cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reasons of the Heart: Political Applications of Emotion Analytics

Individuals form political opinions and take action based not only on rational evaluations of facts but also on their emotional responses to information and to political figures. New technological tools are increasingly available to detect, identify, and perhaps even alter emotional reactions to media messages and events. Political messages can be refined and targeted to elicit specific feelings among emotionally receptive audiences, encouraging them to act in particular ways. Audiences’ responses to real-world events can be monitored and perhaps even manipulated on small and large scales, providing an immediate and potentially powerful tool for affecting public opinion. Left unregulated, the political applications of these technologies represent a challenge to individuals’ political agency and, on a broader scale, to the operation of democracy.
Special Commentary: Using Clinical Decision Support Systems to Bring Predictive Models to the Glaucoma Clinic

Advances in the field of predictive modeling using artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to improve clinical care and outcomes, but only if the results of these models are presented appropriately to clinicians at the time they make decisions for individual patients. Clinical decision support (CDS) systems could be used to accomplish this. Modern CDS systems are computer-based tools designed to improve clinician decision making for individual patients. However, not all CDS systems are effective. Four principles that have been shown in other medical fields to be important for successful CDS system implementation are (1) integration into clinician workflow, (2) user-centered interface design, (3) evaluation of CDS systems and rules, and (4) standards-based development so the tools can be deployed across health systems.
Growth and Survivorship of Red Mangrove Seedlings Under a Mangrove Canopy and in a Saltmarsh Community in Northeastern Florida

ABSTRACT In the United States, Rhizophora mangle L. populations have established in saltmarsh communities at the northern extent of its range in Guana Tolomata Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, near St. Augustine, FL. This two-year study monitored the growth and survivorship of propagules planted in the intertidal band dominated by Spartina alterniflora Loisel and mangroves. Propagules in the S. alterniflora microhabitat grew more than twice as fast, had a greater number of leaves per plant, and produced more sets of branches and flower buds than those growing under the mangrove canopy. Differences in growth were likely due to the 2.7 times greater mean monthly insolation in the Spartina microhabitat during the spring-summer growing season. Individuals persisted beneath the mangrove canopy and may take advantage of increased light availability from canopy gaps created by extreme storm events. Despite the 67% mortality from herbivory, wind gusts, storm surge, and extreme high tides, surviving R. mangle seedlings reached maturity in the unshaded and warmer microclimate of the low-lying saltmarsh vegetation. Spartina alterniflora may serve as a facilitator during the cotyledon phase of R. mangle and did not inhibit the success of the seedling establishment, providing a mechanism by which dispersed R. mangle propagules may spread northward into saltmarsh communities.
The Impact of Personality and Lifestyle Change on Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for quantifying the impact of Five Factor Model personality domains (i.e. neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and COVID -related lifestyle changes on psychological distress. To examine these relationships, we designed and preregistered the present study (https://osf.io/qfw9h). We assessed a large, heterogeneous sample including undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff of a large, public, Midwestern university (n = 1055) to ascertain whether personality domains uniquely predicted distress in response to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. This was a three-panel study in which the same potential participant pools were invited to participate at each survey announcement. Data collection occurred between early March through late May 2020, from within days of local shelter-in-place order onset to within days of reaching 100,000 COVID-related deaths in the USA. Domain and distress scores were determined from self-reported ratings on the Big Five Inventory and the 21-Item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, respectively. Participants also reported personal experiences with six COVID-specific lifestyle impacts: insufficient outdoor or indoor living space, job insecurity, income insecurity, or taking care of or homeschooling school-aged children during working hours. Zero-order correlations revealed that all personality domains except openness had statistically significant correlations with distress, and all correlations were negative except for that of neuroticism. When entered simultaneously, neuroticism was the predominant risk factor of distress that held across all preregistered and exploratory analyses. Our expectation that extraversion would be negatively associated with distress was not supported broadly, while agreeableness was a unique potential risk factor (though this effect was mostly limited to exploratory analyses). The results especially highlight the link between employment and income uncertainty with psychological distress, while also identifying insufficient indoor and outdoor space as potential risk factors. We hope these findings inform future public health action and further emphasize the utility of personality trait models in general.
Resolution-Optimal, Energy-Constrained Mission Planning for Unmanned Aerial/Ground Crop Inspections

