cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular coordination of squat lifting, I: Effect of load magnitude.

Background and Purpose. In this study, we examined changes in kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) measurements of the coordination (ie, the relative timing of joint movements and muscle activity) of a squat-lifting task in response to lifting increasing loads. Subjects. Fifteen male industrial workers served as a sample of convenience. Methods. Subjects lifted a weighted crate containing 15% to 75% of their maximum lifting capacity using a symmetrical squat-lift technique. Movement kinematics were obtained with videography. The relative phase between joint motions was derived. The EMG activity of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) and the erector spinae muscle (ES) was recorded, and the relative timing of their onsets and peaks was estimated. Results. The relative phase of movement between joints such as the knee and lumbar spine changed in a quasi-linear fashion with increasing load during lifting but not during lowering. The relative time of onset of ES EMG activity and its peak activity changed in a manner consistent with the interjoint relative phase results. The timing of VL events were not affected by increasing the load. Conclusion and Discussion. Relatively continuous changes in interlimb coordination occur when increasing the load lifted from an initial squatting posture. Changes in EMG relative timing partially corroborate the kinematic evidence for changes in coordination with load scaling. The results indicate the need for further study to determine whether the observed changes in coordination are beneficial or detrimental to the musculoskeletal system. Clinicians should evaluate performance of this task under a range of task conditions.
SEXUALITY IN PERIMENOPAUSAL AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

This article reviews psychosocial and biological aspects of the effects of menopause on sexuality. Sexuality is conceptualized as having multiple dimensions including desire, arousal, and orgasm. Population studies have revealed that postmenopausal status is associated with decline in these components of sexual functioning. While it is probable that psychological response to menopause affects sexual functioning, little research has addressed this issue. Considerable research has addressed the possible relationship between sexuality and menopausal hormone changes. Some research shows that low estrogen levels are associated with diminished sexual response and that estrogen replacement produces enhanced sexual response. Other studies, however, do not show this. Testosterone level is more clearly related to at least some measures of sexuality. Issues for future research are discussed.
Dual-powered track sections for roadway powered electric vehicles

The concept of track sectioning of roadway power system has been presented long time before. But the implementation of this concept is rarely found in literature. A solution based on the idea of dual-powered track sections is proposed in this paper. Current balancing issue along with this new topology is discussed and solutions are provided. Different control strategies are compared to find the optimal control for this topology.
Properties of on-chip inductive current loops

The variation of inductance with circuit length is investigated in this paper. The nonlinear variation of inductance with length is shown to be a result of inductive coupling among circuit segments. If the distance between the forward and return current paths of a current loop is much smaller than the loop length, the inductive coupling to the forward current is similar to the coupling to the return current, resulting in negligible coupling. The inductance of these circuits therefore varies approximately linearly with length. Similarly, the effective inductive coupling between two parallel current loops is reduced through cancellation and has a negligible effect on the net inductance of a circuit. As a general rule, the inductance of circuits where the distance between the forward and return current is much smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the circuit scales linearly with circuit dimensions. This linear behavior can be used to simplify the inductance extraction and circuit analysis process.
REVIEW ■ : GABAergic Inhibitory Processes and Hippocampal Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a widely studied form of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Hippocampal LTP evoked in the dentate and CA1 areas requires calcium influx through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complexes, a process triggered during high-frequency stimulation by conjunctive presy naptic glutamate release and postsynaptic depolarization. It has been suggested that alterations in GABAergic recurrent and/or feedforward inhibitory synaptic transmission may accompany LTP induction in these hippocampal areas. To this end, possible LTP-related modifications in functional inhibition are ad dressed in the context of both paired-pulse depression and the excitatory postsynaptic potential-spike (E-S) relationship. Consideration is also given as to how GABAergic processes may contribute mechanistically to the induction of NMDA receptor-dependent LTP. It is concluded that although GABAergic disinhibition may contribute to the induction of LTP, it is not yet clear whether or not the induct...
A two-level stochastic approach to optimize the energy management strategy for fixed-route hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract Many hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) energy management strategies are developed and evaluated under fixed driving cycles. However in the real-world driving, vehicles are very unlikely to keep running under a fixed known cycle. Instead, a lot of vehicles run on fixed routes. Unfortunately, human driving data collected on a driving simulator shows that it is very difficult to select or create a determined typical driving cycle to represent the fixed-route driving due to the uncertainties in traffic light stops and driver behaviors. This paper presents a two-level stochastic approach to optimize the energy management strategy for fixed-route HEVs. The historical data on the fixed route are utilized and a road-segment-based stochastic HEV energy consumption model is built. The higher-level energy optimization problem is solved by stochastic dynamic programming (SDP). The SDP computation uses the vehicle model and historical driving data on the fixed route and it can be conducted offline. The result of SDP is a 2-dimension lookup table of parameters for lower-level control strategy therefore this approach can be easily real-time implemented in practice. The developed stochastic approach is compared with three strategies using the data collected on the driving simulator: the optimal energy consumption by assuming all trip information is known in advance and solved via dynamic programming (DP), a determined energy management approach using typical trip data of the fixed-route driving, and a simple strategy which does not require any route data. Simulation results show that the proposed stochastic energy management strategy consumes 1.8% more energy than the optimal result after 24 trips on the fixed route and considerably outperforms the other two real-time HEV energy management strategies.
Abstract 73: Use of an ED- Based Observation Unit Followed by Outpatient Stress Testing in Chest Pain Patients with Prior Coronary Artery Disease History: Evaluation of Safety and Prognostic Utility

