cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of electroencephalographic state in fetal baboons

Long-term recordings of the electroencephalograms (EEGs) from the non-human fetal primate have been visually scored for state. Data were obtained from three fetuses using recently developed techniques for chronic instrumentation of the pregnant baboon. Seven days or more after surgery, nine chart records of 4-5 h in duration were analyzed. These records were made during an interval in gestation from 143 to 153 days (term = 175 to 185 days). Criteria for differentiation of EEG state were based on the presence (state 1) or absence (state 2) of trace alternant, which is the predominant characteristic of EEG activity during quiet sleep in human preterm and term infants. Two patterns of EEG activity were readily distinguished at both standard (30 mm/s) and compressed (30 mm/min) EEG chart speeds. On a minute-by-minute basis, there was an overall concurrence of 82.9% for EEG state when scored from compressed and standard EEG records. From the compressed records, state 1 was present on average 38.3% of the time, with a mean epoch duration of 15.1 min, while epochs of state 2 averaged 25.9 min. We conclude that at least two EEG states are present at this gestation in the fetal baboon. These two states can be reliably defined visually by scoring methods directly comparable to those used for EEG recognition of sleep states in the human newborn infant. To validate the conclusion that these fetal state assignments based on patterns of EEG activity correspond to sleep states, it will be necessary to determine if the oscillations of other physiological parameters are coherent with these patterns.
Preserving the Valued or Preserving Valuing

Samuel Scheffler's superb and original book provides important insights into individualism, human values, and how the meaning of our lives depends, surprisingly, on future generations. This comment pursues two further points. First, it asks whether our deep emotional investment in the future rests on the continuation of particular things, projects and activities or whether it rests predominantly on the continuation of the activity of valuing itself, even if future generations replace what we value with something else. Second, the comment argues that a reasonable asymmetry holds of our attitudes toward our prior collective non-existence on the one hand and our possible future non-existence on the other. This asymmetry parallels the Lucretian asymmetry between our attitudes about our individual past non-existence and our individual post-mortem non-existence.
COMPUTING THE CHARACTERISTIC POLYNOMIAL OF A GRAPH.

How can one actually compute the eigenvalues of a graph? In principal, there are three methods. Namely, (1) we can search for p orthogonal eigenvectors, (2) we can determine the first p moments by counting closed walks and then find the spectrum from the moments, or (3) we can use certain subgraphs to determine the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial and then find its roots.
Studies in the Genus Sporonema

1. Eighteen Sporonema species have been studied and compared.2. The transfer of S. hiemale Desm. To Sirexcipula is proposed on the basis of its catenate conidia.3. The transfer of S. platani Bauml....
Transmission and risk control of Salmonella enterica serovar Aberdeen among humans and animals

Objective To understand the spread of Salmonella enterica serovar Aberdeen(S. Aberdeen 11:i:1,2) in the world and provide evidence for the risk control and human infection prevention and control. Methods All the reports about transmission and risk control of S. Aberdeen in human and animals were reviewed,the difference in S. Aberdeen infection between foreign cases and domestic cases were compared. Results S. Aberdeen is a common pathogens in animals,which could leads to enteral or parenteral infection in high risk group,including children and adults. The spread of S. Aberdeen in China might be related with appropriate management of aquaculture. Conclusion S. Aberdeen exists in animals worldwide,which is an important pathogen originated from environment contaminated by animals in food borne disease surveillance. The related risk control is essential in food process,live stock /poultry raising and behavioral ecology infectious diseases prevention and control.
Toward a pluralistic animal science: postliberal feminist perspectives.

Women have not had the authority to define the conditions of animal agriculture or to develop strategies for addressing its problems because the field of animal science has been and remains dominated by men. Therefore, criteria for assessing the professional performance of animal scientists reflect the views of men and the experiences of masculinity. Recent attempts to improve the retention rates of women in the animal science profession have focused on socializing female protegees to the norms and expectations of the discipline. This approach is based on traditional liberal beliefs that all humans are essentially alike and that embodiment and(or) social location are irrelevant in understanding the world. Such socialization assumes that problems of gender inequity can be solved by providing opportunities for women to succeed in the existing system, with its existing norms. This approach ignores the possibility that the structure of women's lives and the normative commitments arising from women's experiences may be quite different from those of men. Professional reward structures that favor the life experiences and perspectives of men and ignore those of women coerce women into adopting values that may be incompatible with their identities. This not only devalues their perspectives and contributions, it forces them to commit self-betrayal. This is both harmful and antithetical to the idea of an empirically relevant science that blends multiple perspectives and understands diverse values. Substantive diversity in the animal science community requires standards that reflect and accommodate the pluralism in which we live.
Sloping Invasion Profiles Derived from Shallow Wireline Logs

