cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent response of boreal forest to temperature and rainfall variability

We used measurements of CO 2 exchange by six Canadian boreal forest stands to determine how sites of contrasting age respond to interannual temperature and precipitation variation. The stands ranged in age (time since last burn) from 4 to 155 years. The study included years that were anomalously cool and moist, warm and dry, cool and dry, and warm and moist. Warmer than average springs accelerated the onset of older stand (> 20 years) photosynthesis by as much as 37 days and younger stand (< 20 years) photosynthesis by as much as 25 days. The warm-dry year resulted in a marked reduction of mid-summer CO 2 uptake by the younger, but not older, stands. The mid-summer decline in young stand photosynthesis reflected the combination of warmth and drought; similar declines were not observed during the cool-dry or warm-moist years. The annual carbon gain by the oldest stands was greatest during the warm-dry year as a result of the expanded growing season. The annual carbon gain by the youngest stands was consistent from year to year, largely as a result of offsets between increased spring photosynthesis and reduced mid-summer photosynthesis during the warm-dry year. Night-time CO 2 efflux increased by 2-29% during the warm-moist year relative to the warm-dry year. This increase was not systematically related to age. We conclude that the major source of interannual CO 2 exchange variation at the landscape scale is the ability of older, evergreen canopies to respond to warm springs by advancing the onset of photosynthesis. Drought-related reductions in photosynthesis, moisture-driven respiratory losses, and the effects of spring warmth on young-stand photosynthesis are of secondary importance. The advantage conferred on older, evergreen stands during warmer years carries implications for the possible effects of climate change on boreal forest succession. Warmer temperatures may increase the competitive advantage of late successional species relative to early successional species, and also the incidence of fire, thereby accelerating plant succession and shortening the fire-return interval.
Making the Housing Unit Method Work: An Evaluation of 2010 Population Estimates in Florida

The housing unit (HU) method—in which population estimates are derived from estimates of occupied HUs—is the most commonly used method for making small-area population estimates in the United States. It is widely used because it is conceptually simple, can utilize a wide variety of data sources, can be applied at virtually any level of geography, and often produces reliable estimates. Yet the HU method is more nearly a general approach to population estimation than it is a specific methodology. In this paper, we describe and evaluate several data sources and estimation techniques that can be used in applying the HU method. Using a set of county and subcounty estimates produced by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) at the University of Florida for April 1, 2010, we analyze errors by population size and growth rate, calculate errors for each of the three components of the HU method, and investigate the accuracy of estimates based on several different data sources and estimation techniques. We compare the accuracy of the 2010 estimates with previous BEBR estimates and estimates produced by the U.S. Census Bureau. We conclude that although some data sources and estimation techniques work better than others, the HU method can be tailored to produce reliable population estimates for a wide variety of geographic areas.
Benzimidazole analogs as potent hypoxia inducible factor inhibitors: synthesis, biological evaluation, and profiling drug-like properties.

Aim To develop potent HIF-1α inhibitors for potential treatment of cancer. Materials and methods Chemical synthesis, HIF-luciferase assay, cytotoxic assay, platelet aggregation assay, western blot analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, aqueous solubility, protein binding, metabolic stability, and metabolic pathways. Results Thirteen novel benzimidazole analogs were synthesized. Compounds 3a and 3k showed the highest anti-HIF-1α activity. They are significantly more effective than YC-1 in the suppression of HIF-1α protein expression based on western blot assay. They show comparable potency in inhibition of cancer cell migration. They are less potent in the inhibition of platelet aggregation. 3k had the most favorable drug-like properties, including long half-life in human liver microsomes, medium protein binding level and reasonable aqueous solubility. Conclusion The potent anti-HIF-1α activity and favorable drug-like properties of compound 3k suggest that it may hold great potential as an adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment through repression of HIF-1α protein expression.
The Role of Atopy and Asthma Status in Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults

The Role of Atopy and Asthma Status in Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent chronic disease. Allergy and asthma in CRS patients have been discussed extensively in the literature. Epidemiologic studies support the connection between allergy and CRS although a direct causal link has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the role of atopy and asthma status in predicting both the outcome of surgically treated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and the severity of disease as assessed by radiologic findings. Methods: Medical records of adults with CRS who failed medical therapy and underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in 5 consecutive years were reviewed. All patients were included who had complete documentation for specific inclusion criteria: gender, age, asthma status, allergy status, surgical revision rate, Lund-Mackay score, presence/absence of polyposis, and disease recurrence within the first year following FESS. Results: Fifty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Positive inhalant allergy skin tests were noted in 79% of patients. Both atopic patients and asthmatic patients had statistically significantly higher Lund-Mackay scores than their non-atopic/non-asthmatic counterparts. There were no significant differences between atopic/asthmatic and non-atopic/non-asthmatic patients in one-year surgical outcome and surgical revision rate. Conclusions: Adults with CRS who require surgical intervention have higher rates of atopy when compared with the general popu-lation. Atopy and asthma are good predictors of more severe radio-logic findings. Neither atopic status nor asthma, however, predicts surgical outcome or revision rate. These findings support the uni-fied airway model of generalized airway inflammation.
A new species of Protosporangium (Protostelida, Eumycetozoa)

