cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Discoloration of Hard-Cooked Egg Yolks

Abstract AN unappetizing and highly objectionable greenish-black discoloration of the yolk in hard-cooked eggs has been frequently reported. There are several remedies offered to lessen this discoloration but very few of them are based on scientific evidence. Since little information was available in the literature concerning discolored hard-cooked yolks, extensive research was undertaken to elucidate the nature, causes and prevention of this problem. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Tinkler and Soar (1920) showed that the discoloration of hard-cooked egg yolks was due to ferrous sulfide (FeS) produced at the interface of the yolk and albumen by the reaction of iron (Fe) from the yolk and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the albumen. Heating yolks or albumen separately failed to develop the color. According to Tinkler and Soar (1920) prolonged cooking or slow cooling of eggs in the shell accentuated the color development. Rapid cooling reduced the amount of FeS formed by slowing up the …
Characteristics of Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Displaying Tumor-Targeting Ligands

We sought proof of principle that tumor-targeting ligands can be displayed on the surface of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) by engineering its glycoprotein. Here, we successfully rescued VSVs displaying tumor vasculature-targeting ligands. By using a rational approach, we investigated various feasible insertion sites on the G protein of VSV (VSV-G) for display of tumor vasculature-targeting ligands, cyclic RGD (cRGD) and echistatin. We found seven sites on VSV-G that tolerated insertion of the 9-residue cRGD peptide, two of which could tolerate insertion of the 49-amino acid echistatin domain. All of the ligand-displaying viruses replicated as well as the parental virus. In vitro studies demonstrated that the VSV-echistatin viruses specifically bound to targeted integrins. Since the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was recently identified as a major receptor for VSV, we investigated the entry of ligand-displaying viruses after masking LDLR. The experiment showed that the modified viruses can enter the cell independently of LDLR, whereas entry of unmodified virus is significantly blocked by a specific monoclonal antibody against LDLR. Both parental and ligand-displaying viruses displayed equal oncolytic efficacies in a syngeneic mouse myeloma model. We further demonstrated that single-chain antibody fragments against tumor-specific antigens can be inserted at the N terminus of the G protein and that corresponding replication-competent VSVs can be rescued efficiently. Overall, we demonstrated that functional tumor-targeting ligands can be displayed on replication-competent VSVs without perturbing viral growth and oncolytic efficacy. This study provides a rational foundation for the future development of fully retargeted oncolytic VSVs.
Well Screen and Optimal Time of Refracturing: A Barnett Shale Well

Gas-production decline in hydraulically fractured wells in shale formations necessitates refracturing. However, the vast number of wells in a field makes selection of the right well challenging. Additionally, the success of a refracturing job depends on the time to refracture a shale-gas well during its production life. In this paper we present a numerical simulation approach to development of a methodology for screening a well and to determine the optimal time of refracturing. We implemented our methodology for a well in the Barnett Shale, where we had access to data. The success of a refracturing job depends on reservoir characteristics and the initial induced fracture network. Systematic sensitivity analyses were performed so that the characteristics of a shale-gas horizontal well could be specified as to the possibility of its candidacy for a successful refracturing job. Different refracturing scenarios must be studied in detail so that the optimal design might be determined. Given the studied trends and implications for a production indicator, the optimal time for refracturing can then be suggested for the studied well. Numerical-simulation results indicate significant improvement (on the order of 30%) in estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) after refracturing, given presented screen criteria and optimal-time selection.
A computer-based vocabulary program for three categories of student

Two experiments were designed to test the effectiveness of a computer-based vocabulary program. In Experiment One, high school students classified as learning disabled and remedial were given a 60-item pre-test made up of terms normally taught by their teacher. After selecting the 35 most difficult terms, 28 of them were assigned to a computer program involving a pre-test, practice, post-test sequence, and using cumulative review, mouse-controlled responding, and configuring responses to focus student attention. Seven terms were designated as control items by placing them in post-tests but not in the computer program. Students were given three computer sessions on consecutive school days, with a written multiple-choice post-test following each session. Results indicated a significant gain on computer items after the second computer session for the youngsters with learning disabilities, and after the first session for remedial pupils. Performance on control items did not improve across measures for either group. In Experiment Two, a pre-test/post-test control group design was arranged to investigate the effects of the same computer program used to teach health terms to general education high school students. The results were similar to those of the first experiment.
An Analytical Solution and Sensitivity Study of Sublimation-Dehydration Within a Porous Medium With Volumetric Heating

