cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased stress-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in human keratoconus fibroblasts.

PURPOSE To determine whether keratoconus (KC) corneal fibroblast cultures have increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and are more susceptible to stress-related challenges. METHODS Normal (n = 9) and KC (n = 10) stromal fibroblast cultures were incubated in either neutral- or low-pH conditions, with or without hydrogen peroxide. Catalase activities were measured with a fluorescent substrate assay. Superoxide and ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) productions were determined with an amine-reactive green-dye assay and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) dye assay, respectively. Cell viability was analyzed by a dye-exclusion assay. Caspase 3 activity was measured by a fluorochrome inhibitor of caspase (FLICA) assay. A cationic (green) dye was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m). RESULTS KC fibroblasts had increased superoxide and ROS/RNS production (6.2-fold, P < 0.001 and 1.8-fold, P < 0.001, respectively) and catalase activity (P < 0.01) with higher concentrations of H2O2 compared with normal cultures (P = 0.16). After a low-pH stress challenge, KC fibroblasts maintained higher ROS/RNS levels (3.3-fold, P < 0.02), showed higher caspase-3 activity (7.5-fold, P < 0.02) and decreased delta psi m (2.6-fold, P < 0.04), and had decreased cell viability (37%, P < 0.005 vs. 20%, P < 0.27) compared with normal fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Under identical conditions, KC fibroblasts had increased basal generation of ROS/RNS and were more susceptible to stressful challenges (low-pH and/or H2O2 conditions) than were normal fibroblasts. In addition, the stressed KC fibroblasts possessed characteristics similar to those found in the intact KC corneas (increased catalase activity, ROS production, and apoptosis). These properties may play a role in the pathogenesis of KC.
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Risk among Male Hispanic/Latino Migrant Farmworkers in the Southeast: Findings from a Pilot CBPR Study

Background—Little is known about the HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors of Hispanic/Latino farmworkers. This study was designed to describe risk factors for HIV and STD infection, explore personal characteristics associated with condom use, and evaluate the feasibility of collecting self-report and biomarker data from farmworkers. Methods—Self-report and biomarker data were collected from a sample of male farmworkers living in 29 camps in North Carolina during the 2008 growing season. Results—Over half of the 100 male workers, mean age 37.1 (range 19–68) years, reported binge drinking during the past 12 months. Forty percent of those who reported having had sex during the past three months indicated that they were under the influence of alcohol. Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and prevention was low. Among the 25 workers who reported having had sex during the past three months, 16 and 2 reported using a condom consistently during vaginal and anal sex, respectively, and nearly one out of six workers reported paying a woman to have sex. Two workers tested positive for syphilis. Conclusions—Farmworkers in this sample demonstrated significant HIV and STD risks; however, when exploring potential bivariate associations with consistent condom use no statistically significant associations were identified perhaps due to the small sample size. Because it was feasible to collect self-report and biomarker data related to HIV and STDs from Hispanic/ Latino farmworkers, research needed to further explore risks and develop interventions to reduce disease exposure and transmission among this vulnerable population.
Packaging of Implantable Microsystems

Challenges and technologies for long-term stable packaging of implantable devices and microsystems are reviewed. Packaging of implantable microsystems is especially difficult because of the many limitations in terms of size, material properties, mechanical structure and rigidity, biocompatibility, required lifetime, and maximum allowable temperature. Our group has demonstrated their long-term reliability in salt water and biological environments. Glass packages anodically bonded to silicon substrates containing integrated sensors/circuits provide a mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) of >100 years in saline solutions under accelerated conditions, and a lifetime of almost two years in biological tissue1. Thin film coatings of electroplated gold have also been used for packaging of implantable microprobes and shown to be hermetic under accelerated conditions and provide a MTTF of ~40 years. Polymer films, such as Parylene, are of particular interest for many biomedical microsystems because of their flexibility and ease of use. Long-term testing of passive implantable sensors using these films has also been demonstrated.
Alteration of Escherichia coli Topoisomerase IV to Novobiocin Resistance

DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (topo IV) are the two essential type II topoisomerases of Escherichia coli. Gyrase is responsible for maintaining negative supercoiling of the bacterial chromosome, whereas topo IV's primary role is in disentangling daughter chromosomes following DNA replication. Coumarins, such as novobiocin, are wide-spectrum antimicrobial agents that primarily interfere with DNA gyrase. In this work we designed an alteration in the ParE subunit of topo IV at a site homologous to that which confers coumarin resistance in gyrase. This parE mutation renders the encoded topo IV approximately 40-fold resistant to inhibition by novobiocin in vitro and imparts a similar resistance to inhibition of topo IV-mediated relaxation of supercoiled DNA in vivo. We conclude that topo IV is a secondary target of novobiocin and that it is very likely to be inhibited by the same mechanism as DNA gyrase.
Towards structure and motion estimation from dynamic silhouettes

