cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cover: Window to the Future Self

Waiting for her evening bus, the working woman quickly peruses the magazines on the news-stand. Brightly colored images and graphics compete for her attention as she is drawn to the largest single group of magazines — the women’s publications. In contrast to the drab office surroundings that she has just left, the glamorous images are especially appealing: an executive woman typing at the beach on the cover of Working Woman; close-up shots of flawless, sophisticated faces on the covers of Vogue and Glamour; three-quarter, middle-distance shots of the Cosmopolitan and New Woman models in evening attire; the impeccably appointed family room beneath the logo of House Beautiful; and the perfectly prepared food on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. What do these diverse images of perfection have in common?
The Role of Isolation Methods on a Nanoscale Surface Structure and its Effect on the Size of Exosomes.

Exosomes are ∼100 nanometre diameter vesicles secreted by mammalian cells. These emerging disease biomarkers carry nucleic acids, proteins and lipids specific to the parental cells that secrete the...
Prevention of +Gz-induced loss of consciousness.

Objective recordings of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters at heart and head levels on human centrifuges and in flight provided the physiologic insights which led to development, during and shortly after World War II, of very effective anti-G suits and simultaneous use of positive pressure respiratory straining maneuvers. The high sustained Gz capabilities of current and future fighter planes have forced recourse to these techniques with minimal awareness of their origins. Possible catastrophic limitations of very effective full coverage anti-G suits, including water immersion to the apex of the thorax, especially when used without positive pressure breathing, were also documented at that time.
The Role and Importance of Clinical Trial Registries and Results Databases

Abstract This chapter describes the evolving role of clinical trial registries and results databases. The first part describes the important public health policy goals of registration and results reporting, its history, and key policies in the United States and abroad. The second part focuses on practical issues, policies, and procedures for submitting data to and using data from ClinicalTrials.gov , the largest publicly available clinical trials database in the world. The future role of systematic sharing of individual participant data also is discussed.
EKLF Is Recruited to the γ-Globin Gene Promoter as a Co-Activator and Is Required for γ-Globin Gene Induction by Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

The erythroid Kruppel-like factor, EKLF, is an essential transcription factor for mammalian β-type globin gene switching, and specifically activates transcription of the adult β-globin gene through binding of its zinc finger domain to the β-globin promoter. We report now that EKLF is also required for activation of the γ-globin gene by short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) derivatives. We found that specific knockdown of EKLF levels by siRNA prevents SCFA induced-expression of an integrated γ-globin promoter in a stably-expressed mLCR β pr R luc A γ pr F luc cassette, and prevents induction of the endogenous γ-globin gene in primary human erythroid progenitors. In chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, EKLF was found to be actively recruited to the endogenous γ-globin gene promoter with exposure of human erythroid progenitors, and hematopoietic cell lines, to SCFA derivatives. The human SWI/WNF complex is a ubiquitous multimeric complex that regulates gene expression by remodeling nucleosomal structure in an ATP-dependent manner. We found that the SWI/SNF complex chromatin-modifying core ATPase BRG1 is also required for γ-globin gene induction by SCFA derivatives. Furthermore, BRG1 is actively recruited to the endogenous γ-globin promoter of human erythroid progenitors with exposure to SCFA derivatives, and this recruitment is dependent upon the presence of EKLF. These findings all demonstrate that EKLF, and the co-activator BRG1, previously demonstrated to be required for definitive or adult erythropoietic patterns of globin gene expression, are co-opted by SCFA derivatives to activate the fetal globin genes. Recently. we also identified a γ-globin-specific repressor complex, consisting of NCoR and HDAC3, which is displaced from the proximal γ-globin promoter by exposure to SCFA derivatives prior to activation of transcription (Blood, 108:3179–86, 2006). Collectively, these studies identify critical activating and repressing cofactors regulating γ-globin gene expression, and provide new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Sustaining quality of services through service reliability and availability

In the current IT landscape, key challenges are to "un the business", "Outperform competition" & to expand the customer base to "Grow the business". This mandates an organization to constantly diversify the existing services provided and add new offerings. During such transformation initiatives, it is also imperative to ensure services are available 24/7 without interruption. This paper discusses the current trend and challenges faced by IT organization of an advanced TV service provider during major service rollouts and how service availability and reliability enabled streamlined business and IT operations. The main objective of the paper is to present the case study for sustaining quality of service and defining the framework for reporting service reliability and availability. As a result of the study, observations on areas of service validation and operations are presented.
‘NO OUTLET’:A critical visual analysis of neoliberal narratives in mediated geographies

This article turns to Miami, Florida’s (USA) Upper Eastside – an eclectic stretch of about 20 city blocks in one of the nation’s ‘global cities’ – for a critical visual analysis that uses mapping and photography to explore how neoliberalism is communicated. With an approach that considers geography as a visual ‘vernacular landscape’, this research further supports the role of visual communication as a means to reveal deeper meanings of geography, particularly in terms of identifying ideological qualities of the neoliberal project that are often hidden in plain view. The authors’ photographs and maps supply data for this article, which are then read through the process of ‘geosemiotics’.
Structure-Function Studies Link Class II Viral Fusogens with the Ancestral Gamete Fusion Protein HAP2.

