cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodological Issues Facing the Interpretation of High-risk Studies: Biological Heterogeneity

High-risk studies provide a unique opportunity to examine the interaction of biological vulnerability and psychosocial factors in the development of the major psychiatric illnesses. To parcel out the effects of psychosocial variables, high-risk populations need to be separated into offspring who are and who are not biologically/genetically vulnerable, since psychosocial modifiers will be interactive only in the biologically vulnerable offspring. Criteria are suggested for the use of "biological markers" to detect subjects at genetic/biological risk within high-risk cohorts. Presently, only the d' statistic of the continuous performance test (CPT) appears to satisfy the criteria for identification of such biologically vulnerable offspring.
Targeting gelatinases with a near-infrared fluorescent cyclic His-Try-Gly-Phe peptide.

Purpose The purpose of the study is to synthesize and characterize near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging probes targeted to gelatinases.
CCA initiation boxes without unique promoter elements support in vitro transcription by three viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

It has previously been observed that the only specific requirement for transcriptional initiation on viral RNA in vitro by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of turnip yellow mosaic virus is the CCA at the 39 end of the genome. We now compare the abilities of this RdRp, turnip crinkle virus RdRp, and Qb replicase, an enzyme capable of supporting the complete viral replication cycle in vitro, to transcribe RNA templates containing multiple CCA boxes but lacking specific viral sequences. Each enzyme is able to initiate transcription from several CCA boxes within these RNAs, and no special reaction conditions are required for these activities. The transcriptional yields produced from templates comprised of multiple CCA or CCCA repeats relative to templates derived from native viral RNA sequences vary between 2:1 and 0.1:1 for the different RdRps. Control of initiation by such redundant sequences presents a challenge to the specificity of viral transcription and replication. We identify 39-preferential initiation and sensitivity to structural presentation as two specificity mechanisms that can limit initiation among potential CCA initiation sites. These two specificity mechanisms are used to different degrees by the three RdRps. The finding that three viral RdRps representing two of the three supergroups within the positive-strand RNA viral RdRp phylogeny support substantial transcription in the absence of unique promoters suggests that this phenomenon may be common among positive-strand viruses. A framework is presented arguing that replication of viral RNA in the absence of unique promoter elements is feasible.
Enzymatic pattern processing.

A table-top prototype has been constructed that uses the enzyme malate dehydrogenase to recognize input signal patterns. The device is controlled by the enzyme in response to injection of Mg2+ used as a signaling substance. Output is monitored spectroscopically. If Mg2+ is injected along either of two signal lines (i.e., if the input signal pattern is 10 or 01) the device emits an output of 1. Injection along neither or both lines results in an output of 0. The enzyme in effect is used as a transform that converts the linearly inseparable exclusive-or problem into a linearly separable problem.
Biology of Renal Aging in Humans

Advancing age is usually accompanied by a decline in glomerular filtration rate and an increasedincidence of certain renal and electrolyte disorders. These include an increased susceptibility to acute renal failure, hypo- and hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypertension. This report discusses anatomic and physiological observations related to the aged human kidney and explores the various theories and postulated mechanisms underlying these changes.
Complete Genome of Acinetobacter baumannii Podophage Petty

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging pathogen that was isolated from wounded soldiers in military treatment facilities in Iraq but has since become a problem in civilian hospitals. Here, we announce and describe the complete genome of the ϕKMV-like A. baumannii podophage Petty.
Evaluation of the Wampole Laboratories ELISA-based assay for Epstein-Barr virus serology.

Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Serologic diagnosis of acute EBV infections has been the method of choice, and tests are available as indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA)- and ELISA-based assays. Objective: To evaluate the ELISA-based EBV assay from Wampole Laboratories (Cranbury, NJ). Methods: One hundred fifty-two consecutive samples received for comprehensive EBV serology were analyzed. Results: A comparison of the Wampole Laboratories' ELISA system with the Gull/Meridian Diagnostics (Cincinnati, OH) IFA, and ELISA assays showed 88% concordance for anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM (n=177); 79% concordance for anti-VCA IgG (n=177); 87% concordance for anti-NA IgG (n=172); and 48% concordance for anti-EA IgG (n=165). Using the results from all four antibody assays to identify patients with acute infection, the Wampole system had a 67% concordance with the Gull/Meridian (n=164). Conclusions: Differences in the specificity of the anti-EA IgG assays (i.e. reactivity against the D component of early antigen (EA-D) (Wampole) vs. reactivity to EA-D and the R component of early antigen (EA-R) (Gull/Meridian)) may have lead to poor concordance (48%) for this particular assay. Because the Wampole system had a <70% overall concordance with the Gull/Meridian system in diagnosis of acute infection, these data suggest that further studies are needed to determine the true clinical sensitivity and specificity of this system.
Frequency of Hyperprolinemia in Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis: Relationship to Blood Lactate

