cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Helical Cerenkov effect, a novel radiation source

The observability of the helical Cerenkov effect as a novel radiation source is discussed. Depending on the value of the index of refraction of the medium, the strength of the uniform magnetic field, and the electron beam energy, helical Cerenkov radiation can occur in the same spectral regions as the ordinary Cerenkov effect, that is, from microwave to visible wavelengths. From the kinematics point of view, I argue that for a microwave wavelength of 10/sup -1/cm this effect should be observable in a medium with an index of refraction of 1.4, with a beam energy of 3 MeV, and a uniform magnetic field of 4 T. On the specific level, however, for the sake of simplicity, I discuss the observability of this effect for visible light with the central wavelength of 5/spl times/10/sup -5/ cm which can be achieved with 2 MeV in beam energy, silica aerogel as a medium (with an index of refraction of 1.075), and uniform magnetic fields from 5 to 10 T. For a 10-T magnetic field, I calculate that in the visible region of 250 to 750 nm an electron will produce a photon per 10 cm of traveled length. As to the stimulated helical Cerenkov emission, I estimate that respectable gains are possible even if the beam passes close to the dielectric rather than through it. In addition to being potentially a new radiation source, the helical Cerenkov effect could possibly be used as a detector of radiation by energetic electrons that are trapped in a medium by strong magnetic fields. >
Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1, SR-A) influences B cell autoimmunity by regulating soluble autoantigen concentration

The class A macrophage scavenger receptor Msr1 (SR-A, CD204) has been reported to participate in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. We investigated the role of Msr1 in a mouse model of autoantibody-dependent arthritis. Genetic deficiency of Msr1 in K/BxN TCR transgenic mice decreased the incidence and severity of arthritis because of decreased autoantibody production. Despite normal initial activation of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells, potentially autoreactive B cells in Msr1(-/-) K/BxN mice retained a naive phenotype and did not expand. This was not due to an intrinsic B cell defect. Rather, we found that macrophages lacking Msr1 were inefficient at taking up the key autoantigen glucose-6-phosphate isomerase and that Msr1-deficient mice had elevated serum concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase. Arthritis developed normally when bone marrow from Msr1(-/-) K/BxN mice was transplanted into hosts whose macrophages did express Msr1. Thus, Msr1 can regulate the concentration of a soluble autoantigen. In this model, the absence of Msr1 led to higher levels of soluble autoantigen and protected mice from developing pathogenic autoantibodies, likely because of altered cognate interactions of autoreactive T and B cells with impaired differentiation of follicular Th cells.
In vivo toxicity, metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties of FAK inhibitor 14 or Y15 (1, 2, 4, 5-benzenetetramine tetrahydrochloride)

Y15 or inhibitor 14 (1,2,4,5-benzenetetramine tetrahydrochloride) is a potent and specific inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase that inhibits its autophosphorylation activity, decreases the viability of cancer cells, and blocks tumor growth. In this preclinical study, we analyzed the pharmacokinetics of Y15 in mice plasma, its metabolic stability in mouse and human liver microsomes and toxicity in mice. The pharmacokinetics study in mice demonstrated that, following intraperitoneal administration at 30 mg/kg dose, Y15 was very rapidly absorbed in mice, reaching maximum plasma concentration in 4.8 min. Y15 rapidly metabolized in mouse and human liver microsomes with half-life t1/2 of 6.9 and 11.6 min, respectively. The maximal tolerated dose of single-dose administration of Y15 by oral administration was 200 mg/kg, and the multiple maximum tolerated dose of Y15 was 100 mg/kg by PO during 7 day study. Y15 did not cause any mortality or statistically significant differences in the body weight at 30 mg/kg by IP during 28-day study, and at 100 mg/kg by PO during the 7-day study. There were no clinical chemical, hematological, or histopathological changes in different mice organs at 30 mg/kg by IP during 28 days and at 100 mg/kg dose by PO during 7 days. Thus, this is the first preclinical toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and metabolic stability study of Y15 inhibitor. Further development of Y15 will provide a basis for new therapeutic and future clinical studies.
A Soluble Chloroplast Protease Processes the Euglena Polyprotein Precursor to the Light Harvesting Chlorophyll a/b Binding Protein of Photosystem II

The Euglena light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein of photosystem II (LHCPII) is synthesized as a polyprotein precursors composed of 8 LHCPIIs covalently joined by a decapeptide. A soluble chloroplast protease releases LHCPII from the polyprotein. The polyprotein processing peptidase has a pH optima between 8.0 and 9.0. It is inhibited by Zn, Cu, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and E64 suggesting it is a novel thiol protease.
Joint power adaptation, scheduling and routing framework for wireless ad-hoc networks