Addresses the problem of estimating the structure and motion of a smooth curved object from its silhouettes observed over time by a trinocular imagery. We first construct a model for the local structure along the silhouette for each frame in the temporal sequence. The local models are then integrated into a global surface description by estimating the motion between successive frames. The algorithm tracks certain surface and image features (parabolic points and silhouette inflections, frontier points) which are used to bootstrap the motion estimation process. The whole silhouette is then used to refine the initial motion estimate. We have implemented the proposed approach and report preliminary results. >
Establishing Causality With Whitened Cross-Correlation Analysis

In many biomedical applications, it is important to determine whether two recorded signals have a causal relationship and, if so, what the nature of that relationship is. Many advanced techniques have been proposed to characterize this relationship, but in practice simple techniques such as cross-correlation analysis are used. Unfortunately, the traditional cross-correlation analysis is influenced by the autocorrelation of the signals as much as it is by the relationship between the signals. Practically, this results in the cross correlation suggesting that the signals are correlated over a broad range of lags. Prewhitening the signals overcomes this limitation and reveals the essentially causal relationship between the signals. This is a simple method that can also easily generalize cross-correlation analysis to nonstationary signals, which are frequently encountered in biomedical applications. This technique has been used in other fields, but remains mostly undiscovered in biomedical research. In the case of a purely causal relationship, we show that whitened cross-correlation analysis is equivalent to directly estimating the all-pass component of the transfer function that relates the signals. We give examples of this type of analysis applied to several biomedical applications to demonstrate some of the new insights and information that can be produced by this type of analysis.
Responses of extracellular enzymes to simple and complex nutrient inputs

Soil microbes produce extracellular enzymes that mineralize organic matter and release carbon and nutrients in forms that can be assimilated. Economic theories of microbial metabolism predict that enzyme production should increase when simple nutrients are scarce and complex nutrients are abundant; however, resource limitation could also constrain enzyme production. We tested these hypotheses by monitoring enzyme activities and nutrient pools in soil incubations with added simple and complex nutrient compounds. Over 28 days of incubation, we found that an enzyme’s activity increased when its target nutrient was present in complex but not simple form, and carbon and nitrogen were available. b-Glucosidase and acid phosphatase activities also increased in treatments where only carbon and nitrogen were added. Glycine aminopeptidase and acid phosphatase activities declined in response to ammonium and phosphate additions, respectively. In some cases, mineralization responses paralleled changes in enzyme activity—for example, b-glucosidase activity increased and respiration was 5-fold greater in soil incubations with added cellulose, ammonium, and phosphate. However, a doubling of acid phosphatase activity in response to collagen addition was not associated with any changes in phosphorus mineralization. Our results indicate that microbes produce enzymes according to ‘economic rules’, but a substantial pool of mineral stabilized or constitutive enzymes mediates this response. Enzyme allocation patterns reflect microbial nutrient demands and may allow microbes to acquire limiting nutrients from complex substrates available in the soil. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Urinary tract infections in children younger than 5 years of age: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and prevention.

Although the true incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is difficult to estimate, they are one of the most common bacterial infections seen by clinicians who care for young children. Except for the first 8 to 12 weeks of life, when infection of the urinary tact may be secondary to a haematogenous source, UTI is believed to arise by the ascending route after entry of bacteria via the urethra. Enterobacteriaceae are the most common organisms isolated from uncomplicated UTI. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus is rare in children without in-dwelling catheters or other sources of infection, and coagulase-negative staphylococci and Candida spp. are associated with infections after instrumentation of the urinary tract.
Blockade of glycine transporter-1 (GLYT-1) potentiates NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in hypoglossal motorneurons.

NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) are potentiated by exogenously applied glycine. In this study, we have investigated the effect of bloc...
Ichthyosis in Sjögren-Larsson syndrome reflects defective barrier function due to abnormal lamellar body structure and secretion.

