cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies on the effect of trauma, infarction and other cerebral lesion upon conduction of the nerve impulse in the central nervous system.

Summary 1. The antidromic pyramidal response of the cat has been studied under normal control conditions and following cerebral insults simulating various clinical pathological states. 2. Two types of response have been noted. The first type which is associated with early epidural cerebral compression or compression resulting from the intracerebral injection of blood is characterized by an obvious decrease in conduction velocity and less marked immediate changes in amplitude. The second type of response has been found in acute asphyxia, in cerebral infarction produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, and in cerebral edema resulting from 24 hours of epidural balloon compression. It is characterized by a marked decline in amplitude of potential and a less obvious delay in conduction time. 3. The electrical response of the pyramidal tract has been found to be highly susceptible to anoxia. This is in striking contrast to the relative resistance to oxygen want seen in peripheral nerves. Cerebral infarction with its more abrupt local deprivation of oxygen and with the sudden reduction in availability of metabolic substrate produces an even more rapid disappearance in electrical response than that seen in general asphyxia. 4. Routine electron microscopic studies and special efforts to determine the ultra-structural localization of sodium in the axon of the internal capsule have been carried out in brains subjected to various cerebral insults. In mild cerebral compression the axoplasm has shown little alteration and there is to be seen only occasional sodium precipitation inside the axonal membrane. In cerebral infarction the axon showed much more severe changes and may even lose its continuity. Sodium precipitation is widespread. In cerebral edema, in addition to moderate structural alteratons, abundant precipitates of sodium pyroantimonate may be seen inside the axonal membrane. 5. It has been postulated that the changes of the first group depend upon a physical alteration in the axon while those in the second group reflect metabolic disturbances and structural changes occurring in the axonal membrane.
A sound localization system based on biological analogy

A low-power analog VLSI system that implements a model of sound localization in the horizontal plane is designed, fabricated, and tested. The model uses the time difference between a sound arriving at each ear to determine the location of the sound source. The system consists of two chips in a standard 2 mu m, p-well CMOS process. One chip contains circuitry to model left and right side cochleas, hair cells, and auditory neurons, while the other chip contains circuitry to model the binaural cross-correlation activity of neurons in the superior olive of the brain stem. Measured test results reveal challenges that must be overcome in order to obtain reliable products. >
Transport of Agricultural Pb, As and P through a Riparian Wetland

A 100-y geochemical record preserved in the sediments of a Mississippi oxbow lake yields evidence that chemicals entering from agricultural fields are only temporarily sequestered in the riparian fringe prior to active removal and transport to open water. Elevated concentrations of Pb and As, corresponding to peak historical use of lead arsenate pesticide, are clearly identified in open water sediment cores, but are absent in cores from the riparian fringe; P concentrations are also significantly higher in the open water cores than in the riparian fringe. A conceptual model is proposed where elements initially deposited in the riparian zone are seasonally remobilized by release from decomposing litter, and through uptake by wetland trees that return elements to the litter through leaf senescence. Within the riparian zone, seasonal remobilization eventually diffuses or eliminates the historical record. Elements that reach and settle out in the open water environment are sequestered and an historical geochemical record is preserved.
RNA Granules in Germ Cells

"Germ granules" are cytoplasmic, nonmembrane-bound organelles unique to germline. Germ granules share components with the P bodies and stress granules of somatic cells, but also contain proteins and RNAs uniquely required for germ cell development. In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of germ granule assembly, dynamics, and function. One hypothesis is that germ granules operate as hubs for the posttranscriptional control of gene expression, a function at the core of the germ cell differentiation program.
Intrinsic Localization and Mapping with 2 applications: Diffusion Mapping and Macro Polo localization

We investigate intrinsic localization and mapping (ILM) for teams of mobile robots, a multi-robot variant of SLAM where the robots themselves are used as landmarks. We develop what is essentially a straightforward application of Bayesian estimation to the problem, and present two complimentary views on the associated optimization problem that provide insight into the problem and allows one to devise initialization strategies, indispensable in practice. We also provide a discussion of the degrees of freedom and ambiguities in the solution. Finally, we introduce two applications of ILM that bring out its potential: Diffusion Mapping and Marco Polo localization.
The probably approximately correct (PAC) population size of a genetic algorithm

Probably approximately correct learning, PAC-learning, is a framework for the study of learnability and learning machines. In this framework, learning is induced through a set of examples. The size of this set is such that with probability greater than 1-/spl delta/ the learning machine shows an approximately correct behavior with error no greater than /spl epsiv/. The authors use the PAC framework to derive the size of a GA population that with probability 1-/spl delta/ contains at least one individual /spl epsiv/-close to a target hypothesis or solution.
Secure Broadcasting Over Fading Channels

