cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Acute Kidney Injury and Longitudinal Kidney Function After Hospital Discharge Among Patients With and Without COVID-19.

Importance Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in up to half of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The longitudinal effects of COVID-19–associated AKI on kidney function remain unknown. Objective To compare the rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after hospital discharge between patients with and without COVID-19 who experienced in-hospital AKI. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted at 5 hospitals in Connecticut and Rhode Island from March 10 to August 31, 2020. Patients who were tested for COVID-19 and developed AKI were screened, and those who survived past discharge, did not require dialysis within 3 days of discharge, and had at least 1 outpatient creatinine level measurement following discharge were included. Exposures Diagnosis of COVID-19. Main Outcomes and Measures Mixed-effects models were used to assess the association between COVID-19–associated AKI and eGFR slope after discharge. The secondary outcome was the time to AKI recovery for the subgroup of patients whose kidney function had not returned to the baseline level by discharge. Results A total of 182 patients with COVID-19–associated AKI and 1430 patients with AKI not associated with COVID-19 were included. The population included 813 women (50.4%); median age was 69.7 years (interquartile range, 58.9-78.9 years). Patients with COVID-19–associated AKI were more likely to be Black (73 [40.1%] vs 225 [15.7%]) or Hispanic (40 [22%] vs 126 [8.8%]) and had fewer comorbidities than those without COVID-19 but similar rates of preexisting chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Patients with COVID-19–associated AKI had a greater decrease in eGFR in the unadjusted model (−11.3; 95% CI, –22.1 to −0.4 mL/min/1.73 m2/y;P = .04) and after adjusting for baseline comorbidities (−12.4; 95% CI, –23.7 to −1.2 mL/min/1.73 m2/y;P = .03). In the fully adjusted model controlling for comorbidities, peak creatinine level, and in-hospital dialysis requirement, the eGFR slope difference persisted (−14.0; 95% CI, –25.1 to −2.9 mL/min/1.73 m2/y;P = .01). In the subgroup of patients who had not achieved AKI recovery by discharge (n = 319), COVID-19–associated AKI was associated with decreased kidney recovery during outpatient follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.92). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of US patients who experienced in-hospital AKI, COVID-19–associated AKI was associated with a greater rate of eGFR decrease after discharge compared with AKI in patients without COVID-19, independent of underlying comorbidities or AKI severity. This eGFR trajectory may reinforce the importance of monitoring kidney function after AKI and studying interventions to limit kidney disease after COVID-19–associated AKI.
Fighting about frequency

Scientific disputes about how often different processes or patterns occur are relative frequency controversies. These controversies occur across the sciences. In some areas—especially biology—they are even the dominant mode of dispute. Yet they depart from the standard picture of what a scientific controversy is like. In fact, standard philosophical accounts of scientific controversies suggest that relative frequency controversies are irrational or lacking in epistemic value. This is because standard philosophical accounts of scientific controversies often assume that in order to be rational, a scientific controversy must (a) reach a resolution and (b) be about a scientifically interesting question. Relative frequency controversies rarely reach a resolution, however, and some scientists and philosophers are skeptical that these controversies center on scientifically interesting questions. In this paper, I provide a novel account of the epistemic contribution that relative frequency controversies make to science. I show that these controversies are rational in the sense of furthering the epistemic aims of the scientific communities in which they occur. They do this despite rarely reaching a resolution, and independent of whether the controversies are about scientifically interesting questions. This means that assumptions (a) and (b) about what is required for a controversy to be rational are wrong. Controversies do not need to reach a resolution in order to be rational. And they do not need to be about anything scientifically interesting in order to make valuable epistemic contributions to science.
Advancing health equity: The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists.

The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists is a new organization that aims to improve gastrointestinal health outcomes in Black communities, foster networking and scholarship among its members, develop the pipeline of Black gastroenterologists and hepatologists, and promote health equity in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology.
Nonlinear elasticity of pre-stressed single crystals: resolving an old mess

A general nonlinear theory for the elasticity of pre-stressed single crystals is presented. Various types of elastic moduli are defined, their importance is determined and relationships between them are presented. In particular, B moduli are present in the relationship between the Jaumann objective time derivative of the Cauchy stress and deformation rate and are broadly used in computational algorithms in various finite-element codes. Possible applications to simplified linear solutions for complex nonlinear elasticity problems are outlined and illustrated for a superdislocation. The effect of finite rotations is fully taken into account and analyzed. Different types of the bulk and shear moduli under different constraints are defined and connected to the effective properties of polycrystalline aggregates. Expressions for elastic energy and stress-strain relationships for small distortions with respect to pre-stressed configuration are derived in detail. Under hydrostatic initial load, general consistency conditions for elastic moduli and compliances are derived that follow from the existence of the generalized tensorial equation of state under hydrostatic loading obtained from single or polycrystal. It is shown that B moduli can be found from the expression for the Gibbs energy. However, higher order elastic constants defined from the Gibbs energy do not have any meaning since they do not directly participate in any of known equations, like stress-strain relationships and wave propagation equation. Deviatoric projection of B can also be found from the expression for the elastic energy for isochoric small strain increments and the missing components of B can be found from the consistency conditions. Numerous inconsistencies and errors in known works are analyzed.
Posttraumatic onychoheterotopia: A case and review of the pediatric literature

