cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lower-Level Developmental Skills in Beginning Writing.

A battery of predictor measures (neuromotor, orthographic, visual-motor integration, syllable and phoneme segmentation, word finding, sentence syntax, reading, and verbal intelligence) and of writing criterion measures (handwriting, spelling, and composition) was administered to an equal number of girls and boys in the first, second, and third grades (N=30) to study the developmental skills children bring to the task of learning to write. This developmental approach is an important complement to the prevailing process and product approaches to writing research. Multiple regression and canonical correlation results supported thehypothesis that lower-level developmental variables are related to beginning writing skills. Rapid, automatic production of alphabet letters, rapid coding of orthographic information, and speed of sequential finger movement were the best predictors of handwriting and composition skills. Orthographic-phonological mappings and visual-motor integration were the best predictors of spelling. Canonical correlation analysis identified anorthographic-linguistic dimension and anautomaticity dimension in the battery of developmental skills and of writing products. Results also supported the hypothesis that the translation component in process models of writing has two separable sub-components — text generation and transcription. Lower-level developmental skills are thought to constrain the transcription sub-component.
Incidence of chromosomal rearrangements in couples with reproductive loss

We report on 50 couples with reproductive loss who did not have any detectable chromosome abnormality. A history of a previous child with multiple congenital abnormalities may be significant in identifying couples with a structural rearrangement. Only by studying more families can this hypothesis be tested. Studies of abortus tissue reveal a high percentage of chromosome abnormalities but a very low incidence of unbalanced translocations. Cytogenetic studies are indicated in a couple which has a past history of spontaneous abortions and a previous child with multiple congenital anomalies.
Benign synthesis of 2-ethylhexanoic acid by cytochrome P450cam: enzymatic, crystallographic, and theoretical studies.

This study examines the ability of P450cam to catalyze the formation of 2-ethylhexanoic acid from 2-ethylhexanol relative to its activity on the natural substrate camphor. As is the case for camphor, the P450cam exhibits stereoselectivity for binding (R)- and (S)-2-ethylhexanol. Kinetic studies indicate (R)-2-ethylhexanoic acid is produced 3.5 times as fast as the (S)-enantiomer. In a racemic mixture of 2-ethylhexanol, P450cam produces 50% more (R)-2-ethylhexanoic acid than (S)-2-ethylhexanoic acid. The reason for stereoselective 2-ethylhexanoic acid production is seen in regioselectivity assays, where (R)-2-ethylhexanoic acid comprises 50% of total products while (S)-2-ethylhexanoic acid comprises only 13%. (R)- and (S)-2-ethylhexanol exhibit similar characteristics with respect to the amount of oxygen and reducing equivalents consumed, however, with (S)-2-ethylhexanol turnover producing more water than the (R)-enantiomer. Crystallographic studies of P450cam with (R)- or (S)-2-ethylhexanoic acid suggest ...
A novel laboratory apparatus for simulating isotropic oceanic turbulence at low Reynolds number

A new experimental apparatus to simulate oceanic turbulence at low Reynolds number in the laboratory is described. Actuators located at each corner of a cubic Plexiglas box generated synthetic jets that interacted to create turbulent flow at the center of the saltwater apparatus. Four turbulent intensity levels were established, and velocity measurements were performed using digital particle image velocimetry. The flow characteristics in the center of the apparatus were confirmed to be nearly isotropic and homogeneous. The range of the dissipation rate (10−3 to 1 cm2s−3) and the Kolmogorov microscale (0.03 to 0.2 cm) agreed well with natural oceanic environments in the coastal zone, and the length scales and magnitude of the velocity and strain rate fluctuations were appropriate for zooplankton studies. The flow characteristics compared favorably with previous approaches for generating turbulence in the laboratory, in particular, oscillating-grid apparatus. The current design also possessed increased simplicity, controllability, and transportability. Future objectives include studying the behavioral response of zooplankton to turbulent fluid motions.
Precision measurements of NH3 spectral lines near 11 microns using the infrared heterodyne technique

Absolute line-center frequencies for eleven lines of ammonia in near coincidence with CO2-laser transitions have been determined to accuracies of + or -3 MHz by infrared heterodyne detection. These results were obtained by heterodyning a blackbody with a stable grating-tuned CO2 gas laser. A discussion of the apparatus and method of calculation, including error analysis, is presented. With these accurately determined line-center positions, the ammonia molecule will be a useful secondary-frequency standard for diode-laser spectroscopy in the 11-micron wavelength region.
Markers of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Correlation with Disease Activity

