cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doxorubicin Dosage Guidelines in a Patient with Hyperbilirubinemia of Gilbert's Syndrome

OBJECTIVE:To reconcile dosage modification guidelines for doxorubicin in a patient with hyperbilirubinemia of Gilbert's syndrome (GS).CASE SUMMARY:A 62-year-old white man with concurrent diagnoses of large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and GS was treated with standard doses of a doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimen. No increase of end-organ toxicity was observed during four treatment cycles.DISCUSSION:The relative prevalence of GS coupled with the rising incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases the probability that both disorders will be present in the same individual. A MEDLINE search (1966 through July 1997) revealed little, and often conflicting, information pertaining to drug metabolism and disposition in GS. In addition, no information has been reported regarding the metabolic fate of doxorubicin in these patients. It is important to emphasize that the lack of enhanced extramedullary toxicity in this patient is not conclusive evidence that the hepatic abnormality of GS had no effect on doxo...
Design and optimization of microring resonators in biochemical sensing applications

Microring resonators can be exploited for biochemical sensing applications. To gain a better understanding of the design and optimization of microring sensors, the authors analytically derive the detection limit and the sensitivity. Other important parameters, including the ON-OFF contrast ratio and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), are also considered. In this paper, the combination of two sensing mechanisms and two sensing schemes are analyzed. These calculations provide a guideline for determining the microring geometry to satisfy the desired sensing requirements. In addition, the results can provide insights on how to enhance the sensitivity and lower the detection limit
ADAM15 regulates endothelial permeability and neutrophil migration via Src/ERK1/2 signalling

Aims Endothelial barrier dysfunction is a key event in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases associated with inflammation. ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) 15 has been shown to contribute to the development of vascular inflammation. However, its role in regulating endothelial barrier function is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ADAM15 on endothelial permeability and its underlying mechanisms. Methods and results By measuring albumin transendothelial flux and transendothelial electric resistance in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers, we found that depletion of ADAM15 expression via siRNA decreased endothelial permeability and attenuated thrombin-induced barrier dysfunction. In contrast, endothelial cells overexpressing either wild-type or catalytically dead mutant ADAM15 displayed a higher basal permeability and augmented hyperpermeability in response to thrombin. In addition, ADAM15 knockdown inhibited whereas ADAM15 overexpression promoted neutrophil transendothelial migration. Further molecular assays revealed that ADAM15 did not cleave vascular endothelial-cadherin or cause its degradation. However, overexpression of ADAM15 promoted extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation in both non-stimulated and thrombin-stimulated endothelial cells in a protease activity-independent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of Src kinase or ERK activation reversed ADAM15-induced hyperpermeability and neutrophil transmigration. Conclusion The data provide evidence for a novel function of ADAM15 in regulating endothelial barrier properties. The mechanisms of ADAM15-induced hyperpermeability involve Src/ERK1/2 signalling independent of junction molecule shedding.
Reactive Oxygen Species, NADPH Oxidases, and Hypertension

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the neuronal, renal, and vascular systems not only influence cardiovascular physiology but are also strongly implicated in pathological signaling leading to hypertension. Different sources of ROS have been identified, ranging from xanthine-xanthine oxidase and mitochondria to NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes. Of 7 Nox family members, Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 (and Nox5 in humans) influence the cardiovascular system. Their activation processes and cell and tissue distribution vary widely, adding complexity to understanding their functional roles. Whether these systems act collectively or independently in disease conditions is unclear, but recently feed forward mechanisms have been established between ROS sources. Studies published in Hypertension over the last few years are the focus of this review, and they provide a framework with which to consider the roles of Nox enzymes in neuronal, renal, and vascular hypertensive mechanisms, as well as cardiac remodeling, and their relationships with other ROS-generating systems. ### Neuronal ROS in Hypertension Redox signaling in the central nervous system is well recognized in neuronal control of blood pressure (BP), as well as in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone, which are linked to ROS-dependent hypertension. Recently, new roles for ROS have been described in the hypothalamus and brain stem, nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), subfornical organ (SFO), rostral ventrolateral medulla, and area postrema (Figure 1). Figure 1. Neuronal NADPH oxidase–dependent ROS involved in central regulation of hypertension. NADPH oxidase homologues, mainly Nox2 and Nox4, are found in different regions of the neuronal system and are reported to have a role in the neuropathogenesis of hypertension by enhancing the sympathetic nerve activity. Nox-induced ROS initiate a forward loop in cross-activation of different receptors and between Nox and mitochondrial ROS. OVLT indicates organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis; PVN, paraventricular nucleus; PP, posterior pituitary; AP, area postrema; RVLM, rostral ventrolateral medulla. Several …
Estimating and Investigating Organic Premiums for Retail‐Level Food Products

