cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization, chain mobility, and thermal properties of the hydrophilic poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) colloids

An amphiphilic colloidal copolymer containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) and sodium acrylate at different compositions was prepared by a free-emulsion polymerization method with potassium persulfate as an initiator, and it was then doped in HCl solution to obtain the acid form poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) (PMMAA) copolymer. The copolymers were characterized by means of gel permeation chromatography, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, infrared spectra, and differential scanning calorimeter. The copolymers have only a single, and nearly constant, glass transition temperature of 124°C, at which there is no observable effect on the structure of the copolymer. The monomer reactivity ratios rNaAA and rMMA were rNaAA = 1.06, rMMA = 0.70 and rNaAA = 1.02, and rMMA = 0.63 estimated respectively by using the classical Fineman-Ross and the Kelen-Tudos methods. The results revealed that the copolymer had a tendency towards the formation of small acrylic acid blocks that have very short segments of MMA. The proton spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame T indicated single composition-dependent for all copolymers, which imply dynamic homogeneity and a good miscibility with chain dynamics on the upper spatial scale of 3 nm existed in the PMMAA copolymer. An increase of the thermal stability of the copolymers was shown from the apparent activation energy of the thermal degradation process for the copolymers relative to the homopolymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 29:37–44, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interactions of climatic factors affecting milk yield and composition.

Abstract Objectives were to evaluate effects of interactions of maximum temperature, minimum relative humidity, and solar radiation on milk yield and constituent traits. Effects of climate variables and their interactions were significant but small in most cases. Second order regression models were developed for several variables. Six were examined in detail: Holstein and Jersey milk yields, Holstein fat and Feulgen-DNA reflectance percent, and Jersey protein percent and yield. Maximum temperature had greatest influence on each response, followed by minimum relative humidity and solar radiation. Optimum conditions for milk production were at maximum temperatures below 19.4°C, increasing solar radiation, and minimum relative humidity between 33.4 and 78.2% (cool sunny days, moderate humidity). Maximum Holstein fat percent of 3.5% was predicted for maximum temperatures below 30.8°C, minimum relative humidity below 89%, and solar radiation below 109 Langleys; actual mean Holstein fat percent was 3.35%. Optimum climatic conditions for Jersey protein percent were at maximum temperature of 10.6°C with solar radiation at 300 Langleys and relative humidity at 16% (cool sunny days, low humidity). Because noteworthy interactions existed between climate effects, response surface methodology was suitable for determining optimum climatic conditions for milk production.
Feature selection for real-time tracking

We address the problem of selecting features to improve automated video tracking of targets that undergo multiple mutual occlusions. As targets are occluded, different feature subsets and combinations of those features are effective in identifying the target and improving tracking performance. We use Combinatorial Fusion Analysis to develop a metric to dynamically select which subset of features will produce the most accurate tracking. In particular we show that the combination of a pair of features A and B will improve the accuracy only if (a) A and B have relative high performance, and (b) A and B are diverse. We present experimental results to illustrate the performance of the proposed metric.
Formal Verification of Hardware Support for Advanced Encryption Standard

The advanced encryption standard (AES), approved by National Institute of Standards and Technology, specifies a cryptographic algorithm that can be used to protect electronic data. The next generation of Intel micro-processor introduces a set of instructions known as AES-NI, that promises multi-folded acceleration of the AES encryption and decryption process. In this paper, we report about the formal verification of hardware support for these new instructions. The verification is based on use of symbolic trajectory evaluation that lies at the base of formal verification methodology used by Intel Corporation. To our knowledge, this is the first formal verification of AES hardware support.
Designing Clinical Trials in Acute Kidney Injury

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AKI secondary to ischemia, sepsis, and nephrotoxins are receiving increasing attention as the effects of AKI on hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality and on the acceleration of CKD progression to ESRD are becoming better illuminated. Numerous studies have
PAH1-encoded Phosphatidate Phosphatase Plays a Role in the Growth Phase- and Inositol-mediated Regulation of Lipid Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the synthesis of phospholipids in the exponential phase of growth occurs at the expense of the storage lipid triacylglycerol. As exponential phase cells progress into the stationary phase, the synthesis of triacylglycerol occurs at the expense of phospholipids. Early work indicates a role of the phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) in this metabolism; the enzyme produces the diacylglycerol needed for the synthesis of triacylglycerol and simultaneously controls the level of phosphatidate for the synthesis of phospholipids. Four genes (APP1, DPP1, LPP1, and PAH1) encode PAP activity in yeast, and it has been unclear which gene is responsible for the synthesis of triacylglycerol throughout growth. An analysis of lipid synthesis and composition, as well as PAP activity in various PAP mutant strains, showed the essential role of PAH1 in triacylglycerol synthesis throughout growth. Pah1p is a phosphorylated enzyme whose in vivo function is dependent on its dephosphorylation by the Nem1p-Spo7p protein phosphatase complex. nem1Δ mutant cells exhibited defects in triacylglycerol synthesis and lipid metabolism that mirrored those imparted by the pah1Δ mutation, substantiating the importance of Pah1p dephosphorylation throughout growth. An analysis of cells bearing PPAH1-lacZ and PPAH1-DPP1 reporter genes showed that PAH1 expression was induced throughout growth and that the induction in the stationary phase was stimulated by inositol supplementation. A mutant analysis indicated that the Ino2p/Ino4p/Opi1p regulatory circuit and transcription factors Gis1p and Rph1p mediated this regulation.
The engineering information system user interface management system (EIS-UIMS)

