cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency and Consequences of Right-Sided Heart Failure After Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Postoperative right-sided heart failure (RHF) is a common complication after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation. Studies have examined RHF in the perioperative period, but few have assessed late-onset RHF. We analyzed the incidence of early and late RHF in patients with HeartMate II and HeartWare left ventricular assist devices and associated morbidity, mortality, and independent predictors of RHF. We retrospectively analyzed records of 526 patients with chronic heart failure who underwent continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation; 147 (27.9%) developed RHF (early RHF, n = 87, 16.5%; late RHF, n = 74, 14.4%). We examined demographics, postoperative complications, and long-term survival rate. Patients with RHF or late RHF had higher mortality (p <0.001) than those without RHF. Patients with RHF had a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (20.4% vs 11.9%, p = 0.01). Device type did not affect the incidence of early, late, or overall RHF. Patients with severe RHF requiring right ventricular assist device support had a low success of bridge to transplantation (11.1% vs 33.3%, p = 0.02). In Cox regression models, RHF was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.28 to 2.22, p <0.001), but no predictive variables of RHF were identified. RHF was significantly associated with increased mortality and a higher incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury. RHF decreased the success rate of bridging patients to transplantation when a right ventricular assist device was required.
Microsputterer with integrated ion-drag focusing for additive manufacturing of thin, narrow conductive lines

We report the design, modelling, and proof-of-concept demonstration of a continuously fed, atmospheric-pressure microplasma metal sputterer that is capable of printing conductive lines narrower than the width of the target without the need for post-processing or lithographic patterning. Ion drag-induced focusing is harnessed to print narrow lines; the focusing mechanism is modelled via COMSOL Multiphysics simulations and validated with experiments. A microplasma sputter head with gold target is constructed and used to deposit imprints with minimum feature sizes as narrow as 9 µm, roughness as small as 55 nm, and electrical resistivity as low as 1.1 µΩ m.
Treating Sibling Incest Using a Family Systems Approach

Mental health counselors are becoming more aware of sibling abuse in all of its forms. The literature addressing the nature of sibling abuse is increasing; however, there is little written about methods of treatment. Family systems theory as a framework for understanding the common family dynamics observed in families where there is sibling abuse is discussed. Lastly this paper presents a case example using family systems theory as a framework for conceptualizing and developing treatment.
Without Gender, Without Self

In this chapter, I address the model from the perspective of gender. Gender is not a part of Baltes’s theory, and yet it nevertheless enters it because scientific narratives, in narrating the human condition, involve implicit assumptions about the role of gender in such cognitive and emotional aspects of development. Drawing on my previous theoretical work, I distinguish between two gendered narratives. One presents an essentially “masculine” view of the life course with an emphasis on the rise, growth, and decline of logos, activity, and internal, conscious control. The second presents an essentially “feminine” view with an emphasis on the suppression and eventual liberation of mythos—the intuitive, emotional, relational, and experiential. As do many cognitively based theories, Baltes’s version of lifespan theory exemplifies a “masculine” prototype with its emphasis on autonomy and internal control, its technical rather than social-interactional view of culture, and its failure to integrate a consistent theory of emotion into his view of development across the lifespan.
Getting to the Grass Roots of Cultivation

In my estimation, one of the most significant early attempts to help the basketmakers with their supply issues was through the work of Keith Salvo, SCS. In fact, after being involved in the sweetgrass work from 1988 to his retirement from SCS in 1991, he struggled for a few years to set some groundwork and to be the first person to attempt the domestication of sweetgrass. Years later, he was nominated by the Mt. Pleasant Basketmakers’ Association and the SC Folk Arts Program and received the USDA “Unsung Hero” award. I agree with their choice. Although in the long run, Keith’s work at establishing a large plantation of sweetgrass failed at Palm Key, with all failures, comes positive knowledge and much was learned through that first endeavor.
Intrachromosomal Recombination in Mammalian Cells

The technologies of gene transfer and recombinant DNA can be exploited to construct artificial gene duplications of a selectable gene in cultured mammalian cells. These pairs of closely linked genes, harboring different mutations, are stably integrated in the host genome by means of a separate dominant selectable marker and therefore provide an opportunity to systematically study the process of homologous recombination as it occurs between repeated chromosomal sequences in cultured mammalian cells.
Coxiella burnetii Intratracheal Aerosol Infection Model in Mice, Guinea Pigs, and Nonhuman Primates.

