cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermistors for the Gradual Application of Heater Voltage to Thermionic Tubes

Thermistors which are thermally-sensitive resistors having large negative temperature coefficients of resistance can be aptly used for the gradual application of heater voltage to thermionic tubes, thereby diminishing thermal transients and reducing mechanical failures. Full voltage is first applied to the thermistor and load in series and after temperature equilibrium is reached, the thermistors are shorted out. From a cold start thermistor resistance decreases by a factor of approximately 100 and heater resistance increases by a factor of 5 to 10. By selecting a set of series-connected thermistors to limit the current to a maximum of 120 per cent of the operating value during the voltage application, the initial voltage on the heaters will be less than 5 per cent of rated, and the voltage before shorting out, about 75 per cent of rated. Peak currents occur twice, once while the thermistors are in the circuit and again when the thermistors are shorted out at 90 seconds. One set of thermistors can be used to limit the current satisfactorily over a wide range of loads. The most favorable number of thermistors to connect in series is determined experimentally. Commercially available units in washer form can accommodate heater loads up to 1100 watts.
Ductal carcinoma of male breast with prominent lipid-rich component

We report a case of mammary duct carcinoma with a prominent lipid-rich, sebaceous-like component, occurring in a 55 yr old white male. The patient presented with a painless, subareolar left breast mass and the diagnosis of malignancy was made by fine needle aspiration. Subsequent modified radical mastectomy revealed an infiltrating and in situ ductal carcinoma with dermal invasion and numerous vacuolated sebaceous-like tumor cells, positive for neutral lipid by Oil Red O stain. We propose that this case represents an unusual variant of lipid-secreting breast carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this subtype of mammary carcinoma is unprecedented in male breast.
Race, Pre- and Postdetention, and Juvenile Justice Decision Making

A detailed examination was conducted of the factors associated with pre- and postadjudication secure detention, including secure detention as a dispositional sentence and the effects of secure detention on decision making that further contribute to cumulative disadvantage for African Americans. The research was based on interpretations of the symbolic threat thesis, with emphasis on the stereotyping of African Americans as threatening, delinquent, and/or in need of confinement, to study decision making in one juvenile court jurisdiction. The results reveal that legal factors were most often predictors of each type of secure detention and decision making at other stages, but so too was race individually and in combination with legal and extralegal considerations and indirectly through secure detention. The relationships, however, did not always result in disadvantageous outcomes.
Second-order bounds for linear recurrences with negative coefficients

This paper introduces a generalization of Fibonacci and Pell polynomials in order to obtain optimal second-order bounds for general linear recurrences with negative coefficients. An important aspect of the derived bounds is that they are applicable and easily computable. The results imply bounds on all entries in inverses of triangular matrices as well as on coefficients of reciprocals of power series.
The infinite‐order singular problem

In singular optimal control problems, the optimal control is determined by solving the algebraic equation which results by successively differentiating the switching function until the control appears explicitly. In certain classes of problems, the control never appears, and such problems are termed infinite-order singular problems. It is shown that this class has many useful properties with respect to the theory and computation of optimal controls. In particular, it is shown that for the time-invariant, singular, linear-quadratic problem: (i) the singular order is infinity or less than or equal to the state dimension, (ii) infinite-order problems can arise only from exact differential type cost functions, (iii) the range of the second-variation operator (Hessian) is finite-dimensional, (iv) the computational method converges strongly, and (v) conjugate direction methods converge in a finite number of steps. The latter property is especially useful in the generation of test problems for optimal control computation schemes.
Parallel imaging: some signal processing issues and solutions

Parallel imaging using multiple receiver coils has emerged as an effective tool to reduce imaging time in various MRI applications. Mathematically, the imaging equation can be expressed as a weighted Fourier transform, and the image reconstruction formula can be derived from Papoulis' generalized sampling theorem. Although perfect reconstructions can be obtained under ideal conditions, several signal processing problems exist in practical settings. This paper discusses some of these problems. Specifically, it analyzes the effect of data truncation, addresses the problem of estimating the coil sensitivity functions, and proposes a regularization scheme to cope with the ill-conditioned inverse problem associated with achieving high acceleration factors.
Barclays de Zoete Wedd's TRADE system

TRADE, an automatic order execution facility for trading securities in Britain, is discussed. The system was developed; by the British securities house Barclays de Zoete Wedd (BZW) and was unveiled in June 1988. BZW supplies terminal software and a network connection to its customers (generally small brokerage houses and money managers). Users can look at current market prices and execute trades at touch (best bid and ask quotes) in over 1450 stocks and 95 government bonds. TRADE capabilities and benefits are presented. >
Analysis of algorithms for intensive care unit blood glucose control.

