cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL UTILITY OF SOMATOSTATIN RECEPTOR SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGING (OCTREOSCAN) IN ESTHESIONEUROBLASTOMA: A CASE STUDY AND SURVEY OF SOMATOSTATIN RECEPTOR SUBTYPE EXPRESSION

Background. For tumors that express somatostatin receptors (SSTR), radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, such as 111In-pentetreotide, can demonstrate the presence of tumor by radioligand uptake using somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS). The use of 111In-pentetreotide for SRS depends on the specific high affinity of octreotide for SSTR subtypes 2, 3, and 5. Of these, SSTR2 has the greatest affinity for octreotide and the greatest relevance for tumor detection with Octreoscan imaging. Discriminating between postoperative changes and residual or recurrent tumor after extensive skull base surgery is often difficult, but in a case of recurrent esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) we found the use of Octreoscan imaging clinically useful. To better define the general relevance of this imaging technique in this setting, we analyzed SSTR subtype expression in a panel of ENB tumors. Methods. The case history and correlations between MRI and 111In-pentetreotide SRS of a patient with recurrent ENB were reviewed. The expression pattern of the SSTR subtypes in a panel of ENB tumors was then analyzed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to better define the potential of more general use of Octreoscan for imaging ENB. To correlate SSTR2 protein expression with 111In-pentetreotide uptake, immunohistochemistry to detect SSTR2 was performed on tumor samples from regions of increased uptake on Octreoscan. Results. The SSTR2 message was expressed at high levels in all five ENB tumor samples, and either SSTR2 protein or histologic findings typical for ENB were found in all tumor tissue obtained from regions of increased 111In-pentetreotide uptake. Furthermore, Octreoscan imaging in this case proved useful in clinical decision making. Conclusion. The expression pattern of SSTR2 and the specificity of the Octreoscan for regions of active tumor growth support further investigation of the utility of Octreoscan imaging in the diagnosis and surveillance of ENB. Recent advances in novel therapies based on SSTR ligand binding also provide the rationale to consider such novel therapeutic approaches in patients with ENB. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck28: 305–312, 2006
Social potentials for scalable multi-robot formations

Potential function approaches to robot navigation provide an elegant paradigm for expressing multiple constraints and goals in mobile robot navigation problems. As an example, a simple reactive navigation strategy can be generated by combining repulsion from obstacles with attraction to a goal. Advantages of this approach can also be extended to multirobot teams. In this paper we present a new class of potential functions for multiple robots that enables homogeneous large-scale robot teams to arrange themselves in geometric formations while navigating to a goal location through an obstacle field. The approach is inspired by the way molecules "snap" into place as they form crystals; the robots are drawn to particular "attachment sites" positioned with respect to other robots. We refer to these potential functions as "social potentials" because they are constructed with respect to other agents. Initial results, generated in simulation, illustrate the viability of the approach.
Two potential hookworm DAF-16 target genes, SNR-3 and LPP-1: gene structure, expression profile, and implications of a cis-regulatory element in the regulation of gene expression

Background Hookworms infect nearly 700 million people, causing anemia and developmental stunting in heavy infections. Little is known about the genomic structure or gene regulation in hookworms, although recent publication of draft genome assemblies has allowed the first investigations of these topics to be undertaken. The transcription factor DAF-16 mediates multiple developmental pathways in the free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and is involved in the recovery from the developmentally arrested L3 in hookworms. Identification of downstream targets of DAF-16 will provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of hookworm infection.
Sadaqah and Zakat: Almsgiving in the Early and Medieval Islamic Context

Islam has two distinct terms for the action of almsgiving: sadaqah and zakat. In examining different works in the Islamic tradition from the seventh to the twelfth centuries it is clear that sadaqah and zakat distinct. This position stands in opposition to the two commonly held notions on subject. A close examination revels that zakat had a constant definition in the early and medieval Islamic community and in addition the term has consistently been linked to the religion of Islam, while sadaqah on the other hand has been a more fluid term. The term sadaqah was applied to numerous practices which have been both religious and non-religious.
Molecular tools for studying HIV transmission in sexual networks

Purpose of reviewPhylogenetics is frequently used for studies of population-based HIV transmission. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current utilities and limitations of phylogenetics in HIV epidemiological research from sample collection through to data analysis.Recent findingsStudies
Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways

Skin fibrosis, also known as skin scarring, is an important global health problem that affects an estimated 100 million persons per year worldwide. Current therapies are associated with significant side effects and even with combination therapy, progression, and recurrence is common. Our goal is to review the available published data available on light-emitting diode-generated (LED) red light phototherapy for treatment of skin fibrosis. A search of the published literature from 1 January 2000 to present on the effects of visible red light on skin fibrosis, and related pathways was performed in January 2016. A search of PubMed and EMBASE was completed using specific keywords and MeSH terms. "Fibrosis" OR "skin fibrosis" OR "collagen" was combined with ("light emitting diode," "LED," "laser," or "red light"). The articles that were original research studies investigating the use of visible red light to treat skin fibrosis or related pathways were selected for inclusion. Our systematic search returned a total of 1376 articles. Duplicate articles were removed resulting in 1189 unique articles, and 133 non-English articles were excluded. From these articles, we identified six articles related to LED effects on skin fibrosis and dermal fibroblasts. We augmented our discussion with additional in vitro data on related pathways. LED phototherapy is an emerging therapeutic modality for treatment of skin fibrosis. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that visible LED light, especially in the red spectrum, is capable of modulating key cellular characteristic associated with skin fibrosis. We anticipate that as the understanding of LED-RL's biochemical mechanisms and clinical effects continue to advance, additional therapeutic targets in related pathways may emerge. We believe that the use of LED-RL, in combination with existing and new therapies, has the potential to alter the current treatment paradigm of skin fibrosis. There is a current lack of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of LED-RL to treat skin fibrosis. Randomized clinical trials are needed to demonstrate visible red light's clinical efficacy on different types of skin fibrosis.
Development and Application of Remote Emission Sensing Technologies

Remote emission sensing (RES) technology represents the development direction of rapid vehicle exhaust emission detection and provides many advantages such as high efficiency,low cost and superior representation.This paper introduces the theory and development history of RES,and provides an overview about the application of RES in areas of vehicle emission characteristics analysis,regional emission pollution assessment,I/M program evaluation,and real-time detection on the road.Through the comparison of gaps in the application of RES between China and USA,the paper concludes with some suggestions for using RES to control vehicle emissions in China.
A voice conversion system based on GMM and residual prediction

Voice conversion is the process of transforming the characteristics of speech uttered by a source speaker, such that a listener would believe that the speech was uttered by a target speaker. In this paper, the system is divided into two main parts. By using a Gaussian mixture model, which is trained on aligned speech from source and target speakers, the first part transforms the spectral envelope. The second part of the system predicts the spectral detail from the transformed LPC parameters, which is based on a classifier and residual codebooks. The system has some similarities with some existing systems, however, this system is not restricted to speech spoken in a monotone and with mimicked prosody. Also, on the basis of some performance metrics it outperforms existing systems.
An Exploratory Analysis of the Longitudinal Impact of Principal Change on Elementary School Achievement.

Recent reform initiatives, such as the Title I School Improvement Grants and Race to the Top, recommended a principal change to jump-start school turnaround. Yet, few educational researchers have e...
Patterns, Variability, and Flexibility of Hand Posture During Locomotion in Primates

Primates are defined, in part, by the presence of a grasping hand that couples primitive anatomy with exceptional neuromuscular dexterity. This arrangement is maintained across the evolutionary history of primates, and is often seen as one of the key features that allow primates to make fluid transitions from one substrate to another, make kinematic adjustments with changes in speed and gait, and to make biomechanical adjustments throughout ontogeny. This chapter surveys the exceptional diversity of primate hand positions across locomotor modes, and provides a perspective on the organization of hand positioning based on underlying biomechanical similarities. Across primates, hand positions are highly variable, and multiple solutions to same locomotor challenges are observed. This mechanical flexibility appears to be an adaptive feature of the primate hand, and suggests much of the success of the primate radiation has to do with maintaining generalized ‘cheiridial compromise’ that allows locomotor versatility.
The effect of intervention according to muscle contraction type on the cerebral cortex of the elderly

