cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geomorphic change detection using historic maps and DEM differencing: The temporal dimension of geospatial analysis

Abstract The ability to develop spatially distributed models of topographic change is presenting new capabilities in geomorphic research. High resolution maps of elevation change indicate locations, processes, and rates of geomorphic change, and provide a means of calibrating temporal simulation models. Methods of geomorphic change detection (GCD), based on gridded models, may be applied to a wide range of time periods by utilizing cartometric, remote sensing, or ground-based topographic survey data to measure volumetric change. Advantages and limitations of historical DEM reconstruction methods are reviewed with a focus on coupling them with subsequent DEMs to construct DEMs of difference (DoD), which can be created by subtracting one elevation model from another, to map erosion, deposition, and volumetric change. The period of DoD analysis can be extended to several decades if accurate historical DEMs can be generated by extracting topographic data from historical data and selecting areas where geomorphic change has been substantial. The challenge is to recognize and minimize uncertainties in data that are particularly elusive with early topographic data. This paper reviews potential sources of error in digitized topographic maps and DEMs. Although the paper is primarily a review of methods, three brief examples are presented at the end to demonstrate GCD using DoDs constructed from data extending over periods ranging from 70 to 90 years.
Validating NEXRAD MPE and Stage III precipitation products for uniform rainfall on the Upper Guadalupe River Basin of the Texas Hill Country

Summary This study examines the performance of the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Multisensor Precipitation Estimator (MPE) and Stage III precipitation products, using a high-density rain gauge network located on the Upper Guadalupe River Basin of the Texas Hill Country. As point-area representativeness error of gauge rainfall is a major concern in assessment of radar rainfall estimation, this study develops a new method to automatically select uniform rainfall events based on coefficient of variation criterion of 3 by 3 radar cells. Only gauge observations of those uniform rainfall events are used as ground truth to evaluate radar rainfall estimation. This study proposes a new parameter probability of rain detection (POD) instead of the conditional probability of rain detection (CPOD) commonly used in previous studies to assess the capability that a radar or gauge detects rainfall. Results suggest that: (1) gauge observations of uniform rainfall better represent ground truth of a 4 × 4 km 2 radar cell than non-uniform rainfall; (2) the MPE has higher capability of rain detection than either gauge-only or Stage III; (3) the MPE has much higher linear correlation and lower mean relative difference with gauge measurements than the Stage III does; (4) the Stage III tends to overestimate precipitation (20%), but the MPE tends to underestimate (7%).
Optimal reachability sets using Generalized Independent Parameters

The problem of free-time optimal reachability set computation with alternate integral constraints is motivated and examined. Specific examples of such systems are optimal spacecraft, aircraft and automobile free-time, fuel-limited range computation. An alternate Hamilton Jacobi Bellman PDE formulation is derived using a Generalized Independent Parameter (GIP) associated with the integration constraint and GIP mapping function with respect to time is defined. Necessary conditions on the GIP mapping function are identified and discussed. Singular independent parameter mapping functions, often found in astrodynamics optimal control problems, are shown to be challenging to solve using a simple change of integration variable, motivating an approach to transform such problems before solving. Several short illustrations are used to emphasize theoretical cases of interest, and two simple fully-worked examples are given to demonstrate the potential utility of this approach.
Insights into the Branched-Chain Formation of Mycarose: Methylation Catalyzed by an (S)-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferase.

A C-methyltransferase involved in methyl-branch formation in sugars has been characterized for the first time. TylC3, an (S)-adenosylmethylthionine(AdoMet)-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the attachment of a methyl branch [Eq. (1)] in the biosynthesis of L-mycarose, an unusual sugar found in tylosin and as its O-3-methyl derivative in erythromycin. The C-3 methylation proceeds with inversion of configuration and does not require the assistance of any cofactors. The turnover rate is 1.4±0.1 min-1 . TDP=thymidine-5'-dihydrogenphosphate.
MicroRNA-125b transforms myeloid cell lines by repressing multiple mRNA

