cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electromechanical conversion efficiency of PZT films

PZT thin films have been prepared by opposed-target RF-sputtering and laser ablation. The titanium to zirconium ratios were 60/40 and 48/52. The latter films were doped with Fe and Sr (PZT 8). The dielectric constant, polarization, and d/sub 33/ coefficients were measured. A newly designed quadrature looper was used to acquire the polarization data and d/sub 33/ was measured with a stabilized interferometer. The dielectric properties ( epsilon and P) were slightly lower but comparable to bulk values. The best d/sub 33/ was 7.7 (for a 60/40 film). The d/sub 33/ value for the 48/52 RF-sputtered films was significantly lower than what one would expect from dielectric data. PZT films as-deposited are oriented and exhibit piezoelectric activity before any poling treatment. The material was also difficult to depole. >
Feedback and weighting mechanisms for improving Jacobian (Hessian) estimates in the adaptive simultaneous perturbation algorithm

It is known that a stochastic approximation (SA) analogue of the deterministic Newton-Raphson algorithm provides an asymptotically optimal or near-optimal form of stochastic search. However, directly determining the required Jacobian matrix (or Hessian matrix for optimization) has often been difficult or impossible in practice. This paper presents a general adaptive SA algorithm that is based on a simple method for estimating the Jacobian matrix while concurrently estimating the primary parameters of interest. Relative to prior methods for adaptively estimating the Jacobian matrix, the paper introduces two enhancements that generally improve the quality of the estimates for underlying Jacobian (Hessian) matrices, thereby improving the quality of the estimates for the primary parameters of interest. The first enhancement rests on a feedback process that uses previous Jacobian estimates to reduce the error in the current estimate. The second enhancement is based on the formation of an optimal weighting of "per-iteration" Jacobian estimates. Given its basis in the simultaneous perturbation mechanism, the algorithm requires only a small number of loss function or gradient measurements per iteration - independent of the problem dimension - to adaptively estimate the Jacobian matrix and parameters of primary interest. This paper provides the basic idea together with some analytical justification and a small-scale numerical evaluation.
(Non)perturbative gravity, nonlocality, and nice slices

Perturbative dynamics of gravity is investigated for high-energy scattering and in black hole backgrounds. In the latter case, a straightforward perturbative analysis fails, in a close parallel to the failure of the former when the impact parameter reaches the Schwarzschild radius. This suggests a flaw in a semiclassical description of physics on spatial slices that intersect both outgoing Hawking radiation and matter that has carried information into a black hole; such slices are instrumental in a general argument for black hole information loss. This indicates a possible role for the proposal that nonperturbative gravitational physics is intrinsically nonlocal.
Is Inventors Network Structure a Predictor of Cluster Evolution

Geographical clusters are significant drivers of regional economic growth and competitiveness in today's economy. Recent studies have shown that geographically limited knowledge diffusion which results from inventor movements within clusters is a facilitating factor to regional innovation output and therefore to the development of clusters. However, it remains unclear whether the dynamics of inventor movements can be used as an indicator for different stages of cluster progression. In this study, using patent co-authorship data, we construct inventor networks for two telecom clusters, New Jersey and Texas. Based on the longitudinal analysis of inventor network properties and interviews with the key inventors maintaining the networks, we seek to gain a better understanding of 1) how the properties of inventor networks across the two clusters reflect their difference in fundamental "typology" of clusters; and 2) are the patterns of inventor network structures and properties over time indicative of the change in viability of the clusters.
Sexuality: Measures of Partnerships, Practices, Attitudes, and Problems in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Study

Objectives. The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) was designed to examine the relationship between sexual behavior, sexual problems, and health among older women and men. We describe measures of sexual partnerships, sexual practices, sexual problems, attitudes toward sex, and nonsexual intimacy in the fi rst wave of NSHAP. Methods. We compare measures of sexuality for those 57 ‐ 85 years old, by age, separately for men and women. We construct scales of sexual mores, sexual interest, and relationship satisfaction and discuss properties of each scale. Results. Sexuality among older adults tends to vary with age and gender. At all ages in this study, men are more likely than women to have a partner, more likely to be sexually active with that partner, and tend to have more positive and permissive attitudes toward sex. The proportions in a sexual partnership, behavior, problems, and attitudes all differ substantially by age. And these age patterns often differ for men and women. Discussion. Data obtained in the NSHAP can be used to construct key measures of sexuality among older adults; to examine sexuality itself; and to explore the link between sexuality, health, well-being, and other dimensions of the lives of older adults.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Activates a Latent Neurogenic Program in Neural Stem Cells from Diverse Regions of the Adult CNS

