cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of neuromodulatory feedback determines frequency modulation in respiratory network

Neuromodulators, such as amines and neuropeptides, alter the activity of neurons and neuronal networks. In this work, we investigate how neuromodulators which activate Gq-protein second messenger systems can modulate the frequency of bursting neurons in a critical portion of the respiratory neural network, the pre-Botzinger complex (pBC). These neurons are a vital part of the ponto-medullary neuronal network, which generates a stable respiratory rhythm, whose frequency is modulated by neuromodulator release from nearby Raphe nucleus. Using a simulated 50-cell network of excitatory connected pBC neurons with a heterogeneous distribution of persistent sodium conductance and ER Ca2+, we determined conditions for frequency modulation in such network by simulating interaction between Raphe and pBC nuclei. We found that the positive feedback between the Raphe excitability and pBC activity induces frequency modulation in the pBC neurons. In addition, the frequency of the respiratory rhythm can be modulated via phasic release of excitatory neuromodulators from the Raphe nucleus. We further predict that the application of a Gq antagonist will eliminate this frequency modulation by Raphe and keep the network frequency constant and low. In contrast, application of a Gq agonist will result in a high frequency for all levels of Raphe stimulation. Our modeling results also suggest that high [K+] requirement in respiratory brain slice experiments may serve as a compensatory mechanism for low neuromodulatory tone.
Anomalies in solar cell Langley plots associated with the tropopause.

Anomalies in solar spectral irradiance in tropopause using Langley plot applied to silicon solar cell output
Evaluating Mesh-based P2P Video-on-Demand Systems

Three stakeholders come into play in peer-to-peer (P2P) video-on-demand (VoD), namely peers/viewers, content providers and ISPs. Different design choices have been proposed to improve quality of user experience, to bring down content server bandwidth cost and to reduce ISP-unfriendly traffic. However, it is unclear whether the ability of these design choices to meet interests of one stakeholder comes at the expense of their ability to satisfy the other stakeholders. Yet, another question remains open for two different types of mesh-based P2P VoD protocols: How well do the regular P2P VoD protocol and the network coding-based P2P VoD protocol perform compared to each other? In this paper, we present a simple performance versus cost framework (PCF) to evaluate impact of different design choices. Via detailed PCF-based simulations, we compare the two P2P VoD protocols and show that the two protocols each has its own territory on which it excels at efficiency. We reveal many important findings about P2P VoD design and hope they are useful to P2P VoD designers.
Ethanol increases the formation of NADP+ in rat hepatocytes.

The acute effects of ethanol on total (bound + free) pyridine dinucleotides were determined in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Pyridine dinucleotides and adenine nucleotides were determined by highperformance liquid chromatography. Exposure of the hepatocytes to 8 mmol/L ethanol resulted in a decrease in NAD+ and an increase in NADP+ after 2 min incubation. There were no significant changes in NADH and NADPH. Ethanol decreased ATP and increased AMP after 2 min, whereas an increase in ADP was only apparent after 15 min of incubation. Ethanol 8 mmol/L and 100 mmol/L resulted in an increased incorporation of [32P] into NADP+ from [32P]-prelabeled NAD+ and ATP. Ethanol increased hepatocyte NAD+ kinase activity; this effect was blocked by 4-methylpyrazole but reproduced by 10 μmol acetaldehyde. These observations indicate that ethanol increases the synthesis of NADP+ and that this effect is most likely the result of increased NAD+ kinase activity. The ethanol-induced decrease of NAD+ may limit ADP ribosylation of nuclear proteins, whereas increases in NADP+ may stimulate the pentose phosphate cycle. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;13:509–14.)
Cowpea Chloroplastic ATP Synthase Is the Source of Multiple Plant Defense Elicitors during Insect Herbivory

In cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) herbivory and oral secretions (OS) elicit phytohormone production and volatile emission due to inceptin [Vu-In; (+)ICDINGVCVDA(-)], a peptide derived from chloroplastic ATP synthase gamma-subunit (cATPC) proteins. Elicitor-induced plant volatiles can function as attractants for natural enemies of insect herbivores. We hypothesized that inceptins are gut proteolysis products and that larval OS should contain a mixture of related peptides. In this study, we identified three additional cATPC fragments, namely Vu-(GE+)In [(+)GEICDINGVCVDA(-)], Vu-(E+)In [(+)EICDINGVCVDA(-)], and Vu-In(-A) [(+)ICDINGVCVD(-)]. Leaf bioassays for induced ethylene (E) production demonstrated similar effective concentration(50) values of 68, 45, and 87 fmol leaf(-1) for Vu-In, Vu-(E+)In, and Vu-(GE+)In, respectively; however, Vu-In(-A) proved inactive. Shortly following ingestion of recombinant proteins harboring cATPC sequences, larval OS revealed similar concentrations of the three elicitors with 80% of the potential inceptin-related peptides recovered. Rapidly shifting peptide ratios over time were consistent with continued proteolysis and preferential stability of inceptin. Likewise, larvae ingesting host plants with inceptin precursors containing an internal trypsin cleavage site rapidly lost OS-based elicitor activity. OS containing inceptin elicited a rapid and sequential induction of defense-related phytohormones jasmonic acid, E, and salicylic acid at 30, 120, and 240 min, respectively, and also the volatile (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene. Similar to established peptide signals such as systemin and flg22, amino acid substitutions of Vu-In demonstrate an essential role for aspartic acid residues and an unaltered C terminus. In cowpea, insect gut proteolysis following herbivory generates inappropriate fragments of an essential metabolic enzyme enabling plant non-self-recognition.
The adolescent sexual asphyxia syndrome

