cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary Motor Cortex of the Parkinsonian Monkey: Differential Effects on the Spontaneous Activity of Pyramidal Tract-Type Neurons

Dysfunction of primary motor cortex (M1) is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of parkinsonism. What specific aspects of M1 function are abnormal remains uncertain, however. Moreover, few models consider the possibility that distinct cortical neuron subtypes may be affected differently. Those questions were addressed by studying the resting activity of intratelencephalic-type corticostriatal neurons (CSNs) and distant-projecting lamina 5b pyramidal-tract type neurons (PTNs) in the macaque M1 before and after the induction of parkinsonism by administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Contrary to previous reports, the general population of M1 neurons (i.e., PTNs, CSNs, and unidentified neurons) showed reduced baseline firing rates following MPTP, attributable largely to a marked decrease in PTN firing rates. CSN firing rates were unmodified. Although burstiness and firing patterns remained constant in M1 neurons as a whole and CSNs in particular, PTNs became more bursty post-MPTP and less likely to fire in a regular-spiking pattern. Rhythmic spiking (found in PTNs predominantly) occurred at beta frequencies (14-32 Hz) more frequently following MPTP. These results indicate that MPTP intoxication induced distinct modifications in the activity of different M1 neuronal subtypes. The particular susceptibility of PTNs suggests that PTN dysfunction may be an important contributor to the pathophysiology of parkinsonian motor signs.
Examining the impact of consumer feedback on internet product evaluation: Comparing base-rate and case history information

Two important pieces of information for consumers evaluating products online are consumer ratings (i.e. base-rates) and consumer reviews (i.e. case histories). While literature in cognitive psychology shows a tendency to weigh case history information more heavily than base-rate information, other consumer oriented studies show the opposite. This study examined the relative impact of each type of information by treating consumer ratings and reviews as orthogonal factors and then manipulating the valence of each type of information. Participants evaluated a novel health beverage by viewing consumer ratings and/or reading their reviews about the product. Results indicated that the valence of the base-rate information significantly affected participants' evaluation of the product only when case history information was not presented. When case history information was presented, the valence of such information significantly affected participants' evaluation of the product regardless of the valence of any base-rate information. These results demonstrate that base-rate neglect may bias individuals' evaluations of products since base-rate information tends to be more representative of a population than case history information. Thus determining ways of making base-rate information more impactful in consumer settings is an important goal.
A Review of Statistical Methods for Safety Surveillance

The data-mining statistical methods used for disproportionality analysis of drug-adverse event combinations from large drug safety databases such as the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), consisting of spontaneous reports on adverse events for postmarket drugs, are called passive surveillance methods. However, the statistical signal detection methods for longitudinal data, as the data accrue in time, are called active surveillance methods. A review of the most commonly used passive surveillance statistical methods and the relationships among them is presented with unified notations. These methods are applied to the 2006-2012 FAERS data; the number of drug signals of disproportionate rates (SDRs) detected by each of these methods with the common SDRs from all of these methods, for the adverse event myocardial infarction, are given. Finally, there is a brief discussion on the recently developed active surveillance methods.
Archaeal Diversity in a Municipal Wastewater Sludge

The diversity of Archaea in a municipal wastewater sludge sample was investigated by amplification of ribosomal RNA genes from sludge DNA using archaeal-specific prim ers. Surprisingly, a large fraction (32%) of these sequences were from Halobacteriales, not previously seen in surveys of wastewater sludge. Other abundant sequences were from members of uncultivated ‘environmental’ archaeal groups that are commonly detected in sludge and sediment environments. Only a few distant relatives of Methanosarcina (which are commonly thought of as the predominant methanogenic species in sludge environments) were detected.
Registering Aerial Video Images Using the Projective Constraint

To separate object motion from camera motion in an aerial video, consecutive frames are registered at their planar background. Feature points are selected in consecutive frames and those that belong to the background are identified using the projective constraint. Corresponding background feature points are then used to register and align the frames. By aligning video frames at the background and knowing that objects move against the background, a means to detect and track moving objects is provided. Only scenes with planar background are considered in this study. Experimental results show improvement in registration accuracy when using the projective constraint to determine the registration parameters as opposed to finding the registration parameters without the projective constraint.
On codeword testing of two-rail and parity TSC checkers

We propose a method to test totally self-checking (TSC) two-rail and parity checkers to detect multiple faults using codewords as test patterns. Earlier methods that considered multiple line stuck-at faults in TSC checkers proposed solutions requiring the use of non-code inputs. The disadvantage of using non-code inputs to test a checker is that if the checker is integrated into the circuit being monitored, then special additional hardware is necessary to generate such inputs. Hardware to generate noncodeword tests is not required by the proposed procedure. Even though we have shown that the method proposed is applicable to multiple line stuck-at, multiple stuck-open, gate and path delay faults, in this paper we report the details for multiple line stuck-at faults only. >
Development of a Pumpless Diesel Engine

