cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton essential fatty acid and phosphorus content constraints on Daphnia somatic growth and reproduction

We performed 12 experiments where the herbivorous zooplankter Daphnia pulex was fed three different phytoplankton food types (cyanophytes, chlorophytes, or cryptophytes) at two phosphorus (P) deficiency levels (C : P < 400 or 600) and with two different fatty acid (FA) supplements. Phosphatidylcholine liposome amendments were used to manipulate P availability and/or deliver FA in order to simultaneously test the relative importance of phytoplankton P and FA limitation as constraints on Daphnia somatic growth rate and reproduction. We used multiple regression analyses to test the data set for six main effects and three interaction terms. The six main effects tested were phytoplankton taxa, FA supplementation, FA type (EPA or FA-mix), direct (P-D) and indirect (P-ID) phosphorus limitation, and P deficiency level. Food quality was most strongly affected by phytoplankton taxa followed by P-ID, FA supplementation, the interaction between phytoplankton taxa and P-ID, and P-D. Daphnia fed cryptophytes grew 0.18 day21 faster and had an additional 2.6 eggs individual21 than Daphnia fed cyanophytes. Indirect P limitation reduced Daphnia somatic growth rates by 0.16 day21 and egg production by 2.6 eggs individual21. Direct P limitation reduced Daphnia growth rates by 0.04 day21 and egg production by 1.2 eggs individual21. FA supplementation improved growth by 0.09 day21 and egg production by 2.2 eggs individual21. These results suggest that FA supplementation exerted stronger effects on Daphnia somatic growth rate and reproduction than did direct P limitation. Furthermore, these results suggest that phytoplankton taxa and indirect P limitation had the greatest effects on Daphnia growth and reproduction. Phytoplankton phosphorus content and fatty acid composition have been previously identified as factors that may play important roles in herbivorous zooplankton
An investigation of micron diameter exposed-electrode single barrier dielectric barrier discharges

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) show promise for reducing flow separation on airfoils thereby increasing the efficiency of turbine stages and aircraft1. These devices are only beginning to be understood. Several authors have explored the effect DBD geometry has on induced force in ambient air conditions2. Hoskinson et. al. found that for cylindrical exposed electrodes, as the electrode diameter was reduced below 50 µm, the force efficiency (induced force divided power dissipated) increased dramatically3.
New infrastructure to support clinical translational research at the US National Institutes of Health: role of the NIH Clinical Center

The development of new drugs and devices is expensive with long timelines and high rate of failure. The director of NIH is concerned with these issues and has made reengineering the translational sciences a top priority [1]. One outcome of the planning has been the creation of a new NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) [2]. NCATS has three major goals: reengineering translational sciences, creating a network of clinical and translational science awardees (CTSAs) at 60 academic institutions in the US and supporting research on rare diseases and therapeutics. Recent novel approaches to technology development under NCATS leadership include designing new “organ chips” and use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to screen for drug toxicity. Another project is the 1000 genomes project which estimated that human genomes typically contain about 100 genuine loss of function variants with about 20 genes completely inactivated but without obvious disease consequence. In some cases the loss of function variants are associated but with protection from disease thereby providing new targets for drug discovery [3]. Another effort to reengineer drug discovery is a drug repurposing project that has resulted in partnerships with 8 pharmaceutical companies who recently announced 58 compounds available for repurposing studies [4]. The Office of Rare Diseases Research has moved into NCATS and is working to establish partnerships throughout the world for the study of rare diseases. The Office of Rare Diseases Research continues to work on the development of novel treatment strategies. The NIH Clinical Center, the largest hospital in the world totally dedicated to clinical research, will work closely with NCATS. A new vision for the NIH Clinical Center will be “to open its doors” to outside investigators through new partnerships between extramural scientists and investigators in the NIH intramural program. These partnerships will include access to the special technical resources at the Clinical Center, access to the clinical research training programs including the NIH curriculum for clinical research training, courses designed to demystify medicine for PhDs, as well as a sabbatical in clinical research management. In addition, the Clinical Center will make available new tools it has developed for protocol management and information technology (see http://www.cc.nih.gov/ for review of the Clinical Center programs). The many approaches NIH is implementing to improve translational research will be monitored closely for success.
Electromagnetic compatibility issues between vehicular mounted antennas and implantable medical devices

Numerical investigations are performed to investigate the interactions between vehicular mounted antennas and an implantable medical device in the vicinity of the vehicular. From the studies, it is shown that higher electromagnetic energy deposition was found in the vicinity of the devices. In addition, it is observed that for higher frequency, emission from vehicular antenna will have stronger interference on implantable device.
Leveraging our campus IT in the wake of the storm

