cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using manganese-enhanced MRI to understand BOLD

The 1990s were designated "The Decade of the Brain" by U.S. Congress, perhaps in great anticipation of the impact that functional neuroimaging techniques would have on advancing our understanding of how the brain is functionally organized. While it is impossible to overestimate the impact of functional MRI in neuroscience, many aspects of the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast remain poorly understood, in great part due to the complex relationship between neural activity and hemodynamic changes. To better understand such relationship, it is important to probe neural activity independently. Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), when used to monitor neural activity, is a technique that uses the divalent manganese ion, Mn(2+), as a surrogate measure of calcium influx. A major advantage of using Mn(2+) as a functional marker is that the contrast obtained is directly related to the accumulation of the ion in excitable cells in an activity dependent manner. As such, the contrast in MEMRI is more directly related to neural activity then hemodynamic-based fMRI techniques. In the present work, the early conceptualization of MEMRI is reviewed, and the comparative experiments that have helped provide a better understanding of the spatial specificity of BOLD signal changes in the cortex is discussed.
Utility of fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable, safe, and cost-effective procedure with a well-established role in the diagnosis of various solid tissue neoplasms. The role of FNA in the diagnosis of primary bone tumors, including osteosarcoma (OGS), is controversial and has yet to be established. We reviewed our experience with the use of FNA as a diagnostic technique over the past 8 yr at our institution. Diagnosis was conclusive in 26 (65%) of 40 patients, 18 of whom went to neoadjuvant therapy and/or resection based solely on the FNA interpretation of either "high grade sarcoma" or "osteosarcoma." Of the remaining 14 (25%) patients, 12 had inconclusive diagnosis and two (5%) were false-negatives. An inconclusive diagnosis was most likely to be an inadequate or paucicellular aspirate, seen in six (15%) patients. An additional six patients had variants of osteosarcoma (four chondroid, one "giant cell rich," one parosteal) that made definitive diagnosis impossible. The two that were incorrectly classified were diagnosed as fracture callus and plasmacytoma. FNA is an accurate and cost-effective tool for the initial diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma with a sensitivity of 65% and accuracy of 95%. Inconclusive diagnoses are likely to be due to insufficient sample cellularity or the presence of OGS variant. In our experience, FNA is sufficient to provide the diagnosis of OGS prior to definitive treatment when interpreted in conjunction with imaging studies and clinical findings. In those cases where FNA fails to yield a diagnostic sample, a traditional biopsy can be performed.
Hemorrhagic Transformation (HT) and Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage (sICH) Risk Prediction Models for Postthrombolytic Hemorrhage in the Stroke Belt.

Background. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) remains the most feared complication of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) treatment. We aimed to investigate how previously validated scoring methodologies would perform in treated patients in two US Stroke Belt states. Methods and Results. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients from two centers in two Stroke Belt states who received IV tPA (2008–2011). We assessed the ability of three models to predict sICH. sICH was defined as a type 2 parenchymal hemorrhage with deterioration in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥4 points or death. Among 457 IV tPA-treated patients, 19 (4.2%) had sICH (mean age 68, 26.3% Black, 63.2% female). The Cucchiara model was most predictive of sICH in the entire cohort (AUC: 0.6528) and most predictive of sICH among Blacks (OR = 6.03, 95% CI 1.07–34.1, ) when patients were dichotomized by score. Conclusions. In our small sample from the racially heterogeneous US Stroke Belt, the Cucchiara model outperformed the other models at predicting sICH. While predictive models should not be used to justify nontreatment with thrombolytics, those interested in understanding contributors to sICH may choose to use the Cucchiara model until a Stroke Belt model is developed for this region.
Proximal Peer-Level Effects of a Small-Group Selected Prevention on Aggression in Elementary School Children: An Investigation of the Peer Contagion Hypothesis

Examined peer contagion in small group, selected prevention programming over one school year. Participants were boys and girls in grades 3 (46 groups, 285 students) and 6 (36 groups, 219 students) attending school in low-resource, inner city communities or moderate resource urban communities. Three-level hierarchical linear modeling (observations within individuals within groups) indicated that individual change in aggression over time related to the average aggression of others in the intervention group. The individual child was "pulled" toward peers' mean level of aggression; so the intervention appeared to reduce aggression for those high on aggression, and to make those low on aggression more aggressive. Effects appeared to be magnified in either direction when the child was more discrepant from his or her peers. From these results we derive a principle of "discrepancy-proportional peer-influence" for small group intervention, and discuss the implications of this for aggregating aggressive children in small group programs.
Cell surface heparan sulfate mediates some adhesive responses to glycosaminoglycan-binding matrices, including fibronectin

