cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Landscape phage fusion protein-mediated targeting of nanomedicines enhances their prostate tumor cell association and cytotoxic efficiency

Tumor-specific cytotoxicity of drugs can be enhanced by targeting them to tumor receptors using tumor-specific ligands. Phage display offers a high-throughput approach to screen for the targeting ligands. We have successfully isolated phage fusion peptides selective and specific for PC3 prostate cancer cells. Also, we have demonstrated a novel approach of targeting liposomes through tumor-specific phage fusion coat proteins, exploiting the intrinsic properties of the phage coat protein as an integral membrane protein. Here we describe the production of Rhodamine-labeled liposomes as well as doxorubicin-loaded long-circulating liposomes targeted to PC3 prostate tumor cells via PC-specific phage peptides, as an extension of our previous studies. Targeting of labeled liposomes was demonstrated using fluorescence microscopy as well as flow cytometry. Targeting of doxorubicin-loaded liposomes enhanced their cytotoxic effect against PC3 cells in vitro, indicating a possible therapeutic advantage. The simplicity of the approach for generating targeted liposomes coupled with the ability to rapidly obtain tumor-specific phage fusion proteins via phage display may contribute to a combinatorial system for the production of targeted liposomal therapeutics for advanced stages of prostate tumor. From the clinical editor: This paper demonstrates targeting cytotoxic agents to tumor receptors using tumor-specific ligands. The authors describe the production of Rhodamine-labeled liposomes as well as doxorubicin loaded long circulating liposomes targeted to PC3 prostate tumor cells via PC-specific phage peptides. This approach may be especially relevant for advanced prostate tumors.
Self-Calibration of Sensor Networks

We consider the problem of locating and orienting a network of unattended sensors that has been deployed in a scene with unknown sensor locations and orientation angles, when no 'anchor' nodes are present. Many localization problems assume that some nodes have known locations and propagate location information about other nodes using triangulation procedures. In our formulation, we do not require such anchor nodes, but instead assume prior probability density function for the nominal locations of a subset of the nodes. These nominal locations typically have high uncertainty, on the order of tens of meters. The self-calibration solution is obtained in two steps. Relative sensor locations are estimated using noisy time-of-arrival and direction-of-arrival measurements of calibration source signals in the scene, and absolute location calibration is obtained by incorporating prior nominal location knowledge. We consider a Bayes approach to the calibration problem and compute accuracy bounds on the calibration procedure. A maximum a posteriori estimation algorithm is shown to achieve the accuracy bound. Experiments using both synthetic data and field measurements are presented.
The effects of methamphetamine on core body temperature in the rat--part 1: chronic treatment and ambient temperature.

Stimulants such as methamphetamine (METH) alter core temperature in a manner that is dependent on ambient temperature and that shows tolerance after chronic use. Our objectives were to (1) determine whether tolerance to METH-induced hyperthermia was a consequence of neurotoxicity to dopamine or serotonin and (2) determine the relationship between ambient temperature and chronic treatment on the METH-induced temperature response. Rats were treated with 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg METH at 24°C (experiment 1) or treated with 5.0 mg/kg METH at 20°C, 24°C, or 28°C (experiment 2). Treatment occurred for 12 days, and temperature measurements were made once per minute telemetrically during 7-h sessions in computer-regulated environments. Peak increases in core temperature occurred at 60 min post-treatment for the 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses, and at 180 min for the 5.0 mg/kg dose. Tolerance-like effects were seen with chronic 5.0 (mixed results) and 10.0 mg/kg METH in the absence of dopamine or serotonin depletions measured 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. After 5.0 mg/kg METH, variations in ambient temperature resulted in an early flexible change in core temperature (phase 1) (hyperthermia at 28° and hypothermia at 20°) and a later inflexible hyperthermia (phase 2). The results suggest that (1) the peak effect of different doses of METH occurs at different times (24°), (2) the diminished temperature response with chronic METH treatment was not associated with long-term dopamine and serotonin depletions, and (3) a two-phase temperature response to METH may reflect two independent mechanisms.
Radiographic Anatomy of the Talus

Detailed radiographic anatomy of the entire talus bone has not been previously described in the literature. We used radiopaque wire markers to identify 17 articular and nonarticular anatomical landmarks of the talus. Standard radiographic views of the foot and ankle were obtained: lateral (foot and ankle); anteroposterior, mortise, medial oblique, and lateral oblique (ankle); and dorsoplantar, medial oblique, and lateral oblique (foot). The resultant two-dimensional images are correlated to the three-dimensional anatomical specimen, and normal radiographic anatomy is described. Additionally, useful radiographic views for each anatomical landmark are identified. Composite figures of each useful view are presented as a pictorial atlas. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(6): 449-480, 2003)
THE PATTERN OF HEARING FOLLOWING ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA.

