cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Matter of Measurements: Challenges and Approaches in the Comparative Analysis of Static Allometries

Comparisons of static allometries are frequently used to gain insights into patterns and processes underlying morphological and developmental evolution. A study by J. L. Tomkins and coworkers, recently published in the American Naturalist, examined complex nonlinear allometries in three insect species in which males are dimorphic in the expression of secondary sexual traits. Employing a novel approach to analyzing male allometries in these organisms, the authors were able to show that developmental reprogramming of trait primordia is not necessary to explain allometric scaling in two of the species examined, contrary to several previous studies on the same species. Instead, male dimorphisms could be explained by simple exponential growth, an important result that carries with it major evolutionary and developmental implications. Using this study as an example, I highlight some of the methodological challenges involved in analyzing and comparing static allometries and in inferring the developmental processes that underlie them. I end by discussing how correct application of hypothesis testing, on one side, and basic anatomy and developmental biology, on the other, should guide how morphology is measured.
Perceptions of Discrimination. Moving Beyond the Numbers of Representative Bureaucracy

Despite legal efforts to eliminate employment discrimination, lawsuits and demonstrations suggest that many federal employees believe they are subject to discriminatory practices. This article analyzes responses to a governmentwide survey of federal employees in order to understand such perceptions more fully. Propositions examined, and at least partially supported, include that minority groups hold identifiable, but structurally different, belief systems with regard to discrimination, and that there are identifiable factors correlated with these perceptions.
Quality and Economic Evaluation of Peanut Stored in Modular Containers

Abstract Handling problems at buying/drying points have significantly increased with the increased harvesting rate of the 4-, 6-, and 8-row combines. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) can be cured and dried, stored, and moved to the shelling plant when placed in the modular container (box) at the field location. Boxes sized 1.8 m deep x 2.3 m wide x 7.3 m long will hold about 10 Mg of peanuts with two boxes making a semitrailer load. In 1995 and 1996, standard 4.3-m peanut wagons and 4.3-m boxes were used to study a) changes in peanut moisture, b) handling concerns of boxes, and c) the economic feasibility of handling peanuts in boxes. Peanut moisture content decreased from about 10.3 to 6.2% during the two storage periods of 140 and 160 d. Differences in temperature and relative humidity caused the average moisture content to decrease from 9.6 to 7.5% in 70 d during 1995 compared to a drop from 9.5 to 7.5% in 140 d during 1996. Maximum and minimum temperatures in the top 15 cm lagged behind the ambient tempe...
Precision test of QED by direct comparison of e+e− → γγ and e+e− → e+e− at 29 GeV

Abstract The ratio of differential cross sections for the reactions e+e− → γγ and e+e− → e+e− is measured at s = 29 GeV in the central polar angle region, |cos θ| 59 GeV and Λ- > 59 GeV.
Information Literacy: The Partnership of Sociology Faculty and Social Science Librarians

This paper discusses a joint project of the American Library Association and the American Sociological Association. The goal of this collaboration is to guarantee that students of sociology, particularly sociology majors, develop strong information literacy skills during their undergraduate experience. The article talks about national standards for information literacy and how they relate to the sociology major. It presents examples for applying the sociology information literacy standards to course assignments and the sociology curriculum. We also provide suggestions for building linkages between sociology faculty members and social science librarians, as well as ways in which information literacy outcomes might be assessed in the sociology curriculum.
Alternative derivation of the response of interferometric gravitational wave detectors

It has recently been pointed out by Finn that the long-standing derivation of the response of an interferometric gravitational wave detector contains several errors. Here I point out that a contemporaneous derivation of the gravitational wave response for spacecraft doppler tracking and pulsar timing avoids these pitfalls, and when adapted to describe interferometers, recovers a simplified version of Finn's derivation. This simplified derivation may be useful for pedagogical purposes.
Stressful presentations: mild cold stress in laboratory mice influences phenotype of dendritic cells in naïve and tumor-bearing mice

The ability of dendritic cells to stimulate and regulate T cells is critical to effective anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, it is important to fully recognize any inherent factors which may influence DC function under experimental conditions, especially in laboratory mice since they are used so heavily to study immune responses. Physiological stress is well recognized to impair several arms of immune protection. The goals of this report are to briefly summarize previous work revealing how DCs respond to various forms of physiologically relevant stress and to present new data highlighting the potential for chronic mild cold stress inherent in mice housed at standard ambient temperatures required for laboratory mice to influence baseline DCs properties. Since recent data from our group shows that CD8+ T cell function is altered by mild chronic cold stress and since DC function is crucial for CD8+ T cell activation, we wondered whether mild cold stress may also be influencing DC properties. We found increased numbers of splenic DCs (CD11c+) in cold stressed mice compared to mice housed at a thermoneutral temperature, which significantly reduces cold stress. However, many of the DCs which are expanded in cold stressed mice express an immature phenotype. We also found that antigen presentation and ability of splenocytes to activate T cells were impaired compared to that seen in DCs isolated from mice at thermoneutrality. The new data presented here strongly suggest that the housing temperature of mice can affect fundamental properties of DC function which in turn could be influencing the response of DCs to added experimental stressors or other treatments.
Merger Origin for Counterrotating Cores in Elliptical Galaxies