A study of sublimation-dehydration within a porous medium as a result of volumetric heating, such as that associated with microwave heating, is presented in this paper. A semi-infinite frozen porous medium with constant thermal properties subject to a sublimation-dehydration process involving a volumetric heat source is considered. One-dimensional analytical solutions for dimensionless temperature, vapor concentration, and pressure were obtained. A sensitivity study was also conducted in which the effects of the material properties inherent in these solutions were analyzed. Finally, some of the assumptions used in the formulation of the problem were analyzed, and predicted drying curves were found to compare reasonably with previously published experimental results.
Facilitated Learning to Advance Geriatrics: Increasing the Capacity of Nurse Faculty to Teach Students About Caring for Older Adults

Purpose The Facilitated Learning to Advance Geriatrics program (FLAG) was designed to increase the numbers of nurse faculty in prelicensure programs with basic knowledge about aging and teaching effectiveness to prepare students to provide safe, high quality care for older adults. Methods Using a framework to improve transfer of learning, FLAG was designed to include: (a) a workshop to increase basic knowledge of aging and common geriatric syndromes, and effective use of evidence-based teaching/learning strategies; (b) a year-long mentoring program to support application of workshop learning and leading change in participants' schools to ensure that geriatrics is a priority. Both formative and summative evaluation methods were used, and included self-assessment of objectives, program satisfaction, and teaching self-efficacy. Results FLAG achieved its overall purpose by enrolling 152 participants from 19 states including 23 faculty from associate degree programs and 102 from baccalaureate programs. Self-rated teaching effectiveness improved significantly from pre- to post-workshop each year. Achievement of learning objectives was rated highly as was satisfaction. Transfer of learning was evidenced by implementation of educational projects in home schools supported by mentoring. Implications The FLAG program provided opportunities for nurse educators to learn to teach geriatrics more effectively and to transfer learning to their work environment. Future FLAG programs will be offered in a shortened format, incorporating online content and strategies, adding other health professionals to the audience with the same goal of increasing the knowledge and abilities of educators to prepare learners to provide competent care for older adults.
Habit Formation and Risk Preference Dependence

Reference dependent preferences have been applied in both risky and certainty settings, although little attention has been directed at the relationship between the reference points as well as the loss aversion functions for these models. This paper addresses this relationship for the special case where reference dependence corresponds to habit formation. Multiperiod Expected Utility habit or persistence models have spawned important contributions in asset pricing, life cycle consumption, business cycle analysis and monetary models. Inherence in these models are two very different forms of preference dependence on prior period consumption. First, there is the classic certainty persistence effect of today's consumption on tomorrow's marginal utility of certain consumption. Second, today's consumption also affects tomorrow's choices over distributions of uncertain consumption -- a form of risk preference dependence. These two different reference points are confounded in the conventional models which conceals the fact that they can affect asset demand and consumption behavior quite differently. This paper provides a natural generalization of the standard Expected Utility habit model that allows for a separation of certainty persistence and risk preference dependence.
Fostering the Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Skills of College Students with Disabilities through a College Success Class

Students with disabilities are entering postsecondary education in greater numbers; however, they experience great difficulty in completing their programs. One factor contributing to their lack of success is the discrepancy in the laws that govern educational support in secondary and postsecondary education. An additional factor is limited development of self-determination/self-advocacy skills when students exit high school. Bridges, a National Science Foundation three-year transition project, piloted a College Success Class at Lansing [Michigan] Community College with the dual purpose of supporting student transition to college and developing self-determination and self-advocacy skills. Data suggests that through classroom activities and follow-up meetings, students developed a greater understanding of these concepts, more confidence, and the ability to advocate with college instructors for their accommodations.
Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation in Combination with Voluntary Running Improves Body Composition in Female C57BL/6 Mice

Exercise is an inexpensive intervention that may be used to reduce obesity and its consequences. In addition, many individuals who regularly exercise utilize dietary supplements to enhance their exercise routine and to accelerate fat loss or increase lean mass. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a popular supplement and have been shown to produce a number of beneficial effects in rodent models and humans. Therefore, we hypothesized that BCAA supplementation would protect against high fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance and obesity in mice with and without access to exercise. We subjected 80 female C57BL/6 mice to a paradigm of HFD feeding, exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running, and BCAA supplementation in the drinking water for 16 weeks (n = 10 per group). Body weight was monitored weekly, while food and water consumption were recorded twice weekly. During the 5th, 10th, and 15th weeks of treatment, glucose tolerance and body composition were analyzed. Exercise significantly improved glucose tolerance in both control-fed and HFD-fed mice. BCAA supplementation, however, did not significantly alter glucose tolerance in any treatment group. While BCAA supplements did not improve lean to fat mass ratio in sedentary mice, it significantly augmented the effects of exercise on this parameter.
Switched systems with multiple invariant sets

