cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conservation of B Class Gene Expression in the Second Whorl of a Basal Grass and Outgroups Links the Origin of Lodicules and Petals

Studies of flower development in core eudicot species have established a central role for B class MADS-box genes in specifying petal and stamen identities. Similarly in maize and rice, B class genes are essential for lodicule and stamen specification, suggesting homology of petals and lodicules and conservation of B class gene activity across angiosperms. However, lodicules are grass-specific organs with a morphology distinct from petals, thus their true homology to eudicot and nongrass monocot floral organs has been a topic of debate. To understand the relationship of lodicules to the sterile floral organs of nongrass monocots we have isolated and observed the expression of B class genes from a basal grass Streptochaeta that diverged before the evolution of lodicules, as well as the outgroups Joinvillea and Elegia, which have a typical monocot floral plan. Our results support a conserved role for B function genes across the angiosperms and provide additional evidence linking the evolution of lodicules and second whorl tepal/petals of monocots. The expression data and morphological analysis suggest that the function of B class genes should be broadly interpreted as required for differentiation of a distinct second floral whorl as opposed to specifying petal identity per se.
A novel method for automated identification of steady-state

Developed herein is a new, computationally efficient, statistically-based method that can identify steady-state periods in process control.
Expression, Localization, and Functional Activity of TL1A, a Novel Th1-Polarizing Cytokine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

TL1A is a novel TNF-like factor that acts as a costimulator of IFN-gamma secretion through binding to the death domain-containing receptor, DR3. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that TL1A may play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by functioning as a Th1-polarizing cytokine. The expression, cellular localization, and functional activity of TL1A and DR3 were studied in intestinal tissue specimens as well as isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells from IBD patients and controls. TL1A mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in IBD, particularly in involved areas of Crohn's disease (CD; p < 0.03 vs control). TL1A production was localized to the intestinal lamina propria in macrophages and CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes from CD patients as well as in plasma cells from ulcerative colitis patients. The amount of TL1A protein and the number of TL1A-positive cells correlated with the severity of inflammation, most significantly in CD. Increased numbers of immunoreactive DR3-positive T lymphocytes were detected in the intestinal lamina propria from IBD patients. Addition of recombinant human TL1A to cultures of PHA-stimulated lamina propria mononuclear from CD patients significantly augmented IFN-gamma production by 4-fold, whereas a minimal effect was observed in control patients. Our study provides evidence for the first time that the novel cytokine TL1A may play an important role in a Th1-mediated disease such as CD.
Electrical Signaling with Neuronal Gap Junctions

Neuronal gap junctions — electrical synapses — are ubiquitous across species and brain regions. Electrical synapses typically mediate rapid, symmetrical, bidirectional flow of ionic current. Their functions can be modulated, although the mechanisms of their regulation are poorly understood. Neuronal gap junctions allow robust synchronization of subthreshold and suprathreshold electrical activity among groups of neurons, and this may be their most common function.
A multicore vacation scheme for thermal-aware packet processing

As processor power density increases, thermal and power control becomes critical for application processing. In this paper, we consider network applications which feature ON/OFF execution pattern, that causes frequent temperature and power consumption changes in the processor. A novel power aware thermal management algorithm is designed to achieve power saving in multicore processors by employing a vacation scheme. We implement the scheme through the idle states (C-state) provided by the OS in the CPU and show their effectiveness both through analysis and experimental data. Then, we apply our scheme with the thermal constraint and propose a heterogeneous load distribution, which creates more opportunities for power saving. Besides maintaining processor temperature below the temperature constraint, our technique achieves higher sustainable load and better power saving with minimum latency increase compared to existing thermal management techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to discuss and develop vacation algorithm considering power, temperature and latency for network application on a general purpose multicore processor.
The network and the OS

Dave Clark digs through his long experience in getting network protocols (notably TCP/IP) to work efficiently with the OS. It was a long hard slog to gain deep understanding of the efficiency of each little part of the protocol software. Eventually the protocols were successfully integrated and today's OS all include the network.
Saccharin derivatives as inhibitors of interferon-mediated inflammation.

