cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional genomics of the brain: uncovering networks in the CNS using a systems approach

The central nervous system (CNS) is undoubtedly the most complex human organ system in terms of its diverse functions, cellular composition, and connections. Attempts to capture this diversity experimentally were the foundation on which the field of neurobiology was built. Until now though, techniques were either painstakingly slow or insufficient in capturing this heterogeneity. In addition, the combination of multiple layers of information needed for a complete picture of neuronal diversity from the epigenome to the proteome requires an even more complex compilation of data. In this era of high-throughput genomics though, the ability to isolate and profile neurons and brain tissue has increased tremendously and now requires less effort. Both microarrays and next-generation sequencing have identified neuronal transcriptomes and signaling networks involved in normal brain development, as well as in disease. However, the expertise needed to organize and prioritize the resultant data remains substantial. A combination of supervised organization and unsupervised analyses are needed to fully appreciate the underlying structure in these datasets. When utilized effectively, these analyses have yielded striking insights into a number of fundamental questions in neuroscience on topics ranging from the evolution of the human brain to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Future studies will incorporate these analyses with behavioral and physiological data from patients to more efficiently move toward personalized therapeutics.
High resolution clinical and preclinical SPECT-CT

Dual modality preclinical and clinical SPECT/CT scanners have been under constant technological advance since the development of the first prototype dual modality clinical scanner in 1990. Dual modality SPECT/CT has rapidly become an established imaging tool in clinical and preclinical settings. In this article, we describe the present technology of dual modality SPECT/CT scanners used for clinical and preclinical imaging studies.
Radio frequency treatments to control codling moth in in-shell walnuts

‘Diamond’ Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) in the shell were treated with radio frequency (RF) energy in a 27 MHz pilot-scale system to determine the treatment effect on third- and fourth-instar codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), mortality and walnut quality. After 2 and 3 min of RF treatments, infested in-shell walnuts were heated to 43 and 53°C. The corresponding insect mortality reached 78.6 and 100%. The fatty acid (FA) concentration of treated walnuts was not affected by RF treatments. The FA values were B 0.1% after accelerated storage times up to 30 days at 35°C, simulating storage at 4°C for up to 3 years. The effect of RF treatments on walnut oil peroxide values (PV) was not significant. The PV value of walnuts was less than 1.0 meq:kg (the upper limit for good quality walnuts), after 20 days storage at 35°C that simulated 2 year storage at 4°C. The PV was about 1.2 meg:kg after 30 days storage at 35°C. RF treatments can, therefore, potentially provide an effective and rapid quarantine security protocol against codling moth larvae in walnuts as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for respiratory failure caused by exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a standard of care?

This editorial comments on a meta-analysis of the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to treat patients with acute respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations published in the British Medical Journal earlier this year. Based on its analysis of seven randomized controlled trials that met pre-specified criteria, the meta-analysis demonstrated highly significant benefits of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in COPD patients, including a reduction in a combined end-point consisting of death and endotracheal intubation. The editorial argues that, based on the strength of this and other evidence, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to treat selected patients with acute respiratory failure due to COPD exacerbations should now be considered a standard of care.
Incidence of Upper Tract Abnormalities in Patients With Neurovesical Dysfunction Secondary to Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of Risk Factors at Initial Urologic Evaluation

Abstract Objectives To determine the incidence of upper tract abnormalities on renal ultrasonography in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) referred for urologic evaluation, as well as to identify any risk factors present on the basis of the historical information and urodynamic findings. Methods Data were derived from all patients with MS referred to the neurourology clinic during a 4-year period. The database was specifically queried for patients found to have upper tract abnormalities on screening renal ultrasonography. Demographic parameters, as well as laboratory values (creatinine) and urodynamic results, were evaluated for risk factors associated with abnormal upper tract findings. Results Of the 113 patients referred and evaluated, 66 completed both urodynamic testing and renal ultrasonography. Eleven (16.7%) had abnormal ultrasound findings, with focal caliectasis the most common finding. No demographic parameter (age, sex, time since MS diagnosis, MS pattern) was associated with a greater likelihood of abnormal renal ultrasonography on univariate analysis. Neither serum creatinine nor any urodynamic finding (including the presence of dyssynergia or the threshold and amplitude of detrusor overactivity) was associated with abnormal renal ultrasound findings. Conclusions No patients in our series had any indication of obstructive uropathy more severe than mild hydronephrosis. Of the 16.7% of patients with any abnormal findings, most were noted to have minor caliectasis, likely to be of little clinical significance. Although no factors identifying patients at risk of renal abnormalities at presentation were found, ongoing evaluation of patients with baseline findings will serve to identify those at risk of progression.
Tagging of Endogenous Genes in a Toxoplasma gondii Strain Lacking Ku80

