cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Lease on Life: Institutions, External Financing, and Business Growth

This research utilizes data from the World Bank Investment Climate Survey to examine the use of external capital for almost 70,000 small and medium-sized firms in 103 developing and developed countries. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that most small firms in even the poorest countries have access to some type of external financing, however, the sources differ systematically by institutional and firm characteristics. For example, firms in poorer countries, with generally weaker institutions, use far less leasing for new investment and instead rely more on informal sources of capital such as money lenders and credit cards. We confirm that access to external capital is related to faster growth. Surprisingly, leasing is the only source of external finance related to growth in GDP and the manufacturing sector.
Antiviral CD4 and CD8 T–cell memory: differences in the size of the response and activation requirements

Following acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, there is a potent antiviral CD8 T-cell response that eliminates the infection. This initial CD8 T-cell response is followed by a period of memory during which elevated numbers of virus-specific CD8 T cells remain in the mouse. CD4 T cells are also activated after LCMV infection, but relatively less is known about the magnitude and duration of the CD4 response. In this study, we used intracellular staining for interferon-gamma to measure both CD4 and CD8 responses in the same mice at the single cell level. After LCMV infection, there was an increase in the number of activated CD4 T cells and an associated increase in the number of virus-specific CD4 T cells. At the peak of this expansion phase, the frequency of virus-specific CD4 T cells was 1 in 20 (0.5-1.0 x 10(6) per spleen). Like the CD8 response, long-term CD4 memory could be found up to a year after the infection with frequencies of approximately 1 in 260 (0.5-1.5 x 10(5) per spleen). However, the magnitude of virus-specific CD8 T cells was greater than virus-specific CD4 T cells during all phases of the immune response (expansion, death, and memory). At day 8, there were 20- to 35-fold more virus-specific CD8 T cells than CD4 T cells. This initial difference in cell number lasted into the memory phase as there remained a ten- to 20-fold difference in the CD8 and CD4 responses. These results highlight the importance of the expansion phase in determining the size of the memory T-cell pool. In addition to the difference in the magnitude, the activation requirements of CD8 and CD4 T-cell responses were different: CD8 T responses were not affected by blockade of CD40-CD40 ligand interaction whereas CD4 responses were reduced 90%. So while there is long-term memory in both the CD8 and CD4 compartments, the rules regulating the activation of CD8 and CD4 T cells and the overall magnitude of the responses are different.
A novel intensity based optical proximity correction algorithm with speedup in lithography simulation

It is important to reduce the optical proximity correction (OPC) runtime while maintaining a good result quality. In this paper, we obtain a better formula, which theoretically speeds up the widely used method, optimal coherent approximations (OCA's), by a factor of 2times. We speed up the OPC algorithm further by making it intensity based (IB-OPC), because it requires much less intensity simulations than the conventional edge placement error (EPE) based OPC algorithms. In addition, the IB-OPC algorithm, which uses the efficiently computed sensitivity information, converges faster than the EPE based OPC. Our IB-OPC experimental results show a runtime speedup of up to 15times with a comparable result quality as of the EPE based OPC.
Interdisciplinary Service-Learning: Building Student Competencies through the Cross-Cultural Parent Groups Project

Changing demographics and an emphasis on competency-based social work education call for innovative approaches to the delivery of curricular content. In an effort to introduce BSW students to the socio-political issues facing the local Latino immigrant community, a service-learning project was developed in collaboration with the Spanish Language Department and a local middle school. An analysis of outcomes from social work student evaluations showed that students engaged with the community and issues in new and unexpected ways. Through their engagement in a cross-cultural group project, students developed greater cultural competency, honed their group practice skills in an unfamiliar context, provided a needed service to the community, and raised their awareness about the working conditions of new immigrants as part of a developing framework for social action. Details and implications of the project as a means to build student competencies are described.
Diagenetic characteristics of the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone in the Covenant oil field, central Utah thrust belt

The Jurassic Navajo Sandstone core in the Covenant field includes eolian dune interbedded with carbonate playa lake and fluvial interdune facies. Dune facies samples are bleached but not depleted in iron; bleached dune facies outcrop samples are depleted in iron. Bleached dune facies in the core samples contains ferroan dolomite, quartz overgrowths that do not completely fill pore spaces, grain-coating and pore-filling illite, coarse-grained gray hematite, kaolinite, and trace pyrite. Reddish brown interdune facies are typically very fine-grained sandstone and siltstone and contain dolomite and ferroan dolomite cement, illite pore-filling, and very fine-grained, red hematite. Diagenetic mineralogy and chemical compositions overlap the mineralogy and compositions of outcrop samples. The carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of dolomite in interdune facies and adjacent dune facies is derived from groundwater discharge modified by evaporation in a playa lake interdune environment, not from interaction with hydrocarbons. The iron in bleached dune facies is incorporated in coarse-grained hematite, ferroan dolomite, and trace pyrite. The bleached diagenetic mineral association of ferroan dolomite-hematite-pyrite with is metastable relative to more reducing conditions produced by petroleum. The reservoir temperature of 188F (87C) is too high for bacterial sulfate reduction and too low for geologically significant thermochemical sulfate reduction accounting for the association of abundant in produced water and trace pyrite in the core.
Facilitated Diffusion of Monosaccharides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Experimental Investigation of Kinetic Parameters Without the Assumptions of Symmetry

