cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of the PROMIS-based Research Assessment and Clinical Tool-Fatigue (ReACT-F)

Evidence has shown that cancer-related fatigue (CRF) may be a treatment-limiting symptom and often impairs health-related quality of life. Accurate assessment of the multidimensional nature of CRF could help drive interventions to mitigate this debilitating symptom. Currently, there are no clinical tools to effectively and efficiently assess the multidimensionality of CRF. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a CRF-specific short form that can assess the multidimensional nature of CRF for use in the clinical setting. The CRF-specific short form was developed using the 95-item PROMIS® fatigue bank. Bi-factor analysis was used to evaluate dimensionality of the alternative model using fatigue for the general factor and physical, cognitive, affective, global, and motivational for the local factors. After unidimensionality was confirmed (loading factor > 0.3), one item from each local factor was selected using discrimination power for inclusion in the CRF-specific short form. The Research Assessment and Clinical Tool-Fatigue (ReACT-F) was created from the 95-item PROMIS fatigue bank using established item parameters. The ReACT-F assesses five common dimensions of CRF as well as perceived burden of the fatigue dimensions. The ReACT-F is a CRF-specific self-report short form that addresses the need for a brief, clinically useful tool to quickly assess the multidimensional nature of CRF. We anticipate that the ReACT-F can be completed in the clinical setting in approximately 3 minutes, providing clinicians with meaningful data to drive personalized interventions. Further validation of the ReACT-F is highly encouraged.
Refuge and Support: An Introduction

ABSTRACTThis thematic collection of articles broadens archaeological understandings of race by moving beyond the identification of evidence of a Black, Native, or hybrid, multiracial identities. Th...
Ultra Large Area SIPs and Integrated mmW Antenna Array Module for 5G mmWave Outdoor Applications

over the past three decades, the massive growth of mobile data traffic through internet and mobile networks has constantly increased. This growth requires target peak rates of 10Gb/s for both indoor and outdoor applications and the only way to achieve such high data rate is by operating at the Millimeter-wave frequencies. Millimeter-wave technology brings a new standard of wireless communication in various areas including mobile devices, automotive, IoT (Internet of Things), medical, military and many others. The evolution of 5G wireless communications requires the development of low cost, lightweight, and low profile SIPs and antennas in a package that are capable of maintaining high performance over a wide bandwidth. This paper presents an all-in-one module solution consists of large dual-band area SiP (System-in-Package) and dual-polarized patch array antenna for 5G mmW outdoor applications. The authors show the development of large arrays up to 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 to cover the low and high bands for 5G mmwave.
Abscopal Effect Following Proton Beam Radiotherapy in a Patient With Inoperable Metastatic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

Background: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare and primarily managed with surgery, which improves local recurrence-free and overall survival. Radiation can improve local control or provide palliation for inoperable or metastatic RPS by eliciting tumor cell death via irreparable DNA damage. In extraordinary circumstances radiation-induced cell death promotes immune-mediated regression of non-irradiated lesions in a process termed the abscopal effect. Abscopal effects are rare and incompletely understood, involving a balance of radiation's immunogenic and immunosuppressive effects. There are currently no methods to predict abscopal responses following radiotherapy. Case reports documenting post-radiotherapy abscopal effects provide additional information to better characterize these responses and to inform ongoing and future clinical trials attempting to harness radiation-induced immune responses to improve outcomes with systemic therapy, such as SARC-032, a cooperative group trial of pre-operative radiation ± pembrolizumab. We present a case of inoperable metastatic RPS treated with proton radiotherapy with complete responses of un-irradiated metastases. Case Presentation: A 67 year-old female with inoperable metastatic unclassified round cell RPS was treated with palliative proton radiotherapy only to the primary tumor. Following completion of radiotherapy, the patient demonstrated complete regression of all un-irradiated metastases, and near complete response of the primary lesion without additional therapy. Conclusions: Metastatic RPS is typically managed with first-line chemotherapy, with objective response rates <50%. We present a case of inoperable metastatic RPS treated with palliative proton radiotherapy for rapidly progressive disease who had complete regression of non-irradiated metastases consistent with the abscopal effect. To our knowledge this is the first case report describing abscopal effects in inoperable metastatic RPS treated with proton radiation and is among the first case reports of an abscopal effect in a patient treated with proton therapy regardless of disease site. Further investigation is warranted regarding the benefit of proton radiation to primary tumors for inoperable metastatic RPS.
Optimising treatment decision rules through generated effect modifiers: a precision medicine tutorial.

