cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of modern techniques in detecting port-wine stain response to laser therapy.

Background. Traditional mechanisms of assessing port-wine stain response to laser therapy have rested mainly on subjective determinations by physician and patient. However, the wide variation in treatment response poses a profound need for objective devices to measure treatment outcomes so that maximum effectiveness of therapy can be achieved without unnecessary repeat treatments. Objective. The purpose of this paper will be to review noninvasive techniques to measure port-wine stain response to laser therapy. Methods. This report is based on a review of medical and bioscience literature. Results. Several techniques including laser Doppler, reflectance spectrophotometry, tristimulus colorimetry, and videomicroscopy have been developed to address the need for objective measurement devices. Conclusion. While many instruments are available, these techniques are limited by cost, small test size area, and/or inconclusive correlation with clinical response. A number of experimental techniques may circumvent many of the problems inherent in currently-available commercial technologies.
Gestion des territoires : aider à la formulation collective de problèmes

La legislation definissant les procedures de gestion des territoires impose de prendre en compte des enjeux d'acteurs representatifs des differentes composantes du territoire. Nous presentons un cadre de formalisation de cette prise en compte qui fournit aux decideurs et animateurs une description systematique des problemes definis lors de la procedure et une synthese de la definition du territoire. Ces deux produits permettent a l'animateur de proposer de nouvelles actions possibles a la discussion et l'evaluation des acteurs. Chaque acteur construit son point de vue decrivant les consequences de ces actions et l'evaluation que l'acteur en fait, puis le rend public. La comparaison de ces points de vue dans un cadre prive, d'une part, puis la discussion autour du resultat des comparaisons des points de vue publics, d'autre part, forment un cycle de formulation des problemes parcourus autant que necessaire. Le cadre est evalue par le test de deux outils derives.
Differential recovery of dopamine synthetic enzymes following MPTP and the consequences of GM1 ganglioside treatment.

After 7 days of treatment with MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), 30 mg/kg i.p., tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) activities are decreased by more than 50% in the mouse striatum. Within 30 days, AAAD activity returns while TH activity remains depressed. TH activity can be restored to near normal by chronic treatment with GM1 ganglioside, 30 mg/kg i.p.
A modified grouped-tag TDMA access protocol for radio frequency identification networks

We describe a new medium access protocol termed the modified grouped-tag TDMA protocol (MGTDMA) for networking radio frequency identification tags. It is known that the previously proposed grouped-tag TDMA (GTDMA) protocol performs very well under the conditions of uniform destination distribution and not so well for heterogeneous traffic conditions. The MGTDMA differs from GTDMA in the sense that MCTDMA allows groups experiencing high traffic to steal (cooperatively) from low traffic groups at regular time intervals. The performance of an access scheme is assessed in terms of the average packet delay and average energy consumption. An approximate analytical equation for average delay is derived. More accurate estimates for delay are obtained through simulation studies. We compare the performance of MGTDMA, GTDMA, and a pseudo random protocol and show the usefulness of the new scheme.
The Blaster worm: then and now

The Blaster worm of 2003 infected at least 100000 Microsoft Windows systems and cost millions in damage. In spite of cleanup efforts, an antiworm, and a removal tool from Microsoft, the worm persists. Observing the worm's activity can provide insight into the evolution of Internet worms.
Stabilization by reduced-order controllers

A recent result by A. Linnemann (Syst. Contr. Lett., vol.11, p.27-32, 1988) gives conditions under which a continuous-time single-loop plant of order n can be stabilized by a reduced-order controller. Specifically, if the Euclidean algorithm is applied to the numerator and denominator polynomials of the transfer function and one of the remainders is a kth-order Hurwitz polynomial, then a stabilizing controller of order n-k-1 exists. The author provides an alternative proof of this result. >
Object-oriented software development with fault tolerance for distributed real-time systems

An object oriented application software development approach with fault tolerance for distributed real time systems is presented. This approach is based on the Parallel Object Oriented Functional computation model (PROOF) with real time and fault tolerance features. The real time constraints are satisfied by using multi version methods, which are based on virtual method definitions with different underlying implementations, and encapsulation of time constraints in objects. The fault tolerance in application software layer is supported by monitoring, checkpoints and recovery.
Comparison of psychogenic movement disorders and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: is phenotype clinically important?

