cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Determinants of Expenditure for Travelers from France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom to Canada

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants (sociodempgraphic and trip-related characteristics) of travel expenditures for British, French, German and Japanese travelers to Canada. Understanding of the importance of sociodemographic and trip-related characteristics in different markets can help marketing managers identify and evaluate possible target marketing programs.
A Network-Based Primal-Dual Heuristic for the Solution of Multicommodity Network Flow Problems

In this paper, we present a primal-dual, heuristic solution approach for large-scale multicommodity network flow problems. The original problem is solved indirectly by repeatedly solving restated feasibility problems. Restrictions on problem size imposed by exact methods are overcome by solving the restated problems with a pure network-based heuristic procedure. To control the heuristic solution process, the network-based procedure is embedded within an iterative primal-dual framework. At each iteration, feasible dual solutions are generated, the dual objective function value strictly ascends, and primal solutions that are measurably closer to feasibility are determined. The algorithm terminates when the heuristic network-based procedure cannot determine an improved primal solution or when optimality is achieved. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the network-based solution strategy, a large-scale freight assignment problem encountered in the trucking industry is formulated as a multicommodity network flow problem. Two linear programming based, exact solution strategies a primal-dual algorithm and a price-directive algorithm are unable to achieve even an initial solution for this problem due to excessive memory requirements. The network-based heuristic, however, determines an optimal solution. We compare the performance of the new heuristic with that of the exact procedures using a set of smaller test problems. The effects of problem formulation and congestion are evaluated for each of the alternative solution strategies.
Postscript: Development questions and evaluation answers

Based on the prior chapters, this postscript pulls together a framework for improving the interface between evaluation and development.
Strain, Negative Emotions, and Deviant Coping Among African Americans: A Test of General Strain Theory

Although previous research on Agnew's (1992) general strain theory (GST) tends to yield significant effects of strain on negative emotions as well as deviance and crime, results tend to be mixed with regard to (1) the effects of negative emotions on deviance and crime and (2) conditioning factors that Agnew suggests affect the selection of coping strategies. To address these issues, we test hypotheses, derived from GST, about the relationships among strain, negative emotions, and deviant coping by analyzing data from a nationally representative sample of African American adults. Ordinary least squares regression results generally support our hypotheses. First, fully mediating the effects of strain on deviant coping, negative emotions have consistently significant effects on deviance, regardless of whether we use composite or separate measures of inner- and outer-directed emotions and deviance. Interestingly, as hypothesized, the same-directed effects of negative emotions on deviant coping are larger than the opposite-directed ones. Second, while self-esteem and self-efficacy as conditioning factors generally fail to receive empirical support, religiosity is found to significantly buffer the effects of negative emotions on deviance. Implications of our findings for further development of GST are discussed.
Toward an Understanding of Verbal Repetition in the Language of Visually-Impaired Children

Verbal repetition or echolalia is a frequently noted characteristic of speech and language behavior of visually impaired children. Unfortunately, researchers have paid little attention as to why it is common and as to the functions it may serve in communication and language development. This discussion is an attempt to shed some light on these issues by relating verbal repetition of visually impaired children to that of normally developing children and children with language impairment. Suggestions for future research and treatment implications are discussed.
Soft-core embedded processor-based Built-In Self-Test of FPGAs: A case study

This paper presents the results of a case study which investigates the use of an embedded soft-core processor to perform Built-In Self-Test (BIST) of the logic resources in Xilinx Virtex-5 Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). We show that the approach reduces the complexity of an external BIST controller and the number of external reconfigurations, making it particularly appealing for in-system testing of high-reliability and fault-tolerant systems with FPGAs. However, the overall test time is not improved due to an increase in the size of the required configuration files as a consequence of the inclusion of the softcore embedded processor logic, whose relative irregularity results in less effective compression of configuration data files.
Operative management of renovascular hypertension: Results after a follow-up of fifteen to twenty-three years

From March 1960 through January 1968, 71 patients underwent operations for renovascular hypertension at our center. There were three operative deaths in 94 procedures. Primary nephrectomy was performed in 26 patients. Attempted revascularization of 62 kidneys was successful in 46 (74%). In 13 (87%) of the 15 cases considered operative failures, the patients underwent either secondary nephrectomy (11) or repeat revascularization (two). Based on the results of the final operation, initial blood pressure response (1 to 6 months postoperatively) in the surviving patients indicated 44% cured (30 patients), 40% improved (27), and 16% unchanged (11). The sequential clinical, functional, and anatomic follow-up evaluations to time of death or to date are available in 66 of the 68 patients (97%) who survived operation and form the basis of this report. Fifteen- to 20-year arteriographic follow-up in 16 patients revealed one late neointimal anastomotic stenosis and an additional three aortic suture line false aneurysms in Dacron aortorenal grafts. During this 15- to 23-year follow-up, 71% of atherosclerotic (AS) patients and 23% of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) patients died. Cardiovascular (CV) morbid events occurred in 77% of AS patients and in 19% of FMD patients. The cumulative incidence of death and CV morbid events during follow-up is examined by Kaplan-Meier life tables and Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis in these respective groups to identify preoperative markers predictive of longer event-free survival in relation to blood pressure benefit by operation (for example, focal vs. diffuse AS, presence of cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy seen by electrocardiography, azotemia, smoking, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Psychosocial group prevention and intervention programs for children and adolescents

