cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcoholic Liver Disease Accelerates Early Hepatocellular Cancer in a Mouse Model.

HCC is a rapidly increasing cancer worldwide. Most HCC rises in the setting of chronic and advanced liver disease caused by viral hepatitis, alcohol use, non-alcoholic liver disease or their combination. We found that in the mouse model, alcohol alone does not induce HCC, however, it can promote HCC development after a carcinogen exposure. Multiple mechanisms are involved in carcinogenesis and alcohol affects many of those including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem marker expression and inflammation as evidenced in our HCC model.
Identification by Pupal Weight Using Cochliomyia macellaria and Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

In the case of homicides, forensic entomologists are very useful for pinpointing the post mortem interval. In order to accurately do this, they must possess a thorough knowledge of the morphology of blow flies as well as blow fly development. This experiment studies the difference in pupal weight amongst and across the two species of Cochliomyia macellaria and Chrysomya rufifacies in order to have a comparison. Maggots were collected from carrion and allowed to pupate. Once the pupae emerged, their weights were documented. The blow flies were sexed once they had reached adulthood. It was found that both male and female Chrysomya rufifacies weigh more in the pupal stage than do their Cochliomyia macellaria counterparts and are larger in size. By using pupal weight to more quickly identify the species, forensic entomologists will ultimately be able to estimate a PMI in a more timely manner.
Comprehensive Assessment of Models and Events Using Library Tools (CAMEL) Framework: Time Series Comparisons

The Comprehensive Assessment of Models and Events using Library Tools (CAMEL) framework leverages existing Community Coordinated Modeling Center services: Run on Request post processing tools that generate model time series outputs and the new Community Coordinated Modeling Center Metadata Registry that describes simulation runs using Space Physics Archive Search and Extract metadata. The new CAMEL visualization tool compares the modeled time series with observational data and computes a suite of skill scores such as Prediction Efficiency, Root Mean Square Error, and Symmetric Signed Percentage Bias. Model data pairs used for skill calculations are obtained considering a user selected maximum difference between the time of observation and the nearest model output. The system renders available data for all locations and time periods selected using interactive visualizations that allow the user to zoom, pan, and pick data values along traces. Skill scores are reported for each selected event or aggregated over all events for all participating model runs. Separately, scores are reported for all locations (satellites or stations) and for each location individually. We are building on past experiences with model data comparisons of magnetosphere and ionosphere model outputs from GEM2008, GEMCEDAR Electrodynamics Thermosphere Ionosphere, and the SWPC Operational Space Weather Model challenges. The CAMEL visualization tool is demonstrated using three validation studies: (a) Wang Sheeley Arge heliosphere simulations compared against OMNI solar wind data, (b) ground magnetic perturbations from several magnetosphere and ionosphere electrodynamics models as observed by magnetometers, and (c) electron fluxes from several ring current simulations compared to Radiation Belt Storm Probes Helium Oxygen Proton Electron instrument measurements, integrated over different energy ranges.
The cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway: A Molecular Link Between Immunity and Metabolism

It has been appreciated for many years that there is a strong association between metabolism and immunity in advanced metazoan organisms. Distinct immune signatures and signaling pathways have been found not only in immune but also in metabolic cells. The newly discovered DNA-sensing cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway mediates type I interferon inflammatory responses in immune cells to defend against viral and bacterial infections. Recent studies show that this pathway is also activated by host DNA aberrantly localized in the cytosol, contributing to increased sterile inflammation, insulin resistance, and the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Potential interactions of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway with mTORC1 signaling, autophagy, and apoptosis have been reported, suggesting an important role of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway in the networking and coordination of these important biological processes. However, the regulation, mechanism of action, and tissue-specific role of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling pathway in metabolic disorders remain largely elusive. It is also unclear whether targeting this signaling pathway is effective for the prevention and treatment of obesity-induced metabolic diseases. Answers to these questions would provide new insights for developing effective therapeutic interventions for metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, NAFLD, and type 2 diabetes.
PET imaging of occult tumours by temporal integration of tumour-acidosis signals from pH-sensitive 64Cu-labelled polymers.