In alcohol-induced liver injury, hyperprolinemia has been proposed as a marker of fibrogenesis probably secondary to hyperlactacidemia. However, some studies of plasma proline in alcoholics with cirrhosis have reported normal rather than increased levels. In order to evaluate the frequency of hyperprolinemia in alcoholic liver disease and its relationship to blood lactate, we measured plasma proline levels in 145 subjects including 91 alcoholics with a spectrum of liver disease as well as 22 nonalcoholics with liver injury unrelated to alcohol. We also studied baboons fed alcohol as 50% of total calories for 1 to 4 years. Among alcoholics only 21/91 had elevated proline values. Elevations were most frequent among patients with severe hepatic decompensation (3/8), in patients with alcoholic hepatitis on liver biopsy (5/17), and in those with acute alcohol-related withdrawal, with alcohol still present in the blood (4/9). Patients with liver disease unrelated to alcohol but severe in nature also has elevations in proline (3/3). Only 4/28 patients with cirrhosis due to alcohol had elevated values, and none of the baboons fed alcohol had hyperprolinemia whether withdrawn from alcohol or not. Hyperlactacidemia was associated with hyperprolinemia, but so were depressed serum albumin values and prolongations of the prothrombin time, suggesting a general association with severe liver disease. These results reveal that hyperprolinemia occurs infrequently in patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis and therefore does not appear to be a sensitive marker of hepatic fibrosis in these patients.
Treatment length and outcomes among adolescents: a secondary data analysis.

Adaptations to evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs may impact their effectiveness. A qualitative study of MET/CBT-5 implementation in community agencies treating adolescents found that the majority of the agencies made adaptations and that the most frequent adaptation was to provide more than five treatment sessions. Baseline and outcome data from SAMHSA’s Effective Adolescent Treatment demonstration were analyzed to assess associations between length of treatment, client characteristics, and outcomes at three months. Adolescents who received more or less than the protocol length of 5 sessions were less likely to be discharged to the community than those who received the 5 session protocol. Those who received more than five sessions were more likely to have higher severity scores at intake but almost 50% of those with more than five sessions had low intake severity scores. Clients who received less than five sessions tended to have lower severity scores than clients who received more than five sessions. Length of treatment tended to vary by site rather than severity of substance problems or frequency of use. There was no significant improvement of substance abuse problems or decrease in frequency of use with longer treatment. Implementation of the MET/CBT-5 component of the Cannabis Youth Treatment trial in the EAT project illustrates the difficulty of adherence to an evidence based protocol in the field.
Efficacy of Single-Suture Incision Closures in Tagged Juvenile Chinook Salmon Exposed to Simulated Turbine Passage

Abstract Reductions in the size of acoustic transmitters implanted in migrating juvenile salmonids have resulted in the use of a shorter incision—one that may warrant only a single suture for closure. However, it is not known whether a single suture will sufficiently hold the incision closed when fish are decompressed and when outward pressure is placed on the surgical site during turbine passage through hydroelectric dams. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of single-suture incision closures on five response variables in juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that were subjected to simulated turbine passage. An acoustic transmitter (0.43 g in air) and a passive integrated transponder tag (0.10 g in air) were implanted in each fish; the 6-mm incisions were closed with either one suture or two sutures. After exposure to simulated turbine passage, none of the fish exhibited expulsion of transmitters. In addition, the percentage of fish with suture tearing, incision teari...
A distributed hash table for computational grids

Summary form only given. We present and analyze a distributed hash table-based supervised peer-to-peer system that allows an even distribution of and efficient lookup for objects (e.g. data or tasks) stored in the system. A supervised peer-to-peer system is a system that is formed by a supervisor but in which all other activities can be performed on a peer-to-peer basis without involving the supervisor. Our system has average constant degree and can distribute objects evenly among the peers up to a constant factor in expectation. The supervised peer-to-peer approach makes the system particularly useful for computational grids. As an example, we discuss the use of our structure for recursively defined algorithms such as dynamic programming and distributed tree searches, and practical problems such as Web crawling; our structure distributes tasks randomly and prevents repeated computations to optimize parallel efficiency.
The Early Differentiation of Neuronal Membrane Properties

