cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disparate effects of depletion of CD1d-reactive T cells during early versus late stages of disease in a genetically susceptible model of lupus

Some T cells react with lipid antigens bound to antigen-presenting molecule CD1d. Numbers and functions of a subset of such lipid-reactive T cells are reduced in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives, as well as in genetically susceptible and chemically induced animal models of lupus-like disease. We have reported that the germline deletion of CD1d exacerbates lupus, suggesting a protective role of these cells in the development of lupus. The use of a knockout mouse model in this study, however, did not allow examination of the role of these cells at different stages of disease. Here, we describe an approach to deplete CD1d-dependent T cells, which allowed us to investigate the role of these cells at different stages of disease in genetically lupus-prone NZB/NZW F1 (BWF1) mice. Repeated intravenous injections of large numbers of CD1d-transfected cells resulted in ~50–75% reduction in these cells, as defined by the expression of CD4, NK1.1 and CD122, and lack of expression of CD62 ligand. TCR γδ +NK1.1+ cells were also reduced in the recipients of CD1d-transfected cells as compared with control recipients. Such depletion of CD1d-reactive T cells in preclinical BWF1 mice resulted in disease acceleration with a significant increase in proteinuria and mortality. In older BWF1 mice having advanced nephritis, however, such depletion of CD1d-reactive T cells resulted in some disease improvement. Taken together, these data as well as our published studies suggest that CD1d-reactive T cells protect against the development of lupus in animal models. However, these cells appear to be unable to suppress established lupus nephritis in these animals, and might even play a disease aggravating role in late stages of disease.
Hemodynamic basis of atherosclerosis

The laws of fluid mechanics apply to the natural conditions in the circulatory system as they apply to any hydraulic system. The effect of the laws of fluid dynamics is considered the primary factor in the development of atherosclerosis because it alone can account for the localization and progressive development of atherosclerotic lesions at specific areas of predilection characterized by curvature, branching, external attachment, or tapering. While such vascular configurations occur in many variations of geometry or anatomical pattern with corresponding variations in patterns of blood flow, their common feature is the production of localized segmental zones of diminished lateral pressure. The diminished lateral pressure or suction effect which occurs in some phase of pulsatile flow in the cardiac cycle is the initial stimulus which produces intimal proliferation as the first change in the progressive development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis may therefore be considered the reactive biological response of blood vessels to the effect of the laws of fluid mechanics at sites of predilection determined by local hydraulic conditions in the circulatory system.
Quantum field theory of polyelectrolyte-counterion condensation

Abstract A simple quantum theory of polyelectrolyte-counterion interactions is presented. A model Hamiltonian is employed which describes both the polyelectrolyte and the counterion as free, spinless fermions. This Hamiltonian is transformed into a form which is isomorphous with traditional Hamiltonians used to describe phase transitions. The difference between this theory and early theories of superconductivity is that the counterion-counterion interaction energies will be quite large and will persist at high temperatures. The counterion condensate is a collective mode resulting from polyelectrolyte-mediated polarizations. Colligative properties for this model are compared with the Poisson-Boltzmann theory and to Manning's condensation theory.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Community Development

Neighborhood revitalization efforts and programs, both public and private, are reviewed. This includes early efforts at elimination of slums led by settlement houses, housing reformers, and social workers. This was followed by government programs like housing and health codes, public housing, urban renewal (both slum clearance and rehabilitation), model cities, neighborhood planning and redevelopment, and, most recently in the United States, the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Communities program. The gentrification phenomenon is discussed. Various techniques of neighborhood revitalization are reviewed, as well as critiques of their impact. Likewise, community development programs, both public and private, are reviewed. Efforts undertaken in the United States by private foundations (‘intermediaries’) are reviewed as well. The role of community organizations like community development corporations are discussed. The impact of the mortgage foreclosure crisis on urban neighborhoods and responses to it are reviewed. Emphasis is primarily on the United States, with reference to North America and Western Europe.
Repairing credibility: Repositioning nuclear weapons knowledge after the Cold War

During the Cold War, the credibility of US nuclear weapons scientists was backed up by an integrated system for designing, testing, and manufacturing nuclear weapons. As the Cold War drew to a close in the 1990s, weapons scientists warned that their knowledge was so deeply embedded in the design and testing of nuclear weapons that it might not survive if this system were disrupted. Sociologists Donald MacKenzie and Graham Spinardi used this as evidence for the role of tacit knowledge in weapons design, suggesting that a halt to weapons design and testing could bring on a crisis of credibility, and possibly the ‘uninvention’ of nuclear weapons. In this paper, we examine how the weapons community has avoided such a crisis of credibility. Our analysis turns on the concept of sociotechnical repair – the processes communities and institutions engage in to sustain their existence, identity, and boundaries, particularly when faced with disruptive change. We examine two post-Cold War repair efforts that demonstra...
The Language of Detecting Deceit

