cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Proactive Risk Assessment to Clinicians and Administrators

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) is charged with developing and implementing the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) patient safety programs. This includes teaching human factors and risk assessment methods such as Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA™) to clinicians and administrators at over 150 facilities. The method for teaching proactive risk assessment described here uses a non-clinical example that encourages participant engagement and permits hands-on demonstration. In the present study, 32 clinicians, administrators, and other VHA staff completed the steps to conduct a proactive risk assessment on the topic of making s’mores over a campfire. An important finding was that the task analysis and review of all relevant risks and preventions was far more robust when the results from individual participants were aggregated. This suggests the value of a collaborative approach to conducting risk assessment within a health care system.
National (in)security and the shifting affective fields of terror in the case of Omar Khadr

ABSTRACTOmar Khadr, the Canadian teen accused of war crimes in Afghanistan in 2002, was the only minor held in Guantanamo Bay until his repatriation to Canada in 2012. Throughout his 13 years in U.S. detention and Canadian prison, Khadr remained a highly debated and contentious figure in the Canadian public, depicted as both a victim and villain through the circulation of his dual image as an adolescent boy alongside his photograph as a bearded adult. Although evidence was never presented to the Canadian public that Khadr was a threat to Canada’s national security, his treatment by the federal government and his framing in Canadian news media depicted Khadr as a terrorist. Looking at the relationship between the circulation of Khadr’s dual image and representations of him as a victim/villain, this paper argues that discourses of national security, the construction of dangerous masculinity in the racialization of Arabs and Muslims, and the affects of fear and anxiety circulating in the perceived threat of ...
Accounting for ecosystem services in compensating for the costs of effective conservation in protected areas

Abstract Protected areas are a major approach for conserving ecosystem services globally. Effective conservation in protected areas must integrate human livelihoods into the design and management of conservation. Although ecosystem services can contribute to reducing local people's costs of conservation, exploitation of ecosystem services often results in ecosystem degradation. One important ecosystem service is fuelwood, which is used by > 2.5 billion people worldwide. Conservation policy design needs information on the demand for and values of fuelwood that can be extracted without compromising conservation goals of protected areas. We estimated local people's willingness to pay (WTP) for access to fuelwood in China's Wolong Nature Reserve, which is undergoing a net increase in forest area. Forest recovery in Wolong resulted from both the protection of the reserve and conservation under China's Natural Forest Conservation Program (NFCP). The estimated mean WTP for access to fuelwood accounted for about 21% of the payment under the NFCP. Among household characteristics, the cultural practice of cooking pig fodder, for which there were poor substitutes, played a major role in driving the demand for fuelwood. Although fuelwood collection can be prevented through increased conservation payments, fuelwood collection under forest management that fulfills conservation goals of the reserve can substantially reduce the costs of conservation. In addition, many other ecosystem services are also important to local people's livelihoods, and the combined values of different ecosystem services can substantially lower the costs of effective conservation in Wolong and many other protected areas around the world.
Mechanism of diltiazem's immunomodulatory effects after hemorrhage and resuscitation

Although diltiazem improves immune responses after hemorrhage and resuscitation, its mechanism remains unknown. To study this, C3H/HeN mice were bled to a mean blood pressure of 35 mmHg, maintained...
Comparing the genomes of cutaneous melanoma tumors to commercially available cell lines.

// Stephen A. Luebker 1 , Weiwei Zhang 1 and Scott A. Koepsell 1 1 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE Correspondence to: Stephen A. Luebker, email: stephen.luebker@unmc.edu Keywords: pre-clinical; tumor model; sequencing Received: September 25, 2017 Accepted: November 12, 2017 Published: December 04, 2017 ABSTRACT Insulated culture environment and prolonged propagation contribute to known limitations of cell lines, and selection is often limited to availability or favorable growth characteristics. To better characterize and improve selection of cell lines, we compared 60 melanoma cell lines profiled by the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and 472 cutaneous melanoma tumors profiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas by DNA sequence and copy number alterations. All samples were scored for stromal and immune cell composition by the ESTIMATE algorithm, and 412 tumors with ≥ 60% tumor cell fraction were compared to cell lines. Uncharacterized early passage cell lines that lacked BRAF , NRAS , or NF1 mutations had near zero mean Pearson correlation of copy number alterations per gene to tumors and also tended to have higher stromal scores. The Comet Exact Test was applied to tumors and cell lines identifying three pairs of genes mutated in a mutually exclusive pattern in tumors but not cell lines: BRAF and NRAS , BRAF and NF1 , as well as NRAS and PTEN . Additionally, 31 genes were more frequently mutated in cell lines than tumors. Avoiding cell lines with co-occurring mutually exclusive mutations and the fewest differentially mutated genes within a known distribution of genetic similarity to tumors by copy number alterations may optimize selection.
Automotive Doppler sensing: The Doppler profile with machine learning in vehicle-to-vehicle networks for road safety

