cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Adaptations to Changes in the Social Dominance Status of Crayfish

The effect of superfused serotonin (5-HT; 50 mM) on the synaptic responses of the lateral giant (LG) interneuron in crayfish was found to depend on the social status of the animal. In socially isolated animals, 5-HT persistently increased the response of LG to sensory nerve shock. After social isolates were paired in a small cage, they fought and determined their dominant and subordinate status. After 12 d of pairing, 5-HT reversibly inhibited the response of LG in the social subordinate and reversibly increased the response of LG in the social dominant crayfish. The effect of 5-HT changed approximately linearly from response enhancement to inhibition in the new subordinate over the 12 d of pairing. If, after 12 d pairing, the subordinate was reisolated for 8 d, the response enhancement was restored. If the subordinate, instead, was paired with another subordinate and became dominant in this new pair, the inhibitory effect of 5-HT changed to an enhancing effect over the next 12 d of pairing. If, however, two dominant crayfish were paired and one became subordinate, the enhancing effect of 5-HT persisted in the new subordinate even after 38 d pairing. These different effects of serotonin result from the action of two or more molecular receptors for serotonin. A vertebrate 5-HT1 agonist had no effect on social isolates but reversibly inhibited the response of LG in both dominant and subordinate crayfish. The inhibitory effects of the agonist developed approximately linearly over the first 12 d of pairing. A vertebrate 5-HT2 agonist persistently increased the response of LG in isolate crayfish and reversibly increased the response of the cell in dominant and subordinate crayfish. Finally, although neurons that might mediate these effects of superfused 5-HT are unknown, one pair of 5-HT-immunoreactive neurons appears to contact the LG axon and initial axon segment in each abdominal ganglion in its projection caudally from the thorax.
Prescribing “placebo treatments”: results of national survey of US internists and rheumatologists

Objective To describe the attitudes and behaviours regarding placebo treatments, defined as a treatment whose benefits derive from positive patient expectations and not from the physiological mechanism of the treatment itself. Design Cross sectional mailed survey. Setting Physicians’ clinical practices. Participants 1200 practising internists and rheumatologists in the United States. Main outcome measures Investigators measured physicians’ self reported behaviours and attitudes concerning the use of placebo treatments, including
Optimal Cover Estimation Methods and Steganographic Payload Location

Cover estimation is an important part of steganalysis and has many applications. One such application is steganographic payload location using residuals, which is effective when a large number of stego images are available. In the ideal case when the cover images are available, we show that the expected number of stego images needed to perfectly locate all load-carrying pixels is approximately the logarithm of the payload size. In more practical settings when the cover images are not available, the accuracy of payload location depends primarily on the chosen cover estimation method. We present optimal, linear runtime algorithms for finding the most likely cover estimate given the stego image and experimentally demonstrate that they can be used to locate payload on both least-significant bit (LSB) replacement and LSB matching stego images. The algorithms can be extended to higher order statistical models of cover images.
Modeling human perceptions of natural language timing (NLT)

Natural language timing (NLT) is a complex human attribute and an integral part of complex human activities. To effectively participate in real time interactive voice to voice communication, intelligent systems must acquire this complex attribute. The human perceptual diversity in interpretation of NLT was hardly a source of technical concern until recent trends in communication technology. The problem addressed deals with how the human perceptual differences can be modeled for subsequent integration into intelligent human-machine systems, using the Fuzzy Logic System (FLS).
Cohesive Modeling of Solder Interconnect Failure in Board Level Drop Test

Numerical approach using finite element method has been extensively used to access reliability of electronic components subjected to board level drop test and system level drop test for portable electronic products. Dynamic crack growth and separation of solder material from its pad interface are known failure modes for lead-free solder interconnect. The constitutive behavior of this phenomenon can be naturally described using traction-separation relationship. In this study, the cohesive constitutive relation and the creation of new free crack surfaces for crack propagation are demonstrated using Needleman's model and Abaqus cohesive elements. Comparisons of modeling technique and limitations between two approaches and the procedure to extract traction-separation parameters from experimental data are discussed. The material constitutive behavior of solder material was obtained from high strain rate testing on the order up to 6.43/sec. Board level drop simulation is conducted with incorporated cohesive surfaces for failure prediction. The prediction of failure is in accord with experimental observation
Finite element modeling of two-dimensional transmission line structures using a new asymptotic boundary condition

The finite element method (FEM) is used to study open, arbitrarily configured, two-dimensional transmission line structures in the quasi-TEM (transverse electromagnetic) regime. An improved version of a previously developed asymptotic boundary condition (ABC) is used to truncate the open region. Results for two- and six-conductor configurations are presented to illustrate the superiority of this method over the conventional approach, wherein, a perfectly conducting enclosure is used to truncate the FEM mesh, and the original ABC previously introduced. The results presented are of particular interest for estimating crosstalk and signal distortion in printed circuits. >
Stable Isotope Sourcing Using Sampling

