cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer graphics hardware

The author predicts that computer graphics will move toward intellect support through better visualization tools based on a 30% per year improvement in hardware. He discusses graphics languages, visualization, processors, workstations, application-specific integrated circuits graphics (ASICs), memory and image files, and medical uses. >
Diaspora and Empire: Toward a New Synthesis?

Diasporas are usually minority social formations whose physical existence and cultures are often precarious. What would it mean to adapt diaspora theory to describe the culture of a majority population that had established itself in a new territory through an aggressive and continuing strategy of conquest and imperial expansion? Is it possible to think of the Anglo-Americans who parted company with the British Empire at the end of the eighteenth century and founded a new state as a diasporic population? In this essay, Leonard Tennenhouse's provocative new book, The Importance of Feeling English , is explored as nothing short of an attempt to recast the story of American literary history by reading it through the lens of diaspora theory. Important questions are raised not only about the literature of the early United States but also about the power, range, and limitations of diaspora theory. Tennenhouse is shown to offer a new model for thinking about the cultural situation of Anglo-Americans in the early Republic; despite some limitations, the concept of "diaspora" goes a long way toward establishing a basis for conceptualizing how post-imperial, former British subjects began to imagine themselves in national terms as Americans.
Resistance of Clostridium perfringens to Varying Degrees of Acidity during Growth and Sporulation

SUMMARY: Viable cells of each of 6 strains of Clostridium perfringens were exposed to 4 levels of acidity during phases of the growth cycle. The selected strains included 4 which had been recovered in association with food poisoning outbreaks and 2 strains not so associated. The growth media tested included Fluid Thioglycollate Medium, DS-sporulation medium and the CP-2V medium proposed by Hauschild. The level of acidity, length of exposure of the cells, the growth medium employed and the phase in the growth curve influenced the survival of C. perfringens. Exposure of cells grown in DS-sporulation medium to buffers pH 6.0 had little effect on the survival over the 8-hr test period, with somewhat greater sensitivity of cells being demonstrated at pH 4.5. Exposure of cells, similarly produced, to buffer pH 1.0 or 2.0 was much more effective in reducing the percentage of survival, particularly during early log phase and at the onset of sporulation. Based on the 3 growth media utilized, calculated survival curves resulting from exposure of cells to pH 1.0 or 2.0 were erratic in shape, and percentage survival was almost universally less than 10%. Source of the strain, whether food poisoning or non-food poisoning associated, appeared to have no significant effect on the acid resistance of the cells. The comparatively regular increase in the percentage of survivors after the initiation of sporulation suggests that spores exhibit a greater resistance to acid stress than vegetative cells. Incubation at temperatures of 37° or O°C, during the time of treatment with the test buffers pH 1.0 or 2.0, produced no consistent change in the percentage of survivors when the cells were grown in FTG.
Evaluation of creatine content and stability from over-the-counter dietary supplement by ion pair chromatography with UV detection

Background Creatine is an endogenous guanidine compound found in the skeletal muscles and plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins. A perusal of the information available on the Internet concerning creatine revealed that its activity receives a great deal of attention, with much speculation about its ability to increase lean body mass, high-intensity power output, and strength in humans. Many of the entries available on the World Wide Web come from vendors of creatine. However, creatine differs from many other dietary supplements because its use is advocated by many physicians for many indications. Clinical laboratory monitoring of creatine therapy is currently available and uses HPLCUV. The plasma creatine concentration increases following oral administration of creatine supplement, and the degree of increase is related positively to the dosage. A method has been developed for the determination of creatine in dietary supplements by using ion pair chromatography (IPC) with UV detection. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the content of creatine in over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements, and (2) to evaluate the stability of creatine in aqueous solutions during storage. Methods Samples were dissolved in type II water to obtain an initial creatine concentration of 10 mg/mL. The final creatine concentration in solutions was 1 mg/mL. Two such solutions were kept at room temperature and 2 others at refrigerated condition. Samples were collected on day zero, day 1, day 2, day 7, day 14, day 21, and day 28. Creatine concentration in the diluted sample was determined by IPC. The internal standard used was guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). 20µL of sample was injected onto the IPC. Separations of creatine, GAA and creatinine were achieved by using a 5-µm reversed-phase C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm) and a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (pH = 2.8, 0.045 M), methanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and acetonitrile. The flow rate of IPC run was at 1 mL/min and column temperature at 35°C. Peaks of creatine, GAA and creatinine were monitored at 198 nm. Results The method achieved a linear concentration range of 0.01-2 mg/mL. The limit of detection was 0.003 mg/mL. Both within-run and between-run precision for three controls (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/mL) were lower than 5%. Analytical recoveries were greater than 95%. Some of the OTC products tested contained lower contents of creatine in contrast to their label claims. Greater degradation occurred in room temperature samples as compared with the refrigerated ones. Sixty percent degradation was observed within 28 days for room temperature samples in citric acid solution. However, at refrigerated condition this degradation was around 40%. Conclusion
Contextual Factors Contributing to Ethnic Identity Development of Second-Generation Iranian American Adolescents