Invasion affects all wireline logs, especially the logs of shallow reading tools. Although tool responses can be predicted with tool models, even sophisticated log analysis programs usually apply oversimplified step invasion profiles to correct for invasion effects. We have developed forward modeling and inversion routines that use porosity and shallow resistivity logs as input, and produce sloping invasion profiles constrained by saturations of the flushed and uninvaded zones. Forward models were either provided by logging companies or derived from published data. A 1D radial formation model with saturation changing away from the borehole wall was used together with tool response models to calculate log readings. Finally, we used the differences between calculated logs and recorded logs to update both the formation properties and the shape of the invasion profile. Results from synthetic data show that the new algorithms predict porosity with an absolute error of 3%, compared with 7% for the step-function. The sloping invasion profile also reproduced the responses of the recorded logs better than the step function profile. Results obtained with real log data showed that the new algorithms are sensitive to gas density and the excavation effect. The variation in the shape of invasion profiles corresponded with changes in rock and fluid parameters. Steep profiles were found for high porosity rocks, more gentle profiles for low porosity rocks, and very shallow profiles in shales. Sloping invasion models not only improve the accuracy of porosity and saturation calculations, but in combination with a fluid flow model, are expected to give more accurate permeability estimates.
A TDOA localization method based on de-embedding the propagation background

A novel source localization algorithm that combines the time difference of arrival (TDOA) method and a technique for the de-embedding of the propagation transfer function for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation is proposed, in order to achieve accurate source localization under NLOS conditions. An iterative implementation of the method is given, and results are shown for a simple case of a single wall obstacle.
Optimal replacement policies for an uncertain rejuvenated asset

Abstract A theory of asset replacement is developed to determine the optimal timing and feasible conditions to first rejuvenate and then to replace an asset. The theoretical underpinnings mate two strands of research: asset rejuvenation and real options. With the aid of comparative statistics and numerical analysis, results are linked across deterministic and stochastic costs and matched with conventional asset replacement (no rejuvenation). The theoretical model is operationalized by applying numerical analysis to the decisions of whether to rejuvenate an aging coal-fired electricity plant and then decommission, or to simply decommission. In addition, the optimal timing of potential rejuvenation and decommission are addressed. Co-firing coal with wood pellets is considered as the rejuvenating process. In this context, it is the relative difference in virgin (coal) versus rejuvenation (co-firing) initial costs and cost growth rates that determines timing and length of time the rejuvenated plant is operated.
The chemical engineering research laboratory as context for graduate students' training: The role of lab structure and cultural climate in collaborative work

Abstract The current study investigated the experiences of engineering graduate students in two interdisciplinary research laboratories studying materials engineering, their perceptions of influences on their learning and goals, and the collaborative tasks needed to produce quality journal articles. In a qualitative inquiry using constant comparison methods, data came from individual interviews of lab members and observations. Findings coalesced in three themes. First, the lab structure and lines of communication seemed to influence group collaboration and individual learning. Second, the importance of peer collaboration seemed crucial to students' knowledge acquisition through lab work. Finally, a lab's climate and culture influenced individuals' productivity and motivation to participate in research, sometimes facilitating, sometimes impeding progress in becoming fully participating lab members. Contributions include providing a better understanding of how engineering graduate students' lives in the lab are situated and intertwined with group collaborative processes.
Consent and decision-making at a crossroad

In the current Indian medical practice, consent is not well understood, and practical obstacles tend to hinder meaningful applications of the concept. Consent cannot simply be bolted onto existing practices; old models of decision-making need to change, and now is the time to examine the underlying ethics. India in many ways is at a crossroad in terms of how clinical decisions are made, when and in particular, by whom. Some difficulties are structural, having to do with health care delivery and resources within the public sector; others are more subtle, having more to do with attitudes and cultural norms. Either way, there are no “quick fixes,” although detailed guidance on standards of consent would surely be a help, backed up by educational interventions for health care professionals on autonomy and consent. As an aid to this process, a flowchart for clinicians is included at the end of the paper, with potential applications for use in end-of-life, intensive care, and other clinical settings.
A fast converging optimal technique applied to path planning of hyper-redundant manipulators

Abstract A multi-pass sequential localized search technique to solve the problem of path planning of hyper-redundant manipulators for the shortest path in real-time in the presence of obstacles is proposed. The problem is approached from a control perspective as a shortest path optimal control problem, where the configuration space is searched for path points that optimize a cost function. This method addresses the “curse of dimensionality” of exhaustive search techniques via a multi-pass sequential localized search, and sensitivity to local minima of greedy approaches via a backtracking technique. Further, theoretical proof shows that the proposed technique converges to a global optimal (if only one exists) or a suboptimal (if many exist) solution. The algorithm is implemented on a 6-DOF PUMA 560 and a 9-DOF hyper-redundant manipulator arm and simulation results are analyzed for cost and time of execution.
Health Care Utilization in the First Month After Birth and Its Relationship to Newborn Weight Loss and Method of Feeding

