cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction With Disrupted Coordinated Brain Activity in Schizophrenia: Relationship With Impaired Cognition, Behavioral Disorganization, and Global Function

Objective: Although deficits in cognitive control are thought to contribute to the diverse cognitive and behavioral abnormalities in individuals with schizophrenia, the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear. In this event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, the authors tested the hypothesis that during cognitive control tasks, impaired activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia patients is associated with disrupted coordinated activity between this prefrontal region and a distributed brain network that supports cognitive control. Method: Through the use of an eventrelated design, 25 patients with firstepisode schizophrenia and 24 healthy comparison subjects, matched on demographic characteristics, were assessed while performing a version of the AX continuous performance task. Functional neuroimaging data were analyzed using 1) univariate (region-of-interest blood-oxygen-level-dependent [BOLD] time series and whole brain voxel-wise regression) analysis to confirm the presence of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex dysfunction and 2) multivariate analysis to examine dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional connectivity. In addition, correlations between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional connectivity and the following variables were investigated: clinical symptoms, task performance, and coordinated brain activity associated with cognitive control. Results: Schizophrenia patients exhibited a specific deficit in cognitive control, with significantly reduced accuracy in the BX condition relative to any other condition. Univariate fMRI revealed dorsolateral prefrontal cortex dysfunction during the high cognitive control condition. Multivariate analysis revealed significant impairment in functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and task-relevant brain regions. Significant correlations were also found between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional connectivity and cognitive performance, behavioral disorganization, and global functioning. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is an association between decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity and connectivity and a task-related neural network. This deficit in coordinated brain activity may result in the disabling disorganization symptoms related to impaired cognition in individuals with schizophrenia.
2E-2 0806 SAW Filters Using Wafer Level Packaging Technology

Very small SAW filters of the size 0.8 mm x 0.6 mm based on wafer-level packaging technology are fabricated and tested. Excellent electrical performance as well as robustness against humidity and mechanical stress are demonstrated. Complete devices are fabricated on a wafer, instead of bonding with a ceramic substrate or another wafer. A structure with a hollow space is built on the piezoelectric substrate by semiconductor processes in order to allow the surface acoustic waves to freely propagate without any loss. Either LGA or BGA type of terminals are available with the filter. It is demonstrated that the developed WLP SAW filters are suitable for use in high-performance RF front-end modules.
Effects of Urbanization on Occupancy of Stream Salamanders

Urban development is the most common form of land conversion in the United States. Using a before-after control-impact study design, we investigated the effects of urbanization on larval and adult stages of southern two-lined salamanders (Euryceacirrigera) and northern dusky salamanders (Desmognathus fuscus). Over 5 years, we estimated changes in occupancy and probabilities of colonization and survival in 13 stream catchments after urbanization and in 17 catchments that were not urbanized. We also examined effects of proportion of urbanized area in a catchment and distance of the salamander population to the nearest stream on probabilities of colonization and survival. Before urbanization, adult and larval stages of the two salamander species occupied nearly all surveyed streams, with occupancy estimates ranging from 1.0 to 0.78. Four years after urbanization mean occupancy of larval and adult two-lined salamanders had decreased from 0.87 and 0.78 to 0.57 and 0.39, respectively. Estimates of mean occupancy of larval northern dusky salamanders decreased from 1.0 to 0.57 in urban streams 4 years after urbanization; however, adult northern dusky salamander occupancy remained close to 1.0 in urban streams over 5 years. Occupancy estimates in control streams were similar for each species and stage over 5 years. Urbanization was associated with decreases in survival probabilities of adult and larval two-lined salamanders and decreases in colonization probabilities of larval dusky salamanders. Nevertheless, proportion of impervious surface and distance to nearest stream had little effect on probabilities of survival and colonization. Our results imply that in the evaluation of the effects of urbanization on species, such as amphibians, with complex life cycles, consideration of the effects of urbanization on both adult and larval stages is required.
Spatially organized partial synchronization through the chimera mechanism in a network of electrochemical reactions

Detailed experimental and numerical results are presented about the pattern formation mechanism of spatially organized partially synchronized states in a networked chemical system with oscillatory metal dissolution. Numerical simulations of the reaction system are used to identify experimental conditions (heterogeneity, network topology, and coupling time-scale) under which the chemical reactions, which take place in a network, are split into coexisting coherent and incoherent domains through the chimera mechanism. Experiments are carried out with a network of twenty electrodes arranged in a ring with seven nearest neighbor couplings in both directions along the ring. The patterns are characterized by analyzing the oscillation frequencies and entrainments to the mean field of the phases of oscillations. The chimera state forms from two domains of elements: the chimera core in which the elements have identical frequencies and are entrained to their corresponding mean field and the chimera shell where the elements exhibit desynchrony with each other and the mean field. The experiments point out the importance of low level of heterogeneities (e.g., surface conditions) and optimal level of coupling strength and time-scale as necessary components for the realization of the chimera state. For systems with large heterogeneities, a ‘remnant’ chimera state is identified where the pattern is strongly affected by the presence of frequency clusters. The exploration of dynamical features with networked reactions could open up ways for identification of novel types of patterns that cannot be observed with reaction diffusion systems (with localized interactions) or with reactions under global constraints, coupling, or feedback.
The Role of the Federal Government in Information Systems in Education

