cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does β-hydroxybutyrate concentration influence conception date in young postpartum range beef cows?

Cows in negative energy balance after calving often have reduced reproductive performance, which is mediated by metabolic signals. The objective of these studies was to determine the association of serum metabolites, days to first postpartum ovulation, milk production, cow BW change, BCS, and calf performance with conception date in spring-calving 2- and 3-yr-old beef cows grazing native range. In Exp. 1, cows were classified by conception date in a 60-d breeding season as early (EARLY; conceived in first 15 d of breeding) or late conception (LATE; conceived during the last 45 d of breeding). Beginning on d 35 postpartum, blood samples were collected twice per week for serum metabolite analysis and progesterone analysis to estimate days to resumption of estrous cycles. As a chute-side measure of nutrient status and glucose sufficiency, whole-blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were measured 14 ± 2 d before breeding. In Exp. 2, cows were classified by subsequent calving date resulting from a 55 ± 2 d breeding season as conceiving either early (EARLY; conceived in first 15 d of breeding) or late (LATE; conceived during the remaining breeding season). Blood samples were collected in 2 periods, 30 ± 4 d before calving and 14 ± 3 d before the initiation of breeding, to determine circulating concentrations of IGF-I and BHB. In Exp. 1, BHB and serum glucose concentrations were less (P ≤ 0.04) in EARLY cows than LATE cows. Serum insulin concentrations were greater (P = 0.03) in EARLY cows relative to LATE cows. Milk production and composition did not differ (P ≥ 0.24) by conception date groups. In Exp. 2, cow age × sample period × conception date interaction (P 0.10) for 2-yr-old cows (in greater nutritional plane compared with Exp. 1) regardless of their conception date classification and sampling period. However, precalving serum BHB concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) for LATE than EARLY in 3-yr-old cows with no difference (P = 0.86) at prebreeding. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) for EARLY cows relative to LATE cows at precalving and prebreeding. This study indicates that blood BHB concentrations during times of metabolic dysfunctions may provide a more sensitive indicator of energy status than body condition, predicting rebreeding competence in young beef cows as measured by interval from calving to conception.
Project EX: A Program of Empirical Research on Adolescent Tobacco Use Cessation

This paper presents the Project EX research program. The historical background for Project EX is presented, including a brief summary of reasons youth fail to quit tobacco use, the disappointing status of previous cessation research, and the teen cessation trial that provided the template for the current project (Project TNT). Next, program development studies for Project EX are described. Through use of focus groups, a theme study (concept evaluation of written activity descriptions), a component study, and pilot studies, an eight-session program was developed. This program involves novel activities (e.g., "talk show enactments," games, and alternative medicine-type activities such as yoga and meditation) in combination with motivation enhancement and cognitive-behavioral strategies to motivate and instruct in cessation initiation and maintenance efforts. The outcomes of the first experimental trial of Project EX, a school-based clinic program, are described, followed by a posthoc analysis of its effects mediation. A second EX study, a multiple baseline single group pilot study design in Wuhan, China, is described next. Description of a second experimental trial follows, which tested EX with nicotine gum versus a natural herb. A third experimental trial that tests a classroom prevention/cessation version of EX is then introduced. Finally, the implications of this work are discussed. The intent-to-treat quit rate for Project EX is approximately 15% across studies, double that of a standard care comparison. Effects last up to a six-month post-program at regular and alternative high schools. Through a systematic protocol of empirical program development and field trials, an effective and replicable model teen tobacco use cessation program is established. Future cessation work might expand on this work.
Fast multiplier bit-product matrix reduction using bit-ordering and parity generaton

The Wallace tree/Dadda fast multiplier consists of the three steps: (1) form a bit-product matrix; (2) reduce the bit-product matrix to two rows; and (3) sum the two rows. An approach for implementing the second step using bit-ordering and parity generation logic is described. This is very different from the Wallace/Dadda method, which uses full and half adders to reduce the bit-product matrix. The approach yields a multiplier that is faster than a Wallace-Dadda multiplier when multiplying small numbers. However, it also requires more gates to implement. >
Model for environmental heat damage of the blood vessel barrier.