In an attempt to determine the pattern of hearing following acute otitis media, 82 children, aged 2 1/2 to 12 years, were examined audiometrically at intervals within a period of 6 months after the acute infection. Thirty-three per cent of the children had no demonstrable loss of hearing following the acute infection, 54.8 per cent had losses which cleared within 1 to 6 months, and 12.2 per cent had losses which persisted for the 6 month period of observation.
Replacement of amino acids in proteins

Abstract Some consequences of the hypothesis that ribonucleic acid codes amino acid sequences with a coding ratio of one are discussed. The hypothesis predicts certain limitations on amino acid replacements in proteins as a result of mutation. Available evidence is reviewed and found to conform with prediction.
Semaphorin 3E–Plexin-D1 signaling regulates VEGF function in developmental angiogenesis via a feedback mechanism

Blood vessel networks are typically formed by angiogenesis, a process in which new vessels form by sprouting of endothelial cells from pre-existing vessels. This process is initiated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated tip cell selection and subsequent angiogenic sprouting. Surprisingly, we found that VEGF directly controls the expression of Plexin-D1, the receptor for the traditional repulsive axon guidance cue, semaphorin 3E (Sema3E). Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling then negatively regulates the activity of the VEGF-induced Delta-like 4 (Dll4)-Notch signaling pathway, which controls the cell fate decision between tip and stalk cells. Using the mouse retina as a model system, we show that Plexin-D1 is selectively expressed in endothelial cells at the front of actively sprouting blood vessels and its expression is tightly controlled by VEGF secreted by surrounding tissues. Therefore, although the Sema3E secreted by retinal neurons is evenly distributed throughout the retina, Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling is spatially controlled by VEGF through its regulation of Plexin-D1. Moreover, we show that gain and loss of function of Sema3E and Plexin-D1 disrupts normal Dll4 expression, Notch activity, and tip/stalk cell distribution in the retinal vasculature. Finally, the retinal vasculature of mice lacking sema3E or plexin-D1 has an uneven growing front, a less-branched vascular network, and abnormal distribution of dll4-positive cells. Lowering Notch activity in the mutant mice can reverse this defect, solidifying the observation that Dll4-Notch signaling is regulated by Sema3E-Plexin-D1 and is required for its function in vivo. Together, these data reveal a novel role of Sema3E-Plexin-D1 function in modulating angiogenesis via a VEGF-induced feedback mechanism.
The cost of coils implanted in aneurysms: 2 years of clinical data

Objective A study on factors of material costs in endovascular coil embolization has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aneurysm size and other factors on implanted coil costs. Methods Implanted coil costs were retrospectively obtained for all 387 consecutive aneurysm coiling procedures of saccular aneurysms performed in 342 patients over 2.5 years at the Cleveland Clinic. ANOVA and least squares linear regression were utilized to examine relationships. Results Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between log volume and log cost (p 0.36 . Other factors (aneurysm geometry, recurrent vs primary, vendor/coil choice, procedure dates) were not shown to be significant at the p Conclusions The costs associated with the coils implanted in an aneurysm vary in a predictable fashion as a function of aneurysm volume, suggesting that coiling costs can be modeled prior to actual embolization of a lesion and may be useful in refining the reimbursement models for endovascular aneurysm treatment.
Transferring Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Cancer Patients Back to Acute Care (TRIPBAC)

Objective To determine predictive factors for TRansferring Inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) cancer Patients Back to Acute Care (TRIPBAC). Design A retrospective chart review of patients with cancer admitted to an IRF from 2009 to 2010 because of a functional impairment that developed as a direct consequence of their cancer or its treatment. Setting IRF of a community-based, academic, tertiary care facility. Methods The characterization of patients with cancer in the IRF was primarily based on analysis of the IRF Patient Assessment Instrument and other internal IRF data logs. Main Outcome Measurement Frequency and reasons for TRIPBAC. Results The TRIPBAC rate in our IRF was 17.4%. The most common reasons for TRIPBAC were postneurosurgical complications (31%). Factors associated with TRIPBAC were a motor Functional Independence Measure score of 35 points or lower on admission (odds ratio 4.01, 95% confidence interval 1.79-8.98; P = .001) and the presence of a feeding tube or a modified diet (odds ratio 3.18, 95% confidence interval 1.44-7.04; P = .004). Conclusions Motor Functional Independence Measure score on admission is the best predictor for TRIPBAC in patients with cancer admitted to our IRF, followed by the presence of a feeding tube or a modified diet.
Effects of prey quantity and quality on predatory wasps

