cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allometric issues in drug development

The concept of correlating pharmacokinetic parameters with body weight from different animal species has become a useful tool in drug development. The allometric approach is based on the power function, where the body weight of the species is plotted against the pharmacokinetic parameter(s) of interest. Clearance, volume of distribution, and elimination half-life are the three most frequently extrapolated pharmacokinetic parameters. Over the years, many approaches have been suggested to improve the prediction of these pharmacokinetic parameters in humans from animal data. A literature review indicates that there are different degrees of success with different methods for different drugs. Overall, though interspecies scaling requires refinement and better understanding, the approach has lot of potential during the drug development process.
NMR of 14N in cerous magnesium nitrate hydrate

Abstract We have measured the nuclear magnetic resonance of 14N in cerous magnesium nitrate hydrate, Ce2Mg3(NO3)12 · 24H2O, at 1 K in a magnetic field of 18.335 kG. The dipolar field at the nitrogen nucleus due to the Ce3+ ions is appreciable at that temperature and field and produces phase shifts in the angular dependence of the spectra. This complicates the interpretation of the data and prevents one from using the customary techniques. From the measurements we have derived values for the quadrupolar coupling constant (A = 0.160 ± 0.005 MHz), the asymmetry parameter (η = 0.50 ± 0.05) and the directions of the electric-field gradient axes. The spectra show clearly that for the nitrate groups there is no center of inversion at the cerium ions.
Statistical steganalyis of images using open source software

In this paper we present a novel steganalytic tool based on statistical pattern recognition. The main aim of our project was to design and implement a system able to classify the images into ones with no hidden message and steganographic images using classic pattern classification techniques such as Bayesian classification and decision trees. Experiments are conducted on a large data set of images to determine the classification algorithm that performs better by comparing classification success and error rates in each case. We have employed Weka, a data-mining tool developed in java for this purpose. We have also developed an application using Weka Java library for loading the data of the Images and classify the images into normal images and steganographic images. This application runs a GUI(Graphical User Interface) that enables the user to choose the classifier and other options required for the classification. Our results are aligned with current state of the art research and have the advantage of using open source software.
Construct Validation of the Inventory of Learning Processes

Two correlational investigations are described which are aimed at establishing the construct validity of the dimensions assessed by the scales of the Inventory of Learning Processes. The Synthesis- Analysis scale is assumed to assess "deep" (e.g., semantic) information-processing habits. It was positively related to critical thinking ability, curiosity, and both independent and conforming achievement-striving behaviors but negatively related to anxiety. The Study Methods scale is assumed to assess the habits of promptly completing all assignments, attending all classes, and generally "studying" a lot. It was positively related to curiosity and conforming types of achievement striving and negatively related to critical thinking ability. The fact that critical thinking ability is related positively to Synthesis- Analysis and negatively to Study Methods suggests that students with low critical thinking ability but high achievement motivation might substitute conventional repetitive study for "deep processing...
Pro-inflammatory cytokines expression increases following low- and high-magnitude cyclic loading of lumbar ligaments

Repetitive or overuse disorders of the lumbar spine affect the lives of workers and athletes. We hypothesize that repetitive anterior lumbar flexion–extension under low or high load will result in significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines expression several hours post-activity. High loads will exhibit significantly higher expression than low loads. Lumbar spine of in vivo feline was subjected to cyclic loading at 0.25 Hz for six 10-min periods with 10 min of rest in between. One group was subjected to a low peak load of 20 N, whereas the second group to a high peak load of 60 N. Following a 7-h post-loading rest, the supraspinous ligaments of L-3/4, L-4/5 and L-5/6 and the unstimulated T-10/11 were excised for mRNA analysis and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and TGFβ1 pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. Creep (laxity) developed in the lumbar spine during the loading and the subsequent 7 h of rest was calculated. A two-way mixed model ANOVA was used to assess difference in each cytokines expression between the two groups and control. Tukey HSD post hoc analysis delineated specific significant effects. Significance was set at 0.05. Low and high-load groups exhibited development of creep throughout the cyclic loading period and gradual recovery throughout the 7-h rest period. Residual creep of 24.8 and 30.2% were present in the low and high-load groups, respectively, 7-h post-loading. Significant increases in expression of all cytokines measured relative to control were obtained for supraspinous ligaments from both low and high-load magnitudes. IL-6, IL-8 and TGFβ1 expression in the high-load group were significantly higher relative to the low-load group. Significant increases in cytokines expression indicating tissue inflammation are observed several hours post-repetitive lumbar flexion–extension regardless of the load magnitude applied. Repetitive occupational and athletic activity, regardless of the load applied, may be associated with the potential of developing acute inflammatory conditions that may convert to chronic inflammation if the viscoelastic tissues are further exposed to repetitive activity over long periods. Appropriate rest periods are a relevant preventive measure.
A comparison of the embrittling effects of H2O bubbles in Ag with those of He bubbles in Ni-6% W

