cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Corrosion Growths on Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Media

High media roughness associated with perpendicular recording introduces the phenomenon of widely separated single needle-like corrosion growths after temperature-humidity stress. Previous generation longitudinal recording media demonstrated clusters of corrosion growths around a central media defect, which were detectable by reflected light. However, because of the isolated nature of this new type of corrosion, traditional ellipsometry is no longer effective. As a result, we have developed a method for quantifying scattered isolated corrosion growths on perpendicular recording media disk surfaces, using existing optical surface technology. Our method can detect corrosion densities down to 5000 corrosion sites/mm2, given corrosion size at least 0.3 mum in length and 7 nm in height. The amount of corrosion reveals itself as an increase in laser light scatter across a disk surface referenced to its original prestress scatter. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis of the corrosion growths verified that the scatter measurements correlate to physical properties such as density and size of corrosion needles.
Counterexample of a claim pertaining to the synthesis of a recurrent neural network

Recurrent neural networks have received much attention due to their nonlinear dynamic behavior. One such type of dynamic behavior is that of setting a fixed stable state. This paper shows a counterexample to the claim of A.N. Michel et al. (IEEE Control Systems Magazine, vol. 15, pp. 52-65, Jun. 1995), that "sparse constraints on the interconnecting structure for a given neural network are usually expressed as constraints which require that pre-determined elements of T [a real n/spl times/n matrix acting on a real n-vector valued function] be zero", for the synthesis of sparsely interconnected recurrent neural networks.
High-Frequency Ultrasound M-Mode Imaging for Identifying Lesion and Bubble Activity During High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation

Abstract Effective real-time monitoring of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is important for application of HIFU technology in interventional electrophysiology. This study investigated rapid, high-frequency M-mode ultrasound imaging for monitoring spatiotemporal changes during HIFU application. HIFU (4.33 MHz, 1 kHz PRF, 50% duty cycle, 1 s, 2600‒6100 W/cm 2 ) was applied to ex vivo porcine cardiac tissue specimens with a confocally and perpendicularly aligned high-frequency imaging system (Visualsonics Vevo 770, 55 MHz center frequency). Radio-frequency (RF) data from M-mode imaging (1 kHz PRF, 2 s × 7 mm) was acquired before, during and after HIFU treatment (n = 12). Among several strategies, the temporal maximum integrated backscatter with a threshold of +12 dB change showed the best results for identifying final lesion width (receiver-operating characteristic curve area 0.91 ± 0.04, accuracy 85 ± 8%, compared with macroscopic images of lesions). A criterion based on a line-to-line decorrelation coefficient is proposed for identification of transient gas bodies.
Species-specific immune response to immunization with human versus rodent Aβ peptide

Amyloid beta (A) immunization of amyloid precursor protein (APP)-transgenic (tg) mice with human A induces humoral immunity, however, the immune response to endogenous rodent A is unknown. Fourteen-month J20 APP-tg mice and non-tg littermates were immunized subcutaneously followed by chronic intranasal boosting with human or rodent A peptide and adjuvant LT(R192G). Rodent A-immunized APP-tg mice had anti-rodent A antibody levels of 257.8g/ml and those immunized with human A had anti-human A antibodies of 120.8g/ml. Non-tg littermates had anti-rodent and anti-human A antibody concentrations of 98.8 and 231.1g/ml, respectively. Inter-species cross-reactivity was minimal. Anti-human A antibodies were predominately IgG1 and IgG2b, while anti-rodent A antibodies were equally IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b. Anti-human A antibodies recognized an epitope within human A1–9. Anti-rodent A antibodies did not stain Alzheimer’s disease (AD) plaques but bound some plaques in APP-tg mice. Splenocytes proliferated modestly to their respective antigen and secreted low levels of IL-2 and IFN-. Therefore, immunizing APP-tg and non-tg mice with rodent A
Behavior of class-level landscape metrics across gradients of class aggregation and area

Habitat loss and fragmentation processes strongly affect biodiversity conservation in landscapes undergoing anthropogenic land use changes. Many attempts have been made to use landscape structure metrics to quantify the independent and joint effects of these processes. Unfortunately, ecological interpretation of those metrics has been plagued by lack of thorough understanding of their theoretical behavior. We explored behavior of 50 metrics in neutral landscapes across a 21-step gradient in aggregation and a 19-step gradient in area using a full factorial design with 100 replicates of each of the 399 combinations of the two factors to assess how well metrics reflected changes in landscape structure. Metric values from real landscapes were used to determine the extent of neutral landscape space that is represented in real landscapes. We grouped metrics into three major behavioral classes: strongly related to focal class area (n=15), strongly related to aggregation (n=7), and jointly responding to area and aggregation (n=28). Metrics strongly related to class area exhibited a variety of distinct behaviors, and many of these metrics have unique interpretations that make each of them particularly useful in certain applications. Metrics strongly related to aggregation, independent of class area, are particularly useful in assessing effects of fragmentation. Moreover, metrics in this group exhibited a range of specific behaviors, highlighting subtle but different aspects of landscape aggregation even though we controlled only one aspect of aggregation. The non-linear behavior exhibited by many metrics renders interpretation difficult and use of linear analytical techniques inappropriate under many circumstances. Ultimately, comprehensive characterization of landscapes undergoing habitat loss and fragmentation will require using several metrics distributed across behavioral groups.
Sample Reporting in Qualitative Studies of Women with HIV Infection