This paper explores dwell time constraints on switched systems with multiple, possibly disparate invariant limit sets. We show that, under suitable conditions, trajectories globally converge to a superset of the limit sets and then remain in a second, larger superset. We show the effectiveness of the dwell-time conditions by using examples of switching limit cycles commonly found in robotic locomotion and flapping flight.
The Mitrofanoff Principle in Urinary Reconstruction

We report the use of the Mitrofanoff principle to achieve urinary continence in 47 patients. A catheterizable channel can be used as the primary continence mechanism, or as an adjunct to ensure complete bladder emptying if urethral catheterization or voiding is inadequate. Appendico-vesicostomy was performed in 25 of 47 patients (55%). Satisfactory continence was achieved in 45 patients (96%). Bladder emptying by clean intermittent catheterization was performed in all patients. Early complications included peristomal abscess (1 patient) and small bowel obstruction (1). Late complications included difficulty with catheterization (5 patients), stomal stenosis (9) and persistent incontinence (2). Our results support use of the appendix as the catheterizable segment of choice. We describe the technique and discuss the management of complications.
Oxygen saturation of sternal marrow blood with special reference to pathogenesis of polycythemia vera.

SummaryAn attempt was made to measure the stimulus to erythropoiesis in the human bone marrow by estimating the percentage oxygen saturation of blood removed from the sternal marrow cavity through a needle inserted through the cortex as in the performance of a sternal needle biopsy. By this means, blood samples were collected without effective contact with air and their oxygen content, capacity and in some instances pH were determined. In general no significant differences were demonstrated between normals, convalescent controls, anemic patients, and patients with polycythemia vera. In patients with secondary polycythemia, the percentage oxygen saturation of the blood removed from the bone marrow was relatively reduced, probably entirely as a result of the manifest unsaturation of the arterial blood. In some patients with leukemia and with myeloid metaplasia and in some patients with polycythemia vera with evidence of excessive myeloid activity, the data suggest an increased local oxygen utilization relat...
The Disintegration of American Sociology: Pacific Sociological Association 1988 Presidential Address

What do I mean by "disintegration"? The term is used here in both an evaluative and a more technical sense. Its evaluative connotations are that American sociology is "falling apart" and losing organizational as well as intellectual coherence; and most importantly, it has lost its vision as a science of human organization. Indeed, like the American economy in general, we are now consumers in a big market that imports more than it produces; and in fact, we accept almost any trendy idea from Europe as "the latest thing," much like we buy overpriced European cars. True, we can generate quantitative techniques with the best of them-the IBM of American sociology. But we have lost our vision of what sociology is, what it should produce, and what its goals are. American sociology is now big, disorganized, incoherent, and increasingly boring. When I was an undergraduate in the first half of the 1960s and a graduate student in the latter part of the 1960s, sociology was still exciting. There seemed to be real promise that theoretical unification could occur, that we would develop cumulative knowledge, and that we could take our place at the table of science. This theoretical euphoria was accompanied by even more enthusiasm for the methodological advances of the field as it harnessed the linear model to the computer. Equally significant, all this scientism was accompanied by a profound sense of our relevance to the real world. Indeed, there was a conviction that our scientific knowledge could be used to solve the enduring problems and dilemmas of American society. Was I just naive, or was the profession simply drunk on its growth and expansion in the turbulent 1960s; and have we now sobered up the morning after our big fling? If this is the case, American sociology was far more interesting as a swaggering and confident drunk than it is as a contrite profession today. This is my argument in evaluative terms. Let me be a bit more sociological and state the argument on disintegration more technically. In the context of an intellectual (including scientific) enterprise, what would we mean by "integra-
Modeling and simulation of compositional engineering in SiGe films using patterned stress fields

Semiconductor alloys such as silicon–germanium (SiGe) offer attractive environments for engineering quantum-confined structures that are the basis for a host of current and future optoelectronic devices. Although vertical stacking of such structures is routinely achieved via heteroepitaxy, lateral manipulation has proven much more challenging. We have recently demonstrated that a patterned elastic stress field applied, with an array of nanoscale indenters, to an initially compositionally uniform SiGe substrate will drive atomic interdiffusion leading to compositional patterns in the near-surface region of the substrate. While this approach may offer a potentially efficient and robust pathway to producing laterally ordered arrays of quantum-confined structures, optimizing it with respect to the various process parameters, such as indenter array geometry, annealing history, and SiGe substrate thickness and composition, is highly challenging. Here, a mesoscopic model based on coarse-grained lattice kinetic Monte Carlo simulation is presented that describes quantitatively the atomic interdiffusion processes in SiGe alloy films subjected to applied stress. We first show that the model provides predictions that are quantitatively consistent with experimental measurements. Then, the model is used to investigate the impact of several process parameters such as indenter shape and pitch. We find that certain indenter configurations produce compositional patterns that are favorable for engineering lateral arrays of quantum-confined structures.
Analysis of survey results drinking water in rural area of Suizhou in 2009