Intensive care unit (ICU) blood glucose control algorithms were reviewed and analyzed in the context of linear systems theory and classical feedback control algorithms. Closed-loop performance was illustrated by applying the algorithms in simulation studies using an in silico model of an ICU patient. Steady-state and dynamic input–output analysis was used to provide insight about controller design and potential closedloop performance. The proportional-integral-derivative, columnar insulin dosing (CID, Glucommander-like), and glucose regulation for intensive care patients (GRIP) algorithms were shown to have similar features and performance. The CID strategy is a time-varying proportional-only controller (no integral action), whereas the GRIP algorithm is a nonlinear controller with integral action. A minor modification to the GRIP algorithm was suggested to improve the closed-loop performance. Recommendations were made to guide control theorists on important ICU control topics worthy of further study.
Why withdrawal of life-support for PVS patients is not a family decision.

We presently are not really leaving withdrawal of treatment decisions to families and there are good reasons why we ought not to do so. To see why this is, we need to focus on what is special about PVS cases as opposed to other kinds of medical cases in which we are forced to make life and death decisions. One thing which is very special about PVS is the fact that it is a condition which intuitively pushes us to rethink, once again, society's definition of “death.” We have already changed our definitions of death to include situations in which respiration and circulation continue but the “whole brain” is dead. Defining death to include irreversible PVS would merely require extending the definition to include situations where the brain stem is functioning but the neocortex is dead. There are, of course, obstacles to overcome in extending the definition in that fashion.
BGPeep: An IP-Space Centered View for Internet Routing Data

We present BGPeep, a tool for visualizing Border Gateway Protocol traffic at a detailed level, using a novel depiction of IP-space. This new visualization renders the network prefixes involved with such traffic using a method that leverages the peculiarities of BGP traffic to gain insight and highlight potential router misconfigurations. BGPeep utilizes a simple interface and several methods of interaction to allow users to quickly focus on the data of interest. Our tool highlights aspects of BGP data which have received less attention in previous visualization applications, in order to help form a more complete picture of this vital part of the Internet communications infrastructure.
Interval Colorectal Cancer After Colonoscopy: Exploring Explanations and Solutions

There is good evidence that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been successful at reducing both CRC incidence and death. Colonoscopy, utilized as either a primary screening tool or a follow-up exam when other screening tests are positive, has significantly contributed to these encouraging trends. However, it is well recognized that colonoscopy is not perfectly sensitive for the detection of neoplasia and that CRC can be diagnosed within a short interval following a colonoscopy that did not detect one. The literature surrounding these cases has rapidly expanded over the last decade. Specifically, studies aimed at understanding the frequency of these events and the likely explanations for their occurrence have been performed. This review will highlight current knowledge around the epidemiology of interval post colonoscopy CRC (PCCRC). The common explanations for these cancers including missed lesions, new lesions, and incompletely resected lesions will be reviewed and their contribution to interval PCCRC estimated. Finally, the relationship of these putative explanations to potential opportunities to prevent interval PCCRC will be explored. Current approaches to prevention largely center on consistent adherence to quality colonoscopy standards. Future approaches include advances in technology to better visualize the colon and adequately resect detected neoplasia. Finally, improvement in training as well as development of a culture of continuous quality improvement will be essential to maximize the benefits of colonoscopy in daily clinical practice.
Value Creation Estimates Beyond Announcement Returns: Mega-Mergers versus Other Mergers

Much of the literature considers only short-term acquirer announcement returns when analyzing which mergers create value for the acquirer. However, announcement returns combine information about value creation because of the merger and a revaluation of the acquirer’s stand-alone value. We use three methods to infer revaluation-free value creation directly because of the merger. We find that despite their negative average announcement returns, acquisitions of public targets typically do not destroy value and, by most measures, create value. Only mega-mergers, the top 1% of mergers in absolute transaction value, destroy value for the acquirer. In contrast, non-mega-mergers create value for the acquirer. We also show that the value destruction in mega-mergers is driven by managerial motives and weak corporate governance.
Control of refractory fasting hypoglycemia in a patient with suspected insulinoma with diphenylhydantoin.

ABSTRACT A 65 year old patient with refractory fasting hypoglycemia and a suspected insulin secreting islet cell tumor has been successfully treated with diphenylhydantoin (DPH) for three months. With drug levels ranging from 25–32 μg/ml, postabsorptive blood sugars have remained in the normal range (93.3 ± 1.47 mg/100ml, Mean ± SE) and are strikingly elevated (p<.001) when compared to pretreatment levels (44.8 ± 6.1). Mean IRI levels during maintenance therapy were significantly lower (15.6 ± 1.1 μU/ml) than before initiation of therapy (22.6 ± 1.8, p<.005). Furthermore, the ability to sustain normoglycemia during up to 24 hours of fasting was demonstrated while on DPH. This case suggests that DPH, in nontoxic levels, may be used to control the hypoglycemia associated with islet cell adenomas and should be strongly considered for the medical management of such tumors.
An Examination of the Northern Hemisphere Sea-Level Pressure Data Set