Objective Free radical–mediated reactions have been implicated as contributors in a number of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the potential for oxidative/nitrosative stress to elicit an autoimmune response or to contribute to disease pathogenesis, and thus be useful when determining a prognosis, remains largely unexplored in humans. This study was undertaken to investigate the status and contribution of oxidative/nitrosative stress in patients with SLE. Methods Sera from 72 SLE patients with varying levels of disease activity according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated for serum levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress markers, including antibodies to malondialdehyde (anti-MDA) protein adducts and to 4-hydroxynonenal (anti-HNE) protein adducts, MDA/HNE protein adducts, superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitrotyrosine (NT), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results Serum analysis showed significantly higher levels of both anti–MDA/anti–HNE protein adduct antibodies and MDA/HNE protein adducts in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, not only was there an increased number of subjects positive for anti-MDA or anti-HNE antibodies, but also the levels of both of these antibodies were statistically significantly higher among SLE patients whose SLEDAI scores were ≥6 as compared with SLE patients with lower SLEDAI scores (SLEDAI score <6). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the levels of anti-MDA or anti-HNE antibodies and the SLEDAI score (r = 0.734 and r = 0.647, respectively), suggesting a possible causal relationship between these antibodies and SLE. Furthermore, sera from SLE patients had lower levels of SOD and higher levels of iNOS and NT compared with healthy control sera. Conclusion These findings support an association between oxidative/nitrosative stress and SLE. The stronger response observed in serum samples from patients with higher SLEDAI scores suggests that markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress may be useful in evaluating the progression of SLE and in elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
Variable anamorphic lens for a 35-mm SLR.

A variable anamorphic lens system for a 35-mm SLR camera is described. Using a pair of achromatic prisms an anamorphic range of 0.75:1.33 is achieved. The lens in its unanamorphic state has a focal length of 100 mm and an aperture of f/5.6. Focusing from infinity to 0.1 magnification is made possible by separating out the positive and negative components of the nominally zero power front group.
Current issues on resistance, treatment guidelines, and the appropriate use of fluoroquinolones for respiratory tract infections.

Abstract Background: Community-acquired respiratory tract infections comprise a large percentage of diseases treated by primary care physicians, and rates of antimicrobial use for respiratory tract infections are increasing. The fluoroquinolones comprise a drug class with broad-spectrum activity against many of the key pathogens associated with community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae , and other significant pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . While fluoroquinolones have gained popularity, the settings for their appropriate use in treating respiratory tract infections remain unclear. Objective: In this article, the mechanisms of fluoroquinolone resistance in S pneumoniae , treatment guidelines, and the mode of spread of resistance are reviewed. Methods: The authors conducted a MEDLINE search for articles published from 1990 to the present. Search terms included Streptococcus pneumoniae, fluoroquinolones , and resistance . Articles were selected for inclusion based on their relevance to the objective of this review. Results: Although 3 sets of treatment guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) currently exist in the United States, a consensus for the role of fluoroquinolones in the outpatient management of CAP has not been achieved. Factors mitigating for restraint in the outpatient use of fluoroquinolones include concern for the spread of resistance to "innocent-bystander" organisms, such as S aureus and P aeruginosa , as well as possible inappropriate "trickle-down" use for other, less severe respiratory syndromes, such as bronchitis. Conclusion: Although the fluoroquinolones are potent agents against respiratory pathogens and have a clearly defined role in the treatment of hospitalized patients with CAP, their optimal role in the outpatient management of respiratory tract infections remains controversial.
Effect of zymosan on phagocytosis in larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella

Abstract Larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella , were more susceptible to infection by bacteria after intrahemocoelic injections of zymosan. Although the zymosan particles were rapidly phagocytized, efficiency of the phagocytes was not impaired. Polysterene latex particles were also rapidly phagocytized but neither caused the serum to melanize (as did zymosan) or increased susceptibility. The possibility that zymosan may cause the removal of substances that inhibit bacteria is discussed.
The Intragroup Dynamics of Maintaining a Successful Grassroots Organization: A Case Study

We suggest that key components of intragroup dynamics, including coordination, motivation, and group identification, are important for determining whether a grassroots group will function well, maintain itself over time, and regularly achieve “successes” as defined by the group. These processes were examined in a case study of a grassroots peace organization. The evaluation was carried out via an interview with the director and a survey of the group's volunteers. The director's perceptions of the quality of intragroup dynamics within this group are discussed in conjunction with the responses of the surveyed volunteers. This study showed that the group puts considerable effort into coordinating their activities and implementing strategies to motivate their volunteers. Nevertheless, it appeared that the group was more purposeful in their efforts toward coordination than toward motivating members. Future research will need to involve other groups, as well as identify which specific intragroup components are most important for grassroots success.
The importance of ammonia pressure in the kinetics of ammonia synthesis over supported Ru

