cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of intragraft miR-122 and -155 expression after liver transplantation.

Aim Recurrent hepatitis C (RHC) and acute cellular rejection (AR) remain critical problems following liver transplantation (LT) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive recipients because of the similar clinical features. Discrimination between these conditions can be problematic, and adjunctive biomarkers would be useful to discriminate these processes. The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of the intragraft miR-122 and -155 expression as new biomarkers after LT. Methods A total of 29 HCV positive recipients were enrolled in this study. Intragraft expressions of miR-122 and -155 were studied between RHC predominant (n = 17) and AR predominant cases (n = 12) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we investigated the correlations between these expression levels and clinical serum parameters. Results Intragraft miR-122 expression had a good correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.02), but it was not correlated with the serum HCV viral load. The expression levels of miR-122 in the AR group were significantly higher than those in the RHC group (P = 0.0006) and, inversely, the expression levels of miR-155 in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the RHC group (P = 0.01). Conclusion Our study emphasizes a useful pattern of miR-122 and -155 as ancillary markers to discriminate AR predominant cases from RHC in HCV positive patients after LT.
A purification of Helix pomatia alpa amylase involving a novel affinity-binding procedure

Abstract Shellfish glycogen was cross-linked by treatment with cyanogen bromide followed by 1,6-diaminohexane. The resulting, insoluble product efficiently adsorbed Helix pomatia alpha amylase [(1 → 4)-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase] from crude solutions of the enzyme at 0°, but only poorly at higher temperatures. A method was developed for the purification of Helix pomatia alpha amylase involving formation of an enzyme-adsorbent complex in the cold and recovery of the alpha amylase by suspending the washed complex in buffer at 37°. After chromatography of the desorbed alpha amylase on a column of Bio-Gel P-60, the enzyme was homogenous as judged by poly(acrylamide)-gel electrophoresis. An overall purification of 360-fold was achieved with a recovery of 35%.
Relaxation Time Spectrum of Hydrogels by CONTIN Analysis

CONTIN is a general-purpose program for inverting noisy linear algebraic and integral equations by means of inverse Laplace transform. This study explored the application of CONTIN analysis to determine the relaxation time distribution spectra for food gels, including gellan, carrageenan, whey protein, and gelatin gels, based on stress-relaxation data. CONTIN results represent the continuous relaxation time spectra when the number of the terms in the discrete Maxwell stress-relaxation model approached infinity. The CONTIN results for gellan gels were correlated to the texture properties of gels from compression tests with respect to the effects of calcium concen- trations. CONTIN analysis may be a very effective tool in elucidating the microstructural properties of a hydrogel from mechanical testing.
Blocking muscarinic receptors in the olfactory bulb impairs performance on an olfactory short-term memory task

Cholinergic inputs to cortical processing networks have long been associated with attentional and top-down processing. Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that cholinergic inputs to the main olfactory bulb (OB) can modulate both neural and behavioral odor discrimination. Previous experiments from our laboratory and others demonstrate that blockade of nicotinic receptors directly impairs olfactory discrimination, whereas blockade of muscarinic receptors only measurably impairs olfactory perception when task demands are made more challenging, such as when very low-concentration odors are used or rats are required to maintain sensory memory over long durations. To further investigate the role of muscarinic signaling in the OB, we developed an olfactory delayed match-to-sample task using a digging-based behavioral paradigm. We find that rats are able to maintain robust short-term odor memory for tens to hundreds of seconds. To investigate the role of muscarinic signaling in task performance, we bilaterally infused scopolamine into the OB. We find that high dosages of scopolamine (38 mM) impair performance on the task across all delays tested, including the baseline condition with no delay, whereas lower dosages (7.6 mM and 22.8 mM) had no measureable effects. These results indicate that general execution of the match-to-sample task, even with no delay, is at least partially dependent on muscarinic signaling in the OB.
Increasing Platelet Concentrations in Leukocyte-Reduced Platelet-Rich Plasma Decrease Collagen Gene Synthesis in Tendons:

Background:Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used for the treatment of tendinopathy. There are numerous PRP preparations, and the optimal combination of platelets and leukocytes is not known.Hypothesis:Within leukocyte-reduced PRP (lrPRP), there is a plateau effect of platelet concentration, with increasing platelet concentrations being detrimental to extracellular matrix synthesis.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Different formulations of lrPRP with respect to the platelet:leukocyte ratio were generated from venous blood of 8 horses. Explants of the superficial digital flexor tendon were cultured in lrPRP products for 96 hours. Platelet-derived growth factor–BB (PDGF-BB), tumor necrosis factor−α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor–β1 (TGF-β1), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations were determined in the media by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression in tendon tissue for collagen type I and III (COL1A1 and COL3A1, respectively), matrix metalloproteinase−3 and −13 (MMP-3 and MM...
Thermal Conductivity Measurement of Graphene Exfoliated on Silicon Dioxide

