cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A framework for large-scale bacterial motility behavior analysis

Big data processing has introduced new ideas in the applications of bacterial analysis in recent years. This paper aims to develop an effective framework to automatically extract quantitative knowledge relating to bacterial motility through processing a sequence of large-scale microscopic images of bacterial movements. It was hypothesized that motile bacteria move according to a conceptual model referred to as the “run and tumble” modes. The tremendous amount of microscopic image sequences contains abundant bacteria motility information. However, the traditional experimental methods to identify the trajectories, and segment them to “run” and “tumble” modes are time consuming, subjective, and are not suitable for large-amount and large-scale data analysis. The proposed framework enables rapid and reliable bacteria motility analysis which is important in pathogenic risk assessment, water treatment, soil and groundwater bio-remediation, etc. Furthermore, the framework can be easily adapted to study the diversity and habitats of bacteria from other experimental microscopic images.
Effect of coronary artery bypass graft surgery on left ventricular systolic function.

Background: Changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function in response to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have not been fully assessed. Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2014, 2,838 consecutive patients underwent isolated CABG at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Of these, 375 had echocardiographic assessment of LV function before (within 6 months) and after (3 to 24 months) CABG and were included in this analysis. Results: While the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not change following CABG [(49±13)% vs . (49±12)%, P=0.51], LVEF decreased in the subgroup with normal (≥50%) pre-operative LVEF [from (59±5)% to (56±9)%, P vs . 5.3±0.9, P=0.002) and an increase in left atrial diameter (LAD) (4.4±0.7 vs . 4.6±0.7, P 5% in 24% of the study population, did not change (+/− 5%) in 55%, and worsened by >5% in 21%. Patients with improved EF were less often diabetic and had lower pre-operative LVEF, and greater LV dimensions at baseline. Conclusions: After CABG, there was a decrease in LVIDd and an increase in LAD. Also, a decrease in LV systolic function with CABG was observed in patients with normal pre-operative LVEF and an improvement in LV systolic function was observed in patients with decreased pre-operative LVEF.
Suffering the Loss of an Anchor Tenant

The loss of an anchor tenant in a shopping center can have far-reaching effects. Not only are the remaining local tenants affected by the reduction in drawing power of the center, but the community in which the center is located can be affected by the erosion of its tax base. This chapter examines the effect of the loss of a shopping center anchor tenant on the remaining tenants and the value of the shopping center. Of special interest is the effect on rental rates for remaining tenants. We present the scenario of an actual Central Florida condemnation case. The result of losing the anchor tenant, a nationally known department store, is examined. We attempt to show a systematic method for measuring the effect on the occupancy rate and the rents. Two alternative regression procedures are applied to data for neighborhood shopping centers in Georgia and Florida. The results estimate that rental rates for nonanchor tenants decline approximately 25 percent in response to the loss of an anchor tenant.
Increased Resistance to Intradermal Francisella tularensis LVS Infection by Inactivation of the Sts Phosphatases.

ABSTRACT The Suppressor of TCR signaling proteins (Sts-1 and Sts-2) are two homologous phosphatases that negatively regulate signaling pathways in a number of hematopoietic lineages, including T lymphocytes. Mice lacking Sts expression are characterized by enhanced T cell responses. Additionally, a recent study demonstrated that Sts−/− mice are profoundly resistant to systemic infection by Candida albicans, with resistance characterized by enhanced survival, more rapid fungal clearance in key peripheral organs, and an altered inflammatory response. To investigate the role of Sts in the primary host response to infection by a bacterial pathogen, we evaluated the response of Sts−/− mice to infection by a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen. Francisella tularensis is a facultative bacterial pathogen that replicates intracellularly within a variety of cell types and is the causative agent of tularemia. Francisella infections are characterized by a delayed immune response, followed by an intense inflammatory reaction that causes widespread tissue damage and septic shock. Herein, we demonstrate that mice lacking Sts expression are significantly resistant to infection by the live vaccine strain (LVS) of F. tularensis. Resistance is characterized by reduced lethality following high-dose intradermal infection, an altered cytokine response in the spleen, and enhanced bacterial clearance in multiple peripheral organs. Sts−/− bone marrow-derived monocytes and neutrophils, infected with F. tularensis LVS ex vivo, display enhanced restriction of intracellular bacteria. These observations suggest the Sts proteins play an important regulatory role in the host response to bacterial infection, and they underscore a role for Sts in regulating functionally relevant immune response pathways.
Applications of species distribution modeling for palaeontological fossil detection: late Pleistocene models of Saiga (Artiodactyla: Bovidae, Saiga tatarica )

