cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Learning Disabled College Student: Some Considerations in Setting Objectives

Many references have been made in the literature to the deficits in social-interpersonal skills that often follow the learning disabled into adulthood, yet few college LD programs address these deficits. Adelphi University's program is unique in that it has a dual focus; academic and social growth. Dr. Barbaro's article was included in this, the first of several issues focusing on the learning disabled adult, because it describes a model for direct intensive intervention designed to enhance psychosocial growth within the college environment. Second, because social adequacy is a critical factor for successful functioning, not only in social settings, but also in academic settings and the work world, more attention to deficits in this area should be given.
Robust multiresolution alignment of MRI brain volumes.

An algorithm for the automatic alignment of MRI volumes of the human brain was developed, based on techniques adopted from the computer vision literature for image motion estimation. Most image registration techniques rely on the assumption that corresponding voxels in the two volumes have equal intensity, which is not true for MRI volumes acquired with different coils and/or pulse sequences. Intensity normalization and contrast equalization were used to minimize the differences between the intensities of the two volumes. However, these preprocessing steps do not correct perfectly for the image differences when using different coils and/or pulse sequences. Hence, the alignment algorithm relies on robust estimation, which automatically ignores voxels where the intensities are sufficiently different in the two volumes. A multiresolution pyramid implementation enables the algorithm to estimate large displacements. The resulting algorithm is used routinely to align MRI volumes acquired using different protocols (3D SPGR and 2D fast spin echo) and different coils (surface and head) to subvoxel accuracy (better than 1 mm).
Retinal distribution of entoptic stray light.

The primary purpose of this research is to determine, as accurately as possible, the illuminance distribution across the retina of the eye resulting from a small image formed at the back of the eye by nearly collimated light incident upon the cornea, with the illuminance distribution specified over a wide range, including angles close to the image proper. The measurements are taken by means of a photomultiplier tube located immediately behind a small aperture at the back of an excised steer eye. It is hoped that the results are generalizable to the living, human eye. Consequently, a variety of control studies were undertaken to support the possibility of such a generalization. These include investigations of post mortem changes (including studies with living eyes), use of “normal” vs Maxwellian view, wavelength, pupil diameter, and the shape of the retinal image. Although most of the work was done with excised steer eyes, some data were also taken with eyes from pigs and sheep. The final distribution is similar to, but not exactly the same as, that inferred from psychophysical investigations.
Rediscovering Community Archaeology in Africa and Reframing its Practice

Community archaeology and heritage work have a long history in Africa, a history embedded in the practice of ethnoarchaeology, studies of indigenous knowledge systems, and the collaborative study of oral traditions and other intangible heritage. This paper reviews some of the intellectual legacies that foreground community approaches today in Africa. Whilst top-down approaches have tended to characterize many projects in recent history, the requirements of outside development agencies often force archaeologists into collaborative compliance that communities are not ready to embrace or where histories of land alienation complicate best efforts to engage communities. An alternative community approach arising from a grassroots initiative in Northwest Tanzania is discussed to illustrate how collaboration may lead to mutual research and heritage development that contribute new knowledge to African history and archaeology and improve community well-being.
Murine vasa recta pericyte chloride conductance is controlled by calcium, depolarization, and kinase activity.

We used the whole cell patch-clamp technique to investigate the regulation of descending vasa recta (DVR) pericyte Ca2+-dependent Cl− currents (CaCC) by cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca]CYT), vo...
Low, Medium, and High Temperature Catalysts for Formaldehyde-Free Durable Press Finishing by the Glyoxal-Glycol Process

Improved catalyst systems have been developed for use in the glyoxal-glycol process under a wide variety of curing conditions. The mild cure process, now conducted with polyethylene as fabric softener in place of the reactive hydrophobic silicones formerly required, takes place at 120-125°C in 2 minutes by aluminum sulfate catalysis in the presence of tartaric acid. Minor amounts of phosphoric acid are added as needed to counteract fabric alkalinity. The medium cure process at 145-160°C occurs within 15 seconds with the same catalyst and activators in the presence of aluminum dihydroxy acetate as buffer. The high temperature process uses aluminum chlorhydroxide as catalyst in the presence of an α-hydroxy acid, and takes place at 170°C or higher. In all three systems, 1,6-hexanediol is the preferred glycol from the standpoint of durable press performance, fabric strength retention, and fabric whiteness.
Yield of diagnostic tests in obese children with an elevated alanine aminotransferase

Aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and affects roughly 10% of children. However, NAFLD is often diagnosed by exclusion – that is, obese children with an elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are screened for other liver diseases in the absence of a biopsy. This testing is nonstandardized, and professional society recommendations differ. This study examines the yield of testing for disorders other than NAFLD in this patient population. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 120 obese, asymptomatic, noncholestatic children with an ALT ≥40 U/L and additional diagnostic testing. Results No patients were found to have Wilson's, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, celiac disease or Epstein–Barr virus. Only one patient (1/120) was identified with definite disease other than NAFLD, which was muscular dystrophy. The positive predictive value of a screening test was 5%, and the specificity was 97%. Of 70 children with an abdominal ultrasound, no significant abnormalities were identified. Conclusion Extensive testing in asymptomatic, noncholestatic, obese children with an elevated ALT may be of limited diagnostic value and false-positive tests are likely. Large, prospective studies are needed to help focus the work up in this patient population.
Integrated Electronic Medical Record Systems: Critical Success Factors for Implementation

Integrated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems are becoming an essential part of the fabric of modern healthcare. EMR systems have evolved from pure record-keeping to an integrated, enterprise-wide system that holds the promise of accurate, real time access to patient healthcare data. EMR systems can provide healthcare administrators and clinicians with the information necessary to improve patient care and lower costs. Little research has been done to identify critical success factors for EMR systems implementation. In this paper we treat EMR systems as a type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and address EMR implementation issues by drawing on theory and empirical research from both the healthcare information systems and ERP literatures. A theoretical model and propositions are offered, bolstered by data gleaned through structured interviews with health care professionals. Important success factors discussed include planning, consultants, project management, process redesign and the need for a project champion.
Fluctuations of Phytophthora and Pythium spp. in Components of a Recycling Irrigation System.

Bush, E. A., Hong, C. X., and Stromberg, E. L. 2003. Fluctuations of Phytophthora and Pythium spp. in components of a recycling irrigation system. Plant Dis. 87:1500-1506. Stringent standards of water quality have prompted many horticultural enterprises to limit pollutant discharge associated with nutrient and pesticide applications. Collecting and recycling effluent is a method that has been implemented by many operations to contain pollutants; however, plant pathogens may be spread through recycled effluent. In this study, Phytophthora and Pythium spp. present in a water-recycling irrigation system at a perennial container nursery in southwestern Virginia were characterized using filtering and baiting techniques with two selective media. Members of Phytophthora were identified to species, whereas Pythium spp. were identified to genus only. Pythium spp. were recovered more frequently and in greater numbers than Phytophthora spp. Phytophthora capsici, P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P. cryptogea, P. drechsleri, and P. nicotianae were recovered in filtering assays. Only P. cryptogea and P. drechsleri were identified from baits placed on the surface of the irrigation reservoir, whereas P. cactorum, P. capsici, P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P. cryptogea, and P. drechsleri were recovered at depths, specifically at 1 and 1.5 m. This research provides data for development of detection technology and management practices for plant pathogens in irrigation water and may lead to improvements in conventional assay protocols.
Estimate of the Disturbance Energy in an Asymmetric Vortex Wake

Previous studies have suggested that the asymmetric vortex wake which develops behind an axisymmetric body at high angle of attack is the result of the amplification of a disturbance introduced at the tip of the body, implying that the asymmetric vortex wake problem is a stability problem. Measurements by previous researchers have shown the exponential growth of the so-called “distortion energy” in the wake, supporting the stability problem hypothesis. The definition of distortion energy, more generally described as a disturbance energy, chosen by these investigators requires a large set of measurements for a single result, and so another less experimentally-expensive definition of disturbance energy is desired. This study uses the potential flow solution for two vortices behind a circular cylinder in cross flow as a “virtual wind tunnel” to explore the validity of a particular definition of the disturbance energy. This definition, the product of the local section side force coefficient, the vortex separation distance, and the angle between the line connecting the vortices and the perpendicular to the incidence plane, is shown to exhibit the desired variations and is thus a plausible measure of the disturbance energy in the vortex wake.
The Role of Fibrinogen in Staphylococcal Adherence to Catheters In Vitro

A study was conducted to examine the factors involved in adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to various catheter materials. Staphylococcal adherence to catheters coated with fibrinogen was specific and significantly increased compared with that to control catheters (preincubated in phosphate-buffered saline). The adherence of S. aureus to fibrinogen-coated catheters was blocked by goat anti-human fibrinogen antibody, but not fibronectin, vitronectin, or nonimmune goat IgG. Adherence to catheter tubings coated with fibrin did not differ markedly from that to those coated with fibrinogen alone, suggesting the conservation of the staphylococcal binding domain during the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Plasma proteins such as fibronectin or factor XIII that interacted with fibrin did not modify staphylococcal adherence to fibrin. Adherence studies with staphylococcal cells treated with proteinases revealed that staphylococcal surface protein(s) were responsible for fibrinogen binding. These data indicate that fibrinogen or fibrin is the dominant plasma mediator of staphylococcal adherence to intravascular catheters.
Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen J Domain and Rb-Binding Motif Are Sufficient To Block Apoptosis Induced by Growth Factor Withdrawal in a Neural Stem Cell Line

