cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptor‐alpha immunoreactive neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray receive monosynaptic input from the lumbosacral cord in the rhesus monkey

Estrogen affects female sexual behavior, analgesia, and micturition in mammals. One of the possible sites at which estrogen might exert its effect on these functions is the periaqueductal gray (PAG). The PAG is involved in each of these functions, it receives sensory input relevant to these functions from the lumbosacral cord, and contains estrogen receptor-alpha immunoreactive (ER-alpha IR) neurons. The present light (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) study seeks to determine whether there are monosynaptic projections from the lumbosacral cord to ER-alpha IR neurons in the PAG of the female rhesus monkey. Tracer was injected into the lumbosacral cord to visualize the lumbosacral-PAG projection, and the distribution of ER-alpha IR neurons in the PAG was studied immunohistochemically. The medial part of the ventrolateral caudal PAG received the densest projection from the lumbosacral cord. Another prominent projection was found in the lateral PAG at the intercollicular level. Although ER-alpha IR neurons were widely distributed throughout the PAG, approximately 40%, of ER-alpha IR PAG neurons were located as a distinct cluster in the medial portion of the ventrolateral, caudal PAG. Double labeling experiments showed that the location of this cluster precisely overlapped with the densest lumbosacral-PAG projection. EM revealed that axons from the lumbosacral cord made asymmetrical synaptic contacts with unlabeled dendrites and ER-alpha IR neuronal somata in the ventrolateral PAG. It is concluded that there exists a specific, monosynaptic pathway from lumbosacral neurons to ER-alpha expressing PAG neurons in the rhesus monkey. This pathway might be involved in the mechanism of analgesia, blood pressure, mating behavior, and micturition. J. Comp. Neurol. 443:27-42, 2002. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A note on the calculation of N-statistics.

A class of statistics suitable for testing against equality of multivariate distributions is described by Klebanov and co-workers in 2007. Referred to as N-statistics, their discriminating ability is based on various forms of distance kernels in ℝd, the intention being to capture distinct forms of deviation from equality. This makes them particularly suitable for large-scale genomic screening applications, in which such variety of alternatives can be anticipated. One of these kernels, denoted as L4, introduces weighting by directional densities, hence the evaluation of L4 requires integration on the unit sphere in ℝd. In this note we introduce a methodology for the evaluation of integrals related to L4. It is shown that for a class of directional densities including, but not limited to, the uniform density L4 reduces to Euclidean distance. For other cases, the methodology permits a direct interpretation of L4 in terms of the directional weighting.
Encomienda or Slavery? The Spanish Crown's Choice of Labor Organization in Sixteenth-Century Spanish America

When the Spaniards conquered the New World, they resorted to a form of native labor organization called the encomienda. The encomienda differed from slavery in that the Crown imposed inheritance, trading, and relocation restrictions on encomenderos. Such restrictions cost the Crown revenue by providing incentives for colonists to deplete more quickly the stock of native labor and by keeping native labour in areas of low-revenue productivity. This loss of revenue makes the Crown's Preference for the encomienda curious. The Crown opted for the encomienda, however, to secure its rule and to satisfy an ideological bias against slavery.
The cardiogenic syncope in the elderly: a review on the epidemiology and social costs.

Abstract Although syncope is a common clinical problem in the elderly, little is known of its epidemiology and social costs. According to some epidemiological enquiries, syncope is responsible for 3% of emergency room visits and for 6% of the medical admissions in general hospitals. Although some types of syncope are benign and self-limited, those of traumatic origin with abrupt loss of consciousness represent a considerable morbidity, particularly in elderly patients. The prevalence in 10 years was of 23%, with an annual occurrence of 6–7% and a recurrence rate of 30%. Despite accurate investigations, syncope remains unexplained in about 50% of the patients. The first year mortality for cardiac syncope is 20–30%, against 5% for non-cardiac causes and 10% for syncope of unknown origin. Sudden death occurred in 17% of cardiac syncope cases. An approximate cost analysis can be obtained through the survey of costs relative to the length of the hospitalization and to the number of the main diagnostic tests applied. It must be underlined, however, that the clinical history and physical examination supply the most important contribution to the diagnosis in old patients, and these often are more than sufficient to suggest the suitable choice among the instrumental tests to be applied; this approach helps considerably to reduce the hospital costs.
Variable-Density Parallel Imaging With Partially Localized Coil Sensitivities

Partially parallel imaging with localized sensitivities is a fast parallel image reconstruction method for both Cartesian and non-Cartesian trajectories, but suffers from aliasing artifacts when there are deviations from the assumption of perfect localization. Such reconstructions would normally crop the individual coil images to remove the artifacts prior to combination. However, the sampling densities in variable-density k-space trajectories support different field-of-views for separate regions in k -space. In fact, the higher sampling density of low frequencies can be used to reconstruct a bigger field-of-view without introducing aliasing artifacts and the resulting image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved. A novel, fast variable-density parallel imaging method is presented, which reconstructs different field-of-views from separate frequencies according to the local sampling density in k-space. Aliasing-suppressed images can be produced with high SNR-efficiency without the need for accurate estimation of coil sensitivities and complex or iterative computations.
Equivalence of a sprouting-and-retraction model and correlation-based plasticity models of neural development

