cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-β Antagonism Restores Morphine Analgesic Potency against Neuropathic Pain

Background: Chronic, intractable pain is a problem of pandemic proportions. Pain caused by nerve injuries (neuropathic pain) is extremely difficult to treat. For centuries, opiates such as morphine have been the first-line treatment for severe chronic pain. However, opiates are often ineffective against neuropathic pain, leaving few options for suffering patients. We previously demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor- b (PDGFR-b) inhibition completely eliminated morphine tolerance. In these studies, we determined whether PDGFR-b inhibition could improve the effectiveness of morphine for neuropathic pain treatment. Results and Findings: Spinal nerve ligation was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The clinically used PDGFR antagonist imatinib did not relieve mechanical pain in a nerve injury model as determined by Von Frey assay. Surprisingly, combining imatinib with a previously ineffective dose of morphine led to complete pain relief. Scavenging released PDGF-B also markedly augmented the analgesic effect of morphine. Conclusions: These findings suggest the novel hypothesis that PDGF-B released by injured nerves renders animals resistant to morphine, implying that PDGFR-b inhibition could potentially eliminate the tremendous suffering caused by neuropathic pain.
Scheduling of vehicles in the material handling systems based on the Mixed Integer Programming model

Material handling system is widely required in various segments of manufacturing and logistics industries. Optimizing the schedule of its vehicles is very important for reducing costs and increasing efficiency. A new Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model is presented in this paper for scheduling the vehicles of a practical material handling system within a given time window. By selecting the decision variables appropriately, the objective function and the constraints are simplified, and it is formulated as a linear mixed integer problem with reasonable scale. The system dynamics is incorporated analytically within the optimization framework so that the efficient MIP solver CPLEX can be applied to obtain the optimal schedule. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new model in comparison with the models and the methods used in industry.
Are fullerene tubules metallic

We have calculated the electronic structure of a fullerene tubule using a first-principles, self-consistent, all-electron Gaussian-orbital based local-density-functional approach. Extending these results to a model containing an electron-lattice interaction, we estimate that the mean-field transition temperature from a Peierls-distorted regime to a high-temperature metallic regime should be well below room temperature. Such fullerene tubules should have the advantages (compared to the other conjugated carbon systems) of a carrier density similar to that of metals and zero band gap at room temperature.
Orientation, Dynamics, and Lipid Interaction of an Antimicrobial Arylamide Investigated by 19F and 31P Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

A number of arylamides have been synthesized and found to exhibit potent antimicrobial activities against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while exhibiting low toxicity toward eukaryotic cells. These facially amphiphilic foldamers have a relatively rigid intramolecular hydrogen-bonded arylamide as a framework, which places trifluormethyl versus positively charged amino and guanidino groups along opposite faces of the elongated molecule, facilitating interactions with lipid membranes. To better understand the mechanism of action of these antimicrobial foldamers, we have investigated the lipid interaction, depth of insertion, orientation, and dynamics of an arylamide, PMX30016, using 31P and 19F solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Static 31P NMR line shapes of lipid membranes with a range of compositions indicate that PMX30016 does not disrupt the lamellar order of the lipid bilayer but perturbs the lipid headgroup conformation. This headgroup perturbation, manifested as systematic 31P...
Learning discriminative basis coefficients for eigenspace MLLR unsupervised adaptation

Eigenspace MLLR is effective for fast adaptation when the amount of adaptation data is limited, e.g., less than 5s. The general motivation is to represent the MLLR transform as a linear combination of basis matrices. In this paper, we present a framework to estimate a speaker-independent discriminative transform over the combination coefficients. This discriminative basis coefficients transform (DBCT) is learned by optimizing discriminative criteria over all the training speakers. During recognition, the ML basis coefficients for each testing speaker are firstly found, on which DBCT is applied to give the final MLLR transform discrimination ability. Experiments show that DBCT results in consistent WER reduction in unsupervised adaptation, compared with both standard ML and discriminatively trained transforms.
Scholarly Research on U.S.-Latin American Relations: Where Does the Field Stand?