In this work, we present the fundamentals of a new sensing technique in Vehicle-to-Vehicle networks (V2V) called: Automotive Doppler Sensing (ADS), for providing road safety to connected drivers and connected autonomous vehicles by observing the Doppler profile. The Doppler profile displays the Doppler energy in the form of a high-resolution spectrogram which captures the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) reflections between stations. The Doppler profile can be analyzed in real-time for identifying vehicle dynamics as vehicles maneuver relative to each other. When machine learning is employed, the Doppler profile becomes a powerful new 360° “sensor” to provide both context awareness of the driving scenario and collision avoidance services. Experimental captures using real devices showcase the ADS capability to provide reliable awareness with high accuracy and few misclassifications in both line-of-sight (highways and surface streets) and NLOS (intersections) conditions.
Picosecond Proton Transfer Kinetics in Water Revealed with Ultrafast IR Spectroscopy

Aqueous proton transport involves the ultrafast interconversion of hydrated proton species that are closely linked to the hydrogen bond dynamics of water, which has been a long-standing challenge to experiments. In this study, we use ultrafast IR spectroscopy to investigate the distinct vibrational transition centered at 1750 cm–1 in strong acid solutions, which arises from bending vibrations of the hydrated proton complex. Broadband ultrafast two-dimensional IR spectroscopy and transient absorption are used to measure vibrational relaxation, spectral diffusion, and orientational relaxation dynamics. The hydrated proton bend displays fast vibrational relaxation and spectral diffusion timescales of 200–300 fs; however, the transient absorption anisotropy decays on a remarkably long 2.5 ps timescale, which matches the timescale for hydrogen bond reorganization in liquid water. These observations are indications that the bending vibration of the aqueous proton complex is relatively localized, with an orienta...
Perception of Speech Sounds

Fundamental principles that govern all perception, from hair cell to cortex, are shaping our understanding of the perception of speech and other familiar sounds. Information theory and biology of sensori-neural systems are emphasized in explanations of classic characteristics of speech perception, including perceptual resilience in the face of degradation, signal variability, segmentation, and categorical perception. Multiple experimental findings illustrate how a series of like processes operate upon the acoustic signal with increasing levels of sophistication on the way from waveforms to words. Common to these processes are ways that perceptual systems absorb predictable characteristics of the soundscape, from temporally local to extended periods (learning), and new information (change) is enhanced.
Hollow-Fiber Separation Devices and Processes

As proteins and other biologically active molecules are highly sensitive to phase changes, the process used to separate and concentrate them should not require any harsh treatment that might deactivate the molecule. One such mild method is the hollow-fiber process, a molecular-sieving membrane technique that separates by differences in molecular size and configuration.
THE DARK SIDE OF GOSSIPS: HINTS FROM A SIMPLE OPINION DYNAMICS MODEL

We consider a simple model of agents modifying their opinion about themselves and about the others during random pair interactions. Two unexpected patterns emerge: (1) without gossips, starting fro...
(Selfie)ishness: using the I-It/I-Thou distinction to parse an ethics of self-portraiture

Martin Buber’s I-It/I-Thou distinction is presented in this article as a useful analytic framework for approaching the ethics of self-portraiture without unnecessarily falling back on the (not alwa...
The Two Cultures of Complexity

Sessions at conferences on complexity or complex systems tend to differentiate into two types: those which involve quantitative data and sophisticated mathematical modeling and those which are almost completely qualitative. This is a reflection of the phenomenon of the two cultures, a term introduced in an influential essay by C.P.Snow, scientist turned novelist and policy advisor described the differentiation of the humanities and the sciences to that point that those in each camp were unintelligible to the other. The term two cultures has been applied to many different fields, but underlying the distinction is the qualitative/quantitative divide and their respective underlying epistemologies. Complexity science/theory aspires to be able to explain everything, but it is affected by two cultures as well. Kurt Richardson, a physicist turned philosopher described three “schools” of complexity theory – the metaphorical or literary school, the neo-reductionist school, and the critical pluralist school. These represent different methods and epistemologies – qualitative methods and social construction for the metaphorical school, quantitative methods and positivism for the neo-reductionist school, and mixed methods and epistemologies (positivist/realist/constructivist). There is much to learn from complexity is there is much that complexity can describe and even predict, within limits. Mathematical modeling can take you far, but only so far and only when you have sufficient empirical data. However, the myriad of interactions in a complex system defy complete description. In the complex field that is medicine, what is left when everything else is explained away is humanity.
Embryology, Anatomy, and Physiology: Anatomical Variations, Lipomatous Hypertrophy, Atrial Septal Aneurysm, Eustachian Valve, Chiari Network, Combination With Other Atrial Septal Defects

