cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trying to See Red Through Stickleback Photoreceptors: Functional Substitution of Receptor Sensitivities

A key to understanding animal behavior is knowledge of the sensory information animals extract from their environment. For visually motivated tasks, the information animals obtain through their eyes is often assumed to be essentially the same as that perceived by humans. However, known differences in structure and processing among the visual systems of different animals clearly indicate that the world seen by each is different. A well-characterized difference between human and other animal visual systems is the number of types and spectral sensitivities of their photoreceptors. We are developing a technique, functional substitution, that exploits knowledge of these differences to portray for human subjects, colors as they would appear through the photoreceptors of another animal. In a specific application, we ask human subjects to rank hues of male threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) throats viewed through stickleback photopigments. We compare these ranks to ranks of the same throat hues viewed through normal human photoreceptors. We find essentially no difference between the two sets of rankings. This suggests that any differences in human and stickleback rankings of such hues would result from differences in post-receptoral neural processing. Using a previously developed model of stickleback neural processing, we established another ranking of the hues which was again essentially the same as the rankings produced by the human subjects. A growing literature indicates that stickleback do rank such hues in the evaluation of males as potential mates or threats. Although our results do not demonstrate that humans and stickleback use the same mechanisms to assess color, our experiments significantly failed to show that stickleback and human rankings of throat hues should be different. Nevertheless, a comparison of all these rankings to ranks derived from subjective color scoring by human observers suggests that color scoring may utilize other cues and should thus be used cautiously.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits HIV Tat-Induced NF-κB Activation

To evaluate the roles of nitric oxide (NO) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat-induced transactivation of HIV long terminal repeat (HIV-LTR), we examined the effect of NO in the regulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, a key transcription factor involved in HIV gene expression and viral replication. In the present study, we demonstrate that HIV Tat activates NF-κB and that this activation can be attenuated by endogenous or exogenous NO. Inhibition of endogenous NO production with the NO synthase (NOS. inhibitor l-NMMA causes a significant increase in Tat-induced NF-κB activity. In addition, NO attenuates signal-initiated degradation of IκBα, an intracellular inhibitor of NF-κB, and blocks the DNA binding activity of the NF-κB p50/p50 homodimer and p50/p65 heterodimer. To determine how NO is induced by HIV Tat, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to demonstrate the induction of NOS-2 and NOS-3 mRNA by Tat. Although a putative NF-κB binding site was identified in the −74 GGAGAGCCCCC −64 region of the NOS-3 gene promoter, gel mobility shift assays and site-directed mutation analyses suggest that the putative NF-κB site is not of primary importance. Rather, several Sp-1 sites adjoining the putative NF-κB binding site in the promoter region of NOS-3 gene are required for the induction of NOS-3 gene expression by Tat.
Abstract 1439: Periostin expression is altered by TGF and hypoxia during breast cancer progression.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to the generation of normal breast tissue, and variations in the composition of the ECM have been shown to directly influence the formation and organization of acinus-like and duct-like structures. Specific ECM proteins are also important in the progression of several human cancers, and in particular upregulation of the ECM protein periostin has been linked to poor outcomes in breast cancer. Here we investigated the expression of periostin in biopsy specimens collected from breast cancer patients, as well as determined the differential effects of TGFs and hypoxia on the expression of periostin mRNA and protein in human breast cancer cells. Immunohistological analyses of the breast cancer biopsy specimens indicate that breast cancer tissues expressed different levels of periostin regardless of the stage of the disease and that the expression of periostin tended to decrease as breast cancer progressed. Multiple splice variants of periostin mRNA were expressed by breast cancer cells as determined by RT-PCR. Furthermore, treatments with either TGFs or hypoxia led to significantly different expression of periostin mRNA isoforms and of total level of periostin protein (p<0.05) by breast tumor cells. These observations support the role of periostin in breast cancer progression and suggest a role for specific periostin isoforms in response to changes in the microenvironment including tissue hypoxia and TGFs paracrine signaling from mesenchymal and immune cells. [This works is supported by grants from the Department of Defense Era of Hope research program (BC044778) and the National Science Foundation EFRI program (CBE0736007)] Citation Format: Michelle Coleman, Amanda Lance, Krista Ricci, Adam Secrest, Didier Dreau. Periostin expression is altered by TGF and hypoxia during breast cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1439. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1439
Perception of Sacred Space