In the hours after Hurricane Katrina demolished the Louisiana Coast, Louisiana State University soon became the center of recovery and relief efforts for the state. This was obviously an effort that spanned all parts of the institution, but as one would expect, information and communication were key to the success of all the parties involved.In our discussion we would like to tell the story of how Louisiana State University's IT resources were key to the recovery efforts in our state.Our organization was equipped to put phones, computers, telephone and networking services in the hands of the volunteers who were administering the triage hospital and acute care facilities on our campus. A hotline was established and staffed 24 hours in the weeks after the storm where citizens could get information. Our network operations center opened their doors to fellow universities in the state to recover their systems and redirect their web pages and communications. Computer labs were dismantled and the systems used in all aspects of the recovery where PCs were needed. We leveraged our partnerships with vendors such as Microsoft, IBM and Cisco to get equipment and supplies where they were needed.We would like to share our story with others so that they will hear firsthand what Louisiana State University's IT department did in the wake of the storm. We hope this will open discussion and dialog that will help other universities understand the power of their resources should they be faced with a disaster of this magnitude.
Relativistic quaternionic wave equation

We study a one-component quaternionic wave equation which is relativistically covariant. Bilinear forms include a conserved four-vector current and an antisymmetric second rank tensor. Waves propagate within the light cone and there is a conserved quantity which looks like helicity. The principle of superposition is retained in a slightly altered manner. External potentials can be introduced in a way that allows for gauge invariance. There are some results for scattering theory and for two-particle wave functions as well as the beginnings of second quantization. However, we are unable to find a suitable Lagrangian or an energy-momentum tensor.
Analysis of a factory of the future using an integrated set of software for manufacturing systems modeling

Design of a green-field factory, termed a 'factory of the future', proposed by an electrical equipment manufacturer was analyzed using an integrated set of software for manufacturing systems modeling. The analysis involved the following four stages. First, a large data base containing part dimensions and processing conditions was analyzed using a spreadsheet software (Lotus 1-2-3) to generate a modeling data base. Second, a rough-cut analysis of each manufacturing line in the factory was performed utilizing queuing models (MANUPLAN II) to yield information regarding bottleneck stations, work-in-process levels, and part flow times. Third, detailed analysis for the entire factory with emphasis on the effects of job release dates and job scheduling rules was conducted by applying simulation models (SIMAN) which were rapidly created by a code- generation software (SimStarter). Finally, graphical animation of the entire factory was created (CINEMA) providing the company's design project team with a visual aid in understanding the factory they were designing. The analysis procedure, from data base manipulation to graphical animation, was integrated by software linkages. This integration enabled the analysis team to complete their work in a short time frame, and provided valuable feedback to the factory design team. Thus, utilizing this integrated approach is expected to be beneficial to similar manufacturing design and analysis projects.
Methods for Detailed Energy Data Collection of Miscellaneous and Electronic Loads in a Commercial Office Building

Abstract Miscellaneous and electronic loads (MELs) consume about 20% of the primary energy used in U.S. buildings, and this share is projected to increase for the foreseeable future. Our understanding, however, of which devices are most responsible for this energy use is still rudimentary due to the difficulty and expense of performing detailed studies on MELs and their energy use. In order to better understand the energy use of MELs and the design of MELs field metering studies, we conducted a year-long study of MELs in an 89,500 sq. ft. (8310 m 2 ) office building. We present insights obtained from this study using 455 wireless plug-load power meters including the study design process, the tools needed for success, and key other methodology issues. Our study allowed us to quantify, for the study buildings, how many devices we needed to inventory and meter as well as for how long we needed to collect meter data. We find that the study design of earlier work would not have yielded accurate results in our study building. This paper presents these findings along with a brief summary of the energy related results.
Tonic glutamatergic drive of RVLM vasomotor neurons

the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) plays a critical role in the maintenance of baseline arterial pressure (AP) in all species in which it has been examined, and it appears to be the primary site responsible for the tonic supraspinal drive of sympathetic vasomotor outflow and AP, at least in
Light intensity profiles in a perfectly mixed photoreactor

The light intensity distribution in a perfectly mixed photoreactor has been studied experimentally and analytically. Experimental measurements of intensities within the reactor were made with a specially designed light probe. These data were then used to test the validity of a model which treats the ultraviolet lamp as a linear source radiating in all directions. It was found that this model, which seems appropriate and allows reasonable computations, is somewhat in error owing to the neglect of the finite size of the lamp and the existence of reflection and refraction effects within the reactor. An empirical correction function was determined for use with the model which then yields predictions in close agreement with experimental data when the reactor is filled with a light absorbing liquid.
Myocardial Infarct Expansion and Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition

Background— A potential mechanism for left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is activation of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study examined the effects of MMP inhibition (MMPi) on regional LV geometry and MMP levels after MI. Methods and Results— In pigs instrumented with radiopaque markers to measure regional myocardial geometry, MI was created by ligating the obtuse marginals of the circumflex artery. In the first study, pigs were randomized to MMPi (n=7; PD166793, 20 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) or MI only (n=7) at 5 days after MI, and measurements were performed at 2 weeks. Regional MI areas were equivalent at randomization and were increased in the MI-only group at 2 weeks after MI compared with the MMPi group. In the second study, pigs randomized to MMPi (n=9) or MI only (n=8) were serially followed up for 8 weeks. At 8 weeks after MI, LV end-diastolic dimension was lower with MMPi than in the MI-only group (4.7±0.1 versus 5.1±0.1 cm, P 2 , P Conclusions— MMPi attenuated the degree of post-MI LV dilation and expansion of the infarct during the late phase of MI healing. In addition, exogenous MMPi caused region-specific modulation of certain MMP and TIMP species.
Psychological Changes Related to Intercultural Experiences

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intercultural experiences affect various personality facets. Frequent common sense suggestions are that such experiences lead to a broad and mature outlook on life, to a freedom from narrowly provincial attitudes toward personal, national, and international problems, to better personal adjustment, etc. The "Hollins Abroad" program, started in January 1955, provided us with an opportunity to attempt to determine objectively the effects of intercultural experiences. A number of informal hypotheses (implied by the psychological measures used) were tested during the first two years of this program. The results are reported here.
A Description of the First Instar of Matus ovatus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

The first instar of Matus ovatus Leech is described and illustrated. The analysis of the primary chaetotaxy of legs, head, and last abdominal segment of M. ovatus revealed no significant differences between this species and the previously described M. bicarinatus. Undescribed primary anatomical features of the tribe Matini presented herein include (1) a tentative identification of anterior tentorial pits and fragments of the anterior tentorial arms, (2) anterior protergal modifications and chaetotaxy, and (3) complete sclerotization of the seventh abdominal segment. Differences in mandibular morphology permit identification of first instars of M. ovatus and M. bicarinatus in the eastern United States.
Preeclampsia: Immunologic Alteration of Nitabuch's Membrane? Clinical Sequelae

Objective: To determine if preeclampsia is an immunologic disease process consistent with a host-vs.-graft reaction by examining differences in immunoglobulin deposition at the maternal-fetal interface (Nitabuch's layer) in preeclamptic patients. Study design: A prospective study of patients at Lehigh Valley Hospital was conducted between July 1993 and April 1994. Group I (study) consisted of 11 primigravid women meeting the criteria for the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Group 2 (control) consisted of 11 primigravid women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy. At delivery, basal plate placental specimens were obtained, fixed, and processed for study by a blinded observer utilizing IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE immunofluorescence techniques. The placenta was then sent to a gynecologic pathologist for blinded evaluation and measurement of Nitabuch's membrane by light microscopy. Results: Taking the average width of 3 measurements of Nitabuch's membrane by light microscopy revealed no significant difference (group 1, .1839 mm vs. group 2, .1555 mm). Immunofluorescence techniques revealed that the thickness of immunofluorescence of Nitabuch's membrane was significantly greater in the study group vs. the control group (157.48 pixels vs. 63.80 pixels, P = .006, respectively). Conclusion: Evaluation of the maternal-fetal interface reveals the deposition of increased immunoglobulins, the physiology of which may be similar to nephropathies as seen in systemic disease processes. The deposition of immunoglobulins may be associated with a common antigen which may point to an immunologic etiology for
Fully soft-switched three-stage AC-DC converter

The paper presents a fully soft-switched three-stage AC-DC power supply for server applications. In this three-stage architecture, the front-end boost PFC is followed by a dc-dc boost converter that serves as a preregulator to the isolated dc-dc output stage. Through magnetic integration, softs witching of all semiconductor switches in the PFC boost converter and dc-dc boost preregulator is achieved in addition to a reduced number of magnetic components. Generally, the output dc-dc stage can be implemented with any isolated topology. In this development, zero-voltage-switching half-bridge dc-dc converter is employed for the third stage. The performance of the proposed three-stage approach was evaluated on a 700-W / 12-V, universal-line-range ac-dc prototype.
Detecting texture paths and patterns in aerial images