A key means by which readers judge the validity of both qualitative and quantitative research findings is to consider how well these findings are supported by the sample from which they were drawn....
Modulation of DNA binding protein affinity directly affects target site demethylation.

It has recently been shown that in Xenopus, DNA demethylation at promoter regions may involve proteinDNA interactions, based on the specificity of the demethylated sites. Utilizing a stable episomal system in human cells, we recently mapped the sites and dissected the steps of demethylation at oriP sites bound by EBNA1 protein. Although it is clear that protein binding is required for demethylation of the oriP sites, it is uncertain whether this is a unique feature of the replication origin or whether it is a general phenomenon for all DNA sequences to which sequence-specific proteins are bound. In the present study, we utilize the well-defined Escherichia coli lac repressor/operator system in human cells to determine whether protein binding to methylated DNA, in a region that is neither a replication origin nor a promoter, can also lead to demethylation of the binding sites. We found that demethylation specified by protein binding is not unique to the replication origin or to the promoter. We also found that transcriptional activity does not influence demethylation of the lac operator. Isopropyl-b-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), an inhibitor of the lac repressor, can prevent demethylation of the lac operator DNA sites and can modulate demethylation of the lac operator by affecting the binding affinity of the lac repressor. Using this system, a titration of protein binding can be done. This titration permits one to infer that protein binding site occupancy is the determinant of demethylation at DNA sites and permits a determination of how this process progresses over time.
DIBL considerations of extended drain structure for 0.1 /spl mu/m MOSFET's

The drain-induced-barrier-lowering (DIBL) considerations of the extended drain structure were studied using two-dimensional (2-D) device simulations in the tenth-micrometer regime. We found that the drain extension length must be kept at a minimum in order to reduce the transistor cell area and to improve the device transconductance, G/sub m/. However, without decreasing the deep source/drain junction depth, the minimum value of which is basically limited by the ability to form a good low resistive silicide contact, charge sharing associated with a small extension length deteriorates the short channel behavior of the device, via DIBL, even if aggressive scaling of the gate oxide thickness and the junction depth of the drain extension were used. The solution to this dilemma would be elevating the source/drain area by selective epitaxy to form a shallow, low resistive silicided junction. We propose here a novel device structure using the elevated silicide-as-a-diffusion-source (E-SADS), which improves the DIBL-G/sub m/ tradeoff, eliminates the contact problem, and maintains a minimal cell areal increase.
A BELL1-Like Gene of Potato Is Light Activated and Wound Inducible

BELL1-like transcription factors interact with their protein partners from the KNOTTED1 family to bind to target genes and regulate numerous developmental and metabolic processes. In potato (Solanum tuberosum), the BELL1 transcription factor StBEL5 and its protein partner POTH1 regulate tuber formation by affecting hormone levels. Overexpression of StBEL5 in transgenic lines produces plants that consistently exhibit enhanced tuber formation, and the mRNA of this gene moves through phloem cells in a long-distance signaling pathway regulated by photoperiod. Whereas photoperiod mediates the movement of StBEL5 RNA, activation of transcription of the StBEL5 gene in leaves is regulated by white light, regardless of photoperiod or light intensity. Illumination with either red or blue light induces the StBEL5 promoter, whereas far-red light had no effect. As expected, the StBEL5 promoter harbors numerous conventional light-responsive cis-acting elements like GT1, GATA, and AT1 motifs. Deletion constructs were analyzed to determine what sequences are involved in light activation. Transcriptional activity was also mediated by wounding on stems, insect predation on leaves, and photoperiod in stolons. These results demonstrate that StBEL5 gene activity in the leaf is correlated with wavelengths optimal for photosynthesis. The number of factors that affect the StBEL5 promoter supports the premise that the BELL1-like genes play a role in a wide range of functions.
Visualization research problems in next-generation educational software

