cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-time implementation of structure estimation using image streams

The computation of 3-D structure from motion using a monocular sequence of images in the paradigm of active vision is investigated in this paper. Robotic tasks such as navigation, manipulation, and object recognition all require 3-D description of scene. The 3-D description for these tasks varies in resolution, accuracy, robustness, range, and time. In developing such a system, it must have the capability to actively control the imaging parameters so that a 3-D description sufficient enough for that task is generated. The objective of this paper is to investigate a strategy suitable for fast and active 3-D structure estimation. First, the process of 3-D structure estimation in the paradigm of active vision is discussed. Second, implication of image streams in 3-D structure computation is analyzed. The three approaches to structure from motion, feature based, optical flow based, and spatial and temporal gradient based, are reviewed for their efficacy in fast and active estimation of 3-D structure. Finally, a pipeline based implementation of a spatial and temporal gradient based approach is presented along with detailed experimental analysis.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Predictors of hospital mortality among septic ICU patients with Acinetobacter spp. bacteremia: a cohort study

We hypothesized that among septic ICU patients with Acinetobacter spp. bacteremia (Ac-BSI), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (CRAc) increase risk for inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy (non-IAAT), and non-IAAT is a predictor of hospital death. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult septic ICU patients with Ac-BSI. Non-IAAT was defined as exposure to initially prescribed antibiotics not active against the pathogen based on in vitro susceptibility testing, and having no exposure to appropriate antimicrobial treatment within 24 hours of drawing positive culture. We compared patients who died to those who survived, and derived regression models to identify predictors of hospital mortality and of non-IAAT. Out of 131 patients with Ac-BSI, 65 (49.6%) died (non-survivors, NS). NS were older (63 [51, 76] vs. 56 [45, 66] years, p = 0.014), and sicker than survivors (S): APACHE II (24 [19, 31] vs. 18 [13, 22], p < 0.001) and Charlson (5 [2, 8] vs. 3 [1, 6], p = 0.009) scores. NS were also more likely than S to require pressors (75.4% vs. 42.4%, p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (75.4% vs. 53.0%, p = 0.008). Both CRAc (69.2% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.010) and non-IAAT (83.1% vs. 59.1%, p = 0.002) were more frequent among NS than S. In multivariate analyses, non-IAAT emerged as an independent predictor of hospital death (risk ratio [RR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.58), while CRAc was the single strongest predictor of non-IAAT (RR 2.66, 95% CI 2.43-2.72). Among septic ICU patients with Ac-BSI, non-IAAT predicts mortality. Carbapenem resistance appears to mediate the relationship between non-IAAT and mortality.
Seismic Safety through Public Incentives: The Palo Alto Seismic Hazard Identification Program

Abstract The City of Palo Alto, California, located in the mid‐Peninsula area south of San Francisco, has taken a unique approach to the problem of retrofitting existing seismically vulnerable buildings. Specifically, Palo Alto has adopted a Seismic Hazard Identification Program which mandates the preparation and filing of seismic engineering reports and relies on the creation of incentives for voluntary retrofitting. The findings of this article are based upon an extensive set of personal interviews conducted in September, 1988, as well as an examination of city ordinances, staff reports, council minutes and other relevant documents. The article first describes the history of seismic policy in Palo Alto leading to the adoption of the seismic identification program. It then goes on to describe in detail the specifics of the Palo Alto program; its key provisions and requirements. Finally, an extensive discussion is provided of the factors which influenced the adoption of the program, and its final form and...
The Circulatory Regulation of TPA and UPA Secretion, Clearance, and Inhibition During Exercise and During the Infusion of Isoproterenol and Phenylephrine

Background Exercise to exhaustion and infusions of isoproterenol and phenylephrine were used to study interactions between plasminogen activator regulation and the control of regional blood flow in 10 healthy males. Methods and Results Experimental measurements of cardiac output, heart rate, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (UPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), C1-inhibitor, and TPA/C1-inhibitor complex during the infusions and exercise were used to develop a comprehensive fluid-phase model of the circulatory regulation of fibrinolysis. α- and β-adrenergic agonists increased TPA and UPA in plasma by different mechanisms: Phenylephrine decreased hepatic blood flow and thus clearance while isoproterenol stimulated increased secretion of TPA and UPA. Exercise to exhaustion increased TPA and UPA through a combination of increased secretion and decreased clearance. The time course of UPA and TPA release were similar, but the magnitude of their secretion responses di...
Asthma medication use during pregnancy, wheeze and estimated exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide

Risk of wheeze associated with ambient NO 2 exposure is higher for pregnant asthmatics who have reduced their medication http://ow.ly/EBRFJ
Distinct populations of adipogenic and myogenic Myf5-lineage progenitors in white adipose tissues

