cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of Childhood Height to Obesity Among Adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Objective. In a previous study of the role of various predictors of adult obesity, we found that relatively tall children had a higher body mass index (BMI; kg/m 2 ) in early adulthood. In this study, the objective was to determine whether childhood height is related to adult adiposity and whether the association is independent of childhood levels of BMI and triceps skinfold thickness. Methods. The longitudinal relations of childhood height to relative weight and skinfold (sum of subscapular and triceps) thicknesses in adulthood were examined in a larger sample ( N = 1055) of 2- to 8-year-olds who were followed for an average of 18 years. Results. Compared with children whose heights were below the gender- and age-specific median, a child with a height-for-age above the 95th percentile (P) was approximately 2.5 times as likely to have a BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 and approximately 5 times as likely to have a skinfold sum >90th P in adulthood. Although height and adiposity were associated ( r = 0.29) among children, the observed longitudinal relations persisted after controlling for BMI and the triceps skinfold thickness in childhood. For example, among children with the same BMI, each 10-cm difference in height was associated with differences in adulthood of 0.9 kg/m 2 for BMI and 4 mm for the skinfold sum. Conclusions. Although these results need to be confirmed in other studies, it is possible that information on childhood height could be used to identify more accurately children who are likely to be obese in later life.
Analytical Model for a Photovoltaic Module using the Electrical Characteristics provided by the Manufacturer Data Sheet

This paper proposes an analytical model for the performance of photovoltaic modules to be used in distributed power generation. The proposed solar panel model uses the electrical characteristics provided by the manufacturer data sheet. The required characteristics are short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc ) and the temperature coefficients of Isc and Voc . The proposed model takes into consideration the nominal values provided by the standard test conditions (STC). Also, the temperature and the effective irradiance level are derived analytically for the proposed model. Finally, simulations about V-I and P-V curves under different irradiance levels and temperatures are provided for different solar panel modules, data sheets
Relationship between PCB Desorption Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Availability during Land Biotreatment

The purpose of this research was to study the changes in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) availability as measured by desorption equilibrium and kinetics from industrial lagoon sediments collected at different times during a 24-month period of pilot-scale land biotreatment. During biotreatment, reductions of the lower chlorinated PCB congeners in the industrial lagoon sediments were observed. On the basis of past work on soils and sediments, it was originally hypothesized that these reductions in PCB concentration would result in reduced PCB availability. To evaluate this hypothesis, equilibrium partitioning studies and desorption kinetic studies were conducted with the industrial lagoon sediments (containing 0.91% oil and grease) as a function of biotreatment duration. Contrary to initial expectations, equilibrium aqueous total PCB concentrations increased with PCB loss during land biotreatment. This behavior was attributed to the association of PCBs with a waste oil phase in the lagoon sediment and an oil...
The Right to Refuse and the Obligation to Comply: Challenging the Gamesmanship Model of Criminal Procedure

The article aggressively critiques the gamesmanship model of criminal procedure. The model defines rules that place the impetus of protecting rights on defendants, applies those rules so that the loss of rights is understood as the product of defendant-centered decisions rather than police conduct, and concludes that, because the result is the product of the defendant's own choices, the outcome is adequately protective of individual rights. The article uses as its context the consensual encounter, defined as an interaction between police and an individual in which a reasonable person would feel free to decline the officer's request or terminate the encounter. The courts, by defining the encounter in terms of citizen rather than officer behavior, by applying the standard to deem most encounters consensual, and by blaming the defendant's conduct for the ultimate loss of rights, fully subscribe to the gamesmanship model. The article contrasts this right to refuse jurisprudence, with its focus on the right of individuals to decline police interactions, with statutes and caselaw that suggest an affirmative obligation to comply with police direction. Ultimately the gamesmanship model has the damaging result of advocating noncooperation with law enforcement as preferred behavior. Creating a model that privileges the refusal to cooperate with police runs the risk of replacing societal norms of cooperation and submission with more dangerous and socially undesirable norms. The article concludes that a standard based on police wrongdoing rather than citizen failure would better accomplish judicial oversight of police conduct in the street encounter.
Esophageal cancer at the VA: Does histology matter?

