cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve endothelial function in humans at risk for atherosclerosis: A review

Epidemiology studies and clinical trials show that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can prevent atherosclerotic morbidity and evidence suggests this may be mediated by improving endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by reduced vasodilation and a pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic state, and is an early pathological event in the development of atherosclerosis. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a gold standard for assessing endothelial dysfunction, is a predictor of future cardiovascular events and coronary heart disease risk. Notably, risk factors for endothelial dysfunction include classic risk factors for atherosclerosis: Elevated lipids, diabetes, hypertension, elevated BMI, cigarette smoking, and metabolic syndrome. In this paper, we review the ability of n-3 PUFAs to improve endothelial dysfunction in individuals with classic risk factors for atherosclerosis, but lacking diagnosed atherosclerotic disease, with the goal of identifying those individuals that might gain the most vasoprotection from n-3 PUFA supplements. We include trials using eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) alone, or EPA + DHA; and assessing endothelial function by FMD, forearm blood flow, or peripheral arterial tonometry. We found that n-3 PUFAs improved endothelial dysfunction in 16 of 17 studies in individuals with hyperlipidemia, elevated BMI, metabolic syndrome, or that smoked cigarettes, but only in 2 of 5 studies in diabetics. Further, these trials showed that use of EPA + DHA consistently improve endothelial dysfunction; ALA-enriched diets appear promising; but use of EPA or DHA alone requires further study. We conclude that individuals with hyperlipidemia, elevated BMI, metabolic syndrome, or that smoke could derive vaosprotective benefits from EPA + DHA supplementation.
An Approach to Integrating Health Disparities within Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Education

Health disparities are preventable differences in the incidence, prevalence and burden of disease among communities targeted by gender, geographic location, ethnicity and/or socio-economic status. While biomedical research has identified partial origin(s) of divergent burden and impact of disease, the innovation needed to eradicate health disparities in the United States requires unique engagement from biomedical engineers. Increasing awareness of the prevalence and consequences of health disparities is particularly attractive to today's undergraduates, who have undauntedly challenged paradigms believed to foster inequality. Here, the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY) has leveraged its historical mission of access-and-excellence to integrate the study of health disparities into undergraduate BME curricula. This article describes our novel approach in a multiyear study that: (i) Integrated health disparities modules at all levels of the required undergraduate BME curriculum; (ii) Developed opportunities to include impacts of health disparities into undergraduate BME research projects and mentored High School summer STEM training; and (iii) Established health disparities-based challenges as BME capstone design and/or independent entrepreneurship projects. Results illustrate the rising awareness of health disparities among the youngest BMEs-to-be, as well as abundant undergraduate desire to integrate health disparities within BME education and training.
Deep and fast learning for feature extraction of merged or fused satellite remote sensing images to observe lake eutrophication (Conference Presentation)

In this presentation, two advanced feature extraction methods with fast and deep learning algorithms will be discussed for environmental monitoring in all-weather conditions with convergent and divergent thinking. One is the newly developed novel Spectral Information Adaptation and Synthesis Scheme (SIASS) and the other is the newly invented SMart Information Reconstruction (SMIR) method to support the Integrated Data Fusion and Mining (IDFM) research. Whereas the former is organized to generate cross-mission consistent ocean color reflectance by merging observations from several different satellites to recover the cloudy pixels, the latter is designed to reconstruct cloud contaminated pixel values from the time-space-spectrum continuum with the aid of a machine learning tool. For the purpose of demonstration, Lake Nicaragua located at Central America is selected as a study site which is a very cloudy area year round. In this case study, merging observations from MODIS-Terra, MODIS-Aqua, and VIIRS over Lake Nicaragua will be presented for the 2012-2015 time period. Then the performance of SMIR will be performed after the merging operation by reconstructing the missing remote sensing reflectance values derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Terra satellite over Lake Nicaragua. The SIASS algorithm is proven to have the capability not only in eliminating incompatibilities for those matchup bands but also in reconstructing spectral information for those mismatching bands among sensors. For the recovery of those missing pixel values after merging three satellite images, experimental results from SMIR show that the extreme learning machine may perform well with simulated memory effect due to linking the complex time-space-spectrum continuum between cloud-free and cloudy pixels. Final water quality assessment will be generated based on the integrative algorithm of the two with bio-optical models for eutrophication assessment in Lake Nicaragua.
Fetal Growth Restriction at High Altitude: Clinical Observations