Proteins with affinities for specific glycosaminoglycans (GAC's) were used as probes for testing the potential of cell surface GAG's to mediate cell adhesive responses to extracellular matrices (ECM). Plasma fibronectin (FN) and proteins that bind hyaluronate (cartilage proteo-glycan core and link proteins) or heparan sulfate (platelet factor 4 [PF4]) were adsorbed to inert substrata to evaluate attachment and spreading of several 3T3 cell lines. Cells failed to attach to hyaluronate-binding substrata. The rates of attachment on PF4 were identical to those on FN; however, PF4 stimulated formation of broad convex lamellae but not tapered cell processes fibers during the spreading response. PF4-mediated responses were blocked by treating the PF4-adsorbed substratum with heparin (but not chondroitin sulfate), or alternatively the cells with Flavobacter heparinum heparinase (but not chondroitinase ABC). Heparinase treatment did not inhibit cell attachment to FN but did inhibit spreading. Cells spread on PF4 or FN contained similar Ca2+-independent cell-substratum adhesions, as revealed by EGTA-mediated retraction of their substratum-bound processes. Microtubular networks reorganized in cells on PF4 but failed to extend into the broadly spread lamellae, where fine microfilament bundles had developed. Stress fibers, common on FN, failed to develop on PF4. These experiments indicate that (a) heparan sulfate proteoglycans are critical mediators of cell adhesion and heparan sulfate-dependent adhesion via PF4 is comparable in some, but not all, ways to FN-mediated adhesion, (b) the uncharacterized and heparan sulfate-independent "cell surface" receptor for FN permits some but not all aspects of adhesion, and (c) physiologically compatible and complete adhesion of fibroblasts requires binding of extracellular matrix FN to both the unidentified "cell surface" receptor and heparan sulfate proteoglycans.
Skewed quark distribution of the pion in the light front quark model

We calculate the skewed quark distributions(SQDs) of the pion in the light-front quark model, and discuss the calculation of the nonvalence contribution to the SQDs in this model. The frame-independence of our model calculation is guaranteed by the constraint of the sum rule between the SQDs and form factor. Our numerical results show large nonvalence contributions to the SQDs at small momentum transfer region as the skewedness increases.
Anatomical, Physiological, and Epidemiological Correlates of the Aging Process: A Confirmation of Multifactorial Age Determination in the Libben Skeletal Population

Paleodemographic analyses based on estimates of skeletal age at death consistently report high levels of young adult mortality with few individuals living in excess of 50 years. Critics assert these data indicate systematic underaging of adults and justifiably remark that criteria for estimating skeletal age at death may be unreliable, age determinations are too frequently based on one or two criteria alone, and adult paleodemographic age profiles often mimic the age distribution of the modern population from which an age indicator's standards were originally derived. This study reports a series of tests based on well-documented biological aging phenomena that can be used to investigate potential effects of systematic underaging in adults, assuming the skeletal population is of sufficient size to permit such tests. These include patterns of third decade sternal clavicular epiphyseal fusion, multiple age and sex criteria associated with cortical bone dynamics, and fractures known to occur throughout the entire adult ages range. These phenomena are examined here for the Libben site skeletal population where adult age at death was determined by the multifactorial summary age technique. None of the biological criteria reported here were used in the Libben summary age analysis and thus serve as an independent test of accuracy in age determination. In addition, the summary age method has recently been applied to a series of modern skeletons of known age (Todd samples 1 and 2). Age standards for criteria employed with Libben and Todd 1 were identical. Since Todd 1 displayed underaging in older adults, a second Libben age distribution adjusted for Todd 1 bias was generated for comparison. A third Libben adult survivorship profile based on a Coale and Demeny West level 3 mortality experience, considered by some to be a more realistic model for skeletal populations, was produced for comparison. For all criteria examined, original Libben summary ages provided superior concordance with known patterns of biological aging in human populations. While Libben ages adjusted for Todd 1 bias were slightly better in the third decade, both Todd 1 adjusted and Coale and Demeny West level 3 age distributions produced unrealistic patterns of biological aging for individuals greater than 35 years. Implications of these results are discussed.
Cloud-Resolving Modeling of Deep Convection during KWAJEX. Part I: Comparison to TRMM Satellite and Ground-Based Radar Observations

Abstract A global TRMM database of tropical cloud system precipitation features (PFs), which provides useful observational constraints on cloud system properties, is used to evaluate the bulk microphysics schemes in a cloud-resolving model (CRM). The simulation of the Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) of 11–12 August 1999 during the Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX) is executed using the 3D University of Utah CRM, which employs a one-moment bulk, three-ice category microphysical parameterization. The simulated precipitation features are compared with climatological “norms” for Kwajalein locations from the TRMM PF database to evaluate the precipitation microphysics of the cloud model simulation. The model-simulated reflectivities are also compared with vertical profiles of radar reflectivity obtained from a ground-based precipitation radar. Comparison of simulation results with the TRMM observation statistics indicates that the model tends to underestimate microwave brightness temperatures at ice-scattering fr...
Estimation of the rate constants in a data-sparse environment: comparison of a mathematical method and least squares analysis.