Brown adipose tissues (BAT) are derived from a myogenic factor 5 (Myf5)-expressing cell lineage and white adipose tissues (WAT) predominantly arise from non-Myf5 lineages, although a subpopulation of adipocytes in some WAT depots can be derived from the Myf5 lineage. However, the functional implication of the Myf5- and non-Myf5-lineage cells in WAT is unclear. We found that the Myf5-lineage constitution in subcutaneous WAT depots is negatively correlated to the expression of classical BAT and newly defined beige/brite adipocyte-specific genes. Consistently, fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS)-purified Myf5-lineage adipo-progenitors give rise to adipocytes expressing lower levels of BAT-specific Ucp1, Prdm16, Cidea, and Ppargc1a genes and beige adipocyte-specific CD137, Tmem26, and Tbx1 genes compared with the non-Myf5-lineage adipocytes from the same depots. Ablation of the Myf5-lineage progenitors in WAT stromal vascular cell (SVC) cultures leads to increased expression of BAT and beige cell signature genes. Strikingly, the Myf5-lineage cells in WAT are heterogeneous and contain distinct adipogenic [stem cell antigen 1(Sca1)-positive] and myogenic (Sca1-negative) progenitors. The latter differentiate robustly into myofibers in vitro and in vivo, and they restore dystrophin expression after transplantation into mdx mouse, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These results demonstrate the heterogeneity and functional differences of the Myf5- and non-Myf5-lineage cells in the white adipose tissue.
Growth and Survival of Intrastrain and Interstrain Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Triploids

Triploid rainbow trout exhibit improved survival and extended growth during sexual maturation, compared to their diploid counterparts. However, there have been few benefits demonstrated prior to sexual maturation. This study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of improving growth and survival parameters in triploids through interstrain crosses. Triploids were induced by heat shocking fertilized eggs from intra- and interstrain crosses of two rainbow trout strains. The four triploid groups and their diploid counterpart groups were reared to 233 days post-hatching and analyzed for growth and survival characteristics. Compared with diploids, triploids had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mortalities during the first 100 days post-fertilization, primarily just prior to and after hatching. However, during the remainder of the study triploids exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower mortalities than diploids. During the first 50 days of rearing all four triploid groups were significantly shorter and lighter than their diploid counterparts. The growth of the triploid groups later in the study varied considerably. At the conclusion of the rearing phase, one interstrain triploid group was significantly (P < 0.05) longer than its diploid counterpart, although not significantly heavier. The other triploid groups were either significantly smaller than, or equal to the diploids. Analysis of variance indicated that the growth of triploid rainbow trout was significantly affected by maternal strain effects. These results suggest that the use of specific strains and crosses may improve the growth of triploid rainbow trout.
Role of glutamate and substance P in the amphibian respiratory network during development

This study tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic ionotropic (AMPA/kainate) receptors and neurokinin receptors (NKR) are important in the regulation of respiratory motor output during development in the bullfrog. The roles of these receptors were studied with in vitro brainstem preparations from pre-metamorphic tadpoles and post-metamorphic frogs. Brainstems were superfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid at 20–22°C containing CNQX, a selective non-NMDA antagonist, or with substance P (SP), an agonist of NKR. Blockade of glutamate receptors with CNQX in both groups caused a reduction of lung burst frequency that was reversibly abolished at 5 μM (P<0.01). CNQX, but not SP, application produced a significant increase (P<0.05) in gill and buccal frequency in tadpoles and frogs, respectively. SP caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in lung burst frequency at 5 μM in both groups. These results suggest that glutamatergic activation of AMPA/kainate receptors is necessary for generation of lung burst activity and that SP is an excitatory neurotransmitter for lung burst frequency generation. Both glutamate and SP provide excitatory input for lung burst generation throughout the aquatic to terrestrial developmental transition in bullfrogs.
Interfacing Capillary Gel Microfluidic Chips with Infrared Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry

We report on the fabrication and performance of a gel microfluidic chip interfaced to laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry with a time-of-flight mass analyzer. The chip was fabricated from poly(methylmethacrylate) with a poly(dimethyl siloxane) cover. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed in the channel of the microfluidic chip. After electrophoresis, the cover was removed and either the PDMS chip or the PMMA cover was mounted in a modified MALDI ion source for analysis. Ions were formed by irradiating the channel with 2.95 µm radiation from a pulsed optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which is coincident with IR absorption by N-H and O-H stretch of the gel components. No matrix was added. The microfluidic chip design allowed a decrease in the volume of material required for analysis over conventional gel slabs, thus enabling improvement in the detection limit to a pmol level, a three orders of magnitude improvement over previous studies in which desorption was achieved from an excised section of a conventional gel.
SYNERGISTIC ACTION OF STEROIDS AND SPERMATOCELE FLUID ON IN VITRO PROLIFERATION OF PROSTATE STROMA