Serum-free mouse embryo (SFME) cells are a neural stem cell line that is dependent upon epidermal growth factor (EGF) for survival. Removal of EGF results in the G1 arrest and apoptosis of SFME cells. We have shown that the expression of simian virus 40 large T antigen in SFME cells blocks apoptosis and allows cell survival and division in the absence of EGF. Therefore the presence of T antigen abrogates the EGF requirement. The steady-state levels of p53, p21, and mdm-2 do not increase as SFME cells undergo apoptosis upon EGF withdrawal. Furthermore, the amino-terminal 136 amino acids (N136) of T antigen are sufficient to block death and to promote proliferation in the absence of EGF, while the carboxy-terminal fragment (C251–708), which contains the p53 binding site, is unable to block death. Taken together, these data suggest that SFME cells deprived of EGF undergo p53-independent apoptosis. Mutations that disrupt either the J domain or Rb family binding abolish the ability of T antigen to block SFME cell apoptosis and to promote cell growth. We conclude that T antigen must act on one or more members of the Rb family to inhibit SFME cell apoptosis.
Traffic Signal Optimization and Simulation using Fuzzy Dynamic Programming

This research proposes a new methodology and develops its implementation algorithm that utilizes Fuzzy Dynamic Programming (FDP) to provide adaptive signal control of twoclosely spaced intersections in response to real-time traffic fluctuations. A characteristic feature of this new approach is that the uncertainties and imprecision in vehicle detection, forecasted traffic arrivals, discharge and resulting delay and other performance measures can be taken into account by fuzzy set theory. It makes the approach superior to the conventional deterministic method and more efficient than stochastic methods. Consequently, the algorithm would be appropriate for real-time implementation. The problem is formulated in a decision network, to find the optimal phase sequencing and phase duration that minimizes a pre-specified performance measure (such as delay, or queue length) over a finite horizon. The optimization process is based on advanced vehicle information obtained from loop detectors set back a certain distance from the stop-line. Vehicles trajectories from their detection till their arrival at the stopline are modeled at the microscopic level and described in fuzzy sets. The simulation results have exhibited that the DP algorithm is superior to PASSER III and TRANSYT-7F in handling demand fluctuations for medium to high flow scenarios when the field demand is increased from the one used in off-line optimization.
Effect of damage control surgery on major abdominal vascular trauma

Background: In 1982, we reported our experience with abdominal vascular trauma, highlighting the critical role of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy. Damage control surgery was subsequently introduced to address this “lethal triad.” The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes from our most recent 6-year experience compared with a cohort from 30 years ago. Methods: Patients with major abdominal vascular injuries were examined, and the most recent 6-year period was compared with archived data from a similar 6-year period three decades ago. Results: The number of patients with major abdominal vascular injuries decreased from 123 patients in 1975 to 1980 to 64 patients in 2004 to 2009. The mean initial pH decreased from 7.21 to 6.96 (1975 to 1980 versus 2004 to 2009) for patients with overt coagulopathy. Despite increasingly protracted acidosis, mortality attributable to refractory coagulopathy decreased from 46% to 19% (1975 to 1980 versus 2004 to 2009, chi-square ¼ 4.36, P ¼ 0.04). No significant difference was found in mortality from exsanguinating injuries (43% versus 62%, 1975 to 1980 versus 2004 to 2009, chi-square ¼ 1.96, P ¼ 0.16). The prehospital transport times were unchanged (22 versus 20 min, 1975 to 1980 versus 2004 to 2009). Despite the administration of additional clotting factors and the advent of damage control surgery, the overall mortality remained largely unchanged (37% versus 33%, 1975 to 1980 versus 2004 to 2009, chi-square ¼ 0.385, P ¼ 0.53). Conclusions: The adoption of damage control surgery, including the implementation of a massive transfusion protocol, was associated with a reduction in mortality for abdominal vascular injuries due to coagulopathy; however, patients have continued to die of exsanguination.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity — chronic oral ulcerative disease as a possible etiologic factor

This report documents the association of carcinoma of the oral cavity with chronic oral ulcerative disease in two patients. This association has not previously been documented in the surgical literature. Both patients in this report had chronic oral ulcerative disease preceding their cancers; however, the common etiologic factors for oral cancer were not detected in either case. Oral lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris should be considered as potentially premalipant tenons and should be treated accordingly.
Dental size reduction in Indonesian Homo erectus: Implications for the PU-198 premolar and the appearance of Homo sapiens on Java.