Using 7 years of household-level scanner data, we use a hedonic pricing model to estimate the organic price premium for four retail-level food products. In each case, we find strong organic premiums of about 30% for bagged carrots, over 40% for canned soup, over 50% for coffee, and over 70% for milk. Using the estimated results from the hedonic price model, we pool the results across products, markets, and years, and then estimate a novel second-stage model where we uncover retail-level market factors associated with higher or lower premiums. For example, we find that category-level organic sales are associated with higher organic price premiums, whereas category-level nonorganic sales are associated with lower premiums. Taken collectively, our results suggest that organic price premiums are not threatened in the near term, but that several competing factors help moderate the size of the premiums. [EconLit citations: Q130]. C � 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forced unfolding of the fibronectin type III module reveals a tensile molecular recognition switch

The 10th type III module of fibronectin possesses a β-sandwich structure consisting of seven β-strands (A–G) that are arranged in two antiparallel sheets. It mediates cell adhesion to surfaces via its integrin binding motif, Arg78, Gly79, and Asp80 (RGD), which is placed at the apex of the loop connecting β-strands F and G. Steered molecular dynamics simulations in which tension is applied to the protein’s terminal ends reveal that the β-strand G is the first to break away from the module on forced unfolding whereas the remaining fold maintains its structural integrity. The separation of strand G from the remaining fold results in a gradual shortening of the distance between the apex of the RGD-containing loop and the module surface, which potentially reduces the loop’s accessibility to surface-bound integrins. The shortening is followed by a straightening of the RGD-loop from a tight β-turn into a linear conformation, which suggests a further decrease of affinity and selectivity to integrins. The RGD-loop therefore is located strategically to undergo strong conformational changes in the early stretching stages of the module and thus constitutes a mechanosensitive control of ligand recognition.
Crustal-scale structural architecture, shortening, and exhumation of an active, eroding orogenic wedge (Chugach/St Elias Range, southern Alaska)

[1] Active mountain building associated with the accretion of the Yakutat microplate (YT) in southern Alaska is characterized through the combination of a new balanced cross section and new low-temperature cooling ages. This analysis constrains the amount and timing of shortening, the spatial and temporal trends of exhumation, and the interplay between structural development and exhumation. A fold-and-thrust belt comprising three principal thrust sheets (the Hope Creek, Sullivan, and an offshore thrust sheet from north to south) characterizes the YT internal structure, which has absorbed a minimum of ∼82 km shortening. Assuming shortening and foreland basin development occurred contemporaneously, the shortening rate across the YT is ∼13–14 mm/a after 5.6 Ma. Detrital apatite fission track ages, from south to north, are unreset along the southern edge of the Sullivan thrust sheet at the coast, are reset and have ages younger than 6.3 Ma within the thrust belt, and have reset cooling ages of ∼13 Ma in the North American upper plate. Only the zircon samples from the northern, internal YT are potentially reset. Exhumation rates within the thrust belt vary from 0.3 ± 0.1 mm/a to 4 ± 1.8 mm/a. Combining the thermochronometric and structural data indicate that wedge exhumation since ∼6 Ma is 500 km2 and that particle trajectories have larger horizontal than vertical components. Whereas exhumation and shortening have been focused on the windward side of the Chugach/St. Elias Range since ∼6 Ma, the cooling ages do not uniquely distinguish between orographically versus tectonically controlled erosion.
The Role of the Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase of Dictyostelium discoideum during Growth, Aggregation, and Morphogenesis: Overexpression and Localization Studies with the Separate Promoters of the pde

Abstract cAMP acts as a primary signal and is regulated by a secreted cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) throughout development in Dictyostelium discoideum . Expression of the PDE gene ( pde ) is controlled by promoters specific to vegetative growth (prV), aggregation (prA), or late development (prL). Promoter-containing regions were individually fused to the pde coding sequence. After transformation multiple copies of each construct led to overexpression of PDE mRNA and enzyme activity with the temporal profile expected of each promoter. Overexpression of PDE from prV and prA altered the timing of aggregation compared to control transformants, but the final morphology was normal. Control transformants showed delayed aggregation compared to nontransformed cells. Cells that overexpressed PDE from prL aggregated like the control transformants, but no fruiting bodies were formed. Individual promoter regions were fused to the β-galactosidase gene ( lac Z). Cells that expressed prA- lac Z were dispersed throughout aggregation fields and mounds. Cells that expressed prL- lac Z were first seen distributed homogeneously throughout tight and tipped mounds. In slugs most of these cells are localized in the anterior region. During culmination, cells that expressed the prL- lac Z construct became incorporated into the stalk and were seen in the upper and lower cups surrounding the spore mass.
Neurofeedback fMRI-mediated learning and consolidation of regional brain activation during motor imagery