AbstractPurpose: Our goal is to understand human prostate growth phenomena potentially important to BPH development and growth. The objective of the present study is to characterize in vitro prostate stromal proliferative factors in testis epididymal secretions.Materials and Methods: Human spermatocele fluids were used as a source of testicular epididymal plasma (STEP). Primary cultures of human prostate stromal cells were routinely grown in RPMI-1640 with 10% fetal bovine serum. During a 6-day experimental period, cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 in the absence of serum but supplemented with ITS. Whole STEP, ether stripped STEP, or heparin affinity column treated STEP was included in the culture medium with and without the addition of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or estradiol (E). Results of these treatments were assessed by cell counts. Antibodies against smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle alpha actin, and prolyl-4-hydroxylase were utilized in immunocytochemical characteriza...
Technical Improvements in Fluorine-18-FDG PET Imaging of the Abdomen and Pelvis

PET tumor imaging of the abdomen and pelvis is prone to artifacts due to urinary tract activity. A new technique has been developed to reduce such artifacts and enhance study interpretation. Methods: Thirty minutes after the injection of 18F-FDG, 500 cc 0.45% NaCI were administered intravenously over 30 min and a Foley catheter was placed in the bladder. At the start of imaging (60 min post-injection), furosemide was given (0.3 mg/kg). Prior to imaging the pelvis, the urinary catheter was clamped and saline was introduced retrograde into the bladder until full. Results: This technique has been used successfully in more than 130 patients, resulting in a marked improvement in study quality and tumor detection. Conclusion: Hydration and administration of furosemide, along with placement of a Foley catheter in the bladder, have proven effective in eliminating image artifacts originating from the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Backfilling the bladder also provides a well-defined anatomic landmark for study interpretation.
Explaining attention-related changes in behavior and electroencephalography data through computational modeling.

In a recent article, Itthipuripat and colleagues combined psychophysics, neurophysiology, and mathematical modeling to investigate the neural mechanism underlying behavioral benefits of spatial att...
Peripheral vascular disease evaluated with reduced-dose gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the utility of low-dose gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of two consecutive anatomic areas for assessment of peripheral vascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography for evaluation of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease after conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). MR angiography was performed with three-dimensional coronal gradient-echo acquisitions before and during administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Two separate, contiguous areas were studied with separate doses of 0.075 and 0.1 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine. MR angiography findings were compared with DSA findings; DSA was the standard of reference. Treatment options were determined first with MR angiograms and then with DSA images. RESULTS: For distinguishing greater than 50% stenosis from 50% or less stenosis, gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography yielded a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 96%, and an accuracy of 97%. In 146 (97%) of 150 anatomic segments, there was essential or total agreement on treatments determined with MR angiography and DSA. In two cases (one case of vascular stent placement and one case of surgical anastomosis), extent of disease was overestimated with MR angiography. The MR study of one infrapopliteal area was insufficient for evaluation. CONCLUSION: Accurate gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of multiple peripheral vascular areas of the lower extremities can be performed in most patients with less than 0.2 mmol/kg contrast material.
A class of nonlinear productivity equations from fishery science and a new formulation

Abstract Owing to the lack of sufficient parameters, certain nonlinear exploitation models of common usage in fisheries management are thought to be too inflexible to portray the productivities of fish stocks with sufficient fidelity. These models [typified by the formulation of Schaefer, 1954] are statistically well behaved, however, since their governing equations all have fixed degrees of nonlinearity. Although one model of record [Pella and Tomlinson, 1969] offers an extra degree of parametric freedom not found in the aforementioned models, its productivity equation contains a variable exponent that introduces variable nonlinearity into the fitting procedure, which is an undesirable property that often leads to ill-determined parameter estimates. A new productivity formulation of fixed degree is developed here which exhibits the extra degree of parametric control not found in the Schaefer model but avoids the instabilities rising from variable exponents (as in the Pella-Tomlinson model) by having its parametric controls wholly contained by its coefficients. Some of the attributes and shortcomings of nonlinear single- and multiple-species models are also discussed.
Starting at the Beginning: New Perspectives on the Biology of Mucosal T Cells

The gastrointestinal tract is the central organ for uptake of fluids and nutrients, and at the same time it forms the main protective barrier between the sterile environment of the body and the outside world. In mammals, the intestine has further evolved to harbor a vast load of commensal bacteria that have important functions for the host. Discrimination by the host defense system of nonself from self can prevent invasion of pathogens, but equivalent responses to dietary or colonizing bacteria can lead to devastating consequences for the organism. This dilemma imposed by the gut environment has probably contributed significantly to the evolutionary drive that has led to sophisticated mechanisms and diversification of the immune system to allow for protection while maintaining the integrity of the mucosal barrier. The immense expansion and specialization of the immune system is particularly mirrored in the phylogeny, ontogeny, organization, and regulation of the adaptive intraepithelial lymphocytes, or IEL, which are key players in the unique intestinal defense mechanisms that have evolved in mammals.
Ubiquitin on Ras: Warden or Partner in Crime?

