cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Bayesian filtering based on Fokker-Planck equation and tensor decomposition

A nonlinear Bayesian filter is proposed in this paper for a general nonlinear system of continuous time dynamics and discrete time measurements. In this filter, a transient Fokker-Planck equation solver based on tensor decomposition is used for propagating the conditional state probability density function (PDF) in conjunction with a measurement update via Bayes' rule. This filter is not restricted by assumptions of linearity or Gaussianity since it relies on the exact state PDF which captures the entire information of the underlying uncertainty. Moreover, it is suitable for system of high-dimensional state space by virtue of the efficient tensor decomposition scheme, which enables the computational efforts for solving the state PDF grow benignly with dimensionality. This is possible because every dimension of the state space as well as the time domain is separated from each other in the solution process, as a result of which originally expensive high-dimensional operations are decoupled into a series of simple one-dimensional operations. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed filter over the extended Kalman filter for state estimation.
Molecular Brightness Characterization of EGFP In Vivo by Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy

We characterize the molecular properties of autofluorescence and transiently expressed EGFP in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and by photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis. PCH has been characterized and applied in vitro, but its potential for in vivo studies needs to be explored. Thus, this study mainly focuses on the characterization of PCH analysis in vivo. The strength of PCH lies in its ability to distinguish biomolecules by their molecular brightness value. Because the concept of molecular brightness is crucial for PCH analysis, we study the molecular brightness of EGFP and determine the statistical accuracy of its measurement under in vivo conditions. We started by characterizing the influence of autofluorescence on EGFP measurements. We found a molecular brightness of EGFP that is a factor of 10 higher than the brightness of the autofluorescence. Moment analysis demonstrates that the contribution of autofluorescence to fluorescence fluctuation experiments is negligible at EGFP concentrations of one protein per excitation volume. The molecular brightness of EGFP measured in the nucleus, the cytoplasm, and in vitro are identical and our study demonstrates that molecular brightness is a very stable and predictable quantity for cellular measurements. In addition to PCH, we also analyzed the autocorrelation function of EGFP. The diffusion coefficient of EGFP is a factor of 3 lower in vivo than compared to in vitro, and a simple diffusion process describes the autocorrelation function. We found that in the nucleus the fluorescence intensity is stable as a function of time, while measurements in the cytoplasm display fluorescence intensity drifts that complicate the data analysis. We introduce and discuss an analysis method that minimizes the influence of the intensity drifts on PCH analysis. This method allows us to recover the correct molecular brightness of EGFP even in the presence of drifts of the fluorescence intensity signal. We found the molecular brightness of EGFP to be a very robust parameter, and anticipate the use of PCH analysis for the study of oligomerization processes in vivo.
Bactericidal efficacy of electrospun pure and Fe-doped titania nanofibers

This paper reports the development of nonwoven nanofibers of pure and iron-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) and evaluation of their antimicrobial attributes for using them as disinfectant gauze for wound healing upon brief activation by ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR) illumination. It was found that the fibers exhibited superior bactericidal affinity when exposed briefly (3–12 s) to either multiphoton laser or infrared radiations. On the other hand, exposure to a UV beam for up to 20 min was not effective in mitigating the bacterial colonization of the Escherichia coli.
Submicrosecond submilliwatt silicon-on-insulator thermooptic switch

Mach-Zehnder interferometer thermooptic switches were made using a thin-silicon-on-insulator material system. The switches use single-mode strip-Si waveguides, 0.26/spl times/0.4 /spl mu/m, operating at 1.5 /spl mu/m. The waveguides were heated directly by passing current through them, resulting in switching power of 6 mW, and a rise time of 0.6 /spl mu/s. By heating both arms of the interferometer differentially, so one arm is cooling while the other heating, the switching-signal input power is reduced to <100 /spl mu/W. In this differential mode, the switching time can be decreased to 50 ns by pulsing the electrical input to 10 mW. Modeling indicates 10-ns-switching time would require /spl sim/23 mW of pulsed power.
Salivary α-amylase response to competition: Relation to gender, previous experience, and attitudes

This study examined individual differences in salivary alpha-amylase response to competition in relation to gender, previous experience, behavior, attitudes, and performance. Participants were 42 (21 women) members of a collegiate crew team. Saliva samples were collected before, 20- and 40-min post-ergometer competition and at the same times on a non-competition day for comparison. Samples were assayed for salivary biomarkers of sympathetic nervous system (alpha-amylase) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (cortisol) activity. Behavioral assessments included self-reports of dominance, competitiveness, bonding with teammates, competition-related strategic thinking, and performance. On average, salivary alpha-amylase increased 156% in response to the ergometer competition. By comparison, cortisol increased 87% across the same time period. Salivary alpha-amylase was higher across the competition for varsity than for novice athletes, and was positively associated with performance and interest in team-bonding. Regression analyses revealed that alpha-amylase reactivity explained individual differences in dominance and team bonding above and beyond that associated with cortisol reactivity, and that joint inactivation in alpha-amylase and cortisol reactivity to competition (low-low) was associated with high perceived dominance. The findings are among the first to integrate salivary alpha-amylase into the study of competition and reveal that intra-individual change in alpha-amylase may be influenced by a confluence of factors that include contextual, behavioral, and psychological factors and processes.
Sequence of the Escherichia coli O121 O-Antigen Gene Cluster and Detection of Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O121 by PCR Amplification of the wzx and wzy Genes