We report the long-term effect of real-time functional MRI (rtfMRI) training on voluntary regulation of the level of activation from a hand motor area. During the performance of a motor imagery task of a right hand, blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal originating from a primary motor area was presented back to the subject in real-time. Demographically-matched individuals also received the same procedure without valid feedback information. Followed by the initial rtfMRI sessions, both groups underwent 2-week long, daily-practice of the task. Off-line data analysis revealed that the individuals in the experimental group were able to increase the level of BOLD signal from the regulatory target to a greater degree compared with the control group. Furthermore, the learned level of activation was maintained after the 2-week period, with the recruitment of additional neural circuitries such as the hippocampus and the limbo-thalamo-cortical pathway. The activation obtained from the control group, in the absence of proper feedback, was indifferent across the training conditions. The level of BOLD activity from the target regulatory region was positively correlated with a self evaluative score within the experimental group, while the majority of control subjects had difficulty adopting a strategy to attain the desired level of functional regulation. Our results suggest that rtfMRI helped individuals learn how to increase region-specific cortical activity associated with a motor imagery task, and the level of increased activation in motor areas was consolidated after the 2-week self-practice period, with the involvement of neural circuitries implicated in motor skill learning. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 18, 69–78, 2008
Comparison of Andersen Eight-Stage and Two-Stage Viable Air Samplers

The two-stage, disposable Andersen air sampler gave lower values for aerial concentration of bacterial colony-forming particles than did the eight-stage Andersen viable air sampler in either a swine house or a classroom.
Influence of gravitoinertial force level on the subjective vertical during recumbent yaw axis body tilt

We tilted recumbent subjects at various angles about their yaw (foot to head) axis and had them indicate the direction of their subjective vertical and apparent head midline about the same axis. One set of tests was conducted during parabolic flight maneuvers where the background gravitoinertial acceleration varied from 0 to 1.8g. The blindfolded subjects (n = 6) were tested supine and at tilts of 60° and 30° left and right about their horizontal long body axis. They used a gravity neutral joystick to indicate their subjective vertical or their head midline continuously from the high force through the 0g portions of parabolas. In 0g, all subjects felt supine and oriented the joystick perpendicular to their body when indicating the subjective vertical. This points to strong influences of the symmetric somatic touch and pressure cues from the apparatus on orientation when the otolith organs are unloaded. In contrast to the settings in 0g, settings of the subjective vertical in 1g and 1.8g varied as a function of body orientation. However, the settings did not differ between 1g and 1.8g test conditions. Subjective vertical judgments were also made by subjects (n = 11) in the Brandeis slow rotation room, with the room stationary and rotating at a speed that produced a 2g resultant of gravitational and centrifugal acceleration. There were no differences between settings of the subjective vertical made in 1g and 2g. The similarity of 1g and hyper-g settings during recumbent yaw tilts, both in parabolic flight and in the rotating room, contrasts with the previously observed, strong influence which force levels above 1g have on settings of the subjective vertical during tilt of the body in pitch or roll. The findings for all three axes are consistent with a recently developed model of static spatial orientation.
Potassium channel modulators as anti-inflammatory agents

Destruction of self-tissue by unwanted inflammation is central to the pathology of numerous diseases and disorders. The inflammatory response consists of a series of events, involving several cell types and biological signalling molecules. Potassium (K+) channels are also involved in this process and may be potential therapeutic targets. Three of the most promising K+ channel drug targets are the KATP, Kv1.3 and BKCa channels and thus will be reviewed in this article. These channels affect diverse aspects of inflammation and its associated disorders. KATP channels protect tissue against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, Kv1.3 channels regulate T-cell activation and BKCa channels play a role in controlling cellular activities triggered by depolarisation. KATP and BKCa channel openers and Kv1.3 channel blockers have all been shown experimentally to exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, their efficacy in the clinical setting remains to be determined. The most recent patents regarding the use of K+ chan...
LINKING IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION THROUGH PROGRAM MONITORING

: Monitoring economic development programs, such as enterprise zone (EZ) programs, assumes special urgency because traditional approaches have been found wanting. In an effort to link implementation and evaluation of EZ programs, this article examines the conceptual properties of monitoring activities at three levels: strategic, operational, and output. The main advantages of monitoring are its process and context orientation that suggest a more broadly based conceptualization of monitoring processes. The paper concludes with an application of the framework to enterprise zone programs and discusses the potential for monitoring in this area.
Spiritually Integrated Treatment of Depression: A Conceptual Framework