ABSTRACT Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, is a Gram-negative bacterium transmitted to humans by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Acute Q fever is often self-limiting, presenting as a febrile illness that can result in atypical pneumonia. In some cases, Q fever becomes chronic, leading to endocarditis that can be life threatening. The formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine (WCV) confers long-term protection but has significant side effects when administered to presensitized individuals. Designing new vaccines against C. burnetii remains a challenge and requires the use of clinically relevant modes of transmission in appropriate animal models. We have developed a safe and reproducible C. burnetii aerosol challenge in three different animal models to evaluate the effects of pulmonary acquired infection. Using a MicroSprayer aerosolizer, BL/6 mice and Hartley guinea pigs were infected intratracheally with C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and demonstrated susceptibility as determined by measuring bacterial growth in the lungs and subsequent dissemination to the spleen. Histological analysis of lung tissue showed significant pathology associated with disease, which was more severe in guinea pigs. Infection using large-particle aerosol (LPA) delivery was further confirmed in nonhuman primates, which developed fever and pneumonia. We also demonstrate that vaccinating mice and guinea pigs with WCV prior to LPA challenge is capable of eliciting protective immunity that significantly reduces splenomegaly and the bacterial burden in spleen and lung tissues. These data suggest that these models can have appreciable value in using the LPA delivery system to study pulmonary Q fever pathogenesis as well as designing vaccine countermeasures to C. burnetii aerosol transmission.
Abstract TP429: Arcadia versus Other Esus Trials: Comparison of Patient Characteristics

Objective: We hypothesize that ESUS patients enrolled in the ARCADIA study are broadly representative and similar to those randomized in recent ESUS trials that returned negative results. Methods: ...
Somebody Google a Doctor! Urgent Health Information Seeking Habits of Young Adults

Introduction: While much scholarship has been done on health information-seeking habits, comparatively little has been done on these habits among young adults. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine to which media young adults turn during an urgent health crisis, which factors correspond to their choice, and if information-seeking corresponded to visiting a health professional. Method: A survey method was used, sampling students from two large universities. Results: Credibility was the most consistent factor in predicting respondent media choice for an urgent health matter. Whether respondents were socially conservative or liberal affected media choice, as did perceptions of online and traditional media credibility. Searching for health information online corresponded to more frequently visiting health professionals. Conclusion: This study supports that young adults turn to a variety of media sources, traditional and online, during health crisis and that this information-seeking does correspond to visiting health professionals after.
The effects of coastal development on sponge abundance, diversity, and community composition on Jamaican coral reefs

Abstract Over the past decade, development along the northern coast of Jamaica has accelerated, resulting in elevated levels of sedimentation on adjacent reefs. To understand the effects of this development on sponge community dynamics, we conducted surveys at three locations with varying degrees of adjacent coastal development to quantify species richness, abundance and diversity at two depths (8–10 m and 15–18 m). Sediment accumulation rate, total suspended solids and other water quality parameters were also quantified. The sponge community at the location with the least coastal development and anthropogenic influence was often significantly different from the other two locations, and exhibited higher sponge abundance, richness, and diversity. Sponge community composition and size distribution were statistically different among locations. This study provides correlative evidence that coastal development affects aspects of sponge community ecology, although the precise mechanisms are still unclear.
Increasing Stability of the Continuation for General Elliptic Equations of Second Order

We consider the Cauchy problem for general second partial differential equations of elliptic type containing large parameter k (like in the Helmholtz equation). By using energy estimates and splitting solution in “low” and “high” frequency parts we obtain bounds of a solution in Sobolev spaces indicating increasing stability in the Cauchy problem with growing k. These bounds show Lipschitz stability of the “low” frequency part with decaying contribution of the a priori bound on the “high” frequency part. Increasing stability is of importance in (boundary) control theory and inverse problems (remote sensing).
Chapter 5 – Focus, Depth of Field, and Lenses

When a layman speaks about wanting a camera with good resolution so that the images produced by it are clear and sharp, that person is usually oblivious to the precise meanings of such terms as “resolution,” “acutance,” and “sharpness.” This chapter explains each of these terms. It discusses and explains the methods that can be used to focus on areas rather than on individual objects. It defines Depth of Field (DOF) and the factors that affect it. It distinguishes between different lens types and presents the effects of each lens type. It also provides suggestions on how to minimize the Diffraction effect that can adversely affect the most critical images. Camera resolution is the ability of the camera system, which includes the lens optics, camera sensor (film or a digital sensor), and image-processing software, to distinguish, or “resolve” groups of alternating line pairs as the lines become increasingly thinner and they become increasingly closer together. Acutance refers to the camera's ability to render a sharp edge of the subject as a sharp edge in the photograph. There are three camera variables that directly affect the DOF range that includes F/stop choice, lens choice, and camera-to-subject distance.
Incorporating preauthorization into antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow reduces Clostridioides difficile and gastrointestinal panel testing.