In wireless ad-hoc networks, there exists strong interdependency between protocol layers, due to the shared wireless medium. Hence we cast the power adaptation (physical layer), scheduling (link layer) and routing (network layer) problems into a joint optimization framework. We analyze this hard non-convex optimization problem, and obtain a dual form consisting of a series of sub-problems. The sub-problem demonstrates the functionalities of the protocol layers and their interaction. We show that the routing problem may be solved by a shortest path algorithm. In the case of ultra wide band (UWB) networks, the power adaptation & scheduling problem is simplified and may be solved. Thus, an algorithmic solution to the joint problem, in the UWB case, is developed. Comparison of results with the previous information theoretic capacity results on UWB networks, demonstrates the importance of this cross-layer optimization framework.
Pattern recognition analysis of near‐infrared spectra by robust distance method

A method for pattern recognition analysis of near-infrared spectra has been developed using robust distances determined by minimum volume ellipsoid (MVE) estimators of multivariate location and scatter. Classical methods such as the Mahalanobis distance method often fail in the presence of a moderate number of outliers in a training data set, while robust distance methods can tolerate a considerably larger proportion of outliers in a training data set Outliers can be detected by their relatively large robust distances and can be excluded from a training set without a priori knowledge of the nature of the data set. In this paper the properties of a robust distance method are examined using near-infrared spectra of sulfamethoxazole and mixtures with its major degradation products, sulfanilic acid and sulfanilamide. The robust distance method successfully detected unacceptable samples (71.4%–89.3% (α = 0.05) or 78.6%–92.9% (α = 0.10)) even when they were inadvertently included in the training data set.
Projection patterns and target tissues of the serotonergic cells in larval Aplysia californica

Although the functions of serotonin in adult Aplysia have been the focus of numerous investigations, our understanding of the roles played by this neurotransmitter during development is very incomplete. In the previous study (Marois and Carew [1997a] J. Comp. Neurol. 386:477-490), we showed that identified serotonergic cells are present very early during the ontogeny of Aplysia. In order to gain insight into the possible functions that these serotonergic cells may exert, we have used immuno-electron microscopy in this study to examine the projection patterns and target tissues of the serotonergic cells during the larval development of Aplysia. The results indicate that the larval serotonergic cells have numerous and precise connections to non-neuronal and neuronal target tissues: Serotonergic cells innervate the ciliated cells of the velum, numerous muscle systems, possibly visceral organs, and several cells in the central nervous system. Repeated observations of one serotonergic contact onto an undifferentiated neuron in the abdominal ganglion over a short developmental time span suggest that the serotonergic input may trigger axonogenesis in the postsynaptic cell. Apart from this possibility, we suggest that the innervation patterns of the larval serotonergic cells essentially fulfill the same primary function attributed to the adult serotonergic cells, that of modulating ongoing physiological and behavioral activity.
Effect of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicates on Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chicks

Abstract In three experiments, three different hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCAS) were incorporated into chick diets (.5%) containing either 0 or 5.0 (Experiments 1 and 2) or 0 or 2.5 (Experiment 3) mg/kg aflatoxin (AF). Male broiler chicks consumed their respective diets and water ad libitum from 1 to 21 days of age. When compared with controls, body weights in chicks receiving 5.0 mg AF/kg were reduced by 214 g in Experiment 1 and 220 g in Experiment 2. The addition of .5% of the HSCAS compounds significantly diminished the growth inhibitory effects caused by AF by 39 to 68% in Experiment 1, by 46 to 88% in Experiment 2, and by 38 to 90% in Experiment 3. The increases in relative organ weights and the decreases in serum biochemical values caused by AF were significantly diminished to differing degrees by all three of the HSCAS compounds. These data demonstrate that these specific HSCAS compounds can be protective against the effects of AF in young growing broilers and further emphasizes the fact that all silicate-type sorbents are not equal in their ability to protect against aflatoxicosis. It also seems possible to specially process compounds to increase their efficacy for protection against the toxicity of AF.
Maintenance strategies following the expiration of warranty

The authors study two types of replacement policies, following the expiration of warranty, for a unit with an IFR failure-time distribution: (1) the user applies minimal repair for a fixed length of time and replaces the unit by a new one at the end of this period; and (2) the unit is replaced by the user at first failure following the minimal repair period. In addition to stationary strategies that minimize the long-run mean cost to the user, the authors also consider nonstationary strategies that arise following the expiration of a nonrenewing warranty. Following renewing warranties, they prove that the cost rate function is pseudo-convex under a fixed maintenance period policy. The same result holds under nonrenewing repair warranties, and nonrenewing replacement warranties when the optimal maintenance period of each cycle is determined as a function of the age of the item in use at the end of the warranty period.
Is Democracy A Prerequisite

The current literature is silent on whether democracies are more fragile or less susceptible to economic and political breakdowns. Using a host of political instability and policy instability variables, this paper explores empirically, whether political freedom (a proxy for democracy) has any effect on the stability of the political order. Furthermore, it also explores the possibility that political freedom explains differences in the stability of economic policies.
Effects of Orthodontic Intermaxillary Class III Mechanics on Craniofacial Structures Part II - Computerized Cephalometrics

Abstract No Abstract Available. From the departments of Orthodontics and Biomaterials, Univ. of California at Los Angeles.
Akt Inhibitor Perifosine-Induced Cytotoxicity Is Associated with Significant Downregulation of Survivin in Human Multiple Myeloma (MM) Cells.

