cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The moving-window Bayesian maximum entropy framework: estimation of PM 2.5 yearly average concentration across the contiguous United States

Geostatistical methods are widely used in estimating long-term exposures for epidemiological studies on air pollution, despite their limited capabilities to handle spatial non-stationarity over large geographic domains and the uncertainty associated with missing monitoring data. We developed a moving-window (MW) Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method and applied this framework to estimate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) yearly average concentrations over the contiguous US. The MW approach accounts for the spatial non-stationarity, while the BME method rigorously processes the uncertainty associated with data missingness in the air-monitoring system. In the cross-validation analyses conducted on a set of randomly selected complete PM2.5 data in 2003 and on simulated data with different degrees of missing data, we demonstrate that the MW approach alone leads to at least 17.8% reduction in mean square error (MSE) in estimating the yearly PM2.5. Moreover, the MWBME method further reduces the MSE by 8.4–43.7%, with the proportion of incomplete data increased from 18.3% to 82.0%. The MWBME approach leads to significant reductions in estimation error and thus is recommended for epidemiological studies investigating the effect of long-term exposure to PM2.5 across large geographical domains with expected spatial non-stationarity.
New media and old inequities: Gender and media use in Nigeria

This paper uses survey data from Nigerian college students to illustrate the fact that the introduction of new media technology does not in itself solve problems of gender equity in information access. Fewer women than men in the sample read a newspaper or listened to the radio daily, and women were more likely than men to identify television as their "most credible" source. Furthermore, women were less likely than men to identify news programming as preferred television content. Overall, the data suggest that despite equiv alent access women seemed to be getting less news information out of the available system.
LET Guided Biological Optimization in IMPT: Implications on RBE Value

Biological optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), based on variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE), is hindered due to considerable model uncertainties and lack of accurate data for α/β values. However, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that, for a given endpoint and dose ranges used clinically, the RBE values show a linear dependence on the linear energy transfer (LET)[1, 2], which can be accurately calculated through Monte Carlo simulation. It has been previously shown[3] that different pencil beam placement techniques in IMPT can lead to highly different LET distributions. We examine the feasibility of LET-guided optimization, as an indirect RBE optimization, by influencing the LET distributions, and bypassing the need to directly consider the uncertainties of α/β values. Results LET-Guided Biological Optimization in IMPT: Implications on RBE Value
Treatment of Bilateral Hand Frostbite Using Transcatheter Arterial Thrombolysis After Papaverine Infusion

Standard therapy for frostbite has been unaltered for more than 20 years. Recently there have been reports of improved outcomes with the addition of a vasodilator to intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy. We report the case of severe frostbite of the hands successfully treated with transcatheter intra-arterial tPA after papaverine infusion in a 37-year-old man. Upper extremity and hand angiography within 16 h of the insult showed thrombotic occlusive disease and vasospasm. Intra-arterial catheters were placed in the brachial arteries and a papaverine infusion was initiated, followed by intra-arterial tPA thrombolysis. Follow-up examination at 4 months revealed full hand function and complete resolution of symptoms.
A Scheme for Grading the Reactions of Children in a New Social Situation

* Accepted for publication by Arnold Gesell of the Editorial Board and received in the Editorial Office, October 26, 1931.
Teaching Writing in the Second Language Composition/Conversation Class at the College Level

Many problems confront the teacher of writing in the second language composition/conversation class. Second language teachers generally view composition writing in a second language as an academic exercise rather than as the communication of a message. Moreoever, the usual arrangement of having composition and conversation combined into one course does not permit the teacher to spend much time on the principles of writing. The heterogeneity of students' interests, abilities, and needs further makes the teaching of writing virtually impossible in the current arrangement. The following article suggests that second language departments incorporate in their programs a writing course, independent from conversation, individualized in format to meet the needs of all students. Such a course must include notional materials to make second language study worthwhile for all students. Many ideas and suggestions used by departments of English may be helpful to second language teachers.
Childhood paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: Report of seven cases with onset at an early age