A user-interface management system (UIMS) is a system for developing and executing user interfaces. It provides design tools, human factors guidelines, definition languages, and run-time support for user-computer interfaces. The engineering information system (EIS) is the specification of a software framework providing services for accessing, controlling, managing, and exchanging design data and tools (into which organizations that use EIS place their own tools and databases). The authors describe the benefits of including a UIMS in a framework system such as EIS and present the EIS-UIMS concepts, model, and architecture. The two most important features of the UIMS are the separation of computational behavior from appearance and the provision of a script language that allows interface designers to represent the interface at a high level of abstraction, the user task level. The whole EIS program, including the UIMS activity, is currently in the design stage. >
Student Interaction and Learning in Small Groups

A key feature distinguishing cooperative settings from other learning settings is the opportunity for interaction among students. Yet, a look at the last several decades of research on classroom interaction and achievement reveals that researchers have only recently begun to devote much attention to interaction among students in cooperative groups. Recent studies of student interaction in small groups have uncovered some significant relationships between student interaction and achievement. Although some studies have produced significant results, the overall picture of the importance of student interaction in achievement is somewhat mixed. Part of the reason for the mixed picture is the generality of the measures of student interaction. Most studies have not used specific measures of student interaction that reflect the amount of elaboration contained in students’ interaction with one another. Further, the measures of student interaction used in most studies have typically reflected isolated behaviors rather than sequences of interaction among students.
Time to target haemoglobin concentration (11 g/dl)—risk of hospitalization and mortality among incident dialysis patients

Background. Haemoglobin levels < 11 g/dl are associated with increased costs, morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine if time required to reach 11 g/dl was associated with increased risk of hospitalization or death among incident dialysis patients. Methods. We studied 29 131 patients initiating dialysis in 2002 and surviving ≥9 months. Demographic, comorbid and health care use data were extracted from Medicare claims from months 4-9 post-dialysis initiation. Logistic regression was used to calculate a propensity score for odds of longer than mean time to target. Proportional hazard models were used to assess effects of longer time on hospitalization and death. Other models were stratified for quartile of propensity score. Results. Mean time to target haemoglobin was 1.3 months and 36% of participants required longer. These were more likely to be younger and minority, to use a dialysis catheter, and to have more comorbidity and hospitalization days during the entry period. Longer time to target was associated with increased risk for hospitalization (hazards ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.19) and mortality (1.26; 1.20-1.33) in the following year. Associations did not change when stratified by quartile of propensity score. Conclusions. Longer time required to reach the target haemoglobin level was associated with significantly higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. Whether observed associations resulted from residual confounding by more severe illness remains unclear. Future trials should determine if rapidity of haemoglobin correction influences outcomes.
Combined Kidney and Vascularized Total Bladder Transplantation: Experience in an Animal Model

Abstract Background Few reports have described a partial bladder graft with an en bloc kidney transplantation, mainly to facilitate reconstruction of the urinary tract, but also to augment the native bladder. The present study assessed the feasibility to graft vascularized total bladder in association with a renal transplantation. Methods The right kidney, in continuity with the ureter and the entire bladder, was retrieved from three female pigs weighing 20 g. The visceral bloc was transplanted to three recipient pigs of the same weight. The entire bladder was transplanted with its vascular connection to ensure a better blood supply. After 3 days of observation, one recipient was humanely killed to examine the bladder graft. Oxygen saturation in the bladder graft monitored for 8 hours was compared with the native bladder in the other two recipients. All three bladder grafts were examined by a pathologist. Results All bladder grafts seemed to be macroscopically well-perfused upon removal of the vascular clamps. In case 1, the recipient was clinically well with good urinary output over the first 2 days of observation; is contrast, on day 3 the animal displayed an acute reduced urinary output. Laparotomy on day 3 of observation showed recent thrombosis of the bladder and renal graft vessels. In cases 2 and 3, oxygen saturations of the bladder graft were normal during the 8-hour observation period, without any difference between the graft and the native bladder. Conclusions According to our results, vascularized total bladder transplantation is feasible. In combination with renal transplantation, it could be applied as an alternative to bladder augmentation or total bladder replacement.
Mesoproterozoic contractional orogeny in western North America: Evidence from ca. 1.4 Ga plutons