Abstract The syndrome of self-hanging while masturbating to achieve sexual gratification is known as “sexual asphyxia.” Its origins are obscure, but probably date back to the 1600s. The syndrome accounts for at least 250 deaths per year in the United States alone. Reported victims range in age from 11 to well over 60 years, but most are adolescents. Though typically perceived as happy, well-adjusted people, they are found hanging by the neck, often wearing women's clothing, apparently having died while masturbating. Few living practitioners have been interviewed. The case report of one is presented here. A developmental model is proposed to explicate the differences and similarities between adolescent and adult practitioners.
Subcortical aphasia and neglect in acute stroke: the role of cortical hypoperfusion

Summary We have hypothesized that most cases of aphasia or hemispatial neglect due to acute, subcortical infarct can be accounted for by concurrent cortical hypoperfusion. To test this hypothesis, we demonstrate: (i) that pure subcortical infarctions are associated with cortical hypoperfusion in subjects with aphasia/neglect; (ii) that reversal of cortical hypoperfusion is associated with resolution of the aphasia; and (iii) that aphasia/neglect strongly predicts cortical ischaemia and/or hypoperfusion. We prospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 115 patients who presented within 24 h of onset or progression of stroke symptoms, with MRI sequences including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI), and detailed testing for aphasia or hemispatial neglect. The association between aphasia or neglect and cortical infarct (or dense ischaemia) on DWI and cortical hypoperfusion indicated by PWI, was evaluated with chi-squared analyses. Fisher exact tests were used for analyses with small samples. Cases of DWI lesion restricted to subcortical white matter and/or grey matter structures (n = 44) were examined for the presence of aphasia or neglect, and for the presence of cortical hypoperfusion. In addition, subjects who received intervention to restore perfusion were evaluated with DWI, PWI, and cognitive tests before and after intervention. Finally, the positive predictive value of the cognitive deficits for identifying cortical abnormalities on DWI and PWI were calculated from all patients. Of the subjects with only subcortical lesions on DWI in this study (n = 44), all those who had aphasia or neglect showed concurrent cortical hypoperfusion. Among the patients who received intervention that successfully restored cortical perfusion, 100% (six out of six) showed immediate resolution of aphasia. In the 115 patients, aphasia and neglect were much more strongly associated with cortical hypoperfusion (c 2 = 57.3 for aphasia; c 2 = 28.7 for neglect; d.f. = 1; P < 0.000001 for each), than with cortical infarct/ischaemia on DWI (c 2 = 8.5 for aphasia; c 2 = 9.7 for neglect; d.f. = 1; P < 0.005 for each). Aphasia showed a much higher positive predictive value for cortical abnormality on PWI (95%) than on DWI (62%), as did neglect (100% positive predictive value for PWI versus 74% for DWI). From these data we conclude that aphasia and neglect due to acute subcortical stroke can be largely explained by cortical hypoperfusion.
A comparison of one-dimensional theoretical models of stratospheric minor constituents

The density profiles of stratospheric minor constituents are compiled from several one-dimensional theoretical models that have appeared in the literature. The models are compared with each other and also with observations if data are available. The similarity and disparity of the models are clarified and discussed. If a large difference exists among the models, attempts are made to interpret it as much as possible in terms of the physical and chemical data employed in each model. The inadequacy of one-dimensional models in calculating the realistic ozone density distributions and the problems related to it are briefly discussed.
Effects of full-thickness burns on nociceptor sensitization in anesthetized rats.

