cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial dependence of the RKKY interaction in a semi-infinite d-dimensional medium

Abstract The expression proposed by Larsen for the form of the indirect exchange interaction in d-dimensional metals is proven to be correct for all d ⩾ 1. Corrections due to the presence of a specular surface are obtained and exhibited explicitly for d = 1, 2, 3.
Bird community relationships to succession in green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica ) woodlands

We studied the relationship between breeding birds and seral stages of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) woodlands in central South Dakota between 1990 and 1992. Stands of early seral green ash undergoing primary succession had few small trees with western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) in the understory. Some early seral green ash stands resulted from retrogression and had large trees with grass understory. Late seral green ash stands were represented by greater overstory cover consisting of green ash and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) shrubs and small trees in the understory. Sixty-five of 81 bird species that were observed in these woodlands required woodland vegetation as part of their habitat. Tree- and shrub-nesting birds were the most common and were associated with late seral stages. Ground-nesting birds had mixed relationships between early and late seral stages. Cavity-nesting birds used snags and dead tree branches which occurred in all seral stages. Correlations of birds with vegetation measurements suggested habitat features birds may have selected for in these woodlands.
Hyperuricaemia—where nephrology meets rheumatology

Rheumatologists care for patients with gouty arthritis, a condition caused by chronic and uncontrolled hyperuricaemia. Hyperuricaemia, gout and renal dysfunction are often bedfellows, raising the possibility of the former causing the latter. We sought the answer to the question 'Among patients with normal measures of glomerular filtration, does hyperuricaemia predict future renal disease'? We identified prospective cohort studies evaluating the relationship between serum uric acid and chronic kidney function from the past 20 yrs, through MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE searches and bibliography cross-referencing. Nine cohort studies that met the selection criteria were found. Because of the extreme heterogeneity, a statistical meta-analysis was not performed. Most (eight out of nine) studies found an independent risk factor for deterioration of kidney function. Nearly all published prospective studies support the role of hyperuricaemia as an independent risk factor for renal dysfunction. In the absence of large randomized controlled trials of uric acid reduction, it remains uncertain if this relation is causal or merely an epiphenomenon. Regardless, our review suggests that hyperuricaemia is a useful, inexpensively measured, widely available and useful early marker for chronic kidney disease.
Learning with Genetic Algorithms: An Overview

Genetic algorithms represent a class of adaptive search techniques that have been intensively studied in recent years. Much of the interest in genetic algorithms is due to the fact that they provide a set of efficient domain-independent search heuristics which are a significant improvement over traditional “weak methods” without the need for incorporating highly domain-specific knowledge. There is now considerable evidence that genetic algorithms are useful for global function optimization and NP-hard problems. Recently, there has been a good deal of interest in using genetic algorithms for machine learning problems. This paper provides a brief overview of how one might use genetic algorithms as a key element in learning systems.
Explaining Gender‐Based Language Use: Effects of Gender Identity Salience on References to Emotion and Tentative Language in Intra‐ and Intergroup Contexts

An experiment tested hypotheses derived from self-categorization theory’s explanation for gender-based language use. Under high or low conditions of gender salience, men and women sent e-mail to an ostensible male or female recipient yielding either an intra- or an intergroup setting. Gender salience was manipulated so that the stereotypically feminine characteristic of supportiveness was the sole attribute that defined the prototype of intergender relations. Messages were examined for references to emotion and tentative language. Women referenced emotion significantly more than men in the high gender salience condition, but this gender difference was reduced when salience was low. Moreover, women with high gender salience in an intergroup context referenced emotion more than women with high salience in an intragroup setting or men with high salience in either an intra- or an intergroup context. Tentative language use, however, was similar across all conditions as anticipated.
A hub-and-spoke circuit drives pheromone attraction and social behaviour in C. elegans

Innate social behaviours emerge from neuronal circuits that interpret sensory information on the basis of an individual's own genotype, sex and experience. The regulated aggregation behaviour of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a simple animal with only 302 neurons, is an attractive system to analyse these circuits. Wild social strains of C. elegans aggregate in the presence of specific sensory cues, but solitary strains do not. Here we identify the RMG inter/motor neuron as the hub of a regulated circuit that controls aggregation and related behaviours. RMG is the central site of action of the neuropeptide receptor gene npr-1, which distinguishes solitary strains (high npr-1 activity) from wild social strains (low npr-1 activity); high RMG activity is essential for all aspects of social behaviour. Anatomical gap junctions connect RMG to several classes of sensory neurons known to promote aggregation, and to ASK sensory neurons, which are implicated in male attraction to hermaphrodite pheromones. We find that ASK neurons respond directly to pheromones, and that high RMG activity enhances ASK responses in social strains, causing hermaphrodite attraction to pheromones at concentrations that repel solitary hermaphrodites. The coordination of social behaviours by RMG suggests an anatomical hub-and-spoke model for sensory integration in aggregation, and points to functions for related circuit motifs in the C. elegans wiring diagram.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Wet Area of Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and South Dakota

