cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB-116: Immunodeficient pigs as a large animal model for human tumors

Currently, SCID mice are the major biomedical model for the study of human cancer and other diseases; however, they can be a poor model because there is a large discrepancy in body size and physiology between rodents and humans. Since most new anticancer drugs are first evaluated in rodents, most fail in phase I and phase II clinical trials. Thus, there is a tremendous demand for more sophisticated animal models, which may improve the translation efficiency from preclinical to clinical studies. We recently identified pigs that are severely immunocompromised. Here we tested these pigs as a model for human tumors. Three immunodeficient (ID) pigs and three normal (WT) pigs, six weeks of age, were tested for their ability to allow xenotransplanted human tumors to grow. Each pig was transplanted with 4 million A375 human malignant melanoma cells subcutaneously into the left ear and 4 million PANC-1 human pancreatic carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the right ear on day 0. The ID pigs were euthanized 6, 14, or 23 days after cell transplantation, based on their health condition. Palpable melanoma tumors were identified on day 13 after cell transplantation in the two remaining ID pigs. After euthanasia, full necropsy was performed on all pigs; tissues were collected from ears and other organs for histopathological analysis. Melanoma and pancreatic tumor xenotransplants were identified histologically in all three ID pigs. The presence of human cancer cells in these pigs was further verified with anti-human mitochondrial immunohistochemistry. No transplanted tumors were found, grossly, histologically, or immunohistochemically, in the WT pigs. We propose that this genetic line of ID pigs may prove to be a useful large animal model for human tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-116. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-116
Planning a Pharmacy-Led Medical Mission Trip, Part 4: An Exploratory Study of Student Experiences

This article is an evaluation of data collected from both Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) and non-APPE student participants on Gregory School of Pharmacy mission trips during the summer of 2011. Specifically, it examines the issue of professionalism and the personal impact that mission trips may have on pharmacy students. It is the fourth in a 4-part series on pharmacist-led medical mission trips.BACKGROUND:At the Gregory School of Pharmacy (GSOP), pharmacy students routinely participate in domestic and international medical mission trips. Participation can be for academic credit as part of final-year Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) or as required community service hours. These mission experiences could potentially result in both professional and personal transformations for participating students.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate data collected from GSOP pharmacy students regarding their experiences on the medical mission field in 2011 and how that participation has impacted the students ...
MAGNETIC MOMENT AND CORE EXCITATION OF THE d/sub 3/2/ HOLE STATE IN $sup 47$Sc.

The magnetic moment of the 760-keV level in ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{47}$ has been measured, using the ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{44}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, p){\mathrm{Sc}}^{47}$ reaction and the differential time-delay technique, as $\ensuremath{\mu}=0.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ nm. The half-life for this level was measured as ${t}_{\frac{1}{2}}=274\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10$ nsec. This magnetic-moment result is consistent with an interpretation for this level of no core-excitation admixtures in the ${d}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ hole wave function.
New photoluminescence features of cinnabar (α-HgS) crystals grown by chemical vapor transport☆

Abstract We report new broad bands and narrow lines in the photoluminescence of cinnabar (α-HgS) crystals grown by chemical vapor transport. For exciting light, ħω > Eg, our spectra resemble those due to other workers, however, for ħω
Optimized self-tuning for circuit aging

We present a framework and control policies for optimizing dynamic control of various self-tuning parameters over lifetime in the presence of circuit aging. Our framework introduces dynamic cooling as one of the self-tuning parameters, in addition to supply voltage and clock frequency. Our optimized self-tuning satisfies performance constraints at all times and maximizes a lifetime computational power efficiency (LCPE) metric, which is defined as the total number of clock cycles achieved over lifetime divided by the total energy consumed over lifetime. Our framework features three control policies: 1. Progressive-worst-case-aging (PWCA), which assumes worst-case aging at all times; 2. Progressive-on-state-aging (POSA), which estimates aging by tracking active/sleep mode, and then assumes worst-case aging in active mode and long recovery effects in sleep mode; 3. Progressive-real-time-aging-assisted (PRTA), which estimates the actual amount of aging and initiates optimized control action. Simulation results on benchmark circuits, using aging models validated by 45nm CMOS stress measurements, demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of our approach. We also analyze design constraints and derive system design guidelines to maximize self-tuning benefits.
WebIQ: Learning from the Web to Match Deep-Web Query Interfaces

