cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relevance of vesico-ureteric reflux in development of lipid a antibodies in recurrent urinary tract infections in children — a preliminary study

The serum titres of IgG and IgM antibodies to lipid A were measured in 24 children with chronic pyelonephritis (PN), 55 with recurrent lower urinary tract infections (LUTI), 13 with gram-negative sepsis (S), and in 50 control children using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Children ranged in age from 1 month-17 years. Patients with PN were differentiated by the presence or absence of an acute infectious episode and/or vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). During an acute episode in PN and LUTI, IgG titres were significantly higher than in controls, but only PN patients with an acute infectious episode also had significantly elevated IgM titres. Overall, children with LUTI showed a significantly lower frequency of detectable IgG lipid A antibodies (27%) than in PN (63%). In PN children with VUR not accompanied by an infectious episode, lipid A antibody was found at relatively low titres, while an episode not accompanied by VUR displayed significantly elevated IgG titres, and an episode accompanied by VUR showed elevation of both IgG and IgM anti-lipid A antibody titres.
Probabilistic Integrated Assessment of "Dangerous" Climate Change

Climate policy decisions are being made despite layers of uncertainty. Such decisions directly influence the potential for “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” We mapped a metric for this concept, based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment of climate impacts, onto probability distributions of future climate change produced from uncertainty in key parameters of the coupled social-natural system—climate sensitivity, climate damages, and discount rate. Analyses with a simple integrated assessment model found that, under midrange assumptions, endogenously calculated, optimal climate policy controls can reduce the probability of dangerous anthropogenic interference from ∼45% under minimal controls to near zero.
A high frequency microdischarge detection technique for electrical insulation and capacitors

Today's modern electrical devices are increasingly subject to, and must withstand, high frequency stressing. Such stressing contributes to accelerated aging of electrical insulation and has resulted in premature failure of components. In order to understand the aging mechanisms (i.e., microdischarge induced erosion, thermal runaway, etc.) and make valid conclusions regarding the service lifetime of components used under high frequency conditions, the electrical insulation must be examined under those same high frequency conditions as those in which it will be used. Conventional electrical techniques used to detect partial discharges are limited to below 2 kHz applied ac test voltages. A new technique was developed, in order to stress electrical insulation and examine the microdischarge activity for frequencies up to 100 kHz. This technique uses series resonance to achieve a high frequency sinusoidal steady state ac test voltage and a bridge type test cell to detect the resulting microdischarge activity. Experimental discharge traces are consistent with simulations, showing improved source voltage attenuation compared to conventional techniques. In addition, the calibration technique shows a critically damped single pulse per discharge event with a temporal resolution of <0.5 /spl mu/sec. Experimental results are presented.
Distribution of Nonintegrated DNA from JC Papovavirus in Organs of Patients with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Tissues from 10 patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and 14 patients without PML who were serologically positive for JC papovavirus were examined by molecular hybridization for human polyomavirus DNA sequences. Although viral proteins were not identified by fluorescent antibody methods, viral DNA was found in the kidneys of seven of nine patients with PML by hybridization, at 0.2-10 viral genome copies per cell genome equivalent, compared with 0.6-4 x 103 copies per cell in diseased areas of the brain. Examination of viral DNA from brains and kidneys of patients with PML by blot hybridization yielded no evidence of integration into the host cell genome. In three of the patients with PML, viral DNA was also found in liver, lung, lymph node, and spleen. Two of these patients, with widely disseminated JC virus, were children. In tissues from patients without PML, no evidence of JC virus infection was found, but BK papovavirus DNA was detected in two of 14 kidneys tested. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a chronic demyelinating disease associated with the human polyomavirus JC virus [1]. JC virus appears to be an opportunistic pathogen because PML is generally seen in individuals with depressed immunity. Although the disease is relatively rare, infection is quite common; most adults are serologically positive [2]. Infection is usually acquired early in life and results in viral persistence [3]. Reactivation, accompanied by urinary excretion of JC virus, has been demonstrated in healthy pregnant women [4, 5] and renal transplant recipients [6, 7], but it is not known whether PML occurs after reactivation or after primary infection while immunity is depressed. A knowledge of the distribution of JC virus in the organs of both seropositive normal individuals and patients with PML would help in understanding the pathogenesis of PML and the sites and mechanism of viral persistence. However, methods such as viral isolation and electron microscopy are tedious, insensitive to small amounts of virus, and rely on either identifying recognizable virion structures (electron microscopy) or infectious virions (isolation), which are not always present in persistent infections. Detection of virion-coded antigens, by immunostaining methods, requires that the viral genome be expressed. Many of these problems can be avoided by examining tissues for the viral genome by hybridization methods. These very sensitive techniques also allow for the assessment of the physical state of the
A digital acoustic recording tag for measuring the response of wild marine mammals to sound