Abstract Objective Guidelines recommend closer outpatient follow-up for exclusively breastfed newborns, especially those with pronounced weight loss, because of increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia and dehydration that might require readmission. Our objective was to determine how feeding method and weight loss are associated with neonatal health care utilization. Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted at Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals in 2009–2013 assessed 143,889 neonates to study the inpatient method of feeding as well as inpatient and outpatient weights. The main outcome measures were inpatient and outpatient health care utilization in the 30 days after birth. Results Newborn weight loss and feeding method were both associated with utilization. Exclusively breastfed newborns had higher readmission rates than those exclusively formula fed for both vaginal (4.3% compared to 2.1%) ( P P = .025). Those exclusively breastfed also had more neonatal outpatient visits compared to those exclusively formula fed for both vaginal (means of 3.0 and 2.3, P P 10% at discharge had a relative risk of readmission of 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI],1.00, 1.20) compared to those with 10% weight loss between 48-72 hours had a relative risk of readmission of 2.11 (95% CI, 1.95, 2.26) compared to those with Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding and weight loss are associated with increased neonatal health care utilization. Improving clinical management of exclusively breastfed neonates with pronounced weight loss might reduce health care utilization.
Associations between Personal Care Product Use Patterns and Breast Cancer Risk among White and Black Women in the Sister Study

Background: Many personal care products include chemicals that might act as endocrine disruptors and thus increase the risk of breast cancer. Objective: We examined the association between usage pa...
The Neuropsychological Consequences of Armed Conflicts and Torture.

At any point in time, there are hundreds of armed conflicts throughout the world. Neuropsychological disorders are a major cause of morbidity during and after armed conflicts. Conditions such as closed and open head injuries, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and psychosis are prevalent among survivors. Herein, we summarize information on the various forms of torture, the resultant neuropsychological pathology, and treatment strategies to help survivors. Strategies to address the needs of individuals who experienced neuropsychological trauma due to armed conflicts and torture include pharmacological and psychological interventions. The former includes antidepressant, antianxiety, and antipsychotic medications. The latter includes narrative exposure therapy and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Neuropsychological disorders are major causes of morbidity among survivors of armed conflicts and torture. Treatment strategies must be affordable, applicable across cultures, and deliverable by individuals who understand the victims’ psychosocial and ethnic background.
"Today I Had an Eye Appointment, and I'm Still Blind": Crip Humor, Storytelling, and Narrative Positioning of the Disabled Self

While able-bodied people may perceive the lives of disabled individuals as "tragic," disabled people often do not believe that to be the case. This paper argues that one way this incongruity might be mediated is through the use of humor and storytelling to create a space of understanding and portray disabled people as having independence and agency. The paper analyzes humorous stories told by disabled individuals in a variety of social situations, interacting both with able-bodied and disabled communities. While disabled people are often positioned by society as helpless, spiteful, and/or lacking agency and control, by telling comic stories, individuals can position themselves on their own terms, and subvert dominant ideologies.
Towards An Integrated Approach for Distributed 5G Cell Association in UDN under Interference and Mobility

State-of-the-art communication technology is rapidly progressing towards 5G (Fifth Generation). In 5G networks a paradigm shift is envisioned defined by parameters which are an order of magnitude higher than current 4G, 4.5G and 4G LTE network parameters. Broadly, it has been established that 5G networks will exhibit a heterogeneous structure. There will be a proliferation of devices connected to the network to support Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Machine-to-Infrastructure (M2I) paradigms. The demand for higher bandwidth has prompted exploration of giga-hertz and tera-hertz spectra. Several technological advances have enabled shared spectrum access and highly granular frequency reuse in a defined cellular coverage area using ultra-dense small cell networks (UDN). The current approaches to equipment cell association have considered ‘smart’ approaches to efficiently utilize the resources available in such networks. A trend toward simplifying assumptions borrowed from legacy network modeling approaches is seen. In this work, we argue that the ultra-dense network scenario is dynamic to individual effects and extend the model by integrating the effects of a) duplex signaling interference, b) intra-cell interference, c) inter-cell interference and d) mobility. We provide initial theoretical basis and present evaluation results of the augmented model. The results from the augmented model show tighter upper bound on achievable performance when integrating the above effects of interference.
Topics in Function Theory on Strictly Pseudoconvex Domains