Stable isotope mixing models are used to estimate proportional contributions of sources to a mixture, such as in the analysis of animal diets, plant nutrient use, geochemistry, pollution, and forensics. We describe an algorithm implemented as SISUS software for providing a user-specified number of probabilistic exact solutions derived quickly from the extended mixing model. Our method outperforms IsoSource [1], a deterministic algorithm for providing approximate solutions to represent the solution polytope. Our method is an approximate Bayesian large sample procedure. SISUS software is freely available at StatAcumen.com/sisus and as an R package at cran.r-project.org/web/packages/sisus.
Hierarchical interface eases power system simulation

Powerful simulation tools for studying power systems have been developed which span the full range of power system problems, from load flow to fast transients. When many of these tools were first developed, the user interface consisted of batch processing with punched-card input. These interfaces have been improved over the years but remain a principal drawback to effective use of many of these tools. Generally, the user has to prepare a data file that is highly format dependent. This work is tedious, error-prone, and difficult to document. The data file is flat and fundamental component based. This article describes a graphic interface prototype that removes the traditional problems encountered in building models for power system simulators. By using this interface users are set free from the minute details of the simulator's input format and can concentrate on creative model building. >
Cerebral vasodilation during hypercapnia. Role of glibenclamide-sensitive potassium channels and nitric oxide.

The purpose of these experiments was to examine mechanisms by which hypercapnia produces vasodilatation in brain. We examined the hypothesis that dilatation of cerebral arterioles during hypercapnia is dependent on activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and formation of nitric oxide. Diameters of cerebral arterioles were measured using a closed cranial window in anesthetized rabbits. Changes in diameter of arterioles were measured in response to topical application of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside and during two levels of systemic hypercapnia. Increasing arterial PCO2 from 32 +/- 1 mm Hg (mean +/- SE) to 54 +/- 1 and 66 +/- 1 mm Hg dilated cerebral arterioles by 25 +/- 3% and 38 +/- 5%, respectively, from a control diameter of 93 +/- 3 microns. The response to the low level of hypercapnia was attenuated (25 +/- 3% versus 16 +/- 4%, P Thus, activation of glibenclamide-sensitive potassium channels may contribute to dilatation of cerebral arterioles during hypercapnia. Cerebral vasodilatation during hypercapnia is dependent in large part on production of nitric oxide.
A-MYB (MYBL1) Stimulates Murine Testis-Specific Ldhc Expression via the cAMP-Responsive Element (CRE) Site

Generally, knowledge of the mechanism regulating gene expression in primary spermatocytes is incomplete. We have used the lactate dehydrogenase gene (Ldhc) as a model to explore these mechanisms during spermatogenesis. Its 100-bp core promoter contained two essential elements common to many genes, a GC box and a CRE site. Here we report results that support a model in which transcription factor MYBL1 acts as a coactivator directing tissue-specific expression via the CRE cis element. We hypothesize that this is a common mechanism involving activation of multiple genes in the primary spermatocyte. MYBL1 is expressed predominantly as a tissue-specific transcription factor in spermatocytes and breast epithelial cells. Our finding that LDHC expression is lost in 21-day testes of MYBL1 mutant mice supports our hypothesis. In the GC1-spg germ cell line exogenous MYBL1 induces activity 4- to 8-fold, although extracts from these cells do not show MYBL1 binding activity for the Myb consensus sequences in the Ldhc promoter by EMSA. Rather, MYBL1 stimulates expression from a synthetic promoter containing only CRE elements, suggesting MYBL1 activates the promoter by interacting with protein that binds to a CRE element. Mutation of three Myb sites does not affect Ldhc promoter activity significantly (P > 0.05). CREB-binding protein (CBP) is a coactivator that interacts with CRE-binding protein CREB. We show that the transactivation domain (TAD) in MYBL1 interacts with the KIX domain in CBP, and the TAD domain and DNA binding domain in MYBL1 each interact with the CREB N-terminal domain. MYBL1 also stimulated expression from testis-specific genes Pgk2 (phosphoglycerate kinase 2) and Pdha2 (pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha 2) promoters, each of which contains CRE promoter elements and is expressed in primary spermatocytes. We propose that MYBL1 directs germ cell-specific activation via the CRE site of certain genes that are activated specifically in the primary spermatocyte, although other, more indirect effects of MYBL1 remain a possible explanation for our results.
Neutral Beam Injection for a Proton Storage Ring

The spallation neutron source at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory is to be upgraded with the addition of a high current Proton Storage Ring (PSR). This paper describes a novel charge changing injection technique that substantially simplifies the ring design. The method consists of converting the 800-MeV negative hydrogen (H-) ion beam from the linac to a 100% neutral hydrogen (Ho) beam having an acceptable emittance and drifting it directly onto the proton closed orbit in the ring. The neutralization is accomplished by electric field dissociation of the H- ions.
Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of the Novel Acetyltransferase Retrogene Ard1b in the Mouse