Definitive studies on the response of marine mammals to anthropogenic sound are hampered by the short surface time and deep-diving lifestyle of many species. A novel archival tag, called the DTAG, has been developed to monitor the behavior of marine mammals, and their response to sound, continuously throughout the dive cycle. The tag contains a large array of solid-state memory and records continuously from a built-in hydrophone and suite of sensors. The sensors sample the orientation of the animal in three dimensions with sufficient speed and resolution to capture individual fluke strokes. Audio and sensor recording is synchronous so the relative timing of sounds and motion can be determined precisely. The DTAG has been attached to more than 30 northern right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and 20 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) with recording duration of up to 12 h per deployment. Several deployments have included sound playbacks to the tagged whale and a transient response to at least one playback is evident in the tag data.
Cerebral emboli detected during bypass surgery are associated with clamp removal.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography detects embolic signals during coronary artery bypass surgery. The relationship between embolization and specific events of bypass surgery is unclear.With this technique, 20 patients undergoing bypass surgery were continuously monitored from inception to discontinuation of bypass.Embolic signals were detected in all patients. Of all embolic signals, 34% were detected as aortic cross-clamps were removed, and another 24% as aortic partial occlusion clamps were removed. Only 5% were detected at inception of bypass. Rates for embolization were 15.15 embolic signals per minute at cross-clamp removal, 10.9 embolic signals per minute at partial occlusion clamp removal, and fewer than 3 embolic signals per minute at other times. Correlation was found between the number of emboli, severity of aortic atheromatosis, and neurocognitive deterioration.The majority of emboli detected during coronary artery bypass grafting are associated with the release of clamps. Clamp manipulation ...
Tumor Progression in Four Mammary Epithelial Cell Lines Derived from the Same Patient

Two primary and two metastatic cell lines with distinct phenotypes and genotypes have been established from a patient diagnosed as having infiltrating and intraductal mammary carcinoma (21T series). All four lines can be cultured in the same medium, DFCI-1, which also supports long-term growth of normal epithelial cells. Therefore, we have been able to compare normal and tumor cells at the cellular and molecular levels. The mammary origin of the 21T series was confirmed by using antibodies against the human milk fat globule antigen-2 epitope. The two primary tumor lines (21NT and 21PT) are both immortal and aneuploid, although only 21NT is tumorigenic in the nude mouse assay. The two populations derived from the metastatic pleural effusion (21MT-1 and 21MT-2) each exhibit distinct characteristics in morphology and growth factor requirements. The erbB2 gene is amplified and overexpressed in all of these cell lines compared to normal epithelial cell controls. These four tumor cell lines from a single patient represent a mammary tumor progression series that has been established in long-term cell culture.
Setting Clear Learning Targets to Guide Instruction for All Students

As more states adopt the Common Core State Standards, teachers face new challenges. Teachers must unpack these standards and develop explicit learning targets to make these rigorous standards accessible to their students. This task can be especially challenging for special educators who must balance standards-based education with individualized instruction. This paper describes the value of clarifying learning targets, defines different types of targets, and provides strategies and resources to assist practitioners in unpacking standards to develop learning targets. In addition, the authors suggest how the standards can be used to drive individualized education program planning to maximize learning for students with disabilities and increase the likelihood of student success.
Promoter specificity for 6S RNA regulation of transcription is determined by core promoter sequences and competition for region 4.2 of σ70

6S RNA binds sigma70-RNA polymerase and downregulates transcription at many sigma70-dependent promoters, but others escape regulation even during stationary phase when the majority of the transcription machinery is bound by the RNA. We report that core promoter elements determine this promoter specificity; a weak -35 element allows a promoter to be 6S RNA sensitive, and an extended -10 element similarly determines 6S RNA inhibition except when a consensus -35 element is present. These two features together predicted that hundreds of mapped Escherichia coli promoters might be subject to 6S RNA dampening in stationary phase. Microarray analysis confirmed 6S RNA-dependent downregulation of expression from 68% of the predicted genes, which corresponds to 49% of the expressed genes containing mapped E. coli promoters and establishes 6S RNA as a global regulator in stationary phase. We also demonstrate a critical role for region 4.2 of sigma70 in RNA polymerase interactions with 6S RNA. Region 4.2 binds the -35 element during transcription initiation; therefore we propose one mechanism for 6S RNA regulation of transcription is through competition for binding region 4.2 of sigma70.
Help-Seeking Attitudes, Mental Health Stigma, and Self-Concealment Among African American College Students:

Stigma has been noted as a major obstacle of mental health service use among African Americans. The present study investigated whether mental health stigma and self-concealment were uniquely associ...
In vitro inhibition of pancreatic glucagon secretion by diphenylhydantoin.