Precision agriculture relies on large-scale visual inspections for accurate crop monitoring and yield maximization. For many farms, the scales of production preclude manual inspections, and it is therefore desirable for larger producers to employ unmanned ground and aerial vehicles (UGV/UAV) to automate the necessary proximal and remote sensing tasks, respectively. This paper presents a new problem formulation for cooperative crop inspection missions under fuel and pathing constraints. We propose an a priori optimization method that leverages knowledge of the energy constraints and plot topology to determine resolution-optimal walks on a graph representing the union of reachable sets for each robot. We show that approximating the reachable sets guarantees energy efficiency. We further show that UGV-UAV interactions such as sethopping can increase the effective continuous monitoring range. Simulation studies show that our method accounts for charge-recharge cycles that are typical of long inspection missions, while also optimizing capture time and sensing resolution.
Coupled effects of deposition and annealing temperatures on optical, electrical and mechanical properties of titanium oxide thin films

Abstract In this study the influence of deposition temperature and a post-deposition annealing process on the optical, electrical, mechanical, and tribological properties of titanium oxide thin films was investigated. Based on high-resolution XPS, it was observed that the films became more metallic as the deposition temperature was raised from 15 to 450 °C. Moreover, the mechanical and tribological properties of the film deposited at 450 °C were at least 50% greater than for the film deposited at 15 °C. After annealing at 450 °C for 30 min in air, the films all became transparent and insulating. However, the annealing process had mixed effects on the mechanical and tribological properties such that the 15 and 250 °C films softened, but the 450 °C film hardened. This mixed trend is attributed to the different as-deposited film stoichiometries. The results show that the coupled effects of deposition temperature and post-deposition annealing are quite complex and that the mechanical properties of TiO2 thin films can be controlled independently of their optical and electrical properties. This is important because TiO2 coatings are often used as the outer-most layers in optical devices.
A Bayesian State-Space Approach for Damage Detection and Classification

The problem of automatic damage detection in civil structures is complex and requires a system that can interpret sensor data into meaningful information. We apply our recently developed switching Bayesian model for dependency analysis to the problems of damage detection, localization, and classification. The model relies on a state-space approach that accounts for noisy measurement processes and missing data. In addition, the model can infer statistical temporal dependency among measurement locations signifying the potential flow of information within the structure. A Gibbs sampling algorithm is used to simultaneously infer the latent states, the parameters of state dynamics, the dependence graph, as well as the changes in behavior. By employing a fully Bayesian approach, we are able to characterize uncertainty in these variables via their posterior distribution and answer questions probabilistically, such as “What is the probability that damage has occurred?” and “Given that damage has occurred, what is the most likely damage scenario?”. We use experimental test data from two laboratory structures: a simple cantilever beam and a more complex 3-story, 2-bay structure to demonstrate the methodology.
Sources of Authority for Leadership and Instructional Technology Coaches' Diffusion of High Access Teaching and Learning

Sources of Authority for Leadership, Instructional Technology Coaches, and Diffusion of High Access Teaching and Learning
Adaptive Time-Optimal Control of Flexible Structures

The Extended Proximate Time-Optimal Servo (XPTOS) developed in [8] is analyzed for stability using new techniques. The XPTOS system operates in closed loop, and blends in its structure the characteristics of a time-optimal control law and the fine tracking properties of a properly tuned linear regulator. This study is addressed to the (idealized) case of flexible structures that contain a single or dominant structural mode. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the XPTOS, and delineate its range of applicability.
Enzymes That Destroy Blood Group Specificity V. THE OLIGOSACCHARASE OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS

Abstract Evidence is presented for the presence of an enzyme, α-N-acetylgalactosaminyl oligosaccharase in filtrates of Clostridium perfringens. Action of this enzyme on hog submaxillary glycoprotein results in the release of a disaccharide, characterized as 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-galactose. The possibility that this oligosaccharide has resulted from transgalactosylation has been eliminated. Enzymatic treatment of several glycoproteins and blood group substances from miscellaneous sources also resulted in the production of this oligosaccharide. Since in the blood group substances N-acetylgalactosamine at the reducing end of the oligosaccharide chain is α-linked to the hydroxy amino acids of the protein core, we have here a very useful α-N-acetyl-d-galactosaminyl oligosaccharase for structural studies of the carbohydrate-protein linkage in the blood group substances and in glycoproteins.
High Involvement Peer-Based Education (HIPE)

This paper illustrates an educational technique that establishes a highly interactive classroom environment by involving students in the classroom instruction. Allowing students to become the teachers accomplishes the goals of improving leadership skills, honing communication skills, and aiding the learning process. The effectiveness of the technique was studied in a graduate hospitality class. The results of that study, along with a discussion of positive and negative aspects of high involvement learning, are discussed.
Prenatal 3-Dimensional Imaging Techniques in the Sonographic Evaluation of an Oral Mass Comparison With Postnatal Imaging Modalities

Historically, published reports of 3-dimensional (3D) sonographic evaluation of fetal oral masses have been limited to the surface-rendering mode. This report demonstrates the clinical potential of various 3D imaging techniques in the evaluation of fetal epignathus. A comparison is made among the images generated from 3D data sets, postnatal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scans, and the excised surgical specimen. The diagnostic value and limitations of several 3D imaging techniques in the evaluation of an oral mass are explored.
Cortisol Concentrations in Well-Regulated Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism Treated with Trilostane.

