cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
No long-term benefit from hypothermia after severe traumatic brain injury with secondary insult in rats.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of application of transient, moderate hypothermia on outcome after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a secondary hypoxemic insult. DESIGN Prospective, randomized study. SETTING University-based animal research facility. SUBJECTS Male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS All rats were subjected to severe TBI followed by 30 mins of moderate hypoxemia, associated with mild hypotension. Rats were randomized to three groups: a) normothermia (37 degrees C + 0.5 degrees C); b) immediate hypothermia (32 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C initiated after trauma, before hypoxemia); and c) delayed hypothermia (32 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C after hypoxemia). The brain temperature was controlled for 4 hrs after TBI and hypoxemia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Animals were evaluated after TBI for motor and cognitive performance using beam balance (days 1-5 after TBI), beam walking (days 1-5 after TBI), and Morris Water Maze (days 14-18 after TBI) assessments. On day 21 after TBI, rats were perfused with paraformaldehyde and brains were histologically evaluated for lesion volume and hippocampal neuron counts. All three groups showed marked deficits in beam balance, beam walking, and Morris Water Maze performance. However, these deficits did not differ between groups. There was no difference in lesion volume between groups. All animals had significant hippocampal neuronal loss on the side ipsilateral to injury, but this loss was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS In this rat model of severe TBI with secondary insult, moderate hypothermia for 4 hrs posttrauma failed to improve motor function, cognitive function, lesion volume or hippocampal neuronal survival. Combination therapies may be necessary in this difficult setting.
Preparation of a covalently linked adduct between plastocyanin and cytochrome f

Summary Plastocyanin can be covalently cross-linked to the monomeric cytochrome f from turnip by incubation in the presence of a water-soluble carbodiimide. The adduct between the two proteins has a molecular weight of approximately 43,000 suggesting a 1:1 stoichiometry between the two proteins of the adduct. This stoichiometry has been verified by spectral characterization of the adduct. The efficiency of the cross-linking reaction is pH dependent with a higher degree of cross-linking being observed at pH 6.5 than at pH 7.0.
Class of cosine-modulated multifilters

In this paper, the concept of cosine-modulated multifilter (CMMF) and the formulation of a class of cosine-modulated multifilters are proposed in order to take advantages of both cosine-modulated filter banks and multifilters. Specifically, the low-complexity in implementation of cosine-modulated filter bank can provide a way to overcome the high-complexity in design of the multifilters. Constrains on the prototype filter for the resulting CMMF to be paraunitary are stated and the design method is presented. Besides providing all the advantages that multifilters have, the proposed method has two major advantages over the existing multifilter design methods. First, all the filters in an M-band N-channel multifilter are cosine-modulated version of a single prototype filter, hence design complexity is significantly reduced. Second, the implementation is greatly simplified and efficient, especially when fast algorithm, such as fast DCT and FFT, are used in the cosine modulation case and exponential modulation case. Design examples are also presented.
Specificity of deletion events in pBR322.

Abstract The reversion of mutations due to inserts of identical palindromic DNAs just 1-bp apart in the amp gene of plasmid pBR322 varied up to 3000-fold ( U. DasGupta, K. Weston-Hafer, and D. E. Berg (1987) Genetics 115, 41–49). The experiments reported here show that the intrinsic frequencies of deletion from these sites are truly very different. Deletions were selected by the joint loss of sacB (sucrose sensitivity) and lacZα genes cloned together at these sites, without requiring restoration of the ampr allele. We found that >90% of deletions at each of these sites do restore the ampr allele. This result reinforces the view that the probability of forming a particular deletion depends strongly on the DNA sequence at its prospective endpoints.
Long-term visual prognoses in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: The Ludwig von Sallmann lecture

Retinitis pigmentosa can be followed over almost its entire course with narrow bandpassed, computer averaged cone electroretinograms (ERGs). The long-term rate of decline of these responses can be described by an exponential function. A cone ERG actuarial table based on 1039 patients and 6553 visits is presented to show the estimated number of years for an average patient with a given 30-Hz cone ERG amplitude to decline to 0.05 microV (i.e. virtual blindness). The table is based on a projected rate of loss of 10% of remaining cone ERG amplitude per year for those not on treatment and 8.3% per year for those on treatment with vitamin A palmitate 15,000 IU/day. The table can be used to provide an estimate of the average long-term visual prognosis from a single visit; more precise estimates for a specific patient require several additional visits over 2- to 3-year intervals. Evidence is presented to support the idea that patients with a projected cone amplitude of 3.5 microV or greater at age 40 (about 25% of our patient population with typical retinitis pigmentosa) would be expected, on average, to retain some useful vision for their entire lives without treatment. Knowledge of the amount of remaining cone function in the ERG often reduces patient anxiety and helps patients plan for their future.
New Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Guidelines for Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Comparison With Original RECIST and Impact on Assessment of Tumor Response to Targeted Therapy

