cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term patterns of mass loss during the decomposition of leaf and fine root litter: an intersite comparison

Decomposition is a critical process in global carbon cycling. During decomposition, leaf and fine root litter may undergo a later, relatively slow phase; past long-term experiments indicate this phase occurs, but whether it is a general phenomenon has not been examined. Data from Long-term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team, representing 27 sites and nine litter types (for a total of 234 cases) was used to test the frequency of this later, slow phase of decomposition. Litter mass remaining after up to 10 years of decomposition was fit to models that included (dual exponential and asymptotic) or excluded (single exponential) a slow phase. The resultant regression equations were evaluated for goodness of fit as well as biological realism. Regression analysis indicated that while the dual exponential and asymptotic models statistically and biologically fit more of the litter type‐site combinations than the single exponential model, the latter was biologically reasonable for 27‐65% of the cases depending on the test used. This implies that a slow phase is common, but not universal. Moreover, estimates of the decomposition rate of the slowly decomposing component averaged 0.139‐0.221year � 1 (depending on method), higher than generally observed for mineral soil organic matter, but one-third of the faster phase of litter decomposition. Thus, this material may be slower than the earlier phases of litter decomposition, but not as slow as mineral soil organic matter. Comparison of the long-term integrated decomposition rate (which included all phases of decomposition) to that for the first year of decomposition indicated the former was on average 75% that of the latter, consistent with the presence of a slow phase of decomposition. These results indicate that the global store of litter estimated using short-term decomposition rates would be underestimated by at least one-third.
Laser photofragmentation/fragment detection studies on energetic materials

A sensitive technique based on laser photofragmentation/fragment detection spectrometry is reported for the trace detection of energetic materials such as TNT, PETN, and RDX. A single laser operating near 227 nm is used for both the photofragmentation of the parent molecule and detection of the characteristic NO fragment via its A-X transitions near 227 nm. The fragment detection methods employed are resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization with miniature electrodes and laser-induced fluorescence with a photodetector. Experiments are also conducted in the visible region using 454-nm radiation for photofragmentation and fragment detection. The application of this technique in the trace analysis of the above- mentioned compounds at ambient pressure is demonstrated with limits of detection in the range of sub- to low parts-per- million for a 20-sec integration time and 20-120 (mu) J of laser energy at 227 nm and approximately 5 mJ at 454 nm. An increase in detecting sensitivity is projected with an increase in laser energy and an improved system design.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of Hunger on Olfactory Acuity

A HUNGRY animal is considered to be in a state of high nervous irritability leading to a heightened level of sensory and motor excitation. As glycogen stores are depleted, blood glucose-levels decrease, circulating epinephrine rises and stimulates the reticular formation of the brain, which in turn produces cortical arousal and facilitation of motor and sensory activity, lowering the threshold for all external sensory stimuli1. A satiated animal, by contrast, is relaxed, disinterested in the outside world, sleepy, and consequently should have a high sensory threshold.
A DSTATCOM controller tuned by Particle Swarm Optimization for an Electric Ship Power System

In an all-electric ship power system, the power quality problems mainly arise due to the pulsed loads, which cause the degradation of the overall system performance. The paper proposes the application of DSTATCOM to improve these power quality problems of an electric ship. DSTATCOM is a shunt compensation device, which regulates the bus voltage by injecting reactive power during the pulsed load operations. The control strategy of DSTATCOM plays an important role to meet the objectives. The paper proposes a controller design strategy which is based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). PSO, an algorithm that falls into swarm intelligence family, is very effective in solving non-linear optimization problems. Here, the optimal parameters of a controller are found using PSO. To evaluate the performance of the proposed controller, a simplified model of a ship power system is developed in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, which comprises of a 36 MW generator, 10 MW propulsion motor and pulsed loads of different values of real and reactive power. The effectiveness of the DSTATCOM and the PSO based controller are examined on the test system for pulsed loads of 100, 200 and 500 millisecond durations and also for a pulse train of 100 millisecond interval.
Students Evaluate Carl Rogers and His Relationship With Gloria: A Brief Report:

The Three Approaches to Psychotherapy (TAP) video series introduces students, both undergraduate and graduate, to three major schools of psychotherapy: client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and rational-emotive therapy. A sample of students were asked to watch the TAP video series and were then surveyed on their perceptions of the therapists' practice of psychotherapy and explanation of his theory, and the relationship between the client and therapist, including the therapists interest in and treatment of the client. This article focuses on findings based on Carl Rogers's session with the client, Gloria. Results were consistent in that students were pleased with Rogers's theory, practice, and interaction with Gloria.
Advances in the genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