We have developed a nanofabricated resistance thermometer device to measure the thermal conductivity of graphene monolayers exfoliated onto silicon dioxide. The measurement results show that the thermal conductivity of the supported graphene is approximately 600 W/m K at room temperature. While this value is lower than the reported basal plane values for graphite and suspended graphene because of phonon leakage across the graphene-support interface, it is still considerably higher than the values for common thin film electronic materials. Here, we present a detailed discussion of the design and fabrication of the measurement device. Analytical and numerical heat transfer solutions are developed to evaluate the accuracy and uncertainty of this method for thermal conductivity measurement of high-thermal conductivity ultrathin films.
The lncRNA RZE1 Controls Cryptococcal Morphological Transition.

In the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the switch from yeast to hypha is an important morphological process preceding the meiotic events during sexual development. Morphotype is also known to be associated with cryptococcal virulence potential. Previous studies identified the regulator Znf2 as a key decision maker for hypha formation and as an anti-virulence factor. By a forward genetic screen, we discovered that a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RZE1 functions upstream of ZNF2 in regulating yeast-to-hypha transition. We demonstrate that RZE1 functions primarily in cis and less effectively in trans. Interestingly, RZE1’s function is restricted to its native nucleus. Accordingly, RZE1 does not appear to directly affect Znf2 translation or the subcellular localization of Znf2 protein. Transcriptome analysis indicates that the loss of RZE1 reduces the transcript level of ZNF2 and Znf2’s prominent downstream targets. In addition, microscopic examination using single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization (smFISH) indicates that the loss of RZE1 increases the ratio of ZNF2 transcripts in the nucleus versus those in the cytoplasm. Taken together, this lncRNA controls Cryptococcus yeast-to-hypha transition through regulating the key morphogenesis regulator Znf2. This is the first functional characterization of a lncRNA in a human fungal pathogen. Given the potential large number of lncRNAs in the genomes of Cryptococcus and other fungal pathogens, the findings implicate lncRNAs as an additional layer of genetic regulation during fungal development that may well contribute to the complexity in these “simple” eukaryotes.
An in situ Raman spectroscopic study of Na 2 Si 2 O 5 at high pressures and temperatures; structures of compressed liquids and glasses

Raman spectra of Na2Si20sglass and Na2Si20sliquid have been collected in situ to pressures of 16 GPa at 300 K and 10 GPa at 885 K. In glass compressed at 300 K, bands associated with intertetrahedral bridging 0 atoms decrease in intensity and ultimately become unresolvable above 8 GPa. Over this same pressure range, new peaks appear in the glass between 600 and 800 cm-I; these new features are consistent with the formation of SiOsor Si06 polyhedra through the destruction of nonbridging 0 atoms. Between -10 and 16 GPa, band intensities shift, the total integrated Raman scattering intensity of the glass decreases by more than a factor of ten, and the pressure dependence of mode shifts changes. These changes are consistent with a new densification mechanism initiated in the glass above -8 GPa, probably from the formation of linkagesbetween two or more highly coordinated Si atoms. No vibrations attributed to bridged silica tetrahedra are observed in the liquid above 8 GPa, indicating that at least 50% of the Si in the liquid at 8 GPa is highly coordinated. Upon decompression of thermally quenched samples at 300 K, bands associated with bridged tetrahedra reappear at pressures below 1 GPa. Similarly, glasses that have been compressed only at 300 K and then decompressed have bands associated with bridged tetrahedra. The formation of bands associated with bridged tetrahedra on decompression both in glasses quenched from liquids formed at high-pressure and in glasses compressed at 300 K demonstrates that these species arise from structural reorganizations during decompression. Such reorganizations plausibly involve the breakdown of highly coordinated Si polyhedra and the resultant formation of bridged tetrahedra. The nearly complete decomposition ofthe high-pressure structure in glasseson decompression documents that in situ high-pressure measurements are crucial in deriving accurate constraints on the structure of silicate liquids at high pressure.
Structural Modifications of Histones in Cultured Mammalian Cells

The widespread association of histones with nucleic acids and the ability of histones to influence both in vivo and in vitro transcription reactions have led to the suggestion that histones may function as direct regulators or as intermediate moderators of gene expression (for reviews see Phillips, 1964; Busch and Steele, 1964; Murray, 1965; Hnilica, 1967; Stellwagen and Cole, 1969). Modification of the nucleoprotein complex, brought about through modification of functional groups of histone molecules, might bring about alterations of chromatin structure and eventually result in gene repression or derepression (Allfrey, 1966; Ord and Stocken, 1968; Allfrey et al., 1964). Histones may also participate in the geometric structuring of the nucleoprotein complex, perhaps in preparation for division, and histone structural alterations may be related to this function (Tidwell et al., 1968). In either case, there should exist a temporal relationship between histone structural alterations and related events. The purpose of this study was to search for such relationships within the cell cycle.
Correlation of Immunogenetic and Histological Changes in Imnunodeficient Mutant hr/hr Mice

