cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population-Based Prevalence of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations in Older Adults: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Importance The prevalence of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is unknown. Case ascertainment in most previous studies was based on autopsy data or clinical convenience samples, often without detailed clinical or radiologic information. Objective To determine the prevalence of CCM in a population-based sample of older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective imaging study included 4721 participants aged 50 to 89 years who were enrolled between January 1, 2004, and December 15, 2015, in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, a longitudinal, population-based study of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. An age- and sex-stratified sampling strategy was used to randomly select participants from Olmsted County using the medical records linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Participants were invited to undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the 4721 participants, 2715 had an evaluable MRI. All images were reviewed by a board-certified neuroradiologist, and MRI reports were searched for the terms cavernous malformation, cavernous angioma, and cavernoma . Two vascular neurologists reviewed MRIs, and potential CCMs were classified using Zabramski classification. Medical records of the identified individuals with CCM were reviewed along with their demographic information, medical history, and any symptoms referable to the identified CCM lesion. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence of CCM and clinical and radiologic characteristics of study participants with CCM. Results Of the 2715 participants who underwent MRI scans, 12 (0.44%) had CCM. With the use of inverse probability weights to adjust for participation bias, the overall prevalence was 0.46% (95% CI, 0.05-0.86). The age-adjusted prevalence was found to be 0.61% (95% CI, 0-1.47) for the 50- to 59-year age group, 0.17% (95% CI, 0-0.50) for the 60- to 69-year age group, 0.45% (95% CI, 0.09-0.81) for the 70- to 79-year age group, and 0.58% (95% CI, 0-1.29) for the 80- to 89-year age group. The sex-adjusted prevalence was 0.41% (95% CI, 0-1.00) for women and 0.51% (95% CI, 0-1.07) for men. Observed frequencies were similar in men and women, with a slight male predominance. Of the 12 participants with CCM, 9 (75%) had a single Zabramski type 2 lesion in a supratentorial location. Only 1 participant (0.037%) was symptomatic from the CCM during the study period. Conclusions and Relevance The findings and data from this study are important for determining the potential number of patients available for cohort studies and anticipated clinical trials in older patients with CCM.
The effects of defects on the compressive response of thick carbon composites: An experimental and computational study

Abstract The effects of defects on lowering the compressive strength of thick unidirectional carbon fiber polymer matrix composites are reported here. Experimental results on specimens with specially designed defect shape and sizes are presented. A decrease in compressive strength is seen with an increase in both misalignment angle and defect height. Defect aspect ratio seems to influence the dominant mode of failure, with lower defect aspect ratio coupons showing propensity to kink, whereas, higher aspect ratio defects showing propensity to split. However, there is no clear demarcation between the two modes or sequence of failure that can be inferred from the test results. To study the interaction and influence of defect dimensions on the compressive strength, a finite element based mechanics model is implemented. The model allows for kinking and splitting of composite layers. This study shows that compressive strength is dependent not only on the geometry of defects but also on the consolidation of plies over the defect. Furthermore, the need to have a mechanism based notion of compressive strength is borne out of the test results and model predictions.
Purification of GAPDH

Purification is an inevitable process for biochemical and functional characterization of GAPDH especially when biological variations are expected. There are several methods, and in general any protein isolation strategy or enzyme-purification methodology may be adopted to purify GAPDH. However, in this chapter we will outline methods that are more efficient and relevant for GAPDH protein. Also, we will describe a method each for the purification of extracellular (secretory) GAPDH as well as intracellular GAPDH. Several reports have documented the purification and characterization of cellular GAPDH. The scope of this chapter is to provide recent advances rather than a review of literature. Hence the emphasis will be on significant advancements in current protocols. The method described here in for purification is based on the recent identification of novel isoform of GAPDH which is a high molecular weight, secretory GAPDH.
Kinetics for De-Extracellular Matrix(ECM)

A kinetic model for ECM decellularization with Trypsin and Deoxycholic Acid as reactants in a batch system has been developed. The decellularization mechanism has been analysed by solving a series of ordinary differential equations relating heterogeneous reaction kinetics at the solid/liquid interface to mass transfer of reactant and products. In order to remove the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of porcine, special emphasis has been given to the surface area for regulating the depth and amount of the penetration of the reagent, the numerical analysis thereof, and the corresponding experiment were carried out. The effect of chemical reaction order, rate constants and mass transfer coefficients on the overall decellularization rate has been analysed and discussed.
Sleep-disordered breathing and electrocardiographic QRS-T angle: The MESA study

