cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tension is required but not sufficient for focal adhesion maturation without a stress fiber template

Focal adhesion composition and size are modulated in a myosin II–dependent maturation process that controls adhesion, migration, and matrix remodeling. As myosin II activity drives stress fiber assembly and enhanced tension at adhesions simultaneously, the extent to which adhesion maturation is driven by tension or altered actin architecture is unknown. We show that perturbations to formin and α-actinin 1 activity selectively inhibited stress fiber assembly at adhesions but retained a contractile lamella that generated large tension on adhesions. Despite relatively unperturbed adhesion dynamics and force transmission, impaired stress fiber assembly impeded focal adhesion compositional maturation and fibronectin remodeling. Finally, we show that compositional maturation of focal adhesions could occur even when myosin II–dependent cellular tension was reduced by 80%. We propose that stress fiber assembly at the adhesion site serves as a structural template that facilitates adhesion maturation over a wide range of tensions. This work identifies the essential role of lamellar actin architecture in adhesion maturation.
Decel Grid Effects on Ion Thruster Grid Erosion

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is currently assessing the applicability of the 25-cm Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS) as part of an effort to infuse low-cost technically mature commercial ion thruster systems into NASA deep space missions. Since these mission require extremely long thruster lifetimes to attain the required mission DeltaV, this paper is focused on understanding the dominate wear mechanisms that effect the life of the XIPS three-grid system. Analysis of the XIPS three-grid configuration with JPL's CEX3D grid erosion model shows that the third ldquodecelrdquo grid effectively protects the accel grid from pits and grooves erosion that is commonly seen with two-grid ion thruster grid systems. For a three-grid system, many of the charge-exchange ions created downstream of the grid plane will impact the decel grid at relatively low energies ( ~25 V), instead of impacting the accel grid at high energies ( ~200 V), thus reducing overall erosion. JPL's CEX3D accurately predicts the erosion patterns for the accel grid, although it appears to overpredict the pits and grooves erosion rates due, mainly, to uncertainties in incident energies and angles for sputtering ions and since it does not account for local redeposition of sputtered material. Since the model accurately simulates the erosion pattern but tends to overpredict the erosion rates for both the two- and three-grid sets, this comparative analysis clearly shows how the decel grid significantly suppresses the erosion of the downstream surface of the accel grid as observed in experimental tests. The results also show that the decel grid has a relatively small effect on barrel erosion (erosion of the aperture wall) and erosion of the upstream surface of the accel grid. Decreasing the accel grid voltage of the XIPS can reduce barrel (and total) erosion of the accel grid and should be considered for high-DeltaV missions.
Abnormal trace elements in man: Tellurium

TELLURIUM, atomic number 52, is an element of Group VIA of the Periodic Table, which includes oxygen, sulfur, selenium and polonium, all of biologic interest. Named from the Latin relZus, or earth, tellurium is said to rank seventy-fifth in abundance of the elements on the earth’s crust, 0.002 ppm, [l, 23 and has not been detected by older analytical methods in soils, according to VINOGRADOV, [3] nor in sea water, according to MASON [I] and GOLDSCHMIDT. [4] It has been found, however, in certain coals, ,[4] which suggests that plants may have absorbed the element from soil in ancient times. Under these circumstances, one would have little interest in tellurium as an element worthy of biological attention, except for its effects on persons working directly with its compounds. We were intrigued, however, with the report of 1075 ppm tellurium found by neutron activation analysis in the ash of livers of human subjects, with lesser but still large amounts in bone, kidney, lung, ovary, spleen and testes. [5] It is a strange paradox that an element hitherto undetected in sea water, soils, plants and animals should be present in such large amounts in human tissues. Therefore, we have made an extensive survey of tellurium in foods, waters, vegetation and animal tissues and have analyzed samples of human organs, blood and urine in order to attempt to answer these questions: (1) What is the source of the tellurium? (2) Is the abundance of tellurium in soils greater than has heretofore been thought? (3) Is tellurium a constant constituent of biomaterial? (4) Does tellurium have some unknown biological activity or is it inert? (5) Does tellurium accumulate in mammalian tissues with age, and if so, could it influence a chronic disease? (6) Is human exposure to tellurium a “natural” phenomenon or a result of industrial contamination?
Versatile Precoder Codebook Design Method for Orthogonal Space-Time Block Codes

Many techniques have been proposed to improve the error performance of multiple antenna systems by having the receiver provide the transmitter with channel information, which guides the transmitter to adapt its transmission. However, existing works have focused on ideal situations of i.i.d. communication channels and instantaneous feedback channels, or have not used the limited number of feedback bits efficiently. This paper proposes a versatile precoder codebook design method that works well for general situations, i.e. spatially correlated communication channels and feedback channels with delay, using feedback bits efficiently. This method finds a good codebook by directly quantizing a codebook (not a channel realization) with error probability as a performance measure. Numerical studies demonstrate that (1) the codebook generated this way achieves bit error rates as good as or better than what other codebooks yield because our codebook has been optimized for error probability without imposing any limiting structure, and (2) our codebook with fewer feedback bits outperforms the channel quantization-based codebook with more feedback bits due to the efficient use of the feedback bits.
On the behavior of communication links of a node in a multi-hop mobile environment

