cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A ring test of in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility: Analytical variability and sample ranking1

In vitro neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (NDFD) is an empirical measurement of fiber fermentability by rumen microbes. Variation is inherent in all assays and may be increased as multiple steps or differing procedures are used to assess an empirical measure. The main objective of this study was to evaluate variability within and among laboratories of 30-h NDFD values analyzed in repeated runs. Subsamples of alfalfa (n=4), corn forage (n=5), and grass (n=5) ground to pass a 6-mm screen passed a test for homogeneity. The 14 samples were sent to 10 laboratories on 3 occasions over 12 mo. Laboratories ground the samples and ran 1 to 3 replicates of each sample within fermentation run and analyzed 2 or 3 sets of samples. Laboratories used 1 of 2 NDFD procedures: 8 labs used procedures related to the 1970 Goering and Van Soest (GVS) procedure using fermentation vessels or filter bags, and 2 used a procedure with preincubated inoculum (PInc). Means and standard deviations (SD) of sample replicates within run within laboratory (lab) were evaluated with a statistical model that included lab, run within lab, sample, and lab × sample interaction as factors. All factors affected mean values for 30-h NDFD. The lab × sample effect suggests against a simple lab bias in mean values. The SD ranged from 0.49 to 3.37% NDFD and were influenced by lab and run within lab. The GVS procedure gave greater NDFD values than PInc, with an average difference across all samples of 17% NDFD. Because of the differences between GVS and PInc, we recommend using results in contexts appropriate to each procedure. The 95% probability limits for within-lab repeatability and among-lab reproducibility for GVS mean values were 10.2 and 13.4%, respectively. These percentages describe the span of the range around the mean into which 95% of analytical results for a sample fall for values generated within a lab and among labs. This degree of precision was supported in that the average maximum difference between samples that were not declared different by means separation was 4.4% NDFD. Although the values did not have great precision, GVS labs were able to reliably rank sample data in order of 30-h NDFD (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.93) with 80% of the rankings correct or off by only 1 ranking. A relative ranking system for NDFD could reduce the effect of within- and among-lab variation in numeric values. Such a system could give a more accurate portrayal of the comparative values of samples than current numeric values imply.
Automated detection of drusen in the macula

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition of the retina that occurs with individuals over 50. AMD is characterized by the formation of drusen in the macula. This condition leads to a deterioration of foveal vision and eventually functional blindness. Automatically screening atrisk individuals may allow the detection of intermediate stage AMD where it is still treatable using anti-VEGH therapy. One of the difficulties in detecting and locating drusen is that their aspect (shape, texture, color, extent) varies significantly, and because of this it is often difficult to build a classifier. To address this difficulty we use a two pronged approach based on (a) multiscale analysis and (b) kernel based anomaly detection. We show experimental results on examples of fundus images taken from healthy and affected patients.
Cross-Validation of the Recumbent Stepper Submaximal Exercise Test to Predict Peak Oxygen Uptake in Older Adults

Background Submaximal exercise testing can have a greater application in clinical settings because peak exercise testing is generally not available. In previous work, a prediction equation was developed to estimate peak oxygen consumption (Vo2) using a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) protocol in adults who were healthy. Objective The purpose of the present study was to cross-validate the TBRS peak Vo2 prediction equation in older adults. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods Thirty participants (22 female, 8 male; mean age=66.8 years, SD=5.52; mean weight=68.51 kg, SD=13.39) who previously completed a peak exercise test and met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the cross-validation study. Within 5 days of the peak Vo2 test, participants completed the TBRS submaximal exercise test. The TBRS submaximal exercise test equation was used to estimate peak Vo2. The variables in the equation included age, weight, sex, watts (at the end of the submaximal exercise test), and heart rate (at the end of the submaximal exercise test). Results A strong correlation was found between the predicted peak Vo2 and the measured peak Vo2. The difference between the values was 0.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, which was not statistically different. The standard error of the estimate was 4.2 mL·kg−1·min−1. Limitations The sample included individuals who volunteered to perform a peak exercise test, which may have biased the results toward those willing to exercise to fatigue. Conclusion The data suggest the TBRS submaximal exercise test and prediction equation can be used to predict peak Vo2 in older adults. This finding is important for health care professionals wanting to provide information to their patients or clients regarding their fitness level.
Practical pearls for a successful residency project

The first few months of a postgraduate year 1 or postgraduate year 2 residency can be challenging for new residents, preceptors, and institutions. For the resident, each year brings new people to meet, state licensing examinations to complete, orientation to the program and site, and new electronic
Ultra-wide-band transient electromagnetic scattering laboratory

