cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron probe microanalysis and microscopy: Principles and applications in characterization of mineral inclusions in chromite from diamond deposit

Abstract Electron probe microanalysis and microscopy is a widely used modern analytical technique primarily for quantifying chemical compositions of solid materials and for mapping or imaging elemental distributions or surface morphology of samples at micrometer or nanometer-scale. This technique uses an electromagnetic lens-focused electron beam, generated from an electron gun, to bombard a sample. When the electron beam interacts with the sample, signals such as secondary electron, backscattered electron and characteristic X-ray are generated from the interaction volume. These signals are then examined by detectors to acquire chemical and imaging information of the sample. A unique part of an electron probe is that it is equipped with multiple WDS spectrometers of X-ray and each spectrometer with multiple diffracting crystals in order to analyze multiple elements simultaneously. An electron probe is capable of analyzing almost all elements (from Be to U) with a spatial resolution at or below micrometer scale and a detection limit down to a few ppm. Mineral inclusions in chromite from the Wafangdian kimberlite, Liaoning Province, China were used to demonstrate the applications of electron probe microanalysis and microscopy technique in characterizing minerals associated with ore deposits, specifically, in this paper, minerals associated with diamond deposit. Chemical analysis and SE and BSE imaging show that mineral inclusions in chromite include anhydrous silicates, hydrous silicates, carbonates, and sulfides, occurring as discrete or single mineral inclusions or composite multiple mineral inclusions. The chromite–olivine pair poses a serious problem in analysis of Cr in olivine using electron probe. Secondary fluorescence of Cr in chromite by Fe in olivine drastically increases the apparent Cr 2 O 3 content of an olivine inclusion in a chromite. From the chemical compositions obtained using electron probe, formation temperatures and pressures of chromite and its mineral inclusions calculated using applicable geothermobarometers are from 46 kbar and 980 °C to 53 kbar and 1130 °C, which are within the stability field of diamond, thus Cr-rich chromite is a useful indication mineral for exploration of kimberlite and diamond deposit. A composite inclusion in chromite composed of silicate and carbonate minerals has a bulk composition of 33.2 wt.% SiO 2 , 2.5 wt.% Al 2 O 3 , 22.0 wt.% MgO, 7.5 wt.% CaO, 2.5 wt.% BaO, 0.8 wt.% K 2 O, 25.5 wt.% CO 2 , and 0.8 wt.% H 2 O, similar to the chemical composition of the Wafangdian kimberlite, suggesting that it is trapped kimberlitic magma.
All-Spectrum Cognitive Channelization around Narrowband and Wideband Primary Stations

In this paper we design, implement, and experimentally evaluate a wireless software-defined radio platform for cognitive channelization in the presence of narrowband or wideband primary stations. Cognitive channelization is achieved by jointly optimizing the transmission power and the waveform channel of the secondary users. The process of joint resource allocation requires no a-priori knowledge of the transmission characteristics of the primary user and maximizes the signal-to- interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the output of the secondary receiver. This is achieved by designing waveforms that span the whole continuum of available/device-accessible spectrum, while satisfying a peak power constraint for the secondary users and an interference temperature (IT) constraint for the primary users. We build a four-node software-defined radio testbed and experimentally demonstrate in an indoor laboratory environment the theoretical concepts of all-spectrum cognitive channelization in terms of pre-detection SINR and bit- error-rate (BER) at both primary and secondary receivers.
Abstract 489: The origin of osteosarcoma

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumour in children and young adults, with poor survival in 40% of patients. Theoretically, osteosarcoma could potentially be derived from a cell anywhere on the differentiation pathway between human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) and a mature osteoblast (OB). To identify the cell of origin and the genetic alterations involved in osteosarcomagenesis, hMSCs and the OBs derived from the same hMSCs were serially transformed with viral constructs containing oncogenes. Methods: Bone-marrow-derived hMSCs were characterized through FACS analysis, and were induced to osteogenic differentiation for 4-6 weeks. OBs derived from hMSCs were identified with alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining. The hMSCs and the OBs were serially transformed with retrovirus containing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), simian virus 40 large t antigen (SV40 TAg) and lentivirus containing oncogenic H-Ras. Genome-wide expression profiles, karyotype, and multilineage differentiation capacity were tested in all genetically transformed cell lines. Orthotopic tumorigenicity assays and soft agar assay were used to compare the biologic behavior between hMSC and the derivatives. Results: OBs differentiated from hMSCs showed a diffused positive staining for alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red. Levels of osteocalcin secretion from differentiated OBs in osteogenic medium were significantly higher than hMSCs. All genetically transformed cell lines were identified by RT-PCR and Western-Blot. In tumorigenicity assays, tumors formed with sarcomatous cell lines derived from hMSC and osteoblasts in either subcutaneously injected or orthotopic-injected mice 4 weeks after the implantation. In osteoblasts group, tumor showed a typical osteosarcoma appearance. All transforming cell lines derived from osteoblasts lost the adipogenic differentiation capacity. Conclusion: Our previous study showed that two sarcomatous cell lines were established by introducing genetic alterations serially to transform hMSC into a malignant phenotype, but there was no osteoid production or osteoblast-like features observed in the neoplastic cells. In this study, we have successfully developed a human osteosarcoma model by introducing the same genetic alterations into preosteoblasts derived from hMSC by osteogenic differentiation. The neoplastic cells transformed from preosteoblasts, which only have bilineage (osteogenic and chondrogenic) differentiation potential, were apparently different from the derivatives of hMSCs. The gene expression profiles revealed some significant pathways involved in osteosarcomagenesis, in which losing adipogenic differentiation capacity may be a crucial step. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 489. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-489
The Urologic Manifestations of XO/XY Mosaicism

