, and the pathways or mechanisms are rarely identified. Natural and anthropogenic gradients often co-vary, because human activities are most intense in certain landscape settings, making it difficult to determine how much of the variation in stream condition should be attributed to human actions. Finally, because bioassessment methods are intended to detect impairment rather than diagnose cause, it is important to establish mechanisms that more precisely link land-use activities to stream condition, in order to prescribe appropriate restoration action. Future research that combines landscape-stream condition analyses with a basic understanding of the pathways whereby human alteration of landscapes influences river condition can serve the dual function of advancing both the management and the understanding of lotic ecosystems.
PTPS-25NANOPARTICLE DELIVERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PONTINE GLIOMAS.

BACKGROUND: Malignant brain tumors in children younger than age 15 years account for ∼ 20% of brain tumors. Brain tumor therapy is currently limited in terms of the number of drugs and drug delivery systems to which can be applied. Development of delivery systems is disadvantaged by the availability of suitable models for studying such systems in vitro. A major limitation to pediatric brain tumors is the blood brain barrier. Development in the neuro-oncology field has shown some advancement in treating brain tumors using local delivery mechanisms. Unresectable brain tumors, such as pontine gliomas, do not have known effective long-term therapy. By applying convection delivery mechanisms, these unresectable brain tumors may show some response to targeted delivery. OBJECTIVE: To devise a delivery system to directly target pontine gliomas with nanoparticles via convection enhanced delivery. DESIGN/METHOD: Nanoparticles are developed using a standard method to encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents. A mouse model glioma cell line, NP53 and a glioblastoma (GBM) cell line, U-87 are used to determine drug alone versus nanoparticle encapusated drug. Carboplatin is currently the drug being tested using cell titer assays in order to obtain cell viability when treated with the drug-nanoparticle combination. RESULTS: Dose responses are observed when testing the cell lines with drug alone and drug encapsulated nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: Encapsulated chemotherapeutic agents, such as Carboplatin can be used to directly target pontine gliomas. Glioma cell lines and GBM cell lines have shown cell death with administration of nanoparticles.
Therapeutic targeting of oncogenic KRAS in pancreatic cancer by engineered exosomes.

Exosomes, the smallest (30–150 nm in diameter) subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are derived from the endocytic compartment of the parent cell and function as an inter-cellular communication system (1).
Pertussis immunization: problems, perspectives, prospects.

Pertussis immunization has become controversial largely because of concern about possible neurologic reactions. Analysis of this risk and of vaccination's benefits leads to the conclusion that rout...
Legacy of star formation in the pre-reionization universe

We utilize GIZMO, coupled with newly developed sub-grid models for Population~III (Pop~III) and Population~II (Pop~II), to study the legacy of star formation in the pre-reionization Universe. We find that the Pop~II star formation rate density (SFRD), produced in our simulation ($\sim 10^{-2}\ \Msun{\rm yr^{-1}\, Mpc^{-3}}$ at $z\simeq 10$), matches the total SFRD inferred from observations within a factor of $<2$ at $7\lesssim z \lesssim10$. The Pop~III SFRD, however, reaches a plateau at $\sim10^{-3}\ \Msun{\rm yr^{-1}\, Mpc^{-3}}$ by $z\approx10$, remaining largely unaffected by the presence of Pop~II feedback. At $z$=7.5, $\sim 20\%$ of Pop~III star formation occurs in isolated haloes which have never experienced any Pop~II star formation (i.e. primordial haloes). We predict that Pop~III-only galaxies exist at magnitudes $M_{\rm UV}\gtrsim -11$, beyond the limits for direct detection with the {\it James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)}. We assess that our stellar mass function (SMF) and UV luminosity function (UVLF) agree well with the observed low mass/faint-end behavior at $z=8$ and $10$. However, beyond the current limiting magnitudes, we find that both our SMF and UVLF demonstrate a deviation/turnover from the expected power-law slope ($M_{\rm UV,turn}= -13.4\pm1.1$ at $z$=10). This could impact observational estimates of the true SFRD by a factor of $2 (10)$ when integrating to $M_{\rm UV} = -$12 ($-$8) at $z\sim 10$, depending on integration limits. Our turnover correlates well with the transition from dark matter haloes dominated by molecular cooling to those dominated by atomic cooling, for a mass $M_{\rm halo}\approx 10^{8} \Msun$ at $z\simeq 10$.
How Learning Styles Affect Student Attitudes Toward Technology