Until the question of symmetry or asymmetry in the facilitated diffusion of monosaccharides by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is resolved, attempts to study the transport process cannot be based on assumptions of symmetry, such as equal concentrations at equilibrium or kinetic parameters that are equal in opposite directions. The assumptions of symmetry may be circumvented by measuring efflux against water and against various external concentrations of sugar. The measurement of efflux against water eliminates any involvement of influx, and the separate determinations of influx and efflux parameters do not require that the parameters be equal. Furthermore, the use of relative internal concentrations eliminates any necessity of assuming that the equilibrium concentrations are equal. Since the influx and efflux parameters are to be compared, the measurement of influx on effluxing cells allows both sets of parameters to be determined on cells which are physiologically the same. This procedure has been tested by obtaining the kinetic parameters of l-sorbose transport. The validity of these parameters was demonstrated by using them to generate theoretical efflux curves that fit the experimental data and by showing that they give the best fit curve to the relationship of velocity and permeant concentration. Although the question of symmetry remains unanswered, this procedure has opened the way for experimental evaluation of the situation and further investigation of the transport process in yeast.
Measurement of Interaction Forces between Silica and α-Alumina by Atomic Force Microscopy

Interaction forces between a silica sphere and an α-alumina substrate at various pH values were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). As expected, at pH values of 10.8 and 10.2 when the surfaces are similarly charged, a repulsive force was observed. On the other hand, at pH values of 5.5, 6.4, and 8.6 when the surfaces are oppositely charged, attractive forces were observed. Experimental force vs separation distance curves were found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions based on electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. Interestingly, when the force/radius values at a particular separation distance were plotted against pH, the transition from an attractive to a repulsive force occurred at pH 9.3, which is very close to the point of zero charge (pzc) of α-alumina as determined from electrophoresis experiments. These results suggest that AFM force measurements can be used to estimate the pzc of materials. This method may be of particular significance for soluble salt minerals where conventional electrophoretic measurements are not possible at high ionic strengths. Finally, results from transmittance studies further confirmed the interaction between silica and alpha alumina particles in suspensions at various pH values as would be expected based on the results from atomic force microscopy measurements.
Just Military Preparedness, U.S. Military Hegemony, and Contingency Planning for Intervention in Sudan: A Reply to Lango and Patterson

This paper rejects most aspects of John W. Lango and Eric Patterson’s proposal that the United States should plan for a possible intervention in Sudan on secessionist and humanitarian grounds and announce this planning as a deterrent to the central government of Sudan attacking the people of South Sudan if they would opt in a January 2011 referendum for independence. I argue that secession is not a just cause for armed intervention and that, rightfully, neither the American people nor many of its men and women in uniform would be prepared to engage in an intervention that might easily escalate. I also caution that American intervention against an Islamic regime might have high global security costs. For the sake of avoiding these negative consequences and harm to the people of Sudan, available nonviolent policy alternatives should be pursued. Still, I grant that the global community should intervene in Sudan if mass slaughter of civilians were to occur as a result of renewed hostilities between North and South Sudan. My objections to Lango and Patterson’s intervention proposal appeal to jus ad bellum principles as well as just military preparedness (jus ante bellum) principles.
Ontology- Based Information Integration in Virtual Learning Environment

A good virtual learning environment should deliver relevant learning materials to learners at the most appropriate time and locations to facilitate learners' acquisition of knowledge and skills. In this paper, we propose ontology-based information integration in virtual learning environment using ontology and Web services. Relevant concepts extracted from domain ontology provide ontology-based browsing space that allows users to browse and select relevant terms of interest and increases the degree of relevancy. By using Web services to integrate learning materials from heterogeneous public domain data sources, applications do not need to know the internal structure and working of public domain data sources, and reuse existing applications and recourses. We use gene ontology, PubMed eUtils and Google Web APIs to demonstrate our idea. The implementation involves techniques in image and video processing, database management, programming, and multimedia learning materials presentation.
Detecting past and present intrusions through vulnerability-specific predicates

