cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease: lessons learned from 5-lipoxygenase

Aside from the well-known amyloid beta and tau pathologies found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neuroinflammation is a well-established aspect described in humans and animal models of the disease. Inflammatory perturbations are evident not only in neurons, but also in non-neuronal cells and cytokines in the AD brain. Although the amyloid hypothesis implicates amyloid beta (Aβ) as the prime initiator of the AD, brain inflammation in AD has a complex relationship between Aβ and tau. Using our work with the 5-lipoxygenase protein as an example, we suggest that at least in the case of AD, there is an interdependent and not necessarily hierarchical pathological relationship between Aβ, tau and inflammation.
The Influence of Disclosure Regulation on Selective Disclosure: Impact on Difficult‐to‐Measure Reporting Activities and the Importance of Assurance Services

The objective of recent disclosure regulation (e.g., Regulation Fair Disclosure [FD]) is to reduce selective disclosure, the practice of releasing financial information to selected users before publicly disclosing the information. Prior to FD, providers used narrow distribution reporting activities, such as phone calls and one‐on‐one meetings with analysts, reviews of analysts' earnings estimates, and analysts' contracts with suppliers and firm employees, to communicate private financial information to selected users at the expense of uninformed users. Public interest theorists view regulation as a means to protect the public. We predict that if FD is effective, providers will move away from narrow reporting activities and reduce the probability that selected users can achieve a competitive advantage over the general investing public. In addition, assuming that reducing selective disclosure increases the number of market participants receiving information, we argue that the importance of assurance service...
Notes from the Library in Volume 5:2

"Allinson Farm Diaries" by Carl R. Woodard. Concerning a farm diary written by Samual Allinson from 1825 to 1883, acquired by the Library. Theodore Strong--His Library" by Richard Morris. Concerning the collection of Theodore Strong (1790-1869) who was a professor of mathematics at Rutgers from 1827 to 1863, acquired by the Library. Rutgers Publications:CARL RAYMOND WOODWARD. Ploughs and Politicks. Charles Read of New Jersey and His Notes on Agriculture. New Brunswick, Rutgers University Press, 1941 (Rutgers University Studies in History, Number Two) reviewd by Roy F. Nichols.
Spatio-temporal energy profiling of commercial buildings

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of the energy consumed in commercial buildings. In this paper, an energy profiling methodology in a spatio-temporal framework is proposed through the development of a metric (called STEM) to gauge the performance of the HVAC systems. The metric takes into consideration both occupants' comfort and energy consumption, and is based on system identification approaches to find thermodynamic coefficients from measured data. It can be computed purely from data available through building management systems (BMS). The proposed methodology when tested in simulation, provided key spatial and temporal insights on the HVAC performance.
Rapid Reversal of Focal Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Systolic Dysfunction Resulting From Myocardial Infiltration by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

A 33-year-old male patient with no medical history presented to our emergency room for evaluation of progressive fatigue and dry cough. Chest x-ray revealed marked mediastinal and cardiac silhouette enlargement (Figure, A). Initial laboratory work was notable for a while blood cell count of 240.9 with 96% blasts. Peripheral blood smear was consistent with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ECG revealed sinus tachycardia (heart rate, 126 bpm) with right-axis deviation and T-wave inversions throughout the precordial leads (Figure, B). Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated moderate focal left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy involving the mid and apical segments of the anterior and anterolateral walls with mildly reduced LV systolic function (40%–45%). LV posterior and septal wall thicknesses were 1.3 and …
Indicators for Monitoring Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: A Systematic Review of Indicator Selection Methods

Monitoring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) is important to track progress, improve accountability, and demonstrate impacts of efforts to improve conditions and services, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Indicator selection methods enable robust monitoring of WaSH projects and conditions. However, selection methods are not always used and there are no commonly-used methods for selecting WaSH indicators. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of indicator selection methods used in WaSH-related fields. We present a summary of indicator selection methods for environment, international development, and water. We identified six methodological stages for selecting indicators for WaSH: define the purpose and scope; select a conceptual framework; search for candidate indicators; determine selection criteria; score indicators against criteria; and select a final suite of indicators. This summary of indicator selection methods provides a foundation for the critical assessment of existing methods. It can be used to inform future efforts to construct indicator sets in WaSH and related fields.
Quantitative chromatographic analysis of the phospholipids of abnormal human red blood cells.

SummaryThe red blood cell phospholipids were analyzed in patients with hereditary spherocytosis, pernicious anemia, sprue, intermediate thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and polycythemia vera using chromatography on silicic acid columns. The total lipid phosphorus concentration was increased in the patients with intermediate thalassemia and sickle cell anemia and may have been slightly decreased in the patients with pernicious anemia and sprue.No consistent difference from normal in distribution of the individual phospholipid fractions was found. Variations in the absolute concentrations of the individual phospholipid fractions reflected differences in the total red blood cell lipid phosphorus concentrations.ADDENDUM. The red blood cells of a 56-year-old lady with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria were analyzed and found to contain 4.14 mmoles/l lipid phosphorus with a phospholipid distribution as follows: “cephalin”—44.4%; lecithin—34.1%; sphingomyelin—20.0%; and lysolecithin 1.5%.
Photofragmentation of Gas-Phase Lanthanide Cyclopentadienyl Complexes: Experimental and Time-Dependent Excited-State Molecular Dynamics.