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to compare the recently published revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines (version 1.1) to the original guidelines (RECIST 1.0) for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after erlotinib therapy and to evaluate the impact of the new CT tumor measurement guideline on response assessment.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty-three chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with erlotinib in a single-arm phase 2 multicenter open-label clinical trial were retrospectively studied. CT tumor measurement records using RECIST 1.0 that were generated as part of the prospective clinical trial were reviewed. A second set of CT tumor measurements was generated from the records to meet RECIST 1.1 guidelines. The number of target lesions, best response, and time to progression were compared between RECIST 1.1 and RECIST 1.0.RESULTS. The number of target lesions according to RECIST 1.1 decreased in 22 patients (51%) and did not change in ...
Spectroelectrochemical Sensing Based on Multimode Selectivity Simultaneously Achievable in a Single Device. 19. Preparation and Characterization of Films of Quaternized Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-silica

Quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine) (QPVP) has been incorporated as an anion exchanger into sol-gel derived silica films for use in a spectroelectrochemical sensor. The preparation, characteristics and performance of these films are described. The films, which are spin-coated onto the surface of a planar optically transparent electrode, are optically transparent and uniform. Scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry have been used to examine film structure, thickness and optical properties. These films have been shown both spectroscopically and electrochemically to preconcentrate ferrocyanide, a model analyte for the sensor. The films can be regenerated for multiple measurements by exposure to 1 M KNO3. The effects of polymer molecular weight and storage conditions on film performance are described. The overall response of this film is comparable to the poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride)-silica films previously used for this sensor.
Modeling Quality of Information in Multi-sensor Surveillance Systems

Current surveillance systems use multiple sensors and media processing techniques in order to record/detect information of interest in terms of events. Assessing the quality of information (QoI) of a surveillance system is an important task as any misleading information may lead to suspicion, undesired consequences, and unwanted invasion of privacy. In this paper, we propose a model to characterize Qol in multi-sensor surveillance systems in terms of four quality parameters, which are: accuracy, certainty, timeliness and integrity. The proposed model is extendable to include other quality parameters if deemed necessary for different task-specific scenarios, such as the ambient intelligence environment. which aims to provide context-aware personalized services to the people living in that environment. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed method, we provide experimental results in a surveillance system designed for identifying authorized entry in the observation area.
Institutional Habitus as the de facto Diversity Curriculum of Teacher Education

The unofficial “diversity curriculum” of an urban high school and how it is negotiated by prospective teachers during field experience and student-teaching experiences are examined. The school setting, including the people within it, communicate messages such as “who we are” and “how we do things here.” The intermediary construct of institutional habitus is used theoretically and analytically to focus institutional setting and illuminate how it shapes prospective teachers' understanding and practice.[diversity, teacher education, social context, habitus]
Fracture Risk in CKD

An increased risk of fracture, in particular hip fracture, has been consistently observed in studies of patients with ESRD ([1][1]–[4][2]). However, whether the mild to moderate reductions in renal function that are common in aged populations ([5][3]) increase the risk of fracture is less certain
Object detection and segmentation from joint embedding of parts and pixels

We present a new framework in which image segmentation, figure/ground organization, and object detection all appear as the result of solving a single grouping problem. This framework serves as a perceptual organization stage that integrates information from low-level image cues with that of high-level part detectors. Pixels and parts each appear as nodes in a graph whose edges encode both affinity and ordering relationships. We derive a generalized eigen-problem from this graph and read off an interpretation of the image from the solution eigenvectors. Combining an off-the-shelf top-down part-based person detector with our low-level cues and grouping formulation, we demonstrate improvements to object detection and segmentation.
Assessing Self-Appraisal of Job Performance as an Evaluation Device: Are the Poor Results a Function of Method or Methodology?:

Self-appraised job performance was studied in relation to supervisory ratings under those conditions in which self-evaluation is most likely to predict performance outcomes (Mabe & West, 1982). In contrast to previous research, there was no evidence of leniency error or restriction of range in self-appraised job performance. Convergence between self- and supervisory ratings was also evident, and was interpreted in light of the presence of halo error.
Entrainment of the Circadian Clock in the Liver by Feeding

Circadian rhythms of behavior are driven by oscillators in the brain that are coupled to the environmental light cycle. Circadian rhythms of gene expression occur widely in peripheral organs. It is unclear how these multiple rhythms are coupled together to form a coherent system. To study such coupling, we investigated the effects of cycles of food availability (which exert powerful entraining effects on behavior) on the rhythms of gene expression in the liver, lung, and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). We used a transgenic rat model whose tissues express luciferase in vitro. Although rhythmicity in the SCN remained phase-locked to the light-dark cycle, restricted feeding rapidly entrained the liver, shifting its rhythm by 10 hours within 2 days. Our results demonstrate that feeding cycles can entrain the liver independently of the SCN and the light cycle, and they suggest the need to reexamine the mammalian circadian hierarchy. They also raise the possibility that peripheral circadian oscillators like those in the liver may be coupled to the SCN primarily through rhythmic behavior, such as feeding.
Personnel Administration in Research and Development Organizations