Abstract For each grid point (5° latitude by 5° longitude) and each season, the long-term mean sea-level pressure (1899–1972) and its standard deviation were found, using a data set compiled by NCAR. Individual deviations from the mean greater than three standard deviations were compared with nearby station data from World Whether Records. Some deviations were found in the sea-level pressure data and not in the station pressure data. Comparison was made between the NCAR sea-level pressure data set and the United Kingdom Meteorological Office data set; large differences are found since 1940 when the data acts started using different sources.
The Radon Transform on R n

It was proved by J. Radon in 1917 that a differentiable function on R3 can be determined explicitly by means of its integrals over the planes in R3. Let J(ω, p) denote the integral of f over the hyperplane 〈x, ω〉 = p, ω denoting a unit vector and 〈,〉 the inner product.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Canines and Deer in Arkansas

Increased occurrence of tick-borne diseases requires the surveillance of tick species associated with humans and the animals they contact. Tick species were collected from canines and deer throughout Arkansas by veterinarians during December 2006 to October 2007, while personnel with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission collected ticks from hunter-killed deer throughout the 2007 hunting season (Oct-Dec). Five tick species were collected: Ixodes scapularis Say (51%), Amblyomma americanum (L.) (22%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (12%), A. maculatum (Koch) (7%), Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (6%), and unidentified Amblyomma species (2%). Tick collections from canines were A. americanum (45%), whereas 89% of ticks collected from deer were I. scapularis. These 2 tick species also were found simultaneously infesting the same canine and deer hosts. Our data identify 5 tick species and update the current distribution of each species that may be involved in the Arkansas tick-borne disease cycle.
The Role of Many-Body Correlations in Determining Potentials for Coarse-Grained Models of Equilibrium Structure

Coarse-grained (CG) models often employ pair potentials that are parametrized to reproduce radial distribution functions (rdf's) determined for an atomistic model. This implies that the CG model must reproduce the corresponding atomistic mean forces. These mean forces include not only a direct contribution from the corresponding interaction but also correlated contributions from the surrounding environment. The many-body correlations that influence this second contribution present significant challenges for accurately reproducing atomistic distribution functions. This work presents a detailed investigation of these many-body correlations and their significance for determining CG potentials while using liquid heptane as a model system. We employ a transparent geometric framework for directly determining CG potentials that has been previously developed within the context of the multiscale coarse-graining and generalized Yvon–Born–Green methods. In this framework, a metric tensor quantifies the relevant many...
Relative Biopotency of Three Methionine Sources for Laying Hens

Abstract Three feed grade sources of methionine were evaluated with laying hens fed a 14.6% protein basal diet containing .229% methionine and .21% cystine. Supplemental levels of .025, .05, .10, and .15% of each source were fed for 28 weeks to hens in colony cages. The supplements were DL-methionine (DL-Met), methionine hydroxy analogue acid (MHAA), and the calcium salt of methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA-Ca). Each was fed in equimolar amounts using values of 99.0, 88.7, and 82.8%, respectively, for the amount of active ingredient present. Regressions of egg output (g egg/bird/day) on total sulfur amino acid intake (mg TSAA/bird/day) showed significant linear responses to each of the three sources over the supplemental range tested. The slopes (regression coefficients) and intercepts of the three regressions were not statistically different (P>.05). It was concluded that mere were no significant differences in the effectiveness of the three materials for laying hen performance.
Squeezed States of Light with Hot Atoms

We report on squeezed states of light generated via polarization self rotation effect, their unique properties (low frequency noise suppression, multi mode spatial structure) and application for atom assisted measurements. Article not available.
Characterization of the Magnetostriction of Magnetorheological Elastomers

Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are polymer composites comprised of an elastomer matrix material with a filler of magnetic particles. The interaction of the filler particles when exposed to a magnetic field can result in a change in stiffness and a strain. However, the main focus of previous research has been on field induced change in stiffness. The goal of this study is therefore to characterize the magnetostriction (field induced strain) of these materials. The measurement of the magnetostriction of MRE was carried out by placing the specimens in a magnetic field produced by a solenoid coil and measuring the resulting strain using a capacitive sensor. A one cycle sinusoidal voltage was input to the solenoid coil that surrounded the MRE specimen to produce the magnetic field. In order to study the effect of mass percentage of iron filler particles on magnetostriction, specimens with different iron filler composition varying from 10 to 30% were produced. The effect of bulk stiffness of the specimen and the magnitude of applied magnetic field on magnetostriction properties has also been studied. The results reveal that increasing the mass percentage of iron in the specimen increases the magnitude of the magnetostriction. In addition, the magnetostriction of MRE showed dependence on the level of applied magnetic field and on the bulk stiffness of the MRE specimens.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Physicochemical Heterogeneity Controls on Uranium Bioreduction Rates at the Field Scale

