cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-in-one: combined targeted chemo and gene therapy for tumor suppression and prevention of metastases

Aims: To develop an approach for the effective treatment of ovarian tumor, prevention of metastases and limitation of side effects. Materials & Methods: In order to combine chemotherapy with genotherapy, we constructed a nanoscale-based tumor-targeted system containing two anticancer drugs, two antisense oligonucleotides (suppressors of cellular resistance) and a ligand specific to receptors overexpressed in cancer cells. The system was tested in a mouse metastatic xenograft model using tumor isolates from patients with ovarian carcinoma. Results: Treatment with the proposed nanosystem decreased primary tumor, prevented intraperitoneal metastases and limited adverse side effects. Conclusions: The advantages of the proposed targeted complex treatment of primary aggressive ovarian tumor and prevention of metastases make the proposed approach promising for clinical applications.
Children's answers to yes-no questions: A developmental study in English, French, and Korean.

A cross-linguistic study of the development of answering systems to yes-no questions was conducted, with particular emphasis on the answering systems for negative questions (e.g., Wasn't John at the party).
Tracking ground targets with measurements obtained from a single monocular camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle

In this paper, a novel method is presented for tracking ground targets from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) outfitted with a single monocular camera. The loss of observability resulting from the use of a single monocular camera is dealt with by constraining the target vehicle to follow ground terrain. An unscented Kalman filter (UKF) provides a simultaneous localization and mapping solution for the estimation of aircraft states and feature locations, which define the target's local environment. Another filter, a loosely coupled Kalman filter for the target states, receives 3D measurements of target position with estimated covariance obtained by an unscented transformation (UT). The UT uses the mean and covariance from the camera measurements and from the UKF estimated aircraft states and feature locations to determine the estimated target mean and covariance. Simulation results confirm the concepts developed.
Quantification of Modeling-Induced Uncertainties in Simulation-Based Analyses

Traditional uncertainty quantification in simulation-based analyses typically focuses upon the quantification of parametric uncertainties: the uncertainties inherent to the input parameters of the simulation. This type of uncertainty often represents the inherent variability of natural systems due to incomplete information or implicit variations in the system itself. However, when simulation-based models are used to evaluate the performance of a system, an additional level of uncertainty is introduced (one often not rigorously considered in probabilistic design): modeling-induced uncertainty. This work adapts uncertainty quantification for the multiple forms of uncertainties into a single framework to quantify the uncertainty in an analysis from not only the inherent variability of the parameters but also the uncertainties induced by the modeling process itself. By using Bayesian statistics, a stochastic representation of model results can be constructed in the presence of given data. These data can then ...
DUE PROCESS AND THE DETERRENCE RATIONALE FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES

Courts in the U.S. have widely recognized that punitive damages can be justified on grounds of either deterrence or retribution. As conventionally justified, however, the deterrence rationale for punitive damages apparently violates the federal constitutional requirement of due process for reasons that are likely to be of concern for any jurisdiction that justifies punitive damages in this manner. To promote the objective of general deterrence, tort law must subject risky actors to liability for the full cost of the injuries that they have tortiously inflicted on others. Liability for compensatory damages can achieve this outcome, but in many cases the tortious actor is not sued by the full set of victims. The ensuing liability shortfall can be offset by the award of punitive damages to those victims who successfully sue and recover compensatory damages. These punitive awards, however, are based on nonparty harms for which the defendant has otherwise avoided liability. Consequently, if harms to nonparties are excluded from the damages calculation as a matter of due process, then it would seem to follow that courts are prevented from formulating punitive damages to further the social interest in general deterrence.The limitation of punitive damages to the amount required to vindicate the plaintiff’s tort right, however, does not prevent these awards from furthering the social interest in general deterrence. In a mass market, the rights-violation suffered by the plaintiff/consumer (e.g., physical harm caused by the defectively designed product) is no different from the violations faced by a large number of similarly situated rightholders (other consumers in the market exposed to the defective product). Due to the interdependence of rights-violations in mass markets, a punitive award that fully vindicates the plaintiff’s tort right will necessarily account for the manner in which the defendant failed to adequately account for the interests of similarly situated rightholders. Punitive damages can further the social interest in general deterrence, even though the fundamental requirement of due process limits a defendant’s tort liability to the amount of damages that vindicate the plaintiff’s individual tort right.
Pathologic characteristics of solitary small renal masses: can they be predicted by preoperative clinical parameters?

