cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compensatory Growth of Pond-reared Hybrid Striped Bass, Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis, Fingerlings

Compensatory growth (CG) or ‘‘catch-up growth’’ is a period of super-accelerated growth following a period of suboptimal conditions (i.e., lack of prey availability or overwintering). Little is known about the CG response in pond-raised fish and whether hybrid striped bass (HSB), Morone chrysops 3 Morone saxatilis, might exhibit the rapid growth states or improvements in other production characteristics that may accompany the response. To evaluate the potential for CG in HSB culture, a 16-wk growth trial in twelve 0.1-ha earthen ponds was conducted. Approximately 2850 fish (mean weight 6 SD 5 3.2 g 6 1.1) were stocked into ponds and subjected to one of four cyclic feeding regimens. Treatment regimens included a control (0 wk, fed twice daily to apparent satiation) and cycles of 1, 2, or 4 wk of feed deprivation, followed by 1, 2, or 4 wk of feeding to apparent satiation. Fish in the 4-wk feeding regimen were offered feed twice during the feed-deprivation period (once every other week). Growth, specific growth rate (SGR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), intraperitoneal fat ratio, and condition factor (CF) were measured every other week, while overall growth, feed efficiency (FE) (FE 5 [weight gain/feed fed] 3 100), and survival were calculated at the trial termination. The effect of these feeding regimens on water quality was examined by monitoring pH, turbidity, total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite–nitrogen, nitrate–nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, and chlorophyll a weekly; total nitrogen and phosphorous biweekly; and dissolved oxygen and temperature twice daily. Cyclic feeding elicited CG; fish subjected to the 2-wk regimen had a significantly higher SGR than 0-wk controls during all but the final refeeding period. FE was higher for all fish in the cyclic regimens, although only FE for fish in the 2-wk regimen was statistically greater (40%) than the controls. HSI was the most responsive measure and significantly decreased in the 2- and 4-wk treatments during feed-deprivation period and overcompensated during the refeeding period. CF also varied with feeding cycle and proved to be an effective nonlethal measure of predicting a CG response. No statistical differences in water quality parameters were observed. These data suggest that CG can be effectively induced in pond-raised HSB and that the increase in FE warrants further research for practical application. Future pond studies with fingerling HSB fish should be conducted with emphasis on feed-deprivation periods of 2 wk and refeeding periods of at least twice that of the feed-deprivation period.
Epistatic interaction between two nonstructural loci on chromosomes 7 and 3 influences hepatic lipase activity in BSB mice.

BSB mice exhibit a wide range of obesity despite being produced by a backcross of lean C57BL/6J (B) × lean Mus spretus (SPRET/Pt) F1 animals × B. Previous linkage studies identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on mouse chromosome 7 with coincident peaks for hepatic lipase activity, obesity, and plasma cholesterol. However, these mice were not analyzed for gene × gene epistasis. Hepatic lipase activity is correlated with obesity and plasma cholesterol levels. In this study, we identified QTLs for plasma hepatic lipase activity with three statistical mapping methods: maximum likelihood interval mapping, Bayesian nonepistatic mapping, and Bayesian epistatic mapping. Bayesian epistatic mapping detected not only the QTL on chromosome 7 but also an additional QTL on chromosome 3, which has a weak main effect but a strong interaction with chromosome 7. SPRET/Pt alleles of the QTL on each chromosome promote hepatic lipase activity. The proportion of phenotypic variance explained by the epistatic effect is higher than that explained by the main effect of the QTL on chromosome 7.
Mechanical and cultural weed control in corn and soybeans

Many farmers and consumers are reevaluating chemical weed control because of the environmental risks of herbicides and their influence on farm size and diversity. This paper reviews research of the last 35 years on mechanical and cultural weed control in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max L.). Soybeans can better use the weed control advantages of late planting and narrow row spacing and are less affected by early stand losses from mechanical weed control. In Minnesota, delaying planting to early June allows early germinating weeds to be controlled by preplant tillage but reduces the maximum yield potential of corn by approximately 25 percent and soybeans by approximately 10 percent. Narrow rows allow the crop canopy to close earlier, preventing emerging weeds from developing. However, in a nonchemical weed control system, the row spacing should allow for inter-row cultivation to control weeds that emerge with the crop. Up to a 10 percent reduction in crop stand may be expected in fields that have been rotary hoed. In Minnesota, a 10 percent stand loss results in a 2 percent loss of corn yield potential and no loss of soybean yield potential. Successful mechanical weed control is directly related to the timeliness of the operation. Rotary hoeing is effective on weeds that have germinated but not yet emerged but not on weeds that germinate from deeper than 5 cm, on no-till fields, or on fields with more than 20 to 30 percent crop residue. Inter-row cultivation is most effective on weeds up to 10 to 15 cm tall. Successful nonchemical weed control requires highly refined management skills and is as much an art as a science.
Model for mirrorless optical bistability in multiple-quantum-well GaAs/GaAlAs due to induced absorption