A unique free-field transient scattering facility is described which employs a dual-channel ultra-wide-band impulsive source. A brief historical review is presented, and the theory and operational characteristics of the laboratory are discussed. Technical implementations which have yielded significant improvement in effective bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are described. High-quality experimental validations are shown, and consideration is given to future enhancements. >
Who opposes government arts funding

While the reasons for the controversy overpublic arts funding are well-understood,less clear is the set of variables thatassociates with strong opposition orsupport for arts subsidies. Using data fromthe General Social Survey, this paperbuilds a model to predict opposition basedon ideological, economic, and demographiccharacteristics. The most importantpredictors of opposition are found to bepolitical views, gender, income, privatedonations to the arts, and region ofresidence. The results in this papersuggest that the benefits of public artsfunding accrue primarily to those in thehighest income class, and that supportvaries somewhat according to the level ofgovernment providing the funding. ``The far right is waging a war for the soulof America by making art a partisan issue.And by trying to cut these arts programs,which bring culture, education, and joyinto the lives of ordinary Americans, theyare hurting the very people they claim torepresent.'' Barbra Streisand, in a speech delivered atHarvard University (1995) The National Endowment for the Arts hasbecome a play thing ... for an elitegroup. Newt Gingrich, in an interview on C-SPAN(Lamb, 1994)
Biphasic and regionally-restricted chemokine expression in the central nervous system in the Theiler's virus model of multiple sclerosis.

Intracerebral infection of susceptible strains of mice with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces a biphasic disease characterized by acute polioencephalitis followed by chronic demyelination and viral persistence in the spinal cord white matter. There has been limited study of soluble mediators responsible for the initial recruitment of inflammatory cells into the gray matter, and the secondary influx into the white matter during infection with TMEV. We used sensitive and specific RT ‐ PCR/dot blot hybridization assays to quantitate the relative levels of chemokine mRNA in the brains and spinal cords during the acute and chronic phases of TMEV infection in mice susceptible (B10.M, H-2 f ) and resistant (B10, H-2 b ) to virus-induced demyelination. TMEV infection resulted in robust expression of mRNA for IP-10, RANTES, and MCP-1, but not GRO-a, in brains and spinal cords in both strains of mice within 5 days. By day 21, virus was cleared, inflammation reduced, and expression of all three chemokines subsided to baseline levels in the brains and spinal cords of resistant mice, and the brains of susceptible mice. Chemokine expression was also reduced in the spinal cords of susceptible mice, corresponding to a shift in TMEV replication from the gray to the white matter. During the chronic, demyelinating phase of infection, there was a resurgence in IP-10, RANTES, and MCP-1 mRNA in spinal cords of susceptible B10.M mice. This study demonstrates the coordinated regulation and regionally restricted expression of chemokines in a biphasic disease of the central nervous system and provides greater understanding of the mechanism by which inflammation is established and maintained in the CNS. Journal of NeuroVirology (2000) 6, S44 ‐S 52.
Development of Colloidal Probe Correlation Force Spectroscopy: Case Study

This chapter introduces colloidal probe-correlation force spectroscopy (CP-CFS) and furthers the application of CFS in fluid flow characterization.
Less can be more: Targeted embolization of aneurysms associated with arteriovenous malformations unsuitable for surgical resection.

IntroductionTo mitigate risks of hemorrhage, high-risk features of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) can be targeted to reduce the risk of rupture. Previous investigation has examined embol...
Interaction of aggregates of reduced insulin with gamma globulin and complement: a pathogenetic hypothesis.

SummaryThese experiments show that reduced insulin aggregates react with the complement system and with gamma globulin. Complement fixation may be a direct interaction between the aggregates and one or more of the complement components, but more likely it is mediated by adsorbed gamma globulin. The aggregates are soluble in 50% acetic acid, insoluble in neutral solution, and can fix complement whether or not they have titratable sulfhydryl groups. They contain both A and B chains. The relationship between complement fixing capacity of the aggregates and their physical and chemical state is under investigation, as are the in vivo effects of these aggregates. These in vitro results support the proposed hypothesis that the renal and vascular lesions observed in diabetes are produced by a mechanism involving insulin derivatives, gamma globulin, and complement components and serve as a convenient model for further study.
SODIUM/BETA""-ALUMINA/ORGANOSULFUR BATTERIES OPERATING AT INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURES

Concurrent with impressive advances in advanced batteries operating at high temperatures such as the Na/Na2 Sx and Li/FeS systems, have been concerns over safety and reliability of such batteries. Accordingly, various efforts have been made to offer alternative high specific energy/power batteries operating at reduced temperatures [ 1, 2, 3 ]. However, since electrode kinetics and mass transport processes in batteries are thermally activated, lower temperature systems often present a compromise between lower power output, and enhanced reliability, safety, and economic factors. Fortunately, lower temperature systems also offer far more flexibility in cell design, allowing geometries with higher electrode surface area than would be feasible with high temperature systems, thereby reducing the necessary current densities for acceptable power output.
Infrared Laser Spectroscopy of the L-Shaped Cl–HCl Complex Formed in Superfluid 4He Nanodroplets

Chlorine atoms, generated through the thermal decomposition of Cl2, are solvated in superfluid helium nanodroplets and clustered with HCl molecules. The H–Cl stretching modes of these clusters are probed via infrared laser spectroscopy. A band centered at ∼2880.8 cm–1 is assigned to the binary Cl–HCl complex on the basis of HCl pressure dependence and difference mass spectra. The band lies in the “free” HCl stretching region, implying that the complex is not hydrogen bound. Furthermore, the breadth of the band (∼2 cm–1 fwhm) is consistent with an assignment to a predominantly b-type component of the H–Cl stretch, as the dominant b-type selection rules and A rotational constant allow for high energy rotational excitations that efficiently couple to droplet excitations, resulting in fast rotational deactivation. Despite the lack of rotational fine structure, which would verify the assignment, the observed band is consistent with the stabilization of a weakly bound complex having an approximately L-shaped ge...
Cross-sectional Survey of Occupational Hazard Factors in a Construction Project of a Tunnel Segment Plant

Objective To identify and analyze the potential occupational hazard factors of a construction project in a tunnel segment plant so as to protect the health of the employed.Methods The methods of occupational hygienic investigation,occupational hygiene measurement,and medical examination were applied for investigation and evaluation.Results The determination of manganese and its compound of 4 welding posts,which were collected by chemical poisons fixed sampling,did not meet the limit value.The determination of welding fume of 4 welding posts,which were collected by dust fixed sampling,did not meet the limit value.Among 22 noise measurement points,12 were over the standard in the measurement,with the excessive rate of 54.55%.6 cases of noise-exposed employees with increased high-frequency auditory threshold were found in the occupational physical examination.Conclusions Dust and noise are the main occupational hazards in this factory,which should be designated as key items for further control.The control measures for this construction project are basically feasible and effective.
Artifacts and aberrations: on the volatility of design research and the serendipity of insight

Reflecting on analyses of data from our respective design-based research studies of mathematical cognition and learning, we propose the utility of the instrumental genesis model (Verillon & Rabadel, 1995) for examining students' engagement with designed learning artifacts. The model has helped each of us to account for gaps between intended and enacted sequences in relation to these artifacts. In particular, instrumental genesis provides a mechanism for differentiating between the designer's arc of intentionality and the student's learning trajectory, two vectors that may be tacitly aligned for historically evolved learning materials but at variance for recently created materials. Characteristic of our case studies--a networked-classroom design for functions and a mixed-media design for probability--are breakdowns in which students' behavior deviated either from the designer's intention or from classic models of constructivist design. In both cases, the breakdowns were valuable in that they occasioned refinement of our theories and designs.
Interferon-regulated chemokine score associated with improvement in disease activity in refractory myositis patients treated with rituximab.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum interferon (IFN)-regulated chemokine and distinct cytokine response profiles are associated with clinical improvement in patients with refractory inflammatory myopathy treated with rituximab. Methods In a randomised, placebo-phase trial Rituximab in Myositis Trial (RIM), 200 refractory adult and paediatric myositis subjects received rituximab. Following rituximab, clinical response and disease activity were assessed. Serum samples and clinical data were collected at baseline and several time-points after rituximab treatment. Multiplexed sandwich immunoassays quantified serum levels of IFN-regulated chemokines and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. Composite IFN-regulated chemokine and Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory cytokine scores were computed. Results Baseline IFN-regulated chemokine, Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory cytokine scores correlated with baseline physician global VAS, whereas the baseline Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokine scores correlated with baseline muscle VAS. We also found baseline IFN-regulated chemokine scores correlated with specific non-muscular targets such as baseline cutaneous (r=0.29; p=0.002) and pulmonary (r=0.18; p=0.02) VAS scores. Among all cytokine/chemokines examined, the baseline score of IFN-regulated chemokines demonstrated the best correlation with changes in muscle VAS at 8 (r=-0.19; p=0.01) and 16 weeks (r=-0.17; p=0.03) following rituximab and physician global VAS at 16 weeks (r=-0.16; p=0.04). In vitro experiments showed increased levels of IL-8 (p=0.04), MCP-1 (p=0.04), IL-6 (p=0.03), IL-1β (p=0.04), IL-13 (p=0.04), IL-10 (p=0.02), IL-2 (p=0.04) and IFN-γ (p=0.02) in supernatants of TLR-3 stimulated PBMCs from non-responder compared to patients responders to rituximab. Conclusions IFN-regulated chemokines before treatment is associated with improvement in disease activity measures in refractory myositis patients treated with rituximab.
Metabolic and Pharmacologic Properties of the Skin