In terms of the optimal conditions for fetal development, numerous investigators have noted that fetal growth and development occurs in an environment of maternal homeostasis and well-being, and with the mother’s ability to respond appropriately to a particular stress. One such stress is that of long-term hypoxia (LTH). Because fetal growth critically depends upon adequate maternal oxygenation, conditions such as residence at high altitude (>2500 m) or that of mothers who are moderate to heavy smokers or with cyanotic congenital heart disease, lung disease, severe anemia, and other conditions that cause prolonged hypoxia may be associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) (Hutter et al. 2010; Longo 1984; Longo and Goyal 2014; Neerhof and Thaete 2008). The impact of hypoxia on embryonic/fetal biology is a function of factors such as the stage of gestation and development, severity of the hypoxic event, its duration, and its association with other confounders including acidemia, hypercapnia, and/or ischemia. In addition, and as noted, fetal growth and development critically depend upon adequate placental substrate transport and metabolism.
What Children Have in Mind: A Study of Early Representational Development in Paint

This article examines the process of graphic representational development in paint in the context of the theoretical assumptions of traditional developmental stage theory. Consistent with current theory and research in art education and cognitive psychology, a model of painting development is proposed that is multidimensional rather than unitary, and “bottom up” rather than “top down.” Specifically, changes in children's paintings are accounted for in terms of parallel movement along three functionally independent dimensions: representational intention, mastery of visual/graphic concepts, and the expressive use of the mediating properties of paint.
Water vapor sorption of the subunits of α-crystallin and their complexes.

α-crystallin is one of the structural proteins in the lens fibers of the eye which together with the β and γ crystallins provide specific hydrated ultrastructures that account for the transparency of the lens. In order to study the nature of the hydration, water vapor sorption isotherms were obtained gravimetrically on eleven samples: on the four subunits of α-crystallin, αA 1 ,αA 2 , αB 1 and αB 2 polypeptides and a number of combination of these four subunits. The results implied that in an aqueous environment the aggregation of different subunits is preferred to that of self-aggregation.
Regression-Based Dynamic Power Estimation for FPGAs

Design space exploration for SoC is a two-stage problem. First, it involves finding quick and accurate estimation methodologies to obtain the design space parameters. Next comes developing algorithms to exhaustively and efficiently search the multi-objective space. The increase in number and complexity of the IPs integrated per system has exerted tremendous pressure on both the estimation as well as the algorithmic aspects. There is a need for good estimation techniques in the context of heterogeneous system design. In particular, doing detailed and accurate power estimation continues to be time consuming. Recently, a few interesting techniques have been developed for doing early estimations with reasonable accuracy. Statistical learning techniques are one of them. But they are limited both in scope and versatility.
Kinetics and mechanism of triethylamine-catalyzed 1,3-proton shift: Optimized and substantially improved reaction conditions for biomimetic reductive amination of fluorine-containing carbonyl compounds

Kinetic study of the triethylamine (TEA)-catalyzed isomerization of imine, derived from benzylamine and trifluoroacetophenone to the corresponding N-benzylidene-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(phenyl)ethylamine has revealed concerted nature of the mechanism of this reaction via a virtually unionized transition state. As a synthetic bonus of this kinetic study, we found that application of a polar solvent (acetonitrile) and four equivalents of TEA provide for optimal reaction conditions at high concentrations. We demonstrate that application of these reaction conditions allows to substantially increase the reaction rates, chemical yields and results in cleaner formation of the target products.
Resolving the status of the genera Gastrophysus and Geneion in the family Tetraodontidae (Teleostei: Tetraodontiformes).

Maintaining a current list of valid names and taxonomy for biodiversity is an ever-increasing challenge for the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS 2017). Advances in molecular techniques and the discovery of many cryptic taxa have dramatically increased the number of species and resulted in revised interpretation of phylogenetic relationships. Occasionally it is necessary to resolve discrepancies in nomenclature to reflect current knowledge. Taxa that are harvested for consumption are particularly in need of name stability. In this paper evidence is presented for the use of the puffer genus Takifugu Abe 1949 over Gastrophysus Muller 1843 and Amblyrhynchote Bibron in Dumeril 1855 over Geneion Bibron in Dumeril 1855.
An under-recognized high-risk atrial fibrillation population: Analyzing transcatheter mitral valve repair patients for left atrial appendage closure device application.

OBJECTIVE Identify patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) who could potentially benefit from alternative ischemic stroke prophylaxis utilizing a left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device. BACKGROUND Patients undergoing TMVR have a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The co-morbidities which qualify them to undergo TMVR also increase their risk of stroke and bleeding, making stroke prophylaxis problematic. METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective study, in which the bleeding and stroke risk of all patients undergoing TMVR for degenerative mitral valve disease were reviewed to determine candidacy for a LAAC device for stroke prevention as an alternative to chronic anticoagulation. RESULTS AF was present in 122 (62%) of TMVR patients with an average CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.99. 23% of TMVR patients had a history of prior major bleeding event, predominately gastrointestinal bleed. Fifty-three and 47% of TMVR patients were at high or intermediate risk of bleeding, respectively, according to their HAS-BLED score. 50% of patients undergoing TMVR would qualify for LAAC device based on risk assessments. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing TMVR represent a high risk group of AF patients that may benefit from a LAAC device.
Control of Invasion by Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Programs During Metastasis