Background There are no clear treatment guidelines for dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism in which serum cortisol concentrations before and after an ACTH stimulation test performed 3–6 hours after trilostane administration are < 2.0 μg/dL. Objective To determine if serum cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre1) and after (Post1) ACTH stimulation at 3–6 hours after trilostane administration are significantly lower than cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre2) and after (Post2) ACTH stimulation 9–12 hours after trilostane administration, in a specific population of dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 <2 μg/dL. Animals Thirteen client-owned dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 serum cortisol concentrations <2.0 μg/dL 3–6 hours after trilostane administration. Methods Prospective study. Dogs had a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9–12 hours after trilostane administration, on the same day of the first ACTH stimulation test. Cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were compared using a paired t-test. Results Cortisol concentrations before (1.4 ± 0.3 μg/dL) and after the first stimulation (1.5 ± 0.3 μg/dL, mean ± SD) were significantly lower than cortisol concentration before the second stimulation (3.3 ± 1.6 μg/dL, P = .0012 each). Cortisol concentration before the first stimulation was also significantly lower than cortisol concentration after the second stimulation (5.3 ± 2.4 μg/dL, P = .0001). Conclusions and clinical importance In dogs with clinically well-regulated, trilostane-treated, hyperadrenocorticism, and cortisol concentrations <2 μg/dL before and after the first stimulation, a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9–12 hours after treatment can result in higher cortisol concentrations that could support continued trilostane treatment.
Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis after shoulder dystocia

the amount of amniotic fluid and umbilical blood flow pattern were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal brain detected no significant anomalies. Labor was induced at 38 weeks and the woman delivered vaginally. The neonate was healthy (1815 g, 44 cm, 10-minute Apgar score of 10). The infant had no neurological impairment at 2 years of follow-up. Written informed consent from the patient and ethics committee approval were obtained for publication. The causes of new-onset pancytopenia vary [3]; simple etiologies such as malnutrition should not be omitted. B vitamins have a crucial role in intrauterine development and function of many systems [4]. However, in the case presented here, the severe deficiency diagnosed in late pregnancy had no adverse longterm outcomes, even if the fetal status was severely altered at diagnosis.
Investigation of Flow Characteristics in a Coronary Artery Stent Using PIV

The complications resulting from coronary stenting are partly caused by alterations/disturbances in fluid dynamics of the arterial flow. To characterize flow within stented left anterior descending arteries at physiological rest conditions, an in vitro pulsatile flow loop and a micro-particle image velocimetry (PIV) system are developed. The highest and lowest velocities occur at the pumping period peak and the pump relaxation period commencement, respectively. Flow reversal exists at the start of pump relaxation. Recirculation regions at the stent leading and trailing edges and at edges of stent slots correlate to platelet deposition areas. The measured wall shear stresses are 5–15 dynes/cm2 , which may inhibit re-endothelialization.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A model of variability in brain stimulation evoked responses

The input-output (IO) curve of cortical neuron populations is a key measure of neural excitability and is related to other response measures including the motor threshold which is widely used for individualization of neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The IO curve parameters provide biomarkers for changes in the state of the target neural population that could result from neurostimulation, pharmacological interventions, or neurological and psychiatric conditions. Conventional analyses of IO data assume a sigmoidal shape with additive Gaussian scattering that allows simple regression modeling. However, careful study of the IO curve characteristics reveals that simple additive noise does not account for the observed IO variability. We propose a consistent model that adds a second source of intrinsic variability on the input side of the IO response. We develop an appropriate mathematical method for calibrating this new nonlinear model. Finally, the modeling framework is applied to a representative IO data set. With this modeling approach, previously inexplicable stochastic behavior becomes obvious. This work could lead to improved algorithms for estimation of various excitability parameters including established measures such as the motor threshold and the IO slope, as well as novel measures relating to the variability characteristics of the IO response that could provide additional insight into the state of the targeted neural population.
Analysis of Radiation-natural Convection Interactions in 1-g and low-g Environments using the Discrete Exchange Factor Method

