cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal Changes in PTHrP, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase, TGF-β, and FGF-2 Expression Following Growth Plate Irradiation With or Without Radioprotectant

This study examined temporal changes in growth plate apoptosis molecules and growth factors in an animal model of radiation injury with and without a radioprotectant. Thirty weanling 5-week Sprague-Dawley rats underwent right knee irradiation with single-fraction 17.5 Gy while the left served as internal control. Six animals each were sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks after irradiation. Half of the animals received pretreatment with amifostine (WR-2721) radioprotectant. Immunohistochemical staining for PTHrP, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, FGF-2, and TGF-beta was performed. PTHrP decreased to a nadir at 1 week after irradiation but rebounded to above control levels at 2 weeks in the reserve and transitional zones. The radioprotectant amifostine blunted the decrease in PTHrP but kept PTHrP expression lower than controls during the rebound phase in untreated irradiated animals. Hypertrophic zone Bax expression was decreased by amifostine in both irradiated and non-irradiated limbs at 1 and 2 weeks. FGF, TGF-beta, Bcl-2, and caspase levels generally decreased at 1 week and returned thereafter toward control levels. These findings underscore the importance of PTHrP in response to growth plate irradiation and show the novel finding of a decrease in Bax expression with amifostine pretreatment.
Sex steroid and human chorionic gonadotropin modulation of in vitro prolactin production by human term decidua.

Abstract This study was undertaken to investigate the possible regulatory effects of the sex steroids estradiol and progesterone and the protein hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on prolactin (PRL) production by human decidua in vitro. Decidual tissue obtained from chorionic membranes was incubated in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium in the steroid experiments and in media supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum in the hCG experiments. Daily media samples up to 90 hours were assayed for PRL by radioimmunoassay. Estradiol in a final medium concentration of 1 ng/ml significantly stimulated overall PRL production within 48 to 72 hours (n = 26, p=0.0007). This difference was not, however, significant at 24 hours (p = 0.07). Progesterone alone in final concentrations of 100 ng/ml failed to demonstrate any effect relative to controls (n = 17, p=0.5). A daily change of media with the addition of fresh progesterone also failed to affect PRL production (n = 8, p=0.35). The same estradiol and progesterone concentrations, in combination, suppress PRL production over 72 hours, significant at p=0.0001 (n = 9). When estradiol was administered initially and progesterone was added after 24 hours, the PRL production diminished significantly (n = 9, p=0.0003). hCG stimulated PRL production in serum-supplemented media only at a dose of 10 4 mlU/ml (p = 0.0001). Finally, this effect could be delayed for 24 hours (p = 0.0001). We interpret these data to suggest a stimulatory role for estradiol in the synthesis of PRL by human term decidua in vitro and an estradiol-modulated suppressive effect for progesterone—both effects in a manner consistent with their similar effects on pituitary cell cultures. Also, hCG has a definite but poorly understood role in stimulating in vitro decidual PRL production.
A novel validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify soluble hemojuvelin in mouse serum

Hemojuvelin is a critical regulator of hepcidin expression and can be cleaved by proteases to form soluble hemojuvelin. Soluble hemojuvelin has been recently identified in human serum but the presence and quantity of soluble hemojuvelin in mouse serum is unknown. We developed a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a monoclonal anti-hemojuvelin as the capture antibody and a biotinylated polyclonal anti-hemojuvelin as the detection antibody to quantify the levels of soluble hemojuvelin in mouse serum. We validated this assay using cell-conditioned media and serum from Hemojuvelin-null and Bone morphogenetic protein 6-null mice. We also used this validated assay to measure serum soluble hemojuvelin concentrations in mice receiving an acute low iron or high iron treatment. This two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was highly specific for mouse hemojuvelin, with a lower limit of detection at 13.2-26.8 ng/mL of soluble hemojuvelin in mouse serum. The median serum soluble hemojuvelin concentration in wild-type C57BL/6J mice was 57.9±22 ng/mL, which is 4- to 20-fold less than that reported in healthy human volunteers. After acute low iron diet treatment in these mice, serum soluble hemojuvelin levels were increased and correlated with lowered serum iron levels and decreased hepatic hepcidin expression. An acute high iron diet in wild-type mice or chronically iron-overloaded Bone morphogenetic protein 6-null mice did not significantly lower serum soluble hemojuvelin concentrations. Here we report reliable quantitation of mouse serum soluble hemojuvelin using a novel and validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This assay may provide a useful tool to elucidate the source and physiological role of serum soluble hemojuvelin in hepcidin regulation and iron metabolism using well-established mouse models of iron-related disorders.
Mutational Analysis of Smad3, a Candidate Tumor Suppressor Implicated in TGF-β and Menin Pathways, in Parathyroid Adenomas and Enteropancreatic Endocrine Tumors