Most systems contain software with yet-to-be-discovered security vulnerabilities. When a vulnerability is disclosed, administrators face the grim reality that they have been running software which was open to attack. Sites that value availability may be forced to continue running this vulnerable software until the accompanying patch has been tested. Our goal is to improve security by detecting intrusions that occurred before the vulnerability was disclosed and by detecting and responding to intrusions that are attempted after the vulnerability is disclosed. We detect when a vulnerability is triggered by executing vulnerability-specific predicates as the system runs or replays. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a system that supports the construction and execution of these vulnerability-specific predicates. Our system, called IntroVirt, uses virtual-machine introspection to monitor the execution of application and operating system software. IntroVirt executes predicates over past execution periods by combining virtual-machine introspection with virtual-machine replay. IntroVirt eases the construction of powerful predicates by allowing predicates to run existing target code in the context of the target system, and it uses checkpoints so that predicates can execute target code without perturbing the state of the target system. IntroVirt allows predicates to refresh themselves automatically so they work in the presence of preemptions. We show that vulnerability-specific predicates can be written easily for a wide variety of real vulnerabilities, can detect and respond to intrusions over both the past and present time intervals, and add little overhead for most vulnerabilities.
The apicoplast: a red alga in human parasites.

Surprisingly, some of the world's most dangerous parasites appear to have had a benign photosynthetic past in the ocean. The phylum Apicomplexa includes the causative agents of malaria and a number of additional human and animal diseases. These diseases threaten the life and health of hundreds of millions each year and pose a tremendous challenge to public health. Recent findings suggest that Apicomplexa share their ancestry with diatoms and kelps, and that a key event in their evolution was the acquisition of a red algal endosymbiont. A remnant of this endosymbiont is still present today, albeit reduced to a small chloroplast-like organelle, the apicoplast. In the present chapter, I introduce the remarkably complex biology of this organelle. The apicoplast is bounded by four membranes, and these membranes trace their ancestry to three different organisms. Intriguingly, this divergent ancestry is still reflected in their molecular makeup and function. We also pursue the raison d'etre of the apicoplast. Why did Apicomplexa retain a chloroplast when they abandoned photosynthesis for a life as obligate parasites? The answer to this question appears to lie in the profound metabolic dependence of the parasite on its endosymbiont. This dependence may prove to be a liability to the parasite. As humans lack chloroplasts, the apicoplast has become one of the prime targets for the development of parasite-specific drugs.
A longitudinal study of calcium regulation in a nonhuman primate model of parenteral nutrition

The question of whether parenteral nutrition adversely affects calcium regulation remains unclear. Human studies of this question have been confounded by uncontrolled variables including the degree to which food is ingested orally; gut absorption; underlying disease; medication adversely affecting bone, including steroids; and aluminum contamination of parenteral nutrients. The present study was undertaken to examine whether parenteral nutrition adversely affects calcium regulation in a nonhuman primate model that allows for control of underlying clinical variables and mobility. With use of this model, it was possible to show weight maintenance and positive nitrogen and calcium balances with parenteral nutrition. There was no demonstrable effect of the animals' wearing a jacket and tether system or of catheterization on calcium regulation. Calciuria in response to parenteral nutrition was elevated initially but diminished by 2 wk of therapy. The calciuria observed resulted from an increased urine-filtered calcium load. Calcium balance with parenteral nutrition was preserved by a diminished fraction of calcium filtered by the kidney being excreted in the urine. The present study suggests that negative calcium balance produced by parenteral nutrition may result from abnormal renal tubular function or disruption of normal parathyroid hormone regulation.
Vision related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: correlation with new measures of low and high contrast letter acuity

Objective: To examine the relation between low contrast letter acuity, a new visual function test for multiple sclerosis (MS) trials, and vision targeted health related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: Patients in this cross sectional study were part of an ongoing investigation of visual function in MS. Patients were tested binocularly using low contrast letter acuity and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) charts. The 25 Item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), 10 Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to the NEI-VFQ-25, Impact of Visual Impairment Scale and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered. Results: Among 167 patients, mean age was 48 (10) years, with median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.0 (range 1.0–7.5), and median binocular Snellen acuity equivalent (ETDRS charts) 20/16 (range 20/12.5 to 20/100). Reductions in vision specific HRQOL were associated with lower (worse) scores for low contrast letter acuity and VA (p 4 point (6.7–10.9 point) worsening in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score, reductions that are considered clinically meaningful. Scores for the 10 Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to the NEI-VFQ-25 also correlated well with visual function. Associations between reduced low contrast acuity and worse vision targeted HRQOL remained significant in models accounting for high contrast VA, EDSS and history of acute optic neuritis. Conclusions: Low contrast letter acuity scores correlate well with HRQOL in MS. Two line differences in scores for low contrast acuity and VA reflect clinically meaningful differences in vision targeted HRQOL. Low contrast acuity testing provides information on patient reported aspects of vision, supporting use of these measures in MS clinical trials.
Iron-Loading of Cultured Adult Rat Hepatocytes Reversibly Enhances Lactoferrin Binding and Endocytosis

