cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High average power, >10kHz, ultrafast laser systems

We demonstrate a simple and practical, single-stage, ultrafast laser amplifier system that operates at a repetition frequency from 1 to 10kHz, with millijoule pulse energy, and up to 13W average power.
HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors exist in a CD28-CD8+ T cell subset and increase with loss of CD4 T cells.

Objectives: To determine whether the CD28-CD8+ T cells that develop during HIV infection contain HlV-specific cytotoxic precursor cells. Design: CD8 subpopulations from six asymptomatic HlV-positive adults, with varying degrees of CD4 T cell loss, were sorted by flow cytometry and HlV-specific precursor cytotoxic T lymphocyte frequencies were measured. Three populations of CD8 T cells were tested: CD28+CD57- T cells, CD28-CD57+ T cells (thought to be memory cells) and CD28-CD57- T cells (function unknown). Methods: Sorted CD8 subsets were stimulated with antigen presenting cells expressing HIV-1 Gag/Pol molecules. Cytotoxic T cell assays on Gag/Pol expressing 51 Cr-labeled Epstein-Barr virus transformed autologous B cells lines or control targets were performed after 2 weeks. Specific lysis and precursor frequencies were calculated. Results: Both CD28 positive and CD28-CD57+ populations contained appreciable numbers of precursors (9-1720 per 10 6 CD8+ T cells). However, the CD28-CD57-population had fewer precursors in five out of six people studied. More CD28 positive HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors were found in patients with CD4 : CD8 ratios > 1, whereas more CD28-CD57+ precursors were found in patients whose CD4: CD8 ratios were < 1 (r 2 , 0.68). Conclusions: Memory HlV-specific precursor cytotoxic T lymphocytes are found in both CD28 positive and CD28-CD8+ cells, however, a CD28-CD57-subpopulation had fewer. Because CD28-CD57+ cells are antigen-driven with limited diversity, the loss of CD28 on CD8 T cells during disease progression may reduce the response to new HIV mutations; this requires further testing.
Human neural progenitors differentiate into astrocytes and protect motor neurons in aging rats

Age-associated health decline presents a significant challenge to healthcare, although there are few animal models that can be used to test potential treatments. Here, we show that there is a significant reduction in both spinal cord motor neurons and motor function over time in the aging rat. One explanation for this motor neuron loss could be reduced support from surrounding aging astrocytes. Indeed, we have previously shown using in vitro models that aging rat astrocytes are less supportive to rat motor neuron function and survival over time. Here, we test whether rejuvenating the astrocyte niche can improve the survival of motor neurons in an aging spinal cord. We transplanted fetal-derived human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) into the aging rat spinal cord and found that the cells survive and differentiate into astrocytes with a much higher efficiency than when transplanted into younger animals, suggesting that the aging environment stimulates astrocyte maturation. Importantly, the engrafted astrocytes were able to protect against motor neuron loss associated with aging, although this did not result in an increase in motor function based on behavioral assays. We also transplanted hNPCs genetically modified to secrete glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) into the aging rat spinal cord, as this combination of cell and protein delivery can protect motor neurons in animal models of ALS. During aging, GDNF-expressing hNPCs protected motor neurons, though to the same extent as hNPCs alone, and again had no effect on motor function. We conclude that hNPCs can survive well in the aging spinal cord, protect motor neurons and mature faster into astrocytes when compared to transplantation into the young spinal cord. While there was no functional improvement, there were no functional deficits either, further supporting a good safety profile of hNPC transplantation even into the older patient population.
Nonthyroidal illness syndrome

Purpose of reviewThe current state of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic implications of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome is reviewed.Recent findingsPrevious studies attributed the development of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome to alterations in three main areas of thyroid hormone me
Serum insulin concentration and birth weight in human infants.

SummarySerum immuno-reactive insulin (IRI) and glucose levels were measured in the blood of newborn infants and of their mothers. Infants weighing more than 4 kg at birth were found to have signifi...
Analysis on the Causes of Over-speed and Treatment for Load Rejection Test of 300 MW Unit

The purpose of load rejection test of the turbine in thermal power plant is to assess the dynamic characteristic and the dynamic quality of the turbine regulator system.Based on the characteristics of the DEH control logic of 300 MW subcritical units and the over-speed phenomenon of the turbine in two 50% load rejection tests,it reveals that OPC solenoid valve no action is the root cause of the steam turbine over-speed by analyzing the dynamic processes and related data of load rejection tests.At last,the analytical data in50% and 100% successful load rejection tests confirmed that the dynamic characteristic of the regulation system of the unit is excellent.And the study of this paper could provide significant to some extent for the load rejection tests of the units of the same type.
Decline in positivity rates among HIV-exposed infants with changes in prevention of mother-to-child transmission antiretroviral regimens in Nigeria: Evidence from 7 years of field implementation