The temperature dependence of the band gap as a function of the local intensity is taken into consideration for the propagation of light in the multiple-quantum-well structure, GaAs/GaAlAs. With appropriate boundary conditions for heat conduction as well as the field, we derive the conditions for bistability that are due to this mechanism. Analyses of the system parameters in connection with experimental data are also given.
On PPM sequences with good autocorrelation properties

The problem of designing sequences of Q-ary pulse-position-modulation (PPM) symbols that have good periodic autocorrelation properties is investigated. Two cases are considered. In the first it is assumed that only slot synchronization is present and thus cyclic shifts are one slot at a time; in the second PPM symbol synchronization is present, in which case cyclic shifts are by one symbol (Q slots) at a time. In both cases, upper bounds are derived on the maximum peak-to-sidelobe distance, which are shown through a computer search to be nearly tight. When symbol synchronization is present, the bound reduces to the Plotkin bound, but it is slightly tighter in general. >
Effects of Febrile Temperature on Adenoviral Infection and Replication: Implications for Viral Therapy of Cancer

We previously conducted a phase I/II study using arterial infusions of ONYX-015 (dl1520), a replicationselective adenoviral vector, with E1b deleted, for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred, but >90% of the patients experienced fever. The effects of temperature on the replication of dl1520 in normal and transformed cells had not been studied. Therefore, replication and cell viability assays were performed with a panel of nontransformed and transformed cell lines cultured at 37 and 39.5°C and treated with adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) or dl1520. Ad5-mediated cytolytic effects were inhibited and production of infectious particles decreased by >1,000-fold in the nontransformed cells at 39.5°C. Seven of nine of the tumor cell lines retained significant cell-killing effects when treated with Ad5 at 39.5°C. When dl1520 was used, no cytolytic effects were observed at 39.5°C in the nontransformed cell lines; however, cytolytic effects occurred in six of nine tumor cell lines at 39.5°C. Notably, a subset of the tumor cell lines demonstrated increased dl1520-mediated cytolytic effect and replication at 39.5°C. Suppression of Ad5 and dl1520 replication at 39.5°C was not related to p53 status or HSP70 expression. Also, at 39.5°C, E1a expression was inhibited in nontransformed cells but was still abundant in the transformed cells, indicating that a novel early block in viral replication occurred in the nontransformed cells. Fever may therefore augment the therapeutic index of oncolytic viruses by inhibiting replication in normal cells while permitting or enhancing viral replication in some tumor cells.
Morphology and natural history of the cryptogenic sponge associate Polydora colonia Moore, 1907 (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

The polychaete Polydora colonia is a widely distributed symbiont of sponges that has been reported as introduced into the Mediterranean Sea. Polydora colonia is re-described based on specimens associated with the sponges Microciona prolifera and Halichondria bowerbanki from New York and aspects of its reproduction and feeding biology are described for the first time. The morphology of P. colonia agrees with previous reports of this species. Females of P. colonia deposited egg capsules (14–19 eggs/capsule) in their tubes on sponges and adelphophagy was observed. Larvae appear to be competent to settle on hosts at the 13-chaetiger stage. One commensal ciliate and one parasitic copepod were found associated with P. colonia. P. colonia as an introduced species is evaluated based on current evidence. Sponge material was observed in the gut of > 50% of the worms examined but further studies are needed to evaluate whether P. colonia is selectively feeding on M. prolifera.
Selected Sleep Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, Sleep Apnea Syndrome, and Narcolepsy

Complaints of disturbed sleep are common in psychiatric patients and are associated with the diagnosis of specific disorders, such as mania and major depression. Despite this, clinicians often perceive sleep complaints to be a symptomatic reflection of the therapeutic response to treatment: If the treatment for depression is effective, sleep complaints should resolve. Most practicing psychiatrists have received little formal instruction about sleep disorders during their training in medical school and residency [1]. This leaves them incompletely prepared to recognize symptoms of sleep disorders, which often are subtle in their presentations, and the symptomatic complaints of which may overlap with various psychiatric syndromes. The specific sleep disorders discussed in this article all are likely to be seen by practicing psychiatrists and may be misinterpreted by them as reflecting an element of a comorbid psychiatric syndrome. Additionally, the presence of these conditions may interfere with treatment efforts being provided for psychiatric conditions. For these reasons, awareness of these disorders and their presentations allows psychiatrists to function more effectively in clinical care. Use of sleep studies to establish the diagnosis of several of these conditions is addressed later in this article. Polysomnography (PSG) techniques for establishing sleep stages have been reviewed elsewhere in this issue and include the electroencephalogram, electro-oculogram, and submental electromyogram. The typical clinical PSG also includes an electrocardiogram, respiratory effort (usually including measures of chest and abdominal effort), bilateral anterior tibialis electromyography, measurement of airflow (using a thermistor or a pressure transducer), and measurement of oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry). The studies must be performed in a temperature-controlled, sound-attenuated,
Secretin activates vagal primary afferent neurons in the rat: evidence from electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies

In this study, we evaluated the vagal afferent response to secretin at physiological concentrations and localized the site of secretin's action on vagal afferent pathways in the rat. The discharge ...
The effect of urinary bladder shape on its mechanics during filling

Despite the normal variation in the shape of the urinary bladder, it has always been modeled as a sphere. We have investigated whether its steady-state pressure-volume relation would be significantly different if it were a spheroid. From pressure-volume curves of anesthetized dogs, we deduced stress-strain constitutive relationships for the bladder wall material. We then solved the equilibrium equations for prolate and oblate spheroids with these constitutive relationships and predicted stress, strain, and volume at 120 different transmural pressures and eight different eccentricities of both types of spheroids. The pressure-volume relation of the prolate spheroid never differed very much from that of a sphere. However, an oblate spheroid made of urinary bladder material is significantly more compliant than either a prolate spheroid or a sphere made of the same material. Applications include identification of the position of highest stress in the bladder wall, estimation of material properties of urinary bladders, and determination of the physiological signal indicating bladder fullness.
Episodes of high surface-ozone amounts at South Pole during summer and their impact on the long-term surface-ozone variation

Long-term surface-ozone and ozone-profile measurements are used to investigate the character of summertime ozone behavior at South Pole. Summer ozone profiles show a significant gradient more than 40% of the time in which mixing ratios at the surface are at least eight parts per billion by volume (ppbv) higher, and may exceed 20 ppbv higher, than mixing ratios several hundred meters above the surface. These ozone gradients are linked to very stable conditions in the boundary layer. The frequency of occurrence of these surface-ozone enhancements has varied with time with the most recent 10-year period showing a greater number of occurrences. Although the summer enhancements have influenced the overall long-term pattern of change in surface ozone, they are not the only factor. The earlier decline in surface-ozone amounts that continued into the mid 1990s was influenced by changes in other seasons as well. Surface-ozone measurements from the 1960s show that summer enhancements were a significant feature of the record at South Pole during this period. Measurements at a lower elevation inland location (Byrd Station), not on the Antarctic Plateau, do not show large summer ozone chemical production events indicating that this phenomenon is primarily confined to the plateau.
Line outage identification-based state estimation in a power system with multiple line outages

Abstract Line outages in power systems cause data centers to miss some measurements thus making parts of networks unobservable. They also change the network topology and, consequently, classical state estimators do not converge. This paper proposes a new state estimation methodology based on the concepts of sparse vector recovery and line outage modeling. The proposed method first uses the pre- and post-outage voltage angle measurements to find the changes in network topology. Then it uses either the post-contingency data from PMUs and updated line flows or post-contingency measurements from PMUs and conventional PQ meters, as well as the updated topology, to provide an estimate of the power system state. The performance and accuracy of the proposed method are evaluated for the IEEE 24-, 57- and 118-bus systems. The simulation results show that the method provides good results for the three networks.
Parallel Power Grid Analysis Based on Enlarged Partitions

As the size and complexity of current VLSI circuits grows, faster power grid simulation is becoming more and more desirable. In this article, we present a parallel iterative method for static VLSI power grid simulation. In the proposed enlarged-partition-based preconditioned conjugate gradient (EPPCG) power grid solver, the power grid is divided into disjoint partitions that are subsequently enlarged to obtain accurate solution within each partition. The global solution obtained by solving enlarged partition problems concurrently acts as a highly effective parallel preconditioner. The combination of effective preconditioning and efficient parallelization helps achieve very high performance. The experiments show that our parallel implementation can achieve significant speed improvement [61X--142X] over a state-of-the-art direct solver.
Integrating patient voices into health information for self-care and patient-clinician partnerships: Veterans Affairs design recommendations for patient-generated data applications

Electronic health record content is created by clinicians and is driven largely by intermittent and brief encounters with patients. Collecting data directly from patients in the form of patient-generated data (PGD) provides an unprecedented opportunity to capture personal, contextual patient information that can supplement clinical data and enhance patients' self-care. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is striving to implement the enterprise-wide capability to collect and use PGD in order to partner with patients in their care, improve the patient healthcare experience, and promote shared decision making. Through knowledge gained from Veterans' and healthcare teams' perspectives, VA created a taxonomy and an evolving framework on which to design and develop applications that capture and help physicians utilize PGD. Ten recommendations for effectively collecting and integrating PGD into patient care are discussed, addressing health system culture, data value, architecture, policy, data standards, clinical workflow, data visualization, and analytics and population reach.
Cyphering Books and the Cyphering Tradition in North America and Great Britain, 1630–1880

