cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interstitial O in Si and its interactions with H.

Interactions between interstitial H and interstitial O in crystalline silicon have been studied at the approximate ab initio (parameter-free) Hartree-Fock level in three clusters containing 5, 26, and 35 host atoms, respectively. The key results are (1) no configurations with significant O-H bonding are energetically favorable and (2) the activation energy for diffusion of interstitial O is considerably lower when H is present than when it is not. It is estimated that H enhances the diffusivity of interstitial O by several orders of magnitude. The results provide insights into the interpretation of the recently observed enhancement by atomic hydrogen of the rate of formation of thermal donors in silicon.
Effects of aging on 24-hour intraocular pressure measurements in sitting and supine body positions.

PURPOSE To evaluate how aging alters 24-hour measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the sitting and supine body positions. METHODS Fifteen older volunteers with healthy eyes (ages, 53-71 years) were each housed for 1 day in a sleep laboratory. An 8-hour accustomed sleep period was assigned to each subject. Every 2 hours, measurements of IOP were taken in the sitting and supine positions. Sitting and supine patterns of 24-hour IOP were compared. Simulated 24-hour IOP rhythms in the same body position were determined using cosine fitting of individual 24-hour data. The average postural IOP effects during the diurnal/wake period and the nocturnal/sleep period were compared. Data from this group of older subjects were compared with previously collected data from 16 healthy younger subjects (ages, 18-25 years) under the same experimental conditions. RESULTS Within each age group, sitting and supine patterns of 24-hour IOP were similar and parallel. Compared to the younger subjects, the phase timing (simulated peak) of 24-hour IOP was significantly delayed for the older subjects in both body positions. The postural IOP effect for the older subjects was 4.7 ± 0.8 and 4.8 ± 0.8 mm Hg during the diurnal and nocturnal periods, respectively. These postural IOP effects were not significantly different from the postural effects in the younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS Although aging can significantly delay the phase timing of the 24-hour IOP pattern toward the diurnal/awake period, it may not affect the postural IOP effect during the diurnal and the nocturnal periods.
Postnatal choline levels mediate cognitive deficits in a rat model of schizophrenia.

In the present study, we investigated whether the essential nutrient choline may protect against schizophrenic-like cognitive deficits in a rat model. Theories regarding the etiology of schizophrenia suggest that early life events render an individual more vulnerable to adult challenges, and the combination may precipitate disease onset. To model this, the adult male offspring of dams who either experienced stress during late gestation or did not were given a 5 mg/kg dose of the NMDA antagonist, MK-801. The presence of both the prenatal challenge of stress and the adult challenge of MK-801 was expected to impair memory in these offspring. Memory was not expected to be impaired in rats that did not experience prenatal stress, but did receive MK-801 as adults. To study whether choline levels altered outcomes in these groups, rats were fed a choline-supplemented, -deficient, or standard diet during the period between the two challenges: beginning at weaning and continuing for 25 days. All rats consumed regular rat chow thereafter. The efficacy of the model was confirmed in the standard fed rats in that only those that were prenatally stressed and received MK-801 as adults displayed impaired memory on a novelty preference test of object recognition. Contrary to this finding and consistent with our hypothesis, choline-supplemented rats that were also both prenatally stressed and given MK-801 as adults showed intact memory. Choline deficiency impaired memory in rats that were just prenatally stressed, just given MK-801 as adults, and subjected to both. Thus, a choline deficient diet may render rats vulnerable to either challenge. Taken together, we offer evidence that developmental choline levels modulate the effects of prenatal stress and/or MK-801 and thereby alter the cognitive outcome in a rat model of schizophrenia.
Is Public Opinion Stable? Resolving the Micro/Macro Disconnect in Studies of Public Opinion

Public opinion matters, both as a central element of democratic theory and as a substantive foundation for political representation. The origins and nature of public opinion have long attracted the attention of social scientists. Yet a number of questions remain; among the more perplexing is whether -and under what conditions-public opinion is stable. The answer depends in large part on whether one looks at aggregations of individual opinions (macro public opinion) or at the individual opinions them- selves (micro public opinion). In this essay, we explore the macro/micro divide and offer a framework to determine when opinions are likely to be stable or volatile. This framework reflects both the content of the political environment and the nature of individuals' opinions. Using public opinion dynamics surrounding the Patriot Act as a primary example, we discuss the role of opinion stability in interpreting public opinion and in understanding the normative implications of public preferences.
A role for thiamine in the regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis in cultured cells of neural origin.