At least the majority of peripheral T lymphocytes of the mouse can be classified serologically into three sets of cells that express different Lyt surface phenotypes, denoted Lyt-1, Lyt-23 and Lyt-123 (1). Each of these three sets is programmed for different immune functions (2). In brief, cells of the Lyt-1 set have helper-amplifier effects, whereas the functions of the Lyt-23 set are concerned with cell-mediated cytotoxicity and with suppression; the present view of the Lyt-123 set is that it constitutes an intermediary pool from which the two other T-cell sets are derived; other possible functions of this set are less well defined.
Ayurvedic management of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB): A systematic review

Background: Tuberculosis is a global public health crisis. 25% of world’s TB cases are found in India. Ayurveda, an ancient medical science may offer some solution to this problem hence a systematic review was carried out to assess the role of Ayurveda for the management of Tuberculosis. Methodology: A systematic review was carried out using published literature obtained through “PUBMED” till April 2015. The key words used for literature search include “Ayurveda, role and Tuberculosis”. Results and Discussion: It was observed that a couple of single and compound drugs have been used for the management of tuberculosis. However none of the studies could reflect the true anti-tubercular activities of any drug, both single and compound. Two of the studies revealed in vitro anti-tubercular properties of some herbs which can potentially be brought in to the realm of clinical trial to test their efficacy in human subject. Most of these Ayurvedic therapeutic preparations studied at different clinical settings primarily reflected their adjunct properties for the management of Tuberculosis. These studies revealed that Ayurvedic therapeutics were able to reduce associated symptoms and the adverse drug effects of ATDs (Antitubercular Drugs). Furthermore some of the preparations showed potential hepato-protective properties that can be simultaneously administered with ATDs. Conclusion: Distressingly research on the role of Ayurveda in the management of Tuberculosis is very scanty and mostly limited to adjunct or supportive therapy. Being a global public health crisis, it is highly recommended to carry out clinical trials on Tuberculosis patients by using Ayurvedic drugs and therapeutic regimens.
Cadmium and atherosclerosis: Heavy metal or singing the blues?

Environmental exposure is an important but underappreciated risk factor that may be relevant to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal obtained as byproduct from mining, smelting and refining of zinc, copper and iron. Cadmiumwas classically used as a pigment and for corrosionresistant painting on steel, but its use has substantially increased in modern times, particularly in nickel-cadmium batteries, fertilisers, coating and plastic stabilisers [1]. Cadmium appears to be ubiquitous in our environment since it is found in plants (vegetables, fruits and grains), shellfish and organic meats [1]. Leafy vegetables absorb cadmium that contaminates the soil and bioconcentrate it. Therefore, the two dominant routes of cadmium absorption for humans are smoke inhalation (active smoking of tobacco or second-hand smoking) and diet (vegetables contaminated from water or from industrial setting) [1]. Although only 1e5% of ingested, and 25e50% of inhaled cadmium is absorbed, its biological half-life in the human body is exceptionally long (up to 45 years [2]). Interestingly, the intestinal absorption of cadmium increases in patients with low iron stores; the depletion of iron upregulates the expression of the divalent metal transporter (DMT-1) in human enterocytes that transport iron and other divalent metals, thus enhancing cadmium uptake through the digestive tract [3]. Once absorbed, cadmium undergoes conjugation to metallothioneins
Effect of epinephrine on glucose uptake and glycerol release by adipose tissue in vitro.

SummaryEpinephrine increases glucose uptake of adipose tissue incubated in vitro. This effect is common to both insulin and epinephrine. However, epinephrine increases and insulin decreases release of free fatty acids. It would appear that the effect of epinephrine on mobilization of free fatty acids is not mediated by a decrease in carbohydrate availability, but possibly by increased rate of glyceride breakdown.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure and Infantile Psychomotor Outcome

The effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on child development outcomes were studied prospectively in an obstetric unit of a large US urban teaching hospital at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
Computer Program for Analysis, Design, and Simulation of the Interplanetary Trajectories of Different Transfer Methods

