cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoform regulation of early forebrain development

This work was designed to determine the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) isoforms during early neuroepithelial development in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), specifically in the forebrain. An emerging model of interdependence between neural and vascular systems includes VEGF, with its dual roles as a potent angiogenesis factor and neural regulator. Although a number of studies have implicated VEGF in CNS development, little is known about the role that the different VEGF isoforms play in early neurogenesis. We used a mouse model of disrupted VEGF isoform expression that eliminates the predominant brain isoform, VEGF164, and expresses only the diffusible form, VEGF120. We tested the hypothesis that VEGF164 plays a key role in controlling neural precursor populations in developing cortex. We used microarray analysis to compare gene expression differences between wild type and VEGF120 mice at E9.5, the primitive stem cell stage of the neuroepithelium. We quantified changes in PHH3-positive nuclei, neural stem cell markers (Pax6 and nestin) and the Tbr2-positive intermediate progenitors at E11.5 when the neural precursor population is expanding rapidly. Absence of VEGF164 (and VEGF188) leads to reduced proliferation without an apparent effect on the number of Tbr2-positive cells. There is a corresponding reduction in the number of mitotic spindles that are oriented parallel to the ventricular surface relative to those with a vertical or oblique angle. These results support a role for the VEGF isoforms in supporting the neural precursor population of the early neuroepithelium.
Probabilistic and Q-Coder algorithms for binary source adaptation

Developments related to the Q-Coder approach to adaptive binary arithmetic coding are reported. A theorem is established and more probable symbol renorms per less probable symbol at the equilibrium point are plotted for fixed and random augends. Details of Q-Coder evolution into the more easily implemented single-adaptor version are provided. >
Comment on zoonoses in the bedroom.

To the Editor: In response to Chomel and Sun (1), we would like to correct potentially misleading representations of risk factors for parasitic diseases. The authors correctly described risk for Chagas disease from exposure to infected insect vectors but included Chagas disease in the table, “Zoonoses acquired by close contact with pet, 1974–2010.” The bloodborne protozoan that causes Chagas disease is transmitted not by contact with an infected mammal but by contact with a vector insect that has bitten an infected mammal (2). For some parasitic zoonoses, contact with pets may not be a major source of infection. Molecular studies indicate that risk for human infection with Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. from dogs and cats may be lower than previously believed. Infections with these parasites are usually with species-specific genotypes. Human infections with assemblages C, D (dog specific), and F (cat specific) of G. duodenalis have not been confirmed. Infections with assemblages A or B have been reported for humans and other animal species, including dogs and cats, but no direct transmission has been documented (3,4). Most human cryptosporidial infections are caused by C. hominis and C. parvum (5); a smaller percentage are caused by C. canis and C. felis. Human infection with Toxocara canis or T. cati occurs when embryonated eggs are ingested; however, embryonation requires 2–4 weeks in the environment, suggesting that the risk from eggs in pet fur may be less than risk from exposure to eggs in contaminated soil. Other more serious zoonotic parasitic disease risks from contact with pet feces, including toxoplasmosis, are mentioned only briefly, if at all. Physicians need information that accurately communicates zoonotic parasitic disease risks to their patients. However, inaccurate or overstated risk communication can also lead to unnecessary prevention efforts and misdirected concerns about dogs and cats as sources of disease.
Use of multitemporal remote sensing thermal data for the creation of temperature profile of Alfios river basin

In this paper, we present the creation of a temperature profile of the Alfios river basin using multitemporal thermal satellite images. With the appropriate algorithms we converted the radiation into Celsius Degrees in order to calculate the surface temperature of the area. We proceed to the control of the model accuracy using in situ temperature measurements. The results showed that the error is less than 0.3/spl deg/C and it is acceptable.
Studies of the biosynthesis of protein and ribonucleic acid in HeLa cells infected with poliovirus.

Abstract The amounts of protein, RNA (ribonucleic acid), virus, and the rate of incorporation of P 32 into RNA were determined in various subcellular fractions of HeLa cells at various times during a single sequence of infection with poliovirus. From these data interpretations are drawn concerning the biosynthesis at the cellular level of protein and RNA which are induced by virus infection. Within 1 hour after the initiation of infection, there is a detectable accumulation in the cellular cytoplasm of newly synthesized protein and RNA. The synthesis of protein continues at a constant rate until the seventh hour of infection. RNA in the cytoplasm increases at a constant rate until the fourth hour, at which time the rate is markedly enhanced, and the first virus, as infectious activity, appears in the cytoplasmic fraction. The synthesis of RNA stops by the sixth hour. Virus accumulates at an increasing rate in the cytoplasm between the fourth and seventh hours. At the seventh hour, 99% of the virus formed is present in the intracellular state. From the amounts of nucleic acid and protein produced, their distribution relative to virus among the various subcellular fractions, and from the nucleotide composition of the RNA, it was concluded that the major portion of the newly formed materials was not virus.
Interfacial reactions: mixed order kinetics and segregation effects