The development of Southwest Research Institute's pumpless diesel engine is described. The injection process of this system, test equipment, visual observation of injection, and the effect of the nozzle construction on exhaust smoke and performance are explored in detail. Test results of the pumpless injection system on a single-cylinder two-stroke cycle engine are presented. Other attempts to develop pumpless injection systems are briefly described.
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and Socioemotional Functioning A Review of Recent Literature

Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the use of subtyping techniques for research and treatment of learning disabilities (LD). This article presents an overview of the current literature relating to a nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) subtype. Research on the relationship between nonverbal learning disabilities and socioemotional functioning is critically reviewed. Issues of generalizability of research outcomes, individual differences, and treatment validity are addressed. Emphasis is on findings that are most likely to have direct relevance for practitioners.
DNA cross-linking and repair in Cisplatin-resistant human tumor-cells following exposure to a new Cisplatin analog, ci-973.

cis-1, 1-Cyclobutanedicarboxylato(2R)-2-methyl-1 4-butanediammineplatinum(II) (CI-973; NK121) is a second generation analogue of cisplatin (CDDP). This analogue caused fewer undesirable side effects in vivo than CDDP and produced a tumoricidal effect superior to that of CDDP against CDDP-resistant human tumor cells in vitro. However, the mechanisms responsible for the cross-sensitivity to CI-973 in these resistant cells have not been determined. Using a human colon carcinoma cell line (LoVo) and its CDDP-resistant counterpart (CP2.0) as study models, we found that although, on a molar basis, CI-973 was less cytotoxic than CDDP in LoVo, it partially reversed the resistance of CP2.0 cells, i.e., the magnitude of resistance was reduced from 13-fold for CDDP to 3-fold for CI-973. We investigated DNA repair as a possible mechanism for the different magnitudes of resistance of these two agents. The repair efficiency was measured by the rate of removal of drug-induced DNA interstrand cross-links (determined with the ethidium bromide fluorescence binding assay) and by unscheduled DNA synthesis. Our results showed that although the resistant CP2.0 cells were more efficient at repairing CDDP-induced DNA cross-links than LoVo cells, the rate of repair of CI-973-induced DNA adducts in CP2.0 was significantly lower than that for CDDP-DNA adducts at equi-cross-linking drug concentrations. This difference was not observed in the sensitive LoVo cells. The concomitant association of a slower rate of removal of CI-973-induced adducts with a lower magnitude of resistance to CI-973 suggests that a reduced efficiency in repairing the CI-973-induced DNA damage in CDDP-resistant CP2.0 cells may in part contribute to the sensitivity of the resistant cells to this novel CDDP analogue.
Color genes in the orchid Oncidium Gower Ramsey: identification, expression, and potential genetic instability in an interspecific cross

Orchids are one of the most unique and evolved of flowering plants, with many being valuable floricultural crops. Spatial localization of pigments within the flower of the commercially important bi-color Oncidium Gower Ramsey demonstrated a mixture of carotenoids and anthocyanins concentrated in the adaxial epidermis. Chromatography identified the predominant yellow pigment to be an equal mixture of all-trans and 9-cis isomers of violaxanthin, with esterification specific to the 9-cis isomer. Red ornamentation was comprised of the anthocyanins cyanidin and its methylated derivate, peonidin. Five key pigment biosynthesis genes encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase, carotenoid isomerase, and the downstream 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase were isolated and their expression profiles determined. Northern analyses showed both phytoene desaturase and carotenoid isomerase expression to be up-regulated in floral tissue relative to leaves whereas PSY was not. Three closely related DFR genes were isolated, including one with an insertion in the 3′ coding region. DFR expression occurred throughout flower development in Oncidium, unlike in Dendrobium and Bromheadia orchids. A number of the isolated anthocyanin and carotenoid genes showed variations due to insertion events. These findings raise questions about the genetic stability in interspecific crosses in orchids, such as the tri-specific Oncidium Gower Ramsey.
Reproductive Ecology and Captive Breeding of the Threatened Niangua Darter Etheostoma nianguae