After accepting a definition for personnel administration, it is emphasized that the responsibility for a personnel program rests upon all executives and supervisors of an organization, and that an effective program requires the co-operation and understanding of all members of the organization. Typical personnel activities are listed. Definitions for basic research, applied research, and development are given, and it is indicated that all three types of effort require persons who are extremely well trained In specific fields of endeavor, persons with creative ability, imagination, and originality of a high order. Conditions conducive to the productivity of such persons are outlined. It is then stressed that general personnel activities are applicable to research and development organizations, and, in addition, specialized functions are required to realize the conditions conducive to the happiness and productivity of scientists and engineers. However, research scientists and development engineers must actively participate in the personnel functions of a research and development group. The methods of discharging personnel responsibilities employed by two research and development organizations are contrasted. It is emphasized, however, that, with any method, effective personnel administration must be a service, not a control.
Closed-loop spurious tone reduction for self-healing frequency synthesizers

On-chip spurious tone detection and correction in an 8–12 GHz CMOS synthesizer is used to automatically reduce spurious output tones at different offset frequencies by up to 20dB. Using synchronous detection, sensitivity is limited by detection time only. The presented methods are generally applicable to frequency synthesizers and phased-locked loops in various applications.
Mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication line-contact formulas with different surface patterns:

The effect of surface pattern (orientation) on film thickness, asperity load ratio, and traction coefficient in line-contact EHL is studied. Numerical simulations results of the modified Reynolds—w...
Ca2+ signaling in arterioles and small arteries of conscious, restrained, optical biosensor mice

Two-photon fluorescence microscopy and conscious, restrained optical biosensor mice were used to study smooth muscle Ca2+ signaling in ear arterioles. Conscious mice were used in order to preserve normal mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). ExMLCK mice, which express a genetically-encoded smooth muscle-specific FRET-based Ca2+ indicator, were equipped with blood pressure telemetry and immobilized for imaging. MAP was 101±4 mmHg in conscious restrained mice, similar to the freely mobile state (107±3 mmHg). Oscillatory vasomotion or irregular contractions were observed in most arterioles (71%), with the greatest oscillatory frequency observed at 0.25 s-1. In a typical arteriole with an average diameter of ~35 μm, oscillatory vasomotion of a 5-6 μm magnitude was accompanied by nearly uniform [Ca2+] oscillations from ~ 0.1 to 0.5 μM, with maximum [Ca2+] occurring immediately before the rapid decrease in diameter. Very rapid, spatially uniform ‘Ca2+ flashes’ were also observed but not asynchronous propagating Ca2+ waves. In contrast, vasomotion and dynamic Ca2+ signals were rarely observed in ear arterioles of anesthetized exMLCK biosensor mice. Hexamethonium (30 μg/g BW, i.p.) caused a fall in MAP to 74±4 mmHg, arteriolar vasodilation, and abolition of vasomotion and synchronous Ca2+ transients. Summary. MAP and heart rate were normal during high-resolution Ca2+ imaging of conscious, restrained mice. SNA induced continuous vasomotion and irregular vasoconstrictions via spatially uniform Ca2+ signaling within the arterial wall. FRET-based biosensor mice and two-photon imaging provided the first measurements of [Ca2+] in vascular smooth muscle cells in arterioles of conscious animals.
A modulation view of audio processing for reducing audible artifacts

When manipulating audio signals, frequency decomposition, gain functions, and temporal behavior can be understood in terms of modulation effects and their perceptual impact. For example, audio enhancement or dynamic range control both rely on spectral gain functions that fluctuate rapidly enough to adapt to changing signal characteristics. However, rapid fluctuations in gain effectively modulate the signal, resulting in perceptual artifacts. This paper discusses the perceptual impact of modulating gain and trade-off between temporal responsiveness and perceptibility. We demonstrate that, in many situations, it is best to apply gains in subbands that are similar to critical bands in the human auditory system and that the gain function in each subband should be low-pass filtered with a cutoff frequency proportional to the subband bandwidth.
Mandibular single-implant overdentures: a review with surgical and prosthodontic perspectives of a novel approach.