Objective: Demonstrate if the introduction of more and more efficacious antiretroviral (ARV) combinations for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) over time translated into a declining HIV-infection among HIV-exposed infants. Methods: This was a retrospective review of routinely collected PMTCT service data from 2008 to 2014 in 682 secondary and tertiary health facilities across Nigeria. The ARV regimen was measured by the proportions of different ARV regimens received by HIV-positive pregnant women each year and the HIV-infection among infants was determined by the rate of HIV-positive polymerase chain reaction tests each year. The District Health Information Software (DHIS) was used to extract data from health facilities. The same DHIS was used to aggregate and analyze data. Results: Maternal HIV positivity rates varied from 4.1% in 2008, 2.9% in 2011, and 3.2% in 2012, then declined steadily to 1.9% in 2014. The total number of pregnant women who tested positive for HIV and received different ARV regimen for PMTCT during the period (2008-2014) was 63,774; ranging from 7506 in 2008 to 10,388 in 2014. Uptake of single dose nevirapine by the positive pregnant women was 34.4%, 41.6%, and 45.9% in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. HIV positive pregnant women on triple ARVs (prophylaxis or treatment) increased from 22% in 2008 to 99% in 2014. Infant HIV positivity rates showed a steady decline over the years, from 38% in 2008 to 6% in 2014 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: We demonstrated the declining trend of HIV-infection among HIV-exposed infant in Nigeria as more and more efficacious ARV regimens were available for HIV-positive pregnant women. We conclude that if current efforts were sustained and coverage widened, an alignment of the country's PMTCT program with the best available scientific evidence could lead to the elimination of mother to child transmission.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.

![Figure][1] A 46-year-old woman presented with diffuse bone pain. She had a history of acute myeloid leukemia with minimal differentiation (AML-M0) and normal karyotype diagnosed 15 months ago, achieved complete remission (CR) 1 month after beginning induction chemotherapy, and received 3
Chaos, Coherence and Control

In 1976, Werner Heisenberg lay dying. On his deathbed, he is reported to have said (Gleick, 1988) that he had two questions for God: why relativity, and why turbulence. “I really think,” said Heisenberg, “He may have an answer to the first question.” In this paper we focus on a tiny piece of the second question, “why turbulence?” Specifically, we try to understand just enough of that question to be able to decide whether or how turbulence could possibly be controlled. This is an ambitious agenda, and to study it we break the problem into manageable topics. So here we discuss two things. First, we review progress over the past decade on the control of low-dimensional, temporally chaotic dynamics. Second, we explore recent work which demonstrates how the dynamics of spatially chaotic, but temporally regular, systems can be manipulated. We conclude by very briefly discussing the prognosis of this research for the control of truly turbulent problems, which are unpredictable both in space and in time.
Disability, family and society: new thinking of an old debate

The debate about disability, family and society is an old one. The needs of individuals with disabilities have not been a priority in most societies. However, this population is increasing with the advances in our medical technology and we can no longer ignore them. Overall care, from diagnosis to treatment and integration into society has been fragmented and disorganized. Thus, new thinking about individuals with disabilities has to take place. This article suggests the need for a paradigm shift has to how individuals with disabilities should be viewed and suggests a different model for the development of systems to meet the needs of this growing population.
Location of Muscle Tension

Each of us responds to stress in different ways: some tighten in the abdominal area and breathe shallowly, some tighten shoulders, others clench their fists and tighten their forearms. Some, in fact, do not manifest their tension in voluntary muscles, but rather in some other way such as increased acid secretion in the stomach. The objective of this lab is for you to identify a muscle group (or groups) in which you hold tension.
Reconciling satellite aerosol optical thickness and surface fine particle mass through aerosol liquid water

Summertime aerosol optical thickness (AOT) over the Southeast U.S. is sharply enhanced over wintertime values. This seasonal pattern is unique and of particular interest because temperatures there have not warmed over the past 100 years. Patterns in surface fine particle mass are inconsistent with satellite reported AOT. In this work, we attempt to reconcile the spatial and temporal distribution of AOT over the U.S. with particle mass measurements at the surface by examining trends in aerosol liquid water (ALW), a particle constituent that scatters radiation and affects satellite AOT, but is removed in mass measurements at routine surface monitoring sites. We employ the thermodynamic model ISORROPIAv2.1 to estimate ALW mass concentrations at IMPROVE sites using measured ion mass concentrations and NARR meteorological data. Excellent agreement between CALIPSO AOT and estimated ALW provides a plausible explanation for the discrepancies in the geographical patterns of AOT and aerosol mass measurements.
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Malignant Gliomas

Strategies targeting blood vessel formation remain a hallmark of cancer treatment. This approach has been applied to malignant gliomas based on the rationale that microvascular proliferation is a defining feature of these tumors, which also express high levels of proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Despite promising preclinical data and early clinical trials, antiangiogenic agents have failed to show a survival benefit in subsequent randomized controlled trials. Further research is needed to explore the impact on quality of life, optimum administration schedule, mechanisms of resistance, combination strategies, and biomarkers that predict therapeutic response.
Weight Gain on Psychotropic Drugs: Has the Obesity Community been PayingAttention?

