cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examination of the efficacy of acute L-alanyl-L-glutamine ingestion during hydration stress in endurance exercise

The effect of acute L-alanyl-L-glutamine (AG; Sustamine™) ingestion on performance changes and markers of fluid regulation, immune, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and recovery was examined in response to exhaustive endurance exercise, during and in the absence of dehydration. Ten physically active males (20.8 ± 0.6 y; 176.8 ± 7.2 cm; 77.4 ± 10.5 kg; 12.3 ± 4.6% body fat) volunteered to participate in this study. During the first visit (T1) subjects reported to the laboratory in a euhydrated state to provide a baseline (BL) blood draw and perform a maximal exercise test. In the four subsequent randomly ordered trials, subjects dehydrated to -2.5% of their baseline body mass. For T2, subjects achieved their goal weight and were not rehydrated. During T3 - T5, subjects reached their goal weight and then rehydrated to 1.5% of their baseline body mass by drinking either water (T3) or two different doses (T4 and T5) of the AG supplement (0.05 g·kg-1 and 0.2 g·kg-1, respectively). Subjects then exercised at a workload that elicited 75% of their VO2 max on a cycle ergometer. During T2 - T5 blood draws occurred once goal body mass was achieved (DHY), immediately prior to the exercise stress (RHY), and immediately following the exercise protocol (IP). Resting 24 hour (24P) blood samples were also obtained. Blood samples were analyzed for glutamine, potassium, sodium, aldosterone, arginine vasopressin (AVP), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, cortisol, ACTH, growth hormone and creatine kinase. Statistical evaluation of performance, hormonal and biochemical changes was accomplished using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Glutamine concentrations for T5 were significantly higher at RHY and IP than T2 - T4. When examining performance changes (difference between T2 - T5 and T1), significantly greater times to exhaustion occurred during T4 (130.2 ± 340.2 sec) and T5 (157.4 ± 263.1 sec) compared to T2 (455.6 ± 245.0 sec). Plasma sodium concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) at RHY and IP for T2 than all other trials. Aldosterone concentrations at RHY and IP were significantly lower than that at BL and DHY. AVP was significantly elevated at DHY, RHY and IP compared to BL measures. No significant differences were observed between trials in CRP, IL-6, MDA, or in any of the other hormonal or biochemical measures. Results demonstrate that AG supplementation provided a significant ergogenic benefit by increasing time to exhaustion during a mild hydration stress. This ergogenic effect was likely mediated by an enhanced fluid and electrolyte uptake.
A telephonic coaching program has more impact when body mass index is over 35.

Summary Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the theory that two indicators of risk (body mass index (BMI) and overall medical risk at baseline) are correlated with weight change in a telephone employer-provided coaching program. Design A retrospective cohort study with assessments at baseline and six months after program completion. Setting A large manufacturing employer in the United States. Subjects Adult employees and dependents enrolled in a voluntary weight loss program. Intervention The weight program was based on the Self-Management of Care model. Coaching was based on collaborative goal-setting and included telephonic self-management health education. Clients were staged according to readiness to change. Measures Weight change (in kilograms), percent weight change, BMI, health risk indices, readiness to change, and demographic variables. Analysis Age, gender, race, education, income, total health risk, readiness to change, and baseline body mass index (BMI) were included as model covariates in a multiple linear regression analysis. Results Individuals with a BMI >35 at baseline lost more weight than those with normal weight ( p =0.001). Total health risk at baseline was not significantly related to weight loss at p Conclusion Our findings suggest that the greatest weight loss could be achieved in this telephone coaching program by targeting morbidly obese employees.
The Opposing Roles of Cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins in Cancer

Cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins 1 and 2 (cIAP1/2) are members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family that has been implicated in the pathology of human cancers due to their overexpression and function as blockers of cell death in various cancers. As a result, small molecule IAP antagonists have been developed and are currently under clinical evaluation for potential therapeutic use. In contrast, recent evidence has indicated a tumour-suppressing role for the cIAPs. Mutations in or loss of cIAPs have been identified as molecular lesions that contribute to constitutive activation of NF-κB in hematopoietic malignancies. These studies reveal a context-dependent role for the cIAPs wherein both their overexpression and loss may contribute to tumourigenesis.
Supermajority voting, social indifference and status quo constraints

We develop several results related to equilibrium in sophisticated voting under an amendment agenda procedure and supermajoritarian voting rules. Contrary to the simple majority case, we demonstrate that attainable equilibria are a function of the location of the status quo ex ante as well as the tie-breaking rule in place. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the Banks set (the set of sophisticated voting outcomes) does not reduce to the core under certain conditions. Moreover, in generalizing and extending the results in Colomer (1999), we define three analytically distinct regions, defined by the location of the status quo alternative, which determine the extent of the intersection between the Banks set and the core.
Too much content, not enough thinking, and too little FUN!