One of the most replicated findings in studies of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is its very high heritability, which averages approximately 75% across 20 twin studies conducted on three continents (1). ADHD’s high heritability kick-started a search for DNA variants with the hope that their discovery would lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. During the dark decades of linkage and candidate gene studies, progress was slow, but in the past few years, boosted by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the ADHD research community has made real breakthroughs. GWAS taught us that 25% to 30% of ADHD’s heritability could be accounted for by a polygenic liability consisting of many common DNA variants (2). GWAS also gave us replicated discoveries of rare deletions and insertions known as copy number variants (CNVs) (3). These GWAS data confirmed what many had suspected from epidemiologic data, that ADHD’s genetic liability consists of a complex mixture of common and rare DNA variants. In this issue of Biological Psychiatry, two articles address ADHD’s complex inheritance. Martin et al. (4) illustrate the use of the recently developed “polygenic paradigm,” which, remarkably, was conceptually foreshadowed by Gottesman and Shields (5) more than 40 years ago. The polygenic paradigm uses a discovery sample (in this case ADHD cases and controls) to discover and define a polygenic liability score indexing the number of ADHD risk alleles carried by an individual. Each risk allele or risk variant is the nucleotide that is more frequently observed among ADHD cases, using an arbitrary (and typically liberal) level of statistical significance. When defined like this, many of the risk variants comprising the polygenic liability score will be true risk variants, but many will be false positives. It is the statistical significance of the polygenic score that assures us that it has captured many true positives in the mix. ADHD’s polygenic liability score is a molecular genetic tease. On the one hand, it confirms that many common DNA variants (defined by single nucleotide polymorphisms) are associated with ADHD, but it cannot tell us if “many” means hundreds or thousands or even more, and it cannot tell us which of the many variants comprising the score are truly associated with the disorder. Despite this limitation, polygenic scores provide a valuable tool. For example, when the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium applied this method to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), a polygenic background defined by single nucleotide polymorphisms accounted for 17% to 29% of the variance in liability to these disorders (http://www.med.unc.edu/pgc/) (2). Moreover, for some disorders, the correlation among their polygenic liabilities was
The PmrA-Regulated pmrC Gene Mediates Phosphoethanolamine Modification of Lipid A and Polymyxin Resistance in Salmonella enterica

The PmrA/PmrB regulatory system of Salmonella enterica controls the modification of lipid A with aminoarabinose and phosphoethanolamine. The aminoarabinose modification is required for resistance to the antibiotic polymyxin B, as mutations of the PmrA-activated pbg operon or ugd gene result in strains that lack aminoarabinose in their lipid A molecules and are more susceptible to polymyxin B. Additional PmrA-regulated genes appear to participate in polymyxin B resistance, as pbgP and ugd mutants are not as sensitive to polymyxin B as a pmrA mutant. Moreover, the role that the phosphoethanolamine modification of lipid A plays in the resistance to polymyxin B has remained unknown. Here we address both of these questions by establishing that the PmrA-activated pmrC gene encodes an inner membrane protein that is required for the incorporation of phosphoethanolamine into lipid A and for polymyxin B resistance. The PmrC protein consists of an N-terminal region with five transmembrane domains followed by a large periplasmic region harboring the putative enzymatic domain. A pbgP pmrC double mutant resembled a pmrA mutant both in its lipid A profile and in its susceptibility to polymyxin B, indicating that the PmrA-dependent modification of lipid A with aminoarabinose and phosphoethanolamine is responsible for PmrA-regulated polymyxin B resistance.
Constructing efficient belief network structures with expert provided information

Presents a technique to construct efficient belief network structures for application areas where large amounts of data are available and information on the ordering of the variables can be obtained from domain experts. We identify classes of networks that are efficient for propagating beliefs. We formulate the problem as one of determining the belief network representation from a given class that best represents the data. We use the I-Divergence measure which is known to have certain desirable properties for evaluating different approximations. We present some theoretical findings that characterize the nature of solutions that are obtained. These theoretical results lead to an efficient solution procedure for finding the best network representation. We also discuss other information that may be reasonably obtained from experts, and show how such information leads to improving the efficiency of the technique to find the best network structure.
Periodic surface modeling for computer aided nano design

Current solid and surface modeling methods based on Euclidean geometry in traditional computer aided design are not efficient in constructing a large number of atoms and particles. In this paper, we propose a periodic surface model for computer aided nano design such that geometry of atoms and molecules can be constructed parametrically. At the molecular scale, periodicity of the model allows thousands of particles to be built efficiently. At the meso scale, inherent porosity of the model represents natural morphology of polymer and macromolecule. Surface and volume operations are defined to support crystal and molecular model creation with loci and foci periodic surfaces. The ultimate goal is to enable computer assisted material and system design at atomic, molecular, and meso scales.
Interfacial stresses in a bi-material assembly subjected to external tensile forces and bending moments applied to the ends of one of its components