Abstract— Cultured glial (C-6) and neuronal (neuroblastoma) cells were utilized to define the role of thiamine in the regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Glial cells subjected to thiamine deficiency exhibited rates of fatty acid synthesis that were only 13% of the rates in thiamine-supple-mented cells. The decrease in fatty acid synthetic rate was accompanied by a comparable decrease in the activities of fatty acid synthetase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the two critical enzymes in the pathway. Immunochemical techniques demonstrated that the decrease in activity of fatty acid synthetase reflected a decrease in enzyme content and that this change in content was caused by a decrease in enzyme synthesis. The disturbance of fatty acid synthesis was exquisitely sensitive to thiamine–i.e. marked improvement was evident within hours of replenishment with only 0.01 μ/ml of thiamine. Total recovery occurred in 1–2 days. Thiamine-deficient glia also exhibited reduced rates of cholesterol biosynthesis, i.e. 60% of the rates in thiamine-supplemented cells. This effect was accompanied by a comparable reduction in activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Unlike the glial cells, the neuronal cells exhibited either no or only a slight reduction in lipid synthesis under similar conditions of thiamine deficiency. The data have important implications for the genesis of the neuropathology in states of altered thiamine homeostasis and for the mechanisms of regulation of lipid synthesis.
Influence of Subenvironmental Conditions and Thermodynamic Coupling on a Simple Reaction-Transport Process in Biochemical Systems

Living systems must continuously receive substrates from subenvironment, and the population metabolic rate model is affected on this flow of substrates to be metabolized, its relevant variables, and the rate at which operates. This study focuses on the influences of resistances and bulk phase factors with in the subenvironment and by thermodynamic coupling on reaction-transport processes representing a simple enzymatic conversion of a substrate to a product. Thermodynamic coupling refers to mass flow, or a reaction velocity that occurs without or opposite to the direction imposed by its primary thermodynamic driving force. We considered the effects of (i) subenvironment resistances for the heat and mass flows of reacting substrate in the form of the ratios of Sherwood to Nusselt numbers, (ii) the subenvironment bulk phase temperatures and concentration of substrate, and (iii) the cross-coefficients responsible for the induced effects due to the thermodynamic coupling. In order to study these effects, the ...
Turbulence Structures and the Acoustic Far Field of a Mach 1.3 Jet

The temporal characteristics of the acoustic far field of a Mach 1.3, high-Reynolds-number, ideally expanded axisymmetric jet and their potential correlation with large-scale turbulence structures within the jet were explored. A dual microphone array, placed approximately 30 deg from the jet axis in the acoustic far field, was used to determine the temporal variations of the acoustic field and the approximate locations of intense noise sources within the jet, as well as the time of noise emission with respect to the acquired planar flow images. Simultaneous double-pulse flow visualizations were used to identify turbulence structures, as well as their development and interaction in the region of intense noise generation. The time history of the acoustic data showed individual large-amplitude noise events, periodic large-amplitude noise events, and long periods of relative quiet without any large-amplitude noise production
Coevolution of the major histocompatibility complex and the t-complex in the mouse. I: Generation and maintenance of high complementarity associations

A quantitative model is developed to explore the effects of prezygotic and postzygotic incompatibility on the origin and maintenance of associations between the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the t-complex in the mouse. Incompatibility is represented by a reduction in the rate of conception or gestation of offspring derived from sperm bearing MHC antigens in common with the mother. Incompatibility encourages the evolution of associations from a state of complete independence between the two complexes by promoting the invasion of all novel antigens, including those that exhibit associations with the t-complex. Incompatibility can modify the relative numbers of antigens associated with each haplotype by actively promoting the exclusion or invasion of recombinants that bear formerly +-specific or t-specific antigens on the alternative haplotype. The results of the analysis indicate that the state of complete independence between the MHC and the t-complex is not preserved over evolutionary time in the presence of incompatibility. Further, the expression of incompatibility maintains fully associated states that include a single antigen associated with the t-haplotype and up to three to five antigens associated with the +-haplotype within a single population.
Vector quantization of ECG wavelet coefficients

An improved wavelet compression algorithm for ECG signals has been developed with the use of vector quantization on wavelet coefficients. Vector quantization on scales of long duration and low dynamic range retains feature integrity of the ECG with a very low bit-per-sample rate. Preliminary results indicate that the proposed method excels over standard techniques for high fidelity compression. >
The role of the 5-HT1D receptor as a presynaptic autoreceptor in the guinea pig.