The clinically useful concept that human skin, taken in toto, is no mere inert barrier but a vital “organ” metabolically analogous to the liver is emerging from recent studies suggesting that the skin may actively participate in the turnover of orally ingested drugs and the detoxification of environmental carcinogens. Skin biopsies and signs are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of systemic disease.
Optimization of Block Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication on Shared-Memory Parallel Architectures

We examine the implementation of block compressed row storage (BCSR) sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) for sparse matrices with dense block substructure, optimized for blocks with sizes from 2x2 to 32x32, on CPU, Intel many-integrated-core, and GPU architectures. Previous research on SpMV for matrices with dense block substructure has largely focused on the design of novel data structures to optimize performance for specific architectures or to store variable-sized, variably-aligned blocks, but depending on alternate storage formats breaks compatibility with existing preconditioners and solvers or imposes significant runtime costs when converting between matrix formats. This paper instead focuses on the optimization of SpMV using the standard block compressed row storage (BCSR) format. We give a set of algorithms that performs SpMV up to 4x faster than the NVIDIA cuSPARSE cusparseDbsrmv routine, up to 147x faster than the Intel Math Kernel Library (MKL) mkl_dbsrmv routine (a single-threaded BCSR SpMV kernel), and up to 3x faster than the MKL mkl_dcsrmv routine (a multi-threaded CSR SpMV kernel).
Constrained ordination and permutation tests

In this chapter, we discuss constrained ordination and related approaches: stepwise selection of a set of explanatory variables, Monte Carlo permutation tests and variance partitioning procedure. Linear multiple regression model We start this chapter with a summary of the classical linear regression model, because it is very important for understanding the meaning of almost all aspects of direct gradient analysis. Figure 5–1 presents a simple linear regression used to model the dependence of the values of a variable Y on the values of a variable X . The figure shows the fitted regression line and also the difference between the true (observed) values of the response variable Y and the fitted values (Ŷ; on the line). The difference between these two values is called the regression residual and is labelled as e in Figure 5–1. An important feature of all statistical models (including regression models) is that they have two main components. The systematic component describes the variability in the values of the response variable(s) that can be explained by one or more explanatory variables (predictors), using a parameterized function. The simplest function is a linear combination of the explanatory variables, which is the function used by (general) linear regression models. The stochastic component is a term referring to the remaining variability in the values of the response variable, not described by the systematic part of the model. The stochastic component is usually defined using its probabilistic, distributional properties. We judge the quality of the fitted model by the amount of the response variable's variance that can be described by the systematic component.
Synchronous Sublattice Algorithm for Parallel Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations

A recently-developed efficient, semi-rigorous synchronous algorithm for parallel kinetic Monte Carlo simulations is presented. The accuracy and parallel efficiency are studied as a function of processor size, number of processors, and the ratio D/F of monomer hopping rate (D) to deposition rate (F) for a variety of simple models of epitaxial growth. Since only local communication is required, the algorithm scales, i.e. for a large number of processors the parallel efficiency is independent of the number of processors.
Molecular simulation of pH-dependent diffusion, loading, and release of doxorubicin in graphene and graphene oxide drug delivery systems

In this study, the adsorption of doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, on pristine graphene (PG) and graphene oxide (GO) nanocarriers with different surface oxygen densities and in an aqueous environment with varying pH levels was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The drug loading and release on the GO nanocarrier was also simulated using pH as the controller mechanism. Overall, the DOX/nanocarrier interactions become stronger as the graphene surface oxygen density increases. Although pH has a negligible effect on the single-molecule drug adsorption on the GO surfaces under acidic and neutral conditions, significantly stronger DOX/nanocarrier interactions occur for the GO nanosheet with a lower surface oxygen density (GO-16, with an O/C ratio of 1 : 6) at basic pH levels. Moreover, the DOX/nanocarrier interactions are greatly weakened in the GO nanosheet with higher surface oxygen density (GO-13, with an O/C ratio of 1 : 3) under basic conditions. These observations are partly attributed to a more favorable geometry of the DOX molecule on the GO-16 surface as opposed to a loosely attached DOX molecule on the edges of the GO-13 nanosheet. When comparing the adsorption kinetics and transport properties of the DOX molecule in different GO systems, the drug diffusion coefficient increases with decreasing pH value (going from basic to neutral to acidic) due to the reduced total water–nanocarrier interactions. The latter observation is an indication of the more facilitated transport of the DOX molecule in an aqueous medium towards the nanocarrier surface at lower pH levels. Finally, we have confirmed the loading and release of the DOX molecules on the GO nanocarrier under neutral (pH = 7) and acidic (pH = 5) conditions, respectively. The former signifies the blood pH level, whereas the latter is reminiscent of the pH of a tumorous cell. The computational results presented in this work reveal the underlying mechanisms of DOX loading and release on PG and GO surfaces, which may be used to design better graphene-based nanocarriers for the DOX delivery and targeting applications.
Prefrontal Cortex Activity Is Associated with Biobehavioral Components of the Stress Response.