Using numerical simulations of the merger between a high- and a low-luminosity elliptical galaxy we show that this type of merger can result in an elliptical with a counterrotating core. Only merger orbits retrograde with respect to the primary spin generate counterrotating cores, because the initial secondary spin does not survive the merger even though the secondary core is not disrupted during the merger. The shape and the rotation axis of the primary are severely modified during the merger. The remnants of the simulations show a similarities with elliptical galaxies with peculiar core kinematics.
Variable Extrathoracic Airflow Obstruction and Chronic Laryngotracheitis in Gulf War Veterans

Study objectives: To study the flow-volume loop for evidence of variable extrathoracic airflow obstruction in Persian Gulf War veterans. Design: Retrospective case-control, single-center study. Setting: The pulmonary division of an academic health-care center. Subjects: A convenience sample of the Persian Gulf Registry. Measurements and interventions: (1) Midvital capacity ratio (ratio of maximum forced midexpiratory to maximum forced midinspiratory flow). This ratio is the criterion standard for the diagnosis of variable extrathoracic airflow obstruction. (2) Evaluation of the anatomy and function of the extrathoracic airway by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. (3) Further investigation into the airway abnormality by histologic evaluation of tracheal biopsy samples in Gulf War veterans only. Results: Midvital capacity was >1.0 in 32 of 37 Gulf War veterans compared with only 11 of 38 control subjects. The mean (6 SD) value was 1.37 6 0.4 among Gulf War veterans and 0.88 6 0.3 among control subjects (p 5 0.0000005). FVC and its ratio to FEV1 were normal in all these subjects. Bronchoscopy showed inflamed larynx and trachea in all (n 5 17) Gulf War veterans. Histologic study showed chronic inflammation of the trachea in everyone (n 5 12) who had an adequate biopsy sample. Conclusion: Physicians should be made aware of the presence of chronic inflammation of the upper airways and inspiratory airflow limitation in a number of Gulf War veterans. (CHEST 1999; 115:97‐101)
Practical FDR-based sample size calculations in microarray experiments

Motivation: Owing to the experimental cost and difficulty in obtaining biological materials, it is essential to consider appropriate sample sizes in microarray studies. With the growing use of the False Discovery Rate (FDR) in microarray analysis, an FDR-based sample size calculation is essential. Method: We describe an approach to explicitly connect the sample size to the FDR and the number of differentially expressed genes to be detected. The method fits parametric models for degree of differential expression using the Expectation--Maximization algorithm. Results: The applicability of the method is illustrated with simulations and studies of a lung microarray dataset. We propose to use a small training set or published data from relevant biological settings to calculate the sample size of an experiment. Availability: Code to implement the method in the statistical package R is available from the authors. Contact: jhu@mdanderson.org
Leptin represses matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene expression in LX2 human hepatic stellate cells

Background/Aims Collagen accumulation in liver fibrosis is due in part to decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 relative to TIMP-1. LX-2 hepatic stellate cells produce increased amounts of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in response to leptin. The effect of leptin on MMP-1 production has not been reported. Methods LX-2 cells were treated with leptin with or without inhibitors. We determined: phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and -2, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 and -5, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 by Western blot; H 2 O 2 concentration by a colorimetric method; MMP-1 mRNA levels and stability by Northern blot; MMP-1 promoter activity as well as pro-MMP-1 by ELISA; and active MMP-1 by fluorescence. Results LX-2 cells constitutively expressed the MMP-1 gene and leptin repressed the basal level of MMP-1 mRNA and its promoter activity. The repression was mediated by JAK/STAT pathway in synergism with JAK-mediated H 2 O 2 -dependent ERK1/2 and p38 pathways. ERK1/2 inhibited MMP-1 promoter activity, whereas p38 decreased the message stability, contributing to mRNA down-regulation. Inhibition of MMP-1 gene diminished secreted pro-MMP-1 and active MMP-1. Conclusions Leptin represses MMP-1 gene expression via the synergistic actions of the JAK/STAT pathway and JAK-mediated H 2 O 2 -dependent ERK1/2 and p38 pathways.
The Semantic Clustering of Images and Its Relation with Low Level Color Features