During development of the mammalian brain, both neurons and glia are generated from multipotent neural stem cells. Although neurogenesis ceases in most areas at birth, stem cells continue to generate neurons within the subventricular zone and hippocampal dentate gyrus throughout adult life. In this work, we provide the first demonstration that precursors native to regions of the adult brain that generate only glia can also generate neurons after exposure to FGF-2 in vitro. When progenitors isolated from hippocampal tissue were directly compared with cells isolated from the neocortex, both populations were able to initiate a program of proliferative neurogenesis. Genetic marking and lineage analysis showed that a majority of the cells able to generate neurons were multipotent precursors; however, progeny from these precursors acquired the competence to differentiate into neurons only after exposure to FGF-2. The recruitment of similar FGF-2-responsive cells from the adult optic nerve, a structure well isolated from the neurogenic zones within the brain, confirmed that neuron-competent precursors naturally exist in widely divergent tissues of the adult brain.
Microstructure of precipitated Au Nanoclusters in Single Crystal MgO

Gold nanoclusters dispersed in single crystal MgO were prepared by ion implantation and subsequent annealing at 1000 C. The morphological feature, size, crystallographic orientation of the Au nanoclusters with respect to the MgO matrix, and the interface structure between the Au nanoclusters and MgO were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. During annealing, the Au clusters nucleate coherently in the MgO lattice, leading to an epitaxial orientation relationship of[010]MgO//[010]Au and (200)MgO//(200)Au that is maintained for all the Au clusters. A critical size for the coherent-semicoherent interface transition is observed to be in the range from {approx}5 to 8 nm for Au clusters in MgO. Au clusters larger than this critical size exhibit faceting on the {l_brace}001{r_brace} planes. The precipitated Au also exhibits internal dislocations.
Angiographic validation of eigenvolume to measure left ventricular size.

Radiopaque markers implanted in the left ventricle allow one to follow the motion of specific elements of myocardium and compute a measure of relative left ventricular volume, called "eigenvolume." Workers in our laboratory partially validated this measure in excised dog hearts by comparing eigenvolumes with volumes of balloons in the left ventricle. Perhaps because the balloon did not fully fill the left ventricle, there was a significant nonzero intercept in the relation between eigenvolume and balloon volume. Therefore, the results only partially confirmed the eigenvolume theory because eigenvolume should be proportional to cavity volume. This study compares eigenvolume with left ventricular volume measured by biplane angiography in intact beating hearts following hemodynamic interventions (atropine, phenylephrine, nitroprusside, volume loading, and propranolol). We performed 32 angiograms in five dogs. A high correlation (r = 0.958 +/- 0.029 [SD]) was found between eigenvolumes and left ventricular volumes. In contrast to earlier in vitro validations and consistent with theory, the intercept of the relation between eigenvolume and left ventricular cavity volume (angiovolume) was not significantly different from zero. These data strengthen the hypothesis that eigenvolume accurately reflects true left ventricular volume in vivo. These same data were used to assess the immediate (i.e., within a few beats) effect of angiography. Left ventricular volume loading associated with the angiogram modestly (6%) increases left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic eigenvolumes without changing stroke volume or pressures, consistent with a mild negative inotropic effect.
Cognitive distortions mediate depression and affective response to social acceptance and rejection.

Abstract Background The emotional context insensitivity (ECI) hypothesis suggests individuals with depression have blunted affective responses to both positive and negative events. We tested ECI in a social context to examine how depression relates to affective responses to social acceptance and rejection outcomes. Furthermore, we aimed to identify cognitive mechanisms linking depression with affective response to social feedback. Finally, we tested whether these processes are similar for social anxiety. Method 90 participants (age 18–26 years; 53 women) completed the two-visit Chatroom task. At Visit 1 they rated their expectations about being liked by 60 peers. At Visit 2 they completed self-reports of depressive and social anxiety symptoms, and of cognitive flexibility, then received acceptance or rejection feedback from each peer and rated their affective response. Results Greater depressive symptoms related to negative expectancy bias, lower cognitive flexibility, and less positive affective response to acceptance, but did not relate to rejection. Negative expectations and cognitive flexibility mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and affective response for acceptance; only negative expectations mediated rejection responses. These cognitive mechanisms were not related to social anxiety. Limitations A community sample was used to assess depression. Rumination and current mood state were omitted as potential predictors of affective response. Conclusions Findings support the ECI framework. Depression but not social anxiety interferes with positive and negative affect through cognitively mediated dampening of emotional response to social acceptance and rejection. Emotion regulation strategies in depression therapy can target social flexibility to improve alignment of affective reactions to social outcomes.
Classification from one class of examples for relational domains