Background We previously described a t(2;11)(p21;q23) chromosomal translocation found in patients with myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia that leads to over-expression of the microRNA miR-125b, and we showed that transplantation of mice with murine stem/progenitor cells overexpressing miR-125b is able to induce leukemia. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of myeloid transformation by miR-125b. Design and Methods To investigate the consequences of miR-125b over-expression on myeloid differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation, we used the NB4 and HL60 human promyelocytic cell lines and the 32Dclone3 murine promyelocytic cell line. To test whether miR-125b is able to transform myeloid cells, we used the non-tumorigenic and interleukin-3-dependent 32Dclone3 cell line over-expressing miR-125b, in xenograft experiments in nude mice and in conditions of interleukin-3 deprivation. To identify new miR-125b targets, we compared, by RNA-sequencing, the transcriptome of cell lines that do or do not over-express miR-125b. Results We showed that miR-125b over-expression blocks apoptosis and myeloid differentiation and enhances proliferation in both species. More importantly, we demonstrated that miR-125b is able to transform the 32Dclone3 cell line by conferring growth independence from interleukin-3; xenograft experiments showed that these cells form tumors in nude mice. Using RNA-sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments, we identified multiple miR-125b targets. We demonstrated that ABTB1, an anti-proliferative factor, is a new direct target of miR-125b and we confirmed that CBFB, a transcription factor involved in hematopoiesis, is also targeted by miR-125b. MiR-125b controls apoptosis by down-regulating genes involved in the p53 pathway including BAK1 and TP53INP1 . Conclusions This study demonstrates that in a myeloid context, miR-125b is an oncomiR able to transform cell lines. miR-125b blocks myeloid differentiation in part by targeting CBFB, blocks apoptosis through down-regulation of multiple genes involved in the p53 pathway, and confers a proliferative advantage to human and mouse myeloid cell lines in part by targeting ABTB1.
The role of wordnet in the creation of a trainable message understanding system

The explosion in the amount of free text materials on the Internet, and the use of this information by people from all walks of life, has made the issue of generalized information extraction a central one in Natural Language Processing. We have built a system that attempts to provide any user with the ability to efficiently create and customize, for his or her own application, an information extraction system with competitive precision and recall statistics. The use of WordNet in the design of the system helps take the computational linguist out of the process of customizing the system to each new domain. This is achieved by using WordNet to minimize the effort on the end user for building the semantic knowledge bases and writing the regular patterns for new domains.
Evaluating local vegetation cover as a risk factor for malaria transmission: a new analytical approach using ImageJ

In places where malaria transmission is unstable or is transmitted under hypoendemic conditions, there are periods where limited foci of cases still occur and people become infected. These residual “hot spots” are likely reservoirs of the parasite population and so are fundamental to the seasonal spread and decline of malaria. It is, therefore, important to understand the ecological conditions that permit vector mosquitoes to survive and forage in these specific areas. Features such as local waterways and vegetation, as well as local ecology, particularly nocturnal temperature, humidity, and vegetative sustainability, are important for modeling local mosquito behavior. Vegetation around a homestead likely provides refuge for outdoor resting of these insects and may be a risk factor for malaria transmission. Analysis of this vegetation can be done using satellite information and mapping programs, such as Google Earth, but manual quantification is difficult and can be tedious and subjective. A more objective method is required. Vegetation cover in the environment is reasonably static, particularly in and around homesteads. In order to evaluate and enumerate such information, ImageJ, an image processing software, was used to analyse Google Earth satellite imagery. The number of plants, total amount of vegetation around a homestead and its percentage of the total area were calculated and related to homesteads where cases of malaria were recorded. Preliminary results were obtained from a series of field trials carried out in South East Zambia in the Choma and Namwala districts from a base at the Macha District Hospital. This technique is objective, clear and simple to manipulate and has potential application to determine the role that vegetation proximal to houses may play in affecting mosquito behaviour, foraging and subsequent malaria incidence.
High speed differential I/O overview and design challenges on Intel enterprise server platforms

In this paper, the high speed differential I/O buses which are used on Intel server platforms are explored. The characteristics of channel components are examined along with channel and I/O circuit design challenges. Statistical time domain and frequency domain methods are briefly discussed as start-of-art simulation tools.
Subchronic Neurotoxicity Screening Studies with Six Organophosphate Insecticides: An Assessment of Behavior and Morphology Relative to Cholinesterase Inhibition

Sulprofos, disulfoton, azinphos-methyl, methamidophos, trichlorfon, and tebupirimphos were screened for neurotoxic potential, in accordance with U.S. EPA (FIFRA) requirements. Each organophosphate was administered through the diet for 13 weeks to separate groups of Fischer 344 rats at four dose levels, including a vehicle control. For each study, 12 rats/sex/dietary level were tested using a functional observational battery (FOB), automated measures of activity (figure-8 maze), and detailed clinical observations, with half of the animals perfused at term for microscopic examination of neural and muscle tissues. Separate groups of satellite animals (6/sex/dietary level) were used to measure the effect of each treatment on plasma, erythrocyte (RBC), and brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity. The results show that measures of ChE activity were consistently the most sensitive indices of exposure and assisted in the interpretation of findings. All treatment-related neurobehavioral findings were ascribed to cholinergic toxicity, occurring only at dietary levels that produced more than 20% inhibition of plasma, RBC, and brain ChE activity. Neurobehavioral tests provided no evidence of additional cumulative toxicity after 8 weeks of treatment. The FOB and motor activity findings did not alter the conclusions and generally did not reduce the neurobehavioral no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for any of the six compounds, relative to the results from detailed clinical observations as conducted in these studies. The one exception occurred with tebupirimphos, where the NOEL for motor activity was one dose level lower than the NOEL for the FOB and clinical observations. These results support the value of detailed clinical observations to screen for the neurotoxic potential of organophosphates and a general standard of more than 20% inhibition of brain ChE activity for cholinergic neurotoxicity.
A comparison of line-intercept and census techniques for assessing large wood volume in streams

