cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Show me the money! An analysis of underserved stakeholders' funding priorities in Patient Centered Outcomes Research domains.

Aim: Develop an accessible exercise to engage underserved populations about research funding priorities; analyze the criteria they use to prioritize research; contrast these criteria to those currently used by Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Materials & methods: Academic and community partners collaborated to develop an Ipad exercise to facilitate group deliberation about PCOR funding priorities. Sixteen groups (n = 183) of underserved individuals in both urban and rural areas participated. Recordings were qualitatively analyzed for prioritization criteria. Results: Analysis yielded ten codes, many of which were similar to PCORI criteria, but all of which challenged or illuminated these criteria. Conclusion: Directly involving underserved populations in determining funding criteria is both feasible and important, and can better fulfill PCORI’s goal of incorporating patient priorities.
Conformations of N6-monosubstituted adenine derivatives. Crystal structure of N6-methyladenine.

Abstract Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data were used to determine the crystal structure of N6-methyladenine, a base that occurs in modified DNAs and in the anticodon loop of Escherichia coli tRNAVal. Crystals of N6-methyladenine are monoclinic, space group P 2 1 c , with a = 9.911(1), b = 5.850(1), c = 11.680(4) A and β = 92.49(2)°. Intensity data were collected with an automated diffractometer. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares to R = 0.033. The conformation of the base is such that the methyl group is nearly coplanar with the purine ring and is pointing away from the imidazole moiety. This conformation is similar to that found for adenine derivatives with bulky substituents at the N(6) position. When in this conformation, N6-methyladenine could not form normal, complementary base pairs with thymine or uracil, and would therefore disrupt double-helical regions of nucleic acids. Such an effect might account for the biological roles of N6-methyladenine in modification and restriction processes, and in the anticodon loop of E. coli tRNAVal.
Parameter-Invariant Monitor Design for Cyber–Physical Systems

The tight interaction between information technology and the physical world inherent in cyber–physical systems (CPS) can challenge traditional approaches for monitoring safety and security. Data collected for robust CPS monitoring is often sparse and may lack rich training data describing critical events/attacks. Moreover, CPS often operate in diverse environments that can have significant inter/intra-system variability. Furthermore, CPS monitors that are not robust to data sparsity and inter/intra-system variability may result in inconsistent performance and may not be trusted for monitoring safety and security. Towards overcoming these challenges, this paper presents recent work on the design of parameter-invariant (PAIN) monitors for CPS. PAIN monitors are designed such that unknown events and system variability minimally affect the monitor performance. This work describes how PAIN designs can achieve a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) in the presence of data sparsity and intra/inter system variance in real-world CPS. To demonstrate the design of PAIN monitors for safety monitoring in CPS with different types of dynamics, we consider systems with networked dynamics, linear-time invariant dynamics, and hybrid dynamics that are discussed through case studies for building actuator fault detection, meal detection in type I diabetes, and detecting hypoxia caused by pulmonary shunts in infants. In all applications, the PAIN monitor is shown to have (significantly) less variance in monitoring performance and (often) outperforms other competing approaches in the literature. Finally, an initial application of PAIN monitoring for CPS security is presented along with challenges and research directions for future security monitoring deployments.
Neoadjuvant nivolumab in early-stage, resectable non-small cell lung cancers.

8508Background: Anti-PD-1 therapy produces objective and often durable responses in ~20% of unselected patients (pts) with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of PD-1 blockade in treating resectable NSCLC is unknown. This is the first study to test nivolumab in the neoadjuvant setting. This trial design provides an opportunity to examine anti-PD-1 mechanism of action and immunologic correlates of outcomes. Methods: Patients with Stage IB - IIIA NSCLC received 2 doses of nivolumab 3mg/kg over 4 weeks before surgery. The primary endpoint was safety in 20 patients with resected NSCLC. Efficacy was explored using objective pathologic response criteria. Correlative studies of the tumor immune microenvironment, tumor mutation and predicted neoantigen loads, and changes in T cell receptor (TCR) clonality in tumor and blood pre and post treatment were conducted. Results: 22 pts were treated. Nivolumab was well-tolerated and no surgeries were delayed. 1 pt withdrew from study preop wit...
Comparison of Palivizumab-Like Antibody Binding to Different Conformations of the RSV F Protein in RSV-Infected Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.