Weight gain is a well-known side effect of treatment with psychotropic drugs. More than fifty years ago, drugs such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and lithium were known to be associated with substantial increases in weight and despite new generations of psychotropic drugs, this unwelcome side effect has persisted [1-3]. How much weight is gained varies but in general mood stabilizers and antipsychotics drugs cause more substantial weight gain than antidepressants. Two antipsychotics, clozapine (Clozaril) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are associated with the greatest prevalence of weight gain; up to 31% of patients treated with clozapine and 40% with olanzapine increase their weight during treatment [3]. Some mood stabilizers such as valproate (Depakote) [3] also are associated with a similarly high incidence of weight gain. Mirtazapine (Remeron) and paroxetine (Paxil) are two antidepressants with the greatest weight gain potential among the anti-depressants although except for buproprion (Wellbutrin) weight gain has been reported among all of the other drugs in this category [4].
Use of time-series L-band UAVSAR data for the classification of agricultural fields in the San Joaquin Valley

Abstract The study of agriculture and agricultural production is an important part of societal planning for allocation of resources and economic forecasting. The prediction of crop output requires collecting accurate crop data throughout the growing season, in locations with a wide range of climatic conditions. Repeat observations from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) have been shown to be a reliable way of gathering frequent crop measurements, even in perpetually cloudy regions. In this work, repeat coverage of an area in California's San Joaquin Valley, with images taken by NASA's L-band Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) system approximately once a month during 2010 and 2012, was used to examine a time-history of backscatter signatures and polarimetric H/A/alpha (Entropy, Anisotropy, and Polarization angle) decomposition values of alfalfa, corn, and winter wheat with the objective of improving classification of individual crops. Distinguishable signatures were observed for all three crops. The signature was dominated by the growth stage and physical structure of the crops during the mature part of the growing season, and by weather events, planting practices, and harvesting procedures during other parts of the year. These data support previous findings that multiple images throughout the year capture the full growth pattern, allowing for more accurate identification of agricultural crops than what can be determined by a single image. The overall accuracies for this time-series classification were 75% using HV-polarized backscatter, 79% using the alpha decomposition, and 83% using the entropy decomposition, which were the three polarizations or decompositions with greatest separability between crops. It is shown that the full-year time series of images builds a more comprehensive model for crop backscatter than previous works.
Nudging Entrepreneurs into Noncompliance: Why Does Nevada Have so Many Benefit Corporations? [Blog Post]

Despite the fact that there were about three times as many businesses formed in Delaware than in Nevada in 2014, Nevada had more than four times the number of benefit corporation formations. What accounts for this discrepancy? Are Nevada entrepreneurs particularly socially conscious? Does Nevada law provide more protection for businesses that look beyond the bottom line? Has the "Delaware of the West" moniker begun to take hold among the entrepreneurs interested in corporate social responsibility? It turns out that the answer is much more mundane. The startling number of benefit corporations formed in Nevada is due to the Nevada Secretary of State’s website design. As this blog post shows, the architecture of the website inadvertently encourages the formation of benefit corporations.
Development of an animal model of progressive vaccinia in nu/nu mice and the use of bioluminescence imaging for assessment of the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies against vaccinial B5 and L1 proteins

Abstract Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to follow dissemination of recombinant vaccinia virus (VACV) expressing luciferase (IHD-J-Luc) in BALB/c nu/nu mice treated post-challenge with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against L1 and B5 VACV proteins in a model of Progressive Vaccinia (PV). Areas Under the flux Curve (AUC) were calculated for viral loads in multiple organs in individual mice. Following scarification with 10 5 pfu, IHD-J-Luc VACV undergoes fast replication at the injection site and disseminates rapidly to the inguinal lymph nodes followed by spleen, liver, and axillary lymph nodes within 2–3 days and before primary lesions are visible at the site of scarification. Extension of survival in nude mice treated with a combination of anti-B5 and anti-L1 MAbs 24 h post challenge correlated with a significant reduction in viral load at the site of scarification and delayed systemic dissemination. Nude mice reconstituted with 10 4 T cells prior to challenge with IHD-J-Luc, and treated with MAbs post-challenge, survived infection, cleared the virus from all organs and scarification site, and developed anti-VACV IgG and VACV-specific polyfunctional CD8 + T cells that co-expressed the degranulation marker CD107a, and IFNγ and TNFα cytokines. All T cell reconstituted mice survived intranasal re-challenge with IHD-J-Luc (10 4 pfu) two months after the primary infection. Thus, using BLI to monitor VACV replication in a PV model, we showed that anti-VACV MAbs administered post challenge extended survival of nude mice and protected T cell reconstituted nude mice from lethality by reducing replication at the site of scarification and systemic dissemination of VACV.
Insulin-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CNS: Anatomical, functional and temporal contexts.

