cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling performance in observer theory

Abstract We propose a general framework for the study of perceptual capacities, a framework that encompasses theories of perceptual competence and models of perceptual performance. A competence theory of a perceptual capacity (such as stereo vision) describes that capacity in an idealized, information-processing sense, without regard for noise, limited resolution, or limited computational power. A performance model, by contrast, describes the effects of noise, limited resolution, and limited computational power on actual performance as measured in a laboratory. Our framework for studying both competence and performance extends the formal theory of perception known as observer theory. Observer theory provides a canonical form in which to state competence theories of perceptual capacities. This canonical form is called an observer. In this paper we link theories of perceptual competence with models of perceptual performance by constructing an extension to the definition of observer, an extension that we call a "performance extension." To illustrate how the performance extension can aid both the perceptual theorist and the experimental psychologist, we use the performance extension to analyze a psychophysical study of surface interpolation. Finally, we explore a connection between performance extensions and signal detection theory by showing how a signal detection rule can be derived from the performance extension.
X-ray tomography system, automation and remote access at beamline 2-BM of the advanced photon source

X-ray microtomography is an established tool for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of thick structures at micron scale. The fast microtomography system developed at beamline 2-BM of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) offers near video-rate acquisition of tomographic data at micrometer spatial resolution, pipelined processing, and 3D visualization. At its maximum throughput, the system can image hundreds of specimens per day. Every sample is fully analyzed within 2-3 minutes, giving the user immediate feedback on the quality of the results. The entire instrument, including the tomography setup, automatic sample loader, beamline, and a dedicated 32-node computer cluster for data analysis, is also remotely accessible via Access Grid (AG) technology giving a user full remote control of every aspect of the experiment. During the last year the 2-BM microtomography system has been extensively used to resolve the density distribution of biological and material samples at micrometer spatial resolution. The final results are usually presented as a 3D volume or as slices. The quasi-real-time feature of the system has been instrumental in several applications in both biological applications, where a statistical approach is needed to characterize a broad population of samples, and in material science, where time-dependent 3D sample evolution can be studied on practical time scales. In this paper we present the current beamline status and the latest experimental results.
Evolving standards and infrastructure for systems biology: SBML, SBGN, and BioModels.net

Systems biology has arisen through the convergence of theoretical, computational, and mathematical modeling of systems and the need to understand the wealth of information being rapidly generated in biology. Systems biology by its nature requires collaborations between scientists with expertise in biology, chemistry, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Successful integration of these disciplines depends on bringing to bear both social and technological tools: namely, consortia that help forge collaborations and common understanding, software tools that permit analysis of vast and complex data, and agreed-upon standards that enable researchers to communicate and reuse each other’s results in practical and unambiguous ways. In this presentation, I will discuss several international projects (SBML, SBGN, and BioModels.net) aimed at addressing the last issue. An important prerequisite for effective sharing of computational models is reaching agreement on how to communicate them, both between software and between humans. The Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) project is an effort to create a machine-readable format for representing computational models at the biochemical reaction level. By supporting SBML as an input and output format, different software tools can operate on the same representation of a model, removing chance for errors in translation and assuring a common starting point for analyses and simulations. SBML has become the most successful effort in this direction so far, with nearly 100 software tools supporting it today. A recently-created sister project is the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) project. It addresses the issue of consistent human communication, by attempting to add more rigor and consistency to the graphical network diagrams that often accompany published research on models of biological reaction systems. The real payoff will come when more people and software adopt such a common visual notation and it becomes as familiar to them as circuit schematics are to electronics engineers. Finally, when developing and publishing computational models, it is only natural to want to put them into a database. The BioModels.net project is an effort to (1) provide a free, centralized, publicly-accessible database of human-curated computational models in SBML and other structured formats; (2) define agreed-upon standards for model curation; and (2) define agreed-upon vocabularies for annotating models with connections to biological data resources.
Observations of a fast burst of the deep western boundary undercurrent and sediment transport in South Wilmington Canyon from DSRVAlvin

On October 3 and 4, 1986, DSRVAlvin dives encountered a strong current at 2,300 m in South Wilmington Canyon. The current, estimated at 1 knot, transported surficial sediment and constructed and modified bedforms. It appears to have been constant in its direction of flow from 30 to 40°. The observed current was probably a burst of fast flow in a region of slow average currents in the Deep Western Boundary Undercurrent. Such episodic events may have a greater influence on the stratigraphic record than the temporally longer more tranquil flow conditions.
Ethylene and ripening-regulated expression and function of fruit cell wall modifying proteins

