cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
To integrate or segregate the cognitively impaired and cognitively intact in nursing homes: Lessons to be learned from educational mainstreaming:

This paper explores the parallels between the mainstreaming of disabled and non-disabled students in schools and the integration of cognitively impaired and cognitively intact residents in nursing homes. The research on educational mainstreaming at a more mature stage of development, can serve as a foundation for gerontologists by suggesting that:• The physical location of service is non-specific and relatively meaningless as an independent variable;• Integration may benefit some impaired individuals while proving detrimental to others;• Moral and political arguments often drive the discussion; and• The well-being of non-impaired individuals is often overlooked.
Implications of ground-deformation measurements across earth fissures in subsidence areas in the southwestern USA

Ground deformation was monitored at earth fissures in areas of land subsidence induced by groundwater extraction in the southwestern United States. The ground deformation is consistent with the mechanism that fissures are caused by horizontal strains generated by bending of overburden in response to localized differential compaction. Subsidence profiles indicated that localized differential subsidence occurred across the fissures and that maximum convex-upward curvature was at the fissure. The overall shape of the profile stayed similar with time, and maximum curvature remained stationary at the fissure. Horizontal displacements were largest near the fissure, and generally were small to negligible away from the fissure. Maximum tensile horizontal strains were at the fissure and coincided with maximum curvature in the subsidence profiles. Horizontal tensile strain continued to accumulate at fissures after they formed, with rates of opening ranging from 30 to 120 microstrain/year at fissures in Arizona.
Effects of larval and pupal environmental factors on biological status of adults at emergence in Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wied.)

Adults of Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wied.) were reared from larvae under five environmental variables—quantity of food, density of larvae, salinity of medium, light regime and temperature—singly and in combination. On emergence these adults were analysed for morphological characteristics, dry body weights, energy reserves and autogeny.The minimal expression of adult characteristics and autogeny was effected by lack of food, crowding of larvae, and higher salinity, singly and in combination, at a constant temperature of 27°C. These three factors in turn showed a distinct relationship with delay in onset and prolongation of pupal ecdysis.The maximal expression of adult characteristics and autogeny was found when 75 to 100 larvae per pan were reared on 2 × - or 4 × -basic ration in 10 to 25 per cent, sea water at 27°C. under alternating 12-hr. light-dark cycles. Above the optimal quantity of food, i.e., 2 × -basic ration, there was almost no enhanced effect on the adult characteristics; in fact, with 4 × - and 8 × -basic ration the morphological characteristics were suppressed. Of the three light regimes, continuous light produced adults that were largest, heaviest, had the most energy reserves and the highest level of autogeny. Adults reared on 4 × -basic ration in ten per cent, sea water under alternating 12-hr. light-dark cycles and at temperatures from 24 to 34°C. showed that even though largest mosquitos were obtained at 24°C, the heaviest mosquitos with maximal lipid and glycogen contents and maximal expression of autogeny were found at 28 and 30°C. Temperature changes during the pupal stage did not affect the adult characteristics.Temperature and light regimes show distinct complex effects on adults at emergence, but the quantity of food, density of larvae and salinity of the rearing medium are more important.
Microwave Subsurface Crosswell Imaging using Finite Difference Frequency Domain Modeling

We have developed a new algorithm for electromagnetic inverse scattering problem in inhomogeneous media using finite difference frequency domain (FDFD) forward modeling, referred as FDFD-based inversion method. The key issue of this method is to build a linear expression for the inverse problem from the FDFD forward modeling by using the Born approximation. An important advantage of this matrix-based method is that there is no need to specify a Green's function. This inversion algorithm is applied to microwave subsurface object detection using cross well radar. The new method is compared with the conventional inversion using Green function-based Born Approximation (GFBA). This EM scattering inverse algorithm is easily implemented and is robust to the heterogeneity of background. Numerical experiments are presented for a two dimensional borehole geometry for buried object detection in soil.
An amino‐terminal signal peptide of Vfr protein negatively influences RopB‐dependent SpeB expression and attenuates virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes

Summary Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is an extracellular cysteine protease that is a critical virulence factor made by the major human pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS). speB expression is dependent on the regulator of proteinase B (RopB) and is upregulated with increasing cell density and during infection. Because computer modelling suggested significant structural similarity between RopB and peptide-sensing regulatory proteins made by other Gram-positive bacteria, we hypothesized that speB expression is influenced by RopB–peptide interactions. Inactivation of the gene (vfr) encoding the virulence factor related (Vfr) protein resulted in increased speB transcript level during the exponential growth phase, whereas provision of only the amino-terminal region of Vfr comprising the secretion signal sequence in trans restored a wild-type speB expression profile. Addition of the culture supernatant from a Vfr signal peptide-expressing GAS strain restored wild-type speB transcript level to a vfr-inactivated isogenic mutant strain. A distinct peptide in the Vfr secretion signal sequence specifically bound to recombinant RopB. Finally, overexpression of the Vfr secretion signal sequence significantly decreased speB transcript level and attenuated GAS virulence in two mouse models of invasive infection. Taken together, these data delineate a previously unknown small peptide-mediated regulatory system that controls GAS virulence factor production.
Fast coral reef calcifiers are more sensitive to ocean acidification in short-term laboratory incubations