We studied the pathologic features and whether clinical features could predict pathologic outcomes in small renal masses. The study included all adult patients with solitary, nonmetastatic renal masses 4 cm or smaller confirmed by nephrectomy or needle biopsy between 2004 and 2006. Tumor size, histologic type, Fuhrman nuclear grade, and stage were obtained from surgical pathology reports. Clinical variables included age, sex, tumor size, and symptomatology. The study included 290 men and 198 women (mean age, 59.3 years). Median tumor size was 2.6 cm (range, 0.5-4.0 cm). Approximately 84% of masses were incidentally detected. Nonneoplastic entities, benign neoplasms, and low- and high-grade carcinoma accounted for 1.6%, 18.0%, 49.0%, and 31.4% of masses, respectively. Women were more likely to have a benign mass (27.3% vs 14.5% of men, P < .001). Age (P = .56), tumor size (mean, 2.63 vs 2.46 cm for benign; P = .08), and symptomatology (P = .46) were not associated with malignancy. Multivariate analyses using sex, age, tumor size, and symptomatology failed to produce a model useful to predict the pathology of individual tumors. This inability may argue for an increased role for needle biopsy in their evaluation. During the past few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of small renal masses, owing in part to the increased use of abdominal cross-sectional imaging in a workup for an unrelated condition. 1-3 Although the majority of small renal masses represent renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a significant proportion is ultimately found to be benign or nonneoplastic on histopathologic examination. In a large 30-year retrospective study, Frank et al 4 found that 221 (23.3%) of 947 renal masses measuring less than 4 cm were benign. More recently, Snyder et al 5 found that 98 (18.5%) of 531 renal masses measuring 4 cm or less were benign. In addition, most small RCCs are low-grade. In the series by Frank et al, 4 81.3% of RCCs measuring less than 5 cm had
Synthetic scleral reinforcement materials: I. Development and in vivo tissue biocompatibility response.

Abstract The surgical treatment of pathological myopia involves the placement of a band cut from donor sclera around the back of the globe to provide support and to prevent elongation that leads to retinal detachment and blindness. In the search for a synthetic material that would overcome the disadvantages of the donor tissue band, we tested 11 types of bands made from 14 polymers in rabbit eyes. Bands were cut from porous and solid materials, as well as porous materials coated with solids and solid materials with porous patches affixed to the posterior surface. Criteria for suitability and biocompatibility included ease of placement and suturing, stable positioning, and absence of long-term tissue response on a cellular level. Testing included evaluation by the surgeons performing the implantations, measurement of the distance between the band and the globe, determination of fibrous capsule thickness and amount of collagen deposition, and enumeration of macrophages accumulated at the band/capsule interface. Based on the results of these studies, two of the porous materials (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and porous polyurethane fabric) and two of the composite materials (porous polyurethane fabric coated with polyacrylonitrile and silicone with microvilli cut into the posterior surface) were selected for further study.
Morphological Classification, Response to Therapy, and Survival in 263 Adult Patients With Acute Nonlymphoblastic Leukemia

Bone marrow smears of 263 protocol patients with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) and related disorders treated between 1970 and 1978 at MSKCC were reviewed blindly by two pairs of hematomorphologists and classified according to the FAB system. It was found necessary to add one category (MO) for acute undifferentiated leukemia and to define more precise quantitative criteria for the categories M1-M6 based on bone marrow differential counts. Using this modified FAB classification, agreement between the two observer groups based on morphology alone was 69%. Cytochemical stains were essential in establishing the diagnosis in 9%, led to a change of diagnosis by one observer team in 14%, and helped to confirm the diagnosis in 32% of cases. Complete remission rates, remission duration, and survival were not significantly different among diagnostic categories. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS: M6, RAEB, CMML; CR rate 48%) and ANLL without differentiation (M0, M1, M5a; CR rate 50%) appeared to do less well than ANLL with partial differentiation (M2, M3, M4, M5b; CR rate 59%) on all three protocols studied. Auer rods were present in 53% of all cases with 63% in the myeloid categories (M1-M4). Auer rods were found to be the single most important prognostic parameter in this study, with a complete remission (CR) rate of 68% in the Auer-rod- positive and of 40% in the Auer-rod-negative group (p < 0.0001). Survival was significantly longer for patients exhibiting Auer rods (p < 0.0002). Median survival for the total group was 13.5 mo and median remission duration for responders was 11.5 mo in the Auer-rod-positive group compared to 6.2 mo median survival and 9.2 mo median remission duration for the Auer-rod-negative group.
The figure of Mars and its effect on radar-ranging.

Formulae are given which indicate the errors made in computing the radar-range to a planet when one assumes the planet to have a spherical surface, centered at the center of mass. These formulae are evaluated for Mars, using an ellipsoidal fit of the martian surface obtained from the occultation measurements of the Mariner 9 spacecraft. The secularlike part of the errors amounts to about 4 km in range over the past 3 oppositions, due mainly to the flattening of 0.006 and to a 3 km southerly displacement of the center of figure from the center of mass. The method of solution is given in the appendix along with a method for applying the ellipsoidal model to the reduction of radar-range data.
Gene sequence and properties of an s-triazine ring-cleavage enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. strain NRRLB-12227.