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs contribute to the acquisition of invasive properties that are essential for metastasis. It is well established that EMT programs alter cell state and promote invasive behavior. This review discusses how rather than following one specific program, EMT states are diverse in their regulation and invasive properties. Analysis across a spectrum of models using a combination of approaches has revealed how unique features of distinct EMT programs dictate whether tumor cells invade as single cells or collectively as cohesive groups of cells. It has also been shown that the mode of collective invasion is determined by the nature of the EMT, with cells in a trailblazer-type EMT state being capable of initiating collective invasion, whereas cells that have undergone an opportunist-type EMT are dependent on extrinsic factors to invade. In addition to altering cell intrinsic properties, EMT programs can influence invasion through non-cell autonomous mechanisms. Analysis of tumor subpopulations has demonstrated how EMT-induced cells can drive the invasion of sibling epithelial populations through paracrine signaling and remodeling of the microenvironment. Importantly, the variation in invasive properties controlled by EMT programs influences the kinetics and location of metastasis.
Computational modeling reveals the relationship between intrinsic failure properties and uniaxial biomechanical behavior of arterial tissue

Biomechanical failure of the artery wall can lead to rupture, a catastrophic event with a high rate of mortality. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand failure behavior of the arterial wall. Uniaxial testing remains the most common experimental technique to assess tissue failure properties. However, the relationship between intrinsic failure parameters of the tissue and measured uniaxial failure properties is not fully established. Furthermore, the effect of the experimental variables, such as specimen shape and boundary conditions, on the measured failure properties is not well understood. We developed a finite element model capable of recapitulating pre-failure and post-failure uniaxial biomechanical response of the arterial tissue specimen. Intrinsic stiffness, strength and fracture toughness of the vessel wall tissue were used as the input material parameters to the model. Two uniaxial testing protocols were considered: a conventional setup with a rectangular specimen held at the grips by cardboard inserts, and the other used a dogbone specimen with soft foam inserts at the grips. Our computational study indicated negligible differences in the peak stress and post-peak mechanical behavior between these two testing protocols. It was also found that the tissue experienced only modest localized failure until higher levels of applied stretch beyond the peak stress. A robust cohesive model was capable of modeling the post-peak biomechanical response, which was primarily governed by tissue fracture toughness. Our results suggest that the post-peak region, in conjunction with the peak stress, must be considered to evaluate the complete biomechanical failure behavior of the soft tissue.
Abstract 402: RNA-sequencing of plasma exosomes reveals specific transcriptomic profiles in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the tumor with the highest increase in incidence and mortality in the last 20 years. Exosomes are nano-sized particles loaded with nucleic acids and proteins involved in cell-to-cell communication. The aims of this study are: 1) to establish a method to isolate exosomes from plasma of HCC patients, and 2) to detect de-regulated transcripts in exosomes from HCC patients compared to controls. In this pilot study, we included 10 HCC patients and 5 controls at high-risk of HCC development (i.e. patients with cirrhosis and/or chronic hepatitis B). Plasma exosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. Presence of exosomes was confirmed by morphological assessment with electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and immune-labeling of EV specific markers (CD9, CD63, CD81, and TSG101) with ExoView and Western Blotting. RNA from exosomes was extracted and quantified with Bioanalyzer. Library preparation was done with SMARTer smRNA-Seq kit and whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on an Illumina HiSeq2500 instrument. Differential gene expression was done with LIMMA and enrichment analyses (i.e., gene ontology) with Enrichr. HCC patients and controls were matched for age (median 67 vs. 63 yrs.), sex (70% vs. 67% males), and etiology (viral 70% vs. 67%). Sequencing reads obtained from exosomes mapped mRNA, lincRNA and small RNA, including miRNAs and Y-RNAs. Compartment ontology enrichment analysis of the top 250 expressed genes matched to exosomes and membrane-bounded vesicles (FDR 8) between HCC and controls, there was an enrichment in previously unreported Y-RNAs (37%, FDR We conclude that whole transcriptomic analysis of plasma exosomes is feasible in patients with HCC. Our pilot study detects significant differences in the transcriptomic profiles of HCC patients compared to controls, including an enrichment of upregulated miRNAs and Y-RNAs. Citation Format: Johann von Felden, Amanda J. Craig, Mehmet Eren Ahsen, Ismail Labgaa, Delia D9Avola, Gabriela Hernandez Meza, Kimaada Allette, Navneet Dogra, Teresa Garcia Lezana, Parissa Tabrizian, Amon Asgharpour, Douglas Dieterich, Robert Sebra, Gustavo Stolovitzky, Myron Schwartz, Augusto Villanueva. RNA-sequencing of plasma exosomes reveals specific transcriptomic profiles in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 402.
Engineering a fluorescence biosensor for the herbicide glyphosate