Abstract We report on seven children who developed abnormal involuntary movements as early as 1 1 2 years after unremarkable term births. The paroxysmal episodes of abnormal movements were typically precipitated by sudden, voluntary movements, or a startle. The clinical features in each case were consistent with the diagnosis of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). The episodes of abnormal movements are described. EEG was obtained in all cases, and video/electroencephalography (VEEG) monitoring was performed to exclude the possibility of epilepsy in six patients. VEEG studies revealed multiple events consistent with PKD; no ictal epileptiform discharges were recorded. The apparent benign nature of the disorder, as well as treatment options with antiepileptic drugs, was discussed with the parents, and most chose no pharmacologic treatment. We discuss clinical characteristics of PKD, treatment with anticonvulsant therapy, and recent insights into its possible pathophysiology.
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral cavernous malformations: part II. Imaging of lesions in murine models.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the appearance of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in murine Ccm1 and Ccm2 gene knockout models and to develop a technique of lesion localization for correlative pathobiological studies METHODS: Brains from 18 CCM mutant mice (Ccm1 +/- Trp53 -/- and Ccm2 +/- Trp53 -/- ) and 28 control animals were imaged by gradient recalled echo (T2*)-weighted MRI scans at 4.7- and 14.1-T in vivo and/or ex vivo. After MRI scanning, the brains were removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and cells were laser-microdissected for molecular biological studies. RESULTS: T2*-weighted MRI scans of brains in vivo and ex vivo revealed lesions similar to human CCMs in mutant mice, but not in control animals. Stereotactic localization and hematoxylin and eosin staining of correlative tissue sections confirmed lesion histology and revealed other areas of dilated capillaries in the same brains. Some lesions were identified by MRI scans at 14.1-T, but not at 4.7-T. Polymerase chain reaction amplification from Ccml and β-actin genes was demonstrated from nucleic acids extracted from laser microdissected lesional and perilesional cells. CONCLUSION: The high-field MRI techniques offer new opportunities for further investigation of disease pathogenesis in vivo, and the local ization, staging, and histobiological dissection of lesions, including the presumed earliest stages of CCM lesion development.
WS-GraphMatching: a web service tool for graph matching

Some emerging applications deal with graph data and relie on graph matching and mining. The service-oriented graph matching and mining tool has been required. In this demo we present the web service tool WS-GraphMatching which supports the efficient and visualized matching of polytrees, series-parallel graphs, and arbitrary graphs with bounded feedback vertex set. Its embedded matching algorithms take in account the similarity of vertex-to-vertex and graph structures, allowing path contraction, vertex deletion, and vertex insertions. It provides one-to-one matching queries as well as queries in batch modes including one-to-many matching mode and many-to-many matching mode. It can be used for predicting unknown structured information, comparing and finding conserved patterns, and resolving ambiguous identification of vertices. WS-GraphAligner is available as web-server at: http://odysseus.cs.fiu.edu:8080/MinePW/pages/gmapping/GMMain.html.
Effect of adsorbents on drug absorption. I. Modification of promazine absorption by activated attapulgite and activated charcoal.

Effects on the rate and extent of absorption of promazine from the gastrointestinal tract produced by admixture with either activated attapulgite or activated charcoal were studied in humans using urinary excretion measurements. The initial rate of appearance of drug in the urine was slowed, but there was little decrease in total availability when promazine was administered in mixtures containing activated attapulgite. Activated charcoal decreased both the rate and extent of absorption. It is concluded that the forces through which the adsorption interaction is mediated are important to the effect obtained in vivo and that with further knowledge it may be possible to predict in vivo effects from the results of in vitro experiments.
Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Death using support vector machine

Sudden death from cardiac arrest is a major health problem and is responsible for almost half of all heart disease deaths. In Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), the cardiac arrest occurs for a very short time which is preceded and followed by normal ECG. Thus, it is difficult to detect such conditions, using only ECG. This work predicts sudden cardiac arrest before 30 minutes of its occurrence on the basis of time domain and frequency domain features of Heart rate variability (HRV) obtained from ECG and using SVM classifier to classify SCD patient from Normal patient The database of cardiac patients obtained from physionet is used to check the validity of the proposed work Performance of SVM is better giving the classification efficiency of 88%.
Vaginal administration of oral micronized estradiol results in successful twin pregnancy in a functionally agonadal woman

Case report A 31-year-old nulligravid woman seeking fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection failed to achieve pregnancy. Supernumerary embryos were cryopreserved for future use. In preparation for the transfer of the frozen embryos, the patient was prescribed hormones, which included pituitary down-regulation with leuprolide acetate, followed by oral micronized estradiol (E2) and vaginal progesterone (P4) suppositories. At the time of embryo transfer (ET) it was noted that the patient had misunderstood her instructions and was administering both her estrogen and progesterone vaginally. Ultrasound examination revealed a well-developed endometrium adequate for ET so the procedure was performed, and at that point she was instructed to use E2 orally as originally prescribed. Two weeks later, her beta-hCG was elevated, and subsequent ultrasound examinations revealed a twin gestation. The pregnancy progressed normally.
The Strategies and Tactics of Interest Groups: The Case of the Environmental and Energy Policy Arena

This paper examines strategies, or sets of advocacy tactics, interest groups use to influence policy, and compares those to the various strategy constructs identified in the literature. Factor analysis of our data confirm that the tactics used by the groups active in the environmental and energy policy arena during the 1980s clustered into four overall strategies. The “informational” strategy remains the dominant approach to group advocacy, but the other strategies are distinguishable from the constructs in the literature after Milbrath's The Washington Lobbyists. Our data also show that the structure of group strategies varies among the three types of groups that function in this arena. Public interest groups pursue more differentiated strategies than trade associations, and professional and governmental associations adopt more narrowly informational approaches than public interest or trade groups.
Closed-loop wavefront correction for high-contrast imaging: the peek-a-boo algorithm