A simple model of correlation-based synaptic plasticity via axonal sprouting and retraction (Elliott, Howarth, & Shadbolt, 1996a) is shown to be equivalent to the class of correlation-based models (Miller, Keller, & Stryker, 1989), although these were formulated in terms of weight modification of anatomically fixed synapses. Both models maximize the same measure of synaptic correlation, subject to certain constraints on connectivity. Thus, the analyses of the correlation-based models suffice to characterize the behavior of the sprouting-and-retraction model. More detailed models are needed for theoretical distinctions to be drawn between plasticity via sprouting and retraction, weight modification, or a combination. The model of Elliott et al. involves stochastic search through allowed weight patterns for those that improve correlations. That of Miller et al. instead follows dynamical equations that determine continuous changes of the weights that improve correlations. The identity of these two approaches is shown to depend on the use of subtractive constraint enforcement in the models of Miller et al. More generally, to model the idea that neural development acts to maximize some measure of correlation subject to a constraint on the summed synaptic weight, the constraint must be enforced subtractively in a dynamical model.
A NOTE ON OVERSTABILITY AND THE ELASTOID-INERTIA OSCILLATIONS OF KELVIN, SOLBERG, AND BJERKNES

Abstract Results elucidating the mechanism by which overstable (oscillating) cellular convection occurs in rotating layers are given. There is a close connection with the elastoid-inertia oscillations in a rotating cylinder discussed by Kelvin, Solberg, and Bjerknes, and it is found that diffusion of heat by conduction acts in a deslabilizing way in the motion. Simple experiments in a rotating cylinder on the elastoid-inertia oscillations show a remarkably close agreement with the free periods calculated theoretically. This, in the field of meteorological experiments, is important in establishing close agreement with meteorological theory in a situation where the flow can be strongly ageostrophic.
The Uses and Limitations of Contour Advection as a Technique for Examining Arctic Vortex Dynamics

A contour advection technique, contour advection with surgery (CAS), is applied to the Northern Hemisphere Arctic vortex during several dynamically active periods in midwinter and at several different levels in the stratosphere. The ability of the technique to accurately depict vortex evolution is assessed. Isentropic potential vorticity (PV) is used as the dynamic tracer, and observed winds on isentropic surfaces are used to advect the PV contours. Results of the current study show that while it may provide a continuous view of vortex evolution that is spatially and temporally consistent, quantitative information regarding vortex area change derived from CAS is of limited utility. The results are shown to be somewhat sensitive to subtle differences in the wind and PV fields for quantities (such as area) that develop slowly in time. Increasing the temporal resolution of the advecting wind field does not appear to improve the agreement between CAS results and model or observed data. The poor correspondence between the area changes from CAS and those derived from analyzed data suggests that diabatic effects during most of these events are important. Percentage differences between the CAS and the analyzed PV contours are more pronounced above the lower region of the stratosphere, and a large part of the differences are acquired in the first day of a CAS calculation. Contour length parameters such as e-folding time are relatively insensitive to uncertainties in the initial conditions, suggesting that quantities that change rapidly (as length does) are better determined by CAS; however, the filamentary structure contributes little to vortex area results.
Mechanical Properties of Aging Skeletal Muscle

Aging skeletal muscle exhibits changes in the tissue architecture, muscle fiber type, and other molecular substructures. These changes often result in sarcopenia, characterized by losses in muscle mass, force generation, contractile velocity, and power. Total force generation is the primary indicator of skeletal muscle strength, and is the summation of the active force produced by muscle fibers and a passive force from the tissue stretching. The elastic and viscoelastic mechanical properties of skeletal muscle can be measured experimentally in vitro, in situ, as well as in vivo for both active and passive muscle. These properties can provide insight into the causes of decreased force generation, but few studies have explored how they change with age. Although some aging-induced increases in passive elastic stiffness have been documented, their effects on overall muscle function are still unknown. A more complete description of aging effects requires further research into changes in the viscoelastic properties of skeletal muscle and their underlying structural mechanisms.
Race, Gender, and Legislative Politics in the Mississippi State Legislature: Examining the Legislative Behavior of Minority Legislators

