cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunocytochemical localization of enkephalin in the neostriatum of rat brain: A light and electron microscopic study

The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemical technique was used to determine the light and electron microscopic localization of antisera directed against either methionine [Met5]-or leucine [Leu5]-enkephalin in the neostriatum of brains from untreated rats. By light microscopy, neuronal perikarya and processes showing enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (ELI) were unevenly distributed throughout the neostriatum. The greatest accumulation of neuronal structures showing ELI was in the ventro- and caudo- lateral portions of the nucleus. The labeled perikarya measured 10--15 micrometer in diameter and constituted about 15--20% of the total neurons in the neostriatum. By electron microscopy, examination of three areas from horizontal and coronal sections revealed no regional differences in types of neurons showing ELI or in their synaptic organization. All labeled neurons showed a relatively low intensity reaction product which was diffusely distributed throughout the perikarya and dendrites. The cytoplasm contained relatively few organelles, which included mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and numerous "alveolate" vesicles. The dendrites had many spiny processes which formed asymmetric synapses with unlabeled axon terminals containing all small clear vesicles. In contrast to the perikarya and dendrites a dense accumulation of reaction product was present in a few myelinated and numerous unmyelinated axons and axonal varicosities. Approximately 75% of the labeled varicosities did not form a specialized synaptic junction in a single plane of section. The remaining 25% of the labeled terminals formed asymmetric junctions primarily with unlabeled dendrites and rarely with unlabeled perikarya or axons. The morphology and synaptic relations of the neurons showing ELI suggest that they may belong to the general group of medium-sized spiny cells characterized in Golgi studies by Kemp and Powell ('71a). At least some of the peptide-containing neurons may also have a myelinated efferent axons.
Application of multivariate spectral analyses in micro-Raman imaging to unveil structural/chemical features of the adhesive/dentin interface

This study presents the application of multivariate analyses to analyze micro-Raman spectral imaging data in reference to the adhesive/dentin interface as well as comparison with univariate analysis. The univariate statistical methods, such as mapping of specific functional group peak intensities, do not always detect functional group positions and quantities due to peak overlapping. A comprehensive chemical analysis of the adhesive/dentin interface, along with the multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis, and fuzzy c-means clustering, is studied. Compared to univariate analysis, multivariate methods present the entire hyperspectral information from the specimen in a concise and uncorrelated way. Apart from the ease with which information can be extracted and presented, multivariate methods also highlight minute and often important variations in the spectra that are difficult to observe using univariate methods. The results show for the first time the clear chemical and structural classifications in the adhesive/dentin interface at successively greater resolutions.
The Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology to Advance Autism Research and Treatment

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders sharing a core set of symptoms, including impaired social interaction, language deficits, and repetitive behaviors. While ASDs are highly heritable and demonstrate a clear genetic component, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving ASD etiology remain undefined. The unavailability of live patient-specific neurons has contributed to the difficulty in studying ASD pathophysiology. The recent advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided the ability to generate patient-specific human neurons from somatic cells. The iPSC field has quickly grown, as researchers have demonstrated the utility of this technology to model several diseases, especially neurologic disorders. Here, we review the current literature around using iPSCs to model ASDs, and discuss the notable findings, and the promise and limitations of this technology. The recent report of a nonsyndromic ASD iPSC model and several previous ASD models demonstrating similar results points to the ability of iPSC to reveal potential novel biomarkers and therapeutics.
Semi-automated disaggregation of conventional soil maps using knowledge driven data mining and classification trees

Abstract Disaggregation of conventional soil surveys has been identified as a potential source for much of the next generation of model-ready digital soil spatial data. This process aims to apportion vector soil surveys into raster (gridded) representations of the component soils that are often aggregated together in map unit designs. Most soil surveys are published with some description of the soil–landscape relationships that distinguish component soils within map units. We used these descriptions found in the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database of Webster and Pocahontas Counties in West Virginia, USA, to build a set of representative training areas for all soil components by using 1-arc second digital elevation data and derived geomorphic indices. These training areas were then used in classification tree ensembles with a more extensive environmental database to transform the original SSURGO map into a gridded soil series map. We created underlying prediction frequency surfaces from the models that can be used for creating continuous representations of soil class and property distributions. Disaggregation models matched training sets in 71%–74% of pixels and matched components in original SSURGO map units in 56%–65% of the study area. We evaluated both the original SSURGO data and our models using 87 independent pedons not used in model building. Validation pedons matched components in SSURGO map units at 39% of sites, but in map units that only included one named component (as opposed to multiple soils that could be matched to validation pedons) only 27% of the sites matched. Disaggregation predictions matched validation pedon classes 22–24% of the time using nearest neighbor spatial matches, and these rates increased to 39–44% for correct predictions within a 60-meter radius of the pedon. To characterize uncertainty, we compared relative ensemble prediction frequency (probability) of final hardened model classes at validation sites. Sites with correct predictions had generally higher prediction frequencies; which lead us to use them to create an uncertainty model. Uncertainty was calculated by determining the rate of correct predictions at validation sites within different intervals of prediction frequencies using nearest neighbor validation results. We were able to discern four uncertainty classes with values of 7%, 18%, 20% and 43%, which we called “ground truth probabilities”. We present the methods to create these models as a specific example of how disaggregation techniques may be used to aid in updating national soil survey inventories.
Cutaneous toxicities of the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib

Multikinase inhibitors have become first-line agents for treatment of multiple systemic cancers. These agents are very effective but can also cause a variety of toxicities affecting the skin, hair, and nails. One of the most common reactions is the hand-foot skin reaction, distinct from hand-foot syndrome caused by more traditional chemotherapy agents. All of these cutaneous reactions can negatively affect patients' quality of life and can lead to dose modifications and treatment interruptions. This article reviews the cutaneous toxicities from sorafenib and sunitinib with emphasis on treatment strategies.
Identification of essential domains for Escherichia coli tRNAleu aminoacylation and amino acid editing using minimalist RNA molecules

Escherichia coli leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) aminoacylates up to six different class II tRNA(leu) molecules. Each has a distinct anticodon and varied nucleotides in other regions of the tRNA. Attempts to construct a minihelix RNA that can be aminoacylated with leucine have been unsuccessful. Herein, we describe the smallest tRNA(leu) analog that has been aminoacylated to a significant extent to date. A series of tRNA(leu) analogs with various domains and combinations of domains deleted was constructed. The minimal RNA that was efficiently aminoacylated with LeuRS was one in which the anticodon stem-loop and variable arm stem-loop, but neither the D-arm nor T-arm, were deleted. Aminoacylation of this minimal RNA was abolished when the discriminator base A73 was replaced with C73 or when putative tertiary interactions between the D-loop and T-loop were disrupted, suggesting that these identity elements are still functioning in the minimized RNA. The various constructs that were significantly aminoacylated were also tested for amino acid editing by the synthetase. The anticodon and variable stem-loop domains were also dispensable for hydrolysis of the charged tRNA(leu) mimics. These results suggest that LeuRS may rely on identity elements in overlapping domains of the tRNA for both its aminoacylation and editing activities.
Reliability analysis of bulk power systems using swarm intelligence

This paper documents research into the use of an adaptive cultural model and collective intelligence as a means of characterizing the reliability of bulk power networks. Historically, utilities support the reliable design and operation of bulk power networks through first-order contingency analysis. In contingency analyses the list of candidate elements for disruption are identified by engineers a priori based on the rate at which the elements failure through the course of normal grid operation. The new method, an implementation of particle swarm analysis, a swarm of 'virtual power engineers;' successfully identified the set of network elements which, if disrupted, would possibly lead to a cascading series of events resulting in the most wide spread damage. The methodology is technology independent: it can be applied on not only for reliability analysis of bulk power systems, but also other energy systems or transportation systems. The methodology is scale neutral: it can be applied to power distribution networks at the local, state or regional level.
Supplemental folic acid: a requirement for optimizing swine reproduction

The administration of supplemental folic acid to female reproducing swine (either via injection or dietary supplementation) is a fairly recent research phenomenon. The majority of publications have occurred during the past 5 yr; few publications on this topic appeared before 1983. Although folic acid supplementation is a young research area compared to that involving many other vitamins, the reported results are quite consistent. There seem to be no major benefits to lactational supplementation; although supplementation in lactation is effective in elevating sow serum folate, milk folate, and nursing pig serum folate, it has not produced changes in sow BW, litter size weaned, or pig gain. Supplementation during gestation has yielded a consistent benefit: a positive response in total pigs born in all studies. The response in gestation of increased litter size seems to be a result of improved embryo or fetal survival rather than increased ovulation, although the mechanism whereby survival rate is improved is yet to be understood. Clearly, supplemental folic acid is required to maximize sow prolificacy.
Operando Analysis of NiFe and Fe Oxyhydroxide Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation: Detection of Fe4+ by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Nickel-iron oxides/hydroxides are among the most active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. In an effort to gain insight into the role of Fe in these catalysts, we have performed operando Mossbauer spectroscopic studies of a 3:1 Ni:Fe layered hydroxide and a hydrous Fe oxide electrocatalyst. The catalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal precipitation method that enabled catalyst growth directly on carbon paper electrodes. Fe(4+) species were detected in the NiFe hydroxide catalyst during steady-state water oxidation, accounting for up to 21% of the total Fe. In contrast, no Fe(4+) was detected in the Fe oxide catalyst. The observed Fe(4+) species are not kinetically competent to serve as the active site in water oxidation; however, their presence has important implications for the role of Fe in NiFe oxide electrocatalysts.
Abstract WP116: Early Hypothermia, But Not Delayed Hypothermia Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke Through Anti-inflammatory Process