The present study investigated the role of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)1D receptor as a presynaptic autoreceptor in the guinea pig. In keeping with the literature, the 5-HT1B selective antagonist, 1′-methyl-5-[[2′-methyl-4′-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]carbonyl]-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4′-piperidine]oxalate (SB224289) potentiated [3H]5-HT outflow from pre-labelled slices of guinea pig cerebral cortex confirming its role as a presynaptic autoreceptor in this species. In addition, the 5-HT1D receptor-preferring antagonists, 1-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyridin-1-yl]-ethyl]-3-pyridin-4-yl-methyl-tetrahydro-pyrimidin-2-one (LY367642), (R)-1-[2-(4-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl-)-3,6-dihydro-1(2H)-pyridinyl)ethyl]-3,4-dihydro-1H-2-benzopyran-6-carboxamide (LY456219), (S)-1-[2-(4-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl-)-3,6-dihydro-1(2H)-pyridinyl)ethyl]-3,4-dihydro-1H-2-benzopyran-6-carboxamide (LY456220) and 1-[2-[4-(4-fluoro-benzoyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dihydro-indol-2-one (LY310762), potentiated [3H]5-HT outflow from this preparation with potencies (EC50 values=31–140 nM) in the same range as their affinities for the guinea pig 5-HT1D receptor (Ki values=100–333 nM). The selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist, R-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-[1-[3-(5-[1,2,4]triazol-4-yl-1H-indol-3-yl)-propyl]-piperidin-4-ylamino]-ethanol dioxylate (L-772,405), inhibited [3H]5-HT outflow. In microdialysis studies, administration of either SB224289 or LY310762 at 10 mg/kg by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route, potentiated the increase in extracellular 5-HT concentration produced by a maximally effective dose of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (at 20 mg/kg i.p.). In addition, the 5-HT1D receptor-preferring antagonist and 5-HT transporter inhibitor, LY367642 (at 10 mg/kg i.p.), elevated extracellular 5-HT concentrations to a greater extent than a maximally effective dose of fluoxetine. It is concluded that the 5-HT1D receptor, like the 5-HT1B receptor, may be a presynaptic autoreceptor in the guinea pig.
Interneurons, D4 Receptors and Attention

The brain is a very complex and very busy place. To narrow our inquiry about the connection between dopamine and attention it would be helpful to know just where D4Rs are located and how their location relates to attention. D4Rs are broadly distributed throughout the brain, rather than being highly localized in only one or two brain regions. Studies from the lab of Dr. Patricia Goldman-Rakic at Yale University showed that in the primate cortex D4Rs are particularly enriched in certain specific types of inhibitory interneurons (1), providing an important clue about where to look for the molecular events of human attention.
HE11 mitre bends and gaps in a circular corrugated waveguide

Abstract The HE11 transmission loss in a mitre bend or gap in a corrugated waveguide is derived using mode matching techniques. For a gap length L in a waveguide of diameter D = 2a at a wavelength λ, the predicted loss for D ⋙ λ is approximately l·7[Lλ(2a2)]3/2dB. Measured data versus gap length oscillate about this predicted value due to the diffraction of very high order modes. For a mitre bend, L = D. The loss in mitre bends where the corrugations are continued up to the mirror should be reduced by half from the above formula due to the reduced diffraction. Measured data on mitre bends that are in agreement with these expectations are presented. In addition, the design of a mitre bend assembly for a 1·25 in waveguide at 110 GHz using an HE11/HE12 mode mixture to reduce the diffraction is described. The measured HE11 transmission losses in six of these assemblies in series were 0·46% and 0·54% per bend for H-plane and E-plane orientations, respectively. The inferred mode conversion loss of 0·38% is less...
Immunogenicity of decellularized cryopreserved allografts in pediatric cardiac surgery: comparison with standard cryopreserved allografts.

Abstract Background Recognition of the immunogenicity of standard cryopreserved allografts has led to the development of new decellularized allografts (CryoValve SG; CryoLife, Inc, Kennesaw, Ga). This preliminary study examined the HLA antibody response to these decellularized allografts and compared it with the response to standard allograft material. Methods We prospectively measured the frequency of panel-reactive HLA class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) and class II (HLA-DR/DQ) alloantibodies in 14 children (age 8.5 ± 7.9 years) receiving decellularized, cryopreserved allografts, including 6 undergoing allograft patch insertion and 8 with a valved pulmonary allograft. We compared them with 20 historical control subjects (age 1.7 ± 2.4 years) undergoing implantation of standard cryopreserved allografts, 8 with valves and 12 with allograft patch. All patients had panel-reactive antibody levels measured before and at 1, 3, and 12 months after the operation. HLA class I and class II panel-reactive antibody levels were determined with a sensitive flow cytometry technique. Results We found panel-reactive antibody levels in decellularized allografts to be elevated slightly from preoperative levels for both class I and class II antibodies at 1, 3, and 12 months ( P > .05). The panel-reactive antibody level for both class I and class II antibodies were significantly lower for decellularized allografts as compared to standard allografts. Functionally, the allografts were similar with decellularized valved grafts showing a peak echo-determined systolic gradient of 13 ± 15 mm Hg at 8 ± 2.6 months postoperatively as compared to a gradient of 24 ± 18 mm Hg measured 12 ± 6 months postoperatively in standard allografts ( P = .11). Conclusions Decellularized grafts elicited significantly lower levels of class I and class II HLA antibody formation at 1, 3, and 12 months after implantation than did standard cryopreserved allografts. Early hemodynamic function of decellularized grafts was similar to that of standard cryopreserved allograft valves. Further experience is necessary to determine whether the reduced immunogenicity of decellularized allografts will truly allow tissue ingrowth and improved long-term durability in patients.
Effects of obesity and bariatric surgery on airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma control, and inflammation