1. The simultaneous effects of prey quantity and prey quality on fitness correlates of the predatory wasp Polistes fuscatus were examined in a glasshouse study. Prey quantity was manipulated by providing prey in excess (high quantity) or one-third of that (low quantity). Prey quality was manipulated by providing either palatable (Manduca sexta) caterpillars or unpalatable (Junonia coenia) caterpillars. 2. The effect of prey quality on wasp production depended on prey quantity. Nests given unpalatable prey produced few wasps whereas nests given palatable prey increased wasp production with increased prey. 3. The low production of nests given unpalatable prey reflected the low acceptability of those prey. The wasps preferred the palatable prey and learned to reject the unpalatable prey. With no choice of prey, they took only enough unpalatable prey to develop a small nest or colony. 4. A diet of unpalatable prey also resulted in smaller wasps and reduced the proportion of males produced, from about 40% to just 8-14%, depending on the year.
The HIV-1 long terminal repeat contains an unusual element that induces the synthesis of short RNAs from various mRNA and snRNA promoters

We describe an unusual element that activates the synthesis of short transcripts from a wide variety of mRNA and small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoters, including the U6 RNA polymerase III promoter. This inducer of short transcripts (IST) is located between positions -5 and +82 relative to the cap site in the HIV-1 LTR. In the presence of IST, the total transcriptional activity of the different promoters is greatly increased, but the resulting additional RNA molecules are short, ending around position +60. IST is not the RNA target (TAR) for Tat trans-activation; however, because it relies entirely on cellular factors for activity, IST may serve to provide abundant RNA targets for Tat trans-activation without a requirement for full-length viral mRNA expression.
Content-based retransmission for 3-D wavelet video streaming on the Internet

Improving the QoS of video streaming with packet loss is a challenging topic of research. In this paper, we propose a novel content-based retransmission scheme to address this issue. The basic idea is to jointly consider the packets' contents and the channel conditions to optimize QoS. The goal is to deliver the best quality of video possible under the same channel condition. Using the proposed retransmission scheme, we have designed a 3D wavelet video streaming system. Simulation results show that the content-based retransmission can improve the video quality by more than 2 dB compared with the existing non-content-based delay-constrained retransmission when the channel loss rate is high.
A LOGIT‐MARKOVIAN MODEL OF CONSUMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOR BASED ON EXPLANATORY VARIABLES: EMPIRICAL EVALUATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION MAKING*

This study describes and empirically evaluates an approach to modeling purchase behavior that integrates a Logit-Markov-based multivariate brand-choice model structure with stochastic components. Using actual market data for a frequently purchased consumer product obtained from a consumer purchase panel survey, the paper highlights some marketing applications of the model. Given its general structure, the model can aid marketing managers in defining and evaluating target market segments and in assessing the impact of alternative marketing strategies.
Functional Analysis of Subunit e of the F1Fo-ATP Synthase of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Importance of the N-Terminal Membrane Anchor Region

Mitochondrial F1Fo-ATP synthase complexes do not exist as physically independent entities but rather form dimeric and possibly oligomeric complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Stable dimerization of two F1Fo-monomeric complexes involves the physical association of two membrane-embedded Fo-sectors. Previously, formation of the ATP synthase dimeric-oligomeric network was demonstrated to play a critical role in modulating the morphology of the mitochondrial inner membrane. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, subunit e (Su e) of the Fo-sector plays a central role in supporting ATP synthase dimerization. The Su e protein is anchored to the inner membrane via a hydrophobic region located at its N-terminal end. The hydrophilic C-terminal region of Su e resides in the intermembrane space and contains a conserved coiled-coil motif. In the present study, we focused on characterizing the importance of these regions for the function of Su e. We created a number of C-terminal-truncated derivatives of the Su e protein and expressed them in the Su e null yeast mutant. Mitochondria were isolated from the resulting transformant strains, and a number of functions of Su e were analyzed. Our results indicate that the N-terminal hydrophobic region plays important roles in the Su e-dependent processes of mitochondrial DNA maintenance, modulation of mitochondrial morphology, and stabilization of the dimer-specific Fo subunits, subunits g and k. Furthermore, we show that the C-terminal coiled-coil region of Su e functions to stabilize the dimeric form of detergent-solubilized ATP synthase complexes. Finally, we propose a model to explain how Su e supports the assembly of the ATP synthase dimers-oligomers in the mitochondrial membrane.
Data mining using a genetic algorithm-trained neural network

Neural networks have been shown to perform well for mapping unknown functions from historical data in many business areas, such as accounting, finance, and management. Although there have been many successful applications of neural networks in business, additional information about the networks is still lacking, specifically, determination of inputs that are relevant to the neural network model. It is apparent that by knowing which inputs are actually contributing to model prediction a researcher has gained additional knowledge about the problem itself. This can lead to a parsimonious neural network architecture, better generalization for out-of-sample prediction, and, probably the most important, a better understanding of the problem. It is shown in this paper that by using a modified genetic algorithm for neural network training, relevant inputs can be determined while simultaneously searching for a global solution. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Business Intelligence Group: Towards Collaborative Research In A Management Information Systems Curriculum

This paper introduces an extension of an approach referred to as the Research Group model, an award winning pedagogical methodology based on the premise that when undergraduate students engage in academic research in close consultation with their professors that their marketable skills are greatly enhanced and that the institutions involved benefit greatly as well. The history of the Research Group concept is detailed, the incentive structure that facilitates faculty buy in is explained and the extension to the general model that defines the Business Intelligence (BI) Group is described. The paper outlines several exemplar projects that have resulted from the approach.
Respecting the risks of sterile compounding.