Discrimination of space into sacred and profane is as old as mankind. This study suggests a typology for categorizing sacred Space at three broad levels: mysticoreligious, homelands and historical. Each is further divided on the basis of the extent of the group which shares the consensus view of sanctity. Recognizable levels include international, national, regional, community, neighborhood and individual sacred space. The Mormon culture was used as a basis to test the validity of the proposed typology through use of two questionnaires administered to Mormons. The first questionnaire was an open-ended survey to determine all important regions which were recognized as sacred. The second questionnaire was then prepared which required respondents to rank 15 sacred sites or regions in terms of their sanctity. An analysis of the responses indicates that those sites which are perceived as most sacred are mystico-religious sites where Mormons believe contact occurs between divine powers and man. The next level o...
Population estimation from floor area: a restudy of "naroll's constant"

This paper is a cross-cultural study of dwelling floor area and population size, which uses Naroll (1962) as a starting point and guide. Naroll's research has been used extensively by archaeologists for population prediction from dwelling floor area. At the outset, Naroll's empirical results are called into question because of data inaccuracy.The restudy begins with a review of the critical literature. Questions of variable measurement that were not elaborated by Naroll are explored: What is dwelling floor area, what is a dwelling, and what is a typical measure of dwelling floor area for a culture? Three distributional models are used as guides to correlational analysis. A gourd-shaped model is preferred, but cannot be given unequivocal support. Never theless, one way to derive a worldwide population estimator from the restudy data is to use the predictor of 6 m 2/person. This predictor is supported by convergent validity from two other samples. A "basic needs" theory for dwelling floor area is advanced. ...
God as a Substitute Attachment Figure: A Longitudinal Study of Adult Attachment Style and Religious Change in College Students

In a two-wave survey study designed to extend and refine previous research on religion as an attachment process, college students completed a four-category attachment-style measure and several religiosity measures at Time 1; a subsample also completed identical religiosity measures about 4 months later (Time 2). Analysis of Time 1 data (N= 1,126) extended previous findings by demonstrating that positive mental models of both self and others were related cross-sectionally to positive images of God and perceived relationships with God. Longitudinal analyses (N = 297) revealed that positive religious change over time was predicted by negative models of self and positive models of others. Discussion focuses on the dynamics of religious belief and change as a function of psychological attachment processes.
Changes in Propensity to Search for Travel Information Online Over Time: A Cohort Analytical Approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between changes in online travel information searching behavior and the effects of biological age, time of travel, and generational cohort over time. Household data of 1997 and 2002 were utilized for this study. Independent samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were carried out to test the relationship between online travel information searching and the effects of time-related variables, and then stepwise logistic regression was employed to identify key determinants that explain variations in online travel information searching behavior over time. The results of the study provided evidence of time of travel and generational cohort impacts on online travel information searching behavior over time. The odds of a respondent searching for travel information online were 237% higher for 2002 pleasure travelers than for 1997 pleasure travelers and 42% lower for those that were born from 1935 to 1939 than for those born from 1...
The Unique Contribution of the Nursing Intervention Pain Management on Length of Stay in Older Patients Undergoing Hip Procedures

The purpose of this study was to examine the unique contribution of the nursing intervention pain management on length of stay (LOS) for 568 older patients hospitalized for hip procedures. Propensity-score-adjusted analysis was used to determine the effect of pain management on LOS. The LOS for hospitalizations that received pain management was 0.78 day longer than that for hospitalizations that did not receive pain management. Other variables that were predictors of LOS included several context-of-care variables (e.g., time spent in the intensive care unit, registered nurse skill mix, etc.), number of medical procedures and unique medications, and several other nursing interventions.
The Jesuit as American Patriot: Fathers Robert Harding and Robert Molyneux

URS is the age of the computer, the evidence of which is every \^/ where. History, as with other disciplines remote from the market place, has adopted many of its ways. The historian often makes excellent use of computer methodology to rediscover the past by uncovering for the first time facts about the historical ex perience which could be read only from a print-out. In consequence, fresh and exciting interpretations become increasingly common. Yet this is an age in which there may still be a place?and a useful place at that?for historical inquiry which begins with fragments of letters, diaries, and other records but which, at the crucial phase in the investigation, is carried forward by no force other than informed speculation. History thus considered is not scientific; but it is in tensely human. What it lacks in scientific veriflability it makes up for in human awareness. As long as history remains in some sense an art, the Muse is honored by the effort to explore corners of the past alien to computer science. Failure to acknowledge the uses of such history may be as unfortunate as claiming too much for it. In taking up an account of the response of Robert Harding, S. J. (1701-1772) and Robert Molyneux, S. J. (1738-1808) to the movement for American independence thoughts about the specula tive possibilities of history seem appropriate.1 This is especially so
Smart grid data analytics for decision support