In this work, we develop an analytical framework to investigate the behavior of the communication links of a node in a random mobility environment. Analytical expressions characterizing various properties related to the formation, lifetime and expiration of links are derived. The derived framework can be used to design efficient algorithms for medium access, routing and transport control, or to analyze and optimize the performance of existing network protocols. A number of applications of the characteristics investigated, such as selection of stable routes, route cache lifetime optimization, providing Quality-of-Service (QoS) data communication and analysis of route lifetime are discussed. In particular, we focus on designing an efficient updating strategy for proactive routing protocols based on the derived statistics. Using simulations, we show that the proposed strategy can lead to significant performance improvements in terms of reduction in routing overhead, while maintaining high data packet delivery ratio and acceptable latency.
Investigating the Potential Influence of Established Multiple‐Choice Test‐Taking Cues on Item Response in a Pharmacotherapy Board Certification Examination Preparatory Manual: A Pilot Study

Objective. To determine the prevalence of established multiple-choice test-taking correct and incorrect answer cues in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy's Updates in Therapeutics: The Pharmacotherapy Preparatory Course, 2005 Edition, as an equal or lesser surrogate indication of the prevalence of such cues in the Pharmacotherapy board certification examination. Methods. All self-assessment and patient case question-and-answer sets were assessed individually to determine if they were subject to selected correct and incorrect answer cues commonly seen in multiple-choice question writing. If the question was considered evaluable, correct answer cues— longest answer, mid-range number, one of two similar choices, and one of two opposite choices—were tallied. In addition, incorrect answer cues— inclusionary language and grammatical mismatch—were also tallied. Each cue was counted if it did what was expected or did the opposite of what was expected. Multiple cues could be identified in each question. Results. A total of 237 (47.7%) of 497 questions in the manual were deemed evaluable. A total of 325 correct answer cues and 35 incorrect answer cues were identified in the 237 evaluable questions. Most evaluable questions contained one to two correct and/or incorrect answer cue(s). Longest answer was the most frequently identified correct answer cue; however, it was the least likely to identify the correct answer. Inclusionary language was the most frequently identified incorrect answer cue. Incorrect answer cues were considerably more likely to identify incorrect answer choices than correct answer cues were able to identify correct answer choices. Conclusions. The use of established multiple-choice test-taking cues is unlikely to be of significant help when taking the Pharmacotherapy board certification examination, primarily because of the lack of questions subject to such cues and the inability of correct answer cues to accurately identify correct answers. Incorrect answer cues, especially the use of inclusionary language, almost always will accurately identify an incorrect answer choice. Assuming that questions in the preparatory course manual were equal or lesser surrogates of those in the board certification examination, it is unlikely that intuition alone can replace adequate preparation and studying as the sole determinant of examination success.
Practice makes performance: using a practice test to improve FE participation and pass rate

The Cedarville University Engineering Department has undertaken an effort to both encourage and prepare students to participate in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. The program utilizes a mandatory practice exam and timely feedback, including comparison to the FE pass rate for previous classes. The goal was to create an internal assessment tool that would encourage the great majority of students to voluntarily participate in the FE Exam, to take the FE exam seriously, and therefore, successfully. This practice exam is administered early in the winter quarter of the students' senior year. It is one-half the length of the FE exam and is divided into two parts, one general and the other discipline-specific. Data from four years' experience shows a strong correlation between student scores and performance on the FE exam. Collectively, the pass rate for students in this program has been greater than 90%, consistently exceeding the state and national averages. More than 80% of the graduating students voluntarily participate in the FE exam. Because of the previously mentioned correlation of the practice exam results to the FE exam results, students can reasonably predict their performance before taking the exam. A secondary result is that the engineering department can assess their program, predicting the likely FE pass rate for those students who opt not to take it. The practice exam is used as one piece of the department's overall assessment plan. This paper evaluates and discusses the drawbacks and shortcomings of this approach.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescent School Victimization: Implications for Young Adult Health and Adjustment