Isolated rat hepatocytes bind and internalize bovine lactoferrin (Lf) protein and Lf-bound Fe3+ via Ca2+-dependent recycling Lf binding sites (McAbee, 1995, Biochem. J., 311:603-609). In this study, we determined if iron loading of primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes altered their ability to bind and internalize Lf. Rat hepatocytes were cultured 16-24 h with or without ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and then assayed for Ca2+-dependent 125I-Lf binding at 4 degrees C or 125I-Lf endocytosis at 37 degrees C. Cells pretreated with FAC (5 microg/mL) internalized two- to sixfold more 125I-Lf than did control cells. The FAC-induced increase in 125I-Lf endocytosis required 4-8 h of culture at 37 degrees C and was fully reversible if cells were incubated an additional 24 h without FAC either in the presence or absence of the Fe3+ chelator desferrioxamine. Maximal endocytic rates for untreated and FAC-treated cells were 370 and 2,300 molecules 125I-Lf cell(-1) sec(-1), respectively. Both 125I-Lf binding at 4 degrees C and endocytosis at 37 degrees C increased up to sixfold between 0.3 10 microg/mL FAC, indicating that iron-induced enhancement of 125I-Lf uptake was due to an increase in the number of Lf receptors present on the cells. 125I-Lf bound to untreated and FAC-treated cells at 4 degrees C with similar affinities (K(d) approximately 1.5 microM). Cycloheximide but not actinomycin D blocked the FAC-induced increase in 125I-Lf binding, indicating that the increase in the number of Lf binding sites required translation but not transcription. Notably, iron loading blocked endocytosis of asialoorosomucoid by hepatocytes by up to 80%, reducing the number of active intracellular asialoglycoprotein receptors >65% without altering the number of active cell surface receptors. We conclude from these studies that Lf receptor activity on hepatocytes is regulated posttranscriptionally by the iron status of the cells.
Comparative Study of Breeding Systems of Sympatric Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes and R. hageni) in Central North Carolina Using Two Classes of Molecular Genetic Markers

We used microsatellite and mtDNA markers to compare colony and population genetics of two sympatric species of subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (n = 25 colonies) and R. hageni Banks (n = 16 colonies), in two sites located 27 km apart in the Piedmont of central North Carolina. Colony breeding structure was inferred by examination of microsatellite genotypes of workers within colonies and by estimates of nestmate relatedness and hierarchical F-statistics. Similar to previous results on this species, nearly one-half of the R. flavipes colonies were simple families mainly headed by outbred primary (alate-derived) reproductives, about one-half were comprised of extended (inbred) families inferred to be headed by low numbers of neotenics (non alate-derived secondary reproductives) descended from the original primary pair, and two colonies contained the offspring of multiple reproductives. About two-thirds of the R. hageni colonies were comprised of simple families largely headed by related reproductives, and about one-third consisted of extended families headed by low numbers of neotenics. R. hageni differed from R. flavipes in having significant isolation by distance at one site as well as significant differentiation between sites at both the microsatellite and mtDNA markers. We conclude that dispersal in R. hageni is more limited resulting in higher levels of inbreeding within colonies and greater degrees of population genetic structure at small and large spatial scales than in sympatric populations of R. flavipes. These results indicate that closely related species of subterranean termites occurring in the same habitat can differ in their breeding systems with important consequences for higher level genetic structure.
Liver Metastases from Larynx Cancer

Larynx, or laryngeal, cancer is the second most common form of primary head and neck cancer in the world. Although the incidence of distant metastases from laryngeal cancer is relatively low, it has a dismal prognosis with a high rate of mortality, indicating the importance of recognizing risk factors and being aware of screening techniques for metastatic disease. Presently, the greatest predictors for metastatic spread from laryngeal cancer are poor locoregional control and extracapsular nodal spread. Liver metastases from laryngeal cancer are the third most common form of distant metastases, behind lung and bone metastases, respectively. Clinical presentation of liver metastases can be often indolent until there is advanced disease progression resulting in acute liver failure or cirrhosis. Although screening modalities have advanced and become more available, a standardized approach to screening for liver metastases remains to be established. Diagnosis of liver metastases can be made through a combination of liver function tests, ultrasound studies, radiographic evaluation, and PET scanning, although the ability of each of these tests to adequately detect metastatic disease can vary. Though liver metastases in the setting of primary laryngeal cancer are incurable by definition, disease management, both surgical and nonsurgical forms, focuses on palliative treatment and improvement in quality of life. Through understanding the natural course of disease, screening modalities, and treatment options, a holistic approach can be achieved in the management for liver metastases in the setting of laryngeal cancer.
Dysregulated proteolytic balance as the basis of excess extracellular matrix in fibrotic disease