Objective: Chest pain (CP) observation units are increasingly being used to efficiently triage patients with CP but without high-risk features such as positive biomarkers or pathologic ECG changes. However, little data is available regarding the use of a CP observation strategy in patients presenting with low-risk CP but with history of prior CAD events. The aim of the present study was to determine the outcomes of patients with CP and established CAD managed with observation followed by outpatient stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and to determine the prognostic value of this strategy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with CP managed with observation followed by outpatient stress MPI at a single community teaching hospital and followed up for 3 years for CV events (defined as death, MI, or need for urgent revascularization). Follow-up event rates were stratified by CAD history at the time of initial CP evaluation. Results: A total of 375 patients were included: 111 with and 264 without a CAD history. All patients safely completed outpatient stress MPI within 72 hours of observation. Stress MPI effectively identified patients at risk for CV events regardless of CAD history, although patients with CAD history had a significantly higher rate of +MPI (35/111 (31.5%) vs. 28/264 (10.6%) for patients with +CAD vs. [[Unable to Display Character: –]]CAD history, respectively, p=<0.001). Patients managed in an observation unit followed by a non-ischemic outpatient stress MPI and without a CAD history had, as expected, very low rates of short- and long-term CAD events (2/264 (0.8%), and 3/264 (1.1%) at 1 year and 3 years, respectively). In contrast, follow-up event rates of those patients with a non-ischemic test but a +CAD history were significantly higher (6/111 (5.4%) and 7/111 (6.3%) at 1 year and 3 years, respectively; p=0.044 and p=0.034 compared to CAD- patients). To determine if stress MPI testing contributed independent prognostic information regarding CP patients with a history of CAD, we developed a multivariable logistic regression model using patient demographic and risk factor data as well as MPI results: in this model a positive MPI proved to be a strong independent predictor of long-term CV events (OR=4.75 for CV events at 3yr follow-up, 95% CI 1.35-16.70, p=0.015). Conclusion: A strategy of observation followed by stress MPI can safely and effectively risk stratify CP patients with prior CAD for long-term CV events. However, our data suggests these patients are at increased risk of CV events even after a low-risk follow-up stress MPI study. Thus, patients presenting with CP and managed with a strategy of observation and a non-ischemic stress MPI still warrant close short and long term monitoring for recurrent events.
Reservoir Competence of White-Footed Mice for Babesia microti

Although the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque, has been incriminated as the main reservoir of the agent of human babesiosis, Babesia microti Franca, a quantitative demonstration of reservoir competence has not been presented. Mice captured within an intensely zoonotic site served as host for laboratory-reared larval Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman, and Corwin, and the resulting nymphal ticks were assayed for evidence of salivary gland infection by the piroplasm. Solely 25% of the mice were patently parasitemic on thin blood smears, but virtually all mice infected ticks with B. microti. Thus, smear positivity correlates poorly with infectivity. Infection in smear-negative mice, however, was demonstrated by the use of the polymerase chain reaction. White-footed mice may be chronically infected by the piroplasm with parasitemias detectable only by the most sensitive methods, yet efficiently serve as a source of infection. We conclude that P. leucopus serves to maintain B. microti in the northeastern United States, as it does the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease.
A theory of mastery.