Based on previous research concerning descriptive and substantive representation, this research examines the extent that minority legislators introduce and successfully pass bills that have a distinct policy interest of their constituency (e.g. education, suffrage, women’s interest, children’s interest, black interest, welfare, and healthcare). Using data collected from the Mississippi 2010, 2011, and 2012 Legislative sessions constructing logistic regression analysis the research hypothesizes that African American legislators are more likely to introduce a progressive bill than white legislators. The results of the analysis indicate that both African American males and females are more likely to pursue a progressive policy agenda compared to white male Republicans and white male Democrats. The results indicate that African American legislators bring a distinct policy agenda to the Mississippi legislative chamber; however, African-Americans have a difficult time getting this policy agenda passed.
An Integrated Approach Using Condition Monitoring and Modeling to Investigate Wind Turbine Gearbox Design

Vibration-based condition monitoring (CM) of geared utility-scale turbine drivetrains has been used by the wind industry to help improve operation and maintenance (O&M) practices, increase turbine availability, and reduce O&M cost. This study is a new endeavor that integrates the vibration-based CM technique with wind turbine gearbox modeling to investigate various gearbox design options. A team of researchers performed vibration-based CM measurements on a damaged wind turbine gearbox with a classic configuration, (i.e., one planetary stage and two parallel stages). We observed that the acceleration amplitudes around the first-order sidebands of the intermediate stage gear set meshing frequency were much lower than that measured at the high-speed gear set, and similar difference was also observed in a healthy gearbox. One factor for a reduction at the intermediate stage gear set is hypothesized to be the soft sun-spline configuration in the test gearbox. To evaluate this hypothesis, a multibody dynamic model of the healthy test gearbox was first developed and validated. Relative percent difference of the first-order sidebands — of the high-speed and intermediate stage gear-meshing frequencies — in the soft and the rigid sun spline configurations were compared. The results verified that the soft sun-spline configuration can reduce the sidebands of the intermediate stage gear set and also the locating bearing loads. The study demonstrates that combining vibration-based CM with appropriate modeling can provide insights for evaluating different wind turbine gearbox design options.© 2015 ASME
Abstract 376: Limits of [18F]-FLT PET as a predictive imaging biomarker of proliferation in oncology

Background: Surrogate, non-invasive imaging biomarkers of cellular proliferation hold great promise for quantifying response to personalized medicine in oncology. An emerging imaging approach to assess tumor proliferation utilizes the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 3′-deoxy-3′[18F]-fluorothymidine, [18F]-FLT. Though several studies have associated serial changes in [18F]-FLT-PET with elements of therapeutic response, the degree to which [18F]-FLT uptake quantitatively reflects proliferative index has been continuously debated for more that a decade. The goal of this preclinical study was to elucidate quantitative relationships between [18F]-FLT-PET and cellular, proteomic, and genomic metrics proliferation in treatment naive tumors. Methods and Findings: [18F]-FLT-PET imaging was conducted in mice bearing human colorectal or breast cancer cell line xenografts. Quantitative relationships between PET imaging, thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) protein and RNA levels, and immunostaining for proliferation markers (Ki67, TK1) were evaluated using imaging-matched tumor specimens. Overall, we found that [18F]-FLT-PET reflects TK1 protein levels in tumors. However, the cell cycle specificity of TK1 expression and the variable degree to which tumors utilize thymidine salvage for DNA synthesis tend to decouple [18F]-FLT-PET data from estimates of proliferation by standard, clinically employed means. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate that [18F]-FLT-PET reflects tumor proliferation as a function of thymidine salvage pathway utilization. Therefore, unlike more generalizable proliferation markers, such as Ki67 immunostaining, tumor uptake of [18F]-FLT reflects proliferative indices to variable and potentially unreliable extents. [18F]-FLT-PET can not discriminate moderately proliferative, thymidine salvage driven disease from highly proliferative tumors that rely primarily upon de novo thymidine synthesis. For those reasons, the magnitude of [18F]-FLT uptake in treatment naive tumors should not be considered a surrogate of proliferative index. These data provide rationale for the diversity of correlative results reported, both positive and discordant, comparing [18F]-FLT-PET and tumor proliferation across numerous single-center clinical studies and provide a basis for future clinical best-practices when this imaging biomarker is employed in oncology. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 376. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-376
Hodgkin's disease of the thymus (granulomatous thymoma) and myasthenia gravis: a unique association.