15069 Introduction: In recent years esophageal cancer has shown a shift from largely squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology to adenocarcinoma (AC). This is felt to be due to changing risk factor p...
Context-dependent seed dispersal by a scatter-hoarding corvid

Corvids (crows, jays, magpies and nutcrackers) are important dispersers of large-seeded plants. Studies on captive or supplemented birds suggest that they flexibly adjust their scatter-hoarding behaviour to the context of social dynamics and relative seed availability. Because many corvid-dispersed trees show high annual variation in seed production, context-dependent foraging can have strong effects on natural corvid scatter-hoarding behaviour. We investigated how seed availability and social dynamics affected scatter-hoarding in the island scrub jays (Aphelocoma insularis). We quantified rates of scatter-hoarding behaviour and territorial defence of 26 colour-marked birds over a three-year period with variable acorn crops. We tested whether caching parameters were correlated with variation in annual seed production of oaks as predicted by the predator dispersal hypothesis, which states that caching rates and distances should vary with seed abundance in ways that benefit tree fitness. We also tested whether antagonistic interactions with conspecifics would affect scatter-hoarding adversely, as found in experimental studies. Caching behaviour varied with acorn availability. Caching distances correlated positively with annual acorn crop size, increasing by as much as 40% between years. Caching rates declined over time in years with small acorn crops, but increased when crops were large. Acorn foraging and caching rates were also negatively correlated with rates of territorial aggression. Overall foraging rates, however, were not associated with aggression, suggesting that reduced dispersal rates were not simply due to time constraints. Our field results support laboratory findings that caching rates and distances by scatter-hoarding corvids are context-dependent. Furthermore, our results are consistent with predictions of the predator dispersal hypothesis and suggest that large seed crops and social interactions among scatter-hoarders affect dispersal benefits for oaks and other masting tree species.
Connectivity of slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors with dorsal medullary respiratory neurons

1. Intracellular recordings were made from 50 dorsal respiratory group (DRG) neurons in the region of the ventrolateral nucleus of the solitary tract in anesthetized, paralyzed cats ventilated with a cycle-triggered pump whose inflation stroke was triggered by the onset of phrenic nerve inspiratory (I) discharge. Activity was recorded simultaneously in the ipsilateral nodose ganglion from sensory cell bodies of slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (PSRs). 2. Respiratory cycle-related membrane potential changes of DRG neurons were recorded. Twenty-six neurons that did not exhibit spikes were classified as I alpha, I beta or pump (P)-cells by comparing their membrane potential trajectories during I in the presence of lung inflation with that observed during I, but with lung inflation withheld. The remaining 24 neurons were classified similarly, but the classification was based upon a comparison of their I-phase spike activity responses with and without lung inflation. I phase-related histograms of either membrane potential or spike activity were constructed to facilitate DRG neuronal classification. Additionally, steady lung inflation of varying magnitudes was applied during the expiratory phase. This prolonged expiration and produced different responses in the neurons. Generally, I beta and P-cells were depolarized, whereas I alpha cells were hyperpolarized. 3. Low-intensity electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral vagus nerve evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in all three DRG neuronal types. P-cells and I beta cells exhibited EPSPs in response to the lowest intensity; generally this intensity was below threshold for the simultaneously recorded PSR. Overall, EPSPs in I alpha cells had the highest thresholds, but some EPSPs could be evoked at thresholds similar to those of the I beta cells. The distributions of the average onset latency of the evoked EPSP overlapped considerably. Thus vagal electrical stimulation cannot be used for unequivocal classification of DRG neurons into I alpha, I beta, and P-cell subpopulations. 4. Using intracellular spike-triggered averaging, single PSRs were shown to generate monosynaptic EPSPs in I beta neurons and P-cells but not I alpha cells. Divergence of single PSR afferents also was observed. Relationships between EPSP shape factors, amplitudes, and PSR afferent conduction velocity are similar to those previously observed for monosynaptic EPSPs in hindlimb motoneurons generated by spinal afferents.
Who Does the Work of Retailing

Many activities of retailers can be divided among manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, specialized functionaries, and consumers in many different ways. But which marketing tasks should retailers perform, share, shift, and contract out?Here are some thought-provoking answers by a specialist on retailing.
Reliability Assessment of Passives for 300°C and 350°C

Highly accelerated life testing (HALT) is used to quickly assess the reliability of passive components for geothermal applications operating at 300°C ambient temperatures. The HALT methodology uses combined stresses to accelerate the failure of capacitors and resistors. This paper describes the test methodology and results on capacitors and resistors at 300°C and 350°C. Life models for the components are presented.
Clinical utility of endoscopic OCT: recent advances and future directions(Conference Presentation)

The abstract is not available © (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Measuring Complex Sum Frequency Spectra with a Nonlinear Interferometer.

Currently, the only techniques capable of delivering molecular-level data on buried or soft interfaces are the nonlinear spectroscopic methods: sum frequency generation (SFG) and second harmonic generation (SHG). Deducing molecular information from spectra requires measuring the complex components—the amplitude and the phase—of the surface response. A new interferometer has been developed to determine these components with orders-of-magnitude improvement in uncertainty compared with current methods. Both the sample and reference spectra are generated within the interferometer, hence the label nonlinear interferometer. The interferometer configuration provides experimenters with wide latitude for both the sample enclosure and reference material choice and is thus widely applicable. The instrument is described and applied to the well-studied octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) film. The OTS spectra support the interpretation that variation in fabrication solvent water content and substrate preparation account fo...
Rapid agarose gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay for quantitating protein: RNA interactions

Interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are frequently analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). This technique separates bound protein:nucleic acid complexes from free nucleic acids by electrophoresis, most commonly using polyacrylamide gels. The current study utilizes recent advances in agarose gel electrophoresis technology to develop a new EMSA protocol that is simpler and faster than traditional polyacrylamide methods. Agarose gels are normally run at low voltages (∼10 V/cm) to minimize heating and gel artifacts. In this study we demonstrate that EMSAs performed using agarose gels can be run at high voltages (≥20 V/cm) with 0.5 × TB (Tris-borate) buffer, allowing for short run times while simultaneously yielding high band resolution. Several parameters affecting band and image quality were optimized for the procedure, including gel thickness, agarose percentage, and applied voltage. Association of the siRNA-binding protein p19 with its target RNA was investigated using the new system. The agarose gel and conventional polyacrylamide gel methods generated similar apparent binding constants in side-by-side experiments. A particular advantage of the new approach described here is that the short run times (5-10 min) reduce opportunities for dissociation of bound complexes, an important concern in non-equilibrium nucleic acid binding experiments.
A Retrospective Study of Onychomycosis, Clinical Diagnosis Versus Laboratory Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Onychomycosis is defined as a fungal infection of the nail usually caused by a dermatophyte. This retrospective study will compare the diagnosis of onychomycosis based on clinical exam findings in comparison to laboratory results. METHODS: Clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis of the nail is made through visual inspection of the nail. The characteristics that define a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis include but is not limited to: thickness of nail, discoloration (yellow, black, and/or brown), crumbly texture, subungual debris, subungual fluid, splitting of the nail, and/or nail dystrophy. Patients were treated with either a topical or oral drug and this was based solely on the clinical characteristics of the nail with no further lab testing. The most recent 50 charts from the past three years (1/1/2013 to 1/31/2016) were utilized to conduct this retrospective study. The charts were analyzed based on the following criteria: patients that were clinically diagnosed with onychom...
Line parameters for CO2 broadening in the ν2 band of HD16O

Abstract CO 2 -rich planetary atmospheres such as those of Mars and Venus require accurate knowledge of CO 2 broadened HDO half-width coefficients and their temperature dependence exponents for reliable abundance determination. Although a few calculated line lists have recently been published on HDO–CO 2 line shapes and their temperature dependences, laboratory measurements of those parameters are thus far non-existent. In this work, we report the first measurements of CO 2 -broadened half-width and pressure-shift coefficients and their temperature dependences for over 220 transitions in the ν 2 band. First measurements of self-broadened half-width and self-shift coefficients at room temperature are also obtained for majority of these transitions. In addition, the first experimental determination of collisional line mixing has been reported for 11 transition pairs for HDO–CO 2 and HDO–HDO systems. These results were obtained by analyzing ten high-resolution spectra of HDO and HDO–CO 2 mixtures at various sample temperatures and pressures recorded with the Bruker IFS-125HR Fourier transform spectrometer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Two coolable absorption cells with path lengths of 20.38 cm and 20.941 m were used to record the spectra. The various line parameters were retrieved by fitting all ten spectra simultaneously using a multispectrum nonlinear least squares fitting algorithm. The HDO transitions in the 1100–4100 cm −1 range were extracted from the HITRAN2012 database. For the ν 2 and 2ν 2 -ν 2 bands there were 2245 and 435 transitions, respectively. Modified Complex Robert–Bonamy formalism (MCRB) calculations were made for the half-width coefficients, their temperature dependence and the pressure shift coefficients for the HDO–CO 2 and HDO–HDO collision systems. MCRB calculations are compared with the measured values.
Influence of nitrogen fertilization on activities of ornithine transcarbamoylase and arginase in Chenin blanc berries at different stages of development

