cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aligned nanofibers of decellularized muscle ECM support myogenic activity in primary satellite cells in vitro

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a loss of over ∼10% of muscle mass that results in functional impairment. Although skeletal muscle possesses the ability to repair and regenerate itself following minor injuries, VML injuries are irrecoverable. Currently, there are no successful clinical therapies for the treatment of VML. Previous studies have treated VML defects with decellularized extracellular matrix (D-ECM) scaffolds derived from either pig urinary bladder or small intestinal submucosa. These therapies were unsuccessful due to the poor mechanical stability of D-ECM leading to quick degradation in vivo. To circumvent these issues, in this manuscript aligned nanofibers of D-ECM were created using electrospinning that mimicked native muscle architecture and provided topographical cues to primary satellite cells. Additionally, combining D-ECM with polycaprolactone (PCL) improved the tensile mechanical properties of the electrospun scaffold. In vitro testing shows that the electrospun scaffold with aligned nanofibers of PCL and D-ECM supports satellite cell growth, myogenic protein expression, and myokine production.
A Survey of Knowledge Representation in Service Robotics

Abstract Within the realm of service robotics, researchers have placed a great amount of effort into learning, understanding, and representing motions as manipulations for task execution by robots. The task of robot learning and problem-solving is very broad, as it integrates a variety of tasks such as object detection, activity recognition, task/motion planning, localization, knowledge representation and retrieval, and the intertwining of perception/vision and machine learning techniques. In this paper, we solely focus on knowledge representations and notably how knowledge is typically gathered, represented, and reproduced to solve problems as done by researchers in the past decades. In accordance with the definition of knowledge representations, we discuss the key distinction between such representations and useful learning models that have extensively been introduced and studied in recent years, such as machine learning, deep learning, probabilistic modeling, and semantic graphical structures. Along with an overview of such tools, we discuss the problems which have existed in robot learning and how they have been built and used as solutions, technologies or developments (if any) which have contributed to solving them. Finally, we discuss key principles that should be considered when designing an effective knowledge representation.
Wind speed forecasting using neural networks

The prediction of wind speed is critical in the assessment of feasibility of a potential wind turbine site. This work presents a study on prediction of wind speed using artificial neural networks. ...
The Gaussian interference channel in the presence of a malicious jammer

This paper considers the two-user Gaussian interference channel in the presence of one or two adversarial jammers. Existing outer and inner bounds for the Gaussian interference channel are generalized in the presence of the jammer(s). We show that for certain problem parameters, precisely the same bounds hold, but with the noise variance increased by the received power of the jammer at each receiver. Thus, the jammers can do no better than to transmit Gaussian noise. For these problem parameters, this allows us to recover the half-bit theorem. Moreover, we show that, if the jammer has greater received power than the legitimate user, symmetrizability makes the capacity zero. The proof of the outer bound is straightforward, while the inner bound generalizes the Han-Kobayashi rate splitting scheme. As a novel aspect, the inner bound takes advantage of the common message acting as common randomness for the private message; hence, the jammer cannot symmetrize only the private codeword without being detected. We also prove a new version of a packing lemma for the Gaussian arbitrarily-varying channel.
Dyslexia-related impairments in sequence learning predict linguistic abilities

Abstract Dyslexia is often characterized by disordered word recognition and spelling, though dysfunction on various non-linguistic tasks suggests a more pervasive deficit may underlie reading and spelling abilities. The serial-order learning impairment in dyslexia (SOLID) hypothesis proposes that sequence learning impairments fundamentally disrupt cognitive abilities, including linguistic processes, among individuals with dyslexia; yet only some studies report sequence learning deficits in people with dyslexia relative to controls. Evidence may be mixed because traditional sequence learning tasks often require strong motor demands, working memory processes and/or executive functions, wherein people with dyslexia can show impairments. Thus, observed sequence learning deficits in dyslexia may only appear to the extent that comorbid motor-based processes, memory capacity, or executive processes are involved. The present study measured sequence learning in college-aged students with and without dyslexia using a single task that evaluates sequencing and non-sequencing components but without strong motor, executive, or memory demands. During sequencing, each additional link in a sequence of stimuli leading to a reward is trained step-by-step, until a complete sequence is acquired. People with dyslexia made significantly more sequencing errors than controls, despite equivalent performance on non-sequencing components. Mediation analyses further revealed that sequence learning accounted for a large portion of the variance between dyslexia status and linguistic abilities, particularly pseudo-word reading. These findings extend the SOLID hypothesis by showing difficulties in the ability to acquire sequences that may play an underlying role in literacy acquisition.
General concepts in biostatistics and clinical epidemiology: Observational studies with cross-sectional and ecological designs.