Abstract The Niangua darter Etheostoma nianguae is a threatened stream fish endemic to the Osage River basin of Missouri's Ozark uplands. We studied the darter's reproductive behavior under natural conditions in the wild to assist recovery efforts. In addition, techniques for captive propagation were developed in the event that wild populations should suffer precipitous declines. Seven spawning events were witnessed by snorkelers in swift riffle areas at mean (± SD) water depths of 23 ± 5 cm, column current velocities of 83 ± 12 cm/s and focal current velocities of 43 ± 9 cm/s. This combination of depth and velocity was used only for spawning; darters were found at slower velocities and greater depths when not spawning during spring and at slower velocities during summer. Niangua darters in captivity spawned in 38 liter aquaria with fine uniform substrate and no current velocity, and larvae were reared to the juvenile stage. Time from fertilization to hatching was 10–11 d at 16 C. Larvae swam up 3 d after...
The False Messiah of Tax Policy: What Elimination of the Home Mortgage Interest Deduction Promises and a Careful Look at What It Delivers

This article explores the potential effects of eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction. Estimates of the tax expenditures generated by the home mortgage deduction usually exceed $40 billio...
Growth and termination of a rutile IrO2(100) layer on Ir(111)

Abstract We investigated the oxidation of Ir(111) by gas-phase oxygen atoms at temperatures between 500 and 625 K using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEISS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We find that a well-ordered surface oxide with (√ 3 × √ 3)R30° periodicity relative to Ir(111) develops prior to the formation of a rutile IrO 2 (100) layer. The IrO 2 (100) layer reaches a saturation thickness of about four oxide layers under the oxidation conditions employed, and decomposes during TPD to produce a single, sharp O 2 desorption peak at ~ 770 K. Favorable lattice matching at the oxide-metal interface is likely responsible for the preferential growth of the IrO 2 (100) facet during the initial oxidation of Ir(111), with the resulting coincidence lattice generating a clear (6 × 1) moire pattern in LEED. Temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) experiments reveal that CO and H 2 O molecules bind only weakly on the IrO 2 (100) surface and LEISS measurements show that the oxide surface is highly enriched in O-atoms. These characteristics provide strong evidence that the rutile IrO 2 (100) layer is oxygen-terminated, and thus lacks reactive Ir atoms that can strongly bind molecular adsorbates. Oxygen binding energies predicted by DFT suggest that on-top O-atoms will remain adsorbed on IrO 2 (100) at temperatures up to ~ 625 K, thus supporting the conclusion that the rutile IrO 2 layer grown in our experiments is oxygen-terminated. As such, the appearance of only a single O 2 TPD peak indicates that the singly coordinate, on-top O-atoms remain stable on the IrO 2 (100) surface up to temperatures at which the oxide layer begins to thermally decompose.
Towards a formal representation for heterogeneous teams of humans and robots in space exploration

Future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars will require humans and robots to work in teams to explore and conduct science on planetary surfaces, and erect, maintain, and repair space-based infrastructure. A unified framework to optimally leverage the capabilities of humans and robots in space exploration, although not yet available, will be an invaluable tool for mission planning. Such a framework requires formal methods to represent human-robotic system architectures, define tasks, formulate common task-based metrics, and evaluate human-robotic system architectures. Our objective is to formulate a method to represent human-robotic system architectures to provide a basis for standard means of evaluating human-robotic systems against a common set of metrics. The representation of a human-robotic system must capture the information necessary to compare different teams of humans and robots performing the same task or set of tasks in terms of common metrics: productivity/effectiveness, cost or resources expended, reliability associated with successfully completing a task or set of tasks, safety of human agents, flexibility and robustness of a team architecture to changing environments and requirements.
Polarization Transfer in the 11B\((\vec p,\vec n)\) Analog Reaction

Measurements of the transverse polarization-transfer coefficient K y y′ at 0° in certain charge-exchange reactions may allow one to distinguish between central spin-spin and tensor two-body forces using direct reaction theory1). In particular, calculations for the 11B(p,n) analog reaction show that K y y′ (0°) is sensitive to the relative contributions of the individual components of the spin-dependent force1). It has also been shown that for particular mixtures of spin-dependent forces K y y′ (0°) is strongly dependent on the incident proton energy, at least in the 16–28 MeV range. The calculations indicate that measurements of K y y′ (0°) for the 11B\((\vec p,\vec n)\) analog reaction at several incident proton energies would help to reduce the present uncertainty in knowledge of the relative contributions of charge-exchange forces.
Nickel-induced increases in gap junctional communication in the uterine cell line SK-UT-1

Previous studies have suggested that gap junctions may have a role in various uterine functions, including parturition. Because nickel has been demonstrated to increase uterine contractility in vitro, the effect of nickel (II) chloride on gap junctional communication was assessed in a tumorigenic uterine cell line, SK-UT-1 (ATCC HTB 114). Cells were exposed in vitro to 25 and 50 µM NiCl2 for 24 h or 100 µM NiCl2 for 3, 12, and 24 h, then functional gap junctional communication was measured as the transfer of Lucifer yellow dye from microinjected donor cells to their primary neighbor cells. Dye transfer was significantly increased only in cell cultures exposed to 100 µM NiCl2 for 24h, compared to untreated controls, lower doses, and shorter exposure periods. This response was inhibited by the simultaneous co-treatment of SK-UT-1 cells with magnesium by adding 100 µM MgSO4 to the dosing medium. Possible mechanisms and implications for these findings are discussed.
Insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates less than 1.5 kg using ultrasound guidance.