ABSTRACT High contrast imaging from space must overcome photon noise of the diract ed star light and scattered lightfrom optical components defects. The very high contrast required (up to 10  10 for terrestrial planets) putssevere requirements on the wavefront control system, as the achievable contrast is limited by the quality of thewavefront. The Peak-a-boo correction algorithm, pre sented here, is a closed loop correction method for theshaped pupil coronagraph to minimize the energy in a pre-dened region in the image where terrestrial planetswould be found. The reconstruction part uses three intensity measurements in the image plane with a pinholeadded to the shaped pupil for diversity. This method has been shown in simulations to converge to the nominalcontrast in 2-3 iterations. In addition, the peak-a-boo has shown to be eective in broadband conditions.Keywords: Adaptive optics, high contrast imaging, wavefront reconstruction 1. INTRODUCTION Recently, the problem of high-contras t imaging (typically using a coronagra ph)has become of increasing interest.Here, we refer to the problem of imaging a very dim poin t source very near a much brighter point or extendedsource (star). The Princeton University high contrast imaging group has been pioneering the Shaped PupilCoronagraph (SPC).
MINI-CPT: A continuous performance test program for the Tandy PC-8 Pocket Computer

MINI-CPT programs the miniature PC-8 computer (2K RAM) to administer a continuous performance test. After training to criterion, MINI-CPT presents a randomized series of 360 stimuli at 1-sec intervals. Upon completion of the 6-min task, statistics including reaction time (RT) mean, standard deviation, and distribution; errors of omission and commission; a percent correct score adjusted for response bias; and RTs for each of the 90 targets are displayed or printed via a PC-3 printer. User options include selecting immediate RT feedback, limiting the task to 3 min, and designating the randomization seed to generate replicable stimulus sequences. MINI-CPT provides a portable, inexpensive measure of attention suitable for use in field research in attentional-deficit disorders, circadian rhythm disturbances due to shift work or jet lag, and, in neuropsychological rehabilitation, as a directed-attention training device with immediate feedback.
Efficient Similarity Search over Encrypted Data

In recent years, due to the appealing features of cloud computing, large amount of data have been stored in the cloud. Although cloud based services offer many advantages, privacy and security of the sensitive data is a big concern. To mitigate the concerns, it is desirable to outsource sensitive data in encrypted form. Encrypted storage protects the data against illegal access, but it complicates some basic, yet important functionality such as the search on the data. To achieve search over encrypted data without compromising the privacy, considerable amount of searchable encryption schemes have been proposed in the literature. However, almost all of them handle exact query matching but not similarity matching, a crucial requirement for real world applications. Although some sophisticated secure multi-party computation based cryptographic techniques are available for similarity tests, they are computationally intensive and do not scale for large data sources. In this paper, we propose an efficient scheme for similarity search over encrypted data. To do so, we utilize a state-of-the-art algorithm for fast near neighbor search in high dimensional spaces called locality sensitive hashing. To ensure the confidentiality of the sensitive data, we provide a rigorous security definition and prove the security of the proposed scheme under the provided definition. In addition, we provide a real world application of the proposed scheme and verify the theoretical results with empirical observations on a real dataset.
Intracellular delivery of proteins into mouse Müller glia cells in vitro and in vivo using Pep-1 transfection reagent.

Direct protein transfection is a potentially valuable tool for studying protein function in basic and clinical research. A major challenge is to enable a sufficiently large amount of protein to penetrate the plasma membrane of the transfected cells. Pep-1, a protein transfection reagent, was evaluated for its ability and efficiency in delivering proteins and antibodies into mouse Muller cells in vitro and in vivo. Pep-1 delivered active beta-galactosidase enzyme and antibodies (non-specific IgG and Cy3-conjugated anti-vimentin) into cultured Muller cells with high efficiency. Transfection efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the protein in the complex and with incubation time. Following intravitreal injection of Pep-1/IgG complexes in vivo, retinal histology was preserved and immunostaining showed that the antibodies were distributed widely across the retinal surface, with the most intense staining located near the retino-vitreal border. For complexes using non-specific IgG, double staining with anti-glutamine synthetase identified many IgG-positive cells as Muller glia. IgG immunoreactivity was also detected in the cytoplasm and occasionally in the nuclei of inner retinal neurons. Dark-adapted flash electroretinogram (ERG) recordings from injected eyes were nearly identical to ERG recordings from control eyes, suggesting that injection of Pep-1/IgG complex has minimal effects on retinal function. Therefore, Pep-1 is a useful tool for intracellular delivery of antibodies to study the role of proteins in living cells.
Interpreting physical signs of child maltreatment: ‘grey cases’ and what is ‘reasonably possible’

