cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF RIBONUCLEIC ACID REMOVAL METHODS ON COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF Candida utilis

Nucleic acids were removed from whole cells and homogenates of Candida utilis by alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic methods and washing with buffer. True protein of 42% in whole cells became concentrated, ash and carbohydrate contents generally decreased and relative lipid content increased with processing suggesting coprecipitation of lipid-rich membrane material with proteins. The RNA content was 8% in whole cells and 45–97% reductions in RNA were obtained by various methods. Dry weight recoveries ranged from 45–80%. Protein recoveries ranged from 67–98%. Very small changes in amino acid compositions resulted from the various RNA removal methods with 5% or less change in percentage of essential amino acids compared to whole cells. Lysine was 92% available in whole cells and yeast homogenate and in no case did available lysine drop below 88%. Functional properties of the dried preparations, including bulk density, color and taste, protein solubility, water and oil binding, viscosity and heat thickening, foaming capacity and foam stability, and emulsifying capacity, activity and stability were determined and comparative tests were made with functional ingredients from nonyeast sources. Several of the preparations possessed functional properties that were equal or superior to soy flour or whey concentrate.
Novel method of evaluating biological 19-hydroxylation and aromatization of androgens.

Abstract [19C3H]Androstenedione of high specific activity has been prepared. In liver incubation the isotope was shown to be stable to biological processes other than 19-hydroxylation. Incubation of the new substrate with human placental microsomes yielded 3H2O, 3HCOOH and estrogens devoid of radioactivity. The formation of 3H2O and 3HCOOH was close to the expected 2:1 ratio indicating that the material can be used to discriminate between 19-hydroxylation which yields 3H2O and aromatization which results in 3HCOOH. Comparison of the formation of 3H2O from [1β,2β3H]androstenedione and of 3HCOOH from [19C3H3]androstenedione in placental microsomal incubation showed that the aromatization of the former was 3.2 times faster indicating an isotope effect of that magnitude for the aromatization of [19C3H] vs [19CH3]androstenediones. The new substrate will be an effective probe and discriminant of both 19-hydroxylation and aromatization of androgens in vivo and in vitro , reactions which have been reported to be dissociated in specific tissues.
The Ocular Findings in Infantile Spasms

The results of this study suggest that a careful ophthalmoscopic examination of children with infantile spasms will help to establish an etiologic diagnosis in at least 20% of cases. The two clinical entities identifiable by this examination are tuberous sclerosis and Aicardi's syndrome. It is emphasized that the retinal hamartomas of tuberous sclerosis seen in infancy are flat, semitransparent, and small. The mulberry-like lesion is distinctly unusual in this age group. The essential ocular feature of Aicardi's syndrome is a chorioretinopathy of the posterior pole. This may be accompanied by microphthalmus, persistent pupillary remnant, and colobomas of the optic nerve and choroid. Diagnosis of either of these two entities is helpful in establishing the prognosis for a child with infantile spasms since both of these disorders usually lead to severe neurologic handicap and premature death. Moreover, genetic counseling is essential for the family suffering with this tragic disorder. Tuberous sclerosis is inherited as an irregular dominant trait. The genetic interpretation of sporadic cases, which are in the majority, is difficult due to the presence of unrecognized incomplete or "fruste" forms within families. On the other hand, Aicardi's syndrome has never been reported to be familial and future pregnancies can be undertaken without fear of producing another child with infantile spasms.
Notes on the Incubation, Brooding, and Provisioning Behavior of Chuck-will's-widows

Abstract Because of their cryptic plumage and nocturnal habits, little is known about the breeding behavior of Chuck-will's-widows (Antrostomus carolinensis). Using temperature loggers and video-recordings, we quantified the incubation, brooding, and provisioning behavior of male and female Chuck-will's-widows in Adams County, Ohio, in 2011 and 2012. We located six nests, all 2-egg clutches laid on the ground. Four nests were successful, one was depredated, and one was abandoned. We quantified incubation behavior at all nests (mean = 5.5 days; range = 0.4–12.9 days). Adult Chuck-will's-widows incubated an average of 89.2% of the time, with females observed incubating more than males. Most incubation off-bouts (n = 104) occurred at dawn (0400–0659; n = 45) and dusk (1900–2200; n = 48) and averaged 35 mins in duration. After hatching, the mean duration of brooding bouts was 20 mins (age of young = 1–7 days). Both males and females provisioned young, and feeding rates were highest (P = 0.003) d...
The role of self in third‐person effects about body image

This study examines the perceived effect of idealized media images on self and classmates for three levels of outcome undesirability: perception of ideal body weight, effect on self-esteem, and likelihood of developing an eating disorder. A significant third-person effect was observed, which widened as the outcome increased in social undesirability. Those with high self-esteem exhibited stronger third-person effect than those with low self-esteem. The overall pattern of findings suggests that two related but distinct processes might be involved in the third person effect: (a) a general process associated with self-esteem, which explains perceived effect of media both on self and others; and (b) a specific process tied to situational personal vulnerability, which explains perceived effect on self, but does not explain perceived effect on others.
Ultra-stable hemoglobin–poly(acrylic acid) conjugates