Objective:To investigate the condition of drinking water in Suizhou to provide scientific dasis for safety of drinking water improvement in rural area of people′s health.Methods:The rural residents in 2009 distributed drinking water sampling points of Suizhou area.Results:The survey area Suizhou decentralized rural drinking water supply points,passing rate was only 0.2%,qualified low project mainly total coliforms,total bacteria,iron,Manganese,total hardness.Conclusion:Decentralized rural area for water quality compliance rate is low,the right choice for water points,improve the water purification process,water disinfection process to address security risks in drinking water in rural areas.
Structure of Classical Class I MHC Molecules

Class I MHC molecules present peptide antigens derived from intracellular proteins to T cell receptors on cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The dual recognition properties of T cell receptors; that is, recognition of both the antigen and the MHC protein, were not understood until 3-dimensional structures of class I MHC molecules were solved. The structures revealed that the polymorphic residues distinguishing MHC alleles are concentrated in a groove within the two membrane-distal domains (α1 and α2), which together form a β-sheet platform topped by two long α-helices. The groove between the two helices is the binding site for antigenic peptides, and both self- and nonself peptides are bound. The outward-pointing residues of a bound peptide are interrogated by a T cell receptor together with surface-accessible regions of the two helices, thus explaining MHC-restricted recognition of antigen by T cells. Autoimmune disorders can result when a T cell receptor that is meant to recognize a foreign peptide bound to an MHC molecule cross-reacts with a self peptide bound to that MHC molecule.
Elemental design patterns: a formal semantics for composition of OO software architecture

Design patterns are an important concept in the field of software engineering, providing a language and application independent method for expressing and conveying lessons learned by experienced designers. There is a large gap, however, between the aesthetic and elegance of the patterns as intended and the reality of working with an ultimately mathematically expressible system such as code. We describe a step towards meaningful formal analysis of code within the language of patterns, and discuss potential uses. The major contributions include: a compendium of elemental design patterns (EDPs), a layer of seemingly simplistic relationships between objects that, on closer inspection, provide a critical link between the world of formal analysis and the realm of pattern design and implementation without reducing the patterns to merely syntactic constructs; an extension to the /spl sigmav/-calculus, termed /spl rho/-calculus, a formal notation for expressing relationships between the elements of object oriented languages, and its use in expressing the EDPs directly. We discuss their use in composition and decomposition of existing patterns, identification of pattern use in existing code to aid comprehension, and future research directions, such as support for refactoring of designs, interaction with traditional code analysis systems, and the education of students of software architecture.
Closure Schemes for Nonlinear Bistable Systems Subjected to Correlated Noise: Applications to Energy Harvesting from Water Waves

Samsung Scholarship Program (grant “Nonlinear Energy Harvesting From Broad-Band Vibrational Sources By Mimicking Turbulent Energy Transfer Mechanisms)
Physician Knowledge and Attitudes About Hepatitis A and Current Practices Regarding Hepatitis A Vaccination Delivery.

Abstract Objective To assess physicians': 1) knowledge and attitudes about hepatitis A disease and hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine, 2) child care and school HepA vaccine mandates, 3) practices related to HepA vaccine delivery, 4) factors associated with strongly recommending HepA vaccine to all 1- to 2-year-olds, and 5) feasibility of implementing HepA catch-up vaccination at health maintenance visits. Methods A national survey was conducted among representative networks of pediatricians and family medicine physicians (FMs) from March to June, 2014 via e-mail or mail on the basis of provider preference. Results Response rates were 81% (356 of 440) among pediatricians and 75% (348 of 464) among FMs. Less than 50% correctly identified that hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is usually asymptomatic in young children and that morbidity from HAV disease increases with age. Ninety-two percent of pediatricians and 59% of FMs strongly recommend HepA vaccine for all 1- to 2-year-olds. In addition to practice specialty, belief that HepA vaccine is required for kindergarten enrollment was the most robust predictor of strong physician recommendation. Conclusions Gaps in knowledge regarding HAV infection and hepatitis A recommendations and lack of a strong recommendation for routine HepA vaccination of young children among FMs likely contribute to suboptimal coverage. Closing knowledge gaps and addressing barriers that prevent all physicians from strongly recommending HepA vaccine to 1- to 2-year-olds could help increase HepA vaccine coverage and ultimately improve population protection against HAV infection.
Foucault, la feminidad y la modernización del poder patriarcal