Background Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) are common in neurology practice, yet it is not established whether clinically relevant differences between these two groups exist. Methods In this retrospective chart review 172 patients were identified (PNES n=116, PMD n=56). Results The whole group was characterized by female gender (82%), abuse history (45%), chronic pain (70%), depression (42%), subjective fatigue (47%), subjective cognitive complaints (55%), and referral for psychiatric evaluation (54%). Statistically significant differences ( P Conclusions This retrospective study revealed more similarities than differences suggesting these are manifestations of the same psychopathology, with age and co-morbid anxiety potentially being important factors in predicting the symptomatic presentation. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results. Future studies focusing more globally on somatoform disorders, rather than each phenotypic presentation, are likely needed to improve clinical care and outcomes.
Predicting Chromosomal Locations of Genetically Mapped Loci in Maize Using the Morgan2McClintock Translator

The Morgan2McClintock Translator permits prediction of meiotic pachytene chromosome map positions from recombination-based linkage data using recombination nodule frequency distributions. Its outputs permit estimation of DNA content between mapped loci and help to create an integrated overview of the maize nuclear genome structure.
Agreement between subordinate and superior ratings of supervisory performance and effects on self and subordinate job satisfaction

This study investigated the agreement between superior and subordinate performance ratings and the correlations between these performance ratings and standardized measures of job satisfaction. Subjects were 261 members of the fire service, representing three ranks in the organizational hierarchy: chiefs (N = 12), captains (N = 76), and firefighters (N = 173). Subjects completed performance ratings of both their superiors and subordinates, and standardized measures of job satisfaction. Results indicated significant agreement between superior (chief) and subordinate (firefighter) ratings of captains' performance. These performance ratings were also positively correlated with both subordinate (firefighter) and supervisor (captain) job satisfaction, particularly satisfaction with supervisors and with co-workers.
Fault‐tolerant control of process systems using communication networks

A methodology for the design of fault-tolerant control systems for chemical plants with distributed interconnected processing units is presented. Bringing together tools from Lyapunov-based nonlinear control and hybrid systems theory, the approach is based on a hierarchical architecture that integrates lower-level feedback control of the individual units with upper-level logic-based supervisory control over communication networks. The local control system for each unit consists of a family of control configurations for each of which a stabilizing feedback controller is designed and the stability region is explicitly characterized. The actuators and sensors of each configuration are connected, via a local communication network, to a local supervisor that orchestrates switching between the constituent configurations, on the basis of the stability regions, in the event of failures. The local supervisors communicate, through a plant-wide communication network, with a plant supervisor responsible for monitoring the different units and coordinating their responses in a way that minimizes the propagation of failure effects. The communication logic is designed to ensure efficient transmission of information between units, while also respecting the inherent limitations in network resources by minimizing unnecessary network usage and accounting explicitly for the effects of possible delays due to faultdetection, control computations, network communication and actuator activation. The proposed approach provides explicit guidelines for managing the various interplays between the coupled tasks of feedback control, fault-tolerance and communication. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through chemical process examples. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 1665–1682, 2005
Efficient coding provides a direct link between prior and likelihood in perceptual Bayesian inference

A common challenge for Bayesian models of perception is the fact that the two fundamental Bayesian components, the prior distribution and the likelihood function, are formally unconstrained. Here we argue that a neural system that emulates Bayesian inference is naturally constrained by the way it represents sensory information in populations of neurons. More specifically, we show that an efficient coding principle creates a direct link between prior and likelihood based on the underlying stimulus distribution. The resulting Bayesian estimates can show biases away from the peaks of the prior distribution, a behavior seemingly at odds with the traditional view of Bayesian estimation, yet one that has been reported in human perception. We demonstrate that our framework correctly accounts for the repulsive biases previously reported for the perception of visual orientation, and show that the predicted tuning characteristics of the model neurons match the reported orientation tuning properties of neurons in primary visual cortex. Our results suggest that efficient coding is a promising hypothesis in constraining Bayesian models of perceptual inference.
A neontological interpretation of conodont elements based on agnathan cyclostome tooth structire function, and development

Krejsa, R. J., Bringas, P. Jr. & Slavkin, H. C. 1990 10 15: A neontological interpretation of conodont elements based on agnathan cyclostome tooth structure, function, and development. Lethaia, Vol. 23, pp. 359–378. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164. Speculation about a conodont-cyclostome connection has led us to search for and establish a biological basis for various characteristic structures in conodont elements. Measurements of juvenile hagfish palatal and lingual teeth overlap those of representative conodont elements, demonstrating a size correspondence of conodonts with teeth of living vertebrates. When hagfish tooth histology is compared with internal and surface topography (SEM) of hagfish, keratinous teeth and mineralized conodont elements, microspaces and tubules similar to those found in hagfish functional tooth coverings and replacement elements are also found within the white matter’ of conodont elements. It is provisionally suggested that the primary organic matrix of conodont elements could be keratin and/or keratin-related molecules, and that individual conodont elements could represent shed tooth coverings. The basal bodies' found in certain conodont elements could be replacement elements. These interpretations are contrary to several paradigms of orthodox conodontology. ▭Agnatha, conodonts, cyclostomes, hagfish, keratin, paleo-biology, shedding, teeth.
Stream processing in data-driven computational science