We study $A\ensuremath{-}B$ reaction kinetics at a fixed interface separating $A$ and $B$ bulks. Initially, the number of reactions ${R}_{t}\ensuremath{\sim}{\mathrm{tn}}_{A}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{n}_{B}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ is second order in the far-field densities ${n}_{A}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$, ${n}_{B}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$. First order kinetics, governed by diffusion from the dilute bulk, onset at long times: ${R}_{t}\ensuremath{\approx}{x}_{t}{n}_{A}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$, where ${x}_{t}\ensuremath{\sim}{t}^{1/z}$ is the rms molecular displacement. Below a critical dimension, $dl{d}_{c}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}z\ensuremath{-}1$, mean-field theory is invalid: a new regime appears, ${R}_{t}\ensuremath{\sim}{x}_{t}^{d+1}{n}_{A}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{n}_{B}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$, and long time $A\ensuremath{-}B$ segregation (similar to bulk $A+B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$) leads to anomalous decay of interfacial densities. Numerical simulations for $z\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}2$ support the theory.
On the stabilization and observation of nonlinear/uncertain dynamic systems

The problem of stabilization and observation of uncertain and/or nonlinear dynamic systems for which matching conditions are not satisfied is investigated. No statistical description of uncertain elements is assumed. The uncertain and/or nonlinear quantities are described only in terms of bounds on their possible sizes. Stabilizing feedback controllers and observers are proposed whose design is based on the constructive use of Lyapunov functions and the Bellman-Gronwall lemma. >
Mating Induces Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuronal Activation in Anosmic Female Ferrets

In females of both spontaneously and induced ovulating species, pheromones from male conspecifics can directly stimulate GnRH neuronal activity, thereby inducing pituitary LH secretion and stimulating the onset of estrus. However, whether pheromones contribute to the steroid- or mating-induced preovulatory activation of GnRH neurons is less clear. Previous studies in the ferret, an induced ovulator, raised the possibility that olfactory cues contribute to the ability of genital-somatosensory stimulation to activate GnRH neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). In the present study the percentage of GnRH neurons colabeled with Fos-immunoreactivity (IR), used as a marker for neuronal activation, was investigated in the MBH of mated gonadectomized, estradiol-treated female ferrets in which both nares were occluded. In addition, the percentage of GnRH neurons colabeled with Fos-IR was examined in the MBH of gonadectomized, estradiol-treated female ferrets exposed to male bedding. Bilateral nares occlusion successfully blocked mating or odor-induced increments in Fos-IR in central olfactory regions, including the cortical and medial amygdala. By contrast, the percentage of GnRH neurons expressing Fos-IR did not differ between mated nares- and sham-occluded females. Exposure to male bedding alone failed to induce Fos-IR in MBH GnRH neurons. Thus, the mating-induced preovulatory activation of GnRH neurons in the female ferret's MBH appears to rely solely on genital-somatosensory as opposed to olfactory inputs.
Photon-photon correlations from a resonantly driven quantum dot in a microcavity

We demonstrate strongly driven resonance fluorescence from a single InGaAs quantum dot in a planar microcavity by measuring the coherent oscillations in the second-order correlation function, g(2)(t), of the photoluminescence.
Message to the Grand Convention of Ocaña

Fragmentation of Colombia had begun to take place. Sectionalism remained a strong force. The Colombian Congress was prevailed upon to call the Grand Convention of Ocana for the purpose of rewriting or revising the 1821 Constitution of Cucuta. Bolivar felt the Grand Convention was the last chance to hold together the Republic of Colombia.
Validation of the Pregnancy Asthma Control Test

Background Suboptimal asthma control during pregnancy may affect perinatal outcomes. US guidelines recommend questionnaires to assess asthma control including the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Objective To validate telephone administration of a modified version of ACT during pregnancy. Methods MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies (2011-2013) enrolled 159 pregnant women with asthma. Participants were interviewed by telephone at intake, at approximately gestational weeks 20 and 32, and postpartum. The ACT was modified to address dyspnea specifically due to asthma; the modified version is the Pregnancy Asthma Control Test (p-ACT). Women answered the p-ACT and guideline-based asthma impairment questions and reported asthma course changes and exacerbations. Possible p-ACT scores ranged from 5 to 25; higher score indicated better control. Reliability, criterion validity, construct validity, prospective validity, and responsiveness were assessed. Results Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was similar across time points (0.84-0.90). The p-ACT score varied by impairment; for example, at intake, the mean score was 23.2 for well-controlled versus 13.7 for very poorly controlled asthma. The p-ACT score change between interviews differed by asthma course; for example, women reporting that their asthma was much better at week 20 than at intake had a mean score increase of 4.7; women reporting that their asthma was a little worse had a mean score decrease of 1.3. Lower p-ACT score was associated with previous exacerbations, whereas intake p-ACT score was not associated with future exacerbations during pregnancy. Conclusions The p-ACT demonstrated good internal consistency, varied in the expected direction by impairment level, and was responsive to changes in asthma course. Telephone administration of the p-ACT is reliable and valid for assessing asthma control during pregnancy.
Teaching Computer Ethics Via Current News Articles