Signal transduction through Ras translates extracellular signals into biological responses, including cell proliferation, cell survival, growth, and differentiation. For these reasons, dysregulating Ras can have dramatic effects at the cellular and organismal levels. Germline mutations that increase Ras signaling disrupt development, whereas mutational activation of Ras in somatic cells can cause cancer. Thus, identifying additional mechanisms that positively or negatively regulate Ras could have profound implications for treating human diseases. New evidence identifies K-Ras monoubiquitination as a previously unknown means to potentiate Ras signaling.
2‐(Diphenylphosphino)aniline

[65423-44-1] C18H16NP (MW 277.3068) InChI = 1S/C18H16NP/c19-17-13-7-8-14-18(17)20(15-9-3-1-4-10-15)16-11-5-2-6-12-16/h1-14H,19H2 InChIKey = WIJJGRVJLNMTCI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (P- and N-based bidendate ligand for transition metals;3, 29 precursor ligand for a variety of other P,N-based multidentate ligand.55) Preparative Methods: 2-(diphenylphosphino)aniline (PNH2) is generally prepared in a two-pot three-step sequence. In the first step, 2-chlorobenzenamine reacted with triphenylphosphine at 200 °C in the presence of 1/2 equiv of NiCl2 to generate a phosphonium–Ni complex, which is hydrolyzed to obtain a phosphonium chloride as a white powder (eq 1). The phosphonium chloride is subsequently reduced with sodium naphthalide followed by acidic workup to furnish the desired compound as a fluffy white crystal.1-3 Palladium-catalyzed PC bond formation from the reaction of Ph2PH with 2-iodoaniline has been utilized in the synthesis of PNH2 (eqs 2-4).4-6 A Cu-based catalyst has also been shown to perform a similar transformation (eq 5).7 Recently, a Cu-catalyzed domino reduction–phosphination reaction has been developed for the synthesis of PNH2 that utilizes diphenylphosphine oxide and 2-iodoaniline as starting materials (eqs 6 and 7).8, 9 Alternatively, PNH2 can also be synthesized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of a fluoride substituent on 2-fluoroaniline by Ph2PK (eq 8).10 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: PNH2 is an air-stable but slightly light-sensitive solid and is soluble in common organic solvents.1
A comparative study of floral and electrophoretic variation with life history variation in Limnanthes alba (Limnanthaceae)

Plants derived from ten representative Limnanthes alba populations in Northern California, grown in a common environment, showed significant among-population genetic variation of certain floral and life history characters. Variation of these two sets of characters also correlated with the geographic distribution of populations, suggesting the influence either of common ancestry of neighboring populations, or of gradients of natural selection. In contrast, allozyme variation at eleven polymorphic loci showed little pattern. This suggests, if allozyme variants are assumed to accurately measure co-ancestry and each character set is assumed to give adequate and similar statistical power, that selection may have predominated over certain neutral processes during the evolution of some floral and life history characters.
A case based approach to teaching spreadsheet and database applications

Although most schools offer and/or require a course in spreadsheet and database applications, the amount of meaningful learning derived from the class varies widely. The approach described in this paper involves a combination of demonstration and hands-on practice using two term-long cases to be used in an introductory course in spreadsheet and database applications. These cases, packaged together with slides emphasizing theory, hands-on quizzes and exams that foster critical thinking, can be used across the multiple sections that are taught to maintain consistency within the course and encourage faculty and students to take the course to a higher level. Evidence based on final exam scores indicates that students are achieving the higher level of understanding that is the intent of this method of teaching.
Dormancy-associated MADS genes from the EVG locus of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] have distinct seasonal and photoperiodic expression patterns

Mapping and sequencing of the non-dormant evg mutant in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] identified six tandem-arrayed DAM (dormancy-associated MADS-box) genes as candidates for regulating growth cessation and terminal bud formation. To narrow the list of candidate genes, an attempt was made to associate bud phenology with the seasonal and environmental patterns of expression of the candidates in wild-type trees. The expression of the six peach DAM genes at the EVG locus of peach was characterized throughout an annual growing cycle in the field, and under controlled conditions in response to a long day-short day photoperiod transition. DAM1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 were responsive to a reduction in photoperiod in controlled conditions and the direction of response correlated with the seasonal timing of expression in field-grown trees. DAM3 did not respond to photoperiod and may be regulated by chilling temperatures. The DAM genes in peach appear to have at least four distinct patterns of expression. DAM1, 2, and 4 are temporally associated with seasonal elongation cessation and bud formation and are the most likely candidates for control of the evg phenotype.
Causes of abnormal refractive errors in children.