The activities of ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC) and arginase enzymes in Chenin blanc berries from potted vines irrigated with four different levels of nitrogen (0, 2, 4 and 8 m M NO 3 -) were determined periodically through the period of fruit ripening. OTC activity was maximal at veraison, declined rapidly thereafter with a second smaller peak of activity at fruit maturity. Arginase also generally showed maximal activity at veraison and then decreased gradually until fruit maturity, except for 8 mM N03- fruit, which showed increasing arginase activities during the last 5 weeks of fruit ripening. Activities of both OTC and arginase generally increased with increasing level of nitrogen fertilization. Berry weight increased up to 4 m M NO 3 - ; however, nitrogen had no consistent influence on the level of total soluble solids in fruits. Der Einflus der Stickstoffdungung auf die Aktivitat der Ornithintranscarbamylase und der Arginase in den Beeren der Rebsorte Chenin blanc wahrend verschiedener Stadien ihrer Entwicklung Topfreben von Chenin blanc wurden mit vier Stickstoffkonzentrationen (0, 2, 4 und 8 m M NO 3 -) gedungt; im Verlauf der Beerenentwicklung wurde in regelmasigen Abstanden die Aktivitat der Ornithintranscarbamylase (OTC) und der Arginase in den Beeren bestimmt. Die OTC-Aktivitat war am hochsten wahrend des Weichwerdens der Beeren, nahm danach rasch ab und zeigte ein zweites kleineres Maximum zur Zeit der Beerenreife. Auch die Arginase wies im allgemeinen ihre hochste Aktivitat wahrend des Weichwerdens auf und nahm dann gegen die Beerenreife allmahlich ab; eine Ausnahme bildete die Variante mit 8 mM N03-, die einen Anstieg der Arginaseaktivitat in den letzten 5 Wochen der Beerenreife zeigte. Mit ansteigenden Stickstoffgaben nahm die Aktivitat sowohl von OTC als auch von Arginase im allgemeinen zu. Das Beerengewicht stieg bis zu 4 m M NO 3 - an; auf die Hohe des Mostgewichtes hatte die Stickstoffversorgung jedoch keinen erkennbaren Einflus.
Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Is Associated with Microvascular Abnormalities and Serum Ferritin Concentrations in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Abstract 3255 Introduction: Microvascular abnormalities underlie much of the morbidity observed in sickle cell disease (SCD). Adherence of sickle erythrocytes and leukocytes to the microvascular endothelium leads to vaso-occlusion and end organ ischemia/reperfusion injury. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine involved in the recruitment of monocytes to sites of endothelial activation or injury and thus contributes to the pathophysiology of vascular disease. In SCD patients, circulating MCP-1 concentrations are elevated during both steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis. However, the relationship between MCP-1 and microvascular abnormalities in SCD patients has not been assessed. In the present study, we measured a panel of circulating cytokines including serum MCP-1 and hematological biomarkers including serum ferritin in SCD patients who were being monitored by computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) to assess severity of microvasculopathy. Methods: The study included 31 steady state SCD patients (22 females, 9 males) ranging in age from 4–61 years. MCP-1 concentrations were measured by Luminex multiple analyte profiling. Ferritin concentrations were measured by chemiluminometric immunossay. The conjunctival microvasculature was assessed using CAIM. A severity index on a scale of 0–15 was calculated as described previously (Cheung et al, Am J Hematol 85:899, 2010) to quantify the degree of microvasculopathy observed among the patients. Results: The mean ± SD MCP-1 concentration was 445 ± 253 pg/ml (range: 122–1180 pg/ml), mean ± SD ferritin concentration was 1675 ± 1883 ng/ml (range 18–5825 ng/ml), and mean ± SD severity index was 5.0 ± 2.5 (range: 0–9). By multiple regression analysis, with controlling for age and gender, MCP-1 was directly correlated with severity index (p = 0.046), and serum ferritin was directly correlated with MCP-1 (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Monocyte recruitment to the site of endothelial injury involves chemotactic signaling mediated in part by MCP-1, levels of which rise in SCD. Our results indicate that MCP-1 is associated with and may directly contribute to the microvasculopathy observed in SCD patients. Furthermore, we find that MCP-1 levels are correlated with ferritin concentrations. Ferritin reflects body iron stores, and an increase of iron stores in SCD resulting from chronic blood transfusion as well as increased iron absorption associated with hemolysis may thus lead to monocyte/macrophage recruitment to the vascular endothelium and contribute to vasculopathy. Measurements of MCP-1 and ferritin may also serve as surrogate biomarkers of microvasculopathy severity and inflammation. Disclosures: Green: Emisphere - Consultancy : Consultancy; Teva Pharmaceuticals - expert testimony: Consultancy.
Transparent and High Refractive Index Thermoplastic Polymer Glasses Using Evaporative Ligand Exchange of Hybrid Particle Fillers

Development of high refractive index glasses on the basis of commodity polymer thermoplastics presents an important requisite to further advancement of technologies ranging from energy efficient lighting to cost efficient photonics. This contribution presents a novel particle dispersion strategy that enables uniform dispersion of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix to facilitate hybrid glasses with inorganic content exceeding 25% by weight, optical transparency in excess of 0.8/mm, and a refractive index greater than 1.64 in the visible wavelength range. The method is based on the application of evaporative ligand exchange to synthesize poly(styrene-r-acrylonitrile) (PSAN)-tethered zinc oxide (ZnO) particle fillers. Favorable filler–matrix interactions are shown to enable the synthesis of isomorphous blends with high molecular PMMA that exhibit improved thermomechanical stability compared to that of the pristine PMMA matrix. The concurrent realization of high refractive...
Risk perception and perceived self-efficacy of deaf and hard-of-hearing seniors and young adults in emergencies.