Few studies utilise modern species distribution data and modeling to make predictions for examining potential fossil localities. Instead, species distribution modeling is often used for palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Using palaeoclimate data to model potential past distributions for a species provides a prediction showing areas where its fossil remains may be found. In this study, the current, Last Glacial Maximum, and Last Interglacial potential distributions of the arid steppe-obligate saiga antelope (Artiodactyla: Bovidae, Saiga tatarica) were modeled using the species distribution model Maxent. Few fossil records exist, but available fossil locality records were used to validate both palaeo models, resulting in speculative predictions about where the saiga may have lived. Known fossil localities of saiga from the Last Glacial Maximum time period were located within predicted moderately suitable environments, while four of seven Last Interglacial fossil localities were located within predicted moderately suitable environments, suggesting that models can accurately identify areas where fossils for the saiga can be found. Specifically, these models suggest saiga fossils may be located in northwestern and northeastern China, the western and central regions of the Middle East, and southern Alaska. The predicted areas in northeastern China are of particular interest because saiga fossils have not been identified in this region, but some palaeontologists theorize that northeast China may have been suitable for saiga in the past. The models lend credence to this argument.
High voltage, step-down converter design using 20-kV silicon carbide IGBTs

Single-die, silicon carbide (SiC) Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) fabricated on wide epitaxial drift regions have been developed reaching avalanche breakdown voltages greater than 24 kV and rated currents up to 20 A. This work utilizes similar research-grade, SiC IGBT devices to investigate their continuous switching capabilities, by integrating them in a high voltage, non-isolated, step-down DC-DC converter circuit. The details on the design and construction of the buck converter test-bed and its components are covered in this document, as well as initial results on the device capabilities. The goal of our work was to explore the device capabilities beyond previously-reported levels with a focus on frequency and operating voltage. The SiC-based step-down converter was successfully operated at 10 kHz and 10 kV for a test period of 60 min. While the results found here are not conclusive, the demonstration of the system shows that SiC technology for power conversion systems is very promising.
Sensory Transduction in Phycomyces Photoresponses

Phycomyces blakesleeanus exhibits several quantifiable responses to blue light stimulation. The best characterized responses are those which occur in the mature sporangio-phore, namely phototropism and the fundamentally related light-growth response. The sporangiophore is sensitive to a number of other stimulus modes, including gravity, wind, chemicals, and the presence of nearby objects (avoidance response). The mycelium is responsive to blue light in at least two ways, namely control of β-carotene biosynthesis and control of the initiation of sporangiophore development (see chapters by Cerda-Olmedo and by Russo, this vol.). A comprehensive review on early work on Phycomyces is provided by Bergman et al. (1969). A more current review concentrating on behavioral genetics has been written by Cerda-Olmedo (1977).
Implications of SHAPE Guideline for Improving Patient Compliance

While excellent therapies exist for prevention of coronary artery disease, one of the biggest problems is adherence to these therapies. Multiple prospective observational studies have shown that coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk providing incremental prognostic value over traditional and emerging risk markers. Several studies have been done to evaluate the potential for adherence/compliance of visualizing CAC. Theoretically, visualizing CAC provides tangible evidence of the disease and would be associated with improvements in adherence to statin therapy. Several studies have now shown that measuring and reporting of CAC leads to changes in cardiovascular risk management. Multiple studies, including the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, have shown that initiation and persistence of lipid-lowering medications, blood-pressure-lowering medications, and aspirin were greater in those with higher CAC. These studies support the notion that subclinical atherosclerosis testing may lead to greater use of evidence-based, cardiovascular preventive medications.
The Principal as Instructional Leader : A Practical Handbook

In the updated third edition of this highly successful book, leadership expert, Sally Zepeda offers savvy advice to both new and seasoned principals and assistant principals. You get practical tools and strategies, along with real-world examples to help you improve teacher effectiveness and boost student achievement. This edition features valuable resources for teacher evaluation and professional development programs, including: Tools and procedures for conducting classroom observations and pre- and post-observation conferences How-to steps for assessing the culture and climate of your school Strategies to address marginal teaching Techniques to support adult learning and professional development Related News & Media Dr. Doug Green featured a book summary of The Principal as Instructional Leader: A Practical Handbook (3rd Edition) on his website.The Principal as Instructional Leader: A Practical Handbook (3rd Edition) by Sally J. Zepeda was reviewed in The 21st Century Principal.
Sex‐specific patterns of senescence in Nazca boobies linked to mating system