Contemporary theory suggests that prefrontal cortex (PFC) function is associated with individual variability in the psychobiology of the stress response. Advancing our understanding of this complex biobehavioral pathway has potential to provide insight into processes that determine individual differences in stress susceptibility. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activity during a variation of the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST) in fifty-three young adults. Salivary cortisol was assessed as an index of the stress response, trait anxiety was assessed as an index of an individual’s disposition towards negative affectivity, and self-reported stress was assessed as an index of an individual’s subjective psychological experience. Heart rate and skin conductance responses were also assessed as additional measures of physiological reactivity. Dorsomedial PFC, dorsolateral PFC, and inferior parietal lobule demonstrated differential activity during the MIST. Further, differences in salivary cortisol reactivity to the MIST were associated with ventromedial PFC and posterior cingulate activity, while trait anxiety and self-reported stress were associated with dorsomedial and ventromedial PFC activity respectively. These findings underscore that PFC activity regulates behavioral and psychobiological components of the stress response.
“O Sweet Cautery”: John of the Cross and the Healing of the Natural World

Contrary to what may appear in a superficial understanding of his spirituality, John of the Cross strongly affirms the goodness of creation and its capacity to mediate the presence of God. He specifically identifies the web of mutual interactions among creatures as a primary manifestation of divine love, and he affirms that the more a person participates in God, the more he or she participates fully and joyfully in this community of creatures. Activation of creation's full capacity to mediate divinity, however, depends on the full fruition of the human person in God. Experientially, this involves a lengthy process of a back-and-forth rhythm between the glimpse of God in creation and the complete renunciation of dependence on creaturely knowledge in favor of faith. John's writings invite us to participate in the healing of the natural world by pursuing this contemplative rhythm all the way to its fruitional climax.
TNF-α and Beyond: Rapid Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mediates TNF-α-Induced Neurotoxicity.

This short communication describes our research which demonstrates that TNF-α causes a rapid decline in mitochondrial function, leading to neuronal cell death. As such, this neurotoxic proinflammatory cytokine may play a role in brain damage from stroke and neurodegeneration in chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease. We have extended this initial observation by demonstrating that TNF-α stimulates a microRNA (miR-34a) which we have shown reduces five key proteins in the mitochondrial electron transport chain through base-pair complementarity. miR-34a is increased in affected brain regions of Alzheimer’s patients and transgenic AD mouse models. We have further shown that oligomeric amyloid beta 42 (oAβ42) stimulates miR-34a. Collectively, these data suggest that TNF-α, oAβ42, and miR-34a participate in a vicious cycle, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, which is critical to the neuropathology of AD.
Residue Trypsin Inhibitor: Data Needs for Risk Assessment

Trypsin inhibitor (TI) occurs naturally in many foods from plants, notably soybean protein products. Heat treatment inactivates TI and improves nutritional quality, but residual TI activity of 5 to 20% remains after typical commercial treatments. Chronic feeding of TI or products that contain TI can inhibit trypsin and chymotrypsin, stimulate their secretion, cause hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pancreas, and lead to adenomas and carcinomas of the exocrine pancreas. In the rat, TI promotes pancreatic carcinogenesis initiated by azaserine. Data needed for possible risk assessment on TI would include 2-year bioassays from animals treated with TI find fed diets carefully controlled for type and amount of fat (which also promotes pancreatic carcinogenesis). The effects of TI on protein nutrition would have to be considered when identifying the maximum tolerated dose. Major reductions in human dietary TI exposure may not be feasible because of the multiple sources of TI, the substantial promotion by other factors such as fat, and the adverse effects of excessive heat on food products. For risk assessment of TI in a particular food, other promotora and the feasibility of decreasing TI intake must be considered.
Cerebral microvascular accumulation of tau oligomers in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies

The importance of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recognized, however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. There is growing evidence that in addition to Aβ deposition, accumulation of hyperphosphorylated oligomeric tau contributes significantly to AD etiology. Tau oligomers are toxic and it has been suggested that they propagate in a "prion-like" fashion, inducing endogenous tau misfolding in cells. Their role in VCID, however, is not yet understood. The present study was designed to determine the severity of vascular deposition of oligomeric tau in the brain in patients with AD and related tauopathies, including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Further, we examined a potential link between vascular deposition of fibrillar Aβ and that of tau oligomers in the Tg2576 mouse model. We found that tau oligomers accumulate in cerebral microvasculature of human patients with AD and PSP, in association with vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Cerebrovascular deposition of tau oligomers was also found in DLB patients. We also show that tau oligomers accumulate in cerebral microvasculature of Tg2576 mice, partially in association with cerebrovascular Aβ deposits. Thus, our findings add to the growing evidence for multifaceted microvascular involvement in the pathogenesis of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulation of tau oligomers may represent a potential novel mechanism by which functional and structural integrity of the cerebral microvessels is compromised.
Joint Information and Demodulation

For some time the theories of Information and Control have been derived under differing assumptions which has lead to theories with little common ground except on the philosophical level. However recently new interest in uniting these areas has been sparked by the use of Information theory to produce lower bounds for the Nonlinear filtering problem. In this paper we will examine the phase demodulation problem in the context of these theories.
Transnational Cultural Events among Korean Immigrants in the New York-New Jersey Area:

This article focusing on Korean immigrant cultural transnationalism has three major objectives. First, it provides a conceptual clarification of different components of immigrant cultural transnati...
Development of the Central Vestibular System

Abstract Significant progress has been made in understanding the development of vestibular nuclei neurons over the past twenty years by combining electrophysiological and immunolabeling approaches. One model system in which the dual approach has been applied routinely is the chick tangential nucleus, a major avian vestibular nucleus containing the glutamatergic principal cells that participate in the vestibular reflex pathways. We present here an overview of the chick tangential nucleus as a model system, followed by a review of recent studies performed on vestibular nuclei neurons to characterize the development of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures, neurotransmitter immunolabeling, gap junction communication, spontaneous synaptic activity, single and repetitive spike firing on depolarization, spontaneous spike firing, sodium and potassium conductances, GABA B receptors, and responses to vestibular nerve stimulation. The chapter closes with a section on the advantages of the chick medial vestibular nucleus as a model for developmental studies and suggestions for future directions.
Clinical photoacoustic computed tomography of the human breast in vivo within a single breath hold

We have developed a single-breath-hold photoacoustic computed tomography (SBH-PACT) system to detect tumors and reveal detailed angiographic information about human breasts. SBH-PACT provides high spatial and temporal resolutions with a deep in vivo penetration depth of over 4 cm. A volumetric breast image can be acquired by scanning the breast within a single breath hold (~15 sec). We imaged a healthy female volunteer and seven breast cancer patients. SBH-PACT clearly identified all tumors by revealing higher blood vessel densities and lower compliance associated with the tumors
Durable medical equipment for children with spinal cord dysfunction: implications of age and level of injury.

AbstractBackground: Children with spinal cord dysfunction interact with their environment in different ways than their able-bodied peers. To enable them to participate in typical, age-appropriate activities, they must be provided with various types of equipment. Choosing from available options involves a team approach.Summary: This article discusses general types of durable medical equipment for mobility (wheelchairs, strollers, standers), communication (including augmentative communication devices and computers), selfcare, and recreation. Provision of this equipment for these children enhances their ability to learn and to take part in everyday activities and improves their quality of life.
Mobile Virtualization Case Study

In order to see how mobile virtualization affects the BYOD user, a pilot was done with Divide from Enterproid, one of the mobile virtualization technologies described previously that is based on a application container approach. The pilot was run for 12 weeks with over 1,100 registered users out of which 817 were activated. Users were all employees who volunteered to participate in the pilot. There were no screening criteria and no specific instructions for use of Divide during the pilot. There were no prescribed evaluation tasks; participants were free to use Divide on their personal smartphone and/or tablet device(s) for business and personal tasks, in a manner natural to them.
TM6SF2 Promotes Lipidation and Secretion of Hepatitis C Virus in Infected Hepatocytes