This paper presents a computer program which is designed in MATLAB to des ign and simulate the interplanetary trajectories from any planet to any planet for the transfer methods, “Hohmann” and “one -tangent -burn”. This program contains a Graphical User Interface (GUI) by which the home planet, target planet and the transfer metho d are chosen. It is user -friendly in such a way that , by clicking on the Run button, it computes the time of flight, synodic period, final phase angle , and velocity changes (delta -V) as well as some other related elements . It also plots the trajectory and orbits along with the solar system configuration at the time of launch windows for 100 possible opportunities since J2000. This program can also examine the c hances for any possible gravity -assist maneuvers for the designed interplanetary trajectory. Numer ous data are calculated in this regard. This effort in applied astrodynamics make s the process of interplanetary mission design easier for instructors, researchers and engineers who are involved in this branch of science and engineering.
Power conditioning for low-voltage piezoelectric stack energy harvesters

Low-power vibration and acoustic energy harvesting scenarios typically require a storage component to be charged to enable wireless sensor networks, which necessitates power conditioning of the AC output. Piezoelectric beam-type bending mode energy harvesters or other devices that operate using a piezoelectric element at resonance produce high voltage levels, for which AC-DC converters and step-down DC-DC converters have been previously investigated. However, for piezoelectric stack energy harvesters operating off-resonance and producing low voltage outputs, a step-up circuit is required for power conditioning, such as seen in electromagnetic vibration energy scavengers, RF communications, and MEMS harvesters. This paper theoretically and experimentally investigates power conditioning of a low-voltage piezoelectric stack energy harvester.
NMR spectral analysis of cytotoxic ether lipids

Several cytotoxic ether lipid analogs of platelet activating factor exhibit a wide range of interesting pharmacological properties. Furthermore, at least two members of this family of lipids have progressed to phase I clinical trials as potential cancer chemotherapeutic agents. In spite of the promise that these compounds hold as anticancer drugs, they remain poorly characterized. We report herein the first complete 1H NMR analysis of several palmityl-based ether lipids. In addition, we report the 13C NMR spectral assignments for these lipids, which are based, in part, on both the presence and magnitude of 31P-13C and 14N-13C coupling constants.
Cryogenic Transient Heat Transfer in the g-2 Cryostats at Thermal Insulating Vacuum Loss

A numerical simulation of transient heat transfer for thermal insulating vacuum loss in the g-2 cryostats was verified by the cold test results on one cryostat ring. The temperature profiles of the superconducting coil mandrel and outer shell were obtained for helium, nitrogen, and air leaks. Temperature drop and thermal contraction of the cryostat shell due to vacuum loss excited some design concerns. Heating methods for the cold cryostat shell, such as blowing natural air to increase thermal convection, were also simulated.
Surveillance of hand, foot and mouth disease in Yibin City of Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD) in Yibin City of Sichuan Province,in order to provide evidence for the development of effective prevention and control strategies.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of HFMD from 2011 to 2012 ob tained from national disease reporting information system.There were 519 throat swab samples from HFED cases were collected,virus RNA was extracted and fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect nucleic acid typing.Results A total of 1344 cases with HFMD were reported during 2011-2012 in Yibin City,including 8 severe cases and 1 death case.Scattered children aged 5 years were mostly affected.The incidence of HFMD in 2012 was higher than that in 2011,no outbreak of HFMD occurred in Yibin City.HFMD occurred in all the year and showed a bimodal popular.The advantage of strain changed from EV71 to CoxA16.Cases of severe disease and mortality were lower than the national level.Conclusion Compared with 2011,the incidence of HFMD in 2012 rises substantially in Yibin City,the incidence month varies significantly,and severe and death cases are lower.It is necessary to emphasize the HFMD prevention and control in children aged 5 years.
Basin Analysis Codes: Strategies for Use Based on Data Availability

Based upon many quantitative case histories of basins, evaluated by several basin analysis groups, some general patterns of application of codes are developing. Here were set down some ideas for using quantitative basin analysis codes when minimal, moderate or maximal quantities of high quality data are available. Whilee strategies for each basin have to be tailored to the specific geologic setting of each basin, nevertheless some general patterns of development seem to be of generic validity. Three strategies are outlined as follows : a) Minimal data (Table I and Section II); b) Moderate data (Table 2 and Section III); c) Maximal data (Table 3 and Section IV)
Child Maltreatment and Intimate Partner Violence in Military Families

How do military and civilian families compare with respect to maltreatment? This question has always been of interest, but interest has peaked in the context of the recent wars. This chapter reviews the literatures on (1) prevalence of different forms of maltreatment among military families and comparing military and civilian families, (2) risk factors for maltreatment among military and civilian families, (3) the effects of deployment on maltreatment among military families, and (4) noteworthy program and prevention efforts within the United States military. Implications for military and civilian communities are discussed.
Fast and direct image restoration with edge-preserving regularization