National headlines have been riddled with cases in which questionable sterile-compounding practices caused harm to patients. A number of industry dynamics may be potentiating the increased prevalence of these incidents. These dynamics include new regulatory requirements, ongoing medication shortages
Body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer - a concept analysis

Aim To report an analysis of the concept of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer as a phenomenon of interest to nurses. Background Although the concept of body image disturbance has been clearly defined in adolescents and adults with eating disorders, adults who have been treated for cancer may also experience body image disturbance. In this context, the concept of body image disturbance has not been clearly defined. Design Concept analysis. Data sources PubMed, Psychological Information Database and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for publications from 1937 – 2015. Search terms included body image, cancer, body image disturbance, adult and concept analysis. Methods Walker and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used. Results The defining attributes of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer are: (1) self-perception of a change in appearance and displeasure with the change or perceived change in appearance; (2) decline in an area of function; and (3) psychological distress regarding changes in appearance and/or function. Conclusions This concept analysis provides a foundation for the development of multidimensional assessment tools and interventions to alleviate body image disturbance in this population. A better understanding of body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer will assist nurses and other clinicians in identifying this phenomenon and nurse scientists in developing instruments that accurately measure this condition, along with interventions that will promote a better quality of life for survivors.
A Blackboard for the 21st Century: An Inexpensive Light Board Projection System for Classroom Use.

An inexpensive light board projection system that enables lecturers to face the classroom while lecturing is described. The lecturer’s writing appears in high contrast in front of the lecturer; it is never blocked by the lecturer, even while writing. The projected image displays both the writing as well as the lecturer’s gestures and facial expression. The size of the image can be tailored to the classroom, making the light board equally useful in small classrooms and large auditoriums. The lecture can be recorded for later playback.
A comparison of washout filters using a human dynamic orientation model

The Ormsby model of human dynamic orientation, a discrete time computer program, was used to provide a vestibular explanation for observed differences between two washout schemes. These washout schemes, a linear washout and a nonlinear washout, were subjectively evaluated. It was found that the linear washout presented false rate cues, causing pilots to rate the simulation fidelity of the linear scheme much lower than the nonlinear scheme. By inputting these motion histories into the Ormsby model, it was shown that the linear filter causes discontinuities in the pilot's perceived angular velocity, resulting in the sensation of an anomalous rate cue. This phenomenon does not occur with the use of the nonlinear filter.
A new HIF-1α/RANTES-driven pathway to hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by germline haploinsufficiency of SART1/HAF in mice.

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), HIF-1, is a central regulator of the response to low oxygen or inflammatory stress and plays an essential role in survival and function of immune cells. However, the mechanisms regulating nonhypoxic induction of HIF-1 remain unclear. Here, we assess the impact of germline heterozygosity of a novel, oxygen-independent ubiquitin ligase for HIF-1α: hypoxia-associated factor (HAF; encoded by SART1). SART1−/− mice were embryonic lethal, whereas male SART1+/− mice spontaneously recapitulated key features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory cytokine production. Male, but not female, SART1+/− mice showed significant up-regulation of HIF-1α in circulating and liver-infiltrating immune cells, but not in hepatocytes, before development of malignancy. Additionally, Kupffer cells derived from male, but not female, SART1+/− mice produced increased levels of the HIF-1-dependent chemokine, regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), compared to wild type. This was associated with increased liver-neutrophilic infiltration, whereas infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages were not significantly different. Neutralization of circulating RANTES decreased liver neutrophilic infiltration and attenuated HCC tumor initiation/growth in SART1+/− mice. Conclusion: This work establishes a new tumor-suppressor role for HAF in immune cell function by preventing inappropriate HIF-1 activation in male mice and identifies RANTES as a novel therapeutic target for NASH and NASH-driven HCC. (Hepatology 2016;63:1576-1591)
Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and plasma progestins correlated with human ovulation.

