cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orientation Tuning of the Suppressive Extraclassical Surround Depends on Intrinsic Organization of V1

The intrinsic functional architecture of early cortical areas in highly visual mammals is characterized by the presence of domains and pinwheels, with orientation preference of the inputs to these regions being more and less selective, respectively. We exploited this organizational feature to investigate mechanisms supporting extraclassical surround suppression, a process thought to be critical for figure ground segregation and form vision. Combining intrinsic signal optical imaging and single-unit recording in V1 of anesthetized cats, we show for the first time that the orientation tuning of the suppressive surround is sharper for domain than for pinwheel neurons. This difference depends on high center gain and is more pronounced in superficial cortex. In addition, when we remove the near component of the surround stimulus, the strength of suppression induced by the iso-oriented surround is significantly reduced for domain neurons but is unchanged for orthogonal oriented surrounds. This leads to broader orientation tuning of suppression that renders domain cells indistinguishable from pinwheel cells. Because the limited receptive field of the near surround can be accounted for by the lateral spread of long-range connections in V1, our findings suggest that intrinsic V1 circuits play a key role in the orientation tuning of extraclassical surround suppression.
Hispanic Baby Boomers: Health Inequities Likely to Persist in Old Age

PURPOSE: As the Baby-Boom generation enters the ranks of the elderly adults over the next 4 decades, the United States will witness an unprecedented growth in racial/ethnic diversity among the older adult population. Hispanics will comprise 20% of the next generation of older adults, representing the largest minority population aged 65 years and older, with those of Mexican-origin comprising the majority of Hispanics. Little is known about the health status of this population. DATA/ METHODS: Data are for Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 (ages 43-61) in the 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Logistic regression estimates the odds of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, fair/poor self-rated health (SRH), and functional difficulties among U.S.-born non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), U.S.-born Mexicans, naturalized Mexican immigrants, and noncitizen Mexican immigrants. RESULTS: The Mexican-origin populations are disadvantaged relative to NHW for all socioeconomic status (SES) and several health outcomes. The Mexican origin disadvantage in health attenuates when controlling for SES and demographics, but the disadvantage remains for diabetes, obesity, and fair/poor SRH. IMPLICATIONS: Baby Boomers of Mexican origin do not share the advantages of health, income, and educational attainment enjoyed by U.S.-born NHW. As this cohort moves into old age, the cumulative disadvantage of existing disparities are likely to result in continued or worse health disparities. Reductions in federal entitlement programs for the elderly adults that delay eligibility, scale back programs and services, or increase costs to consumers may exacerbate those inequities.
The Turing Test and non-information flow

Shows how the Turing Test provides a very simple yet very general characterization of non-information flow in multilevel information systems. Despite its conceptual simplicity, the Turing Test provides the study of information flow with an extremely useful notion which seems to be a significant departure from other current information flow theories. Turing's powerful idea is that information entropy is represented as uncertainty about the mathematical definition of a system, rather than as some function of the direct behavior of the system. >
Eye movements index implicit memory expression in fear conditioning

The role of contingency awareness in simple associative learning experiments with human participants is currently debated. Since prior work suggests that eye movements can index mnemonic processes that occur without awareness, we used eye tracking to better understand the role of awareness in learning aversive Pavlovian conditioning. A complex real-world scene containing four embedded household items was presented to participants while skin conductance, eye movements, and pupil size were recorded. One item embedded in the scene served as the conditional stimulus (CS). One exemplar of that item (e.g. a white pot) was paired with shock 100 percent of the time (CS+) while a second exemplar (e.g. a gray pot) was never paired with shock (CS-). The remaining items were paired with shock on half of the trials. Participants rated their expectation of receiving a shock during each trial, and these expectancy ratings were used to identify when (i.e. on what trial) each participant became aware of the programmed contingencies. Disproportionate viewing of the CS was found both before and after explicit contingency awareness, and patterns of viewing distinguished the CS+ from the CS-. These observations are consistent with “dual process” models of fear conditioning, as they indicate that learning can be expressed in patterns of viewing prior to explicit contingency awareness.
Cellular basis of ventricular arrhythmias and abnormal automaticity in heart failure.