Every domain in the complex plane with C 2 boundary is strictly (Levi) pseudoconvex. In this chapter we generalize several classical function theoretic results from planar domains to strictly pseudoconvex domains in ℂ n . In contrast to the results on arbitrary domains of holomorphy discussed in Chapter VI, the emphasis here will be on the behavior of holomorphic functions and other analytic objects up to the boundary of the domain. In somewhat more detail, we will present the construction and basic properties of two analogues of the Cauchy kernel for a strictly pseudoconvex domain D, and of a solution operator for ∂ on D with L P estimates for 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. Moreover, we will discuss applications of these results to uniform and L p approximation by holomorphic functions and to ideals in the algebra A(D) of holomorphic functions with continuous boundary values. The highlight will be a regularity theorem for the Bergman projection based on a rather explicit representation of the abstract Bergman kernel, and its application to the study of boundary regularity of biholomorphic maps.
Bühler’s Account of Deixis as Index

Demonstratio ad oculos is Buhler’s earliest use of deixis which employs either gestural indexes, or linguistic ones (separately or conjoined). Gestural signs which illustrate this use are dependent on visual access both to the sign and to its object from a Buhlerian perspective.
Soft-tip intubating stylet.

Endotracheal intubation using a laryngoscope is the most rapid and usually the easiest means to ensure a patent airway. It has therefore earned its popularity in anesthesia and other acute health care practices. However, intubation by conventional technique is not always successful as at times direct vision of the glottis/vocal cords is impossible during laryngoscopy. Thus, acute airway obstruction remains a constant problem in all acute health care practices. To deal with this challenge, we have developed a new technique incorporating a modified Satin-Slip(superscript R) intubating stylet (Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO, USA). First, cut the plastic sheath of the stylet at its distal end and push the sheath forward about one and a half inches. The soft plastic tip of the malleable stylet is then allowed to protrude from the endotracheal tube (ETT). When visualization of the glottic aperture is not possible, one simply places the soft plastic tip of the stylet under the epiglottis and advances it forward, and the tip will eventually enter the larynx. The ETT is then advanced off the stylet into the trachea. This new technique works very well in our experiences. It can be performed quickly with readily available inexpensive equipment. Our favorable experience leads us to believe it is one of the most promising additions to the current recommended alternatives.
An Empirical Study of Self-Disclosure in Spoken Dialogue Systems

Self-disclosure is a key social strategy employed in conversation to build relations and increase conversational depth. It has been heavily studied in psychology and linguistic literature, particularly for its ability to induce self-disclosure from the recipient, a phenomena known as reciprocity. However, we know little about how self-disclosure manifests in conversation with automated dialog systems, especially as any self-disclosure on the part of a dialog system is patently disingenuous. In this work, we run a large-scale quantitative analysis on the effect of self-disclosure by analyzing interactions between real-world users and a spoken dialog system in the context of social conversation. We find that indicators of reciprocity occur even in human-machine dialog, with far-reaching implications for chatbots in a variety of domains including education, negotiation and social dialog.
Disparities in peptic ulcer disease: A nationwide study.

Abstract Background While advances in diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease have led to a decrease in hospital admissions the socioeconomic distribution of these benefits is unknown. Methods We designed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2013 including all patients that were admitted for peptic ulcer disease. We compared the types of ulcer related complications, the rates of intervention and the outcomes based on race and insurance status. Results Of 42,046 patients admitted for peptic ulcer disease 80.25% had an ulcer related complication. Black patients had the lowest rates of bleeding and highest rates of perforation and were less likely to undergo surgery for their complication but mortality was not different from white patients. Uninsured patients also had lower rates of bleeding and higher rates of perforation and they were at increased risk for death. Conclusions Unlike other surgical conditions insurance status, not race, predicts mortality in peptic ulcer disease.
Nuclear Spin Relaxation

The use of nuclear spin relaxation measurements in the study of liquid crystal dynamics goes back only to 1969, to work by Doane (1), Blinc (2), Cabane (3) and their coworkers. Practically all of the early work relied upon proton relaxation measurements (4,5), and several major mechanisms and relaxation pathways were identified for thermotropic nematic phases. However, since several different types of interactions are responsible for the overall relaxation of many chemically distinct protons it was quite difficult to assess the relative importance of the different motional processes, and selective deuteriation was soon recognized (6,7) as being necessary before substantive further progress could be made in the interpretation of relaxation rates. Deuterium (8–15) and 13C (16,17) relaxation measurements are potentially the most useful for investigations of molecular motion at different sites in liquid crystal molecules. However, because of the need for complete proton decoupling which inevitably results in sample heating, 13C relaxation measurements look less promising at this juncture. For this reason the techniques of deuteron relaxation are emphasized in this chapter with other nuclei treated only peripherally at the end.
Attention Problems and Mindfulness: Examining a School Counseling Group Intervention With Elementary School Students:

The researchers examined the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based attention group with elementary school students struggling with attention problems. The results revealed that students in the inter...
A mixed methods investigation of sexual victimisation and coping among sexual minority compared to heterosexual women

