cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LONGITUDINAL COURSE OF POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH AMONG U.S. MILITARY VETERANS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE IN VETERANS STUDY

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is increasingly recognized as an important psychosocial phenomenon, but few studies have evaluated the longitudinal course of PTG. This study identified courses of PTG over a 2-year period in a contemporary, nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans, and examined sociodemographic, military, trauma, medical, and psychosocial predictors of PTG course. METHODS: Data were based on a Web-based survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,838 U.S. veterans who reported at least one potentially traumatic event and provided data at two time points (October-December 2011 and September-October 2013). RESULTS: Five different courses of PTG were identified-Consistently Low (33.6%), Moderately Declining (19.4%), Increasing PTG (16.8%), Dramatically Declining (15.7%), and Consistently High (14.5%). More than half (59.4%) of veterans who reported at least "moderate" PTG maintained that level of PTG 2 years later. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, medical conditions, purpose in life, altruism, gratitude, religiosity, and an active reading lifestyle predicted maintenance or increase in PTG. CONCLUSIONS: PTG has a heterogeneous course and is not only common, but can persist over time especially in the presence of posttraumatic stress and certain psychosocial factors. Clinicians and researchers should consider the personal growth that can result from trauma and help trauma survivors find ways to maintain this growth over time. Language: en
Recent epidemiologic trends in the incidence of myocardial infarction: what have we learned?

Substantial improvements in the primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) have occurred over the previous 20 years, based on results from a number of landmark clinical trials [1–9]. However, over the same period the US population has become less physically active, more obese, more often diabetic and older [10–12]. Understanding the net effect of these disparate trends on the incidence of MI is of critical importance. At the most f undamental level, whether MIs are increasing or decreasing in incidence is the ultimate m easure of the s uccess or failure of the efforts of the public health, primary care and cardiology c ommunities to prevent heart disease.
Protecting the Family to Protect the Child: Vaccination Strategy Guided by RSV Transmission Dynamics

transmission within family units is common, and natural infection with RSV, especially in very young infants, does not provide solid immunity against reinfection. These data that were collected in rural Kenya are consistent with another household study performed more than 40 years ago in Rochester, New York, that reported 2 months of surveillance data [5]. Although it would be useful to have more data from different geographic and climatic settings, the congruity of these 2 studies suggests the likelihood that these results are a realistic reflection of how RSV is transmitted within family units globally. Importantly, the current study was prospective, employed active surveillance, and used modern diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral isolate sequencing to confirm temporal transmission patterns. The investigators showed that transmission of an infant’s first RSV infection was most often attributed to school-age children in the household. This report exemplifies the importance of understanding the epidemiological details of how a contagious respiratory pathogen spreads within a community. Indeed, understanding transmission dynamics may be a key factor in defining strategies that can successfully protect infants from RSV infection. In addition to using this information to emphasize the importance of handwashing and avoiding large particle aerosol and fomite transmission, it may be useful to ask how understanding transmission dynamics can inform vaccine development strategies. In particular, we should explore the potential target populations for RSV immunization.
TiO2 nanocomposites with high refractive index and transparency

Transparent polymer nanocomposites with high refractive index were prepared by grafting polymer chains onto anatase TiO2 nanoparticlesvia a combination of phosphate ligand engineering and alkyne-azide “click” chemistry. Highly crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles with 5 nm diameter were synthesized by a solvothermal method and used as high refractive index filler. The synthesized phosphate-azide ligand anchors strongly onto the TiO2 nanoparticle surface and the azide end group allows for attachment of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) polymer chains through an alkyne-azide “click” reaction. The refractive index of the composite material increased linearly from 1.5 up to 1.8 by increasing the loading of TiO2 particles to 30 vol % (60 wt %). UV-vis spectra show that the nanocomposites exhibited a transparency around 90% throughout the visible light range. It was also found that the PGMA-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles can be well dispersed into a commercial epoxy resin, forming transparent high refractive index TiO2-epxoy nanocomposites.
Seasonal and vertical variations in emergence behaviors of Neomysis americana