A 19-year-old girl who had myasthenia gravis was found to have thymic Hodgkin’s disease or “granulomatous thymoma.” The myasthenia regressed completely following surgical removal of the thymic lesion. This association of Hodgkin’s disease of the thymus and myasthenia appears unique. Possibly pathogenetic implications are discussed.
Perceived sense of community, cognitive engagement, and learning outcomes among undergraduate nursing students enrolled in an internet-based learning course

Internet-based learning environments are a popular instructional delivery method that provides flexibility, easy access, convenience, and self-directed learning. There is concern that Internet-based learning creates a loss of community and lacks the power to fully engage the student, leading to negative learning outcomes. This descriptive, correlational study evaluated the relationship among a perceived sense of community, cognitive engagement, and learner outcomes among undergraduate nursing students enrolled in an Internet-based learning course. A convenience sample of 96 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in an online health informatics course participated in this study. Findings indicated a moderate sense of community and a positive relationship between student engagement and learning outcomes. A variety of group activities such as wikis, blogs, and discussion board were helpful in promoting a sense of community, but students emphasized a desire for more faculty feedback and interaction. Nursing is a collaborative profession where community building is a critical skill; therefore, innovative teaching/learning techniques that promote a sense of belonging and community are needed to improve learning outcomes, prepare students to provide quality patient care, and interact with an interprofessional team.
First Report of Pantoea ananatis (Syn. Erwinia uredovora) Being Associated with Peanut Rust in Georgia

This is the first report of Pantoea ananatis on urediniospores of Puccinia arachidis. Presence of the bacterium is relevant for research and management of peanut rust. Accepted for publication 18 M...
Property and the Roberts Court

How do property owners fare before the Roberts Court? And why? This Article is the first comprehensive analysis of the property jurisprudence of the Roberts Court. Based on an examination of the Court’s property-related decisions issued between Chief Justice Roberts’ appointment and Justice Scalia’s death, it reveals that property owners almost always win in civil disputes with government entities, but usually lose in criminal cases. Under the leadership of Chief Justice Roberts, the Court has reinterpreted constitutional provisions and applied federal statutes in a manner that substantially expands the protection for property. Four core themes help to explain how this shift has occurred. The Court has increasingly: (1) “propertized” the Constitution; (2) enlarged protection for homes; (3) based decisions on distrust of government; and (4) shifted the boundaries of what constitutes “property.” The Article concludes by examining how the Court’s approach to property issues will evolve in the post-Scalia era.
223 EVALUATION OF MITOGENIC STIMULATION IN STEADY-STATE SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS.

Purpose of Study Some, but not all, of causes of immune dysfunction in sickle cell disease (SSD) are well established. l-Arginine (Arg), an important factor in cellular/humoral immunity, is deficient in SSD. We investigated a possible causal relationship between Arg deficiency in SSD and immune dysfunction. Mitogenesis in SSD in steady state with and without Arg supplementation was measured. Methods Eight steady-state (no vaso-occlusive episodes, immunosuppressants, fever/infection, or transfusions) SSD patients at Children9s Hospital of New Orleans were studied. Seven controls (not all age-matched) were used. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll centrifugation, cultured at 37°C with a final concentration of 105 cells/mL in RPMI-1640 having no Arg or glutamine and 40% autologous plasma or fetal calf serum (FCS). Arg and PHA were later added. Cells were cultured in triplicate. Cells were pulsed with 3H thymidine and the isotopes9s incorporation measured. Summary of Results FCS resulted in high background, so autologous plasma was used in subsequent experiments. Results are shown in the following graph as means ± SEM: Conclusion Both patient and control cells showed increased levels of mitogenic response after addition of Arg, with the response in the patient group being much greater. Because of low N, the changes were not significant. The greater than normal mitogenesis in SSD with/without Arg appears to support the statement that SSD is a chronic inflammatory state and also suggests that Arg supplementation may benefit these patients by enhancing immune responsiveness.
Understanding and Managing the Anxiety Surrounding Performance Evaluations

Performance evaluations are a well-known cause of anxiety in employees as well as supervisors. This anxiety cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed by the supervisor so that it will not impede an employee from working to a high degree of personal and supervisory satisfaction. The article shows that careful attention to, among other things, the tenor of any communication from supervisors to their employees, will tend to reduce the anxiety surrounding performance appraisal.
ONE BRAIN, TWO MINDS: AN ESSAY ON PRIMORDIAL AND ADVANCED MENTAL ACTIVITY.

The Primordial Mind in Health and Illness: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. By Michael Robbins.London/New York: Routledge, 2011. 240 pp.
Induction of varicella zoster virus DNA replication in dissociated human trigeminal ganglia

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus, becomes latent after primary infection and reactivates to produce zoster. To study VZV latency and reactivation, human trigeminal ganglia removed within 24 h after death were mechanically dissociated, randomly distributed into six-well tissue culture plates and incubated with reagents to inactivate nerve growth factor (NGF) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathways. At 5 days, VZV DNA increased in control and PI3-kinase inhibitor-treated cultures to the same extent, but was significantly more abundant in anti-NGF-treated cultures (p = 0.001). Overall, VZV DNA replication is regulated in part by an NGF pathway that is PI3-kinase-independent.
A conceptual framework on self-employment in later life: Toward a research agenda

