cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WLC13-3: A Study of Tradeoff between Energy Efficiency and Control Complexity for CDMA Wireless Sensor Networks

For CDMA-based WSNs, we quantitatively investigate and compare the optimal energy efficiencies and control complexities for three different power/time control (PTC) schemes: PTC with independent transmission power and time (PTC-IPT), PTC with unified transmission time (PTC-UT), and PTC with unified spreading gain (PTC-USG). These schemes provide different degrees of control and require different amounts of overhead. Under each scheme, the minimization of system's energy consumption is formulated as a non-convex optimization problem. The optimal transmission power and time are derived analytically through a variable-decoupling approach. The analytical nature of our results makes it feasible to compare the performance in closed form. Numerical examples and simulations are provided to validate our analysis.
Genetic removal of basal nitric oxide enhances contractile activity in isolated murine collecting lymphatic vessels

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulating lymphatic contractile function and, consequently, lymph flow has been the subject of intense study. Despite this, the precise effects of NO on lymphatic contractile activity remain unclear. Recent hypotheses posit that basal levels of endogenous NO increase lymphatic contraction strength as a consequence of lowering frequency (i.e. positive lusitropy), whereas higher agonist-evoked concentrations of NO exert purely inhibitory effects on contractile function. We tested both hypotheses directly by isolating and cannulating collecting lymphatic vessels from genetically modified mice for ex vivo study. The effects of basal NO and agonist-evoked NO were evaluated, respectively, by exposing wild-type (WT), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)(-/-) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS)(-/-) lymphatic vessels to controlled pressure steps followed by ACh doses. To compare with pharmacological inhibition of eNOS, we repeated both tests in the presence of l-NAME. Surprisingly, genetic removal of basal NO enhanced contraction amplitude significantly without increasing contraction frequency. Higher levels of NO production stimulated by ACh evoked dilation, decreased tone, slowed contraction frequency and reduced fractional pump flow. We conclude that basal NO specifically depresses contraction amplitude, and that greater NO production then inhibits all other aspects of contractile function. Further, this work demonstrates definitively that mouse collecting lymphatic vessels exhibit autonomous, large-amplitude contractions that respond to pressure similarly to collecting lymphatics of other mammalian species. At least in the peripheral lymphatic vasculature, NO production depresses contractile function, which influences lymph flow needed for fluid regulation, humoral immunity and cancer metastasis.
A Within-Subjects Technique for Comparing College Grading Standards: Implications in the Validity of the Evaluation of College Achievement

Differential standards of college grading were examined, and an index of grading standards was computed using pairwise comparisons of grades in 17 major fields. These grades were obtained by an analysis of the transcripts of a randomly selected sample of 475 undergraduates at a medium sized public university. This index correlates highly in a negative direction with scores on the verbal and mathematical portions of the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT—V and SAT—M) and HSGPA. These results further support the application of adaptation level theory to college grading standards, for it was found that at the institution studied fields with lower ability students as compared with those with higher ability students employed less stringent grading criteria. The results are discussed in regard to graduate school admission and to the need for a weighting system for grades earned in different fields.
Student Engagement and Marketing Classes

A study is reported that investigates the goals underlying undergraduate students’ engagement in their major classes, nonmajor classes, and in extracurricular activities. The qualitative study empl...
Incorporation of a stable isotopically labeled amino acid into multiple human apolipoproteins

Procedures are presented for the separation and determination of the isotopic enrichment of multiple human apolipoproteins labeled in vivo with a stable isotope amino acid. The isotopic enrichments of plasma lysine and plasma apolipoproteins were monitored for 16 days after a single intravenous dose of [4,4,5,5-2H4]lysine (5 mg/kg body weight). The use of a multiply deuterated amino acid enabled the measurement of isotopic enrichments above background over the entire 16-day time course in all proteins. Individual apolipoproteins were separated on a specially designed gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system cast in a conventional slab gel apparatus which resolved apoB-100, apoE, apoA-I, apoA-II, apoC-I, apoC-II, apoC-III-1, and apoC-III-2 on a single gel. After staining with Coomassie blue, proteins bands (containing 5 to 30 micrograms of individual apolipoprotein) were excised from the gel. Amino acids were recovered from hydrolyzed gel slices, derivatized, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of lysine isotopic enrichments. The utility of the method is demonstrated using examples of apolipoproteins B-100, A-I, A-II, C-I, C-II, and C-III from either total plasma d less than 1.21 g/ml lipoproteins or selected lipoprotein subfractions. Lysine isotopic enrichments of proteins were generally determined with a precision of better than 5%. The isotopic enrichment profiles were consistent with literature reports of apolipoprotein metabolic kinetics based on the use of radioiodinated apolipoproteins. The procedures outlined can be used to separate and measure the isotopic enrichment of virtually any apolipoprotein from any chosen lipoprotein fraction. Thus, these procedures should find wide application in the study of apolipoprotein metabolic kinetics.
Reconciling the characteristics of wired and wireless networks: the Janus approach

