cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Vascular Factors on Language Localization in the Superior Temporal Sulcus

r r Abstract: The left superior temporal sulcus (STS) has been shown in numerous functional imaging studies to be a critical region for language processing, as it is reliably activated when language com- prehension is compared with acoustically matched control conditions. Studies in non-human primates have demonstrated several subdivisions in the STS, yet the precise region(s) within the STS that are important for language remain unclear, in large part because the presence of draining veins in the sul- cus makes it difficult to determine whether neural activity is localized to the dorsal or ventral bank of the sulcus. We used functional MRI to localize language regions, and then acquired several additional sequences in order to account for the impact of vascular factors. A breath-holding task was used to induce hypercapnia in order to normalize voxel-wise differences in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responsivity, and veins were identified on susceptibility-weighted and T2*-weighted BOLD images, and masked out. We found that the precise locations of language areas in individual partici- pants were strongly influenced by vascular factors, but that these vascular effects could be ameliorated by hypercapnic normalization and vein masking. After these corrections were applied, the majority of regions activated by language processing were localized to the dorsal bank of the STS. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4049-4063, 2014. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A parallel linked list for shared-memory multiprocessors

Concurrent algorithms for a parallel linked list in a shared-memory parallel computer are proposed. The deletion of entries in a linked list can be executed concurrently in any order. In particular, the deletion of nonadjacent entries can be executed simultaneously without interfering with each other. The appending of a new entry to the list and the deletion of the entries other than the last one in the list can also be executed simultaneously. Parallel linked lists are very useful tools for parallel computers in processor scheduling memory management and sparse matrix computations. The machine model and the synchronization instruction used are described. >
On Convergence Rates of Convex Regression in Multiple Dimensions

We consider a least squares estimator for estimating a convex function f*: [0, 1]d → ℝ with bounded subgradients. A rate at which the sum of squared differences between the estimator and the true function f* converges to zero is computed. This work sheds light on computing the convergence rate of the multidimensional convex regression estimator.
Signal processing-based direction finder for transient capacitor switching disturbances

This paper develops a signal processing, time-frequency analysis-based analytic solution to locate transient capacitor switching disturbances. The flow of transient disturbance energy caused by the capacitor switching is determined by the time and frequency localized phase difference. Cross time-frequency analysis provides time- and frequency-localized phase difference between the transient voltage and current disturbance waveforms which determine the direction of transient disturbance energy flow. The time and frequency localization properties of the proposed scheme allows one to expand the application to complicated power distribution systems without knowledge of system parameters, capacitor size, and configuration. The proposed scheme has been verified by the Electromagnetic Transients Program simulation for all possible spatial locations of the capacitor switching.
The Mars Science Laboratory Engineering Cameras

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover is equipped with a set of 12 engineering cameras. These cameras are build-to-print copies of the Mars Exploration Rover cameras described in Maki et al. (J. Geophys. Res. 108(E12): 8071, 2003). Images returned from the engineering cameras will be used to navigate the rover on the Martian surface, deploy the rover robotic arm, and ingest samples into the rover sample processing system. The Navigation cameras (Navcams) are mounted to a pan/tilt mast and have a 45-degree square field of view (FOV) with a pixel scale of 0.82 mrad/pixel. The Hazard Avoidance Cameras (Hazcams) are body-mounted to the rover chassis in the front and rear of the vehicle and have a 124-degree square FOV with a pixel scale of 2.1 mrad/pixel. All of the cameras utilize a 1024×1024 pixel detector and red/near IR bandpass filters centered at 650 nm. The MSL engineering cameras are grouped into two sets of six: one set of cameras is connected to rover computer “A” and the other set is connected to rover computer “B”. The Navcams and Front Hazcams each provide similar views from either computer. The Rear Hazcams provide different views from the two computers due to the different mounting locations of the “A” and “B” Rear Hazcams. This paper provides a brief description of the engineering camera properties, the locations of the cameras on the vehicle, and camera usage for surface operations.
The Mature Distance Education Program-Which Way Now?