We examine an elongated bi-material adhesively bonded or soldered assembly with a continuous compliant attachment (bonding layer). The assembly is subjected to external tensile forces and bending moments applied to the ends of one of its components. We develop a simple and physically meaningful predictive analytical (“mathematical”) model for the evaluation of the interfacial shearing and peeling stresses in the bonding material, with consideration of the effect of the compliance of the bonding layer. The developed model can be helpful in the stress-strain analysis and physical design of various assemblies of the type in question, and particularly of printed-circuit-board (PCB)/surface-mounted-device (SMD) assemblies in electronic and photonic packaging. Particularly, these models enable one to evaluate the maximum interfacial stresses in the bonding material from the predicted or measured strains in the PCB in the vicinity of the SMD package. The numerical example carried out for the case of PCB bending in a concave fashion indicated that the interfacial shearing stresses computed with consideration of the assembly bow were lower, and the peeling stresses calculated with taking into account the effect of tension, were higher, than the corresponding stresses predicted for the situation, when the assembly was subjected either to the tensile forces only, or to the bending moments only. We explain the physics of this phenomenon. We show, as an illustration, how the developed stress model can be used for the evaluation of the dynamic response of a PCB/SMD assembly to an impact loading applied to the PCB support contour.
Microbial Biotransformations of Bile Acids as Detected by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Many current experiments investigating the effects of diet, dietary supplements, and pre- and probiotics on the intestinal environments do not take into consideration the potential for using bile salts as markers of environmental change. Intestinal bacteria in vertebrates can metabolize bile acids into a number of different structures, with deamidation, hydroxyl group oxidation, and hydroxyl group elimination. Fecal bile acids are readily available to sample and contain a considerable structural complexity that directly relates to intestinal morphology, bile acid residence time in the intestine, and the species of microbial forms in the intestinal tract. Here we offer a classification scheme that can serve as an initial guide to interpret the different bile acid patterns expressed in vertebrate feces.
The God particle et al .

The territory of the Large Hadron Collider might be populated not just by the Higgs particle but also by all manner of other exotic apparitions.
Two-group transport theory☆

Abstract Case's method of singular normal modes is used to construct solutions to the two-group neutron transport equations in one dimension. Full-range completeness and orthogonality theorems for these eigensolutions are proved and the necessary normalization integrals are presented. In addition, functions orthogonal to the degenerate eigensolutions are developed so that all expansion coefficients can be found by simply taking scalar products. As an example of the method, the exact solution for the infinite-medium Green's function is obtained.
Gastric Mucosal Hemorrhage in Dogs: Effects of acid, aspirin, and alcohol

The effects of acid, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), and ethanol in damaging the gastric mucosa, and in particular in causing hemorrhage, were studied by irrigating pouches of the oxyntic glandular area of the dog's stomach with solutions containing 54 MN NaCl and combinations of acid (0, 1, 10, or 100 MN HC1), aspirin (0, 5, 10, or 20 mm), and ethanol (0, 4 to 5, or 8 to 10% w/v). Zero acidity (pH 6.2 to 7.4) was achieved using either citrate or Tris buffer; the results were the same with either buffer. Rates of absorption of aspirin and ethanol were measured, and the rate of absorption of one was found to be entirely independent of the other. Net Na+ and H+ fluxes during subsequent irrigation with 100 MN HCl plus 54 MN NaCl were measured and compared with fluxes observed during control periods to assess changes in the gastric mucosal barrier. Rate of bleeding was measured by hemoglobin output. Although aspirin is slowly absorbed from neutral solutions, the mucosa never bled during irrigation with aspirin in neutral solutions with or without ethanol, nor did it bleed when it was subsequently irrigated with 100 MN HC1. Irrigation with 20 mm aspirin in 1 or 10 MN HC1, with or without ethanol, always damaged the gastric mucosal barrier as shown by increased net Na+ fluxes. The mucosa did not bleed during irrigation with these solutions, but it usually bled when subsequently irrigated with 100 MN HCl or when it was stimulated to secrete by injection of histamine or bethanechol chloride. Severe damage and brisk bleeding were always produced by the combination of 20 mm aspirin, 100 MN HC1, and 8 to 10% ethanol. Solutions containing 4 to 5% ethanol; 10 or 20 mm aspirin; and 1, 10, or 100 MN HCl were more damaging than the corresponding solutions containing no ethanol. The threshold concentration of acid required to produce bleeding after exposure of the mucosa to aspirin, acid, and alcohol was determined by irrigating the mucosa first with 20 mm aspirin in 10 MN HCl and 8 to 10% ethanol and then with 10, 25, 40, or 65 MN HC1. The acid threshold for bleeding lay between 25 and 65 MN HC1. Irrigation of bleeding pouches with either citrate- or Tris-buffered neutral solutions nearly always resulted in cessation of bleeding within 75 min, and recovery from bleeding was the same whether or not the neutral solutions contained 20 mm aspirin.
Phase transition and structural heterogeneity; benzene adsorption on silicalite