Two decades of research have provided deep insights into the regulation of cell wall disassembly in ripening fruit. These insights have been important in understanding ethylene-regulated processes of fruit softening in climacteric fruit but have also provided insights into non-climacteric fruit softening as well as cell wall disassembly that accompanies many plant developmental processes such as cell growth and abscission. Major results indicate that no single gene or enzyme can account for the major events that underlie fruit softening and that many of the potentially responsible genes and their corresponding cell wall modifying proteins are members of large gene families that exhibit overlapping patterns of expression and possibly redundant biochemical action. The cooperative action of cell wall modifying proteins and enzymes has been demonstrated to participate in fruit softening as well as to the ripening-regulated increase in necrotrophic pathogen susceptibility. A general model of cooperative cell wall disassembly is now firmly established and future research focusing on complex interactions between cell wall modifying proteins and enzymes and between the major cell wall matrices should be productive in elucidating a general model of ripening-regulated cell wall disassembly and fruit softening.
Progression and reversibility of early light-induced alterations in rat retinal rods.

The temporal sequence of ultrastructural changes induced in the rat rod photoreceptor by 80 lux light-stress has been studied. The changes seen were compared with those produced by a much dimmer (3 lux) illumination. Some of the early signs of abnormality were (1) degradation of some disk membranes at the tips of outer segments, (2) disaggregation and detachment of ribosomes, (3) lighter matrices in swollen mitochondria, (4) disappearance of the Golgi apparatus, (5) proliferation of autophagic bodies in the inner segments, and (6) appearance of perimitochondrial membrane whorls in the synaptic terminals. No single change could be identified that would inexorably lead to cell death. The overall picture, however, suggested that an inability of the cell to maintain its anabolic balance is responsible for the pyknosis that occurs when the 80 lux exposure exceeds 12–15 h. All changes were reversible when exposure duration did not exceed 12 h, the normal length of the light cycle for these rats.
Behavioural studies on the lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus (Raitt) II. The effect of light intensity on activity

The behaviour of the lesser sandeel, Ammodytes marinus (Raitt), has been investigated at light intensities of 1, 10, 100 and 1000 lux, using a photographic method of recording activity. The level of swimming activity was high at 1000 and 100 lux, declining to a very low level at 1 lux. It was concluded that this was due to the limiting effect of light on feeding. The threshold light intensity for swimming activity in the tank was estimated as being approximately 20 lux but it was considered that in the area of the sandeel fishing grounds the threshold might be higher than this, in the region of 100 lux. The number of hours light per day above 20 and 100 lux at a depth of 15 m in the area of the Outer Dowsing sandbank (53°30′N, 01°00′E) was estimated for the various months of the year. It was shown that during the winter the light intensity does not normally reach 100 lux and only exceeds 20 lux for a few hours each day. It is suggested that this could limit swimming activity and accessibility at this time of year. Measurements were made of the penetration of light into sand and it was concluded that fish which are buried might be able to detect light, possibly via the pineal gland.
Effects of traditional sit-up training versus core stabilization exercises on short-term musculoskeletal injuries in US Army soldiers: a cluster randomized trial

Background The US Army has traditionally utilized bent-knee sit-ups as part of physical training and testing. It is unknown whether the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program without sit-up training may result in decreased musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction compared with traditional training. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) without sit-up training and a traditional exercise program (TEP) on musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction. Design The study was designed as a cluster randomized trial. Setting The setting was a 16-week training program at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, Texas). Participants The study participants were soldiers with a mean age of 22.9 years (SD=4,7, range=18–35) for whom complete injury data were available for analysis (n=1,141). Intervention Twenty companies of soldiers were cluster randomized to complete the CSEP (10 companies of 542 soldiers) or the TEP (10 companies of 599 soldiers). The CSEP included exercises targeting the transversus abdominus and multifidus musculature. The TEP comprised exercises targeting the rectus abdominus, oblique abdominal, and hip flexor musculature. Measurements Research staff recorded all injuries resulting in the inability to complete full duty responsibilities. Differences in the percentages of musculoskeletal injuries were examined with chi-square analysis; independent sample t tests were used to examine differences in the numbers of days of work restriction. Results Of the 1,141 soldiers for whom complete injury data were available for analysis, 511 (44.8%) experienced musculoskeletal injuries during training that resulted in work restrictions. There were no differences in the percentages of soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries. There also were no differences in the numbers of days of work restriction for musculoskeletal injuries overall or specific to the upper extremity. However, soldiers who completed the TEP and experienced a low back injury had more days of work restriction: 8.3 days (SD=14.5) for the TEP group and 4.2 days (SD=8.0) for the CSEP group. Limitations A limitation of this study was the inconsistent reporting of injuries during training. However, the rates of reporting were similar between the groups. Conclusions The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was similar between the groups. There was marginal evidence that the CSEP resulted in fewer days of work restriction for low back injuries.
Classroom Games: A Market for Lemons