Integrating Deep Web sources requires highly accurate semantic matches between the attributes of the source query interfaces. These matches are usually established by comparing the similarities of the attributes labels and instances. However, attributes on query interfaces often have no or very few data instances. The pervasive lack of instances seriously reduces the accuracy of current matching techniques. To address this problem, we describe WebIQ, a solution that learns from both the Surface Web and the Deep Web to automatically discover instances for interface attributes. WebIQ extends question answering techniques commonly used in the AI community for this purpose. We describe how to incorporate WebIQ into current interface matching systems. Extensive experiments over five realworld domains show the utility ofWebIQ. In particular, the results show that acquired instances help improve matching accuracy from 89.5% F-1 to 97.5%, at only a modest runtime overhead.
The Logic of Collective Inaction: Senatorial Delay in Executive Nominations

While most executive nominees are successfully confirmed, this success masks wide variation in how long it takes the Senate to decide. Delay of critical nominees influences the character and effectiveness of agencies while hampering the policy ambitions of presidents. The exact logic of which nominees are targeted for delay and why, however, remains difficult to uncover. Building on prior literature, this project suggests that delay can be used to protect allied agencies from presidential politicization. Using a data set of several thousand executive nominations from 1987 to 2012, the ideological predisposition of an agency relative to the president is demonstrated to influence senatorial delay. Ultimately, these findings help explain why some nominees are delayed while other, seemingly similar, nominees are not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The effect of vegetation on surface temperature: A statistical analysis of NDVI and climate data

[1] We use statistical techniques to quantify the effect of interannual variations in vegetation within land covers on surface temperature in North America and Eurasia from satellite measures of surface greenness and ground based meteorological observations. During the winter, reductions in the extent of snow cover cause (in a statistical sense) temperature to rise. During the summer, increases in terrestrial vegetation within land covers cause (in a statistical sense) temperature to fall. Temperature-induced increases in vegetation have slowed increases in surface temperature, but this feedback may be limited by the range over which temperature has a positive effect on vegetation.
Making the Hyperreal Line Both Saturated and Complete

In a nonstandard universe, the κ -saturation property states that any family of fewer than κ internal sets with the finite intersection property has a nonempty intersection. An ordered field F is said to have the λ -Bolzano-Weierstrass property iff F has cofinality λ and every bounded λ -sequence in F has a convergent λ -subsequence. We show that if κ λ are uncountable regular cardinals and β α λ whenever α κ and β λ then there is a κ -saturated nonstandard universe in which the hyperreal numbers have the λ -Bolzano-Weierstrass property. The result also applies to certain fragments of set theory and second order arithmetic.
Highly Efficient Secrecy-Preserving Proofs of Correctness of Computations and Applications

We present a highly efficient method for proving correctness of computations while preserving secrecy of the input values. This is done in an Evaluator-Prover model which can also be realized by a secure processor. We describe an application to secure auctions.
The Role and Resources of the Family During the Drug Rehabilitation Process

(1974). The Role and Resources of the Family During the Drug Rehabilitation Process. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 435-445.
Distribution and Climatic Relationships of the American Pika (Ochotona princeps) in the Sierra Nevada and Western Great Basin, U.S.A.; Periglacial Landforms as Refugia in Warming Climates

Abstract We used a rapid assessment to survey American pika (Ochotona princeps) populations and documented 420 pika site occurrences in southwestern U.S.A. These included 329 sites from the Sierra Nevada (SN), California; 67 from six southwestern Great Basin (swGB) ranges, California and Nevada; 16 from three central Great Basin ranges, Nevada; and 8 from the central Oregon Cascades. Of these, 67% were currently occupied, 27% modern (indirectly scored active), and 6% old. Sites were grouped into 148 demes, 88 regions, and 11 mountain ranges. Current elevations ranged from 1645 m (1827 m excluding Oregon) to 3887 m, extending the lower elevational range of the species at the study latitude. Sites were distributed on all slope aspects with a preference for north to easterly aspects, and without preference for substrate. Rock-ice-feature (RIF) till, notably rock-glacier and boulder-stream landforms, accounted for 83% of the sites. Climatic relationships from the PRISM model for the SN and swGB sites showed w...
Broadband high-efficiency HBT MMIC power amplifier fabricated with re-aligned process

The design and performance of a 6-10-GHz heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier that produces 1.25 to 2.15 W at 30 to 46% power-added efficiency with 9.5 to 12.5 dB of power gain are described. With only 500 mu m/sup 2/ of output periphery, record MMIC HPA (high-power amplifier) power densities of 2.5 to 4.3 mW/ mu m/sup 2/ have been demonstrated. >
Comparative genomic and transcriptional analyses of CRISPR systems across the genus Pyrobaculum