As electric grid sensor data originating from several sensors such as the phasor measurement units (PMUs), intelligent relays, and new installation of smart meters, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) or Gridable Vehicles (GV), are exponentially growing, the data analytic platform for Smart Grid has huge potential (generation, transmission or distribution) and can play a significant role in the decision making process for meaningful data interpretation to act promptly or automate the grid process to avoid any failures or instability in the grid. This paper focuses on identifying the variables of interest that are important in the electric grid embedded in distributed real time data engines which will help decision support process for system operators. More specifically, the applicability and performance of M5 model and J 48 decision tree machine learning technique is investigated using the real electric grid data. We have presented how decision tree model such as M5P can support system operators in making effective decision in the Smart Grid. Two sets of test data are used in this paper; the first data set is taken from a 10 unit commitment with 50000 Gridable Vehicle and the latter analyzes a weekly New York City (NYC) demand data from NYISO.
Species-specific therapy of acute lymphoid leukemia.

Forty years ago, Farber and associates described temporary remissions of acute leukemia in children produced by folic acid antagonists [13]. This ignited the hope that this most frequent and always fatal childhood cancer might be curable by drugs. Twenty years ago, Aur and associates completed accession of patients to total therapy study V, the first treatment protocol to result in 50% cure of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) [3]. Their results stand 20 years later (Fig. 1), and have been reproduced throughout the world in many thousands of children [6]. More important, recent national vital statistics of the United States and the United Kingdom indicate a 50% reduction in childhood leukemia mortality [4, 29]. Further, the cured children generally enjoy a normal life-style without need for medication.
Neuroeffector apparatus in gastrointestinal smooth muscle organs

Control of gastrointestinal (GI) movements by enteric motoneurons is critical for orderly processing of food, absorption of nutrients and elimination of wastes. Work over the past several years has suggested that motor neurotransmission is more complicated than simple release of transmitter from nerve terminals and binding of receptors on smooth muscle cells. In fact the ‘neuro-effector’ junction in the tunica muscularis might consist of synaptic-like connectivity with specialized cells, and contributions from multiple cell types in integrated post-junctional responses. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were proposed as potential mediators in motor neurotransmission based on reduced post-junctional responses observed in W mutants that have reduced populations of ICC. More recent studies on W mutants have contradicted the original findings, and suggested that ICC may not be significant players in motor neurotransmission. This review examines the evidence for and against the role of ICC in motor neurotransmission and outlines areas for additional investigation that would help further resolve this controversy.
Pancreatic plasmacytoma presenting as variceal hemorrhage: life threatening complication of a rare entity.

Context Pancreatic plasmacytoma is a rare entity and presents with features of mass lesion of pancreas. Case report We present an interesting case of pancreatic plasmacytoma with life threatening gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to isolated gastric varices. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of considering it in differential diagnosis of patients with anemia, recurrent pancreatitis or jaundice and isolated gastric varices, prompting a CT scan to evaluate for any pancreatic mass lesions.
Microbial degradation of crude oil in marine environments tested in a flask experiment

Abstract Thirteen different bioremediation products were evaluated for their effectiveness in biodegrading petroleum hydrocarbons. All 13 products tested in this experiment were listed on the NCP product schedule. Of these 13 products, 12 were bioaugmentation agents and one was a biostimulation agent. All the products were tested for toxicity levels initially, using standardized protocols. The products were sampled and analyzed three times over a 28-day period for most-probable number (MPN) of hydrocarbon degraders and total petroleum hydrocarbon as separate fractions. A subsample was analyzed for MPN, and the rest of the sample was extracted and fractionated in total saturated petroleum hydrocarbons (TsPH) and total aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons (TarPH). This experiment revealed that the petroleum hydrocarbons were biodegraded to an extent significantly greater than that achieved by the naturally occurring microorganisms. After 28 days, some products reduced the TsPH fraction to 60% of its initial weight and the TarPH fraction to 65%. Three of the 13 products tested enhanced microbial degradation of the petroleum to a degree significantly better than the nutrient control treatments. Of these three products, only one showed a toxicity level below that of the control treatment.
Effective Strategies for the Inclusion of Children With Autism in General Education Classrooms

Successful inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in general education classrooms can be challenging and may require additional supports. This article provides information on recent trends in autism intervention research and a review of research that has addressed individualized and systemic interventions for promoting inclusion. Response to intervention and schoolwide positive behavior support are reviewed as organizational/ systems strategies relevant to preventing problems and improving social and academic outcomes for students with ASD. Additional individualized strategies that can be implemented within these models are described. A discussion of future research directions is provided.
Use of BPRS-A percent change scores to identify significant clinical improvement: accuracy of treatment response classification in acute psychiatric inpatients