Burn-induced pain is often inadequately managed and its mechanisms, both peripheral and central, are poorly understood. To examine peripheral mechanisms, the effects of full-thickness burns on individual nociceptive fibers in sural nerve of anesthetized rats were studied. Additionally, the study investigated whether topical post-burn treatment with the mu-opioid receptor agonist loperamide ameliorated burn-induced pathologies. Receptive field (RF) properties of C-fibers were determined for 4h before and after producing burns. Burns caused profound tissue damage with edema extending beyond the injury site. Injury located within or proximal to RFs of nociceptors caused rapid decreases in mechanical responsiveness or complete desensitization at the original test site. However, post-burn, RF size frequently grew to include areas of newly sensitized skin. Transient or prolonged periods of ectopic activity was recorded from some nociceptors; this was most prevalent in fibers with RFs proximal to the injury site where burn induced background firing in 60% of the population. In most cases, loperamide significantly increased mechanical thresholds, prevented sensitization of uninjured skin, and reduced discharge.These data indicate that full-thickness burns activate and/or sensitize C-nociceptors, thus probably leading to pain. As loperamide ameliorates nociceptor activation and sensitization, it is an appropriate candidate for burn pain management.
High resolution mapping of TiO2 abundances on the Moon using the Hubble Space Telescope

[1] Samples of the lunar regolith returned by Apollo astronauts show large variations (0 to >10 wt%) in TiO2 abundance indicating complex compositional zonation within the lunar mantle. A long held goal of the lunar science community is the accurate determination of TiO2 abundances on the lunar surface through remote sensing methods. To date only limited progress has been made in this area using spacecraft spectral measurements acquired in visible through near-infrared wavelengths. Here we show that variations in the ratios of ultraviolet (UV) to visible (VIS) reflectances in images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope indicate a strong correlation with TiO2 abundances determined from returned samples at the Apollo 17 landing site, and little correlation with the “maturity” of lunar soils. These new findings imply that UV-VIS observations may lead to an alternate and improved method of remotely mapping TiO2-bearing materials (probably as ilmenite) across the lunar surface and enable more refined studies of lunar crustal composition, surface volcanism, and subsurface magma evolution processes. Additionally, accurate identification and quantification of TiO2 rich deposits serves to guide future human exploration of the Moon.
The Influence of White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola) on Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) in Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Washington

Abstract Surveys to assess the status of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) populations, with respect to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.), were conducted in Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park Service Complex between 1994 and 1999. A total of 2173 whitebark pine trees and 1029 saplings were surveyed. Blister rust was documented in every stand, but rates of blister rust infections were highly variable (0% to 70%). Overall, 22% of trees were infected, 31% were dead, and 47% of all trees showed no signs of infection. Surveys of saplings (< 2.54 cm dbh) documented infection rates of 28%, mortality rates of 10%, and uninfected rates of 62%. Generally, the percent of trees that were infected increased from west to east and with increasing elevation. Mortality rates decreased with elevation, which may be a result of shorter growing seasons at higher elevations and a longer time period for the infection to spread within the tree. A long-term monitoring prog...
The 1789 life table of Edward Wigglesworth.

Systematic demographic analysis of early America has been neglected until quite recently. As the interest in and need for demographic data on pre-1800 America have increased during the last five years, efforts have been made to remedy this situation.The most recent studies are utilizing such new techniques as family reconstitution to avoid the problems created by the lack of reliable census data and vital statistics. But these techniques yield results very slowly, and in any case their results are subject to methodological limitations that make it necessary to check them against larger aggregates. For these reasons we need to reexamine the usefulness and accuracy of earlier studies on colonial population that were based on aggregate data. Unfortunately, this latter task has not been adequately carried out during the recent burst of activity among demographers of early America.
A pseudo-SAGD scoping model for evaluating economic viability of heavy oil projects

Abstract Unlike the Canadian heavy oil and bitumen resources, which are mainly produced using steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process, production from many of the US heavy oil reservoirs relies on steam injection through vertical wells. To utilize existing vertical injection wells and other surface infrastructure, conventional steam flooding projects may be modified to operate in a pseudo-SAGD mode that use vertical steam injection and horizontal production wells. However a preliminary feasibility study is necessary to reliably analyze a single well pair as a stand-alone project before launching comprehensive simulation studies. For this purpose, a reservoir scoping model coupled with economic analysis template that is easy to apply and use by individual reservoir engineers, was developed. The scoping model was then used to evaluate the economic viability of a heavy oil lease in California. The scoping model developed in the present study is based on two well-known models namely the Jones model and the Sawhney, Liebe, and Butler model. The model results are comparable with the reported performance of two heavy oil horizontal well projects in the San Joaquin Valley, California, that used vertical steam injection scheme. The economic template is capable of handling a multitude of different scenarios. Any variable can be readily changed to allow users not only to forecast specific scenarios but also to see what variables will have greatest impact on project viability. The scoping model results suggest that the studied heavy oil lease can be effectively produced in pseudo-SAGD mode. Steam flood application with vertical injection wells at a rate of 246 barrels of cold water equivalent (BCWE/D) per well is determined to effectively promote oil production in a horizontal well at rates over 500 barrels per day (BOPD) for several years. The life span of the project is expected to be to 10 years with an initial capital investment of 6.5 million dollars. Even at relatively high minimal acceptable rate of return (MARR) of 42.5%, the project remains an economical venture with minimum oil price of $84/barrel at the beginning of the project with an annual increase of 2.5% in oil price during the project span. In a downside scenario of $50/barrel crude oil price and 40% tax on income, project can be still economically viable, if 22% or less MARR is acceptable.
Effects of exercise on lung inflammation in ovalbumin-sensitized and single challenged mice