Mastery is a human response to difficult or stressful circumstances in which competency, control, and dominion have been gained over the experience of stress. The goal of the theory of mastery is to explain how individuals who experience illness or other stressful health conditions may emerge, not demoralized and vulnerable, but healthy and possibly stronger. The human response to stress is fundamentally an existential problem. As such, the theory of mastery has philosophic as well as conceptual roots.
PLIF Investigation of Coannular Supersonic Jets

We present experiments on the morphology and evolution of large turbulent eddies in coannular supersonic jets. The study encompassed Mach 1.5, round, perfectly expanded jets composed of air or a mixture of helium and air. A double-exposure planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) system, using gaseous acetone as the tracer molecule, enabled visualization of the turbulent structure of the jet and its evolution a short time later. The convective velocity of the eddies was extracted from the PLIF images by means of twodimensional cross correlations. Eddies in the air jet propagate with a speed approximately 80% of the local centerline velocity and are subsonic with respect to the ambient air. The helium-air jet, which is faster than the air jet, emits Mach waves and exhibits substantial turbulent motions in the azimuthal direction. In the helium-air jet, addition of a Mach 0.82 secondary flow reduces the convective velocity of the primary eddies from 72% to 63% of the primary exit velocity. The speed of the secondary eddies is 44% of the secondary exit velocity. All turbulent motions in this coannular helium-air jet are intrinsically subsonic, leading to elimination of Mach waves and substantial reduction in noise. The results of this study are relevant to mixing, combustion, and jet noise. behavior of fully-turbule nt shear layers suggest that large eddies constitute the dominant instability of the flow [2, 3]. A key aspect of the instability is its phase speed, or convective velocity Uc. In subsonic shear layers, Uc controls the entrainment ratio and influences the growth rate [4]. In high-speed shear layers and jets, the value Uc determines the production of strong noise emission. In compressible mixing layers, large eddies lose their organization but are still ubiquitous [5]. The compressibility of mixing layers is characterized by the Mach number in the frame of reference of the instability, called the convective Mach number. For an instability wave traveling with a velocity Uc between a fast stream (1) and a slow stream (2), the convective Mach number takes the values MC1 = Ui-Uc
Angiotensin II compartmentalization within the kidney: effects of salt diet and blood pressure alterations.

Purpose of review All components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are present within the kidney. Renin, renin receptor, angiotensinogen and angiotensin AT 1 and AT 2 receptor and aldosterone synthase messenger RNA and protein are present in close proximity to the renal vasculature and tubules. The interaction between the different components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system determines the level of activity of this system and in turn may influence the regulation of blood pressure and renal sodium handling. Recent findings Angiotensin through the stimulation of its subtype AT 2 receptor regulates sodium excretion, renin synthesis and secretion. Aldosterone synthase mRNA and protein are expressed in glomeruli, renal vasculature and tubules, and are regulated by angiotensin AT 1 receptor, diabetes and salt. Although aldosterone is known to influence renal tubular channels with the subsequent enhancement of sodium reabsorption, it is not clear if the renally produced aldosterone also influences renal sodium handling or blood pressure regulation. In addition, angiotensin II influences kidney function and structure through the stimulation of renal inflammation. New data suggest that the renal AT 1 receptor plays an important role in the determination of blood pressure levels, and this effect is unique and non-redundant in the actions of extrarenal AT 1 receptors. The finding of new functions and components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system clearly adds new knowledge to our understanding of how angiotensin II influences the kidney and blood pressure.
Abstract 2071: Disruption of TGFβ-mediated tumor suppression in a Tpl2 model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated two million cases diagnosed annually, and incidence continues to increase. Tpl2 (Map3k8) is a serine threonine protein kinase in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction cascade. Previous studies have shown that Tpl2-/- mice develop significantly more skin tumors than matched wildtype controls and keratinocytes harvested from Tpl2-/- mice display multiple biomarkers for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC.) We have previously established that crosstalk between Tpl2-/- keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts contributes to the transformative potential of our model, and we hypothesized that one of the possible mechanisms driving this transformation was dysregulation of the TGFβ pathway, which plays multiple roles in carcinogenesis but is known to have an anti-proliferative function in noncancerous cells. Using various techniques, including real-time polymerase chain reaction, matrix-metalloproteinase zymography, in vitro angiogenesis assays, and immunoblotting, we saw that both Tpl2-/- keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts secreted less TGFβ and displayed significant dysregulation of multiple components of the TGFβ pathway. In summary, our studies demonstrate that loss of Tpl2 results in disruption of TGFβ-mediated tumor suppression, and that disruption is in part caused by abnormal signalling from fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Lauren Falkenberg, J. Curtis Gwilliam, Katie L. Decicco-Skinner. Disruption of TGFβ-mediated tumor suppression in a Tpl2 model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2071. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2071
The CAPS Act: Enacting New Barriers Between Elected Officials and Interest Groups

