cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of trust in human-robot collaborations

Robotic systems are being introduced into military echelons to extend warfighter capabilities in complex, dynamic environments. While these systems are designed to complement human capabilities (e.g., aiding in battlefield situation awareness and decision making, etc), they are often misused or disused because the user does not have an appropriate level of trust in his or her robotic counterpart(s). We describe a continuing body of research that identifies factors impacting a human's level of trust in a robotic teammate. The factors identified to date can be categorized as human influences (e.g., individual differences in terms of personality, experience, culture), machine influences (e.g., robotic platform, robot performance in terms of levels of automation, failure rates, false alarms), and environmental influences (e.g. task type, operational environment, shared mental models). A framework for human-robot team trust was constructed, which is evolving into a working model contingent upon the results of an on-going meta-analysis.
The Agrobacterium-plant cell interaction. Taking biology lessons from a bug.

Agrobacterium elicits neoplastic growths (called crown gall tumors) that affect most dicotyledonous plants. Moreover, although plants represent the natural hosts for Agrobacterium, this microorganism can also genetically transform a wide range of other eukaryotic species, from yeast ([Bundock et al
Image reconstruction in SNR units : A general method for SNR measurement

The method for phased array image reconstruction of uniform noise images may be used in conjunction with proper image scaling as a means of reconstructing images directly in SNR units. This facilitates accurate and precise SNR measurement on a per pixel basis. This method is applicable to root-sum-of-squares magnitude combining, B(1)-weighted combining, and parallel imaging such as SENSE. A procedure for image reconstruction and scaling is presented, and the method for SNR measurement is validated with phantom data. Alternative methods that rely on noise only regions are not appropriate for parallel imaging where the noise level is highly variable across the field-of-view. The purpose of this article is to provide a nuts and bolts procedure for calculating scale factors used for reconstructing images directly in SNR units. The procedure includes scaling for noise equivalent bandwidth of digital receivers, FFTs and associated window functions (raw data filters), and array combining.
A Focus Group Study on Decision Processes of Young Drivers: Reasons That May Support a Decision to Drink and Drive

This article explores reasons that may support a decision by young drivers to drink and drive. Forty focus group discussions on driving and traffic safety were conducted with 316 volunteers 18 to 22 years of age in 10 cities in the United States and two cities in Canada. The audiotaped discussions identified some factors that may influence young peoples' decisions to drink and drive, such as inappropriate knowledge about alcohol and driving, lack of decision making skills, and the tendency to ignore the increased risk of drinking and driving. While some respondents drove intoxicated because they were unaware of the dangers, others rationalized their drinking and driving behavior. Improved understanding about the nature and extent of the factors influencing young drivers' decisions to drink and drive is essential to planning effective health education programs.
The biological cost of the depression of consciousness

The care of the brain and protection of cognitive function are critical aspects of our management of patients that are admitted to the intensive care unit or undergo general anesthesia and surgery. The depth of consciousness is frequently altered in an effort to make the patient comfortable during an unpleasant episode or procedure. This alteration in consciousness is often not controlled and patients maybe taken to very deep levels of unconsciousness or even coma and when returned to the conscious state are found to have acute brain dysfunction as exhibited by delirium and cognitive impairment. This may be compounded by the effects of sepsis and the inflammation of surgery and trauma causing endothelial dysfunction in the cerebral microcirculation. To prevent these deleterious effects on cognition, some of which maybe permanent, lighter controlled sedation with good analgesia is now being recommended in the intensive care unit. The concept of the “animated ICU“ is being put forward, where the patient maintains cognitive function and is mobilized when feasible. When deeper levels of sedation or anesthesia are required brain function monitors that display the electroencephalogram pattern may control the depth of unconsciousness. Innovative new therapies are being investigated to protect the brain from inflammation and the developing brain from potentially neurotoxic anesthetic agents. The cognitive mind is the most vital asset that we have and must be closely protected from impairment. Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo 2013; 7: 312-317.
The Effect of Pen and House Location on Performance at the Central New York Random Sample Egg Laying Test

