cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beefmoves: Dissemination, Diversity, and Dynamics of English Borrowings in a German Hip Hop Forum

We investigate how novel English-derived words (anglicisms) are used in a German-language Internet hip hop forum, and what factors contribute to their uptake.
A region of the 75 kDa neurotrophin receptor homologous to the death domains of TNFR-I and Fas

Members of the NTR/TNFR family mediate apoptosis in many tissues, yet sequence homology has not been detected in their intracellular domains except for a ‘death domain’ in TNFR-I and Fas. Here, a region of the 75 kDa neurotrophin receptor (NTR) has been aligned with this apoptosis-inducing motif. Peptides at the carboxyl terminus of each domain potentially form amphiphilic helices, one of which (in NTR) resembles mastoparan, a G-protein activating peptide. Molecular models of three death-region peptides suggest that observed sequence similarities reflect a common structure, perhaps capable of undergoing an induced coil to helix transition.
A simple joint beamforming and power control algorithm for multi-user MIMO wireless networks

We consider the joint optimization of transmitted power, receive and transmit beamforming vectors for multi-user MIMO wireless networks. Specifically, they are optimized such that the total transmit power is minimized while satisfying SINR requirements of all links. We first analytically show that maximum ratio transmission (MRT) beamforming is asymptotically optimal for the low SINR region and the corresponding optimal transmit power vector is element-wise minimal. We then propose a simple joint optimization algorithm tailored for cellular downlinks by exploiting network duality, which is applicable over a wide range of SINR. The proposed algorithm can be readily implemented in a distributed fashion since it requires only local adaptive beamforming at the receivers, a simple power control loop, and minimal feedback of the channel state information. Also, the algorithm achieves a performance close to that of centralized iterative optimization algorithms, and outperforms other decentralized approaches that have been previously proposed.
Multiple Resources and Display Formatting: The Implications of Task Integration

Two experiments are reported which test the hypothesis that multiple sources of displayed information should be presented to common rather than separate resources when those sources must be integrated with a single mental model of the task. One experiment requires subjects to integrate horizontal and vertical information in a simulated air traffic control task. In support of the hypothesis performance is best when both sources are presented visually, rather than bimodally. In the control experiment when the altitude and horizontal information do not need to be integrated, performance is best when bimodal presentation is used. Language: en
Varicella-Zoster Virus Activates Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Monocytes and Macrophages via Toll-Like Receptor 2

The pattern recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has been implicated in the response to several human viruses, including herpes simplex viruses (types 1 and 2) and cytomegalovirus. We demonstrated that varicella-zoster virus (VZV) activates inflammatory cytokine responses via TLR2. VZV specifically induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human monocytes via TLR2-dependent activation of NF-κB, and small interfering RNA designed to suppress TLR2 mRNA reduced the IL-6 response to VZV in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Unlike other herpesviruses, the cytokine response to VZV was species specific. VZV did not induce cytokines in murine embryonic fibroblasts or in a mouse cell line, although VZV did activate NF-κB in a human cell line expressing a murine TLR2 construct. Together, these results suggest that TLR2 may play a role in the inflammatory response to VZV infection.
Tensile Behavior of Kevlar 49 Woven Fabrics over a Wide Range of Strain Rates

Kevlar and other ballistic fabrics are frequently used in dynamic loading applications such as personnel protective equipment (armor) and soft engine containment systems for fan blade out events in aircraft engines. Numerical simulations of these events require constitutive models that are based on mechanical experiments that approximate the load conditions present in the application. Kevlar 49 fabric is tested in tension at strain rates ranging from 10-4 to 1500 s-1. A servohydraulic load frame is used for low strain rate experiments up to 1 s-1. Experiments at strain rates above 400 s-1 are conducted on a direct-tension split Hopkinson bar apparatus. 3D digital image correlation is used to measure specimen surface displacements and strains.
Range and time-to-intercept estimation based solely upon the power measurements of a radiating source

Range estimation based solely upon the received signal power measurements is possible for a specific set of conditions. Ordinarily the solution to this problem is not possible when the power of the signal at the source and the closing velocity are unknown. However, if the receiving platform modifies its velocity while sampling, the problem can be formulated with independent equations and solved. A time-to-intercept estimator based upon the sample principles is also presented.
An object oriented code for simulating supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories

Discretization of supersymmetric Yang–Mills (SYM) theories is an old problem in lattice field theory. It has resisted solution until recently when new ideas drawn from orbifold constructions and topological field theories have been brought to bear on the question. The result has been the creation of a new class of lattice gauge theories in which the lattice action is invariant under one or more supersymmetries. The resultant theories are local, free of doublers and also possess exact gauge-invariance. In principle they form the basis for a truly non-perturbative definition of the continuum SYM theories. In the continuum limit they lead to a version of the Yang-Mills theory formulated in terms of twisted fields. In this paper, we briefly review these ideas and then go on to describe the details of a C++ code, which can be used to simulate these theories. We sketch the design of the code, with particular emphasis being placed on SYM theories with N = 2 in two dimensions and N = 4 in three and four dimensions, making one-to-one comparisons between the essential components of the SYM theories and their corresponding counterparts appearing in the simulation code.
Teaching Crowds: Learning and Social Media by Jon Dron and Terry Anderson