Psychosocial group interventions provide a potent venue for promoting children's social competencies, self-regulation, and problem solving in a natural peer group context. Three exemplary prevention and intervention group programs were described that are empirically supported, theoretically rich, and flexible for application in residential care settings. Special considerations are offered for designing and implementing groups with this population.
NEUTRAL LIPIDS AS MAJOR STORAGE PRODUCTS IN ZOOSPORES OF THE GIANT KELP MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

Neutral lipids, consisting primarily of triacylglycerols, were found to be a major form of carbon reserve in zoospores of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. The fluorescent stain Nile Red revealed large lipid droplets in the posterior end of the cell, which comprised 20–41% of cellular carbon in newly released spores. Flow cytometric analyses of newly released spores stained with Nile Red revealed considerable variation in the neutral lipid content among spores that was independent of spore size. Lipid droplets were consumed during germination in spores maintained either under constant light or in continual darkness. The availability of light appeared to delay, but did not preclude, lipid use. The rate of lipid use during germination varied considerably among germlings with some cells consuming all of their lipid reserves within 5 h after release. In addition to zoospores, lipid droplets were observed in both male and female gametes. Numerous droplets were observed in eggs, while single lipid droplets were observed in sperm. Neutral lipid droplets were not observed in gametophytes or sporophytes except in developing gametes and spores. Large lipid reserves thus seem to be confined to the microscopic life history stages that presumably have relatively high energy demands. By serving as a supplemental fuel reserve, neutral lipids may be important in extending the effective range of zoospore dispersal.
Time-selective signaling and reception for communication over multipath fading channels

The mobile wireless channel affords inherent diversity to combat the effects of fading. Existing code-division multiple-access systems, by virtue of spread-spectrum signaling and RAKE reception, exploit only part of the channel diversity via multipath combination. Moreover, their performance degrades under fast fading commonly encountered in mobile scenarios. In this paper, we develop new signaling and reception techniques that maximally exploit channel diversity via joint multipath-Doppler processing. Our approach is based on a canonical representation of the wireless channel, which leads to a time-frequency generalization of the RAKE receiver for diversity processing. Our signaling scheme facilitates joint multipath-Doppler diversity by spreading the symbol waveform beyond the intersymbol duration to make the channel time-selective. A variety of detection schemes are developed to account for the intersymbol interference (ISI) due to overlapping symbols. However, our results indicate that the effects of ISI are virtually negligible due to the excellent correlation properties of the pseudorandom codes. Performance analysis also shows that relatively small Doppler spreads can yield significant diversity gains. The inherently higher level of diversity achieved by time-selective signaling brings the fading channel closer to an additive white Gaussian noise channel, thereby facilitating the use of powerful existing coding techniques for Gaussian channels.
Hemispheric asymmetry and callosal integration of visuospatial attention in schizophrenia: A tachistoscopic line bisection study

Abstract Background A hallmark of visuospatial neglect syndrome is that patients with lesions to right parietal cortex misbisect horizontal lines far rightward of veridical center. Neurologically normal subjects misbisect lines with a systematic leftward bias (pseudoneglect). Both phenomena, as well as neuroimaging studies, disclose a predominant right-hemisphere control of spatial attention. Numerous studies of patients with schizophrenia have implicated global deficits of either right or left hemisphere function, as well as compromised integrity of the corpus callosum. Methods To better understand the functional implications of schizophrenia we utilized a forced-choice tachistoscopic line bisection task to probe the status of right-hemisphere control of spatial attention, and compared left- versus right-hand unimanual responses to index the degree of callosal transfer of visuospatial information in both patient and control groups. Results In contrast to the significant leftward bisection errors of control subjects, patients exhibit no significant leftward error. Whereas control subjects evince a significant correlation between left- and right-hand bisection errors, patients lack a significant intermanual correlation. Conclusions The lack of significant leftward bisection error of patients implies a deficit of right-hemisphere function. The lack of a significant correlation between left- and right-hand bisection errors in patients implies a loss of callosal integrity.
Wearable conductive fiber sensors for measuring joint movements