Objectives: To review the literature on mandibular single-implant overdentures (opposing complete maxillary dentures), and present surgical and prosthodontic perspectives of a novel approach for this treatment option. Material and methods: An electronic search through the databases of Pubmed, Embase and Medline using the linked key words ‘mandibular single implant overdentures’ was performed. The search was limited to English language articles published up to August 2008. Hand searches through articles retrieved from the electronic search, peer-reviewed journals and recent conference proceedings were also conducted. Results: A limited number of reports were identified on mandibular single-implant overdentures (opposing maxillary complete dentures). They comprised of case-series reports, short-term prospective trials and current randomized-controlled clinical trials. Different loading protocols with different implant systems have been used, but always with regular diameter implants. Specific anatomical and vascular dangers of the mandibular midline symphysis are identified including a novel surgical approach using a currently available short, wide diameter tapered implant. In addition, the prosthodontic rationale for using a larger attachment system (incorporating a platform switch) for mandibular single-implant overdentures is described. Conclusion: The review reveals that there is a lack of published randomized clinical trials using mandibular single-implant overdentures, opposing maxillary complete dentures. Without the evidence from randomized clinical trials, routine use of this novel approach cannot be recommended, compared with using regular diameter implants and matching attachment systems.
Synthesis and Polymerizability of Atom-Bridged Bicyclic Monomers

¨The synthesis and polymerizability of atom-bridged bicyclic monomers was surveyed. The monomers included lactams, ureas, urethanes, lactones, carbonates, ethers, acetals, orthoesters, and amines. Despite widely-varying structures, they almost all polymerized to give polymers with monocyclic rings in the chain. The polymerizations are grouped by mechanism: uncoordinated anionic, coordinated anionic, and cationic.
The human Mi-2/NuRD complex and gene regulation

The Mi-2/nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex is an abundant deacetylase complex with a broad cellular and tissue distribution. It is unique in that it couples histone deacetylation and chromatin remodeling ATPase activities in the same complex. A decade of research has uncovered a number of interesting connections between Mi-2/NuRD and gene regulation. The subunit composition of the enzyme appears to vary with cell type and in response to physiologic signals within a tissue. Here, we review the known subunits of the complex, their connections to signaling networks, and their association with cancer. In addition, we propose a working model that integrates the known biochemical properties of the enzyme with emerging models on how chromatin structure and modification relate to gene activity.
Abstract 705: Combinatorial therapeutic targeting of BMP2 and MEK in NF1-null malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Our lab has identified and validated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) signaling pathways as a therapeutic target in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), independent of the NRAS and MEK1/2 regulation. BMP2/SMAD signaling is associated with enhanced motility and invasion, a hallmark feature of the biological aggressiveness of MPNSTs. We have shown that inhibition of BMP2 leads to decreased motility and invasiveness in MPNST cell lines. Consistent with our data, gene expression studies from NF1 patient tissue samples demonstrated that increased expression of BMP2 is associated with malignancy in NF1 patients. Ras-GAP related domain (GRD) is the most widely studied functional target of Nf1 implicated in tumorigenesis, however, therapeutic interventions targeting Ras activity have met with limited success. Our objective is to target the BMP2/SMAD pathway, involved in migration and invasion, in combination with MEK inhibitors to develop a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of MPNSTs. The mechanism by which NF1-deficiency leads to activation of BMP2 signaling pathways, and consequently increased cellular motility and invasion is unknown. Using NF1(+/-) and NF1 knockdown MPNST cell lines, we are investigating the transcriptional regulation of BMP2 by NF1 to identify signaling mechanisms downstream of NF1 mediating increase in BMP2 levels. We will present data showing that BMP2 is regulated at the level of transcript stability upon NF1 deficiency. We will identify and design a rational approach of targeting of the molecular components involved in stability of the BMP2 3′ UTR in MPNSTs. Furthermore, we will present a combinatorial approach that targets the growth and proliferative potential of MPNSTs by RAS-MEK inhibitors, along with motility and invasive capability by inhibition of the BMP2-Smad axis for better targeting of these tumors. The overall goal of our research is to use the regulation of BMP2 transcriptional control to define mechanism-based novel druggable targets that can be exploited in combinatorial therapies with RAS-MEK inhibitors to treat NF1-related tumors. Citation Format: Sidra Ahsan, Daochun Sun, Michael A. Tainsky. Combinatorial therapeutic targeting of BMP2 and MEK in NF1-null malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. [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 705. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-705
THE DEPENDENCE OF BEE-MEDIATED POLLEN AND GENE DISPERSAL UPON PLANT DENSITY.