The cyphering tradition controlled school mathematics in Western Europe and North America during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the first half of the nineteenth century. In this book the authors analyze 11 extraordinary cyphering books—7 arithmetic cyphering books, 3 navigation cyphering books, and 1 mensuration/surveying cyphering book. Of these, 6 were prepared entirely in Great Britain, 4 entirely in North America, and 1 partly in Great Britain and partly in North America. After defining key terms—such as “cyphering book,” “cyphering tradition,” “intended curriculum,” “implemented curriculum,” and “attained curriculum”—this first chapter summarizes characteristics of the 11 extraordinary cyphering books that will be considered. Finally, six research issues—which will frame subsequent analyses—are stated.
Abstract W P36: Timing Of Collateral Circulation In Acute Stroke And Its Effect On Predicting Outcomes

Background: We previously reported that Miteff scoring system on pre-tPA CTA was able to predict good functional outcomes in AIS, conversely substantial collateral recruitment on the 24hr CTA led to worse outcomes. We now aimed to determine if the degree of collateral circulation at a specific timing affects its ability to prognosticate outcomes. Methods: Patients treated with IV-tPA during 2018-2012 were included. Patients were stratified by onset-to-CTA timing from 0-60, 61-120, 121-180 and >180 minutes. Two independent neuroradiologists evaluated intracranial collaterals using the Miteff’s system, Maas system, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) 20-point methodology. Good and severely poor outcomes at 3-months were defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 points and 5-6 points, respectively. SICH was intracranial bleed with NIHSS increase of ≥4 points. Results: 250 Consecutive AAIS patients were included. 52 patients in the 0-60 group, 89 in the 61-120 group, 59 in the 121-180 group and 40 patients in the >180 group. On multivariate analysis from 0-120 minutes, good collaterals by Miteff classification showed a trend to good outcomes (OR 2.460 95%CI 0.985- 9.770, p =0.06) and significantly prevented severely poor outcomes (OR 0.199 95% CI 0.053-0.743, p=0.016) and SICH (OR 0.196 95%CI 0.045-0.862, p=0.03). However the association with prevention of unfavourable outcomes was no longer present in the 121 -180 and > 180 minutes groups. Conclusions: Good collaterals are associated with better functional outcomes however this benefit may be time dependent.
Studies on Hydroxyl Radical Formation and Correlated Photoflocculation Process Using Degraded Wood Leachate as a CDOM Source

The iron-poor leachate from decaying wood can be an important source of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in natural waters. In this study, we examined hydroxyl radical (•OH) formation with respect to photoreactivity of wood leachate DOM, the Fenton reaction, and photoflocculation. The relationship of •OH photoproduction rate and leachate optical properties (UV-visible absorption and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMS) coupled with PARAFAC analysis) were studied during irradiation in a UV solar simulator. The results showed that the •OH photochemical formation rate is strongly related to humic-like fluorescence as characterized by EEMS-PARAFAC analyses, and these fluorescence components are more photolabile than most of the other CDOM components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicates the photodegradation of lignin-related structures. To examine the role of iron, Fe speciation (particulate Fe, organically-complexed Fe(II), organically-complexed Fe(III), free Fe(II), and free Fe(III)) were measured in the leachate samples amended with Fe. The addition of Fe accelerated •OH production substantially, and Fe was rapidly photochemically cycled between Fe(II) and Fe(III). The photodegradation of iron complexing ligands appears to play an important role in DOM photoflocculation.
Sample Size and Temporal Variation Effects on Mortality of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in a Filter-Paper Bioassay

Filter-paper bioassays were performed on Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa Decemlineata (Say), collected from three commercial potato fields to determine the most cost-effective number of sample units (filter-paper disks, 10 larvae per disk). Relative net precision values from three different insecticide bioassays were used as an indication of sample-size efficiency and were based on variation in larval mortality and sample cost. Greatest sample-size efficiency in all insecticide bioassays was achieved from a sample of two to five filter-paper disk sample units (20-50 total larvae). Additional insecticide bioassays were done with Colorado potato beetle larvae collected at different times during the season (from a commercial potato field and from experiment-station plots) to determine whether the larval generation sampled or previous insecticide application affected results of the bioassay. Although trends in mortality were not always consistent among first generation larvae sampled on different dates (from insecticide-treated and untreated plots), first-generation larvae exhibited significantly greater mortality in the bioassay compared with second-generation larvae. Based on these results, it is recommended that bioassays to estimate the effectiveness of a particular insecticide against Colorado potato beetle be performed on the target generation immediately before the planned insecticide treatment.
Modifications Of Preceramic Polymers Suitable For Corrosion Resistant And High Temperature Coatings

Low-cost preceramic polymers have been developed and used for various coating and composite applications. These siloxane-based polymers can be tailored to be precursors to ceramics or remain as polymeric materials. Polyhydridomethylsiloxane (PHMS) serves as the base polymer, and it can be cured or modified by dehydrocoupling or a combination of hydrosilylation-dehydrocoupling reactions, both catalyzed by transition metal catalysts (Pt and Ru). The base polymer filled with various powders is used primarily for thick ceramic coatings. Modified polymers are used for low-temperature paint-like applications, especially where ambient curing is desirable. Both organic and inorganic modifications of PHMS for coating applications are discussed in this article. Paints containing such polymers and fillers are being evaluated for corrosion resistance and high-temperature applications.
Abstract A38: Structure-activity relationship of closely-related flavonoids with possible chemopreventive qualities