As with other organisms with a completed genome sequence, opportunities for performing large-scale studies, such as expression and localization, on Toxoplasma gondii are now much more feasible. We present a system for tagging genes endogenously with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in a Δku80 strain. Ku80 is involved in DNA strand repair and nonhomologous DNA end joining; previous studies in other organisms have shown that in its absence, random integration is eliminated, allowing the insertion of constructs with homologous sequences into the proper loci. We generated a vector consisting of YFP and a dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase selectable marker. The YFP is preceded by a ligation-independent cloning (LIC) cassette, which allows the insertion of PCR products containing complementary LIC sequences. We demonstrated that the Δku80 strain is more effective and efficient in integrating the YFP-tagged constructs into the correct locus than wild-type strain RH. We then selected several hypothetical proteins that were identified by a proteomic screen of excreted-secreted antigens and that displayed microarray expression profiles similar to known micronemal proteins, with the thought that these could potentially be new proteins with roles in cell invasion. We localized these hypothetical proteins by YFP fluorescence and showed expression by immunoblotting. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of the Δku80 strain and the pYFP.LIC constructs reduces both the time and cost required to determine localization of a new gene of interest. This should allow the opportunity for performing larger-scale studies of novel T. gondii genes.
Disruption of neurogenesis by hypothalamic inflammation in obesity or aging

Adult neural stem cells contribute to neurogenesis and plasticity of the brain which is essential for central regulation of systemic homeostasis. Damage to these homeostatic components, depending on locations in the brain, poses threat to impaired neurogenesis, neurodegeneration, cognitive loss and energy imbalance. Recent research has identified brain metabolic inflammation via proinflammatory IκB kinase-β (IKKβ) and its downstream nuclear transcription factor NF-κB pathway as a non-classical linker of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Chronic activation of the pathway results in impairment of energy balance and nutrient metabolism, impediment of neurogenesis, neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, collectively converging on metabolic and cognitive decline. Hypothalamic IKKβ/NF-κB via inflammatory crosstalk between microglia and neurons has been discovered to direct systemic aging by inhibiting the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and inhibition of inflammation or GnRH therapy could revert aging related degenerative symptoms at least in part. This article reviews the crucial role of hypothalamic inflammation in affecting neural stem cells which mediates the neurodegenerative mechanisms of causing metabolic derangements as well as aging-associated disorders or diseases.
Looking at the extraordinary success of the ‘Clockwork Orange’: examining the brilliance of total football played by the Netherlands

This essay describes some of the legendary accomplishments of the Netherlands football team in the World Cup and other international tournaments. It focuses on the Dutch teams led by Johan Cruyff and affectionately known as ‘The Clockwork Orange’ because they introduced a modern style of play with precision passing that was referred to as ‘total football’. The Netherlands advanced to the World Cup final in 1974 and 1978, only to lose the championship each time. The study also explores the role of the Dutch coach Rinus Michels and some of Cruyff’s teammates such as Johan Neeskens and Rob Rensenbrink. Looking at the Netherlands’ performances in the European championships and World Cups in the last three decades, the essay attempts to bring out the transformations in Dutch football in post-Cruyff age. Finally, it discusses the team’s rabid and energized fan base, and the ambush marketing scandal that took place during the 2010 World Cup.
Ultrastructural immunogold localization of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (cyclooxygenase) to non-membrane-bound cytoplasmic lipid bodies in human lung mast cells, alveolar macrophages, type II pneumocytes, and neutrophils.

Lipid bodies are non-membrane-bound, lipid-rich cytoplasmic inclusions that occur in many mammalian cell types. Because lipid bodies are more prominent in cells associated with inflammation and are...
Hip and knee replacement as a relative contraindication to laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.

AbstractPurpose: We investigated the effect of lower extremity joint prostheses on subsequent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records and pathology studies of 5 patients who underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection subsequent to total hip or knee replacement from 1990 through 1995.Results: Four of the 5 laparoscopic operations were complicated, 3 were unsuccessful in obtaining bilateral pelvic lymph nodes and 2 required conversion to an open procedure. Examination of the lymph nodes revealed sinus histiocytosis in the 4 cases in which nodal tissue was removed.Conclusions: The increased risk of complications in certain patients with lower extremity joint prostheses may contraindicate attempted laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.
Cytochrome P450 CYP2J9, a New Mouse Arachidonic Acid ω-1 Hydroxylase Predominantly Expressed in Brain *