Teachers often overrate the importance of their content and underrate their influence. However, students forget much of the content that they memorize. Thus, attempts to teach students all that the...
Comparison of strains and culture media used for mouse in vitro fertilization

Success rates of superovulation in response to gonadotropic hormone treatment and in vitro fertilization (ie, mitotic cleavage following insemination) of mouse eggs from outbred CD-1, hybrid CB6Fl, or hybrid B6CBAF1, mice were compared using either a mouse inseminationmedium, modified Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate (m-KRB), or a human insemination medium, Ham's F10 nutrient mixture. Inseminations were performed in either organ culture dishes or screw-top, flat-side tissue culture tubes. Mean superovulation rates (± SD) were 24.2 (5.1) for CD-1, 33.0 (5.8) for CB6F1, and 16.3 (6.6) for B6CBAF1 mice. For in vitro cleavage the best combination of mouse strain, insemination medium, and culture container was achieved using CB6F1, mice, m-KRB medium, and culture tubes. However, Ham's medium used with either hybrid mouse strain was shown to be employable for fertilization of mouse eggs in vitro as a quality control assay and/or experimental model system for testing the human in vitro fertilization procedure.
An empirical study of context in object detection

This paper presents an empirical evaluation of the role of context in a contemporary, challenging object detection task - the PASCAL VOC 2008. Previous experiments with context have mostly been done on home-grown datasets, often with non-standard baselines, making it difficult to isolate the contribution of contextual information. In this work, we present our analysis on a standard dataset, using top-performing local appearance detectors as baseline. We evaluate several different sources of context and ways to utilize it. While we employ many contextual cues that have been used before, we also propose a few novel ones including the use of geographic context and a new approach for using object spatial support.
The therapeutic potential of islet cell transplant in the treatment of diabetes

Diabetic patients requiring insulin treatment are at an increased risk of developing chronic complications affecting the eye, kidney and heart as well as other disabilities, such as neurological and vascular disease. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) showed that the development of these complications can be profoundly reduced or even prevented by strict glycaemic control through intensive insulin therapy. The DCCT study, which was concluded in 1993, administered intensive insulin treatment either by multiple (three or four per day) insulin injections or by an external insulin pump. However, it is both stressful and difficult to achieve effective glycaemic control by these methods. Furthermore, intensive insulin administration imposes a significant danger of hypoglycaemia to patients receiving this treatment. Biological replacement of the destroyed insulin-producing B-cells of pancreatic islets, with normal functioning islet transplants, remains the best option with which to achieve strict glycaemic control in diabetic patients requiring insulin treatment. The ultimate goal in transplantation is the unlimited availability of organs/tissues to be transplanted in a simple procedure that requires little or no immunosuppression. Other obstacles have also contributed to the delay in islet transplantation becoming a clinical reality. There are now good methods for isolating long-term functional islets, and it has been proposed that these islets can be immunoisolated by microencapsulation to prevent transplant rejection, an approach that could easily lead to the use of islet xenografts in human diabetic patients. Therefore, the development of microencapsulated islets promises to solve the two major obstacles to clinical islet transplantation, transplant rejection and shortage of human islets. This technique has enormous potential as a viable treatment for diabetic patients requiring insulin therapy to achieve glycaemic control.
Superior size-weight illusion performance in patients with schizophrenia: evidence for deficits in forward models

When non-psychiatric individuals compare the weights of two similar objects of identical mass, but of different sizes, the smaller object is often perceived as substantially heavier. This size-weight illusion (SWI) is thought to be generated by a violation of the common expectation that the large object will be heavier, possibly via a mismatch between an efference copy of the movement and the actual sensory feedback received. As previous research suggests that patients with schizophrenia have deficits in forward model/efference copy mechanisms, we hypothesized that schizophrenic patients would show a reduced SWI. The current study compared the strength of the SWI in schizophrenic patients to matched non-psychiatric participants; weight discrimination for same-sized objects was also assessed. We found a reduced SWI for schizophrenic patients, which resulted in better (more veridical) weight discrimination performance on illusion trials compared to non-psychiatric individuals. This difference in the strength of the SWI persisted when groups were matched for weight discrimination performance. The current findings are consistent with a dysfunctional forward model mechanism in this population. Future studies to elucidate the locus of this impairment using variations on the current study are also proposed.
α‐Bungarotoxin Binds to Human Acetylcholine Receptor α‐Subunit Peptide 185–199 in Solution and Solid Phase but Not to Peptides 125–147 and 389–409