To investigate mechanisms of tissue fibrosis, we developed a model of ovine fetal bladder fibrosis due to surgically induced obstruction. Tissues were analyzed for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Active MMP-2 was not detected in obstructed bladders, while latent and active forms were detected in normal bladders. MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) activity was lower in obstructed bladders. MMP inhibitory activity was increased with obstruction, as were levels of TIMP mRNA and protein. These results indicate that the proteins responsible for collagen degradation are present in the developing bladder, and a shift in the proteolytic balance favoring inhibition of degradation occurs in a model of obstruction-induced fibrosis. This altered proteolytic balance favors accumulation of extracellular matrix and decreased tissue compliance characteristic of this and perhaps other fibrotic conditions.
Aktuelle Überlegungen zum evidenzbasierten Management im Gesundheitswesen

Berichte uber medizinische Behandlungsfehler sind in vielen Zeitungen und Zeitschriften verteilt uber die ganzen Vereinigten Staaten aufgetaucht. Zur gleichen Zeit erhalten Beispiele eines ubermaβigen, verminderten oder falschen Einsatzes taktischer Managementstrategien weitaus weniger Beachtung. Die drangende Notwendigkeit, die man in Zusammenhang mit der Qualitatssteigerung der medizinischen Versorgung sieht, scheint im Zusammenhang mit der Qualitatssteigerung der Entscheidungsprozesse des Managements nicht zu existieren. Ein eher evidenzbasierter Ansatz wurde die Kompetenzen der Entscheidungstrager und ihre Motivation, innerhalb des Entscheidungsprozesses wissenschaftlich geprufte Methoden einzusetzen, verbessern. Diesem Artikel liegt eine Untersuchung mit 68 Managern des Gesundheitswesens zugrunde, bei denen nur ein geringes Maβ an evidenzbasiertem Managementverhalten beobachtet wurde. Auf Grundlage der Untersuchungsergebnisse werden vier Strategien vorgeschlagen, um Manager im Gesundheitswesen dazu zu bewegen, Entscheidungen auf Basis wissenschaftlicher Nachweise zu treffen: ▪ Konzentration auf evidenzbasierte Entscheidungsprozesse bei strategisch wichtigen Themen, ▪ Entwicklung von Komitees und anderen Strukturen, um Managementforschung innerhalb der Organisation zu verbreiten, ▪ Aufbau einer Managementkultur, die Forschung wertschatzt, ▪ Kompetenzschulungen von Managern, um wissenschaftliche Nachweise auf Entscheidungen im Gesundheitswesen anwenden zu konnen.
An optimized cross-linked network model to simulate the linear elastic material response of a smart polymer

This article presents a novel approach to model the mechanical response of smart polymeric materials. A cyclobutane-based mechanophore, named “smart particle” in this article, is embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix to form the self-sensing smart material. A spring–bead model is developed based on the results from molecular dynamics simulation at the nanoscale to represent bond clusters of a smart polymer. The spring–bead network model is developed through parametric studies and mechanical equivalence optimization to represent the microstructure of the material. A statistical network model is introduced, which is capable of bridging the high-accuracy molecular dynamics model at the nanoscale and the computationally efficient finite element model at the macroscale. A comparison between experimental and simulation results shows that the multiscale model can capture global mechanical response and local material properties.
The Transzendenz of Mathematical ‘Experience’

Etude des principaux resultats metamathematiques auxquels est parvenu Godel concernant le theoreme de la completude, le theoreme de l'incompletude, le lemme diagonal et l'idee d'univers constructible, et qui concernent les quatre phenomenes metalogiques que sont la pluralite, la sous-determination, l'inexpressibilite et la relativite semantiques. Mesurant l'influence des travaux de Leibniz, Kant, Husserl sur la position metalogique et metaphysique de Godel, l'A. s'interesse a la notion kantienne de Transzendenz et a ses analogues dans le domaine metatheorique de l'experience mathematique
G/{ GI}/N(+{ GI}) queues with service interruptions in the Halfin–Whitt regime

We study $$G/GI/N(+GI)$$ queues with alternating renewal service interruptions in the Halfin–Whitt regime. The systems experience up and down alternating periods. In the up periods, the systems operate normally as the usual $$G/GI/N(+GI)$$ queues with non-idling first-come–first-served service discipline. In the down periods, arrivals continue entering the systems, but all servers stop functioning while the amount of service that each customer has received will be conserved and services will resume when the next up period starts. For models with abandonment, interruptions do not affect customers’ patience times. We assume that the up periods are of the same order as the service times but the down periods are asymptotically negligible compared with the service times. We establish the functional central limit theorems for the queue-length processes and the virtual-waiting time processes in these models, where the limit processes are represented as stochastic integral convolution equations driven by jump processes. The convergence in these limit theorems is proved in the space $${\mathbb D}$$ endowed with the Skorohod $$M_1$$ topology.
The detection and characterization of phagocytic cells in established human cell lines synthesizing immunoglobulins.