Abstract POULTRY breeders who enter the random sample egg laying tests frequently become concerned about the possible influence of pen location on the performance of their entries. This is true to a greater degree when the various stocks are housed in different buildings than when all stocks are housed in the same building or replicated in two separate buildings. The physical layout at the Central New York Test provides an opportunity for evaluating the effect of pen location since the entries are housed in five different houses, four of which have small feed rooms at one end. The layout permits many types of comparisons. Also data are available for ten different test groups each of which was randomized into 33 different pens. Actually 14 tests have been completed but the data for four years were excluded for the following reasons. Data for the first and second tests were omitted from this …
Mutational Analysis of the C-Terminal Gag Cleavage Sites in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag is expressed as a polyprotein that is cleaved into six proteins by the viral protease in a maturation process that begins during assembly and budding. While processing of the N terminus of Gag is strictly required for virion maturation and infectivity, the necessity for the C-terminal cleavages of Gag is less well defined. To examine the importance of this process, we introduced a series of mutations into the C terminus of Gag that interrupted the cleavage sites that normally produce in the nucleocapsid (NC), spacer 2 (SP2), or p6 Gag proteins. Protein analysis showed that all of the mutant constructs produced virions efficiently upon transfection of cells and appropriately processed Gag polyprotein at the nonmutated sites. Mutants that produced a p9 NC/SP2 protein exhibited only minor effects on HIV-1 infectivity and replication. In contrast, mutants that produced only the p8 SP2/p6 or p15 NC/SP2/p6 protein had severe defects in infectivity and replication. To identify the key defective step, we quantified reverse transcription and integration products isolated from infected cells by PCR. All mutants tested produced levels of reverse transcription products either similar to or only somewhat lower than that of wild type. In contrast, mutants that failed to cleave the SP2-p6 Gag site produced drastically less provirus than the wild type. Together, our results show that processing of the SP2-p6 Gag and not the NC-SP2 cleavage site is important for efficient viral DNA integration during infection in vitro. In turn, this finding suggests an important role for the p9 NC/SP2 species in some aspect of integration.
Dementia in the context of disability

ABSTRACTPatients and caregivers often associate dementia with devastation and a loss of productive contribution to society. People with dementia are often depicted as confused individuals struggling through embarrassing episodes, followed by a loss of independence. The burden and devastation of the diagnosis on the families of people with dementia is exacerbated by their assumption of the role of caregiver with inadequate preparation or training. Disability scholars, in contrast, offer physical and occupational therapists a nontragic view of disability that recognizes the importance of countering the stigma and discrimination that too often accompany dementia. This case example of a woman diagnosed with dementia provides insight into the negative impact of these tragic, dependent views of dementia throughout and following the diagnosis process. Viewing her experiences through the lens of disability scholarship can increase awareness and improve the quality of care on the part of both therapists and family...
Bismarck and the Guelph Dynasty 1871–1890

Although all Guelph subversive activities had their origin in the annexation of 1866 and in the sequestration of 1867, Bismarck by no means considered the Guelph problem a one dimensional phenomenon. There seemed to be two aspects of the situation as it had developed which, while connected, were still not identical. The problem could be viewed both as it related to the Guelph family itself and as it related to Hanover and its people. The royal family as well as the Party and its adherents sought the restoration of the kingdom of Hanover and the return of the Guelphs as rightful rulers. But the family was also concerned with its property rights, its monarchical claims, and its relations to the Prussian state. These questions were yet to be definitely settled. The average supporter of the Guelph Party could not be expected to concern himself with the family’s claims in other parts of Germany such as in Brunswick or in the international affairs of the dynasty. On the other hand, the family could not be vitally concerned with parliamentary struggles for greater or lesser centralization of administration, for a stronger or weaker tax bill, or for change in the school laws, since these issues in themselves did not immediately relate to the restoration of the Guelph house. There were, in other words particularist interests, both dynastic and regional intertwined in the Guelph problem.
Supporting employees' work-family needs improves health care quality: Longitudinal evidence from long-term care.

We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from U.S.-based employees in 30 long-term care facilities. Analysis of semi-structured interviews from 154 managers informed quantitative analyses. Quantitative data include 1214 employees' scoring of their supervisors and their organizations on family supportiveness (individual scores and aggregated to facility level), and three outcomes: (1), care quality indicators assessed at facility level (n = 30) and collected monthly for six months after employees' data collection; (2), employees' dichotomous survey response on having additional off-site jobs; and (3), proportion of employees with additional jobs at each facility. Thematic analyses revealed that managers operate within the constraints of an industry that simultaneously: (a) employs low-wage employees with multiple work-family challenges, and (b) has firmly institutionalized goals of prioritizing quality of care and minimizing labor costs. Managers universally described providing work-family support and prioritizing care quality as antithetical to each other. Concerns surfaced that family-supportiveness encouraged employees to work additional jobs off-site, compromising care quality. Multivariable linear regression analysis of facility-level data revealed that higher family-supportive supervision was associated with significant decreases in residents' incidence of all pressure ulcers (-2.62%) and other injuries (-9.79%). Higher family-supportive organizational climate was associated with significant decreases in all falls (-17.94%) and falls with injuries (-7.57%). Managers' concerns about additional jobs were not entirely unwarranted: multivariable logistic regression of employee-level data revealed that among employees with children, having family-supportive supervision was associated with significantly higher likelihood of additional off-site jobs (RR 1.46, 95%CI 1.08-1.99), but family-supportive organizational climate was associated with lower likelihood (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.59-0.99). However, proportion of workers with additional off-site jobs did not significantly predict care quality at facility levels. Although managers perceived providing work-family support and ensuring high care quality as conflicting goals, results suggest that family-supportiveness is associated with better care quality.
Silane-isocyanide coupling involving 1,1-insertion of XylNC into the Si-H bond of a σ-silane ligand.

