cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modifications of nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate fibrous matrices via NaOH hydrolysis: Effects on pore size, fiber diameter, cell seeding and proliferation

Abstract A simple NaOH treatment method was developed for fabricating nonwoven fibrous matrices of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with predictable porosity, pore size, and fiber diameter. Matrices with various porosities (90–97%), fiber diameters (13.5–25 μm), and pore sizes (54–65 μm) were prepared by treating with 1N NaOH at 70 °C for up to 120 h, resulting in up to 70% hydrolysis of the PET polymer. The hydrolysis of PET polymer by NaOH was found to follow a second-order kinetics with respect to the fiber surface area. Accordingly, mathematical models were developed to predict matrix porosity, fiber diameter, and apparent pore size of the PET matrices. The exponential decay coefficient of PET polymer was found to be 0.0147 h−1. The matrices were used to study the effects of pore size and fiber diameter on cell seeding and proliferation. The seeding study demonstrated that cell adhesion on PET fibers can be enhanced, largely due to the increased surface roughness of the PET fibers. Decreasing the fiber diameter increases the surface curvature of the fibers and decreases available surface area for cell attachment, which, however, only resulted in a small decrease in the cell growth rate.
The Dysfunctional Congress

Is the US Congress dysfunctional? The American public thinks so: In the summer of 2014, just 7% approved strongly of Congress (Riffkin 2014). Still, legislative scholars disagree about the severity of Congress's legislative challenges. Is legislative deadlock a sign that Congress can no longer identify and resolve major public problems? Or are Congress's difficulties temporary and correctable? In this article, I review theoretical and empirical literatures on the dynamics of lawmaking and evaluate alternative methods for testing lawmaking theories. Finally, I draw on recent research to put contemporary stalemate into historical perspective. I argue that even when Congress and the president have reached agreement on the big issues of the day, Congress's problem-solving capacity appears to have fallen to new lows in recent years. Whether and how well our political system can or will self-correct in the coming years remains an open question.
Some new properties of the Bechhofer-Kiefer-Sobel stopping rule

1. In t roduct ion For k>_2 consider k Koopman-Darmois populations with pdf 's (1.1) f ( x , 0~) = exp { T(xi)Q(O~)--F R(x~) + S(0~)}, where T, Q, R, S are real-valued functions and 0~ e 12 (the parameter space) for all i. Let (1.2) 0 = ( 0 . 02, . . . , Ok) be the vector of parameters and let (1.3) O m _ 0 and P * ~ ,1 be pre~=I determined real numbers. For every fa>_l define
The Epidemiology of Sarcoma

Sarcomas account for over 20% of all pediatric solid malignant cancers and less than 1% of all adult solid malignant cancers. The vast majority of diagnosed sarcomas will be soft tissue sarcomas, while malignant bone tumors make up just over 10% of sarcomas. The risks for sarcoma are not well-understood. We evaluated the existing literature on the epidemiology and etiology of sarcoma. Risks for sarcoma development can be divided into environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility, and an interaction between the two. HIV-positive individuals are at an increased risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma, even though HHV8 is the causative virus. Radiation exposure from radiotherapy has been strongly associated with secondary sarcoma development in certain cancer patients. In fact, the risk of malignant bone tumors increases as the cumulative dose of radiation to the bone increases (p for trend <0.001). A recent meta-analysis reported that children with a history of hernias have a greater risk of developing Ewing’s sarcoma (adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.9, 5.7). Bone development during pubertal growth spurts has been associated with osteosarcoma development. Occupational factors such as job type, industry, and exposures to chemicals such as herbicides and chlorophenols have been suggested as risk factors for sarcomas. A case-control study found a significant increase in soft tissue sarcoma risk among gardeners (adjusted OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.00, 14.00), but not among those strictly involved in farming. A European-based study reported an increased risk in bone tumors among blacksmiths, toolmakers, or machine-tool operators (adjusted OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.08, 4.26). Maternal and paternal characteristics such as occupation, age, smoking status, and health conditions experienced during pregnancy also have been suggested as sarcoma risk factors and would be important to assess in future studies. The limited studies we identified demonstrate significant relationships with sarcoma risk, but many of these results now require further validation on larger populations. Furthermore, little is known about the biologic mechanisms behind each epidemiologic association assessed in the literature. Future molecular epidemiology studies may increase our understanding of the genetic versus environmental contributions to tumorigenesis in this often deadly cancer in children and adults.
Our research program validating the triarchic theory of successful intelligence: reply to Gottfredson

This article discusses our research program construct-validating the triarchic theory of successful intelligence, and also discusses some objections that have been raised to the triarchic theory. The article is divided into five parts. First, it discusses what our positive program is for using converging operations to construct-validate the theory of successful intelligence. Second, it describes the theory of successful intelligence. Third, it indicates what kinds of data have been collected to test the theory and what they have shown. Fourth, it discusses substantive objections against the theory and responses to those objections. Finally, it draws some brief conclusions.
The nullo protein is a component of the actin-myosin network that mediates cellularization in Drosophila melanogaster embryos