Neonates commonly require central access, and in those with very low or extremely low birthweight this can be challenging. Described here is a technique that uses ultrasound guidance in the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in neonates and an analysis of outcomes. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients below 1500 g that underwent placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter under ultrasound guidance between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014 at a single center. All patients had multiple previous attempts at PICC placement by experienced NICU vascular access nurses prior to referral. Complications were determined based on clinical and procedural notes. A total of ten patients were found during the study period. The average estimated gestational age was 29.8 weeks (range 26–38 weeks).The average weight at the time of PICC insertion was 968 g (range 485–1390 g). All attempts at placement were successful. There were no complications directly related to PICC insertion. Ultrasound guided PICC line placements using ultrasound is an effective technique, which can be applied to very low and extremely low birth weight infants, with excellent success rates and a low risk of complications.
Preclinical identification of vaccine induced protective correlates in human leukocyte antigen expressing transgenic mice infected with Coccidioides posadasii

There is an emerging interest to develop human vaccines against medically-important fungal pathogens and a need for a preclinical animal model to assess vaccine efficacies and protective correlates. HLA-DR4 (DRB1∗0401 allele) transgenic mice express a human major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) receptor in such a way that CD4+ T-cell response is solely restricted by this human molecule. In this study HLA-DR4 transgenic mice were immunized with a live-attenuated vaccine (ΔT) and challenged by the intranasal route with 50-70 Coccidioides posadasii spores, a potentially lethal dose. The same vaccination regimen offers 100% survival for C57BL/6 mice. Conversely, ΔT-vaccinated HLA-DR4 mice displayed 3 distinct manifestations of Coccidioides infection including 40% fatal acute (FAD), 30% disseminated (DD) and 30% pulmonary disease (PD). The latter 2 groups of mice had reduced loss of body weight and survived to at least 50days postchallenge (dpc). These results suggest that ΔT vaccinated HLA-DR4 mice activated heterogeneous immunity against pulmonary Coccidioides infection. Vaccinated HLA-DR4 mice displayed early expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells and recruitment of inflammatory innate cells into Coccidioides-infected lungs during the first 9dpc. While contraction rates of Th cells and the inflammatory response during 14-35dpc significantly differed among the 3 groups of vaccinated HLA-DR4 mice. The FAD group displayed a sharply reduced Th1 and Th17 response, while overwhelmingly recruiting neutrophils into lungs during 9-14days. The FAD group approached moribund by 14dpc. In contrast, vaccinated HLA-DR4 survivors gradually contracted Th cells and inflammatory response with the greatest rate in the PD group. While vaccinated HLA-DR4 mice are susceptible to Coccidioides infection, they are useful for evaluation of vaccine efficacy and identification of immunological correlates against this mycosis.
Incorporating provenance in database systems

The importance of maintaining provenance has been widely recognized, particularly with respect to highly-manipulated data. Currently there are two approaches: provenance generated within workflow frameworks, and provenance within a contained relational database. The workflow provenance allows workflow re-execution, and can offer some explanation of results. Within relational databases, knowledge of SQL queries and relational operators is used to express what happened to a tuple. There is a disconnect between these two areas of provenance research. Techniques that work in relational databases cannot be applied to workflow systems because of heterogeneous data types and black-box operators. Meanwhile, the real-life utility of workflow systems has not been extended to database provenance. In the gap between provenance in workflow systems and databases, there are myriads of systems that need provenance. For instance, when creating a new dataset, like MiMI, using several sources and processes, or building an algorithm that generates sequence alignments, like MiBlast. These hybrid systems cannot be mashed into a workflow framework and do not solely exist within a database. This work solves issues that block provenance usage in hybrid systems. In particular, we look at capturing, storing, and using provenance information outside of workflow and database provenance systems. We tackle the problem of how to capture provenance for manual tasks. Database provenance and workflow systems provide no support for tracking the provenance of user actions, but manual effort is often a large component of effort in these hybrid systems. We describe an approach to track and record the user's actions in a queryable form. Once provenance is captured, storage can become prohibitively expensive, in both hybrid and workflow systems. We utilize properties of provenance information and identify several techniques to reduce the provenance store. Additionally, usable provenance is a problem in workflow, database and hybrid provenance systems. Provenance contains both too much and too little information. Provenance from the black-boxes used in workflow and hybrid systems is impossible for a human to understand. We highlight the missing information that can assist user understanding, and develop a model of provenance answers to decrease information overload. Finally, workflow and database systems are designed to explain the results users see; they do not explain why items are not in the result. We allow researchers to specify what they are looking for and answer why it does not exist in the result set.
Thyroglobulin Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Has a Low Sensitivity for Detecting Structural Disease in Patients with Antithyroglobulin Antibodies.