Introduction Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD) but the mechanism is unclear. Abnormal QRS-T angle, a novel electrocardiographic (ECG) marker of ventricular repolarization, has been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes including SCD. We hypothesized that individuals with SDB have more pronounced abnormality in QRS-T angle. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Exam Sleep ancillary study. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) of abnormal frontal and spatial QRS-T angle (defined as >sex-specific 95th percentile thresholds) related to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, body habitus, cardiovascular risks, and prevalent cardiovascular disease. Linear associations between AHI and frontal and spatial QRS-T angle, separately, were also examined using multiple regression models. Results A total of 1,804 participants (mean age 67.9 (±9.0) years, 55.3% women and 64.1% non-whites) were included in the study. Sleep-disordered breathing was common among participants (median AHI 8.6 events/hr IQR [3.2-19.5/hr]). Higher AHI was associated with the odds of abnormal frontal (≥81° in men and ≥79° in women) and spatial QRS-T angle (≥129.7° in men and ≥115.9° in women; OR [95%CI]: 1.25 [1.02-1.51], p = 0.03; 1.23 [1.01-1.50], p = 0.04 respectively per 1 SD [16.8 events/hr] increase in AHI). Similarly, linear associations were observed (frontal QRS-T angle: beta coefficient: 2.30° [0.92, 3.66], p = 0.001; spatial QRS-T angle: beta coefficient: 2.16° [0.67, 3.64], p = 0.005). Conclusion In a racially/ethnically diverse community cohort, severity of SDB is associated with abnormal ventricular repolarization as measured by QRS-T angle.
Conclusion: Identity as an Overarching Construct in Relational Competence Theory

The purpose of this conclusive chapter is to argue that Identity, as differentiated developmentally by Model8 (Fig. 5.4), is the major supra-ordinate construct based on a combination of Communal Presence or Being and Agentic Power defined by Doing/Performance and Having/Production (Model7). Identity, however, is preceded by all the previous models of RCT1–6 and is basic to models that compose it, especially Models12 and 15 (Fig. 6.1).
Microscopic origins of stochastic crack growth

Physical arguments are made to obtain a mathematical model of the stochastic growth of surface fatigue cracks in a ductile metal alloy. The model is a set of coupled partial differential equations for the expected statistical density of cracks per unit area. The differential equations describe the smooth, deterministic local evolution of crack states, with the stochastic effects of abrupt local changes of material in the crack path appearing as transitions between distinct subspaces of single crack state space. Results are related to observables such as statistical distributions of crack growth rate and of time for at least one crack to reach macroscopic length.
Screening for Early Disease Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests play an important role in the clinical strategies of preventive medicine. Some aspects of disease prevention are applicable to all and can be recommended unselectively. Examples include wearing seat belts and avoiding excessive use of alcohol. Other aspects of prevention require the selection of certain higher-risk groups in whom intervention would be beneficial. This selection is often done clinically, as with the use of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines in the elderly or in patients with pulmonary disease. However, many areas of preventive medicine rely on diagnostic tests in the implementation of a clinical strategy. Diagnostic tests are used in prevention in three ways.
DECOMPOSITION AND COORDINATION FOR MULTIOBJECTIVE COMPLEX SYSTEMS

Complex systems are modeled as collections of multiobjective programs each representing a subproblem (a subsystem or component) of the overall system. The sub- problems interact with each other in various ways adding to the complexity of the overall problem. Since the calculation of ecient sets of these complex systems presents a challeng- ing problem, it is desirable to decompose the overall system into component multiobjective programs that are more easily solvable and then construct the ecient set of the overall system. Selected cases of complex system are presented and relationships between their ecient sets and the ecient sets of their subproblems are given.
Test Method for Inertia and Damping of Photovoltaic Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Power Angle Transfer Function

Virtual synchronous generator technology is a new generation of renewable energy generation control technology in recent years. By making up the droop characteristics and rotation inertia of the synchronous generator in the traditional power system, the renewable energy generation has the characteristics of the traditional generator. At present, there is no unified testing method for PV virtual synchronous generators with different technical routes, and the technical regulations and test regulations of the related virtual synchronous generators at home and abroad are in blank. In this paper, a test method for rotating inertia and damping of PV virtual synchronous generator based on the function of power frequency transfer function is proposed and verified by a hardware in the loop simulation platform. This method does not need to take into account the two order and above characteristics of the virtual synchronous generator. It is suitable for various types of PV virtual synchronous generator rotation inertia test, and solves the problem of the lack of standardized test method for the damping characteristic of the virtual synchronous generator.
Perinatal Interactions between the Microbiome, Immunity, and Neurodevelopment