The problem of the study was to determine whether the learning styles of students act as predictors of their attitudes toward technology use in the curriculum. The learning styles were measured usi...
The Maximum Likelihood Approach to Spatial Process Models

In this chapter, I consider the application of the maximum likelihood principle to estimation and hypothesis testing for spatial process models. The models follow the taxonomy for cross-sectional situations presented in Chapter 4. Space-time formulations will be discussed in Chapter 10.
Minimizing Microbial Source Tracking at All Costs

Microbial source tracking (MST) is often expensive, time-consuming, and intimidating to those who need it. To make matters worse, some MST researchers think that much MST is unnecessary and a waste of time and money. Simply by combining local knowledge and existing data with a general survey of the waterway, one can identify many sources of fecal bacteria in contaminated waterways without any testing at all. However, this commonsensical approach requires tact and diplomacy, and identifying sources of fecal contamination requires good powers of observation. Because common sense is uncommon, an alternative approach is to add some sort of testing to this general survey. If sources of fecal contamination are still unclear, then targeted sampling, a sampling method based on the children’s game of “hot” and “cold” that focuses on hotspots of fecal contamination, can subsequently identify almost all sources of fecal contamination quickly, easily, and inexpensively. Overall, the method works equally well in fresh and marine waters and accounts for both baseflow and stormflow conditions. Although the method has occasional problems with property rights, the approach is well suited for communities that want to comply with state and federal regulations, yet want to minimize MST at all costs.
Axisymmetric Coherent Vortex States In AC Driven Josephson Junctions Arrays

We study the dynamic response of disordered Josephson junction arrays driven by dc and ac currents. The arrays are modelled by a set of coupled non-linear overdamped oscillators driven by the external current. The effect of Johnson thermal noise is modelled by a Langevin term in the equations of motion. The disorder is introduced by randomly displacing the bonds of a square lattice. We find a nucleation of vortex pairs at the defects produced by the external currents. After a transient time these vortices unbind and radiate other vortices. These radiated vortices settle into a parity-broken time periodic axisymmetric coherent vortex state characterized by rows of vortices lying along a tilted axis. This state has properties that are suggestive of similar far from equilibrium states found in hydrodynamic systems. The ACVS produces steps in the current voltage characteristics typical of giant Shapiro steps. Connections of these results to experiments done in Nb-Au-Nb arrays are discussed.
Challenges in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) represents a group of heterogeneous and potentially disabling upper-extremity disorders that are caused by extrinsic compression of neurovascular structures between the first rib and clavicle. There are 3 distinct types of TOS, which are classified according to the principal anatomic structures involved and the clinical syndromes that result: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS. All 3 forms of TOS are rare, but they are clinically important because, when unrecognized or inadequately treated, they can cause chronic pain syndromes, long-term restrictions in use of the upper extremities, limb-threatening complications, and substantial disability even in relatively young, active, and otherwise healthy individuals. Accurate diagnosis of TOS can be a substantial challenge in practice, because of a lack of physician awareness, clinical features that overlap or mimic more common conditions, and an absence of clearly defined (objective) diagnostic criteria. There is also persistent controversy regarding the efficacy of the various treatment approaches for TOS—approaches that vary in accordance with the experience, expertise, and specialty of the physician. The purpose of this presentation is to briefly review current protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of TOS and to highlight the clinical-management challenges that remain.
Overview of Cutaneous Mycobacterial Infections

Mycobacterial infections may affect any human organ and produce disseminated disease in immunocompromised individuals. Their most common clinical presentations include pulmonary, cutaneous (skin and soft tissues), and disseminated forms. The skin and soft tissues are frequent targets of affection by mycobacterial pathogens manifesting as localized or diffuse disease. Overall, infections due to Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium ulcerans, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the most frequently recognized mycobacterial pathogens involving the skin and soft tissues. Additionally, all mycobacterial species of the nontuberculous group may also produce cutaneous disease. Of these, the most commonly identified organisms causing localized infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissues are the rapidly growing species (Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium abscessus complex), Mycobacterium marinum, and M. ulcerans. Since the skin and soft tissues are important protective barriers for environmental pathogens, their disruption often represents the portal of entry of nontuberculous environmental mycobacteria (soil, natural water systems, engineered water networks, etc.). Additionally, some mycobacterial diseases affecting cutaneous structures occur after exposure to infected animals or their products (i.e., Mycobacterium bovis). Mycobacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues may manifest with a broad range of clinical phenotypes such as cellulitis, single or multiple abscesses, subacute or chronic nodular lesions, macules, superficial lymphadenitis, plaques, nonhealing ulcers, necrotic plaques, verrucous lesions, and many other dermatologic manifestations. Geography and environmental exposure play an important role in the epidemiology of cutaneous mycobacterial infections. Mycobacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is an important cause of human suffering in terms of morbidity, deformity, dysfunction, and stigma. The diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacterial infections is challenging requiring a low threshold of clinical suspicion for obtaining skin biopsies of cutaneous lesions for acid-fast staining and cultures, and molecular probe assays to detect the presence of mycobacterial pathogens. The choice of antibacterial therapy combinations and length of therapy for cutaneous mycobacterial infections is species-specific.
Isoquinoline alkaloids from Asimina triloba