Older adults consistently have a higher rate of self-employment than their younger counterparts, and the rates of self-employment among workers continue to rise as age increases from the “young old” to the “old old.” However, we know relatively little about why older adults decide to pursue self-employment in later life, the self-employment experience itself, and the individual and societal outcomes of this growing type of work. Additionally, we know very little about how age itself is a factor in the decision to pursue this type of work in later life, how age impacts the type of self-employment pursued and its outcomes, and if and how other factors mediate the effects of age on self-employment. This article, through a review of the current empirical and conceptual literature, presents a new conceptual framework of self-employment in later life. It posits that there are several individual (e.g., age and other sociodemographic factors, perceived future time, and personal preferences and values) and contextual (e.g., family, community, and societal characteristics) antecedents, as well as individual (i.e., health and well-being and economic security) and societal (i.e., economic and community value) outcomes to later-life self-employment. It also argues for more exploratory research on the self-employment experiences of older adults, including how, where, and with whom the work is completed. Finally, this article provides a set of propositions designed to support a scholarly research agenda on self-employment in later life.
Musical Theater Songs

Musical Theater Songs (MusicalTheaterSongs.com) is a growing index of over 10,000 songs from the musical theater repertoire. The site’s coverage spans over 150 years and continues to grow each mont...
Don't Break the Internet

Two bills now pending in Congress – the “Protect IP Act” (“Protect IP”) in the Senate, the “Stop Online Piracy Act” (“SOPA”) in the House – represent the latest legislative attempts to address online copyright and trademark infringement. Although the bills differ in certain respects, they share an underlying approach and an enforcement philosophy that pose grave constitutional problems and that could have potentially disastrous consequences for the stability and security of the Internet's addressing system, for the principle of interconnectivity that has helped drive the Internet’s extraordinary growth, and for free expression.
A phase II study combining ipilimumab and degarelix with or without radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with newly diagnosed metastatic noncastration prostate cancer (mNCPC) or biochemically recurrent (BR) NCPC.

203Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) does not completely eliminate disease in mNCPC or BRPC. We explored a multimodality treatment (tx) approach combining ADT with ipilimumab (ipi) with the aim of achieving no evidence of disease or complete elimination of disease, given the potential for cure seen with immunotherapy. Methods: Cohort A (Coh A) enrolled men with ≤ 10 bone metastases treated with induction of degarelix (deg) and ipi prior to RP and subsequent ipi q3 weeks x 3 and 8 months (mos) total of deg. Cohort B (Coh B) opened later and enrolled men with BRNCPC after RP with a doubling time ≤ 12 mos, and received ipi q3 weeks x 4 and 8 mos of deg. The primary endpoint was an undetectable PSA (<0.05) at 12 and 20 mos with non-castrate testosterone. Results: 16 pts (7 Coh A; 9 Coh B) were treated. No Coh A pts experienced immune related toxicities (irAE) that delayed surgery. 4/7 (57%) Coh A pts came off study for irAE, 1 (14%) for insurance reasons, and 2 (29%) completed all protocol requir...
Molecular anatomy of the early events in STIM1 activation – oligomerization or conformational change?

Decreased luminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ concentration triggers oligomerization and clustering of the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 to promote its association with plasma membrane Orai1 Ca2+ channels leading to increased Ca2+ influx. A key step in STIM1 activation is the release of its SOAR domain from an intramolecular clamp formed with the STIM1 first coiled-coil (CC1) region. Using a truncated STIM1(1-343) molecule that captures or releases the isolated SOAR domain depending on luminal ER Ca2+ concentrations, we analyzed the early molecular events that control the intramolecular clamp formed between the CC1 and SOAR domains. We found that STIM1 forms constitutive dimers, and its CC1 domain can bind the SOAR domain of another STIM1 molecule in trans. Artificial oligomerization failed to liberate the SOAR domain or activate STIM1 unless the luminal Ca2+-sensing domains were removed. We propose that the release of SOAR from its CC1 interaction is controlled by changes in the orientation of the two CC1 domains in STIM1 dimers. Ca2+ unbinding in the STIM1 luminal domains initiates the conformational change allowing SOAR domain liberation and clustering, leading to Orai1 channel activation.
Human machine interface in the Internet of Things (IoT)

Humans would play a central role in IoT systems. The human operator represents one of the most vulnerable in the IoT system, one who can easily be overlooked. In the present study, we sought to accentuate human-in-the-loop issues in System of Systems, and in particular IoT systems through reviewing relevant literature from various perspectives. Some of the issues we highlighted include information visualization, cognition and human trust in intelligent systems. We also explained how neuroergonomics approaches may be employed together with traditional behavioral and subjective measures to improve human-IoT device interactions.
Dissolved carbon transport in a river-lake continuum: A case study in a subtropical watershed, USA