Stabilization of proteins against thermal deactivation is a major challenge, and a simple, facile, novel chemical approach is described here to overcome this hurdle. We report here, for the first time, the successful synthesis of ultrastable protein nanoparticles consisting of met-hemoglobin (Hb) conjugated with low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (PAA, Mw 8000) to form discrete nanoparticles. Hb–PAA nanoparticles were not deactivated when subjected to prolonged thermal treatment such as steam sterilization conditions (122 °C, 40 minutes, 17–20 psi), while the unprotected Hb lost most of its activity when subjected to the same heating conditions. Several Hb–PAA derivatives which resist thermal inactivation, in a similar manner, are produced and characterized. Interestingly, the highest activity retention, after the above thermal treatment, was ∼100% for the untreated samples. This resistance to heat is attributed to the enhanced thermodynamic stability of the Hb–PAA conjugate and improved re-folding of the denatured state to the native form, facilitated by PAA conjugation to Hb. This is a unique approach to stabilize Hb against thermal inactivation, and it is a major breakthrough in the production of stable Hb-based nanomaterials that can be safely sterilized in an autoclave for biomedical/in vivo applications.
Structures, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Biological Functions of RNA Hairpins

Most RNA comprises one strand and therefore can fold back on itself to form complex structures. At the heart of these structures is the hairpin, which is composed of a stem having Watson-Crick base pairing and a loop wherein the backbone changes directionality. First, we review the structure of hairpins including diversity in the stem, loop, and closing base pair. The function of RNA hairpins in biology is discussed next, including roles for isolated hairpins, as well as hairpins in the context of complex tertiary structures. We describe the kinetics and thermodynamics of hairpin folding including models for hairpin folding, folding transition states, and the cooperativity of folding. Lastly, we discuss some ways in which hairpins can influence the folding and function of tertiary structures, both directly and indirectly. RNA hairpins provide a simple means of controlling gene expression that can be understood in the language of physical chemistry.
Renal actions of synthetic dendroaspis natriuretic peptide.

Renal actions of synthetic Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide. Background Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), recently isolated from the venom of the green Mamba snake Dendroaspis angusticeps , is a 38 amino acid peptide containing a 17 amino acid disulfide ring structure similar to that of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). DNP-like immunoreactivity (DNP-LI) was reported to be present in human plasma and atrial myocardium and to be elevated in human congestive heart failure. Although previously named DNP, it remains unknown if DNP is natriuretic or if is it present in canine plasma, urine, and atrial myocardium. Method Studies were performed in vivo in anesthetized dogs ( N = 6) using intravenous infusion of synthetic DNP at 10 and 50 ng/kg/min. Employing a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for DNP, the presence of DNP-like peptide was assessed in the canine plasma and urine before, during, and following the administration of exogenous synthetic DNP. Additionally, we performed immunohistochemical studies using the indirect immunoperoxidase method with polyclonal DNP antiserum in normal atrial myocardium ( N = 10). Atrial concentrations of DNP-LI were also assessed. Results We report that DNP is markedly natriuretic and diuretic, which, like ANP and BNP, is associated with the increase in urinary and plasma cGMP. DNP-like peptide is also detected in canine plasma, urine, and atrial myocardium. Conclusion These studies establish that DNP is a potent natriuretic and diuretic peptide with tubular actions linked to cGMP and that DNP may play a physiological role in the regulation of sodium excretion.
The Elastic Body Image: The Effect of Television Advertising and Programming on Body Image Distortions in Young Women

The emphasis the media place on the thin ideal body image may be responsible for body size overestimations that women make, and indirectly cause increases in anorexia nervosa and bulimia. In this experimental study, two variables - ideal-body programming and ideal-body commercials - had an effect on female subjects' self-perceived body images and moods. Ideal-body image commercials lowered body size overestimations and subjects' depression levels. This study supports the notion of an elastic body image in which actual body size is in conflict with a mediated ideal body image and an unstable self-perceived body image. Results of this study suggest that watching even 30 minutes' worth of television programming and advertising can alter a woman's perception of the shape of her body
A New Synergized Glutaraldehyde-Phenate Sterilizing Solution and Concentrated Disinfectant

Research leading to the development of Sporicidin, a new (synergized glutaraldehyde-phenate) sterilant and concentrated disinfectant, is reported. Microbial evaluation and shelf life testing of the new formulation was done using AOAC tests--Use-Dilution, Sporicidal, Tuberculocidal--and the E.P.A. Virucidal Test. Full-strength Sporicidin sterilizes (is sporicidal) in 6 3/4 hours at both 20C and 25C, and disinfects in 1-2 minutes. When diluted with 15 parts of tap water, Sporicidin is tuberculocidal, virucidal, and germicidal in 10 minutes, qualifying as a hospital disinfectant that will not "yellow" the hands or skin. The shelf life of activated Sporidicin, full strength or diluted 1 in 16, is 30 days. According to the data presented, which were the basis of E.P.A. registrations, Sporicidin is: (a) the fastest glutaraldehyde sterilant at room temperature, and (b) the only glutaraldehyde product that can be diluted below 2% and still qualify as a hospital disinfectant.
Loxosceles reclusa envenomation.