Background : Studies suggest that physical exercise reduces lung function decline and risk of exacerbations in asthmatic patients. However, the inflammatory lung response involved in exercise during sensitization remains unclear. Aims : To evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise in an experimental model of sensitization and single ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. Methods : Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: mice non-sensitized, non-exposed to OVA or exercise (Control, n=7); animals submitted to moderate treadmill exercise (Exercise, n=6); animals sensitized (OVA 10 µg) and single exposed to aerosolized OVA 1% (30 min) (OVA, n= 6) and animals sensitized, submitted to exercise and single exposed to OVA (OVA+Ex, n=6). 24 hours after a single OVA/saline exposure, anesthetized mice were euthanized and we performed measures of inflammatory cells from bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-1ra from lung tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and qualitative measures of IgG1 and IgE OVA-specific by Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis. Results : Exercise decreased total number of cells, as well as eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages from BALF in OVA+Ex group (p Conclusion : Our results showed that aerobic physical exercise attenuated the acute lung inflammatory response induced by a single OVA-challenge in sensitized mice, suggesting immunomodulatory properties of exercise on sensitization process in asthma.
The Food Marketing Commission and Marketing Efficiency

T HE technical studies of the National Commission on Food Marketing have provided us with a rather unique base from which to examine our past research accomplishments and to consider needs for further marketing research. The Commission has compiled information about the marketing system that heretofore has been largely scattered and without unifying orientation, and it has brought to light some new information. For perhaps the first time, we are in a position to see, in one place, much of what we know and do not know about the food marketing system. My discussion will be limited, insofar as is possible, to efficiency aspects of marketing. After a brief summary and appraisal of the findings of the Commission that seem to bear most directly on efficiency, I will comment on some things omitted in the technical studies and attempt to draw from the foregoing some suggestions regarding future research concerned with marketing efficiency. Before turning to this task, however, we should consider some definitions and concepts relating to efficiency.
Pygidial Glands in Male Opius (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Members of the braconid genus Opius are important biological-control agents of many tephritid flies. In the early 1950's, many species of Opius were introduced into Hawaii against the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel. At that time Hagen (1953) reported that the males of all the species he studied had internal glands originating from the pygidium, and they appeared to differ interspecifically. However, he did not describe these glands.
Selektive Verschlüsse der Retinagefäße bei der Katze

Es wird eine Methode zur experimentellen Unterbrechung des Blutstromes in den Retinagefasen mittels eines feinen Stahlstiftes mitgeteilt. Damit sind dauernde selektive Verschlusse von Venenasten allein, Arterienasten allein und kombinierte Verschlusse von Arterien und Venen zusammen moglich. Erste Versuchsergebnisse, gewonnen an 27 Katzen, werden dargelegt: Nach arteriellem Astverschlus entwickelt sich in 20 min eine retrograde Fullung und Durchblutung aus dem benachbarten arteriellen Versorgungsgebiet. Arterio-arterielle Anastomosen erweitern sich verschlusnah und weiter peripher in den folgenden Tagen bis Monaten; trotzdem entwickeln sich periphere Infarkte der Retina. Venose Verschlusse fuhren zu Odem, zu peripheren Blutungen, zu Gefasstauung und Gefaserweiterung vor allem am Rande ihres und des benachbarten Einzugsgebietes. Diese Veranderungen bilden sich alle wieder zuruck. Das ophthalmoskopische Bild entspricht am ehesten dem der Prathrombose beim Menschen. Den auffalligsten Befund liefern die kombinierten arteriovenosen Verschlusse: Neben vermehrten, ebenfalls ruckbildungsfahigen Blutungen tritt eine ausgedehnte, ca. 2–11 Tage langdauernde Netzhautablosung auf.
Using What's Learned in the Game for Use in Real Life

A player can learn many things from playing a game for health. Some of these learnings were deliberately designed for the player to use in his or her real life, outside of any game. The effective ways to enable players to generalize what they learn in the game to their real lives (and thereby benefit from playing the game) are not clear. We have convened a group of expert health game designers and researchers to discuss this important issue.
Invasion Rate and Pattern of Infestation of an Almond Orchard by the Navel Orangeworm