The data drawn from interviews with 55 second-generation Iranian American adolescents revealed that pride in ancient Persian culture, the adolescents’ physical characteristics, perceived stereotype...
A specification driven hierarchical test methodology

A specification-driven hierarchical test methodology supporting both top-down and bottom-up design philosophies is presented. The methodology is built upon the SBL design system and uses modules described in the authors' in-house HDL, SBL (Structural and Behavioral Language). A requirements specification for a circuit comprises a functional specification, describing the behavior of the circuit; a time specification, specifying the required timing of the module's interface; and a test specification describing, in an algorithmic manner, a set of tests to be performed on the circuit. As the designer proceeds through the design cycle, in a top-down fashion, additional information about the circuit is used to incrementally modify the test specification to increase its fault coverage. The tests specified by the designer are then used to validate the other views of the circuit at each stage of the design cycle, using an integrated simulation and testing environment. In a bottom-up methodology, a test for a complete circuit is built from the combination of the specified tests of its submodules and generation of tests for their interconnections. >
The Forensic Historian: Using Science to Reexamine the Past

In his new book, the author, perhaps best known for his textbook The Historian's Toolbox (M. E. Sharpe, 2007), examines what happens when historians “study a past crime” (120). Most of the examples...
A recombinant adenovirus-based vector elicits a specific humoral immune response against the V3 loop of HIV-1 gp120 in mice through the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” strategy

Due to potential advantages, human adenoviral vectors have been evaluated pre-clinically as recombinant vaccine vectors against several cancers and infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The V3 loop of HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 (gp120) contains important neutralizing epitopes and plays key roles in HIV entry and infectivity. In order to investigate the humoral immune response development against portions of the V3 loop, we sought to generate four versions of adenovirus (Ad)-based V3 vectors by incorporating four different antigen inserts into the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of human adenovirus type 5 (hAd5) hexon. The strategy whereby antigens are incorporated within the adenovirus capsid is known as the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” strategy. Of the four recombinant vectors, Ad-HVR1-lgs-His6-V3 and Ad-HVR1-long-V3 had the capability to present heterologous antigens on capsid surface, while maintaining low viral particle to infectious particle (VP/IP) ratios. The VP/IP ratios indicated both high viability and stability of these two vectors, as well as the possibility that V3 epitopes on these two vectors could be presented to immune system. Furthermore, both Ad-HVR1-lgs-His6-V3 and Ad-HVR1-long-V3 could, to some extent escape the neutralization by anti-adenovirus polyclonal antibody (PAb), but rather not the immunity by anti-gp120 (902) monoclonal antibody (MAb). The neutralization assay together with the whole virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggested that these two vectors could present V3 epitopes similar to the natural V3 presence in native HIV virions. However, subsequent mice immunizations clearly showed that only Ad-HVR1-lgs-His6-V3 elicited strong humoral immune response against V3. Isotype ELISAs identified IgG2a and IgG2b as the dominant IgG isotypes, while IgG1 comprised the minority. Our findings demonstrated that human adenovirus (hAd) vectors which present HIV antigen via the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” strategy could successfully elicit antigen-specific humoral immune responses, which could potentially open an avenue for the development of Ad-based HIV V3 vaccines.
Cellular transformation by adenoviruses

Article de synthese centre surtout sur l'identification, les fonctions et les proprietes des produits de genes d'adenovirus qui participent a la transformation
Immunoglobulin E to staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in patients with chronic sinusitis/nasal polyposis.

Background: The role of infectious agents and their contribution to the inflammation in chronic sinusitis/nasal polyposis (CS/NP) is not clear. Staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins have superantigen activity and have been implicated in inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and asthma. Objective: We investigated the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies to staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in the serum of individuals with CS/NP. Method: IgE antibodies to staphylococcal exotoxins, A, B, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A, B, and C were measured in 23 individuals with CS/NP before functional endoscopic sinus surgery and in controls (7 atopic and 6 nonatopic) individuals without chronic sinusitis. Presence of IgE to the toxins was also correlated with disease severity on sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: Staphylococcal and streptococcal toxin specific IgE antibodies were detected in 18 of 23 (78%) and 7 of 21 (33.3%) patients, respectively. None of the controls had IgE to the staphylococcal or streptococcal toxins (P < .0001). There was no association between radiographic severity of sinus disease and the presence of IgE antibody to the toxins. Conclusion: A significantly greater proportion of CS/NP patients had IgE to staphylococcal or streptococcal toxins. Evidence of IgE antibodies directed against staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in the sera of patients with CS/NP suggests a potential role of these toxins with established superantigen effects in the pathogenesis of CS/NP.
Understanding Men’s Perceptions of Risks and Rewards in a Date Rape Scenario