Many engineering and Computer Science students need to take a course in computer ethics, and many others could benefit from such a course as an aspect of good citizenship. However, many students cannot appreciate a course organized along the lines of traditional categories of ethics. Additionally, undergraduates generally prefer articles that are relevant to their own lives. This paper provides a discussion of new and current articles in areas of computer ethics that we believe are relevant to students. We have classified the articles by features rather than by a preexisting classification. We expect that the use of current news articles will increase students’ understanding of this material and enhance their interest in ethical dilemmas inherent in modern computer systems.
Subgrid-scale dynamics and model test in a turbulent stratified jet with coexistence of stable and unstable stratification

ABSTRACTThe subgrid-scale dynamics of stratified flows is studied in a horizontally introduced turbulent jet with coexistence of stable and unstable stratification of a low Richardson number case and a high Richardson number case. The positive production of subgrid-scale kinetic energy and the production of scalar variance suggest the forward energy cascade. The subgrid-scale buoyant destruction plays a role as a sink of subgrid-scale kinetic energy in the stable stratification while holds a role of turbulent generation in the unstable stratification. The role-switch of buoyant destruction in the stable stratification of high-Ri case implies the occurrence of a destabilising process triggered by the coupled instability mechanisms. The energy balance assumption related to the production of and the dissipation of subgrid-scale kinetic energy as well as the subgrid-scale buoyant destruction may fail. The a-priori test suggests the scale-invariant dynamic and standard Smagorinsky models not to work properly h...
Review: In HF with reduced EF, nurse-led titration of HF drugs reduces hospitalizations and mortality

Source Citation Driscoll A, Currey J, Tonkin A, Krum H. Nurse-led titration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, and angiotensin receptor blockers for peopl...
THE IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MULTI-FUNCTION ASTATIC SOFTWARE

The ASTATIC is an according processing program of GDP system,which is used for the static-emendation of CSAMT data,developed by the Zonge Engineering Research Organization.However,the software's function have limits of the following: At first,the software can not directly edit files with the mouse or the function keys of the keyboard;Secondly,the software,by only displaying Cagniard apparent resistivity data,can not show the electric field magnitude,magnetic field magnitude,magnetic phase and the difference of the phases;Finally,when outputting AVG files,we can not output data which have the convenience to form directly figures.Those can cause many questions when ones are exploring resource where deeping production mine,the industry is developed,and the humanities disturb in a big way.For example,We sometime have some difficulties in the deleting or editing some special interfere stations.To conclude,We have to improve the ASTATIC.This essay explants the improvement of ASTATIC in order to conveniences geophysicists,and gives the program codes.Finally the author presents a project example,and prove that the program is sound.
Epidemiological analysis of respiratory infectious diseases in Dalian city 2004-2010

[Objective]To know the epidemic trend of respiratory infectious diseases in Dalian city,provide the scientific basis for making the control strategies.[Methods]The data of respiratory infectious diseases in Dalian city were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology method.[Results]During 2004-2010,44 618 cases of respiratory diseases were reported in Dalian city,and the average annual incidence rate was 107.09/lakh.From 2004 to 2010,the annual incidence rate was 76.67/lakh,92.17/lakh,106.10/lakh,145.63/lakh,126.73/lakh,88.59/lakh and 113.72/lakh,respectively(P0.01).The reported cases of pulmonary tuberculosis,mumps,rubella and scarlet fever accounted for 97.47% of total cases of respiratory diseases.The average annual incidence rate of urban area and rural area was 138.48/lakh and 89.62/lakh respectively,and the difference was significant(P0.01).The average annual incidence rate of males and females was 135.70/lakh and 78.58/lakh respectively,and the difference was significant(P0.01).Most of patients were students,which accounted for 35.19% of total cases.The season peak was April to June,which accounted for 40.95%.[Conclusion]The pulmonary tuberculosis,mumps,rubella and scarlet fever are the emphasis of respiratory infectious diseases control.The students and nursery children are the key population.
Determination of the blood volume using radioactive Cr51: modifications of the original technique.