N-alpha-terminal acetylation is a modification process that occurs cotranslationally on most eukaryotic proteins. The major enzyme responsible for this process, N-alpha-terminal acetyltransferase, is composed of the catalytic subunit ARD1A and the auxiliary subunit NAT1. We cloned, characterized, and studied the expression pattern of Ard1b (also known as Ard2), a novel homolog of the mouse Ard1a. Comparison of the genomic structures suggests that the autosomal Ard1b is a retroposed copy of the X-linked Ard1a. Expression analyses demonstrated a testis predominance of Ard1b. A reciprocal expression pattern between Ard1a and Ard1b is also observed during spermatogenesis, suggesting that Ard1b is expressed to compensate for the loss of Ard1a starting from meiosis. Both ARD1A and ARD1B can interact with NAT1 to constitute a functional N-alpha-terminal acetyltransferase in vitro. The expression of ARD1B protein can be detected in mouse testes but is delayed until the first appearance of round spermatids. In a cell culture model, the inclusion of the long 3′ untranslated region of Ard1b leads to reduction of luciferase reporter activity, which implicates its role in translational repression of Ard1b during spermatogenesis. Our results suggest that ARD1B may have an important role in the later course of the spermatogenic process.
Linkage of cardiac left-right asymmetry and dorsal-anterior development in Xenopus

The left-right body axis is defined relative to the dorsal-ventral and anterior-posterior body axes. Since left-right asymmetries are not randomly oriented with respect to dorsal-ventral and anterior-posterior spatial patterns, it is possible that a common mechanism determines all three axes in a coordinate manner. Two approaches were undertaken to determine whether alteration in dorsal-anterior development perturbs the left-right orientation of heart looping. Treatments known to decrease dorsal-anterior development in Xenopus laevis, UV irradiation during the first cell cycle or Xwnt-8 DNA injections into dorsal blastomeres, caused an increase in cardiac left-right reversals. The frequency of left-right reversal was correlated with the severity of dorsal-anterior perturbation and with the extent of anterior notochord regression. Injection of Xwnt-8 DNA into dorsal midline cells resulted in decreased dorsal-anterior development and a correlated increase in cardiac left-right reversals. In contrast, injection of Xwnt-8 DNA into cardiac progenitor blastomeres did not result in left-right reversals, and dorsal-anterior development and notochord formation were normal. Disrupting development of dorsal-anterior cells, including cells that give rise to the Organizer region and the notochord, results in the randomization of cardiac left-right asymmetry. These results suggest dorsal-anterior development and the regulation of left-right orientation are linked.
Probing structural adaptability in templated vanadium selenites

Abstract The structural adaptability of [V3O5(SeO3)3]n2n− layers in organically templated vanadium selenites was determined using a three step approach involving (i) an 84 reaction study with 14 distinct organic amines and 6 different reaction conditions, (ii) decision tree construction using both dependent and independent variables, and (iii) the derivation of chemical hypotheses. Formation of [V3O5(SeO3)3]n2n− layers requires that three criteria be met. First, compound stabilization through hydrogen-bonding with specific nucleophilic oxide ions is needed, requiring the presence of a primary ammonium site on the respective organic amine. Second, layer formation is facilitated through the use of compact ammonium cations that are able to achieve charge density matching with the anionic layers. Third, competition between organic ammonium cations and NH4+, which affects product formation, can be controlled through reagent choice and initial reactant concentrations. This approach to elucidate structural adaptability is generalizable and can be applied to a range of chemical systems.
Historical Atlas of Maine

This elegantly designed, handsomely produced and deeply researched historical atlas is a grand, multi-disciplinary, multi-authored, collaborative project that provides a comprehensive historical ge...
Social spam, campaigns, misinformation and crowdturfing

This tutorial will introduce peer-reviewed research work on information quality on social systems. Specifically, we will address new threats such as social spam, campaigns, misinformation and crowdturfing, and overview modern techniques to improve information quality by revealing and detecting malicious participants (e.g., social spammers, content polluters and crowdturfers) and low quality contents.
Anisotropic Imaging with Fast Recovery of Tilt and Azimuthal Angles

We present 3D anisotropic imaging results using transverse isotropy parameters together with tilt angle and azimuth. The resulting parameterization can be used to provide full spatial variation in the orientation of the transverse isotropy axis, or by restricting values of the two rotation angles, can be made to reduce to conventional VTI, HTI, or TTI cases. Using the new combination of parameters in an imaging procedure based on the adjoint method, we demonstrate advantages of the new approach for resolving complex anisotropic structures. With a strategy to mitigate nonlinearity, we show that spatially variable tilt angle and azimuth can be quickly recovered from a starting model without such variations. These capabilities are demonstrated through tests with a 3D model of a salt dome.
Competitive Displacement Between Natural Populations of the Maize Weevil and the Angoumois Grain Moth in Mississippi