Kinematic data from cogenetic dikes, magmatic foliation, and high-temperature solid-state deformation observed in 1.4 Ga plutons and their aureoles in the southwestern United States show a synmagmatic strain regime involving regional contraction. We propose that these plutons were preferentially emplaced along Paleoproterozoic shear zones and province boundaries. Thermal softening of the middle crust (8-12 km) during intrusion allowed regional strain and pluton-enhanced metamorphism to be recorded as much as 1500 km inboard of the southern margin of Laurentia. We abandon the term "anorogenic" and instead view these plutons as recording compressional or transpressional plate-margin tectonism from 1.5 to 1.3 Ga along southern Laurentia. Further study of 1.4 Ga plutons may also offer insights into middle-crustal processes that occur in broad zones of transpressional deformation.
Modelling the measurement of thoracic tissue impedance layers with local electrode arrays

There is an interest to use small surface and implanted electrode arrays to measure muscle and lung tissue characteristics. Using a finite difference model of the thorax with 3.9 million control volumes created from MRI images, linear electrode arrays with up to 22 electrodes with spacing of approximately one cm were studied. The arrays were placed on the surface, between the fat and pectoral muscle and between the pectoral muscle and the lung. Using lead field theory and sensitivity analysis, the contributions of the muscle, fat, and lung tissue to the total impedance were determined for various combinations of current excitation pairs and voltage pick up electrodes. For the surface electrode array the maximum contribution of the muscle was approximately 36% and for the lung 9%. If an isolated electrode array is place over pectoral muscle the maximum contribution of the muscle is approximately 73% and the lung 13%. If an insulated (fat side) electrode array is placed over the pectoral muscle the maximum muscle contribution is 90% and the lung 14% which occurs at different electrode spacing. The maximum values for the different tissues do not occur with the same spacing.
One-Dimensional Colloidal Gold and Silver Nanostructures

One-dimensional (1-D) metallic nanoscale materials have long been of interest to many groups of scientists. Within the last 2 decades, great advances in the synthesis of metallic nanorods and nanowires have been made, with a variety of templating methods. More recently, bottom-up chemical syntheses of these materials have become increasingly reported in the literature. This Forum Article describes the synthesis, physical properties, and potential applications of 1-D metals, with an emphasis on silver and gold derived from studies in the authors' laboratories.
Prediction and control of departure runway balancing at Dallas/Fort Worth airport

At many airports, aircraft take off from multiple departure runways. During periods of high departure demand, whether or not the departure runways are balanced directly affects the capacity and efficiency of the airport. The paper begins by investigating the cause of runway imbalances. Homogeneity in the direction of flight during a departure push and the procedures for runway assignments are demonstrated to be the primary source of departure runway imbalances. Second, the paper studies how well departure runways are currently balanced. A method for reconstructing the departure queues that existed at each runway is presented along with results from applying the method. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) airport is used as a case study throughout the paper. Finally, the paper introduces automation concepts that will reduce the occurrence and impact of imbalanced departure runways, by providing this information along with traffic management advisories.
Effects of exercise on macrophage activation for antitumor cytotoxicity

Recent evidence suggests that exercise affects macrophage functions and that amount of exercise may be important. We determined effects of moderate (MOD) and exhaustive treadmill running (EXH) on 1...
Bio-inspired optical polymers

Nanolayered polymer films were used to construct materials whose properties mimic bio-optic systems found in nature. The nanolayered structures have the unique ability to control the index gradient profile in three dimensions.
Application of ECH to the Study of Transport in ITER Baseline Scenario-like Discharges in DIII-D

Recent DIII-D experiments in the ITER Baseline Scenario (IBS) have shown strong increases in fluctuations and correlated reduction of confinement associated with entering the electron-heating-dominated regime with strong electron cyclotron heating (ECH). The addition of 3.2 MW of 110 GHz EC power deposited at � ~0.42 to IBS discharges with ~3 MW of neutral beam injection causes large increases in low-k and medium-k turbulent density fluctuations observed with Doppler backscatter (DBS), beam emission spectroscopy (BES) and phase-contrast imaging (PCI) diagnostics, correlated with decreases in the energy, particle, and momentum confinement times. Power balance calculations show the electron heat diffusivitye increases significantly in the mid-radius region 0.4<� <0.8, which is roughly the same region where the DBS and BES diagnostics show the increases in turbulent density fluctuations. Confinement of angular momentum is also reduced during ECH. Studies with the TGYRO transport solver show that the model of turbulent transport embodied in the TGLF code quantitatively reproduces the measured transport in both the neutral beam (NB)-only and in the NB plus EC cases. A simple model of the decrease in toroidal rotation with EC power is set forth, which exhibits a bifurcation in the rotational state of the discharge.
Three Decades of Overstory and Species Change in a Mixed Mesophytic Forest in Eastern Kentucky