Abstract Use of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [Overall J.E., Gorham D.R., 1988. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS): recent developments in ascertainment and scaling. Psychopharmacology Bulletin 24, 97–99] percent change scores (PCSs) to measure treatment effects may be problematic because two different item-weighting systems (0–6 and 1–7) have been employed to represent the seven rating options and PCSs have demonstrated sensitivity to the item-weighting system used. This study compared the ability of a range of BPRS total scale PCS categories generated by both item-weighting procedures to predict estimates of clinical improvement in a large ( N =1415) heterogeneous acute sample of adult psychiatric inpatients. Results revealed significant differences between the two scaling systems in the proportion of patients classified into categories of PCS symptom improvement. Additional analysis suggested different optimal predictive PCS classifications for each item-weighting system: >19% for 1–7 and >39% for 0–6. Guidelines for BPRS publications are presented to facilitate study interpretation and replication. In light of their demonstrated limitations, it is suggested that the use of BPRS PCSs to measure treatment effects be reconsidered.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Individual Muscles-Tendons during Active Contraction

A new method to accurately measure the mechanical properties of individual muscles and tendons under active contraction is presented. An individual muscle is activated selectively to different intensities through electrical stimulation with adjustable amplitude, frequency, and pulse width. During the course of active contraction of the stimulated muscle, muscle fiber pennation angle, muscle fascicle length, tendon length are measured by ultrasonography in vivo and non-invasively. The force produced by the stimulated muscle is derived from the measured joint torque and the moment arm recorded by a 3-D motion tracking system. The relationship between the force produced by the selected individual muscle and the muscle and tendon architectural parameters are studied quantitatively for the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi radialis
Depth from Diffusion

An optical diffuser is an element that scatters light and is commonly used to soften or shape illumination. In this paper, we propose a novel depth estimation method that places a diffuser in the scene prior to image capture. We call this approach depth-from-diffusion (DFDiff). We show that DFDiff is analogous to conventional depth-from-defocus (DFD), where the scatter angle of the diffuser determines the effective aperture of the system. The main benefit of DFDiff is that while DFD requires very large apertures to improve depth sensitivity, DFDiff only requires an increase in the diffusion angle – a much less expensive proposition. We perform a detailed analysis of the image formation properties of a DFDiff system, and show a variety of examples demonstrating greater precision in depth estimation when using DFDiff.
Fundamentals of Glass‐to‐Metal Bonding: I, Wettability of Some Group I and Group VIII Metals by Sodium Silicate Glass

The degree of wetting of Cu, Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, and Ni by three sodium silicate glasses having 30.8, 33.6, and 36.9% Na2O was observed in vacuum, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and air atmospheres. No apparent correlation of the contact angles of the three sodium silicate glasses with the metals studied in the various atmospheres was observed with the position of the metals in the periodic system of elements. It was found that within the range of glass compositions studied, there is no appreciable difference in contact angle for identical conditions. In pure helium no chemical effect of atmosphere itself is possible. The observed variations in contact angle from metal to metal may be related to the polarizing power of the metal, which may be presumed to have the effect of lowering the interfacial tension. At present it is felt that no reaction between pure metal and glass occurs in an inert atmosphere. In oxygen and hydrogen atmospheres chemical reactions are possible, and these reactions result in phenomena that favor spreading. Results are reviewed on a theoretical basis.
A study of the thermodynamics of the crystalline-to-amorphous transformation in Zr-based hydrides by means of thermal analysis

Amorphous Zr--Rh and Zr--Pd hydrides are prepared both by hydriding metallic glasses and by hydriding metastable, polycrystalline fcc alloys. The thermal stabilities of the amorphous hydrides produced by these two distinct methods are examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry and are found to be similar. The enthalpy difference between the fcc phase and the amorphous phase of Zr/sub 81/Rh/sub 19/ is determined to be 0.6 kcal/mol. The thermal stability of Zr--Rh hydrides as a function of hydrogen concentration is investigated.
Application of Glueonolaetone in Direct Tablet Compression

Gluconolactone was evaluated as an excipient for tablets prepared by direct compression using various drugs known to be difficult to compress. The physical properties of the tablets were evaluated after compression and after storage and were satisfactory. Comparative studies were conducted between gluconolactone and anhydrous lactose, a common direct compression diluent, for development of static charges during blending, flow, drug distribution, drug stratification, color distribution, compressibility, and preservation against mold growth. Gluconolactone possesses those properties necessary to produce high quality tablets by the direct compression process. Separate powdered mixtures of aspirin USP with gluconolactone, anhydrous lactose, spray-dried lactose, mannitol, and sorbitol were stored at various humidities and temperatures for specified periods and tested for the integrity of aspirin. Gluconolactone contributed least to the degradation of the drug as compared to other excipients studied. A preliminary in vivo study also was conducted on the bioavailability of aspirin from separate and similar mixtures with gluconolactone, anhydrous lactose, and starch. Gluconolactone did not show any inhibitory effect on aspirin absorption.
Military Family Attitudes toward Senior Civilian Leaders in the United States

This article examines Army spousal attitudes toward senior civilian leaders in the United States. Based on the 2004 Military Families Survey, it investigates the demographic, political, and institu...
Long-Distance Transport of 2,4-D.