This paper describes a technique that uses conductive fibers as part of a wearable sensor for continuous monitoring of joint movements. Conductive fibers are incorporated into flexible fabrics that fit tightly around a joint, and resistance changes in the fibers caused by skin extension can be measured, and related to joint motion. An overview of the sensor design, including functional requirements and design parameters, are presented, as well as preliminary results from a prototype sensor design. A single-axis joint model is also presented to illustrate the implementation of an extended Kalman filter to estimate joint angle. The Kalman filter also estimates parameters associated with misalignment errors that may be created every time the subject takes off and puts on the wearable sensor, allowing a sensor to be calibrated only once, with no need for re-calibration for all future uses.
Insulin-Responsive Compartments Containing GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 and CHO Cells: Regulation by Amino Acid Concentrations

In fat and muscle, insulin stimulates glucose uptake by rapidly mobilizing the GLUT4 glucose transporter from a specialized intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. We describe a method to quantify the relative proportion of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane, using flow cytometry to measure a ratio of fluorescence intensities corresponding to the cell surface and total amounts of a tagged GLUT4 reporter in individual living cells. Using this assay, we demonstrate that both 3T3-L1 and CHO cells contain intracellular compartments from which GLUT4 is rapidly mobilized by insulin and that the initial magnitude and kinetics of redistribution to the plasma membrane are similar in these two cell types when they are cultured identically. Targeting of GLUT4 to a highly insulin-responsive compartment in CHO cells is modulated by culture conditions. In particular, we find that amino acids regulate distribution of GLUT4 to this kinetically defined compartment through a rapamycin-sensitive pathway. Amino acids also modulate the magnitude of insulin-stimulated translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results indicate a novel link between glucose and amino acid metabolism.
The Bystander Response in C3H 10T½ Cells: The Influence of Cell-to-Cell Contact

Mitchell, S. A., Randers-Pehrson, G., Brenner, D. J. and Hall, E. J. The Bystander Response in C3H 10T‰ Cells: The Influence of Cell-to-Cell Contact. Radiat. Res. 161, 397‐401 (2004). Although radiation-induced heritable damage in mammalian cells was thought to result from the direct interaction of radiation with DNA, it is now accepted that biological effects may occur in cells that were not themselves traversed by ionizing radiation but are close to those that were. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying such a bystander effect, although cell-to-cell communication is thought to be of importance. Previous work using the Columbia microbeam demonstrated a significant bystander effect for clonogenic survival and oncogenic transformation in C3H 10T‰ cells. The present study was undertaken to assess the importance of the degree of cell-to-cell contact at the time of irradiation on the magnitude of this bystander effect by varying the cell density. When 10% of cells were exposed to a range of 2‐12 a particles, a significantly greater number of cells (P , 0.0001) were inactivated when cells were irradiated at high density (.90% in contact with neighbors) than at low density (,10% in contact). In addition, the oncogenic transformation frequency was significantly higher in high-density cultures (P , 0.0004). These results suggest that when a cell is hit by radiation, the transmission of the bystander signal through cell-to-cell contact is an important mediator of the effect, implicating the involvement of intracellular communication through gap junctions. q 2004 by Radiation Research Society
Effect of gastric bypass operation on Framingham and actual risk of cardiovascular events in class II to III obesity.

Background Obesity is known to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. There are few studies in the literature assessing the effect of bariatric procedures on longterm risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gastric bypass operation on actual and Framingham risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events in class II to III obesity. Study Design In a cohort of subjects with class II to III obesity, we used the observed change in CHD risk factors and risk models derived from the Framingham data equation to calculate the predicted 10-year absolute and relative risk of CHD after gastric bypass operation. The risk predicted by the Framingham model was then compared with the actual incidence of CHD events of the cohort. Results Five-hundred patients were included in the study. The 1-year mean excess body weight loss was 68.7% ± 22%. There was a substantial reduction in prevalence of diabetes from 28% to 6% (p = 0.001). Compared with baseline, the average 10-year absolute risk of cardiac events decreased from 5.4% at baseline to 2.7% at 1 year after operation (p = 0.001). A similar risk reduction was observed in subgroups defined by diabetes status and gender. Gastric bypass decreased absolute risk of cardiac events by a mean of 63% (p = 0.0001) in diabetics and 56% (p = 0.001) in male patients. The cohort actual rate of CHD events was 1% (5 of 500). At the 5-year horizon, this was considerably (p = 0.001) lower than the predicted rate before gastric bypass operation. Conclusions Gastric bypass operation is effective in reducing actual and the 10-year Framingham risk of CHD events in individuals with class II to III obesity. The major estimated risk reduction was observed in male patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mobilization and function of extracellular phospholipase A2 in inflammation.