Abstract In the course of blood volume determinations using the Cr 51 method, a constant source of error was found with the use of the published technique. This was finally traced to the adsorption of chromium to the glassware and could be corrected by the use of nonradioactive chromium chloride carrier.
Addressing Physical Safety, Security, and Privacy for People with Visual Impairments

People with visual impairments face a variety of obstacles in their daily lives. Recent work has identified specific physical privacy concerns of this population and explored how emerging technology, such as wearable devices, could help. In this study we investigated their physical safety and security concerns and behaviors by conducting interviews (N=19) with participants who have visual impairments in the greater San Francisco metropolitan area. Our participants’ detailed accounts shed light on (1) the safety and security concerns of people with visual impairments in urban environments (such as feared and real instances of assault); (2) their behaviors for protecting physical safety (such as avoidance and mitigation strategies); and (3) refined design considerations for future assistive wearable devices that could enhance their awareness of surrounding threats.
The impact of the severity of early life stress on diurnal cortisol: The role of puberty

Researchers have documented dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in children and adolescents who experienced early life stress (ELS). The precise nature of this dysregulation, however, has been difficult to discern. In fact, both elevated and blunted patterns of diurnal cortisol regulation have been reported in children and adolescents exposed to greater ELS, including both reduced and heightened cortisol levels and change in cortisol across the day. These divergent findings may be due to developmental changes in the relation between ELS and HPA-axis functioning. The present study was designed to examine the role of puberty in the impact of the severity of ELS on the regulation of diurnal cortisol. Boys and girls (N=145) ages 9-13 years recruited from lower-risk communities completed an interview about their ELS experiences and at-home collection of diurnal cortisol. ELS experiences were objectively coded for severity, and children's level of pubertal development was measured using Tanner Staging. Multi-level piecewise mixed-effects models tested the effects of ELS severity and pubertal stage on cortisol levels at waking, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and the daytime cortisol slope. While we found no significant interactive effects of pubertal stage and ELS severity on cortisol levels at waking or the daytime cortisol slope, findings indicated that pubertal stage interacted with ELS severity to predict the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Specifically, in earlier puberty, higher ELS was associated with a blunted CAR compared to lower ELS; in contrast, in later puberty, higher ELS was associated with a heightened CAR compared to lower ELS. Differences in the relation between ELS severity and the CAR were uniquely determined by puberty, and not by age. By considering and examining the role of puberty, the current study provides a developmental explanation for previous divergent findings of both blunted and heightened patterns of diurnal cortisol following ELS. These results indicate that careful attention should be given to children's pubertal status before drawing conclusions concerning the nature of diurnal cortisol dysregulation.
Osteopontin Is a Blood Biomarker for Microglial Activation and Brain Injury in Experimental Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Clinical management of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) suffers from the lack of reliable surrogate marker tests. Proteomic analysis may identify such biomarkers in blood, but there has been no proof-of-principle evidence to support this approach. Here we performed in-gel trypsin digestion of plasma proteins from four groups of 10-d-old mice [untouched and 24 h after low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, hypoxia-ischemia (HI), or LPS/HI injury; n = 3 in each group) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis to search for HI- and LPS/HI-associated brain injury biomarkers. This analysis suggested the induction of plasma osteopontin (OPN) by HI and LPS/HI, but not by sham and injury-free LPS exposure. Immunoblot confirmed post-HI induction of OPN protein in brain and blood, whereas Opn mRNA was induced in brain but not in blood. This disparity suggests brain-derived plasma OPN after HI injury. Similarly, immunostaining showed the expression of OPN by Iba1+ microglia/macrophages in HI-injured brains. Further, intracerebroventricular injection of LPS activated microglia and up-regulated plasma OPN protein. Importantly, the induction of plasma OPN after HI was greater than that of matrix metalloproteinase 9 or glial fibrillary acid protein. Plasma OPN levels at 48 h post-HI also parallel the severity of brain damage at 7-d recovery. Together, these results suggest that OPN may be a prognostic blood biomarker in HIE through monitoring brain microglial activation.
Wrist-worn triaxial accelerometry predicts the energy expenditure of non-vigorous daily physical activities.

Abstract Objectives Triaxial accelerometry is commonly used to estimate oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) and energy expenditure in health and fitness studies. We tested the correlation of a triaxial accelerometer in terms of a summation of vector magnitudes with gravity subtracted (SVMgs) and measured VO 2 for different daily physical activities. Design Original research, cross-sectional. Methods Twenty volunteers wore a triaxial accelerometer on both wrists while performing 12 assigned daily physical activities for 6 min for each activity. The VO 2 was determined by indirect calorimetry using a portable metabolic measurement system. The last 3 min of each activity was assumed to represent steady-state. The VO 2 measured during these periods was averaged and converted into metabolic equivalents (METs). Results The range of VO 2 for all activities was 0.18–3.2 L/min (0.8–12.2 METs). Significant differences in SVMgs existed between accelerometer placements on the dominant (120.9 ± 8.7 g min) versus non-dominant hand (99.9 ± 6.8 g min; P = 0.016) for the lowest levels of physical activity defined as 2 = 0.85; P 2 = 0.86; P Conclusions Wrist-worn triaxial accelerometry reliably predicted energy expenditure during common physical activities
Studies of the Binding of Modest Modulators of the Human Enzyme, Sirtuin 6, by STD NMR.