Existing research on date rape has identified important correlations between rape-supportive attitudes and sexual aggression. What remains unclear is the mechanism by which these attitudes are translated into sexually aggressive behavior. This study borrows from a rational choice framework to explore the relationship between attitudes, perceptions of the risks and rewards of engaging in date rape, and self-reported hypothetical aggression in a date rape scenario. Results suggest that rape-supportive attitudes are related to particular patterns of identified risks and rewards of date rape as well as to the self-reported likelihood of engaging in date rape behavior. This supports a perspective that certain attitude structures may alter the risks and rewards that potential offenders consider in deciding whether or not to engage in sexual aggression. Implications for future research and prevention programs are discussed.
PBA increases CFTR expression but at high doses inhibits Cl(-) secretion in Calu-3 airway epithelial cells.

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA), a short-chain fatty acid, has been approved to treat patients with urea cycle enzyme deficiencies and is being evaluated in the management of sickle cell disease, tha...
The state of regional therapy in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Most colorectal cancer patients die from advanced disease, and two-thirds of CRC deaths are due to liver metastases. Liver resection provides the best curative option for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), yet only 20% of those patients are eligible for liver metastases resection for curative intent. Loco-regional treatment of CRLM may provide additional benefits in terms of down-staging for resection and prolonged hepatic disease control. This review focusses on hepatic arterial infusion, radioembolization and chemoembolization.
N.J. ELEC Allows Christie Campaign to Fund Subpoena Response, Prompting Uncertainty and Structural Questions

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission ("ELEC") recently issued an Advisory Opinion that allows Governor Christie’s campaign corporation to expend campaign funds on legal fees incurred in responding to subpoenas from the New Jersey State Legislature and the United States Attorney’s Office. This article recommends that ELEC now engage in a rulemaking to codify its nuanced interpretation of its governing statutes and regulations. Nonetheless, this article questions whether ELEC could even validly issue the Advisory Opinion, as the Commission’s voting membership in this matter was diminished by half due to a recusal and a vacant commissioner seat. To help cure this structural issue, this article urges Governor Christie to exercise his executive authority to appoint a fourth commissioner to ELEC.
Contour Crafting Process Plan Optimization Part I: Single-Nozzle Case

Contour Crafting is an emerging technology that uses robotics to construct free form building structures by repeatedly laying down layers of material such as concrete. The Contour Crafting technology scales up automated additive fabrication from building small industrial parts to constructing buildings. Tool path planning and optimization for Contour Crafting benefit the technology by increasing the efficiency of construction especially for complicated structures. The research reported here has aimed at providing a systematic solution for improving the overall system efficiency and realizing the Contour Crafting technology for building customdesigned houses. In Part-I of this paper, an approach is presented to find the optimal tool path for the single nozzle Contour Crafting system. The model developed incorporates the physical constraints of the technology as well as some practical construction issues. In Part-II several algorithms are presented to find the collision-free tool paths for the multiple-nozzle system based on the algorithm developed for the single nozzle approach.
Air-Ground Trajectory Predictions during Required Time of Arrival Operation

A number of Required Time of Arrival (RTA) flights were simulated using Boeing 737 NextGen (B737NG) test benches while connected to a simulated air traffic environment known as the Center TRACON Automation System (CTAS). Since Air Traffic Control (ATC) does not have access to aircraft trajectory and state information, the ground system will make certain assumptions about how an aircraft will fly, particularly in descent. It was found that the ground system’s trajectory predictions for RTA flights can contain significant error in terms of speed schedule, vertical path, and Estimated Times of Arrival (ETA). This paper identifies the errors and pinpoints the aspects of the trajectory predictions that cause them.
Distance dependence of intrahelix Ru(II)* to Os(II) polypyridyl excited-state energy transfer in oligoproline assemblies.