[Purpose] Here we investigated the activity of the cerebral cortex after resistance training in the elderly. We evaluated the clinical neuropsychological basis of 2 contractile types, and determined the usefulness of a movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) from an electroencephalography (EEG). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 11 females and 11 males aged between 65 and 70 years. The subjects were randomly assigned into a group that performed an eccentric contraction exercise (experimental group I, n=11) and a group that performed a concentric contraction exercise (experimental group II, n=11). We measured activities of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis in the non-dominant lower extremity by using surface electromyography (EMG), and measured brain activity using EEG before conducting an intervention. An intervention was conducted 40 minutes per session, once a day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, activity in C4, the Cz area and rectus femoris were significantly different. [Conclusion] Our results demonstrate that MRCP from an EEG has the advantage of being non-invasive and cost-effective. Nonetheless, prospective studies are needed to reveal the specific mechanism underlying eccentric contraction exercise, which can provide baseline data for research related to aging and neural plasticity.
A National Survey of Mental Health Screening and Assessment Practices in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Mental health screening and assessment is crucial within juvenile correctional facilities (JC). However, limited information is available about the current screening and assessment procedures specifically within JC. The purpose of the current study was to obtain information about the mental health screening and assessment procedures used in JC throughout the United States. Ninety-four clinical staff members (one from each JC) completed a survey about the mental health screening and assessment procedures conducted at their facilities. We used descriptive statistics to obtain prevalence data about (a) who is screened and assessed, (b) frequency of screening and assessment, (c) methods used and areas screened and assessed, (d) qualifications of those conducting screenings and assessments, and (e) perceived adequacy of screening procedures. Ninety-eight percent (n = 92) of participants reported that their facilities conducted suicide risk screenings, and 97% (n = 90) reported that mental health screenings were conducted at admission for all youth. Additionally, 59 (63%) respondents reported that all youth receive an extensive assessment of mental health concerns. However, only forty-six percent (n = 42) of the 92 participants responding indicated repeated screening of youth throughout their stay, and only 46% (n = 34) of the 74 participants responding indicated screening at discharge. Additionally, a variety of assessments were reportedly used and there was little consistency across JC. The findings revealed a continued need for consistent policies and procedures across facilities regarding screening and assessment to address various screening and assessment issues and promote quality care.
Supramolecular Structures Formation of Polyoxometalates in Solution Driven by Counterion–Macroion Interaction

Abstract Hydrophilic macroions, represented by polyoxometalate (POM) clusters, demonstrate unique solution behaviors that are clearly different from simple ions or colloids. Almost all their special features are related to the interaction between the macroions and their counterions, such as their self-assembly into single-layered, hollow, spherical “blackberry” structures in solution due to the counterion-mediated attraction based upon the moderate counterion association around the POM macroions. The delicate macroion–counterion interaction, including the related partial or complete breakage of the water ligands around both parties, enables the macroions to accurately distinguish different types of counterions based on their valence and hydrated size. POM macroions show many amazing properties shared with biological macromolecules, such as ion selectivity, similar kinetic features with the virus capsid formation and the strict self-recognition phenomenon. Understanding and controlling the POM–counterion interactions, such as the distribution of the counterions around and inside the POMs, the counterion exchange near the POMs, as well as the POM–POM interaction in the presence of counterions, is the key to understand the POM solutions and consequently to rationally design functional systems.
Management of Descemet Membrane Detachment After Forceps Birth Injury

Purpose To describe the clinical signs of Descemet membrane (DM) detachment due to forceps-related birth injury and its subsequent management using optical coherence tomography. Methods Case report. Results A 3-day-old term infant presented with left eye corneal clouding and a definitive history of traumatic forceps-assisted delivery. Despite topical therapy, corneal clouding persisted, necessitating an examination under anesthesia using ultrasound and handheld optical coherence tomography. This revealed not only a tear in DM but also a large detachment. Injection of air alone failed to achieve apposition of DM to the posterior stroma. Apposition was achieved only after penetration of the overlying cornea with the needle of a 10-0 nylon suture and release of clear viscous fluid. The cornea cleared within the first week and continued in the months to follow. Conclusions Prolonged corneal edema should alert the physician to probable DM detachment after forceps-related birth injury. Injecting air alone may not be sufficient to reattach the detached DM.
Four New Corrected Statistics for SEM With Small Samples and Nonnormally Distributed Data

When the assumption of multivariate normality is violated and the sample sizes are relatively small, existing test statistics such as the likelihood ratio statistic and Satorra–Bentler’s rescaled and adjusted statistics often fail to provide reliable assessment of overall model fit. This article proposes four new corrected statistics, aiming for better model evaluation with nonnormally distributed data at small sample sizes. A Monte Carlo study is conducted to compare the performances of the four corrected statistics against those of existing statistics regarding Type I error rate. Results show that the performances of the four new statistics are relatively stable compared with those of existing statistics. In particular, Type I error rates of a new statistic are close to the nominal level across all sample sizes under a condition of asymptotic robustness. Other new statistics also exhibit improved Type I error control, especially with nonnormally distributed data at small sample sizes.
Arguments for amending smoke-free legislation in U.S. states to restrict use of electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Abstract The uneven diffusion of local and state laws restricting the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in the United States may be a function of inconclusive scientific evidence and lack of guidance from the federal government. The objective of this study was to assess whether the rationale for amending clean indoor air acts (CIAAs) is being conflated by issues that are not directly relevant to protecting the health of ENDS non-users. Online sources were used in identifying bills (n = 25) that were presented in U.S. state legislatures from January 2009 to December 2015. The bills were categorized into one of three groups: 1) bills amending comprehensive CIAAs (n = 11), 2) bills prohibiting use of ENDS in places frequented by youth (n = 5), and 3) remaining bills that varied between the two categories (n = 9). Arguments presented in committee hearings were coded as scientific, public health, economic, enforcement, freedom, or regulatory. Arguments pertaining to amendment of clean indoor air acts spanned several categories, many of which were not directly relevant to the aims of the legislation. This finding could assist lawmakers and expert witnesses in making arguments that yield greater success in amending legislation. Alternatively, inconclusive scientific data on the hazards of ENDS aerosols might encourage lawmakers to propose legislation that prohibits ENDS use in places frequented by youths.
Cultural and Interviewer Effects on Interview Privacy: Individualism and National Wealth:

Privacy (or the lack of it) is an important feature of the interview. Researchers rely on interviewers to ensure a private setting. In reality, interviewers are guests in respondents’ homes and mig...
Clonal Assay of Mouse Mast Cell Colonies in Methylcellulose Culture

When mouse marrow and spleen cells were cultured for over 12 days in methylcellulose containing media conditioned by pokeweed-mitogen-stimulated spleen cells, colonies containing mast cells and blast cells were observed. The characteristic morphology of the colonies and the time course of their development allowed in situ identification of the mast cell colonies. Identification of the mast cells was confirmed by metachromatic staining with toluidine blue and alcian blue, transmission electron microscopy, and by demonstration of the membrane receptors for IgE. Coculture studies with male and female marrow cells strongly indicated the single cell origin of individual colonies. Detailed cytologic analyses of mixed hemopoietic colonies and replating experiments of individual mixed hemopoietic and mast cell colonies clearly established the hemopoietic origin of mast cells. In replating experiments of individual mast cell colonies, those without blast cells did not yield secondary mast cell colonies. This result strongly indicated that morphologically recognizable mast cells have lost their self-renewing capabilities. The quantitative nature of the mast cell colony assay was supported by linearity studies and provides a method for studies of the progenitors of mouse mast cells.
In-situ TEM study of the ion irradiation behavior of U3Si2 and U3Si5

Abstract U3Si2 and U3Si5 are two important uranium silicide phases currently under extensive investigation as potential fuel forms or components for light water reactors (LWRs) to enhance accident tolerance. In this paper, their irradiation behaviors are studied by ion beam irradiations with various ion mass and energies, and their microstructure evolution is investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). U3Si2 can easily be amorphized by ion beam irradiations (by 1 MeV Ar2+ or Kr2+) at room temperature with the critical amorphization dose less than 1 dpa. The critical amorphization temperatures of U3Si2 irradiated by 1 MeV Kr2+ and 1 MeV Ar2+ ion are determined as 580 ± 10 K and 540 ± 5 K, respectively. In contrast, U3Si5 remains crystalline up to 8 dpa at room temperature and is stable against ion irradiation-induced amorphization up to ∼50 dpa by either 1 MeV Kr2+ or 150 KeV Kr+ at 623 K. These results provide valuable experimental data to guide future irradiation experiments, support the relevant post irradiation examination, and serve as the experimental basis for the validation of advanced fuel performance models.
Neuroendocrine regulation of fat metabolism by autophagy gene atg-18 in C. elegans dauer larvae.

In environments with limited food and high population density, Caenorhabditis elegans larvae may enter the dauer stage, in which metabolism is shifted to fat accumulation to allow larvae to survive for months without food. Mutations in the insulin-like receptor gene daf-2 force C. elegans to constitutively form dauer larva at higher temperature. It has been reported that autophagy is required for fat accumulation in daf-2 dauer larva. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains unknown. Here, we report that autophagy gene atg-18 acts in a cell nonautonomous manner in neurons and intestinal cells to mediate the influence of daf-2 signaling on fat metabolism. Moreover, ATG-18 in chemosensory neurons plays a vital role in this metabolic process. Finally, we report that neuronal ATG-18 functions through neurotransmitters to control fat storage in daf-2 dauers, which suggests an essential role of autophagy in the neuroendocrine regulation of fat metabolism by insulin-like signaling.
Prime-Index Parametrization for Total Neutrino-Nucleon Cross Sections and {\it{pp}} Cross Sections

A prime number based parametrization for total neutrino-nucleon cross section is presented. The method employs the relation between prime numbers and their indices to reproduce neutrino cross sections for neutrino energies from the $MeV$ to the $PeV$ regions where experimental data are available. This prime-index relation provides estimates of the neutrino-nucleon cross sections valid across many decades of neutrino energy scales. The $PeV$ data are from the recently published astrophysical $\nu_\mu + \bar \nu_\mu$ rates in the IceCube detector as well as neutrino-nucleon cross section measurements. A similar method has been employed for high energy $pp$ cross sections which explains the $(\ln s)^{2}$ parametrization first proposed by Heisenberg.
Sum throughput on a random access erasure collision channel