The Janus project aims to develop methodologies and protocols to support multiway communications in hybrid wireless and land-line networks. Significant differences in performance and qualitative attributes between wired and wireless networks necessitate adaptation and arbitration mechanisms in order to deliver group transport services. Janus provides a proxy mechanism to reconcile differences between the wired and wireless domains, incorporate synchronization algorithms to prevent delivery lags caused by high network variability, and anticipate and take appropriate actions when approaching (or when within) "trouble spots" or dead zones that are intrinsic to wireless networks. These adaptive mechanisms are implemented in software capable of executing on devices ranging from hand-helds to laptops to desktops, and manifested as libraries that provide group communication facilities at different levels of data delivery semantics. A discussion of unique challenges in hybrid wired and wireless networks, a description of the Janus active middleware architecture, and preliminary results and experiences are presented in this paper.
Petrogenesis of olivine-phyric shergottite Yamato 980459, revisited

Primitive magmas provide critical information on mantle sources, but most Martian meteorites crystallized from fractionated melts. An olivine-phyric shergottite, Yamato 980459 (Y-980459), has been interpreted to represent a primary melt, because its olivine megacrysts have magnesian cores (Fo84–86) that appear to be in equilibrium with the Y-980459 whole-rock composition based on Fe–Mg partitioning. However, crystal size distribution (CSD) plots for Y-980459 olivines show a size gap, suggesting a cumulus origin for some megacrysts. Because melting experiments using the Y-980459 whole-rock composition have been used to infer the thermal structure and volatile contents of the Martian mantle, the interpretation that this rock is primitive should be scrutinized. We report major, minor and trace element compositions of Y-980459 olivines and compare them with results from melting experiments (both hydrous and anhydrous) and thermodynamic calculations. Cores of the olivine megacrysts have major and minor element contents identical to those of the most magnesian olivines from the experiments, but they differ slightly from those of thermodynamic calculations. This is probably because the Y-980459 whole-rock composition lies near the limit of the range of liquids used to calibrate these models. The megacryst cores (Fo80–85) exhibit minor and trace element (Mn–Ni–Co– Cr–V) characteristics distinct from other olivines (megacryst rims and groundmass olivines, Fo < 80), implying that the megacryst cores crystallized under more reduced conditions (� IW + 1). Y-980459 contains pyroxenes with orthopyroxene cores mantled by pigeonite and augite. We also found some reversely zoned pyroxenes that have augite cores (low-Mg#) mantled by orthopyroxenes (high-Mg#), although they are uncommon. These reversely zoned pyroxenes are interpreted to have grown initially as atoll-like crystals with later crystallization filling in the hollow centers, implying disequilibrium crystallization at a moderate cooling rate (3–7 C/h). The calculated REE pattern of a melt in equilibrium with normally zoned pyroxene is parallel to those of glass and the Y-980459 whole-rock as well as other depleted olivine-phyric shergottites, suggesting that Y-980459 was derived from a depleted mantle reservoir. Considering the CSD patterns of Y-980459 olivines, we propose that the olivine megacrysts are cumulus crystals which probably formed in a feeder conduit by continuous melt replenishment, and the parent melt composition was indistinguishable from the Y-980459 whole-rock with 0–2 wt% of H2O and 0–5 wt% of CO2. The final magma pulse entrained these cumulus olivines and then crystallized groundmass olivines and pyroxenes. Although Y-980459 contains small amounts of cumulus olivine (<� 6 vol%), we conclude that the Y-980459 whole-rock composition closely approximates a Martian primary melt composition.
Developing Measures of Teachers’ Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching

Abstract In this article we discuss efforts to design and empirically test measures of teachers’ content knowledge for teaching elementary mathematics. We begin by reviewing the literature on teacher knowledge, noting how scholars have organized such knowledge. Next we describe survey items we wrote to represent knowledge for teaching mathematics and results from factor analysis and scaling work with these items. We found that teachers’ knowledge for teaching elementary mathematics was multidimensional and included knowledge of various mathematical topics (e.g., number and operations, algebra) and domains (e.g., knowledge of content, knowledge of students and content). The constructs indicated by factor analysis formed psychometrically acceptable scales.
Who’s the Man? Fragile Masculinities, Consumer Masculinities, and the Profiles of Sex Work Clients

Some research on male clients of female prostitutes argues that clients are simply seeking unemotional sexual release or looking for wild and varied sexual experiences. Yet other sex workers portray clients as lonely, vulnerable, and desiring of emotional connection with women. Rather than view this as an ''either-or'' scenario—in which all clients fit one profile—we construct two dichotomous models of masculinity for clients and explore their attitudes toward women and sex. Men in the fragile masculinities category feel uncomfortable around women, unattractive to women,and rejected by women in the sexual marketplace, while consumer masculinities men get excited by approaching a prostitute, seek a variety of partners, and do not want the responsibilities of a relationship. We find that fragile masculinities men may be more dangerous to women than consumer masculinities men.
Landsat Thematic Mapper monitoring of turbid inland water quality