This tutorial introduces recent developments in precision medicine for estimating treatment decision rules. The objective of these developments is to advance personalised healthcare by identifying an optimal treatment option for each individual patient based on each patient's characteristics. The methods detailed in this tutorial define composite variables from the patient measures that can be viewed as ‘biosignatures’ for differential treatment response, which we have termed ‘generated effect modifiers’. In contrast to most machine learning approaches to precision medicine, these biosignatures are derived from linear and non-linear regression models and thus have the advantage of easy visualisation and ready interpretation. The methods are illustrated using examples from randomised clinical trials.
Light-Controllable Ionic Conductivity in a Polymeric Ionic Liquid

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) have attracted considerable attention as electrolytes with high stability and mechanical durability. Light-responsive materials are enabling for a variety of future technologies owing to their remote and noninvasive manipulation, spatiotemporal control, and low environmental impact. To address this potential, responsive PIL materials based on diarylethene units were designed to undergo light-mediated conductivity changes. Key to this modulation is tuning of the cationic character of the imidazolium bridging unit upon photoswitching. Irradiation of these materials with UV light triggers a circa 70 % drop in conductivity in the solid state that can be recovered upon subsequent irradiation with visible light. This light-responsive ionic conductivity enables spatiotemporal and reversible patterning of PIL films using light. This modulation of ionic conductivity allows for the development of light-controlled electrical circuits and wearable photodetectors.
A Front-end Redesign With Implementation of a Novel "Intake" System to Improve Patient Flow in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Introduction Children's Hospital Colorado is an academic, tertiary-care Level 1 Trauma Center with an emergency department (ED) that treats >70,000 patients/year. Patient volumes continue to increase, leading to worsening wait times and left-without-being-seen (LWBS) rates. In 2015, the ED's median door-to-provider time was 49 minutes [interquartile range (IQR) = 26-90], with a 3.2% LWBS rate. ED leadership, staff, and providers aimed to improve patient flow with specific goals to (1) decrease door-to-provider times to a median of <30 minutes and (2) decrease annual LWBS rate to <1%. Methods An inter-professional team utilized quality improvement and Lean methodology to study, redesign, and implement significant changes to ED front-end processes. Key process elements included (1) new Flow Nurse/EMT roles, (2) elimination of traditional registration and triage processes, (3) immediate "quick registration" and nurse assessment upon walk-in, (4) direct-bedding of patients, and (5) a novel "Intake" system staffed by a pediatric emergency medicine physician. Results In the 12 months following full implementation of the new front-end system, the median door-to-provider time decreased 49% to 25 minutes (IQR = 13-50), and the LWBS rate decreased from 3.2% to 1.4% (a 56% relative decrease). Additionally, the percentage of patients seen within 30 minutes of arrival increased, overall ED length-of-stay decreased, patient satisfaction improved, and no worsening of the unexpected 72-hour return rate occurred. Conclusions Using quality improvement and Lean methodology, an inter-professional team decreased door-to-provider times and LWBS rates in a large pediatric ED by redesigning its front-end processes and implementing a novel pediatric emergency medicine-led Intake system.
Model systems for regeneration: Drosophila

Drosophila melanogaster has historically been a workhorse model organism for studying developmental biology. In addition, Drosophila is an excellent model for studying how damaged tissues and organs can regenerate. Recently, new precision approaches that enable both highly targeted injury and genetic manipulation have accelerated progress in this field. Here, we highlight these techniques and review examples of recently discovered mechanisms that regulate regeneration in Drosophila larval and adult tissues. We also discuss how, by applying these powerful approaches, studies of Drosophila can continue to guide the future of regeneration research.
Conflicting paradigms in manufacturing and marketing decisions: The effects of situational awareness on team performance

Abstract The ongoing shift from product-centric to consumer-centric operations highlights the market pressures that force organizations to stand out by satisfying customers. One way to achieve a smooth transition to the consumer-centric operation is to minimize the internal conflicts and improve the processes of demand-generating (marketing) and product-generating (manufacturing) functions. The collaboration of teams can be complex due to the idiosyncratic team members' situational awareness – the accuracy and agreement of the interpretations of the business environment. Drawing on the situational awareness theory, this research proposes that a team's ability to accurately understand and agree on the manufacturing and marketing business environment is associated with improved team performance. The theoretical model is tested using 667 experienced MBA students, representing 145 teams. The results suggest that team performance is significantly associated with the degree to which teams accurately understood, but not necessarily agreed upon, the manufacturing and marketing environments in which they operated.
Use of polymeric nanoparticles to improve seed germination and plant growth under copper stress.