As technology and software capabilities have rapidly evolved in recent years, so has the ability to design and deliver more engaging and effective learning. In the book Teaching Crowds: Learning an...
Tamsulosin does not increase 1-week passage rate of ureteral stones in ED patients ☆ ☆☆ ★ ★★

Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to determine if tamsulosin initiated in the emergency department (ED) decreases the time to ureteral stone passage at 1 week or time to pain resolution, compared to placebo. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of tamsulosin vs placebo in ED patients with ureterolithiasis on computed tomography. Patients were identified and enrolled between April 2007 and February 2009 and were randomized to either 0.4 mg of tamsulosin or placebo for 1 week. We contacted participants using a telephone survey on post-ED visit days 1, 2, 3, and 7. The primary outcome was time to stone passage, with secondary outcomes being maximum pain score and amount of pain medication required. Results Of the 127 patients enrolled during this study, 15 were lost to follow-up, and 12 required surgical interventions before the 7-day mark, leaving 100 patients for analysis. Of the 100 patients, 53 received tamsulosin and 47 received placebo. There was no difference between groups in percentage of male, mean age, initial serum creatinine, average stone size, stone location, and history of prior stone. The probability that the patient did not pass a stone at 7 days was not different between tamsulosin and placebo, 62.1% (95% confidence interval, 49.1%-75.1%) vs 54.4% (95% confidence interval, 40.3%-68.6%; P = .58). There was no significant difference in the high pain score ( P = .12) or hydrocodone/acetaminophen intake ( P = .76) between treatment groups at any of the time points. Conclusion This study reveals no difference in the proportion of stone passage or high pain score and pain medication utilization at 7 days between tamsulosin and placebo.
How Equity Concerns Lead to Attention to Mathematical Discourse

This chapter examines the connections between equity and mathematical discourse and explores how discourse is relevant to equity. Through commentary on the preceding three chapters, I discuss four issues raised by different approaches to equity and to discourse: multiple approaches to equity, definitions of ‘discourse’, aspects of school discourse practices, and challenges with ethno-mathematical approaches. Next, I summarize what research tells us about equitable discourse practices for students from non-dominant communities in mathematics classrooms. In closing, I use the four chapters and my own work (Moschkovich, Language(s) and learning mathematics: Resources, challenges, and issues for research. In Moschkovich, J. (Ed.), Language and mathematics education: Multiple perspectives and directions for research (pp. 1–28). Charlotte: Information Age Publishing, 2010) to make recommendations for future research.
Mechanism of antihypertensive effect of potassium depletion in renovascular hypertension.

K depletion (KD) prevents the development of hypertension in two-kidney, one-clip renovascular, hypertension [mean arterial pressure: 110 +/- 5 (KD) vs. 142 +/- 3 mmHg in potassium replete (KR); P less than 0.001]. The protective effect of KD is associated with a 60% decrease in angiotensin II (ANG II) pressor responsiveness and a 40% decrease in ANG II binding to mesenteric artery particles from rats with renovascular hypertension (receptor number 117 +/- 16 in KD vs. 165 +/- 14 fmol/mg protein in KR, P less than 0.05). To determine whether decreases in binding could account for decreases in ANG II pressor responsivity, we measured ANG II binding after bilateral nephrectomy or sustained administration of converting-enzyme inhibitor. Both maneuvers resulted in increases in binding, such that total binding and receptor number were greater than in comparably treated KR rats; e.g., after nephrectomy, receptor number was 215 +/- 26 in KD vs. 98 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein in KR, (P less than 0.01). Despite increased binding, the pressor response to ANG II in KD rats, which were nephrectomized or treated with converting-enzyme inhibitor, was still reduced by 50% compared with comparably treated KR rats. To determine whether the decreased ANG II pressor responsivity of KD was caused by cellular K depletion or to increases in ANG H induced by KD, we administered K to KD, ANG II-deficient rats. ANG II pressor responsivity increased, and total binding and receptor number decreased (KD, ANG II- deficient 246 +/ 22 fmol/mg protein; KD, ANG II-deficient + K 91 +/ 16 fmol/mg protein; P less than 0.005) with K.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of Dye-Sensitized Zinc Oxide Layers