Pesticides based on the s-triazine ring structure are widely used in cultivation of food crops. Cleavage of the s-triazine ring is an important step in the mineralization of s-triazine compounds and hence in their complete removal from the environment. Cyanuric acid amidohydrolase cleaves cyanuric acid (2,4,6-trihydroxy-s-triazine), which yields carbon dioxide and biuret; the biuret is subject to further metabolism, which yields CO2 and ammonia. The trzD gene encoding cyanuric acid amidohydrolase was cloned into pMMB277 from Pseudomonas sp. strain NRRLB-12227, a strain that is capable of utilizing s-triazines as nitrogen sources. Hydrolysis of cyanuric acid was detected in crude extracts of Escherichia coli containing the cloned gene by monitoring the disappearance of cyanuric acid and the appearance of biuret by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). DEAE and hydrophobic interaction HPLC were used to purify cyanuric acid amidohydrolase to homogeneity, and a spectrophotometric assay for the purified enzyme was developed. The purified enzyme had an apparent Km of 0.05 mM for cyanuric acid at pH 8.0. The enzyme did not cleave any other s-triazine or hydroxypyrimidine compound, although barbituric acid (2,4,6-trihydroxypyrimidine) was found to be a strong competitive inhibitor. Neither the nucleotide sequence of trzD nor the amino acid sequence of the gene product exhibited a significant level of similarity to any known gene or protein.
Power density optimization for micro thermoelectric generators

Microfabricated thermoelectric generators (mTEGs) can harvest modest temperature differences to provide reliable solid-state electricity for low-power electronics, sensors in distributed networks, and biomedical devices. While past work on mTEGs has focused on fabrication and demonstration, here we derive and explore comprehensive design guidelines for optimizing power output. A new closed-form thermoelectric device model agrees well with the traditional iterative approach. When thermoelectric leg length is limited by thin-film fabrication techniques, a very low (<10%) active thermoelectric fill fraction is required to optimize device power output, requiring careful selection of filler material. Parasitic resistance due to electrical interconnects is significant when a small number of thermocouples is used, and this loss can be reduced by increasing the number of thermocouples while decreasing the cross-sectional area of the legs to maintain the same fill fraction. Finally, a discussion of the “incompleteness of ZT” shows that different combinations of thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient resulting in the same ZT will result in different device performance and optimization decisions. For mTEGs, we show it is best to increase Seebeck coefficient, followed by decreasing thermal conductivity for short leg lengths and increasing electrical conductivity for long leg lengths.
Investigation of GaP/Si heteroepitaxy on MOCVD prepared Si(100) surfaces

Antiphase-domain (APD) free growth of GaP on Si has been achieved on Si surfaces prepared in situ by etching with AsH3. The pre-nucleation AsH3 etching removes O and C contaminants at a relatively low temperature, and creates a single-domain arsenic-terminated Si surface. The As-As dimer rows are all parallel to the step edges, and subsequent GaP growth by MOCVD retains this dimerization orientation. Both LEED and TEM indicate that the resulting epilayer is APD-free, and could thereby serve as a template for III–V/Si multijunction solar cells.
Deconvoluting the Reaction Path from B10H14 Plus BH4− to B12H122−. Can Theory Make a Contribution?

Reactions of boron hydrides can involve many competing pathways and intermediates. One example is the reaction of the borohydride anion BH4 − with decaborane(14) B10H14 to form the dodecaborohydride dianion (B12H12 2−). Presumably, the reaction involves the addition of two BH4 − anions and the elimination of five hydrogen molecules. Gas phase optimizations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level followed by implicit solvation modeling with CPCM (Conductor-like polarized model) are used to provide insights into the reaction mechanism.
Combustion syntheses for BaTi4O9 and PbxBa1–x Ti4O9

BaTi4O9 and PbxBa1−x Ti4O9, where x is 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5, have been prepared by a combustion synthesis process. The process starts with spray drying aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2, Ba(NO3)2, TiO(NO3)2, and β-alanine with appropriate ratios. Combustion reactions occur when heating the spray-dried products to 300 °C, which convert them to BaTi4O9 and PbxBa1−xTi4O9 directly. PbxBa1−xTi4O9 (x ≧ 0.1) are low temperature, metastable phases and have not been reported before. Pb0.5Ba0.5Ti4O9 is unstable above 800 °C and cannot be sintered. All PbxBa1−xTi4O9 compositions will decompose by 1300 °C, the temperature for solid state synthesis of BaTi4O9. Single-phase PbxBa1−xTi4O9 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4), however, have been sintered at relatively lower temperatures.
Norms, goals, and the study of thinking

Elqayam & Evans (E&E) argue that the major objective of research on human thinking should be the development of descriptive theories, and they challenge normativism – “the belief that people ought to conform to a normative standard” (target article, sect. 1, para. 10). I contend that although their argument for the importance of developing descriptive theories is compelling, normative theories are also important, not only for improving thinking but for investigating and understanding it as well.
P2-S9.13 African- and Mexican-American adolescent women with sti and a history of abuse: biological outcome of a randomised trial of behavioural intervention