Most surveys of large wood in streams are conducted by counting and measuring every piece of large wood within a reach, a technique that is effective but time-consuming. In this study we evaluated an alternative method that takes less time and can be employed in studies in which an estimate of total large wood volume along a stream reach is the primary metric of interest. In first- through third-order streams we estimated in-stream large wood volume and large wood frequency, comparing large wood census esti- mates to those from a modified a line-intercept technique that has been commonly used in terrestrial forest surveys. Estimates of large wood volume from line transects located in the geographic center of the stream (parallel to stream axis and equidistant from bankfull margins) were highly correlated with those from the wood census (P \ 0.001, r 2 = 0.88, Pear- son's r = 0.935), but produced slightly greater estimates of large wood volume (regression slope = 1.28, SE = 0.16). Line-intercept estimates of large wood frequency (number per 100 m of stream) were significantly correlated to the wood census counts, but the line-intercept method underestimated frequency by about 50% (P = 0.016). Differences in the esti- mated large wood volume between line-intercept and wood census surveys were associated with variability in the diameter of the large wood, but unrelated to stream bankfull width, for the range of stream sizes evaluated in this study (& 2 to 11 m). Our results suggest that in small constrained streams, line-inter- cept surveys are an effective method for estimating in- stream large wood volume and that these estimates better approximate results from whole-stream census techniques where the diameter of in-stream wood is relatively consistent.
Consistent Changes in the Sea Ice Seasonal Cycle in Response to Global Warming

The Northern Hemisphere sea ice cover has diminished rapidly in recent years and is projected to continue to diminish in the future. The year-to-year retreat of Northern Hemisphere sea ice extent is faster in summer thanwinter,whichhasbeenidentifiedasoneofthemoststrikingfeaturesof satellite observations aswellasof state-of-the-art climate model projections. This is typically understood to imply that the sea ice cover is most sensitive to climate forcing in summertime, and previous studies have explained this by calling on factors such as the surface albedo feedback. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, it is the wintertime sea ice extent that retreats fastest in climate model projections. Here, it is shown that the interhemispheric differences in the model projections can be attributed to differences in coastline geometry, which constrain where sea ice can occur. After accounting for coastline geometry, it is found that the sea ice changes simulated in both hemispheres in most climate models are consistent with sea ice retreat being fastest in winter in the absence of landmasses. These results demonstrate that, despite the widely differing rates of ice retreat among climate model projections, the seasonal structure of the sea ice retreat is robust among the models and is uniform in both hemispheres.
The Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane J Protein C18 Executes a Distinct Role in Promoting Simian Virus 40 Membrane Penetration

The nonenveloped simian virus 40 (SV40) hijacks the three endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-bound J proteins B12, B14, and C18 to escape from the ER into the cytosol en route to successful infection. How C18 controls SV40 ER-to-cytosol membrane penetration is the least understood of these processes. We previously found that SV40 triggers B12 and B14 to reorganize into discrete puncta in the ER membrane called foci, structures postulated to represent the cytosol entry site (C. P. Walczak, M. S. Ravindran, T. Inoue, and B. Tsai, PLoS Pathog 10:e1004007, 2014). We now find that SV40 also recruits C18 to the virus-induced B12/B14 foci. Importantly, the C18 foci harbor membrane penetration-competent SV40, further implicating this structure as the membrane penetration site. Consistent with this, a mutant SV40 that cannot penetrate the ER membrane and promote infection fails to induce C18 foci. C18 also regulates the recruitment of B12/B14 into the foci. In contrast to B14, C18's cytosolic Hsc70-binding J domain, but not the lumenal domain, is essential for its targeting to the foci; this J domain likewise is necessary to support SV40 infection. Knockdown-rescue experiments reveal that C18 executes a role that is not redundant with those of B12/B14 during SV40 infection. Collectively, our data illuminate C18's contribution to SV40 ER membrane penetration, strengthening the idea that SV40-triggered foci are critical for cytosol entry. IMPORTANCE Polyomaviruses (PyVs) cause devastating human diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients. As this virus family continues to be a significant human pathogen, clarifying the molecular basis of their cellular entry pathway remains a high priority. To infect cells, PyV traffics from the cell surface to the ER, where it penetrates the ER membrane to reach the cytosol. In the cytosol, the virus moves to the nucleus to cause infection. ER-to-cytosol membrane penetration is a critical yet mysterious infection step. In this study, we clarify the role of an ER membrane protein called C18 in mobilizing the simian PyV SV40, a PyV archetype, from the ER into the cytosol. Our findings also support the hypothesis that SV40 induces the formation of punctate structures in the ER membrane, called foci, that serve as the portal for cytosol entry of the virus.
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL AND THERMAL ANALYSIS OF CRYSTALLINITY DEVELOPMENT IN Kel-F 800 AND TATB/Kel-F 800 PLASTIC BONDED EXPLOSIVES. PART I. Kel-F 800 *