EPR studies of dye-sensitized zinc oxide layers constitute a valuable source of information, particularly when combined with other types of photoelectronic measurements. The EPR action spectrum, at 77 K, of zinc oxide sensitized with rose bengal correlates well with the dye absorption spectrum and the room temperature photoconductivity action spectrum. Studies of the kinetics of the rise of the g = 1.96 signal on illumination as a function of oxygen pressure indicate the existence of two mechanisms for deriving the paramagnetic species.
Homeland security education: Managerial versus nonmanagerial market perspectives of an academic program

ABSTRACTThe authors discuss the findings of a market study that preceded the offering of an academic program in homeland security. The university disseminated a mail survey to gain data for analysis of variance testing of several hypotheses regarding market perceptions of the intended homeland security program offering. Stratification involved segregating responses into categories of managers versus nonmanagers. Four statistically significant findings were observed regarding perceptions of course titles, academic program characteristics, degree types, and degree titles. The outcomes of the study are described within the article, and recommendations regarding the implications of the market study are discussed.
Video de-interlacing algorithm based on improved 3D recursive searching

To study a new de-interlacing algorithm,this paper has proposed an improved 3D Recursive Searching(3DRS) video de-interlacing algorithm.With the use of bi-directional motion estimation,it solves the error propagation problem in the primitive algorithm.With the use of a multi-resolution idea,it improves the precision of the motion estimation process according to the matching block size of the adaptive video context.The experimental results indicate,to most test sequences,this proposed algorithm has obtained the performance superior to primitive 3DRS algorithm on the experimental result.
Global fund malaria project implementation effect evaluation of Longlin county

Objective To evaluate the implementation effect of global fund malaria project in Longlin county,to provide the evidence for formulate preventive and control measures. Methods The data of malaria prevention and control work were collected and statistically analyzed in Longlin county during 2007-2012. Results A total of 13 malaria cases were reported in Longlin before the project implementation( 2007-2009),among which appeared 1 local vivax malaria case,1 falciparum malaria death case,a total of 17 cases of malaria were reported after the project implementation( 2010-2012),no deaths and imported secondary cases happened; A total of 23824 people took blood test before the project implementation,the local residents and floating population blood test number accounted for 90. 86% and 9. 14% respectively,a total of 23387 people took blood test after the project implementation,the local residents and floating population blood test number accounted for 85. 27% and 14. 73% respectively; Cases timely diagnosed within 24 hours and the standard treatment rate rose from 38. 46% and 38. 46% respectively before implementation to 88. 24% and 84. 35% after implementation; Professional and technical personnel training rate rose from 37. 43% before the project implementation to 100. 00% after implementation; Primary and middle school students and residents malaria knowledge awareness rate rose from 20. 83% and 27. 78% respectively before implementation to 95. 14% and53. 37% after implementation. Conclusions Global fund malaria project strengthened the implementation of various malaria prevention and control measures in Longlin county,implementation effect is remarkable,is the beneficial supplement of eliminate malaria work of Longlin county.
Advances in the Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonsurgical and nonradiation therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer is focusing on immunotherapy, recombinant human gene products, localized delivery of radiant energy, photodynamic therapy, and retinoids. Although they are not currently practical for widespread application to nonmelanoma skin cancer, there is good reason to hope for significant therapeutic advances in these areas, which will make successful nonsurgical therapy widely available.
Results of coronary artery surgery in patients receiving propranolol.

Beta adrenergic blockade at the time of direct coronary revascularization has theoretical disadvantages and is considered by some to be dangerously depressing to the myocardium in the immediate period after pump oxygenation. A review of 100 consecutive cases of bypass surgery revealed that 25 patients had been taking propranolol to within 24 hours or less before surgery in dosages ranging from 40 to 200 mg. per day. The over-all operative mortality rate was 2 per cent. Neither of the patients who died had been receiving propranolol. Seven of the patients taking the drug required emergency surgery for the preinfarction state. In this group the doses were largest and most proximate to surgery. Nevertheless, none of these patients died. The magnitude of surgery was similar in elective and emergency settings and in those with and without propranolol therapy. We have concluded that coronary revascularization is safe in patients receiving propranolol so long as complete revascularization is done.
Anti-Semitism and its Metaphysical Origins

This book articulates a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of Jew hatred as a metaphysical aspect of the human soul. Proceeding from the Jewish thinking that the anti-Semites oppose, David Patterson argues that anti-Semitism arises from the most ancient of temptations, the temptation to be as God, and thus to flee from an absolute accountability to and for the other human being.
A Time to Kill HIPAA

The greatest obstacle standing between American health care and the elusive, omnipotent digital medical record turns 21 this summer, the equivalent of a modern-day Methuselah in an industry defined by zeros and ones. Born the same year www.myspace went live and the price of gasoline was $1.22 per gallon, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) sought to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage by, among other things, adopting standards for organizations to develop ways in which electronic health transactions could improve health care while also addressing the security of electronic health information systems.
Evaluation of PET/CT alignment using two semi-automated methods