A series of novel, saccharin-based antagonists have been identified for the interferon signaling pathway. Through in vitro high-throughput screening with the Colorado Center for Drug Discovery (C2D2) Pilot Library, we identified hit compound 1, which was the basis for extensive structure–activity relationship studies. Our efforts produced a lead anti-inflammatory compound, tert-butyl N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-N-{4-[(1,1,3-trioxo-2,3-dihydro-1λ6,2-benzothiazol-2-yl)methyl]benzoyl}carbamate CU-CPD103 (103), as a potent inhibitor using an established nitric oxide (NO) signaling assay. With further studies of its inhibitory mechanisms, we demonstrated that 103 carries out this inhibition through the JAK/STAT1 pathway, providing a drug-like small molecule inflammation suppressant for possible therapeutic uses.
The connection between structural disorder and semimagnetic properties in implanted CdTe

The structural disorder and annealing characteristics of dilute magnetic semiconductors synthesized by implantation of Mn ions into CdTe are studied. After implantation but prior to annealing, the implanted Mn ions reside at random sites in a highly disordered CdTe lattice. To separate magnetic and nonmagnetic effects we have implanted CdTe with nonmagnetic Zn ions under the same conditions as the Mn ions (energy 60 keV, fluence 1016 cm−2). Various annealing conditions are applied to monitor the decrease in intensity of the disorder-induced photoluminescence peaks and the increase of the peak intensity of the CdTe-like exciton line is reduced.
Efficacy of Percutaneous Adhesiolysis in the Treatment of Lumbar Post Surgery Syndrome

Context: Lumbar post-surgery syndrome is common and often results in chronic, persistent pain and disability, which can lead to multiple interventions. After failure of conservative treatment, either surgical treatment or a nonsurgical modality of treatment such as epidural injections, percutaneous adhesiolysis is often contemplated in managing lumbar post surgery syndrome. Recent guidelines and systematic reviews have reached different conclusions about the level of evidence for the efficacy of epidural injections and percutaneous adhesiolysis in managing lumbar post surgery syndrome. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of all 3 percutaneous adhesiolysis anatomical approaches (caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal) in treating lumbar post-surgery syndrome. Evidence Acquisition: Data Sources: A literature search was performed from 1966 through October 2014 utilizing multiple databases. Study Selection: A systematic review of randomized trials published from 1966 through October 2014 of all types of epidural injections and percutaneous adhesiolysis in managing lumbar post-surgery syndrome was performed including methodological quality assessment utilizing Cochrane review criteria, Interventional Pain Management Techniques–Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment (IPM–QRB), and grading of evidence using 5 levels of evidence ranging from Level I to Level V. Data Extraction: The search strategy emphasized post-surgery syndrome and related pathologies treated with percutaneous adhesiolysis procedures. Results: The search criteria yielded 16 manuscripts on percutaneous adhesiolysis assessing post-surgery syndrome. Of these, only 4 randomized trials met inclusion criteria for methodological quality assessment, 3 of them were of high quality; and the fourth manuscript was of low quality. Based on these 3 randomized controlled trials, 2 of them with one-day procedure and one with a 3-day procedure, the level of evidence for the efficacy of percutaneous adhesiolysis is Level II based on best evidence synthesis. Conclusions: Based on this systematic review, percutaneous adhesiolysis is effective in managing patients with lumbar post-surgery syndrome after the failure of conservative management including fluoroscopically directed epidural injections.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Early United States Clinical Experience

AbstractHigh intensity focused ultrasound via a transrectal approach was used to treat 15 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The first 10 of these 15 patients underwent continuous temperature monitoring of the periprostatic region throughout the treatment. Patients undergoing transperineal thermocouple placement for the purpose of thermometry were treated while under general or spinal anesthesia, whereas 4 of the 5 remaining patients were successfully treated using intravenous sedation alone. Of the 10 patients 9 did not demonstrate a significant temperature elevation. One patient with a small prostatic anteroposterior diameter had a transient elevation of 17C. No patient experienced a complication related to periprostatic heating.Followup was available at 90 days in all patients. At 90 days the symptom scores decreased from a pretreatment value (American Urological Association questions 1 to 7) of 31.2 (range 22 to 38) to (range 8 to 31). Peak flow rate increased by a mean of 4.7ml. ...
Electrochemical Assessment of Carbon Nanomaterial-Enabled Microelectrodes for Dopamine Sensing

Chronic neurochemical monitoring is critical for identifying the neural basis of human behavior and treating brain disorders. Studies have already shown that any abnormal neurochemical signaling cause brain disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury and drug addiction. To treat such disorders, it is important to understand neurochemical dynamics over long-term, preferably in all areas of the brain. Currently, the preferred detection method is fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and the preferred electrode material is carbon fiber microelectrode (CFM). Unfortunately, CFM's increased sensitivity (sub-micromolar levels) is at the expense of increased surface fouling and chemical etching, which limits electrode lifetime to few days. Emerging carbon nanomaterials have spurred renewed interest in investigating new electrode material technology. We report the use of boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as advanced electrode materials for reliably detecting dopamine, a model neurochemical that plays a crucial role in various brain disorders. We present the electrochemical behavior and performance of these emerging materials in detecting dopamine long-term in standard buffer solutions and in biological fluids. Custom microfluidics was developed to study the electrode fouling behavior and the subsequent effect of in situ cleaning methods developed in our laboratory. Finally, development of electrochemical models to explain the progression of surface fouling using impedance techniques will be presented.
Support vector machine and its application in complex water flooded layer recognition