Under life-history theories of ageing, increased senescence should follow relatively high reproductive effort. This expectation has rarely been tested against senescence varying between and within the two sexes, although such an approach may clarify the origins of sex-specific ageing in the context of a given mating system. Nazca boobies (Sula granti; a seabird) practise serial monogamy and biparental care. A male-biased population sex ratio results in earlier and more frequent breeding by females. Based on sex-specific reproductive schedules, females were expected to show faster age-related decline for survival and reproduction. Within each sex, high reproductive effort in early life was expected to reduce late-life performance and accelerate senescence. Longitudinal data were used to (a) evaluate the sex specificity of reproductive and actuarial senescence and then (b) test for early-/late-life fitness trade-offs within each sex. Within-sex analyses inform an interpretation of sex differences in senescence based on costs of reproduction. Analyses incorporated individual heterogeneity in breeding performance and cohort-level differences in early-adult environments. Females showed marginally more intense actuarial senescence and stronger age-related declines for fledging success. The opposite pattern (earlier and faster male senescence) was found for breeding probability. Individual reproductive effort in early life positively predicted late-life reproductive performance in both sexes and thus did not support a causal link between early-reproduction/late-life fitness trade-offs and sex differences in ageing. A high-quality diet in early adulthood reduced late-life survival (females) and accelerated senescence for fledging success (males). This study documents clear variation in ageing patterns-by sex, early-adult environment and early-adult reproductive effort-with implications for the role mating systems and early-life environments play in determining ageing patterns. Absent evidence for a disposable soma mechanism, patterns of sex differences in senescence may result from age- and condition-dependent mate choice interacting with this population's male-biased sex ratio and mate rotation.
Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: A Summary of the Evidence and Potential Mechanisms of Behavior Change

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most evaluated behavioral interventions for substance use disorders, with considerable empirical evidence supporting its efficacy. However, despite CBT's strong support from efficacy trials, broad dissemination and implementation have been challenging. Furthermore, there remains limited understanding regarding CBT's mechanisms of behavior change; the theory-driven assumption that individuals acquire new skills for coping with triggers for substance use has notoriously lacked statistical support. The emergence of computer-delivered interventions has the potential to address dissemination and implementation challenges, as well as offer advantages toward understanding treatment mechanisms. This article will provide a summary of the current evidence supporting one particular computerized CBT program, CBT4CBT. Multiple clinical trials in different treatment settings have indicated CBT4CBT's efficacy at reducing rates of alcohol and drug use when provided as an add-on to standard addiction treatment, as well as when provided with minimal clinical monitoring (i.e., virtual stand-alone). These effects have also been relatively durable after treatment termination, consistent with findings of traditional CBT. It is important to note that the evaluation of individuals' cognitive and behavioral coping skills prior and following treatment has indicated the acquisition/improvement of these skills may be a mechanism of behavior change for those who engage with CBT4CBT. Thus, computerized delivery may be a strategy for enhancing individuals' learning of cognitive and behavioral skills for successfully avoiding substance use. Future work should aim to identify the optimal type of setting, clinician role, and patient characteristics for targeted dissemination and implementation.
Providing culturally appropriate service for Muslim Americans: a perspective of social service providers

This paper aims to acknowledge essential matters to be taken under consideration when working with Muslim Americans in social services in an effort to provide culturally appropriate services and pr...
X-ray Crystal Structures of α-KrF2, [KrF][MF6] (M = As, Sb, Bi), [Kr2F3][SbF6]·KrF2, [Kr2F3]2[SbF6]2·KrF2, and [Kr2F3][AsF6]·[KrF][AsF6]; Synthesis and Characterization of [Kr2F3][PF6]·nKrF2; and Theoretical Studies of KrF2, KrF+, Kr2F3+, and the [KrF][MF6] (M = P, As, Sb, Bi) Ion Pairs†

The crystal structures of α-KrF2 and salts containing the KrF+ and Kr2F3+ cations have been investigated for the first time using low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The low-temperature α-phase of KrF2 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm with a = 4.1790(6) A, c = 6.489(1) A, Z = 2, V = 113.32(3) A3, R1 = 0.0231, and wR2 = 0.0534 at −125 °C. The [KrF][MF6] (M = As, Sb, Bi) salts are isomorphous and isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c with Z = 4. The unit cell parameters are as follows: β-[KrF][AsF6], a = 5.1753(2) A, b = 10.2019(7) A, c = 10.5763(8) A, β = 95.298(2)°, V = 556.02(6) A3, R1 = 0.0265, and wR2 = 0.0652 at −120 °C; [KrF][SbF6], a = 5.2922(6) A, b = 10.444(1) A, c = 10.796(1) A, β = 94.693(4)°, V = 594.73(1) A3, R1 = 0.0266, wR2 = 0.0526 at −113 °C; [KrF][BiF6], a = 5.336(1) A, b = 10.513(2) A, c = 11.046(2) A, β = 94.79(3)°, V = 617.6(2) A3, R1 = 0.0344, and wR2 = 0.0912 at −130 °C. The Kr2F3+ cation was investigated in [Kr2F3][SbF6]·Kr...
Longitudinal Trajectories of Pain and Function Improvement Following Total Knee Replacement.