2217 Objectives Proper PET/CT fusion is crucial to avoid misregistration between the two modalities that may result in poor patient treatment planning and scanner performance. Hoping to minimize these errors, two semi-automated methods, manual and maximum pixel, were created using IDL (Interactive Data Language) programs. Our objective was to evaluate PET/CT alignment using these two methods and to assess this alignment for varying clinical conditions. Methods This study utilized a NEMA Body Phantom (Data Spectrum Corp.) that contains six spheres within a torso cavity. CT contrast solution, diluted to a ratio of 1:10, and adequate F-18-FDG was added to the spheres so that there was a sphere to background ratio of 15:1, 10:1 and 5:1 for each of three separate acquisitions. Sufficient F-18-FDG was added to the torso cavity to maintain an activity of 0.14µCi/mL. For each acquisition, five reconstruction images were evaluated using the following PET/CT fusion levels: 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 100/0. A total of fifteen images were acquired on a Philips Gemini PET/CT system and analyzed using both IDL methods. Results The 10:1 sphere to background ratio, representing a typical clinical level, was superior when evaluating the 100/0 fusion data. We found that of the two IDL programs evaluated, the maximum pixel method resulted in a higher level of registration. Our evaluation found that the 0/100 followed by the 25/75 and 100/0 PET/CT fusion levels most accurately represented the diameter of the spheres. Conclusions The 10:1 ratio is the best choice. The 25/75 PET/CT blend gave the most accurate fusion of the data. Our findings will assist in quantifying clinical uncertainties and establishing reproducible QA procedures addressing the degree of misalignment.
Negotiating gendered discourses: Michelle Bachelet and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, by Jane L. Christie

The election of Michele Bachelet in 2005 and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in 2007 were significant milestones for Chile and Argentina, respectively. Both countries share a recent history of milit...
Hemangiomas and Vascular Tumors of the Eye

Choroidal hemangiomas are rare, congenital, benign vascular tumors of the choroid that have a wide range of symptomatology, signs, associated systemic features, clinical course and treatment options. There are two types of choroidal hemangiomas: circumscribed and diffuse. Circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas are usually small with a mean diameter of 7 mm, located in the posterior choroid within 3 mm of the foveola and occasionally in the subfovea. The subfoveal tumors tend to cause visual loss early in life due to the anterior displacement of the retina by the underlying tumor. Patients with parafoveal tumors remain asymptomatic until the 3rd or 4th decade of life. External ocular exam in these patients is usually unremarkable.
A longitudinal study of women's depression symptom profiles during and after the postpartum phase.

Author(s): Fox, Molly; Sandman, Curt A; Davis, Elysia Poggi; Glynn, Laura M | Abstract: BACKGROUND:An issue of critical importance for psychiatry and women's health is whether postpartum depression (PPD) represents a unique condition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders asserts that major depressive disorder (MDD) may present with peripartum onset, without suggesting any other differences between MDD and PPD. The absence of any distinct features calls into question the nosologic validity of PPD as a diagnostic category. The present study investigates whether symptom profiles differ between PPD and depression occurring outside the postpartum phase. METHODS:In a prospective, longitudinal study of parturient women (Nn=n239), we examine the manifestation of depression symptoms. We assess factor structure of symptom profiles, and whether factors are differentially pronounced during and after the postpartum period. RESULTS:Factors were revealed representing: Worry, Emotional/Circadian/Energetic Dysregulation, Somatic/Cognitive, Appetite, Distress Display, and Anger symptoms. The factor structure was validated at postpartum and after-postpartum timepoints. Interestingly, the Worry factor, comprising anxiety and guilt, was significantly more pronounced during the postpartum timepoint, and the Emotional/Circadian/Energetic Dysregulation factor, which contained sadness and anhedonia, was significantly less pronounced during the postpartum period. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that PPD may be a unique syndrome, necessitating research, diagnosis, and treatment strategies distinct from those for MDD. Results indicate the possibility that Worry is an enhanced feature of PPD compared to depression outside the postpartum period, and the crucial role of sadness/anhedonia in MDD diagnosis may be less applicable to PPD diagnosis.
Counting Triangles to Sum Squares.