Sexual victimisation (SV) is pervasive in our society and is associated with a variety of negative outcomes. Sexual minority women (SMW) – particularly bisexuals – report higher rates of SV compare...
On the selection of leader in Stackelberg games with parameter uncertainty

In leader-follower Stackelberg games, the leader determines and announces its strategy first by anticipating the follower’s reaction function, and the follower determines its strategy as a best res...
Competitive suppression of synchronization and nonmonotonic transitions in oscillator communities with distributed time delay

This paper investigates the effect of community structure and distributed time delays on synchronization of oscillator networks. As the coupling between communities increases, time delays cause the oscillator communities to competitively suppress one another's synchronization until one community wins and is able to drive the other to incoherence. When the coupling is increased further the communities explosively synchronize in an abrupt transition.
Benefits and Barriers to Professor Transparency

Relationality and attachment to professors play a vital role for those interested in interweaving the relational work of psychology with aspects of faith, meaning, and identity, such as is done in ...
Fatigue damage prognosis of adhesively bonded joints via a surrogate model

This paper demonstrates a diagnostic-prognostics framework to estimate probabilistic remaining useful life (RUL), in adhesively bonded joints subjected to fatigue loading, by calibrating the predictive model using the diagnostics data and quantifying uncertainty in the model parameters. The matching pursuit algorithm is used as the diagnostic method to measure the crack length and the rapid fatigue damage growth (FDG) simulator is used as the predictive model to estimate the remaining useful life (RUL). In the diagnostic method, Lamb waves are excited in the structure using piezo transducers, and the matching pursuit algorithm is used to quantify the damage from the reflected signal. The proposed diagnostic technique is verified using the signal obtained from finite element simulations and artificial noise is added to mimic the signal from a real structure. The diagnostic method is applied periodically to measure the crack length in the single lap joint (SLJ) subjected to fatigue loading and the crack length data is used to calibrate the parameters of the predictive model, which can estimate the RUL. However, the noise in the signal and assumptions in the diagnostic technique result in errors in the measured crack length. These errors in the crack length contribute to the parameter uncertainties during the predictive model calibration. To quantify the model parameter uncertainties, the Bayesian inference via the Markov chain Monte Carlo method is used, and to expedite the uncertainty quantification problem, the rapid FDG simulator is used as the predictive model. The approach is demonstrated using a fatigue damage growth simulation in the SLJ and promising results were achieved.
Item Level Measurement of Extreme Response Style

Recent multidimensional IRT models for response style (e.g., Falk and Cai (2016) Psychol Methods 21:328–347) allow items to vary in their sensitivities to response style traits. In this study, we use anchoring vignette data in which the vignettes have different expected response levels to examine the variation of extreme response style (ERS) discrimination in relation to this vignette feature. We find that vignettes targeted to the middle of the rating scale demonstrate systematically reduced ERS discrimination. The results suggest that models that assume constant response style discrimination across respondents with respect to ERS may be inaccurate, as a respondent’s tendency to select categories away from the middle category may be affected by the respondent’s content trait level. The results also appear supportive of IRT tree models for response style that often assume ERS tendencies are only invoked following an examinee’s decision to opt away from the middle rating scale category.
Metaphysics of the Soul, Its Parts and Powers

A philosophy of perception presupposes many metaphysical assumptions. Leaving aside now those that come from the side of objects, such as the ontological status of the proper sensibles and their representational forms, the general premises on the perceiver’s side, namely the soul, its parts and the powers, are analysed in the first three disputations of CDA called ‘De substantia animae in communi’, ‘De substantia trium animarum in particulari’ and ‘De potentiis animae in communi’. In all of them Suarez starts from the fundamentals of Aristotle’s natural philosophy to which he adds his own twist. Before dealing with these topics, in the Proemium, among other topics, he situates the scientia de anima, which means for him largely scientia de anima rationalis, in the context of other sciences. What is relevant for our topic is his claim that the treatise of the rational soul is absolutely (simpliciter) a part of natural philosophy. Since a soul in general, including the rational soul, is essentially characterized through its ordering to the body, investigating it must belong to the field of natural philosophy. At the same time, however, Suarez is sure that in a certain respect (secundum quid), that is, in respect to its incorporeal, subsistent and immortal character, treating of the soul pertains also to metaphysics. Given this and considering the abovementioned metaphysical framework of the treatise of causality and the categories in DM, his conclusions and theories concerning the topics of the soul, its parts and powers can be indicated as the metaphysical premises of Suarez’s philosophy of perception.
Special Education in a 4-Year Response to Intervention (RtI) Environment: Characteristics of Students with Learning Disability and Grade of Identification.