Based upon molecular allelotyping and comparative genomic hybridization studies, chromosome 15q is the likely location of a tumor suppressor gene important in the pathogeneses of sporadic enteropancreatic endocrine tumors and parathyroid adenomas. Interest has focused on Smad3 as a candidate endocrine tumor suppressor gene because 1) it is localized to 15q and 2) it encodes a TGFβ signaling molecule that has been identified as a binding partner of the multiple endocrine neoplasm type 1 gene product menin, itself involved in enteropancreatic and parathyroid neoplasia. To determine whether Smad3 plays a primary role in development of these tumors, 20 enteropancreatic tumors and 67 parathyroid adenomas were investigated for loss of heterozygosity at DNA markers surrounding Smad3. Twenty percent of enteropancreatic tumors and 24% of parathyroid adenomas showed loss. All 9 coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the Smad3 gene were then sequenced in genomic DNA from all 20 enteropancreatic and 25 parathyroi...
Unemployment and Consumption: The Mercantilist View

I. Mercantilists not desirous of mere numbers, 698. — Importance of employment, 700. — Remedies for idleness: provision of employment, 702; corrective and punitive legislation, 705. — II. Condemnation of luxury, 708. — Means of curbing it: sumptuary laws, 712; taxation, 713; moral suasion, 713. — Defense of luxury, 714.—Hume's views, 716. —Conclusion, 718.
Content and curriculum in psychoeducation groups for families of persons with severe mental illness

OBJECTIVE: The study compared problems identified by participants in a workshop for families with a relative who had severe mental illness with topics addressed in published descriptions of multifamily psychoeducational interventions to determine whether the problems and needs of family members differed from those covered in professionally prepared psychoeducational materials. METHODS: Participants in a one-day psychoeducational workshop were asked to identify and rank in order of importance the problems they faced in managing mental illness. Most workshop participants were family members who did not have a severe mental illness, but family members with a severe mental illness and mental health service providers also attended. Lists of problems generated by 86 participants containing a total of 355 items were analyzed for content, and 11 problem categories were identified and ranked. These categories were then compared with the content of multifamily psychoeducation programs described in the literature. R...
Comparison of Lower Extremity Kinematics and Hip Muscle Activation During Rehabilitation Tasks Between Sexes

Abstract Context: Closed kinetic chain exercises are an integral part of rehabilitation programs after lower extremity injury. Sex differences in lower extremity kinematics have been reported durin...
New targets for therapy in breast cancer: Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Over the past several years many advances have been made in our understanding of critical pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor growth. These advances have led to the investigation of small molecule inhibitors of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases across a broad spectrum of malignancies. In this article we summarize the rationale for targeting members of the ErbB family in breast cancer, and review the preclinical and clinical data for the agents that are furthest in development. In addition, we highlight directions for future research, such as exploration of the potential crosstalk between the ErbB and hormone receptor signal transduction pathways, identification of predictive markers for tumor sensitivity, and development of rational combination regimens that include the tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Single-pulse pump-probe measurement of optical nonlinear properties in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells

Single-pulse ps-pump and ns-probe nonlinear transmission measurements provide carrier-density-dependent optical nonlinear spectra in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The use of the ps pump eliminates the need to know carrier lifetime to determine carrier density. The saturation behavior of changes in absorption coefficient and refractive index are modeled by a simple saturation equation to obtain saturation carrier density. The saturation spectra for different well thicknesses are obtained. The minimum saturation carrier density appears around 150 /spl Aring/. >
Use of Guidelines-Recommended Management and Outcomes Among Women and Men With Low-Level Troponin Elevation: Insights From CRUSADE

Background— Troponin elevation above the upper limit of normal (ULN) is diagnostic of myocardial infarction, but interpretation of “gray-zone” troponin elevations (1 to 1.5� ULN) remains uncertain. Using the CRUSADE database, we explored relationships between sex and treatment and outcomes among patients with troponin 1 to 1.5� ULN. Methods and Results— We compared treatment and outcomes among women and men using logistic generalized estimating equation method. Overall, 5049 of 85 671 (5.9%) non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes patients (2156 women, 2893 men) had troponin 1 to 1.5� ULN within 24 hours of presentation. Compared with troponin >1.5� ULN, “gray-zone” patients less often received all guidelines-indicated acute (mean composite score, 63% versus 72%) and discharge therapies (mean composite score, 73% versus 78%), but received them more frequently than patients with troponin <1� ULN (mean composite scores, 58% acute and 67% discharge). Among “gray-zone” patients, acute and discharge ...
Human CART1, a Paired-Class Homeodomain Protein, Activates Transcription through Palindromic Binding Sites