ABSTRACT Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) has been reported to stabilize poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Since this condition is characterized by elevated plasma levels of glucagon, the beneficial effect of DPH may be attributable to modification of glucagon release. To investigate this possibility, the effects of DPH on arginine-induced glucagon secretion were studied in the isolated perfused rat pancreas. At 25 μg/ml, DPH markedly diminished glucagon release and had no effect on insulin responses. Evidence is thus presented that DPH directly inhibits pancreatic glucagon secretion. These results suggest DPH may be of value for stabilization of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
Clinical Applications of Bioglass

An ideal implant material would have many potential applications in surgery. Such a material, as outlined by Garrington in 1972 (1) and reiterated regularly since then, should be biocompatible, inert, nonallergenic, nontoxic, and noncarcinogenic and should restore to normal function the part it replaces. Bioglasses™ in several different forms and compositions conform to most of these requirements and are being used in clinical applications. The materials have been tested in bone in many different species: subcutaneously in rats, intramuscularly in rabbits, intravenously in mice, intraperitoneally in powder and solid form in rats, and in vitro by exposure to several different cell culture systems. This work has been reviewed, and in no case has any toxicity been detected (2). Bioglasses™ can not however be described as “inert” since they possess a unique surface activity. The final requirement, that the normal function of the part i s reproduced, is limited by the mechanical properties of the bulk glass. Techniques have been developed to use the Bioglass™ as a coating on substrates to provide the properties needed for orthodontic and dental devices. Another area in which devices made from Bioglass™ will be used is in ear surgery.
Upper airway inflammation in children exposed to ambient ozone and potential signs of adaptation

In order to investigate nasal inflammation and subsequent adaptation after ambient ozone exposure, nasal lavage (NL) fluid was collected from 170 schoolchildren on 11 occasions (time points) between March and October. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), albumin and leukocytes were quantified as markers of nasal inflammation. The highest half-hour outdoor O3 concentration for each individual on the day prior to the NL was used as a measure of exposure (O3indiv). To avoid confounding with exposure to common environmental allergens, the study population was restricted to children without sensitization to inhalant allergens. In the initial period of increased O3 levels in May (time point 4), with a median O3indiv of 135 microg x m(-3) (5th-95th percentile 100-184 microg x m(-3)), the highest medians of all 11 leukocyte and ECP measurements were observed. The highest O3indiv were observed in June at time point 7 (O3indiv 173 microg x m(-3), 5th-95th percentile 120-203 microg x m(-3)). Cross-sectional analysis of all 11 time points revealed no significant association of O3indiv on the one hand and ECP, albumin and leukocyte levels on the other. A multivariable model estimated using generalized estimating equations showed a statistically significant association of O3indiv and leukocytes and ECP as the dependent variable, when time points 1-4 were analysed (p<0.05). In the same model, this association diminished continuously when time points 5-11 were added stepwise, in spite of high O3 exposure. Not even a tendency towards an O3 effect could be recognized when time points 1-8 were considered. The results indicate: 1) acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa after the first increase in ambient ozone levels, with 2) a significant dose-dependent increase in leukocyte and eosinophil cationic protein levels, and 3) possible adaptation of the nasal mucosa in spite of constant high levels of ozone exposure in children during the summer season.
The VERB campaign logic model: a tool for planning and evaluation.

The VERB campaign uses a logic model as a tool to share information, to facilitate program planning, and to provide direction for evaluation. Behavior change and communication theories are incorporated to help hypothesize how behavior change might occur. Evaluation of the campaign follows the process of the logic model. The elements of the logic model are described and further explanation “pops up” as the reader rolls over the graphic of the logic model.
Low cost nanolithography with nanoaccuracy

Abstract Because many applications of lithography cannot use the optical projection tools developed for the semiconductor industry, either because of high cost or inflexibility, low-cost, flexible alternatives are essential to research and future industries. A subset of these low-cost alternatives is discussed: intimate-contact lithography, interference lithography, and spatial-phase-locked e-beam lithography. It is asserted that self assembly, an important element of future nanotechnology, will likely utilize lithography in so-called “templated self-assembly”.
Grammar on Mathematical Principles

This paper1 presents a grammatical theory which has certain mathematical properties, and which produces the sentences of a language by means of two simple processes, word-entry and entry-reduction, with the meaning of each sentence being indicated directly by its construction. The reason for seeking a mathematical control on grammatical analysis lies partly in the inherent posibilities of such a connexion, and partly in the complex and somewhat haphazard nature of grammar, which makes one wonder if there is not something simpler and more principled involved. In the event, the system of grammatical analysis which is reached here is not an alternative to descriptions of grammatical patterns, but rather a complement to them; for in producing the sentences it locates and explicates those patterns as resultants of the two processes, but without cataloguing or arranging them.
Improved bumpless transfer with slow-fast controller decomposition