Emergence patterns were observed in the macrotidal Damariscotta River estuary in Maine in fall 2005 and summer 2006. High temporal and vertical resolution was achieved with two multifrequency echo sounders sampling from 265 kHz to 3 MHz. Time-series waterfall plots and spectral analysis revealed that emergence patterns observed at 265–420 kHz (frequencies that detect animals larger than mesozooplankton) followed combinations of diel and tidal rhythms that differed with both depth in the water column and season. The dominant emergent species at the study site, Neomysis americana, showed nocturnal emergence in summer. Toward the end of its emergence season in fall, however, its dominant rhythm shifted to semidiurnal (12.4-h period). The timing of major emergence in the fall coincided with low slack tides near the surface but with peak flood speed near the bottom, providing plausible mechanisms of retention and selective tidal stream transport within the estuary. Our results confirm earlier suggestions from net sampling that emergence in this species is best conceived as a broadening of the vertical spread of the population distribution rather than a migration of the bulk of the population far off the bottom: Most individuals spent most of their time near the bottom, even during emergence. Prior acoustic work that did not resolve the lowermost water column reported emergent mysids to overwhelm the holoplankton in biovolume, but it, too, seriously underestimated mysid abundance because it failed to resolve this high concentration of animals in the lowermost water column. In the mesozooplankton size category, emergence reached surface waters only during low slack tides and systematically avoided times of the fastest currents. This study highlights the importance of high temporal and spatial sampling resolution in detecting and understanding components of emergence and points away from simple models of diel vertical migration toward state-dependent, individual-based models of habitat utilization.
The relevant physical processes in the photodischarge of a homogeneous photoreceptor

The relevant physical processes involved in the photodischarge of an electrophotographic plate consisting of a homogeneous photoconducting layer are reviewed in light of recent investigations. Typical examples of this type of photoreceptor are amorphous Se and poly-N-vinylcarbazol complexed with trinitro-fluorenone. The essential behavior of this type of photoreceptor can now be quantitatively described in terms of the basic properties of the photoconductor. This description views the photodischarge process as consisting of the photoinjection of free carriers and their transport across the layer. The photoinjection process is determined by the photogeneration of free carriers and their recombination. The transport of the free carriers is characterized by their drift mobility and trapping. To be suitable for the electrophotographic application it is essential that the density of deep traps whose trapping times are long compared to the process time be low. In such materials it is seen that the photoinjection efficiency determines the sensitivity of the layer in the electrophotographic process.
Grating compensation of third-order material dispersion in the normal dispersion regime: Sub-100-fs chirped-pulse amplification using a fiber stretcher and grating-pair compressor

We describe a method for compensating large amounts of second- and third-order material dispersion, and we present two simple, compact and robust stretcher-compressor systems for microjoule-and millijoule-level chirped-pulse amplification. These systems, which use dispersive material to stretch and a modified grating pair to compress the pulse, provide expansion and compression with full cubic-phase compensation. Unlike previous fiber-stretcher systems which were limited to picosecond pulse durations, these systems can be used effectively with 50-fs microjoule pulses or 100-fs millijoule pulses. The results of our model are described, including the quartic-phase limitations for both systems. We discuss other applications of this grating pair to other areas of ultrafast optics, including intracavity dispersion compensation for femtosecond oscillators. >
Search Based Approaches to Component Selection and Prioritization for the Next Release Problem

This paper addresses the problem of determining the next set of releases in the course of software evolution. It formulates both ranking and selection of candidate software components as a series of feature subset selection problems to which search based software engineering can be applied. The approach is automated using greedy and simulated annealing algorithms and evaluated using a set of software components from the component base of a large telecommunications organisation. The results are compared to those obtained by a panel of (human) experts. The results show that the two automated approaches convincingly outperform the expert judgment approach.
Triboelectric testing at KSC under low pressure and temperature

The purpose of this study at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was to develop and test a second-generation triboelectric robot capable of operating in a special vacuum chamber. The robot tested PTFE and four thin films under low pressures down to 0.6 torr. An anti-static polyethylene was tested at several temperatures. This report shows the effects of low pressures and temperature on these films. The Paschen curve was also measured for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This report also shows the influence of the Paschen effects on the four triboelectrically charged insulating films and PTFE. Data from the robot testing shows the Paschen voltages for insulators can be significantly higher than that for a conductor. The report recommends that materials used in critical space applications and planetary applications be electrostatically tested at low pressure, low temperature and/or hard vacuum prior to use.
Reversible Abnormalities in the Ophthalmic Arteries Detected by Color Doppler Imaging

Purpose: To demonstrate dynamic, reversible abnormalities in ophthalmic artery blood flow velocity identified with color Doppler imaging (CDI) in patients with clinical findings of ocular ischemia with and without carotid artery stenosis. Methods: One patient with ocular ischemia and normal carotid arteries had abnormal ophthalmic artery velocities demonstrated by CDI. Two other patients with reversed ophthalmic artery flow and critical internal carotid artery stenosis were studied before and after carotid endarterectomy. Peak systolic and diastolic velocities as well as pulsatility indices of ophthalmic, posterior ciliary, and central retinal arteries were calculated. Results: The patient who had ocular ischemic syndrome without carotid artery stenosis showed increased ophthalmic artery velocities initially, and reversal of flow within the ophthalmic artery subsequently developed. Clinical findings and symptoms improved gradually as ophthalmic artery, posterior ciliary, and central retinal artery velocities increased. The patients with critical internal carotid artery stenosis had reversed ophthalmic artery blood flow initially which reverted to normal after carotid endarterectomy. Conclusion: Ocular ischemic syndrome may occur due to abnormal blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in the absence as well as in the presence of carotid artery stenosis. Flow dynamics in the ophthalmic artery and its branches can be shown by CDI to revert toward normal as the clinical findings improve spontaneously or after opening an occluded carotid artery.
Developing a Critical Infrastructure and Control Systems Cybersecurity Curriculum