The next-generation educational software must i) be modular and interoperable to satisfy just-in-time demands, ii) have multiple levels of detail, iii) be usable in both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes, and iv) foster interactive involvement of the learner and her community. In addition, this software must address audiences of different ages, goals, and learning styles, in contexts that range from classroom to problem-solving, team-structured labs to Web-based individual study to as yet unknown modes. Clearly, learning environments are not restricted to static rooms with desktop terminals but evolve into both formal and informal learning communities. We need integrated organizational approaches to the research necessary to create such next-generation challenges. The Learning Federation explores issues in creating next-generation educational software and directs a focused, sustained research investment effort to create such software. Its purpose is to provide a critical mass of funding for long-term basic and applied precompetitive research in learning science and technology, this research, which interdisciplinary teams conduct, is meant to lead the development of next-generation authoring tools and sample curricula for both synchronous and asynchronous learning.
The effect of framing on surrogate optimism bias: A simulation study

Abstract Purpose To explore the effect of emotion priming and physician communication behaviors on optimism bias. Materials and Methods We conducted a 5 × 2 between-subject randomized factorial experiment using a Web-based interactive video designed to simulate a family meeting for a critically ill spouse/parent. Eligibility included age at least 35 years and self-identifying as the surrogate for a spouse/parent. The primary outcome was the surrogate's election of code status. We defined optimism bias as the surrogate's estimate of prognosis with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) > their recollection of the physician's estimate. Results Of 373 respondents, 256 (69%) logged in and were randomized and 220 (86%) had nonmissing data for prognosis. Sixty-seven (30%) of 220 overall and 56 of (32%) 173 with an accurate recollection of the physician's estimate had optimism bias. Optimism bias correlated with choosing CPR ( P P = .397), physician attention to emotion ( P = .537), and framing of CPR as the social norm ( P = .884) did not affect optimism bias. Framing the decision as the patient's vs the surrogate's (25% vs 36%, P = .066) and describing the alternative to CPR as “allow natural death” instead of “do not resuscitate” (25% vs 37%, P = .035) decreased optimism bias. Conclusions Framing of CPR choice during code status conversations may influence surrogates' optimism bias.
Self-Efficacy and Depression

Problems of adaptation and adjustment manifest themselves in both affective and behavioral difficulties. When people decide, however, to seek professional assistance for their problems in adjustment, they usually do so not because they view their behavior as dysfunctional, but because they are in emotional distress. Among the painful emotional states, depression is the most common problem leading to referral to medical or psychological professionals (Goodwin & Guze, 1984). Although depression has been investigated from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g., psychoanalytic, existential, behavioral), in recent years social cognitive approaches have predominated. Those that have received the most attention are the helplessness/hopelessness model (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978; Alloy, Kelly, Mineka, Clements, 1990) and Beck’s cognitive model (Beck, 1976). The application of self-efficacy theory to depression has received less attention than these other two models, but holds promise for contributing to our understanding of depression. This chapter presents a self-efficacy theory of depression, reviews empirical studies of the application of self-efficacy theory to understanding depression, and discusses the relationship between self-efficacy theory and helplessness/hopelessness theory and cognitive theory. A basic premise of this chapter is that self-efficacy theory is not an alternative or competing approach to understanding depression, but it is compatible with other theories.
Learning theories and historical events affecting instructional design in education: recitation literacy toward extraction literacy practices

How learning occurs has been a question pondered by the masses since formal education began thousands of years ago. Understanding the process has included many paradigm shifts in thought and practice. A thorough look at one major paradigm shift occurred in the past century, which has led to a plethora of ideas when identifying best practices to encourage learning. A look into this transformation will exact a better understanding of learning and how it best arises, leading to designing instruction that greater impacts the learner.
Using TextEvaluator® to Quantify Sources of Linguistic Complexity in Textbooks Targeted at First-Grade Readers Over the Past Half Century

This paper considers whether the sources of linguistic complexity presented within texts targeted at 1st-grade readers have increased, decreased, or held steady over the 52-year period from 1962 to 2013. A collection of more than 450 texts is examined. All texts were selected from Grade 1 textbooks published by Scott Foresman during the targeted time period. Analyses are implemented using the TextEvaluator® tool, a comprehensive text complexity evaluation tool designed to help teachers, textbook publishers, and test developers identify and quantify text-based sources of comprehension difficulty within informational, literary, and mixed texts. Results suggest that 1st-grade textbooks published over the past half century have included an increasing proportion of informational passages, and this shift has been accompanied by the following specific changes: (a) an increase in the proportion of words that tend to appear less frequently in printed text, (b) an increase in the proportion of words that are more characteristic of academic text as opposed to fiction or conversation, (c) lower levels of referential cohesion, (d) lower levels of narrativity, and (e) fewer instances of an interactive/conversational style. These findings suggest that, in contrast to the claim of a “general, steady decline” in textbook complexity, text-based sources of comprehension difficulty within Grade 1 texts have either risen or held steady throughout the past half century.
Sociotherapeutic Camping for the Mentally Ill