Adsorption equilibria have been gravimetrically measured at 10, 20, 30, 50, and 70°C for benzene on pure crystalline silicalite. Isotherms change from type I to type IV with decreasing temperature, indicating heterogeneous behavior. The transition temperature is determined to be 38 ± 1°C by isobaric experiments. Silicalite is energetically homogeneous since there are no cations present. The observed structural heterogeneity is due to the comparable sizes of benzene molecules and the silicalite pore system. Silicalite is modeled as two types of homogeneous pores where a van der Waals model describes local equilibrium. Model parameters are calculated via nonlinear regressions with prescribed pore distribution determined from crystallographic considerations. Data and model predictions are in good agreement with highly significant parameters.
Transient Performance of a Cross Flow Heat Exchanger Using Finite Difference Analysis

Transient analysis of a cross flow heat exchanger subjected to a step increase in temperature of the minimum capacity rate fluid was considered. Predictions obtained using an implicit central finite difference method were presented. The influence of varying grid sizes and time steps sizes on these approaches was addressed. A parametric study was conducted by varying the dimensionless parameters governing the transient response of heat exchanger over a representative range of values.© 2008 ASME
Measuring Resilience With the RS–14: A Tale of Two Samples

The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the psychometric properties of the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14; Wagnild, 2009a). Exploratory and confirmatory factor-analytic methods were employed, including an analysis of measurement invariance models by sex and race/ethnicity. Descriptive statistics, reliability, and validity data were also calculated. Analyses were based on 2 samples, one made up of individuals seeking mental health services following the 2010 Gulf oil spill (N = 1,032) and the other made up of university students (N = 1,765). For both samples, all items loaded (>.30) onto 1 factor, indicating cohesive structure for a 1-factor model explaining 53.2% of the variance in the clinical sample and 67.6% of the variance in the undergraduate sample. Further, the examination of measurement invariance indicated that the RS-14 was similarly structured for sex and race/ethnicity. Reliability coefficients exceeded.90 for both samples and also when data were examined by comparison groups. The RS-14 correlated significantly and as expected with measures of positive concepts (such as perceived meaning in life and satisfaction with life) and indexes of psychological distress (such as depression, anxiety, stress, and posttraumatic stress). These data support the utility of the RS-14 with clinical and undergraduate student samples. Implications for these data are discussed.
Identification of a Binding Site in Protease Nexin I (PN1) Required for the Receptor Mediated Internalization of PN1-Thrombin Complexes

An overlapping synthetic peptide library was constructed representing most of the mature protease nexin I (PN1) sequence from the amino terminus to the reactive center. This library, along with peptides from the heparin binding domain and from the region carboxyl-terminal to the P1 residue of the cleavage site, was screened for the inhibition of 125I-thrombin (Th)-PN1 complex binding and degradation. A peptide corresponding to residues Pro47-Ile58 in the PN1 sequence was identified as a potent inhibitor of 125I-Th-PN1 complex degradation, although it did not affect binding significantly. Pro47-Ile58 was shown to competitively inhibit the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)/alpha2-macroglobulin receptor-mediated endocytosis of 125I-Th-PN1 complexes in mouse embryo fibroblasts. Pro47-Ile58 is an apparent transition sequence in PN1, separating sheet-6B and helix-B. The sequence of Pro47-Ile58, PHDNIVISPHGI, suggests that it forms a loop structure defined by the seven underlined amino acids bordered by proline residues at each end. These studies are the first to identify a putative binding site in a serine protease inhibitor that is required for LRP-mediated internalization.
Sympathetic innervation of the ductus arteriosus in relation to patency

The adrenergic innervation of the patent human ductus arteriosus was studied using the Falck-Hillarp fluorescent histochemical method for the localization of monoamines. Few adrenergic terminals were demonstrated in the muscular layers of the patent ductus arteriosus in 14 specimens examined. The innervation to the adventitia was sparse to moderate. The possibility that a developmental abnormality in the sympathetic innervation may contribute to patency of the ductus arteriosus is discussed.
Dietary methionine intake effects on egg component yield, composition, functionality, and texture profile analysis

Abstract The influence of supplemental Met levels ranging from 413 to 556 mg per hen per d (mg/HD) on liquid egg component yield, composition, and functionality was examined in mature layers (29 wk of age). Egg weight, component yield, solids, and CP content of albumen and yolk were determined. Texture profile analysis, feed ingredient functionality testing, and PAGE were conducted to determine whether increased egg total solids and CP content resulted in altered egg component functionality or electrophoretic protein banding pattern. Albumen component yield increased significantly on a mass basis at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Yolk mass yield was significantly increased at 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Consumption above 413 mg/HD Met resulted in significantly increased albumen total solids and protein. Yolk solids were not significantly different; however, yolk CP was significantly increased at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Albumen and yolk functionality at 413 and 507 g/HD Met were not significantly different in relation to cake volume or height. Emulsion separation at 120 min was significantly increased for 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 and 507 g/HD Met. There were no significant differences in hardness or springiness of albumen and yolk gel plugs and electrophoretic protein banding patterns. Increased understanding of the influence of Met on liquid egg yield and composition may provide the egg producer with an effective and advantageous management technique for shell egg production specifically managed to maximize liquid egg product.
Farsighted users harness network time-diversity