This paper discusses the initial course development, portable living laboratory environment, student achievements and course revisions for an undergraduate and graduate level critical infrastructure and control systems cybersecurity curriculum. The curriculum developed is based upon DePaul University's Computer and Network Security (CNS) 366 / 466 delivered during the Spring 2011, Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 quarters and collaborative industry partnerships. The educational methods employed in the curriculum provide the students with hands-on, cognitive experiences associated with production control system equipment. The critical infrastructure testbed projects coupled with the rapid prototyping environment provide faculty and students with real world associations leading to increased risk analysis accuracy and knowledge conveyance. The curriculum may be used at other institutions to cross-educate computer science and security disciplines with traditional engineering programs and become associated within the current partnership of industry and academic institutions leveraging the curriculum.
Radionuclide salivary gland imaging

Salivary gland imaging with 99m Tc as pertechnetate provides functional information concerning trapping and excretion of the parotid and submandibular glands. Anatomic information gained often adds little to clinical evaluation. On the other hand, functional information may detect subclinical involvement, which correlates well with biopsy of the minor labial salivary glands. Salivary gland abnormalities in systemic disease such as sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and other collagenvascular disorders may be detected before they result in the clinical manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome. Such glands, after initially demonstrating increased trapping in the acute phase, tend to have decreased trapping and failure to discharge pertechnetate in response to an appropriate physiologic stimulus. Increased uptake of gallium-67 citrate often accompanies these findings. Inflammatory parotitis can be suspected when increased perfusion is evident on radionuclide angiography with any agent. The ability of the salivary gland image to detect and categorize mass lesions, which result in focal areas of diminished activity such as tumors, cysts, and most other masses, is disappointing, while its ability to detect and categorize Warthin's tumor, which concentrates pertechnetate, is much more valuable, although not specific.
Alterations in retrograde axonal transport in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Retrograde axonal transport in the sciatic nerve of rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes was studied by the [3H] N -succinimidyl propionate ([3H]NSP) method. The accumulation of retrogradely transported labeled proteins in the dorsal root ganglia and the ventral horn of spinal cord 1 day after [3H]NSP injection was not statistically significantly different from controls in rats diabetic for 1 or 14 days at the time of [3H]NSP injection. However, accumulation of labeled proteins in the dorsal root ganglia 7 days after [3H]NSP injection was reduced by 35% and transport to the ventral horn of spinal cord 7 days after [3H]NSP injection was reduced by 70% at the same time points. Partial control of the diabetes with insulin resulted in a partial reversal of these deficits. The early occurrence of defects in retrograde transport suggests that such defects may play a role in the pathogenesis of the neuropathy.
Verification of a generalized nonlinear FET/HEMT modeling through a class A power amplifier design

A pHEMT transistor is modeled via a generalized nonlinear FET/HEMT modeling approach. The model shows an accurate response over all three variables (power level, bias, and frequency) compared to measurements. Modeling also includes the nonlinear response at the gate. The pHEMT transistor model is utilized in this paper to design a 3 GHz class A power amplifier to verify its validity. The predicted output power, gain, and drain efficiency at 1 dB gain compression are 14.2 dBm, 14.7 dB, and 32.1%. The measured are 12 dBm, 13.5 dB, and 27.4%, which shows good agreement with the simulation
Optical Angle Marker

The Optical Angle Marker is a double mirror device, consisting of two first surface flats, and is used together with an autocollimator. The two mirrors are aligned with their faces nearly parallel. When the mirror assembly is rotated in azimuth relative to the autocollimator, a series of return images, spaced at equal angular intervals, can be viewed. In this way, the angular range of an autocollimator may be extended by a factor of six or more, depending on size and quality of the flat mirrors. Experimental data is described in this paper.
Primary malarial thrombocytopenia in the rhesus monkey

Abstract In 3 intact and 2 splenectomized monkeys infected with Plasmodium cynomolgi a significant thrombocytopenia was observed. Platelet counts were at their lowest point at about the time of maximum parasitaemia but returned to normal in the face of continuing parasitaemia. This syndrome appears to have direct relation to the malaria infection and has been termed primary malarial thrombocytopenia.
Calcineurin inhibition normalizes β-adrenergic responsiveness in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Calcineurin, a Ca2+-regulated protein phosphatase, links myocardial Ca2+ signaling with hypertrophic gene transcription. Calcineurin abundance increases in pressure-overload hypertrophy and may red...
Regional Parties and National Politics in Europe: Spain's Estado De Las Autonomías, 1993 to 2000

Parties participate in national politics that do not pretend to national presence. The author asks whether such parties affect policy outcomes and concludes that they do, albeit in unexpected ways....
A study of wave propagation and limited-diffraction beams for medical imaging.