Pyrazinamide (PZA), an essential constituent of short-course tuberculosis chemotherapy, binds weakly but selectively to Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Despite the structural similarities between nicotinamide (NAM), PZA, and pyrazinoic acid (POA), these inhibitors modulate SIRT6 by different mechanisms and through different binding sites, as suggested by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR. Available experimental evidence, such as that derived from crystal structures and kinetic experiments, has been of only limited utility in elucidation of the mechanistic details of sirtuin inhibition by NAM or other inhibitors. For instance, crystallographic structural analysis of sirtuin binding sites does not help us understand important differences in binding affinities among sirtuins or capture details of such dynamic process. Hence, STD NMR was utilized throughout this study. Our results not only agreed with the binding kinetics experiments but also gave a qualitative insight into the binding process. The data presented herein suggested some details about the geometry of the binding epitopes of the ligands in solution with the apo- and holoenzyme. Recognition that SIRT6 is affected selectively by PZA, an established clinical agent, suggests that the rational development of more potent and selective NAM surrogates might be possible. These derivatives might be accessible by employing the malleability of this scaffold to assist in the identification by STD NMR of the motifs that interact with the apo- and holoenzymes in solution.
Comparison of indocyanine green and sodium fluorescein for anterior segment angiography of ophthalmically normal eyes of goats, sheep, and alpacas performed with a digital single-lens reflex camera adaptor

OBJECTIVE To compare results of anterior segment angiography of ophthalmically normal eyes of goats, sheep, and alpacas performed by use of indocyanine green (ICG) and sodium fluorescein (SF). ANIMALS 10 female goats (mean ± SD age, 6.8 ± 1.7 years), 10 female sheep (3.0 ± 2.2 years), and 10 alpacas (7 females and 3 males; 6.8 ± 3.8 years). PROCEDURES A catheter was aseptically placed into a jugular vein. Each animal was anesthetized and properly positioned, and 0.25% ICG was administered. Images were obtained by use of an adaptor system consisting of a modified digital single-lens reflex camera, camera adaptor, and camera lens. Images were obtained at a rate of 3 images/s for the 60 seconds immediately after ICG administration and then at 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes after administration. Ten minutes later, 10% SF was administered IV and images were obtained in a similar manner. RESULTS Angiography with ICG provided visual examination of the arterial, capillary, and venous phases in all species. Visual examination of the iris vasculature by use of SF was performed in goats and sheep but was not possible in the alpacas because of iridal pigmentation. Extravasation of SF was a common finding in sheep and alpacas but not in goats. No adverse events were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Quality angiographic images of the anterior segment were obtainable after IV administration of ICG to goats, sheep, and alpacas. This may provide a useful imaging modality for ocular research in these animal species.
THINKING PROCESS OF STUDENTS IN UNDERSTANDING INTEGERS BY GIVING SCAFFOLDING TO CLASS VI AT SD INPRES PERUMNAS ANTANG I

In order to overcome students’ problems in understanding the subject, particulary Mathematics, capable assistance is needed. In this case, scaffolding is needed to be given to students according to their needs. This study examines students’ thinking process in understanding integers by giving scaffolding to class VI SD Inpres Perumnas Antang I. The study aims at examining the students’ thinking process in understanding integers by giving scaffolding to class VI SD inpres Perumnas Antang I. The type of this study is qualitative-deskriptive-explorative research. The research is the main instrument guided by understanding integers test anda valid interview guideline. Data were collected by giving understanding integers test and interview. The subjects of the study were six students of grade VI at SD Inpres Perumnas Antang I who had obtained integers material, those were two students with high ability, two students with medium ability, and two students with low ability. The research process was conducted in several steps: (a) formulating understanding indicator, (b) formulating the instrument, (c) taking research subjects, (d) collecting data of students’ thinking process in understanding integers by scaffolding, (e) conducting source triangulation to obtain valid data, (f) conducting data analysis, and (g) drawing conclusion of the result of the research. The research discovered that the thinking process in understanding integers had differences on each subject and in general the integers material obtained were processed and kept and would be retake even developed by giving scaffolding. The problem in stating integers concept, presenting the concept in a form of mathematics representation and implementing integers concept experienced by students with high, medium, and low ability in mathematics. The scaffolding given was various based on the problem of each subject in understanding integers. The lower mathematics ability of the subject, the more type of scaffolding were given
Diversity of Evoked Astrocyte Ca2+ Dynamics Quantified through Experimental Measurements and Mathematical Modeling.