A study was undertaken to relate the gonadotropins and plasma progesterone to human ovulation as determined by biopsy of a fresh corpus luteum obtained at laparotomy. 8 patients chosen for the study were scheduled for their elective surgical procedures as close to ovulation as could be predicted from previous basal body temperature measurements. They were admitted to the hospital 4-5 days prior to their scheduled surgery where blood was drawn at 8 hour intervals. When basal body temperatures suggested that ovulation had occurred the patients were taken to the operating room for their procedures at which time a sample of endometrium was obtained by D and C and a biopsy of the fresh corpus luteum was obtained. Serum was assayed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and plasma assayed for progesterone and "total progestin". A fresh corpus luteum was recovered in 5 subjects. A 3 day old corpus luteum was found in 2 subjects but none was found in the remaining subject. Radioimmunoassay of FSH and LH and the competitive protein-binding analysis of progesterone was performed. In 5 of the 6 subjects a well defined peak of LH occurred 16 hours prior to the actual ovulation. In 5 of the subjects a recognizable rise in LH occurred from 16-40 hours prior to ovulation. 5 cases demonstrated the return of plasma levels of LH to earlier proliferative phase levels by the time ovulation occurred. A recognizable but less dramatic peak of FSH occurred simultaneously with the peak of LH and preceded ovulation by 16 hours in 5 patients. A demonstrable rise of plasma progestin occurred in each patient 24-40 hours prior to ovulation. In all 5 cases the rise was coincident with the rise ofLH. In the 1 additional case the rise preceded the LH rise by 8 hours. Mean proliferative phase levels of progestin prior to the rise varied from .2-.7 mmcg/ml. The mean level at the time of ovulation was 2.3 mmcg/ml. The results confirm the widely held concept that the surge of LH itself is the significant driving force behind ovulation. It is speculated that FSH may have a relatively insignificant role in the ovulatory process. It is suggested that progesterone may play a role in initiating the ovulatory process itself.
The Spectral Theorem for a Normal Operator

(1968). The Spectral Theorem for a Normal Operator. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 75, No. 8, pp. 856-861.
Swelling mechanism and blending with SBS modifying asphalt of grafting eucommia ulmoides gum

Swelling agents used to improve the performance of SBS modifying asphalt are mostly compound macromolecule material.To change this status,a natural macromolecule material,eucommia ulmoides gum was grafted with Malay anhydride that could react with the asphalt nitrogen group and formed a new natural swelling agent.The production of grafting eucommia ulmoides gum and the swelling mechanism on SBS modifying asphalt were analyzed.Based on the infrared spectrum of eucommia ulmoides gum grafting outcome,the physics token of the grafting outcome was settled.Experiment of high-low temperature and rheology on two kinds of asphalt with different qualities was carried out.Examination results indicate that the performance of SBS modifying asphalt is improved,that the grafting eucommia ulmoides gum is a good swelling agent for the performance of SBS modifying asphalt,and that as a natural material,it has the advantage of resource regeneration superior to the compound macromolecule material.
Hatching Fish-When Should Animal Tracking Begin?

Abstract The National Institutes of Health: Final Report to Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) on Euthanasia of Zebrafish (2009) established for the first time a policy for the developmental stage at which zebrafish would qualify for animal oversight by OLAW interpretation of Public Health Service policy. This policy established the time point based on a comparison with chicken/avian hatching. For zebrafish, this is 3 days postfertilization (dpf). This is in contrast to the traditional time established within the community as 7 dpf. There are significant implications for this policy not the least of which is the demand to account for all embryo and larvae at all stages. This narrative provides a situational context based on a synthesis of real experience with this policy. The hope is that it provides a starting point for a community conversation on the hatching time point as the appropriate established policy for the future.
The use of nuclear magnetic resonance for assessment of time variation in composition of human milk and colostrum: a case study during pregnancy and post-partum.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectra were collected on milk and colostrum obtained from the author during the pregnancy and post-partum periods for two births. Peak features in the downfield region, containing antibody and aromatic resonances (6.0 to 9.0 ppm), varied over time. This time variation pattern, while nearly identical for milk following the author's two births, differed dramatically from the colostrom of another woman in labor. A possible pattern unique to each woman should be further investigated by monitoring NMR spectra on a larger sample. Downfield peak pattern variations were less intense between five women in later stages of lactation. Other spectral regions showed only minor variations with time and patterns did not differ significantly. These five women excreted proteins and/or small aromatic compounds in a time variant pattern assessable with NMR spectrocopy.
A comparison of results from a hydrologic transport model (HSPF) with distributions of sulfate and mercury in a mine-impacted watershed in northeastern Minnesota.