After the 13th nuclear division cycle of Drosophila embryogenesis, cortical microfilaments are reorganized into a hexagonal network that drives the subsequent cellularization of the syncytial embryo. Zygotic transcription of the nullo and serendipity-alpha genes is required for normal structuring of the microfilament network. When either gene is deleted, the network assumes an irregular configuration leading to the formation of multinucleate cells. To investigate the role of these genes during cellularization, we have made monoclonal antibodies to both proteins. The nullo protein is present from cycle 13 through the end of cellularization. During cycle 13, it localizes between interphase actin caps and within metaphase furrows. In cellularizing embryos, nullo co-localizes with the actin-myosin network and invaginates along with the leading edge of the plasma membrane. The serendipity-alpha (sry-alpha) protein co-localizes with nullo protein to the hexagonal network but, unlike the nullo protein, it localizes to the sides rather than the vertices of each hexagon. Mutant embryos demonstrate that neither protein translationally regulates the other, but the localization of the sry-alpha protein to the hexagonal network is dependent upon nullo.
Plasticity in an electrosensory system. II. Postsynaptic events associated with a dynamic sensory filter

1. This report summarizes studies of the changes in postsynaptic potentials that occur as pyramidal cells within the primary electrosensory processing nucleus learn to reject repetitive patterns of afferent input. The rejection mechanism employs "negative image inputs" that oppose or cancel electroreceptor afferent inputs or patterns of pyramidal hyperpolarization or depolarization caused by intracellular current injection. Feedback pathways carrying descending electrosensory as well as other types of information provide the negative image inputs. This study focuses on the role of a directly descending projection from a second-order electrosensory nucleus the nucleus praeeminentialis (nP), which provides excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the apical dendrites of electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) pyramidal cells. 2. Electrical stimulation of the pathway linking the nP to the ELL was used to activate descending inputs to the pyramidal cells. Pyramidal cell activity was typically increased due to stimulation of this pathway. Tetanic stimulation of the descending pathway paired with either electrosensory stimuli that inhibited pyramidal cells, or hyperpolarizing current injection, increased the excitation provided by subsequent stimulation of this pathway. Pairing tetanic stimulation with excitatory electrosensory stimuli or depolarizing current injection had the opposite effect. Subsequent activation of the descending pathway inhibited pyramidal cells. 3. Intracellular recordings showed that the increased firing of pyramidal cells evoked by stimulation of the descending pathway following tetanic stimulation paired with postsynaptic hyperpolarization resulted from larger amplitude and longer-duration excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). The shift in the effect of activity in this descending pathway to providing net inhibitory input to the pyramidal cells after paired presynaptic activity and postsynaptic depolarization probably results from the potentiation of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). The EPSP and IPSPs evoked by activity in this descending pathway can be continuously adjusted in amplitude, thereby counterbalancing patterns of pyramidal cell excitation and inhibition received from the periphery with the result that repetitive patterns of afferent activity are strongly attenuated.
Unsexing the Fourth Amendment

Although rarely remarked upon in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, traditional notions of sex and gender matter in a host of areas, from stop and frisks on the streets, to strip searches in schools and prisons, to the pat downs and body scans that have become the new normal at airports. The first goal of this Article is to uncover and draw attention to this aspect of the Fourth Amendment. The second concededly more ambitious goal is to interrogate this reliance on tradition. A Fourth Amendment preference for same-gender searches may comport with notions of modesty and societal norms. But at what cost to the Fourth Amendment? And at what cost to true equality?
The endogeneity of time preference and analysis of collective behavior

This essay proposes that time preference is an essential component of analysis of collective behavior and provision of public goods. It addresses the validity of the assumption that time preference, as a parameter in individual utility functions, is exogenous and fi xed. While individual time discounting is used to predict many social phenomena, it is quite often applied in a fi xed form where the possibility of change is rarely discussed. The mechanism of change in individual time discounting is explored in different social contexts, using student, inmate and drug addict populations. This study establishes that certain parameters, such as the length of exposure to new environment and new social connections, are of extreme importance in determining the degree of change in time discounting.
Physiologic versus cognitive factors in short term food regulation in the obese and nonobese.