Objective Up to 30% of patients experience persistent pain and functional limitations following total knee replacement (TKR). Rapid symptom relief in the early postoperative period may be linked to longer-term outcome improvements. We sought to identify early improvement trajectories and to identify risk factors for suboptimal outcomes. Methods We used data from the Adding Value in Knee Arthroplasty (AViKA) Cohort study, a prospective longitudinal study of patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKR. We assessed pain and function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct patterns of pain and function improvement over 6 months. We assessed the association between these early improvement trajectories and 24-month outcomes, including pain, function, and satisfaction. Results We analyzed data from 107 subjects. Mean baseline WOMAC pain and function scores were 42 (SD 17) and 44 (SD 15), respectively (0-100; 100 = worst). We identified two pain-improvement trajectories (suboptimal vs optimal improvement) and two function-improvement trajectories (suboptimal vs optimal improvement). Greater pain catastrophizing, worse mental health status, and use of a supportive device prior to TKR were associated with being in a suboptimal trajectory. Recipients of TKR in the suboptimal trajectories had higher pain, high functional disability, and lower satisfaction at 24 months post-TKR. Conclusion Patients with slower improvement over the first 6 months post-TKR had worse outcomes at 24 months, suggesting that this early postoperative period may represent a window during which interventions aimed at speeding recovery may improve long-term TKR outcomes.
Characterization of thin CdTe solar cells with a CdSeTe front layer

Thin CdTe photovoltaic device efficiencies show significant improvement with the incorporation of a CdSeTe alloy layer deposited between a MgZnO emitter and CdTe absorber. CdTe and CdSeTe/CdTe devices fabricated by close-space sublimation with a total absorber thickness of 1.5 µm are studied using microscopy measurements and show minimal diffusion of Se into the CdTe. Current loss analysis shows that the CdSeTe layer is the primary absorber in the CdSeTe/CdTe structure, and fill factor loss analysis shows that ideality-factor reduction is the dominant mechanism of fill factor loss. Improvement in the CdSeTe/CdTe absorber quality compared to CdTe is also reflected in spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements. Current density vs. voltage measurements show an increase in current density of up to 2 mA/cm2 with the addition of CdSeTe due to a band gap shift from 1.5 to 1.42 eV for CdTe and CdSeTe/CdTe absorbers respectively. Voltage deficit is lower with the incorporation of the CdSeTe layer, corroborated by improved electroluminescence intensity. The addition of CdSeTe into CdTe device structures has increased device efficiencies from 14.7% to 15.6% for absorbers with a total thickness less than two microns.
Quantitative phase imaging of neuronal movement during action potential (Conference Presentation)

Nanometer-scale deformations of the neuron accompany the action potential. These displacements are measured using a fast quantitative phase microscope and averaged in synchrony with optogenetic stimulation of cultured neurons. The phase movie is further processed by leveraging the spatial and temporal distribution of the spiking signal to detect and segment the separate action potentials in individual cells. An accompanying confocal fluorescence microscopy provides the 3-D cell shape for calibration of the refractive index to calculate the mechanical displacements from the optical phase. Together, these results illuminate the underlying mechanism of the cellular deformations and techniques for achieving all-optical single spike detection.
Hospital-Based Nursing Research Environments: Two Different Yet Similar Books for Review:

This is a book review of two books on successful hospital-based nursing research environments. Their similarities and differences are discussed.
The Impact of Load Patterns on Power Loss: A case of V2G in the Distribution Network

Interests in Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) are growing rapidly in the contemporary power system environment. Most studies are exploring the potentials of using V2G for providing ancillary services in the distribution circuit. The potentials of using V2G for load management by regulating the V2G loading patterns is studied. The level of V2G impact on the system is quantified by determining how the loading patterns of a feeder with high penetration of V2G effect power loss in the line feeders. The results indicate that load patterns significantly impact the power loss in the power system. Since electrical power losses is a major concern in the operation of the electric distribution network, this study would find its merit and usefulness in the load management of the distribution System.
Proposal for an electrostrictive logic device with the epitaxial oxide heterostructure.

The possible use of electrostrictive materials for information processing devices has been widely discussed because it could allow low-power logic operation by overcoming the fundamental limit of subthreshold swing greater than 60 mV/decade in conventional MOSFETs. However, existing proposals for electrostrictive FET applications typically adopt approaches that are entirely theoretical and simulative, thus lacking practical insights into how an electrostrictive material can be best interfaced with a channel material. Here we propose an electrostrictive FET device, involving the epitaxial oxide heterostructure as an ideal material platform for maximum strain transfer. The ON/OFF switching occurs due to a stress-induced concentration change of oxygen vacancies in the memristive oxide channel layer. Based on finite-element simulations, we show that the application of a minimal gate voltage bias can induce stress in the channel layer as high as 108 N/m2 owing to the epitaxial interface between the electrostrictive and memristive oxide layers. Conductive AFM experiments further support the feasibility of the proposed device by demonstrating the stress-induced conductivity modulation of a perovskite oxide thin film, SrTiO3, that is well known to serve as the substrate for epitaxial growth of other functional oxide layers.
Understanding peer relationships during childhood and adolescence through the lens of social motivation