Abstract A cDNA encoding a new cytochrome P450 was isolated from a mouse brain library. Sequence analysis reveals that this 1,958-base pair cDNA encodes a 57–58-kDa 502-amino acid polypeptide that is 70–91% identical to CYP2J subfamily P450s and is designated CYP2J9. Recombinant CYP2J9 was co-expressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR) in Sf9cells using a baculovirus system. Microsomes of CYP2J9/CYPOR-transfected cells metabolize arachidonic acid to 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) thus CYP2J9 is enzymologically distinct from other P450s. Northern analysis reveals that CYP2J9 transcripts are present at high levels in mouse brain. Mouse brain microsomes biosynthesize 19-HETE. RNA polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrates that CYP2J9 mRNAs are widely distributed in brain and most abundant in the cerebellum. Immunoblotting using an antibody raised against human CYP2J2 that cross-reacts with CYP2J9 detects a 56-kDa protein band that is expressed in cerebellum and other brain segments and is regulated during postnatal development. In situ hybridization of mouse brain sections with a CYP2J9-specific riboprobe and immunohistochemical staining with the anti-human CYP2J2 IgG reveals abundant CYP2J9 mRNA and protein in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Importantly, 19-HETE inhibits the activity of recombinant P/Q-type Ca2+ channels that are known to be expressed preferentially in cerebellar Purkinje cells and are involved in triggering neurotransmitter release. Based on these data, we conclude that CYP2J9 is a developmentally regulated P450 that is abundant in brain, localized to cerebellar Purkinje cells, and active in the biosynthesis of 19-HETE, an eicosanoid that inhibits activity of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. We postulate that CYP2J9 arachidonic acid products play important functional roles in the brain.
Uniform Structured Document Handling using a Constraint-based Object Approach

Complex multimedia document handling, including the modeling, decomposition, and search across digital documents, is one of the primary services that must be provided by digital library systems. In this paper, we present a general approach for handling structured documents (e.g., SGML documents) by exploiting object-oriented database technology. For this purpose, we propose a constraint-based object model capable of capturing in a uniform manner all SGML constructs typically used to encode the structural organization of complex documents. We present a general strategy for mapping arbitrary document types (e.g., article, journal, and book DTDs) expressed using standard SGML into our model. Most importantly, we demonstrate that our model is designed to handle the integration of diverse document types into one integrated schema, thus avoiding the generating of numerous redundant class definitions for similar document subtypes. The resulting document management system DMS is thus capable of supporting the dynamic addition of new document types, and of uniformly processing queries spanning across multiple document types. In this paper, we also describe the implementation of our approach on the commercial DBMS system Illustra to demonstrate that the ease with which our approach can be realized on current OODB technology — without requiring any specialpurpose constructs. Our DMS system provides support for integrated querying of both structural as well as content-based predicates across arbitrarily complex document types.
Contextual Uncertainties, Human Mobility, and Perceived Food Environment: The Uncertain Geographic Context Problem in Food Access Research.

We examined the uncertainty of the contextual influences on food access through an analytic framework of the uncertain geographic context problem (UGCoP).We first examined the compounding effects of two kinds of spatiotemporal uncertainties on people’s everyday efforts to procure food and then outlined three key dimensions (food access in real time, temporality of the food environment, and perceived nutrition environment) in which research on food access must improve to better represent the contributing environmental influences that operate at the individual level.Guidelines to address the UGCoP in future food access research are provided to account for the multidimensional influences of the food environment on dietary behaviors.
Comparison of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, and Direct Agglutination Test for Detecting Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies in Naturally Aborted Ovine Fetuses

Results obtained in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), and a modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies from examination of fetal fluids from 377 aborted ovine fetuses were compared. Sixty-seven samples were positive by MAT (titers 1:16 to > 1:65,536), 58 were positive by ELISA, and 62 were positive by immunoglobulin G-IFA. The MAT was preferred because it required less time, labor, and special equipment. It was simple to run, could be done on serum from any species without modification, and it was more effective than the IFA for detecting toxoplasma antibodies in severely autolyzed fetuses. No advantage was found in determining immunoglobulin M antibodies in ovine fetal sera. Toxoplasmosis is now a recognized cause of fetal death and lamb losses in the United States 7 and many other countries? Of all the methods available for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii-induced abortion in livestock, fetal serologic examination is relatively in- expensive and reliable. This report is a comparison of a direct agglutination test, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and an indirect fluorescent antibody test for detection of T. gondii antibody in ovine fetal thoracic fluid or sera obtained from 377 aborted fetuses submitted to the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnos- tic Laboratory.
Integration of Learning and Reasoning Techniques

Since the early days of AI, automated reasoning has been a rather elusive goal. In fact, up till the early nineties, general inference beyond hundred variable problems appeared infeasible. Over the last decade, we have witness a qualitative change in the field: current reasoning engines can handle problems with over a million variables and several millions of constraints. I will discuss what led to such a dramatic scale-up, and how progress in reasoning technology has opened up a range of new applications in AI and computer science in general. I will also discuss initial progress on the use of learning techniques in reasoning engines and the remaining challenges for obtaining a true integration of learning and reasoning.
Man and Superman: Human Limitations, Innovation, and Emergence in Resource Competition

