cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2877: Effects of metabolic stressors on cellular differentiation

Poor differentiation (the divergence of tumor cell morphology from the cellular morphology of the normal tissue of origin) is associated with unfavorable responses to chemotherapy and poor clinical outcomes in solid tumors. Recurrent somatic mutations in the genes encoding for the metabolic enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 have recently been identified in patients with acute myeloid leukemias, chrondrosarcomas, cholangiocarcinomas and glioblastomas. Point mutations in IDH lead to production of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG acts as a potent inhibitor of enzymes involved in the removal of chromatin marks associated with transcriptional repression (DNA and Histone H3K9 methylation). Excess 2HG leads to impaired differentiation but very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we use a well established model of cellular differentiation, the differentiation of 10T1/2 fibroblasts into myofibers by the lineage-specifying transcription factor MyoD to study the mechanisms by which IDH mutations impair differentiation. We show that 5-azacytidine induced differentiation of 10T1/2 cells is impaired when mutant IDH2 is expressed and that IDH2 mutations impair the ability of MyoD expression to reprogram 10T1/2 cells into myofibers. We propose that the metabolic landscape of undifferentiated cells determines the ability of the lineage determining factor MyoD to trigger differentiation and that the undifferentiated state of cancer cells is dependent on their unique metabolic profile. Further work aims to a) define the effects of mutant IDH1/2 on the ability of MyoD to program muscle differentiation, b) determine the nature of the tumorigenic effects of IDH1/2 mutations in 10T1/2 cells and c) identify molecular pathways that can overcome differentiation blocks upon activation. Insight from these experiments will outline the mechanism(s) by which metabolic alterations, in the form of 2HG, impair differentiation and drive tumorigenesis. They will also serve as a platform for the identification of metabolic alterations that trigger differentiation. These mechanisms could prove to be novel and readily targetable processes in an array of poorly differentiated and aggressive cancer subtypes where other pharmacological approaches have failed. Citation Format: Juan Manuel Schvartzman, Craig B. Thompson. Effects of metabolic stressors on cellular differentiation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2877.
Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis: New Mechanistic Insights

Understanding of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis has evolved to include compromised bone strength and skeletal fragility caused by several factors: (1) defects in microarchitecture of trabeculae, (2) defective intrinsic material properties of bone tissue, (3) defective repair of microdamage from normal daily activities, and (4) excessive bone remodeling rates. These factors occur in the context of age-related bone loss. Clinical studies of estrogen deprivation, antiresorptives, mechanical loading, and disuse have helped further knowledge of the factors affecting bone quality and the mechanisms that underlie them. This progress has led to several new drug targets in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Geometrical Flux Transfer

This chapter focuses on the concept of the utility of the consideration of the radiometric entities as field entities in terms of sterance. The calculation of the transfer of flux from a source to a reference surface can be difficult until a familiarity with the properties of geometrical radiation is acquired. Dimensional analysis provides not only a check on the correctness of the calculation but also leads to an understanding of the basic geometry involved in radiation transfer. The chapter illustrates flux transfer and dimensional analysis, and the calculations demonstrate that the geometry of radiation is axiomatic and that the entire theory can be deduced from the definition of sterance. A ray is defined as a beam of flux of small or infinitesimal cross sections. Such a ray consists of a beam of flux that is bounded at two nonzero area points. By the definition of a ray, the flux flowing along the beam is invariant and the throughput of a ray is constant. From these two facts, it can be deduced that the sterance is also constant along a ray. This is accomplished by taking the ratio of the flux passing through the elemental area to the product of the projected area.
Mapping the margins and searching for higher ground: examining the marginalisation of black female graduate students at PWIs

ABSTRACTThe number of Black females enrolled in colleges and universities has grown in recent years, particularly at predominately white institutions (PWIs). Currently, research on the rise of Black females at PWIs is limited and fails to adequately address the emotional, social, and mental well-being of these students. Recent studies also largely ignore the critical roles that natural and formal Black female faculty play in serving as a buffer between Black female graduate students (BFGS) and PWIs more broadly. From a critical perspective using counter-narrative, we address the limitations of the scholarly literature on BFGS and other challenges faced by BFGS. We come to the disappointing – albeit unsurprising – conclusion that PWIs should do more to make the academy a welcoming place for BFGS, however, the ways in which PWIs function make support for BFGS unlikely. We conclude with a discussion about the implications of continued marginalisation of BFGS at PWIs for individuals, families, communities, di...
The Good Food Jobs Nexus: A Strategy for Promoting Health, Employment, and Economic Development

In the aftermath of the Great Recession, cities have looked to the rapidly growing food sector as a promising source of new employment, and yet most of the sector's growth has come from low-wage, dead-end food jobs. A strategy to simultaneously increase food employment, improve conditions for food workers, and enhance access to healthy and affordable food to improve public health requires pursuing a "good food jobs" approach that supports policies and programs that advance all three goals. To inform such a strategy, this article analyzes policies and programs to create good food jobs in New York City and discusses how these efforts must navigate conflicts among job growth, job quality, and food access and quality. It recommends strategies cities can use to advance a good food jobs strategy, analyzes obstacles, and suggests research that will produce evidence to help cities develop and evaluate policy approaches that contribute to stronger economies and better health. See the press release for this article.
Outcomes of patients ≥ 65 yrs with advanced cancer treated on phase I clinical trials.