A new numerical method is presented for the analysis of combined natural convection and radiation heat transfer with applications in many engineering situations such as materials processing, combustion and fire research. Because of the recent interest in the low gravity environment of space, attention is devoted to both 1-g and low-g applications. The two-dimensional mathematical model is represented by a set of coupled nonlinear integro-partial differential equations. Radiative exchange is formulated using the Discrete Exchange Factor method (DEF). This method considers point to point exchange and provides accurate results over a wide range of radiation parameters. Numerical results show that radiation significantly influences the flow and heat transfer in both low-g and 1-g applications. In the low-g environment, convection is weak, and radiation can easily become the dominant heat transfer mode. It is also shown that volumetric heating by radiation gives rise to an intricate cell pattern in the top heated enclosure.
STRESS-STRAIN STATE AND STABILITY OF POLYMERIC TUBES WITH A HONEYCOMB WALL

A problem of determination of the stress-strain state, stability and optimization of the honeycomb structure of a polymeric tube wall under the action of a static force load is considered. As is customary in engineering practice, the ring rigidity of the tube is taken as its main design quantity. The corresponding problem of optimization is formulated. From the condition of provision of the required value of the ring rigidity of a honeycomb polymeric cylindrical shell, we determine the geometric, physicomechanical, and technological parameters. On the basis of the performed calculations, a justification of an optimal geometry (the thickness of the wall, the diameter of a winding tubule, and the number of layers of the tube structure) is presented. Numerical results and their analysis are presented.
Being Held Responsible versus Being Responsible

eachers like to have students who are responsible for their own learning. To reach this end, they must first understand what it means for students to "be responsible" as opposed to "being held responsible," a distinction teachers rarely make. I intend to clarify the distinction between two different understandings of responsibility for learning in schools. From one point of view, the teacher wants to make sure that the students will do the work he or she has assigned -being held responsible. From the other point of view, the teacher would like the student to do the work because the student wants to learn-being responsible. Morris explains the philosophical nature of this difference and elaborates on being held responsible:
Hypopharyngeal paraganglioma: case report and review of the literature.

Background Paragangliomas are rare, vascular, and predominantly benign neoplasms of neural crest origin. They typically arise in the head and neck from the carotid body, jugulotympanic, or vagal paraganglia. Rarely, paragangliomas occur in the larynx. Only 2 cases of hypopharyngeal paraganglioma have been reported. We discuss the case of a hypopharyngeal paraganglioma and review the literature concerning laryngopharyngeal paragangliomas. Methods and Results We present the case of a woman with 2 months of dysphagia and hoarseness that was found to have a hypopharyngeal paraganglioma. The patient underwent embolization and resection of the mass via a lateral thyrotomy approach. Pathologic analysis and selective staining confirmed the presence of a paraganglioma. Conclusions Proper histopathologic identification of these tumors is tantamount to guiding treatment. The preferred operative approach is a lateral thyrotomy to minimize patient morbidity. We present the third documented case of a hypopharyngeal paraganglioma and the first in the English-language literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
An integer program for Open Locating Dominating sets and its results on the hexagon-triangle infinite grid and other graphs

This paper presents an integer linear program (ILP) for the identification of Open Locating Dominating Sets (OLD) of minimum cardinality and presents several results of the ILP on various graphs. The OLD is similar to an identifying code, but for an open neighborhood instead of closed. The OLD was introduced by Peter Slater and Suk J. Seo in 2010 as a method by which one could identify the location of an event at a node where a node in the set can detect events at adjacent nodes, but cannot detect an event at itself. This is perhaps more clear as a series of factories such that those with intrusion detection devices form an identifying code, but an intruder will disable the system at the factory into which she breaks, if so equipped. There are also applications in other areas such as router networks. This paper continues work by Alison Oldham at the College of William and Mary on the development and implementation of an ILP to identify such OLDs on finite graphs. We demonstrate and compare the results on 100 node randomly generated graphs of various constructions; Erdos-Renyi, Geometric and Scale-Free. We find that most graphs have a density near 1/3. We also explore the use of the ILP to generate OLDs for infinite grids, looking specifically at the hexagonal-triangular grid where we discover a new upper bound of 5/12 on the minimum density OLD for this grid. Finally, we extend this ILP to identify locating dominating sets that simultaneously satisfy open and closed neighborhood criteria, or Closed-Open Locating Dominating sets (COLD).
Spiral Rainbands in a Numerical Simulation of Hurricane Bill (2009). Part II: Propagation of Inner Rainbands

AbstractThis is the second part of a study that examines spiral rainbands in a numerical simulation of Hurricane Bill (2009). This paper evaluates whether the propagation of inner rainbands in the Hurricane Bill simulation is consistent with previously proposed hypotheses. Results indicate that the propagation of inner rainbands is not consistent with gravity waves, vortex Rossby waves, or squall lines. An alternative hypothesis is offered, arguing that inner rainbands are simply convective clouds that are advected by the rapidly rotating tropical cyclone wind field while being deformed into spiral shapes. A summary and a discussion of the results of both Parts I and II are provided.
Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions with Lithium