Homeodomain proteins play important roles in animal development by controlling the expression of genes involved in determining cell fates. The recently cloned human Cart1 gene encodes a paired-class homeodomain (hCART1), whose rodent homolog is mainly expressed in early chondrocytes and in prechondrocytic mesenchymal cells. To better understand its role as a transcription factor, the author has selected specific hCART1 binding sites from a random pool of oligonucleotides. It is reported here that all sites obtained contain a palindrome consisting of two TAAT sequences separated by three or four base pairs. In electromobility shift assays, recombinant hCART1 proteins bind to a palindromic probe as a multimer, possibly a homodimer. In transient transfection assays, hCART1 activates transcription from reporter plasmids containing hCART1 binding sites in HeLa cells, demonstrating both site-dependence and dosage-dependence. It is also shown here that hCART1 localizes to nucleus. These data indicate that hCART1 is a sequence-specific transcription activator in HeLa cells. In combination with data from previous studies in which hCART1 represses transcription in different cell types and promoters, they suggest that hCART1 may be a transcription modulator with both repression and activation activities.
Still in the Game — Harnessing Employer Inventiveness in U.S. Health Care Reform

The pressures employers face have worsened as health care costs have grown faster than wages. Dr. Robert Galvin writes that although the business community has been a reluctant actor in this arena, it remains skeptical that its interests will be served by solutions arising from the provider community or from increased government control.
Metamaterials in microwaves and optics: a review

It is well known that from the electromagnetic viewpoint, material media are macroscopically described by their constitutive parameters, and the response functions of such parameters play the major roles in understanding and characterizing the behavior of electromagnetic and optical wave interaction with materials, and provide guidelines for the design, synthesis, and evaluation of new specialized materials. Metamaterials, which are engineered composite media, can be designed and constructed to exhibit unconventional characteristics and new response functions for the constitutive parameters. In this paper, an overview of the history, concepts, salient features, recent developments, and some potential applications of the metamaterials are given.
A survey on diagnostic methods for automotive engines

Faults affecting automotive engines can potentially lead to increased emissions, increased fuel consumption, or engine damage. These negative impacts may be prevented or at least alleviated if faul...
In Vitro Activities of 15 Antimicrobial Agents against 110 Toxigenic Clostridium difficile Clinical Isolates Collected from 1983 to 2004

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing, and standard treatment is not always effective. Therefore, more-effective antimicrobial agents and treatment strategies are needed. We used the agar dilution method to determine the in vitro susceptibility of the following antimicrobials against 110 toxigenic clinical isolates of C. difficile from 1983 to 2004, primarily from the United States: doripenem, meropenem, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, OPT-80, ramoplanin, rifalazil, rifaximin, nitazoxanide, tizoxanide, tigecycline, vancomycin, tinidazole, and metronidazole. Included among the isolates tested were six strains of the toxinotype III, NAP1/BI/027 group implicated in recent U.S., Canadian, and European outbreaks. The most active agents in vitro were rifaximin, rifalazil, tizoxanide, nitazoxanide, and OPT-80 with MICs at which 50% of the isolates are inhibited (MIC(50)) and MIC(90) values of 0.0075 and 0.015 microg/ml, 0.0075 and 0.03 microg/ml, 0.06 and 0.125 microg/ml, 0.06 and 0.125 microg/ml, 0.125 and 0.125 microg/ml, respectively. However, for three isolates the rifalazil and rifaximin MICs were very high (MIC of >256 microg/ml). Ramoplanin, vancomycin, doripenem, and meropenem were also very active in vitro with narrow MIC(50) and MIC(90) ranges. None of the isolates were resistant to metronidazole, the only agent for which there are breakpoints, with tinidazole showing nearly identical results. These in vitro susceptibility results are encouraging and support continued evaluation of selected antimicrobials in clinical trials of treatment for CDAD.
Entry and Intracellular Localization of Brucella spp. in Vero Cells: Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy

Vero cells were inoculated with the six species of Brucella (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. neotomae, B. canis, and B. ovis) and examined by fluorescence and electron microscopy. All Brucella spp. were internalized by Vero cells. In all cells except those inoculated with B. canis, the numbers of intracellular brucellae increased with time after inoculation. Intracellular brucellae were first seen within phagosomes and phagolysosomes. Subsequent localization within cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum was seen with all species of Brucella, except B. canis, which was restricted to phagolysosomes. Although rough brucellae were more adherent and entered a greater number of Vero cells, intracellular replication occurred in a larger percentage of cells with smooth rather than with rough brucellae. These results suggest that phagocytosed Brucella spp. are transferred 1) to cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, where unrestricted bacterial replication takes place; or 2) to phagolysosomes in which Brucella spp. fail to replicate. The various strains of Brucella spp. differ in their ability to induce their own transfer to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Thermal Nonequilibrium Simulation of an Arc Plasma Jet

