cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balamuthia mandrillaris, Agent of Amebic Encephalitis: Detection of Serum Antibodies and Antigenic Similarity of Isolates by Enzyme Immunoassay

We report the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting antibodies to Balamuthia mandrillaris, a free-living ameba that is an etiologic agent of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE). As part of the California Encephalitis Project (CEP), we have tested serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from a subgroup of 130 hospitalized encephalitis patients (out of approximately 430 samples) over a 16-month period. Case criteria were based on clinical, laboratory, and occupational/recreational histories. All serum samples initially underwent screening by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) staining with results ranging from no detectable ameba antibodies to titers of 1:256. In addition to the 130 samples tested prospectively, sera and/or CSF from 11 previously confirmed cases of balamuthiasis, six healthy individuals, and earlier CEP submissions with high IFA antibody titers were also tested retrospectively. Among the 130 samples, two cases of balamuthiasis were identified by ELISA and confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The availability of sera from human and animal cases and from varied geographic areas allowed comparisons of serologic similarities of the different Balamuthia strains and human sera. All sera, whether from human or other mammals, reacted with all strains of Balamuthia, as they did with Balamuthia amebae from different geographic areas. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results were consistent with the IFA results. Differences between readings were likely due to cross-reactivity between Balamuthia antigens and unidentified antibodies in serum.
Simulating coronas in color

Coronas are simulated in color by use of the Mie scattering theory of light by small droplets through clouds of finite optical thickness embedded in a Rayleigh scattering atmosphere. The primary factors that affect color, visibility, and number of rings of coronas are droplet size, width of the size distribution, and cloud optical thickness. The color sequence of coronas and iridescence varies when the droplet radius is smaller than ∼6-μm. As radius increases to approximately 3.5 μm, new color bands appear at the center of the corona and fade as they move outward. As the radius continues to increase to ∼6 μm, successively more inner rings become fixed in the manner described by classical diffraction theory, while outer rings continue their outward migration. Wave clouds or rippled cloud segments produce the brightest and most vivid multiple ringed coronas and iridescence because their integrated drop size distributions along sunbeams are much narrower than in convective or stratiform clouds. The visibility of coronas and the appearance of the background sky vary with cloud optical depth τ. First the corona becomes visible as a white aureole in a blue sky when τ ∼ 0.001. Color purity then rapidly increases to an almost flat maximum in the range 0.05 ≤ τ ≤ 0.5 and then decreases, so coronas are almost completely washed out by a bright gray background when τ ≥ 4.
Negative differential resistance (NDR) frequency conversion with gain

The dependence of the conductance of negative differential resistance (NDR) devices in the presence of an RF signal of varying amplitude has been theoretically analyzed. Variable absolute negative conductance has been observed in both unbiased resonant tunneling devices and biased tunnel diode when the applied pump power is within the correct range. The theoretical observation of the dependence of the DC conductance of the NDR devices on the power level of the applied pump signal is supported by the experimental results. Absolute negative conductance of NDR devices provides the possibility of oscillation and harmonic oscillation up to the cut-off frequency of the device. Biased oscillators and self-oscillating frequency multipliers have been experimentally demonstrated using a tunnel diode. Unbiased oscillators have also been successfully realized with two back-to-back connected tunnel diodes which exhibit an anti-symmetrical I-V characteristic. >
Simulator motion as a factor in flight-director display evaluation.

The results of research conducted in ground-based flight simulators must be interpreted with care in view of the potential effects of differences between the simulated and actual flight environments. A study comparing various flight-director displays in a moving-base simulator was replicated without motion. Significantly different results occurred as a function of the presence or absence of motion. Implications of these results raise doubt concerning the validity of findings from simulator experiments in which whole-body acceleration cues might be a factor.
Write Markers for Probabilistic Quorum Systems

Probabilistic quorum systems can tolerate a larger fraction of faults than can traditional (strict) quorum systems, while guaranteeing consistency with an arbitrarily high probability for a system with enough replicas. However, the masking and opaque types of probabilistic quorum systems are hampered in that their optimal load--a best-case measure of the work done by the busiest replica, and an indicator of scalability--is little better than that of strict quorum systems. In this paper we present a variant of probabilistic quorum systems that uses write markers in order to limit the extent to which Byzantine-faulty servers act together. Our masking and opaque probabilistic quorum systems have asymptotically better load than the bounds proven for previous masking and opaque quorum systems. Moreover, the new masking and opaque probabilistic quorum systems can tolerate an additional 24% and 17% of faulty replicas, respectively, compared with probabilistic quorum systems without write markers.
The Association between Work–Family Guilt and Pro- and Anti-Social Work Behavior

This article explores the behavioral outcomes of an understudied emotion, guilt, in the context of the work–family domain. Specifically, we propose that work–family guilt motivates both pro- and anti-social behaviors in the workplace. Working undergraduate students in the United States completed qualitative and quantitative indicators of behavioral responses to work–family guilt. Results demonstrated that when individuals experienced family-to-work guilt, they responded with helping behaviors directed toward individuals. When individuals experienced work-to-family guilt, they responded by shirking of work responsibilities. Thus, work–family guilt may be a critical and underexplored determinant of extrarole behaviors and an important emotion to manage in order to sustain career and care roles.
Accumulation of latex in Peyer's patches and its subsequent appearance in villi and mesenteric lymph nodes.

