cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Node Throughput Analysis of Decentralized Wireless Networks Using Multibeam Antennas in Multipath Environments

The use of multibeam antennas (MBAs) in decentralized wireless networks significantly increases the throughput by improving spatial reuse and extending coverage compared with single-beam antennas. The throughput performance may, however, degrade in multipath environments due to the fact that multipath propagation increases the probability of collision among different users. Based on the probability of collision, accurate analytical expressions are derived for the node throughput gain (NTG) of a wireless network using MBAs in quasi-stationary multipath environments. The results show that a higher number of propagation paths cause more frequent collisions and thus yield lower node throughput.
Unanesthetized Auditory Cortex Exhibits Multiple Codes for Gaps in Cochlear Implant Pulse Trains

Cochlear implant listeners receive auditory stimulation through amplitude-modulated electric pulse trains. Auditory nerve studies in animals demonstrate qualitatively different patterns of firing elicited by low versus high pulse rates, suggesting that stimulus pulse rate might influence the transmission of temporal information through the auditory pathway. We tested in awake guinea pigs the temporal acuity of auditory cortical neurons for gaps in cochlear implant pulse trains. Consistent with results using anesthetized conditions, temporal acuity improved with increasing pulse rates. Unlike the anesthetized condition, however, cortical neurons responded in the awake state to multiple distinct features of the gap-containing pulse trains, with the dominant features varying with stimulus pulse rate. Responses to the onset of the trailing pulse train (Trail-ON) provided the most sensitive gap detection at 1,017 and 4,069 pulse-per-second (pps) rates, particularly for short (25 ms) leading pulse trains. In contrast, under conditions of 254 pps rate and long (200 ms) leading pulse trains, a sizeable fraction of units demonstrated greater temporal acuity in the form of robust responses to the offsets of the leading pulse train (Lead-OFF). Finally, TONIC responses exhibited decrements in firing rate during gaps, but were rarely the most sensitive feature. Unlike results from anesthetized conditions, temporal acuity of the most sensitive units was nearly as sharp for brief as for long leading bursts. The differences in stimulus coding across pulse rates likely originate from pulse rate-dependent variations in adaptation in the auditory nerve. Two marked differences from responses to acoustic stimulation were: first, Trail-ON responses to 4,069 pps trains encoded substantially shorter gaps than have been observed with acoustic stimuli; and second, the Lead-OFF gap coding seen for <15 ms gaps in 254 pps stimuli is not seen in responses to sounds. The current results may help to explain why moderate pulse rates around 1,000 pps are favored by many cochlear implant listeners.
Tumor platinum concentration following intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin versus carboplatin in an ovarian cancer model.

Objective Current intraperitoneal (IP) regimens for the treatment of ovarian cancer rely on cisplatin (DDP) whereas intravenous regimens rely on carboplatin (CBDCA). A major question in the field is whether CBDCA can replace DDP for IP treatment. We compared the uptake of IP administered DDP and CBDCA into human ovarian carcinoma nodules of various sizes growing on the peritoneal surface of nu/nu mice.
Effect of hypercapnia on myocardial potassium movement in the dog.

This investigation tested the hypothesis that uptake of potassium during respiratory acidosis is secondary to the increased catecholamine activity which accompanies hypercapnia. The plasma K+ concentration of simultaneously drawn arterial and coronary sinus blood samples from dogs was determined under three conditions: (1) hypercapnia (25% CO2-75% O2), (2) normocapnia (25% N2-75% O2) + propranolol (a beta-receptor blocker), and (3) hypercapnia + propranolol. The change during hypercapnia from uptake of K+ to loss of K+ after administration of propranolol (0.05 mg/kg, iv) was statistically significant. However, the administration of propranolol during normocapnia had no effect on myocardial K+ movement. Changes in heart rate and myocardial contractility did not explain the change in myocardial K+ movement during hypercapnia following the administration of propranolol. These data suggest that uptake of K+ is secondary to the increased catecholamine activity which accompanies hypercapnia.
The Reliability of Using Population Viability Analysis for Risk Classification of Species

