cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinopetal Axons in Mammals: Emphasis on Histamine and Serotonin

Since 1892, anatomical studies have demonstrated that the retinas of mammals, including humans, receive input from the brain via axons emerging from the optic nerve. There are only a small number of these retinopetal axons, but their branches in the inner retina are very extensive. More recently, the neurons in the brain stem that give rise to these axons have been localized, and their neurotransmitters have been identified. One set of retinopetal axons arises from perikarya in the posterior hypothalamus and uses histamine, and the other arises from perikarya in the dorsal raphe and uses serotonin. These serotonergic and histaminergic neurons are not specialized to supply the retina; rather, they are a subset of the neurons that project via collaterals to many other targets in the central nervous system, as well. They are components of the ascending arousal system, firing most rapidly when the animal is awake and active. The contributions of these retinopetal axons to vision may be predicted from the known effects of serotonin and histamine on retinal neurons. There is also evidence suggesting that retinopetal axons play a role in the etiology of retinal diseases.
Changing Demographics of the American Population

Since 1950, the United States has been in the midst of a profound demographic change: the rapid aging of the population. The baby boom generation began turning 65 in 2011 and is now driving growth at the older ages of the population. This article highlights geriatric demographic changes and illustrates how these and future trends will have wide ranging implications for the US health care system.
Endothelial NO Synthase Is Increased in Regenerating Endothelium After Denuding Injury of the Rat Aorta

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been shown to be regulated both transcriptionally and posttranslationally in cultured endothelial cells, but eNOS regulatory mechanisms in vivo have not been elucidated. Because one of the strongest stimuli for eNOS expression in tissue culture is cell proliferation and because increased NO production would be beneficial in the setting of arterial injury, we hypothesized that eNOS expression should be increased in regenerating endothelium after a denuding injury. Rat aortas underwent partial endothelial denudation by passage of a deflated balloon catheter, and eNOS expression was studied 48 hours after injury. Immunohistochemistry with eNOS monoclonal antibody, NADPH diaphorase activity assay under conditions specific for eNOS, and mRNA hybridization were performed in situ on perfusion-fixed rat aortic segments. The vessels were studied en face to enhance visualization compared with cross sections. eNOS protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased in regenerating and migrating endothelial cells at the wound edge, with translocation of eNOS to the plasma membrane at the leading edge. Similar results were obtained when endothelial cells were studied in a tissue culture wound model. An important role for transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in regulating eNOS expression was suggested by the ability of a TGF-beta1-neutralizing antibody to limit induction of eNOS at the wound edge. Increased eNOS expression after wounding appears to be related to signal events associated with cell migration as well as proliferation, because eNOS expression in vivo increased in nonproliferating cells and TGF-beta1-neutralizing antibody inhibited eNOS expression but stimulated proliferation. The current study is the first to suggest an important role in vivo for increased eNOS, and perhaps NO production, in the process of endothelial regeneration and wound repair.
A Tale of Two Continents: Baker's Rule and the Maintenance of Self-Incompatibility in Lycium (Solanaceae)

Over 50 years ago, Baker (1955, 1967) suggested that self-compatible species were more likely than self-incompatible species to establish new populations on oceanic islands. His logic was straightforward and rested on the assumption that colonization was infrequent; thus, mate limitation favored the establishment of self-fertilizing individuals. In support of Baker's rule, many authors have documented high frequencies of self-compatibility on islands, and recent work has solidified the generality of Baker's ideas. The genus Lycium (Solanaceae) has ca. 80 species distributed worldwide, and phylogenetic studies suggest that Lycium originated in South America and dispersed to the Old World a single time. Previous analyses of the S-RNase gene, which controls the stylar component of self-incompatibility, have shown that gametophytically controlled self-incompatibility is ancestral within the genus, making Lycium a good model for investigating Baker's assertions concerning reproductive assurance following oceanic dispersal. Lycium is also useful for investigations of reproductive evolution, given that species vary both in sexual expression and the presence of self-incompatibility. A model for the evolution of gender dimorphism suggests that polyploidy breaks down self-incompatibility, leading to the evolution of gender dimorphism, which arises as an alternative outcrossing mechanism. There is a perfect association of dimorphic gender expression, polyploidy, and self-compatibility (vs. cosexuality, diploidy, and self-incompatibility) among North American Lycium. Although the association between ploidy level and gender expression also holds for African Lycium, to date no studies of mating systems have been initiated in Old World species. Here, using controlled pollinations, we document strong self-incompatibility in two cosexual, diploid species of African Lycium. Further, we sequence the S-RNase gene in 15 individuals from five cosexual, diploid species of African Lycium and recover 24 putative alleles. Genealogical analyses indicate reduced trans-generic diversity of S-RNases in the Old World compared to the New World. We suggest that genetic diversity at this locus was reduced as a result of a founder event, but, despite the bottleneck, self-incompatibility was maintained in the Old World. Maximum-likelihood analyses of codon substitution patterns indicate that positive Darwinian selection has been relatively strong in the Old World, suggesting the rediversification of S-RNases following a bottleneck. The present data thus provide a dramatic exception to Baker's rule, in addition to supporting a key assumption of the Miller and Venable (2000) model, namely that self-incompatibility is associated with diploidy and cosexuality.
Primary prevention in public health: an analysis of basic assumptions