A common characteristic of inflammatory exudates is the accumulation of relatively high concentrations of phospholipase A2 (PLA-2) in the cell-free fluid (1). Because many (by-)products or this enzyme’s action can exert pro-inflammatory effects (e.g. eicosanoid derivatives of arachidonic acid), these observations have prompted considerable speculation about the possible (patho-) physiological role of extracellular PLA-2 in inflammation. These ideas, in turn, have triggered many investigators and pharmaceutical companies alike to search for “specific” inhibitors of PLA-2 that could be applied therapeutically in acute or chronic inflammatory diseases.
Carbon monoxide inhibition of regulatory pathways in myocardium

The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) myoglobin (Mb) Val E11 signal provides a unique opportunity to assess the functional role of Mb in the cell. On CO infusion in perfused myocardium, the MbO2 ...
Kinome RNAi Screens Reveal Synergistic Targeting of MTOR and FGFR1 Pathways for Treatment of Lung Cancer and HNSCC

The FGFR1 is a therapeutic target under investigation in multiple solid tumors and clinical trials of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are underway. Treatment with a single TKI represents a logical step toward personalized cancer therapy, but intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms limit their long-term benefit. In this study, we deployed RNAi-based functional genomic screens to identify protein kinases controlling the intrinsic sensitivity of FGFR1-dependent lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cells to ponatinib, a multikinase FGFR-active inhibitor. We identified and validated a synthetic lethal interaction between MTOR and ponatinib in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. In addition, treatment with MTOR-targeting shRNAs and pharmacologic inhibitors revealed that MTOR is an essential protein kinase in other FGFR1-expressing cancer cells. The combination of FGFR inhibitors and MTOR or AKT inhibitors resulted in synergistic growth suppression in vitro. Notably, tumor xenografts generated from FGFR1-dependent lung cancer cells exhibited only modest sensitivity to monotherapy with the FGFR-specific TKI, AZD4547, but when combined with the MTOR inhibitor, AZD2014, significantly attenuated tumor growth and prolonged survival. Our findings support the existence of a signaling network wherein FGFR1-driven ERK and activated MTOR/AKT represent distinct arms required to induce full transformation. Furthermore, they suggest that clinical efficacy of treatments for FGFR1-driven lung cancers and HNSCC may be achieved by combining MTOR inhibitors and FGFR-specific TKIs.
Barriers in Highway Work Areas

A design process has been developed to determine the necessity for temporary positive barriers systems in highway work zones. The methodology includes two prescreening steps to determine whether site and traffic conditions constitute a probable or significant hazard. In the third step, the expected number of hazardous vehicle encroachments into the work area is estimated based on the duration and length of the hazard, the roadside clearance and cross slope, the roadway curvature and the traffic speed and volume. The procedure draws heavily on the guidelines developed for the installation of permanent barriers and on empirical results from a number of studies.
RADTRAN 6 Technical Manual

This Technical Manual contains descriptions of the calculation models and mathematical and numerical methods used in the RADTRAN 6 computer code for transportation risk and consequence assessment. The RADTRAN 6 code combines user-supplied input data with values from an internal library of physical and radiological data to calculate the expected radiological consequences and risks associated with the transportation of radioactive material. Radiological consequences and risks are estimated with numerical models of exposure pathways, receptor populations, package behavior in accidents, and accident severity and probability.
Abstract 631: Lipid Composition of Gold Nanoparticle-Templated High-Density Lipoprotein Analogs Dictates Cholesterol Efflux Function

Background: Reverse cholesterol transport, the process by which cholesterol is effluxed from cells to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and is delivered to the liver for clearance, is a promising pathway to augment for treatment of atherosclerosis. Though structure-function relationships for nascent, discoidal HDL and cholesterol efflux have been well studied, how the lipid composition of spherical HDL species - which varies in pathophysiological conditions - impacts their ability to mediate cholesterol efflux has not been investigated. Methods and Results: Spherical gold nanoparticles (5 nm) were used to synthesize spherical HDL analogs (HDL-NP) by adding ApoAI protein, and various lipids. With this strategy a panel of HDL-NP varying in lipid content was generated. HDL-NP designs tested include: dipalmitylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, saturated fatty acid), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC, unsaturated fatty acid), sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and mixtures thereof. All of these species are found in natural HDL. After characterizing protein and lipid stoichiometry of the purified HDL-NP, these HDL-NP designs were tested in the cellular reverse cholesterol transport assay using J774 mouse macrophages. These studies demonstrate that all HDL-NP designs mediate more efflux than equimolar amounts of ApoAI protein control, and further demonstrate that HDL-NP designs incorporating unsaturated phospholipid (DOPC), sphingomyelin, and LPC - each of which can increase disorder in the lipid membrane and thus give rise to opportunity for cholesterol to intercalate and bind - enhance cholesterol efflux compared to saturated phospholipid (DPPC) design. Conclusion: In summary, these results demonstrate that lipid content of HDL-NP - analogs of spherical HDL - dictates cholesterol efflux function, a finding which sheds light on the functional importance of lipid content variation seen in mature, spherical HDL species.
Age Related Changes in the Sensitivity to Vibration