I examine whether or not it is appropriate to use extinction probabilities generated by population viability analyses, based on best estimates for model parameters, as criteria for listing species in Red Data Book categories as recently proposed by the World Conservation Union. Such extinction probabilities are influenced by how accurately model parameters are estimated and by how accurately the models depict actual population dynamics. I evaluate the effect of uncertainty in parameter estimation through simulations. Simulations based on Steller sea lions were used to evaluate bias and precision in estimates of probability of extinction and to consider the performance of two proposed classification schemes. Extinction time estimates were biased (because of violation of the assumption of stable age distribution) and underestimated the variability of probability of extinction for a given time (primarily because of uncertainty in parameter estimation). Bias and precision in extinction probabilities are important when these probabilities are used to compare the risk of extinction between species. Suggestions are given for population viability analysis techniques that incorporate parameter uncertainty. I conclude that testing classification schemes with simulations using quantitative performance objectives should precede adoption of quantitative listing criteria. En el presente trabajo se examino si es apropiado usar las probabilidades de extincion generadas por los analisis de viabilidad poblacional, basados en las mejores estimaciones para los parametros del modelo, como criterios para el listado de especies en las categorias del Libro Rojo tal como fuera recientemente propuesto por la Unon Internacional para la Conservadoron de la Naturaleza. Las probabilidades de extincion estan influenciadas por la exactitud con que son estimados los parametros del modelo y por la exactitud con que el modelo describe la verdadera dinamica poblacional. En este estudio se evaluo el efecto de la incertidumbre en la estimacion de los parametros por medio de simulaciones. Se utilizaron simulaciones basadas en el leon marino Steller para evaluar el sesgo y la precision en las estimaciones de la probabilidad de extincion y para considerar el desempeno de dos esq uemas de clasificacion. Las estimaciones del tiempo de extincion estuvieron sesgadas (debido a la violacion de la suposicion de una distribucion de edades estable) y se subestimaron la variabilidad de la probabilidad de extincion para un tiempo dado (debido principalmente a la incertidumbre en la estimacion de los parametros). El sesgo y la precision en las probabilidades de extincion, son importantes cuando estas probabilidades son usadas para comparar el riesgo de extincion entre especies. Se sugieren tecnicas de analisis de viabilidad poblacional que incorporan la incertidumbre en los parametros. Concluyo que el analisis de los esquemas de clasificacion con simulaciones usando objetivos de desempeno cuantitativos, deberia preceder la adopcion de criterios de listados cuantitativos.
A Review of: “Metal Carboxalates. R.C. Mehrotra and R. Bohra, Academic Press, New York, 1983. VIII + 396 pp. $65.00.”

(1984). A Review of: “Metal Carboxalates. R.C. Mehrotra and R. Bohra, Academic Press, New York, 1983. VIII + 396 pp. $65.00.”. Synthesis and Reactivity in Inorganic and Metal-Organic Chemistry: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 441-442.
Implications of cache asymmetry on server consolidation performance

Todaypsilas CMP platforms are designed to be symmetric in terms of platform resources such as shared caches. However, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the performance implications of asymmetric caches for two key reasons: (a) multi-workload scenarios such as server consolidation are a growing trend and contention for shared cache resources between workloads causes logical cache asymmetry, (b) future CMP platforms may be designed to be physically asymmetric in hardware due to die area pressure, process variability or power/performance efficiency. Our focus in this paper is to understand the performance implications of both logical as well as physical asymmetric caches on server consolidation. Based on real measurements of a state-of-the-art CMP processor running a server consolidation benchmark (vConsolidate) we compare the performance implications as a function of (a) symmetric caches, (b) virtually asymmetric caches, (c) physically asymmetric caches and (d) a combination of logically and physically asymmetric caches. We analyze the performance behavior in terms of (i) performance of each of the individual workloads being consolidated and (ii) architectural components such as CPI and MPI. We believe that this asymmetric cache study is the first of its kind and provides useful data/insights on cache characteristics of server consolidation. We also present inferences on future optimizations in the VMM scheduler as well as potential hardware techniques for future CMPs with cache asymmetry.
Legionella pneumophila Major Acid Phosphatase and Its Role in Intracellular Infection

Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen of protozoa and alveolar macrophages. This bacterium contains a gene (pilD) that is involved in both type IV pilus biogenesis and type II protein secretion. We previously demonstrated that the PilD prepilin peptidase is crucial for intracellular infection by L. pneumophila and that the secreted pilD-dependent proteins include a metalloprotease, an acid phosphatase, an esterase/lipase, a phospholipase A, and a p-nitrophenyl phosphorylcholine hydrolase. Since mutants lacking type IV pili, the protease, or the phosphorylcholine hydrolase are not defective for intracellular infection, we sought to determine the significance of the secreted acid phosphatase activity. Three mutants defective in acid phosphatase activity were isolated from a population of mini-Tn10-mutagenized L. pneumophila. Supernatants as well as cell lysates from these mutants contained minimal acid phosphatase activity while possessing normal levels of other pilD-dependent exoproteins. Genetic studies indicated that the gene affected by the transposon insertions encoded a novel bacterial histidine acid phosphatase, which we designated Map for major acid phosphatase. Subsequent inhibitor studies indicated that Map, like its eukaryotic homologs, is a tartrate-sensitive acid phosphatase. The map mutants grew within macrophage-like U937 cells and Hartmannella amoebae to the same degree as did wild-type legionellae, indicating that this acid phosphatase is not essential for L. pneumophila intracellular infection. However, in the course of characterizing our new mutants, we gained evidence for a second pilD-dependent acid phosphatase activity that, unlike Map, is tartrate resistant.
Characterization of a Novel Riboswitch-Regulated Lysine Transporter in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an opportunistic pathogen that resides primarily in the mammalian oral cavity. In this environment, A. actinomycetemcomitans faces numerous host- and microbe-derived stresses, including intense competition for nutrients and exposure to the host immune system. While it is clear that A. actinomycetemcomitans responds to precise cues that allow it to adapt and proliferate in the presence of these stresses, little is currently known about the regulatory mechanisms that underlie these responses. Many bacteria use noncoding regulatory RNAs (ncRNAs) to rapidly alter gene expression in response to environmental stresses. Although no ncRNAs have been reported in A. actinomycetemcomitans, we propose that they are likely important for colonization and persistence in the oral cavity. Using a bioinformatic and experimental approach, we identified three putative metabolite-sensing riboswitches and nine small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) in A. actinomycetemcomitans during planktonic and biofilm growth. Molecular characterization of one of the riboswitches revealed that it is a lysine riboswitch and that its target gene, lysT, encodes a novel lysine-specific transporter. Finally, we demonstrated that lysT and the lysT lysine riboswitch are conserved in over 40 bacterial species, including the phylogenetically related pathogen Haemophilus influenzae.
An extension of FORTRAN containing finite difference operators