Abstract Across childhood and adolescence, youth develop an increasing focus on belongingness within the peer group. At the core of this need to belong lies a motivation to optimize approval and acceptance from peers (which we view as sensitivity to social incentive or reward), as well as a motivation to minimize disapproval and rejection from peers (which we view as sensitivity to social threat or punishment). Integrating several historical and contemporary theoretical traditions, we conceptualize these motivations in terms of social approach and avoidance needs and goals. In this article, we discuss our conceptual and empirical journey that began with mapping the content and structure of social motivation and progressed through exploring how motivational orientations influence children's socioemotional adjustment, how predispositions toward social approach and avoidance develop, and, most recently, how these motivations may be represented in the brain. We end with recommendations for future research aimed at continued unraveling of the complex and nuanced implications of children's sensitivity to both rewarding and punitive social cues.
Helping Robots Learn: A Human-Robot Master-Apprentice Model Using Demonstrations via Virtual Reality Teleoperation

As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly prevalent method of enhancing robotic capabilities, it is important to consider effective ways to train these learning pipelines and to leverage human expertise. Working towards these goals, a master-apprentice model is presented and is evaluated during a grasping task for effectiveness and human perception. The apprenticeship model augments self-supervised learning with learning by demonstration, efficiently using the human’s time and expertise while facilitating future scalability to supervision of multiple robots; the human provides demonstrations via virtual reality when the robot cannot complete the task autonomously. Experimental results indicate that the robot learns a grasping task with the apprenticeship model faster than with a solely self-supervised approach and with fewer human interventions than a solely demonstration-based approach; 100% grasping success is obtained after 150 grasps with 19 demonstrations. Preliminary user studies evaluating workload, usability, and effectiveness of the system yield promising results for system scalability and deployability. They also suggest a tendency for users to overestimate the robot’s skill and to generalize its capabilities, especially as learning improves.
Size-Dependent Effective Diffusivity in Healthy Human and Porcine Joint Synovium

Intra-articular drug delivery can be effective in targeting a diseased joint but is hampered by rapid clearance times from the diarthrodial joint. The synovium is a multi-layered tissue that surrounds the diarthrodial joint and governs molecular transport into and out of the joint. No models of drug clearance through synovium exist to quantify diffusivity across solutes, tissue type and disease pathology. We previously have developed a finite element model of synovium as a porous, permeable, fluid-filled tissue and used an inverse method to determine urea’s effective diffusivity (Deff) in de-vitalized synovium explants.22 Here we apply this method to determine Deff from unsteady diffusive transport of model solutes and confirm the role of molecular weight in solute transport. As molecular weight increased, Deff decreased in both human and porcine tissues, with similar behavior across the two species. Unsteady transport was well-described by a single exponential transient decay in concentration, yielding solute half-lives (t1/2) that compared favorably with the Deff determined from the finite element model fit. Determined values for Deff parallel prior observations of size-dependent in vivo drug clearance and provide an intrinsic parameter with greater ability to resolve size-dependence in vitro. Thus, this work forms the basis for understanding the influence of size on drug transport in synovium and can guide future studies to elucidate the role of charge and tissue pathology on the transport of therapeutics in healthy and pathological human synovium.
Adversarial attacks against image-based malware detection using autoencoders

Over the past decade, deep learning approaches have been applied to the detection of malicious software, otherwise known as malware. Despite their improved performance compared to conventional detection methods such as static and dynamic analysis, however, deep learning-based malware detection systems have been shown to be vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Few image-based malware detection systems have been proposed, especially those that evaluate their performance against adversarial attacks. Furthermore, little research has been done beyond the classification of malware targeted at Windows (PE) or Android systems, leaving entire realms such as Mac (Mach-O), Linux (ELF), and embedded software unexplored and unprotected. These realms, specifically embedded software, are used in critical technology such as avionic systems and special care must be taken to ensure their safety. In this paper, we present an image-based malware detection system on PE, ELF, Mach- O, and embedded C code files. The system’s architecture incorporates layers of encoders that are taken from independently-trained autoencoders and multi-layer perceptron that returns the output of the network. We evaluate the performance of the system against adversarial attacks, or the misclassification of a malware file as a benign, by adding gradient based perturbations to unused sections of the malware often referred to as the slack bits. The network achieves an accuracy of 96.51% on non-adversarial PE and ELF files, 95.45% on transfer learned non-adversarial Mach-O files, and 99.2% on transfer learned non-adversarial synthetic plane files. For the classification of adversarial examples, the network achieved a 81% success rate of misclassification on adversarial PE and ELF files and a 99% success rate of misclassification on adversarial synthetic plane files.
Opening Our Deep Backfiles: Identifying Open and Public Domain Serial Content in Library Collections

This lightning round talk presented at the 2021 NC Serials Conference discussed a Penn Libraries project to open up their deep serials backfiles. The presenters outlined steps they took to research...
The CB1 Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator, ZCZ011, Attenuates Naloxone-Precipitated Diarrhea and Weight Loss in Oxycodone-Dependent Mice.