One-class classification approaches have been proposed in the literature to learn classifiers from examples of only one class. But these approaches are not directly applicable to relational domains due to their reliance on a feature vector or a distance measure. We propose a non-parametric relational one-class classification approach based on first-order trees.We learn a tree-based distance measure that iteratively introduces new relational features to differentiate relational examples. We update the distance measure so as to maximize the one-class classification performance of our model. We also relate our model definition to existing work on probabilistic combination functions and density estimation. We experimentally show that our approach can discover relevant features and outperform three baseline approaches.
Abstract 271: Validation of Polo-like Kinase 1 as a novel therapeutic target in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Oncogenic transcription factors are the second most frequently mutated class of proteins. They represent ideal therapeutic targets because oncogene addiction is common to a broad spectrum of tumors and their inhibition may help to develop further alternative treatment strategies to improve therapy and to minimize treatment related side effects. However, thus far it has not been possible to target these oncogenic transcription factors as they usually do not respond to small-molecule inhibition. As a model system we use alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS), an aggressive childhood tumor, which often displays resistance to conventional chemo-and radiotherapy. aRMS is characterized by the expression of the tumor-specific chimeric transcription factor PAX3/FKHR that is essential for survival of tumor cells. This transcription factor is post-translationally modified by phosphorylation which is required for efficient transcriptional activity. We believe that identification of upstream protein kinases mediating PAX3/FKHR phosphorylation will be an efficient strategy to impair the activity of the oncogenic fusion protein and subsequently induce tumor cell specific apoptosis. Having performed both siRNA and kinase-inhibitor library screens against the human kinome, we claim that Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1) might represent a very attractive and specific potential therapeutic target in aRMS. Its inhibition by RNAi and the small-molecule inhibitor BI 2536 reduces PAX3/FKHR activity and consequently aRMS cell viability. Moreover drug treatment causes tumor regression in xenograft mouse models. Therefore we are elucidating mechanisms causing these antitumorigenic effects and especially focus on the interaction of PLK1 and PAX3/FKHR. Our data suggest that PLK1 warrants further investigations as a novel drug target for the treatment of aRMS and may lead to a general strategy for treatment of tumors addicted to post-translationally modified oncogenic transcription factors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 271. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-271
Negative interaction between indomethacin and exercise in mice.

We examined the possible negative interaction of the combined use of the NSAID indomethacin (IND) and exercise in mice. Mice were assigned to one of 4 groups: Exercise 2.5 mg/kg IND (Ex-2.5), Sedentary 2.5 mg/kg IND (Sed-2.5), Exercise 5.0 mg/kg IND (Ex-5.0) and Sedentary 5.0 mg/kg IND (Sed-5.0). Mice were given IND (gavage) 1 h prior to exercise (treadmill run at 30 m/min, 8% grade for 90 min) or rest for 14 consecutive days. Run times, body weight and mortality were recorded daily. Sed-5.0 was highly toxic and caused 70% mortality compared to Sed-2.5, which was well tolerated (0% mortality) (P
Electropolymerized Ultrathin Chromophore Films for VOC Sensing

Porphyrin containing thin film colorimetric sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been synthesized and characterized. Electropolymerization has been employed to synthesize robust poly-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin films. Production of films by this method allows for fine control over thickness allowing for rapid responses to analytes. While many techniques used to produce thin films rely on electrostatics, these films are covalently linked, yielding excellent structural integrity upon repeated exposure to organic solvents. Several transition metals have been inserted into the porphyrin films to modulate the sensory response based upon the affinity of particular transition metals to organic analytes.
Total arsenic analysis in Californian wines with hydride generation – microwave plasma – atomic emission spectroscopy (HG-MP-AES)

The total arsenic concentrations of forty Californian wine samples were analyzed using a novel hydride generation-microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (HG-MP-AES). Prior to analysis, various arsenic species were reduced with potassium iodide, and detected as gaseous arsenic trihydride. The method detection limit was determined to be 0.38 μg L−1. Total arsenic levels of the different tested wine styles (white, rose, red, Port, sparkling) ranged from below the detection limit to 43.8 μg L−1. The developed method provides quick and reliable quantitation of total arsenic content for a variety of wine styles down to levels below the EPA drinking water limit (10 μg L−1). This is the first report of HG-MP-AES, utilizing the Multimode Sample Introduction System (MSIS), for the determination of total arsenic.
Interpreting the findings of the IMPROVE study

Various findings of the Impact of Managed Pharmaceutical Care on Resource Utilization and Outcomes in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (IMPROVE) study are reviewed. Suggestions for future methodologies that will enhance this study are discussed. The IMPROVE study is one of the largest pharmaceutical care studies conducted. Although it was an intervention study that examined global outcomes following management by pharmacists, it was designed as an effectiveness study. Several new practice and research methods were developed, including a method to identify patients at high risk for drug-related problems utilizing pharmacy databases, a method to identify chronic diseases using pharmacy databases, a method to evaluate the structure and process for delivering pharmaceutical care in Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs), and guidelines for providing care to patients in the IMPROVE study. Nine VAMCs participated in the study, and 1054 patients were randomized to either an intervention group (n = 523) or a control group (n = 531). Pharmacists documented a total of 1855 contacts with the intervention group patients and made 3048 therapy-specific interventions over the 12-month study period. There was no meaningful difference in patient satisfaction or quality of life in the two groups. Selected disease-specific indicators found an improved rate of measurement of hemoglobin A1c tests and better control of total and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the intervention group compared with the control group. Total health care costs increased in both groups over the 12-month period. The mean increase in costs in the intervention group was $1020, which was lower than the control group's value of $1313. The lessons learned from the IMPROVE study suggest to future investigators how to study and measure the effects of clinical pharmacy services on patient outcome.
SP0208 Human Central and Peripheral B-Cell Tolerance Checkpoints: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Regulation