Unimolecular gas-phase laser-photodissociation reaction mechanisms of open-shell lanthanide cyclopentadienyl complexes, Ln(Cp)3 and Ln(TMCp)3, are analyzed from experimental and computational perspectives. The most probable pathways for the photoreactions are inferred from photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-TOF-MS), which provides the sequence of reaction intermediates and the distribution of final products. Time-dependent excited-state molecular dynamics (TDESMD) calculations provide insight into the electronic mechanisms for the individual steps of the laser-driven photoreactions for Ln(Cp)3. Computational analysis correctly predicts several key reaction products as well as the observed branching between two reaction pathways: (1) ligand ejection and (2) ligand cracking. Simulations support our previous assertion that both reaction pathways are initiated via a ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) process. For the more complex chemistry of the tetramethylcyclopentadienyl complexes Ln(...
Stimulating therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea

The burden of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing due to the worldwide obesity epidemic and the ageing of the population.1 ,2 The treatment of OSA is unsatisfactory for some patients since tolerance of the gold standard treatment positive airway pressure (PAP) is quite variable. Among patients who tolerate PAP, results are excellent; however, effectiveness is limited by variable adherence.3 ,4 Improvements in our understanding of OSA pathogenesis have led to a concept that the mechanism (endotype) underlying OSA is highly variable across individuals such that some patients have primarily an upper airway anatomical problem, whereas others have dysfunction in upper airway dilator muscles, some have unstable control of breathing and some may have combinations of abnormalities.1 This realisation has led to the concept of personalised medicine in OSA such that therapies could theoretically be targeted to the mechanism underlying apnoea rather than using a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.5 Efforts to improve treatment are ongoing by developing new therapeutic approaches (eg, hypoglossal nerve stimulation).6 ,7 This approach augments the neural output to upper airway …
Opaque selling in congested systems

Abstract Opaque selling, whereby the firm hides some product attribute until payment is completed, is proved effective in maximizing profit if used with price discrimination. We study opaque selling in a congestion-susceptible environment, which has received little attention in the literature, and show its advantages without price discrimination in two particular cases.
Associations between sexual assault severity and psychological and physical health outcomes: similarities and differences among African American and Caucasian survivors

There are well-established associations between sexual assault victimization and deleterious psychological and physical health outcomes. The present study contributes to the emerging health disparities literature by examining similarities and differences in relationships between the severity of the sexual assault and health in a community sample of African American and Caucasian survivors. Although the overall pattern of relationships was expected to be comparable for all survivors, some associations were hypothesized to be stronger for African American survivors as compared with Caucasian survivors based on theories of chronic stress. Single, African American, and Caucasian women were recruited for a study of dating experiences through random digit dialing in one large metropolitan area. Participants who experienced a sexual assault since age 14 were included in this study (121 African American and 100 Caucasian women). Multigroup path analyses indicated that for both African American and Caucasian survivors, sexual assault severity was significantly positively associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and depressive symptoms were significantly positively associated with physical health symptoms. Among African American survivors, sexual assault severity affected physical health symptoms indirectly through its impact on depressive symptoms, and assault severity indirectly affected drinking problems through its impact on PTSD symptoms; these relationships were not found for Caucasian survivors. These findings highlight the need for additional research that focuses on health disparities in sexual assault survivors' recovery process, so that treatment programs address culturally relevant issues.© The Author(s) 2016. Language: en
Promiscuous Contacts and Heightened Dynamics Increase Thermostability in an Engineered Variant of the Engrailed Homeodomain

The Engrailed Homeodomain (EnHD) is a three-helix-bundle transcription factor that is popular within the protein folding community due to its ultra-fast un/folding kinetics. In 2007, the Mayo group used EnHD as a backbone template for their repacking algorithm and designed UVF as a proof of principle. UVF not only folded as designed but was extremely stable; its Tm is >99°C whereas the Tm of EnHD is 52°C. Here, we present a structural and dynamical explanation for UVF's increased thermostability based on 1 μs of all-atom, explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations of the two proteins at room temperature (25°C) and high temperature (100°C). UVF had heightened dynamics at room temperature, relative to EnHD, as measured by Cα motion and interchangeability of side-chain contacts. UVF maintained these dynamics at 100°C whereas EnHD began to unfold. UVF's binary distribution of amino acids, with only hydrophobic residues at buried positions and only hydrophilic residues on the surface, allowed buried residues to move independently from the surface, effectively acting as an entropy sink. Hydrogen bonds and salt bridges between buried and surface residues of EnHD coupled core motion to surface motion, resulting in EnHD denaturing at 100°C. Based on our simulation data, we hypothesize that UVF benefits from more favorable entropy of folding in addition to its rationally designed, more-favorable enthalpy of folding. Future work will investigate this hypothesis experimentally and determine how the heightened dynamics effect native DNA-binding function.
Pelvic artery aneurysm screening provides value in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms

Approximately ¼ of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) have concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), thereby justifying the addition of an abdominal CT scan to a chest CT scan in patients with a newly diagnosed or suspected TAA. However, the prevalence of pelvic artery aneurysms (PAAs) in these patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAAs in patients with TAAs and to assess what patient specific factors were associated with PAAs, thereby providing insight into the usefulness of pelvic imaging in TAA patients. Consecutive non-operated patients seen in Cardiac Surgery clinic between 2008 and 2013 with a TAA and a CT scan of the chest/abdomen/pelvis were included. Scans of 371 patients were evaluated for PAAs using threshold diameters of 20 and 15 mm for common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAs) and internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAs), respectively, on 3D analysis. The prevalence of PAAs was determined and multiple logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors. 41 of 371 (11.1%) patients with a TAA had at least one PAA. Factors showing positive associations with PAAs included increased age (p = 0.0004), male gender (p = 0.0007), descending TAA location (p = 0.0024) and presence of an AAA (p < 0.0001). The results of our study suggest that the addition of pelvic imaging for PAA screening in patients undergoing an initial CT scan of the chest and abdomen for a TAA is valuable, particularly in patients with the following demographics: age ≥65, male gender, descending TAA location, and/or known AAA.
Short-term Recurring Drought Affects Growth and Photosynthetic Capacity of Four Conifer Species

The Midwest and southern Great Plains are known for historic and severe droughts. More common, however, are short-term recurring drought events that can limit tree survival. The pressure of environmental stress combined with numerous diseases and pests are decimating existing Pinus L. spp. (pine) plantings and driving the effort to identify alternative species. Four species of conifer were subjected to recurring moderate or severe drought to observe the effects on growth and photosynthesis. Species evaluated were: Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann fir), Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress), Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce), and Thuja × ‘Green Giant’ (‘Green Giant’ arborvitae). Recurring drought reduced height and growth index of T. × ‘Green Giant’. However, photosynthesis and root growth were unaffected by drought treatments. In contrast, reduced Pnet was the only detectable effect of recurring drought in P. engelmannii. Growth of A. nordmanniana was not affected by drought. When subjected to drought, C. ...
Photon-Phonon Coupling: Cavity Optomechanics

The purpose of this chapter is to synthesise the developments of the previous two in the concrete setting of radiation pressure interaction between photons in an optical cavity and the phonon field of an elastic body.
Stellar Winds, Magnetic Fields and Disks

All main sequence stars lose mass via stellar winds. The winds of cool stars like the sun are driven by gas pressure gradient. However, the winds of hot massive stars which tend to be luminous are driven by emitted by the star radiation pressure. Mass loss from such winds are significantly higher. In this article, I describe the nature of such radiatively driven winds and show how they interact with rotation and magnetic fields leading to stellar spindown and large-scale disk-like structures. In particular, I show that the overall degree to which the wind is influenced by the field depends largely on a single, dimensionless, “wind magnetic confinement parameter”, η ∗ \(({=} B_{\mathrm{eq}}^{2} R_{\ast}^{2}/{\dot{M}} v_{\infty})\), which characterizes the ratio between magnetic field energy density and kinetic energy density of the wind.
Interpersonal foundations of psychopathology.

Introduction to the Interpersonal Approach The Interpersonal Motive as an Explanatory Construct Attachment and the Stress of Separation Communion and Agency in Interpersonal Interactions The Self-Image and Interpersonal Processes The Dependent and Avoidant Personality Disorders The Obsessive-Compulsive and Paranoid Personality Disorders Syndromes and Axis I Disorders: Depressive and Panic Disorders Difficulty Regulating Impulses, Thoughts, and Behavior: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and Eating Disorders Diffuse Identity and Lack of Long-Term Direction: The Histrionic Personality Disorder and Other Related Disorders Split Identity and Instability: Borderline Personality Disorder and Related Conditions Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Summary and Conclusions
Building the house of evaluation: Reconsidering the blueprints and bricks for knowledge accumulation in evaluation:

The push for evidence-based practice is persistent in the public sector—what counts is what works. One central premise for evidence-based practice is the existence of an evidence base; that is, an accumulated and generalizable body of knowledge. Informed by a recent systematic review, we examine the promises and pitfalls of meta-analysis (the statistical workhorse of systematic reviews) as the primary blueprint for cumulative knowledge building in evaluation. This analysis suggests that the statistical assumptions underlying the meta-analytic framework raise issues that, at least in regards to producing generalizable knowledge, may cut even deeper than is suggested by common criticisms. Advancing beyond meta-analysis, we consider alternative approaches for knowledge building and reflect on the implications of these for individual evaluations.
Discourse in the Dusk: The Twilight of Religious Freedom