Techniques used to convince potential deceivers to tell the truth or to draw out information and cues to deception have long been part of the conventional wisdom of attorneys, police officers, investigative reporters, and other professionals who work with potential deceivers. A comprehensive search of this pragmatic literature yields myriad message strategies that these practitioners believe to be effective in obtaining accurate information and detecting deception. These diverse strategies were placed into a typology categorized by the ecumenical motivations facilitating truth-telling, increased information exchange, and cues to deceptive communication. Sample message tactics for implementing these overarching strategies are incorporated into this classification. This typology provides an organizational scheme for the diverse techniques drawn from pragmatic literature and can serve as a template or heuristic model for examining deception detection in interpersonal settings.
Evaluation and clinical application of a direct low-density lipoprotein cholesterol assay in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic adults.

Abstract This study examines the performance and clinical use of a commercial immunoseparation assay for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a sample population of normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic adult volunteers. Using paired fasting and nonfasting samples, we compared the direct LDL assay with the β quantification method and the Friedewald calculation. Overall, the direct LDL assay correctly classified 82% and 60% of fasting and nonfasting subjects, respectively, into National Cholesterol Education Program risk groups. The Friedewald method correctly classified 84% of subjects. The fasting direct LDL assay has comparable positive and negative predictive values to the Friedewald method, except at an LDL cholesterol of 100 mg/dl. The nonfasting direct LDL assay demonstrates unacceptable positive predictive values when LDL cholesterol decreases to the 130 to 159 and ≥160 mg/dl categories. Overall, direct LDL assay demonstrates limitations in the nonfasting state and at the LDL cholesterol level of 100 mg/dl used for patients with established coronary heart disease.
Discrete approximations and necessary optimality conditions for functional-differential inclusions of neutral type

This paper deals with necessary optimality conditions for optimal control systems governed by constrained functional-differential inclusions of neutral type. While some results are available for smooth control systems governed by neutral functional-differential equations, we are not familiar with any results for neutral functional-differential inclusions, even with smooth cost functionals in the absence of endpoint constraints. Developing the method of discrete approximations and employing advanced tools of generalized differentiation, we conduct a variational analysis of neutral functional-differential inclusions and obtain new necessary optimality conditions of both Euler-Lagrange and Hamiltonian types.
On the effect of parity-check weights in iterative decoding

It is well-established "folk knowledge" that in order to be iteratively decodable, a code should have a sparse parity-check matrix, as it has some qualitative and quantitative properties for finite-length codes.
Providing homebound patients with pharmaceutical services

Homebound patients with chronic illnesses take more prescription drugs than most people, but unless they have the resources to pay for home pharmaceutical care services, they may not be receiving appropriate counseling about the medicines they take. LifeCare Alliance, an Ohio nonprofit health and
Design Principles for Augmented Reality Learning

Augmented reality is an emerging technology that utilizes mobile, context-aware devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) that enable participants to interact with digital information embedded within the physical environment. This overview of design principles focuses on specific strategies that instructional designers can use to develop AR learning experiences. A review of the literature reveals the following three design principles as instructive: 1. Enable and then challenge (challenge): 2. Drive by gamified story (fantasy); and 3. See the unseen (curiosity). These design principles can also be viewed as an attempt to either leverage the unique affor- dances of AR or minimize the limitations of the medium as reported in the literature (Dunleavy & Dede, 2014). As the field matures and more research teams explore the potential of AR to enhance teaching and learning, it will be critical to determine the design techniques that optimize the unique affordances of AR, minimize the limitations of the medium, and ultimately enhance learning across the curriculum.
Adrenocortical function in myxedema.

THERE has been a prevailing concept that adrenocortical function is decreased in myxedema. This concept has been based mainly upon the decreased urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids (1–12) in almost all cases of myxedema, the decreased excretion of formaldehydogenic (13), 17-ketogenic (12), 11-oxy (8, 14, 15) and 17-hydroxy corticosteroids (11) in many, and the failure of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) to produce a fall in circulating eosinophils (7, 10, 15) in at least some of the cases studied. However, the reported information is somewhat conflicting, both as to findings and to interpretation. Previous studies from our laboratory (16) have shown that in myxedema there is delayed diuretic response to a water load. This is not correctable by cortisone, but is corrected by thyroid therapy—indicating that this defect is not due to adrenal insufficiency. With the development of methods for studying adrenocortical function and functional capacity or reserve more specifically and directly, the following investiga...
CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) and C/EBPδ Contribute to Growth Hormone-regulated Transcription of c-fos *