Patients with primary immunodeficiencies provide rare opportunities to study the impact of specific defective genes on the regulation of B-cell tolerance and the removal of developing autoreactive B cells in humans. In addition, impaired immune functions leading to primary immunodeficiencies often correlate with paradoxical autoimmune complications. Alterations in B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways in patients lacking functional BTK, CD19, or molecules mediating TLR signaling such as IRAK4, MyD88, ADA and TACI result in a defective central checkpoint and a failure to counterselect developing autoreactive B cells. Indeed, the binding of self-antigens to autoreactive BCRs and TLRs fail to induce tolerance mechanisms due to increase receptor signaling thresholds in all these patients9 B cells and autoreactive B cells leaks from the bone marrow into the periphery. Our investigations revealed that central B-cell tolerance defects are primary to many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) and result from genetic factors segregating with autoimmunity and which encode variants such as the C1858T PTPN22 risk allele. However, we found that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) only displayed peripheral B-cell tolerance checkpoint defects whereas central B-cell tolerance was often established normally. Similar observations were observed in CD40L-, MHC class II- and DOCK8-deficient patients, who pointed to a potential role for regulatory T (Treg) cells in the removal of developing autoreactive B cells in the periphery. Specific peripheral B-cell tolerance checkpoint defects were also identified in IPEX patients carrying a FOXP3 mutation, which prevents the generation of functional Tregs. Interestingly, Treg cell functions have been reported to be defective in MS patients as well as in patients with RA. Hence, Tregs may play an essential role in preventing the accumulation of autoreactive B cells in subject9s blood, thereby controlling the establishment and the maintenance of B-cell tolerance in the periphery. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Influence of body condition score on live and carcass value of cull beef cows

Mature beef cows (n = 88) were slaughtered to determine the influence of body condition score (BCS) on carcass and live animal value. Cows were weighed and assigned a BCS (9-point scale), 24 h before slaughter. Hide and by-products weights were recorded during harvest. After a 48-h chill period, the right side of each carcass was fabricated into boneless subprimal cuts, minor cuts, lean trim, fat, and bone. Weights were recorded at all stages of fabrication. Carcass values (U.S.$/100 kg of hot carcass weight) were calculated for U.S. Utility and U.S. Cutter grades, as well as for the Utility/Cutter mix for each BCS. Gross value included the carcass value and the value of the hide and by-products, whereas net value was calculated after harvest and fabrication costs and by-product value were considered. Live value (U.S.$/100 kg of live weight) was computed by dividing the net value by the animal's live weight 24 h before harvest. The value of the hide and by-products for BCS-2 cows was greater (P .05) to BCS-7 cows. Information from this study can be used by the non-fed beef industry to establish a value-based marketing system. Data from this study would indicate that marketing cull beef cows at a BCS of 6 could optimize economic returns to both cow-calf producers and non-fed beef packers.
Characterization of imaging threshold detectors employing a phase-conjugate resonator

We have previously reported resolution of 40 Ip/mm in an imaging threshold detector using a phase conjugate resonator (PCR),1 This device, which is a combination of the conventional BaTiO3 PCR2 with the incoherent-to-coherent spatial light modulator concept3,4, is intended to produce an output when one element of an n × n pixel array is above a preset threshold. This performance is obtained by using a separate spatially encoded erase beam to erase all transverse modes of the resonator except those of the desired element. Since the erasure is not complete, but only sufficient to keep undesirable pixels from resonating, it is necessary to avoid crosstalk, i.e., partial reflections from one element assisting the oscillation of another, for the device to operate as intended.
Authenticating Interdisciplinary Learning through a Geoscience Undergraduate Research Experience

The geosciences may be the most interdisciplinary of all STEM disciplines. Earth system sciences and the complex sub-systems of the cryosphere, the atmosphere, the lithosphere, the biosphere, and the hydrosphere subsume all human activity and are critical to every aspect of life on Earth. Therefore, by their very natures, the geosciences are rife with copious interdisciplinary strands and themes that are waiting to be explored by students from a wide range of STEM disciplines. With studies highlighting the benefits of authentic undergraduate research experiences, an innovative program was designed to have STEM students actively and collaboratively construct their knowledge of the geosciences. Results indicate that the geoscience research experiences increased the students’ understanding of the relevancy of their interdisciplinary study to society.
FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE ISOLATION OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRIHGEHS1