Pollen dispersal and pollen-mediated gene dispersal in flowering plants are effected primarily by animals and air currents. It is generally accepted that the dispersal of pollen within a colony of a given species is under the control of these agents and beyond the control of the colony. This view may be valid in the case of anemophilous plants where alterations of colony parameters ostensibly would have no effect upon the characteristics of pollen flow, since these parameters would not affect the transferal agent. However, in entomophilous plants, pollen and associated gene movements are mediated by vectors which may be sensitive to stimuli emanating from the colony. If pollinators respond to such stimuli, permutations of which would alter foraging behavior, the colony, wittingly or unwittingly, would control the dispersal of its pollen and genes. A recent study on pollinator flight patterns in Liatris aspera (Levin and Kerster, 1969) has shown that plant density and spacing control the feeding-flight behavior of bees and the movement of pollen which they bear. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether the dependence of bee-flight characteristics and bee-mediated pollen dispersal upon plant spacing is a general phenomenon. We will show that bees are highly responsive to plant spacing and that bee-mediated pollen dispersal and associated gene dispersal is strongly correlated with plant spacing, the plant species and floral mechanism notwithstanding.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurring in a skin-grafted ileostomy stoma. Report of a case.

A squamous cell carcinoma arose in a skin-grafted ileostomy stoma 26 years after proctocolectomy for Crohn's colitis. The patient presented with peristomal ulceration and pain of several monthss duration. Attention is drawn to this late complication of ileostomy which requires wide local excision and relocation of the stoma
Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage after spinal surgery

Intracerebral hemorrhage after spinal surgery is a rare but dreaded complication. The most commonly described form of intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery is remote cerebellar hemorrhage (i.e. anatomically distant from the surgical site) (Brockmann MA, Groden C. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage: a review. The Cerebellum 2006;5:64-8); however subdural, subarachnoid, and intraventricular hemorrhage can also occur in combination or isolated (Kaloostian PE, Kim JE, Bydon A, Sciubba DM, Wolinsky JP, Gokaslan ZL, Witham TF. Intracranial hemorrhage after spine surgery. J Neurosurg Spine 2013;19:370-80; Khalatbari MR, Khalatbari J, Moharamzad Y. Intracranial hemorrhage following lumbar spine surgery. Eur Spine J 2012;21:2092-96). Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage after spinal surgery is extremely rare; to our knowledge, there are only two cases reported in the literature (Kaloostian PE, Kim JE, Bydon A, Sciubba DM, Wolinsky JP, Gokaslan ZL, Witham TF. Intracranial hemorrhage after spine surgery. J Neurosurg Spine 2013;19:370-80; Khalatbari MR, Khalatbari J, Moharamzad Y. Intracranial hemorrhage following lumbar spine surgery. Eur Spine J 2012;21:2092-96). Here, we present a 76-year-old female patient who developed isolated intraventricular hemorrhage after spinal surgery.
Optimal Analysis on Intelligent Controlling of the Power Plant Circulating Water System

The development of the smart grid depends on intelligent control devices and the automation control level. Optimization study is made on different types of intelligent control unit of the circulating water system,while different control systems difficulty in controlling the process is analyzed. Solutions to them is given,ensuring the safety and stability operation of the circulating water system.
Exploring the Relationship Between Computer Proficiency and Computer Use Over Time in the PRISM Trial

The aim of the PRISM trial was to examine the potential benefits of a Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) computer system on the well-being and perceived social support of an older adult sample at risk for social isolation. Participants (N = 300) were randomly assigned to receive the PRISM system, which was designed to support social connections, information gathering, prospective memory, and access to local and national resources, or a binder that contained similar information. The intervention lasted one year, and the computer usage of the PRISM group was monitored. This trial represented a unique opportunity to explore potential barriers to the adoption and continued use of information and communications technologies. Specifically, this paper explored the relationship between computer proficiency and use of the PRISM system over time. Contrary to what one might predict, participants with initially low proficiency used the system more over the course of the trial (r(123) = −.22, p < .05). The fact that even those with the lowest levels or proficiency were able to become among the most active PRISM users may reflect that the system was designed well for older adult computer novices (the intended target of the intervention). Over the course of the trial, participants assigned to the PRISM condition improved substantially in their computer proficiency. Increased computer proficiency from baseline to 12 months was a much strong predictor of system use (r(123) = .53, p < .001), possibly reflecting increased proficiency as a result of greater use over time. Overall, data suggest a complex relationship between computer use, computer proficiency, and changes in computer proficiency over time worthy of additional exploration to further understand the effects of, and barriers to, the use of information and communications technologies.
Electrochemical Techniques to Study Hydrogen Ingress in Metals

The behavior of hydrogen in metals has attracted considerable interest in various areas, particularly materials degradation and energy conversion. The adverse effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of steels and other alloys has long been known and has prompted numerous studies of hydrogen in metals and alloys aimed at understanding the processes leading to hydrogen embrittlement.1–3 The use of hydrogen as a reactant in batteries and fuel cells has also promoted research on the storage of hydrogen either in the hydride or molecular form.4–7 In both the embrittlement and energy areas, the demand for improved performance of materials has created an emphasis on acquiring a knowledge of the absorption and transport characteristics of hydrogen in metals.
Characterizing Growth and Condition of Endangered Humpback Chub in the Lower Colorado River