IV. ANALYSIS 6 A. Closing the Fundraiser Loophole 7 B. Increased Reporting: Burden or Benefit? 8 C. Does the Disclosure of Gifts Mitigate their Corrupting Influence? ........ 10 D. Shortcomings of the CAPS Act 11
The Dynamic Susceptibility of Weakly Interacting Systems

We now turn to the response of magnetic systems to time-dependent excitations. We shall restrict our consideration to systems in which the interactions among the constituents are not strong enough to produce a spontaneous magnetization. The study of the frequency response of such systems is essentially the study of paramagnetic resonance and relaxation phenomena. This is obviously an enormous subject, and we shall not be able to go into it in great detail. However, we shall examine some of the basic ideas within the framework of our generalized susceptibility.
Constraining Solar Wind Heating Processes by Kinetic Properties of Heavy Ions.

We analyze the heavy ion components ($Ag4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{amu}$) in collisionally young solar wind plasma and show that there is a clear, stable dependence of temperature on mass, probably reflecting the conditions in the solar corona. We consider both linear and power law forms for the dependence and find that a simple linear fit of the form ${T}_{i}/{T}_{p}=(1.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}.02){m}_{i}/{m}_{p}$ describes the observations twice as well as the equivalent best fit power law of the form ${T}_{i}/{T}_{p}={({m}_{i}/{m}_{p})}^{1.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}.01}$. Most importantly we find that current model predictions based on turbulent transport and kinetic dissipation are in agreement with observed nonthermal heating in intermediate collisional age plasma for $m/ql3.5$, but are not in quantitative or qualitative agreement with the lowest collisional age results. These dependencies provide new constraints on the physics of ion heating in multispecies plasmas, along with predictions to be tested by the upcoming Solar Probe Plus and Solar Orbiter missions to the near-Sun environment.
Algae as a Fuel Source

Unlike higher plants, microalgae lack leaves or roots but are still capable of engaging in photosynthesis. Because of this, they produce about half of the earth’s atmospheric oxygen and simultaneously consume half of its carbon dioxide. This makes them desirable for the reduction of greenhouse gases while producing the means for the production of renewable fuels. Of the half million existing species, Chlorophyceae, the so-called green algae, are best for biodiesel production since they can exhibit a fourfold daily increase in number. Concerns about the sustainability of open ponds have led to closed photobioreactors for algae production. The high triglyceride content of algae makes them suitable for renewable diesel. The triglycerides are transesterified with methanol to form the corresponding methyl esters and byproduct glycerol. The products can be used as a drop-in jet fuel. Firms active in algae-based fuel development are Solazyme, Algenol Corp., and Origin Oil.
Company Engagement in Community-Based Water Resource Projects: Improving Water Security

Companies have been increasing their focus on issues related to water availability and, more broadly, to water security. After focusing on reducing water use and/or increasing water efficiency in their operations, and then looking more broadly to understand their exposure to water-related business risks, companies are beginning to look to their suppliers and their customers, as well as their local communities, to identify opportunities to create shared value. This article provides summaries of how several companies are engaging in community-based water resource projects beyond their fence lines.
Chapter 5 – Transcriptional and Splicing Regulation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Genes

Humans carry two nearly identical copies of survival motor neuron gene: SMN1 and SMN2. SMN1 predominantly produces SMN, a multifunctional protein essential for survival. SMN2 exon 7 undergoes predominant skipping leading to the production of SMNΔ7, a less stable and only partially functional protein. Low levels of SMN due to the deletion or mutation of SMN1 cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic disease of children and infants. Strategies aimed at increasing SMN2 transcription and/or prevention of SMN2 exon 7 skipping elevate SMN levels and produce therapeutic benefits for the treatment of SMA. This chapter analyzes transcription and splicing regulation of SMN2 with significance to SMA therapy.
Organized cell adherent array (OC2A) for real-time multiplex detection of secreted molecules