Abstract There is a growing evidence-base for physical signs of child maltreatment. However, health professionals sometimes find themselves in situations that are not clear cut, particularly when there is one suspicious injury in an otherwise normal child in a family where there are no risk factors for maltreatment present. This paper highlights such situations and guides the clinician through uncertainty to a consideration of whether or not the explanation for an injury is reasonably possible. This will be done by discussing the location, configuration and patterns of injury arising from low level falls, stairway falls, climbing into the bathtub, pacifiers or bottles, and being bitten by another child; explanations often proffered for an injury. The location of bruising in disabled children and young people will also be discussed. If uncertainty surrounding the causation of an injury remains following advice and peer review, this must be acknowledged and stated unequivocally.
Evidence for a cold, dry full-glacial climate in the American Southwest

Analysis of the evidence concerning full-glacial (27,000–13,000 yr BP) time in the American Southwest has resulted in a reinterpretation of the past climate. After correction for previous errors, which include the use of (1) the July 0°C isotherm as an indicator of modern snowline and (2) relict cirques at the head of heavily glaciated valleys as indicators of past snowline, orographic snowline is estimated to have been about 1000 m lower. This, combined with similar depression estimates for timberline and for cryogenic deposits, results in an annual cooling estimate of 7–8°C. The cooler temperatures caused deposition of coarse “bouldery” alluvial-fan sediments by streams draining areas at high elevations, as well as hill-slope stability, soil development, and subsurface weathering in the lower desert ranges. Reliability of paleoclimatic inferences from water budgets of the extinct paleolakes is questioned on the basis that they exclude groundwater effects. However, recalculation of two water budgets following traditional methods indicates that lowered evaporation rates accompanying a 7–8°C annual cooling would have sufficed to maintain these lakes. Similarly, increased soil moisture would have allowed coniferous woodland to grow ∼700 m lower into the deserts, the maximum recorded by Pleistocene pack rat middens. Therefore, no significant increase in annual precipitation is inferred for full-glacial times.
Impact of clinical reverse transcriptase sequences on the replication capacity of HIV-1 drug-resistant mutants.

We have shown that the HIV-1 laboratory strain NL4-3 that contains P236L [a reverse transcriptase mutation conferring resistance to the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) delavirdine] replicates more slowly than wild-type NL4-3. Other NNRTI-resistance mutations, such as K103N and Y181C, do not reduce the replication capacity of NL4-3 as much as P236L and develop more frequently in HIV-1 isolates from patients failing delavirdine. However, a minority of patients on delavirdine therapy still have isolates with P236L. We postulated that reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences from these patient isolates contain other mutations that compensate for the adverse effect of P236L. To test this hypothesis, we created 15 chimeric NL4-3 isolates that contained delavirdine-resistant RT sequences derived from eight patient isolates and characterized their replication kinetics. Nine of 10 patient-derived clones containing P236L replicated as slowly as NL4-3 with P236L. In contrast, three of five clones that did not have P236L (but had either K103N or Y181C) replicated significantly better than NL4-3 with P236L. Thus, the majority of patients who acquire P236L during delavirdine therapy do not have RT mutations that compensate for the replication defect conferred by P236L. We hypothesize that HIV-1 isolates with P236L may have a compensatory mutation outside RT. Alternatively, variants of HIV-1 with reduced replication fitness may be selected during antiretroviral therapy, suggesting that stochastic events rather than viral replication fitness may determine which drug-resistant mutants emerge early during antiretroviral failure. In some isolates, it appears that the background RT sequence can contribute significantly to the replication fitness of drug-resistant HIV-1 variants.
Investigation of effects of trifluoroacetate on vernal pool ecosystems

Trifluoroacetate (CH3COO-, TFA) is a breakdown product of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons and is released by the heating of Teflon® products. Because of its chemical properties, concentrations in evaporative wetlands are predicted to increase with time. This study focused on assessing the impact of this haloacetic acid on vernal pool soil microbial communities as well as vernal pool and wetland plant species. Microbial respiration for three vernal pool soils and an agricultural soil was not affected by TFA exposures (0, 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 μg/L), and degradation of TFA by microbial communities was not observed in soils incubated for three months. Trifluoroacetate accumulated in foliar tissue of wetland plant species as a function of root exposure concentration (100 and 1,000 μg/L TFA), and accumulation was found to stabilize or decrease after the second or third month of exposure. Seeds accumulated TFA as a function of root exposure concentration; however, germination success was not affected. No adverse physiological responses, including general plant health and photosynthetic and conductance rates, were observed for root exposures at the TFA concentrations used in this study. Based on the soils and plant species used in this study, predicted TFA concentrations will not adversely affect the development of soil microbial communities and vernal pool plant species.
Similitude of Critical Conditions in Ferroresonant Circuits