It has been demonstrated in laboratory systems that U(VI) can be reduced to immobile U(IV) by bacteria in natural environments. The ultimate efficacy of bioreduction at the field scale, however, is...
A Note on Marginal Count Distributions for Diversity Estimation

Our problem is to estimate the total number of classes in a population, both observed and unobserved. This is often called the species problem, where the classes are (biological) species, but the same methods apply to “single source” capture-recapture, where only the number of captures for each individual is available (as opposed to the complete capture history). The data is summarized by the frequency counts, i.e., the number of classes observed exactly once, twice, three times, and so on, in the sample. Almost every known statistical procedure uses a mixed Poisson distribution to model the frequency counts, which assumes that the class sizes were independently generated from some latent or underlying mixing distribution, and that the classes independently contributed members to the sample. To depart from these assumptions we require different marginal distributions for the frequency counts. Here we consider distributions having probability generating functions based on generalized hypergeometric functions, first proposed by Kemp in 1968. We show that many of these are not mixed Poisson, and are useful and valuable in the species problem.
Abstract 3935: CDKN2A/p16 is inactivated by the combination of inversion and translocation

Homozygous deletions (HDs) are a common mechanism by which tumor suppressor genes (TSG) are inactivated in cancer. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A/p16) is the most commonly deleted TSG, with HDs in 40% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) harboring p16 deletions. HDs create novel junctions, which can be exploited for sensitive early detection and minimal residual disease testing, using the PAtient-specific REarrangement (PARE) method. Here we characterize the underlying structural rearrangements that produce p16 HDs in a panel of PDAC cancer cell lines using pair-end whole genome sequencing (WGS) and high density SNP microarray analyses. Rearrangements were defined as simple interstitial deletions when the segment of a chromosome arm was deleted and the ends joined. The complex rearrangements causing the HD were categorized at both breakpoints as inversions and/or translocations. Sanger sequencing confirmed novel junctions, and breakpoints were assessed for non-templated base insertions and microhomology. We report that complex rearrangements underlie half of p16 HDs in PDAC (3 of 5). Most striking, the combination of an inversion and inter-chromosomal translocation (INV+TRANS) was exclusively responsible for these complex rearrangements. Inversions ranged in size from 47 to 3,373bp and translocations were non-recurrent and were often non-reciprocal (2 of 3). All HDs were resolved (either by interstitial deletion or INV+TRANS) without the addition of any non-templated bases inserted at the novel junction, arguing against the involvement of error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Microhomology was seen at most rearrangement junctions (8 of 9), but with a median of only 2 bases. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanism responsible for INV+TRANS rearrangements. Citation Format: Alexis L. Norris, Hirohiko Kamiyama, Ralph H. Hruban, James R. Eshleman. CDKN2A/p16 is inactivated by the combination of inversion and translocation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3935. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3935
Monitoring of Hepatitis B Antibodies in the Healthy Population and Immune Successful Rate of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Infants in the Minority Area of Western Hunan

Objective To investigate the antibody level of healthy population after hepatitis B vaccination and the immune-effects of infants inoculated with eligible full-course hepatitis B vaccines in the minority area,and to provide the scientific evidence for formulating hepatitis B immunization strategies. Methods With cluster random sampling method,40 newborns and 286 healthy individuals were selected from Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.A doubleantigen sandwich ELISA was used to detect the anti-HBs antibody. Results After hepatitis B vaccination,the positive rates of anti-HBs antibody of 40 infants and the healthy population reached 100% and 64.34%,respectively.There were statistically significant differences in the positive rate of anti-HBs antibody among the different age-groups in the healthy population.Among the healthy population with hepatitis B vaccination,there were statistically significant differences in geometric mean of antibody titers(GMTs) among different age-groups. Conclusions The anti-HBs positive rate of the children under 15 years old was declined with increasing age.The results suggest that it is necessary to increase the dosage of hepatitis B vaccine and inject a booster shot within 3-5 years after a full-course of hepatitis B vaccination.More attention should be paid to the population aged 15 years and over in hepatitis B prevention and control work.
Polycomb repressive complex 1 controls uterine decidualization