The characteristics of plasma jets produced by direct-current nontransferred arc torches depend strongly on the dynamics of the arc inside the torch, which act as forcing mechanisms for the jet. Three-dimensional and time-dependent results of a two-temperature model that is applied to the simulation of the flow inside a plasma torch and the generated jet reproduce the large-scale structures of the jet observed experimentally and display marked thermal nonequilibrium in the interface between the jet and the surrounding gas. The large-scale structures of the jet from the numerical results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental high-speed images.
Brainstem auditory electrical response characteristics of stutterers and nonstutterers: A preliminary report

Abstract In the present study, eight adult male stutterers and nonstutterers showed no significant latency or amplitude differences in BSERs recorded in response to monaural and binaural clicks. However, significantly greater variance was found in the stutterers' group under the monaural stimulation condition at click rates of 12/sec and 5/sec. Left and right monaural waveforms were subtracted individually from the binaural waveform. The resultant binaural interaction difference traces were examined to determine auditory tract preference for binaural stimulation. While some subjects from both groups showed no auditory tract preference, it was found that the significant variance between groups for wave V latency was attributable to the subset of stutterers without auditory tract preference. This finding is interpreted as evidence of neurological differences in stutterers' auditory processing at the brainstem level.
From First Design Brainstorm Session to Final Coat of Paint: Communication, an Essential Constant.

Hundreds of variables must be considered when undertaking even the smallest construction project. When renovating a still-occupied seven-hundred-bed residence complex, however, the details to manage seem endless. Effective communication among all parties—especially students—is essential to completing the project successfully.
A trace-based approach for modeling wireless channel behavior

The loss behavior of wireless networks has become the focus of many recent research efforts. Although it is generally agreed that wireless communications experience higher error rates than wireline, the nature of these lossy links is not fully understood. This paper describes an effort to characterize the loss behavior of the AT&T WaveLAN, a popular in-building wireless interface. Using a trace-based approach, packet loss information is recorded, analyzed, and validated. Our results indicate that WaveLAN experiences an average packet error rate of 2 to 3 percent. Further analysis reveals that these errors are not independent, making it hard to model them with a simple two-state Markov chain. We derive another model based on the distributions of the error and error-free length of the packet streams. For validation, we modulate both the error models and the traces in a simulator. Trace-driven simulations yield an average TCP throughput of about 5 percent less than simulations using our best error model.
Multifrequency mode-locked lasers

A theoretical model is constructed that describes the operation of a pulsed mode-locked laser simultaneously operating at N frequency channels. The model, which is a combination of standard WDM interactions in the canonical master mode-locking model subject to both self- and cavity-saturating gain effects, results in mode-locking dynamics that qualitatively describe the N-frequency channel operation. It is further in agreement with the observed experimental dual-frequency (N=2) laser operation. In the model, it is the combination of self- and cavity-gain saturation that simultaneously allows for mode-locking at N frequencies, which can be of significantly different energies and pulse widths. The model provides a framework for understanding the operation and stability of identically mode-locked pulses at multiple frequencies, thus contributing to the characterization of the increasingly important and timely technology of dual- and multifrequency mode-locked laser cavities.
Modified Taylor-series method for source and receiver localization using TDOA measurements with erroneous receiver positions

Receiver location uncertainty plays an important role in passive source localization since it can significantly deteriorate the accuracy of the source location. This paper presents an iterative algorithm for estimating the location of an emitter and the positions of receivers using time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, when the receivers have random position errors. The proposed method is based on the Taylor-series method and jointly estimates both source and receiver positions simultaneously. One deficiency of the method is that it requires a good initial solution guess close to the true solution to begin with, in order to ensure convergence. In any case, the divergence behavior can often be detected so that re-initialization can be made. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method achieves an accuracy close to the CRLB under Gaussian noise in both near field and far field sources.
Intra- and interspecific interactions between Lysiphlebus testaceipes and Lipolexis scutellaris (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) reared on Toxoptera citricida (homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Classical biological control of the brown citrus aphid Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy in Florida has involved the release of Lipolexis scutellaris Mackauer. Lysiphlebus testaceipes Cresson is already present in Florida and also parasitizes T. citricida. Because parasitoid–parasitoid interactions may affect the establishment of a newly introduced parasitoid species, intra- and interspecific larval interactions of both parasitoids were studied in the laboratory using T. citricida reared on citrus. Five time intervals were allowed between successive oviposition opportunities. Early developmental times were determined for both parasitoids: eggs of L. testaceipes and L. scutellaris hatched after 54.3 and 61.7 h, while molt to second instar occurred after 73.3 and 87.1 h, respectively, after oviposition at 22°C. At intervals <12 h, both parasitoids had a greater tendency to multiparasitize than to superparasitize, and the tendency to superparasitize or multiparasitize decreased with an increase in time b...
The US Consumer Perspective on Organic Foods