This study examines the ammonia dependence of the synthesis rate over supported (but unpromoted) ruthenium using data collected with a flow reactor coupled with effluent ammonia determination. Silica gel and ..gamma..-alumina powder were impregnated to Ca. 1.0 to 1.3 wt % ruthenium loading by incipient wetness using an aqueous solution of RuCl/sub 3/ . 3 H/sub 2/O. Following this impregnation, the samples were dried overnight in air at 380 K, and then a portion, 1.5 g in the case of the silica-supported sample and 2.2 g in the case of the alumina-supported sample, was loaded into a flow reactor for hydrogen reduction (at 700K for ca. 50h) and subsequent ammonia synthesis studies at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa). This study has yielded ammonia synthesis turnover frequencies and apparent activation energies at constant flow rate that are in good agreement with the results of Ozaki et al. This study has also shown that the rate of ammonia synthesis does indeed exhibit an ammonia dependence in the same range of ammonia pressures studied by Ozaki et al. Apparent activation energies calculated at constant ammonia pressure are greater than those determined at constant flow rate. 6 figures, 1 table. (DP)
Depolarized scattering of silver nanostructures in dye-less sensing

Scattering from noble metallic nanoparticles with specific structures are strongly depolarized in contrast to dielectric particles. The effect depends on the shape and symmetry of the nanoparticles and can be explained by induced plasmonic multi-resonances along different axes of symmetry. In our experiments we found that the scattering from 'nanorod' structures of silver is more polarized than globular colloidal silver nanostructures. The depolarized scattering can be tuned to the near-infrared region by using proportionate mixture of the colloids and nanorods. We demonstrate this effect in solution as well as in polymer films where nanoparticles were immobilized. This phenomenon of depolarized scattering is promising for designing dye-less sensing devices useful in diagnostics. We show scattering polarization profile from asymmetric nanostructures changes during their aggregation. Modulating the rate of aggregation of these nanostructures by 'receptor - ligand'-like interactions can be successfully utilized for sensitive 'dye-less' diagnostics.
Information-Theoretic Content Selection for Automated Home Video Editing

In automated home video editing, selecting out the most informative contents from the redundant footage is challenging. This paper proposes an information-theoretic approach to content selection by exploring the dependence relations between who (characters) and where (scenes) in the video. First the footage is segmented into basic units about the same characters at the same scene. To compactly represent the dependence relations between scenes and characters, contingency table is used to model their co-occurrence statistics. Suppose the contents about which characters at which scene are dominating by two random variables, an optimal selection criterion is proposed based on joint entropy. To improve the computation efficiency, a pruned N-Best heuristic algorithm is presented to search the most informative video units. Experimental results demonstrated the proposed approach is flexible and effective for automated content selection.
Reliability challenges of through-silicon-via (TSV) stacked memory chips for 3-D integration: From transistors to packages

Recently, three-dimensional stacked chip package using through-silicon vias (TSVs) is a major paradigm which leads the transition of semiconductor technology from 2-D to 3-D IC in the electronic industry. However, lots of reliability concerns lie in the developing stage and we should clear away doubtful suspicion prior to mass production of 3-D stacked chip package. In this paper, an overview of reliability issues of 3-D TSV integration is introduced dividing into three categories: zero-level reliability of FEOL (front-end of the-line) such as transistors and capacitors, 1st level of BEOL (back-end of the-line) metallization and TSV interconnections, and 2nd level of micro-bumps of stacked chip interfaces. This paper describes the essential scope of the reliability challenges in 3-D IC packaging technology by dealing with reliability issues from transistor-level of the memory device to package micro-bump level of chip-to-chip interconnections.
ECOSITE: an application of computer-aided design to the composition of landforms for reclamation

Surface mining, though an efficient method of extracting near-surface coal for the nation's mounting energy needs, requires sound reclamation if the harmful environmental impacts of the method are to be held to a tolerable minimum. Another important requirement is aesthetic quality, a feature which should, but as yet does not, involve professional planners and designers at the early preplanning stage of reclamation. To encourage this needed improvement a multidisciplinary research group at the University of Massachusetts is developing a comprehensive "preplanning-and-design resource package" that includes an interactive graphics program for landform design as an important component. Called ECOSITE, this user-oriented program is the first serious effort to apply the power of interactive graphics and CAD to the design and sculpturing of large-scale topographical compositions for reclamation and other forms of site preparation and improvement. This paper discusses the program from the standpoint of its application, specifications, design, current capabilities and necessary improvements, including the ability to test its own output against relevant criteria.
A track-based human movement analysis and privacy protection system adaptive to environmental contexts

