cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delineating a relationship between problematic anger and cigarette smoking: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND Research implicates a potentially important relationship between anger and smoking, though extant work suffers from a number of limitations, including the absence of controls for psychiatric comorbidity and the use of treatment-seeking samples. The current study sought to examine the unique associations between problematic anger and smoking behavior in a large representative sample. METHODS Participants included 5,692 adults from the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication, a nationally representative survey. Assessments of psychiatric diagnoses, smoking behavior, and problematic anger were administered. RESULTS Results indicated that problems of anger experience were significantly associated with past-year daily smoking, heavy smoking, and nicotine dependence. After controlling for demographics and psychiatric comorbidity, anger experience was uniquely associated with each of these outcomes. Anger experience also was uniquely associated with lifetime history of smoking cessation failure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these population-based data suggest an important relationship between problematic anger and numerous aspects of smoking behavior.
Floating light-activated microelectrical stimulators tested in the rat spinal cord

Microelectrodes of neural stimulation utilize fine wires for electrical connections to driving electronics. Breakage of these wires and the neural tissue response due to their tethering forces are major problems encountered with long-term implantation of microelectrodes. The lifetime of an implant for neural stimulation can be substantially improved if the wire interconnects are eliminated. Thus, we proposed a floating light-activated microelectrical stimulator (FLAMES) for wireless neural stimulation. In this paradigm, a laser beam at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths will be used as a means of energy transfer to the device. In this study, microstimulators of various sizes were fabricated, with two cascaded GaAs p-i-n photodiodes, and tested in the rat spinal cord. A train of NIR pulses (0.2 ms, 50 Hz) was sent through the tissue to wirelessly activate the devices and generate the stimulus current. The forces elicited by intraspinal stimulation were measured from the ipsilateral forelimb with a force transducer. The largest forces were around 1.08 N, a significant level of force for the rat forelimb motor function. These in vivo tests suggest that the FLAMES can be used for intraspinal microstimulation even for the deepest implant locations in the rat spinal cord. The power required to generate a threshold arm movement was investigated as the laser source was moved away from the microstimulator. The results indicate that the photon density does not decrease substantially for horizontal displacements of the source that are in the same order as the beam radius. This gives confidence that the stimulation threshold may not be very sensitive to small displacement of the spinal cord relative to the spine-mounted optical power source.
Design and verification methodology of boundary conditions for finite volume schemes

Abstract Despite the critical importance of resolving flow at or near domain boundaries, boundary condition formulations are often implemented in an ad hoc fashion. The purpose of this work is to provide a general framework for the implementation and, importantly, the verification of boundary conditions for node- and cell-centered finite volume schemes. These conditions may include any combination of Dirichlet conditions, Neumann conditions, extrapolation, and the conservation equations themselves. Specific conditions for inviscid walls, inflow, and outflow are systematically tested using manufactured and exact solutions to assess well-posedness and stability. The procedures in this work provide a method for the verification of complex boundary conditions as well as shed physical insight for different problem configurations.
Child care quality: centers and home settings that serve poor families

Abstract The effects of center-based care on early development, outside of carefully controlled demonstration programs, appear to be positive yet often modest for children from low-income families. But little is known about variation in the quality of centers and preschools found among low-income neighborhoods. Evidence also remains scarce on the observed quality of home-based care, the settings that most children attend and into which large infusions of federal dollars are now directed. This paper reports on the observed quality of 166 centers and 187 nonparental home settings (including family child care homes and kith or kin providers) serving children in five cities situated in California, Connecticut, or Florida. Centers displayed higher mean quality as gauged by provider education and the intensity of structured learning activities, compared to home-based settings, but did not consistently display more positive child–provider interactions. Great variability among centers and home-based settings was observed, including between-city differences. Second, we found that contextual neighborhood attributes accounted for the quality of providers selected more strongly than family-level selection factors. Mothers with stronger verbal abilities (PPVT scores) did select higher quality centers; those employed longer hours each week relied on kith and kin providers with lower education levels. Interrelationships among different quality measures are detailed. The policy implications of such wide disparities in center and home-based care quality are discussed, including how states could more carefully strengthen regulatory or quality improvement efforts.
Connection between the Striatal Neurokinin‐1 Receptor and Nitric Oxide Formation during Methamphetamine Exposure

Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely used "club drug" that produces neural damage in the brain, including the loss of some neurons. METH-induced striatal neuronal loss has been attenuated by pretreatment with the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist WIN-51,708 in mice. Using a histologic method, we have observed the internalization of the neurokinin-1 receptor into endosomes in the striatal somatostatin/NPY/nitric oxide synthase interneurons. To investigate the role of this interneuron in the striatal cell death induced by METH, we assessed by immunohistochemistry the number of striatal nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons in the presence of METH at 8 and 16 hours after systemic injection of a bolus of METH (30 mg/kg, i.p.). We found the number of striatal nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons unchanged at these time points after METH. In a separate experiment we measured the levels of striatal 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) by HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatography) as an indirect index of nitric oxide synthesis. METH increased the levels of 3-nitrotyrosine in the striatum and this increase was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. These observations suggest a causal relationship between the neurokinin-1 receptor and the activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase that warrants further investigation.
PARDIS: CORBA-based Architecture for Application-Level Parallel Distributed Computation

Modern technology provides the infrastructure necessary to develop distributed applications capable of using the power of multiple supercomputing resources and exploiting their diversity. The performance potential offered by distributed supercomputing is enormous, but it is hard to realize due to the complexity of programming in such environments. In this paper we introduce PARDIS, a system designed to overcome this challenge, based on ideas underlying the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), a successful industry standard. PARDIS is a distributed environment in which objects representing data-parallel computations, called SPMD objects, as well as non-parallel objects present in parallel programs, can interact with each other across platforms and software systems. Each of these objects represents a small encapsulated application and can be used as a building block in the construction of powerful distributed metaapplications. The objects interact through interfaces specified in the Interface Definition Language (IDL), which allows the programmer to integrate within one metaapplication components implemented using different software systems. Further, support for non-blocking interactions between objects allows PARDIS to build concurrent distributed scenarios.
Utilization of substrates by bacterial communities (biofilm) as they develop on stored chicken meat samples

Understanding and controlling the metabolic processes of microorganisms associated with chicken meat can lead to safer poultry products with a longer shelf life. The objective of the present study was threefold: 1) to determine the feasibility of using 96-well Biolog GN microtiter plates to assess substrate utilization profiles of bacterial communities (biofilm) as they develop on poultry products, 2) to identify substrates metabolized by microbial populations associated with stored chicken meat, and 3) to compare the substrate utilization profiles of biofilm communities as they develop on meat stored at 4 C (refrigeration temperature) for up to 5 d or at 13 C (a temperature common in poultry processing areas) for 2 d. The protocol used herein for preparing inocula for microplates was acceptable for the collection of optical density values (590 nm) in microplate wells as an indicator of microbial substrate utilization over time. Data from treatment of chicken meat samples using this protocol indicate that most of the 95 substrates tested were metabolized by microbial communities present as early as 1 d after storage at 4 or at 13 C. However, the rapidity (incubation time required for initial substrate utilization) and frequency (percentage of plates positive for transformation of an individual substrate) of metabolism of the substrates by the biofilm communities varied from 4 to 164 h of plate incubation and from 17 to 100% of microplates, respectively. At 13 C, polymers were the most rapidly metabolized substrate group, followed by carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, miscellaneous or amino acids, and amides or amines. Initial utilization of these substrate groups at 4 C occurred within a consistently shorter period (24 h of plate incubation). The frequency of metabolism of each individual substrate group varied only 3 to 16% between samples stored at 4 and 13 C. However, a greater difference in frequency of utilization of some individual substrates was noted. Such divergences may be useful in characterizing biofilm communities implicated in pathogenicity or affecting food quality of poultry products.
Personality disorder scores improve with effective pharmacotherapy of depression