Abstract It is shown that water vapor bubbles can be introduced into polycrystalline silver via simple annealing procedures. These bubble microstructures are in certain respects very similar to those commonly found in irradiated metals. A comparison is made of the structure and embrittling effects of H 2 O bubbles in Ag with those of He bubbles in Ni-6% W. It is shown that H 2 O bubbles in Ag promote intergranular fracture, as do He bubbles in Ni-6% W. It is concluded that certain aspects of helium embrittlement induced by irradiation can be simulated by the Ag-H 2 O system.
The Influence of Harold O. Rugg: Conceptual and Pedagogical Considerations

In this article, the authors consider how the scholarship of a social studies icon, Harold O. Rugg, can influence the work of social studies scholars and teachers today. For the past year, the authors have studied Rugg's work, reading his writings and examining his textbook series. Their inquiries have unsettled their thinking, prompting them to reconsider contemporary issues and reorient their scholarship toward Ruggian perspectives. In this article, they describe and analyze Rugg's curricular theories. Then, they use Rugg's positions to rethink debates about the purpose of social studies, its place as an integrated subject, and its aims for intellectual engagement. Last, the authors provide a case study to illuminate Rugg's conceptual and pedagogical influences on their work.
Nanophotonics: devices and applications

An introduction to the merging field of nano-photonics is given, with emphasis on device realizations and applications. Due to the small size and high efficiency of these devices, nano-photonics has the potential for high- density integration, leading to VLSI photonics. We discuss our work in recent year on the microdisk laser, micro-ring photonic wire lasers, and microring resonators. These are among some of the smallest lasers and modulators ever fabricated. The physics of the modification of spontaneous emission rates with low-dimensional photonic structures is discussed briefly. The nanofabrications of these devices are described. A model of the microcavity resonator is then presented, which provides useful design rules as well as insights into alternative coupling structures that significantly increase the coupling length.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CT evaluation of TMJ disc replacement with a proplast-teflon laminate

A series of 12 temporomandibular joints treated by discectomy and replacement with Proplast nonporous Teflon laminates were examined retrospectively using direct sagittal and coronal computed tomography. Radiographic findings included severe condylar, glenoid fossa, and eminence remodeling changes; implant migration and fragmentation; and loss of implant adaptation to the temporal bone. The radiographic changes generally occurred in patients who were completely asymptomatic clinically.
Using Internet Communication Technologies by Low-Income High School Students in Completing Educational Tasks Inside and Outside the School Setting

Abstract This qualitative research study examines the home use of Information and Communicative Technologies (ICT) by high school students living in economically disadvantaged households. The students' use of ICT was for the purpose of completing assigned and unassigned homework outside of the traditional high school setting. Student participants in the interview phase of the study explained their choice to use ICT as being due both to its ease of use and to their perception that utilizing ICT as a resource results in tasks being accomplished at a quicker rate. The widespread use of ICT as a supplemental resource in the completion of traditional homework assignments was a notable pattern in the findings. However, the multi-tasking capabilities of their selected computer technologies were found to be both facilitating and hindering factors in these students' use of ICT outside of school. Finally, teachers surveyed in the study were found to assign ICT-based homework to students, regardless of the perceived...
Hybridization Efficiency of the Adhesive/Dentin Interface with Wet Bonding

Although it is generally proposed that dentin bonding results from adhesive infiltration of superficially demineralized dentin, it is not clear how well the resin monomers seal the dentin collagen fibrils under wet bonding conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the quality and molecular structure of adhesive/dentin (a/d) interfaces formed with wet bonding as compared with adhesive-infiltrated demineralized dentin (AIDD) produced under controlled conditions (optimum hybrid). From each extracted, unerupted human 3rd molar, one fraction was demineralized, dehydrated, and infiltrated with Single Bond (SB) adhesive under optimum conditions; the remaining, adjacent fraction was treated with SB by wet bonding. AIDD and a/d interface sections were stained with Goldner's trichrome; corresponding sections were analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy. The histomorphologic and spectroscopic results suggest that, under wet bonding, the a/d interface is a porous collagen web infiltrated primarily by the hydrolytically unstable HEMA.
Synthesis and antiviral activity of some 2-substituted 3-formyl- and 3-cyano-5,6-dichloroindole nucleosides.