Background Most respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidates include fusion (F) protein in different conformations. Antigenic site II found in the different F conformations is the target of palivizumab, the only US Food and Drug Administration approved monoclonal antibody (mAb). Serum palivizumab-like antibody (PLA) is a potential serologic correlate of immunity. Our objective was to determine if different conformations of F protein in a palivizumab competitive antibody (PCA) assay affect the PLA concentrations. Methods Four PCA assays were standardized using mAbs. Each contained prefusion, postfusion, or intermediate F forms. PLA concentrations were measured in acute and convalescent sera from 22 RSV/A and 18 RSV/B-infected adult hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. PLA concentrations were calculated using a 4-parameter logistic regression model and analyzed for statistical significance. Results PCA assays revealed significantly greater PLA concentrations in convalescent sera; comparable increases in PLA concentration in RSV/A and RSV/B-infected HCT recipients; and significantly reduced PLA concentrations in HCT recipients who shed RSV ≥14 days. A significant positive correlation was observed between PCA assays and RSV neutralizing antibody titers. Conclusions F protein conformation does not appear to have a measurable impact on PCA assays for measuring PLA induced by RSV/A or RSV/B infection.
Cancer mortality update with an exposure response analysis among styrene‐exposed workers in the reinforced plastics boatbuilding industry

Background There is sparse and inconsistent evidence of an association between styrene exposure and cancer. Methods This study examines mortality patterns in a previously studied cohort of 5201 workers employed in two Washington boat-building facilities, extending follow-up 5 years. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated using state rates as referent. Cox regression calculated rate ratios (RR) per year employed in styrene-exposed exposed jobs. Results No excess deaths from lymphohematopoietic cancers (LHCs) were observed (SMR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.74-1.30) when compared to the referent population; however, the relative risk increased with duration of employment in internal analyses. Conversely, lung cancer mortality was significantly elevated (SMR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.08-1.41), but there was no evidence of a dose-response relationship. Conclusion We found evidence that occupational exposure to styrene was associated with increased LHC risk, while no such association was observed for lung cancer.
Principles of Data Science: Primer

Let us face it. Statistics and mathematics deter almost everyone except the ones who choose to specialize in it. If you kept reading and reached this far in the book you are probably now considering skipping the chapters on Data Science and moving on to the next on Strategy because, well, it sounds more exciting. Thus, let us start this chapter on statistics by a simple example that illustrates why it is worth reading and why consultants may increasingly use mathematics.
Life-Threatening Pancreatitis in Jehovah's Witness Patients With Severe Anemia Treated Without Transfusions and by Interventional Radiology Techniques.

Blood transfusions in anemic patients frequently are used for critically ill patients as a life-saving therapeutic maneuver. Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients typically refuse blood transfusions due ...
THE SOCIALISM OF SOCIAL ENGINEERING and THE FOUNDATIONS OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

In light of the theoretical arguments presented in the preceding chapters it appears that there is no economic justification for socialism. Socialism promised to bring more economic prosperity to the people than capitalism, and much of its popularity is based on this promise. The arguments brought forward, though, have proved that the opposite is true. It has been shown that Russian-type socialism, characterized by nationalized or socialized means of production, necessarily involves economic waste since no prices for factors of production would exist (because means of production would not be allowed to be bought or sold), and hence no cost-accounting (which is the means for directing scarce resources with alternative uses into the most value-productive lines of production) could be accomplished. And as regards social-democratic and conservative socialism, it has been demonstrated that in any event, both imply a rise in the costs of production and, mutatis mutandis, a decline in the costs of its alternative, i.e., non-production or black-market production, and so would lead to a relative reduction in the production of wealth, since both versions of socialism establish an incentive structure that (compared to a capitalist system) relatively favors nonproducers and noncontractors over producers and contractors of goods, products and services.
Mistreatment and the Learning Environment: A Mixed Methods Approach to Assess Knowledge and Raise Awareness Amongst Residents.

Objective Trainee mistreatment, either intentional or unintentional, negatively affects the learning environment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention about mistreatment and the learning environment on general surgery residents. Design Video-based modules were developed and added to the residency curriculum. Modules provided definitions and examples of active and passive mistreatment and components of positive and negative learning environments. A mixed-methods approach was used to assess the impact of this intervention. Residents completed a previously validated pre and post-test of related knowledge and attitudes (Abuse Sensitivity Questionnaire). Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to compare test results. During video-review sessions, discussion was prompted amongst residents using a semistructured interview guide. Immersion crystallization method was used to identify dominant themes. Setting Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an academic tertiary care facility located in Boston, Massachusetts. Participants All general surgery residents in our institution (n = 58) were invited to complete a survey at 3 time points. Results Fifty-eight residents (55% male) responded to the survey (100% response rate). Mean age was 30.2 year (SD 3.9). Perception of nicknames related to personal identifiers (p = 0.0065) and name-calling (p = 0.02) changed significantly postintervention ( Table 1 ). Regarding standards of behavior, 42 (72.4%) residents considered yelling not to be abusive unless it occurred frequently or constantly; 15 (25.8%) residents considered swearing (not directed at a person) as “not abuse”; 6 (10.3%) considered constructive criticism to be abusive if it was frequent or constant; and 24 (41%) residents feel powerless to intervene in these scenarios. Multiple themes emerged regarding resident-student interactions: (1) resident perception that description of behavior as mistreatment depends on medical student sensitivity; (2) neglect of medical students avoids trouble (e.g., being labeled as active mistreatment); (3) failure to integrate students into the surgical team may occur due to perceived lack of student interest; and (4) communication with the medical student is key. Residents reported that discussion along with video review was more effective than video review alone. Conclusions The video-based curriculum on mistreatment and the learning environment created awareness amongst residents about this important topic. Knowledge and attitudes about mistreatment changed in some areas postintervention. These findings suggest a need for development of complementary curricula to improve resident awareness and understanding of components of a positive learning environment and definition/examples of mistreatment.
Relative Contribution of Acetabular and Femoral Reconstruction to Prosthetic Joint Instability Risk after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Prosthetic joint instability is a challenging concern for a minority of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. Placement of the acetabular component within the traditional safe zone does not eliminate dislocation, and the relative contribution of femoral length and offset to instability risk has not been well defined. The authors compared 53 dislocated primary THAs treated against an age- and gender-matched cohort of 134 stable primary THAs. Anteroposterior and cross-table lateral radiographs were used to determine whether reconstructions met targets for acetabular inclination (30–50 degrees), acetabular anteversion (5–30 degrees), femoral length (0–9.9 mm) and femoral offset (0–9.9 mm). Statistical analysis was performed to assess univariate and multivariate relationships with an instability event; statistical significance was set using a two-sided p-value
Extending OpenMP Metadirective Semantics for Runtime Adaptation.