This conference is devoted to the theme of the design, prediction, and control of collectives. Many of the collectives that we are implicitly concerned with (and for good reason) are collectives composed of software agents or combinations of software and hardware agents. Collectives of agents that remotely gather information from distant planets and then transmit that information to Earth are one example. Of interest to the military are collectives of small, cheap sensors distributed on a battlefield or in a city that measure some aspect of local conditions and then relay that information to a central repository near a command center. Another example is a collection of sensors and actuators that control the flow of oil or electricity through a complex network by sensing local conditions and responding to them. One common architecture for the interaction of these local agents is through some sort of analogy with economic systems. Here it is supposed that the local agents compete for some scarce resource (bandwidth in the case of agents whose job it is to transmit information, or fluid pressure in the case of those agents whose job it is to regulate oil flow), possibly by a bidding mechanism or by some other strategic architecture that rewards agents for “buying low” or “selling high.”
Extended-Release Once-Daily Formulation of Tofacitinib: Evaluation of Pharmacokinetics Compared With Immediate-Release Tofacitinib and Impact of Food.

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. An extended-release (XR) formulation has been designed to provide a once-daily (QD) dosing option to patients to achieve comparable pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters to the twice-daily immediate-release (IR) formulation. We conducted 2 randomized, open-label, phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers. Study A characterized single-dose and steady-state PK of tofacitinib XR 11 mg QD and intended to demonstrate equivalence of exposure under single-dose and steady-state conditions to tofacitinib IR 5 mg twice daily. Study B assessed the effect of a high-fat meal on the bioavailability of tofacitinib from the XR formulation. Safety and tolerability were monitored in both studies. In study A (N = 24), the XR and IR formulations achieved time to maximum plasma concentration at 4 hours and 0.5 hours postdose, respectively; terminal half-life was 5.9 hours and 3.2 hours, respectively. Area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) after single- and multiple-dose administration were equivalent between the XR and IR formulations. In study B (N = 24), no difference in AUC was observed for fed vs fasted conditions. Cmax increased by 27% under the fed state. On repeat administration, negligible accumulation (<20%) of systemic exposures was observed for both formulations. Steady state was achieved within 48 hours of dosing with the XR formulation. Tofacitinib administration as an XR or IR formulation was generally well tolerated in these studies.
Comparison Of Surface Wave Dispersion Curves From Active And Passive Measurements At A Deep Soil Site

Low frequency surface wave measurements offer a non-intrusive and inexpensive means to characterize deep shear wave velocity profiles (VS) for earthquake site response analysis. In this study, results are presented from low-frequency (1 to 12 Hz) surface wave measurements performed at a deep soil site in the Central United States using active and passive-source methods. Active-source measurements were performed using a lowfrequency servo-hydraulic shaker and were analyzed using both the Spectral-Analysis-ofSurface-Waves (SASW) approach and the multi-channel frequency-wavenumber (f-k) method. Passive surface waves recorded using a circular array and a linear array were analyzed using the f-k approach and the Refraction-Microtremor (ReMi) approach, respectively. Dispersion curves from the two active-source methods are in good agreement over the frequency range of this study. Low-frequency passive energy in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 2.5 Hz was prevalent at this remote farm site. Dispersion curves in this frequency range developed from the circular-array passive measurements are consistent with the active source measurements. The linear-array passive approach (ReMi) provided three estimates of the dispersion curve that are consistent with the other methods at frequencies above 2 Hz but varied considerably at lower frequencies.
Ghost-Pill-Buster: A Case Study of Intact Levetiracetam Extended-Release Tablets after Dissolution Testing.

Orally administered medications in extended-release (ER) dosage forms continue to play a pivotal role in the treatment of various central nervous system disorders. For certain ER dosage forms, pharmaceutical scientists have been familiar with the passage of intact tablet-like objects in patients’ feces after administration of ER tablets or capsules based on water-insoluble or slowly dissolving excipients. Nevertheless, because of lack of awareness of the “ghost pill” phenomenon, anxiety has ensued among some patients and clinicians, who have less understanding of how drugs are released from these tablets once ingested. It has been brought to the attention of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that epilepsy patients administered with Teva’s levetiracetam ER tablets have noticed intact tablets in their stools and been concerned that they were not getting the needed dose of the drug. In response to neurologists’ clinical reporting, the FDA has conducted investigations to confirm a minimal risk of incomplete drug release of Teva’s drug product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risks of incomplete drug release associated with the passing of intact levetiracetam ER tablets, by conducting in vitro dissolution testing. Dissolution testing of Teva’s drug product was performed in accordance with the US Pharmacopeia monograph for levetiracetam ER tablets in phosphate buffer and bio-relevant buffers at different pH values. In addition, dissolution testing was conducted with split and crushed tablets. At the end of the dissolution testing, all samples were visually inspected for any undissolved pieces. Approximately 90 % of levetiracetam had been released in all dissolution media after 8 h of dissolution. The levetiracetam ER tablets after dissolution testing remained fully intact in all dissolution media. The rates of drug release were significantly faster from split and crushed tablets than that from whole tablets. On the basis of these findings, Teva’s levetiracetam ER tablets may appear intact in the stools but have released the drug successfully. The FDA has requested Teva to revise its product labeling to include remarks regarding the potential passing of intact tablets. Since patients who notice ghost pills in their stools may impetuously crush or split the tablets of subsequent doses on their own, healthcare providers should instruct patients to swallow whole tablets throughout the treatment, in accordance with the drug label.
Experimental Methods for Characterizing Dynamic Response of Soft Materials