Refractive errors that deviate from the expected are unusual in children. This paper sought to identify systemic, orbital, and ocular causes of some of these abnormal refractive errors.Causes of ab...
Gender differences influence overweight smokers’ experimentation with electronic nicotine delivery systems

Abstract Introduction Overweight and obese tobacco users possess increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and chronic tobacco-related disease. Efforts to prevent tobacco-related health risk in this comorbid population would be informed by better understanding and monitoring of trends in the concurrent use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among smokers in the US marketplace. Method The California Longitudinal Smokers Study (CLSS) established a cohort of current cigarette smokers in 2011 who were surveyed for tobacco use and health behavior at baseline and again in 2012 at follow-up. Results We observed a large increase in reported experimentation with ENDS. As hypothesized, overweight or obese smokers were more likely to report experimentation with ENDS, an increase that was also observed among women. Experimentation with ENDS was not associated with a reduction in use of cigarettes or a decrease in cigarette dependence in this high risk population of smokers. Conclusions Continued surveillance of this vulnerable population is needed to better understand how experimentation with new ENDS products may impact health, facilitate switching to non-combustible tobacco or facilitate persistent cigarette dependence.
Repetitive Mode-Locking in Thermally Compensated Phosphate Glasses at 5 Hz and Above

The passively mode-locked Neodymium (Nd)-glass laser is an important source of high energy pulses for studies requiring temporal resolution below the 25 ps obtainable with Nd-YAG. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of glass is over an order of magnitude smaller than that of YAG, and previous studies involving glass lasers have encountered thermal distortions and damage as repetition rates were increased beyond 0.2 Hz (1 to 10 pulse trains per minute) [1,2]. In addition, the low cross-section for stimulated emission and, also, the low dye concentrations required to avoid self-focusing and rod damage have caused irreproducible mode-locking with “misfirings” and multiple pulsing. As a result many experimentalists have turned from glass, its shorter pulses notwithstanding, and have elected to use YAG with its higher data rate, in order to reduce set up and alignment time, increase the size of statistical samples obtainable within realistic time limits, and improve detectivity through better signal-to-noise discrimination.
Antarctic and Southern Ocean surface temperatures in CMIP5 models in the context of the surface energy budget

AbstractThis study examines the biases, intermodel spread, and intermodel range of surface air temperature (SAT) across the Antarctic ice sheet and Southern Ocean in 26 structurally different climate models. Over the ocean (40°–60°S), an ensemble-mean warm bias peaks in late austral summer concurrently with the peak in the intermodel range of SAT. This warm bias lags a spring–summer positive bias in net surface radiation due to weak shortwave cloud forcing and is gradually reduced during autumn and winter. For the ice sheet, inconsistencies among reanalyses and observational datasets give low confidence in the ensemble-mean bias of SAT, but a small summer warm bias is suggested in comparison with nonreanalysis SAT data. The ensemble mean hides a large intermodel range of SAT, which peaks during the summer insolation maximum. In summer on the ice sheet, the SAT intermodel spread is largely associated with the surface albedo. In winter, models universally exhibit a too-strong deficit in net surface radiatio...
Securing Neuronal Cell Fate in C. elegans.

Abstract Transcription factors control neuronal differentiation by acting as “terminal selectors” that determine the specific cell fates of different types of neurons. The specification of cell fate, however, requires high fidelity, which relies on stable and robust expression of the terminal selectors. Our recent studies in C. elegans suggest that a second set of transcription factors function as reinforcing or protecting factors to stabilize the expression and activity of terminal selectors. Some serve as “guarantors” to ensure the activation and continuous expression of the selectors by reducing stochastic fluctuations in gene expression; others safeguard the protein function of selectors by repressing inhibitors that would block their activity. These transcription factors, unlike the terminal selectors, do not induce specification but secure neuronal cell fate and provide reliability in differentiation.
Functional Neuroimaging in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Neuroimaging provides a powerful means to understand the mechanisms that mediate emotional processing in healthy individuals as well as the dysregulation of these processes in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reviewed are neuroimaging findings in PTSD, with a focus on studies utilizing symptom provocation, cognitive activation, and functional connectivity. These studies highlight the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), insula, amygdala, sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA), and hippocampus in mediating symptom formation in PTSD. In addition, new and emerging foci in neuroimaging research relevant to PTSD involve psychological processes like fear conditioning, habituation, extinction recall; cognitive-emotional interactions; and self-related and social-emotional processing. Findings linking neurocircuitry subserving these processes to the abnormalities associated with PTSD are highlighted, suggesting that the mPFC is implicated in a number of these processes. It is proposed that the mPFC plays a role in the “contextualization” of stimuli, and dysregulation of contextualization processes might play a key role in the generation of PTSD symptoms.
Sexual behavior: postcopulatory heart rate in the male and female rat

Postcopulatory heart rates were recorded from male and female rats. The peak rate was characteristically distinctive for abortive mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations, as was the temporal pattern. The first and last intromissions in the copulatory sequence were not significantly different but heart rate following ejaculation was. The patterns and peak rates differed for the two sexes.
Antigenic Types of Shigella alkalescens.

