cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sphingosine Derivatives on MC3T3-E1 Preosteoblasts: Psychosine Elicits Release of Calcium from Intracellular Stores

Sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP) and sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) each elicited transient elevations in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) as a result of Ca2+ release from an intracellular store in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. No elevation in [Ca2+]i was detected in response to the application of N-acetyl sphingosine. Psychosine (1-galactosyl sphingosine) also caused Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, which suggests that phosphorylation of the 1-carbon of sphingosine is not required for its action as a Ca2+ release agonist in MC3T3-E1 cells. Sequential additions of combinations of sphingosine, SPP, SPC and psychosine revealed Ca2+ transients only after the application of the first sphingolipid, despite the fact that the intracellular Ca2+ stores refilled. This indicates that each agent desensitized the MC3T3-E1 cells to the action of the others and suggests that all of the sphingolipids tested employ the same receptor or a common intracellular messenger.
New method to model x-ray scattering from random rough surfaces

This paper presents a method for modeling the X-ray scattering from random rough surfaces. An actual rough surface is (incompletely) described by its Power Spectral Density (PSD). For a given PSD, model surfaces with the same roughness as the actual surface are constructed by preserving the PSD amplitudes and assigning a random phase to each spectral component. Rays representing the incident wave are reflected from the model surface and projected onto a flat plane, which approximates the model surface, as outgoing rays and corrected for phase delays. The projected outgoing rays are then corrected for wave densities and redistributed onto an uniform grid where the model surface is constructed. The scattering is then calculated by taking the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the resulting distribution. This method is generally applicable and is not limited to small scattering angles. It provides the correct asymmetrical scattering profile for grazing incident radiation. We apply this method to the mirrors of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and show the results. We also expect this method to be useful for other X-ray telescope missions.
Radio and Far-Infrared Emission as Tracers of Star Formation and Active Galactic Nuclei in Nearby Cluster Galaxies

We have studied the radio and far-infrared (FIR) emission from 114 galaxies in the seven nearest clusters (<100 Mpc) with prominent X-ray emission to investigate the impact of the cluster environment on the star formation and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity in the member galaxies. The X-ray selection criterion is adopted to focus on the most massive and dynamically relaxed clusters. A large majority of cluster galaxies show an excess in radio emission over that predicted from the radio-FIR correlation, the fraction of sources with radio excess increases toward cluster cores, and the radial gradient in the FIR/radio flux ratio is a result of radio enhancement. Of the radio-excess sources, 70% are early-type galaxies, and the same fraction host an AGN. The galaxy density drops by a factor of 10 from the composite cluster center out to 1.5 Mpc, yet galaxies show no change in FIR properties over this region and show no indication of mass segregation. We have examined in detail the physical mechanisms that might impact the FIR and radio emission of cluster galaxies. While collisional heating of dust may be important for galaxies in cluster centers, it appears to have a negligible effect on the observed FIR emission for our sample galaxies. The correlations between radio and FIR luminosity and radius could be explained by magnetic compression from thermal intracluster medium pressure. We also find that simple delayed harassment cannot fully account for the observed radio, FIR, and mid-IR properties of cluster galaxies.
Resilience in ecosystemic context: Evolution of the concept.

The evolution of the resilience literature across diverse social science disciplines over the past two decades is reviewed and a synthesis of recent findings is offered, suggesting that resilience is a multidetermined and ever-changing product of interacting forces within a given ecosystemic context. Emerging constructions of the concept are examined, and a refined working definition is proposed. Implications for research and practice are offered.
Early bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation: accuracy of expiratory thin-section CT for diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of thin-section computed tomography (CT) with expiratory scans in diagnosing early bronchiolitis obliterans after lung transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT scans were reviewed by two observers blinded to the diagnoses in seven consecutive lung transplant recipients with histopathologically proved bronchiolitis obliterans (group A) and 21 with normal biopsy findings (group B). All patients had normal biopsy and stable pulmonary function test (PFT) results 2–36 weeks prior to CT. Patients with normal biopsy results were placed into subgroups based on abnormal (group B1) or stable (group B2) PFT results. Air-trapping extent on expiratory scans was scored on a 24-point scale. RESULTS: The mean air-trapping score in group A (6.6) was not significantly different from that in group B (4.5, P = .17). The air-trapping score was significantly higher in groups A and B1 than in group B2 (6.2 and 2.6, respectively; P = .03). The frequency of an air-trapping score of...
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist as a Probe for the Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Ovarian Hyperandrogenism