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamaize Motschulsky, was found to displace the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), in stored corn in south Mississippi. Temperature was the physical barrier that limited the northward spread of the maize weeil. The Angoumois grain moth therefore flourished in north Mississippi because it was tolerant of lower temperatures.
Trends and Styles in Twentieth-Century French Literature

(1959). Trends and Styles in Twentieth-Century French Literature. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 140-145.
Impaired cAMP-mediated gene expression and decreased cAMP response element binding protein in senescent cells

The capacity of various growth factors to induce c-fos expression is diminished with senescence. Because adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated responses are also blunted with aging, we wondered whether cAMP-induced c-fos gene expression might be impaired with senescence. Using IMR fibroblasts, we found that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and forskolin, stimulators of cAMP accumulation in young and senescent cells, increased abundance of c-fos and junB mRNA more in young than senescent cells. The abundance of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor which enhances gene expression when phosphorylated by protein kinase A, was markedly decreased in both whole cell and nuclear extracts of senescent cells, in both Western blotting and in gel retardation assays. Also, PGE1-induced phosphorylation of CREB by protein kinase A was markedly attenuated in senescent cells. There is a marked decrement in expression of CREB with senescence, and the results suggest the possibility ...
Design of a Noise and Wildlife Optimized Residential Roof-Top Horizontal Wind-Turbine with PV Integration

Traditional wind turbines used in coastal applications for power generation have a few drawbacks. The drawbacks include operational noise, incidental wildlife fatality, particularly to avian life and energy intermittency or uncertainty. Atmospheric winds are one of the densest forms of energy among renewable energy sources. Tapping this energy source is relatively easy and requires relatively low capital expenditure. Coastal regions and island communities are well suited for wind generation, but have a higher risk for environmental and wildlife impact. While green energy usage is being actively promoted by many cities, construction of large wind farms within cities are generally infeasible. To address the aforementioned inconsistency problem, this paper describes the design and implementation of a horizontal wind turbine (HWT) which is suitable for costal or island installations as well as general residential installations. The proposed design reduces operating noise and wildlife fatalities while improving energy availability through photo-voltaic (PV) system integration.
Analysis and Selection of Out-of-step Splitting Criterion in Strong Grid

The strong large-scale grid is constituted through multi-back contact channels.In case of the system out-of-step oscillation,the oscillation center may fail to fall on the same contact line,but on a mis-step cross section.On the basis of comparative analysis of out-of-step splitting criterion and apparent impedance angle criterion,the out-of-step splitting criterion based on the system out-of-step sections is selected in order to meet better the stable operation requirements of strong grid.The correctness of the selected criterion has been verified in simulation.
Evaluation of Investigation Strategies for an Old Municipal Dumping Site

In 1994, a planned urban restoration action of an open green area including an old municipal dumping site required a reliable evaluation of the restrictions for a future use. A dedicated investigation concept was developed. Setting into action of the concept will rapidly lead to reliable information in order to judge about potential options for use as well as about the necessity of remediation or prohibitive actions on the former dumping site with low expenditure. The evaluation and the resulting monitoring concept is described and discussed.
Identities for the B-Spline Basis Functions

This chapter discusses identities for the B-spline basis functions. The k th B-spline basis function, N k,n ( t ) of degree n over the knot vector t 0 , t 1 ,…, t m is a piecewise polynomial of degree n with breakpoints at the knots and support in the interval [ t k ,t k+ n+1 ]. The smoothness at each knot depends on its multiplicity. Usually the B-spline basis functions are defined recursively, though explicit formulas in terms of divided differences are also known. The purpose of this chapter is to collect in one place those properties and identities of the B-spline basis functions that are most helpful, for understanding and investigating B-spline curves and tensor product B-spline surfaces. This chapter presents these identities in a consistent framework and may serve both as a compact reference and as a source for additional investigation.
9.03 Organic Synthesis in Small Scale Continuous Flow: Flow Chemistry

Miniaturized continuous-flow systems promise to transform classical batch-wise laboratory procedures into compact integrated systems providing new understanding of fundamental chemical processes as well as rapid, continuous discovery and development of new products with less use of resources and waste generation. Flow systems combine small channels, chemical-synthesis-on-a chip, and continuous separation to enable multiple synthesis and separation steps. Synthesis applications are enhanced by automated optimization as well as mechanistic and kinetic information gained from integrating reaction components with sensors, actuators, and automated fluid handling. Moreover, flow systems allow experiments on well-defined samples at conditions not easily accessed by conventional batch systems, such as reaction at high pressure and temperatures. The characteristics and capabilities of flow systems are demonstrated with case studies drawn from single transformations and multistep chemical synthesis relevant to fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Emphasis is placed on applications that are enabled by flow systems and are difficult to perform by conventional techniques. Scaling of the techniques to production amounts is also touched on.
Kell Blood-Group Protein