Because of their sensitivity to temperature and precipitation, wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) are predicted to undergo changes in number, wet area, and hydroperiod as a result of climate change. However, existing PPR wetland monitoring programs are insufficient to accurately describe broad-scale variation in hydrology that might obscure signals of climate change. We assessed spatial and temporal patterns in wet area of ~40,000 wetland basins sampled each May from 1988–2007 in the U.S. PPR. The percentage of basins containing water, the wet area of basins relative to a baseline, the coefficient of variation of wet area of basins, and correlations of wet area values with values from previous years all varied temporally, spatially, and among water regimes that characterized annual duration of surface inundation. High variability in wetness suggests that monitoring programs designed to detect changes in PPR wetlands due to climate change must be implemented over broad spatiotemporal scales and consider natural and anthropogenic factors that influence water levels to be able to distinguish directional change from natural variation. Ancillary information such as annual indices of water conditions can greatly enhance the value of wetland classification schemes such as that used in the National Wetlands Inventory.
The Relationship Between Continuity of Care and the Health Behaviors of Patients: Does Having a Usual Physician Make a Difference?

Background.Implicit in "any willing provider" and "freedom of choice" legislation is the assumption that ongoing provider relationships lead to better patient outcomes on average. Although previous studies have identified associations of usual source of care with medical utilization, its relationshi
An integrated site characterization-to-optimization study for commercial-scale carbon dioxide storage

Abstract Injection of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) into deep saline aquifers is considered a promising option to mitigate global climate change. At a storage site, the main objectives of carbon dioxide sequestration are to maximize the volume of scCO2 injected and minimize the leakage risk, while effectively managing formation fluid pressure buildup and the brine displaced by scCO2. An integrated characterization-to-optimization study is carried out for potential commercial-scale deep saline aquifer carbon dioxide storage proposed in western Wyoming. A three-dimensional heterogeneous reservoir model is built for which petrophysical and fluid flow parameters are populated using field characterization data and state-of-the-art laboratory measurements. The measured scCO2 relative permeability end point is low compared to previous measurements on similar sandstones, which poses a challenge for CO2 flow, formation pressure control, and storage efficiency. By carefully selecting a set of optimal well locations, perforation intervals, and bottomhole pressure constraints that lead to maximum CO2-in-place and minimal CO2 breakthrough at the producers, an injection rate ranging from 10.8 to 15.1 Mt/year is achieved for a duration of 50 years. After scCO2 injection ceases, up to 62% of the total injected scCO2 can be immobilized as residual scCO2 in 1000 years. Because of the low scCO2 relative permeability end point, post-scCO2-injection chase brine operation is not found to be an effective means of enhancing residual trapping. Instead, by modulating reservoir fluid pressure, boundary conditions of the reservoir exert a more significant impact on flow. Given the same well configuration and bottomhole pressure constraints, an open reservoir with lateral background flow allows 40% additional scCO2 injection compared to a compartmentalized system without background flow. However, background flow leads to a lower trapping efficiency – after 1000 years post-scCO2-injection, only 54% of the total injected scCO2 is immobilized as residual scCO2. This research suggests that a careful engineering design can contribute to significant CO2 storage at commercial scales while enhancing storage security. Site-specific multi-phase flow data should be measured for such a design, since for the study site, chase-brine operation is not effective when scCO2 relative permeability is low.
Giving Disclosure Its Due: A Proposal for Reforming the Stark Law

While the Stark Law has been heavily criticized, calls for repeal have not been matched equally by substantive proposals for reform. I begin by revisiting criticisms of the Stark Law, so as to highlight its flawed beginnings. I then consider whether, in our era of health reform, the design of the Stark Law accords with emerging themes in the ever-changing health care regulatory environment. Concluding that it does not, I recast the oft-neglected proposal for replacing the Stark Law with a system of disclosure. I sketch how such a system might look, utilizing the recently enacted Physician Payment Sunshine Act as a model. I. A DIFFERENT KIND OF DISCLOSURE 2 II. A BRIEF H ISTORY 5 III. M ISGUIDED BEGINNINGS 7 IV. AN ANACHRONISM 10 V. A PROPOSAL FOR REFORM 13 V I. C ON CLUSION 19 * Nicholas J. Diamond, JD, MBE is a Master of Laws (LL.M.) candidate in global health law at the Georgetown University Law Center. I wish to thank the members of the Journal's staff for their assistance in preparing this article. Any errors are of course my own. DEPAUL JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE LAW [VOL. 16. 1:1 We must leave this terrifying place tomorrow and go searching for sunshine.
Terminating Tax Shelters: Has California Broken the Legislative Logjam?