Distance education programs that have been around for a long time risk being caught up in a groundswell of change brought by new interest in distance education fueled by the explosive growth of the Internet. These mature programs need to understand the factors that led to their success, the issues likely to affect them over the coming years, and chart a course that brings the two together. This article looks at how factors such as eliminating service area boundaries, support from the top, focusing on large enrollment courses, moving to faculty-led course development, emphasis on instruction and not materials, and development of complete degree programs led to program success at one large American community college. It also looks at how issues such as changes in distance education faculty and students, lack of uniform access to the Internet, the increase in distance education providers, and the need for student support services will play a role in future distance education program success. Finally, it looks at several trends that are likely to emerge from the current environment including the growth of state and regional virtual campuses, increased interest in partnerships, and the role of textbook publisher developed Web sites.
Blood Conservation in Pediatric Anesthesia

This review focuses on perioperative blood conservation techniques and the role of transfusion triggers and algorithms, preoperative autologous donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative blood salvage, deliberate hypotension, and preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin in avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion in pediatric patients.
Manipulating L-type calcium channels in cardiomyocytes using split-intein protein transsplicing

Manipulating expression of proteins directly in isolated heart cells is an important method to study cardiac biology and disease. However, this approach is challenging for large genes (>6 kb) because these exceed the packaging capacity of commonly used viral vectors used to deliver genes into heart cells. Here, we used a split-intein–mediated protein transsplicing strategy to reconstitute the large pore-forming subunit of L-type calcium channels from two separate fragments in heart cells. This approach provides a general method to express different large proteins in heart cells and will help advance new insights into basic mechanisms underlying cardiac function and disease.
Large transient optical gain from N + Ge-on-Si

We report a large transient optical gain of ∼1000 cm−1 from n+ Ge-on-Si at λ=1645 nm using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. The gain spectrum width is 70 nm, from 1610 to 1680 nm.
Measurement of ELF field strength

This article reviews the measurement of the absolute magnitude of electric and magnetic fields at extremely low frequencies (ELF), 3 Hz to 3 KHz, when the dimensions ( L ) of any practical receiving antenna are an infinitesimal fraction of the wavelength ( L ) and the incident electric and magnetic fields are, in general, not related to each other by the wave impedance of free space. Various sensor systems and techniques for their calibration are discussed.
Effects of elutriation and sieving processing (Elusieve) of distillers dried grains with solubles on the performance and carcass characteristics of male broilers.

SUMMARY A technique combining elutriation (air classification) and sieving was developed to remove some of the fiber component of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Herein, DDGS were sieved into 4 different sizes: large, medium, small, and pan. Fiber was removed from the 3 largest sizes by elutriation via an aspirator, whereby air was blown through the different size categories at a predetermined velocity as the product was falling from the sifter, through the aspirator, and into a collection container. This air movement resulted in a portion of the lighter fiber component being blown into a separate chamber of the respirator and thus into a separate container. The DDGS product obtained by mixing the material that underwent this procedure was called “big DDGS.” The pan material, which was in the smallest size category, has a lower fiber concentration and thus underwent no elutriation (pan DDGS). Four different dietary treatments with 12 replicates each were fed to Ross × Ross 308 male broilers from hatch until 42 d of age. A corn- and soybean meal-based diet without DDGS served as the control (treatment 1); treatment 2 had conventional DDGS included at a concentration of 8% (unmodified DDGS); treatment 3 consisted of 8% big DDGS inclusion (partially modified DDGS, PMD), and the fourth treatment consisted of 8% pan DDGS (ED). Final BW was observed to be superior for the birds fed the ED-based diets compared with the BW of those birds fed the control diet and the PMD-based diet. However, contrast analysis showed a significant difference in BW (P = 0.08), with birds fed ED-based diets exhibiting higher BW compared with birds fed unmodified DDGS-based diets. Feed intake was numerically higher for birds fed ED-based diets compared with all other treatments and was significantly greater for birds fed ED-based diets vs. those fed PMD-based diets for the 0- to 42-d period. No other differences were found in bird performance or carcass traits. Results showed some improvement of DDGS via the use of this technology, judging by a marginal improvement in final BW.
Response of Vaccinated and Nonvaccinated Syngeneic C57B1/6 Mice to Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Data are presented which show that the syngeneic C57B1/6 mouse strain is far more susceptible to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv than are the other allogeneic mouse strains used in this laboratory, particularly the Strong A and the CF-1 strains. Not only are the C57B1/6 mice more susceptible to tuberculous infection, but also they respond to infection more uniformly than do the allogeneic strains. C57B1/6 mice develop immunity to challenge with small infecting doses of the virulent H37Rv strain when they are vaccinated with viable cells of the attenuated H37Ra strain and with ribonucleic acid (RNA) preparations isolated from the H37Ra strain. Mice vaccinated with viable cells of the H37Ra strain, however, may die more rapidly than nonvaccinated mice when given a large infecting dose (1.0 mg). This accelerated type of disease is not seen in mice vaccinated with mycobacterial RNA. Since C57B1/6 mice are known to develop tuberculin hypersensitivity more readily than many other mouse strains, the possibility is discussed that the increased susceptibility to tuberculous infection of mice vaccinated with viable cells of the H37Ra strain may be due to a superimposition of a pronounced acute inflammatory response due to tuberculin hypersensitivity upon the infectious process. The several advantages that may be gained in the study of certain host-parasite interactions in tuberculosis by the use of a highly susceptible syngeneic mouse strain such as the C57B1/6 are discussed.
A COMPARISON OF GAS SEPARATION PERFORMANCE BY DIFFERENT PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION CYCLES