Sixteen obese and 16 nonobese subjects were given, on 4 consecutive days, drinks which contained 200 or 600 calories and appeared half the time to be rich milkshakes and half the time to be low-calorie diet liquids. Food intake after the drinks were consumed was measured each day at a standardized test meal consisting of quarter sandwiches served 20 minutes later. The actual number of calories consumed prior to the test meal was found to have no effect on intake. However, subjects ate significantly less (.025 level) and reported feeling fuller after consuming the drink designed to appear high-calorie. No differences were found between obese and nonobese subjects. Of additional interest were the large quantities eaten by the subjects at the test meal and their tendency to underestimate their intake. The small size of the food units served may have caused subjects to lose count and overeat.
Evaluation of vancomycin dosing for treatment of children and trough concentration

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pharmacodynamics and safety of two commonly used dosages of vancomycin on treatment of children and determine the optimal trough concentration so as to provide guidance for reasonable clinical use and surveillance of vancomycin.METHODS The children who were treated with 40mg/(kg·d)of vancomycin(the low-dose group)or 60mg/(kg·d)of vancomycin(the high-dose group)and received the surveillance of blood concentrations from Jul 2012 to Dec 2014 were recruited as the study objects,then the adverse reactions in the children were observed,the AUC0-24 hwas calculated by means of population pharmacokinetics model,and the statistical analysis of data was performed with the use of SPSS18.0software.RESULTS The mean AUC0-24 h was(326.7±284.5)mg·h/L in the low-dose group,(472.3±399.1)mg·h/L in the high-dose group,and there was significant difference(P0.05).The children with the AUC0-24 hmore than 400mg·h/L accounted for 21.7%in the low-dose group and accounted for 56.7%in the high-dose group.There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of children.The trough concentration was highly correlated with the AUC0-24 h,when the trough concentration was 10 mg/L,the AUC0-24 hwas more than 400mg·h/L for all the children.CONCLUSION As compared with the starting dose of 40mg/(kg·d),the initial dose of vancomycin 60mg/(kg·d)can achieve more significant effect on treatment of the children without the increase of incidence of adverse reactions.When the MIC is no more than 1mg/L and the trough concentration is 10mg/L,the target AUC0-24h/MIC400mg·h/L can be achieved.
Computer Simulation on Process of an Influential Kindergarten Fire

Aiming at typical characteristics of an Influential kindergarten fire,and Appling with Fire Science,system security theory,computer simulation and visualization technology,and through setting up reasonable fire scenario,computer simulation on fire-growth process and smoke-spread of indoor fire of the kindergarten has been made by using FDS(Fire Dynamic Simulate) software.The simulation result is consistent with the basic conditions and fire accident,which explain some of the characteristics of the fire accident.Using computer simulation technology,the accident process can be analyzed,and the real fire scenario can be reproduced.This approach can provide an intuitive and reliable basis for accident analysis,risk assessment and fire investigation.
Epidemical Situation of Notifiable Infectious Disease in Shahekou District of Dalian in 2010

Objective To master the epidemic situation of notifiable infectious diseases in the Shahekou district of Dalian,and to provide the basis for formulating pertinent prevention and treatment measures.Methods Descriptive analysis was carried out on the data collected from the outbreak system of infectious disease network in 2010.Results Totally 4287 cases of notifiable disease of 14 types were reported,with an annual incidence rate of 652.43 /105.The incidence showed a sharp increase of 56.11% compared with the same period of the previous year.No class A infectious disease was reported during the year,yet the incidence of class B and Class C diseases showed an upward trend compared with the previous year.The diseases with high incidence(top 5) were successively syphilis,dysentery,phthisis,gonorrhea and hepatitis,each with an incidence of 70.62 /105,49.00/105,47.03/105,34.85/105 and 27.24 /105 respectively.Conclusion The incidence of notifiable infectious diseases showed an increasing trend in Shahekou district of Dalian in 2010,with the syphilis as the highest-incidence disease;thus,the preventive work should be further strengthened towards these diseases,especially syphilis.
Role of the tryptophan residues in proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT-SLC46A1) function

The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) mediates folate absorption across the brush-border membrane of the proximal small intestine and is required for folate transport across the choroid plexus into the cerebrospinal fluid. In this study, the functional role and accessibility of the seven PCFT Trp residues were assessed by the substituted-cysteine accessibility method. Six Trp residues at a lipid-aqueous interface tolerated Cys substitution in terms of protein stability and function. W85C, W202C, and W213C were accessible to N-biotinyl aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate; W48C and W299C were accessible only after treatment with dithiotreitol (DTT), consistent with modification of these residues by an endogenous thiol-reacting molecule and their extracellular location. Neither W107C nor W333C was accessible (even after DTT) consistent with their cytoplasmic orientation. Biotinylation was blocked by pemetrexed only for the W48C (after DTT), W85C, W202C residues. Function was impaired only for the W299C PCFT mutant located in the 4th external loop between the 7th and 8th transmembrane helices. Despite its aqueous location, function could only be fully preserved with Phe and, to a lesser extent, Ala substitutions. There was a 6.5-fold decrease in the pemetrexed influx Vmax and a 3.5- and 6-fold decrease in the influx Kt and Ki, respectively, for the W299S PCFT. The data indicate that the hydrophobicity of the W299 residue is important for function suggesting that during the transport cycle this residue interacts with the lipid membrane thereby impacting on the oscillation of the carrier and, indirectly, on the folate binding pocket.
The Voice Transcription Technique: Use of Voice Recognition Software to Transcribe Digital Interview Data in Qualitative Research