Market growth in the US organic sector has been dramatic since the mid-1990s. Much of this growth was made possible by rapidly increasing consumer interest, which fostered new market opportunities for organic food producers, retailers, and distributors. Market distribution networks have changed character as organic and conventional firms have joined forces, catapulting organic foods into mainstream grocery stores within the reach of most consumers. Consumers now buy organic food for health, taste, and social factors, in additional to the traditional environmental reasons. Even as consumers buy organic food for a wider variety of factors, direct sales from farmers to consumers have remained an important component of the organic market as the market has grown.
Abstract W P4: Time to Angiographic Reperfusion: A Decision Analysis

Introduction: The Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III trial found no significant difference in outcomes between the combined intravenous (IV) t-PA/endovascular and IV t-PA groups. A suggested reason for lack of IV/IA effect is that good clinical outcome following angiographic reperfusion is strongly time dependent; this was shown in IMS I/II and validated in IMS III. Using decision modeling we addressed the following question: How quickly should reperfusion with IA therapy be achieved to demonstrate superiority of IV/IA therapy versus IV t-PA alone? Methods: We developed a decision analytic model using IMS III trial data and comprehensive literature review. Base case: large vessel occlusion, IV t-PA within 3 hours, time from stroke onset to reperfusion 325 min, reperfusion rate with IA therapy 0.76, probability of good outcome after IA reperfusion 0.40, probability of good outcome after no IA reperfusion 0.10. IV t-PA rates of good outcome were based on subset of IMS III subjects with large vessel occlusion on baseline CTA. Utilities were assigned to mRS outcome levels based on previously published data. Results: The IV t-PA alone approach yielded expected utility of 1.26 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to 1.08 QALYs for the IV/IA approach. One-way sensitivity analyses for time to reperfusion demonstrated superiority of IV t-PA alone above a reperfusion time of 273 minutes. IV/IA approach could be superior if reperfusion times were shorter. Conclusion: If mean reperfusion time can be reduced to ≤ 273 minutes our analysis suggests that IV/IA therapy could be superior to IV t-PA alone using the IMS III revascularization approaches given the original sample size of IMS III. Further analyses will be included in the abstract presentation, by which time the IMS III database will be closed and additional relevant data available to investigators. We then will be able to more accurately estimate the various time components modeled, including: time from onset to IV start, IV start to groin puncture, groin puncture to IA start and time from IA start to IA end, as well as the impact of reperfusion delay and reperfusion rates on clinical outcomes along with probabilistic sensitivity analyses.
Variation and variability in Cladonia section Perviae

The lichenized podetia in the species of Cla? donia section Perviae are characterized by variable openings that occur both apically and at axils of branches. The podetia and their openings are variable within species but they are initially formed in distinct patterns. Unique patterns of growth can be distin? guished among the species in early ontogeny at the level of the meristematic tissue, which is purely fungal. The morphology of the mature podetium in many Cladoniaceae can be traced to patterns of early on? togeny. While openings in very young growing parts of podetia in species in section Perviae are influenced by the meristem plan, the appearance of mature po? detia is strongly influenced by relative growth rates and external factors. The formation of pycnidia from meristematic tissue is similar to the development of branches in certain species, and may provide the mor? phological basis for determining evolutionary path- ways in the genus Cladonia. For example, trichoto- mous and polytomous branching may have been an- cestral to dichotomous branching, which in turn gave
Effects of Breast Massage and Back Massage on Secretion of Breast Milk

Objective To explore the effect of breast massage and back massage on the maternal milk yield and distending pain of breasts.Methods A total of 501 parturients with spontaneous birth were randomly divided into observation group to promote milk according to the conventional methods of obstetric department and control group to undergo rubbing of acupuncture points based on the conventional milk promotion. Afterwards,the maternal lactation and distending pain of breasts of the two groups were observed and compared.Results 72-hour postpartum observation suggested that the parturients in the observation group yielded significantly more breast milk and had significantly less distending pain of breasts than those in the control group(P0.001).Conclusion Breast massage and back massage can increase maternal lactation and reduce distending pain of breasts,which is more conducive to breastfeeding.
Ecology of mosquitoes and lack of arbovirus activity at Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California.

During 1994-95, totals of 17,656 adult females and 111,104 adults reared from field-collected immatures comprising 19 species in 4 genera of mosquitoes were collected from Morro Bay estuary and surrounding environs in San Luis Obispo County, California. Aedes dorsalis was the dominant summer mosquito, whereas Aedes squamiger and Ae. washinoi were abundant during winter and early spring. Host-seeking Culex tarsalis were collected infrequently, even though immatures were collected frequently from freshwater surface pools. Overall, 13,561 adults (386 pools) and 91,547 adults reared from field-collected immatures (3,027 pools) were tested for arboviruses by plaque assay in Vero cell culture. Morro Bay virus, a member of the California serogroup, was isolated from 4 pools of Ae. squamiger reared from field-collected immatures (minimum field infection rate = 1.07 per 1,000), verifying the maintenance of this virus by vertical transmission. All remaining pools were negative. Three flocks of 10 sentinel chickens and one group of 5 sentinel rabbits were bled biweekly and tested for arbovirus antibodies with negative results. Neither horizontal nor vertical transmission of western equine encephalomyelitis virus was detected.
Machine learning methods for empirical streamflow simulation: a comparison of model accuracy, interpretability, and uncertainty in seasonal watersheds