The DNA sequence of the 15,155-bp O-antigen gene cluster of Escherichia coli O121 was determined, and 14 open reading frames were identified (all had the same transcriptional direction). Analyses of results indicated that the wzx (O-antigen flippase) and wzy (O-antigen polymerase) genes were E. coli O121 specific, so regions in these two genes were chosen for development of PCR assays. The PCR assays using DNA from 99 E. coli O121 strains, strains representative of non-O121 E. coli serogroups, and strains of other bacterial genera and PCR assays using DNA from seven enrichments of swine fecal samples naturally contaminated with E. coli O121 showed specificity for E. coli O121. Thus, the PCR assay can be employed to reliably identify E. coli O121 and to potentially detect the organism in food, fecal, and environmental samples.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of clopidogrel in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: When used as an alternative to or in addition to aspirin, clopidogrel has been demonstrated by some but not all randomized controlled trials to be effective in secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with (1) coronary artery disease (CAD), (2) acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and (3) coronary stent placement. However, a drawback to clopidogrel therapy is the cost to patients and the health care system. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that when clopidogrel is used in addition to aspirin, the combination has an increased bleeding risk compared with aspirin alone. Cost-effectiveness analysis may aid in developing strategies for optimal use of clopidogrel. OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate published pharmacoeconomic analyses on the use of clopidogrel in secondary prevention of CV events in patients who have known CAD, have ACS, or are undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). METHODS: English-language peer-reviewed articles or abstracts were identified fro...
Enhanced Platelet Reactivity in Cats Experimentally Infected with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus

Platelet function was evaluated in six specific-pathogen-free cats prior to and following intraperitoneal inoculation with feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). By 4 days post-inoculation, platelet samples from five of six cats responded with irreversible platelet aggregation to threshold concentrations of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). This was accompanied by enhanced platelet 14C-serotonin release (greater than 10%) in two cats. Compared to one of six baseline samples, five of five post-inoculation samples exhibited microaggregate formation in response to 20 microM epinephrine. Enhanced platelet 14C-serotonin release did not accompany these responses. Enhanced platelet responses to ADP and epinephrine were also observed on day 11 post-inoculation and day 16 (when one cat died) or 21 (the end of the study). Platelet 14C-serotonin release in response to 20 microM epinephrine increased markedly in three of five cats on day 21. Enhanced collagen-induced platelet responses were not demonstrated. Although the mechanism for the enhanced platelet responses observed on day 4 was unknown, a direct effect on the virus on platelets, mononuclear inflammatory cells, and endothelial cells must be considered.
TEMPERATURE CHANGES DURING FORMATION AND DISSIPATION OF WEST COAST STRATUS

Abstract At three-hourly intervals during three 24- to 48-hour periods in the summer of 1943, radiosonde observations were made at the University of California at Los Angeles; to ascertain the changes in vertical temperature distribution during typical stratus situations. These observations show that the base of the subsidence inversion characteristic of all summer soundings in this region undergoes marked diurnal variations in height and temperature. Computations show that advection can account for only part of the cooling at the inversion base during the formation of stratus over the station, while radiational exchange tends to raise the temperature there, rather than to lower it. Turbulence is shown to be practically negligible, and convection to play only a slight role. Vertical motion is found to account for the otherwise unexplained changes in temperature and inversion height. A possible cause of vertical motion with diurnal period is convergence in the land and sea breeze.
Three steps forward, two steps back: mechanistic insights into the assembly and disassembly of the SNARE complex

Membrane fusion is a tightly controlled process in all eukaryotic cell types. The SNARE family of proteins is required for fusion throughout the exocytic and endocytic trafficking pathways. SNAREs on a transport vesicle interact with the cognate SNAREs on the target membrane, forming an incredibly stable SNARE complex that provides energy for the membranes to fuse, although many aspects of the mechanism remain elusive. Recent advances in single-molecule and high-resolution structural methods provide exciting new insights into how SNARE complexes assemble, including measurements of assembly energetics and identification of intermediates in the assembly pathway. These techniques were also key in elucidating mechanistic details into how the SNARE complex is disassembled, including details of the energetics required for ATP-dependent α-SNAP/NSF-mediated SNARE complex disassembly, and the structural changes that accompany ATP hydrolysis by the disassembly machinery. Additionally, SNARE complex formation and disassembly are tightly regulated processes; innovative biochemical and biophysical characterization has deepened our understanding of how these regulators work to control membrane fusion and exocytosis.
Photon Penetration through Surfaces