Soft materials are widely used in applications subjected to impact loading but are less well characterized in terms of their constitutive behavior under high-rate loading conditions. A variety of modified Kolsky bar methods have been developed recently to obtain high-fidelity dynamic mechanical responses of soft materials. This article briefly summarizes major issues associated with the application of Kolsky bars in soft-material characterization, including weak transmitted signals, uniform loading on the specimen, constant strain rate deformation, intermediate strain rate experiments, specimen gripping methods, and inertia effects. Experimental remedies and remaining challenges are presented to address each of the issues encountered. Recent advances in real-time visualization of dynamic deformation and damage processes are also discussed.
Distribution difference of lower respiratory tract pathogens in between adults and children patients and drug resistance analysis

Objective To investigate the distribution difference of lower respiratory tract pathogens in between adults and children patients,and analyze their antibiotic resistance.Method Microbiological detection and drug resistance analysis were performed to clinical specimens(phlegm,swabs) from all adults and children with lower respiratory tract infection in Wenzhou Medicine and Children's Hospital during July 2010 to June 2011.Result Non-fermental bacteria including MDR/PDR strains were the main pathogens in adults,while enterobacteriaceae bacteria was more common in children.Staphylococcus aureus was the main G+ bacteria,and MRSA strains were also found in children with a rate of 15%,much lower than in adults.Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest detection rate in adults and its resistance rates were around 50% to the 3rd/4th generation cephalosporins and carbapenems,20.59% to cefoperazone/sulbactam,and 5.2% to amikacin;Acinetobacter baumannii from adult patients were only sensitive to cefoperazone/sulbactam with the resistance rate of around 10%,and pan-resistant strain had been found.No pathogens resistant to cefoperazone/sulbactam and carbapenems were found in children,and they were still sensitive to the 3rd/4th generation of cephalosporins.The MRSA detection rate in children was 13.32%,while as high as 72.15% in adults.Conclusion The distribution and resistance of pathogens from lower respiratory tract infection are obviously different in between children and adults.Antibiotic abuse should be cut off and the drugs must be used reasonably.
The Problem of Auxiliary Assumptions

Empirical arguments for survival purport to justify the claim that there is evidence that supports the hypothesis of survival. In Chapter 3 through Chapter 5, I surveyed some of the widely discussed forms of such evidence: evidence from out-of-body and near-death experiences (EOBE), mediumistic communications (EMED), and cases of the reincarnation type (ECORT). As explored in Chapter 6 through Chapter 8, the claim that these data (severally or collectively) provide evidence, possibly very strong evidence, for survival is based at least in part on the claim that these data are what we would expect if the survival hypothesis is true, and they are either less expected or not to be expected at all if survival is not true. As explained in Chapter 7 and Chapter 8, the latter clause depends on there not being some rival hypothesis that leads us to expect the data as well as does the survival hypothesis. So “likelihoods” are a crucial feature of empirical survival arguments, and it is essential that likelihoods be well-defined, permitting contrastive judgments such as Pr(e | h1 & k) > Pr(e | h2 & k), which formally expresses the more informal idea that evidence e is more to be expected given hypothesis h1 than given hypothesis h2.
Entanglements: Marking Place in the Field of Religion by Russell T. McCutcheon, Bristol, Equinox Publishing Ltd., 2014, ix + 287 pp., US$99.95 (hardback), ISBN 978 1 7817 9076 2; US$26.95 (paperback), ISBN 978 1 7817 9077 9

Entanglements is a challenging book to categorize. But if Bruce Lincoln’s controversial turn of phrase correctly describes the academic endeavor – i.e., if scholarship in point of fact does produce...
Regulatory mechanisms in the human leukocyte. I. The feedback control of deoxycytidylate deaminase.