Abstract For decades the brain was erroneously considered an insulin insensitive organ. Although gaps in our knowledge base remain, conceptual frameworks are starting to emerge to provide insight into the mechanisms through which insulin facilitates critical brain functions like metabolism, cognition, and motivated behaviors. These diverse physiological and behavioral activities highlight the region-specific activities of insulin in the CNS; that is, there is an anatomical context to the activities of insulin in the CNS. Similarly, there is also a temporal context to the activities of insulin in the CNS. Indeed, brain insulin receptor activity can be conceptualized as a continuum in which insulin promotes neuroplasticity from development into adulthood where it is an integral part of healthy brain function. Unfortunately, brain insulin resistance likely contributes to neuroplasticity deficits in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This neuroplasticity continuum can be conceptualized by the mechanisms through which insulin promotes cognitive function through its actions in brain regions like the hippocampus, as well as the ability of insulin to modulate motivated behaviors through actions in brain regions like the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area. Thus, the goals of this review are to highlight these anatomical, temporal, and functional contexts of insulin activity in these brain regions, and to identify potentially critical time points along this continuum where the transition from enhancement of neuroplasticity to impairment may take place. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Metabolic Impairment as Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Disorders.’
State-of-the-Art management and Monitoring of Brain Edema and Intracranial Hypertension in Fulminant Hepatic Failure. A Proposed Algorithm

Aim Develop an evidence-based clinical algorithm integrating clinical decision making on intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and intracranial hypertension (ICH) management in the setting of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).
Auf der Suche nach der Formel der Liebe

Im Jahr 2008 wurde ich an den neu geschaffenen Chaire d’Excellence der Fondation Sciences Mathematiques de Paris eingeladen, um in Paris zu forschen und Vortrage uber meine Arbeiten zu halten.
LOBOtomous: an autonomous platform for indoor environments

The University of New Mexico's entry in this year's AAAI Mobile Robot competition is LOBOtomous. LOBOtomous was constructed from scratch by UNM students in a senior level design class. Hardware for the project was loaned by Sandia National Labs. LOBOtomous will be entered into the home vacuuming and the hors d'oeuvres event.
Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam Characterization of Lithium Metal Anodes

Lithium metal is viewed as the ultimate battery anode because of its high theoretical capacity and low electrode potential, but its implementation has been limited by low Coulombic efficiency and dendrite formation above a critical current density. Determining the fundamental properties dictating lithium metal plating–stripping behavior is challenging because characterization techniques are limited by the sensitivity of lithium metal to damage by external probes, which regularly results in altered morphology and chemistry. Motivated by recent application of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) to characterize lithium metal at the atomic scale, we explore the cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) method as a quantitative tool for characterizing the bulk morphology of electrochemically deposited lithium and as a technique that enables TEM observation of Li-metal/solid-state electrolyte interfaces. This work highlights the importance of cryo-FIB methodology for preparing sensitive battery ma...
Chapter 2 – Epigenetics

Genetic and epigenetic alterations impact human health and disease. Genetic information encoded in the DNA is faithfully passed on to daughter cells upon mitotic cell division and to the next generation through the germline. There are more than 200 different cell types in the human body each with its own distinct phenotype that is always maintained and also retained upon subsequent cell division. Epigenetic control is responsible for the translation of genotype to phenotype by establishing and maintaining specialized gene expression programs through changes in chromatin without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic control also elicits allele-specific gene expression that is associated with the process of imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. This chapter presents a general background of epigenetic control mechanisms and the contribution of epigenetics to human disease.
Intentionality, Interactivity, and Community