The random access erasure collision channel captures, in an abstracted manner, several important features of a wireless environment shared by uncoordinated radios. The radios employ random access and, when contending, transmit over independent heterogeneous erasure channels with the common access point. The access point is capable of only receiving a single message at a time, and so any colliding messages are lost. The combined effects of the channel heterogeneity and the collision rule give rise to a natural question: how does the expected sum throughput vary with the subset of radios that are active? The subset of radios achieving the optimal throughput is found by a simple greedy packing procedure — add the radios, sorted by nonerasure probability, until a target offered load is exceeded.
Evaluating determinants of shale gas well locations in an urban setting

This research aims to identify factors that contribute to gas well operator pad site location decisions in Denton, Texas. Using new production technologies, a wave of shale gas extraction between 2000 and 2014 resulted in the development of 854 gas wells on 539 pad sites within 2000 US Census block groups that include parts of the City of Denton. For pad site placement, we consider multiple location decision factors. We use both Poisson and zero-inflated Poisson regressions for the analyses. Unsurprisingly, census block groups sitting atop the Barnett Shale have more pad sites than block groups away from the Barnett Shale. Beyond that, we find statistically significant negative correlations between both housing unit density and the percentage of block group land area falling within the Denton city limits indicating that both urban development, and the regulations that go along with it, affect pad site development. However, we do not find that setback regulations in less urbanized areas curtail pad site development. We also find that access to pipeline infrastructure—needed to transport gas from each pad site—has a positive effect on pad site development. This indicates that production costs associated with potential sites do matter. It is unusual for extraction operators to share pipelines connecting pad sites to transmission lines. This could have the effect of limiting competition for natural gas property rights and reduce royalties paid to mineral rights owners. In terms of demographic or socioeconomic factors that may matter, we find income is negatively correlated with pad site development while education is positively correlated with pad site development. Finally, we find evidence that pad sites cluster. Clustering could advantage access to main roadways, reduce costs to extend pipelines, or be an outcome of urban developments that constrain pads from locating in certain areas.
MRI in Cord Lesions

The spinal cord can be affected by numerous pathologies, many of which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging is an invaluable tool when investigating neurological deficits relating to the spine, and MRI is the workhorse imaging modality. Although an exhaustive description of the causes and imaging characteristics of spinal cord disease is beyond the scope of this text, we have discussed common and some uncommon, but important, pathologies including traumatic, neoplastic, infectious, demyelinating, inflammatory, ischemic, vascular, congenital, genetic, and metabolic etiologies as seen below.
Realization problems on reachability sequences

The classical Erdos-Gallai theorem kicked off the study of graph realizability by characterizing degree sequences. We extend this line of research by investigating realizability of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) given both a local constraint via degree sequences and a global constraint via a sequence of reachability values (number of nodes reachable from a given node). We show that, without degree constraints, DAG reachability realization is solvable in linear time, whereas it is strongly NP-complete given upper bounds on in-degree or out-degree. After defining a suitable notion of bicriteria approximation based on consistency, we give two approximation algorithms achieving \(O(\log n)\)-reachability consistency and \(O(\log n)\)-degree consistency; the first, randomized, uses LP (Linear Program) rounding, while the second, deterministic, employs a k-set packing heuristic. We end with two conjectures that we hope motivate further study of realizability with reachability constraints.
Sex-specific peripheral and central responses to stress-induced depression and treatment in a mouse model

Major depressive disorder affects ~20% of the world population and is characterized by strong sexual dimorphism with females being two to three times more likely to develop this disorder. Previously, we demonstrated that a combination therapy with dihydrocaffeic acid and malvidin-glucoside to synergistically target peripheral inflammation and stress-induced synaptic maladaptation in the brain was effective in alleviating chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression-like phenotype in male mice. Here, we test the combination therapy in a female CSDS model for depression and compared sex-specific responses to stress in the periphery and the central nervous system. Similar to male mice, the combination treatment is also effective in promoting resilience against the CSDS-induced depression-like behavior in female mice. However, there are sex-specific differences in peripheral immune responses and differential gene regulation in the prefrontal cortex to chronic stress and to the treatment. These data indicate that while therapeutic approaches to combat stress-related disorders may be effective in both sexes, the mechanisms underlying these effects differ, emphasizing the need for inclusion of both sexes in preclinical studies using animal models.
Predicting prospective resident entrustment: From evaluation to action.