Abstract Knowledge of the embryological development of the interatrial septum can provide the basis for understanding the morphogenesis of some congenital cardiac malformations. The interatrial septum consists of several embryological components including the septum primum, the anterosuperior and the posteroinferior cushions of the atrioventricular canal, the septum secundum, and the left sinus valve. Normally the interatrial communication closes soon after birth. However, in about 25% of the population, this passage will persist and is known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO can be a risk factor for several serious clinical syndromes, including paradoxical systemic embolism such as ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction, decompression sickness in divers, and profound hypoxemia. Recent evidence further implicates PFO as a possible cause of migraine headache through mechanisms that are not fully understood. A PFO is amenable to interventional percutaneous closure, and multiple novel technologies are either available or under development for closure of this defect. A PFO may be associated with various anatomic anomalies such as an atrial septal aneurysm, a Eustachian valve, or a Chiari network. The pathology, pathophysiology, and clinical impact of PFO should serve as a knowledge base as multiple approaches to percutaneous closure become available for clinical application.
Patients Threatening Harm to Others Evaluated in the Emergency Department under the Florida Involuntary Hold Act (Baker Act).

Objectives This study describes the specific threats of harm to others that led to the use of the Baker Act, the Florida involuntary hold act for emergency department (ED) evaluations. The study also summarizes patient demographics, concomitant psychiatric diagnoses, and emergent medical problems. Methods This is a retrospective review of 251 patients evaluated while on involuntary hold from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 at a suburban acute care hospital ED. The data that were collected included demographic information, length of stay, reason for the involuntary hold, psychiatric disorder, substance use, medical illness, and violence in the ED. The context of the homicidal threat also was collected. Results We found that 13 patients (5.2%) were homicidal. Three patients had homicidal ideations alone, whereas 10 made homicidal threats toward others. Of the 10 making homicidal threats, 7 named a specific person to harm. Ten of the 13 homicidal patients (76.9%) also were suicidal. Eleven patients (84.6%) had a psychiatric disorder: 9 patients (69.2%) had a depressive disorder and 8 patients (61.5%) had a substance use disorder. Eight patients had active medical problems that required intervention in the ED. Conclusions We found that three-fourths of patients expressing homicidal threats also were suicidal. The majority of patients making threats of harm had a specific plan of action to carry out the threat. It is important to screen any patient making homicidal threats for suicidal ideation. If present, there is a need to implement immediate management appropriate to the level of the suicidal threat, for the safety of the patient. Eighty-five percent of patients making a homicidal threat had a previously documented psychiatric disorder, the most common being a depressive disorder. This finding differs from previous studies in which psychosis predominated. More than 60% of homicidal patients had an unrelated medical disorder requiring intervention. It is important not to overlook these medical disorders while focusing on the psychiatric needs of the patient; most of our homicidal patients proved to be cooperative in the ED setting.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in behavior mapping: A case study of neighborhood parks

Abstract Behavior mapping is an effective tool for the direct observation of the interaction between people and places. However, current approaches have shortcomings that introduce location inaccuracies and hinder micro-context recording of observed activities. This study explores the applicability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in behavior mapping. First, we suggest a protocol for the use of UAVs in behavior mapping. Then, as a case study, we explore neighborhood park uses using the behavior maps and quantitative information collected from 30 neighborhood parks in Salt Lake County, UT, USA. Inter-rater reliability tests of identifying user attributes (e.g., gender, age group, activity level) and geocoding produced high Kappa statistics and location precision. The case study results show different park usage by sex, age groups, and activity types across different times. For example, we observed only a few seniors and more males than females, a gap that becomes larger among children and teenage groups. User density was higher in picnic areas and playgrounds and lower in lawns, baseball fields, and water features. This study demonstrates that UAV-based behavior maps can provide both quantitative and qualitative data. Summary statistics, along with digital maps, provide accurate patterns of park use. It also enables qualitative, design-focused explorations such as different people-place interaction patterns by user attributes and time. As a reliable and effective tool for behavior mapping, UAVs can support practitioners’ data-informed and responsive design and management efforts.
Cyberinfrastructure of a Multi-Petabyte Microscopy Resource for Neuroscience Research

Advances in microscopy technologies and techniques are driving development of an integrated cyberinfrastructure to manage the vast amounts of image data being generated. To address this need, a team of neuroscientists and cyberinfrastructure engineers has integrated mass storage, networking, and high-performance computing components to create the Brain Image Library (BIL). BIL serves the neuroscience community by providing a persistent repository for the massive amounts of data being generated (multi-petabyte scale) and by offering brain researchers supercomputing-class processing and visualization capabilities for working with high-resolution brain image datasets.
A Systematic Approach to Increasing Respiratory Protocol Utilization in a Quaternary Care Facility