Summary and ConclusionsTwo hitherto undescribed antigenic types of S. alkalescens have been reported. The representative strains have the morphological, cultural, and biochemical characteristics of S. alkalescens type I and do not share major antigenic components either with each other or with types I and II. One of the strains was isolated by Captain Ewing, the other at this laboratory. At the present time, therefore, S. alkalescens comprises 3 antigenic types, namely, type I composed of 4 sub-types, and the 2 new types described here. It is doubtful whether type II of Assis will ultimately be classified as S. alkalescens.
GPS Results for the Radio Aurora Explorer II CubeSat Mission

This paper presents the performance of the Global Positioning System (GPS) subsystem for the Radio Aurora eXplorer II (RAX-2) CubeSat mission. The GPS subsystem is required to satisfy the science mission objectives to study space weather. In particular, the GPS subsystem must provide accurate spatial and temporal data. To verify the mission requirements and assess GPS subsystem performace in on-orbit conditions, we assess the carrier-to-noise ratio and position accuracy. Additionally, we study the accuracy of the current method of orbit tracking by comparing the orbital elements from Two Line Element sets to the RAX-2 GPS data. The results presented confirm functionality of the GPS subsystem and provide useful information for future small satellite teams considering flying a GPS.
Cancer care and accountable care organizations: the unknown patient experience landscape.

ACOs can provide the structure, but it’s up to the stakeholders to establish mutually agreeable goals for this new care delivery model. Achieving these goals will require a different set of dialogues and conversations among stakeholders, and patients and their advocates must have seats at the table.
Sexually Transmitted Infections

Colorectal surgeons must be familiar with the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections, as their symptoms overlap with common colorectal diseases such as fissure, hemorrhoid, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Eliciting a complete sexual history is paramount, as is maintaining a high level of suspicion for these infections. Empiric treatment is generally recommended, especially for symptomatic patients. Management of sexually transmitted infections requires not only prescribing the recommended medical therapy but also ensuring that sexual partners are notified, counseling patients to reduce their risk of transmission and reinfection, and notifying health departments of new cases and treatment failures.
The interplay between assumed morphology and the direct radiative effect of light-absorbing organic aerosol†

Mie theory is widely employed in aerosol top-of-the-atmosphere direct radiative effect (DRE) calculations and to retrieve the absorptivity of light-absorbing organic aerosol (OA) from measurements. However, when OA is internally mixed with black carbon, it may exhibit complex morphologies whose optical behavior is imperfectly predicted by Mie theory, introducing bias in the retrieved absorptivities. We performed numerical experiments and global radiative transfer modeling (RTM) to investigate the effect of this bias on the calculated absorption, and thus the DRE. We show that using true OA absorptivity, retrieved with a realistic representation of the complex morphology, leads to significant errors in DRE when the RTM employs the simplified Mie theory. On the other hand, when Mie theory is consistently applied in both OA absorptivity retrieval and the RTM, the errors largely cancel out, yielding accurate DRE. As long as global RTMs use Mie theory, they should implement parametrizations of light-absorbing OA derived from retrievals based on Mie theory.
Energy-Related Master Limited Partnerships Present Investment Opportunities with Some Tax Complexity

Publicly-traded energy master limited partnerships (MLPs) are a specialized investment class that possess favorable investment characteristics. They currently provide high yields coupled with the potential for growing these yields in the future. MLPs are less volatile than stocks and are therefore arguably less risky. They also possess favorable tax advantages. They are not taxed at the entity level and a significant portion of the income generated by the MLP may be tax-deferred. MLPs are normally best suited for a taxable account since tax-exempt entities such a IRAs are taxed on MLP income above a modest amount. Because, however, MLPs are subject to the laws governing partnership taxation, the tax issues surrounding MLPs are considerably more involved than the tax issues surrounding stocks. This article provides an overview of this unique asset class, including their tax history. Also, the tax issues surrounding MLPs such as determining adjusted basis, compliance with the passive activity rules, determining how much of sales proceeds to allocate between Section 741 and 751, and reporting tax shelter registration numbers are addressed. Fortunately, the MLP itself will aid the investor by computing the adjusted basis as well as the Section 741 gain or loss and Section 751 gain for the investor.
Contemporary Use of Partial Nephrectomy: Are Older Patients With Impaired Kidney Function Being Left Behind?