Abstract This paper is a preface to the two papers that follow in this issue. The two papers (by Pine et al. and Hayes et al.) use long-term fish sampling data from ongoing Humpback Chub monitoring efforts and archival otolith samples (from museums) collected in the lower Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers during periods of both cold- and warm-water conditions to assess whether Humpback Chub growth characteristics may have responded to changes in water temperature. Growth patterns are often of interest to resource managers because growth integrates a large range of environmental and ecological factors, including habitat conditions. Together, these papers contribute information to a large collection of recent studies, developing a line of evidence designed to inform management decisions related to water releases, dam operations, and management actions that could be taken to aid recovery of native fish populations in regulated river systems around the world.
Identifying and Prioritizing the Barriers and Facilitators to the Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Community-Centered Approach

Self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus is crucial to controlling the disease and preventing harm. Multiple factors have been identified in the literature as potential barriers and facilitators to self-management, but the magnitude and directionality of these factors are seldom studied. We sought to develop and test an instrument to identify and quantify the barriers and facilitators to self-management of type 2 diabetes. A community-centered approach was used to design, implement, and interpret the results of a stated-preference study. All activities were guided by a diverse stakeholder board. Based on previously reported development work, a novel survey instrument consisting of 13 potential barriers and facilitators was pretested and piloted in our local community. Participants were asked to discuss, rate, and rank each factor. A simple self-explicated method was used to quantify the data and Z scores were used for hypothesis testing. In total, 25 patients with self-reported type 2 diabetes (64% female; 92% minorities) participated in the pretest and pilot. Time commitments (Z = −3.72), lack of active support groups (Z = −3.39) and other resources in the local community (Z = −2.96), and language/culture (Z = −2.69) were identified as barriers to self-management. Access to healthy food (Z = +5.68), personal understanding (Z = +4.81), and communication with healthcare providers (Z = +4.62) were identified as facilitators. We demonstrate that factors impacting self-management can be quantified and categorized as barriers and facilitators. While further refinement to some factors and investigation into alternative prioritization methods is necessary, our stakeholder board endorsed moving this to a large nationally representative study to see how these factors vary across different people.
Optimal Capacity Sizing for Completely Green Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles

Although proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is associated with significant environmental benefits, these benefits would be forfeited if the associated EV charging systems would rely only on conventional power grid, whose power is mainly generated by fossil-fueled power plants. In contrast, utilizing distributed renewable energy sources (RES) will preserve and further amplify these environmental benefits. However, planning of green EV charging systems has not been adequately investigated in the technical literature. This paper studies the optimal sizing of a completely green charging system, which relies entirely on the power generated by RES, specifically by solar panels. In particular, this paper presents a methodology to determine the optimal resource size (e.g., the number of solar panels and the energy-storage capacity) that minimizes the charging system’s investment costs, while meeting the charging system’s performance metrics. A search-based algorithm is devised to solve the formulated nonlinear integer programming problem in order to efficiently explore the problem’s solution space. A 3-D Markov chain model is used to account for the intermittency in solar power production. Finally, an example of a completely green charging system is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed methodology.
What does that shirt mean to you? Thrift-store consumption as cultural capital:

Recent work shows cultural capital taking increasingly vague and embodied forms. Attitudes and understandings of “creativity” and “authenticity,” for example, hold more symbolic value than any part...
Electrolysis in Thin-Film Nickel Coatings: Mimicking Supernova Physics?

Physics similar to the r-process mechanism of forming heavy elements in core-collapse supernovas is invoked to explain the recent observation of nuclear transmutations in thin-film nickel coatings ...
Reliability Analysis of a Decentralized Microgrid Control Architecture

Reliability enhancement of microgrids is challenged by environmental and operational failures. Centrally controlled microgrids are susceptible to failures at high probability due to a single-point-of-failure, e.g., the central controller. True decentralization of microgrid architecture entails elimination of the central controller, attaining a parallel configuration for the system. In this paper, decentralized microgrid control architecture is proposed as a solution for reliability degradation over time, and analyzes the reliability aspects of centralized and decentralized control architectures for microgrids. Degree of importance of a single controller in centralized and decentralized architectures is determined and validated by Markov chain models. Results confirm that higher reliability is achieved when true decentralization of control architecture has been adopted. Challenges of implementing a true decentralized control architecture are discussed. Hardware-In-the-Loop simulation results for microgrid controller failure scenarios for both architectures are presented and discussed.
DNA Base Excision Repair Pathways