Background Asthma in obese subjects is poorly understood, and these patients are often refractory to standard therapy. Objectives We sought to gain insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of asthma in obese subjects by determining how obesity and bariatric surgery affect asthma control, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and markers of asthmatic inflammation. Methods We performed a prospective study of (1) asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients undergoing bariatric surgery compared at baseline and (2) asthmatic patients followed for 12 months after bariatric surgery. Results We studied 23 asthmatic and 21 nonasthmatic patients undergoing bariatric surgery. At baseline, asthmatic patients had lower FEV 1 and forced vital capacity and lower numbers of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. After surgery, asthmatic participants experienced significant improvements in asthma control (asthma control score, 1.55 to 0.74; P P 20 , 3.9 to 7.28, P = .03). There was a statistically significant interaction between IgE status and change in airways responsiveness ( P for interaction = .01). The proportion of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the production of cytokines from activated peripheral blood CD4 + T cells increased significantly. Conclusions Bariatric surgery improves AHR in obese asthmatic patients with normal serum IgE levels. Weight loss has dichotomous effects on airway physiology and T-cell function typically involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, suggesting that obesity produces a unique phenotype of asthma that will require a distinct therapeutic approach.
Reflections on a Half Century of Political Science: Lecture Given by the Winner of the Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science, Uppsala, 30 September 1995

Since I am to have the honour this evening of being presented with the Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science, it seemed to me that it might be appropriate to say something about the development of political science. Do not fear, however, that I am about to begin my reflections with the study of government in 1622, a task that would greatly exceed my time, my competence and, I imagine, your patience. On a much more modest scale, let me mention a few of the conspicuous changes in political science since I first began teaching and writing in the field about a half century ago. Let me add at once that I do not mean to suggest that my brief account is at all comprehensive or systematic. It is merely a rather subjective survey of a few changes that I find interesting and important.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Nicotine Transdermal Patch for Dual Nicotine and Cannabis Dependence: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives We assessed the feasibility of a new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) manual, plus transdermal patch nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), to treat co-occurring nicotine and cannabis dependence. Method Seven of 12 (58.3%) adults with DSM-IV diagnoses of both nicotine and cannabis dependence completed 10 weeks of individual CBT and NRT. Results Participants smoked 12.6 ± 4.9 tobacco cigarettes per day at baseline, which was reduced to 2.1 ± 4.2 at the end of treatment (F[5] = 23.5, p < .0001). The reduction in cannabis use from 10.0 ± 5.3 inhalations per day at baseline to 8.0 ± 5.3 inhalations per day at 10 weeks was not significant (F[5] = 1.12, p = .37). There was a significant decrease from the mean baseline Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores at weeks 4, 6, 8, and 10 of treatment (F[4] = 19.8, p < .001) and mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire scores were uniformly high (30.6 ± 1.9). Conclusions and Scientific Significance A CBT plus NRT treatment program significantly reduced tobacco smoking but did not significantly reduce cannabis use in individuals with co-occurring nicotine and cannabis dependence. There was no compensatory increase in cannabis use following the reduction in tobacco smoking, suggesting that clinicians can safely pursue simultaneous treatment of co-occurring nicotine and cannabis dependence. The intervention was well-liked by the 7 of the 12 enrollees who completed the study. (Am J Addict 2013; 22:233–238)
Investigation on MOCVD CoSi 2 process for reduction of contact resistance at metal-silicon interface

A cobalt silicide process under various conditions on deposition of MOCVD Co and silicidation was investigated, and the best optimized condition of silicidation on physical profile and electrical performance of cobalt silicide in DRAM device has been suggested in this paper. We could obtained the best condition by statistical analysis of the physical profiles of CoSi 2 layer on blanket and patterned wafer with various conditions of CoSi 2 formation. CoSi 2 with different conditions of as-deposited cobalt thickness and 1st RTA temperature was applied to 44nm device in order to evaluate contact resistance and junction BV. The improvement of contact resistance on N+ active silicon and N+/p junction BV with increase of cobalt thickness and decrease of 1st RTA temperature was achieved. In addition, electrical performances on vertical gate memory device will be presented at this conference.
Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric emptying of solids in humans