Quantitative isolation of Clostridium perfringens requires that dilutions be made anaerobically; that a relatively complete medium be used; that incubation be under strictly anaerobic conditions or that the medium contain an active reducing agent. Roll tubes, pour plates, or surface-inoculated plates may be used if other conditions are suitable. Selective agents inhibitory for other bacteria but only slightly for C. perfringens include sulfite, neomycin, polymyxin, sulfadiazine, kanamycin, and cycloserine. Several selective media utilizing such agents have been devised but none inhibits all other bacteria without some inhibition of C. perfringens, SFP medium ( Shahidi, Ferguson, perfringens medium) is the least inhibitory both for other bacteria and for C. perfringens. TSN medium (tryptone, sulfite, neomycin) is most inhibitory for other bacteria, but is also somewhat inhibitory for C. perfringens. SPS medium (sulfite, polymyxin, sulfadiazine) is intermediate in these properties. The number of living C. p...
Calcium lead titanate thin films for pyroelectric detection

Pyroelectric detectors are the class of thermal detectors which change their spontaneous polarization when there is a change in temperature. The change in the spontaneous polarization occurs due to the absorption of infrared radiation which eventually produces a voltage. This work demonstrates the deposition and characterization of calcium modified lead titatante (Pb1-xCaxTiO3, PCT) thin films for using them as materials of pyroelectric thermal detectors. The PCT thin films were sputtered using an RF sputter system in Ar:O2 environment at room temperature. The thin films were grown on Au electrode. The capacitance was formed by using Au electrodes on top of PCT thin films which were fabricated by sputtering and liftoff. The PCT films were annealed at 450, 500, 550 and 600 °C in O2 environment for 15 minutes. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was done to determine the atomic composition of PCT films. Variations of capacitance, pyroelectric voltage, loss tangent and pyroelectric current between the temperature range 303 K to 353 K were determined. The PCT films were annealed at 550 °C showed the highest value of pyroelectric current and pyroelectric coefficient of 2.45 × 10-12 A and 1.99 μC/m2K respectively at room temperature. The loss tangent did not change much with temperature for all the PCT samples.
Searching for buried treasure: uncovering discovery in discovery-based learning

Forty 4th and 9th grade students participated individually in tutorial interviews centered on a problem-solving activity designed for learning basic algebra mechanics through diagrammatic modeling of an engaging narrative about a buccaneering giant burying and unearthing her treasure on a desert island. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (Discovery) and control (No-Discovery) conditions. Mixed-method analyses revealed greater learning gains for Discovery participants. Elaborating on a heuristic activity architecture for technology-based guided-discovery learning (Chase and Abrahamson 2015), we reveal a network of interrelated inferential constraints that learners iteratively calibrate as they each refine and reflect on their evolving models. We track the emergence of these constraints by analyzing annotated transcriptions of two case-study student sessions and argue for their constituting role in conceptual development.
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Differentially Impact Acute Ethanol-Responsive Behaviors and Ethanol Consumption in DBA/2J Versus C57BL/6J Mice.

BACKGROUND Complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors influence the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in humans. To date, studies of the impact of environment on AUD risk have primarily focused on psychological characteristics or on the effects of developmental exposure to ethanol (EtOH). We recently observed that modifying levels of the long-chain ω-3 (LC ω-3) fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alters acute physiological responses to EtOH in Caenorhabditis elegans. Because mammals derive ω-3 fatty acids from their diet, here we asked if manipulating dietary levels of LC ω-3 fatty acids can affect EtOH-responsive behaviors in mice. METHODS We used 2 well-characterized inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2), which differ in their responses to EtOH. Age-matched young adult male mice were maintained on isocaloric diets that differed only by being enriched or depleted in LC ω-3 fatty acids. Animals were subsequently tested for acute EtOH sensitivity (locomotor activation and sedation), voluntary consumption, and metabolism. Fat deposition was also determined. RESULTS We found that dietary levels of LC ω-3s altered EtOH sensitivity and consumption in a genotype-specific manner. Both B6 and D2 animals fed high LC ω-3 diets demonstrated lower EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation than those fed low LC ω-3 diets. EtOH sedation and EtOH metabolism were greater in D2, but not B6 mice on the high LC ω-3 diet. Conversely, LC ω-3 dietary manipulation altered EtOH consumption in B6, but not in D2 mice. B6 mice on a high LC ω-3 diet consumed more EtOH in a 2-bottle choice intermittent access model than B6 mice on a low LC ω-3 diet. CONCLUSIONS Because EtOH sensitivity is predictive of risk of developing AUD in humans, our data indicate that dietary LC ω-3 levels should be evaluated for their impact on AUD risk in humans. Further, these studies indicate that genetic background can interact with fatty acids in the diet to significantly alter EtOH-responsive behaviors.
Iron Chelation with Transdermal Deferoxamine Accelerates Healing of Murine Sickle Cell Ulcers.