We have found that women with typical polycystic ovary syndrome have supranormal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone responses to a 100-micrograms test dose of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist nafarelin without evidence of hindered estrogen secretion. To understand the basis of this response, we computed the apparent efficiency of the steps in steroid biosynthesis from the pattern of plasma steroids in response to nafarelin. The proximate cause appears to be excessive 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity and high, yet partially down-regulated, 17,20-lyase activity in the delta 4-pathway. These results suggest that this pattern of steroid secretion results from abnormal regulation (dysregulation) of these activities, possibly involving the enzyme cytochrome P450c17. To determine the usefulness of nafarelin testing for the diagnosis of ovarian hyperandrogenism, we then prospectively studied 40 hyperandrogenic women. The plasma 17-PROG response to nafarelin was supranormal in 58% of the women. The responses of 17-PROG to nafarelin and free testosterone to dexamethasone correlated well and were concordant in approximately 85% of cases. Baseline serum luteinizing hormone concentration was elevated in only 48% of cases. To understand ovarian structure-function relationships, we studied another 20 consecutive hyperandrogenic women. Among seven women with polycystic ovaries, five had an elevated LH level, and four of these five (80%) had an elevated 17-PROG response to nafarelin. Conversely, about half of patients with the PCOS-like disorder of ovarian function did not have polycystic ovaries. Ovarian stromal area, but not LH levels, correlated significantly (r = 0.45) with the 17-PROG response to nafarelin. Thus, both stromal hyperplasia and dysregulation of steroidogenesis seem to be manifestations of abnormal intraovarian regulation of cell growth and function. We conclude that a PCOS-like disorder of ovarian function in response to nafarelin testing is found in approximately half of hyperandrogenic women. The pathogenetic implication of our results is that abnormal intraovarian modulation of LH action seems to be a major factor in ovarian hyperandrogenism. The diagnostic implication of our data is that ovarian androgen excess will often be missed by use of common diagnostic criteria for PCOS.
Probabilistic Fire Analysis: Material Models and Evaluation of Steel Structural Members

AbstractThis paper provides a methodology to perform probabilistic analysis of steel structural members under fire loading. As part of developing the methodology, probabilistic models are proposed for mechanical and thermal properties of steel and thermal properties of insulating materials. The two important mechanical properties of steel that significantly influence the results are (1) yield strength, and (2) modulus of elasticity. The models developed for thermal properties include specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal strain of steel; and density, thermal conductivity and specific heat for insulating materials. A Bayesian statistical approach is used to develop the proposed probabilistic models using the data available in the literature. The proposed probabilistic models are compared to the available deterministic models from codes and standards. After models are developed for temperature-dependent material properties, a procedure to perform probabilistic analysis of a steel member and an ap...
Low-gradient outlet glaciers (ice streams?) drained the Laurentide ice sheet

Observations of geomorphic features dated with cosmogenic nuclides are used to determine the configuration of glaciation in Cumberland Sound, Baffin Island, during the last glacial maximum. Cumberland Sound, which was a major drainage of the Laurentide Ice Sheet at its northeastern (Arctic Canada) margin, contained low-gradient ice with a surface slope of ;0.038 and a driving stress between 2 and 7 kPa. These values are similar to those observed for the ice streams that dominate the dynamics of the West Antarctic ice sheet today. The presence of low-gradient ice in Cumberland Sound and other major outlets may similarly have influenced Laurentide ice sheet behavior and would account for the iceberg discharge episodes that produced the Heinrich-event debris layers observed in North Atlantic ocean sediments.
Human Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Digest Extracellular Matrix by Elaboration of Plasminogen Activators: Implications for Atherogenesis.

Migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are hallmarks of atherogenesis and restenosis after angioplasty. Digestion of surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) may be a critical link. To determine whether invasion of ECM by human aortic SMCs (HASMCs) depends on proteolytic digestion mediated by the cells themselves, we characterized ECM digestion in terms of solubilization of3H-proline-labeled ECM, produced by the use of rat aortic SMCs, by HASMCs under various conditions. Pasmin alone (10 μg/ml) digested 80% of ECM in 2 hours. HASMCs in 10% fetal bovine serum cultured on ECM that was not exposed to plasmin digested 48% of the ECM in 7 days. When HASMCs were cultured on plasmin-pretreated ECM, only 14% of the residual ECM was digested. Conditioned media or cells cultured on porous membrane 1 mm removed from the ECM had no effect. Baseline secretion of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) into the media by HASMCs averaged 3.9 ng/105 cells/24 hr and baseline secretion of type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) averaged 1300 ng/105 cells/24 hr. Thrombin (5 U/ml) increased t-PA antigen production by 184% without altering PAI-1 activity and increased ECM degradation by 43% in 7 days. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) decreased t-PA antigen production, increased PAI-1 activity, and decreased ECM degradation. These results suggest that (1) HASMCs can digest naturally produced ECM; (2) plasminogen-dependent mechanisms requiring cell contact are important in the initiation of this phenomenon; and (3) thrombin in the vicinity of clots may modulate the fibrinolytic and proteolytic properties of SMC through t-PA after vascular injury.
Use of semi-Markov models for speaker-independent phoneme recognition