The high incidence of sudden death in heart failure may reflect an increased propensity to abnormal repolarization and long Q-T interval-related arrhythmias. If so, cells from failing hearts would ...
Socialization and Personality throughout the Life Span: An Examination of Contemporary Psychological Approaches

ABSTRACT Like all people, developmental psychologists possess an organized view of human nature, or a model of man. The model of man held by the psychologist is consistent with the psychological model or paradigm that dominates and guides his scientific activities. Nearly all contemporary psychological approaches to the study of human behavior and development can be characterized as subscribing to one of two general models—the mechanistic model and the organismic model. Five quite diverse approaches to the study of socialization and personality development (Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental approach, social-learning theory, Loevinger's ego-development system, the Chicago approach to adult personality, Cattell's factor-trait approach) are examined. It is found that each can be classified as adhering to the assumptions deriving from either one or the other of the two general models. The claim is made that the changing nature of society and human needs demands the formulation of a new psychological model; this model must emphasize the complex relational, interactional, and dialectic nature of human development within the context of an evolving society.
Economic Impacts of Inter-Island Energy in Hawaii

This study assesses the economic and greenhouse gas emissions impacts of a proposed 400MW wind farm in Hawaii. Due to its island setting, this project is a hybrid between an onshore and offshore wind development. The turbines are planned for the island(s) of Lanai and, potentially, Molokai. The project includes building an undersea cable to bring the power to the population center of Oahu. It is motivated by 1) Hawaiis high electricity rates, which are nearly three times the national average, and 2) its Renewable Portfolio Standard mandating that 40% of electricity sales be met through renewable sources by the year 2030. We use an economy-wide computable general equilibrium model of Hawaiis economy coupled with a detailed dynamic optimization model for the electric sector. We find that the 400MW wind project competes with imported biofuel as a least-cost means of meeting the RPS mandate. As such, the wind project serves as a hedge against potentially rising and volatile fuel prices, including biofuel. Though its net positive macroeconomic impacts are small, the estimated reduction by 9 million metric tons of CO2 emissions makes the project a cost-effective approach to GHG reduction. Moreover, variability in imported fuel costs are found to be a much more dominant factor in determining cost-effectiveness than potential cost overruns in the wind projects construction.
Population genetics of Chironomus Stigmaterus Say (Diptera: Chironomidae): Cytogenetic and enzyme variability in populations of the southwestern United States

Chironomus stigmaterus Say (Diptera : Chironomidae) exhibits genetic divergence between a chromosomally polymorphic form in Texas and New Mexico and a virtually monomorphic form restricted to California. Twenty-eight rearrangements have been recorded in the species but only eight were observed in California while 21 occurred in Texas and New Mexico. The majority of these rearrangements were found only in single heterozygotes but 10 inversions formed polymorphisms sufficiently stable to become established in populations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Inversion frequencies were high in populations of western Texas and eastern New Mexico but became lower in peripheral populations, suggesting a clinal reduction to monomorphism in California. However, no populations were found in Arizona to prove distribution continuity. When these data are considered with those of a companion electrophoretic study (Hilburn, 1979), it appears the observed dichotomy in rearrangement heterozygosities is a manifestation of divergence in the total genetic compositions of the two taxa. The data support the hypothesis that, in the southwestern United States, C. stigmaterus is represented by two subspecies having different levels of chromosomal heterozygosity, different enzyme alleles, and, possibly, partial reproductive isolation.
A Numerical Study of Single Phase Dielectric Fluid Immersion Cooling of Multichip Modules

Immersion, single phase free convection cooling of multichip modules on a printed circuit board in a pool of dielectric fluid was examined numerically, with experimental verification of baseline cases. A multi-chip module with multiple thermal test cells with temperature sensing capability was simulated. The commercially available computational fluid dynamics program from ANSYS, Fluent, was used with the electronics packaging front end, Icepak, employed to create the models and compact conduction modules. Simulations were first performed of an experimental test vehicle which had five 18 mm by 18 mm die, arranged in a cross pattern, equally spaced die, 25 mm between them. Two of the die were aligned vertically with the center die, two aligned horizontally with it. The board was suspended vertically in a large pool of dielectric fluid. Heat was dissipated in the die at a flux of up to 2 W/cm2, based on the die surface area. Simulation results were compared with experimentally measured die temperature values...
Corticosterone decreases nonshivering thermogenesis and increases lipid storage in brown adipose tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) contains glucocorticoid receptors; glucocorticoids are required for maintaining differentiated BAT in culture. These studies were performed to determine the effects of corticosterone on BAT thermogenic function and lipid storage. Rats were adrenalectomized and given subcutaneous corticosterone pellets in concentrations that maintained plasma corticosterone constant across the range of 0-20 micrograms/dl or were sham adrenalectomized. All variables were examined 5 days after surgery and corticosterone replacement. Measures of BAT function-thermogenic capacity [guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) binding and uncoupling protein (UCP; a BAT-specific thermogenic protein)] and storage (BAT wet wt, protein, and DNA levels) were made. Plasma hormones (corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, insulin, 3,3',5-triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were measured. Corticosterone significantly affected BAT thermogenic measures: UCP content and binding of GDP to BAT mitochondria decreased with increasing corticosterone; GDP binding characteristics in BAT from similarly prepared rats examined by Scatchard analysis showed that maximum binding (Bmax) and dissociation constant (Kd) decreased with increasing corticosterone dose. BAT DNA was increased by adrenalectomy and maintained at intact levels with all doses of corticosterone; BAT lipid storage increased dramatically at corticosterone values higher than the daily mean level in intact rats. Histologically, the number and size of lipid droplets within BAT adipocytes increased markedly with increased corticosterone. White adipose depots were more sensitive to circulating corticosterone concentrations than were BAT depots and increased in weight at levels of corticosterone that were at or below the daily mean level of intact rats. We conclude that, within its diurnal range of concentration corticosterone acts to inhibit nonshivering thermogenesis and increase lipid storage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intramolecular Interactions and Regulation of Cofactor Binding by the Four Repressive Elements in the Caspase Recruitment Domain-containing Protein 11 (CARD11) Inhibitory Domain