III DEDICATION V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VI TABLE OF CONTENTS VII LIST OF FIGURES XII CHATPER I: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.1.1 What is ultrasound 1 1.1.2 Ultrasound wave propagation 3 1.1.3 Limited-diffraction beams 9 1.1.4 Fourier domain image formation 14 1.2 Motivation and Significance 19 1.3 Research Objectives 25 1.4 Dissertation Organization 26 CHAPTER II: WAVE PROPAGATION 28 2.
Structural basis for the blockade of MATE multidrug efflux pumps.

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters underpin multidrug resistance by using the H(+) or Na(+) electrochemical gradient to extrude different drugs across cell membranes. MATE transporters can be further parsed into the DinF, NorM and eukaryotic subfamilies based on their amino-acid sequence similarity. Here we report the 3.0 A resolution X-ray structures of a protonation-mimetic mutant of an H(+)-coupled DinF transporter, as well as of an H(+)-coupled DinF and a Na(+)-coupled NorM transporters in complexes with verapamil, a small-molecule pharmaceutical that inhibits MATE-mediated multidrug extrusion. Combining structure-inspired mutational and functional studies, we confirm the biological relevance of our crystal structures, reveal the mechanistic differences among MATE transporters, and suggest how verapamil inhibits MATE-mediated multidrug efflux. Our findings offer insights into how MATE transporters extrude chemically and structurally dissimilar drugs and could inform the design of new strategies for tackling multidrug resistance.
Genetic disruption of the On visual pathway affects cortical orientation selectivity and contrast sensitivity in mice

The retina signals stimulus contrast via parallel On and Off pathways and sends the information to higher visual centers. Here we study the role of the On pathway using mice that have null mutation...
Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Mosquito Tissues: Differences Between Wild and Laboratory-Reared Adults

Tissue phospholipids of Culex tarsalis Coquillett collected as adults or pupae from breeding waters located in Kern County, southern California, contained an essential nutrient, the fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid, in proportions that were three times as high as for routine laboratory-reared adults. Proportions of triacylglycerol eicosapentaenoic acid, although always much lower than for the corresponding phospholipid fractions, were also much higher for wild than for laboratory-reared mosquitoes. Another essential fatty acid, arachidonic acid, was present in phospholipids in similar proportions for wild and laboratory-reared mosquitoes, although levels of triacylglycerol arachidonic acid were usually higher in wild than in laboratory-reared material. These mosquito-essential fatty acids were detected as substantial proportions of the total lipid fatty acids of sludge and detritus from the bottom of four C. tarsalis breeding waters, and both fatty acids were major components of the lipids of three types of microcrustaceans that characteristically abound in the mosquito-breeding waters. The ecological significance of these findings is discussed, and their possible bearing on the sexual noncompetitiveness of laboratory-reared adults is noted.
The effects of fasting and refeeding on in vitro lipogenesis and glycogen synthesis from U-14C-glucose in the rat aorta.

Tissues of animals fasted for two to three days and subsequently refed a high carbohydrate diet exhibit an extremely high capacity for lipogenesis from non-fat precursors. This adaptive hyperlipogenesis of refeeding has been studied extensively in adipose tissue and liver and is associated with a number of striking changes in enzyme profiles. Increased circulating levels of insulin are considered to play a major role in this phenomenon.
Focusing light in deep tissue with time-reversed ultrasound microbubble encoded light (Conference Presentation)

Optical scattering of biological tissue limits the penetration depth of conventional optical techniques, which rely on the detection of ballistic photons. Recent developed optical phase conjugation (OPC) technique breaks through this depth limit by shaping an optical wavefront that can “undo” the optical scattering. Assisted with an ultrasound focus, this technique enables optical focusing inside biological tissue in a freely addressable fashion. However, ultrasound modulation efficiency is low and the focusing resolution is limited by the ultrasound. Here we present a new technique, time-reversed ultrasound microbubble encoded (TRUME) optical focusing, which is able to provide high focusing efficiency and sub-ultrasound resolution. This technique achieves the wavefront solution by taking the difference of the optical fields captured outside the sample before and after ultrasound-driven microbubble destruction. A conjugated wavefront was then reconstructed and sent back to the sample to form a focus at the site of microbubble destruction. We experimentally demonstrate that a focus with ~2 um size was formed through a 2-mm thick biological tissue using this method. While the size the microbubble sets the resolution of an individual focus, the scale of the ultrasound focus limits the focusing addressability of this technique. Importantly, by utilizing the nonlinear destruction of microbubbles, the TRUME technique breaks the addressable focus resolution barrier imposed by the ultrasound focus. We experimentally demonstrate a 2-fold improvement in addressability using this effect. Since microbubbles are widely used as ultrasound contrast agents in human, this technique provides a promising solution for focusing light deep inside biological tissue.
The importance of developmental field trials in the revision of psychiatric classifications