SummaryLatex particles (2 μm in diameter) accumulated in intestinal Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice given latex suspensions as drinking fluid. After a 61-day period of latex feeding, the particles were also present in villi adjacent to Peyer's patches; they were not seen, however, after only 3 days of latex feeding. The amount of latex in Peyer's patches 74 days after the termination of latex feeding was much less than the amount present 14 days after the termination of feeding. It is suggested that migratory macrophages take up latex particles within Peyer's patches and subsequently move out of the patch to mesenteric nodes and villi. Some free particles may also be transported out of Peyer's patches to mesenteric nodes and villi through open lymphatic channels. The observations support the contention that Peyer's patches “sample” intestinal contents and they suggest a mechanism for the elimination of accumulated inert particulate matter from these lymphoid structures.
Analyzing Factors Influencing Struck-By Accidents of a Moving Mining Machine by using Motion Capture and DHM Simulations

Remote operation of continuous mining machines has enhanced the health and safety of underground miners in many respects; however, numerous fatal and non-fatal continuous miner struck-by accidents have occurred. In an effort to prevent these injuries, NIOSH researchers at Pittsburgh Research Laboratory studied the workplace relationships between continuous miner operators and various tramming tasks of the equipment using motion capture data, operator response times, and field of view data to evaluate the factors influencing operator-machine struck-by events (contact with a solid object) in a virtual mine environment. It is not feasible (nor ethical) to use human subjects to directly evaluate factors that precipitate such injuries. However, use of motion analysis data and digital human models can facilitate analysis of struck-by accident risk by allowing investigators to manipulate factors that influence injury. Factors included in this study included machine speed, direction of escape, the direction the operator was facing relative to the machine, work posture, distance from machine, and operator anthropometry. Close proximity to the machine, high machine tramming speeds, a right-facing orientation and operator positioning near the tail all resulted in high risk of being struck.
A zoom feature for a dynamic programming solution to economic dispatch including transmission losses

An iterative dynamic programming method for solving the economic dispatch problems of a system of thermal generating units including transmission line losses is presented along with a clear explanation of modifying generator cost functions during each iteration. A zoom feature is applied during the iterative process in order to converge to the economic dispatch solution with low computer time and storage requirements, Dynamic programming including a short-term load forecast is briefly discussed. A three-generator example is used to illustrate the method. Computer memory and time requirements are presented, along with results for a 15-unit system. >
Isolation and characterization of a TERMINAL FLOWER 1 homolog from Prunus serotina Ehrh.

Flowering control is one of the several strategies for gene containment of transgenic plants. TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) is known to be involved in the transcriptional repression of genes for inflorescence development. Two TFL1 transcripts with different 3' UTR were cloned from black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Corresponding to the two TFL1 transcripts, two PsTFL1 gene sequences, 1248 bp and 1579 bp, were obtained and both contained the same 519 bp coding region which encoded a putative protein of 172 amino acid residues. The phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences showed high identity of PsTFL1 to TFL1 orthologs of other Prunus species, including Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis Matsum.), peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.). The real-time quantitative PCR detected a single copy of PsTFL1 gene sequences in the black cherry genome with two alleles. The gene expression of PsTFL1 was examined in several tissues including the stems, leaves, shoot tips, and vegetative and floral buds. The highest mRNA level was detected in shoot tips, and the lowest level in the leaves. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. plants overexpressing PsTFL1 showed significantly delayed flowering. These plants also showed largely increased vegetative growth, plant height, number of nodes, trichome density, and the conversion of flower to shoot was observed at each node and shoot apex.
A general nonlinear inverse transport algorithm using forward and adjoint flux computations

Iterative approaches to the nonlinear inverse transport problem are described, which give rise to the structure that best predicts a set of transport observations. Such methods are based on minimizing a global error functional measuring the discrepancy between predicted and observed transport data. Required for this minimization is the functional gradient (Frechet derivative) of the global error evaluated with respect to a set of unknown material parameters (specifying boundary locations, scattering cross sections, etc.) which are to be determined. It is shown how this functional gradient is obtained from numerical solutions to the forward and adjoint transport problems computed once per iteration. This approach is not only far more efficient, but also more accurate, than a finite-difference method for computing the gradient of the global error. The general technique can be applied to inverse-transport problems of all descriptions, provided only that solutions to the forward and adjoint problems can be found numerically. As an illustration, two inverse problems are treated: the reconstruction of an anisotropic scattering function in a one-dimensional homogeneous slab and the two-dimensional "imaging" of a spatially-varying scattering cross section.
A continuously tunable sequential Stokes Raman laser