Objective: Sickle cell ulcers (SCUs) are a devastating comorbidity affecting patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCUs form over the medial or lateral malleoli of the lower extremity, are slow ...
A Wireless Platform to Support Pre-Clinical Trial of Neural Implant for Spinal Cord Injury

The efficacy of many clinical applications of electrical stimulation is currently gauged only by patients’ verbal feedback or through the use of an independent system, limiting physicians’ ability to provide quality treatment. By integrating neural response recording into the system, though, more accurate measures of treatment effectiveness are possible. This paper presents a platform which enables wireless control of an implantable bioelectronic device which integrates functional electrical stimulation and simultaneous recording of neural activity for a wide range of potential applications including motor function prostheses for spinal cord injury, retinal prostheses, and treatments for various other conditions. The proposed wireless platform utilizes a mobile application to offer a user-friendly integrated interface that enables setup and execution of stimulation and collection of recording data in animal studies. This platform will also support the continuing development of closed-loop neuromodulation strategies for investigating potential therapies for various diseases.
BOUNDARY LAYER (ATMOSPHERIC) AND AIR POLLUTION | Observational Techniques: Remote

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by W M Angevine, C J Senff, E R Westwater, volume 1, pp 271–279, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Sexual Well-Being Among College Students: A Qualitative Study

The current study is a community-based research project identifying ways to better define and support sexual well-being of college students on campus. The data explore how students self-define their own sexual well-being, how it relates to access of the institution’s health and counseling services, as well as how it relates to physiological, emotional, relational, and social factors. From in-depth individual interviews, the study compares individual students’ varying perspectives of their own sexual well-being situated within the campus community. Results from thematic analysis show that definitions of sexual well-being are multifaceted—ranging from sex positive, behavioral, mental and emotional, social identity-related, relational, and related to campus resources. Our findings can be used to inform sexual health education and services offered to college students.
Lymphatic-to-blood vessel transition in adult microvascular networks: A discovery made possible by a top-down approach to biomimetic model development.

Objective Emerging areas of vascular biology focus on lymphatic/blood vessel mispatterning and the regulation of endothelial cell identity. However, a fundamental question remains unanswered: Can lymphatic vessels become blood vessels in adult tissues? Leveraging a novel tissue culture model, the objective of this study was to track lymphatic endothelial cell fate over the time course of adult microvascular network remodeling. Methods Cultured adult Wistar rat mesenteric tissues were labeled with BSI-lectin and time-lapse images were captured over five days of serum-stimulated remodeling. Additionally, rat mesenteric tissues on day 0 and day 3 and 5 post-culture were labeled for PECAM + LYVE-1 or PECAM + podoplanin. Results Cultured networks were characterized by increases in blood capillary sprouting, lymphatic sprouting, and the number of lymphatic/blood vessel connections. Comparison of images from the same network regions identified incorporation of lymphatic vessels into blood vessels. Mosaic lymphatic/blood vessels contained lymphatic marker positive and negative endothelial cells. Conclusions Our results reveal the ability for lymphatic vessels to transition into blood vessels in adult microvascular networks and discover a new paradigm for investigating lymphatic/blood endothelial cell dynamics during microvascular remodeling.
Selective osteotomy-assisted molar uprighting and simultaneous ridge augmentation for implant site development.

Orthodontic treatment to upright an inclined molar adjacent to an edentulous space is often necessary before implant placement. The implant site may also require a ridge augmentation if the bony volume is not sufficient. The time required for both treatment steps can be lengthy and can discourage patients from accepting dental implants. This case report presents a novel interdisciplinary approach to implant site development. Selective osteotomy and simultaneous ridge augmentation were performed on the bilateral mesially inclined second molars before orthodontic uprighting. The severely inclined second molars were uprighted in 5 months, and the enhanced implant sites were ready for implant placement without complications. A finite element analysis revealed that the osteotomy partially affected the biomechanical responses of the dentoalveolar structures during molar uprighting.
SLP Service Delivery Decisions: How Are They Made?:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) be developed utilizing a team-based model. This study examined how speech-language pathologi...
Measuring Cosmological Distances Using Cluster Edges as a Standard Ruler