Vibrotactile detection thresholds were measured for five groups of subjects grouped according to age. The age span was eight to 74 years and the mean ages of the groups were 10, 20, 35, 50, and 65 years. Measurements were made on the thenar eminence of the right hand using sinusoidal wave forms at 11 frequencies. The results show a progressive decrease in sensitivity with age at high frequencies and no change at low (25 and 40 Hz) frequencies. The results are discussed within the context of the duplex model of mechanoreception and in terms of structural changes that occur with age in the cutaneous receptors.
Factors influencing zoospore production in liquid cultures of Lagenidium giganteum (Oomycetes, Lagenidiales)

A procedure is described for producing large numbers of zoospores in liquid cultures of mosquito-parasitizing fungus Lagenidium giganteum. The fungus was grown 4-6 da on a peptone, yeast extract and glucose medium, transferred to a medium of hempseed extract, wheat germ, yeast extract and glucose, propagated for 4-6 da, then washed and transferred to water. Zoospore production at 25 ? 1 C began at 18 h, peaked between 25-28 h, and ceased at 36 h. Fungus grown in the peptone medium for 4-6 da, and then transferred to hempseed medium and grown for 6 da, produced 13,700-21,000 zoospores per ml, whereas fungus grown 7 da in peptone medium and 6 da in hempseed medium produced 6100 zoospores per ml. Zoospore production occurred at a temperature range of 17-28 C with the optimum for production at 25-28 C. Effects of pH and buffers on zoospore production were studied. An LD50 of 1400 zoospores per ml was obtained with second instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus.
Development and survival of Anomoea flavokansiensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as affected by temperature

Development and survival of the leaf beetle Anomoea flavokansiensis Moldenke varied when immature stages were reared under constant temperatures of 21, 25, 29, 33, and 37°C. Embryogenesis and hatching occurred at all temperatures except 37°C. At 21°C, 15% of the eggs hatched, but none survived through the 1st instar. Development to adults occurred at 25, 29, and 33°C, but survivorship was highly variable. Approximately 55–60% of the immatures survived to adulthood at 25 and 29°C, whereas only ≍10% emerged as adults at 33°C. Adult beetles reared at 33°C were significantly smaller than those reared at 25 and 29°C or adults found in nature. The rate of development was slow at all temperatures; the average times to adulthood were 235.8 d at 25°C and 197.1 d at 29°C. Survivorship at 33°C was too low to estimate average development time. Some individuals reared at 29°C remained developmentally inactive as 5th instars for up to 6 mo before pupating. The time required for progeny from different mothers to reach the adult stage at 29°C was highly variable within families but not significantly different among families, suggesting that maternal lineage is not an important source of variation in the developmental schedules of siblings. A. flavokansiensis larvae appear to have an unusually high developmental threshold, can complete development only within a narrow range of temperatures, and have a life cycle that may involve extended larval dormancy in part of the population.
Comparison of Retrofitting Techniques for Existing Steel Moment Resisting Frames

Seismic protection of critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency response centers, and schools is crucial as these buildings must remain in full service after major earthquakes. A new modular, multiple-panel infill system made of a ductile, high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) is currently under investigation with a focus on protecting such critical facilities wherein the primary structural system is a steel, moment-resisting frame. The primary objective of this paper is to compare the proposed HPFRC infill panel retrofit system with the alternative retrofit techniques of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) and viscous dampers for seismic protection of existing steel moment resisting frames. The effectiveness of the three seismic retrofit techniques is evaluated based on analytical simulations after retrofitting the SAC 3-story structure. It is shown that the HPFRC infill panel system when installed in an existing steel moment resisting frame designed prior to major earthquake events (Northridge, 1994, Kobe, 1995) limits residual story drifts as well as frame damage at a design and a maximum considered event. Its seismic response is very comparable with the state-of-the art BRB and viscous damper retrofitting techniques.
Chronic exposure to triclosan sustains microbial community shifts and alters antibiotic resistance gene levels in anaerobic digesters.

Triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical found in consumer personal care products, has been shown to stimulate antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Although many studies focus on antibiotic resistance pertinent to medical scenarios, resistance developed in natural and engineered environments is less studied and has become an emerging concern for human health. In this study, the impacts of chronic triclosan (TCS) exposure on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial community structure were assessed in lab-scale anaerobic digesters. TCS concentrations from below detection to 2500 mg kg−1 dry solids were amended into anaerobic digesters over 110 days and acclimated for >3 solid retention time values. Four steady state TCS concentrations were chosen (30–2500 mg kg−1). Relative abundance of mexB, a gene coding for a component of a multidrug efflux pump, was significantly higher in all TCS-amended digesters (30 mg kg−1 or higher) relative to the control. TCS selected for bacteria carrying tet(L) and against those carrying erm(F) at concentrations which inhibited digester function; the pH decrease associated with digester failure was suspected to cause this selection. Little to no impact of TCS was observed on intI1 relative abundance. Microbial communities were also surveyed by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the control digesters, significant shifts in community structure towards clades containing commensal and pathogenic bacteria were observed in digesters containing TCS. Based on these results, TCS should be included in studies and risk assessments that attempt to elucidate relationships between chemical stressors (e.g. antibiotics), antibiotic resistance genes, and public health.
Identification and persistence of beta adrenergic receptors during maturation of the rat reticulocyte.

