cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progressive Collapse Resistance of Hotel San Diego

Progressive collapse resistance of an actual six-story reinforced concrete frame structure is evaluated following predefined initial damage. The initial damage was caused by the simultaneous explosion (removal) of two adjacent exterior columns, one of which was a corner column. The mechanism of load redistribution and change in column axial forces (strains) are discussed. In the structure studied, the development of bidirectional Vierendeel (frame) action is identified as a major mechanism in redistribution of loads. Through careful instrumentation, the change in the direction of beam bending moments in the vicinity of the removed columns is demonstrated. In general, if such a change in the bending moment direction results in high tensile stress in bottom beam reinforcement at the face of a column, brittle local failure in the absence of proper anchorage can occur. This failure did not take place in this building. The nearly century old structure, without satisfying integrity requirements, resisted progre...
Violation of Bell's inequality and classical probability in a two-photon correlation experiment.

Correlation measurements of mixed signal and idler photons produced in the process of parametric down-conversion have been performed as a function of two linear polarizer settings. It is found that the Bell inequality for two separated particles is violated by about 6 standard deviations, and that classical probability for light waves is violated substantially also.
A simplified nutrition screen for hospitalized patients using readily available laboratory and patient information

Abstract Objective We assessed admission screening information that best identifies patients who are at risk for malnutrition-related complications (MRCs). Methods We evaluated 13 patient characteristics associated with MRC for adults screened over a 3-mo period ( n = 448) to determine which factors correlated best with the risk level assigned. The existing screen stratified patients into four levels defined as no risk, mild risk, moderate, and high risk for MRC. The analyzed variables were weight for height, wound, surgery/cancer therapy, fever, vomiting/diarrhea, poor oral intake, no oral intake, unplanned weight loss, malnutrition-related admission diagnosis, serum albumin, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and total lymphocyte count. We modeled the relation between assigned MRC and the predictors by using state-of-the-art methods. Results The characteristics that correlated best with MRC risk level assignment were occurrence of a wound, poor oral intake, malnutrition-related admission diagnosis, serum albumin value, hemoglobin value, and total lymphocyte count. A model using four variables (malnutrition-related admission diagnosis, serum albumin value, hemoglobin value, and total lymphocyte count) was almost as good as that using six predictors. Conclusions The ability of admission information to accurately reflect MRC risk is crucial to early initiation of restorative medical nutritional therapy. There is currently no uniform or proved standard for identifying MRC risk within 24 h of acute care admission. The ideal nutritional screen correlates well with the occurrence of MRC and also uses data routinely obtained at admission. The models described can be uniformly used by hospitals to screen patients for MRC risk.
DNA VACCINATION OF BISON TO BRUCELLAR ANTIGENS ELICITS ELEVATED ANTIBODY AND IFN-γ RESPONSES

Brucella abortus remains a threat to the health and well-being of livestock in states bordering the Greater Yellowstone Area. During the past several years, cohabitation of infected wildlife with cattle has jeopardized the brucellosis-free status of Idaho, USA; Wyoming, USA; and Montana, USA. Current livestock B. abortus vaccines have not proven to be efficacious in bison (Bison bison) or elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). One problem with the lack of vaccine efficacy may stem from the failure to understand wildlife immune responses to vaccines. In an attempt to understand their immune responses, bison were vaccinated with eukaryotic DNA expression vectors encoding the Brucella periplasmic protein, bp26, and the chaperone protein, trigger factor (TF). These DNA vaccines have previously been shown to be protective against Brucella infection in mice. Bison were immunized intramuscularly at weeks 0, 2, and 4 with bp26 and TF DNA vaccines plus CpG adjuvant or empty vector (control) plus CpG. Blood samples were col...
Supporting COTS based displays in long-term military programmes

COTS components provide an affordable solution for land mobile display requirements. However, most military programmes require that components be available for an extended period of at least 10 years. Industrial COTS components are typically available for about 3 years, causing severe problems in supportability, with attendant cost implications. This paper will describe a COTS based solution for the M1A2 SEP Commanders Tactical Display and the problems encountered and overcome over an operational period of 8 years.
Paradigms for the new string instrument: digital and materials technology

The applications of technology in instrument design contribute to the resulting sound on many levels, particularly in the context of new evolutions representing the traditional instruments of our culture. Materials technology is seldom given consideration in the description of Western string instruments, but our choices of woods, metals and synthetics can dramatically alter the sound without altering the substance of instrumental performance. In the design of modified string instruments which mimic features of natural acoustic predecessors, new technology is applied on many levels. A taxonomy is proposed for the past, present and future of instrument design. Due consideration is given to the music which results from the new sound world, especially that involving interactive electronic processing. The advantages and disadvantages of directions in instrument design for the future are evaluated within the proposed schema. Some extended techniques on the cello are proposed to be further extended with electronics, and audio examples and descriptions are provided. A model for future collaborations between composer, performer and engineer is proposed.
In vitro stimulation of macrophages by quadrol [N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine].

