cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peak power reduction of OFDM signals with sign adjustment

It has recently been shown that significant reduction in the peak to mean envelope power (PMEPR) can be obtained by altering the sign of each subcarrier in a multicarrier system with n subcarriers. However, finding the best sign not only requires a search over 2n possible signs but also may lead to a substantial rate loss for small size constellations. In this paper, we first propose a greedy algorithm to choose the signs based on p-norm minimization and prove that the resulting PMEPR is guaranteed to be less than c log n where c is a constant independent of n for any n. This approach has lower complexity in each iteration compared to the derandomization approach of while achieving similar PMEPR reduction. We further improve the performance of the proposed algorithm by enlarging the search space using pruning. Simulation results show that PMEPR of a multicarrier signal with 128 subcarriers can be reduced to within 1.6 dB of the PMEPR of a single carrier system. In the second part of the paper, we address the rate loss by proposing a block coding scheme in which only one sign vector is chosen for K different modulating vectors. The sign vector can be computed using the greedy algorithm in n iterations. We show that the multi-symbol encoding approach can reduce the rate loss by a factor of K while achieving the PMEPR of c logKn, i.e., only logarithmic growth in K. Simulation results show that the rate loss can be made smaller than %10 at the cost of only 1 db increase in the resulting PMEPR for a system with 128 subcarriers.
Public Spectacles of Private Spheres: An Introduction to the Special Issue

This introduction to a special issue of the Journal of Family Issues, titled “Spaces and Places of Family Life: Cultural and Popular Cultural Representations of Homes and Families,” calls attention to the intersections of conceptions of families and homes and to the cultural and popular cultural representations of both. Two themes make up the focus of the collection of articles contained in the special issue. First, the included articles explore the pieced-together media production of real and fictional families and homes. It is here we see the location of home and family as not quite real, not quite fictional, even if the families and homes represented are nonfictional (such as within the reality television genre). Second, this issue focuses on the relationship between media-produced images of homes and families and real everyday experiences, including whether real families use fictional and nonfictional media representations to situate and define themselves as families. The collection presented here beg...
Afferent and efferent connections of the striate and extrastriate visual cortex of the normal and reeler mouse

In order to analyze the role of lamination in establishing the precisely ordered connectional pattern of the neocortex, we compared the afferent and efferent connections of the visual cortical areas in normal mice with those of the mutant mouse reeler (rl). The reeler mutation causes disruption of the laminar organization of the neocortex; all classes of neurons are present but are abnormally located. The corticocortical and thalamocortical connection os visual cortical areas 17, 18a, and 18b were determined in normal and reeler mice with injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or HRP conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin (HRP-WGA). The diffusion of HRP-WGA is highly restricted due to the surface binding properties of the lectin; it was particularly effective in demonstrating retinotopically ordered connections. We found that the patterns of connections made the reeler mutant are indistinguishable from normal. Cortical loci in area 17 are reciprocally connected to homotopic locations in areas 18a and 18b. Area 17 is also reciprocally connected with dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus and projects to the superior colliculus. Areas 18a and 18b are reciprocally connected with each other and with the lateral posterior and lateral nuclei of the thalamus, respectively. In addition, we found evidence of reciprocal connections between the lateral posterior nucleus and area 17, and between the lateral nucleus and areas 17 and 18a. The results indicate the neurons in visual cortical areas of the reeler mutant mouse are capable of forming retinotopically organized corticocortical and thalamocortical connections in a pattern similar to that found in normal animals. Thus the genetic anomaly producing incorrect neuronal positioning during development of the reeler cortex does not seriously impede the pathway and target recognition mechanisms responsible for formation of functionally appropriate cortical connections.
Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Information for Effective Institutional Research

Drawing upon the preceding chapters, the authors present a conceptual model that illustrates the relationship among effective decision support, the qualitative context of quantitative data, and the proximity of the institutional researcher and the decision maker.
Reducing HVI Strength Variability by Sensing Humidity

Short-term exposure of small cotton specimens to nonstandard atmospheric conditions can cause errors in their strength measurements. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of local humidity changes on strength measurements. Two production model high volume instruments were equipped with humidity sensors near their specimen brushing stations. The system from one vendor was more sensitive to short-term humidity cycles (1.15 compared to 0.6 %gf/tex/%RH), while the other system was more sensitive to humidity changes including sample conditioning (1.81 compared to 1.42 %gf/tex/%RH). Both instruments showed a wide range of strength-humidity sensitivities for the 57 cottons surveyed.
Performance Information in School Systems: Perspectives from Organization Theory

The nature of performance information is explored empirically through data describing administrator behaviors and preferences, and conceptually through a pure cybernetic model and a more organizationally-realistic administrative model. Implications from the latter model are derived for both school system administrators and school system critics.
Aggregated Personalistic Beliefs on Yields of Selected Crops Estimated Using ARIMA Processes