Field trials of diagnostic classification systems can be divided into two types: developmental field trials, which are designed to collect performance data from users during the revision process, and summative field trials, which aim to assess what users can expect in terms of the classification's psychometric properties after the classification has been completed. A crucial component of an empirically guided diagnostic revision process is the use of developmental field trials in which data are collected from users regarding the feasibility, reliability, validity, and clinical utility of proposed changes that can assist in refining the proposals before they are finalised. The DSM-III and ICD-10 reliability field trials are best considered summative as they were done primarily to establish whether clinicians using operationalised definitions could achieve adequate diagnostic reliability. The DSM-III-R and DSM-IV field trials, which collected performance data targeting specific diagnostic categories, heralded the use of developmental field trial data as an important component in the construction of diagnostic criteria sets, a process being continued in the ICD-11 revision process. Although initially presented as developmental in nature, the DSM-5 field trials ended up being essentially summative. Although reliability estimates with highly sophisticated methodology were provided for 23 mental disorders, the absence of information regarding the reliability of specific diagnostic items and the reasons for diagnostic disagreement prevented this information from being used to address identified reliability issues. Developmental field trials enhance the empirical basis for stating that psychiatric classifications are evidence based and they ultimately contribute to the improvement of clinical care for patients.
Tandem Incorporation of Enantiomeric Residues Engenders Discrete Peptoid Structures

A new peptoid design strategy entailing the concurrent inclusion of enantiomeric side chains enabled the construction of several new structural motifs, including a newly characterized "ω-strand". This new architectural technique significantly expands peptoid structural and functional space and can potentially be applied to other foldameric systems.
Racial disparities in pediatric intensive care unit admissions.

OBJECTIVES Racial disparities in therapies and outcomes in adult and neonatal ICUs are well documented; however, little is known regarding racial disparities in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Our objective was to determine whether racial disparities exist in the admission of critically ill children to the PICU. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed admissions to a PICU in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Summarized demographic data was analyzed from the county health department. RESULTS Of the 4676 admissions to the PICU between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1999, 1030 children were <48 months of age, lived in Shelby County, TN, and were either African American (789, 76.6%) or non-Hispanic white (241, 23.4%). The surrounding county was comprised of approximately 58% African American and 41% non-Hispanic white children ≤ 48 months of age. A history of premature birth was more common in African American children than non-Hispanic white children (46.8% vs. 32.8%; P < 0.0001). Mortality was 5.7% overall and was not significantly different between African Americans and non-Hispanic whites but was higher for those children with a history of premature birth (4.6% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.026). The overall relative risk of admission to the PICU for African American children was 2.12 (95% CI, 1.66-2.74), for African American children with a history of premature birth was 1.44 (95% CI, 0.96-2.21), and for full-term African American children was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.33 -2.49). CONCLUSIONS Racial differences in admission to the PICU exist with African American children having a greater risk for PICU admission than non-Hispanic white children.
Retroactive Tax Legislation

In this debut article for his new column, More of the Web, Johnson uses a recent Florida Supreme Court opinion as a starting point for a discussion of retroactive tax legislation. He explains several aspects of the issue including whether tax statutes should be subject to different retroactivity rules. He concludes that there is no solid legal doctrine on this issue and that a formal verbal formulation on retroactivity is less important than a rule that captures the spirit of the relevant competing interests.
Body Politics: Coverage of Health Topics and Policy in U.S. Feminist Magazines

This study considered health coverage in 3 highly circulated U.S. feminist magazines: Ms., Bitch, and Bust. The authors used critical discourse analysis to examine 80 print and online articles for representations of liberal, social, radical, and postfeminist feminist ideologies in health coverage; the rhetorical strategies publications used for health content and how they compare with mainstream women’s magazines; and their emphasis on health policy and public health initiatives. The findings suggested that the magazines relied on discursive approaches resembling those of mainstream magazines when covering health, such as prioritizing personal health issues and individualized responses. However, through distinctive feminist lenses, they also performed better than mainstream women’s magazines in presenting health issues, representing a broader range of concerns affecting women, addressing people from diverse communities, and suggesting opportunities for collective response.
Fundamental material aspects of thermal-mechanical-electrical reliability of low-k dielectric materials and Cu interconnects