By simulations using an equilibrium model, a quantative comparison is made for different pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes for gas separation. The comparison is based on the performance cur...
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on succinic dehydrogenase activity during different stages of cell division

Abstract 1. 1. T. pyriformis GL was grown in a chemically defined medium. 2. 2. Synchronous division was induced by the temperature flux method. 3. 3. The succinic dehydrogenase activity was tested in both control and irradiated cultures of each stage of division. 4. 4. The enzymatic activity of those control organisms tested immediately after shock treatment and those tested 150 minutes after shock treatment (stages II and VII) was inhibited when compared to the normal control (stage I). 5. 5. In the same two stages (II and VII), radiation caused a significant acceleration of activity. 6. 6. We feel that this acceleration of enzymatic activity may be the result of an attempt on the part of the organisms to recover from the lethal effects of radiation.
Single Pass, BLAST-Like, Approximate String Matching on FPGAs

Approximate string matching is funda- mental to bioinformatics, and has been the subject of numerous FPGA acceleration studies. We ad- dress issues with respect to FPGA implementations of both BLAST- and dynamic-programming- (DP) based methods. Our primary contributions are two new algo- rithms for emulating the seeding and extension phases of BLAST. These operate in a single pass through a database at streaming rate (110 Maa/sec on a VP70 for query sizes up to 600 and 170 Maa/sec on a Virtex4 for query sizes up to 1024), and with no preprocessing other than loading the query string. Further, they use very high sensitivity with no slowdown. While cur- rent DP-based methods also operate at streaming rate, generating results can be cumbersome. We address this with a new structure for data extraction. We present results from several implementations.
The Role of Electrophysiology Study in Risk Stratification of Sudden Cardiac Death

Patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. However, most of these high-risk patients will never develop potential fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, modalities that stratify patients according to their risk of sudden cardiac death are needed. The electrophysiology study has, for decades, been used to prognosticate on patients' risk of sudden cardiac death. Recent data from the Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial (MUSTT) and Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II (MADIT II) demonstrate that in patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, an electrophysiology study can help identify patients who are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. However, in these patient populations, the prognostic ability of an electrophysiology study is only modest and the negative predictive value is poor. In the future, combining the results of noninvasive modalities with invasive electrophysiology testing may improve our prognostic ability. Furthermore, expanding the role of the electrophysiology study to include therapeutic ablations may alter a patient's future risk of sudden cardiac death.
Obstetric safety improvement and its reflection in reserved claims

In reviewing outcomes that are associated with the implementation of a series of labor and delivery patient safety efforts from 2004-2009, we requested data on the number of related professional liability claims that were reserved by our insurance companies that are established with the specific objective of financing risks that emanate from their parent group or groups. While we restructured the manner in which we give care, required training modules, and provided simulations to our providers, our legal risk continued to be monitored independently and in parallel. Retrospective review of the number of cases for which money was held in reserve for claims demonstrated a 20% decrease per year, which was adjusted for delivery volume, over this time period. We believe that the improved care that resulted from our safety projects has led to this decreased legal risk.
Inner-City Availability of Preservative-Containing Albuterol

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) added to nebulized albuterol may induce bronchospasm. The objective of this study was to determine the availability of BAC-containing nebulized albuterol in the Bronx, New York pharmacies. A cross-sectional telephone survey of pharmacies was conducted. Overall, 158 (80%) pharmacies participated in the survey; 133 (84%) carried BAC-containing albuterol; 25 (16%) dispensed BAC-containing albuterol solution when presented with a prescription written for generic albuterol. Only 14 (9%) pharmacists had seen a prescription for nebulized albuterol where a physician specified “without BAC.” Despite availability of BAC-free albuterol, pharmacies in the Bronx still carried and dispensed BAC-containing product.
Differential Resistance to Staphylococcus aureus Challenge in Major Histocompatibility (B) Complex Congenic Lines

Abstract Ten inbred B-congenic Leghorn lines were challenged with two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus at 3 days and 6 wk of age. Significant differences in mortality were observed among such lines when challenged at 3 days with either S. aureus Isolate P4L (moderately pathogenic) or S. aureus Isolate 3727 (highly pathogenic). Line 331 (B2/B2 genotype) had lower mortality than either Line 004 (B17/B17, χ2 = 4.13, P
Knowledge Maps and their application to student and faculty assessment