A new method is presented for estimating the rate constants for the one-compartment open model with first-order absorption in a data-sparse environment. It is based on the principles of matrix algebra and system theory and requires only three to four plasma samples drawn at equal time intervals (a minimum of at least one sample in the absorption phase and one sample in the elimination phase). The utility of the technique is illustrated by comparing the parameter estimates from the matrix method with the estimates from a nonlinear computer parameter estimation program. In the preliminary evaluation of the method with both perfect data and data with randomly distributed error, the parameter estimates from the matrix method proved to be as good as the computer estimation for data-sparse systems. In a more realistic comparison with published patient data, the matrix method resulted in 0 to 456% better estimates of Kel, and Ka than the computer estimation. Since the matrix method is mathematically simple and requires only three to four blood samples, it should prove very useful in data-sparse systems (e.g., clinical or small animal situations) where a minimum amount of blood samples can be drawn.
A framework for a more secure and streamlined experience for the Semantic and mobile Web

The World Wide Web (WWW) has come a long way from its early roots. The web has transformed itself from being a static data store to a highly dynamic and interactive medium. Early public websites were primarily an enhanced file system which allowed users to browse to specific files or data items. Since then, we have witnessed newer technologies and paradigms such as the original Web (Web 1.0), Web 2.0, and Semantic Web, among others. There has been a drastic change in the ways to access the WWW also - starting from the early text-only ones to the present day ones which provide media-enhanced and rich content to the user. In recent years, there has also been a sharp growth in the use of mobile and hand-held devices to access the web. Such changes in the structure of the web and nature of clients calls for a change in the way content is presented and distributed. There is also need for on-demand content which can be downloaded if and when needed. This paper addresses this need by proposing a number of changes in the way web content is organized, presented and distributed. These proposals can lay the foundation for a more streamlined and structured web content. It can also be a big asset to search engines and web crawler as our proposal will lead to a reduction in the amount of web traffic that is due to crawlers checking for new or updated content. Similarly, mobile devices can take advantage of our proposal for on-demand media content. It will also lead to more security as our framework separates a website's main content from its advertising content.
Finite element analysis of blister formation in laser-induced forward transfer

Blister-actuated laser-induced forward transfer (BA-LIFT) is a direct-write technique, which enables high-resolution printing of sensitive inks for electronic or biological applications. During BA-LIFT, a polymer laser-absorbing layer deforms into an enclosed blister and ejects ink from an adjacent donor film. In this work, we develop a finite element model to replicate and predict blister expansion dynamics during BA-LIFT. Model inputs consist of standard mechanical properties, strain-rate-dependent material parameters, and a parameter encapsulating the thermal and optical properties of the film. We present methods to determine these material parameters from experimental measurements. The simulated expansion dynamics are shown to be in good agreement with experimental measurements using two different polymer layer thicknesses. Finally, the ability to model high-fluence blister rupture is demonstrated through a strain-based failure approach.
Alternate Splicing of Interleukin-1 Receptor Type II (IL1R2) In Vitro Correlates with Clinical Glucocorticoid Responsiveness in Patients with AIED

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) is poorly characterized clinically, with no definitive laboratory test. All patients suspected of having AIED are given glucocorticoids during periods of acute hearing loss, however, only half initially respond, and still fewer respond over time. We hypothesized that AIED is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunctional peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responses to a unique cochlear antigen(s). To test this hypothesis, we examined end-stage AIED patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery and compared autologous perilymph stimulated PBMC from AIED patients to controls. We determined that autologous perilymph from AIED patients was unable to induce expression of a long membrane-bound Interleukin-1 Receptor Type II (mIL1R2) transcript in PBMC as compared with controls, despite similar expression of the short soluble IL1R2 (sIL1R2) transcript (p,0.05). IL1R2 is a molecular decoy that traps interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and does not initiate subsequent signaling events, thereby suppressing an inflammatory response. IL1R2 transcript length is regulated by alternate splicing, and the major inhibitory function is attributed to the fulllength mIL1R2. In addition, IL1R2 expression is induced by dexamethasone. Separately, we prospectively examined patients with newer onset glucocorticoid-responsive AIED. Immediately prior to clinical treatment for acute deterioration of hearing thresholds, their PBMC demonstrated a robust induction of mIL1R2 in PBMC in response to dexamethasone in vitro that correlated with a clinical response to prednisone in vivo (p,0.0001) as measured by hearing restoration. In contrast, clinically steroid unresponsive patients demonstrated high basal levels of mIL1R2 in their PBMC and only minimally augmented expression in response to dexamethasone. Thus, induced expression of mIL1R2 appears to be a protective mechanism in hearing homeostasis and warrants further investigation in a large prospective clinical trial to determine if IL1R2 can be used as a specific biomarker for AIED.
Comparison of broiler performance and carcass yields when fed transgenic maize grain containing event DP-Ø9814Ø-6 and processed fractions from transgenic soybeans containing event DP-356Ø43-5