After researching the recognition capability of SVM(Support Vector Machine) based on structure minimization principle, we constructed a multi-layer SVM model for multi-pattern recognition, which can be easy realized. The SVM method can find out the super-plane between patterns without local minima, and need not to be trained. It is more efficient than neural network method and has high universal ability. We used this SVM method with two kernel functions to find the relation between well logging and water-flooded level in oil well logging. The results show that the model is suitable to water-flooded layer recognition.
Network Management and Topology-Generation Based on Control Domain in Mobile Ad Hoc Network

In most of existing network management architectures of ad hoc network,extensibility is not considered properly. To solve this problem,we adopted a new concept of network control domain and specify the process of gen- eration and combination of domain in our study of ad hoc networking. On this base,dynamic distributed network man- agement architecture is adopted and topology generation based on control domain is proposed too. Simulation output shows that,generation of control domain is commendably adapted to mobility of node in ad hoc network and demon- strates a good performance in domain partition. Topology achieved on the basis of control domain shows better accu- racy and reliability.
A misting apparatus for studying plant-microbe interactions and nutrient utilization

Among the most widespread associations between microorganisms and higher plants are mycorrhizas. Endomycorrhizal associations are known to play a significant role in the growth of plants in soils worldwide. The major benefit of the fungus-plant symbiosis is that the mycorrhizal fungi assimilate and transport P, Zn, and Cu to the host plant roots. Determining the effects of field and cultural practices and of competitive microbial interactions on the populations of and infections by different VAM fungi has not been possible because methods for their study have not been available. Development of appropriate and cost effective inoculation technology would expand the use of VAM fungi to a far wider scale of agricultural production systems. Progress in basic and applied studies on VAM fungi in agriculture requires a reliable source of germplasm uncontaminated with other microorganisms.
Blood transfusion options: improving outcomes and reducing costs.

.Objective.-To identify means of improving provision of transfusion services to patients while reducing hospital costs, focusing on the practice of transfusion medicine and laboratory operations in a hospital. Data Sources.-English language literature, 1990 to present. Study Selection.-Case reports, controlled trials, and reviews. Conclusions.-Owing to fixed reimbursements, hospitals are seeking ways to reduce operational costs while maintaining patient care standards. In transfusion medicine, this can be accomplished through recognition of direct and indirect costs of transfusion, careful examination of transfusion criteria, and selection of laboratory procedures that truly add to patient safety.
Stress-Strain -Ic Characterization of Bi-2212 Tapes

Mechanical properties of Ag and AgMg sheathed 19-filament Bi-2212 tapes were measured at room temperature and at cryogenic temperatures. A modified linear tensile tester was used for determination of the stress-strain relation. A Lorentz force stress-strain device was used to verify Ic degradation. Transport Ic of short samples was measured at 4.2K with a 1 µV/cm criterion after applied stress.
Windfarm Power Optimization Using Yaw Angle Control

In this paper, we extend the Park and Jensen wake model to include the effects of yaw angle rotation and wake deflection of wind turbines. We first perform a numerical study to find the optimal values of induction factor and yaw angle of wind turbines in a single column of a windfarm for achieving the maximum total power with wake effects. This study shows that the maximum power in a single column is achieved by keeping the induction factor at one-third and only changing the yaw angle to deflect the wake. We then propose a dynamic programming formulation to maximize the total power production in a windfarm with a single column of turbines using yaw angle as the control variable. We also extend our expressions to a windfarm with multiple rows and columns of turbines and perform simulations on the 3 $\times$ 3 and 4 $\times$ 4 grid topologies. Our results show that the optimal induction factor for most turbines is quite close to one-third and yaw angle acts as the dominant optimization variable.
Morbidity, mortality, and early results of single versus bilateral lung transplantation for emphysema.

Both single lung transplantation and bilateral lung transplantation have been successful in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Limited availability of donor lungs dictates wider use of single lung transplantation as long as this procedure provides a comparable functional result at less risk. Early morbidity, mortality rates, and functional results were compared in 32 consecutive patients undergoing either single or bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When pretransplantation and posttransplantation values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second, single breath diffusing capacity, total lung capacity, arterial oxygen tension, and 6-minute walking distance were compared, statistically significant improvement (p horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;103:1119-26)
Mechanical activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors causes actin remodelling and myogenic responsiveness in skeletal muscle arterioles.