The use of real-time data streams in data-driven computational science is driving the need for stream processing tools that work within the architectural framework of the larger application. Data stream processing systems are beginning to emerge in the commercial space, but these systems fail to address the needs of large-scale scientific applications. In this paper we illustrate the unique needs of large-scale data driven computational science through an example taken from weather prediction and forecasting. We apply a realistic workload from this application against our Calder stream processing system to determine effective throughput, event processing latency, data access scalability, and deployment latency.1
HIGH-RESOLUTION STABLE ISOTOPE PROFILES OF A DIMITOBELID BELEMNITE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PALEODEPTH HABITAT AND LATE MAASTRICHTIAN CLIMATE SEASONALITY

Abstract Oxygen and carbon isotope ratios were measured on belemnites, planktonic foraminifera, and benthic foraminifera collected from Late Cretaceous sediments on Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, to compare the relative depth habitats of these organisms and to provide insight on temperature seasonality at high southern latitudes near the end of the Cretaceous. Average δ18O and δ13C values of the belemnite Dimitobelus seymouriensis overlap with those of benthic foraminifera; these values are significantly different (p < 0.01) from isotopic compositions recorded by planktonic foraminifera. This comparison shows that D. seymouriensis likely inhabited waters below the surface summer mixed layer of the outer shelf. These results suggest that average δ18O of D. seymouriensis is a good indicator of intermediate-to-deep-shelf water conditions, which in this locality is a good approximation for pelagic water temperatures in the Southern Ocean. Measurements of δ18O on high-resolution samples across belemnite ...
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Coumarin Anticoagulants XXIV: Effect of Treatment with Phenobarbital on Serum Protein Binding of Warfarin and Dicumarol in Rats

Rats were treated with the enzyme inducer phenobarbital to determine if it would affect the serum protein binding of warfarin and dicumarol, possibly by changing the rate of formation or elimination of endogenous inhibitor(s). Daily administration of phenobarbital, 75 mg/kg, for 4 days increased relative liver size (a concomitant of enzyme induction) but had no apparent effect on the serum protein binding of warfarin and dicumarol.
Factors Relating to Professional Development in Beginning Graduate Students in Counseling Psychology

Beginning graduate students in programs in counseling psychology approved by the American Psychological Association were surveyed to determine salient demographic characteristics, motivational factors influencing their decisions to enter graduate training in counseling psychology, their perceptions of the appropriate roles and functions of professionals in the field, and their goals and expectations regarding their future employment settings. Median or modal demographic data suggest that the "typical" beginning doctoral student in counseling psychology is a 25- to 35-year-old white female who has done previous graduate work and who has had prior mental-health-related work experience. Reasons for entering graduate school in counseling psychology were found to vary as a function of age. Although students 'perceptions of the field were found to be similar to those of seasoned professionals, they did vary somewhat depending on the students' professional goals. A very strong preference was expressed for privat...
Propellant-Free Control of Tethered Formation Flight, Part 1: Linear Control and Experimentation

We introduce a decentralized attitude control strategy that can dramatically reduce the usage of propellant, by taking full advantage of the physical coupling of the tether. Motivated by a controllability analysis, indicating that both array resizing and spin-up are fully controllable by the reaction wheels and the tether motor, we report the first propellant-free underactuated control results for tethered formation flying spacecraft. This paper also describes the hardware development and experimental validation of the proposed method using the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, and Reorient Experimental Satellites test bed. In particular, a new relative sensing mechanism that uses sixderee-of-freedom force-torque sensors and rate gyroscopes is introduced and validated in the closed-loop control experiments.
A versatile video pattern generator for vision test

The authors present a hardware and software system for the generation of video patterns that can be used for various vision tests, particularly depth perception. Among the capabilities of the system is generation of static and dynamic random dot stereograms that can be used to test depth perception. The system generates the patterns in real-time which provides the ability of moving the objects in the stereogram. This feature is very useful in testing depth perception among infants and noncommunicative people by correlating the movement of the eye with the movement of the object. The system also can generate various other patterns, such as checkerboards, vertical and horizontal bars, and can provide the ability to sweep the size of the checkers and bars. These patterns are also useful for testing vision acuity. The system hardware is based on the TMS34010 graphics processor and hardware circuits and is connected to a host computer through an RS-232C serial communication port. Both the system and application programs are written in assembly language. The system is fast and flexible with affordable cost. >
A state-space model of fatigue crack growth for real-time structural health management