Summary The conserved transmembrane protein, HAP2/GCS1, has been linked to fertility in a wide range of taxa and is hypothesized to be an ancient gamete fusogen. Using template-based structural homology modeling, we now show that the ectodomain of HAP2 orthologs from Tetrahymena thermophila and other species adopt a protein fold remarkably similar to the dengue virus E glycoprotein and related class II viral fusogens. To test the functional significance of this predicted structure, we developed a flow-cytometry-based assay that measures cytosolic exchange across the conjugation junction to rapidly probe the effects of HAP2 mutations in the Tetrahymena system. Using this assay, alterations to a region in and around a predicted "fusion loop" in T. thermophila HAP2 were found to abrogate membrane pore formation in mating cells. Consistent with this, a synthetic peptide corresponding to the HAP2 fusion loop was found to interact directly with model membranes in a variety of biophysical assays. These results raise interesting questions regarding the evolutionary relationships of class II membrane fusogens and harken back to a long-held argument that eukaryotic sex arose as the byproduct of selection for the horizontal transfer of a "selfish" genetic element from cell to cell via membrane fusion.
Expert Elicitation, Uncertainty, and the Value of Information in Controlling Invasive Species

Abstract We illustrate the utility of expert elicitation, explicit recognition of uncertainty, and the value of information for directing management and research efforts for invasive species, using tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) in southern Florida as a case study. We posited a post-birth pulse, matrix model in which four age classes of tegus are recognized: hatchlings, 1 year-old, 2 year-olds, and 3 + year-olds. This matrix model was parameterized using a 3-point process to elicit estimates of tegu demographic rates in southern Florida from 10 herpetology experts. We fit statistical distributions for each parameter and for each expert, then drew and pooled a large number of replicate samples from these to form a distribution for each demographic parameter. Using these distributions, as well as the observed correlations among elicited values, we generated a large sample of matrix population models to infer how the tegu population would respond to control efforts. We used the concepts of Pareto efficiency and stochastic dominance to conclude that targeting older age classes at relatively high rates appears to have the best chance of minimizing tegu abundance and control costs. We conclude that expert opinion combined with an explicit consideration of uncertainty can be valuable in conducting an initial assessment of what control strategy, effort, and monetary resources are needed to reduce and eventually eliminate the invader. Scientists, in turn, can use the value of information to focus research in a way that not only increases the efficacy of control, but minimizes costs as well.
X-ray Spectroscopy and Imaging as Multiscale Probes of Intercalation Phenomena in Cathode Materials

Intercalation phenomena are at the heart of modern electrochemical energy storage. Nevertheless, as out-of-equilibrium processes involving concomitant mass and charge transport, such phenomena can be difficult to engineer in a predictive manner. The rational design of electrode architectures requires mechanistic understanding of physical phenomena spanning multiple length scales, from atomistic distortions and electron localization at individual transition metal centers to phase inhomogeneities and intercalation gradients in individual particles and concentration variances across ensembles of particles. In this review article, we discuss the importance of the electronic structure in mediating electrochemical storage and mesoscale heterogeneity. In particular, we discuss x-ray spectroscopy and imaging probes of electronic and atomistic structure as well as statistical regression methods that allow for monitoring of the evolution of the electronic structure as a function of intercalation. The layered α-phase of V2O5 is used as a model system to develop fundamental ideas on the origins of mesoscale heterogeneity.
Gravitationally perturbed elastic waves

abstract In Lamb9s problem there are two interface pulses. When the half-space is incompressible the locked Rayleigh ( S ) pulse travels with a speed γ = 0.9553β where β is the shear pulse speed, and the leaking Rayleigh ( P ) pulse travels with a speed δ = 1.966β. In the absence of gravity the S pulse is the more dominant pulse. The effect of gravity is to enhance the importance of the P pulse. In the presence of gravity, as β decreases, the S pulse becomes insignificant, and the P pulse becomes dispersive and approaches the behavior of the classical gravity wave. Several theoretical seismograms and hodographs, for the buried line source problem, are presented to illustrate the effect of gravity. The effect of gravity on dispersion curves, for a layer with a rigid bottom, is to distort them in such a way that one should observe wave groups similar to the classical gravity waves in a fluid layer when the shear speed is small. In addition one should observe very slow wave groups with wavelengths shortened by gravity. Several dispersion curves are presented to illustrate these features. The propagator coefficient matrix is given for a transversely isotropic material including gravity.
A Two-Faced mSWI/SNF Subunit: Dual Roles for ARID1A in Tumor Suppression and Oncogenicity in the Liver