Hypothermia is neuroprotective against many acute neurological insults. We and others have previously shown that protection by hypothermia is associated with the suppression of the inflammatory res...
Should Oral Contrast Be Omitted in Patients with Suspected Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Our study evaluated patients given the diagnosis of appendicitis and reviewed their workup and clinical outcomes. We specifically focused on the use of oral contrast followed by appendectomy. We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients given an ICD-9 code for appendicitis at Northwestern Memorial Hospital between January 2000 and September 2010. Complication rates, time to the operating room, and length of hospital stay were compared between patients who received a CT scan and those who did not during the hospitalization for appendicitis. Average time from Emergency Department to the operating room was found to be statistically longer for patients who underwent a CT scan (10 h: 3, 1548) versus those who did not (6 h: 2, 262) (p < 0.0001). There were 19 patients who had the complication of pneumonia and 4 patients who were diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome postoperatively. Patients who underwent a CT scan and received oral contrast had a statistically higher number of both complications (p < 0.0001). The use of oral contrast is not necessary for an accurate diagnosis of appendicitis and may be associated with higher complication rates, longer hospital stays, and poor outcomes.
Financing Sustainable Forest Management in Developing Countries: The Case for a Holistic Approach

SUMMARY Financing has been one of the primary topics of ongoing discussions on sustainable forest management (SFM) for at least two decades. Yet despite a wide array of existing data and literature, attempts to understand—let alone quantify—SFM financing as a whole remain surprisingly rare. The focus of existing research on individual flows and sectors prevents us from getting the bigger picture. This paper attempts to conceptualise SFM financing by offering a holistic approach inspired by two complementary typologies based on the source of flows and cross-sectoral interactions respectively. Together, these two typologies contribute to a better understanding of SFM financing in three ways: first, they help visualise the SFM financing landscape, composed not only of a variety of flows but also the trade-offs and synergies between them. Secondly, they help identify a set of recommendations to improve and increase SFM financing over the long term. Thirdly, they highlight the glaring data gaps that need to be...
Disease activity and transition outcomes in a childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus cohort.

Objective The chronicity and severity of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) necessitate effective transition from pediatric to adult providers. We studied transition outcomes in a cSLE cohort. Methods We identified patients at an adult lupus clinic diagnosed with SLE ≤ 18 years who had been followed by a pediatric rheumatologist. Data extracted from the first three years in adult care ("post-transition period") included: sociodemographics, depression, anxiety, SLE manifestations, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index for SLE (SLICC) scores, non-adherence, and gaps in care (no appointments in the recommended time frame). Multivariable logistic regression analyses for predictors of: (1) time between pediatric and adult providers, (2) gaps in care, (3) unscheduled utilization (emergency department visits and admissions) (4) depression and/or anxiety were performed, as was a multivariable Poisson regression analysis for number of missed appointments. Results In 50 patients, SLEDAI scores were stable (mean 5.7 ± 5.0 at start vs. 4.7 ± 4.8 at year 3, p = 0.2), but SLICC scores increased (0.46 ± 0.84, vs. 0.78 ± 1.25, p = 0.01). Depression and anxiety increased significantly (10% vs. 26%, p = 0.02). Mean time from last pediatric to first adult provider visit was almost nine months (253 ± 392 days). Nearly 75% of patients had ≥ 1 gap in care. White race, low education level and non-adherence were significantly associated with missed appointments. Conclusion Despite moderate disease activity in this cSLE transition cohort, prolonged time between pediatric and adult providers and gaps in care in the post-transition period occurred. Anxiety and depression were frequently reported. Future work should identify methods to improve transition.
Inequalities for the Derivatives of Polynomials

(1969). Inequalities for the Derivatives of Polynomials. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 165-174.
In-Vivo Imaging of Beating Mouse Heart with Multiphoton Microscopy

The motion and optical properties of the beating heart pose challenges to studying blood flow in cardiac capillaries. We devise methods to use multiphoton microscopy to image capillary blood flow in beating rodent heart.
Effects of Education on Nurses' Assessments on an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (P7.032)