Astrocytes are a major cell type in the mammalian brain. They are not electrically excitable, but generate prominent Ca2+ signals related to a wide variety of critical functions. The mechanisms driving these Ca2+ events remain incompletely understood. In this study, we integrate Ca2+ imaging, quantitative data analysis, and mechanistic computational modeling to study the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of cortical astrocyte Ca2+ transients evoked by focal application of ATP in mouse brain slices. Based on experimental results, we tune a single-compartment mathematical model of IP3-dependent Ca2+ responses in astrocytes and use that model to study response heterogeneity. Using information from the experimental data and the underlying bifurcation structure of our mathematical model, we categorize all astrocyte Ca2+ responses into four general types based on their temporal characteristics: Single-Peak, Multi-Peak, Plateau, and Long-Lasting responses. We find that the distribution of experimentally-recorded response types depends on the location within an astrocyte, with somatic responses dominated by Single-Peak responses and large and small processes generating more Multi-Peak responses. On the other hand, response kinetics differ more between cells and trials than with location within a given astrocyte. We use the computational model to elucidate possible sources of Ca2+ response variability: (1) temporal dynamics of IP3, and (2) relative flux rates through Ca2+ channels and pumps. Our model also predicts the effects of blocking Ca2+ channels/pumps; for example, blocking store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels in the model eliminates Plateau and Long-Lasting responses (consistent with previous experimental observations). Finally, we propose that observed differences in response type distributions between astrocyte somas and processes can be attributed to systematic differences in IP3 rise durations and Ca2+ flux rates.
The ‘reel’ Jesse Owens: visual rhetoric and the Berlin Olympics

The story of Jesse Owens has become one of the dominant sports narratives of the twentieth century. The compelling visual record of his performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics has been used to argu...
Extraction of guided wave dispersion curve in isotropic and anisotropic materials by Matrix Pencil method.

Abstract Guided wave dispersion curves in isotropic and anisotropic materials are extracted automatically from measured data by Matrix Pencil (MP) method investigating through k-t or x-ω domain with a broadband signal. A piezoelectric wafer emits a broadband excitation, linear chirp signal to generate guided waves in the plate. The propagating waves are measured at discrete locations along the lines for one-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometer (1-D LDV). Measurements are first Fourier transformed into either wavenumber-time k-t domain or space-frequency x-ω domain. MP method is then employed to extract the dispersion curves explicitly associated with different wave modes. In addition, the phase and group velocity are deduced by the relations between wavenumbers and frequencies. In this research, the inspections for dispersion relations on an aluminum plate by MP method from k-t or x-ω domain are demonstrated and compared with two-dimensional Fourier transform (2-D FFT). Other experiments on a thicker aluminum plate for higher modes and a composite plate are analyzed by MP method. Extracted relations of composite plate are confirmed by three-dimensional (3-D) theoretical curves computed numerically. The results explain that the MP method not only shows more accuracy for distinguishing the dispersion curves on isotropic material, but also obtains good agreements with theoretical curves on anisotropic and laminated materials.
The N-Benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines

No new N-benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines have been isolated from natural sources in recent years. However, the structure of corgoine has been confirmed by three syntheses. The first involves reduction of the N-benzyl quaternary salt derived from isoquinoline l,1 whereas the second approach utilizes the Pictet-Spengler reaction to cyclize the substituted phenethylamine 2 (see Scheme 31.1).2
DNA REPAIR NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES WHICH PREVENT PREMATURE DEATH OF NEURONS IN HUMANS: EVIDENCE FROM STUDIES ON XERODERMA PIGMENTOSUM

ABSTRACT Evaluation of xeroderma pigmentosum patients' clinical presentations, complementation group assignments, and post-ultraviolet irradiation colony-forming abilities indicates that, among DNA nucleotide sequences which affect DNA excision repair, there are at least two, and possibly three, discrete sequences which are required to prevent premature death of nerve cells. These three sequences define complementation groups A, D, and C., respectively.
Modelling of the Magnetic Couplers in High Frequencies Dedicated to the Photovoltaic Panels

Our work presents a technical and experimental approach for the modeling of magnetic couplers. To do this, we have modeled, under MATLAB / Simulink, the equivalent electrical circuit of the coupler with two windings. We have taken into account the different sources of losses: series, parallel and additional (Foucault current, proximity). We have demonstrated that a circuit, consisting of an inductance and a resistor in parallel, allows the representation of different types of losses resulting from the induced currents (Foucault currents, proximity effects) and losses in the core. We compared the graphs of the simulations, associated with our model, with those experimental. The results obtained, at different frequency values, are very close to the measurements. This confirms the correspondence between the proposed electrical model and the real model of the coupler.
An Exploratory Analysis of Seven Child Welfare Workers who Confused SIDS with Child Maltreatment Fatalities: A Brief Research Report

Previous research shows that child welfare workers (CWWs) have low levels of knowledge of risk factors for child maltreatment fatalities. Further, these gaps in knowledge leave CWWs with misconcept...
First Impressions Count: Foreign Firms' Entry and Exit from the U.S.