AbstractMouse peritoneal macrophages, when exposed to Quadrol [N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis (2-hydroxypropyl) ethylenediamine] in vitro, show a dose dependent enhanced spreading over a four-hour period. In vitro Quadrol induced phagocytosis of polystyrene beads was found to be time and concentration dependent. The rate and extent of the enhancement of phagocytosis was comparable to that observed for iipopolysaccharide and tuftsin.
Chromosome-wide profiling of X-chromosome inactivation and epigenetic states in fetal brain and placenta of the opossum, Monodelphis domestica

Evidence from a few genes in diverse species suggests that X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in marsupials is characterized by exclusive, but leaky inactivation of the paternally derived X chromosome. To study the phenomenon of marsupial XCI more comprehensively, we profiled parent-of-origin allele-specific expression, DNA methylation, and histone modifications in fetal brain and extra-embryonic membranes in the gray, short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). The majority of X-linked genes (152 of 176 genes with trackable SNP variants) exhibited paternally imprinted expression, with nearly 100% of transcripts derived from the maternal allele; whereas 24 loci (14%) escaped inactivation, showing varying levels of biallelic expression. In addition to recently reported evidence of marsupial XCI regulation by the noncoding Rsx transcript, strong depletion of H3K27me3 at escaper gene loci in the present study suggests that histone state modifications also correlate strongly with opossum XCI. In contrast to mouse, the opossum did not show an association between X-linked gene expression and promoter DNA methylation, with one notable exception. Unlike all other X-linked genes examined, Rsx was differentially methylated on the maternal and paternal X chromosomes, and expression was exclusively from the inactive (paternal) X chromosome. Our study provides the first comprehensive catalog of parent-of-origin expression status for X-linked genes in a marsupial and sheds light on the regulation and evolution of imprinted XCI in mammals.
Immunologic Responses to Critical Injury and Sepsis

Almost 2 million patients are admitted to hospitals in the United States each year for treatment of traumatic injuries, and these patients are at increased risk of late infections and complications of systemic inflammation as a result of injury. Host response to injury involves a general activation of multiple systems in defending the organism from hemorrhagic or infectious death. Clinicians have the capability to support the critically injured through their traumatic insult with surgery and improved critical care, but the inflammatory response generated by such injuries creates new challenges in the management of these patients. It has long been known that local tissue injury induces systemic changes in the traumatized patient that are often maladaptive. This article reviews the effects of injury on the function of immune system cells and highlights some of the clinical sequelae of this deranged inflammatory-immune interaction.
Insulin-like peptide 6: Characterization of secretory status and posttranslational modifications

Insulin-like peptide 6 (Insl6) is a member of the insulin/relaxin superfamily with unknown biological function(s). In the current report, we establish that meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells of the testis are the principal sites of expression of Insl6. Analysis of stably or transiently transfected cells revealed that Insl6 is a secreted protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Secretion could be detected in both CHO and GC2 germ cells and was sensitive to brefeldin A treatment. In cell lysates, the predominant Insl6 band was approximately 28 kDa in size. In contrast, the predominant Insl6 species in the supernatant was 8 kDa in size, suggesting posttranslational processing of the precursor protein. Ectopically expressed Insl6 is processed and secreted in furin-deficient LoVo cells and in CHO cells treated with a furin inhibitor, although the size profile of the secreted protein is altered suggesting that Insl6 is a substrate for furin action. Furthermore, mutation of a putative furin cleavage site in the Insl6 peptide resulted in aberrant processing of the Insl6 peptide. Additional investigations of the structure of Insl6 protein provided evidence for posttranslational modifications of Insl6, including the presence of disulfide bonds, glycosylation, and ubiquitination. On the basis of the demonstrated secretory status of Insl6, we speculate that the physical proximity of the germ cell to the Sertoli cell renders the Sertoli cell a likely candidate for Insl6 action.
Independent phylogenetic origins of methanotrophic and chemoautotrophic bacterial endosymbioses in marine bivalves.