Complexes [PhBPPh3]RuH(η3-H2SiRR′) (R,R′ = Me,Ph, 1a; RR′ = Ph2, 1b) react with XylNC (Xyl = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) to form Fischer carbene complexes [PhBPPh3]Ru(H)═[C(H)(N(Xyl)(η2-H–SiRR′))] (2a,b) that feature a γ-agostic Si–H bond. The ruthenium isocyanide complexes [PhBPPh3]Ru(H)(CNXyl)(η2-HSiHRR′) (6a,b) are not intermediates as they do not convert to 2a,b. Experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that XylNC is activated by initial coordination to the silicon center in 1a,b, followed by 1,1-insertion into an Si–H bond of the coordinated silane and then rearrangement to 2a,b.
CHRONIC CONGENITAL AREGENERATIVE ANEMIA (PURE RED-CELL ANEMIA) ASSOCIATED WITH ISO-IMMUNIZATION BY THE BLOOD GROUP FACTOR "A"

Chronic congenital aregenerative anemia describes a "pure red-cell" anemia in which the failure of hematopoiesis is restricted entirely to the erythrocytes without simultaneous impairment of leukocyte or platelet production. The separation of this entity from the category of the increasing number of cases designated as hypoplastic anemia will facilitate a more direct examination of the factors involved in its pathogenesis. In the case described in this paper illustrating this condition, the onset of the anemia dated to the newborn period with the clinical and hematologic features of a mild type of erythroblastosis fetalis. The mother’s blood group was O, Rh positive and that of the infant and father A, Rh positive. The anti-A serum titer in the mother reached a maximum of 1:128,000. The infant was shown to be a non-secretor. The patient, now 17 months of age, requires repeated transfusions to maintain normal blood levels. The bone marrow reveals a persistent depression of erythropoiesis but the platelet and granulocyte levels are entirely unaffected. It is postulated that prolonged depression in red blood cell production may result from an antibody directed solely against the red cells in fetal life or from the early neonatal period. This concept finds substantiation in other cases of erythroblastosis in which temporary failure of erythropoiesis as confirmed by bone marrow studies is reflected in a state of protracted anemia.
White Thrombo-embolism and Vascular Fragility in the Hamster Cheek Pouch after Anticoagulants

1. Heparin, dicumarol, Tromexan and phenylindanedione did not prevent, but actually enhanced, the formation of platelet plugs at the site of hemorrhages produced at the tip of a stimulating microelectrode in contact with the walls of small blood vessels in the hamster cheek pouch. Furthermore, these anticoagulants per se produced an increased adhesiveness of platelets and leukocytes to the endothelium of small venules. In particular, heparin produced platelet embolism immediately after administration. The circulating emboli varied in size from that of leukocytes to cylindrical masses which filled the lumina of vessels measuring up to 75 µ in diameter. Platelet embolism was not found during the first five days of administration of dicumarol, but appeared subsequently. 2. The significance of increased platelet agglutinability during the hypocoagulable state induced by anticoagulants and the need for a critical distinction between agglutinability of the formed elements and coagulation involving fibrin are discussed. 3. An increase in the fragility of the walls of venules followed the administration of heparin, dicumarol, Tromexan and phenylindanedione. A brief series of relatively weak faradic shocks from a micro-electrode produced a hemorrhage. Shocks of much greater strength applied to venules of normal untreated hamsters produced no visible effect. This method is proposed as a new semiquantitative procedure for investigation of vascular fragility in accessible membrane preparations. It may possibly distinguish between fragility in the sense of rhexis or breaking of the wall and petechial formation such as that produced by the application of negative pressure and perhaps erroneously referred to in the literature as "fragility." 4. Petechial hemorrhages appeared at the points of junction of the postcapillary venules after anticoagulant administration, but not on the capillaries. Spontaneous ruptures were not found in capillaries. No evidence was found for an increase in capillary fragility. Consequently, the term "vascular fragility" is proposed to replace "capillary" fragility.
The effect of PVDF‐TrFE scaffolds on stem cell derived cardiovascular cells