Studies of neural induction involve assessments of neuronal differentiation following experimental manipulations. These have in the past relied principally on neuroanatomical descriptions of neurite outgrowth, which sample an important neuronal phenotype. In recent years it has become possible to analyze the differentiation of key cytoplasmic specializations of neurons, such as their neurotransmitter synthetic capacity, and the differentiation of their characteristic membrane properties. Some of the recent progress in understanding the development of neuronal membrane properties will be reviewed. These assays are likely to be useful in future studies of neural induction for several reasons. First, the increasing ease of application of the techniques involved invites their general use. Second, acquisition of neuronal membrane properties occurs very early in normal embryonic development, recommending them for rapid evaluation of neuronal induction. Third, different neurons exhibit different constellations of properties appearing in particular sequences (Spitzer and Lamborghini, 1981). A broader characterization of neuronal development affords the opportunity to distinguish the induction of different neuronal types. Fourth, the expression of neurotransmitter synthetic enzymes of membrane proteins are likely to be the results of activities of single genes, in contrast to the more complex phenomenon of neurite extension which involves multiple gene products. The analysis of the molecular events involved in neuronal induction may be correspondingly facilitated.
Stack filters and neural networks

The stack filter approach, which provides a unique interpretation of the function of each neuron in the network when the goal is to minimize the mean absolute error, is described. Stack filters also provide information on when soft decisions, or sigmoid functions, are necessary for the neural network to attain optimality. The associative memory behavior exhibited by some stack filters is also reviewed and compared with previous approaches to associate memory. An image processing example is provided to demonstrate the use of a new learning algorithm for stack filters. >
Interaction of a Dynamic Rupture on a Fault Plane with Short Frictionless Fault Branches

Spontaneous bilateral mode II shear ruptures were nucleated on faults in photoelastic Homalite plates loaded in uniaxial compression. Rupture velocities were measured and the interaction between the rupture front and short fault branches was observed using high-speed digital photography. Fault branches were formed by machining slits of varying lengths that intersected the fault plane over a range of angles. These branches were frictionless because they did not close under static loading prior to shear rupture nucleation. Three types of behavior were observed. First, the velocity of both rupture fronts was unaffected when the fault branches were oriented 45 to the main slip surface and the length of the branches were less than or equal to � 0.75 R0* (where R0* is the slip-weakening distance in the limit of low rupture speed and an infinitely long slip-pulse). Second, rupture propagation stopped at the branch on the compressive side of the rupture tip but was unaffected by the branch on the tensile side when the branches were � 1.5 R0* in length and remained oriented 45 to the principle slip surface. Third, branches on the tensile side of the rupture tip nucleated tensile ''wing tip'' extensions when the branches were oriented at 70 to the interface. Third, when the branches were oriented at 70 to the interface, branches on the tensile side of the rupture tip nucleated tensile ''wing-crack'' extensions. We explain these observations using a model in which the initial uniaxial load produces stress concentrations at the tips of the branches, which perturb the initial stress field on the rupture plane. These stress perturbations affect both the resolved shear stress driving the rupture and the fault-normal stress that controls the fault strength, and together they explain the observed changes in rupture speed.
A supercomputer system interconnect and scalable IOS

The evolution of system architectures and system configurations has created the need for a new supercomputer system interconnect. Attributes required of the new interconnect include commonality among system and subsystem types, scalability, low latency, high bandwidth, a high level of resiliency, and flexibility. Cray Research Inc. is developing a new system channel to meet these interconnect requirements in future systems. The channel has a ring-based architecture, but can also function as a point-to-point link. It integrates control and data on a single, physical path while providing low latency and variance for control messages. Extensive features for client isolation, diagnostic capabilities, and fault tolerance have been incorporated into the design. The attributes and features of this channel are discussed along with implementation and protocol specifics.
Suicide Risk in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

To describe the current understanding of suicide risk among persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), we reviewed published reports on suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and suicide in the HIV/AIDS population. We also drew on our own clinical experience. Suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and suicide occur at a higher rate across the spectrum of patients with HIV infection than in the general population. Individuals with HIV and AIDS are subject to disease-specific stressors and to a greater number of general suicide risk factors. The assessment of suicide risk in these patients involves a careful exploration of these vulnerabilities.
Encouraging reusable network hardware design

The NetFPGA platform is designed to enable students and researchers to build networking systems that run at line-rate, and to create re-usable designs to share with others. Our goal is to eventually create a thriving developer-community, where developers around the world contribute reusable modules and designs for the benefit of the community as a whole. To this end, we have created a repository of “User Contributed Designs” at NetFPGA.org. But creating an “open-source hardware” platform is quite different from software oriented open-source projects. Designing hardware is much more time consuming — and more error prone-than designing software, and so demands a process that is more focussed on verifying that a module really works as advertised, else others will be reluctant to use it. We have designed a novel process for contributing new designs. Each contributed design is specified entirely by a set of tests it passes. A developer includes a list of tests that their design will pass, along with an executable set of tests that the user can check against. Through this process, we hope to establish the right expectations for someone who reuses a design, and to encourage sound design practices with solid, repeatable and integrated testing. In this paper we describe the philosophy behind our process, in the hope that others may learn from it, as well as describe the details of how someone contributes a new design to the NetFPGA repository.
‘A new table of percentage points of the chi-square distribution’