This study reports on an investigation of water quality calibration algorithms under turbid inland water conditions using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) multispectral digital data. TM data and water quality observations (total suspended solids and Secchi disk depth) were obtained near-simultaneously and related using linear regression techniques. The relationships between reflectance and water quality for Green Bay and Lake Michigan were compared with results for Yellowstone and Jackson Lakes, Wyoming. Results show similarities in the water quality-reflectance relationships, however, the algorithms derived for Green Bay - Lake Michigan cannot be extrapolated to Yellowstone and Jackson Lake conditions.
YELLOW‐GREEN ALGAE WITH CHLOROPHYLLIDE C1,2

SUMMARY Chlorophyllide c (chlorophyll c) wax found in axenic or unialgal cultures of 5 members of the class Xanthophyceae and in 2 members of the class Raphidophyceae (Chloromonadophyceae). Two other algae contained no chl c; neither had chl b. One of these plants, Pleurochloris magna, is presumably a member of the newly named class Eustigmatophyceae (Hibberd and Leedale). The other alga, clone GSB Sticho, is of uncertain, systematic position. Although, the xanthophyll pigments were not critically studied, there is enough evidence, to permit the conclusion that the xanthophyll suites of the chloromonads, the xanthophytes, P. magna, and clone GSB Sticho all differ in at least one respect.
Bats of the Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana, northeastern Peru, with notes on community structure

An inventory of the bat fauna at the Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana documented 63 species. Coupled with previous records, this becomes the second most species-rich site for bats in Peru, with 65 species. Reproductively, there was a peak in activity in the early rainy season (October–December) that steadily declined to a low in the late rainy or early dry season (May–June). The community was dominated by Carollia perspicillata in terms of relative abundance and biomass. Most species were frugivores (28) or insectivores (26), but frugivores were predominant in the community based on cumulative abundance and biomass. The bat fauna was sampled to 85–91% completion based on extrapolations of local species richness. Nonetheless, only 56% of the regional species pool was captured locally. The fauna was compositionally similar to that of other western Amazonian sites. Although the Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana enjoys a relatively high protected status, this has yet to be translated into sustained conservation. As a hotspot of biodiversity in Peru, it deserves protection at the highest possible level.
Appreciating Uncertainty and Personal Preference in Genetic Testing

Genetic testing seems to hold out hope for the cure of a number of debilitating conditions. At the same time, many people fear the information that genetic testing can make available. In this commentary, I argue that as of now, the nature of the information revealed in such tests should lead to cautious views about the value of genetic testing. Moreover, I suggest that our overall views about such testing should account for the fact that individuals place different sorts of value on the possession of their own genetic information. As a result, we should largely defer to personal preference in thinking about the propriety of genetic testing.
Radiologic Imaging of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a ubiquitous problem in modern medical practice; 20% of Americans experience heartburn on a weekly basis [1]. In the past, barium studies have been advocated for patients with reflux symptoms primarily to document the presence of a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), to detect complications such as deep ulcers or strictures, and to rule out other organic or motor abnormalities in the esophagus. By permitting a more detailed assessment of the esophageal mucosa, however, double-contrast radiographic techniques have made it possible to detect superficial ulceration and other changes of mild or moderate esophagitis before the development of deep ulcers or strictures. Double-contrast esophagography is also a useful screening examination for Barrett’s esophagus to determine the relative need for endoscopy and biopsy in these patients. With double-contrast techniques, barium studies therefore have a major role in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected GERD.
Measuring iron and zinc bioavailability in humans

Iron and zinc deficiencies are common in populations dependent on cereal-based diets because of the poor bioavailability of these minerals in those foods. Selective breeding of high-mineral grains can improve the total intake of iron and zinc. However the additional iron and zinc from those grains may not be available for absorption because of the high phytate content of cereals. Iron and zinc bioavailability needs to be measured before the high-mineral crops are promoted. Iron or zinc bioavailability can be measured from the response of a physiological variable assessment of body retention tissue or blood uptake changes in pool size or rates of absorption. Iron bioavailability is preferentially measured from erythrocyte uptake of oral radioactive or stable iron tracers; zinc bioavailability is measured from the rate of absorption of an oral isotopic tracer compared with an intravenous tracer. The oral label which is required for studies of both iron and zinc may be intrinsically added to the plant during growth or extrinsically added before feeding. Iron and zinc bioavailability from intrinsically and extrinsically labelled normal and high-mineral common bean varieties was tested in young women with low iron stores. The absorption of intrinsic and extrinsic labels of iron and zinc did not differ. The bioavailability of iron and zinc from both varieties was low about 1.5% and 13% respectively. Methods to improve the bioavailability of iron and zinc from plant foods need to be developed. (authors)
Hamilton’s Principle

If a particle P r of mass m r moves with velocity ẋ r relative to an inertial reference frame, the quantity $${T^r = {\frac {1}{2}} m_r {\dot x^r} \cdot {\dot x^r} } = {{\frac {1}{2}} m_r ({\dot x^r})^2 }$$ (10.1.1) is called its kinetic energy.
English Learners With Disabilities in High School Population Characteristics, Transition Programs, and Postschool Outcomes