This paper discusses the development of knowledge maps for enhancing engineering learning. These maps are somewhat similar to concept maps, which have been widely used and developed in various areas of study. Knowledge maps, however, extend concept maps in that they not only illustrate the underlying concepts of a discipline, but they actually embed the knowledge in each of those concepts through various multimedia attachments. Knowledge maps also allow reverse mapping so that students can be assessed based upon how many concepts they know and whether they have understood the proper relationships between the concepts. A reverse map can be used to evaluate students and act as a record of student learning. Aggregate course maps may be used to gain an average understanding of the gains of entire classes of students and may be used to evaluate faculty effectiveness and provide valuable insight into the gains and weaknesses of students matriculating from one course to the next. The work contained herein presents the strategies implemented to allow for the design of custom knowledge maps. Reverse mapping techniques are discussed to indicate the method for evaluation of students.
The enzymatic conversion of phosphonates to phosphate by bacteria

Phosphonates are ubiquitous organophosphorus compounds that contain a characteristic CP bond which is chemically inert and hydrolytically stable. Bacteria have evolved pathways to metabolize these phosphonate compounds and utilize the products of these pathways as nutrient sources. This review aims to present all of the known bacterial enzymes capable of transforming phosphonates to phosphates. There are three major classes of enzymes known to date performing such transformations: phosphonatases, the C-P lyase complex and an oxidative pathway for CP bond cleavage. A brief description of each class is presented.
Declining Enrollments and Surburban School Closings: The Problem of Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Schools

As a part of a larger study of the impact of declining enrollments, the investigators undertook a study of neighborhoods and neighborhood schools. Case study data from three similar school districts exhibiting variation in "neighborhoodness" are presented and analyzed. Implications for school and administrative strategy are discussed in the light of neighborhood apperception.
Properties of Mycalex

This paper presents data recently obtained on physical and electrical properties of Mycalex, a material having extensive and growing applications in the design of radio apparatus. The electrical data relate to the frequency range to 100,000 kilocycles.
A second look at the final number of cells in a fluctuation experiment.

Abstract In a fluctuation experiment, the number of cells existing in a culture immediately before plating (commonly known as N t ) varies across the parallel cultures. However, most existing mathematical models for fluctuation assay data do not recognize the variation in N t . Despite repeated attempts in the past to integrate this source of variability in the estimation of microbial mutation rates, several questions of practical importance remain unanswered. The present investigation finds that the variation needs accounting for only when the coefficient of variation for N t is large, and experimental data suggest that the coefficient of variation is often moderate or small. Moreover, an increase in the inoculum size can reduce the coefficient of variation. Through extensive simulation, several existing methods that accommodate the variation in N t are compared. It was found that a newly devised likelihood method based on the existing gamma mixture model outperforms other existing methods. The investigation focuses on the estimation of mutation rates using the Lea–Coulson model, under which mutation is selectively neutral; however, the paper also explores the major findings' implications for the comparison of mutation rates using the likelihood ratio test, and for the estimation of mutation rates using the Mandelbrot–Koch model that allows for non-neutral mutations.
Study on Palatability Characteristics of High Quality Rice Varieties

Twenty high quality japonica rice varieties at home and one japonica rice variety from Japan were used to study physical and chemical quality properties,RVA profile and eating quality through sensory test and taste meter test.The correlation coefficients between amylose content,protein content,RVA profile and the value of overall eating quality of high quality rice varieties were studied.The results showed that the amylose content was moderate and the value of breakdown and setback could be within an optimum range.All rice varieties obtained higher palatability values.Protein content of Chinese varieties was higher than that of Japanese rice variety.The amylose content was significantly negatively correlated to the peak viscosity(r=-0.470),highly significantly negatively correlated to the breakdown value(r=-0.610),significantly positively correlated to the final viscosity(r=0.482)and highly significantly positively correlated to the setback value(r=0.839).The protein content was significantly negatively correlated to the amylose content(r=-0.517)and to the setback value(r=-0.474).The value of overall eating quality was highly significantly negatively correlated to the protein content(r=-0.618).
The food safety risk based on the monitoring of metal index and analysis of pollution in Dongtai city from 2009 to 2011