Greenwood & Hartley (1962, Pp. 140-3) have given a comprehensive list of published tables of the percentage points of the chi-square distribution. The present author has, however, recently encountered applications (see Harter, 1963a and b) for which more extensive or more accurate tables are required and as a result he set out to compute a sixsignificant-figure table, accurate to within a unit in the last digit, of percentage points of chi-square corresponding to cumulative probabilities of P = 0-0001, 0 0005, 0-001, 0.005, 0s01, 0-025, 0 05, 0-1 (0-1) 0 9, 0 95, 0 975, 0 99, 0 995, 0 999, 0 9995, 0 9999, for
Case report: Proximal Femoral Physeal Dysplasia in a Cat and a Review of the Literature

Femoral physeal dysplasia is a condition in cats resulting in unilateral or bilateral separation of the femoral head from the femoral neck along an abnormal physis. Physeal dysplasia in cats has not been extensively described in veterinary literature, but a review of published data has revealed that while neither the complete pathogenesis nor the incidence is well known, it is suggested that male gender, neutered status, and obesity are contributing factors. A change in castration age could serve as a preventive measure for feline patients. Radiographs have been demonstrated to be the method of diagnosis of choice and surgical correction is the treatment of choice, with a femoral head and neck ostectomy being the most commonly performed procedure. Further study of the condition would be useful to determine predisposing conditions and possible preventive measures.
Investigating signaling consequences of GPCR trafficking in the endocytic pathway

Ligand-dependent regulation of adenylyl cyclase by the large family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represents a deeply conserved and widely deployed cellular signaling mechanism. Studies of adenylyl cyclase regulation by catecholamine receptors have led to a remarkably detailed understanding of the basic biochemistry of G protein-linked signal transduction and have elaborated numerous mechanisms of regulation. Endocytosis of GPCRs plays a significant role in controlling longer-term cellular responses, such as under conditions of prolonged or repeated receptor activation occurring over a course of hours or more. It has been more challenging to investigate regulatory effects occurring over shorter time intervals, within the minutes to tens of minutes spanning the time course of many acute cyclic AMP (cAMP)-mediated signaling processes. A main reason for this is that biochemical methods used traditionally to assay changes in cytoplasmic cAMP concentration are limited in spatiotemporal resolution and typically require perturbing cellular structure and/or function for implementation. Recent developments in engineering genetically encoded cAMP biosensors linked to optical readouts, which can be expressed in cells or tissues and detected without cellular disruption or major functional perturbation, represent a significant step toward overcoming these limitations. Here, we describe the application of two such cAMP biosensors, one based on enzyme complementation and luminescence detection and another using Forster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence detection. We focus on applying these approaches to investigate cAMP signaling by catecholamine receptors and then on combining these analytical approaches with manipulations of receptor endocytic trafficking.
Seven-Position Synthesis of a Spatial Eight-Bar Linkage by Constraining a TRS Serial Chain

In this paper, we use seven-position synthesis to add four TS constraints to a TRS serial chain robot and obtain a two degree-of-freedom spatial eight-bar linkage. The TRS chain is an elbow manipulator, similar to a PUMA robot. We synthesize a TS dyad to connect the base of the robot to its forearm, and then we synthesize three TS dyads that connect the upper arm of the robot to its end-effector. The result is a two degree-of-freedom spatial eight-bar linkage that moves through seven prescribed positions. It consists of a TRST loop supporting a 3TS-RS platform, which we denote as a TS-TRS-3TS spatial linkage. We formulate and solve the design equations for the TS dyads, and analyze the resulting eight-bar linkage. An example demonstrates our results.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Localization of Tritiated Tetracycline in Mitochondria of Rat Liver Cells.

SummaryThe localization of tetracycline labeled with tritium in the subcellular fractions of rat liver cells has been investigated. Ultracentrifugal analysis of cellular components revealed a significant and characteristic concentration of the drug in all fractions. Electrophoresis on paper and starch blocks of detergent-solubilized mitochondrial proteins revealed a distribution of the tetracycline, as determined by fluorescence and radioactivity, which coincided with the beta lipoprotein fraction of the mitochondrial lysate. Tetracycline in the presence of calcium ions is capable of precipitating the beta lipoprotein fraction of mitochondrial lysate as well as that of serum. The localization of TTC in fractions other than mitochondria is probably not related to complexing with lipoprotein.
Permanent Photoinduced Refractive Index Changes in Rare Earth Doped Glasses