Abstract The incentives that arise in markets with asymmetric information are illustrated in the classroom exercise presented here. Student sellers choose both a quality ‘grade’ and a price for their products. Initially, both prices and grades for all sellers are posted, and buyers select from these offerings. In this full-information setup, the market prices and grades quickly reach efficient levels that maximize total surplus. Next, although sellers continue to choose grades and prices, only prices (not grades) are posted for buyers to see when they shop. The grades and prices then fall to inefficiently low levels. The observed market outcomes in this exercise can stimulate useful discussion of asymmetric information, market failure, and remedies such as quality standards and warranties.
Effect of microstructure on damage tolerance in grinding dental glass-ceramics

This study investigated the modes of grinding-induced subsurface damage in dental glass-ceramics and the influence of microstructure on strength degradation. A series of micaceous glass-ceramics crystallized from the same glass composition were tested. The diameter of the mica platelets in these glass-ceramics was varied via heat treatment. Grinding was performed using three diamond wheels (with diamond particle size of 40, 100, and 180 µm, respectively) at depth of cut ranging from 5 µm to 100 µm. A bonded- interface technique was employed to examine the machining- induced subsurface damage. Relatively large median and lateral cracks were found in the glass-ceramic with the smallest mica platelets. In contrast, no cracks were found in the material containing large mica platelets. The ground specimens were fractured in four-point flexure to measure strength as a function of grinding conditions and mica platelet sizes. The strength of the ground specimens was reduced to approximately 30% of the strength of the polished specimens for the glass- ceramic containing the smallest mica platelets; that of the glass-ceramic with the intermediate mica platelet size was reduced to 60%. In contrast, virtually no strength loss occurred with the glass-ceramic containing large mica platelets. Microstructure was shown to determine the mode and degree of strength-controlling damage in the machining of these dental glass-ceramics. Polishing after grinding removes subsurface damage and recovers strength for the glass-ceramics containing fine mica crystals.
Self-Regulation of Cognitive Inference and Decision Processes

Mechanisms for controlling inference processes are analyzed according to the models of intuitive scientist (who desires optimal, accurate conclusions) and intuitive lawyer (who desires predetermined, particular conclusions), using a step model of the inference process. The first step, gathering evidence, can be regulated by moving the termination point and by looking in particular places for evidence. The second step, drawing immediate implications from bits of evidence, is presumably automatic and hence relatively immune to regulation. The third step, assessing implications, can override or discredit implications of specific pieces of evidence, and it can be used to regulate inference through combating bias or through attacking and discrediting unwanted implications. The final step, involving integration of assorted evidence and implications, can be regulated by manipulating decision rules and criteria.
Properties of gold in silicon

Abstract The electrical properties, solubility and diffusion characteristics of gold in silicon are reviewed. It is observed that theoretical calculations and experimental measurements of the effect of added gold on the resistivity of silicon are not in agreement and that while some of the discrepancies, particularly those occurring in n -type silicon can be explained, those appearing in the p -type case cannot be resolved at the present time. The diffusion characteristics have been shown by many workers to be strongly structure sensitive. More work is required to establish firmly the values of the effective diffusion coefficients and the conditions under which various diffusion mechanisms are dominant. Enhancement of the apparent gold solubility has been observed in heavily phosphorus doped silicon. It is shown that this may be a real increase in solubility resulting from the effect of the position of the Fermi level in n + -regions. On the other hand, the increased gold concentration observed may result from the interaction of gold and phosphorus to form ion pairs or compounds. The effect of diffusion in junction regions containing large electric fields has not been studied explicitly. Published evidence indicates that in lightly doped material, gold does not precipitate significantly at dislocations during normal cooling from diffusion temperatures but redistribution can occur during prolonged treatment at intermediate temperatures. The increased solubility of interstitial gold in p + -silicon may make precipitation possible in this case but such studies have not been reported. In addition, when ion-pairing or compound formation occurs, the concentration of the electrically active substitutional gold is likely to be significantly less than the total gold concentration. Gold has been shown to be more efficiently gettered by a phosphorus glaze than by a boron glaze.
Sphingolipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of mortality in the developed countries. Although presently known risk factors have some predictive value for the disease, a major part of the variability in this process remains unexplained. It is extremely important to find new approaches for better understanding of the disease and for treating it. Exploration of the sphingolipid metabolism is one of these approaches. Sphingolipids are a large class of lipids with structural and signaling functions. Recent researches indicated that these lipids play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis. In this chapter, we summarized the major findings in the field.
Siderite dissolution in the presence of chromate