Owing to the diversity of cancer types and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumour signals, high-resolution imaging of occult malignancy is challenging. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography allows for near-universal cancer detection, yet in many clinical scenarios it is hampered by false positives. Here, we report a method for the amplification of imaging contrast in tumours via the temporal integration of the imaging signals triggered by tumour acidosis. This method exploits the catastrophic disassembly, at the acidic pH of the tumour milieu, of pH-sensitive positron-emitting neutral copolymer micelles into polycationic polymers, which are then internalized and retained by the cancer cells. Positron emission tomography imaging of the 64Cu-labelled polymers detected small occult tumours (10–20 mm3) in the brain, head, neck and breast of mice at much higher contrast than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, 11C-methionine and pH-insensitive 64Cu-labelled nanoparticles. We also show that the pH-sensitive probes reduce false positive detection rates in a mouse model of non-cancerous lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. This macromolecular strategy for integrating tumour acidosis should enable improved cancer detection, surveillance and staging. The detection of small tumours with PET is significantly enhanced by temporal integration of the imaging signals, triggered by the acidic milieu of cancers, from pH-sensitive positron-emitting polycationic polymers.
Bootstraps and Turbans: Sustenance, Belief and Entrepreneurship in 3HO/Sikh Dharma

Food—enjoying it, preparing it, serving it, distributing it, and using it for healing purposes—is central to life in the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO). In 3HO’s early years, food beliefs and practices were instrumental in creating community, shaping members’ identities, and establishing group boundaries. Over time, members created a variety of organizations linked to 3HO, and many members became Sikhs. They created businesses, several involving food production and sales, and some quite successful. In 2010 representatives of one of their organizations, Sikh Dharma International, sued the managers of one of the businesses, Golden Temple Bakery, accusing the managers of “misappropriation of valuable assets.” This paper examines the growth of 3HO businesses within the context of national food production and distribution, and it considers the internal stresses of 3HO institutions revealed via the trial.
Hospital Volume and Postoperative Infections in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of hospital volume with revision surgery for infection and superficial incisional infections. Methods A review of 12,541 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) at a large integrated health system from 2014 to 2017 was conducted. Sixteen hospitals were classified as low-volume, medium-volume, or high-volume hospitals according to the mean number of TKAs/year ( 500, respectively). Thresholds were guided by percentiles and the literature on volume-outcome relationships. Medical records were reviewed for revision surgery for infection and superficial incisional infections during a mean 2-year review period. Multivariate analyses, adjusted for clinical and patient characteristics, were performed to evaluate the association between hospital volume and infection. Results The overall rate of revision surgery for infection was 0.7% (n = 82), and the overall rate of superficial incisional infection was 2.6% (n = 324). After accounting for potential confounders, hospital volume was not found to have a significant association with revision surgery for infection when comparing high-volume and low-volume hospitals (odds ratio, 1.615; 95% confidence interval, 0.761-3.427; P = .212) as well as when comparing high-volume and medium-volume hospitals (odds ratio, 1.464; 95% confidence interval, 0.853-2.512; P = .166). Moreover, the risk of superficial incisional infection at high-volume hospitals was similar to that at low-volume (P = .107) and medium-volume (P = .491) hospitals. Conclusion Infection outcomes are quality metrics that are frequently used to compare hospitals including those of varying volumes. Using contemporary thresholds, this study found that infection rates after TKA at high-volume hospitals are comparable to low-volume and medium-volume hospitals.
Presence of a social peer enhances acquisition of remifentanil self-administration in male rats.

Abstract Background Social peers influence human drug use at every stage of addiction. Using a dual-compartment apparatus that allows for limited social contact, recent work has shown that cocaine self-administration is enhanced when two rats are trained to self-administer at the same time compared to rats trained alone or trained in the presence of a saline self-administration control peer. The current study measured social influence on self-administration of the short-acting opioid remifentanil using a dual-compartment operant conditioning chamber. Methods Adult male rats were placed in one of five groups: (1) REMI-REMI group, in which both rats self-administered remifentanil; (2) REMI-SAL group, in which rats self-administered remifentanil in the presence of a peer that self-administered saline; (3) SAL-REMI group, in which rats self-administered saline in the presence of a peer that self-administered remifentanil; and (4) REMI ALONE and (5) SAL ALONE groups, in which rats administered their respective drugs alone (no peer). Self-administration was measured using a 2-lever procedure during acquisition, maintenance, increasing fixed-ratio, and dose-response phases. Results The presence of a social peer enhanced drug intake during acquisition, regardless of the drug exposure of their peer. Additionally, active lever position significantly affected remifentanil intake during acquisition and maintenance, with the greatest influence occurring when the active lever was close to the peer. Conclusion The presence of a social peer in the drug-taking context potentiates remifentanil self-administration, regardless of the peer’s drug access. Future studies utilizing the dual-compartment apparatus will help elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying social influence on opioid abuse.
Does Induction Immunotherapy Confer Increased Operative Risk for Lung Resection