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in a number of upper gastrointestinal illnesses. In a controlled study, we have investigated the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric emptying of solids in two groups of patients with chronic symptoms of dyspepsia. In the first group, 19 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and H. pylori infection underwent a standard test of gastric emptying after ingestion of 500 μCi of Tc-labelled chicken liver. The results were compared to a control group of 16 uninfected volunteers. We also studied a second group of 20 patients with previously diagnosed idiopathic gastroparesis for the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its relationship to symptom severity and rates of gastric emptying. In the first group of patients, the half-time of gastric emptying was significantly less among the infected patients compared to the uninfected volunteers (108 ± 9 vs. 142 ± 14 min, P < 0.05). In the second group of patients with gastroparesis, the prevalence of H. pylori was not significantly different among these patients than among 21 age and sex matched controls (20% vs. 38%, P = 0.32). Gastric emptying was markedly slow in all 20 patients in the second group but less so among the four with H. pylori infection. Symptom scores were no different between infected and uninfected patients. We conclude that H. pylori infection is not associated with abnormally slow gastric emptying. On the contrary, gastric H. pylori infection appears to be associated with mildly accelerated emptying of solids compared to normal controls. Idiopathic gastroparesis and dyspepsia related H. pylori infection are separate but sometimes overlapping disorders.
On “Spondyloarthritis in a patient with unilateral buttock pain and history of Crohn disease.” Coronado RA, et al. Phys Ther. 2010;90:784–792.

First, I would like to commend the authors on describing a well-thought-out diagnostic approach when examining a patient with complex low back pain (LBP).1 I believe this article clearly shows how difficult the diagnostic process can be in patients with LBP. A critical question brought up by the authors of this case report is: should we move away from identifying specific tissue pathology or pain generators when trying to make a diagnosis in patients with LBP? I think this article gives us a clear reason why we should probably not . Although definitely …
Agent-Based Modeling for Systems of Systems

Agent-based modeling is an important tool for the engineering of systems of systems. This paper briefly reviews the historical development of agent-based modeling and system of systems concepts, compares agent-based modeling to other approaches, and de- scribes the Purdue Discrete Agent Framework for agent-based modeling. An application of the Discrete Agent Framework to a system of systems is described and illustrates the ability of agent-based modeling to capture non-intuitive behav iors that may arise due to the complex dynamics that occur in interconnected systems of ag ents that follow a behavioral set of rules. The paper concludes by looking back to the past to understand the potential for applying agent-based modeling to support the ongoing engineering and operations of an evolving sys- tem of systems.
Differential Rates of Protein Folding and Cellular Trafficking for the Hendra Virus F and G Proteins: Implications for F-G Complex Formation

Hendra virus F protein-promoted membrane fusion requires the presence of the viral attachment protein, G. However, events leading to the association of these glycoproteins remain unclear. Results presented here demonstrate that Hendra virus G undergoes slower secretory pathway trafficking than is observed for Hendra virus F. This slowed trafficking is not dependent on the G protein cytoplasmic tail, the presence of the G receptor ephrin B2, or interaction with other viral proteins. Instead, Hendra virus G was found to undergo intrinsically slow oligomerization within the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest that the critical F-G interactions occur only after the initial steps of synthesis and cellular transport.
Louis IX, crusade and the promise of Joshua in the Holy Land

Joshua, the Old Testament patriarch who led the Israelite army into the Holy Land, was seen as a type for the crusader in ways that informed Louis IX's crusading ideology and his kingship. The parallel between Joshua's divinely sanctioned wars and Louis' own crusading ambitions structured a teleology that incorporated Louis into salvation history. The story of Joshua lent Louis exalted expectations for his first crusade. After the failure of Louis' first crusade, the story of Joshua provided a scriptural lens through which Louis could interpret those events and moulded his reaction as king and military leader. An episode from Josh. 7 — the sins of Achan — spoke to Louis' concern with personal sin and the purity of the political community, gave Louis a way to understand the failure, and suggested guidance for how, as king, Louis could redress himself before God in preparation for his crusade of 1270.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling cell-autonomously converts non-hepatic endodermal cells to a liver fate.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays multiple roles in liver development including hepatoblast proliferation and differentiation, hepatocyte differentiation, and liver zonation. A positive role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver specification was recently identified in zebrafish; however, its underlying cellular mechanisms are unknown. Here, we present two cellular mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates liver specification. First, using lineage tracing we show that ectopic hepatoblasts, which form in the endoderm posterior to the liver upon activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, are derived from the direct conversion of non-hepatic endodermal cells, but not from the posterior migration of hepatoblasts. We found that endodermal cells at the 4–6th somite levels, which normally give rise to the intestinal bulb or intestine, gave rise to hepatoblasts in Wnt8a-overexpressing embryos, and that the distribution of traced endodermal cells in Wnt8a-overexpressing embryos was similar to that in controls. Second, by using an endoderm-restricted cell-transplantation technique and mosaic analysis with transgenic lines that cell-autonomously suppress or activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling upon heat-shock, we show that Wnt/β-catenin signaling acts cell-autonomously in endodermal cells to induce hepatic conversion. Altogether, these data demonstrate that Wnt/β-catenin signaling can induce the fate-change of non-hepatic endodermal cells into a liver fate in a cell-autonomous manner. These findings have potential application to hepatocyte differentiation protocols for the generation of mature hepatocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells, supplying a sufficient amount of hepatocytes for cell-based therapies to treat patients with severe liver diseases.
Ophthalmophagus bucephali n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae) from the American Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula americana (Anatidae), from the Central Flyway of North America and a Checklist of Goldeneye Parasites