Energy transfer between the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states of [Pra [MII(bpy)2(4-Me-4′(-N(H)CO)bpy)](PF6)2 units ([Pra(MIIbpy2(mbpy)]2+: MII = RuII or OsII, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, mbpy = 4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine-4-carboxamido, Pra = 4-MII-l-proline) linked covalently to oligoproline assemblies in room temperature acetonitrile occurs on the picosecond–nanosecond time scale and has been time-resolved by transient emission measurements. Three derivatized oligoprolines, [CH3-CO-Pro6-Pra[OsII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro2-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro2-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro6-Glu-NH2]6+ (ORR-2, Pro = l-proline and Glu = glutamic acid); [CH3-CO-Pro6-Pra[OsII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro3-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro3-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro6-Glu-NH2]6+ (ORR-3); and CH3-CO-Pro6-Pra[OsII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro5-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+-Pro5-Pra[RuII(bpy)2(mbpy)]2+Pro6-Glu2-NH2]6+ (ORR-5), were prepared by using solid-phase peptide synthesis. Given the helical nature of the resulting assemblies and the nature ...
Reflections On Economic Development

Editor’s IntroductionOriginally published in Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 1966, pages 5-13. Three years after the merger that created Omicron Delta Epsilon, Evsey Domar (1914-1997) became one of the...
A survey of potential adherence to capsule colonoscopy in patients who have accepted or declined conventional colonoscopy

Background Capsule colonoscopy might improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening. Objective Measure attractiveness of capsule colonoscopy in patients who have declined conventional colonoscopy, using patients who have undergone colonoscopy as a control group. Design Internet-based survey. Setting United States. Subjects A total of 308 geographically diverse, high school or higher educated, middle to upper income, insured internet users who had been offered colonoscopy previously. Interventions Survey. Main outcome measurements Preferences for colonoscopy, capsule colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, or no screening. Results After a description of capsule technology features relative to colonoscopy, including "no need for a ride," "no time off work," "approximately 5% less accurate," "booster preparation needed," and "follow-up colonoscopy needed in 20% of patients," preference for capsule colonoscopy was shown by 24% of those who had undergone colonoscopy and 49% of those who had not. "No need for a ride" and "no time off work" were considered positive features of capsule colonoscopy. The potential to undergo capsule colonoscopy during the weekend was also considered attractive. Limitations Restricted population. Conclusions The availability of capsule colonoscopy could potentially increase colorectal cancer screening adherence rates among patients who decline screening colonoscopy.
Telepractice: New and Emerging Technologies That Promise Change

The use of telecommunication technologies for providing clinical services in speech-language pathology via telepractice has been in place for decades (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2005c). However, the sophistication of the technology used to successfully implement telepractice models of clinical service delivery continues to evolve and improve over time. This article reviews new and emerging technologies that promise change for speech-language pathologists in the area of telepractice. Current research and development for both near and far emerging technologies will be discussed, including potential future clinical applications and links to online technology demonstrations.
The Hypertrophic Scar. Hexosamine Containing Components of Burn Scars

SummaryA study has been made of the glucosamine, galactosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate composition of hypertrophic scars, nonhypertrophic scars and normal skin. The galactosamine was consistently and significantly elevated in hypertrophic scars, indicating that the chondroitin sulfates were increased. Dermatan sulfate was found to be elevated in both hypertrophic and nonhypertrophic scars. Chondroitin-4-sulfate was found in the hypertrophic scar in significant amounts; only traces of this mucopolysaccharide were found in nonhypertrophic scar and in normal skin.
Daily shoaling patterns in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Shoaling intensity in zebrafish Danio rerio is believed to vary throughout subjective day and night hours. This ex- periment examines long term variations in shoaling behavior. Adult zebrafish Danio rerio were maintained under a 12:12 LD cycle (with dim red light serving as reduced visibility during subjective dark hours), and their shoaling behavior was monitored every hour for a three-day period of time. Our results show that zebrafish perform shoaling behavior throughout subjective day and under reduced visibility conditions, although mean shoaling times during the light phase were significantly higher than mean shoaling times during the dark phase. However, on the 3 rd day of the experiment, mean shoaling times during the subjective night had increased and mean shoaling times during the subjective day had decreased. This shift in intensity was not seen on the first two days of the study, and may represent the influence of experience on the behavior of the test fish. We believe this study shows that shoaling behavior changes with light/dark cycles and that fish shoal even during reduced visibility conditions (Current Zoology 59 (6): 754-760, 2013). Keywords Shoaling behavior, Zebrafish, Danio rerio, Variation
Breeding Technique for Practicable Rice TGMS Lines in Guangdong Province

Based on the crop planting patterns and ecological conditions of Guangdong Province, it was proposed that the breeding orientation for practicable thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines in rice should be primarily developing the TGMS lines with the critical sterility-inducing temperature (CSIT) lower than 23.5℃. The procedure of the (″Guangzhou)-Ruyuan-Sanya″ shuttle breeding was summarized for the development of practicable TGMS lines in Guangdong Province. This technique can make the breeding materials of TGMS lines advance two generations instead of only one generation a year, thus it can shorten breeding years of TGMS lines. By way of this technique, a group of new practicable TGMS lines including GD-1S have been successfully developed.
Lessons Learned From Research About Methane Explosive Gas Zones in Coal Mine Gobs