Abstract The objectives of this study were to document changes, between 1971 and 1999, in overstory vegetation structure and composition at Lilley Cornett Woods (LCW), an old-growth mixed mesophytic forest in eastern Kentucky. Similar to other old-growth forests, overstory density (284 to 347 trees/ha) and basal area (26.4 to 29.9 m2/ha) have significantly increased during this time. The increase in density was primarily due to recruitment into the smallest overstory diameter-class (12.5–30.0 cm). Six species have comprised over 60% of total overstory importance since 1971; Fagus grandifolia has remained the most important species. The overstory composition in 1999 was not similar to 1971 (C = 63.4%) as several changes have occurred during the 28-year period, including increases in the importance of maples and eastern hemlock and decreases in oaks. These trends are consistent with other reports in the eastern United States.
Nutrient loading alters the performance of key nutrient exchange mutualisms

Nutrient exchange mutualisms between phototrophs and heterotrophs, such as plants and mycorrhizal fungi or symbiotic algae and corals, underpin the functioning of many ecosystems. These relationships structure communities, promote biodiversity and help maintain food security. Nutrient loading may destabilise these mutualisms by altering the costs and benefits each partner incurs from interacting. Using meta-analyses, we show a near ubiquitous decoupling in mutualism performance across terrestrial and marine environments in which phototrophs benefit from enrichment at the expense of their heterotrophic partners. Importantly, heterotroph identity, their dependence on phototroph-derived C and the type of nutrient enrichment (e.g. nitrogen vs. phosphorus) mediated the responses of different mutualisms to enrichment. Nutrient-driven changes in mutualism performance may alter community organisation and ecosystem processes and increase costs of food production. Consequently, the decoupling of nutrient exchange mutualisms via alterations of the world's nitrogen and phosphorus cycles may represent an emerging threat of global change.
Mutations of Conserved Residues in the Major Homology Region Arrest Assembling HIV-1 Gag as a Membrane-Targeted Intermediate Containing Genomic RNA and Cellular Proteins

ABSTRACT The major homology region (MHR) is a highly conserved motif that is found within the Gag protein of all orthoretroviruses and some retrotransposons. While it is widely accepted that the MHR is critical for assembly of HIV-1 and other retroviruses, how the MHR functions and why it is so highly conserved are not understood. Moreover, consensus is lacking on when HIV-1 MHR residues function during assembly. Here, we first addressed previous conflicting reports by confirming that MHR deletion, like conserved MHR residue substitution, leads to a dramatic reduction in particle production in human and nonhuman primate cells expressing HIV-1 proviruses. Next, we used biochemical analyses and immunoelectron microscopy to demonstrate that conserved residues in the MHR are required after assembling Gag has associated with genomic RNA, recruited critical host factors involved in assembly, and targeted to the plasma membrane. The exact point of inhibition at the plasma membrane differed depending on the specific mutation, with one MHR mutant arrested as a membrane-associated intermediate that is stable upon high-salt treatment and other MHR mutants arrested as labile, membrane-associated intermediates. Finally, we observed the same assembly-defective phenotypes when the MHR deletion or conserved MHR residue substitutions were engineered into Gag from a subtype B, lab-adapted provirus or Gag from a subtype C primary isolate that was codon optimized. Together, our data support a model in which MHR residues act just after membrane targeting, with some MHR residues promoting stability and another promoting multimerization of the membrane-targeted assembling Gag oligomer. IMPORTANCE The retroviral Gag protein exhibits extensive amino acid sequence variation overall; however, one region of Gag, termed the major homology region, is conserved among all retroviruses and even some yeast retrotransposons, although the reason for this conservation remains poorly understood. Highly conserved residues in the major homology region are required for assembly of retroviruses; however, when these residues are required during assembly is not clear. Here, we used biochemical and electron microscopic analyses to demonstrate that these conserved residues function after assembling HIV-1 Gag has associated with genomic RNA, recruited critical host factors involved in assembly, and targeted to the plasma membrane but before Gag has completed the assembly process. By revealing precisely when conserved residues in the major homology region are required during assembly, these studies resolve existing controversies and set the stage for future experiments aimed at a more complete understanding of how the major homology region functions.
Competition and host size mediate larval anuran interactions with trematode parasites