Abstract Two American goldeneye ducks, Bucephala clangula americana (Anatidae), collected from the Galveston, Texas, U.S.A., area were infected with 5 (2 in 1 duck and 3 in the second) Ophthalmophagus bucephali n. sp. (Cyclocoelidae). Two additional specimens of this species, also collected from the American goldeneye from Hastings, Minnesota, U.S.A., were found in the holdings of the H. W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, U.S.A. The new species can be distinguished from all other species in the genus by having the ovary contiguous with the posterior testis and by having the prepharynx longer than the esophagus (approximately twice as long). Ophthalmophagus bucephali n. sp. can be distinguished from all other species except for Ophthalmophagus massinoi by having uterine loops that do not invade the postovarian space and from all species except Ophthalmophagus singularis by having the ovary contiguous with the posterior confluence of the ceca (cyclocoel). A checklist of p...
Gender, Psychopathology, and Patterns of Homelessness Among Clients in Shelter-Based TCs

Substance abuse and severe mental illness are factors that have been linked to homelessness, and the rates of mental illness have been reported to be higher among homeless women than men. Only rece...
BIM and Thermographic Sensing: Reflecting the As-is Building Condition in Energy Analysis

This paper presents an automated computer vision-based system to update BIM data by leveraging multi-modal visual data collected from existing buildings under inspection. Currently, visual inspections are conducted for building envelopes or mechanical systems, and auditors analyze energy-related contextual information to examine if their performance is maintained as expected by the design. By translating 3D surface thermal profiles into energy performance metrics such as actual R-values at point-level and by mapping such properties to the associated BIM elements using XML Document Object Model (DOM), the proposed method shortens the energy performance modeling gap between the architectural information in the as-designed BIM and the as-is building condition, which improve the reliability of building energy analysis. Several case studies were conducted to experimentally evaluate their impact on BIM-based energy analysis to calculate energy load. The experimental results on existing buildings show that (1) the point-level thermography-based thermal resistance measurement can be automatically matched with the associated BIM elements; and (2) their corresponding thermal properties are automatically updated in gbXML schema. This paper provides practitioners with insight to uncover the fundamentals of how multi-modal visual data can be used to improve the accuracy of building energy modeling for retrofit analysis. Open research challenges and lessons learned from real-world case studies are discussed in detail.
Electron Shadow-Micrography of Virus Particles.

SummaryA new procedure is described for the electron microscopy of small objects. This technique, illustrated by photographs of purified influenza and tobacco mosaic viruses, involves the oblique evaporation of a thin film of metal over the preparation before micrography. The three-dimensional effect it produces gives new information about the heights and shapes of objects seen in the preparation.
Epidemiological features of viral diarrhea among infants and young children in Hebei from 2010 to 2012

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features of rotavirus(RV)diarrhea cases under 5 years in Hebei province from 2010 to 2012. Methods The incidence of rotavirus diarrhea from the surveillance systems of infectious diarrhea cases under 5 years from 2010 to 2012 was analyzed. Rotavirus were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and stereotyping and genotyping were performed by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results A total of 1 155 stool specimens were examned,RV was positive in 514 specimens accounted for 44.50%.The positive rate of RV was highest in the children aged 12～17 months accounted for 58.54%.Rotavirus infection mainly occurred from November to February next year,and the peak was between November and December accupied 63.15%(P0.01). In the aspect of serum G typing,G9 type was the most,which accounted for 42.22%,and G9 type had the tendency of main prevalence serum type in the locality; In P typing,P [8] type was predominant accounted for 66.34%,and among G/P combination type G9P [8] was predominant accounted for 35.21%. Conclusions Rotavirus is the major pathogen in hospitalization patients with diarrhea under 5 years in Hebei province,and G9P[8] is dominant combination.
Testing for impropriety of multivariate complex random processes

We consider the problem of testing whether a complex-valued vector random sequence is proper. Past work on this problem is limited to a sequence of independent Gaussian random vectors whereas we allow an arbitrary stationary vector sequence that can be non-Gaussian. A binary hypothesis testing approach is formulated and a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is derived using the power spectral density estimator of an augmented sequence. An asymptotic analytical solution for calculating the test threshold is provided. The results are illustrated via simulations.
An Oblivious Routing-Based Power Flow Calculation Method for Loss Minimization of Smart Power Networks: A Theoretical Perspective