Background & Aims Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-opts the very-low-density lipoprotein pathway for morphogenesis, maturation, and secretion, and circulates as lipoviroparticles (LVPs). We investigated the functions and underlying mechanisms of the lipid-associated TM6SF2 protein in modulating LVP formation and the HCV life cycle. Methods We knocked down or overexpressed TM6SF2 in hepatic cells and examined HCV infection, measuring viral RNA and protein levels and infectious LVP titers. The density of secreted LVPs was evaluated by iodixanol gradient assay. We measured levels and patterns of TM6SF2 in liver biopsies from 73 patients with chronic hepatitis C, livers of HCV-infected humanized Alb-uPA/SCID/beige mice, and HCV-infected Huh7.5.1 cells. Results TM6SF2 knockdown in hepatocytes reduced viral RNA and infectious viral particle secretion without affecting HCV genome replication, translation, or assembly. Overexpression of TM6SF2 reduced intracellular levels of HCV RNA and infectious LVPs, and conversely increased their levels in the culture supernatants. In HCV-infected cells, TM6SF2 overexpression resulted in production of more infectious LVPs in the lower-density fractions of supernatant. HCV infection increased TM6SF2 expression in cultured cells, humanized livers of mice, and liver tissues of HCV patients. TM6SF2 messenger RNA levels correlated positively with HCV RNA levels in liver biopsies from patients. SREBF2 appears to mediate the ability of HCV to increase the expression of TM6SF2 in hepatic cells. Conclusions In studies of cells, mice and human liver tissues, we found TM6SF2 is required for maturation, lipidation, and secretion of infectious LVPs. HCV, in turn, up-regulates expression of TM6SF2 to facilitate productive infection.
Xenotransplantation tolerance: applications for recent advances in modified swine.

Purpose of review The aim of this study was to review the recent progress in xenotransplantation achieved through genetic engineering and discuss the potential of tolerance induction to overcome remaining barriers to extended xenograft survival. Recent findings The success of life-saving allotransplantation has created a demand for organ transplantation that cannot be met by the supply of human organs. Xenotransplantation is one possible solution that would allow for a nearly unlimited supply of organs. Recent genetic engineering of swine has decreased the reactivity of preformed antibodies to some, but not all, potential human recipients. Experiments using genetically modified swine organs have now resulted in survival of life-supporting kidneys for over a year. However, the grafts show evidence of antibody-mediated rejection on histology, suggesting additional measures will be required for further extension of graft survival. Tolerance induction through mixed chimerism or thymic transplantation across xenogeneic barriers would be well suited for patients with a positive crossmatch to genetically modified swine or relatively negative crossmatches to genetically modified swine, respectively. Summary This review highlights the current understanding of the immunologic processes in xenotransplantation and describes the development and application of strategies designed to overcome them from the genetic modification of the source animal to the induction of tolerance to xenografts.
Blue helmets, red flags: Institutional, societal, and military determinants of peacekeeping abuses

Author(s): Rodriguez, M; Kinne, BJ | Abstract: United Nations peacekeeping soldiers commit atrocities while deployed despite their mandate to protect civilians from harm. Yet, there is tremendous variation across missions in reported human rights abuses. Why are some missions more susceptible to misconduct than others? To answer this puzzle, we identify three broad sources of influence on peacekeeper behavior: institutions, society, and military culture. Using newly collected data, we find that host-country and contributing-country institutions, particularly press freedoms and rule of law, dramatically decrease violations. Compliance with international humanitarian law also decreases violations, though to a lesser degree than institutions. Societal influences, such as gender norms and income inequality, have virtually no impact on abuses. We illustrate the utility of these findings by generating out-of-sample predictions for hypothetical peacekeeping missions in countries with recent political turmoil.
Commentary: Engaging African Immigrants in Research – Experiences and Lessons from the Field

Global migration from Africa to more economically developed regions such as the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia has reached unprecedented rates in the past five decades. The size of the African immigrant population in the United States has roughly doubled every decade since 1970. However, research has not kept up with the growing size of this vulnerable population. Data from African immigrants have not traditionally been reported separately from Blacks/African Americans. There is growing interest in increasing the participation of African immigrants in research to understand their unique health needs and the full spectrum of factors impacting their health, ranging from racial, social, environmental, and behavioral factors, to individual biological and genetic factors which may also inform health challenges. This line of inquiry may also inform our understanding of health disparities among their African American counterparts. However, little is known about effective community engagement and recruitment strategies that may increase the participation of this population in research studies. The purpose of this commentary is to: 1) describe lessons learned from our experiences engaging African immigrants in research in the Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Atlanta metropolitan areas; 2) discuss strategies for successful recruitment; and 3) consider future directions of research and opportunities to translate research findings into health policy for this population.
Symbolic Integration of Dynamical Systems by Collocation Methods