Objectives: The authors explored the factors influencing risk perception and perceived self-efficacy before and during an emergency for deaf and hard-of-hearing (Deaf / HH) seniors and young adults. Methods: The authors collected demographic survey data and conducted four focus groups with 38 Deaf / HH residents of the San Francisco Bay Area; two groups were with young adults (ages 18-35), including one group of college students and one group of young professionals, and two were with older adults (ages 50-90). Results: Significant differences were found between Deaf / HH young adults and seniors in both the sources of self-efficacy and risk perception and their attitudes toward preparedness. All groups demonstrated high resilience. Deaf / HH young professionals expressed more concern about their risk in an emergency than Deaf / HH college students. Alternately, the risk perception of Deaf / HH older adults was often rooted in their past experiences (survival of past emergencies, inaccessibility of communications during drills). Conclusions: Policy implications include the need to dedicate more resources to increasing accessibility and relevance of emergency communications technology for Deaf / HH populations. This could help increase adaptability before, during, and after emergencies among all groups of Deaf / HH people, particularly among young Deaf / HH professionals.
Multivariate Poisson-lognormal model for analysis of crashes on urban signalized intersections approach

ABSTRACTMany studies investigate contributing factors of intersection crashes, but very limited studies focus on cashes on the intersection approach. It is important to address the characteristics of intersection-approach crashes to better understand intersection safety. This article analyzes the crashes on signalized intersection approach on urban arterials with a focus on traffic and geometric elements. The intersection approach is defined as the segment between stop bar and the location 200 ft upstream from the stop bar. The multivariate Poisson log-normal (MVPLN) model is used to model crash counts by severity. Ten-year crash data collected from 643 signalized intersections in Nebraska are used for analysis. One-way road is found to be negatively related to all three severity levels (light crash, moderate crash, and severe crash) of crashes. Compared to the 12 ft lane width, narrower lane widths generally lead to fewer crashes. The intersection approaches on urban arterials are expected to have more c...
Multi-stakeholder initiatives and the divergent construction and implementation of sustainable agriculture in the USA

Multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as a leading institutional approach for advancing sustainability globally. This paper examines three prominent MSIs that have developed sustainability metrics and a standard for US agriculture: Field to Market, the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops and the National Sustainable Agricultural Standard Initiative. Using data from interviews and content analysis of initiative reports, two sets of analyses are presented. First, building on Paul Thompson's tri-partite theorization of sustainability, how each initiative is conceptualizing agricultural sustainability is analyzed. We find that two contrasting visions of sustainable agriculture for the USA have emerged from the three MSIs. One vision is a resource sufficiency approach focused on eco-efficiencies and the other vision is a functional integrity approach that emphasizes the maintenance of resilient agricultural and ecological systems. Second, we examine the governance practices of the MSIs to explain why such divergent conceptualizations of sustainability have been mapped out. We find that far from being a neutral forum, the internal dynamics of MSIs often reflect and reproduce existing power relationships among stakeholders. In concluding, we suggest that incremental improvements in sustainability can be achieved using MSIs, but more transformative changes may require other forms of governance.
Quantitative Synthetic MRI in Children: Normative Intracranial Tissue Segmentation Values during Development.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Synthetic MR imaging is a new technique to create absolute R1 relaxivity (1/T1), R2 relaxivity (1/T2), and proton-density maps using a single multiple-spin-echo saturation recovery sequence. These relaxivity maps allow rapid automated intracranial segmentation of tissue types. To assess its utility in children, we created a normative data base of intracranial volume and brain parenchymal, GM, WM, CSF, and myelin volumes in a pediatric population with normal brain MRI findings using synthetic MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All multiple-spin-echo saturation recovery sequences containing brain MR imaging examinations performed during 34 months were retrospectively reviewed. Abnormal examination findings were excluded following a detailed radiographic and clinical chart review. The remaining normal examination findings were then quantitatively analyzed with synthetic MR imaging. Intracranial, brain parenchymal, GM, WM, CSF, and myelin volumes were plotted versus age. Qualitative assessment of segmentation accuracy was performed. Selected abnormal examination findings were compared with these normative curves. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two MRI examinations with normal findings were included of individuals ranging from 0.1 to 21.5 years of age (median, 11.8 years). Resulting normative data plots compared favorably with previously published data obtained using more onerous techniques. Differentiation from pathologic states was possible using quantitative values in select cases. CONCLUSIONS: A pediatric data base of normal intracranial tissue volumes using a single sequence and rapid software analysis has been compiled and correlates with previously published data. This provides a framework for clinical interpretation of quantitative synthetic MR images during development. Improved age-based segmentation algorithms in young children are needed.
Fluctuation localization imaging-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (fliFISH) for accurate detection and counting of RNA copies in single cells