Coal mine longwall gobs contain explosive methane gas zones (EGZs) that can cause mine fires and explosions when EGZs extend into active mining areas. The tragic explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia in April 2010 cost 29 miners' lives and may have been caused by this mechanism. This paper summarises the significant research findings from five years of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling research conducted at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) under funding from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). CSM research has shown that EGZ formation can be effectively controlled by progressive sealing of the gob and injecting nitrogen where necessary.
Maxillary Complete Denture Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Patient-Based Outcomes.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review is to report on the current knowledge regarding patient satisfaction as a primary outcome for maxillary complete denture therapy. We asked, "For the maxillary edentulous patient treated using maxillary dentures, what are the patient-based outcomes regarding quality of life and treatment satisfaction." Materials and Methods: An electronic search of publications up to March 2014 was established using four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. To meet the ultimate goal of establishing clinical guidelines based on available information, prospective comparative studies, cohort prospective studies, and retrospective studies on more than 10 subjects were included. The electronic search identified 4,530 articles that were evaluated at the title, abstract, and article level to include 31 articles of interest. The patient-based outcomes and satisfaction data included were examined and reported. Results: The studies included 5,485 participants. Of these, 2,685 were identified as wearing maxillary complete dentures. Reported mean ages ranged from 59.7 to 73.6 years. A systematic review indicated that the provision of new maxillary complete dentures for edentulous patients results in improved self-reported satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life. The included reports, while providing evidence that complete denture satisfaction of participants and new dentures improve self-reported outcomes, did not include variables that influence these positive outcomes. Conclusion: A broad range of evidence supports the use of complete dentures for rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla. When considering treatment of the edentulous maxilla, the expectations of patients for esthetic and phonetic (social) rehabilitation are high and can be met using maxillary complete dentures as the mode of prosthetic rehabilitation. Patients dissatisfied with new complete dentures may be referred for dental implant therapies involving fixed or removable prostheses.
Changing the terminology of cancer.

Dr Esserman and colleagues1 suggested reserving the term cancer for conditions with natural histories ending in metastasis and death to decrease rates of overtreatment for less aggressive forms of disease. Esserman et al1 acknowledged that the term cancer has taken on a broad meaning within the cultural lexicon; however, they do not consider the psychological consequences of changing the diagnosis for millions of people who already see themselves as cancer survivors.
The History of the Basal Ganglia: Cells and Circuits

The idea of the basal ganglia as a collection of functionally related nuclei is based primarily on the pattern of their synaptic interconnections. The development of this idea paralleled development of methods for studying the neuron types and synaptic connections within and among the nuclei. Progress in anatomical and electrophysiological methods in the 20th century revealed synaptic interconnections with increasing clarity and greatly increased the complexity of the known basal ganglia circuits. For decades, many of the known connections have been omitted from most functional schemes of basal ganglia function, for no reason other than to simplify the circuits.
A Virtual Reality Platform to study RF propagation in body area networks

In-depth understanding of the propagation media is essential for the design of efficient wireless communication protocols for body area networks. Obtaining sufficient amount of data for different scenarios via physical experiment is either difficult or in the case of implant communication, nearly impossible. Therefore, a detailed 3D virtual reality platform can be extremely useful in highlighting the RF propagation characteristics inside and around the human body. Such a platform provides necessary insight into radio wave propagation for body area networks. It can also be used to identify the best scenarios for limited physical experimentation and measurements. In this paper, a virtual reality platform that gives us the ability to observe three-dimensional RF propagation from implantable and wearable sensors is presented‥ We have used this virtual environment as a scientific instrument to study various Radio Frequency communication channels inside or on the surface of a human body.
Amplitude sampling

The theoretical basis for conventional acquisition of bandlimited signals typically relies on uniform time sampling and assumes infinite-precision amplitude values. In this paper, we explore signal representation and recovery based on uniform amplitude sampling with assumed infinite precision timing information. The approach is based on applying a one-level level-crossing detector to the result of adding a sawtooth waveform to the source signal. The source signal is then represented by the level-crossing times. For analysis purposes, the output of the level-crossing detector is interpreted as the result of applying a multi-level level crossing detector to the monotonic function consisting of the sum of the source signal and an appropriate linear ramp. This monotonic function is then uniformly sampled in amplitude with the source signal again represented by the level crossing times of the monotonic function. We refer to this technique as amplitude sampling. The approach can equivalently be viewed as nonuniform time sampling of the original source signal or uniform amplitude sampling of the monotonic function to which it is transformed. In this paper we explore this approach and, in particular, present duality and frequency-domain properties for the functions involved in the transformation and develop and compare two iterative algorithms for recovery of the source signal.
Now I cuss less about ICUS