Abstract Dynamic mechanical and differential scanning calorimeter measurements were made on Kel-F 800, a copolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride, as a function of time. Samples annealed over a 30 day period at 50 ° C showed reduced relaxation strength in the glass transition which directly correlated with the development of between 10 and 15% crystallinity in this polymer. Kel-F 800 samples thermally cycled from −54 to 74 ° C without annealing for 12, 24, and 36 cycles developed only about half the crystallinity of the annealed samples. Kel-F 800 which was annealed 30 days and subsequently subjected to the above thermal cycling retained almost all of the crystallinity which developed during the annealing process. These results indicate that Kel-F 800 copolymer crystallizes at an extremely slow rate, but as long as the thermal excursion remains below the major melting peak most of the crystallinity remains.
The Activation of Chemicals into Mutagens by Green Plants

The activation of innocuous chemicals into mutagens by green plants, a relatively new topic in environmental mutagenesis, is the subject of this review. Although plants have been extensively used in the investigation of the genetic effects of chemical and physical agents,(1) the demonstration that plants can activate promutagens into mutagens raises the concern that plants might activate agricultural chemicals used in crop production and thereby introduce mutagens into the human food chain. When one considers the broad spectrum of chemical agents and the magnitude of their use in modern agriculture, a basis for this concern becomes evident.
Iron in Minerals and the Formation of Rust in Stone

The mean iron content of the earth’s crust is 5%. Iron is locked in ferromagnesian silicates in rocks at the earth’s surface mostly as green or black ferrous-ferric iron. The black ferrous-ferric form is magnetite, the red ferric oxide, hematite, and the yellow-brass ferrous sulfides are commonly cubic pyrite and orthorhombic spearhead-shaped marcasite. Iron also appears as white to dark brown ferrous carbonate (siderite) and green iron silicate, glauconite, which adds a greenish color to sedimentary rocks (Sect. 4.4).
When your trauma patient is over 65.

As people live longer, more elderly patients are experiencing traumatic injuries. HERE'S HOW to tailor your care to protect vulnerable older adults from dangerous mishaps.
Nonseparable Behavior in Rubber Viscoelasticity

Abstract New large-strain rubber viscoelasticity results for a filled and an unfilled IIR vulcanizate and previously published results for two NR gum vulcanizates have been discussed. The data show that the “mixed” response functions of large-strain stress relaxation, and the incremental storage and relaxation moduli do not demonstrate factorizability of time and strain effects. This is a consequence of the elastic and relaxation contributions in each of the mixed functions being different. The incremental dynamic data also show that the loss modulus for the filled IIR and unfilled NR vulcanizates (unavailable for the unfilled IIR) are separable functions of time and strain. This directly shows that the relaxation spectra for the filled IIR and unfilled NR vulcanizates are independent of strain for the deformations studied. In fact, it is argued that a necessary and sufficient condition for the relaxation spectrum to be independent of strain is that the loss modulus is a factorizable function of time and ...
Techniques for Unstructured Mesh Adaptation with Elliptic Smoothing

A new mesh adaptation method for unstructured grids is presented. The technique uses virtual control volumes that are iteratively manipulated to conform the mesh to match either a Riemannian metric tensor field or an equal distribution of scalar weights. Forcing functions similar to those used for structured grids are employed such that the resulting meshes can be compared with those generated using the new adaptation method. Several test cases using analytic functions to drive the mesh adaptation are presented and compared with the new method. Mesh adaptation results driven by solution data are also compared to those adapted using analytical functions, as well as those adapted using the virtual control volume approach. Strengths and weaknesses of the various adaptation methods are investigated, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Co-Morbidities Among Persons With Substance Abuse Problems Factors Influencing the Receipt of Treatment

This article uses the behavioral model for vulnerable populations to evaluate the use of substance abuse treatment services among a sample of 926 substance abusers with one or more vulnerable healt...
Sinonasal malignancy: What to do with an unexpected pathology result?