Siderite (FeCO3) is an important reduced phase iron mineral and end product of bacteria anaerobic respiration. This study addresses its dissolution behavior in the presence of the oxidant chromate, which is a common environmental contaminant. Macroscopic dissolution experiments combined with microscopic observations by atomic force microscopy show that at pH 10, the dissolution rate in the presence of chromate exceeds that of the control, plausibly due to electron transfer facilitated by Fe 3þ ðOHÞ 4 �� � . Dissolution and re-precipitation of round hillocks are observed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates the presence of Cr(III) as well as reaction products in a hydroxide form. Based on the redox reaction mechanism, macroscopic dissolution behavior, and previous studies on the reaction products of Fe(II) with Cr(VI), we propose the formation of a low solubility nano-sized Cr(III)–Fe(III)-hydroxide as the surface precipitate. Results from this study provide a basis for understanding and quantifying the interactions between reduced-iron minerals and aqueous-phase oxidants. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The plastic brain: neoliberalism and the neuronal self

Neuroscience-based representations and practices of the brain aimed at lay populations present the brain in ways that both affirm biological determinism and also celebrate plasticity, or the brain’s ability to change structure and function. Popular uses of neuroscientific theories of brain plasticity are saturated with a neoliberal vision of the subject. Against more optimistic readings of plasticity, I view the popular deployment of plasticity through the framework of governmentality. I describe how popular brain discourse on plasticity opens up the brain to personal techniques of enhancement and risk avoidance, and how it promotes a neuronal self. I situate brain plasticity in a context of biomedical neoliberalism, where the engineering and modification of biological life is positioned as essential to selfhood and citizenship.
Label free detection of nucleic acids by modulating nanochannel surfaces

We develop surface-modified 100 nm silica nanofluidic channels that change in measured conductivity upon exposure to single- or double-stranded DNA. Through careful monitoring of both electromigrative and advective current in the channel, we can detect nanomolar concentrations of DNA. These results can be exploited for inexpensive, all-electronic DNA sensors.
Molecular Cloning of an Immunogenic Protein of Baylisascaris procyonis and Expression in Escherichia coli for Use in Developing Improved Serodiagnostic Assays

Larva migrans caused by Baylisascaris procyonis is an important zoonotic disease. Current serological diagnostic assays for this disease depend on the use of the parasite's larval excretory-secretory (ES) antigens. In order to identify genes encoding ES antigens and to generate recombinant antigens for use in diagnostic assays, construction and immunoscreening of a B. procyonis third-stage larva cDNA expression library was performed and resulted in identification of a partial-length cDNA clone encoding an ES antigen, designated repeat antigen 1 (RAG1). The full-length rag1 cDNA contained a 753-bp open reading frame that encoded a protein of 250 amino acids with 12 tandem repeats of a 12-amino-acid long sequence. The rag1 genomic DNA revealed a single intron of 837 bp that separated the 753-bp coding sequence into two exons delimited by canonical splice sites. No nucleotide or amino acid sequences present in the GenBank databases had significant similarity with those of RAG1. We have cloned, expressed, and purified the recombinant RAG1 (rRAG1) and analyzed its diagnostic potential by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-Baylisascaris species-specific rabbit serum showed strong reactivity to rRAG1, while only minimal to no reactivity was observed with sera against the related ascarids Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum, strongly suggesting the specificity of rRAG1. On the basis of these results, the identified RAG1 appears to be a promising diagnostic antigen for the development of serological assays for specific detection of B. procyonis larva migrans.
HUMORAL ANTIBODIES AND RESISTANCE OF VACCINATED AND CONVALESCENT MONKEYS TO POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS

1. Monkeys convalescent from a paralytic attack of poliomyelitis develop humoral antibodies slowly; in the present series their first appearance in most was at 2 months and in some not until 3 months after the attack. 2. Convalescent monkeys display resistance to reinfection with the same strain by the nasal route long before antibodies become demonstrable in their serum, in this respect differing from many vaccinated monkeys whose serum neutralizes the virus, while they remain susceptible to nasal infection. 3. When antibodies appear in the serum of resistant convalescent monkeys, they are not quantitatively greater than in the serum of vaccinated monkeys which succumb to infection. As regards resistance to infection, humoral antibodies, therefore, do not have the same significance in vaccinated as in convalescent poliomyelitis monkeys.
EEG dipole localization bounds for head models with parameter uncertainties

The Cramer-Rao bound for unbiased location estimation of multiple current dipoles is derived under the assumption of a general head model parameterized by a combination of deterministic and stochastic parameters. The expression (also applicable to MEG) thus characterizes fundamental limits on EEG localization performance due to the effects of both statistical measurement noise and model uncertainty. >
Application of real time dynamic Sensor Web measurement techniques to maximize Aura/TES useful science return