The Office of Education provides important and wide-ranging support for library and information science activities. These activities include research development, buildings and other facilities, operational expenses, and training. In addition, the Office of Education is providing leadership and funds in support of information and dissemination systems designed to help advance education at all levels. These efforts are oriented toward the achievement of four objectives: (1) development of effective and efficient information transmission systems, (2) development of information analysis products, (3) support of dissemination and utilization capabilities in the state and local educational agencies, and (4) development of a research and development program to improve information transmission and utilization capabilities at all levels in American education.
Differential Parasitism of Native and Introduced Snails: Replacement of a Parasite Fauna

The role of parasites in a marine invasion was assessed by first examining regional patterns of trematode parasitism in the introduced Japanese mud snail, Batillaria cumingi (= B. attramentaria), in nearly all of its introduced range along the Pacific Coast of North America. Only one parasite species, which was itself a non-native species, Cercaria batillariae was recovered. Its prevalence ranged from 3 to 86%. Trematode diversity and prevalence in B. cumingi and a native sympatric mud snail, Cerithidea californica, were also compared in Bolinas Lagoon, California. Prevalence of larval trematodes infecting snails as first intermediate hosts was not significantly different (14% in B. cumingi vs 15% in C. californica). However, while the non-native snail was parasitized only by one introduced trematode species, the native snail was parasitized by 10 native trematode species. Furthermore, only the native, C. californica, was infected as a second intermediate host, by Acanthoparyphium spinulosum(78% prevalence). Given the high host specificity of trematodes for first intermediate hosts, in marshes where B. cumingi is competitively excluding C. californica, 10 or more native trematodes will also become locally extinct.
Evaluation of an automated safety surveillance system using risk adjusted sequential probability ratio testing

Automated adverse outcome surveillance tools and methods have potential utility in quality improvement and medical product surveillance activities. Their use for assessing hospital performance on the basis of patient outcomes has received little attention. We compared risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio testing (RA-SPRT) implemented in an automated tool to Massachusetts public reports of 30-day mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A total of 23,020 isolated adult coronary artery bypass surgery admissions performed in Massachusetts hospitals between January 1, 2002 and September 30, 2007 were retrospectively re-evaluated. The RA-SPRT method was implemented within an automated surveillance tool to identify hospital outliers in yearly increments. We used an overall type I error rate of 0.05, an overall type II error rate of 0.10, and a threshold that signaled if the odds of dying 30-days after surgery was at least twice than expected. Annual hospital outlier status, based on the state-reported classification, was considered the gold standard. An event was defined as at least one occurrence of a higher-than-expected hospital mortality rate during a given year. We examined a total of 83 hospital-year observations. The RA-SPRT method alerted 6 events among three hospitals for 30-day mortality compared with 5 events among two hospitals using the state public reports, yielding a sensitivity of 100% (5/5) and specificity of 98.8% (79/80). The automated RA-SPRT method performed well, detecting all of the true institutional outliers with a small false positive alerting rate. Such a system could provide confidential automated notification to local institutions in advance of public reporting providing opportunities for earlier quality improvement interventions.
Degradation of Nano-crystalline ITO Films due to Exposure to Hyperthermal Atomic Oxygen

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films coated on float glass slides were exposed to 5 eV hyperthermal atomic oxygen at room temperature with increasing fluences: 2×1019, 6×1019 and 2×1020 O-atoms/cm2. We characterized the structure of the ITO films after room temperature atomic oxygen exposure with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cross-sectional transmission electron microscope (X-TEM). The unexposed ITO films were found to possess a nano-crystalline surface, and clean and abrupt ITO/SiO2 interfaces without interfacial phase. Surface roughness of the exposed ITO films increased with the increasing AO influences. The interface- sensitive peaks in XRD measurements with grazing incidence revealed that the crystallinity of the ITO was modified near the interface. Cross-sectional TEM confirmed that many ITO particles with diameters ranging from 2-10 nm formed in the SiO2 substrate near the interface after AO exposure. These findings suggest that O atoms can travel through the ITO films, where the boundaries of columnar-grown grains may supply the pathway.
Two massive and one massless Sp(4) monopole