Promising and often durable initial results following immunotherapy for metastatic and advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have prompted researchers to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach for early and locally advanced resectable disease. The few published trials on this topic suggest that induction immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy is safe. Results of multiple phase III studies show that doublet chemotherapy plus immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment is well-tolerated in patients with metastatic NSCLC. However, at present, no published trials have examined the safety and efficacy of induction immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy in this patient population. Although the published studies do not offer a definitive assessment of operative risk, multiple ongoing phase III trials of induction chemotherapy and immunotherapy are seeking to address this knowledge gap. Two key unanswered questions remain: What are the technical challenges incurred by the inflammatory response reported after induction immunotherapy? And does induction immunotherapy increase the perioperative risk associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as part of an induction strategy? Early findings, almost exclusively with ICI monotherapy, reveal a good pathologic response rate, with high rates of R0 resection. Anecdotal reports suggest surgical resections may be more technically challenging secondary to increased inflammation, fibrosis, and loss of normal tissue planes, particularly in the hilum and perivascular regions. Induction and adjuvant ICIs, either alone or, more likely, in combination with chemotherapy, are almost certainly going to be used for operable NSCLC in the future. Although the published data currently do not offer a definitive assessment of operative risk, we do not believe operative risk is substantively increased with monotherapy immunotherapy. Multiple ongoing phase III trials of induction chemotherapy and immunotherapy will definitively address this question by the mid-2020s.
A Δ-Σ Digital Stereo Multiplexing–Demultiplexing System

Frequency modulation (FM) stereo broadcasting technique is well understood in literature and practice and is regulated by federal law (FCC). This stereo broadcast is not limited to FM; the FCC has authorized some form of stereo AM broadcast as well. There are a number of books and references describing the FM stereo technique. In Fig. 7.1 a generic block diagram of a stereo FM system is shown [1]. Similar block diagrams of a stereo FM system can be found in many other references and on the Internet. Thus, following general notation in this figure, we will briefly describe the operation of the system and point out its disadvantages. The idea of stereo is to provide a sound wave-front which replicates the depth and realism that an individual experiences when listening. As can be seen in Fig. 7.1, the signal broadcast consists of two channels: left (L) and right (R). This signal can be derived from a microphone, tape, or CD player, or another source. In the case of a broadcast of speech or music, the frequency bandwidth is from 30 Hz to 15 kHz. With FM stereophonic broadcasting, voice or music channels are frequency division multiplexed onto a single FM carrier. The L and R audio channels are combined in analog adder networks to produce the (L − R) and (L + R) audio channels. As one can see, the (L + R) signal is used to modulate the carrier just as a non-stereo signal does. The (L − R) signal is shifted by a balance modulator (subcarrier frequency is 38 kHz) to produce a double sideband (DSB) suppressed carrier (SC) signal spanning 38 − 15 = 23 kHz and 38 + 15 = 53 kHz. This process of stereo multiplexing is known as MPX. For demodulation purposes (synchronization), a 19 kHz pilot signal is also transmitted. All three signals are combined and delivered to an FM radio frequency transmitter. Most FM transmitters now use an integrated circuit (IC). Motorola MC1376 IC is a complete FM modulator. Unfortunately, it requires several external analog components to make it operate (including two inductor (coil) components). Similarly, the XR-1310 stereo demodulator has a significant number of analog components. Thus, FM IC chips have to be buffered by a number of analog components, which it is not possible to integrate. There are several US Patents proposing different digital stereo methods, but they are not related to the digital stereo multiplexing–demultiplexing method we are proposing.
Pernaskahan Melayu dan Masa Depan Bangsa Indonesia

Bagi orang awam zaman sekarang di Jakarta, ibu kota yang cenderung menentukan segala anggapan umum dan kearifan konven-sional untuk seluruh Indonesia, yang dikatakan “naskah” itu merupakan sesuatu yang esoteris, jauh dari pengalaman sendiri. Pengalaman saya justru sebaliknya. Semasa muda di Persekutuan Tanah Melayu yang kemudian menjadi Malaysia, saya dipekerjakan, ya dititahkan, oleh Raja Kelantan, Sultan Yahya Putra al-Marhum, mengajar puteranya Tengku Mahkota Ismail, yang kini bertakhta sebagai Sultan Kelantan. Ketika itu (tahun 1963), baginda berusia 15 tahun. Seterusnya saya berkenalan dengan beberapa orang kerabat diraja, khususnya Tengku Khalid, paman Sultan. Beliau, yang sudah tua pada masa itu, menjadi penaung seni istana yang terakhir di Kelantan. Ilmunya tentang perwayangan luas dan mendalam sekali; untung saya, karena saya sangat menaruh minat pada wayang kulit Kelantan. Namun bukan itu yang diberikan perhatian utama di sini, melainkan naskah. Di kalangan Tengku Khalid, naskah merupakan sesuatu yang terus-menerus dimanfaatkan. Beliau memiliki banyak naskah. Salah satu antaranya adalah Hikayat Seri Rama. Bagian-bagian dari kisah itu dibacakannya kepada beberapa dalang wayang kulit yang mencari bahan baru untuk diselipkan dalam versi lisan ceritanya . Sungguhpun prinsip penciptaan tetap mengandalkan sistem lisan, namun ia dapat memanfaatkan sumber tertulis.
Water: Rivers, Canals, and Commerce in the Early Anthropocene