Using the c-fos enhancer as a model to analyze growth hormone (GH)-promoted gene expression, the roles of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) in GH-regulated transcription were investigated. In 3T3-F442A fibroblasts stably expressing the c-fos promoter mutated at the C/EBP binding site upstream of luciferase, c-fos promoter activity is stimulated by GH 6–7-fold; wild type c-fos promoter shows only a 2-fold induction by GH. This suggests that C/EBP restrains GH-stimulated expression of c-fos. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with nuclear extracts from 3T3-F442A cells indicate that GH rapidly (2–5 min) increases binding of C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ, to the c-fos C/EBP binding site. Both liver activating protein (LAP) and liver inhibitory protein (LIP), forms of C/EBPβ, are detected in 3T3-F442A cells by immunoblotting. GH increases the binding of LAP/LAP and LAP/LIP dimers. Overexpression of LIP interferes with GH-promoted reporter expression in CHO cells expressing GH receptors, consistent with the possibility that LIP restrains GH-stimulated c-fos expression. Overexpression of LAP elevates basal luciferase activity but does not influence promoter activation by GH, while overexpressed C/EBPδ elevates basal promoter activity and enhances the stimulation by GH. GH stimulates the expression of mRNA for C/EBPβ and -δ and increases levels of C/EBPδ. Although C/EBPβ is not detectably altered, GH induces a shift to more rapidly migrating forms of LIP and LAP upon immunoblotting. Treatment of extracts from GH-treated cells with alkaline phosphatase causes a shift of the slower migrating form to the rapidly migrating form, consistent with GH promoting dephosphorylation of LIP and LAP. These studies implicate C/EBPβ and -δ in GH-regulated gene expression. They also indicate that GH stimulates the binding of C/EBPβ and -δ to the c-fos promoter and promotes the dephosphorylation of LIP and LAP. These events may contribute to the ability of C/EBPβ and -δ to regulate GH-stimulated expression of c-fos.
Weak gauge boson mass relation for arbitrary Higgs scalars

We derive a weak gauge boson mass relation for arbitrary Higgs scalars in the left-right symmetric modelSUL,2⊗SUR,2⊗U1.
Henson graphs and Urysohn—Henson graphs as Cayley graphs

We discuss groups acting regularly on the Henson graphs Γ n , answering a question posed by Peter Cameron, and we explore a number of related questions.
Frequency and Etiology of Ventilator-Associated Events in the Medical Intensive Care Unit

Abstract: Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed new criteria based on a significant deterioration in oxygenation to identify ventilator-associated events (conditions). The aim of this study was to determine how frequently this happened and what caused these conditions. Methods: Electronic medical records and x-rays from 281 ventilator episodes in the medical intensive care unit were reviewed to determine the characteristics of patients requiring ventilation and the number of patients meeting the criteria for ventilator-associated conditions (VACs). Results: This cohort included 257 patients (55.4% men) who required 281 episodes of mechanical ventilation. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II score was 13.5 ± 5.9. The initial mean PaO2/FiO2 was 210 ± 110. The median number of ventilator days was 4 (interquartile range: 3–9). The overall mortality was 32.3%. Nineteen patients (11.7% of eligible episodes) met the CDC criteria for a VAC; 6 met FiO2 criteria (31.6%) and 13 met positive end expiratory pressure criteria (68.4%). Twelve patients (63.2%) had an increased white blood cell count (> 12k/μL) during the event. Eleven patients had an increase in temperature (> 38°C) during this period. The etiology of these conditions included pneumonia (n = 4), atelectasis (n = 4), congestive heart failure (n = 5), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 2), and miscellaneous reasons (n = 4). Conclusions: VACs occurred in 11.7% of patients in our medical intensive care unit. The etiology of these events was diverse and did not usually reflect complications. These new CDC criteria for institutional reporting of complications during mechanical ventilation do not necessarily identify complications or provide a good method for comparing outcomes in hospitals.
Using Incomplete Trios to Boost Confidence in Family Based Association Studies.

Most currently available family based association tests are designed to account only for nuclear families with complete genotypes for parents as well as offspring. Due to the availability of increasingly less expensive generation of whole genome sequencing information, genetic studies are able to collect data for more families and from large family cohorts with the goal of improving statistical power. However, due to missing genotypes, many families are not included in the family based association tests, negating the benefits of large scale sequencing data. Here, we present the CIFBAT method to use incomplete families in Family Based Association Test (FBAT) to evaluate robustness against missing data. CIFBAT uses quantile intervals of the FBAT statistic by randomly choosing valid completions of incomplete family genotypes based on Mendelian inheritance rules. By considering all valid completions equally likely and computing quantile intervals over several randomized iterations, CIFBAT avoids assumption of a homogeneous population structure or any particular missingness pattern in the data. Using simulated data, we show that the quantile intervals computed by CIFBAT are useful in validating robustness of the FBAT statistic against missing data and in identifying genomic markers with higher precision. We also propose a novel set of candidate genomic markers for uterine related abnormalities from analysis of familial whole genome sequences, and provide validation for a previously established set of candidate markers for Type 1 diabetes. We have provided a software package that incorporates TDT, robustTDT, FBAT and CIFBAT. The data format proposed for the software uses half the memory space that the standard FBAT format (PED) files use, making it efficient for large scale genome wide association studies.
Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Ni Nanoparticle Decorated CdS Nanosheets