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp, is the most widely used herbicide on the globe, and has recently been linked to an increased risk in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in exposed individuals. Therefore, detection and monitoring of glyphosate levels in water and soil is important for public safety. Here, we describe a biosensor for glyphosate based on an engineered Escherichia coli phosphonate-binding protein (PhnD). Mutations in the binding pocket were introduced to convert PhnD into a glyphosate-binding protein. A fluorescence group attached near the hinge of the protein was added to monitor binding of glyphosate and to determine its concentration in unknown samples. The resulting engineered biosensor can detect glyphosate in tap water and in soil samples treated with the herbicide at submicromolar concentrations, well below the limit for drinking water in the USA. Incorporating this biosensor in a device would allow rapid and continuous monitoring of glyphosate in water and soil samples.
It's a Matter of Time: The Role of Temporal Perceptions in Emotional Experiences of Work Interruptions:

Work interruptions are now ubiquitous in organizational life. However, our knowledge about how individuals experience work interruptions remains incomplete. Prior research has linked work interrupt...
Effects of Arsenic: Neurological and Cellular Perspective

Arsenic in combination with oxygen, sulphur and hydrogen is highly toxic and even regarded as a xenobiotic compound. Inorganic arsenic has become a global health concern for its easier availability in nature. Most commonly accessible source being groundwater which is being used for drinking as well as irrigation purposes in various parts of the world where it is released due to several geological processes like erosion. It induces toxicity through various mechanisms but in this chapter arsenic induced neurotoxicity is analysed. Cognitive impairment in the nervous system is one of the critical implications of its toxicity which may further lead to various neurological as well as neurodegenerative disorders. The potential neurotoxicity and the mechanisms involved at molecular level with arsenic neurotoxicity are investigated in this chapter which includes cognitive dysfunctions, neurochemical alterations and neurodevelopmental alterations. Arsenic exposure may be toxic for cholinergic and dopaminergic system development which may be the cause for various other adverse effects specifically in perinatal.
The Sublime and The Sewer

SOS: The Salton Sea Walk (2017) follows a solitary male adventurer’s six-day hike around California’s Salton Sea as both a personal test of his own strength and perseverance as well as an opportunity to document and promote awareness of the sea’s receding shoreline and the ecological disaster that would result from its complete disappearance. This documentary derives and draws from a legacy of the sublime imaginary and landscape photography that helped shape the contemporary, Western view of nature. SOS: The Salton Sea Walk relies on three kinds of images to represent the landscape: the overhead drone shot, satellite images and a handheld camera. These images directly inherit, as technics, the aesthetic ideology of the sublime upon which colonial, imperial and other extractivist projects have relied. They depend on human technological power to capture and enclose the image from the outside. The natural landscape is fashioned into an object of the human gaze and desire, but of a very particular kind: an object that lives and speaks on the condition of its always imminent disappearance. The film seems to suggest that only through more technical and human intervention can the Salton Sea return, however paradoxically, to its pristine and pure, although constructed, natural state.
Population-based recurrence rates among older women with HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer: Clinical risk factors, frailty status, and differences by race.

Abstract Background Multiple independent risk factors are associated with the prognosis of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer (BC), the most common BC subtype. This study describes U.S. population-based recurrence rates among older, resected women with HR+/HER2- early BC. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older women diagnosed with incident, invasive stages I-III HR+/HER2- BC who underwent surgery to remove the primary tumor using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare Linked Database (2007–2015). SEER records and administrative health claims data were used to ascertain patient and tumor-specific characteristics, treatment, and frailty status. Cumulative incidences of BC recurrence were estimated using a validated algorithm for administrative claims data. Multivariable Fine-Gray competing risk models estimated adjusted subdistribution hazards ratios and 95 % confidence intervals for associations with BC recurrence risk. Results Overall, 46,027 women age ≥65 years were included in our analysis. Over a median follow up of 7 years, 6531 women experienced BC recurrence with an estimated 3 and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of 10 % and 16 %, respectively. Higher 3- and 5-year cumulative incidences were observed in women with larger tumor size (5+ cm, 21 % and 28 %), lymph node involvement (4+ nodes, 27 % and 37 %), and with frail health status at diagnosis (13 % and 20 %). Independent of these clinical risk factors, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native women had significantly increased BC recurrence risks. Conclusions Rates of recurrence in HR+/HER2- early BC differs by several patient and clinical factors, including high-risk tumor characteristics. Racial differences in BC outcomes deserve continued attention from clinicians and policymakers.
Biomaterials for Recruiting and Activating Endogenous Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration

Over the past two decades in situ tissue engineering has emerged as a new approach where biomaterials are used to harness the body’s own stem/progenitor cells to regenerate diseased or injured tissue. Biomaterials are designed to recruit resident stem cells to pathological or injured tissue sites and direct them towards tissue regeneration. This review explores advances gathered from in vitro and in vivo studies on in situ tissue regenerative therapies. Here we also examine the different ways this approach has been incorporated into biomaterial sciences in order to create customized biomaterial products for therapeutic applications in a broad spectrum of tissues and diseases.
A heavy-ion production channel of 149Tb via 63Cu bombardment of 89Y.