This article presents a comparative analysis of the attitude of Lithuanian residents and police officers towards juvenile delinquents by using the results of surveys carried out by the author. In 2006-2008 upon the request of the Ministry of Interior, a study was carried out on the attitude of Lithuanian residents and experts of criminal justice (police officers) towards juvenile delinquents’ problems, their prevention and control. The research and conclusions set out in this article are relevant for criminal justice institutions, non-government organizations and other institutions dealing with delinquents. The research data showed different opinions of both surveyed groups regarding juvenile delinquency and its prevention and control. In comparison with police officers, residents have a less categorical attitude towards stricter punishment, the effectiveness of punishment institutions and the possibility of delinquents return to conventional behaviour.
Holomorphic functions with meanp-valent derivatives

Let f ( z ) be holomorphic in the unit disc D:tz[ 1, are all univalent in D, then f ( z ) must be entire if nk+ 1 --nk = o(logk) or nk+ 1 -nk "~ O(k) where O(x) is any slowly oscillating (s.o.) function [5]. In this paper we further weaken the above hypothesis. We replace the univalence by the areally mean p-valence in D. Throughout this paper p is a fixed positive number and P = [p] (integer part of p). We assume that f(z) is not a polynomial and prove
The Decline of Welfare in Wisconsin

The recent fall in the national welfare rolls suggests that mandatory work programs can reduce dependency by more than evaluations suggest. The nonexperimental literature does not test that possibility well. This study uses field interviewing and program data more fully than previously to portray the forces that shape caseload decline. It focuses on Wisconsin, the state with the most dramatic caseload decline. A time series analysis of the state caseload trend from 1986 to 1994 suggests that good economic conditions and benefit cuts help to account for the caseload decline, but much remains unexplained. Cross-sectional analyses comparing counties find strong evidence that demanding work and child support requirements also helped drive the caseload down. The policy implications are mixed. Reform Wisconsin-style appears successful to date, but it makes heavy political and administrative demands on government.
Effect of basic amino acid on acid accumulation during poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) degradation in vitro

BACKGROUND: Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) may produce lactic acid and glycolic acid when PLGA degrades, thus leading to the acid accumulation and inducing the inflammatory reaction locally. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of lysine, histidine and arginine on regulating the acid accumulation of PLGA copolymer during the degradation. DESIGN: Repeated measurement and experiment. TIME AND SETTING: The experiments were performed in the College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University from July 2006 to August 2007. MATERIALS: PLGA (80:20) was produced by Sigma (USA); Lysine, histidine and arginine (purity 99%) were purchased from Sigma (USA); Chitosan (deacetylation degree: 85%) was purchased from Chengdu Kelong Chemical Reagent Factory; Algin (viscosity: 1.05-1.15) was purchased from Tianjin Damao Chemical Reagent Factory. METHODS: Lysine, histidine and arginine were added into PLGA with the proportion of 5% (w/v) and 10% (w/v) respectively. The resultant film sample was put into a bottle with tri-distilled-water for 2-month degradation at 37 ℃. The pH value of degradation solution was detected by pH meter; Each film sample was taken out and lyophilized 12 hours to get its dry weight and calculate mass loss ratio. Each variety of the solution was sampled three specimens, the average pH value, average initial weight and average finial weight of these three specimens were taken as the indices at each sampling time point, respectively. Accordingly, the regulation effect of basic amino acid was compared with that of algin, chitosan and NaHCO3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The changes of pH value of degradation solution; the mass loss ratio of the composite. RESULTS: Each basic additive could relieve the acid accumulation, among them, NaHCO3 was the strongest, while algin and chitosan showed a lowest capacity, basic amino acid was moderate; The suitable regulation effect could be achieved at a level of 5% lysine. CONCLUSION: Basic amino acid can effectively regulate the acid accumulation after PLGA degrades, and the optimal concentration of lysine is 5%.
Investigation on a food poisoning caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Objective To investigate the reason of a food poisoning case,and the origins of the suspicious factors of this case.Methods Find out the suspicious meal according to the epidemiological curve.Then evaluate the foods in the suspicious meal through case-control study,and analyze the correlations between different foods and different dozes.Foods and case samples were collected for laboratory testing.Results 61 cases were founded and the major symptoms were abdominal pains(98%),diarrhea(90%),nauseous(54%) and so on.Eating plain chicken was the risk factor(OR=9.25,95%CI∶1.14-200.07),and showed a dose-effect relation(χ2 test for trends: 25.71,P0.01).The main reason for cross contamination was that the chef processed the plain chicken and Tilapia at the same time.Vibrio parahaemolyticus was detected in the anus swab samples from patients,the result of PFGE showed 100% homology.Conclusion The food poisoning was caused by plain chicken contaminated by Vibrio parahemolyticus.It is necessary to strengthen the supervision and administration of catering distribution,and improve health consciousness of the public to prevent such case.
Analyses on the rate and epidemic characteristics of anxiety and depression among cancer patients in Yangpu District in Shanghai.