The recent recovery of a hominin maxillary third premolar, PU-198, within the faunal collections from Punung Cave (East Java) has led to assertions that Homo sapiens appeared on Java between 143,000 and 115,000 years ago. The taxonomic assignment of PU-198 to H. sapiens was based predominantly on the small size of the specimen, following an analysis which found little to no overlap in premolar size between Homo erectus and terminal Pleistocene/Holocene H. sapiens. Here, we re-evaluate the use of size in the taxonomic assignment of PU-198 in light of 1) new buccolingual and mesiodistal measurements taken on the fossil, 2) comparisons to a larger sample of H. erectus and H. sapiens maxillary third premolars, and 3) evidence of a diachronic trend in post-canine dental size reduction among Javan H. erectus. Our results demonstrate PU-198 to be slightly larger than previously suggested, reveal substantial overlap in premolar size between H. erectus and H. sapiens, and indicate a statistically significant reduction in premolar size between early and late Javan H. erectus. Our findings cast doubt on the assignment of PU-198 to H. sapiens, and accordingly, question the appearance of H. sapiens on Java between 143,000 and 115,000 years ago.
Some Observations on Lipid Metabolism and Adipose Tissue in the Vitamin E-Deficient Rat.∗

Summary1. Gross, microscopic and biochemical observations were made on adipose tissue of rats receiving a diet deficient in Vit. E and rich in long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. 2. A progressive increase was found in the ratio of extractable phospholipids to non-phospholipids. 3. Studies of the uptake of P-32 indicate that the metabolic activity of phospholipids in abnormal adipose tissue is comparable to that in normal adipose tissue.
A Novel Undergraduate Combustion Teaching Approach Using Three-Dimensional Combustion Surfaces

Presently, mechanical engineering thermodynamic classes discuss the individual boiler, reciprocating engine, and gas turbine cycles, while other courses mention the combustion of individual natural gas, oil and coal fuels. Though these processes and fuels have different working fluids and air-to-fuel ratios they have predictable and comparable flue gas oxygen and carbon dioxide. Presented is a curriculum supplement that allows students to model three-dimensional plots of oxygen and carbon dioxide both as varied by hydrogen-to-carbon ratio and air-to-fuel ratio. The typical operating areas are then superimposed on these three-dimensional plots for industrial boilers (3 to 25 MW), power generation boilers (25 to 1,000 MW), reciprocating engines (0.1 to 5 MW), and gas turbines (0.1 to 100 MW). As power generation and transportation fuels become scarce and more expensive, future engineering employees must know how to minimize energy consumption and cost for a variety of fuels and combustion systems. This new teaching approach provides students a concise overall combustion curriculum that predicts the theoretical flue gas mole fraction of any common combustion process used with the major fuel sources.© 2010 ASME
On Fertility: Night Soil, Street Sweepings, and Guano in Central Park

To exacting specifications, laborers mixed a battery of fertilizers into the newly contoured slopes of Central Park in New York City. Horse manure from street traffic and park operations, night soi...
Beyond the Glands: An in-Depth Perspective of Neurological Manifestations in Sjögren's Syndrome.

Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome (pSjS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by sicca (xerophthalmia or xerostomia) symptoms, anti-SS-A (Ro) or anti-SS-B (La) autoantibodies, and lymphocytic infiltrates in the exocrine glands. Disease incidence is estimated to be 0.1-3% of the general population with 0.4-3.1 million individuals in the US with women being nine times more likely to be afflicted with SjS than men. The frequency continues to rise accompanied with the multi-factorial etiology making it a challenging disease to manage and treat. Treatment of this disease remains problematic due to the lack of therapeutic treatments relying on replacement therapies such as artificial saliva and eye lubricants or immunosuppressive agents. To further complicate the management of the disease, there are number of multi-systemic manifestations specifically peripheral neuropathy associated with later stage of disease onset. Increasingly, there is mounting evidence that suggests the involvement of central nervous system. It remains to be determined the underlying cause and effect of the dysregulated immune response and the neuropathy associated with SjS. In this review, we provided an in-depth look at key neurological dysfunctions documented to occur in pSjS. Specifically, we discussed the prevalence, symptomology, and current treatments.
Learning about stress: neural, endocrine and behavioral adaptations

AbstractIn this review, nonassociative learning is advanced as an organizing principle to draw together findings from both sympathetic-adrenal medullary and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses to chronic intermittent exposure to a variety of stressors. Studies of habituation, facilitation and sensitization of stress effector systems are reviewed and linked to an animal’s prior experience with a given stressor, the intensity of the stressor and the appraisal by the animal of its ability to mobilize physiological systems to adapt to the stressor. Brain pathways that regulate physiological and behavioral responses to stress are discussed, especially in light of their regulation of nonassociative processes in chronic intermittent stress. These findings may have special relevance to various psychiatric diseases, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Rate‐weakening drag during glacier sliding