Environmental heat stress may result in loss of fluid from the vascular space, which can lead to circulatory shock. Since the endothelium serves as the blood vessel barrier between the vascular and interstitial spaces, direct heat damage to this tissue may contribute to such fluid loss. This study modeled heat influences on the actin cytoskeletal proteins that provide the tensile forces that sustain endothelial junctional integrity or barrier function. Heat effects on bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) F-actin and F-actin stress fibers (FASFs) were correlated with intercellular permeability (IP). F-actin concentration and FASF distribution were analyzed by quantitation of the specific binding of rhodamine phalloidin (RP) to F-actin and by observing the fluorescence of RP-FASF complexes, respectively. Dextran fluorescein IP was determined. The IP was elevated (p
Leaching of Phosphorus Fractions Following Manure or Compost Application

Phosphorus (P) leaching in manure‐amended soil can be influenced by the P fractions added when manure or composted manure is applied. This study was conducted to determine leaching of different P fractions following beef cattle feedlot manure or compost application. Manure and composted manure were applied to meet the nitrogen (N) or P needs of corn (Zea mays L.) for either a one or two‐yr period. Fertilized plots and unfertilized control plots were also used. The P‐based treatments also received additional N fertilizer. Soil P fractions were determined for various soil depth increments. After 4 years of manure and compost applications, leaching of plant‐available P was observed to a soil depth of 30 cm. The differences among treatments for total and inorganic P were significant only at the 0 to 15 cm soil depth increment. Greater concentrations of total, available, and inorganic P fractions were observed for the N‐based manure and compost treatments as these management strategies received more P than P‐b...
Galanin-stimulated high-affinity GTPase activity in plasma membranes from RINm5F cells.

GTPase activity was studied in plasma membranes purified from the clonal β-cell line RINm5F. GTPase activities were identified as two broad classes with high or low affinity for GTP. The low-affinity GTPase activity had a K m >60 μM. In contrast, the high-affinity activity had a K m of 225 nM. Only the high-affinity activity was stimulated by galanin. The stimulated activity had a higher K m (448 nM) and V max (75 pmol P I · min −1 · mg −1 protein) compared with the basal. This does not necessarily reflect a complex mechanism of stimulation. Rather, it may reflect that basal activity most likely results from multiple GTPases, whereas the stimulated activity probably reflects one or two specific GTPases. Galanin stimulated the high-affinity GTPase, over the concentration range in which it inhibits stimulated insulin secretion, to a maximal rate 80% greater than the basal rate. The EC 50 was 5 nM. Murine and porcine galanin had similar potencies and intrinsic activities on the GTPase. Treatment of the RINmSF cells with PTX before making membranes completely eliminated the stimulatory effect of galanin. Thus, galanin stimulates PTX-sensitive GTPase activity in RINm5F cell membranes in a manner consistent with receptor activation.
Echocardiographic predictors of coronary artery pathology in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

Coronary artery pathology is a major determinant of treatment strategy and outcome in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). For this reason, infants with PA/IVS routinely undergo preoperative cardiac catheterization. The goal of this study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of coronary artery pathology in infants with PA/IVS. The initial preoperative echocardiograms of 30 consecutive infants with PA/IVS (median age at diagnosis 1 day) were reviewed for indexes predicting the degree of coronary pathology. The tricuspid valve (TV) annulus diameter Z- score was determined and evidence of abnormal flow in the coronary arteries by Doppler was evaluated. Coronary pathology was defined by angiography and graded as: 0 = no fistulae; 1 = fistulae/no right ventricular (RV)-dependent coronary arteries; 2 = fistulae with 1 RV-dependent coronary; 3 = fistulae with >/=2- vessel RV-dependent coronary arteries. Outcome was classified as: 2 ventricles, "1.5" ventricles, and 1 ventricle. By angiography, 30% of the patients had grade 0 coronary pathology, 30% had grade 1, 20% had grade 2, and 20% had grade 3. There was 1 death in a patient with grade 3 coronary pathology. Among the survivors (median age at follow-up 28. 6 months), biventricular circulation existed in 12 patients (41%), 7 patients (24%) were 1.5, and 10 (34%) were 1 ventricle. All patients with TV Z-score -2.5. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of TV Z-score </=-2.5 in predicting RV dependent coronary arteries were 100%, 83%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. Thus, in newborns with PA/IVS the echocardiographically derived TV Z-score predicts the likelihood of coronary artery fistulae and RV-dependent coronary arteries and can be used to rationalize the need for preoperative diagnostic catheterization.
Family Resemblance in the Thirteenth Century