Background: A quality improvement project to increase the percentage of respiratory therapy protocol (RTP) orders on non-ICU patients receiving scheduled therapy should increase the percentage of patients receiving protocol orders. For the purposes of this project, we established a goal to have 85% of all patients with scheduled respiratory therapy orders to also have a RTP order. Our current RTP order set encompasses oxygen therapy, bronchodilator, bronchopulmonary hygiene, and hyperinflation protocols. Methods: We analyzed our data to determine our pre-intervention protocol percentage usage on non-Intensive Care patients. Using an Issue Prioritization Matrix, input was collected from Respiratory (RT) staff and physicians to ascertain the root causes of low percentage use findings. After prioritization, a series of PDCA cycles were implemented in succession to address our findings. Cycle 1: Increase RT staff awareness of the protocols, correct use of the algorithms, and encourage suggestion of the RTP order set to physicians at bedside. A series of educational in-services were provided to the staff by the department9s educator to cover these topics (7/10/17). Cycle 2: Provide weekly feedback to MDs when RTP not ordered yet condition appropriate. Provide feedback to staff regarding RTP use and turnaround times (defined as order to first assessment) in daily huddles (10/22/17). Cycle 3: Additional staff education on RTP usage, including providing additional methods of viewing RTP algorithms (11/5/17). One on one coaching for RT staff identified through quality audits to need additional training on correct RTP usage. Continued weekly feedback to providers regarding protocol usage percentage (11/20/17). Cycle 4: Daily phone calls to providers to notify them of patients without protocol orders that meet criteria (1/30/18). Eliminated PRN (as needed) treatments from denominator as deemed inappropriate for RTP use (2/8/18). Cycles noted in Table. Results: Our pre-intervention (July 2016-June 2017) data indicated a 5% RTP order compliance. Throughout our PDCA cycles from July 2017 to April 2018, compliance steadily increased from 5% to 91%. Our goal of 85% compliance was first attained on February 18th, 2018 and has only dipped below goal on 2 occasions (79% and 82%). Conclusions: By implementing a systematic approach to educate and engage providers and staff on the available RT protocol order set, vast improvements in protocol utilization were achieved.
Foster Parent Perspectives and Experiences with Public Child Welfare

Purpose: The retention of foster homes remains a concern across the United States; therefore, this study sought to examine foster parent perspectives of their fostering experience, adding to a body...
Design and implementation of a 9.4 dBi gain patch antenna with additively manufactured dielectric lens

In this paper, an additively manufactured dielectric RF lens is presented for increasing the gain of a patch antenna. A hemispherical shape is selected for an easy integration with a planar antenna, allowing it to keep a low profile while having a narrower beamwidth. The advantageous 3D printing technique is used to fabricate the dielectric lens for its ease. The fabricated dielectric lens is inherently wideband from 4 GHz to 10 GHz, which makes it an ideal choice for C-band operations. The designed dielectric lens can be used with any directive radiator, for example, a waveguide or horn antenna.
Lithium therapy in patients on dialysis: A systematic review.

BackgroundLithium is a first-line pharmacotherapy for the treatment of bipolar disorder, but long-term use is associated with nephrotoxicity. However, as dialysis effectively eliminates lithium, it...
Macrophage IA Hybrid Molecule as Product of the Ir-Thy-1 Genes

A primary anti-Thy-1 response in mice is under complex genetic control (Zaleski et al. 1986). This control has been shown to involve either class I or class II H-2 molecules depending on the form in which the Thy-1 antigen is presented to a responder. Briefly, when thymocytes from an H-2-compatible donor are used, the cell-bound Thy-1 antigen seems to be presented directly to the responder’s T cells. The latter are believed to require simultaneous stimulation by the carrier-like or helper determinants (Lake and Douglas 1978) or acolytes (Klein and Zaleski 1987). In contrast, when thymocytes from H-2-incompatible donors are used, the cell-free Thy-1 antigen, which is shed from the immunizing thymocytes, appears to be presented by the responder’s macrophages. This presentation most likely involves associative recognition of the Thy-1 antigen and the product of the two complementary Ir-Thy-1 genes (Zaleski and Klein 1978). Recently, it was demonstrated that the product of these genes is identical with a hybrid IA molecule (Quackenbush et al. 1985, Zaleski et al. 1985). The working hypothesis outlined above is based on two crucial observations. First, a good anti-Thy-1 response to the cell-free antigen is demonstrable only in F1 hybrids that express a particular hybrid IA molecule (Quackenbush et al. 1985). Second, in vivo administration of monoclonal antibodies specific for a particular class II molecule inhibits the response to the cell-free, but not to the cell-bound antigen (Zaleski et al. 1985, Quackenbush et al. 1987).
HABI PHOTOINITIATORS IN PHOTOPOLYMER FILMS DEVELOPED FOR HOLOGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS

Bis-imidazole photoinitiators are well-suited to photopolymer holographic films because these photoinitiators are sensitive, can be stored indefinitely, can be sensitized to all visible wavelengths, and are readily compatible with binder systems. It was the coincident development of bis-imidazole photoinitiators that catalyzed the rapid growth of photopolymer films in DuPont—holographic films in particular. The ready sensitization of bis-imidazoles has been exploited in a wide variety of holographic photopolymer films sensitized to all major visible commercial lasers, including panchromatic sensitization for the production of full-color holograms. DuPont has developed materials with excellent photospeed across the visible spectrum, extending from the UV at about 350 nm out to far red at about 700 nm. Typical sensitivities range in the few to tens of mJ/cm 2 , which is competitive with most other photopolymer systems and even approaches the photospeed of the ultra-fine grained silver halide materials that are employed to record similar structures. The choice of monomers, binders, and other polymers or oligomers determines the bulk refractive index and refractive index change. In addition, bulk physical properties such as diffusion lengths are determined by the choice and proportion of film components. This allows the design of films that record primarily small grating periods (reflection gratings and reflection holograms) or primarily larger periodic structures. It is also possible to record a wide range of pattern spacings and structures in films suitable for both transmission and reflection holography.
Experimental and computational studies of fluorescence lifetimes and spectra from scattering tissue phantoms

Summary form only given. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy has been investigated for disease detection and therapy, although absorption and scattering properties of tissue are known to affect intrinsic fluorescence intensity spectra. Time-resolved fluorescence studies indicate the potential use of intensity-independent lifetime spectroscopy for early cancer detection. For single fiber-optic probe geometries, we found distortions in measured fluorescence spectra from phantom media with varying optical scattering properties, while experimental and computational time-resolved studies showed invariant fluorescence lifetimes.
Hypothalamic Pilocytic Astrocytoma Presenting with Intratumoral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage —Case Report—

A 45-year-old male presented with sudden onset of severe headache. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an irregularly enhanced suprasellar mass with intratumoral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mass was removed in two operations. Histological examination of the tumor revealed pilocytic astrocytoma. The relatively rich vascularity and perivascular tumor cell proliferation observed in this benign lesion were probably the causes of this extremely rare association.
The rise in takeover premiums

Abstract Cash tender, cash merger, and stock merger takeover premiums for 1974–1985 are approximately bouble those for 1963–1973. Cash tender repurchase premiums also rose in 1974. Thse upward shifts remain after we control for the business cycle and a possible time trend in premiums. The shift in both takeover and repurchase premiums in 1973–1974 is consistent with some event not unique to the takeover market affecting the capital markets in 1973–1974. We also investigate the possible effect on takeover premiums of the 1986 Williams Act and conclude that it does not explain the premium increase.
Early- and late-onset startle modulation in unipolar depression

In two experimental sessions, we assessed early- and late-onset acoustic startle eyeblink modulation and subjective ratings of emotional pictures by nondepressed participants and by unipolar depressed participants. Depressed participants were assessed before and after treatment with the antidepressant medication Bupropion SR. Both depressed and nondepressed participants exhibited arousal-dependent startle modulation to early probes occurring 300 ms after picture onset. Nondepressed participants demonstrated the expected valence-dependent startle modulation to late probes (3,500-4,500 ms post-onset). In contrast, the late-probe blink magnitudes of depressed patients were unrelated to picture valence. This pattern of group differences was not moderated by treatment. There were no between-group differences in self-report ratings to pictures. These results suggest that depression may be characterized by anomalous responses to affective stimuli and that startle modulation can be a more sensitive index of affective response deficits linked to depression than self-report measures.
Fonctions extrémales et gain financier

Werner Hurlimann, ne en 1953, a etudie les mathematiques et la physique a l’Ecole Federale de Zurich, ou il a obtenu son doctorat en 1980. Apres des sejours a l’Universite de Yale et Bonn, il est devenu collaborateur scientifique a la Winterthour-Vie en 1984. Il a ete professeur visiteur associe en science actuarielle a l’Universite de Toronto durant l’annee 1988–89. Il a ecrit de nombreux travaux de mathematiques pures et appliquees, notamment en algebre et theorie des nombres, calcul des probabilites et statistiques, et science actuarielle et financiere. Ses passetemps incluent le jeu du tennis, la musique, la numerologie et la philatelie.
Age and region‐specific responses of microglia, but not astrocytes, suggest a role in selective vulnerability of dopamine neurons after 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine exposure in monkeys