Uterine stromal cell decidualization is an essential part of the reproductive process. Decidual tissue development requires a highly regulated control of the extracellular tissue remodeling; however the mechanism of this regulation remains unknown. Through systematic expression studies, we detected that Cbx4/2, Rybp, and Ring1B [components of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1)] are predominantly utilized in antimesometrial decidualization with polyploidy. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that PRC1 members are co-localized with its functional histone modifier H2AK119ub1 (mono ubiquitination of histone-H2A at lysine-119) in polyploid cell. A potent small-molecule inhibitor of Ring1A/B E3-ubiquitin ligase or siRNA-mediated suppression of Cbx4 caused inhibition of H2AK119ub1, in conjunction with perturbation of decidualization and polyploidy development, suggesting a role for Cbx4/Ring1B-containing PRC1 in these processes. Analyses of genetic signatures by RNA-seq studies showed that the inhibition of PRC1 function affects 238 genes (154 up and 84 down) during decidualization. Functional enrichment analyses identified that about 38% genes primarily involved in extracellular processes are specifically targeted by PRC1. Furthermore, ~15% of upregulated genes exhibited a significant overlap with the upregulated Bmp2 null-induced genes in mice. Overall, Cbx4/Ring1B-containing PRC1 controls decidualization via regulation of extracellular gene remodeling functions and sheds new insights into underlying molecular mechanism(s) through transcriptional repression regulation.
A Quality Improvement Curriculum for Medical Students

Article-at-a-Glance Background Despite frequent recommendations that quality improvement (QI) be incorporated into medical education, reports of this activity are few. A pilot project to develop and implement a curriculum on QI into a family medicine clerkship was conducted in the 1999–2000 academic year. Intervention A five-part curriculum was developed and implemented on successive weeks of a family medicine clerkship. The curriculum involved students working alone and in small groups. After an orientation to QI principles, students performed a series of chart audits of diabetes care. They then met with QI coordinators from a local health system to review their results. Improvement recommendations were developed and presented to the clinic director. Evaluation included completion of the module, assessment of student knowledge and opinion, and interviews with the QI coordinators. Evaluation Two clinic sites and 30 third-year medical (M3) students participated. Each student conducted at least two chart audits, met with the QI coordinators, and developed at least one improvement recommendation. The QI coordinators felt that students were interested in the subject but needed more training in QI principles and more faculty development. Students assessed the curriculum as being moderately effective and useful. Discussion A curriculum in QI that involved active learning strategies was successfully implemented during a family medicine clerkship. Students viewed the curriculum as being appropriate to their learning. Future efforts should include more work on faculty development and role modeling of QI activity.
Correlation Between Luteinizing Hormone Responses to Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) And to d-Leu-6-LH-RH-Ethylamide in Patients with Hypothalamo-Pituitary Disease

Seventeen patients (eleven females and six males) with organic hypothalamopituitary disease were subjected to a test consisting of a rapid intravenous injection of 50 μg of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) at 8:00 A.M., with blood sampling before and 30 and 60 minutes afterward. Two to four weeks later, a rapid intravenous injection of 50 μg of d-Leu-6-des-Gly-10-LH-RH-ethylamide (d-Leu-6-LH-RH-EA) was given under similar conditions, with blood sampling before and 30, 60, and 90 minutes afterward. Serum LH levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. d-Leu-6-LH-RH-EA caused a greater and more sustained rise in serum LH levels than did an equal dose of LH-RH. However, functional classifications of patients were similar with either preparation. This finding suggests that acute administration of d-Leu-6-LH-RH-EA does not cause a higher number of relevant responses as compared with LH-RH, but only a greater stimulation of LH release in responsive patients.
IMAGINING HELL: A Burkeian Analysis of Indonesian Religious Afterlife Images

This paper is not only dealing with depiction of hell (divine punishment) which is very popular depicted by the speech and media news in Indonesia, but also description on meaning, and the possibility on motive behind that description. Applying Burke theory on logology, this paper revealed that the depiction of hell punishment constituted the ritual of purity. Based on the cycle of order, feeling of guilty, redemption through sacrifice to achieve the purity, general depiction on hell are a reflection of the challenges and complexity of legal rules and regulation that exactly will be broken off. This violation of the rule creates a sense of guilty and sin which come out as all the problems and difficulties that the majority of Indonesian must hold – the situation that generates scapegoat. The victims of the scapegoat became the apparent sinners, and the punishment is the sacrifaction which create satisfaction and a sense of clean up. *** Tulisan ini tidak hanya untuk membahas penggambaran neraka (hukum­an akhirat) yang sangat populer sebagai­mana digambar­kan dalam pidato dan media di Indonesia, tetapi juga untuk mengungkapkan makna dan kemungkinan motif di balik gam­baran tersebut. Dengan teori logologi Burke, tulisan ini meng­ungkapkan bahwa penggambaran siksaan neraka merupakan ritual pemurni­an. Berdasarkan siklus ke­tertiban, rasa bersalah, pe­nebusan melalui pe­ngorban­an untuk mencapai kemurnian, gambar­an hukum­an di neraka adalah cerminan dari tantangan dan komplek­sitas aturan dan hukum yang pasti akan dilanggar. Pe­langgar­an ini mencipta­kan rasa bersalah dan dosa yang di­wujudkan dalam bentuk semua masalah dan kesulitan bahwa mayoritas penduduk Indonesia harus tahan-situasi yang me­nimbulkan kambing hitam. Para korban yang me­rupakan kam­bing hitam menjadi orang berdosa ter­kutuk, yang hukumannya me­rupakan sebuah pengorban­an, men­ciptakan kepuasan dan rasa dibersihkan.
Epigenetic Transgenerational Toxicology