Opioid use disorder reflects a major public health crisis of morbidity and mortality where opioid withdrawal often contributes to continued use. However, current medications that treat opioid withdrawal symptoms are limited by their abuse liability or lack of efficacy. Although cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor agonists, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), ameliorate opioid withdrawal in both clinical and pre-clinical studies of opioid dependence, this strategy elicits cannabimimetic side effects as well as tolerance and dependence following repeated administration. Alternatively, CB1 receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) enhance CB1 receptor signaling and show efficacy in rodent models of pain and cannabinoid dependence but lack cannabimimetic side effects. We hypothesize that the CB1 receptor PAM, ZCZ011, attenuates naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs in opioid-dependent mice. Accordingly, male and female mice given an escalating dosing regimen of oxycodone, a widely prescribed opioid, and challenged with naloxone displayed withdrawal signs that included diarrhea, weight loss, jumping, paw flutters, and head shakes. ZCZ011 fully attenuated naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced diarrhea and weight loss and reduced paw flutters by approximately half, but its effects on head shakes were unreliable and it did not affect jumping behavior. The anti-diarrheal and anti-weight loss effects of ZCZ0111 were reversed by a CB1, not a CB2, receptor antagonist and were absent in CB1 (-/-) mice, suggesting a necessary role of CB1 receptors. Collectively, these results indicate that ZCZ011 completely blocked naloxone-precipitated diarrhea and weight loss in oxycodone-dependent mice and suggest that CB1 receptor PAMs may offer a novel strategy to treat opioid dependence. Significance Statement Opioid use disorder represents a serious public health crisis in which current medications used to treat withdrawal symptoms are limited by abuse liability and/or side effects. The CB1 receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM), ZCZ011, which lacks overt cannabimimetic behavioral effects, ameliorated naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs through a CB1 receptor mechanism of action in a mouse model of oxycodone dependence. These results suggest that CB1 receptor PAMs may represent a viable strategy to treat opioid withdrawal.
Concentration of fractional excretion of nitric oxide (FENO): A potential airway biomarker of restored CFTR function.

Abstract Background Lower airway biomarkers of restored cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function are limited. We hypothesized that fractional excretion of nitric oxide (FENO), typically low in CF patients, would demonstrate reproducibility during CFTR-independent therapies, and increase during CFTR-specific intervention (ivacaftor) in patients with CFTR gating mutations. Methods Repeated FENO and spirometry measurements in children with CF (Cohort 1; n=29) were performed during hospital admission for acute pulmonary exacerbations and routine outpatient care. FENO measurements before and after one month of ivacaftor treatment (150mg every 12h) were completed in CF patients with CFTR gating mutations (Cohort 2; n=5). Results Cohort 1: Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV 1 % predicted) at enrollment was 72.3% (range 25%–102%). Mean FENO measurements varied minimally over the two inpatient and two outpatient measurements (9.8–10.9ppb). There were no clear changes related to treatment of pulmonary exacerbations, gender, genotype or microbiology, and weak correlation with inhaled corticosteroid use ( P 1 % predicted increased by 7.3% ( P 1 % predicted increased by 10.2%. Conclusions Repeated FENO measurements were stable in CF patients, whereas FENO increased in all patients with CFTR gating mutations treated with ivacaftor. Acute changes in FENO may serve as a biomarker of restored CFTR function in the CF lower airway during CFTR modulator treatment.
Gene diversification of an emerging pathogen: A decade of mutation in a novel fish Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) substrain since its first appearance in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv) is an RNA rhabdovirus, which causes one of the world's most serious fish diseases, infecting >80 freshwater and marine species across the Northern Hemisphere. A new, novel, and especially virulent substrain—VHSv-IVb—first appeared in the Laurentian Great Lakes about a decade ago, resulting in massive fish kills. It rapidly spread and has genetically diversified. This study analyzes temporal and spatial mutational patterns of VHSv-IVb across the Great Lakes for the novel non-virion (Nv) gene that is unique to this group of novirhabdoviruses, in relation to its glycoprotein (G), phosphoprotein (P), and matrix (M) genes. Results show that the Nv-gene has been evolving the fastest (k = 2.0x10-3 substitutions/site/year), with the G-gene at ~1/7 that rate (k = 2.8x10-4). Most (all but one) of the 12 unique Nv- haplotypes identified encode different amino acids, totaling 26 changes. Among the 12 corresponding G-gene haplotypes, seven vary in amino acids with eight total changes. The P- and M- genes are more evolutionarily conserved, evolving at just ~1/15 (k = 1.2x10-4) of the Nv-gene’s rate. The 12 isolates contained four P-gene haplotypes with two amino acid changes, and six M-gene haplotypes with three amino acid differences. Patterns of evolutionary changes coincided among the genes for some of the isolates, but appeared independent in others. New viral variants were discovered following the large 2006 outbreak; such differentiation may have been in response to fish populations developing resistance, meriting further investigation. Two 2012 variants were isolated by us from central Lake Erie fish that lacked classic VHSv symptoms, having genetically distinctive Nv-, G-, and M-gene sequences (with one of them also differing in its P-gene); they differ from each other by a G-gene amino acid change and also differ from all other isolates by a shared Nv-gene amino acid change. Such rapid evolutionary differentiation may allow new viral variants to evade fish host recognition and immune responses, facilitating long-time persistence along with expansion to new geographic areas.
Applying a microfacet model to polarized light scattering measurements of the Earth's surface