The performance of broilers fed diets containing maize grain from event DP-O9814O-6 (98140; gat4621 and zm-hra genes) and processed fractions (meal, hulls, and oil) from soybeans containing event DP-356O43-5 (356043; gat4601 and gm-hra genes) was evaluated in a 42-d feeding study. Diets were produced with nontransgenic maize grain and soybean fractions from controls with comparable genetic backgrounds to 98140 and 356043 (control), 98140 maize and 356043 soybean (98140 + 356043), or 3 commercially available nontransgenic maize and soybean combinations. Ross 708 broilers (n = 120/group; 50% male, 50% female) were fed diets in 3 phases: starter (d 0 to 21), grower (d 22 to 35), and finisher (d 36 to 42). Starter diets contained (on average) 63% maize and 28% soybean meal, grower diets 66% maize and 26% soybean meal, and finisher diets 72% maize and 21% soybean meal; soybean hulls and oils were held constant at 1.0 and 0.5%, respectively, across all diets in all phases. Weight gain, feed intake, and mortality-adjusted feed efficiency were calculated for d 0 to 42. Standard organ and carcass yield data were collected on d 42. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with differences between control and 98140 + 356043 group means considered significant at P < 0.05. Reference group data were used only to estimate experimental variability and to generate tolerance intervals. No significant differences were observed in weight gain, mortality, mortality-adjusted feed efficiency, organ yields, or carcass yields between broilers consuming diets produced with 98140 + 356043 and those consuming diets produced with control maize and soybean fractions. All values of response variables evaluated in the control and 98140 + 356043 groups fell within calculated tolerance intervals. Based on these results, it was concluded that the combination of genetically modified 98140 maize and 356043 soybean fractions was nutritionally equivalent to nontransgenic maize and soybean controls with comparable genetic backgrounds.
On the complexity of path traffic grooming

Traffic grooming is known to be an inherently difficult problem. It has been shown to be NP-complete for path networks, a simple topology in which wavelength assignment is tractable. In this paper, we explore the borderline between tractability and intractability by considering grooming in unidirectional path networks in which all traffic requests are destined for a single egress node. It is an open question whether the complete grooming problem is NP-hard with this restriction or not. We show that at least the problem of routing traffic on a given virtual topology to minimize electronic switching (NP-hard for path networks with arbitrary traffic matrices) becomes polynomial on the egress model. We also show that in the egress model, if the capacity constraint is relaxed, the entire problem becomes polynomial. If, in addition, traffic requests are uniform, there is an explicit combinatorial formula for the optimum solution. For the case of finite capacity and unit traffic requests, we can find in polynomial time a feasible solution which, under certain assumptions, is optimal
Liver abscess following surgical removal of an eroded adjustable gastric band.

/10.10 14 A ence: Baria parosc Flori amma As the average body mass index of Americans continues to increase with each passing year [1], the rate of patients seeking definitive intervention is understandably going to increase as well. Bariatric surgery currently is the most effective therapy for morbid obesity [2]. As such, newer methods for operative intervention are being developed to continue to reduce the risks associated with bariatric surgery. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedure became a popular procedure of choice of many surgeons, due to its minimal invasiveness, adjustability, and possible reversibility, and was generally considered a safe and effective procedure for weight loss [3]. However, the procedure does have various complications that can occur, including band slippage and band erosion [4]. We report 2 patients with a rare complication: liver abscess after removal of eroded gastric band.
MIXING ENHANCEMENT IN NON-CIRCULAR JETS

Non-circular jets have been the topic of extensive research in the last fifteen years. They were identified to be an efficient passive flow control technique which allows significant improvements of performance in various practical systems, at a relatively low cost, as they rely solely on changes in the geometry of the nozzle. The practical applications of non-circular jets included improved large and small scale mixing in low and high speed flows, improved combustion efficiency, reduced combustion instabilities, extended flammability limits, noise suppression, and thrust vector control. The flow field of non-circular jets is of scientific interest New mechanisms of vortex evolution and interaction, flow instabilities, and turbulence generation were found. Stability theory identified the effects of initial momentum thickness distribution, aspect ratio and radius of curvature on the initial flow evolution. Experiments described complex vortex evolution and interaction related to self-inductio n between spanwise and axial vortices which lead to axis switching in the mean flow field. Numerical simulations revealed the details and clarified the mechanism of the vorticity dynamics and the effects of heat release and reaction on the noncircular jets behavior. The research of non-circular jets has also been an excellent example of interaction among universities, industry and government laboratories. A topic which started as an academic curiosity of an interesting flow phenomenon, subsequently evolved through technology transfer into various industrial applications. This review intends to summarize the extensive work which was carried out in the last fifteen years on various non-circular jets, in low and high speed flows. The investigations reviewed include the experimental, theoretical, and technological aspects of the subject. 1. Introduction and Background 1.1 Vortex dynamics The mixing process in jet shear layers involves bulk mixing which is driven by large
Opposing roles for dopamine and serotonin at presynaptic receptors in the ventral tegmental area

