cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model of passive settlement by planktonic larvae onto bottoms of differing roughness

A simple, one-dimensional, advection-diffusion model was developed lhat predicts rates of settlement by larvae transported passively within turbulent boundary layers onto bottoms of differing roughness. The model describes depth-limited boundary layers and considers variation in boundary shear velocity, larval fall velocity, and the height and areal density of bottom-roughness features. Larvae were allowed to settle onto the bottom but not onto roughness features. The model predicts that rates of settlement should increase monotonically with areal density of roughness features. Relatively flat bottoms should experience rates of settlement 2-4 times higher than bottoms with low densities of roughness features, but l-2 orders of magnitude lower than bottoms with relatively high densities of roughness. Whereas roughness density defines the direction of differences in settlement expected, the degree of difference is also affected by the height of roughness features and the ratio of larval fall velocity to shear velocity. The dispersal of marine benthic organisms of many species occurs through the water column via larval transport or by the swimming or drift of adults. Factors affecting settlement on the bottom by potential colonists thus have been the focus of considerable study. Laboratory and field studies show that larvae and adults exhibit complex behaviors and are capable of distinguishing among potential settlement sites based on diverse cues (Meadows and Campbell 1972; Gray 1974; Crisp 1984; Woodin 1986). Hydrodynamic processes also exert important influences on dispersal and settlement. Patterns of oceanic circulation affect broad-scale zoogeographic distributions (Ekman 1967; Scheltema 1974), produce tidal to interannual fluctuations in larval recruitment (Shanks 1986; Roughgarden et al. 1988), and can accumulate lar
The Construction of News: Energy Crises, Advocacy Messages, and Frames toward Conservation:

Much of what people learn about politics comes from the mass media. How media outlets construct their reports have direct consequences for what people think about politics. Scholars and pundits hav...
Code-level modeling in XSPICE

Describes code-level modeling in XSPICE, an extended version of the SPICE3 simulator from the University of California at Berkeley. XSPICE extends SPICE3's capabilities to allow efficient simulation of mixed-signal (analog/digital) circuits and systems. XSPICE's code-level modeling approach allows new models to be easily added to the SPICE3 core, providing a practical alternative to traditional macromodeling techniques. Addition of event-driven simulation extends SPICE3 to include 12-state digital modeling. User-defined data types allow simulation of designs such as sampled-data filters. A library of over 40 predefined code models has been developed, covering analog, digital, and hybrid devices and functions. The complete XSPICE simulator has been integrated with the Mentor Graphics MSPICE CAE (computer-aided engineering) environment, and provides a general interprocess communication interface for connection to other CAE system software. An example illustrating the use of XSPICE in top-down, system-level design is shown. The system is a simple MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) synthesizer. >
Science Signaling Podcast: 31 March 2015

This Podcast features an interview with Sarah Mense and Ramon Parsons, authors of a Research Article that appears in the 31 March 2015 issue of Science Signaling , about how cancer-associated mutations in PREX2 overcome the tumor-suppressive effects of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). PTEN is a tumor suppressor that inhibits cell proliferation and cell migration, both of which contribute to cancer progression. The cell migration protein PREX2 inhibits the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN, thereby reducing the ability of PTEN to suppress cell proliferation. Mense et al . discovered that PTEN and PREX2 reciprocally inhibit one another. PTEN suppressed cell migration and invasion by directly inhibiting PREX2 and did so independently of its lipid phosphatase activity. Cancer-associated mutant forms of PREX2 could not be inhibited by PTEN but were still able to inhibit the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN. Thus, cancer-associated mutant forms of PREX2 can promote tumor progression in two ways—by inhibiting the ability of PTEN to suppress cell proliferation and by evading inhibition by PTEN to promote invasion. In human tumor samples, high PTEN expression correlated with the presence of PREX2 mutations, suggesting that PREX2 mutations are a mechanism for overcoming the tumor-suppressive effects of PTEN.
Methyl iodide production from marine phytoplankton cultures