Transcribing interview data is a time-consuming task that most qualitative researchers dislike. Transcribing is even more difficult for people with physical limitations because traditional transcribing requires manual dexterity and the ability to sit at a computer for long stretches of time. Researchers have begun to explore using an automated transcription process using digital recordings and voice recognition software (VRS). While VRS has improved in recent years, it is not yet available to the general public in a format that can recognize more than one recorded voice. This article outlines a strategy used to circumvent this problem and improve the speed and ease of transcription. The equipment and the Voice Transcription Technique used are outlined, as well as suggestions for
Developmental interneuron subtype deficits after targeted loss of Arx

Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) is a paired-like homeodomain transcription factor that functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor and has been implicated in neocortical interneuron specification and migration. Given the role interneurons appear to play in numerous human conditions including those associated with ARX mutations, it is essential to understand the consequences of mutations in this gene on neocortical interneurons. Previous studies have examined the effect of germline loss of Arx, or targeted mutations in Arx, on interneuron development. We now present the effect of conditional loss of Arx on interneuron development. To further elucidate the role of Arx in forebrain development we performed a series of anatomical and developmental studies to determine the effect of conditional loss of Arx specifically from developing interneurons in the neocortex and hippocampus. Analysis and cell counts were performed from mouse brains using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays at 4 times points across development. Our data indicate that early in development, instead of a loss of ventral precursors, there is a shift of these precursors to more ventral locations, a deficit that persists in the adult nervous system. The result of this developmental shift is a reduced number of interneurons (all subtypes) at early postnatal and later time periods. In addition, we find that X inactivation is stochastic, and occurs at the level of the neural progenitors. These data provide further support that the role of Arx in interneuron development is to direct appropriate migration of ventral neuronal precursors into the dorsal cortex and that the loss of Arx results in a failure of interneurons to reach the cortex and thus a deficiency in interneurons.
Permeability Measurements on Cementitious Materials for Nuclear Waste Isolation

Gas and liquid permeability measurement methods have been developed and utilized for characterization of cement composites and rocks for application to nuclear waste geologic repository problems. Permeabilities in the millidarcy to tens of nanodarcys range have been measured reproducibly and are related to problems of borehole plugging and shaft sealing.
Abstract B37: The real deal: Using cytochalasin B in sonodynamic therapy to preferentially damage leukemia cells.

Background/Aim: Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a form of ultrasound therapy in which chemotherapeutic agents known as sonosensitizers are administered to increase the efficacy of ultrasound9s preferential damage to neoplastic cells. Perhaps one of the most intriguing capabilities of ultrasound is its ability to preferentially lyse cells based on size. Cytochalasin B is a cytokinesis inhibitor that preferentially enlarges and multinucleates malignant cells, making them much more sensitive to ultrasonic irradiation. Materials and Methods: The present study investigated the extent of preferential damage inflicted by cytochalasin B on U937 leukemia/human blood cell populations. Cell mixtures were treated with cytochalasin B and then sonicated under a relatively low intensity (3W/cm2). Results: Cytochalasin B preferentially damages U937 cells both before and after sonication. This agent also reduces rapid proliferation as the clonogenicity of U937 cells was considerably reduced following treatment. Conclusion: Cytochalasin B may have profound therapeutic applications when combined with SDT. Citation Format: Matthew Trendowski. The real deal: Using cytochalasin B in sonodynamic therapy to preferentially damage leukemia cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Hematologic Malignancies: Translating Discoveries to Novel Therapies; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(17 Suppl):Abstract nr B37.
A nonparametric test for the evaluation of group sequential clinical trials with covariate information

Abstract Group sequential design is frequently used in clinical trials to evaluate a new treatment vs a control. Although nonparametric methods have the advantage of robustness, most such methods do not take into consideration of covariate information that could be used to improve the test accuracy if incorporated properly. We address this problem using a two-sample U-statistic that incorporates covariate information into the test statistic. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are presented. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the test. We then apply the proposed method to the analysis of data from a Parkinson disease clinical trial, and demonstrate that the significance of the effect associated with deprenyl could be detected at an early stage.
Radiolabeled Targeted peptides for Imaging Infection in Mice Models