Objective:To observe the pollution status of metal elements in food in Dongtai city through monitoring and testing four metal elements in a variety of food,including lead,cadmium,total mercury and aluminum,so as to carry out the food safety risk warning program.Methods:According to "Jiangsu food safety risk monitoring Program",atomic absorption spectrometry,atomic fluorescence spectrometry and spectrophotometry were used to test the four metal elements which were mentioned above in food.Results:572 samples of various kinds of food were collected in 3 consecutive years,of which,483 samples were tested for concentrations of lead,cadmium and total mercury with over-limit rates of 1.7%,2.9%and 4.1%,respectively.Among 89 aluminum food samples,29 cases exceed the criterion with a over-limit rate of 32.5%.Conclusion:In general,the pollution levels of lead,cadmium and total mercury are relatively low and in good condition,whereas the pollution state of aluminum is severe,need to take targeted control measures in order to improve food safety in Dongtai area.
CFD studies on biomass gasification in a pilot-scale dual fluidized-bed system

Abstract A comprehensive CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model using the MP-PIC (Multiphase Particle-In-Cell) method was developed to simulate a pilot-scale (6 tons/day, 1 MW th) dual fluidized-bed biomass gasification system. In this model the particulate phase was described with the blended acceleration model. The momentum, mass, and energy transport equations were integrated with the kinetics of heterogeneous biomass and char reactions and homogeneous gas-phase reactions to predict the particle circulation, producer gas composition, and reactor temperature. The simulation results were compared with experimental data from the pilot-scale gasification system to validate the model at different operating conditions. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the impact of gasifier temperature, steam to biomass ratio (S/B), and air supply to the combustor on the producer gas composition. The studies showed that increasing gasifier temperature and steam to biomass ratio (S/B) promoted syngas (CO + H2) production and increased hydrogen content in producer gas. The effect of air supply was minor, because for the dual fluidized-bed system air was not directly involved in biomass gasification.
Homeless people & mental health

Whether homelessness precipitates mental illness or vice versa, it's clear that life on the streets exacerbates the condition. Here's how you can help.
Theory and Simulation of Stationary Wave Propagation

Stationary spiral wave phenomena, in simulated myocardium consisting of AP models, and their associated characteristics (such as rotational angular velocity, core radius, and wavefront morphology) are topics of major theoretical and practical interest. These topics will be discussed in this chapter within the framework of findings from Zykov [1], which are valid under the following assumptions: an unrestricted domain of spiral wave propagation only one spiral wave is initiated spiral wave rotation is stationary and the resultant period of circulation T = 2ω/π, is constant.
The next generation dark matter hunter: XENON1T status and perspective

The XENON Dark Matter Experiment has been ongoing at LNGS since 2005 with the goal of searching for dark matter WIMPs with liquid xenon as target and detector material. With detectors of increasing target mass and decreasing background, the XENON program has achieved competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon interaction couplings, but also on axions and axion like particles. With the start of the next generation experiment, XENON1T expected in 2015, XENON Dark Matter Experiment will continue to lead field of dark matter direct detection. XENON1T will be the first experiment to use multi-tons of liquid xenon in a time projection chamber and is designed to achieve two orders of magnitude higher sensitivity than the current best limits. I will review the status of construction and the scientific goals of XENON1T.
PHYSOSTIGMINE RESPONSES AS MARKERS IN AFFECTIVE DISORDER PATIENTS

Converging lines of evidence from a variety of independent research studies suggest that affective disorder patients may be more reactive to centrally acting cholinomimetic agents. To explore this possibility, the current study compared the behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of the cholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine salicylate (.022 mg/kg), in affective and non–affective disorder psychiatric patients. Affective disorder patients were found to have a relatively greater tendency to develop behavioral inhibition and anergia, negative affect and exaggerated prolactin responses following physostigmine infusion. No significant differences were found with respect to physostigmine-induced increases in pulse, blood pressure or serum cortisol. Thus, it is possible that exaggerated behavioral and prolactin responses to physostigmine may be markers of affective disorder.
Reconciling Differences between Lipid Transfer in Free-Standing and Solid Supported Membranes: A Time-Resolved Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

Maintaining compositional lipid gradients across membranes in animal cells is essential to biological function, but what is the energetic cost to maintain these differences? It has long been recognized that studying the passive movement of lipids in membranes can provide insight into this toll. Confusingly the reported values of inter- and, particularly, intra-lipid transport rates of lipids in membranes show significant differences. To overcome this difficulty, biases introduced by experimental approaches have to be identified. The present study addresses the difference in the reported intramembrane transport rates of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) on flat solid supports (fast flipping) and in curved free-standing membranes (slow flipping). Two possible scenarios are potentially at play: one is the difference in curvature of the membranes studied and the other the presence (or not) of the support. Using DMPC vesicles and DMPC supported membranes on silica nanoparticles of different radii, we found...
Chapter 10 – Breast Cancer

Personalized breast cancer care has been greatly advanced by developments in genetics and genomics. Precision medicine approaches have led to a reduction in breast cancer mortality, while also decreasing morbidity from treatment. The advent of next-generation sequencing now allows for testing of a larger panel of germline mutations predisposing to breast cancer. This capacity has led to detection of changes sometimes of uncertain significance, and without clear clinical guidelines. However, germline testing results are now translating into tools for guiding therapy as well as assessing genetic risk. Early-stage breast cancer management is primarily guided by conventional markers such as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2 amplification status; however, it is also increasingly guided by molecular classification, and gene expression profiling that provides prognostic and predictive information. For advanced, metastatic disease, detection of gene mutations also promises to guide therapy more precisely, although this concept is still very much in development.
Trabecular Bone Morphology Correlates With Skeletal Maturity and Body Composition in Healthy Adolescent Girls.