Abstract The discovery of bacterium-bivalve symbioses capable of utilizing methane as a carbon and energy source indicates that the endosymbionts of hydrothermal vent and cold seep bivalves are not restricted to sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophic bacteria but also include methanotrophic bacteria. The phylogenetic origin of methanotrophic endosymbionts and their relationship to known symbiotic and free-living bacteria, however, have remained unexplored. In situ localization and phylogenetic analysis of a symbiont 16S rRNA gene cloned from the gills of a recently described deep-sea mussel species demonstrate that this symbiont represents a new taxon which is closely related to free-living, cultivable Type I methanotrophic bacteria. This symbiont is distinct from known chemoautotrophic symbionts. Thus, despite compelling similarities between the symbioses, chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic symbionts of marine bivalves have independent phylogenetic origins.
Patellar Taping: A Radiographic Examination of the Medial Glide Technique

The purpose of this study was to radiographically determine the effectiveness of the McConnell medial glide patellar taping technique. Twenty apparently healthy men, between ages 18 and 35, participated in this study. Subjects underwent a series of three radiographs in a modified Merchant view. First, a bilateral tangential view of the patellofemoral joints was taken to establish a baseline. Next, the same view was obtained with the experimental knees taped using the McConnell medial glide technique. Subjects then underwent a standardized exercise protocol to stress the tape and the accompanying knee structures. This was followed by a third view of the patellofemoral joints. Radiographs were measured using the Merchant congruence angle and analyzed statistically with dependent, mean difference tests. Results from this study indicate that the McConnell medial glide technique was effective in significantly moving the patella medially (P = 0.003), but that the tape was ineffective in maintaining this significance after exercise (P < 0.001). In 3 subjects (15%) of this sample, the tape was ineffective in moving the patella medially in any degree. One interesting finding was that exercise caused a statistically significant (P = 0.016) lateral shift from baseline in the control knees. This may suggest some clinical significance for patellar taping in preventing excessive lateral shift.
The properties of some new gas hydrates and their use in demineralizing sea water

The general attributes of the hydrate process for demineralizing sea water are discussed, and it is shown that the economics of the process depend on the properties of the hydrating agent used. Eight new hydrates are reported, and the thermodynamic properties of three hydrate systems are presented in some detail: methyl bromide Freon 21, and Freon 31.
Health-Related Quality of Life Following a Clinical Weight Loss Intervention Among Overweight and Obese Adults: Intervention and 24 Month Follow-up Effects

Despite a growing literature on the efficacy of behavioral weight loss interventions, we still know relatively little about the long terms effects they have on HRQL. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the immediate post-intervention (6 months) and long-term (12 and 24 months) effects of clinically based weight management programs on HRQL. We conducted a randomized clinical trial in which all participants completed a 6 month clinical weight loss program and were randomized into two 6-month extended care groups. Participants then returned at 12 and 24 months for follow-up assessments. A total of 144 individuals (78% women, M age = 50.2 (9.2) yrs, M BMI = 32.5 (3.8) kg/m2) completed the 6 month intervention and 104 returned at 24 months. Primary outcomes of weight and HRQL using the SF-36 were analyzed using multivariate repeated measures analyses. There was complete data on 91 participants through the 24 months of the study. At baseline the participants scored lower than U.S. age-specific population norms for bodily pain, vitality, and mental health. At the completion of the 6 month clinical intervention there were increases in the physical and mental composite measures as well as physical functioning, general health, vitality, and mental health subscales of the SF-36. Despite some weight regain, the improvements in the mental composite scale as well as the physical functioning, vitality, and mental health subscales were maintained at 24 months. There were no significant main effects or interactions by extended care treatment group or weight loss group (whether or not they maintained 5% loss at 24 months). A clinical weight management program focused on behavior change was successful in improving several factors of HRQL at the completion of the program and many of those improvements were maintained at 24 months. Maintaining a significant weight loss (> 5%) was not necessary to have and maintain improvements in HRQL.
Protael: protein data visualization library for the web

Summary: Protael is a JavaScript library for creating interactive visualizations of biological sequences and various associated data. It allows users to generate high-quality vector graphics (SVG) and integrate it into web pages. Availability and implementation: Protael distribution, documentation and examples are freely available at http://protael.org; source code is hosted at https://github.com/sanshu/protaeljs. Contact: adam@godziklab.org
Globalization of health care.