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structural chemistry and the biological aspects of Kell blood-group protein. Kell protein cleaves a biological inactive, intermediate, precursor protein termed big endothelin 3 generating endothelin 3, a bioactive peptide with multiple biological roles. To a lesser extent Kell also cleaves big endothelin 1 and big endothelin 2 at Trp21-pVal22. Kell has a strong preference for big endothelin 3 as substrate. Assays have been mostly performed with a soluble recombinant form of Kell lacking the N-terminal intracellular and transmembrane domains. As expressed by sf9 cells, Kell contains the large 665 amino acid and extracellular portion with a histidine tag. The recombinant protein was further modified, to avoid possible disulfide interactions, by the substitution of Kell Cys72 with Ser, because Cys72 is normally linked to XK. Similar results are obtained with red cell membrane preparations that contain intact Kell protein linked to XK. Based on cDNA sequence, human Kell protein is a 732 amino acid, type II membrane glycoprotein with a short, 47 amino acid, N-terminal intracellular segment, a single, 20-amino acid, transmembrane domain and a large, 665 amino acid, extracellular domain.
Relaxation for Constrained Decentralized Markov Decision Processes: (Extended Abstract)

This paper studies a class of decentralized multi-agent stochastic optimization problems. In these problems, each agent has only a partial view of the world state, and a partial control of the actions but must cooperatively maximize the long-term system reward. The state that an agent observe consists of two parts - a common public component and an agent-specific private component. Importantly, taking actions incurs costs and the actions that the agents can take are subject to an overall cost constraint in each interaction period. We formulate this problem as an infinite time horizon Decentralized Markov Decision Process (DEC-MDP) with resource constraints and develop efficient approximate algorithms that allow decentralized computation of the agent policy based on Lagrangian relaxation.
A novel hybrid FDTD technique for efficient solution of multi-scale problems

Numerical simulation of electromagnetic models with multi-scale features is highly challenging owing to the fact that electrically large as well as small features are simultaneously present in the model, which requires the computational domain to be discretized such that the number of degrees of freedom (DoFs) is very large; this, in turn, levies a heavy burden on the computational resources.
An Interactive Multi-instrument Database of Solar Flares

Solar flares are complicated physical phenomena that are observable in a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to γ-rays. For a more comprehensive understanding of flares, it is necessary to perform a combined multi-wavelength analysis using observations from many satellites and ground-based observatories. For an efficient data search, integration of different flare lists, and representation of observational data, we have developed the Interactive Multi-Instrument Database of Solar Flares (IMIDSF, https://solarflare.njit.edu/). The web-accessible database is fully functional and allows the user to search for uniquely identified flare events based on their physical descriptors and the availability of observations by a particular set of instruments. Currently, the data from three primary flare lists (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, RHESSI, and HEK) and a variety of other event catalogs (Hinode, Fermi GBM, Konus-W IND, the OVSA flare catalogs, the CACTus CME catalog, the Filament eruption catalog) and observing logs (IRIS and Nobeyama coverage) are integrated, and an additional set of physical descriptors (temperature and emission measure) is provided along with an observing summary, data links, and multi-wavelength light curves for each flare event since 2002 January. We envision that this new tool will allow researchers to significantly speed up the search of events of interest for statistical and case studies.
Creating objective and measurable postgraduate year 1 residency graduation requirements.

Purpose The process of developing objective and measurable postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency graduation requirements and a progress tracking system is described. Summary The PGY1 residency accreditation standard requires that programs establish criteria that must be met by residents for successful completion of the program (i.e., graduation requirements), which should presumably be aligned with helping residents to achieve the purpose of residency training. In addition, programs must track a resident’s progress toward fulfillment of residency goals and objectives. Defining graduation requirements and establishing the process for tracking residents’ progress are left up to the discretion of the residency program. To help standardize resident performance assessments, leaders of an academic medical center–based PGY1 residency program developed graduation requirement criteria that are objective, measurable, and linked back to residency goals and objectives. A system for tracking resident progress relative to quarterly progress targets was instituted. Leaders also developed a focused, on-the-spot skills assessment termed “the Thunderdome,” which was designed for objective evaluation of direct patient care skills. Quarterly data on residents’ progress are used to update and customize each resident’s training plan. Implementation of this system allowed seamless linkage of the training plan, the progress tracking system, and the specified graduation requirement criteria. Conclusion PGY1 residency requirements that are objective, that are measurable, and that attempt to identify what skills the resident must demonstrate in order to graduate from the program were developed for use in our residency program. A system for tracking the residents’ progress by comparing residents’ performance to predetermined quarterly benchmarks was developed.
Transcriptional profiling of Tu212 cell line treated with EGCG and resveratrol to identify actionable targets for adjuvant therapy.

e17057 Background: Recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is an incurable disease with poor outcome. The use of natural compounds may avoid or delay the recurrenc...
Migraine Prophylaxis in Managed Care Organizations

Migraine is a highly prevalent, chronic, episodic condition. The direct and indirect costs of migraine have a large economic impact. Research has shown that migraine abortive medications reduce healthcare costs, improve health-related quality of life, decrease migraine disability and keep patients effective in the workplace. This class of medications, therefore, has a clearly defined role within a disease management program. However, the role of prophylactic medications in terms of costs and patient-focused outcomes within a disease management program has not been clearly defined.
Characterizing a Hidden Group of At-Risk Drinkers: Epidemiological Profiles of Alcohol-Use Disorder Diagnostic Orphans.