The Sensor Web characterizes a future observing system concept that has the potential to significantly increase useful science data return. It accomplishes this by intelligently and dynamically reconfiguring the measurement and information processing states of its constituent sensor, computing, and storage nodes. To explore the potential benefits of Sensor Web observing strategies for the Earth science community, the Goddard Space Flight Center is developing software to demonstrate the value of real-time, collaborative, "intelligent data collection" between two formation flying spacecraft that comprise NASA's EOS ''A-Train" constellation: Aqua and Aura. After its planned Summer 2004 launch, Aura, with its Troposphere Emission Spectrometer (TES), is to be inserted into the constellation's orbital plane and "follow" 15 minutes behind Aqua with its Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument. MODIS is a nadir pointing multispectral imager, it is always "ON", and its 36 bands can be used to detect clouds. TES is a high-resolution infrared-imaging Fourier transform spectrometer designed primarily to study ozone in the lower atmosphere. Providing spectral coverage in the mid- to thermal IR bands, it is undesirable for TES to make measurements within cloud obscured fields of view. Of particular significance, TES is a pointable instrument: it can be commanded to image any target within 45deg of the local vertical. In this paper, we describe a high performance prototype software system to acquire and process direct readout MODIS data to a Level 2 cloud mask product in real time. Using a predefined list of desired targets, in conjunction with the real time MODIS cloud mask information, the software generates simulated commands and "point" TES to only those targets that are cloud free to demonstrate the value of intelligent data collection measurement techniques. To further refine where within the cloud free regions TES should point, we are also assessing the potential use of atmospheric chemistry models whose outputs may provide an additional set of criteria for high science value target selection. Similar "event-driven" and "model-driven" adaptive observation strategies and dynamic measurement techniques may be applied to future sensor Web Earth- and space-science missions
Reported excess weight loss after bariatric surgery could vary significantly depending on calculation method: a plea for standardization.

Abstract Background The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) is a common metric for reporting weight loss after bariatric surgery. The %EWL can vary depending on the definitions of ideal body weight (IBW) used and the preoperative weight. The present study examined the effect of variations in IBW and the preoperative weight on the %EWL at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods After institutional review board approval, we reviewed the prospectively collected data from consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our center from 2005 to 2008 with a single surgeon (T.K.). All patients with ≥12 months of follow-up were included. The IBW was calculated using the mean weight of the "medium frame" and the maximum weight of the "large frame" for the corresponding height from the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables. The preoperative weight was defined as the weight on the day of surgery or the greatest recorded preoperative weight between the initial consult and the day of surgery. The postoperative weight was defined as the 12-month follow-up weight. Four methods were used to calculate the %EWL. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the methods. Results A total of 173 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these 173 patients, 126 underwent RYGB and 47 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The calculated 12-month %EWL for these was 65–82% for RYGB and 31–46% for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding using the calculation method. Conclusion For a given postoperative weight loss, significant variance will be found in the %EWL (≤17%), depending on the definition of IBW used and the preoperative weight value used. This highlights the need for a standardized approach for reporting weight loss in bariatric studies. Investigators should define their methods clearly, and readers should keep this variability in mind when interpreting the %EWL.
Operant variability: some random thoughts.

Barba's (2012) paper is a serious and thoughtful analysis of a vexing problem in behavior analysis: Just what should count as an operant class and how do we know? The slippery issue of a “generalized operant” or functional response class (e.g., imitating, “relating” as in relational frame theory, attending, rule following, grammatical frames, and many other possibilities—one wonders when it will all end) illustrates one aspect of this problem, and “variation” or “novelty” as an operant appears to fall into this category. Given our traditional and fundamental operant approach to response differentiation through shaping to establish a specifiable functional response class, how do we understand “variability” as a response class? As Barba's review attests, this issue has been discussed for more than two decades without, I believe, significant resolution. What we do know is that degrees of variations in patterns of responding can be brought about by imposing special contingencies.
Attentional modulation of adaptation in V4