Abstract. In the past decade, machine learning methods for empirical rainfall–runoff modeling have seen extensive development and been proposed as a useful complement to physical hydrologic models, particularly in basins where data to support process-based models are limited. However, the majority of research has focused on a small number of methods, such as artificial neural networks, despite the development of multiple other approaches for non-parametric regression in recent years. Furthermore, this work has often evaluated model performance based on predictive accuracy alone, while not considering broader objectives, such as model interpretability and uncertainty, that are important if such methods are to be used for planning and management decisions. In this paper, we use multiple regression and machine learning approaches (including generalized additive models, multivariate adaptive regression splines, artificial neural networks, random forests, and M5 cubist models) to simulate monthly streamflow in five highly seasonal rivers in the highlands of Ethiopia and compare their performance in terms of predictive accuracy, error structure and bias, model interpretability, and uncertainty when faced with extreme climate conditions. While the relative predictive performance of models differed across basins, data-driven approaches were able to achieve reduced errors when compared to physical models developed for the region. Methods such as random forests and generalized additive models may have advantages in terms of visualization and interpretation of model structure, which can be useful in providing insights into physical watershed function. However, the uncertainty associated with model predictions under extreme climate conditions should be carefully evaluated, since certain models (especially generalized additive models and multivariate adaptive regression splines) become highly variable when faced with high temperatures.
Efficacy of Salmide®, a Sodium Chlorite-Based Oxy-Halogen Disinfectant, to Inactivate Bacterial Pathogens and Extend Shelf-Life of Broiler Carcasses 1.

The biocidal activity of Salmide®, a sodium chlorite-based oxyhalogen disinfectant, was tested alone and in combination with either 1.34 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 0.347 mM sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or 210 mM trisodium phosphate (Na3PO4) against a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium NAr inoculated onto fresh broiler drumstick skin. Following a 10-min exposure to increasing Salmide® concentrations (ranging from 27 to 81 mM) at 37°C, the S. typhimurium NAr population on the broiler skin was reduced by 57.3 to 85.2%. Each Salmide® test concentration applied in combination with 1.34 mM EDTA produced S. typhimurium NAr population reductions in excess of 97%. A similar trend (93.1 to 98.2% reductions) was observed for treatments containing 27, 54 or 81 mM Salmide® and 0.347 mM SLS. However, when S. typhimurium NAr was exposed to 210 mM Na3PO4 alone, a 99.5% population reduction was observed. This value was not significantly different from those obtained for treatments containing 210 mM Na3PO4 and 27, 54 or 81 mM Salmide®. In addition, 27 mM Salmide® was evaluated alone or in combination with 1.34 mM EDTA for the extension of broiler drumstick shelf-life. Based on the enumeration of mesophilic and psychrotrophic populations, the combined Salmide® and EDTA treatment was shown to produce a slight extension in broiler drumstick shelf-life compared to an untreated control. Treatment effects detected by drumstick skin Hunter color reflectance measurements during refrigerated storage were inconsistent.
Implementation and prospects for chip-to-chip free-space optical interconnects

This paper describes the state of the art in free space optical interconnects as applied to chip-to-chip communication. We will review various technologies that integrate micro lasers and optical detectors with silicon CMOS, provide optical link characteristics obtained with these devices, and discuss the capabilities of low cost and robust optoelectronic packaging techniques to seamlessly integrate optics and electronics at the board level.
Experimental evaluation of a deformable registration algorithm for motion correction in PET-CT guided biopsy

Positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) images are increasingly being used for guidance during percutaneous biopsy. However, due to the physics of image acquisition, PET-CT images are susceptible to problems due to respiratory and cardiac motion, leading to inaccurate tumor localization, shape distortion, and attenuation correction. To address these problems, we present a method for motion correction that relies on respiratory gated CT images aligned using a deformable registration algorithm. In this work, we use two deformable registration algorithms and two optimization approaches for registering the CT images obtained over the respiratory cycle. The two algorithms are the BSpline and the symmetric forces Demons registration. In the first optmization approach, CT images at each time point are registered to a single reference time point. In the second approach, deformation maps are obtained to align each CT time point with its adjacent time point. These deformations are then composed to find the deformation with respect to a reference time point. We evaluate these two algorithms and optimization approaches using respiratory gated CT images obtained from 7 patients. Our results show that overall the BSpline registration algorithm with the reference optimization approach gives the best results.
Gate/source-overlapped heterojunction Tunnel FET-based LAMSTAR neural network and its Application to EEG Signal Classification