Observational studies evaluate variables of interest in a sample or a population, without intervening in them. They can be descriptive if they focus on the description of variables, or analytical when comparison between groups is made to establish associations through statistical inference. Cross-sectional studies and ecologicalalso called correlationalstudies are two observational methodological designs. Cross-sectional studies collect the data of the exposure variable and the outcome at the same time, to describe characteristics of the sample or to study associations. Ecological studies describe and analyze correlations among different variables, and the unit of analysis is aggregated data from multiple individuals. In both types of studies, associations of interest for biomedical research can be established, but no causal relationships should be inferred. This is the second of a methodological series of articles on general concepts in biostatistics and clinical epidemiology developed by the Chair of Scientific Research Methodology at the School of Medicine, University of Valparaiso, Chile. In this review, we address general theoretical concepts about cross-sectional and ecological studies, including applications, measures of association, advantages, disadvantages, and reporting guidelines. Finally, we discuss some concepts about observational designs relevant to undergraduate and graduate students of health sciences.
Relationship Between a Vector Differential and the Corresponding Scalar Differential in Physics

In physics, a differential is an infinitesimal change in or amount of some quantity. For example, dp is a small change in linear momentum, and dm is a small amount of mass. Ratios of differentials ...
Optimization of a superconducting adiabatic radio frequency neutron resonant spin flipper

Abstract The neutron radio frequency (RF) spin flipper is one of the key components to implement neutron resonance spin echo (NRSE) for high resolution measurements of dynamics in materials. Various types of RF flippers have been built and implemented including adiabatic and non-adiabatic RF flippers. For a pulsed neutron source, adiabatic RF flipper is more favorable due to its wide operation bandwidth. However, the optimization criteria of an adiabatic RF flipper is still lacking. Also they are difficult to be operated in bootstrap mode, which can be use to minimize the phase aberration and increase the achievable resolution. In the report by Dadisman et al. (2019), an adiabatic RF flipper has been built for the first time with superconducting technologies, which allows bootstrap mode. In this article, the method of optimizing the device and the detailed design will be discussed for each component of the device.
Ethical considerations in patients with extracardiac or genetic anomalies

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) often have other comorbidities including extracardiac and genetic anomalies that can negatively impact their outcomes after cardiac surgery. In this chapter, we provide the historical context and describe an era when children with disabilities were denied life-saving procedures. We explore modern examples of trisomies 13 and 18 to show how, although attitudes towards some genetic anomalies have shifted, conflicts about others continue to arise. We discuss the use of the best interest standard, appropriate ethical justifications for not offering surgery, and how to balance justice and societal burdens when a child has significant extracardiac anomalies that may limit his or her lifespan appreciably and/or impact quality of life. Finally, we explore the perspectives of the clinician and the parents, the importance of shared decision-making, and acknowledge the important role of the parent in cases where complexity is high, and prognostication is difficult.
Early identification of dehydration with orthostatic blood pressure monitoring in high-output ileostomy patients

Background: High readmission rates among ileostomy patients are often the result of dehydration, but this can be prevented with prompt intervention. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether a com...
Skilled Nursing Facility Characteristics Associated With Financially Motivated Therapy and Relation to Quality

Abstract Objectives In October 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a new payment model for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that eliminated financial incentives to provide high-intensity therapy. Yet high-intensity therapy in SNFs has been linked to better quality outcomes, potentially putting patients at risk if clinically indicated therapy is reduced under the new payment model. A metric to help differentiate between financially motivated vs clinically indicated therapy in SNFs is thresholding: the percentage of patients receiving therapy within 10 minutes of reimbursement thresholds. This study examined which SNF characteristics are associated with thresholding and how thresholding relates to quality outcomes. Design Secondary analysis of 2016 CMS administrative data. Setting and Participants 14,162 SNFs. Methods SNF Public Use Files, Nursing Home Compare, and Provider of Services files were linked. We used linear regression models to (1) identify SNF characteristics associated with thresholding and (2) determine associations between thresholding and quality outcomes, controlling for SNF and patient characteristics. Results Thresholding was 6.4 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4, 7.4] higher in SNFs with all contractor therapy staff vs all in-house staff. Compared with nonprofit SNFs, thresholding was 2.5 (95% CI 0.1, 2.9) and 1.6 (95% CI 0.4, 2.9) percentage points higher in governmental and for-profit SNFs, respectively. For each additional therapist per 1000 patient-days, SNFs had 2.9 (95% CI –3.4, −2.4) percentage points lower thresholding. Higher thresholding was significantly associated with worse quality outcomes, including lower rates of functional improvement and community discharge and higher rates of 30-day admissions, but magnitudes were small. Conclusions and Implications SNFs with higher thresholding behavior may respond to changes in financial incentives under the new payment model by reducing clinically indicated therapy and should be monitored to ensure access to necessary therapy is maintained. Although thresholding behavior may indicate cost-intensive therapy practice, it may not have clinically significant implications for patients.
Exploring the Effects of Public Attention and Distance Decay over Online Social Networks

Based on a set of software tools, IBSS-ABM, that offers functions for network analysis, simulation of network structures, and analysis of spatial diffusion on networks, this technical note offers r...
The Creation of a Comprehensive Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Program: "Lost in Transition" No More.