The common definition of primary prevention is straightforward; but how it is transformed into a framework to guide action is based on personal and societal feelings and beliefs about the basis for social organization. This article focuses on the two contending primary prevention strategies of health promotion and health protection. The contention between the two strategies stems from a basic disagreement about disease causality in modern society. Health promotion is based on the “lifestyle” theory of disease causality, which sees individual health status linked ultimately to personal decisions about diet, stress, and drug habits. Primary prevention, from this perspective, entails persuading individuals to forgo their risk-taking, self-destructive behavior. Health protection, on the other hand, is based on the “social-structural” theory of disease causality. This theory sees the health status of populations linked ultimately to the unequal distribution of social resources, industrial pollution, occupation...
Rigid-Motion-Invariant Classification of 3-D Textures

This paper studies the problem of 3-D rigid-motion- invariant texture discrimination for discrete 3-D textures that are spatially homogeneous by modeling them as stationary Gaussian random fields. The latter property and our formulation of a 3-D rigid motion of a texture reduce the problem to the study of 3-D rotations of discrete textures. We formally develop the concept of 3-D texture rotations in the 3-D digital domain. We use this novel concept to define a "distance" between 3-D textures that remains invariant under all 3-D rigid motions of the texture. This concept of "distance" can be used for a monoscale or a mill tiscale 3-D rigid- motion-invariant testing of the statistical similarity of the 3-D textures. To compute the "distance" between any two rotations R1 and R2 of two given 3-D textures, we use the Kullback-Leibler divergence between 3-D Gaussian Markov random fields fitted to the rotated texture data. Then, the 3-D rigid-motion-invariant texture distance is the integral average, with respect to the Haar measure of the group SO(3), of all of these divergences when rotations R1 and R2 vary throughout SO(3). We also present an algorithm enabling the computation of the proposed 3-D rigid-motion-invariant texture distance as well as rules for 3-D rigid-motion-invariant texture discrimination/classification and experimental results demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed 3-D rigid-motion texture discrimination rules when applied in a multiscale setting, even on very general 3-D texture models.
Client-Centered Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

A randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of client-centered Occupational Therapy on individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Twenty-one subjects, 4 to 6 months post acute rehabilitation, received eight in-home, client-centered Occupational Therapy sessions or eight visits from social visitors. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Craig Handicap Reporting and Assessment Technique (CHART), the Role Checklist and the Life Satisfaction Inventory-A (LSIA) were administered pre and post interventions. Analyses showed no differences between groups on the CHART and the FIM; the Role Checklist showed the Occupational Therapy group took on a limited number of new life roles; however, a statistically significant difference was found between groups post intervention for LSIA (p < 0.05).
Persistent environmental pollutants and couple fecundity: an overview

Speculation has arisen that human fecundity may be declining, possibly a function of exposure to persistent environmental chemicals that resist degradation resulting in various pathways for human exposure. In contrast to considerable animal evidence suggesting adverse effects of such chemicals on reproduction, limited human research has been undertaken. To date, available data stem largely from ten unique study cohorts that have quantified individual chemical exposures in relation to time-to-pregnancy (TTP), which is a measure of couple fecundity. Diminished fecundability odds ratios indicative of longer TTP were observed in all but two studies, although not all findings achieved statistical significance. Persistent chemicals associated with reduced couple fecundity as measured by a longer TTP included βHCH, cadmium, lead, mercury, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, TCCD dioxin, and select polybrominated diethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and perfluorochemicals. Important methodologic limitations need to be considered in weighing the evidence: i) reliance on pregnant women, which may exclude women with the highest exposures if related to the inability to conceive; ii) retrospectively reported TTP, which may be associated with bidirectional reporting errors; and iii) limited attention to male partners or couples' exposures. While current evidence is not inconsistent with animal evidence, concerted efforts to address lingering data gaps should include novel strategies for recruiting couples, the longitudinal measurement of TTP, and the continued enrollment of couples across successive pregnancies. This latter strategy will provide a more complete understanding of the toxicokinetics of chemicals during sensitive windows and their implications for fecundity and its related impairments.
Revised systematics of Fabricia oregonica Banse, 1956 (Polychaeta: Sabellidae: Fabriciinae): an example of the need for a uninomial nomenclatural system