This paper explores reduced complexity physical implementation of self-organizing-map (SOM) and LAMSTAR (Large Scale Memory Storage and Retrieval) neural network. Unique Gaussian I DS -V GS characteristic of emerging gate/source-overlapped heterojunction Tunnel FET (SO-HTFET) is utilized to simplify the complexity of a SOM. For a given pattern, SO-HTFET-based SOM performs associative processing between the applied pattern feature and the stored neuron states. SO-HTFET reduces the SOM computing cell to just a single transistor. This is remarkable considering that a conventional digital SOM cell will require more than 100 transistors. IDS-VGS variance of SO-HTFET is modulated by varying its drain-to-source voltage (V DS ). This enables dynamic adaptation of distance measures in SO-HTFET-based SOM. Various SOM-modules are combined in a LAMSTAR network with link weights to facilitate deep learning and integration of various features of the applied pattern in a decision making process. Electroencephalogram (EEG) classification is studied using SO-HTFET-based LAMSTAR. SO-HTFET enables a higher number of hidden neurons in LAMSTAR by reducing the complexity of SOM and thereby, improves classification accuracy than a conventional design. EEG classification accuracy is specifically evaluated for fixed neuron and dynamic neuron approaches. The optimal variance of SO-HTFET I DS -V GS is extracted for these approaches.
611. Promoter Evaluation of AAV Gene Therapy in the Central Nervous System for Feline Niemann-Pick Type C Disease

Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dementia, and death in adolescence. It is caused by mutations that result in deficient function of lysosomal, membrane-bound NPC1, resulting in the intralysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids. There are no FDA-approved therapies for NPC1 disease, however, we have previously shown that administration of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPsCD) via the cerebromedullary cistern (CBMC) in presymptomatic cats with NPC1 disease prevented the onset of cerebellar tremor and resulted in Purkinje cell (PC) survival and near normal concentrations of cerebral cortex and cerebellar cholesterol and sphingolipids. Remarkably, these cats remained alive for greater than three years of age, in contrast to untreated NPC1 cats that died before six months of age. This therapy has advanced to clinical trials where patients receive biweekly HPsCD. In an attempt to both reduce the number of HPsCD injections and to treat uncorrected brain regions, we studied the feasibility of viral gene therapy, providing a one-time injection, in NPC1 cats. Preliminary studies utilized administration of an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 carrying the feline NPC1 transgene (fNPC1) via the CBMC of pre-symptomatic NPC1 cats. These treated cats showed reduced ataxia compared to untreated cats. Histologic evaluation of the brains revealed that NPC1 expression had been restored to some PCs and that this was associated with increased PC survival. This initial success prompted us to further explore the potential of various promoters to express functional NPC1 protein in the brain. In this study we evaluated the ability of four different promoters, three ubiquitous (CB7, GUSB, and JeTi) and one neuron-specific (CamKII), to drive GFP expression in the central nervous system of normal cats. Our preliminary therapeutic studies used the GUSB promoter (pGUSB) to mediate fNPC1 expression. Expression of both fNPC1 and a GFP reporter under pGUSB were low in PCs, and in cerebrocortical neurons and astrocytes. Overall, the CB7 promoter drove the highest level of expression in similar regions; however, this large promoter (~970bp) limits transgene size (where NPC is ~4.3Kbp) and led us to examine a smaller exogenous promoter based on CB7, termed JeTi. This promoter was similar in expression levels to the pGUSB, leading to low-level expression at our limit of detection using DAB-based immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, a six-month therapeutic study using the JeTi promoter had a similar outcome as pGUSB where treated cats had reduced clinical signs at the end of study. Expression driven by the neuron-specific promoter CamKII produced levels similar to the CB7 promoter, although PCs of the cerebellum had low to undetectable expression levels. These data and preliminary therapeutic data in AAV-treated NPC1 cats will be further explained in this presentation.
Porous Polydimethylsiloxane as a Gas–Liquid Interface for Microfluidic Applications

A gas-liquid interface in microfluidic devices requires effective gas absorption and minimal leakage. Here, we present porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a gas-liquid interface for microfluidic applications. Two different porous PDMS structures, cube and film, have been prepared and tested for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorption ability in microfluidic devices. Porous PDMS showed higher CO 2 absorption rates compared with original PDMS thin films. We also demonstrated the utility of porous PDMS gas-liquid interface via artificial photosynthesis device. The experimental results indicated that the porous PDMS gas-liquid interface facilitates sufficient glucose synthesis by allowing effective CO 2 penetration.
Survey of mathematics teachers’ static and transformational performance and perspectives for teaching similarity