(1986). A New Species of Protosporangium (Protostelida, Eumycetozoa) Mycologia: Vol. 78, No. 5, pp. 857-860.
Ultrafast Imaging of Ultraviolet Laser Ablation and Etching of Polymethyl Methacrylate

Ablation and etching of the surface of polymethyl methacrylate (=PMMA) by pulses of 248 nm laser radiation ∼20 ns full width at half maximum (FWHM) have been probed by pulses of visible laser radiation (596 nm; < 1 ns FWHM). The results were recorded photographically in real time with a set time delay between the 248 nm ablation pulse and the 596 nm probe pulse. Modification of the surface structure of the polymer at a fluence ∼ 3 J/cm2 is first visible at 12 ns and appears to be complete in ∼ 60 ns. The first manifestation of the ablation does not occur until the UV pulse is over and consists of a nearly transparent shock-wave that has an initial velocity of 6 ∼ 104 cm/sec. Solid material from the ablated zone begins to leave the surface at ∼150 - 200 ns and reaches a maximum in intensity at 6 µs, continuing for ∼ 20 µs. The average velocity of the solid material, which is probably a low molecular weight polymer of PMMA, is 1.5 ∼ 104 cm/sec. The conclusion to be drawn from the present work is that the signal measured by photoacoustic detectors does not coincide with the bulk of the material leaving the surface.
Reason and Solving Measures of the Double Rapiers Velvet Loom Cutting Defects

For the double rapiers velvet loom cutting defects in the production process of velveteen fabric,the force of the upper and lower layers fabric were analyzed.The suede cutting and influencing factors were studied based on the cutting principle.Finally the solving measures were given and reached well effect.
Research of Modeling Flexible-rigid System Based on Mechanism

A precise rigid-flexible virtual prototype model for crank-slider mechanism was established by the virtual real mixed modeling technology and using commercial software, such as the CAD software, the Finite Element software and the Dynamics Simulation software. The locomotion parameters of physical and virtual crank-slider mechanism were measured or calculated. The result shows that the locomotion parameter from the virtual prototype system is of good agreement with the test system. This work has offered a feasible approach for establishing and researching the rigid-flexible virtual prototype model.
The role of transpedicular fixation systems for stabilization of the lumbar spine.

SUMMARY Transpedicular fixation devices are extremely useful tools to achieve stabilization of the lumbosacral spine. The indications for the use of these systems are still evolving. These systems are able to obtain rigid fixation in vertebra lacking posterior elements, obtain solid sacral fixation, connect vertebra without distraction and maintain lordosis, fuse short spinal segments, and preserve motion segments. Stable, short segment constructs can be achieved even in the face of the most radical decompressions and vertebral resection. This technique is not, however, without risks. A thorough understanding of pedicle anatomy, pedicle screw insertion technique, fusion biology, and biomechanical consider ations are paramount to achieve safe stabilization of the lumbosacral spine with this technique.
The role of drug profiles as similarity metrics: applications to repurposing, adverse effects detection and drug–drug interactions

Explosion of the availability of big data sources along with the development in computational methods provides a useful framework to study drugs' actions, such as interactions with pharmacological targets and off-targets. Databases related to protein interactions, adverse effects and genomic profiles are available to be used for the construction of computational models. In this article, we focus on the description of biological profiles for drugs that can be used as a system to compare similarity and create methods to predict and analyze drugs' actions. We highlight profiles constructed with different biological data, such as target-protein interactions, gene expression measurements, adverse effects and disease profiles. We focus on the discovery of new targets or pathways for drugs already in the pharmaceutical market, also called drug repurposing, in the interaction with off-targets responsible for adverse reactions and in drug-drug interaction analysis. The current and future applications, strengths and challenges facing all these methods are also discussed. Biological profiles or signatures are an important source of data generation to deeply analyze biological actions with important implications in drug-related studies.
Overview of Multimodality Therapy