A series of dichlorinated indole nucleosides has been synthesized and tested for activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and for cytotoxicity. The isopropylidene-protected analogs of the previously reported 3-formyl-2,5,6-trichloro-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)indole (FTCRI) and 3-cyano-2,5,6-trichloro-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)indole (CTCRI) were modified by nucleophilic displacement of the 2-chloro substituent using secondary amines. Deprotection of the intermediates provided 2-substituted analogs of FTCRI and CTCRI in good yield. There was a significant difference in reactivity between the isopropylidene-protected and the fully deprotected FTCRI and CTCRI with respect to nucleophilic displacement of the 2-chloro substituent using dialkylamines. This difference in reactivity was not observed with monoalkylamines or with alkoxides, and the corresponding 2-alkylamino- and 2-methoxy substituted analogs were synthesized from FTCRI and CTCRI directly. None of the synthesized ...
Research Note: Ageism in Canada and the United States

To compare the prevalence of ageism in Canada and the United States, in Canada, the Ageism Survey was published in the CARPnews Report on Ageism, and in the United States, the Survey was administered to a convenience sample and published in the Center Report and Fifty Plus. Most respondents in both countries perceived ageism as frequent, but it was reported more often in Canada than in the United States. If the Ageism Survey is used to measure the prevalence of ageism among various groups and countries, we can develop an "epidemiology of ageism" and begin to reduce ageism.
A 10Gb/s Mach-Zehnder silicon evanescent modulator

We demonstrate a 10 Gb/s Mach-Zehnder silicon evanescent modulator utilizing coplanar waveguide design. The device has a modulation efficiency of 1.5 V-mm and modulation bandwidth of 8 GHz.
MEMS integrated metamaterial structure having variable resonance for RF applications

Metamaterial structures for RF applications are becoming essential in the race to reduce the footprint of antenna and components necessary for RF systems. Metamaterials provide a viable option to engineer structures from commonly used materials and processes to reduce the weight and size requirements for systems that normally operate at ¼ wavelength or greater in size for optimal performance. The Split ring resonators (SRR) first developed by Pendry, et al., has proven to be a viable component necessary to create negative index material structures. A fabricated SRR has a specific
Prion Infection of Muscle Cells In Vitro

The prion agent has been detected in skeletal muscle of humans and animals with prion diseases. Here we report scrapie infection of murine C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes in vitro following coculture with a scrapie-infected murine neuroblastoma (N2A) cell line but not following incubation with a scrapie-infected nonneuronal cell line or a scrapie brain homogenate. Terminal differentiation of scrapie-infected C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes resulted in an increase in the expression of the disease-specific prion protein, PrP Sc . The amount of scrapie infectivity or PrP Sc in C2C12 myotubes was comparable to the levels found in scrapie-infected N2A cells, indicating that a high level of infection was established in muscle cells. Subclones of scrapie-infected C2C12 cells produced high levels of PrP Sc in myotubes, and the C-terminal C2 polypeptide fragment of PrP Sc was found based on deglycosylation and PrP Sc -specific immunoprecipitation of cell lysates. This is the first report of a stable prion infection in muscle cells in vitro and of a long-term prion infection in a nondividing, differentiated peripheral cell type in culture. These in vitro studies also suggest that in vivo prion infection of skeletal muscle requires contact with prion-infected neurons or, possibly, nerve terminals.
Readmission after cardiac surgery: The role of intraoperative myocardial acidosis

Abstract Introduction: To determine the role of regional myocardial acidosis (RMA) present at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass on unplanned hospital readmission within 30-days or 6-months after cardiac surgery. Methods: Myocardial tissue pH (corrected to 37degreesC: pH37C) was monitored intraoperatively in 221 patients during cardiac surgery. pH37C Results: 13.8% (28 of 203) of patients were readmitted within 30-days and 27.1% (59 of 218) of patients were readmitted within 6-months postoperatively. Cardiac causes accounted for 42.9% (30-days) and 54.2% (6-months) of all readmissions. The mean number of readmissions was 1.67 ± 1.24. Median time to readmission was 15 days (30-days) and 32 days (6-months). RMA was independently associated with a 6 times increased risk of readmission within 30-days and a 4 times increased risk within 6-months (Table). RMA was also independently associated with readmission for cardiac causes (p 37C Conclusions: Regional myocardial acidosis (pH37C
Restless legs syndrome: clinical presentation diagnosis and treatment

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a circadian disorder of sensory-motor integration that may be related to genetically determined dysregulation of iron transport across the blood-brain barrier. Dopamine agonists (DAs) have been considered the first-line therapy, but with the growing appreciation of problems associated with long-term treatment, particularly augmentation and impulse control disorder, alpha-2-delta drugs, such as gabapentin, are now considered the first line of treatment in patients with troublesome RLS. Opioids can be considered as an alternative therapy, particularly in patients with DA-related augmentation. In more severe cases, a combination therapy may be required. Intravenous iron therapy may be considered on those patients with refractory RLS.
Revisiting the Association of LMX Quality With Perceived Role Stressors Evidence for Inverted U Relationships Among Immigrant Employees