Within the domain Archaea, the CRISPR immune system appears to be nearly ubiquitous based on computational genome analyses. Initial studies in bacteria demonstrated that the CRISPR system targets invading plasmid and viral DNA. Recent experiments in the model archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus uncovered a novel RNA-targeting variant of the CRISPR system potentially unique to archaea. Because our understanding of CRISPR system evolution in other archaea is limited, we have taken a comparative genomic and transcriptomic view of the CRISPR arrays across six diverse species within the crenarchaeal genus Pyrobaculum. We present transcriptional data from each of four species in the genus (P. aerophilum, P. islandicum, P. calidifontis, P. arsenaticum), analyzing mature CRISPR-associated small RNA abundance from over 20 arrays. Within the genus, there is remarkable conservation of CRISPR array structure, as well as unique features that are have not been studied in other archaeal systems. These unique features include: a nearly invariant CRISPR promoter, conservation of direct repeat families, the 5' polarity of CRISPR-associated small RNA abundance, and a novel CRISPR-specific association with homologues of nurA and herA. These analyses provide a genus-level evolutionary perspective on archaeal CRISPR systems, broadening our understanding beyond existing non-comparative model systems.
Block-iterative interior point optimization methods for image reconstruction from limited data

Iterative algorithms for image reconstruction often involve minimizing some cost function h(x) that measures the degree of agreement between the measured data and a theoretical parametrized model. In addition, one may wish to have x satisfy certain constraints. It is usually the case that the cost function is the sum of simpler functions: h(x) = ∑i = 1Ihi(x). Partitioning the set {i = 1,...,I} as the union of the disjoint sets Bn,n = 1,...,N, we let hn(x) = ∑iBnhi(x). The method presented here is block iterative, in the sense that at each step only the gradient of a single hn(x) is employed. Convergence can be significantly accelerated, compared to that of the single-block (N = 1) method, through the use of appropriately chosen scaling factors. The algorithm is an interior point method, in the sense that the images xk + 1 obtained at each step of the iteration satisfy the desired constraints. Here the constraints are imposed by having the next iterate xk + 1 satisfy the gradient equation ∇F(xk + 1) = ∇F(xk)-tn∇hn(xk), for appropriate scalars tn, where the convex function F is defined and differentiable only on vectors satisfying the constraints. Special cases of the algorithm that apply to tomographic image reconstruction, and permit inclusion of upper and lower bounds on individual pixels, are presented. The focus here is on the development of the underlying convergence theory of the algorithm. Behaviour of special cases has been considered elsewhere.
Optimization of polyester sheet molding compound. Part II: Theoretical modeling

A mechanistic kinetic and heat transfer model is used to describe the cure of sheet molding compounds (SMC). Kinetic parameters such as rate constant of initiator decomposition and rate constant of propagation are estimated from the induction time and the time to reach the peak exotherm of isothermal reaction curves measured by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Temperature and conversion profiles inside plate sections of SMC parts during molding are measured. The predicted results compare well with the experimental data except the limiting conversion. A set of predictive parameters are proposed from this model as guidelines for the optimal molding of SMC. Several moldability diagrams are also constructed which can be easily used to design the optimum SMC recipe for a given processing condition.
Fathoming fragile X in fruit flies

Fragile X syndrome (FraX) is the most common inherited mental retardation disease. It is caused by mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (fmr1) gene. The FMR1 protein (FMRP) is a widely expressed RNA-binding translational regulator with reportedly hundreds of potential targets. Recent work has focused on putative roles of FMRP in regulating the development and plasticity of neuronal synaptic connections. The newest animal model of FraX, the fruit fly Drosophila, has revealed several novel mechanistic insights into the disease. This review focuses on Drosophila FMRP as (i) a negative regulator of translation via noncoding RNA, including microRNA and adaptor BC1 RNA-mediated silencing mechanisms; (ii) a negative regulator of microtubule cytoskeleton stability; and (iii) a negative regulator of neuronal architectural complexity.
The Emerging Global Model with Chinese Characteristics

The Emerging Global Model is the blueprint for China’s leading research universities to become internationally respected institutions. Government leaders and campus administrators seek universities with the research intensity and global perspective of the best European and North American institutions. International ranking systems provide additional impetus for reform as they highlight the characteristics of institutions considered to be the best worldwide. In addition, China has shifted from an elite to a mass system of tertiary education, now enrolling more than 23 million students, diversified funding patterns and new relationships between government and individual institutions, moving away from top-down control toward greater state supervision using evaluation and accountability mechanisms from the West. China faces particular challenges in the demand for institutional autonomy and academic freedom in a system that has traditionally been controlled tightly by the central government.
Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of foliar-applied CGA 362622 in cotton, peanut, and selected weeds