We study a problem of broadcasting confidential messages to multiple receivers under an information-theoretic secrecy constraint. Two scenarios are considered: 1) all receivers are to obtain a common message; and 2) each receiver is to obtain an independent message. Moreover, two models are considered: parallel channels and fast-fading channels. For the case of reversely degraded parallel channels, one eavesdropper, and an arbitrary number of legitimate receivers, we determine the secrecy capacity for transmitting a common message, and the secrecy sum-capacity for transmitting independent messages. For the case of fast-fading channels, we assume that the channel state information of the legitimate receivers is known to all the terminals, while that of the eavesdropper is known only to itself. We show that, using a suitable binning strategy, a common message can be reliably and securely transmitted at a rate independent of the number of receivers. We also show that a simple opportunistic transmission strategy is optimal for the reliable and secure transmission of independent messages in the limit of large number of receivers.
Barriers to Effective Deliberation in Clinical Research Oversight

Ethical oversight of clinical research is one of the primary means of ensuring that human subjects are protected from the natural bias of researchers and research institutions in favor of experimentation. At a minimum, effective oversight should ensure that risks are minimized and reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, protect vulnerable subjects from potential coercion or undue influence, ensure full and informed consent, and promote the equitable distribution of the risks and benefits of research. Because these assessments often involve value judgments for which there are no agreed-upon objective standards, we rely on deliberative procedures thought to have the greatest likelihood of producing the right or best outcomes. Concerns about the potential for improperly functioning IRBs to waste scarce human and institutional resources and impede biomedical progress have motivated a surge in empirical research assessing their procedures and outcomes. Yet within this literature, there has been minimal attention paid to the social scientific evidence regarding how individuals and deliberating groups make decisions, nor how those data might inform IRB practice. This essay seeks to fill that gap, locating recent empirical data on IRB composition and process within the context of data regarding what I call “deliberative pathologies,” or instances when deliberation fails to live up to one or more aspect of the deliberative ideal because of systematic biases in the ways participants interact. The paper goes on to make evidence-based recommendations to reduce the vulnerability of IRB deliberations to the kinds of pathologies discussed and indicate directions for future research.
Role of K(ATP)(+) channels and adenosine in the control of coronary blood flow during exercise.

The present study was designed to examine the role of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP +) channels during exercise and to test the hypothesis that adenosine increases to compensate for the loss of KAT...
Respiratory Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

There have been major advances in the management of patients with hematological malignancies that have improved their outcome. However, these patients continue to have a variety of pulmonary, infectious and noninfectious complications that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The respiratory infections in patients with hematological malignancies are triggered by abnormalities in the function or number of neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes, anatomic considerations, or a combination of the above factors. These immune defects are the result of the underlying malignancies or the treatment of these conditions. The respiratory infections in these patients range from bacterial pneumonias to a variety of opportunistic fungal and viral infections. There have been significant advances in the diagnosis and management of these infections, including noninvasive serological tests to diagnose fungal and viral infections and new effective and better tolerated antimicrobial agents. This chapter will provide an update on the spectrum of respiratory infections in patients with hematological malignancies, including those with neutropenia and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, describing the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, management and outcome of these infections.
The stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis in cardiac injury and repair.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that direct cellular migration through interactions with their cognate chemokine receptors. Most chemokines are not expressed in the normal myocardium, but are up-regulated and secreted in the infarcted heart ([1][1]), where they play an important role in
Toward an Assessment of the Reliability of Commercial Appraisals

The appraisal of a major commercial property is a complex and challenging task. Typically, a client requests an opinion of market value, often with his or her own unique definition of value. Although definitions vary and "a current definition of market value" cited in the Appraisal Institute's principal text is quite distinguishable from a "most probable selling price, most practitioners are comforted when arms-length transactions between astute buyers and sellers take place at prices close to appraised market value.This article examines a series of sales of commercial properties that had been recently appraised in an effort to assess the reliability of commercial appraisals. While there can be no perfect test of an opinion, we believe that the data are informative. On average, the absolute difference in sales price and most recent independent appraisal was almost 9%.
Comparing and Exploring New Text Entry and Edit Methods for Smart TV

Smart TVs are becoming an increasingly important multimedia device for home entertainment. The need of effective input methods for television text entry or edit is growing as the number of smart TV explodes. In this paper we evaluate and compare four current input methods (traditional remote controller, touchpad, physical keyboard, and smart device virtual keyboard) for smart TV. Based on the result of research, we propose an approach that provides a more effective method of text entry and edit.
AB0572 Meta-analysis of the key rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity endpoints in patients treated with B-cell depleting therapies