Background: Thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement in patients with positive antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TgAbs) is not reliable. Tg measurement using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) may be useful in this setting. Methods: This is a retrospective study with the objective of determining the accuracy of Tg-LC/MS in patients with thyroid cancer with anti-TgAbs. All patients with follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer (TC) who had thyroglobulin measured using LC/MS assay from November 1, 2013, to November 7, 2014, were evaluated. The frequency of detectable Tg-LC/MS was evaluated, with a functional sensitivity (FS) of 0.5 ng/mL in patients with structural disease. Then performance of Tg-LC/MS versus Tg immunometric assay (IMA) was compared using either Immulite assay (Tg-1) with a FS of 0.9 ng/mL or Beckman assay (Tg-B) with a FS of 0.1 ng/mL in detecting structural disease in patients with positive anti-TgAbs. Results: A total of 154 consecutive patients were included in this evaluation....
Hearing Loss in Children With Asymptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence, characteristics, and risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection identified through hospital-based newborn screening who were asymptomatic at birth compared with uninfected children. METHODS: We included 92 case-patients and 51 controls assessed by using auditory brainstem response and behavioral audiometry. We used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to estimate the prevalence of SNHL, defined as ≥25 dB hearing level at any frequency and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to compare SNHL risk between groups. RESULTS: At age 18 years, SNHL prevalence was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17%–36%) among case-patients and 8% (95% CI: 3%–22%) in controls (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.2–14.5; P = .02). Among children without SNHL by age 5 years, the risk of delayed-onset SNHL was not significantly greater for case-patients than for controls (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.4–6.1; P = .5). Among case-patients, the risk of delayed-onset SNHL was significantly greater among those with unilateral congenital/early-onset hearing loss than those without (HR: 6.9; 95% CI: 2.5–19.1; P CONCLUSIONS: Delayed-onset and progression of SNHL among children with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection continued to occur throughout adolescence. However, the risk of developing SNHL after age 5 years among case-patients was not different than in uninfected children. Overall, 2% of case-patients developed SNHL that was severe enough for them to be candidates for cochlear implantation.
Did the American Dream Kill the Social Safety Net? Evidence from Experiment and Survey Data

This paper examines the claim that housing wealth reduces support for social insurance. Homeowners who rely on their housing wealth for retirement or view their home as their private rainy day fund may become less supportive of social insurance programs that benefit all strata of society. However, it is also known that the effects of material self-interest on policy preferences are cognitively narrow, and well-identified studies show no effect of wealth on attitudes toward income redistribution. This paper presents two studies that explore the effect of home values on support for social insurance. A survey experiment, in which information about historical home price appreciation (HPA) is randomly assigned to respondents, finds homeowners informed that historical HPA has been high are about 8 percentage points more likely to prefer existing Social Security arrangements to a privatized Social Security scheme, compared to those informed that HPA has been low. I find no statistically detectable effect on various measures of support for social insurance among renters. An analysis of ANES panel data finds that homeowners who experience HPA in the highest quartile are neither more nor less likely to support status quo spending on Social Security than those in the middle quartiles. However, those who experience HPA in the lowest quartile are about 12 percentage points less likely to be satisfied with the status quo than all other homeowners. The evidence suggests that housing wealth gains, rather than reducing support for Social Security, increase preference for the status quo. I organize these results by drawing on existing findings in political behavior and behavioral economics, in particular research on narrow framing, mental accounting, and prospect theory.
James DeWitt Andrews: Classifying the Law in the Early 20th Century

This article examines the efforts of New York lawyer James DeWitt Andrews and others to create a new classification system for American law in the early years of the 20th century. Inspired by fragm...
Chapter 1: Researcher Positioning as Embodied Experience

This chapter introduces critical autoethnography as a research methodology and maps how storytellers and audiences struggle together to co-create identity, meaning, and reality through performing personal narratives in interpersonal interactions, creative nonfiction writing, and staged performances. Drawing upon theories of performance, phenomenology, and disability studies, the author tells personal stories of living through a body marked as “disabled” to reveal storytelling performance as visceral (embodied and emotional), collaborative (inescapably shared), and susceptible (discursive, forever open to revision and reinterpretation). Storytelling offers a means to overcome personal and cultural fears that compel us to stigmatize and reject bodies that remind us of our own inescapable physical and social vulnerability, opening spaces to pursue connection, empathy, and social justice.
On the hyperbolicity of the two-fluid model for gas–liquid bubbly flows