Content-based image retrieval - CBIR uses visual content (low-level features) of images such as color, texture, shape, etc. to representand to index images. Extensive experiments on CBIR show that low-level features not represent exactly the high-level semantic concepts and can fail when used to retrieve similar images. In order to overpass this problem, different approaches aim to propose new methods that use different techniques combined with low-level descriptors. In this work, we analyze the relation between low-level color features and the high-level features to justify or not the use of these descriptors in the CBIR process. In this sense, a group of users were asked about the similarity of a group of images. After, Semantic clusters were established based on their answers. These clusters are compared with the classification obtained by color descriptors of the MPEG-7 standard, giving us an idea about the situations in which these low level color features can be used for CBIR and properties of their application.
Continuities in Reading Acquisition, Reading Skill, and Reading Disability:

Reading instruction and remediation are best grounded when based on obseruation ofthe continuities among various problems in reading The problems of reading acquisition, reading ski14 and reading disability are linked by their shared connection to word decoding. Learning to read depends on eventual (but not initial) mastery of coding procedures, and even skilled reading depends on coding pmcesses that are low in cost to processing resources. Reading disability may also be understood as representing a point on an ability continuum that contains a wide range of coding ability. Instructional goals of word reading skill, including rapid and fluent word recognition, follow from these considerations.
Retinoid X receptor α regulates the expression of glutathione s-transferase genes and modulates acetaminophen-glutathione conjugation in mouse liver

Nuclear receptors, including constitutive androstane receptor, pregnane X receptor, and retinoid X receptor (RXR), modulate acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating the expression of phase I cytochrome P450 (P450) genes. It has not been fully resolved, however, whether they regulate APAP detoxification at the phase II level. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of RXRα in phase II enzyme-mediated detoxification of APAP. Wild-type and hepatocyte-specific RXRα knockout mice were treated with a toxic dose of APAP (500 mg/kg i.p.). Mutant mice were protected from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, even though basal liver glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly lower in mutant mice compared with those of wild-type mice. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of APAP metabolites revealed significantly greater levels of APAP-GSH conjugates in livers and bile of mutant mice compared with those of wild-type mice. Furthermore, hepatocyte RXRα deficiency altered the gene expression profile of the glutathione S-transferase (Gst) family. Basal expression of 13 of 15 Gst genes studied was altered in hepatocyte-specific RXRα-deficient mice. This probably led to enhanced APAP-GSH conjugation and reduced accumulation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, a toxic electrophile that is produced by biotransformation of APAP by phase I P450 enzymes. In conclusion, the data presented in this study define an RXRα-Gst regulatory network that controls APAP-GSH conjugation. This report reveals a potential novel strategy to enhance the detoxification of APAP or other xenobiotics by manipulating Gst activity through RXRα-mediated pathways.
Cre Reporter Mouse Expressing a Nuclear Localized Fusion of GFP and β-Galactosidase Reveals New Derivatives of Pax3-Expressing Precursors

A new Cre-reporter strain of mouse has been developed that expresses a fusion protein derived from the lacZ gene fused to GFP with a nuclear localization signal. This construct is expressed from the ROSA26 locus upon Cre-mediated recombination that removes a loxP-flanked PGK-neo cassette, thus allowing for detection of Cre activity in all tissues. This reporter strain, which is similar to prior R26R and R26EGFP strains, has certain advantages related to the nuclear expression and the combined expression of both beta-galactosidase and GFP activities. We show that the use of this newly developed reporter line allows for enhanced resolution, detection and co-localization. Thus, we report a previously unrecognized subset of venous endothelial cells derived from Pax3 expressing precursors.
Colleges, Universities, and the Urban School District: Developing a Common Agenda.

The improvement of Cleveland's schools is the intended outcome of collaborations of colleges and universities.
Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds after administration of varying doses of frusemide.

Summary The frusemide dose-response for attenuation of exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension was studied in 7 healthy, exercise-conditioned Thoroughbred horses using previously described haemodynamic procedures. Four different doses of frusemide were tested: 250 mg regardless of bodyweight (amounting to 0.56 ± 0.03 mg/kg bwt), 1.0 mg/kg bwt, 1.5 mg/kg bwt and 2.0 mg/kg bwt. Frusemide was administered i.v., 4 h before exercise. Haemodynamic data were obtained at rest and during treadmill exercise performed at 14.2 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade; this workload elicited maximal heart rate of horses. Airway endoscopy was performed post exercise to detect exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). In standing horses, frusemide administration resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in mean pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary and pulmonary artery wedge pressures, but significant differences among the various frusemide doses were not observed. In the control experiments, exercise caused significant increments in the right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, wedge, and capillary pressures, and all horses experienced EIPH. Following frusemide administration, the exercise-induced rise in right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures was significantly attenuated, but significant differences between the frusemide doses of 250 mg, 1.0 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg were not discerned and all horses remained positive for EIPH. Although a further significant (P<0.05) attenuation of the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary capillary blood pressure occurred when frusemide dose increased from 250 mg to 2.0 mg/kg bwt, all horses still experienced EIPH. It is concluded that a linear response to increasing frusemide dosage in terms of attenuation of the pulmonary capillary hypertension does not exist in strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses.
International Investor Sentiment and Emerging Equity Markets in Central and Eastern Europe