The organized cell adherent array OC A is an integrated tool useful for real time and label free detection of secreted molecules The OC A novel cell chip is composed of two substrates one allowing localized cell culture and the other one constituting the sensitive layer detection These two units are assembled thanks to a thickness controlled spacer micro m which forms a microfluidic lumen In practice the top layer of the chip is a polycarbonate substrate covered by a poly ethylene oxide like PEO like film deposited by plasma polymerization This PEO like film is cells repellent but allows the direct immobilization of protein through low volume spotting Thus fibronectin spots were deposited on this PEO like film in order to create cell adhesive areas surrounded by non adhesive background On the sensitive layer part various antibodies were immobilized in an organized manner on a surface plasmon resonance imaging SPRi chip useful for the multiplex label free detection of proteins The two units are then assembled and the cells loaded in the chip After one hour of culture non adherent cells are removed by washing and the chip is ready to experiment Evidences were obtained of the real time detection of Prostate Specific Antigen PSA and beta microglobulin B M secreted by LNCaP cells androgen sensitive human nbsp prostateadenocarcinoma nbsp cells following induction by dihydrotestosterone DHT Different kinetics of the two secreted proteins were also demonstrated and precisely determined using the OC A system
Long, self-assembled molecular ladders by cooperative dynamic covalent reactions

The self-assembly of long-sequence, peptoid-based molecular ladders with up to 16 rungs was demonstrated via the dimerization of oligomeric precursors bearing dynamic covalent pendant groups, with delineation of three potential mechanisms. These include a ‘molecular zipper’, whereby hybridization starts at one end followed by a series of imine condensation reactions to zip up complementary strands, or a ‘molecular hand-shake line’ or ‘toehold displacement’, whereby the molecular ladder formation would occur by shuffling or exchanging through bond rearrangement via cooperative transimination and imine metathesis reactions. MALDI mass spectrometry was used to determine the hybridization registry mechanism, with distance measurements using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) further confirming the registry mechanism, indicating that two complementary strands initially interact and bind by rapidly ‘zipping-up’ at any point generating molecular ladders with an arbitrary number of rungs, followed by slowly shuffling through a ‘molecular hand-shake line’ until these ladders come into registry.
Actions, Intentions, Authors, Works

Intention plays an essential role in interpreting all human actions, including literary ones. Farrell explains the distinctions among the levels of intention—communicative, artistic, and practical—embedded in works of literature, and how Wimsatt and Beardsley jumbled them together to create the “intentional fallacy.” Farrell distinguishes the stable meaning of a work from its variable impact. As Sperber and Wilson’s Relevance Theory suggests, language is more like a prompt than a code, its open texture demanding inferences on the part of the audience which can only proceed on the basis of authorial intention. Further implications emerge from discussions of Borges’ “Library of Babel,” Humpty Dumpty’s theory of meaning, the example of Sherlock Holmes’s missing pipe, and Stanley Fish’s “interpretive communities.”
Anti-CD20 Blocker Rituximab in Kidney Transplantation

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal protein used in various clinical scenarios in kidney transplant recipients. However, its evidence-based use there remains limited due to lack of controlled studies, limited sample size, short follow-up and poorly defined endpoints. Rituximab is indicated for CD20+ posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. It may be beneficial for treating recurrent membranous nephropathy and recurrent allograft antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis and possibly for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Rituximab, in combination with IVIg/plasmapheresis, appears to decrease antibody level and increase the odds of transplantation in sensitized recipients. The role of Rituximab in ABOi transplant remains unclear, as similar outcomes are achieved without its use. Rituximab is not efficacious in antibody-mediated rejection/chronic antibody-mediated rejection. Strict randomized control trials are necessary to elucidate its true role in these settings.
Unrecognized venous injuries after cardiac implantable electronic device transvenous lead extraction.

Background The major complication rate of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is estimated to be 1%–2%. Laceration of the central veins can be fatal. Objectives To define the incidence and extent of venous injuries on a microscopic level after TLE and compare these data with those of clinically documented events of venous laceration. Methods We studied all patients who underwent TLE at our tertiary center within 30 months via a variety of techniques. Extracted leads and tissue around them were fixed in formalin. Pathologic examination was standardized to examine the leads identifying the areas covered by tissue cuffs along the length of the lead. The cuffs were removed and sectioned transversely to their longitudinal axis. Microscopic examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stains and Movat stains to identify the presence of vein tissue. Results In all, 861 leads (585 pacemaker and 272 defibrillator leads) were extracted from 461 patients (median age 63 years, standard deviation 15 years), with an average of 1.9 leads per patient and a median lead age of 2546 days. On microscopic review, 80 leads (9.3%) in 72 of 461 patients (15.6%) showed segments of vein, most of which were transmural (venous tissue including adventitia). Despite this finding, only 5 catastrophic complications (1.1%) occurred that required emergent surgical intervention. Risk factors for venous injury included implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead, age of lead, and the use of laser sheath. Conclusions Microscopic venous injuries during lead extraction are common but often not recognized clinically.
Sweden's Iron and Steel Industry