The microbiome modulates host immune function across the gastrointestinal tract, peripheral lymphoid organs, and central nervous system. In this review, we highlight emerging evidence that microbial effects on select immune phenotypes arise developmentally, where the maternal and neonatal microbiome influence immune cell ontogeny in the offspring during gestation and early postnatal life. We further discuss roles for the perinatal microbiome and early-life immunity in regulating normal neurodevelopmental processes. In addition, we examine evidence that abnormalities in microbiota-neuroimmune interactions during early life are associated with altered risk of neurological disorders in humans. Finally, we conclude by evaluating the potential implications of microbiota-immune interventions for neurological conditions. Continued progress toward dissecting mechanistic interactions between the perinatal microbiota, immune system, and nervous system might uncover fundamental insights into how developmental interactions across physiological systems inform later-life health and disease.
Evaluating the public health response to a mass bat exposure-Wyoming, 2017.

Mass bat exposures (MBEs) occur when multiple people are exposed to a bat or a bat colony, often over an extended period. In August 2017, a public health investigation was started in response to an MBE that occurred during May-August 2017 at a national park research station in Wyoming. We identified 176 people who had slept primarily in two lodges (Lodges A and B) at the research station, and successfully contacted 165 (93.8%) of these individuals. Risk assessments (RAs) were administered to all 165 individuals to determine degree and type of exposures to bats (e.g., biting or scratching). Exposure status for research station guests was classified as "non-exposed," "low risk" or "high risk," and counselling was provided to guide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommendations. Prior to public health notification and intervention, 19 persons made the decision to pursue PEP. The healthcare-seeking behaviours of this group were taken to represent outcomes in the absence of public health intervention. (These persons received a RA, and their risk classification was retrospectively assigned.) Approximately 1-2 weeks after conducting the RAs, we conducted a follow-up survey to determine whether recommendations regarding PEP were ultimately followed. The proportion of individuals that unnecessarily pursued PEP was higher among the 19 individuals that sought health care prior to receiving the RA (p < 0.00001). Among those receiving the RA first, all persons classified as high risk followed public health guidance to seek PEP treatment. Despite this, upon re-interview, only 21/79 (26.6%) of guests could accurately recall their risk classification, with most people (55.7%) overestimating their risk. Study findings demonstrate that early public health interventions such as RAs can reduce unnecessary use of PEP and that messaging used during rabies counselling should be clear.
Heightened nest loss in tropical forest fragments despite higher predator load in core forest

Tropical understory birds have declined due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation. Here, we revisited a study conducted three decades ago and used artificial nests to examine depredation rates in a Costa Rican biological corridor. Using camera trap data, we compared potential nest predator detection rates at experimental tinamou ground nests in La Selva Biological Station and at sites in five local forest fragments. Nest predator detections were positively associated with landscape-scale core forest and distance away from forest edge, as well as with local-scale human trails, and negatively associated with primary forest compared to secondary growth. Twenty-two of 52 artificial nests were depredated, which was similar to previous research in the area. Mammalian and avian predators were common nest predators, but unknown predators (presumably snakes) were responsible for half of nests lost. Nests within La Selva core forest had lower probability of nest loss compared to fragments despite exhibiting higher predator detection rates. Yet other fragmentation covariates such as distance from forest edge, nest occurrence on human trails, or forest age were not associated with nest loss. We suggest that concentrated foraging is the underlying mechanism behind the community interactions that we observed. Community members exist in concentrated use areas within forest fragments, which results in heightened predator foraging rates and thus stronger interactions in fragments despite more predators encountering the nests in core forest. Fragmentation is a global phenomenon and we suspect that concentrated community use of limited resources is driving species to interact more strongly than in natural ecosystems.
Autoantibodies against citrullinated serum albumin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, potentially debilitating, inflammatory disease that primarily affects synovial joints. While the etiology of RA remains incompletely understood, it is clear that the disease is autoimmune in nature. A hallmark of RA is that the specific epitopes on self-antigens that are targeted by the immune system are often modified by arginine deimination, also referred to as citrullination. In fact, anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) at high enough titers are diagnostic of RA and appear to have many different targets. Here, we report that RA patients have IgG autoantibodies that react with human serum albumin (HSA) when it had been citrullinated by protein arginine deiminase (PAD) 4, but not by PAD2. Unmodified albumin was not recognized by autoantibodies. In a cohort of 79 RA patients, 38% had anti-citrullinated HSA (anti-cit-HSA) reactivity above the cut-off of the average plus two standard deviations in a healthy subject cohort (n = 16). The titers of these autoantibodies correlated with ACPA status and seropositivity. There was also a trend toward correlation with the presence of radiographic joint erosions, but this did not reach statistical significance. Finally, patients with anti-cit-HSA were more frequently treated with biologics and combination regimens than patients without these autoantibodies. We conclude that ACPA directed against citrullinated albumin exist in a subset of RA patients. Because of the abundance of albumin, its modification by citrullination, as well as autoantibodies binding to it, may have deleterious consequences for the health of affected RA patients.
Asymmetry of CNOT gate operation in superconducting transmon quantum processors using cross-resonance entangling

Controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates are commonly included in the standard gate set of quantum processors and provide an important way to entangle qubits. For fixed-frequency qubits using the cross-resonance entangling technique, using the higher-frequency qubit to control the lower-frequency qubit enables much shorter entangling times than using the lower-frequency qubit as the control. Consequently, when implementing a CNOT gate where logical control by the lower-frequency qubit is needed, compilers may implement this functionality by using an equivalent circuit such as placing Hadamard gates on both qubits before and after a CNOT gate controlled by the higher-frequency qubit. However, since the implementation is different depending on which qubit is the control, a natural question arises regarding the relative performance of the implementations. We have explored this using quantum processors on the IBM Q network. The basic circuit used consisted of operations to create a Bell State, followed by the inverse operations so as to return the qubits to their initial state in the absence of errors (Hadamard + CNOT + barrier + CNOT + Hadamard). The circuit depth was varied using multiples of this basic circuit. An asymmetry in the error of the final state was observed that increased with the circuit depth. The strength and direction of the asymmetry was unique but repeatable for each pair of coupled qubits tested. This observation suggests that the asymmetry in CNOT implementation should be characterized for the qubits of interest and incorporated into circuit transpilation to obtain the best accuracy for a particular computation.
Comment: Regularization via Bayesian Penalty Mixing

Ridge regression and the lasso illustrate some of the remarkable successes of penalized likelihood regularization for regression analysis. When viewed through the Bayesian lens of posterior maximiz...
Nuclear mechanisms of gene expression control: pre-mRNA splicing as a life or death decision

Thousands of genes produce polyadenylated mRNAs that still contain one or more introns. These transcripts are known as retained intron RNAs (RI-RNAs). In the past 10 years, RI-RNAs have been linked to post-transcriptional alternative splicing in a variety of developmental contexts, but they can also be dead-end products fated for RNA decay. Here we discuss the role of intron retention in shaping gene expression programs, as well as recent evidence suggesting that the biogenesis and fate of RI-RNAs is regulated by nuclear organization. We discuss the possibility that proximity of RNA to nuclear speckles - biomolecular condensates that are highly enriched in splicing factors and other RNA binding proteins - is associated with choices ranging from efficient co-transcriptional splicing, export and stability to regulated post-transcriptional splicing and possible vulnerability to decay.
Basic Principles of Computed Tomography

Summary The technologic advances in CT of the past 30 years have made CT one of the most useful imaging modalities for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. CT provides the surgeon with an important tool that allows the evaluation of complex facial fractures (Fig. 18) and the extent of pathologic conditions (Fig. 19) in three dimensions and without the superimposition of adjacent structures. Advances in image reconstruction also provide the surgeon new ways to evaluate potential implant sites,6,20 the bony components of the temporomandibular joint (Fig. 20), and the paranasal sinuses (Fig. 21).5 Investigators have used CT to perform virtual surgery and CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies of heretofore inaccessible regions of the head and neck.22 These advances make CT an invaluable diagnostic tool in the armamentarium of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Evaluating the microstructure and origin of nonmetallic inclusions in as-cast U-10Mo fuel

Abstract Low enriched uranium alloyed with 10 wt. % molybdenum (U-10Mo) has been identified as a promising alternative to highly enriched uranium oxide dispersion fuels for use in high performance research and test reactors. Manufacturing U-10Mo alloy fuel involves several complex thermomechanical processing steps and understanding of the microstructure and its evolution throughout the various fabrication steps is critical to enable the deployment of a reliable fuel production capability. Nonmetallic inclusions are often found in U castings and may affect subsequent fuel processing steps and microstructure evolution. Yet, the origin of these inclusions is not well established. To elucidate their origin and formation mechanisms, nonmetallic inclusions in U-10Mo castings were characterized on sub-nanometer to millimeter scale. Inclusion distribution, morphology, size, and composition were determined for the metallic fuel samples. Inclusions were estimated to comprise ~ 0.4 % of the fuel (by area), were identified at both grain boundaries and grain interiors, and were found to have varying morphologies (e.g., core-shell, elongated, blocky). All inclusions were either uranium carbides or oxides, or a combination of the two (i.e., dual-phase inclusions). Analysis of inclusions via atom probe tomography revealed that carbides and oxides were hypostoichiometric, with minor amounts of additional impurity elements present (e.g., Si, H). All analyzed inclusions were found to be enriched to ~20 at. % 235U, consistent with the surrounding γ-UMo matrix and target enrichment for the low enriched U fuel, indicating that the inclusions formed during the downblending of highly enriched U metal with depleted U via the melting and casting processes.
Resisting the Corporatization of Nonprofit Governance: Transforming Obedience into Fidelity Symposium: Nonprofit Law, Economic Challenges, and the Future of Charities: Panel IV: The Increasing Resemblance of Nonprofit and Business Organizations Law