Little is known about the characteristics, transition education, and postschool outcomes of English learners with disabilities (ELSWDs), despite that English learners are a rapidly growing group of U.S. students with consistently poor outcomes. This study examines a nationally representative sample of ELSWDs through a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). Complex Samples statistical analyses were used to identify ELSWDs’ sociodemographic characteristics, education and transition program characteristics, and postschool outcomes. Results confirmed disproportionate identification by race/ethnicity for Latinos and White as ELSWDs. Findings also illustrated alignment between transition planning and courses taken, yet postschool employment was significantly lower for ELSWDs. Implications include the need for research methods that address ELSWDs disproportionality in high school and transition outcome variables unique to this population. Implications for practice include the...
An Inductively-Powered Wireless Neural Recording System With a Charge Sampling Analog Front-End

An inductively-powered wireless integrated neural recording system (WINeR-7) is presented for wireless and battery-less neural recording from freely-behaving animal subjects inside a wirelessly powered standard homecage. The WINeR-7 system employs a novel wide-swing dual slope charge sampling (DSCS) analog front-end (AFE) architecture, which performs amplification, filtering, sampling, and analog-to-time conversion with minimal interference and small amount of power. The output of the DSCS-AFE produces a pseudodigital pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal. A circular shift register time-division multiplexes (TDM) the PWM pulses to create a TDM-PWM signal, which is fed into an on-chip 915-MHz transmitter (Tx). The AFE and Tx are supplied at 1.8 and 4.2 V, respectively, by a power management block, which includes a high efficiency active rectifier and automatic resonance tuning, operating at 13.56 MHz. The eight-channel system-on-a-chip was fabricated in a 0.35- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS process, occupying $5 \times 2.5$ mm2 and consumed 51.4 mW. For each channel, the sampling rate is 21.48 kHz and the power consumption is 19.3 $\mu \text{W}$ . In vivo experiments were conducted on freely-behaving rats in an energized homecage by continuously delivering 51.4 mW to the WINeR-7 system in a closed-loop fashion and recording local field potentials.
Body weight and reproductive status of two nabid species (Heteroptera : Nabidae) in Indiana

Two nabid species, Nabis roseipennis Reuter and N. americoferus (Carayon), were collected from alfalfa fields in Indiana in 1988 and 1989. Body weights and numbers of eggs at dissection were recorded and compared within and between species by location and time. The numbers of eggs at dissection were regressed on body weight, and compared between species. Overall, N. roseipennis were found to weigh more than N. americoferus. N. americoferus appeared to have a minimum weight threshold for egg production. No such threshold was evident for N. roseipennis . Egg-to-weight relationships suggested that N. americoferus was more efficient at producing eggs than N. roseipennis, which helped to explain interspecific comparisons of fecundity. The findings of the study are compared to similar studies of nabid reproduction and related to the potential use of nabids in pest management.
Our Immigrant Insect Fauna

From the time of Asa Fitch in the mid-19th century American entomologists have known that many of our most serious crop pests were not native to North America. It is also common knowledge that a very large number of crop pests, present in other countries, have not yet gained entry to the United States. Each year the U.S. Department of Agriculture spends several million dollars on plant quarantine activities designed to insure that these foreign pests are not added to our North American fauna.
Fetal and Birth Experiences: Proximate Effects, Developmental Consequences, Epigenetic Legacies

Understanding how prenatal experience shapes function is fundamental knowledge with profound implications for developmental research and clinical approaches. In this chapter, we review four conceptual and/or mechanistic advances that have influenced our empirical studies of fetal and perinatal rats. These are: (1) Developmental Origins of Adult Disease, (2) Epigenesis and the Identification of Epigenetic Mechanisms, (3) Gottlieb’s Articulation of Experience as Mechanism, and (4) Ontogenetic Adaptation. We describe our analyses showing that sensory stimulation in utero and during birth help the newborn achieve important postpartum milestones. Our psychobiological approach is ‘ecologically’ oriented which, for fetal research, implies consideration of the adaptive significance of behavior within the uterine habitat. Thus, we made detailed quantifications of natural intrauterine stimuli arising from the mother and the environment of the womb and then modeled these sensory events in the laboratory. Our findings indicate that, during pregnancy and parturition, the mother’s behavior and physiology generate copious episodes of stimulation that are detectable by the fetus and alter sensory function. The absence of these natural forms of sensory input can impede the perinatal expression of adaptive responses, including vital postpartum milestones (i.e., pulmonary respiration and sucking responses). Further, we identified perinatal catecholamine release as a putative mechanism underlying these effects. These new views of proximate, long-term, and potential epigenetic effects of intrauterine and birth stimulation in an animal model can contribute to improving human clinical outcomes during postpartum life and beyond.
Autoantibodies to the presumptive cytoplasmic domain of platelet glycoprotein IIIa in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder due to autoantibodies against platelets that result in their destruction. In some patients, these autoantibodies bind to platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIIa. With the aim of better defining the antigenic epitopes, plasma from 13 selected patients with chronic ITP known to have anti-GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies was tested for reactivity with nine synthetic peptides corresponding to different regions of the GP IIIa molecule. Of these plasmas, five bound significantly (P less than .001) with either peptide 8 (amino acids 721-744) or peptide 9 (amino acids 742-762), which together form most of the carboxyterminal region presumed to be the cytoplasmic domain. Three of these positive plasmas, were tested further. In two of these positive plasmas, the anti-peptide antibodies represented greater than 80% of the detectable circulating autoantibody. To further evaluate the importance of the carboxyterminal region as an antigenic site, the chronic ITP plasmas were tested against Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with GPIIb and either whole GPIIIa or GPIIIa lacking amino acids 728 to 762. Ten of the 13 plasmas required the presence of this region for significant autoantibody binding. We conclude that the carboxyterminal region is an important area for stimulating antiplatelet autoantibody formation in some patients with chronic ITP. It is not known whether these autoantibodies to the presumed cytoplasmic domain play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease or occur as a secondary phenomenon during the course of platelet destruction.
Numerical performance analysis of quartz tuning fork-based force sensors