This paper uses the vector Markov switching method of Hamilton (1990) to measure market sentiment in a group of countries. We investigate the apparent co-movement of equity returns in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. We argue that the main underlying forces moving stock returns in small open emerging markets are of an exogenous nature. The main factor driving prices in the region is modeled as an unobservable variable labeled â€œinternational investor sentimentâ€. This latent variable is represented as a two-state Markov chain and makes stock returns switch from a growth regime to a depression regime, or in the opposite direction. In such a framework, the stock return process comes from a mixture of two multivariate normal distributions. The estimated latent variable shows significant correlation with a number of data series on global capital flows, mutual fund flows, regional emerging and developed marketsâ€™ equity returns as well as with other popular market sentiment or economic uncertainty indicators. It does not show a strong association with a comprehensive set of contemporaneous local economic factors with the exception of the quarterly change in industrial production.
The point of purchase decision in a supply chain with value-added reselling

We explore a stylised decision model in order to better understand the trade-offs inherent in locating the point of purchase on a supply chain. In simple terms, a supply chain can be visualised as a series of value-adding production stages where the end product becomes increasingly differentiated as it travels downstream. The manufacturer is responsible for all processing up to the point of purchase, whereas the buyer (a value-added reseller) is responsible for further processing up to the end of product completion. Product demand becomes more and more uncertain with each downstream stage resulting in ever larger errors in matching demand with supply. Our paper proposes an approach and a model for finding the best location for the interface between the manufacturer and buyer so that the buyer’s expected total profit is maximised, and explores how product characteristics such as configurability and lead time sensitivity of demand might impact the results.
Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging of cochlear schwannoma

The majority of eighth cranial nerve tumors are acoustic schwannomas, with greater than 90% arising from the vestib­ ular division within the internal auditory canal. Most originate near the porus acusticus at the gliai-Schwann cell interface. The minority of vestibular schwannomas arise at other loca­ tions along the nerve, such as within the vestibule or at the fundus of the internal auditory canal. Schwannomas arising from the cochlear division in the absence of vestibular involve­ ment or neurofibromatosis are rare. Previously, cochlear schwannomas have been seen primarily at autopsy, although demonstration by CT [1, 2] and polytomography [3] have been reported . CT evaluation of eighth cranial nerve tumors has largely been replaced by MR imaging. The recent availa­ bility of paramagnetic contrast agents has further enhanced the value of MR in the preoperative localization of intracana­ licular or intralabyrinthine tumors [4] . The case reported here represents in vivo demonstration of an isolated cochlear schwannoma by means of paramagnetic-contrast-enhanced MR imaging . The ability to demonstrate the cochlear location of the abnormality had direct bearing on clinical management and surgical planning. Case Report A 36-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of tinnitus , vertigo, and progressively severe neurosensory hearing loss in the right ear. Audiometric evaluation revealed a 65 dB loss with 20% discrimination. The caloric response was diminished, but the auditory brainstem re sponse (ABR) revealed no delay in the interpeak latency. Acoustic schwannomas involving the vestibular division are most classically associated with an ABR interpeak delay. In the absence of this finding , a lesion of the cochlea or a very small vestibular lesion is suggested. The patient was referred directly to MR for evaluation of the temporal bones and cerebellopontine angles. No CT was obtained.
Maximizing End-to-End Throughput in Image Communication Systems

We describe two systems designed and constructed in the Radiology Department of the University of Arizona.
The Response of Escherichia Coli to Fatty Acid Supplements and the Regulation of Membrane Lipid Synthesis

Despite many years of research, the exact nature of the molecular organization of the biological membrane is still a matter of much discussion and speculation. Several models have been proposed for membrane structure (Danielli and Dayson, 1935; Robertson, 1966; Benson, 1968; Green et al, 1967), each of which is based primarily on what is assumed for its function, and none of which has met a universal acceptability. However, what is generally agreed on is that the biomembrane consists of proteins, lipids, and water, and that lipid-protein interactions determine membrane function. A possible approach to the understanding of the structural requirements for the lipids and proteins which are essential for the expression of membrane function is alteration of these constituents and investigation into the effect of such alterations on membrane properties. To this purpose, alterations of the lipid component of the membrane have sounded promising (Silbert et al, 1968; McElhaney and Tourtellotte, 1969; Steim et al, 1969).
Abstract 292: Maternal Transfer of Anti-Cardiac Myosin Antibody Induces Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Underdevelopment of Aortic Arch in Newborn Rats