Abstract Loxosceles species are widely distributed. People are most at risk for bites when they disturb the nocturnal spider's habitat. The bite sequelae range from insignificant, to disseminated intravascular coagulation and renal failure. Patients most frequently seek care for slow-healing necrotic skin lesions. Early surgical excision is not recommended. Conservative local care usually suffices. Dapsone may benefil some patients. Specific antivenom given early may minimize sequelae.
Racial differences in symptom management approaches among persons with radiographic knee osteoarthritis.

The extent to which racial differences exist in use of treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) is debatable. The purpose of this study was to describe the differences between African Americans (AA) and Caucasian Americans (CA) in using treatment approaches to manage symptoms among individuals with radiographic-confirmed knee OA. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, we identified 508 AA and 2,075 CA with radiographic tibiofemoral OA in at least one knee. Trained interviewers asked questions relating to current OA treatments including seven CAM therapy categories—alternative medical systems, mind-body interventions, manipulation and body-based methods, energy therapies, and three types of biologically based therapies, as well as conventional medications. We categorized participants as: conventional medication only users, CAM only users, users of both and users of neither. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographics and clinical/functional factors provided estimates of the association between race and treatment use. Overall, 16.5% of AA and 24.2% of CA exclusively used CAM to treat OA, 25.0% of AA and 23.8% of CA used CAM in conjunction with conventional medications, and 24.8% of AA and 14.6% of CA exclusively used conventional medications. After control for sociodemographic and clinical factors, AA were less likely than CA to use CAM therapies alone (adjusted odds ratio (OR) of using CAM alone relative to no CAM or conventional treatments: 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.96) or with conventional medications (adjusted OR relative to no CAM or conventional treatments: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.42–0.83). However, no differences in use of conventional medications alone were observed after adjustment of covariates. CAM use is common among people with knee OA, but is less likely to be used by AA relative to CA. For effective CAM therapies, targeted outreach to underserved populations including education about benefits of various CAM treatments and providing accessible care may attenuate observed disparities in effective CAM use by race.
Tumour necrosis factor and cachexia: a current perspective

Anorexia, net proteolysis of skeletal muscle and consumption of body fat are hallmarks of the cachexia syndrome associated with chronic disease states. While inanition contributes to cachexia, this wasting diathesis has little in common with simple starvation. The cachexia syndrome is characterized by progressive weight loss and depletion of lean body mass in excess to that resulting from comparable caloric restriction. Accelerated mobilization and consumption of host protein stores from peripheral tissues occurs to support gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis [1, 2]. In contrast, simple starvation is associated with a relative sparing of lean tissue with the preferential consumption of fat. While the clinical manifestations of cachexia are readily apparent, identification of the specific mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia remains an enigma. In recent years, interest has focused on the role that the immune system plays in the development of cachexia. Investigators initially hypothesized that the chronic production of two inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and/or interleukin-1 (IL-1), could explain the host non-specific responses resulting in cachexia [3-5]. Other pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) [6, 7] and interferon-gamma [8, 9], have been more recently proposed to be involved in this complex process. Although no consensus exists for the exclusive role of any one cytokine in the pathogenesis of cachexia, there is growing acceptance that the progression of cachexia results in part from the inappropriate release of one or more pro-inflammatory cytokines [10, 11]. In the present review, the current role of TNF alpha as a mediator of cachexia is examined.
Satellite detection of increasing Northern Hemisphere non-frozen seasons from 1979 to 2008: Implications for regional vegetation growth