High-quality, thickness-controlled CdS nanosheets (NSs) have been obtained through the thermal decomposition of cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate in octadecene. Ensembles with discrete thicknesses of 1.50, 1.80, and 2.16 nm have been made with corresponding lateral dimensions on the order of 90 nm × 20 nm. These latter values make the 1–3 nm NSs the largest 2D CdS specimens made to date using colloidal chemistry. Associated Ni nanoparticle decorated counterparts have been made through the photodeposition of Ni onto NSs with an average nanoparticle diameter of 6 nm. Subsequent photocatalytic hydrogen generation measurements have compared the performance of CdS NSs with that of their Ni NP decorated counterparts in water/ethanol mixtures. Apparent quantum yields as large as 25% have been seen for Ni NP decorated NSs with transient yields as large as 64% within the first 2 h of irradiation. Results from ensemble femtosecond transient differential absorption spectroscopy reveal that the origin of this high effic...
Tactile Paintbrush: A procedural method for generating spatial haptic texture

In this work, we aim to represent tactile textures in such a way that a given texture may be "painted" onto a selected spatial region of a tactile display. We recorded a series of fingertip swipes across eleven textures and stored the data as spatial friction maps — friction as a function of position. We analyzed these maps with a space-frequency transform, and observed stochasticity in our physical measurements. We modeled the randomness in spectral magnitude across space with three distributions: Rayleigh, Rice, and Weibull. We analyzed the quality of parameterizations using goodness of model fit as well as consistency across multiple swipes of the same texture. We found that a two-parameter Weibull model best represented the measured data, and propose to use this model in the Tactile Paintbrush for applying virtual textures to spatial regions.
Controversies in the Diagnosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract Background Headache is a common chief complaint in emergency departments, accounting for 2% of visits, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threating cause of headache. This deadly disease is most commonly due to aneurysmal rupture. Various approaches exist for diagnosis, with recent studies evaluating these approaches. A great deal of controversy exists about the optimal diagnosis strategy for SAH. Objective This article in the Best Clinical Practice Series seeks to educate emergency physicians on the recent literature in the diagnosis of SAH and provide an evidence-based approach. Discussion Various diagnostic strategies exist, including use of noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) alone, CT/lumbar puncture (LP) in combination, CT/CT angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography. The use of clinical decision rules has also been espoused, and several contemporary studies have evaluated cerebrospinal fluid results of red blood cell count and xanthochromia in the diagnosis of SAH. Recent literature supports that a negative head CT done within 6 h of headache onset places the patient at a Conclusions Literature support exists for all of the diagnostic strategies. The American College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policy supports CT and LP for definitive diagnosis. Risk stratification and a shared decision-making model with the patient should be followed, and a negative head CT within 6 h of headache onset places patient at a risk of
Ca2(+)-dependent membrane-binding proteins in normal erythrocytes and erythrocytes from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Cytosolic and membrane fractions of human erythrocytes were probed with antisera raised against several members of the annexin family of Ca2(+)- dependent phospholipid/membrane-binding proteins. One of the antisera, that against the 67 Kd calcimedin, identified erythrocyte polypeptides of molecular weights 48 and 67 Kd, which were found in the cytoplasm when normal erythrocytes were lysed in the presence of EGTA but on the membrane when lysis buffers contained Ca2+. In contrast, membranes of erythrocytes from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) contained the 67 Kd protein even when prepared in the absence of Ca2+, as well as the antibody-reactive proteins of 35 and 38 Kd. When prepared in the presence of Ca2+, CML membranes contained increased levels of these three species and the 48 Kd protein, as well. These results suggest that normal erythrocytes contain a calcimedin-like protein that is translocated to the membrane in the presence of Ca2+ and that CML erythrocytes have both an abnormal amount and distribution of calcimedin-like proteins.
Populations at Risk for a Gambling Disorder: Older Adults

Older adults who gamble are a population of concern, yet older adult problem gambling remains a topic of limited examination. This article seeks to critically evaluate the existing older adult problem gambling literature. Recent literature uses generational comparisons to predict gambling behaviors of those newest to older adulthood, the Baby Boomers. These studies indicate that Baby Boomers participate in gambling activities at a higher rate than previous generations and that they may be further negatively impacted as access to gambling expands. Prevalence rates of problem gambling vary across countries suggesting that culture influences perceptions of gambling for older adults. While poorer health outcomes have also been associated with problem gambling, positive effects of gambling on cognition have also been suggested. Finally, the authors offer personal observations and hypothetical discussion about these research implications and emphasize the need for better awareness, screening, and study of gambling disorders among older adults.
Queering it up, strutting our threads, and baring our souls: genderqueer individuals negotiating social and felt sense of gender