OpenMP 5.0 introduces the metadirective to support selection from a set of directive variants based on the OpenMP context, which is composed of traits from active OpenMP constructs, devices, implementations or user-defined conditions. OpenMP 5.0 restricts the selection to be determined at compile time, which requires that all traits must be compile-time constants. Our analysis of real applications indicates that this restriction has its limitation, and we explore extension of user-defined contexts to support variant selection at runtime. We use the Smith-Waterman algorithm as an example to show the need for adaptive selection of parallelism and devices at runtime, and present a prototype implemented in the ROSE compiler. Given a large range of input sizes, our experiments demonstrate that one of the adaptive versions of Smith-Waterman always chooses the parallelism and device that delivers the best performance, with improvements between 20% and 200% compared to non-adaptive versions that use the other approaches.
Single-layer Planar Metasurface Lens with >170° Field of View

We demonstrated the first single-layer metasurface lens on a flat substrate capable of performing diffraction-limited focusing over >170° field of view (FOV). Wide-angle diffraction-limited imaging was also experimentally validated.
Pragmatist Methods: Experimental Inquiry, Somaesthetics, and Performance Praxis

This chapter examines John Dewey’s theory of inquiry which entails qualitative thinking in response to problematic situations, experimentation, and critical analysis of results. Mullis also discusses somaesthetics, the interdisciplinary field of study which advocates for pluralist inquiry aimed at improving the quality of bodily experience. He considers why theatrical performance has not been sufficiently engaged by those working in the field and, drawing on Dewey’s understanding of experimental inquiry and aesthetic experience, he argues that the methods and aims of Pragmatist philosophy are consistent with those of contemporary performance research. The chapter concludes by posing a problem regarding the cultural marginality of contemporary performance.
Creating an Online Presence for and Managing the Institutional Archive Using ArchivesSpace

This article describes how the Southern Illinois University Medical Library employed ArchivesSpace to create a searchable, online presence for part of its existing physical archive collection. Arch...
Age-dependent neuroprotective effect of an SK3 channel agonist on excitotoxity to dopaminergic neurons in organotypic culture.

Background Small conductance, calcium-activated (SK3) potassium channels control the intrinsic excitability of dopaminergic neurons (DN) in the midbrain and modulate their susceptibility to toxic insults during development. Methods We evaluated the age-dependency of the neuroprotective effect of an SK3 agonist, 1-Ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (1-EBIO), on Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) excitotoxicity to DN in ventral mesencephalon (VM) organotypic cultures. Results Most tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ neurons were also SK3+; SK3+/TH- cells (DN+) were common at each developmental stage but more prominently at day in vitro (DIV) 8. Young DN+ neurons were small bipolar and fusiform, whereas mature ones were large and multipolar. Exposure of organotypic cultures to AMPA (100 μm, 16 h) had no effect on the survival of DN+ at DIV 8, but caused significant toxicity at DIV 15 (n = 15, p = 0.005) and DIV 22 (n = 15, p<0.001). These results indicate that susceptibility of DN to AMPA excitotoxicity is developmental stage-dependent in embryonic VM organotypic cultures. Immature DN+ (small, bipolar) were increased after AMPA (100 μm, 16 h) at DIV 8, at the expense of the number of differentiated (large, multipolar) DN+ (p = 0.039). This effect was larger at DIV 15 (p<<<0.0001) and at DIV 22 (p<<<0.0001). At DIV 8, 30 μM 1-EBIO resulted in a large increase in DN+. At DIV 15, AMPA toxicity was prevented by exposure to 30 μM, but not 100 μM 1-EBIO. At DIV 22, excitotoxicity was unaffected by 30 μM 1-EBIO, and partially reduced by 100 μM 1-EBIO. Conclusion The effects of the SK3 channel agonist 1-EBIO on the survival of SK3-expressing dopaminergic neurons were concentration-dependent and influenced by neuronal developmental stage.
The Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction and Healthcare Expenditures in Adults with Spine Related Disorders: An Analysis of the 2008 to 2015 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS).

STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS) and healthcare expenditures (HCE) in adults with spine related disorders (SRDs). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA SRDs are widespread and pose a high cost to society. PS and HCE have yet to be studied in this population. METHODS Fifteen thousand eight hundred fifty adults with SRDs from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) (2008-2015) were analyzed. The MEPS medical conditions files were used to identify SRDs based on International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. Frequencies and percentages of sample demographics were calculated. HCE was measured as total direct payments for care provided during the survey year. A composite PS score was constructed using a 0 to 10 rating of their healthcare providers combined with the frequency in which patients felt they were listened to, were given understandable explanations, were respected, and were given enough time. Mean unadjusted HCE were calculated for each year and by quartile of PS. A two-part model consisting of a probit model and subsequent generalized linear model with gamma distribution was performed, adjusting for relevant covariates. Margins command was used to calculate incremental estimates of HCE. RESULTS Mean unadjusted HCE increased annually from $7057 (95% confidence interval [CI], $6516, $7597) in 2008 to $9820 (95% CI, $8811, $10,830) in 2015 for adults with SRDs. Adjusting for predisposing factors, individuals in second, third, and fourth quartiles of PS were significantly different from the first quartile. Adjusting for predisposing and enabling factors, only fourth quartile was significantly different from first quartile. After adjusting for predisposing, enabling and need factors, second, third, and fourth quartiles were no longer significantly different from the first quartile. CONCLUSION Expenditures have increased over time in adults with SRDs. PS is significantly associated with expenditures after controlling for predisposing and enabling factors, but not significant after controlling for need factors. Need factors appear to explain the relationship between lower levels of PS and higher HCE in adults with SRDs.Level of Evidence: 2.
A Novel Graphite/PDMS based Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator

A novel flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was fabricated for energy harvesting applications. The TENG consists of graphite/polydimethylsiloxane (G/PDMS) composite on copper (Cu) as anode and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer on aluminum (Al) as cathode. The G/PDMS composite was prepared by mixing G (6 wt%) and PDMS (74 wt%) in Toluene and bar coated on to a copper film. A surface thickness of 100 µm and 150 µm as well as a roughness of ~0.81 µm and ~1.5 µm was measured for the G/PDMS and PVDF, respectively. The capability of the TENG in term of open circuit voltage (OCV) and short circuit current (SCC) was investigated by subjecting it to a force of 4 N at varying frequencies of 3 Hz, 5 Hz and 7 Hz. Similarly, the OCV and SCC measurements were performed for 8 N and 12 N as well at different frequencies. A maximum OCV of 14 V and SCC of 3.2 μA was obtained for an applied force of 12 N at frequency 7 Hz, respectively.
Introduction and Coda to Re-Readings 2

According to the Oxford English Dictionary — in an entry that “has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891)” — it is a musical term meaning, “A passage of more or less independent character introduced after the completion of the essential parts of a movement, so as to form a more definite and satisfactory conclusion.” Sometime between Victoria’s reign and today, the coda picked up a related definition. It is now one of a bunch of words and phrases — others include stinger, tag, credit cookie, post-credits scene, and monk’s reward — that mean, according to MediaStinger, “An extra scene, picture, or audio clip during and/or after the credits of a movie or video game.” Or, as TVTropes puts it, “It’s often used as a type of Easter Egg . . . .” Surely, though, there is such a thing as too many codas, too many Easter Eggs. Yes, they are fun in movie credits, exciting in videogame DLCs, inspiring in biography epilogues, and entertaining in short-story sequels. But what if someone pelted you with an Easter Egg after every scene in a movie or after every paragraph in a book? You can have that experience right now, today, in the talking footnotes in articles written by great legal scholars, edited by smart law students, and published in weighty law reviews housed at highly-ranked law schools (and in many other fine law journals as well). Could making law reviews more like movies make for more readable (and thus more useful) legal scholarship?
Anatomically-Informed Deep Learning on Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Scar Segmentation and Clinical Feature Extraction