9544 Background: Older patients with cancer are underrepresented in clinical trials; their disease biology and comorbidities may impact the decision to consider a clinical trial. Here we systematic...
Wischnewsky-like spots in fatal cases of canine hypothermia.

Two dogs with a history of being found dead within environments exposed to extremely cold weather were examined postmortem. In both cases, brown to red to black, round to irregularly shaped foci ranging from 0.5–15 mm in diameter were identified within the mucosa of the stomach. These foci are grossly and microscopically consistent with Wischnewsky spots that are reported in humans. These spots in the mucosa of the stomach are considered important findings in cases of hypothermia-related deaths in humans and are for the first time reported in the dog.
The Libben Site: a Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Village from the Eastern Late Woodlands of North America. Analysis and Implications for Palaeodemography and Human Origins

The demographic reconstruction of extinct societies from archaeological sites is a complex problem. A variety of variables affect the adequacy of the cemetery census, especially aboriginal burial practices, post-mortem preservation, excavation techniques, and estimation of demographic variables by investigators. Most important of all is the need to adjust life table values by typically high human rates of intrinsic growth. The number of populations that meet all these stringencies is unfortunately few, but one is the Libben Site, located in the Great Black Swamp of Northern Ohio. Dating from late first millennium, it is the largest single-occupation archaeological skeletal series from the Eastern Woodlands of the United States. Drawing from auricular-based skeletal ages and modern ethnographic estimates of fertility, we present the paleodemography of this important site, including growth-adjusted mortality profiles and age structures. These carry important implications for all phases of human evolution
Aggregation- and rarefaction-effects on particle mass deposition rates by convective-diffusion, thermophoresis or inertial impaction: Consequences of multi-spherule ‘momentum shielding’

At the same total spherule volume fraction in a gaseous mainstream, we predict the significant alteration of mass deposition rate attending extensive aggregation—illustrating our methods and result...
Commentary: Reflections on Some Dangers to Childhood Creativity

In this commentary, renowned author and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi reflects on the state of creativity in today’s children. From his many years of studying creativity, Dr. Csikszentmihalyi has observed that the most creative people share a common experience in childhood: that of being left alone, often in a barren environment, and of being bored. Paradoxically, solitude and boredom become the springboard from which a creative passion is born. Finally, the author questions whether the presence of technology in children’s lives today is an opportunity for learning or a source of effortless experiences that are not conducive to nurturing creativity
Science in the real world—benefits for researchers and farmers

Abstract Animal welfare science is a relatively new field, but has grown rapidly to encompass different disciplines. The large body of published research on farm animal welfare addresses topics ranging from basic biological principles of welfare assessment to applications for evaluating and improving housing, husbandry, transport, and slaughter. This research has influenced legislation and standards setting, but concerns have been raised about its applicability in commercial settings. Most animal welfare research has been conducted in small-scale experimental settings, which are often very different from the “real world” of commercial animal production in terms of scale, complexity, automation, and variability. In this paper, I provide some examples of how science can be conducted in the “real world” to benefit both researchers and farmers, focusing on commercial-scale experimental and epidemiological research. I also discuss emerging technologies that can be used to automate the assessment of animal behavior on farms, which will allow more behavioral variables to be included in these experiments.
Treatment of psychopathology in people with intellectual and other disabilities.

Objective:To review the psychosocial, pharmacological, and other treatments of psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs), autism, and other developmental disabilities (DDs).Method:Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of psychosocial, pharmacological, and other treatments for people with DDs are reviewed.Results:There is strong evidence for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and other behavioural treatments of some forms of psychopathology. There is little good evidence to support the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy, sensory interventions, and other forms of psychosocial interventions. Recently, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychopharmacology have been published, especially with people with autism spectrum disorders. Most RCTs were for externalizing behaviour problems, rather than for psychopathology. These RCTs offer only preliminary support for the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. No evidence was found for the effectiveness of other bio...
Ciliated vulvar cyst in an 11 year old