Abstract Rivers and lakes have been traditionally studied as separate entities for carbon transport. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of the connectivity of dissolved carbon in a river-lake continuum. In this study, we analyzed dissolved carbon along the Little River-Catahoula Lake in subtropical Louisiana, United States to assess carbon biogeochemistry in such a river-lake continuum. Monthly in-situ measurements and water sample collections were made at four locations during April 2015 to February 2016 to determine riverine carbon transport into and out of the lake. Results show that much of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the river-lake continuum originated from 13C depleted sources with an average δ13CDIC of −18.5‰. Significant decreases in DIC were found after the river passed through the lake (from 482 to 399 μmol L−1), which was most prevalent when the lake was not affected by backwater flow from the downstream river. CO2 outgassing could be mainly responsible for the sink behavior of the lake for DIC. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the studied watershed were mostly terrigenous with low δ13CDOC averaged at −29.2‰. Significant, consistent decreases in DOC concentrations were found from the river to the lake inflow and then to the lake outflow. During the majority of the year, the lake reduced DOC concentrations from the river inflow water, but switched to functioning as a source of DOC during warmer, dryer conditions in September and October due to increased water residence time. Therefore, the lake functioned both as a sink and as a source for DOC.
Improving LiDAR-based Surface Reconstruction Using Ground Control

Modern LiDAR systems offer ranging accuracy at 2–3 cm level at scanning rates of up to 100 kHz, assuring high point density that can support demanding mapping applications. However, the high complexity of the system may result in error sources that can degrade the accuracy of the points on the ground; thus, careful calibration and rigid connection among the system’s components is crucial. Obviously, GPS/INS accuracy is required at the highest level to guarantee that the high ranging accuracy translates to a comparable accuracy of the collected ground points.
Diagnosis and Characterization of Brain Tumors: MR Spectroscopic Imaging

In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was first demonstrated to be feasible in vivo in the human brain in the mid-1980s [1], and the first example of it being applied to human brain tumors following soon after in 1989 [2]. It was already apparent from this paper that brain tumors had greatly different metabolite profiles compared to normal tissue, and that differences in spectra may exist between different brain lesions of different pathologies. Since that time, there has been steady progress in the use of MRS and the related technique of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) for the clinical evaluation of human brain tumors [3].
Formation of Awareness

Having discussed the importance and key features of CSA, both in general and in comparison with a better known Kinetic Situational Awareness, we now proceed to explore how and from where the CSA emerges. Formation of Cyber Situational Awareness is a complex process that goes through a number of distinct phases and produces a number of distinct outputs. Humans with widely different roles drive this process while using diverse procedures and computerized tools. This chapter explores how situational awareness forms within the different phases of the cyber defense process, and describes the different roles that are involved in the lifecycle of situational awareness. The chapter presents an overview of the overall process of cyber defense and then identifies several distinct facets of situational awareness in the context of cyber defense. An overview of the state of the art is followed by a detailed description of a comprehensive framework for Cyber Situational Awareness developed by the authors of this chapter. We highlight the significance of five key functions within CSA: learning from attacks, prioritization, metrics, continuous diagnostics and mitigation, and automation.
Building trust by tearing others down: When accusing others of unethical behavior engenders trust

Abstract We demonstrate that accusations harm trust in targets, but boost trust in the accuser when the accusation signals that the accuser has high integrity. Compared to individuals who did not accuse targets of engaging in unethical behavior, accusers engendered greater trust when observers perceived the accusation to be motivated by a desire to defend moral norms, rather than by a desire to advance ulterior motives. We also found that the accuser’s moral hypocrisy, the accusation's revealed veracity, and the target’s intentions when committing the unethical act moderate the trust benefits conferred to accusers. Taken together, we find that accusations have important interpersonal consequences.
Sill-Influenced Exchange Flows in Ice Shelf Cavities

AbstractBathymetric sills are important features in the ocean-filled cavities beneath a few fast-retreating ice shelves in West Antarctica and northern Greenland. The sills can be high enough to ob...
Elimination of surgical drains following robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy.

To prospectively evaluate outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) following elimination of surgical drains. 100 consecutive drainless RAPN performed by a single surgeon were analyzed following a previously published quantitative assessment of drain creatinine/serum creatinine ratios. This cohort was compared to 100 preceding RAPN with drains. Variables analyzed included pre-operative patient/tumor characteristics and post-operative outcomes including post-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), length of hospital stay (LOS), and complications. There was no significant difference in median patient age, sex, body mass index, ASA score, or pre-operative eGFR between the two groups. The preceding 100 patients with drains did have larger median renal size (3.5 vs 2.6 cm, p < 0.001), higher median RENAL scores (9 vs 8, p < 0.001), and longer warm ischemia time (21 vs 18 min, p = 0.004). Patients without drains had shorter median LOS (2.0 days vs 3.0 days, p < 0.001), fewer Grade III or higher post-operative complications (4% vs 10%, p = 0.007), and no difference in 1 month percent change in eGFR (− 13% vs − 11%, p = 0.84). After adjusting for confounding variables there was no difference in LOS (OR 1.50, p = 0.31), Grade III–V complications (OR 1.49, p = 0.63), or 1 month percent change in eGFR (OR 2.3, p = 0.41) between the two groups. One patient in the drainless group required a post-operative drain for a urine leak diagnosed 10 days following RAPN. Omission of drains is safe in RAPN and does not appear to offer a clinical advantage.
An Age-Friendly University (AFU) assists with technology learning and social engagement among older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities

ABSTRACTAs an Age-Friendly University (AFU), University of Akron is striving to support lifelong learning. A collaborative research effort developed between aging researchers at the university and a government-sponsored pilot program aimed to provide learning opportunities for older adults (OA) and engagement for individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD). The present study assessed the success of a pilot program to increase comfort with technology and community engagement. OA and IDD participants met twice a month for 9 months to discuss how to use technology (e.g., an IPad). We assessed satisfaction, perceived changes in comfort with technology, perceived changes in connection with others, and motivations for participating with questionnaires and a structured interview. On average, participants reported very high satisfaction with the group, and moderate increases in comfort with technology and how connected they feel to others as a result of participating in the group. The most common motivation...
Comparison of Patient Outcomes of Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Using Pre-Sedation Radial Versus Post-Sedation Femoral Arterial Sites for Blood Pressure Monitoring.

Objective To compare outcomes among patients with and without preprocedural radial arterial catheters who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) under deep intravenous (IV) sedation and to assess predictive variables for preprocedural placement. Design Single-center, retrospective, cohort analysis. Setting Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, which is a tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital. Participants The study comprised 157 patients. The primary focus was the 106 patients who underwent TF-TAVR when routine placement of preprocedure radial arterial catheters was abandoned. They were analyzed for hospital length of stay, 30-day mortality, and predictive factors of preprocedure placement. The remaining patients served as historical controls when routine radial artery catheter placement was practiced. Interventions Patient, procedure, and provider factors were analyzed. The transitional period consisted of 169 consecutive days from April 13 to September 28, 2017. A reference group of historical patients served as a control. Measurements and Main Results Seventy-five of 106 patients did not have a preprocedural radial arterial catheter. The primary outcome measures of length of stay and 30-day mortality within the transitional group were not different. Secondary outcome measures included identification of predictive variables for preprocedure placement and outcome comparisons between the transitional and historical groups. Anesthesia provider (p = 0.015) and ejection fraction (p = 0.039) were significant factors. There were no differences in outcome measures. Conclusion There was no difference in primary outcomes in patients with or without radial arterial catheters for TF-TAVR. The findings of this study suggest anesthesia provider and ejection fraction were significant factors for preprocedural placement.
Reduction Of A Detailed Soot Model For Simulations Of Pyrolysing Solid Fuels

This work presents a computationally inexpensive soot formation model for use in simulating large solid-complex fuel systems. The proposed model evaluates three variables: number density of tars, b...
Effects of Detection Wavelengths on Soot Volume Fraction Measurements Using the Auto-Compensating LII Technique

Soot particles in the detection volume in general have different temperatures due to non-uniform laser fluence and particle size distribution. The thermal radiation intensity displays different tem...
Nck adapter proteins promote podosome biogenesis facilitating extracellular matrix degradation and cancer invasion.

Background Podosomes are membrane-bound adhesive structures formed by actin remodeling. They are capable of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, which is a prerequisite for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The signaling mechanism of podosome formation is still unknown in cancer. We previously reported that Nck adaptors regulate directional cell migration and endothelial lumen formation by actin remodeling, while deficiency of Nck reduces cancer metastasis. This study evaluated the role of Nck adaptors in podosome biogenesis and cancer invasion. Methods This study was conducted in vitro using both healthy cells (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell, 3T3 fibroblasts) and cancer cells (prostate cancer cell line; PC3, breast cancer cell line; MDA-MB-231). Confocal and TIRF imaging of cells expressing Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) mutant under altered levels of Nck or downstream of kinase 1 (Dok1) was used to evaluate the podosome formation and fluorescent gelatin matrix degradation. Levels of Nck in human breast carcinoma tissue sections were detected by immune histochemistry using Nck polyclonal antibody. Biochemical interaction of Nck/Dok1 was detected in podosome forming cells using immune precipitation and far-western blotting. Results This study demonstrates that ectopic expression of Nck1 and Nck2 can induce the endothelial podosome formation in vitro. Nck silencing by short-hairpin RNA blocked podosome biogenesis and ECM degradation in cSrc-Y530F transformed endothelial cells in this study. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the Nck overexpression in human breast carcinoma tissue sections. Immunoprecipitation and far-western blotting revealed the biochemical interaction of Nck/p62Dok in podosome forming cells. Conclusions Nck adaptors in interaction with Dok1 induce podosome biogenesis and ECM degradation facilitating cancer cell invasion, and therefore a bona fide target of cancer therapy.
TTF-1 positive posterior pituitary tumor: Limitations of current treatment and potential new hope in BRAF V600E mutation variants.