Permanent refractive index gratings were holographically photowritten into rare earth doped glasses using the 488 rn line of a Ar Ion laser. The rare earths Pr 3+ , Tb 3+ , and Eu 2+ were examined. Experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the photoinduced index change. A model is presented in which the index change is accomplished through photoionization of the rare earth dopant and subsequent trapping of the free carrier. The viability of these materials for use in optical fiber grating devices is discussed.
The prevalence of abnormal preoperative neurological examination in scheuermann kyphosis: Correlation with x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical outcome

Study Design. Retrospective. Objective. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of abnormal neurological findings detected by physical examination in Scheuermann kyphosis and to correlate it to radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and results of operative treatment. Summary of Background Data. There have been sporadic reports about abnormal neurological findings in patients with Scheuermann kyphosis. Methods. Among 82 patients with Scheuermann kyphosis who underwent corrective surgery, 69 primary cases were selected. Patients' charts were reviewed retrospectively in terms of pre and postoperative neurological examinations. Sensory or motor change was defined as an abnormal neurological examination. Their duration, associated problems, and various parameters on preoperative radiographs and MRI examinations were also measured to search for any atypical findings associated with an abnormal neurological examination. Results. There were 6 cases (9%) (group AbN), with an abnormal neurological examination ranging from severe myelopathy to a subtle change (e.g., sensory paresthesias on trunk). Five patients recovered to a normal neurological examination after corrective surgery. The remaining 1 patient with severe myelopathy also showed marked improvement and was ambulatory unassisted by 2-year follow-up. In patients with a normal neurological examination (group N, n = 63), only 1 patient had neurological sequelae because of anterior spinal artery syndrome after combined anterior-posterior correction. No preoperative radiographical parameters were significantly different between groups. Average age was 21.3 (AbN) and 18.6 (N) years (P = 0.55). Average preoperative T5–12 kyphosis was 69.0° (AbN) and 72.5° (N) (P = 0.61). Forty-two magnetic resonance images were obtained and all showed typical findings of Scheuermann kyphosis. Five patients in the AbN group (1 patient underwent computed tomography/myelography) and 37 patients in the N group underwent an MRI. Conclusion. The prevalence of abnormal neurological findings in Scheuermann kyphosis was 9%, emphasizing the importance of performing a detailed preoperative neurological examination. If congenital stenosis or a herniated thoracic disc is present, myelopathy can occur. No radiographical findings correlated with the abnormal preoperative neurological examinations. A normal MRI can exist in the face of an abnormal neurological examination, and conversely, a normal neurological examination can be seen with an abnormal MRI. Surgery was successful in alleviating abnormal neurological issues. Conclusion. Level of Evidence: 4
Tracking the sources of salmonella in ground beef produced from nonfed cattle.

The objective of this study was to determine the source(s) of Salmonella contamination in ground beef. One hundred dairy cows were harvested in a U.S. commercial beef processing plant. Samples of hides, carcasses after hide removal and before exposure to antimicrobial intervention, carcasses after all antimicrobial interventions, superficial cervical lymph nodes from the chuck, trim, ground beef, and air were obtained. Ninety-six percent of the hide samples, 47% of the carcasses before intervention, 18% of the lymph nodes, 7.14% of the trim, and 1.67% of the ground beef samples were positive for Salmonella. None of the samples obtained from the carcasses after the full complement of interventions and none of the air samples were positive for Salmonella. All Salmonella-positive samples were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and eight DNA XbaI restriction patterns were identified. The majority of isolates had one of two restriction digest patterns. The strain isolated from ground beef had the s...
Energy-Efficient and Smoothing-Sensitive Curve Recovery of Sensing Physical World

In recent years, sensing networks are widely used in the application of real-time monitoring. The change process of physical word is smoothing and continuous, but the sensing devices can only obtain the discrete data points. It is likely to lose the key points and distort the true curve if the discrete points are used simply to describe the physical world. Therefore, how to recover the approximate curve of physical world becomes a problem to be solved urgently. Based on this, an energy-efficient and smoothing-sensitive high-precision curve recovery algorithm for the sensing networks is proposed. Firstly, we recover the curve of physical world based on the existing physical-world-aware data acquisition algorithms preliminarily. And then a curve smoothing algorithm is proposed in order to acquire more key points (the inflexions are mainly considered in this paper) information which helps users better understand the change process of monitored physical world intuitively. Secondly, we propose an energy-efficient data source selection algorithm with residual energy of each data source and spatial correlation under consideration simultaneously. We select part of data sources to transmit data, maximize the lifetime of sensing network and minimize the error between the approximate curve and physical world. Finally, the effectiveness of our algorithms is verified by abundant experiments using both real and simulated data.
Synaptically Evoked Glutamate Transport Currents May Be Used To Detect the Expression of Long-Term Potentiation in Cerebellar Culture