Abstract The hyperbolicity condition of the system of partial differential equations (PDEs) of the incompressible two-fluid model, applied to gas–liquid flows, is investigated. It is shown that the addition of a dispersion term, which depends on the drag coefficient and the gradient of the gas volume fraction, ensures the hyperbolicity of the PDEs, and prevents the nonphysical onset of instabilities in the predicted multiphase flows upon grid refinement. A constraint to be satisfied by the coefficient of the dispersion term to ensure hyperbolicity is obtained. The effect of the dispersion term on the numerical solution and on its grid convergence is then illustrated with numerical experiments in a one-dimensional shock tube, in a column with a falling fluid, and in a two-dimensional bubble column.
Trust in social computing

The rapid development of social media exacerbates the information overload and credibility problems. Trust, providing information about with whom we can trust to share information and from whom we can accept information, plays an important role in helping users collect relevant and reliable information in social media. Trust has become a research topic of increasing importance and of practical significance. In this tutorial, we illustrate properties and representation models of trust, elucidate trust measurements with representative algorithms, and demonstrate real-world applications where trust is explicitly used. As a new dimension of the trust study, we discuss the concept of distrust and its roles in trust measurements and applications.
HARTFALEN WAARNEMER WEIGERT INFO

Een tandarts stuurde de volgende vraag in: ‘Een patient vanmij heeft zich na een lang ziekbed weer gemeld voor controle. Deman is op leeftijd en gebruikt de nodigemedicatie in verbandmet hartklachten en te veel vocht. Problemen die zich ook al enkele jaren geleden hebben voorgedaan. Hij wordt nietmeer door de cardioloog behandeld. Heb de assistent van de waarnemend huisarts gesproken en uitgelegd dat ik enkele operatieve extractiesmoet uitvoeren. Ik heb gevraagd of ik nog rekeningmoet houden met het afbouwen vanmedicatie. De patient gebruikt onder andere anticoagulantia. De waarnemend huisarts laat via zijn assistent weten dat het gebruikelijk is dat de tandarts dit zelf beslist. Verder weigert hij alle hulp en advies en wilmij niet persoonlijk te woord staan.Wat nu te doen? De ingrepen kunnen niet langer worden uitgesteld.’
Development and comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis in milk.

ABSTRACT Bovine mastitis is an economic burden for dairies worldwide. Mycoplasma species, and especially Mycoplasma bovis, are among the most important causative agents, and rapid, precise, and low-cost methods for Mycoplasma detection are urgently needed. For this purpose, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were developed and compared. The LAMP assay was designed and primer concentrations optimized to M. bovis oppD, encoding oligopeptide permease D. For qPCR, a Taqman assay (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, CA) targeting M. bovis gltX, encoding glutamate transfer RNA ligase, was optimized for primer concentration, annealing temperature, and DNA polymerase. Both assays were similarly sensitive, with a detection limit of approximately 104 to 105 M. bovis cells/mL. Both assays were also successful in confirming M. bovis identity in laboratory culture suspensions and in bovine milk. The LAMP and qPCR assays combined with the MoBio DNA extraction kit (MoBio Laboratories Inc., Carlsbad, CA) resulted in the correct detection of 13 out of 13 M. bovis isolates and 14 out of 16 M. bovis-positive milk samples collected from commercial dairies in California. When combined with the PrepMan Ultra reagent (Applied Biosystems), the qPCR assay resulted in confirming 21 out of 21 M. bovis-positive milk samples. Comparison of the assays to milk containing either Mycoplasma arginini, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Mycoplasma californicum, M. alkalescens, or Acholeplasma laidlawii or milk lacking any detectable Mycoplasma species or relatives resulted in 3 out of 17 (LAMP with MoBio), 1 out of 17 (qPCR with MoBio), and 2 out of 36 (qPCR with PrepMan Ultra) false positives. Overall, the qPCR assay was more robust than LAMP and could be used on DNA recovered from milk prepared with the PrepMan Ultra reagent, a method that does not include a DNA purification step. The use of this qPCR method enables M. bovis detection in bovine milk in 40 to 55 min, and therefore provides new opportunities to accelerate and simplify M. bovis detection in unpasteurized milk to reduce the incidence of M. bovis mastitis outbreaks.
A wall damping method to estimate the gap resonance in side-by-side offloading problems