Quantitative gene expression analysis in intact single cells can be achieved using single molecule-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH). This approach relies on fluorescence intensity to distinguish between true signals, emitted from an RNA copy hybridized with multiple oligonucleotide probes, and background noise. Thus, the precision in smFISH is often compromised by partial or nonspecific probe binding and tissue autofluorescence, especially when only a small number of probes can be fitted to the target transcript. Here we provide an accurate approach for setting quantitative thresholds between true and false signals, which relies on on-off duty cycles of photoswitchable dyes. This fluctuation localization imaging-based FISH (fliFISH) uses on-time fractions (measured over a series of exposures) collected from transcripts bound to as low as 8 probes, which are distinct from on-time fractions collected from nonspecifically bound probes or autofluorescence. Using multicolor fliFISH, we identified radial gene expression patterns in mouse pancreatic islets for insulin, the transcription factor, NKX2-2 and their ratio (Nkx2-2/Ins2). These radial patterns, showing higher values in β cells at the islet core and lower values in peripheral cells, were lost in diabetic mouse islets. In summary, fliFISH provides an accurate, quantitative approach for detecting and counting true RNA copies and rejecting false signals by their distinct on-time fractions, laying the foundation for reliable single-cell transcriptomics.
Protein Informatics-based analysis of the mechanism of action of Peninsularinone: A novel solid-tumor selective anticancer drug

1386 The application of data mining and predictions, based on computational biology, of the extensive amount of information generated by proteomic profiling methods, to decipher the mechanism of newly discovered anticancer drug action and study its molecular effects within tumor cells, is novel and challenging. We have developed a strategy termed “Molecular Brushing”, that blends the data generated using PowerBlot™ and relates the protein expression changes to the observed antiproliferative effect of novel anticancer agents. We used this approach to understand the mechanism of Peninsularinone, a novel anticancer agent, initially discovered in our Drug Discovery and Development Program and moving towards clinical trial. Peninsularinone was provided by Dr. James Chesney, Tapestry Pharmaceutiacls, Inc., (Boulder, CO). Proliferating HCT-116 human colon adenocarcinoma cells were treated for 24h with 0.1 μg/ml of Peninsularinone and differential protein expression analysis done against DMSO treated HCT-116 cells. Key drug-modulated proteins were assessed for molecular pathway identification and potential surrogate marker identification. Differential protein expression analysis of 860 proteins was performed using PowerBlot™. Fourteen proteins (1.6%) were up-regulated in their expression levels and thirty-five proteins (4.1%) were down-regulated >1.25 fold from the 3x3 matrix analysis. Proteins were visually plotted into a molecular pathway map and at least six major pathways were identified to be modulated through Peninsularinone’s action at the proteomic level that include: G-protein (receptor) coupled signal transduction, receptor-mediated endocytosis, beta-catenin pathway, Fas/APO-apoptosis, TNF-mediated apoptosis and DNA replication. Protein informatics analysis suggests that Peninsularinone’s anti-proliferative activity is influenced by a decrease in the expression of key proteins involved in cell cycle progression (e.g. Cyclin D, PRb) while those proteins that are mostly increased in their expression (e.g. PKR, Caveolin 1) are involved in enhancing its cytotoxicity. Thus transforming raw experimental data obtained from promising agents into understandable, and computationally-trackable protein interaction networks provides the foundation for accelerated drug discovery and development of novel anticancer agents.
Hydraulic-fracture geometry characterization using low-frequency DAS signal

Abstract Monitoring and diagnosing completion during hydraulic-fracturing operations provides insight into the fracture geometry, interwell frac hits, and connectivity. Conventional monitoring methods (microseismic, pressure gauges, tracers, etc.) can provide a range of information about the stimulated rock volume but may often be limited in detail or clouded by uncertainty. Utilization of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) as a fracture monitoring tool is growing; however, most of the applications have been limited to acoustic frequency bands of the DAS recorded signal. In this paper, we demonstrate some examples of using the low-frequency band of DAS signal to constrain hydraulic-fracture geometry. DAS data were acquired in both offset horizontal and vertical monitor wells. In horizontal wells, DAS data record formation strain perturbation due to fracture propagation. Events like fracture opening and closing, stress shadow creation and relaxation, ball seat, and plug isolation can be clearly identified....
Image registration in a tomographic limb ultrasound system: Comparison between camera-tracking and image-based motion compensation

Numerous recent developments in ultrasound imaging for musculoskeletal applications have emerged due to ultrasound's inherent advantages of real-time performance, high resolution, speed and relative cost compared to modalities such as MRI and CT. However, as standard ultrasound requires that the probe make contact with the imaged body segment, it is difficult to acquire an accurate representation of 3D anatomical geometry and mechanical properties due to soft tissue deformation by user-dependent applied force as well as relative motion between the probe and patient. Multiple research groups have pursued methods that involve submerging the ultrasound transducer(s) and imaged body segment into a water bath. Clinically, this method has presented several challenges; of note for this study is image distortion due to patient motion. We show that 3D optical imagery can be used to effectively track and compensate for this motion, allowing for robust stitching of circumferentially-collected ultrasound images.
Clinical epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative sepsis among hospitalized patients: Shifting burden of disease?