Photon penetration through surfaces is important for devices which use or generate light. It is determined by the dielectric function.
Designing a Responsive e-Learning Infrastructure: Systemic Change in Higher Education

Slides from a presentation delivered at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, November 5th -8th, Jacksonville, FL."A mid-sized university in the southeastern US is preparing for increased e-Learning opportunities. Following a systematic process utilizing systems thinking, the e-Learning needs of the university were analyzed using mixed methods..."
Differential inhibitory effects of interleukin‐10, interleukin‐4, and dexamethasone on staphylococcal enterotoxin‐induced cytokine production and T cell activation

The cytokine profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A and B was examined. Production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-2, and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) was observed. In contrast, Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were absent from SEA- or SEB-stimulated PBMC. Moreover, adding IL-10 to SE-stimulated PBMC inhibited the production of IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha, and IFN gamma by 50 to 80% but had less effect (8-30%) on T cell proliferation. IL-4 was less effective than IL-10 in inhibiting cytokine production and enhanced T cell proliferation by SEA or SEB. The anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone, was the most potent agent in controlling the SE-mediated effects as evidenced by inhibited T cell proliferation (55%) and reduced levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IFN gamma (60% to 100%) and TNF alpha (50%). Reducing levels of toxic mediators such as TNF alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IFN gamma by dexamethasone in SE-induced T cell responses may be a useful therapeutic strategy to circumvent SE toxicity and pathogenesis.
Advertising Bans, United States

This paper presents a review of advertising bans in the United States, including bans pertaining to alcohol and cigarettes. I review the laws on commercial speech as established by the Supreme Court. An economic history is presented of regulation of alcohol advertising and tobacco advertising, including surveys of the econometric literature on the effectiveness of such regulations.
The Neural Basis of Successful Oral Word Reading in Chronic Aphasia (S29.002)

Objective: To understand the neural systems supporting successful oral word reading after damage to the left perisylvian phonological system. Background Damage to perisylvian structures in the left middle cerebral artery territory typically causes phonological processing deficits, typified by phonological paraphasia and inability to sound out pseudowords. The mechanisms supporting successful oral word reading in the setting of chronic left perisylvian phonological system damage are unclear. We hypothesized that patients recruit undamaged parts of the semantic system to mediate successful word reading. Design/Methods: Event-related fMRI was used to study 24 chronic aphasia patients and 16 matched controls as they read aloud 72 concrete nouns. Individual trials were classified according to response success. Activation maps were compared between the groups, including in the analysis only items that were read successfully. In separate behavioral testing, patients performed an oral reading task and a pseudoword rhyme judgment task to characterize reading ability and phonological deficits. Results: In behavioral tests outside the scanner, patients showed a pattern of severe phonological impairment, as demonstrated by a high incidence of phonological paraphasia (56% of errors on average) in the reading task and severe impairment on the pseudoword rhyme judgment task (average z-score = -5.26). Compared to controls, patients showed impaired activation in both left and right perisylvian phonological networks during successful word reading. Patients showed stronger activation than controls in bilateral orbital frontal cortex and the pars orbitalis of the right inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusions: Orbital frontal cortex and IFG pars orbitalis have been linked with semantic retrieval and other conceptual processes. Successful word reading after damage to the left perisylvian phonological network is in part mediated by additional activation in these undamaged regions of the conceptual system. Supported by: NIH grants R01 NS033576, R01 DC003681, and R03 NS054958. Disclosure: Dr. Berentsen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Graves has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seidenberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Binder has nothing to disclose.
In situ transmission electron microscopy observations of sublimation in silver nanoparticles.