Background Two recent meta-analyses are available in the literature (Lee et al., 2010 and Volkmann et al., 2010). In this meta-analysis we included additional recently published studies (nine in all) and analyzed all the RA disease activity endpoints at week 24 focusing on both anti-TNF naive and experienced patients. Objectives To compare and evaluate RA disease activity endpoints in several similar published studies in the last decade in order to examine the effect of B cell depleting therapy on RA disease activity. Methods Unlike the other meta-analysis that exclusively uses logit method, this analysis used the method of Mantel-Hansel (MH) for the analysis of the ACR20, 50 and 70. The MH method was chosen for the current analysis due to its relative simplicity and its wide use in the medical literature. For DAS28, the effect sizes were combined using the inverse variance as the weighting factor so that studies with larger sample sizes were given more weight than smaller studies. In addition, we looked at the disease activity at week 24 for all studies. Results The estimated effect was comparable in all studies at week 24 although the treatment effect is slightly lower in IMAGE study. The confidence intervals for the Ocrelizumab (ACTION) and Rituximab (EDWARDS) studies were wider due to the relative smaller sample size. The trends were similar for anti-TNF naive and experienced patients. Similar observations were made for ACR50, ACR70 and DAS28. Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates that in recent trials with B-cell depleting therapy, the therapies have a large and highly reproducible effect on RA disease activity which is not affected by prior receipt of anti-TNF therapy. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Are stem cells the teacher or the student

Purpose of review Stem cell-based therapies for preventing and treating chronic end-organ dysfunction have captured the imagination of the lay public and spurred scientific and clinical development in multiple disciplines and disease states. The goal of this review is to build a framework around the different approaches being deployed to heal or treat end-organ dysfunction and discuss how within this framework future developments may occur. Recent findings In this review, we divide the development of regenerative therapies into two broad categories. The first 'Stem Cells as the Student' focuses on the fact that we need to coax/teach the stem cells to differentiate in an efficient manner into the cells of interest, then using tissue engineering, we need to integrate them in an appropriate delivery system/matrix, and then generate a blood supply, sufficient to allow for their survival following engraftment. In the second category 'Stem Cells as the Teacher,' we learn from studies on stem cell biology, critical pathways that are dysregulated in tissue repair. By identifying these critical pathways, we can develop drug and biologics that can enhance tissue repair and end-organ function. Summary Regenerative therapies have exciting potential to improve patient outcomes in a variety of acute and chronic disease states. There is significant excitement in general public, and the scientific and clinical communities. Early studies have been variably successful. As we move forward and understand the biology and engineering principles involved, significant advances with greater chances of success and efficacy will come.
Cyclosporine A 1% eye drops for the treatment of subepithelial infiltrates after adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.

Purpose:To describe the use of cyclosporine A (CSA) 1% eye drops for the treatment of symptomatic corneal subepithelial infiltrates (SEI) occurring as a sequelae of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (AK) that are resistant to tapering of corticosteroid eye drops.Methods:This is a retrospective case se
Chronic pain in old and young patients: differences appear less important than similarities

Two studies compared physical and psychosocial characteristics of elderly and younger chronic pain patients. No age differences were found during intake for the number of physical coping strategies. Elderly patients named fewer cognitive strategies. No age differences were detected in the percentage of patients offered treatment, who agreed to enter treatment, or who completed treatment. Although older patients more frequently had abnormal physical findings, there were no significant differences on measures of self-reported activity, pain severity, life interference, emotional or worry reactions in response to pain. Both age groups had comparable scores on measures of social support and perceptions of how others react to their pain. The present research suggests that there are relatively few factors distinguishing pain patients based on age. Moreover, age should not be a significant factor to consider when offering patients multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain that focuses on psychological as well as physical modalities.
Histochemistry. 67. Microscopic microbiological assay. Determination of biotin to 10-15 gram.

SummaryA technic for microscopic microbiological assay was elaborated in which droplets of total incubation mixture down to 0.010 μl volume were employed under oil. Measurement of bacterial growth by light scatter was used. The technic was applied to determination of biotin to 1015g with approximately the same percent accuracy and precision as the macrotechnic with ml-volumes.
Handedness in FTLD (P07.168)