AbstractThe mosaic karyotype XO/XY is expressed by a spectrum of genital phenotypes, ranging from normal male through ambiguous genitalia to normal female. The urologist may see some of these patients because of the following clinical presentations: 1) ambiguous genitalia with a chromatinnegative buccal smear, 2) hypospadias with cryptorchidism or 3) cryptorchidism with mullerian remnants, discovered unexpectedly during inguinal operations. Reliable karyotyping is mandatory for diagnosis of XO/XY patients. Management should include laparotomy with excision of any intra-abdominal gonads (testis and/or streak gonad) because these are prone to develop malignancies that may occur before puberty. Female sex assignment and a reconstructive operation are advised in cases with severely deficient virilization of the genitalia.
Use of laser nephelometry to measure dog Iysozyme: immunological cross-reactivity with human Iysozyme

Use of the newly developed laser nephclometer provides a sensitive immunochemical assay for Iysozyme in dog sera by detection of antigen-antibody complexes formed upon cross-reaction with sheep-anti-human Iysozyme. Results of lysoplate and nephelometric assays correlate well.
Understanding interactions between traffic participants based on learned behaviors

Predicting vehicles' behaviors in a traffic scene can be very challenging due to many influences. Especially interactions with other traffic participants like vehicles or pedestrians are very crucial for the future movement while they are hard to model even with expert knowledge.
Upper limb movement analysis during gait in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract Purpose Gait disorders in multiple sclerosis (MS) are well studied; however, no previous study has described upper limb movements during gait. However, upper limb movements have an important role during locomotion and can be altered in MS patients due to direct MS lesions or mechanisms of compensation. The aim of this study was to describe the arm movements during gait in a population of MS patients with low disability compared with a healthy control group. Methods In this observational study we analyzed the arm movements during gait in 52 outpatients (mean age: 39.7 ± 9.6 years, female: 40%) with relapsing-remitting MS with low disability (mean EDSS: 2 ± 1) and 25 healthy age-matched controls using a 3-dimension gait analysis. Results MS patients walked slower, with increased mean elbow flexion and decreased amplitude of elbow flexion (ROM) compared to the control group, whereas shoulder and hand movements were similar to controls. These differences were not explained by age or disability. Conclusion Upper limb alterations in movement during gait in MS patients with low disability can be characterized by an increase in mean elbow flexion and a decrease in amplitude (ROM) for elbow flexion/extension. This upper limb movement pattern should be considered as a new component of gait disorders in MS and may reflect subtle motor deficits or the use of compensatory mechanisms.
Cytochrome P-450 Epoxygenase Dependent Formation of Novel Endogenous Epoxyeicosatrienoyl-Phospholipids

The steroselective nature of the c/s-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) present, in vivo, in rat liver and kidney and human kidney confirmed their biosynthetic origin and established the epoxygenase as an additional member of the arachidonate metabolic cascade (1,2). A functional role for this pathway has been suggested by the potent biological activities attributed to its products (3). A unique feature of the endogenous EETs was their presence, in vivo, esterified to the sn-2 position of several glycerophospholipids (PLs) (2). The EET-PLs were formed endogenously and under normal, physiological conditions (2). In the rat liver, EET-PL formation involves a multistep process initiated by cytochrome P450 stereospecific epoxidation of arachidonic acid, ATP dependent EET activation and EET enantiomer specific EET-CoA lysolipid acylation (2). These results suggested an in vivo role for cytochrome P450 in the biosynthesis of novel phospholipid pools.
Effects of fish movement assumptions on the design of a marine protected area to protect an overfished stock