The ability of an environmental toxicant to promote a phenotype or disease state not only in the individual exposed but also in subsequent progeny for multiple generations is termed transgenerational phenomena. The majority of environmental factors or toxicants do not promote genetic mutations or alterations in DNA sequence, but do have the capacity to alter the epigenome. This article will review the mechanisms and biology of this epigenetic transgenerational toxicology.
Oyster reef restoration: substrate suitability may depend on specific restoration goals

A limited supply of oyster shell for restoration practices has prompted investigations of alternative substrates used in construction of artificial oyster reefs. The success of oyster reef restoration projects is increasingly focused not only on oyster densities, but also on habitat provisioning for associated fauna. A subtidal oyster reef complex (0.24 km2) was restored in the Mission-Aransas Estuary, Texas, U.S.A., in July 2013 using replicated mounds of concrete, limestone, river rock, and oyster shell substrates. Oyster and reef-associated fauna characteristics were quantified quarterly for 15 months, using sampling trays that were deployed 3 months after construction. The highest densities of oyster spat occurred 9 months after tray deployment (July 2014, 1,264/m2), whereas juvenile oyster densities increased throughout the study period to 283/m2. Concrete (1,022/m2) and limestone (939/m2) supported the highest number of oysters over all dates. Oyster shell (1,533/m2) and concrete (1,047/m2) substrates supported the highest densities of associated motile fauna. Faunal diversity (Hill's N1) did not vary by substrate material, but did show seasonal variation. A simple benefit–cost ratio was used to indicate the localized monetary value for each of the substrates. Oyster shell and concrete substrates returned the highest benefit–cost ratio for motile fauna, while concrete yielded the highest benefit–cost ratio for oyster abundance. Incorporating benefit–cost ratios in restoration planning will allow practitioners to better integrate substrate-specific ecological values with economic considerations and project goals to maximize return on restoration investments.
Effect of Supplemental Protein on the Nutritive Value of High and Low Tannin Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench Grain for the Growing Rat

Male weanling rats were in 16 groups of 6, fed for 13 days on diets based on grain sorghum and maize starch, the latter being replaced by none, 5, 10 or 15% of soya bean oilmeal (SBM) containing 53.26% protein. Four grain sorghum genotypes were used: low-tannin, low-protein; low-tannin, high-protein; high-tannin, low-protein; high-tannin, high-protein. The low-tannin genotypes gave significantly higher gains with none, 5 and 10% SBM than the high-tannin genotypes; there was no significant difference at the 15% supplementation. Weight gains increased with amount of protein in the diet. In diets with no SBM the high-tannin genotypes gave a lower feed efficiency than the low-tannin, but the differences were not significant in the supplemented diets
Development of a Machine Learning Algorithm for the Surveillance of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network conducts population-based surveillance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among 8-year old children in multiple US sites. To classify ASD, trained clinicians review developmental evaluations collected from multiple health and education sources to determine whether the child meets the ASD surveillance case criteria. The number of evaluations collected has dramatically increased since the year 2000, challenging the resources and timeliness of the surveillance system. We developed and evaluated a machine learning approach to classify case status in ADDM using words and phrases contained in children’s developmental evaluations. We trained a random forest classifier using data from the 2008 Georgia ADDM site which included 1,162 children with 5,396 evaluations (601 children met ADDM ASD criteria using standard ADDM methods). The classifier used the words and phrases from the evaluations to predict ASD case status. We evaluated its performance on the 2010 Georgia ADDM surveillance data (1,450 children with 9,811 evaluations; 754 children met ADDM ASD criteria). We also estimated ASD prevalence using predictions from the classification algorithm. Overall, the machine learning approach predicted ASD case statuses that were 86.5% concordant with the clinician-determined case statuses (84.0% sensitivity, 89.4% predictive value positive). The area under the resulting receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.932. Algorithm-derived ASD “prevalence” was 1.46% compared to the published (clinician-determined) estimate of 1.55%. Using only the text contained in developmental evaluations, a machine learning algorithm was able to discriminate between children that do and do not meet ASD surveillance criteria at one surveillance site.
The Impact of Performance-Based Grants Management on Performance: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program:

Performance-based grants management is a strategy used by public agencies to improve performance and strengthen accountability by connecting annual award amounts to performance information. This st...
In Vivo Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy Reveals Pulmonary Arteriole Micro-Embolism in Sickle Cell Disease Mice

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects ~100,000 Americans and millions worldwide. SCD is the most commonly inherited hemolytic disorder that leads to red blood cell (RBC) sickling, hemolysis and presentation of adhesion molecules on sickle RBCs. Chronic hemolysis renders SCD as a hyper-inflammatory and hypercoagulable state, which is characterized by constitutive activation of circulating leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells, and thrombin generation. Sepsis in SCD patients is a risk factor for acute chest syndrome (ACS), which is a form of lung injury and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among SCD patients. Autopsies of ACS patients reveal the presence of lung infarction and congestion, which supports a role for pulmonary vaso-occlusion in ACS. However, the cellular and molecular events that enable pulmonary vaso-occlusion are not known. Methods: Intravital two-photon excitation (TPE) video microscopy was used to study myeloid cell trafficking within the pulmonary microcirculation of live BERK SCD or non-sickle control mice. Mice were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated, and a thoracotomy was performed to expose the left lung. The lower zone of the left lung was stabilized using a vacuum-enabled imaging window and observations were made using TPE microscopy. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation were continuously monitored. Fluorchrome-conjugated anti-mouse Ly-6G, Ter-119, and CD49b antibodies were administered intravascularly (iv) to label circulating neutrophils, RBCs and platelets, respectively. Cellular trafficking was first recorded at baseline and then at different time points following iv challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Vaso-occlusion was defined as cellular aggregation and stasis of blood flow within the lumen of pulmonary capillaries and arterioles. Results: At baseline, vaso-occlusion was absent and cellular trafficking within the pulmonary microcirculation was comparable between the BERK SCD and control mice. RBC trafficking through pulmonary arterioles and capillaries was rapid. In contrast, neutrophil transit was a combination of fast moving cells that hopped from one capillary junction to the next and slowly transiting neutrophils. Remarkably, our initial findings revealed that iv LPS challenge induced nucleation of neutrophil-platelet-RBC micro-emboli in the pulmonary arteriole of BERK SCD mice, which eventually led to formation of micro-thrombi, complete occlusion of the pulmonary arteriole and death. Conclusions: Initial findings indicate that neutrophil-platelet-RBC interactions are crucial in initiating pulmonary vaso-occlusion and ACS. Future studies will be aimed at determining the cellular and molecular events responsible for pulmonary arteriolar micro-embolism. This study is supported by the 11SDG7340005 from the American Heart Association (P.S.) and the VMI startup account (P.S.). M.F.B is supported by the NIH Pulmonary T32 training grant 2T32HL007563-26. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Retrospectively self-reported age of childhood abuse onset in a United States nationally representative sample.

Child abuse is common and several studies have linked it to health outcomes throughout the lifecourse. Recent information about timing of abuse reported retrospectively is underrepresented in the literature, despite its importance to informing target populations for primary prevention of child abuse and studying effects of child abuse. ﻿This study uses data from Wave IV (2008–2009) of The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to Adult Health (N = 14,776) to describe distributions of retrospectively self-reported age of onset of childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse perpetrated by parents/adult caregivers and sexual abuse perpetrated by other individuals. Information on childhood abuse history was collected when participants were between 24 and 32 years old. Parental/adult caregiver perpetrated abuse frequently started in early childhood, particularly sexual abuse. Non-parental/adult caregiver sexual abuse motivated by physical force also started early in boys (median age = 7.21 years (95% CI: 5.92, 9.05)). Earlier onset of some types of abuse was associated with male sex, not being raised by both biological parents, and low childhood household income. Future studies should further examine timing of childhood abuse onset and include diverse measures of abuse, including those derived from longitudinal studies and validated reports. If these results are replicated, they suggest that abuse, particularly sexual abuse perpetrated by parents/adult caregivers, often starts in early childhood, and preventive interventions should be designed to protect younger children.
Exploring Inquiry: Household Chemicals and Their Impact on Seed Germination and Plant Growth

We outline a set of experiments that engage students in testing the effects of readily available household chemicals on maize seed germination and shoot growth, with three alcohols as examples. Proposing possible experimental outcomes, exposure to quantitative approaches, data recording, and the statistical analysis of data provide students with an experience that reflects the nature of modern scientific investigation.
Let’s Move! Fitness Programming in Public Libraries

Public libraries increasingly offer fitness programming, which includes yoga, running groups, and story times that involve exercise. This article assesses this trend by 1) analyzing the social forces that have led this programming to increase and 2) reviewing the literature about this programming. Fitness programming is being designed for all ages and abilities, and has benefits both for individuals and for communities. The article also reports on ongoing efforts to map the current state of fitness programming in North American public libraries, as well as to develop tools to better assess and develop this programming.
When Heterotrimeric G Proteins Are Not Activated by G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Structural Insights and Evolutionary Conservation.