Public libraries are increasingly being recognized as community anchors, sites of crucial and significant informal learning for children and families. Within children’s services, early literacy storytimes are perceived as a mainstay of public library programming. That said, there is increasing pressure on both formal and informal prekindergarten learning environments to significantly improve the literacy skills in young children. Moreover, there is an expansion of library programs being designed to incorporate early literacy research. It is important for storytime providers to have a conceptual understanding of the purpose for the work they do. And yet they often lack a sufficient understanding of how to support learning for young children. Project VIEWS2, through its quasi-experimental intervention, provided a research-based framework—intentionality, interactivity, and community–that can support the work that storytime providers do to support children and families through early learning-rich storytime programs in the public library. Follow-up interviews and a survey of VIEWS2 participant storytime providers demonstrates the impact of this framework in the field, through discussion of intentional and interactive practice and the effects of community on sustaining and growing the work storytime providers do to serve their communities.
Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Two Selective Tissue Tests for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Question: In patients with acute knee injuries, is there evidence to support that the lever sign test is more accurate in diagnosing an anterior cruciate ligament sprain than the Lachman t...
The national blueprint for 21st century data and specimen collection and observational cohort studies: NHLBI State of the Science Workshop on factor VIII inhibitors.

Introduction A devastating complication of hemophilia A, the congenital deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), therapy is the development of inhibitory antibodies (inhibitors) to infused FVIII concentrate affecting up to 30% of people with the most severe form of the disease. Although the number of patients affected by hemophilia A with inhibitors is small, the physical, emotional, financial, and public health impact is overwhelming to the patient, family, and medical system. To best serve this patient population, as well as enhance knowledge around this complication, a robust data and specimen collection strategy must be designed. Aim Working Group 2 (WG2) of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)- sponsored State of the Science (SOS) workshop on factor VIII inhibitors in 2018 was tasked with developing recommendations around the conduct of research, modeling efficient data and specimen collection, developing infrastructure support, establishing partnerships with all stakeholders, including international collaborators, addressing ethical issues, maximizing patient/family engagement and promoting training opportunities. Methods A group with diverse expertise was assembled who reviewed the current state of data and specimen collection in patients with hemophilia and developed recommendations for the future. Results Our results were presented at the SOS Workshop where additional feedback was gained. Conclusion Our charge and recommendations are summarized in this manuscript.
A Novel Antiparasitic Compound Kills Ring-Stage Plasmodium falciparum and Retains Activity Against Artemisinin-Resistant Parasites

Spreading antimalarial resistance threatens effective treatment of malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. We identified a compound, BCH070, that inhibits asexual growth of multiple antimalarial-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 1-2 µM), suggesting that BCH070 acts via a novel mechanism of action. BCH070 preferentially kills early ring-form trophozoites, and, importantly, equally inhibits ring-stage survival of wild-type and artemisinin-resistant parasites harboring the PfKelch13:C580Y mutation. Metabolomic analysis demonstrates that BCH070 likely targets multiple pathways in the parasite. BCH070 is a promising lead compound for development of new antimalarial combination therapy that retains activity against artemisinin-resistant parasites.
Pulmonary Decortication (Open and MIS Approaches)

This chapter describes pulmonary decortication performed via the thoracoscopic and open approach. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation that provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: lung isolation, safe entry into the thoracic cavity, takedown of adhesions between the lung and chest wall, aspiration of loculated fluid, and chest tube drainage.
Critical Literacy as a Lens for Students’ Evaluation of Sources in an AP World History Class

Critical literacy is an appropriate learning outcome for social studies courses because it has the potential to teach students how to critically evaluate sources of information relevant to historic...
GYULA DÉCSY, The linguistic identity of Europe.

(2004). GYULA DECSY, The linguistic identity of Europe.. WORD: Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 456-464.
Community Environments That Promote Intergenerational Interactions vs. Walking Among Older Adults.

Background: Intergenerational interactions and walking are two of the most beneficial forms of activities for older adults. As older adults spend most of their time at or near home, the characteristics of the proximate residential environments are particularly important for supporting those activities. This study aims to (1) explore places used for various social interactions older adults engage in, (2) examine specific neighborhood environmental features associated with intergenerational interactions, and (3) compare similarities and differences in environmental correlates of intergenerational interactions vs. walking. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported survey data from 455 community-dwelling adults aged 65+ from Austin, Texas, as well as Geographic Information System (GIS) measures capturing the neighborhood environment around each participant's home. Descriptive statistics were used for Aim 1. Multivariable binary logistic models were used for Aims 2 and 3, to identify environmental variables predicting the odds of participating in intergenerational interactions (with children 1+ times/week, and with children, teenagers, or adults 1+ times/week) in one's neighborhood, as well as walking 1+ times/week for transportation or recreation purposes. Results: Participants had a mean age of 73 years, and were primarily female (72.1%) and non-Hispanic white (72.8%). Older adults interacted frequently with adults (79.2%, 1+ times/week) and other older adults (66.9%) in their neighborhood, while less frequently with children (28.0%) and teenagers (21.9%). Recreational walking (73.3%, 1+ times/week) was more popular for older adults than transportation walking (43.8%). Multivariable analyses showed that neighborhood perceptions, transportation infrastructure, land uses, land covers, population densities, development activities, and composite scores were significant predictors of intergenerational activities. Both similarities and differences were found in terms of the neighborhood environmental factors associated with intergenerational interactions vs. walking although differences were more evident in the domains of land covers, development activities, and composite scores. Conclusions: Given the significant health benefits, promoting intergenerational interactions and walking among older adults should be a national/global responsibility. Further work is needed to improve our understanding of the specific social and physical environmental facilitators as well as barriers to creating intergenerational communities that can support healthy living of all generations.
Determination of As, Hg, S, and Se in liquid jets by laser-based optical diagnostic technique