Abstract Plant seedlings are susceptible to copper (Cu) toxicity. As copper levels in soil continue to rise with the use of Cu-based agrochemicals, alleviation of Cu stress is of paramount importance. Traditional approaches to allay Cu stress are well documented but are typically found to be either costly or inefficient. Given their small size, ionic character, and high biocompatibility, specific polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) may have the potential for mitigating metal toxicity to crops. In this pioneering study, we investigated the effects of newly synthesized polysuccinimide NPs (PSI-NPs) on corn (Zea mays L.) seed germination and seedling growth under different levels of Cu stress. The results showed that PSI-NPs influenced seed germination in a dose-dependent manner with an optimal rate of 200 mg L−1. In addition, the positive effects of PSI-NPs on seed germination indexes were found to be positively correlated with enhanced seed imbibition (r = 0.82). The addition of PSI-NPs significantly mitigated Cu stress as indicated by improved growth of shoots and roots, and higher antioxidant enzyme activity observed with co-exposure to PSI-NPs as compared to Cu stress treatment only. Cu concentrations in seedling root and shoot significantly increased with increasing Cu treatment rate. Higher uptake of Cu by plant was observed in the Cu-PSI-NPs co-treatment than single Cu treatment. The alleviation effect of PSI-NPs could be explained by the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and storage of Cu as Cu-PSI complexes in plants with reduced phytotoxicity. These findings will open the opportunity of using PSI-NPs as a regulator to enhance seed germination and improve seedling growth under stress of heavy metals like Cu.
Insight into the preferential N-binding versus O-binding of nitrosoarenes to ferrous and ferric heme centers.

Nitrosoarenes (ArNOs) are toxic metabolic intermediates that bind to heme proteins to inhibit their functions. Although much of their biological functions involve coordination to the Fe centers of hemes, the factors that determine N-binding or O-binding of these ArNOs have not been determined. We utilize X-ray crystallography and density functional theory (DFT) analyses of new representative ferrous and ferric ArNO compounds to provide the first theoretical insight into preferential N-binding versus O-binding of ArNOs to hemes. Our X-ray structural results favored N-binding of ArNO to ferrous heme centers, and O-binding to ferric hemes. Results of the DFT calculations rationalize this preferential binding on the basis of the energies of associated spin-states, and reveal that the dominant stabilization forces in the observed ferrous N-coordination and ferric O-coordination are dπ–pπ* and dσ–pπ*, respectively. Our results provide, for the first time, an explanation why in situ oxidation of the ferrous-ArNO compound to its ferric state results in the observed subsequent dissociation of the ligand.
Arachnoiditis, a complication of epidural blood patch for the treatment of low-pressure headache: A case report and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To report a case of arachnoiditis as a complication of epidural blood patch procedures and to systematically review the diagnostic workup, clinical outcomes, and treatment modalities reported in the literature. BACKGROUND Epidural blood patching is an effective treatment for low-pressure headache secondary to spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak or iatrogenic post-dural puncture. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is believed to be a rare headache disorder, but recently has been diagnosed at higher frequencies, making it an important differential diagnosis for intractable headaches. Arachnoiditis has surfaced as a rare complication of epidural blood patching. Symptom presentation does not always correlate with evidence of meningeal enhancement on imaging. Optimal methods for treatment remain largely unknown. METHODS Databases Embase and PubMed were searched for all published studies on arachnoiditis post-epidural blood patch using a combination of the following medical subject headings and keywords: arachnoiditis, arachnoid inflammation, adverse event, and epidural blood patch. All original English-language articles that described arachnoid and/or meningeal inflammation in conjunction with epidural blood patch procedures were included for analysis. Title and abstract screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. RESULTS Seven other cases of arachnoiditis post-blood patch placement have been documented, most of which were diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging. Six of these were a result of a spinal-epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery. Common symptoms reported were headache, back and radicular pain, paresthesia, and motor weakness. There are currently no proven consensus-based treatment recommendations available. While intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone taper was found to be effective in the case presented, the benefit of other multi-modal therapies was unclear. CONCLUSIONS Headache specialists who treat postural headache should be aware of arachnoiditis as a potentially severe complication of epidural blood patch. The case presented is the first of its kind to report arachnoiditis as a complication of high-volume blood patch for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. More studies are required to determine suitable treatment options for post-epidural blood patch arachnoiditis.
Momentary loneliness among older adults: Contextual differences and their moderation by gender and race/ethnicity.