Previous descriptions of members of Fabricia oregonica Banse, 1956, have distinguished it by the presence of only narrowly hooded inferior thoracic notochaetae, in contrast to the presence of pseudospatulate chaetae in median chaetigers of the type species, F. stellaris (Muller, 1774). In other respects, past descriptions of specimens to which F. oregonica refers have lacked the necessary detail to clearly determine generic placement, and the type material is in poor condition. Recently collected specimens matching earlier descriptions are used to redescribe members of the species. An exclusive sister-group relationship does not exist between F. stellaris and F. oregonica, precluding the latter species being assigned to Fabricia. Fabricia oregonica is therefore placed in a new genus, Bansella. Under the view that all taxa, whether phylogenetic or specific, are explanatory hypotheses, it is pointed out that the monotypic Bansella cannot be defined as such a hypothesis. While the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature requires that names be defined by way of ‘differentiating characters,’ this approach is at odds with the scientific endeavor of biological systematics to infer explanatory hypotheses, colloquially known as taxa. In addition to only having narrowly hooded inferior notochaetae, members of B. oregonica differ from F. stellaris specimens in having abdominal uncini with a much shorter manubrium. The ventral, lobe-like collar in B. oregonica specimens is also distinctly rectangular as opposed to triangular. Members of the two species are similar in that females have pigmented spermathecae in the bases of branchial lobes and spermiogenesis occurs in males in chaetigers 3–8.
Measuring Corneal Haze by Using Scheimpflug Photography and Confocal Microscopy.

Corneal haze, the pathologic light scattered back to an observer during an examination, has been used as a means of assessing the condition and optical quality of the cornea.1–4 In a normal cornea, backscattered light typically is low, but in corneal dystrophies or after injury, corneal haze can be associated with pathology that often indicates the corneal structures responsible for poor vision. Changes in haze can be used to track progression of disease or response to treatment.1 Although corneal haze is associated with pathology, it cannot in itself degrade vision; only light that is scattered forward to the retina degrades vision by increasing glare around bright objects. However, observation of haze is valuable because the same processes that produce haze often are responsible for forward scatter and high-order aberrations that degrade vision. Corneal haze can be recorded subjectively by observation with a slit-lamp, although more objective methods have been described. Clinical instruments for measurement of haze have included custom modified slit-lamps,3,5,6 clinical confocal microscopes,2,7 and Scheimpflug cameras.8–19 Spatial resolution needed to identify the source of the backscattered light varies among instruments. Some slit-illumination instruments can resolve only approximately thirds of the full corneal thickness,3 while the depth of field with confocal microscopes has been reported from 4 to 26 μm.20 The use of commercial instruments to measure scatter typically is more convenient than developing custom instruments. They are readily available and generally do not require custom modifications or additional parts. However, standardization of these devices typically is not a part of their clinical operation and must be included in a protocol for comparative and longitudinal studies. The rotating Scheimpflug anterior segment camera (Pentacam; Oculus Optikgerate, GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was designed to capture images of the anterior segment, and to reconstruct anatomic features and measure biometric variables. Its images of the cornea have been used to assess backscatter from the cornea, but we do not know how well corneal haze reported by this instrument (as “densitometry”) agrees with haze measured by other instruments, and whether instruments based on different optical principles can be used interchangeably. We describe standardization and use of this Scheimpflug camera for measuring corneal haze and compare haze measurements to those from a clinical confocal microscope (ConfoScan 4; Nidek Technologies, Fremont, CA, USA).
Seed Transmission of Soybean vein necrosis virus: The First Tospovirus Implicated in Seed Transmission

Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV; genus Tospovirus; Family Bunyaviridae) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that has been detected across the United States and in Ontario, Canada. In 2013, a seed lot of a commercial soybean variety (Glycine max) with a high percentage of discolored, deformed and undersized seed was obtained. A random sample of this seed was planted in a growth room under standard conditions. Germination was greater than 90% and the resulting seedlings looked normal. Four composite samples of six plants each were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using published primers complimentary to the S genomic segment of SVNV. Two composite leaflet samples retrieved from seedlings yielded amplicons with a size and sequence predictive of SVNV. Additional testing of twelve arbitrarily selected individual plants resulted in the identification of two SVNV positive plants. Experiments were repeated by growing seedlings from the same seed lot in an isolated room inside a thrips-proof cage to further eliminate any external source of infection. Also, increased care was taken to reduce any possible PCR contamination. Three positive plants out of forty-eight were found using these measures. Published and newly designed primers for the L and M RNAs of SVNV were also used to test the extracted RNA and strengthen the diagnosis of viral infection. In experiments, by three scientists, in two different labs all three genomic RNAs of SVNV were amplified in these plant materials. RNA-seq analysis was also conducted using RNA extracted from a composite seedling sample found to be SVNV-positive and a symptomatic sample collected from the field. This analysis revealed both sense and anti-sense reads from all three gene segments in both samples. We have shown that SVNV can be transmitted in seed to seedlings from an infected seed lot at a rate of 6%. To our knowledge this is the first report of seed-transmission of a Tospovirus.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TWO SUBSPECIES IN A POPULATION OF PRUNELLA VULGARIS L.