ABSTRACT Background Visualizing fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with contrast enhancement (LGE) is paramount in characterizing disease progression and identifying arrhythmia substrates. Segmentation and fibrosis quantification from LGE-CMR is intensive, manual, and prone to inter-observer variability. There is an unmet need for automated LGE-CMR image segmentation that ensures anatomical accuracy and seamless extraction of clinical features. Objective This study aimed to develop a novel deep learning solution for analysis of contrast-enhanced CMR images which produces anatomically accurate myocardium and scar/fibrosis segmentations and uses these to calculate features of clinical interest. Methods Data sources were 155 2-D LGE-CMR patient scans (1,124 slices) and 246 synthetic “LGE-like” scans (1, 360 slices) obtained from cine CMR using a novel style-transfer algorithm. We trained and tested a 3-stage neural network which identified the left ventricle (LV) region of interest (ROI), segmented ROI into viable myocardium and regions of enhancement, and post-processed the segmentations results to enforce conforming to anatomical constraints. The segmentations were used to directly compute clinical features, such as LV volume and scar burden. Results Predicted LV and scar segmentations achieved 96% and 75% balanced accuracy, respectively, and 0.93 and 0.57 Dice coefficient when compared to trained expert segmentations. The mean scar burden difference between manual and predicted segmentations was 2%. Conclusions We developed and validated a deep neural network for automatic, anatomically accurate expert-level LGE- CMR myocardium and scar/fibrosis segmentation, allowing direct calculation of clinical measures. Given the training set heterogeneity, our approach could be extended to multiple imaging modalities and patient pathologies.
Power-Law Distributions

The essential points of this chapter are The Pareto law The log-normal distribution The two regimes of income distribution and how it is explained The Zipf’s law of word frequency The behavior of stock prices as a function of time according to Louis Bachelier and Benoit Mandelbrot The definition of econophysics The universal behavior of rank as a function size for cities The distribution of family names (in Japan) The distribution of votes (in Sao Paulo) The explanation of the power-law behavior The log-normal behavior The definition of self-organized criticality The sandpile model and the avalanches
A multipartite Ramsey number for odd cycles

In this article we study multipartite Ramsey numbers for odd cycles. Our main result is the proof that a conjecture of Gyarfas et al. (J Graph Theory 61 (2009), 12–21), holds for graphs with a large enough number of vertices. Precisely, there exists n0 such that if n⩾n0 is a positive odd integer then any two-coloring of the edges of the complete five-partite graph K(n − 1)/2, (n − 1)/2, (n − 1)/2, (n − 1)/2, 1 contains a monochromatic cycle of length n. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Breaking the Scheduling Straitjacket

ing patterns. How can the inflexibility of the building-wide master schedule-this seemingly immovable barrier to genuine school reform-be dislodged? How can the scheduling process be used to ease the flow of new ideas into the school? How does a school develop scheduling practices that stimulate innovation and creativity? This article will describe an approach for thinking about the issues involved in creating a secondary-school schedule that is truly based on student needs. The basis for this article is my four years of experience as senior program consultant to the Panasonic Foun-
Peripheral CD4+ T‐cell differentiation regulated by networks of cytokines and transcription factors

CD4(+) T cells, also known as T-helper (Th) cells, play an important role in orchestrating adaptive immune responses to various infectious agents. They are also involved in the induction of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Upon T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated cell activation, naive CD4(+) T cells can differentiate into at least four major lineages, Th1, Th2, Th17, and iTreg cells, that participate in different types of immune responses. Networks of cytokines and transcription factors are critical for determining CD4(+) T-cell fates and effector cytokine production. Here, we review collaboration and cross-regulation between various essential cytokines in the activation/induction of key transcription factors during the process of Th cell differentiation towards these distinct lineages. We also discuss the interactions of key transcription factors at both genetic and protein levels and the function of the resulting network(s) in regulating the expression of effector cytokines.
Parasitoids of the leafminer, Phyllonorycter nr. elmaella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), on apple in California: Abundance, impact on leafminer, and insecticide-induced mortality

Abstract Parasitoids of an undescribed species of apple leafminer, Phyllonorycter nr. elmaella , were studied to determine their relative and seasonal abundance. Thirty-six percent of all parasitoids were Sympiesis marylandensis Girault, 48% were Pnigalio flavipes (Ashmead), 7% were Zagrammosoma mirum Girault, >1% were Pholetesor ornigis (Weed), and the remaining 10% were other eulophids. Percentage parasitism varied greatly between leafminer generations and between locations during the apple growing season. Cannibalism caused 45% of the mortality during the first generation and 10 and 14% during the third and fourth leafminer generations, respectively. Pesticide residues targeted for control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), caused 90–100% mortality of the two most abundant parasitoids 24 h after application. S. marylandensis was more susceptible than P. flavipes to azinphosmethyl residues.
The influence of year, laying date, egg fertility and incubation, individual hen, hen age and mass and clutch size on maternal immunoglobulin Y concentration in captive Steller's and spectacled eider egg yolk.