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been evaluated for measurement of As, Hg, S, and Se in aqueous samples. Single pulse (SP) and double pulse (DP) LIBS, with a 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser source, were utilized to generate micro plasma from the surface of a liquid jet containing these elements. Plasma emission was collected at a 45° angle with the laser beam for As and Se detection in UV wavelength range. However, the confocal mode was used to collect the atomic emission for Hg and S detection in visible and near IR range, respectively. Atomic emission lines 228.81 nm for As, 546.07 nm for Hg, 921.2 nm for S, and 196.09, 203.98 and 206.32 nm for Se were detected in the LIBS spectra. Calibration curves were developed to estimate the limit of detection for each analyte and found to be 2, 16, 16, and 29 ppm for As, Hg, S, and Se, respectively, with SP LIBS and 0.4, 8, 8 and 11 ppm, respectively, with DP LIBS. The study has implications in monitoring of these pollutants in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater.
The eukaryotic MEP-pathway genes are evolutionarily conserved and originated from Chlaymidia and cyanobacteria

Isoprenoids are the most ancient and essential class of metabolites produced in all organisms, either via mevalonate (MVA)-and/or methylerythritol phosphate (MEP)-pathways. The MEP-pathway is present in all plastid-bearing organisms and most eubacteria. However, no comprehensive study reveals the origination and evolutionary characteristics of MEP-pathway genes in eukaryotes. Here, detailed bioinformatics analyses of the MEP-pathway provide an in-depth understanding the evolutionary history of this indispensable biochemical route, and offer a basis for the co-existence of the cytosolic MVA- and plastidial MEP-pathway in plants given the established exchange of the end products between the two isoprenoid-biosynthesis pathways. Here, phylogenetic analyses establish the contributions of both cyanobacteria and Chlamydiae sequences to the plant’s MEP-pathway genes. Moreover, Phylogenetic and inter-species syntenic block analyses demonstrate that six of the seven MEP-pathway genes have predominantly remained as single-copy in land plants in spite of multiple whole-genome duplication events (WGDs). Substitution rate and domain studies display the evolutionary conservation of these genes, reinforced by their high expression levels. Distinct phenotypic variation among plants with reduced expression levels of individual MEP-pathway genes confirm the indispensable function of each nuclear-encoded plastid-targeted MEP-pathway enzyme in plant growth and development. Collectively, these findings reveal the polyphyletic origin and restrict conservation of MEP-pathway genes, and reinforce the potential function of the individual enzymes beyond production of the isoprenoids intermediates.
Interruption of the Ascending Aorta—Biventricular Surgical Repair:

Interruption of the ascending aorta is an extremely rare anomaly defined by a point of interruption between the intrapericardial and extrapericardial aorta and can be explained by developmental errors proximal to the embryologic right aortic sac. Herein, we present a case of interruption of the ascending aorta and describe a successful biventricular surgical repair of this unique anomaly.
Fabrication and analysis of speckle masks for optimal system design in higher energy speckle-based XPCI

Speckle-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) is a relatively simple implementation of phase contrast imaging. At low energies, the technique has been demonstrated with masks made from steel wool and sandpaper. However, these materials are too transparent for higher energy applications. The simple geometry and easy identification of, or fabrication of, materials for relevant speckle masks make speckle-based XPCI a compelling technique for widespread use. We have analyzed the trade space for higher energy speckle-based XPCI systems based on portable X-ray tube sources. We have demonstrated several fabrication techniques compatible with a range of materials. Together these enable variation in feature size, material density, and randomness in the mask. This ability to tune the mask parameters allows optimization of the mask for the application space and system design.
A multilevel scenario based predictive analytics framework to model the community mental health and built environment nexus.