Recently, electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) scaffolds have been developed for tissue engineering applications. These materials have piezoelectric activity, wherein they can generate electric charge with minute mechanical deformations. Since the myocardium is an electroactive tissue, the unique feature of a piezoelectric scaffold is attractive for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications. In this study, we examined the cytocompatibility and function of pluripotent stem cell derived cardiovascular cells including mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mES-CM) and endothelial cells (mES-EC) on PVDF-TrFE scaffolds. MES-CM and mES-EC adhered well to PVDF-TrFE and became highly aligned along the fibers. When cultured on scaffolds, mES-CM spontaneously contracted, exhibited well-registered sarcomeres and expressed classic cardiac specific markers such as myosin heavy chain, cardiac troponin T, and connexin43. Moreover, mES-CM cultured on PVDF-TrFE scaffolds responded to exogenous electrical pacing and exhibited intracellular calcium handling behavior similar to that of mES-CM cultured in 2D. Similar to cardiomyocytes, mES-EC also demonstrated high viability and maintained a mature phenotype through uptake of low-density lipoprotein and expression of classic endothelial cell markers including platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and the arterial specific marker, Notch-1. This study demonstrates the feasibility of PVDF-TrFE scaffold as a candidate material for developing engineered cardiovascular tissues utilizing stem cell-derived cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1577-1585. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CHAMP Symposium on Androgens, Anabolic Steroids, and Related Substances: What We Know and What We Need to Know.

ABSTRACT The Consortium of Health and Military Performance hosted a symposium in April 2015 entitled “Androgens, Anabolic Steroids, and Related Substances: What We Know and What We Need to Know” in response to concerns from the field regarding Anabolic Androgenic Steroids use by U.S. service members. The symposium was attended by military and civilian subject-matter experts in sports medicine and anabolic steroids and was held at the United Service Organizations (Naval Support Activity Bethesda) in Bethesda, Maryland. The expert panel was charged to define the way ahead in terms of androgen use, education, research, relevant policies and guidelines, and other concerns with particular relevancy to Special Operations Forces. The conference concluded with the following recommendations on these several key issues (1) connecting with users, (2) education and intervention, (3) knowledge and research gaps, and (4) establishing an information clearinghouse and clinical repository.
Leptin and Pubertal Development in Humans

Since the discovery of leptin through positional cloning of the ob gene (Zhang et al., 1994) more than 8 years ago, extensive research efforts have focused on the biology and physiology of this hormone. Leptin is a 167-amino acid protein that is structurally related to members of the long-chain helical cytokine family (Madej et al., 1995; Zhang et al., 1997). It is expressed primarily in white adipose tissue (Maffei et al., 1995; Klein et al., 1996; Leroy et al., 1996). Leptin expression has also been detected in the stomach (Bado et al., 1998), hypothalamus (Morash et al., 1999), pituitary (Jin et al., 2000), skeletal muscle (Wang et al., 1998) placenta (Masuzaki et al., 1997), mammary gland (Smith-Kirwin et al., 1998; Aoki et al., 1999), and possibly in brown fat.
Metastatic Patterns of Solitary Fibrous Tumors: A Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the metastatic patterns and imaging features of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study included 139 patients with pathologically proven SFT, 49 of whom developed metastases. Electronic medical records and all available images were reviewed to record the pattern and imaging appearances of metastatic disease, and comparisons of thoracic SFTs and extrathoracic SFTs were also performed. Associations of metastatic spread were studied using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS. A total of 49 (35%) patients developed metastases at a median of 124 months (interquartile range [IQR], 66–195 months) after SFT diagnosis; 11 patients (8%) had metastases at presentation. Of these 49 patients, 40 patients died at a mean of 183 months after diagnosis. The associations with metastatic disease on univariate analysis were tumor size ≥ 10 cm (p = 0.01) and malignant pathology or mitotic count ≥ 4 per 10 high...
Are Beta-Receptor and Angiotensin-Blocking Drugs Protective Against Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)? A Population Based Case-Control Study

Abstract 5118 Background: Increased factor VIII:C (FVIII:C) and hypofibrinolysis are VTE risk factors, and beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce FVIII:C and enhance fibrinolysis, respectively. Objective: To test the hypotheses that beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors reduce VTE risk. Methods: Using longitudinal, population-based Rochester Epidemiology Project resources, we identified all Olmsted County, MN residents with objectively-diagnosed incident VTE over the 13-year period, 1988–2000 (n=1306), and one to two Olmsted County residents per case matched on age, event year and duration of prior medical history (n=1500). For cases and controls, we reviewed their complete medical history in the community for previously-identified VTE risk factors (e.g., hospitalization with or without surgery, nursing home confinement, trauma/fracture, leg paresis, active cancer, superficial vein thrombosis and varicose veins), as well as body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and the use of statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonist drugs. Using conditional logistic regression, we tested beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists for an association with VTE, both individually and after adjusting for age, BMI, previously-identified VTE risk factors, CAD, CHF and the use of statins. Results: Among cases and controls respectively, 191 and 173 received beta-blockers, and 171 and 154 received ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Univariately, both beta-blockers (unadjusted OR=1.31; p=0.02) and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists (unadjusted OR=1.32; p=0.02) were modestly associated with increased VTE risk. However, after controlling for age, BMI, previously-identified VTE risk factors, CAD, CHF and the use of statins, beta-blockers (OR=1.06; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.51; p=0.75) and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists (OR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.37; p=0.75) were no longer associated with VTE. Conclusions: Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists do not appear to be protective against VTE. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Onset of Coagulation Function Recovery Is Delayed in Severely Injured Trauma Patients with Venous Thromboembolism.