Context Growth in healthy children is associated with changes in bone density and microarchitecture. Trabecular morphology is an additional important determinant of bone strength, but little is currently known about trabecular morphology in healthy young people. Objective To investigate associations of trabecular morphology with increasing maturity and with body composition in healthy girls. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic research center. Participants Eighty-six healthy girls aged 9 to 18 years. Main Outcome Measures High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and individual trabecula segmentation were used to assess volumetric bone density, microarchitecture, and trabecular morphology (plate-like vs rod-like) at the distal radius and tibia. Results Plate-like bone volume divided by total volume (pBV/TV) increased statistically significantly at the tibia (R = 0.41, P < 0.001), whereas rod-like BV/TV (rBV/TV) decreased statistically significantly at both the radius and tibia (R = -0.34, P = 0.003 and R = -0.28, P = 0.008, respectively) with increasing bone age. In multivariable models, lean mass positively correlated with pBV/TV and plate number at the radius and with plate thickness at both sites. In contrast, fat mass negatively correlated with plate thickness at the tibia and plate surface at both sites. In addition, fat mass positively correlated with rBV/TV and number at the tibia. pBV/TV at both the distal radius and tibia was positively correlated with spine bone mineral density. Conclusions Increasing maturity across late childhood and adolescence is associated with changes in trabecular morphology anticipated to contribute to bone strength. Body composition correlates with trabecular morphology, suggesting that muscle mass and adiposity in youth may contribute to long-term skeletal health.
Measurements of hydrocarbon bubble points in synthesized mesoporous siliceous monoliths

Abstract Silica based crack-free monoliths having the same pore size range as the oil and gas producing north-american shales were synthesized using a new synthesis procedure. Crack-free monoliths were synthesized by controlling the evaporation rate. Evaporation rate of 0.4 g/cm 2 was found optimal for making monoliths in cylindrical enclosures of different sizes for experimentation. The focus of this work was to understand the effects of nano-sized porous media on the saturation pressures of a hydrocarbon mixture of methane and decane. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized monoliths were measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm (BET), pore size distribution curve, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of decane in saturated monoliths revealed different boiling points in comparison to pure decane. The experimentally measured saturation pressures at two different temperatures of the bulk hydrocarbon mixture (decane-methane) matched well with the simulated results. The bubble point pressures of a hydrocarbon mixture in the nano-sized monolith were lower (about 18%) than those in the bulk.
Inhibition of Drp1/Fis1 interaction slows progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract Bioenergetic failure and oxidative stress are common pathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but whether these could be targeted effectively for novel therapeutic intervention needs to be determined. One of the reported contributors to ALS pathology is mitochondrial dysfunction associated with excessive mitochondrial fission and fragmentation, which is predominantly mediated by Drp1 hyperactivation. Here, we determined whether inhibition of excessive fission by inhibiting Drp1/Fis1 interaction affects disease progression. We observed mitochondrial excessive fragmentation and dysfunction in several familial forms of ALS patient‐derived fibroblasts as well as in cultured motor neurons expressing SOD1 mutant. In both cell models, inhibition of Drp1/Fis1 interaction by a selective peptide inhibitor, P110, led to a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species levels, and to improvement in mitochondrial structure and functions. Sustained treatment of mice expressing G93A SOD1 mutation with P110, beginning at the onset of disease symptoms at day 90, produced an improvement in motor performance and survival, suggesting that Drp1 hyperactivation may be an attractive target in the treatment of ALS patients.
Ethics Education in Context: A Case Study of Novel Ethics Activities for the CS Classroom

Our paper offers several novel activities for teaching ethics in the context of a computer science (CS) class. Rather than approaches that teach ethics as an isolated course, we outline and discuss multiple ethics education interventions meant to work in the context of an existing technical course. We piloted these activities in an Human Centered Computing course and found strong engagement and interest from our students in ethics topics without sacrificing core course material. Using a pre/post survey and examples from student assignments, we evaluate the impact of these interventions and discuss their relevance to other CS courses. We further make suggestions for embedding ethics in other CS education contexts.
Heparin priming of EUS-FNA needles does not adversely affect tissue cytology or immunohistochemical staining