This article draws on a new dataset to depict the scope, objectives, and methods of research in the field of U.S.-Latin American relations over the past quarter-century. The key findings are that the study of U.S.-Latin American relations focuses largely on foreign policy analysis, is mainly descriptive, relies overwhelmingly on qualitative methods, and is fairly detached from the main research trends in international relations. In light of this assessment, the article emphasizes the need to pay more attention to issues of theory development and explanation in this subfield of international relations.
Power of multifactor dimensionality reduction for detecting gene‐gene interactions in the presence of genotyping error, missing data, phenocopy, and genetic heterogeneity

The identification and characterization of genes that influence the risk of common, complex multifactorial diseases, primarily through interactions with other genes and other environmental factors, remains a statistical and computational challenge in genetic epidemiology. This challenge is partly due to the limitations of parametric statistical methods for detecting genetic effects that are dependent solely or partially on interactions with other genes and environmental exposures. We previously introduced multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) as a method for reducing the dimensionality of multilocus genotype information to improve the identification of polymorphism combinations associated with disease risk. The MDR approach is nonparametric (i.e., no hypothesis about the value of a statistical parameter is made), is model-free (i.e., assumes no particular inheritance model), and is directly applicable to case-control and discordant sib-pair study designs. Both empirical and theoretical studies suggest that MDR has excellent power for identifying high-order gene-gene interactions. However, the power of MDR for identifying gene-gene interactions in the presence of common sources of noise is not currently known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the power of MDR for identifying gene-gene interactions in the presence of noise due to genotyping error, missing data, phenocopy, and genetic or locus heterogeneity. Using simulated data, we show that MDR has high power to identify gene-gene interactions in the presence of 5% genotyping error, 5% missing data, or a combination of both. However, MDR has reduced power for some models in the presence of 50% phenocopy, and very limited power in the presence of 50% genetic heterogeneity. Extending MDR to address genetic heterogeneity should be a priority for the continued methodological development of this new approach.
Influence of thyroid state on cholesterol hydroxylation and absorption in the rat.

Abstract The action of d -thyroxine (DT4; 0.625 mg/day) and l -thyroxine (LT4; 0.0625 mg/day) injections and propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.3% of diet) feeding on serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride levels, 7α-hydroxylation of cholesterol by liver microsomal preparations, and absorption of cholesterol were investigated in the rat. Serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not significantly altered. DT4 administration resulted in significantly higher levels of cholesterol hydroxylation per mg microsomal protein, but hydroxylation was not different from the control when calculated on a total liver basis. PTU feeding lowered hydroxylation per mg protein and per liver. Cholesterol absorption was increased in hypothyroid (PTU fed) rats and decreased in hyperthyroid (T4 treated) rats. Radioactive acidic fecal steroid excretion was changed very little by any of the treatments, but excretion of radioactive neutral fecal steroids was much higher in DT4- and LT4-treated, and much lower in PTU-treated animals. These results indicate that the thyroid hormones mainly affect neutral steroid metabolism.
5-HT7 Receptor Inhibition and Inactivation Induce Antidepressantlike Behavior and Sleep Pattern

Background The 5-hydroxytryptamine 7 receptor (5-HT 7 ) is implicated in circadian rhythm phase resetting, and 5-HT 7 receptor-selective antagonists alter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep parameters in a pattern opposite from those in patients with clinical depression. Methods As sleep, circadian rhythm, and mood regulation are related, we examined 5-HT 7 receptor knockout mice in two behavioral models of depression. The forced swim and tail suspension tests are highly predictive for antidepressant drug activity. Results Unmedicated 5-HT 7 −/− mice showed decreased immobility in both tests, consistent with an antidepressantlike behavior. The selective 5-HT 7 receptor antagonist SB-269970 also decreased immobility. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram, a widely used antidepressant, decreased immobility in both 5-HT 7 +/+ and 5-HT 7 −/− mice in the tail suspension test, suggesting that it utilizes an independent mechanism. The 5-HT 7 −/− mice spent less time in and had less frequent episodes of REM sleep, also consistent with an antidepressantlike state. Conclusions The 5-HT 7 receptor might have a role in mood disorders and antagonists might have therapeutic value as antidepressants.
Bacterial Metabolism in Humans of the Carcinogen IQ to the Direct Acting Mutagen Hydroxy-IQ