The CARD11 signaling scaffold transmits signaling between antigen receptors on B and T lymphocytes and the transcription factor NF-κB during the adaptive immune response. CARD11 activity is controlled by an inhibitory domain (ID), which participates in intramolecular interactions and prevents cofactor binding prior to receptor triggering. Oncogenic CARD11 mutations associated with the activated B cell-like subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma somehow perturb ID-mediated autoinhibition to confer CARD11 with the dysregulated spontaneous signaling to NF-κB that is required for the proliferation and survival of the lymphoma. Here, we investigate how the four repressive elements (REs) we have discovered in the CARD11 ID function to inhibit CARD11 activity with cooperativity and redundancy. We find that each RE contributes to the maintenance of the closed inactive state of CARD11 that predominates in the absence of receptor engagement. Each RE also contributes to the prevention of Bcl10 binding in the basal unstimulated state. RE1, RE2, and RE3 participate in intramolecular interactions with other CARD11 domains and share domain targets for binding. Remarkably, diffuse large B cell lymphoma-associated gain-of-function mutations in the caspase recruitment domain, LATCH, or coiled coil can perturb intramolecular interactions mediated by multiple REs, suggesting how single amino acid oncogenic CARD11 mutations can perturb or bypass the action of redundant inhibitory REs to achieve the level of hyperactive CARD11 signaling required to support lymphoma growth.
Direction and Size Discriminating Activity Recorder

An activity recorder is described which provides both direction and size discrimination of arthropods in the field. Directional information is obtained by the sequence with which an insect interrupts two light beams. Size discrimination is determined by simultaneous interrupting of 2 spaced light beams. The recorder was successfully operated on nocturnally migrating cave crickets at Spider Cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Supplementary Proteins and Amino Acids and Dietary Production of Fatty Livers in Mice

SummaryFatty livers have been produced in mice by diets which have previously been shown to produce such an effect in rats. High fat diets containing 5% casein, 5% arachin, 20% arachin or 5% arachin supplemented with cystine produced fatty livers in mice. A lipotropic effect occurred when methionine was substituted for cystine in the 5% arachin diet or when a high fat diet containing 20% casein was fed. Fatty livers were obtained when cysteine was added to the 5% arachin diet or when homocystine supplemented the 5% casein or 5% arachin diets. The effects produced when cystine or methionine supplemented the 5% arachin diet resembled those previously reported on rats when these amino acids supplemented a 5% casein diet. The results obtained with the 5% and 20% casein diets were also like those reported for rats.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: Ultrastructure, Immunofluorescence, and Criteria for Diagnosis

An example of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix was recently encountered in our laboratory and studied by histochemistry, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence in order to compare the neoplasm with adenoid cystic tumors at other sites and to establish criteria for diagnosis. Histochemically, cervical adenoid cystic carcinoma showed the two types of mucin, epithelial and stromal, as expected in adenoid cystic carcinomas of other organs. Ultrastructurally, this tumor was characterized by redundant basal lamina forming pseudocysts, intercellular spaces, and occasional true lumens with microvilli. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the cells contain at least two antigenically different types of filaments, actin and keratin, and that the cells produce true basement membrane (collagen IV). The presence of actin suggests myoepithelial differentiation even though the tumor probably originated from the cervical reserve cells, and myoepithelium is not a known component of normal cervix. This study shows that cervical adenoid cystic carcinoma is a distinct entity which can be identified and separated from other types of cervical adenocarcinomas.
Smooth spline-like finite-element differentiation of full-field experimental data over arbitrary geometry

A new smooth two-dimensional numerical method is presented for representing and differentiating discrete fullfield experimental information. The method involves minimizing a positive definite functional by use of finite-elements to ‘best-fit’ the data. Experimental data points may occur in any configuration, boundary derivatives need not be specified, and arbitrarily shaped regions can be handled readily. The method is demonstrated by photomechanical strain analysis.
The application of quality tracing information system in sterilization and supply center

Objective: To improve the information management process of sterilized articles with information means,improve the professional management level of sterilization.Methods:To implement quality tracing for the work with wireless network information technology,wireless intelligent hand-held terminal and barcode technology.Results:The results shows that the system ensured the quality of work,recorded the treatment link of tracking instruments correctly and the data collection speed quickly.No paper working avoided the cross infection and saved the management time.Coclusion:Quality tracing system could improve the quality of staff in sterilization and supply center,and make the work scientific and standardization,ensure the quality and effect of work.
Breathing pattern during and after smoking cigarettes.