Quartz tuning fork-based force sensors where one prong is immobilized onto a holder while the other one is allowed to oscillate freely ('qPlus' configuration) are in widespread use for high-resolution scanning probe microscopy applications. Due to the small size of the tuning forks (≈3 mm) and the complexity of the sensor assemblies, the reliable and repeatable manufacturing of the sensors has been challenging. In this paper, we investigate the contribution of the amount and location of the epoxy glue used to attach the tuning fork to its holder on the sensor's performance. Towards this end, we use finite element analysis to model the entire sensor assembly and to perform static and dynamic numerical simulations. Our analysis reveals that increasing the thickness of the epoxy layer between prong and holder results in a decrease of the sensor's spring constant, eigenfrequency, and quality factor while showing an increasing deviation from oscillation in its primary modal shape. Adding epoxy at the sides of the tuning fork also leads to a degradation of the quality factor even though in this case, spring constant and eigenfrequency rise in tandem with a lessening of the deviation from its ideal modal shape.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of dye sensitized solar cells integrated with crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone) polymer electrolyte using initiated chemical vapor deposition

Initiated chemical vapor deposition is used to integrate crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as a polymer electrolyte into the mesoporous TiO2 photoanode of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By adjusting the fractional saturation ratio of ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA) crosslinker to vinylpyrrolidone (VP) monomer, the amount of crosslinker within the crosslinked polymer is controlled directly, and a minimum ratio of 0.2:1 (EGDA to VP) is found to form a robust insoluble crosslinked film. Fineman-Ross copolymer analysis indicates that both VP and EGDA prefer to polymerize with VP rather than with EGDA, likely due to reduced steric hindrance. DSSCs incorporating crosslinked PVP polymer electrolyte are found to have 51% higher power conversion efficiency (37% higher in open circuit voltage and 25% higher in fill factor) compared to DSSCs with liquid electrolytes. First-principles macroscopic mathematical modeling reveals that the polymer electrolyte shifts the conduction band of TiO2 (vs. normal hydrogen electrode) negatively, increases shunt resistance, and affects interfacial processes like back-electron surface recombination in the cell.
Distinct CD8 + /CD57 + Large Granular Lymphocytic Populations Seen by Flow Cytometry Are Associated with Monoclonal T-Cell Populations, a Retrospective Case-Control Study of Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract Abstract 2707 Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a disease with chronic elevations of large granular lymphocytes for > 6 months associated with a T-cell clone and often cytopenias. While a defined classification has been established in the 2008 WHO, the clinical and pathologic diagnosis often remains elusive, as patients can exhibit significant polyclonal or oligoclonal proliferations of LGLs in reactive conditions. Therefore predicting and defining patients with increased LGLs and significant monoclonal proliferations remains difficult. In an attempt to identify flow cytometry patterns which might be associated with monoclonality, we performed a retrospective review of patients at our institute between 2003–2010 with significant populations of peripheral blood LGLs in which T-cell clonality tests were also performed. 66 independent cases were identified and were divided impartially by time into a study set (cases from 2008–2010) and an experimental set (cases from 2003–2007). In the study set (2008-2010), 31 flow cytometry cases were identified, which stratified into 16 cases with monoclonal T-cell populations and 15 with oligoclonal or polyclonal populations. Comparing flow cytometry scatter-plots, we identified what appeared to be a discrete flow cytometry pattern. Specifically, those cases with distinct CD8+(dim)/CD57+ populations were significantly associated with T-cell monoclonality (p = Download : Download high-res image (343KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Isoprene research – 60 years later, the biology is still enigmatic

