cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Track Pitch Capability for HAMR Recording

Differences in the areal density capability limits for heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) and conventional perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) are explored using spinstand measurements and micromagnetic modeling. The written track curvature and the transition width are measured with a special technique that mitigates cross-track averaging effects due to finite read sensor width. Tracks written with HAMR heads are shown to have more curvature compared with those written with modern PMR writers. Both broadening and transition curvatures are present cross track, that can be described reasonably well using Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert modeling and indicates the effective gradient profile dominates. However, as we get to the track edge, we see disagreement between the model and the experiment, which is not currently reconciled. The curvature and broadening effects appear to challenge not only the downtrack bit resolution during readback, but also the cross-track written width with increased linear density. We discuss different near field transducer (NFT) designs, and comparing narrow versus wide thermal profile NFT designs, we can see that track pitch appears to weakly optimize to a maximal cross-track gradient point. Experimental measurements of constant bit error rate for different linear and track densities indicate a significant opportunity for high track density recording using HAMR. The difference appears to be related to the ability for HAMR to address high track pitches with a minimal increase in risk of adjacent track interference compared with PMR. We revise NFT head-to-media spacing requirements when we attempt to account for interference effects.
Linguistic accommodations and electoral participation: A comparative analysis

The purpose of this study was to advance the understanding of the influence geo-political events and legislation can have on the accommodation of minority language voters. Particularly, this study focused on the effects of (1) the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on minority language voters in the USA, and (2) World War I on minority language voters in Austria. We use a most similar systems design with our case studies. The results from the most similar systems design suggest that while both the USA and Austria have similar constitutional structures, are stable democracies, and have laws enacted to help protect the rights of minority language speakers (the VRA of 1965 in the USA, and Art. 8 of the Austrian State Treaty of 1955), they have developed two different approaches to linguistic accommodation for minority language speakers at elections. This study has helped to further the researchers’ understanding of the influence geo-political events and legislation can have on the accommodation of minority language voters.
Flight motor modulation with speed in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta.

Abstract The theoretical underpinnings for flight, including animal flight with flapping wings, predict a curvilinear U-shaped or J-shaped relationship between flight speed and the power required to maintain that speed. Experimental data have confirmed this relationship for a variety of bird and bat species but not insects, possibly due to differences in aerodynamics and physiology or experimental difficulties. Here we quantify modulation of the main flight motor muscles (the dorsolongitudinal and dorsoventral) via electromyography in hawkmoths (Manduca sexta) flying freely over a range of speeds in a wind tunnel and show that these insects exhibit a U-shaped speed-power relationship, with a minimum power speed of 2 m s−1, indicating that at least large flying insects achieve sufficiently high flight speeds that drag and power become limiting factors.
Missing Domains of Lung Transplant Patient Selection.

The goal of consistent, predictable, and improved outcomes has continued to elude the scientific community in the 30 years since lung transplantation became the procedure of choice for patients with terminal, nonmalignant lung disease.Background:Although there is consensus regarding disease-specific indications for lung transplant, ambiguity remains regarding how patient-specific attributes should influence lung transplant candidacy. This study had 3 aims (1) to establish the missing domains of the interdisciplinary assessment of the lung transplant candidate, (2) to have these domains validated by an international panel of lung transplant experts, and (3) to recommend the next step for inclusion of these domains into the lung transplant candidate selection process.Methods:Three levels of evidence were reviewed. A search for standards and guidelines, a comprehensive literature review, and a validation of domains by experts were conducted.Results:Seven domains of patient attributes were identified as relev...
A posteriori error estimation for multi-stage RungeKutta IMEX schemes

ImplicitExplicit (IMEX) schemes are widely used for time integration methods for approximating solutions to a large class of problems. In this work, we develop accurate a posteriori error estimates of a quantity-of-interest for approximations obtained from multi-stage IMEX schemes. This is done by first defining a finite element method that is nodally equivalent to an IMEX scheme, then using typical methods for adjoint-based error estimation. The use of a nodally equivalent finite element method allows a decomposition of the error into multiple components, each describing the effect of a different portion of the method on the total error in a quantity-of-interest.
Processing RDF Triplestores in Front-End Applications Based on Context-Dependent Rules

Current RDF-based languages for the Semantic Web, such as OWL and SWRL, are not intended to work with uncertain or inconsistent descriptions. This limitation does not undermine their enormous power when it comes to navigating the web to collect information in response to SPARQL queries. But the web being an "open world" inevitably contains contradictions and not always the relevant information can be found, even if it is present on the web. To address complex descriptive queries requiring an advice rather than information, we need more flexible notations and reasoning capabilities especially on the application site. In this paper, we discuss how a reasoning framework based on context-dependent rules can be adapted to process RDF triples in recommender-type front-end applications.
Obergefell, Dignity, and the Family