We have obtained continuously tunable coherent radiation in the 1-12 \mu m region via sequential Raman scattering of pulsed-dye-laser radiation in hydrogen. A multiple-pass-cell was used to enhance the Raman gain and produce an overall quantum conversion efficiency of at least 45 percent in the wavelength range from 0.9 to 5μm. At 5 μm, an energy output of 1 mj in a 7 ns pulse at a 10 Hz repetition rate has been obtained. Inherent four-wave mixing initiates the sequential Stokes conversion to the infrared and produces single transverse mode (TEM 00 ) radiation in a 0.2 cm-1bandwidth. We have developed a nonlinear model of the process that includes the effects of diffraction, four-wave mixing, and temporal pulse shape and gives numerical outputs in agreement with experiment.
7A-5 Real-Time 3D Contrast-Enhanced Transcranial Ultrasound

Contrast-enhanced (CE) transcranial ultrasound (US) and reconstructed 3D transcranial ultrasound have shown advantages over traditional methods in a variety of cerebrovascular diseases. We present the results from a novel ultrasound technique, namely real-time 3D contrast-enhanced transcranial ultrasound with phase aberration correction. Using real-time 3D (RT3D) ultrasound and micro-bubble contrast agent, we scanned 17 healthy volunteers via a single temporal window and 9 via the sub-occipital window and report our detection rates for the major cerebral vessels. In 82% of subjects, we identified the ipsilateral circle of Willis from the temporal window, and in 65% we imaged the entire circle of Willis. From the sub-occipital window, we detected the entire vertebrobasilar circulation in 22% of subjects, and in 50% the basilar artery. After performing phase aberration correction on one subject, we were able to increase the diagnostic value of the scan, detecting a vessel not present in the uncorrected scan. These preliminary results suggest that RT3D CE transcranial US with phase aberration correction has the potential to greatly impact the field of neurosonology.
SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM AND EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING IN MAMMALIAN SMOOTH MUSCLES

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was studied in the smooth muscles of rabbit main pulmonary artery, mesenteric vein, aorta, mesenteric artery, taenia coli, guinea pig mesenteric artery, and human uterus, and correlated with contractions of the smooth muscles in Ca-free media. SR volumes were determined in main pulmonary artery (5.1%), aorta (5%), portal-anterior mesenteric vein (2.2%), taenia coli (2%), and mesenteric artery (1.8%): because of tangentially sectioned membranes these estimates are subject to a correction factor of up to +50% of the values measured. Smooth muscles that contained a relatively large volume of SR maintained significant contractile responses to drugs in the virtual absence of extracellular calcium at room temperatures, while smooth muscles that had less SR did not. The unequal maximal contractions of main pulmonary artery elicited by different drugs were also observed in Ca-free, high potassium-depolarizing solution, indicating that they were secondary to some mechanism independent of changes in membrane potential or calcium influx. Longitudinal tubules of SR run between and are fenestrated about groups of surface vesicles separated from each other by intervening dense bodies. Extracellular markers (ferritin and lanthanum) entered the surface vesicles, but not the SR. The peripheral SR formed couplings with the surface membrane: the two membranes were separated by gaps of approximately 10 nm traversed by electron-opaque connections suggestive of a periodicity of approximately 20–25 nm. These couplings are considered to be the probable sites of electromechanical coupling in twitch smooth muscles. Close contacts between the SR and the surface vesicles may have a similar function, or represent sites of calcium extrusion. The presence of both thick and thin myofilaments and of rough SR in smooth muscles supports the dual, contractile and morphogenetic, function of smooth muscle.
Vulnerability of newly settled red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to predatory fish: is early-life survival enhanced by seagrass meadows?

We conducted predation experiments to evaluate the vulnerability of red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus) larvae and early juveniles to pinfish Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus) predators. Experiments were designed to analyze the effects of habitat complexity, prey size, and rearing condition on prey vulnerability. Three structurally different habitats [unvegetated (substrate only), shoal grass Halodule wrightii (Aschers) and turtle grass Thalassia testudinum (Bank ex Konig)] were simulated in experimental mesocosms. Instantaneous hourly mortality rates (Z h−1 predator−1) for hatchery-reared red drum were significantly higher in the unvegetated habitat (0.189) than in either shoal grass (0.069) or turtle grass (0.046). A similar trend in predation mortality was observed for wild-caught red drum; instantaneous hourly mortality rates were 0.166, 0.047, and 0.021 in unvegetated, shoal grass, and turtle grass habitats, respectively. Mortality rates (adjusted means) for hatchery red drum were higher than for wild individuals in all three habitats; however, the differences were not significant. Predation mortality decreased with increasing prey size (3 to 9% decrease in Z per mm increase in length), suggesting that small red drum (i.e. new settlers) were most vulnerable to predators. We conclude that habitat complexity is critical to the survival of newly settled red drum, and changes in the complexity or areal coverage of natural seagrass meadows may affect early-life survival and possibly recruitment levels.
Acellular hemoglobin solution enters compressed lung capillaries more readily than red blood cells.