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the USA. However, in the last decade, there has been considerable progress in the understanding and treatment of this disease and we are starting to see an impact on survival and quality of life. Chemotherapeutic and surgical options have increased, and refinements in classification and staging to reflect both the biology of these cancers, and the critical interface between these tumors and the adjacent mesenteric and hepatic vasculature, have been proposed. Modern treatment has, of necessity, evolved into a multidisciplinary, multimodality exercise and choices regarding the type and sequencing of therapeutic modalities are now much more complex. Borderline resectable and locally advanced cancers are particularly challenging in this regard as all available modalities will usually be employed at some time during treatment, and goals of therapy will frequently need to be adjusted. Discussion of every patient in a multidisciplinary cancer conference or clinic has become essential to establishing appropriate care plans, and the composition and conduct of such meetings has been analyzed and defined. Academic productivity is also enhanced by this multidisciplinary approach, and the educational component is valuable both for experienced personnel and trainees. Future progress will add to the complexity of care for these challenging patients as molecular and genetic data become increasingly detailed, and biologics, vaccines, and immunotherapies are incorporated into treatment. Collaboration and connectivity between providers from all disciplines of care will be ever more critical to providing optimal results.
Identification of the impact regimes of a liquid droplet propelled by a gas stream impinging onto a dry surface at moderate to high Weber number

Abstract In “vapor assisted” spray cooling it is well known that the droplet spray is more effective in cooling when smaller droplets are formed and propelled by a vapor phase towards the target surface. In the ideal spray evaporative cooling regime, the droplet impacts, spreads into a thin film, and then evaporates. In the presence of a carrier vapor, the vapor phase may affect the droplet dynamics by accelerating the droplet and by imposing hydrodynamic forces on the free surface during spreading and receding. There is a lack of understanding of the complicated physics at play. In the present study, the impact of a water droplet propelled by an air stream onto a dry smooth unheated surface was experimentally investigated. It was observed that higher impact Weber numbers led to a larger diameter and thinner film thickness. It was found that the gas stream did not significantly influence the spreading phase. However, the propellant gas noticeably decreased the droplet receding phase, delayed the onset of droplet splashing, and increased the upper Weber number limit for the droplet spreading regime. An analytic model using an energy balance approach was developed to predict dynamic and instantaneous droplet diameter and the agreement with the experimental observations was within 5% in the spreading phase, with poorer agreement in the receding phase due to the assumption of constant receding contact angle.
Severe Childhood Autism: The Family Lived Experience

This research examined the experiences of families living with a child with severe autism. There is limited literature on the experiences of families when a child has severe autism as distinct from milder autism and includes the voices of multiple family members. Van Manen's phenomenological approach was used for data collection and analysis. This approach allowed for the use of innovative data sources, including unstructured individual and family interviews, observations, and family lifelines (a pictorial, temporal picture with comments of the families lives). This study included 29 interviews with 22 participants from 11 families. All data were creatively triangulated and interpreted. Six essential themes were identified. First, families experienced autism as mysterious and complex because it is an invisible and unpredictable condition with diagnostic challenges. Second, families described severe autism behaviors that often caused self-injury, harm to others and damaged homes. Third, profound communication deficits resulted in isolation between the family and child. Fourth, families discussed the unrelenting stress from lack of sleep, managing the child's developmental delays, coordinating and financing services, and concern for the child's future. Fifth, families described consequences of isolation from friends, school, the public, and health providers. Sixth, families portrayed their need for compassionate support and formed 'hybrid families' (nuclear, extended families and friends) to gain support. Study results can be utilized to educate nurses/other providers about the unique needs of families with children with severe autism and could influence health care policies to improve the care for families caring for children with severe autism.
Family-Specific Variants and the Limits of Human Genetics

Every single-nucleotide change compatible with life is present in the human population today. Understanding these rare human variants defines an extraordinary challenge for genetics and medicine. The new clinical practice of sequencing many genes for hereditary cancer risk has illustrated the utility of clinical next-generation sequencing in adults, identifying more medically actionable variants than single-gene testing. However, it has also revealed a linear relationship between the length of DNA evaluated and the number of rare 'variants of uncertain significance' reported. We propose that careful approaches to phenotype-genotype inference, distinguishing between diagnostic and screening intent, in conjunction with expanded use of family-scale genetics studies as a source of information on family-specific variants, will reduce variants of uncertain significance reported to patients.
Reliability analysis of 380V DC distribution in data centers

Data center downtime causes losses of millions of dollars. Maintaining high availability at all times is very critical to data centers. The distribution system with higher number of components is more likely to fail, resulting in increased downtime. This study presents a 380V DC powering option for data center distribution system, as the number of power conversion stages is less compared to the AC system. This study aims at comparing reliabilities of typical 480V AC distribution architecture against 380V DC architecture. Reliability assessment was done for both AC and DC sytems complying with Tier IV standard, as most of the data center uses Tier IV standard in their distribution system. The analysis was done for different level of redundancy (for eg. N, N+1, N+2) in the UPS system for both AC and DC systems. The reliability data was obtained from IEEE 493 Gold Book. Monte carlo simulation method was used to perform the reliability calculations. The simulation results showed that the 380V DC distribution system has higher level of reliability than conventional 480V ac distribution system in data centers but only up to certain level of redundancy in the UPS system. The reliability level of AC system will approach the reliability level of a DC system when a very high level of redundancy in the UPS system is considered, but this will increase the overall cost of the data center.
Male and Female Soldier Beetles Relax Choice for Mate Quality Across Daily Courtship Periods