BACKGROUND Onychoheterotopia, or ectopic nail, is a rare nail condition in which nail growth occurs in areas other than the distal phalanges. The majority of cases in the literature are noted to be congenital; however, acquired cases have less commonly been described following either acute or chronic trauma. METHODS We present a case of acquired onychoheterotopia in a child, with a corresponding literature review of acquired pediatric onychoheterotopia cases for comparison. RESULTS There were a total of 10 cases of acquired onychoheterotopia in pediatric patients in the literature. Including our patient, 81.8% (9/11) developed an ectopic nail on the fingers. Crush injury preceded the ectopic nails in 45.5 % (5/11) of cases. Infection occurred in 27.3% (3/11). CONCLUSIONS Although the incidence and prevalence of acquired onychoheterotopia are unknown, it seems to be an uncommon phenomenon. From our case and others from the literature, there may be associations with crush injury specifically. Further research will be needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology and risk factors for ectopic nail growth.
Understanding help-seeking in rural counties: A serial mediation analysis

OBJECTIVE Rural areas in the Southern United States are characterized by certain cultural values that may delay or prevent mental health service utilization. The present study examined a four-stage chain of serial mediation where higher levels of general self-reliance would be related to greater levels of public stigma, which would in turn be related to higher levels of self-stigma, followed by greater self-reliance about managing mental health problems, and finally, more negative attitudes toward seeking help from psychologists. METHOD Community members who lived in rural counties in the Southern United States (N = 783) completed measures of these constructs online. RESULTS Mediation analyses supported a direct association between general self-reliance and attitudes toward help-seeking that was explained in serial by higher levels of public stigma, self-stigma, and mental health self-reliance. CONCLUSIONS Clinical implications for rural practitioners are suggested including instilling policy changes, increasing provider visibility, and addressing barriers in therapy.
Passive tracking and combined photovoltaics with solar-thermal capture using simple 3D optical structures

We present a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system. This system utilizes a thermal fluid in a tubular geometry to act both as an infrared absorber and an optical lens. The optical lens then focuses light onto a PV fixed to the back of the glass tubing. The result is a capture of both PV and thermal energy for the system. In this work, multiple thermal fluids are tested to compare PV efficiency as a function of angle as well as thermal capture. We show that using higher index thermal fluids in our system has the ability to enhance PV energy production when compared to traditionally flat panels. Increases of approximately 98.1% in electrical energy generated over the span of 12 h for the tubular structure, compared with that of the planar, can be added to the heat captured by the thermal fluid. This provides an inexpensive approach to high density solar power generation.
A framework for sufficiency estimation of engineering design models

Engineering design models are aids that provide the designer with the ability to visualize the form and predict the nature and behavior of any product. In each stage of design, these models are used to predict the result of, or guide, design specifications, at a time when the design can still be changed with minimal negative impact. To ensure the downstream validity of these specifications or decisions, the designer must construct models that have sufficient accuracy and resolution. Determining the goodness of a model for a particular design decision or specification is a fundamental and pervasive question in engineering. Though fast to construct, and generally inexpensive, models based on estimation and approximation may not provide information of sufficient quality to make an accurate evaluation. In contrast, the crispness and depth of information gained from detailed computational analysis or experimental trials may come at too great an expense. Hence, a key aspect of model construction in design is deciding whether a model is appropriate for a particular design specification or evaluation considering accuracy and cost factors. This paper explores the application of utility theory to the model construction problem. We also discuss how estimated model accuracy affects the confidence of selecting a particular model. We present this research through application to a racecar sway bar.
Advanced Metrology for Next Generation Transistors

This paper overviews advances in optical and electrical measurements for advanced transistor materials and processes. Optical measurements such as ellipsometry require advances in both optical methods and optical measurement technology [1,2]. Although laboratory based optical measurements are capable of measuring into the VUV, the availability of in-line systems is a recent development. The Cody Lorentz model is used to describe the optical response of high k materials and advance traditional measurements such as ellipsometry [1]. Electrical measurements provide a well recognized means of quantifying defect states in transistor film stacks. Advanced charge pumping methods extend capacitance – voltage measurements to high k materials [3]. Non-traditional optical approaches such as second harmonic generation which confirm the observation of trapped charge induced changes in the silicon dielectric function by ellipsometry are also discussed [4,5]. The paper ends with a discussion of impact of quantum confinement on the optical measurement of thin SOI films [6,7].
Fluorescent Speckle Microscopy (FSM) of Microtubules and Actin in Living Cells

Fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM), a combination of conventional wide-field fluorescent light microscopy and digital imaging with a low-noise, charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, has been developed to allow visualization of assembly/disassembly dynamics, movement, and turnover of macromolecule assemblies in vivo and in vitro. FSM uses a low level of fluorescent subunits to avoid high background. This produces an image of speckled molecules that co-assemble with endogenous molecules and are followed to characterize dynamic events in living cells.
The modular group and modular functions

In the foregoing chapter we encountered unimodular transformations $$ {{c\tau + d}} $$ where a, b, c, d are integers with ad — bc = 1. This chapter studies such transformations in greater detail and also studies functions which, Iike J(τ), are invariant under unimodular transformations. We begin with some remarks concerning the more general transformations $$ {{cz + d}} $$ (1) where a, b, c, d are arbitrary complex numbers.
In situ formation of substrate release mechanisms for gas metal arc weld metal 3-D printing

This study provides an in-depth investigation into low-cost and no-cost substrate release mechanisms that allow gas metal arc weld 3-D printed ER4043 aluminum and ER70S-6 steel parts to be removed from a reusable print substrate with minimal energy. Aluminum oxide, boron nitride, and titanium nitride coatings were evaluated as possible substrate release agents for aluminum printing. Additionally, the in situ formation of substrate release agents such as intermetallics and oxides were tested for both aluminum and steel printing. Testing was performed with a modified Charpy impact tester to remove 3-D printed metal parts from an 1100 aluminum or A36 low carbon steel print substrate to assess the impact energy required for removal. Specimen porosity was measured prior to sectioning and microstructural analysis, hardness traverses were measured across the specimens, and the elastic and shear moduli of the parts were analyzed via ultrasonic methods. All of the employed substrate release mechanisms minimized weld penetration and, in some instances, formed a brittle phase with the print substrate that allowed the specimens to be removed with minimal impact energy. These results thus provide methods with the removal of metal 3-D printed parts from print substrates with no specialized tooling or equipment conducive to distributed manufacturing.
A low-profile antenna mounted on metal plane for digital terrestrial television reception

Recently, many countries are switching their terrestrial television broadcasting from analog to digital and the demand of TV reception increases for mobile devices and automobiles. The antenna for this purpose is required to be compact, light-weight. It is also desirable that the antenna can work even located close to neighbouring objects, especially metallic ones, so as to be installed into narrow spaces. In this paper, we propose a compact antenna for digital terrestrial television reception. The antenna is made of film and is arranged to maintain its performance even it is mounted in close vicinity of metals. The antenna is based on a loop antenna in which meandering structure is applied for the miniaturization purpose. Multiple short-bars are put on the meandering structure for the bandwidth enhancement. The antenna has a planar structure with a dimension of 56 × 83 mm2 and performs well even it is mounted on a metal plane with a small gap of 5 mm. The antenna operates in a frequency range from 470 to 890 MHz, which covers the frequency range of most digital terrestrial television systems in the world, such as the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) (470–770 MHz), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) (470–860 MHz) and the Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T) (470–890 MHz).
Pioneering a Nursing Home Quality Improvement Learning Collaborative: A Case Study of Method and Lessons Learned.

Abstract Objectives To describe the development of a nursing home (NH) quality improvement learning collaborative (QILC) that provides Lean Six Sigma (LSS) training and infrastructure support for quality assurance performance improvement change efforts. Design Case report. Setting/Participants Twenty-seven NHs located in the Greater Rochester, NY area. Intervention The learning collaborative approach in which interprofessional teams from different NHs work together to improve common clinical and organizational processes by sharing experiences and evidence-based practices to achieve measurable changes in resident outcomes and system efficiencies. Measurements NH participation, curriculum design, LSS projects. Results Over 6 years, 27 NHs from urban and rural settings joined the QILC as organizational members and sponsored 47 interprofessional teams to learn LSS techniques and tools, and to implement quality improvement projects. Conclusions NHs, in both urban and rural settings, can benefit from participation in QILCs and are able to learn and apply LSS tools in their team-based quality improvement efforts.
Policy Networks in Mathematics: Educating for Corporations and Against People

This article introduces 1) an extensive analysis of the messy, entangled web of the politics of math education and 2) a novel method for policy analysis. I have identified a policy network surrounding math education for America that presents the following interrelated interests: a national math education that develops human capital (the characteristics of productive workers), debates over traditional and reform pedagogy, agreement on a content knowledge deficit of math teachers, and a math education that fuels an education services sector. This article primarily describes the first of these trends, the notion that math education for America produces in people those intangible qualities usable by businesses.
Effects of NMDA receptor ligands on sensorimotor gating in the rat

Pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response is a model of reflex modification which is thought to reflect sensorimotor gating mechanisms and is sensitive to disruption by non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists such as phencyclidine. The effects of two competitive antagonists, 2-amino-4,5-(1,2-cyclohexyl)-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (NPC 12626) (3-30 mg/kg) and cis-4-phosphonomethyl-2-piperidine-carboxylate (CGS 19755) (1-10 mg/kg), the non-competitive NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg), and NMDA itself (1-30 mg/kg) were studied in the pre-pulse inhibition model. Rats were exposed to sessions in which 122 dB[A] startle-eliciting stimuli were presented either alone or preceded by weak 80 dB[A] prepulses with durations of 3, 10 and 30 ms, which under control conditions reduced the magnitude of the startle response. Neither NPC 12626 nor CGS 19755 produced disruption of pre-pulse inhibition as normally observed with phencyclidine-like drugs. NMDA also did not affect pre-pulse inhibition. As in previous experiments, dizocilpine produced a significant disruption of pre-pulse inhibition at all pre-pulse durations. These data suggest that actions at the phencyclidine binding site, and not the NMDA site, are responsible for the disruption of pre-pulse inhibition by phencyclidine-like drugs, and support reports of differences in the behavioral effects of competitive and noncompetitive NMDA antagonists. The effects of phencyclidine-like drugs on pre-pulse inhibition may represent a useful pharmacological model of schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits.
Locus-of-control, perceived susceptibility to pregnancy and choice of contraceptive among college students.

An exploratory investigation into locus-of-control correlates of contraceptive use among college students involved 50 students attending a Southeastern university. The subjects completed Rotters I-E scale and a contraceptive practices inventory. 16 years was the average age at 1st intercourse; 46% reported a frequency of sexual intercourse of 2-3 times/week during the period of data collection. 66.6% of men and 37.5% of women reported using no contraception the last time they had sexual intercourse. Females used birth control pills in 37.5% of the cases; and condoms and withdrawal were each reported by 16.7% of the males. Use of diaphragm spermicides IUD and rhythm made up the remainder. Respondents were asked to rate contraceptive techniques on a scale from 1-5 (most-least desirable); the following rating was obtained: oral contraceptives 1.4; diaphragm 3; condom and IUD 3.5; spermicides 3.8; sterilization and rhythm 4.3; and withdrawal 4.5. A significant correlation (P < .05) between the I-E score and desirability of oral contraceptives showed a trend of greater externality coincident with decreasing desirability of oral contraceptives. Although males scored significantly more internally on the I-E scales than females (P < .05) the I-E scores of females tended toward greater internality as perceived susceptibility to pregnancy given no contraceptive effort increased. Also correlation of I-E scores and rating of contraceptive devices reached a maximum with the rating given to oral contraceptives with males persistently showing greater internality. These data were unexpected for it had been thought that females would score in the direction of greater internality than males since women would show an unwillingness to entrust their bodies to fate. No speculation on this variation in the face of these data is offered.
A Markovian model for process setup and improvement

We examine the setup and improvement policies for a production process with multiple performance states. Assume that the production process deteriorates randomly over time, following a Markovian process with known transition probabilities. In order to reduce the production cost incurred because of process deterioration, the process is inspected at the end of each period. Then one of three actions may be taken: do nothing, perform routine process setup, or perform routine setup and process improvement. The routine setup operation returns the process to its best performance state, whereas the process improvement action may reduce future production and setup costs and improve the process-state transition probabilities. A discounted Markovian model is formulated to find the strategy that minimizes the total cost of operating the production process.
Timothy Palmer and the Permanent Bridge

Timothy Palmer had built notable bridges across the Merrimack, Kennebec, Connecticut, and Potomac Rivers and across the Great Bay of the Piscataqua River in Maine when he was selected to build the first permanent, as contrasted to a floating, bridge across the Schuylkill River at Philadelphia in 1803. The bridge was the first covered bridge in the United States and its 195-ft central span was second only to his Piscataqua Bridge in span length. He has been called the “Nestor of American Bridge Builders.”
Impersonation attack identification for secure communication