Abstract Ambient 2,4-D herbicide concentrations in south-central Washington's grape growing areas can reach damaging levels due to aerial 2,4-D applications to wheat fields tens of miles removed from the affected areas. An atmospheric 2,4-D sampling study was conducted by WSU during the spring months of 1973 and 1974. Eight 2,4-D sampler sites were operated on a more or less continuous basis from April through mid-June. Meteorological conditions accompanying day-to-day concentration patterns were analyzed. Results showed that weak frontal systems characterized by mid-level cloudiness and light prefrontal southerly surface winds accompanied higher concentration periods. Conversely, lower concentration periods were accompanied by quasi-stationary high-pressure systems or weak thermally induced low-pressure system.
A Pronounced Upper-Tropospheric Warm Anomaly Encountered by the NOAA G-IV Aircraft in the Vicinity of Deep Convection

Abstract Recent flights near deep convection by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Gulfstream-IV surveillance aircraft have occasionally experienced significant positive temperature anomalies that sometimes impact the aircraft performance. One such event occurred over the Bahamas on 23 August 1999. During a 20-s time period, when the plane was cruising at an altitude of 175 hPa, the flight-level ambient temperature rose 15°C and returned to ambient values, concurrent with significant fluctuations in the horizontal and vertical winds. Large temperature anomalies such as that reported here can cause the avionics on the aircraft to compensate with a sudden decrease in air speed and a loss of altitude. Possible explanations for this anomaly include instrument error and convectively forced gravity waves or upper-level subsidence.
Efficiency, Journal Publishing and Scholarly Research

This paper explores the transmission process of scholarly information as it pertains to journals and argues that the process is highly inefficient and plagued by rent-seeking. While this issue has been much discussed in the literature, that earlier literature has not sufficiently addressed two central issues that we argue are central to any successful reform: the need to establish a hard publishing constraint in any alternative system, and the need for reform to concentrate not on establishing new institutions, but on getting incentives right for scholars by having the incentives scholars face direct them to the most cost efficient outlet for their research.
Effects of Variety and Spacing on Growth Characters of Hybrid Maize

This study was carried out in Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus from March, 2008 to June, 2010 to evaluate the effects of variety and spacing on growth characters of hybrid maize. It was a factorial experiment carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Three hybrid maize varieties were evaluated under three different plant spacing for such growth characters as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and stem girth. The results obtained during the 8th week after sowing indicated that hybrid variety 9022-13 which had mean plant height of 170.0cm number of leaves of 13.2, leaf area of 673.2cm2 and stem girth of 99.4mm was superior to other varieties investigated. With respect to spacing, plants sown on 75 cm x 15 cm had higher mean height and number of leaves of 176.7 cm and 13.8, respectively while plants sown on spacing of 75 cm x 35 cm had higher mean leaf area of 713.7 cm2 and stem girth of 99.4mm, respectively. Results of interaction showed that variety and spacing were significantly (P<0.05) different in 2008 and 2009. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that (i) hybrid variety 9022-13 be grown in the study area of enhanced growth characters which interplay to improve grain yield of maize (ii) spacing of 75 cm x 35 cm be used to enhance increased stem girth and leaf area whose photosynthetic activities could positively influence maize yield.
The Strange History of Don't Ask Don't Tell. by F. Bailey and R. Barbato

On the date repeal went into effect, HBO premiered “The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” The very title of this 80-minute documentary makes an important point that is often overlooked: th...
Response to Comments by Chatterjee, Rose, and Sinha

In our reanalysis of Chatterjee, Rose, and Sinha (2012), which appears earlier in this issue (Pashler, Rohrer, Abramson, Wolfson, & Harris, 2016/this issue), we brought to light two strange and (in...
HardSys/HardDraw: A Smart Topology Based Electromagnetic Interaction Modelling Tool (NRC number 31804)