Unialgal cultures of 15 species of marine phytoplankton were examined for the production of methyl iodide (CHJ). CH,I production was quantified during log and stationary phases of phytoplankton growth in f/2 medium and compared to CHJ levels in control vessels. Significant increases in CHJ production were seen in five cultures. Phytoplankton CHJ production varied from a low of lop4 amol CHJ cell-l d I to a high of 8X 10 1 amol CHJ cell-l d-l. In three diatom cultures, the increase in total CHJ and cell-based CH,I production rates were much higher during the log phase than during the stationary phase, even though the bacterial numbers continued to increase, supporting the premise of phytoplankton CHJ production. In two cultures, it was more difficult to distinguish between phytoplankton and bacterial production. Additional biotic and abiotic sources and sinks of CHJ were considered in the analysis, including bacterial consumption, chemical removal, and photochemical production. The only significant CHJ sink during the course of the experiment was its nucleophilic substitution with Cl-. Methyl iodide (CHJ), methylene iodide (CHJ,), and chloroiodomethane (CH,ClI) are potential vectors of iodine transfer from the oceans into the atmosphere, and CHJ is thought to be the most dominant (Moore and Tokarczyk 1992, 1993; Schall and Heumann 1993). Most seaweeds produce CHJ but account for only a small fraction of the total estimated global oceanic CHJ flux (Gschwend et al. 1985; Manley et al. 1992; Schall et al. 1994). It has therefore been speculated that phytoplankton may be the major producers of CHJ. Phytoplankton production of iodomethanes has been inferred from their distribution in seawater (Klick 1992; Klick and Abrahamsson 1992; Moore and Tokarczyk 1993). CHJ production by phytoplankton in culture has been anecdotally reported (Gschwend et al. 1985), and a preliminary CHJ production rate has been reported for one species (Moore and Tokarczyk 1993). Methyl chloride (CH,CI) production has been demonstrated by some marine phytoplankton cultures (Tait and Moore 1995), and CH,Br production by various phytoplankton has been observed (R. M. Moore pers. comm.). The purpose of our study was to determine whether phytoplankton are globally significant producers of CHJ. We herein report CHJ production rates associated with axenic and xenic cultures of several marine phytoplankton where bacterial contamination was monitored.
Carbohydrate binding activities of Bradyrhizobium japonicum III. Lectin expression, bacterial binding, and nodulation efficiency

Summary In previous studies, evidence that the Bradyrhizobium japonicum lectin, designated BJ38, mediated the observed carbohydrate-specific binding activities of the bacteria, including the saccharide-specific adhesion to soybean root cells was presented. In the present study, it is found that both B. japonicum, as well as the purified BJ38, bind predominantly to young emergent root hairs of soybean roots and, to a much lesser extent, to the root cap, mature root hairs, epicotyl or hypocotyl regions. Thus, the region of preferential binding for both the bacteria and the isolated lectin coincide with the region of the soybean root most susceptible to B. japonicum infection. The importance of bacterial binding for the nodulation process was studied by comparing the nodulation efficiency of binding-deficient mutants N4 and N6 to the wild-type. These mutants had been shown to be defective in carbohydrate recognition, as represented by their diminished ability to bind to soybean roots. BJ38 was immunolocalized to one pole of the cell surface of wild-type B. japonicum, but no surface labeling could be detected on either mutant. Moreover, both N4 and N6 showed a substantial decrease in nodulation activity, relative to the wild-type. These results provide additional evidence that the carbohydrate binding activity of B. japonicum, most probably mediated by BJ38, may play an important role(s) in the initial phases of the infection process.
A Fiber Optic Ring Network

An optical fiber cable distribution architecture and a ring interface are described. The unique synergism of the ring configuration coupled with a widespread optical fiber cable facility are explored. The ring interface adapts a token passing network of work-stations from coaxial cable to 50 micron core, telecommunications type, fiber optic cable. The optical fiber cable links a series of communications centers to as many as 288 optical fibers. The loop distribution of optical fibers forms the backbone for a 6.7 km ring operating at 6-12 Mbps.
Abandoning objectives: Evolution through the search for novelty alone

In evolutionary computation, the fitness function normally measures progress toward an objective in the search space, effectively acting as an objective function. Through deception, such objective functions may actually prevent the objective from being reached. While methods exist to mitigate deception, they leave the underlying pathology untreated: Objective functions themselves may actively misdirect search toward dead ends. This paper proposes an approach to circumventing deception that also yields a new perspective on open-ended evolution. Instead of either explicitly seeking an objective or modeling natural evolution to capture open-endedness, the idea is to simply search for behavioral novelty. Even in an objective-based problem, such novelty search ignores the objective. Because many points in the search space collapse to a single behavior, the search for novelty is often feasible. Furthermore, because there are only so many simple behaviors, the search for novelty leads to increasing complexity. By decoupling open-ended search from artificial life worlds, the search for novelty is applicable to real world problems. Counterintuitively, in the maze navigation and biped walking tasks in this paper, novelty search significantly outperforms objective-based search, suggesting the strange conclusion that some problems are best solved by methods that ignore the objective. The main lesson is the inherent limitation of the objective-based paradigm and the unexploited opportunity to guide search through other means.
A new method of cloning mammalian tissue culture cells in suspension.