OBJECTIVE: There were two objectives for this study. The first objective was to measure nurses’ assessments of patients on the EMU in a quantifiable form. The second objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on the scores of the Nursing Assessment Rating Scale. BACKGROUND: There is little data about the quality of nursing care on an epilepsy monitoring unit This study evaluated the impact of an educational program on the quality of care provided by nurses in an EMU using an investigator developed assessment tool. DESIGN/METHODS: Twenty-Five nurses working on an EMU in a small academic medical center participated in the study. Nurses’ assessments were quantified using a criterion based rating scale with seven primary quality indicators. An educational program was developed and delivered to the subjects. A before/after T-Test was used to compare scores before and after the education was delivered. RESULTS: Prior to the education, the mean scores on the rating scale were 14.5 points (SD 2.1). Post education, there was a statistical difference in scores resulting in a mean score of 16. (SD1.6) (p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Nurse Assessment Rating Scale was able to transform a qualitative measure of assessment into a quantitative indicator that could be compared pre-and post-education. Second, data indicated that the education significantly improved the assessment scores. With education, original protocols were reinforced and assessments became more consistent resulting in improved scores. Third, using a multimodal education format targeted aspects of performance such as respect and compassion Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Stecker has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Mosby/Elsevier Clinical Skills.
APPLICATION OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY OF IRON ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT

The paper provides a new technology of iron acid mine drainage treatment, it contains two steps to treat the iron acid mine drainage. it can neutralize the drainage and remove the iron and can meet the national effluent standard. It has been successfully applied to some project.
Lipid binding and mode of action of compounds of the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane type: a proton magnetic resonance study.

An interaction between compounds of the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane type ( p,p 9-DDT, o,p -DDT, p,p 9-DDD, o,p 9-DDE, p,p 9-DDE, methoxychlor, dicofol, and DDA) and lecithin has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The PMR spectrum of lecithin in CCl 4 showed chemical shift changes upon the addition of DDT type compounds, particularly in the resonance peak of the choline protons. Conversely, when lecithin was added to a dilute solution of these compounds, it produced chemical shift changes in the benzylic proton as well as in the ring protons. These changes have been explained on the basis of complex formation involving an acidic proton of the DDT type compounds and the phosphate of the lecithin. The chemical shift changes were used to calculate the equilibrium constant as well as the chemical shift changes of the complex. Correlations can be shown between the chemical shift changes and the toxicity of the DDT type compounds.
Approximations in the measurement of surface tension on the oscillating bubble surfactometer

This paper examines two factors, shape deformation and surface viscosity, that affect measurements of surface tension of lung surfactants with the oscillating bubble surfactometer. At lower surface tensions, the compressed bubble in this apparatus becomes deformed to an oblate ellipsoid that cannot be analyzed rigorously using the simplified (spherical) Laplace equation to calculate surface tension from interfacial pressure drop. However, for the small air bubbles present in this apparatus, analysis with more general equations for ellipsoids of revolution shows that deformation effects are limited to extremely low surface tensions, and the absolute error from the spherical approximation is minimal in practice. In contrast, this was not the case for the effects of surface dilational viscosity in oscillating bubble calculations. Direct measurements and values from the literature indicated that the surface dilational viscosities of lung surfactant, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, and palmitic acid were sufficient to give substantial errors if their effects on interfacial pressure drop were neglected during dynamic cycling. Surface tension calculations at maximum and minimum radii on the oscillating bubble apparatus remain accurate, because the time derivative of radius becomes zero and viscous effects vanish. However, surface tensions determined at points other than these extremes of bubble size should be interpreted with caution.
Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Medical Management and Catheter Ablation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two important coexisting epidemics that are expected to rise in prevalence as the growing population ages. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the presence of both conditions as comorbidities leads to worse outcomes than those of either AF or HF alone. The existing literature has yet to demonstrate a clear superiority of either rate or rhythm control pharmacologic strategies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in all HF patients. Regardless, some degree of rate control (using beta-blockade and occasionally digoxin) is warranted in almost all patients with HF albeit the definition of optimal rate control has not been well-defined for this population. There is emerging evidence for the role of invasive therapeutic approaches such as pulmonary vein isolation as a method for improving reverse remodeling and left ventricular systolic function. While we are learning to tailor rhythm versus rate control therapies in this complex and heterogeneous population, anticoagulation remains a mainstay of therapy for stroke prevention in this high-risk population. Nevertheless, the purpose of this chapter is to first summarize the literature as it applies to AF in HF with a specific focus on the evidence for rhythm versus rate control strategies, including both pharmacologic and catheter-based interventions. Following the literature review we will discuss practical approaches to the medical and catheter-based management of these patients.
Metabolism of Inositol Phospholipids in Response to Osmotic Stress in Dunaliella Saline