James H. Thrall, MD One of the defining factors of life in the 21st century is the increasingly rapid integration of economic, social, and political activity around the world. In the mid 20th century, the adoption of the verb globalize and the noun globalization bespeak the flexibility of the English language to create uniquely descriptive terms that capture the sense of new things—in this case, some of the trends that are now reshaping the world order. These terms are at once exciting and disquieting for their ability to portend good, as well as adverse, outcomes for countries, for industries, and for individuals as the world shrinks. The health care system in the United Sates is in an interesting position with respect to globalization: The drugs, general supplies, and devices used throughout the U.S. health care system have long been subject to the same forces of globalization that have overtaken other industrial segments of the economy, whereas the delivery of professional services has, until recently, been protected by the face-to-face nature of most medical services, state licensure laws that limit which providers may deliver services, and reimbursement policies that have various restrictions on payments for services. These limitations are now being breached in a number of ways that pose threats to the status quo of the U.S. health care system.
Optimum laminate design for strength and stiffness

A method is presented for minimum weight optimum design of symmetric fibre-composite laminates subject to multiple in-plane loading conditions which takes into account membrane stiffness requirements and strength limitations. The problem is cast as a non-linear mathematical programming problem in which the thicknesses of material placed at preassigned orientation angles are treated as the only design variables. The non-linear programming formulation is transformed into a sequence of linear programs employing an adaptation of the method of inscribed hyperspheres in which only critical and near critical constraints are considered at each stage in the procedure. Example applications illustrate that the method presented offers an efficient and practical optimum design procedure for the fundamental and recurring problem treated.
Genome-wide chromatin maps derived from limited numbers of hematopoietic progenitors

Improving the protocols for chromatin immunoprecipitation and library construction for the Illumina Genome Analyzer allows for chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments on input samples as small as 10,000 cells and yields information on bivalent chromatin domains in hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Comment on: Tam et al. Defining insulin resistance from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. Diabetes Care 2012;35:1605-1610.

The euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp is the gold standard for evaluating insulin sensitivity. As such, it is extremely helpful in evaluating the effect of an intervention or in comparing insulin sensitivities between two or more groups. What remains a challenge is to decide the values above which …
Mixed-domain simulation of electrophoretic DNA separation for CMOS IC design

Electrophoretic separation is a key technology for DNA sequencing, environmental pathogen detection and identification, disease diagnostics, and proteomics. However, current electrophoresis systems are limited to laboratory benchtop applications due to cost and size. Even current chip-based electrophoresis systems require high voltages and are several centimeters in length, effectively preventing wide point-of-care and field use. A small (less than 1 cm), mass producible, low voltage (less than 5 V) electrophoretic system could move this powerful technology off the benchtop, out of the lab, and into wide use. A CMOS system on a chip has been proposed that would produce dynamic electric fields to dramatically reduce the operating voltages required for electrophoretic separation, and the fine resolution available in CMOS technology can be used to shorten the column lengths necessary for successful separation. Traditional circuit simulation is not suitable for a system that is characterized by electromagnetic fields and fluid behavior. A specialized mixed-domain simulation has been developed to determine the effectiveness of this system for DNA separation. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis has been shown to be a particularly useful method of DNA analysis for pathogen identification, and its use as a feasible method on the electrophoresis system is investigated.
Preferred Conformation of Serotonin and a Postulate on the Nature of its Receptor from Molecular Orbital Calculations

Using extended Huckel molecular orbital theory, the preferred conformation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) I has been calculated. The internitrogen distance was calculated to be 5.84 A. and the quaternary nitrogen to oxygen distance was calculated to be 6.96 A. The complementary features of the serotonin receptor are predicted and the relationship of serotonin in its preferred conformation to the serotonin antagonist, LSD, is noted as an explanation of LSD's antagonism.
Children Are Not Small Adults: Options for Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices

The number of children supported with ventricular assist devices (VADs) has grown rapidly over the last few years. VAD use in children holds the promise of improving the outcomes in pediatric end-stage heart failure; however, the risk–benefit profile inherent to VAD use is not uniform across all ages, sizes, and diagnoses. Device use in children has underscored a number of issues that distinguish pediatric and adult heart failure such as the high prevalence of complex congenital heart disease and the challenges inherent to supporting infants and small children. The use of VADs in children also raises a range of social, emotional, and logistic changes unique to children across the age spectrum.
A soft cube capable of controllable continuous jumping

Soft-bodied robots are designed to work in the physical world with a high compliance, while most of them lack in highly dynamic motion. In this paper, we present a soft-bodied jumping robot, which leverages its body's elasticity to achieve a highly dynamic passive bouncing motion after an active jumping motion. This robot has a cubic shape. It is covered by silicone foam, and each of its six faces has an opening to allow for jumping actuation. By winding up and releasing an elastic strip, the robot can jump in two directions at any orientation. We present the design, and fabrication process, and experimental results. By comparing this robot with a rigid version of the robot, we show that this soft-bodied robot can use a single jump to travel longer forward than its rigid counterpart.
Space-time adaptive processing bistatic airborne radar