Previously introduced slow-fast decomposition bumpless transfer is extended to 2-degree-of-freedom configuration of candidate controllers. An easy implementation with observable canonical form of slow modes controllers is introduced. For controllers that have only fast modes, an uncontrollable-slow-modes state augmentation technique is provided. Simulations demonstrate comparative advantages over other bumpless transfer methods.
Issues in Measuring Reliability: Correlation Versus Percentage of Agreement

In many literacy studies, it is important to establish the reliability of independent observers' judgments. Reliability most commonly is measured either by the percentage of agreement or the correlation between the observers' judgments. This article argues that the percentage of agreement measure is more difficult to interpret than are correlation measures because of the following: (a) the effects of chance agreement are not accounted for automatically by the percentage of agreement measure; and (b) rates of chance agreement are strongly influenced by the variability of the data, by “ceiling” and “floor” effects, and by the scoring of near agreement as perfect agreement. For these reasons, the authors recommend that the field of literacy research adopt correlation as the standard method for estimating the reliability of observers' judgments.
Assessment of Resident Operative Performance Using a Real-Time Mobile Web System: Preparing for the Milestone Age

Objective To satisfy trainees’ operative competency requirements while improving feedback validity and timeliness using a mobile Web-based platform. Design The Southern Illinois University Operative Performance Rating Scale (OPRS) was embedded into a website formatted for mobile devices. From March 2013 to February 2014, faculty members were instructed to complete the OPRS form while providing verbal feedback to the operating resident at the conclusion of each procedure. Submitted data were compiled automatically within a secure Web-based spreadsheet. Conventional end-of-rotation performance (CERP) evaluations filed 2006 to 2013 and OPRS performance scores were compared by year of training using serial and independent-samples t tests. The mean CERP scores and OPRS overall resident operative performance scores were directly compared using a linear regression model. OPRS mobile site analytics were reviewed using a Web-based reporting program. Setting Large university-based general surgery residency program. Participants General Surgery faculty used the mobile Web OPRS system to rate resident performance. Residents and the program director reviewed evaluations semiannually. Results Over the study period, 18 faculty members and 37 residents logged 176 operations using the mobile OPRS system. There were 334 total OPRS website visits. Median time to complete an evaluation was 45 minutes from the end of the operation, and faculty spent an average of 134 seconds on the site to enter 1 assessment. In the 38,506 CERP evaluations reviewed, mean performance scores showed a positive linear trend of 2% change per year of training (p = 0.001). OPRS overall resident operative performance scores showed a significant linear (p = 0.001), quadratic (p = 0.001), and cubic (p = 0.003) trend of change per year of clinical training, reflecting the resident operative experience in our training program. Differences between postgraduate year-1 and postgraduate year-5 overall performance scores were greater with the OPRS (mean = 0.96, CI: 0.55-1.38) than with CERP measures (mean = 0.37, CI: 0.34-0.41). Additionally, there were consistent increases in each of the OPRS subcategories. Conclusions In contrast to CERPs, the OPRS fully satisfies the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Surgery operative assessment requirements. The mobile Web platform provides a convenient interface, broad accessibility, automatic data compilation, and compatibility with common database and statistical software. Our mobile OPRS system encourages candid feedback dialog and generates a comprehensive review of individual and group-wide operative proficiency in real time.
The role of NuMA in the interphase nucleus

NuMA is an essential protein for the formation of spindle poles in mitosis. During interphase, NuMA is transported into the nucleus where it resides until prometaphase of the next mitotic cycle. We tested for a potential function of NuMA in interphase nuclei that were assembled from human sperm DNA using frog egg extract immunodepleted of NuMA. Despite the absence of NuMA, nuclei formed without visible changes of the chromatin structure, surrounded by an intact nuclear membrane containing pores and nuclear lamins. These nuclei were fully competent to import nuclear substrates and to replicate their DNA. By screening tissue sections of various organs, absence of NuMA from the nucleus was observed in a number of cell types, including sperm, granulocytes in the blood, and differentiated smooth and skeletal muscle fibers. Experiments on cultured myoblasts indicated that NuMA is degraded during muscle cell differentiation. The absence of NuMA in interphase nuclei of the tissues tested correlated with a non-spherical, elongated or beaded nuclear morphology, suggesting that during interphase NuMA may act as a non-essential nucleoskeletal element.
Neuroglial ATP release through innexin channels controls microglial cell movement to a nerve injury