Many studies have found an inverse correlation between religious/spiritual involvement and depression. Yet several obstacles impede spiritually integrated treatment of depressed individuals. These include specialization and fragmentation of care, inexperience of clinicians and spiritual care providers, ideological bias, boundary and ethical concerns, and the lack of an accepted conceptual framework for integrated treatment. Here I suggest a framework for approaching these obstacles, constructed from a unified view of human experience (having emotional, existential, and spiritual dimensions); spirituality seen as a response to existential concerns (in domains such as identity, hope, meaning/purpose, morality, and autonomy in relation to authority, which are frequently distorted and amplified in depression); a rationale for locating spiritually oriented approaches within a clinician's assessment, formulation, and treatment plan; and recognition of the challenges and potential pitfalls of integrated treatment.
Pressure baseline correction and high‐precision CO2 clumped‐isotope (∆47) measurements in bellows and micro‐volume modes

Rationale CO(2) 'clumped-isotope' measurements (tracking enrichment of (16)O(13)C(18)O, reported as ∆(47) values, on CO(2) derived from carbonate minerals or the atmosphere) are becoming central to a wide range of geochemical investigations. We present a novel approach to address problems with instrument stability, external precision, and the analysis of small samples that have hampered the advancement of Δ(47) measurements. Methods We measured Δ(47) values on CO(2) gases introduced via dual inlet to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. We developed a method for determining the 'pressure baseline' and integrating a correction to ion beam intensity measurements during analysis. We then tested this approach for both bellows and micro-volume modes of sample introduction. Heated gas and equilibrated gas lines (Δ(47) vs. δ(47)) established the effectiveness of this correction. Results We have determined that drift in instrument calibration that compromises Δ(47) measurements results from a shift in the baseline signal on sensitive collectors (m/z 47, 48, and 49) that occurs when gas is admitted to the ion source. Applying a 'pressure baseline' (PBL) correction significantly stabilizes ∆(47) measurements and reduces the dependence of ∆(47) values on δ(47) values by up to an order of magnitude. Conclusions PBL-corrected heated gas and equilibrated gas calibrations in bellows and micro-volume modes are nearly identical and stable through time. Introduction of the PBL correction, a revision to the absolute reference frame approach to determining Δ(47) values, dramatically improves the external precision of Δ(47) measurements to near instrumental analytical uncertainty (6-8 ppm (1σ) in bellows mode; 10-12 ppm in micro-volume mode).
Dual-stage converter to improve transfer efficiency and maximum power point tracking feasibility in photovoltaic energy-conversion systems

This work addresses transfer efficiency and tracking ineffectiveness in switch-mode, dc-dc converters for photovoltaic energy-conversion systems. Tracking ineffectiveness constrains maximum power point tracking algorithms due to dc-dc converter operational constraints. Transfer efficiency quantifies the effect of switching-frequency ripple on the usable power extracted from the photovoltaic source. A dual-stage boost buck-boost converter is proposed as a solution to alleviate tracking ineffectiveness and enhance transfer efficiency. Simulations and experimental results indicate that both concerns are addressed by the proposed topology.
Three-dimensional aspects of nonlinear stratified flow over topography near the hydrostatic limit

Steady, finite-amplitude internal-wave disturbances, induced by nearly hydrostatic stratified flow over locally confined topography that is more elongated in the spanwise than the streamwise direction, are discussed. The nonlinear three-dimensional equations of motion are handled via a matched-asymptotics procedure: in an inner' region close to the topography, the flow is nonlinear but weakly three-dimensional, while far upstream and downstream the outer' flow is governed, to leading order, by the fully three-dimensional linear hydrostatic equations, subject to matching conditions from the inner flow. Based on this approach, non-resonant flow of general (stable) stratification over finite-amplitude topography in a channel of finite depth is analysed first. Three-dimensional effects are found to inhibit wave breaking in the nonlinear flow over the topography, and the downstream disturbance comprises multiple small-amplitude oblique wavetrains, forming supercritical wakes, akin to the supercritical free-surface wake induced by linear hydrostatic flow of a homogeneous fluid. Downstream wakes of a similar nature are also present when the flow is uniformly stratified and resonant (i.e. the flow speed is close to the long-wave speed of one of the modes in the channel), but, in this instance, they are induced by nonlinear interactions precipitated by three-dimensional effects in the inner flow and are significantly stronger than their linear counterparts. Finally, owing to this nonlinear-interaction mechanism, vertically unbounded uniformly stratified hydrostatic flow over finite-amplitude topography also features downstream wakes, in contrast to the corresponding linear disturbance that is entirely locally confined.
A Rejoinder to Fienberg’s Comments

In our various ways, Fienberg and I are both addressing the relevance of Standard Statistical models to social science research. I found it convenient to make part of my argument in terms of a comparison between the use of models in the natural sciences and in the social sciences. Fienberg seems to disagree more with my history lesson than with its conclusions, but that may be a matter of rhetoric—on both sides.
Through-Plane Conductivities of Membranes for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries

In this study, nonaqueous redox flow batteries (RFB) leverage nonaqueous solvents to enable higher operating voltages compared to their aqueous counterparts. Most commercial components for flow batteries, however, are designed for aqueous use. One critical component, the ion-selective membrane, provides ionic conductance between electrodes while preventing crossover of electroactive species. Here we evaluate the area-specific conductances and through-plane conductivities of commercially available microporous separators (Celgard 2400, 2500) and anion exchange membranes (Neosepta AFX, Neosepta AHA, Fumasep FAP-450, Fumasep FAP-PK) soaked in acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, or two imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Fumasep membranes combined with acetonitrile-based electrolyte solutions provided the highest conductance values and conductivities by far. When tested in ionic liquids, all anion exchange membranes displayed conductivities greater than those of the Celgard microporous separators, though the separators’ decreased thickness-enabled conductances on par with the most conductive anion exchange membranes. Ionic conductivity is not the only consideration when choosing an anion exchange membrane; testing of FAP-450 and FAP-PK membranes in a nonaqueous RFB demonstrated that the increased mechanical stability of PEEK-supported FAP-PK minimized swelling, in turn decreasing solvent mediated crossover and enabling greater electrochemical yields (40% vs. 4%) and Coulombic efficiencies (94% vs. 90%) compared to the unsupported, higher conductance FAP-450.
Rehabilitation-specific communication skills training: improving the physician-patient relationship.

ABSTRACT Sliwa JA, Makoul G, Betts H: Rehabilitation-specific communication skills training: Improving the physician-patient relationship. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:126–132. Evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation-specific communication skills training program for physicians. Three groups of rehabilitation patients were interviewed 3 mo after discharge, one group before and two groups after implementation of a communication skills training program. The setting was a free-standing rehabilitation hospital with a residency training program. A total of 245 patients who had been discharged from the rehabilitation hospital participated in the study. A communication skills training program that was designed specifically for physicians and patients in the rehabilitation setting was used as an intervention. Patients’ perceptions of the extent to which physicians accomplished 18 communication tasks highlighted by the training program were gauged in a structured telephone interview. Participants interviewed after the training program was implemented more strongly agreed that their physicians accomplished the communication tasks assessed than did patients interviewed before the training program began. On 14 of 18 items, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Specialty-specific communication training can improve physician communication skills.
Abstract LB-77: The Closing of the Every Woman Counts Program in California and Our Efforts to Reopen It

The California Collaborative of Susan G. Komen for the Cure includes the seven California affiliates located in Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego. The Collaborative was originally formed to share best practices and synergies, but has since included public policy issues in its initiatives. The ‘Every Woman Counts’ program was administered by California9s Department of Public Health and provided breast and cervical cancer testing, diagnosis and treatment to uninsured women 40 years and older. The Public Policy Committee of the Collaborative worked very hard with the state9s elected officials to help helped draft new legislation, propose an audit of the program, and lobby Capitol Hill. Advocates worked with the governor9s health staff to ask for the capitol building to be lit pink to help raise breast cancer awareness. Supporters also spoke with anyone who would listen about the importance of this program for the insured and the lives that could potentially be lost if breast cancer went undetected. As a result of their efforts, the Collaborative found several supportive members in the state9s legislature. The organization9s representatives managed to pass legislation in late August to reinstate the ‘Every Woman Counts’ program. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-77. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-77
An Inquiry into the Strict Compliance of the International Chamber of Commerce Trade Rules in Financing Process

his article addresses the phenomenon of document discrepancies in international trade financing as a significant worldwide issue resulting in unnecessary delays, refused payments, and financial loss when banks discover discrepancies in required trade finance documents presented under the International Chamber of Commerce trade rules known as Uniform Customs and Practice. While this problem has grown in the past thirty years, no research has been undertaken to address this problem. Drawing on e-research, documentary survey, and descriptive research methodologies, the findings reveal that the unusual requirements of documentary credit and the ambiguity of the Uniform Customs and Practice 500 caused discrepancies when the required documents examined by the banks. To solve these problems, this article recommends changes include elimination of unusual requirements of documentary credit and concise articulation of the context of each article to facilitate easy understanding of contractual terms. Additionally, the personnel involved in the process must be trained to ensure they have the required skills to properly manage relevant documents for international trade financing.
Central Hypoventilation in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Central hypoventilation, also known as Ondine's curse, results from an impairment of the autonomic respiratory drive. It is characterized by an attenuated or absent respiratory response to hypoxemia and hypercapnia with preservation of volitional respiratory function. RJ was a 75-year-old woman with a diagnosis of probably PSP who developed central hypoventilation approximately four years after her initial onset of symptoms. Brain MRI showed no evidence of medullary lesions, one of the more common causes of adult onset central hypoventilation. The respiratory centers in the medulla, especially the ventral respiratory group (VRG) containing Botzinger and pre-Botzinger complex of neurons, appear critical for normal respiratory rhythm generation. RJ was maintained on a portable ventilator after her diagnosis of Central Hypoventilation. Ten month after being placed on ventilation she passed of unclear cause. RJ showed pathological features consistent with a diagnosis of PSP, specifically loss of neurons, secondary demyelination, and tau-positive inclusions in both astrocytes and neurons, chiefly in the globus pallidus, midbrain, and brainstem. RJ showed significant tauopathy in the region of the VRG in particular. We also examined this region in sixteen other cases of PSP and found similar tauopathy in all but one case, which had significantly less involvement of this area. We had limited clinical data on these cases but one had two episodes of unexplained hypoxia shortly before being placed on hospice. Central hypoventilation associated with tauopathy involving the VRG may be more common than often appreciated.
Improving the Accuracy of Defect Diagnosis with Multiple Sets of Candidate Faults