In many applications, fast restorations are needed to keep up with the frame rate. FFT-based restoration provides a fast implementation, but it does so at the expense of assuming that the degree of regularization is constant over the image. Unfortunately, this assumption can create significant ringing artifacts in the presence of edges as well as edges that are blurrier than necessary. Shift-variant regularization provides a way to vary the roughness penalty as a function of spatial coordinates. Virtually all edge-preserving regularization approaches exploit this concept. However, this approach destroys the structure that makes the use of the FFT possible, since the deblurring operation is no longer shift-invariant. Thus, the restoration methods available for this problem no longer have the computational efficiency of the FFT. We propose a new restoration method for the shift-variant regularization approach that can be implemented in a fast and flexible mariner. We decompose the restoration into a sum of two independent restorations. One restoration yields an image that comes directly from an FFT-based approach. This image is a shift-invariant restoration containing the usual artifacts. The other restoration involves a set of unknowns whose number equals the number of pixels with a local smoothing penalty significantly different from the typical value in the image. This restoration represents the artifact correction image. By summing the two, the artifacts are canceled. Because the second restoration has a significantly reduced set of unknowns, it can be calculated very efficiently even though no circular convolution structure exists.
DGCA: A comprehensive R package for Differential Gene Correlation Analysis

Dissecting the regulatory relationships between genes is a critical step towards building accurate predictive models of biological systems. A powerful approach towards this end is to systematically study the differences in correlation between gene pairs in more than one distinct condition. In this study we develop an R package, DGCA (for Differential Gene Correlation Analysis), which offers a suite of tools for computing and analyzing differential correlations between gene pairs across multiple conditions. To minimize parametric assumptions, DGCA computes empirical p-values via permutation testing. To understand differential correlations at a systems level, DGCA performs higher-order analyses such as measuring the average difference in correlation and multiscale clustering analysis of differential correlation networks. Through a simulation study, we show that the straightforward z-score based method that DGCA employs significantly outperforms the existing alternative methods for calculating differential correlation. Application of DGCA to the TCGA RNA-seq data in breast cancer not only identifies key changes in the regulatory relationships between TP53 and PTEN and their target genes in the presence of inactivating mutations, but also reveals an immune-related differential correlation module that is specific to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). DGCA is an R package for systematically assessing the difference in gene-gene regulatory relationships under different conditions. This user-friendly, effective, and comprehensive software tool will greatly facilitate the application of differential correlation analysis in many biological studies and thus will help identification of novel signaling pathways, biomarkers, and targets in complex biological systems and diseases.
Structures of Heterotrimeric G Proteins and Their Complexes

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the three-dimensional structures of many of the components of the signal transduction cycle in several functionally relevant states. These structures provide insight into the molecular mechanics of G protein-mediated signal transduction. It discusses the molecular processes that constitute the signaling pathway. This area of research has been extensively reviewed. Heterotrimeric G proteins comprise two functional components: Gα subunits are GTP binding proteins and, when bound to GTP, preferentially interact with effectors. Crystal structures are determined for at least one representative of each class of Gα subunits, in some cases in both GTP-bound (with the use of non-hydrolyzible analogs) and GDP-bound states. Structures of several Gα proteins have been determined bound to the complex of GDP, tetrafluoroaluminate (AlF), and magnesium ion, which together mimic the transition state for GTP hydrolysis in which the phosphate is pentacoordinate.
Scoping Study on Research and Development Priorities for Distribution-System Phasor Measurement Units

Author(s): Eto, Joseph H.; Stewart, Emma; Smith, Travis; Buckner, Mark; Kirkham, Harold; Tuffner, Francis; Schoenwald, David | Abstract: This report addresses the potential use of phasor measurement units (PMUs) within electricity distribution systems, and was written to assess whether or not PMUs could provide significant benefit, at the national level. We analyze examples of present and emerging distribution-system issues related to reliability, integration of distributed energy resources, and the changing electrical characteristics of load. We find that PMUs offer important and irreplaceable advantages over present approaches. However, we also find that additional research and development for standards, testing and calibration, demonstration projects, and information sharing is needed to help industry capture these benefits.
The beginnings of cardiac catheterization and the resulting impact on pulmonary medicine

The early history of cardiac catheterization has many interesting features. First, although it would be natural to assume that the procedure was initiated by cardiologists, two of the three people ...
Effects of traumatic experiences on obsessive-compulsive and internalizing symptoms: The role of avoidance and mindfulness.