BACKGROUND: Adolescent school victimization due to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) status is commonplace, and is associated with compromised health and adjustment. Few studies have examined the long-term implications of LGBT school victimization for young adult adjustment. We examine the association between reports of LGBT school victimization and young adult psychosocial health and risk behavior. METHODS: The young adult survey from the Family Acceptance Project included 245 LGBT young adults between the ages of 21 and 25 years, with an equal proportion of Latino and non-Latino White respondents. A 10-item retrospective scale assessed school victimization due to actual or perceived LGBT identity between the ages of 13 and 19 years. Multiple regression was used to test the association between LGBT school victimization and young adult depression, suicidal ideation, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and social integration, while controlling for background characteristics. Logistic regression was used to examine young adult suicide attempts, clinical levels of depression, heavy drinking and substance use problems, sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnoses, and self-reported HIV risk. RESULTS: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-related school victimization is strongly linked to young adult mental health and risk for STDs and HIV; there is no strong association with substance use or abuse. Elevated levels of depression and suicidal ideation among males can be explained by their high rates of LGBT school victimization.
A framework for securing the signaling plane in the emergency services IP network (ESINet)

IP-based emergency systems (or Next Generation 9–1–1) are being designed to allow any type of communication device, from any access network, to make IP-based emergency calls. A special purpose IP network — an Emergency Services IP Network (ESINet) — is being planned by public safety agencies. In this paper, we address the challenges on defining a framework for managing the security of the signaling messages in the context of IP-based emergency calls. The challenges rely on choosing a security mechanism that protects the signaling, is practical for implementation by different parties, and meets the requirements of citizen-to-authority emergency calls.
Investigation of the Nature and Mechanism of Resistive Switching in TiO2-x

The spatial redistribution of the charged point defects under direct-current (DC) biasing can have significant implications for electroceramic device performance and lifetime [1,2]. The transport behavior of point defects is regulated by the boundary conditions of the electrodes, which can block ion transfer across the interface to varying degrees. When the electrodes are impermeable to mass transport, there will be an accumulation of point defects in the near-electrode region that can lead to significant modifications in the local electronic carrier concentrations at the interface. Such defect redistribution is responsible for the long-term increases in leakage current in many capacitor devices. On the other hand, this same phenomena can lead to resistive switching behavior via modification of the interface Schottky barrier at the reverse-biased cathode [1-4].
Shape encoding consistency across colors in primate V4.

Neurons in primate cortical area V4 are sensitive to the form and color of visual stimuli. To determine whether form selectivity remains consistent across colors, we studied the responses of single V4 neurons in awake monkeys to a set of two-dimensional shapes presented in two different colors. For each neuron, we chose two colors that were visually distinct and that evoked reliable and different responses. Across neurons, the correlation coefficient between responses in the two colors ranged from −0.03 to 0.93 (median 0.54). Neurons with highly consistent shape responses, i.e., high correlation coefficients, showed greater dispersion in their responses to the different shapes, i.e., greater shape selectivity, and also tended to have less eccentric receptive field locations; among shape-selective neurons, shape consistency ranged from 0.16 to 0.93 (median 0.63). Consistency of shape responses was independent of the physical difference between the stimulus colors used and the strength of neuronal color tuning. Finally, we found that our measurement of shape response consistency was strongly influenced by the number of stimulus repeats: consistency estimates based on fewer than 10 repeats were substantially underestimated. In conclusion, our results suggest that neurons that are likely to contribute to shape perception and discrimination exhibit shape responses that are largely consistent across colors, facilitating the use of simpler algorithms for decoding shape information from V4 neuronal populations.
Within-Subject Variability in Repeated Measures of Salivary Analytes in Healthy Adults

Background: Saliva contains a large number of biomolecules, some of which have putative diagnostic usefulness. A potential problem with the use of biomolecules in diagnosis is day-to-day fluctuation due to within-subject variability. This study evaluated the intraindividual variability of six salivary analytes in healthy adults and determined their normal range.Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva (5 ml) was collected every 2 to 3 days on six occasions from 30 subjects in good oral and systemic health. Four of the samples were collected in the clinic, and two were collected by the subject at home. The concentration ranges of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-8, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-alpha, and albumin were examined. Descriptive statistics were computed, and a one-way random-effects model was used to quantify within- and between-subject components of variability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for each subject/analyte combinati...
MEK1 and protein phosphatase 4 coordinate Dictyostelium development and chemotaxis.

The MEK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins are established regulators of multicellular development and cell movement. By combining traditional genetic and biochemical assays with a statistical analysis of global gene expression profiles, we discerned a genetic interaction between Dictyostelium discoideum mek1, smkA (named for its role in the suppression of the mek1 mutation), and pppC (the protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit gene). We found that during development and chemotaxis, both mek1 and smkA regulate pppC function. In other organisms, the protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit, PP4C, functions in a complex with the regulatory subunits PP4R2 and PP4R3 to control recovery from DNA damage. Here, we show that catalytically active PP4C is also required for development, chemotaxis, and the expression of numerous genes. The product of smkA (SMEK) functions as the Dictyostelium PP4R3 homolog and positively regulates a subset of PP4C’s functions: PP4C-mediated developmental progression, chemotaxis, and the expression of genes specifically involved in cell stress responses and cell movement. We also demonstrate that SMEK does not control the absolute level of PP4C activity and suggest that SMEK regulates PP4C by controlling its localization to the nucleus. These data define a novel genetic pathway in which mek1 functions upstream of pppC-smkA to control multicellular development and chemotaxis.
Comparison of carvedilol and metoprolol on serum lipid concentration in diabetic hypertensive patients