Purpose: The Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Program set out to improve survivorship care for AYA-aged patients (15–39 years) of pediatric or AYA cancer. This article discusses the steps in establishing t...
Frequency of text messaging and adolescents' mental health symptoms across 4 years of high school

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to examine the concurrent and longitudinal associations between adolescents' text messaging frequency and mental health symptoms across 4 years of high school. Methods A total of 203 adolescents (aged 14–18 years) consented and were provided smartphones across 4 years of high school. Using billing records, daily frequencies of text messaging were created for each year. Adolescents reported on their mental health symptoms (internalizing, externalizing, social problems, and inattention) each summer. Results Multilevel analyses tested the between- and within-person associations between texting and mental health symptoms. Between-person analyses revealed an association only between externalizing symptoms and texting. Girls who texted more (vs. less) frequently reported more externalizing and inattention symptoms, whereas there were no significant associations for boys. There were no significant within-person concurrent associations between texting and symptoms. Autoregressive latent cross-lagged model with structured residuals testing the longitudinal, bidirectional associations also did not find significant relations across 4 years of adolescence. Conclusions Across analyses, few robust associations emerged. Adolescent girls who text messaged more frequently reported greater externalizing and inattention symptoms. Contrasting the popular narrative that smartphones cause depression, this study did not find any consistent within-person or longitudinal associations between texting and mental health symptoms across adolescence. Research on the content, rather than quantity, of texts and device use is necessary to understand the potential effects on development.
‘Those people who chose us’: Discursive construction of identity and belonging in the context of Quebec’s 2018 provincial elections:

In the climate of the growing diversification of the ethnocultural landscape, Quebecers of French-Canadian background, often viewed as mistrustful of ethnic minorities, have been faced with the cha...
An Entropy-Based WLAN Channel Allocation using Channel State Information

Low-cost access points have proliferated wireless local area networks (WLAN) providing main wireless access in many unmanaged networks. The majority of these APs rely on received signal strength indication (RSSI), known to be unreliable, as a measure of the wireless link quality. However, an accurate link measurement is a precursor to channel selection which in turn allows more efficient use of the wireless resources, especially in a crowded and dense wireless environment. In this paper, we present CSI-EWCA, an entropy-based WLAN channel allocation model using channel state information to combat the unreliability in RSSI. To develop a self-reliant system that is independent of CSI data for devices with low computational power, we develop a machine learning model to predict channel spectral entropy from physical layer network information extracted from the Linux kernel. Our experimental results show that CSI-EWCA can consistently select a channel with high throughput and low jitters and fewer retries.
Using memes in online surveys to engage and motivate respondents

This study explored the influence of Internet memes, specifically image macros of animals with motivational captions, on survey respondents’ engagement with the survey-taking experience and subsequ...
Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown impacts: A description in a longitudinal study of bipolar disorder.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the impact of the SAR-Cov-2 pandemic and lockdown on individuals with bipolar disorder in comparison to healthy controls. Methods A longitudinal study of 560 participants including 147 healthy controls was conducted between April 30 and May 30, 2020 during a state-wide lockdown. Bi-weekly measures included the Coronavirus Impact Scale, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, 7-item. Generalized estimating equations method was used to examine the longitudinal change of the measures within the lockdown and the change from pre-pandemic period to pandemic period. Results All participants reported an impact of lockdown. Individuals with bipolar disorder reported greater impact from the stay-at-home orders with disruptions in routines, income/employment, social support and pandemic related stress. While these measures improved over time, healthy controls recovered quicker and with greater magnitude than persons with bipolar disorder. Comparing mood symptom severity measures in mid-March through May 2020 to the same time window in 2015–2019 (pre- verses post-pandemic), there were no significant differences among individuals with bipolar disorder, whereas healthy controls showed a significant, albeit transient, increase in mood symptoms. Conclusion Everyone was impacted by the SARs-CoV pandemic; however, those with bipolar disorder experienced more life impacting changes from the stay-at-home orders vs healthy controls. These disruptions improved over time but much more slowly than healthy controls. Pre- vs post-pandemic comparisons show a modest but significant increase in mood severity in the healthy controls which was not observed in those with bipolar disorder.
Effect of a Primary Care-Based Diabetes Education Model on Provider Referrals and Patient Participation:

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a primary care (PC)-based delivery model on diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) referrals and participation. Despit...
Heat activates the AAA+ HslUV protease by melting an axial autoinhibitory plug.