Abstract Background Endoscopic sinus surgery has become the mainstay in surgical treatment of sinusitis and nasal polyps. While rare, diagnostic discrepancies or pathological contamination during routine specimen analysis has been described. Thus, an accurate diagnosis and indication for surgery are mandatory before proceeding with surgical intervention. Methods We present the case of a 40-year-old female patient who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic sinusitis without nasal polyposis and fragments of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were found in the pathology specimen. Results We propose an algorithm to help guide physicians presented with a tissue diagnosis that does not match the clinical scenario. Moreover, we discuss strategies to help prevent medical errors and the importance of DNA genetic analysis in this situation. Conclusion When an unexpected diagnosis occurs, the pathology slides should be reviewed for a second opinion. If the unexpected diagnosis is confirmed, the tissue should undergo STR genetic analysis to ensure against tissue contamination.
Pavement Crack Detection Algorithm Based on Sub-region and Multi-scale Analysis

In order to improve the accuracy of highway pavement crack detection,a new type of surface defects detection algorithm w as proposed based on sub-region and multi-scale analysis. Gray,entropy and texture features distribution information w ere extracted in cracks and the surrounding areas from different scales of images. Feature vectors of parameters containing the direction trend and bending degree w ere acquired,and the crack location w as detected through learning the support vector machine( SVM) and judging the eigenvector. Experimental results demonstrated that the resistance to noise, versatility and detection accuracy w ere improved effectively by the proposed algorithm in comparison to the other pavement cracks detection algorithms. The ideal crack detection effect w as achieved,and the requirements of highw ay quality inspection w ere met effectively.
A Case of Foreign Body Granuloma of the Posterior Mediastinum

A 21-year-old male was admitted for evaluation of a mass shadow on chest film. On chest computed tomography showed 5 cm sized homogeneous low density based on the second thoracic vertebral body in the posterior mediastinum. The patient had been performed thoracic sympathectomy 6 months before admission and oxidized cellulose was used for hemostasis at that operation. Surgical resection was performed and microscopic result was foreign body granuloma caused by oxidized cellulose. Oxidized cellulose is an absorbable sterile mesh and used to control capillary or venous bleeding. Although the manufacturer recommends its removal after hemostasis is achieved, in clinical practice it is usually left in situ to reabsorb spontaneously, usually with no untoward effect.
Tissue Engineering for Regeneration and Replacement of the Intervertebral Disc

Abstract The outcome of the complex process of bone regeneration is the restoration of form and function, ideally, enduring, to a bone insufficiency. This chapter attempts to answer the question of how to harness the intrinsic regenerative capacity of bone? The approach to bone regeneration for this chapter is to highlight bone regeneration by exploiting contemporary, albeit pedestrian approaches of autografts, allografts and xenografts. First, the authors will define these modalities and emphasize what is good about them and what is lacking. Consensus definitions of the biological and biomechanical properties of regeneration, stating specific performance parameters that define the temporal road map for the regenerative cascade will be offered. A fracture healing model as a prototype for the regenerative process will be exploited. Key directional concepts for the rational design and development of a regenerative therapy will be introduced. These concepts will include the osteogenic biohemodynamic cascade and for bone regenerative therapies, the importance of a 4D environmental blastema matrix where embryogenesis is recapitulated. Finally, stringent performance criteria will be offered with objective data as a framework for the rational design and fielding of a master tool kit for bone regenerative therapeutics.
Chaos for low probability of detection communications

Abstract Many methods for using chaos as a communications signal have been suggested, but all suffer from the difficulty in synchronizing the transmitter and receiver. Chaotic signals are broad band and unpredictable, making them potentially useful when the goal is low interference communications or even low probability of detection (LPD) communications. In this work, a set of randomly chosen chaotic sequences is used to synchronize a chaotic transmitter to a receiver. Once synchronization is achieved, two methods are presented for encoding information. Simply multiplying the chaotic signal by ±1 is used to encode the binary signals 1 or 0. The binary information is recovered by cross correlating the transmitted signal with the synchronized signal in the receiver. This encoding technique offers the same bit error performance as binary phase shift keying (BPSK). The data rate can be increased by creating orthogonal signals from different components of a multidimensional chaotic system. Cyclostationary properties of these signals and differential chaos shift keying (DCSK) are analyzed to show possible signatures that would make the signal easily detectable.
Using qualitative methods to understand factors contributing to patient satisfaction among dermatology patients: a systematic review.