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) of human skeletal muscle has a reducible disulfide bond near the neurotransmitter binding site in each of its alpha-subunits. By testing a panel of overlapping synthetic peptides encompassing the alpha-subunit segment 177-208 (containing cysteines 192 and 193) we found that specific binding of 125I-labelled alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTx) was maximal in the region 185-199. Binding was inhibited by unlabelled alpha-BTx greater than d-tubocurarine greater than atropine greater than carbamylcholine. Peptide 193-208 did not bind alpha-BTx, whereas 177-192 retained 40% binding activity. Peptides corresponding to regions 125-147 (containing cysteines 128 and 142) and 389-409, or peptides unrelated to sequences of the AChR failed to bind alpha-BTx. No peptide bound 125I-alpha-labelled parathyroid hormone. The apparent affinity (KD) of alpha-BTx binding to immobilized peptides 181-199 and 185-199 was approximately 25 microM and 80 microM, respectively, in comparison with alpha-BTx binding to native Torpedo ACh receptor (apparent KD approximately 0.5 nM). In solution phase, both peptides effectively competed with solubilized native human AChR for binding of alpha-BTx, and peptide 185-199 showed little evidence of dissociation after 24 h. Peptides that bound alpha-BTx did so when sulfhydryls were reduced. Cysteine modification, by N-ethylmaleimide or acetamidomethylation, abolished alpha-BTx-binding activity. The data implicate the region of cysteines 192 and 193 in the binding of neurotransmitter to the human receptor.
A new twist on an old idea part 2: cyclosporine preserves normal mitochondrial but not cardiomyocyte function in mini‐swine with compensated heart failure

We recently developed a clinically relevant mini-swine model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), in which diastolic dysfunction was associated with increased mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Early diastolic function is ATP and Ca(2+)-dependent, thus, we hypothesized chronic low doses of cyclosporine (CsA) would preserve mitochondrial function via inhibition of MPT and subsequently maintain normal cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) handling and contractile characteristics. Left ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from aortic-banded Yucatan mini-swine divided into three groups; control nonbanded (CON), HFpEF nontreated (HF), and HFpEF treated with CsA (HF-CsA). CsA mitigated the deterioration of mitochondrial function observed in HF animals, including functional uncoupling of Complex I-dependent mitochondrial respiration and increased susceptibility to MPT. Attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction in the HF-CsA group was not associated with commensurate improvement in cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) handling or contractility. Ca(2+) transient amplitude was reduced and transient time to peak and recovery (tau) prolonged in HF and HF-CsA groups compared to CON. Alterations in Ca(2+) transient parameters observed in the HF and HF-CsA groups were associated with decreased cardiomyocyte shortening and shortening rate. Cellular function was consistent with impaired in vivo systolic and diastolic whole heart function. A significant systemic hypertensive response to CsA was observed in HF-CsA animals, and may have played a role in the accelerated the development of heart failure at both the whole heart and cellular levels. Given the significant detriment to cardiac function observed in response to CsA, our findings suggest chronic CsA treatment is not a viable therapeutic option for HFpEF.
Studies of the metal–support interaction in coprecipitated nickel on alumina methanation catalysts using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

Characterization studies on a series of coprecipitated alumina-supported nickel methanation catalysts by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are described. Binding energies and spectral shapes have been determined for several standard compounds (Ni, NiO, Ni(OH)2, NiAl2O4, Al2O3) to provide background information for interpreting the catalyst spectra. The results indicate that the surface regions of the fresh (unreduced) catalysts are composed primarily of amorphous NiAl2O4 with some NiO particles present either within the pores of the support or covered by a NiAl2O4 layer. In comparison with similarly prepared silica-supported catalysts, reducibility is more difficult indicating the presence of stronger support interactions.
wingless and aristaless2 define a developmental ground plan for moth and butterfly wing pattern evolution

Butterfly wing patterns have long been a favorite system for studying the evolutionary radiation of complex morphologies. One of the key characteristics of the system is that wing patterns are based on a highly conserved ground plan of pattern homologies. In fact, the evolution of lepidopteran wing patterns is proposed to have occurred through the repeated gain, loss, and modification of only a handful of serially repeated elements. In this study, we examine the evolution and development of stripe wing pattern elements. We show that expression of the developmental morphogen wingless (wg )i s associated with early determination of the major basal (B), discal (DI and DII), and marginal (EI) stripe patterns in a broad sampling of Lepidoptera, suggesting homology of these pattern elements across moths and butterflies. We describe for the first time a novel Lepidoptera-specific homeobox gene, aristaless2 (al2), which precedes wg expression during the early determination of DII stripe patterns. We show that al2 was derived from a tandem duplication of the aristaless gene, whereupon it underwent a rapid coding and cis-regulatory divergence relative to its more conserved paralog aristaless1 (al1), which retained an ancestral expression pattern. The al2 stripe expression domain evolutionarily preceded the appearance of the DII pattern elements in multiple lineages, leading us to speculate that al2 represented preexisting positional information that may have facilitated DII evolution via a developmental drive mechanism. In contrast to butterfly eyespot patterns, which are often cited as a key example of developmental co-option of preexisting developmental genes, this study provides an example where the origin of a major color pattern element is associated with the evolution of a novel lepidopteran homeobox gene.
Role of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Coated-Platelet Formation