High lung inflation pressures compress alveolar septal capillaries, impede red cell transit, and interfere with oxygenation. However, recently introduced acellular hemoglobin solutions may enter compressed lung capillaries more easily than red blood cells. To test this hypothesis, we perfused isolated rat lungs with fluorescently labeled diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb; 10%) and/ or autologous red cells (hematocrit, 20). Septal capillaries were compressed by setting lung inflation pressure above vascular pressures (zone 1). Examination by confocal microscopy showed that DCLHb was distributed throughout alveolar septa. Furthermore, this distribution was not affected by adding red blood cells to the perfusate. We estimated the maximum acellular hemoglobin mass within septa to be equivalent to that of 15 red blood cells. By comparison, we found an average of 2.7 ± 4.6 red cells per septum in zone 1. These values increased to 30.4 ± 25.8 and 50.4 ± 22.1 cells per septum in zones 2 and 3, respectively. We conclude that perfusion in zone 1 with a 10% acellular hemoglobin solution may increase the hemoglobin concentration per septum up to fivefold compared with red cell perfusion.
A Bryological Assessment of the Flint Woods Preserve, Delaware

Abstract The Flint Woods Preserve is known to contain rare species of vascular flora, yet no bryological survey has previously been performed. Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) are are sensitive to changes in the environment and serve as biological indicators. The objectives of this study were to determine the diversity of bryophytes among habitats and to identify species associations, as compared to known European associations. The similarity of species occurrences among and within habitats and substrates was assessed using the Jaccard index and calculated β diversity. Associations among species and between growth form or life strategy and habitat or substrate were assessed by a two-way contingency table with Fisher's exact test. Thirty-eight species of Bryophyta and Marchantiophyta were found, including four rare species: Dicranum fulvum, Fissidens bushii, Ctenidium malacodes, and Ptilidium pulcherrimum. Seventy-five percent of the species were exclusively epigaeic or occurred on multiple s...
Career Aspirations and Emotional Adjustment of Chinese International Graduate Students

There are more Chinese student-scholars than any other group of international students studying in the United States. Despite this, there are relatively few studies that have focused on specific educational needs and required career support services for Chinese international students. This exploratory study was conducted to determine the relationship between career aspirations and emotional adjustment of Chinese international students. Results from Chinese students were compared with those of students from the United States. Relationships between the career aspirations and emotional adjustment of Chinese and U.S. students did not reveal statistically significant differences. However, regression analysis indicated that social stress was a statistically significant predictor of career aspirations for U.S. students. Chinese and U.S. students were more alike than different on career aspirations and emotional adjustment, and observed educational similarities appeared to outweigh any cultural differences that e...
Chronobiology of Acute Myocardial Infarction

This is the fourth article in a fivepart continuing education series on chronobiology. Previous articles have focused on chronobiology’s general principles, and its relation to the endocrine system, melatonin, and chronopharmacology in cancer medicine. This article focuses on the circadian variation of acute onset of myocardial infarction. The onset of myocardial infarction frequently is triggered by activities of the patient that occur at different times of the day, week, and year. Many studies show increases in onset of myocardial infarction in the morning and during the winter. Pharmacologic protection during the morning hours for patients already receiving anti-ischemic therapy may be beneficial. Greater understanding of triggering mechanisms should facilitate progress in the prevention of myocardial infarction. The final article and examination will appear in the September 1994 issue.
Offline Verification of Hand Written Signature using Adaptive Resonance Theory Net (Type-1)

Recognizing hand-written signature is important due to several legal issues. Manual verification is often difficult when very much 'similar-looking' but forged signature is produced. In this work an effort has been made to automate such kind of signature verification process offline, using Adaptive Resonance Theory type-1 (ART-1). It is implemented using both serial and parallel processing, the performance of which are then compared. The said network has been trained with the original signature and tested with two forged signatures. The grade of similarity has been computed by introducing the term 'Similarity Index' (SI). Performance analysis reveals that after a careful tuning of vigilance parameter (ρ), both serial and parallel processing are able to learn the exemplary patterns with 100% accuracy. While testing, it is noted that parallel processing performs better than the serial processing in terms of speed as well as identifying the forged signatures by computing the mismatch.
Properties of a superoxide anion-generating microsomal NADH oxidoreductase, a potential pulmonary artery Po2 sensor