Steller's eiders and spectacled eiders are sea duck species whose populations have declined significantly and infectious diseases could influence offspring survival. Therefore, the maternal transfer of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) into yolk was investigated in captive Steller's and spectacled eiders during the 2007-2013 breeding seasons. This project had two objectives: establish baseline IgY levels in Steller's and spectacled eider yolk under controlled captive conditions and evaluate the effect of year, laying date, egg fertility, egg incubation duration, individual hen, hen age and mass, and laying order to determine which variables influenced IgY levels. Average IgY concentrations were 0.03-0.48 mg ml(-1) in Steller's eider yolk and 0.10-0.51 mg ml(-1) in spectacled eider yolk. The year and individual hen influenced IgY concentration in Steller's and spectacled eider yolk. The laying date was negatively correlated with egg IgY levels for most Steller's eider hens, but laying order was positively correlated with egg IgY concentration for spectacled eiders.
Mechanical effects of a simulated lightning discharge on the water droplets of "Old Faithful" geyser

Mechanical Effects of a Simulated Lightning Discharge on the Water Droplets of ‘Old Faithful’ Geyser
Control of Critical Coupling in a Coiled Coaxial Cable Resonator

This paper reports a coiled coaxial cable resonator fabricated by cutting a slot in a spring-like coiled coaxial cable to produce a periodic perturbation. Electromagnetic coupling between two neighboring slots was observed. By manipulating the number of slots, critical coupling of the coiled coaxial cable resonator can be well controlled. An ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio (over 50 dB) at the resonant frequency band was experimentally achieved from a coiled coaxial cable resonator with 38 turns. A theoretic model is developed to understand the device physics. The proposed device can be potentially used as a high quality and flexibly designed band-stop filter or a sensor in structural health monitoring.
Identifying linear reduced-order models for systems with arbitrary initial conditions using Prony signal analysis

A method of identifying reduced-order linear models for systems operating in the neighborhood of an equilibrium point is presented. The method is based on Prony signal analysis, which has recently received considerable attention in the study of power system electromechanical oscillations. Prior to the application of the input test signal, the system can be in a transient state. The system input test signal is piecewise continuous and allows several Prony analyses to be performed during a transient, with each analysis conducted between input discontinuities. Results of these Prony analyses can be combined in various ways to obtain system eigenvalues, transfer-function residues, and initial condition residues. Two examples are given to illustrate the use of the method. >
Suppression in growth hormone during overeating ameliorates the increase in insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk

Previously, we reported that overeating for only a few days markedly suppressed the secretion of growth hormone (GH). The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of this reduction in GH concentration on key metabolic adaptations that occur during 2 wk of overeating. Nine nonobese, healthy adults were admitted to the hospital for 2 wk, during which time they ate ∼4,000 kcal/day (70 kcal·kg fat-free mass(-1)·day(-1); 50% carbohydrate, 35% fat, and 15% protein), and their plasma GH concentration was allowed to decline naturally (control). An additional eight subjects underwent the same overeating intervention and received exogenous GH treatment (GHT) administered in four daily injections to mimic physiological GH secretion throughout the 2-wk overeating period. We measured plasma insulin and glucose concentrations in the fasting and postprandial state as well as fasting lipolytic rate, proteolytic rate, and fractional synthetic rate (FSR) using stable-isotope tracer methods. GHT prevented the fall in plasma GH concentration, maintaining plasma GH concentration at baseline levels (1.2 ± 0.2 ng/ml), which increased fasting and postprandial assessments of insulin resistance (P < 0.05) and increased fasting lipidemia (all P < 0.05 vs. control). In addition, preventing the suppression in GH with overeating also blunted the increase in systemic proteolysis (P < 0.05 GHT vs. control). However, GHT did not alter lipolysis or FSR in response to overeating. In conclusion, our main findings suggest that the suppression in GH secretion that naturally occurs during the early stages of overeating may help attenuate the insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia that typically accompany overeating.
Application of the Multigrid Method to Calculations of Transonic Potential Flow about Wing-Fuselage Combinations

Abstract The multigrid (MG) method has been applied to the calculation of transonic potential flow-fields about arbitrary three-dimensional wing-body combinations. Numerical results for iterative convergence rate are in good agreement with those predicted by a local mode analysis, and show substantial improvement over conventional relaxation algorithms.
TWO-POINT MMPI CODE TYPES AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Summary.-In a previous MMPI study (Kokosh, 1969) of 4-yr. graduates in physics, zoology, sociology, and history the 34-43 is the modal cwo-point MMPI code type in sociology and the 49-94 in history. In this smdy an attempt was made to relace the rwo-point code types to academic achievement. The highest GPA was obtained by 5 physics-zoology majors having the 27-72 code, and the lowest GPA was obtained by 7 sociology-history majors having the 89-98 code. Speculation as to why certain code types are attracted more to one major than another and why they perform well or poorly in one major as compared to another was presenred. A study of personality types and the relation of these to academic and vocational behavior may be a fruitful approach rather than using personality traits alone as measured by particular scales. With the development of modern personality inventories, such as the MMPI, psychologists have devoted 2 considerable amount of time and effort to the determination of relationships that may exist between personality and academic and vocational choice, as well as academic achievement. This writer, on the basis of an extensive review of the literature and his own research, has the impression that personality traits as measured by present inventories do not appear to be related in any important wzy to academic choice or to academic achievement. In a previous research report, the writer (Kokosh, 1969) suggested that a "profile or configuration approach might be more useful for the identification of personality types in various majors and occupations than a scale-by-scale comparison." In that study, by coding the MMPI' profiles of physical and social science students into two-paint code types, the writer found that the 34-43 is the modal code type in soci~logy (the obtained frequency was twice as large as the expected) and the 49-94 in history. Other and more complex methods of coding MMPI profiles can be used, such as was done by Marks and Seeman (1963); but the foregoing method, where each profile is coded in terms of its two highest clinical scales," is the one most frequently used in clinical and counseling psychology. In this study, which is a continuation of the research already mentioned, an attempt was made to relate the two-point MMPI code types to academic achieve
[Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ as an Electrocatalyst for H2 Production: Dependence on Acid Strength and Isomer Distribution

[Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ (where PPh2NBn2 is 1,5-dibenzyl-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane), has been studied as an electrocatalyst for the production of hydrogen in acetonitrile. Strong acids, such as p-cyanoanilinium, protonate [Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ prior to reduction under catalytic conditions, and an effective pKa of 6.7 ± 0.4 was determined for the protonation product. Through multinuclear NMR spectroscopy studies, the nickel(II) complex was found to be doubly protonated without any observed singly protonated species. In the doubly protonated complex, both protons are positioned exo with respect to the metal center and are stabilized by an N–H–N hydrogen bond. The formation of exo protonated isomers is proposed to limit the rate of hydrogen production because the protons are unable to gain suitable proximity to the reduced metal center to generate H2. Preprotonation of [Ni(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]2+ has been found to shift the catalytic operating potential to more positive potentials by up...
Characterization of conformational changes coupled to ligand photodissociation from the heme binding domain of FixL.

Using transient absorption spectroscopy and photoacoustic calorimetry (PAC), we have characterized carbon monoxide photodissociation and rebinding to two forms of the heme domain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum FixL. Transient absorption results for the complete heme domain (FixL residues 140−270) and a truncated heme domain (missing 11 residues on the N-teminal end and 14 amino acid residues on the C-terminal end of the full length heme domain) show similar rates for ligand rebinding to the five-coordinate heme domain and the absence of any transient intermediate on a microsecond time scale. Results from PAC studies show that both the truncated and complete heme domains undergo a contraction upon ligand photolysis. In addition, CO photolysis from the complete heme domain gives rise to an intermediate with a lifetime of ∼150 ns which is absent in the truncated heme domain. We attribute the 150 ns phase to ligand release to the solvent which may be accelerated in the case of the truncated domain. The initial c...
String-Like Micellar Nanoparticles Formed by Complexation of PEG-b-PPA and Plasmid DNA and Their Transfection Efficiency

Purpose To investigate the gene delivery efficiency of string-like PEG-b-PPA/DNA micellar nanoparticles in the liver after intravenous injection and intrabiliary infusion.
Analysis of Kosterlitz-Thouless transition models

Abstract We consider the “dielectric” form of the Kosterlitz-Thouless mean-field theory of the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. We show that this theory supports a continuum of essentially different versions, and that historically influential arguments concerning the equivalence of these versions are in error. Simple universality requirements do not suffice to specify the theory. Within this framework, the well-known Kosterlitz-Thouless renormalization flow rests on the specific assumption of one-sided polarization. The general validity of this assumption is unclear, and the broad usefulness of the Kosterlitz-Thouless parameter flow and of the renormalization group arguments that generalize it must be explained within a less restrictive theory. An analogous situation in turbulence theory is pointed out, and conclusions regarding generalizations of the “dielectric” formalism are drawn.
Diffusion-controlled mean reaction times in biological systems with elliptical symmetry

The mean reaction (encounter or absorption) time is calculated in terms of the system size and reaction probability parameters for three-dimensional systems with diffusion-controlled dynamics and in which there is spherical, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal geometry. Analytical and numerical comparisons are made among the three geometries. For completeness, similar results are derived for a two-dimensional elliptically symmetrical system, and the probability of non-absorption (or reaction) is found for a semi-infinite three-dimensional space with prolate or oblate spheroidal symmetry.
Zebrafish in the wild: a review of natural history and new notes from the field

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has emerged as a major model organism for biomedical research, yet little is known about its natural history. We review the literature pertaining to the geographic range, biotic and abiotic habitats, and life cycle of the zebrafish. We also report our own field study to document several aspects of zebrafish natural history across sites in northeast India. We found zebrafish particularly abundant in silt-bottomed, well-vegetated pools and rice paddies adjacent to slow moving streams at a range of elevations. We further identified co-occurring fishes likely to be zebrafish competitors and predators. Finally, we present observations that indicate substantial habitat degradation and loss, and suggest guidelines for documenting and preserving natural zebrafish populations.
PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF LATERAL BIOPSIES OF THE PERIPHERAL ZONE FOR PROSTATE CANCER DETECTION