Counting complete subgraphs of three vertices in complete graphs, yields combinatorial arguments for identities for sums of squares of integers, odd integers, even integers and sums of the triangul...
The Shaping of Cell Sheets: An Application of Mechanics in Developmental Biology

Living organisms deform themselves. The most dramatic deformation is morphogenesis — the generation of form during the development of an embryo. A single cell, the fertilized egg, divides repeatedly to form a mass of cells. This mass deforms itself into more and more complex structures, and eventually develops into a new adult organism. What mechanical processes shape a multicellular organism? Evolution can use intracellular mechanisms, such as those operating in cyto.kinesis; it can augment these with mechanisms involving interaction between cells. We shall inquire how intracellular and intercellular mechanisms may contribute to shaping an embryo.
Low-dose glucocorticoids after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer have no significant effect on pregnancy rate *

Objective To determine the effect on pregnancy rate (PR) of low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in cycles without micromanipulation. Design Randomized, prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Setting One university-based tertiary infertility center and two private infertility centers. Patients All patients receiving standard stimulation IVF-ET or transfer of cryopreserved embryos at the participating facilities from January to September 1993 were asked to participate in this study. Patients having micromanipulation were excluded from this study. Interventions Participating patients were randomized to either 16mg oral 6- α -methylprednisolone for four evenings starting the evening of retrieval or the evening before thawing cryopreserved embryos or to placebo administered in an identical fashion. Both groups were treated with 250mg oral tetracycline four times per day starting with initiation of the study medication and continuing for 4 days. Cryopreservation and stimulation cycles were managed according to pre-established protocols for all patients. A clinical pregnancy was confirmed by an appropriately rising hCG titer and a gestational sac on ultrasound. Results A total of 206 stimulation patients and 61 cryopreservation patients were randomized and had an ET. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates between placebo and glucocorticoid groups were 35.9% versus 40.8% and 12.8% versus 11.7% for stimulation cycles and 30.3% versus 25% and 9.9% versus 7.4% for cryopreservation cycles, respectively. None of these differences were statistically significant. Conclusions Glucocorticoid plus antibiotic treatment at these doses for transfers of nonmicro-manipulated embryos does not appear to have a significant effect on pregnancy or implantation rates.
Echocardiographic and Flow Visualization Studies of the Mechanism for Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by a thickened interventricular septum and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve. This study tested a new hypothesis for SAM which stresses primary structural abnormalities of the papillary muscles using an in vitro model of the left ventricle. Echocardiographic observations revealed creation of SAM by anterior and inward displacement of the papillary muscles. Septal thickening alone, the basis of the currently accepted Venturi theory, did not produce SAM. Flow visualization studies confirmed the importance of drag forces in the maintenance of SAM as streamlines were observed to impact on the residual anterior leaflet which was interposed into ventricular outflow.
Gonadal Steroids in Regeneration and Repair of Neuromuscular Systems

After injury or insult to a motor system, gonadal steroids play a key role in regeneration and repair of motor function primarily through interactions with their intracellular receptors. This chapter highlights the protective and therapeutic effects that gonadal steroids have on neuronal functioning, ranging from motoneuron survival to enhancement of axonal and dendritic growth, as well as peripheral maintenance of bone and muscle. The systemic actions of gonadal steroids are truly multifaceted, modifying the entire synaptic response as well as targeting multiple tissues. We discuss the effects of gonadal steroids in both the central and the peripheral nervous systems ranging from their role in establishing important neuromuscular sex differences and their ability to protect against motoneuron death and disease, to triggering a regenerative response from both axons and dendrites, to enhancing bone growth and muscle mass after injury.
Spline approximation for systems of linear neutral delay-differential equations

Abstract We derive a new finite dimensional semidiscrete approximation scheme for systems of linear neutral delay-differential equations and prove convergence results. Our construction extends to neutral delay equations results which were previously only available for retarded delay equations.
Navigating Disability in Campus Housing: An Ecological Analysis of Student Affairs Work

Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model (1979, 1993), we analyzed grounded theory data from 31 student affairs professionals about supporting students with and without disabilities in, and ...
Surgical Management of Patients with Advanced Germ Cell Tumors Following Salvage Chemotherapy: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Experience.

Abstract Objective To characterize clinical and pathologic outcomes of cisplatin-refractory or relapsed germ cell tumor (GCT) patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) following salvage chemotherapy with either conventional or high dose regimens. Methods Data were reviewed to identify all patients treated with TIP or TICE salvage chemotherapy between 1994 and 2011(n = 184) at our institution. We report clinicopathologic and outcomes data on 131 patients who were further managed with surgical resection. Using Cox-proportional hazards models, predictors of disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed. Results Median follow-up was 7.3 years. Of the 112 patients who underwent postsalvage chemotherapy RPLND, histology was reported as viable GCT in 30 (27%), teratoma only in 26 (23%) and fibrosis in 56 (50%). 5-year DSS for the entire cohort was 74% (95% confidence interval 63%-80%). On multivariable analysis, viable GCT histology at RPLND or extra-RPLND resection predicted for worse DSS (hazard ratio 7.37, P = .003). Conclusions Our data suggest that approximately half of the patient with cisplatin-refractory or relapsed GCT salvaged with TIP or TICE chemotherapy and evidence of residual disease are at risk of harboring either viable GCT or teratoma. This finding underlines the critical role of surgery in the multimodality approach to the management of this advanced disease entity. If retroperitoneal disease exists prior to salvage chemotherapy, we recommend postchemotherapy resection in all eligible patients.
Review Article: Capturing the physiological complexity of the brain's neuro-vascular unit in vitro.