This paper presents formulation and validation of a nonlinear dynamical model of fatigue crack growth in ductile alloys under variable-amplitude loading including single-cycle overloads, irregular sequences, and random loads. The model is formulated in the state-space setting based on the crack closure concept and captures the effects of stress overload and reverse plastic flow. The state variables of the model are crack length and crack opening stress. The state-space model can be restructured in the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) setting for real-time health monitoring, nondestructive evaluation, and life extending control. The model prediction is validated with fatigue test data and is compared with those of standard codes such as AFGROW and FASTRAN under different types of variable-amplitude and spectrum loading. On the average, the state-space model executes about ten times faster than other fatigue crack growth models and its predictions are comparable or of better accuracy.
Comparison of Cyclic P-Y Methods for Offshore Wind Turbine Monopiles Subjected to Extreme Storm Loading

Approximately 75% of installed offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are supported by monopiles, a foundation whose design is dominated by lateral loading. Monopiles are typically designed using the p-y method which models soil-pile resistance using decoupled, nonlinear elastic Winkler springs. Because cyclic soil behavior is difficult to predict, the cyclic p-y method accounts for cyclic soil-pile interaction using a quasistatic analysis with cyclic p-y curves representing lower-bound soil resistance. This paper compares the Matlock (1970) and Dunnavant & O’Neill (1989) p-y curve methods, and the p-y degradation models from Rajashree & Sundaravadivelu (1996) and Dunnavant & O’Neill (1989) for a 6 m diameter monopile in stiff clay subjected to storm loading. Because the Matlock (1970) cyclic p-y curves are independent of the number of load cycles, the static p-y curves were used in conjunction with the Rajashree & Sundaravadivelu (1996) p-y degradation method in order to take number of cycles into account. All of the p-y methods were developed for small diameter piles, therefore it should be noted that the extrapolation of these methods for large diameter OWT monopiles may not be physically accurate; however, the Matlock (1970) curves are still the curves predominantly recommended in OWT design guidelines. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory wind turbine analysis program FAST was used to produce mudline design loads representative of extreme storm loading. These design loads were used as the load input to cyclic p-y analysis. Deformed pile shapes as a result of the design load are compared for each of the cyclic p-y methods as well as pile head displacement and rotation and degradation of soil-pile resistance with increasing number of cycles.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Mis)perceptions of Partisan Polarization in the American Public

Few topics in public opinion research have attracted as much attention in recent years as partisan polarization in the American mass public. Yet, there has been considerably less investigation into whether people perceive the electorate to be polarized and the patterns of these perceptions. Building on work in social psychology, we argue that Americans perceive more polarization with respect to policy issues than actually exists, a phenomenon known as false polarization. Data from a nationally representative probability sample and a novel estimation strategy to make inferences about false polarization show that people significantly misperceive the public to be more divided along partisan lines than it is in reality. Also, people’s misperceptions of opposing partisans are larger than those about their own party. We discuss the implications of these empirical patterns for American electoral politics.
The perplexing links between contraceptive sterilization and (dis)advantage in ten low-fertility countries

This study investigated the association between contraceptive sterilization and socio-economic status (measured by educational attainment) in ten countries, using data from the 2006-10 National Survey of Family Growth and the 2004-10 Generations and Gender Surveys. The findings confirm that a long-standing association between socio-economic status and sterilization persists in the contemporary United States: female sterilization is associated with economic disadvantage, whereas male sterilization is associated with economic advantage. The latter association is found to be unique to the United States, but female sterilization is associated with disadvantage in most of the other countries studied. While basic demographic background factors such as early childbearing and parity can explain the observed associations in most of the countries, a strong gendered association between sterilization and socio-economic status remains in the United States and Belgium even after adjusting for these factors.
Descending endografts for type A dissections: con

An important goal of surgical repair of type A aortic dissection is to resect the intimal tear. Studies on the fate of residual dissection after acute type A aortic dissection repair in the past decade have driven surgeons to seek procedures to avoid distal reoperation. Aggressive surgical approach with total arch replacement in acute type A dissection has demonstrated lower incidence of distal reoperation and slower aortic growth rate compared to less aggressive ascending/hemiarch repair. Recently, successful results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in type B aortic dissection have encouraged surgeons to further attack acute type A aortic dissection with hybrid approach: antegrade endografting in the descending thoracic true lumen as an adjunct to hemiarch or total arch repair. However, is the hybrid approach with simultaneous descending endografting justified in all the acute type A aortic dissection cases? The outcomes of the hybrid approach reported by the several groups have demonstrated 80–100% of false lumen thrombus formation in the proximal descending aorta (stented segment); however, the complete obliteration of the false lumen is only 17–50%. The incidence of distal reoperation/reintervention after hybrid approach is as high as 14% and an adjunctive procedure is often performed. Moreover, there are concerns about additional risks associated with the hybrid procedures, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), stent graft induced new entry and stroke. The data on this new approach are still very limited. Hence, further study is warranted to prove its safety and durability.
Analysis on implementation status of hydatid disease prevention and control project in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps in 2011