Abstract The radionuclide 149Tb (t1/2 = 4.1 h) is a potential theranostic isotope which can simultaneously be used for targeted-alpha-particle therapy and positron-emission tomography. Feasibility experiments were performed to test a near-symmetric heavy-ion reaction of 63Cu bombardment on monoisotopic 89Y. The indirect reaction was studied to avoid isomer production. Offline gamma spectroscopy was used to quantify thick-target physical yields and experimental results show modest agreement to the fusion-evaporation code PACE4. A near-symmetric fission yield was also observed.
Chronic fatigue and infection

Chronic fatigue is common during adolescence, and up to 1% of the adolescent population is unable to participate in normal activities due to persisting tiredness. The onset and perpetuation of chronic fatigue are multifactorial, and infection has often been postulated to be an important aspect of the etiology. While some infections persist for many months or even years and can be accompanied by fatigue, acute infection more frequently serves as a trigger for subsequent pathophysiologic mechanisms, which are associated with fatigue that persists much longer than the initial, inciting infection. Altered gene expression might mediate some of these ongoing processes. Chronic fatigue is often associated with altered cytokine and natural killer cell patterns and is sometimes associated with the development of autoimmunity, even to specific neurologic receptors. Autonomic dysfunction in the form of the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is frequently linked to adolescent chronic fatigue, as is cardiovascular deconditioning. Psychologic profiles both prior to and after the inciting infection have also been associated with ongoing fatigue. Thus, infectious illnesses can interact with immune, neurologic, cardiovascular, and psychologic factors to stimulate the development of chronic fatigue in adolescents.
Wideband target strength measurements

The development of the Hydroshock®III impulsive sound source has allowed the collection of acoustic target strength data over a wide frequency range. Deconvolution of a shock-echo pair provides a wideband target impulse response. Convolution off this impulse response with any sonar ping whose spectrum is defined in the frequency range of the impulse response will generate the echo that would have resulted from that ping. The advantages of frequency domain processing are discussed and several simulated echoes are presented.
Direct numerical simulation of ignition front propagation in a constant volume with temperature inhomogeneities. II. Parametric study

The influence of thermal stratification on autoignition at constant volume and high pressure is studied by direct numerical simulation (DNS) with detailed hydrogen/air chemistry. Parametric studies on the effect of the initial amplitude of the temperature fluctuations, the initial length scales of the temperature and velocity fluctuations, and the turbulence intensity are performed. The combustion mode is characterized using the diagnostic measures developed in Part I of this study. Specifically, the ignition front speed and the scalar mixing timescales are used to identify the roles of molecular diffusion and heat conduction in each case. Predictions from a multizone model initialized from the DNS fields are presented and differences are explained using the diagnostic tools developed.
SuperDARN assimilative mapping

[1] An assimilative mapping procedure is developed to optimally combine information from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) plasma drift observations and a background statistical convection model to derive global distributions of electrostatic potential. This procedure takes into account statistical properties of the background model errors, obtained through the empirical orthogonal function analysis technique described in a companion paper. The assimilative mapping procedure is evaluated quantitatively using cross-validation and is found to reduce median prediction errors by up to 43% as compared to the existing linear regression-based SuperDARN mapping procedure. Furthermore, the mapped results from the assimilative procedure show a greater dynamic range in convection strength than do those of the regression-based procedure (i.e., the cross–polar cap potential is smaller for weak driving conditions and larger for strong driving conditions). The application of the assimilative procedure is demonstrated for a case study containing a geomagnetic storm. It is shown that, qualitatively, the results of the assimilative procedure appear more smooth and consistent across both data-dense and data-sparse regions than do those of the regression-based procedure.
Is Intrauterine Growth Retardation a Risk Factor for Child Abuse