Marine Protected Areas (MPA) are important management tools shown to protect marine organisms, restore biomass, and increase fisheries yields. While MPAs have been successful in meeting these goals for many relatively sedentary species, highly mobile organisms may get few benefits from this type of spatial protection due to their frequent movement outside the protected area. The use of a large MPA can compensate for extensive movement, but testing this empirically is challenging, as it requires both large areas and sufficient time series to draw conclusions. To overcome this limitation, MPA models have been used to identify designs and predict potential outcomes, but these simulations are highly sensitive to the assumptions describing the organism's movements. Due to recent improvements in computational simulations, it is now possible to include very complex movement assumptions in MPA models (e.g. Individual Based Model). These have renewed interest in MPA simulations, which implicitly assume that increasing the detail in fish movement overcomes the sensitivity to the movement assumptions. Nevertheless, a systematic comparison of the designs and outcomes obtained under different movement assumptions has not been done. In this paper, we use an individual based model, interconnected to population and fishing fleet models, to explore the value of increasing the detail of the movement assumptions using four scenarios of increasing behavioral complexity: a) random, diffusive movement, b) aggregations, c) aggregations that respond to environmental forcing (e.g. sea surface temperature), and d) aggregations that respond to environmental forcing and are transported by currents. We then compare these models to determine how the assumptions affect MPA design, and therefore the effective protection of the stocks. Our results show that the optimal MPA size to maximize fisheries benefits increases as movement complexity increases from ~10% for the diffusive assumption to ~30% when full environment forcing was used. We also found that in cases of limited understanding of the movement dynamics of a species, simplified assumptions can be used to provide a guide for the minimum MPA size needed to effectively protect the stock. However, using oversimplified assumptions can produce suboptimal designs and lead to a density underestimation of ca. 30%; therefore, the main value of detailed movement dynamics is to provide more reliable MPA design and predicted outcomes. Large MPAs can be effective in recovering overfished stocks, protect pelagic fish and provide significant increases in fisheries yields. Our models provide a means to empirically test this spatial management tool, which theoretical evidence consistently suggests as an effective alternative to managing highly mobile pelagic stocks.
Endovascular Treatment of Venous Malformation in the Head and Neck, Trunk, and Extremities

Endovascular treatment, or sclerotherapy, is the primary treatment for most symptomatic venous malformations [VM]. Different techniques and agents are used, but most patients benefit with decrease swelling and pain and improved appearance. Because of the progressive nature of VM, sclerotherapy is usually not curative. The aim of treatment should be to improve symptoms without risking major morbidity.
The Left Spectrum and Irreducible Representations of ‘Small’ Quantized and Classical Rings

The first Heisenberg and Weyl algebras and U(sl(2)) — the universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra sl(2) — are the most important “small” algebras of the preceeding to quantum group epoch of mathematical physics and representation theory. Quantum group activity has already produced a lot more.
SAT0206 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE USE IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use in SLE has been associated with a lower risk of end-organ damage, SLE flares, and thrombosis, with potential mortality benefit among SLE with end stage renal disease (ESRD)1, 2, 3. However, fewer than 30% of SLE continue HCQ after ESRD onset3. On the other hand, there is an increased risk of HCQ toxicity among SLE-ESRD4. It has not been studied what factors are associated with HCQ use after ESRD. Understanding these factors may inform future studies assessing the safety and efficacy of HCQ in SLE-ESRD and address the “confounding by-indication” bias (i.e. different treatments are intentionally chosen for patients with different prognoses) when analyzing retrospective data regarding HCQ use in SLE patients with ESRD. Objectives: To determine the factors associated with HCQ use among SLE patients with ESRD. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of SLE patients with ESRD at a single tertiary care center between 2010-2017. All included patients met ACR and/or SLICC criteria for SLE and had at least one visit with rheumatology, nephrology, or primary care, before and after the development of ESRD. SLE-related symptoms, serologic markers of disease activity, and rheumatology visits were identified, both pre- and post-ESRD onset. Transplanted patients were excluded at the time of their first renal transplant. Results: A total of 69 patients were included, 58 had pre-ESRD data. Of these patients, 33/58 (57%) were taking HCQ prior to ESRD onset. Following the diagnosis of ESRD, 40/69 (58%) were prescribed HCQ within six months after ESRD onset. Of these, six discontinued HCQ by the last documented visit, and one patient initiated HCQ six months after ESRD onset (prescribed by a rheumatologist). At the last documented visit, 35/69 patients (51%) had an active HCQ prescription. Patients taking HCQ were younger, more likely to be followed by a rheumatologist, had a higher frequency of documented arthritis, higher frequency of corticosteroid use and immunosuppressive medication use (Table 1). A history of oral ulcers, cytopenias, and elevated levels of dsDNA at any point (either pre or post-ESRD onset) was not significantly associated with HCQ use at the last visit. Conclusion: HCQ is more likely to be continued among patients with signs of persistently active SLE. HCQ was more likely to be prescribed by a rheumatologist and was associated with the presence of arthritis. Limited systemic evaluation and documentation by the different providers may have resulted in under-reporting of some of the SLE symptoms. However, these findings reflect the “real-world” experience with HCQ use after ESRD in a large tertiary care center. References [1] Jung H, et al. Arthritis and rheumatism. 2010;62(3):863-8. [2] Ruiz-Irastorza G, et al. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2010;69(1):20-8. [3] Broder A, et al. The Journal of rheumatology. 2011;38(11):2382-9. [4] Bertsias GK, et al. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2012;71(11):1771-82. Disclosure of Interests: None declared
The changing U.S. Latinx immigrant population: demographic trends with implications for employment, schooling, and population Integration