Abstract Background Ciliated cysts are an uncommon, benign vulvovaginal cyst characterized by simple columnar ciliated epithelium, akin to Mullerian tissue. They are associated with pregnancy and exogenous progesterone use and as such, are a particularly rare finding within the pediatric population. Case We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with a large cystic structure disfiguring the introitus and labia. The cyst was surgically excised, and histopathology revealed a simple ciliated cyst of the vulva. Summary and conclusion Ciliated vulvovaginal cysts are typically found incidentally in women of child bearing age but may present as large, disfiguring masses in the pediatric population. Surgical excision is curative and allows for both histopathologic confirmation of diagnosis and restoration of genital appearance.
Sub-dissociative dose ketamine administration for managing pain in the emergency department

Background We describe our experience of utilizing sub-dissociative dose ketamine (SDK) in managing a variety of acute and chronic painful conditions in the emergency department (ED). Methods A descriptive study was conducted in our ED over a period of seven years (2010-2016) by retrospectively reviewing charts of patients aged 18 and older presenting to the ED with painful complaints and receiving SDK analgesia. Primary data analyses included type of SDK administration (intravenous push [IVP], short-infusion [SI] or continuous infusion [CI]), dosing, rates of analgesic utilization before and after SDK administration, and adverse effects. Results Three hundred sixty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Mean ketamine doses given by IVP, SI and CI were 26.3 mg, 23.4 mg, and 11.3 mg. The mean duration of CI was 135.87 minutes. The percentage of patients not requiring post-SDK analgesia increased by 16%, 18%, and 37% in IVP, SI and CI groups. Adverse effects were recorded for 13% of patients. Conclusion SDK administered by IVP, SI, and CI in the ED for a variety of painful conditions is a feasible analgesic modality in the ED that is associated with a decrease in overall requirements of post-ketamine analgesia and opioid sparing.
Medical Consequences of Cannabis Use

Consumed by an estimated 2.5% of the world’s population, cannabis is the most popular illicit drug. Depending on age of onset, frequency, duration, and other variables, cannabis use can be associated with a broad spectrum of medical consequences, the range of which mirrors the physiological ubiquity and versatility of the endocannabinoid system. Importantly, the adverse consequences of cannabis use can progress to become overt clinical conditions, independently of the development of a cannabis use disorder. The purpose of this chapter is to present an updated overview of these adverse health effects of cannabis use and the implications of our current understanding vis-a-vis public health and research agendas moving forward.
A 5-day intensive curriculum for interns utilizing simulation and active-learning techniques: addressing domains important across internal medicine practice

Simulation-based learning strategies have demonstrated improved procedural competency, teamwork skills, and acute patient management skills in learners. “Boot camp” curricula have shown immediate and delayed performance in surgical and medical residents. We created a 5-day intensive, simulation and active learning-based curriculum for internal medicine interns to address perceived gaps in cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. Intern confidence and self-perceived competence was assessed via survey before and after the curriculum, along with qualitative data. A total of 33 interns completed the curriculum in 2014, 32 in 2015. Interns had a significant increase in confidence and self-perceived competence in procedural, cognitive and affective domains (all p values < .05).
Patients satisfaction and treatment outcomes of primary care practice in Ghana

Background : General evidence suggests a strong association between patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes, but data specific to the general Ghanaian population is lacking. Purpose : To use nationally representative data to examine the effects of primary care practices on patient satisfaction and how satisfaction influences treatment outcomes. Methods : The study utilized WAVE 1 data from a nationally representative survey (n = 2,967) of patients who received outpatient medical care in Ghana. The data were collected by the World Health Organization between 2007 and 2010 and were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test, binomial logistic regression, and correlations. Predictors for patients’ experiences were waiting time, respectfulness, clear communication, privacy, decision-making, choice, and cleanliness. Results : Overall, the patients reported positive experiences with all aspects of their primary care services. Thirty-three percent were very satisfied and 57% were satisfied with their last outpatient visit. Adjusted for sociodemographic and other variables, patient satisfaction with primary care was predominantly determined through privacy, decision-making, communication, and respectfulness. The model explained 54.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in satisfaction and correctly classified 85.2% of cases. Patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes were significantly related, r(2959) = .54, p < .001. Conclusion : In a nationally representative sample, quality of patient experiences was associated with high satisfaction, which in turn was positively associated with improved treatment outcomes. Funding : None Keywords : Patient satisfaction, treatment outcomes, primary care
Micro-celebrity and the Management of Self-Presentation on Digital Media

Social media have opened up a world of possibilities for anyone to “broadcast” their talent, skill, knowledge or whatever silly crazy thing they want to communicate to others. Ordinary people can now live out their dreams of attaining celebrity status. This chapter takes a critical look at the phenomenon of micro-celebrities as a subset of the celebrity phenomenon that has been fostered by a Web 2.0 culture that encourages user-generated content (UGC). The specific focus of the chapter is on world travelers who maintain a social presence on various media channels while earning a living that allows them to continue their adventures, all the while deeply engaging with fans, friends and followers.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in rat reduces mu-opioid receptor levels in brain regions associated with stress and energy regulation