Sjogren–Larsson syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by ichthyosis, mental retardation, spasticity and mutations in the ALDH3A2 gene coding for fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme necessary for oxidation of fatty aldehydes and fatty alcohols. We investigated the cutaneous abnormalities in 9 patients with Sjogren–Larsson syndrome to better understand how the enzymatic deficiency results in epidermal dysfunction. Histochemical staining for aldehyde oxidizing activity was profoundly reduced in the epidermis. Colloidal lanthanum perfusion studies showed abnormal movement of tracer into the extracellular spaces of the stratum corneum consistent with a leaky water barrier. The barrier defect could be attributed to the presence of abnormal lamellar bodies, many with disrupted limiting membranes or lacking lamellar contents. Entombed lamellar bodies were present in the cytoplasm of corneocytes suggesting blockade of lamellar body secretion. At the stratum granulosum–stratum corneum interface, non-lamellar material displaced or replaced secreted lamellar membranes, and in the stratum corneum, the number of lamellar bilayers declined and lamellar membrane organization was disrupted by foci of lamellar/non-lamellar phase separation. These studies demonstrate the presence of a permeability barrier abnormality in Sjogren–Larsson syndrome, which localizes to the stratum corneum interstices and can be attributed to abnormalities in lamellar body formation and secretion.
Geometrical optics analysis of the short-time stability properties of the Einstein evolution equations

Many alternative formulations of Einstein's evolution have lately been examined in an effort to discover one that yields slow growth of constraint-violating errors. In this paper, rather than directly search for well-behaved formulations, we instead develop analytic tools to discover which formulations are particularly ill behaved. Specifically, we examine the growth of approximate (geometric-optics) solutions, studied only in the future domain of dependence of the initial data slice (e.g., we study transients). By evaluating the amplification of transients a given formulation will produce, we may therefore eliminate from consideration the most pathological formulations (e.g., those with numerically unacceptable amplification). This technique has the potential to provide surprisingly tight constraints on the set of formulations one can safely apply. To illustrate the application of these techniques to practical examples, we apply our technique to the 2-parameter family of evolution equations proposed by Kidder, Scheel, and Teukolsky, focusing in particular on flat space (in Rindler coordinates) and Schwarzschild background (in Painlev\'e-Gullstrand coordinates).
A combined fiber Bragg Grating and interferometric based quasi-distributed sensor network

A novel combined fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and interferometric based quasi-distributed sensor network is proposed and simulated. The sensor network consists of a series of FBGs used as wavelength selective mirrors and overlapped Michelson interferometers working at different wavelengths in a Sagnac loop make it possible to measure the changes in between the FBGs. The advantage of the system is that it combines the benefit of point measurement with FBG and the high sensitivity of long gauge interferometric sensors. This sensor network can be used to monitor some desired parameters like pressure, humidity and temperature in optical networks.
When Does Prior Experience Pay? Institutional Experience and the Multinational Corporation:

This study reexamines organizational learning theories to reconcile the conditions under which prior internationalization experience leads to performance gains for multinational corporations (MNCs)...
Ensemble-based coreference resolution

We investigate new methods for creating and applying ensembles for coreference resolution. While existing ensembles for coreference resolution are typically created using different learning algorithms, clustering algorithms or training sets, we harness recent advances in coreference modeling and propose to create our ensemble from a variety of supervised coreference models. However, the presence of pairwise and non-pairwise coreference models in our ensemble presents a challenge to its application: it is not immediately clear how to combine the coreference decisions made by these models. We investigate different methods for applying a model-heterogeneous ensemble for coreference resolution. Empirical results on the ACE data sets demonstrate the promise of ensemble approaches: all ensemble-based systems significantly outperform the best member of the ensemble.
Detection and estimation of chirp signals in non-Gaussian noise

Detection of chirps in (non-Gaussian) additive and multiplicative noise is explored via a novel cyclostationary approach. A least-squares method for parameter estimation in colored noise is proposed and asymptotic bounds are derived on the estimation error. Cramer-Rao lower bounds are developed for chirp parameter estimation if the multiplicative and additive noise is Gaussian. Finally, simpler parameter estimation algorithms that only require linear searches are proposed as alternatives to the computationally complex optimal schemes. >
Multiferroics: Focusing light on flexoelectricity

The photocurrent generated at the boundary between structural phases of bismuth ferrite reveals information on the coupling between mechanical and electrical phenomena.
Evolving strategies in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in the community hospital setting.

An ongoing challenge for the clinical cardiologist remains the choice of optimal reperfusion therapy for patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who present to community hospitals without on-site primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Numerous studies have
Mechanisms of impulsivity in bipolar disorder and related illness