In this study, we describe properties of a microsomal NADH oxidoreductase that is a potential PO2-dependent source of vasoactive reactive O2 species in the calf pulmonary artery. Microsomes show an NADH-dependent production of superoxide anion (O2-.), as detected by lucigenin-elicited chemiluminescence, a superoxide dismutase inhibited reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) and 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol, and O2 consumption. The microsomal production of O2-. was modulated by physiologically relevant levels of NADH and PO2, and O2-. production was reduced by inhibitors of NADH-dependent microsomal electron transport. Microsomes catalyzed an NADH-mediated reduction of several electron acceptor dyes, cytochrome c (rotenone insensitive) and methemoglobin. On reduction with dithionite, a cytochrome with an absorbance at approximately 558 nm was observed. Arterial O2-. levels (chemiluminescence) were also reduced by NBT and microsomal electron transport inhibitors. In pulmonary arteries, NBT selectively inhibited PO2 and lactate elicited changes in force generation, presumably by trapping O2-. and preventing H2O2 formation. Thus these studies are consistent with an involvement of O2-.-derived H2O2 generation via a microsomal NADH-cytochrome b558 electron transport system in calf pulmonary artery smooth muscle PO2 and lactate-elicited tone responses.
Studies on Microstructure - Property Relationship of Yba2Cu3O7-X + Ag2O Composite Wire

Microcomposites of YBCO and silver formed through powder processing route have already shown attractive properties, particularly in regard to formability into usable shapes, flexibility (toughness) and zero resistivity (at 77 K) [1]. The material has been characterized, in this effort, by evaluating the microstructure at the various stages of the fabrication route. Effects of different heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical and electrical properties of the sintered billet and of the extruded as well as rolled wires have been reported in this paper.
409 A NOVEL GAS EXCHANGE ASSIST DEVICE IN A MODEL OF NEONATAL PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Introduction Respiratory failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension are important causes of mortality in term infants. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation reduces mortality but is associated with morbidity. The lung assist device (LAD) is a novel gas exchange device that supplements mechanical ventilation. LAD (MC3 Inc., Ann Arbor, MI) is a pumpless, low pressure extracorporeal oxygenator. It has improved gas exchange in adult animals. Purpose To test the feasibility of the LAD in juvenile piglets with hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Methods The LAD was attached between the carotid artery and jugular vein of 4-week-old acutely instrumented piglets (n = 3). Pulmonary hypertension was acutely induced by hypoxia (FiO2 = 10%). Gas exchange, pulmonary pressure, hemodynamic variables, and cardiac output were measured with and without flow through the device. Results Successful LAD cannulation was achieved in all 3 animals with no complications. The LAD increased PaO2 from 26 mm Hg (pre-device) to 530 mm Hg (post-device) and decreased PaCO2 from 45 mm Hg (pre-device) to 5 mm Hg (post-device) (n = 2). In the three animals, systemic arterial pressure decreased by 1-9%, cardiac output remained stable, and hematocrit decreased by 1-10%. Acidosis developed in one animal. In one animal, pulmonary arterial pressures decreased by 62% (Figure) and systemic oxygenation improved marginally (PaO2 increased by 12%) with initiation of flow through LAD. Conclusion These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of a novel pumpless low-pressure gas exchange assist device that is perfused by the cardiac output to maintain perfusion, improve gas exchange, and decrease pulmonary hypertension.
Solution of directional element based on general digital camera

To the problem what baseline' s heft BX,BY,BZ and screen-axis' parameter ω,φ,κ had not been assured and digital twin-image had no frame-sign on normal digital camere,this paper introduced using common-line equation to calculate the element of inner direction.When the normal digital-camera was carried by lower aircraft,the problem to baseline's heft BX was not assured,and the arithmetic was put forward by using baseline length to calculate the element of relatively directional element,also showing mathematics model.In addition the paper afforded collocation's principle about control point,experiment's photo,experiment's date and conclusion.
Tubuloglomerular feedback and blood flow autoregulation during DA1-induced renal vasodilation

The effect of renal vasodilation produced by the dopamine DA1-receptor agonist, fenoldopam (SKF-82526), on tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) activity and the autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) was determined in euvolemic rats. Fenoldopam (2.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) increased RBF by 17% (electromagnetic flow probe) while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was unchanged; mean arterial pressure was decreased by 6%. Superficial cortical blood flow was increased by 12% (laser-Doppler flowmetry) while single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) and estimated glomerular capillary pressure (stop-flow pressure, Psf) were stable. SNGFR measured at proximal and distal sites along the same nephron was not affected by fenoldopam. Partial inhibition of TGF was indicated by the constancy of distal SNGFR and the proximal-distal SNGFR difference in the presence of increased distal delivery of native fluid. However, fenoldopam did not affect feedback control of Psf evaluated by perfusing artificial fluid through Henle's loop at 0-62 n...
Genetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWAS

Study objectives Chronotype, or diurnal preference, refers to behavioral manifestations of the endogenous circadian system that governs preferred timing of sleep and wake. As variations in circadian timing and system perturbations are linked to disease development, the fundamental biology of chronotype has received attention for its role in the regulation and dysregulation of sleep and related illnesses. Family studies indicate that chronotype is a heritable trait, thus directing attention toward its genetic basis. Although discoveries from molecular studies of candidate genes have shed light onto its genetic architecture, the contribution of genetic variation to chronotype has remained unclear with few related variants identified. In the advent of large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), scientists now have the ability to discover novel common genetic variants associated with complex phenotypes. Three recent large-scale GWASs of chronotype were conducted on subjects of European ancestry from the 23andMe cohort and the UK Biobank. This review discusses the findings of these landmark GWASs in the context of prior research. Methods We systematically reviewed and compared methodological and analytical approaches and results across the three GWASs of chronotype. Results A good deal of consistency was observed across studies with 9 genes identified in 2 of the 3 GWASs. Several genes previously unknown to influence chronotype were identified. Conclusions GWAS is an important tool in identifying common variants associated with the complex chronotype phenotype, the findings of which can supplement and guide molecular science. Future directions in model systems and discovery of rare variants are discussed.
Results of Conventional Cytogenetics and Interphase FISH (I-FISH) Analyses in Patients with a Clinical and Morphologic Diagnosis of CML: Analysis of 52 Cases.

Abstract The presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), derived from a balanced translocation between chromosomes 9q and 22q, serves as a hallmark for the diagnosis of CML or Ph-positive ALL. In recent years, I-FISH has become the method of choice to detect Ph-positive clones at diagnosis and during treatment. In addition, I-FISH analysis is also able to identify variant translocations and loss of DNA sequences, some of which are known to be predictors of poor clinical outcome. To determine the contribution of I-FISH in detecting genetic alterations at diagnosis and during therapy, we summarized our experience in a series of patients with CML and Ph+ ALL studied in a single institution between 2000–2004. A total of 52 patients had both cytogenetic and I-FISH analyses available for review. The 52 patients included 30 patients in chronic phase, 10 patients in accelerated phase, 9 patients in blastic phase, and 3 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Sixteen of the 52 patients had newly diagnosed CML, and the remaining 36 patients had studies performed while on imatinib. Conventional cytogenetics detected the Ph-chromosome in 44 patients (85%), whereas I-FISH detected Ph chromosome positivity in all 52 patients (100%). In three of the 16 patients with newly diagnosed disease, I-FISH identified variant translocations in the setting of a normal karyotype. Two of these 3 patients were found to be RT-PCR negative for bcr/abl transcripts. Nineteen of 52 patients (37%) had additional abnormalities detected by karyotype. Nine of these 19 patients (47%) had more than one additional cytogenetic abnormality. The most common abnormalities in the Ph+ clone included: 6 patients with 2 copies of the Ph chromosome, 4 patients with trisomy 21, 2 patients with deletion (20q), 2 patients with isochromosome 17, and 2 patients with trisomy 8. Independent clones with trisomy 8 were noted in an additional 2 patients on imatinib therapy. A total of 12 of the 52 patients (23%) had variant signal patterns by I-FISH; loss of DNA sequences on chromosomes 9 and 22 occurred in 4 and 3 cases respectively and a variant signal pattern involving additional chromosomes was seen in 5 patients. While in general we found a good correlation between the proportion of Ph-positive cells detected by conventional cytogenetics and I-FISH, differences between the two types of analyses were observed in 8 patients. Six patients had a normal karyotype (20 cells analyzed) with positive I-FISH analysis (range 3.2–99%). Two of the 8 patients had a small percentage of Ph-positive metaphases with negative I-FISH. These results underscore the significance of utilizing both conventional cytogenetics and I-FISH in CML patients at diagnosis as well as during therapy. The biologic and clinical implications of the disparity between conventional cytogenetics, I-FISH, and in some cases RT-PCR results are not yet fully realized.
Characterizing L1-norm best-fit subspaces

Fitting affine objects to data is the basis of many tools and methodologies in statistics, machine learning, and signal processing. The L1 norm is often employed to produce subspaces exhibiting a robustness to outliers and faulty observations. The L1-norm best-fit subspace problem is directly formulated as a nonlinear, nonconvex, and nondifferentiable optimization problem. The case when the subspace is a hyperplane can be solved to global optimality efficiently by solving a series of linear programs. The problem of finding the best-fit line has recently been shown to be NP-hard. We present necessary conditions for optimality for the best-fit subspace problem, and use them to characterize properties of optimal solutions.
Multi-scale Equation of State Computations for Confined Fluids