California has enacted some important new reporting requirements and penalties applicable to abusive tax shelters. Among the penalties is a codification of the economic substance doctrine in the form of an enhanced penalty provision. The reporting requirements apply to any tax shelter with a California investor, and thus may be of interest to advisers outside of California. In addition, the California provisions, modeled on existing federal rules, may provide guidance in crafting enhanced federal penalties. This article provides a brief overview of the new California legislation.
Coherent Population Transfer in Heteronuclear Molecules

We solve the time-dependent Schroedinger equation for molecular systems in the presence of short laser pulses and show that a high transfer efficiency between various molecular levels can be achieved.
Effects of Sputtering Conditions on Texture, Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of the CoCrPt/NiAl Thin Films

The effects of sputtering argon pressures and sputtering power on the microstructure, texture and magnetic properties of NiAI underlayers on CoCrPt films were investigated. In this paper, the relationship between the sputtering conditions, microstructure, crystallographic texture and magnetic properties of these thin films will be discussed. By controlling the sputtering pressure and sputtering power, the texture and microstructure of NiAI underlayers were found to vary. This in turn was found to influence the magnetic properties of CoCrPt thin films. It was found that 10 mtorr is the optimum pressure to deposit the NiAl thin films to obtain the best magnetic properties for our system. At this argon pressure, the coercivity reached a maximum value because of the strongest CoCrPt (1010) texture and smallest grain size. At lower argon pressures ( 30 mtorr) yielded larger grains and a weaker CoCrPt (1010) texture, thereby decreasing the coercivity of the CoCrPt films. Increasing the sputtering power has been found to increase the CoCrPt coercivity and S* value. However, the grain sizes of the CoCrPt/NiAl thin films deposited at higher sputtering power were larger than those obtained at lower sputtering power.
Research on the Noise Trading Behavior and the Income of Investment Fund Manager

This paper discusses the problem that noise trading behavior of investment fund managers and the dividend proportion of their income.First,constructs a noise trading behavior model.Then designs the condition of fund managers' income.The optimized values of fund managers' dividend proportion in different market environment are analyzed.This research concludes: Facing the rise of stock price,the investment fund manager will get fewer(more) returns(lose) than keeping rational if he is very pessimism(very optimism);will get more(fewer) returns(lose) than keeping rational if he keeps optimism(pessimism).So,the dividend proportion paid by the principal should advance by the increasing of stock exchange risk,the risk aversion coefficient and the opportunity cost of fund manager;reduce by the increasing(decreasing) of stock price and the ability of fund manager.Finally,the simulation calculation was given.
A New Method for Cytodestruction of Bladder Epithelium Using Protamine Sulfate and Urea

Bladder epithelium relies primarily on the presence of a surface glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer and the structural integrity of cell-cell contact to maintain impermeability to toxic urinary wastes. Previous clinical studies evaluating bladder permeability characteristics in interstitial cystitis patients had indicated that epithelial desquamation occurs after treatment with protamine sulfate (PS) followed by hypertonic urea. The following study was performed using rabbits to further investigate this finding. The urinary bladder was evaluated for optimal treatment conditions for epithelial removal. Protamine sulfate (1 to 10 mg./ml.) and urea (100 to 200 gm./ml.) were instilled into the bladder at volumes ranging from 5 to 60 ml. to that required for near maximum distention. After incubation at room temperature for 15 minutes, the bladders were fixed and evaluated histologically for epithelial removal. The maximum epithelial removal occurred when the bladders were distended, and when PS concentration was 5 to 10 mg./ml. and urea at 200 gm./l. There was greater epithelium removal after repeated treatments. Epithelial cells that were removed were not viable based on Trypan blue staining. There was no significant increase of C14 labeled urea in the plasma after 15 minutes. Rabbits that were followed for 6 weeks after treatment did not show any histological evidence of increased collagen deposition and/or fibrosis. This procedure may have important clinical value since it may remove sufficient bladder epithelium in patients with transitional cell carcinoma to have therapeutic benefit. This offers a realistic option for selective, nontoxic destruction of bladder epithelium.
An operation optimization and decision framework for a building cluster with distributed energy systems