The California population of Prunella vulgaris L. (Labiatae) contains both ssp. vulgaris and ssp. lanceolata (Bart.) Hulten (Nelson, 1962). The first has generally been considered an introduction from Eurasia while the second is thought to be indigenous to North America (Nelson, 1962). I have made over 50 chromosome counts in Prunella, of which over 30 were on plants of P. vulgaris (Nelson, 1962). In all cases, 2n = 28, in agreement with other authors. Early publications of 2n = 32 are apparently in error as was indicated by one of the original proponents of this higher figure (B6cher, 1949). Thus, there is no evidence of cytological diversity within the genus. Attempts to cross P. vulgaris ssp. vulgaris with P. vulgaris ssp. lanceolata in the greenhouse have resulted in abundant and normal seed set (Nelson, 1962). However, there is no record of systematic investigation of natural hybridization between the two. Rubtzoff (1953) reported a mixed population of P. vulgaris ssp. vulgaris and P. vulgaris ssp. lanceolata from Pitkin Marsh, Sonoma County, California. The report of two subspecies of the same species growing together in a common habitat raises a number of questions. Are the two forms, as they occur at this site, genetically as well as phenotypically different, are they properly identified as belonging to two different subspecies, what is the relationship between the two forms (what are the indications, if any, of gene exchange between them), and what are the taxonomic and evolutionary implications of this relationship? During 1960 and 1961, I had the opportunity to investigate the Pitkin Marsh population in the context of a study of P. vulgaris throughout California (Nelson, 1962). It is now possible to present some information bearing on the questions posed by the existence of this mixed population.
Pectoral Fins Aid in Navigation of a Complex Environment by Bluegill Sunfish Under Sensory Deprivation Conditions

Complex structured environments offer fish advantages as places of refuge and areas of greater potential prey densities, but maneuvering through these environments is a navigational challenge. To successfully navigate complex habitats, fish must have sensory input relaying information about the proximity and size of obstacles. We investigated the role of the pectoral fins as mechanosensors in bluegill sunfish swimming through obstacle courses under different sensory deprivation and flow speed conditions. Sensory deprivation was accomplished by filming in the dark to remove visual input and/or temporarily blocking lateral line input via immersion in cobalt chloride. Fish used their pectoral fins to touch obstacles as they swam slowly past them under all conditions. Loss of visual and/or lateral line sensory input resulted in an increased number of fin taps and shorter tap durations while traversing the course. Propulsive pectoral fin strokes were made in open areas between obstacle posts and fish did not use the pectoral fins to push off or change heading. Bending of the flexible pectoral fin rays may initiate an afferent sensory input, which could be an important part of the proprioceptive feedback system needed to navigate complex environments. This behavioral evidence suggests that it is possible for unspecialized pectoral fins to act in both a sensory and a propulsive capacity.
Progress in Acoustic Suspended-Sediment Measurement in Laboratory Flumes

Acoustic techniques have been used successfully to measure suspended sediments in marine environments, but more research is needed for effective acoustic measurements in fluvial environments. The high concentrations and wide size distributions of suspended-sediment in fluvial systems present difficult challenges. Experiments have been under way with the goal of improved hardware and software for acoustic sediment measurement. Time series backscatter data 1.8 hours long were collected from a fixed position. Cross-sectional suspended-sediment concentration variation was measured acoustically by repeatedly traversing a transducer across a laboratory flume, producing cross-sectional data at discrete time intervals. Time series of acoustic data 15-30 minutes in length were collected along with pumped reference samples taken simultaneously at four vertical positions over a dune-covered bed. This data was used to continue the evaluation of simple explicit methods for converting backscatter data into concentration values.
Comparison of surveillance efficacy between black box and lamp trap methods

Objective To evaluate the application of black box method in mosquito surveillance by comparing the results from black box and lamp trap methods.Methods Two lamps were set at each surveillance site and one black box was put at a 10 m interval from each lamp.Surveillance was conducted twice every month.Results The total number of captured mosquitoes and the number of female mosquitoes by the lamp trap method was 3.50 times and 3.75 times higer than those monitored by black box method,respectively.The seasonal fluctuation curves reflected by both methods were unimodal,with a peak in July.The monthly calculations of mosquitoes of the two methods were highly correlated.Mosquitoes captured by the black box method included Culex pipens pallens(84.64%),Cx.tritaeriorhynchus(10.02%),and Anopheles sinensis(3.34%),and those by the lamp trap method were Cx.pipens pallens(80.47%),Cx.tritaeriorhynchus(11.79%),and An.sinensis(6.88%).Only a few Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus were trapped.The male-female ratios were similar between the two methods,whereas great difference in the mosquito number was found in distinct environments.Black box method was more effective in parks and hospitals than the other,while lamp trap was more effective in pasture lands and farms.Two peaks of mosquito density were shown on 05:00 and 19:00 with environmental difference between day and night.The day and night peaks of density were also present in parks,farms and pasture lands except hospitals and residential areas where only one night peak was shown. Conclusion With fewer requirements for equipment,operation skills and power supply,the black box method is an effective alternative to the lamp trap approach.Deployment before the night peak of density and collection after the early morning peak is recommended for mosquito monitoring.
175 INSULIN STIMULATES GENE TRANSCRIPTION BY SEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS OF O-GLYCOSYLATION AND PHOSPHORYLATION OF SP1.