This paper presents a methodology for the extraction, recognition and characterization of paths in aerial images. We present a sequential algorithm that creates a linear approximation of the underlying path. The path is divided into straight line segments in a sequential manner. It takes under consideration the local spatial structure of the patterns in order to extract the straight line segment and the overall global path is sequentially formed from each segment. We present the preprocessing steps used to extract patterns of interest from an image and the results from two case study examples. The methodology has applications for the autonomous path planning of aerial vehicle following a specified structure (river, road) and in cases where that we are interested in the spatial relationships of the underlying patterns in the image and want to detect changes in the spatial structure of the patterns.
Behavioral assessment of the reinforcing effect of exercise in women with anorexia nervosa: Further paradigm development and data

Objective—To use a Progressive Ratio (PR) computerized “work” paradigm to measure course and correlates of exercise motivation in inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Method—Sixteen inpatients with AN participated in a PR task assessing the relative reinforcing effect of 2 different increments of cash versus the opportunity to exercise for up to 30 minutes, twice; at low weight, and, for n=10 participants, after weight restoration. Results—There was a trend toward a higher work for exercise with $2 versus $5 increments of cash as the alternative reinforcer. Exercise breakpoint did not differ between low and normalweight states. Exercise breakpoint at each time point was correlated with pre-hospitalization exercise “commitment” (Commitment to Exercise Scale, r=0.613, p=0.012 at T1; r=0.634, p=0.049 at T2). Discussion—Patients with AN will work at a PR task for access to even a small amount of exercise. Exercise motivation during hospitalization is correlated with pre-hospital exercise commitment, and does not appear to change consistently with weight restoration.
Entrepreneurship in Transition Economies: Selected Characteristics and Relevant Lessons for Cuba

The experiences of the former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union demonstrate that entrepreneurs can make important contributions in transition economies. The most notable include employment creation, the efficient utilization of human capital, and positive externalities resulting from the entrepreneurial drive to experiment, innovate, and adapt. In these countries, as well as in China and Vietnam, the transition from the classical socialist system facilitated the emergence of four types of entrepreneurs (agricultural entrepreneurs, informal sector operators, cadre entrepreneurs, and professional entrepreneurs), which mainly engaged in three principal entrepreneurial strategies: prospecting, networking, and boundary-blurring. The experiences of the former socialist countries offer valuable lessons for Cuba, as it continues to rely on the reduction of the State sector and the expansion of small-scale private entrepreneurial activities in the emerging non-State sector as one of the principal policy measures to gradually "update" its socialist economy.
Clines with partial panmixia across a geographical barrier.

In geographically structured populations, partial global panmixia can be regarded as the limiting case of long-distance migration. In the presence of a geographical barrier, an exact, discrete model for the evolution of the gene frequencies at a multiallelic locus under viability selection, local adult migration, and partial panmixia is formulated. For slow evolution, from this model a spatially unidimensional continuous approximation (a system of integro-partial differential equations with discontinuities at the barrier) is derived. For (i) the step-environment, (ii) homogeneous, isotropic migration on the entire line, and (iii) two alleles without dominance, an explicit solution for the unique polymorphic equilibrium is found. In most natural limiting cases, asymptotic expressions are obtained for the gene frequencies on either side of the barrier.
The Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment in Nonprofit Long Term Care Organizations: The Direct Care Worker Perspective.

The United States population is rapidly aging, and retaining direct care workers (DCWs) will continue to be a workforce concern for the industry in addressing the demand for long term care services. To date, scant literature exists that addresses the DCW perspective of leadership behaviors and their influence on organizational commitment. To respond to this deficiency, this research studied leadership behaviors of direct importance for DCWs at the immediate supervisor level, and provided empirical insight into organizational commitment among workers closest to patient care. Research on leader behaviors has focused on managerial and executive levels, with scant consideration in long term care at the lower hierarchical levels. Transformational leadership was hypothesized to have a significant positive relationship with organizational commitment, specifically affective and normative commitments, and a significant inverse relationship with continuance commitment. The quantitative correlational study explored the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment among 322 direct care workers employed by nonprofit, multi-level long term care organizations located in the Midwest. Results revealed a statistically significant relationship between overall transformational leadership and organizational commitment as well as affective and normative commitment dimensions, with no significant relationship found between transformational leadership and continuance commitment. The study results are beneficial to industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers for addressing operational policies, leadership training, human resource practices, and workforce policy development. Operational policies should reflect the values of the organization and follow from a compelling, collective vision and mission. Human resources practices warrant review if not aligned with the vision, mission, and values. Leadership development training should considered for continuing education for supervisors at all levels as well as for potential policy alternatives.
Indian Policy and the Imagined Indian Woman