1. Dopamine D1 and 5HT1D receptors are found on the terminals of afferent GABA neurons that synapse on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons. The role of these receptors in the actions of cocaine was investigated using intracellular recordings in a brain slice preparation. Synaptic potentials were generated in the slice and GABA-mediated inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSP) were identified. 2. Stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors selectively enhanced the GABAB IPSP, and their effect was blocked by D1 antagonists. The magnitude of the IPSP was decreased when D1 antagonists were applied in isolation, suggesting tonic D1 receptor stimulation via dendritically released dopamine. 3. Cocaine had an opposite effect and selectively decreased the magnitude of GABAB IPSP. This action was mimicked by 5HT and the 5HT1D agonist sumatriptan, and attenuated by the 5HT1D/2C antagonist, metergoline. The action of cocaine was also mimicked by the 5HT-releasing agent, fenfluramine, and blocked by pre-incubation of the slice with the 5HT-depleting agent, para-chloroamphetamine. 4. The results of this study suggest that dopamine and 5HT have opposing roles in modulating GABA input into VTA dopamine neurons. The actions of cocaine on this interplay may have implications for understanding its addictive properties.
Rare earth intensifying screens ? An overview of an advancement in radiography

Abstract A new and superior generation of radiological intensifying screens with established health benefits was made possible by the discovery of a number of efficient rare earth activated alkaline earth X-ray phosphors in the mid sixties, the first of these being europium activated barium orthophosphate. These and subsequently discovered phosphors are evaluated and categorized.
Familiar Correlates of Gang Membership: An Exploratory Study of Mexican-American Youth:

The differences between the families of youths who are gang members versus youths not in gangs were investigated. Data were collected from thirty mothers using a semi-structured interview. Results indicated that family related variables distinguish the families of gang members from the control families. Specifically, youths in gangs are more likely to come from families which put less emphasis on intrafamilial socialization, youth supervision, and outward expression of affection. Furthermore, mothers of youths who were gang members appeared more dissatisfied and fatalistic. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Intersonic crack growth on an interface

Evidence has accumulated recently that a crack can propagate on an interface between dissimilar solids at speeds between the smallest and the largest sonic speeds of the constituent solids. Such an intersonic crack has posed several challenges to the existing theory. Assuming that the crack tip is a structureless point, and the solids are linearly elastic all the way to the crack tip, the theory shows that the stress field is singular not only at the crack tip, but also along the shock front. Furthermore, the singularity exponents differ from one half, so that the energy release rate is either zero or infinite. The relation of this theory to the experimental observations has been obscure. Specifically, it is unclear what crack speeds are forbidden by the theory. In this paper, we first introduce a unified method to analyse the crack tip field. The crack can be static, subsonic or intersonic; and the two constituent solids can be isotropic or anisotropic. To address the problem of forbidden crack speeds, we extend a cohesive zone model to intersonic cracks. In this model, the crack tip is no longer a structureless point; rather, a distributed stress represents bonding or friction. The model removes both the singular crack tip and the singular shock front. The length of the cohesive zone also characterizes the thickness of the shock front. This length depends on the crack speed. A crack speed is forbidden if it results in a negative cohesive zone length. The predictions of the model are discussed in the light of the experimental observations.
Detecting Invasive Sericea Lespedeza ( Lespedeza cuneata ) in Mid-Missouri Pastureland Using Hyperspectral Imagery