Summary How parasites influence individual host traits and survival often depends on the ecological context of the host–parasite interaction, such as the presence of competitors or predators and trait variation among hosts. We examined the effects of three key components of ecological context – host density, size structure and predator cue – on interactions between larval frogs and trematode parasites (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in mesocosms. We found that effects of parasites on host growth could be either negative or positive, depending on host size and overall growth rate, but not on predator presence. A surprising positive effect of parasites on host growth under some conditions could represent an adaptive host life history response, whereby enhanced growth allows escape from a smaller, less tolerant size class that experiences more negative fitness effects of infection. Notably, only host size class was a strong predictor of infection intensity, but not host density or predator cue. Overall, these results suggest that parasitism, competition and host size interact to influence host fitness. Ecological context thus mediates the interactions between parasites and their hosts, with implications for parasite effects in nature.
The Princeton Dynamic Model Track

steady flight motions using models. Qfus 9 + Yaw angle, positive nose right A carriage-track system fulfilled the design objective. The carriage motion is slaved to the model motion by servomechanisms and does not restrain the model in the degrees of freedom of interest. The speed range of the apparatus is equivalent to 0 to 65 knots for a one-tenth scale dynamic M Pitching moment, positive nose up
Water Quality Survey and Evaluation in the Backwater Area of the Pengxi River in the Three Gorges Reservoir

Since the first impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir in 2004,algal blooms have broken out for several times in the Pengxi River,the largest tributary on the north shore of the reservoir area.In order to evaluate water quality in the backwater area of the Pengxi River and analyze the causes of eutrophication,water quality in the backwater area of the Pengxi River was monitored from 2007 to 2009 and evaluated based on Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water(GB3838-2002) of China and Carlson Trofic State Index.It was found that the concentrations of total nitrogen(TN) and total phosphorus(TP) in the Pengxi River were high and eutrophication or serious eutrophication of the water body was detected all the year round.The situation in Shuangjiang Bridge Ferry was more serious than that in Gaoyang and Quma Ferries.Concentrations of TN and dissolved oxygen(DO) showed no obvious trend of variation with seasons,while the concentration of TP,chlorophyll a(Chla) and secchi depth(SD) exhibited a pronounced seasonal fluctuation.In addition,concentration of TP and Chla in summer and fall were higher than in winter and spring,while SD showed an opposite tendency.According to this study,the concentration of TP is the major cause of eutrophication and non-point source pollution is the main source of TP in the backwater area in the Pengxi.
A novel AC-to-DC adaptor with ultra-high power density and efficiency

This paper proposes a novel ac-to-dc adaptor circuit with ultra-high power density and efficiency, which is based on a two-stage topology, consists of a bridgeless boost converter followed by a LLC converter. The bridgeless boost converter is in charge of regulating output voltage and minimizing bulk capacitor, while the LLC converter is operated as a dc transformer (DCX) and plays a role of providing isolated voltage step-down, maximizing circuit efficiency and simplifying the control circuit. Furthermore, in order to achieve ultra-high power density and high efficiency, the proposed circuit applies gallium nitride (GaN) devices and planar transformer, while operates the circuit to around 1MHz to shrink both the sizes of EMI filter and magnetic components. By applying the proposed circuit, both the features of high performance and compact volume could be achieved; up to 44.22W/in3 power density and 94% efficiency are obtained from a 65W ac-to-dc adaptor prototype.
Mechanistic understanding of calcium–phosphonate solid dissolution and scale inhibitor return behavior in oilfield reservoir: formation of middle phase

Phosphonates are an important class of mineral scale inhibitors used for oilfield scale control. By injecting the phosphonate into an oilfield reservoir, calcium–phosphonate precipitate will form and subsequently release the phosphonate into produced water for scale control. In this study, a systematic procedure is developed to mechanistically characterize an acidic calcium–phosphonate amorphous material that is later developed into a middle phase and eventually a crystalline phase. The phosphonate used in this study is diethylenetriamine pentakis (methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP). An amorphous calcium–DTPMP solid is precipitated by mixing a calcium-containing solution with a DTPMP solution. The stoichiometry of this initially formed solid can be experimentally confirmed via a static dissolution test. Following another dynamic development test, two additional Ca–DTPMP solid phases, i.e., a middle phase and a crystalline phase have been observed. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the morphology and crystallinity of different Ca–DTPMP solids of interest. Evidently, the dynamic brine flushing of the Ca–DTPMP solid developed the initially amorphous material into a middle phase solid with an amorphous/microcrystalline structure and eventually into a crystalline material. Furthermore, a dissolution characterization study was carried out to determine the solubility product of the middle phase solid at different conditions. The obtained mechanistic understanding of the Ca–DTPMP solid related to precipitation chemistry, dissolution behavior and phase transition is critical to elucidate oilfield DTPMP return data and more importantly, can optimize the oilfield scale squeeze design to achieve an extended squeeze lifetime.
A Web-based laboratory for distance-learning engineering students

AbstractIn this article, the author reports on a Web-based virtual engineering laboratory whose experiments can provide a contextual-learning environment for distance-education engineering students. The experiments require design, exploration, measurement, and interpretation, and include problems in statics, heat transfer, statistics, digital logic, robotics, and acoustics.
Radiation Exposure Sustained by Sonographers After Renal Scintigraphy