Fluctuations in network conditions are a common phenomenon. They arise in the current wired Internet due to changes in demand, and in wireless networks due to changing interference patterns. However, current congestion control design typically does not account for this, and in this sense the majority of congestion controllers proposed so far can be deemed as "myopic". The present work deals with the following question: how should network end-users exploit such temporal fluctuations? We introduce a formal framework, in which time diversity is explicitly described by phases in network condition. We propose as bandwidth allocation criterion the solution to an optimization problem, which features both classical (myopic) users and so-called farsighted users. We identify the corresponding farsighted user strategy as that maximizing throughput subject to a social norm related to TCP-friendliness. We establish basic desirable properties of the resulting allocations. We propose adaptive decentralized algorithms for farsighted users to achieve their target allocation. The algorithms do not require either explicit knowledge of dynamics in network conditions, or special feedback from the network.
Tensor displays: compressive light field synthesis using multilayer displays with directional backlighting

We introduce tensor displays: a family of compressive light field displays comprising all architectures employing a stack of time-multiplexed, light-attenuating layers illuminated by uniform or directional backlighting (i.e., any low-resolution light field emitter). We show that the light field emitted by an N-layer, M-frame tensor display can be represented by an Nth-order, rank-M tensor. Using this representation we introduce a unified optimization framework, based on nonnegative tensor factorization (NTF), encompassing all tensor display architectures. This framework is the first to allow joint multilayer, multiframe light field decompositions, significantly reducing artifacts observed with prior multilayer-only and multiframe-only decompositions; it is also the first optimization method for designs combining multiple layers with directional backlighting. We verify the benefits and limitations of tensor displays by constructing a prototype using modified LCD panels and a custom integral imaging backlight. Our efficient, GPU-based NTF implementation enables interactive applications. Through simulations and experiments we show that tensor displays reveal practical architectures with greater depths of field, wider fields of view, and thinner form factors, compared to prior automultiscopic displays.
Integrated DC-DC converter using GaAs HBT technology

DC-DC boost converters operating at very high switching frequencies (up to 20 MHz) have been fabricated using GaAs HBT technology. The pulsewidth modulator, driver amplifier and power switch have been implemented on a single GaAs chip. With an input voltage of 3.6 V DC, an operating frequency of 10 MHz and an output power of > 1.5 W, a power efficiency over 80% has been obtained.
INFORMATION NEEDS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT IN EPA’S OFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND TOXICS

The information needs of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT; a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) are broad. We prefer to have all relevant data about an industrial chemical before risk assessment. This information includes physical/chemical properties, fate and transport in the environment, and environmental toxicity. However, OPPT’s needs are constrained by the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), since TSCA does not require any testing of new chemicals prior to notification. While TSCA has broad information-gathering power, OPPT has to justify the need for the data and has to define the type of information needed generally by writing test protocols. When risk assessments have to be done in the absence of measured data for a chemical substance, then OPPT uses structure–activity relationships (SAR) to fill in data gaps.
Hemoglobin Variation and Comments on Systematic Relationships in the Turtle Family Emydidae

Abstract Hemoglobin polymorphism in all 10 genera of emydid turtles was examined by isoelectric focusing. Two major (highly concentrated) forms of hemoglobin were revealed in all turtles examined. Cathodal electromorphic bands of hemoglobin (Hb A) demonstrated isoelectric points (pI) 7.6–8.3, and anodal bands (Hb D) demonstrated isoelectric points 5.2–6.1. The most common forms of Hb A (pI 8.3) and Hb D (pI 6.0) were shared by Pseudemys, Graptemys, Malaclemys, and Trachemys. Relatively little intrageneric variation was observed except among species of Clemmys, which lends support to the hypothesis that the genus Clemmys is not monophyletic. Ontogenetic hemoglobin polymorphism was observed in Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys scripta troostii.
Sleep Disordered Breathing in Parkinson’s Disease