A38 Dietary flavonoids are now widely presumed to have human health benefits, and increased intake is epidemiologically correlated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The general mechanisms thought to be involved in chemoprevention through dietary compounds include the inhibition of the carcinogen-bioactivating phase I enzymes and/or induction of carcinogen-bioinactivating phase II enzymes. Methoxylated flavonoids have been shown to have chemopreventive activity in a number of in vitro assays, and we have selected 27 of them as the objects of this work. Furthermore, these flavonoids were analyzed to investigate possible structure-activity relationships for effective, non-toxic agents with chemopreventive potential. The flavonoids are a structurally diverse class of low molecular weight polyphenolic benzo-c-pyrone derivatives. The basic structure is composed of two benzene rings (A and B) separated by an oxygen-containing heterocyclic ring. Substituent groups can attach on each of the molecule’s rings, with hydroxyl, methoxy groups or sugar moieties being present most frequently. Neither hydroxylation nor methoxylation solely on the B-ring had a strong inducing effect on the phase II enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone-reductase (NQO1) in murine hepatoma cells. However, flavonoids with a methoxy-group substitution at the 5-position of the A-ring were the most potent inducers of NQO1. Other flavonoids were equally potent inducers, but exhibited much higher toxicity in at least one of the cell lines tested. Certain methoxylated flavonoids that are found in dietary fruits and vegetables have significant potential for prevention of chemically-induced carcinogenesis and should be investigated further in animal models of cancer prevention. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A38.
A study on the prevalence of HGV and TTV in different populations in Shanghai

[Objective] To understand the prevalence rate of HGV and TTV in commom population and high risk population in Shanghai. [Methods] The objects in commom population and high risk population were selected by the method of cluster random sampling and further investigation was made by using the standard questionaire.The anti TTVIgM,anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG were tested by ELISA assay for the selected objectives. [Results] The prevalence rate of anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG in common population was 20.9% and 37.5% respectively.The prevalence rate of anti TTVIgM, anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG in patients receiving hemodialysis was 26.2%,24.6% and 41.5% respectively.The prevalence rate of anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG in STD patients was 19.8% and 24.2% respectively.The prevalence rate of anti TTVIgM,anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG in chronic and acute viral hepatitis patients was 47.0%,33.3%,45.5% and 41.7%,25.0%,25.0% respectively.The prevalence rate of anti TTVIgG and anti HGVIgG in health care workers was 4.4% and 23.3% respectively. [Conclusion] The infection of HGV and TTV exists in the common population and high risk population in Shanghai in different levels.
Condition-based assessments with partial discharge monitoring applied by U.K.electricity supply industry

A new strategy of condition-based assessments for transmission and distribution equipment developed by U.K.electricity supply industry was introduced.The methodology was designed with the combination of partial discharge(PD)monitoring technology and analyses of historical failure data and design parameters,as well as various of inspection strategies,such as spot-testing,short-term monitoring and on-line continuous PD monitoring.Transmission and distribution equipment can be systematically and exactly managed by the new method with the resultant of reduction of failure times and duration.
The Progress of Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Ablation Research

Surface ablation has great impact on the Greenland Ice Sheet(GrIS) mass balance and becomes the focus of GrIS research in recent years.The production,transportation and release of meltwater are the keys to understand the potential impact of the GrIS surface ablation.These hydrological processes could illustrate the following problems: How much meltwater is produced atop the GrIS? What are the characteristics of meltwater-formed supraglacial hydrological system? How does the meltwater influence the GrIS motion? Ablation modeling is an important approach to acquire surface ablation information.Areas,depths,and volumes of supraglacial lakes extracted from remotely sensed imageries provide direct meltwater information.The spatial distribution of supraglacial lakes,supraglacial streams,moulins and crevasses demonstrates the characteristics of supraglacial hydrological system,which is in charge of meltwater transportation.The release of meltwater into englacial and subglacial ice sheet has important but undetermined impact on the GrIS motion.The relationship between surface meltwater volume and GrIS motion velocity is employed to understand the impact.
Correlatos neuroanatómicos, neurorradiológicos e imagenológicos de resonancia magnética funcional con la dislexia del desarrollo

Neuropathological data in dyslexia has demonstrated alterations in the symmetry normally present in the planum temporale, as well as microdysgenesis in superficial cortical layers and disruption of the cytoarchitecture in subcortical structures. Neuroradiological and functional neuroimaging studies in dyslexia are consistent with localization of dysfunction to the temporoparietal junction. Present neuropathological and neuroimaging data support the concept that the fundamental problem in developmental dyslexia is a phonologic deficit. Present neuroimaging technology has increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of dyslexia. Functional neuroimaging may allow for the investigation of the effects that treatment of dyslexia has on brain plasticity.
Functional connectivity brain network analysis through network to signal transform based on the resistance distance