Objective— Coated-platelets are a subset of cells observed during costimulation of platelets with collagen and thrombin. Important characteristics of coated-platelets include retention of multiple α-granule proteins and expression of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is a key step in apoptosis and is suggested to be involved in some forms of platelet activation. The objective of this study was to examine the role of MPTP in the synthesis of coated-platelets. Methods and Results— Flow cytometric analysis of coated-platelet production was used to examine the impact of pharmacological effectors of MPTP formation. Cyclosporin A, coenzyme Q, and bongkrekic acid all inhibit MPTP formation as well as production of coated-platelets. Phenylarsine oxide and diamide, both potentiators of MPTP formation, stimulate coated-platelet synthesis. Atractyloside, another inducer of MPTP formation, does not affect the percentage of coated-platelets synthesized; however, it does increase the level of phosphatidylserine exposed on the surface of coated-platelets. Conclusions— These findings indicate that MPTP formation is an integral event in the synthesis of coated-platelets. Although the exact function of the MPTP remains to be determined, these data support a growing body of evidence that apoptosis-associated events are vital components of the platelet activation process.
Acute aerobic exercise increases exogenously infused bone marrow cell retention in the heart

Stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) has been shown to improve cardiac function and reduce infarct size. Exercise training, in the form of cardiac rehabilitation, is an essential part of patient care post‐MI. Hence, we tested the effects of acute and chronic aerobic exercise on stem cell retention and cardiac remodeling post‐MI. Small epicardial MI's were induced in 12‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice via cryoinjury. Two weeks post‐MI, vehicle infusion ( N = 4) or GFP+ bone marrow‐derived cells (BMC) were injected (tail vein I.V.) immediately after acute exercise ( N = 14) or sedentary conditions ( N = 14). A subset of mice continued a 5‐week intervention of chronic treadmill exercise (10–13 m/min; 45 min/day; 4 days/week; N = 7) or remained sedentary ( N = 6). Exercise tolerance was assessed using a graded exercise test, and cardiac function was assessed with echocardiography. Acute exercise increased GFP+ BMC retention in the infarcted zone of the heart by 30% versus sedentary ( P < 0.05). This was not associated with alterations in myocardial function or gene expression of key cell adhesion molecules. Animals treated with chronic exercise increased exercise capacity ( P < 0.05) and cardiac mass ( P < 0.05) without change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size, or regional wall thickness ( P = NS) compared with sedentary. While BMC's alone did not affect exercise capacity, they increased LVEF ( P < 0.05) and Ki67+ nuclei number in the border zone of the heart ( P < 0.05), which was potentiated with chronic exercise training ( P < 0.05). We conclude that acute exercise increases BMC retention in infarcted hearts and chronic training increases exogenous BMC‐mediated effects on stimulating the cardiomyocyte cell cycle. These preclinical results suggest that exercise may help to optimize stem cell therapeutics following MI.
Dynamic and leakage power reduction of ASICs using configurable threshold logic gates

This article demonstrates an unconventional approach to computing logic functions for use in ASICs, and a fully automated approach to technology mapping for standard cell ASICs using the new cells. The approach results in a significant reduction in power, leakage, area and wire-length, without sacrificing performance of the design. At the heart of this approach is a configurable threshold logic gate. Using a standard cell library of such gates, a new technology mapping algorithm is applied to automatically transform a given netlist into one with an optimal mixture of conventional logic gates and threshold gates. The mapping algorithm is based on logic decomposition of Boolean functions into specific threshold functions. This approach was used to fabricate a 32-bit signed 2-stage Wallace-Tree multiplier in a 65-nm LP technology. Simulation and chip measurement results of the multiplier show a 33% improvement in dynamic power at 30% switching activity, 24% lower core area, 45% lower wire-length and 50% lower leakage without any performance degradation, compared to a functionally equivalent, conventional standard cell implementation. Similar results are shown for a FIR filter, a 32-bit MIPS, a 128-bit AES encryption circuit and a floating-point multiplier.
The Global Health Impact Index: Promoting Global Health