The built environment affects mental health outcomes, but this relationship is less studied and understood. This article proposes a novel multi-level scenario-based predictive analytics framework (MSPAF) to explore the complex relationships between community mental health outcomes and the built environment conditions. The MSPAF combines rigorously validated interpretable machine learning algorithms and scenario-based sensitivity analysis to test various hypotheses on how the built environment impacts community mental health outcomes across the largest metropolitan areas in the US. Among other findings, our results suggest that declining socio-economic conditions of the built environment (e.g., poverty, low income, unemployment, decreased access to public health insurance) are significantly associated with increased reported mental health disorders. Similarly, physical conditions of the built environment (e.g., increased housing vacancies and increased travel costs) are significantly associated with increased reported mental health disorders. However, this positive relationship between the physical conditions of the built environment and mental health outcomes does not hold across all the metropolitan areas, suggesting a mixed effect of the built environment’s physical conditions on community mental health. We conclude by highlighting future opportunities of incorporating other variables and datasets into the MSPAF framework to test additional hypotheses on how the built environment impacts community mental health.
Does Marijuana Legalization Affect Work Capacity? Evidence from Workers’ Compensation Benefits

We study the effect of state recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) on workers’ compensation (WC) benefit receipt among adults 40-62 years. We find that WC receipt declines in response to RML adoption both in terms of the propensity to receive benefits and benefit amount. We estimate complementary declines in non-traumatic workplace injury rates and the incidence of work-limiting disabilities. We offer evidence that the primary driver of these reductions is an improvement in work capacity, likely due to access to an additional form of pain management therapy. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Simulating the transport and scheduling of priority lots in semiconductor factories

As the high technology product market becomes more dynamic and competitive, chip manufacturers need to bring products to customers in short periods of time. As a result, semiconductor fabrication plants regularly contain lots with priority status. These lots have several unique characteristics compared to other production lots, both in terms of lot transport and scheduling on tools. These lots consume tool capacity that may impact the factory output rate. Priority lots also have specific policies for transport. The impact of these priority lots on other lots in the fabrication is not easily quantified, as many factors are involved. Dynamic factory and AMHS simulation models are capable of capturing the variability of a factory, and the interactions of critical constraints that prevent predictable manufacturing. This paper presents a breakthrough modeling approach to study the behaviors of priority lots, and to quantify their impact to manufacturing.
Abstract 3880: Targeting the root of cancer: a data-driven approach for identification of lung cancer stem cell biomarkers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small group of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties and have been revealed to be the drive force of tumorigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance in many cancers. Current CSC surface biomarkers, such as CD133, CD44 and CD166, have been used to isolate CSC population. However, they are often not specific and unassociated with tumor outcome. Here, we applied a data-driven approach to identify new and functional biomarkers of CSC. We systematically screened for genes whose expressions are statistically correlated with CSC surface biomarkers. Normalized DNA microarray data of 160 cases of squamous carcinoma and 33 cases of adenocarcinoma and 8 cases of normal lung were analyzed for association with CD133, CD44 and CD166 respectively. Multiple hypothesis testing was corrected with the false discovery rate (FDR) less than 1%. We find CD133, CD44 and CD166 each has a different set of statistically associated genes in either adeno or squamous subtypes. Moreover, correlated genes with each of the surface marker are different between adeno and squamous subtypes. Among the highly correlated receptor genes with CD133 in squamous subtype is a hormone receptor of the reproduction regulator oxytocin (OXTR, r=0.4276, p=1.699e-8). We experimentally validated the correlation between OXTR and CD133 in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Further with functional assays, we discovered a new role of OXTR in promoting the self-renewal and differentiation of lung CSC. Our study suggests highly heterogeneous molecular features of CSC in different lung cancer types and demonstrates that association studies of CSC surface markers can be applied to identify new CSC biomarkers, which can be potentially used for development of probes for CSC imaging and targeting. Citation Format: Hua Fan-Minogue, Atul Butte. Targeting the root of cancer: a data-driven approach for identification of lung cancer stem cell biomarkers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3880. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3880
Design analysis of thin-body silicide source/drain devices

The use of complementary low-barrier silicides is investigated for reducing the series resistance of thin-body silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices. Two different thin-body device types are simulated, one in which the source/drain regions are formed by the silicide without doping, and another in which the silicide source/drains are terminated by a doped extension region.
DnaA protein is required for replication of the minimal replicon of the broad-host-range plasmid RK2 in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The minimal origin of replication of the broad-host-range plasmid RK2 has two potential recognition sequences for the DnaA protein of Escherichia coli. DNA transfer by transformation into a dnaA-null mutant of E. coli showed that DnaA protein is needed for replication or maintenance of mini-RK2. We isolated and purified DnaA protein as a chimeric protein, covalently attached to a piece of collagen and beta-galactosidase. The hybrid protein specifically bound to restriction fragments from the oriV region of RK2, which contained the two dnaA boxes. Deletion of the second dnaA box inactivated the origin and abolished the binding of the hybrid protein to the DNA fragment that had suffered the deletion. When the second dnaA box was replaced with an EcoRI linker of identical length, origin activity was restored. Binding experiments showed that the linker provided a weak dnaA box. An alternative explanation was that the linker restored proper spacing between sequences on either side of the deleted box, thus restoring origin activity.
Development and testing of a nonradioactive DNA oligonucleotide probe that is specific for Vibrio cholerae cholera toxin.