Insulin activates calmodulin (CaM) gene transcription, which leads to activation of low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase. This results in reversal of diabetic ketoacidosis. We have previously shown by 32 P labeling experiments and Western blots with antibodies highly specific for Sp1, O-GlcNAc, and phosphoserine that insulin first stimulates synthesis of Sp1 and then O-glycosylates it (early), followed by phosphorylation (later). Transcription of the CaM gene then occurs. H-411E liver cells in tissue culture were incubated with insulin (10,000 μU/mL) and processed at 0, 30, and 240 min. After incubation, cell extracts were prepared and run on 7.5% SDS polyacrylamide gel. The Sp1 band, localized by SYPRO stain and Western blot using specific anti-Sp1 antibody, was trypsin digested and then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS). The data revealed that at least 3 peptide fragments containing serine/threonine sites are modified either by O-glycosylation or phosphorylation over the period of 4 hr of insulin exposure. The peptides are (1) 612-616; (2) 641-645; and (3) 699-704. The serine sites of these peptides were unmodified at 0 min and O-glycosylated at 30 min and later that same site was converted to a phosphate, eg, one of the three peptide fragments with mass 563.24 kDa (serine 613) is glycosylated at 30 min with a peptide mass of 766.31 kDa (563.24 + 203.19) and then at 240 min deglycosylated and phosphorylated with a peptide of mass of 644.26 (563.24 + 80.9) appearing. Insulin treatment at 0 min shows that the 4 serine sites in these 3 peptides initially are unmodified, but after 30 min all of these serine sites (100%) are O-GlcNAced. Following 4 hr insulin treatment, 3 out of 4 (75%) of the serine sites are phosphorylated. Conclusions MALDI TOF MS experiments support a yin-yang hypothesis, ie, the existence of a reciprocal relationship between O-glycosylation and phosphorylation of Sp1 and its role in translating insulin9s effect on CaM gene transcription.
A Young Man With Progressive Vision and Hearing Loss

A 37-year-old man with a history of progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss presented to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic with an acute left homonymous hemianopsia. In this article, we discuss the clinical approach and differential diagnosis of progressive combined vision and hearing loss and guide the reader to discover the patient's ultimate diagnosis.
A technique for correction of ileocutaneous stomal stenosis.

AbstractA technique for the revision of the ileal stoma is described. The technique is based on the skin flap interposition procedure reported by Smith for the prevention of stomal stenosis.
Automatic building of synthetic voices from large multi-paragraph speech databases.

Large multi paragraph speech databases encapsulate prosodic and contextual information beyond the sentence level which could be exploited to build natural sounding voices. This paper discusses our efforts on automatic building of synthetic voices from large multi-paragraph speech databases. We show that the primary issue of segmentation of large speech file could be addressed with modifications to forced-alignment technique and that the proposed technique is independent of the duration of the audio file. We also discuss how this framework could be extended to build a large number of voices from public domain large multi-paragraph recordings.
Nineteenth-Century Attitudes towards Women

The search for the exotic generates a rich tradition in French literature, a tradition which can be traced back at least to the chroniclers of the Crusades, such as the Memoires of Villehardouin (1212), and which achieves its most luxuriant growth in the nineteenth century. The interest in foreign lands and strange societies manifests itself in two literary genres: travel literature which was essentially ‘objective’ reportage, such as Tavernier’s Voyage en Turquie, en Perse et aux Indes (1676) and Bernier’s Voyages (1699); and fantasy travel, for example, Rabelais’ Pantagruel (1532), Montesquieu s Lettres persanes (1721), Diderot’s Supplement au Voyage de Bougainville (1722), Abbe Prevost’s Manon Lescaut (1731), and Bernardin de St Pierre’s Paul et Virginie (1788). Pierre Loti works in both genres and finds his most characteristic modes of expression in them.
Studies of SiPM and Scintillation Plates with waveshifter fiber and SiPM readout

We have been studying the performance of SiPM devices and Scintillation Plates read out with SiPM. Applications are for the detection of ionizing radiation, for example in particle and nuclear physics experiments. Results are presented on performance of the SiPM using pulsed LEDs and scintillating tiles excited by radioactive sources, and for SiPM devices that have been used to transduce waveshifted scintillation signals from scintillation tiles with embedded waveshifter fiber.
Using a two-timer scheme to detect selfish nodes in mobile ad-hoc networks