Design of a language (PDELAN) to assist the programming of finite difference approximations to partial differential equations is described. A key part of the language is the representation of finite difference operators. The language is an extension of FORTRAN and is implemented as a preprocessor to a FORTRAN compiler.
Lab-on-valve: universal microflow analyzer based on sequential and bead injection

This paper introduces a novel methodology for downscaling reagent based assays to micro- and submicroliter level. It is shown that sample handling in the sequential injection mode, which employs forward, reversed and stopped flow, can be programmed to accommodate a wide variety of assays within the same microfluidic device. Solution metering, mixing, dilution, incubation and monitoring can be executed in any desired sequence in a system of channels, integrated with a multipurpose flow cell. The channel system and flow cell are fabricated as a monolithic structure mounted atop a conventional multiposition valve. In addition to compactness, the advantage of this ‘lab-on-valve’ system is the permanent rigid position of the sample processing channels that ensures repeatability of microfluidic manipulations, controlled by conventional sized peripherals. With the exception of the integrated microconduit system, that has been designed and mesofabricated by computer aided design (CAD) technology, all peripherals (sequential injection system, fiber optic UV/VIS spectrophotometer-fluorometer) are conventional sized and commercially available components. This provides proven robustness and reliability of operation, and makes the microfluidic system compatible with real life samples and peripheral instruments. The system has been characterized by dye injection, to provide guidelines for method development. Its versatility is documented by a phosphate assay, enzymatic activity assay of protease and by a bioligand interaction assay of immunoglobulin G (IgG) based on its interaction with protein G immobilized on Sepharose beads.
Male and Female Students' Perceptions of Their Academic Environment and Future Career Plans: Implications for Higher Education

A total of 298 male and 634 female students completed a study questionnaire in 1981. Some important gender differences were found regarding students' career goals and their perceptions of the academic environment. Female respondents selected careers traditionally defined as acceptable for women and expressed less confidence that they would be successful in their work. Students' work and life style goals were shaped primarily by family and peers. While most students held positive views of college life, they credited the academic environment with little influence upon their career goals. Women and men differed in their perceptions of academic life. Women enjoyed their classes more and they claimed better study habits and a greater involvement with their courses. Despite these advantages, women consistently perceived themselves as more reluctant than men to participate in class discussions, less willing to speak out and question their teachers, and less likely to feel they could “hold their own” in discussio...
Noncalcemic Actions of Vitamin D Receptor Ligands

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)], the active metabolite of vitamin D(3), is known for the maintenance of mineral homeostasis and normal skeletal architecture. However, apart from these traditional calcium-related actions, 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and its synthetic analogs are being increasingly recognized for their potent antiproliferative, prodifferentiative, and immunomodulatory activities. These actions of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) are mediated through vitamin D receptor (VDR), which belongs to the superfamily of steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptors. Physiological and pharmacological actions of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in various systems, along with the detection of VDR in target cells, have indicated potential therapeutic applications of VDR ligands in inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), dermatological indications (psoriasis, actinic keratosis, seborrheic dermatitis, photoaging), osteoporosis (postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis), cancers (prostate, colon, breast, myelodysplasia, leukemia, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma), secondary hyperparathyroidism, and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and organ transplantation). As a result, VDR ligands have been developed for the treatment of psoriasis, osteoporosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Furthermore, encouraging results have been obtained with VDR ligands in clinical trials of prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review deals with the molecular aspects of noncalcemic actions of vitamin D analogs that account for the efficacy of VDR ligands in the above-mentioned indications.
Effort or Escape: Self-concept Structure Determines Self-regulatory Behavior