This study investigates the empirical relationships between the aggregated elicited probability distributions from individual farmers on yields of three 1977 California field crops and their data‐based representations. The comparison suggests that for expected values, the ARIMA representations agree with the aggregated elicited distributions. However, for higher moments, the ARIMA processes do much poorer in representing the elicited distributions.
Application of fuzzy logic to real-time scheduling

Although a lot of research has been done in the sphere of real-time systems and scheduling algorithms for real-time tasks, implementation of these real-time tasks still poses a lot of problems due to the unpredictability of the tasks involved and due to the lack of complete task knowledge prior to the execution process. In this paper, presented is a fuzzy logic controlled dynamic real-time scheduling algorithm to try and achieve better overall system performance and utilization for systems dealing with soft real-time tasks, where fuzzy logic uses the system's deadline miss ratio (DMR) and system throughput to calculate a value which provides a system performance metric used to drive the system to the desired level of performance by automatically adjusting to a predetermined set point
Applications of chiral perturbation theory to lattice QCD

These notes contain the written version of lectures given at the 2009 Les Houches Summer School “Modern perspectives in lattice QCD: Quantum field theory and high performance computing.” The goal is to provide a pedagogical introduction to the subject, and not a comprehensive review. Topics covered include a general introduction, the inclusion of scaling violations in chiral perturbation theory, partial quenching and mixed actions, chiral perturbation theory with heavy kaons, and the effects of finite volume, both in the p- and �-regimes.
IL-2–Controlled Expression of Multiple T Cell Trafficking Genes and Th2 Cytokines in the Regulatory T Cell-Deficient Scurfy Mice: Implication to Multiorgan Inflammation and Control of Skin and Lung Inflammation

Scurfy (Sf) mice bear a mutation in the Foxp3 transcription factor, lack regulatory T cells (Treg), develop multiorgan inflammation, and die prematurely. The major target organs affected are skin, lungs, and liver. Sf mice lacking the Il2 gene (Sf.Il2−/−), despite being devoid of Treg, did not develop skin and lung inflammation, but the inflammation in liver, pancreas, submandibular gland, and colon remained. Genome-wide microarray analysis revealed hundreds of genes that were differentially regulated among Sf, Sf.Il2−/−, and B6 CD4+ T cells, but the most significant changes were those encoding receptors for trafficking/chemotaxis/retention and cytokines. Our study suggests that IL-2 controls the skin and lung inflammation in Sf mice in an apparent “organ-specific” manner through two novel mechanisms: by regulating the expression of genes encoding a variety of receptors for T cell trafficking/chemotaxis/retention and by regulating Th2 cell expansion and cytokine production. Thus, IL-2 is potentially a master regulator for multiorgan inflammation and an underlying etiological factor for various diseases associated with skin and lung inflammation.
Stroke Patients And Diagnostic Testing- The Weekend Waiting Game! (P2.125)

BACKGROUND: Inpatient hospitalization contributes considerable costs to healthcare expenditures in the US. Increased lengths of stay (LOS) can lead to increased costs. At the University of Kentucky Medical Center (UKMC), there appear to be delays in care for patients admitted over the weekend due to availability of certain testing, such as MRI and Echocardiogram. This may lead to delays in delivering appropriate care, increased LOS, and costs. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts for stroke patients admitted to UKMC between September to November 2012. Two groups were defined, based on the day of week tests were ordered. Group 1 included patients with MRI/ Echo ordered between Monday through Thursday. Group 2 patients were defined as having tests ordered Friday through Sunday. RESULTS: 275 MRIs were performed with average time from order to completion of 15.60 hours. Average time to completion was 13.2 hours +/- SD 12.6 and 20.75 hours +/- SD 19.5 for Groups 1 (n=168) and 2 (n=97), respectively, p=0.002. 272 Echocardiograms were performed with average time from order to completion of 23.35 hours. Average time to completion was 17.4 hours +/-SD 11.2 and 33.4 +/- SD 21.6 hours for Groups 1 (n=171) and 2 (n=101), respectively, p <0.0001. We examined the impact of test time to completion on hospital costs for minor stroke (defined as LOS <4 days). Average costs were $2731.00 +/ SD 1877 and $3650+/- SD 2738 for Groups 1 and 2, respectively, p=0.042. CONCLUSIONS: There was a 57% increase in the time to complete MRIs and 92% increase in the time to complete Echocardiograms ordered on the weekend. This represents a significant delay in care and can impact costs. The hiring of additional MRI and Echocardiogram technicians could reduce delays in patient care and LOS, thus reducing costs for both patients and the system. Disclosure: Dr. Mathias has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose.
Exogenous folic acid is not able to inhibit the effects of methotrexate on the folate pathway in zebrafish embryos