Context: Vasoconstricting beta-blocker use is associated with a reduction in HDL cholesterol, higher triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, whereas carvedilol, a vasodilating beta-blocker, has not been associated with these effects. Objective: To compare in a randomized, double-blind study, the effects of the beta 1-blocker metoprolol tartrate with the combined alpha 1, beta-blocker carvedilol on serum lipid concentrations. Methods: A prospective randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial compared the effects of carvedilol and metoprolol on total cholesterol, triglycerides, calculated LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels at baseline and after 5 months of therapy as a secondary objective in the Glycemic Effects in Diabetes Mellitus: Carvedilol-Metoprolol Comparison in Hypertensive (GEMINI) study. In this study, 1235 participants with type 2 diabetes and hypertension who were receiving renin-angiotensin system blockers were randomized either to carvedilol, receiving 6.25–25 mg twice daily, or to metoprolol tartrate, receiving 50–200 mg twice daily. If needed, hydrochlorothiazide and a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker were added to achieve blood pressure goals. Results: In the metoprolol tartrate group, triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol increased and both the LDL and the HDL cholesterol levels decreased. In the carvedilol group, total LDL and HDL cholesterol decreased, non-HDL cholesterol was unchanged and triglycerides increased. Comparing the carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate groups, there was no statistically significant difference in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, but there was a significantly greater decreases with carvedilol in total cholesterol [−2.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.60 to −1.15, p < 0.001], triglycerides (−9.8%, 95% CI −13.7, −5.75%, p < 0.001) and non-HDL cholesterol (−4.03%, 95% CI −6.3 to −1.8, p < 0.0006). At the end of the study, significantly more participants in the metoprolol tartrate group had had initiation of statin therapy or the statin dose increased than those in the carvedilol group (11 vs. 32%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: In patients with type 2 diabetes currently receiving a renin-angiotensin blocker, compared with metoprolol tartrate, the addition of carvedilol for blood pressure control resulted in a significant decrease in triglyceride, total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels. The use of metoprolol resulted in a significantly greater rate of initiation of statin therapy or an increase in the dose of existing statin therapy when compared with carvedilol utilization.
The aerodynamic noise of small-perturbation subsonic flows

The method of matched asymptotic expansions is used to simplify calculations of noise produced by aerodynamic flows involving small perturbations of a stream of non-negligible subsonic Mach number. This technique is restricted to problems for which the dimensionless frequency e, defined as ωb/a0, is small, ω being the circular frequency, b the typical body dimension, and a0 the speed of sound. By combining Lorentz and Galilean transformations, the problem is transformed to a space in which the approximation appropriate to the inner region is found to be incompressible flow and that appropriate to the outer, classical acoustics. This approximation for the inner region is the unsteady counterpart of the Prandtl-Glauert transformation, but is not identical to use of that transformation in a straightforward quasi-steady manner. For wings in oscillatory motion, it is the same approximation as was given by Miles (1950).To illustrate the technique, two examples are treated, one involving a pulsating cylinder in a stream, the other the impinging of plane sound waves upon an elliptical wing in a stream.
A Hypothesis Concerning the Biphasic Dose-response of Tumors to Angiostatin and Endostatin:

This manuscript proposes a hypothesis to explain the U-shaped dose-response observed for angiostatin and other high-molecular-weight drugs in various anti-cancer bio-assays. The dose-response curve...
An Analysis of HPC Benchmarks in Virtual Machine Environments

Virtualization technology has been gaining acceptance in the scientific community due to its overall flexibility in running HPC applications. It has been reported that a specific class of applications is better suited to a particular type of virtualization scheme or implementation. For example, Xen has been shown to perform with little overhead for compute-bound applications. Such a study, although useful, does not allow us to generalize conclusions beyond the performance analysis of that application which is explicitly executed. An explanation of why the generalization described above is difficult, may be due to the versatility in applications, which leads to different overheads in virtual environments. For example, two similar applications may spend disproportionate amount of time in their respective library code when run in virtual environments. In this paper, we aim to study such potential causes by investigating the behavior and identifying patterns of various overheads for HPC benchmark applications. Based on the investigation of the overhead profiles for different benchmarks, we aim to address questions such as: Are the overhead profiles for a particular type of benchmarks (such as compute-bound) similar or are there grounds to conclude otherwise?
Enhanced biological activity of human recombinant interleukin 2 coupled to mouse red blood cells as evaluated using the mouse Meth A sarcoma model.