7-hydroxy-IQ is the major product of the bacterial metabolism of IQ, a potent dietary carcinogen. Yet, unlike IQ, hydroxy-IQ is directly active in the salmonella/microsomal mutagenicity assay. Two subjects consumed a meal of fried meats containing IQ but no detectable hydroxy-IQ. Hydroxy-IQ was isolated from the subjects’ faeces collected within 30 h following the fried meat meal; it was absent from the subjects’ faeces before and after the meal. This is the first evidence that hydroxy-IQ is formed in humans. Subsequent concern is therefore raised as to its role in the aetiology of colon cancer. From the faeces of one of the subjects a strain was isolated which conformed to the description of a Eubacterium sp. and was capable of producing hydroxy-IQ. Keywords:-2-amino-3-methyl-3 H -imidazo[4,5-ƒ]quinoline;IQ; 2-amino-3,6-3dihydro-3-methyl-7 H -imidazo[4,5-ƒ]-quinoline-7-one; Hydroxy-IQ; Intestinal flora; Carcinogens; Faecal Mutagens; Clostridium ; Eubacterium moniliforme .
Sterol diagenesis in Recent sediments from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Abstract Sections of a 42 cm core from one area and surface sediments from two other areas of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts were analyzed for sterols. The distribution of sterols in surface sediments appears to be influenced by benthic faunal composition or factors controlling this composition. A comparison of sterols extracted by Soxhlet-extraction with sterols extracted after subsequent saponification of the sediment showed that the former sterols decrease in concentration while the latter saponified sterols increase in concentration with depth. In both fractions, the individual sterol compositions are similar. A transformation between Soxhlet-extractable and non-Soxhlet-extractable saponified sterols appears to be occurring over the 130 yrs sampled by the core. This transformation is probably due to chemical/physical processes rather than biological processes. Comparison with fatty acid data shows that early diagenesis of sterols is slower than early diagenesis of fatty acids.
Gender and Social Preferences in the US: An Experimental Study

Abstract This contribution provides evidence that social preferences differ by gender among United States college students. Tracking within-person choices over ten dictator exercises in which individuals choose one of three allocations of money between themselves and two other participants, this study precisely maps social preference types and identifies consistency of preferences within groups of roughly two-thirds of participants. Contrary to previous studies that identify a dominant social preference, this study' rigorous identification system reveals that other-regarding individuals are heterogeneous and almost evenly split between inequity aversion and social surplus maximization. But, even among individuals raised in a culture that stresses equal opportunity, there are gender differences. Women are substantially more likely than men to be inequity averters and less likely to be social surplus maximizers. However, a large majority of participants, both men and women, choose allocations consistent wit...
Common-path interferometric wavefront sensing for space telescopes

This paper presents an optical configuration for a common-path phase-shifting interferometric wavefront sensor.1 2 This sensor has a host of attractive features which make it well suited for space-based adaptive optics. First, it is strictly reflective and therefore operates broadband, second it is common mode and therefore does not suffer from systematic errors (like vibration) that are typical in other interferometers, third it is a phase-shifting interferometer and therefore benefits from both the sensitivity of interferometric sensors as well as the noise rejection afforded by synchronous detection. Unlike the Shack-Hartman wavefront sensor, it has nearly uniform sensitivity to all pupil modes. Optical configuration, theory and simulations for such a system will be discussed along with predicted performance.
Commentary: Economic growth is the basis of mortality rate decline in the 20th century—experience of the United States 1901–2000

Background The hypothesis that economic growth has been the principal source of mortality decline during the 20th century in the United States is investigated. This hypothesis is consistent with the large epidemiological literature showing socioeconomic status to be inversely related to health status and unemployment associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Despite evidence over many years showing economic growth, over at least a decade, to be fundamental to mortality rate declines and unemployment rates showing lagged, cumulative effects on mortality rate increases, a recent paper argues that the impact of economic growth is to increase the mortality rate. Methods This study utilizes age-adjusted mortality rates over 1901‐2000 in the United States as the outcome measure, while independent variables include real GDP per capita in purchasing power parity, the unemployment rate, and the employment to population ratio. A basic interaction model is constructed whereby (i) real GDP per capita, (ii) the unemployment rate, and (iii) the multiplicative interaction between real GDP per capita and the unemployment rate are analysed in relation to age-adjusted mortality rates. The Shiller procedure is used to estimate the distributed lag relations over at least a decade for variables (i), (ii), and (iii). The error correction method is used to examine these relations for both levels and annual changes in independent and dependent variables. Results While GDP per capita, over the medium- to long-term, is strongly inversely related to mortality rates during 1901‐2000, in the very short term—i.e. within the first few months—rapid economic growth is occasionally associated with increased mortality rates estimated in annual changes. With respect to the unemployment rate, the first year (without lag) will frequently be associated with a decrease in mortality, but thereafter, and at least for the following decade, the effect is to increase the mortality rate. Thus, the net effect of increased unemployment is a substantial increase in mortality. This is also reflected in the entirely negative relation between the cumulative effects of the employment to population ratio and mortality rates over a decade. Conclusions Economic growth, cumulatively over at least a decade, has been the central factor in mortality rate decline in the US over the 20th century. The volatility of rapid economic growth as it departs from its major trend, has a very short-term effect (within a year) to increase mortality—partly owing to adaptation to new technology and the adjustment of the formerly unemployed to new jobs, social status, and organizational structures.
A Boundary Hunting Radial Basis Function Classifier which Allocates Centers Constructively