DNA base excision repair (BER) prevents mutagenesis or cell death by correcting most of the hydrolytic, oxidative, and alkylation DNA lesions due to both cellular reactions and environmental agents. Two branches of BER carry out the repair process by replacing one or multiple nucleotides, respectively. DNA N-glycosylases (11 distinct proteins in human cells) remove many different damaged or inappropriately inserted bases. The DNA glycosylases generate abasic (AP) sites then enter the central BER pathway, along with abasic lesions formed by hydrolysis or oxidative attack. These are cleaved by a hydrolytic AP endonuclease. In some cases, the DNA glycosylase may itself also cleave the AP site in a β-elimination reaction; the resulting 3′-abasic product is also excised by an AP endonuclease. DNA synthesis then replaces at least the missing nucleotide. In mammalian cells, repair synthesis carried out by DNA polymerase β, which then also excises the 5′-abasic residue, and DNA ligase III completes the repair. In some cases, as with the oxidative lesion 2-deoxyribonolactone, excision by the polymerase is not possible, and additional DNA synthesis takes place involving the replication polymerases δ or e. The resulting displaced flap must then be excised by another replication protein, FEN1, before ligase I can complete the repair. The single-nucleotide and ‘long-patch’ BER pathways function both in the nucleus and in mitochondria.
Chemical Analysis of Trace Impurities

Ideally, analytical methods for materials used in halide glasses must detect and differentiate impurity levels down to the parts-per-billion or parts-per-trillion level. These sensitivities are required for transition-metal and rare-earth ions, as well as for ammonium, hydroxide, and some other nonmetallic ions. Dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, and even argon are also of concern, as is dispersed elemental carbon.
The Impact of a Technology Ban on Students' Perceptions and Performance in Introduction to Psychology.

To test the impact of the implementation of technology bans on students’ experience within a course, we collected data from four sections of Introduction to Psychology at a small liberal arts colle...
State of apps targeting management for sustainability of agricultural landscapes. A review

The triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability in agriculture requires multi- and inter-disciplinary expertise and remains a major design and implementation challenge. Tools are needed to link extension agents, development workers, farmers, and other agriculture decision-makers to information related to practices that improve sustainability across agricultural landscapes. The digital age has brought many new cloud-based and mobile device–accessible software applications (apps) targeted at farmers and others in the agriculture sector; however, the effectiveness of these tools for advancing sustainability goals is unknown. Here, we review apps for agriculture in order to identify gaps in information provisioning and sharing for tools that connect decision-makers to knowledge in support of sustainable agricultural landscapes. The major findings are (1) Agricultural apps can be categorized as supporting regulatory compliance, equipment optimization, farming simulator games, information management, agronomic reference information, product tracking, pest identification, emissions accounting, or benchmarks for marketing claims. (2) Many apps are developed to link specific products for single solutions, such as GPS-guided crop implementation or sensors within Internet-of-things connectivity. (3) While pilots, prototypes, and case studies are available in both Apple and Android digital markets, public mobile apps to improve multidirectional agriculture knowledge exchange are limited and poorly documented. (4) There remains a need for apps emphasizing knowledge exchange and resource discovery, rather than simply information delivery, to help farmers identify evidence-based practices that improve indicators of sustainability. (5) Development of a digital decision support tool requires early and ongoing interactions with targeted end users to clarify app performance objectives and social networking preferences, ensure reliability of scientific input and business management plans, and optimize the user experience.
The complexity dividend: when sophisticated inference matters

Summary Animals continuously infer latent properties of the world from noisy and changing observations. Complex approaches to this challenge such as Bayesian inference are accurate but cognitively demanding, requiring extensive working memory and adaptive learning. Simple strategies such as always using a prior bias or following the last observation are easy to implement but may be less accurate. What is the appropriate balance between complexity and accuracy? We construct a hierarchy of strategies that vary in complexity between these limits and find a power law of diminishing returns: increasing complexity gives progressively smaller gains in accuracy. Moreover, the rate at which the gain decrements depends systematically on the statistical uncertainty in the world, such that complex strategies do not provide substantial benefits over simple ones when uncertainty is too high or too low. In between, when the world is neither too predictable nor too unpredictable, there is a complexity dividend.
Adaptations of the neuromuscular junction to exercise training

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the synapse that enables proper function of the neuromuscular system. Like other synapses, the NMJ is sensitive to changes in its pattern of use and adapts accordingly. Exercise training stimulates the NMJ and elicits functional and morphological remodeling resulting in improved performance. Physiologically, exercise training increases quantal content, safety margin, alters spontaneous release of neurotransmitter, and improves resistance to fatigue during a train of stimuli. Structurally, exercise training leads to enhanced presynaptic nerve terminal branching, number of vesicles, along with a greater number of postsynaptic receptors. Generally, presynaptic to postsynaptic coupling is unaffected by exercise. Although the NMJ responds to both endurance training (e.g. running, swimming) and resistance training, it appears that the constant stimulus of endurance training imparts a more powerful stimulus to the NMJ. The plasticity of the NMJ is elegantly demonstrated with exercise training.
Aches and Pain in the Geriatric Trauma Patient