Objective To investigate the rate and epidemic characteristics of anxiety and depression of cancer patients in Yangpu district in Shanghai, China. Method A self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and a self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to value the index of depression and anxiety of 560 cancer patients living in a community, randomly selected from the 'Shanghai cancer patients database' in cluster sampling. A total of 511 questionnaires were returned and valid. Results The depression rate according to self- rating depression scale in cancer patients was 53.0%; and the anxiety rate according to self- rating anxiety scale in cancer patients was 32.7%. The rate for anxiety and depression was 30.1%; and the ratio of depression accompany with anxiety was 58.8%; the ratio of depression accompany with sub-anxiety was 4.35%. Conclusion Psychological intervention is necessary for cancer patients, with comprehensive measures to improve life qualities and healing effects.
Iron metabolism, oxidative stress, and neonatal brain injury.

The brain injury associated with neonatal hypoxia ischemia (HI) is a major contributor to neonatal mortality and neurodevelopment retardation. Approximately 30–40% of infants with brain injury will die and 20–40% of survivors will develop significant neurological disorders and lifelong disability, such as cerebral palsy, seizures, visual impairment, mental retardation, learning impairment and epilepsy. Preterm birth is a high risk factor for neonatal brain injury. In the U.S., nearly 12% of babies are born preterm, and care of preterm infants accounts for more than half of pediatric health care dollars spent (Juul and Ferriero, 2014). A greater understanding of the complex mechanisms that result in neonatal hypoxia ischemic brain injury is the key to developing new protective therapeutics.
Bio inspired infrared retina for fourth gen infrared sensors

Infrared detectors are in the third generation of their evolution and are moving towards large format, multicolour and higher operating temperature imagers. However all the pixels in an infrared imager look essentially the same. In this paper, we will discuss the concept of a bioinspired infrared retina, in which added functionality such color, polarization or gain is encoded in the individual pixels. However, one distinguishing feature of the natural sensors like the human eye is ability to couple this powerful multimodal sensor with intelligent algorithms that only send small amounts of relevant data to the brain.
The Tax Explanation for the Romney Leveraged Buyouts

Mitt Romney accumulated his wealth as managing director of Bain Capital, a leveraged buyout fund (LBO). LBOs are driven by tax savings. Tax savings are transfers from other people to LBOs without any increase in GDP or national wealth. An LBO replaces the stock of established companies with debt. Johnson argues that because interest is deductible, the replacement can increase the value of the surviving stock by two to six times without any improvement in operating income. The increase in debt harms the private economy because the companies become very fragile and the leverage encourages the owner to bet the company.
Pathogen or contaminant? Distinguishing true infection from synovial fluid culture contamination in patients with suspected septic arthritis

Isolation of bacteria from synovial fluid (SF) is the gold standard for diagnosis of septic arthritis (SA). Contamination results in misdiagnosis and mismanagement. This study identifies clinical characteristics, microbiology, and outcomes of patients with contaminated SF and compares them with patients with true SA. We conducted a retrospective study including all patients aged 18 and older admitted to a single, tertiary-care hospital between 1998 and 2015 with suspected SA and positive SF cultures. Contamination cases were determined by infectious disease specialists involved in the patients’ care and a clinical course inconsistent with SA. 398 patients with true SA and 22 with contaminated SF were identified. The SA group was younger (60.9 vs. 75.6 years; p < 0.01), had higher peripheral polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (78.0 vs. 69.4%; p < 0.01) and SF white blood cell count (91.7 vs. 25.6K/mL; p = 0.02), and longer mean length of stay (10.9 vs. 6.7 days; p = 0.02). The average time to positive culture was longer in the contaminated group (3.62 vs. 1.4 days; p < 0.01). The SA group was less likely to receive a new rheumatologic diagnosis within 1 year (3.0 vs. 36.4%; p < 0.01). This is the first study of its kind looking at clinical features and outcomes of patients with contaminated SF. These patients present with less severe disease, have better outcomes, and receive new rheumatologic diagnoses in more than a third of cases within 1 year. We recommend a conservative approach for patients with suspected contaminated SF, mild symptoms, and no bacterial growth within the first 48 h.
Dopamine D1 Receptor-Positive Neurons in the Lateral Nucleus of the Cerebellum Contribute to Cognitive Behavior.