This paper presents a track-based system for human movement analysis and privacy protection. Our system is adaptive to environmental contexts such as illumination variations, complex moving cast shadows, different camera perspectives, and diverse sue scenarios. Most of outdoor surveillance systems have been targeting at specific environmental situation: i.e., specific time, place, and activity scenarios. We address that more general human movement analysis systems should be able to handle multiple heterogeneous situations in an adaptive manner. We introduce the concept of "spatio-temporal personal boundary" to represent different grouping patterns of human tracks, and we incorporate the concept with various site models. Experimental evaluations with extensive outdoor data show our system's robustness to environmental changes and effectiveness to properly handle various environmental contexts.
Should "indeterminate" diagnoses be used for thyroid fine-needle aspirates of nodules smaller than 1 cm?

Context.—The Bethesda System for thyroid fine-needle aspirates does not account for the size of the lesion that is aspirated. Objective.—To determine whether the size of the lesion would be helpful...
The Prediction of Liver Disease Status Using a Combination of Sonographic and Doppler-Derived Observations of the Portal Venous System:

A novel diagnostic test, named the PREW© score, was formulated to predict the known liver disease status of a purposive sample of 500 patients (304 cases and 196 controls) referred for abdominal so...
3D Face Recognition with Region Committee Voting

In this paper, we introduce a new system for face recognition by matching 3D face shape. This algorithm selects multiple regions of the face for matching in an attempt to reduce the effects caused by variations in expression between gallery and probe images. Experimental results are reported using the Face Recognition Grand Challenge v2.0 data set. Our results demonstrate improved performance relative to those of four previous papers using this same data set.
The Human Being in Disasters: A Research Perspective

Many groups and agencies have a vital need of accurate informa tion on how people behave during disasters. This article presents information which seems to have particular pertinence for disaster preparedness, control, and amelioration. Among the subjects discussed are the problem of how to make disaster warnings effective, behavior during disasters and in the subsequent emer gency period, the problem of people's flocking into the area, the need and diffi culties of co-ordination and control of rescue and relief activities, the traumatic effects of disaster on its victims, and the sources of possible conflicts between rescue and relief agencies and their clients.—Ed.
The Writing of Research Article Introductions

Introductions to research articles (RAs) have become an important site for the analysis of academic writing. However, analysts have apparently not considered whether RA introductions typically incl...
Characterization of the membrane-associated GTPase activity: effects of chemotactic factors and toxins.

Membranes prepared from rabbit neutrophils exhibit GTPase activity which can be stimulated by the chemotactic factor fMet-Leu-Phe. The maximum contribution of the ATPase activities to the basal and the fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated GTPase activities are less than 20% and 9%, respectively. The basal GTPase activity has a Vmax = 34.2 ± 1.3 (pmol/mg protein, min) and a Km = 0.39 ± 0.03 μM; and the fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated has a Vmax = 52.3 ± 2.5 (pmol/mg protein, min), and a Km = 0.29 ± 0.02 μM. The GTPase activity can be stimulated by fMet-Leu-Phe and leukotriene B4. Unlike these two chemotactic factors, concanavalin A does not stimulate this GTPase activity. In addition, the rise in intracellular concentration of free calcium produced by concanavalin A is not inhibited by pertussis toxin treatment. Both the basal and stimulated GTPase activities are affected by pertussis toxin, cholera toxin and N-ethylmaleimide.
Career Linking: An Intervention to Promote Math and Science Career Awareness.

A 1-year intervention was designed to improve minority students' awareness of and preparation for math and science careers. Specifically, goals focused on increasing students' career knowledge, self-esteem, math and science achievement, choice of high school, and high school course selection in math and science. Results indicated success in career knowledge and high school choice and moderate success in achievement, self-esteem, and math and science course selection. Results are discussed in terms of implications for counseling.
Specific Signals Generated by the Cytoplasmic Domain of the Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Receptor Are Not Required for G-CSF–Dependent Granulocytic Differentiation

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the principal growth factor regulating the production of neutrophils, yet its role in lineage commitment and terminal differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells is controversial. In this study, we describe a system to study the role of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) signals in granulocytic differentiation using retroviral transduction of G-CSFR-deficient, primary hematopoietic progenitor cells. We show that ectopic expression of wild-type G-CSFR in hematopoietic progenitor cells supports G-CSF-dependent differentiation of these cells into mature granulocytes, macrophages, megakaryocytes, and erythroid cells. Furthermore, we show that two mutant G-CSFR proteins, a truncation mutant that deletes the carboxy-terminal 96 amino acids and a chimeric receptor containing the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the G-CSFR fused to the cytoplasmic domain of the erythropoietin receptor, are able to support the production of morphologically mature, chloroacetate esterase-positive, Gr-1/Mac-1-positive neutrophils in response to G-CSF. These results demonstrate that ectopic expression of the G-CSFR in hematopoietic progenitor cells allows for multilineage differentiation and suggest that unique signals generated by the cytoplasmic domain of the G-CSFR are not required for G-CSF-dependent granulocytic differentiation.
Chest physiotherapy in preterm infants with lung diseases