Objective:To evaluate whether incorporating mandatory prior authorization for Clostridioides difficile testing into antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow could reduce testing in patients with alternative etiologies for diarrhea.Design:Single center, quasi-experimental before-and-after study.Setting:Tertiary-care, academic medical center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Patients:Adult and pediatric patients admitted between September 11, 2019 and December 10, 2019 were included if they had an order placed for 1 of the following: (1) C. difficile enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in patients hospitalized >72 hours and received laxatives, oral contrast, or initiated tube feeds within the prior 48 hours, (2) repeat molecular multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIPAN) testing, or (3) GIPAN testing in patients hospitalized >72 hours.Intervention:A best-practice alert prompting prior authorization by the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) for EIA or GIPAN testing was implemented. Approval required the provider to page the ASP pharmacist and discuss rationale for testing. The provider could not proceed with the order if ASP approval was not obtained.Results:An average of 2.5 requests per day were received over the 3-month intervention period. The weekly rate of EIA and GIPAN orders per 1,000 patient days decreased significantly from 6.05 ± 0.94 to 4.87 ± 0.78 (IRR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56–0.93; P = .010) and from 1.72 ± 0.37 to 0.89 ± 0.29 (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37–0.77; P = .001), respectively.Conclusions:We identified an efficient, effective C. difficile and GIPAN diagnostic stewardship approval model.
Stable Surface Terminationsof a Perovskite Oxyhydride from First-Principles

Successful synthesis of some perovskite oxyhydrides and their unique catalytic properties have recently attracted researchers’ attention. However, their surface structure remains unclear. Here we i...
ddRFC: A scalable multiplexed droplet digital nucleic acid amplification test platform

Digital nucleic acid amplification tests (digital NAATs) have emerged as a popular tool for nucleic acid detection due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Most current digital NAAT platforms, however, are limited to a "one-color-one-target" approach wherein each target is encoded with a specific fluorescently-labeled probe for single-plex fluorometric detection. This approach is difficult to multiplex due to spectral overlap between any additional fluorophores, and multiplexability of digital NAATs has therefore been limited. As a means to scale multiplexability, we have developed a multiplexed digital NAAT platform, termed Droplet Digital Ratiometric Fluorescence Coding (ddRFC), via a padlock probe-based nucleic acid detection assay which encodes each nucleic acid target with a unique combination of 2 fluorophores. We detect this encoded two-color fluorescence signature of each target by performing digital amplification in microfluidic droplets. To demonstrate the utility of our platform, we have synthesized 6 distinct padlock probes, each rendering a unique two-color fluorescence signature to a nucleic acid target representing a clinically important sexually transmitted infection (STI). We proceed to demonstrate broad-based, two-plex, four-plex, and six-plex detection of the STI targets with single-molecule resolution. Our design offers a cost-effective approach to scale up multiplexability by simply tuning the number of molecular beacon binding sites on the padlock probe without redesigning amplification primers or fluorescent molecular beacons. With further development, our platform has the potential to enable highly multiplexed detection of nucleic acid targets, with potentially unrestricted multiplexability, and serve as a diagnostic tool for many more diseases in the future.
The critical one-dimensional multi-particle DLA

We study one-dimensional multi-particle Diffusion Limited Aggregation (MDLA) at its critical density $\lambda=1$. Previous works have verified that the size of the aggregate $X_t$ at time $t$ is $t^{1/2}$ in the subcritical regime and linear in the supercritical regime. This paper establishes the conjecture that the growth rate at criticiality is $t^{2/3}$. Moreover, we derive the scaling limit proving that $$\big\{ t^{-2/3}X_{st} \big\}_{s\geq 0} \overset{d}{\rightarrow} \Big\{ \int_0^s Z_u du \Big\}_{s\geq 0}, $$ where the speed process $\{Z_t\}$ is a $(-\frac{1}{3})$-self-similar diffusion given by $Z_t = (3V_t)^{-2/3}$, where $V_t$ is the $\frac{8}{3}$-Bessel process. The proof shows that locally the speed process can be well approximated by a stochastic integral representation which itself can be approximated by a critical branching process with continuous edge lengths. From these representations, we determine its infinitesimal drift and variance to show that the speed asymptotically satisfies the SDE $dZ_t = 2Z_t^{5/2}dB_t$. To make these approximations, regularity properties of the process are established inductively via a multiscale argument.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Particle-Associated, Light-Independent Superoxide Production Within Productive Coastal Waters.

In the marine environment, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide is produced through a diverse array of light-dependent and light-independent reactions, the latter of which is thought to be primarily controlled by microorganisms. Marine superoxide production influences organic matter remineralization, metal redox cycling, and dissolved oxygen concentrations, yet the relative contributions of different sources to total superoxide production remain poorly constrained. Here we investigate the production, steady-state concentration, and particle-associated nature of light-independent superoxide in productive waters off the northeast coast of North America. We find exceptionally high levels of light-independent superoxide in the marine water column, with concentrations ranging from 10 pM to in excess of 2,000 pM. The highest superoxide concentrations were particle associated in surface seawater and in aphotic seawater collected meters off the seafloor. Filtration of seawater overlying the continental shelf lowered the light-independent, steady-state superoxide concentration by an average of 84%. We identify eukaryotic phytoplankton as the dominant particle-associated source of superoxide to these coastal waters. We contrast these measurements with those collected at an off-shelf station, where superoxide concentrations did not exceed 100 pM, and particles account for an average of 40% of the steady-state superoxide concentration. This study demonstrates the primary role of particles in the production of superoxide in seawater overlying the continental shelf and highlights the importance of light-independent, dissolved-phase reactions in marine ROS production.
Training Speech Recognition Models with Federated Learning: A Quality/Cost Framework