Linden, David J. Synaptically evoked glutamate transport currents may be used to detect the expression of long-term potentiation in cerebellar culture. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 3151–3156, 1998. Cerebel...
Breaking the Ice: Emerging Legal Issues in Arctic Sovereignty

With countries jockeying for position, the struggle for control of the Arctic has started to unfold. This Comment will discuss the legal issues that the international community will likely confront in the coming decades with respect to the Arctic. I find that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the current legal regime, will prove inadequate for resolving the overlapping claims to the Arctic that are sure to develop in upcoming years. I next consider the applicability of other traditional legal theories about the continental shelf, including geological circumstances, historical practice, the equidistance principle, coastline proportionality, landmass proportionality, and economic conditions. I conclude that overlapping continental shelf claims would be best resolved by a multilateral agreement similar to the Antarctic Treaty System.
Soil Chemical Insights Provided through Vibrational Spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy techniques provide a powerful approach to the study of environmental materials and processes. These multifunctional analytical tools can be used to probe molecular vibrations of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples for characterizing materials, elucidating reaction mechanisms, and examining kinetic processes. Although Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is the most prominent type of vibrational spectroscopy used in the field of soil science, applications of Raman spectroscopy to study environmental samples continue to increase. The ability of FTIR and Raman spectroscopies to provide complementary information for organic and inorganic materials makes them ideal approaches for soil science research. In addition, the ability to conduct in situ, real time, vibrational spectroscopy experiments to probe biogeochemical processes at mineral interfaces offers unique and versatile methodologies for revealing a myriad of soil chemical phenomena. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vibrational spectroscopy techniques and highlights many of the applications of their use in soil chemistry research.
Tailored transgene expression to specific cell types in the central nervous system after peripheral injection with AAV9

The capacity of certain adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to cross the blood–brain barrier after intravenous delivery offers a unique opportunity for noninvasive brain delivery. However, without a well-tailored system, the use of a peripheral route injection may lead to undesirable transgene expression in nontarget cells or organs. To refine this approach, the present study characterizes the transduction profiles of new self-complementary AAV9 (scAAV9) expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) either under an astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein) or neuronal (Synapsin (Syn)) promoter, after intravenous injection of adult mice (2 × 1013 vg/kg). ScAAV9-GFA-GFP and scAAV9-Syn-GFP robustly transduce astrocytes (11%) and neurons (17%), respectively, without aberrant expression leakage. Interestingly, while the percentages of GFP-positive astrocytes with scAAV9-GFA-GFP are similar to the performances observed with scAAV9-CBA-GFP (broadly active promoter), significant higher percentages of neurons express GFP with scAAV9-Syn-GFP. GFP-positive excitatory as well as inhibitory neurons are observed, as well as motor neurons in the spinal cord. Additionally, both activated (GFAP-positive) and resting astrocytes (GFAP-negative) express the reporter gene after scAAV9-GFA-GFP injection. These data thoroughly characterize the gene expression specificity of AAVs fitted with neuronal and astrocyte-selective promoters after intravenous delivery, which will prove useful for central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy approaches in which peripheral expression of transgene is a concern.
Characterization and application of a discrete quartz extended-gate ISFET for the assessment of tumor cell viability

In this work we present a system designed for continuous assessment of tumor cell extracellular pH using a fabricated quartz extended-gate ion-sensitive field effect transistor (EGFET). The extended gate structure was fabricated by patterning gold on a quartz substrate creating a pseudo-reference electrode and sensor below a Si 3 N 4 sensing membrane. Various electrode geometries and configurations were created and each pattern was characterized. A readout/data acquisition system was designed to convert the current output of the EGFET to a voltage that was recorded using a low-power single board computer, which performed a hard "reset" before every data acquisition interval. This setup was able to monitor the viability of SKBR3 mammary gland tumor cells treated with staurosporine. Over a span of 8 hours, the autonomous data acquisition system recorded a steady decrease in cell viability. Results were verified with periodic cell culture images. Future applications include design of an extended gate EGFET array, which allows for accurate monitoring of individual cell cultures.
“Sleep is on the back burner”: Working students and sleep

Abstract The current study examines on a potential high-risk sleep loss population: working students at a metropolitan university in a mid-sized Midwestern city in the United States. Open-ended interviews with nineteen working university students provide insight into their beliefs and behaviors regarding how they think about and “do” work, attend university and sleep. Sleep diaries provide information on perceived sleep duration, latency and quality. While students value sleep and recognize the connection between sleep loss and ill health, they accept tiredness as “normal” for their situation. For many students sleep is the one demand that can be “put off”, in the struggle to balance work, school and family demands, “until the bill comes due” when they fall ill. Exchanging sleep loss for educational progress is explored through “health capital” as part of a human capital conceptual framework.
Implementation and Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Team-Based Learning in a Graduate Public Health Research Methods Course:

Master of Public Health (MPH) students must develop skills to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional teams upon graduation. Teaching pedagogies that involve active learning...
Considerations and controversies in managing chronic kidney disease: An update.