Symbolic computational approaches are desirable for many applications and especially for large complex and nonlinear systems. These approaches work well when (a) the user interface is "symbolized" and (b) the underlying computational algorithms are robust. This paper presents advances in both of these areas and for the specific application of numerical integration of large complex nonlinear systems. We present a method for symbolically defining complex nonlinear systems. The methodology includes a human interface for symbolic manipulations of the system model. The system model is symbolically quadratized. The quadratized model is integrated with a numerical method that belongs to the general class of collocating methods. The presented methodologies are superior to previous approaches by the authors using symbolic manipulations and trapezoidal integration. The methodology is illustrated with example systems including converters with saturable inductors, surge arresters and other complex nonlinear systems. The proposed methodology is compared to previous approaches for the purpose of quantifying the advantages
Patient Planning and Initiative Enhances Physician Recommendations for Cancer Screening and Prevention

Background The growing population of older adults is at the highest risk for cancer, yet they are underserved in terms of cancer prevention and care. Discussions between patients and physicians that result in tailored recommendations are now called for by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Aims & method The current study explored the role of physician-patient relationships and of patient initiatives in health communication on primary care physicians' recommendations of cancer prevention and screening. Our data was collected from baseline questionnaires from elderly patients 60 years of age or older (N=360) who attended an adult community center where an educational intervention was administered. Results Our findings demonstrate the importance of elderly patients' advocacy, shown through planning and initiative in communication for eliciting doctor's cancer screening and cancer prevention recommendations in primary care settings.
Thin-walled composite beam cross-sectional analysis using the mechanics of structure genome

Abstract Quick and accurate predictions of cross-sectional properties are required in the preliminary design of thin-walled composite beams. Existing literature provides accurate analytical solutions to the problem, albeit limited to open and single cell sections with stress continuity constraints imposed. Mechanics of structure genome has been used to develop an asymptotically correct model for thin-walled open, closed, single and multi-cell cross sections consisting of any arbitrary anisotropic material without imposing any additional conditions. In this paper, Euler-Bernoulli thin-walled beam cross-sectional model is developed in a finite element framework and demonstrated using several examples, followed by a comparison with existing approaches.
Megadrought in the Carolinas: the archaeology of Mississippian collapse, abandonment, and coalescence: by John S. Cable, Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama Press, 2020, xvi, 311 pp., figs., maps, tables, index, $64.95 (cloth), ISBN: 978-0-8173-2046-1, $64.95 (ebook), ISBN: 978-0-8173-9276-5

Until recently, archaeologists have been reticent to invoke climate change models to account for abandonments, disjunctions, migrations, and transformations in the ancient world. John Cable’s Megad...
"Life or death": Experiences of insulin insecurity among adults with type 1 diabetes in the United States.

Abstract Objective Insulin access for people with diabetes is a growing public health concern and particularly important for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who depend on insulin for survival. However, few studies have examined the psychosocial contexts in which people with T1D confront, navigate, and attempt to resolve insulin access barriers (IABs). We conducted a qualitative study to: 1) describe factors affecting insulin access among adults with T1D, 2) characterize behavioral and emotional responses to IABs, and 3) understand the overall impact of IABs on the lives of adults with T1D. Methods We recruited a geographically and age diverse sample of U.S. adults with T1D (n = 21) from online diabetes support groups who self-identified as facing IABs. We conducted semi-structured phone interviews lasting 45–60 min between April and October 2017. We followed an inductive coding approach to identify concepts and themes related to participants' experiences with IABs. Findings Participants conceptualized the experience of being without insulin as a “life or death” emergency, which significantly influenced their subsequent behavioral and emotional responses to compromised insulin access. Participants also described multiple IABs including unaffordable health care, institutional unresponsiveness, and major life transitions. Unable to consistently depend on the U.S. healthcare system to address their insulin needs, participants described taking strategic actions to maximize their existing insulin supplies, obtain more insulin, and create long-term security against future IABs. These strategies were not always successful and often negatively impacted participants’ health, finances, careers, relationships, and future opportunities. Conclusions Disruptions in insulin access or the threat of future disruption, a concept we term “insulin insecurity,” is a barrier to health and well-being among people with T1D. Our findings suggest the U.S. healthcare system is ill-equipped to address insulin needs among adults with T1D.
Mean-field entanglement transitions in random tree tensor networks

Entanglement phase transitions in quantum chaotic systems subject to projective measurements and in random tensor networks have emerged as a new class of critical points separating phases with different entanglement scaling. We propose a mean-field theory of such transitions by studying the entanglement properties of random tree tensor networks. As a function of bond dimension, we find a phase transition separating area-law from logarithmic scaling of the entanglement entropy. Using a mapping onto a replica statistical mechanics model defined on a Cayley tree and the cavity method, we analyze the scaling properties of such transitions. Our approach provides a tractable, mean-field-like example of an entanglement transition. We verify our predictions numerically by computing directly the entanglement of random tree tensor network states.