During the summer of 1950 the author visited several large iron ore mines and steel plants in Sweden as a guest of Jernkontoret, an association of Swedish steel producers. His report on this old and efficiently managed industry covers iron ore, concentrating, sintering, iron production, steel production, and phases of these functions that were developed to meet conditions peculiar to the country.
RNA-Sequencing Gene Expression Profiling of Orbital Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Population Implicate HOX Genes and WNT Signaling Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize the intrinsic cellular properties of orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC) from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and healthy controls. Methods Orbital adipose tissue was collected from a total of nine patients: four controls and five patients with TAO. Isolated OASC were characterized with mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells were differentiated into three lineages: chondrocytes, osteocytes, and adipocytes. Reverse transcription PCR of genes involved in the adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis pathways were selected to assay the differentiation capacities. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed and results were compared to assess for differences in gene expression between TAO and controls. Selected top-ranked results were confirmed by RT-PCR. Results Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from orbital fat expressed high levels of mesenchymal stem cell markers, but low levels of the pluripotent stem cell markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from TAO patients exhibited an increase in adipogenesis, and a decrease in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. RNA-seq disclosed 54 differentially expressed genes. In TAO OASC, expression of early neural crest progenitor marker (WNT signaling, ZIC genes and MSX2) was lost. Meanwhile, ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 was found in the OASC from TAO. Conclusion Our results suggest that there are intrinsic genetic and cellular differences in the OASC populations derived from TAO patients. The upregulation in adipogenesis in OASC of TAO may be is consistent with the clinical phenotype. Downregulation of early neural crest markers and ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 in TAO OASC demonstrate dysregulation of developmental and tissue patterning pathways.
Sensitivity of the Saline Load Test for Traumatic Arthrotomy of the Ankle With Ankle Arthroscopy Simulation.

Background:The saline load test has been used to evaluate for traumatic arthrotomy in orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to determine the volume of saline required to detect traumatic arthr...
Impact of Changes in Inflammation on Estimated Ten-Year Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Current validated cardiovascular (CV) risk estimates were developed in populations with relatively stable levels of inflammation, whereas patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) routinely experience significant changes in inflammation. This study was undertaken to test whether changes in inflammation affect estimated CV risk as measured using validated population-based risk calculators. METHODS Participants in a prospective RA cohort who experienced a decrease or an increase of ≥10 mg/liter in the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at 2 consecutive time points 1 year apart (CRP decrease group and CRP increase group, respectively) were included in this study. We estimated 10-year CV risk using the following calculators: Framingham Risk Score, 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score, Reynolds Risk Score (RRS), and QRISK2. Of these calculators, only the RRS includes a variable addressing the CRP level. Paired t-tests were performed to compare risk scores at baseline and 1-year follow-up. We calculated the correlations between the changes in risk scores and changes in pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro BNP), a surrogate marker of CV risk. RESULTS One hundred eighty RA patients were included in the study (mean age 57.8 years, 84% female, 80% seropositive). Of the calculators studied, only the RRS was sensitive to changes in inflammation; an increase in inflammation was associated with increased estimated CV risk (P < 0.0001), and only the RRS was correlated with changes in proBNP (r = 0.17, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Our data showed no significant change in CV risk estimated using validated general population CV risk calculators except for the RRS. These findings suggest that CV risk may be modulated by changes in inflammation in RA, which is not typically considered when using existing CV risk calculators.
Phenotypic Trait Identification Using a Multimodel Bayesian Method: A Case Study Using Photosynthesis in Brassica rapa Genotypes.

Agronomists have used statistical crop models to predict yield on a genotype-by-genotype basis. Mechanistic models, based on fundamental physiological processes common across plant taxa, will ultimately enable yield prediction applicable to diverse genotypes and crops. Here, genotypic information is combined with multiple mechanistically based models to characterize photosynthetic trait differentiation among genotypes of Brassica rapa. Infrared leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence observations are analyzed using Bayesian methods. Three advantages of Bayesian approaches are employed: a hierarchical model structure, the testing of parameter estimates with posterior predictive checks and a multimodel complexity analysis. In all, eight models of photosynthesis are compared for fit to data and penalized for complexity using deviance information criteria (DIC) at the genotype scale. The multimodel evaluation improves the credibility of trait estimates using posterior distributions. Traits with important implications for yield in crops, including maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax ) and maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax ) show genotypic differentiation. B. rapa shows phenotypic diversity in causal traits with the potential for genetic enhancement of photosynthesis. This multimodel screening represents a statistically rigorous method for characterizing genotypic differences in traits with clear biophysical consequences to growth and productivity within large crop breeding populations with application across plant processes.
Saccades Directed at Previously Attended Locations in Space