Abstract Spindle cell oncocytoma (SCO) represents one of the four TTF-1 positive posterior pituitary tumors (PPTs) as defined by the World Health Organization in 2017. Due to the recurrent nature of these tumors, repeat interventions are often required with significant limitation in controlling tumor progression. Targeted chemotherapeutic management in mutation variants presents a potential new avenue for tumor control in such cases. In 2020 a novel variant of these tumors exhibiting papillary architecture was identified as a potentially separate entity. Here we report the regression and stability of a BRAF V600E-mutated TTF-1 positive papillary PPT, originally diagnosed as SCO, using combined dabrafenib and trametinib therapy. This case illustrates he limitations that can exit in its management and a new viable treatment modality with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. This will also be the first reported case with this unique papillary/spindle morphology and BRAF V600E mutation.
Using Academic Travel to Teach Sustainable Economic Development

Sustainable Development has become dominant in policy debates in the last two decades. Standard models in neoclassical economics as taught in undergraduate classes fail to capture the complex relationships between the economy and the environment. This creates a major gap in students’ understanding of sustainable development. We make the case that innovative teaching technique will allow students to better grasp this complex relationship. We examine the integration of academic travel into the economics curriculum as a tool to expose students to important aspects of sustainable development and allow them to gain a more meaningful insight into the subject.
Pound Wise and Penny Foolish? OTC Stock Investor Behavior

We explore some commonly held beliefs about individuals investing in OTC stocks (those traded on OTCBB & Pink Sheets), a fairly pervasive activity. We frame our analysis within the context of direct gambling, aspirational preferences in behavioral portfolios, and private information. Contrary to popular perceptions, our modeling of the deliberate act of buying OTC stocks at a discount brokerage house finds that unlike the typical lottery buyers/gamblers, OTC investors are older, wealthier, more experienced at investing, and display greater portfolio diversification than their non-OTC investing counterparts. Behavioral portfolio investors (Shefrin and Statman, 2000) invest their money in layers, each of which corresponds to an aspiration or goal. Consistent with sensation seeking and aspirations in behavioral portfolios, OTC investors also display higher trading activity. Penny stocks seem to have different characteristics and trading behavior than other OTC stocks priced over one dollar. Trading in penny stocks is positively related to investor preference for lottery like stocks. Irrespective of the price of OTC stocks, we find little evidence of information content in OTC trades.
Neighborhood Effects of Safe Routes to School Programs on the Likelihood of Active Travel to School

Safe routes to school (SRTS) programs aim to increase the share of students commuting to school by active modes (e.g., walking and cycling). This study measures the relationship between the presenc...
Inverse determination of delamination shape and size in self-sensing composites using electrical impedance tomography and genetic algorithms

Composite materials with nanofiller-modified polymer matrices have received considerable research interest for structural health monitoring (SHM) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) because they are intrinsically self-sensing. The electrical conductivity of these materials is affected by mechanical stimuli such as strain and damage. Coupled with spatial imaging techniques such as electrical impedance tomography (EIT), this self-sensing property has been extensively leveraged for conductivity-based damage detection. While EIT can spatially resolve damage-induced conductivity changes, it provides little-to-no information about the precise damage shape or size. A major consequence of this is that delaminations, which are a critical failure mode in composite laminates, are difficult to precisely localize and discern from other failure modes. In light of this limitation, we herein present a new methodology for precisely determining the shape and size of delaminations in self-sensing composites. Our novel technique uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to inversely compute delamination shape and size using boundary voltage measurements, EIT-imaged conductivity changes, and a physicsbased delamination model. In the present study, we explore the feasibility of this approach using numerical simulations. Our preliminary results show that this technique can accurately reconstruct delamination shape and size. The proposed methodology can enable precise damage characterization and immensely benefit SHM in self-sensing composites in aerospace, mechanical, and civil applications.
Supply Chain & Inventory Management

Supply-chain management (SCM) involves the movement of storage supplies from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Becker-Peth, M. (2012) explained in his article that a group of capitals and explanation provides an overview to SCM and associated schemes for scholars, consultants, and anyone else concerned getting knowledge more about how to project, production, transportation, supply, deliver, and accomplish success. Costco is the largest retailer who maintains a different strategy for supply chain and they believe SCM is a major aspect to succeed in their business. Costco is more successful in their SCM, however, sometimes they lack in this area. Firstly, they don’t have enough employee on the store to answers customers question. Customer must wait for a longer time if he has any question especially during the weekends and the holiday season. Secondly, Costco doesn’t sell products with high bulk/wholesale prices. Thirdly, they usually sell all inventory in bulk which is a problem who live alone or only two of them at home. This paper will explain how the supply chain can be improved to get a good result.