The feedback control of dCMP deaminase, the first enzyme in a biosynthetic sequence of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide interconversions, has been characterized in leukocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of normal subjects and from patients with leukemia. As reported in other systems, dTTP, an end product of the pathway, may function as an allosteric inhibitor of this enzyme, while dCTP, another end product, prevents the dTTP inhibition. Nucleoside deaminase is present in human leukocytes. Some of its properties are described.
Unique Expression of Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) on Embryonic Stem Cells.

Abstract Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) is widely used as endothelial marker during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we demonstrate that undifferentiated ES cells expressed high level PECAM-1, but low levels of other endothelium markers, including VE-cadherin, Flk-1 and CD34. Kinetic analysis revealed that the expression of PECAM-1 was sharply down-regulated during early ES cell differentiation. PECAM-1 was expressed in the vascular-like area along with other endothelium makers during differentiation of ES cells. In the absence of angiogenic growth factors, embryonic bodies (EBs) were lack of vascular-like structures, and PECAM-1 was detected in the cells without organized structure. Furthermore, undifferentiated ES cells were found to express all eight known alternatively spliced isoforms of PECAM-1, among them, the expression of PECAM-1 isoforms lacking exon 15, (D15), or 14&15 (D14&15) was predominant. Only the expression of PECAM-1 isoform lacking exon 12&14&15 (D12&14&15) was significantly increased as vascular development of ES cells. These results indicate that PECAM-1 is a constitutive marker of undifferentiated murine ES cells and suggest that the diversity in the expression of cytoplasmic PECAM-1 isoforms may affect its function during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
Cross-Language Measurement Equivalence of the Place Attachment Scale: A Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach

Cross-language (or cross-cultural) comparisons of theoretical constructs are of growing interest in leisure studies. In order for such comparisons to be meaningful, constructs are required to exhib...
Hand compression neuropathy: An assessment guide: When a patient presents with pain or paresthesias of the hand and fingers, knowing what to ask, what to look for, and which tests to consider is essential.

When a patient presents with pain or paresthesias of the hand and fingers, knowing what to ask, what to look for, and which tests to consider is essential.
The Use of Learning Principles in Clinical Practice and Training

Psychotherapy has been influenced by experimental psychologists who have extended laboratory principles into the clinic. Each has a unique complementary contribution to the solution of clinical problems. The clinician has knowlelge of natural and powerful intrinsic reinforcers and techniques of therapy. The experimentalist can describe complex events objectively and in their natural context so that therapy can be objective and communicable.
Microphysical and Dynamical Control of Tropospheric Water Vapor

Water vapor and condensed water are by far the most important greenhouse substances in the Earth’s atmosphere, together accounting for the great majority of the net back-radiation from the atmosphere. In addition, clouds reflect incoming solar radiation, constituting about two-thirds of the planet’s albedo. The condensed water in clouds is also strongly related to atmospheric water vapor content, occurring only where the actual vapor pressure locally approaches its saturation value. For these reasons, understanding the control of atmospheric water vapor is an essential part of understanding climate change.
Bringing Advances in Wheelchairs to The People

There have been several recent advances in wheelchair technology that could bring about greater mobility for people with disabilities and people who are elderly. These advances are dePendent upon the proliferation of computing technology (both hardware and software), and p developments in materials and their manufacturing processes. While the new designs of mobility products and the commercial experimentation with robotics technology for personal mobility are exciting, the delivery of these products to people in diverse and distributed environments must also be addressed. Telerehabilitation may provide a means for the limited expertise in the advances in mobility products to become available on a large scale.
Using Agile Development to Generate Value from Workforce Analytics

The acceleration and growth in workforce analytics is undeniably one of the biggest trends in human resource management. Yet, there is also a major concern. As so many organizations strive for stra...
Low-cost electroluminescence imaging for automated defect characterization in photovoltaic modules

Electroluminescence (EL) imaging is a fast, well-established, laboratory characterization technique for photovoltaic (PV) mod ules that typically requires expensive equipment. Here, we p resent a novel low-cost extensible EL imaging technique that utilizes a modifled camera and auxiliary hardware to automate EL imaging of field-deployed PV modules.
Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Millimeter-Tall Free-Standing Carbon Nanotube-Based Microelectrode Arrays.