Having previously fixated a location increases the latency of subsequent saccadic eye movements towards that location. In a saccadic pursult task, the last saccade of each trial was directed directly at, or up to three deg away from the location of a previous fixation on that trial. Saccades to a previously fixated location were longer by 8 to 15 msec than those directed 3 deg away from any previously fixated location, even 1700 msec after the prior fixation. The elevation in saccade latency is consistent with an attentional bias in favor of fresh sources of information.
The ‘Early’ Logical Empiricism of J.M. Keynes versus the Rhetoric of Subjectivism

Economists have been unable to comprehend the logical framework of Keynes’ A Treatise on Probability (1921) and General Theory (1936). This is due to their failure to read both works in their entirety. Instead, they concentrate on the first three chapters of Part I of the General Theory or the Treatise. This can be attributed to an “approach” to philosophy which rejects any type of formal, analytical, logical technique in favor of a purely speculative approach that eventually leads down the road to a priorism and subjectism. Keynes's decision approach is based on the general case of non-linearity and non-additivity. His decision theory incorporates neoclassical decision theory as a special case.
Effect of Fiber-Matrix Interphase on Low Frequency Ultrasonic Wave Scattering: Spring B.C. Approach

In modern metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites fiber-matrix interphases are specially designed to improve the fracture toughness of a composite, and to prevent fiber-matrix chemical reaction. As the interphase transfers load from the fiber to the matrix, the state of the bond between the interphase and the surrounding materials (fiber or matrix) determines the overall mechanical performance of the composite. Ultrasonic scattering from such interphases carries important information on the fiber itself and its bonding with the surrounding matrix material, thus having potential for fiber-matrix interphase characterization. Much work has been done on the study of wave scattering from cylindrical objects embedded in elastic media since 1950, owing to the importance of the subject [1–6]. Recent studies address scattering from coated fibers in composites [7–12].
Power and distortion optimized video coding for pervasive computing applications

This dissertation investigates video encoding schemes for pervasive computing applications that must ensure low power consumption in addition to high compression efficiency. The contribution of the dissertation is the formulation of a theoretical problem that captures the joint optimization of power and distortion in video coding. The study of the complexity distribution of typical video encoders helps to develop a complexity-scalable video encoding architecture that includes several control parameters to adjust the power consumption of the major modules of the encoder. An analytic framework to model, control and optimize the power-rate-distortion is developed, which facilitates the development of optimization schemes to determine the best configuration of the complexity control parameters according to either or both the power supply level of the device and the video presentation quality. The dissertation proposes complexity control schemes that dynamically adjust the control parameters. Using extensive simulations on an instruction set simulator, the accuracy of the model, and quality of the optimization schemes are investigated. For additional performance improvement, we propose algorithms that exploit the video content to reduce the power consumption and improve the video quality. This is done by obtaining and maintaining the "motion history" of a video sequence in a hierarchical fashion. By adaptively adjusting the complexity parameters according to the motion history information gained from the video sequence, the power is saved when the scene has little motion and consumed when the motion activity increases. Extensive experiments have been performed to show the validity and merits of the proposed techniques.
Modeling the Diurnal Variation of Meteorological Variables within the Boundary Layer — Preliminary Comparison Results

A meteorological processor for use in dispersion analyses is currently under development. The processor will be constructed using as a guide the methods outlined by two workgroups (Irwin, 1983; Holtslag et al., 1985). Various techniques for assessing the performance of the meteorological processor are being investigated. One such technique is to average the data by hour of day to produce time-height cross sections, depicting the average diurnal patterns within the data. This was done for the Wangara data (Clarke, 1974) using the 40-day series of hourly observations for comparison with modeling results from several boundary layer models. Sharp changes in time and space are smeared by such a procedure. However, such averaged data can be very useful for first assessment of the trends evident within a set of data. The purpose of this discussion is to summarize the results gained thus far through the use of such diurnal analyses of data.
Pericardial Disease, Constrictive Pericarditis and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Cancer

Pericardial disease, specifically acute pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, and pericardial tamponade, are seen in cancer patients due to the malignant process or from radiation therapy. In this chapter we present an overview of acute pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis and pericardial tamponade. We also discuss restrictive cardiomyopathy and its differences from constrictive pericarditis.
Absorptive Capacity, Learning Orientation and Institutional Investment Performance