AbstractThis article draws from data of a year-long qualitative study on the lived experiences of genderqueer individuals. Two critical questions helped aide in thinking about the lived experiences of genderqueer individuals: (1) What does it mean to claim a genderqueer identity? and (2) How is genderqueer experienced, embodied, and understood? The principal work of Jose Munoz, Gayle Salamon, Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, and Jasbir Puar was used to support the theoretical frame and qualitative data analysis. What makes a person genderqueer is not clearly defined, but is organic and personal, and brings forth negotiations of social and felt sense of gender, and internal and external oppression. Specifically, the ways in which genderqueer individuals negotiate their identity related to the social construction of gender, the felt sense of gender, and gender as becoming are analyzed and discussed.
Tracheal Malplacement of the King LT Airway May Be an Important Cause of Prehospital Device Failure.

Abstract Background The King LT airway (King Systems, Noblesville, IN) is a popular extraglottic device that is widely used in the prehospital setting. We report a case of tracheal malplacement of the King airway with a severe kink in the distal tube. Case Report A 51-year-old unhelmeted motorcyclist collided with a freeway median and was obtunded when paramedics arrived. After bag mask ventilation, a King airway was placed uneventfully and the patient was transported to the emergency department. Because of the concern for an unstable cervical spine injury, a lateral cervical spine radiograph was obtained on arrival. No cervical injury was seen, but the King airway was noted to be malplaced; the King airway passed through the laryngeal inlet and became lodged on the anterior trachea, creating an acute kink between the two balloons. After reviewing the radiograph, ventilations were reassessed and remained adequate. Both balloons were deflated, and the King airway was removed; the patient was orotracheally intubated without complication. Why Should An Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? The King airway is a valuable prehospital airway that can be placed quickly and blindly with high success rates by inexperienced providers; the King airway, however, is not without complication. Ventilation was not impaired in this patient, but tracheal malplacement may be an important cause of prehospital device failure. If a first placement attempt of a King airway device fails, it is reasonable to reattempt King airway placement with a new, unkinked device before abandoning King airway placement.
Prison Library Services in Croatia Need Improvement to Meet International Standards of Universal Rights to Access

A Review of: Simunic, Z., Tanackovic, S.F., & Badurina, B. (2016). Library services for incarcerated persons: A survey of recent trends and challenges in prison libraries in Croatia. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 48(1), 72-89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000614538481 Objective – To compare the status of prison libraries in Croatia to prior studies and ultimately, to guidelines for prison library services (Lehmann & Locke, 2005). Two research questions were asked: 1) How are Croatian prison libraries organized and managed? and 2) What kind of library collections and services are offered to incarcerated persons in Croatia? Design – Quantitative survey. Setting – 23 Croatian prison libraries. Subjects – Persons in charge of prison libraries. Methods – A paper survey was mailed to all 23 Croatian prisons in 2013. The survey consisted of 31 questions grouped into 3 categories: general library information, management of the library, and use. Analysis provided descriptive statistics. Main Results – Twenty-one responses (91%) were received. For the 10 institutions providing data on library holdings size, the numbers ranged from 450 to 6122, but per capita figures were not possible to calculate as no responses provided prison population size. Most (65%) maintained an entry book for new acquisitions, while one library kept a card catalogue. Half performed collection assessment on an annual basis. While all but 1 of the prisons had libraries, most (16 of 20) reported that funding was not provided on a regular basis; 13 had space allocated specifically for library purposes, but none were staffed by trained librarians, instead using prison staff or prisoners. Only two libraries practised regularly-scheduled collection development, with half acquiring materials solely through donations resulting in limited topical coverage. All collections included monographs, but only around 25% carried newspapers, magazines, music, or videos. While use of the libraries was high, most responses reflected severely limited educational, rehabilitative or cultural programming and access to the internet, and lack of space for collections and reading purposes. Conclusion – Libraries in Croatia fail to meet international standards for staffing, collections, and services. Recommendations for immediate improvement are made, including legislative advocacy and funding, improved public library involvement, and the creation of national standards aligned with international standards.
Production and release rate of 37Ar from the UT TRIGA Mark-II research reactor.