ABSTRACT Representative examples from three-years of measurements from JPL's Ground-based Multiangle SpectroPolari-metric Imager (Ground-MSPI)[1] are compared to a model for the surface polarized bidirectional reectancedistribution matrix (BRDM). Ground-MSPI is an eight-band spectropolarimetric camera mounted on a rotatinggimbal to acquire pushbroom imagery of outdoor landscapes. The camera uses a photoelastic-modulator-basedpolarimetric imaging technique to measure linear Stokes parameters in three wavebands (470, 660, and 865 nm)with a 0.005 uncertainty in degree of linear polarization (DoLP). Comparisons between MSPI measurements,BRDM models, and common modi cations to the model are made over a range of scattering angles determinedfrom a xed viewing geometry and varying sun positions over time. The BRDM model is comprised of a volumet-ric reection term plus a specular reection term of Fresnel-reecting micro-facets. We consider modi cationsto this model using a shadowing function and two di erent micro-facet scattering density functions. We reportthe root-mean-square error (RMSE) between the Ground-MSPI measurements and BRDM model. The BRDMmodel predicts an angle of the linear polarization (AoLP) that is perpendicular to the scattering plane. Thisis usually, but not always, observed in Ground-MSPI measurements and in this work we o er explanations forsome of the deviations from the model.Keywords: Land surface, reection models, polarized light scattering, p-BRDF, Bidirectional Reectance Dis-tribution Matrix (BRDM), Bidirectional Polarized reectance Distribution Function (BPDF), Multiangle Spec-troPolarimetric Imager (MSPI)
Matrix Rigidity Mediates TGFβ1-induced Epithelial-Myofibroblast Transition by Controlling Cytoskeletal Organization and MRTF-A Localization

Myofibroblasts mediate normal wound healing and upon chronic activation can contribute to the development of pathological conditions including organ fibrosis and cancer. Myofibroblasts can develop from epithelial cells through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during which epithelial cells exhibit drastic morphological changes and upregulate cytoskeletal associated proteins that enable exertion of large contractile forces and remodeling of the surrounding microenvironment. Increased matrix rigidity is a hallmark of fibrosis and tumor progression and mechanical tension has been identified as a regulator of EMT; however, the mechanisms governing the mechanical regulation of EMT are not completely understood. Here, we find that matrix rigidity regulates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT, with rigid substrata enabling increased myofibroblast marker expression, cell morphology changes, and cytoskeletal reorganization while soft matrices block these changes. Furthermore, we find that matrix rigidity controls the subcellular localization of myocardin related transcription factor (MRTF)-A, a regulator of cytoskeletal protein expression that contributes to the acquisition of myogenic features during EMT. Results from these studies provide insight into how biophysical cues contribute to myofibroblast development from epithelial cells and may suggest ways to enhance wound healing or to engineer therapeutic solutions for fibrosis and cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1829–1839, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homecoming of soldiers who are citizens: Re-employment and financial status of returning Army National Guard soldiers from Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF).

This study examined civilian employment among Army National Guard soldiers who had recently returned from Oper- ations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF). Of specific interest were relationships of re-employment and financial difficulties to several conditions, such as amount of social support during and after deployment, combat exposure, negative feel- ings during and after deployment, and postdeployment adjustment symptoms. Survey data from the Army's Reintegration Unit Risk Inventory were used (4,546 soldiers in 50 units who were deployed during 2010). Few soldiers reported financial difficulties during deployment (7.1% of the sample) and after having returned (11.8%). Of those who reported postdeployment financial difficulties, nearly one-half had reported such difficulties during deployment, and not having resumed the predeployment job was associated with more postdeployment financial difficulties. Logistic regression analyses showed the relative contribution of the study variables to changed financial status, from deployment to postdeployment. Reported deployment support (e.g., trust in the unit chain-of-command and available support) was associated with decreased financial difficulties. In contrast, increased financial difficulties were associated with having seen others wounded or killed in combat. Other postdeployment experiences, such as feelings of anger and frustration and available support, were associated with increased financial difficulties, in addition to alcohol use, trouble sleeping and suicidal thoughts. Implications of results for policy and practice to lessen financial hardships and job loss associated with deployment are discussed.
Collagen heterografts for bone replacement: A preliminary report