Abstract Driven by the development of smart buildings and smart grids, numerous of research has focused on developing optimal operation strategies for smart buildings with the aims of reducing energy consumption and cost, as well as improving the grid reliability. Unfortunately, most of the studies from smart building perspective only target on a single building with elaborated energy forecasting models. Few of them addresses the effects of multiple buildings on power grid operation. On the other hand, a few studies from smart grid area focus on multiple buildings and their influence on power grid, they usually, however, use simplified linear energy forecasting models, which are hard to guarantee the findings reflecting the cases in real fields. As a result, this research proposes to bridge this research gap, through developing and validating high fidelity energy forecasting models for a building cluster with multiple buildings and distributed energy systems, as well as creating a collaborative operation framework to determining the optimal operation strategies of this building cluster. The operation framework utilizes multi-objective optimizations to determine the operation strategies: building temperature setpoints, energy storage charging and discharging schedules, etc., using particle swarm optimization. Pareto curves for energy cost saving and thermal comfort maintaining are also derived with different thermal comfort requirements. The results from this study show that the developed building cluster collaborative operation framework is able to reduce the energy cost by 12.1–58.3% under different electricity pricing plans and thermal comfort requirements.
Getting College Students Back on Track: A Summer Bridge Writing Program

The present study examines the outcomes of a 5-week summer bridge writing program at a Midwestern, urban, public university designed to provide remedial instruction for incoming first-year college students, approximately 500 students annually for 7 years. Regression results showed that program participation was a positive, significant predictor on the outcomes of 6- and 4-year graduation, first-year earned credits, and first-year college grade point average, even after controlling for demographic and academic preparation variables. The combination of academic preparation and an introduction to the college experience helped to prepare students for college success. This institutionally funded program shows promise in addressing the remediation needs of students and preparing them for success in credit-bearing courses as well as college life in general, getting them on track for timely college graduation.
Spectra and analyses of insecticide synergists and related compounds containing the methylenedioxy- phenyl group by spectrophotofluorometry (SPF) and spectrophotophosphorimetry (SPP)

Methylenedioxyphenyl synergists are used widely to enhance the activity of pyrethroids and carbamates. Thus, means of analyzing for these synergists are frequently required. Most of the trace methods we have at present for these analyses are colorimetric or spectrophotometric (allen et al. 1962, beroza 1956 b, blum 1955, bowman et al. 1961, budowski et al. 1950 and 1951, jones et al. 1952, suarez et al. 1952); however, other analytical procedures have appeared. Methods of distinguishing these synergists by paper and thin-layer chromatography have been published (beroza 1956 c and 1963), and a recent study disclosed that piperonyl butoxide and sulfoxide may be gas chromatographed, although sulfoxide breaks down in the process (zielinski and fishbein 1966). A spectrophotometric method for determining sulfoxide in formulations has been reported (haus et al. 1964 and 1965).
A Large-Scale Markov Game Approach to Dynamic Protection of Interdependent Infrastructure Networks

The integration of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) into critical infrastructures (CIs) improves its connectivity and functionalities yet also brings cyber threats. It is thus essential to understand the risk of ICTs on CIs holistically as a cyber-physical system and design efficient security hardening mechanisms. To this end, we capture the system behaviors of the CIs under malicious attacks and the protection strategies by a zero-sum game. We further propose a computationally tractable approximation for large-scale networks which builds on the factored graph that exploits the dependency structure of the nodes of CIs and the approximate dynamic programming tools for stochastic Markov games. This work focuses on a localized information structure and the single-controller game solvable by linear programming. Numerical results illustrate the proper tradeoff of the approximation accuracy and computation complexity in the new design paradigm and show the proactive security at the time of unanticipated attacks.
Histone deacetylase inhibition reduces deleterious cytokine release induced by ingenol stimulation

Abstract Introduction Though antiretroviral therapy has led to viral suppression and increased quality of life for patients living with HIV-1, strategies to eliminate the HIV-1 latent reservoir are still necessary to eliminate HIV. Latency reversal with superior latency reversal agents (LRAs) such as protein kinase C (PKC) agonists is a promising strategy for unveiling and eliminating the latent HIV-1 reservoir. However, PKC agonists induce T cell activation and deleterious pro- inflammatory cytokine production. Secondary pharmacological agents combined with LRAs have been previously shown to reduce deleterious pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion without inhibiting HIV-1 viral reactivation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are also known for inhibiting deleterious pro-inflammatory cytokines in the context of graft-versus-host disease and rheumatoid arthritis in addition to being known to synergize with PKC agonists. In this study we investigated whether HDACi and other epigenetic modifiers could decrease PKC- induced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion while simultaneously synergizing with the PKC agonists Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate, to enhance latency reversal. Methods We screened an epigenetic modifier library in health donor human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to identify compounds (‘hits’) that reduced intracellular IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by PKC agonist Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate. We then further tested reducers of intracellular IL-6 (‘hits’) for their ability to synergize with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate in the J-LAT 10.6 model of HIV-1 latency. The most promising epigenetic modifier from both screens, the HDACi Panobinostat, was then further tested for its ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and synergize with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate. Results We show that co-treatment with Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate and Panobinostat reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhances latency reversal in vitro. Panobinostat suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production when combined with Ingenol-3,20- dibenzoate ex vivo when using aviremic patient cells, but antagonized Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate dependent latency reversal ex vivo. Conclusion The combination of Panobinostat and Ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate reduces deleterious cytokine production but is not a suitable latency reversal combination therapy.
Frustration stress (unexpected loss of alternative reinforcement) increases opioid self-administration in a model of recovery.