Background In neonatology the role of chest physiotherapy is still uncertain because of the controversial outcomes.
Presto authorization: a bitmap indexing scheme for high-speed access control to XML documents

XML (extensible markup language) is fast becoming the de facto standard for information exchange over the Internet. As more and more sensitive information gets stored in the form of XML, proper access control to the XML documents becomes increasingly important. However, traditional access control methodologies that have been adapted for XML documents do not address the performance issue of access control. This paper proposes a bitmap-indexing scheme in which access control decisions can be sped up. Authorization policies of the form (subject, object, and action) are encoded as bitmaps in the same manner as XML document indexes are constructed. These two are then efficiently pipelined and manipulated for "fast" access control and "secure" retrieval of XML documents.
Indispensable Framework or Just another Ideology?: Prisoner's Dilemma as an Antihierarchical Game

Is Prisoner's Dilemma a natural framework for understanding human interaction? The author's view is that the rationality of the prisoner's dilemma, like rationality in general, is context dependent...
The Miller Ratio (MR): A Tool For Practitioners And Regulators To Detect For The Possibility Of Earnings Management (EM)

The implications of the study of the MR (Miller Ratio) are the possibilities of, with future research support, the MR being both a beneficial, and easy to use, tool for practitioners and regulators to detect for the possibility of EM (earnings management). The previously studied models were not designed to be utilized on a case-by-case basis since they were studied using large samples of firms in an attempt to make generalized statements about the effectiveness of the models. The MR, designed to be utilized on a case-by-case basis, is easily computed. If corporate managers were aware of this simple, easy-to-use tool to detect EM, they may be more cautious of engaging in this activity. Essentially, the MR could assist practitioners and regulators in prioritizing their work load of companies to analyze. It is another arrow in their quiver, so to speak.
Relationships Among Race, Bleeding, and Mortality in Coronary Reperfusion

There are several examples of therapies that have differential effects in specific racially or ethnically distinct subgroups of the US population. For example, persons of African heritage generally have a poorer blood pressure response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers in comparison with whites, but they derive greater benefit in the prevention of heart failure from the combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine. Indeed, this latter finding led to the first drug approved to treat a disease in patients identified by race. The explanations for racial and ethnic differences in response may be related to genetic factors that determine drug exposure (ie, differences in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), intrinsic factors (eg, age, sex, weight, renal and/or hepatic function), extrinsic influences (eg, diet, concomitant medications and nontraditional therapies, environmental exposure, and cultural factors), or a combination therein. Article see p 1727 The US Food and Drug Administration has long recognized the importance of evaluating the safety and efficacy of new therapies in standardized racial and ethnic subgroups.1 In 1998 they published the Demographic Rule (CFR 314.50 days(5)) and followed this in 2005 with a guidance document (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm126396.pdf) that provided recommendations for the collection of race and ethnicity data in clinical trials. Specifically in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the clinical review (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm126396.pdf) of tenecteplase by the Food and Drug Administration Medical Officer raised a concern regarding worse clinical outcomes among individuals of African descent. Because patients of African descent were underrepresented and there was no identification of Hispanic ethnicity were collected, the US Food and Drug Administration reviewer recommended that such data should be obtained in phase 4 trials. Although no dedicated large phase 4 trials of fibrinolytic therapy in these underrepresented racial and ethnic subgroups have been performed to date, in this issue of Circulation , Mehta et …
Ribosome profiling reveals the what, when, where and how of protein synthesis

Ribosome profiling, which involves the deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments, is a powerful tool for globally monitoring translation in vivo. The method has facilitated discovery of the regulation of gene expression underlying diverse and complex biological processes, of important aspects of the mechanism of protein synthesis, and even of new proteins, by providing a systematic approach for experimental annotation of coding regions. Here, we introduce the methodology of ribosome profiling and discuss examples in which this approach has been a key factor in guiding biological discovery, including its prominent role in identifying thousands of novel translated short open reading frames and alternative translation products.
The militarization of prayer in America: White and Native American spiritual warfare