Introduction: We hypothesized that the probability of personality disorder (`PROB') predicted by the Temperament and Character Inventory (`TCI') would decline after successful pharmacotherapy of depression. Methods: We administered a computerized version of the TCI to 15 patients with DSM-III-R major depression, before and after treatment with serotonergic antidepressants. Results: PROB declined from 58.9%±18.0% to 42.4%±22.8% (P<0.003), due to a significant increase in the Self-Directedness scale. This change in PROB correlated with improvement in self-rated severity of depression (P<0.02). Conclusion: TCI prediction of personality disorder is susceptible to state effects of depression.
Neutron Emission Spectra of Triton Beams of 20.22-MeV Fully Stopped in Targets of H2O, D2O, LiF, Si, Ni, Mo, Ta, W, Pt, and Au

The Ion Beam Facility of Los Alamos National Laboratory could routinely provide accelerated bunched triton beams to be used in neutron time-of-flight experiments. Exploratory measurements at 0 deg ...
A Method for Estimating HIV Transmission Rates among Female Sex Partners of Male Intravenous Drug Users

There are few data available on the dynamics of heterosexual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among women whose only risk factor is sexual contact with intravenous drug-using males. Unlike models which rely on unconfirmed estimates regarding sexual partner selectivity and contact rates between infected and uninfected populations, data from a survey conducted between November 1988 and February 1989 of 1,842 women in New York City provide empirical values for these variables which the authors use in a straightforward estimation model. The authors estimate that the number of new infections among women aged 15-44 years in New York City during 1988 was between 876 and 1,668 and that the number of women already infected through heterosexual contact with male intravenous drug users is between 5,390 and 10,230 among the 1,844,285 women in this age group. These conclusions indicate that male-to-female transmission in New York City is of substantial magnitude and that prevention efforts among male intravenous drug users and their female sexual partners must be appropriately directed.
Miscanthus: A Promising Biomass Crop

The C4 grass Miscanthus × giganteus is of increasing interest as a biomass feedstock for renewable fuel production. This review describes what is known to date on M. × giganteus from extensive research in Europe and more recently in the US. Research trials have shown that M. × giganteus productivity is among the highest recorded within temperate climates. The crop's high productivity results from greater levels of seasonal carbon fixation than other C4 crops during the growing season. Genetic sequencing of M. × giganteus has identified close homology with related crop species such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), and breeding of new varieties is underway. Miscanthus × giganteus has high water use efficiency; however, its exceptional productivity causes higher water use than other arable crops, potentially causing changes in hydrology in agricultural areas. Nitrogen use patterns are inconsistent and may indicate association with N fixing microorganisms. Miscanthus × giganteus has great promise as an economically and ecologically viable biomass crop; however, there are still challenges to widespread commercial development.
Relation Between Basal Metabolism and Minute Volume of Circulation

One of the main functions of the circulation is the transportation of oxygen. A priori, reasoning would indicate that there is a close correlation between oxygen consumption and rate of oxygen transportation. Grollman1 expressed this supposed relationship in his “cardiac index” which correlates minute volume at rest with square meters of body surface. He defines “cardiac index” as the minute volume per square meter of body surface. In a large series of determinations on normal individuals, he found that his “cardiac index” was 2.2 liters per square meter of body surface. The standard deviation in this series of determinations was 0.3. Grollman's cardiac index does not take into account the variability in the basal metabolic rate of normals. As we know, this rate varies —15 to +15 in any large series of normal cases. Believing that a better cardiac index could be obtained by taking into consideration the basal metabolic rate, we have constructed a formula which fits the determination somewhat better than t...
The Disciplinary Emergence of Bioethics and Bioethics Committees: Moral Ordering and its Legitimation