Although lithium continues to be regarded as the treatment of choice for bipolar disorders, the clinical use of this mood stabiliser is associated with an extremely narrow therapeutic range. Relatively minor increases in serum concentrations may induce serious adverse sequelae, and concentrations within the therapeutic range may result in toxic reactions. The safety of combining lithium with other medications, therefore, is a major concern, and extensive clinical experience has served to identify several significant drug interactions. Lithium removal from the body is achieved almost exclusively via renal means. As a result, any medication that alters glomerular filtration rates or affects electrolyte exchange in the nephron may influence the pharmacokinetic disposition of lithium. Concomitant use of diuretics has long been associated with the development of lithium toxicity, but the risk of significant interactions varies with the site of pharmacological action of the diuretic in the renal tubule. Thiazide diuretics have demonstrated the greatest potential to increase lithium concentrations, with a 25 to 40% increase in concentrations often evident after initiation of therapy. Osmotic diuretics and methyl xanthines appear to have the opposite effect on lithium clearance and have been advocated historically as antidotes for lithium toxicity. Loop diuretics and potassium-sparing agents have minor variable effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been associated with lithium toxicity, although the relative interactive potential of specific NSAIDs is difficult to determine. Small prospective studies have demonstrated large interindividual differences in lithium clearance values associated with different NSAIDs. A growing body of evidence also suggests that ACE inhibitors may impair lithium elimination, but further investigations are needed to identify patients at risk. Anecdotal reports have linked numerous medications with the development of neurotoxicity without an apparent effect on the pharmacokinetic disposition of lithium. Antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and calcium antagonists have all been implicated in a sufficient number of case reports to warrant concern. As these medications have all been commonly coadministered with lithium, the relative risk of serious interactions appears to be quite low, but caution is advised.
Verifying agent-based models with steady-state analysis

Agent-based modeling has been well received in the simulation community. Complex systems are simulated by many autonomous agents whose behavior is defined by a conceptual model. However, the model can be improperly implemented or misinterpreted resulting in an implementation that does not reflect the conceptual rules. It is imperative that the implementation’s function be tested against the model’s expected outcome. In this paper, we present certain steady-state techniques that can be used to verify the operation of agent-based simulations. These methods are introduced and then applied to an ecological model which simulates reproductive dynamics of mosquitoes.
The PiezoElectronic Switch: A Path to High Speed, Low Energy Electronics

In contrast to the Moore’s Law exponential growth in CMOS transistor areal density, computer clock speeds have been frozen since 2003 due to excessive power dissipation. We present the development of a new digital switch, the PiezoElectronic Transistor (PET), designed to circumvent the speed and power limitations of the CMOS transistor. The PET operates on a novel principle: an electrical input is transduced into an acoustic pulse by a piezoelectric (PE) actuator, which, in turn, drives a continuous insulator-to-metal transition in a piezoresistive (PR) channel, thus switching on the device. Predictions of theory and simulation, assuming bulk materials properties can be approximately retained at scale, are that PETs can operate at one-tenth the present voltage of CMOS technology and 100 times less power, while running at multi-GHz clock speeds. CMOS-like computer architectures, such as a simulated adder, can be fully implemented. Materials development for PE and PR thin films approaching the properties of bulk single crystals, and a successful fabrication scheme, are the key to realizing this agenda. We describe progress in developing PE films (where d33 is critical) and PR films (characterized by conductance and ON/OFF ratio) of demonstration quality. A macroscopic-scale PET has been built to demonstrate PET viability over large numbers of switching cycles. The perspective for the development of pressure-driven electronics will be outlined.
Derivation of the equations of motion for complex structures by symbolic manipulation

This paper outlines a computer program especially tailored to the task of deriving explicit equations of motion for structures with point-connected substructures. The special purpose program is written in FORTRAN and is designed for performing the specific algebraic operations encountered in the derivation of explicit equations of motion. The derivation is by the Lagrangian approach. Using an orderly kinematical procedure and a discretization and/or truncation scheme, it is possible to write the kinetic and potential energy of each substructure in a compact vector-matrix form. Then, if each element of the matrices and vectors encountered in the kinetic and potential energy is a known algebraic expression, the computer program performs the necessary operations to evaluate the kinetic and potential energy of the system explicitly. Lagrange's equations for small motions about equilibrium can be deduced directly from the explicit form of the system kinetic and potential energy.
Statistics of light deflection by randomly oriented interfaces in the geometric optics approximation

The statistics of light deflection by interfaces between two media is analytically related with the angular probability density between the normal to the interface and the incident beam. In the proposed model all reflection and refraction events are considered as independent with statistical weights equal to Fresnel intensity coefficients. The calculus of phase matrixes of light deflection resulting in the interaction with the randomly oriented interface is proposed. The balance of integrated probabilities of reflected and refracted photons from both sides of the interface allowed quantitative estimates of the probability of photons to be situated in different phases of inhomogeneous media.
Evaluation of replication of variants associated with genetic risk of otitis media.