Objective To assess whether patient factors, such as age and preoperative kidney function, were associated with receipt of partial nephrectomy in a national integrated healthcare system. Materials and Methods We identified patients treated with a radical or partial nephrectomy from 2002 to 2014 in the Veterans Health Administration. We examined associations among patient age, sex, race or ethnicity, multimorbidity, baseline kidney function, tumor characteristics, and receipt of partial nephrectomy. We estimated the odds of receiving a partial nephrectomy and assessed interactions between covariates and the year of surgery to explore whether patient factors associated with partial nephrectomy changed over time. Results In our cohort of 14,186 patients, 4508 (31.2%) received a partial nephrectomy. Use of partial nephrectomy increased from 17% in 2002 to 32% in 2008 and to 38% in 2014. Patient race or ethnicity, age, tumor stage, and year of surgery were independently associated with receipt of partial nephrectomy. Black veterans had significantly increased odds of receipt of partial nephrectomy, whereas older patients had significantly reduced odds. Partial nephrectomy utilization increased for all groups over time, but older patients and patients with worse baseline kidney function showed the least increase in odds of partial nephrectomy. Conclusion Although the utilization of partial nephrectomy increased for all groups, the greatest increase occurred in the youngest patients and those with the highest baseline kidney function. These trends warrant further investigation to ensure that patients at the highest risk of impaired kidney function are considered for partial nephrectomy whenever possible.
Grain alignment due to magnetic-field annealing in MnBi:Bi nanocomposites

High-anisotropy arc-melted and field-annealed Mn100−x Bi x (x = 50–65) alloys have been investigated. Samples predominantly consist of low-temperature phase (LTP) MnBi and elemental Bi, where the LTP volume fraction and sample magnetization decrease with increasing x. All samples are hard ferromagnetic at room temperature and demonstrate a structural and magnetic phase transition at 630 K. For Mn35Bi65, the highest values for coercivity (4.6 kOe), magnetization remanence ratio (0.97), and energy product (4.9 MGOe) are measured at 540 K, near the melting point of bismuth. We explain the trend in magnetic properties as a consequence of c-axis alignment of MnBi grains facilitated by the molten Bi during magnetic field annealing.
Investigating Operator Aids for Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles

In the past, robot operation has been a high-cognitive-workload task requiring human operators to dedicate a large amount of their cognitive resources to maintaining awareness about a robot’s state and functioning. This report describes operator-knowledge-management aids, in the form of visual display-screen overlays, used to help increase performance. The aids were overlays displaying what an autonomous robot perceived in the environment and the subsequent course of action planned by the robot. Eight Soldiers completed 16 scenario missions using an operator interface called the Warfighter Machine Interface. The simulated missions included various display configurations, with combinations with and without 3 operator aids: Travel Planner, Obstacle Map, and Rerouting Alert. During the simulations, participants managed the autonomously navigating robot, taking teleoperation control when needed, while completing a reconnaissance to detect simulated improvised explosive devices. Results of this study showed th...
A Giant Primary Retroperitoneal Serous Cystadenoma: Case Report and Review of Retroperitoneal Cysts

Primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenomas (PRSCs) are rare cystic lesions whose pathogenesis is currently not well understood. Although the vast majority of tumors are benign, early recognition and resection is necessary to avoid malignant transformation, rupture, and secondary infection. Here we present the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with confusion, visual hallucinations, and a history of fall. As part of the work-up for abdominal distension, computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which revealed a right-sided retroperitoneal cystic lesion measuring 26.6 × 16.7 cm in size. The lesion was resected laparoscopically, and the surgical specimen measured 28 × 17 cm. Histology revealed a serous cystadenoma. The postsurgical course was uneventful, and no radiological recurrence was noted on 3 months follow-up. Very few primary retroperitoneal cystic lesions have been reported in the literature. Most lesions are benign and predominantly occur in females. They may remain asymptomatic for long periods of time and are usually discovered when they reach very large in size. In rare cases, these lesions may have malignant potential. Diagnosis of PRSC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all retroperitoneal cysts.
Reporting Margin Status in Synoptic Reports.

PurposeThe format of a synoptic report can significantly affect the accuracy, speed, and preference with which a reader can retrieve information. The purpose of this study was to compare different formats for reporting margin status in synoptic reports of colonic carcinoma.MethodsThe performance of 17 nonpathologists (cancer registrars and medical and nonmedical personnel) at identifying specific information in various formatted synoptic reports was evaluated using four computerized quizzes that measured both accuracy and speed.ResultsCompared with the standard format (“Involved by invasive carcinoma” and “Uninvolved by invasive carcinoma”), reporting margins as “Free” or “Positive” was significantly faster (17%, P < .001) and significantly more accurate (99% v 98%, P = .001). Significantly more errors for the standard format were found in quiz 4 (eight of 272; 2.9%) than the prior three tests combined (nine of 816; 1.1%; P = .05). Using “Free” or “Positive” with either a list format or including bolding ...
Physical health and depression as predictors of fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

8591 Background: Fatigue is common in breast cancer patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy and is also linked with depression. We evaluated the importance of physical health and depression in th...
Differential item functioning in the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS).