In 1996, the United States Air Force initiated the Advanced Airborne Surveillance Program (AASP) to develop and demonstrate the detection performance of state-of-the-art multi-channel bistatic airborne radar technology. The AASP sensor utilizes a multi-channel, phased-array receiver, mounted on a BAC1-11 to collect and process bistatic radar returns from moving targets, clutter and jammers. The bistatic multi-channel airborne radar measurements (MCARM) data provides a good starting point in developing STAP algorithms for the AASP system. The steady exploitation of the MCARM data has yielded much insight into the performance of several STAP algorithms in various monostatic as well as bistatic scenarios. This paper describes the bistatic experiments and presents several results attesting to the applicability of STAP algorithms to the bistatic scenarios.
Ventilatory effects of specific carotid body hypocapnia and hypoxia in awake dogs

Smith, Curtis A., Craig A. Harms, Kathleen S. Henderson, and Jerome A. Dempsey. Ventilatory effects of specific carotid body hypocapnia and hypoxia in awake dogs. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(3): 791–798, ...
Calling the Court of Public Opinion to Order: A Critical Analysis of State of Florida v. Zimmerman

Vigilante. Wannabe cop. Creepy-ass cracker. These pejoratives are a small selection of a wide array of titles given to George Zimmerman, and they were repeated ad nauseam in the news media until Zimmerman's acquittal of second-degree murder. Although these words communicate concentrated vitriol toward Zimmerman, they are microcosms of the extent to which Zimmerman was impugned in the public eye. George Zimmerman will look over his shoulder for the rest of his life, having reentered a world where he is despised by many. Zimmerman was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion long before a verdict was returned in the Circuit Court of Seminole County, Florida.
Production, Characterization, and Deposition of Carbon Clusters

We have developed a new cluster ion source that can generate intense beams of metal and semiconductor clusters of a very wide-size range. With the source, we have observed intense beams of carbon clusters with mean cluster sizes of up to 4000 atoms/clusters. However, we have found that for generating small fullerenes, such as C60 and C70, the recently discovered technique by Kraetschmer et al. is much more efficient. By improving the technique, we have generated gram quantities of C60 and C70 and systematically investigated their thermal desorption properties. During the heating process, we have discovered that at high temperatures the bulk fullerenes, fullerite, transformed to another form of carbon, which still evaporates at temperatures above 700 C, but does not dissolve in benzene.
Effect of In as Surfactant on the Growth of AlN/GaN Distributed Bragg Reflectors by Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Nitride based Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) have several important applications in current nitride based optoelectronic devices. DBRs can be implemented in resonant cavity light emitting diodes (RCLEDs) to improve light extraction and obtain a more directional emission and in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) to achieve a lower threshold current. Due the large contrast in refractive index, AlN/GaN DRBs are practical for obtaining high reflectivity and wide bandwidth using relatively few periods. Cracking of the samples is typical for AlN/GaN DRBs due to the tensile strain which results from the 2.4% lattice mismatch and to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients. In addition to cracks, v-shaped defects may also arise in the surface due to surface undulation from stored elastic misfit strain or from threading dislocations that result in scattering and diffraction. Several techniques to reduce the number of cracks and defects have been investigated to obtain smooth surface morphology and high reflectivity, e.g. superlattices to reduce the strain or the growth of AlInGaN/GaN DBRs that offer less lattice mismatch but also lower refractive index contrast. In this work, results of the use of Indium (In) as a surfactant in Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) will be discussed. This study addresses AlN/GaN DBR structures designed for peak reflectivity around 465 nm. During the AlN layers’ growth, trimethylindium was introduced to the system and resulted in a reduction of surface cracks. Results of growths at In flow rates are reported and discussed.
Developing Test Methodology to Identify Intrinsic Biomarkers in Biological Models Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