Air samples were taken at various locations around The University of Texas at Austin's TRIGA Mark II research reactor and analyzed to determine the concentrations of 37Ar, 41Ar, and 133Xe present. The measured ratio of 37Ar/41Ar and historical records of 41Ar releases were then utilized to estimate an annual average release rate of 37Ar from the reactor facility. Using the calculated release rate, atmospheric transport modeling was performed in order to determine the potential impact of research reactor operations on nearby treaty verification activities. Results suggest that small research reactors (∼1 MWt) do not release 37Ar in concentrations measurable by currently proposed OSI detection equipment.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Response in Rural Appalachia: A Tale of Miscommunication, Unrealistic Expectations, and "Hurt, Hurt, Hurt"

In spring of 2012, rural southeastern Kentucky was impacted by torrential storms and flooding that activated federal disaster response through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This qualitative research study examines the experience of community members affected by the Kentucky floods of 2012 (N=9) and describes their interactions with FEMA representatives, in their own voice, thereby giving insight into gaps in rural disaster response. The principal investigator spent 6 weeks living in the community and conducted open-ended interviews. Narratives were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a phenomenological approach.
Abstract 18024: Older Adults Lack Knowledge and Confidence to Seek Early Treatment for Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Early treatment seeking for atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for averting stroke, heart failure and progression of AF, but early treatment is delayed when AF is not recognized. In a recent study, 70% of participants delayed treatment seeking for > one week after symptom onset. Participants were not aware of AF as a condition, did not attribute symptoms to AF, held inaccurate beliefs about symptoms, and did not believe symptoms required medical attention. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about AF in those at risk for developing AF is needed to develop interventions to promote early treatment-seeking. Purpose: Knowledge, treatment seeking attitudes, and beliefs about AF in participants ≥ 65 years with ≥ 1 medical risk factor for developing AF were measured in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Methods: Patients without a diagnosis of AF recruited from an academic medical center were interviewed using the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Atrial Fibrillation Survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Results: Participants (N = 180) were predominantly male (62%) with a mean age of 73.7 (±6.0) years and 71% were educated beyond high school. About one-third of participants could not identify typical symptoms of AF including: palpitations (31%); chest pain (36%); dyspnea (30%); lightheadedness (40%); fatigue (35%); and skipped beats (27%). More than half (58%) were not sure when they should seek care for AF symptoms. Nearly a third (32%) believed palpitations are always present with AF and 74% believed symptoms of AF would not be limited to fatigue and low energy. A third (33%) reported they would consult family before seeking treatment. There were no significant differences in responses by sex or educational attainment for knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs. Conclusions: Participants lacked knowledge and confidence to identify symptoms to aid decision-making for seeking early treatment for symptoms of AF and held inaccurate beliefs about AF that could hinder early treatment seeking. Implications: Research to test interventions to improve recognition of AF and its symptoms, and to guide action planning for responding to symptoms is needed.
Characterizing Students’ Learning Behaviors Using Unsupervised Learning Methods

In this paper, we present an unsupervised approach for characterizing students’ learning behaviors in an open-ended learning environment. We describe our method for generating metrics that describe a learner’s behaviors and performance using Coherence Analysis. Then we combine feature selection with a clustering method to group students by their learning behaviors. We characterize the primary behaviors of each group and link these behaviors to the students’ ability to build correct models as well as their learning gains derived from their pre- and post-test scores. Finally, we discuss how this behavior characterization may contribute to a framework for adaptive scaffolding of learning behaviors.
Geiger-Mode LiDAR: From Airborne Platforms To Driverless Cars

The operation of avalanche photodiodes in Geiger mode provides single-photon detection with excellent timing accuracy on a scalable semiconductor device platform. The use of arrays of Geiger-mode detectors for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) from airborne platforms enables the high-rate collection of 3D point cloud imagery from extremely long (>10 km) standoff distances and has resulted in order-of-magnitude increases in performance metrics such as area coverage rate and 3D image resolution. More recently, we have applied Geiger-mode technology to shorter range low-cost LiDAR systems designed for automotive applications. The combination of two factors—single-photon sensitivity and the greater eye-safety of lasers at wavelengths beyond 1400 nm—provides disruptive automotive LiDAR performance that will be essential to future autonomous vehicle navigation.
Evaluation of the use of malic acid decarboxylase-deficient starter culture in NaCl-free cucumber fermentations to reduce bloater incidence.