The current research examined the interaction between self-complexity, affect, and perceived goal attainability on self-regulation. Participants received failure feedback about their performance and were given the opportunity to reduce this discrepancy through practice. Greater self-complexity was associated with greater practice, regardless of affect and perceived effectiveness of practice. Lower self-complexity was only associated with greater practice when participants experienced negative affect and believed practice was effective at improving performance. These results suggest that those greater in self-complexity self-regulate when external cues signal the presence of a self-discrepancy, whereas those lower in self-complexity self-regulate when negative affect signals the presence of a discrepancy. However, when the discrepancy cannot be reduced directly, lower self-complexity individuals escape the situation to avoid negative affect.
A spectral element method calculation of extraordinary light transmission through periodic subwavelength slits

A spectral element method together with a surface integral equation as the radiation boundary condition is used to simulate the scattering properties of periodic subwavelength slits. The surface integral equation utilizes the periodic Green's function in the wave number space and is solved by the method of moments, while the interior inhomogeneous medium is modeled by the spectral element method. The solution convergence is found to be exponential; i.e., the error decreases exponentially with the order of basis functions. To our knowledge, such a fast solver with spectral accuracy is new in the scattering problem of periodic structures. Scattering properties of a gold slit grid within the whole wavelength-incidence angle parameter space are investigated, with the confirmation that strong transmission of light through subwavelength slits is achievable.
Compiler-Driven Data Layout Transformation for Heterogeneous Platforms

Modern heterogeneous systems comprise of CPU cores, GPU cores, and in some cases, accelerator cores. Each of these computational cores have very different memory hierarchies, making it challenging to efficiently map the data structures of an application to these memory hierarchies automatically. In this paper, we present a compiler-driven data layout transformation framework for heterogeneous platforms. We integrate our data layout framework with the data parallel construct, forasync, of Habanero-C and enable the same source code to be compiled with different data layouts for various architectures. The programmer or an auto-tuner specifies a schema of the data layout. Our compiler infrastructure generates efficient code for different architectures based on the meta information provided in the schema. Our experimental results show significant benefits from the compiler-driven data layout transformation, and demonstrate that the best data layout for a program varies with different heterogenous platforms.
Investigation of the Etching of Silicon under Subcritical Water Conditions

Herein, we present a study investigating the reaction conditions to wet etch monocrystalline silicon in the subcritical region of water, specifically from 200 to 300 °C. In the subcritical region there is a departure of thermodynamic, transport, and chemical properties from normal conditions. This has the potential to affect the reaction paths for the dissolution of silicon, by modifying the local concentration of reactants and products, by altering the relative activation energy of different reactions, or by changing the polarity of the water. Furthermore, our methodology uses concentrations of etching agent markedly lower than previous works (our reactions were conducted at [KOH] = 0.03–0.7%/wt). The results of the study suggest that dilute etchant solutions at high temperatures can produce results comparable to those reported at atmospheric conditions using higher concentrations of etchants. Based on the results obtained, the main key factors in the etch rates were crystallographic orientation of the w...
Agglutination of a Pure Strain of Mammalian Cells (L Strain, Earle) by Suspensions of Vaccinia Virus.

SummaryMouse “fibroblastic” cells from a pure strain of cells in vitro (L strain, Earle) were found to be agglutinated by suspensions of vaccinia virus, but not by the viruses of mumps and influenza A under the experimental conditions employed. The agglutination of L strain cells by suspensions of vaccinia virus was inhibited by vaccinial antibodies. The results of these experiments show that cellular agglutination by suspensions of vaccinia virus is not limited to erythrocytes.
Long-Term Effects of CBT on Social Impairment in Adolescents with ASD

Anxiety interventions involving social skills training and CBT for youth with ASD have shown promise, but few studies have examined the effects on social functioning or the maintenance of treatment gains. This study evaluated change in social skills during a randomized controlled trial of CBT and during the 1-year follow-up for 25 adolescents with ASD and anxiety. We examined the effect of pretreatment social anxiety and loneliness on treatment response. Social impairment improved during treatment and continued to improve through the 3-month follow-up. Although adolescents with higher social anxiety had greater pretreatment social impairment, they showed steeper improvement in social skills during treatment. Loneliness was not a significant predictor of change during treatment. CBT targeting social skills and anxiety can lead to long-term improvements in social functioning.
Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins as a causal factor for cardiovascular disease