Introduction: Anti-cardiac myosin (CM) antibodies are induced following certain infectious diseases. We evaluated for the first time the effect of maternally-transferred anti-CM antibody on the newborn heart in a rat model. Methods: Female Lewis rats were immunized with 1 µg of emulsified CM and boosters (0.5 µg) were administered every 2 weeks, followed by mating; control rats (n=3) were injected with saline. After birth, pups were continually housed with dams. Echocardiography was performed on pups on day 20. Pups were sacrificed on day 21 and hearts were fixed, sectioned, and analyzed for morphological changes. Trichrome staining was performed to detect fibrotic changes. Results: All the pups in CM group (n=22) showed anti-CM antibody titers of more than 12800. Echocardiographic study revealed that 45.4% (10/22) of pups in the CM group had evidence of decreased left ventricular systolic function. The affected pups had both thinner anterior and inferior left ventricle walls compared with pups in control group (3.43±0.33 vs. 3.82±0.24, p=0.017 and 3.71±0.32 vs. 4.18±0.31, p=0.009 respectively). There were also evidence of underdevelopment of thoracic aorta and aortic arch (3.1±0.16 vs. 3.3±0.16 for ascending aorta diameter, p=0.002 and 2.6±0.14 vs. 2.8±0.25 for descending aorta diameter, p=0.008). Morphological changes consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy (image) and fibrosis were detected. Conclusion: Maternal anti-CM antibodies can cross the placenta and affect the development of the newborn heart; the resulting phenotype is one of dilated cardiomyopathy with associated hypoplasia of vascular structures perhaps secondary to reduced flow.
The Purpose and Source of Seasonal Migration to Alaska

T nHE economy of Alaska is subject to extreme seasonal fluctuations and, in fact, has been ever since the first recorded settlement by white men. The basic reasons for these ups and downs in the territorial economy are the climate and the nature of the major Alaskan industries. The winter climate-very cold in the interior and very waret in the coastal regions-discourages outdoor activities such as construction, mining, and the tourist industry, three bulwarks of the economy at the present time. Historically, the Alaskan economy has been based primarily upon the export of three raw materials or natural resources-fish (mainly salmon), minerals (mainly gold), and furs. Two of these-fish and furs-are the products of seasonal activities. It is true that seasonal forces affect the situation less severely today than in years gone by. Attempts to lengthen the working season for some industries (such as construction) by better planning, newer processes, and other factors have met with some success. However, a high peak period for virtually every Alaska business and industry occurs during the summer months and such will continue for years to come. This seasonality places much strain on the transportation facilities and the labor supply. Airlines add many flights during the summer, and the highway traffic increases materially. Steamship companies serving Alaska use all available passenger ships (more than half of which lie idle all winter because of slack demand), and even then reservation lists are filled three to six months before sailing dates. During the decade of 1940-1950 Alaska experienced a population growth of 77 per cent (72,542 in 1939 to 128,643 in 1950), the largest increase percentagewise of any state or territory under the American flag. In spite of such growth, the territory still imports a considerable proportion of its summer labor supply. In addition, tourists account for a large part of the seasonal influx. Many territorial businessmen are aware of the economic value of the visitor who comes to work during the summer, and to a lesser extent they realize the potential value of the tourist. As a result there is a growing desire among Alaskans to know more about the seasonal visitor, tourist and otherwise, so that they may encourage his coming and plan for it. Specifically, they must know how many people visit Alaska during the summer, why they come, and from where they come.
Abstract 2923: Androgen receptor activation changes chromatin structure and transcriptional activation