Abstract Objective We aimed to identify potential variables predictive of a resident achieving faculty future entrustment as a way to enhance attending surgeons’ planning of teaching in the operating room leading to improved resident operative autonomy in practice. Methods We reviewed 273 resident performance evaluations from 91 surgical cases that were collected from 11 general surgery chief residents and 16 attending surgeons between April 2018 and June 2019 using a validated evaluation instrument. The primary outcome measure was prospective resident entrustment estimated by the rater for future similar cases. We used descriptive statistics and the boosted tree analysis model to find potential predictors for the outcome measure and examine test-retest reliability by procedure. Results Step-specific guidance (r = 0.77, p 0.18). Test-retest reliability was from 0.93 to 0.98 across procedures, indicating the likelihood that attending surgeons granted future autonomy complied with their evaluation of prospective resident entrustment was high. Conclusions By assessing step-specific guidance, attending surgeons can reliably judge residents’ future entrustment and potentially better plan for operative teaching/supervision that may lead to granting a surgical resident operative autonomy on similar cases in the future. Our findings provide insight into prospective faculty development of surgical teaching aimed at improving resident readiness for independent practice.
Metabolite Patterns of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease In Response To Exercise

Supervised exercise therapy (SET) is an effective intervention for symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Its effect on metabolism, measured by the circulating metabolome is not well understood. Participants underwent the Gardner graded treadmill test before and after SET and blood was sampled before and after each treadmill test. We tested the average association of metabolite levels with timing of blood draws. We used five models to identify metabolites or changes in metabolites at specific time points that associate with treadmill test performance or inter-individual variability in functional performance after SET. When analyzing individual time points, high levels of anandamide (AEA) before any exercise interventions were associated with shorter, or worse, walking time. Increased arachidonic acid (AA) and decreased levels of AA precursors (dihomo-{gamma}-linolenic acid and diacylglycerol) before any exercise was associated with shorter walking times. Participants who tolerated large increases in AA during acute exercise had longer, or better, walking times before and after SET. We identified two pathways of relevance to individual response to SET: AEA synthesis may increase the activity at endocannabinoid receptors, resulting in worse treadmill test performance. SET may help train patients withstand higher levels of AA and inflammatory signaling, resulting in longer walking times.
The Rush to the Goblin Market: The Blurring of Quill’s Two Nexus Tests

A discussion of the Commerce clause and Due Process clause, in relation to state use taxes. The article discusses the inconsistencies between the nexus tests created by the United States Supreme Court in Quill v. North Dakota.
Characterization of the Insect Assemblage and Associated Floral Volatiles of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black cherry is an ecologically important high-value wood. A decline of its regeneration has been reported in the USA, which could be associated with a lack of pollination. This study was conducted to identify insects visiting black cherry flowers, to determine whether insects captured on the flowers carry black cherry pollen and to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by flowers of black cherry. A two-year insect survey was conducted before, during and after the black cherry bloom. A total of 9533 insects were captured in traps and Diptera was the most abundant (64.1%). Significantly more insects in Diptera, Lepidoptera and Thysanoptera were captured in the traps installed in the canopy than those on the ground, and Anthalia bulbosa (Diptera: Hybotidae) was the dominant species. Electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that insects captured in the canopy indeed carried black cherry pollen. Black cherry flowers emitted a VOC blend that is composed of 34 compounds and dominated by β-ocimene and several phenylpropanoids/benzenoids. This floral VOC profile is similar to that of other pollinator-dependent Prunus species. This study reports pollinator insects and associated VOCs, for the first time, that could play a significant role in the pollination and regeneration of black cherry.
trioPhaser: using Mendelian inheritance logic to improve genomic phasing of trios.

BACKGROUND When analyzing DNA sequence data of an individual, knowing which nucleotide was inherited from each parent can be beneficial when trying to identify certain types of DNA variants. Mendelian inheritance logic can be used to accurately phase (haplotype) the majority (67-83%) of an individual's heterozygous nucleotide positions when genotypes are available for both parents (trio). However, when all members of a trio are heterozygous at a position, Mendelian inheritance logic cannot be used to phase. For such positions, a computational phasing algorithm can be used. Existing phasing algorithms use a haplotype reference panel, sequencing reads, and/or parental genotypes to phase an individual; however, they are limited in that they can only phase certain types of variants, require a specific genotype build, require large amounts of storage capacity, and/or require long run times. We created trioPhaser to address these challenges. RESULTS trioPhaser uses gVCF files from an individual and their parents as initial input, and then outputs a phased VCF file. Input trio data are first phased using Mendelian inheritance logic. Then, the positions that cannot be phased using inheritance information alone are phased by the SHAPEIT4 phasing algorithm. Using whole-genome sequencing data of 52 trios, we show that trioPhaser, on average, increases the total number of phased positions by 21.0% and 10.5%, respectively, when compared to the number of positions that SHAPEIT4 or Mendelian inheritance logic can phase when either is used alone. In addition, we show that the accuracy of the phased calls output by trioPhaser are similar to linked-read and read-backed phasing. CONCLUSION trioPhaser is a containerized software tool that uses both Mendelian inheritance logic and SHAPEIT4 to phase trios when gVCF files are available. By implementing both phasing methods, more variant positions are phased compared to what either method is able to phase alone.
Thermophysics of the Lanthanide Trihydroxides — Resolution of the Lattice and Schottky Contributions