Modified rivers and canals were essential to the Industrial Revolution and to Britain’s global-colonial empire, and the transformation of rivers like the Thames, Tyne, and Wye throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries reveals how waterways impacted every aspect of life. In addition to analyzing a wide range of writings on industrial rivers—some famous, some more obscure—this chapter also examines early conservation efforts linked to tourism in the Wye Valley and Lake District, a literature that counters the industrial writings that dominate depictions of the Thames and Tyne. But the lasting influence of the nineteenth-century river-writing tradition is the industrial, imperial, (post)apocalyptic mode carried on in contemporary climate fiction centered on catastrophic floods. This chapter locates the seeds of such thinking and aesthetics in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature.
My Path in School Psychology - The Long and Winding Road

This chapter describes the professional career of Linda C. Caterino, Ph.D., ABPP. Linda graduated from Arizona State University and later became Training Director of the School Psychology program at that university. She has worked in a professional school, at a research university, as well as in local districts and in private practice. Dr. Caterino has prioritized student training and program development at the graduate school level. She has conducted research on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, anxiety, giftedness, and bullying among other topics and has focused on improving the level of professionalism in School Psychology by advocating for diplomate status through the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Perioperative Opioid and Nonopioid Prescribing Patterns in AVF/AVG Creation

Background To evaluate postoperative opioid prescribing patterns in patients undergoing hemodialysis access creation. Methods Operative logs were reviewed to identify patients undergoing creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) from September 2016 to January 2018. Immediate postoperative opioid prescriptions were compared for ambulatory patients versus inpatients. Opioid prescriptions at the time of discharge for inpatients were recorded. Rates of opioid prescribing were standardized by conversion to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). Opioid use postoperatively and at the time of discharge based on anesthetic technique, general anesthesia versus regional or local anesthesia with sedation were compared. Alternative pain medications administered and pain scores were recorded. Comparisons were made between the percentage of opioid use and doses administered between AVF and AVG patient groups, ambulatory and inpatients, and type of anesthetic technique used. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-square and t-tests. Results We identified 164 patients undergoing AV access creation but not receiving chronic opioid therapy. A significantly higher percentage of inpatients received opioids in the immediate postoperative period than ambulatory patients (AVF: 72% vs. 19%, P Conclusions A higher percentage of inpatients undergoing hemodialysis access received opioids when compared with ambulatory patients in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatients were prescribed higher mean doses than ambulatory patients. AVG patient groups were prescribed more opioids than AVF patient groups. Alternative analgesic agent use was low, suggesting an opportunity for improved pain control and opioid reduction. Dialysis access creation represents an opportunity to improve on opioid prescribing patterns.
Neural Network Based Corn Field Furrow Detection for Autonomous Navigation in Agriculture Vehicles

Row detection in agricultural applications has commonly used Hough transform techniques and traditional signal processing based approaches relating to machine vision. There are various learning based methods available that are capable of producing similar results in terms of detection. In this paper, a neural network based algorithm is developed, and we compare the Hough transform and a machine learning implementation with the proposed approach to determine which would be the most appropriate in a real-time application given a variety of factors including computational performance, accuracy, and environmental variability. Compared to the learning based approaches which rely on training data, Hough transform based detection relies on a variety of processes, including binarization and denoising, which are not required to be explicitly implemented in the machine learning or neural network models. Additionally, to add another layer of diversity to the three possible solutions examined is the consideration for color input data. The Hough transform method and the neural network model implemented both require color input data while the machine learning model relies on texture features instead of color to make its classification predictions. Compared to the traditional image understanding techniques, autonomous vehicles face challenges due to similarities in color and texture between the crops and their surroundings. Therefore, the algorithm is developed to overcome such challenges. Preliminary results show that the neural network model developed was found to offer the most versatility compared to traditional methods and the highest accuracy on the order of 97% for this application across several different input conditions.
Evaluating Central BanksA Tool Kit: Past, Present, and Future

We develop a structural DSGE model to systematically study the principal tools of unconventional monetary policy -- quantitative easing (QE), forward guidance, and negative interest rate policy (NIRP) -- as well as the interactions between them. To generate the same output response, the requisite NIRP and forward guidance interventions are twice as large as a conventional policy shock, which seems implausible in practice. In contrast, QE via an endogenous feedback rule can alleviate the constraints on conventional policy posed by the zero lower bound. Quantitatively, QE1-QE3 can account for two thirds of the observed decline in the "shadow" Federal Funds rate. In spite of its usefulness, QE does not come without cost. A large balance sheet has consequences for different normalization plans, the efficacy of NIRP, and the effective lower bound on the policy rate.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