Perifosine (NSC 639966; Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, New York, NY) is a synthetic novel alkylphospholipid, a new class of anti-tumor agents which potently inhibits Akt (PKB) activity. Our previous studies have shown that Perifosine induces significant cytotoxicity in MM cells triggered by c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation followed by caspase-8, caspase-9, and PARP cleavage even in the presence of cytokines (ie, IL-6 and IGF-1) or bone marrow stromal cell (BMSCs). Importantly, MEK inhibitor and bortezomib enhance Perifosine-induced cytotoxicity. It has also shown significant anti-tumor activity in a human MM cell xenograft mouse model (Hideshima et al. Blood 2006, 107:4053–4062). In this study, we further delineated molecular mechanisms whereby Perifosine triggers cytotoxicity as a single agent and in combination with bortezomib in MM cells. In most MM cell lines, the IC50 for Perifosine-induced cytotoxicity is 5–10 μM range assessed by MTT assay at 24h; however, apoptosis assessed by APO2.7 staining, varied in each cell line. Moreover, neither the degree of JNK phosphorylation nor caspase-8/9/PARP cleavage correlated with Perifosine-induced cytotoxicity. Therefore we further examined expression level of anti-apoptotic proteins in MM cell lines and found that survivin, which has a crucial role in regulation of caspase-3 activity, was markedly downregulated by Perifosine treatment in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, without affecting expression of other anti-apoptotic proteins (ie, cIAP, XIAP, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL). Since survivin is a known downstream protein of β-catenin/TCF-4 cascade, we next hypothesized that Perifosine may inhibit β-catenin activity. As expected, Perifosine significantly downregulated both phosphorylation and protein expression of β-catenin, associated with downregulation of survivin and enhanced caspase-3 cleavage. Real-time PCR confirmed that gene expression of survivin was suppressed 35% and 55% after 3h and 6h Perifosine treatment, respectively. Since β-catenin is a substrate of proteasomes, we further examined whether bortezomib could augment survivin expression by blocking its degradation. Importantly, bortezomib significantly upregulated β-catenin and survivin, which was blocked in the presence of Perifosine. These results suggest that inhibition of bortezomib-induced survivin expression, at least in part, accounts for enhanced bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity by Perifosine. Based upon these preclinical studies, a rational combination trial of bortezomib with Perifosine to treat relapsed refractory MM is currently ongoing.
Corporate Transparency: Codes of Ethics Disclosures

Until recently, corporate ethics was not a topic of major concern; however, all of that changed with the WorldCom and Enron scandals. The effects of unethical decision-making took its toll on consumers’ confidence and portfolios, resulting in a call from corporate stakeholders for more transparent reporting (Pricewaterhouse Coopers, 2003a) and increased ethical conduct. This study uses a sample of 97 corporations from the 2001 Fortune Global 500. We examine whether companies having a readily-available code of ethics on their websites between July 2002 and July 2003 associates with their auditor in a two-part study. We found that the former clients of Arthur Andersen were less likely to have their corporate codes of ethics readily available on their websites. While the clients of Ernst & Young had a similar rate of readily-available codes at the July 2002 observation, their rate of disclosure steadily departed from the other Big-Four firms, and was significantly lower at the July 2003 observation.
Serendipitous insights involving nonhuman primates

Serendipity is discussed as a form of controlled chaos, a phenomenon in a class with synchronicity and other actions affecting research in terms of theory versus observation (e.g., "optional stopping"). Serendipity is a fundamental aspect of basic research, a profitable and normal outcome in the context of "informed observation." The serendipitous finding fits into the following pattern: it is unanticipated, anomalous, and strategic. All observations that have meaning must fit into some context in the observer's mind or suggest a revolutionary new context. It is critically important to maintain access to the resources provided by established primate centers and similar laboratories to capitalize in a timely way on serendipitous findings and to benefit from valuable discoveries made in more directly targeted development investments. Examples are given of serendipitous insights gained in experimentation and observation relative to nonhuman primate research, including both broad and narrow topics. Genomics, which uses comparison-based strategies and capitalizes on the DNA sequences of genetic information, presents what might seem the basis for endless serendipity because nonhuman primates are likely to share most genes present in the human genome. Other topics discussed include infant behavior, birth periodicity, leprosy, cystic fibrosis, environmental enrichment, endocrinology, drug development, and the rapidly expanding study of infectious diseases and pathogen-based bioterrorism.
Culture Influences from Ohio in New York Archaeology 111