Approximately 25% of US adults are estimated to have hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride [TG] level ≥150 mg/dL [≥1.7 mmol/L]). Elevated TG levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG levels ≥500 mg/dL [≥5.6 mmol/L]) is a well-established risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Plasma TG levels correspond to the sum of the TG content in TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs; ie, very low-density lipoproteins plus chylomicrons) and their remnants. There remains some uncertainty regarding the direct causal role of TRLs in the progression of atherosclerosis and CVD, with cardiovascular outcome studies of TG-lowering agents, to date, having produced inconsistent results. Although low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the primary treatment target to reduce CVD risk, a number of large-scale epidemiological studies have shown that elevated TG levels are independently associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular events, even in patients treated effectively with statins. Genetic studies have further clarified the causal association between TRLs and CVD. Variants in several key genes involved in TRL metabolism are strongly associated with CVD risk, with the strength of a variant's effect on TG levels correlating with the magnitude of the variant's effect on CVD. TRLs are thought to contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis and CVD via a number of direct and indirect mechanisms. They directly contribute to intimal cholesterol deposition and are also involved in the activation and enhancement of several proinflammatory, proapoptotic, and procoagulant pathways. Evidence suggests that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the sum of the total cholesterol carried by atherogenic lipoproteins (including LDL, TRL, and TRL remnants), provides a better indication of CVD risk than LDL-C, particularly in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the available epidemiological, clinical, and genetic evidence relating to the atherogenicity of TRLs and their role in the progression of CVD.
Autonomy online: Jacques Ellul and the Facebook emotional manipulation study

Though we would expect the revelation of the Facebook emotional manipulation study to have had a negative impact on Facebook, its number of active users only continues to grow. As this is precisely...
Whole-Exome Molecular Autopsy After Exertion-Related Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young.

Background —Targeted postmortem genetic testing of the four major channelopathy-susceptibility genes ( KCNQ1 , KCNH2 , SCN5A , and RYR2 ) have yielded putative pathogenic mutations in up to 25-30% of autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death in the young (SUDY) cases with highest yields derived from the subset of exertion-related SUDY. Here, we evaluate the role of whole exome sequencing (WES) in exertion-related SUDY cases. Methods and Results —From 1998-2010, 32 cases of exertion-related SUDY were referred by Medical Examiners for a cardiac channel molecular autopsy. A mutational analysis of the major long QT syndrome (LQTS)-susceptibility genes ( KCNQ1 , KCNH2 , and SCN5A ) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)-susceptibility gene ( RYR2 ) identified a putative pathogenic mutation in 11 cases. WES was performed on the remaining 21 targeted gene-negative SUDY cases. Following WES, a gene-specific surveillance of all genes (N=100) implicated in sudden death was performed to identify putative pathogenic mutation(s). Three of these 21 decedents had a clinically "actionable", pathogenic mutation (CALM2-F90L, CALM2-N98S, and PKP2-N634fs). Of the 18 remaining cases, 7 hosted at least one variant of unknown significance with a minor allele frequency < 1:20,000. The overall yield of pathogenic mutations was higher among decedents 1-10 years (10/11, 91%) than those 11-19 years of age (4/21, 19%, p=0.0001). Conclusions —Molecular screening in this clinical scenario is appropriate with a pathogenic mutation detection rate of 44% using direct DNA sequencing followed by WES. Only 5 of the 100 interrogated sudden death genes hosted "actionable" pathogenic mutations for over one third of these exertion related, autopsy negative SUDY cases.
Use of NSAIDs. An assault on the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Preview Certain populations, particularly the elderly, are vulnerable to complications from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Rates of hospital admission for perforated ulcer are rising in these patients, who have an associated risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and death. Studies have shown that some NSAIDs cause less harm to the stomach and duodenum than others and that prostaglandin E analogues given concomitantly may protect the mucosa.
TH-CD-206-07: Determination of Patient-Specific Myocardial Mass at Risk Using Computed Tomography Angiography

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a patient-specific coronary perfusion territory assignment algorithm that uses CT angiography (CTA) and a minimum-cost-path approach to assign coronary perfusion territories on a voxel-by-voxel basis for determination of myocardial mass at risk. Methods: Intravenous (IV) contrast (370 mg/mL iodine, 25 mL, 7 mL/s) was injected centrally into five swine (35–45 kg) and CTA was performed using a 320-slice CT scanner at 100 kVp and 200 mA. Additionally, a 4F catheter was advanced into the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) and contrast (30 mg/mL iodine, 10 mL, 1.5 mL/s) was directly injected into each coronary artery for isolation of reference coronary perfusion territories. Semiautomatic myocardial segmentation of the CTA data was then performed and the centerlines of the LAD, LCX, and RCA were digitally extracted through image processing. Individual coronary perfusion territories were then assigned using a minimum-cost-path approach, and were quantitatively compared to the reference coronary perfusion territories. Results: The results of the coronary perfusion territory assignment algorithm were in good agreement with the reference coronary perfusion territories. The average volumetric assignment error from mitral orifice to apex was 5.5 ± 1.1%, corresponding to 2.1 ± 0.7 grams of myocardial mass misassigned for each coronary perfusion territory. Conclusion: The results indicate that accurate coronary perfusion territory assignment is possible on a voxel-by-voxel basis using CTA data and an assignment algorithm based on a minimum-cost-path approach. Thus, the technique can potentially be used to accurately determine patient-specific myocardial mass at risk distal to a coronary stenosis, improving coronary lesion assessment and treatment. Conflict of Interest (only if applicable): Grant funding from Toshiba America Medical Systems.
Trade, Investment and Climate Change: How International Economic Disputes in Renewable Energy are Shaping New Norms of Regime Interaction