Objective: Test if differential item functioning due to gender, age, race/ethnicity, or education impacts Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale scores. Background: Testing rating scales for differential item functioning is a core validation step. If differential item functioning exists, interpretation of item scores must consider secondary influences on dyskinesia ratings. Methods: Using Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale translation databases (N = 3,132), we tested uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning. We required confirmation by two independent methods and considered differential item functioning pertinent if McFadden pseudo R2magnitude statistics exceeded negligible ratings. Results: No age, race/ethnicity, or education nonuniform differential item functioning was identified. Gender nonuniform differential item functioning occurred for 2 items, both with negligible magnitude. Gender, race, and education uniform differential item functioning was observed for multiple items, all with negligible magnitude. Conclusions: The Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale items effectively capture dyskinesia severity without pertinent gender, age, race/ ethnicity, or education influence. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
KeyStroke logs: Are strong passwords enough?

As hackers develop sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks, it is recommended that users be aware of common tactics and implement stronger and unique passwords for sensitive accounts. Malware typically involved in cyber-attacks includes viruses and worms. Keyloggers are designed to track and capture keystrokes made on devices. They are not given the same priority as the other types of malware, but are also considered malicious as it poses the same level of risk. Having a strong password in this instance does not provide a high level of protection as keyloggers will log each key typed. This paper will discuss the characteristics of keylogging software while providing a summary on methods of protection. Three keylogging software are tested against two anti-keylogging programs to identify what information is captured and which method of protection is stronger. A discussion on risk assessment with regards to keyloggers and remediation techniques is also included.
Influences of water quality and climate on the water-energy nexus: A spatial comparison of two water systems.

Abstract As drinking water supply systems plan for sustainable management practices, impacts from future water quality and climate changes are a major concern. This study aims to understand the intraannual changes of energy consumption for water treatment, investigate the relative importance of water quality and climate indicators on energy consumption for water treatment, and predict the effects of climate change on the embodied energy of treated, potable water at two municipal drinking water systems located in the northeast and southeast US. To achieve this goal, a life cycle assessment was first performed to quantify the monthly energy consumption in the two drinking water systems. Regression and relative importance analyses were then performed between climate indicators, raw water quality indicators, and chemical and energy usages in the treatment processes to determine their correlations. These relationships were then used to project changes in embodied energy associated with the plants' processes, and the results were compared between the two regions. The projections of the southeastern US water plant were for an increase in energy demand resulted from an increase of treatment chemical usages. The northeastern US plant was projected to decrease its energy demand due to a reduced demand for heating the plant's infrastructure. The findings indicate that geographic location and treatment process may determine the way climate change affects drinking water systems.
Toward understanding the role of Web 2.0 technology in self-directed learning and job performance

This paper serves as an exploration and thick description of job performance outcomes based upon the manner in which self-directed learning activities of employees are conducted, mediated by the use of Web 2.0 technologies in organizational settings. It provides a collective view of the role that Web 2.0 technology plays in self-directed workplace learning and job performance outcomes to benefit employees, organizations, and human resource development professionals. To expand further the knowledge base of adult learning and self-directed learning activities, this paper places its focus on the role of Web 2.0 technology in adult learners' engagement in self-directed learning. Part of the discussion focuses on learners' preferences in relation to the emergence of Web 2.0 technology. This discussion of learner preferences explores learning environments that participants engaged in and the motivation behind their engagement. This paper contributes to the field of human resource development by providing a new lens that views the role of Web 2.0 technology in self-directed learning and job performance within an organizational setting, thereby enabling its integration into a blended-learning site. A practical application resulting from this paper is to provide insight to human resource development professionals into best practices and recommendations for the adoption and application of Web 2.0 technology.
Microvascular Changes in Cold Injury Edema

The cold injury, originally introduced by Clasen and Klatzo has become the most commonly used model for traumatic vasogenic edema. It has been shown that the cortical injury is the site of focal increase in vascular permeability of protein. Removal of the cold injury completely eliminates the development of edema emphasizing the importance of an intact vascular bed. It has generally been assumed that traumatized blood vessels were the origin of the edema fluid in this model, but no attempts to define the vascular injury in detail are found in the voluminous literature which relates to this model. Since many functional studies of brain edema are based upon the cold injury model, it seems important to define the histology in detail. This report details a preliminary attempt to identify the morphological basis for the abnormal permeability which characterizes the cold injury model of vasogenic brain or spinal cord edema.