Millions of people cannot access essential medicines they need for deadly diseases like malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS. There is good information on the need for drugs for these diseases but until now, no global estimate of the impact drugs are having on this burden. This paper presents a model measuring companies' key malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS drugs' consequences for global health (global-health-impact.org). It aggregates drugs' impacts in several ways-by disease, country and originator-company. The methodology can be extended across diseases as well as drugs to provide a more extensive picture of the impact companies' drugs are having on the global burden of disease. The study suggests that key malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS drugs are, together, ameliorating about 37% of the global burden of these diseases and Sanofi, Novartis, and Pfizer's drugs are having the largest effect on this burden. Moreover, drug impacts vary widely across countries. This index provides important information for policy makers, pharmaceutical companies, countries, and other stake-holders that can help increase access to essential medicines.
Historical analysis of femoral hernia

Ah ‘f-l e m uence of the written word is far reaching, no matter how incorrect the written statements may be. The influence of the spoken word, when spoken by those in authority (and often by lesser persons as well), is scarcely less far reaching. The logical fallacy of argumentum ad verecundiam (argument to authority) is still prevalent, even in this supposedly ultrascientific age. It is hard enough to get the facts even when original sources are carefully perused. In this paper I shall try to give the facts as nearly as I have been able to ascertain them from studying the literature, and from a long acquaintance with many men highly versed in the subject. Should I inadvertently make any mistakes, I hope that the reader will call them to my attention. Sir Astley Cooper, in 1904, described the ligament which, since then, has borne his name. A pupil of John Hunter’s, he was the most popular surgeon in London during the first quarter of the ninteenth century. Although he wrote a book on hernia, he did not use, in hernia repair, the ligament which he had described. The fact that he died before the days of anesthesia may have had something to do with this situation. It is too bad that he could not have lived to see the time in which his ligament would play such a large part in the operation for both femoral and inguinal hernia. Annandalel is often credited with being
Structured Finance Deals: A Review of the Rating Process and Recent Evidence Thereof

The pooling and tranching of assets into prioritized cash-flow claims has become a substantial source of revenue for issuers as well as rating agencies in the last decade. With the recent demise of vehicles used to operationalize these structured deals, a natural question arises as to the quality of standards applied in structuring, managing, and ultimately rating these products. The purpose of this paper is to review rating practices in the area of structured finance, and to summarize the research and empirical evidence pertaining to these questions.
Reverse Automatic Differentiation of Linear Multistep Methods

Discrete adjoints are very popular in optimization and control since they can be constructed automatically by reverse mode automatic differentiation. In this paper we analyze the consistency and stability properties of discrete adjoints of linear multistep methods. The analysis reveals that the discrete linear multistep adjoints are, in general, inconsistent approximations of the adjoint ODE solution along the trajectory. The discrete adjoints at the initial time converge to the adjoint ODE solution with the same order as the original linear multistep method. Discrete adjoints inherit the zero-stability properties of the forward method. Numerical results confirm the theoretical findings.
Primal and Dual Methods in Structural Optimization

The most natural way of attacking a structural optimization problem is to make use of mathematical programming methods. This approach has gradually evolved into a powerful design scheme that proceeds by linearizing the potentially active constraints with respect to the reciprocal design variables and solving partially the resulting explicit problem before reanalyzing the structure and updating the approximate problem statement. This approach can be viewed as a primal method since the goal is to generate a sequence of feasible designs with decreasing weight. An alternative approach is to recognize that the expliit but approximate problem statement is of such high quality that it can be solved exactly after each structural reanalysis. Adopting this viewpoint leads naturally to consideration of dual methods for solving the explicit problem. This approach can be interpreted as a rigorous generalization of the conventional optimality criteria techniques.
“The Corporate Objective Revisited”: The Shareholders’ Perspective

The corporate objective function has spurred a heated debate between proponents of shareholder primacy, who view maximizing shareholder value as the overriding organizational goal, and supporters o...
Multi-fidelity modelling via recursive co-kriging and Gaussian-Markov random fields.