In situ heating experiments were performed in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to monitor the thermal stability of silver nanoparticles. The sublimation kinetics from isothermal experiments on individual nanoparticles was used to assess the actual temperatures of the nanoparticles by considering the localized heating from the electron beam. For isolated nanoparticles, beam heating under normal TEM operating conditions was found to increase the temperature by tens of degrees. For nominally isothermal experiments, the observed sublimation temperatures generally decreased with decreasing particle size, in agreement with the predictions from the Kelvin equation. However, sublimation of smaller nanoparticles was often observed to occur in discrete steps, which led to faceting of the nanoparticles. This discrete behavior differs from that predicted by conventional theory as well as from experimental observations in larger nanoparticles where sublimation was continuous. A hypothesis that explains the mec...
Menadione-Induced DNA Damage Leads to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Fragmentation During Rosette Formation in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Abstract Aims: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a leading cause of age-related corneal edema requiring transplantation, is characterized by rosette formation of corneal endothelium with ensuing apoptosis. We sought to determine whether excess of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species leads to chronic accumulation of oxidative DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, instigating cell death. Results: We modeled the pathognomonic rosette formation of postmitotic corneal cells by increasing endogenous cellular oxidative stress with menadione (MN) and performed a temporal analysis of its effect in normal (HCEnC, HCECi) and FECD (FECDi) cells and ex vivo specimens. FECDi and FECD ex vivo specimens exhibited extensive mtDNA and nDNA damage as detected by quantitative PCR. Exposure to MN triggered an increase in mitochondrial superoxide levels and led to mtDNA and nDNA damage, while DNA amplification was restored with NAC pretreatment. Furthermore, MN exposure led to a decrease in ΔΨm and adenosine tri...
Catalytic dehydration of methyl lactate: Reaction mechanism and selectivity control

Abstract Catalytic dehydration of lactic acid and its esters is a promising approach to renewably produce acrylic acid and its esters. Molecular level understanding of the dehydration reaction mechanism on NaY has been achieved via a combination of reactivity and in-situ transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic investigations. Bronsted acid sites generated in-situ with the assistance of water have been identified as the primary active sites for the dehydration pathway. The key branching point between the desired dehydration and undesired decarbonylation pathways is the dissociation of methyl lactate on NaY to form adsorbed sodium lactate and methyl groups. Bronsted and Lewis acid sites mainly catalyze the dehydration of adsorbed sodium lactate, whereas the decarbonylation pathway to acetaldehyde dominates when methyl lactate is not dissociated. Similar mechanistic steps are likely followed in the catalytic dehydration of lactic acid to acrylic acid. The mechanistic understanding gained will enable rational design of catalysts for selective dehydration of methyl lactate.
Human α1 Glycine Receptor Allostery as Identified by State-Dependent Crosslinking Studies

In order to better understand the allostery at a molecular level, state-dependent crosslinking studies coupled with multidimensional MS were conducted on glycine receptor (GlyR) stabilized in different allosteric states. Predominant allosteric states were stabilized using wild type or mutated receptor in the presence of selected ligands: resting (no ligand), desensitized (saturating glycine) and open (non-desensitized ivermectin (IVM) gated F207A/A288G GlyR). Recent advances in technology have led to numerous notable structures of membrane proteins. While they provide valuable information about the structure of membrane proteins they often require truncations of flexible regions often focus on bacterial proteins or homologs from other species given the need for heterologous expression and provide static images with potentially limited dynamics. A developed photo crosslinking methodology linked with mass spectrometric analysis on systematically generated single Cys mutations in GlyR with both Cys null and IVM sensitive backgrounds to enable us to study state-dependent structure of GlyR in comparative crosslinking studies. Studies were conducted on A41C and H419C mutants. A41 is shown to be in proximity to the pre-M1 and the M2-M3 loop region crucial for gating and very little or no information on H419 is available as it located in C-terminal tail of the receptor that is often truncated in structural studies conducted on other pLGICs. Distance constraints obtained from the above studies for the different states of GlyR identified specific crosslinks unique to each conformational state and identified potential motions in the receptor upon gating and desensitization. The defined constraints were used to update our model of human α1 GlyR and provide insight into channel function. Significantly, this methodological approach is amenable to study any allosteric protein and complement other high resolution structural studies in identifying protein dynamics.
Historical Overview of Glycoanalysis

More than half of all human proteins are glycosylated. Glycosylation defines the adhesive properties of glycoconjugates and it is largely through glycan-protein interactions that cell-cell and cell-pathogen contacts occur. Not surprisingly, considering the central role they play in molecular encounters, glycoprotein and carbohydrate-based drugs and therapeutics represent a greater than $20 billion market. Glycomics, the study of glycan expression in biological systems, relies on effective analytical techniques for correlation of glycan structure with function. This overview summarizes techniques developed historically for glycan characterization as well as recent trends. Derivatization methods key to both traditional and modern approaches for glycoanalysis are described. Monosaccharide compositional analysis is fundamental to any effort to understand glycan structure-function relationships. Chromatographic and electrophoretic separations are key parts of any glycoanalytical workflow. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance are complementary instrumental techniques for glycan analysis. Finally, microarrays are emerging as powerful new tools for dynamic analysis of glycan expression.
Autonomous Cloud Federation for High-Throughput Queries over Voluminous Datasets