One of the most active areas of animal cell biochemistry deals with the transduction of hormonal and environmental signals across the plasma membrane by a mechanism involving polyphoinositide degradation. Surprisingly little attention has been directed towards identifying an equivalent system in plants. Isolated elements of the transduction pathway have been reported (e.g. Drobak and Ferguson, 1985; McMurray and Irvine, 1988; Morse, et al., 1988), but only preliminary evidence has been established concerning a physiological role for signal transduction by this mechanism. We have characterized such a system which may mediate the acclimation of Dunaliella salina, a halotolerant green alga, to osmotic stress.
Abstract 2785: The role of heat shock factors for cancer stem cell regulation

Introduction: Heat shock factor family is a group of transcription factors that can bind specifically to heat shock elements (HSE) within the promoter region of heat shock protein (HSP). The HSF pathway activation helps cells survive under stress by preventing protein misfolding and aggregation. Three heat shock factors (HSF1, HSF2 and HSF4) have been identified in humans, among them, HSF1, which is believed to be the master regulator of cellular response to stress, is by far the best-characterized member of the HSF family. We first identified that high HSF1 is associated with high tumor grade and poor survival in multiple cancer models including breast, ovarian, lung and colon cancers. In addition, our recent data indicate that HSF1 drives a distinct transcription program that is unrelated to heat shock response in malignant tumors, and this HSF1 “non-heat shock related transcription program” correlates with poor outcome in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we confirmed that HSF1 drives the Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) phenotype in multiple breast cancer cell lines and facilitate chemo-treatment resistance by increasing CSC frequency in breast cancer cells. Previous studies have shown that HSF2 and HSF4 may play a role in cancer progression either on their own or through interaction with HSF1. HSF2 forms hetero-trimers with HSF1 and facilitate its function in response to heat shock. Inactivation of HSF4 in p53 null mouse models causes cell senescence and suppression of tumorigenesis, with great similarities to HSF1-/- p53 null mice. Results: In an attempt to investigate how HSF1 is activated to regulate CSC phenotype, we constructed phospho HSF1 at three different sites. We observed that there is no correlation of phospho activation of HSF1 with CSC phenotype. In follow-up work to the studies above, we found that both HSF2 and HSF4 are also significantly up-regulated in CSCs, suggesting that they may cooperate with HSF1 in regulating CSCs. Moreover, we discovered that HSF4 is over-expressed in breast cancers compared to normal mammary gland, and over-expression of HSF4 induces tumorsphere formation in breast cancer cells. Conclusion: These observations indicated that in order to gain a complete understanding of the role of the HSFs in cancer it is now necessary to study all three HSFs together. Citation Format: Ankita Thakkar, Bin Wang, Tan A. Ince. The role of heat shock factors for cancer stem cell regulation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2785.
Mentoring and the Role of Women in Instructional Design and Technology

This chapter has three purposes. It summarizes: 1) key events involving mentors (both male and female) in my career in the IDT field, 2) the general nature of mentors, and 3) the expanding role of academic women in this field over nearly five decades.
The monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor KML29 with gabapentin synergistically produces analgesia in mice.

Background and Purpose Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for nerve pain but may also cause dizziness, sedation and gait disturbances. Similarly, inhibition of the endogenous cannabinoid enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties but also induces sedation in mice at high doses. To limit these side effects, the present study investigated the analgesic effects of coadministering a MAGL inhibitor with gabapentin. Experimental Approach Mice subjected to the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain were administered the MAGL inhibitor KML29 (1–40 mg·kg−1, i.p.), gabapentin (1–50 mg·kg−1, i.p.) or both compounds. Mice were tested for mechanical and cold allodynia. The function and expression of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in whole brain homogenates and lipid profile of spinal cords were assessed after repeated drug administration. Key Results The combination of low-dose KML29:gabapentin additively attenuated mechanical allodynia and synergistically reduced cold allodynia. The CB1 antagonist, rimonabant, partially reversed the anti-allodynic effects of KML29:gabapentin in mechanical allodynia but not cold allodynia. The anti-allodynic effects of KML29:gabapentin did not undergo tolerance in mechanical allodynia after repeated administration but produced mild tolerance in cold allodynia. High dose KML29 alone reduced CB1 receptor expression and function, but KML29:gabapentin reduced the density of CB1 receptors but did not alter their function. KML29:gabapentin influenced additional signalling pathways (including fatty acids) other than the pathways activated by a higher dose of either drug alone. Conclusion and Implications These data support the strategy of combining MAGL inhibition with a commonly prescribed analgesic as a therapeutic approach for attenuating neuropathic pain.
DEVELOPMENT OF DMFC FOR PORTABLE APPLICATION