Given a chip that produced a faulty output response to a test set, a defect diagnosis procedure produces a set of candidate faults that is expected to identify the defects that are present in the chip. The accuracy of the set of candidate faults is higher when the set is smaller or when its overlap with the defects that are present in the chip is larger. To increase the accuracy of a set of candidate faults, this paper describes an approach where several sets of candidate faults are computed based on different subsets of the test set. The subsets are obtained by removing small numbers of tests from the complete test set. The result is sets of candidate faults that are similar but not identical. The number of sets where a fault appears yields a confidence level that the fault actually belongs in a set of candidate faults. New sets of candidate faults are defined based on the confidence levels obtained. The smallest set of candidate faults can be used as the final result of defect diagnosis, or the sets can be used for ranking the candidates. Experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Effects of tillage and broiler litter on crop productions in an eroded soil

Abstract This study was initiated in 2005 at the Plant Material Center, NRCS, in Coffeeville MS, on an eroded Loring silt loam soil with 1⿿3% slope to determine the effects of broiler litter with tillage and cropping systems on improving soil quality and crop production. A randomized complete block design with three replications and split-plot arrangement of treatments was used. The main plots were tillage and no-till and the sub-plots were an unfertilized control, broiler litter at low (9 Mg ha⿿1) and high (18 Mg ha⿿1) rates. The cropping system was corn-wheat rotation. Broiler litter was applied as N source to corn (Zea mays) grown under no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) in 2005 and 2007. Winter wheat (Triticum spp) was planted after harvesting corn and harvested for grain in June 2006 and 2008 in the same plots that previously received litter. Corn grain yield, grain N and P uptake were significantly increased with increasing broiler litter applications. Averaged across years, corn grain yield and N uptake were greater with conventional tillage (4014 and 63 kg ha⿿1) than no-till corn (2608 and 42 kg ha⿿1), respectively. Residual effect of broiler litter at the high rate significantly increased wheat grain yield and grain N uptake (1778 and 26 kg ha⿿1) as compared to the control (901 and 14 kg ha⿿1), respectively. Biennial application of broiler litter to an eroded soil enhanced corn- wheat productions, and improved soil quality by increasing soil C, water stable aggregate and infiltration and reducing soil penetration resistance.
Association of Maternal Obesity with Child Cerebral Palsy or Death.

Objective The primary aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between maternal obesity and cerebral palsy or death in children. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial previously performed by the Maternal–Fetal Medicine Units Network. Women in the original trial were included if at high risk for preterm delivery. The present study included singletons enrolled in the original study with complete data. Obese and nonobese women were compared. A secondary analysis comparing class 3 obese or classes 1 to 2 obese women to nonobese women was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of cerebral palsy or perinatal death. Results In this study, 1,261 nonobese, 339 obese, and 69 morbidly obese women were included. When adjusted for gestational age at delivery and magnesium exposure, there was no association between maternal obesity and child cerebral palsy or death. In the analysis using obesity severity categories, excess risk for adverse outcome appeared confined to the class 3 obese group. Conclusion In women at high risk of delivering preterm, maternal obesity was not independently associated with child cerebral palsy or death. The association in unadjusted analysis appears to be mediated by preterm birth among obese patients.
A swath across the great divide: Kelp forests across the Samalga Pass biogeographic break