Accurately specifying the relationship between basal drag on a hard, rough glacier bed and sliding speed is a long-standing and central challenge in glaciology. Drag on a rigid bed consisting of steps with linear treads inclined upglacier—a good idealization for the bedrock morphology of some hard-bedded glaciers—has been considered in sliding theories but never studied empirically. Balancing forces parallel to step treads indicates that drag should be independent of sliding speed and cavity size and set by the limit-equilibrium condition sometimes called Iken's bound. In this study we used a large ring-shear device to slide ice at its pressure melting temperature across a stepped bed, over a range of steady sliding speeds (29–348 m yr−1), and under a steady effective pressure (500 kPa). Contrary to expectation, drag decreased 42% with increasing sliding speed and cavity size. Experimental deviations from theory cannot explain this decrease in drag with increasing sliding speed (i.e., rate weakening). We suggest that stress bridging in ice between ice-bed contact zones and cavities causes stress gradients that require viscous deformation of ice to sustain stress equilibrium, so that contact zones can be at shear stresses below limit-equilibrium values. A parameter—linearly dependent on sliding speed—that scales the extent of ice deformation to areas of ice-bed contact allows the experimental drag relationship to be fitted with a simple sliding model. Rate-weakening drag has now been observed for two contrasting bed morphologies, stepped and sinusoidal, highlighting the need to consider such behavior in glacier flow models.
Depression of renal clearance of furosemide in man by azotemia

The renal clearance of furosemide and tetraethylammonium (TEA) were compared in 10 patients with hypertensive nephropathy. BUN and creatinine ranges were 10 to 88 mg/dl and 0.9 to 3.8 mg/dl, respectively. Diuretics were discontinued 48 hr prior to the study, and 2 consecutive clearances (ml/min/1.73 m2BSA) of creatinine were performed. The patient then received a bolus followed by a constant infusion of furosemide-14C and tetraethylammonium-14C (analyzed by specific methodology for plasma and urine), both in subpharmacologic doses. After 40-min equilibration sequential 20-min clearance periods were obtained. Both the clearance of furosemide (range 17 to 133) and TEA (range 99 to 443) correlated negatively with BUN and serum creatinine and positively with creatinine and urea clearances. Thus, by using a constant-infusion technique we demonstrated that the renal clearance of furosemide is depressed by azotemia in man and that there was greater depression with furosemide than with TEA.
Ultralight hybrid vehicles—principles and design

Publisher Summary The artful combination of hybrid-electric drive with lightweight, low-drag platform design appears requisite to the cost-effective optimization of efficiency, emissions, performance, and safety for production-worthy and marketable automobiles. The technology fusion substantially improves fuel economy and emissions without compromising safety, performance, and marketability. While not contributing much more fuel economy per change in load fraction than the drive system per change in efficiency, tractive load reduction stands out as the largest untapped source of fuel economy improvement. As the required drive-system power output is reduced, vehicle emissions necessarily decrease at least in proportion to tractive load reduction. The use of lightweight materials for the body-in-white (BIW) largely decouples vehicle mass from size, allowing substantial mass reductions without downsizing. This is particularly true for polymer composites with their exceptionally high specific strength. To avoid rejection by consumers, light hybrid vehicles should provide at least equivalent safety when colliding head-on with vehicles of average or higher mass at the time of introduction. This may require the absorption of several times the static fixed-barrier crash energy in a collision with a vehicle weighing twice as much.
Active tremor compensation in microsurgery

This work presents the development of an intelligent microsurgical instrument to perform real-time tremor compensation within a handheld tool. The intelligent instrument senses its own motion, distinguishes between voluntary and erroneous motion, and manipulates its tip to cancel the undesired component in real-time. The on-board sensing unit is made up of a magnetometer-aided all-accelerometer inertial measurement unit and sensor fusion is performed via a quaternion-based Kalman filtering. Tremor is modeled and filtered by an adaptive zero-phase notch filter. The intraocular shaft manipulator is a three DOF piezoelectric actuated mechanism driven by a feedforward controller with inverse rate-dependent hysteresis model. Laboratory experimental results of the system are presented.
Rudolf E. Kalman: The Father of Mathematical Systems Theory [Historical Perspectives]

Prof. Rudolf Kalman was a friend and mentor to both of us, and his profound insights deeply influenced our research. His contributions are far too numerous to describe in such a short note, so we will just outline some of the key highlights.
Osteoporosis in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system involving lymphocytes that damage myelin and axons and a process resulting in sensory, motor, and eventual cognitive deficits. There are four basic types of multiple sclerosis: relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive relapsing. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) forms constitute 85 % of cases and are predominantly seen in females. In contrast, primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), characterized by a continual decline without remissions and exacerbations, represents only 10 % of the cases and is seen in equal numbers of males and females.
Failure mechanism of E-FUSE for a production chip during the ESD zapping event

On-chip electrical fuse (E-FUSE) with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection scheme failure during point-to-point ESD stress has been reported and analyzed. ESD current flowing through the power bus-line and back-to-back diodes induces the potential difference between two ground domains. Thus induces activation of the control circuitry to programming mode, allowing E-FUSE as part of ESD discharge path.
Abstract 5276: Risk factors for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast in African American women