We propose using federated learning, a decentralized on-device learning paradigm, to train speech recognition models. By performing epochs of training on a per-user basis, federated learning must incur the cost of dealing with non-IID data distributions, which are expected to negatively affect the quality of the trained model. We propose a framework by which the degree of non-IID-ness can be varied, consequently illustrating a trade-off between model quality and the computational cost of federated training, which we capture through a novel metric. Finally, we demonstrate that hyper-parameter optimization and appropriate use of variational noise are sufficient to compensate for the quality impact of non-IID distributions, while decreasing the cost.
Associations of Urbanicity and Sociodemographic Characteristics with Protective Health Behaviors and Reasons for Leaving the Home During COVID-19

Background: Few data exist on the characteristics of U.S. adults’ compliance with movement restrictions (i.e., “stay-at-home” orders) and protective health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: To evaluate the associations of individual- and area-level characteristics (urbanicity) with reasons for leaving home and subsequent protective health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A convenience sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,441) completed a 15-minute self-report online questionnaire. Exclusion criteria included: 1) missing ZIP; 2) currently sick with COVID-19; 3) difficulty with errands; and 4) “essential service” employment. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the odds of citing reasons for leaving home and protective health behaviors by levels of urbanicity and sociodemographic factors. Data collection and analyses were conducted between April and June 2020. Results: The analytic sample (n = 1,374) was primarily Non-Hispanic white (79%), female (72%), urban residents (43%), and college degree or higher (85%). Rural residents (versus urban residents) had lower odds of wearing a mask (OR = 0.60, 95%CI:0.43–0.83). Women (versus men) had lower odds of leaving the home for shopping (grocery: OR = 0.51, 95%CI:0.31–0.80; essential: OR = 0.68, 95%CI:0.52–0.88), and higher odds of social distancing (OR = 2.34, 95%CI:1.12–4.85) and wearing a mask (OR = 1.58, 95%CI:1.20–2.08). Older adults [(≥50 years) versus younger adults (18–34 years)], had higher odds of leaving home for grocery shopping (OR = 2.07, 95%CI:1.25–3.48) and higher odds of wearing a mask (OR = 2.02, 95%CI:1.42–2.91). Conclusions: The differences for leaving home and protective health behaviors by age, sex, and urbanicity can be useful for future health promotion strategies to encourage best practices that limit the spread of COVID-19.
SpiceMix: Integrative single-cell spatial modeling for inferring cell identity

Spatial transcriptomics technologies promise to reveal spatial relationships of cell-type composition in complex tissues. However, the development of computational methods that capture the unique properties of single-cell spatial transcriptome data to unveil cell identities remains a challenge. Here, we report SO_SCPLOWPICEC_SCPLOWMO_SCPLOWIXC_SCPLOW, a new probabilistic model that enables effective joint analysis of spatial information and gene expression of single cells based on spatial transcriptome data. Both simulation and real data evaluations demonstrate that SO_SCPLOWPICEC_SCPLOWMO_SCPLOWIXC_SCPLOW consistently improves upon the inference of the intrinsic cell types compared with existing approaches. As a proof-of-principle, we use SO_SCPLOWPICEC_SCPLOWMO_SCPLOWIXC_SCPLOW to analyze single-cell spatial transcriptome data of the mouse primary visual cortex acquired by seqFISH+ and STARmap. We find that SO_SCPLOWPICEC_SCPLOWMO_SCPLOWIXC_SCPLOW can improve cell identity assignments and uncover potentially new cell subtypes. SO_SCPLOWPICEC_SCPLOWMO_SCPLOWIXC_SCPLOW is a generalizable framework for analyzing spatial transcriptome data that may provide critical insights into the cell-type composition and spatial organization of cells in complex tissues.
Reduction of Opioid Prescriptions in Maxillofacial Trauma Following North Carolina STOP Act.

Study Design:Retrospective cohort studyObjective:On January 1, 2018, the Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act was implemented to increase oversight over opioid prescriptions in North Caro...
Cerebral Infarction in Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Is Associated with Old Age, Hypertension, Smoking, and Anti-ADAMTS13 Ig, But Not with Mortality.