Starting from Nahm's equations, we explore Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield (BPS) magnetic monopoles in the Yang-Mills-Higgs theory of the gauge group Sp(4), which is broken to $\mathrm{SU}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)$. There exists a family of BPS field configurations with a purely Abelian magnetic charge that describes two identical massive monopoles and one massless monopole. We construct the field configurations with axial symmetry by employing the Atiyah-Drinfeld-Hitchin-Mannin-Nahm construction and find the explicit expression of the metrics for the 12-dimensional moduli space of Nahm data and its submanifolds.
The influence of clinical symptoms on quality of life in patients with narcolepsy

Quality of life is a multidimensional construct involving subjective well-being, health, and welfare. For the patient with narcolepsy, as for any patient with a chronic illness, clinical symptoms have a major impact on physical and psychosocial function and hence on quality of life. This article briefly reviews selected effects of narcolepsy and describes the results of studies undertaken by researchers at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center of Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. The goal of these studies was to determine the social characteristics and perceived needs of patients and to document the prevalence of the clinical features of narcolepsy and their impact on quality of life. Using a combination of methodologies-mail survey, record review, and personal interviews-the researchers found that clinical symptoms of narcolepsy have a profound impact on the physical, mental, and social health of those affected with the disorder.
RESIN CRYSTALLIZATION RELATED TO WEEVIL RESISTANCE IN WHITE PINE ( PINUS STROBUS )

Differences in weevil attack between trees containing crystallizing and non-crystallizing resin were observed. Among twenty non-crystallizers only three trees were successfully attacked by the white-pine weevil. About 50% of the remaining population was successfully attacked. Resin crystallization can thus be used as a characteristic to screen for resistance to the white-pine weevil.Since several other characteristics such as leader diameter, depth of cortical resin ducts and bark thickness are also related to weevil resistance, a discriminant function could be developed to maximize discrimination between susceptible and resistant trees by a properly weighted combination of characteristics related to weevil resistance.
What If the Church Really is the Body of Christ

: What does it mean to claim that the church is the body of Christ? Following the lead of the New Testament, Bonhoeffer, Jenson, and Hauerwas, this article articulates how the church becomes the body of Christ through the narrative of Scripture and the practices of worship. As Jesus Christ has a distinctive character, so also the body of Christ has a distinctive character. This character is described through the four classical marks of the church—one, holy, catholic, apostolic. These notae ecclesiae are to be interpreted not only in relation to the inner constitution of the church but ethically in relation to the church's calling to be “shalom church” for the life of the world in peacemaking, doing justice, caring for creation, and defending human dignity. Particular communal practices that embody this character are proposed for the life of the church.
Phylogeographic Analyses of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) Suggest Four Glacial Refugia and Complex Patterns of Postglacial Admixture

Studies of species with continental distributions continue to identify intraspecific lineages despite continuous habitat. Lineages may form due to isolation by distance, adaptation, divergence across barriers, or genetic drift following range expansion. We investigated lineage diversification and admixture within American black bears (Ursus americanus) across their range using 22 k single nucleotide polymorphisms and mitochondrial DNA sequences. We identified three subcontinental nuclear clusters which we further divided into nine geographic regions: Alaskan (Alaska-East), eastern (Central Interior Highlands, Great Lakes, Northeast, Southeast), and western (Alaska-West, West, Pacific Coast, Southwest). We estimated that the western cluster diverged 67 ka, before eastern and Alaskan divergence 31 ka; these divergence dates contrasted with those from the mitochondrial genome where clades A and B diverged 1.07 Ma, and clades A-east and A-west diverged 169 ka. We combined estimates of divergence timing with hindcast species distribution models to infer glacial refugia for the species in Beringia, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast. Our results show a complex arrangement of admixture due to expansion out of multiple refugia. The delineation of the genomic population clusters was inconsistent with the ranges for 16 previously described subspecies. Ranges for U. a. pugnax and U. a. cinnamomum were concordant with admixed clusters, calling into question how to order taxa below the species level. Additionally, our finding that U. a. floridanus has not diverged from U. a. americanus also suggests that morphology and genetics should be reanalyzed to assess taxonomic designations relevant to the conservation management of the species.
Patterns of Localization of 85Strontium in Osteosarcoma

Four cases of osteosarcoma were studied utilizing 85Sr macroautoradiography correlated with the findings of roentgenography, bone scans, and gross and microscopic pathology. The technique of obtaining macroautoradiographs is described. The relationship of the localization of 85Sr to the histological pattern of bone formation is discussed. It is concluded that the highest rates of isotope uptake occur in areas of greatest tumor cellularity rather than in areas of greatest density of tumor bone. Sites of calcification and ossification in tumor cartilage also showed marked avidity for radioactive strontium.
Downregulation of profilin with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibits force development during stimulation of smooth muscle.