1132 Objectives Synthetic molecules have been developed to specifically target lipids of interest on bacterial surfaces. These molecular probes provide opportunities to target bacteria infections in vivo for both imaging and therapy. An unnatural amino acid that preferentially binds to lipids with amine groups via formation of iminoboronates was radiolabeled with 64Cu and explored as a PET imaging agent to track bacteria infection in vitro and in infected mice models. Methods An unnatural amino acid, AB1 conjugated to a DOTA labeled polycationic peptide HLys (RYWVAWRNRG) and targets phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and lysylphosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) on gram-positive bacteria was radiolabelled with 64Cu. The conjugate DOTA-RYWVAWRNRG(AB1)-NH2 was dissolved in 13.3% DMSO in 0.1 M NH4OAc, pH 6 and radiolabeled with 0.8 – 4 mCi of 64Cu buffered in 0.1 M NH4OAc, pH 6 at 37⁰C for 1 – 1.5 h. Cell uptake studies were conducted with Staphylococcus aureus and with SKBR3 cells as a negative control. Biodistribution and PET imaging studies were conducted in mice intramuscularly (IM) infected in the thigh with S. aureus or PBS as a control. Stability studies of the radiolabeled AB1 peptide conjugate were investigated in LB Broth, human serum and PBS. Results The novel peptide agent was radiolabeled with a specific activity of 29.1±7.8 mCi/mg. In the cell uptake studies, 75.7±1.3% of 64Cu labeled AB1-Hlys-DOTA was associated with S. aureus cells at 24 h and specific cell binding was confirmed with a low uptake (9.4±2.3%) in SKBR3 cells. The conjugate was most stable in PBS and serum, > 92% and with approximately -90% intact in LB Broth at 24 h post incubation. Biodistribution studies in the infected mice models at 4 and 24 h showed that peptide uptake in the infected thighs (1.29±0.43 and 0.70±0.15 %ID/g at 4 and 24 h respectively) was about twice the uptake in the PBS IM injected thighs (0.60±0.07 and 0.37±0.03 %ID/g at 4 and 24 h respectively). These results were also confirmed in the PET images. The highest dose uptake as calculated by drawing regions of interest (ROI) was observed at 1 and 4 h. Conclusions: The AB1 peptide was successfully radiolabeled with 64Cu in moderate specific activity yields. The radiolabeled peptide exhibited favorably good uptake in S. aureus bacteria cells both in vitro and in vivo with specificity confirmed by the low uptakes in non-infected thigh muscles and PBS IM injected thigh muscles. The radioactive dose uptake in the infected thigh was visibly observed in the PET images at 1 and 4 h post injection. Further studies would be performed to monitor clearance of infection during therapy.
Physical Activity and Diabetes-related Health Beliefs of Marshallese Adults.

Objective We sought to improve understanding of diabetes-related health beliefs and physical activity behaviors of Marshallese adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods We used tests of comparison and regression analyses to examine data from 376 Marshallese adults collected at church-based events. Results One in 5 (20.2%) respondents had received a T2D diagnosis. About one-fourth of the respondents fell into one of 4 physical activity levels: zero times per week (28.7%), one time per week (19.4%), 2-3 times per week (24.7%) and ≥4 times per week (26.9%). Using logistic regression, we found T2D diagnosis status was not statistically associated with level of physical activity. However, having time to be physically active was significantly associated with being physically active ≥4 times per week. Being obese, having less than a high school education, not having time, and not having a comfortable place to exercise were significantly associated with never being physically active. Conclusions These findings help fill gaps in Pacific Islander health literature and will inform public health interventions to improve rates of physical activity among the Marshallese and other Pacific Islander communities.
Hörmander-type multipliers on locally compact Vilenkin groups: theL 1(G)-case

Китада [3, 4] установил теоремы о мультипликаторах хёрмандеровского типа в пространствах Лебега и Харди, определенных на локально компактной группе Виленкина.G. Как и в классическом случае, мультипликторы для пространстваL1(G) в этих результатах не содержатся. В работе обсуждается этот специальный случай и доказывается, что для полученияL1(G)-мультипликаторов необходимо модифицировать обычные условия для хёрмандеровских мультипликаторов.
Selective deuteration illuminates the importance of tunneling in the unimolecular decay of Criegee intermediates to hydroxyl radical products