Security possesses a significant role in wireless communication. While the studies about secure communication are performed through the upper layers, recent trends shift attention to security in physical layer. In this study, we propose a solution about how to identify the impersonation attacks. If illegitimate transmitter is further away from the receiver when compared to legitimate transmitter, we can detect the spoofing signal by utilizing the hypothesis test which can be carried out depending on the power delay profile of the channel. After setting the hypothesis test, we look at the probability of detection and probability of false alarm of the received signal. It is shown that if the impersonation attack is carried out from further distance, it can be identified with high probability of detection.
Rapid generation of region-specific genomic clones by chromosome microdissection: isolation of DNA from a region frequently deleted in malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is frequently characterized by the deletion of the long arm of chromosome 6 (usually encompassing 6q16–q21). In an effort to saturate this region with DNA markers, microdissection and molecular cloning of DNA from banded human metaphases have been performed. This work was facilitated by the recent development of a novel chromosome microdissection scheme that omits microchemical manipulation of DNA. Microdissection was targeted on band 6q21. Direct PCR amplification of dissected DNA was first used as a probe in chromosomal in situ hybridization of normal metaphases to confirm the specificity of material excised for cloning. A genomic library of 20,000 clones, which is highly enriched for sequences encompassing 6q21, was then constructed. Clones from this library have been mapped against a human-rodent somatic cell hybrid mapping panel that divides chromosome 6 into seven regions, confirming the localization of probes within the target region. Direct PCR amplification of DNA excised by microdissection greatly simplifies and facilitates this chromosome band-specific cloning strategy. The isolation of microclones from this region of chromosome 6 should assist in establishing a physical map of the melanoma deletion region.
On numbers of Davenport-Schinzel sequences

Abstract One class of Davenport-Schinzel sequences consists of finite sequences over n symbols without immediate repetitions and without any subsequence of the type abab . We present a bijective encoding of such sequences by rooted plane trees with distinguished nonleaves and we give a combinatorial proof of the formula 1 k−n+1 2k− 2n−k−1k−1 for the number of such normalized sequences of length k . The formula was found by Gardy and Gouyou-Beauchamps by means of generating functions. We survey previous results concerning counting of DS sequences and mention several equivalent enumerative problems.
Two-dimensional finite element mesh generation based on stripwise automatic triangulation

Abstract A new mesh generator, capable of discretizing arbitrary, two-dimensional, multiply connected domains into triangles with a prescribed spatial density, has been developed. The technique is based on stripwise automatic triangulation. The triangulation strategy has been enhanced using two heuristics. The first is a method to temporarily reorient a region before submitting it for generation. The second is a technique to find and repair ‘omitted patches’ near sharply curved boundaries. Despite employing a set of heuristics, the resulting scheme is versatile, robust and demonstrates a near linear growth rate.
Violence perception as a function of entertainment value and TV violence

This study explored the relationship between children’s violence perception and their previous exposure to television. Fifth- and sixth-grade children were exposed to one of four television programs: violent pleasing, violent less pleasing, nonviolent pleasing, nonviolent less pleasing. After exposure, all children were brought together to describe violent and nonviolent slides, flashed simultaneously in pairs on a screen. Results showed that only the main effect of entertainment value was significant. As opposed to a familiarity, perceptual defense, or catharsis explanation, this finding supports a satisfaction interpretation concerning the influence of television on violence perception.
Developments in infants' search for displaced objects.

Abstract In an exploratory study of infants' search for displaced objects, 13-month-olds and 21-month-olds were tested on three kinds of displacement problems—visible displacements, invisible displacements, and transpositions—as well as singlehiding problems. Two aspects of performance on the displacement problems were distinguished: (1) searching within the locations involved in the displacement rather than at a control location, and (2) selecting between the displacement locations. Both the younger and the older infants were able to select the correct location on visible displacement problems and to search within the displacement locations on invisible problems. Neither age group was able to solve the transposition problems, but the older infants did at least search within the relevant locations on those problems. Age differences appeared to be due primarily to improved skill at identifying relevant locations rather than to improvements in selecting among those locations. Other factors contributing to the age differences in performance were a decrease in response biases and an increase in skills for coping with multiple possibilities.
Physical and chemical modifications of thiol-ene networks to control activation energy of enthalpy relaxation

Abstract Gold nanoparticles and multi-functional acrylate (TMPTA) were incorporated into a photopolymerized thiol-ene (TMPMP–APE) network as a physical and chemical approach to intentionally control sub-Tg aging. The degree of the restriction effect was evaluated by differential cooling rate measurements allowing the quantification of the apparent activation energy for enthalpy relaxation (Δh*) upon sub-Tg aging. Incorporation of gold nanoparticles (0.01 to 1 wt%) into the TMPMP–APE network increased Tg and decreased ΔCp at Tg due to molecular mobility restrictions. The extent of enthalpy relaxation and apparent activation energy for enthalpy relaxation (Δh*) clearly indicated the significant restrictive effect of the gold nanoparticles on the molecular mobility in the thiol-ene network. A TMPMP–APE–TMPTA ternary system was investigated in order to correlate Δh* and network uniformity as a chemical approach. TMPTA, being capable of homopolymerization as well as TMPMP–TMPTA copolymerization, was incorporated into a TMPMP–APE network structure, thereby decreasing the network uniformity and significantly affecting the sub-Tg aging. The extent of enthalpy relaxation decreased and the distribution was drastically broadened as a function of TMPTA content due to molecular mobility restrictions, which were also quantified by measuring values for the apparent enthalpy relaxation activation energy (Δh*).
Expiratory muscle strength training: speech production outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Purpose. This study investigated the effect of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on voice production, dysarthria, and voice-related quality-of-life issues in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). It was hypothesized that PwMS would have improved voice production and reduced voice-related quality-of-life issues following EMST. Participants and Methods. Seventeen participants with MS and 14 healthy (H) controls completed 8 weeks of EMST, followed by 4 weeks of no training. Analyzed outcomes as a function of EMST were maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), sustained vowel prolongation (SVP), words per minute (WPM) measured from connected speech, and quality-of-life indices related to the presence of the dysarthria and dysphonia. Results. PwMS had lower MEPs, shorter SVP, and less WPM than the controls prior to training. Following EMST, both groups had significant improvement in MEPs that stayed above baseline after training halted. EMST did not improve voice production or voice-related quality of life...
β-Arrestin-2 Deficiency Attenuates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Mice