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been used to model speech in many areas of speech processing. One characteristic of the HMM is that the probability of time spent in a particular state, or state occupancy, is geometrically distributed. This, however, becomes a serious limitation and results in inaccurate modeling when the HMMs are used for phoneme recognition. The authors use hidden semi-Markov models (HSMM) to overcome the above limitation. Semi-Markov models are a more general class of Markov chains in which the state occupancy can be explicitly modeled by an arbitrary probability mass distribution. The authors use non-parametric distributions to describe the state occupancies instead of parametric distributions such as gamma. Poisson or binomial, as analysis of actual data shows that the duration of some phonemes could not be approximated by any of the above. Preliminary tests conducted using only the linear prediction coding (LPC) cepstrum as features have shown that the use of HSMM increased the phoneme recognition accuracy to 53.7% from the 48.4% obtained using an HMM. >
Brief treatment of complicated PTSD and peritraumatic responses in a client with repeated sexual victimization

The present case study describes the successful treatment of a woman with a history of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse in childhood and multiple rapes in adulthood, utilizing a relatively brief cognitive-behavioral treatment, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Treatment addressed assault-related PTSD, major depression, suicidality, compulsive self-harm behaviors, and primary and secondary dissociative responses. Treatment also addressed related issues of low self-esteem, social isolation, and the client's sense of helplessness, which had resulted in her failure to implement active self-protection strategies. Client symptomatology was tracked throughout treatment using the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at regular intervals over the course of 34 sessions and for 3 months posttermination. The relatively short course of therapy (22 weeks) and treatment strategies are described, including cognitive and behavioral components of CPT, supportive strategies, safety planning in the context of ongoing threats and victimization, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Particular emphasis is given to adaptation of the brief treatment to complex symptomatology and patterns of symptomatic change in relation to cognitive and behavioral intervention. Findings indicate that treatment for individuals with extensive victimization histories does not require different strategies or a significantly longer period of treatment than does treatment for those with a single traumatic experience.
Overview of nuclear data

For many years, nuclear structure and decay data have been compiled and disseminated by an International Network of Nuclear Structure and Decay Data (NSDD) evaluators under the auspices of the International Nuclear Data Committee (INDC) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In this lecture I will discuss the kinds of data that are available and describe various ways to obtain this information. We will learn about some of the publications that are available and Internet sources of nuclear data. You will be introduced to Isotope Explorer software for retrieving and displaying nuclear structure and radioactive decay data. The on-line resources Table of Radioactive Isotopes, PGAA Database Viewer, Nuclear Science Reference Search, Table of Isotopes Educational Website, and other information sources will be discussed. Exercises will be provided to increase your ability to understand, access, and use nuclear data.
Hybrid biofiber-based composites for structural cellular plates

This paper presents how biofiber composites (biocomposites) can be used for structural applications by enhancing their performance through hybridization and cellular structural forms. Cellular biocomposite cores made from industrial hemp or flax fibers with unsaturated polyester were hybridized with woven jute, chopped glass, and unidirectional carbon fabrics. Material characterization showed improved stiffness, strength, and moisture-absorption stability, while flexural tests on laboratory-scale plates demonstrated enhanced structural behavior. Micromechanics and sandwich analyses adequately captured material and structural response and the benefit from residual stresses was evaluated. Results indicate that hybrid cellular biofiber-based composites provide an economic and environmentally friendlier alternative to entry-level synthetic composites.
The Meaning of “Price Policy”

Emergence of the term "price policy," 175. — Institutionalism and price behavior, 176. — Price behavior and determinism, 181. — Policy as rationalistic innovation, 185. — Price policy and business strategy, 190. — Price policy and commercial tactics, 193. — Scope and method of business price policy studies, 195. — Relation of business price policy to public policy, 201. — Price policy, economic planning, and institutional redesigning, 203.
Optical properties of thick ordered mesoporous silica membranes