This essay argues that the Western tradition of discourse about church-state separation and freedom of conscience, which began a millennium ago, has reached a point of exhaustion. The tradition arose on the Christian assumption that life has a temporal dimension and a spiritual dimension, each governed by an institutional authority: the 'secular' ruler governed the temporal and the church represented the spiritual domain. Thus, the debate was essentially a theological debate about the providential allocation of jurisdiction between different institutional authorities. The commitment to freedom of conscience arose as, in the post-Reformation period, the individual conscience came to assume the role formerly occupied by the church: thus, especially in Protestant regions, the medieval campaign for 'freedom of the church' evolved into a commitment to 'freedom of conscience.' In the modern context, however, the discourse has been transformed: the theological framework has given way to a secular one, and the debate over jurisdictions has been replaced by a debate over justice. In this context, the classical commitments to church-state separation and freedom of conscience lose their rationales; indeed, it becomes difficult to explain why 'religion' (whatever it is) should be a special legal category at all. The much noted incoherence in the modern jurisprudence of religious freedom is a product of this drastically altered situation. After developing this diagnosis, this essay uses the diagnosis to assess Kent Greenawalt’s recent book, Religion and the Constitution: Establishment and Fairness. The review argues that on one level, Greenawalt’s book is exemplary; it is a model of careful, fair-minded reason. However, the book conspicuously defaults on the basic level of justification, and this review argues that this default is a faithful reflection of the exhausted condition of the tradition in which Greenawalt is working.
A framework for heuristic reasoning about uncertainty

This paper describes a theory of reasoning about uncertainly, based on a representation of state'i of certainly called endorsements (see Cohen and Grinberg, 1983, for a more detailed discussion of the theory.) The theory of endorsements is an alternative to numerical methods for reasoning about uncertainty, such as subjective Bayesian methods (Shortliffe and Buchanan, 1975; Duda, Hart, and Nilsson, 1976) and the Shafer-Dempster theory (Shafer, 1976). The fundamental concern with numerical representations of certainty is that they hide the reasoning that produces them and thus limit one's reasoning about uncertainty. While numbers are easy to propagate over inferences, what the numbers mean is unclear. The theory of endorsements represents the factors that affect certainty and supports multiple strategies for dealing with uncertainty.
Patent Citations and the Economic Value of Patents

Over the last decade, researchers studying innovation have increasingly used measures based on patent citations to estimate the values of new technologies, which are typically unobserved. In this study we examine the relationship between patent citation counts and private economic value in a dataset in which the latter is observed. Specifically, we use data about patenting and licensing by two major U.S. research universities to examine whether patent citations predict if university technologies are licensed, and the amount of revenue they earn if licensed. Our preliminary results suggest that citations are significantly related to the probability that a patent is licensed, but not to revenues conditional upon licensing.
Impact of Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act on Costs and Utilization in Alabama's Children's Health Insurance Program

Abstract Objective The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 mandates equivalent insurance coverage for mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUD) to other medical and surgical services covered by group insurance plans, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). We explored the impact of MHPAEA on enrollees in ALL Kids, the Alabama CHIP. Methods We use ALL Kids claims data for October 2008 to December 2014. October 2008 through September 2009 marks the period before MHPAEA implementation. We evaluated changes in MH/SUD-related utilization and program costs and changes in racial/ethnic disparities in the use of MH/SUD services for ALL Kids enrollees using 2-part models. This allowed analyses of changes from no use to any use, as well as in intensity of use. Results No significant effect was found on overall MH service-use. There were statistically significant increases in inpatient visits and length of stay and some increase in overall MH costs. These increases may not be clinically important and were concentrated in 2009 to 2011. Disparities in utilization between African-American and non-Hispanic white enrollees were somewhat exacerbated, whereas disparities between other minorities and non-Hispanic whites were reduced. Conclusions Findings indicate that MHPAEA led to a 14.3% increase in inpatient visits, a 12.5% increase in length of inpatient stay, and a 7.8% increase in MH costs. The increases appear limited to 2009 to 2011, suggesting existing pent-up "needs" among enrollees for added MH/SUD services that resulted in a temporary spike in service use and cost immediately after MHPAEA, which subsequently subsided.
Empowering Older Adults: Incorporating Technology for Retirement Adjustment

Aims: This research project targeted the immersion of older adults with the use of technology to increase social participation and access to meaningful online information. Methods: A one-hour iPad/...
Investigate interactions of water with mesoporous ceria using in situ VT-DRIFTS