Abstract Biogeographic breaks are often described as locations where a large number of species reach their geographic range limits. Samalga Pass, in the eastern Aleutian Archipelago, is a known biogeographic break for the spatial distribution of several species of offshore-pelagic communities, including numerous species of cold-water corals, zooplankton, fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. However, it remains unclear whether Samalga Pass also serves as a biogeographic break for nearshore benthic communities. The occurrence of biogeographic breaks across multiple habitats has not often been described. In this study, we examined if the biogeographic break for offshore-pelagic communities applies to nearshore kelp forests. To examine whether Samalga Pass serves as a biogeographic break for kelp forest communities, this study compared abundance, biomass and percent bottom cover of species associated with kelp forests on either side of the pass. We observed marked differences in kelp forest community structure, with some species reaching their geographic range limits on the opposing sides of the pass. In particular, the habitat-forming kelp Nereocystis luetkeana, and the predatory sea stars Pycnopodia helianthoides and Orthasterias koehleri all occurred on the eastern side of Samalga Pass but were not observed west of the pass. In contrast, the sea star Leptasterias camtschatica dispar was observed only on the western side of the pass. We also observed differences in overall abundance and biomass of numerous associated fish, invertebrate and macroalgal species on opposing sides of the pass. We conclude that Samalga Pass is important biogeographic break for kelp forest communities in the Aleutian Archipelago and may demark the geographic range limits of several ecologically important species.
Line-Focused Optical Excitation of Parallel Acoustic Focused Sample Streams for High Volumetric and Analytical Rate Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry provides highly sensitive multiparameter analysis of cells and particles but has been largely limited to the use of a single focused sample stream. This limits the analytical rate to ∼50K particles/s and the volumetric rate to ∼250 μL/min. Despite the analytical prowess of flow cytometry, there are applications where these rates are insufficient, such as rare cell analysis in high cellular backgrounds (e.g., circulating tumor cells and fetal cells in maternal blood), detection of cells/particles in large dilute samples (e.g., water quality, urine analysis), or high-throughput screening applications. Here we report a highly parallel acoustic flow cytometer that uses an acoustic standing wave to focus particles into 16 parallel analysis points across a 2.3 mm wide optical flow cell. A line-focused laser and wide-field collection optics are used to excite and collect the fluorescence emission of these parallel streams onto a high-speed camera for analysis. With this instrument format and fluor...
Translocating ratsnakes: does enrichment offset negative effects of time in captivity?

Context Wildlife translocation is a conservation tool with mixed success. Evidence suggests that longer time in captivity may negatively affect an animal’s post-release behaviour and survival. However, environmental enrichment may reduce the deleterious effects of captivity for animals that are going to be released into the wild. Aims The aim of the present study was to compare first-year post-release survival and behaviour of translocated ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) held captive for varying durations (1–7 years) either with or without enrichment, with that of resident and wild-to-wild (W–W)-translocated ratsnakes. Key results Being in captivity before release negatively affected survival; 11 of 19 (57.9%) captive snakes died or were removed from the study within 12 months, compared with 3 of 11 (27.3%) resident snakes and none of five (0%) W–W snakes. Furthermore, survival probability declined the longer a snake had been in captivity. Six of the seven snakes (86%) that we released that had been in captivity for four or more years before release died during this study, regardless of whether they were enriched or not. Although W–W-translocated ratsnakes moved more often and further than did snakes in other groups, this difference was apparent only in the first month post-release. We found no evidence that abnormal movement patterns or winter behaviour was the cause of reduced survival for captive snakes. Instead, our data suggested that spending time in captivity reduced concealment behaviour of snakes, which likely increased the vulnerability of snakes to predators. Captivity also compromised the foraging ability of some of the snakes. Although there were no overall differences in percentage weight change among the four groups, two snakes (one enriched, one unenriched) were removed from the study because of extreme weight loss (>30%). Conclusions Our results suggested that environmental enrichment did not offset the negative effects of captivity on ratsnakes and that the likely mechanism responsible for low survival was vulnerability to predators. Implications Whether extended periods in captivity render other species unsuitable for translocation, how long it takes for captivity to have deleterious effects, and whether environmental enrichment is also ineffective at offsetting captivity effects in other species remain to be determined.
An Interpretive Introduction to Classical Ethiopian Philosophy

Philosophy, until very recently, has been defined as strictly textual. Recent philosophical thinking has however challenged this view. African philosophers and non-African philosophers have originated a new narrative which argues that philosophy is not exclusively textual, but also significantly and creatively oral and written, that the content of philosophy can be transmitted both in written and oral and written forms, and that the two forms are not mutually exclusive. Classical Ethiopian philosophy satisfies the condition of an original philosophical endeavor that is both textual and oral. In this chapter, Kiros presents an outline of oral and written African philosophical activities in Ethiopia. Kiros deploys two analytical methods, vast interpretation (loosely philosophical) and strict interpretation (analytic) to situate the nature and place of African philosophy in Ethiopia through an interpretive reading of the following oral and written Ethiopian texts: The Fisalgos, The Book of Philosophers and The Life and Maxims of Skendes, the Treatise of Zara Yacob, and the Treatise of Walda Heywot.
Left Atrial Epicardial Fat Volume Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 3D Dixon Study.