In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Court was sharply divided with the majority holding that the fundamental right to marry includes the right to marry a same-sex partner and the differing dissents suggesting that same-sex marriage is a matter to be left to the legislature. While the Court's holding was not surprising, the majority and the dissenting opinions contained surprises in both content and approach, which may provide the basis for substantial jurisprudential shifts in several areas and, in any event, more clearly establishes some of the battle lines in cases that will likely come before the Court in the not-too-distant future.
The restaurant social servicescape: Establishing a nomological framework

Abstract Understanding the effects of the service environment on consumption behavior has become an important topic of research in the hospitality literature in recent years. While much of the initial research in this stream has focused on the effects of the physical aspects of the consumption space (e.g., decor, layout, lighting, etc.), a number of more recent studies have proposed that, like these physical factors, social phenomena may exert a significant effect on consumer behavior. The purpose of this research is to test these propositions. Defined as the social servicescape, social aspects of the consumption environment including customer/employee behavior, appearance, and perceived similarity, are hypothesized to exert a meaningful effect on evaluations of the full-service dining experience. The results support the proposed framework, demonstrating the social servicescape as a robust predictor of attitude, satisfaction, and post-consumption behavioral intentions, including return intention and word of mouth.
Running to stand still: Trauma symptoms, coping strategies, and substance use behaviors in unaccompanied migrant youth

Abstract From October 2013 to July 2016, over 156,000 children traveling without their guardians were apprehended at the US-Mexico border. Although these unaccompanied youth have received substantial media attention, little is known about their health and well-being. The current study implemented a concurrent, parallel mixed methods research design, whereby quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus groups) data were collected simultaneously to explore: (a) the frequency of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use, (b) trauma exposure at pre-migration, migration, and post-migration, and (c) how youth may cope with these adversities. Thirty unaccompanied migrant youth were recruited from middle and high schools. An equal proportion of female and male participants from Honduras (n = 10), Guatemala (n = 8), Mexico (n = 6), and El Salvador (n = 6) completed survey and focus group protocols. Over one-half of the sample met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (56.7%), 30% met the criteria for major depressive disorder, and 30% reported suicidal ideation in the past year. While most youth reported no or infrequent substance use, they indicated having easy access to nearly all substances. Qualitative data revealed that youth faced persistent trauma exposure, including family separation, family and community violence, a lack of institutional protection, and pervasive poverty. Coping strategies related to mental health and substance use outcomes. Social withdrawal and avoidant coping were related to posttraumatic stress disorder, higher depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, while adaptive coping strategies were protective against substance use. Unaccompanied youth flee their counties of origin to escape extreme violence and reunite with family. In the U.S., they report unresolved trauma and grief. If left untreated, these can be risk factors for mental illness and disability in adulthood. Reinforcing healthy coping may be an area where school and community providers can intervene to improve these youths' well-being.
Live Attenuated Tularemia Vaccines for Protection Against Respiratory Challenge With Virulent F. tularensis subsp. tularensis.

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia and a Tier I bioterrorism agent. In the 1900s, several vaccines were developed against tularemia including the killed "Foshay" vaccine, subunit vaccines comprising F. tularensis protein(s) or lipoproteins(s) in an adjuvant formulation, and the F. tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS); none were licensed in the U.S.A. or European Union. The LVS vaccine retains toxicity in humans and animals-especially mice-but has demonstrated efficacy in humans, and thus serves as the current gold standard for vaccine efficacy studies. The U.S.A. 2001 anthrax bioterrorism attack spawned renewed interest in vaccines against potential biowarfare agents including F. tularensis. Since live attenuated-but not killed or subunit-vaccines have shown promising efficacy and since vaccine efficacy against respiratory challenge with less virulent subspecies holarctica or F. novicida, or against non-respiratory challenge with virulent subsp. tularensis (Type A) does not reliably predict vaccine efficacy against respiratory challenge with virulent subsp. tularensis, the route of transmission and species of greatest concern in a bioterrorist attack, in this review, we focus on live attenuated tularemia vaccine candidates tested against respiratory challenge with virulent Type A strains, including homologous vaccines derived from mutants of subsp. holarctica, F. novicida, and subsp. tularensis, and heterologous vaccines developed using viral or bacterial vectors to express F. tularensis immunoprotective antigens. We compare the virulence and efficacy of these vaccine candidates with that of LVS and discuss factors that can significantly impact the development and evaluation of live attenuated tularemia vaccines. Several vaccines meet what we would consider the minimum criteria for vaccines to go forward into clinical development-safety greater than LVS and efficacy at least as great as LVS, and of these, several meet the higher standard of having efficacy ≥LVS in the demanding mouse model of tularemia. These latter include LVS with deletions in purMCD, sodBFt , capB or wzy; LVS ΔcapB that also overexpresses Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) proteins; FSC200 with a deletion in clpB; the single deletional purMCD mutant of F. tularensis SCHU S4, and a heterologous prime-boost vaccine comprising LVS ΔcapB and Listeria monocytogenes expressing T6SS proteins.
Principal Tangent Sytem Reduction