The breadth and depth of information being generated and stored continues to grow rapidly, causing an information explosion. Observational devices and remote sensing equipment are no exception here, giving researchers new avenues for detecting and predicting phenomena at a global scale. To cope with increasing storage loads, hybrid clouds offer an elastic solution that also satisfies processing and budgetary needs. In this article, the authors describe their algorithms and system design for dealing with voluminous datasets in a hybrid cloud setting. Their distributed storage framework autonomously tunes in-memory data structures and query parameters to ensure efficient retrievals and minimize resource consumption. To circumvent processing hotspots, they predict changes in incoming traffic and federate their query resolution structures to the public cloud for processing. They demonstrate their framework's efficacy on a real-world, petabyte dataset consisting of more than 20 billion files.
p16 Immunohistochemistry Is a Useful Diagnostic Adjunct in Cases of Metastatic Cervical Carcinoma of Unknown Origin

Purpose Metastatic cervical carcinoma of unknown primary (MCCUP) is increasing in frequency owing in part to rising human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven oropharyngeal carcinoma. Identifying the primary site is valuable, because it is associated with increased survival and decreased morbidity. HPV-positive cervical nodal disease focuses attention on the oropharynx for directed biopsy examinations, including tonsillectomy. When the primary is small, carcinoma might not be apparent by traditional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining alone. Materials and Methods This report describes 2 cases of p16-positive MCCUP in which a small primary carcinoma was not readily identified in surgical specimens using H&E staining. Results Additional evaluation of the specimens with p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed carcinoma in these 2 cases. Conclusions When H&E staining does not show carcinoma in cases of MCCUP, p16 IHC should be considered given the high prevalence of HPV-positive MCCUP and the potential for identification of a small primary tumor that might otherwise be missed with H&E staining.
Dimensiones clave para revitalizar áreas comerciales urbanas: El caso de Getafe, España

La existencia en diversos paises de proyectos de desarrollo de areas comerciales urbanas, o Centros Comerciales Abiertos (CCA), resalta la importancia de identificar sus factores de exito. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: 1) Conceptualizar los CCA como conjuntos de recursos y capacidades, que fundamentan su ventaja competitiva en el mercado; y 2) Evidenciar empiricamente los factores de exito de estas areas, en un municipio de tamano medio (Getafe, Espana). La metodologia de esta investigacion presenta una revision bibliografica de dichos factores, a traves del Marco de las Cuatro Aes: Accesibilidad, Atracciones, Amenidades y Accion; para su medicion, se ha aplicado una encuesta sobre las percepciones de los comerciantes de los CCA. A partir de un modelo de analisis confirmatorio de orden superior, se constata la incidencia de estos factores. La principal conclusion de este estudio refuerza la importancia de intervenir sobre los cuatro factores de exito de estas areas urbanas, a distintos niveles de actuacion gerencial. Su principal contribucion consiste en presentar un metodo generalizable para revitalizar los CCA, reduciendo la incertidumbre en las decisiones de quienes planifican nuevos polos de desarrollo de estos CCA o la revitalizacion de los existentes: tanto gerentes, como autoridades publicas y promotores privados.
Comparison of patient-reported outcomes after traumatic upper extremity amputation: Replantation versus prosthetic rehabilitation.

Abstract Background After major upper extremity traumatic amputation, replantation is attempted based upon the assumption that outcomes for a replanted limb exceed those for revision amputation with prosthetic rehabilitation. While some reports have examined functional differences between these patients, it is increasingly apparent that patient perceptions are also critical determinants of success. Currently, little patient-reported outcomes data exists to support surgical decision-making in the setting of major upper extremity traumatic amputation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to directly compare patient-reported outcomes after replantation versus prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods At three tertiary care centers, patients with a history of traumatic unilateral upper extremity amputation at or between the radiocarpal and elbow joints were identified. Patients who underwent either successful replantation or revision amputation with prosthetic rehabilitation were contacted. Patient-reported health status was evaluated with both DASH and MHQ instruments. Intergroup comparisons were performed for aggregate DASH score, aggregate MHQ score on the injured side, and each MHQ domain. Results Nine patients with successful replantation and 22 amputees who underwent prosthetic rehabilitation were enrolled. Aggregate MHQ score for the affected extremity was significantly higher for the Replantation group compared to the Prosthetic Rehabilitation group (47.2 vs. 35.1, p Conclusions Patients in this study who experienced major upper extremity traumatic amputation reported more favorable patient-reported outcomes after successful replantation compared to revision amputation with prosthetic rehabilitation.
A transcription factor hierarchy defines an environmental stress response network

To respond to environmental changes, such as drought, plants must regulate numerous cellular processes. Working in the model plant Arabidopsis , Song et al. profiled the binding of 21 transcription factors to chromatin and mapped the complex gene regulatory networks involved in the response to the plant hormone abscisic acid. The work provides a framework for understanding and modulating plant responses to stress. Science , this issue p. [598][1] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/354/6312/aag1550.full
A simulation study to quantify the impacts of exposure measurement error on air pollution health risk estimates in copollutant time-series models