The actin-regulatory protein profilin has been shown to regulate the actin cytoskeleton and the motility of nonmuscle cells. To test the hypothesis that profilin plays a role in regulating smooth m...
Coagulation Time of Blood in Normal and Adrenal-Demedullated Rats:

SummaryAdrenal-demedullated rats responded like normal animals in respect to the coagulability of blood following emotional excitation and following ether anesthesia.
FTIR Analysis of the State of Water in Radiation Grafted ETFE Anion Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications

Infrared study of water in a poly(ethylene-co-tetrafuloroethylene) anion exchange membrane at different level of hydration (%RH 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100) was performed using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscope. FTIR spectra showed at least two different states of water present in the membrane. The presence of both the non-hydrogen bonded water molecules at the lower hydration level and the hydrogen bonded water molecules at the higher hydration level, unambiguously, are altered with changing humidity.
521 POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE PARTICLES INHIBIT OSTEOBLASTIC DIFFERENTIATION OF BONE MARROW OSTEOPROGENITOR CELLS IN VITRO.

Purpose Particulate debris generated from orthopedic implants induces osteolysis at the bone-implant interface, causing the prosthesis to become unstable. Bone regeneration in the prosthetic bed depends on the activity of osteoblasts and their differentiation from osteoprogenitors in the bone marrow. This study investigated the effects of wear particles of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a prosthetic material, on the ability of bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells to differentiate into functional osteoblasts in vitro. Methods Bone marrow cells isolated from the femurs and tibias of C57 mice were grown in osteogenic medium containing 10-7 M dexamethasone, 50 μg/mL ascorbic acid, and 10 mM β-glycerophosphate. Cell cultures were challenged with PMMA particles at concentrations of 0.038%, 0.075%, 0.150%, 0.300%, and 0.600% v/v on the initial day (day 0) of growth in osteogenic medium. Three additional cultures were challenged with particles on the 5th, 10th, and 15th day of growth in osteogenic medium to assess the particle effects at later stages of differentiation. All cultures were grown for 15 days past the time of particle addition, after which the cells were measured for the levels of bone mineralization, alkaline phosphatase expression, and cell proliferation. In a time course experiment, measurements were taken at 5-day intervals for the cultures challenged with 0.300% v/v PMMA on the initial day of growth in osteogenic medium. Results Addition of PMMA particles to bone marrow cells on the first day (day 0) of growth in osteogenic medium resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in bone mineralization, alkaline phosphatase expression, and cell proliferation, with complete suppression of osteoblastic phenotype observed at particle concentrations ≥ 0.300% v/v. Cells challenged with 0.300% v/v PMMA on the first day of differentiation showed no rise in bone mineralization, alkaline phosphatase expression, and cell proliferation throughout the entire culture period. Cells treated with particles on the 5th, 10th, and 15th day of growth in osteogenic medium showed insignificant reductions in bone mineralization and alkaline phosphatase expression. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that PMMA particles suppress osteoprogenitor differentiation and function. The strongest inhibitory effects are observed when the cells are challenged within the first 5 days of osteoblastic differentiation. Beyond this time frame, the osteoprogenitors become less sensitive to particle treatment as they develop from relatively undifferentiated progenitors into mature osteoblasts.
Modeling and simulation of evacuation behavior using fuzzy logic in a goal finding application

Modeling and simulation has been widely used as a training and educational tool for depicting different evacuation strategies and damage control decisions during evacuation. However, there are few simulation environments that can include human behavior with low to high levels of fidelity. It is well known that crowd stampede induced by panic leads to fatalities as people are crushed or trampled. Our proposed goal finding application can be used to model situations that are difficult to test in real-life due to safety considerations. It is able to include agent characteristics and behaviors. Findings of this model are very encouraging as agents are able to assume various roles to utilize fuzzy logic on the way to reaching their goals. Fuzzy logic is used to model stress, panic and the uncertainty of emotions. The fuzzy rules link these parts together while feeding into behavioral rules. The contributions of this paper lies in our approach of utilizing fuzzy logic to show learning and adaptive behavior of agents in a goal finding application. The proposed application will aid in running multiple evacuation drills for what-if scenarios by incorporating human behavioral characteristics that can scale from a room to building. Our results show that the inclusion of fuzzy attributes made the evacuation time of the agents closer to the real time drills.
Locomotor depression and THC-like discriminative stimulus effects of three novel synthetic cannabinoids: ADBICA, THJ-2201, and ADB-PINACA