Rationale: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a chronic inflammatory vascular disease for which pharmacological treatments are not available. A mouse model of AAA formation involves chronic infusion of angiotensin II (AngII), and previous studies indicated a primary role for the AngII type 1a receptor in AAA formation. β-arrestin (βarr)-2 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that binds G-protein–coupled receptors such as AngII type 1a and regulates numerous signaling pathways and pathophysiological processes. However, a role for βarr2 in AngII-induced AAA formation is currently unknown. Objective: To determine whether βarr2 played a role in AngII-induced AAA formation in mice. Methods and Results: Treatment of βarr2 +/+ and βarr2 −/− mice on the hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE −/− ) background or on normolipidemic C57BL/6 background with AngII for 28 days indicated that βarr2 deficiency significantly attenuated AAA formation. βarr2 deficiency attenuated AngII-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, and macrophage infiltration. AngII also increased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in apoE −/− /βarr2 +/+ aortas, whereas βarr2 deficiency diminished this increase. Furthermore, inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation with CI1040 (100 mg/kg per day) reduced the level of AngII-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in apoE −/− /βarr2 +/+ mice to the level observed in apoE −/− /βarr2 −/− mice. AngII treatment also increased matrix metalloproteinase expression and disruption of the elastic layer in apoE −/− /βarr2 +/+ aortas, and βarr2 deficiency reduced these effects. Conclusions: βarr2 contributes to AngII-induced AAA formation in mice by phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2–mediated cyclooxygenase-2 induction and increased inflammation. These studies suggest that for the AngII type 1a receptor, G-protein–independent, βarr2-dependent signaling plays a major role in AngII-induced AAA formation.
An efficient total synthesis of a new and highly active analog of lactacystin

Abstract An expeditious total synthesis of the stable and potent proteasome inhibitor 3 is described.
Q(n) species distribution in K2O.2SiO2 glass by 29Si magic angle flipping NMR.

Two-dimensional magic angle flipping (MAF) was employed to measure the Q(n) distribution in a 29Si enriched potassium disilicate glass (K2O · 2 SiO2). Relative concentrations of [Q(4)] = 7.2% ± 0.3%, [Q(3)] = 82.9% ± 0.1%, [Q(2)] = 9.8%±0.6% were obtained. Using the thermodynamic model for Q(n) species disproportionation these relative concentrations yield an equilibrium constant k3 = 0.0103±0.0008, indicating, as expected, that the Q(n) species distribution is close to binary in the potassium disilicate glass. A Gaussian distribution of isotropic chemical shifts was observed for each Q(n) species with mean values of −82.74 ± 0.03 ppm, −91.32 ± 0.01 ppm, and −101.67±0.02, and standard deviations of 3.27±0.03 ppm, 4.19±0.01 ppm, and 5.09±0.03 for Q(2), Q(3), and Q(4), respectively. Additionally, nuclear shielding anisotropy values of z = −85.0 ± 1.3 ppm, h = 0.48 ± 0.02 for Q(2), and z = −74.9±0.2 ppm, h = 0.03±0.01 for Q(3) were observed in the potassium disilicate glass.
Leader-follower formation control of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots using only position measurements

This paper deals with the formation control problem for a team of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots. Each robot has a leader robot with respect to which a constant relative position is to be maintained, except for a single robot which defines the motion of the formation. We present a feedback control method that guarantees convergence of the relative position of any follower robot (with respect to its leader) to desired values. The controller does not require sensing of the leader's velocity. Instead, an adaptive method is used to estimate the leader's forward velocity. The resulting closed loop system is shown to be semi-globally asymptotically stable. Simulation results are presented in order to demonstrate the performance of the controller for two robots, and a team of mobile robots.
Rejoinder to “Evidence for using MossTalk Words® in progressive aphasia” (Jokel et al., 2011)