We propose a new framework for design under uncertainty based on stochastic computer simulations and multi-level recursive co-kriging. The proposed methodology simultaneously takes into account multi-fidelity in models, such as direct numerical simulations versus empirical formulae, as well as multi-fidelity in the probability space (e.g. sparse grids versus tensor product multi-element probabilistic collocation). We are able to construct response surfaces of complex dynamical systems by blending multiple information sources via auto-regressive stochastic modelling. A computationally efficient machine learning framework is developed based on multi-level recursive co-kriging with sparse precision matrices of Gaussian–Markov random fields. The effectiveness of the new algorithms is demonstrated in numerical examples involving a prototype problem in risk-averse design, regression of random functions, as well as uncertainty quantification in fluid mechanics involving the evolution of a Burgers equation from a random initial state, and random laminar wakes behind circular cylinders.
Separation of the plant Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum by free-flow electrophoresis

Free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) is a technique for separation of proteins, peptides, organelles, and cells. With zone electrophoresis (ZE-FFE), organelles are separated according to surface charge. The plant Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are similar in density and are therefore separated with difficulty using standard techniques such as density centrifugation. Purification of the ER and Golgi apparatus permits a biochemical and proteomic characterization which can reveal the division of processes between these compartments. Here we describe complete separation between the ER and more negatively charged Golgi compartments using ZE-FFE. We also describe techniques for assigning proteins to partially separated ER and the less negatively charged Golgi compartments.
Technical Note: Monitoring of unsteady open channel flows using the continuous slope-area method

Abstract. The advent of low-cost pressure transducers capable of directly measuring water surface elevation enables continuous measurements of dynamic water surface slopes. This opens up a new possibility of dynamically monitoring unsteady flows (i.e., hysteresis) during the course of flood wave propagation. Hysteresis in this context refers to a looped stage–discharge rating caused by unsteadiness of flows. Hysteresis is monitored in this study using a continuous slope area (CSA) method, which uses Manning's equation to calculate unsteady discharges based on continuously measured water surface slopes. In the rising stage, water surface slopes become steeper than a steady water surface slope, resulting in higher discharges than steady-based discharges, while the trends are reversed in the falling stage. The CSA method applied to Clear Creek near Oxford (Iowa, USA) estimates the maximum differences of peak discharges by 30–40 %, while it shows sound agreements for a low to medium range of discharges against USGS steady-based records. The primary cause of these differences is the use of a single channel bed slope in deriving Manning's roughness coefficients. The use of a single channel bed slope (conceptually equal to the water surface slopes at every stage in uniform flow conditions) causes substantial errors in estimating the channel roughness, specifically at high stages, because non-uniformities of natural channels result in varying (non-uniform) steady water surface slopes at each stage. While the CSA method is promising for dynamically tracking unsteady water surface slopes and flows in natural streams, more studies are still needed to increase the accuracy of the CSA method in future research.
Hybrid autoencoder and classifier for label-deficient semi-supervised learning: Case study

Label-deficient semi-supervised learning is a challenging setting in which there is an abundance of unlabeled data but a dearth of labeled data. A hybrid network that mixes an autoencoder, capable of extracting information from unlabeled data, and a neural network classifier, which incorporates information from labeled data, can be useful in a label-deficient setting. In this case study, we examine hybrid networks and their behaviors by imposing into them two-dimensional bottlenecks for the sake of visualization. We show that a straight-forward combination of the two objective functions fails in a label-deficient setting, and we propose a novel objective that emphasizes the autoencoding of labeled data in order to remedy the issue. We show the operation and the behaviors of hybrid networks trained with the proposed objective function when using five different unit nonlinearities, one of which is novel, and varying network depths in this case study. The proposed objective function trains networks that can achieve 79% accuracy on unseen testing data compared to a standard support vector classifier trained on the same labeled points which achieves 70% accuracy.
Development and Dynamic Regulation of Mitochondrial Network in Human Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Differentiated from iPSCs

Mitochondria are critical to neurogenesis, but the mechanisms of mitochondria in neurogenesis have not been well explored. We fully characterized mitochondrial alterations and function in relation to the development of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Following directed differentiation of hiPSCs to DA neurons, mitochondria in these neurons exhibit pronounced changes during differentiation, including mature neurophysiology characterization and functional synaptic network formation. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chains via application of complex IV inhibitor KCN (potassium cyanide) or complex I inhibitor rotenone restricted neurogenesis of DA neurons. These results demonstrated the direct importance of mitochondrial development and bioenergetics in DA neuronal differentiation. Our study also provides a neurophysiologic model of mitochondrial involvement in neurogenesis, which will enhance our understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases.
Stomaching rejection: Self-compassion and self-esteem moderate the impact of daily social rejection on restrictive eating behaviours among college women

Objective: The present study examined whether having high self-esteem or a self-compassionate perspective help mitigate the impact of daily social rejection on negative affect and restrictive eating behaviours.Design: Following a baseline survey assessing self-esteem and self-compassion, 121 college women completed online daily diaries for one week.Main Outcome Measures: Negative affect and restrictive eating behaviours.Results: On days when women reported more rejection, they also reported higher restrictive eating behaviours and greater negative affect. Effects were moderated by self-esteem and self-compassion, such that the lower participants were in self-esteem or self-compassion, the stronger the positive relation between rejection and negative affect and restrictive eating. However, only the common humanity/isolation dimension of self-compassion significantly moderated daily effects of rejection when controlling for self-esteem. Mediated moderation results reveal different mechanisms by which self-e...
Automated analysis of dynamic Ca2+ signals in image sequences.