AbstractThis article examines how militarism has come to be one of the generative forces of the prayer practices of millions of Christians across the globe. To understand this process, I focus on the articulation between militarization and aggressive forms of prayer, especially the evangelical warfare prayer developed by North Americans since the 1980s. Against the backdrop of the rise in military spending and neoliberal economic policies, spiritual warfare evangelicals have taken on the project of defending the United States on the “spiritual” plane. They have elaborated a complex theology and prayer practice with a highly militarized discourse and set of rituals for doing “spiritual battle” and conducting “prayer strikes” on the “prayer battlefield”. The work draws on ethnographic fieldwork at an intensive spiritual warfare boot camp organized by a group of Native Americans who have founded a training base in Oklahoma dedicated to training recruits in the theology and practical strategy of spiritual war...
An evolutionary computing approach for mining most frequent subgraph by using size value evaluation

Graph databases have become one of the most attractive areas for researchers, especially in data mining field. Frequent subgraphs are one of the most actively researched in this area. Numerous algorithms have been developed to find the most frequent subgraphs, such as SUBDUE algorithm, which uses a computationally constrained beam. Consequently, it will lose the chance of producing suboptimal subgraphs. This approach aims to provide another method by employing an evolutionary computing algorithm for mining most frequent subgraphs using subgraph size value based on SUBDUE. The purpose is to take the advantage of a global search feature of evolutionary programming to discover different space solutions of subgraphs.We tested the performance of our algorithm on one artificial generated dataset, and two real datasets, and compared the performance of SUBDUE. Our results show that our algorithm could discover frequent subgraphs faster than SUBDUE, indicating the potential usefulness of our algorithm.
Traumatic Brain Injury as a Disorder of Brain Connectivity.

OBJECTIVES: Recent advances in neuroimaging methodologies sensitive to axonal injury have made it possible to assess in vivo the extent of traumatic brain injury (TBI) -related disruption in neural structures and their connections. The objective of this paper is to review studies examining connectivity in TBI with an emphasis on structural and functional MRI methods that have proven to be valuable in uncovering neural abnormalities associated with this condition. METHODS: We review studies that have examined white matter integrity in TBI of varying etiology and levels of severity, and consider how findings at different times post-injury may inform underlying mechanisms of post-injury progression and recovery. Moreover, in light of recent advances in neuroimaging methods to study the functional connectivity among brain regions that form integrated networks, we review TBI studies that use resting-state functional connectivity MRI methodology to examine neural networks disrupted by putative axonal injury. RESULTS: The findings suggest that TBI is associated with altered structural and functional connectivity, characterized by decreased integrity of white matter pathways and imbalance and inefficiency of functional networks. These structural and functional alterations are often associated with neurocognitive dysfunction and poor functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: TBI has a negative impact on distributed brain networks that lead to behavioral disturbance. (JINS, 2016, 22, 120-137). Language: en
Gene delivery using calcium phosphate nanoparticles: Optimization of the transfection process and the effects of citrate and poly(l-lysine) as additives

Despite the long history of nanoparticulate calcium phosphate (CaP) as a non-viral transfection agent, there has been limited success in attempts to optimize its properties for transfection comparable in efficiency to that of viral vectors. Here we focus on the optimization of: (a) CaP nanoparticle precipitation conditions, predominantly supersaturation and Ca/P molar ratios; (b) transfection conditions, mainly the concentrations of the carrier and plasmid DNA; (c) the presence of surface additives, including citrate anion and cationic poly(l-lysine) (PLL). CaP nanoparticles significantly improved transfection with plasmid DNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells compared to a commercial non-viral carrier. At the same time they elicited significantly lesser cytotoxicity than the commercial carrier. Plasmid DNA acted as a nucleation promoter, decreasing the nucleation lag time of metastable CaP solutions and leading to a higher rate of nucleation and a lower size of the precipitated particles. The degree of supersaturation (DS) of 15 was found to be more optimal for transfection than that of 12.5 or 17.5 and higher. Because CaP particles precipitated at DS 15 were spherical, while DS 17.5 and 21 yielded acicular particles, it was concluded that spherical particle morphologies were more conducive to transfection than the anisotropic ones. Even though the yield at DS 15 was 10 and 100 times lower than that at DS 17.5 and 21, respectively, transfection rates were higher using CaP nanoparticle colloids prepared at DS 15 than using those made at higher or lower DS, indicating that the right particle morphology can outweigh the difference in the amount of the carrier, even when this difference is close to 100×. In contrast to the commercial carrier, the concentration of CaP-pDNA delivered to the cells was directly proportional to the transfection rate. Osteosarcoma K7M2 cells were four times more easily transfectable with CaP nanoparticles than the MC3T3-E1 cells. The addition of citrate increased the transfection rate at lower concentrations; however, a complete redispersal of CaP-pDNA nanoparticles at higher concentrations of citrate coincided with a complete diminishment of transfection, implying the benefits of partial aggregation of CaP nanoparticles carrying pDNA. In contrast, PLL delayed transfection initially, but enhanced it at longer time points (⩾96h), leading to the conclusion that both citrate and PLL could exert positive effects on transfection: citrate if added at low concentrations and PLL to extend transfection over longer periods of time.
Associations Between Body Weight Status and Substance Use Among African American Women in Baltimore, Maryland: The CHAT Study