In this contribution to the symposium on Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez held by the Tribal Law Center at the University of Kansas, I reflect (with pictures!) on the role of women in federal American Indian policy and tie this history to current debates about the Martinez decision. I argue that the perception by non-Indians that they were riding to the rescue of oppressed and exploited Indian women was always a powerful justification for Indian policy, but that the Indian women whose plight called out for European and American protection were not real women, but were instead imagined by the colonizers according to their ideas of gender and culture and their needs in justifying the colonial project. I then argue that this tradition is echoed in reactions to the Martinez case and discussions of the situation of Indian women today, and suggest ways that this tradition may make it more difficult for tribes to identify and address practices that do need to be changed.
A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards skin and soft tissue infections in rural Alaska

Background . Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus infections are common to south-western Alaska and have been associated with traditional steambaths. More than a decade ago, recommendations were made to affected communities that included preventive skin care, cleaning methods for steambath surfaces, and the use of protective barriers while in steambaths to reduce the risk of S. aureus infection. Objective . A review of community medical data suggested that the number of skin infection clinical encounters has increased steadily over the last 3 years and we designed a public health investigation to seek root causes. Study design . Using a mixed methods approach with in-person surveys, a convenience sample (n=492) from 3 rural communities assessed the range of knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning skin infections, skin infection education messaging, prevention activities and home self-care of skin infections. Results . We described barriers to implementing previous recommendations and evaluated the acceptability of potential interventions. Prior public health messages appear to have been effective in reaching community members and appear to have been understood and accepted. We found no major misconceptions regarding what a boil was or how someone got one. Overall, respondents seemed concerned about boils as a health problem and reported that they were motivated to prevent boils. We identified current practices used to avoid skin infections, such as the disinfection of steambaths. We also identified barriers to engaging in protective behaviours, such as lack of access to laundry facilities. Conclusions . These findings can be used to help guide public health strategic planning and identify appropriate evidence-based interventions tailored to the specific needs of the region. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; MRSA; skin and soft tissue infections; Alaska Native people; traditional steambath; laundry practices; Maqiq; Aniinguaq (Published: 23 February 2016) Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2016, 75: 30603 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v75.30603
MOVPE Growth of MCT for LWIR Detectors

Recent progress in the growth of Hg1−xCdxTe (MCT) by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) is reviewed. The preferred diode structure for LWIR detectors is the p/n heterostructure, which requires extrinsic doping of both n and p-type layers and good compositional control of the base and cap layers. Uniform n-type doping has been demonstrated using a new precursor, TIPIn, with Auger-limited lifetime down to a doping concentration of 1 × 1015 cm−3. p-type doping has been more difficult to control because Group V dopants can occupy either Group II or Group VI sites, leading to autodoping. Some encouraging progress has been made by doping under metal rich conditions. An alternative approach to p-type doping during growth is the Rockwell-developed process of As implantation, diffusion and activation annealing, which has been used to demonstrate near diffusion-limited LWIR diodes at 77K. Major strides in the reproducibility of the MOVPE process have been achieved by in situ monitoring. Laser reflectometry has been used to monitor growth rates and morphology throughout the growth of multiple layer structures. This wafer monitoring has been complemented by system monitoring, using Epison concentration monitors and pyrometry to measure temperature.
High-order Bessel nonvortex beam of fractional type α

A class of nondiffracting beams, termed here a high-order Bessel nonvortex beam of fractional type $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ (HOBNVBs-F$\ensuremath{\alpha}$) is discussed. The nonvortex beam is created by superposing two equivalent solutions of copropagating equiamplitude Bessel vortex beams of fractional type $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ having a positive and a negative order (or topological charge), respectively. Since the resulting beam is generally of nonvortex nature, it may not carry orbital angular momentum. Furthermore, a vector wave analysis is developed to determine the spatial Cartesian components of the electric and magnetic fields stemming from Maxwell's vector equations and the Lorenz gauge condition. The results are useful in the study of wave scattering and radiation force in lasers operating with HOBNVBs-F$\ensuremath{\alpha}$.
Surface lectin binding toAnabaena variabilis and to cultured and freshly isolatedAnabaena azollae