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is the most common and effective weight loss procedure for severe obesity. However, a significant increase in addictive behaviors and new-onset substance use disorder (SUD) are sometimes observed post-surgery. The endogenous opioid system is known to play a major role in motivated behavior and reward, as well as the abuse of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, opioids and highly palatable foods. Here, we examined the effects of RYGB on mu-opioid receptor levels in the brain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: standard diet with sham surgery (control), ad libitum high-energy high-fat (HF) diet with sham surgery, calorie restricted HF diet with sham surgery (Sham-FR), or HF diet with RYGB surgery. Control and HF groups were fed their respective diets for 8 weeks, with surgery performed on the eighth week. After 9 weeks on their respective diets post-surgery, animals were sacrificed for mu-opioid receptor autoradiography using the [3H] [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4-Gly5-ol]- enkephalin (DAMGO) ligand. Rats with RYGB showed reduced DAMGO binding in the central amygdala compared to sham-operated HF diet controls, and in the hypothalamus compared to high-fat fed Sham-FR. Diet alone did not change [3H] DAMGO binding in any region. These findings show that RYGB surgery, independent of diet or caloric restriction, decreases mu opioid signaling in specific regions important for stress and energy regulation. Thus, RYGB surgery may lead to greater stress sensitivity via downregulated mu opioid signaling in the central amygdala, which may contribute to the observed increased risk in some subjects for addictive behavior.
Decoding emotional experiences through physiological signal processing

All modern emotion theoretical views assume a role for peripheral physiological changes during emotional experiences. In this paper, we explored the correlation between autonomically-mediated changes in multimodal bodily signals and discrete emotional states. In order to fully exploit the information in each modality, week learners based on individual signal modalities are built and then fused to formed a robust inference model. To validate our model, three specific physiological signals including Electromyogram (EMG), Blood Volume Pressure (BVP) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) recorded during eight emotional states were analyzed. Our approach showed 88.1% emotion recognition accuracy, which outperformed the conventional Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier with 17% accuracy improvement. Furthermore, in order to avoid information redundancy and the resultant over-fitting, a feature reduction method is proposed based on a correlation analysis to optimize the number of features required for training and validating each weak learner. Despite the feature space dimensionality reduction from 27 to 18 features, our methodology preserved the recognition accuracy of about 85.0%.
Feed-forward loop between body composition, strength and performance in older adults

Frailty syndrome is hypothesized to arise from malfunction in feedback mechanisms among interacting physiological systems. However, empirical evidence to support this hypothesis is not yet available. We present evidence of a feed-forward loop relationship between certain components of the frailty syndrome: body composition, strength and physical performance level. The evidence has been found by performing statistical analysis on measures from 878 females and 588 males aged 60-97, participating in the Rancho Bernardo Study, followed for at least three visits over 12 years. In the analysis, we have used fat mass and lean mass (measured by whole body DXA scans), grip strength (measured by dynamometer) and time to get up and walk a certain distance. The results provide evidence of a feed-forward loop between these variables. The results also suggest that adverse changes in body composition would not only reduce the physical performance and grip strength, but the changes would further result in adverse changes in body composition. Our findings support the hypothesis that feed-forward loops are present between the components of the frailty syndrome at the time of development of frailty, which itself may be a manifestation of dysregulated energetics.
High school students' use of flavored e-cigarette e-liquids for appetite control and weight loss.

Abstract Background Although weight-related reasons for smoking and vaping have been examined in adults, research in adolescents is lacking. Thus, we examined the prevalence and correlates of using flavored e-liquids for appetite control or weight loss in high school adolescents. Methods The analytic sample included 529 students who completed a school-based survey in Connecticut in Spring 2017 (50.6% female, 79.5% White, mean age 16.27 [SD = 1.18], range 13–19 years). Inclusion criteria were past-30-day vaping, using ≥ 1 flavored e-liquid (past month), and having non-missing data on flavored e-liquid use for appetite control and weight loss. Participants reported on sex, age, race, past-30-day vaping and smoking frequency, nicotine e-liquid use, flavored e-liquid use (e.g., tobacco, mint, fruit, candy), and flavored e-liquid use for appetite control and/or weight loss. Results Adolescent e-cigarette users (past 30-days) reported vaping flavored e-liquids for appetite control (13.8%) and weight loss (9.3%). Using flavored e-liquids for appetite control or weight loss, respectively, was associated with more frequent vaping (OR = 1.21; 1.21) and using more flavored e-liquids (OR = 1.33; 1.28, p-values Conclusions A subset of adolescents reported using flavored e-liquids for weight-related reasons. These adolescents reported vaping more frequently than their counterparts, raising concerns about increased nicotine exposure. Research is needed to understand where adolescents learn about weight-motivated vaping (e.g., friends, social media) and whether weight-related motives promote e-cigarette initiation among e-cigarette naive individuals or continued/escalating use among current users.
Chapter 130 – Imaginal Discs