Objective: To describe the prevalence of non-right handedness in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. Background Non-right handedness - ambidexterity and left handedness - occurs in 8-10% of the population. 95% of right handed individuals have left lateralized language localization and associated structural asymmetry L>R, most notable in the temporal planum. Non-right handed individuals have greater variability in language distribution. Non-right handedness is also associated with an increased frequency of learning disability. Rogalski et al. reported increased rates of learning disability in patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia. We hypothesized that structural and functional differences in handedness might reveal themselves among various types of neurodegenerative disease. Design/Methods: We reviewed our entire PPA (LPA, n= 56; NFV-PPA, n=64; SV-PPA n=135) and PSP cohorts (n=89). Results: 9% of the LPA cohort (n=5 of 56) is non-right handed, consistent with handedness in the general population. 14% of the SV-PPA cohort is non-right handed (n=19 of 135) compared to 5% of the NFV-PPA/PSP cohort (n=7 of 151). Chi-square analysis of observed versus expected, reveals a statistically significant increase of non-right handedness in SV-PPA with an expected 8% rate of non-right handedness (p Conclusions: There appears to be a handedness bias among FTLD diagnoses. Given the high clinicopathological correlation between SV-PPA and NFV-PPA/PSP, with TDP-43 and Tau respectively, this analysis supports dichotomization of handedness among underlying pathologies. In the context of increased learning disability in non-right handed patients and PPA, this observation integrates both of these findings and may help with future diagnostic discrimination. Supported by: NIH/NIA P01 AG019724, P50 AG023501, T32 AG23481. Disclosure: Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rankin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gorno Tempini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has received personal compensation for activities with Allon Therapeutics, Inc. and TauRx Therapeutics, Ltd. Dr. Miller has received research support from Novartis.
U.S. -- African Leaders' Summit of 2014: Imperatives for a New Partnership

August 2014 was the first time in U.S -- Africa political and economic relations where as many as 50 African heads of state and governments arrived in Washington at the invitation of the U.S President, Barak Obama, for a three-day summit to kick off a "new era of cooperation." The novelty of this event does not lie in the fact that for the first time the President of the U.S is a black man whose father happened to be from Africa, but by an interplay of security, health, and economic circumstances whose trajectories -- if left unchecked -- could inflict considerable hurt to not only the African continent, but also to the Western world which is led by the United States. This paper will examine the multi-frontal security flare-ups in Africa which are all borne out of religious, ethnic, political, and economic cleavages of past and present iterations that threaten to rupture that vital link of today’s globalized maze of capitalism. The paper will further explore both the indirect and direct links these events could have on America’s national security concerns and why U.S cooperation with Africa in these areas should not only be mutually beneficial, but also strategically compelling. The other "new era" agenda to be examined is Obama’s plan to mobilize American private capital to launch an aggressive U.S trade and investment in Africa. While "Trade, But Not Aid" has been Africa’s unheeded message to the West for decades now, the paper seeks to assess America’s sudden about-face on serious economic engagement with Africa. Is this meant to counter China’s massive investments in African infrastructure and strategic natural resources, or to offer U.S economic engagement as a preferable one to China’s?
Design and Implementation of Double-core Redundant Power Grid Dispatch Automation System

The necessity and feasibility to construct energy management system(EMS)and substation control system to a double-core redundant integrated system are analyzed.The specific implementation plan and principles of data sampling,graphic data display,application materials management as well as business database synchronization are indicated and expounded.The design can enhance the reliability of EMS and substation control system.
AREDS Supplementation and the Progression Towards Exudative AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness in the world and is a degenerative disease that is characterized by changes in the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane. These retinal findings can range from drusen and pigmentary changes to more advanced forms of the disease including RPE atrophy and/or choroidal neovascularization. Oxidative stress is thought to play a significant role in the development and progression of AMD. In support of this hypothesis, much has been published regarding the protective association between diets rich in antioxidants and the development of AMD. These findings led to the development of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). This study showed supplementation with antioxidants, and zinc had a 25 % reduction in the risk of progressing to advanced disease for those with intermediate AMD when compared with placebo. In addition to the AREDS findings, additional observational studies showed possible benefits of adding additional supplements to the original AREDS formula, leading to the AREDS2 study. Although the primary analysis of AREDS2 demonstrated no beneficial or harmful effects of adding lutein/zeaxanthin, secondary analysis did show a benefit of adding these carotenoids. This chapter reviews the findings from AREDS and AREDS2, with an emphasis on the AREDS supplementation and the development of choroidal neovascularization.
Cultural-Ideological Modes of Control: An Examination of Concept Formation

(1993). Cultural-Ideological Modes of Control: An Examination of Concept Formation. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 16, Communication Yearbook 16, pp. 43-43.
Composite Design through Biomimetic Inspirations

Biomimetics is a developing research field where principles of mechanics are used to both study existing natural systems and also design new systems incorporating the desirable attributes. In the current study, examples from nature that could be applied to design new composite materials and structures are presented. Mechanical characterization of bio materials such as Bivalves, bone and keratin were undertaken to understand the role of micro structure in determining the functionality of these bio-composites. Selected results such as failure in multilayered structures, fracture properties in natural FGMs and functional attributes of layering will be discussed. Special attention provided to rational decision making in terms of choice of the materials and methods will also be presented.
Nursing's Role in Successful Transitions Across Settings.