A new boundary hunting radial basis function (BH-RBF) classifier which allocates RBF centers constructively near class boundaries is described. This classifier creates complex decision boundaries only in regions where confusions occur and corresponding RBF outputs are similar. A predicted square error measure is used to determine how many centers to add and to determine when to stop adding centers. Two experiments are presented which demonstrate the advantages of the BH-RBF classifier. One uses artificial data with two classes and two input features where each class contains four clusters but only one cluster is near a decision region boundary. The other uses a large seismic database with seven classes and 14 input features. In both experiments the BH-RBF classifier provides a lower error rate with fewer centers than are required by more conventional RBF, Gaussian mixture, or MLP classifiers.
Energy balance and body composition in sports and exercise

Many athletes, especially female athletes and participants in endurance and aesthetic sports and sports with weight classes, are chronically energy deficient. This energy deficiency impairs performance, growth and health. Reproductive disorders in female athletes are caused by low energy availability (defined as dietary energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure), perhaps specifically by low carbohydrate availability, and not by the stress of exercise. These reproductive disorders can be prevented or reversed by dietary supplementation in compensation for exercise energy expenditure without any moderation of the exercise regimen. Energy balance is not the objective of athletic training. To maximize performance, athletes strive to achieve an optimum sport-specific body size, body composition and mix of energy stores. To pursue these objectives, athletes need to manage fat, protein and carbohydrate balances separately, but it is impractical for athletes to monitor these balances directly, and appetite ...
Florida’s Changing Rainbow: Identifying Emerging Markets Through the Examination of Racial Composition and Demographic Change in Florida

Minority groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, especially in a growing middle class, comprise an emerging market in the United States (Schwartz, Global Business Network, 2000). It is estimated that through 2025, the population of ethnic minorities in the United States will grow eight times faster than the White population; by the year 2050, some estimates project that ''minor- ities'' will make up nearly 50% of the United States population. As minority groups continue to grow in population, wealth, and buying power, it becomes imperative that businesses understand the differences among different segments of the popu- lation that will be consuming their products. This paper examines projected demographic changes for the State of Florida and the implications these changes have on increasing market opportunities for businesses. Researchers from the Northeast Florida Center for Community Initiatives used Geographic information systems (GIS) computer applications to conduct spatial analysis of U.S. Census Data, as well as proprietary economic and social indicators, to develop an analysis of distribution of certain ethnicities in Florida. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential areas of significant emerging market populations within Florida in order to improve service outreach for various economic opportunities during the coming decade.
A common factor suppresses thickening in young women with malar area port wine stains and delays low density lipoprotein elevation: is it estrogen?

Port wine stains in the malar area of the face can develop thickening in early adult life. We began a study with a hypothesis that this thickening can be associated with elevation of low density lipoprotein. In a retrospective review, we divided 53 subjects with malar port wine stains into 4 groups, adults 25–39 years of age with thickening, that age group without thickening, adults 40+ years of age with thickening, and that age group without thickening. Low density lipoprotein levels in the subjects were compared to age and sex matched controls randomly selected from the general Dermatology clinic. The younger subjects with thickening demonstrated significantly higher low density lipoprotein levels than their controls (p .0082) and without thickening lower low density lipoprotein levels than their controls with great significance (p .00058). The subjects without thickening also consisted mainly of women. The low density lipoprotein levels in the older age groups, whether thickened or not, demonstrated no significant difference in low density lipoprotein levels between subjects and controls. This led to a new hypothesis that there is a factor in a subgroup of young adult women with malar port wine stains that suppresses thickening and delays the elevation of low density lipoprotein and that this factor might be estrogen. The implications of this hypothesis are that it could define a marker for a subset of the population that might be protected from the diseases associated with early elevation of low density lipoprotein and provide a source of cutaneous tissue for studying the basic science of this protection (although limited by cosmetic considerations). Future laboratory research to test the new hypothesis might include testing blood of women with malar port wine stains with or without thickening for estrogen and other sex hormones. It might also include skin biopsies to study receptors for estrogen, other sex hormones, and angiogenic factors in malar port wine stains with or without thickening. Future clinical research might include a long term prospective project to study the development of low density lipoprotein related diseases in women with malar port wine stains with or without thickening over years.
Antibody Responses to Bordetella pertussis Antigens and Clinical Correlations in Elderly Community Residents