Abstract. Methotrexate (Mtx) is a teratogen that causes severe abnormalities on developing fetuses. Mtx is also used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and leukemia. Folic acid (FA), a B vitamin that is present in prenatal vitamins, and Mtx use the same cellular pathway to cause their effects on organisms. It is of great interest to determine whether FA can overcome the effects of Mtx on a developing embryo. Since Mtx is a competitive inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, the enzyme used to make FA; it is hypothesized that an increase in FA will overcome the inhibitory effects of Mtx. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with Mtx and/or FA and then analyzed for developmental irregularities. These data demonstrate that FA cannot rescue the embryos from the teratogenicity of Mtx. Combined treatment enhanced the developmental abnormalities seen, indicating that exogenous FA cannot be used as a mechanism to overcome the teratogenic effects of Mtx.
Applications of Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry for Characterization of Protein Therapeutics

A major proportion of protein therapeutics marketed to date are produced by recombinant DNA technologies using well-chosen protein expression systems. Compared with small-molecule pharmaceuticals, recombinant therapeutic proteins are generally complex, heterogeneous, and subject to a variety of enzymatic or chemical modifications during expression, purification, and long-term storage. Because of unique structural features and production processes, the analytical strategies for characterization, quantitation, impurity profiling, and bioactivity evaluation of recombinant proteins represent a great challenge and a matter for debate.
Bipolaron Formation in B12 and (B11C)+ Icosahedra

Boron carbides, B1-xCx with 0.085 ≤ × ≤ 0.200, generally contain both B12 and B11C icosahedra. However, the electronic transport with 0.1 ≤ × ≤ 0.2 is believed to occur by means of bipolaron hopping between only B11 C icosahedra [i]. We have calculated the changes in energy, atomic positlions and charge distribution when a pair of electrons is added to the isoelectronic icosahedral clusters B12 and (B11C)+. We simulate an icosahedron in a neutral lattice by bonding the icosahedral atoms to hydrogenic atoms which we constrain to be neutral. The computations are performed with a self-consistent molecular-orbital method, PRDDO. We find a total energy reduction of -3.7 eV for two electrons added to a B12 icosahedron. Of this, -2.7 eV arises from the electrons filling the icosahedron’s bonding orbitals. The remaining -1.0 eV comes from the contraction of the icosahedron’s radius by -0.09 A. For two electrons added to a (B11C)+ icosahedron we find a total energy reduction of -18.2 eV. Of this, -16.5 eV arises from filling the icosahedron’s bonding orbitals. The remainder arises frop a -0.09 A contraction of the icosahedron’s radius. Thus, we find (B11C) icosahedra to be strongly energetically favored over B12 icosahedra as bipolaron sites. The positive charge associated with a (B11C)+ icosahedron is distributed over the eleven boron atoms. Concomitantly, we find the added two electrons of the bipolaron to be distributed over all twelve sites of the B11C icosahedron. We find the energy difference between an electron pair added to B12 and (B11C)+ icosahedra to arise principally from the increased Coulomic attraction provided by the extra positive charge of the (B11C) icosahedron.
Misfit Dislocations in the Interface between the Metallic and Insulating Phases in Cr Doped V203

The formation of misfit dislocations in the interface between the metallic and insulating phases which occur in 1.2% Cr doped V203 near room temperature was confirmed by TEM. Orientations of Burgers vectors of misfit dislocations were determined by the weak beam technique. The Burger vectors were parallel to principal axes in the basal plane ( ) and inclined somewhat to interfaces. The Burgers vectors of misfit dislocations are, however, close enough to the direction of the maximum misfit in the interface. Only one or two misfit dislocations appear in an interface regardless of the thickness of specimens, and these were always located near the surface.
Fate vs choice: the immune system reloaded.

Development can occur by either instructive or stochastic processes. My colleagues and I have studied the contributions of these processes to differentiation of naive CD4+ T-cells to either a Th1 or Th2 phenotype. Our initial discovery that pathogens in our in vitro priming system led to the development of Th1 cells through the action of interleukin-12 was important evidence of a link between innate and adaptive immunity. Subsequent studies in our laboratory revealed an important role for GATA-3 autoactivation in Th2 development. Other interesting projects that have emerged as a result of our Th cell differentiation studies include understanding the role of the inhibitory immunoreceptor B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator in the immune response, as well as the role of the transcription factor ERM in both T-cells and spermatogenesis. We currently maintain our interests in the Th differentiation field by trying to understand the role of type 1 interferons in Th1 development and the role of alternate promoters for the GATA-3 gene, among other things, but are also actively embarking on studies related to the choice between divergent cell types during embryonic stem cell differentiation.
Timing of postoperative infections after colectomy: evidence from NSQIP