Restriction of gastric volume is a cornerstone of most bariatric and metabolic surgical procedures, and endoscopic bariatric therapies have been designed to mimic these surgical interventions. First performed in 2008 as part of a trial at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, the concept of endoscopic sutured gastroplasty eventually evolved into a technique pioneered at the Mayo Clinic known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) (Abu Dayyeh et al., Gastrointest Endosc. 78:530–535, 2013). ESG is an incisionless transoral procedure accomplished through full-thickness endoscopic suturing from within and along the greater curvature of the stomach to render the gastric lumen into a restricted, tubular configuration. ESG’s promising role within the world of bariatric therapies is predicated on its minimizing of complications compared to bariatric surgeries while maximizing efficacy and durability compared to temporary space-occupying intragastric devices. Several studies across the globe have investigated the effect of ESG on weight loss in the patients with obesity. This chapter will discuss what is known to date about the endoscopic technique, physiology, patient outcomes, adverse events, and potential areas of future study within ESG.
A comparative study of different atmospheric correction algorithms over an area with complex geomorphology in Western Peloponnese, Greece

The efficiency of different atmospheric correction methods is studied, using a Landsat 5 TM image of an area with complex physiography and geomorphology. Taking into account the optical qualitative characteristics of the processed images, the statistical features of their histograms and their spatial frequency content, it is concluded that, for the area under study, the technique of the absolute atmospheric correction with the parameters of a maritime atmosphere gives the best results.
lambda. -nuclear properties from the spectroscopy of /sup 13//sub. lambda. /C

A comprehensive shell model for light hypernuclei has been developed and applied to $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{13}\mathrm{C}$. Absolutely normalized distorted-wave calculations yield angular distributions in excellent agreement with experiment, allowing spin assignments to be made. Coherences arising from the distinguishability of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ are predicted theoretically and observed in the data. The overall comparison with experiment places constraints on residual interaction matrix elements.
AMT tag approach to proteomic characterization of Deinococcus radiodurans and Shewanella oneidensis.

Biology is transitioning from a largely qualitative, mostly descriptive science to a quantitative and ultimately predictive science. Advances in high throughput DNA sequencing have made increasing numbers of genome sequences available and enabled a “systems” level analysis of complex biological organisms. The ability to quantitatively measure the array of proteins, also termed the proteome, in prokaryotic cells and communities of cells is key to understanding microbial systems. This chapter focuses on the utility of the AMT tag mass spectrometric approach used to characterize the proteomes of two microbes, Deinococcus radiodurans and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
Endothelial inflammation and monocyte adhesion following increased vascular wall shear stress in an ex vivo femoral artey model (670.10)

Monocyte recruitment studies are primarily in vitro studies, or require the sacrifice of animals at multiple time points to analyze accumulation. With this ex vivo femoral artery model we can observe monocyte behavior in a whole vessel with all the extracellular matrix and structure intact. This study uses a previously characterized ex vivo femoral artery system. Ex vivo femoral arteries were subject to varying wall shear stresses (WSS)_physiological WSS (10.18Pa), 1.4x higher, 2x higher, and physiological + TNFα as appositive control. Following the induction of endothelial inflammation by WSS, fluorescently labeled monocytes were introduced into the perfusate or the vessels were flayed open an incubated with static monocytes. The subsequent adhesion of the monocytes to the endothelial wall was captured by video and microscopy. As hypothesized, TNFα positive control showed a significant increase in expression of all cytokines and adhesion molecules (p<0.05). Further, pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, TNFα...
Modulation of flavanone and furocoumarin levels in grapefruits (Citrus paradisi Macfad.) by production and storage conditions

Grapefruits grown under organic or conventional systems were analyzed for 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin (DHB) and flavanones using HPLC, and DPPH activity and ORAC using a micro-plate reader. Grapefruits harvested in November 2008 (E-1) and February 2010 (E-2) were stored at room temperature (RT) and 9 °C for four weeks. Higher levels of DHB were observed in conventional grapefruits during the second (4.7 ± 0.2 μg/g), third (1.5 ± 0.2 μg/g) and fourth (2.5 ± 0.2 μg/g) week of storage at room temperature in E2. Among flavonoids analyzed, narirutin (666.7 ± 33.9 μg/g), neohesperidin (17.5 ± 1.3 μg/g), didymin (75.5 ± 5.6 μg/g) and poncirin (130.8 ± 10.4 μg/g) levels were significantly higher (P⩽0.05) in organic grapefruits over conventional grapefruits at harvest and storage in E-1. Although DPPH levels were moderately correlated with grapefruit flavanone content, variability in the individual flavanone activity was pronounced, resulting in non-significant differences in antioxidant activity between organic and conventional grapefruits.
Beyond Knowledge Management : What Every Leader Should Know