The landscape freeze–thaw (FT) signal from satellite microwave remote sensing is closely linked to vegetation phenology and land–atmosphere trace gas exchange where seasonal frozen temperatures are a major constraint to plant growth. We applied a temporal change classification of 37 GHz brightness temperature (Tb) series from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) to classify daily FT status over global land areas where seasonal frozen temperatures influence ecosystem processes. A temporally consistent, long-term (30 year) FT record was created, ensuring cross-sensor consistency through pixel-wise adjustment of the SMMR Tb record based on empirical analyses of overlapping SMMR and SSM/I measurements. The resulting FT record showed mean annual spatial classification accuracies of 91 (+/−8.6) and 84 (+/−9.3) percent for PM and AM overpass retrievals relative to in situ air temperature measurements from the global weather station network. The FT results were compared against other measures of biosphere activity including CO2 eddy flux tower measurements and satellite (MODIS) vegetation greenness (NDVI). The FT defined non-frozen season largely bounds the period of active vegetation growth and net ecosystem CO2 uptake for tower sites representing major biomes. Earlier spring thawing and longer non-frozen seasons generally benefit vegetation growth inferred from NDVI spring and summer growth anomalies where the non-frozen season is less than approximately 6 months, with greater benefits at higher (> 45 °N) latitudes. A strong (P < 0.001) increasing (0.189 days yr− 1) trend in the Northern Hemisphere mean annual non-frozen season is largely driven by an earlier (− 0.149 days yr− 1) spring thaw trend and coincides with a 0.033 °C yr− 1 regional warming trend. The FT record also shows a positive (0.199 days yr− 1) trend in the number of transitional (AM frozen and PM non-frozen) frost days, which coincide with reduced vegetation productivity inferred from tower CO2 and MODIS NDVI measurements. The relative benefits of earlier and longer non-frozen seasons for vegetation growth under global warming may be declining due to opposing increases in disturbance, drought and frost damage related impacts.
Thermal Analysis of Nucleation and Growth of Crystalline Phases in Vitrified Industrial Wastes

Devitrification behavior of vitrified industrial waste (electric arc furnace dust and foundry sand) was examined by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Crystalline phases identified were primarily solid solutions of spinel and augite. The temperature of maximum nucleation rate for spinel was determined by DTA to be 635°C. Variations in the quench temperature resulted in changes of both grain size and volume fraction of an equixed spinel. The evolution of morphological changes upon heat treatment was examined by SEM. TiO 2 additions were ineffective as spinel nucleating agents, because additions of >5 wt% resulted in decreased spinel formation and the crystallization of titanium-iron and titanium-divalent-metal oxides. Controlling process and heat-treatment temperatures to optimize the amount of the spinel and to achieve a high-grade abrasive product also are discussed.
Accurate timing analysis using SAT and pattern-dependent delay models

Accurate delay modeling beyond static models is critical to garnering better correlation with post-silicon analysis. Furthermore, post-silicon timing validation requires a pattern-dependent timing model to generate patterns. To address these issues, a timing analysis tool was proposed that integrates a data-dependent delay model into its analysis. The approach solves for the delay by using the concept of circuit unrolling and formulation of timing questions as decision problems for input into a SAT solver. The effectiveness and validity of the proposed methodology is illustrated through experiments on benchmark circuits
Further validation of a single‐item measure of social identification

We examine the validity and reliability of a single-item measure of social identification (SISI). Convergent validity is shown with significant positive correlations with previously published unidimensional and multidimensional measures of in-group identification and other group-relevant measures (e.g., entitativity and collective self-esteem). Divergent validity is shown via nonsignificant correlations with social desirability measures. Predictive validity is shown with positive correlations with group-relevant behavior (e.g., volunteerism and voting). External validity is shown with correlations with other in-group identification measures in a community sample. The reliability of the scale is shown by examining scores of the SISI for six different identities at three points in time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hilbert spaces of martingales supporting certain substitution-dynamical systems

Let X be a compact Hausdorff space. We study finite-to-one mappings r : X → X, onto X, and measures on the corresponding projective limit space X∞(r). We show that certain quasi-invariant measures on X∞(r) correspond in a one-to-one fashion to measures on X which satisfy two identities. Moreover, we identify those special measures on X∞(r) which are associated via our correspondence with a function V on X, a Ruelle transfer operator RV , and an equilibrium measure μV on X.
Probing the role of metal ions in RNA catalysis: kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of a metal ion interaction with the 2'-moiety of the guanosine nucleophile in the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme.

Deciphering the role of individual metal ions in RNA catalysis is a tremendous challenge, as numerous metal ions coat the charged backbone of a folded RNA. Metal ion specificity switch experiments combined with quantitative analysis may provide a powerful tool for probing specific metal ion-RNA interactions and for delineating the role of individual metal ions among the sea of metal ions bound to RNA. We show herein that Mn 2+ rescues the deleterious effect of replacing the 2 '-OH of the guanosine nucleophile (G) by -NH2 (GNH2 ) in the reaction catalyzed by the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme (E), and the Mn 2+ concentration dependence suggests that a single metal ion is responsible for rescue. This provides strong evidence for a metal ion interaction with the 2'-moiety of G in this ribozyme (referred to as MC), confirming and extending previous results in a bacteriophage group I intron (Sjogren, A.-S., Pettersson, E., Sjoberg, B.-M., and Stromberg, R. (1997)Nucleic Acids Res. 25, 648-654). Toward understanding the >10 6 -fold catalytic contribution of the 2'-OH of G, we have determined the individual reaction steps affected by MC and quantitated these effects. MnC+ has only a small effect on binding of GNH2 to the free ribozyme or ribozyme‚oligonucleotide complexes that lack the reactive phosphoryl group. In contrast, Mn C+ increases the binding of GNH2 to the ribozyme‚oligonucleotide substrate (E‚S) complex 20-fold and increases the binding of S to the E‚GNH2 complex by the same amount. These and other observations suggest that MC plays an integral role in the coupled binding of the oligonucleotide substrate and the guanosine nucleophile. This metal ion may be used to align the nucleophile within the active site, thereby facilitating the reaction. Alternatively or in addition, M C may act in concert with an additional metal ion to coordinate and activate the 3'-OH of G. Finally, these experiments have also allowed us to probe the properties of this metal ion site and isolate the energetic effects of the interaction of this specific metal ion with the 2'-moiety of G.
Women's Bodies, Women's Minds: One Way of Rethinking Japanese Women's History