Chinese hamster cells (line CHO) were cloned in suspension with a carboxymethylcellulose-containing medium, and the colonies were counted with an electronic particle counter after enzymatically degrading the carboxymethylcellulose with cellulase. Survival of x-irradiated cells was determined by both the standard plating technique and the suspension technique, and comparable results were obtained.
The Inefficiency of Unemployment: The Supervision Perspective

We study an example economy with costly labor monitoring under a wage-cum-supervision arrangement, where workers' utilities are not equalized across sectors (workers are identical to each other). Our main task is to look for (and find) a set of "flat" taxes and subsidies that bring about a Pareto improvement over the laissez-faire solution. We show that any of such welfare-improving schemes involves a tax on labor income from those workers whose utility is the lowest.
Expression of Nociceptive Ligands in Canine Osteosarcoma

Background Canine osteosarcoma (OS) is associated with localized pain as a result of tissue injury from tumor infiltration and peritumoral inflammation. Malignant bone pain is caused by stimulation of peripheral pain receptors, termed nociceptors, which reside in the localized tumor microenvironment, including the periosteal and intramedullary bone cavities. Several nociceptive ligands have been determined to participate directly or indirectly in generating bone pain associated with diverse skeletal abnormalities. Hypothesis Canine OS cells actively produce nociceptive ligands with the capacity to directly or indirectly activate peripheral pain receptors residing in the bone tumor microenvironment. Animals Ten dogs with appendicular OS. Methods Expression of nerve growth factor, endothelin-1, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 was characterized in OS cell lines and naturally occurring OS samples. In 10 dogs with OS, circulating concentrations of nociceptive ligands were quantified and correlated with subjective pain scores and tumor volume in patients treated with standardized palliative therapies. Results Canine OS cells express and secrete nerve growth factor, endothelin-1, and prostaglandin E2. Naturally occurring OS samples uniformly express nociceptive ligands. In a subset of OS-bearing dogs, circulating nociceptive ligand concentrations were detectable but failed to correlate with pain status. Localized foci of nerve terminal proliferation were identified in a minority of primary bone tumor samples. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Canine OS cells express nociceptive ligands, potentially permitting active participation of OS cells in the generation of malignant bone pain. Specific inhibitors of nociceptive ligand signaling pathways might improve pain control in dogs with OS.
MnSOD expression is increased in metastatic gastric cancer.

Background. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) catalyzes the scavenging of superoxide radicals in order to protect cells from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Previous studies implicate MnSOD in cancer progression, but its role in gastric cancer metastasis is poorly understood. Materials and methods. To determine whether MnSOD expression correlates with gastric cancer metastasis, we compared immunostaining for MnSOD in the primary tumors of gastric cancer patients with (n = 15) and without (n = 9) nodal metastases. These patients were matched for risk factors associated with gastric cancer metastasis, such as tumor site, depth, and grade. MnSOD expression was scored positive (increased) if MnSOD staining of tumor cells was more intense than MnSOD staining in corresponding normal gastric epithelial cells. Statistical analyses were via χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Results. MnSOD expression was increased in 14 of the 15 (93%) metastatic tumors, compared to only 4 of the 9 (44%) nonmetastatic tumors (P = 0.015). There was no significant difference in staining when the two groups were compared based on tumor grade (P = 0.70) or depth of tumor cell invasion (T stage) (P = 0.22). Conclusions. MnSOD expression is upregulated in the primary tumors of gastric cancer patients with lymph node metastases. This finding supports an involvement of MnSOD and possibly the reactive oxygen status of the gastric tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer metastasis.
The human basis pontis: motor syndromes and topographic organization

Summary Clinical‐anatomic correlations were performed in 25 patients with focal infarcts in the basilar pons to determine whether pontine lacunar syndromes conform to discrete clinical entities, and whether there is topographic organization of the motor system within the human basis pontis. Twelve clinical signs were scored on a 6-point scale, neuroimaging lesions were mapped and defined with statistical certainty, and structure‐ function correlation was performed to develop a topographic map of motor function. Clinical findings ranged from major devastation following extensive lesions (pure motor hemiplegia) to incomplete basilar pontine syndrome and restricted deficits after small focal lesions (ataxic hemiparesis, dysarthria‐clumsy hand syndrome, dysarthria‐dysmetria and dysarthria‐facial paresis). The syndromes are not absolutely discrete, and are distinguished from each other by the relative degree of involvement of each clinical feature. Structure‐function correlations indicate that strength is conveyed by the corticofugal fibres destined for the spinal cord, whereas dysmetria results from lesions involving the neurons of the basilar pons that link the ipsilateral cerebral cortex with the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere. Facial movement and articulation are localized to rostral and medial basilar pons; hand coordination is medial and ventral in rostral and mid-pons; and arm function is represented ventral and lateral to the hand. Leg coordination is in the caudal half of the pons, with lateral predominance. Swallowing is dependent upon the integrity of a number of regions in the rostral pons. Gait is in medial and lateral locations throughout the rostral‐ caudal extent of the pons. Dysmetria ipsilateral to the lesion constitutes a disconnection syndrome, as it occurs when the hemipontine lesion is extensive and interrupts pontocerebellar fibres traversing from the opposite, intact side of the pons. The heterogeneity of manifestations reflects the well-organized topography of motor function in the human basis pontis, in agreement with the anatomic organization of the motor corticopontine projections in the monkey. Higher order impairments including motor neglect, paraphasic errors and pathological laughter result from rostral and medial pontine lesions, and may result from disruption of the pontine component of associative corticopontocerebellar circuits.
Global Abode: Home and Mobility in Narratives of Round-the-World Travel