Summary At low temperatures, protein degradation by the AAA+ HslUV protease is very slow. New crystal structures reveal that residues in the intermediate domain of the HslU6 unfoldase can plug its axial channel, blocking productive substrate binding and subsequent unfolding, translocation, and degradation by the HslV12 peptidase. Biochemical experiments with wild-type and mutant enzymes support a model in which heat-induced melting of this autoinhibitory plug activates HslUV proteolysis.
3D in the Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Operating Room: Cameras and Displays in the Evolution of MIS

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) utilizes camera systems and video displays to allow for complex procedures to be performed through small access points. Most commonly, the term is applied to abdominal surgery, but it is also applicable to other areas such as neuro, vascular, and orthopedic surgery. This chapter focuses on MIS in the abdomen, since most work in three-dimensional (3D) imaging in the operating room has been done in this area.
Construction and initial operation of the Advanced Toroidal Facility

The Advanced Toroidal Facility (ATF) torsatron was designed on a physics basis for access to the second stability regime and on an engineering basis for independent fabrication of high-accuracy components. The actual construction, assembly, and initial operation of ATF are compared with the characteristics expected during the design of ATF. 31 refs., 19 figs., 2 tabs.
Hsp20, a novel α‐crystallin, prevents Aβ fibril formation and toxicity

β-Amyloid (Aβ) is a major protein component of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, and is neurotoxic when aggregated. The size of aggregated Aβ responsible for the observed neurotoxicity and the mechanism of aggregation are still under investigation; however, prevention of Aβ aggregation still holds promise as a means to reduce Aβ neurotoxicity. In research presented here, we show that Hsp20, a novel α-crystallin isolated from the bovine erythrocyte parasite Babesia bovis, was able to prevent aggregation of denatured alcohol dehydrogenase when the two proteins are present at near equimolar levels. We then examined the ability of Hsp20 produced as two different fusion proteins to prevent Aβ amyloid formation as indicated by Congo Red binding; we found that not only was Hsp20 able to dramatically reduce Congo Red binding, but it was able to do so at molar ratios of Hsp20 to Aβ of 1 to 1000. Electron microscopy confirmed that Hsp20 does prevent Aβ fibril formation. Hsp20 was also able to significantly reduce Aβ toxicity to both SH-SY5Y and PC12 neuronal cells at similar molar ratios. At high concentrations of Hsp20, the protein no longer displays its aggregation inhibition and toxicity attenuation properties. Size exclusion chromatography indicated that Hsp20 was active at low concentrations in which dimer was present. Loss of activity at high concentrations was associated with the presence of higher oligomers of Hsp20. This work could contribute to the development of a novel aggregation inhibitor for prevention of Aβ toxicity.
Analysis of the evolution and variation of the human influenza A virus nucleoprotein gene from 1933 to 1990.

Abstract This study examined the evolution and variation of the human influenza virus nucleoprotein gene from the earliest isolates to the present. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the most parsimonious evolutionary path connecting 49 nucleoprotein sequences yielded a single lineage. The average calculated rate of mutation was 3.6 nucleotide substitutions per year (2.3 x 10(-3) substitutions per site per year). Thirty-two percent of these mutations resulted in amino acid substitutions, and the remainder were silent mutations. Analysis of virus isolates from China and elsewhere showed no significant differences in their rate of evolution, genetic diversity, or mean survival time. The nearly constant rate of change was maintained through the two antigenic shifts, and there were no obvious changes in the number or types of mutations associated with the changes in the surface proteins. A detailed comparison of the changes that have occurred on the main evolutionary path with those that have occurred on the side branches of the phylogenetic tree was made. This showed that while 35% of the mutations on the side branches resulted in amino acid changes, only 21% of those on the main path affected the protein sequence. These results suggest that although the rate of change of the human influenza virus nucleoprotein is much higher than that previously described for avian influenza viruses, there are measurable constraints on the evolution of the surviving virus lineage. Comparison of the nucleoproteins of virus isolates adapted to chicken embryos with the nucleoproteins of those grown only in MDCK cells revealed no consistent differences between the virus pairs. Thus, although the nucleoprotein is known to be critical for host specificity, its adaptation to growth in eggs apparently involves no immediate selective pressures, such as are found with hemagglutinin.
8. The Glorious Commander in Chief

I examine the executive's power as Commander-in-Chief (or "CINC") of the armed forces, and the resulting problems for constitutional design and interpretation. Drawing upon Machiavelli's analysis, I attempt to state an economy of glory: an account of the benefits and costs of executive glory-seeking, and an account of how glory-seeking motivations on the part of the CINC can best be harnessed to the public interest. I then ask how the American national constitution should be interpreted in light of the economy of glory. I conclude that the optimal constitutional regime is one in which the executive is constrained in initiating conflicts, but not constrained in carrying them out.
Theory of ultrafast optical nonlinearities of uniaxially strained quantum wells

A theoretical study of ultrafast many-body effects in anisotropic semiconductors is presented. Signatures of coherent exciton-exciton interactions are identified in polarization traces in Poincare's cartesian complex plane of polarization which is used to visualize the differential polarization rotation of ultrashort light pulses due to excitons in uniaxially strained quantum wells.
Childhood depression: Rethinking the role of the school.