Missouri ranks second in cow-calf numbers in the United States and its pastureland has experienced invasion of various plant species. As one of the invasive weeds, sericea lespedeza is becoming a serious threat to pasturelands in this state. The in-situ field survey in these vast pastures is time consuming and often impossible because of accessibility. Typical aerial survey is also difficult to detect sericea because the plant is of similar size and color as natural grass and, thus, cannot be effectively discriminated in broadband aerial color photos. This study used an airborne hyperspectral image to map sericea and its invasiveness in a public grass field in Mid-Missouri. The maximal 1st-order derivative in red-near infrared region (650–800nm) was derived to separate sericea from fescue, the dominant grass in pastures in Missouri. With a simple threshold approach, sericea of various sizes were identified in the study area. It was also found that the maximal 1st-order derivatives of sericea patches were log-linearly related to sericea “volume,” a quasi 3-dimensional biophysical variable as an approximate measure of sericea invasiveness. The squared correlation coefficient (r 2) of the regression was 0.65 and the estimation error of sericea “volume” estimation was 11% based on ground measurements at 27 sample sites. With this empirical regression model, the quantitative distribution of sericea volume was mapped, which could serve as a first step in alerting landowners and the general public about the seriousness of sericea invasion in Missouri pasturelands.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagosomes exhibit altered calmodulin-dependent signal transduction: contribution to inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion and intracellular survival in human macrophages.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis successfully parasitizes macrophages by disrupting the maturation of its phagosome, creating an intracellular compartment with endosomal rather than lysosomal characteristics. We have recently demonstrated that live M. tuberculosis infect human macrophages in the absence of an increase in cytosolic Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] c ), which correlates with inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion and intracellular viability. In contrast, killed M. tuberculosis induces an elevation in [Ca 2+ ] c that is coupled to phagosome-lysosome fusion. We tested the hypothesis that defective activation of the Ca 2+ -dependent effector proteins calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) contributes to the intracellular pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Phagosomes containing live M. tuberculosis exhibited decreased levels of CaM and the activated form of CaMKII compared with phagosomes encompassing killed tubercle bacilli. Furthermore, ionophore-induced elevations in [Ca 2+ ] c resulted in recruitment of CaM and activation of CaMKII on phagosomes containing live M. tuberculosis . Specific inhibitors of CaM or CaMKII blocked Ca 2+ ionophore-induced phagosomal maturation and enhanced the bacilli’s intracellular viability. These results demonstrate a novel role for CaM and CaMKII in the regulation of phagosome-lysosome fusion and suggest that defective activation of these Ca 2+ -activated signaling components contributes to the successful parasitism of human macrophages by M. tuberculosis .
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Surgical Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

Objectives/Hypothesis To examine the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical repair of encephaloceles and/or CSF rhinorrhea at a tertiary medical center over a 12-year period. Methods Pertinent demographic, clinical, and surgical data including age, sex, and medical and surgical history were obtained. Patients were classified by etiology of CSF leak into a spontaneous leak group and a nonspontaneous leak group, which included patients with documented trauma, malignancy, or known iatrogenic injury. Results We retrospectively identified 126 patients who underwent repair of encephalocele or CSF rhinorrhea. Of these, 70 (55.5%) were found to have a spontaneous etiology, whereas 56 (44.4%) had a nonspontaneous cause. Patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea were more likely than their nonspontaneous counterparts to have a diagnosis of OSA (30.0% vs. 14.3%, P = .0294) and radiographic evidence of an empty sella on magnetic resonance imaging MRI (55.4% vs. 24.3%, P = .0027). Overall, patients in the spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea group were more likely to be female compared to the nonspontaneous group (84.3% vs. 41.1% female, P = .0001). Conclusions Our study shows that patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea are significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of OSA compared to those with nonspontaneous causes of CSF leaks, or to the general population (incidence of 1%–5% in various population studies). Given the known association between OSA and intracranial hypertension (ICH), it may be prudent to screen all patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea for symptoms of OSA as well as for ICH, and vice versa. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 124:2645–2650, 2014
Pneumococcal vaccine: dose, revaccination, and coadministration with influenza vaccine.

SummaryCurrent pneumococcal vaccine contains 14 specific capsular polysaccharide antigens, each in 50-γg amount. Reduction of dosage to 25 or 12.5 γg per type gave reduced antibody responses in human subjects for most of the serotypes and these were less than current requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Specific antibody following vaccination declines slowly and there was no worthwhile increase in antibody on revaccination 1 to 1.5 years following prior vaccination. Reduction in the dosage of antigen to one-half or one-fourth the 50 γg per antigen amount eliminated the enhanced local and systemic reactions noted previously when the full vaccine amount was given but the time interval between vaccination and revaccination was not long enough to test for the ability of the reduced dose to restimulate antibody production. Pneumococcal and influenza virus vaccines given at the same time into opposite arms showed no important reduction in antibody response to either vaccine and there was no in...
How Closely Related Are Conformations of Protein Ions Sampled by IM-MS to Native Solution Structures?

Here, we critically evaluate the effects of changes in the ion internal energy (Eint) on ion-neutral collision cross sections (CCS) of ions of two structurally diverse proteins, specifically the [M + 6H]6+ ion of ubiquitin (ubq6+), the [M + 5H]5+ ion of the intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) apo-metallothionein-2A (MT), and its partially- and fully-metalated isoform, the [CdiMT]5+ ion. The ion-neutral CCS for ions formed by “native-state” ESI show a strong dependence on Eint. Collisional activation is used to increase Eint prior to the ions entering and within the traveling wave (TW) ion mobility analyzer. Comparisons of experimental CCSs with those generated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for solution-phase ions and solvent-free ions as a function of temperature provide new insights about conformational preferences and retention of solution conformations. The Eint-dependent CCSs, which reveal increased conformational diversity of the ion population, are discussed in terms of folding/unfolding of solvent-free ions. For example, ubiquitin ions that have low internal energies retain native-like conformations, whereas ions that are heated by collisional activation possess higher internal energies and yield a broader range of CCS owing to increased conformational diversity due to losses of secondary and tertiary structures. In contrast, the CCS profile for the IDP apoMT is consistent with kinetic trapping of an ion population composed of a wide range of conformers, and as the Eint is increased, these structurally labile conformers unfold to an elongated conformation.
Increasing clinicians' EBT exploration and preparation behavior in youth mental health services by changing organizational culture with ARC.