Abstract Rationale Studies suggest that loneliness is associated with age. Among older adults, women and Black adults may be at greater risk than men and White adults, respectively. Social and physical contexts are also linked with loneliness. However, little is known about whether and how those of different genders and racial/ethnic groups may experience social and physical contexts differently in terms of their real-time loneliness, and the extent to which these differences may be explained by differential exposure or reactivity to contexts. Objective: We examine (1) how momentary loneliness relates to (a) gender and race/ethnicity and (b) social and physical context; and the extent to which gender and racial/ethnic groups may be (2) differentially exposed to loneliness-related contexts and/or (3) differentially reacting to these contexts. Methods Using multilevel regressions, we analyzed ecological momentary assessments from 342 community-dwelling U.S. older adults from the Chicago Health and Activity Space in Real Time study. In each of three waves of data collection, smartphone “pings” (five per day for 21 days; n = 12,793 EMAs) assessed loneliness, social context (e.g., alone, with a spouse/partner), and location/physical context (e.g., home, at work). Results Men consistently reported greater loneliness intensity than women, including after adjusting for momentary physical and social context. Older adults momentarily outside the home and/or not alone were less likely to feel lonely than their counterparts. However, the protective effect of being outside of the home (vs. home) was weaker among women and Black and Hispanic older adults, and the protective effect of being with one or more others (vs. alone) was weaker among women. Conclusions Results are among the first to identify contextual effects on real-time loneliness in older adults and how these associations vary by gender and race/ethnicity. Knowledge regarding momentary variation in loneliness may inform future just-in-time adaptive loneliness interventions in older adulthood.
ASNC Imaging Indications (ASNC-I2): Multisocietal indications for radionuclide imaging in the multimodality context-Series rationale and methodology.

BACKGROUND Appropriate use criteria (AUC) enhance application of cardiovascular imaging techniques but have been applied in limited settings, primarily in common cardiovascular disease processes. There are several complex systemic diseases with cardiovascular implications and special populations with unique cardiovascular considerations that could benefit from appropriateness analysis. Moreover, the high medical complexity of these topics indicate they would benefit from high-yield expert consensus recommendations of the available imaging options. The ASNC Imaging Indications (ASNC-I2) Series will provide a concise overview of relevant disease processes and their multimodality evaluation and will provide consensus clinical indications, diagnostic criteria, and clinical algorithms with representative clinical cases. METHODS For each ASNC-I2 document, a diverse writing group and rating panel will be composed of experts from societies pertinent to the topic, including relevant imaging societies and clinical societies that manage the disease under evaluation. The rating panel will follow robust modified Delphi methodology and commonly-accepted appropriateness methods to create consensus diagnostic criteria, clinical algorithms, and clinical indications that they will then rate with level of agreement recorded. The clinical and imaging experts will provide concise, high-yield clinical summaries of the disease process, the non-imaging evaluation, and multimodality imaging. Relevant cases will be provided highlighting application of the diagnostic criteria and clinical algorithms. CONCLUSION The ASNC Imaging Indications (ASNC-I2) Series will complement the diverse portfolio of documents from ASNC. It will use a multisocietal approach with robust appropriateness methodology to guide use of radionuclide imaging in the multimodality imaging context for the cardiovascular care of patients.
An Empirical Study of Categorical Dataset Visualization Using a Simulated Bee Colony Clustering Algorithm

This study investigates the use of a biologically inspired meta-heuristic algorithm to cluster categorical datasets so that the data can be presented in a useful visual form. A computer program which implemented the algorithm was executed against a benchmark dataset of voting records and produced better results, in terms of cluster accuracy, than all known published studies. Compared to alternative clustering and visualization approaches, the categorical dataset clustering with a simulated bee colony (CDC-SBC) algorithm has the advantage of allowing arbitrarily large datasets to be analyzed. The primary disadvantages of the CDC-SBC algorithm for dataset clustering and visualization are that the approach requires a relatively large number of input parameters, and that the approach does not guarantee convergence to an optimal solution. The results of this study suggest that using the CDC-SBC approach for categorical data visualization may be both practical and useful in certain scenarios.
Multidisciplinary design optimization for a high-resolution earth-imaging constellation

Imaging of the Earth's surface is a desired capability for many applications and problem domains. Space-based systems provide a unique platform that can provide persistent coverage over a wide region and have many advantages over atmospheric systems. The case study described here starts with the development of a concise mission statement for an affordable constellation of high-resolution Earth imaging satellites. The problem is modeled using integrated multidisciplinary analysis modules that were validated through simulation and comparison to three known real-world systems. Through multiple techniques, a Pareto Front of non-dominated designs is identified. Two candidate designs, which are on the Pareto front and balance the cost versus performance trade-off, are identified through two different heuristic optimization methods; simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. Key trades are shown to be primarily driven by design variables for optical aperture size, the number of satellites per orbital plane, and the number of orbital planes in the constellation. This can further be shown to create three distinct design regions primarily characterized by the number of satellites in the constellation.
Role of tyrosine kinase activity in signal transduction by the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor. Characterization of kinase-deficient IGF-I receptors and the action of an IGF-I-mimetic antibody (alpha IR-3)