AIMS: Accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in cucumber fermentations is known to cause hollow cavities inside whole fruits or bloaters, conducive to economic losses for the pickling industry. This study focused on evaluating the use of a malic acid decarboxylase (MDC)‐deficient starter culture to minimize CO₂ production and the resulting bloater index in sodium chloride‐free cucumber fermentations brined with CaCl₂. METHODS AND RESULTS: Attempts to isolate autochthonous MDC‐deficient starter cultures from commercial fermentations, using the MD medium for screening, were unsuccessful. The utilization of allochthonous MDC‐deficient starter cultures resulted in incomplete utilization of sugars and delayed fermentations. Acidified fermentations were considered, to suppress the indigenous microbiota and favour proliferation of the allochthonous MDC‐deficient Lactobacillus plantarum starter cultures. Inoculation of acidified fermentations with L. plantarum alone or in combination with Lactobacillus brevis minimally improved the conversion of sugars. However, inoculation of the pure allochthonous MDC‐deficient starter culture to 10⁷ CFU per ml in acidified fermentations resulted in a reduced bloater index as compared to wild fermentations and those inoculated with the mixed starter culture. CONCLUSIONS: Although use of an allochthonous MDC‐deficient starter culture reduces bloater index in acidified cucumber fermentations brined with CaCl₂, an incomplete conversion of sugars is observed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Economical losses due to the incidence of bloaters in commercial cucumber fermentations brined with CaCl₂ may be reduced utilizing a starter culture to high cell density.
An automatic pipeline for mapping roads from aerial images

Digital maps have been playing an important role in our everyday life. They are in our car navigation systems, smart phones and smart watches etc. And we have many online map providers like Google, Bing and Here. However, traditional ways of surveying and mapping of roads by human beings working on the ground usually takes a lot of time and labor work. Thus we are proposing here an automatic solution by utilizing aerial images with geographical information. Road maps are automatically generated by: First processing aerial images using a modified deep neural network based on GoogleNet to identify the most likely road part. Then the road parts are assigned with their corresponding geographical coordinates. Finally the image data and geographical data are fusion together in Geotiff format, which might be used for map updating, car navigation and autonomous vehicles.
Larger but not louder: bigger honey bee colonies have quieter combs

Communication is impossible if the sender’s signal cannot overcome background noise to reach the receiver. This obstacle is present in all communication modalities, forcing organisms to develop diverse mechanisms to overcome noise. Honey bees will modify combs to improve signal efficiency of substrate-borne vibrations, but it is unknown whether, and if so, how, bees compensate for the largest potential source of noise: the bees themselves. The number of bees in a colony changes markedly throughout the year, but the size of the nest cavity does not, forcing workers into high densities on the combs. How, then, do bees communicate via substrate-borne vibrations on combs that are covered in bees? We used accelerometers to measure comb vibrations, while varying the number of workers on the comb. Surprisingly, comb vibrations decreased with increased worker number. Furthermore, inserting freshly killed bees to the comb demonstrated that it is not simply the bees’ collective mass that damps vibrations, but is probably their behavior. We propose that their posture damps vibrations, with each bee linking up to six neighboring cells with her legs. This collective damping reduces background noise and improves the landscape for communication. These results demonstrate how living systems, including superorganisms, can overcome physical obstacles with curiously simple and elegant solutions. Background noise is a pervasive problem in communication. Honey bees must address this problem because thousands of individuals occupy and communicate within a single nest made of beeswax combs. While it is known that bees use beeswax comb vibrations to communicate, it is unknown how they overcome background noise when the combs become covered in bees. We show that comb vibrations decrease, not increase, as the number of bees on the comb increases. This unexpected result is not due to bees’ mass, but rather their interactions with the comb that damps vibrations. By reducing background vibrations, workers make the comb “quieter” and improve the substrate for communication. Therefore, we show that the communication landscape for sending signals within the superorganism is improved, not hindered, as the colony grows.
Normal Vasodilator Stress PET/CT Study

A 52-year-old female with dyslipidemia and a family history of ischemic heart disease was referred for evaluation of nonanginal chest pain.
N-Methy-4-Nitroaniline (MNA)

N-Methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) is used as an additive to lower the melting temperature of energetic materials in the synthesis of insensitive explosives. This chemical is commonly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and gasoline, in gum inhibitors, poultry medicines, and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Lethal Effects of Leaf Leachate from the Non-Native Invasive Shrub Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) on a Model Aquatic Organism (Hyalella azteca)

The invasive shrub Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) is a problematic species in the eastern United States and there is growing evidence that materials from this species have toxic effects on some organisms. We used a sequence of microcosm bioassays to assess the influence of L. maackii leaf leachate on the macroinvertebrate Hyalella azteca, which is a standard aquatic organism for toxicity assessment. In a laboratory setting, H. azteca were exposed to a leaf leachate dilution series (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%) in 48-h toxicity tests. This was repeated throughout the growing season to assess the potential for changes in leaf toxicity due to phenology. Strong toxic effects were found when H. azteca was exposed to a L. maackii leachate from autumn (P < 0.05) and, in fact, all organisms died when exposed to any level of concentration in most trials. Mean percent survival also decreased significantly in all dilutions in the spring (P < 0.05 for all treatments); however, little toxicity was detected in growing season trials. These results suggest (a) strong toxic effects of L. maackii foliage on a model aquatic organism that (b) varies throughout the year, potentially in relationship to biochemical changes associated with phenology.
Intermodulation FMCW (IM-FMCW) radar for nonlinear wearable targets detection