Renal scintigraphy complemented with sonography plays an important role in the management of renal transplant patients. When performing a renal sonogram shortly after the completion of a renal scan, the sonographer is exposed to potentially significant levels of radiation originating from the patient. To quantify this, we measured exposure rates up to 28 hrs postinjection in 5 renal transplant patients who underwent 6 studies with 20 mCi of technetium-99m DTPA. Whole body and hand exposure rates were 4.9 and 19.8 mR/hr, respectively. Since the radiation exposure of the sonographer who performs the study is significant, a table is provided for use as a guide for the maximum number of patients that could be studied and the maximum number of examination hr that can be accrued before the annual limits recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection are exceeded. Recommendations are given to reduce the exposure to as low as reasonably achievable.
Abstract 170: Protein Kinase C regulates alternative splicing transitions during heart development

Introduction: Highly conserved genetic and molecular pathways coordinate gene expression during heart development. Alternative splicing (AS) regulates gene expression by generating distinct spliced isoforms of proteins such that embryonic variants are expressed only in fetus but not in adult. Importantly, mutations that affect splicing of embryonic genes such as Nkx2.5 and GATA4 can lead to congenital heart defect. Although AS is critical for proper gene expression in developing heart, the signals that regulate AS are not well known. We have previously shown that Protein Kinase C α/β (PKCα/β) phosphorylates splicing regulator CELF1 that controls AS in heart, suggesting that PKC signaling could be responsible for AS regulation during heart development. Hypothesis: PKCα/β contributes to embryonic gene expression by regulating AS. Methods: We used H9c2 rat embryonic cell differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells and rat heart tissues at different stages of development to determine whether PKC is responsible for AS transitions. The localization and levels of proteins were assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine the splicing pattern of nine developmentally regulated genes using specific primers. Results: The results indicate that AS of developmentally important genes transitioned during rat heart development and H9c2 differentiation. PKCα/β regulated embryonic to neonatal AS transitions by phosphorylating splicing regulators CELF1 and Rbfox2. Blocking PKCα/β activity by bisindolylmaleimide IX reduced both the phosphorylation and protein levels of CELF1 and Rbfox2 with concurrent changes in AS transitions. Depletion of PKCα was sufficient to alter a subset of AS events by down-regulating CELF1 and Rbfox2 proteins. Finally, our data suggest that nuclear localization of PKCα/β at embryonic stages could be the mechanism for AS transitions and increased steady state levels of splicing regulators. Conclusions: Our results show that PKCα/β regulate splicing regulators and AS during heart development. Changes in PKCα/β subcellular localization is one of the determinants for embryonic to neonatal AS transitions in developing rat heart and during cardiomyocyte differentiation.
Impact of Targeted Assistance of Multiarticular Finger Musculotendons on the Coordination of Finger Muscles During Isometric Force Production

Neurological injuries often cause degraded motor control. While rehabilitation efforts typically focus on movement kinematics, abnormal muscle activation patterns are often the primary source of impairment. Muscle-based therapies are likely more effective than joint-based therapy. In this paper, we examined the feasibility of biomimetic input mimicking the action of human musculotendons in altering hand muscle coordination. Twelve healthy subjects produced a submaximal isometric dorsal fingertip force, while a custom actuator provided assistance mirroring the actions of either the extrinsic extensor or the intrinsic muscles of the index finger. The biomimetic inputs reduced the activation level of all task-related muscles, but the degree of change was different across the muscles, resulting in significant changes in their coordination (co-contraction ratios) and force-electromyography correlations. Each biomimetic assistance particularly increased the neural coupling between its targeted muscle and the antagonist muscle. Subjects appeared to fully take advantage of the assistance, as they provided minimal level of effort to achieve the task goal. The targeted biomimetic assistance may be used to retrain activation patterns post-stroke by effectively modulating connectivity between the muscles in the functional context and could be beneficial to restore hand function and reduce disability.
15N4-1,2,4,5-tetrazines as potential molecular tags: Integrating bioorthogonal chemistry with hyperpolarization and unearthing para-N2.

Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance (HP-MR) is a powerful, sensitive, and noninvasive approach to visualize molecular structure, function, and dynamics in vitro and in vivo. Current applications of HP-MR mostly rely on hyperpolarization of target compounds in dedicated hyperpolarizers because biomolecules can typically not be hyperpolarized directly in vivo. The injected hyperpolarized probes often undergo multiple metabolic pathways in living systems, and it remains challenging to localize and identify specific targets with high chemical selectivity. To address these current limitations in HP-MR, we report a novel hyperpolarization tagging strategy that integrates bioorthogonal chemistry and hyperpolarization to achieve the specific hyperpolarization of targets. This strategy is demonstrated by studies of hyperpolarized 15 N 4 -1,2,4,5-tetrazines, which undergo rapid and selective cycloaddition with cyclooctyne to provide hyperpolarized 15 N 2 -containing cycloaddition products and hyperpolarized 15 N 2 gas. This work not only suggests great potential of 15 N 4 -1,2,4,5-tetrazines as molecular tags in HP-MR imaging (HP-MRI) but also supports the production of hyperpolarized para - 15 N 2 gas, a biologically and medically innocuous gas with great potential for HP-MRI. This bioorthogonal reaction–based hyperpolarization tagging strategy enables a new class of in vitro and in vivo applications.
Automated Estimation of Standing Dead Tree Volume Using Voxelized Terrestrial Lidar Data