Functional connectivity brain networks have been shown to demonstrate interesting complex network behavior such as small-worldness. Transforming networks to time series has provided an alternative way of characterizing the structure of complex networks. However, previously proposed deterministic methods are limited to unweighted graphs. In this paper, we propose to employ the resistance distance matrix of weighted graphs as the distance matrix for transforming networks to signals based on classical multidimensional scaling. We present a framework for obtaining information about the network's structure through the mapped signals and recovering the original network using properties of the resistance matrix. Finally, the proposed method is applied to characterizing functional connectivity networks constructed from electroencephalogram data.
Individual and structural factors influencing HIV care linkage and engagement: Perceived barriers and solutions among HIV-positive persons

To meet the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s goals of reducing and preventing HIV transmission, understanding factors that shape HIV-positive persons’ care-seeking behaviors is critical. Accordingly, this study examined factors that affect HIV care linkage and engagement. Six focus groups were conducted with 33 HIV-positive persons living in North Carolina. A variety of factors influenced care behaviors, including: structural and policy factors, relationship with HIV care systems, and individuals’ personal characteristics. Participants also provided solutions for addressing specific factors to care. Improving clinical services and utilizing context-specific strategies can help facilitate greater care linkage and engagement.
17p13.3 microduplication including CRK leads to overgrowth and elevated growth factors: A case report.

17p13.3 microduplications classified as class I duplications involving YWHAE but not PAFAH1B1 (formerly LIS1) and class II duplications which extend to involve PAFAH1B1, are associated with diverse phenotypes including intellectual disability and structural brain malformations. We report a girl with an approximately 1.58 Mb apparently terminal gain of 17p13.3, which contains more than 20 genes including the YWHAE and CRK genes (OMIM: 164762). She had increased growth factors accompanied by pathologic tall stature. In addition to these, she developed central precocious puberty at 7 years old. In individuals with class I 17p13.3 microduplications including CRK, we recommend biochemical evaluation of the growth hormone axis. Providers caring for these patients should be aware of their possible risk for the development of central precocious puberty.
Ageing, neurodegeneration and brain rejuvenation

Although systemic diseases take the biggest toll on human health and well-being, increasingly, a failing brain is the arbiter of a death preceded by a gradual loss of the essence of being. Ageing, which is fundamental to neurodegeneration and dementia, affects every organ in the body and seems to be encoded partly in a blood-based signature. Indeed, factors in the circulation have been shown to modulate ageing and to rejuvenate numerous organs, including the brain. The discovery of such factors, the identification of their origins and a deeper understanding of their functions is ushering in a new era in ageing and dementia research.
The Use of Sodium Chloride for Determining Viable Mold Counts and Mold Flora in Foods

The incorporation of 7.5% NaCl into potato dextrose agar (PDA), a medium routinely used for determining viable mold counts in foods, was effective in inhibiting fast-growing "spreader" molds. Viable mold counts using PDA with and without 7.5% NaCl were determined for 361 test samples of 12 food types, including dry, fleshy and frozen fleshy products. Only PDA plus 7.5% NaCl effectively inhibited the spreaders; food type did not influence its effectiveness. Average viable mold counts were usually higher for the 12 food types on PDA containing NaCl. With few exceptions, NaCl did not inhibit nonspreaders; in some cases it enhanced detection of more species, including several mycotoxin producers.
Prognostic value of an increase in post-exercise ankle-brachial index.

Prior studies have assessed the prognostic value of a decrease, not an increase, of the post-exercise ankle–brachial index (ABI) among patients with normal resting results. Thus, we sought to evalu...
Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria from U.S.-Grown and Imported Fresh Produce Retailed in Chain Supermarkets and Ethnic Stores of Davidson County, Tennessee.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine whether U.S.-grown and imported fresh produce retailed in ethnic stores and chain supermarkets was a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A total of 360 (129 imported and 231 U.S.-grown) samples of fresh produce were purchased from retail stores and analyzed for Enterobacteriaceae, including three pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shigella, and Salmonella), using standard methods. Presumptive pathogenic isolates were confirmed using PCR. The mean Enterobacteriaceae counts for imported produce were 6.87 ± 0.15 log CFU/g and 7.16 ± 0.11 log CFU/g in ethnic stores and chain supermarkets, respectively. For U.S.-grown produce, the contamination levels were at 8.35 ± 0.17 log CFU/g and 7.52 ± 0.13 log CFU/g in ethnic stores and chain supermarkets, respectively. Salmonella (0 and 0.3%), Shigella (1.7 and 0.6%), E. coli (3.1 and 1.4%), Enterobacter (9.4 and 8.6%), Klebsiella (6.7 and 0.6%), and Serratia (5.8 and 1.4%) were detected in produce fro...
Combined use of VUV and UVC photoreactors for the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters: Reduction of load parameters, detoxification and life cycle assessment of different configurations.