Abstract Background We studied whether risk factors for infectious complications differed between inpatient (IP) and postdischarge (PD) periods in patients undergoing colon surgery. Methods Among partial colon resection patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005 to 2010), we identified risk factors for superficial and deep (D-SSI) surgical site infections and urinary tract infections in the IP and PD phases of care. Results Obesity was associated with higher risk of both IP superficial surgical site infections and D-SSI (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, P P P P P = .02 to OR 1.54, P Conclusions Risk factors for infections differ between IP and PD phases of care in colon surgery patients. Earlier discharge from the hospital may shift recognition of an SSI to the outpatient setting.
Investigation on distributed monitor technology of concrete crack based on tensile sensitive characteristic of electric paint

Flexible electric paint on the surface of concrete structures formed an electric coating film for monitoring distributedly the cracks in concrete.Based on the tensile sensitive characteristic of the electric coating,the entire process of deform,the crackings,and the development on concrete were monitored distributedly.The mechanism and the model of the tensile-sensitive effect of the electric coating were discussed,and experimental study was carried out on the distributed real-time monitoring of the deform,the crackings of concrete.The results show that the electric coating can determine the exact time of the concrete structure crack,and monitor the status of the crack development continuously,and that the smallest crack width that can be monitored is 0.02 mm.
Study on the financing of new rural cooperative medical system in Hubei Province

Objective The financing sources,the usage of the funds and the benefits of the new rural cooperative medical system were analyzed to provide information for decision-making.Methods The impact of the factors on financing was analyzed by building an Excel database and using statistic method.The data were derived from the annual health service survey in the Health Department of Hubei Province from 2003 to 2009.Results It was found that the provincial new rural cooperative medical financing amounted to $ 348.8 million in 2003,while it increased to $3.94 billion in 2009.The government financial assistance increased from $19.7 million in 2003 to $3.19 billion in 2009.The total financing proportion of the individual farmer's payment decreased from 43.52% in 2003 to 19.03% in 2009.The major funding was invested in inpatient and outpatient expenditure,accounted for more than 97.83% of the total cost.Conclusions The government financial assistance was the major source of financing for the new rural cooperative medical system in Hubei Province.To continue the increase of the government financial investment and optimize the capital structure is an important guarantee for the complete coverage of this system.
Joint training of speech separation, filterbank and acoustic model for robust automatic speech recognition.

Robustness is crucial for automatic speech recognition systems in real-world environments. Speech enhancement/separation algorithms are normally used to enhance noisy speech before recognition. However, such algorithms typically introduce distortions unseen by acoustic models. In this study, we propose a novel joint training approach to reduce this distortion problem. At the training stage, we first concatenate a speech separation DNN, a filterbank and an acoustic model DNN to form a deeper network, and then jointly train all of them. This way, the separation frontend and filterbank can provide enhanced speech desired by the acoustic model. In addition, the linguistic information contained in the acoustic model can have a positive effect on the frontend and filberbank. Besides the commonly used log mel-spectrogram feature, we also add more robust features for acoustic modeling. Our system obtains 14.1% average word error rate on the noisy and reverberant CHIME-2 corpus (track 2), which outperforms the previous best result by 8.4% relatively.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) can occur with parenchymal disease, with lung hypoplasia, or without associated lung disease ( idiopathic ) and has an incidence of 0.2% in term infants and up to 2% in preterm infants. • Maternal factors such as diabetes, high body mass index, smoking, use of selective serotonin receptor inhibitors or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and cesarean delivery increase the risk of PPHN. Postnatal factors include perinatal asphyxia, hyperoxia, hypoxia, infection, and lung inflammation. • Medical management of PPHN requires careful optimization of right and left ventricular function. Lung recruitment strategies should be applied in patients with parenchymal lung disease. • Inhaled nitric oxide improves oxygenation and reduces the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in term and near-term infants with PPHN. • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is indicated for term and near-term neonates with severe pulmonary hypertension and/or hypoxemia that is refractory to inhaled nitric oxide therapy and optimization of respiratory and cardiac function. • Chronic pulmonary hypertension occurs in a subset of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia and increases morbidity and mortality. • Infants who survive moderate to severe PPHN are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment and should undergo neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental follow-up.
Comparison of Rootability of Stem Cuttings from Seedlings of Aesculus sp. and Mature Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’

Rootability was evaluated for stem cuttings taken at varying positions and developmental stages from seedlings of Aesculus and from the mature trees of Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’. Rooting was 100% for cuttings taken from 2-week-old seedlings and 0% for those obtained from the crown of the mature tree 2 months after commencement of spring growth flush. Intermediate rootability was found for cuttings taken from 1-month-old seedlings and from the 2 week-old growth of suckers at the base of the mature tree. Rooting of cuttings with intermediate rooting potential was increased by a quick dip treatment with 2500 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or by using apical rather than basal stem segments. Commercially acceptable rooting was not achieved using cuttings from root suckers or the crown of Aesculus ‘Augumn Splendor’.
Upregulation of antioxidant genes in the spermathecae of honey bee ( Apis mellifera ) queens after mating