Ozonolysis of alkenes, an important nonphotolytic source of hydroxyl (OH) radicals in the atmosphere, proceeds through unimolecular decay of Criegee intermediates. Here, we report a large kinetic isotope effect associated with the rate-limiting hydrogen-transfer step that releases OH radicals for a prototypical Criegee intermediate, CH3CHOO. IR excitation of selectively deuterated syn-CD3CHOO is shown to result in deuterium atom transfer and release OD radical products. Vibrational activation of syn-CD3CHOO is coupled with direct time-resolved detection of OD products to measure a 10-fold slower rate of unimolecular decay upon deuteration in the vicinity of the transition state barrier, which is confirmed by microcanonical statistical theory that incorporates quantum mechanical tunneling. The corresponding kinetic isotope effect of ∼10 is attributed primarily to the decreased probability of D-atom vs. H-atom transfer arising from tunneling. Master equation modeling is utilized to compute the thermal unimolecular decay rates for selectively and fully deuterated syn methyl-substituted Criegee intermediates under atmospheric conditions. At 298 K (1 atm), tunneling is predicted to enhance the thermal decay rate of syn-CH3CHOO compared with the deuterated species, giving rise to a significant kinetic isotope effect of ∼50.
Epidemiology of hip fracture in nursing home residents with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Hip fracture risk is high in young people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but has not been examined in an institutionalized aging population with MS. Objective We aimed to compare the hip fracture risk in nursing home (NH) residents with and without MS; and (2) examine risk factors for hip fracture in those with MS. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national NH clinical assessment and Medicare claims data. Participants included age-, sex- and race-matched NH residents with/without MS (2007–2008). Multivariable competing risk regression was used to compare 2-year hip fracture risk, and to examine risk factors. Results A total of 5692 NH residents with MS were matched to 28,460 without MS. Approximately 80% of residents with MS vs. 50% of those without MS required extensive assistance in walking at NH admission. The adjusted incidence rate of hip fracture was 7.1 and 18.6 per 1000 person-years in those with or without MS, respectively. Wandering and anxiolytic exposure were the main hip fracture risk factors in transfer independent residents with MS; while pneumonia and antidepressant use were the main factors in dependent residents with MS. Conclusions In contrast to prior comparisons from non-NH populations, the incidence of hip fracture was lower in NH residents with MS as compared with matched controls. Residents with MS were much more functionally dependent, which likely explains these findings. Fracture prevention strategies should focus on fall prevention in independent residents; and possibly improvement of health status and facility quality of care in dependent residents.
Ultrasonic alignment of microparticles in nozzle-like geometries

Additive manufacturing (3-D printing) is presently limited by the mechanical properties of the materials, such as polymer resins, that are otherwise efficient and economical for part-forming. Reinforcing the resin with microscale fibers and/or particles would be an effective mechanism to achieve desired mechanical properties such as strength and ductility. Our work combines standing wave ultrasonics and microfluidics to align microparticles in devices that can act as print nozzles, based in part on our prior work with cell sorting. In this paper three different approaches are presented illustrating different engineering tradeoffs, and demonstrating laboratory results of particle alignment. First acoustic resonators are discussed, in which the ultrasonic standing waves result mostly from the mechanical properties of the microfluidic structure, excited by a piezoceramic transducer. Next non-resonant microfluidic structures are discussed, in which ultrasonic standing waves are produced directly by symmetrical transducer deployment. Finally, devices that combine nozzle-like structures, which themselves are suitable acoustic resonators, subjected to symmetrical ultrasonic excitation are presented. We will show that all three configurations will align microparticles, and discuss the tradeoffs among them for subsequent configuration of a print nozzle.
The Logical Form of Totalitarianism

Theories of social behavior include some notion of cooperation. In light of large social institutions such as government, a paradox ensues in cases where the institution in question is oppressive and not enjoyed by the collective of individuals inhabiting such an institution: How is it possible to cooperate unwillingly yet intentionally? Are such individuals complicity reinforcing the regimes that oppress them? This chapter addresses despotic regimes in general and totalitarian regimes in particular by examining the notion of cooperation within these regimes. An analysis of cooperation is offered in which individual behavior in collectives is logically preceded by perception of the social group as either a set with which the individual identifies or does not. In each case, social identification operates over an individual’s social behavior as a reinforcement of the group with which he identifies, or an erosive element of the institution that he finds alien and oppressive.
Molecular systematics of swifts of the genus Chaetura (Aves : Apodiformes : Apodidae).

Phylogenetic relationships among swifts of the morphologically conservative genus Chaetura were studied using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. Taxon sampling included all species and 21 of 30 taxa (species and subspecies) within Chaetura. Our results indicate that Chaetura is monophyletic and support the division of the genus into the two subgenera previously identified using plumage characters. However, our genetic data, when considered in combination with phenotypic data, appear to be at odds with the current classification of some species of Chaetura. We recommend that C. viridipennis, currently generally treated as specifically distinct from C. chapmani, be returned to its former status as C. chapmani viridipennis, and that C. andrei, now generally regarded as synonymous with C. vauxi aphanes, again be recognized as a valid species. Widespread Neotropical species C. spinicaudus is paraphyletic with respect to more range-restricted species C. fumosa, C. egregia, and C. martinica. Geographically structured genetic variation within some other species of Chaetura, especially notable in C. cinereiventris, suggests that future study may lead to recognition of additional species in this genus. Biogeographic analysis indicated that Chaetura originated in South America and identified several dispersal events to Middle and North America following the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Complex Tumors Including IVC Thrombus

Robotic technology adds significant capability to laparoscopic surgery but has been typically reserved for more complex procedures, particularly those requiring suturing. Extirpative procedures like radical nephrectomy are felt by some to lack the complexity needed to benefit from robotic instrumentation. While some advocate using robotics in laparoscopic procedures regardless of complexity, there is a subset of radical nephrectomy procedures that have unique challenges and can benefit from the advanced instrumentation and vision that comes with robotic surgery. This chapter will review such situations where patient and tumor characteristics call for the best instrumentation possible to enable a safe and effective minimally-invasive operation.
Sulfur availability for Vibrio fischeri growth during symbiosis establishment depends on biogeography within the squid light organ