Purpose Current considerations and controversies surrounding the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are reviewed. Summary Patients diagnosed with CKD require a unique clinical approach to prevent medication toxicities and ensure appropriate management of disease-progressing comorbidities, and they require attention to commonly occurring complications that may affect disease control and impact quality of life, including anemia and CKD–bone–mineral disorder (CKD-BMD). Many CKD-related comorbidities put patients at increased cardiovascular risk, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Although there are clinical guidelines to help clinicians manage CKD and its related complications and comorbidities, there are many clinical controversies surrounding optimal treatment. Recent literature and clinical studies bring into question multiple controversies regarding the optimal management approach to the patient living with CKD, including the appropriateness of iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for the treatment of anemia and vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of CKD-BMD. While available guidelines can provide clinicians with guidance regarding the appropriate management of the patient with CKD, they often differ dramatically in the optimal approach to the management of comorbidities and complications. For a patient with CKD, the pharmacist has an important role to ensure optimal outcomes, by appropriately managing comorbid conditions and optimizing drug dosing. Conclusion Multiple controversies regarding the optimal management of patients with CKD, including the appropriateness of iron and ESAs for treatment of anemia and vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of CKD-BMD. Available guidelines differ dramatically in the optimal approach to the management of comorbidities and complications.
The Impact of Federal Breastfeeding Policy Initiatives on Women’s Breastfeeding Practices and Attitudes in Southern Indiana

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the effects of a change in WIC federal policy for low-income mothers and children at nutritional risk in southern Indiana. The policy change was meant to encourage more WIC recipients to exclusively breastfeed their infants. However, most recipients reported that the change in policy did not influence their infant feeding decisions in the way that policy makers intended. Instead, nutritional factors and difficulties with breastfeeding were more influential in participants’ decisions to exclusively breastfeed or not. Importantly, the policy change did provide nutritional and financial support to low-income mothers who had already decided to exclusively breastfeed.
A Short History of the Mughal Empire, by Michael H. Fisher: London/New York, I.B. Tauris, 2016, 256 pp., £10.99 (paperback), ISBN 9781848858732

Michael H. Fisher, who is a distinguished scholar in the Department of History at Oberlin College, Ohio, has published widely and well on various aspects of British Indian history. It is encouragin...
Remediation of Phytophthora ramorum-infested soil with Trichoderma asperellum isolate 04-22 under ornamental nursery conditions

Abstract Phytophthora ramorum-infested nurseries pose a risk in the artificial spread of this pathogen into unaffected wildlands. Maintaining a pathogen-free nursery can be difficult and expensive once P. ramorum is detected in the soil. Previously, P. ramorum was successfully remediated under greenhouse conditions by incorporating Trichoderma asperellum 04-22 (Ta 04-22) into potting mix. This study was conducted to validate these previous studies under common ornamental nursery practices. Over a 2-year period, microplots were inserted into artificially-infested P. ramorum field soil. The soil was treated with wheat bran colonized by Ta 04-22, a soil fungicide, or two biologically-based commercial products. After a 12-week period, the Ta 04-22 treatment was significantly different than the other treatments, except the fungicide treatment, reducing P. ramorum to non-detectable levels. Another trial, set up in the same manner, compared different formulations of Ta 04-22. After 12 weeks, there was no difference between the colonized wheat bran formulation and the commercially-produced wettable powder. Both remediated P. ramorum-infested soil compared to the non-treated control. A separate trial was conducted in a commercial nursery where sections, naturally infested with P. ramorum, were placed under USDA/APHIS quarantine. The quarantine sections were treated with wheat bran colonized by Ta 04-22 or left non-treated as a control. After 5 weeks, samples were collected and baited with rhododendron leaves to detect P. ramorum. No P. ramorum was detected in the Ta 04-22-treated section. These results demonstrate that Ta 04-22 can be used as a biological control agent to remediate P. ramorum-infested soil under common nursery practices in an open environment.
The Information Technology Gap in Public Administration: What We Can Learn from the Certified Public Manager and Senior Executive Service Programs

The use of information technology (IT) has grown dramatically throughout every public agency regardless of size and scope. As a result, all public managers (technical and nontechnical) must be bett...
Psychology of Religion: A Personal Narrative