Abstract Fluid properties of five binary mixtures relevant to shale gas and light tight oil in confined nano-channels are studied. Canonical (NVT) Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine internal energies of departure of pure fluids using the RASPA software system (Dubbeldam et al., 2015). The linear mixing rule proposed by Lucia et al. (2012) is used to determine internal energies of departure for mixtures, U M D , in confined spaces and compared to U M D from direct NVT Monte Carlo simulation. The sensitivity of the mixture energy parameter, aM, for the Gibbs-Helmholtz constrained (GHC) equation, confined fluid molar volume, VM, and bubble point pressure are studied as a function of uncertainty in U M D . Results show that the sensitivity of confined fluid molar volume to 5% uncertainty in U M D is less than 1% and that the GHC equation predicts physically meaningful reductions in bubble point pressure for light tight oils.
Two Kinds of Brain Injury in Sport

AbstractAfter years of skepticism and denials regarding the significance of concussions in sport, the issue is now front and center. This is fitting, given that the impact of concussions in sport is profound. Thus, it is with trepidation that one ventures to direct some attention onto brain injuries other than concussions incurred through sport. Given a closer look, however, it may be that considering various kinds of brain injuries, with different causes, will help us better understand the range and seriousness of brain injuries in sport. My focus is on emotional trauma in sport. I argue that severe emotional pathology is evidence of underlying brain injury. Any attempt to minimize the significance of emotional disturbance that results from emotional trauma as ‘merely’ psychological in nature is thus misguided.
Microbial communities as biosensors for monitoring urban environments

The BE microbiome is a naturally embedded biosensor in urban infrastructure that can be used to monitor environmental quality and human activity. There are many potential opportunities for leveraging BE microbial communities to guide urban design and public health policy.
Bright x-rays reveal shifting deformation states and effects of the microstructure on the plastic deformation of crystalline materials

The plastic deformation of crystalline materials is usually modeled as smoothly progressing in space and time, yet modern studies show intermittency in the deformation dynamics of single-crystals arising from avalanche behavior of dislocation ensembles under uniform applied loads. However, once the prism of the microstructure in polycrystalline materials disperses and redistributes the load on a grain-by-grain basis, additional length and time scales are involved. Thus, the question is open as to how deformation intermittency manifests for the nonuniform grain-scale internal driving forces interacting with the finer-scale dislocation ensemble behavior. In this work we track the evolution of elastic strain within individual grains of a creep-loaded titanium alloy, revealing widely varying internal strains that fluctuate over time. The findings provide direct evidence of how flow intermittency proceeds for an aggregate of $\ensuremath{\sim}700$ grains while showing the influences of multiscale ensemble interactions and opening new avenues for advancing plasticity modeling.
Care in Nursing Facilities after Palliative Consult

Despite hospital palliative care consultations during which goals of care are discussed in the context of poor prognoses, older adults are admitted to nursing homes for post-acute care where the focus is on rehabilitation. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe factors that influence discontinuity between a palliative care consult and nursing home care and explore the potential consequences of this discontinuity. Twelve adults (mean age of 80 years) were enrolled from one community hospital and nursing home in the mid-Atlantic United States. Semi-structured interviews and medical record reviews were used to elicit information about clinical course, care processes, and patient/family preferences at hospital discharge and up to four times after nursing home admission. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis techniques. Analysis revealed two themes: Inadequate Communication characterized by the lack of information about the palliative care consult after hospital discharge and Prognosis Incongruence evidenced by data demonstrating a discrepancy between hospital prognosis and nursing home care. Ongoing communication between settings to re-address goals of care, prognosis, and symptoms-the central tenets of palliative care-is lacking. Efforts to improve access to comprehensive palliative care delivery after hospitalization and during nursing home transitions are greatly needed.
Estimation of Interclass Correlation from Familial Data

In the analysis of familial data in order to quantify the degree of parent–child resemblance several different estimators of interclass correlation, the pairwise, sib‐mean and random‐sib methods, have been used. We compare these methods and propose a new estimator, the ensemble estimator. For the case where there are a fixed number of siblings per family, the pairwise estimator is shown to be equivalent to the maximum likelihood estimator. When there are a variable number of siblings per family, the pairwise and ensemble estimators are shown by Monte Carlo simulation to be preferable due to their smaller mean square errors. When the sib‐sib correlation is low, the pairwise estimator is more effective whereas at high values the ensemble estimator is more effective.
Crack propagation due to indentation with constant speed

This paper is concerned with the propagation of a surface crack in a brittle solid induced by the indentation of a sharp wedge into the crack under constant speed. The analysis is based on a double-cantilever-beam model. Only the shear deformation of the cantilever is considered. Griffith concept of the balance of energy is used as the fracture criterion. It is found that crack propagation begins when the shear wave front is at the tip of the initial crack. During crack propagation, the crack speed remains constant with finite jumps at those moments when the shear wave front reaches the tip of the running crack. The results obtained by the dynamic analysis agree approximately with those derived from a quasi-static analysis.
Some Applications of Indirect Inference to Longitudinal and Repeated Events Data