We live in a world permeated with violence, yet until recently the field of Japanese studies has not focused on the connection between violence, gender, and modernity. The goal of this article is to suggest ways in which violence and gender figure in conspicuous consumption and the construction of the modern state.
Vaginal Smear Technic

THE VALUE of the vaginal smear method for the study of ovarian functions is based upon the response of the vaginal epithelium to the hormones of the ovary. This relationship has been long evident from comparison of the structure of the undeveloped vagina in childhood and the atrophic mucosa of senility with the histologically normal, fully developed epithelial structure characteristic in sexual maturity; it has more recently also been indicated by the apparent occurrence of rhythmic alterations of the vaginal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. These changes have been accepted by many as proof of a human vaginal cycle. Papanicolaou's publication in 1933, supporting this belief, indicated that such cyclic variations could readily be demonstrated in stained smears of human vaginal fluid (1). A later publication, with Shorr in 1936, described the vaginal cytology of the menopause and advocated the vaginal smear method for the diagnosis of ovarian failure, at the same time demonstrating clearly the morphol...
Solid Lipid–PEI Hybrid Nanocarrier: An Integrated Approach To Provide Extended, Targeted, and Safer siRNA Therapy of Prostate Cancer in an All-in-One Manner

Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) has a high application potential for therapeutic silencing of pathologic or drug-resistance genes. However, although recent research has led to several nonviral nucleic acid delivery systems with encouraging transfection performance, there remains a substantial gap between these systems and an ideal siRNA carrier that can be safely and effectively used for the more complex delivery tasks such as cancer management. We hypothesized that by integrating the high transfection performance of linear polyethylenimine (PEI) with the controlled release properties of solid lipid components, and complementing the resulting lipid-PEI hybrid nanocarrier (LPN) with receptor-targeting capability, multiple limitations of the conventional siRNA carriers would be simultaneously overcome. Data comparing this new hybrid system with the conventional siRNA-PEI polyplexes showed 15 to 21% less loss of siRNA, higher selectivity for prostate cancer cells over noncancerous prostate cells, and significant reduction in both acute and delayed carrier toxicity especially to the noncancerous RWPE1 cells (e.g., 71.2% of LPN-treated cells preserved proliferative capacity versus ≤30.2% in other groups). We further demonstrated sustained intracellular siRNA release from LPNs, which was shown translatable into extended in vitro and in vivo RNA-interference effects for a minimum of one week. Our findings generally support the use of LPN technology to achieve a longer-acting, less toxic, more efficient, and cancer-specific form of siRNA therapy in an "all-in-one" manner. This brings the nonviral siRNA delivery approach one important step closer to its clinical application.
Pigtail catheters used in the treatment of pneumothoraces in the neonate

Air leak in the neonatal population can be a deadly situation. Neonates have many risk factors that can contribute to air leak. These include, but are not limited to, respiratory distress syndrome; mechanical ventilation; sepsis; pneumonia; aspiration of meconium, blood, or amniotic fluid; and congenital malformations. In the NICU, the staff must be prepared to diagnose and treat pneumothoraces in a timely manner. Pathophysiology of air leaks in the neonate including the anatomy of the chest and diagnosis, indications, and common methods for the treatment of a pneumothorax in an infant is explained in this article. In addition, the latest form of treatment for neonates, known as the modified pigtail catheter, is described. A comprehensive literature review of the evidence behind the use of the pigtail catheter in neonates will be incorporated. Finally, the step-by-step placement of this catheter using the modified Seldinger technique will be illustrated and described in detail.
Real-time integrated model of a micro-grid with distributed clean energy generators and their power electronics