During storage, the viability of sperm in a honey bee (Apis mellifera) queen’s spermatheca can be decreased by reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that the expression of antioxidant genes would increase in queen spermathecae after mating. We measured queen morphometric characteristics and expression levels of seven antioxidant-encoding genes in virgin and mated queen spermathecae. We identified a 12% increase in body weight and a fourfold increase in ovary weight in mated queens. There was a twofold higher expression of catalase, thioredoxin 2, and thioredoxin reductase 1 in the spermathecae of mated vs. virgin queens. Expression of the other antioxidant genes (glutathione S-transferase D1, superoxide dismutase 1, vitellogenin, and glyoxalase domain-containing 4-like (GLOD4L) in spermathecae was not different between mated and virgin queens. In drone semen, expression of antioxidant genes was overall low compared to queens except for GLOD4L, which was equivalent to that in queen spermathecae. Increased expression of antioxidant genes may assist in maintaining sperm viability inside the spermathecae of mated queens.
Phorbol ester modulation of rabbit corneal endothelial permeability

PURPOSE: Phorbol esters have been shown to have a profound influence on cellular activity in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of phorbol esters on the function and structure of corneal endothelial cells. METHODS: Corneas were placed under a specular microscope, and the endothelium was superfused with glutathione bicarbonate Ringer's solution (GBR); with GBR and 10 nM, 100 nM, or 1 microM 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA); or with 100 nM 4-alpha-PMA. Corneal swelling curves were generated, and endothelial permeability was determined. Corneal endothelial structure was examined with a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Significant increases in swelling and endothelial permeability were found in corneas perfused with 100 nM PMA versus that observed in controls (swelling rate = 26 microns/hr versus 6.9 microns/hr; permeability = 6 x 10(-4) cm/min versus 3.4 x 10(-4) cm/min) and in corneas receiving 1 microM PMA versus that in controls (swelling rate = 26.3 microns/hr versus 0.12 micron/hr; permeability = 6.9 x 10(-4) cm/min versus 4.9 x 10(-4) cm/min). Application of 10 nM PMA did not significantly alter either parameter. Study with transmission electron microscope demonstrated significant morphologic changes in cells perfused with all concentrations of PMA. Corneas perfused with 100 nM 4-alpha-PMA versus 100 nM PMA had significantly lower slope and permeability values (swelling rate = 5.9 microns/hr versus 25.1 microns/hr; permeability = 3 x 10(-4) cm/min versus 6.7 x 10(-4) cm/min). CONCLUSIONS: Phorbol esters are detrimental for corneal endothelial function, creating significant corneal swelling, increases in endothelial permeability, and changes in endothelial cell structure. This effect appears to be mediated through a protein kinase C pathway.
Bilateral congenital cholesteatoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Objectives Congenital cholesteatoma (CC) occurs less commonly than acquired cholesteatoma (AC), and bilateral CC (BCC) is even more rare with only 38 such cases having been reported in the past 42 years. Because of the rarity of this condition, providers confronted with cases of BCC may find it difficult to treat while balancing complete removal of disease, optimal hearing outcomes, and minimized surgical burden in the pediatric patient. This review alerts physicians that BCC occurs, highlights past presentations and management strategies, describes the considerations in treatment and offers an algorithm helpful in the management of BCC. Methods Review of a single case with extensive review of published reports from 1975 to 2017 pertaining to management of BCC. Results A five-year-old boy presented with bilateral congenital cholesteatoma. Tympanomastoidectomy was performed to remove cholesteatoma in the left ear then in the right ear months later. Ossicular chain reconstruction was deferred in both cases. Second look procedures revealed persistent cholesteatoma in both ears. In the descriptions of the 38 published BCC cases, the extent and location of the CC varied widely as did the approach to management. In the 18 cases that had descriptions of surgical management, four had second look procedures. In the 16 reports that described extent of cholesteatoma, 12 had the first of two or more operations on the ear with more extensive cholesteatoma. Conclusions Risks are increased for recidivism/recurrence and hearing impairment in children with BCC compared to children with unilateral CC. We present a novel algorithm for management of BCC that recommends surgery for cholesteatoma removal first in the more severely affected ear and delayed OCR for both ears. Simultaneous surgery may be considered in certain cases.
Metasurface Lenses Based on Topology-Optimized Wavelength-Scale Building Blocks

We develop a new technique for improving the performance of planar, high numerical aperture metamaterial lenses by combining wavelength-scale diffractive elements designed using topology optimization.
Optical Materials for Luminescent Solar Concentrators and Solar Module Thermal Management