An intermodulation frequency-modulated continuous-wave (IM-FMCW) radar for non-linear wearable target detection is proposed in this paper. The non-linearity of a wearable target is utilized to generate third-order intermodulation from the transmitted single tone and chirp signal of the radar. On the receiver chain, another chirp signal with inverted ramp is used to de-ramp the third-order intermodulation product from the non-linear target. Thus, the range of the non-linear wearable target can be obtained. Moreover, clutters from other targets without non-linearity are automatically rejected due to the absence of intermodulation products. System-level model of the proposed IM-FMCW radar was created and simulated. The simulation results prove that the proposed IM-FMCW radar has the capability to detect the range of a non-linear wearable target as well as rejecting the clutters from other linear targets.
Shear elegance: A novel screen uncovers a mechanosensitive GPCR.

Mechanical stimuli range in timescale and intensity, from the constant force of gravity to the slow oscillations of pumping blood or the sensation of high-pitched sound waves. The array of molecular strategies that have evolved to detect these different stimuli reflect the diversity of forces
Hematologic Cancer Survivorship Management: Leukemia

The prognosis of patients with leukemia largely depends on the type of leukemia, clinical and pathologic prognostic factors of the leukemic cells, and patient characteristics. Over the past decade, long-term survival rates of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have dramatically improved. On the other hand, these patients usually require life-long treatment, which may cause chronic physical, psychological, or socioeconomic complications that can affect patients’ well-being. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the United States. The natural history of CLL is generally indolent, with median survival durations of 10 years. Patients with CLL are at risk for secondary malignancies and infectious complications with disease- and treatment-related pathogenesis. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are generally treated with intensive chemotherapy, which may result in chronic symptoms that interfere with patients’ daily lives. Although some aspects of late or chronic toxic effects of treatment in patients with leukemia have been discussed, data concerning long-term effects remain limited. Further investigation is warranted to establish optimal monitoring schedules and effective interventions for survivors of adult-onset leukemia.
Remote access to distributed file systems

Technological trends such as the availability of mobile computers and the expanding network infrastructure are creating a large number of users who access distributed file systems remotely. Remote access differs from normal access because of differences in the network quality. In the office, clients use high bandwidth, low latency networks, but the remote environment is typically composed of low bandwidth; high latency networks. Additionally, remote networks are intermittently available. Accessing distributed files in the remote environment is difficult because most distributed file systems are designed with the office environment in mind. Without a network, files are inaccessible. When a network is available, file system performance, suffers because of the network latencies incurred by many files system operations. This thesis describes how remote access to distributed files can be improved by relaxing file system guarantees, including freshness of data and immediate propagation of file modifications. Relaxing these guarantees reduces or eliminates network demands. This allows clients to adjust file system behavior to match the available network. A prototype of these changes is implemented using AFS. The resulting file system allows file access when networks are unavailable and substantially improves performance over low bandwidth networks.
Clinical Reasoning: Young adult with dysphagia and severe weight loss.

A 20-year-old man presented with progressive dysphagia for 6 months to both liquids and solids with intermittent choking episodes. There was no nasal regurgitation, fatigability, or diurnal variation of dysphagia or difficulty in chewing. He had lost about 80 pounds in 6 months. He felt short of breath after walking for a short distance and climbing 2 flights of stairs and could not lie flat. He described muscle twitching in his face as well as arms and legs. He denied weakness of the upper or lower limbs, sensory symptoms, bladder or bowel problems, or uncontrollable laughing or crying. He had Lyme disease 5 years ago with left-sided facial palsy. The patient was of Hispanic ancestry and family history over 3 generations was negative for neuromuscular disorders, dementia, or prominent psychiatric disorders. On neurologic examination, he had a flat affect but normal bedside screening cognitive functions. His speech was nasal and his voice was hoarse. He had residual left lower motor neuron facial palsy. Cranial nerve V (motor and sensory) functions were normal. Palatal movements and gag reflex were normal. He had bilateral tongue atrophy, weakness, and fasciculations (video 1); perioral fasciculations were also present. There was mild lower limb spasticity and weakness in the following muscles: first dorsal interosseous (FDI) 4+/5, triceps 5−/5, deltoids 4+/5, gluteus maximus 4+/5, neck flexion 4/5. There was wasting of the periscapular muscles and FDI. There was no split hand phenomenon. Fasciculations were present in shoulder, biceps, thighs, and calves. Reflexes were 3+ and symmetrical at the biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellae, and ankles with flexor plantar responses; increased finger flexor and crossed adductor reflexes were present. Jaw jerk and snout reflexes were absent. Sensory and cerebellar examination results were normal.