In this issue of Blood , Malcovati et al show that somatic mutations can identify patients with unexplained cytopenias who have, or are at a high risk of developing, myeloid malignancies. This study provides clear evidence that supports integration of gene-panel sequencing into routine clinical evaluation of unexplained cytopenias. 1
On Phase-Frequency Detectors

Abstract This paper describes the average stationary output of phase-frequency detectors when the input frequencies are constant and their quotient is a rational number. The description proves that those detectors cannot be trusted us full range controllers in servomechanisms. Up/down counters are recommended instead
Prefrontal connections of the perirhinal and postrhinal cortices in the rat

Knowing how prefrontal regions interact with medial temporal lobe structures is important for understanding memory and cognition. Using anterograde and retrograde tract tracing methods in the rat, we report a detailed study of the perirhinal (PER) and postrhinal (POR) connections with the lateral, ventrolateral, and medial orbitofrontal cortices (ORBl, ORBvl, ORBm), infralimbic and prelimbic cortices (IL, PL), ventral and dorsal anterior cingulate cortices (ACAv, ACAd), and secondary motor cortex (MOs). Our analyses included the topography and laminar patterns of these connections. The PER and POR showed reciprocal connectivity with all prefrontal regions examined, but the patterns of connections differed. In general, PER areas 36 and 35 showed patterns of connectivity that were more similar to each other than to those of the POR. Analysis of anterograde tracers showed that PER areas 36 and 35 provide the strongest projections to prefrontal regions. The heaviest fiber labeling was in IL and PL, closely followed by orbital regions. Fiber labeling arising from injections in POR was weaker overall. The strongest POR efferents targeted MOs, ACAv, and ORBvl. For return projections, analysis of retrograde tracers showed that PER areas 36 and 35 receive strong inputs from orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal regions. Interestingly, PER also received substantial inputs from MOs and ACAd. The POR receives a very strong input from MOs, followed by ACAd, and ORBvl. Based on comparison of our findings with those obtained in monkeys, we argue that the rodent ACAd and MOs may be a functional homolog of the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Landowner behavior can determine the success of conservation strategies for ecosystem migration under sea-level rise

The human aspects of conservation are often overlooked but will be critical for identifying strategies for biological conservation in the face of climate change. We surveyed the behavioral intentions of coastal landowners with respect to various conservation strategies aimed at facilitating ecosystem migration for tidal marshes. We found that several popular strategies, including conservation easements and increasing awareness of ecosystem services, may not interest enough landowners to allow marsh migration at the spatial scales needed to mitigate losses from sea-level rise. We identified less common conservation strategies that have more support but that are unproven in practice and may be more expensive. Our results show that failure to incorporate human dimensions into ecosystem modeling and conservation planning could lead to the use of ineffective strategies and an overly optimistic view of the potential for ecosystem migration into human dominated areas.
Emerging uses of biomarkers in lung cancer management

Over the past decade, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has witnessed unprecedented scientific advances that have translated into meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes. Much of these gains have been predicated on a better understanding of tumor biology including the identification of driver mutations that allow patients to receive novel, genotype-driven therapies. Multiple studies have now demonstrated improvements in outcomes in advanced stage patients EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) when compared to chemotherapy. While the precision therapy paradigm was initially restricted to these aforementioned genotypes, a broader genomic characterization of lung cancer via next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches has identified BRAF, MET exon 14 skipping mutations as well as ROS-rearrangements as actionable mutations. Aiding this effort has been the development of novel diagnostic platforms like plasma genotyping (i.e., liquid biopsies) that can identify relevant, genetic alterations in blood when tissue is inadequate. These important diagnostic and therapeutic advances in lung cancer have converged to increase the number of patients eligible for targeted therapies and improved outcomes for these patients.
Autism Spectrum and Other Developmental Disorders and ADHD

There is significant comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For children with ASD, their functional impairment becomes more pronounced when ADHD is present. Despite ASD and ADHD being different disorders, they share etiological factors such as environmental factors, genetic factors, and neural pathways. If the referral questions regard ASD and ADHD, the clinician should establish a multistep approach for determining the presence, absence, or co-occurrence of these disorders. Assessment strategies for children with ASD and ADHD such as utilizing rating scales, obtaining a detailed history and examination of the child are reviewed. Furthermore, psychosocial interventions and psychopharmacologic interventions for children with ASD and ADHD are also discussed.
The San Diego health care system: a snapshot of change.