Adaptation and visual attention are two processes that alter neural responses to luminance contrast. Rapid contrast adaptation changes response size and dynamics at all stages of visual processing, while visual attention has been shown to modulate both contrast gain and response gain in macaque extrastriate visual cortex. Because attention aims to enhance behaviorally relevant sensory responses while adaptation acts to attenuate neural activity, the question we asked is, how does attention alter adaptation? We present here single-unit recordings from V4 of two rhesus macaques performing a cued target detection task. The study was designed to characterize the effects of attention on the size and dynamics of a sequence of responses produced by a series of flashed oriented gratings parametric in luminance contrast. We found that the effect of attention on the response dynamics of V4 neurons is inconsistent with a mechanism that only alters the effective stimulus contrast, or only rescales the gain of the response. Instead, the action of attention modifies contrast gain early in the task, and modifies both response gain and contrast gain later in the task. We also show that responses to attended stimuli are more closely locked to the stimulus cycle than unattended responses, and that attended responses show less of the phase lag produced by adaptation than unattended responses. The phase advance generated by attention of the adapted responses suggests that the attentional gain control operates in some ways like a contrast gain control utilizing a neural measure of contrast to influence dynamics.
Liquid RF antennas, electronics and sensors: A modeling challenge

In this paper we present a novel approach for the modeling of multi-phase liquid RF electronics and sensors problems. The deployment of level-set based multi-phase simulation could potentially lead to the development of a new generation of computationally efficient approaches that could bridge the gap between Maxwell and solid/liquid-interface equations. Numerous examples of liquid antennas and multi-phase wireless biosensors will be presented at the conference to verify the accuracy and validity of the above approach in a variety of liquid radio-frequency wearable, implantable and printable topologies.
Recurrent Episodes of Stroke-Like Symptoms in a Patient with Charcot- Marie-Tooth Neuropathy X Type 1

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), also known as hereditary motor sensory neuropathy, is a heterogeneous group of disorders best known for causing inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy. The X-linked form, CMTX1, is caused by mutations in the gap junction protein beta 1 (GJB1) gene, expressed both by peripheral Schwann cells and central oligodendrocytes. Central manifestations are known but are rare, and there are few case reports of leukoencephalopathy with transient or persistent neurological deficits in patients with this CMT subtype. Here, we report the case of a man with multiple male and female family members affected by neuropathy who carries a pathologic mutation in GJB1. He has experienced three transient episodes with variable neurological deficits over the course of 7 years with corresponding changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This case illustrates CMT1X as a rare cause of transient neurological deficit and demonstrates the evolution of associated reversible abnormalities on MRI over time. To the best of our knowledge, this report provides the longest period of serial imaging in a single patient with this condition in the English language literature.
Spectrum of false positivity for the fourth generation human immunodeficiency virus diagnostic tests

Novel fourth generation screening and confirmatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assays are now commercially available and incorporated into new diagnostic algorithms. We report two cases involving a total of three patients which highlight the spectrum of false positivity for both the Abbott Architect p24 antigen/antibody assay and the confirmatory Multispot antibody differentiation test. We then discuss the mechanisms for false positivity and the associated clinical conditions or laboratory scenarios that may predispose to inaccurate interpretation.
Disorders of Small Intestinal Motility

Many believe that the small intestine is not commonly affected by disorders of motor function. However, disordered small intestinal motility may contribute to multiple symptoms and clinical problems. For example, dysmotility either directly or indirectly can lead to the development of small bowel bacterial overgrowth.
International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research

The past two decades have witnessed an extraordinary commitment to malaria control and elimination, which has been accompanied by a considerable reduction in global malaria morbidity and mortality. Although malaria research efforts have dramatically increased over this period,1 most clinical research projects still tend to be narrowly focused in scientific scope, and are conducted in a limited catchment area with a relatively homogeneous “at risk” population. In 2010, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases established 10 International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) to support multidisciplinary research in diverse epidemiologic settings which span representative malaria-endemic regions around the world. Table 1 describes the locations of field sites and research focuses of each ICEMR. Research projects were designed to capture and track changes in the complex interactions between the human host, malaria parasite, and mosquito vector in different eco-epidemiologic settings. Unlike typical monitoring and evaluation programs, the ICEMRs are mandated both to adopt an integrated approach to malaria research, and to apply molecular epidemiology and genomics to study transmission and disease in the context of dynamically changing in disease prevalence and incidence (Table 1).
HearThere: Networked Sensory Prosthetics Through Auditory Augmented Reality

In this paper we present a vision for scalable indoor and outdoor auditory augmented reality (AAR), as well as HearThere, a wearable device and infrastructure demonstrating the feasibility of that vision. HearThere preserves the spatial alignment between virtual audio sources and the user's environment, using head tracking and bone conduction headphones to achieve seamless mixing of real and virtual sounds. To scale between indoor, urban, and natural environments, our system supports multi-scale location tracking, using fine-grained (20-cm) Ultra-WideBand (UWB) radio tracking when in range of our infrastructure anchors and mobile GPS otherwise. In our tests, users were able to navigate through an AAR scene and pinpoint audio source locations down to 1m. We found that bone conduction is a viable technology for producing realistic spatial sound, and show that users' audio localization ability is considerably better in UWB coverage zones than with GPS alone. HearThere is a major step towards realizing our vision of networked sensory prosthetics, in which sensor networks serve as collective sensory extensions into the world around us. In our vision, AAR would be used to mix spatialized data sonification with distributed, livestreaming microphones. In this concept, HearThere promises a more expansive perceptual world, or umwelt, where sensor data becomes immediately attributable to extrinsic phenomena, externalized in the wearer's perception. We are motivated by two goals: first, to remedy a fractured state of attention caused by existing mobile and wearable technologies; and second, to bring the distant or often invisible processes underpinning a complex natural environment more directly into human consciousness.
Legal space for syringe exchange programs in hot spots of injection drug use-related crime