Epigenetic mechanisms such as chromatin accessibility and histone modifications impact transcription factor binding to DNA and transcriptional specificity. The androgen receptor (AR), a master regulator of prostate cancer initiation and progression, acts primarily through ligand-activated transcription of target genes. By combining deep sequencing with DNase I hypersensitivity analysis (DNase-seq) and RNA analysis (RNA-seq) we assessed genome-wide chromatin structure and transcription and combined this data with publicly available AR chromatin immunoprecipitation data (AR Chip-seq). We find that 64% of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) overlap each other before and after androgen in LNCaP cells. Interestingly, in regions with increased chromatin accessibility following androgen induction, the canonical AR DNA recognition motif is enriched. Comparing identified DHS to AR binding sites from three different data sets consistently reveals that 50% of AR binding overlaps a DHS in induced cells. Of those sites with both DHS and AR binding, approximately half are available prior to androgen induction (i.e. “primed”) and half open in response to androgen stimulation. This contrasts with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which was recently reported to bind to DNA primarily in regions that are accessible to nuclease cleavage prior to ligand activation. Our RNA-seq analysis discovered 367 genes regulated by AR activation (FDR Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2923. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2923
Microglial activation during epileptogenesis in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder, characterized by tumor formation in multiple organs and severe neurologic manifestations, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. Abnormalities of both neurons and astrocytes have been implicated in contributing to the neurologic phenotype of TSC, but the role of microglia in TSC has not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to characterize microglial activation in a mouse model of TSC, involving conditional inactivation of the Tsc1 gene predominantly in glial cells (Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice), and to test the hypothesis that microglial activation contributes to epileptogenesis in this mouse model. Methods Microglial and astrocyte activation was examined in Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice by ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry. Cytokine and chemokine expression was evaluated with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Seizures were monitored by video-electroencephalography (EEG). The effect of minocycline in inhibiting microglial and astrocyte activation, cytokine expression, and seizures was tested. Results Microglial cell number and size were increased in cortex and hippocampus of 3- to 4-week-old Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice, which correlated with the onset of seizures. Minocycline treatment prevented the increase in number and cell size of microglia in 4-week-old Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice. However, minocycline treatment had no effect on astrocyte proliferation and cytokine/chemokine expression and the progression of seizures in Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice. Significance Microglia cell number and size are abnormal in Tsc1(GFAP) CKO mice, and minocycline treatment inhibits this microglia activation, but does not suppress seizures. Microglia may play a role in the neurologic manifestations of TSC, but additional studies are needed in other models and human studies to determine whether microglia are critical for epileptogenesis in TSC.
Lower Hybrid Current Drive on TFTR

A TFTR Lower Hybrid Current Drive Project has been undertaken to scope out the design and the details of construction of a Lower Hybrid (LH) system to provide up to 4 megawatts of 4.6 GHz rf source...
Optimal therapy in localized prostate cancer: An unfolding story

The optimal treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer is an ongoing subject of controversy.[1] As pointed out by Drs. Mirhadi and Sandler, no randomized trial has compared radical prostatectomy (RP) to radiation therapy (RT), and no study has definitively “proven” the superiority of one technique over the other. Therefore, we disagree with the author’s conclusion that RT “is the ‘only way to go’ when managing early-stage prostate cancer.”
The Development and Promotion of Financial Literacy Standards: Establishing Standards in the United States

As financial markets become more complex and as financial decision-making shifts to individuals, individuals need to have the appropriate knowledge and competencies to make informed financial decisions. In reaction to this need, schools, districts and departments of education have begun the process of increasing financial education in their curricula. The first step in this process is the development and implementation of standards. Because standards in the United States are developed primarily at the state or local level, any uniformity of content across state standards or curricula is often generated by the advocacy of groups interested in the promotion of particular subject. Various groups compete by convincing schools, districts and states to adopt their philosophies. While most groups have altruistic intentions, the increased prominence of financial literacy in the primary and secondary schools has also increased the participation in curriculum development of for-profit financial firms. The development of financial literacy standards in the U.S. provides an example of the standards-setting process. The process provides a forum for debate about what is important to teach children about financial behaviour: Is it preferable to emphasize the mastery of economic and financial content as a background in making decisions or to focus on being able to complete certain financial tasks? Is the use of heuristics to guide complex economic or financial decisions more effective in changing financial behaviour than teaching content or skills? Or is a combination of various methods desirable? This chapter details the development of financial literacy standards in the context of a decentralized standards-setting process.
Factors Associated With Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has a substantial role in hypertension management and control. METHODS Cross-sectional data for noninstitutionalized US adults 18 years and older (10,958) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), years 2011-2014, were used to examine factors related to HBPM. RESULTS In 2011-2014, estimated 9.5% of US adults engaged in weekly HBPM, 7.2% engaged in monthly HBPM, 8.0% engaged in HBPM less than once a month, and 75.3% didn't engage any HBPM. The frequency of HBPM increased with age, body mass index, and the number of health care visits (all, P < 0.05). Also, race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Asians), health insurance, diagnosed with diabetes, told by a health care provider to engage in HBPM, and diagnosed as hypertensive, were all associated with more frequent HBPM (P < 0.05). Adjusting for covariates, hypertensives who were aware of, treated for, and controlled engaged in more frequent HBPM compared to their respective references: unaware (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53-2.63), untreated (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.52-2.60), and uncontrolled (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.13-1.82). Hypertensive adults (aware/unaware, treated/untreated, or controlled/uncontrolled), who received providers' recommendations to perform HBPM, were more likely to do so compared to those who did not receive recommendations (OR = 8.04, 95% CI = 6.56-9.86; OR = 7.98, 95% CI = 6.54-9.72; OR = 8.75, 95% CI = 7.18-10.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Seventeen percent of US adults engaged in monthly or more frequent HBPM and health care providers' recommendations to engage in HBPM have a significant impact on the frequency of HBPM.
The Aging Marketplace: Implications for Food Marketers