In the course of its long and eventful prehistory, the territory embraced in the present state of New York was invaded from nearly every direction. For several groups, notably the Iroquois, it was the end of the trail; others sojourned briefly and passed on. In part it was heavily occupied by diverse bands for a considerable period of time. This is especially true of the central and southern sections and of large parts of the Genesee Valley. The latter and the Finger Lakes region, including the Seneca River, are thickly strewn with sites of varying age and size. In one section of the Genesee Valley, just south of Rochester, hardly a knoll is opened without revealing skeletons. Other relatively intensively occupied areas are the Susquehanna drainage, parts of the Mohawk and Hudson valleys and Long Island.
Abstract 4717: A search for overlapping HLA risk loci between NHL and autoimmune diseases

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of B- and T-cell neoplasms originating primarily from the lymph nodes, and represents the most common hematological malignancy in the United States. We recently conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using DNA pools and identified a new risk locus for follicular lymphoma (FL) in the Class 1 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region on chromosome 6. Currently, we are following up these results in a second GWAS using a subset of 757 NHL cases and 811 controls from a larger case-control study of NHL based in the San Francisco Bay Area using the Illumina HumanCNV370-Duo BeadChip. In the preliminary scan, we found additional evidence of Class 1 HLA loci that influence FL susceptibility, as well as loci in the Class 2 region, suggesting the importance of HLA genetic variation in FL risk. There is also clear evidence that HLA Class 1 and Class 2 loci confer genetic susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease (CD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, because a history of autoimmune disease may increase risk of NHL, we explored whether HLA-region risk loci are common between these autoimmune diseases and NHL. Using genetic data available from the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium (WTCCC) for CD and the software package BEAGLE 3.0.3, we imputed SNPs to look for association signals in the HLA region. SNPs were imputed based on CD genotyped SNPs and haplotype information from unrelated CEU samples in the HapMap phase II data. A Cochran-Armitage test for an additive genetic effect implemented in PLINK v1.05 was subsequently performed to test the genotype-phenotype associations of genotyped and imputed SNPs. Our preliminary results suggest associations in the HLA Class 2 region near the HLA-DQA2 and HLA-DQB2 genes, providing evidence that overlapping risk loci may exist between FL and CD. We are currently expanding our analysis to include genetic data for other autoimmune diseases available from WTCCC such as T1D and RA. These analyses will contribute new data about genetic variation in plausible HLA region pathways and will help to identify potentially functional genetic factors that contribute to lymphoma susceptibility. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4717.
Sporicidal/bactericidal textiles via the chlorination of silk.

Bacterial spores, such as those of the Bacillus genus, are extremely resilient, being able to germinate into metabolically active cells after withstanding harsh environmental conditions or aggressive chemical treatments. The toughness of the bacterial spore in combination with the use of spores, such as those of Bacillus anthracis, as a biological warfare agent necessitates the development of new antimicrobial textiles. In this work, a route to the production of fabrics that kill bacterial spores and cells within minutes of exposure is described. Utilizing this facile process, unmodified silk cloth is reacted with a diluted bleach solution, rinsed with water, and dried. The chlorination of silk was explored under basic (pH 11) and slightly acidic (pH 5) conditions. Chloramine-silk textiles prepared in acidified bleach solutions were found to have superior breaking strength and higher oxidative Cl contents than those prepared under caustic conditions. Silk cloth chlorinated for ≥1 h at pH 5 was determined ...
Optimization Framework for the Analysis of Large-scale Networks of Energy Hubs

Through a reformulation of energy hubs, this paper presents a novel format for describing general en- ergy hub networks. This format underpins the development of tools for analyzing large-scale interconnected energy hub networks. The tools are developed in MATLAB and seam- lessly interface with CPLEX optimization libraries to al- low users to quickly implement and solve optimal schedul- ing problems. Our application takes a concise network de- scription file as input, uses MATLAB to build the matrices for the entire system, and outputs the requested results from CPLEX. The work presented herein supports electrical and natural gas networks, wind generating capacity, district heat loads, and the main elements of energy hubs (converters and energy storage). Addition of other energy types and hub ele- ments is straightforward.
Data analysis of occupational health examination results in Qujing City during 2008 ~ 2010

Objective To understand the situation of work on occupational health during 2008 to 2010 in Qujing City and furthermore to provide effective pathway for improvement of prevention of occupational disease.Methods The data of occupational health examination were collected during 2008 to 2010 and put into computer.The relative indicators were calculated.Results More and more enterprises provided their workers with the occupational health examination;the number of plants increased from 161 in 2008 to 403 in 2010.More and more workers received the occupational health examination;the examination rate increased from 90.53% in year of 2008 to 98.19% in 2010.The examination showed that fewer and fewer suspected cases suffering from occupation disease were found;the ratio decreased from 1.74% in 2008 to 1.10% in 2010.However,more and more workers were found to have occupational contraindications;the ratios increased from 0.44% in 2008 to 1.98% in 2010.Conclusion The work on occupational health surveillance needs to be strengthened in Qujing City.
A study on the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in 2001-2005 Shanghai