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a serious medical condition in which there are repeated reductions or cessations of breathing during sleep. Early research suggested that because Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have pulmonary abnormalities while they are awake they may be at increased risk for developing sleep disordered breathing. A large literature now demonstrates that sleep disordered breathing is common in Parkinson’s disease patients, but no different than age-matched controls from the general population. In the general population, sleep disordered breathing often correlates with excessive daytime sleepiness, but this correlation is not typically observed within Parkinson’s disease patients. However, sleep disordered breathing in Parkinson’s disease has been preliminarily linked to impaired sleep-dependent memory consolidation, blunted sympathetic responses, and worsening motor function Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Parkinson’s disease patients who have sleep disordered breathing may benefit from positive airway pressure or mandibular advancement treatments, and an exciting avenue for future research is determining whether such treatment also positively affects disease progression and quality of life.
Patient-Specific Cutting Guides Were Not Better Than Conventional Instrumentation for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abane L, Anract P, Boisgard S, Descamps S, Courpied JP, Hamadouche M. A comparison of patient-specific and conventional instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Bone Joint J. 2015 Jan;97-B(1):56-63. ### Question: In patients having total knee arthroplasty, are better results achieved using patient-specific cutting guides (PSCG) compared with conventional instrumentation? ### Design: Randomized (allocation concealed), blinded (outcome assessor), controlled trial with 3 months of follow-up. ### Setting: 2 tertiary care centers in France. ### Patients: 140 patients between 18 and 85 years of age (mean age, 69 years; 63% women) with 140 knees requiring total knee arthroplasty because of primary or secondary osteoarthritis were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were active or suspected infection, tumor around the knee, previous total knee arthroplasty, the presence of hardware that could cause artifacts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contraindication to MRI, the presence of deformity that required osteotomy around the knee or total knee arthroplasty, or social circumstances that could impair follow-up. 126 patients (90%) completed follow-up. ### Intervention: Patients were allocated to PSCG (n = 70) or conventional instrumentation (n = 70). Patients in the PSCG group were evaluated with MRI and standing full-length radiographs six weeks before surgery. A preliminary surgical plan, including the level of resection and the alignment and size of the femoral and tibial components, was formulated from the images according to the preference …
Scanning Fiber-optic Nonlinear Endomicroscopy

We present a fully integrated fiber-optic scanning endomicroscope of a probe head weight less than 1.2g. Significant improvements on nonlinear signal collection efficiency (by 30 fold) and resolution (by 2 fold) have been recently achieved.
Uncertainty Quantification and Output Prediction in Multi-level Problems

The calibration of model parameters is essential to predict the output of a complicated system, but the lack of data at the system level makes it impossible to conduct this quantification directly. This situation drives analysts to obtain information on model parameters using experimental data at lower levels of complexity which share the same model parameters with the system of interest. To solve this multi-level problem, this paper first conducts model calibration using lower level data and Bayesian inference to obtain the posterior distribution of each model parameter. However, lower level models are not perfect; thus model validation is also needed to evaluate the model that was used in model calibration. In the model validation, this paper extends the model reliability metric by using a stochastic representation of model reliability, and model with multivariate output is also considered. Another contribution of this paper is the consideration of physical relevance through sensitivity analysis, in order to measure the extent to which a lower level test represents the physical characteristics of the actual system of interest so that the calibration results can be extrapolated to the system level. Finally all the information from calibration, validation and relevance analysis is integrated to quantify the uncertainty in the system level prediction.
Improving Survey Aggregation with Sparsely Represented Signals

In this paper, we develop a new aggregation technique to reduce the cost of surveying. Our method aims to jointly estimate a vector of target quantities such as public opinion or voter intent across time and maintain good estimates when using only a fraction of the data. Inspired by the James-Stein estimator, we resolve this challenge by shrinking the estimates to a global mean which is assumed to have a sparse representation in some known basis. This assumption has lead to two different methods for estimating the global mean: orthogonal matching pursuit and deep learning. Both of which significantly reduce the number of samples needed to achieve good estimates of the true means of the data and, in the case of presidential elections, can estimate the outcome of the 2012 United States elections while saving hundreds of thousands of samples and maintaining accuracy.
AP2-NR4A3 transgenic mice display reduced serum epinephrine because of increased catecholamine catabolism in adipose tissue

The NR4A orphan nuclear receptors function as early response genes to numerous stimuli. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that overexpression of NR4A3 (NOR-1, MINOR) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. To assess the in vivo effect of NR4A3 on adipocytes, we generated transgenic mice with NR4A3 overexpression driven by the adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AP2) promoter (AP2-NR4A3 mice). We hypothesized that AP2-NR4A3 mice would display enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. However, AP2-NR4A3 mice exhibit metabolic impairment, including increased fasting glucose and insulin, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, decreased serum free fatty acids, and increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. AP2-NR4A3 mice also display a significant reduction in serum epinephrine due to increased expression of catecholamine-catabolizing enzymes in adipose tissue, including monoamine oxidase-A. Furthermore, enhanced expression of monoamine oxidase-A is due to direct transcriptional activation by NR4A3. Finally, AP2-NR4A3 mice display cardiac and behavioral alterations consistent with chronically low circulating epinephrine levels. In conclusion, overexpression of NR4A3 in adipocytes produces a complex phenotype characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and low serum catecholamines due to enhanced degradation by adipose tissue.
Haplotype and diplotype analyses of variation in ERCC5 transcription cis-regulation in normal bronchial epithelial cells