Studies indicate that Paramyelois transitella (Walker) is able to invade rapidly an almond orchard where the within-the-orchard source has been removed. This fact was indicated by the presence of eggs deposited on nuts artificially hung in the trees. Complete removal of all old nuts from the orchard insured that oviposition was effected by immigrating moths. The greatest amount of oviposition occurred in the half of the orchard that was adjacent to the more heavily infested surrounding areas. The orchard was invaded in all quarters within 39 days during the spring flight; 61% of the infestation occurred within 12 days. There may be economic advantages to the sanitation practice of cleaning almond orchards of old nuts. At harvest, 4.9% of the nuts from the experimental orchard contained navel orangeworm damaged kernels; an adjacent orchard had 7.9% damaged kernels.
Paper 40: Measurement and Control of the Residual Stress Produced by Grinding Operations

The grinding process is surveyed and a technique is described which enables the efficiency of the grinding wheel, coolant, and machine tool system to be determined.The analysis is made in terms of the maximum possible depth of cut that can be taken by the individual grits of the grinding wheel and the volume of material removed from the workpiece at this loading per unit volume of grinding wheel lost.Suggestions are made for the practical application of the technique to minimize the residual stress which is produced by the grinding operation. The results which have been achieved are shown in graphical form, and suggestions are made for the full explanation of the technique.
Pulmonary Function in 238 Patients With Pneumoconiosis

Objective To investigate the injury characteristics and influence factors of pulmonary function in patients with pneumoconiosis,and to provide prevention and cure measures.Method The pulmonary function in 238 patients with pneumoconiosis were measured and analyzed.Results The results showed that the ratios of the measured value to standard expected value of FVC,FEV1.0,FEV1/FVC% were 78.2%,50.6%,and 53.7% separately,indicating that these patients'pulmonary function had descended obviously(P0.05).The results also showed that smoking,age and the course of pneumoconiosis were the most important factors to the damage of pulmonary function.Conclusion Pulmonary function in patients with pneumoconiosis can result in damage.With the progress of disease and age increase and smoking,the damage was aggravated.
Nanoscale cellular imaging with scanning angle interference microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy is among the most widely utilized tools in cell and molecular biology due to its ability to noninvasively obtain time-resolved images of live cells with molecule-specific contrast. In this chapter, we describe a simple high-resolution technique, scanning angle interference microscopy (SAIM), for the imaging and localization of fluorescent molecules with nanometer precision along the optical axis. In SAIM, samples above a reflective surface are sequentially scanned with an excitation laser at varying angles of incidence. Interference patterns generated between the incident and reflected lights result in an emission intensity that depends on the height of a fluorophore above the silicon surface and the angle of the incident radiation. The measured fluorescence intensities are then fit to an optical model to localize the labeled molecules along the z-axis with 5-10 nm precision and diffraction-limited lateral resolution. SAIM is easily implemented on widely available commercial total internal reflection fluorescence microscopes, offering potential for widespread use in cell biology. Here, we describe the setup of SAIM and its application for imaging cellular structures near (<1 μm) the sample substrate.
Negotiating worlds (yards, shantytowns, ghettos, garrisons): Inequality maintained and the epistemologies of social factors Influencing stratification and education in Jamaica

Abstract This article shows how social factors, such as poverty, and the education system have long been on a collision course with class structure in the Jamaica. There have been several studies done on Jamaica’s education system. However, scholars have situated their work on the question of social factors and Jamaica’s education system in either an examination of a particular policy or what happens in the classroom. There have been none that bridges several policy initiatives with history (colonialism) and situates the social stratification of the Jamaican society within the history educational system while engaging with different types of sources (Former Minister of Education and her cabinet). This study (which is part of a larger study) employed interviews and document analysis to collect data. Three requirements for the nation are discussed. First, this study shows that parental involvement in education is needed. Second, there must be an attempt to improve education and school facilities in impoverished areas. Third, the nation must begin to step outside the boundaries erected by historical legacies in order to address the stratification created in part by the education system.
Targeting pathways mediating resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: As epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in approximately 90% of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN), several therapeutic agents that target EGFR have been evaluated for the treatment of SCCHN. Although patients with SCCHN derive clinical benefit from anti-EGFR agents, most notably the EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab, these patients eventually become resistant to EGFR-based therapies; preclinical studies have shown activation of secondary signaling pathways that lead to resistance to EGFR inhibition and, as such, serve as potential therapeutic targets to overcome resistance to EGFR inhibitors.Areas covered: This review summarizes the results of recently completed trials of anti-EGFR agents in SCCHN, highlights the various mechanisms that drive resistance to EGFR inhibitors in SCCHN, and focuses on several novel targeted agents that could potentially help overcome resistance to EGFR-based therapies in SCCHN.Expert commentary: Due to the developm...
Magnetohydrodynamics for collisionless plasmas from the gyrokinetic perspective