Mesoporous silicon membranes with very uniform and vertical pores are fabricated by electrochemical anodization resulting in pore diameters between 15-30 nm and pore depths of 550 μm. The influence of applied current density on the pore morphology is characterized for the formation of mesoporous silicon membranes. These porous silicon membranes are thermally oxidized to form transparent silica membranes. The current study involved ellipsometric measurements of the optical properties of porous silica material spectroscopically from 300 nm to 1000 nm. Normal transmittance through the membrane was measured and found to be attenuated significantly at short wavelengths but approached the transmittance of bulk silicon for the near infrared. Angularly resolved transmission and reflection study is performed extending into the infrared regime. Refractive index and extinction coefficients are modeled based on the optical measurements. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Advanced Computational Modeling of Vapor Deposition in a High-pressure Reactor

In search of novel approaches to produce new materials for electro-optic technologies, advances have been achieved in the development of computer models for vapor deposition reactors in space. Numerical simulations are invaluable tools for costly and difficult processes, such as those experiments designed for high pressures and microgravity conditions. Indium nitride is a candidate compound for high-speed laser and photo diodes for optical communication system, as well as for semiconductor lasers operating into the blue and ultraviolet regions. But InN and other nitride compounds exhibit large thermal decomposition at its optimum growth temperature. In addition, epitaxy at lower temperatures and subatmospheric pressures incorporates indium droplets into the InN films. However, surface stabilization data indicate that InN could be grown at 900 K in high nitrogen pressures, and microgravity could provide laminar flow conditions. Numerical models for chemical vapor deposition have been developed, coupling complex chemical kinetics with fluid dynamic properties.
A COMPARATIVE REGIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE WHOLESALE MARKETING MARGIN FOR CRUSHED COTTONSEED

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Harvesting and Long Term Exposure Effects in the Relation between Air Pollution and Mortality

While time series analyses have demonstrated that airborne particles are associated with early death, they have not clarified how much the deaths are advanced. If all of the pollution-related deaths were advanced by only a few days, one would expect little association between weekly averages of air pollution and daily deaths. The author used the STL algorithm to classify data on air pollution, daily deaths, and weather from Boston, Massachusetts (1979-1986) into three time series: one reflecting seasonal and longer fluctuations, one reflecting short term fluctuations, and one reflecting intermediate patterns. By varying the cutoff point between short term and intermediate term, it was possible to examine harvesting on different time scales. For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there was evidence that most of the mortality was displaced by only a few months. For pneumonia, heart attacks, and all-cause mortality, the effect size increased with longer time scales. The percentage increase in all deaths associated with a 10-microg/m3 increase in PM2.5 rose from 2.1% (95% confidence interval: 1.5, 4.3) to 3.75% (95% confidence interval: 3.2, 4.3) as the focus moved from daily patterns to monthly patterns. This is consistent with the larger effect seen in prospective cohort studies, rather than harvesting's playing a major role.
Functional and Histologic Assessment of the Sensory Innervation of the Periodontal Ligament of the Cat

Activity along the inferior alveolar nerve in response to force application to canine teeth yielded two responses, one associated with light forces and the other with heavy forces. The two types of nerve endings found were naked terminals, which occurred throughout, and specialized receptors, innervated by large fibers, which were confined to the apical third of the root.
Neuroreceptors and ion channels as the basis for drug action: past, present, and future.

This article summarizes the development of cellular neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology, based primarily on my own research. The progress of this field depends at least in part on the theoretical and technological developments of excitable cell physiology, biophysics, and biochemistry. First, a brief historical development is described. Second, my earlier studies of the mechanism of action of insecticides on the nervous system are introduced. The most significant is the early discovery of the increase in depolarizing after-potential caused by DDT and pyrethroids. This laid the foundation of subsequent analyses of sodium channel modulation as the major mechanism of action of DDT/pyrethroids. Third, my initial contributions to cellular neuropharmacology are described. The discovery of the potent and selective block of sodium channels by tetrodotoxin aroused interest not only in using this toxin and other chemicals as useful laboratory tools but also in studying receptors/channels as important targets of various drugs. Using internally perfused squid giant axons, pioneering studies of local anesthetic action led to the conclusion that these anesthetics block the sodium channel from inside the nerve membrane in the cationic form. Fourth, a few examples of my more recent studies using voltage-clamp and patch-clamp techniques are described. Pyrethroid modulation of sodium channels was analyzed in great detail, including single-channel kinetics, toxicity amplification from channels to animal behaviors, temperature dependence, selective toxicity, and vitamin E antagonism. The neuroprotective drug riluzole blocked sodium channels and high-voltage-activated calcium channels, thereby preventing excess stimulation of N -methyl-d-aspartate receptors and massive influx of calcium, thereby retarding spread of infarction in the brain. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have received much attention recently, and I launched an extensive study of the mechanism whereby alcohols and general anesthetics modulate their activity. Ethanol potently stimulates the α-bungarotoxin-insensitive, α4β2-type acetylcholine receptors, thereby causing release of various transmitters; this leads to a cascade of multisynaptic events and behavioral changes. Inhalational general anesthetics augment the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors and inhibit the activity of α4β2-type acetylcholine receptors, causing a variety of clinical syndromes. Fifth, one of the possible future directions of cellular neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the three-dimensional structure-activity relationship, in particular how changes in the molecular structure of drugs and receptors/channels result in kinetic changes in the function of receptors/channels.
Coupling weight elimination with genetic algorithms to reduce network size and preserve generalization