In order to circumvent the toxicity associated with high-dose interleukin 2 (IL2) administration and its rapid clearance from the circulation, a carrier system for IL2 is needed. Red blood cells (RBCs) coated with recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL2) provide a means of delivering IL2 into the system in a continuous low-dose manner which, in turn, maintains a low, potentially non-toxic, IL2 concentration. Murine RBCs coated with rIL2 (RBCs-rIL2) are able to induce cytotoxic activity in mouse spleen cells in vitro against malignant murine YAC-1 cells (53-62% cytotoxicity) using less than 4500 i.u./10(9) RBCs per mouse. Cytotoxicity (21-31%) becomes apparent upon cytotoxic testing of spleens cells stimulated in vivo. Using the murine Meth A sarcoma model, the effectiveness of this RBC-rIL2 vehicle is demonstrated in vivo by a 84% reduction in tumour size as compared with the soluble-rIL2-treated mice. Moreover, the RBC-rIL2 vehicle is able to induce tumoricidal cytotoxicity with very low rIL2 concentrations (about 10,000 i.u. of rIL2/mouse). These results indicate that rIL2 retains its biological activity when bound to the RBC and therefore could prove useful as a therapeutic delivery system for cancer treatment.
Failure of chlorothiazide to influence tissue electrolytes in hypertensive and non-hypertensive nephrectomized dogs.

SummaryFrom these observations, no evidence was obtained to indicate that chlorothiazide influences the levels of blood pressure, tissue moisture, tissue electrolyte or serum electrolyte in the absence of the kidneys.
Infrared Spectra of Bis(L-serinato)nickel(II) Dihydrate by Using Metal Isotope Technique

The shifts caused by nickel and hydrogen isotopic substitutions indicate that three bands at 342, 297 and 222 cm −1 are Ni-ligand stretching vibrations complicatedly coupled with Ni-O and Ni-N stretching vibrations. The conformational differences between gauche-anti and anti-gauche serinates in metallo-serinate complexes are characterized by the COO deformation vibrations. A normal coordinate analysis on the basis of a complete molecular conformation of Ni(L-ser) 2 •2H 2 O and an intermolecular force field reproduced well the observed frequencies and isotope shifts
Carbon–Sulfur Composites from Cylindrical and Gyroidal Mesoporous Carbons with Tunable Properties in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Sulfur is a high-potential candidate for next generation electrical energy storage due to its abundance, low cost, and nontoxicity. The electrically insulating property of sulfur and lithium sulfide and the solubility of polysulfides in the electrolyte, however, pose great challenges for the realization of long-lasting lithium–sulfur batteries for commercial applications. In recent years, much attention has been focused on mesoporous carbon–sulfur composites as cathode material. Fundamental studies on the performance of such electrodes correlated to systematic variations of structural and porosity characteristics of the carbons remain elusive, however. In this work a variety of block copolymer (BCP) derived mesoporous carbons were studied with uniform and tunable pore sizes as sulfur hosts. Morphologies included hexagonally packed cylinders and co-continuous gyroids, with one- and three-dimensional porosity, respectively. Dependence of the cyclability of carbon–sulfur composites was tested on mesopore siz...
Design and implementation of zoom objectives for multi-layer optical data storage

A zoom objective lens has been designed and implemented based on a newly proposed power arrangement having a constant focal length and a linear movement of single zooming component for selection of recording layers.
Parametric Studies in Multiscale Modeling of High- Performance Polymers

A computational parametric study has been performed to establish the effect of Representative Volume Element (RVE) size, force field type, and simulation temperature on the predicted mechanical properties of polyimide and polycarbonate materials modeled atomisticially. The results of the simulations indicate no clear effect of RVE size and force field type on the predicted mechanical response of the polyimide and polycarbonate polymer systems. A multiscale modeling technique was utilized to determine the equivalentcontinuum Young’s moduli, density, and stress-strain behavior for the set of mentioned modeling parameters. Parametric studies also indicate no clear effect of the simulation temperature on the predicted material densities of LaRC-CP2 when the AMBER force field is used. However, the MM3 force field predicts a steady decrease in the density of LaRCCP2 as the temperature increases up to and beyond the glass transition temperature. These force fields vary slightly in form and with the associated parameters
An experimental model for the systematic investigation of stone fracture by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

AbstractAn experimental model of stone fracture utilizing “Z” brick is presented. The model is described and it is applied to determine the effects of varying numbers of shocks, voltage and to make inferences about some of the fracture mechanisms occurring during ESWL.
Medicare. Can its benefits be sustained as cost of coverage grows

By many measures Medicare is one of the most successful government programs ever instituted, and its benefit to the health of older citizens is unquestioned. Yet it is not without chronic problems and challenges, including the cost of administering the program, limited insurance coverage for certain services and conditions, lack of standardization, and fraud. Moreover, new challenges arise as societal circumstances change and political demands fluctuate. Chief among the concerns are the imminent influx of baby boomers into the system and the debate over expanding the limited scope of Medicare coverage.
Papular spongiotic dermatitis of smallpox vaccination: report of 2 cases with review of the literature.