In 'Universals and Family Resemblances'l Renford Bambrough claimed that Wittgenstein solved the problem of universals, and held that this solution is (quoting Hume on Berkeley on abstract ideas) 'one of the greatest and most valuable discoveries that has been made of late years in the republic of letters'. More recently, J. W. Thorp argued that Wittgenstein, far from solving the problem to which the scholastics addressed themselves, did not even address himself to that problem.2 I want to argue a third view: the doctrine of family resemblance is hoary. The doctrine is at least as old as medieval moderate realism, and perhaps is as old as the Categories. More particularly, I will argue that Aquinas accepted the doctrine, though I think that Abelard, Scotus, and Ockham were also proponents of family resemblance. To simplify matters even further, I will largely confine my discussion to Chapter Three of On Being and Essence.3 If my interpretation of Aquinas' view is correct, Bambrough and Thorp are both wrong, though for different reasons. Naturally, such a claim is always somewhat perverse. We cannot expect Aquinas to have used the language of twentieth century philosophy, nor to have been preoccupied with the same issues that plague ourselves. Aquinas never heard of 'the family resemblance theory', nor even of its Latin equivalent. But though Aquinas' words may have been different, and the context in which he argued might have been different, and though his views on related topics may have differed greatly from Wittgenstein's, that does not prevent his having agreed with, and even argued for, the two claims I take to be central to the theory of family resemblances. The first of these claims is that no two things, both of which are F, ever are F because they possess some third, numerically identical thing, F-ness, in common. (One might object that Wittgenstein never claimed this, but I think Bambrough's Wittgenstein did, and it is with that Wittgenstein that I am concerned here.) This is the anti-realist side of the doctrine. Did Aquinas disagree with this? Aquinas, following the Categories, equated universals with genera and species, and said, 'human nature ... can have the character of a species
Differential compaction mechanism for earth fissures near Casa Grande, Arizona.

Precise gravity measurements indicate that earth fissures or tension cracks caused by ground-water withdrawal within a 10-km 2 area southeast of Casa Grande, Arizona, are associated with relief on the buried interface between the alluvial aquifer and underlying bedrock. All of the fissure zones; which have a cumulative length of >8.7 km, occur above either ridges or steps in the bedrock surface. Intersecting fissure zones overlie intersecting bedrock features, and the angle of intersection of the zones accurately reflects the angle between the bedrock features. These relations suggest that the fissures are forming in response to localized differential compaction caused by localized variations of aquifer-system thickness. Topographic profiles across fissures on undisturbed desert floor confirm differential compaction proportional to the variations in aquifer thickness. The occurrence of the fissures at points of maximum convex-upward curvature in profiles of both the topographic and buried bedrock surfaces indicates that the fissures result from tensile strains caused by bending of the strata above the buried bedrock features in response to the differential compaction. Tensile strains at failure are estimated to range from ∼ 0.02% to 0.2% on the basis of modeling of the bending process.
Sleep Abnormalities in Children With Dravet Syndrome

Abstract Background Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A gene are responsible for the majority of Dravet syndrome cases. There is evidence that the Nav1.1 channel coded by the SCN1A gene is involved in sleep regulation. We evaluated sleep abnormalities in children with Dravet syndrome using nocturnal polysomnography. Methods We identified six children at our institution with genetically confirmed Dravet syndrome who had also undergone formal sleep consultation with nocturnal polysomnography. Indications for polysomnography were parental concern of daytime fatigue or sleepiness, hyperactivity, inattention, disruptive behavior, nighttime awakenings, or nocturnal seizures. Sleep studies were scored according to guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and non–rapid eye movement cyclic alternating pattern was visually identified and scored according to established methods. Results The mean age of the subjects at the time of polysomnography was 6 years. Standard polysomnography did not show any consistent abnormalities in the obstructive or central apnea index, arousal index, sleep efficiency, or architecture. Cyclic alternating pattern analysis on five patients showed an increased mean rate of 50.3% (vs 31% to 34% in neurological normal children) with a mild increase in A1 subtype of 89.4% (vs 84.5%). A2/A3 subtype (5.3% vs 7.3%) and B phase duration (22.4 vs 24.7 seconds) were similar to previously reported findings in neurologically normal children. Conclusion Despite parental concerns for sleep disturbance in patients with Dravet syndrome, we could not identify abnormalities in sleep macroarchitecture. Non–rapid eye movement sleep microarchitecture was, however, abnormal, with increased A1 subtype, somewhat resembling a trace alternant pattern of neonates and possibly suggestive of cortical synaptic immaturity in Dravet syndrome. Larger studies are needed to replicate these results.
Design and operation of a 700 kV arbitrary waveform generator

The control of voltage in an arbitrary manner has lead to fundamental advances in fields which range from music to lasers. Such generators have traditionally been limited to a maximum voltage of 10 V. We have conceived, developed, tested and operated an arbitrary waveform generator with a range of voltages up to 720 kV. These devices have a wide variety of applicability. They are effective, high capability devices for simple square wave generation, and they also allow for a remarkable range of waveforms to be produced. The generators we have built are similar in some ways to solid state Marx generators, but with a novel charging system. The topology - but not the charging system - is also similar to the type of device described by Swanson in US Patent 4,403,197. The topology consists of a set of pulse generators arrayed in series where each pulse generator has a shunt diode. Each of the subunits can be on or off. We array the subunits in series. If M units are on at a voltage V we have voltage MV. We vary M in order to make an arbitrary voltage. The stages are truly independent, so the voltage of an individual stage device never increases due to the action of the other devices. This is in contrast to the action of switching in a series IGBT stack where one slow device will be subjected to N times its rated voltage. The main problem is to charge the stage capacitances C1…CN. We have developed a novel means of charging the stages using air core magnetic flux. We place the stages inside rings which have secondary coils on them. We arrange outside the rings - and with adequate spacing - to have a primary coil which provides a time varying axial magnetic field. The individual stages are charged with voltage multipliers connected to secondaries coupled to the magnetic field. In this paper we describe successful construction and operation of one of these devices up to 720 kV.
Parasitic extraction of interconnections in 3-D packaging using mixed potential integral equation with global basis functions