An intelligent tool for the modelling and analysis of electromagnetic interactions in a complex electrical system is described. The purpose is to determine any unwanted electromagnetic effects which could jeopardize the safety and operation of the system. Modelling the interactions in a system requires the examination of the compounded and propagated effects of the electromagnetic fields. The approach taken here subdivides the modelling task into two parts: a) the definition of the related electromagnetic topology, and b) the propagation of the electromagnetic constraints. HardSys, a prototype object-based system implemented in Prolog, is used to propagate the electromagnetic constraints. User interaction is through HardDraw, a topology-drawing tool and an attribute interface.
Convex Analysis in the Calculus of Variations

Convexity properties are vital in the classical calculus of variations, and many notions of convex analysis, such as the Legendre-Fenchel transform, have their origin there. Conceptual developments in contemporary convex analysis have in turn enriched that venerable subject by making it possible to treat a vastly larger class of problems effectively in a “neoclassical” framework of extended-real-valued functions and their subgradients.
Transjugular liver access cannula as a guiding instrument for the recanalization of chronic venous occlusions

Background Chronic venous occlusions can result in debilitating symptoms and can be refractory to standard methods of venous recanalization because of the formation of dense fibrous tissue. A transjugular liver access cannula can be incorporated into recanalization efforts to treat such refractory cases. This report describes our experience using the transjugular liver access cannula technique in nine patients. Methods A review of patients requiring venous recanalization between May 2012 and October 2014 identified nine cases that required the use of a transjugular liver access cannula as a guiding instrument. Lesion characteristics, technical success, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results The transjugular liver access cannula was used to traverse a total of nine chronic occlusions in both the upper and lower central venous systems in nine patients. The technical success rate was 100%. There were no clinically significant complications. One patient was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining eight patients, seven experienced symptomatic relief within 1 month of recanalization. Conclusions The transjugular liver access cannula may serve as a useful adjunctive tool during difficult venous recanalizations, especially when traditional guidewire and catheter techniques fail.
Whole-Wheat Supplemented Diet Changed Fecal Microbial Ecology of Obese Diabetic Mice

Diet affects bacterial diversity and abundance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Our objective was to study the effect of whole-wheat supplemented diet in fecal microbiota composition of obese di...
Variable Training for a Novel Instance in a Dynamic Environment

The study used an “open” or dynamic environmental task to determine whether the acquisition of novel responses outside the range of the subjects' past experience would be facilitated by variability of training. This was found to be the case for a coincident-timing task. Subjects with high stimulus variability during training showed improved transfer to a novel task. A generalization gradient was obtained; the further the novel conditions were from the training conditions, the poorer was the transfer. However, generalization decrement was attenuated with variable training.
A new selenocyanate-selective electrode based on an Urushi matrix-membrane

A selenocyanate-selective electrode was prepared from tri-n-octylmethylammonium selenocyanate ion-exchanger and a matrix, Urushi. A linear potential-concentration curve was obtained within the concentration range of 10−1–10−5 mol/l selenocyanate. When 45–50 wt% of trin-octylmethylammonium selenocyanate ion-exchanger and 55-50 wt% of raw Urushi latex were used, the slope of the linear part of the potential-concentration curve was 60 mV per decade change of the selenocyanate concentration. The static response time was less than 30 s. The electrode exhibited constant potential within the pH range 2–10. The selectivity coefficient for the electrode was measured with the mixed solution method. The electrode was used for the measurement of the formation of selenocyanate from selenious acid, ascorbic acid and potassium cyanide.
Investigation on prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Songjiang district,Shanghai

[Objective] To understand the epidemiological characteristic and risk factors of hypertension in Songjiang district,Shanghai. [Methods] Cluster random sampling was used and 1 674 persons between 15 and 74 years were sampled.Correlative risk factors were investigated and physical examinations including blood pressure,height and weight were taken. [Results] Morbidity of hypertension was 24.01 percent(male 25.89%,female 22.13%) the difference of morbidity between male and female was significant(P0.05).Incidence of hypertension increased significantly with age.Awareness rate,treatment rate and controlled rate of hypertension was 37.06%,32.59% and 26.62% respectively.By logistic regression,smoking,overweight,obesity and abdominal obesity were risk factors of hypertension. [Conclusion] Hypertension has become the important public health problem which influences population's health in Songjiang district.To suppress the prevalence of hypertension,we should establish the prevention system with multi-sector participation and taking government as the forerunner.
CD28 Costimulation: From Mechanism to Therapy