Abstract Background Studies in humans and nonhuman primates have identified a region of the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, or the lateral cerebellar nucleus (LCN) in rodents, activated during performance of cognitive tasks involving complex spatial and sequential planning. Whether such a subdivision exists in rodents is not known. Dopamine and its receptors, which are implicated in cognitive function, are present in the cerebellar nuclei, but their function is unknown. Methods Using viral and genetic strategies in mice, we examined cellular phenotypes of dopamine D1 receptor–positive (D1R+) cells in the LCN with whole-cell patch clamp recordings, messenger RNA profiling, and immunohistochemistry to examine D1R expression in mouse LCN and human dentate nucleus of the cerebellum. We used chemogenetics to inhibit D1R+ neurons and examined behaviors including spatial navigation, social recognition memory, prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex, response inhibition, and working memory to test the necessity of these neurons in these behaviors. Results We identified a population of D1R+ neurons that are localized to an anatomically distinct region of the LCN. We also observed D1R+ neurons in human dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, which suggests an evolutionarily conserved population of dopamine-receptive neurons in this region. The genetic, electrophysiological, and anatomical profile of mouse D1R neurons is consistent with a heterogeneous population of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, and to a lesser extent glutamatergic, cell types. Selective inhibition of D1R+ LCN neurons impairs spatial navigation memory, response inhibition, working memory, and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex. Conclusions Collectively, these data demonstrate a functional link between genetically distinct neurons in the LCN and cognitive behaviors.
Mesoporous silicate nanoparticles/3D nanofibrous scaffold-mediated dual-drug delivery for bone tissue engineering.

Abstract Controlled delivery systems play a critical role in the success of bone morphogenetic proteins (i.e., BMP2 and BMP7) for challenged bone repair. Instead of single-drug release that is currently and commonly prevalent, dual-drug delivery strategies are highly desired to achieve effective bone regeneration because natural bone repair process is driven by multiple factors. Particularly, angiogenesis is essential for osteogenesis and requires more than just one factor (e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF). Therefore, we developed a novel mesoporous silicate nanoparticles (MSNs) incorporated-3D nanofibrous gelatin (GF) scaffold for dual-delivery of BMP2 and deferoxamine (DFO). DFO is a hypoxia-mimetic drug that can activate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and trigger subsequent angiogenesis. Sustained BMP2 release system was achieved through encapsulation into large-pored MSNs, while the relative short-term release of DFO was engineered through covalent conjugation with chitosan to reduce its cytotoxicity and elongate its half-life. Both MSNs and DFO were incorporated onto a porous 3D GF scaffold to serve as a biomimetic osteogenic microenvironment. Our data indicated that DFO and BMP2 were released from a scaffold at different release rates (10 vs 28 days) yet maintained their angiogenic and osteogenic ability, respectively. Importantly, our data indicated that the released DFO significantly improved BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation where the dose/duration was important for its effects in both mouse and human stem cell models. Thus, we developed a novel and tunable MSNs/GF 3D scaffold-mediated dual-drug delivery system and studied the potential application of the both FDA-approved DFO and BMP2 for bone tissue engineering.
Bridging Innate and Adaptive Immunity in African Trypanosomiasis

Infection of man and domestic animals with Brucei group African trypanosomes results in a fatal disease. The immunobiological events that underlie temporal host resistance and susceptibility during an infection are complex but informative, because the parasites activate and engage nearly every element of the host innate and adaptive immune system. The ability of trypanosomes to undergo extensive antigenic variation provides a means to escape adaptive immunity, but these protozoan pathogens also activate and regulate many elements of the host immune response to their own end. This chapter highlights the trypanosome elements that bridge innate and adaptive immune responses in the infected mammalian host: the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that trigger the innate immune response; the associated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells and subcellular signaling events that are activated; the resulting pattern of pro-inflammatory gene expression that shapes the nascent adaptive immune response; and, the downstream elements that ultimately cause host resistance to fail. The chapter concludes with promising new approaches, informed by recent studies of immunological memory, aimed at protecting trypanosome infected hosts against a broad range of antigenic variants.
Establishment of Salivary Gland Epithelial Cell Lines from Patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome and Normal Individual

Recent advances in the cultivation of human epithelial cells now make it possible to study problems related to carcinogenesis, and differentiated functions in an epithelial cell culture system. Primary cultures of epithelial cells could now be established from various human tissue biopsies without difficulty even in the absence of serum supplement (1). However, the importance of epithelial cultures is limited by problems inherent in the primary epithelial cell cultures, such as cellular “senescence”, slow growth rates and small numbers of available cells. Many of these limitations can be overcome by epithelial cell transformation (2). Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands (3).
FLUOROMETRIC ASSAY OF SIALIC ACID IN BRAIN GANGLIOSIDES.