Abstract Objective Clinician EBT exploration and preparation behavior is essential to the ongoing implementation of new EBTs. This study examined the effect of the ARC organizational intervention on clinician EBT exploration and preparation behavior and assessed the mediating role of organizational culture as a linking mechanism. Method Fourteen community mental health agencies that serve youth in a major Midwestern metropolis along with 475 clinicians who worked in those agencies, were randomly assigned to either the three-year ARC intervention or control condition. Organizational culture was assessed with the Organizational Social Context (OSC) measure at baseline and follow-up. EBT exploration and preparation behavior was measured as clinician participation in nine separate community EBT workshops held over a three-year period. Results There was 69 percent greater odds (OR = 1.69, p a × b = .21; 95% CI:LL = .05, UL = .40). Conclusions Organizational interventions that create proficient mental health agency cultures can increase clinician EBT exploration and preparation behavior that is essential to the ongoing implementation of new EBTs in community youth mental health settings.
Breast lesion diagnosis using combined near-infrared diffusive light and ultrasound: initial clinical results

Noninvasive diagnosis of solid benign and malignant tumors presents a unique challenge to all imaging modalidies. Ultrasound is routinely used in conjunction with mammography to deffierenciate simple cysts from solid lesions. However, the overlapping appearances of benign and malignant lesions make ultrasound less useful in differenciating solid lesions, which results in a large number of normal biopsies. Optical tomography using near infrared diffused light has a great potentional for imaging functional parameters of tumor total hemoglogin concentration, oxygeon saturation, and metabolism, etc, and these parameters can differenciate benign from malignant lesions. However, optical tomography alone suffers from low spatial resolution and target localization uncertainty due to the intensive light scattering inside the tissue. Our aims were to combine diffused light imaging with conventional ultrasound for detection and diagnosis of solid lesions. Initial findings of palpable and non-palpable solid breast lesions have shown that early stage invasive cancers have much higher total hemoglobin concentration due to angiogenesis than benign lesions. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the total hemoglobin concentration is well localized in small invasive cancer cases, and is quite diffused in benign lesions.
The Influence of Carbon Dioxide and Daily Photon-flux Density on Optimal Leaf Nitrogen Concentration and Root: Shoot Ratio

Using a cost-benefit model, the leaf nitrogen concentration and root:shoot ratio that maximize whole-plant relative growth rate are determined as a function of the above-ground environment (integrated daily photon flux density and the concentration of carbon dioxide at the site of fixation with the leaf). The major advantage of this approach is that it determines the adaptive significance of leaf physiology by considering the functional integration of leaves and roots. The predicted response to increasing daily photon flux densities is an increase in optimal leaf N concentration (N opt ) and a concomitant increase in root:shoot ratio (...)
Predation on Chinook Salmon Parr by Hatchery Salmonids and Fallfish in the Salmon River, New York

AbstractNaturally reproduced Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha contribute substantially to the fishery in Lake Ontario. The Salmon River, a Lake Ontario tributary in New York, produces the largest numbers of naturally spawned Chinook Salmon, with parr abundance in the river often exceeding 10 million. In the spring of each year, large numbers of hatchery salmonid yearlings—potential predators of Chinook Salmon parr—are released into the Salmon River by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We sought to examine predation on Chinook Salmon parr in the Salmon River during May and June prior to out-migration. Over the 4 years examined (2009–2012), annual consumption of Chinook Salmon parr by hatchery-released yearling steelhead O. mykiss and Coho Salmon O. kisutch ranged from 1.5 to 3.3 million and from 0.4 to 2.1 million, respectively. In 2009, Fallfish Semotilus corporalis were estimated to consume 2.9 million Chinook Salmon parr. Predation was higher in May, when the average TL...
Early childhood social and emotional development: Advancing the field of measurement

Abstract This paper frames the subject of this special issue — how the field currently measures social and emotional development in early childhood. We first describe the relationship of social and emotional development to child functioning and overall well-being, and then present major measurement challenges associated with this domain, including a lack of clarity around conceptualizations of the subdomains of social and emotional development, and issues tied to quality and ease of use for extant measures. In describing the multiple purposes of early childhood assessment more broadly, the reciprocal dynamic between programs, policymakers, researchers, and developers in generating knowledge, guidance for practitioners, and policy is highlighted. We close with an overview of the remaining articles in this issue, and underscore the need for the field to come to agreement on sound conceptual and methodological approaches to measuring young children's social and emotional development.
The Growth of AIGaAs/GaAs Heterostructures By Atomic Layer Epitaxy