Abstract The older consumer market has assumed more and more importance, with terms such as aging and mature marketing referring to marketing’s role in addressing the needs of older adults. This attention level is likely to increase during the future as marketers prepare for the 76 million baby boomers that have begun to enter the ranks of this market, which is usually defined as those 55 and older. Today worldwide there are about 650 million people aged over 60, which equates to 12.3% of the world’s population. This number is expected to rise to 2 billion (22%) by the year 2050 due to increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates.
Mortality Differences Associated With Treatment Responses in CANTOS and FOURIER: Insights and Implications

Similarities and differences in 2 contemporary postrandomization on-treatment analyses from the FOURIER trial (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk) and CANTOS trial (Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study) may provide insight into what factors drive reductions in cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality among patients with atherosclerosis already treated with high-intensity statins. In the first article, the FOURIER Investigators elegantly demonstrate that lower is better for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) after adjunctive therapy with the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab.1 For the FOURIER primary end point (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, unstable angina, or cardiovascular death), there was a highly significant monotonic relationship between sequentially lower achieved LDLC concentrations and lower cardiovascular risk, extending even to those with on-treatment LDLC 50 mg/dL (for which hazard ratios ranged from 0.94–0.97). These PCSK9 data are important because evolocumab has powerful effects on LDLC but no effect on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In the second article, the CANTOS Investigators similarly demonstrate that lower is better for inflammation reduction, at least with the interleukin-1β inhibitor canakinumab.2 For the CANTOS primary end point (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death), there was a highly significant 25% reduction among those with on-treatment hs-CRP levels below the approximate on-treatment median of 2 mg/L. In contrast, marginal and nonsignificant reductions …
Satisfaction Rates and Quality of Life Changes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in Age-Differentiated Cohorts.

Abstract Background Comparisons of satisfaction rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among large, age-differentiated, rigorously matched cohorts are lacking. Therefore, we compared satisfaction rates following TKA in large, age-differentiated, propensity score-matched cohorts. Methods We identified primary TKAs performed for non-inflammatory arthritis in patients of ages 18-55 or 65-75, yielding 529 younger and 2001 older patients. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded pre-operatively and 2 years post-operatively. 1:1 propensity score matching between groups yielded 529 patient pairs. Matching was based on gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Short Form 12 Mental Health Component score. Outcomes were compared between matched groups using t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Satisfaction with knee surgery was 86% among younger patients and 91% among older patients. Distribution of satisfaction responses was shifted toward greater satisfaction in older patients (P Conclusion Satisfaction with knee surgery was over 85% regardless of age. Younger patients perceived more knee-related dysfunction and dissatisfaction after surgery despite higher levels of self-reported activity pre-operatively and post-operatively.
The importance of area scaling with FACS DIVA software.

Abstract With the release and use of the Becton Dickenson FACS Diva Software, the use of Area as the default parameter came into play. As such, the use of area as a calculated parameter, methods were needed to be employed to ensure doublet discrimination and proper display on standard FSC/SSC. Improper setting of forward area scaling can alter the display cell populations. This combined with improper area gating strategy can lead to doublet inclusion which in sorting rare events can compromise sort purity. In extreme cases where area scaling with the individual lasers is ignored, differences can exist between Area and Height where compensation will likely not be optimal, particularly if one parameter – usually height is saturated. In addition, area scaling can impact population grouping. As FSC and individual laser area scaling is a function of event size, the most common error is to accept the setting determined by CS&T, which are 3.2 µm particles and proceed with the sample(s) without regard to the sample’s actual size. With cellular events smaller or more likely larger than the CS&T beads, this will make the area scaling settings less than optimal. Analysis and sorting rare events with populations larger than the CS&T beads can be compromised if adjustments in FSC area scaling are not addressed. Proper FSC and laser area scaling must be determined empirically for each sample. Examples of the effects of sample size on area scaling will be presented in addition to gating and templates for determining area scaling.
Effect of Link-Level Variations of Connected Vehicles (CV) Proportions on the Accuracy and Reliability of Travel Time Estimation