In this UpDate we summarize recent health system change in San Diego, a large market with high health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration and large delivery systems. Health care markets around the country are experiencing a similar shift in economic power toward purchasers and payers and away from providers. San Diego’s experience can provide useful lessons to other large market areas, which often have lower levels of HMO market penetration and delivery system consolidation.
The first record of the Southwest Asian Badger Meles canescens (Mammalia: Mustelidae) from Afghanistan

The Eurasian badgers of the genus Meles (Carnivora: Mustelidae) are mustelids widely distributed in the Palaearctic, across Europe and Asia, from Ireland in the West to the Japan in the East (Neal ...
Interactions of Platinum Complexes with DNA Components

The identification of DNA as a primary target for metal-based drugs, especially cisplatin, has focused attention on the interactions of metal complexes with nucleic acid constituents, which include the simple purine and Pyrimidine bases and their nucleoside and nucleotide derivatives. The structures, with abbreviations, are represented in Appendix 1. Simple complexes can represent models for cross links in DNA, which can be studied in more detail with small polynucleotides, from the simpler dinucleotides to oligonucleotides and this topic is covered in Section 4.4. There has been extensive use of substituted purines and pyrimidines as models for the DNA bases and in the examination of steric and electronic effects. The structures of many of these analogues are also collected in Appendix 1.
Bayesian Unit Hydrographs

The Bayesian and Ridge Regression Methods of Unit Hydrograph estimation are investigated in this study. Both synthetic and observed rainfall-runoff data are used. The Bayesian Method is more general and gives non-oscillatory unit hydrographs with non-negative ordinates.
The Impact of Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the majority of patients. We critically evaluated the impact of DAAs on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, a major complication of HCV infection. Large cohort studies show that patients who achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) with DAAs have a significantly lower risk of developing de novo HCC than patients who fail treatment or remain untreated. Furthermore, reduction in HCC risk is similar whether SVR is achieved with DAAs or interferon (IFN). However, DAA-induced SVR does not eliminate HCC risk entirely. Therefore, patients with pre-existing cirrhosis require ongoing surveillance even after SVR is achieved. Early, descriptive, uncontrolled reports suggested that DAAs may increase the risk of recurrent HCC. While studying HCC recurrence presents major methodologic challenges, larger studies containing appropriate comparison control groups largely refuted these concerns. Recent studies provide evidence that DAA-induced SVR reduces HCC risk.
Biophysical sensing in deep tissue via MRI.

A microdevice implanted in deep tissue can measure electromagnetic signals and convert them to magnetic-resonance-imaging-detectable signals.
CHAPTER 41 – Regulation of Ion Channels by Direct Binding of Cyclic Nucleotides

Certain ion channels are regulated by the direct binding of cAMP or cGMP to a cytoplasmic binding domain. The first such channels to be identified were the cyclic nucleotidegated (CNG) channels of photoreceptors and olfactory neurons. These channels are ligand-gated (i.e., directly opened by cyclic nucleotide) and show only a very weak dependence of gating on voltage. Cyclic nucleotides also modulate the gating of certain channels that open primarily in response to voltage changes, even in the absence of cyclic nucleotides. This chapter first summarizes the function of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in visual and olfactory transduction. The molecular bases for these channels and what is known about the structural basis for their function are described next. Finally, the properties of other channels that are regulated by cyclic nucleotides are briefly discussed.
Transvlogs: online communication tools for transformative agency and development

ABSTRACTThis paper examines how 21 transgender individuals used YouTube transvlogs to co-create their own transformative agency. Drawing on a social justice framework, I conduct narrative content analysis to explore how a historically marginalized population enacted their own transformative development without researcher intervention. I suggest that by questioning the status quo, explicating and envisioning new activity patterns, and committing to concrete online and offline actions, transvloggers develop themselves and their community in transformative ways. Vloggers’ resistance and pursuit of new developmental pathways illustrate the power of individuals to design their own technological transformative systems even amidst challenging circumstances.
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in a pediatric swine liver injury model: A pilot study.