Publisher Summary This chapter briefly reviews some of the experimental studies examining the biology and, especially, the development of imaginal discs. As with other metamorphosing organs, there have been studies on the endocrine control of imaginal disc eversion, differentiation and cuticle secretion. Other types of experiments, such as ablation or transplantation of portions of imaginal discs, are used to study aspects of developmental patterning, such as the development of pigmentation patterns in the wings of butterflies and moths. The most extensively studied imaginal discs are those of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. In D. melanogaster embryos, each imaginal disc primordium contains 10–40 cells, which divide during the three larval instars to form, by pupation, as many as 50,000 cells by late third instar. The adult head is derived from a pair of fused eye–antennal discs, as well as pairs of proboscis and labral discs. The adult thorax is derived from the three pairs of ventral leg discs and, dorsally, pairs of prothoracic, wing, and haltere discs. Each of these makes portions of the body wall as well as the appendages for which they are named. Each segment of the adult abdomen is formed from four pairs of small histoblast nests and the genitals from the genital disc.
Ion Number Density Quantification Utilizing Pulsing Frequency in Negative Differential Resistance (NDR) Regime of Microplasma Operation

A mathematical model is presented for quantifying the ion number density over a range of discharge current in microplasma discharges. The ion number density is determined from measured discharge voltage, current, pulsing frequency, and trace impurity that is injected into the system deliberately. Experiments are conducted in pure helium with nitrogen being introduced as the trace species. The ion number density is estimated over a range of discharge current and is compared with multidimensional simulation results.
Novel Algorithms for Reprocessing, Drying and Storing Endoscopes

After outbreaks of duodenoscope-transmitted infection with multidrug-resistant organisms, it has become clear that institutions must optimize their endoscope reprocessing programs. Standard endoscope reprocessing practices may not represent the ideal approach for preventing transmission of infection related to endoscopy. We discuss multiple approaches to enhance and optimize reprocessing, drying, and storage of standard duodenoscopes. The optimal enhanced duodenoscope reprocessing modality remains to be determined. Acknowledging the challenges and limitations in effectively reprocessing duodenoscopes, the FDA issued a safety communique recommending transitioning to either single use disposable duodenoscopes or duodenoscopes with innovative designs that allow more effective reprocessing.
Activation of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Ace2 through JAK/STAT-Dependent Enhancers during Pregnancy

ACE2 binds the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and facilitates its cellular entry. Interferons activate ACE2 expression in pneumocytes, suggesting a critical role of cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 target cells. Viral RNA was detected in breast milk in at least seven studies, raising the possibility that ACE2 is expressed in mammary tissue during lactation. Here, we show that Ace2 expression in mouse mammary tissue is induced during pregnancy and lactation, which coincides with the activation of intronic enhancers. These enhancers are occupied by the prolactin-activated transcription factor STAT5 and additional regulatory factors, including RNA polymerase II. Deletion of Stat5a results in decommissioning of the enhancers and an 83% reduction of Ace2 mRNA. We also demonstrate that Ace2 expression increases during lactation in lung, but not in kidney and intestine. JAK/STAT components are present in a range of SARS-CoV-2 target cells, opening the possibility that cytokines contribute to the viral load and extrapulmonary pathophysiology.
Analysis and treatment of abnormal increase of bearing temperature of 600MW steam turbine

During the normal operation of a 600MW turbine in a power plant, the temperature of no.2 bearing rises to the alarm value, which seriously affects the safe operation of the unit. The reason of bearing temperature rise is found by analyzing the change of steam exciting force, and the problem is solved by optimizing the governor valve sequence to diagonal admission mode.
Psychosocial Mechanisms of Psychosomatic Symptoms

Beliefs and expectations play a pivotal role in the production of psychosomatic symptoms. The placebo effect (expecting the positive) and the nocebo effect (expecting the negative) not only influence the response to treatment but also the perception of illness. Doctors help mold beliefs and expectations. Attributing symptoms to a potentially serious disease can amplify everyday symptoms previously thought to be insignificant. Focus on a symptom reinforces brain pathways generating the symptom, a type of central sensitization. Learning to associate symptoms with environmental events, such as tastes and smells, or with negative thoughts, such as being stuck on an elevator, can lead to changes in brain connectivity so that these events and thoughts become reliable triggers for the symptoms. These brain mechanisms likely explain a wide variety of symptoms attributed to environmental exposures that affect a surprisingly large percentage of the general population.
A critical review of Texas, USA fossile park sites and implications for global geoheritage sites