Mutual mate choice occurs when members of each sex will reject some potential mates in efforts to encounter better prospects later. The decision to reject may represent the interaction between mate preferences, mate availability, and temporal constraints. Theory predicts that mutual mate choice will favor relaxed choosiness as mate availability and time for courtship decline. We explored mutual mate choice in the soldier beetle, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Cantharidae), where courtship consisted of males attempting to secure evasive females. We employed field observations, laboratory experiments, and stochastic simulations to investigate the decline in choosiness over the daily courtship period, during which individuals can mate at most once. We found that reproductive success of males and females increases with mate size and mating frequency. Females biased copulations toward larger mates by attempting to evade suitors, while males biased copulations by releasing the smaller females they capture. However, late in the day males and females may increase reproductive success by accepting rather than rejecting lower quality mates to maintain high mating rates. Stochastic simulations indicated that reproductive success, the product of mating frequency and mean mate size, was maximized in males and females by incrementally reducing mate standards across daily courtship periods. In the field, large males who rejected small females early in the daily courtship period rarely did so later. Large females used less effective evasive maneuvers later in the courtship period, resulting in copulations with progressively smaller males. These results support models of mutual mate choice that predict that individuals of high quality will maximize reproductive success by relaxing choosiness as the courtship period wanes.
Osteoporosis in Stroke and Seizure Disorders

Osteoporosis is recognized as a frequent consequence of cerebrovascular events. Not only is there an increased incidence of fractures, primarily in the hip, but there are complications from fractures that lead to increased morbidity and mortality, higher healthcare costs, and increased burden of care on the family members ultimately responsible for stroke patients. The causes of osteoporosis post stroke include preexisting osteoporosis, immobility, medications, and poor balance, leading to reduced weight-bearing activity and reduced maintenance of current bone density. In terms of falls, decreased strength balance, proprioception, and cognition all play an important role. Remarkably, osteoporosis has received little attention as a consequence of stroke. Additionally, evaluation of ongoing factors following the stroke that might increase risk of falls and efforts to prevent future falls must be undertaken.
THE RISE OF SERVICES, DEINDUSTRIALIZATION, AND THE LENGTH OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Economic recovery is longer in service-providing economies than in goods-producing economies. Services cannot be produced and inventoried ahead of demand; goods can. We are the first to document this macroeconomic repercussion of the sectoral shift away from the secondary sector toward the tertiary sector, that is, of deindustrialization and the rise of services. We distinguish between nontradable services and all other sectors, using U.S. state-level employment data for post-1960 recessions. Concerns over the endogeneity of services are addressed in two ways: by using 3-year pre-recession averages of sector shares, and separately by invoking instrumental variables. Our results are robust to alternative specifications. The increase in service production and deindustrialization in the United States over the last half-century lengthens the trough-to-peak employment recovery from recessions by about 40%. (JEL E24, E32, L80, N12)
Characterization of primary rat nasal epithelial cultures in CFTR knockout rats as a model for CF sinus disease.

Objective The objectives of the current experiments were to develop and characterize primary rat nasal epithelial cultures and evaluate their usefulness as a model of cystic fibrosis (CF) sinonasal transepithelial transport and CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Study Design Laboratory in vitro and animal studies. Methods CFTR+/+ and CFTR−/− rat nasal septal epithelia (RNSE) were cultured on semipermeable supports at an air–liquid interface to confluence and full differentiation. Monolayers were mounted in Ussing chambers for pharmacologic manipulation of ion transport and compared to similar filters containing murine (MNSE) and human (HSNE) epithelia. Histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were completed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction of CFTR+/+ RNSE, MNSE, and HSNE was performed to evaluate relative CFTR gene expression. Results Forskolin-stimulated anion transport (ΔIsc in μA/cm2) was significantly greater in epithelia derived from CFTR+/+ when compared to CFTR−/− animals (100.9 ± 3.7 vs. 10.5 ± 0.9; P < 0.0001). Amiloride-sensitive ISC was equivalent (−42.3 ± 2.8 vs. −46.1 ± 2.3; P = 0.524). No inhibition of CFTR-mediated chloride (Cl−) secretion was exhibited in CFTR−/− epithelia with the addition of the specific CFTR inhibitor, CFTRInh-172. However, calcium-activated Cl− secretion (UTP) was significantly increased in CFTR−/− RNSE (CFTR−/− −106.8 ± 1.6 vs. CFTR+/+ −32.2 ± 3.1; P < 0.0001). All responses were larger in RNSE when compared to CFTR+/+ and CFTR−/− (or F508del/F508del) murine and human cells (P < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated 80% to 90% ciliation in all RNSE cultures. There was no evidence of infection in CFTR−/− rats at 4 months. CFTR expression was similar among species. Conclusion The successful development of the CFTR−/− rat enables improved evaluation of CF sinus disease based on characteristic abnormalities of ion transport. Level of Evidence NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E384–E391, 2017
HPV/p16 Overexpression in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