Microelectrode arrays of carbon nanotube (CNT)/carbon composite posts with high aspect ratio and millimeter-length were fabricated using carbon-nanotube-templated microfabrication with a sacrificial “hedge”. The high aspect ratio, mechanical robustness, and electrical conductivity of these electrodes make them a potential candidate for next-generation neural interfacing. Electrochemical measurements were also demonstrated using an individual CNT post microelectrode with a diameter of 25 μm and a length of 1 mm to perform cyclic voltammetry on both methyl viologen and dopamine in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. In addition to detection of the characteristic peaks, the CNT post microelectrodes show a fast electrochemical response, which may be enabling for in vivo and/or in vitro measurements. The CNT post electrode fabrication process was also integrated with other microfabrication techniques, resulting in individually addressable electrodes.
A High Resolution Barium Fluoride Crystal Array

A high speed and highly radiation-resistant barium fluoride crystal array is under development at Caltech in collaboration with the Brookhaven National Lab, the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics in China, and the KEK in Japan. The barium fluoride array will serve as a prototype for a high precision electromagnetic calorimeter which is uniquely suitable for the Superconducting Super Collider, where high speed and radiation resistance up to 10 mega-Rads or greater doses are primary requirements. This research program aims at producing large size barium fluoride crystals with high radiation resistance, and developing a fast, effective light-sensitive readout to collect the fast scintillation components. Test results of commercially available barium fluoride and a test crystal produced at Shanghai are reported.
The Electrodynamics of a Superconducting (or Lossy Dielectric) Film on a Metallic Substrate

Analytic expressions for the electrodynamics of TEM radiation normally incident upon a superconducting film-metallic substrate system are derived in the good conductor approximation. These expressions include the fields, surface impedance, and power dissipation in both the superconducting (or lossy dielectric) film and the metallic substrate. The sum of the power dissipating in the film and in the substrate--in the continuum approximation and in the steady-state limit--is shown to be in agreement with over 30 significant figures with an independent calculation that also employs the good conductor approximation.
A GIS-Based Performance Metrics for Designing a Low Energy Urban Agriculture System

This chapter explores a GIS-based performance metric for designing a low energy agriculture system in the City of Atlanta. A framework of a planning support system (PSS) is proposed, which contains dimensions of representation, performance and scenario planning. The specific PSS demonstrated how a performance-oriented urban design decision model reorganizes fragmented information and turns them into useful representational layers, analyses of performance measures, and scenario planning for making design decisions.
Algebraic Flux Correction and Geometric Conservation in ALE Computations

In this chapter, we describe the important role played by the so-called Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) in the design of Flux-Corrected Transport (FCT) methods for Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) applications. We propose a conservative synchronized remap algorithm applicable to arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian computations with nodal finite elements. Unique to the proposed method is the direct incorporation of the geometric conservation law (GCL) in the resulting numerical scheme. We show how the geometric conservation law allows the proposed method to inherit the positivity preserving and local extrema diminishing (LED) properties typical of FCT schemes for pure transport problems. The extension to systems of equations which typically arise in meteorological and compressible flow computations is performed by means of a synchronized strategy. The proposed approach also complements and extends the work of the first author on nodal-based methods for shock hydrodynamics, delivering a fully integrated suite of Lagrangian/remap algorithms for computations of compressible materials under extreme load conditions. Numerical tests in multiple dimensions show that the method is robust and accurate in typical computational scenarios.
Ultrafiltration binding analyses of glycated albumin with a 3D-printed syringe attachment

Protein-ligand binding assays facilitate the understanding of biomolecular interactions. Classical equilibrium dialysis methods are often used for accurate determination of binding properties. While accurate, the long equilibration times associated with the technique (> 6 h) hinder throughput. Here, in an attempt to gather high-accuracy results while reducing total analysis time, a low pressure ultrafiltration method that relies on a simple membrane-containing syringe attachment was developed. A minimal portion (1–2%) of the solution containing the binding analytes of interest is driven through the membrane pores and collected for analysis. Specifically, the device was used to investigate the binding affinity between Zn2+ and either normal human serum albumin (nHSA) or a commercially purchased glycated human serum albumin (gHSA). Both of these ligand/protein-binding systems have implications in type 1 diabetes. The device was then used to investigate the binding between the various albumin types and C-peptide, the 31 amino acid peptide that is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic β cells. Results for nHSA/Zn2+ binding obtained using the ultrafiltration method (Kd = 5.77 ± 0.19 × 10−7 M) were statistically equivalent with results reported using other methods. Importantly, the amount of Zn2+ bound to the nHSA was significantly different from the gHSA (97 ± 2% protein bound vs. 91 ± 3%, respectively p < 0.05). The binding affinity of C-peptide to nHSA (Kd = 2.4 ± 0.3 × 10−6 M) agreed with values reported in the literature using standard techniques. Unlike Zn2+ binding, the binding of C-peptide to nHSA was statistically equal to its binding to gHSA (77.7 ± 6.2 and 78.8 ± 7.4%, respectively), suggesting that C-peptide replacement therapy in people with T1D may be strongly dependent upon the characteristics of Zn2+ binding to human serum albumin.
Introduction: Why a Case Study of Vaginal Mesh Kits?