Introduction: The clinical significance of a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis is uncertain. While overall breast cancer mortality risk from DCIS is very low, a recent analysis showed that African American women diagnosed with DCIS were more than twice as likely to die from breast cancer as U.S. white women. Elucidation of risk factors for DCIS in African American women may provide opportunities for risk reduction. Methods: To assess the relation of reproductive, anthropometric, and other factors to risk of DCIS in African American women, we pooled data from three epidemiologic studies participating in the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk (AMBER) Consortium - the Black Women’s Health Study, the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, and the Women’s Circle of Health Study. These studies contributed 805 DCIS cases and 13,830 controls to the analysis. We used unconditional logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of DCIS in relation to each risk factor of interest. Multivariable models were used to mutually adjust for risk factors as well as matching factors (age, study, geographic region, and questionnaire time period). We also compared results to associations observed for invasive breast cancer (n=3,765). Results: First degree family history of breast cancer was associated with an increased risk of DCIS (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.32, 1.98). Oral contraceptive use within the past 10 years (vs. never) was also associated with increased risk (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01, 1.70), as was late age at first birth (≥25 years vs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that most risk factors for invasive breast cancer are also risk factors for DCIS among African American women. However, two important modifiable risk factors for invasive breast cancer in this population, higher waist-to-hip ratio and absence of breastfeeding, do not appear to influence DCIS risk. Citation Format: Kimberly A. Bertrand, Traci N. Bethea, Lynn Rosenberg, Elisa V. Bandera, Melissa Troester, Thaer Khoury, Christine B. Ambrosone, Julie R. Palmer. Risk factors for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast in African American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5276. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5276
The cephalic phase insulin response to nutritive and low-calorie sweeteners in solid and beverage form

The purpose of the study was to examine the role of the cephalic phase insulin response (CPIR) following exposure to nutritive and low-calorie sweeteners in solid and beverage form in overweight and obese adults. In addition, the role of learning on the CPIR to nutritive and low-calorie sweetener exposure was tested. Sixty-four overweight and obese adults (age: 18-50years, BMI: 24-37kg/m2, body fat percentage>25% for men and >32% for women) were sham-fed (at 2-minute intervals for 14min) a randomly assigned test load comprised of a nutritive (sucrose) or low-calorie sweetener (sucralose) in beverage or solid form in phase 1 of the study. A 2-3ml blood sample was collected before and 2, 6, 10, 14, 61, 91 and 121min after oral exposure for serum insulin and glucose analysis. During phase 2, participants underwent a 2-week training period to facilitate associative learning between the sensory properties of test loads and their post-ingestive effects. In phase 3, participants were retested for their cephalic phase responses as in phase 1. Participants were classified as responders if they demonstrated a positive insulin response (rise of serum insulin above baseline i.e. Δ insulin) 2min post-stimulus in phase 1. Among responders exposed to the same sweetener in Phases 1 and 3, the proportion of participants that displayed a rise of insulin with oral exposure to sucralose was significantly greater when the stimulus was in the solid form compared to the beverage form. Sucralose and sucrose exposure elicited similarly significant increases in serum insulin 2min after exposure and significant decreases after 2min in responders in both food forms. The solid food form elicited greater CPIR over 2, 6 and 10min than the beverage form. There was no effect of learning on insulin responses after training. The results indicate the presence of a significant CPIR in a subset of individuals with overweight or obesity after oral exposure to sucralose, especially when present in solid food form. Future studies must confirm the reliability of this response.
Abstract P639: Sildenafil Treatment Improves Placental Levels of Placental Growth Factor in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive Pregnant Rat Model of Superimposed Preeclampsia

Although the etiology of preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear, evidence indicates that impaired trophoblast invasion followed by placental ischemia promotes the release of placental anti-angiogenic factors into the maternal circulation. These factors then elicit maternal endothelial dysfunction and hypertension by blocking the action of molecules such as the placental growth factor (PlGF). Inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 with sildenafil or other has been proposed as a potential therapy for PE; however, the mechanisms whereby PDE-5 inhibitors reduce blood pressure (BP) and improve uteroplacental perfusion during pregnancy are not clear. While previous studies have shown that PDE-5 inhibition induces PlGF production from human umbilical vein endothelial cells; it is unknown whether PDE-5 inhibitors also increase PlGF from placenta. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether sildenafil enhance placental secretion/production of PlGF in vitro and in vivo. In our in vitro protocol, we incubated placental villous explants from Sprague Dawley (SD) pregnant rats (n=4, 2-3 placentas per rat) at gestational day (GD)19 with different doses of sildenafil for 48h at 37°C under normoxia (8% O 2 ). PlGF-2 was measured in media of cultured explants by ELISA. We observed that sildenafil had no effect on PlGF-2 secretion from rat placental villi (vehicle: 562.7±46.6, 10nM: 559.3±39.5, 100nM: 556.4±35.9, 10uM: 546.2±37.5, and 100uM: 558.7±48.2pg/mg; P>0.05). In our in vivo protocol, we treated Dahl Salt-Sensitive (DS) pregnant rats (n=6-8 per group), which we had previously characterized as a model of superimposed PE, with sildenafil (50mg/kg per day, via food) from GD10 to 20. PlGF-2 was measured in placental homogenates by ELISA. While untreated DS dams exhibited an increase in BP and uterine artery resistance index (UARI) from baseline to late pregnancy, sildenafil-treated DS dams exhibited a significant decrease in BP and UARI. In addition, we found that placental levels of PlGF-2 were elevated in sildenafil-treated DS dams compared with untreated counterparts (1019±107.3 and 646.8±125.1pg/mg; P=0.0407). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the BP and UARI reduction in response to sildenafil may involve the indirect production of PlGF.
MiR-181b inhibits P38/JNK signaling pathway to attenuate autophagy and apoptosis in juvenile rats with kainic acid-induced epilepsy via targeting TLR4.