Abstract In the United States of America, fossil park sites provide visitors with sustainable fossil collecting opportunities as well as informal educational instruction via signage, brochures, or paleontological mentors. This unique geotourism venue allows visitors to collect personal fossils and learn about fossilization, geologic time, and evolution – and, at most sites, sea level and climate changes. This investigation researched two fossil park sites in Texas, USA and analyzed visitors' experiences at each site. Ladonia Fossil Park and Mineral Wells Fossil Park were also compared on the Fossil Park Model. Texas fossil parks can effectively educate visitors about multiple earth science concepts, with one site (Mineral Wells) providing consistent and higher quality instruction through its permanent signage. Importantly, fossil parks can serve as informal venues to address content of some of the US National Science Foundation's critical research questions for the next decade. Fossil parks promote geotourism and raise visitor awareness and visibility of local geoheritage, thereby promoting public conservation and sustainability. This research has implications for optimizing global geoheritage sites through effective pre-visit websites, onsite educational opportunities, and optimization of educational content to address modern issues.
LEDA-Localized-EEG Dynamics Analyzer: a MATLAB-Based Innovative Toolbox for Analysis of EEG Source Dynamics

Establishing conclusive cortical activity dynamics from neuroimages and high dimensional neuronal data post-processing, such as scalp-EEG/ERP or its localized source data, is always challenging. For addressing this, we introduce LEDA, localized-EEG dynamics analyzer, offering our novel techniques, namely (1)the localized source activity to duration (LSAD) ratio that elegantly combines voxel activation with temporal information enabling a spatiotemporal condition comparison, (2)cortical region’s activation-duration summary generation, (3)anatomical dominance calculator, and (4)voxel activations’ GIF animation extraction feature. They effectively explore and quantify physiological spatiotemporal dynamics and provide insights more intuitive than EEG/ERP biomarkers. To demonstrate, we chose to study sensory gating deficits in schizophrenia for which the P50 wave biomarker is widely discussed. EEG response (64 channels@1 kHz) to auditory paired-click paradigm from 9 patients and 9 controls was processed to ERP. Source localization was achieved by using sLORETA, a widely-used source reconstruction algorithm. LSAD ratio of patients significantly differed from that of controls for the auditory cortical regions (p value < 0.05). It revealed that inhibitory alpha activity pattern was prominent in parietal, temporal and occipital lobe for controls and not patients. Conversely, the frontal lobe, specifically the middle frontal gyrus, was temporally the most active analogously across all subjects. LEDA also extracted that swift alpha activity exists between 100 and 300 ms time period. These derived results match with existing fMRI studies, speak beyond P50 wave suppression biomarker and emphasize that our methods successfully uncovered meaningful brain mechanisms at high spatiotemporal resolution. They are provided as an open-source MATLAB based toolbox for applicability to other neuronal pathological investigations.
Acceleration of Parallel-Blocked QR Decomposition of Tall-and-Skinny Matrices on FPGAs

QR decomposition is one of the most useful factorization kernels in modern numerical linear algebra algorithms. In particular, the decomposition of tall-and-skinny matrices (TSMs) has major applications in areas including scientific computing, machine learning, image processing, wireless networks, and numerical methods. Traditionally, CPUs and GPUs have achieved better throughput on these applications by using large cache hierarchies and compute cores running at a high frequency, leading to high power consumption. With the advent of heterogeneous platforms, however, FPGAs are emerging as a promising viable alternative. In this work, we propose a high-throughput FPGA-based engine that has a very high computational efficiency (ratio of achieved to peak throughput) compared to similar QR solvers running on FPGAs. Although comparable QR solvers achieve an efficiency of 36%, our design exhibits an efficiency of 54%. For TSMs, our experimental results show that our design can outperform highly optimized QR solvers running on CPUs and GPUs. For TSMs with more than 50K rows, our design outperforms the Intel MKL solver running on an Intel quad-core processor by a factor of 1.5×. For TSMs containing 256 columns or less, our design outperforms the NVIDIA CUBLAS solver running on a K40 GPU by a factor of 3.0×. In addition to being fast, our design is energy efficient—competing platforms execute up to 0.6 GFLOPS/Joule, whereas our design executes more than 1.0 GFLOPS/Joule.
Characterizing the Experience of Spasticity after Spinal Cord Injury: A National Survey Project of the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers.