A case-control study was conducted to determine whether infants with intrauterine growth retardation are at an increased risk of child abuse. Case children were those who had been born at Yale-New Haven Hospital and were reported to the hospital9s child abuse committee because they had been physically abused. For each case, one control child was chosen from the hospital9s log of births and matched to the case child by age, gender, race of the mother, method of payment for the hospitalization, and the provider of the child9s health care at the time of birth. Infants were defined as having intrauterine growth retardation if they had either a ponderal index or a birth weight that was less than the tenth percentile for gestational age using the Kansas City or Denver growth standards. We identified 117 case-Control l pairs that met those criteria. The matched odds ratios for each of the four definitions of intrauterine growth retardation were less than one, indicating that infants with intrauterine growth retardation are at a decreased risk of abuse. The matched odds ratio for a low ponderal index according to the Kansas City standard was 0.4 (95% confidence interval 0.19, 0.83). This result was not affected by such possible confounding factors as the mother9s age. We conclude that infants with intrauterine growth retardation are not at an increased risk and may be at a decreased risk of physical abuse.
The Visions of Isobel Gowdie: Magic, Shamanism and Witchcraft in Seventeenth-Century Scotland

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Emma Wilby Year: 2010 Pages: 604 Publisher: Sussex Academic Press ISBN: 978-1845191801 (hard cover). Prices: $65(hard cover).
Lyapunov exponent and joint spectral radius: some known and new results

The logarithm of joint spectral radius of a set of matrices coincides with Lyapunov exponent of corresponding linear inclusions. Main results about Lyapunov exponents of discrete time and continuous time linear inclusions are presented. They include the existence of extremal norm; relations between Lyapunov indices of dual inclusions; maximum principle for linear inclusions; algebraic criteria for stability of linear inclusions; algorithm to find out the sign of Lyapunov exponents. The main result is extended to linear inclusions with delays. The Aizerman problem for three-ordered time-varying continuous time systems with one nonlinearity is solved. The Perron-Frobenius theorem is extended for three-ordered continuous time linear inclusions.
Modeling variation in early life mortality in the western lowland gorilla: Genetic, maternal and other effects.

Uncovering sources of variation in gorilla infant mortality informs conservation and life history research efforts. The international studbook for the western lowland gorilla provides information on a sample of captive gorillas large enough for which to analyze genetic, maternal, and various other effects on early life mortality in this critically endangered species. We assess the importance of variables such as sex, maternal parity, paternal age, and hand rearing with regard to infant survival. We also quantify the proportions of variation in mortality influenced by heritable variation and maternal effects from these pedigree and survival data using variance component estimation. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations of generalized linear mixed models produce variance component distributions in an animal model framework that employs all pedigree information. Two models, one with a maternal identity component and one with both additive genetic and maternal identity components, estimate variance components for different age classes during the first 2 years of life. This is informative of the extent to which mortality risk factors change over time during gorilla infancy. Our results indicate that gorilla mortality is moderately heritable with the strongest genetic influence just after birth. Maternal effects are most important during the first 6 months of life. Interestingly, hand-reared infants have lower mortality for the first 6 months of life. Aside from hand rearing, we found other predictors commonly used in studies of primate infant mortality to have little influence in these gorilla data. Am. J. Primatol. 77:666–678, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initiation of Organized Nanopore/Nanotube Arrays in Titanium Oxide II. Nanopore Size and Spacing

In a series of two papers, a mechanism is proposed to describe the initiation of organized arrays of nanopores and nanotubes formed via anodization of titanium. Part I describes the mechanism of initiation, based on the instability of the planar oxide/ electrolyte interface, and develops a criterion for the initiation of nanopores, while the present paper uses this planar interface instability criterion to calculate the size/spacing of nanopores. To facilitate the calculation, the destabilized interface is modeled by a series of sine waves, representing surface perturbations. Because the growth rates of the sine waves are a function of their wavelengths, the spacing of the ultimate array of nanopores and nanotubes is related to the wavelength of the fastest-growing perturbation. The proposed mechanism explains the transition from disorganized to organized and the influence of voltage on pore spacing and size.
Relativistic Radiative Transitions

We have calculated the oscillator strength for electric dipole transitions with retardation between the $1s$ state and higher discrete states for a single Dirac electron in a Coulomb field. Numerical values for atomic number 82 show that the retarded relativistic oscillator strength for each shell is about 0.8 of the nonrelativistic value. We give numerical values for the relative intensity of the different $K$ x-ray lines for lead, neglecting screening: the $\frac{K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}}{K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}}$ doublet intensity ratio is 1.93 as compared to the NR value of 2.0. We introduce an average "oscillator density" for transitions for discrete states, and extrapolate to the series limit to find the photoelectric cross section at threshold. Our numerical value for lead of 740 barns is 23% larger than the value given by Hulme et al. We also calculate the summed oscillator strength, using a cutoff at an arbitrary high energy to give convergence. The numerical results for lead are insensitive to the numerical value of the cutoff used: using 10 Mev, we find a summed oscillator strength of 0.85, with an increase of 0.01 for each factor of two increase in the cutoff energy. Our value of the summed oscillator strength is less than that calculated nonrelativistically by Thomas, Reiche, and Kuhn; or relativistically by Gell-Mann, Goldberger, and Thirring.
Rapid Effects of Kainate Administration on α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionic Acid (AMPA) Receptor Properties in Rat Hippocampus