This article explores the way home is redefined within the context of new patterns of corporeal and mediated travel by examining the complex intersection of mobility, home, and belonging from the p...
The VLSI 'silicon compiler' design process

The author describes a VLSI design process developed by a team of logic designers and design-tools specialists at the IBM Laboratory at Hursley in England. A design, to be implemented in VLSI hardware, is partitioned into a number of smaller units. The design of each smaller unit is entered as text in a high-level language as a technology-independent behavioral description, which is then compiled for input to logic synthesis, where it is converted into an optimized design in the target VLSI technology. When all the smaller units to be integrated into a single VLSI integrated circuit (IC) have undergone this process, they are assembled together by a further run of logic synthesis. The resulting IC design, in the largest technology, is then processed to produce the artwork and test patterns required for manufacture of the IC. In support of all these activities, a number of programs exist to allow the design team to perform simulation, timing analysis, and validation of the logic-synthesis process. >
Carbachol activates ERK2 in isolated gastric parietal cells via multiple signaling pathways

We previously reported that both carbachol and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are potent inducers of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) in isolated gastric canine parietal cel...
Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network Testbeds Scalability and System Lifetime Coverage in Heterogeneous WSNs Management of Heterogeneous WSNs New Applications Enabled by Heterogeneous WSNs Summary of Projects and Systems Infrastructure Open Problems Acknowledgments Bibliography
The Relationship of Biopsy Evaluations and Testicular Measurements to Over-All Daily Sperm Production in Human Testes

Enumeration of homogenization-resistant spermatids in testicular homogenates provided a rapid and precise means of characterizing human spermatogenesis in quantitative terms. This technique was applied to simulated biopsy specimens as small as 10 mg of testicular parenchyma and yielded values for daily sperm production per gram of testicular parenchyma (DSP/gm) that were highly correlated with over-all DSP/gm values for paired testes (r = +0.86) and DSP/pair of testes (r = +0.93). In 12 autopsy cases representing a 100-fold range of sperm production rates, the average difference between DSP/gm values obtained from simulated biopsy specimens and from entire testes was not significantly different from zero (P < 0.05). The small amount of testicular parenchyma required for this determination indicated that both DSP data and routine histologic observations can be collected from the material included in a conventional testicular biopsy. Various measurements related to testicular size were positively but weakly correlated with DSP/testis (values for r ranged from +0.45 to +0.66). Hence, testicular size was a relatively poor index of sperm production in this study.
Exponential Attenuation of Through-Bond Transmission in a Polyene: Theory and Potential Realizations

An exponential falloff with separation of electron transfer and transport through molecular wires is observed and has attracted theoretical attention. In this study, the attenuation of transmission in linear and cyclic polyenes is related to bond alternation. The explicit form of the zeroth Green's function in a Huckel model for bond-alternated polyenes leads to an analytical expression of the conductance decay factor β. The β values calculated from our model (β(CN) values, per repeat unit of double and single bond) range from 0.28 to 0.37, based on carotenoid crystal structures. These theoretical β values are slightly smaller than experimental values. The difference can be assigned to the effect of anchoring groups, which are not included in our model. A local transmission analysis for cyclic polyenes, and for [14]annulene in particular, shows that bond alternation affects dramatically not only the falloff behavior but also the choice of a transmission pathway by electrons. Transmission follows a well-demarcated system of π bonds, even when there is a shorter-distance path with roughly the same kind of "electronic matter" intervening.
Antiendometrial antibodies in patients with endometriosis

Sera from 42 patients complaining of infertility were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies to the endometrium. The presence or absence of antibodies was matched with the findings at laparoscopy. Of the 42 patients examined for infertility, 28 (66.7%) had laparoscopic findings that corresponded to the presence or absence of endometriosis. Of 28 patients with positive antibody tests, 24 (85.7%) were found to have endometriosis. No correlation between the degree of immunofluorescence and the clinical severity of endometriosis could be determined. These findings suggest the possibility of developing a noninvasive immunological test for the presence of endometriosis.
Renal ablation using magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound: Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology assessment

Renal ablation using magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound: Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology assessment
Influence of Sulfanilamide on Mucoid and Smooth-Phase Cultures of Hemolytic Streptococci in Vitro.