Rat erythrocytes and reticulocytes have been studied in relation to their responsiveness to beta adrenergic catecholamines. The characteristics of beta adrenergic receptors after induction of a maximal reticulocyte response with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride and after differentiation to morphologically mature erythrocytes were compared and correlated with concomitant changes in catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. Membranes from a population of 90% reticulocytes contain 25 times more adenylate cyclase activity than membranes from erythrocytes (5% reticulocytes). The potencies of a series of agonists and antagonists define this activity as beta adrenergic. Adenylate cyclase activity varies directly with the reticulocyte percentage. Iodohydroxybenzylpindolol, a potent beta adrenergic inhibitor that has been used successfully to detect beta receptors, binds to sites in both control and reticulocyte membranes with high affinity (KD = 0.2 nM), low capacity, and stereospecificity. Adrenergic compounds that stimulate or inhibit adenylate cyclase bind to the beta receptor over a similar concentration range. Control erythrocytes from untreated rats and erythrocytes formed after reticulocytes have been allowed to mature contain approximately half the receptors of reticulocytes. Characteristics of the beta receptor from reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes are indistinguishable. Catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase is rapidly lost as the reticulocyte matures, but significant binding activity persists. These observations suggest that the beta receptor may become uncoupled from the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase during differentiation. The results are also compatible with the hypothesis that beta adrenergic catecholamines play a role in erythroid differentiation.
Sensitive detector for oxygen using phase modulation fluorometry

Sensing, monitoring, and controlling the concentration of oxygen is vital in biological, medical, environmental applications, Numerous scientific and industrial applications demand the knowledge of partial pressure of oxygen. The present industrial standard oxygen sensor is a modified polarographic Clark-electrode. This sensor suffers from many limitations.1 Optical sensing of oxygen offers an attractive alternative and we present here, an oxygen sensor based on the principle of phase modulation fluorimetry.2
Neutron Activation of Dogoszhi Style Ceramics: Production and Exchange in the Chacoan Regional System

ABSTRACTNeutron activation analysis was carried out on 60 Dogoszhi style black-on-white ceramic vessels from three prehistoric Chacoan sites in the northern U.S. Southwest. Cylinder vessels and bowls from Pueblo Bonito and Pueblo del Arroyo, two large towns located in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, exhibited a high degree of compositional homogeneity. However, bowls from the community associated with the outlying town of Allentown were compositionally different, suggesting that they were manufactured at a different location. Comparisons with the results of neutron activation analyses obtained previously for Dogoszhi style sherds from Black Mesa, Arizona, revealed that these ceramics also were compositionally different from those found in Chaco Canyon.
Conformational Dynamics of the Closed State of KcsA in Lipid Bicelles

Gating in ion channels is governed by conformational changes that enable the bundle crossing to transition from the closed state to the open state. These conformational dynamics occur on a local and global level and affect the end states as well as the transition between them. In KcsA, the open and closed states have been extensively characterized both functionally and structurally, but the dynamics of the transition between the two states is less clear and cannot be elucidated by oft-used methods such as crystallography and electrophysiology. For example, conformational changes in the closed state must occur in order to prime the channel to open, but these dynamics cannot be properly captured with static pictures alone. NMR is an excellent tool for studying conformational dynamics in ion channels. We employed solution NMR to investigate the dynamics of key histidine reporters at functionally important positions of KcsA in lipid bicelles and show that these histidines adopt multiple conformational states in the native closed state, including novel conformations not observed in previous NMR studies. Trapping the channel into one conformation using a crosslinked construct leads to the disappearance of an alternate conformation, demonstrating that restriction of the bundle crossing leads to less dynamics in the closed state. This study supports the hypothesis that conformational dynamics occur in the closed state and likely play a functional role in gating in KcsA.
Expression and processing analyses of wild type and p.R47H TREM2 variant in Alzheimer’s disease brains