The St. Louis River watershed in northeast Minnesota hosts a major iron mining district that has operated continuously since the 1890s. Concern exists that chemical reduction of sulfate that is released from mines enhances the methylation of mercury in the watershed, leading to increased mercury concentrations in St. Louis River fish. This study tests this idea by simulating the behavior of chemical tracers using a hydrologic flow model (Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN; HSPF) and comparing the results with measured chemistry from several key sites located both upstream and downstream from the mining region. It was found that peaks in measured methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved iron (Fe) concentrations correspond to periods in time when modeled recharge was dominated by active groundwater throughout the watershed. This helps explain why the timing and size of the MeHg peaks was nearly the same at sites located just upstream and downstream from the mining region. Both the modeled percentages of mine water and the measured sulfate concentrations were low and computed transit times were short for sites downstream from the mining region at times when measured MeHg reached its peak. Taken together, the data and flow model imply that MeHg is released into groundwater that recharges the river through riparian sediments following periods of elevated summer rainfall. The measured sulfate concentrations at the upstream site reached minimum concentrations of approximately 1 mg/L just as MeHg reached its peak, suggesting that reduction of sulfate from non-point sources exerts an important influence on MeHg concentrations at this site. While mines are the dominant source of sulfate to sites downstream from them, it appears that the background sulfate which is present at only 1–6 mg/L, has the largest influence on MeHg concentrations. This is because point sourced sulfate is transported generally under oxidized conditions and is not flushed through riparian sediments in a gaining stream watershed system.
Other Case Studies

I hope that the case studies in the preceding chapters have convinced the reader that the comparative study of alternative proofs is a worthwhile endeavor and that the informal criteria for distinguishing proofs described in Chapter 1 serve that purpose well. I hope too that some of the proofs discussed in those chapters will have been new to most readers, who will have found them to possess both intrinsic interest and pedagogical value.This final chapter highlights some other theorems whose proofs have been the subject of comparative studies by other scholars. In addition, some theorems whose alternative proofs appear to be worthy subjects for further investigation are indicated.
An assessment of alternative carbon mitigation policies for achieving the emissions reduction of the Clean Power Plan: Case study for the state of Indiana

Abstract National carbon mitigation policy included in the Clean Power Plan (CPP) targets electric power generation facilities and may have substantial impacts at the national level. The subnational impacts will vary because the level of dependence on coal for electricity generation varies substantially across states. Indiana represents a state where the CPP impacts may be relatively large due to heavy dependence on coal for electricity generation. Therefore, this paper presents analysis of the efficacy and cost of alternative approaches to carbon mitigation policy, taking Indiana as an example. A state-level energy system model, IN-MARKAL, was developed based on the MARKAL framework to explore alternative policy scenarios. Results show that a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is relatively cost effective in achieving carbon emissions reduction for Indiana from the perspective of the power system alone, but that the RPS may also lead to a generation mix dominated by coal and wind. Carbon cap and carbon tax outperform the RPS when considering the entire energy system modeled in IN-MARKAL, which also lead to a more diverse generation portfolio for the state.
Erratum to: Silica coating influences the corona and biokinetics of cerium oxide nanoparticles.

After the publication of this work [1] it was noticed that the values in Tables 4 and ​and55 were incorrect. The numbers should have been all multiplied by 10. Table 4 Cerium concentration in different tissues at 2 hours after intravenous injection of uncoated or silica-coated CeO2 NPs Table 5 Cerium concentration in different tissues at 2 days after intravenous injection of uncoated or silica-coated CeO2 NPs Please see below corrected tables 4 and ​and55.
Distributed Precipitation Estimation

Historically, rainfall data for hydrologic applications have been obtained from a sparse network of rain gauges. A gauge samples rain at distinct points and therefore may not accurately reflect the spatial distribution of rainfall, especially from convective storms. Interest in using radar estimates of rainfall in distributed modeling comes from the desire to reduce errors due to imprecise knowledge of rainfall distribution in time and space. Traditionally, point estimates of rain gauge accumulations are distributed in space over the river basin by some means, such as Thiessen polygon, inverse distance weighting, and kriging. This chapter treats the topic of using radar and rain gauge networks to measure spatially distributed precipitation.
Comparing Brand Placements And Advertisements on Brand Recall And Recognition

ABSTRACT Despite the popularity of brand placements in television programming, little is known about their effectiveness when they are used separately compared with when they are combined with television commercials. The current study confirmed that brand placements in television sitcoms elicit lower levels of recall than, but similar levels of recognition to, a 30-second advertisement during a commercial break in the show. The study suggests that the ability of consumers to remember specific brands might be enhanced by a combination of brand placements and television commercials. This can be explained by the beneficial synergy effects of using a mixture of promotional tactics.
Child migration: from social determinants of health to the development agenda and beyond.