Abstract Background Trauma exposure is associated with adverse psychological outcomes including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Adolescence is increasingly recognized as a period of vulnerability for the onset of these types of psychological symptoms. The current study explored the mediating roles of experiential avoidance and mindfulness processes in the association between retrospective reports of childhood trauma and current internalizing and OC symptoms in adolescents. Method A group of at-risk adolescents ( N = 51) and a group of college students ( N = 400) reported on childhood trauma, experiential avoidance, mindfulness, anxiety, depressive, and OC symptoms. Mediation analyses were performed to examine the mechanistic roles of avoidance and mindfulness in the association between trauma and internalizing and OC-specific symptoms. Results In the group of at-risk adolescents, experiential avoidance and mindfulness both significantly mediated the association between childhood trauma and OC symptoms. In the college student sample, experiential avoidance mediated the association between trauma and OC symptoms. Experiential avoidance, as well as the observe, act with awareness, and nonjudgmental facets of mindfulness all significantly mediated the association between trauma and internalizing symptoms. Limitations The group of at-risk adolescents was small, and the college student group was demographically homogeneous. All data was self-report and cross-sectional. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that experiential avoidance and mindfulness processes may be the mechanisms through which the association between trauma and obsessive-compulsive and trauma and internalizing symptoms exist in adolescents. These findings provide potential targets for clinical intervention to improve outcomes for adolescents who have experienced trauma.
US Infrastructure Gap(s) : Federal Policy and Local Public Institutions

This chapter proposes institutional drag as an additional cause of both phenomena, primarily as a result of the bifurcation of infrastructure spending between levels of government in the United States (US). Public-private partnerships are an alternative delivery model for infrastructure projects. It is primarily applicable for larger, complex procurements and can be applied to any sector, but in the context of the US would mainly be applied to transportation, water, or social/municipal infrastructure projects. Economic studies have pointed out that high federal subsidies for infrastructure may create problematic incentives for local governments. Life-cycle based procurements and smart city initiatives are policy alternatives that themselves require institutional change or the creation of new public institutions. The adoption of local institutional reforms in the related sector of public education is determined by the degree of support by higher-level institutions, such as state legislatures or agencies.
Modulation of SK channels regulates locomotor alternating bursting activity in the functionally-mature spinal cord.

The spinal cord contains specialized groups of cells called pattern generators, which are capable of orchestrating rhythmic firing activity in an isolated preparation. Different patterns of activit...
Psychosocial risk predicts high readmission rates for hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive treatment resulting in disease control however subsequent psychosocial distress is common. Screening for psychosocial risk factors that contribute to morbidity is underutilized; moreover, the value in screening is uncertain. We performed a retrospective study of 395 HCT patients who were screened for psychosocial risk using the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS). Patients were classified by psychosocial risk as no-risk (TERS = 26.5, 52%) vs. at-risk (TERS > 26.5, 48%), with at-risk patients stratified by cumulative deficits into mild risk (TERS = 27–35.5, 39%) and moderate risk (TERS > 35.5, 9%). At-risk patients were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days (mild risk HR = 1.62, p = 0.02; moderate risk HR = 2.50, p = 0.002). Prior psychiatric history (HR = 1.81, p = 0.002) and poor coping skills (HR = 1.64, p = 0.04) also influenced readmission. At-risk patients were more likely to be readmitted for infection (no-risk = 12% vs. at-risk = 25%, p = 0.002). Pre-HCT screening with the TERS did not predict survival or length of stay although at-risk patients are at a heighted risk of readmission. Implementing strategies to reduce readmission in higher risk patients is warranted.
Sources of medical student stress.

Background: Key elements in the clinical practice of prevention, health and wellness are best cultivated in medical professionals during undergraduate medical training. This study explores students' self-assessed stress relative to gender, academic expectations, and level of medical training to guide development of targeted wellness interventions. Methods: In early 2012, undergraduate (M1–M4) students in four Southeastern U.S. allopathic medical schools were surveyed about health-related attitudes and behaviors. Results: A total of 575 students returned completed questionnaires. Students in the preclinical years (M1–M2), especially females, reported significantly higher stress levels. Academic expectations and satisfaction were also significantly implicated. Discussion: These findings highlight the general areas of potential concern regarding stressors associated with medical training. Future research should guide programmatic efforts to enhance students' overall health and wellness vis-a -vis curriculum, skills training, and support services.
Acceptability and feasibility of a Fitbit physical activity monitor for endometrial cancer survivors.

Abstract Objective Endometrial cancer survivors are the least physically active of all cancer survivor groups and exhibit up to 70% obesity. While studies suggest lifestyle interventions result in improved health outcomes, recruitment and availability of these programs are limited. The purpose was to evaluate the acceptability and validity of the Fitbit Alta™ physical activity monitor (Fitbit) for socioculturally diverse endometrial cancer survivors. Methods Thirty endometrial cancer survivors were given wrist-worn Fitbits to wear for 30 days. Participants then returned the Fitbits, completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Technology Acceptance Questionnaire, and answered qualitative prompts. Correlations between daily Fitbit step counts, demographic factors, body mass index (BMI), and GLTEQ Index, were analyzed using Stata 13.0. Concordance Correlation Coefficient using U statistics was used to examine convergent validity. Results Twenty-five participants completed the study. Mean age was 62 ± 9 years. Mean BMI was 32 ± 9 kg·m −2 . Self-identified race/ethnicity was 36% Hispanic, 36% non-Hispanic white, 16% non-Hispanic black and 12% Asian. Participants wore the Fitbits a median of 93% of possible days. Median daily Fitbit step count was 5325 (IQR: 3761–8753). Mean Technology Acceptance score was 2.8 ± 0.5 out of 4.0. Younger ( p p = 0.99) between step count and GLTEQ Index. Most free responses reflected positive experiences. Conclusions The Fitbits were well accepted in this sample. Self-reported physical activity was not associated with steps recorded. The physical activity data indicate an insufficiently active population.
Characterization and Analysis of Ultrathin CIGS Films and Solar Cells Deposited by 3-Stage Process