Background: Drinkers who report some symptoms of alcohol-use disorder (AUD) but fail to meet full criteria are “diagnostic orphans.” To improve risk-reduction efforts, we sought to develop better e...
Improving engineering students professional development skills in the make to innovate program

A program at Iowa State University, Make to Innovate (M:2:I), allows students to work on real world engineering problems through a problem-based learning framework. Over the five years this program has been operating, observational data and student feedback have been collected identifying a potential issue with students' success in their projects. In most cases, this was not due to a lack of technical knowledge but rather from deficiencies in professional development skills. However, students are not often exposed to or taught these professional development skills in their undergraduate courses. This creates a deficiency in students' effective leadership of their teams, which can lead to a negative experience for the student in the program. This work-in-progress paper will discuss a supplemental professional development course that will be added to the Make to Innovate program to educate students in several professional development skills. This additional instructional course will continue to follow the problem-based learning framework to engage students in learning these skills. The developed course is expected to have direct positive impact on students' professional development and the success of their projects.
Early Tangent Constructions

In modern calculus courses the treatment of differentiation and the construction of tangent lines to curves usually precede the treatment of integration and the calculation of areas under curves. This is a reversal of the historical sequence of discovery; as we have seen in the preceding chapters, the calculation of curvilinear areas dates back to ancient times. However, apart from simple constructions of tangent lines to conic sections (with the static Greek view of a tangent line as a line touching the curve in only one point), and the isolated example of Archimedes’ construction of the tangent to his spiral, tangent lines were not studied until the middle decades of the seventeenth century.
Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Status among Ever-Married and Cohabiting Zimbabwean Women: An Examination of Partners’ Traits

This study examines the connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus status among married and cohabitating women in Zimbabwe using an African feminist framework. Stata 13.0 was used to analyze data from the 2010-2011 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, which used a national probability sample of households in the country of Zimbabwe. This study used logistic regression to analyze the 2,830 ever-married or cohabitating women who also answered the violence and spousal traits questionnaire as well as provided blood samples. The logistic regression revealed that women who had experienced any type of intimate partner violence (odds ratio=1.29, CI [1.00, 1.67]) or broken bones (odds ratio=2.39, CI [1.19, 4.77]) were more likely to be HIV positive; relative to those with bruises bruises (odds ratio=- .64 CI [.41, .99]) were less likely. Women with partners who are trackers (odds ratio=1.28, CI [1.04, 1.59]) were more likely to be HIV positive. Patriarchal, hypermasculist culture, shown through violence against women, contributes to the likelihood of HIV in wives and partners. A cultural shift at the highest levels may help to prevent IPV and reduce the spread of HIV.
Homogeneous myxoid liposarcomas mimicking cysts on MRI: A challenging diagnosis

Abstract Objectives Myxoid liposarcoma (M-LPS) is the second most frequent subtype of liposarcoma. Foci of fat on MRI are strongly suggestive of this diagnosis. The aims of this study are to (i) assess the prevalence of perfectly homogeneous M-LPS-mimicking cyst and characterize their associated clinical and pathological features and to (ii) identify helpful clues to prevent misdiagnosis when encountered with a cyst-like lesion in soft tissue parts. Methods MR images from 32 consecutive pathologically proven M-LPS and round cell liposarcomas (RC-LPS) were retrospectively reviewed independently by two radiologists at our institution. Location, morphology, signals, lesion architecture, heterogeneity, margins and periphery were systematically assessed in each case. Medical records were checked for initial and definitive histopathological diagnosis, therapeutic managements and outcomes. Histopathological specimens of cyst-like M-LPS were reviewed for the study. Results We have identified seven perfectly homogeneous well-defined cyst mimickers (21.9%) located on the limbs, all but one being deep-seated. These tumors were significantly smaller than the conventional M-LPS (p = 0.0005). Six lesions were initially diagnosed as benign; 4 patients underwent marginal surgical resection without prior diagnosis and 2 cases were put under medical surveillance, one of which progressed towards classical RC-LPS on follow-up MRI. No specific pathological features could be identified nor were any clinical adverse outcomes recorded. Conclusion “Cyst” on MRI, without pathological adjacent joint, necessitates ultrasonography with Doppler and intravenous Gadolinium agent injections as subsets of M-LPS can mimic cyst on MRI. Cyst-like M-LPS, due to their smaller size and relative favorable outcome, could have better prognosis.
Propagation of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ Smooth Arizona Cypress by Stem Cuttings: Effects of Growth Stage, Type of Cutting, and IBA Treatment