Background To implement a randomised trial of a risk-reduction intervention consisting of small group sessions, individual counselling and support groups for African- and Mexican-American adolescent women with STI and abuse history and evaluate the effects of the intervention model vs enhanced counselling for this group on STI at 6 and 12 month follow-up. Methods Mexican- and African-American adolescent women (n=409, 13–18 years) with STI and a history of abuse (physical, psychological, sexual) were recruited from public-health clinics in a metropolitan area of the USA. Following enrolment participants received targeted physical exams including contraception counselling and interviews including assessments for abuse, sexual risk behaviour, substance use, contraceptive use and STI. Participants were encouraged to return for unscheduled visits as needed for counselling or suspected STI or pregnancy. Scheduled follow-up rates at 6 (93%) and 12 (93%) months were high Participation in risk-reduction interventions was also high (92%). Surveillance for STI and pregnancy at off-site clinic visits was conducted and documented throughout the study. Results At study entry, participants reported sexual (58.9%), physical (76.8%) and psychological (82.4%) abuse histories, ever pregnant (45%), currently pregnant (18.7%), ever used birth control (29.9%), currently in school (63.2%), previous arrest (56.2%), home runaway (54.5%), any substance use (94.1%) including marijuana (82.6%), heroin (13.4%), cigarettes (74.6%), alcohol (77.5%), cocaine (41.1%) and benzodiazepine (45%); forced sex (29.1%), sex when high/out of control (13.9%), sex with friends for benefits (36.2%), steady partner in last 3 months (77.4%) however off and on (31.4%). More workshop vs control group participants reported physical abuse (82.9% vs 71.0%), home runaway (63.1% vs 46.4%), cigarettes (78.9% vs 70.5%) and alcohol use (81.4% vs 73.8%). More control group participants were currently in school (68.1% vs 58.1%) and had used condoms (95.3% vs 86.4%). These variables plus age/ethnicity were initially included in the regression model for analysis of data from 0 to 6 and 0–12 month follow-ups. Fewer STI re-infections for intervention vs control group participants at each study interval were identified; physical abuse and substance use remained in the model. Conclusions Behavioral interventions may reduce of STI among African-and Mexican-American adolescent women with STI and a history of abuse.
Abstract 372: Endothelial epsin deficiency decreases tumor growth by enhancing VEGF signaling.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC To examine the angiogenic role of endothelial epsins, a family of ubiquitin binding endocytic clathrin adaptors, we generated mice with constitutive or inducible deletion of epsins 1 and 2 in vascular endothelium. These mice exhibited no abnormal phenotypes under normal conditions, suggesting that lack of endothelial epsins 1 and 2 does not affect normal blood vessels. However, adult mice lacking endothelial epsins 1 and 2 exhibited highly disorganized tumor vasculature, significantly increased vascular permeability, and markedly retarded tumor growth. Mechanistically, we show that VEGF promotes binding of epsin to ubiquitinated VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Loss of epsins 1 and 2 specifically impairs endocytosis and degradation of VEGFR2 which results in excessive VEGF signaling that compromises tumor vascular function by exacerbating non-productive leaky angiogenesis. This suggests that tumor vasculature requires a balance in VEGF signaling to provide sufficient productive angiogenesis for tumor development, and that endothelial epsins 1 and 2 negatively regulate the output of VEGF signaling. Thus, promoting excessive VEGF signaling within tumors via a block of epsin 1 and 2 function, may represent a strategy to prevent normal angiogenesis in cancer patients who are resistant to anti-VEGF therapies. Citation Format: Hong Chen, Pasula Satish, Xiaofeng Cai, Yunzhou Dong, Baojun Chang. Endothelial epsin deficiency decreases tumor growth by enhancing VEGF signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 372. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-372 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
EVALUATION OF GAUCHO EXTRA AND CRUISER AGAINST SOIL INSECTS IN FIELD CORN, 2005

The efficacy of two insecticide seed treatments, Gaucho Extra and Cruiser, were evaluated against soil insects in field corn at the Macon Ridge Research Station near Winnsboro, LA. Corn seed were planted into a Gigger-Gilbert silt loam soil (pH = 6.2, 1% organic matter) on 18 Mar and 15 Apr for tests one and two, respectively. Plots consisted of four rows centered on 40 inches and 35 ft in length. Treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. All insecticides were applied as seed treatments with the exception of Lorsban which was applied at planting with a John Deere 7300 Series row crop planter and T-Banding attachments. Plots were evaluated during V1 to V4 plant growth stages for seeding injury by soil insects. Plant populations were recorded at the V6 growth stage. Grain yield was also measured with a mechanical harvester from the center two rows. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated according to DMRT (P = 0.05).
How can flexibility on the line side best be exploited on the client side

High order digital coherent modulation schemes and adaptive modulation techniques allow flexible rate DWDM line transmission to maximize the transmission capacity of an optical path. We show that FlexE on the client side enables low cost DCI transport devices to take advantage of flexible rate line transmission without the need to incorporate scalable grooming fabrics in the transport device.
Microsensor and microdialysis technology. Advanced techniques in the management of severe head injury.