The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor is a member of a large family of transmembrane signal transducing molecules. The defining characteristic of this class of receptors is the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the cytoplasmic domain. While it has been demonstrated that this tyrosine kinase activity is necessary for the action of a number of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors, no evidence of this type has been adduced to date with respect to the signaling requirement of the IGF-I receptor. We have now shown that stably transfected NIH-3T3 cell lines overexpressing human IGF-I receptors display increased responses to IGF-I and an IGF-I-mimetic antibody, alpha IR-3, in terms of short, intermediate, and long term actions initiated by activation of the IGF-I receptor. These include receptor autophosphorylation, activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and 2-deoxyglucose uptake, induction of ornithine decarboxylase gene expression, and stimulation of thymidine incorporation. In short term responses, the kinetics seen with alpha IR-3 were slower than those seen with IGF-I. These effects were severely decreased in clones expressing human IGF-I receptors in which the lysine residue in the ATP-binding site of the tyrosine kinase domain had been mutated to alanine or arginine. This was true for both IGF-I and alpha IR-3. These results indicate that, for all parameters tested, the tyrosine kinase activity of the IGF-I receptor is necessary for activation of the IGF-I-stimulated signal transduction cascade. Additionally, the effects of alpha IR-3 also require tyrosine kinase activity.
AGFAP Method: Applicability under different ascertainment schemes and a parental contributions test

The antigen/allele genotype frequencies among patients (AGFAP) method has been powerful in discriminating between modes of inheritance, and detecting heterogeneity effects, for a number of diseases associated with the HLA system. The method is not dependent on the high level of polymorphism seen in the HLA system, but does require a marker allele association with disease. With recent rapid advances in mapping of the human genome, the method is increasingly relevant in all disease studies. Extension of the AGFAP method to ascertainment schemes other than random sampling of patients is presented here
Steep REE patterns and enriched Pb isotopes in southern Central American arc magmas: Evidence for forearc subduction erosion?

The appearance of adakitic magmas with steep rare earth element (REE) patterns in southern Costa Rica and Panama at ∼4 Ma coincides with the collision of the Cocos Ridge and the inception of slab shallowing along the margin. Distinctly higher 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios in these adakitic lavas than in older Miocene lavas suggest that components enriched in radiogenic Pb also entered the mantle magma source at ∼4 Ma. Published Pb-isotopic data for Central American arc lavas show that a similar radiogenic component is not present in lavas farther north and that maxima in post-Miocene 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios occur in central Costa Rica and western Panama. Cretaceous and early Tertiary ophiolites in the forearc, whose origins have been linked to the Galapagos hot spot, show a similar spatial pattern in Pb isotopic ratios. The incorporation of ophiolitic forearc crust into the mantle wedge by forearc subduction erosion can explain the along-arc spatial and temporal pattern of Pb-isotopic ratios in southern Central American arc lavas. Partial melting of crust removed from the base of the forearc and subjected to high-pressure metamorphism in the subduction channel provides an explanation for the steep adakitic REE patterns in some Costa Rican and Panamanian arc lavas.
Emotion in the Infant's Face: Insights from the Study of Infants with Facial Anomalies

Darwin viewed "experiments in nature" as an important strategy for elucidating the evolutionary bases of human emotional expressions. Infants with craniofacial anomalies are of special interest because morphological abnormalities and resulting distortions or deficits in their facial expressions could make it more difficult for caregivers to read and accurately interpret their signals. As part of a larger study on the effects of craniofacial anomalies on infant facial expression and parent-infant interaction, infants with different types of craniofacial conditions and comparison infants were videotaped interacting with their mothers at 3 and 6 months. The infants' facial expressions were coded with Baby FACS. Thirty-seven slides of 16 infants displaying 4 distinctive infant expressions (cry face, negative face, interest, and smile) were rated by 38 naive observers on a 7-point scale ranging from intense distress to intense happiness. Their ratings were significantly correlated with ratings based on objective Baby FACS criteria (r > 0.9 in all infant groups). A 4 (infant group) x 4 (expression category) ANOVA showed a significant main effect for expression category, F(3) 5 71.9, P 5 0.000, but no significant effect for infant group or group 3 expression interaction. The observers' ratings were thus highly "accurate" in terms of a priori Baby FACS criteria, even in the case of infants with severely disfiguring facial conditions. These findings demonstrate that the signal value of infant facial expressions is remarkably robust, suggesting that the capacity to read emotional meaning in infants' facial expressions may have a biological basis.
Tracking metadata use for digital collections

We are investigating how resource developers can best represent digital-collections and items to meet the requirements of divergent service providers and user communities. Our first goal is to establish a baseline that describes the institutions, collections, and initial metadata schemes of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grant (NLG) digital collection projects. This research is a component of the larger Digital Collections and Content (DCC) Project, funded by IMLS to build a collection registry and metadata repository for the NLG collections. Collection registries organize large aggregations of digital content from multiple institutions to make relevant resources easier to find and more visible to end-users [1]. As we gain in interoperability, we do not want to lose advances that have been made in adaptation and access for communities of users. Library collection functions that attend to user-based criteria are key to the success of distributed digital collection services [2]. Variations in metadata standards reflect the variant roles and use of digital objects and the different aims and practices of resource developers and their constituent user communities.
Eveningness relates to burnout and seasonal sleep and mood problems among young adults