Background Neurological involvement is common in patients with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), but the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of these with imaging-confirmed stroke in iTTP are not known. Methods We selected 66 out of 109 iTTP patients with neurological signs and symptoms and reviewed their CT/MRI (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) findings for the evidence of stroke and other clinical information in Alabama TTP Registry. Results Of these, 52 (78.8%) had their CT/MRI done on admission in whom 22 (42.3%) were positive for multiple acute or chronic infarcts. The patients with image-confirmed ischemic stroke were older, and appeared to be associated with a history of hypertension and smoking. Additionally, patients with imaging-confirmed stroke showed higher plasma concentrations of anti-ADAMTS13 IgG than those without stroke. More interestingly, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of exacerbation and 60-day mortality between those with and without stroke. Conclusion Ischemic cerebral infarcts are common findings in brain imaging studies of patients with acute iTTP; old age, chronic hypertension, and smoking, as well as high plasma concentrations of anti-ADAMTS13 IgG may be the potential risk factors for cerebral infarction in these patients. The presence of image-confirmed ischemic stroke, however, does not predict exacerbation and 60-day mortality, although the long-term effect of such ischemic brain damage on cognitive function and quality of life remains to be determined.
Long-term cyclability of Li4Ti5O12/LiMn2O4 cells using carbonate-based electrolytes for behind-the-meter storage applications

Abstract Li4Ti5O12/LiMn2O4 (LTO/LMO) chemistry was evaluated as a potential candidate for behind-the-meter storage (BTMS) applications. Its long-term cycle performance at 45 °C was tested using ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) solvent electrolytes. Over 1000 cycles, LTO/LMO cells exhibited ~80% capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency higher than 99.96%. Electrochemical test results showed the major degradation mode of LTO/LMO cells arises from continuous electrolyte decomposition at the LTO anode and loss of Li inventory. EC and PC electrolytes created distinct surface layers, where the EC reduction products were more effective in passivating the LTO electrode surface. Dissolution and migration of Mn from the cathode was probed as Mn2+ species distributed throughout the surface layer at the anode. By utilizing a prelithiated LTO electrode, the LTO/LMO cell performance was significantly enhanced with EC electrolyte. On the other hand, PC electrolyte resulted in accelerated electrolyte decomposition at the lithiated LTO surface due to the lack of surface passivation. Thus, mitigating parasitic reactions at the LTO electrode is the key to developing successful LTO/LMO cells.
One-stop local and whole-body staging of children with cancer

Accurate staging and re-staging of cancer in children is crucial for patient management. Currently, children with a newly diagnosed cancer must undergo a series of imaging tests, which are stressful, time-consuming, partially redundant, expensive, and can require repetitive anesthesia. New approaches for pediatric cancer staging can evaluate the primary tumor and metastases in a single session. However, traditional one-stop imaging tests, such as CT and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, are associated with considerable radiation exposure. This is particularly concerning for children because they are more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults and they live long enough to experience secondary cancers later in life. In this review article we discuss child-tailored imaging tests for tumor detection and therapy response assessment - tests that can be obtained with substantially reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional CT and PET/CT scans. This includes diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)/MRI and integrated [F-18]2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/MRI scans. While several investigators have compared the value of DWI/MRI and 18F-FDG PET/MRI for staging pediatric cancer, the value of these novel imaging technologies for cancer therapy monitoring has received surprisingly little attention. In this article, we share our experiences and review existing literature on this subject.
Regulatory roles of nucleolus organizer region-derived long non-coding RNAs

The nucleolus is the largest sub-nuclear domain, serving primarily as the place for ribosome biogenesis. A delicately regulated function of the nucleolus is vital to the cell not only for maintaining proper protein synthesis but is also tightly associated with responses to different types of cellular stresses. Recently, several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found to be part of the regulatory network that modulate nucleolar functions. Several of these lncRNAs are encoded in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats or are transcribed from the genomic regions that are located near the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs). In this review, we first discuss the current understanding of the sequence of the NORs and variations between different NORs. We then focus on the NOR-derived lncRNAs in mammalian cells and their functions in rRNA transcription and the organization of nucleolar structure under different cellular conditions. The identification of these lncRNAs reveals great potential of the NORs in harboring novel genes involved in the regulation of nucleolar functions.
Don't you forget about me(gakaryocytes).

Platelets, small, anucleate cell fragments, derive from large precursor cells, megakaryocytes (MKs), that reside in the bone marrow. MKs emerge from hematopoietic stem cells in a complex differentiation process that involves cytoplasmic maturation, including the formation of the demarcation membrane system, and polyploidization. The main function of MKs is the generation of platelets, which predominantly occurs through the release of long, microtubule-rich proplatelets into vessel sinusoids. However, the idea of a one-dimensional role of MKs as platelet precursors is currently being questioned due to advances in high resolution microscopy and single-cell Omics. On the one hand, recent findings suggest that proplatelet formation from bone marrow-derived MKs is not the only mechanism of platelet production, but that it might also occur through budding of the plasma membrane and in distant organs like lung or liver. On the other hand, novel evidence suggests that MKs do not only maintain physiological platelet levels but further contribute to bone marrow homeostasis through the release of extracellular vesicles or cytokines such as transforming growth factor β1 or platelet factor 4. The notion of multitasking MKs was reinforced in recent studies using single cell RNA sequencing approaches on MKs derived from adult and fetal bone marrow and lungs, leading to the identification of different MK subsets that appear to exhibit immunomodulatory or secretory roles. In the following, novel insights into the mechanisms leading to proplatelet formation in vitro and in vivo will be reviewed and the hypothesis of megakaryocytes as immunoregulatory cells will be critically discussed.
The Role of Parental Anxiety Sensitivity and Beliefs About Child Anxiety in the Relationship Between Parent and Child Anxiety