This paper provides descriptive information regarding the composition of the Latinx population of the United States. I note differences in educational attainment and occupational mobility confirmin...
PROVOCATION TESTS OF FOOD AND EXERCISE AFTER ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY

BACKGROUND Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy requires exercise restrictions following the regular consumption of allergens to prevent immediate symptoms. We investigated the efficacy and the safety of exercise provocation tests to assess exercise tolerance after consumption of allergens following OIT. METHODS This study was based on data from patients who underwent exercise provocation tests with consumption of their allergen after OIT in Miyagi Children's Hospital between April 2012 and March 2019. The results of exercise provocation tests and patients' characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Fifteen out of 91 patients were positive for exercise provocation tests. The positive rates were 12% (4/33) with egg, 15% (5/34) with cow's milk, and 25% (6/24) with wheat. Intramuscular adrenaline injections were administered to two patients with allergies to egg, one with cow's milk, and one with wheat. CONCLUSION Following OIT, the assessment using exercise provocation tests should be performed prior to termination of exercise restriction because some patients remain intolerant to exercise.
High-level synthesis and arithmetic optimizations

High-level synthesis (HLS) tools offer increased productivity regarding FPGA programming. However, due to their relatively young nature, they still lack many arithmetic optimizations. This thesis proposes safe arithmetic optimizations that should always be applied. These optimizations are simple operator specializations, following the C semantic. Other require to a lift the semantic embedded in high-level input program languages, which are inherited from software programming, for an improved accuracy/cost/performance ratio. To demonstrate this claim, the sum-of-product of floating-point numbers is used as a case study. The sum is performed on a fixed-point format, which is tailored to the application, according to the context in which the operator is instantiated. In some cases, there is not enough information about the input data to tailor the fixed-point accumulator. The fall-back strategy used in this thesis is to generate an accumulator covering the entire floating-point range. This thesis explores different strategies for implementing such a large accumulator, including new ones. The use of a 2's complement representation instead of a sign+magnitude is demonstrated to save resources and to reduce the accumulation loop delay. Based on a tapered precision scheme and an exact accumulator, the posit number systems claims to be a candidate to replace the IEEE floating-point format. A throughout analysis of posit operators is performed, using the same level of hardware optimization as state-of-the-art floating-point operators. Their cost remains much higher that their floating-point counterparts in terms of resource usage and performance. Finally, this thesis presents a compatibility layer for HLS tools that allows one code to be deployed on multiple tools. This library implements a strongly typed custom size integer type along side a set of optimized custom operators.
Detection of Pepper Spray Residues on Fabrics Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The analysis of trace evidence for the presence of biological and nonbiological residues is an integral part of many criminal and civil investigations and the use of pepper spray self-defense weaponry by the general public, criminals, and law enforcement agents is increasing. Therefore, the possibility that pepper spray residues may be present as forensic evidence at crime scenes or from civil disturbances becomes more likely. We have investigated the effects of storage and washing on the detection of pepper spray residues (i.e., capsaicinoids) on cotton, cotton-polyester blend, wool, and nylon fabrics. The concentrations of the capsaicinoid analogues on the fabrics decreased between 5 to 60% during six months of storage when compared with samples of each fabric type that were prepared and analyzed at the onset of the stability study (Time 0). The rate of disappearance of the capsaicinoids was analogue specific. Degradation of the capsaicinoids was independent of fabric type and temperature of storage. We also investigated the effects of washing the fabrics on the detection of capsaicinoids. Fabrics were washed with water, 1% detergent, 1% bleach, or 5%Spray and Wash™. Water was the least effective method of removing the capsaicinoids from the fabric and bleach the most effective. Retention of the capsaicinoids on the fabrics following washing was affected by fabric type as well as the chemical properties of the individual capsaicinoid analogues. The uses and limitations of capsaicinoid residue evidence as an indicator of exposure to pepper sprays or use of pepper sprays are discussed.
Observation of Presence in an Ecologically Valid Ethnographic Study Using an Immersive Augmented Reality Virtual Diorama Application

The main research question is centered on the usefulness of immersive Augmented Reality (AR) applications for informal learning activities. Can users experience presence – or a sense of being there - when using AR apps? To begin to approach this question an ethnographic study was conducted in July, 2019 in a museum with 56 volunteer participants to document behavior and measure learning, attitudes, and emotional outcomes of an AR application. Reported are the preliminary results of behavior indicative of presence observed in the study, and insights gained that are useful in understanding future designs.
A Note on Pure Error and Its Effect on Regression Model Significance

We extend the concept of maximum coefficient of determination Max⁡R2\operatorname{Max}R^{2} caused by repeat runs to ideas about a maximum test statistic F0F_{0} and a minimum p-value Min P for regression
Reconstitution of G protein-coupled receptors into a model bilayer system: reconstituted high-density lipoprotein particles

Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein particles (rHDL) are powerful platforms used as a model phospholipid bilayer system to study membrane proteins. They consist of a discoidal-shaped planar bilayer of phospholipids that is surrounded by a dimer of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). The amphipathic nature of apoA-1 shields the hydrophobic acyl chains of the lipids from solvent and keeps the particles soluble in aqueous environments. These monodispersed, nanoscale discoidal HDL particles are approximately 10-11 nm in diameter with a thickness that is dependent on the length of the phospholipid acyl chain. Reconstituted HDL particles can be assembled in vitro using purified apoA-1 and purified lipids. Investigators have utilized this model bilayer system to co-reconstitute membrane proteins, and take advantage of the small size and its monodispersion. Our laboratory and others have utilized the rHDL approach to study the behavior of G protein-coupled receptors. In this chapter, we describe strategies for the preparation of rHDL particles containing GPCRs in their monomeric form and discuss various methodologies used to analyze the reconstituted receptor function.
Colonic Epithelial miR-31 Associates with the Development of Crohn's Phenotypes

Crohn9s disease (CD) is highly heterogeneous, due in large part to variability in cellular processes that underlie the natural history of CD, thereby confounding effective therapy. There is a critical need to advance understanding of the cellular mechanisms that drive CD heterogeneity. In this study, small RNA-sequencing and microRNA profiling in the colon revealed two distinct molecular subtypes, each with different clinical associations, in both adult and treatment-naive pediatric CD patients. Notably, we found that microRNA-31 (miR-31) expression by itself can stratify patients into these two subtypes. Through detailed analysis of several colonic mucosa cell types from adult patients, we found that differential levels of miR-31 are particularly pronounced in epithelial cells. We generated patient crypt-derived epithelial colonoids and showed that miR-31 expression differences preserved in this ex-vivo system. In adult patients, low colonic miR-31 expression levels at the time of surgery are associated with post-operative recurrence of ileal disease. In pediatric patients, lower miR-31 expression at the time of diagnosis is associated with the future development of fibrostenotic ileal CD requiring surgery. These findings represent an important step forward in designing more effective clinical trials and developing personalized therapies for CD.
The causal effect of a timeout at stopping an opposing run in the NBA

In the summer of 2017, the National Basketball Association reduced the number of total timeouts, along with other rule changes, to regulate the flow of the game. With these rule changes, it becomes increasingly important for coaches to effectively manage their timeouts. Understanding the utility of a timeout under various game scenarios, e.g., during an opposing team's run, is of the utmost importance. There are two schools of thought when the opposition is on a run: (1) call a timeout and allow your team to rest and regroup, or (2) save a timeout and hope your team can make corrections during play. This paper investigates the credence of these tenets using the Rubin causal model framework to quantify the causal effect of a timeout in the presence of an opposing team's run. Too often overlooked, we carefully consider the stable unit-treatment-value assumption (SUTVA) in this context and use SUTVA to motivate our definition of units. To measure the effect of a timeout, we introduce a novel, interpretable outcome based on the score difference to describe broad changes in the scoring dynamics. This outcome is well-suited for situations where the quantity of interest fluctuates frequently, a commonality in many sports analytics applications. We conclude from our analysis that while comebacks frequently occur after a run, it is slightly disadvantageous to call a timeout during a run by the opposing team and further demonstrate that the magnitude of this effect varies by franchise.
Locked Out: The Systematic Exclusion of Poor Renters From Federally Subsidized Housing

Affordable housing is a critical resource with serious ramifications for a range of outcomes for low-income households. However, low-income prospective tenants are often denied subsidized housing t...
Indocyanine green (ICG) assessment of ureteral perfusion during pediatric robotic surgery

Abstract Background Vascular preservation is a tenet of successful ureteral reconstruction. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) provides real-time identification of tissue perfusion during robotic surgery. Here, we present our utilization of NIRF with ICG to ensure adequate ureteral perfusion during robotic reconstruction in 3 pediatric patients. Case presentation Between July 2019 and May 2020, we utilized NIRF with ICG during 3 consecutive robotic ureteral reconstructive cases in an academic pediatric urology practice. Patients were 3-, 14-, and 17-years-old and presented with congenital ureteral stricture, mid-ureteral polyp disease, and distal-ureteral polyp disease, respectively. Following surgical reconstruction of each patient's underlying pathology, ICG doses of 0.039–0.086 mg/kg IV were used to elucidate blood supply to the affected segment of ureter prior to closing. In all 3 cases, NIRF with da Vinci Xi endoscope's Firefly® technology confirmed perfusion proximal and distal to target anatomy within 60 seconds of administration. Conclusion Use of ICG appears to be low-cost, safe, and useful during pediatric urologic robotic surgery. This technology may be helpful to confirm satisfactory blood supply to the ureter following robotic ureteral reconstruction, as demonstrated in our case series of 3 pediatric patients.
Sequential Transmission Over Binary Asymmetric Channels With Feedback