Microsensor and microdialysis technologies provide new opportunities in the monitoring of patients with head injuries. It is now possible to analyze cerebral oxygenation parameters and correlate those findings with neurochemical analysis on an hourly basis. Some of the possibilities of these advanced technologies include earlier detection and treatment of ischemia, individualization of therapeutic treatments, and improved understanding of the cellular sequelae occurring after traumatic brain injury. The neuroscience nurse can use these technologies to improve patient outcomes and further head injury research.
Supercritical Flow in Bends of Trapezoidal Section

Steady supercritical flow in circular bends of trapezoidal cross section is analyzed for the case in which the radius of curvature r 0 of the center line is much larger than the undisturbed depth of flow h 0 . Supercritical flow in bends of trapezoidal cross section has been analyzed for the case ϵ=h 0 /r 0 ≪1 and F 0 >2. It was found that an almost periodic pattern of crests exists along the outside edge that are exactly matched in magnitude and position by a pattern of depressions along the inside edge. The crests along the outside edge rise from near the undisturbed flow elevation to a maximum value near U²(2mh 0 +b)/(r 0 g) and back down again. The distance measured along the center line to the first peak is given by s=β(2mh 0 +b)F 0 in which β is between 1.0 and 1.20.
NHERF1/EBP50 Suppresses Wnt-β-Catenin Pathway-Driven Intestinal Neoplasia

Abstract NHERF1/EBP50, an adaptor molecule that interacts with β-catenin, YAP, and PTEN, has been recently implicated in the progression of various human malignancies, including colorectal cancer. We report here that NHERF1 acts as a tumor suppressor in vivo for intestinal adenoma development. NHERF1 is highly expressed at the apical membrane of mucosa intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and serosa mesothelial cells. NHERF1 -deficient mice show overall longer small intestine and colon that most likely could be attributed to a combination of defects, including altered apical brush border of absorbtive IECs and increased number of secretory IECs. NHERF1 deficiency in Apc Min/+ mice resulted in significantly shorter animal survival due to markedly increased tumor burden. This resulted from a moderate increase of the overall tumor density, more pronounced in females than males, and a massive increase in the number of large adenomas in both genders. The analysis of possible pathways controlling tumor size showed upregulation of Wnt-β-catenin pathway, higher expression of unphosphorylated YAP, and prominent nuclear expression of cyclin D1 in NHERF1-deficient tumors. Similar YAP changes, with relative decrease of phosphorylated YAP and increase of nuclear YAP expression, were observed as early as the adenoma stages in the progression of human colorectal cancer. This study discusses a complex role of NHERF1 for intestinal morphology and presents indisputable evidence for its in vivo tumor suppressor function upstream of Wnt-β-catenin and Hippo-YAP pathways.
CMOS technology-based spiral inductors for RF applications

In this paper, a physics-based model applicable for CMOS technology-based inductors will be developed. Our model development will cover both the symmetrical and asymmetrical inductors. In addition, an octagonal spiral pattern will be considered, but the approach applies generally to other non-circular patterns.
SRAM dynamic stability estimation using MPFP

In this paper, an accurate approach for estimating SRAM dynamic stability is proposed. The conventional methods of SRAM stability estimation suffer from two major drawbacks: (1) using static failure criteria, such as SNM, which does not capture the transient and dynamic behavior of SRAM operation, and (2) using quasi-Monte-Carlo simulation, which approximates the failure distribution, resulting in large errors at the tails where the desired failure probabilities exist. These drawbacks are eliminated by employing a new distribution-independent, most-probable-failure-point search technique for accurate probability calculation along with accurate simulation-based dynamic failure criteria. Compared to previously published techniques, the proposed technique offers orders of magnitude improvement in accuracy. Moreover, the proposed technique enables the correct evaluation of stability in real operation conditions and for different dynamic circuit techniques, such as dynamic writeback, where the conventional methods are not applicable.
Next-Generation Surgical Navigation Systems in Sinus and Skull Base Surgery.

Over the past 25 years, rhinologists have adopted surgical navigation technology for endoscopic sinus and skull base procedures. Navigation systems often produce a wide target registration error (TRE). Ideally, next-generation systems will include a leap in target registration error reduce TRE through innovative hardware and software. Incorporation of microsensors will be another important innovation. Future systems are likely to include augmented reality, which can project overlays of critical anatomy on real-world endoscopic images. Recent trends in surgical navigation suggest a phase of rapid evolution.
High fidelity imager emulator of measured systems