It is humbling to be asked to contribute to what amounts to a history of the ­psychology of religion in autobiography. Many of the names in this volume occur in my story, either as friends, colleagues, or scholars who have influenced and informed my own work. Autobiographies, as we know, both conceal and reveal. Historians will accept the task of unraveling what is lasting and true in any personal narrative. In my own case, I focus on an intellectual narrative, revealing only those personal factors that helped shape my views. I do not focus on specific dates, many of which are only recollections. Nor do I cite many personal references, allowing my vita to speak for itself. It is only in looking back that I realize I was fortunate to be part of a group of scholars who championed the resurgence of the psychology of religion in the 1960s. How I came to be part of this resurgence is the story I want to tell.
Smooth Solutions and the Equations of Incompressible Fluid Flow

Here we study several topics related to the existence of smooth solutions for the general system of conservation laws, $$ \frac{{\partial u}}{{\partial t}} + \sum\limits_{j = 1}^N {\frac{\partial }{{\partial {x_j}}}{\mkern 1mu} {F_j}(u){\mkern 1mu} = {\mkern 1mu} S(u,x,t)} $$ (2.la) with the smooth initial data $$ {\text{u(x,0) = }}{{\text{u}}_0}{\text{(x)}} $$ (2.lb) where u0(x) ∈ G1, \( {{\bar G}_1} \subset \subset G \) for all x ∈ RN. We always assume the detailed structure of a symmetric hyperbolic system as described in (1.17). This chapter has three main subsections which we describe briefly below.
Suppressing Resistance Development

Earlier studies of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) have focused on optimizing antimicrobial agent exposures to (1) improve clinical outcomes and/or (2) reduce the likelihood of drug-induced toxicity. As the discipline matures, some studies have examined the relationship between antimicrobial agent exposures and the development of resistance. Using prior PK/PD concepts as foundation, various experimental designs (e.g., in vitro, in vivo, computer model based) and mathematical heuristics (e.g., surrogate PK/PD indices, differential equations, stochastic simulations) have been put forward. While there is no consensus on the best method used, there is clear experimental evidence that dosing regimen (dose, dosing frequency, duration of drug administration, duration of treatment) design could influence the development of resistance under certain circumstances. Rational dosing regimen design is therefore increasingly recognized as part of a comprehensive solution, in conjunction with infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, to suppress (delay) the emergence of resistance in the clinical setting.
Classification of two poorly known genera of African Phoridae (Diptera)

The previously unknown male of the genus Brachyselia Schmitz is described, including details of the male terminalia. Based on the structure of the male terminalia, this genus belongs in the subfamily Phorinae, sensu Brown (1992a). The terminalia of the genus Mannheimsia Beyer are described; this genus is also classified in the Phorinae. The Oriental region genus Chouomyia Liu is a synonym of Mannheimsia, and both C. dactyloformis Liu and C. ramai Mostovski are synonyms of C. stylodactyla Liu. The female abdomen of M. stylodactyla is described for the first time. New combinations are M. stylodactyla (Liu) and M. tianzena (Liu).
Lowering HAMR Near-Field Transducer Temperature via Inverse Electromagnetic Design

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) allows for data writing in hard disks beyond 1 Tb/in $^{2}$ areal density, by temporarily heating the area of a single bit to its Curie temperature. The metallic optical antenna or near-field transducer (NFT), used to apply the nanoscale heating to the media, may self-heat by several hundreds of degrees. With the NFT reaching such extreme temperatures, demonstrations of HAMR technology experience write-head lifetimes that are orders of magnitude less than that required for a commercial product. Hence, heating of the NFT is of upmost importance. In this paper, we first derive fundamental limits on the temperature ratio NFT/Media to drive NFT design choices for low-temperature operation. Next, we employ inverse electromagnetic design software, which solves for unexpected geometries of the NFT and waveguide. We present computationally generated designs for the waveguide feeding the NFT that offer a 50% reduction in NFT self-heating ( $\sim 220~^{\circ }\text{C}$ ) compared with typical industry designs.
The US State-building in Afghanistan: An Offshore Balance?:

AbstractThe US policy in Afghanistan in the context of 9/11, under the broader rubric of the War on Terror (WoT), primarily was to topple the Taliban regime. Because the regime disagreed to comply ...
Wearable Sensor Technology to Measure Physical Activity (PA) in the Elderly

The goal of this paper is to provide a review of recent work on the use of wearable devices for measuring physical activity (PA) in the elderly. In older adults, PA is related to independence in activities of daily living and maintaining a good quality of life. With aging, there is a reduction in PA, which may explain reduced energy expenditure (EE) during rest and PA. In addition, there is also a reduction in the spatial extent of mobility (life-space). Sensors used for measuring PA include pedometers, uni-axial, bi-axial and tri-axial accelerometers, heart rate monitors combined with accelerometers, and complex systems using multiple types of sensors. Wearable sensors are accurate at measuring step counts, PA intensity, and EE, but need to improve accuracy of measuring type of PA, spatial extent of PA, and measuring non-ambulatory PA. Clear standards for measurement, algorithms used for computing clinically relevant measures, need to be developed.