Conclusions: In this series we demonstrate the effectiveness of Hypofractionated radiation therapy, thereby limiting total treatment time and ontreatment toxicity. Patients completed treatment with few delays and started chemotherapy earlier. Durable local control and acceptable treatment toxicities were seen. Local control continued to be related to the degree of surgical debulking and should be considered even in the presence of systemic disease. Despite our best attempts with tri-modality treatment, most patients developed metastatic disease (88%) underlining the need for future directions in chemotherapy. Author Disclosure: M.J. Stavas: None. E. Shinohara: None. K. SarfoKantanka: None. A. Cmelak: None.
Invasive Brain–Computer Interfaces for Functional Restoration

Abstract Persons with movement and communication impairment due to neurological injury can have function restored through brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) combined with appropriate prosthetic end effectors. Invasive BCIs record cortical activity using penetrating electrodes, or electrodes on the brain surface, in relevant cortical areas. Intended actions are then decoded from these cortical signals to command various end effectors, including virtual typing communication devices, robotic limbs, and paralyzed limbs reanimated through functional electrical stimulation (FES). This chapter discusses components of invasive BCI systems, including the pros and cons of various recording technology, potential cortical areas of implantation, and signals of interest and how they are decoded into functional commands. Finally, the chapter discusses current and future applications of BCI systems, including FES systems for restoration of functional movement, and challenges and opportunities for translating this technology from the laboratory to clinical day-to-day use.
Acquired Resistance to Drugs Targeting Tyrosine Kinases

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs exemplifies the greatest hindrance to effective treatment of cancer patients. The molecular mechanisms responsible have been investigated for over 50 years and have revealed the lack of a single cause, but instead, multiple mechanisms including induced expression of membrane transporters that pump drugs out of cells (multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype), changes in the glutathione system, and altered metabolism. Treatment of cancer patients/cancer cells with chemotherapeutic agents and/or molecularly targeted drugs is accompanied by acquisition of resistance to the treatment administered. Chemotherapeutic agent resistance was initially assumed to be due to induction of mutations leading to a resistant phenotype. While this has occurred for molecularly targeted drugs, it is clear that drugs selectively targeting tyrosine kinases (TKs) cause the acquisition of mutational changes and resistance to inhibition. The first TK to be targeted, Bcr-Abl, led to the generation of several drugs including imatinib, dasatinib, and sunitinib that provided a rich understanding of this phenomenon. It became clear that mutations alone were not the only cause of resistance. Additional mechanisms were involved, including alternative splicing, alternative/compensatory signaling pathways, and epigenetic changes. This review will focus on resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), receptor TK (RTK)-directed antibodies, and antibodies that inactivate specific RTK ligands. New approaches and concepts aimed at avoiding the generation of drug resistance will be examined. Many RTKs, including the IGF-1R, are dependence receptors that induce ligand-independent apoptosis. How this signaling paradigm has implications on therapeutic strategies will also be considered.
A proposed voting scheme to reduce the sensitivity of the Markov method

The Markov method is one of many successful ranking methods that uses Markov chains to obtain its ratings and rankings of alternatives. It has been shown, however, that the method is sensitive to upsets, particularly in the tail of its ranking. The method also exhibits faulty behaviour when it has a periodic Markov chain. This study proposes a modification to the voting scheme of the Markov method that will alleviate the sensitivity to upsets and remove the issue of periodicity in the Markov chain. To examine the sensitivity, we first provide an example and see how both voting schemes react to an upset. Next, we generalise both voting schemes and examine a ratio of rating increments to understand why the tailing effect occurs, and how we can subside its effect.
The Generic Stance and the Family Agency

Reconceptualizing practice in an ecological framework and bridging the dichotomies existent in the profession can stimulate the development of new models of practice
Outcome with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and ipilimumab (Ipi) for malignant melanoma brain metastases.

3032 Background: SRS with Ipi for brain metastases from malignant melanoma has been explored for overall survival (OS) (Knisely JP, Yu JB, Flanigan J, et al. Radiosurgery for melanoma brain metasta...
Life's Simple 7: Vital But Not Easy.