Purpose: In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize data that identify factors contributing to patient satisfaction in dermatology care using qualitative methods.Materials and methods: We pe...
An efficient clustering scheme in vehicular Ad-Hoc networks

Vehicular Ad-hoc network (VANET) is comprised of a group of vehicles which forms a network and can interact between themselves even moving with high velocity. We are creating the VANET by using the methods of MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network) and applying them onto the vehicular domain. The sensors which are attached to the vehicles help in sharing the information among the vehicles or with the roadside infrastructure. As the topology in vehicular network is more dynamic, creation of a stable cluster is a major issue. In this paper we are selecting the best clustering technique and solving the major issues in forming the cluster from the available clustering methods like velocity-based, Connectivity-based and the Neighbor-Vehicles mobility based clustering.
Daytime sleepiness in dementia with Lewy bodies is associated with neuronal depletion of the nucleus basalis of Meynert

Abstract Introduction Excessive daytime sleepiness is a commonly reported clinical feature of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) that can occur early in the disease. Cholinergic depletion is known to be severe in DLB, even when dementia severity is mild. The nucleus basalis of Meynert serves as a primary source of cortical acetylcholine, and has a role in facilitating cortical activation and arousal. We sought to determine whether daytime sleepiness at the initial evaluation of patients with DLB was associated with neuronal loss in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Methods Autopsy-confirmed patients who met clinical criteria for probable DLB at their initial evaluation and who were administered the informant-completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale were included in the study (n = 40). Each patient had a dementia at baseline (80% with mild severity) and two or more features of parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, fluctuations, or probable REM sleep behavior disorder. Quantitative digital pathology of the nucleus basalis of Meynert was performed in the DLB group and in 20 non-DLB autopsy controls. Results DLB had greater neuronal depletion in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (p Conclusions Excessive daytime sleepiness in early DLB is indicative of a more profound loss of basal forebrain cholinergic integrity.
Comparing the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Response Repetition to Simultaneous Prompting on Acquisition and Maintenance of Multiplication Facts

This study compared the effectiveness and efficiency of an error-correction procedure, response repetition, to a prompting procedure, simultaneous prompting, on the acquisition and maintenance of multiplication facts for three typically developing 3rd grade students. This study employed an adapted alternating treatments design nested in a multiple probe design across three sets of multiplication facts. Results indicated that correct responding increased upon intervention implementation for all participants. For two participants, response repetition was a more effective teaching procedure. For one participant, while both teaching procedures were effective, response repetition was more efficient in terms of sessions to mastery while simultaneous prompting was more efficient in terms of errors and seconds to mastery. Maintenance data were variable. Discussion focuses on conceptual differences between response repetition and simultaneous prompting that might have accounted for results.
Q-tracks: a College of American Pathologists program of continuous laboratory monitoring and longitudinal tracking.

Context Continuous monitoring of key laboratory indicators of quality by hundreds of laboratories in a standardized measurement program affords an opportunity to document the influence of longitudinal tracking on performance improvement by participants focused on that outcome. Objective To describe the results of the first 2 years of participation in a unique continuous performance assessment program for pathology and laboratory medicine. Design Participants in any of 6 modules in the 1999 and 2000 College of American Pathologists (CAP) Q-Tracks program collected data according to defined methods and sampling intervals on standardized input forms. Data were submitted quarterly to CAP for statistical analysis. Interinstitutional comparison reports returned in 6 weeks provided each laboratory with its performance profile of key indicators and its percentile ranking compared with all participants in that quarter. This also included longitudinal comparisons of performance during previous cumulative quarters. Control charts graphically displayed data with flags identifying performance points that were out of statistical control. Setting Hospital-based laboratories in the United States (98%), Canada, and Australia. Participants Voluntary subscriber laboratories in the CAP Q-Tracks performance measurement program: roughly 70% from hospitals of 300 occupied beds or fewer, 65% from private, nonprofit institutions, slightly more than half located in cities, one third from teaching hospitals, and 20% with pathology residency training programs. Main outcome measures Each module measured several major and additional minor quality indicators and unbenchmarked individualized data for internal use. Results Participants in 4 of 6 Q-Tracks continuous monitors demonstrated statistically significant performance improvement trends in 1999 and 2000, which were most marked for laboratories that continued participation throughout both years. These monitors were wristband patient identification, laboratory specimen acceptability, blood product wastage, and intraoperative frozen section consultation. Conclusions Key continuous indicators chosen on the basis of a decade's experience in the CAP Q-Probes quality improvement program are useful measurement and benchmarking tools for laboratories to improve performance. In general, measures in which there is a broad range of demonstrable performance initially are most optimal for subsequent improvement using continuous monitoring. These studies have shown that quality is not static, but rather is a moving benchmark of performance as seen in the redefinition of benchmarks over time by participants in the first 2 years of the CAP Q-Tracks program.
Mahalanobis & Fisher: Mathematical Statistics as a Global Enterprise