Exposure measurement error in copollutant epidemiologic models has the potential to introduce bias in relative risk (RR) estimates. A simulation study was conducted using empirical data to quantify the impact of correlated measurement errors in time-series analyses of air pollution and health. ZIP-code level estimates of exposure for six pollutants (CO, NOx, EC, PM2.5, SO4, O3) from 1999 to 2002 in the Atlanta metropolitan area were used to calculate spatial, population (i.e. ambient versus personal), and total exposure measurement error. Empirically determined covariance of pollutant concentration pairs and the associated measurement errors were used to simulate true exposure (exposure without error) from observed exposure. Daily emergency department visits for respiratory diseases were simulated using a Poisson time-series model with a main pollutant RR = 1.05 per interquartile range, and a null association for the copollutant (RR = 1). Monte Carlo experiments were used to evaluate the impacts of correlated exposure errors of different copollutant pairs. Substantial attenuation of RRs due to exposure error was evident in nearly all copollutant pairs studied, ranging from 10 to 40% attenuation for spatial error, 3–85% for population error, and 31–85% for total error. When CO, NOx or EC is the main pollutant, we demonstrated the possibility of false positives, specifically identifying significant, positive associations for copollutants based on the estimated type I error rate. The impact of exposure error must be considered when interpreting results of copollutant epidemiologic models, due to the possibility of attenuation of main pollutant RRs and the increased probability of false positives when measurement error is present.
Understanding investigators' attitudes through a results-based accountability framework within a single CTSA institution.

Purpose The National Center for Advancing Translation Science (NCATS) is implementing a new strategic management plan called the results-based accountability framework. This framework is part of the common metrics initiative. For successful implementation and adoption of new management strategies, it is important to assess current stakeholders' experiences and needs. Methods Interviews were conducted with principal investigators who are conducting research and supported by the Center for Clinical Translational Science at the University of Utah. Between July and August 2016, 15 interviews were completed and audio recorded. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on the transcripts. Results Results indicated the need to provide education about the continuum of clinical translational research; time constraints during pre-award; barriers to IRB submissions; difficulty balancing other responsibilities in academic health centers; and the need for shared study coordinator resources. Conclusion Implementing a new management philosophy requires an understanding key stakeholders attitudes and needs. The research identified ways to help engage investigators with centralized resources supported by NCATS and implementation of common metrics at this university.
Effect of Complex Formation on Drug Absorption I: Complexes of Salicylic Acid with Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Compounds

The effect of complex formation on drug absorption (gastric absorption by rats) has been studied by means of two model systems: ( a ) a rapidly absorbed drug (salicylic acid) complexed with a hydrophilic, surface-active, nonabsorbed, macromolecular substance (polysorbate 60), and ( b ) a rapidly absorbed drug (salicylic acid) complexed with a much more slowly absorbed drug (caffeine). In both studies, ethanol was used as a noncomplexed marker to afford recognition of possible changes in permeability of the gastric mucosa. Results of these studies were correlated with kinetic analyses based on the stability or binding constants of the respective complexes, the difference in diffusivity between free drug and drug complex, and the absorption rate of the free drug. It is shown that the absorption rate of drugs can be modified by formation of complexes which differ from the free drug mainly in size or in lipoid-water partition coefficient.
A Chebyshev polynomial-based Galerkin method for the discretization of spatially varying random properties

The uncertainty related to the spatially varying random property requires to be described as a random field, which in definition consists of an infinite number of random variables that are attached to each point of a continuous domain of the random field. The utility of Karhunen–Loeve expansion allows to represent the random field as the summation of a series of deterministic functions and random variables. By this way, the random field is represented by using a finite number of random variables. However, the K–L expansion depends crucially upon the eigen-solutions of the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. Therefore, the interest of practical random field simulations is mainly concerned with containing as few random variables as possible, but needs to guarantee small approximation errors for the reproduced results in the meantime. To this end, the Chebyshev polynomial is introduced in the paper for the solution of the integral eigenvalue problem. As an effective class of basis functions for the Galerkin projection, the convergence rate of the Chebyshev polynomial-based Galerkin method is assessed by means of the global variance and covariance errors. And its accuracy is examined by reproducing several stationary and non-stationary, Gaussian, and non-Gaussian random fields. Together with the practical simulations of the concrete compressive strength field, numerical results show that the Chebyshev polynomial-based Galerkin scheme has engineering applications.
Quo Vadis Test? The Past, the Present, and the Future: No Longer a Necessary Evil

For a long time , test was considered to be an afterthought in the design and manufacturing of integrated circuits. Designers were the heroes of the industry and the foundry was the magical (and mysterious) place where wafers were produced and revenue generated. The test engineers worked in the background—quietly and without much fuss—and they were there just to catch the chips that were tossed to them, and toss back the chips that passed scrutiny. Test was a “four-letter word” and it was indeed deemed to be a necessary evil. The world of design and test was separated by an insurmountable brick wall. The test industry was dominated by tester companies that made the “Big Iron” automatic test equipment (ATE).
Retrospective comparison of pain management in 99mTc Sulfur Colloid breast lymphoscintigraphy injection, with and without the use of Lidocaine