The expected implementations of connected vehicles (CV) in the next few years will provide a promising alternative to existing technologies in providing data for travel time estimation. However, it is important to assess the quality of the estimation utilizing this new technology compared with existing technology. This quality is expected to be a function of the CV proportion in the traffic stream. This study proposes a method to estimate the CV proportion on specific network links in a region considering the variations in the socioeconomic characteristics between the zones within the region and a method to assess the impact of CV proportions on the quality of travel time estimation. The two methods are combined to determine the feasibility of using CV vehicles to estimate travel times for planning and operations purposes. Based on the application of the methods developed in this study, it can be stated that the CV proportion will be sufficient for use in planning and real-time operations of the investigated high demand freeway segment in the first year after the expected mandate for installing CV technology on all new vehicles will become effective. However, for the investigated high demand and high intersection density urban street, it will take one to three years for the data quality to be sufficient for use for planning purposes and three to six years for use for operation purposes, depending on the proportion of CV on the street segment, and considering the variations in the socio-economical characteristics in the region.
Soil nutrient variability and groundwater nitrate-N in agricultural fields.

Abstract Landscape may result in uneven nutrient loads within a field. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of landscape on soil carbon and nutrient levels, and on levels of nitrate-N in groundwater. Soil samples were collected in three fields, two transects each, 30 sites in each field. The soil morphology was characterized for the profile, and soil organic carbon and nutrient levels were determined for 0–0.15 and 0.15–0.3 m depths. Each field had wells installed at three of the sites. One field showed a wide range of landscape variability, and significant effects of curvature on soil carbon and nutrient levels. Another field showed no significant effect of slope or curvature on soil carbon and nutrient levels because the nutrient levels were quite variable, including high spikes. The third field had less variable landscape trends but still showed a few significant effects on soil carbon and nutrient levels. Nitrate-N levels remained high in two of the nine wells (20 to 50 mg L−1), suggesting that additions of nitrate-N at the concave or converging sites replaced any losses. Median nitrate-N levels at the other seven well sites were lower, ranging from 8 to 17 mg L−1. Influence of landscape on soil carbon and nutrients was more detectable when the landscape factors were highly variable without excessive variability in soil nutrient properties.
Potential distribution of coyotes (Canis latrans), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the Chicago Metropolitan Area

Large-scale distribution models are effective predictors of habitat suitability and connectivity across broad landscapes and are useful management tools, though few large-scale species distribution models exist for medium-sized predators in urban landscapes. We modeled the potential distribution of 4 medium-sized predators in a 17,361-km2 portion of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. We applied a maximum entropy algorithm model (MaxEnt) using presence-only data collected via remote cameras from 54 Lake County, Illinois, forest preserves during August–October 2008–2012. Environmental data layers used to model distributions were distances to forest, grassland, barren land, crops, wetlands, developed open space, developed low intensity, developed high intensity, water, primary roads, secondary roads, and tertiary roads. Coyotes (Canis latrans) had the greatest area of potential distribution followed by opossums (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoons (Procyon lotor). Models for all species had high AUC values (0.90–0.94) indicating strong predictive performance. More than 50% of the study area was predicted to be within the distributional limit for each focal species. Distance to forest was the most important contributory predictor for all species modeled (82% - 96%) and higher probability of presence for all 4 species was indicated closer to forest and further from tertiary roads. However, coyotes and raccoons were predicted to prefer habitat closer to highly-developed areas. Our research indicates medium-sized predators are highly synanthropic and able to persist within the Chicago Metropolitan Area given adequate availability of non-urban land cover, particularly forest, and ample green space linking forest patches within highly-developed areas.
Design Issues for Quality of Life Studies Subject to Dropout

Whenever a statistician is asked to participate in the design of a study in which dropout is anticipated either because of mortality/morbidity, side effects, or lack of efficacy, there are design issues that do not have simple solutions. The primary concern is that the missing data cannot be ignored if one wishes to obtain an unbiased estimate of the outcome. This chapter focuses on the questions that must be asked and options that the statistician has for the design of this kind of study when the outcome measure differs for subjects who continue on the study in contrast to those who dropout. Typical outcomes include quality of life, health status, symptom severity, or other measures that require the patient’s participation (e.g., pulmonary function measures, 6-min walk, testing for infection or measures of compliance). While the title of this chapter refers to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), all the issues are relevant to any patient reported outcome. I will for simplicity generally refer only to HRQoL as the outcome measure.
Traumatic Hematocele: Association with Rupture of the Testicle

Ten patients with hematoceles associated with blunt trauma have been seen during the last 4 years. In 80 per cent of the cases the hematocele was caused by rupture of the testicle. Prompt early exploration, adequate debridement, primary repair of the tunical laceration and Penrose drainage resulted in a salvage rate of 75 per cent.