Abstract The interactions of water with synthesized mesoporous ceria nanoparticles are studied as a function of temperature at two water vapor partial pressures, using in situ Diffuse Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The Variable Temperature (VT)-DRIFTS spectra of mesoporous ceria nanoparticles exhibit six hydroxyl (OH) stretching bands, suggesting both molecular and dissociation of water coexist on mesoporous ceria surfaces and involve hydrogen-bonds. The vibration frequency of individual OH mode is repeatable and the adsorption of water is reversible on various sites between four annealing and water exposure cycles lasting for 60 h, suggesting that the same types of active sites are available on mesoporous ceria surface for water adsorption, with less than 10% of reduction in the numbers of adsorption sites. The results, from this study of reactivity of water on ordered mesoporous ceria nanoparticles under operando conditions, assist in processes benefiting from the hydroxylated surface for improved reaction outcomes, and rational design of mesoporous materials for their application in photocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis.
Sirolimus Inhibits Proliferation but Enhances Suppressive Activity of Rhesus Macaque Natural CD4 Regulatory T Cells

Abstract Abstract 1008 Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be potent inhibitors of autoimmunity, and to be capable of suppressing alloimmune responses that occur during both allograft rejection and graft-versus host disease. However, they have yet to gain widespread use clinically, due in part to the fact that it remains extremely costly and difficult to produce them in sufficient numbers and with sufficient suppressive capacity to significantly impact the alloimmune response. Here we have used our established non-human primate model to demonstrate that significant Treg expansion (up to 600-fold in 21 days) can be maintained, and suppressive capacity enhanced by exposing Treg cultures to a short burst of sirolimus at the end of the culture period. Using a highly sensitive and specific in vitro CFSE-MLR assay we show that Tregs significantly inhibit allo-proliferation of multiple T cell subpopulations including both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (3.2 and 2.7-fold inhibition of proliferation, respectively), as well as their CD28+CD95+ and CD28-CD95+ subpopulations (2.2 and 2.1 and 1.9 and 2.7-fold inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulation proliferation, respectively). Tregs were able to combine in vitro with the newly FDA-approved CTLA4-Ig analog belatacept to enhance the inhibition of alloproliferation that occurred with either agent alone (4.8-fold inhibition of CD8 T cell proliferation with Tregs + belatacept, compared to 3.0-fold or 1.9-fold inhibition of CD8 T cell proliferation with Tregs or belatacept alone, respectively). Importantly, we have found that the suppressive activity of ex-vivo expanded Tregs could be further enhanced by pulsing with sirolimus. Thus, while long-term culture of Tregs in the presence of sirolimus (1–1000 nM) profoundly inhibited Treg expansion (50–800 fold inhibition of expansion when cultured in the presence of 1–1000 nM sirolimus), a 48 hour pulse of sirolimus (100 nM) on days 20–21 of culture completely preserved Treg yields while doubling their suppressive function against CD8 proliferation when compared to unpulsed Tregs, p Our results suggest that the creation of SPTs may provide a novel avenue by which to achieve enhanced Treg-based suppression of alloimmunity, in a manner that is amenable to large-scale ex-vivo expansion and to combinatorial therapy with novel, costimulation-blockade-based immunosuppression strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Morphology: Too hip for two sacral vertebrae

A complex pelvic morphology has been discovered in the fossils of one of the largest crocodylians.
Complex functional materials and structures: from synthetic biology to metamaterials to soft robotics (Conference Presentation)

On demand material behavior, or functionality, has long been a target in modern engineering. The ability to design, synthesize, generate, control, and predict the response of functional materials and structures is an overarching goal pulling together expertise and ideas from various subfields. The fundamental scientific questions probed are different depending on whether you are a chemist, materials scientist, or aerospace engineer. From programmable materials and structures to integrated computing and evolutionary materials, reaching this target on a grand scale will require the early integration of science and engineering. Advances in data sciences has created the potential for us to accelerate the rate of knowledge transfer across the traditional boundaries as well as fundamentally change the way we carry out research. In this presentation, we discuss research trends in functional materials from the CMMI Mechanics of Materials and Structures program perspective. We will show recent examples from synthetic biology to metamaterials to soft robotics where many opportunities and challenges remain. We will discuss the role of data sciences and interdisciplinary teaming in carrying innovation across length and time scales and towards truly transformative research. Relevant NSF funding opportunities that are sparsely used by the community will be shared. Finally, we point to future directions for technological innovations powered by functional materials.
A 1-nA 4.5-nW 289-ppm/°C Current Reference Using Automatic Calibration

This article proposes an ultralow-power accurate current reference that generates 1-nA current. Since an automatic calibration circuit periodically calibrates the generated current of the current reference, the current reference is able to achieve ultralow power consumption and high accuracy simultaneously without employing a multiple temperature trimming. Prototype chips are fabricated in a 180-nm CMOS technology and are tested with a field programmable gate array (FPGA) board that controls the timing of the calibration. When the calibration is activated every 25 min, measurement results show that the current reference achieves a temperature coefficient of 289 ppm/°C and a line sensitivity of 1.4%/V with no help from a multiple temperature trimming. Estimated total power consumption is 4.5 nW at 23 °C, including the power consumption of a wake-up timer.
An update on drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral therapies and drugs of abuse in HIV systems.