[Objective]To understand the effect of hydatid disease control measures in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps.[Methods] According to the requirements of the National major parasitic diseases prevention and control planning from 2006-2015(Ministry of Health) and the Implementation plan of hydatid disease prevention and control project in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps,the investigation and prevention work were carried out among population,dogs and domestic animals in the area.[Results]The prevalence rate of hydatid disease of people in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps(Beitun City) in 2011 was 0.18%(10 /5 600),and the positive rate of serological testing among children aged 6-12 years old was 1.81%(13 /717).The positive rate of antigen in dog feces was 0.13%(1 /800),and the prevalence rate of domestic animals was 1.67%(32 /1 915).The prevalence rate and infection rate of people and livestock reduced greatly as compared with former years.[Conclusion]The hydatid disease prevention and control project in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps(Beitun City) in 2011 has achieved effective results,which has promoted the economic and social development in 10th Division of Xinjiang Corps(Beitun City).
Grasping the Great Idea Right and Advancing the Tax Sharing System With Other Matching Measures——Consulting With the Proposal of “Two Levels Vertically and Two Categories Horizontally”

This article holds, that a multilevel fiscal regime based on the tax sharing system is a system required by the new market system.Itisthought the regime should be run through step by step in construction of our integrated market.It is thought transitional measures should not become obstacles to long and mid-term goals, and that a great idea should be well grasped in advancing the tax sharing system together with other matching measures.
Neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus may integrate vagal and spinal information from the GI tract

Previous investigations have provided evidence that the activity of parasympathetic efferent neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) may be influenced by either vagal afferent or spinal input from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Many questions remain, however, regarding the nature of this input and its integration by the brain stem. The present study was designed to examine one important aspect of this issue: the potential contribution of the spinal input to the brain stem in the generation of the response properties of intestine-sensitive neurons in the DMNV. Using intracellular recording and labeling techniques in adult rats, we found that ascending spinal pathways were capable of conveying both low- and high-threshold visceral information to the DMNV. We also determined that the neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract failed to respond to intestinal distention when the vagal afferents to the brain stem had been severed, suggesting that the spinal projections terminate directly on the DMNV neurons. These data lend support to the emerging hypothesis that the spinal afferents that accompany the abdominal splanchnics are capable of responding to both innocuous and noxious stimuli. The results also suggest that the neurons in the DMNV play a larger role in the integration of visceral sensory information than was previously realized.
Contract Formation and Interpretation

Much research in law and economics, following Coase's insight that the effects of a legal rule depend on the ability of those whom it governs to bargain around it, has undertaken to explain how substantive entitlements such as property rights influence the bargaining process. Perhaps more important than any substantive rights or duties in this regard, however, is the extensive body of contract doctrine that governs the procedural mechanics of exchange. The formal rules of contract formation, by attaching consequences to the various acts and omissions that bargainers can choose from in a negotiation, affect the parties' incentives to make and to respond to offers, to delay, to bluff, and to communicate in the first place. Similarly, the law of contract interpretation - ranging from default rules to irrebuttable presumptions - determines the costs of bargaining into and around particular contract terms. Both sets of rules thus influence which contracts get formed and the terms on which they get formed. For these reasons, contract formation and interpretation can fairly be said to be logically prior to every other issue in law and economics. This essay surveys the economic effects of the doctrinal rules of contract formation and interpretation, focusing specially on the incentives such rules provide for strategic behavior in negotiation. Each of its individual sections discusses a particular aspect of such incentives.
In vitro inhibition of human papillomavirus following use of a carrageenan-containing vaginal gel☆☆☆☆☆☆

Abstract Objective To assess in vitro efficacy of Divine 9, a carrageenan-based vaginal lubricant that is being studied as a microbicide to inhibit HPV16 pseudovirus (PsV) infection. Methods Sexually active US women between 19 and 35years without prior HPV vaccination or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were instructed to use Divine 9 vaginally with an applicator either before sex only or before and after intercourse. Women who applied a single dose of gel returned for cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) collection 1, 4 or 8–12h after intercourse versus those who applied gel before and after intercourse returned 1, 4 or 8–12h after the second gel dose. Carrageenan concentrations were assessed using an ELISA assay and the inhibitory activity was assessed using a PsV-based neutralization assay against HPV16 infection. Carrageenan concentrations and the percentage of PsV16 inhibition were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results Thirteen women were enrolled and thirty specimens from different time-points were assessed. 87% of CVL samples had detectable carrageenans with levels decreasing over time from intercourse. 93% of CVL samples had detectable PsV16 inhibition with median inhibition of 97.5%. PsV16 inhibition decreased over time, but remained high, with median inhibition of 98.1%, 97.4% and 83.4% at 1, 4 and 8–12h, respectively. Higher carrageenan concentrations were associated with higher levels of PsV16 inhibition (rho=0.69). Conclusions This is the first report of a human study investigating in vitro HPV inhibition of a carrageenan-based vaginal lubricant with CVL collected after sexual intercourse. We demonstrate excellent efficacy in preventing PsV16 infection.
Epigenetic regulation of estrogen receptor α contributes to age-related differences in transcription across the hippocampal regions CA1 and CA3.

The expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) varies across brain regions and changes with age and according to the previous history of estradiol exposure. ERα is regulated by a number of mechanisms including the level of mRNA (Esr1) expression. For this study, we took advantage of regional differences in hippocampal ERα expression to investigate DNA ERα promoter methylation at CpG dinucleotide sites as a potential epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression. Young and aged female Fischer 344 rats were ovariectomized, and Esr1 expression and ERα promoter methylation were examined in hippocampal regions CA1 and CA3, either 3 or 14 weeks following surgery. The results indicate that reduced Esr1 expression in region CA1 relative to CA3 was associated with an increase in DNA methylation in region CA1, particularly for the first CpG site. Additionally, differential methylation of distal CpG sites, 11-17, was associated with altered Esr1 expression during aging or following long-term hormone deprivation. The results support the idea that methylation of site 1 may be the primary regulatory region for cross-regional patterns in ERα expression, while distal sites are modifiable across the life span and may act as a feedback mechanism for ERα activity.
Anesthesia for Cardioversion

A commonly performed off site procedure requiring anesthesia is an elective cardioversion. Cardioversion is often a brief, yet painful procedure which utilizes an electrical current applied transcutaneously to the patient’s chest for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. The anesthetic management of cardioversion can vary widely based on the setting, patient, and provider. General anesthesia, with or without airway control, is often indicated. There are several unique anesthetic considerations to be taken into account for preoperative assessment, optimization of current medical conditions, and preparation of an anesthetic plan for an elective cardioversion. Additionally, knowledge of the procedure and the underlying physiology and pathology of cardiac dysrhythmias assists the anesthesiologist in preparing for management of adverse events.
Effects of individual differences in working memory on performance and trust with various degrees of automation

ABSTRACTPrevious studies showed performance benefits with correct automation, but performance costs when the automation was incorrect (i.e. provided an incorrect course of action), particularly as degrees of automation increased. Automation researchers have examined individual differences, but have not investigated the relationship between working memory and performance with various degrees of automation that is both correct and incorrect. In the current study, working memory ability interacted with automation reliability and degree of automation. Higher degrees of correct automation helped performance while higher degrees of incorrect automation worsened performance, especially for those with lower working memory. Lower working memory was also associated with more trust in automation. Results illustrate the interaction between degree of automation and individual differences in working memory on performance with automation that is correct and automation that fails.
Towards sustainable hydrocarbon fuels with biomass fast pyrolysis oil and electrocatalytic upgrading

The carbon efficiency of bioenergy systems is of critical importance in discussions pertaining to biomass availability for the displacement of petroleum. Classical carbohydrate fermentations to make simple alcohols are carbon inefficient as they discard 1/3 of biomass holocellulose as CO2. Biomass' lignin is typically burned for heat and power instead of liquid fuel, discarding another sizeable fraction of the biomass carbon. Carbon is the backbone element in hydrocarbon fuels and these losses limit full utilization of the carbon captured by photosynthesis. The DOE Billion-ton Study Update optimistically projects enough biomass carbon to cover 2/3 of the estimated fuel usage in the transportation sector by 2030. Fast pyrolysis combined with electrocatalytic energy upgrading using renewable electricity offers a more carbon-retentive pathway for biomass to renewable fuels. This fast pyrolysis-based sequence offers the added benefit of fixing atmospheric carbon in the form of biochar, which provides a mechanism for long-term carbon storage. An associated challenge is that the liquid “bio-oil” from biomass fast pyrolysis contains functional groups like carboxylic acids, carbonyls, and oxygenated aromatics. Their presence hinders the storage and transportation of bio-oil. We propose a potential solution with localized electrocatalytic hydrogenation as an immediate measure to stabilize bio-oil via oxygen removal and carbonyl saturation. Electrocatalytically stabilized bio-oil can be stored and/or transported to centralized refineries for further upgrading. Compared to microbial bioconversion, the strategy proposed here enables significantly higher yields of renewable hydrocarbon fuels and offers a large-scale mechanism for chemical storage of renewable but intermittently generated electrical energy as transportation fuel.
3-D printed substrates for MMIC packaging