Abstract In the side-by-side offloading problem, the gap resonance is usually overestimated by the potential theory bas ed methods. This article reviews the up-to-date research on this topic and discusses the existing methods to modify the potential method, in order to obtain a reasonable estimate of the wave elevation. Then a wall damping method is proposed to damp out the wave elevation. This method models the energy loss on the ship hull surface. Thus, a lid is no longer needed. The validity of the method is established through comparisons against the experimental data. Consistent results are obtained for the wave gauge in the middle of the gap. This method is the first step to develop the categories of methods without lid. The motivation is to use the small amount of measured data and a simplified model to generate engineering acceptable results. Given more data, more improvements can be made upon this method and a more general and powerful model can be developed in the future.
The Impact of Timing of Concurrent Chemoradiation in Patients With High-Grade Glioma in the Era of the Stupp Protocol

Background: The purpose of this study is to provide a critical review of current evidence for the impact of time to initiation of chemoradiation on overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas treated with radiation and concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Studies were included if they provided separate analysis for patients treated with current standard of care: radiation and concurrent temozolomide. Bias assessment was performed for each included study using the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale, with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and extent of resection used for comparability. Results: The initial search yielded 575 citations. Based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 10 retrospective cohort studies were included in this review for a total of 30,298 patients. Of these, one study described an indirect relationship between time to initiation of treatment and overall survival. One study found decreased survival only with patients with significantly longer time to treatment. Four studies found no significant effect of time to treatment on overall survival. The four remaining studies found that patients with moderate time to initiation had the best overall survival. Conclusion: This review provides evidence that moderate time to initiation of chemoradiotherapy in patients with high-grade gliomas does not lead to a significant decrease in overall survival, though the effect of significant delays in treatment initiation remains unclear.
Biologic rationale for hyperthermia.

This article discusses the basic biologic data relative to the use of hyperthermia as an adjuvant to ionizing radiation in the treatment of solid tumors. The cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia are presented, as are parameters that modify cellular sensitivity. In vivo physiologic changes associated with hyperthermia are also considered. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo interactions between hyperthermia and radiation are discussed, particularly as they relate to improved tumor response.54 references.
Do vacations alter the connection between stress and cardiovascular activity? The effects of a planned vacation on the relationship between weekly stress and ambulatory heart rate.

Objective: To examine how the association between psychological stress and ambulatory heart rate varies in the weeks before and after a planned vacation. We hypothesized that the impact of stress o...
Post-well stimulation allocation of commingled production using geochemical fingerprinting techniques in unconventional reservoirs: A review of methods, and a case study of the Montney Formation, Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Abstract The methods used in allocating commingled production in conventional reservoirs are similar to those that are effective in performing the same task on unconventional reservoirs. However, the protocols to follow can vary a great deal. The presence of distinct endmembers in the former allows the use of the method of production allocation using peak height ratios and mixing curves and using linear regression of peak heights. Due to the possible contribution from multiple intervals in the same formation or even from different formations as in the case of fracture stimulated unconventional reservoirs, the combined application of methods that compare the quantities and carbon stable isotopes of selected compounds (such as saturate and aromatic hydrocarbons) and other parameters (such as API gravity) was employed. This was done based on a series of samples presumed to represent the endmembers via their HRGC and GCMS oil fingerprint, followed by the determination of the contribution from each sample by using an algebraic solution of simultaneous linear equations. A review of the two methods is provided. The aforementioned method for unconventional resources is demonstrated in a case study of production allocation that was performed on three produced oils sampled at different times from three separate wells, “A” “C”, and “D”, located in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. A total of 25 core extract samples representing two producing zones (end members) of the Montney Formation (i.e., the Middle and the Lower Montney) from well “A” and “B” were used. Results of GC and GCMS analyses of the samples were evaluated; rigorous filters, cluster analysis (dendrograms), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to identify any clustering or variation between the samples representing possible contributor layers and the commingled oil. Then, using proprietary software and statistical techniques, the fingerprint of selected compounds was qualitatively compared and their quantity in each of the rock extracts and the produced oils was determined in order to allocate the contribution from the two end members that each extract belongs to. Results from the method for unconventional resources were compared to other data (such as GC trace patterns) for consistency. The case study demonstrates that a combined approach that accounts for the entire fingerprint (i.e., GC and molecular markers (including biomarker and non-biomarker parameters)), produces the best results and minimizes uncertainty.
Survey on preoperative pressure and anxiety among parents of children with congenital heart disease

Objective To explore preoperative anxiety among parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and its influencing factors in order to provide evidence to health education and nursing care. Methods A total of 144 parents of children with CHD were investigated by using STAI and self-designed influencing factors questionnaire and their SAI scores and TAJ scores were observed. Results The SAI scores of these parents were obviously higher than national norm. Mothers from 20 to 30 years old had the highest score of SAI. There was a negative correlation between mothers' SAI scores and their ages but there were no significant differences in SAI scores of parents with different educational background and different occupations. Conclusions The parents of children with CHD are suffered from anxiety. Nurses should comprehensively assess the background information and other influencing factors and provide preoperative nursing measure for parents of children with CHD. Key words: Congenital heart disease; Children; Relationships; Anxiety; Nursing
Impact of gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy on static and dynamic pyloric function in gastroparesis patients.