Genetic analyses showed that the triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) p.R47H variant increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The question of whether the p.R47H mutation affects expression or function of the receptor remains unanswered. To address this question we quantified mRNA and analyzed protein profiles of WT and p.R47H TREM2 in human brains. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed using 2 sets of primers one that detects all TREM2 mRNA isoforms and one specific for the alternative spliced isoform (TREM2alt) that encodes for the extracellular domain (soluble TREM2). Because in the brain TREM2 is expressed primarily in microglial cells, we also assessed the levels of IBA1 to control for microglial variability across samples. For TREM2 protein quantitation and N-glycosylation processing, RIPA brain extracts were analyzed by Western blot before and after EndoH and PNGaseF treatments. We identified statistically significant increased levels of TREM2 transcripts in the temporal cortex of AD subjects when compared with controls; TREM2alt was likewise higher in AD cases, but was not significant after adjustment for covariates. Quantitative analysis of TREM2 protein confirmed qPCR results that showed higher levels in AD than in control brains. Among AD subjects, we observed a trend towards higher mRNA and protein TREM2 levels in carriers of the p.R47H risk allele. Analysis of individual TREM2 species found no difference in the relative amounts of mature and immature species, and carboxyl terminal fragments between non carriers and p.R47H samples. Furthermore, TREM2 species from either non carriers or p.R47H brains were equally susceptible to EndoH and PNGaseF treatments. Our results suggest that TREM2 expression is increased in AD. Furthermore, we provide evidence indicating that p.R47H mutation does not affect the levels of TREM2 either directly by altering expression or indirectly by affecting processing of the protein. Our data support previous findings that suggest that p.R47H variant affects TREM2 function by altering binding properties of the receptor rather than expression.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and accelerated aging: PTSD and leukocyte telomere length in a sample of civilian women.

Background Studies in male combat veterans have suggested posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with shorter telomere length (TL). We examined the cross-sectional association of PTSD with TL in women exposed to traumas common in civilian life. Methods Data are from a substudy of the Nurses' Health Study II (N = 116). PTSD and subclinical PTSD were assessed in trauma-exposed women using diagnostic interviews. An array of health behaviors and conditions were assessed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes (collected 1996-1999). Telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number (T/S) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR telomere assay. We used linear regression models to assess associations and examine whether a range of important health behaviors (e.g., cigarette smoking) and medical conditions (e.g., hypertension) previously associated with TL might explain a PTSD-TL association. We further examined whether type of trauma exposure (e.g., interpersonal violence) was associated with TL and whether trauma type might explain a PTSD-TL association. Results Relative to not having PTSD, women with a PTSD diagnosis had shorter log-transformed TL (β = -.112, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.196, -0.028). Adjustment for health behaviors and medical conditions did not attenuate this association. Trauma type was not associated with TL and did not account for the association of PTSD with TL. Conclusions Our results add to growing evidence that PTSD may be associated with more rapid cellular aging as measured by telomere erosion. Moreover, the association could not be explained by health behaviors and medical conditions assessed in this study, nor by type of trauma exposure.
Temporal Trends in Epinephrine Dispensing and Allergy/Immunology Follow-up Among Emergency Department Anaphylaxis Patients in the United States, 2005-2014.

Background Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction; measures including prescription of an epinephrine autoinjector (EAI) and allergy/immunology (A/I) follow-up may prevent future morbidity. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate trends in outpatient management of anaphylaxis by studying EAI dispensing and A/I follow-up among patients seen in the emergency department (ED) for anaphylaxis from 2005 through 2014. Methods We analyzed administrative claims data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse database using an expanded International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code algorithm. Results The study cohort comprised 18,279 patients with a mean age of 39 years; 58% were female, and 86% were discharged from an ED. Within 1 year after discharge, 46% had filled an EAI prescription and 29% had A/I follow-up. Overall, from 2005 to 2014, annual rates of filled EAI prescriptions and A/I follow-up did not change. Among children (aged P = .02 for trend) and A/I follow-up (18.8% increase; P = .048 for trend). Rates decreased for A/I follow-up among adults (15.4% decrease; P = .002 for trend). Overall rates of filled EAI prescriptions were highest in those with venom-induced (73.9 per 100 ED visits) and food-induced anaphylaxis (69.4 per 100 ED visits); the lowest rates were among those with medication-related anaphylaxis (18.2 per 100 ED visits). Conclusions Over the past decade, rates of EAI dispensing and A/I follow-up after an ED visit for anaphylaxis have remained low, suggesting that patients may not be prepared to manage future episodes.
Ultrathin Shape Change Smart Materials.

ConspectusWith the discovery of graphene, significant research has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of ultrathin materials. Graphene has also brought into focus other ultrathin materials composed of organics, polymers, inorganics, and their hybrids. Together, these ultrathin materials have unique properties of broad significance. For example, ultrathin materials have a large surface area and high flexibility which can enhance conformal contact in wearables and sensors leading to improved sensitivity. When porous, the short transverse diffusion length in these materials allows rapid mass transport. Alternatively, when impermeable, these materials behave as an ultrathin barrier. Such controlled permeability is critical in the design of encapsulation and drug delivery systems. Finally, ultrathin materials often feature defect-free and single-crystal-like two-dimensional atomic structures resulting in superior mechanical, optical, and electrical properties.A unique property of ultr...
Facial Palsy Following Embolization of a Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma.