The effort to obtain a set of MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) equations for a magnetized collisionless plasma was started nearly 60 years ago by Chew et al. [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 236(1204), 112–118 (1956)]. Many attempts have been made ever since. Here, we will show the derivation of a set of these equations from the gyrokinetic perspective, which we call it gyrokinetic MHD, and it is different from the conventional ideal MHD. However, this new set of equations still has conservation properties and, in the absence of fluctuations, recovers the usual MHD equilibrium. Furthermore, the resulting equations allow for the plasma pressure balance to be further modified by finite-Larmor-radius effects in regions with steep pressure gradients. The present work is an outgrowth of the paper on “Alfven Waves in Gyrokinetic Plasmas” by Lee and Qin [Phys. Plasmas 10, 3196 (2003)].
21.1 Nanowatt circuit interface to whole-cell bacterial sensors

Genetically engineered, re-programmable bacterial cells are fast emerging as a platform for small molecule detection in challenging environments [1]. A key barrier to widespread deployment of autonomous bacterial sensors is the detection of low-level bioluminescence, which is typically quantified with power-hungry (watt-level) detection hardware such as Photo Multiplier Tubes (PMT). Prior work has reported successful integrated mW-level detection of bioluminescence by using PN / PIN photodiodes with OTA-based [2] and active-pixel-sensor circuits [3,4]. Our goal was to develop an even lower power readout to enable harvesting as a viable source of energy for a future batteryless autonomous biological sensor node, with applications in distributed remote environmental sensing, or in vivo biochemical sensing.
Genetics of Vitiligo

Vitiligo reflects simultaneous contributions of multiple genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. Genomewide association studies have discovered approximately 50 genetic loci contributing to vitiligo risk. At many vitiligo susceptibility loci, the relevant genes and DNA sequence variants are identified. Many encode proteins involved in immune regulation, several play roles in cellular apoptosis, and others regulate functions of melanocytes. Although many of the specific biologic mechanisms need elucidation, it is clear that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease involving a complex relationship between immune system programming and function, aspects of the melanocyte autoimmune target, and dysregulation of the immune response.
The Low Vision Team: Optometrists' and Ophthalmologists' Perceptions and Knowledge of Occupational Therapy

Aims: The purpose was to discover the knowledge and perceptions among eye-care professionals regarding the role of occupational therapists in low visions rehabilitation. Methods: A mixed methods design included open-ended qualitative responses along with quantitative survey data. Data were gathered anonymously through the PsychData electronic platform. Results: Optometrists and ophthalmologists were familiar with occupational therapy interventions for individuals with low vision but were uncertain about how to include occupational therapists in this practice specialty. Data were categorized into two themes: knowledge and perceptions and were grouped into subthemes of comprehensive, fractioned, occupational therapy intervention strategies, optimistic perceptions, and uncertain perceptions. It was found that only a small number of respondents referred or consulted with occupational therapists regarding clients with low vision. Conclusion: There is a need for education and advocacy to optometrists an...
Analysis of American English corner vowels produced by Mandarin, Hindi, and American accented speakers and a baseline accent recognition system

Individuals' speaking styles such as their accent present challenges for designing speaker independent systems and affect the performance of the systems. Accent recognition systems can be used to improve voice activated systems and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems. In this paper, we focus on analyzing American English corner vowels produced by Mandarin, Hindi and American accented speakers by using Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), Linear Predictive coding (LPC), and the first two F1-F2 formant frequencies. A baseline system is designed and tested. The vowel spaces of Mandarin and Hindi accented male speakers of American English are found to be smaller compared to the female L2 speakers' vowel spaces. A significant difference among the L1 and L2 speaker groups is observed for the back corner vowel /a/. In the baseline system, MFCCs feature set achieved higher classification accuracies than the LPCs set.
Molecular Imaging in Diagnosis of Tumor-induced Osteomalacia

Tumor induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) secreted by benign mesenchymal neoplasm. Due to its nonspecific clinical presentation or lack of awareness, the diagnosis of TIO is often significantly delayed resulting in patients' prolonged physical suffering or psychological distress. Successful detection or complete surgical resection of the causative tumor typically leads to rapid resolution of symptoms or reversal of biochemical imbalance. Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging have been playing a promising role as the first-line imaging modalities in the diagnosis and localization of occult FGF23 secreting mesenchymal tumor, especially with the emerging whole-body, head-to-toe Ga68-DOTATATE PET/CT technique. Combined focused diagnostic CT and/or MRI are imperative for accurate delineation of tumor and surgical guidance.
Emotional Dissociation in Response to Trauma