This paper presented an efficient method to extract the interconnection parasitic elements in 3-D packaging. The use of the MPIE with the global basis functions enables automatic generation of the equivalent circuit, complexity of which can be controlled by the defined model bandwidth. The proposed method is well applied several interconnection examples, and can be extended to modeling practical problems containing large number of interconnections.
The role of dissipation and mixing in exchange flow through a contracting channel

We investigate the transport of mass and momentum between layers in idealized exchange flow through a contracting channel. Lock-exchange initial value problems are run to approximately steady state using a three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic numerical model. The numerical model resolves the large-scale exchange flow and shear instabilities that form at the interface, parameterizing the effects of subgrid-scale turbulence. The closure scheme is based on an assumed steady, local balance of turbulent production and dissipation in a density-stratified fluid. The simulated flows are analysed using a two-layer decomposition and compared with predictions from two-layer hydraulic theory. Inter-layer transport leads to a systematic deviation of the simulated maximal exchange flows from predictions. Relative to predictions, the observed flows exhibit lower Froude numbers, larger transports and wider regions of subcritical flow in the contraction. To describe entrainment and mixing between layers, the computed solutions are decomposed into a three-layer structure, with two bounding layers separated by an interfacial layer of finite thickness and variable properties. Both bounding layers lose fluid to the interfacial layer which carries a significant fraction of the horizontal transport. Entrainment is greatest from the faster moving layer, occurring preferentially downstream of the contraction. Bottom friction exerts a drag on the lower layer, fundamentally altering the overall dynamics of the exchange. An example where bed friction leads to a submaximal exchange is discussed. The external forcing required to sustain a net transport is significantly less than predicted in the absence of bottom stresses.
How Predation Risk Affects the Temporal Dynamics of Avian Leks: Greater Sage Grouse versus Golden Eagles

Abstract: Leks often attract predators as well as mates, yet most evolutionary models have assumed that sexual selection, not predation, drives lekking behavior. We explored the influence of predation on lek dynamics using a stochastic dynamic game model based on the lek‐breeding greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and its principal avian predator, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The model predicts time‐dependent male lek attendance as a function of factors affecting both mating success (female arrival rate, male numbers, and social status) and predation risk (eagle arrival rate and group size). Dominant males are predicted to arrive sooner and leave later than subordinates, especially if mating skew is high, predation risk is low, or the relationship between lek size and female arrival rate is weak. Both high mean levels of predation risk and small lek size should reduce lek attendance, but the relative tendency of predators to attack large versus small leks has little influence on pred...
Species‐specific Seedling Responses to Hurricane Disturbance in a Puerto Rican Rain Forest1

Seedling dynamics were followed in a Puerto Rican forest for 20 months following a severe hurricane to study the interactive effects of hurricane debris, nutrients, and light on seedling diversity, density, growth, and mortality. Three treatments (debris removal, an unaltered control with hurricane debris, and chemical fertilization added to hurricane debris) altered levels of forest debris and soil nutrients. Canopy openness was measured twice using hemispherical photographs of the canopy. We examined the demographic responses of six common species to treatments over time. Seedling densities increased for all six species but the only significant treatment effects were increased densities of the pioneer tree Cecropia and the shrub Palicourea in the debris removal treatment. Seedling growth declined with declining light levels for four species but not for the pioneer tree Alchornea or the non-pioneer tree Dacryodes. Only Cecropia and the non-pioneer tree Chionanthus had treatment effects on growth. Mortality also differed among species and tended to be highest in the fertilized plots for all but Cecropia and Dacryodes. We found only some of the expected differences between pioneer and non-pioneer plants, as each species had a unique response to the patchy distributions of organic debris, nutrients, and light following the hurricane. High local species diversity was maintained through the individualistic responses of seedlings after a disturbance.
Heuristic Optimization Model for the Optimal Layout and Pipe Design of Sewer Systems

The design of urban stormwater systems and sanitary sewer systems consists of solving two problems: generating a layout of the system and the pipe design which includes the crown elevations, slopes and commercial pipe sizes. A heuristic model for determining the optimal (minimum cost) layout and pipe design of a storm sewer network is presented. The hierarchical procedure combines a sewer layout model formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem which is solved using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) and a simulated annealing optimization procedure for the pipe design of a generated layout was developed in Excel. The GAMS and simulated annealing models are interfaced through linkage of Excel and GAMS. The pipe design model is based upon the simulated annealing method to optimize the crown elevations and diameter of pipe segments in a storm sewer network using layouts generated using GAMS. A sample scenario demonstrates that using these methods may allow for significant costs saving while simultaneously reducing the time typically required to design and compare multiple storm sewer networks.
Age Differences in Cerebral Blood Flow During Rest and During Mental Activation Measurements with and Without Monetary Incentive