A serological study to determine the frequency of Bordetella pertussis infection in 100 adults aged >/=65 years was carried out over a 3-year period. Ten serum samples (collected every 4 months) from each subject were examined for IgA and IgG antibodies to the following B. pertussis antigens: pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin, and fimbriae-2. A >/=2-fold titer increase in ELISA units from one time period to the next was considered serological evidence of infection. The rate of serologically defined infection (i.e., in which there was an increase in titer against any antigen) was 19.7 per 100 person-years. With the use of more specific criteria that indicate definite B. pertussis infection (>/=2-fold increase in titer to PT) and probable B. pertussis infection (>/=2-fold increase in titer to PT or >/=2-fold increase to fimbriae-2), the rates were 3.3 and 8.0 per 100 person-years, respectively. Fifty percent of individuals with definite B. pertussis infections had time-associated symptomatology. Antibody patterns over time suggest that antibody to FHA and perhaps to pertactin is stimulated by infections with other organisms, as well as B. pertussis infections. Our data suggest that symptomatic pertussis occurs in elderly individuals. Consideration should be given to immunization of the elderly with acellular pertussis vaccines.
Ethical and Legal Considerations When Obtaining Informed Consent for Treating Minors of High-Conflict Divorced or Separated Parents

Obtaining informed consent for the treatment of minors from parents in high conflict and who are either divorced or separated is a crucial, initial, and ongoing aspect of the treatment process that...
Impact of Parental Substance Use on Adolescents: A Test of a Mediational Model

Tested a mediational model of the relationship between parental substance use and adolescents' substance (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) use with data from a sample of 1,775 adolescents, mean age 13.3 years, who completed a questionnaire including constructs from three theories of substance use. Mediational analyses identified five constructs involved in the relationship of parental and adolescent use. A structural model with latent constructs for substance use showed indirect effects of parental substance use through greater tolerance for deviance, lower behavioral control, greater perceived coping function of substance use, more negative life events, and more affiliation with peer users, plus a direct effect. Implications for the theory of transmission of risk are considered.
Fat‐referenced MR thermometry in the breast and prostate using IDEAL

Purpose: To demonstrate a three-echo fat-referenced MR thermometry technique that estimates and corrects for time-varying phase disturbances in heterogeneous tissues. Materials and Methods: Fat protons do not exhibit a temperature-dependent frequency shift. Fat-referenced thermometry methods exploit this insensitivity and use the signal from fat to measure and correct for magnetic field disturbances. In this study, we present a fat-referenced method that uses interpolation of the fat signal to correct for phase disturbances in fat free regions. Phantom and ex vivo tissue cool-down experiments were performed to evaluate the accuracy of this method in the absence of motion. Non-heated in vivo imaging of the breast and prostate was performed to demonstrate measurement robustness in the presence of systemic and motion-induced field disturbances. Measurement accuracy of the method was compared to conventional proton resonance frequency shift MR thermometry. Results: In the ex vivo porcine tissue experiment, maximum measurement error of the fat-referenced method was reduced 42% from 3.3 to 1.9°C when compared to conventional MR thermometry. In the breasts, measurement errors were reduced by up to 70% from 6.4 to 1.9°C. Conclusion: Ex vivo and in vivo results show that the proposed method reduces measurement errors in the heterogeneous tissue experiments when compared to conventional MR thermometry. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:722–732. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structuring Internet media streams with cueing protocols

We propose a new, media-independent protocol for including program timing, structure, and identity information in Internet media streams. The protocol uses signaling messages called cues to indicate events whose timing is significant to receivers, such as the start or stop time of a media program. We describe the implementation and operation of a prototype Internet radio station which transmits program cues in audio broadcasts using the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP). A collection of simple yet powerful stream processing applications we implemented demonstrate how application creation is greatly eased when media streams are enriched with program cues.
Effects of Setup and Processing Time Reductions on WIP in the JIT Production Systems

Sarkar and Zangwill S-Z, [Sarkar, D., W. I. Zangwill. 1991. Variance effects in cyclic production systems. Management Sci.374, April 444-453.] have shown that in the presence of variance, setup and processing time reductions can have "detrimental" effects on the work-in-process WIP inventory in both push and pull JIT systems. In this note, we point out that the merits of such a warning for JIT production systems are questionable. If we treat a setup as a PERT network, it is difficult to accept S-Z claim that waiting queues can grow without bound when setup time is reduced. Furthermore, we show that the amount of setup cut, in addition to the level of variance, can determine whether waiting time grows or not. This finding can help in planning a viable setup reduction project. Additionally, we use S-Z example to show that, even when the variances are not reduced proportionately, the expected waiting time does not necessarily increase.
A longer interval without GH replacement and female gender are associated with lower bone mineral density in adults with childhood-onset GH deficiency: a KIMS database analysis.