In pursuing quantitative histochemical investigations aimed at demonstrating the biochemical architecture of human frontal cortex (l-4), we found it necessary to determine ganglioside sialic acid in submicrogram amounts. Even when adapted to the microscale, spectrophotometric methods lack the sensitivity required for studying nervous tissue samples containing less than 0.3 pg of sialic acid. Since fluorometric methods usually possess a sensitivity 100to lOOO-fold that of spectrophotometric methods, the possibility of devising a fluorometric technique for sialic acid measurement was investigated. N-Acetylneuraminic acid of brain gangliosides is a 9 carbon or-keto acid. Such compounds readily undergo decarboxylation on treatment with hot mineral acids. Formation under such conditions of the deacylated, decarboxylated derivative of NAN,’ 2-deoxy-4-amino-octose, has been suggested by Gottschalk (5) as the basis for the reaction of NAN in (a) the diphenylamine test; (b) the resorcinol-HCl test; and (c) humin formation at concentrations of hot mineral acid as low as 0.1 N. The 2-deoxy sugars and in general aldehydes of the type R-CHZ-CHO will react wit,h 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid when heated in mineral acids to yield highly fluorescent quinaldines. The product of the Doebner and Von Miller quinoline synthesis involving acetaldehyde and 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid has been characterized by Velluz, Amiard, and Pesez (6), who also reported (7, 8) that deoxyribose and DNA undergo the reaction. The principle was applied subsequently to the ultramicro assay of DNA by Kissane and Robins (9), of succinic semialdehyde by Salvador and Albers (lo), and of 2-deoxy-n-glucose by Blecher (II). When NAN was heated at 100” under conditions similar to those used in the DNA method (9), a green fluorescent product was obtained, as described in a preliminary report (12). Hexoses, however, were serious interfering compounds in the method as it was originally carried out, presumably because an intermediate in the conversion of hexose to levulinic acid by hot mineral acids is w-OH-levulinic aldehyde, an a-methylene aldehyde (13). In a search for reaction conditions which would favor the synthesis of the sialic acid product over that of hexoses, systematic studies were made of the effects on the fluorescence yield of variations in 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid and HCl concentrations as well as in temperature and duration of the heating period. Conditions were found enabling reduction in the interference by hexoses t,o 1.6% on a molar basis. The sensitivity of t.he resulting method may be indicated by the fact that the
The Long-Term Effects of Management and Technology Transfers

This paper examines the long-run causal effects of management on firm performance. Under the Productivity Program (1952–1958), the US organized management-training trips for Italian managers to U.S. firms and granted technologically advanced machines to Italian companies. I exploit an unexpected budget cut that reduced the number of participating firms and find that, compared to businesses excluded by the budget cut: performance of Italian firms that sent their managers to the US increased for at least fifteen years after the program; performance of companies that received new machines increased, but flattened out over time; management and new machines were complementary.
Thermodynamic analysis and atomistic modeling of subsurface cavitation in photomechanical spallation

Abstract The thermodynamic conditions defining the spatial extent of a subsurface region affected by the nucleation and growth of voids in photomechanical spallation of metals is investigated theoretically and in atomistic simulations. A theoretical analysis of cavitation in a surface region of a target melted by laser irradiation suggests a functional form for the temperature dependence of the cavitation threshold. A series of small-scale molecular dynamics simulations performed for Al, Ag, Cr, and Ni has revealed the minimum value of the free energy barrier that results in the onset of cavitation on the timescale of 10s of ps, which is a typical duration of transient tensile stresses produced by the unloading wave generated in the spallation regime. The predictive ability of the theoretical description is verified in large-scale simulations of photomechanical spallation of a Ni target and ablation of an Al target in the phase explosion regime. The temporal and spatial evolution of the free energy barrier for the onset of cavitation under conditions of short pulse laser processing is shown to univocally define the region where the nucleation of voids takes place.
Abstract 3744: Repurposing the neuroprotective agent dimethyl fumarate against white matter damage and cognitive decline after radiotherapy