1. The breathing patterns of ten habitual smokers were monitored in the semi-recumbent position with respiratory inductive plethysmography before and after smoking cigarettes. The subjects smoked a high-tar-content (HTC) and a low-tar-content (LTC) cigarette. The mean (±sd) values and frequency histograms of minute ventilation , tidal volume ( V T ), frequency ( f R ), inspiratory time ( T I ), fractional inspiratory time ( T I /T TOT ) and mean inspiratory flow ( V T /T I ) during baseline were compared with the values during and after smoking. 2. On a separate occasion, specific airway conductance (s G aw) and multiple-breath nitrogen washout were measured before and after smoking in six of the subjects. 3. One group of smokers ( n = 4) had a greatly increased mean (±sd) baseline V T /T I (390 ± 39 ml/s) compared with normal non-smokers and another group ( n = 6) a near normal V T /T I (246 ± 36 ml/s). The first group (‘deep inhalers’) had a significantly higher mean inhalation fraction (volume of inhaled smoke and air/vital capacity; 0·25 ± 0·05). The second group had a lower mean inhalation fraction of 0·14 ± 003 (‘moderate inhalers’). 4. V T /T I decreased to 323 ± 33 ml/s in the post-smoking period in the deep inhalers, whereas it increased to 345 ± 65 ml/s in the moderate inhalers during smoking. No systematic difference in V T /T I was noted between smoking high- and low-tar cigarettes, although the high-tar brand tended to have a greater effect on V T /T I . Deep inhalers showed a fall in V T during and after smoking. Moderate inhalers showed a decrease in T I /T TOT during and after smoking. 5. s G aw, measured in four moderate inhalers and two deep inhalers, fell in all subjects after smoking HTC (19 ± 8·7%; P 6. ‘Sham’ smoking with an unlit cigarette produced no change in breathing pattern. 7. In moderate inhalers, the increase in respiratory output (as reflected by increased V T /T I ) combined with a reduction in T I /T TOT appears to reflect the respiratory-centre stimulant effect of nicotine directly or indirectly through broncho-constriction. This contrasts with the reduced neural drive in deep inhalers, which may relate to some overriding satiating effect of the smoking.
Estimation of the hepatic extraction ratio of indocyanine green in swine.

1. The hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green was measured directly by trans-hepatic catheterization in 14 outbred swine (eight well-fed, six malnourished). A specific two-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fitted to the arterial Indocyanine Green concentration-time data and used to estimate the hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green. 2. The specific two-compartment pharmacokinetic model was modified to represent more accurately the physiological process of Indocyanine Green removal. Simulations were performed using this new model to estimate the hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green in the swine. 3. Similarly to previous findings, our data showed that the original model consistently overestimated the hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green (i.e. the model estimate was compared with the true, directly measured value). 4. The comparison of the modified model and the original model clearly indicates the reason for the overprediction of the hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green by the latter. The simulations using the new model indicate that the percentage of binding of Indocyanine Green to its transport protein (glutathione S-transferase) for removal in the bile will affect the estimation of the hepatic extraction ratio of Indocyanine Green. Thus, the amount of Indocyanine Green available for removal is less than that assumed by the original model.
Nitrogenase from vanadium-grown Azotobacter: Isolation, characteristics, and mechanistic implications

Abstract A nitrogenase, designated V-N2 ase, was extracted from Azotobacter vinelandii OP grown on N2 in medium supplemented with V in place of Mo. V-N2 ase was similar to Mo-N2 ase (from Mo-grown cells) in purification procedure, activity requirements, reactions catalyzed, and biphasic Arrhenius plot. V-N2 ase was less active, less stable to heat and in storage, and had a slightly lower activation energy than Mo-N2 ase. Comparison of V- with Mo-N2 ase revealed differences throughout the N2 ase reaction sequence from initial substrate binding to electron transfer and product release, specifically including 1) decreased affinity for reducible substrates and CO, 2) enhanced allocation of electrons to H3O+ at the expense of substrate reduction, and 3) decrease in the C3H6:C3H8 ratio in acrylonitrile reduction. The similarities of V- and Mo-N2 ase suggest the substitution of V for Mo in N2 ase; the differences provide the first basis for implicating Mo directly in N2 ase catalysis and suggest an active site function for Mo.
Developing the water commons? The (post)political condition and the politics of “shared giving” in Montana