In view of the large-scale utilization of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells for photovoltaic application, it is of interest not only to enhance the conversion efficiency but also to reduce the thickness of the CIGS absorber layer in order to reduce the cost and improve the solar cell manufacturing throughput. In situ and real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) has been used conjointly with ex situ characterizations to understand the properties of ultrathin CIGS films. This enables monitoring the growth process, analyzing the optical properties of the CIGS films during deposition, and extracting composition, film thickness, grain size, and surface roughness which can be corroborated with ex situ measurements. The fabricated devices were characterized using current voltage and quantum efficiency measurements and modeled using a 1-dimensional solar cell device simulator. An analysis of the diode parameters indicates that the efficiency of the thinnest cells was restricted not only by limited light absorption, as expected, but also by a low fill factor and open-circuit voltage, explained by an increased series resistance, reverse saturation current, and diode quality factor, associated with an increased trap density.
Beyond equilibrium thermodynamics in the low temperature plasma processor

Low temperature plasmas are open driven thermodynamic systems capable of increasing the free energy of the mass that flows through them. An interesting thing about low temperature plasmas is that different species have different temperatures at the same location in space. Since thermal equilibrium cannot be assumed, many of the familiar results of equilibrium thermodynamics cannot be applied in their familiar form to predict, e.g., the direction of a chemical reaction. From the perspective of classical processing governed by thermal equilibrium, examples of highly unexpected gas-phase chemical reactions (CO2 dissociation, NO, N2H4, O3 synthesis) and solid material transformations (surface activation, size-focusing, and hyperdoping) promoted by low temperature plasmas are presented. The lack of a known chemical reaction equilibrium criterion prevents assessment of predictive kinetics models of low temperature plasmas, to ensure that they comply with the laws of thermodynamics. There is a need for a general method to predict chemical reaction equilibrium in low temperature plasmas or an alternative method to establish the thermodynamic admissibility of a proposed kinetics model. Toward those ends, two ideas are explored in this work. The first idea is that chemical reactions in low temperature plasmas proceed toward a thermal equilibrium state at an effective temperature intermediate between the neutral gas temperature and the electron temperature. The effective temperature hypothesis is simple, and surprisingly is adequate for elucidation in some systems, but it lacks generality. The general equation for nonequilibrium reversible–irreversible coupling (GENERIC) is a general beyond equilibrium thermodynamics framework that can be used to rigorously establish the thermodynamic admissibility of a set of dynamic modeling equations, such as a kinetic model, without knowledge of the final state that the system is tending toward. The use of GENERIC is described by way of example using a two-temperature hydrodynamic model from the literature. The conclusion of the GENERIC analysis presented in this work is that the concept of superlocal equilibrium is thermodynamically admissible and may be applied to describe low temperature plasmas, provided that appropriate terms are included for exchange of internal energy and momentum between different species that may have different temperatures and bulk velocities at the same location in space. The concept of superlocal equilibrium is expected to be of utility in future work focused on deriving equilibrium criteria for low temperature plasmas.
Coding Over Graphs

This paper introduces the concept of Coding Over Graphs: given an arbitrary graph, assign information to vertices of the graph in such a way that the information can be retrieved at every vertex by exploring its close proximity. This framework is a generalization of RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). We study a specific coding over graphs scheme which has the property that as the number of failures increases, the information can be retrieved by exploring slightly larger proximities—therefore a graceful trade-off between reliability and performance is provided. An efficient algorithm for that scheme for the graphs being trees is presented. The algorithm can always find a ‘perfect’ coding over trees scheme.
Structuring Correlation within Hierarchical Spatio-temporal Models for Disease Rates

Hierarchical Bayes models stabilize observed disease rates in low-population areas while maintaining geographic resolution, thereby providing a more accurate map of disease risk. We use a generalized linear mixed model framework to account for covariate effects, and to allow for random effects due to unstructured heterogeneity, spatial correlations, temporal trends, and spatio-temporal interactions. The resulting models are highly parametric and require careful implementation of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. We explore advantages and disadvantages of various parametric correlation models within the hierarchical framework. We compare correlation structures with respect to identifiability, ease of implementation, and interpretation of parameters. We illustrate the method using annual county-specific lung cancer mortality in Ohio counties from 1968 to 1988. The results indicate a changing spatial structure in lung cancer rates over time. Different correlation structures incorporate this feature in different ways.
Big Data Operations: Basis for Benchmarking a Data Grid