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, are attracted to sites of injury. The injury releases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into the extracellular space, activating the microglia, but the full mechanism of release is not known. In glial cells, a family of physiologically regulated unpaired gap junction channels called innexons (invertebrates) or pannexons (vertebrates) located in the cell membrane is permeable to ATP. Innexons, but not pannexons, also pair to make gap junctions. Glial calcium waves, triggered by injury or mechanical stimulation, open pannexon/innexon channels and cause the release of ATP. It has been hypothesized that a glial calcium wave that triggers the release of ATP causes rapid microglial migration to distant lesions. In the present study in the leech, in which a single giant glial cell ensheathes each connective, hydrolysis of ATP with 10 U/ml apyrase or block of innexons with 10 µM carbenoxolone (CBX), which decreased injury-induced ATP release, reduced both movement of microglia and their accumulation at lesions. Directed movement and accumulation were restored in CBX by adding ATP, consistent with separate actions of ATP and nitric oxide, which is required for directed movement but does not activate glia. Injection of glia with innexin2 (Hminx2) RNAi inhibited release of carboxyfluorescein dye and microglial migration, whereas injection of innexin1 (Hminx1) RNAi did not when measured 2 days after injection, indicating that glial cells’ ATP release through innexons was required for microglial migration after nerve injury. Focal stimulation either mechanically or with ATP generated a calcium wave in the glial cell; injury caused a large, persistent intracellular calcium response. Neither the calcium wave nor the persistent response required ATP or its release. Thus, in the leech, innexin membrane channels releasing ATP from glia are required for migration and accumulation of microglia after nerve injury.
DENITRIFICATION IN FRINGING SALT MARSHES OF NARRAGANSETT BAY, RHODE ISLAND, USA

Abstract In the past century, loading of terrestrial inorganic nitrogen to coastal receiving waters has increased dramatically. Salt marshes, because of their location between upland regions and coastal waters and their recognized role as nutrient transformers, have the potential to ameliorate some of this loading. In the current study, we used core incubations in the laboratory to investigate denitrification rates in high marsh soils from five fringing salt marshes in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. The marshes showed a wide variety of terrestrial N loading, with rates ranging from 2 to 6037 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Field-collected cores were selected to include both vegetated and bare soils at each marsh, and the six-hour incubations were designed to approximate natural tidal rhythms. Total dissolved nitrogen flux in these marshes ranged between +1255 and −710 μmol N m−2 hr−1, with N2 gas accounting for the majority of the total N flux (average 76%). Nitrogen gas flux ranged between −375 (nitrogen fixation)...
Ionization chamber dosimetry for photon and electron beams. Theoretical considerations.

New Clambda-values (Cair,lambda) are proposed which should be applied for ionization chambers with an inner wall of air-equivalent material, air eq. plastic or graphite. The new values are up to approximately 3 per cent lower, and apply for a chamber with an inner wall lining of water-equivalent material.er cent higher than those published in the ICRU Report No. 14 and here named Cwater,lambda as the inner wall is considered water-equivalent. Also two sets of CE-values are proposed, namely Cair,E which is given in ICRU No. 21 and Cwater,E which is approximately 3 p
War, Education and State Formation: Problems of Territorial and Political Integration in the United States, 1848-1912.

AbstractAfter the Civil War (1861–1865), the United States faced a problem of “reconstruction” similar to that confronted by other nations at the time and familiar to the US since at least the Mexican–American War (1846–1848). The problem was one of territorial and political (re)integration: how to take territories that had only recently been operating under “foreign” governance and integrate them into an expanded nation-state on common structural terms. This paper considers the significance of education in that process of state (re)formation after the Civil War, with particular attention to its role in federal territories of the US West. Specifically, this paper analyses the role that education-based restrictions on citizenship, voting rights and office-holding played in constructing formal state power in the cases of five western territories: Hawaii, Indian Territory, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico. A focus on the significance of education in these cases both advances and challenges literature on the ...
Evidence for cerebral edema, cerebral perfusion, and intracranial pressure elevations in acute mountain sickness