This paper describes experimental results regarding manufacturing and electrochemical characterization of DMFCs with cathode catalyst layers based on supported and unsupported platinum catalysts. The cell performance in hydrogen and methanol solution, as different fuels, is compared and discussed in terms of electrochemical surface area (ESA) of the catalyst. The influence of airflow rate, humidification, and temperature on the DMFC performance is also presented. The cell based on a carbon supported cathode catalyst with 1.3 mg/cm2 Pt loading shows better performance in comparison to the conventional cell with 3.6 mg/cm2 of Pt-black.
Feature-based diagnostic distortion measure for unsupervised self-guided biomedical signal compressors

In this work, the advantages of coupling biomedical signal compressors with clinical feature-based distortion measures are demonstrated. Such a coupling allow biomedical signal compressors to self-establish hard limits with regards to choices surrounding compression ratios, or ‘quality settings’, a compressor can safely choose from to guarantee that features of clinical significance are protected so that their reconstruction remains clinically relevant. This coupling allows biomedical signal compressors to operate in an unsupervised manner, since it is demonstrated that establishing hard limits that are applied equally to all signals does not allow one to maximize and/or strike a balance between compression ratio and signal fidelity. Such mechanisms can be employed in communication architectures in wearable body area sensor networks (BASNs) for emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications for autonomous tasks. While feature-based distortion measures such as the Clinical Distortion Index (CDI), and the Weighted Distortion Measure (WDD) already exist, we demonstrate the viability of our work by proposing a generalizable feature-based distortion measure we call the Diagnostic Distortion Measure (DDM), which offers several benefits that address a few shortcomings present in the CDI and WDD in real-time applications for unsupervised self-guided compressors. Experimental results show successful application of our DDM with ECG signals from the PhysioNet database.
A Systematic Review on Muscle Synergies: From Building Blocks of Motor Behavior to a Neurorehabilitation Tool

The central nervous system (CNS) is believed to utilize specific predefined modules, called muscle synergies (MS), to accomplish a motor task. Yet questions persist about how the CNS combines these primitives in different ways to suit the task conditions. The MS hypothesis has been a subject of debate as to whether they originate from neural origins or nonneural constraints. In this review article, we present three aspects related to the MS hypothesis: (1) the experimental and computational evidence in support of the existence of MS, (2) algorithmic approaches for extracting them from surface electromyography (EMG) signals, and (3) the possible role of MS as a neurorehabilitation tool. We note that recent advances in computational neuroscience have utilized the MS hypothesis in motor control and learning. Prospective advances in clinical, medical, and engineering sciences and in fields such as robotics and rehabilitation stand to benefit from a more thorough understanding of MS.
Early pharmacological interventions in youth

Abstract Although well studied in adults, there is a relative dearth of clinical trials on the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorders (BD) in pediatric populations. The prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders in youth is approximately 1.8% according to a metaanalysis conducted by Van Meter and colleagues. There is also growing evidence that BD may begin during pre-adolescence. Pediatric BD is a chronic illness and if untreated can be seriously debilitating. It is also a risk factor for suicide. Studies indicate that across bipolar disorders, earlier age of onset is associated with greater severity of illness and negative outcomes in adulthood. Pharmacologic interventions may be an effective treatment of BD in pediatric populations. Although there are currently several medications with FDA-approved indications for use in youth, given the chronic and harmful impact of BD, rigorous research that may lead to the delay of onset or progression of pediatric bipolarity is greatly needed.
Absorption measurements at high pressure on AlAs‐AlxGa1−xAs‐GaAs superlattices

Absorption data (300 K) are presented on AlxGa1−xAs‐GaAs and AlAs‐GaAs superlattices subjected to hydrostatic pressure (0–10 kbar). These data show that the confined‐particle transitions, which partition and ’’label’’ the Γ energy band high above the band edge (as high as 400 meV or well above the L minima), all move with the same pressure coefficient (11.5 meV/kbar). A weaker effect of the L than the X indirect minima on the absorption is observed.
Impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid Expansion on Cancer Admissions and Surgeries.