Lattice heat capacities and Schottky contributions have been resolved and analyzed for a series of lanthanide trihydroxides through heat-capacity measurements from 5 to 350 K. These compounds all crystallize with the UCl3-type structure and, therefore, are a particularly suitable series for which to attempt this separation.
A Review of: A Field Guide for Human Skeletal Identification

The first edition of this Field Guide was published in 1987. It is designed for the professional forensic anthropologist and assumes that the user has a good background in human skeletal and dental anatomy. Bennett found in his 25 plus years as a forensic anthropologist that it was “advantageous for forensic anthropologist to have quick access to information pertinent to procedures involved in human identification.” (v) The tables, illustrations and procedural guides found here have either been abstracted or reprinted from previous publications.
Monolithic integration of quantum cascade lasers and passive components

We present a method to integrate quantum cascade lasers with passive components using proton implantation. Proton implantation reduces the intersubband and free-carrier absorption optical loss. We have measured a loss α=0.33 cm−1 in proton implanted waveguides.
The Kinetics of Inhibition of Thrombin by Antithrombin in the Presence of Components of the Hemostatic System

The inhibition of human thrombin by antithrombin has been measured in pure systems in the presence of other components of the hemostatic system that might affect the kinetics of the reaction. These included fibrinogen, calcium ions, phospholipid, prothrombin, platelets (both adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-stimulated and -unstimulated), and platelet extracts. Inhibition rates were measured in each case by a discontinuous amidolytic assay over a range of antithrombin concentrations, from 0 to 4.5 mumol/L. Under all conditions, rates of inhibition were proportional to antithrombin concentration. Calcium ions at 5 mmol/L caused a small (20%) reduction in rate, but phospholipid and prothrombin had no additional effect. In contrast, both fibrinogen and platelets significantly changed the rate of inhibition. In the presence of calcium, fibrinogen at concentrations from 0 to 12 mumol/L reduced the rate of inhibition in a competitive manner, giving an apparent Kd for fibrinogen of 6.0 mumol/L. As the plasma fibrinogen level is about 8 mumol/L, one may therefore predict that variations in fibrinogen level will have a significant effect on the rate of thrombin inhibition in plasma. More unexpected was the observation that platelets increase the rate of inhibition: unstimulated platelets increased the rate constant by 40%, and ADP- stimulated platelets increased it by 55%. However, this acceleratory effect could not be mimicked with either a KCI extract or a Triton extract of platelets, and its cause remains unknown. In sum, it has been shown that the rate of inhibition of thrombin can be modulated in at least three ways-antithrombin concentration, fibrinogen concentration, and platelets; each of which can vary independently in vivo. It is well known that defects of the first lead to an increased risk of thrombosis, and it is proposed that this may be substantially caused by changes in the kinetics of inhibition such as those described. Additionally, it is suggested that changes in inhibition rate caused by other components may also be significant, for the same reason, in modulating the clotting system in vivo.
Graphs and Curves

The ideas contained in this chapter allow us to translate certain statements backwards and forwards between the language of numbers and the language of geometry.
The Emergence of a New Vision: The Unfolding Universe

The central thesis in this chapter is that the universe must be viewed as a quantum system not merely in its very early stages following the origin but at all scales and times. If this thesis is correct, we must adopt some new epistemological assumptions in the study of cosmology, or of the origin, history, and large-scale structure of the universe. As we have seen, the resolution of the observation problem in quantum physics required an understanding of the epistemological assumptions in the mind of the observer that are directly related to a proper interpretation of the results of experiments. This also applies in our view to the resolution of critical observation problems in contemporary cosmology examined before. The intent is to illustrate the manner in which classical assumptions have functioned as distorting lenses that conditioned our view of the origin and history of the cosmos in fundamental ways.
Bread dough toxicosis in dogs

Objective: To provide information on the ingestion, and subsequent toxicity, of raw bread dough in dogs. Case summary: A report from the ASPCA animal poison control center (APCC) files of 3 cases of ingestion of raw bread dough by dogs. Clinical signs included vomiting, ataxia, blindness, hypothermia, and recumbency. All dogs were successfully treated for ethanol toxicosis. New information: Ingestion of bread dough can cause gastric obstruction, bloat, or ethanol toxicosis. The treatment of ethanol toxicosis, including decontamination, IV fluids, management of metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycemia is discussed. Yohimbine can be used in cases where the dog is comatose or has developed severe respiratory depression.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Reactivates from Autonomic Ciliary Ganglia Independently from Sensory Trigeminal Ganglia To Cause Recurrent Ocular Disease