Excision repair cross-complementation group 5 (ERCC5) gene plays an important role in nucleotide excision repair, and dysregulation of ERCC5 is associated with increased lung cancer risk. Haplotype and diplotype analyses were conducted in normal bronchial epithelial cells (NBEC) to better understand mechanisms responsible for interindividual variation in transcript abundance regulation of ERCC5 We determined genotypes at putative ERCC5 cis-regulatory SNPs (cis-rSNP) rs751402 and rs2296147, and marker SNPs rs1047768 and rs17655. ERCC5 allele-specific transcript abundance was assessed by a recently developed targeted sequencing method. Syntenic relationships among alleles at rs751402, rs2296147, and rs1047768 were assessed by allele-specific PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. We then assessed association of ERCC5 allele-specific expression at rs1047768 with haplotype and diplotype structure at cis-rSNPs rs751402 and rs2296147. Genotype analysis revealed significantly (P < 0.005) higher interindividual variation in allelic ratios in cDNA samples relative to matched gDNA samples at both rs1047768 and rs17655. By diplotype analysis, mean expression was higher at the rs1047768 alleles syntenic with rs2296147 T allele compared with rs2296147 C allele. Furthermore, mean expression was lower at rs17655 C allele, which is syntenic with G allele at a linked SNP rs873601 (D' = 0.95). These data support the conclusions that in NBEC, T allele at SNP rs2296147 upregulates ERCC5, variation at rs751402 does not alter ERCC5 regulation, and that C allele at SNP rs17655 downregulates ERCC5 Variation in ERCC5 transcript abundance associated with allelic variation at these SNPs could result in variation in NER function in NBEC and lung cancer risk.
Effects of Pharmacological Agents on Human Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells in Culture

Amniotic fluid contains multipotent cells and could be a source of stem cells for clinical use. Amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) are made up of a heterogeneous population of fetal cells that can be retrieved during pregnancy without ethical concerns as it is a standard clinical procedure. Studies of proliferation, multipotent marker expression, differentiation, and gene expression were performed after culturing with dexamethasone, valproic acid, and magnesium sulfate. There were correlations between known drug effects on the human fetus and changes seen in human AFCs in culture, as well as previously undescribed observations in neural and chondrogenic inducibility. Gene expression profiles confirmed these observations. AFC culture may provide a novel method to evaluate pharmacological agents before clinical use in pregnancy.
A multigrid acceleration method for the one-dimensional S/sub N/ equations with anisotropic scattering

In this paper a multigrid acceleration scheme for the one-dimensional slab geometry S/sub n/ equations with anisotropic scattering and linear discontinuous spatial differencing is developed. The high-frequency relaxation iteration consists of three steps: a standard source iteration, independent two-cell block inversions centered about each spatial cell edge, and an averaging of the iterates from the previous two steps. Because the linear discontinuous differencing scheme is a finite element method, fine-to-coarse projection and coarse-to-fine interpolation are straightforward.
Driver behavior characterization using multiple dynamic models

Incorporating driver behavior information into vehicle control strategies can significantly improve performance of vehicle control systems, such as active safety systems and driver assistance systems. This paper proposes an algorithm for driver behavior characterization based on handling limits. In order to implement the handling limit-based algorithm, an interacting multiple model estimation technique is applied, which accounts for probabilistic correctness of the multiple models. The proposed algorithm is validated through experimental tests, and the results illustrate potential of the proposed algorithm as a stochastic approach for driver behavior characterization based on handling limits.
Mechanisms mediating the negative interaction between oxaliplatin (Ox) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in patients (pts) with KRAS mutant (MT) colorectal cancer (CRC).

3580 Background: Phase 3 trials have shown that pts with MT KRAS tumors have shorter progression-free survival and overall survival when an EGFR inhibitor is added to Ox-containing chemotherapy (CT...
Coordination Chemistry: Reaction Mechanisms and Their Influencing Factors

This chapter deals with another important topic, the physical and chemical properties of coordination complexes. As was mentioned in an earlier chapter of this section, coordination complexes have enormous biological and materials applications. To design better complexes for the various applications one must have knowledge and understanding of the kinetics and mechanism of the formation and reactivity of molecules. Coordination complexes undergo various types of transformations just like the organic compounds. Since the metal is directly or indirectly involved in the reactions of metal complexes, there may be some complications concerning their kinetics and mechanism. Detailed kinetic studies of the reactions of coordination complexes in solution have been crucial in finding the most probable reaction mechanism. This chapter also discusses the importance of the geometry and of other factors influencing the reaction mechanism.
Structured Interviews: Developing Interviewing Skills in Human Resource Management Courses.