The cooperation of wireless nodes in ad hoc networks is crucial to ensure the proper working of the whole network due to the absence of infrastructure. Misbehaving nodes can dramatically decrease the performance of ad hoc network. Detecting and isolating the misbehaving nodes can not only make sure the participating nodes forward and route packets correctly, but also discourage the individual nodes from gaining advantages by not providing services to other nodes. This paper proposes a novel hardware assisted scheme which can detect one kind of misbehavior: selfish nodes. The proposed scheme consists of two timers that help to detect 80% or more selfish nodes with a probability of nearly 90%. The detection results could be used by other nodes to disengage the selfish nodes from the network. Furthermore, the virtue of hardware based detection makes this scheme less prone to virus influence as in some software based schemes.
A cognitive radio approach for data collection in border surveillance

Border surveillance has many applications in national security, infrastructure security, habitat monitoring, detecting illegal trespasses, military applications, and so on. This topic has received an increased attention recently. Sensing coverage and reliable data transmission are critical aspects in border surveillance using wireless sensor networks. In this paper we propose RMA-BS, a cognitive radio data collection scheme for border surveillance applications. RMA-BS aims to assign radios of neighboring monitoring sensors to different transmission channels, thus reducing interference and increasing network throughput and data delivery rate. RMA-BS is robust to the presence of a primary user or a signal jamming attack. We analyze the performance of our algorithm using ns-3 simulations.
Microfluidic Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters by Size and Asymmetry

Circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC clusters) are potent initiators of metastasis and potentially useful clinical markers for patients with cancer. Although there are numerous devices developed to isolate individual circulating tumor cells from blood, these devices are ineffective at capturing CTC clusters, incapable of separating clusters from single cells and/or cause cluster damage or dissociation during processing. The only device currently able to specifically isolate CTC clusters from single CTCs and blood cells relies on the batch immobilization of clusters onto micropillars which necessitates long residence times and causes damage to clusters during release. Here, we present a two-stage continuous microfluidic chip that isolates and recovers viable CTC clusters from blood. This approach uses deterministic lateral displacement to sort clusters by capitalizing on two geometric properties: size and asymmetry. Cultured breast cancer CTC clusters containing between 2–100 + cells were recovered from whole blood using this integrated two-stage device with minimal cluster dissociation, 99% recovery of large clusters, cell viabilities over 87% and greater than five-log depletion of red blood cells. This continuous-flow cluster chip will enable further studies examining CTC clusters in research and clinical applications.
A Hybrid Open/Closed Lab for CS 1

In this paper we introduce hybrid labs, an alternative to open or closed labs for CS 1, in which a set of written instructions, demonstration of techniques, and code examples are provided to students in lieu of a lecture. The hybrid lab also consists of several challenges which require students to write code or answer questions based off the concepts introduced in the document. Students are presented with the lab two days prior to a class period and are given an option of submitting solutions to the challenges on their own time (similar to an open lab) or attending the class in which an instructor is available to provide additional help as needed (similar to a closed lab). We compare a section of CS 1 that utilized a combination of hybrid labs and lectures against a section that utilized only lectures. We found no statistical significance between the abilities of the students of the two sections, but surveys show that students found the hybrid labs to be more engaging and preferred the hybrid labs over lectures as means of instruction. Furthermore, instructors found that the hybrid labs allowed for more tailored, individualized instruction for a variety of student abilities.
Extreme liver resections with preservation of segment 4 only.

AIM To evaluate safety and outcomes of a new technique for extreme hepatic resections with preservation of segment 4 only. METHODS The new method of extreme liver resection consists of a two-stage hepatectomy. The first stage involves a right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation and induction of left lobe congestion; the second stage involves a left lobectomy. Thus, the remnant liver is represented by the segment 4 only (with or without segment 1, ± S1). Five patients underwent the new two-stage hepatectomy (congestion group). Data from volumetric assessment made before the second stage was compared with that of 10 matched patients (comparison group) that underwent a single-stage right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation. RESULTS The two stages of the procedure were successfully carried out on all 5 patients. For the congestion group, the overall volume of the left hemiliver had increased 103% (mean increase from 438 mL to 890 mL) at 4 wk after the first stage of the procedure. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (i.e., segment 4 ± S1) was higher than that of segments 2 and 3 (144% vs 54%, respectively, P 0.05) were proportional. The mean preoperative volume of segments 2 and 3 was 256 ± 64 cc and increased to 572 ± 257 cc after right hepatectomy. Mean preoperative volume of segment 4 increased from 211 ± 75 cc to 439 ± 180 cc after surgery. CONCLUSION The proposed method for extreme hepatectomy with preservation of segment 4 only represents a technique that could allow complete resection of multiple bilateral liver metastases.
Why Is Reverse Takotsubo "Reverse"?