Abstract This paper chronicles the rhetorical mechanisms that fostered a potentially radical re-thinking of water rights and property in a most unlikely place: the libertarian Western U.S., and mobilized by the least likely of actors: state officials. There is growing interest, in geography and beyond, in the question of what constitutes the “properly political” in contexts where dissent is actively forestalled by those with power. Much has been written about the “properly political” as the disruption of the established order by previously excluded actors. Comparatively less research, however, has focused on the “conditions of possibility” that might exist within ostensibly “post-political” governing arenas. This paper deepens our understanding of this by examining a participatory water planning group in Montana, which was convened by the state to develop recommendations for a new state water plan. The group was inspired by an alternative drought-management model called “shared giving.” Imbued with principles of “collectivism” and “equality,” the model was strategically (and necessarily) promoted through the discursive shell of the existing prior appropriation system. This was accomplished not by an oppositional force of marginalized actors, but state officials that are rarely, if ever, deemed “disruptive,” and through tactics that are best characterized as post-political. We interpret this case as reflecting a hybrid governing assemblage that highlights both post-political closure and transformative possibilities simultaneously, and conclude by suggesting that the post-political concept, itself, risks foreclosing on conditions whereby fruitful outcomes might become possible from within established governing frameworks otherwise written-off as post-political.
Donor exosomes rather than passenger leukocytes initiate alloreactive T cell responses after transplantation

Transplantation of allogeneic organs and tissues represents a lifesaving procedure for a variety of patients affected with end-stage diseases. Although current immunosuppressive therapy prevents early acute rejection, it is associated with nephrotoxicity and increased risks for infection and neoplasia. This stresses the need for selective immune-based therapies relying on manipulation of lymphocyte recognition of donor antigens. The passenger leukocyte theory states that allograft rejection is initiated by recipient T cells recognizing donor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules displayed on graft leukocytes migrating to the host’s lymphoid organs. We revisited this concept in mice transplanted with allogeneic skin, heart, or islet grafts using imaging flow cytometry. We observed no donor cells in the lymph nodes and spleen of skin-grafted mice, but we found high numbers of recipient cells displaying allogeneic MHC molecules (cross-dressed) acquired from donor microvesicles (exosomes). After heart or islet transplantation, we observed few donor leukocytes (100 per million) but large numbers of recipient cells cross-dressed with donor MHC (>90,000 per million). Last, we showed that purified allogeneic exosomes induced proinflammatory alloimmune responses by T cells in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that recipient antigen-presenting cells cross-dressed with donor MHC rather than passenger leukocytes trigger T cell responses after allotransplantation.
MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase is a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia

A cure rates for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children are high (85~90%), chemotherapeutic drug resistance still remains a major problem and leads to death in 50-95%. Even survived, patients often suffer from late-term secondary toxic effects of current treatments. Therefore, novel therapy modalities with less toxicity are needed to develop for ALL patients. A preclinical model has been established by evaluating new therapies in NOD/SCID or NSG xenograft model engrafted with primary ALL cells. The immunophenotype and morphology of the original patient’s disease can be retained after a serial of passages in this mouse xenograft model. Response to drugs of interests can be monitored by in vivo bioluminescent imaging and accurately reflects the outcome of ALL patients receiving the novel therapy. Interaction between leukemia cells and their microenvironment has been considered as a new therapeutic target. Bone marrow (BM) stromal cells provide chemoprotection to ALL, thus contributing to drug resistance due to the lack of efficacy of current therapies. In fact, more than 80% of the sites of first relapse in childhood ALL is bone marrow with only ~20% of 5-year survival rate. Integrin α4 mediates adhesion of normal and malignant B-cell precursors to BM stromal cells. According to gene expression profile, integrin α4 is overexpressed in ALL patients and inversely correlated with the survival outcome. Therefore, our group tested whether interference with α4-mediated stromal adhesion could be a new ALL treatment strategy. For this purpose, two models of leukemia were used, one genetic (conditional α4 ablation of BCR-ABL1-induced murine leukemia) and one pharmacological using antibody, like Tysabri to target α4 of primary pre-B ALL. Conditional deletion of α4 sensitized murine leukemia cells to chemotherapeutic agent Nilotinib. Adhesion of primary pre-B ALL cells was α4-dependent and inhibiting α4 sensitized primary ALL cells towards chemotherapy, VDL. Combination of chemotherapy with Tysabri prolonged survival of NOD/SCID recipients of primary ALL suggesting adjuvant integrin α4 inhibition as a novel strategy for pre-B ALL. Douglas K. Graham, J Blood Disord Transfus 2013, 4:5 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9864.S1.002
Diagnosis of Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a consequence of functional disturbances in the mechanisms that regulate continence and defecation. In this chapter, we review the functional anatomy and physiology of the anorectum, pathogenic mechanisms, and diagnostic approaches for fecal incontinence.
A HOT ACID TREATMENT FOR ELIMINATING SALMONELLA FROM CHICKEN MEAT