Aims: Synthetic cannabinoids have become increasingly popular as quasi-legal alternatives to marijuana in recent years. As is often the case with designer drugs, when one group of synthetic cannabinoids is scheduled, novel analogs are synthesized to replace them. Numerous adverse effects and incidences of overdose have been associated with newer synthetic cannabinoid analogs. The goal of the current studywas to characterize the locomotor anddiscriminative stimulus effects of three novel synthetic cannabinoid compounds: ADBICA, THJ-2201, and ADB-PINACA. Methods: The effects of these compounds on locomotor activity were tested in male Swiss-Webster (ND4) mice over an 8-hour period in an open field assay of locomotor activity (n=8 per dose). The discriminative stimulus effects of the compounds were tested in male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 3mg/kg 9THC from vehicle in a drug-discrimination assay (n=6 per drug). Results: 9-THC (ID50 =13.2mg/kg), ADBICA (ID50 =1.0mg/kg), THJ-2201 (ID50 =0.8mg/kg), and ADB-PINACA (ID50 =0.28mg/kg) produced significant depression of locomotor activity compared to vehicle. Locomotor depression induced by the test compoundswas shorter acting (30–80min) compared to 9-THC (120–210min). ADBICA (ED50 =0.11mg/kg), THJ-2201 (ED50 =0.15), and ADBPINACA (ED50 =0.38) fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of 9-THC. ADBICA and ADB-PINACA significantly attenuated response rate at the doses tested. Conclusions: Our results indicate that these novel synthetic cannabinoid compounds produce locomotor depression and discriminative stimulus effects similar to 9-THC, and may have potential for abuse as alternatives to 9-THC. The stimulus effects of each of the compounds were shorter acting and at least tenfold more potent than 9-THC. Future studies on the reinforcing properties of these compounds are necessary to fully elucidate their abuse liability. Financial support: NIH N01DA-13-8908.
Experimental and Probabilistic Analysis of Asymmetric Gear Tooth

Photoelasticity has been used previously in experimental studies on gears. With the advantages of today’s high capability of computing and software, photoelastic analysis can be combined with probabilistic analysis. The objective of this study was to perform an experimental study and probabilistic analysis of an asymmetric gear tooth. The uncertainty considered involves the material properties and geometry. In this study, different asymmetric gear tooth profiles were manufactured from PSM-5 photoelastic material. This study shows that the combination of photoelastic experiments and probabilistic analyses may be an effective tool to study the advantages of asymmetric gear over the symmetric gears.
Fabrication techniques for bioinspired, mechanically-durable, superliquiphobic surfaces for water, oil, and surfactant repellency

Nature provides inspiration for liquid-repellant and low-adhesive surfaces, such as the lotus leaf and pitcher plant. While water-repellency is frequently found in nature, oil-repellency and surfactant-repellency are uncommon to nonexistent. To obtain oil- and surfactant-repellency, hierarchical, re-entrant, bioinspired surface structures along with low surface energy materials are needed. This overview presents wetting literature, common liquids and their composition, and fabrication techniques for superliquiphobic surfaces with repellency toward water, oil, and surfactant-containing liquids. Four techniques for creating such surfaces are explained in detail: nanoparticle/binder, layer-by-layer, nanoparticle-encapsulation, and liquid-impregnation. Static contact and tilt angles with water and hexadecane liquids, morphology, wear, transparency, self-cleaning, anti-smudge, and oil-water separation data are examined to compare the techniques. Data for these techniques are presented showing evidence of re-entrant geometry and the ability for these surfaces to repel surfactant-containing liquids such as shampoo and laundry detergent. The data will provide guidance in implementing superliquiphobic surfaces for self-cleaning, anti-smudge, antifouling, and low-adhesion properties for various applications including plastic packaging and biomedical devices.
Identification of Candidate Regulators of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging Using a Combined QTL Mapping and Microarray Analysis Approach.

A combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and microarray expression profiling was used to identify five novel candidate genes for regulating hematopoietic stem cell aging in two strains of inbred mice, C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2). Despite their ability to self-renew and maintain essentially normal levels of hematopoietic function throughout the lifetime of an organism, it has become increasingly evident that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are subject to qualitative and quantitative changes over time, and that these changes may affect both the rate of aging and longevity of organisms. In mice, the effect of aging on stem cells is highly strain-specific, thus suggesting that genetic regulation plays a role in HSC aging. Our lab has identified a QTL on murine chromosome 2 that is associated with the variation in frequency of HSCs between aged B6 and D2 mice. In B6 mice, the frequency of HSCs increases with age, whereas in D2 mice the population of HSCs decreases as the animals age. Using a congenic mouse model in which the region surrounding the QTL in D2 mice was introgressed onto a B6 background, genome wide gene expression analyses were performed using sorted lineage negative hematopoietic cells, which are enriched for primitive stem and progenitor hematopoietic cells. RNA isolated from lineage negative cells from chromosome 2 congenic and B6 background mice at young and old ages was reverse transcribed, labeled, and hybridized to Affymetrix Murine Genome 430 arrays. Using an overall p-value cut-off of ≤ 0.01, a total of 4,368 transcripts were differentially expressed between background and congenic mice, out of 39,000 transcripts present on the mouse genome chip. Following a ‘QTL to Gene’ strategy, we identified 123 differentially expressed transcripts located in the congenic interval on chromosome 2. We then assessed for hematopoietic tissue specific expression patterns, the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transcripts, and cis-regulation of transcript expression. Five genes were identified that met these criteria, and thus are considered candidate regulators of hematopoietic stem cell aging. We used real time PCR to validate differential expression of a subset of the identified genes. Interestingly, a majority of the genes are associated with cell cycle control and/or protein targeting and transport processes. Additionally, all five cis-regulated genes were found to be down-regulated in aged congenic mice compared to aged B6 mice, thus suggesting coordinated regulation by a common promoter region(s) located within the chromosome 2 QTL. These findings suggest that stem cell aging is associated with specifc intrinsic cellular events and provide insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying hematopoietic stem cell aging.
Mind-body medicine epigenetic technique (MET) and TP53AIP1 gene expression.