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca2+ signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca2+ signaling.
Complementary and alternative medicine in an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic: Prevalence of use and attitudes toward CAM and prescription medications (S35.009)

Objective: Describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic, and also assess patients’ and families’ attitudes toward the efficacy of CAM versus prescription medications. Background: CAM is an important element but insufficiently studied element of child neurological health care. However, in the last several years attitudes have evolved substantially, as issues surrounding CAM become matters of public debate. Design/Methods: Surveys were distributed to consecutive patients and families at a tertiary level child neurology clinic in Rochester, MN. The surveys questioned patients on their diagnoses, use of CAM, specific CAM modalities that they use, and their opinions on the efficacy of CAM as well as prescription medications. Data were compared using chi-square tests. Results: 484 surveys were returned, of which 327 were usable. 136/327 (41.6[percnt]) of all patients reported the use of one or more types of CAM; however, only 52/135 (38.5[percnt]) of this subset recognized themselves as using CAM. Disorders associated with a statistically significant increased prevalence of CAM use were headache (65/128, 50.8[percnt], p = 0.008), chronic fatigue (24/38, 63.2[percnt]; p = 0.005), and sleep disorders (27/35, 77.1[percnt]; p < 0.0001). Patients who rated their prescription medications as slightly effective or ineffective /of unclear effectiveness were more likely to use CAM than other patients (55/99, 55.6[percnt], versus 31/105, 29.5[percnt]; p = 0.0002). There was no significant difference in likelihood of college or graduate education between groups. Discussion: A large proportion of pediatric neurology patients in our clinic also use CAM but most of these do not realize that they are doing so, underlining the need to take a careful history when assessing the use of CAM. Patients who are less satisfied with prescription medications are more likely to use CAM, perhaps reflecting the less-tractable nature of their disorders. Disclosure: Dr. Kenney has nothing to disclose. Dr. Youssef has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jenkins has nothing to disclose. Dr. Harris has nothing to disclose. UpToDate, $1700,
Utc Fuel Cells: Innovation Inside a Large Firm

This case can enhance understanding of emerging markets and innovation around fuel-cell technology, as well as the strategy and management of an entrepreneurial unit inside United Technologies Corporation. The case also examines environmental issues as operating concerns and market opportunities for innovative firms. Fuel cells are a leading clean technology to replace gasoline-combustion engines for transportation, and fuel-cell power plants offer an alternative electricity source to the electrical grid (which is heavily dependent on the burning of coal). The case is intended for use with "Fuel Cell Technology and Market Opportunities" (UVA-ENT-0016).
Factors Associated with Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in a Highly Insured Population of Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men, 2014

In the United States, an estimated 25% of men who have sex with men (MSM) have indications for receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection (PrEP), but <4% reported PrEP use in the past 12 months. We evaluate factors associated with having heard of, willingness to use, and use of PrEP in a venue-based, time-spaced sample of 316 urban, highly insured Boston MSM in the 2014 NHBS. We found that 53.7% of respondents reported receiving usual medical care from a doctor’s office or health maintenance organization, 57.6% had an indication for PrEP, 66.6% had heard of PrEP, 53.6% reported willingness to use PrEP, and 5.8% reported use of PrEP in the past 12 months. In multivariable analyses, an indication for PrEP was statistically associated with having heard of, willingness to use and use of PrEP in the past 12 months. Findings guide statewide efforts to evaluate and promote PrEP.
Writing Measurable and Academically Relevant IEP Goals With 80% Accuracy Over Three Consecutive Trials

Although one would hope that the magic of goal writing is somehow bestowed upon each speech-language pathologist during their graduate training, or at a minimum upon graduation, pre-service speech-...
Intrapersonal Reliability and Validity of TIARA: Analysis of Individual Cases

This chapter presents methodology and results of the analyses of TIARA’s intrapersonal reliability and validity. It describes the methods for analysis and possible interpretations of individual cases in research and practice.
Hyaluronan in the human trabecular meshwork.