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Mahalanobis’s birth, three stories are told: of his second publication in 1923, of a rough patch in his early relationship with Fisher in 1930, and of the remarkable 1938 Conference and Lectures that established Indian statistics on the world stage. The three are related to the three major areas of his accomplishments: economic planning, statistical research, and building of institutions.
Allosteric Control of Photofoldamers for Selecting between Anion Regulation and Double-to-Single Helix Switching

Allosteric regulation of protein structure and function is a hallmark of biology. The structures of protein-like abiological foldamers have been subject to allosteric control, however, regulation of their function is rare. We report this behavior using a photoactive foldamer following the discovery that small and large anions select between single and double helical structures, respectively. Correspondingly, these anions activate different functions in the photofoldamer; small anions turn on photoregulation of anion concentrations while large anions turn on chiroptical switching of quaternary structure. For this demonstration, we used an aryl-triazole based photofoldamer in which the light-driven trans–cis isomerization of azobenzenes alters intrastrand π–π contacts while the triazoles define the allosteric anion-binding site. Binding to 11 anions of increasing size was quantified (Cl–, Br–, NO2–, I–, NO3–, SCN–, BF4–, ClO4–, ReO4–, PF6–, SbF6–). Contrary to expectations that single helices will expand to...
Self‐management intervention for head and neck cancer couples: Results of a randomized pilot trial

Background Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience significant physical and psychological morbidity during radiotherapy (RT) that contributes to treatment interruptions and a poor quality of life. Although spouses/partners can help by encouraging patient self-management (eg, self-care) during RT, they often experience high psychological distress rates, lack basic health care knowledge and skills, and report increased marital conflict regarding patient self-management. The current pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-session telephone-based intervention called Spouses coping with the Head And neck Radiation Experience (SHARE), which teaches self-management, communication, and coping skills to patients with HNC and their spouses. The treatment effects of SHARE compared with usual medical care (UMC) in controlling patient physical symptoms and improving patient/spouse psychological and marital functioning also were examined. Methods Thirty patients who initiated RT and their spouses (60 participants; 40% of whom were racial/ethnic minorities) were randomized to SHARE or UMC, and preintervention and postintervention assessments were completed. Results Solid recruitment (70%) and low attrition rates (7%) demonstrated feasibility. Strong program evaluations and homework completion rates (72%) supported acceptability. Significant treatment effects (medium in magnitude) were observed for SHARE compared with UMC with regard to HNC-specific physical symptom burden (Cohen's d, -0.89) and symptom interference (Cohen's d, -0.86). Medium to large effects favoring SHARE also were found for patient and spouse depressive symptoms (Cohen's d, -0.84) and cancer-specific distress (Cohen's d, -1.05). Conclusions The findings of the current study support the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of SHARE. They also suggest that programs that empower HNC couples with the necessary skills to coordinate care and manage the challenges of RT together hold great promise for controlling a patient's physical symptoms and improving the psychological functioning of both partners.
The autotransporter protein BatA is a protective antigen against lethal aerosol infection with Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Abstract Background Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei are the causative agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively. There is no vaccine to protect against these highly-pathogenic and intrinsically antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and there is concern regarding their use as biological warfare agents. For these reasons, B. mallei and B. pseudomallei are classified as Tier 1 organisms by the U.S. Federal Select Agent Program and the availability of effective countermeasures represents a critical unmet need. Methods Vaccines (subunit and vectored) containing the surface-exposed passenger domain of the conserved Burkholderia autotransporter protein BatA were administered to BALB/c mice and the vaccinated animals were challenged with lethal doses of wild-type B. mallei and B. pseudomallei strains via the aerosol route. Mice were monitored for signs of illness for a period of up to 40 days post-challenge and tissues from surviving animals were analyzed for bacterial burden at study end-points. Results A single dose of recombinant Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5) expressing BatA provided 74% and 60% survival in mice infected with B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, respectively. Vaccination with PIV5-BatA also resulted in complete bacterial clearance from the lungs and spleen of 78% and 44% of animals surviving lethal challenge with B. pseudomallei, respectively. In contrast, all control animals vaccinated with a PIV5 construct expressing an irrelevant antigen and infected with B. pseudomallei were colonized in those tissues. Conclusion Our study indicates that the autotransporter BatA is a valuable target for developing countermeasures against B. mallei and B. pseudomallei and demonstrates the utility of the PIV5 viral vaccine delivery platform to elicit cross-protective immunity against the organisms.
Wavenumber-Frequency Spectra on a Launch Vehicle Model Measured via Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Time histories of pressure fluctuations on a generic, “hammerhead” launch vehicle model were measured using unsteady pressure-sensitive paint over a Mach number range of 0.6≤M≤1.2. The calibration ...
(265) The Relationship between Discrimination and Pain Tolerance and its Potential Mediation by Stress: Results from the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk (OK-SNAP)