Hot succinic acid was tested for destruction of Salmonella on chicken broilers. Immersion in a 3% succinic acid solution at 60 C resulted in some destruction of Salmonella montevideo (200 cells inoculated per leg), but an acid treatment at 85 C for 2–3 min was required to achieve elimination. However, when 200 cells of S. montevideo were inoculated into either a chicken meat or skin homogenate a temperature of only 60 C for 1 and 2 min, respectively, was required for elimination.
X-ray scatter correction for multi-source interior computed tomography

Purpose The schemes of multi-source interior computed tomography (CT) have shown promise for ultra-fast, organ-oriented, and low-dose dynamic imaging. Besides forward scattering, x-ray cross scattering from multiple x-ray sources activated simultaneously can further degrade image quality. Here, we investigate the overall x-ray scattering artifact in a recently proposed multi-source interior CT architecture, and present two methods for scatter correction. Methods Compared to single-source global CT, scattering in multi-source interior CT architecture is affected by two new factors: cross scattering from simultaneously activated multiple x-ray sources and region-of-interest (ROI) oriented interior CT mode. The scatter artifact in the multi-source interior CT architecture was evaluated through both numerical simulation and physical experimentation, and compared to that from conventional single-source global CT. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted with a modified numerical CATphan® 600 phantom. Physical experiments were performed in an in-house developed CT imaging platform with a custom-built phantom. The simulation and experiments were carried out on the single-source CT architecture and the multi-source CT architecture, respectively in the global CT mode and the interior CT mode for comparison. To correct the scattering artifact, two new methods were presented. The first is a beam-stopper-array (BSA)-based method, which enables an online correction of forward scattering and cross scattering simultaneously. The second is a source-trigger-sequence (STS)-based method dedicated to cross-scatter correction. It enables on-the-fly measurements of the cross scattering signals at a few pre-selected views. The CT image quality was quantitatively evaluated in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and CT number deviation before and after the scatter correction. Results X-ray cross scattering degraded image quality in both the simulation and experiments. Before the scatter correction, the multi-source interior CT mode yielded a reduction of CNR at the ROIs by up to 68.5% and 50.7% in the simulation and experiments, respectively. The stationary BSA-based method significantly improved CNR and CT number accuracy in the images from multi-source interior CT mode, by reducing the negative effects from both forward scattering and cross scattering. The STS-based method enabled multi-source interior CT mode to provide comparable image quality to that with the single-source interior CT mode, by correcting the artifact from cross scattering. The remaining forward scattering artifact can be corrected with the fast adaptive scatter kernel superposition (FASKS) technique. With the proposed scatter correction methods, the CT number error at the ROIs was reduced to less than 37 HU in both simulation and experiments, respectively. Conclusions Cross scattering, in addition to forward scattering, can cause significant image quality degradation in the multi-source interior CT architecture. However, image quality can be significantly improved with the proposed scatter correction methods.
Comparing remote-sensing techniques collecting bathymetric data from a gravel-bed river

Quantifying bathymetry is essential in understanding the physical processes that control channel form and function. New applications in a wide range of disciplines have an urgent need for more continuous mapping of fluvial topography. Recent advances in through-water photogrammetry and optical imagery indicate that accurate, continuous bathymetric mapping may be possible in shallow, clear streams. This research directly compares the ability of through-water photogrammetry and spectral depth approaches to extract water depth for environmental applications. Imagery and cross sections were collected on a 140 m reach of the Salmon River in Clackamas County, Oregon, using an unmanned aerial vehicle UAV and real time kinematic rtk-GPS. Structure-from-Motion SfM software produced a digital elevation model DEM 1.5 cm and orthophotograph 0.37 cm derived from these data. The photogrammetric approach of applying a site-specific refractive index provided the most accurate mean error, ME, 0.009 m and precise standard deviation of error, SD, 0.17 m bathymetric data R2 = 0.67 over the spectral depth and the 1.34 refractive index approaches. This research provides a quantitative comparison between and within bathymetric mapping methods, and suggests that a site-specific refractive index may be appropriate for similar gravel-bed, relatively shallow, clear streams.
Teens Engaged in Collaborative Health: The Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online Skill-Building Intervention for Adolescents at Risk for Depression.