RECENTLY a number of articles dealing with the critical conditions in ferroresonant circuits has appeared. However, no simple generalization is possible from these previous methods. The generalization presented in this paper offers certain information pertaining to similitudes of circuits in a surprisingly simple manner. Knowing the critical stable conditions for one reactor, the principle of similitude enables the predetermination of the critical stable conditions for any other reactor using the same grade of iron.
Punitive and Non-Punitive Supervision

About twenty years ago, I rode the range between cattle and sheep country in Wyoming. My job was to keep the cows from grazing on the sheep range. Those damn cows made my life miserable until I began sicking my dog on the lead cow. My dog got so that he would chase her and bite her heels and flanks until she was deep into cattle country again. The other cows were easy; they'd just follow. I wasn't supposed to do it, but it was the only way I could keep those cows on their own range. But, you know, when you sit down and think about it, human nature is sort of like that-people have to go around dogging each other, too. Now-take you guys on this shift, for instance. If I didn't bark and bite at you guys all the time, you'd never get any work done.
DNA topology regulates rat prolactin gene transcription

Abstract A cell-free transcription system was used to examine the effects of DNA negative supercoiling on transcription from rat prolactin promoters. The mRNA was faithfully transcribed from prolactin promoters that contained the DNA fragment spanning from −1960 to −10 base pairs upstream of the prolactin transcription start site. Prolactin promoters in supercoiled form, prepared from Escherichia coli, have a higher transcriptional efficiency than the promoter in the relaxed form. Deletion of DNA sequences containing the estrogen response element and putative non-B form DNA elements from the upstream region of the prolactin gene did not alter this effect of DNA topology on prolactin transcription. We further separated transcription into preinitiation and elongation steps by using sarkosyl and found that more preinitiation complexes were assembled on the supercoiled prolactin promoters than on the relaxed promoters. DNA supercoiling therefore plays an important role in controlling prolactin gene expression by facilitating the formation of preinitiation complexes on the promoters.
The physics of the tunnel diode

A brief account is given of the physical principles governing the operation of tunnel diodes. The material parameters affecting the peak and valley currents and the capacitance are discussed. The significance of some low temperature phenomena is explained.
Multidimensional ultrafast spectroscopy special feature: multidimensional ultrafast spectroscopy.

The development and applications of methods that can help us to visualize the evolution of structural changes of complex assemblies far from equilibrium or of ultrafast structure evolution close to equilibrium are exciting frontiers of research with particularly important examples in chemistry, physics, and biology. Such efforts are expected to complement the vast knowledge of average structures that continue to be discovered by established methods.
The Evolution of Morality

Here, in textbook style, is a concise biological account of the evolution of morality. It addresses morality on three levels: moral outcomes (behavioral genetics), moral motivation or intent (psychology and neurology), and moral systems (sociality). The rationale for teaching this material is addressed in Allchin (2009). Classroom resources (including accompanying images and video links) and a discussion of teaching strategies are provided online at: http://EvolutionOfMorality.net.
Sugar, Slavery and Freedom in Nineteenth-century Puerto Rico

Luis A. Figueroa Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2005 290 pp., ISBN 0-8078—5610-X In Sugar, Slavery and Freedom in Nineteenth-century Puerto Rico, historian Luis A. Figueroa ta...
Radiative Property Measurements of Oxy-Fuel Flames

As part of the DOE Existing Plants, Emissions and Capture (EPEC) program, oxy-combustion is being investigated as a method to simplify carbon capture and reduce the parasitic energy penalties associated with separating CO2 from a dilute flue gas. Gas-phase radiation heat transfer in boilers becomes significant when shifting from air-firing to oxy-combustion, and must be accurately represented in models. Currently, radiative property data are not widely available in the literature for conditions appropriate to this environment. In order to facilitate the development and validation of accurate oxy-combustion models, NETL conducted a series of studies to measure radiation properties of oxy-fuel flames at adiabatic flame temperatures of 1750–1950K, and product molar concentrations ranging from 95% CO2 to 100% steam, determined by equilibrium calculations. Transmission coefficients were measured as a function of wavelength using a mid-IR imaging spectrometer and a blackbody radiation source. Additionally, flame temperatures were calculated using data collected within CO2 and H2 O absorption bands. Experimental results were compared to two statistical narrow-band models and experimental data from literature sources. These comparisons showed good overall agreement, although differences between the models and experimental results were noted, particularly for the R branch of the 2.7 μm H2 O band.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Measurements of Kinetic Energy Loss for Particles Impacting Surfaces