Heterotrimeric G proteins are signal-transducing switches conserved across eukaryotes. In humans, they work as critical mediators of intercellular communication in the context of virtually any physiological process. While G protein regulation by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is well-established and has received much attention, it has become recently evident that heterotrimeric G proteins can also be activated by cytoplasmic proteins. However, this alternative mechanism of G protein regulation remains far less studied than GPCR-mediated signaling. This Viewpoint focuses on recent advances in the characterization of a group of nonreceptor proteins that contain a sequence dubbed the “Gα-binding and -activating (GBA) motif”. So far, four proteins present in mammals [GIV (also known as Girdin), DAPLE, CALNUC, and NUCB2] and one protein in Caenorhabditis elegans (GBAS-1) have been described as possessing a functional GBA motif. The GBA motif confers guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity on Gαi subun...
Erratum to: Knowledge Management in Electronic Government

Erratum to: M.A. Wimmer (Ed.) Knowledge Management in Electronic Government DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-44836-5
A Summer Program to Attract Potential Computer Science Majors

Computer Science (CS) is not taught in enough high schools thus many students arrive at college or university knowing little about it and often do not consider taking a CS course during their first year. At the same time, we encounter many college or university juniors and seniors who, while taking their first CS course, discover an aptitude and interest, at which point it is too late. We describe an innovative one-week residential summer program designed to educate non-computer science majors, before their second year of college or university, about the field's many areas and long-term prospects. The program has succeeded at encouraging undecided students to major or minor in CS and thus somewhat ameliorates the lack of CS in K-12 education and furthers the conference goal of "CS For All".
Evolution of Strain in Heteroepitaxial Cadmium Carbonate Overgrowths on Dolomite

The evolution and accommodation of lattice strain in an epitaxial mineral film grown on an isostructural substrate were observed as a function of film thickness. Cadmium carbonate films (approximately CdCO3 (otavite) in composition) were grown on the (104) surface of CaMg(CO3)2 (dolomite) from aqueous solutions that were supersaturated with respect to both pure otavite and Cd-rich (Cd1–xCax)CO3. Specular and nonspecular X-ray reflectivity (XR) revealed that the structure and strain of the otavite overgrowths evolved in a manner that is fully consistent with a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode. Otavite films initially grew as coherently strained films, up to an average thickness of ∼15 A, with lateral compressive strains and an expansion of the vertical film lattice spacing resulting in a unit cell volume consistent with pure otavite. Thicker films (>15 A) became incommensurate with the substrate, having lattice parameters that are indistinguishable from pure otavite. These results indicate that the evolution...
Serving Duplicates in a Single Session Can Selectively Improve Sensitivity of Duplicated Intensity Ranking Tests.

Duplicating ranking tests can improve the power of preference and sensory intensity tests, and reduce the number of panelists required. With multiple‐samples rankings, duplications could be served using different protocols: in two serving sessions (two sample sets, that is, 2SS) to allow a break period or jointly in one serving session (one sample set, that is, 1SS). Evaluating the duplicates in a single session improves statistical data analysis but increases concerns of sensory fatigue, adaptation, memory, and possible irritation. The extent to which each serving protocol for duplicated ranking affects detection of differences has not been reported. This study used panelists (n= 75) who performed both ranking test protocols on two sets of orange juice samples (k= 3). One set was designed to obtain higher similarity than the other set to investigate the effects of degree of difference. Sweetness and yellow color intensity rankings were performed separately for each set to compare the protocols between attributes. The magnitude of the differences was evaluated using Mack–Skillings (M–S) statistics, and the total and individual rank sum differences at varied n(10 to 75) values. With similar set samples, the 2SS serving protocol improved differentiation for yellow color intensity. Although in sweetness, using the 1SS serving protocol showed higher M–S statistics and higher sum of total rank sum differences. Paired comparisons followed the same pattern. With very different samples, both protocols had comparable performance. This study showed that serving duplicates in the 1SS can improve duplicated ranking's power, depending on the task difficulty and attribute, and should be considered before splitting replications into two sessions. This study evaluated two alternative and not previously studied protocols for conducting a duplicated ranking test. One protocol required that each panelist received duplicates in the same single serving session (1SS), against the alternative of serving duplicates separately in two sessions to allow a break period (2SS). Two attributes: yellow color intensity and sweetness intensity of orange juice samples were studied. This study showed that serving duplicates in the same single session can improve duplicated ranking's power, depending on the task difficulty and attribute, and should be considered before splitting replications into two sessions.
Elections with N Voters, M Candidates and K Issues

We demonstrate the existence of an electoral equilibrium when there are N voters, M candidates and K issues.