Pathological reactions to trauma and extreme stress have been noted in the psychological literature for over a century. These reactions were codified in the psychiatric literature as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). The diagnosis of PTSD is made when posttrauma symptoms occur in three domains: emotional, cognitive, and visual reexperiencing of the trauma; avoidance of trauma-relevant stimuli; and general arousal. Since the inception of PTSD as a diagnostic entity, experts have focused on the fear and anxiety components of the disorder (Foa, Steketee, & Rothbaum, 1989; Keane, Zimering, & Caddell, 1985). More recently, trauma researchers have become interested in the phenomenon of affective and cognitive avoidance that is commonly observed following a trauma and has been referred to as dissociation (e.g., Spiegel, Hunt, & Dondershine, 1988), denial (Horowitz, 1986; van der Kolk, 1987), or numbing (e.g., Foa, Riggs, & Gershuny, 1995; Horowitz, Wilner, Kaltreider, & Alvarez, 1980; Litz, 1993; van der Kolk & Ducey, 1989). Common to these constructs is a diminished awareness of one’s emotions or thoughts, which is hypothesized to be motivated by self-preservation.
Periodic acid-Schiff stain in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: lack of independent prognostic value

The authors reviewed 250 consecutive children with ALL to determine if the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) score was a useful, independent predictor of time to failure. PAS stains were scored from 0 to 400 and divided into low- and high-score groups using a variance-ratio test (F test) to optimize any effect of PAS on prognosis. Although the effect of PAS score considered alone approached significance for time to failure, the PAS score lost all significance when the patients were divided into standard-risk and high-risk groups on the basis of peripheral white count, central nervous system involvement, mediastinal mass, or E-rosette positivity at diagnosis. A Cox regression analysis was performed on a subgroup of 198 patients for whom cytogenetic studies were also available. The PAS score again approached the level of significance when considered alone but was of no significance after the effects of peripheral white count, pseudodiploidy, mediastinal mass, and E-rosette positivity were removed. The authors conclude that the PAS stain has no independent prognostic significance in childhood ALL.
Main Drives and Motors

This chapter provides a brief discussion on variable speed motors and drives for the tandem cold rolling process. The basic characteristics of the cage rotor induction motor and the synchronous motor are presented, along with the voltage converter as a viable modern drive for these machines. Cycloconverters are also addressed as a less preferred drive. Material is included which describes the concepts of the field oriented control technique as a proven method for control of present-day drive systems. Some comments are presented on the selection of motors and drives for tandem cold rolling applications.
The Softer Side of Bleeding

Bleeding after coronary intervention and acute coronary syndromes is to be avoided ([1][1]). The association between in-hospital and 30-day bleeding with 1-year morbidity and mortality is consistent across multiple study designs ([2][2]); assessment of a patient's risk for in-hospital bleeding is a
Critical Adverse Impact of IL-6 in Acute Pneumovirus Infection.

Severe respiratory virus infections feature robust local host responses that contribute to disease severity. Immunomodulatory strategies that limit virus‐induced inflammation may be of critical importance, notably in the absence of antiviral vaccines. In this study, we examined the role of the pleiotropic cytokine IL-6 in acute infection with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM), a natural rodent pathogen that is related to respiratory syncytial virus and that generates local inflammation as a feature of severe infection. In contrast to Influenza A, PVM is substantially less lethal in IL-6 −/− mice than it is in wild-type, a finding associated with diminished neutrophil recruitment and reduced fluid accumulation in lung tissue. Ly6C hi proinflammatory monocytes are recruited in response to PVM via a CCR2 -dependent mechanism, but they are not a major source of IL-6 nor do they contribute to lethal sequelae of infection. By contrast, alveolar macrophages are readily infected with PVM in vivo; ablation of alveolar macrophages results in prolonged survival in association with a reduction in virus-induced IL-6. Finally, as shown previously, administration of immunobiotic Lactobacillus plantarum to the respiratory tracts of PVM-infected mice promoted survival in association with diminished levels of IL-6. We demonstrated in this study that IL-6 suppression is a critical feature of the protective mechanism; PVM-infected IL-6 −/− mice responded to low doses of L. plantarum , and administration of IL-6 overcame L. plantarum –mediated protection in PVM-infected wild-type mice. Taken together, these results connect the actions of IL-6 to PVM pathogenesis and suggest cytokine blockade as a potential therapeutic modality in severe infection.
Characterization of Native American vegetation disturbance in the forests of central New York State, USA during the late 18th century ce