Surveys were used to examine mathematics teachers (15) on their ability to solve similarity problems and on their likely implementation of lesson objectives for teaching similarity. All correctly solved a similarity problem requiring a traditional static perspective, but 7 out of 15 failed to correctly solve a problem that required a more transformational perspective. A set of 10 lesson objectives on similarity were composed using Geometry textbooks, using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), (NGA Center and CCSSO 2011), and using some generated by the authors. When asked to select from the list of objectives the ones they would most likely implement, teachers favored traditional textbook objectives that might be presented using a static perspective, rather than similarity transformations, manipulatives, or technology that might support a more transformational perspective. In fact, these were among the objectives most likely not included in their lesson plans.
One Church's Response to Welcoming All of God's Children

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to detail one faith community's special needs ministry and its response to welcoming all of God's children. From the participant interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, several themes surfaced. First, the primary purposes of the ministry were to (a) allow parents and caregivers to go to worship and (b) build real, meaningful relationships with the group members. Next, when examining why the group saw itself as a needed ministry, two themes also emerged: (a) special needs families require extensive support and (b) special needs individuals need support and friendship.
Logarithmic Power Feedback for Extremum Seeking Control of Wind Turbines

Abstract When a wind turbine operates between the cut-in and rated wind speeds, the machine is controlled to maximize wind energy capture. The extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithm has been proposed to locate and track the optimal operating condition for power maximization. This is accomplished by applying the ESC to the power signal to determine optimal values for parameters of the control law or actuator settings. Since the power signal is proportional to the cube of the mean wind speed, changes in wind conditions may lead to significant variations in the performance of the ESC algorithm. This paper demonstrates that replacing the power signal with its logarithm yields an algorithm with robust and predictable performance despite variations in the mean wind speed. The theoretical analysis of the ESC with log-of-power feedback is done using a simple differential equation model. Numerical simulations support the theory.
The Impact of an Acute, Traumatic Wound Dehiscence on Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Early wound healing complications and persistent drainage are associated with an increased risk of infection following knee arthroplasty. However, the scenario in which a patient sustains an acute, traumatic wound dehiscence has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes of an acute traumatic wound dehiscence following arthroplasty treated with an urgent irrigation and debridement and primary wound closure. Methods Using a single institution's arthroplasty registry, patients sustaining an acute, traumatic wound dehiscence within 30 days of undergoing a primary knee arthroplasty were identified. Patients experiencing chronic wound drainage without injury or a history of prior infection were excluded. Patients were followed for the occurrence of complications and clinical outcomes using the Knee Society Score. Results From 2006 to 2016, 14 of 25,819 eligible patients (0.05%) were identified as having a traumatic wound dehiscence. The mean time from arthroplasty to wound dehiscence was 9.3 days. All but one patient was treated operatively within 24 hours of dehiscence. Postoperative antibiotics were administered for a mean of 21 days. At a mean of 6.5 years, 6 patients were considered failures (43%) including 2 deep infections, 3 revisions for instability, and 1 patient with a Knee Society Score Conclusion Despite emergent incision and drainage and wound closure, patients experiencing an acute traumatic wound dehiscence following knee arthroplasty subsequently exhibit high rates of reoperation for instability, periprosthetic infection, and clinical failure. Further work is required to better understand the optimal modes of treatment for this complication.
Double Scattering in High-Energy Elastic Collisions with Deuterons

We suggest that the broad shoulder observed in recent measurements of the $\mathrm{pd}$ elastic differential cross section at 2 GeV is a double-scattering effect and propose that further measurements be made to test whether double scattering persists at high energies.
Causal Inference over Longitudinal Data to Support Expectation Exploration

Many people use web search engines for expectation exploration: exploring what might happen if they take some action, or how they should expect some situation to evolve. While search engines have databases to provide structured answers to many questions, there is no database about the outcomes of actions or the evolution of situations. The information we need to answer such questions, however, is already being recorded. On social media, for example, hundreds of millions of people are publicly reporting about the actions they take and the situations they are in, and an increasing range of events and activities experienced in their lives over time. In this presentation, we show how causal inference methods can be applied to such individual-level, longitudinal records to generate answers for expectation exploration queries.
Regional Lymph Node Dissections In Malignant Melanoma

Considerable controversy surrounds the application of regional lymphadenectomy in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma in patients with clinically negative nodes; however, therapeutic lymph node dissection for clinically positive nodes has shown clear benefits. Opponents of elective lymph node dissection (ELND) for clinically negative nodes believe that because 80% of patients with clinical Stage I disease have histologically negative nodes at the time of resection of the primary tumor, prophylactic excision of the regional nodes is unnecessary. Some clinicians have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage for ELND. With the recent introduction of sentinel lymph node dissection, it may be possible to select patients who are likely to benefit from ELND. The authors recommend ELND based on the identification of metastatic cells within the sentinel lymph node in all patients with primary melanomas with a thickness of at least 1.0 mm.