A label-free non-contact test methodology utilizing fiber-optic-based Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been developed to identify potential biomarkers in cellular systems, which could be associated with disease processes or therapeutic effectiveness. As a biological in-vitro model, different metabolically active cell lines were considered in this study. FTIR absorption spectra of aggressive human glioblastoma (brain cancer) and human melanoma cell lines were compared to normal human skin fibroblasts. A ∼25-cm−1 shift in the absorption peak was observed between normal (∼1153 cm−1) and malignant cell lines (∼1177 cm−1). Furthermore, the addition of 30% H2O2 to normal skin cells produced a similar 25-cm−1 shift in the 1153-cm−1 absorption peak from the normal cells to the 1177 cm−1 found in the malignant cells, thus implicating the presence of large endogenous levels of oxidizers such as H2O2 within the cancer cells which could be responsible in producing this particular peak shift. The observed differences in the absorption spectra between normal and cancer cell lines could potentially be used to identify biomarkers within the absorption wavenumber range of 900–1300 cm−1 (7.7–11.1 μm wavelength range).
Grain boundary complexions in multicomponent alloys: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract Grain boundaries (GBs) can undergo first-order or continuous phase-like transitions, which are called complexion transitions. Such GB transitions can cause abrupt changes in transport and physical properties, thereby critically influencing sintering, grain growth, creep, embrittlement, electrical/thermal/ionic conductivity, and a broad range of other materials properties. Specifically, the presence of multiple dopants and impurities can significantly alter the GB complexion formation and transition. This article reviews and discusses several GB adsorption (segregation) and prewetting/premelting type complexion models in multicomponent alloys, in which the interactions among multiple adsorbates not only provide a route to control GB properties but also produce novel phenomena. Specifically, various ternary GB diagrams, including both GB adsorption complexion diagrams with well-defined transition lines calculated from a lattice model (without considering interfacial disordering) and GB λ diagrams that predict useful trends for average general GBs to disorder at high temperatures and related sintering phenomena, are constructed to quantitatively describe the GB behaviors as functions of bulk compositions. Finally, we propose a new opportunity of utilizing “high-entropy GB complexions” to stabilize nanocrystalline alloys.
Long-term selection for litter size in swine results in shifts in allelic frequency in regions involved in reproductive processes.

High-density genotype data were analyzed in three lines of swine that express substantial variation in sow fertility to uncover regions of the genome potentially influenced during selection for litter size traits. The experimental lines examined include the Nebraska Index Line (NIL), which has been subjected to long-term selection for litter size; a control line derived from the same population that founded NIL; and a commercial Duroc × Hampshire (D × H) population, in which no selection for litter size was practiced. Regions of the genome potentially affected by selection for litter size traits in NIL were determined by multiple lines of evidence, including altered allelic frequency compared to the other lines, loss of heterozygosity and relative extended haplotype homozygosity. Additionally, a genome-wide association study for litter size traits was conducted in a population based on NIL and commercial maternal line genetics. Several genomic regions identified as putative signatures of selection overlapped with QTL for litter size traits. One of these regions, located on SSC2 (13-14 Mb), includes the candidate gene P2X3R, which plays a role in implantation and sustained release of hormones associated with reproductive processes. Sequencing identified synonymous SNPs in P2X3R that are fixed in NIL but polymorphic with nearly equal frequencies in the D × H line, indicating a potential role of P2X3R in sow fertility. These results suggest that data derived from these lines can help to uncover and understand a portion of the genetic variance associated with fertility traits in swine.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Measure of Comprehensive Airman Fitness

ABSTRACTThe U.S. Air Force has committed significant resources to implementing policies and programs consistent with the Department of Defense's concept of total force fitness. A 12-item measure of Comprehensive Airman Fitness was proposed and empirically examined, using component measures of mental fitness, physical fitness, social fitness, and spiritual fitness from the Support and Resiliency Inventory. Results confirm that the components of airman fitness can be conceptualized as pieces of a total fitness construct and that the measure is invariant across subgroups. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, and an agenda for future research is presented.
An item response theory evaluation of the young mania rating scale and the montgomery-asberg depression rating scale in the systematic treatment enhancement program for bipolar disorder (STEP-BD)

Abstract Background The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) are among the most widely used outcome measures for clinical trials of medications for Bipolar Disorder (BD). Nonetheless, very few studies have examined the measurement characteristics of the YMRS and MADRS in individuals with BD using modern psychometric methods. The present study evaluated the YMRS and MADRS in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP-BD) study using Item Response Theory (IRT). Methods Baseline data from 3716 STEP-BD participants were available for the present analysis. The Graded Response Model (GRM) was fit separately to YMRS and MADRS item responses. Differential item functioning (DIF) was examined by regressing a variety of clinically relevant covariates (e.g., sex, substance dependence) on all test items and on the latent symptom severity dimension, within each scale. Results Both scales: 1) contained several items that provided little or no psychometric information, 2) were inefficient, in that the majority of item response categories did not provide incremental psychometric information, 3) poorly measured participants outside of a narrow band of severity, 4) evidenced DIF for nearly all items, suggesting that item responses were, in part, determined by factors other than symptom severity. Limitations Limited to outpatients; DIF analysis only sensitive to certain forms of DIF. Conclusions The present study provides evidence for significant measurement problems involving the YMRS and MADRS. More work is needed to refine these measures and/or develop suitable alternative measures of BD symptomatology for clinical trials research.
Introduction to Material Modeling