Ligation of the CD28 receptor on T cells provides a critical second signal alongside T cell receptor (TCR) ligation for naive T cell activation. Here, we discuss the expression, structure, and biochemistry of CD28 and its ligands. CD28 signals play a key role in many T cell processes, including cytoskeletal remodeling, production of cytokines, survival, and differentiation. CD28 ligation leads to unique epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational changes in T cells that cannot be recapitulated by TCR ligation alone. We discuss the function of CD28 and its ligands in both effector and regulatory T cells. CD28 is critical for regulatory T cell survival and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. We outline the roles that CD28 and its family members play in human disease and we review the clinical efficacy of drugs that block CD28 ligands. Despite the centrality of CD28 and its family members and ligands to immune function, many aspects of CD28 biology remain unclear. Translation of a basic understanding of CD28 function into immunomodulatory therapeutics has been uneven, with both successes and failures. Such real-world results might stem from multiple factors, including complex receptor-ligand interactions among CD28 family members, differences between the mouse and human CD28 families, and cell-type specific roles of CD28 family members.
Consumer Interests and Economic Wellbeing

This chapter discusses consumer economic wellbeing from a political perspective: how consumers pursue their rights in the marketplace through a public decision-making process to preserve and improve their economic wellbeing. In this chapter, we discuss consumer interests, consumer issues, consumer rights, and consumer representation. Because consumer right to privacy is a relatively new right, we summarize research on this right in a separate section. In addition, we also discuss the concept of consumer sovereignty and strategies for individual consumers to protect themselves in the marketplace.
Spatiotemporal periodicity of dislocation dynamics in a two-dimensional microfluidic crystal flowing in a tapered channel

When a many-body system is driven away from equilibrium, order can spontaneously emerge in places where disorder might be expected. Here we report an unexpected order in the flow of a concentrated emulsion in a tapered microfluidic channel. The velocity profiles of individual drops in the emulsion show periodic patterns in both space and time. Such periodic patterns appear surprising from both a fluid and a solid mechanics point of view. In particular, when the emulsion is considered as a soft crystal under extrusion, a disordered scenario might be expected based on the stochastic nature of dislocation dynamics in microscopic crystals. However, an orchestrated sequence of dislocation nucleation and migration is observed to give rise to a highly ordered deformation mode. This discovery suggests that nanocrystals can be made to deform more controllably than previously thought. It can also lead to novel flow control and mixing strategies in droplet microfluidics.
A software engineering lessons learned repository

Most software organizations possess a large, but informal, corporate memory. This corporate memory is comprised of the experiences of every software engineer and manager, yet it is informal because there is seldom an institutionalized mechanism for disseminating the wisdom. In order to exploit this informal corporate memory, the key points of each experience can be placed into a repository for later dissemination. We describe a lessons learned repository (LLR) that facilitates such dissemination.
Human health trade-offs in the disinfection of wastewater for landscape irrigation: microplasma ozonation vs. chlorination

Wastewater reuse is becoming increasingly common, and there is a need for decentralized and small-scale systems to support the safe recovery of water resources. In this study, an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) were used to compare microplasma ozonation (an emerging technology) to chlorination (an established technology) for the disinfection of wastewater for landscape irrigational reuse. Three waterborne pathogens, Legionella pneumophila, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium parvum, were selected to include bacteria and protozoans covering the transmission routes of inhalation and ingestion. Inactivation data from the literature were coupled with bench-scale experiments (to establish inactivation parameters for L. pneumophila by ozone in wastewater) for the design and simulation of disinfection processes. Microplasma-based ozonation reduced more life cycle human health impacts as compared to chlorination for five of the six impact categories, because of the high susceptibility of the pathogens to ozone and the lower impacts stemming from electricity (required in ozonation) vs. chemical production (required in chlorination). These results were consistent across the electricity-fuel mixes of all fifty U.S. states. These results indicate that from the point of view of reducing human health impact, the emerging microplasma ozonation technology is superior to chlorination for wastewater reuse disinfection. To reduce the overall human health impact, future design efforts should focus on reducing process consumables (i.e., chemical and electricity consumption) through longer hydraulic residence times (HRTs), while maintaining adequate disinfectant dosing to provide reliable disinfection efficacy despite influent variability in compounds that may quench or interfere with the disinfectant.
Sustainable products from bio-oils

The continued use of finite fossil fuel resources has shifted thinking toward a potential future bioeconomy, and the field of polymer science will play a critical role in valorization of bio-derived materials. Interest in renewable resources is constantly increasing, backed up by new environmental regulations and economic considerations. Biomass is abundant and diverse, and polymeric materials based on renewable feedstocks represent a viable alternative to fossil resources. Bio-oil—a dark brown, free-flowing organic liquid mixture—is a product of fast pyrolysis or liquefaction of biomass. Bio-oil generally comprises a large amount of water and hundreds of organic chemical compounds that can be further broken down into families of reactive structures, capable of producing new synthetic pathways to design and synthesize high-performance biopolymers and bioresins using lignocellulosic biomass. These new polymeric materials have demonstrated a unique combination of thermal resistance and low cost intrinsic of the biomass utilized, as well as superior mechanical performance of polymeric resins sufficient to compete with high-performance structural resins and coating materials.
Transdisciplinary Research for Conservation and Sustainable Development Planning in the Caribbean