Many potential facilitators of the intergenerational transmission of anxiety have been examined in youth. Although the construct of anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the fear of anxiety symptoms and the belief that negative outcomes will result from them (Reiss in Clinical Psychology Review, 11(2), 141−153, 1991) has been associated with anxiety in both parents and children, parental AS has not demonstrated a consistently significant relationship to child anxiety (e.g., Drake & Kearney in Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 30(2), 79−86, 2008). A variable related to parents’ own AS is the construct of parental beliefs about child anxiety (PBA), or cognitions that parents have regarding their child’s experience of anxiety and anxiety-provoking situations. PBA has been found to be significantly correlated with child anxiety and to mediate its relationship with parent anxiety (Francis & Chorpita in Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 32(1), 138−149, 2010; Cognitive Therapy and Research, 35(1), 21−29, 2011). This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Parental Beliefs about Anxiety Questionnaire in a novel sample, including subsamples from both clinical and school populations, while examining the contribution of PBA to child anxiety in the context of parental AS. Amongst a sample of 133 children (76 clinic-referred and 57 recruited from public schools), results indicated significant relationships between PBA, parental AS, child anxiety, and parent anxiety. A significant indirect effect on the parent–child anxiety relationship was observed for PBA, which remained significant after controlling for parental AS. These findings lend support to the indirect effect of PBA in the relationship between parent and child anxiety, and provide evidence that effect of PBA in this respect is not accounted for by parental AS.
Entropy and Correlation Time in a Multimode Dye Laser

In a recent paper the results of an experimental study of a multimode cw dye laser were reported.[1] It was found that above a certain pumping level the intensities of the cavity modes became unstable and began to fluctuate nonperiodically. From time series of mode intensities the intensity correlation time τ c and order-2 Kolmogorov entropy K2 were determined. The correlation time was defined as the width of the peak of the monotonically decreasing autocorrelation function of intensity, and was found to decrease with increasing pump level. This can be understood by arguments based on coherent mode coupling.[1] The entropy was determined using the algorithm of Grassberger and Proccacia,[2] and was found to increase with increasing pump level.
The Effectiveness of Health Expenditure on the Proximate and Ultimate Goals of Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

Summary Using the General Method of Moments technique we examine the effectiveness of health expenditure from 1995 to 2011 in 43 nations of Sub-Saharan Africa. Health expenditure is broken into resources to government and non-government entities, private not out-of-pocket, and private out-of-pocket, and we find that while it has a higher effect on the proximate targets such as immunization, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition, it has a lower effect on the ultimate goals which are life expectancy, infant, and child mortality. Public health expenditure would become more effective if public service delivery improves, in addition to more female education and inclusive healthcare systems.
The Mediating Role of Sales Behaviors: An Alternative Perspective of Sales Performance and Effectiveness

Attempts to understand and improve salesperson performance have generated a considerable amount of research. Much of this research has focused on the relationships and impacts of various personal, organizational, and environmental variables on sales performance. The predominant model underlying much, if not most, of this research since 1979 has been the Walker, Churchill, and Ford (WCF) model. An important but overlooked aspect of the WCF model is the role of sales behaviors with respect to sales performance and sales effectiveness. This paper uses the WCF model to develop a more behavior-oriented view of sales performance. Sales behaviors and their performance are treated as mediating variables between such inputs as motivation, aptitude, and role perceptions and sales effectiveness outcomes.
Near-infrared absorption gas sensors using metal-organic framework-coated optical fibers

We report a near-infrared fiber-optic CO 2 sensor with only 8-centimeter sensing length coated with nanoporous metal-organic framework materials. We achieved 500ppm detection limit with an overall response time of 40 seconds in a gas cell.
Broadband supercontinuum based measurements of high-index contrast photonic bandgap devices from 1 to 2 /spl mu/m

We demonstrate ultra-broadband supercontinuum as a white-light source for characterizing high-index-contrast photonic circuits at telecommunications wavelengths. Supercontinuum-based measurements are used to map the band structure of one-dimensional photonic crystal microcavities over the wavelength range 1.2-2.0 /spl mu/m.
Testing non‐Gaussianity in cosmic microwave background maps by morphological statistics