Numerous experiments dealing with the mode of action of sulfanilamide have demonstrated that the chief influence is exerted on the organisms themselves. If this is true three sorts of effect are possible: (1) direct germicidal influence; (2) bacteriostatic influence; and (3) the conditioning of a dissociative transformation, or some related form of modification, of the infecting organisms into a nonvirulent or less virulent state. Knowledge of the action of many incitants to dissociative variation would justify the view that the second and third influences might operate at the same time. These possibilities deal with what might be termed the superficial influences of sulfanilamide and may be examined separately. The present study is not concerned with the actual biochemical reactions or mechanisms that underlie these superficial effects. That aspect is dealt with by other members of our group. Bacteriostasis.-These effects are manifested in vitro in culture mediums containing normal, whole blood, normal serums, sulfanilamide blood and sulfanilamide serums. Also important is the fact that bacteriostatic effects have appeared just as clearly in mediums in which no blood or serum was present. Recovery of growth, however, has often been observed to occur in vitro; and, in vivo, where bacteriostasis also obtains, the exact manner of disappearance of the "inhibited" organisms has not become clear. Some workers have leaned
Field comparison of sulfuryl fluoride susceptibility among three termite species (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae) during structural fumigation

Three termite species, Incisitermes schwarzi (Banks), Cryptotermes cavifrons (Banks), and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were exposed in separate structures to sulfuryl fluoride dosages of ca. 3, 6, and 12 mg/liter. Termites, confined to vented petri dishes and sealed wooden enclosures, were removed from each structure at 2-h intervals for 20 h. Although in many cases initial mortality of C. formosanus in petri dishes was significantly lower than I. schwarzi and C. cavifrons, by 72 h mortality had stabilized and was the same for all three species. In wood enclosures, however, mortality at 72 h remained lower for C. formosanus. This effect was attributed to experimentally elevated wood moisture content in the C. formosanus enclosures acting as a gas barrier and possible physiological differences between this termite and the other two species. In all combinations except C. formosanus in wood enclosures, 72 h mortality followed a simple hyperbolic concentration versus time function and reached 100% mortality from accumulated dosages of 28–49 mg h/liter. C. formosanus in wood enclosures required dosages of ≥95 mg h/liter for 100% mortality. These results suggest that minimum fumigant concentration and time thresholds, in conjunction with higher initial dosage, must be achieved for successful control of C. formosanus under simulated field conditions.
Study on High Yield Cultivation Techniques and Main Pests Control of Summering Pepper

The high yield cultivation techniques and main pests control of summering pepper were introduced from the following aspects, including choosing resistant varieties, nurturing seedlings, planting and post-planting management. Moreover, the main methods for controlling pests and diseases were elaborated. The results provided technical references for pepper production.
When Does Corporate Criminal Liability for Insider Trading Make Sense

Corporations are subject to broad criminal liability for the insider trading of their employees. Critics have noted that this results in a harsh irony. “After all,” Professor Jonathan Macey argues, “it is generally the employer who is harmed by the insider trading.” In the same vein, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Harvey L. Pitt and Karen L. Shapiro point out that, “[f]ar from being responsible for their employees’ violations of the law…most of the employers who have had the unfortunate experience of employing [insider traders] are in fact the only true victims, in an otherwise victimless crime.” It is clear that not all insider trading is victimless, and not all employers of insider traders are innocent. But I am convinced that these critics are correct to point out that the current enforcement regime is absurdly overbroad in that it affords no principled guarantee to corporate victims of insider trading that they will not be indicted for the crimes perpetrated against them.The law should be reformed to insure that corporations are only held criminally liable where they are guilty of some wrongdoing. Section I of this Article outlines current law in the United States concerning corporate criminal liability in general. Section II then looks at corporate liability for insider trading under the current regime. Section III explains why the current regime is absurdly overbroad and in dire need of reform. Section IV then points the way to some reforms that would render corporate criminal liability for insider trading more rational, efficient, and just.
Split-Night Studies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

We examined the effect of split-night polysomnography on compliance with positive pressure via a mask for the treatment of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. A comparison of objective compliance (hours/day) at the first meter read from the positive-pressure device (4-6 weeks after set-up) in patients who had a successful split-night positive-pressure titration vs. patients who had traditional full-night positive-pressure titration was performed. Patients were matched for age, sex, and severity of the obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Twelve patients were matched with controls who underwent full-night polysomnography. There were no significant differences between the split-night patients and the full-night patients with regard to age, sex, body mass index, and pretreatment Epworth Sleepiness Score. In addition, there was no significant difference between apnea-hypopnea index and the desaturation-event frequency for both groups pre- and post-treatment. The average daily use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at the time of the first meter reading in the group that underwent full-night positive-pressure titrations as opposed to split-night titrations was 5.2 hours/day +/- 2.2 vs. 3.8 hours/day +/- 2.9, respectively (p = 0.29). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale on the initial clinic visit (as an index of patient-perceived impairment) did not predict compliance at 4-6 weeks. The time at the final positive pressure did not correlate with compliance. Acceptance of positive pressure in the split-night patients ranged from 62 to 67%.
Cardiac cell-derived exosomes: changing face of regenerative biology.