Recent theoretical results support that decreasing the number of free parameters in a neural network (i.e., weights) can improve generalization. These results have triggered the development of many approaches which try to determine an “appropriate” network size for a given problem. The main goal has been to find a network size just large enough to capture the general class properties of the data. In some cases, however, network size is not reduced significantly or the reduction is satisfactory but generalization is affected. In this paper, we propose the coupling of genetic algorithms with weight elimination. Our objective is not only to significantly reduce network size, by pruning larger size networks, but also to preserve generalization, that is, to come up with pruned networks which generalize as good or even better than their unpruned counterparts. The innovation of our work relies on a fitness function which uses an adaptive parameter to encourage reproduction of networks having small size and good generalization. The proposed approach has been tested using both artificial and real databases demonstrating good performance.
Use and Cost of Insecticides to Control Potato Psyllids and Zebra Chip on Potatoes

Abstract. Zebra chip disease has become a serious problem in North America. Data from growers in Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas enabled us to document insecticide use and costs to control zebra chip in 53 commercial fields of potato, Solanum tuberosum L. The number of different insecticides used in Texas decreased from 16 in 2009 to 10 in 2011. The most commonly used insecticides in all three states were Admire (imidacloprid) and Movento (spirotetramat). Growers in Texas spent an average of $740 per hectare annually during 2009–2011, while those in Kansas and Nebraska spent $700 per hectare. Costs varied among fields in the same locations. Issues raised by this study included: insecticide use progression, control of other insects, yield loss, quality loss, strategies to manage zebra chip, and the impact of zebra chip on the competitive positions of potatogrowing areas.
BLACK ATLANTIC VISIONS: History, Race, and Transnationalism in Ghana

This article explores Ghanaians' contemporary understandings of blackness and, in particular, of their connection to African Americans. In it, I argue that while Ghana's diaspora tourism industry directs attention toward the legacy of slavery in order to create ties between African Americans and Ghana, many Ghanaians are interested in constructing a different version of a shared black cultural citizenship that does not rely on this history. Slavery in fact represents a problematic history for Ghanaians, many of whom seek to avoid conversations about it. Instead, they celebrate blackness as a form of cosmopolitanism devoid of historical roots. Through this example, I urge black Atlantic scholars to pay attention not only to the presence or absence of cultural memories of slavery in various societies, but to the problem that slavery may represent within many of them.
Adapting LiDAR data for regional variation in the tropics: A case study from the Northern Maya Lowlands

Abstract Archeologists have used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) as a remote sensing technique for creating high resolution and high accuracy elevation models of the earth's surface in forested areas. In the Maya area, LiDAR allows archeologists to conduct full-coverage regional surveys for the first time. Yet due to variation across space in the characteristics of vegetation, topography, and the kinds of archeological features that archeologists seek to locate, the use of LiDAR in the tropics will not meet the same level of success in every case study. Such variation in vegetation, topography, and archeological features also creates opportunities for archeologists to explore methodological adjustments that can maximize the usefulness of LiDAR data for a particular forested area. Using a case study from Northern Yucatan, Mexico, this paper explores a variety of techniques for visually rendering LiDAR data in an attempt to determine which technique works best for identifying low stone residential platforms given the local topography and vegetation. The most successful technique, a color-classified DEM, was then used to locate hundreds of previously undocumented platforms in the area of LiDAR coverage. Conducting a rapid vegetation survey showed that more features can be found in forested areas when there is less vegetation close to the ground. Vegetation surveys permit the calculation of vegetation-specific correction factors to be used in conclusions derived from LiDAR imagery.
The Mycoplasma gallisepticum 16s–23s RRNA Intergenic Spacer Region Sequence as a Novel Tool for Epizootiological Studies

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) contains two sets of rRNA genes (5S, 16S and 23S) in its genome, but only one of the two is organized in an operon cluster and contains a unique 660-nucleotide intergenic spacer region (IGSR) between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes. We designed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the specific amplification of the complete MG IGSR segment. The MG IGSR PCR was tested on 18 avian mollicute species and was confirmed as MG specific. The reaction sensitivity was demonstrated by comparing it to the well-established MG mgc2 PCR. The MG IGSR sequence was found to be highly variable (discrimination [D] index of 0.950) among a variety of MG laboratory strains, vaccine strains, and field isolates. The sequencing of the MG IGSR appears to be a valuable single-locus sequence typing (SLST) tool for MG isolate differentiation in diagnostic cases and epizootiological studies.
Forging Partnerships: Foundations of Geospatial Data Stewardship