Este articulo es un capitulo de la obra de Bartky, Femininity and Domination. Studies in the Phenomenology of Oppression, New York: Routledge,1990.Traduccion de Gabriela Castellanos.
Touch based localization of parts for high precision manufacturing

Performing detailed work on objects requires precise localization. Currently humans aid machines in localization either by direct operation, or implicitly by designing a sequence of actions a robot follows. Our approach to automate localization is to reason over many potential actions, perform the best information gathering action, and then use the measurement obtained to update a non-Gaussian belief. We propose a method for autonomous localization of objects with initial 6DOF uncertainty capable of reasoning about and performing measurements with low uncertainty and arbitrary error models. Surprisingly, common methods capable of modeling arbitrary belief distributions perform poorly as measurement uncertainty decreases, so we modify a particle filter to handle these accurate measurements produced by tactile or laser sensors. We then show how the expected information gain of the proposed measurement can be calculated efficiently from these particles. We present experiments, both in simulation and on hardware, that show our method is both fast and accurate.
Silicon modelers are from mars, gaas modelers are from venus

Silicon Modelers Are from Mars, GaAs Modelers Are from Venus is a paper that states that most common modeling differences between silicon and GaAs modelers are a result of fundamental philosophical differences between the modelers and process users, which the author exemplifies by means of its eponymous metaphor: that silicon and GaAs modelers are from distinct planets — silicon modelers from Mars and GaAs modelers from Venus — and that each group is acclimated to its own planet's technology's society and customs, but not to those of the other. One example is silicon modelers complaint that if they offer solutions to problems that GaAs modelers bring up in conversation, the GaAs modelers are not necessarily interested in solving those problems, but mainly want to talk about them. The paper asserts each groups can be understood in terms of distinct ways they respond to customer expectations and the products their models are used to design. The focus is on bipolar modeling in SiGe and GaAs technologies.
Digital analysis yields more reliable and accurate measures of dermal and epidermal thickness in histologically processed specimens compared to traditional methods

Changes in the thickness of the dermis and epidermis have been described in the scenario of tissue expansion as well as inflammatory skin processes (psoriasis, contact hypersensitivity and so on). These changes have previously been quantified using ocular micrometers to obtain and then average a limited number of spot measurements, leading to suboptimal accuracy. We describe a rapid method of using freely available ImageJ software to analyze digitized images of fixed skin specimens. By determining the cross-sectional area and surface length of a skin layer, a simple calculation produces more accurate and reproducible measurements of its thickness compared to historical methods, with excellent inter-rater reliability.
Capacitated inspection scheduling of multi-unit systems

Abstract We consider the inspection scheduling problem of multi-unit systems where the inspections of individual units are coupled via a capacity constraint. Although the optimal inspection policy of the majority of single-unit systems can be characterized by a threshold policy, finding an optimal policy for multi-unit systems is significantly harder. Therefore, the current state-of-the-practice uses a periodical inspection policy for all units. Instead, we propose using a dynamic programming (DP) approach to solve small-scale problem instances to optimality and use solutions optimized for a single-unit system in an approximation scheme to obtain near-optimal solutions for large-scale problems. Our results show that taking individual properties of the units to be inspected into account and incorporating the single-unit solutions within an approximate DP framework significantly decrease the inspection cost compared to a periodical inspection policy. The proposed methods can help resource-constrained regulatory agencies such as US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to optimize their inspection activities.
Fatty acyl-coenzyme a oxidase activity and H2O2 production in Phanerochaete chrysosporium mycelia

Mycelia of the lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium consume O2 and produce extracellular H2O2 when incubated with fatty acyl-CoA substrates, even in the presence of mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors such as antimycin A and cyanide. These results suggest the possibility that peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase activity in P. chrysosporium mycelia may be an important metabolic source for the extracellular H2O2 believed to be involved in lignin biodegradation.
Imaging Genetics of Neuropsychiatric Disease

Imaging genetics is an emerging field that bridges genetic insights into the biology of complex diseases and behaviors with rich, quantitatively observed imaging phenotypes. We review the basic principles of the design and interpretation of imaging genetics experiments, including the concept of heritability and statistical considerations. We then summarize selected findings in the imaging genetics literature, focusing on a psychiatric disease (schizophrenia), a neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease), and a neurodevelopmental disease (autism). Finally, we identify current trends and speculate on the future trajectories of the field.
Introduction: Forms in the Earlier Dialogues