Key points Candesartan, an inverse agonist of the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1 R), causes a concentration-dependent inhibition of pressure-dependent myogenic tone consistent with previous reports of mechanosensitivity of this G protein-coupled receptor. Mechanoactivation of the AT1 R occurs independently of local angiotensin II production and the type 2 angiotensin receptor. Mechanoactivation of the AT1 R stimulates actin polymerization by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism, but independently of a change in intracellular Ca2+ . Using atomic force microscopy, changes in single vascular smooth muscle cell cortical actin are observed to remodel following mechanoactivation of the AT1 R. Abstract The Gq/11 protein-coupled angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 R) has been shown to be activated by mechanical stimuli. In the vascular system, evidence supports the AT1 R being a mechanosensor that contributes to arteriolar myogenic constriction. The aim of this study was to determine if AT1 R mechanoactivation affects myogenic constriction in skeletal muscle arterioles and to determine underlying cellular mechanisms. Using pressure myography to study rat isolated first-order cremaster muscle arterioles the AT1 R inhibitor candesartan (10-7 -10-5 m) showed partial but concentration-dependent inhibition of myogenic reactivity. Inhibition was demonstrated by a rightward shift in the pressure-diameter relationship over the intraluminal pressure range, 30-110 mmHg. Pressure-induced changes in global vascular smooth muscle intracellular Ca2+ (using Fura-2) were similar in the absence or presence of candesartan, indicating that AT1 R-mediated myogenic constriction relies on Ca2+ -independent downstream signalling. The diacylglycerol analogue 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) reversed the inhibitory effect of candesartan, while this rescue effect was prevented by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF 109203X. Both candesartan and PKC inhibition caused increased G-actin levels, as determined by Western blotting of vessel lysates, supporting involvement of cytoskeletal remodelling. At the single vascular smooth muscle cell level, atomic force microscopy showed that cell swelling (stretch) with hypotonic buffer also caused thickening of cortical actin fibres and this was blocked by candesartan. Collectively, the present studies support growing evidence for novel modes of activation of the AT1 R in arterioles and suggest that mechanically activated AT1 R generates diacylglycerol, which in turn activates PKC which induces the actin cytoskeleton reorganization that is required for pressure-induced vasoconstriction.
Laminoplasty [2] (multiple letters)

Object. The technique of cervical laminoplasty was developed to decompress the spinal canal in patients with multilevel anterior compression caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or cervical spondylosis. There is a paucity of data confirming its superiority to laminectomy with regard to neurological outcome, preserving spinal stability, preventing postlaminectomy kyphosis, and the development of the "postlaminectomy membrane." Methods. The authors conducted a metaanalysis of the English-language laminoplasty literature, assessing neurological outcome, change in range of motion (ROM), development of spinal deformity, and complications. Seventy-one series were reviewed, comprising more than 2000 patients. All studies were retrospective, uncontrolled, nonrandomized case series. Forty-one series provided postoperative recovery rate data in which the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale was used for assessing myelopathy. The mean recovery rate was 55% (range 20-80%). The authors of 23 papers provided data on the percentage of patients improving (mean ∼80%). There was no difference in neurological outcome based on the different laminoplasty techniques or when laminoplasty was compared with laminectomy. There was postlaminoplasty worsening of cervical alignment in approximately 35% and with development of postoperative kyphosis in approximately 10% of patients who underwent long-term follow-up review. Cervical ROM decreased substantially after laminoplasty (mean decrease 50%, range 17-80%). The authors of studies with long-term follow up found that there was progressive loss of cervical ROM, and final ROM similar to that seen in patients who had undergone laminectomy and fusion. In their review of the laminectomy literature the authors could not confirm the occurrence of postlaminectomy membrane causing clinically significant deterioration of neurological function. Postoperative complications differed substantially among series. In only seven articles did the writers quantify the rates of postoperative axial neck pain, noting an incidence between 6 and 60%. In approximately 8% of patients, C-5 nerve root dysfunction developed based on the 12 articles in which this complication was reported. Conclusions. The literature has yet to support the purported benefits of laminoplasty. Neurological outcome and change in spinal alignment are similar after laminectomy and laminoplasty. Patients treated with laminoplasty develop progressive limitation of cervical ROM similar to that seen after laminectomy and fusion.
How to Use This Guide

This book is structured to provide overviews and perspectives on a variety of topics and issues relating to being mentored in the diverse fields encompassed by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is not meant to be read cover to cover, but rather to serve as a handbook in times of need when a few moments of reflection and perspective would be highly useful. Some will find many topics of interest and relevance, while others may find only a few items that guide them to a fuller grasp of what to expect in mentoring relationships.
Modesty Bias and the Attitude-Achievement Paradox Across Nations: A Reanalysis of TIMSS