The fitness of host-associated microbes depends on their ability to access nutrients in vivo. Identifying these mechanisms is significant for understanding how microbes have evolved to fill specific ecological niches within a host. Vibrio fischeri is a bioluminescent bacterium that colonizes and proliferates within the light organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, which provides an opportunity to study how bacteria grow in vivo. Here, the transcription factor CysB is shown to be necessary for V. fischeri both to grow on several sulfur sources in vitro and to establish symbiosis with juvenile squid. CysB is also found to regulate several genes involved in sulfate assimilation and to contribute to the growth of V. fischeri on cystine, which is the oxidized form of cysteine. A mutant that grows on cystine but not sulfate could establish symbiosis, suggesting that V. fischeri acquires nutrients related to this compound within the host. Finally, CysB-regulated genes are shown to be differentially expressed among the V. fischeri populations occupying the various colonization sites found within the light organ. Together, these results suggest the biogeography of V. fischeri populations within the squid light organ impacts the physiology of this symbiotic bacterium in vivo through CysB-dependent gene regulation.
Clustering Learned CNN Features from Raw I/Q Data for Emitter Identification

Specific Emitter Identification (SEI) is the act of matching a received signal to an emitter using a database of radio frequency (RF) features belonging to known transmitters. SEI systems are of vital importance to the military for applications such as early warning systems, emitter tracking, and emitter location, and, more recently, have been used in cognitive radio systems to enforce Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) rules [1], [2]. This work investigates using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as feature learners and extractors, paired with the clustering algorithm DBSCAN, to perform SEI. The process through which emitter-specific features are extracted from raw I/Q data streams is described in detail, including the CNN architecture, design, and training. Extensive performance analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach in identifying emitters, and shows that features extracted from CNNs can be used to differentiate between devices unseen in training.
DeepAttest: an end-to-end attestation framework for deep neural networks

Emerging hardware architectures for Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are being commercialized and considered as the hardware- level Intellectual Property (IP) of the device providers. However, these intelligent devices might be abused and such vulnerability has not been identified. The unregulated usage of intelligent platforms and the lack of hardware-bounded IP protection impair the commercial advantage of the device provider and prohibit reliable technology transfer. Our goal is to design a systematic methodology that provides hardware-level IP protection and usage control for DNN applications on various platforms. To address the IP concern, we present DeepAttest, the first on-device DNN attestation method that certifies the legitimacy of the DNN program mapped to the device. DeepAttest works by designing a device-specific fingerprint which is encoded in the weights of the DNN deployed on the target platform. The embedded fingerprint (FP) is later extracted with the support of the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). The existence of the pre-defined FP is used as the attestation criterion to determine whether the queried DNN is authenticated. Our attestation framework ensures that only authorized DNN programs yield the matching FP and are allowed for inference on the target device. DeepAttest provisions the device provider with a practical solution to limit the application usage of her manufactured hardware and prevents unauthorized or tampered DNNs from execution. We take an Algorithm/Software/Hardware co-design approach to optimize DeepAttest's overhead in terms of latency and energy consumption. To facilitate the deployment, we provide a high-level API of DeepAttest that can be seamlessly integrated into existing deep learning frameworks and TEEs for hardware-level IP protection and usage control. Extensive experiments corroborate the fidelity, reliability, security, and efficiency of DeepAttest on various DNN benchmarks and TEE-supported platforms.
DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION AND BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CATALASE ISOZYMES IN MAIZE

ABSTRACT. In Zea mays the regulation of the enzyme catalase (H 2 O 2 :H 2 O 2 oxidoreductase, E.C.1.11.1.6) is being investigated. To date, a number of isozyme variants of catalase have been detected and shown to be under genetic control. The catalase system appears to be an excellent one for studying the control of gene expression in a eukaryotic organism, as a number of regulatory mechanisms appear to contribute to the overall pattern of catalase expression in the cell. In immature kernels, a single electrophoretic form of catalase coded by the Ct 1 gene is expressed. In mature seeds and soon after germination a second catalase form coded by the Ct 2 gene locus is expressed. Both the Ct 1 and Ct 2 catalases are tetramers composed of distinct subunit polypeptides. The subunits interact to generate hybrid isozymes in expected binomial proportions. The physicochemical properties of the catalases have been examined and are discussed. During early sporophytic development, the pattern of catalase expression appears to be regulated by (a) differential gene expression, (b) differential rates of synthesis and degradation of the gene products, (c) changing patterns in compartmentation, and (d) by a catalase-specific inhibitor.
CT Practice Monitoring