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Sun et al. describe context-dependent oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions for the mammalian SWI/SNF (BAF) complex subunit ARID1A in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION OF THE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AS A FUNCTION OF THE STRESS LEVELS OF ROCK BEDS AND OTHER GRANULAR MATERIALS USING THE THERMAL PROBE METHOD

ABSTRACT Conduction of heat in granular materials such as sand, soil, and rock beds has been considered to be primarily effected by the temperature field, the material density, and the moisture content. In this paper new results are presented for thermal conductivity of dry ottawa sand which shows that effective grain-to-grain stress levels strongly effect thermal conductivity. It was found that the thermal conductivity increases by 40% at a pressure of 400 kPa. This pressure is equivalent to that experienced at a depth of 20 meters within a sand bed. These results were obtained from experimental tests using a thermal probe/ triaxial test cell apparatus. A discussion is given of the features of the apparatus and the methodology used in data acquisition and analysis. It is indicated that the thermal probe apparatus is a reliable device for the determination of thermal properties of granular materials provided certain precautions are used. A model is proposed which allows for hertzian contact between grains to explain the effect of pressure on thermal conductivity. The model produces good agreement with the experimental results.
Bioprosthetic Versus Mechanical Valve Replacement for Infective Endocarditis: Focus on Recurrence Rates.

Background Consensus guidelines for prosthesis selection in infective endocarditis recommend bioprosthetic or mechanical valve replacement based on life expectancy and comorbidity. However, contemporary outcome data are limited to institution series. Methods The outcomes of 3,447 patients identified from mandatory discharge databases in California and New York who had either primary isolated mitral (n = 1,603) or aortic (n = 1,844) valve replacement for active endocarditis between 1998 and 2010 were compared according to whether they received bioprosthetic (n = 1,673, 48.5%) or mechanical (n = 1,774, 51.5%) valves. Drug abusers were analyzed as a separate cohort. The primary outcome was endocarditis recurrence. Median follow-up time was 6.8 years (range, 0 to 12). Last follow-up for survival was December 31, 2015. Results Patients receiving bioprosthetic valves were older (60.4 ± 14.9 versus 53.4 ± 14.3 years, p Conclusions Bioprosthetic and mechanical valves are associated with similar survival and freedom from endocarditis recurrence. These data support guideline recommendations that patient factors guide prosthesis choice in infective endocarditis.
Health and Cardiometabolic Disease in Transgender Adults in the United States: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2015.

Context Little is known about the health of transgender adults in the United States, a growing population. There have been no large reports examining differences in health status and cardiometabolic disease in subgroups of transgender adults [female-to-male (FTM), male-to-female (MTF), and gender nonconforming (GNC)] in the United States. Objective Compare the health status and prevalence of cardiometabolic disease among specific subgroups of transgender adults (FTM, MTF, GNC) with those of cisgender adults in the United States. Design Secondary data analysis based on the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Setting The 22 states in the United States that asked about transgender identity. Participants Noninstitutionalized adults age ≥18 years who reside in the United States, identified through telephone-based methods. Main outcome measures Data were extracted for respondents who answered the transgender identity question. Weighted percentages are given for all measures. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) are reported for health status and cardiometabolic disease measures. Results FTM adults have a higher odds of being uninsured than both cisgender women [OR 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1 to 7.1] and cisgender men (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7). MTF adults have a higher odds of reporting myocardial infarction than cisgender women (OR 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.3) but not cisgender men. Conclusions There are significant differences in health status measures and cardiometabolic health between subgroups of transgender adults and cisgender adults. There is a need for additional research to understand the societal and medical (e.g., hormone therapy) effects on these outcomes.
Inhibition of tumorigenesis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-dependent cell cycle blocks in human skin carcinoma cells

To examine the functional role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) and PPARγ in skin cancer, stable cell lines were created in the A431 human squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Expression of PPAR target genes was greatly enhanced in response to ligand activation of PPARβ/δ or PPARγ in A431 cells expressing these receptors. PPARβ/δ expression blocked the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and this effect was increased by ligand activation. Ligand activation of PPARβ/δ markedly inhibited clonogenicity as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Similarly, ligand activation of PPARγ in A431 cells expressing PPARγ resulted in reduced clonogenicity. Expression of either PPARβ/δ or PPARγ markedly reduced tumor volume in ectopic xenografts, while ligand activation of these receptors had little further influence on tumor volume. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that stable expression and activation of PPARβ/δ or PPARγ in A431 cells led to reduced tumorigenicity. Importantly, PPAR expression or ligand activation had major impacts on clonogenicity and/or tumor volume. Thus, PPARβ/δ or PPARγ could be therapeutically targeted for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas.
Polyclonal IgY Antibodies from Chicken Egg Yolk — an Alternative to the Production of Mammalian IgG Type Antibodies in Rabbits:

Based on a physiological process, antibodies are concentrated in the yolk of chicken eggs, and can be used as a convenient source of polyclonal antibodies. Hens were immunised with a BSA-cholecystokinin octapeptide conjugate (CCK-8) to obtain antibodies against CCK-8. A simple method is described for extracting the antibodies from egg yolk, which can then successfully be used in immunocytochemical studies. Using these antibodies, CCK-like immunoreactivity was found in brain sections of rats, both by fluorescein isothiocyanate and peroxidase staining. The specificities of these antibodies were different from those of rabbit antibodies against the C-terminal part of CCK-8. The applicability of egg yolk antibodies in immunological investigations is reviewed and discussed in detail. The properties of avian egg yolk antibodies are compared with those of polyclonal antibodies obtained from mammals (e.g. the rabbit). The more general use of avian antibodies is emphasised as a real alternative, taking into consideration the reduction in animal suffering involved in comparison with the classical immunisation techniques used on rabbits.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for the Treatment of Complex Spinal Wounds

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used for several decades to assist in closure of large or necrotic wounds in general and orthopedic surgery and has recently been demonstrated to be a useful technique for complex spinal wounds. The authors discuss mechanisms of NPWT affecting wound healing, procedure notes for negative pressure wound vacuum placement, indications for negative pressure wound therapy, risks associated with negative pressure wound therapy, and care of patients undergoing NPWT. In appropriately selected patients, NPWT is a potential strategy to assist in closure of complex spinal wounds.
Psoas Abscess in Chronic Dialysis Patients

We report 4 cases of nontuberculous psoas abscess occurring in patients with end stage renal disease. Fever and pain were the presenting symptoms but diagnosis was delayed. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen was the critical test that led to the correct diagnosis. Therapy involved drainage and antibiotics, and was successful in 3 of the 4 patients.
A model for quasi-one-dimensional narrow jets

We develop a quasi-one-dimensional model of a narrow jet by projecting the system of time-independent MHD equations onto the axis of the jet. This is done in analogy with the projection of equations onto the equatorial plane in thin accretion disk models. We use average values for the parameters of two coupled differential equations which relate the “line density” λ(z) (or the z-component of the velocity νz(z)) and the radius of the jet. We study the analytic structure of the equations and solve the system using parameters appropriate to some cases of astrophysical interest. We examine the importance of the coupling between rotation and magnetic fields as an acceleration mechanism in a jet and identify the physical consequences of different assumptions. The simplicity of our model, being one-dimensional, enables us to reduce it to one directly comparable with existing jet models.
Molecular Genetics of Lidocaine-Containing Cardioplegia in the Human Heart During Cardiac Surgery.

Background During cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, delivery of cardioplegia solution to achieve electromechanical cardiac quiescence is obligatory. The addition of lidocaine to cardioplegia has advantages, although its consequences at a molecular level remain unclear. We performed whole-genome RNA sequencing of the human left ventricular (LV) myocardium to elucidate the differences between whole-blood (WB) cardioplegia with and without addition of lidocaine (LC) on gene expression. Methods We prospectively enrolled 130 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery. Patients received high-potassium blood cardioplegia either with (n = 37) or without (n = 93) lidocaine. The LV apex was biopsied at baseline, and after an average of 74 minutes of cold cardioplegic arrest. We performed differential gene expression analysis for 18,258 genes between these 2 groups. Clinical and demographic variables were adjusted in the model. Gene ontology (GO) and network enrichment analysis of the retained genes were performed using g:Profiler and Cytoscape. Results A total of 1,298 genes were differentially expressed between cardioplegic treatments. Compared with the WB group, genes upregulated in the LC group were identified by network enrichment to play a protective role in ischemic injury by inhibiting apoptosis, increasing transferrin endocytosis, and increasing cell viability. Downregulated genes in the LC group were identified to play a role in inflammatory diseases, oxygen transport, and neutrophil aggregation. Conclusions The addition of lidocaine to cardioplegia had pronounced effects on a molecular level with genes responsible for decreased inflammation, reduced intracellular calcium binding, enhanced antiapoptotic protection, augmented oxygen accessibility through transferrins, and increased cell viability showing measurable differences.
Signaling mechanisms and physiological functions of G‐protein Gα 13 in blood vessel formation, bone homeostasis, and cancer