Isoprene emission is a major component of biosphere-atmosphere interactions. It is the single largest source of non-methane hydrocarbon in the atmosphere. The first report of isoprene emission from plants was published in 1957 by Professor Guivi Sanadze. While humans have smelled the monoterpene hydrocarbons made by coniferous trees since their earliest migrations, only in 1957 did the world became aware that other trees make a type of hydrocarbon in even greater amounts but one to which the human nose is much less sensitive. For this 60th anniversary of the first report of isoprene emission from leaves, we trace the discovery and development of the research field, highlighting some of the most seminal observations and theoretical interpretations. This is not an exhaustive review, and many important papers are not cited, but we hope it will be of general interest to read how research in this field developed, how new observations forced us to reevaluate our theories about the significance of isoprene biosynthesis to plant physiology and adaptation and how scientific serendipity can sometimes drive a topic forward.
Can Russia Survive Economic Sanctions

Motivated by recent events, we study the welfare impact of extreme sanctions regimes on Russia. To do so, we model the demographic and fiscal transitions of the Russian Federation under free trade ...
Exploring the Positive Utility of Travel and Mode Choice

Abstract The Positive Utility of Travel (PUT) concept encompasses both intrinsic motivations for travel (and for traveling in certain ways) and non-destination-oriented benefits of the act of traveling. There are two major sources of benefits: positive travel experiences (subjective well-being) and in-travel activity participation (travel-based multitasking). The PUT concept has rarely been examined in mode choice analysis due to lack of data for non-chosen alternatives. This chapter investigates associations between mode choice and these two PUT dimensions (well-being and multitasking) using a novel revealed preference study in which PUT attributes were measured for chosen as well as for alternative modes. Data from a survey of 546 commuters in Portland, Oregon, were analyzed using an integrated choice and latent variable mode choice model. Results found a strong and positive association between a measure of travel well-being (the Satisfaction with Travel Scale) and mode choice; results for travel-based multitasking were more ambiguous. Findings suggest that travelers may consider experiences and expectations regarding their well-being and happiness when choosing a commute mode, but also that in-travel multitasking may be more about “killing time” than being productive. This study is among the first to demonstrate evidence consistent with PUT measures directly impacting mode choice behavior.
PPAR‐gamma agonist pioglitazone modifies craving intensity and brain white matter integrity in patients with primary cocaine use disorder: a double‐blind randomized controlled pilot trial

Background and aims Pioglitazone (PIO), a potent agonist of PPAR-gamma, is a promising candidate treatment for cocaine use disorder (CUD). We tested the effects of PIO on targeted mechanisms relevant to CUD: cocaine craving and brain white matter (WM) integrity. Feasibility, medication compliance, and tolerability were evaluated. Design Two-arm double-blind randomized controlled proof-of-concept pilot trial of PIO or placebo (PLC). Setting Single-site outpatient treatment research clinic in Houston, Texas, USA. Participants Thirty treatment-seeking adults with CUD. Mean [standard deviation (SD)] age was 47.8 (7.45), education was 12.7 (1.5), with 19.3 (7.8) years of reported cocaine use. Eighteen of the 30 participants (8 = PIO; 10 = PLC) completed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of WM integrity at pre/post-treatment. Intervention Study medication was dispensed at thrice weekly visits along with once weekly cognitive behavioral therapy for 12 weeks. Measurements Measures of target engagement mechanisms of interest included cocaine craving assessed by the Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS), the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS), a visual analog scale (VAS), and change in WM integrity. Feasibility measures included number completing treatment, medication compliance (riboflavin detection), and tolerability (side effects, serious adverse events). Findings Target engagement change in mechanisms of interest, defined as a ≥ 0.75 Bayesian posterior probability of an interaction existing favoring PIO over PLC, was demonstrated on measures of craving (BSCS, VAS) and WM integrity indexed by fractional anisotropy (FA) values. Outcomes indicated greater decrease in craving and greater increase in FA values in the PIO group. Feasibility was demonstrated by high completion rates among those starting treatment (21/26 = 80%) and medication compliance (≥80%). There were no reported serious adverse events for PIO. Conclusions Compared with placebo, patients receiving pioglitazone show a higher likelihood of reduced cocaine craving and improved brain white matter integrity as a function of time in treatment. Pioglitazone shows good feasibility as a treatment for cocaine use disorder.
Approach to a Patient with Non-maturing AV Fistula

Autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are considered the most reliable long-term vascular access in patients undergoing hemodialysis. There has been increase in the AVF creation in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after implementation of Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI); however, a considerable number of fistulas fail to mature (FTM) sufficiently to support dialysis therapy. Patients with FTM AVF should be identified early to provide timely interventions aiding to fistula maturation along with a goal of avoiding a bridging tunneled dialysis catheter. The strategies may include endovascular, surgical, or pharmacologic intervention. This chapter will focus on the definition, predictors, common causes, and appropriate interventions for early FTM.
Effects of interferon on pancreatic cancer