ABSTRACTBackground: Studies on associations between body weight status and specific substance use have provided conflicting findings. Objectives: This paper investigated the association between substance use and body weight status among African American women. Methods: We analyzed the data from 328 African American women who were enrolled in a HIV prevention intervention in Baltimore, MD, USA, in order to investigate the association between substance use and their body weight status. Participants' anthropometry was measured by trained research staff. Substance use information was collected via self-administered and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: About 33.4% were classified as normal/underweight, 24.2% overweight, and 42.4% obese. Compared to overweight (38.5%) and obese (29.2%) participants, the normal/underweight women had significantly higher prevalence of drug use (52.8%) (χ2= 14.11, p < 0.05). BMI was significantly negatively associated with current heroin use (t = −2.21, p < 0.05)....
Aggregation of Insulin at the Interface

Insulin has so far been the most important pharmaceutical peptide for diabetes treatment, assisting to regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism in patients. However, aggregation of insulin occurs readily in almost every biopharmaceutical process, ranging from production, purification, storage, transportation, delivery, to in vivo utilization at the terminal. As interfaces and surfaces are ubiquitous in each process and strongly influence physical/chemical properties of insulin, it is necessary and fundamentally important to investigate the aggregation of insulin at various interfaces, such as aqueous–solid interface, water–oil interface, and air–water interface. The objective of this article is to briefly summarize recent progress on insulin aggregation at different interfaces, with special focus on the air–water interface using the Langmuir monolayer technique.
Reaction rate, fission product yield, and Rossi-α measurements using a HEU metal, copper reflected critical assembly

A critical experiment was performed on the Comet assembly to provide nuclear data in a non-thermal neutron spectrum and to re-establish experimental measurement capabilities relevant to the United ...
Mapping Brain Anatomical Connectivity Using Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Structural connectivity of the human brain

In 2009, the National Institutes of Health ambitiously launched the Human Connectome Project [1] to promote engineering capabilities for imaging and analyzing brain connections. One of the primarily promoted technologies is diffusion magnetic resonance (dMR) imaging, which noninvasively maps brain connectivity at a macroscopic scale by measuring water molecules? anisotropic diffusion constrained by neural fibers. Following years of steady advancement, the dMR imaging technique has reached unprecedented spatial and angular resolution, and its computational analysis methods, stimulated by growing research needs, have also blossomed. This has been achieved by joint contributions from various areas, such as signal processing, applied mathematics, network analysis, and so on. In this article, we outline the milestones on this exciting path of interdisciplinary technology development with the aim of bringing these advancements to engineers outside the medical imaging community.
The Social Structure of Political Echo Chambers: Variation in Ideological Homophily in Online Networks

We predict that people with different political orientations will exhibit systematically different levels of political homophily, the tendency to associate with others similar to oneself in political ideology. Research on personality differences across the political spectrum finds that both more conservative and more politically extreme individuals tend to exhibit greater orientations towards cognitive stability, clarity, and familiarity. We reason that such a “preference for certainty” may make these individuals more inclined to seek out the company of those who reaffirm, rather than challenge, their views. Since survey studies of political homophily face well-documented methodological challenges, we instead test this proposition on a large sample of politically engaged users of the social-networking platform Twitter, whose ideologies we infer from the politicians and policy nonprofits they follow. As predicted, we find that both more extreme and more conservative individuals tend to be more homophilous than more liberal and more moderate ones.
Nonlinear spectroscopy and process monitoring of Si(001) interfaces

Si(001) interfaces are among the most technologically important for nonlinear optical analysis, yet their exceptionally weak interfacial second harmonic susceptibility χ(2)s has strongly inhibited quantitative second harmonic (SHJ spectroscopy and related nonlinear optical process monitoring applications.
An Introduction to David Morgan

The working title for this festschrift was ‘Papers for the Padishah’. It was discarded for the sake of propriety as well as the well-known decree that all academic books must include a colon, a decree which some would say is worthy of Chinggis Khan himself. Nonetheless, I believe it is fair to consider David O. Morgan the Padishah of the study of the Mongol Empire. David, ever humble, would simply wave this title away and offer another scholar the throne. In this sense, David is like Ogodei Khan—generous, well-liked by all, and he laid much of the modern foundations for the study of the Mongols. Yet, David, like Ghazan Khan, always kept one foot firmly in Iranian Studies as well, thus giving him claim to the title of Padishah. David's similarity to the Mongols does not end there, however, as he carved his own intellectual empire.
Explicit Instruction, Bilingualism, and the Older Adult Learner