In this issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association ( JAHA ), the study by Enserro et al[1][1] of 20‐year trends in cardiovascular health (CVH) and the impact on subclinical and incident clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) offers important insight into how CVH changes over time among
Passive permutation multiplexer to detect hard and soft open fails on short flow characterization vehicle test chips

Short flow characterization vehicle test chips are a major contributor to fast learning cycles especially for BEOL process steps. While hard open fails can be easily detected even in large via chains, it is very difficult to detect soft open fails like a 100 times larger via resistance of just one via within a large chain of vias. A Passive Permutation Multiplexer (PPM) is presented to optimize the signal to noise ratio for detecting soft open fails. The PPM implements a balanced routing access to a local population of resistive Devices Under Test (DUT) such as via or contact chains. Thus, soft open fail are easily recognizable as outliers of all measured resistance values within such a local population of DUTs. Compared to traditional passive multiplexers, the PPM contains up to twice as many DUTs. Furthermore, significantly larger Design of Experiments (DOE) can be implemented, since the PPM can hold more than just one DOE level within the same array.
MAINTENANCE OF THE RESTING STATE AND POTENTIAL REGULATORS OF THE PROLIFERATIVE PHASE

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the current status of a low molecular weight suppressor (LMWS) of lymphocyte proliferation produced by cultured spleen cells and macrophages during unstimulated conditions. Antiproliferative factors released by both adherent spleen and macrophage populations have been implicated as potential regulators of in vivo and in vitro lymphoid cell proliferation. Splenic supernates produce a rapid, progressive decrease in tritiated thymidine incorporation, maximal 10–24 h after exposure to thymocyte target cells. Nonlymphoid cell suspensions obtained from neonatal rat liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa are unaffected by inhibitor concentrations that produce a 50% inhibition of lymphoid targets. ConA and PHA activation result in similar effects on levels of LMWS released by producing spleen cells. Coexisting with an activatable adherent suppressor T cell, the lymphoid organ would possess a highly specific mechanism to regulate the response of a specific clone in the absence of a specific macrophage antigen recognition factor.
Design and synthesis of nanomolar δ-opioid selective nonpeptide mimetic agonists based on peptide leads

The synthesis of designed non-peptide mimetics began with commercially available 3hydroxylbenzaldehyde 1 as shown in Scheme 1. The free hydroxyl group was protected as a methoxyethoxymethyl ether 2 which was reacted with various Grignard reagents or reduced by sodium boron hydride to form the secondary and primary alcohols 3, respectively. The intermediate 3 was converted into chloride 4 in the presence of triphenylphosphine and tetrachloromethane. The chloride 4 was then reacted with 1benzylpiperazine to form intermediate 5 whose hydroxyl protection were removed with 2N hydrochloric acid to provide the desired products 6 as hydrochloride acid salts. The binding assay results of the synthesized non-peptide mimetics against radio labeled highly selective opioid ligands are listed in the Table 1. As shown, the hydrophobicity of the R group has a dramatic effect on the binding and selectivity of the non-peptide ligand 6 to the receptor. Analogue 6e (SL 3111) with a very hydrophobic para-t-butylphenyl substituent showed the highest binding affinity nM) with over 2000 fold greater selectivity for the receptor than for the receptor. This exceeds the selectivity of the peptide lead for the opioid receptor. Although a further in vitro bioassay on 6e (SL 3111) indicates that its in vitro bioactivity with an nM at MVD and its selectivity are lower than expected. This may be due to the racemic materials examined. Alternatively, the ligand does not have all the proper pharmacophores to interact with the receptor. Nonetheless, SL-3111 is a novel selective non-peptide lead that indeed mimics the peptide ligand. Further modification on this non-peptide lead is currently underway in our laboratory.
Vapoluminescent Behavior and the Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformations of Chloroform Solvates of [Au 2 (μ-1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane) 2 ](AsF 6 ) 2 .

The mono- and di-chloroform solvates of [Au2 (μ-1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane)2 ](AsF6 )2 undergo single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations that result in gain (over 12 hours) or slow loss (over five years) of only one chloroform molecule. The change in solvation results in changes in the structure and luminescence of the digold cation. The cation consists of a pair of slightly bent As-Au-As units that are connected through the two bridging dpae ligands and by aurophilic interactions with Au⋅⋅⋅Au contacts of 3.05152(15) A in the disolvate or 2.9570(5) A in the monosolvate.
Retrospective Multi-Center Analysis of Canine Socket Prostheses for Partial Limbs