Though 3D printing has been leveraged to realize passive components, it remains largely unexplored for the packaging of active devices and circuits. In this paper, a bare GaAs LNA MMIC is wire-bonded in a 3D printed substrate for the first time. The package's metal layer was deposited via sputtering and patterned using a mask-less process enabled by the use of grooves during the printing process. Up to 10 GHz, the packaged LNA shows a maximum gain of 25.5 dB. At higher frequencies, the loss of the package increases due to surface roughness and interconnect effects, as well as a suspected increase in the substrate's loss tangent. These remain critical issues for future 3D printing-based microwave and millimeter-wave packaging.
Estimation of premature forests in Georgia (USA) using U.S. Forest Service FIA data and Landsat imagery

We used geographic information system applications and statistical analyses to classify young, premature forest areas in southeastern Georgia using combined data from Landsat TM 5 satellite imagery and ground inventory data. We defined premature stands as forests with trees up to 15 years old. We estimated the premature forest areas using three methods: maximum likelihood classification (MLC), regression analysis, and k-nearest neighbor (kNN) modeling. Overall accuracy (OA) of classifying the premature forest using MLC was 82% and the Kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.63, which was the highest among the methods that we have tested. The kNN approach ranked second in accuracy with OA of 61% and a Kappa coefficient of agreement of 0.22. Regression analysis yielded an OA of 57% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.14. We conclude that Landsat imagery can be effectively used for estimating premature forest areas in combination with image processing classifiers such as MLC.
60 Utility of t wave amplitude as a non-invasive risk marker of sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the most devastating outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Presently, risk stratification is imperfect and underscores the need to identify novel markers for malignant disease. We evaluated repolarization features on the surface electrocardiograms (ECG) to identify potential risk factors for SCA. Methods Data was collected from 52 HCM patients who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Leads V2 and V5 from the ECG closest to the time of ICD implant were utilized for measuring the Tpeak-Tend interval (Tpe), QTc, Tpe/QTc, T-wave duration, and T-wave amplitude. The presence of the 5 traditional SCA-associated risk factors was assessed, as well as the HCM risk-SCD score. Results 16 (30%) patients experienced aborted cardiac arrest over 8.5±4.1 years, with 9 receiving an ICD shock and 7 receiving ATP. On univariate analysis, T-wave amplitude was associated with appropriate ICD therapy (HR per 0.1 mV 0.79, 95% CI 0.56–0.96, p=0.02). Aborted SCA was not associated with a greater mean QTc duration, Tpeak-Tend interval, T-wave duration, or Tpe/QT ratio. Multivariate analysis (adjusting for cardinal HCM SCA-risk factors) showed T-wave amplitude in Lead V2 was an independent predictor of risk (adjusted HR per 0.1 mV 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.97, p =0.03). Addition of T-wave amplitude in Lead V2 to the traditional risk factors resulted in significant improvement in risk stratification (C-statistic from 0.65 to 0.75) but did not improve the performance of the HCM SCD-risk score. Conclusion T-wave amplitude is a novel marker of SCA in this high risk HCM population and may provide incremental predictive value to established risk factors. Further work is needed to define the role of repolarization abnormalities in predicting SCA in HCM.
Long-term clinical outcomes of magnetically navigated rotor ablation as an adjunct to conventional pulmonary vein isolation.

Aims The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of magnetically guided ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) rotors in conjunction with magnetically guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in a large consecutive series of patients. Methods and results A total of 110 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF underwent rotor ablation followed by conventional PVI and ablation of other spontaneous arrhythmias, all of which were performed with remote magnetic navigation (RMN). The patients were followed to assess the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia. Patients had a mean age of 62.5 ± 9.9 years, 64.5% had persistent AF, and 36.4% had a prior failed PVI. All patients had mapped rotors (3.9 ± 1.5 per patient), with right atrial (RA) rotors in 77.3% (85/110) of patients. After a mean follow-up of 17.6 ± 9.5 months, 90.9% (100/110) were in stable sinus rhythm including patients on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). 69.1% (76/110) were in stable sinus rhythm without any AADs. Outcome did not differ between patients with persistent or paroxysmal AF (69.2% vs. 69.0%; P = 0.75), failed prior ablation or those undergoing an initial ablation (77.5% vs. 64.3%; P = 0.193), or patients with and without intra-procedural AF termination (67.3% vs. 70.5%; P = 0.723). Conclusion Ablation of rotors in combination with PVI using RMN was associated with a high success rate in this large cohort of consecutive patients. Significant proportion of patients exhibited RA rotors, which was associated with persistent AF, obstructive sleep apnoea, and obesity.
Towards multifunctional thermal environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) based on rare-earth pyrosilicate solid-solution ceramics