Since 2011, there have been over 750,000 combined deaths from violence and non-communicable diseases due to the Syrian crisis (Cousins 2015; New York Times 2016). Millions of people have been displ...
Politics, Power and Soccer in Postwar Italy: The Case of Naples

Fittingly, for a nation that has given the world the Renaissance, grand opera and Machiavelli, a history of Italian soccer reveals a beguiling mixture of the artistic, the overblown and the scheming. Unlike football played in Spain, Germany or France, say, Italian soccer possesses a uniquely seductive quality that often amounts to more than the sum of its parts. This is because soccer in Italy is not as it is in other countries: this is a nation where the largest selling daily newspaper (Gazzetta della Sport) is dedicated almost entirely to soccer, and where two other popular daily newspapers focus on sport (mainly soccer), where one of its much discussed and controversial prime ministers, Silvio Berlusconi (1994–1995, 2001–2006, 2008–2011), owned and still owns one of the league’s most famous clubs (AC Milan), and where the political organization he founded in 1994 was named after the chant to encourage the national team (Forza Italia, i.e., Let’s Go, Italy!). Soccer, it seems, is Italy, and Italy is soccer, and so, inevitably, a narrative about the game cannot help but be a narrative about the country as a whole—its dynamics, its preoccupations, its outlook and its problems—and about its politics, its history and its identity.
Critical Discourse and Twenty-First-Century Education Reform Policy

In this chapter, we examine how the discourses of education reform intersect with twenty-first-century policies that purport to prepare students to be productive members of a global economy. Through the example of a national reform organization that promises to deliver twenty-first-century skills and competencies, we demonstrate how discourse shaped and revealed the aims of the program as it was implemented in three high schools. We show that education discourse shapes policy initiatives at the same time that it influences practices of schooling and society that prioritize commercial interests over social improvement.
Calpers Absolute Return Strategies: Hedge Fund Risk and Return

This case is suitable for students in both undergraduate and MBA-level investments courses. With an estimated $3 trillion in assets under management, hedge funds have become an important component of many institutional investors' portfolios. For many of these investors, investments in these funds are motivated by the potential for diversification combined with "equity-like returns" and "bond-like risk." At the same time, the difficulty of appropriately benchmarking hedge fund returns and risk, in addition to the high fees associated with these funds, has some investors questioning their decision to invest in these strategies. Using CalPERS's April 2014 reexamination of its Absolute Return Strategies/hedge fund investments as a backdrop, this case examines the decision to invest in hedge funds as a part of a well-diversified institutional portfolio. Excerpt UVA-F-1735 Jun. 29, 2015 CalPERS Absolute Return Strategies: Hedge Fund Risk and Return The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) headquarters near the Sacramento River was as beautiful as it was functional. With courtyards and terraces, beautiful landscaping, an architecturally stunning glass-and-steel entry pavilion, and a soaring glass atrium that flooded the building with natural light, it appeared to be as tranquil a work setting as the Zenlike spaces that dotted its interior and exterior. In the spring of 2014, however, internal sources suggested that a storm was brewing within the building over CalPERS's hedge fund investments. Two of CalPERS's most senior investment professionals, Curtis Ishii and Egidio “Ed” Robertiello, disagreed strongly about the future of these investments. Hedge funds had been a part of CalPERS's portfolio for 22 years, but there was a strong push by Ishii, the senior investment officer responsible for fixed income, to eliminate CalPERS's allocation to Absolute Return Strategies (ARS). In addition to the high fees CalPERS was paying to hedge fund managers, Ishii was convinced that hedge fund investments were an unacceptable risk for the pension fund. On the other hand, Robertiello, the senior portfolio manager for ARS, believed that the ARS allocation should be almost tripled. Robertiello argued that not only would an increased allocation to hedge funds help to diversify CalPERS's portfolio generally, but that hedge funds offered better downside protection than equities. . . .
Chapter 10 - Bayesian Networks

A Bayesian network model depicts interrelationships in the form of conditional distributions for a collection of random variables. The model is described in terms of a directed acyclic graph in which the nodes are random variables and the directed arcs spell out the structure of conditional distributions. In this chapter, a rudimentary introduction is provided to describe network models. The R package “bnlearn” is invoked to fit a network model using the data on the underlying random variables. Best network model is identified using the “hill-climbing algorithm” via Bayesian Information criterion score. A Bayesian network model is akin to a structural equation model.
Interactive virtual optical laboratories

Laboratory experiences are essential for optics education. However, college students have limited access to advanced optical equipment that is generally expensive and complicated. Hence there is a need for innovative solutions to expose students to advanced optics laboratories. Here we describe a novel approach, interactive virtual optical laboratory (IVOL) that allows unlimited number of students to participate the lab session remotely through internet, to improve laboratory education in photonics. Although students are not physically conducting the experiment, IVOL is designed to engage students, by actively involving students in the decision making process throughout the experiment.
Comparing working memory in bilingual and monolingual Hispanic/Latino preschoolers with disruptive behavior disorders

Abstract The current study examined differences in working memory (WM) between monolingual and bilingual Hispanic/Latino preschoolers with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs). A total of 149 children (Mage = 5.10 years, SD = 0.53; 76% male) with elevated levels of DBDs, as indicated by their parents or teachers, were recruited to participate in an 8-week summer program prior to the start of kindergarten (Summer Treatment Program for Pre-Kindergarteners). Prior to the start of treatment, parents completed several measures about their children’s behavior and executive function, and children were administered two subtests of the Automated Working Memory Assessment to examine their current WM capabilities. After controlling for demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, socioeconomic status, IQ, and diagnostic status), no significant differences were observed between bilingual and monolingual children in verbal WM performance (β = .03, p > .05). However, children who were bilingual did perform better than monolinguals on spatial WM tasks (β = .23, p
Prevalence and diversity of avian Haemosporida infecting songbirds in southwest Michigan