Incoming and rebounding particle velocities were measured to within several particle diameters of the impaction surface using laser Doppler velocimetry. Impacts occurred normal to the surface and ranged from 1 m/s, near the threshold for particle bounce, to 100 m/s, well into the plastic damage regime. Monodisperse ammonium fluorescein spheres, 2.6–6.9 μm in diameter, impacted target surfaces including polished molybdenum and silicon, cleaved mica, and a fluorocarbon polymer. The incident kinetic energy recovered on rebound depended on particle size and target composition at low velocity (< 20 m/s), where the adhesion surface energy is important. No dependence on target composition was found at higher velocities where up to half of the impact energy was lost to plastic deformation. Plastic deformation was a significant component of energy loss even at impact velocities near critical velocity. Critical velocities for the onset of bounce decreased with a stronger power-law dependence on particle diameter th...
n-3 PUFA supplementation benefits microglial responses to myelin pathology

Microglia represent rational but challenging targets for improving white matter integrity because of their dualistic protective and toxic roles. The present study examines the effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on microglial responses to myelin pathology in primary cultures and in the cuprizone mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating demyelination disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the two main forms of n-3 PUFAs in the brain, inhibited the release of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α from primary microglia upon IFN-γ and myelin stimulation. DHA and EPA also enhanced myelin phagocytosis in vitro. Therefore, n-3 PUFAs can inhibit inflammation while at the same time enhancing beneficial immune responses such as microglial phagocytosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation reduced cuprizone-induced demyelination and improved motor and cognitive function. The positive effects of n-3 PUFAs were accompanied by a shift in microglial polarization toward the beneficial M2 phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that n-3 PUFAs may be clinically useful as immunomodulatory agents for demyelinating diseases through a novel mechanism involving microglial phenotype switching.
Quantum mechanical cell model for the thermal conductivity of simple liquids

Abstract A model for calculating the thermal conductivity of simple liquids influenced by quantum effects is presented. The model is based on the cell theory of liquids. The prediction of the influence of quantum effects on the thermal conductivity, and its temperature, pressure, and volume derivaties, is qualitatively correct. Calculations of the thermal conductivity of liquid 4He and 3He are in fair agreement with experimental measurements.
Binding of Tamm-Horsfall protein to complement 1q measured by ELISA and resonant mirror biosensor techniques under various ionic-strength conditions.

Binding of Tamm-Horsfall protein to complement 1q measured by ELISA and resonant mirror biosensor techniques under various ionic-strength conditions
A central-limit-theorem-based approach for analyzing queue behavior in high-speed networks

In this paper, we study P(/spl Qscr/>x), the tail of the steady-state queue length distribution at a high-speed multiplexer. In particular, we focus on the case when the aggregate traffic to the multiplexer can be characterized by a stationary Gaussian process. We provide two asymptotic upper bounds for the tail probability and an asymptotic result that emphasizes the importance of the dominant time scale and the maximum variance. One of our bounds is in a single-exponential form and can be used to calculate an upper bound to the asymptotic constant. However, we show that this bound, being of a single-exponential form, may not accurately capture the tail probability. Our asymptotic result on the importance of the maximum variance and our extensive numerical study on a known lower bound motivate the development of our second asymptotic upper bound. This bound is expressed in terms of the maximum variance of a Gaussian process, and enables the accurate estimation of the tail probability over a wide range of queue lengths. We apply our results to Gaussian as well as multiplexed non-Gaussian input sources, and validate their performance via simulations. Wherever possible, we have conducted our simulation study using importance sampling in order to improve its reliability and to effectively capture rare events. Our analytical study is based on extreme value theory, and therefore different from the approaches using traditional Markovian and large deviations techniques.
The effects of dietary carotenoid intake on carotenoid accumulation in the retina of a wild bird, the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

Abstract Carotenoid pigments accumulate in the retinas of many animals, including humans, where they play an important role in visual health and performance. Recently, birds have emerged as a model system for studying the mechanisms and functions of carotenoid accumulation in the retina. However, these studies have been limited to a small number of domesticated species, and the effects of dietary carotenoid access on retinal carotenoid accumulation have not been investigated in any wild animal species. The purpose of our studies was to examine how variation in dietary carotenoid types and levels affect retinal accumulation in house finches ( Carpodacus mexicanus ), a common and colorful North American songbird. We carried out three 8-week studies with wild-caught captive birds: (1) we tracked the rate of retinal carotenoid depletion, compared to other body tissues, on a very low-carotenoid diet, (2) we supplemented birds with two common dietary carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin) and measured the effect on retinal accumulation, and (3) we separately supplemented birds with high levels of zeaxanthin – an important dietary precursor for retinal carotenoids – or astaxanthin – a dominant retinal carotenoid not commonly found in the diet (i.e. a metabolic derivative). We found that carotenoids depleted slowly from the retina compared to other tissues, with a significant (∼50%) decline observed only after 8 weeks on a very low-carotenoid diet. Supplementation with lutein + zeaxanthin or zeaxanthin alone significantly increased only retinal galloxanthin and e-carotene levels, while other carotenoid types in the retina remained unaffected. Concentrations of retinal astaxanthin were unaffected by direct dietary supplementation with astaxanthin. These results suggest highly specific mechanisms of retinal carotenoid metabolism and accumulation, as well as differential rates of turnover among retinal carotenoid types, all of which have important implications for visual health maintenance and interventions.
LEARNING METHODS IN SEGMENTATION OF CARDIAC TAGGED MRI