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are cellular signal transducers. They mainly relay signals from G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs function as guanine nucleotide-exchange factors to active these G-proteins. Based on the sequence and functional similarities, these G-proteins are grouped into four subfamilies: Gs , Gi , Gq , and G12/13 . The G12/13 subfamily consists of two members: G12 and G13 . G12/13 -mediated signaling pathways play pivotal roles in a variety of physiological processes, while aberrant regulation of this pathway has been identified in various human diseases. Here we summarize the signaling mechanisms and physiological functions of Gα13 in blood vessel formation and bone homeostasis. We further discuss the expanding roles of Gα13 in cancers, serving as oncogenes as well as tumor suppressors.
Physical Security Assessment Using Temporal Machine Learning

Nuisance and false alarms are prevalent in modern physical security systems and often overwhelm the alarm station operators. Deep learning has shown progress in detection and classification tasks, however, it has rarely been implemented as a solution to reduce the nuisance and false alarm rates in a physical security systems. Previous work has shown that transfer learning using a convolutional neural network can provide benefit to physical security systems by achieving high accuracy of physical security targets [10]. We leverage this work by coupling the convolutional neural network, which operates on a frame-by-frame basis, with temporal algorithms which evaluate a sequence of such frames (e.g. video analytics). We discuss several alternatives for performing this temporal analysis, in particular Long Short-Term Memory and Liquid State Machine, and demonstrate their respective value on exemplar physical security videos. We also outline an architecture for developing an ensemble learner which leverages the strength of each individual algorithm in its aggregation. The incorporation of these algorithms into physical security systems creates a new paradigm in which we aim to decrease the volume of nuisance and false alarms in order to allow the alarm station operators to focus on the most relevant threats.
Neuroblastoma: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract Improved understanding of the molecular changes involved in oncogenesis has generated considerable interest in developing therapeutic agents that target dysregulated pathways and malfunctioning or overexpressed molecules in cancer. This process has been challenging in the case of neuroblastoma because of its clinical heterogeneity. This chapter highlights promising new targeted therapies for this disease, such as new pathway inhibitors, norepinephrine-targeted agents, interventions to improve T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and immune modulators that enhance the function of natural killer cells in the context of monoclonal antibody therapy. We review the biologic rationale for these treatments and discuss future clinical implications.
Autonomous Orbital Rendezvous Using a Coordinate-Free, Nonsingular Orbit Representation

This paper develops a general method to execute orbital rendezvous in continuation of previous work, verifies it in simulations, and examines the effects of perturbations. The method uses a coordinate-free representation of the orbit as a basis for discrete feedback control and can be used autonomously to rendezvous to arbitrary target orbits. Rendezvous is accomplished in two distinct phases where the spacecraft state is split into a 5 degree-of-freedom orbit and an along-track position, which the algorithm matches separately in an orbit matching and phasing maneuver, respectively. The 5 DoF portion of the state is represented by the angular momentum and eccentricity vector of the orbit, along with the orbital energy. These quantities offer several qualities that make them attractive for use in closed-loop control. They do not depend on coordinate representation, are nonsingular, and are stationary in the dynamic steady-state of no applied forces. Further, their dynamics are governed by simple equations, leading to a simple transition matrix. A metric that represents the relative distance between the spacecraft and the target orbit determines when the orbit-matching phase is complete. Then a phasing maneuver slightly changes the relative orbit such that the follower catches up to or falls back to the leaders along-track position. Once within a short distance of the target position, the spacecraft enters a close-proximity mode that utilizes a previously developed state transition matrix of relative motion on elliptical orbits for higher precision. Simulation results permit a comparison of Δ $V$ to that of other techniques. The primary benefits of this method are that it can be used for arbitrary orbits, executes autonomously, and avoids limitations by either singularities or linearized dynamics. This efficient, autonomous method for executing orbital rendezvous developed in this paper improves the feasibility and robustness of small spacecraft missions because it does not require a dedicated ground station or constant communication during maneuver execution.
Critical Dimension Patterning Using SPL

Transistor gate patterning is the primary application of a high-resolution lithographic system in the semiconductor industry. The gate itself is typically a long, narrow line of polysilicon whose width (known as the transistor gate “length”) determines the device switching speed. The uniformity of the gate is critical for device electrical performance and yield. Gate patterning is performed after significant device processing. Therefore the feature must be accurately aligned to the previously patterned regions. It must also be written over the sample topography created by the prior fabrication steps.
A post-developmental genetic screen for zebrafish models of inherited liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease such as simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and fibrosis. However, the molecular pathogenesis and genetic variations causing NAFLD are poorly understood. The high prevalence and incidence of NAFLD suggests that genetic variations on a large number of genes might be involved in NAFLD. To identify genetic variants causing inherited liver disease, we used zebrafish as a model system for a large-scale mutant screen, and adopted a whole genome sequencing approach for rapid identification of mutated genes found in our screen. Here, we report on a forward genetic screen of ENU mutagenized zebrafish. From 250 F2 lines of ENU mutagenized zebrafish during post-developmental stages (5 to 8 days post fertilization), we identified 19 unique mutant zebrafish lines displaying visual evidence of hepatomegaly and/or steatosis with no developmental defects. Histological analysis of mutants revealed several specific phenotypes, including common steatosis, micro/macrovesicular steatosis, hepatomegaly, ballooning, and acute hepatocellular necrosis. This work has identified multiple post-developmental mutants and establishes zebrafish as a novel animal model for post-developmental inherited liver disease.
Welfare Reform in California: Results of the 1999 All-County Implementation Survey