Abstract Stem cuttings of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ smooth Arizona cypress [Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (Sudw.) Little ‘Carolina Sapphire’] consisting of 30 cm (12 in) terminals or distal [terminal 15 cm (6 in)] and proximal [basal 15 cm (6 in)] halves of 30 cm (12 in) terminals were taken on three dates associated with specific growth stages (semi-hardwood, hardwood, and softwood). Cuttings were treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA) in 50% isopropanol ranging from 0 to 16,000 ppm (1.6%) and placed under intermittent mist. Regardless of cutting type and auxin treatment, cuttings rooted at each growth stage. Overall percent rooting was highest during the hardwood stage (70%), followed by the semi-hardwood stage (44%). Softwood cuttings exhibited the lowest overall rooting (33%). At each growth stage, percent rooting, root count, and root dry weight varied depending on cutting type and IBA treatment. Rooting percentages ≥70% were attained at the semi-hardwood and hardwood growth stages for particular treatmen...
Exercise is medicine: student pharmacists' perceptions and knowledge of exercise prescription.

With healthcare costs on the rise, a global initiative was launched in 2007, called Exercise is Medicine, to prescribe and counsel patients on exercise to aid in the prevention and treatment of chr...
Biogenic Aldehyde-Mediated Mechanisms of Toxicity in Neurodegenerative Disease.

Abstract Oxidative decomposition of several biomolecules produces reactive aldehydes. Monoamine neurotransmitters are enzymatically converted to aldehydes via monoamine oxidase followed by further metabolism such as carbonyl oxidation/reduction. Elevated levels of aldehyde intermediates are implicated as factors in several pathological conditions, including Parkinson's disease. The biogenic aldehydes produced from dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are known to be toxic, generate reactive oxygen species, and/or cause aggregation of proteins such as α-synuclein. Polyunsaturated lipids undergo oxidative decomposition to produce biogenic aldehydes, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and malondialdehyde. These lipid aldehydes, some including an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl, target important proteins such as α-synuclein, proteasome degradation, and G-protein–coupled signaling. Overproduction of biogenic aldehydes is a hypothesized factor in neurodegeneration; preventing their formation or scavenging may provide means for neuroprotection.
Modelling of uncertain reactive human driving behavior: a classification approach

This paper discusses a novel approach to model human driver behavior. A classification-based method is proposed to construct a reactive bound on possible human driving actions given the scenario description (such as the vehicle states and the behavior of surrounding vehicles). This approach captures the reactiveness and uncertainty of human drivers. Real human driving data is used as the positive training data, while dangerous actions sampled via a Hamilton Jacobi reachability computation constitute the negative training data. A classifier that separates the two groups is then trained via a customized $\mathcal{L}_{1}$ . Support Vector Machine (SVM), and an analytical bound function is derived from the classifier which maps the state and surrounding vehicles' actions to the bound on possible actions of the human driver. The credibility of the proposed approach is analyzed under the random convex optimization framework. Potential applications of this work include the computation of safe sets, synthesis of safety guaranteed controllers for systems interacting with humans such as autonomous vehicles, and evaluation of such systems.
Optimal Interactive Energy Efficient Beam-Alignment for Millimeter-Wave Networks

Millimeter-wave communications rely on narrow-beam transmissions to cope with the strong signal attenuation at these frequencies, thus demanding precise alignment between transmitter and receiver. The beam-alignment procedure may create a significant overhead, thus potentially offsetting the benefits of using narrow communication beams. In this paper, an optimal interactive energy-efficient beam-alignment protocol is designed, that optimizes over the sequence of beams and the duration of beam-alignment, based on feedback received from the user-end (thus, interactive), so as to support a minimum communication rate. It is proved that a fixed-length fractional search method that decouples the beam-alignment of base-station and user-end is optimal. Numerical results using analog beams demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed fractional search: the conventional and interactive exhaustive search methods, and the bisection search method incur, respectively, 7. 5dB, 14dB and 4dB of additional power consumption compared to the proposed fractional search.
Tumor treating fields therapy for glioblastoma: An update

Tumor treating fields are alternating electric fields that have a therapeutic effect on newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastomas. The fields act on cellular proteins with large dipole moment that are critical for tumor cells undergoing mitosis. This putative mechanism of mitotic disruption translates into a superior survival benefit for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients when tested in a randomized clinical trial comparing tumor treating fields and temozolomide with temozolomide alone in the adjuvant setting. This review provides an updated summary of preclinical and clinical data, including the cell biology effects of tumor treating fields, computer simulation of the electric field distribution in patients, and the clinical efficacy data of this new therapeutic modality against glioblastoma.
Congenital Syndromes and Conditions