Of the twenty-five or six genuine dialogues of Plato that have come down to us, not one can be definitely dated; though they have been variously arranged as earlier or later. The dialogue about whose date there seems to be the greatest unanimity, with the exception of the Laws upon which Plato was working at his death in 348 or 7 B.C., is the Theaetetus. That dialogue contains a reference to a battle whose date has been fixed — apparently to the satisfaction of most classical scholars — as 369 or 8 B.C. The dialogue was probably written a year or so afterwards. It, or the Parmenides, which is held to immediately precede or succeed it, is the earliest of the group of later dialogues, consisting of the Parmenides, Theaetetus, Sophist, Politicus, Philebus, Timaeus, Critias, and Laws. These dialogues are separated by a gap, whose duration has been variously estimated as twenty to less than ten years, from the Republic, probably the next earlier dialogue except the Phaedrus, which is generally thought to fall in this interval.
Correlation of Thrombosis With Increased Platelet Turnover in Thrombocytosis

There are no readily applicable methods to routinely assess thrombosis risk and treatment response in thrombocytosis. Reticulated platelets (RP) define the most recently released platelets in the circulation, and the RP% has been shown to estimate platelet turnover in thrombocytopenic states. We examined whether increased RP values were associated with thrombotic complications in thrombocytosis. Platelet count, RP%, and absolute RP count were measured at presentation in 83 patients with chronic or transient thrombocytosis, 46 patients with deep vein (DVT) or arterial (ART) thrombosis and normal platelet counts, and 83 healthy controls with normal platelet counts. Chronic thrombocytosis patients presenting with thrombosis (n = 14) had significantly higher RP% (14.7% +/- 10. 1%, mean +/- SD) than asymptomatic chronic thrombocytosis patients (n = 23, RP% = 3.4% +/- 1.8%), healthy controls (3.4% +/- 1.3%), DVT patients (n = 21, 3.8% +/- 2.1%), or ART patients (n = 25, 4.5% +/- 4.1%, P .49). The RP% and absolute RP counts remained significantly higher in chronic thrombocytosis patients with thrombosis when patients were further subdivided into primary myeloproliferative disorders versus secondary thrombocytosis. Similarly elevated RP percentages and absolute counts were also noted in transient thrombocytosis patients with thrombosis (n = 6, 11.5% +/- 4.4% and 90 +/- 46 x 10(9)/L, respectively) when compared with asymptomatic transient thrombocytosis patients (n = 40, 4.5% +/- 2.7% and 35 +/- 16 x 10(9)/L, respectively) and to all control groups (P < .05 for all comparisons). In addition, 7 of 8 thrombocytosis patients who were studied before developing symptoms of thrombosis had elevated absolute RP counts compared with only 1 of 63 thrombocytosis patients who remained asymptomatic. Follow-up studies in seven chronic thrombocytosis patients showed that successful aspirin treatment of symptomatic recurrent thrombosis significantly reduced the RP% from 17.1% +/- 10.9% before therapy to 4.8% +/- 2.0% after therapy; absolute RP counts decreased from 102 +/- 67 x 10(9)/L to 26 +/- 10 x 10(9)/L (P < .01 for both). We conclude that thrombosis in the setting of an elevated platelet count is associated with increased platelet turnover, which is reversed by aspirin therapy. Measurement of reticulated platelets to assess platelet turnover may be useful in evaluating both treatment response and thrombotic risk in thrombocytosis.
Novel AHR Interactions

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a member of the PAS (Per-Arnt-Sim) superfamily of receptors that mediates responses to environmental stresses such as hypoxia and circadian rhythm, and control basic physiologic processes like vascular development, learning, and neurogenesis. The AHR protein is the primary mediator of the toxic effects of the persistent environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) and of hundreds of other halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (HAH, PAH) ligands. The mechanisms by which the AHR acts to mediate toxicity of these compounds include the functions of the AHR as a potent transcriptional activator. The ligand-bound AHR, with its dimerization-binding partner ARNT, upregulates the expression of a battery of genes that function in the metabolism of PAH and HAH compounds. However, the diversity of toxic responses mediated by compounds such as TCDD is not adequately explained by the expression of this battery of genes. Research efforts spanning the last three decades have unraveled a myriad of molecular signaling pathways affected by exposure to AHR ligands. These pathways include those regulating cell division, apoptosis, and differentiation, a number of different hormone signaling pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation, and development. Literally hundreds of genes have been implicated as being regulated either directly or indirectly by the AHR, and many of the underlying regulatory mechanisms involve the interaction of the AHR with proteins involved in basic transcriptional regulation in addition to the specific pathways mentioned above. This chapter will focus on the molecular interaction partners of the AHR and the implications of these interactions for the response of cells or organisms to xenobiotic ligands.
Stochastic identification of crsd models from arma representations or covariances