We have outlined a new method of model reduction for nonlinear control systems. The advantages of this new approach are that it is not a local method and it is not an analytic method. All it requires is numerical code that can simulate the system. Further development of this method is needed and we will report on that in future publications.
Nutrition for Substance Use Disorder Recovery: The Gut-Brain Axis

With substance use disorder rates rising, there is an urgent need for new and effective treatment modalities. The utilization of nutrition services in addiction treatment has not been standardized, but there is a growing trend towards incorporating registered dietitian nutritionists into the treatment team. This comprehensive overview explores the impact of alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids on nutritional status. This presentation places particular emphasis on gut health, microbiome, and associated neural interactions. Homeostatic and hedonic mechanisms of eating behavior are discussed in the context of eating disorders and food addiction. Given the current crisis of addictive disorders, consideration should be given to prioritizing efforts to improve eating habits and overall health in recovery programs. Guidelines for nutrition interventions will be proposed, and a summary of where more information is needed will point towards future directions.
Primary Immunodeficiency in the NICU

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) are genetic diseases that lead to increased susceptibility to infection. Hundreds of PIDs have now been described, but a select subset commonly presents in the neonatal period. Neonates, especially premature newborns, have relative immune immaturity that makes it challenging to differentiate PIDs from intrinsic immaturity. Nonetheless, early identification and appropriate management of PIDs are critical, and the neonatal clinician should be familiar with a range of PIDs and their presentations. The neonatal clinician should also be aware of the importance of consulting with an immunologist when a PID is suspected. The role of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency, as well as the initial steps of laboratory evaluation for a PID should be familiar to those caring for neonates. Finally, it is important for providers to be familiar with the initial management steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection in affected patients.
Spatio-temporal distribution of polar cod ( Boreogadus saida ) and saffron cod ( Eleginus gracilis ) early life stages in the Pacific Arctic

Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) are key fishes in the Arctic marine ecosystem, serving as important trophic links between plankton and apex predators, yet our understanding of their life histories in Alaska’s Arctic is extremely limited. To improve our knowledge about their early life stages (ELS), we described the spatial and temporal distributions of preflexion larvae to late juveniles (to 65 mm in length) in the Chukchi and western Beaufort seas based on surveys conducted between 2004 and 2013, and examined how their abundances varied in response to environmental factors. Species-specific differences in habitat use were found, with polar cod having a more offshore and northern distribution than saffron cod, which were found closer inshore and farther south. Polar cod preflexion and flexion larvae were encountered throughout the sampling season across much of the shelf, which suggests that spawning occurs over several months and at multiple locations, with Barrow Canyon potentially serving as an important spawning and/or retention area. Polar cod ELS were abundant at intermediate temperatures (5.0–6.0 °C), while saffron cod were most abundant at the highest temperatures, which suggests that saffron cod may benefit from a warming Arctic, while polar cod may be adversely affected. This research provides new insights into how environmental variability influences the distribution and abundance of gadids in the Pacific Arctic and advances our understanding of the habitats occupied by these key forage species during their first few months of life.
Accuracy and Efficiency Comparison of Six Numerical Integrators for Propagating Perturbed Orbits

We present the results of a comprehensive study in which the precision and efficiency of six numerical integration techniques, both implicit and explicit, are compared for solving the gravitationally perturbed two-body problem in astrodynamics. Solution of the perturbed two-body problem is fundamental for applications in space situational awareness, such as tracking orbit debris and maintaining a catalogue of over twenty thousand pieces of orbit debris greater than the size of a softball, as well as for prediction and prevention of future satellite collisions. The integrators used in the study are a 5th/4th and 8th/7th order Dormand-Prince, an 8th order Gauss-Jackson, a 12th/10th order Runga-Kutta-Nystrom, Variable-step Gauss Legendre Propagator and the Adaptive-Picard-Chebyshev methods. Four orbit test cases are considered, low Earth orbit, Sun-synchronous orbit, geosynchronous orbit, and a Molniya orbit. A set of tests are done using a high fidelity spherical-harmonic gravity (70 × 70) model with and without an exponential cannonball drag model. We present three metrics for quantifying the solution precision achieved by each integration method. These are conservation of the Hamiltonian for conservative systems, round-trip-closure, and the method of manufactured solutions. The efficiency of each integrator is determined by the number of function evaluations required for convergence to a solution with a prescribed accuracy. The present results show the region of applicability of the selected methods as well as their associated computational cost. Comparison results are concisely presented in several figures and are intended to provide the reader with useful information for selecting the best integrator for their purposes and problem specific requirements in astrodynamics.
Real-Time Image Localization and Registration with BIM Using Perspective Alignment for Indoor Monitoring of Construction