Background Altered coagulation function after trauma can contribute to development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Severe trauma impairs coagulation function, but the trajectory for recovery is not known. We hypothesized that enhanced, early recovery of coagulation function increases VTE risk in severely injured trauma patients. Study Design Secondary analysis was performed on data from the Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratio (PROPPR) trial, excluding patients who died within 24 hours or were on pre-injury anticoagulants. Patient characteristics, adverse outcomes, and parameters of platelet function and coagulation (thromboelastography) were compared from admission to 72 hours between VTE (n = 83) and non-VTE (n = 475) patients. A p value Results Despite similar patient demographics, VTE patients exhibited hypercoagulable thromboelastography parameters and enhanced platelet function at admission (p Conclusions Recovery from platelet dysfunction and coagulopathy after severe trauma were delayed in VTE patients. Suppressed clot lysis and compensatory mechanisms associated with altered coagulation that can potentiate VTE formation require additional investigation.
Strategic policing philosophy and the acquisition of technology: findings from a nationally representative survey of law enforcement

ABSTRACTPolice departments that emphasise certain strategic models (e.g. community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing) may adopt specific types of technology to better achieve their core missions. A contrasting theory is that police agencies do not invest strategically in technology; rather, they adopt technology in a ‘black box’ without a larger plan for how a particular technology fits within the agency’s guiding philosophy or operational goals. Despite the importance of this discourse, very little research has been conducted to address these claims. Using survey data from a large and nationally representative sample of police agencies in the United States (N = 749), we examine whether strategic police goals are associated with technology use for six core technologies (crime mapping, social media, data mining software, car cameras, license plate readers (LPRs), and body-worn cameras (BWCs)). Nationally, across the sample of all US law enforcement agencies, we find little relationship between s...
A Solar-Blind UV Detector Based on Graphene-Microcrystalline Diamond Heterojunctions

An ultraviolet detector is demonstrated through a whole-wafer, thin diamond film transfer process to realize the heterojunction between graphene and microcrystalline diamond (MCD). Conventional direct transfer processes fail to deposit graphene onto the top surface of the MCD film. However, it is found that the 2 µm thick MCD diamond film can be easily peeled off from the growth silicon substrate to expose its smooth backside for the graphene transfer process for high-quality graphene/MCD heterojunctions. A vertical graphene/MCD/metal structure is constructed as the photodiode device using graphene as the transparent top electrode for solar-blind ultraviolet sensing with high responsivity and gain factor. As such, this material system and device architecture could serve as the platform for next-generation optoelectronic systems.
Development of High Frequency Virtual Thermocouples

This paper presents a numerical procedure to enhance the frequency response of temperature probes equipped with two thermocouple junctions of different diameter. The output of the two thermocouples exposed to the same flow transient can be used to predict the output of a virtual smaller thermocouple, which cannot be physically realized. The approach is demonstrated numerically, with the aid of conjugate heat transfer simulations performed with 3D Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes. The dual junction thermocouple with wire diameters of 50 μm, 25 μm were exposed to several inlet temperatures and pressures to analyze the overall recovery factor. Then multiple unsteady tests were performed. The analysis of those transient tests was used to determine the transfer function in the time domain between the two wires and to perform a digital compensation to predict the performance of a much thinner wire thermocouple. This method was assessed by recovering the theoretical response of the 12.5 μm thermocouple with our dual-junction thermocouple probe for several pressures and wall temperatures. Finally, the procedure was applied to a virtual fine wire thermocouple of 6 μm and a frequency response around 700 Hz.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Fungal metabolites as precursors to renewable transportation fuels