[Objective] To analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in Shanghai form 2001 to 2005. [Methods] An epidemiological survey of rabies was made and serum samples were collected to detect IgG by IFA. [Results] The prevalence of human rabies in Shanghai from 2001 to 2005 was still at low level.In these 5 years,there were totally 3 internal cases reported,while the number of cases reported from the previous 5 years(1996-2000) was 8,decending 62.5%.According to the data of the 9 reported cases form 2001 to sept.2005 the mean incubation was 84.7 days.The mean course of disease was 3.6 days.88.9% of them had not taken any preventive measure.288 persons who were bitten by suspected rabies dogs and took timely measures were all alive.In recent years,there were more than 80,000 persons been bitten by dogs every year in Shanghai.The rabies vaccine immunization rates were over 95%. [Conclusion] Rabies can be prevented,even if persons were bitten by the rabies virus positive dogs.The important measure is to treat the wound timely,give vaccine and anti-rabies serum injection.According to the regulation of controlling dogs in Shanghai,the number of dogs are kept at the lowest level,immunizing all the registrated dogs,destroying the none-registrated dogs are the most essential work.
Molecular epidemiological study of enterovirus 71 in severe HFMD in Wenzhou area

Objective:To provide evidence for scientific control and prevention of the Hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD) through molecular epidemiological study of severe enterovirus 71(EV 71) and monitoring of genetic variation in Wenzhou area.Methods:Viral RNA was extracted from clinical specimens and viruses were isolated from the detected positive samples,then the VP1 area and the whole genome sequence of EV71 were analyzed.Results:The EV71 positive cases took up 81.10% among all the HFMDcases,which had been proved to be positive through virus nucleic acid detection of the severe patients.After selecting positive samples for virus isolation,sequence analysis of vp1 gene of EV71 showed that the popular subtype was C4 subtype.Conclusion:The situation about prevention and control of HFMD was severe in Wenzhou area,especially the children aged 2 to 3 years old,and the season of May to July.In Wenzhou,HFMD was caused mainly by C4 subtype of EV71.The severe cases and deaths may have relevance to the spatial structure variation of the 5′UTR of EV71.
Selective Detection using the Gerchberg-Saxton Algorithm and Optimal Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy

Optimal dynamic detection of explosives (ODD-Ex) uses a phase specific pulse to increase the selectivity of an explosive’s spectral signatures within background interferents. Our method can detect conventional and improvised explosives, biological agents and chemicals.
Challenging the One-Dose-Fits-All Model for Insulin in the Acute Treatment of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis. A Critical Appraisal of "Low-Dose Versus Standard-Dose Insulin in Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial" by Nallasamy et al (JAMA Pediatrics 2014; 168:999-1005).

OBJECTIVE To review the findings and discuss the implications of the use of low-dose insulin infusions in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis compared with standard-dose insulin. DATA SOURCES A search of the electronic PubMed database was used to perform the clinical query as well as to search for additional relevant literature. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION The article by Nallasamy K et al "Low-Dose vs Standard-Dose Insulin in Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics 2014; 17:e477-e480" was selected for critical appraisal and literature review. DATA SYNTHESIS The authors performed a randomized controlled trial among 50 consecutive patients of 0-12 years old presenting to the emergency department in diabetic ketoacidosis. They found that low-dose (0.05 U/kg/hr) insulin infusion was noninferior to standard-dose (0.1 U/kg/hr) insulin in terms of resolution of hyperglycemia and acidosis with a trend toward lower rates of therapy-related complications in the low-dose group. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose insulin infusion is noninferior to standard-dose insulin in the treatment of younger pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and may lead to fewer therapy-related complications.
Family and Village Partnerships in Rural Schools in Senegal

Education in rural Senegal is a cooperative effort made by school personnel, families, village leaders, and educational officials. Life today reflects the heritage the people have had from early tribes (or ethnic groups, Islamic, and Christian religions), and centuries as a French colony. This heritage can be seen in family, cultural and religious practices, and how schools are organized. In this chapter, we focus on rural education and how it is impacted by all of the elements of rural society. The first major topic is to analyze the different influences in a rural setting followed by information on the characteristics of rural schools and how community institutions and families form a partnership with the schools.
Health Insurance and Blood Pressure Control.