The assumption of the Gaussianity of primordial perturbations plays an important role in modern cosmology. The most direct test of this hypothesis consists of testing the Gaussianity of cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps. Counting the pixels with the temperatures in given ranges and thus estimating the one-point probability function of the field is the simplest of all the tests. Other usually more complex tests of Gaussianity generally use a great deal of the information already contained in the probability function. However, the most interesting outcome of such a test would be the signal of non-Gaussianity independent of the probability function. It is shown that the independent information has purely morphological character i.e. it depends on the geometry and topology of the level contours only. As an example we discuss in detail the quadratic model v = u + α(u 2 - 1) (u is a Gaussian field with ū = 0 and = 1, α is a parameter) that may arise in slow-roll or two-field inflation models. We show that in the limit of small amplitude a the full information about the non-Gaussianity is contained in the probability function. If other tests are performed on this model they simply recycle the same information. A simple procedure allowing us to assess the sensitivity of any statistics to the morphological information is suggested. We provide an analytic estimate of the statistical limit for detecting the quadratic non-Gaussianity α c as a function of the map size in the ideal situation when the scale of the field is resolved. This estimate is in a good agreement with the results of the Monte Carlo simulations of 256 2 and 1024 2 maps. The effect of resolution on the detection quadratic non-Gaussianity is also briefly discussed.
Nitrogen mineralization rates in saline vs. salt-amended soils

Studies were conducted to compare N mineralization rates in salt-amended nonsaline soils to naturally-occurring saline soils. NaCl, CaCl2, and Na2SO4 were added to nonsaline soils at rates that produced electrical conductivities of the saturation extracts (ECe) of 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m−1. Saline soils with similar properties were leached to the same ECc levels. N mineralization in the Chino soil was inhibited by salt addition, particularly with sodium and calcium chlorides. In the Domino soil there was some inhibition of N mineralization with the chloride salts, but enhancement with Na2SO4 was observed. Nitrification in both soils was more sensitive to salt addition than ammonification. N mineralization occurred more slowly in both leached saline soils compared to the salt-amended soils. Leached saline soils often accumulated greater amounts of inorganic N compared to their native saline counterparts, particularly with the 5 dS m−1 Chino soil (native, 44 dS m−1) and with the 5, 10, 15 and 20 dS m−1 Domino soils (native, 32 dS m−1). Kinetic parameters were estimated by the linear least squares (LLS) and the nonlinear least squares (NLLS) methods. Generally, the LLS transformation estimated greater values of potentially mineralizable N (No) and lower rate constants (k). With the NLLS equation, No values for the leached saline soils were usually lower, and k values usually higher than in the salt-amended soils. The nonsaline controls generally had the highest No and lowest k estimates. Average LLS rate constants for the salt-amended and leached saline soils were 0.055 and 0.083 for the Chino, and 0.104 and 0.137 week−1, respectively, for the Domino soils. With the NLLS equation, average k values for the salt-amended and leached saline soils were 0.087 and 0.089 for the Chino, and 0.181 and 0.387 week−1, respectively, for the Domino soils. These results suggest that N mineralization rates obtained in salt-amended nonsaline soils may not be representative of those in naturally-occurring saline soils.
Material balance in coal. 2. Oxygen determination and stoichiometry of 33 coals

Abstract Chemical coal analysis can be supplemented by the determination of oxygen in high- and low-temperature ash, in coal as received, and in dried coal at 105 °C. The rapid method utilizes fast-neutron activation. The reaction 16 O(np) 16 N and counting of the 6.1 and 7.1 MeV gamma radiation of 7.3 s half-life are used. A specially designed dual transfer and simultaneous counting system gives very accurate results. Oxygen in 33 coals ranging from lignite to low-volatile bituminous coal has been determined and results are compared with ‘oxygen by difference’. Considerable discrepancies are observed. Better stoichiometric results are obtained if oxygen in coal ash, in wet coal and the dried coal is determined. This permits the estimation of the true material balances in fuels using data of the ultimate and the proximate coal analysis. The oxygen determination provides the coal chemist with an accurate basis and can be used to rank coal. The summation of the percent of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen becomes more meaningful, some errors can be detected, and the state of completeness of coal analysis can be evaluated. Total sulphur can be estimated and oxidation effects during drying can be detected. These affect the moisture determination. It appears that after more data have been collected the interpretation of solid fuel analyses may be facilitated and will be made stoichiometrically more meaningful; the ranks of different coals and other properties such as O C plots will become better defined. This approach may help the coal industry in general to quantize further the energy generating processes. It may be possible to simplify the present time-consuming methods of coal analysis. A brief overview of coal analysis methods in relation to direct determination of oxygen is given ‡ .
Overview of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) depicts changes in deoxyhemoglobin concentration consequent to task-induced or spontaneous modulation of neural metabolism. Since its inception in 1990, this method has been widely employed in thousands of studies of cognition for clinical applications such as surgical planning, for monitoring treatment outcomes, and as a biomarker in pharmacologic and training programs. More recently, attention is turning to the use of pattern classification and other statistical methods to draw increasingly complex inferences about cognitive brain states from fMRI data. This article reviews the methods, challenges, and future of fMRI.
On the Retinal Origins of the Hering Primaries