Objective: Childhood-onset GH deficiency (COGHD) is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). Adults with persistent COGHD may be at risk for insufficient bone accrual or bone loss during adulthood. The purpose of this study was to identify BMD predictors and to characterize the effects of GH replacement on BMD in COGHD adults with persistent GHD. Design: Retrospective analysis of the KIMS database. Methods: Variables predicting standardized BMD (sBMD) were identified. The effect of GH replacement (3 years) on BMD was examined. Results: Three hundred and fourteen COGHD adults (148 women, 166 men; 62 non-nao ¨ve, 178 seminao ¨ve, and 74 true nao ¨ve, depending on length and timing of previous GH replacement), who had BMD measured in lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) at study entry. In semi-nao ¨ve subjects, a longer gap in GH replacement between childhood and adulthood was predictive of lower sBMD in the FN (rZK0.18, PZ0.038). TSH deficiency predicted lower sBMD in the LS (rZK0.16, PZ0.052). In true nao ¨ve patients, a longer gap between onset of pituitary disease and study entry (rZK0.35, PZ0.012), and female gender (rZK0.27, PZ0.043) independently predicted lower sBMD in the FN. There were no differences in BMD increases between non-nao ¨ve, semi-nao ¨ve, and true nao ¨ve subjects on GH replacement. Conclusions: In semi-nao ¨ve subjects a longer interval off GH replacement was associated with lower sBMD in the FN. Among true nao ¨ve patients, a longer gap between the onset of pituitary disease and GH replacement, and female gender predicted lower sBMD in the FN.
Binding of soluble type I collagen molecules to the fibroblast plasma membrane.

Abstract Soluble 125 I-labeled type I collagen binds to cultured fibroblasts but not to cultured epithelia. The binding of the ligand to fibroblasts is reversible, saturable and highly specific for sequences contained within the helical portions of the α1 and α2 chains. The amount of ligand bound is dependent upon cell number and ligand concentration. Binding is decreased but measurable at 4°C. The steady state binding is greater at 26° than at 37°C due to a more rapid dissociation of the ligand-acceptor complex at 37°C. The half-life of the complex is 46 min at 37°C and approximately 2.5 hr at 26°C. Scatchard plots of binding data indicate a single class of high affinity binding sites (K D = 1.2 × 10 −11 M) with each fibroblast binding approximately 500,000 molecules at saturation. Pretreatment of fibroblasts with bacterial collagenase, chondroitinase ABC or testicular hyaluronidase does not affect the binding reaction, whereas pretreatment of the cells with phospholipase C increases the amount of ligand bound. Ligand binding is decreased but not abolished after fibroblasts are treated with trypsin concentrations which remove surface fibronectin. Fibroblast monolayers treated with antiserum against fibronectin bind the radiolabeled ligand normally. In contrast to collagen, addition of excess fibronectin does not accelerate the dissociation of bound ligand from fibroblasts. Possible functions for surface-bound collagen are discussed.
Distributed augmentation-based learning: a learning algorithm for distributed collaborative programming-by-demonstration

The learning algorithms used in Programming-by-Demonstration (PBD) are either on-line and incremental or off-line and batch. Neither category is entirely suitable for capturing know-how from demonstrations in a distributed, collaborative environment, where multiple experts can independently provide examples to improve the model.In this paper we describe Distributed Augmentation-Based Learning (DABL), the first real-time PBD learning algorithm suited for distributed know-how acquisition. DABL is an incremental learning algorithm that uses a version-control-like paradigm to combine independently constructed procedure models. An expert can check out a procedure model from a repository and modify it by means of new demonstrations or by manually editing it. The expert then reconciles the changes with those concurrently made by other experts and checked into the repository.DABL automatically merges the two procedures, learns new decision points based on reconcilable differences, and identifies conflicts where there are multiple valid ways of combining the changes or where the combination produces an invalid model, that is, one that does not lie in the search space of the learning algorithm.
The unusual case of private george lemon

The case of Private George Lemon is considered one of the most remarkable cases documented in the “Medical and Surgical History of the War of Rebellion” (MSHWR). Lemon, a shoemaker from Bird Hill, Maryland, was one of two men to survive a secondary amputation at the hip joint during the Civil War (Fig. 1), an operation performed only nine times. (MSHWR differentiates between four types of amputation: primary [performed within 48 hours], intermediate [2 days to 1 month], secondary amputation [after 1 month], and reamputation [a second amputation following a first.]) Lemon was injured at the battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864, when a conoidal musket ball shattered his upper left femur. He remained in a temporary shelter tent, but was captured by Confederate troops. Rescued 8 days later, Lemon did not arrive at an Alexandria, Virgina hospital until June 14. Lemon’s surgeons chose not to amputate, focusing on the infection, diarrhea, and bedsores decimating his body. Over the next year, Lemon’s infection persisted and fragments of bone detached, causing abscesses. Finally, the risk of septicemia was too great. On October 12, 1865, Army Surgeon Edwin Bentley successfully amputated Lemon’s leg at the hip joint. Amputation at the hip offered a grim prognosis. During the
Nonlinear dynamics of rate-dependent activation in models of single cardiac cells