This experiment compared the diffuse and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) during rest and during cognitive activation with and without incentive-induced arousal in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Two normal rest CBF measurements were followed by two mental mathematics activation CBF measurements. For the first activation measurement, half the participants in each age group were offered monetary incentive for correct performance and half the participants received no monetary incentive. All participants were offered monetary incentive on the final activation measurement. Older participants had lower resting blood flow at all detectors, but age-related reductions in blood flow were statistically significant only in anterior and inferior rolandic regions. The effect of monetary incentive was to increase blood flow at the inferior rolandic detector in both hemispheres. The CBF response to cognitive activation and monetary incentive did not differ in the three age groups.
Epitaxial Growth of AlN on Si Substrates with Intermediate 3C-SiC as Buffer Layers

Single crystalline AlN was successfully grown on a 3C-SiC coated Si (111) substrate by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy. The 3C-SiC film was obtained via the conversion of the Si near-surface region to SiC using gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. The quality of the AlN was mainly controlled by that of the SiC. The effects of Si pits and SiC hillocks formed during the conversion on subsequent AlN growth are discussed. Process optimization is suggested to improve the SiC buffer layer for subsequent AlN deposition.
Growth of the Green Cloverworm and a Thermal-Unit System for Development

Green cloverworm, Plathypena scabra , (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), development was studied at various temperatures. Egg-to-adult green cloverworm development ranged from 80.3 days at 60°F for combined males and females to 28.5 days at 85°F. Development of males was significantly longer (2.4 days) than that of females. A thermal-unit system for combined GCW development was established. Accumulations of 123, 630, and 875 thermal units were required for egg, larval, and pupal development.
The Influence of Gender on Non-Academic Skills Associated With Post-School Employment and Further Education:

Gender differences have been found in post-school outcomes of students with disabilities, yet these differences are rarely examined. To determine whether male and female high school students with disabilities scored differently in non-academic behaviors known to affect post-school education and employment measured by the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator, we analyzed scores provided by 1,537 high school students with disabilities, 836 family members, and 139 professionals from 30 states. Findings revealed no difference in full-scale scores on Professional or Student versions based on gender of the student. Family members’ overall scores for females were significantly higher, yet the difference was slight. Some differences were found at the construct level on all three versions. Construct differences and implications are discussed.
Epidemic characteristics of scarlet fever in Henan province from 2004 to 2010

Aim:To analyze the epidemic characteristics of scarlet fever in Henan province from 2004 to 2010.Methods:Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the surveillance data of scarlet fever in Henan province during 2004~2010.Results:A total of 5 082 cases were reported from 2004 to 2010,the average yearly incidence was 0.769 2 per 100 000,and 0.963 6 per 100 000 for the males,0.563 6 per 100 000 for the females. The cases were mainly sporadic,and there were no outbreaks and death.The lowest and highest incidences were 0.553 4 per 100 000 in 2010 and 0.998 7 per 100 000 in 2007.Most cases were distributed in central and northern areas of Henan province. The epidemic perk periods were April and December. Most cases were aged below 15.Conclusion:Scarlet fever is mainly sporadic in Henan province. Disease surveillance should be strengthened in primary schools,middle schools and kindergartens.
Phase II trial of concurrent 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, cetuximab, and intensity moduled radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally advanced head and neck cancer

6014 Background: This phase II study was conducted to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of incorporating cetuximab and simultaneous integrated boost intensity modulated radiation (SIB-IMRT) in...
Work Incentive Practices and Policies in the People’s Republic of China, 1953-1965

(1968). Work Incentive Practices and Policies in the People’s Republic of China, 1953-1965. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 256-258.
The dynamics of strategy and manufacturing technology relationship: a process framework

This paper proposes a framework that explains the causal role of flexible automation technology in business strategy formulation. By describing a firm's technology as an evolving competency system due to computer integration of tools and an external change in industry technology, the framework portrays it as an independent and strategic variable. By elaborating the foundations of strategy as both environmental and internal to a firm, the framework suggests that strategies can be deliberately planned based upon changes in manufacturing competencies or changes in the external environment. The emergent view of strategy is at the same time recognized. The paper offers an illustrative typology that can be used to examine whether different technologies are associated with different strategic orientations.
744. Optimizing Conditions for Aptamer Folding Using a High-Throughput Aptamer Fluorescence Binding and Internalization (AFBI) Assay