This paper presents a real-time integrated model of a micro-grid to simulate its electrical energy infrastructure. This infrastructure includes two PV arrays, a fuel cell, and a diesel generator that support building loads when islanded from the utility grid. The paper reviews existing models, which are usually available either as 1) low-level dynamic models, along with power electronics for specific components, e.g. PV system or fuel cell, or 2) high-level such as with conventional power systems where power electronics are ignored due to their faster dynamics. The proposed modeling strategy for sustainable power generation is emphasized for both grid-connected and islanding modes and combines slow and fast dynamics where both a micro-grid and related power electronics dynamics are simulated to show how a high-fidelity model can be used in a dynamic micro-grid environment. A synchronized regulator for islanded mode is presented. The PV arrays and fuel cell are assumed to be always available and variable irradiance conditions (e.g. nighttime) and the change of hydrogen and oxygen densities of fuel cell are shown in the paper. The diesel generator is used for black start or when the utility grid voltage or frequency drop below a threshold during which potential grid collapse could occur and the micro-grid goes into the island mode. The micro-grid model is simulated using a real-time simulator so that longer case studies and scenarios can be studied without ignoring fast dynamics. The main contribution of this paper is that both these time scales (slow and fast) are integrated in this real-time simulation platform for more realistic performance analysis. The results show the ability of the integrated micro-grid simulation to function in both grid-tied and islanded modes.
Pediatric AIDS epidemic reflects the first half million AIDS cases in the U.S.

Almost seven thousand pediatric AIDS cases with a death rate of 55 percent have been reported. The continuing increase and spread of this epidemic to different child populations and areas in the country is reviewed. Because the progress of this epidemic, pediatric practitioners require an awareness of the evolving epidemiologic patterns require an awareness of the evolving epidemiologic patterns in both the pediatric and adult populations.
A Biostatistics Toolbox for Data Analysis

This sophisticated package of statistical methods is for advanced master's (MPH) and PhD students in public health and epidemiology who are involved in the analysis of data. It makes the link from statistical theory to data analysis, focusing on the methods and data types most common in public health and related fields. Like most toolboxes, the statistical tools in this book are organized into sections with similar objectives. Unlike most toolboxes, however, these tools are accompanied by complete instructions, explanations, detailed examples, and advice on relevant issues and potential pitfalls - conveying skills, intuition, and experience. The only prerequisite is a first-year statistics course and familiarity with a computing package such as R, Stata, SPSS, or SAS. Though the book is not tied to a particular computing language, its figures and analyses were all created using R. Relevant R code, data sets, and links to public data sets are available from www.cambridge.org/9781107113084.
Optimization of Low Quantum Defect Lasers

A new analysis of quasi-three level laser systems reveals the practical limits of the performance improvements possible with reduction of the laser quantum defect.
Abstract AS15: DNA promoter hypermethylation of HIST1H2BB as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer

Background: Until recently, epithelial ovarian cancers were thought to arise from the ovarian surface epithelial cells. However, recent studies suggest that the majority of high grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) arise from lesions in the fallopian tubes. DNA promoter hypermethylation of certain genes is often an early event in tumorigenesis, and it can be detected in blood and other bodily fluids, making it a feasible biomarker strategy for early detection of tumors. Purpose of study: Therefore, we sought to determine the methylation profile of HGSCs as compared to fallopian tube epithelium. Using the Infinium HumanMethylation 450 Array, that permits to quantitatively assess over 450,000 methylation sites, within and outside of CpG islands and more than 20,000 genes per sample, at single-nucleotide resolution, we have obtained the genome-wide methylation profile of HGSC and fallopian tubal epithelium. We conducted a pilot study by comparing the global methylation in 12 HGSC tissue samples to 15 fallopian tube epithelium samples. In addition, we compared the methylation profile among long-term survivors (more than 5 years) and short-term survivors (2-3 years) of HGSCs. Results: Our results identified the HIST1H2BB promoter as the most differentially methylated region when comparing HGSC with normal fallopian tube samples. Furthermore, we also found that HIST1H2BB is differentially methylated in HGSC patients with long-term survival when compared to patients with short-term survival. Conclusions: Taken together, these results support the potential of HIST1H2BB promoter hypermethylation as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Our findings could lead to the development of a biomarker for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of ovarian cancer and could contribute to the current understanding of the mechanisms of progression in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Blanca L. Valle, Elisabetta Kuhn, David Sidransky, Rafael Guerrero-Preston. DNA promoter hypermethylation of HIST1H2BB as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr AS15.
Autonomous HMI Made Easy: Prototyping Reactive In-cabin Aware HMIs

Automotive user experiences can be increasingly personalized and adaptive thanks to advances in in-vehicle sensors and user modelling but current automotive software development frameworks still require large software development efforts to create custom interaction solutions. In this paper we propose a novel system architecture aimed at supporting automotive researchers and designers by simplifying the prototyping process towards novel adaptive user interfaces. We describe the integration of RealSense sensors and the Context Sensing SDK with the Skyline driving simulator framework. The combination of these tools allows rapid prototyping of in-cabin context aware interactions. The paper presents two use cases of in-cabin-aware prototypes, a user profile loading interface that recognizes identities and occupant roles and an L4 to L3 take-over control interface using RealSense and Context sensing APIs to detect in-vehicle events and Skyline to present real-time adaptive warning interfaces. The resulting experiences are core components of an intelligent ADAS framework for research of IVI personalization and highly automated collaborative driving.
Does Smoking History Confer a Higher Risk for Reconstructive Complications in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?