Although earlier research on leader-member exchange (LMX) theory supported a negative linear relationship between LMX quality and role stressors, recent studies suggest that a more complex, nonlinear relationship may exist between LMX quality and variables traditionally associated with it. Based on communication research of LMX and social exchange theory, the aim of this article is to revisit the relationship between LMX quality and role stressors by reconceptualizing their associations and testing the hypotheses of an inverted U relationship. A survey study among immigrant employees revealed differential effects of LMX quality on role stressors. In particular, with role conflict and role overload LMX quality was found to have an inverted U relationship, but a negative linear relationship with role ambiguity. These findings challenge the prevailing assumptions and carry significant theoretical and practical implications.
Control of Central Nervous System Viral Persistence by Neutralizing Antibody

Replication of the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus within the central nervous system is controlled by cellular immunity. However, following initial clearance, virus reactivates in the absence of humoral immunity. Viral recrudescence is prevented by the transfer of antiviral antibody (Ab). To characterize the specificity and biological functions of Ab critical for maintaining viral persistence, monoclonal Abs specific for the viral spike, matrix, and nucleocapsid proteins were transferred into infected B-cell-deficient mice following initial virus clearance. Neutralizing immunoglobulin G (IgG) but not IgA anti-spike Ab suppressed virus recrudescence, reduced viral antigen in most cell types except oligodendroglia, and was associated with reduced demyelination. Nonneutralizing monoclonal Abs specific for the spike, matrix, and nucleocapsid proteins did not prevent recrudescence, demonstrating that neutralization is critical for maintaining JHM mouse hepatitis virus persistence within the central nervous system. Ab-mediated protection was not associated with alterations in virus-specific T-cell function or inflammation. Furthermore, neutralizing Ab delayed but did not prevent virus recrudescence. These data indicate that following acute viral clearance cellular immunity is ineffective in controlling virus recrudescence and suggest that the continued presence of neutralizing Ab is the essential effector in maintaining viral persistence within the central nervous system.
Relationship between e-prescriptions and community pharmacy workflow

Objectives To understand how community pharmacists use electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) technologyand to describe the workflow challenges pharmacy personnel encounter as a result of using e-prescribing technology. Design Cross-sectional qualitative study. Setting Seven community pharmacies in Wisconsin from December 2010 to March 2011. Participants 16 pharmacists and 14 pharmacy technicians (in three chain and four independent pharmacies). Interventions Think-aloud protocols and pharmacy group interviews. Main outcome measures Pharmacy staffdescriptions of their use of e-prescribing technology and challenges encountered in their daily workflow related to this technology. Results Two contributing factors were perceived to influence e-prescribing workflow: issues stemming from prescribing or transmitting softwareand issues from within the pharmacy. Pharmacies experienced bothdelayed and inaccurate e-prescriptions from physician offices.An overwhelming number of e-prescriptions with inaccurate or unclear information resulted inserious time delays for patients as pharmacists contacted physicians to clarify wrong information. In addition,lack of formal training and the disconnect between pharmacy procedures for verifying prescription accuracy andpresentation of e-prescription information on the computer screen influenced the speed of processing an e-prescription. Conclusion E-prescriptions processing can hinder pharmacy workflow. As the number of e-prescriptions transmitted to pharmacies increasesbecause of legislative mandates, it is essential that the technologysupporting e-prescriptions (both on the prescriber and pharmacy operating systems) be redesigned to facilitate pharmacy workflow processes and to prevent unintendedincrease in medication errors, user frustration, and stress.
Causes of Climate Change Over the Past 1000 Years

Recent reconstructions of Northern Hemisphere temperatures and climate forcing over the past 1000 years allow the warming of the 20th century to be placed within a historical context and various mechanisms of climate change to be tested. Comparisons of observations with simulations from an energy balance climate model indicate that as much as 41 to 64% of preanthropogenic (pre-1850) decadal-scale temperature variations was due to changes in solar irradiance and volcanism. Removal of the forced response from reconstructed temperature time series yields residuals that show similar variability to those of control runs of coupled models, thereby lending support to the models' value as estimates of low-frequency variability in the climate system. Removal of all forcing except greenhouse gases from the ∼1000-year time series results in a residual with a very large late-20th-century warming that closely agrees with the response predicted from greenhouse gas forcing. The combination of a unique level of temperature increase in the late 20th century and improved constraints on the role of natural variability provides further evidence that the greenhouse effect has already established itself above the level of natural variability in the climate system. A 21st-century global warming projection far exceeds the natural variability of the past 1000 years and is greater than the best estimate of global temperature change for the last interglacial.
Dose-Dependent Decline of Pharmacologic Effects of Drugs with Linear Pharmacokinetic Characteristics

It is shown that reversibly acting drugs that confer on the body the pharmacokinetic characteristics of a multicompartment system may elicit pharmacologic effects which decline in the clinically significant range at an apparently constant rate which decreases with increasing dose. This dose dependence is illustrated by the neuromuscular blocking effect of tubocurarine in man.
Use of melphalan, thalidomide, and dexamethasone in treatment of refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma

Twenty-one patients with relapsed and refractory Durie-Salmon stage III multiple myeloma who had either failed at least three previous regimens or presented with poor performance status, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia were treated with up to four cycles of combination melphalan (50 mg intravenously), thalidomide (titrated to target of 400 mg orally daily), and dexamethasone (40 mg/day orally on d 1 to 4) every 4–6 wk. Maintenance treatment consisting of daily thalidomide and monthly dexamethasone was continued until disease progression. Although generally tolerated, combination melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone produced grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 52% and 38% of patients, respectively. Grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (14% of patients), neuropathy/paresthesia (5%), and nausea (5%). Four patients died while on therapy: two from neutropenic complications and two from progressive disease. Melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone was highly active in this poor prognosis population: Serum monoclonal protein reductions ≥25% occurred in 14 (70%) of 20 evaluable patients, including 1 patient with a complete response and 2 (13%) patients with reductions of 96%. Median progression-free-survival was 270 d (range: 73 to >787 d) and median overall survival was 382 d. Median progression-free survival (>420 d) has not been reached among patients responding to melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone. These results show that melphalan/thalidomide/dexamethasone therapy is active and generally tolerated in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients whose prognosis is otherwise poor.
Signal propagation and noisy circuits

The information carried by a signal decays when the signal is corrupted by random noise. This occurs when a message is transmitted over a noisy channel, as well as when a noisy component performs computation. We first study this signal decay in the context of communication and obtain a tight bound on the rate at which information decreases as a signal crosses a noisy channel. We then use this information theoretic result to obtain depth lower bounds in the noisy circuit model of computation defined by von Neumann. In this model, each component fails (produces 1 instead of 0 or vice-versa) independently with a fixed probability, and yet the output of the circuit is required to be correct with high probability. Von Neumann showed how to construct circuits in this model that reliably compute a function and are no more than a constant factor deeper than noiseless circuits for the function. We provide a lower bound on the multiplicative increase in circuit depth necessary for reliable computation, and an upper bound on the maximum level of noise at which reliable computation is possible.
On closed modular colorings of rooted trees

Two vertices u and v in a nontrivial connected graph G are twins if u and v have the same neighbors in V.G/f u;vg. If u and v are adjacent, they are referred to as true twins, while if u andv are nonadjacent, they are false twins. For a positive integer k, let cV V.G/! Zk be a vertex coloring where adjacent vertices may be assigned the same color. The coloring c induces another vertex coloring c 0 V V.G/! Zk defined by c 0 .v/D P u2NTvU c.u/ for each v2 V.G/, where NTvU is the closed neighborhood ofv. Then c is called a closed modular k-coloring if c 0 .u/6D c 0 .v/ in Zk for all pairs u, v of adjacent vertices that are not true twins. The minimum k for which G has a closed modular k-coloring is the closed modular chromatic number mc.G/ of G. A rooted tree T of order at least 3 is even if every vertex of T has an even number of children, while T is odd if every vertex of T has an odd number of children. It is shown that mc.T/D 2 for each even rooted tree and mc.T/ 3 if T is an odd rooted tree having no vertex with exactly one child. Exact values mc.T/ are determined for several classes of odd rooted trees T .
Modeling large-scale platforms for the analysis and the simulation of scheduling strategies

Summary form only given. An important trend in scientific computing is the establishment of computing platforms that span multiple institutions to support applications at unprecedented scales and levels of performance. A key issue for achieving high performance is the scheduling of application components onto available resources, which has been an active area of research for several decades. However, most of the platform models traditionally used in scheduling research, and in particular the network models, break down for platforms spanning multiple (wide-area) networks. In this paper we examine modeling issues for large-scale platforms. More specifically, we discuss network latency, bandwidth sharing, and network topology. Our discussion is from the perspective of scheduling research and the main challenge we address is to develop models that are sophisticated enough to be realistic, but simple enough that they are amenable to analysis. Finally, while the models we propose can be used to study scheduling problems directly, they also form a good basis for realistic simulation, which is often the method of choice for comparing scheduling strategies.
Authentic Expression of Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education

The Congregation of Christian Brothers (CFC), a religious community which continues to sponsor and staff Catholic high schools, began in Ireland with the vision of Edmund Rice. This article surveys biographical information about the founder and details ongoing discussions within the community directed toward preserving and growing Rice’s vision in contemporary Catholic schools.
Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status