Copious evidence indicates that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are effective structural interventions for HIV prevention among persons who inject drugs (PWID). The efficacy of SEPs in supporting the public health needs of PWID populations is partially dependent on their accessibility and consistent utilization among injectors. Research has shown that SEP access is an important predictor of PWID retention at SEPs, yet policies exist that may limit the geographic areas where SEP operations may legally occur. Since 2000 in the District of Columbia (DC), SEP operations have been subject to the 1000 Foot Rule (§48–1121), a policy that prohibits the distribution of “any needle or syringe for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug in any area of the District of Columbia which is within 1000 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school (including a public charter school).” The 1000 Foot Rule may impede SEP services in areas that are in urgent need for harm reduction services, such as locations where injections are happening in “real time” or where drugs are purchased or exchanged. We examined the effects of the 1000 Foot Rule on SEP operational space in injection drug use (IDU)-related crime (i.e., heroin possession or distribution) hot spots from 2000 to 2010. Data from the DC Metropolitan Police Department were used to identify IDU-related crime hot spots. School operation data were matched to a dataset that described the approximate physical property boundaries of land parcels. A 1000-ft buffer was applied to all school property boundaries. The overlap between the IDU-related crime hot spots and the school buffer zones was calculated by academic year. When overlaying the land space associated with IDU-related crime hot spots on the maps of school boundaries per the 1000-ft buffer zone stipulation, we found that the majority of land space in these locations was ineligible for legal SEP operations. More specifically, the ineligible space in the identified hot spots in each academic year ranged from 51.93 to 88.29 % of the total hot spot area. The removal of the 1000 Foot Rule could significantly improve the public health of PWID via increased access to harm reduction services. Buffer zone policies that restrict SEP operational space negatively affect the provision of harm reduction services to PWID.
SAA: a link between cholesterol efflux capacity and inflammation?

Serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration in plasma increases markedly following infl ammation or infection, with the liver being the principal site of its synthesis. SAA was fi rst reported to be associated with both human and animal HDLs in the late 1970s ( 1 ), but is also associated with other lipoprotein fractions ( 2 , 3 ). Further studies showed that HDL particles isolated from endotoxin-treated mice contain up to two SAAs per apoA-I molecule ( 4 ). When SAA containing HDL was reinjected into mice it was cleared from the plasma more rapidly than apoA-I ( 5 ‐ 8 ). However, isolation of SAA and its reconstitution with HDL to create SAA-enriched particles gives particles that on reinjection are more slowly cleared from plasma compared with native SAA containing HDL ( 5 ). HDL particles isolated from patients with myocardial infarction also contain SAA and are small ( 9 ), with a density similar to that of HDL 3 ( 10 ), but with a diameter resembling HDL 2 . The lipid content of these particles is reduced and enriched in triglyceride compared with HDL from healthy people ( 10 ‐ 12 ). During acute infl ammatory stress the principal protein bound to HDL 3 is SAA ( 13 ), not apoA-I, showing a reversal in the protein composition from normal HDL. SAA increases the binding affi nity of HDL to macrophages but reduces HDL binding to hepatocytes ( 14 ), suggesting that SAA directs HDL to preferentially remove cholesterol from sites of infl ammation ( 15 ), possibly through the formation of pre β HDL ( 16 ). HDL cholesteryl ester uptake from reconstituted HDL via SR-B1 is inhibited by the presence of SAA on the particles ( 17 ), but the effl ux of free cholesterol is enhanced through both SR-B1 ( 18 ) and ABCA1 ( 18 , 19 ) to SAA-containing HDL particles. Early studies of the HDL particle focused mainly on changes in the lipid and protein content as well as the structure, size, and clearance of the particles from plasma. Extensive investigations into identifying HDL ’ s protein cargo have suggested that the HDL proteome can be highly variable among individuals and altered in response to acute cardiac events ( 20 ). These studies suggest a need for accurate quantitative methods to carefully assess individual risk factors with regard to heart disease and HDL function. More recent work has begun to quantify the changes in the protein cargo of HDL under both normal conditions and infl ammatory stress. Mass spectrometry is the principal tool used for these studies, employing one of two methods. The fi rst method analyzes intact protein mixtures, called top-down proteomics ( 21 ‐ 23 ), and often involves electron transfer dissociation or electron capture dissociation to obtain amino acid sequence information that helps confi rm protein identifi cation. In the second, more commonly used method called bottom-up proteomics ( 24 ‐ 30 ), protein mixtures are digested with a single protease, usually trypsin. Protein identifi cation is based on accurate mass analysis of peptides combined with MS/MS peptide sequencing.
The Status Quo of China and South Kouth Korea Economic Cooperation