Introduction We hypothesized that cerebral alterations in edema, perfusion, and/or intracranial pressure (ICP) are related to the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Methods To vary AMS, we manipulated ambient oxygen, barometric pressure, and exercise duration. Thirty-six subjects were tested before, during and after 8 h exposures in (1) normobaric normoxia (NN; 300 m elevation equivalent); (2) normobaric hypoxia (NH; 4400 m equivalent); and (3) hypobaric hypoxia (HH; 4400 m equivalent). After a passive 15 min ascent, each subject participated in either 10 or 60 min of cycling exercise at 50% of heart rate reserve. We measured tissue absorption and scattering via radio-frequency near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) via ultrasound, and AMS symptoms before, during, and after environmental exposures. Results We observed significant increases in NIRS tissue scattering of 0.35 ± 0.11 cm−1 (P = 0.001) in subjects with AMS (i.e., AMS+), consistent with mildly increased cerebral edema. We also noted a small, but significant increase in total hemoglobin concentrations with AMS+, 3.2 ± 0.8 μmolL−1 (P < 0.0005), consistent with increased cerebral perfusion. No effect of exercise duration was found, nor did we detect differences between NH and HH. ONSD assays documented a small but significant increase in ONSD (0.11 ± 0.02 mm; P < 0.0005) with AMS+, suggesting mildly elevated ICP, as well as further increased ONSD with longer exercise duration (P = 0.005). Conclusion In AMS+, we found evidence of cerebral edema, elevated cerebral perfusion, and elevated ICP. The observed changes were small but consistent with the reversible nature of AMS.
EXPOSURE RESEARCH ON CONCRETE IN SEA WATER

Many coastal installations are constructed entirely of concrete or contain concrete in a large part of the structure, particularly those portions which are submerged, and those portions between low and high water. It is the latter locations which are submitted to the most severe exposure.
The Production In Vitro in the Normal Brain of Structures Simulating Certain Forms of Negri Bodies

The Negri bodies have been interpreted in two ways, by some observers as protozoa, by the majority, however, as degeneration products of nerve cells. In each of these interpretations the bodies are regarded as specific for rabies. Thus far, neither view has been supported by experimental evidence. The following work was therefore undertaken in the hope that some light might be thrown upon the nature of the bodies in question. Although the results are not entirely conclusive, they lend weight to the view of the degenerative origin of at least some of the smaller forms of Negri bodies.
Extracellular Matrix–Mediated Maturation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiac Monolayer Structure and Electrophysiological Function

Background— Human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) monolayers generated to date display an immature embryonic-like functional and structural phenotype that limits their utility for research and cardiac regeneration. In particular, the electrophysiological function of hPSC-CM monolayers and bioengineered constructs used to date are characterized by slow electric impulse propagation velocity and immature action potential profiles. Methods and Results— Here, we have identified an optimal extracellular matrix for significant electrophysiological and structural maturation of hPSC-CM monolayers. hPSC-CM plated in the optimal extracellular matrix combination have impulse propagation velocities ≈2× faster than previously reported (43.6±7.0 cm/s; n=9) and have mature cardiomyocyte action potential profiles, including hyperpolarized diastolic potential and rapid action potential upstroke velocity (146.5±17.7 V/s; n=5 monolayers). In addition, the optimal extracellular matrix promoted hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes and the expression of key mature sarcolemmal ( SCN5A , Kir2.1, and connexin43) and myofilament markers (cardiac troponin I). The maturation process reported here relies on activation of integrin signaling pathways: neutralization of β1 integrin receptors via blocking antibodies and pharmacological blockade of focal adhesion kinase activation prevented structural maturation. Conclusions— Maturation of human stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte monolayers is achieved in a 1-week period by plating cardiomyocytes on PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) coverslips rather than on conventional 2-dimensional cell culture formats, such as glass coverslips or plastic dishes. Activation of integrin signaling and focal adhesion kinase is essential for significant maturation of human cardiac monolayers.
Multiscale Properties of Tempered Stable Lévy Processes

In this chapter we characterize the multiscale properties of p-tempered α-stable Levy processes.
TU‐D‐206‐04: Body TS Acceptance Testing and QC

The current use of tomosynthesis for musculo-skeletal, abdominal, and thoracic imaging will be considered in four sections: A. Current Practice (M. Bath) : The presently available systems for body tomosynthesis will be reviewed and the current diagnostic applications described. B. Image Features and artifacts (M. FLynn): The consequence of a limited angle linear acquisition scan on image features and artifacts will be explained. C. Radiation Dose (J. Sabol): The organ dose associated with common tomosynthesis protocols will be reported and compared to the dose for radiographic and computed tomography procedures. D. Acceptance testing and Quality Assurance (K. Jones): Recommended medical physics acceptance test will be described and appriate programs for quality assurance discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. Learn how body tomosynthesis is currently being used in diagnostic radiology. 2. Understand how scan acquisitions can be designed to optimize image content and minimize artifacts. 3. Learn to radiation dose associated with common protocols. 4. Understand how to best evaluate a newly purchased tomosynthesis system. J. Sabol, Presenter is an employee of GE Healthcare.
Helical computed tomographic results indicated small-to-moderate changes in the probability of pulmonary embolism.