Recent studies in isolated cardiac tissue preparations have demonstrated the applicability of a one-dimensional difference equation model describing the global behavior of a driven nonpacemaker cell to the understanding of rate-dependent cardiac excitation. As a first approximation to providing an ionic basis to complex excitation patterns in cardiac cells, we have compared the predictions of the one-dimensional model with those of numerical simulations using a modified high-dimensional ionic model of the space-clamped myocyte. Stimulus-response ratios were recorded at various stimulus magnitudes, durations, and frequencies. Iteration of the difference equation model reproduced all important features of the ionic model results, including a wide spectrum of stimulus-response locking patterns, period doubling, and irregular (chaotic) dynamics. In addition, in the parameter plane, both models predict that the bifurcation structure of the cardiac cell must change as a function of stimulus duration, because stimulus duration modifies the type of supernormal excitability present at short diastolic interval. We conclude that, to a large extent, the bifurcation structure of the ionic model under repetitive stimulation can be understood by two functions: excitability and action potential duration. The characteristics of these functions depend on the stimulus duration.
A Comparative Summary of Genetic Distances in the Vertebrates

For studies in systematic and evolutionary biology, many kinds of molecular data have the unusual distinction of providing “common yardsticks” for quantitatively comparing genetic distances in phylogenetically distinct arrays of species. Yet after more than two decades of study, the genetic information residing in DNAs and proteins has only barely been tapped and employed in a comparative framework. Some tantalizing preliminary conclusions have emerged. For example, when different kinds of organisms, such as frogs and mammals, are contrasted, it appears that rates of evolution in structural genes (those that encode proteins) can proceed independently of rates of evolution in organismal morphology and way of life (Cherry et al., 1978; King and Wilson, 1975).
Farmer First Revisited: Innovation for Agricultural Research and Development Scoones, Ian, and Thompson, John

Agricultural research and extension has recently returned to a priority place in the world of international development. Donors are underwriting massive new investments with attention increasingly ...
Thermal and Electrical Transport Properties of Sheared and Un-Sheared Thin-Film Polymer/CNTs Nanocomposites

Transport properties have been measured transverse to the plane of sheared and un-sheared thin-film nanocomposites of isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at various MWCNT concentrations. The sheared samples were processed in the melt at 200 0 C at 1 Hz in a Linkan microscope shearing hot stage. The thermal and electrical conductivity measurements were performed on the same cell arrangement with the transport perpendicular to the thin-film plane using a DC method. The thermal and electrical conductivity perpendicular to the surface of the films are higher for the un-sheared as compared to the sheared samples. Interestingly, the percolation threshold appears smeared in both conductivity measurements likely due to pressing and shear treatment of the films, or the spacing between the data points. Important for electronics packaging and materials for which those anisotropic properties are highly desired this work presents important advances in understanding the structure-transport property relations.
Preparing for the Aftermath of a Nuclear Detonation; An Analytic Framework for Disaster Management

Preparedness activities for complex, technical hazards require a sound scientific basis integrated into appropriate guidelines and preparedness activities. The Federal Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation provides the strategy for response to an improvised nuclear device detonation and was built on an analytical framework of supporting science developed by national laboratories and other technical organizations. Recent advances in our understanding of the hazards posed by such an event includes detailed fallout predictions from the advanced suite of three-dimensional meteorology and plume/fallout models developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, including extensive global geographical and real-time meteorological databases to support model calculations.
Combining Big Data and Survey Techniques to Model Effects of Political Content Flows in Facebook

This article introduces a novel method that combines a źbig dataź measurement of the content of individuals' Facebook FB news feeds with traditional survey measures to explore the antecedents and effects of exposure to news and politics content on the site. Drawing on recent theoretical and methodological advances, we demonstrate how such a hybrid approach can be used to a untangle distinct channels of public affairs content within respondents' FB news feeds, b explore why respondents vary in the extent to which they encounter public affairs content on the site, and c examine whether the amount and type of public affairs content flows in one's FB is associated with political knowledge and participation above and beyond self-report measures of news media use.
The 2014 Military Health System Research Symposium Awards: Recognizing Those Pushing the Science Envelope

s Submitted 520 1,135 Abstracts Accepted 516 624 Number of Review Panels 20 23 Posters Presented 252 387 Young Investigator Submissions N/A 131 Number of Registrants 1,175 1,524 Number of Exhibitors 80 76 International Attendees Not Counted 84/16 Countries MILITARY MEDICINE, Vol. 181, May Supplement 2016 266 The 2014 Military Health System Research Symposium Awards
Clay Mineralogy: An Introductory Course.Ray E. Ferrell, Jr. E-series #1, The Clay Minerals Society, Chantilly, VA, USA. Single CD. Price $10.00.