“Health insurance does not insure good health, it insures providers get paid.”Dr. David Martins Despite being widely recognized for many years as one of the most highly prevalent modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and related diseases, hypertension remains a leading cause of premature
Modeling Ignition Probability for Stratified Flows

High-energy short-duration spark igniters are common in combustion devices where the discharge often occurs in a nonfueled region. This requires convection between where the spark kernel is created...
Influence of the Social Network on Married and Unmarried Older Adults' Mental Health.

Purpose of the study In later life, adults' social networks grow smaller through a combination of intentional selection and involuntary loss. This study examined whether older adults who lack a high-quality marriage compensate for this using support from other ties. We analyzed how relationships with family and friends are associated with depressive symptoms across multiple marital statuses. Design and methods Data from 3,371 older adults who participated in the most recent wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Results Individuals in high-quality marriages experienced fewer depressive symptoms than the widowed, never married, divorced/separated, and those in lower-quality marriages. Older adults' perceived family support, family strain, and friend strain were all significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The only difference in these effects according to marital status was for perceived family support, which was strongest for the never married. Implications The never married may depend more on family and friends than the previously or unhappily married. Any compensation efforts among the latter failed to reduce depressive symptoms relative to happily married others. Older adults in high-quality marriages benefit from their marital relationship, and also benefit from supportive family and friend ties.
Privacy-preserving power usage and supply control in smart grid

Abstract In a cyber-physical system, the control component plays an essential role to make the cyber and physical components work harmoniously together. When information collected from the physical space contains private or sensitive data that cannot be passed onto the cyber space, properly controlling the cyber-physical system becomes a very challenging task. For instance, the smart grid systems, a replacement for the traditional power grid systems, have been widely used in the industries. To prevent power shortage, threshold-based power usage control (PUC) in a smart grid considers a situation where the utility company sets a threshold to control the total power usage or supply of a neighborhood. If the total power usage exceeds the threshold, either certain households need to reduce their power consumption or the utility company needs to buy additional power supplies to meet the increasing demand. In these scenarios, the utility company needs to frequently collect power usage data from smart meters. It has been well documented that these power usage data can reveal a person's daily activity and violate personal privacy. To mitigate the privacy concerns, the goal of this paper is to develop efficient and privacy-preserving power usage control protocols that allow a utility company to balance supply and demand in a smart grid without violating personal privacy of its customers. We will provide extensive empirical study to show the practicality of our proposed protocols.
Cytomegalovirus Keratouveitis: Charted and Uncharted Territory

This report provides an overview of the current understanding of cytomegalovirus (CMV) keratouveitis: pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and gaps in knowledge. The wide availability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of ocular fluid has demonstrated that CMV is an important cause of keratouveitis. PCR has more recently been used to offer a microbiologic indicator (viral load), which has the potential to be correlated to clinical severity and corneal endothelial cell density. This knowledge may be used to help guide management of this chronic disease. Overlapping clinical features of viral keratouveitis, such as ocular hypertension and keratic precipitates, present a challenge in distinguishing CMV from other viral etiologies. Important findings suggestive of CMV include “coin-shaped” precipitates and diffuse iris atrophy. Definitive diagnosis requires identifying CMV using molecular testing. While multiple treatment options appear effective in controlling flares, one challenge is preventing long-term morbidity associated with recurrent inflammation. Thus, further studies on CMV keratouveitis are warranted to understand the relationship between viral burden, clinical features, and the most appropriate antiviral therapy.
The Contribution of Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Functions of Adenosine A1 Receptor in Mediating Otoprotection

The production of high levels of adenosine into the extracellular fluid during enhanced metabolic activity or ischemic conditions confers cytoprotection to the affected tissue. This action is mediated by adenosine receptors (ARs) which are ubiquitously expressed on the surface of cells which respond to the elevation in levels of adenosine in the extracellular fluid. While endogenous adenosine released to the extracellular fluid could confer protection under normal physiological condition, exogenously administered adenosine analogs are required to boost the protective capacity of these receptors under stress conditions. This chapter provides a summary of the adenosine/AR system in the cochlea and shows that the adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) could protect against hearing loss by inhibiting cochlear oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of cochlear cells.
Participant satisfaction with dementia prevention research: Results from Home-Based Assessment trial.

Abstract Introduction Little is known about factors affecting motivation and satisfaction of participants in dementia prevention trials. Methods A Research Satisfaction Survey was administered to 422 nondemented older adults who participated in the Home-Based Assessment trial. Results Overall satisfaction was high, with means of all individual items near to above a value of 3 on a scale from 1 (worst) to 4 (best). Greater satisfaction was associated with staff-administered interviews versus automated technologies. The most liked aspects of research participation were volunteerism, opportunity to challenge and improve mental function, and positive interactions with staff. The least liked aspect was repetitiveness of the assessments. Participants requested more contact with staff and other older adults and more feedback on performance. Discussion Older adults' participation in research was primarily motivated by altruism. Methodologies that facilitate human contact, encourage feedback and novelty of tasks should be incorporated into future trial design.
Illustrating the Benefits of Embracing an Integrated Applied Mathematics Initiative: Transport Parameters, LaPlace Transforms, and Residue Theorem