Aptamers are small structured RNA or DNA oligonucleotides that bind target molecules with high avidity and affinity. Aptamer selection begins with a hugely complex library of aptamer sequences that are enriched for a specific target using the SELEX process, Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponentional enrichment. An important consideration in the SELEX process is the protocol used to fold aptamers into their active conformations. The folding conditions include multiple variables, such as temperature, buffer components, incubation time and aptamer concentration. Aptamer folding protocols vary widely across the aptamer field, and most published folding conditions primarily describe only temperature and folding time. To understand how variations in folding conditions impact aptamer function, we developed a novel high-throughput assay to interrogate the optimal folding conditions of several published aptamers. The Aptamer Fluorescence Binding and Internalization (AFBI) assay is a cell-based platform that uses a 96-well plate format to rapidly and efficiently screen multiple fluorescent-labelled aptamers against hundreds of conditions. The AFBI assay can be applied to rapidly determine aptamer binding constants (Kd) on cells, time course of aptamer internalization and cross reactivity of aptamers against different cell types.Using the AFBI assay, we screened several different folding parameters against published aptamers. We found that the buffer components contributed significantly more to an aptamer's function than any other examined factor. The concentration of an aptamer during folding was important for some aptamers but not others, including aptamers that originated from the same selection. Most surprising was that most temperature protocols had little impact on aptamer function after folding, the exception being that high temperature (95°C) often attenuated aptamer function. In summary, our data using the AFBI assay revealed that aptamer folding is more dependent on buffer components than the temperature protocol. Furthermore, aptamers derived from the same selection may have different optimal folding conditions. These data demonstrate that optimal aptamer folding protocols need to be more carefully interrogated on a per aptamer basis and reported in detail to allow for efficacious and reproducible results.
E-014 Management of Blood Pressure for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Modern Era of Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background Five recent trials provided level 1 evidence for the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in select patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. With the expectation that endovascular intervention for acute ischemic stroke will be increasingly used, it is important to consider other factors that might further improve clinical outcome in these patients. One of these could potentially be how we manage blood pressure in the acute period following mechanical thrombectomy, for which there are currently no specific guidelines. The objective of this study was to investigate the consensus practices for the management of blood pressure post-mechanical thrombectomy via a web-based survey study. Methods IRB approval was obtained for a 10 question web-based survey study. This questionnaire was distributed to a targeted group of physicians that included vascular neurologists, neurointensivists, and neurointerventionalists. A total of 88 complete responses were analyzed. Results: Responses were relatively well-distributed between vascular neurologists (26%), neurointensivists (31%), and neurointerventionalists (35%). Majority of responders were employed at comprehensive stroke centers (72%), saw >500 annual stroke admits (52%), and had access to endovascular stroke therapies (97%). A significant diversity in opinion was noted with regards to the main question of this study i.e. blood pressure management post-mechanical thrombectomy (Figure 1). Interestingly, this finding differed from the response to our final question, where the majority (59%) of responders did not believe that TICI 2 b versus TICI 3 vessel recanalization should influence optimal systolic blood pressure goals (Figure 2). Conclusion This study shows a clear disparity of opinion with regard to blood pressure management following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Optimal blood pressure management following recanalization may play a role in improving clinical outcomes for these patients. Hence, we believe that there is a need for future prospective trials addressing this issue. Disclosures S. Mannava: None. A. Garg: None.
Price Regulation and Pipeline Transmission Capacity

A considerable literature has extolled the virtues of transitioning away from rate-of-return regulation for infrastructure-intensive industries. I find that for a large-scale transmission network like the U.S. natural gas pipeline system, transmission capacity under rate-of-return regulation may be suppressed relative to that which occurs under a more flexible price cap regime. My results have specific implications for the U.S. natural gas market, as well as more general implications for the regulation of transmission network infrastructure, which emanate from the well-known effects of congestion on the economic efficiency of markets served by such networks.
Social and psychological studies of plastic surgery. past, present, and future.

In contrast to the steady and even dramatic progress made in the surgical arena, the accumulation of relevant knowledge about the social and psychological aspects of disfigurement and plastic surgery has been, until the last decade, slow, sporadic, and one-sided. The author traces her own interest in this area and reflects on the issues that face the patient who seeks reconstructive or esthetic plastic surgery.
On exact solution approaches for bilevel quadratic 0–1 knapsack problem

We consider the bilevel quadratic knapsack problem (BQKP) that model settings where a leader appropriates a budget for a follower, who solves a quadratic 0–1 knapsack problem. BQKP generalizes the bilevel knapsack problem introduced by Dempe and Richter (Cent Eur J Oper Res 8(2):93–107, 2000), where the follower solves a linear 0–1 knapsack problem. We present an exact-solution approach for BQKP based on extensions of dynamic programs for QKP bounds and the branch-and-backtrack algorithm. We compare our approach against a two-phase method computed using an optimization solver in both phases: it first computes the follower’s value function for all feasible leader’s decisions, and then solves a single-level, value-function reformulation of BQKP as a mixed-integer quadratically constrained program. Our computational experiments show that our approach for solving BQKP outperforms the two-phase method computed by a commercial state-of-the-art optimization software package.
Pharmacodynamic Models of Differential Bortezomib Signaling Across Several Cell Lines of Multiple Myeloma.