To identify the properties of taxa sensitive and resistant to ocean acidification (OA), we tested the hypothesis that coral reef calcifiers differ in their sensitivity to OA as predictable outcomes of functional group alliances determined by conspicuous traits. We contrasted functional groups of eight corals and eight calcifying algae defined by morphology in corals and algae, skeletal structure in corals, spatial location of calcification in algae, and growth rate in corals and algae. The responses of calcification to OA were unrelated to morphology and skeletal structure in corals; they were, however, affected by growth rate in corals and algae (fast calcifiers were more sensitive than slow calcifiers), and by the site of calcification and morphology in algae. Species assemblages characterized by fast growth, and for algae, also cell-wall calcification, are likely to be ecological losers in the future ocean. This shift in relative success will affect the relative and absolute species abundances as well as the goods and services provided by coral reefs.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on a stream-dwelling species, the flattened musk turtle Sternotherus depressus

Abstract The flattened musk turtle Sternotherus depressus has disappeared from more than half of its former range because of habitat modifications to stream and river channels in the Warrior River Basin, Alabama. Only 6·9% of its probable historic range contains relatively healthy populations, and most populations are fragmented by extensive areas of unsuitable habitat. Turtles in the best remaining habitats continue to be vulnerable to disease and human-related disturbance, collecting and habitat modification. These factors lead to population declines and abnormal population structure. Habitat fragmentation, especially in small populations, increases vulnerability to human-caused catastrophes and demographic accidents, and could lead to eventual extinction. The threats facing fragmented populations of this turtle probably parallel those affecting many other stream-dwelling species throughout the southeastern United States.
Economic value of remote sensing imagery for agricultural applications

Although the military has found significant value in remote sensing. it is not clear whether the business case for commercial applications is equally strong. An in-depth understanding of the economic value that commercial remote-sensing imagery provides to targeted markets is necessary for determining whether investment into new remote-sensing systems is justified. Due to the importance of agriculture to the U.S. economy and the inclusion of agricultural applications in most commercial remote-sensing satellite business plans, this paper analyzes the economic value of using satellite imagery for crop production as well as the willingness and ability of farmers to take advantage of this technology. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fellows of The Royal Society in North Africa and the Levant, 1662-1800

A previous article has emphasized the importance of the considerable number of Fellows of the Royal Society of London who, between the founding of the Society and the war with Napoleon I, were inhabitants of— or were closely identified with—the British Colonies in the West Indies and the mainland of North America (1)*. What follows below is, in a sense, a continuation of the previous discussion in an effort to identify the principal media of scientific intercourse between the Society and the British trading areas in the Mediterranean regions, exclusive of the Christian world in southern and western Europe. The objects of this intercourse were, in the main, no different from those which impelled the Society from its founding to engage in scientific correspondence with every corner of the world. However, the role of the trading companies appears to have been less significant in the Levant and in North Africa than that of companies trading in the New World (such as the Hudson’s Bay Company and the South Sea Company) or of the great East India Company in the Far East. There is, for instance, no evidence of active co-operation between the Levant Company and the Royal Society. It is less surprising, perhaps, to find that not a single Arab, Turk, or Greek was elected to the Royal Society before 1800—although one Italian-born resident of Turkey was elected to the Fellowship. With this exception, as we shall see, all of the North African and Levantine Fellows of the Royal Society before 1800 were native Englishmen, Scots, or Irishmen who, for one reason or another, devoted a portion of their lives to labour in the ancient Mediterranean lands and, because of this fact (together with their scientific interests) became firsthand observers, collectors, and informants of the Society from those regions.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Past, Present and Future

In this paper, we will discuss the nuances of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis based on symptoms, diagnostics and therapy. The diagnostics will include endoscopy, histology and anesthesia. Therapeutics will include the diet, drugs and ‘distress'. Future directions in terms of clinical presentation and diagnostics will be discussed and important issues such as repeated exposure to anesthetic agents and effects of therapy on growth and psychological distress will be listed.
A nonequilibrium binary elements-based kinetic model for benzodiazepine regulation of GABAA receptors