Source Citation Perrier A, Howarth N, Didier D, et al. Performance of helical computed tomography in unselected outpatients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Ann Intern Med. 2001 Jul 17;135:88-97....
Further Topics in Computable Analysis

Introduction This chapter starts where Chapter 0 leaves off, but involves a transition to more difficult topics. It begins with differentiation and the classes C n , and progresses through the computable theory of analytic functions. It concludes with a general theorem on “translation invariant operators” which subsumes several of our previous results. We continue to use the “Chapter 0” notion of computability for continuous functions. Naively, one might suppose that since the derivative, the operations of complex analysis, etc. are given by formulas, they should be computable. Of course, as we know, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, it is not always easy to guess what the results should be. Consider, for example, differentiation, the topic of Section 1. If a computable function possesses a continuous derivative, is the derivative necessarily computable? The answer turns out to be no. This raises the question: are there regularity conditions which we can impose on the initial computable function (e.g. being C n for some fixed n , or) which insure the computability of the derivaive. Here the answer is yes. The problem is to find the right conditions. Theorem 1, essentially due to Myhill [1971], asserts that there exists a computable C 1 function whose derivative is not computable. Theorem 2, due to the authors [1983a], asserts that, on the other hand, if the initial function is C 2 , then the derivative is computable. Thus the cutoff point must lie somewhere between C 1 and C 2 . Where is it located? We give a slight strengthening of Myhill's example, which shows that the function f can be twice differentiate (but not continuously so) and still give a noncomputable. Hence the cutoff is pinned between “twice differentiable” (Theorem 1) and “twice continuously differentiable” (Theorem 2). A curious result which emerges from Theorems 1 and 2 is the following: There exists a function on [0, 1] which is effectively continuous at each point of [0, 1] but not effectively uniformly continuous on [0, 1] (Corollary 2b). Thus the classical theorem that a continuous function on a compact set is uniformly continuous does not effectivize.
Extended Narrative Empathy: Poly‐Narratives and the Practice of Open Defecation

After reviewing empathy, narrative, and narrative empathy, the three concepts are combined to create a communication theory-Extended Narrative Empathy ( ENE). The theory supports expanding perspectives via the collection of a rich array of narratives that are not always in agreement (poly-narratives). Empathy is required in order to see similar stories, peripheral stories, contentious stories, and antagonists as protagonists (via protagonist inversion) and overlapping of narratives as crucial to understanding complicated issues. The theory is discussed in light of open defecation in rural India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Too much too soon? An analysis of the discourses used by policy advocates in the debate over kindergarten

In recent years, a debate over kindergarten has ensued. We refer to the actors in this debate as developmentalists, on the one hand, and academic advocates, on the other. Developmentalists argue that kindergarten should be centered on child-initiated play and intentional teaching through play, art activities, and hands on activities. Academic advocates argue that young children are capable of learning academic content in kindergarten and that academic instruction is necessary to help some students “catch up” before formal schooling begins. In this paper, we identify the key policy organizations engaged in this debate and analyze the ways they construct their arguments and critique the positions of their opponents. We find that, when discussing their vision for kindergarten, developmentalists and academic advocates share similar goals and views. However, when we analyze the ways the two agendas discuss kindergarten as it is practiced today, clear divisions emerge. Specifically, the agendas use different types of causal narratives to describe the problems with kindergarten and how it got that way. We conclude with a discussion of policy implications and directions for future research.
High peak-to-valley current ratio In0.22Ga0.78As/AlAs RTDs on GaAs using relaxed InxGa1-xAs buffers

The authors have grown In/sub 0.22/Ga/sub 0.78/As/AlAs resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) on relaxed In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As buffers on GaAs substrates, which show the largest peak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR), 13:1, ever reported for GaAs-based RTDs. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence (PL) studies confirm the composition and relaxation of the buffers. The intrinsic device performance is excellent despite the presence of some dislocations in the active layers. However, it appears that the relaxed buffers do add series resistance to the intrinsic device.
Water-tree growth in styrenic dielectrics

While water trees have been of most concern to the users and suppliers of high voltage underground cable, the phenomenon can be expected to occur in any polymeric dielectric exposed to a sufficiently high electrical stress in the presence of moisture. Water trees have been reported in number of materials including polyvinyl chloride), epoxy, polycarbonate, polystyrene and silicone rubber(1). As this list illustrates, water trees can occur in a variety of materials with large differences in chemical constitution, super-molecular structure, and physical state.
A testbed for optimizing electrodes embedded in the skull or in artificial skull replacement pieces used after injury