The line-of-sight velocity dispersion profile of galaxy clusters exhibits a "kink" corresponding to the spatial extent of orbiting galaxies. Because the spatial extent of a cluster is correlated with the amplitude of the velocity dispersion profile, we can utilise this feature as a gravity-calibrated standard ruler. Specifically, the amplitude of the velocity dispersion data allows us to infer the physical cluster size. Consequently, observations of the angular scale of the "kink" in the profile can be translated into a distance measurement to the cluster. Assuming the relation between cluster radius and cluster velocity dispersion can be calibrated from simulations, we forecast that with existing data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) we will be able to measure the Hubble constant with $3\%$ precision. Implementing our method with data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will result in a $1.3\%$ measurement of the Hubble constant. Adding cosmological supernova data improves the uncertainty of the DESI measurement to $0.7\%$.
Multiple Reinterventions for Claudication are Associated with Progression to Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Background Claudication has a relatively benign natural history, associated with a low risk of limb loss. However, rates of progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) following lower extremity revascularization (LER) for claudication remain unclear. This study examines the long-term outcomes and risk factors associated with progression to CLTI after LER for claudication. Methods A single-center retrospective review of patients undergoing LER for claudication was performed from 2013–2016. Patients were stratified based on whether they progressed to CLTI or not. Results There were 448 patients (502 limbs) treated for claudication, and 57 (12.7%) progressed to CLTI with a mean follow up time of 3.7 ± 1.5 years. Among patients who progressed, 23 (5.1%) developed tissue loss, 34 (7.6%) developed rest pain, and 6 (1.2%) underwent major amputation. The mean time of progression to CLTI was 1.6 ± 1.5 years after index LER. Patients who progressed to CLTI were more likely to have a history of congestive heart failure and prior open revascularizations compared with those who did not progress. There was no difference in type or level of index revascularization between the two groups and no difference in perioperative complications. Patients who developed CLTI had significantly higher rates of reinterventions and a mean number of reinterventions after index LER prior to developing CLTI compared to those who did not progress. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that history of congestive heart failure (OR = 2.8 [1.2–6.6]), stroke (OR = 2.6 [1.1–6.1]), prior open procedure (OR = 2.8 [1.3–5.9]) and increasing number of reinterventions after index LER (OR = 2.9 [1.5–5.7]) were independently associated with disease progression to CLTI. Conclusions Multiple reinterventions and previous open revascularization are associated with progression to CLTI following LER for claudication. Patients with atherosclerosis in the coronary and cerebrovascular beds are also more likely to have a progression of claudication to CLTI after LER.
Notes on American Legal Methodology

The Methodenlehre of legal studies in the USA may just be in hiding, camouflaged by stray bits of the traditional, local approach to law teaching. Perhaps we recognize all or many of the same problems without seeing them as forming an integrated subject matter. My suspicion is that the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution is the subject heading under which we think of certain aspects of statutory interpretation that would be “methodological” in Germany. Again, it is possible that what we call “canons of statutory interpretation” – and think of as quite independent on the Due Process Clause – would be closely associated with the same principles that German legal scholarship categorizes as methodological. Finally, legal academics in my country pay serious attention to some aspects of the philosophy of law, mainly, those aspects to which Anglophone philosophers have called attention, but we do not think philosophy has a close relationship with either the Due Process Clause or statutory interpretation. I gather, on the other hand, that Methodenlehre comprehends all these topics or their German equivalents, and that what has made Methodenlehre important is the success of key German legal thinkers in exhibiting relationships among these topics, relationships that American and perhaps other common-law legal scholars do not see as closely related to each other.
Assessment of Flavobacterium psychrophilum-associated mortality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

Salmonid diseases caused by infections of Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease, remain difficult to manage as novel, pathogenic strains continue to emerge in aquaculture settings globally. To date, much of the research regarding treatment options and vaccine development has focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), but other inland-reared salmonids are also impacted by this Gram-negative bacterium. As such, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were injection-challenged with a variety of previously reported F. psychrophilum strains isolated from disease diagnostic cases in salmonids, as well as a standard and well-studied F. psychrophilum strain (CSF 259-93) known to be virulent in rainbow trout. In three separate virulence assessments (Trials A, B and C), strains US063 (isolated from lake trout; Salvelinus namaycush) and US149 (isolated from Atlantic salmon) caused a significantly higher cumulative per cent mortality (CPM) relative to other strains in Atlantic salmon (p <.001 for all trials), with US149 causing significantly greater mortality than US063 in Trials A (CPM 97% vs. 65%, p =.008) and B (CPM 96% ± 2.3% vs. 81.33% ± 4.8%, p =.014). Trial C used a lower dose (1.86 × 108 CFU/mL) for US149, resulting in a lower mortality (78.67% ± 9.33%) relative to Trials A and B. CSF259-93 did not cause significant mortality in any trials. In brook trout, the strain 03-179 (originally isolated from steelhead trout; Oncorhynchus mykiss) was significantly more virulent than any other (CPM 100% ± 0%, p <.001), followed by US063 (73% ± 3.8%) and US149 (40% ± 6.1%,) respectively. Again, CSF259-93 did not cause significant mortality relative to a mock challenge treatment. Results provide information about the applicability of strain selection in F. psychrophilum virulence testing in Atlantic salmon and brook trout, demonstrating the high virulence of US063 and US149 for these salmonid species. This information is applicable for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against F. psychrophilum infections and demonstrates the reproducibility of the experimental challenge model.
Can we back off using antibiotics in the NICU