2622 Objectives The study was to evaluate pain perceived by patients undergoing 99mTc filtered Sulfur Colloid Breast Lymphoscintigraphy administration with and without the use of lidocaine. Patients were asked to rate their pain on the universal pain assessment tool of 0 -10, with 10 being the greatest, after the 99mTc Sulfur Colloid breast lymphoscintigraphy injection. Patients were randomly selected for lidocaine use for this study. Methods Three injections were administered into the superior, lateral and inferior retro-areolar area of the breast. Each administration was by a 3cc syringe attached with a sterile 25 gauge, 1.5-inch long needle, containing 0.150 mCi of filtered 99mTc filtered Sulfur Colloid aliquoted to 1.5 ml with normal saline. 13mg of lidocaine in 0.7ml was added to each of the 99mTc filtered Sulfur Colloid syringe for patients undergoing lymphoscintigraphy procedure with lidocaine. Patients were asked to rated their pain of the injection on the universal pain assessment tool. Results 127 patients were administrated with lidocaine and 45 without lidocaine. The average pain perceived by the patients from the lidocaine and non-lodocaine 5.5 +/- 2 and 5.99 +/-2.9 respectively. Conclusions The average pain for the lidocaine administration for both groups was nearly the same. Pain assessment by patient could be from the needle puncture, or hydrostatic pressure in the breast. Difference in the pain perceived may also be contributed from the technique of administration.
AUMF, Transparency, and the Role of Congress

Until early 2015, President Obama justified his actions in Iraq and Syria under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) passed by Congress post-9/11 in 2001; however, he proposed new legislation to face the current war on terror which envisioned the light footprint approach similar to the role of US forces in Afghanistan. There was considerable resistance from members of both parties. Democrats objected that the president was provided a blank check to undertake war, while Republicans felt that the president was hamstrung as commander-in-chief. Congress did nothing, which set a disturbing precedent with respect to the president’s overreach and abuse of his legitimate counterterrorism role at the expense of Congress.
The decline effect in evaluations of the impact of the Strengthening Families Program for Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) on adolescent substance use

Abstract The decline effect refers to the situation whereby an initially positive set of research findings concerning a phenomenon fail to be replicated in subsequent studies. One explanation for the occurrence of the decline effect is that the initial positive results reported in publications from a single research team are the product of the use of flexible data analysis practices and selective reporting. The present paper reviews evaluations of the Strengthening Families Program for Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) conducted by the research group who developed the program and five independent replication studies. The focus is on the effects reported for adolescent substance use. It is argued that the isolated statistically significant results reported in the original studies were produced through the use of flexible data analysis practices such as changing outcome variables across publications and post hoc alterations in study design. In light of this, it is unsurprising that the five independent evaluations have failed to replicate these results. A strength of three of the independent evaluations is that they were registered in a clinical trials registry and had published their study protocols. Both of these procedures limit the opportunity to conduct flexible data analysis. It is recommended that future evaluations of the SFP 10-14 should employ these procedures as well as utilizing the registered reports publication process, making their data and methods openly available to other researchers, and including a skeptic in their research team.
Impairment localization and quantification using noisy static deformation influence lines and Iterative Multi-parameter Tikhonov Regularization

Abstract Bridge structures decay throughout their lives even under nominal operating conditions. As bridge infrastructure ages and wears naturally or under extreme load, there is a need to monitor and evaluate bridge performance in an efficient way. This paper presents an impairment detection method that assesses the curvature of noisy static deformation influence lines to predict the location and severity of structural damage. In this method, a parametric approximation and two direct regularization methods i.e., Tikhonov Regularization (TR) and the proposed Iterative Multi-parameter Tikhonov Regularization (IMTR), are implemented to reduce the impact of measurement noise on flexural rigidity estimations. While the TR method assumes one regularization parameter for all unknowns of the optimization problem, the IMTR method has individual, iteratively optimized, regularization parameters for each unknown. To evaluate the performance of the presented method, four nominally identical beam structures with four different damage scenarios and multiple levels of measurement noise are studied. Combining the quadratic spline parametric approximation with either direct regularization method produces adequate curvature estimates that are subsequently used to predict the location and severity of damage. In cases of deep, sharp damage, the IMTR method improves the prediction performance by reducing percent error 4–32%, for noise levels ranging from 0% to 5%, when compared to prediction results from the conventional TR. Both regularization methods give comparable results for shallow, wide damage. A laboratory experiment is included that presents the FRE on a statically indeterminate system; both TR and IMTR provide reasonable estimations of the location and severity of damage.
Morphology of Salammoniac From the Huron River Shale Fire, Huron County, Ohio