Our exponentially increasing knowledge base creates many new technology challenges. Academia must therefore respond emphatically. Educating rising professionals to successfully confront these future difficulties requires innovative curricula challenges. A successful adaptation integrates STEM program protocols into core courses. Embracing Integrated Applied Mathematics methodologies is representative. The straightforward solution to partial differential equations using LaPlace Transforms and Residue Theorem provides meaningful examples for course inclusion. A relevant problem presented here relates transport characterization to delivery/sequestration technologies.
PARADISE - Post-Moore Architecture and Accelerator Design Space Exploration Using Device Level Simulation and Experiments

An increasing number of technologies are being proposed to preserve digital computing performance scaling as lithographic scaling slows. These technologies include new devices, specialized architectures, memories, and 3D integration. Currently, no end-to-end tool flow is available to rapidly perform architectural-level evaluation using device-level models and for a variety of emerging technologies at once. We propose PARADISE: An open-source comprehensive methodology to evaluate emerging technologies with a vertical simulation flow from the individual device level all the way up to the architec-turallevel. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we use PARADISE to perform end-to-end simulation and analysis of heterogeneous architectures using CNFETs, TFETs, and NCFETs, along with multiple hardware designs. To demonstrate its accuracy, we show that PARADISE has only a 6% mean deviation for delay and 9% for power compared to previous studies using commercial synthesis tools.
EQUIVARIANT COLORED &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-HOMOLOGY FOR LINKS

In this sequel to [A colored &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-homology for links in S3, preprint (2009), arXiv:0907.0695v5], we construct an equivariant colored &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-homology for links, which generalizes both the above mentioned paper and the paper by [D. Krasner, Equivariant sl(n)-link homology, preprint (2008), arXiv:0804.3751v2]. The construction is a straightforward generalization of the paper, [A colored &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-homology for links in S3]. The proof of invariance is based on a simple observation which allows us to translate the proof in the above mentioned paper into the new setting. As an application, we prove that deformations over ℂ of the colored &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-homology are link invariants. We also construct a spectral sequence connecting the colored &#x1d530;&#x1d529;(N)-homology to its deformations over ℂ, which generalizes the spectral sequence given in the papers by [B. Gornik, Note on Khovanov link cohomology, preprint (2004), arXiv:math.QA/0402266 and E. Lee, An endomorphism of the Khovanov invariant, Adv. Math.197(2) (2005) 554–586].
Introduction to the Research Study

Successful retirement per prior research is not outliving or outspending the portfolio of financial assets. Background and introduction to the enhanced retirement strategies of home ownership conversion to income stream and increases in social and human capital assets as they facilitate successful retirement are provided. Three research models (baseline, HECM, delayed Social Security and/or continuing employment) are introduced. Scaling factors, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations, and implications for financial planning practitioners are discussed.
Preserving osteopathic antiquity through historical pamphlets and postcards

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, osteopathic information was circulated by way of pamphlets and postcards. Several osteopathic historical pamphlets and postcards from the D’Angelo Library collection have been researched and digitized in order to preserve these osteopathic artifacts and highlight their historical significance for the current profession.
Sex, Race, and Genomics of Pain

Differences in pain genomics between sex, gender, and race/ethnicity lead to differential clinical pain assessment and diagnosis, and therefore variable use of management and treatment. Generally, women experience higher rates of pain and have lower pain tolerance. Additionally, non-Hispanic Whites have the least severe chronic and acute pain. Variants and SNPs in the COMT, GCH1, and OPRM family of genes have been associated with higher pain sensitivity both in clinical and experimental settings for women compared to men. For the transgender population, hormonal treatment causes the pain sensitivity of the patient to be that of the converted sex instead of the birth. Differences in the aforementioned genes also account for the variance in pain experience and tolerance between races, where ethnic minorities tend to have lower tolerance. These racial and sex differences in pain genomics are important to understand in order to provide the best pain management and care for all patients.
Unusual Wood Properties Near the Tree Center

Abnormal wood characteristics are often found near the center of the tree, in the juvenile wood zone, but these are usually not intrinsic wood properties. Such abnormalities often occur in the center of rapidly grown trees, especially in the hardwoods (Kellison 1981). Although located in the juvenile wood zone, most of the unusual characteristics are established after the cessation of juvenile wood production; they are usually formed as chemical deposits as the tree ages or as an increase of internal stresses as the tree grows in size. Perhaps these unusual wood characteristics should not be included in a book on juvenile wood, but many laymen and even some foresters equate them with juvenile wood, and they do have a major effect on the utilization of wood from the juvenile zone.
Single well, single-common primer pair, dual probe, duplex qPCR assay for the quantification of mRNA splicing variants