This paper analyzes renewable energy-related international economic disputes – both at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) before an arbitral tribunal as provided under investment treaties – to establish how their adjudication is redefining the norms of interaction between the international legal regimes for trade, investment and climate change. First, it will highlight how dispute settlement in international economic law is sensitive to the current realities of climate change and driving countries to secure greater regulatory space for renewable energy under newly negotiated trade and investment agreements. Second, it will analyze how changing geopolitical relations in the international economic regime are shaping shifts in the concept of differentiation under the climate regime. It uses the illustrative example of India, which increasingly finds itself at the crossroads of trade, investment and climate change, to argue that the blurring of lines between developed and developing countries’ measures in the renewable energy sector, as witnessed through renewable energy-related trade and investment disputes, have had an effect in diluting the concept of differentiation within the climate regime.
SI architecture optimized high speed serial design for PCB cost saving

As integrated circuit (IC) chips keep growing in size, I/O data rates and complexity, electrical margin left on printed circuit board (PCB) gets smaller. Mid-loss or even low-loss material may be needed in more cases to meet high speed (HS) signal routing length requests, which leads to cost-adder on PCB. This submission introduces analysis flow as well as practical methods targeting reducing PCB material cost through SI architecture optimization. Following the analysis flow, board designers can get better opportunity of using cheaper material without sacrificing performance.
THE ROLE OF THE BRAIN STEM IN ORBITAL CORTEX INDUCED INHIBITION OF SOMATIC REFLEXES

Publisher Summary The orbital surface of the frontal lobe appears to be unique in its capacity for inhibiting both somatomotor and visceromotor activities. Electrical stimulation of the orbital surface of the frontal lobe can induce states of behavioral inhibition and the onset of sleep. Electrical stimulation of the orbital-frontal cortex inhibits a brain-stem monosynaptic reflex as well as spinal reflexes. Both pre- and postsynaptic inhibitory processes play a role in cortically produced reflex inhibition. This chapter illustrates the role of the brain stem in orbital cortically evoked changes of somatic reflexes in the cat. Orbital cortically induced inhibition of the monosynaptic masseteric reflex depends upon the integrity of the ventromedial bulbar reticular formation.
Rational Methods to Pharmacologically Target IDPs: Developing Modulators of Tau Aggregation

Despite a large amount of time and effort invested, the development of drugs targeting intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is a major open problem in pharmacology. Classic drug development strategies are impeded by the highly dynamic nature of IDPs. We propose a strategy to identify inhibitors of the pathological aggregation of the IDP tau, implicated in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We approach this problem by utilizing computational approaches and in vitro experiments to develop new modulators of tau aggregation as discussed below.Initially, computational simulations were used to generate conformational ensembles of tau244-372, the aggregation-prone microtubule binding region of tau. For this purpose, conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were compared against enhanced sampling methods, including a recently developed novel approach based on repeated simulated annealing (ReSA).Preferentially sampled conformations within these dynamic ensembles were identified based on local and global structural similarity. To do this, the structures were grouped together based on root mean standard deviations (RMSD) between conformations and representative structures then generated from these groups. Subsequent computational screening identified selective ligands of these preferentially sampled structures by creating receptor force-fields from the representative structures and scoring potential ligand affinity based on steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic properties.Finally, computational hits were validated using a variety of biophysical methods including fibril-formation assays and single-molecule fluorescence approaches such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.This strategy has the potential to enhance our ability to rationally target IDPs for pharmacological intervention and may prove valuable in tackling other IDP-related pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, Diabetes, and Huntington's disease.
Carbon quality and nutrient status drive the temperature sensitivity of organic matter decomposition in subtropical peat soils