Abstract Studies were conducted to evaluate absorption, translocation, and metabolism of 14C-CGA 362622 when foliar applied to cotton, peanut, jimsonweed, and sicklepod. Differential metabolism is the basis for tolerance in cotton and jimsonweed. In addition, cotton absorbs less herbicide compared with the other three species, thus aiding in tolerance. Only jimsonweed translocated appreciable herbicide (25%) out of treated leaves and acropetally to the meristematic tissue where the herbicide was quickly metabolized. No plant species translocated over 2% of applied radioactivity below the treated leaves. Most of the metabolites formed by the four species were more polar than CGA 362622 and averaged 51, 48, 30, and 25% of the radioactivity detected in the treated leaves of cotton, jimsonweed, peanut, and sicklepod, respectively. The half-life of CGA 362622 was estimated to be 0.8, 1.9, 4, and 6 d in treated leaves of cotton, jimsonweed, sicklepod, and peanut, respectively. Nomenclature: CGA 362622, N-[(4,6-...
Assessing Instructional Quality in Mathematics Classrooms Through Collections of Students’ Work

This chapter explores the use of collections of students’ work as a reflection of instructional quality. Sets of students’ written work can provide indicators of the conditions of learning, representing the norms and instructional practices impacting students’ mathematical thinking as they produced the work. I present a methodology for analyzing sets of students’ written work using the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA) Mathematics Assignment rubrics. I will summarize research validating the use of students’ work as an indicator of instructional quality, provide examples to illustrate how to use the IQA rubrics to evaluate collections of students’ work, describe ways of analyzing IQA data, and share research projects in which student-work collections and the IQA rubrics were used to (1) assess instructional quality in mathematics at the district level and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of professional development initiatives. The chapter will close with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the IQA specifically and the use of students’ work as a data source more broadly.
Entrevista con el Doctor Juan Camilo Serpa, Miembro del Comité Editorial de DIXI

"Los doctores no somos, necesariamente, buenos docentes. Nos se nos educa para dictar clases. Nos forman para investigar y producir resultados que aporten a la ciencia."
Preface to Challenges in the Management of New Technologies

New developments in bio- and nanotechnologies and also in information and communication technologies have shaped the research environment in the last decade. Increasingly, highly educated experts in R&D departments are collaborating with scientists and researchers at universities and research institutes to develop new technologies. Transnational companies that have acquired various firms in different countries need to manage diverse R&D strategies and cultures. The new knowledge-based economy permeates across companies, universities, research institutes and countries, creating a cross-disciplinary, global environment. Clearly, managing technology in this new climate presents significant challenges. This book comprises selected papers from the 14th International Conference on Management of Technology, which was convened under the auspices of IAMOT and UNIDO on 22-26 May 2005 in Vienna, Austria. It deals with some important aspects of these challenges, and discusses in detail the changing dynamics of innovation and technology management. It will certainly appeal to academics, scientists, managers, and policy makers alike.
Measuring elemental time and duty cycle using automated video processing

A marker-less 2D video algorithm measured hand kinematics (location, velocity and acceleration) in a paced repetitive laboratory task for varying hand activity levels (HAL). The decision tree (DT) algorithm identified the trajectory of the hand using spatiotemporal relationships during the exertion and rest states. The feature vector training (FVT) method utilised the k-nearest neighbourhood classifier, trained using a set of samples or the first cycle. The average duty cycle (DC) error using the DT algorithm was 2.7%. The FVT algorithm had an average 3.3% error when trained using the first cycle sample of each repetitive task, and had a 2.8% average error when trained using several representative repetitive cycles. Error for HAL was 0.1 for both algorithms, which was considered negligible. Elemental time, stratified by task and subject, were not statistically different from ground truth (p < 0.05). Both algorithms performed well for automatically measuring elapsed time, DC and HAL. Practitioner Summary: A completely automated approach for measuring elapsed time and DC was developed using marker-less video tracking and the tracked kinematic record. Such an approach is automatic, repeatable, objective and unobtrusive, and is suitable for evaluating repetitive exertions, muscle fatigue and manual tasks.
Biological Parameters for Mass Propagation of Catolaccus grandis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

We studied the influences of mating history, parental age, pupal weight of parasitoids, host deprivation, and host size on the reproductive potential and sex ratio of Catolaccus grandis (Burks), a parasitoid of the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boheman). Absence of hosts for 5 or 10 d reduced the fecundity of C. grandis females by 36.8 and 39.5%, respectively, compared with parasitoids continually exposed to host larvae. An acceptable sex ratio (65% females) in the propagation system was maintained if a ratio of 3 males per female parasitoid was used during the 1st h of mating, immediately after emergence. As female adults aged from 5 to 10 d, the percentage of female progeny increased from 64.0 to 77.2, respectively. However, a further increase in female age, from 20 to 25 d, resulted in a decline in percentage of female progeny from 54.0 to 48.5. The proportion of female progeny increased with the size of the host parasitized. A significant correlation was found between weight of female pupae of C. grandis and their fecundity during the first 30 d of oviposition. These data will be used to optimize mass rearing of C. grandis for inoculative and augmentative releases to suppress boIl weevil populations in cotton fields.
Crosstalk between the IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1 pathway and the tumor suppressors p53 and p27 determines cisplatin sensitivity and limits the effectiveness of an IGF-1R pathway inhibitor