Objective To explore the role of miR-181b in alterations of apoptosis and autophagy in the kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic juvenile rats via modulating TLR4 and P38/JNK signaling pathway. Methods Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to testify the targeting relationship between miR-181b and TLR4. After intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of KA, rats were injected with miR-181b agomir and TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242). The TLR-4 activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also administered into rats immediately after injection with miR-181b agomir. Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for detections of miR-181b and TLR4 expressions, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining for observation of the hippocampus morphological changes, and TUNEL staining for apoptosis analysis. Moreover, western blot was determined to detect TLR4 and P38/JNK pathway proteins, as well as autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins. Results TLR4 was identified as a direct target of miR-181b using Dual-luciferase reporter assay. KA rats injected with miR-181b agomir or TAK-242 had improved learning and memory abilities, reduced seizure severity of Racine's scale, and lessened neuron injury. Additionally, miR-181b agomir or TAK-242 could significantly inhibit P38/JNK signaling, decrease LC3II/I, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Bax, and cleaved caspases-3, but increase p62 and Bcl-2 expression. No significances were found between KA group and KA + miR-181b + LPS group. Conclusion MiR-181b could inhibit P38/JNK signaling pathway via targeting TLR4, thereby exerting protective roles in attenuating autophagy and apoptosis of KA-induced epileptic juvenile rats.
Single-Channel Analyzers

The single-channel analyzer (SCA) has been a basic instrument for measuring pulse amplitude in the nuclear field for many years. The history of the SCA and detailed design discussions of both early and recent developments can be found in Refs. 1–3. The SCA has two adjustable voltage levels and produces an output pulse when the peak of the input pulse falls between these two levels. The region between these two adjusted voltage levels is referred to as a channel or window. A digital output pulse is produced for each input pulse whose amplitude falls within the selected window. Two discriminators monitor the input signal and a logic circuit produces a digital output pulse. In this way, the SCA can be considered an analog-to-digital converter.
Simulating the influence of convective decay parameterization for a case study in Houston, TX

Abstract In this study, we performed meteorological and chemical sensitivity studies employing two different Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) simulations: one with the standard Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) Yonsei scheme (YSU), and one with a modified YSU PBL scheme proposed in a previous work. The WRF-Chem results were compared to observational temporally highly resolved boundary layer data obtained during the Vertical Mixing Experiment (VME) which was part of the 2006 TexAQS-II radical and aerosol measurement project (TRAMP) campaign. The analysis of meteorological variables indicates that in particular during the morning transition of the PBL (at 10 CDT), which is a critical time period for pollutant dispersion, the statistical scores presented improvements for all variables, when the modified YSU PBL scheme was used. Overall, the sensitivity of pollutant concentrations in the WRF-Chem model towards the representation of diffusion processes of the evening transition in the vertical mixing calculation showed reasonably good agreement with observations during the VME period. The comparison of vertical profiles of O3 showed appreciable differences (up to ∼ 8 ppbv) between the standard and modified YSU scheme during the morning hours; in the afternoon, the modified YSU presented only a slight improvement in the simulation of O3 precursors concentrations such as CO and NOx. These improvements were possible without a significant increase in complexity or computer time. However, the model still oversimplifies the vertical mixing within the PBL, and uncertainties in the turbulence structure of the PBL in the WRF-Chem still remain.
Incorporating adaptation in object recognition models captures temporal dynamics in neurophysiology and perception