Standing dead trees (SDTs) are an important forest component and impact a variety of ecosystem processes, yet the carbon pool dynamics of SDTs are poorly constrained in terrestrial carbon cycling models. The ability to model wood decay and carbon cycling in relation to detectable changes in tree structure and volume over time would greatly improve such models. The specific objectives of this paper were to: 1) develop an automated SDT volume estimation algorithm providing accurate volume estimates for trees scanned with terrestrial lidar in dense forests; 2) assess the volume estimation algorithm’s accuracy with respect to large and small branches; and 3) characterize the impact of occlusion with regards to volume estimation accuracy and the ability of the algorithm to mitigate challenges posed by lower quality point clouds. A voxel-based volume estimation algorithm, “TreeVolX,” was developed and incorporates several methods designed to robustly process point clouds of varying quality levels. The algorithm operates on horizontal voxel slices by segmenting the slice into distinct branch or stem sections then applying an adaptive contour interpolation and interior filling process to create solid reconstructed tree models. The concept of vertical point cloud resampling is introduced to facilitate the modeling of lower quality point clouds with a small voxel size. TreeVolX estimated large and small branch volume with a root-mean-square error of 7.3% and 13.8%, respectively, and the adaptive contour interpolation was shown to significantly reduce volume estimation errors in the case of significantly occluded point clouds.
Human Rights, Anthropology of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by K. Hastrup, volume 10, pp. 7007–7012, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
There's a Dyin Voice Within Me Reaching Out Somewhere: How TJ Can Bring Voice to the Teaching of Mental Disability Law and Criminal Law

In this article, I discuss my historical involvement with therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ), how I use it in my classes (both in the free-standing TJ class and in all the others that I teach), its role in my written scholarship, and its role in conferences that I regularly attend. Although this is all positive and supportive of all efforts to widen the appeal of TJ as well as its applicability in the classroom, in scholarship and in “real life,” I also share some information that is far from optimistic with regard to the way that TJ is being reacted to by law students and law teachers. I am deeply saddened by this, but feel that this must also be “on the table” in any reflective conversation about TJ. I conclude that TJ adherents create strategies so that the substantive insights and perspectives contained in TJ-related scholarship become known to the legal academy and to practitioners in this area of law and policy. I also believe it is necessary to consider the adoption of TJ from a generational/career development perspective; what does the conventional scholarship/teaching mode say to both junior and senior law professors who want to do TJ-related work?
Detecting Signals of Associations Between Dietary Supplement Use and Mental Disorders from Twitter

In this study, we attempted to detect signals of association between dietary supplement use and mental disorders from Twitter. We collected tweets ranging from 2016 to 2017 which mention five dietary supplements. A case cohort of 257 users were identified by adapting a natural language processing method with further manually verified to have taken one supplement. We then randomly selected 257 users who had not taken any dietary supplement as the control cohort and compared the sentiment and mental health signals of their tweets to the case cohort. We have observed significant differences in the sad, anxious, and negative sentiment between the two cohorts. These results have shown that Twitter is a potential source for detecting signals of association between dietary supplement use and anxiety disorders, depression, and mood disorders.
Rude Milton: Gender, Sexuality, and the Missing Middle of Milton Studies

In the lead chapter, Erin Murphy investigates the belatedness of the queer turn in Milton criticism, with particular emphasis on missed opportunities for engagement with earlier critical trends and anti-homophobic scholarship. Leveraging what Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick famously termed “paranoid” and “reparative” modes of reading, Murphy begins exploring “the missing middle of Milton studies” by elucidating the untapped potential of previous feminist, historicist, and proto-queer work. Genealogies of this imagined Milton scholarship provide occasion for rethinking productive futures for queer critical interventions. In this spirit, Murphy examines Miltonic marriage and the queer possibilities in the Eros and Anteros passage in The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce. Murphy’s aim is a queerer Milton criticism which enables readings directed beyond the critical retrenchments dominating much previous Milton scholarship.
Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes Among Children With Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A Population-based Cohort Study in a California Health Network Between 2011 and 2016.