Care transitions across settings (hospital, other institutional settings, and home) are vulnerable exchange points for patients and family caregivers that contribute to higher risk of poor health outcomes.1 The Institute of Medicine and National Quality Forum identified improving transitions across the continuum from acute care to home as a national priority.2,3 Despite this, care transitions for individuals with disabling conditions, such as stroke, remain inefficient, resulting in unmet patient and caregiver needs, increased safety risks, high rates of preventable readmissions, and increased healthcare costs.4 Nurses have an integral role in care coordination activities at various practice levels and settings, thus nurses can help transform healthcare delivery for stroke survivors through improving transitions. Stroke is the leading cause of major disability. Annually, ≈800 000 people are hospitalized for stroke in the United States. In 2010, there were ≈6.6 million stroke survivors with a predicted increase in prevalence of >20% over the next 20 years.5 Despite medical advances resulting in reduced stroke mortality, disability after stroke remains a major concern and adds complexity to care transitions for this population. Given stroke prevalence, improving nurses’ engagement in optimizing care transitions for this population is essential. Readmissions after discharge from institutional settings to the community are a closely monitored measurement of care transition effectiveness. Readmissions may indicate unresolved problems, discharge to an inappropriate level of care, quality of immediate posthospital care, or a combination of these factors.6 Thirty-day readmission rates after hospital discharge are reported at 14.4%, with 11.9% of these determined as preventable.7 Readmissions after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facilities range from 9.0% to 16.7%, varying with the severity of stroke impairment.8 Patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities have the highest 30-day readmission rates.9 Readmissions are associated with substantial economic burden on the healthcare …
Evaluation and Repair of Laryngotracheoesophageal Clefts

A laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC) is a fissure between the laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal systems. The incidence is currently estimated to be 1:10,000 to 1:20,000 births and is increasing as less severe clefts are more often recognized [18]. Laryngeal clefts are more common in male children, with a male to female ratio of 5:3. Sixty percent are associated with other congenital abnormalities, most commonly tracheoesophageal fistula and tracheomalacia [12].
Which is the Best Criterion for Identification of Dynamic Models

Abstract A novel criterion for system identification is proposed. It is based on calculations of the total quadratic error between the derivative of the plant data and the derivative of the model output. This criterion produces much better models when the experimental data are corrupted by unmeasured external disturbance
Examining an Executive Function Battery for Use with Preschool Children with Disabilities

Performance-based assessments of EF for use with young children who have or are at risk for disabilities are lacking. The current study investigates the use of a computerized battery for children with subclinical behaviors (N = 846) across a variety of developmental disabilities and evaluates practical information about feasibility of task administration. Results reveal that children with disabilities performed similarly to their typically developing peers across a variety of metrics for evaluating the battery, ranging from percent correct scores to administrator quality ratings. Thus, the battery may be considered an easy-to-administer, performance-based assessment tool in which children with disabilities do not perform systemically worse than typically developing peers.
New Partner Recruitment to Rural Versus Urban Ob-Gyn Practices: A Survey of Practicing Ob-Gyns.

PURPOSE The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the recruitment efforts of practicing obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyns) from rural and urban practices. METHOD The authors surveyed practicing ob-gyns from 5 states in the Pacific Northwest in 2016 about their background, practice setting, practice profile, partner recruitment, and retention. RESULTS Seventy-three patients completed the study (53.2% response rate). Thirty-seven percent of respondents work in an urban practice and 43% have a rural practice, with the remainder in a suburban setting. A majority of the respondents attempted to recruit a new partner in the past 5 years. Respondents were most interested in experience and diversity in new recruits. Urban respondents, however, were more interested in hiring those with specialized skills (χ2 = 7.842, P = .02) than rural providers who were more interested in partners familiar with their community (χ2= 7.153, P = .03). Reasons most often cited to leave their practice were reimbursement, limited social/marital options, and workload, other than rural providers who more often also cited lack of access to specialty care (χ2= 13.256, P = .001). Rural providers were more likely to cite marital and family status as an advantage to recruitment, whereas urban and suburban providers were more often neutral. CONCLUSIONS Reduced access to care has led to significant health disparities for women living in rural communities. Understanding which providers are most likely to be successful in these settings might help preserve access as our health-care systems evolves.
Quasi-optical switching for mm-wave cavity dumping

A thin silicon wafer when illuminated by a Q-switched frequency doubled Nd-YAG laser is used as a very fast ultra-low loss,quasi-optical photo-conductive switch to cavity dump a millimetre-wave open resonator. Initial experiments indicate that itshould be possible to provide short pulses at millimetre-wave frequencies with power gains of several hundred.
Olfactory Adaptation is Dependent on Route of Delivery