This talk will discuss two complementary optical strategies to harvest sunlight for improved photovoltaic efficiency: luminescent solar concentrators that capture diffuse sunlight, and selective reflectors that reduce module operating temperature.
Mental Health Indicator Parity: Integrating National, State, and Local Data

To successfully move into the new millennium, President George W. Bush commissioned healthcare providers and advocates as well as policy makers to transform the current delivery of mental health services in the United States. This chapter addresses the need to assess the demographic characteristics of individuals who experience mental illness. We compiled available mental health data to describe the prevalence of mental illness in Dallas County and in Texas, with comparisons to national rates. This report presents mental health indicators for the United States, Texas, and Dallas County by age, race/ethnicity, education, and poverty level, where available. Because the methods for collecting the data were different, comparisons of state and local data with the national level data should be made with caution. This chapter is intended to assist researchers, policymakers, and service providers in employing consistent measure of mental health disorders that will allow comparisons at the local, state, and national levels. These efforts represent the beginning of a process of responding to mental health and illness in our community to better serve affected individuals and their families.
Expanding humanities training beyond medical school.

We must expand our efforts to integrate humanities training into premedical programs and graduate medical education.
A Group Counseling and Educational Program for Students with Usher's Syndrome.

Describes a group counseling and educational program for teenagers with Usher's Syndrome that was developed at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C. The philosophical dilemma ...
Whole Genome Resequencing from Bulked Populations as a Rapid QTL and Gene Identification Method in Rice

Most Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and gene isolation approaches, such as positional- or map-based cloning, are time-consuming and low-throughput methods. Understanding and detecting the genetic material that controls a phenotype is a key means to functionally analyzing genes as well as to enhance crop agronomic traits. In this regard, high-throughput technologies have great prospects for changing the paradigms of DNA marker revealing, genotyping, and for discovering crop genetics and genomic study. Bulk segregant analysis, based on whole genome resequencing approaches, permits the rapid isolation of the genes or QTL responsible for the causative mutation of the phenotypes. MutMap, MutMap Gap, MutMap+, modified MutMap, and QTL-seq methods are among those approaches that have been confirmed to be fruitful gene mapping approaches for crop plants, such as rice, irrespective of whether the characters are determined by polygenes. As a result, in the present study we reviewed the progress made by all these methods to identify QTL or genes in rice.
Who delegates? Evidence from dictator games

Abstract We conduct and compare two binary dictator experiments in which the available payoff profiles are identical. In one of the games, selfish payoffs can be probabilistically implemented either via a delegate or directly; in the other game, the same payoffs can only be implemented by direct choice. We find that (1) the delegation option is almost entirely chosen by those who would otherwise be generous dictators, (2) the delegation option thereby leads to a greater overall propensity for selfish payoffs, and (3) in the delegation game, selfish dictators exhibit a net preference for direct vs. delegated decisions, consistent with recent research on decision rights.
Characterizing System Architectures Using Network Data

Abstract Scholars have posited that systems’ architectures drive their lifecycle properties. Often, these architectures are modeled using network representations of systems. Specifically, Moses’s theory of generic architectures represents these as networks of resource/information flows that are related to flexibility and controllability in systematic ways. However, measuring the architectures of real systems remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a generalization of the theory of generic architectures, in which the structure of Moses’s four generic structures – Tree-structured Hierarchies, Layered Hierarchy, Grid Network, and Teams, can be characterized by their “laterality” and “verticality”. Using unsupervised machine learning techniques, we extract dimensions characterizing the major sources of variance in 67 different real-world networks collected from different sources. We find that the dimensions capturing the most variance correspond to systems’ verticality and laterality, suggesting a set of metrics that may be used to measure the concordance of real-world systems with the four structures posited by generic architecture theory. These results generalize across multiple methodologies.
The impact of smoking and the influence of other factors on lung cancer

Introduction: Smoking is the main preventable cause of lung cancer. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the mechanisms of smoking-associated cancer development of the major histological lung cancer types small cell lung carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAC) and the impact of several factors other than smoking on this process. Areas covered: The role of intracellular signaling induced by nicotinic receptors and beta-adrenergic receptors, the resulting increase in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as a key driver of PAC and the promoting effects of respiratory tract diseases and their therapeutics, psychological stress and global warming. Expert opinion: Smoking has deleterious effects on the regulation of lung epithelia by neurotransmitter receptors that are further enhanced by gene mutations. Sensitization of the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) by COPD enhances the carcinogenic effects of smoking and turns nicotine into a carcinogen. Nicotine vaping may, therefore, cause cancer in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The opposing effects of cAMP on the major lung cancer types indicate that patients with PAC of Clara cell phenotype (PAC-Cl) will benefit from treatment with cAMP reducers and suggest that global warming-induced respiratory tract diseases and their therapeutics cause the global increase in the incidence of PAC.
Development of a modular directional and spectral neutron detection system using solid-state detectors