Five fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled lectins and Calcofluor white ST were tested for their binding abilities to vegetative cells and heterocysts of culturedAnabaena variabilis (AVA) and toA. azollae from four species ofAzolla; toAnabaena azollae freshly isolated fromAzolla pinnata (AP),A. caroliniana (AC),A. mexicana (AX), andA. filiculoides (AF); and to cultured akinetes ofAnabaena variabilis and four isolates ofA. azollae. Heterocysts of cultured cells of threeAnabaena isolates (APC, ACC, AXC) were most intensively surface-stained with soybean agglutinin fromGlycine max (SBA)-FITC; those of AX and AC were dimly stained with wheat germ agglutinin fromTriticum vulgaris (WGA); and only heterocysts of AX were dimly stained withDolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA). Akinetes of cultured cells stained only with ConA. Vegetative cells and heterocysts of all four fresh isolates stained with Jack Beam aglutinin fromCanavalia ensiformis (ConA). None of the cell types were stained with either peanut agglutinin fromArachis hypogea (PNA) or Calcofluor.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Objectives To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (FGIDs) in children and adolescents in a representative community sample of the US. Study design The study recruited a general population sample of mothers (n = 949) of children and adolescents aged 4-18 years. Child and adolescent GI symptoms were assessed using parental report through online questionnaires, including the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms and the PedsQL4.0 Generic Core Scale. Parental GI symptoms, and demographic characteristics were also assessed. The data was used to determine prevalence of FGIDs. Results Using Rome III criteria by parental report, 23.1% of children and adolescents qualified for at least 1 FGID. Functional constipation and abdominal migraine were the most common FGIDs. All 10 child/adolescent FGIDs occurred, except rumination. Significant prevalence differences were not found between sexes, except in functional constipation, which was more prevalent in males than females ( P = .022). There were no significant prevalence differences between racial or ethnic groups. Children who met criteria for an FGID had lower quality of life (median = 76.4) than children who did not (median = 89.6; P P Conclusions FGIDs are common in children and adolescents in the US. There are no significant differences in FGIDs between sex, race, or ethnic groups, except in functional constipation. There is overlap between parental and child FGID symptoms. Children with a FGID report a lower quality of life than healthy children.
Miniature, sub-nanometer resolution Talbot spectrometer.

Miniaturization of optical spectrometers has a significant practical value as it can enable compact, affordable spectroscopic systems for chemical and biological sensing applications. For many applications, the spectrometer must gather light from sources that span a wide range of emission angles and wavelengths. Here, we report a lens-free spectrometer that is simultaneously compact (<0.6 cm3), of high resolution (<1 nm), and has a clear aperture (of 10×10 mm). The wavelength-scale pattern in the dispersive element strongly diffracts the input light to produce non-paraxial mid-field diffraction patterns that are then recorded using an optimally matched image sensor and processed to reconstruct the spectrum.
Feasibility of using low-cost portable particle monitors for measurement of fine and coarse particulate matter in urban ambient air.

ABSTRACTExposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is known as a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity due to cardiorespiratory causes. Owing to increased interest in assessing personal and community exposures to PM, we evaluated the feasibility of employing a low-cost portable direct-reading instrument for measurement of ambient air PM exposure. A Dylos DC 1700 PM sensor was collocated with a Grimm 11-R in an urban residential area of Houston Texas. The 1-min averages of particle number concentrations for sizes between 0.5 and 2.5 µm (small size) and sizes larger than 2.5 µm (large size) from a DC 1700 were compared with the 1-min averages of PM2.5 (aerodynamic size less than 2.5 µm) and coarse PM (aerodynamic size between 2.5 and 10 µm) concentrations from a Grimm 11-R. We used a linear regression equation to convert DC 1700 number concentrations to mass concentrations, utilizing measurements from the Grimm 11-R. The estimated average DC 1700 PM2.5 concentration (13.2 ± 13.7 µg/m3) was si...
ROS via BTK-p300-STAT1-PPARγ signaling activation mediates cholesterol crystals-induced CD36 expression and foam cell formation

In understanding the mechanisms of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, previous studies from other laboratories have demonstrated that cholesterol crystals (CC) induce scavenger receptor CD36 expression and NLRP3-mediated inflammasome formation. In elucidating the mechanisms by which CC could enhance CD36 expression and foam cell formation, here we report that CC via NADPH and xanthine oxidases-mediated ROS production activates BTK, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase. In addition, CC induce p300 tyrosine phosphorylation and activation in a BTK-dependent manner, which in turn, leads to STAT1 acetylation and its interaction with PPARγ in CD36 expression, oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation. Furthermore, p300, STAT1 and PPARγ bound to a STAT binding site at −107 nt in CD36 promoter and enhanced its activity in ROS and BTK-dependent manner. Disruption of this STAT binding site by site-directed mutagenesis abolished CC-induced CD36 promoter activity. Together these results reveal for the first time that CC via producing ROS and activating BTK causes p300-mediated STAT1 acetylation and its interaction with PPARγ in CD36 expression, oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation.
Thrombolytic treatment to stroke mimic patients via telestroke