Ion channels, like many other proteins, are composed of multiple structural domains. A stimulus that impinges on one domain, such as binding of a ligand to its recognition site, can influence the activity of another domain, such as a transmembrane channel gate, through interdomain interactions. Kinetic schemes that describe the function of interacting domains typically incorporate a minimal number of states and transitions, and do not explicitly model interactions between domains. Here, we develop a kinetic model of the GABAA receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel modulated by numerous compounds including benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used clinically as sedatives and anxiolytics. Our model explicitly treats both the kinetics of distinct functional domains within the receptor and the interactions between these domains. The model describes not only how benzodiazepines that potentiate GABAA receptor activity, such as diazepam, affect peak current dose–response relationships in the presence of desensitization, but also their effect on the detailed kinetics of current activation, desensitization, and deactivation in response to various stimulation protocols. Finally, our model explains positive modulation by benzodiazepines of receptor currents elicited by either full or partial agonists, and can resolve conflicting observations arguing for benzodiazepine modulation of agonist binding versus channel gating.
On Combinatorial Optimization Problems with Mobile Sites and Resources

This paper develops a framework to solve combinatorial resource allocation problems in a setting where the sites and resources are allowed to have dynamics. The formulation draws analogy from statistical physics to define the Free Energy function which is used as a measure of coverage function. A class of dynamics for the sites and resources is prescribed which guarantees coverage. This is done by casting the problem as a control problem in which we design the resource velocities to ensure that the time derivative of the Free Energy function is non positive.
Ontodog: a web-based ontology community view generation tool

Summary: Biomedical ontologies are often very large and complex. Only a subset of the ontology may be needed for a specified application or community. For ontology end users, it is desirable to have community-based labels rather than the labels generated by ontology developers. Ontodog is a web-based system that can generate an ontology subset based on Excel input, and support generation of an ontology community view, which is defined as the whole or a subset of the source ontology with user-specified annotations including user-preferred labels. Ontodog allows users to easily generate community views with minimal ontology knowledge and no programming skills or installation required. Currently >100 ontologies including all OBO Foundry ontologies are available to generate the views based on user needs. We demonstrate the application of Ontodog for the generation of community views using the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations as the source ontology. Availability: http://ontodog.hegroup.org/ Contact: ude.hcimu@hnuqgnoy
ADAMs 10 and 17 Represent Differentially Regulated Components of a General Shedding Machinery for Membrane Proteins Such as Transforming Growth Factor α, L-Selectin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α

Protein ectodomain shedding is a critical regulator of many membrane proteins, including epidermal growth factor receptor-ligands and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, providing a strong incentive to define the responsible sheddases. Previous studies identified ADAM17 as principal sheddase for transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, but Ca++ influx activated an additional sheddase for these epidermal growth factor receptor ligands in Adam17-/- cells. Here, we show that Ca++ influx and stimulation of the P2X7R signaling pathway activate ADAM10 as sheddase of many ADAM17 substrates in Adam17-/- fibroblasts and primary B cells. Importantly, although ADAM10 can shed all substrates of ADAM17 tested here in Adam17-/- cells, acute treatment of wild-type cells with a highly selective ADAM17 inhibitor (SP26) showed that ADAM17 is nevertheless the principal sheddase when both ADAMs 10 and 17 are present. However, chronic treatment of wild-type cells with SP26 promoted processing of ADAM17 substrates by ADAM10, thus generating conditions such as in Adam17-/- cells. These results have general implications for understanding the substrate selectivity of two major cellular sheddases, ADAMs 10 and 17.
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor transactivates signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) through activation of Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in hepatocytes

Hepatocytes express adrenergic receptors (ARs) that modulate several functions, including liver regeneration, hepatocyte proliferation, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, synthesis of urea and fatty acid metabolism. Adrenergic hepatic function in adults is mainly under the control of alpha(1)-ARs; however, the mechanism through which they influence diverse processes remains incompletely understood. This study describes a novel alpha(1)-AR-mediated transactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) in primary and transformed hepatocytes. Treatment of primary rat hepatocytes with the alpha(1)-AR agonist, phenylephrine (PE), induced a rapid phosphorylation of Stat3. PE also increased Stat3 phosphorylation, DNA binding and transcription activity in transformed human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep3B). The PE-induced Stat3 phosphorylation, DNA binding and reporter activity were completely blocked by the selective alpha(1)-AR antagonist, prazosin. In addition, transfection of Hep3B cells with human alpha(1B)-AR expression vector also enhanced Stat3 phosphorylation and reporter activity. Moreover, overexpression of RGS2, a protein inhibitor of G(q/11) signaling, blocked PE-induced Stat3 phosphorylation and reporter activity. The observations that PE induced the formation of c-Src-Stat3 binding complex and phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and that inhibiting Src and EGFR prevented PE-induced Stat3 activation indicate the involvement of Src and EGFR. Taken together, these observations demonstrate a novel alpha(1)-AR-mediated Stat3 activation that involves G(q/11), Src, and EGFR in hepatic cells.
Relationships among Teachers' Perspectives, Self-Reported Practices, and Concerns Related to an Alternate Assessment System.