Abstract Antibiotics are extensively and inconsistently prescribed in neonatal ICUs, and usage does not correlate with rates of culture positive sepsis. There is mounting data describing the short and long-term adverse effects associated with antibiotic overuse in neonates, including the increased burden of multi-drug resistant organisms. Currently there is considerable variation in antibiotic prescribing practice among neonatologists. Applying the practice of antibiotic stewardship in the NICU is crucial for standardizing antibiotic use and improving outcomes in this population. Several approaches have been proposed to identify neonatal sepsis, with the hope of reducing antibiotic utilization. These strategies all have their limitations, and often include laboratory testing and treatment of well-appearing, non-septic, infants. A conservative “watch and wait” algorithm is suggested as an alternative method for when to initiate antibiotics. This observational approach relies on availability of trained personnel able to examine infants at specified intervals, without delaying antibiotics, should signs of sepsis arise.
Ready to roll: Strategies and actions to enhance organizational readiness for implementation in community mental health:

Background:Organizational readiness for implementation (ORI) is a barrier to disseminating recovery-oriented evidence-based practices for people with severe mental illnesses. However, there is a kn...
Methodology to Assess the User's Perception of Quality of Service

THE Book present most recent and future trends in the field of Methodology to Assess the User's Perception of Quality of Service in Telecommunication Network Infrastructures. ISBN 10: 3659256250 / ISBN 13: 9783659256257 Verlag: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2015
MO-F-CAMPUS-J-01: Acoustic Range Verification of Proton Beams: Simulation of Heterogeneity and Clinical Proton Pulses

Purpose: Through simulation, to assess acoustic-based range verification of proton beams (protoacoustics) under clinical conditions. Methods: Pressure waves generated by the energy deposition of a 150 MeV, 8 mm FWHM pulsed pencil proton beam were numerically simulated through two Methods: 1) For a homogeneous water medium, an analytical wave-equation solution was used to calculate the time-dependent pressure measured at detector points surrounding the proton Bragg peak. 2) For heterogeneity studies, a CT tissue image was used to calculate the proton dose deposition and define the acoustic properties of the voxels through which numerical pressure wave propagation was simulated with the k-Wave matlab toolbox. The simulations were used to assess the dependence of the acoustic amplitude and range-verification accuracy on proton pulse rise time and tissue heterogeneity. Results: As the proton pulse rise time is increased from 1 to 40 µs, the amplitude of the expected acoustic emission decreases (a 60% drop distal to the Bragg peak), the central frequency of the expected signal decreases (from 45 to 6 kHz), and the accuracy of the range-verification decreases (from <1 mm to 16 mm at 5 cm distal to the Bragg peak). For a 300 nA pulse, the expected pressure range is on the order of 0.1 Pa, which is observable with commercial detectors. For the heterogeneous medium, our test case shows that pressure waves emitted by an anterior pencil beam directed into the abdomen and detected posteriorly can determine the Bragg peak range to an accuracy of <2mm for a 1 µs proton pulse. Conclusion: For proton pulses with fast rise-times, protoacoustics is a promising potential method for monitoring penetration depth through heterogeneous tissue. The loss of range-verification accuracy with increasing rise-times, however, suggests the need for comparisons to modeling to improve accuracy for slower cyclotron proton sources.
Effect of short-term treatment with a monoclonal antibody to P-selectin on balloon catheter-induced: Intimal hyperplasia, re-endothelialization, and attenuation of endothelial-dependent relaxation

The effects of an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (MAb, PB 1.3; Cytel Corporation) on neoendothelialization; neoendothelial function, as evidenced by acetylcholine-induced relaxation (nitric oxide formation); and intimal hyperplasia following embolectomy catheter-induced injury to the rabbit thoracic aorta were investigated. Catheter injury was induced in two groups of New Zealand White rabbits. One group received no treatment, while the second group received short-term treatment with the MAb (i.p., immediately before and 12 h after induction of catheter injury). A third group underwent a sham operation and served as uninjured controls. Following sacrifice at 2 weeks after injury, aortic rings were assessed for degree of intimai hyperplasia, neoendothelial morphology (scanning electron microscopy), and acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Aortic tissue from catheter-injured animals that received treatment exhibited improved neoendothelial morphology, as compared with tissue from untreated but catheterized animals; however, no statistically significant attenuation of the hyperplastic response or improvement in the attenuated neoendothelial-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxant response that is characteristic of neoendothelium that forms after catheter denudation was observed. These data suggest that short-term attenuation of P-selectin-mediated polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)/endothelium, PMN/platelet interactions, and/or thrombin formation beneficially affects neoendothelialization of the vascular wall following balloon catheter-induced injury. (Mol Cell Biochem 176: 13–20, 1997)