A new aporphine glycoside, (-)-anolobine-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was isolated from the twigs of pawpaw (Asimina triloba) along with 7 known alkaloids including five aporphine alkaloids (anolobine, nornuciferine, norushinsunine, liriodenine, and lysicamine), a proaporhine alkaloid (stepharine), and a tetrahydrobenzylisoquinoline alkaloid (coclaurine). Among these compounds, nornuciferine, lysicamine, stepharine, and coclaurine are reported for the first time from this plant. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1 D, 2 D NMR, and HRESI-MS. The absolute configuration of compounds 1, 2, 7 and 8 was determined by CD experiment.
A novel PEMEC with 3D printed non-conductive bipolar plate for low-cost hydrogen production from water electrolysis

Abstract For establishing the large-scale hydrogen production as energy carrier from water electrolysis, improving cost-effectiveness and efficiency remains the main challenges. In this study, we propose a novel proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC), consisting of non-conductive bipolar plates (BPs) and thin film liquid/gas diffusion layers (TF-LGDLs) to reduce the cost and improve the PEMEC performance. The 3D printed non-conductive BP is manufactured with low-cost polylactic acid (PLA) and is mainly functioned to distribute the water and gas products. A titanium thin film LGDL (TF-LGDL) with surroundings is developed for directly transporting electrons from the external power sources, which changes the electron transport path in the PEMECs. The PLA BP exhibits an extremely low cost (1/10 of that of the graphite BP), and the hydrogen production rate per unit BP cost in a PEMEC with PLA BP, is almost 6 times higher than a conventional one with graphite BPs. More importantly, the PEMECs with PLA BPs can achieve a good electrochemical performance of 2.21 V at 1 A/cm2under room temperature. A model is also developed to investigate the impact of the BP resistivity of on the cell performance, and a guideline for the selection guideline of conductivity of BPs material is provided. The easily accessible and low-cost PLA BPs coupled with the new electron-conducting path will drive the exploration of plastic materials for economic and efficient water splitting or other energy conversion devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells.
A Comprehensive Study of Alzheimer's Disease Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

A plethora of deep learning models have been developed for the task of Alzheimer's disease classification from brain MRI scans. Many of these models report high performance, achieving three-class classification accuracy of up to 95%. However, it is common for these studies to draw performance comparisons between models that are trained on different subsets of a dataset or use varying imaging preprocessing techniques, making it difficult to objectively assess model performance. Furthermore, many of these works do not provide details such as hyperparameters, the specific MRI scans used, or their source code, making it difficult to replicate their experiments. To address these concerns, we present a comprehensive study of some of the deep learning methods and architectures on the full set of images available from ADNI. We find that, (1) classification using 3D models gives an improvement of 1% in our setup, at the cost of significantly longer training time and more computation power, (2) with our dataset, pre-training yields minimal ($<0.5\%$) improvement in model performance, (3) most popular convolutional neural network models yield similar performance when compared to each other. Lastly, we briefly compare the effects of two image preprocessing programs: FreeSurfer and Clinica, and find that the spatially normalized and segmented outputs from Clinica increased the accuracy of model prediction from 63% to 89% when compared to FreeSurfer images.
Regional Anesthesia for the Management of Cesarean Section in Patients with Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri, commonly known as benign intracranial hypertension, is a syndrome of unknown cause. It occurs most often in young women who have menstrual irregularities, are pregnant, or who use oral contraceptives. Symptoms are usually exacerbated during pregnancy. The anesthetic management of cesarean section in a patient with pseudotumor cerebri is presented and, the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques are discussed.