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy (FNB) is an indispensable diagnostic tool. Improvements in needling technique have led to increasing tissue yields. Blood clogging of the needle can cause difficulties with specimen handling and stylet passage, which improves when the needle is primed with heparin before use. However, the effect of heparin on cytology, histology or immunochemistry (IHC) of FNA and FNB specimens is unknown. The goal of the study was to evaluate heparin priming on cytologic/histologic appearance, IHC staining, ease of stylet passage, and specimen bloodiness. Patients and methods This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing EUS-FNA/FNB. Needle sizes were 25 gauge (g), 22 g, and 19 g. Heparin priming of the needle was done and the stylet replaced (“dry heparin”) or suction attached without replacing the stylet (“wet heparin”). Smears and cellblocks were examined by pathologists, and IHC staining were done as needed. Specimen bloodiness was compared with matched controls. Results Adequate tissue yields were obtained in all samples (37 heparin, 36 no heparin). Heparin priming did not exhibit negative effects on cytologic or histologic interpretation of the specimens, nor IHC. There was no difference in cellblock bloodiness between the heparin primed needle specimens and the non-heparin control group. Conclusions Heparin priming of EUS-FNA or FNB needles does not negatively affect cytologic or histologic interpretation, nor interfere with IHC. In addition, heparin priming does not increase specimen bloodiness. When the “wet suction” technique is used for EUS-FNA, heparin priming can be used instead of saline priming of the EUS needle.
Prospects for engineering dynamic CRISPR–Cas transcriptional circuits to improve bioproduction

Dynamic control of gene expression is emerging as an important strategy for controlling flux in metabolic pathways and improving bioproduction of valuable compounds. Integrating dynamic genetic control tools with CRISPR-Cas transcriptional regulation could significantly improve our ability to fine-tune the expression of multiple endogenous and heterologous genes according to the state of the cell. In this mini-review, we combine an analysis of recent literature with examples from our own work to discuss the prospects and challenges of developing dynamically regulated CRISPR-Cas transcriptional control systems for applications in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use in Older Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

ObjectivesDespite the epidemic of opioid overuse among American patients, there are limited data regarding the prevalence of such use among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Here, we report...
Analysis and evolution of journaling file systems

We develop and apply two new methods for analyzing file system behavior and evaluating file system changes. First, semantic block-level analysis (SBA) combines knowledge of on-disk data structures with a trace of disk traffic to infer file system behavior; in contrast to standard benchmarking approaches, SBA enables users to understand why the file system behaves as it does. Second, semantic trace playback (STP) enables traces of disk traffic to be easily modified to represent changes in the file system implementation; in contrast to directly modifying the file system, STP enables users to rapidly gauge the benefits of new policies. We use SBA to analyze Linux ext3, ReiserFS, JFS, and Windows NTFS; in the process, we uncover many strengths and weaknesses of these journaling file systems. We also apply STP to evaluate several modifications to ext3, demonstrating the benefits of various optimizations without incurring the costs of a real implementation.
New Brief Proofs of the Gulliver–Osserman–Royden Theorem

We would like to present very much simplified proofs of versions of the Gulliver–Osserman–Royden (GOR) theorem (1973), in the case Γ is C 2,α smooth. In the first proof instead of employing a topological theory of ramified coverings used in (GOR), we introduce a new analytical method of root curves. The surprising aspect of this proof is that it connects the issue of the existence of analytical false interior branch points with boundary branch points. We should note that this fact was also observed by F. Tomi (to appear) who has found his own very brief proof of (GOR) in the case Γ∈C 2,α which we also include.
3.5 Terpene Derived Auxiliaries: Miscellaneous Terpene Derived Auxiliaries

The development of chiral auxiliaries using (+)-2-carene, (+)-3-carene, cedrene, and longifolene is restricted by the fact that only one enantiomer is readily available. Both enantiomers of fenchone, limonene, verbenone, and carvone are available and have been utilized for the preparation of chiral auxiliaries. This chapter will outline the use of chiral auxiliaries derived from these tepenes.
Functional Anatomy Sparing Technique Prostatectomy

Abstract Introduction: New techniques in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have evolved as urologists strive to improve patient outcomes. Building on the foundations of the retzius-sparin...
Spatial regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by HSF-1 during aging

We have created a method for tissue-specific visualization of the actin cytoskeleton in live worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) utilizing LifeAct::mRuby. We have systematically mapped cytoskeletal decl...
Regulated expression of an endopeptidase that hydrolyses β-endorphin during differentiation of macrophages and T cells