The kinetics of atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) of GaAs utilizing trimethylgallium and arsine are described. The results show that saturated monolayer growth can be achieved in the temperature range 445°C–485°C and that high quality materials can be grown. Hybrid AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures have been grown utilizing ALE for the active regions and conventional metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for the confining regions that yield high quality quantum wells and low threshold quantum well lasers.
Evaluating Spring Cankerworm (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) Preference for Siberian Elm Clones

We evaluated the preferences of larval spring cankerworm, Paleacrita vernata (Peck), for 36 Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila L., clones in laboratory experiments. These clones were selected for superior morphological characteristics, apparent nonpreference by cankerworms, or possible disease resistance. First-instar larvae consumed less leaf area of clones 030, 053, 400, 422, and 425 than most of the other 31 clones evaluated, and more leaf area of clones 026, 038, 067, 406, 411, 11737, and to a lesser extent 23 other clones. Third- and 4th-instars were less selective in their choice of leaves. Trichome density apparently influenced leaf area consumed. Clones 030, 043, 050, 053, 400, 425, and 422 had more trichomes per leaf than the other clones. Leaf maturity preferences varied among elm clones; clones with expanding leaves were preferred over clones with more mature leaves. Larval survival on 050, 053, 400, and 425 was lower than most of the other clones. Techniques for comparing feeding preferences can be used in tree improvement programs of Siberian elm.
Purification of serologically active phosphoinositides of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Glycolipids extracted with pyridine from three strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were fractionated. Phosphatidyl inositol, two phosphatidyl inositol dimannosides (A and M), and two phosphatidyl inositol pentamannosides (G and K) were separated and purified by a combination of solvent fractionations and chromatography on silicic acid. In each of these lipids, palmitic and tuberculostearic acids accounted for more than 90% of the total fatty acids. Mole ratios of fatty acid to P were: for phosphatidyl inositol, 2; for G and M, 3; for A and K, 4. Certain mixtures of A or M with G fixed complement with human sera from cases of tuberculosis. Two serologically inactive dimannosides, each containing two fatty acid ester groups per atom of P, were also present.
Detection of pyrethroids pesticide residue in mulberry tea by SPE/GC

Objective:To suggest a method for the simultaneous determination of residues of 7 pyrethroids in mulberry tea.Methods:The samples were extracted by acetone-Hexane,and the extract were purified through carbon packed column and florisil column.The collected solution was separated by CP5 column and analyzed by GC-ECD.Results:The limits of detection for the seven kinds pyrethroids ranged from 0.0015 mg/kg to 0.0063 mg/kg and recoveries 90.8%~95.3%.Conclusion:This method is convenient,practical,of high recovery rate and have a good purification effect.It is suitable for the analysis of pesticides residue in mulberry tea.
Compact kernel models for acoustic modeling via random feature selection

A simple but effective method is proposed for learning compact random feature models that approximate non-linear kernel methods, in the context of acoustic modeling. The method is able to explore a large number of non-linear features while maintaining a compact model via feature selection more efficiently than existing approaches. For certain kernels, this random feature selection may be regarded as a means of non-linear feature selection at the level of the raw input features, which motivates additional methods for computational improvements. An empirical evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method relative to the natural baseline method for kernel approximation.2
Scientific basis of migraine: speculation on the relationship to cyclic vomiting.

The pathogenesis of migraine is reviewed. Migraine is a brain disorder that is activated by various triggers working on a susceptibility to attacks, in part genetically determined. The frequency of attacks is determined by triggers working on a threshold that determines excitability of brain. The mechanisms of the attack may involve both cortical and brain-stem structures and their dysfunction. It remains to be determined if cortical or brain-stem centers generate the attack. Because migraine involves severe nausea and vomiting, this review contains speculations on similarities in the mechanisms of migraine and cyclic vomiting.
Sucrose solution vs. no-calorie sweetener vs. water in weight gain.

Although not necessarily applicable to the human use of “diet” beverages, the findings of this study bring into question the value of simple substitution of no-calorie beverages for sucrose-containing drinks as a weight control measure.
Student Understanding of Symbols in Introductory Statistics Courses

This study explores student understanding of the symbolic representation system in statistics. Furthermore, it attempts to describe the relation between student understanding of the symbolic system and statistical concepts that students develop as the result of an introductory undergraduate statistics course. The theory, drawn from the notion of semantic function that links representations and concepts, seeks to expand the range of representations considered in exploring students’ statistical proficiencies. Results suggest that students experience considerable difficulty in making correct associations between symbols and concepts; that they describe the relationship as seemingly arbitrary; and that they are unlikely to understand statistics as quantities that can vary. Finally, this study describes students’ need for robust knowledge of preliminary concepts in order to understand the construct of a sampling distribution.