Computed tomography (CT) is a leading advanced imaging modality today. Its use, however, has raised concerns regarding utilization costs, appropriate applications, and the associated potential radiation risks. Programmatic radiation dose reporting software has emerged to monitor radiation exposure towards proper CT imaging. Proper imaging implies both radiation risk and clinical value: current CT practice is highly valuable in caring for illness and injury across all ages. Ensuring the benefit of CT examination requires a combined image quality and dose monitoring program. A poor-quality exam is a disservice to the care of the patient, while an exam with more radiation dose than necessary can undermine its safety. Therefore, proper CT imaging requires a combined image quality and dose monitoring program. Such a program is a required element of value-based practice in CT imaging, providing opportunities for improved individual decision-making as well as for assessing and addressing the aggregate aspects of CT imaging practice to ensure rigorous patient safety and consistent imaging quality. This in turn paves the way towards consistent and high-quality imaging care across the healthcare enterprise.
Older Korean Americans' concern about Alzheimer's disease: the role of immigration-related factors and objective and subjective cognitive status.

Objectives: The present study examined the associations between immigration-related factors and objective and subjective cognitive status with older Korean Americans’ concern about developing Alzhe...
Improved Production of (R)-[11C]PK11195 for PET Imaging of Inflammation

1004 Introduction: (R)-[11C]PK11195 is a well-studied positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to image inflammation by targeting 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) expression. The production of (R)-[11C]PK11195 occurs via [11C]methyl iodide ([11C]CH3I) methylation of base-activated (R)-N-desmethyl-PK11195 followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification. In this study, we reported an improved production of (R)-[11C]PK11195 with reliable yield and facile HPLC purification. Methods: Sodium hydride (NaH, 60% in mineral oil, 3-5 mg) as a base was added to a solution of (R)-N-desmethyl-PK11195 (2 mg) in anhydrous DMSO (200 μL) at 3-5 min before end of beam (EOB). [11C]CH3I, synthesized from GE Tracerlab FX2MEI module, was delivered to the base-activated precursor solution in a reaction vessel of GE Tracerlab FX2M module. The resulting solution was maintained at room temperature (25 °C) for 1.5 minutes, followed by 1 mL HPLC eluent dilution, and then transferred to a semi-preparative HPLC column for separation. The (R)-[11C]PK11195 fraction was collected, diluted with 30 mL deionized water, and concentrated on a solid-phase extraction tC18 cartridge. Followed by washing with 10 mL sterile water, (R)-[11C]PK11195 was eluted with 1.5 mL ethanol from tC18 cartridge, reconstituted in 9 mL normal saline, and then passed through a sterile 0.22 µm filter into a product vial. A representative sample was withdrawn for clinical quality control tests. Results: (R)-[11C]PK11195 product was obtained in 138-170 mCi (5.1-6.3 GBq, n = 3) at end of synthesis (EOS). The total synthesis time was 33 min starting from EOB, and the typical C-11 target irradiation time was 30 min at 55 µA beam current. The (R)-[11C]PK11195 fraction was collected from 4.8-5.3 min on semi-preparative HPLC. The radiochemical yield was 10.6-12.7% (uncorrected, based on radioactivity of [11C]CH3I trapped in the reactor vessel and (R)-[11C]PK11195 in product vial). The radiochemical purity was >99% and the molecular activity was 3.14-4.15 Ci/µmol (116-154 GBq/µmol) at EOS. Final (R)-[11C]PK11195 product passed all the quality control tests according to current US Pharmacopeia and FDA cGMP acceptance criteria, including pH, filter integrity, residual solvents, endotoxin, sterility, radiochemical/chemical purity and radiochemical identity, and molecular activity. Conclusions: An improved production of (R)-[11C]PK11195 was achieved with reliable and reasonable radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity and molecular activity. The cGMP compliant production allows the use of (R)-[11C]PK11195 for PET imaging in patients with inflammatory diseases.
Temporal variability of surgical technical skill perception in real robotic surgery.

Summary score metrics, either from crowds of non-experts, faculty surgeons or from automated performance metrics, have been trusted as the prevailing method of reporting surgeon technical skill. The aim of this paper is to learn whether there exist significant fluctuations in the technical skill assessments of a surgeon throughout long durations of surgical footage. A set of 12 videos of robotic surgery cases from common human patient robotic surgeries were used to evaluate the perceived technical skill at each individual minute of the surgical videos, which were originally 12–15 min in length. A linear mixed-effects model for each video was used to compare the ratings of each minute to those from every other minute in order to learn whether a change in scores over time can be detected and reliably measured apart from inter- and intrarater variation. Modeling the change over time of the global evaluative assessment of robotic skills scores significantly contributed to the prediction models for 11 of the 12 surgeons. This demonstrates that measurable changes in technical skill occur over time during robotic surgery. The findings from this research raise questions about the optimal duration of footage needed to be evaluated to arrive at an accurate rating of surgical technical skill for longer procedures. This may imply non-negligible label noise for supervised machine learning approaches. In the future, it may be necessary to report a surgeon’s skill variability in addition to their mean score to have proper knowledge of a surgeon’s overall skill level.