Introduction: Socket prostheses for treatment of distal limb pathology are becoming increasingly prevalent in veterinary medicine, however, limited objective data is available. Objectives of the present study were to retrospectively evaluate owner satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with dogs receiving socket prostheses for partial limbs in a larger patient population. Materials and Methods: Client databases of a single prosthesis provider were reviewed to identify owners whose dogs had received a prosthetic device within the last 10 years. An online survey was developed to evaluate owner-reported outcomes. The survey inquired about anatomy of the residuum, concurrent disease, prosthesis use, rehabilitation, activity, complications, and owner satisfaction. Medical records and radiographs were requested from all participants. Radiographs were used to confirm level of amputation and evaluate for osseous complications. Survey responses were analyzed by assigning author-defined numeric scores defining clinical outcome and owner satisfaction. Results: One-hundred thirty-seven owners were contacted. The response rate was 50/137 (37%); 47 responses were analyzed. Forty-six of 47 owners reported positive satisfaction; 1/47 was displeased. Forty-two of 47 dogs were scored to have acceptable to full function; 5/47 had unacceptable clinical function using the author-defined scoring system. A 62% short-term complication rate and a 19% long-term complication rate were reported. Skin sores were the most common short and long-term complication. There was a significant correlation between both clinical outcome scores and owner satisfaction with days per week spent in the prosthesis. Additionally, clinical outcome scores and owner satisfaction significantly varied between dogs with different durations of prosthesis wear with a trend toward better outcomes associated with longer prosthesis wear. Radiographs were obtained for 23/47 dogs to further define level of defect. The most proximal level of defect was mid-radius for the forelimb and mid-tibia for the hind limb. There was no correlation between level of defect and either owner satisfaction or clinical outcome. Discussion/Conclusion: Results of this survey suggest a high degree of owner satisfaction despite substantial complication rates. Based on preliminary data, further evaluation of socket prostheses as a limb-sparing option for treatment of distal limb pathology should be considered. Prospective clinical trials with objective outcome measures are required to draw firm conclusions.
Effect of plasma processing and storage on microparticle abundance, nitric oxide scavenging, and vasoactivity.

BACKGROUND We set out to define the impact of collection, processing, and storage on plasma product microparticle (MP) abundance, potential for nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, and vasoactivity. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Three currently US licensed products were tested: liquid plasma (LP), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and solvent detergent plasma (SDP), along with a product under development, spray-dried solvent detergent plasma (SD-SDP) with/without beads. Vasoactivity was assessed in vitro using rabbit aortic vascular rings; MP abundance was determined by flow cytometry; and NO scavenging capacity/rate was determined using a biochemical NO consumption assay. All samples were analyzed unprocessed and following centrifugation at two speeds (2,500× g to remove platelets, and 25,000× g to remove microparticles). RESULTS Significant differences in vasoactivity were observed, with SD-SDP minus beads demonstrating the greatest constriction and FFP the lowest constriction response. All products exhibited the same total NO scavenging capacity; however, significant differences were observed in the maximal rate of scavenging, with SD-SDP minus beads and FFP reacting fastest and SDP the slowest. Across all products, platelet and microparticle depletion had no effect on vasoactivity or NO scavenging (total or rate). Microparticles (RBC derived) were found only in FFP and LP, with relative abundance (LP > FFP). Additionally, storage had no effect on total or RBC-derived MP abundance, NO scavenging, or vasoactivity. CONCLUSION Although vasoactivity differed between plasma products, we did not find similar differences in either total or RBC-derived MP abundance or NO scavenging capacity/rate.
Traditional Embryo Morphology Evaluation: From the Zygote to the Blastocyst Stage

After in vitro fertilization, providers are repeatedly tasked with assessing embryos at various stages to make critical, time-sensitive patient care decisions at each stage of embryo culture using morphological assessments. At the zygote stage, assessment of normal fertilization must occur just before the brief window in which pronuclei are visible closes in order to determine which embryos are suitable to continue in culture. Cleavage-stage assessments must determine whether a patient should transfer early or pursue blastocyst culture before transfer or cryopreservation. Finally, blastocyst morphology assessments must be made to determine if and when embryos are optimally ready for trophectoderm biopsy for cases undergoing genetic screening, if and when embryos are optimally ready for cryopreservation, and, most importantly, which embryos are most likely to become a healthy pregnancy when selecting an embryo for transfer. While molecular and biochemical methods to assess human gamete and embryo reproductive potential are increasingly utilized, the assessment of morphology has been, and will remain, the most widely employed method for embryo selection as it is quick and inexpensive and, although not without faults, has consistently been shown to have predictive value.
Onsite and offsite bound states of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the Peierls–Nabarro barrier

We construct multiple families of solitary standing waves of the discrete cubically nonlinear Schrodinger equation (DNLS) in dimensions d = 1, 2 and 3. These states are obtained via a bifurcation analysis about the continuum (NLS) limit. One family consists of onsite symmetric (vertex-centered) states; these are spatially localized solitary standing waves which are symmetric about any fixed lattice site. The other spatially localized states are offsite symmetric. Depending on the spatial dimension, these may be bond-centered, cell-centered or face-centered. Finally, we show that the energy difference among distinct states of the same frequency is exponentially small with respect to a natural parameter. This provides a rigorous bound for the so-called Peierls–Nabarro energy barrier.
Clustering-Based Summarization of Transactional Chatbot Logs