Since many unplanned pregnancies occur while women are using oral contraceptives (OCs), it is important to understand the potential impact of these drugs on folate, vitamin B₆ , and vitamin B₁₂ status. Although a number of early studies concluded that OCs negatively impact folate status, the majority of these studies were conducted when the estrogen content of OCs was much higher. In addition, the interpretation of findings from many of these studies is problematic since no controls were included for potentially confounding factors. The presently available data do not support a conclusion that currently used OCs negatively impact folate status. In regard to vitamin B₆ , however, existing population-based data do provide evidence that current low-dose OCs may negatively impact vitamin B₆ status. The observed depression in plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations in OC users may reflect decreased body reserves of the vitamin, which could put women who discontinue OCs and become pregnant at risk for vitamin B₆ inadequacy during pregnancy. Functional indicators of vitamin B₁₂ status are not significantly impacted by OC use. Definitive conclusions, however, await further investigations.
"Rotary vehicle" that moves with three degrees of freedom

This paper proposes a new control method of a land vehicle with at least two steer-drive wheels. We call this vehicle a "rotary vehicle". By analyzing a general three degrees of freedom motion Q, an algorithm for computing each wheel's driving speed and steering angle is presented. Through this method, we can superimpose an arbitrary rotation on an arbitrary translational motion. When we know the current wheel steering angles and incremental movements of all the wheels on a rotary vehicle in the last sampling time, computing an estimated incremental motion is a non-trivial problem, because all the wheel axes may not meet at one point. An explicit algorithm to find the incremental motion (odometry) is also presented in this paper. The first version of a rotary vehicle called "Shepherd" is being constructed at the Naval Postgraduate School. This vehicle is going to be applied for the mine/unexploded-ordnance clearing mission.
Accurate Prediction of Docked Protein Structure Similarity.

One of the major challenges for protein-protein docking methods is to accurately discriminate nativelike structures. The protein docking community agrees on the existence of a relationship between various favorable intermolecular interactions (e.g. Van der Waals, electrostatic, desolvation forces, etc.) and the similarity of a conformation to its native structure. Different docking algorithms often formulate this relationship as a weighted sum of selected terms and calibrate their weights against specific training data to evaluate and rank candidate structures. However, the exact form of this relationship is unknown and the accuracy of such methods is impaired by the pervasiveness of false positives. Unlike the conventional scoring functions, we propose a novel machine learning approach that not only ranks the candidate structures relative to each other but also indicates how similar each candidate is to the native conformation. We trained the AccuRMSD neural network with an extensive dataset using the back-propagation learning algorithm. Our method achieved predicting RMSDs of unbound docked complexes with 0.4A error margin.
Modeling of electric field induced texture in lead zirconate titanate ceramics

Preferred domain orientation of a piezoelectric ceramic develops through domain switching under electric poling. In previous investigations the critical free energy required for domain switching has been assumed as a constant. This assumption leads to overestimation of the poling-induced texture and provides no explanation for the switching reversal in ferroelectric ceramics after the poling field is removed. In this paper, the contribution of intergranular stress to critical energy for 90° domain switching is investigated. A criterion including intrinsic threshold energy and an interaction energy, which is related to the intergranular stress and the intergranular depolarization field, is proposed. The texture evolution during poling process is simulated using a computational model starting from an initial random domain orientation distribution. The resulted domain orientation distributions under and after poling are predicted. The remanent domain switching after poling is the result of the balance between the interaction energy and intrinsic threshold energy. The final texture is much weaker than that under the electric field. Pole figures of poled Navy VI lead zirconate titanate measured by x-ray diffraction are consistent with the predicted textures.
Presynaptic inhibition by 5‐HT1B receptors of glutamatergic synaptic inputs onto serotonergic caudal raphe neurones in rat

1. Autonomous, pacemaker-like activity of serotonergic raphe neurones and its autoregulation by somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors are well described, but little is known of synaptic inputs onto raphe neurones or their modulation. Therefore, we recorded unitary excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in caudal raphe neurones (raphe obscurus and pallidus) following local electrical stimulation in a neonatal rat brainstem slice preparation; most neurones (79 %; n = 72/91) recovered following post hoc immunohistochemistry were tryptophan hydroxylase-immunoreactive, indicating that they were serotonergic. 2. Evoked EPSCs occurred at relatively constant latency with variable amplitude and apparent 'failures' at fixed suprathreshold stimulus intensity. At -60 mV, EPSCs were wholly due to CNQX-sensitive, non-NMDA glutamate receptors; at depolarized potentials, a small AP-5-sensitive NMDA component was often observed. 3. EPSCs were potently and reversibly inhibited by 5-HT with an EC50 of 0.1 microM. This effect was mimicked by 5-HT1B agonists (CP-93,129 and anpirtoline), but not by a 5-HT1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT), indicating that 5-HT1B receptors mediate the inhibition of EPSCs. 4. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that inhibition of EPSCs by 5-HT was mediated presynaptically. First, currents evoked by exogenous glutamate application were unaffected by 5-HT and/or 5-HT1B agonists. In addition, the frequency of spontaneous glutamatergic miniature EPSCs was diminished by CP-93,129 and paired-pulse facilitation of EPSCs was enhanced by 5-HT. Finally, the 5-HT1B receptor agonists that blocked synaptic transmission had no effect on resting membrane properties of raphe neurones. 5. These data indicate that serotonergic caudal raphe neurones receive glutamatergic inputs that are inhibited by presynaptic 5-HT1B receptors; inhibition of excitatory synapses onto raphe cells may represent a novel mechanism for autoregulation of serotonergic neuronal activity by 5-HT.
Protein sequence conservation and stable molecular evolution reveals influenza virus nucleoprotein as a universal druggable target