This review examines the pain control options for geriatric trauma patients, who represent an increasing proportion of the trauma population. Current pain management of geriatric trauma patients has evolved to a multimodal pain approach including non-opioid medications and regional anesthesia, due to safety concerns with respiratory depression and delirium when using primarily opioid-based pain regimens. Ideal regimens incorporate treatment of multiple pain pathways to decrease the required dosages of all pain medicine to safer thresholds, especially in the geriatric patient population. Intravenous, oral, and transdermal adjunctive medications provide effective pain control for these patients. Regional anesthesia also improves pain control and decreases narcotic use, especially in the setting of rib and femoral fractures. The growing population of elderly trauma patients requires thoughtful multimodal pain therapy regimens tailored to injury type and personalized to the patient’s comorbidities to optimize outcomes and prevent complications.
The Color of Fear: A Cognitive-Rhetorical Analysis of How Florida 's Subjective Fear Standard in Stand Your Ground Cases Ratifies Racism

Law often functions as a mirror of societal values at a given point in time, but it is also a tool of social construction operating to either reinforce generally acceptable norms or to redefine norms that are no longer generally accepted. Through its use of the subjective fear standard, Florida’s Stand Your Ground functions as a tool of social construction in that it reinforces deeply entrenched racial bias and perpetuates racism by condoning and ratifying behavior consistent with the suspicion heuristic. In this way, it not only declares as acceptable those behaviors that are influenced by racial bias, but it also perpetuates racial bias by further burying individual awareness that the bias even exists. Study after study confirm that Black men, by virtue of their race, are the most feared individuals in society. The theory of embodied rationality confirms that Americans experience a fear response based on race, a germane, innate biological characteristic that cannot possibly accurately communicate whether the other person is a threat. The suspicion heuristic explains the negative decisions and behaviors that result from the irrational fear created by deep-seated, largely invisible, racial bias. Viewed through the lens of embodied rationality and particularly the suspicion heuristic, Florida’s Stand Your Ground statutory scheme condones, ratifies, reinforces, and perpetuates both overt and implicit racial bias. American culture is long overdue for major shifts in how it views and perceives race. Until law forces individuals to face the realities of racial bias, however, deep-seated beliefs about the value of Black lives, and the lives of other minorities, will continue to breed in the dark recesses of our minds.
Relationship between Drug Overdose Mortality and Coverage of Drug-Related Issues in US Television Political Campaign Advertising in the 2012 and 2016 Election Cycles.

Context Understanding the role of drug-related issues in political campaign advertising can provide insight on the salience of this issue and the priorities of candidates for elected office. This study sought to quantify the share of campaign advertising mentioning drugs in the 2012 and 2016 election cycles and to estimate the association between local drug overdose mortality and drug mentions in campaign advertising across US media markets. Methods The analysis used descriptive and spatial statistics to examine geographic variation in campaign advertising mentions of drugs across all 210 US media markets, and it used multivariable regression to assess area-level factors associated with that variation. Findings The share of campaign ads mentioning drugs grew from 0.5% in the 2012 election cycle to 1.6% in the 2016 cycle. In the 2016 cycle, ads airing in media markets with overdose mortality rates in the 95th percentile were more than three times as likely to mention drugs as ads airing in areas with overdose mortality rates in the 5th percentile. Conclusions A small proportion of campaign advertising mentioned drug-related issues. In the 2016 cycle, the issue was more prominent in advertising in areas hardest hit by the drug overdose crisis and in advertising for local races.
SUPPORT-AF III: supporting use of AC through provider prompting about oral anticoagulation therapy for AF.

Only half of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with elevated stroke risk receive anticoagulation (AC). Electronic health record (EHR) alerts have the potential to close the gap. We designed an outpatient EHR alert (linked to an order set for ordering AC, labs, and specialty referrals) that fired when cardiology and primary care providers (PCPs) saw AF patients not on AC. We assigned all untreated patients seen by cardiology providers and PCPs in the 8 months before and after the alert launch to pre- and post-launch intervention cohorts, respectively. Untreated AF patients seeing other types of providers became controls. We then compared the difference in AC starts between intervention and control patients post-launch to the same difference prelaunch (adjusting for covariates). We measured alert responsiveness as how often patients had at least one encounter with a provider, who interacted with the alert. The adjusted percentage of AC starts for the prelaunch cohort was 20% for intervention patients and 17% for controls (difference = 3%); post-launch, the percentage was 13% for both post-launch intervention and controls (difference = 0%). The difference in difference was − 3% (p value 0.63). For half of patients, at least one provider was responsive to our alert. Reasons for no AC commonly included relative contraindications (e.g. fall, gastrointestinal bleed). Our alert did not increase AC starts but responsiveness to it was high. Increasing AC starts will likely require education surrounding relative contraindications.