This is a rejoinder to a rebuttal by Jokel, R., Rochon, E., Leonard, C., & Cupit, J. (2011). Evidence for using MossTalk Words® in progressive aphasia. Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 5(1), 68–69.
Multivalent Nanomaterials: Learning from Vaccines and Progressing to Antigen‐Specific Immunotherapies

Continued development of multivalent nanomaterials has provided opportunities for the advancement of antigen-specific immunotherapies. New insights emerge when considering the backdrop of vaccine design, which has long employed multivalent presentation of antigen to more strongly engage and enhance an immunogenic response. Additionally, vaccines traditionally codeliver antigen with adjuvant to amplify a robust antigen-specific response. Multivalent nanomaterials have since evolved for applications where immune tolerance is desired, such as autoimmune diseases or allergies. In particular, soluble, linear polymers may be tailored to direct antigen-specific immunogenicity or tolerance by modulating polymer length, ligand valency (number), and ligand density, in addition to incorporating secondary signals. Codelivery of a secondary signal may direct, amplify, or suppress the response to a given antigen. Although the ability of multivalent nanomaterials to enact an immune response through molecular mechanisms has been established, a transport mechanism for biodistribution must also be considered. Both mechanisms are influenced by ligand display and other physical properties of the nanomaterial. This review highlights multivalent ligand display on linear polymers, the complex interplay of physical parameters in multivalent design, and the ability to direct the immune response by molecular and transport mechanisms.
Anti-SM and anti-U1-RNP lupus antibody fine specificities.

Evidence for the presence of multiple shared epitopes on the target cellular antigens was found when 290 anti-Sm and anti-U1-RNP lupus sera were analyzed by immunoblotting. Forty-eight different immunoblot patterns were observed with the sera. Studies with selected antigenaffinity-purified antibodies confirmed the presence of multiple shared epitopes, in agreement with findings obtained with monoclonal antibodies. The results have implications for the design of effective diagnostics and for the use of these antibodies as molecular probes.
Spatial dimensions of Internet activity

Abstract The global diffusion of Internet activity is advancing at an unprecedented rate. However, it is increasingly apparent that the diffusion of information technologies and their associated activity is spatially uneven. Utilizing a comprehensive database of domain registrations, spatial–statistical methods, and a geographic information system (GIS), the spatial dimensions of Internet activity are explored for the state of Ohio. In addition to identifying considerable differences in Internet activity between urban and rural locales, results suggest that existing telecommunication infrastructure and educational institutions also play significant roles in the level of Internet-related activity for the region.
Further Biochemical Characterization of Rabbit Reticulocyte eIF-4B

Abstract In this report, it is shown that eIF-4B exhibits ATP hydrolysis activity in a ribosome-dependent fashion. This activity is significantly enhanced by the addition of eLF4A and eIF-4F, although neither of these factors, alone or together, display a significant ribosome-dependent ATPase activity. Sepharose-6B gel filtration experiments with combinations of nonlabeled and 14C reductively methylated initiation factors (eIF-4A, eIF-4B, eIF-4F, and eIF-3) provide evidence that both eIF-4B and elF4F, but not eIF-4A, interact with ribosomes in the presence of specific factors and ATP. It is not known with which ribosomal subunit(s) these factors interact.In ultraviolet radiation-induced crosslinking studies, an eIF-4A and/or eIF-4F and ATP-dependent crosslinking of eIF-4B to radiolabeled oligo(A)12-18 was observed. Past studies with oxidized-cap mRNA achieved cross-linking of all three of these factors, driven by the specific interaction of eIF-4F p24 with the m7GTP cap structure; this is the first reported instance of only eIF-4B cross-linking to RNA.
Performance for randomly described arrays

The complex relationship between irregular microphone distributions and its spatial gain hinders the efficient use of beamforming in various applications. This paper examines beamformer performance based on statistical descriptions of microphone geometries. In particular, array centroid, dispersion, and entropy based statistics are used to characterize irregular geometries relative to beamformer focal points. Simulations are performed to determine relationships between geometry descriptors and beamformer performance for speech applications. Descriptors are used in a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimizing microphone placements for various acoustic target and noise source distributions. Results show significant SNR enhancements for optimized irregular arrays over comparable regular arrays. GA objective functions using proposed geometry descriptors, result in rapid convergence to superior performing arrays, indicating a strong correlations with array performance.
Effect of mannitol on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and brain tissue edema

Mannitol is used widely to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP); however, the mechanism by which this effect occurs is unclear. This study was designed to examine the effects of mannitol on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation rate (Vf), resistance to reabsorption of CSF (Ra), and brain tissue water
Abnormal liver enyzmes in outpatients with eating disorders