History of smoking has been implicated as a risk factor for reconstructive complications in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), however there have been no direct analyses of outcomes in smokers and nonsmokers. All patients undergoing NSM at New York University Langone Medical Center from 2006 to 2014 were identified. Outcomes were compared for those with and without a smoking history and stratified by pack-year smoking history and years-to-quitting (YTQ). A total of 543 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed from 2006 to 2014 with a total of 49 in patients with a history of smoking. Reconstructive outcomes in NSM between those with and without a smoking history were equivalent. Those with a smoking history were not significantly more likely to have mastectomy flap necrosis (p = 0.6251), partial (p = 0.8564), or complete (p = 0.3365) nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis. Likewise, active smokers alone did not have a higher risk of complications compared to nonsmokers or those with smoking history. Comparing nonsmokers and those with a less or greater than 10 pack-year smoking history, those with a > 10 pack-year history had significantly more complete NAC necrosis (p = 0.0114, 5 YTQ prior to NSM were equivalent to those without a smoking history. We demonstrate that NSM may be safely offered to those with a smoking history although a > 10 pack-year smoking history or <5 YTQ prior to NSM may impart a higher risk of reconstructive complications, including complete NAC necrosis.
The Interplay of Structure and Dynamics in Mixed Lipid Bilayers

The implication of lipids in membrane mediated processes has motivated significant theoretical and experimental research interest to understand the functional significance of lipid chemical structure variations on the biomembrane structure and dynamics. In particular, hydrophobic mismatch between lipids with different acyl chain lengths is expected to play an important role in determining the local membrane structure and collective membrane dynamics. Herein we investigated these phenomena in large unilamellar vesicles composed of binary mixtures of lipids with a 4 carbon mismatch in tail length, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC, 14:0 C) and distearoylphosphatidycholine (DSPC, 18:0 C), using neutron scattering techniques. Structural studies using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) revealed that the mixed lipid bilayers were thinner than expected for a simple composition-weighted average of the pure component bilayers. The structural differences were accompanied by dramatic differences in the mixed lipid membrane dynamics. Neutron spin echo spectroscopy (NSE) experiments showed that the mixed lipid bilayers were more dynamic than their single component analogs, with the mixed bilayers having a lower bending modulus and increased thickness fluctuation amplitude than the pure DMPC or DSPC bilayers. Both of these enhanced dynamics were consistent with a decrease in the area expansion modulus of the mixed systems. Together our results demonstrate the influence of lipid composition on the bilayer biophysical properties and highlight the complex interplay between structure and dynamics in lipid membranes.
Technology Integration in Mathematics Education: Examining the Quality of Meta-Analytic Research

The aim of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality of meta-analyses in mathematics education research. Computerized searches were conducted in ERIC, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and JSTOR through January 2016 for meta-analyses pertinent to technology integration in the mathematics classroom. To identify studies, mathematics subject matter terms such as ‘systematic review’, literature review’ and ‘meta-analysis’ were used. Retrieved studies were screened, extracted, and the methodological quality was evaluated using the 11-item Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (R-AMSTAR). The characteristics of meta-analyses associated with the methodological reporting quality were identified. Results suggest that on average the quality of methodological reporting is good, but there are several areas of concern. Implications are provided to improve research and classroom practice in this area.
Energy harvesting from acoustic fields for self-powered sensors in pumped fluid systems

Energy harvesting from an acoustic field is challenging given the low energy density available in most acoustic phenomena. A notable exception is in the domain of pumped, pressurized fluids, where acoustic pressure amplitudes may be on the order of 5~10% of the mean static pressure, in some applications reaching mega-pascal amplitudes, corresponding to acoustic intensities advantageous for energy harvesting. However, the static pressures that are common within pressurized systems require mechanically robustness for pressure containment, which prevents the use of common energy harvester configurations. Nonetheless, energy densities may be high enough such that non-resonant configurations are feasible; and, the fact that the acoustic pressure within pumped systems typically has a relatively narrow band spectrum means that power conditioning circuits may be optimized for power conversion. With power available from the pumped fluid itself, through what is termed a Hydraulic Pressure Energy Harvester, it then becomes possible to implement self-powered wireless sensing nodes. This paper describes a proof-of-concept HPEH implementation and demonstration of a multi-functional self-powered wireless sensor for use in a hydraulic application.
Waldo: An Adaptive Human Interface for Crowd Entity Resolution