Abstract The present research investigated the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters by the combined use of photochemical VUV and UVC reactors. Seven different configurations were tested and the performances of each of them were evaluated based on the removal of the load parameters, detoxification and life cycle assessment (LCA). The characterization of studied wastewaters included analysis of the following parameters: COD, BOD5, TKN, total P, pH, turbidity and conductivity. Acute ecotoxicity was evaluated using Daphnia magna. Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was performed to determine the organic fraction and chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometer (GC–MS) was used for the qualitative characterization of priority pollutants. Characterization parameters showed the presence of drugs like lidocaine and dipyrone and a high organic load with a poor biodegradability. Wastewaters presented an extreme acute toxicity against D. magna (EC50 6.7%). The ozonation process (mainly generated by the VUV reactor) obtained the best results concerning the ratio between the consumed energy and the removed COD and the UVC process presented the lowest environmental impacts for the characterization and normalization parameters of the LCA. Normalization revealed that the highest environmental burdens were associated with human toxicity, ecotoxicity and eutrophication of surface waters as well as to the use of non-renewable resources. VUV/UVC/O3 process presented the best results considering detoxification (EC50 100%).
Dynamic Effects of Depressive Symptoms on Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Objective To estimate the dynamic causal effects of depressive symptoms on osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain. Methods Marginal structural models were used to examine dynamic associations between depressive symptoms and pain over 48 months among older adults (n = 2,287) with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence grade 2 or 3) in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Depressive symptoms at each annual visit were assessed (threshold ≥16) using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. OA knee pain was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale, rescaled to range from 0 to 100. Results Depressive symptoms at each visit were generally not associated with greater OA knee pain at subsequent time points. Causal mean differences in WOMAC pain score comparing depressed to nondepressed patients ranged from 1.78 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.73, 4.30) to 2.58 (95% CI 0.23, 4.93) within the first and fourth years, and the depressive symptoms by time interaction were not statistically significant (P = 0.94). However, there was a statistically significant dose-response relationship between the persistence of depressive symptoms and OA knee pain severity (P = 0.002). Causal mean differences in WOMAC pain score comparing depressed to nondepressed patients were 0.89 (95% CI −0.17, 1.96) for 1 visit with depressive symptoms, 2.35 (95% CI 0.64, 4.06) for 2 visits with depressive symptoms, and 3.57 (95% CI 0.43, 6.71) for 3 visits with depressive symptoms. Conclusion The causal effect of depressive symptoms on OA knee pain does not change over time, but pain severity significantly increases with the persistence of depressed mood.
Parameter Estimation in a Size-Structured Population Model with Distributed States-at-Birth

A least-squares method is developed for estimating parameters in a size-structured population model with distributed states-at-birth from field data. First and second order finite difference schemes for approximating the nonlinear-nonlocal partial differential equation model are utilized in the least-squares problem. Convergence results for the computed parameters are established. Numerical results demonstrating the efficiency of the technique are provided.
Effects of black mangrove Avicennia germinans expansion on salt marsh nekton assemblages before and after a flood

Climate change is facilitating black mangrove Avicennia germinans (L.) encroachment into Gulf of Mexico (GOM) estuaries, where mangroves are displacing Spartina alterniflora (Loisel) and other marsh plants. Western GOM estuaries have low tidal exchange, and salinity ranges from 0 to >50 ppt depending upon rainfall. Besides promoting expansion of tropical species into the GOM, climate change will likely affect salinity by making droughts more intense and storms and flooding more severe. We investigated the combined effects of A. germinans encroachment and salinity changes on associated nekton. In the spring and fall of 2014, nekton communities were significantly different and organisms significantly less abundant in wetlands dominated by A. germinans, even when S. alterniflora remained abundant. In spring 2015, flooding and reduced salinity obscured this trend, although in fall 2015 salinity increased, and organisms were again more abundant in areas without A. germinans. Thus, climate change can have significant effects on the distribution of wetland foundation species and associated faunal community structure, but, ultimately, precipitation and changes in salinity regimes can override the influence of foundation species on fauna. Climate change may alter the faunal composition of coastal wetlands by facilitating shifts in foundation species and by altering precipitation and salinity regimes.
Multipath TCP on a VANET: A Performance Study

Highly dynamic vehicular networks use long-range radio technologies such as DSRC, WiMAX, and Cellular networks to maintain connectivity. Multipath TCP offers the possibility to combine these radio technologies to improve network performance, allow robust handoffs, and maintain vehicle connectivity at all times. The proliferation of mobile devices with dual interfaces and the manufacturers' interest to make their vehicles smarter and more competitive create the ideal scenario for MPTCP on VANETs. In this paper, we study the performance of MPTCP on two VANET scenarios: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle, (V2V) under distinct velocities.
Meinong and Russell: Some Lessons on Quantification