With the accelerating pace of brain research in recent years and the growing appreciation of the complexity of the brain and several brain-associated neurological diseases, the demand for powerful tools to enhance drug screening, diagnosis, and fundamental research is greater than ever. Highly representative models of the central nervous system (CNS) can play a critical role in meeting these needs. Unfortunately, in vivo animal models lack controllability, are difficult to monitor, and do not model human-specific brain behavior accurately. On the other hand, in silico computational models struggle to capture comprehensively the intertwined biological, chemical, electrical, and mechanical complexity of the brain. This leaves us with the promising domain of “organ-on-chip” in vitro models. In this review, we describe some of the most pioneering efforts in this expanding field, offering a perspective on the new possibilities as well as the limitations of each approach. We focus particularly on how the models reproduce the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which mediates mass transport to and from brain tissue. We also offer a brief commentary on strategies for evaluating the blood–brain barrier functionality of these in vitro models, including trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunocytochemistry, and permeability analysis. From the early membrane-based models of the BBB that have grown into the Transwell® class of devices, to the era of microfluidic chips and a future of bio-printed tissue, we see enormous improvement in the reliability of in vitro models. More and more of the biological and structural complexity of the BBB is being captured by microfluidic chips, and the organ-specificity of bio-printed tissue is also significantly improved. Although we believe that the long-term solution will eventually take the form of automated and parallelized bio-printing systems, we find that valuable transport studies can already be accomplished with microfluidic platforms.
Maximum total rainfall and intensity by using Hershfield isohyet maps and Weiss equation

The southern region of the USA does not show a regular or uniform pattern of rainfall. Accurate information on total rainfall and rainfall intensity is necessary for calculating the amount of rainfall needed for crop water use, storage and for designing flood control and water conveyance structures. Models developed based on weather data can help forecast potential total rainfall, supplemental irrigation, water storage, and water losses. Total rainfall and intensity were calculated by linearising method based on isohyet maps developed by Hershfield, and by using the Weiss equation. The calculated values of the maximum total rainfall and intensity were 50.80 and 119.38 mm and 101.60 and 19.90 mm/h, respectively for 0.33 and 6.0-hour storm durations. These results showed a very good agreement with the actual data collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate station in Gadsden, Alabama.
Experimental evidence supportive of the quantum DNA model

The DNA molecule can be modeled as a quantum logic processor in which electron spin qubits are held coherently in each nucleotide in a logically and thermodynamically reversible enantiomeric symmetry, and can be coherently conducted along the pi-stacking interactions of aromatic nucleotide bases, while simultaneously being spin-filtered via the helicity of the DNA molecule. Entangled electron pairs can be separated by that spin-filtering, held coherently at biological temperatures in the topologically insulated nucleotide quantum gates, and incorporated into separate DNA strands during DNA replication. Two separate DNA strands that share quantum entangled electrons can be mitotically divided into individual cells, and thus into two individual cell cultures. Initial experiments to validate the quantum DNA model have shown correlations in the depolarizations between separated cloned neuronal cell cultures, and additional investigations are indicated for further validation.
Improved synthesis of the bifunctional chelator p-SCN-Bn-HOPO

The bifunctional ligand p-SCN-Bn-HOPO, which has four 1,2-hydroxypyridinone groups on a spermine backbone with an isothiocyanate linker, has been shown to be an efficient and stable chelator for Zr(iv) and, more importantly, the radioisotope 89Zr for use in radiolabeling antibodies for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Previous studies of 89Zr-HOPO-trastuzumab in mice showed low background, good tumor to organ contrast, and very low bone uptake which show p-SCN-Bn-HOPO to be an important next-generation bifunctional chelator for radioimmunoPET imaging with 89Zr. However, the reported synthesis of p-SCN-Bn-HOPO involves nine steps and multiple HPLC purifications with an overall yield of about 1.4%. Herein we report an improved and efficient synthesis of p-SCN-Bn-HOPO in four steps with 14.3% overall yield which will improve its availability for further biological studies and wider application in PET imaging. The new synthetic route also allows variation in linker length and chemistries which may be helpful in modifying in vivo clearance behaviors of future agents.
Still HOPEful: Reconsidering a “failed” replication of a swift, certain, and fair approach to reducing substance use among individuals under criminal justice supervision

Combined with other studies of “swift-certain-fair”-style interventions, the HOPE replication further strengthens the conclusion that these methods reduce substance use among people under criminal justice supervision.
Publisher Correction to: An exploration of subjective age, actual age, age awareness, and engagement in everyday