Characterizing an imaging system through the use of linear transfer functions allows prediction of the output for an arbitrary input. Through careful measurement of the systems transfer function, imaging effects can then be applied to desired imagery in order to conduct subjective comparison, image based analysis, or evaluate algorithm performance. The Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) currently utilizes a two-dimensional linear model of the systems transfer function to emulate the systems response and additive signal independent noise. In this correspondence, we describe how a two-dimensional MTF can be obtained through correct interpolation of one-dimensional measurements. We also present a model for the signal dependent noise (additive and multiplicative) and the details of its calculation from measurement. Through modeling of the experimental setup, we demonstrate how the emulated sensor replicates the observed objective performance in resolution, sampling, and noise. In support of the reproducible research effort, many of the Matlab functions associated with this work can be found on the Mathworks file exchange [1].
How should marketers deal with growth pattern changes in viral marketing campaigns

The impact of environmental shifts to growth trajectory of viral marketing is critical. Advertisers should recognise the growth pattern changes, termed regime change, in order to efficiently and effectively execute viral marketing campaigns. A surprising variety of growth patterns are evident. There are multiple models of viral growth and all of them assume a single growth model with changes in parameters. A better approach that supports decision making should allow for the incorporation of sequential functional forms. The model presented incorporates regime change and therefore allows for multiple functional forms. There are multiple competing approaches to identifying change points, a line of separation between functional forms. The paper focuses on regime change and change point analysis in the viral marketing context. A simple two-form model is proposed as a starting point to capture many likely viral growth situations. A five step process is presented to facilitate this model.
Advances in Chemistry and Their Implications for Studying and Treating Brain Disease

Chemical approaches to creating new drug delivery systems and biomaterials are discussed. These delivery systems have been used to study how blood vessels grow and how different molecules affecting the brain behave. They have also been used in treatments ranging from schizophrenia to brain cancer.
Sexual Minority Disparities in Substance Use Willingness Among Youth.

Background: Disparities in substance use have been observed in sexual minority youth, but less is known about willingness to use substances, an important precursor to actual use. Objective: The goa...
Cranial Ultrasound in Cerebral Palsy

Neurological injury underlying cerebral palsy (CP) typically occurs in the first month of life. At this age, cranial ultrasound is an ideal method for neurological imaging. Ultrasound is portable, can be performed at the bedside, and involves no radiation or sedation. Because it is usually readily available, it allows for multiple longitudinal assessments. Infants with neurological damage may have difficulty traveling for magnetic resonance (MR), and ultrasound may provide the only opportunity to visualize the acute abnormality, which may be less apparent over time on a later MR. Premature infants are at the highest risk for neurological injury leading to CP. The most common injury is intracranial hemorrhage of prematurity, typically centered in the subependymal layer at the germinal matrix. A four-stage grading system is typically used, with the more severe grades III and IV being associated with CP. Ischemic injury of prematurity can also lead to CP. In premature infants, global cerebral anoxia results in a characteristic pattern of injury known as periventricular leukomalacia. Global hypoxic-ischemic injury in term infants has a different pattern, affecting predominantly basal ganglia, corpus callosum, and watershed territories of the cerebral arteries. Hemorrhage in the term infant most commonly involves the choroid plexus, distinct from the germinal matrix hemorrhage seen in premature infants. Less commonly, CP may follow a perinatal infection or congenital developmental abnormality in either term or preterm infants. These findings are more subtle by ultrasound, but detection can be improved with training. Ultrasound is a valuable tool in assessment of the neonatal injuries that frequently underlie CP.
Extremely preterm children exhibit increased interhemispheric connectivity for language: findings from fMRI-constrained MEG analysis.

Children born extremely preterm are at significant risk for cognitive impairment, including language deficits. The relationship between preterm birth and neurological changes that underlie cognitive deficits is poorly understood. We use a stories-listening task in fMRI and MEG to characterize language network representation and connectivity in children born extremely preterm (n = 15, .05, corrected). The whole-group fMRI activation map was parcellated to define the language network as a set of discrete nodes, and the timecourse of neuronal activity at each position was estimated using linearly constrained minimum variance beamformer in MEG. Virtual timecourses were subjected to connectivity and network-based analyses. We observed significantly increased beta-band functional connectivity in extremely preterm compared to controls (p < .05). Specifically, we observed an increase in connectivity between left and right perisylvian cortex. Subsequent effective connectivity analyses revealed that hyperconnectivity in preterms was due to significantly increased information flux originating from the right hemisphere (p < 0.05). The total strength and density of the language network were not related to language or nonverbal performance, suggesting that the observed hyperconnectivity is a "pure" effect of prematurity. Although our extremely preterm children exhibited typical language network architecture, we observed significantly altered network dynamics, indicating reliance on an alternative neural strategy for the language task.
Fast-neutron multiplicity counter for active measurements of uranium oxide certified material