This 4-year longitudinal research was designed to study special education determinations of students who participated in Tier 2 intervention in a Response to Intervention (RtI) model focused on reading across Grades 1-4. We compared identification rates for learning disabilities (LD) and student characteristics of 381 students the year prior to implementation with 377 students in the RtI environment. Across schools, 38-60 percent of students were English language learners (ELL). Key outcomes by Grade 4 for students with LD who had participated in a model of RtI were relatively greater reading impairment with effect sizes ranging from 0.64 to 0.82, and more equitable representation across ELL and native English speakers than in the cohort prior to RtI implementation. Notably, one-third of the students identified for special services as LD in these schools were not identified until 4th grade. © 2013 The Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Chapter 7 Modeling individual differences in negative information processing biases

Publisher Summary The chapter illustrates various ways in which personality factors might help to explain variation in information processing in dysphoric and depressed individuals. A number of proposed roles for personality and individual differences in explaining vulnerability to depression are introduced in the chapter. The chapter describes a framework for evaluating these roles. To illustrate the use of this framework, a computational neural network is employed to simulate the roles of personality variables in mediating observed information processing biases on two simulated information-processing tasks. Each simulated personality variable is related to the goal of integrating depression and personality research through the various steps. Individual differences can play a key role in the understanding of both depressive information-processing biases and information processing in individuals at risk for depression. Simulations of variables representing types of individual differences can help explain variation in behaviors and provide valuable insights for future research.
Methanogens and the Archaebacteria, Molecular Biology of

Although members of the domain Archaea are prokaryotic in cell structure, 16S rRNA sequencing reveals that they form a phylogenetically coherent group, which is separate from both Bacteria (Eubacteria, domain Bacteria) and eucaryotes (Eucarya, domain Eucarya). The Archaea are further distinguished by the ether-lipid composition of cytoplasmic membranes and cell wall components not found in either the Bacteria or Eucarya domains. Like in Bacteria, transcription and translation in Archaea take place in the same cellular compartment. Unlike Bacteria, Archaea possess a complex DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and genes with promoter elements similar to the TATA box of eucaryotes. Archaea produce and utilize homologs to eukaryotic transcription-initiation factors, which are not found in the Bacteria domain. The methane-producing Archaea (methanoarchaea) are the most diverse and extensively studied group of the Archaea. The strictly anaerobic methanoarchaea are terminal organisms in the anaerobic phase of the global carbon cycle. Keywords: Domain; Domain Archaea (Formerly Archaebacteria); Domain Bacteria (Formerly Eubacteria); Domain Eucarya; Prokaryote
Effects of rate (0.3-40/s) on simultaneously recorded auditory brainstem, middle and late responses using deconvolution.

Abstract Objective Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) are typically acquired in either transient (low-rate) or steady state (high-rate) conditions. This study utilizes deconvolution to obtain transient responses over a range of rates from 0.3 to 40/s, to establish a rate profile of transient responses employing uniform recording conditions. Methods Deconvolution is used to obtain transient responses from quasi steady state recordings for rates 3.5–40/s, and components are scored and waveform morphologies are compared across rates. Results All component latencies remain stable across all rates other than P 2, which decreases for rates up to 3.5/s. Amplitudes for brainstem (V, N a ), middle latency (P a , N b ), and late (P b /P 1 , N 1 and P 2 ) responses increased for rates below 1, 2 and 3.5/s, respectively. Rates between 3.5 and 25/s undergo a gradual morphology transition, above which oscillations begin to occur after 100ms. Conclusions Auditory brainstem, middle and late latency components other than P 2 show stable latencies across 0.3–40/s with varying amplitude rate dependencies. Significance Obtaining a transient response rate profile utilizing uniform acquisition parameters is useful for an improved understanding of how individual AEP components interact with stimulation rate, and can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the ascending auditory pathway and primary auditory cortices.
Repair of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction-related basal ventricular septal defect: transatrial versus transventricular approach.

Background We describe our contemporary experience for the management of patients with an acute postinfarction basal ventricle septal defect (VSD) using the transatrial (TA) and transventricular (TV) approaches. Methods Retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with an ischemic basal VSD since January 2000. There were 20 patients with a median age of 68 years (39 to 85); 13 (65%) were males. Median time from diagnosis of the ischemic basal VSD to operation was 22 hours (6 to 144). Results All patients received standard patch closure of the septal defect with exposure of the VSD through the TA approach in eight patients (40%) and the TV approach in 12 (60%). All TA group patients received tricuspid valve replacement, while in the TV group, two had tricuspid valve replacement and two repair. Five patients (25%) had clinically insignificant (<0.5 mm) residual septal defects; three additional patients (15%) experienced patch dehiscence and two (10%) underwent re-exploration. There were five mortalities (25%): one in the TA group (right ventricular heart failure) and four in the TV group (one right ventricular heart failure, three ventriculotomy site hemorrhage or patch dehiscence). Preoperative right atrial pressure (p = 0.0003) and right ventricular dysfunction (p = 0.04) were predictors of hospital mortality. Follow-up of the hospital survivors was 4.3 years (40 days to 11.5 years) with one death at seven years. Conclusion Operative mortality associated with repair of postinfarction basal ventricular septal defect is high and is related to right ventricular failure and bleeding from the ventriculotomy. The TA approach avoids ventriculotomy-associated bleeding and provides excellent exposure but is associated with an increased incidence of tricuspid valve replacement. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12156 (J Card Surg 2013;28:475–480)
Patiromer: a clinical review