Abstract Objective To characterize the qualities that individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) associate with their experience of spasticity and to describe the relationship between spasticity and perceived quality of life and the perceived value of spasticity management approaches. Design Online cross-sectional survey. Setting Multicenter collaboration among 6 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems hospitals in the United States. Participants Individuals with SCI (N=1076). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Qualities of Spasticity Questionnaire, modified Spinal Cord Injury–Spasticity Evaluation Tool (mSCI-SET), and the modified Patient-Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (mPRISM). Results Respondents indicated that spasms most often occurred in response to movement-related triggering events. However, spontaneous spasms (ie, no triggering event) were also reported to be among the most common types. Frequency of spasms appears to decline with age. The highest frequency of spasms was reported by 56% of respondents aged 55 years. Stiffness associated with spasticity was reported to be more common than spasms (legs, 65% vs 54%; trunk, 33% vs 18%; arms, 26% vs 15%). Respondents reported negative effects of spasticity more commonly than positive effects. Based on their association with negative scores on the mSCI-SET and the mPRISM, the 5 most problematic experiences reported were stiffness all day, interference with sleep, painful spasms, perceived link between spasticity and pain, and intensification of pain before a spasm. Respondents indicated spasticity was improved more by stretching (48%) and exercise (45%) than by antispasmodics (38%). Conclusions The experience of spasticity after SCI is complex and multidimensional, with consequences that affect mobility, sleep, comfort, and quality of life. Stiffness, rather than spasms, appears to be the most problematic characteristic of spasticity. Physical therapeutic interventions to treat spasticity warrant in-depth investigation.
Ar Gas Puff Z-Pinches with Applied Bz Field on Cobra at Cornell University

We have conducted Ar gas puff z-pinch studies on the COBRA generator with an external Bz field. Two ~20 cm diameter coils are used to generate up to 6 kG Bz field on the pinch axis. A triple-nozzle injects two concentric annular gas puffs and a center jet into the load region. The z-pinch implosion starts from the outer puff at~3 cm in radius, slows down by the inner puff at the radius of ~ 1.5 cm, and then imploded on the center jet (R~0.5 cm). The de-acceleration of implosion by the inner puff reduces the grows of the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instability. Stable implosions and ~200 J Ar K-shell yields are achieved with the outer, inner, and jet nozzle plenum pressure at 0.8, 2.4, and ~10 psia, respectively. In the absence of the inner gas puff, the implosion starts from 3 cm in radius accelerates to the center jet. The MRT instability grows rapidly and the implosion is not stable as observed. Subtitling the inner puff with an applied the external Bz field, the compression of the Bz field trapped between the outer and jet plasma slows down the implosion, and the MRT instability is suppressed. We have observed not only the stabilization of the implosion, but also the heating of the center jet plasma by the compression of the trapped magnetic field, and the helix -like structures in the imploding plasma.
Upon Becoming a Criminologist and Spending 30 Years Thinking About Interesting Things

My first step toward becoming a criminologist was to apply in the fall of 1981 to the economics PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill because I (1) really enjoyed macroeconomics as an undergraduate and (2) envisioned a career as an environmental economist. Two semesters of graduate-level macro quickly dissuaded me of the first notion (“Rational expectations, anyone?”)—although, fortunately, I did find graduate-level microeconomics interesting. I was focused on environmental economics because prior to going to graduate school, I was a technical writer for the Environmental Protection Agency—so I was familiar with many of the issues (“flue gas desulfurization”) and was convinced of the importance of environmental policy. Unfortunately, the world-class environmental economist at UNC left Chapel Hill the year I started grad school.
Detection of bedrock topography beneath a thin cover of alluvium using thermal remote sensing

Modeling of the annual heat flow within a thin alluvium veneer on a granitic bedrock substrate in desert environments, such as found in the southwestern United States, predicts that at certain times of the year the depth to bedrock has a measurable effect on the surface temperature if the alluvium cover is less than 2 m thick. Changes in the thickness of the alluvial cover caused by bedrock topography will produce contrasts in the surface temperature. If temperature contrasts as small as 0.1 C can be resolved, a linear topographic feature having several metres of relief buried by 1.5 m of alluvium may be visible in thermal imagery acquired during January or August in the southwestern U.S. under optimal conditions. Thermal remote sensing may provide a means for delineating some buried faults, fluvial channels, and other features of interest on buried, granitic pediment surfaces.
Blue nevus of the oral cavity. An electron microscopic study.

Abstract The present report deals with the fine structure of a blue nevus of the oral cavity. The ultrastructure of the melanocyte in this lesion is described, and the presence of some hitherto unknown structures, such as a fibrous lamina within the nucleus, cilia, and microtubules, is reported. The surfaces of the melanocytes possess numerous dendritic pseudopods, containing microtubules, which are thought to act as a cytoskeleton. The surface is further characterized by a rather intense pinocytic activity. The melanocytes are surrounded by a basement membrane, in contrast to the macrophages, which may establish epithelium-like contacts.
Electron microscopy of herpes simplex virus. II. Sequence of development

Examination of infected cells at sequential intervals after infection revealed that the first viral forms to appear were capsids enclosing cores of low density. Not until the 6th hr were dense cores encountered, and at approximately the same time enveloped virus was seen. Envelopment occurred most frequently in close proximity to the nuclear surface, although the process was also encountered within the nuclear matrix and in the cytoplasm. There was often extensive proliferation of the nuclear membrane. Envelopment of the virus by budding from the cell surface was not observed. It was concluded that enveloped virus consitutes the infectious particle and that the unenveloped capsid is unstable outside the cell. Nevertheless, it is likely that capsids enclosing infectious nucleic acid can pass directly from one cell to another after fusion has taken place.
Vertical Merger Guidelines: Interpreting the 1982 Reforms