Abstract Background Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has not been studied in children. We hypothesized that REBOA was feasible and would improve hemorrhage control and survival time, compared to no aortic occlusion, in a pediatric swine liver injury model. Methods Pediatric swine were randomized to Zone 1 REBOA or no intervention (control). Piglets underwent a partial liver amputation and free hemorrhage followed by either REBOA or no intervention for 30 min, then a damage control laparotomy and critical care for 4 h. Results Compared to control piglets (n = 5), REBOA piglets (n = 6) had less blood loss (34.0 ± 1.6 vs 61.3 ± 2.5 mL/kg, p Conclusion In pediatric swine, 30 min of REBOA is feasible, decreases blood loss after liver injury and may improve survival. Level of evidence Level 1.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Upregulation: A Novel Approach in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

Significance: Heme oxygenase (HO) plays a pivotal role in both vascular and metabolic functions and is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and adipocytes. Recent Advances: From the regulation of adipogenesis in adipose tissue to the adaptive response of vascular tissue in the ECs, HO plays a critical role in the capability of the vascular system to respond and adjust to insults in homeostasis. Recent studies show that HO-1 through regulation of adipocyte and adipose tissue functions ultimately aid not only in local but also in systemic maintenance of homeostasis. Critical Issues: Recent advances have revealed the existence of a cross talk between vascular ECs and adipocytes in adipose tissue. In the pathological state of obesity, this cross talk contributes to the condition's adverse chronic effects, and we propose that specific targeting of the HO-1 gene can restore signaling pathways and improve both vascular and adipose functions. Future Directions: A complete understanding of the role of HO-1 in regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis is important to comprehend the homeostatic regulation as well as in cardiovascular disease. Efforts are required to highlight the effects and the ability to target the HO-1 gene in models of obesity with an emphasis on the role of pericardial fat on cardiovascular health.
Rejuvenation solution as an adjunct cold storage solution maintains physiological haemoglobin oxygen affinity during early-storage period of red blood cells.

BACKGROUND Red blood cell (RBC) units accumulate morphologic and metabolic lesions during storage before transfusion. Pyruvate-inosine-phosphate-adenine (PIPA) solutions (Rejuvesol, Biomet, Warsaw, IN) can be incubated with RBC units to mitigate storage lesions. This study proposes a PIPA treatment process, termed cold 'rejuvenation', using Rejuvesol as an adjunct additive solution, to prevent biomechanical storage lesions while avoiding the 1 h PIPA incubation required with standard PIPA treatment. We compared the efficacy of cold to standard 'rejuvenation' in improving metabolic lesions that occur during cold storage of RBCs, without altering function. METHODS Twelve leucoreduced, A-positive RBC units were obtained. Each unit was aliquoted into either control (standard storage), washed (W), standard rejuvenation (SR) or cold rejuvenation (CR) groups, the latter two requiring washing. A volume-adjusted dose of Rejuvesol was instilled into the CR group upon receipt (Day 3). After 15 days of storage, p50, RBC deformability, in-bag haemolysis and mechanical fragility were analysed. 'Any treatment' is defined as W, SR and CR, with comparisons in reference to control. RESULTS Higher p50s were seen in rejuvenated groups (>30 mmHg vs. <19 mmHg; P < 0·0001). Any treatment significantly increased elongation index (P = 0·034) but did not significantly increase in-bag haemolysis (P = 0·062). Mechanical fragility was not significantly different between groups (P = 0·055) at baseline, but the control (CTL) group was more fragile after 2 h in a cardiac bypass simulation than any treatment (P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that rejuvenation (standard or cold) prevents the leftward p50 shift of storage lesions without detrimental effect on RBC deformity, in-bag haemolysis or mechanical fragility.
Technical note: Effect of delayed analysis of cooled lithium-heparinized whole blood on the stability of ionized calcium, ionized magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, and lactate in samples from dairy cows

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to describe the stability of bovine whole-blood electrolytes, glucose, and lactate in samples collected in lithium heparin tubes and stored in thermoconductive modules immersed in ice water. A total of 99 Jersey cows (40 first-parity, 18 second-parity, and 41 third-parity or greater cows) from a commercial dairy farm in West Texas were enrolled between June and July 2018. Blood was collected from the jugular vein using a 60-mL polypropylene syringe and equally distributed into 5 spray-dried evacuated lithium heparin tubes. Baseline samples were analyzed within 90 s of collection using a benchtop blood gas analyzer. The remaining 4 tubes were stored in a thermoconductive, passive-temperature-regulating module inside a cooler with ice water. At 30 min and 2, 4, and 8 h post-collection, samples were removed from the temperature-regulating module, gently inverted for 10 s, and analyzed. Repeated-measures models were built to evaluate the effect of time on the stability of ionized Ca (iCa), ionized Mg (iMg), Na, K, Cl, glucose, and lactate. Most of the analytes investigated remained stable up to 8 h under ice water storage conditions before analysis, including iCa, iMg, Cl, glucose, and lactate. However, Na and K were significantly affected by delayed analysis: Na remained stable up to 4 h post-collection, but K was not stable starting at 2 h post-collection. The results of this study are useful in helping future researchers and consultants to recognize acceptable time delays between whole blood collection and processing or analysis for electrolytes, glucose, and lactate.