In this paper, we propose two methods to identify the parameters of a Causal, Recursive, Separable in Denominator (CRSD) model from either an Auto-Regressive, Moving-Average (ARMA) representation or the covariance function of a 2-D stationary stochastic process.
Orchids in the era of Grigory von Langsdorff: two golden decades in the history of the botanical exploration of Brazil (1813–1830)

The figure of Grigory Ivanovich von Langsdorff was largely neglected by the scientific literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. German-born von Langsdorff was consul of the Russian Empire in Rio de Janeiro. His activities in Brazil from 1813 to 1830 are here described, a time during which his house in Rio and his famous fazenda Mandiocca became the center of scientific activity and the point of attraction for European travellers and naturalists who flocked to Brazil after its frontiers were opened to foreigners in 1808 by King Joao VI of Portugal. Wilhelm Freyreiss, Friedrich Sellow, Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied, Augustin de Saint-Hilaire, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, Johann Baptist von Spix, Giuseppe Raddi, Johann Baptist Emanuel Pohl, and Ludwig Riedel are among those who explored Brazil impulsed by von Langsdorff and often under his patronage. Their journeys in Brazil culminated in von Langsdorff’s ill-fated expedition to the interior of Brazil between 1822 and 1829, while the epilogue is marked by Langsdorff’s return to Germany, in a state of insanity and no longer able to publish the results of his life-long scientific efforts.
Accelerated Aging and Clearance of Host Anti-inflammatory Enzymes by Discrete Pathogens Fuels Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening inflammatory syndrome accompanying a bloodstream infection. Frequently secondary to pathogenic bacterial infections, sepsis remains difficult to treat as a singular disease mechanism. We compared the pathogenesis of murine sepsis experimentally elicited by five bacterial pathogens and report similarities among host responses to Gram-negative Salmonella and E. coli. We observed that a host protective mechanism involving de-toxification of lipopolysaccharide by circulating alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes was incapacitated during sepsis caused by Salmonella or E. coli through activation of host Toll-like receptor 4, which triggered Neu1 and Neu3 neuraminidase induction. Elevated neuraminidase activity accelerated the molecular aging and clearance of AP isozymes, thereby intensifying disease. Mice deficient in the sialyltransferase ST3Gal6 displayed increased disease severity, while deficiency of the endocytic lectin hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor was protective. AP augmentation or neuraminidase inhibition diminished inflammation and promoted host survival. This study illuminates distinct routes of sepsis pathogenesis, which may inform therapeutic development.
Satellite tracking of hawksbill turtles nesting at Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands: Inter-nesting and foraging period movements and migrations

Abstract To conserve imperiled marine species, an understanding of high-density use zones is necessary prior to designing and evaluating management strategies that improve their survival. We satellite-tracked turtles captured after nesting at Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM), St. Croix, US Virgin Islands to determine habitat-use patterns of endangered adult female hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata). For 31 turtles captured between 2011 and 2014, switching state-space modeling and home range analyses showed that inter-nesting (IN) core-use areas (i.e., 50% kernel density estimates [KDEs]) were 9.6 to 77.7 km2 in area, occupied for 21 to 85 days, and in shallow water (21 of 26 centroids > −10 m). The IN zones overlapped with areas both within the protected borders of BIRNM, and outside BIRNM (32% of turtle-tracking days outside during IN). Turtles migrated to their foraging grounds between July and October with path lengths ranging from 52 to 3524 km; foraging areas included 14 countries. Core-use foraging areas (50% KDEs) where turtles took up residence were 6.3 to 95.4 km2, occupied for 22 to 490 days, with mean centroid depth − 66 m. Our results show previously unknown habitat-use patterns and highlight concentrated areas of use both within and adjacent to a US protected area during the breeding season. Further, our results clearly demonstrate the need for international conservation to protect hawksbills, as migrating turtles crossed between two and eight different jurisdictions. Our results provide critical spatial and temporal information for managers charged with designing strategies to minimize human impact to and maximize survival for this globally imperiled species.
In Vivo 3D Imaging of Retinal Neovascularization Using Multimodal Photoacoustic Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging

The pathological process of neovascularization of the retina plays a critical role in causing vision loss in several diseases, including diabetes, retinal vein occlusion, and sickle cell disease. Retinal neovascularization can lead to vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment, yet the pathological process of neovascularization is a complex phenomenon under active investigation. Understanding and monitoring retinal neovascularization is critically important in clinical ophthalmology. This study describes a novel multimodal ocular imaging system which combines photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to improve the visualization of retinal neovascularization (RNV), their depth, and the surrounding anatomy in living rabbits. RNV was induced in New Zealand rabbits by intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The retinal vasculature before and after injection at various times was monitored and evaluated using multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), OCT, and PAM. In vivo experiments demonstrate that PAM imaging distinctly characterized the location as well as the morphology of individual RNV with high contrast at a safe laser energy of 80 nJ. SD-OCT was used to identify a cross-sectional structure of RNV. In addition, dynamic changes in the retinal morphology and retinal neovascularization were observed at day 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 28, and day 35 after VEGF injection. PAM demonstrated high-resolution optical absorption of hemoglobin and vascular imaging of the retina and choroid with increased depth of penetration. With the current multimodal imaging system, RNV can be easily visualized in both 2D and 3D angiography. This multimodal ocular imaging system provides improved characterization of the microvasculature in a safe manner in larger rabbit eyes.
Abstract 007: Exogenous Delivery of Alpha-Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Inhibits Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress and Protects Against Pressure-Induced Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading cause of mortality in men and women world-wide, despite multiple but limited treatment modalities. Our laboratory and others have established that α-ca...
Mechanical size effects of amorphous polymer-derived ceramics at the nanoscale: Experiments and ReaxFF simulations

Here we report an unprecedented mechanical size effect at the nanoscale in polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) nanofibers. Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) PDCs were fabricated as micro- and nanofibers without the aid of fillers. By decreasing the size of SiOC ceramic fibers from 1.1 μm to 630 nm (reduction of 74%), the strength of nanofibers nearly tripled, going from ∼1 GPa to ∼3.3 GPa. This increase in strength exceeds the predictions of the Griffith theorem, which relies on the length-scale dependence of energy release rate during crack propagation, suggesting a reduction in flaw size more than proportional to sample size. Given the crosslinked and amorphous nature of SiOC PDCs, flaws are likely microcracks and voids, which form during polymer degassing as it is pyrolyzed to PDC nanofibers. A reduction in sample size may favor degassing via diffusion, preceding bubble and void formation. We developed a new reactive force field (ReaxFF) with parameters for Si/O/C/H/N to study the mechanics of PDCs in extreme cases where no void is present. The models and experiments compare favorably in terms of the elastic modulus. The simulations suggest a strength of ∼8.5 GPa for a “flawless” structure, which is in line with extrapolated experimental results, with C–C breakage as the root cause of failure. This work clearly shows the benefits of utilizing nanoscale components as building blocks of superstrong PDC structures.
Modern math meets fairy-tale physics

The proper—and hence, productive—relationship between physics and mathematics is a decades-old preoccupation of theoretical physicist Graham Farmelo, as captured in his new book, The Universe Speaks in Numbers.
User-centred assistive technology assessment of a portable open-area body weight support system for in-home use.

Purpose: Current paediatric technology lacks mobility devices that support early, high-dose and variable movement that can be managed by professionals and parents outside of the lab or clinic. Pare...
The cellular prion protein promotes neuronal regeneration after acute nasotoxic injury

Adult neurogenesis, analogous to early development, is comprised of several, often concomitant, processes including proliferation, differentiation, and formation of synaptic connections. However, due to continual, asynchronous turn-over, newly-born adult olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) must integrate into existing circuitry. Additionally, OSNs express high levels of cellular prion protein (PrPC), particularly in the axon, which implies a role in this cell type. The cellular prion has been shown to be important for proper adult OSN neurogenesis primarily by stabilizing mature olfactory neurons within this circuitry. However, the role of PrPC on each specific adult neurogenic processes remains to be investigated in detail. To tease out the subtle effects of prion protein expression level, a large population of regenerating neurons must be investigated. The thyroid drug methimazole (MTZ) causes nearly complete OSN loss in rodents and is used as a model of acute olfactory injury, providing a mechanism to induce synchronized OSN regeneration. This study investigated the effect of PrPC on adult neurogenesis after acute nasotoxic injury. Altered PrPC levels affected olfactory sensory epithelial (OSE) regeneration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Attempts to investigate the role of PrPC level on axon regeneration did not support previous studies, and glomerular targeting did not recover to vehicle-treated levels, even by 20 weeks. Together, these studies demonstrate that the cellular prion protein is critical for regeneration of neurons, whereby increased PrPC levels promote early neurogenesis, and that lack of PrPC delays the regeneration of this tissue after acute injury.
Becoming A Happily Married Man

In this essay, I outline the circumstances and method that enabled me to produce the following autobiographical solo performance script, A Happily Married Man. I offer insight into: the anxieties t...