This editorial refers to ‘Exosomes secreted by cardiosphere-derived cells reduce scarring, attenuate adverse remodelling, and improve function in acute and chronic porcine myocardial infarction’, by R. Gallet et al ., doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehw240 … The difference between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusionAlbert Einstein Repair of the damaged cardiac tissue has been considered the holy grail of cardiac medicine driving researchers for years. Myocardial damage in an adult heart leads to widespread cardiomyocyte loss without active replacement of the dead cardiac tissue, ultimately resulting in formation of scar at the site of injury. Current therapies are designed only to limit the extent of scar formation and are unable to offer restoration of lost cardiac tissue, leading to a progressive decline in cardiac function. As a consequence, cardiac diseases continue to rise and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The last 10 years have witnessed the dawn of stem cell therapy for cardiac repair with promising true cellular replacement and restoration of cardiac tissue damaged due to pathological injury. Multiple stem cell types derived from bone marrow, heart, adipose tissue, and cortical bone have been tested in small and large animal models of myocardial damage. Among these, stem cells derived from the heart hold particular interest and represent the most suitable cell type for cardiac repair.1 Different populations of cardiac stem cells have been reported to date and, importantly, all of them have been shown to differentiate into three cardiac cell types, i.e. myocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, contribute towards neovascularization, and significantly improve function after myocardial damage.1,2 Promising pre-clinical results have laid …
Coevolutionary Latent Feature Processes for Continuous-Time User-Item Interactions

Matching users to the right items at the right time is a fundamental task in recommendation systems. As users interact with different items over time, users' and items' feature may evolve and co-evolve over time. Traditional models based on static latent features or discretizing time into epochs can become ineffective for capturing the fine-grained temporal dynamics in the user-item interactions. We propose a coevolutionary latent feature process model that accurately captures the coevolving nature of users' and items' feature. To learn parameters, we design an efficient convex optimization algorithm with a novel low rank space sharing constraints. Extensive experiments on diverse real-world datasets demonstrate significant improvements in user behavior prediction compared to state-of-the-arts.
Employability among low-skill workers: Organizational expectations and practices in the US health care sector:

In today’s unstable and uncertain economy, middle-class and professional workers are expected to participate in employability activities, such as ongoing higher education and obtaining additional c...
Social Studies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social studies, as a discipline, has the potential to be a gateway to broad educational and social goals for students with autism spectrum disorders. This chapter discusses the social studies standard applications for consideration toward a responsive and iterative curriculum. Supported by evidence-based practices for students with autism, the authors guide teachers through the process of choosing content and materials, prioritizing standards, adapting content for accessibility, as well as considering individual and cultural relevance. Systematic instruction components are discussed in detail, allowing teachers to explore the possibilities for meeting individual student goals and the varying needs of students with autism within inclusive environments. Including practical planning for supporting diversity in the classroom, enhancing instruction through technology, promoting and supporting social inclusion, and fostering independence, teachers of social studies content can use these broad goals to focus their curriculum toward meaningful student achievement and generalization outcomes.
Asian and Pacific Islander American Poverty: The Working Poor and the Jobless Poor

(1992). Asian and Pacific Islander American Poverty: The Working Poor and the Jobless Poor. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 83-91.
An investigation of strengthening by spherical coherent G. P. Zones

Increases in the critical resolved shear stress of Al-Zn single crystals were measured at 77°C as a function of the volume fraction and average size of the Guinier-Preston (G.P.) zone population. Zone volume fractions ranging from 1.45 to 13 pct were studied which included average zone sizes of from 8 to 90A. The G.P. zone sizes were determined by an X-ray small angle scattering technique developed by Harknesset al. The increase in the critical resolved shear stress was shown to be determined by the increased Zn-Al interface created by dislocation shear through the G.P. zone. The surface energy of the coherent boundary between zone and matrix was found to be 320 ergs per sq cm by this approach. Furthermore, a model based on surface creation was shown to be consistent with other general features of the deformation process.
ADENOVIRUS DNA REPLICATION: POSSIBLE ROLES OF THE COVALENTLY BOUND TERMINAL PROTEIN

ABSTRACT The 5' termini of mature adenovirus 5 (Ad5) DNA strands are covalently bound to a protein with a molecular weight of 55K. The protein is attached to the DNA by a phosphodiester linkage between the s-OH of a serine residue of the protein and the 5'-OH of the terminal deoxycytidine residue of the DNA. in vitro studies indicate that the 55K protein bound to parental Ad5 DNA strands plays an essential role in DNA repli-cation.
Could a Common Mechanism of Protein Degradation Impairment Underlie Many Neurodegenerative Diseases