SummaryLong-term suspension cultures of lymphoid cell lines were studied for phagocytic activity and pyrogen production. These cell lines were shown to actively phagocytize both polystyrene particles and Staphylococcus epidermidis, a function generally not attributed to lymphoid cells. We have observed that release of leukocytic pyrogen, normally associated with phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes, did not accompany phagocytosis by these lymphoid cell lines.
Spatial Scaling of Hydrological and Biogeochemical Aspects of High-Altitude Catchments in the Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A.

Using data from alpine and subalpine watersheds in the southern and central Sierra Nevada, California, we develop the concept of representative elementary area (REA) for a hydrological variable (ma...
Lies and Sweats: History of Use of the Psychogalvanic Response (P2.400)

Objective:To determine origins of physiology of skin sympathetic response (psychogalvanic response-PGR),its misuse in polygraph detection of lying and legal limitations of its use. Background:Otto Veraguth in Basel first measured potentials derived from glabrous portions of skin in following alarming sound with a galvanometer. Fredrick Peterson (P) and Carl Jung (J) discovered that words associated with hidden emotions evoked similar responses. Hugo Munsterberg (HM) and student William Marston (WM) found increased respiratory rate (RR) after lying. Physician John Larson (JL) read Marston’s observations and developed a polygraph to record responses during simulation. Methods:Search World Catalogue, Surgeon General’s List, Congressional Record with key words: psychogalvanic response, word associations, polygraph, Results:P and J using Veraguth’s galvanometer demonstrated that PSG and depth of respiration increased in some normal subjects and always in paranoid patients during psychological distress, startle and anticipation of pain. PSG was less in cold ambience and inattention to stimuli. MH and WM at Harvard published confirmation of P and J findings with word associations and increased RR during lying. JL with others developed a polygraph to measure changes in respiratory, blood pressure and pulse before and during lying. Chicago Police first used polygraph to obtain confessions of theft and murder. JL and business partner Keeler sold hundreds of polygraphs to police and Federal agencies.Polygraph was misused to intimidate and force false confessions. Senate Select Committee, Albert Gore, Sr.,Chairman (1958) showed inconsistencies, technical faults and misuse to ferret out homosexuals in US State Department. Polygraph Act Protection Act 1988 limits use to CIA, FBI and military intelligence employees and stipulates fines for misuse. Conclusions:Polygraph does not detect lying, only physiological changes in some persons, technical factors influence results, federal regulations limit its use. Disclosure: Dr. Fine has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Elsevier, Encyclopedia of Neurological Sciences 2nd Edition. Dr. Fine holds stock and/or stock options in Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi. Dr. Sofat has nothing to disclose. Sunday, April 17 2016, 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Calcium-Induced Oxidative Stress Mediates Intestinal Epithelial Tight junctions by a Variety of Stress

Role of oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) disruption by various types of stress was evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Cells were exposed to osmotic stress, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or cyclic stretch. Barrier function was evaluated by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and unidirectional flux of inulin. TJ and adherens junctions (AJs) integrity was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Oxidant production was measured by live cell imaging using MitoSOX, CM-H2DCFDA, and Mitotracker. Role of oxidative stress in TJ disruption was determined by evaluating the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), L-nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME), 1400W or apocynin, and the role of [Ca2+]i was evaluated using BAPTA. JNK2 and c-Src activation was evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Osmotic stress, DSS and cyclic stretch rapidly induced ROS production. Both MitoSox and H2DCFDA showed localization of ROS in mitochondria as well as in non-mitochondrial regions, which was abrogated by BAPTA, indicating the role of [Ca2+]i in inducing oxidative stress. NAC and L-NAME, but not by 1400W or apocynin, blocked osmotic stress, DSS and cyclic stretch-induced TJ disruption and activation of JNK2 and c-Src. Results indicate that oxidative stress mediates [Ca2+]i-induced activation of JNK2 and c-Src leading to TJ disruption by stress.
Interactive Technology for Inclusive Play

In this paper, I describe my current work as a PhD student in HCI. My dissertation research is in how to increase opportunities for children with mixed abilities to equally, actively, and meaningfully participate in the same setting with the assistance of interactive technology. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the ability of interactive technology to support children and their adult guardians with inclusive play, or play among children with different abilities and needs. My research adds to the growing movement within HCI toward a social model of disability, and I hope to inspire future technology design based on inclusive principles and the empowerment of all children.
CT Diagnosis of Testicular Endodermal Sinus Tumor in Childhood