// Batzaya Davaadelger 1 , Lei Duan 1 , Ricardo E. Perez 1 , Steven Gitelis 2 , Carl G. Maki 1 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA 2 Section of Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University, Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA Correspondence to: Carl G. Maki, e-mail: Carl_Maki@rush.edu Keywords: p53, p27, IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1, cisplatin Received: January 08, 2016 Accepted: March 18, 2016 Published: March 30, 2016 ABSTRACT The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in multiple cancers and can promote proliferation and chemotherapy resistance. Multiple IGF-1R inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutics. However, these inhibitors have failed to increase patient survival when given alone or in combination with chemotherapy agents. The reason(s) for the disappointing clinical effect of these inhibitors is not fully understood. Cisplatin (CP) activated the IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1 pathway and stabilized p53 in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. p53 knockdown reduced IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1 activation by CP, and IGF-1R inhibition reduced the accumulation of p53. These data demonstrate positive crosstalk between p53 and the IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in response to CP. Further studies showed the effect of IGF-1R inhibition on CP response is dependent on p53 status. In p53 wild-type cells treated with CP, IGF-1R inhibition increased p53s apoptotic function but reduced p53-dependent senescence, and had no effect on long term survival. In contrast, in p53-null/knockdown cells, IGF-1R inhibition reduced apoptosis in response to CP and increased long term survival. These effects were due to p27 since IGF-1R inhibition stabilized p27 in CP-treated cells, and p27 depletion restored apoptosis and reduced long term survival. Together, the results demonstrate 1) p53 expression determines the effect of IGF-1R inhibition on cancer cell CP response, and 2) crosstalk between the IGF-1R/AKT/mTORC1 pathway and p53 and p27 can reduce cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and may ultimately limit the effectiveness of IGF-1R pathway inhibitors in the clinic.
Reply to the Discussion by Makkonen et al. of “Plotting positions for fitting distributions and extreme value analysis”1

Fuglem et al. (2013) discuss the use of plotting positions in civil engineering for fitting distributions to data for the purposes of extreme value analysis. The authors support previous work by Cunnane (1978) and others who have shown that when fitting specific probability distributions to a set of data using linear regression and appropriate probability paper, plotting position methods appropriate to each of the specific distributions being considered should be used. This is shown theoretically (following Cunnane 1978) and by clear example, using Monte-Carlo simulation. The authors would like to thank Dr. Hong and Mr. Li (Hong and Li 2013) for providing further insight regarding selection of plotting position methods and regression methods for estimating distribution parameters. Hong and Li (2013) point out that the use of ordinary least squares regression methods does not account for the variance–covariance structure of order statistics, and reference a number of studies providing more appropriate methods (namely, generalized and weighted least squares). Useful comparisons are provided for the use of different regressionmethods and plotting positions for the Gumbel distribution in terms of both variance and bias for different samples sizes and coefficients of variance. Dr. Hong should be commended for the development of an improved plotting position for Gumbel distributions that takes the number of samples into account.
Regulatory Aspects of Microdialysis: A United States Food and Drug Administration Perspective

The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the potential applications of microdialysis (MD) in drug discovery and development with the aim of meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for evaluating drug bioavailability (BA) and/or establishing bioequivalence (BE). This chapter also focuses on the importance of optimizing the MD technique in order to achieve reproducible results. The effects of physicochemical properties of the drug, technical aspects of MD sampling, and physiological factors of the target tissue that affect MD recovery are illustrated with regard to optimizing drug recovery. Ultimately, this chapter provides a concise overview of the applications of MD in preclinical and clinical setting in line with FDA’s critical path initiative and regulatory requirements for BA and BE assessment.
Ultrasonographic correlations in retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a childhood intraocular malignancy which, despite once being nearly always fatal, can now be recognized and treated early enough to preserve vision as well as life (Shields, 1983). Much of the most recent success in diagnosing retinoblastoma stems from ultrasonic and CT imaging systems. Even with these systems, however, there is still room for improvement. In a study of 618 histologically proven retinoblastomas, 92 cases (14.9%) were initially misdiagnosed as a non-retinoblastoma lesion (Howard et al., 1965). Conversely, Margo and Zimmerman found that, of all eyes enucleated for retinoblastoma in the United States and Canada between 1974 and 1980, 26.8% did not contain a malignant tumour (Margo et al, 1983).
Cardiac Implantable Electric Devices: Indications and Complications