While considerable progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to date there has not been a cure, and millions of people around the world are currently living with HIV/AIDS. People living...
Better together: Effects of four self-efficacy-building strategies on online statistical learning.

Abstract The goal of this study is to test the individual and combined effects of supplementing an online statistics lesson with four motivational strategies corresponding to Bandura’s (1997) four sources of self-efficacy (anxiety coping, modeling, mental practice, and effort feedback) on cognitive, motivational, and affective outcomes. Internet participants (N = 279) completed an online statistics module in one of six conditions with one or all four self-efficacy-building strategies (5 treatment conditions) or none of these strategies (control condition). The results indicated that the four strategies worked effectively in combination, significantly improving transfer test scores (d = 0.608), increasing self-efficacy ratings (d = 0.696), and reducing task anxiety ratings (d = −0.534), as compared with the control condition. By contrast, no motivational strategy alone was effective. The results suggest the importance of taking advantage of the power of all four sources of self-efficacy information in combination when designing motivational interventions for online mathematical lessons.
FGF signaling in development beyond canonical pathways

FGFs are key developmental regulators which engage a signal transduction cascade through receptor tyrosine kinases, typically involving ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT, and other effectors. However, it remains unknown if all FGF activities depend on kinase activity or these canonical signal transduction cascades. To address these questions, we generated allelic series of knock-in Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 mouse strains, carrying point mutations that disrupt binding of signaling effectors to the receptors, alone or in combination. We also produced a kinase dead allele of Fgfr2 which broadly phenocopies the null mutant. When interrogated in cranial neural crest cells, point mutations in either receptor revealed discrete functions for signaling pathways in specific craniofacial contexts, but failed to recapitulate the single or double null mutant phenotypes even in their most extensive combination. Furthermore, we found that together these signaling mutations abrogated the established FGF-induced signal transduction pathways, yet certain FGF functions such as cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion remained unaffected. Our studies establish combinatorial roles of both Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 in development and identify novel kinase-dependent cell adhesion properties of FGF receptors, independent of well-established roles in intracellular signaling.
A Systematic Methodology for Doing Qualitative Research

The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science is in the enviable position of being a go-to journal for many readers seeking useable insights for solving practical problems in managing modern organizati...
Assessment of constant and time-varying temperature schemes on the convective drying characteristics of hemp leaves

Abstract In the present study, selected mathematical drying models are evaluated for describing the convective drying of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) leaves. Drying kinetics have been experimentally investigated in a laboratory scale convective dryer for a constant airflow velocity of 1 m s-1 and air-drying temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 °C. Non-stationary temperature conditions were also investigated for the same temperature range, under different advancing time-varying temperature profiles. Weibull formula was the most suitable mathematical expression for describing the drying kinetics for both stationary and non-stationary drying conditions. Drying at increased heating rates led to a lower final moisture content compared with the constant drying temperature levels, exposing the raw material for a shorter duration to the higher air-drying temperature.
Research to Consider While Effectively Re-Designing Child Welfare Services:

An intense appetite for reforming and transforming child welfare services in the United States is yielding many new initiatives. Vulnerable children and families who become involved with child welf...
Green Roofs in Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregions

This chapter presents case studies of three tallgrass prairie conservation sites and nine ecoregional green roofs located in the Coastal Plains and Interior Lowlands of North America. Prairies were once one of the top ten ecologically rich ecosystems in the world with over 300 species of forbs and 70 species of grasses native to the tallgrass prairie. Today, less than one percent of tallgrass prairie remains across North America. On green roofs, however, 145 species of plants native to tallgrass prairies have been trialed on the ecoregional green roofs featured in this chapter located in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Missouri. This chapter demonstrates how the diverse tallgrass prairie can inspire a variety of habitat types for green roofs including vegetation from dry, mesic, and wet prairie habitats on sloped and flat roof decks.
Implementing a modified Russell two-point method to measure glomerular filtration rates (GFR).