Background Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli are an emerging public health threat. However, there is a paucity of data examining comparative incidence rates, risk factors, and outcomes in this population. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at an urban tertiary-care academic medical center. We included patients admitted from 2012 to 2015 who met the following criteria: i) age ≥ 18 years; and ii) culture positive for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) or carbapenem-resistant non-Enterobacteriaceae (CRNE) from any site. Exclusion criteria were: i) Results 448 patients were analyzed (CRE, n = 111 [24.8%]; CRNE, n = 337 [75.2%]). CRE sepsis cases increased significantly over the study period (P Conclusions Clinical outcomes did not differ between patients with CRE versus CRNE sepsis. Dramatic increases in CRE, particularly Enterobacter spp., appear to be causing a shift in the burden of clinically significant carbapenem-resistant gram-negative infection.
Revascularization of Chronic Occlusive Disease of a Right Pulmonary Artery Graft

Anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery (AAOLCA) is a rare occurrence. This anomaly may lead to myocardial ischemia and, therefore, surgical repair is recommended to improve long-term survival in these patients. We present a case of successful mobilization of an anomalous left main coronary artery, pulmonary artery translocation, and interposition graft to the right pulmonary artery with a late complication of the right pulmonary artery graft occlusion. This case illustrates the difficulty in the recanalization of pulmonary artery graft occlusion and stenosis, and highlights the utility of treatment via a staged approach.
Psychotherapy with Children and Families

Psychotherapy with children and families consists of a variety of theoretical approaches and techniques in various forms and constellations, most of which include the child, the child’s family, and the broader social and cultural context in which the child exists. Over the years, several theoretical approaches have been espoused; collectively, they weave a rich tapestry that reflects the evolution of child psychotherapy. These theoretical approaches, along with a host of practical realities that are present when working with children, have guided the development of the field of child psychotherapy as it is practiced at this time.
Service, one way or another

How should chairmen be selected? At many universities, perhaps most, the mathematics faculty of ten people, or a hundred, selects its chairman by election. At the same time university regulations or traditions say that the chairman is not elected but appointed by a dean. The contradiction is resolved by a legal fiction: the department tells the dean the result of its vote, and the dean, thinking deeply, appoints the winner. In theory he could appoint someone else, but in practice he wouldn’t dare.
Defäkoflowmetrie Eine neue Untersuchungstechnik zur beurteilung der entleerungsfunktion des rektums

In a prospective study carried out on 78 patients with chronic constipation (31, with slow transit, 47 with obstructive defecation disorders) the evacuation function of the rectum during defecation was assessed by defecoflowmetry. These patients were compared to a control group of normal volunteers (n = 32). The following parameters were evaluated: defecation and retention volume, defecation fraction, defecation time, maximum flow, mean flow rate and time to maximum flow. As expected, there was no difference in evacuation function between the group of patients with slow transit and the control group. Significant differences, however, existed between the two types of constipation, as well as between obstructive defecation disease and controls, regarding all parameters mentioned above. Evacuation function depends neither on rectal neck pressure nor on intrarectal pressure. In patients with obstructive defecation disorders, three subgroups were discernable: one with prolonged time of defecation and satisfactory evacuation, one with prolonged time of defecation and poor evacuation, and one small group of patients who were not able to defecate. Each group is based on a different underlying pathomechanism. We conclude that changes in evacuation function of the rectum refer either to volume or to time of defecation, or to both. Changes are found only in obstructive type constipation, not in slow transit constipation. Therefore, defeconflowmetry as a dynamic procedure can be used in screening for the classification of chronic constipation.
The mating system in natural and shelterwood stands of Douglas-fir.

Mating systems in two pairs of old-growth uncut and adjacent shelterwood stands of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. ‘menziesii’) were compared by estimating the proportions of viable progenies due to outcrossing (t) with both single-locus and multilocus techniques. Single-locus population estimates (ťs), ranging from 0.41 to 1.16, were significantly (P 0.90) in both uncult and shelterwood stands, and no evidence indicated that low parent-tree density had affected stand outcrossing rates.
Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein: A Prognostic Indicator of Liver-cell Necrosis and Regeneration Following Experimental Injury by Galactosamine in Rats

The serum concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein of rats following experimental galactosamine-induced liver-cell necrosis accurately reflect the severity of preceding liver-cell damage as determined by elevation of serum transaminases. There is a very close correlation between the highest SGOT or SGPT serum activity found 1–2 days after induction of necrosis and the subsequent elevation of alpha-fetoprotein at 2–6 days. Elevations of alpha-fetoprotein are associated in time with restitutive proliferation of the damaged liver. These experimental results clarify the temporal relationship between alpha-fetoprotein and repair of liver-cell damage, which has been suggested by similar observations in cases of patients who have acute or subacute viral hepatitis. The correlations support the concept that serum alphafetoprotein concentrations may be used as a prognostic indicator of the extent and course of fulminant or subacute hepatitis.
Ethische Verantwortung im Bereich Compliance