Abstract Purpose Engaging in alternative activities in the context where opioid use had occurred can constrain opioid use and helps to maintain recovery. However, “frustration stress” that occurs when contingencies on these alternative activities unexpectedly change (e.g., job loss or divorce) is thought to threaten recovery by prompting a return to drug use. Yet it remains unclear whether frustration stress can result in a return to drug use, and if so, whether it returns to prior levels or to even greater levels. Procedures We examine the impact of unsignaled extinction of alternative reinforcement on opioid use. Rats were trained to respond for an etonitazene solution (5 μg/ml, p.o.), then for food in alternating daily sessions. Subsequently, food and etonitazene were made concurrently available. Under concurrent availability conditions, rats were exposed to 1, 2, or 4 sessions of unsignaled food extinction, and effects on responding for etonitazene and food measured. Findings When etonitazene was the only reinforcer available, rats earned 58.3 ± 20.3 μg/kg/session (mean ± S.E.M.). When food was available in alternating sessions, etonitazene earned was unchanged (65.3 ± 19.2 μg/kg/session). Concurrent food availability decreased etonitazene earned (13.5 ± 4.5 μg/kg/session). Unsignaled food extinction returned etonitazene earnedto levels similar to (60.5 ± 18.4 μg/kg/session), but not greater than, those observed previously when etonitazene alone was available. Conclusions Unsignaled extinction of alternative behavior controlling opioid use can result in increased opioid use, but this use does not rise beyond previous levels observed when opioid use is unconstrained by alternative reinforced behavior.
Automated and High-Speed Packaging System

The automated packing machinery becomes more popular in many different industries to reduce labor cost. This new packaging machinery system can automatically load carton papers, open carton paper to the square box, seal the bottom flap, seal top flap after putting the products into box, label print, and offload the packing box to the loading area in the production line. Figure 9.1 shows the layout of this new automated packaging assembly system. The details of full packaging production sequence of this new packaging system are described as follows:
'The Historical Legal Construction of Black Racial Identity of Mixed Black-White Race Individuals: The Role of State Legislatures'

In this paper, I analyze the historical legal construction of black racial identity of mixed black-white race individuals in the United States. In particular, I investigate how state legislatures constructed black racial identity through the enactment of laws and constitutional provisions. In this paper, I reveal the two-part framework by which state legislatures historically used the language of the law to coerce mixed black-white race individuals to adopt a personal sense of collective identity with people of black African ancestry: (1) identification of mixed black-white race individuals and blacks/Negroes as constituting two separate racial groups yet speaking of them in the same blush and disadvantaging them the same, and (2) abandoning recognition of mixed black-white race individuals (mulattoes) as a distinct racial group from Negroes/blacks through the enactment of statutes that espoused the rule of hypodescent. I conducted a survey of statutes across all fifty states ranging from the colonial period up to the mid-1900s to provide empirical support for this paper's thesis.
Proactive dialogue for interactive knowledge capture

Current tools for interactive knowledge capture have little or no learning aptitude. They are mostly oblivious to the process or strategy that the user may be following in entering new knowledge, unaware of their progress during a session, and ignorant of typical skills expected from a good student. We present an approach to make acquisition interfaces more proactive by extending them with: 1) goals that represent what remains to be learned, 2) strategies to achieve these goals and acquire further knowledge, and 3) awareness of the current status of the body of knowledge learned. The resulting interaction shows that the system is aware of its progress towards acquiring the new knowledge, and moves forward by understanding what acquisition goals and strategies to pursue.
OPTIMAL DESIGNS FOR INTEGRATED VARIANCE IN POLYNOMIAL REGRESSION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses optimal designs for integrated variance in polynomial regression. It presents a general procedure for constructing an approximate Iσ -optimal design and highlights the procedure with an example. The chapter discusses a class of σ where the procedure is exact and presents a fairly accurate simple expression for the bound for the case of Lebesque measure. The general procedure presented in the chapter for finding an Iσ-optimal design is to start with the weight measure σ, pass to the measure σ maximizing the 2n th moment and then restrict the optimal designs to having mass on the support points of σ.
Possible role of heterochromatin in human aneuploidy. A hypothesis.