Due to significantly reduced material properties relative to Si02, low-k dielectric materials present considerable thermal, mechanical, and electrical reliability concerns when integrated as the interlayer dielectric in Cu interconnect structures. The complex chemical structure and presenceofnanoporosityinlow-kmaterialsalsopresentsignificantchallenges in the fabrication and characterization of nano-patterned metal interconnects. In this address, these challenges and their origin will be briefly reviewed and recent progress in understanding the structure-property relationships in lowk dielectric materials will be presented along with new advances in materials metrologies that enable the characterization and failure analysis of low-k materials and Cu interconnects at the nanometer scale. Specific topics likely to be covered will include: photoelectron and electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements to map the band alignment (i.e. "band diagram) and presence of defect states in low-k/Cu interconnects, nano-scale AFM based FTIR measurements to elucidate the chemical structure of nano-patterned low-k materials; and optical and AFM based measurements to deduce the mechanical properties of nanometer scale thin films and metal interconnect structures. It will be demonstrated that these techniques, when combined with constraint and bond rigidity percolations theories, can enable a greater understanding of the structure-property relationships in low-k materials that should enable a more rational design of future ultra low-k materials for metal interconnects with improved reliability.
Abstract 5051: Androgen receptor-mediated regulation of p14ARF transcription in prostate tumor cells

The p14ARF tumor suppressor is often deleted or silenced in malignancies. Prostate tumors are an exception, where p14 expression is elevated. To understand this phenomenon, we assessed the expression of p53 pathway members, which are most effected by p14ARF. The expression of androgen receptor (AR), a pivotal prostate cancer regulator, which is also affected by p14arf and MDM2 was analyzed as well. The studies used archival prostate tumor tissues obtained from prostatectomies performed at the Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System in Mather California between 1996 and 2002 to better define the relationship between these interrelated networks. A prostate tumor tissue array consisting of 78 tumors of differing stages and grades was constructed to evaluate correlations between multiple parameters. Immunohistochemical studies assessed expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, p53, MDM2, MDM4, p14ARF, and the AR in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of tumor and adjacent cells. p53, MDM4, p14ARF and AR were detected in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of tumor and non-tumor cells, but were predominantly nuclear. MDM2 expression was primarily cytoplasmic in tumor cells. Multivariate analysis of the immunohistochemical markers identified a strong correlation between expression of p14ARF and AR. Studies utilizing the prostate CWR22 xenograft and LNCaP cell line models revealed that castration or androgen deprivation resulted in reduced p14arf levels and that this effect correlated with a precipitous decline in E2F1-3a levels. In a reciprocal analysis, RB ablation enhanced p14ARF transcription, arguing that the E2F/RB pathway mediates AR-dependent p14ARF expression. However, we also identified an AR binding site located ∼40 KB upstream of the p14ARF gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies showed that in prostate cells this site was bound by AR. ChIP studies also revealed E2F1 and E2F3 were present at the p14ARF promoter. Together, the studies argue p14ARF is a direct transcriptional target of AR and that AR and E2F collaborate to promote p14ARF expression. . Citation Format: Maria Mudryj, Salma Siddiqui, Stephen J. Libertini, Alan P. Lombard, Benjamin Mooso, Leandro D9Abronzo, Frank Melgoza, Alexander Borowsky, Christiana Drake, LiHong Qi, Paramita M. Ghosh. Androgen receptor-mediated regulation of p14ARF transcription in prostate tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5051. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5051
Functional Segregation of Overlapping Genes in HIV

Overlapping genes pose an evolutionary dilemma as one DNA sequence evolves under the selection pressures of multiple proteins. Here, we perform systematic statistical and mutational analyses of the overlapping HIV-1 genes tat and rev and engineer exhaustive libraries of non-overlapped viruses to perform deep mutational scanning of each gene independently. We find a “segregated” organization in which overlapped sites encode functional residues of one gene or the other, but never both. Furthermore, this organization eliminates unfit genotypes, providing a fitness advantage to the population. Our comprehensive analysis reveals the extraordinary manner in which HIV minimizes the constraint of overlapping genes and repurposes that constraint to its own advantage. Thus, overlaps are not just consequences of evolutionary constraints, but rather can provide population fitness advantages.
Total evidence phylogeny and the evolution of adult bioluminescence in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Abstract Fireflies are some of the most captivating organisms on the planet. They have a rich history as subjects of scientific study, especially in relation to their bioluminescent behavior. Yet, the phylogenetic relationships of fireflies are still poorly understood. Here, we present the first total evidence approach to reconstruct lampyrid phylogeny using both a molecular matrix from six loci and an extensive morphological matrix. Using this phylogeny we test the hypothesis that adult bioluminescence evolved after the origin of the firefly clade. The ancestral state of adult bioluminescence is recovered as non-bioluminescent with one to six gains and five to ten subsequent losses. The monophyly of the family, as well as the subfamilies is also tested. Ototretinae, Cyphonocerinae, Luciolinae (incl. Pristolycus), Amydetinae, “cheguevarinae” sensu Jeng 2008, and Photurinae are highly supported as monophyletic. With the exception of four taxa, Lampyrinae is also recovered as monophyletic with high support. Based on phylogenetic and morphological data Lamprohiza, Phausis, and Lamprigera are transferred to Lampyridae incertae sedis.
Corneal thickness of eyes of healthy goats, sheep, and alpacas manually measured by use of a portable spectral-domain optical coherence tomography device