As engineers, we seek to develop mathematical models that allow us to predict a system's response to external stimuli. For example, one might want to predict the strain that results when an object is subjected to a set of prescribed forces. In this text, we will discuss the development of a set of equations that describe the relationship between applied forces, thermodynamic variables, and deformation. The procedure presented for building a practical model of a material system consists of four major steps. First, we must identify the forces, fields, and thermodynamic variables that we would like to model. For example, we might be interested in modeling the material's response to changes in temperature and electric field. In nature, there are many forces and fields which influence the behavior of materials. A model that captures the coupling between all of these fields would be exceedingly complex. Instead, we must select the forces and field which are of primary interest or restrict the applicability of the mathematical model to a narrow range of external forces to simplify the model. Second, the balance laws and constitutive model must be formulated given the relevant variables and material characteristics determined in step one. The result of this second step is a set of mathematical equations describing the connections between the selected forces and fields in the given material system. Third, a strategy for parameterizing the constitutive model must be developed.
The intricate regulation and complex functions of the Class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase Vps34

The Class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase Vps34 (vacuolar protein sorting 34) plays important roles in endocytic trafficking, macroautophagy, phagocytosis, cytokinesis and nutrient sensing. Recent studies have provided exciting new insights into the structure and regulation of this lipid kinase, and new cellular functions for Vps34 have emerged. This review critically examines the wealth of new data on this important enzyme, and attempts to integrate these findings with current models of Vps34 signalling.
Inherent Difficulties in Hail Probability Prediction

The difficulties in hail prediction are discussed with reference to a set of conditions thought to be necessary and sufficient for the production of large hail. These conditions are abstracted from diagnostic studies with a numerical cloud model which includes hydrometeor growth by vapor deposition and stochastic collection, hail embryo formation by drop freezing, and hail embryo injection. The physical reasoning, including the major assumptions and limitations of the early prediction methods and recent numerical models are reviewed and the necessity for more explicit condensation and ice forming nuclei measurements is discussed.
Biowheel: interactive visualization and exploration of biomedical data

We introduce Biowheel (https://biowheel.dibsvis.com/), a web-based award-winning data visualization tool, for exploring high-dimensional and heterogeneous biomedical data. Through interactive sorting and filtering of data, Biowheel enables researchers to quickly detect data outliers, evaluate data consistency, and discover mixed trends. Its interactive data presentation, visually-engaging design, and friendly user interface opens the door to easier, faster and better high-dimensional data interpretation for biomedical professionals with and without programming training.
Intestinal commensal bacteria mediate lung mucosal immunity and promote resistance of newborn mice to infection

Immature mucosal defenses contribute to increased susceptibility of newborn infants to pathogens. Sparse knowledge of age-dependent changes in mucosal immunity has hampered improvements in neonatal morbidity because of infections. We report that exposure of neonatal mice to commensal bacteria immediately after birth is required for a robust host defense against bacterial pneumonia, the leading cause of death in newborn infants. This crucial window was characterized by an abrupt influx of interleukin-22 (IL-22)-producing group 3 innate lymphoid cells (IL-22+ILC3) into the lungs of newborn mice. This influx was dependent on sensing of commensal bacteria by intestinal mucosal dendritic cells. Disruption of postnatal commensal colonization or selective depletion of dendritic cells interrupted the migratory program of lung IL-22+ILC3 and made the newborn mice more susceptible to pneumonia, which was reversed by transfer of commensal bacteria after birth. Thus, the resistance of newborn mice to pneumonia relied on commensal bacteria-directed ILC3 influx into the lungs, which mediated IL-22-dependent host resistance to pneumonia during this developmental window. These data establish that postnatal colonization by intestinal commensal bacteria is pivotal in the development of the lung defenses of newborns.
Cost-effectiveness of Gene Expression Classifier Testing of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules Utilizing a Real Cohort Comparator.

ObjectiveTo predict the cost-effectiveness of implementing routine gene expression classifier testing for thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration cytology, by utilizing a real coh...
Low Indeterminate Rates Associated With Use of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Long-term Infliximab.