Through the course of understanding why vaginal mesh kits failed in the market, I came to realize that the cycle of medical device innovation, introduction, failure, litigation, and withdrawal was prevalent in the medical device industry. With this book, I hope to compile an impartial account of the innovation of the medical device cycle and use the vaginal mesh kit example for specifics. As such, the book is divided in two sections. The first section is useful for the corporate leaders, medical device industry representatives, Master of Business or Health Administration (MBA/MHA) students, and medical device utilizers. It details the innovation of medical devices, business development aspects of new devices, medicolegal aspects of medical devices and a review of the FDA process, the ethics of the medical device industry, and finally a unique patient perspective on medical device innovations. The second half of this book is written by both the pro-mesh and anti-mesh authorities in the field of urogynecology to dissect the vaginal mesh kit complications as a case study of what could be done better and how the medical profession responded. It comprises the pertinent anatomy on why a medical device solution may have made sense, the basic science of mesh, the epidemiology of vaginal mesh complications, the evolution of ultrasound for mesh imaging, operative responses for vaginal mesh and sling complications, and the outcomes of vaginal mesh surgeries.
Designing Multimodal Intent Communication Strategies for Conflict Avoidance in Industrial Human-Robot Teams

Robot-to-human intent communication has been proposed as a method of enabling fluent coordination in human-robot teams. Prior research has focused on identifying modalities by which intent information can be accurately communicated, but has not yet studied whether intent communication enables fluent or safer coordination in human-robot teams in which intent communication is only supportive to the team's primary task. To address this question, we conduct a study (N = 29) in a mock collaborative manufacturing scenario in which motion-based and display-based intent communication approaches are evaluated under varying penalties for failing to coordinate safely. Subjective and objective measures of team fluency suggest that although intent communication supports fluent coordination, using a purely motion-based or a purely display-based approach may not be the most effective strategy. Although multimodal intent communication did not significantly improve upon unimodal approaches, merging both motion-based and display-based intent communication seems to combine the strengths of both approaches. Interestingly, results also suggest that contrary to theoretical predictions, the positive effect of intent communication is generally robust to teaming scenarios that require members to operate concurrently.
Family Income at Birth and Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at Age 15: Racial Differences.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) resources protect children and adults against the risk of medical and psychiatric conditions. According to the Minorities’ Diminished Returns theory, however, such protective effects are systemically weaker for the members of racial and ethnic minority groups compared to Whites. Aims: Using a national data set with 15 years of follow up, we compared Black and White youth for the effects of family SES at birth on the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at age 15. Methods: The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS, 1998–2016) is a longitudinal prospective study of urban youth from birth to age 15. This analysis included 2006 youth who were either White (n = 360) or Black (n = 1646). The independent variable was family income, the dependent variable was ADHD at age 15. Child gender, maternal age, and family type at birth were covariates, and race was the focal moderator. We ran logistic regressions in the overall sample and specific to race. Results: In the overall sample, high family income at birth was not associated with the risk of ADHD at age 15, independent of all covariates. Despite this relationship, we found a significant interaction between race and family income at birth on subsequent risk of ADHD, indicating a stronger effect for Whites compared to Blacks. In stratified models, we found a marginally significant protective effect of family SES against the risk of ADHD for White youths. For African American youth, on the other hand, family SES was shown to have a marginally significant risk for ADHD. Conclusions: The health gain that follows family income is smaller for Black than White families, which is in line with the Minorities’ Diminished Returns. The solution to health disparities is not simply policies that aim to reduce the racial gap in SES, because various racial health disparities in the United States are not due to differential access to resources but rather the impact of these resources on health outcomes. Public policies, therefore, should go beyond equalizing access to resources and also address the structural racism and discrimination that impact Blacks’ lives. Policies should fight racism and should help Black families to overcome barriers in their lives so they can gain health from their SES and social mobility. As racism is multi-level, multi-level interventions are needed to tackle diminished returns of SES.
On the anomaly in the electrical characteristics of thin film transistors with multi-layered sol-gel processed ZnO

Abstract A set of bottom-gate Zinc Oxide (ZnO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with active layers containing 1, 4 and 8 layers of spin-coated ZnO were fabricated and their electrical characteristics such as transistor transfer and capacitance-voltage characteristics were analyzed. The transconductance of the single-layered ZnO transistor shows a single peak. On the other hand, multiple peaks and humps were observed in the transconductance and capacitance-voltage characteristics of multi-layered ZnO transistors. The multi-layers were grown by reiteration of the spin-coating process, producing ZnO − ZnO interlayer-interfaces. The surface of the ZnO layer in contact with the ambient contains active sites, resulting in chemisorption of ambient gases such as oxygen prior to the deposition of subsequent layers. The chemisorbed species become negatively-charged and form charge sheets, depleting the surface/interface region. It was proposed that the formation of depletion layers at ZnO − ZnO interlayer-interfaces is the main cause for the observed anomaly.