Abstract Academic self-concept (ASC) and achievement are generally seen as mutually reinforcing and hence positively correlated. However, international comparisons have found negative associations between academic self-concept and achievement when country averages are compared. One possible explanation for this paradox is the ‘modesty bias’, which refers to cultural preferences of people from different cultural backgrounds when responding to scales pertaining to their own abilities. In the present article, we analyzed three TIMSS data sets from 2003 to 2011 to test the importance of modesty bias by introducing average self-concept on the country level to a hierarchical linear model (HLM) with student ASC as the dependent variable. Modesty bias substantially reduced the negative country level effect, accounting for about a third of the effect size. On an exploratory basis, Enjoyment of Math on the country-level was added to the model, which further reduced the negative associations between academic self-concept and achievement on the country level. High achieving countries are characterized by high salience of modesty norms but lower level of enjoyment of math. Findings support the idea that the paradox is mainly due to a combination of cultural response bias and cultural differences in students' liking of school.
Team RoboSimian: Semi-autonomous Mobile Manipulation at the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals

This paper discusses hardware and software improvements to the RoboSimian system leading up to and during the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge DRC Finals. Team RoboSimian achieved a 5th place finish by achieving 7 points in 47:59 min. We present an architecture that was structured to be adaptable at the lowest level and repeatable at the highest level. The low-level adaptability was achieved by leveraging tactile measurements from force torque sensors in the wrist coupled with whole-body motion primitives. We use the term "behaviors" to conceptualize this low-level adaptability. Each behavior is a contact-triggered state machine that enables execution of short-order manipulation and mobility tasks autonomously. At a high level, we focused on a teach-and-repeat style of development by storing executed behaviors and navigation poses in an object/task frame for recall later. This enabled us to perform tasks with high repeatability on competition day while being robust to task differences from practice to execution.
Deepmotion: a deep convolutional neural network on inertial body sensors for gait assessment in multiple sclerosis*

Walking impairment resulted by various chronic diseases, disorders and injuries have been investigated using recent emerging wearable technology, for instance, gait assessment using inertial body sensors in 6-minute walk (6MW) for persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) to identify spatiotemporal features useful to assess MS progression. However, most studies to date have investigated the features extracted from movements of the lower limbs and do not provide a holistic gait assessment. A recent pilot study demonstrated that the holistic gait assessment such as evaluating the associations among lower and upper limbs provided better discrimination between healthy controls and PwMS. This paper is motivated by this and further aim to answer the following question: can we identify the temporal gait patterns in terms of the holistic gait assessment? Traditionally this suffers from the statistical property of the causality inference method adopted by previous study. We proposed a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn the temporal and spectral associations among the time-series motion data captured by the inertial body sensors. A simulated model was developed to train the CNN, and then the trained CNN was adopted to assess the gait performance from a pilot dataset with 41 subjects (28 PwMS and 13 healthy controls). Experimental results are reported to illustrate the performance of the proposed approach.
CBIO-29TARGETING A Plk1-CONTROLLED POLARITY CHECKPOINT IN GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

Stem-like glioma cells, frequently referred to as tumor-propagating cells or cancer stem cells are culprits for recurrence due to their intrinsic resistance to standard therapy and their ability to regrow the parental tumor in xenografts. Similar to normal neural stem cells CD133+ tumor-propagating cells undergo asymmetric, self-sustaining cell divisions (Gomez-Lopez S. et al, Cell Mol Life Sci, 2014, 71(4):575-97). Cancer-associated changes in cell division mode contribute to neoplastic transformation of glioma precursors (Sugiarto S. et al, Cancer Cell, 2011 20(3):328-40). While increased symmetric, self-renewing divisions of glioma precursors correlate with therapy sensitivity, asymmetric self-sustaining divisions potentially maintain the pool of tumor-propagating cells and contribute to therapy evasion. How pharmacological MAPK pathway inhibitors clinically evaluated for the treatment of GBM affect the division mode of tumor-propagating cells is unknown. We investigate CD133+ tumor-propagating cell responses to novel targeted therapies, in specifically, small molecule inhibitors of BRAFV600E, a mutant kinase frequently found in pediatric malignant astrocytoma. Our investigations showed that CD133+ tumor-propagating cells have higher asymmetric divisions than progenitor-like glioma cells. CD133+ stem-like GBM subpopulation exhibit decreased sensitivity to the anti-proliferative effects of MAPK pathway inhibition and show extended G2/M phase. We find that the mitotic checkpoint kinase and polarity regulator Plk1 is more active in CD133+ tumor-propagating cells. Plk1 activity links asymmetric division and mitotic entry. In an orthotopic GBM xenograft model, combined MAPK-pathway and PLK1 inhibition showed increased anti-proliferative effects and cell death frequency towards CD133+ cells beyond that achieved by either inhibitor alone. Ongoing work is investigating if Plk1 controls a polarity checkpoint, the integrity of which is especially important in the therapy–evasive compartment in GBM and that provides a rationale for combination therapy.
EDI: will African trade and development suffer?