Abstract A detection system using room-temperature, microstructured solid-state thermal neutron detectors with very low leakage current has been developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with the ability to provide positional and spectral information about an unknown neutron source. The Directional and Spectral Neutron Detection System (DSNDS) utilizes a set of small-but-scalable, zero-bias solid-state thermal neutron detectors which have demonstrated high thermal neutron efficiency and adequate gamma insensitivity. The DSNDS can gather spectral information about an unknown neutron source with a relatively small number of detectors, simplifying the detector electronics and minimizing cost; however, the DSNDS is modular in design, providing the capability to increase the detection efficiency and angular resolution. The system used in this paper was comprised of a stack of five high-density polyethylene (HDPE) disks with a thickness of 5 cm and a diameter of 30 cm, the middle disk containing 16 detectors positioned as one internal (moderated) and one external (unmoderated) ring of solid-state neutron detectors. These two detector rings provide the ability to determine the directionality of a neutron source. The system gathers spectral information about a neutron source in two ways: by measuring the relative responses of the internal ring of detectors as well as measuring the ratio of the internal-to-external detector responses. Experiments were performed with variable neutron spectra: a 252 Cf spontaneous fission neutron source which was HDPE moderated, HDPE reflected, lead (Pb) shielded, and bare in order to benchmark the system for spectral sensitivity. Simulations were performed in order to characterize the neutron spectra corresponding to each of the source configurations and showed agreement with experimental measurements. The DSNDS demonstrates the ability to determine the relative angle of the source and the hardness of the neutron spectrum. By using the single HDPE disk with two detector rings and stacking four moderator disks, the intrinsic efficiency for 252 Cf spectrum of such detector is about 0.4%±0.04%.
[AG418] Worker Protection Standard: Determining Your WPS Responsibilities

The WPS requires agricultural employers to take steps to reduce pesticide-related risks when agricultural workers and pesticide handlers are exposed to these pesticides. The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995. On November 2, 2015, the EPA revised the WPS, making significant changes to the rule’s requirements. Most of the revised provisions will become effective January 2, 2017; there are four provisions that are delayed until January 2, 2018. In late 2016, the EPA released the revised “How to Comply Manual” to provide an updated resource. This document will address determining responsibilities under the revised WPS.
Synthetic Methods and Applications of Functional and Reactive Silicone Polymers

Siloxane polymers (widely known as silicones) are ubiquitous materials with a wide range of applications, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to nautical sealants and high temperature lubricants. This is due to its robust and advantageous properties as an inorganic-organic polymer, which differ widely from traditional polyolefin materials. In this chapter, the unique and remarkable properties of siloxane polymers will be analyzed, as well as the synthetic strategies for the preparation of traditional and functional silicones. An examination of the functions of siloxane polymers and copolymers in various industries, such as polyurethane foams and fluorosilicone lubricants, is presented. Traditional methods for crosslinking of siloxane polymers and the resulting coatings and bulk materials will be compared with recent advances in silicone coupling reactions, such as the Piers-Rubinsztajn and ‘click’ reactions. Finally, we examine the new emerging approach on the siloxane bond as a reactive functional group in its own right for the preparation of advanced non-stick resins and surfaces.
High sensitivity automated multiplexed immunoassays using photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence microfluidic system.

Abstract We demonstrate a platform that integrates photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence (PCEF) detection of a surface-based microspot fluorescent assay with a microfluidic cartridge to achieve simultaneous goals of high analytic sensitivity (single digit pg/mL), high selectivity, low sample volume, and assay automation. The PC surface, designed to provide optical resonances for the excitation wavelength and emission wavelength of Cyanines 5 (Cy5), was used to amplify the fluorescence signal intensity measured from a multiplexed biomarker microarray. The assay system is comprised of a plastic microfluidic cartridge for holding the PC and an assay automation system that provides a leak-free fluid interface during introduction of a sequence of fluids under computer control. Through the use of the assay automation system and the PC embedded within the microfluidic cartridge, we demonstrate pg/mL-level limits of detection by performing representative biomarker assays for interleukin 3 (IL3) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α). The results are consistent with limits of detection achieved without the use of the microfluidic device with the exception that coefficients of variability from spot-to-spot are substantially lower than those obtained by performing assays with manual manipulation of assay liquids. The system’s capabilities are compatible with the goal of diagnostic instruments for point-of-care settings.
Displacing fishmeal with protein derived from stranded methane