Abstract We developed a fast-neutron multiplicity counter (FNMC) based on stilbene and EJ-309 organic scintillators . The system can detect and discriminate correlated photon and neutron multiplets emitted by fission reactions. We used the system to estimate the fissile mass of uranium oxide samples in active interrogation mode at the Zero Power Physics Reactor of Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Two sets of certified reference material (CRM) samples were characterized. The U-235 enrichment of the first set is constant at 93.2 wt%, and the UO 2 mass ranges between 0.5 and 4 kg. The second set includes samples of increasing enrichment (from 20 wt% to 97 wt%) and constant UO 2 mass of 230 g. We used two AmLi sources to induce fission reactions in the samples. Despite the intense gamma-ray background of the UO 2 and interrogating sources, the system could measure induced fission neutrons emerging from the interrogated samples without additional shielding surrounding the sample and only relying on pulse shape discrimination to classify neutron and gamma-ray pulses. The overall neutron count rate and time-correlated counts are well correlated with the sample fissile mass. We also proved that CRM samples can be used to build a calibration curve to assay the U-235 mass of unknown samples of different mass, geometry and enrichment, with an average bias error of 8%, for U-235 mass higher than 390 g.
Imprisonment and unemployment: A comment

The current state of research dealing with the relationship between the unemployment rate and the imprisonment rate is assessed, and directions for further research are suggested.
Euclidean and Hyperbolic Barycentric Coordinates

In Chap. 3, we have seen two important theorems in mechanics. These are Theorem 3.3, p. 69, about the mass and the center of momentum velocity of a particle system in classical mechanics, and Theorem 3.2, p. 64, about the mass and the center of momentum velocity of a particle system in relativistic mechanics. Theorem 3.3 naturally suggests the introduction of the concept of barycentric coordinates into Euclidean geometry. Guided by analogies, we will see in this chapter how Theorem 3.2 naturally suggests the introduction of the concept of barycentric coordinates into hyperbolic geometry, where they are called gyrobarycentric coordinates.
A Qualitative Study of Individual and Peer Factors Related to Effective Nonviolent versus Aggressive Responses to Problem Situations among Adolescents with High Incidence Disabilities.

To enhance the positive adjustment of youths with high incidence disabilities, a better understanding of the factors that influence their use of effective responses in challenging situations is nee...
Tissue interactions in development of teeth and related ectodermal derivatives.

This chapter deals with the tissue interactions in developing skin, teeth, and related ectodermal derivatives. Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that take place between labile epithelia and mesenchyme are the inductive interactions that occur after primary induction of the nervous system and the axial skeleton. These interactions are responsible for the differentiation of the major organ systems of vertebrate embryos.
Using Experience Maps to Consider Individual Stories

The creation of experience maps is a UX research method that has been used to diagram and represent the overall or holistic experience of users to understand their goals, needs, pain points, and more. Although this method is meant to broaden how user journeys are considered and represented, experience maps can create a perception of an ideal user or pathway and may not account for the dynamic, evolving, and varying nature of experiences (such as in relation to context, culture, etc.) through this averaging of people and potentially narrow focus. In this experience report, I consider how experience maps are described and meant to be created. Next, I describe using this method to represent individual stories to demonstrate how this method could potentially be broadened to display a range of experiences and differences and to avoid focusing on only what is considered average or normal.
Consciousness, Conceivability, and Intrinsic Reduction

Conceivability arguments (Descartes in Discourse on method; and, meditations on first philosophy, Hackett Pub. Co, Indianapolis, 1993; Kripke in: Munitz (ed) Identity and Individuation, New York University Press, New York, pp 135–164, 1971; Kripke in Naming and necessity, Harvard University Press, Cambridge 1980; Jackson in Philos Stud 42(2):209–225, 1982; Chalmers in The conscious mind: in search of a fundamental theory, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1996; Chalmers in: Chalmers (ed), The character of consciousness, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010) constitute a serious threat against reductive physicalism. Recently, a number of authors (Bayne in Philosophia 18:265–270, 1988; Marton in Southwest Philos Rev 14(1):131–138, 1998; Sturgeon in Matters of mind: consciousness, reason, and nature, Routledge, Abingdon, 2000; Frankish in Philos Q 57(229):650–666, 2007; Brown in J Conscious Stud 17(3–4):47–69, 2010; Campbell et al. in Philos Q 67(267):223–240, 2017; VandenHombergh in Analysis 77(1):116–125, 2017) have proven and characterized a devastating logical truth, (IN), centered on these arguments: namely, that their soundness entails the inconceivability of reductive physicalism. In this paper, I demonstrate that (IN) is only a logical truth when reductive physicalism is interpreted in its stronger, intrinsic sense (e.g., as an identity theory), as opposed to its weaker—yet considerably more popular—extrinsic sense (e.g., as a supervenience theory). The basic idea generalizes: perhaps surprisingly, stronger (intrinsic) forms of reduction are uniquely resistant to the conceivability arguments opposing them. So far as the modal epistemology of reduction is concerned, therefore, it pays to go intrinsic.
The Widely Conserved ebo Cluster Is Involved in Precursor Transport to the Periplasm during Scytonemin Synthesis in Nostoc punctiforme .