Background:Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is defined as an acute onset of limb weakness with longitudinal spinal gray matter lesions. Reporting bias and misdiagnosis confound epidemiologic studies of AFM. We mitigated these confounders by using a large data set to assess AFM incidence, risk factors an
The Role of Local Transition Councils in Rural Communities

The authors of this article present the role of a rural community transition council. They believe that the feasibility of developing a local transition council in a rural community depends upon an understanding of the context of rural communities and knowledge of the purpose and nature of transition councils. A rural transition council is feasible if there is commitment from all local stakeholders as to the mission or expected outcomes of the council and an understanding of the activities necessary to achieve them. Specific suggestions are provided on improving community cohesiveness and improving community capacity to develop and maintain transition services to youths with disabilities.
Improving patient engagement, adherence, and satisfaction in lung cancer surgery with implementation of a mobile device platform for patient reported outcomes

Background Active patient engagement may improve their perioperative experience and outcomes. We sought to evaluate the use of a mobile device application (App) for patient engagement and patient reported outcomes (PROs) assessment following robotic lung cancer surgery. Methods Patients with suspected lung cancer undergoing robotic resection between January-May 2019, were offered the SeamlessMD App, which was customized to meet requirements of the thoracic enhanced recovery pathway. The App guided patients through preoperative preparation, in-hospital recovery, and post-op discharge care with personalized reminders, task lists, education, progress tracking, and surveys. Results Fifty patients participated in the study (22.1%). Of the 50 patients, 20 (40%) patients completed the preoperative compliance survey, and 31 (62%) completed the hospital satisfaction survey. A total of 62 inpatient recovery checks were completed, identifying non-compliance with incentive spirometer use in 2 (3.2%) and patient worries about self-care after discharge in 18 (29%) instances. Postoperative health-checks were completed by 27 (54%) patients with a median of 3 [0-17] completed surveys per patient. Patient reported symptom scores up to 30 days after surgery, demonstrating a significant decrease maximum pain level (P=0.002) and anxiety scores (P<0.001). The App enabled health-checks improved confidence and decreased worries in over 80% of patients. Nine patients (40.9%) reported the health-checks helped avoid 1+ calls and 4 (18.2%) reported the App helped avoid 1+ visits to the hospital. Over 74% of patients reported the App was very or extremely useful in each of the preoperative, inpatient, and post-discharge settings. Conclusions A mobile device platform may serve as an effective mechanism to record perioperative PROs and satisfaction while facilitating patient-provider engagement in perioperative care.
#MDsToo: A student mistreatment prevention curriculum for faculty members and residents.

Background Medical student mistreatment has detrimental effects on student well-being and poses a patient safety risk, yet 40% of medical school graduates report being mistreated during their training. Unfortunately, this statistic has not changed significantly since 2013. The 'hidden curriculum' contributes to the pervasiveness of mistreatment in medical schools in the USA. The #MDsToo curriculum was developed to mitigate the effects of the hidden curriculum by sensitising faculty members and residents to mistreatment. Methods During the curriculum, participants are introduced to the KIND (knowledge-sharing, inclusive, non-discriminatory, developmentally appropriate) framework for modelling positive teacher-learner interactions and detecting mistreatment. Using KIND, faculty members and residents identify and categorise mistreatment in eight video cases depicting mistreatment, and reflect on their own experiences with mistreatment. Results Two hundred and forty-eight participants responded to a course survey. Most had experienced mistreatment. After the training, almost half stated that there were situations in the past that they did not recognize as mistreatment that they would now classify as mistreatment, and most stated that they were likely to report mistreatment now. Conclusion The #MDsToo curriculum may provide an effective design for mistreatment prevention training. Next steps include multi-institutional implementation and longitudinal outcome studies.
Clinical and histopathological features of pagetoid Spitz nevi of the thigh.

Background Pagetoid Spitz nevus is a rare subtype of Spitz nevus usually found on the lower extremities, particularly on the thigh of women. As a rare and under-recognized entity that can be misdiagnosed as melanoma, further characterization of clinical and histopathological features is needed to improve its recognition. Methods A retrospective analysis of all melanocytic neoplasms from the thigh diagnosed over a 3-year period. Results Fifty-five (15.4%) of the 357 melanocytic neoplasms on the thigh were Spitz nevi, the majority of them occurring in women (87.3%). Of the 55 Spitz nevi, 33 (60.0%) were pagetoid Spitz nevi, 14 (25.5%) were Reed nevi, and eight (14.5%) were conventional Spitz nevi. The mean age of patients with pagetoid Spitz nevi was 47.2, the majority being women (84.9%). Pagetoid Spitz nevi were small, with a mean histopathologic diameter of 4 mm, and often junctional (63.6%). Compared to Clark nevi of the thigh, pagetoid Spitz nevi comprised significantly more solitary melanocytes with a greater degree of scatter. Conclusions These results suggest that Spitz nevi and, in particular, pagetoid Spitz nevi constitute a significant percentage of nevi on the thigh. Previously reported benign clinical and histopathological features of pagetoid Spitz nevi are confirmed in this study.