Abstract Background There is an ongoing need for effective and accessible preventive interventions for adolescent depression and substance abuse. This paper reports on a field trial of an online indicated preventive intervention, ProjectTECH, which is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. The study aims to gather information about the feasibility and acceptability of this program. Secondary aims of this study were to examine the impact of the program on depression symptoms, perceived stress, positive affect, and substance use and to compare differences between groups that were led by a peer versus those that were led by a licensed clinician. Methods High school students (n=39) were recruited primarily through social media advertisements, and assigned to four groups of 8–12 individuals to collaboratively participate in an 8week peer network-based online preventive intervention which were led by a trained peer guide or a licensed clinician. Participants were provided with didactic lessons, CBT-based mood management tools, and peer networking features, and completed quantitative and qualitative feedback at baseline, midpoint, end of intervention, and 1month follow-up. Results The program attracted and retained users primarily from social media and was used frequently by many of the participants (system login M=25.62, SD=16.58). Participants rated the program as usable, and offered several suggestions for improving the program, including allowing for further personalization by the individual user, and including more prompts to engage with the social network. From baseline to end of intervention, significant decreases were observed in depressive symptoms and perceived stress ( p 's p Conclusions Results of this study indicate that ProjectTECH, an indicated preventive intervention for high school-aged adolescents, demonstrates both feasibility, acceptability, and short-term, longitudinal psychological benefits for participants. Future iterations of the program may benefit from close attention to user interface design and the continued use of trained peer support guides.
Phosphodiesterase 4b expression plays a major role in alcohol-induced neuro-inflammation

It is increasingly evident that alcohol-induced, gut-mediated peripheral endotoxemia plays a significant role in glial cell activation and neuro-inflammation. Using a mouse model of chronic alcohol feeding, we examined the causal role of endotoxin- and cytokine-responsive Pde4 subfamily b (Pde4b) expression in alcohol-induced neuro-inflammation. Both pharmacologic and genetic approaches were used to determine the regulatory role of Pde4b. In C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) alcohol fed (WT-AF) animals, alcohol significantly induced peripheral endotoxemia and Pde4b expression in brain tissue, accompanied by a decrease in cAMP levels. Further, along with Pde4b, there was a robust activation of astrocytes and microglia accompanied by significant increases in the inflammatory cytokines (Tnfα, Il-1β, Mcp-1 and Il-17) and the generalized inflammatory marker Cox-2. At the cellular level, alcohol and inflammatory mediators, particularly LPS, Tnfα and Hmgb1 significantly activated microglial cells (Iba-1 expression) and selectively induced Pde4b expression with a minimal to no change in Pde4a and d isoforms. In comparison, the alcohol-induced decrease in brain cAMP levels was completely inhibited in WT mice treated with the Pde4 specific pharmacologic inhibitor rolipram and in Pde4b−/− mice. Moreover, all the observed markers of alcohol-induced brain inflammation were markedly attenuated. Importantly, glial cell activation induced by systemic endotoxemia (LPS administration) was also markedly decreased in Pde4b−/− mice. Taken together, these findings strongly support the notion that Pde4b plays a critical role in coordinating alcohol-induced, peripheral endotoxemia mediated neuro-inflammation and could serve as a significant therapeutic target.
Maximization of Platoon Formation Through Centralized Routing and Departure Time Coordination

Platooning allows vehicles to travel with a small intervehicle distance in a coordinated fashion because of vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity. When applied at a larger scale, platooning creates significant opportunities for energy savings because of reduced aerodynamic drag, as well as increased road capacity and a reduction in congestion resulting from shorter vehicle headways. These potential savings are maximized, however, if platooning-capable vehicles spend most of their travel time within platoons. Ad hoc platoon formation may not ensure a high rate of platoon driving. This paper considers the problem of central coordination of platooning-capable vehicles. Coordination of their routes and departure times can maximize the fuel savings afforded by platooning vehicles. The resulting problem is a combinatorial optimization problem that considers the platoon coordination and vehicle routing problems simultaneously. The methodology is demonstrated through evaluation of the benefits of a coordinated solution...
Regulation of vitamin D metabolism following disruption of the microbiota using broad spectrum antibiotics

Vitamin D, 25hydroxyvitamin D (25D), and 24,25dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25D) were measured before and after broad spectrum antibiotic (Abx) treatment for 2 wks. Abx treatments increased 25D and 24,25D levels suggesting that the microbiota or Abx were altering vitamin D metabolism. Increased 25D, but not 24,25D, following Abx treatments were found to be dependent on toll like receptor signaling. Conversely, the effects of Abx on 24,25D levels required that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) be expressed in tissues outside of the hematopoietic system (kidney) and not the immune system. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 increased following Abx treatment and the effect of Abx treatment on FGF23 (like the effect on 24,25D) was not present in VDR knockout (KO) mice. The Abx mediated increase in 24,25D was due to changes to the endocrine regulation of vitamin D metabolism. Conversely, 25D levels went up with Abx treatment of the VDR KO mice. Host sensing of microbial signals regulates the levels of 25D in the host.
An analytical model for star-shaped re-entrant lattice structures with the orthotropic symmetry and negative Poisson's ratios