Abstract The concept of thermal environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) for SiC-based ceramic matrix composite (CMCs) hot-section components in gas-turbine engines is elucidated. Here, a single dense TEBC layer made of low thermal-conductivity rare-earth (RE) pyrosilicate solid-solutions is expected to perform multiple functions. Several binary solid-solutions are investigated, with some satisfying the following critical requirements for dense TEBCs: (i) good thermal-expansion match with CMCs, (ii) high-temperature phase stability up to 1700 °C, (iii) low thermal conductivity, and (iv) resistance to high-temperature attack by calcia-magnesia-aluminosilicate (CMAS) melts. Other considerations and future outlook pertaining to the TEBCs concept are discussed.
Stationary Liquid-Phase Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysis

Abstract Immobilization of homogeneous liquid-phase catalysts on solid carriers could result in novel catalysts, which combine the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, e.g. high activity, high selectivity, and easy product separation. In order to maintain the catalytic performance of a supported liquid-phase (SLP) homogeneous catalyst, the liquid-phase must remain on the support throughout the reaction. When leaching of the liquid-phase does not occur the SLP catalysts should be called stationary liquid-phase homogeneous catalyst. We have developed a stationary strong acid phase platinum catalyst which can be used for the hydrogenation of aromatics at 25–75°C and 100–800 psi of H 2 . The catalyst is prepared by supporting a solution of PtCl 2 (MeCN) 2 in BF 3 .H 2 O on silica or clay, and has been tested in batch and continuous reactors.
Preparation of unheated soy protein isolates with low trypsin inhibitor content.

The nutritional quality of soy protein products is affected by the processing conditions employed in their manufacture. Heat treatment during processing serves to inactivate the inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, enzymes which play a key role in the digestion of protein in animals. In the processing of defatted soy flour to prepare a soy protein isolate, generally no heat treatment is used. Instead, a high percentage of the trypsin inhibitors (TI) is physically removed in the whey fraction. However, depending on their mode of preparation, soy isolates may contain trypsin inhibitor activity as high as 40% of that found in raw soybeans. Using “salting in” techniques we found that a higher percentage (97.7%) of the TI was solubilized and removed with the whey fraction when the protein curd was precipitated from 0.1 N NaCl solution at pH 5.4. Using membrane techniques for the separation of TI from non-TI-protein, best results were obtained with 0.1 N. MgCl2 where 79% of the TI was removed in the permeate.
Interpregnancy Body Mass Index Changes: Distribution and Impact on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Subsequent Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To examine the change in body mass index (BMI) categories between pregnancies and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with two consecutive deliveries from 2005 to 2010. Analysis was limited to women with BMI recorded at <24 weeks for both pregnancies. Standard BMI categories were used. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth at <37 weeks, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with increased BMI category between pregnancies were compared with those who remained in the same BMI category. RESULTS In total, 537 women were included, of whom 125 (23%) increased BMI category. There was no association between increase in BMI category and risk of preterm birth, IUGR, or pregnancy-related hypertension. Women who increased BMI category had an increased odds of GDM compared with women who remained in the same BMI category (6.4 vs. 2.2%; p = 0.018). The increased risk remained after controlling for age, history of GDM, and starting BMI (adjusted odds ratio: 8.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-32.7; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Almost one-quarter of women increased BMI categories between pregnancies. This modifiable risk factor has a significant impact on the risk of GDM.
Pathophysiology of Critical Illness and Role of Nutrition

Critical illness is a hypercatabolic state. It has been hypothesized that timely and adequate nutrition support may optimize the host response and thereby minimize nutritionally related complications while improving overall outcome. Any illness in due course can lead to a malnourished state-critical illness can worsen this state as patients may become immunocompromised and unable to mount an adequate inflammatory response and therefore susceptible to poor outcomes. Data indicate that prevalence of malnutrition in the ICU ranges from 38% to 78% and is independently associated with poor outcomes. Hence, exploring the role of nutrition as a way to mitigate critical illness is important. In this review, the basic pathophysiology of critical illness and how it alters carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism are discussed. This is followed by a discussion of malnutrition and how it affects patient and hospital outcomes. Finally, a summary of the available evidence regarding nutrition support and its impact on outcomes are provided. This review is not intended to provide practice-based guidelines; instead, it intends to highlight available data on the role of nutrition support in critically ill patients.
Banks as Producers of Financial Services

This paper documents that a rise in government debt is associated with a fall in shadow banking and a rise in traditional banking. This is explained in a model where banks are valued for the financial services they offer. Government debt does not compete directly with banks in providing financial services, but the demand for government debt by banks imparts a liquidity premium to government debt. A rise in government debt is estimated to disproportionately benefit traditional banks so they expand at the expense of shadow banks. An optimal debt policy leads both types of banks to become default free.