Data Operations over the wide area network are very complex. The end-to-end implementations vary significantly in their efficiency, failure recovery and transactional management. Benchmarking for these operations is vital as we go forward given the exponential growth in data size. The critical evaluation of the types of data operations performed within large-scale data management systems and the comparison of the efficiency of the operations across implementations is an appropriate topic for benchmarking in a big data framework. In this paper, we identify the various operations that are important in large-scale data management and discuss a few of these in terms of data grid benchmarking. These operations form a set of core abstractions that can define interactions with big data systems by domain-centric scientific or business workflow applications. We chose these operational abstractions from our experience in dealing with large-scale distributed systems and with data-intensive computation.
Isothiazoles and Benzisothiazoles

In this study, metalation chemistry of isothiazoles, benz[c]isothiazoles, and benz[d]isothiazoles is discussed, and examples of ring metalation, lateral metalation, and utilization of metalated isothiazoles in transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions are presented.
Using cell phone keyboards is (NP) hard

Sending text messages on cell phones which only contain the keys 0 through 9 and # and * can be a painful experience. We consider the problem of designing an optimal mapping of numbers to sets of letters to act as an alternative to the standard {2 → {abc}, 3 → {def}...}. Our overall goal is to minimize the expected number of buttons that must be pressed to enter a message in English. Some variations of the problem are efficiently solvable, either by being small instances or by being in P, but the most realistic version of the problem is NP hard. To prove NP-completeness, we describe a new graph coloring problem UNIQUEPATHCOLORING. We also provide numerical results for the English language on a standard corpus which describe several mappings that improve upon the standard one. With luck, one of these new mappings will achieve success similar to that of the Dvorak layout for computer keyboards.
The Qalkhan Occupations

Qalkhan assemblages, found at four sites within the Jebel Qalkha study area (Figure 9.1), constitute a newly defined industry that appears to be the earliest within the Epipaleolithic succession of southern Jordan. Based upon stratigraphic evidence from two of these sites and technotypologic correlations with radiocarbon dated horizons from sites in the Azraq Basin of northeastern Jordan, the Qalkhan would appear to date to within an interval stretching from ca. 20,000–15,000 B.P.
Recent Developments in U.S. Homeland Security Policies and Their Implications for the Management of Extreme Events

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have resulted in profound changes in the U.S. policy system. The federal government has responded to the events of 9/11 and to the ongoing terrorist threat by passing new laws, creating the Department of Homeland Security, issuing presidential directives, developing new preparedness and crisis management programs, and reorganizing and redirecting existing programs. Among the effects of these actions are a decrease in emphasis on preparedness and response for natural and technological disasters; an increase in the role of law enforcement agencies and the military in the management of domestic emergencies, accompanied by a decline in the importance and influence of the emergency management profession; and an increase in the importance of “special purpose” initiatives that have the potential for interfering with efforts to develop comprehensive, integrated, all-hazards approaches to managing extreme events.
Methods for Analysis of Trends and Changes in Hydroclimatological Time-Series

Abstract This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion and explanation of methods available for analysis of trends and change detection. From the preliminary assessment of time-series data using exploratory data analysis techniques to the more exhaustive evaluation of changes in hydrometeorological time-series using state-of-the-art statistical methods is provided in this chapter. Parametric and nonparametric methods for evaluation of trends and changes in hydroclimatological time-series are discussed along with a number of numerical examples using observed data.
Labor Market Information and Selection in a Local Restaurant Industry: The Tenuous Balance Between Rewards, Commitments, and Costs

The restaurant industry is characterized as having high turnover, skill homogeneity, and distrust of standard sources of labor market information. We examine how in this context employers seek and evaluate information on potential job candidates (extensive search) and the hiring criteria they use to select new employees (intensive search). We find that employers in the restaurant sector are often passive or reactive about recruitment, distrust standard sources of information, and reject the use of educational credentials and work experience as hiring criteria. They do, however, find ways to signal workplace information to potential job candidates, develop schemes to gather reliable information, and closely evaluate job history data when hiring. Some develop signaling strategies to alert potential employees that their stores are sufficiently different from apparently similar stores to make them unusually attractive places to work. To help secure a sufficiently motivated work force, managers eschew standard measures of potential productive capacity or skills and adopt instead indicators of a modicum of employee motivation. Even under conditions of high turnover, skill homogeneity, and distrusted information, employers find ways to secure effort and commitment from potentially recalcitrant employees.