It is my privilege, as organizer of this conference, to reflect on the excellent papers published in this issue and the wonderful discussions that they inspired. The presentations left me with the impression that the law of nonprofit governance is moving toward a more corporate model of accountability—a model that emphasizes audits and other formal financial controls,1 and that focuses enforcement on financial wrongdoing and misuse of charitable funds by directors and managers.2 Along with these developments, it appears that the legal role of donors in nonprofit governance is growing, increasing donors’ ability to impose their vision on the organizations that they support.3 These trends are reflected in the models for nonprofit governance prepared by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector and the American Law Institute (ALI). The panel’s report, Strengthening Transparency, Governance and Accountability of Charitable Organizations, closely followed a business model, stressing financial
Secreted indicators of androgen receptor activity in breast cancer pre-clinical models.

PURPOSE Accumulating evidence has attracted attention to the androgen receptor (AR) as a biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. We hypothesized that AR activity within the tumor has clinical implications and investigated whether androgen responsive serum factors might serve as a minimally invasive indicator of tumor AR activity. METHODS Based on a comprehensive gene expression analysis of an AR-positive, triple negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, 163 dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-responsive genes were defined as an androgen responsive gene set. Among them, we focused on genes that were DHT-responsive that encode secreted proteins, namely KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP, that encode the secreted factors prostate specific antigen (PSA), zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and prolactin induced protein (PIP), respectively. Using AR-positive breast cancer cell lines representing all breast cancer subtypes, expression of candidate factors was assessed in response to agonist DHT and antagonist enzalutamide. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on publically available gene expression datasets from breast cancer patients to analyze the relationship between genes encoding the secreted factors and other androgen responsive gene sets in each breast cancer subtype. RESULTS Anti-androgen treatment decreased proliferation in all cell lines tested representing various tumor subtypes. Expression of the secreted factors was regulated by AR activation in the majority of breast cancer cell lines. In GSEA, the candidate genes were positively correlated with an androgen responsive gene set across breast cancer subtypes. CONCLUSION KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP are AR regulated and reflect tumor AR activity. Further investigations are needed to examine the potential efficacy of these factors as serum biomarkers.
Addiction-Related Memory Transfer and Retention in Planaria

Memory retention and transfer in organisms happen at either the neural or genetic level. In humans, addictive behavior is known to pass from parents to offspring. In flatworm planaria (Dugesia tigrina), memory transfer has been claimed to be horizontal, i.e., through cannibalism. Our study is a preliminary step to understand the mechanisms underlying the transfer of addictive behavior to offspring. Since the neural and neurochemical responses of planaria share similarities with humans, it is possible to induce addictions and get predictable behavioral responses. Addiction can be induced in planaria, and decapitation will reveal if the addictive memories are solely stored in the brain. The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that addictive memory is also retained in the brainless posterior region of planaria. The surface preference of the planaria was first determined between smooth and rough surfaces. Through Pavlovian conditioning, the preferred surface was paired with water and the unpreferred surface with sucrose. After the planaria were trained and addicted, their surface preference shifted as a conditioned place preference (CPP) was established. When decapitated, the regenerated segment from the anterior part containing the brain retained the addiction, thus maintaining a shift in the surface preference. Importantly, we observed that the posterior part preserved this CPP as well, suggesting that memory retention is not attributed exclusively to the brain but might also occur at the genetic level. As a secondary objective, the effects of neurotransmitter blocking agents in preventing addiction were studied by administering a D1 dopamine antagonist to planaria, which could provide pointers to treat addictions in humans.
Fiction’s Scientific Double: Hallucinations in Jean Paul’s Siebenkäs

This chapter explores how Etienne Esquirol’s work on hallucinations allowed the genre of the case study to take hold within the field of neurology and become an invaluable tool in the medicalization of imagination and fantasy. In pursuit of the process by which hallucinations ceased to be the Other of science and instead became its literary counterpart, this chapter examines the proliferation of the double in the novels of Jean Paul Richter, whose works attest to the muddling of the distinction between factual and fictional writing, speculative philosophy, scientific reasoning, and literary imagination.
Simulations of Temporal and Spatial Variability in Shallow Water Propagation