Purpose Hyaluronan (HA) is a high-molecular weight glycosaminoglycan that can affect water and solute fluxes in the extracellular matrix. The distribution of HA in the human trabecular meshwork of nonglaucomatous eyes was examined to help understand the potential role of HA in the regulation of aqueous outflow resistance. Methods Histolocalization of HA was established in situ in the trabecular meshwork of human eyes with no known diseases of the anterior segment. A specific biotinylated HA-binding peptide was used as a probe for this study, with enhanced sensitivity of HA detection achieved by modifications of the fixation and staining procedures. Results Evaluation of HA staining in the aqueous outflow pathway in comparison to that in other ocular structures (e.g., the vitreous) showed pronounced staining in the trabecular meshwork. The staining intensity was similar between various layers of the meshwork. Both the filtering and the anterior nonfiltering portions of the trabecular meshwork showed pronounced HA staining. The staining was localized primarily to the trabecular meshwork endothelial cells. Conclusions Pronounced HA staining observed in the various layers of the trabecular meshwork suggests that substantial amount of HA is present in the nonglaucomatous outflow pathway. The staining pattern suggests that HA is associated with the endothelial cells lining the trabecular beams. This finding supports potential roles for this glycosaminoglycan in the regulation of the physiological aqueous outflow resistance or in the maintenance of the outflow channels or both. Histochemical localization of HA in the various layers of the non-glaucomatous meshwork provides a useful basis for future comparative studies of HA distribution and relative amounts in the trabecular meshworks of eyes affected by various types of glaucoma.
Black Logics, Black Methods: Indigenous Timelines, Race, and Ethnography:

The article recovers two pathways emergent from an assets-based approach to the study of black life using qualitative methods generally and ethnography, specifically, (1) racial recalibration and (...
Risk Mitigation: Identifying and Creating Evidence-Based Periprocedural Screening and Anticoagulation Guidelines to Reduce Interventional Radiology Bleeding Risks

Abstract As image-guided therapeutic and diagnostic procedures have increased in demand, the specific risk factors for periprocedural complications have been poorly defined. To identify risk factors for bleeding because of interventional radiology procedures and for quality assurance purposes, the staff in the Department of Radiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, created a detailed procedural database in 2003. In addition to documentation of baseline demographic characteristics and procedural details, patients were monitored for 3 days to document any postprocedural complications. The data, including patient follow-up, were collected by radiology registered nurses. Analysis of these data has provided opportunity to identify risk factors for bleeding and to create evidence-based periprocedural screening and anticoagulation guidelines in the practice.
Religion and Public Health at Emory University

Emory University has nearly two decades of collaboration between degree programs in public health and theology, in addition to its even longer history of research and service activities at this intersection of disciplines. Students at the Rollins School of Public Health have opportunities to take cross-listed courses in religion and public health, to earn a certificate in religion and health, to choose faith-based field placements in the US and abroad, and to participate in extra-curricular conferences, guest lectures, workshops, and discussion roundtables. In addition, students at the Candler School of Theology may earn a dual degree in public health along with their degree in divinity or theological studies. The objective of these interdisciplinary professional degree programs is to prepare students for work in local and global settings where knowledge and understanding of religious communities can deepen the public health professional’s engagement and ability to promote the health of the whole community.
Integrating Women Into the Marine Corps Infantry: Costs, Representation, and Lessons from Earlier Integration Efforts

While women have been present on battlefields through history, their roles have expanded considerably in recent decades. The lifting of remaining restrictions fits into the pattern of expansion ove...
"I pretended to be a boy on the Internet": Navigating affordances and constraints of social networking sites and search engines for LGBTQ+ identity work

In this multi-platform study, I analyze interviews with 30 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals in the United States (U.S.) to demonstrate how social networking sites (SNS) and search engines afford and constrain their identity work. Data analysis identifies three key affordances and constraints for how participants create, negotiate, and sustain their LGBTQ+ identities: identity expression, visibility, and anonymity. I explore each using a tripartite analytical frame of stigma, tactics, and authenticity. Findings describe how participants navigate hetero- and gender-normative discourses encoded into SNS and search engines to affirm their LGBTQ+ identities. Designers can use these results to create platforms inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities that afford, rather than constrain, these navigations.
Experimental Limitations of Phase Shifting Interferometry

Digital Phase Shifting Interferometry (PSI) is widely used in optical testing to determine the surface topography of a continuous surface. The height pro??le obtained using PSI is derived from intensity measurements made at different phases, which are seperated by a de??nite phase step. The unreliable piston travel of the peizo in response to a de??nite actuating signal is the main source of phase step and hence height errors in the height pro??le derived using PSI. The ??ve frame sequence suggested by Hariharan et. al. for intensity measurements makes PSI relatively insensitive to both positive and negative phase step errors (as large as 50% of the single desired phase step). However, we report on signi??cant errors in the PSI derived height pro??le that can result if a mathematically equivalent but experimentally different sequence than that suggested by Hariharan et. al. is employed for intensity measurements.