BACKGROUND Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) tests typically measure static pyloric parameters, but the pylorus exhibits phasic variations on manometry. Dynamic changes in pyloric function have not been quantified using EndoFLIP, and the impact of Gastric Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (G-POEM) on static and dynamic pyloric activity in gastroparesis is unknown. METHODS EndoFLIP balloon inflation to 30, 40, and 50 mL was performed to measure mean, maximum, and minimum values and variability in pyloric diameter and distensibility before and after G-POEM in 20 patients with refractory gastroparesis. The impact of phasic contractions on these pyloric measures was compared. KEY RESULTS G-POEM increased mean (P < .0001) and maximum (P = .0002) pyloric diameters and mean (P = .02) and maximum (P = .02) pyloric distensibility on 50 mL EndoFLIP inflation but not intraballoon pressures or minimum diameters or distensibility. Temporal variability of pyloric diameter (P = .02) and distensibility (P = .02) also increased after G-POEM. Phasic coupled contractions propagating from the antrum through the pylorus were observed in 37.5% of recordings; other phasic activity including isolated pyloric contractions were seen in 23.3%. Variability of pyloric diameter and distensibility tended to be higher during recordings with phasic activity. Some pyloric responses to G-POEM were influenced by age, gastroparesis etiology, gastric emptying, and prior botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Pyloric activity exhibits dynamic changes on EndoFLIP testing in gastroparesis. G-POEM increases maximal but not minimal diameter and distensibility with increased variations, suggesting this therapy enhances pyloric opening but may not impair pyloric closure. Phasic pyloric contractions contribute to variations in pyloric activity.
Zyflamend induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via modulation of the JNK pathway

Current pharmacological therapies and treatments targeting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have proven ineffective, far too often. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Zyflamend, a combination of anti-inflammatory herbal extracts, that has proven to be effective in various in vitro and in vivo cancer platforms, shows promise. However, its effects on pancreatic cancer, in particular, remain largely unexplored. In the current study, we investigated the effects of Zyflamend on the survival of beta-TC-6 pancreatic insulinoma cells (β-TC6) and conducted a detailed analysis of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, we demonstrate that Zyflamend treatment decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, concomitant with increased apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. At the molecular level, treatment with Zyflamend led to the induction of ER stress, autophagy, and the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of JNK abrogated the pro-apoptotic effects of Zyflamend. Furthermore, Zyflamend exacerbated the effects of streptozotocin and adriamycin-induced ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. The current study identifies Zyflamend as a potential novel adjuvant in the treatment of pancreatic cancer via modulation of the JNK pathway.
Developmental effects in physiological stress in early adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Introduction Humans place high value on how they are socially evaluated by others. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a well-established measure of social evaluative threat that promotes activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and release of cortisol. Higher cortisol responses in typically developing (TD) adolescents are influenced by age and pubertal development especially in later stages. Children with ASD have been shown to exhibit blunted cortisol in response to the TSST although adults with ASD show a more prototypical response. The current study examined physiological stress in early adolescents with ASD and TD. It was hypothesized that TD youth would show elevated cortisol in response to the TSST influenced by age and pubertal stage. In contrast, youth with ASD would show a more diminished stress response yet still show effects for age and pubertal development Methods The sample included 241 youth, 138 with ASD (median age = 11.25) and 103 TD (median age = 11.67). Standardized diagnostic and pubertal development (genital/breast (GB), and pubic hair (PH) stage) physical exams were performed. Salivary cortisol was collected before and after the TSST. Linear mixed effects models examined the effects of baseline cortisol, time, age, sex, pubertal stage, and diagnosis. Results We did not find an effect of early pubertal development stage (GB or PH) on cortisol response. There was an interaction between age and TSST timepoint, showing stronger effects for older children across the timeline especially during the stressor. Finally, there was a significant diagnosis by TSST timepoint interaction characterized by a blunted cortisol stress response in youth with ASD compared to TD participants who showed higher cortisol. Discussion We found evidence that age contributes to an increase in cortisol in response to social evaluative threat during early adolescence. TD youth exhibit an adaptive elevated stress response to psychosocial threat whereas youth with ASD do not. There may exist a developmental lag in the perception of and stress responsivity to social evaluation which may emerge in older adolescents with ASD.