AbstractConstruction performance monitoring has been identified as a key component that leads to the success of a construction project. Real-time and frequent monitoring will enable early detection...
A Predictive Control Method for Automotive Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems

This paper presents a predictive control method for automotive Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to minimize vehicle tailpipe Nitrogen Oxides (NO x ) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. SCR systems have been indispensable in Diesel-powered vehicles to reduce the toxic emissions. To balance the tradeoff between NO x and NH3, the ammonia storage level in an SCR needs to be critically controlled. The proposed control method consists of an ammonia coverage ratio tracking controller and a predictive reference ammonia coverage ratio generator. The reference generator will utilize the predictive information, enabled by growing vehicle connectivity and intelligence, to determine an optimal level of ammonia coverage ratio within the preview horizon. The tracking controller will then drive ammonia coverage ratio to a desired level. The effectiveness of the proposed design approach is demonstrated through simulation studies with experimentally acquired data.
Court-Packing and Democratic Erosion

When faced with an incumbent party that is deliberately tilting the electoral and institutional playing field, under what conditions should small-d democracy advocates respond with hardball tactics such as Court-packing? This paper surveys the comparative literature on democratic erosion for key lessons regarding the role of courts in polities where democratic erosion is underway. The literature suggests that independent courts may sometimes operate as guardrails of democracy, but that once captured by anti-system parties, courts may also serve as effective agents of democratic erosion. The paper then draws on the history of Court-packing in the United States in an effort to confirm and sharpen these lessons. The key takeaway is that we should distinguish between constitutional hardball in service of democratic erosion and constitutional hardball in service of democratic preservation or renewal. In this light, given the role played by the current Supreme Court in ongoing processes of democratic backsliding, Democratic Court-expansion, combined with institutional reform of the judicial selection process, may be the least-bad option for restoring the Court’s role as democratic guardrail.
Local and regional differences in abundance of co-dominant grasses in the shortgrass steppe: a modeling analysis of potential causes

The shortgrass steppe is co-dominated by two C4perennial grasses, Bouteloua gracilis andBuchloe dactyloides. At our site and throughouteastern Colorado Bouteloua gracilis has higher cover andbiomass than Buchloe dactyloides. We hypothesizedthatthe interaction between seedling recruitment differences and disturbance regimeand tolerance to drought conditions were the most likely causes of the observeddifferences in relative abundances. We used a simulation model to investigatethe relative importance of the three factors. We studied plant biomass of thesetwo species in 18 simulated treatments that resulted from a factorialcombination of seedling recruitment differences, disturbance regime, andtolerance to drought conditions. Analysis of the simulation outputs with ANOVAindicated that biomass of each species responded positively to increases inrecruitment probability. Increasing disturbance frequency favoredBuchloe dactyloides over Boutelouagracills, whereas the susceptibility Buchloedactyloides to drought favored Boutelouagracilis. The results indicated that differences in droughttoleranceand seedling recruitment probabilities along with their interactions withdisturbance regimes exert a major control on the biomass of the species. In theabsence of or with intermediate disturbance, a higher recruitment probabilityand greater tolerance to drought of Bouteloua gracilisthanBuchloe dactyloides yielded patterns of relativebiomass similar to the patterns observed in the shortgrass steppe.
Clinical analysis of nonpuerperal mastitis: diagnosis and treatment study of 82 cases

Objective To explore and summarize the clinical features and treatmentof the nonpuerperal mastitis.Methods Eighty-two cases of nonpuer-peral mastitis from 2003 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients were divided into surgery alone group (11 cases)and medication combined surgery group (71 cases),which PDM patients with triple anti-mycobacterial drugs therapy,GM patients with cortical hormone therapy.Results All patients were diagnosed by biopsy.The total duration of simple drug group (triple or hormone) is (11.92 ±6.50) weeks and remission rate after 4 weeks was (89.06 ± 2.25) ％.Drugs plus surgery group,the total duration of the group is (6.57 ± 2.30) weeks,and no recurrence.The total duration of the simple surgery group is (17.09 ± 13.11) weeks and remission rate after 4 weeks was (63.64 ± 1.10) ％.Comparison of the total duration of the three groups and the cumulative response rate curves were significantly different(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Nonpuerperal mastitis requires a combination of clinical and pathological diagnosis.Surgery is not the only treatment option,triple anti-mycobacterial or cortisol hormones for different types of pathology conservative treatment can achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect.Drug therapy combined with surgery can shorten the duration and reduce the relapse rate,it is an effective treatment for nonpuerperal mastitis. Key words: Nonpuerperal mastitis ; Mastitis ; Diagnosis ; Treatment outcome
Performance Evaluation of Geometric Area Analysis Technique for Anomaly Detection Using Trapezoidal Area Estimation