e292 Background: This is a pilot study update on the potential of MET to up-regulate TP53AIP1 gene expression correlated with the up-regulation TP53 gene expression in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: The selection process for the study participants was nonrandom. The following was the eligibility criteria. 1.) Inclusion Criteria: Breast Cancer, Stages II, III. 2.) Exclusion Criteria: Cognitively impaired, weak or ill. The study utilized two groups. Each group was assigned two research participants. Group One received one session of MET. Group Two received two sessions of MET. Each MET session was approximately 25-35 minutes in duration. Blood samples were taken at baseline and post-MET sessions to provide evidence in gene expression changes. For Group Two, the post-MET session blood draw was done 7 days after baseline. 1.) Primary Endpoint: To determine whether MET can up-regulate TP53AIP1 gene expression. 2.) Secondary Endpoint:To determine whether there is a correlation between up-regula...
DOES FRAILTY ALTER THE BENEFITS OF ORAL ANTICOAGULATION IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Background: The incidence of frailty increases with age and may impact both therapy and outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We examined the prevalence of frailty (defined by the American Geriatric Society Criteria) in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Care in AF (ORBIT AF) and
Treatment of donor corneal tissue with immunomodulatory cytokines: a novel strategy to promote graft survival in high-risk corneal transplantation

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play an important role in transplant rejection and tolerance. In high-risk corneal transplantation, where the graft bed is inflamed and vascularized, immature APCs in the donor corneal stroma quickly mature and migrate to lymphoid tissues to sensitize host T cells. In this study, using a mouse model of corneal transplantation, we investigated whether enrichment of tolerogenic APCs (tolAPCs) in donor corneas can enhance graft survival in corneal allograft recipients with inflamed graft beds. Treatment of donor corneas with interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) altered the phenotype and function of tissue-residing APCs. Transplantation of these tolAPC-enriched corneas decreased frequencies of interferon gamma (IFNγ)+ effector T cells (Teffs), as well as allosensitization in the hosts, diminished graft infiltration of CD45+ and CD4+ cells, and significantly improved corneal allograft survival compared to saline-injected controls. These data provide a novel approach for tolAPC-based immunotherapy in transplantation by direct cytokine conditioning of the donor tissue.
Beyond Community Solar: Aggregating Local Distributed Resources for Resilience and Sustainability

This chapter explores how community solar has helped community members source more of their energy needs from clean local resources, while acknowledging that this model falls short of allowing communities to achieve more complete energy sustainability or energy resilience. The chapter explores community alternatives to develop distributed energy resources and examines the community choice aggregation models in Marin County, California; Lowell, Massachusetts; and Westchester County, New York. The chapter describes community choice aggregation as a means for communities to embrace a business model to bring together DERs for community sustainability and resilience at the grid’s edge.
A Road Map for DEDS Research

Abstract That Discrete Event Dynamic Systems (DEDS) constitute an important topic of control system study is no longer in question and while examples of DEDS ranging from airports to communication networks to logistics and service systems abound in our daily lives, the fact remains that a relatively small percentage of control system researchers and an even smaller percentage of practitioners have a comprehensive knowledge of this field that has sprung up during the past decade. The often heard question is "how do I get started on the subject?". We should mention at the outset that it is infeasible nor desirable to attempt an encyclopedic listing of all relevant references. This tutorial merely tries to provide a simplified conceptual road map for beginners to get started and to see where we may be going. No value judgements should be attached to works referenced or not referenced. The author is. of course, responsible for his own opinions and perspectives. The last section lists some resources for further study.
Psychotropic medication use in autism spectrum disorders may affect functional brain connectivity.