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 establish latency in sensory and autonomic neurons after ocular or genital infection, but their recurrence patterns differ. HSV-1 reactivates from latency to cause recurrent orofacial disease, and while HSV-1 also causes genital lesions, HSV-2 recurs more efficiently in the genital region and rarely causes ocular disease. The mechanisms regulating these anatomical preferences are unclear. To determine whether differences in latent infection and reactivation in autonomic ganglia contribute to differences in HSV-1 and HSV-2 anatomical preferences for recurrent disease, we compared HSV-1 and HSV-2 clinical disease, acute and latent viral loads, and viral gene expression in sensory trigeminal and autonomic superior cervical and ciliary ganglia in a guinea pig ocular infection model. HSV-2 produced more severe acute disease, correlating with higher viral DNA loads in sensory and autonomic ganglia, as well as higher levels of thymidine kinase expression, a marker of productive infection, in autonomic ganglia. HSV-1 reactivated in ciliary ganglia, independently from trigeminal ganglia, to cause more frequent recurrent symptoms, while HSV-2 replicated simultaneously in autonomic and sensory ganglia to cause more persistent disease. While both HSV-1 and HSV-2 expressed the latency-associated transcript (LAT) in the trigeminal and superior cervical ganglia, only HSV-1 expressed LAT in ciliary ganglia, suggesting that HSV-2 is not reactivation competent or does not fully establish latency in ciliary ganglia. Thus, differences in replication and viral gene expression in autonomic ganglia may contribute to differences in HSV-1 and HSV-2 acute and recurrent clinical disease. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 establish latent infections, from which the viruses reactivate to cause recurrent disease throughout the life of the host. However, the viruses exhibit different manifestations and frequencies of recurrent disease. HSV-1 and HSV-2 establish latency in both sensory and autonomic ganglia. Autonomic ganglia are more responsive than sensory ganglia to stimuli associated with recurrent disease in humans, such as stress and hormone fluctuations, suggesting that autonomic ganglia may play an important role in recurrent disease. We show that HSV-1 can reactivate from autonomic ganglia, independently from sensory ganglia, to cause recurrent ocular disease. We found no evidence that HSV-2 could reactivate from autonomic ganglia independently from sensory ganglia after ocular infection, but HSV-2 did replicate in both ganglia simultaneously to cause persistent disease. Thus, viral replication and reactivation in autonomic ganglia contribute to different clinical disease manifestations of HSV-1 and HSV-2 after ocular infection.
STREAMFUNCTION FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

Publisher Summary Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) describes the macroscopic behavior of electrically conducting fluids in a magnetic field. The MHD approximation is that the electric field vanishes in the moving fluid frame, except for possible resistive effects. The study of finite element methods on an unstructured mesh for two-dimensional, incompressible MHD, using a stream function approach to enforce the divergence-free condition on magnetic and velocity fields, and an implicit time difference scheme allows for much larger time steps. The nonlinear Gauss-Seidel iterative method has no convergence guarantee, but converges well in many cases, especially for small-time step sizes in time-dependent problems. To solve linear problems in nonlinear solvers, Krylov iterative techniques are used that are suited because they can be preconditioned for efficiency. Restarted GMRES can, in principle, deal with these limitations; however, it lacks a theory of convergence and stalling is frequently observed in real applications. The tilt instability problem is defined on an unbounded domain. The simulation times according to the number of levels and processors, and plot the weak scalability.
Multiplanar Reformations in the Measurement of Renal Length on CT: Is It Plain Which Plane to Use?

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of renal measurement on CT in multiple imaging planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this study, three board-certified radiologists retrospectively measured 110 kidneys on CT in 55 consecutive patients. Five measurement methods were used: axial, coronal single image, coronal multiimage, sagittal single image, and sagittal multiimage. The coronal database was sent to a postprocessing workstation, and each radiologist performed a maximum renal measurement using a best off-axis plane that was our reference standard. An ANOVA test with repeated measures and posthoc Bonferroni corrected t tests were performed. RESULTS. The mean differences (± standard error) compared with the reference standard method were as follows: axial, 7.7 ± 0.7 mm; coronal single image, 13.1 ± 1.4 mm; coronal multiimage, 6.4 ± 0.8 mm; sagittal single image, 6.4 ± 0.6 mm; and sagittal multiimage, 2.8 ± 0.3 mm. The reference standard measurement was larger (p < 0.001), where...
Transmission line charts

The use of charts to reduce the labor in solving problems involving high-frequency transmission lines and wave guides has increased considerably. This article presents details of the development and problems illustrating applications of the two most commonly used types of charts. It was written primarily for students and practicing engineers who use the charts without knowing the background.