Abstract Objective The safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to stroke patients via telestroke (TS) is similar to those presenting to stroke centers. Little is known on the accuracy of TS diagnosis among those receiving IVT. We sought to compare the rate of patients receiving IVT with diagnosis of ischemic stroke as opposed to stroke mimic (SM) in our TS network to those who presented to our comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Materials and methods Consecutive patients receiving IVT between August 2014 and June 2015 were identified at our CSC and TS network. We compared rates of SM, post-IVT symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), in-hospital mortality, and discharge destination. Results We evaluated 131 receiving IVT were included in the analysis. Rates of SM receiving IVT were similar (CSC 12% versus 7% TS, p = 0.33). Four stroke patients experienced sICH or in-hospital mortality; neither were found among SM patients. Discharge destination was similar between stroke and SM patients (p = 0.9). SM patients had higher diagnoses of migraine (p = 0.05) and psychiatric illness (p Conclusion The accuracy of diagnosing stroke in IVT-eligible patients evaluated via TS is similar to evaluations at our CSC. Continued efforts should be made to minimize exposure of SM patients to IVT in both settings.
Information-theoretic exploration with Bayesian optimization

We consider an autonomous exploration problem in which a mobile robot is guided by an information-based controller through an a priori unknown environment, choosing to collect its next measurement at the location estimated to be most informative within its current field of view. We propose a novel approach to predict mutual information (MI) using Bayesian optimization. Over several iterations, candidate sensing actions are suggested by Bayesian optimization and added to a committee that repeatedly trains a Gaussian process (GP). The GP estimates MI throughout the robot's action space, serving as the basis for an acquisition function used to select the next candidate. The best sensing action in the committee is executed by the robot. This approach is compared over several environments with two batch methods, one which chooses the most informative action from a set of pseudo-random samples whose MI is explicitly evaluated, and one that applies GP regression to this sample set. Our computational results demonstrate that the proposed method provides not only computational efficiency and rapid map entropy reduction, but also robustness in comparison with competing approaches.
Duality for ideals

The topological duality theory of Boolean algebras, introduced in the preceding two sections, pervades and enriches the entire subject. Each of the two halves of the theory (algebras and spaces) suggests interesting questions about the other half. By means of the theory it is in principle possible to dualize every fact and every concept, converting algebraic facts and concepts into topological ones, and vice versa. In almost every case the dualization is worth while; it is often useful and illuminating, and, at the very least, it is amusing.
Physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments: An Alaskan perspective:

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments living in Alaska. This study utilized a descriptive-qualitative methodology using an expl...
Respiratory Diseases of Pregnancy

Respiratory complaints in the gravid patient are often difficult to identify as a disease state, expected physiologic changes of pregnancy or both. Understanding the underlying pulmonary physiologic changes that come with pregnancy as well as those conditions which are unique to the pregnant patient will help arrive at the correct diagnosis and management. Recognizing that the gravid patient has other physiologic changes that contribute to decreased respiratory reserve, increased risk of aspiration, infection, and difficult airway can help in managing these patients acutely.
Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy With Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes-MELAS Syndrome.

Background: Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that results in waxing and waning nervous system and muscle dysfunction. MELAS syndrome may overlap with other neurologic disorders but shows distinctive imaging features. Case Report: We present the case of a 28-year-old female with atypical stroke-like symptoms, a strong family history of stroke-like symptoms, and a relapsing-remitting course for several years. We discuss the imaging features distinctive to the case, the mechanism of the disease, typical presentation, imaging diagnosis, and disease management. Conclusion: This case is a classic example of the relapse-remitting MELAS syndrome progression with episodic clinical flares and fluctuating patterns of stroke-like lesions on imaging. MELAS is an important diagnostic consideration when neuroimaging reveals a pattern of disappearing and relapsing cortical brain lesions that may occur in different areas of the brai...
Turbulence characteristics inferred from time-lagged satellite imagery of surface algae in a shallow tidal sea

Abstract A pair of time-lagged satellite images of surface algae in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon is used to investigate characteristics of the horizontal velocity field at a spatial resolution as small as 4 m. A distinctive feature is the occurrence of surface patches that are relatively clear of algae and which grow in size. These patches are interpreted as resulting from the horizontally diverging motion associated with boils. The surface divergence in such boils can be as large as ~ 0.01 s −1 , as deduced directly from the imagery. Overall, root-mean-squared values of divergence, vorticity, and strain rate are 45, 58, and 170, respectively, when normalized by the Coriolis parameter. By observing the algae and its fluid environment simultaneously, the analysis thus provides a glimpse of how underlying hydrodynamic processes help shape the distribution of surface algae — under the calm winds that favor the formation of dense surface aggregations.
The transitional impacts of material and service offshoring