Schools play a privileged and strategic role in the lives of children acting as their principle environment away from home. Additionally, schools act as part of the community linking families and neighborhoods. These characteristics make schools a relevant setting for mental health service delivery and support to children and parents. In this article the role of the school environment on the development of childhood depression and as a leverage point in the prevention and treatment of depression will be discussed. Rationales for this viewpoint, as well as practical suggestions for reducing the deleterious effects of schooling on children's emotional well-being, are offered. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethical issues regarding related and nonrelated living organ donors.

The ethics of the clinical practice of transplanting human organs for end-stage organ disease is a fascinating topic. Who is the “owner” of the transplantable organs of a deceased, brain-dead patient? Who should have a right to receive these organs? Who set the boundaries between a living donor’s autonomy and a “paternalistic” doctor? What constitutes a proper consent? These questions are only some of the ethical issues that have been discussed in the last 60 years. All of these ethical issues are intensified by the fact that supply of human organs does not match demand, and that, as a consequence, living-donor organ transplantation is widely utilized. The aim of this article is not to be exhaustive but to present the general ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice as applied to organ transplantation. Moreover, the topic of reimbursement for organ donation is also discussed.
Metabolic fluxes, pools, and enzyme measurements suggest a tighter coupling of energetics and biosynthetic reactions associated with reduced pyruvate kinase flux.

In this study, it is found that, for Bacillus subtilis, citrate–glucose cometabolism leads to zero acid production over a wide range of growth rates and nearly theoretical carbon yield. Experimental results are presented that point to pyruvate kinase (PYK) as a site of citrate-mediated glycolytic flux attenuation. First, the measured fluxes show that, compared with cultures grown on glucose, the PYK flux drops by more than tenfold when citrate is added. Second, relative to cultures metabolizing glucose, the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) pool elevates substantially, whereas the pyruvate pool drops, when citrate is present. Finally, our modeling results indicate that maximizing carbon yield corresponds to nearly eliminating pyruvate kinase (PYK) flux and that the pyruvate supplied by the PEP-consuming glucose transport system can supply the biosynthetic requirements. A literature review suggests some mechanisms for how PYK attenuation by citrate addition can occur. At this juncture, we hypothesize that direct PYK inhibition occurs which, in turn, also leads to phosphofructokinase inhibition via the elevated PEP pool. These two inhibition events combine to throttle glycolytic flux; minimize acid formation; and substantially increase cellular, product, and energetic yields. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 64: 129–134, 1999.
Performed Identity and Community among College Student Interns Preparing for Work.

Scholars have yet to gain a sense of how students perform their disparate identities of intellectual and worker as they navigate the potentially dueling aims of content learning and professional job training in internship courses. The author focuses on students in two internship courses in order to ascertain how they socially perform their roles and identities as they negotiate the potentially competing environments of college classrooms and professional organizations. In particular, this project uses discourse analysis to investigate how a professional internship experience can influence students’ concept of self, as well as their social performances across contexts and communities.
A toadstool among the mushrooms: Screening decisions and image theory's compatibility test

Abstract A screening decision is about whether an option fails to meet (violates) specific criteria and must be rejected outright, or whether it meets the criteria and can be retained either as the accepted option or, if more than one option meets the criteria, as one of a set from which the best can then be chosen. Image theory's (Beach and Mitchell 1987) mechanism for screening is called the compatibility test. The test assumes that an option is acceptable unless its failure to meet (violations of compatibility) the various criteria exceeds a threshold, in which case it is rejected. Because it holds that violations and nonviolations are noncompensatory, the theory predicts that rejection decisions are determined solely by the number of violations. The results of the present research, a laboratory study of decisions to reject or accept hypothetical jobs, support the image theory prediction.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the soluble domain of the Na+-pumping cytochrome bo quinol oxidase from Vitreoscilla

The 24 kDa CyoA soluble domain of Vitreoscilla cytochrome bo quinol oxidase, which pumps out Na+ during respiration, has been crystallized from a solution of 2 M ammonium sulfate and 5% 2-­propanol. The crystal belongs to cubic space group P4332, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 122.2 A, α = β = γ = 90° and one subunit in the asymmetric unit. A 99.8% complete data set to 3.3 A has been collected at the 17-ID beamline of the Advanced Photon Source. The structure was determined by molecular replacement and refinement is in progress.
Effects of RNA degradation on gene expression analysis of human postmortem tissues