A statewide survey was completed by 234 special education teachers with experience in developing assessment portfolios within the Illinois Alternate Assessment (IAA) system. Relationships between t...
Lessons Learned from Engineering Biologically Active Hybrid Nano/Micro Devices

Engineering devices based upon the interfacing of biological with inorganic systems have led to fascinating research results and present important implications for next-generation technologies. The development of cell- and protein-based micro/nano systems has demonstrated that several key factors must be considered when establishing fabrication rules. These include material interface properties, preserving biological viability, as well as self-assembly as a device-fabrication methodology, to name a few. Here, we present two proposed devices that have been developed through the application of these principles. They include muscle-powered microfabricated devices, as well as protein-functionalized polymeric vesicles based on protein-coupling reactions. These systems have successfully bridged the gap between biological and conventional engineering to yield exciting prospects, as well as important lessons and questions for the development of cell-/protein-based hybrids.
Can Pentoxifylline be used as Adjunct Therapy to ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in Preserving Kidney Function

Purpose. To determine if there is sufficient evidence to recommend the addition of pentoxifylline to standard ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy in chronic kidney disease patients to reduce proteinuria and preserve kidney function. Methods : A search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed.gov and ClinicalTrials.gov search engines and the search terms “pentoxifylline renoprotection”, “pentoxifylline CKD”, and “pentoxifylline nephropathy”. Results were limited to studies in human subjects and published in the English language. No date range was specified. Studies focused on the effects of pentoxifylline on drug induced nephropathy were excluded. Results : Nine relevant articles were retrieved and evaluated. The two main populations studied were patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients with CKD and comorbid type 2 diabetes. Six of the nine studies reported a significant reduction in proteinuria in pentoxifylline treated patients. Four studies reported a significant change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusion : Addition of pentoxifylline to ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy may improve proteinuria in CKD patients. There is conflicting evidence as to whether pentoxifylline will improve kidney function as measured by eGFR. Key words : pentoxifylline renoprotection, pentoxifylline CKD , pentoxifylline nephropathy. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
On Aggregating Linear Programming Models of Production

T HIS PAPER presents some aggregation results for linear programming models of the firm. It is assumed that the production decision problem for each firm in some regional, industrial, or typical firm aggregate can be represented by a linear programming model. By means of the duality theorem for dual linear programs, it is shown that under suitable conditions a single linear programming model for the aggregate is equivalent to a direct aggregation of the solutions of a set of individual firm models. Conditions sufficient for this equivalence are proportional variations of resources1 and behavioral "bounds"; proportional variation of net return expectations among all firms in the aggregate; and, finally, common technical coefficients which appear in the constraints on the firms' decisions. It is shown that imperfections in an atomistic market introduced by imperfect knowledge, uncertainty, or government policies may increase the number of aggregate models needed to describe an entire industry such as agriculture. An example is explored and implications of the model for equilibrium of an "open" economy sketched out.
Coenzyme Q Concentration in Proliferative Lesions of Liver.

ConclusionQuantitative studies of normal and regenerating liver have shown that high concentrations of coenzyme Q are maintained during the proliferative process and indicate that a lack of coenzyme is not responsible for the low succinate-INT reductase activity observed during regeneration. In contrast, a low coenzyme Q concentration in the Morris hepatoma and the Novikoff hepatoma appears to play an important role in the low reductase activities observed in these 2 neoplasms.
Abstract 930: A simple and inexpensive approach to allelotyping the HLA region in a case-control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous malignancy of B- and T-cells. NHL is the fifth most common cancer in the US and NHL incidence rates are increasing, having doubled since the 1970s. As a result, finding causative factors, whether genetic or environmental, remains an important task. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region has a long track record of genetic association with autoimmune disease. Our group has recently published findings that indicate a genetic link between follicular lymphoma and a locus at chr6p21.33, in the HLA Class 3 region. Extended haplotypes are typical in this region, and the overall data implicate a possible genetic association between NHL and distant, yet linked, HLA alleles. Due to high genetic complexity, it is difficult to assess allelotype information in the HLA region without using genetic sequencing approaches. However, sequencing is expensive both in terms of dollars and DNA, making it unfeasible for pilot study work. To circumvent these research limitations and quickly and easily explore our hypothesis, we set out to create an assay that is high-throughput, inexpensive, uses minimal DNA, and gives meaningful HLA allelotype information. Results: Using multiplexed ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) we have developed an assay that is able to obtain specific allelic information for one complex HLA gene. One to two digit, bi-allelic typing requires only 100ng of genomic DNA and can be run on 96-well plates over the course of 2 days. Samples are run through an Applied Biosystems 3730xl capillary DNA analyzer to obtain raw data. Analysis is simple relative to sequencing-based typing approaches; there is no need for expensive computer programs and translating raw data to allelotypes is trivial. Compared to sequencing, this is a very affordable assay that gives broad indications of allele associations, making it an ideal methodology for pilot studies. We are currently applying MLPA technology to screen for HLA allelotypes associated with risk of NHL. Discussion: MLPA is a useful tool that can be applied to conduct HLA allelotyping. This technology is an economically feasible approach for large-scale genotyping of closely related alleles and represents a key intermediate research tool that is more specific than genome-wide analysis and more affordable than sequencing. This assay may aid in the discovery of key HLA allelotypes associated with lymphoma, as well as help to eliminate false positive results. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 930.
A Review of Trends, Research, and Recommendations for Strengthening the Evidence-Base and Quality of Residential Group Care