As the evidence base for cardiac implantable electric devices (CIED), which include pacemakers, defibrillators, and devices with both functionalities, continues to expand, so does the rate of usage in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (AF), or both. Given that no medical intervention is ever free from complications and unintended consequences, it is expected that patients will present to the Emergency Department (ED) for unscheduled, acute care secondary to CIED complications. In this article, we will examine first the indications for CIED placement in patients with chronic cardiac disease. Then, management of various common device-related complications and pathologies will be discussed. Indications for CIED continue to expand and be refined. With substantial monitoring, patients with certain CIED may undergo MRI; however, the risk-benefit ratio should be examined closely on an individual occurrence level. Understanding the indications, the complications, and how CIED affect diagnostic options is crucial to providing optimum care for these patients.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) modified polydopamine as a temperature-responsive surface for cultivation and harvest of mesenchymal stem cells

A thermo-responsive surface was fabricated by depositing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) onto polydopamine coated cell culture substrata through free radical polymerization for the purpose of culturing and harvesting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Human MSCs were cultured onto the PNIPAAm-g-polydopamine coated surface and harvested by changing from physiological to ambient temperature. The produced PNIPAAm-g-polydopamine surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, water contact angle measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, and cell culture studies. Our results revealed that hMSCs could be detached from the PNIPAAm-g-polydopamine surface within 60 min after switching the temperature from 37 °C to room temperature. The detached hMSCs were able to proliferate on the PNIPAAm-g-polydopamine coated surface for further growth and harvest.
Suicide and High Altitude: An Integrative Review

Abstract Reno, Elaine, Talia L. Brown, Marian E. Betz, Michael H. Allen, Lilian Hoffecker, Jeremy Reitinger, Robert Roach, and Benjamin Honigman. Suicide and high altitude: an integrative review. H...
Mechanisms Underlying Aphasic Transformations

This chapter treats the various “mechanisms” that may be said to underlie aphasic transformations. I have quoted the word mechanisms for a reason, since that term implies some sort of device (actually, another metaphor) or internal agent that does things. Whatever these mechanisms are in their neurophysiological instantiations, they must be understood psychologically as manipulating some types of elements in some domain of operation. Without first attempting to characterize what the mechanisms might be at a psycholinguistic level of explanation and what they might do, we will not be in any position to begin to characterize aphasic transformations. That is, in order to start I must lay out a production model of some sort that can justifiably be said to form part of the cognitive system for language—a model constructed from evidence external to the data from aphasia.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates in Water (1600 to 900 cm-1)

Coblentz [1] used water as a solvent for some infrared spectroscopic work as early as 1905. Gore, Barnes, and Petersen [2] published IR spectra of aqueous solutions of some amino acids in 1949. Plyler and Acquista [3] in 1954 published spectra of pure water, in which the region from about 6.5 to 10 μ had sufficient transmittance to suggest the use of water for quantitative analytical work.
Intra- and Inter-Regional Geoacoustic Variability in the Littoral

Spatial variability of seabed geoacoustic properties generates uncertainty in the prediction of sonar system performance in littoral regions. In order to investigate geoacoustic variability within a region and variability between two regions, extensive geoacoustic and acoustic measurements were conducted in two areas in the Italian littoral. While it is not surprising that significant geoacoustic and acoustic variability is observed in each region, the surprising result is the marked similarity between the two regions. Geoacoustic properties were quite consistent when compared at commensurate water depths even with inter-region separation in excess of 800 km. Not only was the variability comparable between the two regions, but the geoacoustic regimes themselves were similar. The similarities have important implications for extrapolation of sparse geoacoustic data.
Effects of anthropomorphic fidelity of self-avatars on reach boundary estimation in immersive virtual environments

Research has shown that self-avatars (life-size representations of the user in Virtual Reality (VR)) can affect how people perceive virtual environments. In this paper, we investigated whether the visual fidelity of a self-avatar affects reach boundary perception, as assessed through two variables: 1) action taken (or verbal response) and 2) correct judgment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: i) high-fidelity self-avatar, ii) low-fidelity self-avatar, iii) no avatar (end-effector), and iv) real-world as reference task group. Results indicate that all three VR viewing conditions were significantly different from real world in regards to correctly judging the reachability of the target. However, based on verbal responses, only the "no avatar" condition had a non-trivial difference with real world condition. Taken together with reachability data, participants in "no avatar" condition were less likely to correctly reach to the reachable targets. Overall, participant performance improved after completing a calibration phase with feedback, such that correct judgments increased and participants reached to fewer unreachable targets.
Atomic-Scale Observation of Electrochemically Reversible Phase Transformations in SnSe 2 Single Crystals