Abstract We report 2 cases of nonspecific postvaccinial dermatitis following smallpox vaccination. The patients presented with diffuse, pruritic, erythematous macules and papules 11 days (case 1) and 7 days (case 2) following routine smallpox vaccination. Biopsies of the lesions demonstrated spongiotic dermatitis without evidence of viral cytopathic changes. One case showed a pityriasis rosea–like histologic pattern. The exanthema resolved without sequelae with symptomatic treatment (case 1). Review of historical literature demonstrated the association of a variety of nonspecific cutaneous complications with vaccinia inoculation, including erythema multiforme, urticaria, and pityriasis rosea. The association of these various dermatitides with smallpox immunization is not well known and is likely underreported.
A new mathematical model for wireless signal path loss under varying conditions

The Measurement of radio wave propagation into and within buildings at 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies have been undertaken using the library building at the University of Bridgeport campus in CT, USA. Furthermore, the signal propagation for the cases into and within elevator has also been investigated. Signal loss is a major problem for cellular wireless devices, resulting in dropped calls and failure in downloading data. In this research explores the radio transmission model of buildings that depend on the measured penetration loss values. Furthermore, this study will focus on and bring to light a better understanding of the modeling of radio transmission within and outside buildings. The lossy WiFi wave propagation around and within buildings is studied utilizing college buildings at the University of Bridgeport (UB) campus in Bridgeport CT. These buildings serve as good experimental settings because they exemplify typical signal dead spots, locations where little to no WiFi signal is available. In this paper, we investigate path loss propagation inside and outside buildings and we identify and categorize these problems. We then apply our path loss propagation algorithmic models to show that signal strength is significantly improved when compared to existing algorithms. Finally, we show the efficiency of our model and explain the specifics of our algorithm.
Sex Differences in Attitudes Toward United Way

This study reports on sex differences in attitudes toward a particular metropolitan United Way organization found in a large sample size survey. Although previous studies with different objectives have not found major differences according to sex, several significant findings were made on variables which correlate highly with the size of the contribution. Possible explanations for the results are offered as well as a strategy to deal with the situation in future campaign group solicitation meetings.
Regenerative Therapies for Retinopathy

Studies conducted in animal models and human tissues have suggested that retinopathies occur through loss of cells resulting in vascular leakage, excessive immature retinal angiogenesis, and neuronal degeneration eventually leading to loss of vision. Regenerative therapy offers a great promise for such terminally differentiated organs with a stem cell-based therapy. A variety of stem cells including tissue specific endogenous stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, embryonic stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and adult mesenchymal stem cells have been considered. Although we made great progress in regenerative therapies in the last two decades, much of the stem cell work on retinopathies came from animal models that do not mimic human retinopathies. In addition, the key molecular and cellular signaling mechanisms in these stem cells in relation to the hostile disease environment have not been thoroughly investigated. Last but not least, the unwanted, unintended differentiated cell types from stem cells likely affect the function, efficacy, and safety of a stem cell product and therefore long-term studies relevant to human conditions must be addressed. As we attempt to translate these cell therapies from preclinical studies into the clinic, challenges remain to be solved center on reproducible manufacturing ability and testing in clinically validated end points relevant to human retinopathies. This chapter describes the current aspects of stem cell therapy in retinopathy, specifically for Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinopathy of Prematurity.
The 15N(, α)12cReaction Below 1.25 MeV

Reactions initiated by protons on 15N have been the object of intensive study for many years. The continuing interest in these reactions is indicative of their importance in several areas. First, at low energies, the reactions are an important hydrogen burning process in stellar nucleosynthesis. The 15N(p, α)12C reaction is part of the carbon-nitrogen cycle, while the 15N(p, γ)16O reaction allows a loss of catalyst from the cycle. Second, the 16O compound system is one of the more important testing grounds for theories of nuclear structure. Several states of 16O near the 15N + p threshold are members of isospin multiplets that contain the four lowest levels of 16N and 16F. These states are nearly pure one particle — one hole configurations and are isospin mixed with nearby T = O states from the same configurations. Finally, the abundance of experimental data on these reactions and the relatively simple spin structures of the initial and final states affords the opportunity for reasonably simple tests of nuclear reaction theories.
CNS Lesions in Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

Ninety-seven gene carriers of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (HLS) were studied at the University of Freiburg, Germany, to evaluate the prevalence and location of CNS lesions.
Switching of Adsorption Properties in a Zwitterionic Metal–Organic Framework Triggered by Photogenerated Radical Triplets