Robin sequence is a clinical triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis and airway obstruction, often in association with cleft palate. The small jaw limits oropharyngeal space, making it difficult to compress the tongue sufficiently with the laryngoscope blade to gain a view of the larynx during direct laryngoscopy. The airway can be maintained with a supraglottic airway which bypasses airway obstruction at the level of the tongue. A hyperangulated videolaryngoscope facilitates intubation. Achondroplasia is the commonest cause of dwarfism. The craniocervical junction is affected and children with achondroplasia often need surgical decompression of the foramen magnum. Airway management is usually straightforward, limiting neck movement as much as possible. Children with Trisomy 21 often present for anesthesia for ear nose and throat surgery. Congenital heart disease, anxiety, atlantoaxial instability and obstructive sleep apnea are potential concerns for anesthesia.
Variety-Based Background Subtraction for Nonlinear Trajectory Tracking

In this paper, the incorporation of algebraic varieties is considered for structured estimation of nonlinear trajectories. The background subtraction model is extended beyond sparse and low-rank decompositions. The algebraic varieties model is introduced via an additional low-rank constraint. The proposed method is applied to single object tracking in video wherein the trajectory locations in space belong to an algebraic variety. The optimization is solved via the Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares method, adapted to the proposed problem. The algorithm is numerically shown to be convergent, given proper tuning of system parameters. Perfect recovery is observed for noiseless measurements. For noisy measurements, a performance improvement on order of 2.4 dB, on average, is observed over previous background subtraction methods that do not consider the side structure, i.e., the variety.
Spectra and structure of small ring compounds

Abstract The Raman spectrum of gaseous cyclobutanol has been recorded and the far infrared spectrum of the gas has been obtained at a resolution of 0.5 cm −1 . At least six Q -branches arising from the low frequency ring-puckering motion have been observed and assigned on the basis of a potential of the form V ( X ) = (6.32 ± 0.21) × 10 5 X 4 −(4.18 ± 0.04) × 10 4 X 2 + (8.81 ± 1.20) × 10 3 X 3 with a reduced mass of 170 amu. An energy difference between the equatorial and axial forms was found to be 50–150 cm −1 with the equatorial being more stable and a barrier of 700–900 cm −1 was found for the interconversion. Three O-H stretching modes were observed in the Raman spectrum. It is concluded that the O-H moiety has both the gauche and trans conformations present in the equatorial form but only the gauche conformer is present in the axial form of the ring. Three O-H torsional modes were observed at 244 ( trans conformer), 226.5 and 181.5 cm −1 ( gauche conformer) for the equatorial form and one O-H torsion at 237.5 cm −1 ( gauche conformer) for the axial form. The potential function governing the O-H torsional motion for the equatorial form was found to be V 1 = 280 ± 7 cm −1 (800 cal mole −1 ) and V 3 = 425 ± 3 cm − (121.5 cal mole −1 ) with the trans conformer being more stable than the gauche by approximately 206 cm −1 (589 cal mole − ). The barriers to trans - gauche and gauche - gauche interconversion have essentially the same values, 500 cm −1 (1430 cal mole −1 ).
Book Review: Civil Justice Reconsidered: Toward a Less Costly, More Accessible Litigation System

A book review of Steven P. Croley's book Civil Justice Reconsidered: Toward a Less Costly, More Accessible, Litigation System (NYU Press, 2017). In this review, I evaluate Professor Croley's engaging book and highlight the various contributions to the public discussion of tort reform and other critical issues affecting our system of civil justice. The review then illuminates one large area of civil litigation that is under-discussed in the book and elsewhere, which is debt contracts litigation. In this area, there exists a strong pro-plaintiff bias and solving it is a pressing issue. The Review also offers critical reflections on proposals, such as Croley's, to expand public and private subsidies to civil litigation ("Civil Gideon" rights).
Shelf-life extension of Paneer by a sequential supercritical-CO2-based process

Abstract The shelf-life of Paneer is limited to 1–2 days at room and 5–6 days at refrigeration temperature. This study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of supercritical-CO2 (SC– CO2) and a food-grade acid for the shelf-life extension of Paneer at room (25 ± 1 °C) and refrigerated (4 ± 1 °C) temperatures. Freshly prepared Paneer was subjected to SC–CO2 treatment at different pressures and temperatures in combination with acetic acid (AA) as a model acid to investigate their combined effects on the moisture content (Mw) and pH of the final product. Efficacy of the process was established by textural, viscoelastic, and microbiological analyses. The final Mw, pH, and water activity of Paneer was found to be 34.7 g/100g, 4.56, and 0.81, respectively. Textural and viscoelastic properties of treated samples remained well within acceptable range. Substantial microbiological stability was observed for treated Paneer for a storage period of 30 days. Although, the microbial evaluation was terminated at 30 days of storage, the samples stored under refrigeration showed consistently lower microbial counts for the same storage time. Overall, the findings show that this sequential treatment can be effectively used as a sustainable, clean-label, and non-thermal processing technology to extend shelf-life of Paneer and other similar dairy products.