It is assumed that late replicating allocyclic segments of human autosomes consist mainly of heterochromatin and might
Surface Characterization For VLSI

Publisher Summary The revolution in surface analysis techniques was stimulated in part by early demands of the semiconductor industry for improved understanding and control of the surface and interface behavior of solid-state devices. With commercial availability of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution images supplied a wealth of information about surface topography, which was used to discover and remedy problems such as pinholes in dielectric layers, undercutting in patterned metallization, and particulate contaminants on photo masks. The concept of a surface became influenced largely by topography visible in the SEM and by the electron microprobe, which made possible elemental analyses of surface material as thin as 1μm. The concept of a surface now requires distinction between the outermost monolayer, foreign atoms adsorbed and absorbed onto it, a near-surface transition region, and the bulk substrate region. The surface analyst becomes involved in characterizing the design change and the original failure. It is clear that over the next decade, line widths in very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits will continue to shrink toward and beyond 0.5 μm to achieve higher computing power and speed per chip. The lithography required to fabricate these patterns will at first push optical systems to their diffraction limit and then use direct-write electron-beam machines, which are already extensively used for generation of optical VLSI reticles.
Methylation at nucleotide C62 in spliceosomal RNA U6 alters mRNA splicing which is important for embryonic development

Abstract Understanding the regulation of development can help elucidate the pathogenesis behind many developmental defects found in humans and other vertebrates. Evidence has shown that alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a role in developmental regulation, but our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that regulate alternative splicing are inadequate. Notably, a subset of small noncoding RNAs known as scaRNAs (small cajal body associated RNAs) contribute to spliceosome maturation and function through covalently modifying spliceosomal RNAs by either methylating or pseudouridylating specific nucleotides, but the developmental significance of these modifications is not well understood. Our focus is on one such scaRNA, known as SNORD94 or U94, that methylates one specific cytosine (C62) on spliceosomal RNA U6, thus potentially altering spliceosome function during embryogenesis. We previously showed that mRNA splicing is significantly different in myocardium from infants with congenital heart defects (CHD) compared to controls. Furthermore, we showed that modifying expression of scaRNAs alters mRNA splicing in human cells, and zebrafish embryos. Here we present evidence that SNORD94 levels directly influence levels of methylation at C62 in U6, which we have previously shown is associated with altered splicing and congenital heart defects. The potential importance of scaRNAs as a developmentally important regulatory mechanism controlling alternative splicing of mRNA is unappreciated and needs more research. Author summary Splicing of mRNA transcripts by removal of introns and some non-critical exons is a crucial part of mRNA processing, gene expression, and cell function, and regulation of this process is still under investigation. Alternative splicing of mRNA transcripts of genes is tissue and time specific throughout life, although this process occurs everywhere in the body according to local tissue needs and signals. The spliceosome, the large ribonucleoprotein complex that carries out splicing, is biochemically modified by small noncoding RNAs, which is important for its structure and function. Here we show that the amount of 2’-O-ribose methylation at nucleotide C62 in spliceosomal RNA U6 is dependent on the level of the scaRNA SNORD94. We hypothesize that alternative splicing is dependent, at least in part, on biochemical modification to the spliceosomal RNAs. Furthermore, when scaRNA directed modifications are dysregulated, the result causes inappropriate alternative splicing that may contribute to developmental defects such as congenital heart defects. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that 2’-O-ribose methylation is indeed dependent on scaRNA levels in human cells and tissues.
The Berlin Games and the Boycott

Having established the background that made Catalonia uniquely suited to a celebration of cross-class sporting solidarity, this chapter establishes the specifics of the movement to boycott the Berlin games. Through examining the process which awarded the games to Berlin rather than to Barcelona and the ensuing political debates in pivotal nations (the USA, UK, Spain, and France), the chapter will show how the movement to boycott the Berlin games united various political groups who would not usually make common cause and provided a platform for the growth of the Popular Front and anti-fascism.
Concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antegrade wire, rendezvous cannulation of the biliary tree may reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis events