Abstract : This report provides the results of the 1999 All-County Implementation Survey (ACIS) conducted as part of RAND's statewide evaluation of CalWORKs. It summarizes the responses of all 58 California counties to questions about their experiences to date with implementing CalWORKs. The contract between CDSS and RAND for the Statewide CalWORKs Evaluation requires an All-County Implementation Survey (ACIS) in the Fall of 1998, 1999, and 2000 and specifies a response rate of at least 80 percent. This second ACIS was developed in collaboration with CDSS and other state and county agencies and stakeholders. It was reviewed at the county welfare department (CWD) level by the six coordinators in the evaluation's focus counties. The 1999 questionnaire includes 22 questions, many of which were also included in the 1998 questionnaire. The final survey was mailed out September 29, 1999. By November 16, 1999, responses had been received from all 58 California counties. Overall, the responses to the 1999 ACIS indicate that California counties continue to explore a variety of approaches to CalWORKs program implementation. Their experiences continue to vary significantly throughout the state in terms of what works well and what remains a problem. There are few areas in which all counties agree on a single approach or innovative strategies, though almost all reported some successful strategies. The implementation challenges most frequently noted were use of post employment/job retention services, improving computer systems, and obtaining compliance with required CalWORKs activities. Coordinating the three stages of child care and monitoring and reporting on program performance were the most often cited implementation problems. Fifty-one counties reported that public transportation hinders CalWORKs implementation, and 45 of 58 agree that interagency relationships facilitate implementation.
Interaction of stress and stimulants in female rats: Role of chronic stress on later reactivity to methamphetamine.

Abstract Previous research in humans and animals suggests that prior exposure to stress alters responsivity to drugs of abuse, including psychostimulants . Male rats show an augmented striatal dopamine response to methamphetamine following exposure to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Compared to males, female rats have been shown to be highly sensitive to the effects of stimulants and stress independently, however few studies have examined the interaction between stress and stimulants in female rats. Therefore, the current study investigated whether prior exposure to chronic stress potentiated the behavioral and neurochemical responses to an acute injection of methamphetamine in female rats. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were either exposed to CUS or left undisturbed (control) and then two weeks later received an injection of 1.0 or 7.5 mg/kg methamphetamine. Based on open field findings, a subsequent group of rats were exposed to CUS or left undisturbed and then two weeks later received 7.5 mg/kg methamphetamine and either dopamine efflux in the dorsal striatum or nucleus accumbens was measured or methamphetamine and amphetamine levels were measured in the brain and plasma. Female rats exposed to CUS traveled greater distances in the open field immediately following an injection of 7.5 mg/kg, but not 1.0 mg/kg, of methamphetamine and then showed high levels or stereotypy similar to control rats. Animals exposed to CUS had significantly greater increases in dorsal striatum dopamine following an acute injection of 7.5 mg/kg methamphetamine compared to control rats, but not in the nucleus accumbens. These differences were not due to group differences in levels of methamphetamine or amphetamine in the brain or plasma. The current findings demonstrate stress-augmented neurochemical responses to a dose of methamphetamine, similar to that self-administered, which increases understanding of the cross-sensitization between stress and methamphetamine in females.
Vocal behavior in spotted seals (Phoca largha)

Captive studies can inform passive acoustic monitoring efforts by describing fundamental features of species-typical vocalizations emitted by known individuals. These include acoustic parameters as well as developmental, seasonal, and sex-based patterns in vocal behavior. Here, two male spotted seals were studied in captivity from age 3 months through 8 years. Vocal behavior was scored daily and opportunistically recorded. The production of underwater calls emerged with presumed sexual maturity (age 4). To evaluate vocal repertoire and fine-scale temporal patterns of sound production in adult seals, an underwater acoustic recorder was continuously deployed with these seals at age 7–8 years. The spotted seals produced a variety of underwater calls—including roars, knocks, and moans—with dominant energy below 1 kHz. There was a marked annual peak in vocal activity in spring, prior to the yearly molt. This period coincided with increased aggressive behavior and musky odor indicative of heightened reproductive activity. These results from developing male spotted seals, obtained in the absence of conspecific females, confirm the production of recognizable, stereotypic underwater calls associated with the breeding season. These findings can be used to inform the use of autonomous acoustic recorders to track the presence and movements of free-ranging seals in remote habitats.
A possible central mechanism in autism spectrum disorders, part 2: immunoexcitotoxicity