A new metal–organic framework (MOF) that features photoreactive zwitterionic pyridinium 4-carboxylate units has been designed. Upon UV light irradiation, these units form radical triplets permitted by intramolecular electron transfer between anionic carboxylate and cationic pyridinium groups. This reversible light-responsive behavior creates on/off switchable charge gradients localized at the MOF’s major adsorption sites and, thus, allows significant control of the gas sorption process. It is shown that this strategy offers new design routes for accessing stimulus-responsive materials.
Impact of quitting smoking and smoking cessation treatment on substance use outcomes: An updated and narrative review

Background Historically, smoking cessation was thought to negatively impact substance use outcomes among smokers who use other substances. We sought to synthesize recent reports on this association.
SYNOPTIC CONTROL OF REGIONAL TEMPERATURE TRENDS IN THE COTERMINOUS UNITED STATES BETWEEN 1949 AND 1981

Regional patterns of January and mean annual temperature change between 1949 and 1981 are compared with regional changes in January precipitation totals and related to upper-level atmospheric circulation. During cold periods, cooling is concentrated in the eastern United States and is associated with a southward shift in the zone of maximum precipitation in the eastern United States (reflecting the mean position of the polar front jet), and with a strengthening of meridional flow aloft. During this same period, enhanced meridionality yields an increase in temperatures in the Pacific Northwest, associated with amplification of the mean long wave ridge over the Rocky Mountains. Warm periods in the eastern United States, conversely, correlate with a stronger zonal flow aloft (resulting in cooler, wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest). Accordingly, temporal variation in regional temperature trends may be more readily interpreted as responses to synoptic controls which yield departures of opposite sign i...
Increased β-Sheet Dynamics and D–E Loop Repositioning Are Necessary for Cu(II)-Induced Amyloid Formation by β-2-Microglobulin

β-2-Microglobulin (β2m) forms amyloid fibrils in the joints of patients undergoing dialysis treatment as a result of kidney failure. One of the ways in which β2m can be induced to form amyloid fibrils in vitro is via incubation with stoichiometric amounts of Cu(II). To better understand the structural changes caused by Cu(II) binding that allow β2m to form amyloid fibrils, we compared the effect of Ni(II) and Zn(II) binding, which are two similarly sized divalent metal ions that do not induce β2m amyloid formation. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX/MS) and covalent labeling MS, we find that Ni(II) has little effect on β2m structure, despite binding in the same region of the protein as Cu(II). This observation indicates that subtle differences in the organization of residues around Cu(II) cause distant changes that are necessary for oligomerization and eventual amyloid formation. One key difference that we find is that only Cu(II), not Ni(II) or Zn(II), is able to cause the cis–trans...
Evaluation of Trichorionic versus Dichorionic Triplet Gestations from 2005 to 2016 in a Large, Referral Maternity Center.

Objective To evaluate trends in the proportions and outcomes of dichorionic-triamniotic (DT) compared with trichorionic-triamniotic (TT) triplet gestations. Methods This is a retrospective cohort of all triplet gestations identified by first trimester ultrasound at an academic center between 2005 and 2016. Primary outcomes were the change in proportion of DT versus TT triplets over time and the number of fetuses at delivery. Secondary outcomes included differences in mode of conception and maternal/perinatal outcomes by chorionicity. Results Of 258 identified triplet pregnancies, 65.5% (n = 169) were TT. The proportion of DT versus TT triplets increased from 2005 to 2016 (p < 0.001). Women with DT triplets were more likely to deliver a singleton (41.4 vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001). Mode of conception was known for 248 women, of whom 93.5% (n = 232) conceived through infertility treatment. Types of infertility treatment differed by chorionicity (p < 0.001), with DT triplets more likely to conceive through in vitro fertilization (88.3 vs. 60.7%). Women with DT delivered earlier than TT triplets (31.0 ± 5.0 vs. 33.1 ± 3.5 weeks; p = 0.03). Conclusion The proportion of DT triplet gestations increased significantly over time. Women with DT triplets delivered on average 2 weeks earlier than TT triplets. Women with DT triplets were more likely to reduce to a singleton gestation.
Production Flow Analysis through Environmental Value Stream Mapping: A Case Study of Cover Glass Manufacturing Facility

Abstract Due to the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the touchscreen display market is expected to show a remarkable growing rate in the coming years. The large amount of profits come along with energy consumption and waste generation. Previous facility planning studies aimed to help decision makers arrive at an optimal solution in terms of cost and productivity. Given finite resources, facility planning should not only focus on cost reduction and productivity improvement, but also environmental impacts. This paper studies the application of environmental value steam map (E-VSM) in a cover glass production facility. Manufacturing data were collected from a cover glass manufacturer in China during December 2015. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the current facility design using E-VSM method, and present several strategies to reduce the energy consumption and production costs. Furthermore, a case study of cover glass manufacturing facility is presented to show that the implementation of environmentally lean strategies resulted in the reduction of both the production costs and emissions.
Phase-coherence of high-order harmonics from bulk crystals using homodyne detection