ABSTRACTAlthough the appropriate use of residential group care remains a subject of longstanding debate, most child welfare stakeholders, including practitioners, researchers, and advocacy groups, acknowledge that for some youth high quality group care is an essential intervention. In this article we review trends and issues related to the use of residential group care. We further review findings from outcomes research and recommendations put forth by scholars and national groups with expertise in residential care focused on building the empirical evidence-base and improving the quality of residential care for children and adolescents involved with the child welfare system.
A Systematic Approach for Developing Bacteria-Specific Imaging Tracers

The modern patient is increasingly susceptible to bacterial infections including those due to multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). Noninvasive whole-body analysis with pathogen-specific imaging technologies can significantly improve patient outcomes by rapidly identifying a source of infection and monitoring the response to treatment, but no such technology exists clinically. Methods: We systematic screened 961 random, radiolabeled molecules in silico as substrates for essential metabolic pathways in bacteria, followed by in vitro uptake in representative bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and mycobacteria. Fluorine-labeled analogs, that could be developed as positron emission tomography (PET)-based imaging tracers, were evaluated in a murine myositis model. Results: We identified three novel, non-toxic molecules demonstrating selective bacterial uptake: para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), with uptake in all representative bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis; mannitol, with selectively uptake in S. aureus and E. coli; and sorbitol, accumulating only in E. coli. None accumulated in mammalian cells or heat-killed bacteria, suggesting metabolism-derived specificity. In addition to an extended bacterial panel of laboratory strains, all three molecules rapidly accumulated in respective clinical isolates of interest including MDROs such as methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. In a murine myositis model, fluorine-labeled analogs of all three molecules could rapidly detect and differentiate infection sites from sterile inflammation in mice (P=0.03). Finally, 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-sorbitol (18F-FDS) can be easily synthesized from 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG). PET, utilizing 18F-FDS synthesized using current good manufacturing practice, could rapidly differentiate true infection from sterile inflammation to selectively localize E. coli infection in mice. Conclusion: We have developed a systematic approach that exploits unique biochemical pathways in bacteria to develop novel pathogen-specific imaging tracers. These tracers have significant potential for clinical translation to specifically detect and localize a broad range of bacteria, including MDROs.
Auditory Discrimination Learning as a Function of Intensity Differences

Four groups of four rats each were trained for 240 hours on an auditory intensity discrimination, the stimuli being correlated with a multiple variable interval-extinction schedule of reinforcement. For each group a 4 kHz (cps) tone of 60 db was the SD (reinforced intensity). A 4 kHz tone of either 70, 80, 90 or 100 db was the SΔ (nonreinforced intensity). The slope of the mean as well as the individual learning curves which describe discrimination acquisition was an increasing function of SD-SΔ difference. This result is contrary to the predictions of certain two-stage or chaining models of discrimination learning. Some suggestions are made as to the possible sources of difference in both stimulus and response variables between the present experiment and those upon which the two-stage models are based.
Review of Drive Symmetry Measurement and Control Experiments on the Nova Laser System

Symmetric radiation drive is required for achieving ignition in laboratory experiments. Over the last two years, a concerted series of drive symmetry experiments have been performed on the Nova las...
Abstract 20562: Hepatic Glucagon Signaling Regulates PCSK9

Excessive glucagon receptor action in hepatocytes is a major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Accordingly, there has been great interest in developing glucagon receptor antagonists (GR...
The sensitivity of benzene cluster cation chemical ionization mass spectrometry to select biogenic terpenes