In this paper, we consider the problem of variable-length coding over the class of memoryless binary asymmetric channels (BACs) with noiseless feedback, including the binary symmetric channel (BSC) as a special case. In 2012, Naghshvar et al. introduced an encoding scheme, which we refer to as the small-enough-difference (SED) encoder, which asymptotically achieves both capacity and Burnashev's optimal error exponent for symmetric binary-input channels. Building on the work of Naghshvar et al., this paper extends the SED encoding scheme to the class of BACs and develops a non-asymptotic upper bound on the average blocklength that is shown to achieve both capacity and the optimal error exponent. For the specific case of the BSC, we develop an additional non-asymptotic bound using a two-phase analysis that leverages both a submartingale synthesis and a Markov chain time of first passage analysis. For the BSC with capacity $1/2$, both new achievability bounds exceed the achievability bound of Polyanskiy et al. for a system limited to stop-feedback codes.
Amyloid-Agarose Plate Test: Ultrastructural Changes in the Fibril and its Association with Human Neutrophil Elastase

In the amyloid agarose plate test we examined the ultrastructure of amyloid fibrils after the clearing phenomenon caused by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and by serum. We quantitated total fibril length in the cleared and noncleared (control) areas by digital image analysis. EDTA resulted in shortening of the AA fibril by 31% in 3 h and 40% in 24 h. Serum resulted in shortening only 24% of the fibril in 3 h, but shortening to less than one half its original length in 24 h. Further examination of the fibrils from each of the systemic amyloid types (AL, AA, and AF) demonstrated similar clearing in agar plates. In addition, all had large amounts of elastolytic enzyme activity in a specific assay using tritiated elastin. The source of this fibril-bound enzyme activity was consistent with human neutrophil elastase (HNE), since it was inhibited by an elastase specific chloromethyl ketone inhibitor, as well as by an antibody specific for human neutrophil elastase.
Air Force Research Laboratory Investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been helping students to become more literate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), empowering students to become innovators, inventors, self-reliant, and logical thinkers. As technologically proficient problem-solvers, they will be able to compete as skilled “knowledge workers” in the twenty-first century. The laboratory hopes these efforts will help foster development of a future professional workforce prepared in STEM fields that address sensors, power/propulsion/energy, advanced materials/manufacturing, human performance, and air systems. Achieving and sustaining world-class expertise in these technology areas is vitally important to the AFRL's science and technology mission. Its STEM efforts span the whole of its enterprise. The authors report on progress made through specific AFRL STEM-related initiatives in Ohio, New Mexico, and California.
bcl-2 Protein Inhibits Etoposide-induced Apoptosis through Its Effects on Events Subsequent to Topoisomerase II-induced DNA Strand Breaks and Their Repair

Abstract Previous studies have shown that bcl-2 overexpression can inhibit apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents widely used in cancer chemotherapy, including X-irradiation, alkylating agents (hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, etc.), and topoisomerase II inhibitors (etoposide, etc.). However, little is known about the mechanism by which bcl-2 overexpression inhibits apoptosis triggered by these agents. In this study, we examined whether bcl-2 overexpression could have effects on etoposide-induced DNA damage and its repair. For these experiments, we developed CH31 clones (mouse B-cells) stably transfected with human bcl-2 sense plasmids and compared these clones with a parental CH31 clone or CH31 clones with antisense plasmids. Overexpression of bcl-2 protein inhibited etoposide-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. However, there was no or little difference in the production and repair of DNa-protein cross-links, DNA single-strand breaks, and double-strand breaks among a parental CH31 clone and CH31 clones with human bcl-2 sense or antisense plasmids. These findings indicate that ( a ) apoptosis or cytotoxicity induced by etoposide can be separated into early events (formation of double-strand breaks, DNA single-strand breaks, and double-strand breaks) and later events (secondary DNA fragmentation or cell death) and ( b ) bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis and cytotoxicity induced by etoposide at some steps between these events.
Contribution of agricultural liming to riverine bicarbonate export and CO2 sequestration in the Ohio River basin