Abstract Fungi are known to produce hundreds of different polyketide, terpene, and terpenoid compounds and based on their chemical structures, 33 of these were selected for further assessment to identify compounds with potential for liquid transportation fuels. Eight of the 33 compounds were identified as having potential as gasoline blend components. Based on predicted boiling points and octane numbers, 2-ethyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene, sabinene, isobutyric acid,1,8-cineole and linalool met the boiling point and octane number requirements used for the assessment, while 2-ethyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene and isobutyric acid would require some upgrading. Limonene, isoamyl acetate, and 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-hexanone also have gasoline blend potential without upgrading. For diesel fuel, only 3,3,5-trimethyldecane met the boiling point, cetane number, and flashpoint requirements used for the assessment; however, with upgrading, 18 of the 33 compounds evaluated could potentially serve as blend components of diesel fuel. None of the 33 compounds without upgrading met the four ASTM D1655 specifications for Jet A and Jet A-1 fuel, but 3,3,5-trimethyldecane and limonene were very close. With chemical upgrading, 22 of the 33 compounds could have potential as jet fuel blend components. The monoterpene limonene and six sesquiterpenes were identified as fungal-derived compounds that with upgrading potentially could serve as components of high-energy jet, missile, or diesel fuels. The increasing availability of fungal genomes and transcriptomes enables the identification of important metabolic pathways for hydrocarbon production. The number of fungal-based compounds having potential for use in hydrocarbon fuels and products is increasing as new compound and pathway discoveries are made and advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology enable the production of these compounds. Several challenges remain including increasing carbon flux toward hydrocarbon fuel precursors in primary metabolism, increasing the low titers of hydrocarbons produced, and establishing robust host strains. Also, more fuel property testing of fungal-derived compounds individually or in fuel blendstocks is needed to determine the true potential of these compounds in liquid transportation fuels.
The effect of waiting time on patient perceptions of care quality

ABSTRACTThis research explores the effect of waiting time on patient satisfaction in the context of rural healthcare clinics, with data from a three-year time period. Patient satisfaction was measured by overall quality of care, likelihood of recommending the care provider, and likelihood of recommending the practice. The authors' analysis shows that waiting times impact patient satisfaction, with differences being more pronounced by gender and clinic type. A deeper analysis using ordinal logistic regression and additional time-related variables reveals some interesting results. For example, in this setting, only when waiting time was 45 minutes or greater was there an effect on overall patient satisfaction. Male patients tended to be more satisfied if kept abreast of delays. Female patients were more tolerant of delays, but receiving delay information did not link to satisfaction. Finally, patients who were highly satisfied with the time spent with their care provider were 94 percent likely to refer the ...
Adrenocortical Cancer in Children

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare but aggressive childhood endocrine neoplasm. Its incidence in children is extremely low (only 0.2% of pediatric cancers) [1], and most pediatric oncologists see few cases or none. Little is known about this malignancy and most available information has been learned from its more frequent adult counterpart. In recent years, an international registry has provided insight into the clinical characteristics and relevant management issues regarding pediatric ACC and tumor tissue for biological studies. These studies have resulted in the discovery of a novel mechanism of tumorigenesis [2], the gift to science by one of the rarest childhood cancers.
Beliefs and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea evaluation and treatment among blacks

Objective: Although blacks are at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), they are not as likely as their white counterparts to receive OSA evaluation and treatment. This study assessed knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards OSA evaluation and treatment among blacks residing in Brooklyn, New York. Methods: Five focus groups involving 39 black men and women (aged .18 years) were conducted at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn to ascertain barriers preventing or delaying OSA evaluation and treatment. Results: Misconceptions about sleep apnea were a common theme that emerged from participants'f responses. Obstructive sleep apnea was often viewed as a type of insomnia, an agerelated phenomenon, and as being caused by certain bedtime activities. The major theme that emerged about barriers to OSA evaluation was unfamiliarity with the study environment. Barriers were categorized as: problems sleeping in a strange and unfamiliar environment, unfamiliarity with the study protocol, and fear of being watched while sleeping. Barriers to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment adoption were related to the confining nature of the device, discomfort of wearing a mask while they slept, and concerns about their partner'fs perceptions o treatment Conclusion: Results of this study suggest potential avenues for interventions to increase adherence to recommended evaluation and treatment of OSA. Potential strategies include reducing misconceptions about OSA, increasing awareness of OSA in vulnerable communities, familiarizing patients and their partners with laboratory procedures used to diagnose and treat OSA. We propose that these strategies should be used to inform the development of culturally and linguistically tailored sleep apnea interventions to increase awareness of OSA among blacks who are at risk for OSA and associated comorbidities.
Collescipoli - An unusual fusion crust glass

An electron microprobe study was conducted on glass fragments taken from the fusion crust and an internal glass-lined vein in the H-5 chondrite Collescipoli. Microprobe analyses of the glasses revealed an unusual fusion crust composition, and analyses of glass from inside the meteorite showed compositions expected for a melt of an H-group chondrite. Studies of fusion crusts by previous workers, e.g., Krinov and Ramdohr, showed that fusion crusts contain large amounts of magnetite and other oxidized minerals. The Collescipoli fusion crusts do contain these minerals, but they also contain relatively large amounts of reduced metal, sulphide, and a sodium-rich glass. This study seems to indicate that Collescipoli preserved an early type of fusion crust. Oxidation was incomplete in the fusion crust melt that drained into a crack. From this study it is concluded that fusion crust formation does not invariably result in complete oxidation of metal and sulphide phases.
Proto-Indo–European Syntax