The ability to rapidly adapt to the current sensory environment is a fundamental property of sensory systems. Such adaptation may depend on computations implemented at the neural circuit level, but also on intrinsic cellular mechanisms. We combined neural data, psychophysics, and computational models to evaluate whether an intrinsic neural fatigue mechanism in a feed-forward hierarchical network is sufficient to explain the core properties of visual adaptation. We implemented activity-based response suppression in each unit of a convolutional deep neural network.The resulting units showed hallmark properties of repetition suppression, leading to a stimulus-specific and layer-dependent response attenuation for frequent input. Further-more, the activation patterns could account for known perceptual aftereffects such as the tilt and face-gender aftereffect. The model was also able to capture the results of a visual categorisation experiment demonstrating enhanced object recognition when objects are embedded in a constant pattern of noisy inputs. The computations required for adaptation can be learned, as demonstrated by units in a recurrent neural network which learn to suppress themselves when trained on that same psychophysics visual recognition experiment. These results show that a learned intrinsic neural mechanism of fatigue can incorporate temporal context information accounting for key neurophysiological and perceptual properties and leading to efficient and enhanced processing of sensory inputs.
Influence of relative injury risk profiles on anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament strain during simulated landing leading to a noncontact injury event.

Abstract Background Athletes have traditionally been subdivided into risk classifications for ACL injury relative to the biomechanical traits they display during landing. This investigation aimed to discern whether these separate risk classifications elicit strain differences on the ACL and MCL during landing. It was hypothesized that the higher risk simulation profiles would exhibit greater ACL strain and that the ACL would exhibit greater strain than the MCL under all conditions. Method The mechanical impact simulator was used to simulate landing on a cohort of 46 cadaveric specimens. The simulator applied external joint loads to the knee prior to impulse delivery. These loads were organized into a series of profiles derived from in vivo motion capture previously performed on a cohort of 44 athletes and represented various risk classifications. Strain gauges were implanted on the ACL and MCL and simulations performed until a structural failure was elicited. Differences were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis tests. Findings The highest-risk profiles tended to exhibit greater peak ACL strain and change in ACL strain than the baseline- and moderate-risk profiles. Specimens that failed during lower-risk simulations expressed greater strain at these loads than specimens that completed higher-risk simulations. The ACL recorded greater strain than the MCL throughout all simulation profiles. Interpretation This behavior justifies why neuromuscular interventions have greater impact on higher-risk athletes and supports the continued screening and targeted training of those athletes that express greater injury risk. The loading disparity between ACL and MCL justifies their limited concomitant injury rate.
Current barriers and ethical considerations for clinical implementation of epidural stimulation for functional improvement after spinal cord injury.

Context/objective: To determine current barriers for clinical implementation of epidural stimulation for functional improvement after spinal cord injury and highlight applicable ethical constructs ...
Plastid gene expression is required for singlet oxygen-induced chloroplast degradation and cell death

Chloroplasts constantly experience photo-oxidative stress while performing photosynthesis. This is particularly true under abiotic stresses that lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While ROS leads to the oxidation of DNA, proteins, and lipids, it can also act as a signal to induce chloroplast degradation, cell death, and nuclear gene expression. Although the mechanisms behind ROS signaling from chloroplasts remain mostly unknown, several genetic systems have been devised in the model plant Arabidopsis to understand their signaling properties. One system uses the plastid ferrochelatase two (fc2) mutant that conditionally accumulates the ROS singlet oxygen (1O2) leading to chloroplast degradation and eventually cell death. Here we have mapped three mutations that suppress chloroplast degradation in the fc2 mutant and demonstrate that they affect two independent loci (PPR30 and mTERF9) encoding chloroplast proteins predicted to be involved in post-transcriptional gene expression. Mutations in either gene were shown to lead to broadly reduced chloroplast gene expression, impaired chloroplast development, and reduced chloroplast stress signaling. 1O2 levels were uncoupled to chloroplast degradation, however, suggesting that these mutations also affect ROS signaling pathways. In the wild type background, ppr30 and mTERF9 mutants were also observed to be less susceptible to cell death induced by excess light stress. Together these results suggest that plastid gene expression (or the expression of specific plastid genes) is a necessary prerequisite for chloroplasts to activate 1O2 signaling pathways to induce chloroplast degradation and/or cell death.
Racial Segregation and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) disproportionately affects black neonates. Other conditions that are more common in black neonates, including low birth weight and preterm delivery, have been linked with residential racial segregation (RRS). In this study, we investigated the association between RRS and IVH. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of neonates born between 24 and 32 weeks’ gestation was constructed by using birth certificates linked to medical records from California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania between 1995 and 2009. Dissimilarity, a measure of RRS indicating the proportion of minorities in the census tract of the mother in comparison to the larger metropolitan area, was linked to patient data, yielding a cohort of 70 775 infants. Propensity score analysis matched infants born to mothers living in high segregation to those living in less segregated areas on the basis of race, sociodemographic factors, and medical comorbidities to compare the risk of developing IVH. RESULTS: Infants born to mothers in the most segregated quartile had a greater risk of developing IVH compared with those in the lowest quartile (12.9% vs 10.4%; P CONCLUSIONS: RRS is associated with an increased risk of IVH in preterm neonates, but the effect size varies by race. This association persists after balancing for community factors and birth weight, representing a novel risk factor for IVH.