Structured interviews are widely used in the employment process; however, students often have little experience asking and responding to structured interview questions. In a format similar to “spee...
An in vitro study to assess the impact of tetracycline on the human intestinal microbiome.

Abstract The human intestinal microbiome, a generally stable ecosystem, could be potentially altered by the ingestion of antimicrobial drug residues in foods derived from animals. Data and the scientific published literature on the effects of antimicrobial residues on the human intestinal microbiome are reviewed by national regulatory authorities as part of the human food safety evaluation of veterinary antimicrobial agents used in food-producing animals. In this study, we determined if tetracycline, at low residue concentrations, could impact the human intestinal microbiome structure and the resistance-gene profile, following acute and subchronic exposure. The effects of 0.15, 1.5, 15, and 150 μg/ml of tetracycline, after 24 h and 40 days of exposure, in 3% human fecal suspensions, collected from three individuals (A, B, and C) were investigated using in vitro batch cultures. Results were variable, with either no change or minor changes in total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies after exposure of fecal samples to tetracycline, because of the inter-individual variation of human gastrointestinal tract microbiota. Bacterial community analysis using rRNA-based pyrosequencing revealed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla in the three fecal samples; the ratio of phylotypes varied among individuals. The evaluation of bacterial community changes at the genus level, from control to tetracycline-treated fecal samples, suggested that tetracycline under the conditions of this study could lead to slight differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota. The genus Bacteroides (of the Bacteroidetes) was consistently altered from 1.68 to 5.70% and 4.82–8.22% at tetracycline concentrations of 0.15 μg/ml or above at both time points for individual A, respectively, and increased 5.13–13.50% and 10.92–22.18% for individual B, respectively. Clostridium family XI increased 3.50–25.34% in the presence of tetracycline at 40 days for individual C. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the pyrosequencing findings of inter-individual variability of the ratio of phylotypes and the effect of tetracycline. Among the 23 tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) screened, four tet genes (tetO, Q, W, and X) were major TRGs in control and tetracycline-dosed fecal samples. A variable to slight increase of copy number of TRGs appeared to be related to tetracycline treatment, interindividual variability and duration of exposure. Despite, the inherent variability of the intestinal microbiota observed among or within individuals, this pilot study contributes to the knowledge base of the impact of low residue concentrations of tetracycline on the human intestinal microbiome on the potential for antimicrobial resistance.
Where the Weird Things Are

Up to this point, I have been careful to emphasize mostly the experimental facts of quantum physics—together with a theoretical structure that is useful for predicting those facts. This might be regarded as the “what” of quantum physics—and in this regard, the story that has emerged over the last 100 years is remarkably clear, comprehensive, and unambiguous.
A Preliminary Analysis of the Age of Full Expression of Sexually Dimorphic Cranial Traits

Although high accuracy rates have been achieved for adult skeletal sex estimation, it is unclear at what age sexually dimorphic traits of the skull become fully developed and useful in subadults. Four linear distances that capture sexual dimorphism-the nuchal crest, mastoid process, glabella, and mental eminence-were measured in a longitudinal sample of lateral cranial radiographs from 10 males and 10 females in the Denver Growth Study (total n = 190). The age full trait expression was attained was compared to that of dental maturity (i.e., third molar eruption). The mental eminence reached full expression significantly earlier than dental maturity (p < 0.001), although a high degree of variability was observed. Ages of expression of the other traits did not differ significantly from dental maturity. These results suggest that in forensic cases, where misclassification can have substantial impacts, cranial traits cannot yet be used reliably for sex estimation prior to third molar eruption.
Proton therapy for small cell lung cancer

The prognosis of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) continues to improve and is now roughly comparable to that of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This shift, taken together with the decreased toxicities of modern radiotherapy (RT) for LS-SCLC compared with those reported in historical trials, necessitates further evaluation of whether proton beam therapy (PBT) could further reduce both acute and late toxicities for patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LS-SCLC. These notions are discussed theoretically, with an emphasis on cardiac events. This is followed by a review of the published evidence to date demonstrating improved dosimetry with PBT over intensity-modulated RT and encouraging safety and efficacy profiles seen in early clinical reports. In addition to covering technical aspects of PBT for LS-SCLC such as intensity-modulated PBT, image-guidance for PBT, and adaptive planning, this review also discusses the need for increased data on intensity-modulated PBT for LS-SCLC, economic and quality of life analyses for future PBT SCLC studies, careful categorization of cardiac events in these patients, and the role for immunotherapy combined with photon- or proton-based RT for LS-SCLC.
Where do ideas come from

Ideas are nurtured by informal dialogues in environments where mistakes are tolerated and critical thinking is encouraged.