Radiation therapy (RT) is a critical tool for the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, most commonly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), however, patients can have significant cognitive impairment due to the exposure to ionizing radiation. Up to 50%-90% of adult patients that survive these brain tumors will develop radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction within 3-6 months. Brain injury from IR is characterized by white matter damage from the loss of myelin-producing oligodendrocyte cells, subsequent demyelination, and vascular inflammation. While neuro-oncology outcomes are often concerned with survival, strategies to ameliorate and understand radiation-induced demyelination after IR treatment are needed to preserve and improve patient quality of life (QOL). Here we investigate the ability of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an established neuroprotective agent, to amend damage and demyelination caused by RT in oligodendrocyte cells versus glioma cells. Our in vitro study confirms that DMF acts opposingly in each cell type at lower doses (10 nM), but proves toxic in both the tumor and normal model at high concentrations (100 µM). DMF also increased survival rates in oligodendrocytes after radiation. Using metabolomics, we also noted that oligodendrocyte cells upregulated TCA cycle intermediates in response to DMF treatment with RT. This work provides a basis for in vivo dosing and timing strategies using DMF to cause cessation of ROS-driven oligodendrocyte loss and inflammation after RT. Ultimately, DMF is a promising therapy that could be used to ameliorate radiation-induced demyelination, promoting patient QOL. Citation Format: Alexandra Taraboletti, Albert J. Fornace. Repurposing the neuroprotective agent dimethyl fumarate against white matter damage and cognitive decline after radiotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3744.
High and Low Dose Rate Remote Afterloading: A Critical Comparison

The recent surge in interest in high dose rate (HDR) remote afterloading and the availability of HDR equipment make it important to compare HDR techniques critically with the low dose rate (LDR) treatments they are replacing. Even though the HDR modality has been used for many years to treat a variety of diseases, far less experience has been gained with these techniques compared with conventional LDR brachytherapy. Hence, there is a reluctance on the part of many radiotherapists to even consider adoption of this new technology unless convincing evidence can be given to show that it represents an improvement.
The #acadv Community: Networked Practices, Professional Development, and Ongoing Knowledge Sharing in Advising

The #acadv Twitter chat is an organic, online community of higher education academic advising professionals. Using a longitudinal study, we explored the way a self-directed learning network sustain...
Testing Balance Function in Spanish-Speaking Patients

In conclusion, clinicians are advised to avoid becoming complacent with the notion that they are doing the best they can in working with culturally diverse populations, and instead are advised to s...
Competition Among Mental Health Organizations: Environmental Drivers and Strategic Responses

While mental health system reforms have sought to leverage competition in the private sector to improve service quality and costs, competition among mental health organizations is poorly understood. To inform future studies about the impact of policy and system reforms on mental health organizations and service delivery, this qualitative study explores (1) resources for which organizations compete most intensively, (2) drivers of competition, and (3) leaders’ strategic organizational responses. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 15 organizational leaders (CEO’s, executive directors) representing about 22% of organizations in the regional mental health market. Interviews covered leaders’ perceptions about competition, and their strategic responses. Porter’s seminal framework on competition was used to interpret codes and themes. Intensive competition for personnel was driven by workforce shortages, new for-profit organizations, and alternative employment opportunities. In response, organizations have attended to wages/benefits, recruitment, and retention. However, strong community need, expanded insurance coverage, and a history of local strategic responses that created service niches appeared to have minimized competition for financial resources in the region. Competition for funding and clients was expected to intensify under systems reform, and in anticipation, organizations were expanding services. Leaders also feared for the viability of smaller organizations in highly competitive environments. Consistent with theory on competition, mental health organizations compete and respond in ways that might improve services. However, the goals of privatization may have been unrealized because of minimal competition for funding and clients, and intense competition may undermine quality.
High strength WE43 microlattice structures additively manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract WE43 is a high strength, high creep resistant Mg-alloy containing Y, Nd, and Zr, and has potential for many lightweight structural applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries. Additive manufacturing technology such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) brings an opportunity to produce complex geometries such as lattice structures. In this study, fabrication, compressive behavior, and fracture modes of 24 different microlattice structures were investigated by varying unit cell type, strut diameter, and number of unit cells. These complex lattice structures were produced by LPBF using the parameter set: laser power = 200 W, scan speed = 1100 mm/sec, slice thickness = 0.04 mm, which was optimized in our previous study to build fully dense (> 99 %) WE43 alloy. Overall, the lattice structures exhibited oscillations in stress, showing many local maxima and minima, with a global maximum in stress at or near 5 % strain. The highest compressive strength, and the corresponding specific strength found in this study were 71.48 MPa and 38.85 MPa·g−1·cm3, respectively, from the cubic fluorite lattice structure with a strut diameter of 0.75 mm and an unit cell number of 10. During compression testing, two different failure modes were observed: 45° shear fracture and crushing. Due to the inherent low ductility of WE43, brittle crushing was predominant after elastic yielding, which resulted in similar strength-density relationships for each lattice type along with similar failure modes.
The Sky is Falling: A Case of Trigeminal Nerve Entrapment

CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old male with a history of reflux presented to the hospital with a five-day history of headache and emesis. His past medical history included headaches approximately twice monthly, without any migraine features. There was a positive family history of migraines. His current headache had lasted for five days and was associated with photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and emesis. The pain was described as a 10/10 and aching headache “all over” his head. On his first visit to the ER, he was diagnosed with status migrainosus with possible gastritis. …