Abstract Globally, the human population is fast approaching 10 billion people, with nearly a third located within 100 km of the sea. As the list of environmental ills facing the ocean and coasts grows longer, it becomes increasingly important to understand the cumulative effects of anthropogenic stressors and the most promising interventions to bolster ecosystems. In this chapter we share our experience using transdisciplinary approaches and ecosystem services to inform two government-led spatial planning processes in the Caribbean: Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Belize and Sustainable Development Planning in The Bahamas. We describe the science–policy process in these two countries in light of three important components of transdisciplinarity: (1) solutions-oriented research, (2) coproduction of knowledge, and (3) multiple disciplines. By accounting for the ways in which communities depend on ecosystems, as well as affect them, we explore how the governments of Belize and The Bahamas aim to reach a broader set of actors and to direct investments, planning, and decision making to promote conservation and foster human well-being at the same time.
A first principles investigation of the oxygen adsorption on Zr(0001) surface using cluster expansions

Abstract The design of corrosion resistant zircalloys is important for a variety of technological applications ranging from medicine to the nuclear industry. Since corrosion resistance is mainly attributed to the formation of a surface oxide layer, developing a detailed understanding of this process may assist in future corrosion resistance design. In this work, we conduct a systematic multi-scale investigation of the early stages of oxide formation. This was accomplished by first using a database of fully relaxed DFT calculations to build a cluster-expansion description of the potential function. The developed potential was reasonably good at predicting DFT energies as evidenced by the cross-validation score of 4.4 meV/site. The effective cluster expansion parameters were indicative of repulsive adsorbate interactions in the adlayer in agreement with the literature. The potential then allowed for a systematic investigation of the oxygen configurations on the Zr(0001) surface via Monte Carlo simulations. The adsorption energy was recorded as a function of coverage and an increasing trend was observed in agreement with DFT predictions and the repulsive nature of interactions in the adlayer. The convex hull diagram was recorded indicating the most stable configuration to occur around a coverage of 0.6 ML. The adsorption isotherm was also recorded and contrasted for two temperatures relevant for different applications.
Influence of Pregnancy History on the Vaginal Microbiome of Pregnant Women in their First Trimester

Pregnancy permanently alters maternal anatomy, physiology and immunity. We evaluated if the vaginal microbiome differed between women with a first or subsequent conception. Relative abundance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome in first trimester pregnant women, 52 with their first known conception, 26 with a prior spontaneous or induced abortion but no deliveries and 77 with at least one prior birth, was determined by classifying DNA sequences from the V1-V3 region of bacterial 16 S rRNA genes. Lactobacillus crispatus was the numerically most abundant bacterium in 76.4% of women with a first conception, 50.0% with only a prior spontaneous or scheduled abortion and 22.2% with a prior birth (p ≤ 0.01). L. iners was the most abundant bacterium in 3.8% of women with a first conception as compared to 19.2% (p = 0.03) and 20.8% (p = 0.03) in those with a prior abortion or birth, respectively. Gardnerella as the most abundant bacterial genus increased from 3.8% in women with a first conception to 15.4% and 14.3% in those with a prior abortion or birth, respectively (p > 0.05). L. iners dominance was also associated with a history of spontaneous abortion (p ≤ 0.02). The composition of the vaginal microbiome and its influence on pregnancy outcome varies with pregnancy history.
Individual versus interprofessional team performance in formulating care transition plans: A randomised study of trainees from five professional groups.

Health professions trainees’ performance in teams is rarely evaluated, but increasingly important as the healthcare delivery systems in which they will practice move towards team-based care. Effect...
Model complexity optimization for nonnative English speakers.

In this paper, a study is made on selecting existing acoustic models that are trained from native English speech for improving recognition of nonnative English talkers’ speech. The problem is addressed from the perspective that foreign accents prevent detailed triphone models that are commonly used in highperformance speech recognition systems to match well with these talkers’ speech, and therefore an appropriate level of context-dependent acoustic modeling is needed for foreign accent speakers. In this work, model complexity selection is accomplished by empirically choosing a set of model tying thresholds and by using the principle of MDL. An experiment was performed on the Wall Street Journal task on three nonnative English talkers with Chinese accent (276 sentences). Compared to the result obtained from using the models optimized to native English speakers, the best model tying threshold and MDL yielded similar and significant reduction to recognition word errors by 23%.