2D materials have shown great promise to advance next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. Specifically, tin-based chalcogenides have attracted widespread attention because lithium insertion can introduce phase transformations via three types of reactions-intercalation, conversion, and alloying-but the corresponding structural changes throughout these processes, and whether they are reversible, are not fully understood. Here, the first real-time and atomic-scale observation of reversible phase transformations is reported during the lithiation and delithiation of SnSe2 single crystals, using in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy complemented by first-principles calculations. Lithiation proceeds sequentially through intercalation, conversion, and alloying reactions (SnSe2 → Lix SnSe2 → Li2 Se + Sn → Li2 Se + Li17 Sn4 ) in a manner that maintains structural and crystallographic integrity, whereas delithiation forms numerous well-aligned SnSe2 nanodomains via a homogeneous deconversion process, but gradually loses the coherent orientation in subsequent cycling. Furthermore, alloying and dealloying reactions cause dramatic structural reorganization and thereby consequently reduce structural stability and electrochemical cyclability, which implies that deep discharge for Sn chalcogenide electrodes should be avoided. Overall, the findings elucidate atomistic lithiation and delithiation mechanisms in SnSe2 with potential implications for the broader class of 2D metal chalcogenides.
Critical Paths to Sustainability: The Research Challenge from Island Urban Systems

Island systems present a singular opportunity for understanding processes of human development and for exploring the conditions that can make such processes sustainable. In this chapter, I attempt to summarize many of the points made throughout this book to provide a methodology for achieving sustainable development in island systems, such as the Galapagos. The methodology proposed relies on the construction of a comprehensive input-output matrix for an island, coupled to a detailed, spatiotemporally explicit model of resource use and human occupation. This matrix maps inputs to outputs such as economic activity, migration, and pollution, via internal causal processes in human settlements. At each step – inputs, outputs, and internal processes – the variables involved are observable and measurable, supporting a process of continuous improvement in data collection and modeling. Such a systems-level model can then be used to explore ways to eliminate adverse outputs while supporting human and natural development and biodiversity, in an empirically transparent and testable way. I discuss some of the challenges and trade-offs in the construction of these models as the basis for a general strategy for achieving sustainability in island systems.
Direct and indirect effects of nesting density on survival and breeding propensity of an endangered shorebird

Density‐dependent regulation is a fundamental part of ecological theory and a significant driver of animal demography often through complex feedback loops. We investigated the relationship between flood‐ and demographically induced fluctuations in density and the breeding propensity and survival of a pioneer species, the piping plover (plover, Charadrius melodus). We captured and marked adult and hatchling plovers on the Gavins Point Reach of the Missouri River in South Dakota and Nebraska, USA, from 2005 to 2014. In 2010 and 2011, historically high water levels and flooding inundated much of the plover's sandbar nesting habitat on the Missouri River. We developed a Bayesian formulation of a multievent model, or a multistate survival model with state uncertainty to estimate breeding propensity simultaneously with survival. Although plovers are conspicuous, their breeding status can be difficult to establish with certainty, which necessitated the use of uncertain states. With this model, we investigated the effect of sex, habitat availability, river flow, and density (birds/ha nesting habitat) on survival of hatch year and breeding and non‐breeding adult plovers. In addition, we estimated the transition rates for these age classes between breeding and non‐breeding states. Non‐breeding adults (ϕ¯AHY,n = 0.58 ± 0.06) had lower survival rates than breeding adults (ϕ¯AHY,b = 0.80 ± 0.04), and both breeding survival and breeding propensity decreased with increasing nesting density. Not only did survival and breeding propensity decrease directly at higher nest densities, but survival also was indirectly impacted by increasing the proportion of non‐breeding birds with relatively low survival. Thus, plovers were regulated through a complex set of feedback loops, acting as densities increased. Our findings underscore the intricacy of density‐dependent regulation and suggest that detailed demographic studies are needed to fully understand these effects.
A Deep Reinforcement Learning Architecture for Multi-stage Optimal Control

Deep reinforcement learning for high dimensional, hierarchical control tasks usually requires the use of complex neural networks as functional approximators, which can lead to inefficiency, instability and even divergence in the training process. Here, we introduce stacked deep Q learning (SDQL), a flexible modularized deep reinforcement learning architecture, that can enable finding of optimal control policy of control tasks consisting of multiple linear stages in a stable and efficient way. SDQL exploits the linear stage structure by approximating the Q function via a collection of deep Q sub-networks stacking along an axis marking the stage-wise progress of the whole task. By back-propagating the learned state values from later stages to earlier stages, all sub-networks co-adapt to maximize the total reward of the whole task, although each sub-network is responsible for learning optimal control policy for its own stage. This modularized architecture offers considerable flexibility in terms of environment and policy modeling, as it allows choices of different state spaces, action spaces, reward structures, and Q networks for each stage, Further, the backward stage-wise training procedure of SDQL can offers additional transparency, stability, and flexibility to the training process, thus facilitating model fine-tuning and hyper-parameter search. We demonstrate that SDQL is capable of learning competitive strategies for problems with characteristics of high-dimensional state space, heterogeneous action space(both discrete and continuous), multiple scales, and sparse and delayed rewards.
A Divide and Conquer Algorithm of Bayesian Density Estimation