Institutional investment portfolios with broad portfolio diversification have been correlated with superior performance, but antecedents to investment committees’ asset allocation decisions have re...
Crystallization in three dimensions: Defect-driven topological ordering and the role of geometrical frustration

Herein, fundamentals of topology and symmetry breaking are used to understand crystallization and geometrical frustration in topologically close-packed structures. This frames solidification from a new perspective that is unique from thermodynamic discussions. Crystallization is considered as developing from undercooled liquids, in which orientational order is characterized by a surface of a sphere in four-dimensions (quaternion) with the binary polyhedral representation of the preferred orientational order of atomic clustering inscribed on its surface. As a consequence of the dimensionality of the quaternion orientational order parameter, crystallization is seen as occurring in ``restricted dimensions.'' Homotopy theory is used to classify all topologically stable defects, and third homotopy group defect elements are considered to be generalized vortices that are available in superfluid ordered systems. This topological perspective approaches the liquid-to-crystalline solid transition in three-dimensions from fundamental concepts of: Bose-Einstein condensation, the Mermin-Wagner theorem and Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) topological-ordering transitions. In doing so, in this article, concepts that apply to superfluidity in ``restricted dimensions'' are generalized to consider the solidification of crystalline solid states.
How to Address a Polyp Involving the Appendiceal Orifice

Polyps that involve the appendiceal orifice are currently unable to be fully removed safely colonoscopically as the appendix is unable to be removed with the specimen. Laparoscopic “radical appendectomy” or partial cecectomy has been shown to be a safe method for removing polyps that involve the base of the appendix. For large polyps >2 cm in size, intraoperative colonoscopic monitoring can be used to ensure negative margins following resection.
Advertising in a Media Multitasking Era: Considerations and Future Directions

Media multitasking (MMT) is now a common way to engage with media. Flexibility in devices and content allow people to actively manage their attention but also to become distracted from their origin...
Multimodal frequency representations are embedded in modality-defined cortical sensory systems

Sensory information is represented and elaborated in hierarchical cortical systems that are thought to be dedicated to individual sensory modalities. This traditional view of sensory cortex organization has been challenged by recent evidence of multimodal responses in primary and association sensory areas. Although it is indisputable that sensory areas respond to multiple modalities, it remains unclear whether these multimodal responses reflect selective information processing for particular stimulus features. Here, we used fMRI adaptation to identify brain regions that are sensitive to the temporal frequency information contained in auditory, tactile, and audiotactile stimulus sequences. A number of brain regions distributed over the parietal and temporal lobes exhibited frequency-selective temporal response modulation for both auditory and tactile stimulus events, as indexed by repetition suppression effects. A smaller set of regions responded to crossmodal adaptation sequences in a frequency-dependent manner. Despite an extensive overlap of multimodal frequency-selective responses across the parietal and temporal lobes, representational similarity analysis revealed a cortical regional landscape that clearly reflected distinct somatosensory and auditory processing systems that converged on modality-invariant areas. These structured relationships between brain regions were also evident in spontaneous signal fluctuation patterns measured at rest. Our results reveal that multimodal processing in human cortex can be feature-specific and that multimodal frequency representations are embedded in the intrinsically hierarchical organization of cortical sensory systems.
Evidence for the coexistence of serotonin and substance P in single raphe cells and fiber plexuses: combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography.

Combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography after in vivo injections of monoclonal antibody to Substance P and 3H-serotonin provide convincing evidence that the soma and processes of a single neuron can contain serotonin and immunoreactivity with another putative peptide transmitter Substance P in a single permanent preparation suitable for study with light and electron microscopy. The serotonin-Substance P cells have uptake systems for low molarity 3H-serotonin that are not affected by reserpine treatment. They are sensitive to serotonin uptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the cells are destroyed by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine. They contain endogenous stores of serotonin detectable by the Falck-Hillarp technique and microspectrofluorimetry and immunofluorescence by antibody to serotonin. Their Substance P content is identified by specific binding with monoclonal antibody, and by animal antisera against Substance P.
Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Smoking Cessation

Smokers suffer from high rates of anxiety disorders, presumably because some individuals with anxiety disorders rely on smoking as a maladaptive attempt to manage anxiety. Cognitive behavioral ther...
Role of Surfactant in Evaporation and Deposition of Bisolvent Biopolymer Droplets.

Inkjet printing of biopolymer droplets is gaining popularity because of its potential applications in regenerative medicine, particularly the fabrication of tissue-regenerative scaffolds. The quali...