Transactional chatbots have become popular today, as they can automate repetitive transactions such as making an appointment or buying a ticket. As users interact with a chatbot, rich chat logs are generated to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the chatbot, which is the ratio of chats that lead to a successful state such as buying a ticket. A fundamental operation to achieve such analyses is the clustering of the chats in the chat log, which requires effective distance functions between a pair of chat sessions. In this paper, we propose and compare various distance measures for individual messages as well as whole sessions. We evaluate these measures using user studies on Mechanical Turk, where we first ask users to use our chatbots, and then ask them to judge the similarity of messages and sessions. Finally, we provide anecdotal results showing that our distance functions are effective in clustering messages and sessions.
Do you believe in magical thinking? Examining magical thinking as a mediator between obsessive-compulsive belief domains and symptoms.

BACKGROUND Despite substantial research attention on obsessive beliefs, more research is needed to understand how these beliefs serve as aetiological or maintaining factors for obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Magical thinking may allow individuals to gain a sense of control when experiencing intrusive thoughts and corresponding obsessive beliefs, potentially accounting for why OC belief domains are often related to OC symptoms. AIMS This study examines magical thinking as a mediating variable in the relationship between OC belief domains and symptoms. METHOD Undergraduate students (n = 284) reported their obsessive beliefs, magical thinking, and OC symptoms. RESULTS As expected, there were significant indirect effects for the belief domain of inflated responsibility and over-estimation of threat on OC symptoms via magical thinking. There was also an indirect effect for the belief domain of importance and control of thoughts on OC symptoms via magical thinking. Unexpectedly, there was no indirect effect involving the belief domain of perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Magical thinking may be one mechanism through which certain OC beliefs lead to OC symptoms. It may be that magical thinking serves as a coping mechanism in response to elevated beliefs. Future studies should extend these findings across time and clinical samples.
Real-Time Time-Dependent Nuclear-Electronic Orbital Approach: Dynamics beyond the Born-Oppenheimer Approximation

The quantum mechanical treatment of both electrons and nuclei is crucial in nonadiabatic dynamical processes such as proton-coupled electron transfer. The nuclear-electronic orbital (NEO) method provides an elegant framework for including nuclear quantum effects beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. To enable the study of nonequilibrium properties, we derive and implement a real-time NEO (RT-NEO) approach based on time-dependent Hatree-Fock or density functional theory, in which the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom are propagated in a time-dependent variational framework. Nuclear and electronic spectral features can be resolved from the time-dependent dipole moment computed using the RT-NEO method. The test cases show the dynamical interplay between the quantum nuclei and the electrons through vibronic coupling. Moreover, vibrational excitation in the RT-NEO approach is demonstrated by applying a resonant driving field, and electronic excitation is demonstrated by simulating excited state intramolecular proton transfer. This work shows that the RT-NEO approach is a promising tool to study nonadiabatic quantum dynamical processes within a time-dependent variational description for the coupled electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom.
Correction to: Sex Differences in the Association of Family and Personal Income and Wealth with Fertility in the United States.

Because of an error in calculation of coefficients reported in the article “Sex Differences in the Association of Family and Personal Income and Wealth with Fertility in the United States”.
Patterns of cardiac dysfunction after carbon monoxide poisoning.

Objective To describe the structural sequelae of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on the heart assessed using stress cardiac MRI (CMR). CO poisoning is common. While acute cardiac injury is frequent among survivors, the mid- and long-term effects of CO on the myocardium are unclear. Methods CMR studies performed between the years 2005 and 2014 for a primary diagnosis of CO poisoning at a tertiary care center were reviewed by an experienced cardiologist. Variables of interest were compared between patients with normal and abnormal studies to identify factors associated with cardiac dysfunction. Results Eighty-eight patients underwent stress CMR, age 34 years (range 11-70); 49% were male, 74 had acute poisoning and 14 had chronic poisoning (CO exposure for longer than 24 hours). Time from CO poisoning to imaging was 24 months (1 day-120 months). Patients were stratified into four categories, which included those with acute poisoning imaged: ≤12 months; 12-60 months; >60 months from the event; and those with chronic poisoning. Overall, 26 studies (30%) were abnormal. The most common findings were: left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 14 patients, right ventricular systolic dysfunction in nine, and LV dilatation in six. Abnormalities were mild in most cases and were equally prevalent in all four patient categories. Dyspnea at the time of follow-up was more frequent among those with abnormal studies. Conclusion Mild alterations in ventricular structure and function are frequent in survivors of CO poisoning. Myocardial scarring is rare, suggesting that acute hypoxic injury may not fully explain these abnormalities.