AbstractImportance:Patiromer FOS (for oral suspension), formerly known as RLY5016, is pending FDA approval for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Once approved, patiromer, as well as a second agent known as sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9), will be among the new therapeutic options available to treat hyperkalemia in over 50 years.Objective:The primary objective of this review is to analyze the efficacy and safety of patiromer to treat hyperkalemia and compare its pharmacokinetics to currently available sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) therapy. Patiromer was studied in patients with chronic kidney disease and/or heart failure for both acute and chronic therapy.Evidence review:Studies of patiromer were obtained via a literature search of PubMed database and Google Scholar (2000 to the present) using ‘patiromer’, ‘RLY5016’, and ‘hyperkalemia management’ as keywords. Additional references were identified from fda.gov, clinicaltrials.gov, and the pharmaceutical manufacturer, Relypsa Inc.Findings:Three publi...
Fourier transform image processing techniques for grid-based phase contrast imaging

A recently developed technique for phase imaging using table top sources is to use multiple fine-pitch gratings. However, the strict manufacturing tolerences and precise alignment required have limited the widespread adoption of grating-based techniques. In this work, we employ a technique recently demonstrated by Bennett et al.1 that ultilizes a single grid of much coarser pitch. Phase is extracted using Fourier processing on a single raw image taken using a focused mammography grid. The effects on the final image of varying grid, object, and detector distances, window widths, and of a variety of windowing functions, used to separate the harmonics, were investigated.
NFAT proteins: emerging roles in cancer progression

The roles of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors have been extensively studied in the immune system. However, ubiquitous expression of NFAT isoforms in mammalian tissues has recently been observed, and a role for these transcription factors in human cancer is emerging. Various NFAT isoforms are functional in tumour cells and multiple compartments in the tumour microenvironment, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. How do NFAT isoforms regulate the complex interplay between these compartments during carcinoma progression? The answers lie with the multiple functions attributed to NFATs, including cell growth, survival, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition to elucidating the complex role of NFATs in cancer, we face the challenge of targeting this pathway therapeutically.
Insights Into Fetal and Neonatal Development Through Analysis of Cell-Free RNA in Body Fluids

The use of cell-free nucleic acids in the circulation of pregnant women for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis is arguably one of the hottest current topics in prenatal medicine. Between 1997 and the present era this field has gone from basic research to clinical application for diagnosis of fetal gender and Rhesus D status. Over the next few years it is likely that noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome will also be possible. Here we summarize current and future clinical applications of analyzing cell-free fetal DNA and RNA in both maternal and neonatal body fluids, including maternal plasma, serum, whole blood, amniotic fluid, and neonatal saliva. We describe methods to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal and neonatal development using gene expression microarrays. We also discuss the ways in which differentially-regulated gene lists can advance knowledge of both fetal and neonatal biology, as well as suggest novel possibilities for fetal and neonatal treatment.
CULTIVATION OF PAPOVA-LIKE VIRUS FROM HUMAN BRAIN WITH PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUCOENCEPHALOPATHY

Abstract A papova-like virus has been cultivated Summary from the brain of a case of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (P.M.L.) complicating Hodgkin's disease. The virus was isolated by inoculation of primary cultures of human fetal glial (P.H.F.G.) cells with extracts made from brain obtained at necropsy. Electron-microscopic examination of sections of brain and of infected P.H.F.G. cultures revealed cells with nuclei containing virions, often in crystalline array, which are similar in size to members of the polyoma-SV 40 subgroup of papovaviruses. Similar virions were observed in phosphotungstic acid (P.T.A.) stained extracts of the P.M.L. brain and of infected P.H.F.G. cultures. Initial studies on the cell susceptibility and antigenicity of this virus suggest that it is a new papovavirus.
Comparative analysis of polypeptides synthesized in vivo and in vitro by two strains of barley stripe mosaic virus.