We investigated changes in AMPA receptor properties in rat hippocampus 5 h after systemic kainate administration. Quantitative [3H]AMPA autoradiography and Western blot analysis of receptor subunits GluR1-3 in different subcellular fractions were used to evaluate possible alterations in binding characteristics and immunological properties of the receptors in synaptic and nonsynaptic fractions. Both ligand-binding and Western blots revealed significant changes in binding and immunological properties of nonsynaptic receptors but relatively smaller changes in synaptic receptors 5 h after kainate administration. GluR2/3 showed a greater relative change in the synaptic receptor population compared to GluR1, suggesting either a shift in subunit composition of AMPA receptors or the formation of a synaptic subpopulation of AMPA receptors with truncated C-terminal domain of GluR1 subunits. The effects of kainic acid were blocked by cycloheximide treatment indicating that the changes were due at least in part to increased synthesis of AMPA receptor subunits. The results indicate that excessive synaptic activity produces rapid changes in both synaptic and nonsynaptic AMPA receptor properties.
A model of positive sequential dependencies in judgments of frequency

Abstract Positive sequential dependencies occur when the response on the current trial n is positively correlated with the response on trial n − 1 . They are observed in a Judgment of Frequency (JOF) recognition memory task ( Malmberg & Annis, 2012 ), and we developed a process model of them in the REM framework ( Malmberg, Holden et al., 2004 , Shiffrin and Steyvers, 1997 ) by assuming that features that represent the current test item in a retrieval cue carry over from the previous retrieval cue. We tested the model with data that distinguish between the number of times two given items were studied (frequency similarity) and the similarity between stimuli (item similarity), which was varied by presenting either landscape photos (high similarity), or photos of everyday objects such as shoes, cars, etc. (low similarity). Two models of item similarity were tested by assuming that the item representations share a proportion of features and that the exemplars from different stimulus classes vary in the distinctiveness or diagnosticity. A comprehensive exploration of several variants of these models directly was conducted comparing BIC and SBICR model selection statistics. The analyses establish the plausibility of the basic model of positive sequential dependencies, which assumes that differences in the similarity of the stimuli and differences in vigilance to the JOF task account for the pattern of sequential dependencies that we observed. They also indicate that different decision criteria are used to classify different stimuli on the JOF scale.
Early cost estimating in product design

Abstract This paper describes product costing procedures which are intended to form the basis for a design analysis method for product design for efficient manufacture (DFM). This DFM method, presently being developed by the writers, will form a logical extension of their design for assembly procedures. Design for efficient manufacture will consist of two steps. The first step is the identification of the appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for the component parts of a new product design. The second step is the detailed design of the individual components consistent with the capabilities and limitations of the material-process combinations. A prerequisite for making sound judgments in the choice of materials and processes is the availability of manufacturing cost information at the early product concept design stage. This implies the need to estimate manufacturing costs before component part designs are fully detailed and without full knowledge of the manufacturing processing plans. Such cost estimates must therefore be based on assumed optimum manufacturing methods irrespective of the processes and equipment which will actually be used. The present paper illustrates this approach for two important manufacturing processes; namely, machining and injection molding.
The checkerboard model of social interaction

The checkerboard model is a computer simulation of social interaction among members of two groups. The checkerboard represents a social field on which two groups of checkers move on the board on the basis of positive, neutral or negative attitudes toward one another assigned to them. The resulting pattern of positions of the pieces represents the social structure. The theoretical basis for the checkerboard model is explained and the rules for operating the model are outlined. This is followed by illustrative runs named Crossroads, Mutual Suspicion, Segregation, Social Climber, Social Worker, Boy‐Girl, Couples and Husband‐Wives, showing intermediate and final positions on the board for each. It is concluded that the checkerboard model is capable of demonstrating the intimate connection between attitudes of group members toward their own group and toward others to a continuous social interactional process and to the resulting social structure.
Depleted energy charge and increased pulmonary endothelial permeability induced by mitochondrial complex I inhibition are mitigated by coenzyme Q1 in the isolated perfused rat lung