Computer network technology is developing quickly, and the advancement of internet techniques is growing faster. Furthermore, people and companies have became more aware of the importance of network security. To protect the network from different attacks, it is necessary to instantly detect intrusions with significantly low False-Positive Rates (FPRs). Many Anomaly-based Detection Systems (ADS) have been proposed in the past. The performance of these systems depends on many factors such as features selection or extraction, missing or inaccurate records in data, over-fitting, under-fitting, high bias, and variance in data. Thus, it is important to take all these factors into account. Recently, a novel Geometric Area Analysis (GAA) technique based on Trapezoidal Area Estimation (TAE) has been proposed based on the Beta Mixture Model (BMM). In this work, we evaluate GAA and TAE techniques using other flexible mixture models based on inverted Beta, generalized Dirichlet, and generalized inverted Dirichlet distributions. The evaluation of this work is performed on two datasets, namely the NSL-KDD and UNSW-NB15. The results have shown the efficiency of the proposed ADS demonstrated by obtaining high accuracy and low false-positive rates in all attack types.
Higher-order readings of wh -questions

In most cases, a wh-question calls for an answer that names an entity in the set denoted by the extension of the wh-complement. However, evidence from questions with necessity modals and questions with collective predicates argues that sometimes a wh-question must be interpreted with a higher-order reading, in which this question calls for an answer that names a generalized quantifier. This paper investigates the distribution and compositional derivation of higher-order readings of wh-questions. First, I argue that the generalized quantifiers that can serve as semantic answers to wh-questions must be homogeneously positive. Next, on the distribution of higher-order readings, I observe that questions in which the wh-complement is singular-marked or numeral-modified can be answered by elided disjunctions but not by conjunctions. I further present two ways to account for this disjunction–conjunction asymmetry. In the uniform account, these questions admit disjunctions because disjunctions (but not conjunctions) may satisfy the atomicity requirement of singular-marking and the cardinality requirement of numeral modification. In the reconstruction account, the wh-complement is syntactically reconstructed, which gives rise to local uniqueness and yields a contradiction for conjunctive answers.
Design of Dual-Polarized Log-Periodic Antenna with Embedded Balun Impedance Transformer

The design of a wideband, over-2-octave bandwidth dual-polarized, unidirectional, log-periodic antenna with integrated impedance transformer balun is presented. The aim is to demonstrate a low-cost configuration for spectrum sensing over wide field-of-view as well as other applications such as communications and direction finding. Therefore, 3d printing was considered and important structural changes within the antenna structure, such as the use of rebars, are made to ensure reliable fabrication while maintaining good electrical performance. An impedance transforming balun is integrated in the booms of the two sets of arms to achieve match to 50 ohms. The antenna is silver painted and unidirectional performance with stable radiation patterns is achieved.
Intra-Team Rivalry on Performance Teams: An Investigation into Individual and Team Performance and Employee Deviance

Most studies on rivalry analyze the phenomenon where rivals are on opposing sides in two settings: sport teams and organizations. The rivalry literature is expanding to study the effects of the coach or manager on a team as/if they create an environment marked by rivalry. Study 1 adds to the emerging literature on rivalry by examining team member behaviors, including individual and team performance, if rivalry develops within team (i.e., intra-team rivalry). Study 1 surveyed 311 collegiate students recalling in detail an athletic team experience from high school. Findings indicate intra-team rivalry was positively related to individual and team performance, as well as, individual deviance. A significant, indirect effect of intra-team rivalry on individual performance - mediated by social comparison - was also found. Study 1 extends existing research on social comparison theory (e.g., team level), individual and team performance; and team member deviance. Additionally, future research implications are discussed.
Automated motion correction based on target tracking and software implementation

657 Learning Objectives: 1. To understand an automated algorithm based on target tracking for motion correction. 2. To learn software implementation of automated motion correction and its clinical applications in dynamic analysis. Abstract (summary): This exhibit demonstrates a novel technique of motion correction that first tracks a target (organ) motion in a dynamic series then aligns it. The implementation algorithm for target tracking-based motion correction consists of image preprocessing, target detection, target positioning, motion estimation and prediction, tracking (new search region generation) and target alignment. The targeted organ is tracked from the first frame to the last one in the dynamic series to generate a moving trajectory of the organ. Motion correction is implemented by aligning all organ’s ROIs in the series of image to the organ seen the first image. The proposed method of motion correction has been applied to several dynamic nuclear medicine studies including radionuclide crystography, dynamic renal scintigraphy, diuretic renography and gastric emptying.
Metallothionein-1,2 and heme oxygenase-1 are expressed in damaged brain regions following chemically-induced seizures