Aims: Diurnal preference towards eveningness among adults has been associated with unhealthy habits and a range of health hazards, such as sleeping problems and higher odds for depression. We wanted to analyse whether diurnal preference towards eveningness is associated with more severe symptoms regarding sleep problems and mental disorders among young adults. Methods: Our sample consists of 469 young adults, aged 18–29 years, from the Mental Health in Early Adulthood Study in Finland (MEAF) conducted in 2003–2005. Chronotype was based on the assessment of one question that was asked first in 2000–2001 and the second time in 2003–2005. Those 73 participants who changed their chronotype were excluded from the main analysis, but separate analyses were performed with this group. Results: Concerning sleep, E-types reported higher dependency on alarm clocks (p < 0.001), and E-types and I-types had more problems in feeling refreshed after waking up (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05 respectively) than M-types. Regarding ...
Optimal α-Oxobutyrate Concentration for Assay of α-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase Activity in Normal and Pathological Sera at 30 °C

Optimal concentration of substrate, α-oxobutyrate, for determination of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) activity in normal and pathological sera at 30 °C (with a centrifugal analyzer) is 12 mmol/ liter. With this substrate concentration, HBD activity averaged 146% of that found with the suboptimal concentration, 3.3 mmol/liter, usually used. Furthermore, day-to-day precision was significantly better. HBD/LD ranges (LD, lactate dehydrogenase), determined for sera from patients with myocardial infarction and liver disease, did not overlap and were similar to those established by Elliot et al. [ Clin. Sci. 23, 305 (1962)], who used a suboptimal α-oxobutyrate concentration of 3.3 mmol/liter at 25 °C. At 30 °C the mean HBD/LD ratios for sera from patients with myocardial infarction were most different from those for patients with liver disease when the optimal concentration of α-oxobutyrate was used.
Sentence simplification, compression, and disaggregation for summarization of sophisticated documents

Sophisticated documents like legal cases and biomedical articles can contain unusually long sentences. Extractive summarizers can select such sentences-potentially adding hundreds of unnecessary words to the summary-or exclude them and lose important content. Sentence simplification or compression seems on the surface to be a promising solution. However, compression removes words before the selection algorithm can use them, and simplification generates sentences that may be ambiguous in an extractive summary. We therefore compare the performance of an extractive summarizer selecting from the sentences of the original document with that of the summarizer selecting from sentences shortened in three ways: simplification, compression, and disaggregation, which splits one sentence into several according to rules designed to keep all meaning. We find that on legal cases and biomedical articles, these shortening methods generate ungrammatical output. Human evaluators performed an extrinsic evaluation consisting of comprehension questions about the summaries. Evaluators given compressed, simplified, or disaggregated versions of the summaries answered fewer questions correctly than did those given summaries with unaltered sentences. Error analysis suggests 2 causes: Altered sentences sometimes interact with the sentence selection algorithm, and alterations to sentences sometimes obscure information in the summary. We discuss future work to alleviate these problems.
Optogenetic tools for modulating and probing the epileptic network

Epilepsy affects roughly 1% of the population worldwide. Although effective treatments with antiepileptic drugs are available, more than 20% of patients have seizures that are refractory to medical therapy and many patients experience adverse effects. Hence, there is a continued need for novel therapies for those patients. A new technique called "optogenetics" may offer a new hope for these refractory patients. Optogenetics is a technology based on the combination of optics and genetics, which can control or record neural activity with light. Following delivery of light-sensitive opsin genes such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), halorhodopsin (NpHR), and others into brain, excitation or inhibition of specific neurons in precise brain areas can be controlled by illumination at different wavelengths with very high temporal and spatial resolution. Neuromodulation with the optogenetics toolbox have already been shown to be effective at treating seizures in animal models of epilepsy. This review will outline the most recent advances in epilepsy research with optogenetic techniques and discuss how this technology can contribute to our understanding and treatment of epilepsy in the future.
Characterization of reaction dynamics in a trypsin-modified capillary microreactor.

Application of mild vibration to an immobilized trypsin capillary microreactor can enhance digestion rates for many globular and glycosylated proteins (12−70-kDa range) without additional sample handling. A sinusoid wave form generator and a simple piezoelectric transducer were used to apply vibration in a wide frequency range to the 50-μm-i.d. enzyme microreactor over its entire length. The mass transport properties of the microreactor were quantitatively examined for protein digestions through the use of an artificial globular protein. This was synthesized by covering the surface of 35-nm-diameter latex beads with a peptide (Leu-Arg-Leu). Capillary electrophoresis analysis of the microreactor products showed there were no mass transport-related effects for vibration of the capillary. Digestions of a range of globular protein structures were performed and the products analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. The rate enhancements were found to be related to the stability of the protein tertiary and seconda...
Emerging technologies for military game-based training