Objectives Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute cardiac syndrome simulating myocardial infarction that is characterized by transient wall motion abnormalities in the absence of coronary artery obstruction. Reverse TTC (rTTC) is a recently described variant of TTC. This review defines and compares both forms of TTC, stating their resemblances and differences. Methods We conducted a search of the MEDLINE database. Forty-one cases of rTTC met our eligibility criteria and were summarized in a synthesis of the demographic features, clinical characteristics, and laboratory studies. Results Of the 41 patients studied, 73% were women. Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 69 years and the mean age was 43. The predominant electrocardiogram finding was ST-segment depression, whereas ST-segment elevation was present in only 6 patients (14.5%). Troponin levels were raised in 92.6% of the patients, with a mean troponin I of 7.7 ng/mL. All of the patients had wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography and the mean ejection fraction was 29.3%. Of the 27 patients (66%) who had a documented angiography, 22 (81.5%) had normal coronaries and 5 (18.5%) had minor or mild obstructive coronary artery disease. Of the 41 patients, 9 (22%) died, and the mean recovery time of the ejection fraction in the survivors was 16 days. Conclusions rTTC is a distinct presentation from the classic TTC. Remarkable differences exist between both forms in terms of mean age, sex, electrocardiogram presentation, troponin levels, and mortality.
Foreign Aid and Corruption

The history of foreign aid has been inextricably linked with corruption. Since the inception of the International Development Association (IDA) in 1960, a large body of writings has emerged on the corrosive effect of corruption that undermines the effectiveness of foreign aid. To improve the development impact of foreign aid, the international development community has taken a firm stance against corruption. This essay begins with a brief discussion of the definition, type and measurement of corruption; it argues that given the underlying conceptual and data issues, there is no index of corruption that can meaningfully capture all its multifarious dimensions into a single number. This, in turn, renders the task of measuring inter-temporal variations of corruption in a country virtually impossible. This section is followed by a review of various anti-corruption measures recently implemented by donors and recipient countries to combat corruption. This review suggests that these measures have had a substantial impact on combating corruption in aid-recipient countries. This success notwithstanding, the recent intensive campaign against corruption appears to have reached a point of diminishing returns in terms of its impact on aid effectiveness. The final section argues that combating corruption is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end (i.e., attaining aid effectiveness). The current strategy of combating corruption emphasizes establishing new departments, implementing new procedures, and strengthening prosecution; it has little direct bearing on the results foreign aid seeks to achieve, such as inclusive growth, efficient service delivery or environmental sustainability. The strategy of combating corruption should, therefore, be subsumed under the strategy of aid effectiveness for maximum development impact.
Outcomes with lower intensity therapy in TP53-mutated acute myeloid leukemia

Mutations in the TP53 gene are associated with high risk disease characteristics such as complex karyotype and therapy related AML [1,2]. TP53 mutated AML is characterized by low response and high ...
Motor vehicle crash fatalaties and undercompensated care associated with legalization of marijuana.

Background Half of the US states have legalized medical cannabis (marijuana), some allow recreational use. The economic and public health effects of these policies are still being evaluated. We hypothesized that cannabis legalization was associated with an increase in the proportion of motor vehicle crash fatalities involving cannabis-positive drivers, and that cannabis use is associated with high-risk behavior and poor insurance status. Methods Hawaii legalized cannabis in 2000. Fatality Analysis Reporting System data were analyzed before (1993-2000) and after (2001-2015) legalization. The presence of cannabis (THC), methamphetamine, and alcohol in fatally injured drivers was compared. Data from the state's highest level trauma center were reviewed for THC status from 1997 to 2013. State Trauma Registry data from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed to evaluate association between cannabis, helmet/seatbelt use, and payor mix. Results THC positivity among driver fatalities increased since legalization, with a threefold increase from 1993-2000 to 2001-2015. Methamphetamine, which has remained illegal, and alcohol positivity were not significantly different before versus after 2000. THC-positive fatalities were younger, and more likely, single-vehicle accidents, nighttime crashes, and speeding. They were less likely to have used a seatbelt or helmet. THC positivity among all injured patients tested at our highest level trauma center increased from 11% before to 20% after legalization. From 2011 to 2015, THC-positive patients were significantly less likely to wear a seatbelt or helmet (33% vs 56%). They were twice as likely to have Medicaid insurance (28% vs 14%). Conclusion Since the legalization of cannabis, THC positivity among MVC fatalities has tripled statewide, and THC positivity among patients presenting to the highest level trauma center has doubled. THC-positive patients are less likely to use protective devices and more likely to rely on publically funded medical insurance. These findings have implications nationally and underscore the need for further research and policy development to address the public health effects and the costs of cannabis-related trauma. Level of evidence Prognostic, level III.
Developmental Learning Disorders