Background Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are linked with increased risk of reactivation of active tuberculosis. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test is approved for screening latent tuberculosis infection in children and adults. There are limited data on the test performance in children on long-term treatment with TNF-α inhibitors. The objective of this study was to assess the proportion of indeterminate results for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on long-term infliximab treatment and to evaluate the range of interferon-γ responses to mitogen. Methods A single-center prospective study of children 5 to 19 years of age with IBD on long-term infliximab treatment (>3 months). Each child was assessed for tuberculosis exposure risk and had blood drawn for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube. Data on the range of interferon-γ responses and final QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test results were collected. Results Ninety-three children were included, with a median age of 16 years. The median total duration of infliximab therapy was 34 months (range, 3-119 months). The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube was indeterminate in 1 patient (1.1%), positive in 2 patients, and negative in 90 patients. The maximum interferon-γ response to mitogen (10 IU/mL) was observed in 82 patients (88%), with only 1 patient having an inadequate response. The proportion of indeterminate results was significantly lower than the prospectively hypothesized rate of 8%, based on prior studies in nonimmunosuppressed patients (P = 0.004). Conclusions Pediatric patients with IBD on long-term treatment with infliximab had an adequate interferon-γ response to mitogen and a low indeterminate rate when assessed with the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test. This study demonstrates a robust interferon gamma response to phytohemagglutinin stimulation in a pediatric population on long-term therapy with infliximab. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test may therefore be useful as a periodic screening tactic for latent TB in children on long-term infliximab therapy.
Compressing two ways: the initial study of an underwater inflatable co-prime sonar array (UICSA)

In many scientific and defense surveillance missions, reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of sensing systems is critical to accomplishing the intended objectives. At the backend, compressive sensing (CS) has been widely adopted to maintain the signal fidelity with less measurements, thereby reducing the hardware complexity. On the other hand, SWaP reduction can also be achieved with intelligent mechanical design. In this paper, we discuss a novel system concept, namely, Underwater Inflatable Co-prime Sonar Array (UICSA), which provides SWaP compression on two fronts. First, the sonar array is implemented as an inflatable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure, which is a folded package with compact stowed dimension. The folded package can be detached from a carrying platform and it can morph into its final structure form at the destination. Second, a sparse array configuration, namely, a co-prime array, is employed, which can resolve a much higher number of sources compared to a conventional uniform half-wavelength spaced array for a given number of sensors. The integration of these two concepts leads to a simulatenous reduction in the stowed dimension of the sonar array and the number of employed hydrophones. We describe the development of a UICSA prototype and provide underwater source direction-of-arrival estimates obtained using initial datasets acquired with the developed prototype.
Statistics: Essential Now More Than Ever

Each year, the Journal of the American Statistical Association publishes the presidential address from the Joint Statistical Meetings. Here, we present the 2017 address verbatim save for the additi...
Controlled Rest in Position (CRIP): Consumer Perceptions in the United States

Controlled rest in position (CRIP) has been suggested as a viable countermeasure to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the ongoing efforts to combat in-flight pilot fatigue. It is already in use in other parts of the world; however, it is not currently permitted in the United States. While expert opinion suggested it poses little threat to flight safety, with valuable returns in terms of improved crew alertness and performance, there is some doubt about the level of consumer buy-in. This study completed a preliminary investigation into overall consumer willingness to fly, in the use of CRIP procedures in the United States. Two studies were completed to examine consumer perceptions toward the use of CRIP. It was found in both studies that male and female participants were less willing to fly when CRIP was used. Additionally, female participants were less willing than their male counterparts in both the control and experimental condition. In the second study, affect measures were collected and found to completely mediate the relationship between the use of CRIP and consumers’ willingness to fly. Findings may provide both regulators and airlines data that could aid in their decision-making processes as it relates to implementing such practices in the United States.
Proceedings of the 6th annual workshop on Wireless of the students, by the students, for the students

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2014 Wireless of the Students, by the Students, for the Students Workshop -- S3'14. This year's workshop continues the tradition of providing a unique forum for students in all types of mobile and wireless research---from theory to practice and everywhere in between---to freely exchange ideas in a student-centric venue. The mission of the workshop is to foster early-career development among students and expose them to an academic life, providing a venue for exchanging ideas and experience organizing and running a workshop. S3 has traditionally featured invited papers, posters, and demos from students around the world. This year, we received submissions from Asia, Europe, and the United States. The program covers a variety of wireless topics, from localization to network performance to mobile applications and more. In addition, the program includes a panel on early-career research in industry and academia and two keynote speeches from academic and industry leaders. This year's program continues the tradition of five-minute "madness" talks on crazy ideas in mobile and wireless.
Health and distance to healthcare in Papua New Guinea

This study uses household survey data from 2009 to 2010 merged together with geospatial data from the United Nations on health facilities to examine the association between distance to healthcare facilities, health, and healthcare usage in Papua New Guinea, one of the most isolated and rural countries in the world. Greater distance from healthcare facilities reduces access to healthcare by presenting transportation challenges and is expected to reduce both healthcare usage and individual health. Results from multivariate regression analysis suggest distance is a detracting factor, although other factors such as education, socioeconomic status, and access to resources matter more.