Abstract. Benzene cluster cations are a sensitive and selective reagent ion for chemical ionization of select biogenic volatile organic compounds. We have previously reported the sensitivity of a field deployable chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CI-ToFMS), using benzene cluster cation ion chemistry, for detection of dimethyl sulfide, isoprene and α -pinene. Here, we present laboratory measurements of the sensitivity of the same instrument to a series of terpenes, including isoprene, α -pinene, β -pinene, D -limonene, ocimene, β -myrcene, farnesene, α -humulene, β -caryophyllene, and isolongifolene at atmospherically relevant mixing ratios (< 100 pptv). In addition, we determine the dependence of CI-ToFMS sensitivity on the reagent ion neutral delivery concentration and water vapor concentration. We show that isoprene is primarily detected as an adduct ( C5H8 ⋅ C 6 H 6 + ) with a sensitivity ranging between 4 and 10 ncps ppt −1 , which depends strongly on the reagent ion precursor concentration, de-clustering voltages, and specific humidity (SH). Monoterpenes are detected primarily as the molecular ion ( C 10 H 16 + ) with an average sensitivity, across the five measured compounds, of 14 ± 3 ncps ppt −1 for SH between 7 and 14 g kg −1 , typical of the boreal forest during summer. Sesquiterpenes are detected primarily as the molecular ion ( C 15 H 24 + ) with an average sensitivity, across the four measured compounds, of 9.6 ± 2.3 ncps ppt −1 , that is also independent of specific humidity. Comparable sensitivities across broad classes of terpenes (e.g., monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), coupled to the limited dependence on specific humidity, suggest that benzene cluster cation CI-ToFMS is suitable for field studies of biosphere–atmosphere interactions.
Metal Complexes as Photochemical Probes of DNA Structure

Transition metal chemistry provides a versatile means to develop reagents which with photoactivation cleave DNA either in a sequence-specific or sequence-uniform fashion. In my laboratory we have exploited the photochemistry of tris(phenanthroline) metal complexes and their derivatives in developing such photocleaving molecules.1 The tris(phenanthroline) complexes are illustrated schematically below.
Seeking a no-regrets decision: Women's rationale for choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

152Background: More women with early-stage unilateral breast cancer and low genetic risk are opting for CPM, despite their low risk of developing cancer in their healthy breast and evidence to demo...
Studies in the Pathogenesis of Autoerythrocyte Sensitization Syndrome

1. Two of three female patients with the autoerythrocyte syndrome were tested for sensitivity to various components of the erythrocyte membrane. One was consistently sensitive to purified phosphatidyl serine. 2. It is suggested that in at least one patient with autoerythrocyte purpura the phosphatidyl serine of the red cell membrane may play a role in the pathogenesis of the purpuric lesions. 3. It is likely that a broad spectrum of autosensitivity-type purpuric disorders exists in women with complex emotional problems. The threshold of reactivity may be modified by the psyche.
A new message authentication code based on the non-associativity of quasigroups

A quasigroup is a set of elements with one binary operation whose multiplication table forms a Latin square. Because quasigroups are not required to be associative, multiplying a string of elements together in different orders can produce different results. A message authentication code, or a MAC, is a cryptographical tool used to verify the authenticity of a message. In this dissertation, we create a new message authentication code called QMAC whose security is based on this non-associativity. In order to obtain security against forgeries, a highly non-associative quasigroup of large order must be used. Methods for efficiently creating and representing such quasigroups are also discussed.
Common Metrics to Benchmark Human-Machine Teams (HMT): A Review

A significant amount of work is invested in human-machine teaming (HMT) across multiple fields. Accurately and effectively measuring system performance of an HMT is crucial for moving the design of these systems forward. Metrics are the enabling tools to devise a benchmark in any system and serve as an evaluation platform for assessing the performance, along with the verification and validation, of a system. Currently, there is no agreed-upon set of benchmark metrics for developing HMT systems. Therefore, identification and classification of common metrics are imperative to create a benchmark in the HMT field. The key focus of this review is to conduct a detailed survey aimed at identification of metrics employed in different segments of HMT and to determine the common metrics that can be used in the future to benchmark HMTs. We have organized this review as follows: identification of metrics used in HMTs until now, and classification based on functionality and measuring techniques. Additionally, we have also attempted to analyze all the identified metrics in detail while classifying them as theoretical, applied, real-time, non-real-time, measurable, and observable metrics. We conclude this review with a detailed analysis of the identified common metrics along with their usage to benchmark HMTs.
A DLM immersed boundary method based wave-structure interaction solver for high density ratio multiphase flows