4934 Introduction: Our previous study showed that expression of interferon receptors in patients with pancreatic cancer had prognostic value. Interferons (IFNs) have been known to possess an antiproliferative effect on tumor cells besides their well characterized antiviral effect in cell cultures. The mechanism of action of the different IFNs is not fully understood. The aims of the present study are to explore the antitumor effects of interferons (IFN) in pancreatic cancer in term of: (1) apoptosis, (b) sensitivity to current chemotherapeutic agents such as gemcitabine or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Material and Methods: In the present study we examined the antiproliferative effect of IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma on human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1, Capan-1, MIA-PaCa-2, BxPC-3) alone or combined with gemcitabine or 5-FU using (i) the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium tetrazolium bromide] cell survival assay and (ii) single strand DNA apoptosis assay. Cells were treated with different doses of above IFNs (500, 1000, 5000, 10000 IU/ml) for different period (24, 48, 72, and 96h) with or without gemcitabine or 5-FU to find the optimal effective dose and schedule. Expression of IFN receptor was determined using immunohistochemistry. Caspase-8 inhibitor (100-100,000 U/ml) was used to block the caspase cascade. Results: The pancreatic cancer cell lines differed markedly in their sensitivity to the IFNs tested based on the expression of IFN receptor. Both IFN-beta and IFN-gamma were found to have an antiproliferative and apoptotic effect on the growth of the cells which express the corresponding IFN receptor. IFN alpha had minimal effect on the cells. Overall, IFN beta was markedly more effective in antiproliferative effects than others. Capan-1 and BxPC-3 (not PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2) express the IFN receptor and underwent apoptosis. This effect was successfully block by adding caspase-8 inhibitor. In a cell survival assay, IFN gamma and beta at concentration that produced less than 1 log cell killing significantly increased the cytotoxic effects of 5-FU and gemcitabine in the cell lines which express the IFN alpha/beta or gamma receptor. Median effect analysis demonstrated that IFN beta and gamma exhibited synergy with the above agents only if the cell did express the corresponding IFN receptors. Conclusion: IFN’s cause apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through IFN receptor and caspase cascade. IFNs are capable of increasing the cytotoxic actions of 5-FU and gemcitiabine. This phenomenon depends on expression of IFN receptor in the cells. IFNs are potential candidate for biologic treatment of IFN receptor positive-pancreatic cancer.
Letter by Madias Regarding Article, “Early Outcomes of Repair of Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysms in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy”

I very much appreciated the contribution by Nguyen et al1 about the early outcomes of surgical repair of left ventricular apical aneurysms (LVA) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a rare occurrence as per the authors, in the patients with HCM and subaortic obstruction, but a more frequent complication in patients with apical HCM, or midventricular obstruction, variants. Considering the many adverse outcomes in patients …
Metastatic Involvement of the Prostatic Anterior Fat Pad: Implications for the Pathologist.

Objectives There is little information regarding the utility of pathologic evaluation of the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) in patients with a low preoperative probability of recurrence. Our study aimed to determine the utility of PAFP pathologic examination, especially for this group of patients. Methods We analyzed a tertiary care academic center's radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from 2009 to 2017. Results Of 602 RP specimens, 420(70%) included the PAFP; four of 420 (1%) had lymph node involvement (LNI) in the PAFP. In two of four cases with LNI in the PAFP, this was the only site of LNI. Of these two cases, one occurred in a patient with low probability of recurrence and involved a nonpalpable PAFP lymph node. Conclusions Pathologic evaluation of the PAFP may be useful even in patients with low probability of recurrence because it may change staging by detecting metastatic involvement of small PAFP lymph nodes.
Realisierung von MC-Anwendungen

Fur den Entwurf einer MC-Anwendung genugt es nicht, ein existierendes Angebot auf einem mobilen Endgerat verfugbar zu machen, etwa eine bestehende Webseite mobil zuganglich. Denn einerseits hat die Verwendung mobiler Kommunikationstechniken und Endgerate spezifische Vor- und Nachteile, andererseits unterscheiden sich die Nutzerbedurfnisse typischerweise erheblich von denjenigen bei Anwendungen auserhalb des MC. Diese Erkenntnis hat betriebswirtschaftliche Implikationen, die in Kapitel 8 noch naher betrachtet werden. Auserdem aber zieht sie fur den Anwendungsentwurf einen wichtigen Grundsatz nach sich: Design to Mobile. Damit ist gemeint, dass eine mobile Anwendung speziell auf die Potenziale und Probleme der Mobilitat masgeschneidert sein muss. Hierzu sollte eine Analyse in zwei Schritten durchgefuhrt werden: Der erste Analyseschritt fokussiert die Potenziale und beantwortet die zentrale Frage: Welchen entscheidenden Mehrwert hat der Nutzer durch die Mobilitat der Anwendung? Genau dieser Mehrwert muss zielgerichtet realisiert werden, alles andere ist diesem Ziel nachzuordnen. Der zweite Analyseschritt fokussiert die Probleme und beantwortet die zentrale Frage: Welche der Einschrankungen und Heterogenitaten mobiler Kommunikationstechniken und Endgerate sind fur die zu entwerfende Anwendung von Bedeutung? Anhand dessen sind die zu verwendenden Umsetzungstechniken so auszuwahlen, dass sinnvolle und angemessene Losungen gefunden werden.
MRIVIEW: A Software Package for the Analysis and Visualization of Brain Imaging Data