Odorants are perceived orthonasally (nostrils) or retronasally (oral cavity). Prior research indicates route of delivery impacts odorant perception, pleasantness, and directed behaviors thus suggesting differential processing of olfactory information. Adaptation is a form of neural processing resulting in decreased perceived intensity of a stimulus following prolonged and continuous exposure. The present study objective was to determine whether route of delivery differentially impacts olfactory adaptation and whether cross-adaptation occurs between orthonasal and retronasal pathways. Linalool (12%) or vanillin (25%) were delivered orthonasally [6 L/min (LPM)] and retronasally (8 LPM) in air phase through a custom-built olfactometer. Perceived odorant intensity was collected every 5 min over 10-min exposure. Immediately following the exposure period, cross-adaptation was assessed by shunting the delivery of the odorant from the nostrils to the oral cavity, or vice versa. A control study was also completed in which subjects underwent the orthonasal adaptation protocol using stimulus concentrations matched to the intensity of restronasal stimuli (e.g., 1.5% linalool and 6.25% vanillin). Following orthonasal delivery of both high and low vanillin concentrations, results showed perceived intensity decreased significantly at 5 and 10 min. High concentrations of orthonasal linalool similarly decreased significantly whereas lower concentrations decreased but did not reach statistical significance. Linalool and vanillin delivered retronasally did not adapt as perceived intensity actually increased significantly following a 10-min exposure. In addition, evidence of cross-adaptation was not obvious following extended odorant exposure from either delivery pathway. This study suggests that olfactory processing may be affected by the route of odorant delivery.
What Have We Learned from the PDP-11?

In the six year that the PDP-11 has been on the market, more than 20,000 units in 10 different models have been sold. Although one of the original system design goals was a broad range of models, the actual range of 500 to 1 (in cost and memory size) has exceeded the design goals.
Systems Principles in the Real World: Understanding Drug-Resistant TB

An example of how a complex modern problem for humankind can be considered in terms of systems science should help in understanding how the principles introduced in Chap. 1 can be applied. Drug-resistant tuberculosis has become a threat brought on by our very use of antibiotics and the power of evolution to select more fit bacteria strain—fit that is to not be affected adversely by antibiotics originally developed by humans to kill them and prevent disease. This chapter lays out the complexity of the problem and examines its facets through the lenses of the principles.
Behavioral aggregation within complex situations: a case study involving dynamic equilibria

The analysis of large complex situations poses difficult problems for qualitative reasoning due to the complexity of reasoning from first principles and the proliferation of ambiguities. Abstraction is a promising Bolution to these problems. In this paper, we study a type of abstraction, behavioral aggregation--the process of grouping a set of individual entities that collectively behave as a unit. In particular, we show how to build aggregate models of situations involving dynamic equilibria and how to reason about their behavior. Finally, we demonstrate, through several examples, the benefits of reasoning at the aggregate level: a reduction in the complexity of reasoning and a compact, easily interpretable, description of the behavior.
Applications Of Information Technology In IPM

This chapter discusses the impacts and applications of information technology (IT) in pest management. A brief review will be given to the history of IT applications in pest management with an emphasis on recent developments. The discussion will focus on two IT technologies, the World Wide Web (the Web) and databases, within the context of their applications to pest management. Some of the applications will be highlighted to illustrate the potential impacts of the IT technologies in pest management in the near future. Finally, a detailed consideration of the application of these technologies in a decision support system for plant disease management will be presented.
The BRCA1/2 Pathway Prevents Some Leukemias and Lymphomas in Addition to Breast/Ovarian Cancers: Malignancies that Overcome Checkpoint Controls

In individuals who do not inherit BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, the encoded proteins prevent breast/ovarian cancer. However BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins have multiple functions including participating in a DNA damage response subroutine that mediates repair of DNA double strand breaks by error-free methods. Inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2, or any other critical protein within this “BRCA pathway” due to a gene mutation inactivates this error-repair process. DNA fragments produced by double strand breaks are then left to non-specific processes that rejoin them without any regard for preserving normal gene regulation or function, so rearrangements of DNA segments are more likely. These kinds of rearrangements are typically associated with some lymphomas and leukemias, so risk of these cancers is also increased. Therefore, along with preventing breast/ovarian cancers, preventing a subgroup of human lymphomas and leukemias is a physiologically important function of the pathway mediated by BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene products. Substantial percentages of these cancers, however, include non-random, characteristic gene rearrangements that bear witness to misrepair of DNA double strand breaks. In at least some of these diseases, there are specific mechanisms that overcome checkpoint controls.
The EGOV Research Community: An Update on Where We Stand