Chemicals that induce limbic hyperactivity which generalizes into a status epilepticus cause severe neurodegeneration in limbic-related structures (piriform cortex, amygdala, and CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus) [1–5]. Two examples are soman (O-1,2,2-trimethylpropyl methylphosphono-fluoridate), an irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and kainic acid (KA), a glutamate analog. KA-induced seizures occur first in the ventral hippocampus and lateral septum; the areas where increases in local cerebral glucose use (LCGU) occur first after injection of KA. They are also the only areas where increases in LCGU occur when the spread of electrical activity from the initiation sites is prevented by diazepam pretreatment [6]. In contrast, when the spread of electrical activity in soman exposed rats is prevented by diazepam pretreatment, increases in LCGU, occur in the globus pallidus, ventral pallidum and substantia nigra [7]. Although the seizure-initiation sites for these two agents are different, eventually the spread of seizure activity via enhanced glutamate release within limbic-related structures leads to hyperactivity which generalizes throughout the brain causing a full-blown status epilepticus. Furthermore, the neuropathology associated with both chemical agents are similar [1–5]. LCGU dramatically increases in many brain regions, including limbic-related areas during the seizure phase induced by either soman or KA [1–5]. The increased neuronal activity causes a calcium stress leading to production of reactive oxygen species which contributes to the neuropathology [8].
Isolation of a single-stranded plasmid from Clostridium acetobutylicum NCIB 6444.

Abstract The cryptic plasmid pDM6 was isolated from late exponential-phase cells of Clostridium acetobutylicum NCIB 6444 by either alkaline lysis or electroporation. The application of high voltage during electroporation resulted in higher DNA yield than did the alkaline lysis procedure. However, electroporation-induced plasmid release generated high amounts of single-stranded DNA compared with the alkaline lysis procedure, which generated both double-stranded DNA (monomer and dimer forms) and single-stranded DNA.
Flow rates of large animal fluid delivery systems used for high‐volume crystalloid resuscitation

Objectives Large animal species in states of shock can require particularly high flow rates for volume resuscitation and the ability to deliver adequate volumes rapidly may be a rate-limiting step. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum flow rates of common combinations of IV catheter, extension set, and fluid administration sets. Settings University veterinary teaching hospital. Design In vitro experimental study. Interventions Maximum flow rates were measured using combinations of 4 IV catheters (3 14-Ga and a single 10-Ga), 2 IV catheter extension sets (small bore and large bore), and 2 types of fluid administration sets (standard 2-lead large animal coiled IV set and nonpressurized 4-lead arthroscopic irrigation set). The catheter, extension sets, and administration sets were arranged in 16 configurations, and flow rates measured in triplicate using tap water flowing into an open receptacle. Measurements and Main Results Flow rates ranged from 7.4 L/h with an over-the-wire 14-Ga catheter, small-bore extension, and coil set, to 51.2 L/h using a 10-Ga catheter, no extension, and arthroscopic irrigation set. There was an increase of 1.3–8.9% in flow rates between the large- versus small-bore extension sets. Crystalloid delivery in vivo to an adult horse was 21% slower (9.1 L/h versus 11.5 L/h) than the corresponding in vitro measurement. Conclusions Extremely high flow rates can be achieved in vitro using large-bore catheters and delivery systems, although the clinical necessity for rates >50 L/h has not been determined. The use of large-bore extension sets resulted in only a minimal increase in flow rate.
Problem Solving Examples as First Class Objects in Educational Digital Libraries: Three Obstacles to Overcome

The paper analyzes three major problems encountered by our team as we endeavored to turn problem solving examples in the domain of programming into highly reusable educational activities, which could be included as learning objects in various educational digital libraries. It also suggests three specific approaches to resolving these problems, and reports on the evaluation of the suggested approaches. Our successful experience, presented in this paper, demonstrates how to make program examples selfsufficient, guide individual students to the most appropriate examples, and increase the volume of annotated examples.
Prediction of cartilage compressive modulus using multiexponential analysis of T2 relaxation data and support vector regression

Evaluation of mechanical characteristics of cartilage by magnetic resonance imaging would provide a noninvasive measure of tissue quality both for tissue engineering and when monitoring clinical response to therapeutic interventions for cartilage degradation. We use results from multiexponential transverse relaxation analysis to predict equilibrium and dynamic stiffness of control and degraded bovine nasal cartilage, a biochemical model for articular cartilage. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan concentration/wet weight (ww) and equilibrium and dynamic stiffness decreased with degradation from 103.6 ± 37.0 µg/mg ww, 1.71 ± 1.10 MPa and 15.3 ± 6.7 MPa in controls to 8.25 ± 2.4 µg/mg ww, 0.015 ± 0.006 MPa and 0.89 ± 0.25MPa, respectively, in severely degraded explants. Magnetic resonance measurements were performed on cartilage explants at 4 °C in a 9.4 T wide-bore NMR spectrometer using a Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill sequence. Multiexponential T2 analysis revealed four water compartments with T2 values of approximately 0.14, 3, 40 and 150 ms, with corresponding weight fractions of approximately 3, 2, 4 and 91%. Correlations between weight fractions and stiffness based on conventional univariate and multiple linear regressions exhibited a maximum r2 of 0.65, while those based on support vector regression (SVR) had a maximum r2 value of 0.90. These results indicate that (i) compartment weight fractions derived from multiexponential analysis reflect cartilage stiffness and (ii) SVR-based multivariate regression exhibits greatly improved accuracy in predicting mechanical properties as compared with conventional regression. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Pharmacological targeting of miR-155 via the NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4924 (Pevonedistat) in FLT3 -ITD acute myeloid leukemia