Propagation in a shallow water waveguide leads to acoustic fields with complex spatial structure, and interaction with time dependent sea surface roughness modifies this structure and introduces temporal variability as well. Results of 2-D simulations will be described for propagation in a shallow water waveguide showing that the effects of temporal variability in field structure due to sea surface roughness are significant at relatively short range, but are much less important at longer ranges. It will also be shown that at longer ranges the effect of boundary roughness has a smoothing effect on the spatial structure of the propagating field.
Deconvolution analysis for pulsed-laser photoacoustics.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes time-resolved, pulsed-laser photoacoustics and the way its data can be deconvolved to give kinetic and volumetric information. The process uses two analysis methods common to time-resolved fluorescence decay—namely, nonlinear least-squares iterative reconvolution and the method of moments. The analysis techniques are illustrated in the chapter with experimental and synthetic data. The processes involved in the pulsed-laser photoacoustic experiment involve absorbing of a photon from a laser pulse by a molecule in solution. The purpose of photoacoustic waveform deconvolution is to obtain information on the rate and magnitude of volume changes (for example, owing to heat release) following the absorption of a photon. The chapter describes the features of photoacoustic waveform analysis. The preprocessing of photoacoustic data is necessary before waveform deconvolution is performed. The method of moments has been developed primarily for the deconvolution and analysis of fluorescence decay data. The method of moments is a transform method. Both nonlinear least-squares iterative reconvolution and the method of moments can be used to analyze time-resolved, pulsed-laser photoacoustic waveform data accurately. Both techniques adequately return the magnitude of fast components and the magnitude and lifetime of slower components. The nonlinear least-squares method is somewhat easier to conceptualize and interpret, but the method of moments has strength in being robust with respect to the nonrandom errors, undoubtedly present in experimental photoacoustic data.
Modified time-based multilayer perceptron for sensor networks and image processing applications

The paper introduces a modified time-based multilayer perceptron (MTBMLP), which is a complex structure composed by a few time-based multilayer perceptrons. This modification reduces connections, isolates information for each function and produces knowledge about the system of functions as a whole. This neural network is applied for novelty and change detection in signals delivered by sensor networks and for edge detection in image processing. In both applications a MTBMLP is utilized for function predictions and, after a further structure development is implemented, for an error prediction also. In sensor network applications, a number of experiments with Crossbow sensor kits and the MTBMLP acting as a function predictor have been conducted and analyzed for detecting a significant change in signals of various shapes and nature. A series of experiments with Lena image have been conducted for edge detection applications. The results demonstrate that MTBMLP is more efficient and reliable than other methodologies in sensor network change detection and that its application in change detection is more effective than in edge detection.
Peripheral lung cancer detection by vascular tumor labeling using in-vivo microendoscopy under real time 3D CT image guided intervention

We designed and evaluated a real time 3D CT Image Guided Intervention system that integrates in-vivo microendoscopic imaging for on-the-spot visualization of ICG contrast uptake by tumor vessel in peripheral lung tumors. The performance of the system was evaluated in seven rabbits where VX2 cells were implanted in the chest to create peripheral lung tumors. Two weeks later the animal underwent a chest CT scan which was used for creating a real time 3D vision and navigation tracking. ICG was injected fifteen minutes prior to the needle puncture to allow adequate contrast leakage inside the tumor and plasma clearance. After the needle puncture, the microendoscope was introduced inside the tumor for imaging. Visualization of tumor leaky vasculature was possible in all the tumors. The experiment demonstrated that real-time microendoscopy of deep solid organs under a 3D CT image-guided system is possible while providing enough accuracy in reaching tumors without complications.
Crop Epigenomics: Identifying, Unlocking, and Harnessing Cryptic Variation in Crop Genomes

DNA methylation is a key chromatin modification in plant genomes that is meiotically and mitotically heritable, and at times is associated with gene expression and morphological variation. Benefiting from the increased availability of high-quality reference genome assemblies and methods to profile single-base resolution DNA methylation states, DNA methylomes for many crop species are available. These efforts are making it possible to begin answering crucial questions, including understanding the role of DNA methylation in developmental processes, its role in crop species evolution, and whether DNA methylation is dynamically altered and heritable in response to changes in the environment. These genome-wide maps provide evidence for the existence of silent epialleles in plant genomes which, once identified, can be targeted for reactivation leading to phenotypic variation.
Robust EEG separability of subject specific records via clustering and data driven metrics