At the cellular level, many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), often considered proteinopathies, are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded and damaged proteins into large insoluble aggregat...
Bilateral Wilms Tumor: A Surgical Perspective

Historically, the management of bilateral Wilms tumor (BWT) was non-standardized and suffered from instances of prolonged chemotherapy and inconsistent surgical management which resulted in suboptimal renal and oncologic outcomes. Because of the risk of end-stage renal disease associated with the management of BWT, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and nephron-sparing surgery have been adopted as the guiding management principles. This management strategy balances acceptable oncologic outcomes against the risk of end-stage renal disease. A recent multi-institutional Children’s Oncology Group study (AREN0534) has confirmed the benefits of standardized 3-drug neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the utilization of nephron-sparing surgery in BWT patients; however, less than 50% of patients underwent bilateral nephron-sparing surgery. The coordination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the timing and implementation of bilateral nephron-sparing surgery are features of BWT management that require collaboration between oncologists and surgeons. This review discusses the surgical management strategy in the context of BWT disease biology, with an emphasis on timepoints during therapy at which surgical decision making can greatly impact this disease and minimize long-term toxicities.
Pharmacologic agents to prevent and treat relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

When explaining the risks of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for malignant disease to patients, providers typically emphasize potentially life-threatening complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), opportunistic infection, organ damage, hemorrhage, and graft
Applying Relational Turbulence Theory to Adult Caregiving Relationships

Although the quality of the relationship between caregivers and care recipients predicts the well-being of both people, gaps exist in understanding the interpersonal dynamics of adult caregiving. We introduce relational turbulence theory as a conceptual framework for understanding how caregivers and care recipients relate to each other. We searched for research on relational turbulence theory as well as research on the relationships of adult care partners. Then, we integrated the two bodies of work. Our review suggests initial support for the theory's three central tenets: (a) transitions, including the transition to caregiving, are key periods within relationships; (b) relational uncertainty and interdependence are relationship parameters that complicate relating during transitions; and (c) relational turbulence predicts outcomes. Recommendations for practice include (a) helping care partners focus on relationship continuity, (b) gearing clinical services toward both people, (c) educating them about relational uncertainty and interdependence, and (d) teaching them communication strategies for diminishing relational turbulence. Making care partners aware of interpersonal challenges may bolster relationship satisfaction.
Supporting Human Inspection of Adaptive Instructional Systems

Providing relevant information about students to various educational stakeholders is one of the main functions of an Adaptive Instructional System (AIS). External representations of the student model are used to communicate information to students, teachers, and other educational stakeholders. AISs can provide a variety of information including cognitive and noncognitive aspects of students in relation to their performance in the AIS. AISs should consider the information needs of educational stakeholders and support the development of dashboards or reporting systems that clearly communicate relevant assessment results. This paper describes issues concerning the inspection of student models in AISs.
The effect of sleep deficiency on esophageal acid exposure of healthy controls and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated a bi-directional relationship between sleep deficiency and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is limited data on how sleep deficiency affects esophageal acid exposure. We aimed to compare the effect of sleep deficiency on esophageal acid exposure of healthy controls versus GERD patients. METHODS Eleven patients from each of 2 groups were randomized to undergo pH-testing after 2 consecutive days of 7-8 hours of sleep per night (normal sleep) or 2 consecutive days of 4 hours of sleep per night (deficient sleep). All subjects then crossed over to the other arm, after 1-week washout period. While subjects were instructed to follow the study sleep protocol, actigraphy ensured subjects followed required sleeping time during study period. KEY RESULTS After normal sleep, all healthy controls had normal esophageal acid exposure. After deficient sleep, 5 healthy controls demonstrated an abnormal pH test. Overall, there was a significant increase in reflux parameters after deficient sleep as compared with normal sleep (% total time-6.15 ± 5.89 vs 1.74 ± 1.54, % upright time-4.72 ± 5.36 vs 0.87 ± 1.28, P < .05, respectively). After normal sleep, 6 GERD patients (54.5%) demonstrated an abnormal pH-testing. After deficient sleep, 10 GERD patients (90.9%) demonstrated an abnormal pH-testing. GERD patients demonstrated significantly higher reflux parameters than healthy controls after normal sleep (% total time-5.02 ± 3.45 vs 1.74 ± 1.54, % upright time-4.11 ± 3.98 vs 0.87 ± 1.28, P < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Sleep deficiency increased esophageal acid exposure in both healthy controls and GERD patients. Sleep deficiency also resulted in abnormal pH tests in almost half of healthy controls.
Analytical Switching Model of a 1200V SiC MOSFET in a High-voltage, High-frequency Pulsed Power Converter for Plasma Generation