Avian blood parasites from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida) affect hosts in numerous ways. They influence species interactions, host behavior, reproductive success, and cause pathology and mortality in birds. The Great Lakes region of North America has extensive aquatic and wetland habitat and supports a diverse vector community. Here we describe the community of bird-infecting Haemosporida in southwest Michigan and their host associations by measuring parasite prevalence, diversity, and host breadth across a diverse community of avian hosts. Over 700 songbirds of 55 species were screened for Haemosporida infection across southwest Michigan, including 11 species that were targeted for larger sample sizes. In total, 71 parasite lineages infected over 40% of birds. Of these, 42 were novel, yet richness estimates suggest that approximately half of the actual parasite diversity in the host community was observed despite intensive sampling of multiple host species. Parasite prevalence varied among parasite genera (7-24%) and target host species (0-85%), and parasite diversity was consistently high across most target species. Host breadth varied widely across the most prevalent parasite lineages, and we detected around 60% of host species richness for these parasite lineages. We report many new lineages and novel host-parasite associations, but substantial parasite diversity remains undiscovered in the Midwest.
Quantitative characterization of viscoelastic behavior in tissue-mimicking phantoms and ex vivo animal tissues

Viscoelasticity of soft tissue is often related to pathology, and therefore, has become an important diagnostic indicator in the clinical assessment of suspect tissue. Surgeons, particularly within head and neck subsites, typically use palpation techniques for intra-operative tumor detection. This detection method, however, is highly subjective and often fails to detect small or deep abnormalities. Vibroacoustography (VA) and similar methods have previously been used to distinguish tissue with high-contrast, but a firm understanding of the main contrast mechanism has yet to be verified. The contributions of tissue mechanical properties in VA images have been difficult to verify given the limited literature on viscoelastic properties of various normal and diseased tissue. This paper aims to investigate viscoelasticity theory and present a detailed description of viscoelastic experimental results obtained in tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMPs) and ex vivo tissues to verify the main contrast mechanism in VA and similar imaging modalities. A spherical-tip micro-indentation technique was employed with the Hertzian model to acquire absolute, quantitative, point measurements of the elastic modulus (E), long term shear modulus (η), and time constant (τ) in homogeneous TMPs and ex vivo tissue in rat liver and porcine liver and gallbladder. Viscoelastic differences observed between porcine liver and gallbladder tissue suggest that imaging modalities which utilize the mechanical properties of tissue as a primary contrast mechanism can potentially be used to quantitatively differentiate between proximate organs in a clinical setting. These results may facilitate more accurate tissue modeling and add information not currently available to the field of systems characterization and biomedical research.
Characteristics of Combat-Associated Small Bowel Injuries.

INTRODUCTION Although there are multiple studies regarding the management and outcomes of colonic injuries incurred in combat, the literature is limited with regard to small bowel injuries. This study seeks to provide the largest reported review of the characteristics of combat-associated small bowel injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Department of Defense Trauma Registry was queried for U.S. Armed Forces members who sustained hollow viscus injuries in the years 2007-2012 during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. Concomitant injuries, procedures, and complications were delineated. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the relationship of bowel injury pattern to rates of repeat laparotomy, fecal diversion, and complications. RESULTS One hundred seventy-one service members had small bowel injuries. The mean age was 25.8 ± 6.6 yr with a mean injury severity score of 27.9 ± 12.4. The majority of injuries were penetrating (94.2%, n = 161) as a result of explosive devices (61.4%, n = 105). The median blood transfusion requirement in the first 24 h was 6.0 units (interquartile range 1.0-17.3 units). The most frequent concomitant injuries were large bowel (64.3%, n = 110), pelvic fracture (35.7%, n = 61), and perineal (26.3%, n = 45). Fifty patients (29.2%) had a colostomy, and nine patients (5.3%) had an ileostomy; 62.6% (n = 107) of soldiers underwent more than one laparotomy. The mortality rate was 1.8% (n = 3). The most common complications were pneumonia (15.2%, n = 26), deep vein thrombosis (14.6%, n = 25), and wound infection (14.6%, n = 25). The need for repeat laparotomy and fecal diversion was found to be significantly associated with injury pattern (p = 0.00052 and p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION We found that two-thirds of service members with small bowel injuries also had a large bowel injury. One-third of the patients required diversion and two-thirds had more than one laparotomy. The pattern of bowel injury significantly affected the need for repeat laparotomy and fecal diversion.