Abstract The recent expansion of offshoring intermediate services has given rise to public fears and a possible pullback from a liberal trading system. Modeling and estimating intermediate offshoring is complicated since the shock is further down the production process. This paper incorporates the necessary transmission mechanisms into a data-intensive CGE model for the State of Colorado to estimate the current and future impacts of continuing a liberal trade policy for offshoring intermediates. The results indicate that while the overall effects of offshoring are small and positive, the future directions of service offshoring are projected to cause sizable domestic job destruction and displacement. Policies may have to be implemented to retrain domestic workers who face job loss or even consider curtailing future offshoring opportunities.
Mechanisms and management of refractory ventricular arrhythmias in the age of autonomic modulation

Ventricular arrhythmias are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an essential component of the management of these life-threatening arrhythmias. However, in many patients, despite medical and interventional therapy, VT recurs. Furthermore, some VT substrates (mid-myocardial, left ventricular summit, and intraseptal) are not easily targeted because of limitations of currently available technology. In certain clinical settings, ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes that have premature ventricular contraction triggers can also be targeted with catheter ablation. However, in most patients there is no clear VF trigger to target, and therefore polymorphic VT or VF cannot be adequately treated with catheter ablation. The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in all aspects of ventricular arrhythmias, yet interventions specific to the cardiac neuronal axis have been largely underutilized. This underutilization has been most pronounced in patients with structural heart disease. However, there is a growing body of literature on the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiac neural control and the benefits of neuromodulation to treat refractory ventricular arrhythmias in these patients. We present case-based examples of neuromodulatory interventions currently available and a review of the literature supporting their use.
A quantification of the alcohol use‐consequences association in college student and clinical populations: A large, multi‐sample study

Background The present study sought to quantify the relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in both college student and clinical samples. Methods We gathered 33 college student datasets comprising of 15,618 participants and nine clinical sample datasets comprising of 4,527 participants to determine the effect size of the relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. We used random-effects meta-analytic techniques, separately in college and clinical samples, to account for a distribution of true effects and to assess for heterogeneity in effect sizes. Results Results demonstrated that the clear majority of the variability in alcohol-related consequences is not explained by alcohol use (ie, >77% in college samples; >86% in clinical samples), and that there was significant heterogeneity in all effect sizes. Conclusions and scientific significance Experiencing alcohol-related consequences results from factors that extend beyond frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed suggesting a need to examine other predictors of alcohol-related consequences beyond alcohol use. (Am J Addict 2018;27:116-123).
Two Targets, Two Instruments: Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies in Emerging Market Economies

This paper examines the case for using two instruments—the policy interest rate and sterilized foreign exchange market intervention—in emerging market countries seeking to stabilize inflation and output while attenuating disequilibrium currency movements. We estimate policy reaction functions for central banks, documenting that indeed both instruments tend to be deployed. We show that whether discretionary monetary policy or inflation targeting is preferable depends on the volatility of shocks relative to the central bank's time inconsistency problem. The use of FX intervention as a second instrument improves welfare under both regimes, but more so under inflation targeting. Overall, a regime of (two-way) sterilized intervention-cum-inflation targeting can result in better outcomes in the presence of imperfect capital mobility/asset substitutability—yielding similar gains to a discretionary policy while still delivering the inflation target.
Online Inference of Topics with Latent Dirichlet Allocation

Inference algorithms for topic models are typically designed to be run over an entire collection of documents after they have been observed. However, in many applications of these models, the collection grows over time, making it infeasible to run batch algorithms repeatedly. This problem can be addressed by using online algorithms, which update estimates of the topics as each document is observed. We introduce two related RaoBlackwellized online inference algorithms for the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model – incremental Gibbs samplers and particle filters – and compare their runtime and performance to that of existing algorithms.
Generalized Ito Formula and Change of Time

In this chapter we shall first obtain a generalized Ito formula for convex functions of Brownian motion. Next we shall prove a result which shows that Brownian motion is truly the canonical example of a continuous local martingale. Namely, if M is a continuous local martingale with quadratic variation [M] t increasing to infinity as t → ∞, then there is a random change of time τ t such that {M τt ,t ∈ ℝ+} is a Brownian motion. An application of this result shows that there is a time change τ t such that {B τt , t ∈ ℝ+} is equivalent in law to |B|.
The action of pancreatic deoxyribonuclease. II. Isomeric dinucleotides.

In Paper I (1) methods were described for the isolation of dideoxyribonucleotides from digests of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by pancreatic deoxyribonuclease (DNase). Dinucleotides composed of unlike mononucleotides were obtained as mixtures of the two possible sequential isomers. Methods have now been developed for the analysis of the proportions of the isomers in such mixtures and applied to the dinucleotide fractions obtained by the action of DNase on DNA from calf thymus.