For patients with a gallbladder in situ, choledocholithiasis is a common presenting symptom. Both two-session endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and subsequent cholecystectomy (CCY) and single-stage (simultaneous CCY/ERCP) have been described. We utilize an antegrade wire, rendezvous cannulation (AWRC) technique to facilitate ERCP during CCY. We hypothesized that AWRC would eliminate episodes of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). An IRB approved, retrospective review of patients who underwent ERCP via AWRC for choledocholithiasis during CCY was performed. Patient characteristics, pre/postoperative laboratory values, complications, and readmissions were reviewed. AWRC was conducted during laparoscopic or open CCY for evidence of choledocholithiasis with or without preoperative biliary pancreatitis or cholangitis. Following confirmatory intraoperative cholangiogram, a flexible tip guidewire was inserted antegrade into the cystic ductotomy, through the bile duct across the ampulla and retrieved in the duodenum with a duodenoscope. Standard ERCP maneuvers to clear the bile duct are then performed over the wire. Thirty-seven patients (27 female, age 19–77, BMI 21–50 kg/m2) underwent intraoperative ERCP via AWRC technique during CCY. Seventeen underwent CCY for acute cholecystitis. Fifteen patients underwent transgastric ERCP in the setting of previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Mean total operative time was 214 min. Mean ERCP time was 31 min. Thirty-three patients had biliary stents placed. There were no cannulations or injections of the pancreatic duct. There were no intraoperative complications associated with the ERCP and no patients developed PEP. Three patients developed a postoperative subhepatic abscess requiring drainage. AWRC is a useful technique for safe and efficient bile duct cannulation for therapeutic ERCP in the setting of choledocholithiasis at the time of CCY. Despite supine (rather than the traditional prone) positioning, total ERCP times were short and we eliminated any manipulation of the pancreatic duct. No patients in our series developed PEP or post-sphincterotomy bleeding.
Brain Death and the Formation of Moral Conscience.

In this article, we provide an update to Catholic ethicists and clinicians about the current status of Catholic teaching and practice regarding brain death. We aim to challenge the notion that the ...
Unusual Presentation of Recurrent Gallstone Ileus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background. Gallstone ileus (GSI) is a rare form of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients with cholelithiasis, which is often poorly managed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast is considered the most helpful diagnostic tool, as it is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate. We report an interesting case of recurrent GSI that was not detected by CT but diagnosed intraoperatively. Case Presentation. A 49-year-old female with a previous history of choledocholithiasis and ERCP presented to the emergency department following episodes of sudden cramping, epigastric pain, and nausea. An abdominal CT revealed evidence of SBO with clear evidence of GSI and a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Laparoscopic exploration of the small bowel revealed a large, calcified 3.5 cm × 3 cm gallstone with evidence of pressure necrosis; segmental bowel resection with stapled anastomosis was performed and patient recovered appropriately after surgery. Cholecystectomy was not performed due to multiple co-morbidities and absence of gallbladder stones. However, she presented two months later with signs and symptoms of SBO. A repeat abdominal CT showed dilated bowel with no clear transition point. This was suspected to be due to adhesions. After an initial conservative treatment which produced mild improvement, laparotomy was performed which revealed a second large non-calcified gallstone and necrotic small bowel with a pocket of abscess. Conclusion. The most sensitive diagnostic tool for GSI is enhanced abdominal CT but dilemma arises when GSI is not detected on CT. A high index of suspicion and further exploration are required in order not to miss other vital findings.
Performance characterization and comparison of conventional and machine-learning-based techniques for control of a USV

This study is part of ongoing work on situational awareness and autonomy of a 16' WAM-V USV. The objective of the study is to assess the merits of application of two different path-following methods for the motion control of the USV, including characterizing and evaluating their performance, robustness and potential in actual field implementation. The first method uses a conventional control technique based on linear theory, while the second method uses Reinforcement Learning. The performances of the two methods for selected case studies are compared and discussed.
Feasibility of a pilot, randomized controlled trial using a personalized health monitoring device with pregnant women for behavioral sleep research.

Abstract Sleep disruptions are common in pregnancy and can have significant maternal and infant health consequences. Management of sleep using a personal health monitoring (PHM) device may be effective in promoting behavior change and contribute to improved pregnancy-related sleep. The purpose of this pilot, randomized controlled trial was to determine the feasibility of recruitment (i.e., recruiting a 20% minority sample, most successful recruitment methods), retention, adherence, and data collection methods with a sample of pregnant women (n = 24) at 24 weeks gestation for a 12-week intervention using a PHM device. Of 24 enrolled participants, 20 (83%) were retained through the 12-week intervention and the follow-up at 2–4 weeks postpartum. The majority of participants had a four-year education and identified as White. Ninety-one percent (n = 11) wore the device for at least ten weeks. Pregnant women may be willing engage in sleep intervention research and wear a PHM to self-monitor sleep during pregnancy. Future research should consider recruitment methods tailored to recruit diverse populations of pregnant women.
Fovea localization neural network for multimodal retinal imaging