The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) has proliferated in Western industrialised nations over the past decade. However, EDI use in the developing countries in Africa (DCA) is almost nonexistent, or not published. The growth in international trade and globalisation has spurred organisations to commit themselves to EDI with the hope of increased productivity and efficient trading. Several African nations are now undergoing sweeping democratic reforms which could offer a huge potential for increased trade with the West. While EDI users believe trade barriers will be toppled, the use of EDI technology in international trading could create a trade barrier between advanced countries and DCA. This barrier could adversely affect trade and development in DCA. EDI requires a modern telecommunications infrastructure (TI) which is lacking in many parts of Africa. This situation and others could be a major stumbling block for EDI. This paper considers the probable barriers to EDI adoption in DCA, and examines the potential impact on trade and development.
Prospective randomized comparison of a 22G core needle using standard versus capillary suction for EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic masses.

Background and study aims The optimal technique for sampling pancreatic lesions with a 22 G Procore needle (pc) is unknown. The aims of this study were to evaluate the 22 Gpc using standard suction technique (SST) and capillary suction technique (CST) and compare diagnostic adequacy of 22 Gpc with the standard 25 G needle. Patients and methods Sixty consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA of a solid pancreatic mass were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent 2 passes with a standard 25 G needle for cytologic analysis. The first group of 30 patients underwent a single pass with the 22 Gpc needle using SST for cytology and histology. The second group underwent a single pass with the 22 Gpc needle using CST. The sequence of passes was randomized. The diagnostic adequacy of each pass was graded by 2 cytopathologists blinded to technique and needle type for comparison. Results For a cytologic diagnosis with 22 Gpc, an adequate sample was obtained in 82.8 % SST vs. 80.0 % CST (P = 0.79). For a histologic diagnosis with 22 Gpc, an adequate sample was obtained in 70.4 % SST vs. 69.0 % CST (P = 0.91). A single pass with 22 Gpc provided comparable results to a single pass with the 25 G needle for a cytologic diagnosis; both were superior to a single 22 Gpc pass for a histologic diagnosis. Two passes with the 25 G needle provided a diagnostic specimen in 95.0 % vs 81.4 % with one pass using 22 Gpc (P = 0.01). Conclusions No significant difference in diagnostic adequacy was observed between techniques for the 22 Gpc. Two passes with a 25 G needle performed better than 1 pass with 22 Gpc. (NCT01598194) Meeting presentations: Digestive Disease Week 2015
Disability Trajectories Before and After Stroke and Myocardial Infarction: The Cardiovascular Health Study.

Importance Ischemic strokes may accelerate long-term functional decline apart from their acute effects on neurologic function. Objective To test whether the increase in long-term disability is steeper after than before the event for ischemic stroke but not myocardial infarction (MI). Design, Settings, and Participants In the population-based, prospective cohort Cardiovascular Health Study (1989-2013), longitudinal follow-up was conducted for a mean (SD) of 13 (6.2) years. Follow-up data were used until September 1, 2013; data analysis was performed from August 1, 2013, to June 1, 2016. Models based on generalized estimating equations adjusted for baseline covariates and included a test for different slopes of disability before and after the event. Participants included 5888 Medicare-eligible individuals 65 years or older who were not institutionalized, expected to reside in the area for 3 or more years, and able to provide informed consent. Exclusions were needing a wheelchair, receiving hospice care, and undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Exposures Ischemic stroke and MI. Main Outcomes and Measures Annual assessments with a disability scale (measuring activities of daily living [ADLs] and instrumental ADLs). The number of ADLs and instrumental ADLs (range, 0-12) that the participant could not perform was analyzed continuously. Results The mean (SD) age of the entire cohort (n = 5888) was 72.8 (5.6) years; 2495 (42.4%) were male. During follow-up, 382 (6.5%) participants had ischemic stroke and 395 (6.7%) had MI with 1 or more disability assessment after the event. There was a mean of 3.7 (2.4) visits before stroke and 3.7 (2.3) visits after stroke; there was a mean of 3.8 (2.5) visits before MI and 3.8 (2.4) visits after MI. The increase in disability near the time of the event was greater for stroke (0.88 points on the disability scale; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.20; P P = .006). The annual increase in disability before stroke (0.06 points per year; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.12; P = .04) more than tripled after stroke (0.15 additional points per year; 95% CI, 0.004 to 0.30; P = .04). The annual increase in disability before MI (0.04 points per year; 95% CI, 0.004 to 0.08; P = .03) did not change significantly after MI (0.02 additional points per year; 95% CI, −0.07 to 0.11; P = .69). Conclusions and Relevance In this large, population-based study, a trajectory of increasing disability became significantly steeper after stroke but not after MI. Thus, in addition to the acute brain injury and consequent impairment, ischemic stroke may also be associated with potentially treatable long-term adverse effects on the brain that lead to accelerated functional decline.
Impact of Employment Satisfaction and Stress on Time to Recidivism