Unless otherwise noted, all mineral photos are digital images by R. Peter Richards of specimens in his collectionHuron County, in north-central Ohio, is not a place one would expect to find an oil ...
Isomonodromic Deformations and Integrable Systems

The goal of this Letter is to give a possibly simple and graphical description of the relationship between the isomonodromic problem and integrable systems. One can construct a huge integrable system which contains isomonodromic deformations as well as all known 2-dim integrable systems in the Zakharov–Shabat form as its restrictions. Besides, a proof of the isomonodromic property of the constructed deformations is given that is considerably easier than existent proofs.
TOURISM AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Tourism is widely recognized as the world's largest industry, and heritage tourism is one of its fastest growing components. The intersection of heritage tourism and archaeology raises questions for archaeological practice, and the discipline has growing concern over the implications of archaeological sites receiving tremendous tourist attention. Research into the dynamics of heritage tourism for archaeology includes participant-observation studies, exploration of legal frameworks, studies of tourist advertisings and souvenirs, and ethnographic interviews with managers of historic sites.
Automated Tip-Based 2-D Mechanical Assembly of Micro/Nanoparticles

In this chapter, we demonstrate automated control approaches to micro/nanomanipulation with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to increase speed and reliability. A combination of micro/nanoscale physical models, mathematical transformations, and control theory is utilized to achieve our objectives. We use fast and robust particle detection algorithms to detect positions of spherical micro/nanoparticles on a substrate from visual or topographical feedback, respectively. We demonstrate through experimental results that it is possible to push and pull particles on a flat surface into defined patterns, autonomously using an AFM probe tip, with an error less than the particle diameter and with success rates as high as 86%. By detecting contact loss through either visual or force feedback for micro- and nanomanipulation, we bring control to the conventional blind push-and-look approach. Patterns or assemblies of particles are made using a commanding task planner that orders individual manipulation operations based on a minimization of a trajectory blockage metric.
Intratympanic gentamicin for control of vertigo in Meniere's disease: vestibular signs that specify completion of therapy.

Objective: To determine if a protocol of weekly intratympanic gentamicin injections administered until development of signs of unilateral vestibular hypofunction can alleviate vertigo while preserving hearing in patients with intractable vertigo caused by unilateral Meniere's disease. Study Design: The study design was a prospective investigational protocol. Setting: The study was performed in outpatients at a tertiary referral center. Patients: Entry criteria included a diagnosis of definite Meniere's disease according to the 1995 report of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), intractable vertigo despite optimal medical therapy, no symptoms suggestive of Meniere's disease in the contralateral ear and serviceable hearing in the contralateral ear. The outcomes of the first 34 patients who entered the protocol are reported. Intervention: A buffered gentamicin solution was injected into the middle ear at weekly intervals until development of spontaneous nystagmus, head-shaking-induced nystagmus, or head-thrust sign indicative of vestibular hypofunction in the treated ear. Main Outcome Measure: The 1995 AAO-HNS criteria for reporting treatment outcome in Meniere's disease were used. The effects of treatment were assessed in terms of control of vertigo, disability status, hearing level, and quantitative measurement of vestibular function with caloric and rotatory chair tests. Results: Vertigo was controlled in 91% of the patients. Profound hearing loss occurred as a result of gentamicin injection in one patient (3%). Intratympanic gentamicin was significantly less effective in controlling vertigo in patients who had pervious otologic surgery on the affected ear. Recurrence of vertigo ≥ 6 months after initially complete control was noted in seven patients (22%). Vertigo in six of these patients was eliminated by additional intratympanic gentamicin injections. Conclusions: Ending weekly intratympanic gentamicin injections when clinical signs of unilateral vestibular hypofunction appear can control vertigo in most patients. Hearing loss directly attributable to gentamicin is uncommon. Treatment outcome is best in patients who have not had previous otologic surgery.
Evaluation and management of solitary and multiple pulmonary nodules

Solitary pulmonary nodules are malignant in 50% of cases. The 5-year cure rate after resection of a malignant nodule averages 50% and is even higher if the nodule is small. Stability for 2 years suggests benignity, and the presence of calcification in certain patterns indicates that the nodule is probably benign. Biopsy of the nodule may establish benignity. The "wait and watch" strategy may be advisable under certain circumstances. Multiple pulmonary nodules are usually due to metastatic spread from an extrapulmonary primary tumor. Biopsy is usually advisable because the nodules may be due to a curable benign process.
Exploring the Effects of Extraversion on Social Facilitation and Vigilance Task Performance

Vigilance, or sustained attention, is the ability to maintain attention for extended periods of time. Recently, research on vigilance has focused on identifying individual differences and task desi...