In this paper we present a learning framework for segmentation and tracking in 2D cardiac tagged MRI sequences. We employ a transformed component analysis (TCA) algorithm to estimate the shape variations, and at the same time, eliminate the rotation distortions of the training shapes. This method also integrates the motion and the static local appearance features and generates accurate boundary criteria via a boosting approach. We extend the conventional Adaboost classifier into a posterior probability form, which can be embedded in a particle filter based shape tracking framework. The TCA shape representation is used to constrain the shape variations and lower the dimensionality, so that it makes the tracking process more robust and faster. We also learn two shape dynamic models for systole and diastole separately to predict the shape evolution. Our segmentation and tracking method incorporates the static appearance, the motion appearance, the shape constraints, and the dynamic prediction in a unified way. The proposed method has been applied to 50 tagged MRI sequences. The experimental results show the accuracy and robustness of our approach
Orthogonal LMS algorithms for fast line echo canceller training

An LMS-like fast algorithm, called the orthogonal LMS (OLMS) algorithm, is proposed. The OLMS algorithm is capable of estimating an FIR system. The estimation error will drop below the noise floor with the number of iterations in about two times the number of taps in the FIR system. This algorithm was designed originally to train the echo cancellers for the voiceband modems. The main feature of OLMS is that it uses an orthogonal training sequence and by exploiting the orthogonality, it accomplishes the exact same computations of the RLS algorithm. A simplified version of OLMS, called the SOLMS algorithm, is shown to be a normalized LMS algorithm with an orthogonal sequence. SOLMS has exactly the computation complexity of the LMS algorithm while converging at a speed compatible to the RLS algorithm. The steady-state error of the SOLMS is almost the same as that of the RLS algorithm. This difference in error actually goes to zero as the channel length goes to infinity. On the other hand, OLMS, which requires 50% more memory than SOLMS while being only slightly more complex than SOLMS, is shown to be exactly equivalent to the RLS algorithm. Using a deterministic linear algebraic formulation of the system identification problem of FIR systems, new insights about LMS-like algorithms and their relationship with the RLS algorithms are obtained. According to the linear algebraic framework, the LMS-like algorithms are shown to be based on the under-determined system approach, while the RLS algorithm is based on the over-determined system approach and these two approaches become the same when the training sequence is orthogonal or when the system is actually exactly determined. Numerical implementation results are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results presented in this paper.
Primary non-clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina in a diethylstilbestrol exposed woman.

ABSTRACT A 54-year-old woman with a history of in-utero diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure, who had a prior hysterectomy for symptomatic leiomyomata and dysmenorrhea, presented for vaginal bleeding. Vaginal biopsies showed a non-clear-cell adenocarcinoma, and the patient was subsequently treated with radiation therapy. We present a case of primary vaginal non-clear-cell adenocarcinoma in a patient with in-utero DES exposure. Continued monitoring of older DES-exposed women for vaginal lesions is warranted because of reported cases of non-clear-cell adenocarcinoma and persistent risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma.
Local Response to Microneedle-Based Influenza Immunization in the Skin

ABSTRACT Microneedle patches (MN) provide a novel method of vaccine delivery to the skin with the objective of targeting the large network of resident antigen-presenting cells to induce an efficient immune response. Our previous reports demonstrated that cutaneous delivery of inactivated influenza virus-coated MN to mice protects against lethal infection. Protection is correlated with sustained levels of anti-influenza virus serum antibodies, hemagglutination inhibition titers, and robust cellular responses that are often stronger than those generated by intramuscular vaccination. Here we dissect the early events occurring in murine skin after microneedle delivery of inactivated influenza virus. We demonstrate correlation of immunization against influenza virus with a local increase of cytokines important for recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells at the site of immunization. We also observed prolonged antigen deposition, and migration of matured dendritic cells bearing influenza virus antigen from the skin. IMPORTANCE The immunological mechanisms by which MN vaccination confers protective immunity are not well understood. The present study provides a first analysis of the early immune events after microneedle-based vaccination.
The ties that bind. Differentials between seasonal and permanent migrants to retirement communities.