The heterogeneous polyclonal nature of multiple myeloma complicates the identification of protein biomarkers predictive of drug response. In this study, a pharmacodynamic systems modeling approach was used to link in vitro bortezomib exposure and myeloma cell death. The exposure-response was integrated through a network of important protein biomarker dynamics activated by bortezomib in four myeloma cell lines. The pharmacodynamic models reasonably characterized the protein and myeloma cell dynamics simultaneously following bortezomib (20 nM) treatment. The models were used to identify differences in pathway dynamics across cell lines from model-estimated protein biomarker turnover parameters and global sensitivity analyses. Additionally, a statistical correlation analysis between drug sensitivity and model-fitted protein activation profiles (i.e., cumulative area under the protein expression-time curves) supported the identification of shared biomarkers associated with sensitivity differences among the cell lines. Both types of analysis identified similar important proteins associated with bortezomib pharmacodynamics, such as phosphorylated Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (pNFkappaB), phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), and caspase-8 (Cas 8).
An Interdivision Mentoring Program: Doctoral Students as Mentors for Preservice Teachers

A recent surge in scholarship related to doctoral education in physical education teacher education has raised questions about the effectiveness of doctoral programs in preparing students to fill the role of teacher educator. Given that most doctoral program graduates seek positions as teacher educators, they are responsible for educating the next generation of preservice physical educators and need to be adequately prepared for the role. Inviting doctoral students to serve as mentors for small groups of preservice teachers during methods courses and early field experiences taught by experienced faculty members represent one way doctoral students can practice the role of teacher educator in a supervised environment. Further, in these arrangements, preservice teachers get attention and feedback beyond what is possible when a single instructor teaches the course. This paper provides practical guidance for implementing a mentoring program, including potential benefits and challenges, and gives recommendations for research and practice.Subscribe to TPE
High sulfur content photo-bleached polymer waveguides for mid-infrared optical applications (Conference Presentation)

For the first time, a high sulfur content polymer has been photo-bleached to yield an optical waveguide suitable for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) photonics. The polymer was synthesized by inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with the organic monomer 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene (DIB) to produce the polymeric material poly(sulfur-r-(1,3-diisopropenylbenze)) (poly(s-r-DIB)). This glassy, red polymer is available in bulk/solution form and affords easy processability. This novel polymer is extremely low cost, displays high refractive index (1.8), and is transparent at most short-wave infrared (SWIR) and MWIR wavelengths. These attributes make it highly desirable and a more suitable substitute to commercially available alternatives, such as chalcogenide glasses, which can be toxic, expensive and difficult to process. In this work, we demonstrate that photo-bleaching of the polymer occurs when exposed to intense UV light, inducing a change in the refractive index. The index can thereby also be tuned by changing the exposure parameters and the ambient atmospheric conditions. This phenomenon was used to fabricate optical waveguides suitable for SWIR and MWIR wavelengths. Optical characterization of the waveguides was performed to measure the propagation losses of the material. The low cost of the material and the facile nature of the fabrication and processing enables high reproducibility making this system desirable for a multitude of photonic applications such as on-chip spectroscopy and frequency combs.
Compensation for cold-induced thermogenesis during weight loss maintenance and regain.

Prevalence of obesity is exacerbated by low rates of successful long-term weight loss maintenance (WLM). In part, relapse from WLM to obesity is due to a reduction in energy expenditure (EE) that p...
Cinematic rendering of skin and subcutaneous soft tissues: potential applications in acute trauma

Skin and subcutaneous (SQ) findings are important clinical clues in assessing the mechanism and severity of traumatic injury. These findings can help the radiologist pinpoint the site of injury and perform a focused assessment of the underlying deeper tissues. However, these clues are difficult to perceive on 2D CT images and can be overlooked. Cinematic rendering (CR) is a novel 3D imaging technique that generates photorealistic views based on a new lighting model. CR can be optimized to provide renderings of the skin, SQ tissues, and underlying musculature. Depth perception, soft tissue differentiation, as well as the visualization of lacerations and gunshot wounds can also be enhanced by CR. Potentially significant information in assessing the extent of acute trauma and associated complications can be gleaned through the use of CR.
Naval Wholesale Inventory Optimization