Abstract The high mutation rate in influenza virus genome and appearance of drug resistance calls for a constant effort to identify alternate drug targets and develop new antiviral strategies. The internal proteins of the virus can be exploited as a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Among these, the nucleoprotein (NP) is the most abundant protein that provides structural and functional support to the viral replication machinery. The current study aims at analysis of protein sequence polymorphism patterns, degree of molecular evolution and sequence conservation as a function of potential druggability of nucleoprotein. We analyzed a universal set of amino acid sequences, (n = 22,000) and, in order to identify and correlate the functionally conserved, druggable regions across different parameters, classified them on the basis of host organism, strain type and continental region of sample isolation. The results indicated that around 95% of the sequence length was conserved, with at least 7 regions conserved across the protein among various classes. Moreover, the highly variable regions, though very limited in number, were found to be positively selected indicating, thereby, the high degree of protein stability against various hosts and spatio-temporal references. Furthermore, on mapping the conserved regions on the protein, 7 drug binding pockets in the functionally important regions of the protein were revealed. The results, therefore, collectively indicate that nucleoprotein is a highly conserved and stable viral protein that can potentially be exploited for development of broadly effective antiviral strategies.
A trypsin technic for the preparation of isolated rat anterior pituitary cells.

SummaryIsolated rat anterior pituitary cells have been prepared by mechanical agitation of quartered glands in the presence of trypsin. The cells appear morphologically and functionally intact and contain large amounts of ACTH. The medium separated from cells incubated at 37° for 20 min contains small but significant amounts of ACTH. Acetic acid extracts of rat HME or cerebral cortical tissue and arginine vasopressin increase the ACTH content of the medium.The authors acknowledge the technical assistance of Mary Vegh and Beth Wiblin.
Excision of an intrapericardial immature teratoma in a 26-week premature neonate.

We present a case of a 26-week premature newborn with an immature intrapericardial teratoma. The patient was transferred from an outside hospital for management of a large mediastinal mass causing respiratory insufficiency. The newborn was supported with the help of a large interdisciplinary team until day of life 22 when he underwent surgical excision. On follow up the infant is doing very well and is one of the youngest survivors to date.
Comparison of caloric reactivity between migraineurs and non-migraineurs.

Objective:To demonstrate that the elevated prevalence of migraine in patients with vertigo disorders is due to enhanced sensitivity to dizziness, which could cause migraineurs to seek more, or earlier, medical care for vertigo disorders, confounding the ability to show causation.Methods:This case–control study investigated whether migraineurs perceive dizziness more intensely than non-migraineurs by comparing caloric responses in migraineurs, non-migraineurs and possible migraineurs. The summed caloric responses in the best responding ear were reviewed.Results:The migraine group had higher caloric response values, with a mean of 37.97 degrees per second, which was statistically significant when compared to the values for the possible migraine group (30.74 degrees per second (p < 0.05)) and the non-migraine group (30.70 degrees per second (p < 0.001)).Conclusion:The findings suggest that migraineurs experience vestibular stimuli more intensely compared to non-migraineurs, which might explain the association of migraine with vestibular disorders in general.
Investment-Horizon Spillovers: Evidence From Decomposing Trading-Volume Variance

This paper introduces a new tool — the wavelet-variance estimator — that measures the fraction of trading activity at each investment horizon. We find substantial cross-sectional variation in horizons, even for stocks with the same volume, size, and liquidity. Moreover, the fraction of trading at the one-minute horizon is priced in monthly returns. The quintile of stocks with the highest fraction of trading at the one-minute horizon has abnormal returns that are 0.49% per month higher than the lowest quintile’s. Abnormal returns persist after controlling for liquidity, asymmetric information, and risk factors. Trading activity at one horizon can spillover and affect returns at another.
Total Hematology Automation