The body of practical and academic knowledge in e-government has significantly grown over the past decade. New publication outlets in e-government have emerged, and the research agenda has deepened and widened. The paper assesses the current topical orientations and trends in e-government and also updates an earlier study, which profiled the researcher community. The paper documents the productivity and impact of the most prolific scholars in e-government. The center of gravity of e-government research in terms of the location of most prolific scholars has shifted away from North America.
Broad and Region-Specific Impacts of the Synthetic Cannabinoid CP 55,940 in Adolescent and Adult Female Mouse Brains

Relative to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the synthetic cannabinoid CP 55,940 (CP) is significantly more potent and efficacious at cannabinoid receptors, the primary targets for endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs). eCBs belong to a large, interconnected lipidome of bioactive signaling molecules with a myriad of effects in optimal and pathological function. Recreational use of highly potent and efficacious synthetic cannabinoids is common amongst adolescents, potentially impacting brain development. Knowledge of the molecular outcomes of synthetic cannabinoid use will be important to develop more targeted therapies for synthetic cannabinoid intoxication and to prevent long-term disruption to the CNS. Here, we test the hypothesis that CP has age and region-dependent effects on the brain lipidome. Adolescent [post-natal day (PND) 35 and PND 50] and young adult female mice were given either an acute dose of CP or vehicle and brains were collected 2 h later. Eight brain regions were dissected and levels of ∼80 lipids were screened from each region using HPLC/MS/MS. CP had widespread effects on the brain lipidome in all age groups. Interestingly, more changes were observed in the PND 35 mice and more were reductions in a lipid's concentration, including region-dependent lowering of eCB levels. CP levels were highest in the cortex at PND 35, the hippocampus at PND 50, and in the cerebellum in the adult. These data provide novel insights into how high-potency, synthetic cannabinoids drive different, age-dependent, cellular signaling effects in the brain.
Proceedings of the 48th Annual Southeast Regional Conference

Welcome to the 48th Annual ACM Southeast Conference (ACMSE 2010) at the University of Mississippi. The technical program for ACMSE 2010 includes a wide variety of presentations from a diverse set of presenters. The final program is comprised of six types of presentations: papers, student papers, work in progress papers, posters, student posters and tutorials/workshops. A large number of qualified volunteer reviewers contributed to a comprehensive review process that evaluated all submitted papers and work in progress papers. Ultimately, 48 papers were accepted from the 94 submitted, while 30 work in progress papers were accepted from the 44 submitted. In addition, 20 posters and student posters will be presented. This year there will be 4 three-hour workshops and 3 shorter tutorials presented.
Warming seas increase cold-stunning events for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in the northwest Atlantic

Since the 1970s, the magnitude of turtle cold-stun strandings have increased dramatically within the northwestern Atlantic. Here, we examine oceanic, atmospheric, and biological factors that may affect the increasing trend of cold-stunned Kemp’s ridleys in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, United States of America. Using machine learning and Bayesian inference modeling techniques, we demonstrate higher cold-stunning years occur when the Gulf of Maine has warmer sea surface temperatures in late October through early November. Surprisingly, hatchling numbers in Mexico, a proxy for population abundance, was not identified as an important factor. Further, using our Bayesian count model and forecasted sea surface temperature projections, we predict more than 2,300 Kemp’s ridley turtles may cold-stun annually by 2031 as sea surface temperatures continue to increase within the Gulf of Maine. We suggest warmer sea surface temperatures may have modified the northerly distribution of Kemp’s ridleys and act as an ecological bridge between the Gulf Stream and nearshore waters. While cold-stunning may currently account for a minor proportion of juvenile mortality, we recommend continuing efforts to rehabilitate cold-stunned individuals to maintain population resiliency for this critically endangered species in the face of a changing climate and continuing anthropogenic threats.
RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM INHIBITION IN HEART FAILURE WITH MID-RANGE EJECTION FRACTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Data are inconsistent regarding whether clinical characteristics of patients with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are similar to HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) or HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Currently, no evidence based therapy exists for HFmrEF. Thus we conducted a systematic
Integration of patient-reported adverse events into a phase II chemotherapy treatment trial.

6583 Background: It has been shown that patient reporting of symptomatic adverse events (AEs) is feasible during routine chemotherapy, and that patients report AEs that clinicians otherwise miss. I...
Modeling Periodic Autoregressive Time Series with Multiple Periodic Effects

Two models of periodic autoregressive time series with multiple periodic effects are introduced and studied. In the first model, the autoregression coefficients vary periodically with several dominant components associated with two or more periods (for example, day and week for hourly data). In the second model, the autoregression coefficients consist of the additive periodic effects of several nominal variables (for example, the effect of hour in a given day and the effect of day in a given week for hourly data). Truncated Fourier representations of different periods are used to parametrize the autoregression coefficients in the two models. Model estimation and inference through ordinary and weighted least squares, and model selection based on diagnostics plots, in particular, are considered for the two approaches. An application to a real time series of hourly electricity volumes from the Nord Pool Spot Exchange is also presented, where the nature and use of the two models are contrasted.
Dual-Input Kinetic Modeling in Dynamic PET: Clinical Evaluation of the Impact of Time-of-Flight Imaging