Little is known about older adult language learners and effects of aging on L2 learning. This study investigated learning in older age through interactions of learner-internal and -external variables; specifically, late-learned L2 (bilingualism) and provision of grammar explanation (explicit instruction, EI). Forty-three older adults (age 60+) who were monolingual English or bilingual English/Spanish speakers learned basic Latin morphosyntax using a computer program with or without EI. Results showed no overall effects of EI, although bilinguals with EI had advantages when transferring skills. Bilinguals also outperformed monolinguals on interpretation regardless of instruction. This study expands the scope of SLA research to include older adults and bilinguals, when traditionally participants are young adult monolinguals. It bolsters nascent research on older adults by adopting a tried-and-true paradigm: interactions between variables. Older adults’ overall success at learning language counters negative stereotypes of aging and demonstrates that bilingual linguistic advantages are lifelong.
EEG subspace analysis and classification using principal angles for Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) help paralyzed people who have lost some or all of their ability to communicate and control the outside environment from loss of voluntary muscle control. Most BCIs are based on the classification of multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) signals recorded from users as they respond to external stimuli or perform various mental activities. The classification process is fraught with difficulties caused by electrical noise, signal artifacts, and nonstationarity. One approach to reducing the effects of similar difficulties in other domains is the use of principal angles between subspaces, which has been applied mostly to video sequences. In this paper, it is shown that principal angles are also a useful approach to the classification of EEG signals that are recorded during a BCI typing application. Single letters are flashed on a computer display every second as the subject counts the number of times the desired letter appears. The appearance of the subject's desired letter is detected by identifying a P300-wave within a one-second window of EEG following the flash of a letter. Classification of pairs of one-second windows of EEG resulted in an average accuracy of detecting the P300 of 88% for a motor-impaired subject recorded in their home and 76% for an unimpaired subject recorded in the lab.
Chemical Imaging of Platinum-Based Drugs and their Metabolites

Platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin) are widely used therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. Even though the platinum (Pt)-drugs are routinely used clinically, a clear picture of their distribution within tumor tissues is lacking. The current methods to image the distribution of Pt drugs are limited and do not enable the discrimination of the drug from its metabolites. In this manuscript, we demonstrate a methodology that enables chemical imaging of a Pt drug and its metabolites simultaneously and specifically. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) is combined with an on-tissue chemical derivatization using diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC). DDTC abstracts the Pt atom to generate ionizable complexes that can be imaged by MALDI MSI. We demonstrate that Pt drugs and their metabolites can be specifically imaged. This approach was successfully applied to map the penetration and metabolism of oxaliplatin in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)-like treated 3D colorectal tumor mimics. The distribution of cisplatin and carboplatin was mapped in additional 3D tumor mimics. We demonstrate that the approach can also be used to image the distribution of copper ions in cells. This method has the potential to be used to evaluate the penetration and distribution of a wide range of compounds.
Brain Network Activation Technology Does Not Assist with Concussion Diagnosis and Return to Play in Football Athletes.

Background: Concussion diagnosis and management remains a largely subjective process. This investigation sought to evaluate the utility of a novel neuroelectric measure for concussion diagnosis and return to play decision making. Hypothesis: Brain Network Activation (BNA) scores obtained within 72-hours of injury will be lower than the athlete’s preseason evaluation and that of a matched control athlete; and the BNA will demonstrate on-going declines at the return to play and post-season time points, while standard measures will have returned to pre-injury and control athlete levels. Design: case-control study Methods: Football athletes with a diagnosed concussion (n=8) and matched control football athletes (n=8) completed a preseason evaluation of cognitive (i.e., Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool) and neuroelectric function (i.e., BNA), clinical reaction time, SCAT3 self-reported symptoms and quality of life (i.e., Health Behavior Inventory and Satisfaction with Life Scale). Following a diagnosed concussion, injured and control athletes completed post-injury evaluations within 72-hours, once asymptomatic, and at the conclusion of the football season. Results: Case analysis of the neuroelectric assessment failed to provide improved diagnostics beyond traditional clinical measures. Statistical analyses indicated significant BNA improvements in the concussed and control groups from baseline to the asymptomatic timepoint. Conclusions: With additional attention being placed on rapid and accurate concussion diagnostics and return to play decision making, the addition of a novel neuroelectric assessment does not appear to provide additional clinical benefit at this time. Clinicians should continue to follow the recommendations for the clinical management of concussion with the assessment of the symptom, cognitive, and motor control domains.