Little is known about the effects of aging, the strongest risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), on glial responses to dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration in midbrain subregions that display selective vulnerability to degeneration. We evaluated the impact of aging on astrocytes and microglia in a regionally specific manner in a monkey model of PD. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was delivered unilaterally via the internal carotid artery of young, middle-aged, and old-aged rhesus monkeys. Astrocytes and microglia were identified using glial fibrillary acidic protein and human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) immunolabeling, respectively. Glial reactivity was assessed using (1) stereological cell counting, (2) fluorescence intensity, and (3) a morphology rating scale. In the midbrain contralateral and ipsilateral to the MPTP injection, astrocyte number and intensity did not change with age. In both sides of the midbrain, cellular morphology suggested astrocyte hypertrophy in middle-age dissipated in old-age, irrespective of DA subregion and regional differences in vulnerability to degeneration. In the contralateral midbrain, microglia became mildly activated (increased cell number and intensity, and morphological changes) with advancing age. Inflammation was evident at 3 months postlesion by severe microglial activation in the ipsilateral midbrain. HLA-DR fluorescence intensity and an abundance of activated microglia (based on morphological criteria) were consistently exacerbated in the vtSN of both sides of the midbrain. These results suggest the glial responses accompanying aging and DA neuron degeneration following a toxic insult represent persistent alterations in the microenvironment of surviving DA neurons that are important factors in understanding regional differences in susceptibility to degeneration.
Myosin Motors: The Chemical Restraints Imposed by ATP

Most molecular motors use ATP. This is not surprising since this is the universal currency of energy for most of life’s processes. The question to be addressed in this chapter is how does the fundamental chemistry of ATP hydrolysis influence the observed organization of linear molecular motors seen today with a focus on myosin. This chapter is written to ask in simple terms what can be gained by reconsidering the chemistry of ATP hydrolysis.
On Simulating a Markov Chain Stationary Distribution when Transition Probabilities are Unknown

We present an algorithm which, given a n-state Markov chain whose steps can be simulated, outputs a random state whose distribution is within ϵ of the stationary distribution, using O(n)space and O(ϵ-2τ) time, where is a certain “average hitting time” parameter of the chain.
High-speed digital interface for a real-time digital simulator

Real-time digital simulators for electric power system studies are useful for a wide range of applications in the examination of electromagnetic transients and their interaction with physical devices in a hardware-in-the-loop experimental design. Although these simulators are often equipped with analog interfaces to measure real-world quantities and to provide real-world control values, their ability to support an open high-speed digital communication link may be lacking. This paper describes a prototype highspeed digital interface for the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) platform at Florida State University. An all-electric ship model is adapted to demonstrate and verify the prototype interface in a real-time, multi-rate co-simulation.
Yeast Hsp70 RNA levels vary in response to the physiological status of the cell.

Abstract Yeast Hsp70 genes constitute a multigene family in which at least five of the nine members are heat inducible. Hsp70 RNA levels also vary dramatically during stationary arrest and sporulation. During growth to stationary phase, SSB1-SSB2 and SSC1 RNAs decreased in abundance as cell density increased. In contrast, SSA1-SSA2 RNA levels increased before the diauxic shift and then decreased as cells approach stationary phase. SSA3 RNA was detected only after the diauxic shift and accumulated to high levels as cells entered stationary phase. This accumulation was reversed by addition of glucose. Studies with cyr1 mutants indicated that SSA3 RNA accumulation is stimulated by decreasing intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations. When cells were incubated in sporulation medium, most Hsp70 RNAs, with the exception of SSA1-SSA2 RNA, decreased in abundance. This finding contrasted with the SSA1-SSA2 pattern observed during growth to stationary phase. SSA3 RNA was not detected during growth in acetate-based medium but accumulated after several hours. SSA3 RNA accumulation was higher in sporulating cells than in nonsporulating cells and was reversed by addition of glucose.
Small RNAs for Crop Improvement: Applications and Considerations for Ecological Risk Assessments

The world faces many challenges in the development of crop systems that produce more food, fiber, and biofuels while minimizing environmental impacts. Today, the central dogma of “one gene, one protein” has been supplanted by a realization that small RNA molecules have profound effects in plants and can be engineered to create novel crop traits. Crop improvement using small RNAs has potential in two broad areas: (1) modifying metabolic and biochemical pathways and (2) silencing genes in pest organisms to provide plant protection. In the USA, genetically engineered (GE) crops have been grown since 1992 with RNA-mediated virus resistance and a few other traits. At present, proof-of-concept experiments have demonstrated potential for insect resistance, nematode resistance, increased nutritional value, decreased human allergens, better postharvest quality, new flower colors, and other traits. As more RNA-mediated traits are invented, regulatory agencies are faced with the task of assessing the safety of these traits for humans and the environment. In general, it appears that current ecological risk assessment (ERA) frameworks will be suitable for RNA-mediated traits. However, there are some new challenges in predicting risks prior to experimental field trials or commercial crop production. Targeted research is needed to answer key questions regarding the following: (1) environmental persistence and abundance of artificial small RNAs, (2) off-target effects within GE crops, (3) negative effects on nontarget organisms, (4) effects of genetic mutations and polymorphisms in crops and other organisms, (5) uncertainty in risk analysis, and (6) technologies to rapidly identify and quantify GE crops and foods containing artificial small RNAs.
Implications of the Power Wall: Dim Cores and Reconfigurable Logic