AIMS: Impulsivity is a multifaceted aspect of behavior that is prominent in psychiatric disorders and has serious behavioral consequences. This paper reviews studies integrating behavioral and physiological mechanisms in impulsivity and their role in severity and course of bipolar and related disorders. METHODS: This is a review of work that used questionnaire, human behavioral laboratory, and neurophysiological measurements of impulsivity or related aspects of behavior. Subjects included individuals with bipolar disorder, substance-use disorders, antisocial personality disorder, and healthy controls. RESULTS: Models of impulsivity include rapid-response impulsivity, with inability to reflect or to evaluate a stimulus adequately before responding, and reward-based impulsivity, with inability to delay response for a reward. In normal subjects, rapid-response impulsivity is increased by yohimbine, which increases norepinephrine release. Impulsivity is increased in bipolar disorder, whether measured by questionnaire, by measures of rapid-response impulsivity, or by measures of ability to delay reward. While affective state has differential effects on impulsivity, impulsivity is increased in bipolar disorder regardless of affective state or treatment. Impulsivity, especially rapid-response, is more severe with a highly recurrent course of illness or with comorbid substance-use disorder, and with history of medically severe suicide attempt. In antisocial personality disorder, rapid-response impulsivity is increased, but reward-based impulsivity is not. In general, impulsivity is increased more in bipolar disorder than in antisocial personality disorder. In combined bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder, increased impulsivity is associated with substance-use disorders and suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Impulsivity is associated with severe behavioral complications of bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and substance-use disorders. Language: en
Exploring magnitude of change in teacher efficacy and implications for students' literacy growth

Abstract Increasingly, coaching-based professional development models are used to support classroom teachers' implementation of the literacy interventions. Research suggests that these models may positively impact classroom teachers' self-efficacy, which is critical to effective literacy instruction. The current study uses the context of a coaching-based professional model, the Targeted Reading Intervention, to examine how changes in three measures of teachers' sense of efficacy related to changes in students' literacy outcomes. Multilevel models suggest a significant and positive association between teachers' classroom management efficacy and students' growth in literacy skills. Both directions for future research and implications for practitioners are discussed.
Separation and Characterization of Reactive and Non-Reactive Sulfur in Petroleum and Its Fractions

We present an efficient, easy-to-use chromatographic method to separate reactive and nonreactive sulfur compounds in crude oil for subsequent quantitative analysis and molecular characterization. Sulfur compounds in petroleum samples are separated by ligand exchange chromatography (LEC) on a silver-modified strong-cation exchange (SCX) solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. LEC separation takes advantage of the bonding affinity of different sulfur types with silver-cations. The elution of a particular sulfur type (reactive or nonreactive) depends on the “strength” of the solvent used. One solvent mixture elutes nonreactive sulfur compounds (thiophenics and diaryl sulfides) into the first fraction. A second solvent mixture elutes reactive S-compounds (sulfides and disulfides) into the second fraction. A third reactive sulfur class (thiols) irreversibly reacts with the impregnated silver-ion to form silver thiolates that are insoluble in the solvent mixtures employed. The distribution of reactive and nonre...
Concise Review: Control of Cell Fate Through Cell Cycle and Pluripotency Networks

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) proliferate rapidly with a characteristic cell cycle structure consisting of short G1- and G2-gap phases. This applies broadly to PSCs of peri-implantation stage embryos, cultures of embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and embryonal carcinoma cells. During the early stages of PSC differentiation however, cell division times increase as a consequence of cell cycle remodeling. Most notably, this is indicated by elongation of the G1-phase. Observations linking changes in the cell cycle with exit from pluripotency have raised questions about the role of cell cycle control in maintenance of the pluripotent state. Until recently however, this has been a difficult question to address because of limitations associated with experimental tools. Recent studies now show that pluripotency and cell cycle regulatory networks are intertwined and that cell cycle control mechanisms are an integral, mechanistic part of the PSC state. Studies in embryonal carcinoma, some 30 years ago, first suggested that pluripotent cells initiate differentiation when in the G1-phase. More recently, a molecular "priming" mechanism has been proposed to explain these observations in human embryonic stem cells. Complexity in this area has been increased by the realization that pluripotent cells exist in multiple developmental states and that in addition to each having their own characteristic gene expression and epigenetic signatures, they potentially have alternate modes of cell cycle regulation. This review will summarize current knowledge in these areas and will highlight important aspects of interconnections between the cell cycle, self-renewal, pluripotency, and cell fate decisions. Stem Cells 2016;34:1427-1436.
Interpretation of 2010 Expert Consensus Document on Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography

This document presents an expert consensus overview of the current and emerging clinical uses of coronary CTA in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease(CAD).The intention of this document is to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of current clinical uses of coronary CTA as reflected in the published peer-reviewed literature and as interpreted by the writing committee.The document is not intended primarily as either a comprehensive literature review or as an instruction guide for those interested in performing or interpreting coronary computed tomography(CT) angiograms.The document also does not offer specific statements rating the appropriateness of various potential clinical uses of coronary CTA,as this has been dealt with in the ACCF/ACR/SCCT/SCMR/ASNC/NASCI/SCAI/SIR 2006 Appropriateness Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.Finally,this document does not address the evaluation of coronary calcium using CT,except as it pertains to CTA studies in patients with suspected or known CAD,since this topic has also been covered in the ACCF/AHA 2007 Clinical Expert Consensus Document on Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring by Computed Tomography in Global Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and in Evaluation of Patients With Chest Pain.
Surgical management of colonic perforation due to ulcerative colitis during pregnancy: Report of a case.