Abstract The rationale for evaluation and utilization of collagen heterografts for bone replacement is presented. Observations in this preliminary study tend to show that implanted collagen is well tolerated by the host and will stimulate bone formation. It is suggested that, by quantifying the degree of cross-linking of the collagen grafts, the rate of degradability can thus be controlled. Several uses for such grafts are proposed.
Relative Home-Court Advantage: The Impact of Travel on Team Production When One Team is Closer than its Opponent to a Neutral Game Site

Using data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball Tournament, I examine the impact of travel on team production in a setting where one team is geographically closer than its opponent to a neutral site. I hypothesize and find that the closer team, or relative home team, has a relative home-court advantage that helps it to out-produce its opponent. When the relative home team travels a much shorter distance than its opponent to a neutral site, binary logistic and ordinary least squares regressions indicate a positive relationship between relative home-court advantage and, respectfully, winning and margin of victory. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High repetition rate femtosecond direct space-to-time pulse shaping using a modified arrayed waveguide grating

Direct space-to-time pulse shaping in which there is a direct scaling between spatial mask and output temporal profile is demonstrated in an integrated-optic device consisting of a modified arrayed waveguide grating.
Enzymatic Reduction of Alkyl and Acyl Derivatives of Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate by Reduced Pyridine Nucleotides

The reductions of either acyl or alkyl derivatives of dihydroxyacetone phosphate by enzymes from ascites tumor cell microsomes with NADPH were studied. The reaction rate was measured by determining the formation of labeled lipid from [4-3H]NADPH. The products were characterized as either 1-acyl or 1-alkyl [2-3H]glycerol 3-phosphate formed from the corresponding keto derivatives. The enzymes were found to be distributed in both mitochondrial and microsomal fractions obtained from different organs, i.e. brain, liver, kidney, etc. When [4-3H]NADH was substituted for [4-3H]NADPH, very little formation of labeled lipid from the dihydroxyacetone phosphate derivatives was observed, showing that the enzymes are specific for NADPH as the coenzyme. The same results were obtained when the reduction was studied with nonradioactive NADH or NADPH and 32P-labeled acyl or alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Experiments with A-[4-3H]NADPH and B-[4-3H]NADPH proved that only the B-hydrogen from the nicotinamide ring was transferred to reduce the keto compounds. Some preliminary results indicated that one enzyme may be responsible for the reduction of both acyl and alkyl derivatives of dihydroxyacetone phosphate.
Perceptions and Experiences of Drug Use Among Women in Rural North Carolina

This study describes perceptions and experiences of drug use among 32 women residing in three non-urban counties in eastern North Carolina. Participants described drug use in their families and communities as pervasive, citing both individual (e.g., depression) and systemic (e.g., few opportunity structures) causal factors. Participants with personal drug use histories described factors that helped them reduce drug use as well as the challenges of maintaining recovery in small communities. Contributions of this research include rural women’s assessment and attribution of drug use problems in both their personal lives and larger communities. Recommendations for rural drug treatment providers are offered.
A fixed sublithospheric source for the late Neogene track of the Yellowstone hotspot: Implications of the Heise and Picabo volcanic fields

The Heise and Picabo volcanic fields of eastern Idaho are part of the more extensive time-transgressive Yellowstone-Snake River Plain hotspot track. Calderas associated with these two silicic volcanic fields are buried under 1 to 3 km of younger basalt, so their locations and eruption record histories have been based on analysis of silicic units along the margins of the eastern Snake River Plain along with some limited geophysical data. A 1.5 km borehole penetrating through basalt into underlying silicic rocks provides new data we used to reassess caldera locations and the timing of eruptions of these volcanic fields. Using these new caldera locations, we calculate an extension-adjusted rate of 2.35 cm/yr for the North American plate over the last 6.66 m.y. and a velocity of 2.30 cm/yr over the 10.27 m.y. Recalculation of a previously determined plate velocity-based migration of the deformation field surrounding the eastern Snake River Plain yields an extension-adjusted rate of 2.38 ± 0.21 cm/yr. These migration rates all fall within the previously published range of North American plate velocities of 2.2 ± 0.8 cm/yr, 2.4 cm/yr, and 2.68 ± 0.78 cm/yr based on a global hot spot reference frame. The consistency of these rates suggest that over the last 10 m.y., the Yellowstone hot spot is fixed with respect to the motion of the North American plate and therefore consistent with a classical deep-sourced hotspot model.