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with various forms of lung injury and disease that also involve alterations in pulmonary endothelial permeability, but the relationship, if any, between the two is not well understood. This question was addressed by perfusing isolated intact rat lung with a buffered physiological saline solution in the absence or presence of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (20 μM). Compared to control, rotenone depressed whole lung tissue ATP from 5.66 ± 0.46 (SEM) to 2.34 ± 0.15 µmol · g(-1) dry lung, with concomitant increases in the ADP:ATP and AMP:ATP ratios. Rotenone also increased lung perfusate lactate (from 12.36 ± 1.64 to 38.62 ± 3.14 µmol · 15 min(-1) perfusion · g(-1) dry lung) and the lactate:pyruvate ratio, but had no detectable impact on lung tissue GSH:GSSG redox status. The amphipathic quinone coenzyme Q1 (CoQ1; 50 μM) mitigated the impact of rotenone on the adenine nucleotide balance, wherein mitigation was blocked by NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 or mitochondrial complex III inhibitors. In separate studies, rotenone increased the pulmonary vascular endothelial filtration coefficient (Kf) from 0.043 ± 0.010 to 0.156 ± 0.037 ml · min(-1) · cm H2O(-1) · g(-1) dry lung, and CoQ1 protected against the effect of rotenone on Kf. A second complex I inhibitor, piericidin A, qualitatively reproduced the impact of rotenone on Kf and the lactate:pyruvate ratio. Taken together, the observations imply that pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity depends on mitochondrial bioenergetics as reflected in lung tissue ATP levels and that compensatory activation of whole lung glycolysis cannot protect against pulmonary endothelial hyperpermeability in response to mitochondrial blockade. The study further suggests that low-molecular-weight amphipathic quinones may have therapeutic utility in protecting lung barrier function in mitochondrial insufficiency.
Factor analysis for delineation of organ structures, creation of in- and output functions, and standardization of multicenter kinetic modeling

PET imaging can quantify metabolic processes in-vivo; this requires the measurement of an input function which is invasive and labor intensive. A non-invasive, semi-automated, image based method of input function generation would be efficient, patient friendly, and allow quantitative PET to be applied routinely. A fully automated procedure would be ideal for studies across institutions. Factor analysis (FA) was applied as processing tool for definition of temporally changing structures in the field of view. FA has been proposed earlier, but the perceived mathematical difficulty has prevented widespread use. FA was utilized to delineate structures and extract blood and tissue time-activity-curves (TACs). These TACs were used as input and output functions for tracer kinetic modeling, the results of which were compared with those from an input function obtained with serial blood sampling. Dynamic image data of myocardial perfusion studies with N-13 ammonia, O-15 water, or Rb-82, cancer studies with F-18 FDG, and skeletal studies with F-18 fluoride were evaluated. Correlation coefficients of kinetic parameters obtained with factor and plasma input functions were high. Linear regression usually furnished a slope near unity. Processing time was 7 min/patient on an UltraSPARC. Conclusion: FA can non-invasively generate input functions from image data eliminating the need for blood sampling. Output (tissue) functions can be simultaneously generated. The method is simple, requires no sophisticated operator interaction and has little inter-operator variability. FA is well suited for studies across institutions and standardized evaluations.
How Clothes Make the Woman Immoral: Impressions Given Off by Sexualized Clothing

The goal of the present study was to examine clothing as a marker of women's sexuality. Ninety-five women in their 20s - 60s participated in in-depth interviews. Many women reported concern with sexual messages others might perceive from their clothing, and judged other women's clothing on the dimensions of authenticity, morality, and appropriateness. Self- and other- clothing judgments varied by the target's age, marital status, and parental status, and for other-judgments, by social class and generation. Results suggest that women's bodies are socially monitored and that sexual subjectivity is suppressed through the stigmatization of women's sexualized dress. Language: en
Alkyl and Alkylidene Complexes of Tantalum That Contain a Triethylsilyl-Substituted Triamido−Amine Ligand

Addition of Li3[N3N*] ([N3N*]3- = [N(CH2CH2NSiEt3)3]3-) to TaCl5 yields [N3N*]TaCl2, from which [N3N*]TaMe2 is formed quantitatively upon adding 2 equiv of methylmagnesium chloride. Alkylation of [...
Coagulation defects in neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass

We examined components of the coagulation system in 30 neonates (age, 1 to 30 days) undergoing deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A coagulation profile consisting of activated clotting time; prothrombin time; partial thromboplastin time; factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and I (fibrinogen); antithrombin III; platelet count; and heparin levels was evaluated before bypass, at three intervals during bypass (1 minute after initiation of bypass, stable hypothermic CPB, warm CPB), after weaning from CPB and administration of protamine, and 2 to 3 hours after skin closure. The initiation of CPB resulted in a 50% decrease in circulating coagulation factors and antithrombin III levels. Platelet counts were reduced by 70% with CPB initiation. Neither deep hypothermic temperatures nor prolonged exposure to extracorporeal surfaces had any additional effect on the coagulation profiles. This suggests that the coagulation system of a neonate undergoing CPB is profoundly and globally effected by hemodilution. We believe that treatment of post-CPB coagulopathy in neonates must address these global deficits.