2744 Objectives Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) are usually acquired using nuclear medicine imaging techniques. Our laboratory initiated an additional non imaging GFR method (Russell two-point method) and compared the results to the established imaging method. Methods A total of 11 standard imaging GFR patients were injected with 3.6 to 4.4 mCi Tc-99m-DTPA (radiochemical purities greater than 98%). Duplicate patient blood samples were obtained at 60 ± 2 min and 180 ± 2 min post injection and centrifuged. Separated plasma was pipetted into Merck Millipore Centrifugal Filter Units and centrifuged at high speed (6,000 rpm for 15 min) to remove radiolabeled DTPA bound protein. Duplicate aliquots of filtered and unfiltered plasma (0.1ml) were placed in test tubes, saline added (0.9 ml) and all samples counted using a sodium iodide (NaI) well detector interfaced to a multichannel analyzer. After test completion, the ratios of filtered plasma GFR to unfiltered plasma GFR values were statistically analyzed. Results GFR values of the sample group ranged from 42.1-169.2 ml/min. The calculated mean ratio of filtered to unfiltered GFR values of 11 patient samples was 1.2 ± 0.06, which corresponded to appropriate literature ratios, and was subsequently used as our standard correction factor. As a result, when imaging GFR values were normal (greater than 90 ml/min), the modified Russell two-point method using unfiltered plasma and the standard correction factor (1.2) was used. When imaging GFR values were abnormal, less than 90 ml/min, the Russell two-point method with filtered plasma was used. Conclusions A modified Russell two-point method was implemented to evaluate and compare glomerular filtration rates. When imaging GFR values were greater than 90 ml/min, plasma GFR was calculated with the ratio correction factor, and when values were below 90 ml/min the plasma GFR was calculated using filtered plasma.
On the reliability in d-dimensional broadcast wireless networks

In this paper, we present a new analytic derivation of two reliability indices, packet delivery ratio (PDR) and packet reception ratio (PRR), for d-dimensional (d-D) broadcast wireless networks where nodes are distributed according to a homogeneous Poisson point process. Given a point-to-point node packet reception probability (NRP) as a function of distance, PDR of nodes on d-D area is derived from PDR in a 1-D network by converting d-D Poisson Euclidean distance ordered node distribution to a type of one-dimensional (1-D) Poisson distribution so that the joint probability density function of nodes' positions in the d-D area is transformed as the joint probability density function on a 1-D line. PRR over a coverage area is derived by integrating the NRPs for different nodes over the coverage area. The approach is applied to a broadcast wireless network with Nakagami fading channel and ALOHA channel with Raleigh fading and intederence. The analytic derivation is verified by NS2 simulations.
Autophagic death probed by photodynamic therapy

The high degree of selectivity for photodamage to subcellular organelles can provide a means for evaluation of autophagic death pathways. While many current reports rely on ambiguous criteria, there are glimmers of unequivocal evidence.
Rational parametric coherence estimation via convolved correlations

In this paper, the magnitude squared (MS) coherence is computed by estimating the parameters of a rational model. The parameters are constrained so that the estimated MS coherence is real-valued on the unit circle. The method entails first estimating the auto- and cross-correlation lags from raw data sequences. These lag estimates are then used to define two auxiliary sequences, the convolution of the cross-correlation function with itself and the convolution of the two autocorrelation functions. The MS coherence parameters will nearly satisfy a homogeneous set of equations involving these auxiliary sequences. This system of linear equations is solved via an eigenspace decomposition. The algorithm is compared with two traditional periodogram based estimation methods.
The Life Cycle of the Hackberry Gall-Former, Pachypsylla Celtidis-Gemma (Homoptera: Psyllidae)

In the New York City area, adults of this species occur for only a few weeks in the later part of June. Eggs are laid on young leaves of Celtis , a single female laying more than 100 eggs. First-instar nymphs enter the bud to initiate gall formation, and commonly several nymphs, each in its own chamber, are found within a gall. The first four stadia require 3½ to 4 weeks each, their nymphal ecdyses occurring inside the gall. Fifth-instar nymphs over-winter in the galls, and their final ecdysis takes place after emergence from them in mid-June; the average duration of this stadium in 34 weeks. A differentiated region of granular sclerenchyma tissue in the outer gall wall serves as an escape hatch for the fifth instar. The chromosome number of P. c.-gemma is distinct from those of other species of Pachypsylla examined, the male having a typical diploid complement of 20A+XO. Infested buds are destroyed by the gall-former. Heavily infested trees appear unsightly, and young trees under repeated annual attacks may not survive.
Determinants of hepatitis C translational initiation in vitro, in cultured cells and mice.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus infecting 1 in every 40 people worldwide. Development of new therapeutics for treating HCV has been hampered by the lack of small-animal models. We have adapted existing hydrodynamic transfection methods to optimize the delivery of RNAs to the cytoplasm of mouse liver cells in vivo. Transfected HCV genomic RNA failed to replicate in mouse liver, suggesting a post-entry block to viral replication. Real-time imaging of HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES) firefly luciferase reporter mRNA translation in living mice demonstrated that the HCV IRES was functional in mouse liver. We then used this system as a model for studying HCV RNA translation in mice. We compared translation by several mutant HCV IRES variants in cell lysates, cultured cells, and mouse liver. We measured the contribution to translation of a cap, HCV 3'-untranslated region (UTR), poly(A) tail, domains II, IIIb, IIIabc, IIIabcd, IIId, and the initiator codon. Efficient translation required a 3'-UTR in mice and HeLa cells, but not in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Translational regulation of transfected RNAs was stringent in mice. The method we describe could be useful for studies in mice of antisense or ribozyme inhibitors targeting the IRES as well as other RNA biochemical studies in vivo.
Detection of the Onset of Multiple Sclerosis from SD-OCT Thickness Measurements of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer

The authors discuss the (CUSUM) likelihood ratio detector and its relationship to the standard CUSUM; provide software for its implementation; and present a case study that uses this method to detect the onset of multiple sclerosis.
Nash equilibria of finitely repeated games

Under weak conditions, any feasible and individually rational payoff vector of a one-shot game can be approximated by the average payoff in a Nash equilibrium of a finitely repeated game with a long enough horizon.
Wind vs. Wind Tunnel: The Aerodynamics of the Inlet for NASA's New, Very Large, Nonreturn-Flow Facility

Abstract The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is currently modifying the 40- by 80-foot subsonic wind tunnel at Ames Research Center. This modified facility will go a long way toward meeting the projected need for improvements in the capabilities of ground-based aeronautical facilities. A major concern during design development has been the effect of the external wind on the quality (uniformity) of the flow in the test section of the new open-return test circuit. Wind-effects studies on model wind tunnels have developed a relatively complex inlet treatment which should assure good test-section flow quality under most wind conditions. However, the experimental program, coupled with on-site wind measurements, has also demonstrated that even a minimum treatment can ensure adequate testing capabilities in the presence of the prevailing local winds, and that test programs will not be significantly affected.
Anatomic relationships between disc hemorrhage and parapapillary atrophy.

Purpose Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and disc hemorrhage (DH) are associated with glaucoma. We sought to determine whether they are anatomically related. Design Retrospective study. Methods All digital optic nerve stereophotographs obtained over a one-year period were screened for the presence of DH. Only patients with DH were included. The location of the greatest β zone PPA width as defined by the radial distance between the scleral rim and the outer border of the β zone was compared in each patient. The clock hour location of the DH was determined. Baseline central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, vertical cup-to-disc ratio, and visual field indices were obtained. Results Photographs from 1,559 glaucoma patients were evaluated and 46 eyes with unilateral DH were identified; 42 (91.3%) had β zone PPA and 38 eyes had asymmetric PPA width. DH occurred more frequently in the eye with the greater PPA width (29/38 eyes [76.3%]; κ = 0.611; P P P P Conclusions DHs tend to occur in the eye with the greatest PPA width and usually are found within the region of its greatest width.
THE HYPOXIC CYTOTOXIN SR 4233 INCREASES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIOIMMUNOTHERAPY IN MICE WITH HUMAN NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA XENOGRAFTS

Abstract Purpose: To determine if either the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer etanidazole (SR 2508) or the hypoxic cytotoxin SR 4233 could improve the effectiveness of radioimmunotherapy. Methods and Materials: LC4 (an IgG, monoclonal antibody directed toward malignant T cells) and MB-1 (an irrelevant isotype-matched control antibody) were injected intraperitoneally into severe combined immunodeficient phenotype mice with human cutaneous T cell lymphoma xenografts in order to determine the distribution of the antibodies in the tumors and normal tissues as a function of time. Computerized-pO 2 -histography was used to measure the median oxygen tension in the tumors. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with: (a) LC4; (b) 90 YLC4; (c) 90 YMB1; (d) whole body irradiation delivered via an external 137 CS source; (e) etanidazole and 90 YLC4; (f) SR 4233 and 90 YLC4; (g) etanidazole; and (h) SR 4233. An additional group of mice received no treatment and served as controls. A tumor growth delay assay was used to assess the effectiveness of the different treatment regimens. Results: LC4 accumulated in the tumors to a significantly greater extent than MB-1 ( p p = 0.001). 90 YLC4 produced greater tumor growth delay than LC4 alone (LC4 vs. 90 Y-LC4; p = 0.01); however, the Yttrium-90 caused neutropenia and weight loss. The 90 Y-labeled tumor-specific and non-specific antibodies both exerted greater tumor growth delay than externally delivered whole body irradiation ( p ≤ 0.03) due to preferential uptake of the antibodies in the tumors. Etanidazole and SR 4233 by themselves did not significantly inhibit the growth of the tumors. Etanidazole did not significantly enhance the tumor growth delay produced by 90 YLC4 ( 90 YLC4 vs etanidazole and 90 YLC4, p = 0.13). SR 4233, on the other hand, did enhance the tumor growth delay produced by 90 YLC4 ( 90 YLC4 vs. SR 4233 and 90 YLC4, p = 0.046). The neutropenia and weight loss caused by 90 YLC4 were exacerbated slightly ( Conclusions: A first generation hypoxic cytotoxin, SR 4233, was able to enhance the tumor growth delay produced by radioimmunotherapy in severe combined immunodeficient phenotype mice with human cutaneous T cell lymphoma xenografts.