This paper argues that the distinctiveness of the Hering primary hues—red, green, blue, and yellow—is already evident at the retina. Basic features of spectral sensitivity provide a foundation for the development of unique hue perceptions and the hue categories of which they are focal examples. Of particular importance are locations in color space at which points of minimal and maximal spectral sensitivity and extreme ratios of chromatic to achromatic response occur. This account builds on Jameson and D’Andrade’s (1997) insight about the relationship between the Hering primaries and chromatic/achromatic ratios, Romney and Chiao’s (2009) color appearance model, and Thornton’s (1971, 1999) research on artificial lighting.
Incorporating student-centered approaches into catchment hydrology teaching: A review and synthesis

Abstract. As hydrologists confront the future of water resources on a globalized, resource-scarce and human-impacted planet, the educational preparation of future generations of water scientists becomes increasingly important. Although hydrology inherits a tradition of teacher-centered direct instruction – based on lecture, reading and assignment formats – a growing body of knowledge derived from engineering education research suggests that modifications to these methods could firstly improve the quality of instruction from a student perspective, and secondly contribute to better professional preparation of hydrologists, in terms of their abilities to transfer knowledge to new contexts, to frame and solve novel problems, and to work collaboratively in uncertain environments. Here we review the theoretical background and empirical literature relating to adopting student-centered and inductive models of teaching and learning. Models of student-centered learning and their applications in engineering education are introduced by outlining the approaches used by several of the authors to introduce student-centered and inductive educational strategies into their university classrooms. Finally, the relative novelty of research on engineering instruction in general and hydrology in particular creates opportunities for new partnerships between education researchers and hydrologists to explore the discipline-specific needs of hydrology students and develop new approaches for instruction and professional preparation of hydrologists.
In Vivo PET Imaging of Histone Deacetylases by 18F-Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (18F-SAHA)

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of enzymes that modulate gene expression and cell state by deacetylation of both histone and non-histone proteins. A variety of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have already undergone clinical testing in cancer. Real-time in vivo imaging of HDACs and their inhibition would be invaluable; however, the development of appropriate imaging agents has remained a major challenge. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of (18)F-suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid ((18)F-SAHA 1a), a close analogue of the most clinically relevant HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). We demonstrate that 1a has near identical biochemical activity profiles to that of SAHA and report findings from pharmacokinetic studies. Using a murine ovarian cancer model, we likewise show that HDAC inhibitor target binding efficacy can be quantitated within 24 h of administration. 1a thus represents the first (18)F-positron emission tomography (PET) HDAC imaging agent, which also exhibits low nanomolar potency and is pharmacologically analogous to a clinically relevant HDAC inhibitor.
Horned particles as the endpoint of Hawking evaporation

This essay reviews recent developments in the theory of Hawking evaporation of black holes. Study of near extremal magnetically charged black holes using a two plus four dimensional effective field theory has led to the concept of horned particles orcornucopion as the endpoint of Hawking evaporation. Horned particles are geometries containing two large asymptotic regions connected by microscopic necks. They look like point particles to an observer in any given asymptotic region, but in many ways behave like macroscopic objects. In particular, it is very difficult to pair produce them in external fields and their contribution to virtual loops is highly suppressed. They can serve as the remnants necessary to account for the information apparently lost in Hawking evaporation. The information simply goes into the new asymptotic region formed when the black hole collapses and evaporates.
Exogenous control of mammalian gene expression through modulation of RNA self-cleavage

Recent studies on the control of specific metabolic pathways in bacteria have documented the existence of entirely RNA-based mechanisms for controlling gene expression. These mechanisms involve the modulation of translation, transcription termination or RNA self-cleavage through the direct interaction of specific intracellular metabolites and RNA sequences. Here we show that an analogous RNA-based gene regulation system can effectively be designed for mammalian cells via the incorporation of sequences encoding self-cleaving RNA motifs into the transcriptional unit of a gene or vector. When correctly positioned, the sequences lead to potent inhibition of gene or vector expression, owing to the spontaneous cleavage of the RNA transcript. Administration of either oligonucleotides complementary to regions of the self-cleaving motif or a specific small molecule results in the efficient induction of gene expression, owing to inhibition of self-cleavage of the messenger RNA. Efficient regulation of transgene expression is shown in a variety of mammalian cell lines and live animals. In conjunction with other emerging technologies, this methodology may be particularly applicable to the development of gene regulation systems tailored to any small inducer molecule, and provide a novel means of biological sensing in vivo that may have an important application in the regulated delivery of protein therapeutics.