The fovea is one of the most significant regions of the human eye. Accurate localization of the fovea is very helpful to downstream computer-aided diagnosis analysis in retinal imaging. Most previous researches have focused on fovea localization for the color fundus imaging. In this paper, we propose a three-step process to localize the foveal center and the foveal region for three retinal modalities: color fundus, Infrared (IR), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). From the experimental results, the proposed method achieves accurate fovea localization for multimodal imaging.
Sensitive periods for white matter plasticity and reading intervention

Abstract As a child matures, some brain circuits stabilize while others remain plastic. However, the literature on maturational changes in the brain’s capacity for experience-dependent plasticity is primarily based on experiments in animals that mature over dramatically different time-scales than humans. Moreover, while principles of plasticity for sensory and motor systems might be conserved across species, the myriad of late-developing and uniquely human cognitive functions such as literacy cannot be studied with animal models. Here we use an intensive reading intervention program, in combination with longitudinal diffusion MRI measurements in school-aged children with dyslexia, to investigate the sensitive period for white matter plasticity and literacy learning. We find that the intervention induces large-scale changes in white matter diffusion properties, and improvements in reading scores, but that the magnitude and time-course of plasticity does not depend on the subject’s age. Thus, we conclude that, for the intensive, one-on-one reading intervention program employed here, if a sensitive period exists, it does not end before middle school.
Weight Status and Visceral Adiposity Mediate the Relation between Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration and Skin Carotenoids in Later Childhood.

Background Breastfeeding is associated with healthier weight and nutrient status in early life. However, the impact of breastfeeding on carotenoid status beyond infancy, and the influence of adiposity, are unknown. Objectives The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the relation between breastfeeding and carotenoid status, and the mediating effect of weight status and adiposity on this relation, among school-age children. Methods This was a secondary analysis of baseline data collected from a randomized-controlled clinical trial. Children 7-12 y old (n = 81) were recruited from East-Central Illinois. DXA was used to assess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and whole-body total fat percentage (%Fat; i.e., whole-body adiposity). Weight was obtained to calculate children's BMI percentiles. Skin carotenoids were assessed via reflection spectroscopy. Macular carotenoids were assessed as macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Dietary, birth, and breastfeeding information was self-reported by parents. Results Skin carotenoids were inversely related to %Fat (P < 0.01), VAT (P < 0.01), and BMI percentile (P < 0.01). VAT and BMI percentile significantly mediated this relation between exclusive breastfeeding duration and skin carotenoids, after adjustment for dietary carotenoids, energy intake, and mother education. Conclusions Weight status and adipose tissue distribution mediate the positive correlation between exclusive breastfeeding duration and skin carotenoids among children aged 7-12 y. The results indicate the need to support breastfeeding and healthy physical growth in childhood for optimal carotenoid status.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03521349.
Distinct roles of red-blood-cell-derived and wall-derived mechanisms in metabolic regulation of blood flow.

OBJECTIVE A theoretical model is used to analyze combinations of RBC-derived and wall-derived (RBC-independent) mechanisms for metabolic blood flow regulation, with regard to their oxygen transport properties. METHODS Heterogeneous microvascular network structures are derived from observations in rat mesentery and hamster cremaster. The effectiveness of metabolic blood flow regulation using combinations of RBC-dependent and RBC-independent mechanisms is simulated in these networks under conditions of reduced oxygen delivery and increased oxygen demand. RESULTS Metabolic regulation by a wall-derived mechanism results in higher predicted total blood flow rate and number of flowing vessels, and lower tissue hypoxic fraction, than regulation by combinations of RBC-derived and wall-derived signals. However, a combination of RBC-derived and wall-derived signals results in a higher predicted median tissue PO2 than either mechanism acting alone. CONCLUSIONS Model results suggest complementary roles for RBC-derived and wall-derived mechanisms of metabolic flow regulation, with the wall-derived mechanism responsible for avoiding hypoxia, and the RBC-derived mechanism responsible for maintaining PO2 levels high enough for optimal tissue function.
Shape resonance determined from angular distribution in D2 (v = 2, j = 2) + He → D2 (v = 2, j = 0) + He cold scattering.

We find an l = 2 shape resonance fingerprinted in the angular distribution of the cold (∼1 K) Δj = 2 rotationally inelastic collision of D2 with He in a single supersonic expansion. The Stark-induced adiabatic Raman passage is used to prepare D2 in the (v = 2, j = 2) rovibrational level with control of the spatial distribution of the bond axis of the molecule by magnetic sublevel selection. We show that the rate of Δj = 2 D2–D2 relaxation is nearly two orders of magnitude weaker than that of D2–He. This suggests that the strong D2–He scattering is caused by an orbiting resonance that is highly sensitive to the shape of the long-range potential.