Compared to other racial/ethnic minority groups, Native Americans (NAs) are more likely to report experiences of discrimination and also have the highest prevalence of pain conditions. Thus, there is a need to understand how and why these disproportionately high rates occur. Discrimination has been conceptualized within the biopsychosocial model as a chronic psychosocial stressor that can lead to dysfunction of regulatory processes, such as pain. A recent study found that perceived discrimination increased psychological distress that, in turn, led to increased chronic pain. To date, these relationships have not yet been evaluated in NAs. The present study examined perceived discrimination, stress, and pain tolerance in healthy, pain-free NAs (N=112) and NHWs (N=128). Discrimination was measured with the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and pain tolerance was measured in reaction to cold, heat, electrocutaneous, and ischemia pain stimuli. Results indicated NAs experienced more discrimination than NHWs (p
Generating Function Approach to Single Vibronic Level Fluorescence Spectra.

An efficient time-dependent generating function method to compute vibronic emission and absorption spectra arising from transitions from a singly excited vibrational initial state is presented. In ...
Assessing virulence of Varroa destructor mites from different honey bee management regimes

The mite Varroa destructor is an important honey bee parasite that causes substantial losses of honey bee colonies worldwide. Evolutionary theory suggests that the high densities at which honey bees are managed in large-scale beekeeping settings will likely select for mites with greater growth and virulence, thereby potentially explaining the major damage done by these mites. We tested this hypothesis by collecting mites from feral bee colonies, “lightly” managed colonies (those from small-scale sedentary operations), and “heavily” managed colonies (those from large-scale operations that move thousands of colonies across the US on a yearly basis). We established 8 apiaries, each consisting of 11 colonies from a standardized lightly managed bee background that were cleared of mites, and artificially infested each apiary with controlled numbers of mites from feral, lightly managed, or heavily managed bees or left uninoculated as negative control. We monitored the colonies for more than 2 years for mite levels, colony strength (adult bee population, brood coverage, and honey storage), and survival. As predicted by evolutionary theory, we found that colonies inoculated with mites from managed backgrounds had increased V. destructor mite levels relative to those with mites from feral colonies or negative controls. However, we did not see a difference between heavily and lightly managed colonies, and these higher mite burdens did not translate into greater virulence, as measured by reductions in colony strength and survival. Our results suggest that human management of honey bee colonies may favor the increased population growth rate of V. destructor, but that a range of potential confounders (including viral infections and genotype-by-genotype interactions) likely contribute to the relationship between mite reproduction and virulence.
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for Skin Tumor Margin Assessment

We assessed the utility of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for improving surgical guidance of skin tumor resections. Our results from 34 patients show a high ability to discriminate between carcinoma and normal surrounding skin.
'Fake' Makeup Isn't So Pretty: Revising the Vicarious Liability Standard for Consumers Injured by Counterfeit Cosmetics

While counterfeiting is a widespread issue that affects countless industries, counterfeit cosmetics occupy a uniquely dangerous segment of the overall counterfeit market. The ease of access, the popularity of luxury brands, and the numerous health and safety risks pose a risk to consumers that is distinct from other kinds of counterfeit products. Despite these dangers, there is currently no truly effective way for an individual consumer who has been injured by counterfeit cosmetics to obtain legal recourse for the harm they have suffered. In order to allow injured consumers to receive compensation for their harm, Congress should adopt the more expansive theory of vicarious liability used in copyright law rather than the strict test currently used in trademark law to allow consumers to bring suits against the retailers of counterfeit cosmetics. This fusion between traditional tort principles and intellectual property law will allow consumers who relied on a trusted mark and were deceived by counterfeiters to access compensatory damages.
A novel mutation in PDE6B in Spanish Water Dogs with early-onset progressive retinal atrophy.

Objective To identify the underlying mutation in a recently identified early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the Spanish Water Dog (SWD) breed. Animal studied Eighteen SWDs were used in this study. Six SWDs diagnosed with PRA and 12 phenotypically normal SWDs. Procedures An exclusion analysis using an established microsatellite panel to screen PRA candidate genes was combined with whole genome sequencing of two affected SWD siblings and two phenotypically normal SWDs (a sibling and the dam). Results A 6-bp deletion was identified in exon 19 of PDE6B removing two highly conserved amino acids from the enzymatic domain of the PDE6B protein (c.2218-2223del; p.Phe740_Phe741del). This segregated with the disease status in the small study pedigree. Conclusions Identification of this novel PDE6B mutation adds to the already described PDE6B mutations responsible for PRA in the Irish Setter, Sloughi, and American Staffordshire Terrier dog breeds. A DNA-based test was designed to allow breeders to genotype their animals and make informed breeding decisions in the effort to eradicate PRA from the SWD breed.