Near-threshold operation can increase the number of simultaneously active cores at the expense of much lower operating frequency ("dim silicon"), but dim cores suffer from diminishing returns as the number of cores increases. At this point, hardware accelerators become more efficient alternatives. To explore such a broad design space, the authors present an analytical model to quantify the performance limits of many-core, heterogeneous systems operating at near-threshold voltage. The model augments Amdahl's law with detailed scaling of frequency and power, calibrated by circuit-level simulations using a modified Predictive Technology Model (PTM), and factors in the effects of process variations. Results show that dim cores do indeed boost throughput, even in the presence of process variations, but significant benefits are achieved only in applications with high parallelism or novel architectures to mitigate variation. Reconfigurable logic that supports a variety of accelerators is more beneficial than "dim cores" or dedicated, fixed-logic accelerators, unless the kernel targeted by fixed logic has overwhelming coverage across applications, or the speedup of the dedicated accelerator over the reconfigurable equivalent is significant.
Global Vorticity Budget Over the Tropics and Subtropics at 200-mb During Northern Hemisphere Summer

The large-scale terms in the vorticity equation are evaluated using Krishnamurti’s (1971a, b) summer mean winds at 200 mb for a global belt from 25°S to 45°N. The production of vorticity by the divergent wind field is found to be imbalanced over all of the tropical and subtropical belt. As a result there is a requirement for a sub-grid scale (space or time) mechanism which removes negative vorticity from the regions of strong divergence (Tibetan and Mexican highlands) and removes positive vorticity from the regions of strong convergence (mid-oceanic troughs) at 200 mb during northern summer at a rate of approximately 4 × 10−10 sec−2. As suggested by Holton and Colton (1972), in regions of strong and persistent convection, such as the Tibetan Plateau, deep cumulus clouds can account for this transport. However, the mechanism for removing positive vorticity in the vicinity of the upper tropospheric mid-oceanic troughs is still an intriguing and open question.
Numerical computation of the incomplete Lipschitz-Hankel integral Je o ( a, z )

Abstract Two factorial-Neumann series expansions are derived for the incomplete Lipschitz-Hankel integral Je 0 ( a , z ). These expansions are used together with the Neumann series expansion, given by Agrest, in an algorithm which efficiently computes Je 0 ( a , z ) to a user defined number of significant digits. Other expansions for Je 0 ( a , z ), which are found in the literature, are also discussed, but these expansions are found to offer no significant computational advantages when compared with the expansions used in the algorithm.
Changing Jobs: An Essential Part of Career Development

Supported employment, by definition, assumes the need for ongoing support. Despite this, assumptions inherent within regulations and policies of federal and state rehabilitation systems appear to be at variance with this definition: Job placement is viewed as final and support is temporary. Consequently, retraining and replacement services following the termination of a job are an afterthought, job change is equated with failure, and retraining is a reaction to this failure. In contrast, models of career development for the general population assume that changing jobs is an integral part of career development. In this paper we have applied this more normative view of career development to the rehabilitation system and the provision of supported employment.
Body size, dispersal ability and compositional disharmony: the carnivore‐dominated fauna of the Kuril Islands

As part of the International Kuril Island Project, we collected data on the distribution patterns of native terrestrial, non-volant mammals inhabiting the Kuril archipelago in the northwest Pacific. The Kurils have a complex physical geography, featuring both landbridge and oceanic islands in which small mammal-occupied islands are near mainlands, whereas larger islands are more isolated. This geography, in combination with the Kurils’ cold climate, causes the mammalian fauna to deviate from traditional island biogeographic patterns. We examined these patterns and the mechanisms influencing them using both nestedness analyses and measures of compositional disharmony. We found, as island isolation increases, carnivores constitute an increasing fraction of the mammalian fauna. We suggest that this intriguing pattern of carnivore dominance occurs because species’ dispersal abilities increase with increasing body size in the Kurils’ cold climate. Substantial energy reserves and cold tolerance of large-bodied carnivores may have been a major factor in determining mam- malian colonization patterns, patterns which are perhaps indicative of the complex manners in which challenging climates impact mammalian community assemblages.
“Ivory,” an Eye-Color Mutation in Tribolium castaneum

The first reported mutation in Tribolium castaneum Herbst was pearl (Park 1937). Since that report (mainly within the last 5 years) 8 of the 10 linkage groups have been marked (see Sokoloff and Davvson 1963 for a fairly complete literature citation). This note describes an eye-color mutation ( ivory, i ) which closely resembles but is nonallelic to pearl .
Optimizing algebraic connectivity by edge rewiring