We measure the phase coherence of solid-state high-order harmonics by adopting a robust homodyne detection method. The interferometer is based on birefringent optics and employs a common-path design to ensure high stability and phase sensitivity.
Heart and Nervous System Pathology in Compound Heterozygous Friedreich Ataxia

In a small percentage of patients with Friedreich ataxia (FA), the pathogenic mutation is compound heterozygous, consisting of a guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide repeat expansion in one allele, and a deletion, point mutation, or insertion in the other. In 2 cases of compound heterozygous FA, the GAA expansion was inherited from the mother, and deletions from the father. Compound heterozygous FA patient 1, an 11-year-old boy (GAA, 896/c.11_12TCdel), had ataxia, chorea, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. Compound heterozygous FA patient 2, a 28-year-old man (GAA, 744/exon 5 del), had ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. Microscopy showed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, iron-positive inclusions, and disrupted intercalated discs. The cardiac lesions were similar to those in age-matched homozygous FA patients with cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus (boy, 10, GAA 1016/1016; woman, 25, GAA 800/1100). The neuropathology was also similar and included hypoplasia of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, loss of large axons in dorsal roots, and atrophy of the dentate nucleus (DN). Frataxin levels in heart and DN of all 4 FA cases were at or below the detection limits of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (≤10 ng/g wet weight) (normal DN: 126 ± 43 ng/g; normal heart: 266 ± 92 ng/g). The pathologic phenotype in homozygous and compound heterozygous FA is determined by residual frataxin levels rather than unique mutations.
A Qualitative Examination of Male Enrollment in Family Science Courses

This qualitative study examines undergraduate perspectives concerning the paucity of male students in family science courses. Two hundred and eighty-eight students from three universities answered open-ended questions concerning male enrollment in these courses. Although participants described a social stigma regarding women in family science, males believed that females are more likely to take family science courses because females are more concerned with family. Females believed that males are afraid or uncomfortable with family science topics. Participants believed that increasing awareness, gender-targeted advertising, and dispelling stereotypes would promote male enrollment. Implications regarding gender balance in family sciences are discussed.
Investigating the Effect of Perinatal Nicotine Exposure on Dopaminergic Neurons in the VTA Using miRNA Expression Profiles

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with developmental, cognitive, and behavioral disorders, including low birth weight, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and drug abuse later in life. Nicotine activates the reward-driven behavior characteristic of drug abuse. Dopaminergic (DA) neurons originating from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, which are stimulated by nicotine and other stimuli, are widely implicated in the natural reward pathway that is known to contribute to addiction. In recent years, microRNAs have been implicated in disrupting regulatory mechanisms due to their capability of targeting multiple genes and thus inducing downstream effects along many pathways. In order to investigate miRNA expression of dopaminergic neurons from the VTA, we employed patch clamping to identify and harvest both DA and non-DA neurons from rats perinatally exposed to nicotine for use in single-cell RT-qPCR. Our data indicated that miR-140-5p and miR-140-3p were upregulated in DA neurons; while miR-140-3p and miR-212 were differentially expressed in non-DA neurons. A functional enrichment analysis was also performed on our miRNA-gene prediction network and predicted that our miRNAs target genes involved in drug response and neuroplasticity.
Monthly ENSO Forecast Skill and Lagged Ensemble Size

The mean square error (MSE) of a lagged ensemble of monthly forecasts of the Nino 3.4 index from the Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) is examined with respect to ensemble size and configuration. Although the real-time forecast is initialized 4 times per day, it is possible to infer the MSE for arbitrary initialization frequency and for burst ensembles by fitting error covariances to a parametric model and then extrapolating to arbitrary ensemble size and initialization frequency. Applying this method to real-time forecasts, we find that the MSE consistently reaches a minimum for a lagged ensemble size between one and eight days, when four initializations per day are included. This ensemble size is consistent with the 8-10 day lagged ensemble configuration used operationally. Interestingly, the skill of both ensemble configurations is close to the estimated skill of the infinite ensemble. The skill of the weighted, lagged, and burst ensembles are found to be comparable. Certain unphysical features of the estimated error growth were tracked down to problems with the climatology and data discontinuities.
Diabetes and Hypertension: Clonidine Monotherapy

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus frequently occur together. Half of all diabetics may eventually become hypertensive (Christlieb 1973), most developing so-called essential hypertension partly related to the frequent occurrence of obesity in the diabetic population, and also perhaps reflecting relative expansion of the extracellular fluid space (de Chatel et al. 1977) or poor compliance of large vessels in turn producing high systolic blood pressures. Usually, however, hypertension in diabetics is related to the development of diabetic nephropathy and the characteristic glomerular lesion. Other possible mechanisms are large vessel atherosclerosis leading to renovascular hypertension (Muichoodappa et al. 1979) and abnormalities in diabetic neural function (and perhaps the baroreflex) leading to a rise in supine blood pressure.