Quantifying the ratio of alternatively spliced mRNA variants of genes with known alternative splicing variants is highly relevant for many applications. Herein, we describe the validation of a quantitative PCR design for the simplified quantification of known mRNA splice variants. The assay uses a single-common primer pair, dual probe design for the determination of splicing variants in a single well configuration. We used murine XBP-1 splicing variants, XBP-1S and XBP-1U, to validate and demonstrate the performance characteristics of this approach. Using synthetic XBP-1S and XBP-1U cDNA as well as cDNA synthesized from mouse beta-cell line MIN6, we established the performance parameters and dynamic range of the assay. Reliable quantification of both variants at varying concentration gradients was shown. No cross detection of XBP-1U by the XBP-1S probe was detected and only marginal XBP-1S cross detection by the XBP-1U probe was detected at high concentration gradients that are unlikely to be relevant. We demonstrated that the assay accurately detected changes of XBP-1 splice variants in mouse liver subjected to pharmacologically induced ER stress without the need for normalization to a reference gene.
Voluntary Pregnancy Screening at Syringe Exchanges: A Feasibility Study:

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of offering voluntary pregnancy screening at syringe exchange programs, using the National Implementation Research Network Hexagon Discussio...
Kidney support therapy in the pediatric patient: Unique considerations for a unique population

The use of kidney support therapy (KST) for use in managing patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has expanded greatly in the last several decades. The growing use of KST modalities in children, and now in neonates, has been associated with opportunities for education, clinical research, clinical practice improvements, and outcomes research. A multitude of controversies exist in the field of pediatric KST-many of which are shared by adult critical care nephrology practice. Simultaneously, pediatric KST has led the way to a burgeoning exploration of the importance of fluid overload as it relates to KST initiation and management and also with quality improvement. In this review, we will explore and describe the paradigms contained with pediatric KST used to support children with AKI. In addition to the governing principles related to the mechanics of KST, we will describe the novel aspects of newer support machines and ethical considerations of KST provision. Anticoagulation, dose, and modality will be discussed as well as priming procedures for special considerations. The utilization of KST across pediatric populations represents the next frontier of critical care nephrology.
Anti-Yo mediated paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in the context of breast cancer: a case report and literature review

Background Paraneoplastic syndromes are of interest to psycho-oncologists because they may be misdiagnosed initially as primary psychiatric disorders and can have profound neuropsychiatric and psychosocial sequelae. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a paraneoplastic syndrome which destroys Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and causes trunk and limb ataxia, dysarthria, diplopia, and vertigo, which often precede the diagnosis of cancer. Anti-Yo PCD is a devastating syndrome that significantly worsens prognosis in terms of functional ability and survival. Methods We present the case of a woman with progressive cerebellar deficits, which were misdiagnosed for several months before breast cancer and anti-Yo antibodies were discovered. Results PCD may be misdiagnosed as a primary psychiatric disorder. Results of neuropsychological assessment in this case found subtle attentional dysfunction but relatively preserved cognitive functioning in other domains. Discussion The literature relating to PCD and psychiatric manifestations of cerebellar disease are reviewed. The limitations of our current understanding of non-motor cerebellar function are highlighted, asserting the need for further study in this area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gates Launches $100 Million Initiative

Last week Bill Gates, the chair of Microsoft Corp., gave $100 million to create the Bill and Melinda Gates Children9s Vaccine Program. The program will enlist existing international health organizations in a battle to protect children in the developing world against four diseases through its support of vaccine trials, public education, and new funding mechanisms. The donation will fund efforts to improve delivery of existing vaccines rather than to develop new ones.
Surface Divergence and Air-Water Gas Transfer

Recent laboratory measurements of bulk gas-transfer velocity and free-surface hydrodynamics were made for the case of oscillating grid-stirred turbulence. Air-water gas-transfer velocities were determined from the water-side dissolved oxygen mass balance, and an innovative digital particle image velocimetry technique was used to measure the two-dimensional free-surface flow field. Bulk turbulence was found unable to provide a unique relationship for the gas-transfer rates realized, owing predominantly to surface contamination effects (adventitious and/or purposely introduced films). However, it was found that the surface divergence computed from the free-surface velocity field information was capable of reconciling the gas-transfer data in a physically meaningful way. This appears to be evidence confirming that the free-surface divergence is an important process involved in interfacial gas transport.
A small-animal imaging system based on silicon strip detectors

We have investigated the design of a high-resolution nuclear medicine system for in vivo small-animal imaging. The system utilizes a multiple-pinhole collimator in conjunction with silicon double-sided strip detectors (DSSDs) in a synthetic collimator configuration. It is designed for detection of the low-energy photons (27-35 keV) from the decay of /sup 125/I or /sup 123/I. We discuss elements of the system and present simulations conducted thus far.