Surgical management of colonic perforation due to ulcerative colitis during pregnancy: Report of a case
The Realizable Hardware and Software of the Wireless Sensor Network Experiment Platform Based on Soft Core of NIOS

With the development of the technology of the sensor and network technology,the application of the distributed wireless sensor network is more and more extensive.We have proposed a wireless sensor network experiment platform based on soft core of NIOS in the article.The platform has proved that it has good application prospects in the algorithm and agreement of the wireless sensor network.
Academic Fan Fiction

I wrote my first book at age 9. With what I thought were clever, subtle plot revisions, I ripped off Walter Farley’s novel, Flame. Captivated by a subterranean passageway to a hidden world (of horses no less!), I got to live in that world not only while reading but also in retelling my own version of the story (in mine the protagonist was a girl and the horse, a filly).
Implications of Visuospatial Skills and Executive Functions for Learning Mathematics

The purpose of this article is to review the literature and apply a developmental neuroscience perspective in investigating the role of two interrelated cognitive processes—executive functions (EFs) and visuospatial (VS) skills—which have been empirically and theoretically linked to children’s mathematics achievement. To illustrate, we provide evidence of the importance of EFs and VS skills for mathematics learning by examining and comparing the distinct cognitive profiles of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome. By simultaneously considering two cognitive processes that are implicated in mathematics, we offer insight into the underlying mechanisms by which EFs and VS skills support children’s learning and acquisition of mathematical skills, as well as how neuroscience research may successfully inform educational practice.
Late Treatment of Syndesmotic Injuries

Normal syndesmosis anatomy and alignment are essential to ankle function. Although injuries to the syndesmosis are common with ankle injuries, accurate diagnosis and reduction continue to be a challenge. Late reconstruction for syndesmosis is reviewed. A surgical technique for late reconstruction is outlined in detail.
3. A dynamic collimation system improving target conformity of spot scanning proton therapy: comparison of dose calculations for two nozzles

Introduction Spot scanning proton therapy (SSPT) treatments suffer from poor conformity, especially at low energy, due to increased lateral spot size, which is further increased with the patient scattering. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recently proposed a dynamic collimation system (DCS) for SSPT, which is capable of providing spot-by-spot collimation. The purpose of this study is to quantify by simulations improvement in target conformity from the use of the DCS, in brain and head and neck tumor treatments. Methods Two spot scanning proton therapy delivery systems (Universal Nozzle, UN, and Dedicated Nozzle, DN – IBA company) with median spot sizes of 5.2 mm and 3.2 mm over a range of energies from 100 to 230 MeV were considered. Uncollimated and collimated plans were calculated with both UN and DN beam models implemented within our in–house treatment planning system for five brain and ten head and neck datasets of patients previously treated with spot scanning proton therapy. The DCS was simulated as close as 5 cm from the patient surface. The average reduction of the mean dose to the 10-mm ring surrounding the target between the uncollimated and collimated plans was calculated for the UN and DN. Target conformity was analyzed using the mean dose to 1-mm thickness rings surrounding the target at increasing distances ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm. The dose reduction to some organs-at-risk was also quantified. Results The average reductions of the 10-mm ring mean dose for the UN and DN plans were 13.7% (95% CI: 11.6–15.7%; p p p p Conclusions According to these simulations, the DCS improved the target conformity for both the UN and the DN, and offered better dose reduction to OARs [1] , [2] , [3] .
John Kwoka's Mergers, Merger Control, and Remedies: A Critical Review

John Kwoka’s recently published Mergers, Merger Control, and Remedies (2015) has received considerable attention from both antitrust practitioners and academics. The book features a meta-analysis of retrospective studies of consummated mergers, joint ventures, and other horizontal arrangements. Based on summary statistics derived from these studies, Kwoka concludes that domestic antitrust agencies are excessively tolerant in their merger enforcement; that merger remedies are ineffective at mitigating market power; and that merger enforcement has become increasingly lax over time. We review both his evidence and his empirical methods, and conclude that serious deficiencies in both undermine the basis for these conclusions.
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is performed for patients with chronic anal fissure. This chapter describes indications, essential steps, variations, and complications of this procedure. It provides a detailed template operative note for the procedure.
Theories of Smart Shrinkage and Smart Growth