Scytonemin is a dimeric indole-phenol sunscreen synthesized by some cyanobacteria under conditions of exposure to UVA radiation. While its biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated only partially, comparative genomics reveals that the scytonemin operon often contains a cluster of five highly conserved genes (ebo cluster) of unknown function that is widespread and conserved among several bacterial and algal phyla. We sought to elucidate the function of the ebo cluster in the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme by constructing and analyzing in-frame deletion mutants (one for each ebo gene and one for the entire cluster). Under conditions of UVA induction, all ebo mutants were scytoneminless, and all accumulated a single compound, the scytonemin monomer, clearly implicating all ebo genes in scytonemin production. We showed that the scytonemin monomer also accumulated in an induced deletion mutant of scyE, a non-ebo scytonemin gene whose product is demonstrably targeted to the periplasm. Confocal autofluorescence microscopy revealed that the accumulation was confined to the cytoplasm in all ebo mutants but that that was not the case in the scyE deletion, with an intact ebo cluster, where the scytonemin monomer was also excreted to the periplasm. The results implicate the ebo cluster in the export of the scytonemin monomer to the periplasm for final oxidative dimerization by ScyE. By extension, the ebo gene cluster may play similar roles in metabolite translocation across many bacterial phyla. We discuss potential mechanisms for such a role on the basis of structural and phylogenetic considerations of the ebo proteins.IMPORTANCE Elucidating the biochemical and genetic basis of scytonemin constitutes an interesting challenge because of its unique structure and the unusual fact that it is partially synthesized in the periplasmic space. Our work points to the ebo gene cluster, associated with the scytonemin operon of cyanobacteria, as being responsible for the excretion of scytonemin intermediates from the cytoplasm into the periplasm during biosynthesis. Few conserved systems have been described that facilitate the membrane translocation of small molecules. Because the ebo cluster is well conserved among a large diversity of bacteria and algae and yet insights into its potential function are lacking, our findings suggest that translocation of small molecules across the plasma membrane may be its generic role across microbes.
Causal difference-in-differences estimation for evaluating the impact of semi-continuous medical home scores on health care for children

Difference-in-differences (DID) is a popular approach in observational and quasi-experimental studies to estimate the effects of a treatment with discrete statuses. In many studies, however, the treatment can have a range of dosages or exposure levels. In our paper, "medical homeness" is a semi-continuous score ranging from 0 to 100 to indicate the extent to which a patient-centered medical home model is achieved. We developed a causal DID approach to estimating the effects of a treatment with semi-continuous dosages. The proposed approach allows for mixed-type designs as well as different propensity models. We applied the proposed approach to evaluate the dosage effect of medical homeness scores on the utilization and quality of children's health care. We found that there was a roughly linear effect of medical homeness scores on the annual number of visits to doctor offices when medical homeness scores were below 60 points. The number of office visits did not further increase when medical homeness scores were above 60. A similar relationship was found between medical homeness scores and ratings for health care quality.
Inhibitory role of transforming growth factor β2 in experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis

Experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU) is a clinically relevant animal model for human idiopathic anterior uveitis (IAU). The role of the immunomodulator transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) in EAAU pathology is unknown. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of TGF-β2 in EAAU. EAAU was induced in male Lewis rats by footpad injection of melanin-associated antigen (MAA). TGF-β2 was administered intravenously (iv) in MAA-sensitized rats during the induction of EAAU, or after the clinical onset of uveitis. MAA-sensitized rats injected similarly with an equal volume of PBS served as control. Animals were examined daily between days 7 and 30 post-injection for the clinical signs of uveitis using slit lamp biomicroscopy. Animals were sacrificed at various time points and eyes were harvested for histological analysis to assess the course and severity of inflammation. For histopathological analysis, paraffin sections of harvested eyes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Popliteal lymph nodes (LNs) were used for CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory (Tregs) population analysis and for CD4+ T cell proliferation assay. Administration of recombinant TGF-β2 during the early stages of EAAU prevented the induction of uveitis. Compared to PBS, the presence of TGF-β2 in the cell culture significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ T cells in response to MAA. In MAA-sensitized Lewis rats, iv treatment with recombinant TGF-β2 resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) increased percentage of Tregs compared to animals treated similarly with PBS. Thus, TGF-β2 inhibited the induction of EAAU by inhibiting CD4+ T cell proliferation and increasing the number of Tregs. Injection of TGF-β2 in rats with active EAAU resulted in diminished disease activity. Unfortunately, this treatment did not lead to the early resolution of EAAU. TGF-β2 plays a critical role in regulation of intraocular inflammation in EAAU. Findings reported in this study improve our understanding of immunopathology of IAU and suggest that recombinant TGF-β2 may be a promising therapeutic agent for human IAU.
Gradient-, Ensemble-, and Adjoint-Free Data-Driven Parameter Estimation

Nonlinear estimation methods, such as the extended Kalman filter, unscented Kalman filter, and ensemble Kalman filter, can be used for parameter estimation by viewing the unknown parameters as cons...