This article discusses the reconstruction of the syntax of Proto-Indo–European (PIE). It begins with a consideration of various problems attending this enterprise and ways in which scholarship hitherto has been problematic. Following this methodological overview and a brief outline of the history of PIE syntactic studies, the comparative evidence for various aspects of phrase and clausal structure is outlined. Syntactic phenomena like Wackernagel's law, topicalization, and WH-movement are considered. The article closes with a discussion of work on the phonology–syntax connection in ancient IE languages.
Monitoring of Sugammadex Dosing at a Large Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital.

Introduction Anesthesiologists use sugammadex to reverse neuromuscular blockade (NMB) produced by rocuronium and vecuronium. Its mechanism involves encapsulation of the neuromuscular blocking agent. Sugammadex dosing is based on the depth of NMB, assessed by measuring the train-of-four (TOF). Methods We retrospectively reviewed procedures under general anesthesia in patients older than 1 year of age if they included sugammadex reversal of rocuronium-induced NMB. Documentation of TOF monitoring before and after reversal was noted, along with the dose of sugammadex administered. TOF was considered correctly documented if the anesthesia provider recorded the number of twitches before and after NMB reversal, or if they recorded 4 twitches before NMB reversal. We defined appropriate sugammadex dosing if it was within 10% of the recommended dose for the depth of NMB. We repeated this review after staff education and creating a reminder in the electronic health record system. Results We included 100 patients in the preintervention analysis, of whom 30% had correct TOF documentation. Among patients with TOF assessment before sugammadex administration, the dose was appropriate in 34 of 40 cases. In the postintervention analysis, we reviewed 75 cases and found that correct documentation improved to 45% (P = 0.024). Among postintervention cases with TOF documented before sugammadex administration, sugammadex dosing was appropriate in 62 patients. Conclusion Documentation of TOF was low (30%) before intervention and improved to only 45% after the interventions, suggesting that additional interventions are needed. Even before the intervention, with or without TOF documentation, the dose of sugammadex was generally consistent with recommendations.
Ghrelin receptor deletion reduces binge‐like alcohol drinking in rats

Ghrelin is a gastric hormone that has been implicated in the neurobiology of alcohol drinking. We have recently developed a ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor; GHSR) knockout (KO) rat model, which exhibits reduced food consumption and body weight. In addition, recent preliminary work suggests that the gut-microbiome, which appears to interact with the ghrelin system, may modulate alcohol drinking. In the present study, we investigated the effects of GHSR deletion on alcohol consumption utilising GHSR KO and wild-type (WT) rats in three separate alcohol consumption paradigms: (i) operant self-administration (30-minute sessions); (ii) drinking in the dark (DID) (4-hour sessions); and (iii) intermittent access (24-hour sessions). These paradigms model varying degrees of alcohol consumption. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the gut-microbiome composition of GHSR KO and WT rats before and after alcohol exposure. We found that the GHSR KO rats self-administered significantly less alcohol compared to WT rats in the operant paradigm, and consumed less alcohol than WT in the initial stages of the DID paradigm. No genotype differences were found in the intermittent access test. In addition, we found a significant decrease in gut-microbial diversity after alcohol exposure in both genotypes. Thus, the present results indicate that the ghrelin system may be involved in drinking patterns that result in presumably increased alcohol exposure levels. Furthermore, GHSR may constitute a potential pharmacological target for the reduction of binge-alcohol consumption. The potential functional role of the gut-microbiome in alcohol drinking, as well as interaction with the ghrelin system, is an interesting topic for further investigation.
A survey on securing UAS cyber physical systems

An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Flight Control System (FCS) is an example of a Cyber Physical System (CPS), in that it integrates computation, networking, and the control of a physical system, i.e., the aircraft. An FCS contains a Central Processing Unit (CPU), typically in the form of a microcontroller, referred to as the autopilot, connected to many subsystems to measure its environment, including accelerations, angular rates, dynamic and absolute pressures, and position. The autopilot periodically extracts data from the on-board sensors and processes those using navigational algorithms. The results of these computations are used to position actuators connected to the control surfaces of the UASs, causing it to fly in a correct way to perform the required mission. This process is performed in real-time, typically at the rate of 50 Hz or more. Any interruption or corruption of this process can cause the UAS to fail to perform its mission, or ultimately crash and be destroyed. This can result in significant loss of property, or even loss of life. A security compromised UAS can pose a serious threat, and the security vulnerabilities in their control system need to be minimized, if not completely eliminated [1].
Chronic Exposure of Mice to Bisphenol-A Alters Uterine Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling and Leads to Aberrant Epithelial Proliferation