Gaining Competitive Advantage with Knowledge Management Gaining Competitive Advantage with Strategic Intelligence Gaining Competitive Advantage with Globalization Gaining Competitive Advantage Through E-Learning Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Social Networking Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Virtual Worlds Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Technology Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Human Capital Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Relationships Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Innovation Index
Is Full Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples Next? The Immediate and Future Impact of the Supreme Court's Decision in United States v. Windsor

As people across the political spectrum sat on the edge of their seats last summer, the Supreme Court waited until the last possible moment to issue its two same-sex marriage decisions. One, decided on a technicality, did nothing to answer the question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The other, United States v. Windsor, was a landmark decision, as it struck down Section 3 of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act and found that same-sex couples validly married under state law must have their marriages recognized under federal law. However, the Windsor opinion limits its holding to “those in lawful marriages,” and so has no immediate effect on the laws of the more than 30 states where same-sex marriage is still prohibited. This article will analyze the Windsor opinion and show how it makes it more likely that courts in the future will find that state same-sex marriage prohibitions are unconstitutional.
Risk Factors for the Development of Psychopathology Following Trauma

Traumatic experiences can lead to a range of mental health problems with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leading as the most documented disorder following trauma. Epidemiological research has found the rate of exposure to trauma to far outweigh the prevalence of PTSD. Indicating that most people do not develop PTSD following a traumatic event, this phenomenon has led to an interest in evaluating risk factors to determine who develops PTSD. Risk factors for the development of psychopathology following trauma exposure fall into three categories: pre-trauma, peri-trauma and post-trauma factors. Pre-trauma factors can include age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, prior psychopathology, and neurobiological factors. Peri-trauma factors can include the duration/severity of trauma experience and the perception that the trauma has ended. Post-trauma factors can include access to needed resources, social support, specific cognitive patterns, and physical activity. To date, several important risk factors have been found to impact the risk of developing PTSD including gender, age, education, IQ, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, pre-trauma psychopathology, prior trauma exposure, familial psychiatric history, and neurobiological factors. This article outlines the state of research findings on pretraumatic, peritraumatic, and posttraumatic risk factors for the development of PTSD and associated psychopathology following trauma.
Kalman Filtering with Intermittent Observations: Critical Value for Second Order System

Abstract Sinopoli et al. (2004) analyze the problem of optimal estimation for linear Gaussian systems where packets containing observations are dropped according to an i.i.d. Bernoulli process, modeling a memoryless erasure channel. In this case the authors show that the Kalman Filter is still the optimal estimator, although boundedness of the error depends directly upon the channel arrival probability, p. In particular they also prove the existence of a critical value, p c , for such probability, below which the Kalman filter will diverge. While it has been shown that the critical value for diagonalizable systems with eigenvalues of different magnitude coincides with the lower bound determined by Mo and Sinopoli (2008), the problem is still open in the case where some eigenvalues have equal magnitude. This paper provides a complete characterization of the critical arrival probability for diagonalizable second order systems with eigenvalues of equal magnitude. In general the critical value for these systems is higher than the lower bound, unless the transmission from the sensor includes both the current and the previous measurement. In this case it is possible to construct a filter that whose critical value achieves the lower bound. Although clearly restrictive, the analysis of second order systems presented herein can be used to bound the critical value of higher dimensional systems of this kind.
Analysis of Supergranule Sizes and Velocities Using Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) Dopplergrams

Co-temporal Doppler images from Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) and Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) have been analyzed to extract quantitative information about global properties of the spatial and temporal characteristics of solar supergranulation. Preliminary comparisons show that supergranules appear to be smaller and have stronger horizontal velocity flows within HMI data than was measured with MDI. There appears to be no difference in their evolutionary timescales. Supergranule sizes and velocities were analyzed over a ten-day time period at a 15-minute cadence. While the averages of the time-series retain the aforementioned differences, fluctuations of these parameters first observed in MDI data were seen in both MDI and HMI time-series, exhibiting a strong cross-correlation. This verifies that these fluctuations are not instrumental, but are solar in origin. The observed discrepancies between the averaged values from the two sets of data are a consequence of instrument resolution. The lower spatial resolution of MDI results in larger observed structures with lower velocities than is seen in HMI. While these results offer a further constraint on the physical nature of supergranules, they also provide a level of calibration between the two instruments.
The developing chick brain shows a dramatic increase in the ω-conotoxin binding sites around the hatching period

Abstract ω-Conotoxin CVIA, a 27 amino acid neuropeptide toxin believed to target voltage sensitive calcium channels (Cruz et al., 1987, Biochemistry26(3), 820–824) was bound to developing chick brain at embryonic day 9-post hatch day 10. A two-fold increase was observed in ω-Conotoxin binding sites around chick hatching, embryonic days 18–20. Depolarization induced 45Ca fluxes also increased around hatching. ω-Conotoxins block ⩾-80% of these 45Ca fluxes throughout development. Competition binding did not detect large differences in the binding affinity of sites during development. We conclude from these data that the increases in ω-Conotoxin binding sites and 45Ca fluxes around chick hatching are related to one of the presynaptic mechanisms of neuronal maturation necessary for normal neuronal function and chick behavior after hatching.
Trajectories of Ethnic-Racial Discrimination Among Ethnically Diverse Early Adolescents: Associations With Psychological and Social Adjustment