OBJECTIVE To determine corneal thickness of eyes of healthy goats, sheep, and alpacas by use of a portable spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) device and evaluate intraoperator reliability for measurements. ANIMALS 11 female goats, 10 female sheep, and 11 (4 males and 7 females) alpacas. PROCEDURES Each animal was sedated, and gentle manual restraint was used to ensure proper positioning of the head and globe. Corneal pachymetry was performed (in triplicate) with a portable SD-OCT device on both eyes of each animal. All corneal measurements were obtained manually by use of the integrated caliper function. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET), corneal stromal thickness (CST), Descemet membrane thickness (DMT), and total corneal thickness (TCT) were measured twice on each image, and a mean value was calculated. RESULTS Mean ± SD values for CET, CST, DMT, and TCT were 96.1 ± 5.0 μm, 486.0 ± 10.3 μm, 36.8 ± 4.8 μm, and 616.9 ± 7.1 μm, respectively, for the goats; 111.6 ± 5.7 μm, 599.8 ± 10.0 μm, 31.0 ± 4.5 μm, and 741.1 ± 9.9 μm, respectively, for the sheep; and 147.4 ± 5.7 μm, 446.1 ± 7.4 μm, 44.5 ± 5.0 μm, and 634.8 ± 6.2 μm, respectively, for the alpacas. Intraclass correlations ranged from 0.49 to 0.83 for CET, CST, and TCT and from 0.13 to 0.36 for DMT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE SD-OCT provided manual measurement of corneal thickness (CET, CST, and TCT) with clinically acceptable intraoperator reliability for eyes of healthy goats, sheep, and alpacas.
It's time: A meta-analysis on the self-control-deviance link

Abstract Purpose The current meta-analysis examines the link between self-control and measures of crime and deviance, taking stock of the empirical status of self-control theory and focusing on work published between 2000 and 2010. Methods A total of 796 studies were reviewed for inclusion/exclusion criteria and yielded a final study sample of 99 studies (88 cross-sectional and 19 longitudinal effect sizes, analyzed separately). Random effects mean correlations between self-control and deviance were analyzed for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, respectively. Publication bias was assessed using multiple methods. Results A random effects mean correlation between self-control and deviance was M r = 0.415 for cross-sectional studies and M r = 0.345 for longitudinal ones; this effect did not significantly differ by study design. Studies with more male participants, studies based on older or US-based populations, and self-report studies found weaker effects. Conclusions Substantial empirical support was found for the main argument of self-control theory and on the transdisciplinary link between self-control and measures of crime and deviance. In contrast to Pratt and Cullen, but consistent with theory, the effect from cross-sectional versus longitudinal studies did not significantly differ. There was no evidence of publication bias.
Solving the noneuclidean uniform circular motion problem by newton's impact method

We compute the centripetal force exerted on a particle moving uniformly on the circumference of a noneuclidean circle using Newton's impact method.
American Kestrels Occupying Nest Boxes In Michigan Cherry Orchards Show High Reproductive Rates and Tolerance of Monitoring

Abstract Installation of nest boxes for a declining raptor species, the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), in agricultural areas may benefit both local kestrel conservation and management of prey species that cause damage to crops. Kestrels responded quickly to the installation of 18 new nest boxes in northwestern Michigan cherry (Prunus spp.) orchards between 2012 and 2013; they made nesting attempts (laid eggs) in 100% of boxes by 2015. In addition, kestrels that made nesting attempts in these boxes in 2013–2015 showed high reproductive rates: apparent nesting success was 91%, and mean number of fledglings per box with nesting attempts was 3.8. Also, kestrels were highly tolerant of both traditional monitoring techniques (opening the box) and newer camera technologies (a pole-mounted video camera and nest-box video cameras). Generalized linear modeling indicated that variables related to nest monitoring techniques and effort did not significantly affect daily survival rates for nests or brood size at ...
Flupirtine associated acute liver failure- case from India and review of literature

Abstract We present the first case of fatality due to Flupirtine related acute liver failure from India. Flupirtine is an amino-pyridine with the centrally acting non-opioid analgesic property, used for acute and chronic pain. The drug is not used or approved in the United States and has restricted use status in the European Union due to severe hepatotoxicity and deaths or transplantation due to acute liver failure. Drug Council of India has not issued usage restriction or warnings regarding Flupirtine which is frequently used by physicians/orthopaedics and available over the counter. Unexpected and frequent hepatotoxicity of this drug, marketed for about 30 years needs caution, and safer analgesic use should be practiced.
Learning approximate plans for use in the real world