Fourteen years separate the original Justice Department Merger Guidelines of May 30, 1968, the last day of Donald Turner's term as head of the Antitrust Division, and the Merger Guidelines of June 14, 1982, which were issued in the second year of William Baxter's tenure. Because merger policy plays an essential role in antitrust enforcement, the promulgation of new Merger Guidelines provides an important means of assessing changes in that area. Inasmuch as a decade appears to be a useful interval for evaluating antitrust developments,' a comparison of the recent with the earlier Guidelines should help to disclose what kinds of progress in antitrust enforcement (if any) have occurred within the interval.
In vitro testing of putative Escherichia coli MurA inhibitors (582.1)

Antibiotic resistance necessitates the continuous development of novel inhibitors targeting a variety of bacterial pathways. The pathway for the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a necessary component of the bacterial cell wall, is an ideal target for antibiotic development for two reasons: 1) the cell wall is a prokaryote-specific structure, and 2) the cell wall is necessary for bacterial survival. MurA, the target of current study, is the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Our objective is to develop novel inhibitors that competitively bind to the MurA catalytic sight for UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. In an effort to study the effects of various putative inhibitors on MurA, the active enzyme was purified in high concentrations. In vitro tests of the known inhibitor fosfomycin and other potential inhibitors were conducted using the purified enzyme. The Malachite green assay as previously described was used to determine the IC50 values for a number of potential inhibitors. Of the com...
Urban form-making through biased agent interaction

The urban forms we find in our cities are usually a juxtaposition of several biases. For example, a Developer is biased to think of the city as a 'collection of numbers', an Infrastructure person is biased to think of the city as a 'connection between elements', and from a more political or sociological bias, the city might mean 'density'. Agents subscribing to these different biases constantly attempt to change the city-form in a collective fashion. What is interesting is that even in such a seemingly disjointed decision making scenario, we might expect non-convergent scenarios leading to constant change in urban patterns. However it is observed that cities over a timescale do exhibit organizations or coherent patterns. In this experiment we query this form of pattern or form making through a multi-agent framework and describe a urban game based on it.
Female crime in the United States, 1963–1998: An update

This article is an update of the data compiled by Simon and Landis (1991) in The Crimes Women Commit: The Punishments They Receive. I examine current data on female labor, education, arrest and prison statistics to further evaluate the arguments expressed by Simon and Landis in 1991. Based on the demographic data, women have increased their opportunity to commit crimes, and their taking advantage of these opportunities is reflected in the increased female crime rate. Overall, these data show that women are committing crime at a steady rate. When compared to men, women seem to be committing the crimes of embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and larceny at a rate comparable to men. Thus, the arguments expressed by Simon and Landis in 1991 are further supported.
What Limits the Productivity of Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds

Acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment ponds are very common in the U.S. Appalachian coal region and are the main source of many headwater streams. Though the water that discharges from these ponds generally meets state and federal water quality standards, there is a distinct lack of productivity in most of these ponds. Our first objective was to compare the productivity of chemically-treated, biologically-treated, and untreated AMD ponds with uncontaminated (reference) ponds. Next, we used principal component analysis and multiple regression of 20 physicochemical characteristics of these ponds to resolve which factor(s) were responsible for inhibiting productivity. We discovered that chemically-treated AMD ponds and untreated AMD ponds exhibited significantly less gross primary productivity (GPP) than reference ponds; biologically-treated ponds (containing AMD that has passed through a wetland) did not vary significantly from reference ponds. Chemically-treated ponds also had significantly less net primary productivity (NPP) than reference ponds. Community respiration did not vary among the pond types. Our test results indicated that soluble reactive phosphate concentration explained most of the variance in both GPP and NPP. Apparently, phosphate availability, not metal toxicity, regulated phytoplankton productivity in these ponds.
SUBMICRON MAGNETIC PARTICLE SEPARATION

ABSTRACT The control, collection or separation of particles on the basis of Their magnetic moment relative Co the carrier fluid has been demonstrated in many applications. Usually the particle sizes are larger than one micron and the magnetic susceptibility at least moderately paramagnetic. Recently, particle separation techniques have been developed for both diamagnetic and submicron particles. These techniques have found application in mineral beneficiation, nuclear reactor coolants, biology and medicine. Such developments require an understanding of flow forces in liquids and gases, diffusion and Brownian motion, and of magnetic properties which range from the strong magnetic moments of ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic particles down orders of magnitude to those of diamagnetism.