Objective To study the CT manifestation of testicular endodermal sinus tumor in childhood.Methods Clinical and CT data in sixteen cases of testicular endodermal sinus tumor in children were retrospectively reviewed.Results The tumors appeared as solid masses on plain CT scan,the density of the tumor was homogeneous in 14 cases and heterogeneous in 2 cases.The masses were obviously heterogeneous enhancement after administration of contrast material in 12 cases.Serum α-fetoprotein(AFP)level was elevated to more than 1000μg/L(normal:less than 20μg/L).Conclusion CT is a valuable in diagnosis of testicular endodermal sinus tumor in children.CT combined with serum AFP can improve the diagnosis of the disease.
Resolution of Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis Following Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula of the Skull Base.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea due to a skull base defect requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Multiple surgical options are available for repairing the fistula, including the two-layer “fascial apposition” method and use of a pedicled nasal-septal flap. A 44-year-old obese woman presented with 4 months of progressive cough, exertional dyspnea, hoarseness, and intermittent fluid drainage from the right nostril. Chest computed tomography (CT) imaging and bronchoscopy showed chronic pneumonitis, which was confirmed by pulmonary wedge resection. CT and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull base, as well as laboratory analysis of the nasal fluid for β2-transferrin, confirmed a skull base defect causing CSF rhinorrhea. During surgery, insertion of a lumbar drain with the intrathecal fluorescein administration was performed, followed by endoscopic endonasal repair using an autologous fascial apposition graft and pedicled nasal-septal flap. Both the CSF leak and the pulmonary complications resolved following the operation with no symptoms at 11-month follow-up. This is the first reported case of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea complicated by chronic aspiration and pneumonitis. Increased diagnostic complexity due to chronic pulmonary complications resulted in unnecessary interventions and treatment delays. Prompt recognition of spontaneous CSF leaks is essential to prevent potentially harmful complications.
Effect of an underlying substrate in a nanofibrous membrane system on cultured cells

A two-dimensional (2D) nanofibrous membrane cannot keep its morphology and shape intact without an underlying support such as glass coverslip (GC). As cellular processes and the behavior of cells depend on the mechanical properties of a substrate, an underlying support that generally has higher stiffness than a nanofibrous membrane could have unwanted influence on culturing cells. In this study, we investigated the influence of a GC on the cells by preparing a 2D standalone concentric nanofibrous (CN) substrate and a CN membrane with an underlying glass coverslip (CN-GC) substrate. We then cultured stiffness-sensitive valvular interstitial cells (VICs) onto them. Sole GC substrate was used as a negative control. While VICs were stretched and spindle-shaped on the CN substrates, they were flat and rectangular-shaped on the CN-GC substrates. On the GC substrates, all the VICs formed an almost continuous flat sheet of cells spreading in all directions without any alignment. VICs showed fibroblast phenotype on the CN substrates whereas same VICs showed myofibroblast phenotype on the CN-GC and GC substrates. Further, GC substrates bent due to contraction of cultured cells. Collagen fibril deposit rates were lowest on the CN substrates and highest on the GC substrates. These findings indicate that cellular processes and behavior can be influenced by the underlying supporting substrate in a nanofibrous membrane system, which is very significant for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine where cell is a vital ingredient. We have proposed several easy means to fabricate standalone 2D nanofibrous substrates without any underlying support for in vitro and in vivo research and applications.
Opportunities and Challenges in Assessing and Supporting Creativity in Video Games

Abstract Many games offer players opportunities to express their creativity, from posting their clever solutions in online forums, to beating particular boss levels, to creating their own levels using built-in level editors. Yet there is scant evidence supporting the link between video games and creativity. This is partially due to the difficulty of measuring creativity. In this chapter, we will (a) review the current literature on creativity, (b) discuss affordances of video games for creativity development using popular commercial games as examples, and (c) illustrate how one can assess and support creativity using creativity assessments in our game, Physics Playground (formerly known as Newton’s Playground ), as an example.
Actigraphy features for predicting mobility disability in older adults.

Actigraphy has attracted much attention for assessing physical activity in the past decade. Many algorithms have been developed to automate the analysis process, but none has targeted a general model to discover related features for detecting or predicting mobility function, or more specifically, mobility impairment and major mobility disability (MMD). Men (N = 357) and women (N = 778) aged 70-89 years wore a tri-axial accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) on the right hip during free-living conditions for 8.4 ± 3.0 d. One-second epoch data were summarized into 67 features. Several machine learning techniques were used to select features from the free-living condition to predict mobility impairment, defined as 400 m walking speed <0.80 m s-1. Selected features were also included in a model to predict the first occurrence of MMD-defined as the loss in the ability to walk 400 m. Each method yielded a similar estimate of 400 m walking speed with a root mean square error of ~0.07 m s-1 and an R-squared values ranging from 0.37-0.41. Sensitivity and specificity of identifying slow walkers was approximately 70% and 80% for all methods, respectively. The top five features, which were related to movement pace and amount (activity counts and steps), length in activity engagement (bout length), accumulation patterns of activity, and movement variability significantly improved the prediction of MMD beyond that found with common covariates (age, diseases, anthropometry, etc). This study identified a subset of actigraphy features collected in free-living conditions that are moderately accurate in identifying persons with clinically-assessed mobility impaired and significantly improve the prediction of MMD. These findings suggest that the combination of features as opposed to a specific feature is important to consider when choosing features and/or combinations of features for prediction of mobility phenotypes in older adults.
Cutaneous Reactions to Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, both topical and systemic, are common treatments for various skin diseases. Since the discovery of their antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, they have been employed in treating various autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions. Their common and ubiquitous use has brought several adverse effects both systemic and dermatologic. These adverse reactions include hypersensitivity reactions to the components of the drug, skin atrophy, steroid rosacea, and several bacterial, viral, and fungal infections secondary to immune compromise. Since steroids are used to treat various skin conditions, it is vital to recognize worsening of skin disease from underlying skin condition versus a complication of topical or systemic corticosteroid use.
Variability in Resident Operative Hand Experience by Specialty