In this section, I explore the effects of mercury and inflammation on transsulfuration reactions, which can lead to elevations in androgens, and how this might relate to the male preponderance of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is known that mercury interferes with these biochemical reactions and that chronically elevated androgen levels also enhance the neurodevelopmental effects of excitotoxins. Both androgens and glutamate alter neuronal and glial calcium oscillations, which are known to regulate cell migration, maturation, and final brain cytoarchitectural structure. Studies have also shown high levels of DHEA and low levels of DHEA-S in ASD, which can result from both mercury toxicity and chronic inflammation. Chronic microglial activation appears to be a hallmark of ASD. Peripheral immune stimulation, mercury, and elevated levels of androgens can all stimulate microglial activation. Linked to both transsulfuration problems and chronic mercury toxicity are elevations in homocysteine levels in ASD patients. Homocysteine and especially its metabolic products are powerful excitotoxins. Intimately linked to elevations in DHEA, excitotoxicity and mercury toxicity are abnormalities in mitochondrial function. A number of studies have shown that reduced energy production by mitochondria greatly enhances excitotoxicity. Finally, I discuss the effects of chronic inflammation and elevated mercury levels on glutathione and metallothionein.
Mechanism of Formation of Benzotrithiophene-Based Covalent Organic Framework Monolayers on Coinage-Metal Surfaces: C–C Coupling Selectivity and Monomer–Metal Interactions

The on-surface synthesis of highly ordered, large-area covalent organic framework (COF) monolayers remains a major challenge in polymer chemistry. Herein, we investigate the polymerization of asymm...
Pinhole formation in poly-Si/SiO x passivating contacts on Si(111)-oriented textures

Poly-Si/SiO x passivating contacts were grown on inverted pyramid and random pyramid textured wafers to investigate the hypothesis that pinhole formation is most susceptible at the valleys and edges of a textured surface. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) etching and electron beam induced current (EBIC) mapping were used to assess pinhole formation and charge-carrier transport. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that TMAH etching can expose pinhole locations on textured surfaces. We show that pinholes may preferentially form at the vertices of inverted pyramids. Our TMAH and EBIC analyses on random pyramids show no preferential oxide breakup at the pyramid valleys.
Regularization unfolding in low γ-activity measurements—I

Abstract The evaluation and use of a time-of-flight γ-ray camera, capable of measuring low-level activity distributions in vivo , requires the assessment of the relationship between distributions of the activity in vivo and of the corresponding scintillations in the camera. This relationship is described by a Fredholm equation of the first kind, a numerical solution of which—by the regularization unfolding method—is outlined in the text. This paper is devoted to a preliminary study of the influence which various experimental parameters exert on the accuracy of this numerical solution and suggests how best to choose these parameters whenever possible. We have restricted the treatment to one dimension. Experimentally we simulated a line source distribution by a suitably shaped filiform source and carried out the preliminary activity measurements by means of a collimated 3 × 3 in. NaI crystal displaced parallel to the plane of the source. Analogous results, obtained with a long fluorescent rod, will be presented elsewhere.
Daily environmental differences in blood pressure and heart rate variability in healthy premenopausal women

Objectives As daily environments change, behavior and activity also change and as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are allostatically tied to these factors, one might expect that environments that elicit the greatest behavioral/activity variation should also evince the highest BP and HR variability [standard deviation (SD) or coefficient of variation (CV)]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this premise. Methods Two hundred and six women (age = 37.6 ± 9.1 years) wore an ambulatory BP monitor on a midweek workday. All worked in clerical, technical, or professional positions. Ambulatory BP and HR Means, SDs and CVs at work (11 AM–3 PM), home (∼6–10 PM) and during sleep (∼10 PM–6 AM) were compared using repeated measures ANCOVA. Results Mean BP and HR decreased from work and home to sleep [121 ± 11, 120 ± 11 vs. 107 ± 12 systolic; 82 ± 10, 80 ± 11 vs. 66 ± 11 diastolic; 79 ± 12, 80 ± 12 vs. 68 ± 11 HR (all P < 0.001)], while the CV of systolic and diastolic BP increased [0.06 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.02 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03 systolic; 0.09 ± 0.03, 0.10 ± 0.04 vs. 0.12 ± 0.05 diastolic (P < 0.001)]. The HR SD decreased during sleep [8.1 ± 3.8, 8.2 ± 3.8 vs. 6.9 ± 3.2 (P < 0.001)]. Conclusions HR variability follows the expected variability pattern with behavior and activity, whereas BP does not. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:136–138, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mobile real-time single image 3D corridor reconstruction using J-Linkage