High levels of microRNA-155 (miR-155) are associated with poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In AML, miR-155 is regulated by NF-κB, the activity of which is, in part, controlled by the NEDD8-dependent ubiquitin ligases. We demonstrate that MLN4924, an inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme presently being evaluated in clinical trials, decreases binding of NF-κB to the miR-155 promoter and downregulates miR-155 in AML cells. This results in the upregulation of the miR-155 targets SHIP1, an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and PU.1, a transcription factor important for myeloid differentiation, leading to monocytic differentiation and apoptosis. Consistent with these results, overexpression of miR-155 diminishes MLN4924-induced antileukemic effects. In vivo, MLN4924 reduces miR-155 expression and prolongs the survival of mice engrafted with leukemic cells. Our study demonstrates the potential of miR-155 as a novel therapeutic target in AML via pharmacologic interference with NF-κB-dependent regulatory mechanisms. We show the targeting of this oncogenic microRNA with MLN4924, a compound presently being evaluated in clinical trials in AML. As high miR-155 levels have been consistently associated with aggressive clinical phenotypes, our work opens new avenues for microRNA-targeting therapeutic approaches to leukemia and cancer patients.
Effect of Sulfation on the Gastrointestinal Actions of Caerulein

Caerulein, a substance isolated from frog skins, is a decapeptide having the same five carboxyl-terminal amino acids as gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK). Gastrin has a tyrosyl residue in location 6 (from the C-terminus) which may or may not be sulfated and sulf ation does not affect most biological activities. Caerulein, like CCK, contains a sulfated tyrosine at location 7; its actions were compared with those of synthetic desulfated caerulein to determine whether sulf ation at location 7 significantly altered its action. Dose-response curves to the two caeruleins on gastric and pancreatic secretion were determined in two sets of chronic dogs, one having gastric fistulas and Heidenhain pouches and the other gastric and pancreatic fistulas. The effects on gallbladder contractility were determined by open tip manometry in conscious cats with chronic gallbladder fistulas. The dose of caerulein required for 50% of maximal response ranged from 160 ng per kg-hr for acid secretion from gastric fistulas to 32 ng per kg-hr for pancreatic volume and 0.26 ng per kg for gallbladder contraction. Natural caerulein was about 6 times as potent as desulfated caerulein in stimulating acid secretion from gastric fistulas and about 5 times as potent as desulfated caerulein in stimulating pepsin output. Pancreatic responses to desulfated caerulein were also much less than those seen with natural caerulein. The greatest effect of sulfation, however, was seen on the contraction of the gallbladder. A dose of 40 ng per kg of desulfated caerulein was required to produce a contraction of 15 cm of water pressure, equal to that produced by only 0.25 ng per kg of natural caerulein. Therefore, natural caerulein was about 160 times as potent in this respect. A similar difference in potency on the gallbladder was found between the sulfated and desulfated C-terminal octapeptides of CCK. We conclude that sulfation of the tyrosine in caerulein, and probably in CCK, is necessary for optimal physiological activity, especially in the case of gallbladder contraction. Apparently the position of the tyrosyl residue is of prime importance, for sulfation appears to have little or no effect on most biological test systems when tyrosine occupies location 6 as it does in the gastrin molecule.
Programmed cell death of keratinocytes culminates in apoptotic secretion of a humectant upon secretagogue action of acetylcholine

The programmed cell death of the stratified squamous epithelial cells comprising human epidermis culminates in abrupt transition of viable granular keratinocytes (KC) into dead corneocytes sloughed by the skin. The granular cell-corneocyte transition is associated with a loss in volume and dry cell weight but the mechanism for and biological significance of this form of keratinocyte apoptosis remain obscure. We show that terminally differentiated KC extrude into the intercellular spaces of living epidermis the cytoplasmic buds containing randomly congregated components of the cytosol as well as filaggrin, a precursor of the natural moisturizing factor. The discharge of secretory product is reminiscent of holocrine secretion, suggesting the term 'apoptotic secretion' for this novel, essential step in the process of cornification. The secretory product may become a part of the glycocalyx (a.k.a. 'intercellular cement substance' of epidermis) and serve as a humectant that counterbalances the osmotic pressure imposed by the natural moisturizing factor located in the stratum corneum comprised by corneocytes. The apoptotic secretion commences upon secretagouge action of acetylcholine which is synthesized and released by KC. A combination of a cholinergic nicotinic agonist and a muscarinic antagonist which increases intracellular calcium levels is required to trigger the apoptotic secretion. Analysis of the relative amounts of cholinergic enzymes and receptors expressed by KC capable of secretion and the pharmacological profiles of secretion regulation revealed an upward concentration gradient of free acetylcholine in epidermis which may provide for its unopposed secretagogue action via the m1 muscarinic and the alpha7, and alpha9 nicotinic receptor types expressed by KC at the latest stage of their development in the epidermis.
Early Commitment of Financial Aid Eligibility