Abstract A new analytical model is developed for three types of 2-D periodic star-shaped re-entrant lattice structures that possess the orthotropic symmetry and exhibit negative Poisson's ratios. Contributions from both the re-entrant and connection struts are considered using an energy method based on Castigliano's second theorem. Each re-entrant strut is treated as a Timoshenko beam, and stretching, transverse shearing and bending deformations are all incorporated in the formulation. Unlike existing studies, the overlapping of struts at joints is included in determining the relative density, which is analytically expressed for each lattice type. Closed-form formulas are derived for the effective Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios of each type of lattice structure, which contain three non-dimensional length ratios, two re-entrant angles, one shear correction factor, and Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the strut material. The new analytical model is validated against finite element simulations conducted in the current study and two existing analytical models for simpler square lattice structures without re-entrant struts. To illustrate the newly developed analytical model, a parametric study is conducted to quantitatively show the effects of the five geometrical parameters on the effective properties of each type of lattice structure. It is found that for the effective Poisson's ratios the key controlling parameters are the two re-entrant angles, while for the effective Young's moduli all of the geometrical parameters can have significant effects except for the external connection length ratio. It is demonstrated that through a proper selection of the geometrical parameters, vertex connections and strut material, it is possible to tailor the effective Poisson's ratios and Young's moduli of each type of lattice structure over wide ranges to satisfy different needs in various applications.
Aortic Anatomic Severity Grade Correlates with Midterm Mortality in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background:Anatomic severity grade (ASG) can be used to assess abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomic complexity. High ASG is associated with complications following endovascular repair of AAAs a...
The Hobbesian psychology of the US firearms debate

In the US, headlines announcing firearm casualties have become routine. In response, the loudest and most efficacious voice among gun rights lobbyists, the NRA, consistently insists that more firea...
COL4A1 mutations in two infants with congenital cataracts and porencephaly: an ophthalmologic perspective

COL4A1 mutations present with a spectrum of clinical phenotypes often involving the cerebrovascular and ophthalmic systems. We report 2 cases of COL4A1 mutations that presented with congenital cataracts and porencephaly. Both patients had posterior cortical cataracts and radiographically defined bilateral posterior lenticonus. Considering the long-term clinical implications of these mutations, posterior cortical cataracts, bilateral posterior lenticonus, and porencephaly should raise clinical suspicion for COL4A1 mutations.
The Term Psychopathy

A criminal propensity may or may not be present with a given psychopath. The term “sociopathy” nowadays refers to a “psychopath” who has, in fact, acted in a criminal way (with or without prosecution by the legal system). Because of the inherent deception exhibited to others associated with the psychopath, one of the thorniest issues for both management/treatment and forensic purposes is detecting the possible presence of or influence from psychopathy.
Housing Markets, Regulations and Monetary Policy

We apply the linearized present value model, which allows the log rent-price ratio to be decomposed into the expected present value of all future real interests rates, real housing premia, and real rent growth, to the housing market in 23 U.S. metropolitan areas from 1978 to 2011. Based on the indirect inference bias-corrected VAR estimates, we show that variation in the pricing error accounts for half of volatility of log rent-price ratio, and the remaining volatility is mainly contributed by the expected future real interest rates. In addition, a change in the real interest rate has an immediate impact on the fundamental house price, and the impact is signicantly larger for more regulated housing markets.
How different is the evolution of sex-biased gene expression between plants and animals? A commentary on: 'Sexual dimorphism and rapid turnover in gene expression in pre-reproductive seedlings of a dioecious herb'.

This article comments on: Guillaume G. Cossard, Melissa A. Toups and John R. Pannell. 2019. Sexual dimorphism and rapid turnover in gene expression in pre-reproductive seedlings of a dioecious herb. Annals of Botany 123(7): 1119–1131 .
Teaching Medical Students to Voice Their Values

Giving Voice to Values as a Professional Physician: An Introduction to Medical Ethics by Ira Bedzow (2019, Routledge) is a short and accessible volume that introduces practical ethical decision mak...
Calcium, AMPA/Kainate Receptors, and Selective Neurodegeneration

Neurotoxic effects of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) glutamate play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute diseases of the nervous system such as stroke;1 additionally, several lines of evidence lend support to a possibility that slower EAA toxicity may contribute to neurodegeneration associated with certain neurodegenerative disease.2–5 The purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, I will review several lines of evidence supporting the idea that activation of AMPA/kainate-type glutamate receptors might play a particular role in the selective pattern of neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Secondly, I will discuss certain recent results bearing on the role of Ca2+ ions in selective AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated degeneration.
Reevaluating the Trade-off Theory of Capital Structure: Evidence from Zero-Leverage Firms

We empirically evaluate extensions to the trade-off theory of capital structure featuring a real option on debt issuance in a zero-leverage environment. Controlling for alternative explanations of zero-leverage behavior, we find considerable evidence in support of the extended trade-off theory and no evidence against it. We validate our empirical approach via simulations under the real option mechanism and under an alternative financially constrained mechanism. The simulations show that our empirical findings are not consistent with zero-leverage behavior driven exclusively by financial constraints, but they are consistent with the real-option mechanism.