In this paper we illustrate the so-called “indirect” method of inference, originally developed from the econometric literature, with analyses of three biological data sets involving longitudinal or repeated events data. This method is often more convenient computationally than maximum likelihood estimation when handling such model complexities as random effects and measurement error, for example; and it can also serve as a basis for robust inference with less stringent assumptions on the data generating mechanism.
Design and performance of a miniature free piston expander

Abstract Heat engines are known for high power and energy densities compared to chemical batteries. The availability of free thermal energy —solar and ‘waste heat’ from electronics provide an opportunity for power generation at miniature length scales (millimeter). Though free piston based expanders at macro length scales (centimeter and above) are found to be suitable for heat energy harvesting, their implementation at miniature scales are challenged by significant parasitic losses such as heat loss and pumping work, yielding low thermal efficiencies. In this manuscript, through physics-based models the behavior and performance of a miniature free piston expander that operates on an open cycle was investigated. Here, the design space of the free piston expander with an objective to achieve an efficiency of at least 15% was explored. Three observations are reported that contribute to higher efficiency operation: (1) a higher injection pressure; (2) an optimum nondimensionalized duration of injection time of 1.5; and (3) softer springs, lower loads, and heavier pistons. A sample calculation showed that a centimeter-sized expander can generate an output power of 2.24 W at 18% efficiency. This study shows that both the performance parameters of the expander, namely efficiency and output power are sensitive to injection pressure of the working fluid compared to the time duration of the working fluid injection. The study reveals that the miniature free piston expander is promising for low temperature waste-heat harvesting.
Cyber Financial Intermediaries: Perspectives and Problems of the Internet Venture Capital and Internet Investment Banking

The trends and changes of the private equity market have opened up opportunities for alternate business models from the seed financing to the open initial public offerings (IPO) by Internet. We examine Internet matchmakers, Internet venture capital, and Internet investment banking companies. These cyber financial intermediaries represent a growing trend of companies that admit ordinary investors from the seed financing to the exit stage of IPO. All three models take advantage of the rise in the use of the Internet among users locally as well as globally. Just as the Internet and e-commerce are revolutionizing the purchasing of goods and how companies are doing business, we scrutinize the impact of the Internet technology on the private equity markets. Though these new services cater to only a niche group of people, who live in an Internet environment, some of these companies have successfully prospered and co-existed with the traditional brokerage houses. The important question is whether this trend of using the Internet in the private equity market will sustain and take off or become an interesting but unimportant niche. Key words: Venture capital; Private equity; Investment banking
Bone Causing Abdominal Groans.

Abstract Gastrointestinal complications secondary to fish bone ingestion are rare, however important to recognize in timely manner to prevent morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is often challenging in setting of non-specific and variable symptoms and lack of history of fish bone ingestion. Diagnostic imaging particularly computed tomography is crucial for diagnosis. However, emphasis should be given on identifying underlying cause of abdominal complications because fish bone is often missed unless specifically looked for. Identification of fish bone is essential for extraction of the inciting nidus. Emergency physician should be aware of this entity to identify it and triage the patients in timely manner. We describe here cases of sub-capsular liver abscess and acute cholecystitis caused by fish bone ingestion. The fish bone as a cause of these complication was initially missed in emergency.
Anesthesia for Patients Scheduled for Intraoperative Electrophysiological Monitoring

A variety of anesthesia methods can be used during surgery where intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is used. Clearly, the anesthesia must be chosen for each patient based on their comorbidities, including the degree of neural compromise that may impact monitoring. In addition, the choice of anesthesia depends on the planned surgery and the particular monitoring modalities being used. Anesthesia for the modalities can be divided by their sensitivities to inhalational anesthetic agents, neuromuscular blocking drugs, or both. The most challenging situation is when the modalities employed include modalities sensitive to both classes of agents where a total intravenous anesthesia must be utilized. A variety of supplemental agents can provide specific enhancement of the anesthesia when needed.
A Bayesian Approach for Statistical–Physical Bulk Parameterization of Rain Microphysics. Part I: Scheme Description

AbstractA new framework is proposed for the bulk parameterization of rain microphysics: the Bayesian Observationally Constrained Statistical–Physical Scheme (BOSS). It is designed to facilitate dir...
The Intersection of HIV and Intimate Partner Violence: An Application of Relational-Cultural Theory with Black and Latina Women

Black and Latina women are disproportionately affected by both HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV). For these women, the complex relationship between HIV and IPV is experienced within a context...
Science and Common Sense

Scientific method is not very different than what everyone does on a daily basis in coming to know about the world. Respect for evidence and reason are basic common sense and basic scientific method. So, disregarding scientific standards and results in selected aspects of life amounts to disregarding common sense. This is not to say that scientific method is perfect. It is important to note the limitations and potential misuse of the method. Unrealistic expectations will turn any imperfection into a reason to discount the whole thing.