Estimates of gaseous carbon (C) fluxes in wetlands are heavily based on temperature. However, isolating specific effects of temperature on anaerobic C processing from other controls (C quality and nutrients) has proven difficult. Here, we test the hypothesis that temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is more influenced by C quality than nutrient availability in subtropical freshwater, sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)-based peats. Carbon age (characterized by depth: 0–10 and 10–20 cm) was used as a surrogate of C quality while two sites were selected with contrasting levels of nutrient (P) availability. In anaerobic laboratory incubations temperature was increased in 5 °C steps to assess the proportion of C available at a given temperature (i.e. thermo-labile C) as productions of gaseous (CO2 and CH4) and dissolved organic C (DOC) fractions. Thermo-labile C increased 3.1–3.6 times from 15 °C to 30 °C in all soils. Disproportionate increase in the production of gaseous forms versus DOC as well as CH4:CO2 was observed with warming. Observed Q10 values followed the trend of CH4 (~14) ≫ CO2 (~2.5) > DOC (~1.7) and temperature sensitivity was more dependent on C quality than nutrient availability over the entire temperature range. Spectral analysis indicated more bio-available DOC production at higher temperature. Regression analysis also indicated that C quality primarily influenced SOM decomposition at lower temperature, while at higher temperature nutrient limitation dominantly controlled SOM decomposition. These findings confirm the role of C quality in temperature sensitivity of warm peat soils, but also indicate an increased importance of nutrient limitation at higher temperature.
RNAi-Mediated Inhibition of Mcl-1 Expression Enhances Apoptosis in Imatinib-Treated CML Progenitors

Abstract Abstract 1669 Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment inhibits proliferation in CML stem/progenitor cells, but only modestly increases apoptosis. Residual leukemia stem cells remain a potential source of disease relapse in IM-treated patients. The Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins plays a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. Several Bcl-2 inhibitors are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies and there is considerable interest in evaluating their ability to induce apoptosis in CML stem and progenitor cells. However these agents have considerable toxicity possibly related to lack of selectivity for individual family members. We performed a functional siRNA screen to determine the role of individual Bcl-2 family members in maintaining survival of in CML and normal CD34+ cells. CML and normal CD34+ cells were transfected with siRNAs targeting Bcl-2, Bcl-2L1, Bcl-2L2, Bcl-2L10, Mcl-1 and Bcl2A1. In this screen Mcl-1 knockdown resulted in significant reduction in viability of CML CD34+ cells, with or without co-treatment with IM (1uM). Significant reduction in normal CD34+ viability was not seen. These results were validated using different siRNA sequences to knockdown Mcl1 expression. Increased apoptosis of CML but not normal CD34+ cells was seen (23±8% for CML vs. 4.2±1.5% for normal CD34+ cells, n=3, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A practical guide to propensity score analysis for applied clinical research.

Observational studies are often the only viable options in many clinical settings, especially when it is unethical or infeasible to randomly assign participants to different treatment regimes. In such case propensity score (PS) analysis can be applied to accounting for possible selection bias and thereby addressing questions of causal inference. Many PS methods exist, yet few guidelines are available to aid applied researchers in their conduct and evaluation of a PS analysis. In this article we give an overview of available techniques for PS estimation and application, balance diagnostic, treatment effect estimation, and sensitivity assessment, as well as recent advances. We also offer a tutorial that can be used to emulate the steps of PS analysis. Our goal is to provide information that will bring PS analysis within the reach of applied clinical researchers and practitioners.
Extended axial imaging range, widefield swept source optical coherence tomography angiography.

We developed a high-speed, swept source OCT system for widefield OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging. The system has an extended axial imaging range of 6.6 mm. An electrical lens is used for fast, automatic focusing. The recently developed split-spectrum amplitude and phase-gradient angiography allow high-resolution OCTA imaging with only two B-scan repetitions. An improved post-processing algorithm effectively removed trigger jitter artifacts and reduced noise in the flow signal. We demonstrated high contrast 3 mm×3 mm OCTA image with 400×400 pixels acquired in 3 seconds and high-definition 8 mm×6 mm and 12 mm×6 mm OCTA images with 850×400 pixels obtained in 4 seconds. A widefield 8 mm×11 mm OCTA image is produced by montaging two 8 mm×6 mm scans. An ultra-widefield (with a maximum of 22 mm along both vertical and horizontal directions) capillary-resolution OCTA image is obtained by montaging six 12 mm×6 mm scans.
Agile methodology for spacecraft ground software development: A cultural shift

In the Space Exploration Sector (SES) at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) the development of Mission Operations Ground Software (GSW) to support NASA and Department of Defense spacecraft missions has traditionally followed the incremental build methodology. As part of our continuous process improvement effort, the Agile methodology is being introduced as an alternative approach to software development. To meet the needs of sponsor requirements and satisfy our quality management processes a tailoring of Agile is required. Development of ground software tools is currently in progress at JHU/APL to support NASA's Solar Probe Plus (SPP) Mission Operations. Tool development for spacecraft operation planning activities is paving the way for the cultural shift to agile methodology on candidate projects. The user community, the SPP Mission Operations team located at JHU/APL, supports the Agile Manifesto of heavy user involvement, the need for flexibility to evolve requirements and deliver frequent software releases to support readiness activities for the SPP launch in the summer of 2018. Agile was implemented following Scrum on two SPP GSW products, a spacecraft software simulator and the spacecraft activity planning tool. The paper will briefly introduce the heritage development process and compare this process with the evolving Agile approach. The discussion will include an assessment of how Agile methodology is being tailored using Scrum to adhere to our quality management processes (e.g., peer reviews, software assurance) to meet sponsor compliance requirements for current and future JHU/APL spacecraft missions. The current SPP GSW projects implementing Agile and the experiences and lessons learned to date will be highlighted throughout the paper.
Perceptions of microaggression in K-8 school settings: An exploratory study