MRIVIEW is a freely available, open-source software package written in IDL that is used to analyze and visualize brain imaging data. Key capabilities of MRIVIEW include a multi-start, multidipole, spatiotemporal MEG/EEG modeling program, an MEG/EEG forward simulator program, a large suite of image and volume processing for manipulating MRI or CT data, and both two dimensional and three dimensional visualization tools. Dipole-based modeling is provided by the Calibrated Start Spatial Temporal (CSST) multidipole inverse procedure that runs numerous spatiotemporal multidipole inverse fits from randomly selected sets of starting locations derived from a calibrated grid of cortical locations, to find a small number of sets of dipoles and associated timecourses that best fit the data. The MEG/EEG Forward Simulator provides an interactive environment for creating a wide range of realistic MEG/EEG forward simulations. A segmented layer of cortical voxels from a subject’s MRI data is used to create cortical activity patches of arbitrary size and shape, and a tool is provided to assign individual timecourses to these patches. The head-to-sensor system geometry is used to create sensor forward values, based on the patch timecourses, and user-selected noise levels. A fully-integrated visualization environment is provided to view CSST and Forward Simulator results. MRIVIEW relies on a companion package, MEGAN, that provides extensive capabilities in signal processing and organization of MEG/EEG data.
Introduction to random processes and signal properties

This chapter discusses the random processes along signal properties. It is a random variable with an additional dimension: time. For each measurement or outcome of an experiment there exists a time function instead of a single number. This is also true for all signal and time series measurements with random components or properties. The description of the properties of random processes is accomplished by extending the probabilistic description of random variables to include the additional independent variable: time. The description of the properties and characteristics of random signals implements many of these same concepts. The chapter provides a presentation of this description, which begins with a definition of stationarity and is followed by a definition of ensemble moment functions for time–domain signals. The estimation of these functions is considered by using estimators that operate on sample functions. The suitability of the estimators is evaluated and the validity of using time-domain averages for estimating ensemble averages is discussed. Several important functions, such as the autocorrelation function, are studied in the chapter. Next, to develop a better sense of the concept of structure and correlation in a signal, the simulation of signals, other than white noise, and some methods to create them are described. Finally, the chapter presents the testing of stationarity.
Lateral diffusion as a rate-limiting step in ubiquinone-mediated mitochondrial electron transport.

Data are presented which indicate that the diffusion-based collisions of ubiquinone with its redox partners in the mitochondrial inner membrane are a rate-limiting step for maximum (uncoupled) rates of succinate-linked electron transport. Data were obtained from experimental analysis of a comparison of the apparent activation energies of lateral diffusion rates, collision frequencies, and electron transport rates in native and protein-diluted (phospholipid-enriched) inner membranes. Diffusion coefficients for Complex III (ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase) and ubiquinone redox components were determined as a function of temperature using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and collision frequencies of appropriate redox partners were subsequently calculated. The data reveal that 1) the apparent activation energies for both diffusion and electron transport were highest in the native inner membrane and decreased with decreasing protein density, 2) the apparent activation energy for the diffusion step of ubiquinone made up the most significant portion of the activation energy for the overall kinetic activity, i.e. electron transport steps plus the diffusion steps, 3) the apparent activation energies for both diffusion and electron transport decreased in a proportionate manner as the membrane protein density was decreased, and 4) Arrhenius plots of the ratio of experimental electron transport productive collisions (turnovers) to calculated theoretically predicted, diffusion-based collisions for ubiquinone with its redox partners had little or no temperature dependence, indicating that as temperature increases, increases in electron transport rate are accounted for by the increases in diffusion-based collisions. These data support the Random Collision Model of mitochondrial electron transport in which the rates of diffusion and appropriate concentrations of redox components limit the maximum rates of electron transport in the inner membrane.
Grounded Controllable Network Transformer for Cost-Effective Grid Control

This paper proposes a new cost-effective power router technology called Grounded Controllable Network Transformer (G-CNT) for dynamic, granular, and decoupled power flow control. The proposed technology pairs a fractionally-rated converter with a conventional transformer to offer a grid control solution at a lower cost-point and with higher reliability compared to existing approaches such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS). The technology has been successfully demonstrated at the distribution feeder level, 3-phase 12.47 kV, and lends itself to applications at the subtransmission and transmission levels. Basic concepts and key technological aspects, along with simulation and experimental results are presented for a 12.47 kV, 3-phase 1 MVA prototype unit.
A Contextualist Proposal for the Conceptualization and Study of Marketing Ethics

As the study of marketing ethics continues to expand and develop, marketing researchers are increasingly confronted by conceptual and empirical dilemmas long debated by moral philosophers and resea...