AbstractPurpose: We evaluate the usefulness of adding 4 lateral biopsies of the peripheral zone to the routine sextant biopsy regimen for prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 273 consecutive patients referred for abnormal digital rectal examination and/or prostate specific antigen 4 ng./ml. or greater underwent transrectal ultrasound and systematic biopsy. Lateral biopsies of the peripheral zone taken just medial to the lateral border of the prostate were added to the routine lesion directed and systematic sextant biopsy regimen. Comparisons between positive and negative biopsy groups as well as among various biopsy schemes were performed.Results: Of the patients 44% had cancer on biopsy (121 of 273). While routine sextant biopsies detected 82% of cancers, 77% (17 of 22) of missed cancers were detected on lateral biopsies. Overall, lateral biopsies detected 70% of cancers, and tended to be positive in patients with small prostates and high grade tumors. A significant correlation was found bet...
Light scattering study of solubilization of emulsion droplets by non-ionic surfactant solutions

Abstract Light scattering (dynamic and static) and turbidity measurements were used to monitor the time dependence of the concentration and size of n-hexadecane emulsion droplets (initial diameter ≈ 0.43 mm) dispersed in non-ionic surfactant solutions (2 wt.% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate). The concentration of droplets decreased with time as n-hexadecane molecules were solubilized by surfactant micelles, but the droplet size distribution remained constant. The results are consistent with a mechanism in which oil molecules are exchanged between emulsion droplets and surfactant micelles at the oil/water interface. The measured solubilization kinetics appear to be dominated by interfacial transport processes, and can be predicted by an interfacial mass transfer coefficient of 9.7 × 10−6 cm min−1.
Short-term EUV flux variations from AE-E He + abundances

The ionization rate of helium in the thermosphere is inferred from AE-E ion and neutral particle composition measurements made on 20 days from January 1979 to June 1980. The variations in the inferred rate are consistent with variations in the UV flux measured during the same period by the AE-E UV spectrometer. The approximately 27-day modulation of the calculated ionization rate is the result of cyclical variations in the UV flux, which are in turn coupled to the rotation period of the sun. Results indicate that the ionization structure of helium in the thermosphere is closely coupled to both the long and short term EUV flux variations.
Halocarbon hepatotoxicity is not initiated by Ca2+-stimulated endonuclease activation

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that cytosolic Ca2+ rapidly rises to supraphysiologic levels in liver cells exposed to the hepatotoxins carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE) in vivo and in vitro. The present study examines whether this increase in intracellular Ca2+ activates endonucleases that could initiate or contribute to the ensuing hepatotoxic events. Initial experiments demonstrated that there was no generalized breakdown of hepatic DNA in intact rats exposed to CCl4 and DCE, as assessed by the appearance of nucleosomal fragments in liver nuclear DNA separated on agarose gels. Nor was generalized fragmentation observed in DNA isolated from primary hepatocyte cultures exposed to halocarbons, except at very late times following loss of plasma membrane integrity. Endonuclease activation was further examined at a more sensitive level by specifically monitoring hypersensitive sites (HSS) in serum albumin gene. Actively transcribed genes, such as albumin in liver tissue, are extremely sensitive to attack by exogenous nucleolytic enzymes at discrete sites. We speculated that subtle halocarbon-induced endonuclease activation would first become evident at these sites. To locate HSS, DNA was digested with restriction enzymes Eco R1 or Hind III, electrophoresed on agarose gels, blotted onto nitrocellulose, and hybridized to a 32P-labeled 1400 bp rat albumin genomic clone. No cleavage at hypersensitive sites was detected in DNA isolated from rat liver or hepatocyte DNA at early times when elevations of Ca2+ were developing. Thus, these data indicate that endonuclease activation by intracellular Ca2+ and resultant nucleolytic destruction of DNA is not an early event in the hepatotoxicity produced by halocarbons.
Studies on the amphibian digestive system II. Comparative histology of the pancreas, following early larval development, in certain species of anura

Anatomically, the structure of the pancreas in four species of anura studied, is very similar during various stages of development. The gland is greatly reduced in size during both artificially induced and natural metamorphosis. When metamorphosis is artificially induced, the regression of the pancreas occurs somewhat earlier and is a little more rapid than in the case of natural metamorphosis, but the condition exhibited at the end of the phenomenon is similar in each case. Correlated with the anatomical regression during metamorphosis, many of the acinous cells, small collecting ducts and sinusoidal capillaries, undergo degeneration. This histolysis occurs somewhat earlier in animals that undergo artificially induced metamorphosis, but regeneration occurs about the same time in both metamorphic types. Most of the degenerated elements are autolyzed in situ; some are sloughed into sinusoidal capillaries; while a small number are eliminated through pancreatic ducts. It is doubtful whether these elements are ingested by phagocytes. The pancreas, in certain cases during later stages of metamorphosis, appears to take on a temporary hematopoietic function leading to the differentiation of red blood cells. Zymogen granules, lipoid granules, and X-granules are demonstrated in the anuran pancreas. X-granules, found in the larvae, are indeterminate in nature and are quite probably remnants of vitelline material found in the early embryo.