Under the current financial aid system in the United States, most students do not find out the amount of financial aid for which they qualify until after they have applied to college and been admit...
The Cloning of Mouse Keratocan cDNA and Genomic DNA and the Characterization of Its Expression during Eye Development

Keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPGs) play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of corneal transparency. Keratocan, lumican, and mimecan (osteoglycin) are the major KSPGs in vertebrate corneas. To provide a better understanding of the structure/function relationship of keratocan, we have cloned both the mouse keratocan gene and its cDNA. We have also examined its expression during embryonic development. The mouse keratocan gene spans approximately 6.5 kilobases of the mouse genome and contains three exons and two introns. Northern blotting and in situhybridization were employed to examine keratocan gene expression during mouse development. Unlike lumican gene, which is expressed by many tissues other than cornea, keratocan mRNA is more selectively expressed in the corneal tissue of the adult mouse. During embryonic development, keratocan mRNA was first detected in periocular mesenchymal cells migrating toward developing corneas on embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Its expression was gradually restricted to corneal stromal cells on E14.5∼E18.5. Interestingly, keratocan mRNA can be detected in scleral cells of E15.5 embryos, but not in E18.5 embryos. In adult eyes, keratocan mRNA can be detected in corneal keratocytes, but not in scleral cells.
A Review of Ion Simulation of High Temperature Neutron Damage and Void Formation

The use of beams of charged particles to simulate high temperature neutron damage is only four years old. This technique was introduced in 1969 by Nelson and Mazey (1) and it was clearly aimed at obtaining information on the behavior of cladding material for i fast reactors. Since that time, over 60 papers have been published in the open literature and at conferences (2–6) in addition to countless internal company reports. The nature of the studies have ranged from purely theoretical to quite empirical with some countries actually using the experimental programs to guide the design of multi-million dollar fast reactors.
P02-550 - Double dissociation of deficits in visuospatial memory and executive function in patients with major depression with and without ECT referral

Introduction The pretreatment neuropsychological profile of drug-resistant patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may differ from that of their drug-respondent MDD counterparts. Such differences could help in identifying distinct MDD subtypes, thus offering insights into the neuropathology underlying differential treatment responses. Method Depressed patients with ECT referral (ECTs), depressed patients with no ECT referral (NECTs) and nonpsychiatric Controls (matched groups, n = 15) were assessed with memory and executive function tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Results ECTs scored significantly lower than NECTs in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; p = 0.01). NECTs performed worse than Controls in the Paired Associates Learning (PAL) task (p Conclusions A double dissociation emerged from the comparison of cognitive profiles of ECT and NECT patients. ECTs showed executive deficits, particularly in attentional flexibility, but mild deficits in tests of visuospatial memory. NECTs presented the opposite pattern. This suggests predominantly frontostriatal involvement in ECT versus temporal involvement in NECT depressives.
Dielectric and rheo-optical properties of some ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers

Studies were made on films of copolymers of ethylene with 0.5 and 1.0 mole-% carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide appeared negligibly to affect the degree of crystallinity, melting point, morphology, and dynamic mechanical spectra. Infrared dichroism showed that the orientation of the carbonyl groups was comparable with that of the crystalline CH2 groups and indicated that the carbonyl groups are at least partially within the crystals. This is confirmed by x-ray measurements which indicate an expansion of the a-axis spacing and by an appreciable increase in the height of the α dielectric loss peak which has been assigned to crystalline motion. This α loss peak moves to a lower temperature with increasing carbonyl content, while the γ dielectric loss peak moves to higher temperatures. Activation energies of 25, 35, and 15 kcal/mole for the α, β, and γ peaks, respectively, were independent of carbonyl content and comparable with values for oxidized polyethylene.
Getting better contour plots with S and GCVPACK

Abstract We show how to obtain esthetically pleasing contour plots using New S and GCVPACK. With these codes, thin plate splines can easily be used to interpolate “exact” data, and to produce smoothly varying contour plots, with none of the jagged corners that plague many other interpolation methods. It is noted that GCVPACK can also be used to interpolate data on the sphere and in Euclidean three space. We observe that a larger class of global interpolation methods (including the thin plate spline) have a Bayesian interpolation, and GCVPACK can be used to compute them.