We examine the listings and delistings of foreign firms from major U.S. exchanges over the period 1962 - 2006. Over this period a total of 1,344 firms listed and 724 firms delisted due to merger and acquisitions, involuntary, or voluntary reasons. We examine whether certain characteristics of a foreign firm at listing increase the likelihood of achieving benefits from listing in the U.S. market. Entry characteristics shape the probability that a firm will be able to achieve benefits from listing and help identify the firms most sensitive to changes in the costs and benefits of listing. Firms that are just "over the bar" with respect to benefits, when exogenous shocks such as SOX occur, are more likely to delist. In the first year of listing, we find large differences in firm quality and other attributes between the firms that delist and the firms that remain listed, that detract from the former's ability to generate benefits. Entry characteristics are also relevant to the question of whether SOX is driving firms from the U.S. market because they shape the expectations with respect to the costs of regulation. We estimate a probit model of the probability of delisting before and after SOX that compares the firms that remain listed in the U.S. to the firms delisting. We focus on the firms that listed before SOX and delisted after SOX because they were less likely to have anticipated the change in regulation (were "caught off guard") when they listed. Holding other factors constant, firms delisting prior to SOX are significantly more likely to be from poor governance countries, whereas firms delisting after SOX are significantly more likely to be from good governance countries. Consistent with the bonding hypothesis, the costs of obtaining U.S. certification unexpectedly increases for these firms following SOX, leading those from good governance countries to exit the U.S. The departing firms also shed light on the entering firms. The voluntary delists that are caught off guard by SOX are small, somewhat less profitable firms, have lower analyst coverage, and make less use of capital raising compared to firms that remain listed in the U.S. Eighty percent of their home markets are developed and have strong governance. These firms do not appear to realize large benefits from listing in the U.S.
Calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains, USA

Abstract The Southern High Plains (SHP) is a new and emerging U.S. uranium province. Here, uranyl vanadates form deposits in Pliocene to Pleistocene sandstone, dolomite, and limestone. Fifteen calcrete uranium occurrences are identified; two of these, the Buzzard Draw and Sulfur Springs Draw deposits, have combined in-place resources estimated at about 4 million pounds of U3O8. Ore minerals carnotite and finchite are hosted in dolomite at the Sulfur Springs Draw deposit, with accessory fluorite, celestine, smectite/illite, autunite, and strontium carbonate. Host carbonate at the Sulfur Springs Draw deposit is ∼190 ka and mineralization mobilized as recently as 3.8 ka. Ash collected near the deposit is 631 ka and erupted from the Yellowstone caldera complex. The Triassic Dockum Group that contains sandstone-hosted uranium deposits throughout the region and underlies the SHP is a potential source for uranium and vanadium. Regional uplift and dissection reintroduced oxygenated groundwater into the Dockum Group, mobilizing uranium. Additional uranium may have been contributed to groundwater by weathering of volcanic ash in Pliocene and Pleistocene host rocks. The locations of the uranium occurrences are mostly in modern drainage systems in the southeast portion of the SHP. Modelling of modern groundwater in the SHP carried out in a parallel study shows that a single fluid could form carnotite through evaporation, and that fluids of the requisite composition are more prevalent in the southern portion of the SHP. The southeastern portion of the SHP hosts more uranium occurrences due to a variety of factors including (1) upward transport of groundwater and connectivity between source and host rock, (2) higher uranium and vanadium content of groundwater, (3) higher rates of groundwater recharge in this region to drive the mineralizing system, and (4) shallower groundwater facilitating surface evaporation. Ongoing erosion of host rocks challenges preservation of deposits and may limit their size.
Surgical treatment of an intrinsic plus contracture of the hand secondary to Parkinson’s disease

While uncommon, contractures can be associated with Parkinson’s disease. The ongoing muscle spasticity associated with this condition could make the results of surgical intervention less predictabl...
The effect of gestational state on oxygen consumption and response to hypoxia in the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna

Metabolic activity in livebearing fishes increases with embryonic development so that embryos prior to parturition may have a higher mass-specific oxygen requirement than maternal tissues, temporarily increasing the total routine oxygen requirement of the female. We examined whether females of the livebearing poeciliid Poecilia latipinna (sailfin molly) increase their routine metabolic oxygen consumption during development of their broods. We also quantified effects of gestation on time allocation to aquatic surface respiration (ASR) under hypoxic conditions. Mass-adjusted routine metabolic rate (RMR) of female mollies showed a significant increase during late gestation. The RMR of males did not differ from females that were in their early or mid stage of gestation, but was lower than females in late gestation. Gestating females spent approximately 27% more time conducting ASR than non-gestating females when exposed to chronic hypoxia (1 mg l−1), further supporting a brood-related increase in oxygen demand. Increased time allocation to ASR may directly affect maternal predation risk in low-oxygen conditions.
Response of Power System Protective Relays to Solar and HEMP MHD-E3 GIC