Abstract An alkaline phosphatase-labeled oligonucleotide DNA probe (CTAP) that was specific for the cholera toxin gene (ctxA) was identified. All cholera toxin-producing strains of Vibrio cholerae, regardless of serotype, hybridized with the CTAP probe, while nontoxigenic strains from either environmental sources or from deletion or substitution mutations did not hybridize. Unlike the whole-gene probes for either ctxA or for the heat-labile toxin or Escherichia coli (eltA), this 23-base sequence did not hybridize with E. coli or with vibrios other than V. cholerae that produce related toxins. By using CTAP to identify colonies grown on nonselective medium, V. cholerae was enumerated at concentrations of 10(3) to 10(7)/g from stool samples of volunteers who had ingested V. cholerae O1 strain 569B. CTAP provides a specific and sensitive tool for diagnosis and environmental monitoring of cholera toxin-producing V. cholerae.
Breathing-Based Meditation Decreases Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in U.S. Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study

Given the limited success of conventional treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigations of alternative approaches are warranted. We examined the effects of a breathing-based meditation intervention, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, on PTSD outcome variables in U.S. male veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan war. We randomly assigned 21 veterans to an active (n = 11) or waitlist control (n = 10) group. Laboratory measures of eye-blink startle and respiration rate were obtained before and after the intervention, as were self-report symptom measures; the latter were also obtained 1 month and 1 year later. The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not. Reductions in startle correlated with reductions in hyperarousal symptoms immediately postintervention (r = .93, p < .001) and at 1-year follow-up (r = .77, p = .025). This longitudinal intervention study suggests there may be clinical utility for Sudarshan Kriya yoga for PTSD.
Adult Neural Stem Cells: Isolation and Propagation

Individualized therapy using adult stem cells constitutes a revolutionary vision for molecular medicine of the future. The field of stem cell biology has accelerated dramatically such that it now appears feasible to treat an individual patient's disease with native or modified stem cells collected from the same patient. Neurodegenerative disease is a high-priority goal for stem cell therapy due to the tremendous clinical urgency to reduce the worldwide suffering associated with this class of diseases. This chapter focuses on adult neural stem cells as a prototype for the general field of adult stem cell therapy. Studies of the origin and function of neural stem cells reveals that the adult brain can generate new neurons. This finding provides the rationale for the therapeutic application of adult neural stem cells to treat neuronal damage or loss. Experimental progress in treating Parkinson's disease is discussed in some detail as an example of one of the most promising areas for adult neural stem cell therapy. Methods for neural stem cell isolation and propagation are included.
Steam Versus Electric Versus Internal Combustion: Choosing Vehicle Technology at the Start of the Automotive Age:

The choice of engine technology for the automobile is currently at issue, but not for the first time. When the automobile was introduced to the United States in 1895, it was not apparent what engine technology would prevail. Steam, electric, and internal combustion engines all had their own merits. But within a few years internal combustion had eclipsed its rivals to become the single commercially viable engine technology. Many factors that affected the choice of internal combustion have been noted in the literature and in the popular press; here a model integrates all these factors into a single comprehensive framework. The critical years when the technology choice occurred are pinpointed, and a new, comprehensive framework is used to identify the key factors that determined the choice.
Tracking the language of space and time, 1948-2008

This article explores how contemporary historians can avail themselves of quantitative approaches to examine how elusive concepts like ‘time’ and ‘space’ have been used in the public domain. By making use of specifically designed programs, historians can use digital tools to harness an unprecedented mass of information. This is a particularly important methodological innovation at a time of rapidly expanding data: news, speeches, and commentary are available first electronically, and they are available on countless sites in an unprecedented array of formats. Mastering these sources digitally is not only imperative for the contemporary historian; it also provides essential source material for understanding how language and meanings change over time, between contexts, and across different media.
Patent Update Oncologic, Endocrine & Metabolic: Oncologic, Endocrine & Metabolic: Inhibitors of protein farnesylation

In this article, we update the progress reported towards developing an inhibitor of protein farmesyltransferase (PFTase) as a new type of cancer therapy. For the rationale behind this undertaking, please refer to the review published in this journal in December 1995 [1], and other reviews [2,3]. A few experiments bearing on the utility of PFTase inhibitors as antitumour agents are considered first, including biological results obtained with compounds described in our earlier review. Finally, new compounds described in the scientific and patent literature in the past year are reported. As in the previous review, these are grouped according to their kinetic mechanism of inhibition of PFTase.