Dynamic 18F-FDG PET has the promise of noninvasively measuring liver inflammation by means of tracer kinetic modeling. A unique feature of dynamic liver PET is that dual-input kinetic modeling is required for considering the dual-blood supply to the liver. While time-of-flight (TOF) reconstruction is expected to improve kinetic quantification over non-TOF imaging, it is unclear how the improvement by TOF interacts with tracer kinetic modeling and if the benefit of TOF can be transferred into improving the correlation of PET biomarkers with histopathology. In this paper, we investigate the impact of TOF imaging on conventional single-input kinetic modeling and new dual-input kinetic modeling using patient data of liver imaging and histopathological data. The results have shown that TOF imaging has a minimal effect on single-input kinetic modeling but is more impactful on the dual-input kinetic modeling approach. Combined use of the dual-input model and TOF is crucial for improving the correlation of the PET biomaker with liver inflammation.
Narratives, Rituals and Political Imaginations: The Social and Political World of the Vashona of North-Eastern Zimbabwe from the 16th to the 19th Centuries

This article is about power in pre-colonial polities of the Chishona-speaking people who lived in the north-eastern parts of the Zimbabwean plateau from the late 16th century to the end of the 19th...
Diploid chromosome-scale assembly of the Muscadinia rotundifolia genome supports chromosome fusion and disease resistance gene expansion during Vitis and Muscadinia divergence

Muscadinia rotundifolia, the muscadine grape, has been cultivated for centuries in the southeastern United States. M. rotundifolia is resistant to many of the pathogens that detrimentally affect Vitis vinifera, the grape species commonly used for winemaking. For this reason, M. rotundifolia is a valuable genetic resource for breeding. Single-molecule real-time reads were combined with optical maps to reconstruct the two haplotypes of each of the 20 M. rotundifolia cv. Trayshed chromosomes. The completeness and accuracy of the assembly were confirmed using a high-density linkage map of M. rotundifolia. Protein-coding genes were annotated using an integrated and comprehensive approach. This included using Full-length cDNA sequencing (Iso-Seq) to improve gene structure and hypothetical spliced variant predictions. Our data strongly support that Muscadinia chromosomes 7 and 20 are fused in Vitis and pinpoint the location of the fusion in Cabernet Sauvignon and PN40024 chromosome 7. Disease-related gene numbers in Trayshed and Cabernet Sauvignon were similar, but their clustering locations were different. A dramatic expansion of the Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor-like Nucleotide-Binding Site Leucine-Rich Repeat (TIR-NBS-LRR) class was detected on Trayshed chromosome 12 at the Resistance to Uncinula necator 1 (RUN1)/ Resistance to Plasmopara viticola 1 (RPV1) locus, which confers strong dominant resistance to powdery and downy mildews. A genome browser for Trayshed, its annotation, and an associated Blast tool are available at www.grapegenomics.com.
Optimization of Aggregated EV Power in Residential Communities with Smart Homes

Electric vehicles (EVs) tend to increase peak power for residences in the evening when house owners return home and begin charging. The aggregated EV charging demand can cause a sudden rise in the peak power at the distribution system level, resulting in a “dragon curve” Such phenomenon, combined with the “duck curve” that is caused by high photovoltaic (PV) penetration in residential communities, requires fast ramping rates and expanded capabilities for local distribution transformers and main feeder cables provided by the utility. As a solution, a residential energy storage system (RESS) can store surplus PV generation during midday and use the stored energy to support the peak power demand in the evening. House owners benefit from this strategy by avoiding electricity sales to the grid at low rates and by reducing energy usage during high Time-of-Use (ToU) periods. In this paper, a community with smart homes that include PV systems, RESSs and EVs was modeled. The EV models were developed based on data from the National Travel Household Survey (NHTS). The EV charging and RESS operation were scheduled to reduce the daily utility charge. The entire power system worked as virtual power plant as it kept the aggregated power constant for a long period of time.
Maternal Healthcare Faces Challenges in Uncertain Times

As the coronavirus pandemic progressed around the world, hospitals and healthcare settings were under unprecedented demand and stress. While many areas of medicine not related to treating COVID patients were put on the sidelines, obstetric patients still required checkups and hospital stays for labor and delivery. This article provides an overview of the experiences women faced while giving birth during this time, and the unique policies necessary to provide women with quality care and safe spaces to deliver in such strenuous times.