[1] Chemical weathering of silicates and carbonates is essential in the global cycles of many elements, including carbon. Chemical weathering affects regional and global carbon budgets through the export of bicarbonate, much of which can originate from the atmosphere. Agricultural practices may accelerate chemical weathering from the Mississippi River basin directly or indirectly. Here we investigated one of the direct effects of agricultural practices, liming, on stream bicarbonate export and the carbon budget of agricultural systems. Using geographic information systems (GIS) layers extracted from various sources such as USGS National Land Cover Data set, U.S. Census of Agriculture data, USGS water data, NADP atmospheric acid deposition data, and NASS-USDA crop production data, we estimated the contributions of liming inputs on both the riverine bicarbonate export and atmospheric CO2 sequestration for a subset of agricultural and forested watersheds within the Ohio River basin. Liming rates have slightly decreased from 23.6 to 19.4 g CaCO3 m−2 cropland yr−1 from 1954–1970 to 1971–1987 in six highly agricultural watersheds. The largest decrease was observed in watersheds located in the state of Ohio while a slight increase was observed in watersheds located in the state of Illinois where agricultural practices are the most intense. An average of 21.1 and 22.4 g CaCO3 m−2 yr−1 were applied to the two most highly agricultural watersheds (91% agricultural in 1992) located in the state of Illinois during 1954–1970 and 1971–1987, respectively. Using a calcium mass balance, we estimated that 29% of the total riverine bicarbonate export from the two most agricultural watersheds was by liming and thus liming is important to the cation/anion balance and buffering capacity of streams. The on-site net atmospheric C sequestration by liming from the two most agricultural watersheds was estimated to be 0.95 g C m−2 yr−1. However, considering 0.85 g C m−2 yr−1 is estimated to be released as CO2 during the production, transport, and spreading of lime, liming as a C sequestration strategy is not attractive.
DLF E-Research Network Members Attend 2015 RDAP Summit

EDITOR'S SUMMARY The DLF E-Research Network, created in 2014, brings together the Digital Library Federation (DLF) and the Council on Library and Information Resources to help academic and research libraries devise collaborative strategies for data management support practices. E-Research Network members develop support strategies appropriate for their institutions through collaboration, resource sharing, webinars and custom consultations. One of 13 universities participating in the E-Research Network, the California Institute of Technology has been a member of the network's 2015 cohort, engaging with the wider research data management community and considering roles, resources, storage infrastructure, data ownership, rights and management costs. The 2015 cohort met in conjunction with the RDAP Summit as a community-building and shared-learning experience, and in a later debriefing session they identified key themes to pursue. As an emerging community of practice the DLF anticipates working with a new cohort of institutions annually.
Transition from high cardiac output to elevated vascular resistance in hypertension.

Abstract The early phase of hypertension (borderline hypertension) is characterized by a hyperkinetic circulation caused by excessive sympathetic drive and decreased parasympathetic inhibition to the heart. In later phases the cardiac output becomes normal, but the hypertension is still neurogenic, as demonstrated by the fact that continued pharmacologic parasympathetic, β- and α-adrenergic inhibition normalizes the blood pressure. In both of these phases of the process, plasma norepinephrine values are elevated. These patients also show characteristic behavioral patterns; they are outward oriented, submissive, but experience unexpressed anger and frequently harbor hostile feelings. In late phases of hypertension the cardiac output is normal and the total peripheral resistance is elevated. This hemodynamic transition can be explained by a secondary response to elevated blood pressure. The heart becomes less responsive as a result of altered receptor responsiveness and decreased cardiac compliance, whereas the responsiveness of arterioles increases because of vascular hypertrophy, which leads to changes in the wall-to-lumen ratio. However, one observation eludes explanation: the absence of plasma norepinephrine elevation in later phases of hypertension. We propose a new conceptual framework to explain the disappearance of elevated plasma norepinephrine in the course of hypertension. The concept is based on a wide range of observations with the use of various receptor-blocking agents during neurogenic pressor responses. Invariably, the blood pressure response is preserved, but the hemodynamic pattern can be altered from a high cardiac output to high total peripheral resistance or vice versa. The “blood pressure-seeking behavior” of the central nervous system suggests that the negative feedback to the central nervous system is pressure and not flow related. If the central nervous system indeed seeks to obtain a certain pressure and maintains the high blood pressure in early phases by an elevation in cardiac output, later as structural arteriolar changes evolve and the arterioles become hyperresponsive, the same blood pressure elevation could be achieved with less sympathetic drive, and the plasma norepinephrine values return to the normal range.
Self-Stigma, Self-Esteem, and Co-occurring Disorders

Objective: The current study sought to examine the relationships among mental health/substance use severity, self-esteem, and components of self-stigma among individuals with co-occurring schizophrenia-spectrum and substance use disorders. Stereotype concurrence, or the internalization of negative preconceptions associated with membership in a stigmatized group, was hypothesized as a mediator. Methods: Forty-nine subjects with co-occurring schizophrenia-spectrum and substance use disorders completed self-stigma, mental health, substance use, and self-esteem assessments. A multiple regression was employed to identify direct effects. Bootstrap mediator analyses were used to identify indirect effects through the hypothesized mediator: stereotype concurrence. Results: Aside from polysubstance dependence (49%), most subjects had a diagnosed co-occurring alcohol use disorder (43%). Dysphoria and alcohol severity were negatively related to self-esteem. Stereotype concurrence mediated the relationship between aut...
Finite element models used for the analysis of cardiac defibrillation

A finite-element model has been developed of the canine heart and thorax to examine different aspects of the distribution of current through cardiac tissue during defibrillation. This two-dimensional, isotropic model has enabled the authors to analyze some of the determinants of defibrillation, and it has provided tools for the analysis and comparison of different electrode configurations for the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator. A more detailed interpretation of experimental data may require the extension of the model to a three-dimensional one with bisyncytial, anisotropic cardiac tissue. >
Effects of nicotine administration on spectral and temporal features of crystallized song in the adult male zebra finch.