Every now and then, something comes along that is both a great value and extremely useful. Clay Mineralogy: An Introductory Course falls into that category. The CD contains material assembled by Prof. Ray Ferrell for use in his graduate-level clay mineralogy course at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It represents 12 years of experience in the use of electronic media by Prof. Ferrell to provide course content for his undergraduate and graduate courses. The CD provides a wealth of material that should be of interest to students, teachers and professionals. The ‘core’ of the material is structured around six modules that cover: (1) introduction to clay mineralogy; (2) basic mineralogy and classification; (3) geological origin; (4) aqueous solubility and ion exchange; (5) waste isolation and fluid flow; and (6) X-ray powder diffraction. This material is covered in …
Abstract IA05: Evolution of glioblastoma subtypes

To understand the relationships between the non-GCIMP glioblastoma (GBM) subgroups, we performed mathematical modeling to predict the temporal sequence of driver events during tumorigenesis. The most common order of evolutionary events is 1) chromosome (chr) 7 gain and chr10 loss, followed by 2) CDKN2A loss and/or TP53 mutation, and 3) alterations canonical for specific subtypes. We then developed a computational methodology to identify drivers of broad copy number changes, identifying PDGFA (chr7) and PTEN (chr10) as driving initial nondisjunction events. These predictions were validated using mouse modeling, showing that PDGFA is sufficient to induce proneural-like gliomas and that additional NF1 loss converts proneural to the mesenchymal subtype. We further performed integrated genomic and epigenetic profiling of patient-derived cell lines to identify further genes driving subtype transformation as well as alterations in the three-dimensional architecture of the GBM genome during subtype changes. Our computational methodologies can be applied to study the evolutionary dynamics of other cancer types.
Abdominal Vein Injuries

Major abdominal venous trauma involving the inferior vena cava, mesenteric, portal, hepatic, renal, splenic, and iliac veins is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to challenges with surgical exposure, achieving proximal and distal control and repairing these injuries in a critically ill patient. The majority of these venous injuries are due to penetrating trauma, with 1 in 50 gunshot wounds involving the inferior vena cava. Retrohepatic IVC and hepatic vein injuries are best managed with packing to compress the liver posteriorly. Exposure should be performed for refractory bleeding but outcomes are poor. Outflow control of the IVC is best managed via right thoracoabdominal or medial sternotomy to access the intrapericardial supradiaphragmatic IVC. A Pringle maneuver with suprarenal IVC compression provides inflow control. Some blunt juxta- and infrarenal IVC injuries may be managed without retroperitoneal exploration unless there is active bleeding or suspicion of concomitant arterial injury, but most zone 1 retroperitoneal injuries should be explored. The left renal vein can be ligated if collaterals are intact. The right renal vein is short and usually requires repair or nephrectomy. Concomitant visceral and arterial injuries are common. Those with blunt trauma and a presentation of peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, or significant free abdominal fluid should be offered operative management. Survivors of both surgical and nonoperative management suffer venous thromboembolic events, proximal edema, and venous insufficiency.
A bio-inspired algorithm for identifying unknown kinematics from a discrete set of candidate models by using collision detection

Many robots are composed of interchangeable modular components, each of which can be independently controlled, and collectively can be disassembled and reassembled into new configurations. When assembling these modules into an open kinematic chain, there are some discrete choices dictated by the module geometry; for example, the order in which the modules are placed, the axis of rotation of each module with respect to the previous module, and/or the overall shape of the assembled robot. Although it might be straightforward for a human user to provide this information, there is also a practical benefit in the robot autonomously identifying these unknown, discrete forward kinematics. To date, a variety of techniques have been proposed to identify unknown kinematics; however, these methods cannot be directly applied during situations where we seek to identify the correct model amid a discrete set of options. In this paper, we introduce a method specifically for finding discrete robot kinematics, which relies on collision detection, and is inspired by the biological concepts of body schema and evolutionary algorithms. Under the proposed method, the robot maintains a population of possible models, stochastically identifies a motion which best distinguishes those models, and then performs that motion while checking for a collision. Models which correctly predicted whether a collision would occur produce candidate models for the next iteration. Using this algorithm during simulations with a Baxter robot, we were able to correctly determine the order of the links in 84% of trials while exploring around 0.01% of all possible models, and we were able to correctly determine the axes of rotation in 94% of trials while exploring < 0.1% of all possible models.