Abstract Background Prescription of psychotropic medications is common in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), either off-label or to treat comorbid conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or depression. Psychotropic medications are intended to alter brain function, yet studies investigating functional brain organization in ASDs rarely take medication usage into account. This could explain some of the inconsistent findings of atypical brain network connectivity reported in the autism literature. Methods The current study tested whether functional connectivity patterns, as assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging, differed in a cohort of 49 children and adolescents with ASDs based on psychotropic medication status and compared with 50 matched typically developing (TD) participants. Twenty-five participants in the ASD group (51%) reported current psychotropic medication usage, including stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics. Age, IQ, head motion, and ASD symptom severity did not differ between the groups. Whole-brain functional connectivity between 132 regions of interest was assessed. Results Different functional connectivity patterns were identified in the ASD group taking psychotropic medications (ASD-on) compared with the TD group and the ASD subgroup not using psychotropic medications (ASD-none). The ASD-on group showed distinct underconnectivity between the cerebellum and basal ganglia but corticocortical overconnectivity compared to the TD group. Cortical underconnectivity relative to the TD pattern, on the other hand, was pronounced in the ASD-none group. Conclusions These results suggest that psychotropic medications may affect functional connectivity and that medication status should be taken into consideration when studying brain function in ASDs.
Association of Vision Loss With Cognition in Older Adults.

Importance Visual dysfunction and poor cognition are highly prevalent among older adults; however, the relationship is not well defined. Objective To evaluate the association of measured and self-reported visual impairment (VI) with cognition in older US adults. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional analysis of 2 national data sets: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2002, and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), 2011-2015. The NHANES was composed of a civilian, noninstitutionalized community, and the NHATS comprised Medicare beneficiaries in the contiguous United States. Vision was measured at distance, near, and by self-report in the NHANES and by self-report alone in the NHATS. Sample weights were used to ensure result generalizability. Main Outcomes and Measures The NHANES measured Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) score and relative DSST impairment (DSST score ≤28, lowest quartile in study cohort), and the NHATS measured probable or possible dementia, classified per NHATS protocol. Results The NHANES comprised 2975 respondents aged 60 years and older who completed the DSST measuring cognitive performance. Mean (SD) age was 72 (8) years, 52% of participants were women (n = 1527), and 61% were non-Hispanic white (n = 1818). The NHATS included 30 202 respondents aged 65 years and older with dementia status assessment. The largest proportion (40%; n = 12 212) were between 75 and 84 years of age. Fifty-eight percent were women (n = 17 659), and 69% were non-Hispanic white (n = 20 842). In the NHANES, distance VI (β = −5.1; 95% CI, −8.6 to −1.6; odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1-6.7) and subjective VI (β = −5.3; 95% CI, −8.0 to −2.6; OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.8) were both associated with lower DSST scores and higher odds of DSST impairment after full adjustment with covariates. Near VI was associated with lower DSST scores but not higher odds of DSST impairment. The NHATS data corroborated these results, with all vision variables associated with higher odds of dementia after full adjustment (distance VI: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6-2.2; near VI: OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.2-3.1; either distance or near VI: OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.4). Conclusions and Relevance In a nationally representative sample of older US adults, vision dysfunction at distance and based on self-reports was associated with poor cognitive function. This was substantiated by a representative sample of US Medicare beneficiaries using self-reported visual function, reinforcing the value of identifying patients with visual compromise. Further study of longitudinal interactions between vision and cognition is warranted.
Ions and Other Solutes at the Ice/Water Interface

This presentation contains a brief summary of ice/water interface structure and dynamics previously determined, then outlines some of the further work which will be undertaken to gain a better understanding of the transport of solutes across the ice/water interface.
Refugee Identities: Ethnicity as a Communicative Process

Ethnicity and, by extension, ethnic identity, are problematic concepts to define. This article explores self-defined boundaries of ethnic identity by framing ethnicity as a communicative process th...
Shape Optimal Design Using Natural Shape Functions

The problem of concern is to find the optimum shape of an elastic body such that the weight is minimized subject to limits on the Von-Mises stress within each element. However, the basic approach and computational aspects apply to other types of shape optimization problems [1,2]. Further, the optimized shape should satisfy requirements such as a straight edge remains straight, or that a portion of the boundary remains unchanged.
The Empire’s New Clothes: The Myth of the Commonwealth - A Third Review

This monograph deserves to be controversial as it identifies and attacks myriad Commonwealth myths (plural). Yet the contemporary global context of a retreat from multilateralism means that we need...
Use of an Economical Thermal Transducer as a Net Radiometer 1

An instrument used to measure net radiation is described. A number of these instruments, because of their size and inexpensiveness, can be used within an experiment when connected to a single recorder by a switching mechanism.
Spatial genetic variation and habitat association of Rhinichthys cataractae , the longnose dace, in the Driftless Area of the upper Mississippi River basin