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in a power system are the result of variations in the earth's magnetosphere influenced by solar storms or, in the extreme case, the late-time magnetohydrodynamic (MHD-E3) component of a high-altitude nuclear detonation. These currents appear as a quasi-DC offset superimposed on the AC current waveform and are capable of driving power system transformers towards saturation. A three-phase transformer system with varying levels of DC injection has been constructed in order to create a scale version of these quasi-DC transient waveforms. These harmonic-rich waveforms have been used to create tests for injection into protective relays. The relays under analysis include microprocessor, solid state, and electromechanical, representing applications including transformer, line and feeder protection.This paper is presented to the Texas A&M Conference for Protective Relay Engineers, College Station, TX, March 26, 2019.
Engineering adeno-associated virus vectors for gene therapy.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene delivery was recently approved for the treatment of inherited blindness and spinal muscular atrophy, and long-term therapeutic effects have been achieved for other rare diseases, including haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, current research indicates that the genetic modification of AAV vectors may further facilitate the success of AAV gene therapy. Vector engineering can increase AAV transduction efficiency (by optimizing the transgene cassette), vector tropism (using capsid engineering) and the ability of the capsid and transgene to avoid the host immune response (by genetically modifying these components), as well as optimize the large-scale production of AAV. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene delivery has had long-term therapeutic effects for several diseases, including haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genetically modifying AAV vectors to increase their transduction efficiency, vector tropism and ability to avoid the host immune response may further increase the success of AAV gene therapy.
A Pilot and Feasibility Mobile Health Intervention to Support Healthy Behaviors in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

African American breast cancer (AA BC) survivors are more likely to have cancer-related comorbidities compared with other women, ultimately putting them at higher risk for overall mortality and breast cancer-specific mortality. Survivorship care guidelines emphasize the importance of attention to obesity, weight management, and physical activity. Mobile technologies have been effective for improving health behaviors among cancer survivors, though few studies have focused on AA BC survivors. Creating Healthy Actions through Technology (CHAT) was a 4-week pilot intervention that employed an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to improve survivors’ physical activity and diet behaviors. We evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of a mHealth intervention for AA BC survivors. Participants (N = 22) were randomized to intervention (n = 13) or control (n = 9). All participants completed daily EMAs via smartphone for 4 weeks and wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. Intervention participants additionally received tailored health messages. Diet was measured using a self-reported questionnaire and physical activity with accelerometers. Participant engagement was high. Of 84 EMA assessments, the average response was 63 (SD 16.1). Participant accelerometer wear was at least 6 of the 7 days (SD 1.7) for each assessment. Eighty-five percent of participants reported the intervention helped change behaviors. Intervention participants reduced their sedentary time by 4.37 (SD = 7.14) hours/day versus controls (p = .05), reduced fast food intake by 1.5 servings (p = 0.008), and increased vigorous activity by 0.56 (SD = 28.10) minutes, which was non-significant (p = 0.959). Findings show feasibility and acceptability and potential of the intervention to positively impact physical activity among AA BC survivors.
Meningitis in College Students: Using a Case Study to Expose Introductory Neuroscience Students to Primary Scientific Literature and Applications of Neuroscience.

This case study was based on a popular press news article about Krystle Beauchamp Gridley’s experience with meningitis while in college (Miller, 2019). Students in an introductory neuroscience course read the popular press news article as well as an empirical article that identified risk factors for contracting meningococcal disease in college (Bruce et al., 2001). Students used information from the empirical article to identify Krystle’s risk factors for meningitis. Then, students evaluated their University’s policy on students receiving the meningococcal vaccine based on what they had learned. This case supports two important goals of neuroscience education, 1) exposing students to primary scientific literature early in their undergraduate education and 2) developing an understanding of the broader implications of scientific research for society. Students enjoyed learning about meningitis using the case-study method, reading the primary scientific article, and considering how scientific research can be applied to policy decisions. Further, the case was instrumental in supporting the content and process learning objectives.
Investigating Long-Term Brow Stabilization by Endotine-Assisted Endoscopic Brow Lift with Concomitant Upper Lid Blepharoplasty:

Objective:To determine whether Endotine-assisted endoscopic brow lift with concomitant upper lid blepharoplasty provides long-term brow elevation.Methods:Pre- and post-operative photographs from 35...
Logic Locking in Single Flux Quantum Circuits

The hardware security of RSFQ circuits has become an issue of growing importance for prospective exascale computing systems. Hardware security in RSFQ circuits is particularly relevant to large scale data centers operating with sensitive information. The number of fabrication facilities for superconductive niobium-based technology is limited, and the supply chain for distributing fabricated circuits can be compromised. Logic locking is widely used in modern CMOS circuits to enhance security by masking the functionality of the circuit using a secret key. If an attacker possesses a physical circuit secured by logic locking, the attacker would be unable to determine the intended function. In this paper, a novel methodology for logic locking is proposed for SFQ circuits. Mutual inductances are used to apply additional currents to some or all of the logic gates. These currents behave as keys to access the functionality of the SFQ logic elements. In the proposed technique, only after an additional correct current is applied to all of the locked gates will the circuit produce the proper output. By using inductors with a positive and negative mutual inductance connected to the internal inductances of the gates, the range of current required to unlock a secured circuit is greatly narrowed. In this work, the operation of this proposed logic locking technique is demonstrated using modified SFQ OR gates to enable security while maintaining proper functionality. Less than 4% area overhead is achieved.