The U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Weapon Systems Support, manages an inventory of approximately 400,000 maritime and aviation line items valued at over $20 billion. This work describes NAVSUP’s Wholesale Inventory Optimization Model (WIOM), which helps NAVSUP’s planners establish inventory levels. Under certain assumptions, WIOM determines optimal reorder points (ROPs) to minimize expected shortfalls from fill rate targets and deviations from legacy solutions. Each item’s demand is modeled probabilistically, and negative expected deviations from target fill rates are penalized with nonlinear terms (conveniently approximated by piecewise linear functions). WIOM’s solution obeys a budget constraint. The optimal ROPs and related expected safety stock levels are used by NAVSUP’s Enterprise Resource Planning system to trigger requisitions for procurement and/or repair of items based on forecasted demand. WIOM solves cases with up to 20,000 simultaneous items using both a direct method and Lagrangian relaxation. In particular, this proves to be more efficient in certain cases that would otherwise take many hours to produce a solution.
Chapter 13 – Tremor

This chapter discusses the large variety of diagnoses in childhood where tremor may be a prominent feature. Tremor is common in children. While not life-threatening, it sometimes causes significant impairment. In young children, tremor often indicates a mild static encephalopathy. In adolescents, prominent etiologies include enhanced physiologic tremor due to stress or anxiety, medication-induced or substance abuse–induced tremors, essential tremor, and functional (psychogenic) tremors. This chapter provides a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment of tremor in childhood, based on childhood development, epidemiology, primary features, associated symptoms, and understanding of neuroanatomy and pathophysiology.
Excitation of the Metastable E Σ g + 3 State of N 2 by Electron Impact

The contribution of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}(E^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}^{+})$ state to the total metastable excitation function of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ was assessed on the basis of previous time-of-flight studies of metastable nitrogen molecules. As a result, the cross section for electron-impact excitation of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}(E^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}^{+})$ state was determined in the domain of the resonance from threshold (11.87 eV) to an energy of about 13 eV. The maximum value of the cross section was found to be about 7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at an energy of 12.2 eV. The measurement was made absolute by using the previously determined yield of the metastable detector, the lifetime of the $E$ state and eliminating the energy spread in the electron beam from the primary data. The half-width (full width at half-maximum) of the resonance like excitation function near threshold was found to be about 0.4 eV. No substantial evidence was obtained from the present data for the presence of the nonresonant part of the excitation function for the $E^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}^{+}$ state.
Identification of Vaccinia Virus Inhibitors and Cellular Functions Necessary for Efficient Viral Replication by Screening Bioactives and FDA-Approved Drugs

Four decades after the eradication of smallpox, poxviruses continue to threaten the health of humans and other animals. Vaccinia virus (VACV) was used as the vaccine that successfully eradicated smallpox and is a prototypic member of the poxvirus family. Many cellular pathways play critical roles in productive poxvirus replication. These pathways provide opportunities to expand the arsenal of poxvirus antiviral development by targeting the cellular functions required for efficient poxvirus replication. In this study, we developed and optimized a secreted Gaussia luciferase-based, simplified assay procedure suitable for high throughput screening. Using this procedure, we screened a customized compound library that contained over 3200 bioactives and FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved chemicals, most having known cellular targets, for their inhibitory effects on VACV replication. We identified over 140 compounds that suppressed VACV replication. Many of these hits target cellular pathways previously reported to be required for efficient VACV replication, validating the effectiveness of our screening. Importantly, we also identified hits that target cellular functions with previously unknown roles in the VACV replication cycle. Among those in the latter category, we verified the antiviral role of several compounds targeting the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway by showing that STAT3 inhibitors reduced VACV replication. Our findings identify pathways that are candidates for use in the prevention and treatment of poxvirus infections and additionally provide a foundation to investigate diverse cellular pathways for their roles in poxvirus replications.
Enhancing Address Translations in Throughput Processors via Compression

Efficient memory sharing among multiple compute engines plays an important role in shaping the overall application performance on CPU-GPU heterogeneous platforms. Unified Virtual Memory (UVM) is a promising feature that allows globally-visible data structures and pointers such that the GPU can access the physical memory space on the CPU side, and take advantage of the host OS paging mechanism without explicit programmer effort. However, a key requirement for the guaranteed performance is effective hardware support of address translation. Particularly, we observe that GPU execution suffers from high TLB miss rates in a UVM environment, especially for irregular and/or memory-intensive applications. In this paper, we propose simple yet effective compression mechanisms for address translations to improve GPU TLB hit rates. Specifically, we explore and leverage the TLB compressibility during the execution of GPU applications to design efficient address translation compression with minimal runtime overhead. Experimental results across 22 applications indicate that our proposed approach significantly improves GPU TLB hit rates, which translate to 12% average performance improvement. Particularly, for 16 irregular and/or memory-intensive applications, the performance improvements achieved reach up to 69.2%, with an average of 16.3%.