Regulated expression of peptidases represents a potentially powerful mechanism for regulating neurologic and immune system responses to opioid peptides1-3. Endorphins and enkephalins are naturally occurring opioid peptides, derived from processing of the precursors proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and proenkephalin, respectively4 and are thought to mediate intercellular regulatory signals during neuroimmune communication and between immune system cells5-7, β-endorphin is produced by macrophages8-10 and lymphocytes11 and modulates leukocyte function through both opioid12,13 and non-opioid peptide receptors14,15. In previous studies we have characterized a β-endorphin endopeptidase generating γ-endorphin that is expressed jn EL4 cells and is induced in murine spleen CD4+ and CD8+ T cells upon activation with immobilized anti-CD316. This enzyme has recently been purified from EL4 cells and found to have amino acid sequence and a molecular weight identical to that of insulin degrading enzyme17. This enzyme can potentially regulate β-endorphin action both by modifying the levels of β-endorphin available for receptor binding and by generating known physiologically active β-endorphin metabolites.
The Tip of the Iceberg: Fostering Appreciation for Diversity and Commonality

ABSTRACTDue to the complexity of humans, there is often more to us than is seen at first glance. The authors of this study aimed to collect information on perceived identity through the use of the ...
A computational investigation of the ventilation structure and maximum rate of metabolism for a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of inhaled xylene

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are systems of ordinary differential equations that estimate internal doses following exposure to toxicants. Most PBPK models use standard equations to describe inhalation and concentrations in blood. This study extends previous work investigating the effect of the structure of air and blood concentration equations on PBPK predictions. The current study uses an existing PBPK model of xylene to investigate if different values for the maximum rate of toxicant metabolism can result in similar compartmental predictions when used with different equations describing inhalation. Simulations are performed using values based on existing literature. Simulated data is also used to determine specific values that result in similar predictions from different ventilation structures. Differences in ventilation equation structure may affect parameter estimates found through inverse problems, although further investigation is needed with more complicated models.
Application specific drone simulators: Recent advances and challenges

Abstract Over the past two decades, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, have gained a lot of attention, and are rapidly becoming ubiquitous because of their diverse applications such as surveillance, disaster management, pollution monitoring, film-making, and military reconnaissance. However, incidents such as fatal system failures, malicious attacks, and disastrous misuses have raised concerns in the recent past. Security and viability concerns in drone-based applications are growing at an alarming rate. Besides, UAV networks (UAVNets) are distinctive from other ad-hoc networks. Therefore, it is necessary to address these issues to ensure proper functioning of these UAVs while keeping their uniqueness in mind. Furthermore, adequate security and functionality require the consideration of many parameters that may include an accurate cognizance of the working mechanism of vehicles, geographical and weather conditions, and UAVNet communication. This is achievable by creating a simulator that includes these aspects. A performance evaluation through relevant drone simulator becomes indispensable procedure to test features, configurations, and designs to demonstrate superiority to comparative schemes and suitability. Thus, it becomes of paramount importance to establish the credibility of simulation results by investigating the merits and limitations of each simulator prior to selection. Based on this motivation, we present a comprehensive survey of current drone simulators. In addition, open research issues and research challenges are discussed and presented.
A National Curriculum In Physical Education

(1937). A National Curriculum In Physical Education. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 8, No. 10, pp. 600-636.
CPB fcCSP BGA Package Reliability assessment via the study of Bump Cross Section Morphology after Product Realiability stress testing

In this paper we study and assess fine-pitch CPB fcCSP BGA package reliability via the study of bump cross section morphology after product reliability stress testing. The IMC formation and progression in copper pillar bump was studied in Mass Production destined SoC Controller to predict the health and life time left for the CPB. In particular we are interested in the reliability of fine-pitch oblong copper pillar bumps arranged in Omni-directional patterns. During product reliability testing, CPB cross-section analysis (Via P-FIB) was performed on CPB bumps strategically located in different sections of the fcCSP BGA package after each reliability test read point. JEDEC standard suite of package related tests were performed. IMC formation and progression under the effect of abovementioned environmental stresses as well as different assembly line variations and materials, including molding compound and substrate, were taken into account. We also compare IMC formation from two different bumping technologies. By assessing the various IMC, void and crack formations, we propose that the product reliability engineer should consider verifying health of product physically in addition to ATE final test. This paper also provides feedback to package technology development from product reliability point of view.
Teacher Merit Pay: A Meta-Analysis:

Empirical research investigating the association between teacher pay incentives and student test scores has grown rapidly over the past decade. To integrate the findings from these studies and help...