The very practical matter of protecting and maintaining properties is central to what I see as the goal of local governments facing depopulation. The overview offered in the previous chapter helps to situate the problems that New Bedford faces, the problems briefly introduced in Chap. 1. New Bedford is hardly alone in addressing decades of stagnation, decline, and some growth. Chapter 2 showed how prevalent these demographic and economic patterns are, how very ordinary New Bedford is.
Tunable bandgap in halogen doped 2D nitrogenated microporous materials

The quest for new materials with extraordinary electronic, magnetic, and optical properties leads to the synthesis of 2D nitrogenated microporous materials with the hole diameter of 1.16 nm. We computationally study the evolution of the energy bandgaps, optical, and transport properties with the following substituents: hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and iodine. We find that such a small perturbation by these atoms has a tremendous impact on the electronic properties of these materials. Indeed, the direct energy bandgaps can be tuned from 1.64 to 0.96 eV by the substituents from hydrogen to iodine. The optical gaps demonstrate similar dependence. From the transport properties, we calculate the effective masses of π-conjugated microporous polymers and find that the conduction electron effective masses are insensitive to halogen substituents while for some low-lying energy valence bands the effective masses can be drastically increased from 0.71 to 2.98 me and 0.28 to 0.58 me for the heavy and light holes, re...
An Introduction to Knot Theory and Functional Integrals

This paper is an expanded version of a course of lectures on knots and functional integration delivered in Corsica during September 1996.
Memories of Raoul Bott

In fall ’69 I arrived in the Boston area driving across the country from Berkeley to take up a fellowship at MIT. A big attraction was to learn more about differential geometry mathematics from Raoul Bott. Right away Raoul tried to help me find an apartment in Cambridge.
Distributed Dynamic State Estimation and LQG Control in Resource-Constrained Networks

In this paper, the discrete-time distributed dynamic state estimation and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control problems are analyzed for resource-constrained networked systems. Following a holistic approach, we provide a complete system design for the signal processing, communication, and control tasks involved in the problems; and evaluate their performance. In the presence of a controller node and a number of sensor nodes, the sensor nodes, in a resource-efficient way, report their information entities to the controller node using an event-triggered sampling technique called level-crossing sampling. We demonstrate the performance gains due to level-crossing sampling over conventional time-triggered uniform sampling, as well as the advantages of processing data locally before transmitting to the controller. In particular, it is shown that the proposed decentralized schemes with local processing and level-crossing sampling ensure a very close approximation, with a bounded error, to the optimum (centralized) estimation and control schemes, and as a result yield order-2 asymptotic optimality. Moreover, nonideal communication between sensors and the controller is considered, and optimal modulation techniques are provided for different channel models. Simulation results are provided to support the presented discussions.
The storytelling brain. Commentary on "On social attribution: implications of recent cognitive neuroscience research for race, law, and politics".

The well-established techniques of the professional storyteller not only have the potential to model complex “truth” but also to dig deeply into that complexity, thereby perhaps getting closer to that truth. This applies not only to fiction, but also to medicine and even science. Compelling storytelling ability may have conferred an evolutionary survival advantage and, if so, is likely represented in the neural circuitry of the human brain. Functional imaging will likely point to a neuroanatomical basis for compelling storytelling ability; this will presumably reflect underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Peripheral vascular cutdown.

Intravascular access is required in most critically ill patients, and percutaneous placement of these devices may not be possible due to technical or patient-related factors. This article reviews the indications, techniques, and complications associated with venous and arterial cutdowns.
W-band Amplitude-only Direction Finding with Curved-Aperture Horn Antennas