In Entity Resolution, the objective is to find which records of a dataset refer to the same real-world entity. Crowd Entity Resolution uses humans, in addition to machine algorithms, to improve the quality of the outcome. We study a hybrid approach that combines two common interfaces for human tasks in Crowd Entity Resolution, taking into account key observations about the advantages and disadvantages of the two interfaces. We give a formal definition to the problem of human task selection and we derive algorithms with strong optimality guarantees. Our experiments with four real-world datasets show that our hybrid approach gives an improvement of 50% to 300% in the crowd cost to resolve a dataset, compared to using a single interface.
Shear-Induced Heterogeneity in Associating Polymer Gels: Role of Network Structure and Dilatancy

We study associating polymer gels under steady shear using Brownian dynamics simulation to explore the interplay between the network structure, dynamics, and rheology. For a wide range of flow rates, we observe the formation of shear bands with a pronounced difference in shear rate, concentration, and structure. A striking increase in the polymer pressure in the gradient direction with shear, along with the inherently large compressibility of the gels, is shown to be a crucial factor in destabilizing homogeneous flow through shear-gradient concentration coupling. We find that shear has only a modest influence on the degree of association, but induces marked spatial heterogeneity in the network connectivity. We attribute the increase in the polymer pressure (and polymer mobility) to this structural reorganization.
Optimizing Convolutional Neural Networks for Cloud Detection

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become extremely popular and successful at a number of machine learning tasks. One of the great challenges of successfully deploying a CNN is designing the network: specifying the network topology (sequence of layer types) and configuring the network (setting all the internal layer hyper-parameters). There are a number of techniques which are commonly used to design the network. One of the most successful is a simple (but lengthy) random search. In this paper we demonstrate how a random search can be dramatically improved by a two-phase search. The first phase is a traditional random search on n network configurations. The second phase exploits a support vector machine to guide a second random search on N network configurations. We apply this technique to a dataset containing satellite imagery and demonstrate that we can, with very high accuracy, identify regions containing clouds which obscure the landscape below.
Total Spinal After Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

Cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI) is a commonly performed procedure to address neck and upper extremity pain related to cervical spinal pathology. While this is largely a safe procedure, several possible complications have been documented in the literature. Proper training and expertise are essential to performing this procedure; however, continuing caution must be employed to avoid the many vital structures in this area, including the spinal cord and intrathecal (also referred to as subarachnoid) space and nearby vascular structures. In this chapter I will explore specifically the complication of total spinal anesthesia after CESI.
Latent Cross: Making Use of Context in Recurrent Recommender Systems

The success of recommender systems often depends on their ability to understand and make use of the context of the recommendation request. Significant research has focused on how time, location, interfaces, and a plethora of other contextual features affect recommendations. However, in using deep neural networks for recommender systems, researchers often ignore these contexts or incorporate them as ordinary features in the model. In this paper, we study how to effectively treat contextual data in neural recommender systems. We begin with an empirical analysis of the conventional approach to context as features in feed-forward recommenders and demonstrate that this approach is inefficient in capturing common feature crosses. We apply this insight to design a state-of-the-art RNN recommender system. We first describe our RNN-based recommender system in use at YouTube. Next, we offer "Latent Cross," an easy-to-use technique to incorporate contextual data in the RNN by embedding the context feature first and then performing an element-wise product of the context embedding with model's hidden states. We demonstrate the improvement in performance by using this Latent Cross technique in multiple experimental settings.
Tire health monitoring using the intelligent tire concept

Tire durability plays an important role in road transportation safety. Damaged tires can cause vehicle instability and create potential traffic accidents. To study the potential of using the intell...
StimDust: A 6.5mm 3 , wireless ultrasonic peripheral nerve stimulator with 82% peak chip efficiency

We present a 6.5mm3, 10mg, wireless peripheral nerve stimulator. The stimulator is powered and controlled through ultrasound from an external transducer and utilizes a single 750×750×750μm3 piezocrystal for downlink communication, powering, and readout, reducing implant volume and mass. An IC with 0.06mm2 active circuit area, designed in TSMC 65nm LPCMOS process, converts harvested ultrasound to stimulation charge with a peak efficiency of 82%. A custom wireless protocol that does not require a clock or memory circuits reduces on-chip power to 4μW when not stimulating. The encapsulated stimulator was cuffed to the sciatic nerve of an anesthetized rodent and demonstrated full-scale nerve activation in vivo. We achieve a highly efficient and temporally precise wireless peripheral nerve stimulator that is the smallest and lightest to our knowledge.
The Rise of the Commuter Student: Changing Patterns of College Attendance for Students Living at Home in the United States, 1960-1980.

Background/ContextAmerican higher education witnessed rapid expansion between 1960 and 1980, as colleges and universities welcomed millions of new students. The proportion of 19- and 20-year-old st...