The Affymetrix GeneChip platform was used to build a gene expression database of the normal human body. Postmortem human tissues represent a valuable source of biological materials for this type of study, but their use entails some delays before harvesting such tissues. We first evaluated the RNA quality obtained from tissues obtained 3-5 h postmortem and found variations that were both tissue and donor-dependent. RNAs extracted from brain regions were of higher quality than those obtained from the gut, while the cause of death was a significant factor in donor-dependent differences. To avoid these variables, we used rat duodenum to determine the effects of RNA degradation on the analysis of gene expression. Surprisingly, even samples exhibiting significant RNA degradation yielded robust gene expression results, comparable to those obtained using intact samples at a certain signal intensity cutoff. We extended these findings to our human expression database and obtained similar results, indicating that the Affymetrix platform, which is biased to the 3' end of transcripts for detection, can tolerate significant RNA degradation, while still yielding high quality expression data. Our resulting body index expression database is a valuable research tool. As examples of potential uses, we report novel expression sites for four potential therapeutic targets--CCL27, GPR22, GPR113 and GPR128--and as well as a set of thymus-specific genes, including three not previously associated with the thymus.
Basic fibroblast growth factor binds to filamentous inclusions of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract The extracellular matrix protein heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) has been found in the neurofibrillary pathology of Alzheimer disease. This study was performed to determine if similar proteoglycans might be present in the fibrillary inclusions of other neurodegenerative disease. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) binding to heparinase sensitive sites was used as an assay for HSPGs. We found that the inclusions of Pick and Parkinson diseases as well as progressive supranuclear palsy contained heparinase sensitive bFGF binding sites while the inclusions of diffuse Lewy body disease lacked bFGF binding sites. These findings indicate that HSPG's interactions and possible role in the formation of intraneuronal inclusions are not limited to Alzheimer disease.
Reproductive hormone replacement alters sleep in mice.

Abstract Several studies have reported that reproductive hormones can alter baseline sleep–wake states, however, no studies in mice have examined whether reproductive hormone replacement in adult females and males influences sleep. In this study, we determined whether androgen replacement in males and estrogen replacement in females alter sleep–wake amount and sleep rebound after extended wakefulness. The gonads from adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were removed and animals were implanted with continuous release hormone or placebo pellets. Male mice received testosterone and females received 17β-estradiol. Recording electrodes were implanted to monitor sleep–wake states under baseline conditions and in response to 6 h of sleep deprivation. During baseline recording estradiol-treated females exhibited a reduction in NREM sleep amount that was predominant during the dark phase. Testosterone-treated males conversely, exhibited an increase in NREM sleep amount. After sleep deprivation, hormone-treated males and females exhibited similar amounts of recovery sleep however males exhibited slightly more sleep than placebo-treated controls. The results of these experiments demonstrate that the androgens and estrogens are primarily responsible for sex differences in baseline sleep–wake amount but do not have substantial effects on homeostatic sleep rebound after extended wakefulness.
Highly Connected Two-Dimensional Crystals of DNA Six-Point-Stars

This paper reports a novel DNA six-point-star motif assembled from only three different DNA single-strands. This motif readily assembles into hexagonal two-dimensional arrays with high connectivity. Such a high connectivity could potentially improve the array stability.
The bidirectional Glenn and Fontan procedures—integrated management of the patient with a functionally single ventricle

The Fontan procedure provides a means of separating the systemic and pulmonary circulations in patients with congenital heart defects characterized by a functionally single ventricle. The procedure has undergone numerous changes since its introduction 25 years ago. Technical modifications have now increased its applicability to virtually all forms of univentricular atrioventricular connection, as well as many hearts with biventricular connections. More recently, philosophical changes have been introduced to address increased rates of morbidity and mortality observed in certain subsets of patients. These changes appear to have improved short- and midterm results. The purpose of this review is to offer our strategy for management of such patients. We will discuss the interrelationship between the bidirectional Glenn and Fontan procedures. We will also focus on a number of observations concerning the possible role of accessory pulmonary blood flow, aortopulmonary collateral arteries, and endocrinologic changes.
1785 EVALUATION OF INHALATION AIDS OF METERED DOSE INHALERS IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN

Many patients have incorrect aerosol inhalation technique with metered dose inhalers (MDI) and fail to benefit fully from this form of therapy. Several inhalation aids have been developed and marketed recently for those cases. However such aids may benefit even those with proper technique. We compared bronchodilator efficacy of 2 puffs of albuterol aerosol administered either directly from a MDI or from an Inspirease (Key Pharm, Miami, Fla), an Aerochamber (Monaghan, Plattsburgh, NY), or our own Aerosol Bag (Pediatrics 1984) in 20 patients with stable asthma aged 8-15. All had been instructed in inhalation technique in the past and were receiving beta agonists from MDI. They were taught the use of the 3 inhalation aids and were studied with a double blind, randomized cross-over protocol in 4 days. After the baseline pulmonary function was tested the patient inhaled 2 puffs of aerosol from each of two of 4 modalities each day. One contained albuterol and the other placebo. The patient inhaled from a MDI unsupervised but was supervised by the examiner with the 3 inhalation aids. FEV1 increased similarly after all 4 modes of administration at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes (maximum increases at 60 minutes were 33, 33, 34, 39% over the baseline for MDI, Inspirease, Aerochamber and aerosol bag). Six patients who had suboptimal inhalation technique benefitted from 3 aids equally. Those with proper technique did not benefit from any of the inhalation aids. The 3 new inhalation aids are helpful to those with difficulties in using MDI.
DETECTION SURVEYS AND POPULATION MONITORING FOR PSEUDACYSTA PERSEAE ON AVOCADOS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a foliar pest of avocados, and the known distribution of P. perseae includes the Caribbean, the southeastern USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela and French Guyana (Humeres et al. 2009). Pseudacysta perseae was detected for the first time in California (USA) in Sep 2004 from 2 residential avocado trees in Chula Vista and San Diego in San Diego County (Hoddle et al. 2005). We present surveys that delineate the range of P. perseae in California, selected monitoring sites, and long-term monitoring studies to determine population growth trends from 3 years of population data. Two detection surveys for P. perseae with a pest detection grid system established by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) were performed in San Diego County during spring (Mar 20-Jun 30) and fall (Sep 20-Oct 30) of 2006 to delineate the geographic distribution of this pest. The CDFA grid square used for surveys was 2.6 km2. If P. perseae was present, or if avocado trees exhibited possible symptoms characteristic of P. perseae feeding (e.g., large necrotic areas on mature leaves, or trees were defoliated), samples were collected and sent to the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures' Entomology Laboratory for official determination.
In defense of a regulated system of compensation for living donation.

Purpose of review The organ shortage is the major problem in kidney transplantation today. Despite aggressive organ procurement efforts, the supply of donated kidneys, living and deceased, has not matched the growing demand; as a consequence, more and more qualified candidates are suffering on dialysis and then dying before being transplanted. Herein, we provide justification for a regulated system of compensation for donation. Recent findings The main argument in favor of compensation is simple-financial incentives will increase donation, so fewer transplant candidates will suffer and die while waiting. In addition, development of a regulated system of compensation is the most effective means of crippling the core economic support for transplant tourism. Because dialysis is so much more expensive than a transplant, compensated donation could be cost-neutral to the healthcare system. Importantly, opinion polls suggest that the public would support compensation. As uncompensated kidney donation is widely accepted, persuasive arguments against compensation must explain why such a system would be morally distinguishable from uncompensated donation. Summary We suggest that the potential advantages of a regulated system of compensation for donation far outweigh any potential disadvantages. It is time to advocate for a change in the law so that trials can be done.
Methodology for Integrating Adaptation to Climate Change Into the Transportation Planning Process

Strong scientific evidence supports the potential for serious global impacts due to climate change. While mitigation efforts are essential to slowing the threat of climate change, adaptation practi...
A tupleware approach to domain decomposition methods

Abstract Domain decomposition methods are highly parallel methods for solving elliptic partial differential equations. In many domain decomposition variants, the domain is partitioned into a number of (possibly overlapping) subdomains before computation begins. In contrast, the domain reduction method folds the domain into a number of smaller domains covering only a small portion of the entire domain. The solution over the entire domain is recovered by unfolding the solutions on the subdomains and summing them. The cost of the folding and unfolding is negligible. Results are derived measuring how much time and space can be reduced in the problem discretization phase by using these methods. Storage can be reduced by a substantial factor (a factor of eight is constructed for an example in this paper), and discretization time can be reduced by a constant factor or more, depending on the time complexity formula for a given problem. The amount of storage required is substantially less than for traditional domain decomposition implementations, or ones based on standard iterative methods or multigrid (standard or nontelescoping). A highly portable implementation using the Linda system for parallel or distributed programming is discussed. Linda adds a tuple data abstraction to a language, which is used to develop numerical software.
Three-dimensional acentric coordination polymers formed from the linkage of cobalt and nickel malonate quadratic layers through a kinked organodiimine: Synthesis, structure, thermal properties and magnetochemistry