Geospatial data stewardship fosters user-driven collection, management, access, reuse, and preservation of location-based data. Academic and research libraries are poised to be at the center of geospatial data stewardship, working with partners to develop a sustainable, geospatial data stewardship hub. This article argues for the essential role of libraries in leading collaborative partnerships to develop a user-driven, spatial data infrastructure that includes people, policies, standards, community perspectives, and operational workflows. The emerging model of partnership-based spatial data infrastructure described at the Washington University Libraries demonstrates working methods in practice.
Hydration Practices for the Acute Stroke Patient in an Academic, Certified Stroke Center (P3.125)

Objective: To evaluate the hydration practices of acute stroke patients by physicians at a certified stroke center. Background: A large percentage of stroke patients present to the hospital dehydrated. Prior study suggested that patients who are dehydrated at the time of stroke presentation have more severe stroke type and potentially worse outcomes. Current acute stroke guidelines offer little in the way of recommendation for the management of fluid resuscitation. We suspected that stroke patients spend a significant portion of time NPO receiving little volume resuscitation. This study quantifies current hydration practices amongst cerebrovascular specialists at our certified stroke. Methods: Consecutive, acute ischemic stroke patients presenting to the hospital within 12 hours from symptom onset were evaluated over a 2 month period. We collected data regarding use of diuretics, stroke type and severity, cardiac function (ejection fraction), the time and method of fluid resuscitation. Results: Among 21 individuals meeting inclusion criteria, the average time to first fluid administration was 284 minutes (SD 217). Of those 4/21 (19%) received bolus of normal saline, 11/21 (52%) initiated maintenance intravenous fluid, and 6/21 (29%) received fluids by mouth. Average oral and intravenous fluid intakes over a 3 day stay were 2.8L and 3.7L respectively. Patients spent an average of 44 hours with NPO status for a variety of reasons including: completion of swallow examination, preparation for invasive procedure. 12/19 patient with labs drawn on the date of discharge had no change or worsening BUN/creatinine ratio suggestive of increased dehydration. This included 6/11(55%) who were dehydrated at time of admission. Conclusions: Although dehydration is common in the acute stroke population, initiation of fluid supplementation is delayed and many patients spend time without fluids. This provides a foundation for a system improvement project targeting time to fluid administration as well as the development of a fluid resuscitation algorithm for future prospective trials as we attempt to improve clinical outcome. Disclosure: Dr. Bahouth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hillis has received research support from Allon Pharmaceutical. Dr. Gottesman has nothing to disclose.
STRESS SYMPTOMATOLOGY AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS ANALYSIS OF THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SURVEY OF VETERANS II

In 1979, the US Veterans Administration conducted a health survey of 11,230 veterans. The present analysis of these data focuses on the association between Vietnam service and combat experience with eight post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among the 1,787 Vietnam era veterans who entered military service between 1965 and 1975. The advantages of this study are that it includes a large random sample selected from the total US population, had a high interview response rate (93%), and collected data prior to the recent public controversy surrounding the issue of the health effects of possible exposure of Vietnam veterans to Agent Orange. After adjustment for the potential confounding effects of military service and demographic factors, the level of combat exposure was significantly associated with all eight symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in a dose response pattern. For seven of the eight symptoms, a twofold increase in the factor-adjusted prevalence odds ratio was observed when non-Vietnam service veterans were compared with Vietnam veterans who experienced the most intense combat experience. Being younger, less well educated, or nonwhite at the time of military service are factors which independently further increased the probability of stress symptoms.
An MM-Based Algorithm for ${\ell }_{1}$ -Regularized Least-Squares Estimation With an Application to Ground Penetrating Radar Image Reconstruction

An estimation method known as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) or $\ell _{1}$ -regularized LS estimation has been found to perform well in a number of applications. In this paper, we use the majorize–minimize method to develop an algorithm for minimizing the LASSO objective function, which is the sum of a linear LS objective function plus an $\ell _{1}$ penalty term. The proposed algorithm, which we call the LASSO estimation via majorization–minimization (LMM) algorithm, is straightforward to implement, parallelizable, and guaranteed to produce LASSO objective function values that monotonically decrease. In addition, we formulate an extension of the LMM algorithm for reconstructing ground penetrating radar (GPR) images, that is much faster than the standard LMM algorithm and utilizes significantly less memory. Thus, the GPR specific LMM (GPR-LMM) algorithm is able to accommodate the big data associated with GPR imaging. We compare our proposed algorithms to the state-of-the-art $\ell _{1}$ -regularized LS algorithms using a time and space complexity analysis. The GPR-LMM greatly outperforms the competing algorithms in terms of the performance metrics we considered. In addition, the reconstruction results of the standard LMM and GPR-LMM algorithms are evaluated using both simulated and real GPR datasets.
Sampling strategy for estimating bacterial density in large lakes