Objective This study was undertaken to screen a large series of outpatients with anorexia or bulimia for liver enzyme abnormalities, examining their frequency and their clinical correlates. Method: Eight hundred seventy-nine eating-disordered outpatients presenting at a suburban clinic constituted the subject population. Serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (SGOT, SGPT, and GGTP, respectively) were drawn at intake. Medical charts were reviewed to obtain further clinical data on all patients with an enzyme elevation. Results: Liver enzymes were abnormally high in 36 patients (4.1%). Elevated SGPT was the most frequent enzyme abnormality and was correlated with lower current and past weight and body mass index (BMI). Discussion: Hepatic dysfunction in eating-disordered outpatients is neither specific nor common. Low weight alone can cause liver damage, yet elevated liver chemistries in patients with anorexia and especially bulima are often not due to their eating disorder. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Array-based proteomics: the latest chip challenge

Array-based protein technologies are emerging for basic biological research, molecular diagnostics and therapeutic development with the potential of providing parallel functional analysis of hundreds or perhaps hundreds of thousands of proteins simultaneously. Array-based methods are becoming prevalent within proteomics research due to the desire to analyze proteins in an analogous format to that of the DNA microarray. Novel protein biochips are under development in academic laboratories and emerging biotechnology companies to advance the pace and scope of scientific discovery. This review will define array-based proteomics, its current applications and future directions, as well as examine the challenges and limitations of this projected billion dollar industry.
Neuronal expression of bitter taste receptors and downstream signaling molecules in the rat brainstem.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that molecules of the taste transduction pathway may serve as biochemical markers for chemoreceptive cells in respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that brainstem neurons contain signaling molecules similar to those in taste buds which may sense the chemical composition of brain extracellular fluids. We used the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate presence of different bitter-responsive type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs), their associated G-protein α-gustducin, the downstream signaling molecules phospholipase C isoform β2 (PLC-β2) and transient receptor potential melastatin 5 (TRPM5) in the brainstem of rats. RT-PCR confirmed the mRNA coding for α-gustducin, PLC-β2, TRPM5 and rT2R1 but not that of rT2R16, rT2R26 and rT2R38 in the medulla oblongata. Western blotting confirmed the presence of α-gustducin at the protein level in rat brainstem. Immunohistochemistry identified cells expressing α-gustducin and PLC-β2 at multiple cardiorespiratory and CO 2 /H + chemosensory sites, including rostral ventral medulla, facial, parapyramidal, solitary tract, hypoglossal and raphe nuclei. In the medullary raphe, α-gustducin and PLC-β2 were colocalized with a subpopulation of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-immunoreactive serotonergic neurons, a subset of which has respiratory CO 2 /H + chemosensitivity. Presence of the T2R1 gene and other genes and proteins of the bitter taste transduction pathway in the brainstem implies additional functions for taste receptors and their effector molecules apart from their gustatory function.
Current in vivo and in vitro screens for inhalant allergy

Screening for inhalant allergy requires the use of a rapid, accurate, cost-effective methodology for the detection of the presence or absence of allergic responsiveness. In vivo and in vitro methods have been demonstrated to be sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of inhalant allergy, even with panels as small as seven or eight antigens. There is good concurrence between skin testing techniques and various serum measures of specific IgE, and both methods can be used effectively for screening inhalant allergy, although per-test costs for in vitro methods remain higher than comparable costs for skin testing [28]. Although the rapidity of both methods is acceptable, skin testing allows immediate observation and interpretation of test results, whereas all in vitro methods involve serum processing that delays results for hours to days. In general, both in vitro methods and epicutaneous testing with a device such as the Multi-Test II offer the clinician effective techniques in screening for inhalant allergy. Each technique has benefit and can be used in both primary care practices and in specialists' offices. The choice of the primary technique to be used for screening depends on the type of practice, the practice's familiarity with skin testing, the geographic region, and the relevant payer mix. A review of the relevant research on allergy screening suggests that the number of antigens used should be in the range of 8 to 12 and should include representative allergens from all the significant classes for the specific geographic [table: see text] region. This screen would probably contain one or two grasses, weeds, and trees, two or three molds, cat allergen, and one dust mite allergen. A sample panel is demonstrated in Box 6. It is important to recognize that the diagnosis and treatment of inhalant allergy is a fluid process. In patients who have negative allergy screens but for whom suspicion of inhalant allergy remains high, additional testing with ID techniques is sometimes indicated. This procedure might be suggested in patients for whom there is a high suspicion of mold allergy or who have unusual inhalant exposures. These individuals may represent a failure of the screening process and require additional testing. In these unusual cases, the judgment of the otolaryngic allergist is critical in guiding this further diagnostic work-up. The use of screening procedures for the diagnosis of inhalant allergy provides a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method for evaluating patients with a history suggestive of allergic disease. Research suggests that a screening panel has strong clinometric properties and has both sensitivity and specificity in excess of 95%. It is statistically unlikely that a patient with negative findings to an allergy screen will demonstrate clinically significant inhalant allergy.