The first Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) of otitis media (OM) found evidence of association in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) study, but lacked replication in an independent OM population. The aim of this study was to investigate association at these loci in our family-based sample of chronic otitis media with effusion and recurrent otitis media (COME/ROM). Autosomal SNPs were selected from the Raine OM GWAS results. SNPs from the Raine cohort GWAS genotyped in our GWAS of COME/ROM had P-values ranging from P=0.06–0.80. After removal of SNPs previously genotyped in our GWAS of COME/ROM (N=21) and those that failed Fluidigm assay design (N=1), 26 SNPs were successfully genotyped in 716 individuals from our COME/ROM family population. None of the SNP associations replicated in our family-based population (unadjusted P=0.03–0.93). Replication in an independent sample would confirm that these represent novel OM loci, and that further investigation is warranted.
Combined chemical and topographic imaging at atmospheric pressure via microprobe laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry–atomic force microscopy

The operational characteristics and imaging performance are described for a new instrument comprising an atomic force microscope coupled with a pulsed laser and a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The operating mode of the atomic force microscope is used to produce topographic surface images having sub-micrometer spatial and height resolution. Spatially resolved mass spectra of ions, produced from the same surface via microprobe-mode laser desorption/ionization at atmospheric pressure, are also used to create a 100 x 100 microm chemical image. The effective spatial resolution of the image (approximately 2 microm) was constrained by the limit of detection (estimated to be 10(9)-10(10) molecules) rather than by the diameter of the focused laser spot or the step size of the sample stage. The instrument has the potential to be particularly useful for surface analysis scenarios in which chemical analysis of targeted topographic features is desired; consequently, it should have extensive application in a number of scientific areas. Because the number density of desorbed neutral species in laser desorption/ionization is known to be orders-of-magnitude greater than that of ions, it is expected that improvements in imaging performance can be realized by implementation of post-ionization methods.
Derivative Estimates from Simulation of Continuous-Time Markov Chains

Countable-state, continuous-time Markov chains are often analyzed through simulation when simple analytical expressions are unavailable. Simulation is typically used to estimate costs or performance measures associated with the chain and also characteristics like state probabilities and mean passage times. Here we consider the problem of estimating derivatives of these types of quantities with respect to a parameter of the process. In particular, we consider the case where some or all transition rates depend on a parameter. We derive derivative estimates of the infinitesimal perturbation analysis type for Markov chains satisfying a simple condition, and argue that the condition has significant scope. The unbiasedness of these estimates may be surprising-a "naive" estimator would fail in our setting. What makes our estimates work is a special construction of specially structured parameteric families of Markov chains. In addition to proving unbiasedness, we consider a variance reduction technique and make comparisions with derivative estimates based on likelihood ratios.
Apolipoprotein E Isoform-Specific Differences in Outcome from Focal Ischemia in Transgenic Mice

Apolipoprotein E (apoE), a 34-kD glycosylated lipid-binding protein, is expressed as three common isoforms in humans (E2, E3, or E4). Clinical evidence suggests that the apoE genotype (APOE) may be a risk factor for poor outcome after acute central nervous system injury. This was examined further in transgenic mice constructed with the human APOE3 or APOE4 gene under the control of human promoter and tissue expression elements. Presence of human apoE3 and apoE4 proteins in brains of human APOE homozygous transgenic mice was confirmed by Western blotting. APOE3 (n = 12) and APOE4 (n = 10) mice underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. After 24-hour recovery, infarct size was measured. Infarct volumes (mean ± standard deviation) were smaller in the APOE3 group (cortex: APOE3 = 18 ± 4 mm3; APOE4 = 30 ± 11 mm3, P = 0.04; subcortex: APOE3 = 12 ± 4 mm3; APOE4 = 18 ± 4mm3, P= 0.003). Hemiparesis was less severe in APOE3 mice (P = 0.02). These data indicate that human isoform-specific effects of apoE are relevant to acute pathomechanisms of focal ischemic brain damage when examined in the mouse. APOE transgenic mice may provide an appropriate model to examine the mechanistic basis for the differential effects of human apoE isoforms in acute central nervous system injury.
Alternate Synthesis of a β-3 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist

Previously our group reported synthetic efforts used to synthesize kilogram quantities of the β-3 receptor agonist (R)-(4-(2-(2-(6-aminopyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxyethylamino)ethoxy)phenyl)acetic acid, 1. Additional research was conducted to explore an alternate chiral route with a streamlined protecting group scheme. The alternate asymmetric process and synthetic rationale are described.
Automatic detection and classification of features of geologic interest