After the end of the Cold War,in the complex international environment of Northeast Asia,the sustained,steady and rapid development of China-ROK relations,aroused the attention of the world,especially in recent years,under the joint efforts of China and the ROK,the deepened mutual political trust,economic cooperation of China and ROK continues to expand,the rapid development of economic cooperation has become one of the highlights of the comprehensive cooperative partnership. Further development and strengthening of the cooperation of the economic of the two countries has become the common aspiration between the two countries government and populations.
Usability and standards of medical devices

This article discusses about the definition of usability of medical devices and introduces the related international standards. It describes the significance of usability and the relationship with the risk analysis. Some advices are given to improve the usability and reduce the risk of medical devices by explaining the standards.
Nephrogenic Pleural Effusion

AbstractAlthough the presence of a pleural effusion is almost always indicative of an intrathoracic problem reflection will yield a certain number of extrathoracic causes, such as hypoproteinemia, Meigs’ syndrome, pancreatitis and subphrenic abscess. The kidney is a close neighbor of the diaphragm and pleural cavity, and a case of renal stone associated with a small ipsilateral pleural effusion, which regressed with resolution of the primary process, is reported.
Negative Comparison Advertising: A Legal Minefield

Comparative advertising has proven to be very effective for a number of advertisers. However, the possible fundamental issues, reasoning, and basis for legal action that could expose a firm to expensive litigation should provoke more than a little caution before using negative advertising approaches, whatever their effectiveness might be.
Are Changing School Needs Reflected in Principal Job Ads

The roles of the school principal continue to evolve due to shifting demands as well as ever-changing organizational needs. As new leadership skill sets emerge, we might expect school systems to re...
Abstract 964: Circulating biomarker miRNA-150 promotes tumor cell proliferation and progression by targeting SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1) in non-small cell lung cancer

Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) expression ratio (ER) signatures were evaluated as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In a population study with 171 stage I and II NSCLC patients, the miR-150 and associated ER signature miR27A/miR-150 (ER ≥0.86, HR = 3.92, p = 1.46E-4) were significantly associated with 5-year survival. The upregulated expression of miR-150 was detected in primary tissue samples (n = 245) by miRNA microarray profiling analysis and significantly associated with cancer recurrence (p = 0.027) and overall survival (HR = 0.88, p = 0.04). Ectopic expression of miR-150 in NSCLC H1299, A549, and H2023 cells transfected by miR-150 expression plasmids promoted tumor cell proliferation, tumor cell-induced colony formation and migration/invasion, while blocking the action of miR-150 with a synthetic miR-150 inhibitor or transduction with a miRZip-150 inhibitor expressed by a lentiviral vector significantly inhibited these biological activities. The SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1) was predicted to be a potential target of miR-150 by bioinformatics tools.miR-150-targeted binding and cleavage in the 3’-UTR of SRCIN1 mRNA were confirmed by a novel stem-loop array-reverse transcription-PCR assay. Both SRCIN1 gene and protein expression were significantly downregulated by ectopic expression of miR-150 and upregulated by miR-150 inhibitors in H1299 and H2023 NSCLC cells, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and Western-blotting assays, respectively. Modulation of key elements in the SRCIN1 signaling pathway by ectopic expression or inhibition of miR-150 were further determined by qRT-PCR and predicted by ingenuity pathway analysis. Our findings suggest that circulating miR-150 and its associated ER signatures could serve as novel prognostic biomarkers for early stage NSCLC and function as an oncogenic miRNA that promotes lung cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by direct targeting SRCIN1signaling pathway thus identifying SRCIN1 as a potential therapeutic target. Citation Format: Jing Lin, Liren Zhang, Yuanqing Ye, Taro Oba, Emanuela Gentile, Emanuela Gentile, Jing Wang, Yang Zhao, Jian Gu, Ignacio Wistuba, Jack A. Roth, Xifeng Wu, Lin Ji. Circulating biomarker miRNA-150 promotes tumor cell proliferation and progression by targeting SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1) in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 964.