Historic land survey records (LSRs) offer important details on local- and landscape-scale vegetation patterns related to Native American land-use practices prior to widespread Euro-American settlement. This study’s use of an expanded range of vegetation-related variables derived from LSR sources, combined with archaeological site distribution data, and analysed using complementary multivariate statistical methods, has provided new insights on the spatial and compositional dynamics of the vegetation of central New York State, USA, an area historically occupied by the Cayuga and Onondaga nations. The upland vegetation of the study area was modulated primarily by fire, followed by soil fertility, and canopy disturbance. Clear signals of Native American agriculture and silviculture were associated with a number of fire-tolerant vegetation communities that were geographically concentrated within an area most conducive to maize cultivation. Numerical classification partitioned the LSR vegetation data into distinct community types: mesophytic upland forest and xerophytic upland forest. This latter type was secondarily differentiated into an unequivocally anthropogenic landscape (Iroquoian agricultural mosaic) and a series of fire-tolerant forest and savanna communities with possible connections to silvicultural land-use practices. Distance analysis of ordination scores indicated statistically-significant spatial trends associated with the distribution of archaeological sites, with disturbance most heavily concentrated within 6 km of most sites. Given the success of this methodology, we recommend that this integrated approach become the standard for LSR-based research of Native American vegetation disturbance.
High Gain Broadband Antenna for Point to Point Communication Systems

A broadband and high gain antenna, which operates at (3.2-4.2) GHz band and achieves maximum ∼12.3 dB realized gain, has been presented. The antenna architecture consists of a driven aperture coupled stacked patch antenna on top of which parasitic radiators are placed. A prototype antenna has been fabricated and characterized. The main advantage of the presented antenna is its high gain which is maintained over a wide bandwidth. This property is very important to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of point to point communication systems.
Application of Ultra-Wideband Synthesis in Software Defined Radar for UAV-based Landmine Detection

In this paper we demonstrate the capability of an ultra-wideband software defined radar (SDRadar) implemented in commercial USRP SDR hardware to produce high-resolution images of sub-surface landmine-like targets. We formulate a half-space back-projection focusing algorithm for low-altitude nadir-looking airborne altimetric ground-penetrating SAR that accounts for dispersive and refractive effects of the air-ground interface. Performance of the SDRadar and focusing algorithm are shown in experimental results. This work has applications in the development of low-cost high-resolution UAV-based radar systems for landmine detection and other sub-surface imaging tasks.
The Impacts of State Government Tax and Spending Policies on Domestic Migration in the United States: An Analysis for the Great Recession Period July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009

This study investigates the relevance of the Tiebout hypothesis for migrationduring the Great Recession. The model allows for economic, quality-of-life, and fiscalfactors. For the study period July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009, the gross state-level in-migrationrate was an increasing function of expected per capita income, state parks per capita, andwarmer January temperatures and a decreasing function of the cost of living, the povertyrate, the average state income tax rate, per capita property taxation, and the presence ofhazardous waste sites. The estimation results suggest migrants prefer lower state incometax burdens and lower property tax burdens. Migrants’ evaluation of government servicesin determining their choice of location appears to depend upon the type of governmentservice. While consumer-voters on appear to prefer states with a greater provisionnumbers of parks per capita, the results do not indicate a strong preference for states withhigher per pupil outlays on public education. (J61, R23, H71, H72, H76)
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

7059 Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can be curative for patients with AML refractory to chemotherapy or re-induction after relapse. However, the role of HCT in this setting re...
Accuracy of obstetric laceration diagnoses in the electronic medical record

Patient safety data including rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) are often derived from hospital discharge codes. With the transition to electronic medical records (EMRs), we hypothesized that electronic provider-entered delivery data would more accurately document obstetric perineal injury than traditional billing/diagnostic codes. We evaluated the accuracy of perineal laceration diagnoses after singleton vaginal deliveries during one calendar year at an American tertiary academic medical center. We reviewed the entire hospital chart to determine the most likely laceration diagnosis and compared that expert review diagnosis (ExpRD) with documentation in the EMR delivery summary (EDS) and ICD-9 diagnostic codes (IDCs). We retrospectively selected 354 total delivery records. OASI complicated 56 of those. 303 records (86%) were coded identically by the EDS and IDCs. Diagnoses from the IDCs and the EDS were mostly correct compared with ExpRD (sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 100%). There was no systematic over- or under-diagnosis of OASI for either the EDS (p = 0.070) or the IDCs (p = 0.447). When considering all laceration types the EDS was correct for 21 (5.9%) lacerations that were incorrect according to the IDCs. Overall, the EDS was more accurate (p < 0.05) owing to errors in IDC minor laceration diagnoses. Electronic medical record delivery summary data and EMR-derived diagnostic codes similarly characterize OASI. The EDS does not improve OASI reporting, but may be more accurate when considering all perineal lacerations. This assumes that providers have correctly identified and categorized the lacerations that they record in the EMR.
Clinical and Radiographic Presentation of Capsular Iatrogenic Hip Instability After Previous Hip Arthroscopy

Background:The clinical and radiographic features of iatrogenic hip instability following hip arthroscopy have been described. However, the prevalence of presenting symptoms and associated imaging ...