Considerable research has documented relationships between subjective age and consequential outcomes such as life satisfaction, daily stress, health, and even mortality. Less is known about associations between the age people perceive themselves to be and everyday behaviors that may serve as the paths to broader life outcomes. To begin to fill this gap, this study explored the frequency with which 196 US adults aged 55–87 years engaged in behaviors reflecting nine behavioral domains. Respondents also answered questions about their subjective age, age awareness, and actual age. Results showed that whereas actual age predicted engagement in some behaviors (e.g., retirement activities), subjective age predicted engagement in most others (e.g., personal, social, grooming, body-focused, trend activities), and age awareness predicted participation in yet others (e.g., medical activities). The present findings provide insights both about age-related everyday behaviors, and the ways that several perceptions of age are differentially linked to their occurrence.
Deep Bayesian Quadrature Policy Optimization.

We study the problem of obtaining accurate policy gradient estimates using a finite number of samples. Monte-Carlo methods have been the default choice for policy gradient estimation, despite suffering from high variance in the gradient estimates. On the other hand, more sample efficient alternatives like Bayesian quadrature methods have received little attention due to their high computational complexity. In this work, we propose deep Bayesian quadrature policy gradient (DBQPG), a computationally efficient high-dimensional generalization of Bayesian quadrature, for policy gradient estimation. We show that DBQPG can substitute Monte-Carlo estimation in policy gradient methods, and demonstrate its effectiveness on a set of continuous control benchmarks. In comparison to Monte-Carlo estimation, DBQPG provides (i) more accurate gradient estimates with a significantly lower variance, (ii) a consistent improvement in the sample complexity and average return for several deep policy gradient algorithms, and, (iii) the uncertainty in gradient estimation that can be incorporated to further improve the performance.
The Roberts Court's Jurisdictional Revolution within Ford's Frame

From 1945 to 2011, Ford Motor Co. never challenged its amenability to suit on constitutional grounds in any domestic case within Westlaw’s database. But as the Roberts Court fundamentally transformed jurisdictional doctrine over six cases in the last decade, Ford adopted a new litigation strategy: move to dismiss on personal jurisdiction grounds any products-liability suit brought against it outside its home states and the states where it designed, manufactured, and originally sold the specific vehicle at issue. This strategy led Ford to seek dismissals of products-liability suits filed in Montana and Minnesota by state residents suffering in-state injuries allegedly caused by defective Ford vehicles when those particular vehicles reached the forum states via second-hand transactions. While the state courts held that Ford was nonetheless amenable to these suits, this previously routine and well-accepted (even by Ford) jurisdictional assertion now warranted Supreme Court review. This Article, part of a symposium on The Civil Procedure Transformation after Fifteen Years of the Roberts Court, employs Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court as a case study on the Roberts Court’s transformation of the jurisdictional landscape. The injured plaintiffs had three potentially available jurisdictional grounds to sue in their home states that had either been foreclosed or unsettled by the Roberts Court’s earlier sextet of decisions. This limited the plaintiffs to maintaining the Court should abide by four decades of its pronouncements that a company engaging in substantial in-state marketing activities for a product may be sued in that state when that product causes an in-state injury. Ford, though, countered that two of the Roberts Court’s earlier decisions trumped this dicta and necessitated that each state’s jurisdictional authority only extends to claims with a strict causal connection to a defendant’s forum conduct. While the Roberts Court, for the first time in a jurisdictional dispute, sided with the plaintiffs, its need to intervene in Ford and clarify its prior rulings exemplifies the jurisdictional upheaval it has wrought over the last decade.
Chapter 5 Isolation and Characterization of Modified Nucleo-Sides From human Urine

Publisher Summary Mammalian urine contains more than 500 substances with molecular weights of less than one thousand. Many of these compounds are derived from metabolism of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, steroids, fatty acids, vitamins, cofactors and growth factors. While many of the urinary nucleosides and bases are derived from the turnover or degradation of nucleic acids, such as tRNA, rRNA, mRNA and DNA, some of the nucleosides are derived from anabolic nucleotide intermediates and cofactors involved in biosynthesis of nucleic acids as well as other macro-molecules. In a method described in the chapter, a modified heavy duty reagent bottle serves as a reservoir. The stopcock at the top of the column is connected by polyethylene tubing to a reservoir. The top of the reservoir is adapted to connect to a nitrogen tank or to a pump to pressurize the system for sufficient flow rate (5 ml/min). The system is made entirely from heavy walled glass and teflon components.
Establishing Cardiac Left-Right Asymmetry