Abstract Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded a pair of isostructural acentric three-dimensional coordination polymers {[M 2 (malonate) 2 (dpa)(H 2 O) 2 ] · 2H 2 O} n (M = Co, 1 ; M = Ni, 2 ; dpa = 4,4′-dipyridylamine), which were structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopically and thermally analyzed. Both materials exhibit exotridentate malonate ligands conjoining metal atoms into grid-like [M(malonate)(H 2 O)] n layers; in turn, these are connected into 3-D sqp lattices (4 4 6 6 topology) through tethering dpa ligands. The central kink and inter-ring torsion within the dpa ligands enforces the acentric Aba2 space group of crystals of 1 and 2 . Antiferromagnetic coupling ( g = 2.08(2), J = –1.05(8) cm −3 ) was observed within the malonate-bridged layer motifs within the cobalt derivative 1 . In contrast, the nickel congener 2 exhibited ferromagnetic coupling ( g = 2.201(1), J = 0.289(1) cm −3 ).
Dimensions of Public Meeting Participation Evidence from Florida’s Truth-in-Millage Act

The literature contains a wealth of theorizing and prescription regarding citizen participation, but little in the way of systematic evidence. We seek to increase empirical knowledge of participati...
Security‐related concerns with geographic information systems and geographic mapping

Geographic information systems (GIS) makes use of geographic data, such as streets, store points, and block or neighborhood areas, and attribute data, such as population, income levels, competition, and store sales, by integrating the two into a powerful spatial query. The techniques utilized include geographic mapping, digital mapping, aerial photographs, etc. Along with the convenience of using GIS, there are some concerns about privacy and security of the data and information. This paper addresses the security concerns related to this emerging technology.
Control of adrenal medullary protein synthesis by corticosteroids.

Abstract It has previously been shown that hypophysectomy decreases the activity of the adrenal medullary enzyme, phenylethanolamine N- methyltransferase , which catalyzes the conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine. This effect and the consequential decrease in adrenal epinephrine content and secretion can be reversed by treatment with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or glucocorticoids. This report examines the effect of glucocorticoids on adrenomedullary protein synthesis in general. Hypophysectomy causes a profound disaggregation of the polysomes in the rat adrenal and decreases ability of adrenal ribosomes to incorporate amino acids into peptide chains in vitro. Both effects are restored by in vivo treatment with dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid. The reaggregation of adrenal polysomes precedes the phenylethanolamine N- methyltransferase activity.
Role of optical amplifiers in high-dynamic-range analog links

Analog AM photonic links are used in many applications such as cable TV and microwave links in phased arrays. The major issues of these links are linear dynamic range and rf efficiency. We will show in this paper that, while the rf efficiency is always increased by the optical amplifiers, the linear dynamic range may be significantly reduced. The effect of the optical amplifier on the signal to noise ration can always be expressed as a laser source with an equivalent RIN noise. The signal to noise ratio is affected less when the amplifier is placed closer to the source.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Properties of WT and mutant hERG K(+) channels expressed in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes

Mutations in human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG) are linked to long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). hERG encodes the pore-forming α-subunits that coassemble to form rapidly activating delayed rect...
An Escherichia coli plasmid-based, mutational system in which supF mutants are selectable: insertion elements dominate the spontaneous spectra.

Abstract A new system is described to determine the mutational spectra of mutagens and carcinogens in Escherichia coli; data on a limited number (142) of spontaneous mutants is presented. The mutational assay employs a method to select (rather than screen) for mutations in a supF target gene carried on a plasmid. The E. coli host cells (ES87) are lacI− (am26), and carry the lacZΔM15 marker for α-complementation in β-galactosidase. When these cells also carry a plasmid, such as pUB3, which contains a wild-type copy of supF and lacZ-α, the lactose operon is repressed (off). Furthermore, supF suppression of laclum26 results in a lactose repressor that has an uninducible, laclS genotype, which makes the cells unable to grow on lactose minimal plates. In contrast, spontaneous or mutagen-induced supF− mutations in pUB3 prevent suppresion of laclam26 and result in constitutive expression of the lactose operon, which permits growth on lactose minimal plates. The spontaneous mutation frequency in the supF gene is ∼ 0.7 and ∼ 1.0 × 10−6 without and with SOS induction, respectively. Spontaneous mutations are dominated by large insertions (67% in SOS-uninduced and 56% in SOS-induced cells), and their frequency of appearance is largely unaffected by SOS induction. These are identified by DNA sequencing to be Insertion Element: IS1 dominates, but IS4, IS5, gamma-delta and IS10 are also obtained. Large deletions also contribute significantly (19% and 15% for - SOS and +SOS, respectively), where a specific deletion between a 10 base pair direct repeat dominates; the frequency of appearance of these mutations also appears to be unaffected by SOS induction. In contrast, SOS induction increases base pairing mutations (13% and 27% for -SOS and +SOS, respectively), The ES87/pUB3 system has many advantages for determining mutational spectra, including the fact that mutant isolation is fast and simple, and the determination of mutational changes is rapid because of the small size of supF.