Objectives:To describe a case of the rare complication of facial palsy following preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). To illustrate the vascular supply to the facial nerve and as a result, highlight the etiology of the facial nerve palsy.Methods:The angiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of a case of facial palsy following preoperative embolization of a JNA is reviewed.Results:A 13-year-old male developed left-sided facial palsy following preoperative embolization of a left-sided JNA. Evaluation of MR imaging studies and retrospective review of the angiographic data suggested errant embolization of particles into the petrosquamosal branch of the middle meningeal artery (MMA), a branch of the internal maxillary artery (IMA), through collateral vasculature. The petrosquamosal branch of the MMA is the predominant blood supply to the facial nerve in the facial canal. The facial palsy resolved since complete infarction of the nerve was likely prevented by collater...
Parent understanding of the risk of future limitations secondary to pediatric cancer treatment.

Background Parents and physicians may have different understandings of a child's risk of future limitations due to cancer or cancer treatment. We evaluated alignment between parent- and physician-estimated risk of late effects. Methods We surveyed 352 parents of children with cancer within 12 weeks of diagnosis, and the children's oncologists, at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We assessed parent and physician estimations of the child's risk of future limitations in physical abilities, intelligence, or quality of life (QOL) due to cancer treatment. Physician-estimated risk of limitations ≥50% was considered high risk. Results Physicians considered 22% of children at high risk of physical impairments, 9% at high risk for impaired intelligence, and 6% at high risk for impaired QOL. Among high-risk children, 38% of parents recognized this risk in physical abilities, 21% in intelligence, and 5% in QOL. In multivariable analysis, parental understanding of risk, defined as concordant parent and physician estimates, was greater among parents of children at lower risk of future limitations (odds ratio 2.59; 95% confidence interval 1.35-4.96). Regardless of risk, 92% of parents considered it very/extremely important to receive information about potential health implications of cancer treatment. Conclusions Although most parents want information about life after cancer, most parents of children at high risk of future impairment do not recognize this risk. Strategies to improve communication about late effects throughout pediatric cancer treatment should prioritize meeting information needs and improving parent understanding of the risk of impairment.
Time Series Recursions and Self-Tuning Control

Recursive estimates are estimates (of parameters in a time series model) that are computed in a sequential fashion (i.e. updated quickly as new observations become available). The uses of such “real” time parameter estimators include real-time forecasting and self-tuning control. Here it is shown how “real” time parameter estimators can be constructed for time series models; also an heuristic discussion of their convergence behavior is given. The analysis and synthesis of self-tuning controllers is also discussed.
Seksuele gezondheidsbevordering van jongeren in Nederland

Om de seksuele gezondheid van jongeren op peil te houden en voor bepaalde groepen te verbeteren, is de laatste jaren een aantal inspanningen geleverd: er is meer kennis verzameld over determinanten van seksueel (on)gezond gedrag, er heeft een verbreding plaatsgevonden in thema’s en doelgroepen en er is meer aandacht gekomen voor de kwaliteit, effectiviteit en implementatie van interventies. Ondanks deze inspanningen en een ruim aanbod aan interventies moeten we constateren dat de kennis over het bereik, de programma-integriteit en -effectiviteit nog minimaal is.
The reliability and factor structure of the index of spouse abuse with African-American women.

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) when used with a sample of 504 African-American women. The initial factor validity analysis for the ISA (Hudson & McIntosh, 1981) resulted in two subscales: a physical abuse scale (ISA-P) and a nonphysical abuse scale (ISA-NP). Factor analysis with this sample of African-American women revealed three factors instead of two. Coefficient alpha estimates of reliability were over .90 for the original ISA subscales and with the African-American sample. The discussion compares and contrasts the factor structure observed with the sample of African-American with the factor structure reported in the original validation studies. The study demonstrates the need to critically evaluate the extent to which instruments developed to measure spouse or partner abuse are valid and reliable when used with diverse groups that may not have been represented in the samples used for initial instrument development and validation work.
BIOLOGICALLY DERIVED COLLAGEN MEMBRANES

Synthetic membranes and surfaces have been developed for a variety of biological, physical-chemical, and industrial uses. Biologically derived protein membranes have, however, received little attention. Collagen is uniquely suited for preparing protein membranes for the following reasons: It can be isolated and purified in large amounts (1); its structure and immunochemistry (2) have been well characterized; its antigenicity may be altered (3); it can be made in a variety of structures; and its surface properties can easily be modified.