ABSTRACT Current artificial intelligence systems have difficulty functioning in real-world environments. These systems make many implicit assumptions about the world which, if inaccurate, will cause them to fail. For systems to function in these environments requires that explicit approximations be used, that approximation failures be detectable, and that the system has some method for recovering from failures. An architecture for learning approximate plans is introduced based on explanation-based learning. This technique allows approximate plans to be learned from observation of a single example of a goal achievement. An example is given illustrating how the approximation architecture embodied in a system called GRASPER is able to learn an approximate uncertainty-tolerant plan for grasping a block in the robotics domain.
The dog-faced water snakes, a revision of the genus Cerberus Cuvier, (Squamata, Serpentes, Homalopsidae), with the description of a new species

Snakes of the genus Cerberus Cuvier, 1829 occupy a unique, widespread coastal distribution and have a salt-tolerant physiology that allows members of the genus to move across a wide range of salinities from full salt water to freshwater. Cerberus nomenclature is revised based upon morphology and builds on previous molecular studies. Three species have been recognized by recent workers, here we recognize five species: the South Asian C. rynchops (Schneider 1799); the Southeast Asian-Philippine C. schneiderii (Schlegel 1837), a new combination; the freshwater Philippine endemic C. microlepis Boulenger 1896; the Australopapuan C. australis (Gray 1842); and a new species from Micronesia. We also select a lectotype for Homalopsis schneiderii Schlegel based upon a figure published in 1837 and restrict the type locality for this species to Timor. Evidence is also presented for a population of Cerberus australis in Indonesia, west of Weber’s Line.
Vaccines for Conservation: Plague, Prairie Dogs & Black-Footed Ferrets as a Case Study

The endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is affected by plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, both directly, as a cause of mortality, and indirectly, because of the impacts of plague on its prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) prey base. Recent developments in vaccines and vaccine delivery have raised the possibility of plague control in prairie dog populations, thereby protecting ferret populations. A large-scale experimental investigation across the western US shows that sylvatic plague vaccine delivered in oral baits can increase prairie dog survival. In northern Colorado, an examination of the efficacy of insecticides to control fleas and plague vaccine shows that timing and method of plague control is important, with different implications for long-term and large-scale management of Y. pestis delivery. In both cases, the studies show that ambitious field-work and cross-sectoral collaboration can provide potential solutions to difficult issues of wildlife management, conservation and disease ecology.
On the Impact of Unmanned Aerial System Observations on Numerical Weather Prediction in the Coastal Zone

AbstractThe Trident Warrior observational field campaign conducted off the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast in July 2013 included the deployment of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) with several payloads on board for atmospheric and oceanic observation. These UAS observations, spanning seven flights over 5 days in the lowest 1550 m above mean sea level, were assimilated into a three-dimensional variational data assimilation (DA) system [the Naval Research Laboratory Atmospheric Variational Data Assimilation System (NAVDAS)] used to generate analyses for a numerical weather prediction model [the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)] with a coupled ocean model [the Naval Research Laboratory Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM)]. The impact of the assimilated UAS observations on short-term atmospheric prediction performance is evaluated and quantified. Observations collected from 50 radiosonde launches during the campaign adjacent to the UAS flight paths serve as model forecast verification. Experim...
Cumulative Anesthesia Exposure in Patients Treated for Early-Onset Scoliosis

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires early intervention to prevent severe deformity and pulmonary compromise. Observational studies have demonstrated that children receiving multiple procedures requiring general anesthesia are at a higher risk for adverse neurocognitive outcomes. We sought to characterize anesthetic exposure in EOS patients and to determine risk factors for increased exposure. We hypothesized that patients treated for EOS were at risk of receiving large amounts of cumulative anesthesia in childhood because of the need for early intervention to preserve pulmonary function. We sought to determine which factors impacted the amount of anesthesia patients received over the course of treatment. Records of all EOS patients treated at a tertiary referral center from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients with a minimum two-year follow-up, under age 10 at diagnosis, were included. Anesthesia was recorded in three categories: 1) orthopedic surgeries; 2) nonorthopedic surgeries; and 3) imaging/associated procedures. Diagnoses included congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, and syndromic scoliosis. Treatment groups were: observation, bracing, Mehta casting, growing spine, or fusion. Mean cumulative anesthesia time was 1606 minutes. Patients with neuromuscular (mean 2132 minutes, p = .006) or congenital scoliosis (1875 minutes, p < .001) received more anesthesia than those with idiopathic scoliosis (754 minutes). Patients treated by fusion (2036 minutes, p < .001) or growing spine (2855 minutes, p < .001) received more anesthesia than those treated by bracing. Disease severity, non-idiopathic diagnoses, and longer length of follow-up were associated with increased anesthesia. Patients who presented at earlier ages, and those treated by Mehta casting, were more likely to exceed three hours of anesthesia prior to age 3. III