Spatestens seit der Verabschiedung des in seiner Art richtungsweisenden Sarbanes-Oxley Acts im Juli 2002 trat der bis dato vorwiegend rechtswissenschaftlich gebrauchliche Begriff der Compliance seinen globalen Siegeszug an. Mit den aufsehenerregenden Wirtschaftsskandalen der vergangenen Jahre hat sich der Compliance-Begriff auch hierzulande zur betriebswirtschaftlichen Sollgrose deutscher Management-Etagen entwickelt – jenes Bild sollen zumindest die gewinnbringend medial in Szene gesetzten Firmenportale, umfangreichen Compliance-Standards und -Berichte glaubwurdig vermitteln. Schenkt man der professionell inszenierten Kommunikationsmaschinerie Glauben, fuhlt sich die Unternehmenspraxis mehr denn je der Gesellschaft verpflichtet – wahrt Moral, Integritat und bedingungslose Gesetzestreue in allen Geschaftsvorgangen und entlang der gesamten Wertschopfungskette. Die jungsten Unternehmensskandale offenbaren allerdings ein gegensatzliches Bild: Vereinzelt scheint immer noch eine tiefe Kluft zwischen kommuniziertem Anspruch und betrieblicher Handlungswirklichkeit zu existieren. Und das in einer Zeit, in der sich Integritat und unternehmerische Glaubwurdigkeit zusehends zur erfolgskritischen Unternehmensressource wandeln.
Intraoperative High Impedance Levels During Placement of Deep Brain Stimulating Electrode.

Background and importance Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established treatment for medically refractory Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and dystonia. The field of DBS is expanding and techniques are under investigation for the treatment of several neurological disorders. A critical component of the success of these procedures depends significantly on the reliability and durability of devices implanted. Immediate feedback during surgery often gives the surgeon and patient a sense of confidence of long term success. When impedances are found to be elevated during the implantation of the DBS leads, appropriate trouble shooting measures are critical. Clinical presentation We present a 73-yr-old male undergoing awake subthalamic DBS with microelectrode recordings for severe PD. Once the optimal trajectory and depth were ascertained, the permanent DBS electrode was placed. High impedances were recorded. Troubleshooting procedures were performed and were all negative as to the cause of the values. Correct impedance levels of the DBS electrode was confirmed with extracranial testing, but continued high values were found again with intracranial positioning of the electrode. A postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scan confirmed intracranial air surrounding all of the contacts. The patient went on to outpatient programming with excellent clinical results. Conclusion The presence of pneumocephalus surrounding the DBS lead contacts at the target nucleus may have accounted for the intraoperative impedance findings. When all troubleshooting checks have not identified an explanation for the high impedances, intraoperative imaging may demonstrate pneumocephalus around the lead contacts, which should resolve and impedances return to normal values.
Interfirm Relational Rivalry: Implications for Competitive Strategy

In this article I seek to apply findings from recent research on rivalry relationships to firm-level competitive strategy. I integrate microlevel and macrolevel theory in arguing that certain pairs...
Handbook of item response theory: volume three, applications: edited by Wim J. van der Linden, Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 2018, 576 + xxxi pp., $180.68 (paperback), ISBN: 978-01-367-22118-8

There are three volumes in the series on this topic: item response theory (IRT). What is IRT? Based on scores in a battery of questions in Psychometrics, IRT is a paradigm for designing, analysing,...
Rank methods

One of the major goals of statistics is to use data collected from a population to make inferences hypothesis tests, confidence regions, and point estimators about unknown attributes of the population. When there are good reasons to believe that the basic features of a population can be well approximated by a standard probability distribution, such as the commonly used Gaussian distribution, then a variety of approaches are available to construct procedures with optimal properties. When, however, a particular distribution is not an appropriate model for a population, the statistical procedures that are optimal for that distribution may not perform well; that is, model-based statistical procedures may not be robust to departures from the assumed model. In such situations, one can use nonparametric procedures that maintain important stipulated properties such as nominal significance level for hypothesis tests and coverage probability for confidence regions over broad classes of probability distributions. While such nonparametric procedures are not optimal for a specific probability model, they are generally robust to deviations from that model. Many nonparametric procedures rely on simple counting and ranking processes applied either directly to the sample data or to some natural function of it and they are commonly known in the statistical literature as rank methods. In this article, we discuss the two basic approaches that lead to distribution-free test procedures based on ranks and then illustrate how distribution-free confidence intervals and robust point estimators can be derived directly from these hypothesis tests. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Utilizing the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) Model as a Trauma-informed Practice (TIP) Tool in Physical Education

It is imperative for schools to provide a safe and productive learning environment to the students they serve, but that may be difficult in today's society where trauma is widespread. Teachers need...