The use of Serious Games in today's military is becoming the new standard for training. Games, however, have implications reaching farther than standard training procedures. Initiatives in distance learning and games as assessments may revamp the way the military implements game based technologies. Emerging game technologies that make games even better tools for today's military by facilitating user created content will also be reviewed.
Urolithiasis after intestinal bypass for morbid obesity

Abstract Urinary calculi, predominantly of oxalate composition, have been noted in 10 to 14 per cent of a large series of morbidly obese patients after jejunoileal intestinal bypass at this institution. Physical and metabolic changes after bypass surgery, including the presence of hyperoxaluria, hyperuricemia fluid and electrolyte disturbances are reviewed in their possible relationship to this increased incidence of urolithiasis.
A structure of doubly stochastic Markov chains

Abstract Kingman and Williams [6] showed that a pattern of positive elements can occur in a transition matrix of a finite state, nonhomogeneous Markov chain if and only if it may be expressed as a finite product of reflexive and transitive patterns. In this paper we solve a similar problem for doubly stochastic chains. We prove that a pattern of positive elements can occur in a transition matrix of a doubly stochastic Markov chain if and only if it may be expressed as a finite product of reflexive, transitive, and symmetric patterns. We provide an algorithm for determining whether a given pattern may be expressed as a finite product of reflexive, transitive, and symmetric patterns. This result has implications for the embedding problem for doubly stochastic Markov chains. We also give the application of the obtained characterization to the chain majorization.
Continued Advancements Regarding Capacity Prediction of Strain-Based Pipelines

In areas of large ground movements, pipelines may be subjected to large longitudinal strains. It is imperative that strain-based design methods are developed for such pipelines. As reported previously, a comprehensive experimental and numerical program to characterize the tensile strain capacity of welded pipelines was undertaken. Models were developed that are capable of predicting strain capacity based on input parameters such as pipe geometry and properties, internal pressure, weld flaw geometry, weld properties, and high-low misalignment. These models (equations) have been validated against a data base of about 50 full-scale pipe strain tests that included a broad range of geometries and pipe grades (8–42″, 13–25mm, X60–X80). In the current paper, further developments are described. A pressure factor has been incorporated into the models. Whereas the previous models assumed that the circumferential stress from internal pressure was 80% of the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) of the pipe, the pressure factor allows the calculation of strain capacity as a function of pressure that results in hoop stresses from zero to 80% of SMYS. Additionally, ranges for pipe yield-to-tensile ratio and weld tearing resistance curves (R-curves) have been expanded. New equations and associated flaw assessment diagrams for example cases are provided.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
On the automatic recognition of continuous speech:Implications from a spectrogram-reading experiment

An experiment was performed in which the authors attempted to recognize a set of unknown sentences by visual examination of spectrograms and machine-aided lexical searching. Ninteen sentences representing data from five talkers were analyzed. An initial partial transcription in terms of phonetic features was performed. The transcription contained many errors and omissions: 10 percent of the segments were omitted, 17 percent were incorrectly transcribed, and an additional 40 percent were transcribed only partially in terms of phonetic features. The transcription was used by the experimenters to initiate computerized scans of a 200-word lexicon. A majority of the search responses did not contain the correct word. However, following extended interactions with the computer, a word-recognition rate of 96 percent was achieved by each investigator for the sentence material. Implications for automatic speech recognition are discussed. In particular, the differences between the phonetic characteristics of isolated words and of the same words when they appear in sentences are emphasized.
X-RAY MAGNETIC SCATTERING FROM NONMAGNETIC LU IN A DYLU ALLOY

We have detected the presence of a spin-density wave (SDW) induced in the conduction band of a Dy{sub 0.60}Lu{sub 0.40} thin film alloy that orders as a {ital c}-axis helimagnet. By tuning the incident x-ray energy to the {ital L}{sub III} edges, we exploit the species sensitivity of x-ray resonant magnetic scattering to isolate the contribution of each element individually. As Lu has a filled 4{ital f} shell, magnetic intensity observed at that resonance reflects the polarization of the 5{ital d} orbitals in the helical SDW. The SDW amplitude is of order 0.2 {mu}{sub {ital B}}/atom. Complementary neutron data show that the temperature dependence of the induced Lu intensity and its wave vector follow that of the total moment. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital The} {ital American} {ital Physical} {ital Society}.
Domain Unfolding Plays a Role in Superfibronectin Formation