Abstract In this paper we present a robust immersed boundary (IB) method for high density ratio multiphase flows that is capable of modeling complex wave-structure interaction (WSI) problems arising in marine and coastal engineering applications. The IB/WSI methodology is enabled by combining the distributed Lagrange multiplier (DLM) method of Sharma and Patankar (2005) [13] with a robust level set method based multiphase flow solver. The fluid solver integrates the conservative form of the variable-coefficient incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a hybrid preconditioner and ensures consistent transport of mass and momentum at a discrete level. The consistent transport scheme preserves the numerical stability of the method in the presence of large density ratios found in problems involving air, water, and an immersed structure. The air-water interface is captured by the level set method on an Eulerian grid, whereas the free-surface piercing immersed structure is represented on a Lagrangian mesh. The Lagrangian structure is free to move on the background Cartesian grid without conforming to the grid lines. The fluid-structure interaction (FSI) coupling is mediated via Peskin's regularized delta functions in an implicit manner, which obviates the need to integrate the hydrodynamic stress tensor on the complex surface of the immersed structure. The IB/WSI numerical scheme is implemented within an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) framework, in which the Lagrangian structure and the air-water interface are embedded on the finest mesh level to capture the thin boundary layers and the vortical structures arising from WSI. We use a well balanced gravitational force discretization that eliminates spurious velocity currents in the hydrostatic limit due to density variation in the three phases (air, water and solid). We also show that using a non-conservative and an inconsistent fluid solver can lead to catastrophic failure of the numerical scheme for large density ratio variations that are prevalent in WSI applications. An effective wave generation and absorption technique for a numerical wave tank is presented and used to simulate a benchmark case of water wave distortion due to a submerged structure. The numerical scheme is tested on several benchmark WSI problems from numerical and experimental literature in both two and three dimensions to demonstrate the applicability of the IB/WSI method to practical marine and coastal engineering problems.
Rapid estimation of earthquake locations using waveform traveltimes

Author(s): Vasco, DW; Nakagawa, S; Petrov, P; Newman, G | Abstract: SUMMARY We introduce a new approach for locating earthquakes using arrival times derived from waveforms. The most costly computational step of the algorithm scales as the number of stations in the active seismographic network. In this approach, a variation on existing grid search methods, a series of full waveform simulations are conducted for all receiver locations, with sources positioned successively at each station. The traveltime field over the region of interest is calculated by applying a phase picking algorithm to the numerical wavefields produced from each simulation. An event is located by subtracting the stored traveltime field from the arrival time at each station. This provides a shifted and time-reversed traveltime field for each station. The shifted and time-reversed fields all approach the origin time of the event at the source location. The mean or median value at the source location thus approximates the event origin time. Measures of dispersion about this mean or median time at each grid point, such as the sample standard error and the average deviation, are minimized at the correct source position. Uncertainty in the event position is provided by the contours of standard error defined over the grid. An application of this technique to a synthetic data set indicates that the approach provides stable locations even when the traveltimes are contaminated by additive random noise containing a significant number of outliers and velocity model errors. It is found that the waveform-based method out-performs one based upon the eikonal equation for a velocity model with rapid spatial variations in properties due to layering. A comparison with conventional location algorithms in both a laboratory and field setting demonstrates that the technique performs at least as well as existing techniques.
Simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing of vortex and vector beams (Conference Presentation)

In simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing (SSTF) a wide bandwidth pulse with transverse spatial chirp is focused, resulting in a pulse that is temporally compressed only near the focal plane. The pulse also has a pulse front tilt angle that depends on the amount of initial transverse chirp. In this work, we explore computationally and experimentally the properties of SSTF vortex and vector beams. To analyze the beam propagation, we build on the concept that a spatially chirped beam is a superposition of Gaussian beams with a position or angle that depends on frequency. We extend this to superpositions of Hermite-Gauss high-order modes to describe the singular beams. At focus, the beams of the ultrashort pulses are tilted versions of the familiar doughnut beams. Away from focus, however, where the spectral components do not fully overlap, we find that vortex and vector beams result in strikingly different mapping of the singularity mapping in the spatio-temporal domain. The use of higher-order modes increases the focal spot size without reducing the already short SSTF depth of focus. Experimentally, we use spiral phase plates to produce vortex beams and a linear to radial polarization converter for the vector beams. The vector beam is not distorted by the polarization-insensitive transmission gratings. The spatial chirp compressor is improved over our previous work to vary the chirp positive and negative. The sensitivity of the singular beam focus to grating misalignment can actually be used to optimize the compressor alignment.
Case 2: Lethargy and Ataxia in a 3-year-old Girl.