The Driftless Area of the upper Mississippi River drainage is a unique geographic region because of its complex geological history and the influence of recent, intensive human activities. The longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataractae, is a relatively common, small freshwater fish that is distributed in swift, cool streams within the region. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial genetic differentiation of the longnose dace and define the broad scale environmental variables that shape the distribution of the species in the southwestern portion of the Driftless Area. Genotypic data from seven microsatellite loci were analyzed for 276 individuals from 15 localities representing major drainages within the region in northeast Iowa. Broad scale environmental variables including hydrologic, soil, and climatic factors were evaluated to construct an ecological niche model (ENM) to predict the suitability of habitat for the species within the region. Results of the genetic analyses revealed two distinct, but somewhat admixed genetic clusters of longnose dace in Iowa. The genetic differentiation between localities and between drainages was low to moderate with some evidence of isolation by distance. Most of the variation was observed by differences between individuals within local populations. The ENM generated largely reflected the known distribution of the species in Iowa with a decreasing probability of suitable habitat from northern to southern drainages. Geologic factors played a key role in the model. The distribution and population structure of the longnose dace in the northeast Iowa revealed that isolation by distance, historical processes and the underlying geology are primarily responsible for the observed spatial distribution of genetic variation.
Nonequilibrium Green’s function method: Büttiker probes for carrier generation and recombination

The non-equilibrium Green function (NEGF) method is capable of nanodevice performance predictions including coherent and incoherent effects. To treat incoherent scattering, carrier generation and recombination is computationally very expensive. In this work, the numerically efficient Buttiker-probe model is expanded to cover recombination and generation effects in addition to various incoherent scattering processes. The capability of the new method to predict nanodevices is exemplified with quantum well III-N light-emitting diodes and anti-ambipolar 2D material hetero junctions.
DNA methylation links intrauterine stress with abnormal nephrogenesis

Scientists have long wondered how maternal diabetes, malnutrition and placental dysfunction impair fetal nephrogenesis. A new study discovered a link between prenatal metabolic stress and nephron deficit via dysregulation of DNA methylation — an epigenetic mechanism that is essential for the renewal and differentiation of nephron progenitors.
A RARE CASE OF GEMELLA BERGERI ENDOCARDITIS

Only 8 cases of Gemella bergeri endocarditis have been reported in literature. G. bergeri, a slow-growing, fastidious, gram positive cocci, is part of the normal human flora and can lead to a fulminant presentation. We describe a case of mitral valve G. bergeri endocarditis, which rapidly progressed
Is Endurance Exercise Safe? the Myth of Pheidippides

With the increase in participation in endurance events in the general population, patient concern may arise as to whether endurance exercise is safe. Acute but not chronic increases in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine albumin occur in endurance exercise. Iron-deficiency anemia may be observed in female athletes. Upper respiratory illness is increased in elite athletes but decreased in intense recreational athletes. No convincing evidence of developing osteoarthritis exists. Common gastrointestinal symptoms occur and isolated reports of gastrointestinal bleeding exist. Nevi are increased and the minimal erythematous dose is decreased. Exercising in the presence of air pollution has negative pulmonary effects, but overall, benefit exists. Numerous reports pertain to the cardiovascular system. The risk of cardiac arrest increases during exercise, troponin is elevated after exercise, and a predisposition for atrial fibrillation exists. Ventricular myocardial scar formation as assessed by gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging is inconsistently observed, and increased coronary plaque of a more stable variety is reported. Left ventricular compliance is chronically increased and no decrease in longevity is found. Although some concerns exist, endurance exercise is safe.
The Black Superwoman in spiritual bypass: Black women’s use of religious coping and implications for mental health professionals

The Black Superwoman Phenomenon refers to the idea that Black women should be caretakers and assume various roles and responsibilities without the opportunity to be emotionally transparent and expr...
Wave scattering in hyperbolic balance laws and the zero relaxation limit

In the context of a simple hyperbolic system of balance laws that relaxes to a scalar conservation law, the paper investigates the process by which the synergy of waves propagating with speeds akin to the characteristic speeds of the parent system produces, in the zero relaxation limit, waves propagating with speed akin to the characteristic speed of the equilibrium conservation law.
The Science of Proving Trademark Dilution

In this short commentary, we discuss our recent empirical scholarship on the vexing question of how to prove claims that a trademark has been diluted by “blurring.” We first discuss the current confusion in the federal courts over what qualifies as proof of dilution. We then report the results of two experiments that test different ways that plaintiffs may seek to prove these claims. Our bottom line is clear: the test that has been employed by most federal courts — what we refer to here as the “mere association test” — is an invalid measure of trademark dilution. The important question, which we take up later in this commentary, is how to improve upon that failed approach. We offer a new “association strength test” that can be used to prove — or, to disprove — dilution by blurring. This test offers a valid construct for measuring trademark dilution. Those who are interested in the full details of our research should consult the longer article, Testing for Trademark Dilution in Court and the Lab, 86 U. Chi. L. Rev. 611 (2019), from which this commentary is drawn.