Using longitudinal data, the authors assessed 585 Dominican, Chinese, and African American adolescents (Grades 6-8, M(age) at W1 = 11.83) to determine patterns over time of perceived ethnic-racial discrimination from adults and peers; if these patterns varied by gender, ethnicity, and immigrant status; and whether they are associated with psychological (self-esteem, depressive symptoms) and social (friend and teacher relationship quality, school belonging) adjustment. Two longitudinal patterns for adult discrimination and three longitudinal patterns for peer discrimination were identified using a semiparametric mixture model. These trajectories were distinct with regard to the initial level, shape, and changes in discrimination. Trajectories varied by gender and ethnicity and were significantly linked to psychological and social adjustment. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.
Computer-controlled switch for temperature ranging with a recording optical pyrometer

Abstract The measurement of temperature is a useful analytical probe for industrial processes as well as applied research. However, temperature ranges for most monitoring equipment are not designed to deal with the broad temperature ranges common in electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectroscopy. A simple circuit that enhances the temperature ranging of a commercial recording optical pyrometer, specifically, an Ircon Series 1100 optical pyrometer, is presented. This circuit used with the included “pseudo-code” can measure an increasing or decreasing temperature over the range 1000–3000°C.
Multiple-quantum vector field imaging by magnetic resonance.

Abstract We introduce a method for non-invasively mapping fiber orientation in materials and biological tissues using intermolecular multiple-quantum coherences. The nuclear magnetic dipole field of water molecules is configured by a CRAZED sequence to encode spatial distributions of material heterogeneities. At any given point r in space, we obtain the spherical coordinates of fiber orientation (θ,ϕ) with respect to the external field by comparing three signals ∥GX∥, ∥GY∥, and ∥GZ∥ (modulus), acquired with linear gradients applied along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. For homogeneous isotropic materials, a subtraction ∥GZ∥ − ∥GX∥ − ∥GY∥ gives zero. With anisotropic materials, we find an empirical relationship relating ∥GZ∥ − ∥GX∥ − ∥GY∥/(∥GX∥ + ∥GY∥ + ∥GZ∥) to the polar angle θ, while ∥GX∥ − ∥GY∥/(∥GX∥ + ∥GY∥ + ∥GZ∥) is related to the azimuthal angle ϕ. Experiments in structured media confirm the structural sensitivity. This technique can probe length scales not accessible by conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging.
Association of Sweetened Beverage Intake with Incident Hypertension

BACKGROUND Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in cross-sectional studies. However, prospective data are limited.
On Some Mathematical Problems Arising in the Development of Mendelian Genetics

Abstract In this paper some basic problems of theoretical Mendelian genetics are presented. The general situation of an arbitrary number of linked loci for “diploids” (normal organisms) as well as for “autopolyploids” is considered, under random mating. Particular stress is laid upon formulating the problems and results within the framework of probability theory, expressing them in terms of three basic distributions, the distributions of genotypes and of gametes, and the segregation distribution. The task of the mathematical theory consists in establishing recurrence relations for the distributions of gametes and of genotypes, in integrating them and in investigating the limit behaviour of those distribution as n, the number of discrete non overlapping generations tends toward infinity. * Lecture delivered January 1948 at the University of Chicago.
Evaluation of basic imaging properties of a new digital chest system

A prototype digital chest system, which uses storage phosphor technology and has the advantages over existing computed radiography systems (CR) of compactness and immediate image display, is being evaluated in our laboratory. We evaluated the imaging properties of the Konica Direct Digitizer (KDD) in order to assess its potential usefulness for general clinical use, or as a front-end for a PACS. The prototype system consists of a new stimulable phosphor (RbBr.Tl) detector read by a compact semiconductor laser scanning system, with images immediately displayed on a CRT or transferred to a host computer. The imaging characteristics of resolution and noise were evaluated, using display parameters matched to a Kodak Lanex Medium/OC system. Preliminary results using sensitive composite test objects show an increase in noise and a slight decrease in resolution as compared to conventional radiography. However, subjective comparison of a chest phantom and volunteer images indicates that these differences may not be clinically significant. Further development is needed to provide increased absorption, and thus improved image quality.
Targeted therapy for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma

A number of molecularly targeted agents are now available for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Their role in locally advanced disease is not well defined, and the mechanisms of progression in the high-risk patient are poorly understood. For an agent to be effective in locally advanced renal cell carcinoma it needs to be able to downstage primary tumors, and to prevent the formation of metastases. In this review, we summarize clinical trials assessing the ability of these new agents to cytoreduce primary tumors, and explore available evidence on their ability to prevent the formation of metastases. Ongoing adjuvant clinical trials assessing molecularly targeted agents in the high-risk setting will provide valuable information on their utility in this patient population. Future trials using agents with optimized cytoreductive capabilities in conjunction with therapies capable of preventing metastatic dissemination may improve the outcomes of patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Phthalate-organophosphate interactions: Toxicity, penetration, and metabolism studies with house flies

Seventeen phthalates were not toxic to female house flies,Musca domestica L., when applied at high dosages topically or by injection. An antagonistic interaction was observed upon simultaneous application of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) or di-n-butyl phthalate with 21 organophosphates. However, a synergistic interaction was apparent when house flies were pretreated with DEHP by topical application or injection 30 min prior to topical application of organophosphates. Penetration andin vivo andin vitro metabolism studies using DEHP and chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl0-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl) phosphorothioate) as model compounds indicated that DEHP, when applied topically to house flies, penetrated extremely slowly and was metabolized very slowly. DEHP also was shown to exert an inhibitory effect on chlorpyrifos metabolismin vitro andin vivo. Chlorpyrifos alone penetrated extremely rapidly and was rapidly metabolized. The antagonistic interaction may be due at least in part to the fact that both DEHP and chlorpyrifos are lipophilic, and the increase in the total lipophilic pool by the DEHP resulted in internal levels of toxicant below the toxicity threshold. A plausible explanation for the synergistic interaction is as follows. Chlorpyrifos penetrated slowly in DEHP pretreated house flies; however, the rate was not as slow as that observed when the two compounds were applied simultaneously. This coupled with the inhibition of chlorpyrifos metabolism by DEHP permitted a slow but lethal accumulation of toxicant.
The kinematics of cutting solid objects

This paper studies how the cutting of one solid object by another can be described in a formal theory. We present two alternative first-order representations for this domain. The first views an object as gradually changing its shape until it is split, at which time the original object ceases to exist and two (or more) new objects come into existence. The second focuses instead on chunks of material which are part of the overall object. A chunk persists with constant shape until some pieces of it is cut away, when the chunk ceases to exist. We prove that the two theories are equivalent under ordinary circumstances, and we show that they are sufficient to support some simple commonsense inferences and algorithms.
Drug-induced dissociation of evoked responses and performance in mice

Mice implanted with surface cortical electrodes were tested on a visual active avoidance task after pretraining on an auditory active avoidance task. Experimental drug groups received pretrial injections of one drug on Day 1 of testing and a different drug on Day 2 of testing. Control drug groups received the same drug on both testing days. Each experimental and its associated control group received the same drug on Day 2 of testing. Mice administered saline were also tested. Evoked responses (ERs) to the photic training stimuli, spontaneous EEG records and performance scores were measured. Drug treatments had significantly different effects on ER amplitudes within and between testing days. These ER changes were not associated with performance or arousal differences among the treatment groups. Thus, ER amplitudes to training stimuli and performance of mice were dissociated. Results were interpreted in terms of ERs reflecting general excitability changes as a function of learning, rather than being specific determinants of behavior.
Glucose and Insulin Induction of Bile Acid Synthesis MECHANISMS AND IMPLICATION IN DIABETES AND OBESITY

Bile acids facilitate postprandial absorption of nutrients. Bile acids also activate the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled receptor TGR5 and play a major role in regulating lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Transgenic expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) prevented high fat diet-induced diabetes and obesity in mice. In this study, we investigated the nutrient effects on bile acid synthesis. Refeeding of a chow diet to fasted mice increased CYP7A1 expression, bile acid pool size, and serum bile acids in wild type and humanized CYP7A1-transgenic mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that glucose increased histone acetylation and decreased histone methylation on the CYP7A1 gene promoter. Refeeding also induced CYP7A1 in fxr-deficient mice, indicating that FXR signaling did not play a role in postprandial regulation of bile acid synthesis. In streptozocin-induced type I diabetic mice and genetically obese type II diabetic ob/ob mice, hyperglycemia increased histone acetylation status on the CYP7A1 gene promoter, leading to elevated basal Cyp7a1 expression and an enlarged bile acid pool with altered bile acid composition. However, refeeding did not further increase CYP7A1 expression in diabetic mice. In summary, this study demonstrates that glucose and insulin are major postprandial factors that induce CYP7A1 gene expression and bile acid synthesis. Glucose induces CYP7A1 gene expression mainly by epigenetic mechanisms. In diabetic mice, CYP7A1 chromatin is hyperacetylated, and fasting to refeeding response is impaired and may exacerbate metabolic disorders in diabetes.