Abstract Researchers have become increasingly aware of the impacts of microaggressions, acts of interpersonal discrimination that are often subtle and harmful. Most studies of microaggression to date have focused on undergraduate and young adult populations. In this exploratory qualitative study, 10 clinically licensed school social workers were interviewed about their perceptions of children's experiences with microaggressions in K-8 school settings. Themes that emerged from interviews with study participants include vulnerability and protection, social and emotional skills, and community building. Findings support an initial understanding of childhood microaggression from school social workers' perspectives and suggest directions for future research.
Historical Development of Treatment

Until the last few decades, little in the way of effective intervention was available to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, beginning in the late 1960’s and the 1970’s, major advances in treatments began to emerge. Simultaneously, the emergence of effective treatments resulted in a much more positive attitude about ASD, and gave hope to many families. This chapter traces these early developments and how they have led to the current state of knowledge.
Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy

Sleep and pregnancy are dynamic processes with unique and evolving physiological substrates. Given the “restorative hypothesis” of sleep as an anabolic process essential for cellular and tissue regeneration, the largely unexplored role of sleep in gestational physiology and pregnancy outcomes promises to be a fascinating topic. Emerging literature suggests that objectively measured or self-reported short sleep duration may be a risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, and cesarean delivery. In this review, we discuss obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless legs syndrome (RLS), two sleep disorders prevalent in pregnancy. OSA is especially likely in high-risk pregnancy where it is associated with comorbid cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances. We review new data strongly suggesting that OSA is an independent risk factor for GDM and gestational hypertension. It remains to be seen if sleep disruption, whether or not in the context of gestational RLS and gestational OSA, is a modifiable factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinicians are encouraged to query sleep symptoms in pregnant women and to have a low threshold to pursue investigations for OSA, including the subjective symptoms of snoring, witnessed apneas, and daytime sleepiness, and also medical comorbidities, such as chronic hypertension.
Cardioembolic Stroke: Concepts and Controversies

The concept of thrombotic fragments detaching from the heart and migrating to occlude distal arteries has been recognized for more than a century. In 1828, Allibert repcrted blockage of a femoral artery by a coagulum similar to one found in the left atrial appendage (1). In 1847, Virchow described occlusion of cerebral arteries by thrombi that appeared to arise in the heart (2). Virchow later termed this phenomena embolism, derived from the Greek word for plug. In 1852, Kirkes reported a patient whose middle cerebral artery was plugged by a “firm, oval mass about the size and shape of a grain of wheat… the mitral valve was much diseased, the auricular surface beset with large warty excrescenses” (3).
Explanation of the perceptual oblique effect based on the fidelity of oculomotor control during saccades

The oblique effect, observed in both humans and animals, refers to the phenomenon of differential perceptual performance in visual recognition tasks that involve horizontal and vertical, vs. diagonal patterns. Furthermore, differences have been found in the visual cortical organization for the horizontal and vertical vs. diagonal representations. However, why such structural differences leading to functional divergence emerge in the first place is yet to be explained. In this paper, we propose a potential explanation for the oblique effect based on the differences in the sampling of oriented edge inputs along different angles due to the mechanics of eye movement. Our hypothesis is that the oblique effect is mainly due to eye movement along the diagonal directions being less precise than the horizontal and the vertical, which causes the sampling of the angles more variable for the diagonal orientations. This will, in turn, lead to structural changes in the visual cortex, which is known to be sensitive to the natural stimulus statistics. We used our Two-Dimensional Linear Homeomorphic Oculomotor Plant Model to simulate saccadic eye movements and sample visual inputs along the eye movement trajectories. Then, we used a multilayer perceptron (as a simple surrogate of the visual cortex) to test how easy it is to learn to classify the different angles from these samples. We found that our results are consistent with the oblique effect data reported in the experimental literature, thus supporting our hypothesis. We expect our work to shed new light on the role of the motor system in determining perceptual organization and function.
Interface angular coupling reductions in variational nodal methods for neutron transport

Variational nodal methods for neutron transport are modified to reduce the angular coupling between spatial nodes without a commensurate loss of accuracy. In both one and two dimensions, the interfact conditions of the variational principle allow near P/sub n/ accuracy to be obtained with only P/sub n-2/ interface coupling. As a result, the dimension of the nodal response matrix is reduced by a factor of 2, and the number of arithmetic operations required fior solution by a factor of 4.