Objective:This study aims to evaluate the trends in cancer (CA) admissions and surgeries after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion.Methods:This is a retrospective study using HCUP-SID analyzing inpatient CA (pancreas, esophagus, lung, bladder, breast, colorectal, prostate, and gastric)
Early life influences on child weight outcomes in the Study to Explore Early Development

We examined associations between child body mass index at 2–5 years and maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and rapid weight gain during infancy in children with autism...
Optical Nano-Imaging of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) are the materials of recent interest in many applications. We performed tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) and tip-enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) imaging with spatial resolution of few nanometers on various TMDs (MoS 2 , WS 2 , MoSe 2 , WSe 2 ), alloys and heterostructures revealing detailed nanoscale features.
Quadratic harvesting in a fractional order scavenger model

This paper examines the dynamical nature of a prey - predator – scavenger involving harvesting on predator population. A discretization process is applied to the fractional order system and its discrete version is obtained. Existence of possible fixed points is established and the local stability analysis is carried out. It is also proved that the system under goes Neimark-Sacker (NS) and Period-Doubling bifurcation (PDB) at certain parametric values for interior fixed point with the help of an explicit criterion for NS and PDB. Numerical simulations are performed for the model with quadratic harvesting on predator. Also the existence of limit cycles is shown and bifurcation diagrams are plotted for selected range of growth parameter.
Biodegradation and attenuation of MIB and 2,4-D in drinking water biologically active sand and activated carbon filters

Biofiltration for the control of two trace organic contaminants (TOrCs), 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), in the presence of background dissolved organic matter (DOM) was examined. TOrC removal was monitored in biologically acclimated sand and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and non-acclimated sand and GAC filters. TOrC biodegradation followed pseudo-first-order behavior as removal on a percentage basis remained constant when TOrC influent concentrations increased from 100 and 500 ng L−1 and greater removals were observed at longer empty bed contact times. Biomass concentrations on a bed volume basis in the acclimated sand filter were twice that found in the acclimated GAC filter, as the sand particles provided more external specific surface area for biomass attachment. When accounting for differences in biomass concentrations, greater TOrC biodegradation occurred in the acclimated sand filter, indicating that synergistic interactions between biodegradation and adsorption did not occur in the acclimated GAC filter. Equivalent amounts of TOrCs desorbed from the acclimated and non-acclimated GAC filters when TOrCs were no longer spiked into the influent. Thus, acclimated and non-acclimated GAC filters adsorbed similar amounts of TOrCs and biodegradation of adsorbed or desorbed TOrCs was negligible. After switching the primary substrate from non-ozonated to ozonated DOM, total organic carbon removal in the acclimated sand filter increased, but TOrC removal initially declined and then recovered over several days. TOrC removal in the acclimated GAC filter remained relatively constant before, during, and after DOM pre-ozonation, potentially because the residual adsorption capacity in the GAC attenuated fluctuations in TOrC biodegradation.
Upward-closed hereditary families in the dominance order

The majorization relation orders the degree sequences of simple graphs into posets called dominance orders. As shown by Hammer et al. and Merris, the degree sequences of threshold and split graphs form upward-closed sets within the dominance orders they belong to, i.e., any degree sequence majorizing a split or threshold sequence must itself be split or threshold, respectively. Motivated by the fact that threshold graphs and split graphs have characterizations in terms of forbidden induced subgraphs, we define a class $\mathcal{F}$ of graphs to be dominance monotone if whenever no realization of $e$ contains an element $\mathcal{F}$ as an induced subgraph, and $d$ majorizes $e$, then no realization of $d$ induces an element of $\mathcal{F}$. We present conditions necessary for a set of graphs to be dominance monotone, and we identify the dominance monotone sets of order at most 3.
Clinical and Genetic Contributors to New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Adults.

Objectives:New-onset atrial fibrillation during critical illness is an independent risk factor for mortality. The ability to identify patients at high risk for new-onset atrial fibrillation is limited. We hypothesized that genetic susceptibility contributes to risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation i
Popular Diet Trends for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Claims and Evidence.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently look to diet to improve symptoms. Although regularly asked for dietary guidance, gastroenterologists are often unprepared to provide evidence-based recommendations. This review will summarize popular diets claiming benefits in IBD, as well as current data evaluating their efficacies. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has demonstrated symptom improvement and even mucosal healing; however, large trials and prospective data are lacking. The low FODMAP diet has shown benefit for functional symptoms in IBD, yet efficacy regarding inflammation is lacking. Large studies for the gluten-free diet yielded mixed results in IBD outcomes, while suggesting a negative impact on psychological well-being. Data on an “anti-inflammatory” diet were positive but remain severely limited. A currently planned large trial for the Mediterranean diet in IBD may provide much needed clinical data. We provide an overview of frequently utilized diets in IBD. The body of evidence does not currently support clear dietary recommendations in IBD, as larger, prospective studies are needed.
Quantifying macro- and microscale alignment of carbon microfibers in polymer-matrix composite materials fabricated using ultrasound directed self-assembly and 3D-printing