This article proposes a typology of migration based on duration of annual residence in planned retirement communities. The categories of the typology-seasonal in-migrant, seasonal out-migrant, seasonal traveler, and year-round resident-are used to classify a sample of households in a southwestern retirement community. The findings suggest that out-of-state children and ties to small towns are inhibiting influences on permanent relocation after retirement. Facilitating factors associated with seasonal migration include: a spouse in the household, higher socioeconomic status, and the absence of health restrictions on activities.
Challenges and opportunities in disclosure research—A discussion of 'the financial reporting environment: Review of the recent literature' $

Beyer et al. (2010) review the financial reporting literature related to voluntary and mandatory firm disclosures, and sell-side analyst reports. The discussion summarizes their approach, highlights some of their main conclusions, and presents alternative ideas about promising avenues for future research.
Evaluation of Historical and Future Cool Season Precipitation over the Eastern United States and Western Atlantic Storm Track Using CMIP5 Models

AbstractThis study analyzed the contribution of cyclones to projected changes in cool season (1 November–31 March) precipitation over the eastern United States and western North Atlantic Ocean. First, global climate model simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) were compared to Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and Climate Prediction Center (CPC) precipitation analyses for the period 1979–2004. The CMIP5 ensemble mean realistically reproduced the historical distribution of regional precipitation with no discernable effect because of model spatial resolution. Subsequently, the projected changes in precipitation on cyclone and noncyclone days under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario were quantified. While precipitation on both types of days was projected to increase, the increase on noncyclone days (23%) was greater than the increase on cyclone days (12%). The increase in precipitation on cyclone days occurred despite a decrease...
Optimization of Film Stresses Utilized in Composite Piezoelectric Membrane Microgenerators

To improve the mechanical compliance of a piezoelectric generator membrane, alterations in PZT processing including variations in crystallization temperature, cooling rates and precursor chemistry were made to reduce the residual stress. In addition to changing the stresses, these treatments also altered the morphology of the PZT and its modulus. Nanoindentation of these films were made to determine the moduli of the PZT films, which varied from 70GPa to 90GPa. The residual stress of 40:60 2-MOE PZT taken by x-ray diffraction were shown to reduce in residual stress from 210 MPa to 154 MPa with annealing. The static pressure-deflection of membranes with these films showed correlating composite effective stresses of 110MPa and 83MPa. Adding PEG to the precursor solution also lowered the stress of the PZT films. Bulge testing showed that decreasing the crystallization temperature from 700°C to 600°C lowered residual stress from 210 MPa to 154 MPa. Raman spectroscopy showed differences in both stress and structure of PZT deposited on thin support structures (2µm) over bulk wafers (350 µm). The compliance of the generators was also increased by etching Pt in highly stressed regions.
BLOOD SUGAR STUDIES : II. BLOOD SUGAR CHANGES IN FATAL BACTERIAL ANAPHYLAXIS IN THE RABBIT.

1. During bacterial anaphylaxis there is a gradual rise in the blood sugar level, which attains an extremely high value at the time of death. 2. The curve of blood sugar is quite similar whether anaphylaxis is induced by organisms which affect the blood sugar in the unsensitized animal or by organisms which have no such effect. 3. No instances occurred in which there was not a marked hyperglycemia in anaphylaxis.
Monetary sacrifice among strangers is mediated by endogenous oxytocin release after physical contact

Humans frequently sacrifice resources to help others—even strangers. The proximate mechanisms inducing such sacrifices are not well understood, and we hypothesized that touch might provoke a sacrifice of money to a stranger. We found that touch significantly elevated circulating oxytocin (OT) levels but only when it was followed by an intentional act of trust. Touch followed by trust increased monetary sacrifice by 243% relative to untouched controls. We also found that women were more susceptible than men to OT release and monetary sacrifice after touch. This suggests that touch draws on physiologic mechanisms that support cooperative behaviors in humans.
Bandwidth sensitive caching for video streaming application

Popularity of the Internet and the availability of broadband links (e.g., xDSL and cable) to residential consumers have initiated a demand for high quality video streaming. In video-on-demand-like (VoD) applications, a server responds to a client's request by streaming a multimedia object. However, the delivered media quality is usually limited by the lowest-bandwidth link on the network path to the client. An approach that stores multi-rate (scalable) video sequence at a proxy can enhance the video quality and bandwidth efficiency. In this paper, we present bandwidth sensitive caching (BSC) strategy where variable-rate streams are cached into a proxy in order to maximize the perceived video signal quality. The proxy determines the optimum rate at which a video needs to be stored base on the client capabilities and network link characteristics. Simulation results show that the proposed BSC algorithm is adaptive and robust to change in delivery condition, yet it is still simple and efficient for deployment onto proxies.