Age-graded theories of crime attempt to understand the predictors of continuity and change in offending, where informal social institutions, such as employment, are posited as turning points leadin...
Soluble TNFα signaling within the spinal cord contributes to the development of autonomic dysreflexia and ensuing vascular and immune dysfunction after spinal cord injury

Cardiovascular disease and susceptibility to infection are leading causes of morbidity and mortality for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A major contributor to these is autonomic dysreflexia (AD), an amplified reaction of the autonomic nervous system (hallmarked by severe hypertension) in response to sensory stimuli below the injury. Maladaptive plasticity of the spinal sympathetic reflex circuit below the SCI results in AD intensification over time. Mechanisms underlying this maladaptive plasticity are poorly understood, restricting the identification of treatments. Thus, no preventative treatments are currently available. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in other pathologies associated with hyperexcitable neural circuits. Specifically, the soluble form of TNFα (sTNFα) is known to play a role in neuroplasticity. We hypothesize that persistent expression of sTNFα in spinal cord underlies AD exacerbation. To test this, we intrathecally administered XPro1595, a biologic that renders sTNFα nonfunctional, after complete, high-level SCI in female rats. This dramatically attenuated the intensification of colorectal distension-induced and naturally occurring AD events. This improvement is mediated via decreased sprouting of nociceptive primary afferents and activation of the spinal sympathetic reflex circuit. We also examined peripheral vascular function using ex vivo pressurized arterial preparations and immune function via flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes. Diminishing AD via pharmacological inhibition of sTNFα mitigated ensuing vascular hypersensitivity and immune dysfunction. This is the first demonstration that neuroinflammation-induced sTNFα is critical for altering the spinal sympathetic reflex circuit, elucidating a novel mechanism for AD. Importantly, we identify the first potential pharmacological, prophylactic treatment for this life-threatening syndrome.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a disorder that develops after spinal cord injury (SCI) and is hallmarked by sudden, extreme hypertension, contributes to cardiovascular disease and susceptibility to infection, respectively, two leading causes of mortality and morbidity in SCI patients. We demonstrate that neuroinflammation-induced expression of soluble TNFα plays a critical role in AD, elucidating a novel underlying mechanism. We found that intrathecal administration after SCI of a biologic that inhibits soluble TNFα signaling dramatically attenuates AD and significantly reduces AD-associated peripheral vascular and immune dysfunction. We identified mechanisms behind diminished plasticity of neuronal populations within the spinal sympathetic reflex circuit. This study is the first to pinpoint a potential pharmacological, prophylactic strategy to attenuate AD and ensuing cardiovascular and immune dysfunction.
Students With Intellectual Disabilities and Career and Technical Education Opportunities: A Systematic Literature Review:

Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers the potential for disadvantaged student subpopulations to utilize high school toward preparation for the workforce by encouraging specific career pathway...
Probing structural changes in single enveloped virus particles using nano-infrared spectroscopic imaging

Enveloped viruses, such as HIV, Ebola and Influenza, are among the most deadly known viruses. Cellular membrane penetration of enveloped viruses is a critical step in the cascade of events that lead to entry into the host cell. Conventional ensemble fusion assays rely on collective responses to membrane fusion events, and do not allow direct and quantitative studies of the subtle and intricate fusion details. Such details are accessible via single particle investigation techniques, however. Here, we implement nano-infrared spectroscopic imaging to investigate the chemical and structural modifications that occur prior to membrane fusion in the single archetypal enveloped virus, influenza X31. We traced in real-space structural and spectroscopic alterations that occur during environmental pH variations in single virus particles. In addition, using nanospectroscopic imaging we quantified the effectiveness of an antiviral compound in stopping viral membrane disruption (a novel mechanism for inhibiting viral entry into cells) during environmental pH variations.
Incidence of Vesical Neck Contracture Complicating Prostatic Resection in Hemodialysis Patients

AbstractFour hemodialysis patients with no or minimal urine output underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. Bladder neck contractures developed postoperatively in all 4 cases. A review of the literature demonstrated no emphasis on the relatively high incidence of this complication in hemodialysis patients. A discussion of the possible etiology, diagnosis and therapeutic modalities is presented
Flannery O'Connor, Benedict XVI, and the Divine Eros:

The violence lying at the core of Flannery O'Connor's fiction does not constitute, as it seems, a gross divine invasion of human autonomy. On the contrary, her work has a deep congruence with the t...
A higher-order Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin hydrodynamic method for elastic–plastic flows