Background Recent studies demonstrated a strong association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and epicardial fat around the left atrium (LA). We sought to assess whether epicardial fat volume around the LA is associated with AF, and to determine the additive value of LA‐epicardial fat measurements to LA structural remodeling for identifying patients with AF using 3‐dimensional multi‐echo Dixon fat–water separated cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Methods and Results A total of 105 subjects were studied: 53 patients with a history of AF and 52 age‐matched patients with other cardiovascular diseases but no history of AF. The 3‐dimensional multi‐echo Dixon fat‐water separated sequence was performed for LA‐epicardial fat measurements. AF patients had significantly greater LA‐epicardial fat (28.9±12.3 and 14.2±7.3 mL for AF and non‐AF, respectively; P P =0.002). LA‐epicardial fat adjusted for LA volume was still higher in patients with AF compared with those without AF ( P P P =0.03, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for body surface area, LA‐epicardial fat remained significant and an increase per mL was associated with a 42% increase in the odds of AF presence (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.23%–1.62%, P P Conclusions Cardiovascular magnetic resonance 3‐dimensional Dixon‐based LA‐epicardial fat volume is significantly increased in AF patients. LA‐epicardial fat measured by 3‐dimensional Dixon provides greater performance for detecting AF beyond LA structural remodeling.
Low cost light-sheet microscopy for whole brain imaging

Light-sheet microscopy has evolved as an indispensable tool in imaging biological samples. It can image 3D samples at fast speed, with high-resolution optical sectioning, and with reduced photobleaching effects. These properties make light-sheet microscopy ideal for imaging fluorophores in a variety of biological samples and organisms, e.g. zebrafish, drosophila, cleared mouse brains, etc. While most commercial turnkey light-sheet systems are expensive, the existing lower cost implementations, e.g. OpenSPIM, are focused on achieving high-resolution imaging of small samples or organisms like zebrafish. In this work, we substantially reduce the cost of light-sheet microscope system while targeting to image much larger samples, i.e. cleared mouse brains, at single-cell resolution. The expensive components of a lightsheet system – excitation laser, water-immersion objectives, and translation stage – are replaced with an incoherent laser diode, dry objectives, and a custom-built Arduino-controlled translation stage. A low-cost CUBIC protocol is used to clear fixed mouse brain samples. The open-source platforms of μManager and Fiji support image acquisition, processing, and visualization. Our system can easily be extended to multi-color light-sheet microscopy.
Tri-modal thin-film flexible electronic skin to augment robotic grasping

This paper reports a combination of three sensing modes (piezoelectric, strain, capacitive) for measuring the relative movement, absolute movement, and proximity, respectively, of objects in relation to robotic structures. Devices for two of these modes, piezoelectric and capacitive, consist of silver traces on a thin flexible layer of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Strain is measured using silver traces on spin-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A compliant layer of open-cell foam is also placed underneath the sensing layers to further increase the sensitivity of each sensing mode. The resulting 820-micron thick sensor stack is wrapped around robotic fingers to significantly augment grasping feedback.
Signal Integrity Analysis of Integrated Circuits by Using Embedded Domain Decomposition Method

In integrated circuit designs, adjustments and replacements of components are frequently required for analyzing or improving signal integrity. However, the modifications of geometry will cause remeshings and resimulations in the full-wave analysis. Consequently, the design efficiency can be impaired due to repeated discretizations. In this paper, we introduce an embedded domain decomposition approach to address such repetitive simulations. A problem is first decomposed into a simpler background subdomain and multiple embedded subdomains. The geometrical details of interest can be placed into the embedded subdomains while the background subdomain covers the rest. Afterward, the communications between the subdomains are built by imposing coupling sources that represent field continuities, material polarizations, and surface currents on perfect electric conductor and port. The meshes between the subdomains are completely nonconformal, and the modification of an embedded subdomain will not affect the geometries and discretizations in the other subdomains. Such flexibility can be exploited in simulating complicated 3-D printed circuit board structures or investigating different components in an electronic system, as illustrated in the numerical examples.
Nanophotonic design for optical manipulation and propulsion of metasurfaces (Conference Presentation)

We explore light-driven manipulation, levitation, and propulsion of ultralight weight macroscopic objects (size >> ) whose properties are tailored by nanophotonic design. Our analysis expands the regime of self-stabilizing optical manipulation from the regime of microscopic (i.e., wavelength-scale) objects such as nanoparticles to the macroscopic regime of many m, mm, cm, or even meter-scale objects, which can be achieved by tailoring the radiation pressure forces by controlling the anisotropy and spatial distribution of light scattering along the object surface. From this has emerged a general, scale-independent theory for the light-induced manipulation of macroscopic objects with patterned nanoscale components that impart optical anisotropy. From the theory, we can develop specific examples, including a scalable design that features silicon resonators on a silica substrate where these nanophotonic structures serve to self-stabilize the body dynamics.