Abstract Aligning microfibers along a user-specified direction is important to fabricate polymer-matrix composite materials with tailored properties, including anisotropic electrical and thermal conductivity and high strength-to-weight ratio. Building on our earlier work, we employ ultrasound directed self-assembly to align carbon microfibers along user-specified directions in photopolymer resin and use stereolithography to cure the resin and 3D print composite materials. We quantify macro- and microscale alignment of microfibers in the matrix as a function of weight fraction and dimensionless ultrasound transducer separation distance and input power. Multiple regression analysis expresses microfiber alignment as a function of the fabrication process parameters and shows that microscale alignment is primarily determined by microfiber weight fraction, whereas macroscale alignment is a function of microfiber weight fraction, dimensionless ultrasound transducer separation distance and input power. Relating microfiber alignment to the fabrication process parameters is a crucial step towards 3D-printing polymer-matrix composite materials with tailored material properties.
Introduction to quasi-static elastography

Abstract We present an overview of the physical basis of quasi-static elastography. We discuss the deformation used, its measurement with ultrasonography, and its presentation as a strain image. We review the simplifying assumptions that go into the interpretation of strain images as reciprocal to elastic modulus. We end by discussing extensions of quasi-static elastography beyond applications to linear elastic modulus imaging.
Architecture and experimental evaluation of context-aware adaptation in vehicular networks

In vehicular networks, the propagation environment changes rapidly for mobile nodes. To achieve high throughput, wireless devices need to be highly adaptive to these environmental changes by altering their transmission parameters across different layers of the network stack. Sensors in mobile and vehicular nodes can be used to form an understanding of the surrounding context. Such contextual awareness is particularly important in vehicular networks as the frequent context switching and increased channel fluctuations can cause existing adaptation protocols to fail to converge to the optimal transmission parameters. In this paper, we leverage information about the environmental context to enable improved rate adaptation performance in vehicular networks. In particular, we propose a classification-based link-level adaptation framework, which can effectively learn the relationship between context information (such as velocity, SNR, and channel type) and the throughput of various transmission modes. We then quantify the throughput improvement using the proposed scheme and show that our proposed framework can significantly enhance the performance of rate adaptation. With experiments on emulated and in-field channels, we observe that the throughput increases by up to 245% over protocols which use SNR alone to make rate decisions. Based on an analysis of attribute importance, we identify channel type as a key parameter that affects classification performance. Since channel type often cannot be directly obtained, we propose a multi-dimensional channel inference method for use when knowledge about the channel type is not available. We demonstrate that the proposed channel inference achieves an accuracy of up to 94% in previously encountered channels and can quickly signal that a channel has not yet been encountered. The robustness of the proposed methods are demonstrated using experimental data from two different hardware platforms and three different carrier frequency bands. Lastly, we evaluate the most predominant Linux-based rate selection algorithm (Minstrel), study the relative rate selection accuracy of our approach, and analyze the key role that the retry mechanism in Minstrel plays on its performance.
AGE AND EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE ARABIAN SHIELD

Rb–Sr studies of Precambrian volcanic and plutonic rocks of the Arabian Shield document an early development of continental lithosphere in the Arabian Peninsula between 900 and 680 Ma ago. Geologic studies indicate an intraoceanic island-arc environment characterized by andesitic (dioritic) magmas, volcaniclastic sedimentation, rapid deposition, and contemporaneous deformation along north- or N.W.-trending axes. The earliest plutonic units are diorite to trondhjemite batholiths ranging from 900 to 800 Ma in age that occur in the western and southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia. Younger units, ranging from 750 to 680 Ma in age, vary in composition from quartz diorite to granodiorite and become more abundant in the south-central and eastern parts of the Arabian Shield. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of rocks of both groups range from 0.7023 to 0.7030, averaging 0.7027. The absence of sialic detritus in sedimentary strata and the evidence of an island-arc environment suggest that the early development of the Arabian continental crust occurred at a convergent plate margin between plates of oceanic lithosphere. Subsequent to this subduction-related magmatism and tectonism, called the Hijaz tectonic cycle, Arabia was sutured to the Proterozoic African plate during a collisional event represented in Arabia and eastern Africa by the Pan-African event, extending from prior to 650 to at least 540 Ma and perhaps 520 Ma ago. Although these tectonic processes of subduction and continental collision during the 900 to 500 Ma period are represented here by a single plate-tectonic model of plate convergence, the differences in age and in magmatic and tectonic styles of the Hijaz orogenesis from those of the Pan-African support division into at least two events. The distribution in time of the major plutonic intrusions indicates that the axis of magmatic and tectonic activity migrated east or N.E. during the Hijaz cycle. The granodioritic to granitic plutonism of the Pan-African event, however, shows no definitive geographic variation with age, and plutons are distributed throughout the Arabian Shield.