Abstract Proteins synthesized in a wheat germ system containing RNA from the Type or ND18 strain of barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), or polyribosomes from Type or ND18-infected barley, were compared with each other and with polypeptides from Type and ND18-infected plants. Polypeptides with apparent molecular weights (Mr) of 25, 67, and 120 × 103 that were induced in infected barley were synthesized in vitro by polyribosomes from infected plants or RNA from purified BSMV. The 25,000 Mr polypeptide was identified as BSMV coat protein by coelectrophoresis with coat protein from purified virions, by immunoprecipitation, and by absence of [35S]methionine incorporation into the protein. Strain-specific differences were observed in two additional translation products synthesized in both wheat germ and reticulocyte lysate systems containing Type of ND18 RNA. RNAs from both strains directed synthesis of 71 and 82 × 103 Mr polypeptides. However, ND18 RNA directed synthesis of a larger amount of the 71,000 Mr polypeptide, whereas with Type RNA the 82,000 Mr polypeptide predominated. These two proteins may be processed in vivo because reduced synthesis of both polypeptides in wheat germ extracts containing polyribosomes from infected plants was correlated with increased synthesis of the 67,000 Mr polypeptide. Several additional polypeptides synthesized in the wheat germ system were probably premature termination products because their synthesis in the reticulocyte lysate was greatly reduced.
One‐Pass CO2 Versus Multiple‐Pass Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing in the Treatment of Rhytides: A Comparison Side‐by‐Side Study of Pulsed CO2 and Er:YAG Lasers

Background. The CO2 laser is normally described as an aggressive resurfacing tool, whereas the erbium:YAG laser has enjoyed a reputation as the ideal tool for superficial resurfacing. The implication from many studies is that the CO2 laser is incapable of “minimally invasive” resurfacing. Objective. To compare a short-pulsed CO2 laser with an Er:YAG laser over a range of parameters intended to produce equivalent microscopic and clinical injuries. Methods. A prospective, randomized, comparative interventional trial was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Thirteen patients with facial wrinkles were enrolled in the study. A side-by-side comparison was performed using periorbital and perioral regions as treatment sites. One side was treated with a pulsed CO2 laser and the other with an Er:YAG laser. Postauricular skin was treated in an identical fashion to the study sites and biopsied for microscopic analysis. The biopsies were obtained before treatment, immediately after treatment, and either 3 or 6 months after treatment to evaluate the acute level of injury and subsequent degree of fibroplasia. Photographs were taken at baseline, immediately after treatment, 1, 2, and 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Nine physicians evaluated the photographs for erythema, pigmentation, and wrinkle improvement. Results. Investigator assessment showed no statistically significant differences between the lasers with respect to hyperpigmentation and wrinkle reduction. There was less erythema at the CO2 laser-treated sites 2 weeks after treatment; the differences had resolved by 6 weeks after treatment. Histologic examination demonstrated equivalent dermal thermal injury on immediate postoperative biopsies and equivalent fibroplasia on subsequent biopsies. Both CO2 and Er:YAG laser-treated sites showed overall modest wrinkle improvement compared to the pretreatment photographs. Conclusion. When CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are used in a manner such that there are equivalent immediate postoperative histologic results, equivalent healing and cosmetic improvement occurs. One can use CO2 laser with one pass to mimic a moderately aggressive Er:YAG laser treatment.
Operational decomposition through statistical clustering of expert knowledge

The shift from a design to requirements towards a design for capability has expanded the scope of the requirements analysis to include the family of systems' operations. With this expansion, a complete understanding and description of the operational picture is needed.
Acquired Left Ventricular to Coronary Sinus Fistula: An Unusual Complication of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Anatomical complications of myocardial infarction include ventricular septal defect and mitral regurgitation. Another unusual complication of myocardial infarction is described, and its diagnosis and surgical management are discussed.
Parameter Estimation and Sire Evaluation for Dystocia and Calf Size in Holsteins

Abstract Records containing calf size and dystocia scores were obtained for 12,872 and 4205 Holstein parturitions by Midwest Breeders’ Cooperative and Select Sires, Inc. Calf size and dystocia were affected by herds, sires, age of dam, sex of calf, and season of birth. Size of dam was a source of variation for calf size but not for dystocia. When calf size was included in the model, it affected dystocia. Heritabilities for dystocia were .08 ± .026 (Midwest) and .05 + .022 (Select Sires). Heritabilities for calf size were .15 ± .052 (Midwest) and .13 ± .033 (Select Sires). Genetic correlations between dystocia and calf size were .97 ± .07 (Midwest) and .89 ± .17 (Select Sires). Sires were ranked for dystocia in the Midwest data by least squares constants, least square constants regressed for numbers, selection index, and mixed model prediction using sire relationships. Sires also were evaluated for calf size by the mixed model technique. The rank correlations among the five estimation procedures with a mixed model evaluation for dystocia on an independent data set in Midwest were .73 (mixed model for dystocia), .72 (regressed least squares), .67 (selection index), .66 (least square constants), and .57 (mixed model for calf size).