Uterine epithelial proliferation is regulated in a paracrine manner by a complex interplay between estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) signaling, in which E stimulates proliferation and P inhibits it. Perturbation of steroid hormone signaling within the uterine milieu could contribute to the development of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. It is well established that bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with weak estrogenic effects, although little is known about how it affects steroid hormone signaling in the adult uterus. Because BPA acts as a weak E, we hypothesized that chronic exposure to BPA would create an imbalance between E and P signaling and cause changes in the uterus, such as aberrant epithelial proliferation. Indeed, exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of BPA had a uterotrophic affect. BPA-treated mice showed increased proliferation, notably in the glandular epithelium, which are sites of origin for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Increased proliferation appeared to be mediated through a similar mechanism as E-induced proliferation, via activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor pathway and phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases in the epithelium. Interestingly, BPA reduced expression of heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2), a known mediator of the antiproliferative effects of P. BPA also increased methylation of a CpG island in the Hand2 gene promoter, suggesting that BPA may promote epithelial proliferation through epigenetic silencing of antiproliferative factors like HAND2. Collectively, these findings establish that chronic exposure to BPA impairs steroid hormone signaling in the mouse uterus, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of uterine hyperplasia and cancer.
Atrophic and hypertrophic photoaging: Clinical, histologic, and molecular features of 2 distinct phenotypes of photoaged skin.

Background Exposure to the sun causes premature skin aging, known as photoaging. Clinical features of photoaging vary widely among individuals. In one form, skin appears thin with telangiectasia, and in another form, skin appears thickened with coarse wrinkles. Etiologic, clinical, and therapeutic distinctions among different forms of photoaging remain largely unknown. Objective To characterize the clinical, histologic, and molecular features of hypertrophic and atrophic photoaging. Methods In total, 53 individuals were clinically classified as having primarily atrophic or hypertrophic photoaging or neither (controls). Participants' demographic and sun exposure–related lifestyle data were captured by questionnaire. Fifteen clinical features of participants were qualitatively or quantitively scored. Facial biopsies were analyzed for gene expression and histologic characteristics. Results Actinic and seborrheic keratosis, telangiectasia, and prior incidence of skin cancers were statistically significantly greater and photoaging scale severity, coarse wrinkles, thickness, and sallowness were significantly reduced in atrophic versus hypertrophic groups. Histology also revealed significantly less elastotic material in atrophic photoaging. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases and collagens did not differ between the 2 forms of photoaging. Limitations The study was not designed to identify other possible subtypes of photoaging. Conclusion Systematic, categorical, and quantitative clinical and histologic assessments distinguish atrophic and hypertrophic photoaging.
Psychometric Properties of the Aggressive Behaviors Scale from the Youth Self-Report in Juvenile Offenders.

The study of aggression in juvenile offenders, a high priority from clinical and public health standpoints, depends on properly measuring and modeling aggression. The Aggressive Behaviors scale fro...
Recurrent Infections, Enteropathy and Granulomatous Lung Disease

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is a primary immune deficiency characterized by recurrent infections with low IgG and low IgA and/or IgM and poor vaccine responses. Patients often have concurrent autoimmunity, with an overall picture of immune dysregulation
Dendrimer size effects on the selective brain tumor targeting in orthotopic tumor models upon systemic administration.

Malignant gliomas are the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumors, with a median survival of 15-20 months for patients receiving maximal interventions. Advances in nanomedicine have provided tumor-specific delivery of chemotherapeutics to potentially overcome their off-target toxicities. Recent advances in dendrimer-based nanomedicines have established that hydroxyl-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers can intrinsically target neuroinflammation and brain tumors from systemic administration without the need for targeting moieties. The size of nanocarriers is a critical parameter that determines their tumor-targeting efficiency, intratumor distribution, and clearance mechanism. In this study, we explore the dendrimer size effects on brain tumor targeting capability in two clinically relevant orthotopic brain tumor models, the 9L rat and GL261 mouse models, which capture differing aspects of gliomas. We show that increasing dendrimers from Generation 4 to Generation 6 significantly enhances their tumor accumulation (~10-fold greater at 24 hr), tumor specificity (~2-3 fold higher), and tumor retention. The superior tumor targeting effect of G6 dendrimers is associated with its reduced renal clearance rate, resulting in longer circulation time compared to G4 dendrimers. Additionally, the increase in dendrimer generation does not compromise its homogeneous tumor distribution and intrinsic targeting of tumor-associated macrophages. These results validate the potential for these dendrimers as an effective, clinically translatable platform for effectively targeting tumor-associated macrophages in malignant gliomas.