The criteria used to discriminate electroencephalograms (EEG) between subjects in different mental states, performing clinical trials, or suffering from seizures are found by removing subject specific information to develop robust universal features. Information is lost in pursuit of feature detection that could be used to develop links previously overlooked between subjects. We show that these feature spaces allow models to be built that can be used to cluster subjects. These models will form the basis of an algorithm that can quantify similarity between EEG signals regardless of the state of the subject. The existence of a robust comparison metric would enable applications such as biometrics, neural interfaces, and clinical diagnostic support.
Else Lasker-Schüler and Franz Marc

This essay investigates the relationship and artistic similarities between the poetess Else Lasker-Schuler and the painter Franz Marc with regard to their friendship, their similar background and development, their artistic goals, and the actual development of their style. Both abhorred the modern technological world, for example, and sought in their works to create an innocent, child-like atmosphere, to revitalize the natural and primordial drives, and to create a new mythological tone. In their style they both progressed from a rather uncontrolled, fanciful structure, very similar in ambience to Jugendstil, to a carefully conceived and highly compressed form of creativity which was based in a mosaic-like constellation of motifs and images. The close relationship between poetess and painter can be viewed as typical of the interworkings of literature and art of the Expressionist period.
Three-Dimensional Human Tissue Models of Wounded Skin

Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are in vitro tissues in which a fully differentiated, stratified squamous epithelium is grown at an air-liquid interface on a Type I collagen gel harboring human dermal fibroblasts. HSEs now provide experimental human tissue models to study factors that direct re-epithelialization and epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk following wounding. This chapter describes the fabrication of HSEs from human keratinocytes and fibroblasts and how HSEs can be modified to characterize the response of the human epithelium during wound repair. The protocols outlined first describe techniques for the generation of human tissues that closely approximate the architectural features, differentiation, and growth of human skin. This will be followed by a description of a protocol that enables HSEs to be adapted to monitor their response following wounding. These engineered human tissues provide powerful tools to study biological process in tissues that mimic the healing of human skin and of the epithelial tissue.
Probing Excited States with Multiphoton Ionization

Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) utilizes tunable dye lasers to ionize an atom or molecule by first preparing an excited state by multiphoton absorption and then ionizing that state before it can decay. This process is highly selective with respect to both the initial and resonant intermediate states of the target, and it can be extremely sensitive. In addition, the products of the REMPI process can be detected as needed by analyzing the resulting electrons, ions, fluorescence, or by additional REMPI. This points to a number of opportunities for exploring excited state physics and chemistry at the quantum-state-specific level. Here we will begin with a brief overview of the large variety of experimental approaches to excited state phenomena made possible by REMPI. Then we will examine in more detail several examples which illustrate some of these approaches: First, we will discuss three photon resonant, four photon (3+1) ionization of H2 via the C1 IIu state. Strong non-Franck-Condon behavior in the photoelectron spectra of this simple Rydberg state has led to the examination of a variety of dynamical mechanisms. Of these, the role of doubly excited autoionizing states now seems decisive.
Optical network reconfiguration for signal processing applications

This paper considers a class of embedded signal processing applications. To achieve real-time performance these applications must be executed on a parallel processor. The paper focuses on the multiring optical interconnection network used in the system and specifically on the performance gains associated with utilizing the bandwidth reconfiguration capabilities associated with the network. The network is capable of being reconfigured to provide designated bandwidths to different source-destination connections both across rings and within a ring. The applications each consist of a sequence of alternating communication and computation phases. The sequence continues until execution of the application is complete. The effect of reconfiguration on application performance is explored using simulation techniques. The results indicate that substantial performance gains (speedups of 2 or more) can be achieved for this application class.
Aspirin Protects Against Barrett’s Esophagus in a Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis

Background & Aims Better criteria are needed to identify patients who should be screened for Barrett's esophagus (BE) to reduce overtesting and improve the cost effectiveness. There is evidence that chemopreventive agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, reduce the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), but little is known about their effects on BE. We analyzed characteristics of patients with BE for factors that might be used in screening and management. Methods In this case-controlled study, we identified 434 patients with BE diagnosed at the first endoscopy (incident cases) at a single institution (1997–2010). BE cases were matched with controls on the basis of indication for endoscopy, year of endoscopy, and endoscopist. Risk factors analyzed included age, sex, body mass index, medical and social history, and medications. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify clinical risk factors for BE. Results In a multivariate regression model, men had a greater risk for developing BE (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.3–4.4), whereas current aspirin users had a lower risk than nonusers (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.80). A subset analysis, limited to patients who had endoscopies for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, yielded similar findings. No interactions were found between aspirin use and smoking or use of acid-suppressive medications. Conclusions In a case-controlled study of 434 patients with BE, current aspirin use appeared to reduce the risk of BE; previous studies associated aspirin use with a reduced risk of EAC. Although efforts were made to minimize biases in our analysis, the possibility of residual confounding remains.
Regional variation in the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the canine resistance vessels.