The question of how to use past information about the spatial variability of bacteriological data to develop a strategy for future data collection is investigated when the lake can be divided into a number of «homogeneous » zones. A new method is given for forming the zones and determining the number of zones. Under the assumption that the number of bacteria found in successive, independant, and equal samples from each zone are identically distributed and that the objective of sampling is to estimate the mean bacterial density of the lake, a criterion is given which allows the optimal allocation of stations to zones. In particular, detailed analysis is made when the distribution of bacteria within each zone can be represented by a Poisson distribution. Further, the number of stations that need to be sampled in order to estimate the mean bacterial density of the lake with a pre-specified precision is given. The usefulness of the methods of this paper is illustrated using coliform data from Lake Erie.
Abstract 4175: Characterization of hsa-miR-135b in human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-BE(2).

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) are an abundant class of small (∼22 nucleotides), non-coding, single-strand RNAs (ncRNA) that negatively regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level. miRs are thought to act by inhibiting the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) into protein in addition to promoting mRNA degradation. These regulatory ncRNAs play an important role in the control of many biological processes and their deregulation has been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including many cancers. Emerging evidence supports the concept that in many cancer types a pool of cancer cells responsible for cancer maintenance and long-term remission failure exhibit stem-like properties. Using a high throughput miR microfluidic card assay qRT-PCR approach, we identified 26 miRs (23 up-regulated and 3 down regulated) as stem-like associated miRs in six pediatric cancer cell lines, including neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-BE(2). hsa-miR-135b was one of the miRs that was up-regulated. The purpose of this study was to characterize the functional consequences of hsa-miR-135b silencing in the SK-N-BE(2) cell line. Methods: hsa-miR-135b expression was knocked down (KD) using Lipofectamine® transfection reagent and a stable cell line was generated in the presence of puromycin. Cell cycle distribution as well as the effect of inhibition on the ability to form neurospheres (read-out for self-renewal) was determined. To investigate the effect on anchorage-independent growth, the ability of the KD cells to form colonies in soft agar was measured. Cell capacity for invasion was tested using basement membrane matrix invasion culture system. Western blot analysis was performed on the components of the Wnt/\**\*|\*B-catenin signaling pathways. Results: Our results indicated that inhibition of hsa-miR-135b impaired sphere formation (read-out for self renewal) as well as growth of colonies on a semi-solid culture media. No significant difference in cell cycle distribution was observed between control and hsa-miR-135b KD cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in our model system, hsa-miR-135b likely plays a role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells and tumor progression. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic target in neuroblastoma patients. Citation Format: Chelsea A. Castillo, Judy C. Chang, Jaclyn Y. Hung. Characterization of hsa-miR-135b in human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-BE(2). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4175. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4175
P&G Korea Case Analysis

This paper analyses the detergent sector of P&G in Korea using revenue, costs and profit data from the past six years. The analysis also provides insights into how P&G can compete with its largest competitor Unilever using a game theoretical perspective.
Single-Phase Flow in Heterogeneous Porous Media

In the previous chapter we analyzed the process of single-phase flow in homogeneous porous media, and the result was a proof of Darcy’s law and a method of predicting the permeability tensor. In this chapter we consider porous media that are clearly heterogeneous, i.e., porous media in which there are abrupt and significant changes in the permeability. Such systems can be referred to as mechanically heterogeneous in order to distinguish them from porous media in which there are abrupt and significant changes in the chemical characteristics. These systems are referred to as chemically heterogeneous. Most geological systems tend to be both mechanically and chemically heterogeneous, but in this chapter we will be concerned only with the influence of mechanical heterogeneities.
Popular and prevalent: Asian trade goods in northern New Spain, 1590–1850

Much previous scholarship has assumed that Pacific trade goods were generally restricted to the urban centers of colonial Latin America and had little influence on the culture of interior provinces. Documentary and archeological records from remote areas of northern New Spain indicate otherwise and may serve as an example of the range of Asian trade goods elsewhere in colonial Latin America. This essay focuses upon Parral and New Mexico, showing that Asian goods-especially porcelain and textiles-reached some of the most remote areas of the viceroyalty of New Spain. Throughout the colonial era, the desire to establish and maintain a sophisticated lifestyle on the periphery seems to have been operative, with imported Asian goods as signifiers of status and prestige. Although fewer imported Asian goods may have been available in the remote northern regions than in urban areas, archeological and documentary evidence indicates their quality was equal to that of the metropoles, suggesting that daily life on the...
A comparison of initial lactate and initial base deficit as predictors of mortality after severe blunt trauma.