Data sets for statistical analysis become extremely large even with some difficulty of being stored on one single machine. Even when the data can be stored in one machine, the computational cost would still be intimidating. We propose a divide and conquer solution to density estimation using Bayesian mixture modeling including the infinite mixture case. The methodology can be generalized to other application problems where a Bayesian mixture model is adopted. The proposed prior on each machine or subsample modifies the original prior on both mixing probabilities as well as on the rest of parameters in the distributions being mixed. The ultimate estimator is obtained by taking the average of the posterior samples corresponding to the proposed prior on each subset. Despite the tremendous reduction in time thanks to data splitting, the posterior contraction rate of the proposed estimator stays the same (up to a log factor) as that of the original prior when the data is analyzed as a whole. Simulation studies also justify the competency of the proposed method compared to the established WASP estimator in the finite dimension case. In addition, one of our simulations is performed in a shape constrained deconvolution context and reveals promising results. The application to a GWAS data set reveals the advantage over a naive method that uses the original prior.
Microbiological, Biochemical, and Functional Aspects of Fermented Vegetable and Fruit Beverages

In recent years, the request for the functional beverages that promote health and wellness has increased. In fact, fermented juices are an excellent delivering means for bioactive components. Their production is of crucial importance to supply probiotics, in particular, for people with particulars needs like dairy-product allergic consumers and vegetarians. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the microbial composition and the health benefits of fermented fruit and vegetable beverages by lactic acid bacteria, kefir grains, and SCOBY as well as discussing the metabolites resulting from these fermentations process. Moreover, limits that could restrain their production at the industrial level and solutions that have been proposed to overcome these constraints are also reviewed.
Familial Hodgkin's disease.

The multiple occurrence of Hodgkin’s and allied diseases in each of two different families is reported. The infrequent appearance of Hodgkin’s disease in the general population suggests that the familial incidence may be more than fortuitous. The significance of familial Hodgkin’s disease is briefly discussed in the light of current thought concerning the etiology of Hodgkin’s disease.
Home Health And Postacute Care Use In Medicare Advantage And Traditional Medicare.

This article compares patterns of postacute care—including care provided by skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home health agencies—under Medicare Advantage and tr...
Motor cortex connections

Abstract In this chapter, we focus on the connectivity of cortical areas that collectively control voluntary movement, as well as on mechanisms by which this precise connectivity is established. We outline the historical identification of a “motor cortex”, as well as its anatomical and functional organization. We detail the efferent motor cortex connectivity with subcortical motor control centers in the basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. We principally focus on efferent connections with subcerebral targets in the brainstem and spinal cord, for which we describe developmental mechanisms that control this precise connectivity in both experimental animals and humans. We next describe afferent connectivity to motor cortex from the basal forebrain and thalamus, and additionally detail the intracortical connectivity both within motor cortex as well as between motor cortex and other cortical areas. In the last section, we highlight some of the technological advances that will be important for ultimately identifying the detailed molecular development and organization of the primate, and eventually human, motor cortex connectivity.
Extreme Protection Against Data Loss with Single-Overlap Declustered Parity

Massive storage systems composed of tens of thou-sands of disks are increasingly common in high-performance computing data centers. With such an enormous number of components integrated within the storage system the probability for correlated failures across a large number of components becomes a critical concern in preventing data loss. In this paper we reconsider the efficiency of traditional declustered parity data protection schemes in the presence of correlated failures. To better protect against correlated failures we introduce Single-Overlap Declustered Parity (SODP), a novel declustered parity design that tolerates more disk failures than traditional declus-tered parity. We then introduce CoFaCTOR, a tool for exploring operational reliability in the presence of many types of correlated failures. By seeding CoFaCTOR with real failure traces from LANL's data center we are able to create a failure model that accurately describes the existing file system's failure model and can use that model to generate failure data for hypothetical system designs. Our evaluation using CoFaCTOR traces shows that when compared to the state of the art our SODP-based placement algorithms can achieve a 30x improvement in the probability of data loss during failure bursts and achieves similar data protection using only half as much parity overhead.