Robustness in complex networks is an ongoing research effort that seeks to improve the connectivity of networks against attacks and failures. Among other measures, algebraic connectivity has been used to characterize processes such as damped oscillation of liquids in connected pipes. Similar characterizations include the number of edges necessary to disconnect a network: the larger the algebraic connectivity, the larger the number of edges required to disconnect a network and hence, the more robust a network. In this paper, we answer the question, ''Which edge can we rewire to have the largest increase in algebraic connectivity?''. Furthermore, we extend the rewiring of a single edge to rewiring multiple edges to realize the maximal increase in algebraic connectivity. The answer to this question above can provide insights to decision makers within various domains such as communication and transportation networks, who seek an efficient solution to optimize the connectivity and thus increase the robustness of their networks. Most importantly, our analytical and numerical results not only provide insights to the number of edges to rewire, but also the location in the network where these edges would effectuate the maximal increase in algebraic connectivity and therefore, enable a maximal increase in robustness.
Diabetes mellitus and advanced liver fibrosis are risk factors for severe anaemia during telaprevir-based triple therapy.

Background & Aims Adding telaprevir to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin increased both response rates and side effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. We identified variables associated with severe anaemia during telaprevir-based triple therapy. Methods An observational study was performed on 142 HCV-infected patients between June 2011 and March 2012. All subjects completed 12 weeks of telaprevir-based triple therapy or discontinued early because of anaemia. Severe anaemia was defined by a haemoglobin ≤8.9 g/dl; advanced fibrosis was determined by Fib-4 ≥3.25. Results The 47 (33%) patients who developed severe anaemia were similar to those who did not in sex, race, and prior response to dual therapy, but they were more likely to have diabetes (23.4% vs. 6.3%, P < 0.01), advanced fibrosis (46.8% vs. 29.5%, P = 0.04) and a history of anaemia during previous dual therapy (29.7% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.02). Patients developing severe anaemia were older (59 vs. 56 years, P = 0.02), had lower baseline platelet counts (134 vs. 163 × 109/L, P = 0.04), haemoglobin (14.0 vs. 15.0 g/dl, P < 0.01), estimated glomerular filtration rate (79 vs. 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.03) and a higher median ribavirin/weight ratio (14.9 vs. 13.2 mg/kg, P < 0.01). In multivariable logistic regression, presence of diabetes (OR = 5.61, 95% CI: 1.59–19.72), Fib-4 ≥3.25 (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.28–7.46), higher ribavirin/weight ratio (OR = 1.31 per mg/kg, 95% CI: 1.13–1.52) and lower baseline haemoglobin (OR = 0.57 per g/dl, 95% CI, 0.41–0.80) were independently associated with developing severe anaemia. Conclusions Severe anaemia occurred in one-third of patients receiving telaprevir-based triple therapy. Risk was greater in patients with diabetes, advanced liver fibrosis, higher ribavirin/weight ratio and lower baseline haemoglobin.
Cognition and incident dementia hospitalization: results from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study.

Background/Aims: Cognitive decline is a defining feature of dementia. We sought to determine if a single baseline cognitive test score or change in test score ove
Step down continuing care in the treatment of substance abuse: correlates of participation and outcome effects

Abstract This study examined the predictors of participation in step down continuing care in publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs, and the relation between participation in step down care and alcohol and crack cocaine use outcomes over a 36-month follow-up. The sample included patients in residential/inpatient programs (IP; N=134) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP; N=370). About one-third of patients in the IP sample received step down IOP or standard outpatient (OP) continuing care, and less than a quarter of those in the IOP sample received step down OP care. Patients who received step down continuing care following IP had greater social support at intake and were more likely to be female and White than those who did not receive continuing care. Patients who received continuing care following IOP were more likely than those who did not to be female and employed, and were older, had higher self-efficacy, and shorter lengths of stay in IOP. Participation in step down care was not associated with other factors assessed at intake. In the IP sample, receiving step down continuing care was not associated with better alcohol or crack cocaine use outcomes over the 36-month follow-up. In the IOP sample, there were also no main effects favoring continuing care for either alcohol or crack cocaine use outcomes. However, patients who received continuing care did have less crack cocaine use in the first six months of the follow-up. These findings suggest that new models of continuing care are needed that are more acceptable to patients, produce better outcomes, and are cost-effective.
Axigluon production in Z0 decay

Abstract We investigate the possibility of axigluon (A) production via bremsstrahlung in Z decay (from the process Z → q q A ) . We find that with m A = 50 GeV the branching ratio for this process can be as large as ⋍0.07%. Axigluons in this mass range are also shown to be compatible with data from the UA2 collaboration on two-jet production in p p collisions at the CERN collider.