Power loss minimization plays an important role in the appropriate operation of power networks. Line power loss occurs when the power is transmitted through the lines of a network due to the permittivity of lines medium. Transmission loss may increase the dispatch cost of all of the obtained power flows based on market contracts. Hence, the independent system operators should use loss minimization methods to facilitate the implementation of the contracted power transactions. Loss minimization also will improve the security and stability of power network. In this paper, we present a novel loss minimization scheme based on oblivious network design, referred to as oblivious routing-based power flow method. The method is built on the bottom-up oblivious network routing scheme which offers multiple paths from several sources (generation units) to the specific destinations (electric load demands). Although there is limited information regarding other line flows and the current status of network, the routing scheme mathematically guarantees that the power flow solution is an approximation of the optimal solution with a specific competitiveness ratio. In fact, the Our main focus is on the power flow calculation while optimizing power losses. Compared with the recently developed power flow methods, our approach does not depend on the network topology and its performance for both radial and non-radial networks is accurate. Hence, it is suitable to use the propose approach for large-scale loss minimization while determining the power flows. This paper mainly focuses on the theoretical aspect of the proposed method. As our method is based on a novel concept from computer science discipline, we provide sufficient explanation about the preliminaries of oblivious routing scheme.
Vitamin D3 and Diabetic Neuropathy – Analysis of EMG/NCS Parameters (S59.003)

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the relationship of Compound Motor Unit Action Potential (CMAP) amplitude, conduction velocity, F-latency, presence of conduction block in peroneal/tibial nerves and sural nerve SNAP latency/amplitude to serum vitamin D3 levels in dysglycemic patients. BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3 (VitD3) deficiency has been implicated in a variety of neurological diseases. It has also been linked to the development of insulin resistance by causing low grade inflammation. VitD3 supplements reduce neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. VitD3 deficiency has been associated with development of diabetic neuropathy. DESIGN/METHODS: The study was performed as a retrospective chart review at the Veterans Association Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Patients who have diabetic neuropathy, have serum VitD3 levels and who have had EMG/NCS were identified and their results was reviewed. The patients were divided into two categories (VitD3 deficient and normal) and the CMAP amplitudes, conduction velocities, F-latencies, sural SNAP latencies/amplitudes were compared using independent T-tests. The percentage of patients with conduction block were calculated in each group and analyzed with chi-sq. Linear correlation model/graphs were plotted to analyze the relationship between serum levels of deseasonalized VitD3 with the parameters. RESULTS: The study showed that tibial conduction velocity and median CMAP amplitude were significantly worse in the Vitamin D3 deficient group. Conduction block was present 3.6 to 6.6 times higher in patients with vitamin D3 deficiency. VitD3 deficient diabetic neuropathy patients were 3.1 times more likely to have an absent sural nerve response compared to diabetics with normal VitD3 level. Vitamin D3 levels showed inverse correlation with HbA1c levels, tibial and ulnar CMAP amplitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to diabetics with normal Vitamin D3 levels, the patients with VitD3 deficiency were more likely to have conduction block and absent sural sensory nerve responses. Tibial and median nerve conduction parameters were worse in patients with Vitamin D3 deficiency. Disclosure: Dr. Neelakantan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Silvestri has nothing to disclose.
Toward an Improved Definition of the Wealthy

AbstractA definition of the wealthy was proposed in this journal [Eisenhauer, J. G. (2008). An economic definition of the middle class. Forum for Social Economics, 37, 103–113]. According to the definition, “the wealthy” are people who could live poorly for a year while living off the interest on their wealth. This paper suggests a more general definition of the wealthy, which encompasses that definition as well as ones based on the ability to live at higher standards of living than the poverty level over longer periods of time than one year while living off interest income alone. Previous empirical work is revisited to show new insights offered by the new definition. The evidence points to the reemergence of a rentier class.
Multilayer Compute Resource Management with Robust Control Theory

Multicores increasingly execute in constrained environments, and are being equipped with controllers for resource management. However, modern multicore systems are structured in multiple complex layers, such as the hardware, OS, and networking layers, each with its own resources. Managing such a system scalably and portably requires that we have a controller in each layer, and that the different controllers coordinate their operation. We present a novel methodology to build coordinated multilevel formal controllers in computing. We consider Robust Control Theory, which focuses on decision making in uncertain environments, and pick the popular Structured Singular Value (SSV) controller. This is the first work to utilize Robust Control Theory for compute resource management. We show the effectiveness of multilevel SSV controllers on a real multicore system.
Binary Image Editing