This paper presents a circuit-level analytical switching model for a 1200 V SiC MOSFET in a high-voltage, high-frequency pulsed power supply for the application of plasma generation. The proposed analytical model considers the parasitic components in the converter. To increase the accuracy of the model, nonlinearities in the junction capacitances and transconductance are incorporated by fitting their nonlinear characteristics into the model. The turn-on and turn-off transitions are analyzed in detail and the modeling mathematical equations are resolved by the MATLAB ode-45 command. The accuracy of this model is validated by comparing the analytical, LTspice simulated and experimental switching waveforms of a 400 VDC input, -8.2kV output prototype. The proposed model enables us to evaluate and optimize the switching solution of a SiC MOSFET for pulsed power converter applications
Analysis and Control Technology of blue Smoke in Coal-fired Power Plants

The control of blue Smoke in coal-fired power plants is of great significance to the atmospheric environment. The emission of SO3 from coal-fired power plants is an important factor of blue Smoke production, which mainly comes from boiler combustion and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) denitration. When the content of SO3 in the flue gas is too high, it will cause problems such as dust accumulation, low-temperature acid corrosion, increased air preheater resistance, and degraded performance of the electric precipitator, which will affect the economical efficiency and safety of the unit. In this paper, the causes of blue Smoke in coal-fired power plants are analyzed, the conversion rate of SO3 is calculated and verified, and technical measures to control colored plumes are proposed.
Discussion, Recommendations, and Conclusion

This final chapter integrates the concepts and examples that were introduced in the first five chapters. Study of Ghana and Nicaragua can serve as a model for evaluation of other nations. Our exploration of the agricultural sectors of the countries under study is only superficial, and development of policy-relevant strategies will require significant follow-up research. The Medical Technology Score (MTS) provides a tool for measurement and quantification of technical capability/need that could be quite useful upon adoption by a large number of countries. The preliminary evidence of biocompatibility of the materials tested in Chap. 5 establishes one level of feasibility among many that are required for implementation of a biomaterials industry. The inquiries made hereafter must operate under the umbrella of the new definition of technology. The findings of this book provide an avenue through which to improve the transfer of technology and for developing nations to improve their internal capacity to develop health care technology.
Laser-driven electron acceleration in nanoplate array targets.

This paper proposes a model of the laser-driven electron acceleration that occurs when a high-intensity laser interacts with a nanoplate target. It shows that quasistatic electric ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$ and magnetic ${\mathbf{B}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$ fields can be formed when the laser, polarized normal to the nanoplates, extracts electrons from the nanoplates. Considering the physical natures of ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$ and ${\mathbf{B}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$, the amplitude of ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$ is relatively larger than ${\mathbf{B}}_{\mathrm{qs}}$. Such a residual between static electric and magnetic field is shown to be crucial for the electron acceleration beyond the ponderomotive scaling, as it can cause onset of stochastic electron motion. The analysis demonstrates that the maximum electron energy in units of ponderomotive scaling depends on a single universal parameter, which is composed of laser amplitude, spacing between nanoplates, and electron initial conditions. The analytical results are confirmed by a series of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations using epoch code.
P61 SNAP-Ed Participants Improved and Maintained Healthy Eating and Shopping Behaviors Following the 4-Week 10 Tips Intervention

Objective To assess the impact of 10 Tips for Adults on healthy eating and shopping behaviors. Use of Theory or Research The Social Cognitive Theory states behavior change is predicted by knowledge of health risks and benefits and perceived self-efficacy. 10 Tips aims to increase the likelihood participants will make healthy choices on a budget. Target Audience Adults in Maine eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). Program Description 10 Tips includes 2 independent nutrition education series (Series A: Choose MyPlate and Series B: Eating Better on a Budget), each consisting of four 30–60 minute lessons. Evaluation Methods Retrospective pre/post and follow-up surveys (6–8 weeks later) were completed by the intervention group. Baseline and follow-up surveys were completed online by a comparison group comprised of randomly selected SNAP recipients. Outcome variables, measured using a 5-point Likert scale, were treated as continuous for analysis. Longitudinal analysis was conducted comparing groups using linear mixed models controlling for food security and baseline value of the outcome. Results Intervention (n = 295) and comparison (n = 410) groups were demographically similar, but the comparison group had higher food insecurity and participation in assistance programs. Adjusted mean frequencies improved significantly among 10 Tips participants from baseline to follow-up for fruit consumption (P Conclusions Participants of 10 Tips, a 4-lesson series, reported significant improvements in healthy eating and shopping behaviors 6–8 weeks after the intervention, offering an attractive option to potential participants hesitant to commit to a longer program. Funding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education.