Methane emitted and flared from industrial sources across the United States is a major contributor to global climate change. Methanotrophic bacteria can transform this methane into useful protein-rich biomass, already approved for inclusion into animal feed. In the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, methanotrophic additives have a favourable amino acid profile and can offset ocean-caught fishmeal, reducing demands on over-harvested fisheries. Here we analyse the economic potential of producing methanotrophic microbial protein from stranded methane produced at wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and oil and gas facilities. Our results show that current technology can enable production, in the United States alone, equivalent to 14% of the global fishmeal market at prices at or below the current cost of fishmeal (roughly US$1,600 per metric ton). A sensitivity analysis highlights technically and economically feasible cost reductions (such as reduced cooling or labour requirements), which could allow stranded methane from the United States alone to satisfy global fishmeal demand. Methanotrophic bacteria can capture waste greenhouse gas emissions and feed fish, reducing the need for wild captures. An economic analysis shows great potential for this approach to replace aquaculture feed at competitive prices.
Deacylated tRNA Accumulation Is a Trigger for Bacterial Antibiotic Persistence Independent of the Stringent Response

Bacterial antibiotic persistence occurs when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic and the majority of the population rapidly dies off, but a small subpopulation enters into a dormant, persistent state and evades death. Diverse pathways leading to nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) depletion and restricted translation have been implicated in persistence, suggesting alternative redundant routes may exist to initiate persister formation. To investigate the molecular mechanism of one such pathway, functional variants of an essential component of translation (phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase [PheRS]) were used to study the effects of quality control on antibiotic persistence. Upon amino acid limitation, elevated PheRS quality control led to significant decreases in aminoacylated tRNAPhe accumulation and increased antibiotic persistence. This increase in antibiotic persistence was most pronounced (65-fold higher) when the relA-encoded tRNA-dependent stringent response was inactivated. The increase in persistence with elevated quality control correlated with ∼2-fold increases in the levels of the RNase MazF and the NTPase MazG and a 3-fold reduction in cellular NTP pools. These data reveal a mechanism for persister formation independent of the stringent response where reduced translation capacity, as indicated by reduced levels of aminoacylated tRNA, is accompanied by active reduction of cellular NTP pools which in turn triggers antibiotic persistence. IMPORTANCE Bacterial antibiotic persistence is a transient physiological state wherein cells become dormant and thereby evade being killed by antibiotics. Once the antibiotic is removed, bacterial persisters are able to resuscitate and repopulate. It is thought that antibiotic bacterial persisters may cause reoccurring infections in the clinical setting. The molecular triggers and pathways that cause bacteria to enter into the persister state are not fully understood. Our results suggest that accumulation of deacylated tRNA is a trigger for antibiotic persistence independent of the RelA-dependent stringent response, a pathway thought to be required for persistence in many organisms. Overall, this provides a mechanism where changes in translation quality control in response to physiological cues can directly modulate bacterial persistence.
White Gold: Snowmaking, Resort Growth, and Skier Experience in the U.S. East, 1945–1971

This article argues that the introduction of snowmaking to the American ski industry following World War II provided the necessary conditions for resort growth, in the process changing the sport of...
Synthesis and optical properties of doped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals

Tb, Mn, and Br ions are introduced to CsPbCl3 to prepare doped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals by hot injection method. The prepared doped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques to study the structural, morphological, and optical properties. The structure is not influenced by doping, which is confirmed by XRD data. Tb doping leads to larger particle sizes compared to undoped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals (8 nm 12 nm). However, the Mn and Br doping does not affect the sizes that much. The optical properties of CsPbCl3 nanocrystals can be controlled by doping. Green emission at 543 nm from Tb is observed for CsPbCl3:Tb nanocrystals. Red emission at 590 nm is obtained for Mn doping. Controlled exciton emission from CsPbCl3 is achieved by Br doping. The influence of Mn doping on the PL of CsPbCl3Br3-x is also investigated.
Enteric antigens are delivered to the infant colonic immune system to promote enhance and long-lasting tolerance (MUC8P.801)

Epidemiological studies indicate early exposure to microbial and dietary antigens via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with a decreased susceptibility for food allergy and inflammatory bowel disease later in life. However, the properties of the infant GI tract conferring this benefit are largely unknown. We found introduction of a dietary antigen during infancy, as opposed to early adulthood, promoted enhanced and lasting tolerance. Using in vivo imaging and ex vivo analysis of lamina propria antigen presenting cells following intraluminal antigen administration, we observed, in contrast to adults, enteric antigens were delivered to the colonic immune system in infants, which had an increased tolerogenic capacity. Antigen delivery to the infant colon immune system was mediated by goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) and the formation of colonic GAPs was regulated by goblet cell intrinsic sensing of the luminal microbiota, which inhibited antigen delivery and GAP formation in the colon as the microbiota expanded after weaning. Additionally, inhibition of colonic GAPs during enteric antigen exposure during infancy abrogated the tolerance induction. We propose antigen delivery to the infant colon allows the immune system to become ‘educated’ to dietary and microbial antigens, preventing responses to innocuous antigens encountered in the adult colon where the environment contains abundant and complex microbial stimuli.