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and performance of a W-band amplitude-only azimuthal direction finding antenna subsystem, designed to cover 75–110 GHz. The design utilizes curved-aperture pyramidal horn antennas to achieve near frequency independent radiation patterns over the band of interest, and 2-element linear arrays to increase receiver detection range. Two arrays are squinted apart by 30° to realize a high slope and near monopulse direction finding function.
Nitinol versus non-Nitinol prostheses in otosclerosis surgery: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies in which hearing outcomes after primary stapes surgery have been reported. After the surgical procedure, the effectiveness of stapes surgery using nickel titanium (Nitinol) or other prostheses were systematically compared and evaluated using a meta-analytic method. A systematic search for articles before January 2017 in Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Only articles in English were included. Inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis consisted of a population of otosclerosis patients, intervention with primary stapes surgery using the Nitinol heat-crimping prosthesis compared with other type of stapes stapedotomy prostheses, and hearing outcome. Inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis consisted of application of audiometry guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium for evaluation of conductive hearing loss. A postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) ≤ 10 dB was considered effective. A bias assessment tool was developed according to Cochrane guidelines. To evaluate the mean age of the samples we used the chi-square test. Of the 4926 papers identified through the electronic database search (3695 in Pubmed/Cochrane and 1231 in Embase), 540 studies matched the selection criteria (436 in Pubmed/Cochrane and 104 in Embase) after application of filters and elimination of duplicate articles. After analysis of the title and abstract, 459 were excluded (396 in Pubmed/Cochrane and 63 in Embase). Of the remaining 81 papers, 74 were excluded according to the study selection criteria. A total of seven eligible studies with 1385 subjects, consisting of 637 in the Nitinol group and 748 in the non-Nitinol group, were included in our study. There were statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of stapes surgery between the Nitinol and non-Nitinol prostheses; the data showed a combined odds ratio (OR) of 2.56 (95% CI 1.38-4.76, p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean pre-operative age between Nitinol and non-Nitinol prostheses (p = 0.931). Our results suggest that the effectiveness of Nitinol was higher than non-Nitinol prostheses, with superiority of the number of patients with ABG ≤ 10 dB.
A phase 0 pharmacodynamic study of dasatinib in women with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer.

e23207Background: Dasatinib is a potent, oral inhibitor of Src family kinases, which are implicated in etiology and malignant behavior of various cancers. Direct measurement of dasatinib biologic e...
Flatlined: Combatting the death of retail stores

Abstract The recent wave of retail bankruptcies as well as poor sales performance has resulted in a large number of store closings. Low sales in store-based retailers can also be attributed to the rapid growth of web-based retailers (largely, Amazon) as well as an excess of store space per capita in the U.S. as compared to other developed nations. Strategies to stem the decline of retail stores include: (1) utilizing omnichannel-based synergies among channels and devices to increase store sales; (2) making stores more attractive and engaging through personalization, interactivity, and a constantly changing environment; and (3) improving productivity through introducing small-size store formats and downsizing existing stores.
Neurogenic Bladder: Evaluation and Management

Effects on the urinary tract continues to be a source of morbidity and mortality after spinal cord injury. The goals of bladder management are to reduce morbidity and to preserve renal function.This article presents a review of common methods of evaluation and management, emphasizing the need for periodic review of the drainage system.
Demand Response schemes in Energy Hubs: A comparison study

Abstract Energy is of interest for all sectors and all players for different reasons. The emergence of cooperatives in the field of renewables, the need of social and market acceptance of the clean energy resources, the need for stakeholder empowerment towards the implementation of energy projects, the open energy market and the new actors and roles of the so far traditional consumers are some major triggers of increased cooperation of different stakeholders and carriers on energy projects. Under these conditions, the transformation, conversion, and storage of various forms of energy can be served in centralized units called, Energy Ηubs. Energy hubs components can participate in demand response schemes offering flexibility and efficient use of the resources. This paper studies the demand response schemes that have been proposed in the literature and performs a comparison study among them based in certain parameters such as economic operation, reliability, flexibility etc.
Case Report of Anemia Following Fetal-Maternal Hemorrhage.

Background:Any maternal history of blood loss, ABO or Rh incompatibility, and hydrops fetalis often leads to suspicion of neonatal anemia postnatally. When maternal history consists only of decreased fetal movement, recognition of neonatal anemia can be problematic.Clinical Findings:This case was a
Consumers’ Privacy Concern and Privacy Protection on Social Network Sites in the Era of Big Data: Empirical Evidence from College Students

Information privacy and disclosure have been prominent issues revolving around social media. We adopted communication privacy management theory, the persuasion knowledge model, and the technology a...
The History and Evolution of the Development Doctrine, 1950–2017

The chapter examines the history and evolution of development doctrine. It suggests that the selection and adoption of a development strategy depend upon three building blocks: (1) the prevailing development objectives which, in turn, are derived from the prevailing view and definition of the development process; (2) the conceptual state of the art regarding the existing body of development theories, hypotheses, models, techniques, and empirical applications; and (3) the underlying data system available to diagnose the existing situation, measure performance, and test hypotheses. Development doctrine is then defined as the body of principles and knowledge resulting from the interrelated complex of these four elements that is accepted by the Development Community at that time. This analytical framework is applied to describe the state of the art that prevailed in each of the five decades (from the 1950s to the 1990s) and in the most recent period 2000 to 2017 to highlight in a systematic fashion the changing conception of the development process. Over the last 67 years the definition of development and strategies to achieve it, progressed and broadened from the maximization of GDP in the 1950s, to employment creation and the satisfaction of basic needs in the 1970s, to structural adjustment and stabilization in the 1980s and early 1990s, to poverty reduction, followed by sustainable and shared growth that dominated the scene until recently. The evolution in the conception of development culminated with the present broad-based concept of inclusive and sustainable growth. A parallel and similar progression occurred in development theory and in the coverage, comprehensiveness and quality of data and information. While development economics has followed a time path towards more experimental, multidisciplinary and more rigorous and scientific methodology, the present emphasis on microeconomic phenomena and randomized and controlled trials may have detracted researchers from exploring fundamental “big picture” macroeconomic phenomena.
Quarrying for World Heritage Designation: Slate Tourism in North Wales