The binary pixel-based representation that results from discrimination of a grey scale image may not perfectly delineate all of the features present. This may be due to noise or other imperfections in the original image, to inadequate processing methods, or to something inherent in the image itself such as touching objects. It may also happen than the original image covers an area that is larger than the region which we desire to measure. A simple example is the determination of the number and size distribution of spots on a leaf produced by aerial spraying. It is comparatively easy to obtain images of one or more leaves from which the spots may be measured, but the image will generally be rectangular or square, and the leaves are irregular in shape. Counting should be performed only within the leaf area. Similarly, some microscopes have a limiting aperture for illumination that is more or less circular, and measurements should be performed only within that region. Many other examples ranging from counting of cell colonies within a petri dish to trees in orchards viewed in aerial photos present a similar problem (Figure 6-1).
Neurobiology of REM sleep.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the cellular and neurophysiological/neuropharmacological, with most of the emphasis on mechanisms relevant to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The chapter presents the sleep architecture and phylogeny/ontogeny so as to provide a basis for the later mechanistic discussions. The chapter discusses the REM sleep and the relevant anatomy and physiology, and describes the role of hypocretin/orexin in REM sleep control. Sleep may be divided into two phases. REM sleep is most often associated with vivid dreaming and a high level of brain activity. The other phase of sleep, called non-REM sleep or slow-wave sleep (SWS), is usually associated with reduced neuronal activity; thought content during this state in humans is, unlike dreams, usually nonvisual and consisting of ruminative thoughts. REM sleep in humans is defined by the presence of low-voltage fast EEG activity, suppression of muscle tone (usually measured in the chin muscles) and the presence of REMs. The REM sleep cycle length is 90 minutes in humans and the duration of each REM sleep episode after the first is approximately 30 minutes. While electroencephalography (EEG) staging of REM sleep in humans usually shows a fairly abrupt transition from non-REM to REM sleep, recording of neuronal activity in animals presents a quite a different picture. Neuronal activity begins to change long before the EEG signs of REM sleep are present.
Does the incidence of group health insurance fall on individual workers

Economic models predict that the cost of health insurance is borne by workers. In this paper we ask two questions. First, is cost shifting individual-specific: does a worker with higher expected medical expenses bear this cost? Second, how do explicit employee contributions affect cost shifting? We estimate wage change regressions that include as explanatory variables changes in health insurance coverage, changes in employee premium contributions, health status, and an interaction between health insurance changes and health status. We find no evidence of a significant wage offset at either the individual or group level and conclude that changes in health insurance status are not exogenous.
Reduced Density Operators, Their Related von Neumann Density Operators, Close Cousins of These, and their Physical Interpretation

The (N-l)- and (N-2)-electron reduced density operators of a pure stationary state of a many electron system (such as the electronic structure of an atom or molecule) can be realized as an idealization of the statistical von Neumann density operator of the ion formed from that pure stationary state in an appropriate sudden ionization experiment. The N-electron Hermitian operator whose matrix representation is the Garrod and Percus G-Matrix (the metric matrix of the particle-hole states formed from the given pure stationary state) can be realized as the excitation-related part of the statistical von Neumann density operator of the system formed from this pure stationary state via a sudden random impulsive particle-conserving perturbation. Comparison of these statistical von Neumann density operators with those obtained from specified perturbations allows discrimination between responses of the system which depend strongly upon the excitation mechanism and those which are characteristic of the system and only weakly dependent on the excitation mechanism.
Healed Myocardial Infarction

Despite the terrible toll of death from acute myocardial infarction, the majority of patients reaching a hospital recover and can return to an active life. As a rough assessment of the problem, 75 percent or more will leave the hospital and 60 percent will be alive at the end of 1 yr. After the first year, the group without disabling symptoms or high risk factors have a mortality rate of about 6 percent per yr. It is clear that many patients have recurrent problems related to extensive myocardial loss including the formation of LV Aneus, arrhythmias, including those causing sudden death, and recurrent infarction. Associated conditions such as valvular disease, hypertension, and chronic pulmonary disease, may contribute to cardiac failure in patients who have recovered from acute myocardial infarction.
Identifying Problematic Financial Behaviors and Money Disorders

Money is the number one source of stress in the lives of Americans. Financial stress drives many clients to seek the assistance of financial counselors. In some cases, financial stress is not the sole result of a lack of financial resources or poor financial literacy and traditional financial counseling tools do not help clients change their behaviors. When financial counseling is not successful in helping improve a client’s financial behaviors, counselors may want to consider whether the client may be exhibiting signs of a money disorder. This chapter introduces the signs and symptoms of problematic money behaviors and money disorders, including hoarding disorder, gambling disorder, compulsive buying disorder, financial enabling, financial dependence, financial denial, and financial enmeshment. It examines the beliefs driving these behaviors and offers suggestions for financial counselors who encounter clients struggling with problematic financial behaviors and money disorders.