INTRODUCTION The process through which the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) acquires and produces crystallized song has long been thought of as highly analogous to the process through which humans acquire and produce speech. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are present in song nuclei that play important roles in song production and/or acquisition. We studied the effect of in vivo nicotine on temporal and spectral features of crystallized song. METHODS We used 16 adult male zebra finches that were exposed to an established 7-day nicotine or saline treatment. Song behavior was monitored for a 2-month period following the cessation of the nicotine/saline treatment. All animals served as their own control in order to determine whether any song characteristics changed over the observed time period compared to the baseline measurement. RESULTS Inter-syllable duration and Wiener entropy were significantly affected by the in vivo administration of nicotine. These observed changes persisted for a 2-month period following the cessation of nicotine exposure. Similar changes were not observed in the age-matching control group. CONCLUSIONS Nicotine significantly affected tempo and rhythm of the crystallized zebra finch song. We believe that this in vivo nicotine-exposed zebra finch model can not only provide a further understanding of the underlying behavioral mechanisms of the cognitive implications of nicotine dependence but also help in the development of therapeutics targeting cognitive deficits often observed during nicotine withdrawal.
Matroclinous Inheritance and Clonal Structure of a Mexican Population of the Gynogenetic Fish, Poecilia formosa

The gynogenetic fish Poecilia formosa (Girard) is a live-bearing poecliid fish native to streams flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from the southern tip of Texas, south to the Rio Papaloapan system of Vera Cruz, Mexico (Rosen and Bailey, 1963). It is generally recognized as an allfemale species which in nature breeds with males of closely related species, inheritance being entirely matroclinous (see recent review by Kallman, 1962a). In the lowland coastal waters of the Rio Grande of southern Texas this species is sympatric with P. latipinna, whereas in the streams of northeastern Mexico it is found in headwater tributaries with P. sphenops. P. formosa is morphologically intermediate between P. sphenops and P. latipinna, and it appears to be closely related to these two species, mating with them where it overlaps their ranges (Hubbs and Hubbs, 1932; Darnell, 1962; Rosen and Bailey, 1963). The remarkable sexual condition and reproductive behavior of P. formosa was first demonstrated in a series of papers by C. L. Hubbs (1933, 1934, 1955) and by C. L. Hubbs and L. C. Hubbs (1932, 1946) based on analysis of field collections from the lower Rio Grande (C. Hubbs, 1964) as well as extensive laboratory breeding studies. Kallman (1962a, b) has recently confirmed the fact that the Rio Grande P. formosa population is essentially all-female and that inheritance is indeed matroclinous. Reports of occasional males by Hubbs, Drewry, and Warburton (1959) and by C. Hubbs (1964), and the rare production of laboratory hybrids giving evidence of paternal inheritance (Haskins, Haskins, and Hewitt, 1960; Kallman, 1964a) do not appear to negate these basic conclusions. Employing tissue transplantation techniques Kallman (1962a, b) has demonstrated complete histocompatibility between individuals within broods and between female parents and their offspring. He has also shown that the natural population of the lower Rio Grande is composed of a series of clones, showing tissue compatibility within clones but incompatibility between clones (Kallman, 1962b, 1963). Field collections suggest that the Mexican populations are all-female, but to date no detailed experimental work has been reported on these fish. Since P. formosa apparently mates with P. sphenops in the Mexican streams rather than with P. latipinna, it is of interest to explore the mode of inheritance and population structure of these populations of P. formosa (Darnell, Abramoff, and Lamb, 1965).
Statistical adaptive sensing by detectors with spectrally overlapping bands

It has recently been reported that by using a spectral-tuning algorithm, the photocurrents of multiple detectors with spectrally overlapping responsivities can be optimally combined to synthesize, within certain limits, the response of a detector with an arbitrary responsivity. However, it is known that the presence of noise in the photocurrent can degrade the performance of this algorithm significantly, depending on the choice of the responsivity spectrum to be synthesized. We generalize this algorithm to accommodate noise. The results are applied to quantum-dot mid-infrared detectors with bias-dependent spectral responses. Simulation and experiment are used to show the ability of the algorithm to reduce the adverse effect of noise on its spectral-tuning capability.
Improving the environmental and economic aspects of cotton dyeing using a cationised cotton

One approach to improve the affinity of anionic dyes for cotton is to add cationic dye sites to the fibre. The dyeing behaviour of cotton that had been rendered cationic by reaction with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride was examined. Dye yields and fastness properties are reported for a number of direct, reactive and acid dyes with the modified fibre. Excellent dye yields and colour fastness properties were obtained without the use of electrolytes, multiple rinsings or fixation agents which are normally employed in cotton dyeing.