The volume of data that planetary rovers and their instrument payloads can produce will continue to outpace available deep space communication bandwidth. Future exploration rovers will require science autonomy systems that interpret collected data in order to selectively compress observations, summarize results, and respond to new discoveries. We present a method that uses a probabilistic fusion of data from multiple sensor sources for onboard segmentation, detection and classification of geological properties. Field experiments performed in the Atacama desert in Chile show the system's performance versus ground truth on the specific problem of automatic rock identification.
Direct Measurement of the Pair Distribution Function for Adatoms on a Surface

The distribution function governing the equilibrium separation of two atoms on a single crystal plane has been measured for the first time. Quantitative determinations for tungsten atoms self-adsorbed on the (211) and (321) planes of tungsten reveal that, for interatomic distances $Rg7$ \AA{}, the behavior of the atoms conforms to that of independent particles. Long-range interactions are below the detection limit of $\ensuremath{\approx}\frac{\mathrm{kT}}{2}$, where $T$ is the equilibration temperature, in agreement with present theories of interatomic interactions.
The Propagation Characteristics of Signal Lines with Crossing Strips in Multilayered Anisotropic Media

In this paper, full modal analysis is used to study the dispersion characteristics of microstrip lines periodically loaded with crossing strips in a stratified uniaxially anisotropic medium. Dyadic Green's functions in the spectral domain for the multilayered medium in conjunction with the vector Fourier transform (VFT) are used to formulate a coupled set of vector integral equations for the current distribution on the signal line and the crossing strips. Galerkin's procedure is applied to derive the eigenvalue equation for the propagation constant. The effect of anisotropy for both open and shielded structures on the stopband properties is investigated.
Orchestrated application quality and energy storage management in solar-powered embedded systems

While energy harvesting technology is a promising solution toward achieving self-sustainable low power systems, the efficient energy storage for these energy harvesting systems is still a challenge because of high self-leakage (e.g., supercapacitors) and limited life cycles (e.g., batteries). In this work, we propose an adaptive quality-aware energy management middleware framework for energy harvesting embedded systems. Our hybrid energy storage model takes into consideration the battery life cycle, supercapacitor self-leakage, and power loss in the harvesting circuit. The framework has an offline planning phase and a runtime adaptation phase. By incorporating abstract models for battery state of health (SoH) and supercapacitor self-leakage, the offline stage determines the budget for charging and discharging distribution of each storage component and accordingly adapts the application quality of service (QoS). The runtime adaptation phase dynamically adjusts the charging and discharging distribution to the dynamic changes in energy harvesting profile. In comparison with related work, our proposed framework is able to capture the lifetime and characteristics of the energy storage components more accurately during adaptation and hence, resulting in a more sustainable system with realistic QoS.
Perceptions on “systems” in production agriculture

Abstract Lack of consistency in the use and definition of “systems” can lead to, despite the elegance of its intermediate steps, a poor understanding of the problem with results that have little utility. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is used as an example of a system, as is the educational approach taken by Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Australia. In a systems approach, the use of analytical models and feedback to the models, as well as the effectiveness of the information derived must be evaluated. A philosophy of optimum rather than maximum agricultural production, based on a systems approach, can be valid for developed and developing countries.
Computed tomography: regression of periventricular enhancing lesions in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract A patient with two periventricular enhancing lesions on computed tomography subsequently demonstrated clearing of these abnormalities without treatment and a clinical course compatible with multiple sclerosis. CT scans obtained in disease processes associated with acute demyelination and alteration of the blood--brain barrier can show enhancing lesions. These lesions can initially be confused with primary or secondary neoplasms, enhancing infarcts or arteriovenous malformation. The differential diagnosis of enhancing lesions without significant mass effect should initially include the acute phase of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating processes.
Nanostructuring of semiconductor materials and metallic thin films using femtosecond laser and scanning probe microscope

Ultra-short pulsed-laser radiation has been shown to be an effective tool for controlled material processing and surface nano/micro-modification because of minimal thermal and mechanical damage. Nanostructuring of a variety of materials is gaining widespread importance owing to ever-increasing applications of nanostructures in numerous fields. This study demonstrates that controllable surface nanostructuring can be achieved by effectively utilizing the local field enhancement in the near field of a SPM probe tip irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses. Results of nanostructuring of various metallic and semiconductor thin film samples utilizing an 800nm femtosecond laser system in conjunction with a commercial SPM in ambient air are presented. Additionally, results from a companion micro-ablation study on gold thin films and numerical Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation results for the spatial distribution of the laser field intensity beneath the tip are presented in an effort to achieve better understanding of the laser-material interaction. Flexibility in the choice of the substrate material and the processing environment, high spatial resolution (~10-12nm) and possibility of high processing rates by massive integration of the tips make this method an effective nanostructuring tool. Potential applications of this method include nanolithography, mask repair, nanodeposition, high-density data storage, as well as various nano-biotechnology related applications.
Ascorbate Induces Ten-Eleven Translocation (Tet) Methylcytosine Dioxygenase-mediated Generation of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine

Ascorbate (vitamin C) is best known for its role in scurvy, in which the hydroxylation of collagen catalyzed by dioxygenases is incomplete due to ascorbate deficiency. Here, we report a novel function of ascorbate in the hydroxylation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA catalyzed by Tet (ten-eleven translocation) methylcytosine dioxygenase. The content of 5-hmC is extremely low in mouse embryonic fibroblasts cultured in ascorbate-free medium. Additions of ascorbate dose- and time-dependently enhance the generation of 5-hmC, without any effects on the expression of Tet genes. Treatment with another reducer glutathione (GSH) does not change the level of 5-hmC. Further, blocking ascorbate entry into cells by phloretin and knocking down Tet (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3) expression by short interference RNAs (siRNA) significantly inhibit the effect of ascorbate on 5-hmC. These results suggest that ascorbate enhances 5-hmC generation, most likely by acting as a co-factor for Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase to hydroxylate 5-mC. Thus, we have uncovered a novel role for ascorbate in modulating the epigenetic control of genome activity.
Wave dispersion and ray propagation in a weakly relativistic electron plasma: Implications for the generation of auroral kilometric radiation

Relativistic modifications to wave dispersion near the electron gyrofrequency are known to be important for sufficiently energetic electrons. In general, if the characteristic momentum of the energetic particles (po/moc) is greater than the ratio of the plasma frequency to the gyrofrequency (ωp/Ωe), wave propagation can be markedly different than the classical cold plasma limit. We investigate the wave dispersion in a weakly relativistic electron plasma, specifically in the context of the generation of auroral kilometric radiation (AKR). To do this, we have used a simple electron distribution consisting of a ring of energetic electrons at constant perpendicular momentum together with a stationary cold component. It is found that for such an electron distribution, where the two electron components have different gyrofrequencies due to relativistic effects, a new wave mode is introduced. This wave is trapped between the two electron gyrofrequencies. We find that the group velocity for such a wave is small; convective growth lengths for the wave are calculated to be of the order of 1 km. Consequently, ray propagation in a simple model for the density cavity present on auroral zone field lines is studied. We find that the ray paths tend to bring waves to altitudes where the growth rate maximizes; at these altitudes the waves propagate primarily across the ambient magnetic field. This could result in substantial amplification of the wave, since damping is minimized, and the waves may undergo multiple transitions across the auroral arc. However, the wave is trapped and must undergo mode conversion to escape from the auroral arc. Since the wave polarization is found to be very similar to the R-X mode polarization, we deduce that coupling to the R-X mode at the edge of the auroral arc may be reasonably efficient.
A Tidewater Merchant In New Hampshire

In post-Colonial days and well into the nineteenth century the merchant's role in smaller communities was incredibly versatile and complicated. This study calls attention to one such “Yankee trader,” who was the focal point for scores of enterprises but whose nonspecialized adventures became progressively restricted with changing times.
Patient decision making about organ quality in liver transplantation

It is challenging to discuss the use of high risk organs with patients, in part due to lack of information on how patients view this topic. This study aimed to understand how patients think about organ quality, and to test formats for risk communication. Semi-structured interviews of 10 patients on the waiting list revealed limited understanding about the spectrum of organ quality, and reluctance to consider anything but the “best” organs. A computerized quantitative survey was then conducted using an interactive graph to elicit the risk of graft failure that patients would accept. Among 95 wait-listed patients completing the survey, 58% would only accept organs with ≤25% risk of graft failure at 3 years, while 18% would only accept the lowest risk possible (19% at 3 years). Risk tolerance was increased by presenting organ quality in reference to “average quality” rather than “best quality”, and by feedback about implications for organ supply. More than three-quarters of patients reported wanting an equal or dominant role in organ acceptance decisions. Men tended to prefer lower risk organs than women (mean acceptable risk 29% vs 35%, p=0.04), but risk tolerance was not associated with other demographic or clinical characteristics such as severity of liver disease. In summary, patients want to be involved in decisions about organ quality. Patients’ risk tolerance varies widely, and their acceptance of high risk organs can be facilitated by presenting risks of graft failure in reference to “average” organs and providing feedback about implications for organ supply.