Abstract Background After injury, base deficit (BD) and lactate are common measures of shock. Lactate directly measures anaerobic byproducts, whereas BD is calculated and multifactorial. Although recent studies suggest superiority for lactate in predicting mortality, most were small or analyzed populations with heterogeneous injury severity. Our objective was to compare initial BD with lactate as predictors of inhospital mortality in a large cohort of blunt trauma patients all presenting with hemorrhagic shock. Materials and methods The Glue Grant multicenter prospective cohort database was queried; demographic, injury, and physiologic parameters were compiled. Survivors, early deaths (≤24 h), and late deaths were compared. Profound shock (lactate ≥ 4 mmol/L) and severe traumatic brain injury subgroups were identified a priori. Chi-square, t-test, and analysis of variance were used as appropriate for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis assessed survival predictors. P Results A total of 1829 patients met inclusion; 289 (15.8%) died. Both BD and lactate were higher for nonsurvivors (P Conclusions After severe blunt trauma, initial lactate better predicts inhospital mortality than initial BD. Initial BD does not predict mortality for patients who survive >24 h.
Nanoscale Engineering of Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts by Tailoring the Local Chemical Environment of Pt Surface Sites

The oxygen reduction reaction is the limiting half-reaction in hydrogen fuel cells. While Pt is the most active single component electrocatalyst for the reaction, it is hampered by high cost and low reaction rates. Most research to overcome these limitations has focused on Pt/3d alloys, which offer higher rates and lower cost. Herein, we have synthesized, characterized, and tested alloy materials belonging to a multilayer family of electrocatalysts. The multilayer alloy materials contain an AuCu alloy core of precise composition, surrounded by Au layers and covered by a catalytically active Pt surface layer. Their performance relative to that of the commercial Pt standards reaches up to 4 times improved area-specific activity. Characterization studies support the hypothesis that the activity improvement originates from a combination of Au–Pt ligand effects and local strain effects manipulated through the AuCu alloy core. The presented approach to control the strain and ligand effects in the synthesis of P...
Increased adolescent knowledge and behavior following a one-time educational intervention about tuberculosis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of a tuberculosis (TB) educational intervention (EI) on change in adolescent student knowledge and participation in a TB prevention program. Methods From 2/2013-5/2015, students from 2 high schools in Houston, TX participated. The 25-min EI discussed TB bacteriology, epidemiology, symptoms, and indications for TB testing/treatment. Students completed pre- and post-quizzes. Immediately after the EI, students were invited to participate in voluntary TB risk-factor screening, testing and treatment. At 6 months, focus groups were conducted. Results 895 students attended the EI. 827 students (92%) completed the EI quizzes. Knowledge improved by 12% (pre: 70%; post: 82%, p Conclusion A brief, one-time, TB EI is an effective method to encourage adolescents to learn about TB and motivate their uptake of TB risk-factor screening, testing and treatment. Similar EIs should accompany TB prevention programs targeting adolescents. Practice implications The study’s procedures could be considered for incorporation into school-based TB prevention programs to improve the identification, testing and treatment of adolescents at risk for TB.
Computationally-assisted THz dual-comb spectroscopy using quantum cascade laser frequency combs

Utilizing the Kalman filter-based averaging scheme, we demonstrated THz dual-comb spectroscopy covering 282 GHz at ∼2.8 THz with unstabilized quantum cascade laser frequency combs. The peak signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) is 60 dB within 100 us averaging.
Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) response to relative humidity with and without host cues

ABSTRACTTrichogramma ostriniae is a parasitoid wasp species that is used as a biological control for several lepidopteran agricultural pests. Our study examined the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the behaviour of female T. ostriniae. In Y-tube RH choice assays, wasps generally chose higher RH over lower RH but the latency time taken to make a choice displayed no clear patterns that could be ascribed to the magnitude of the RH difference between arms of the Y-tube. In trials conducted in glass arenas with fixed humidities, the conditional probabilities of transition from searching to interacting with the leaf disk, and from interacting with leaf disks to antennal egg drumming and oviposition, were not significantly different among the RH levels, nor were there differences in latency times. These findings suggest that the level of RH may influence habitat choice but have little effect on search efficacy.