We present a real-time algorithm that reconstructs 3D models of corridors using a mobile device. Contrary to previous approaches, our approach uses a noniterative, simultaneous model reconstruction method called J-Linkage, which is both accurate in parameter estimation and efficient in computation. We first use J-Linkage to find the vanishing points in a scene, and then show how the detected vanishing points along with corresponding straight line edges can be used to accurately determine the important features of a corridor, such as doors. Finally, we show how this approach has advantages in both speed and accuracy when compared with previous solutions. Implementation in a mobile computing device is carried out and experimental results are provided. The ability to model 3D representations of corridors in real-time on a mobile device can be used in a range of applications including mobile apps to help the visually impaired navigate, robotic navigation, building inspection, and virtual tours.
User-centered design and business process modeling: cross road in rapid prototyping tools

Fast production of a solution is a necessity in the world of competitive IT consulting business today. In engagements where early user interface design mock-ups are needed to visualize proposed business processes, the need to quickly create UI becomes prominent very early in the process. Our work aims to speed up the UI design process, enabling rapid creation of low-fidelity UI design with traditional user-centered design thinking but different tooling concepts. This paper explains the approach and the rationale behind our model and tools. One key focal point is in leveraging business process models as a starting point of the UI design process. The other focal point is on using a model-driven approach with designer-centered tools to eliminate some design overheads, to help manage a large design space, and to cope with changes in requirements. We used examples from a real business engagement to derive and strengthen this work.
A human systems biology approach to discover new drug targets in epilepsy

One of the major challenges in developing novel therapeutics for human epileptic disorders comes from the wide range of brain abnormalities capable of producing epilepsy. In children and adults that undergo epilepsy surgery for treatment of refractory seizures, these abnormalities range from developmental defects to injuries, infections, tumors, and ischemia. Given the many molecular mechanisms likely involved in each of these, finding common therapeutic targets seems a futile task. However, patients undergoing surgery for neocortical seizures have surprisingly similar electrophysiologic abnormalities, which consist of the synchronous firing of large neuronal populations. Surgical removal of these regions is the only means at present time to permanently reduce or eliminate seizures. The precise locations of these hypersynchronous firing regions that produce seizures can be revealed using long-term subdural electrical high-density recordings. This therapeutic strategy not only can dramatically reduce seizures, but also offers the potential to generate molecular and cellular information that can be used to ask why certain regions of the cortex become and remain epileptic. We have taken advantage of these detailed clinical and electrophysiologic human studies by taking a "systems biology" approach to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets in neocortical human epilepsy. In this article, we describe our multidisciplinary systems approach that utilizes a relational database to interrelate clinical, quantitative electrophysiologic, pathologic, and gene expression profiling data together as a means to identify and validate new biomarkers and potential drug targets for human epilepsy.
A spatio-temporal low-rank total variation approach for denoising arterial spin labeling MRI data

Arterial spin labeling MRI (ASL-MRI) can provide quantitative signals correlated to the cerebral blood flow and neural activity. However, the low signal-to-noise ratio in ASL requires repeated acquisitions to improve the signal reliability, leading to prolonged scanning time. At fewer repetitions, noise and corruptions arise due to motion and physiological artifacts, introducing errors into the cerebral blood flow estimation. We propose to recover the ASL-MRI data from the noisy and corrupted observations at shorter scanning time with a spatio-temporal low-rank total variation method. The low-rank approximation uses the similarity of the repetitive scans, and the total variation regularization considers the local spatial consistency. We compare with the state-of-art robust M-estimator for ASL cerebral blood flow map estimation. Validation on simulated and real data demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method at fewer scanning repetitions and with random corruption.
Boeing 737 Industrial Footprint: The Wichita Decision

The case examines the circumstances leading up to the Boeing Company's decision to spin-off its Wichita Division. This case is intended to be taught with two other notes: "On the Use of Capital Efficiency Metrics," HBS No. 612-034, "Modularity in Design and Manufacturing: Application to Commercial Aircraft," HBS No. 612-035.Learning Objective: Highlight the challenge of using capital efficiency metrics in strategic sourcing decisions.
An Overlooked Issue of Variational Data Assimilation

AbstractThe control variable transform (CVT) is a keystone of variational data assimilation. In publications using such a technique, the background term of the transformed cost function is defined as a canonical inner product of the transformed control variable with itself. However, it is shown in this paper that this practical definition of the cost function is not correct if the CVT uses a square root of the background error covariance matrix that is not square. Fortunately, it is then shown that there is a manifold of the control space for which this flaw has no impact, and that most minimizers used in practice precisely work in this manifold. It is also shown that both correct and practical transformed cost functions have the same minimum. This explains more rigorously why the CVT is working in practice. The case of a singular is finally detailed, showing that the practical cost function still reaches the best linear unbiased estimate (BLUE).