Abstract Background Custom-fitted skull replacement pieces are often used after a head injury or surgery to replace damaged bone. Chronic brain recordings are beneficial after injury/surgery for monitoring brain health and seizure development. Embedding electrodes directly in these artificial skull replacement pieces would be a novel, low-risk way to perform chronic brain monitoring in these patients. Similarly, embedding electrodes directly in healthy skull would be a viable minimally-invasive option for many other neuroscience and neurotechnology applications requiring chronic brain recordings. New method We demonstrate a preclinical testbed that can be used for refining electrode designs embedded in artificial skull replacement pieces or for embedding directly into the skull itself. Options are explored to increase the surface area of the contacts without increasing recording contact diameter to maximize recording resolution. Results Embedding electrodes in real or artificial skull allows one to lower electrode impedance without increasing the recording contact diameter by making use of conductive channels that extend into the skull. The higher density of small contacts embedded in the artificial skull in this testbed enables one to optimize electrode spacing for use in real bone. Comparison with existing methods For brain monitoring applications, skull-embedded electrodes fill a gap between electroencephalograms recorded on the scalp surface and the more invasive epidural or subdural electrode sheets. Conclusions Embedding electrodes into the skull or in skull replacement pieces may provide a safe, convenient, minimally-invasive alternative for chronic brain monitoring. The manufacturing methods described here will facilitate further testing of skull-embedded electrodes in animal models.
Teager–Kaiser Energy Operators for Overlapped Speech Detection

Overlapped speech is referred to a monophonic audio signal in which at least two speakers are present at the same time. In this study, the focus is on distinguishing overlapped from single-speaker speech, i.e., overlapped speech detection. We develop an overlap detection algorithm using an enhanced time-frequency representation, called Pyknogram, estimated directly from the input audio signal. Pyknograms use the Teager–Kaiser energy operator to detect resonant time-frequency units and thereby suppress nonharmonic structures. We show how the resulting Pyknograms provide high separability in terms of detecting the presence of interfering speech. Our proposed unsupervised Pyknogram-based detection results in over $30\%$ relative improvement in overlap detection error rates across different signal-to-interference ratios (SIR) compared to baseline systems. In addition, a case study is presented where we evaluate speaker verification performance under different overlap conditions using the GRID database and observe that speaker verification equal error rates (EER) vary from $2\%$ to $30\%$ , depending on the average SIR values introduced to train and test sets. In order to estimate the reliability of speaker verification scores across different trials, overlap detection results are interpreted as low-level information and stack ed alongside verification outputs. The resulting high-dimensional space is passed through a support vector machine classifier to find the separating hyperplane between target and imposter scores. Combining overlap detection scores with speaker verification on average yields $20\%$ relative decrease in EER. We also provide an upper bound for this approach using existing overlap labels, which yields $23\%$ relative improvement.
Effects of urban tree canopy loss on land surface temperature magnitude and timing

Abstract Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) plays an important role in moderating the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effect, which poses threats to human health due to substantially increased temperatures relative to rural areas. UTC coverage is associated with reduced urban temperatures, and therefore benefits both human health and reducing energy use in cities. Measurement of this relationship relies on accurate, fine spatial resolution UTC mapping, and on time series analysis of Land Surface Temperatures (LST). The City of Worcester, Massachusetts underwent extensive UTC loss and gain during the relatively brief period from 2008 to 2015, providing a natural experiment to measure the UTC/LST relationship. This paper consists of two elements to this end. First, it presents methods to map UTC in urban and suburban locations at fine spatial resolution (∼0.5 m) using image segmentation of a fused Lidar/WorldView-2 dataset, in order to show UTC change over time. Second, the areas of UTC change are used to explore changes in LST magnitude and seasonal variability using a time series of all available Landsat data for the study area over the eight-year period from 2007 to 2015. Fractional UTC change per unit area was determined using fine resolution UTC maps for 2008, 2010, and 2015, covering the period of large-scale tree loss and subsequent planting. LST changes were measured across a series of net UTC change bins, providing a relationship between UTC net change and LST trend. LST was analyzed for both monotonic trends over time and changes to seasonal magnitude and timing, using Theil-Sen slopes and Seasonal Trend Analysis (STA), respectively. The largest magnitudes of UTC loss occurred in residential neighborhoods, causing increased exposure of impervious (road) and pervious (grass) surfaces. Net UTC loss showed higher monotonic increases in LST than persistence and gain areas. STA indicated that net UTC loss was associated greater difference between 2008 and 2015 seasonal temperature curves than persistence areas, and also larger peak LST values, with peak increases ranging from 1 to 6 °C. Timing of summer warm period was extended in UTC loss areas by up to 15 days. UTC gain provided moderate LST mitigation, with lower monotonic trends, lower peak temperatures, and smaller seasonal curve changes than both persistence and loss locations. This study shows that urban trees mitigate the magnitude and timing of the surface urban heat island effect, even in suburban areas with less proportional impervious coverage than the dense urban areas traditionally associated with SUHI. Trees can therefore be seen as an effective means of offsetting the energy-intensive urban heat island effect.