Hitachi and Sysmex corporations combined their efforts to produce an integrated, high through-put laboratory by combining various sections of hematology and chemistry requiring a small fraction of ...
The Effect of a Morphological Awareness Intervention on Early Writing Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a morphological awareness intervention on the spelling and writing of second-grade (n = 16) and third-grade (n = 10) students at risk for ...
Native Valve Endocarditis due to Veillonella Species: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Veillonella species are fastidious bacteria that have been isolated from skin, dental, and respiratory tract infections and rarely have been implicated in serious infections like meningitis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. A 76-year-old woman presented to our hospital with fever, vomiting, and generalized weakness for 3 days. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a mobile structure on anterior mitral valve leaflet measuring 0.9 cm suggestive of vegetation. Empiric therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam was started with clinical resolution of her symptoms. On day 6, the blood culture drawn at admission grew Veillonella species. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a 1.2 0.4 cm echo dense structure attached to the left ventricular side of the anterior mitral leaflet. The patient was discharged home after 10 days of inpatient antibiotic therapy and completed 4 weeks of IV ceftriaxone at home without any adverse events. She was reevaluated in the clinic after completion of treatment and repeat blood cultures remained negative. We report the first case of successful treatment of endocarditis due to Veillonella species with once daily ceftriaxone.
Phage Display Selection, In Vitro Characterization, and Correlative PET Imaging of a Novel HER3 Peptide.

HER3 (ERBB3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is implicated in treatment resistance across multiple cancers, including those of the breast, lung, and prostate. Overexpression of HER3 following targeted therapy can occur rapidly and heterogeneously both within a single lesion and across sites of metastasis, making protein quantification by biopsy highly challenging. A global, non-invasive methodology such as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can permit serial quantification of HER3, providing a useful approach to monitor HER3 expression across the entire tumor burden both prior to and following treatment. PET imaging of HER3 expression may permit a more personalized approach to targeted therapy by allowing for detection of HER3-mediated resistance, in addition to informing clinical trial patient selection for novel therapies targeting HER3. Phage display selection targeting the HER3 extracellular domain was performed in order to develop a peptide with optimal blood clearance and highly accurate HER3 quantification. The selection converged to a consensus peptide sequence that was subsequently found to bind HER3 with an affinity of 270 ± 151 nM. The peptide, termed HER3P1, was bound with high selectivity to HER3 over other similar receptor tyrosine kinases such as EGFR and HER2. Furthermore, HER3P1 was able to distinguish between high and low HER3-expressing cells in vitro. The peptide was radiolabeled with Ga-68 and demonstrated to specifically bind HER3 by in vivo PET imaging. Uptake of [68Ga]HER3P1 was highly specific for HER3-positive tumors, with tumor-to-background ratios ranging from 1.59–3.32, compared to those of HER3-negative tumors, ranging from 0.84–0.93. The uptake of [68Ga]HER3P1 also demonstrated high (P < 0.001) correlation with protein expression as quantified by Western blot and confirmed by biodistribution. HER3P1 accurately quantifies expression of HER3 by PET imaging and has potential utility as a clinical imaging agent.
NDN host model

As a proposed Internet architecture, Named Data Networking (NDN) changes the network communication model from delivering packets to destinations identified by IP addresses to fetching data packets by names. This architectural change leads to changes of host functions and initial configurations. In this paper we present an overview of the basic functions of a host in an NDN network, together with necessary operations to configure an NDN host. We also compare and contrast the functionality and configuration between an NDN host and an IP host, to show the differences resulted from the different architecture designs.
Identification of gene expression determinants of radiosensitivity in bladder cancer (BCa) cell lines.

470Background: Trimodality therapy with TURBT followed by concurrent chemoradiation is an alternative to cystectomy in selected patients with muscle invasive BCa. Identifying genetic determinants o...
FROM DSM TO DNA: CROSS-DISORDER GENETICS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF PLEIOTROPY

Abstract As large-scale genomic research has begun to sketch the genetic architecture of mental illness, there is increasing evidence that genetic influences transcend the clinically-defined boundaries of psychiatric disorders. Collaborative efforts, including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium’s Cross-Disorder Group and the Brainstorm initiative are providing new insights into the genetic relationships among these disorders while challenging assumptions about the structure of psychopathology. A growing catalogue of common and rare genetic loci appear to have pleiotropic effects on multiple neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Polygenic risk score analyses and common variant genetic correlation studies support earlier findings from family and twin studies that a range of disorders have shared genetic substrates. At the same time, genomic studies suggest that there may be no sharp boundaries between disorder and normal variation in psychopathology-related traits. This presentation will review emerging evidence and key questions about cross-disorder genetic effects and the implications of pleiotropy for psychiatric nosology.
PLANAR INFINITE-HORIZON OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST AND AVERAGED CONSTRAINTS, APPLIED TO CHEEGER SETS

We establish a Poincare-Bendixson type result for a weighted averaged infinite horizon problem in the plane, with and without averaged constraints. For the unconstrained problem, we establish the existence of a periodic optimal solution, and for the constrained problem, we establish the existence of an optimal solution that alternates cyclicly between a finite number of periodic curves, depending on the number of constraints. Applications of these results are presented to the shape optimization problems of the Cheeger set and the generalized Cheeger set, and also to a singular limit of the one-dimensional Cahn-Hilliard equation.