Abstract We present a new high-order Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin (DG) hydrodynamic method for gas and solid dynamics. The evolution equations for specific volume, momentum, and total energy are discretized using the modal DG approach. The specific volume, velocity, and specific total energy fields are approximated with up to quadratic Taylor series polynomials. The specific internal energy, pressure, and stress deviators are nodal quantities. The stress deviators are evolved forward in time using a hypoelastic–plastic approach, which requires a velocity gradient. A new method is presented for calculating a high-order polynomial for the velocity gradient in an element. Plasticity is handled by applying a radial return model to the stress deviators. Limiting approaches are presented for modal and nodal fields. The TVD RK time integration method is used to temporally advance all governing evolution equations. Generalized Lagrangian DG equations are derived but test problems are calculated for 1D Cartesian coordinates. A suite of gas and solid dynamics test problem results are calculated to demonstrate the stability and formal accuracy of the new Lagrangian DG method.
Impact of Emerging Water Savings Scenarios on Performance of Urban Water Networks

AbstractConcerns over the impacts of urban growth have prompted the development and adoption of water-demand management strategies. Water and energy savings from increasingly efficient technologies...
Examining comprehensive cancer control partnerships, plans, and program interventions: successes and lessons learned from a utilization-focused evaluation

The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has experienced exponential growth over the past 20 years due to the coordination and collaboration of many stakeholders to sustain multisector coalitions, develop and execute data-driven plans, and successfully implement evidenced-based interventions across the United States. These stakeholders have worked tirelessly to address the burden of cancer by employing strategies that promote healthy behaviors to reduce cancer risk, facilitate screening, and address the needs of cancer survivors. The interaction between the comprehensive cancer control program and the coalitions to engage in this work has been coined the 3Ps: the partnership, the CCC plan, and CCC program interventions. This article describes the efforts to evaluate the growth of the comprehensive cancer control movement, especially as it pertains to coalition contribution, plan priority development and implementation, and intervention implementation. It describes successes and lessons learned from an evaluation whose findings can be used to bolster and sustain comprehensive cancer control programs and coalitions across the U.S.
Two classes of isocitrate lyase genes are expressed during late embryogeny and postgermination in Brassica napus L.

We have analyzed the structure of genes encoding the glyoxylate cycle enzyme isocitrate lyase from Brassica napus L. and their expression during embryogeny and postgermination. Restriction mapping, nucleotide sequence, and DNA gel blot hybridization analyses of cDNA and genomic clones indicated that there are approximately six isocitrate lyase genes in the B. napus genome that can be divided into at least two subfamilies based upon their divergence in 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. We showed previously that isocitrate lyase mRNA accumulates during late embryogeny and postgermination. Here, we present results which indicate that several isocitrate lyase genes are expressed at both stages of development. First, gene-specific probes were used to show that mRNAs encoded by representatives of both gene subfamilies accumulated in both late maturation stage embryos and in seedlings of B. napus. Second, a single B. napus isocitrate lyase gene, together with 3.5 kb and 1.4 kb of 5′ and 3′ flanking regions, respectively, was expressed in both embryos and seedlings of transgenic tobacco plants. The results indicated that accumulation of isocitrate lyase in late embryogeny and postgermination does not result from the alternate expression of distinct members of the gene family.
A Hybrid Image and Model Based Approach to Photorealistic Building Reconstruction

We introduce an algorithm that automatically aligns images with partial wireframe models to compute extrinsic camera parameters with respect to the model reference frame. Aligned imagery is fused with the model to incorporate high-resolution textures and to facilitate context sensitive image processing. The technique is designed to exploit the approximately planar structure commonly found in human-made environments such as building facades, interior walls, parking lots, and roadways.
Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Disorders of the Nerve and Muscle Diseases

Recognize sleep disorders associated with neuromuscular diseases. Neuromuscular diseases can be associated with various sleep disorders. Diaphragmatic weakness, bulbar dysfunction, pharyngeal neuropathy, and central neurodegeneration cause sleep-disordered breathing. Spinal cord hyperexcitability, loss of inhibitory descending pathways, and neuropathy promote restless legs syndrome. Reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin, central dysfunction of sleep regulation, and degeneration of GABAergic intracortical circuits may contribute to central hypersomnia. Dysfunction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, associated with neurodegenerative diseases and certain neuromuscular disorders, may be a common pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for the loss of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep muscle atonia and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Different neuromuscular disorder may be more susceptible to specific sleep disturbances. A low threshold needs to be maintained for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in neuromuscular diseases, due to their high prevalence, lack of symptom specificity, and presence even in minimally symptomatic patients. However, loss of REM atonia may be protective against sleep-disordered breathing. There are reasonable pathophysiologic mechanisms such as respiratory muscle weakness, upper airway obstruction, and central dysfunction that explain the link between sleep disorders and neuromuscular diseases