1. Patrick Gavigan, MD*,†,‡ 2. Nicholas D. Hysmith, MD*,‡ 3. Bindiya Bagga, MD*,‡ 1. *University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 2. †St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 3. ‡Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN A 3-year-old previously healthy girl presents with progressive lethargy and ataxia over the past 7 days. Her mother reports that she has been increasingly sleepy and difficult to awaken, and over the past 3 days has had increasingly unsteady gait. In addition, she has had fatigue, cough, and decreased oral intake for the past 2 to 3 weeks. Her mother denies any fevers, weight loss, travel, or unusual exposures. She and her family are from an urban area in the Southeastern United States. On physical examination she is afebrile without tachypnea or tachycardia. She is ill-appearing and sleepy but arouses with stimulation and follows simple commands. She has right-sided ptosis, right-sided facial weakness, and right-sided arm and leg weakness. Deep tendon reflexes are present in all extremities. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis shows a white blood cell count of 68/μL (0.07×109/L) with 33% neutrophils, 60% lymphocytes, and 7% monocytes; a red blood cell count of 42/μL (0.000042×1012/L); a glucose level of 26 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L); and a protein level of 115 mg/dL (1.15 g/L). The remainder of the physical examination and basic laboratory values, including serum electrolytes, renal and liver function, and complete blood cell count, are within normal limits, although the C-reactive protein level is elevated at 10.8 mg/L (102.9 nmol/L) (reference range, <9.0 mg/L [<85.7 nmol/L]). A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head shows tetraventricular hydrocephalus (Fig 1). Empirical ceftriaxone, vancomycin, doxycycline, and acyclovir are started, without …
Analysis of risk factors and outcomes in psychiatric inpatients with tardive dyskinesia: A nationwide case-control study

Abstract Objective To analyze comorbidities and outcomes in patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD) during psychiatric inpatient management. Methods We conducted a case-control study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. It included 77,022 adult inpatient admissions for mood disorders and schizophrenia. Cases had a secondary diagnosis of TD, and controls without TD were matched for age. Multivariable logistic regression was used to generate odds ratio (OR). Results Majority of TD patients were older age adults (50–64 years; 40%), and were in nearly equal proportions of men and women. African Americans had two-fold higher odds of TD. TD patients had a higher likelihood for cardio-metabolic comorbidities-obesity (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.481–1.756), hypertension (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.635–1.930) and diabetes (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.414–1.680) compared to controls. They also had 1.5-fold increased risk of comorbid drug abuse. Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (depressive) had four-fold higher odds of TD. TD patients had about six-fold higher odds of severe morbidity. They had a higher likelihood of extended hospitalization stay by 6.36 days (95% CI 6.174–6.550) and higher cost by $20,415 (95% CI 19537–21293) compared to controls. Conclusion Psychiatric inpatients with TD have greater severity of illness, and those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are at highest risk. Presence of TD portends poor hospital outcomes and need for higher acute inpatient care.
Some Recent Advances in the Investigation of Shell Buckling

A survey is presented which includes the buckling of shells under loads for which the shell is sensitive to initial imperfections. Results for such cases show that improvements in experiment and theory have produced previously unobtainable agreement. The necessity of the correct (and consistent) theoretical specification of boundary conditions is then demonstrated. Recent stiffened cylinder results are surveyed to expose the large effects on the buckling strength of internal or external stiffening, axial load applied eccentric to the wall neutral surface, and the addition of small meridional curvature.
Mountains as Islands: Species Delimitation and Evolutionary History of the Ant-Loving Beetle Genus Panabachia (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from the Northern Andes

The ant-loving beetle genus Panabachia Park 1942 is a poorly studied beetle lineage from the new world tropics. We recently collected Panabachia from several previously unrecorded locations in the paramo biome of the high Ecuadorian Andes, with males exhibiting great morphological variation in the distribution of the foveae and depressions in the pronotum, as well as aspects of the male genitalia. Here, we employ phylogenetic and species delimitation methods with mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear protein-coding (wingless) gene sequences to examine the concordance of morphological characters and geography with hypothesized species boundaries. Three methods of species delimitation (bPTP, GMYC and Stacey) were used to estimate the number of species, and divergence times between putative species using molecular clock calibration. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two parallel radiations, and species delimitation analyses suggest there are between 17 and 22 putative species. Based on clade support and concordance across species delimitation methods we hypothesize 17 distinct clusters, with allopatric speciation consistent with most geographic patterns. Additionally, a widespread species appears to be present in northern paramo sites, and some sister species sympatry may indicate other diversification processes have operated on certain lineages of Panabachia. Divergence time estimates suggest that Panabachia originated in the Miocene, but most species analyzed diverged during the Pliocene and Pleistocene (5.3–0.11 Mya), contemporaneous with the evolution of paramo plant species.
Tailoring Light-Matter Interactions in Novel Metastructures

We will discuss fundamental optical phenomena at the interface of singular and nonlinear optics in engineered optical media and show that the unique properties of optical metastructures open unlimited prospects for light beam “engineering.”