Publisher Summary One of the most significant recent findings in cardiac L-R development is that the earliest molecular events that determine cardiac orientation occur by cell-cell signaling pathways that do not involve the cardiac primordia. Genes that are not expressed within perspective heart cells have a profound effect on the formation of the heart. By RNA in situ hybridization analysis, at least six RNAs have been shown to be asymmetrically distributed along the L-R axis in chick embryos during gastrulation and neurula stages, predominantly either in or near Hensens's node (HN). Cell signaling genes activin βB, Sonic hedgehog, and a Nodal-related genes are asymmetrically expressed, as are a transmembrane receptor for activin and transcription factors HFNβ and Snrl1 . Other genes, including the cell signaling gene cWnt-8c and the receptor patched have asymmetric expression patterns in HN. It is found that mutually exclusive asymmetric expressions of cNR1 and cSnrl then signal the heart and visceral primordia to provide orientation during subsequent asymmetric organogenesis. It is not known whether the pathway elucidated in chick embryos is conserved in other vertebrates. Some of the genes shown to have asymmetric expression patterns in chick embryos have been shown to have symmetric expression patterns in other embryos.
Coastal Vertebrate Exposure to Predicted Habitat Changes Due to Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise (SLR) may degrade habitat for coastal vertebrates in the Southeastern United States, but it is unclear which groups or species will be most exposed to habitat changes. We assessed 28 coastal Georgia vertebrate species for their exposure to potential habitat changes due to SLR using output from the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model and information on the species’ fundamental niches. We assessed forecasted habitat change up to the year 2100 using three structural habitat metrics: total area, patch size, and habitat permanence. Almost all of the species (n = 24) experienced negative habitat changes due to SLR as measured by at least one of the metrics. Salt marsh and ocean beach habitats experienced the most change (out of 16 categorical land cover types) across the three metrics and species that used salt marsh extensively (rails and marsh sparrows) were ranked highest for exposure to habitat changes. Species that nested on ocean beaches (Diamondback Terrapins, shorebirds, and terns) were also ranked highly, but their use of other foraging habitats reduced their overall exposure. Future studies on potential effects of SLR on vertebrates in southeastern coastal ecosystems should focus on the relative importance of different habitat types to these species’ foraging and nesting requirements. Our straightforward prioritization approach is applicable to other coastal systems and can provide insight to managers on which species to focus resources, what components of their habitats need to be protected, and which locations in the study area will provide habitat refuges in the face of SLR.
Congenital Heart Disease

Cardiac MRI plays a pivotal role in both anatomical and functional assessment of shunts, admixture lesions, transpositions, and the surgical correction of these lesions. This unit presents basic techniques for the evaluation of congenital heart disease. While sequence parameters described are meant to be as generic as possible, parameters are most appropriate for the Siemens 1.5 T Vision or Symphony, and may need to be altered for magnets of different field strengths and manufacturers.
Use of Point and Group Linear Iterative Methods for the Synthesis of Decentralized Control Structures

This paper shows how the theory behind point and group linear iterative methods may be used to develop tools for the analysis and synthesis of decentralized control structures. In particular, it is shown how recent developments in the synthesis of decentralized control structures and their limitations may be explained in terms of this theory, thereby extending and giving further insight into these developments.
Efficient generation of high-power single-cycle THz pulses from single optical beam in second-order nonlinear medium

Summary form only given. During this presentation, we show that the coherence lengths for the THz generation based on difference-frequency generation within each ultrafast optical pulse can be sufficiently long for a wide bandwidth around each phase-matching wavelength due to a slight dispersion in the THz region (i.e. what-we-define "quasi-phase-matching"). As a result, quasi-single-cycle THz pulses can be efficiently generated. An efficient conversion for the parametric process is made possible not only by utilizing the quasi-phase-matching but also by optimizing the pulse width for each peak THz frequency. We have investigated the strong pump region and found the limits to the conversion efficiencies in order to efficiently generate very high peak intensities for the THz waves to explore a nonlinear regime of the THz interactions. Moreover, we have introduced effective third-order nonlinearities by cascading two second-order THz parametric processes and estimated their values.
Aerosol microphysical impact on summertime convective precipitation in the Rocky Mountain region

We present an aerosol-cloud-precipitation modeling study of convective clouds using the Weather Research and Forecasting model fully coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) version 3.1.1. Comparison of the model output with measurements from a research site in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado revealed that the fraction of organics in the model is underpredicted. This is most likely due to missing processes in the aerosol module in the model version used, such as new particle formation and growth of secondary organic aerosols. When boundary conditions and domain-wide initial conditions of aerosol loading are changed in the model (factors of 0.1, 0.2, and 10 of initial aerosol mass of SO4−2, NH4+, and NO3−), the domain-wide precipitation changes by about 5%. Analysis of the model results reveals that the Rocky Mountain region and Front Range environment is not conducive for convective invigoration to play a major role, in increasing precipitation, as seen in some other studies. When localized organic aerosol emission are increased to mimic new particle formation, the resulting increased aerosol loading leads to increases in domain-wide precipitation, opposite to what is seen in the model simulations with changed boundary and initial conditions.