This paper explores the thesis that de re quantification into propositional attitudes has been wrongly conceived. One must never bind an individual variable in the context of a propositional attitude. Such quantification fails to respect the quantificational scaffolding of discursive thinking. This is the lesson of the Meinong–Russell debate over whether there are objects of thought about which it is true to say they are not. Respecting it helps to see how to solve contingent Liar paradoxes of propositional attitudes such as Kripke’s Nixon–Jones.
Butyrylcholinesterase gene transfer in obese mice prevents postdieting body weight rebound by suppressing ghrelin signaling

The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate but treatment options remain limited. Despite initial success, weight loss by calorie restriction (CR) often fails because of rebound weight gain. Postdieting hyperphagia along with altered hypothalamic neuro-architecture appears to be one direct cause of this undesirable outcome. In response to calorie deficiency the circulating levels of the appetite-promoting hormone, acyl-ghrelin, rise sharply. We hypothesize that proper modulation of acyl-ghrelin and its receptor's sensitivity will favorably impact energy intake and reprogram the body weight set point. Here we applied viral gene transfer of the acyl-ghrelin hydrolyzing enzyme, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Our results confirmed that BChE overexpression decreased circulating acyl-ghrelin levels, suppressed CR-provoked ghrelin signaling, and restored central ghrelin sensitivity. In addition to maintaining healthy body weights, BChE treated mice had modest postdieting food intake and showed normal glucose homeostasis. Spontaneous activity and energy expenditure did not differ significantly between treated and untreated mice after body weight rebound, suggesting that BChE gene transfer did not alter energy expenditure in the long term. These findings indicate that combining BChE treatment with CR could be an effective approach in treating human obesity and aiding lifelong weight management.
Segmented Filamentous Bacteria Provoke Lung Autoimmunity by Inducing Gut-Lung Axis Th17 Cells Expressing Dual TCRs.

Lung complications are a major cause of rheumatoid arthritis-related mortality. Involvement of gut microbiota in lung diseases by the gut-lung axis has been widely observed, but the underlying mechanism remains mostly unknown. Using an autoimmune arthritis model, we show that a constituent of the gut microbiota, segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), distantly provoke lung pathology. SFB induce autoantibodies in lung during the pre-arthritic phase, and SFB-dependent lung pathology requires the T helper 17 (Th17) responses. SFB-induced gut Th17 cells are preferentially recruited to lung over spleen due to robust expression in the lung of the Th17 chemoattractant, CCL20. Additionally, we found that in peripheral tissues, SFB selectively expand dual T cell receptor (TCR)-expressing Th17 cells recognizing both an SFB epitope and self-antigen, thus augmenting autoimmunity. This study reveals mechanisms for commensal-mediated gut-lung crosstalk and dual TCR-based autoimmunity.
Wither labor? reassessing organized labor's political power

Popular accounts of the labor movement suggest that unions have become weak organizations. There are, however, trends that indicate laborʼs political power has not waned in recent years. Using data from multiple sources, the results in this study indicate: (1) despite declines in union density, the percentage of union households has remained steady for two decades; (2) unions continue to produce a strong Democratic vote from its membership, even from its white male members; (3) unions are among the top campaign contributors and spenders in American elections; (4) unions hold significant influence among congressional Democrats and have made gains at the state and local level; and (5) public opinion of labor unions has remained consistently positive for several decades.
A Second Course in Computer Science with Modula-2

The Program Development Process Arrays and Records Sets and Strings Stacks and Queues Recursion Linked Lists Trees Sorting Searching Graphs.
Managing Variant Interpretation Discrepancies in Hereditary Cancer: Clinical Practice, Concerns, and Desired Resources

Variant interpretation is a complex process, and classification may vary between sources. This study aimed to determine the practice of cancer genetic counselors regarding discrepancies in variant interpretation and to identify concerns when counseling these discrepancies. An electronic survey was sent to genetic counselors in the NSGC Cancer Special Interest Group. The vast majority of counselors (93%) had seen a variant interpretation discrepancy in practice. A large majority (96%) of respondents indicated that they conducted their own research on reported variants. Most respondents cited variant databases as the most common resource utilized in researching variants. Approximately 33% of counselors spent 45 min or more of extra time researching a discrepancy compared to researching a variant with a single classification. When asked how they approached counseling sessions involving variant interpretation discrepancies, the free responses emphasized that counselors considered family history, clinical information, and psychosocial concerns, showing that genetic counselors tailored the session to each individual. Discrepancies in variant interpretation are an ongoing concern for clinical cancer genetic counselors, as demonstrated by the fact that counselors desired further resources to aid in addressing these discrepancies, including a centralized database (89%), guidelines from a major organization (88%), continuing education about the issue (74%), and functional studies (58%). Additionally, most respondents reported that the ideal database would be owned by a non-profit organization (59%) and obtain information directly from laboratories (91%). This investigation was the first to address these discrepancies from a clinical point of view. The study demonstrates that discrepancies in variant interpretation are a concern for clinical cancer genetic counselors and outlines the need for additional support.