Superfibronectin (sFN) is a fibronectin (FN) aggregate that is formed by mixing FN with anastellin, a fragment of the first type III domain of FN. However, the mechanism of this aggregation has not been clear. In this study, we found that anastellin co-precipitated with FN in a ratio of ∼4:1, anastellin:FN monomer. The primary binding site for anastellin was in the segment III1–3, which bound three molecules of anastellin and was able to form a precipitate without the rest of the FN molecule. Anastellin binding to III3 caused a conformational change in that domain that exposed a cryptic thermolysin-sensitive site. An additional anastellin binds to III11, where it enhances thermolysin digestion of III11. An engineered disulfide bond in III3 inhibited both aggregation and protease digestion, suggesting that the stability of III3 is a key factor in sFN formation. We propose a three-step model for sFN formation: 1) FN-III domains spontaneously unfold and refold; 2) anastellin binds to an unfolded domain, preventing its refolding and leaving it with exposed hydrophobic surfaces and β-sheet edges; and 3) these exposed elements bind to similar exposed elements on other molecules, leading to aggregation. The model is consistent with our observation that the kinetics of aggregation are first order, with a reaction time of 500–700 s. Similar mechanisms may contribute to the assembly of the native FN matrix.
Chorionic gonadotropin synthesis by human tumor cell lines: examination of subunit accumulation, steady-state levels of mRNA, and gene structure

Abstract A number of tumor cell lines have been examined that differentially produce human chorionic gonadotropin and the isolated α- or β-subunits. It has been demonstrated that all of the cell lines studied to date contain genes for both α- and β-subunits, indicating that differential and exclusive expression of one subunit is not the result of a particular cell line having lost the gene for the alternate subunit as a consequence of chromosome changes accompanying cell transformation. Because many of these established cell lines are aneuploid, it is also significant that no evidence was found for gene amplification in cell lines producing α-subunit at very high levels compared to those with very low level expression. Analysis of restriction endonuclease digests of tumor cell DNAs has demonstrated identical patterns for β-subunit in KpnI digests and KpnI/HinIII double digests. Polymorphisms were observed for α-subunit in EcoRI and HinIII digests, but these did not correspond with expression of the α-subunit. Significant levels of either mRNA (as determined by dot blot and Northern transfer hybridization analysis) were accompanied by corresponding elevated levels of α- and β-subunits (as determined by radioimmunoassay), suggesting that regulation of subunit production most likely occurs at a pretranslational stage. However, there were apparent differences in the relative ratio of α- and β-subunits and their cognate mRNAs among the cell lines.
Early hormones and sex differences in cognitive abilities

Abstract Data from a variety of nonhuman species indicate that early hormones have permanent effects on the sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior, including learning abilities. Hormones also affect the sexual differentiation of human cognitive abilities. Evidence from a variety of human clinical conditions and normal samples suggests that moderate to high levels of androgens in the prenatal and early postnatal periods facilitate the development of spatial ability. There is not enough information to determine whether early hormones influence other aspects of cognition which show sex differences, such as verbal fluency, perceptual speed, and memory. Current research is directed to understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying hormonal influences on cognition.
A filtration model for the flow of dilute, stable emulsions in porous media. I: Theory

Abstract Flow of dilute, stable emulsions in porous media is important in several oil recovery processes. Because underground media have relatively low permeabilities, the emulsion drop sizes may overlap the pore sizes. Hence, strong interaction occurs between the emulsion droplets and pore constrictions, and local flow redistribution occurs within the porous medium. To predict quantitatively how emulsions are transported in underground media, a theoretical model is required which correctly accounts for the interactions between the flowing droplets and the pore walls. In Part I of this work, we present a simplified filtration model describing the flow of stable, dilute emulsions in unconsolidated porous media. In the model, emulsion drops are captured in pores by straining and interception and, thus, reduce the overall permeability. Transient flow behaviour is characterized by there parameters: a filter coefficient, a flow-redistribution parameter and a flow-restriction parameter. The filter coefficient controls the sharpness of the emulsion front, the flow-redistribution parameter dictates the steady-state retention, as well as the flow redistribution phenomenon, and the flow-restriction parameters describes the effectiveness of retained drops in reducing permeability. Critical comparison is made between the new filtration theory and the current continuum—viscous and retardation models for emulsion flow in porous media. Only the filtration picture is able to explain all the experimental observations. Quantitative comparison between the filtration flow theory and experiment is presented in Part II.
Mean Flow Characteristics of a Turbulent Offset Jet

A detailed study of the mean flow characteristics of a turbulent offset jet is presented. The flow is characterized by a longitudinal variation of curvature, skewed impingement onto a flat surface, a recirculating region, and the development of a wall jet region. Flow structure is described in the preimpingement, recirculation and impingement regions. An interdependence is shown among the pressure differential across the jet, jet curvature and entrainment. The magnitude of the curvature strain rate is found to be significant and implies that this flow cannot be accurately modelled as a thin shear layer. The jet decay and spread rates are similar to those of a plane jet if appropriate curved coordinates are used. The extent of the impingement region is approximately 20 nozzle widths downstream, in agreement with previous studies.