During the height of the Industrial Revolution, North Wales was the largest global producer of slate. Welsh slate was extensively utilized as a roofing material by industrializing countries around the world in the late nineteenth century. Although several surface quarries remain open, the last underground slate mines in Wales closed in the 1960s. An industry that once employed more than 17,000 now supports 400 jobs in the region. Today, slate tourism sites tell the story of this important aspect of North Wales’ industrial and geologic heritage. In 2012, a “Slate Industry of Wales” site was nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List by the UK. Though Welsh coal tourism sites have been widely analyzed in the literature, few studies have investigated the country’s slate tourism. This paper explores the interpretive discourses presented at three prominent slate tourism attractions in North Wales and compares them with the justifications provided for World Heritage designation. Among the themes discussed are the importance of Welsh slate, geo-interpretation, slate technology, the life of Welsh quarrymen, and impacts of slate mining.
Mice Lacking the Sodium-Dependent Phosphate Import Protein, Pit-1, Have a Severe Defect in Terminal Erythroid Differentiation

Abstract 681 Phosphate is the second most abundant mineral in the human body and plays an essential role in phospholipids, nucleoproteins and nucleic acids, bone mineralization, the storage and liberation of metabolic energy, and enzyme activity. While our understanding of the mechanisms of phosphate homeostasis has advanced, little is known about how the body initially senses changes in phosphate concentration or the downstream biological processes regulated by these concentration changes. Among the three families of membrane mammalian sodium-phosphate import proteins, PiT-1 and its family member, PiT-2, have the highest substrate affinity. PiT-1 is broadly expressed (Proc Nat Acad Sci, 91,7071-75;1994). Cell line models suggest PiT-1 functions in cellular phosphate homeostasis and vascular calcification (PLoS One, 5,e9148;2010). To determine its in vivo role, two groups have generated PiT-1-null mice. Constitutive deletion of PiT-1 results in embryonic lethality at midgestation and mutant embryos display pale livers (the site of fetal erythropoiesis) with increased apoptosis and reduced hematopoietic colony growth (PLoS One, 5, e9148:2010 & Genesis, 47,858-863;2009). These findings suggest that PiT-1 is required for normal erythropoiesis or hematopoiesis, and provided the rationale to characterize the hematopoietic phenotype of post-natal mice lacking PiT-1. We have discovered that mice lacking PiT-1 have markedly abnormal erythropoiesis which models low-grade myeodysplastic syndromes(MDS). MDS comprise a varied group of malignant stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective blood cell production resulting in increased apoptosis and dysplasia in bone marrow progenitor cells and peripheral blood cytopenias. The precise molecular basis of MDS remains unknown and its wide phenotype likely reflects multiple pathophysiologies. We bred mice expressing a conditional PiT-1 allele (PiT-1flox, gift from the Giachelli Lab) to mice expressing the Mx-Cre transgene to generate a viable null mouse for study. PiT-1-deleted mice develop a severe hypoproliferative, macrocytic anemia (HGB 4.5g/dL±0.3 vs. 13.3±1.0, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Parental Emotion-Focused Behaviors Moderate the Relationship Between Perceptual Sensitivity and Fear Reactivity in Anxious Children.

This investigation examined the synergistic role of parental emotion-focused socialization behaviors and children’s perceptual sensitivity on children’s fear reactivity. A sample of 105 children with anxiety disorders (8–12 years; M = 10.07 years, SD = 1.22; 57% female) and their clinically anxious mothers (M = 39.35 years, SD = 7.05) completed an assessment battery that included a diagnostic interview and questionnaires regarding anxiety symptoms, perceptual sensitivity, and emotion socialization behaviors; children also completed a 5-min, videotaped speech task, and rated their fear levels before and after the task. Analyses revealed a significant interaction between perceptual sensitivity and emotion-focused strategies predicting fear change scores from pre- to post-speech. Higher perceptual sensitivity was related to greater reductions in fear from pre- to post- speech (adjusting for pre-speech fear scores), yet only among anxious children whose mothers reported high use of emotion-focused strategies. Maternal emotion-focused socialization strategies may increase anxious children’s ability to modulate their affective responses during stressful situations.