Vasoconstrictor effects of non-selective and relatively selective alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic agonists (noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, clonidine, and alpha-methylnora drenaline) and the inhibition of their vasoconstrictor effects by prazosin or yohimbine were studied in vivo in the renal and femoral vascular beds of pentobarbital anesthetized, beta-adrenergic and ganglion-blocked dogs. Some animals were additionally pretreated with methylphenidate to block uptake of the agonists by the nerves. In the femoral vascular bed the following results were obtained: 1. Clonidine was equipotent with noradrenaline and about 15-fold more potant than phenylephrine in reducing the blood flow. 2. Yohimbi while prazosin had practically no effect on, the induced by clonidine. 3. Vasoconstriction induced by phenylephrine or methoxamine was antagonized by prazosin but not by yohimbine. The results obtained in the renal vascular bed were as follows: 1. Clonidine was about 12-fold weaker than noradrenaline and nearly equipotent with phenylephrine in reducing blood flow. 2. Both yohimbine and prazosin were weak antagonists of the vasoconstriction induced by clonidine and tended to be additive. 3. Prazosin effectively antagonized the effects of phenylephrine or methoxamine. Noradrenaline and alpha-methylnoradrenaline caused vasoconstriction in both beds and their effects were inhibited by both antagonists which tended to be additive in either vascular bed.
Determination of the thermal expansion and thermo-optic coefficients of a bacteriorhodopsin film

Abstract The linear expansion and thermo-optic coefficients of a bacteriorhodopsin film were measured by using an interferometric method. The experimental results confirm the previous suspicions that the large refractive nonlinearity which occurs at high illumination intensities arises form a thermal effect. The results also suggest a possible way to increase the usable thermal nonlinearity by four times.
Synthesis of nanocrystalline NbAl3 by laser ablation technique

Abstract Synthesis of nanocrystalline material has been developed using laser ablation technique. NbAl 3 nanocrystalline powders have been synthesized by laser ablation and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average particle size was measured about 5.0 nm. Production yield and ablation rate were obtained as a function of He background pressure and laser pulse energy by measuring the weight of produced powders and weight loss of the target material before and after experiment. The ablation rate appeared to be relatively constant over the range of the He gas pressure. Production rate varied along with both He gas pressure and laser pulse energy. Optimum condition for efficiently high production rate is at 1.0 Torr of He gas pressure and at 320 mJ of the laser pulse energy.
The mechanism of fluid and electrolyte transport across corneal endothelium: Critical revision and update of a model

A model for endothelial transport is updated to include recent evidence. We discuss electrolyte movements based on a Na+-K+ ATPase, a Na+-H+ exchanger, a Na+-HCO3 coupler, a Cl- -HCO-3 exchanger, a K+-Cl-coupler, and K+ and anion channels. We discuss near-isotonic transport of fluid on the basis of recent findings of high endothelial osmotic permeability.
Association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (estimated from job category) with concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide in urine from workers at a steel plant.

OBJECTIVES--Increased risk of lung cancer has been associated with employment in the steel industry. This association is thought to be due in part to increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air found in this work environment. Measurement of PAH metabolites in human urine provides a means of assessing individual internal dose of PAHs. This study examined the relative contribution of occupation and smoking to urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) among a group of workers at a steel plant. METHODS--Concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine from 44 workers with jobs associated with increased air concentrations of PAHs and 40 workers with jobs with low or no exposure to PAHs were measured. 20 workers in each group were not current smokers. Urinary 1-OHPG was measured by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy after immunoaffinity chromatography specific for PAH metabolites. RESULTS--Mean (SEM) urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 2.16 (0.42) pmol/ml urine among the 44 occupationally exposed workers compared with 0.38 (0.05) among the 40 workers with no or low exposure (P < 0.0001). Mean urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 1.82 (0.41) pmol/ml urine among the 44 current smokers compared with 0.75 (0.20) among the 40 non-smokers (P < 0.005). Mean 1-OHPG concentrations in non-smokers were 0.26 (n = 20), 0.70 (n = 15), and 2.84 pmol/ml urine (n = 5) for strata of exposure to PAHs (no or low, mid, and high) based on job category; the corresponding values in smokers were 0.55 (n = 20), 0.94 (n = 12), and 4.91 pmol/ml (n = 12), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed significant differences between subjects in different PAH exposure with increased concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine. Amounts of foods containing PAHs ingested by this group of workers were relatively low and did not contribute significantly to urinary 1-OHPG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS--These results indicate that 1-OHPG is a common urinary metabolite in people with recent occupational exposure to PAHs and is associated with both job category and estimated stratum of PAH exposure.