Background: Recent attention has sought to standardize hand surgery training in the United States. This study analyzes the variability in operative hand experience for orthopedic and general surger...
Use of the ketogenic diet in the neonatal intensive care unit—Safety and tolerability

Drug-resistant epilepsy poses a challenge in neonatal patients, especially those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who have various secondary comorbidities. We present results of four children with a history of drug-resistant epilepsy for whom a ketogenic diet was initiated and used in the NICU. A nonfasting induction into ketosis over 1-2 weeks was utilized, with gradual increases in the ketogenic ratio every 2-3 days. Data were collected retrospectively from a database, which included medical history, daily progress notes, relevant laboratory data, and imaging and diagnostic information. The ketogenic diet was well tolerated in all cases. The most common side effects observed were constipation, hypoglycemia, and weight loss. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels demonstrated improved reliability as a marker of ketosis when compared to urine ketones in this population. Perceived benefits to the infants included improved seizure control, increased alertness, and decreased need for invasive respiratory support. These cases demonstrate that the use of the ketogenic diet for treatment of neonatal encephalopathy and refractory epilepsy can be undertaken safely in the NICU and is well tolerated by carefully screened neonates and infants.
Abstract W P94: Recovery From Plasticity Impairments in Pediatric But Not Adult Mice Following Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess neuronal injury and synaptic plasticity impairments in Purkinje cells in pediatric and adult mice following cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We hypothesized that synaptic impairments in pediatrics would be less severe than in adult mice. Methods: Pediatric ( 21-25 day old) and adult (8-12 week) male mice were subjected to 8 minutes cardiac arrest followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation or sham surgery. Purkinje cells were labeled using anti-calbindin antibody and cell density was analyzed to examine neuronal injury. To examine synaptic function, whole-cell voltage clamp recording on acute cerebellar slices was performed at 1 and 7 days after CA/CPR or sham surgery. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) resulting from parallel (PF) or climbing fiber (CF) stimulation were recorded. Long-term depression (LTD) was induced by simultaneous parallel and climbing fiber stimulation (1 Hz, 5 min). Results: Purkinje cell loss was observed in pediatric (24% cell loss) and adult (32% cell loss) mice following CA/CPR. Long-term depression, a reduction of synaptic strength of PF EPSCs was observed in adult and pediatric sham controls following PF+CF stimulation (46.6 ± 10% of baseline n= 5 and 55.4 ± 6.1% n= 3, respectively). LTD was absent in pediatric and adult mice at 24 hours after CA/CPR (96.1 ± 5.2% n =6 and 89.4 ± 4.5% n=2, respectively). At 7 and 30 days after CA/CPR LTD was absent in adult mice (81.6 ± 10.8% n=6 and 86.5 ± 8.9% n=4) but had returned in pediatric mice at 7 days after CA/CPR (70 ± 5.4% n=3). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that CA/CPR results in significant Purkinje cell loss in pediatric and adult mice. LTD was absent at 24 hours at both ages and was observed at 7 days after CA/CPR in pediatric but not adult mice. These results suggest enhanced recovery of synaptic plasticity at this developmental stage.
Predicting MeSH Beyond MEDLINE

Medical subject headings (MeSH) are a flexible and useful tool for describing biomedical concepts. Here, we present MeSHier, a tool for assigning MeSH terms to biomedical documents based on abstract similarity and references to MEDLINE records. When applied to PubMedCentral papers, NIH grants, and USPTO patents we find that these two sources of information produce largely disjoint sets of related MEDLINE records, albeit with some overlap in MeSH. When combined they provide an enriched topical annotation that would not have been possible with either alone. MeSHier is available as a demo tool that can take as input IDs of PubMed papers, USPTO patents, and NIH grants: http://abel.lis.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/meshier/search.py
Bracketing off the actors: Towards an action-centric research agenda

Abstract Widespread digitization is creating new sources of data that record sequences of actions and events. These action sequences can be used to trace coherent streams of activity in social, economic and business processes. These sources of data, along with new computational methods, create an opportunity to visualize, analyze and compare patterns of actions as a unit of analysis. This paper discusses the connections of this idea to a variety of related fields and maps out some first steps of an action-centric agenda for research.