Comparative discussions of mental retardation and learning disabilities yield a surprising number of varied opinions regarding both definitions and the relationship of each disorder to the other. In an informal survey conducted by Tylenda (1983), college freshmen were asked to define mental retardation and learning disabilities at the outset of an educational psychology course. Some students stated that mental retardation and learning disabilities were the same type of disorder (i. e., slowness in the learning process) and merely existed at different points on a continuum. Others stated that they were mutually exclusive disorders related to cognitive functioning. However, the vast majority of the students sampled stated that learning disabilities had to do with deficits in one’s ability to read or write, whereas mental retardation was a type of mental illness. Strongly influenced by the majority’s ill-defined concept of mental retardation as a mental health issue, the results of the survey were attributed to naivete.
Bibliography and Classification of: Political Science Literature Related to State and Federal Executive Clemency, 1853-2012

This document attempts to summarize the political science literature related to state and federal executive clemency. In recent years, this literature has been described, by various authors, as thin, sparse, almost non-existent. This document reveals, however, that the discipline of political science actually has a long, rich tradition of interest in clemency, an interest which has resulted in historical reviews, case studies, legal and descriptive analysis, aggregate data analysis and multivariate modeling. In creating this document, I have used the following guidelines for inclusion/exclusion: First, I located pieces that appeared in the professional journals of the discipline, of all stripes. I included such pieces even when "special issues" were involved and non-political scientists were the authors. Second, I tried to locate any and all instances where political scientists engaged in extensive commentary re clemency outside of the confines of professional journals. These efforts included, of course, books, but also law review articles, essays and appearances in other journals of social science. Third, the pardon of Richard Nixon barely made a substantive dent in the journals of political science, but multivariate models of voting and public opinion would. on occasion, include a variable related to public views of Ford’s decisions. These pieces were not included in the creation of the listings below.
Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in Critical Illness and Injury

The study of mediators and pathways of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress have been underway for decades, but the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis and treatment of disease remains incompletely understood. Recent years have seen a rapid escalation in research concerning the links between cellular mechanisms of disease and the clinical management of injury and illness. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are now understood to play a significant role in disordered cellular processes as well as having key regulatory roles in normal cellular physiology and healing. This chapter is focused on oxidative and nitrosative stress as it translates to the practice of pediatric critical care. The first part of this chapter reviews some fundamental concepts of oxidative and nitrosative regulation and stress. The roles of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in select aspects of normal cellular homeostasis and physiologic function including endothelial function, immune system regulation and mitochondrial respiration are presented in the second part. The final section of this chapter discusses the role of these free radicals in select disease states chosen for their particular relevance to pediatric critical care.
Observation and Kinetic Characterization of Transient Schiff Base Intermediates by CEST NMR Spectroscopy.

In aqueous solution, many biochemical reaction pathways involve reaction of an aldehyde with an amine, which progresses through generally unstable, hydrated and dehydrated, Schiff base intermediates that often are unobservable by conventional NMR. There are 4 states in the relevant equilibrium: 1) gem-diol, 2) aldehyde, 3) hemiaminal, and 4) Schiff base. For the reaction between protein amino groups and DOPAL, a highly toxic metabolite of dopamine, the 1 H resonances of both the hemiaminal and the dehydrated Schiff base can be observed by CEST NMR, even when their populations fall below 0.1 %. CEST NMR reveals the quantitative exchange kinetics between reactants and Schiff base intermediates, explaining why the Schiff base NMR signals are rarely observed. The reactivity of DOPAL with Nα -amino groups is greater than with lysine Nϵ -amines and, in the presence of O2 , both types of Schiff base DOPAL-peptide intermediates rapidly react with free DOPAL to irreversibly form dicatechol pyrrole adducts.
Scattered-light photoelastic stress analysis of a solid-propellant rocket motor

Scattered-light photoelasticity, a nondestructive technique, is used to determine the stress distribution in a three-dimensional, solid-propellant rocket motor. The model is a case-bonded solid propellant with a stargrain internal boundary. Stresses are induced by internal pressure. The pressure load simulates part of the stresses developed in firing a rocket. The model material is polyurethane rubber which is similar to the binder material in actual rockets. The model construction and data analysis are discussed in detail, and the results are presented in graphical form.
Elementary Divisor Domains as Endomorphism Rings

We consider modules over integral domains, and investigate direct sums of finite rank torsion-free modules whose endomorphism rings are completely integrally closed elementary divisor domains. The main result (Theorem 4.4) is a Krull-Schmidt-Azumaya type theorem: if a module A is a direct sum of finite rank torsion-free modules each of which is quasi-isomorphic to a member of a semi-rigid system with the mentioned type of endomorphism ring, then every summand of A admits the same kind of direct decomposition. The uniqueness of such decompositions is established up to quasi-isomorphism (Theorem 4.5).