Abstract In this paper the processes of moral ordering are explored by examining the emergence of bioethics and the practices of bioethics committees. New morals emerge through negotiations by various interest groups. Consequently, the moral and social boundaries of ethical arrangements are continuously shifting and are shaped by the groups participating in any specific ordering situations. In this paper the interactive processes of medicine, law and existing morals representing the “habits of our minds” interact to bring about new moral perceptions in medicine.
A Minor Modification by R. J. Petri

In honor of the 1987 centennial of the Petri dish, a brief history of its introduction can be traced within the context of bacteriology at the time of its discovery. It was a simple yet innovative idea that alleviated the cultivation and contamination problems which impeded early microbiologists. It is virtually unchanged in design from the original, the only modification being the development of plastic presterilized units. One hundred years after its introduction, the ubiquitous Petri dish remains the standard vessel for agar media.
Inhibition of hematopoietic development from embryonic stem cells by antisense vav RNA.

Abstract The vav proto-oncogene is universally and specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells. vav contains a unique array of motifs allowing the protein to function as a signal transducer and possibly as a transcription factor. Under certain in vitro culture conditions murine embryonic stem cells develop into colonies containing multiple hematopoietic lineages. In embryonic stem cell lines, constitutively expressing high levels of antisense vav transcripts through a stably integrated transgene, differentiation into hematopoietic cells is disrupted. This observation presents the first evidence that vav has a critical role in the development of hematopoietic cells from totipotent cells.
Pre-evaluation of Occupational Hazards in a Construction Project of Methylamine and Dimethylformamide

[Objective] To identify and analyze the potential occupational hazard factors and its main links during the production process of methylamine and dimethylformamide(DMF) construction project,predict the degree of the occupational hazards,and confirm the category of the occupational hazards in the construction project.[Methods]According to the characteristics of the construction project,comprehensive analysis,qualitative and quantitative evaluation were performed by analogy and checklist method.[Results]With the occupational health investigation and the analysis of relevant technical information in similar project,the occupational hazard factors in this project were ammonia,methanol,monomethylamine,dimethylamine,trimethylamine,carbon monoxide,DMF and noise.In analogical enterprise,the exposure level of occupational hazard factors among all workers in working day accorded with the national health standards.[Conclusion]The prevention and protection measures of occupational disease presented in basic design and all suggestions mentioned in the pre-evaluation report must be carried out.The potential occupational hazards in production process can be prevented.From the perspective of occupational health,this project is feasible.
Genetic polymorphism analysis of COI gene in Aedes albopictus from Guangzhou

In order to study the sequence characteristics of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene(COI) in Aedes albopictus from Guangzhou and the genetic variation analysis of these mosquitoes from different circumstance in the city,single mosquito genomic DNA was extracted from Aedes albopictus of different populations for COI gene amplification.Representative samples were selected by analysis of single-strand of conformation polymorphism and subjected to sequencing and comparison with relevant sequences available in GenBank,with ClustalX 1.81 and Mega 4.0 analyzed the variability of target sequences.The obtained COI sequences were 709 bp in length,with 12 mutation sites and 1.69% mutation rate.Based on the phylogenetic tree,Aedes albopictus populations collected from different sites showed partial genetic differentiation.The results suggested that the partial genetic variation presented on COI gene of Aedes albopictus from different collection sites of Guangzhou is probably correlated with urbanization due to the change of breeding environment.
High-Throughput Genomic Mapping of Vector Integration Sites in Gene Therapy Studies

Gene therapy has enormous potential to treat a variety of infectious and genetic diseases. To date hundreds of patients worldwide have received hematopoietic cell products that have been gene-modified with retrovirus vectors carrying therapeutic transgenes, and many patients have been cured or demonstrated disease stabilization as a result (Adair et al., Sci Transl Med 4:133ra57, 2012; Biffi et al., Science 341:1233158, 2013; Aiuti et al., Science 341:1233151, 2013; Fischer et al., Gene 525:170-173, 2013). Unfortunately, for some patients the provirus integration dysregulated the expression of nearby genes leading to clonal outgrowth and, in some cases, cancer. Thus, the unwanted side effect of insertional mutagenesis has become a major concern for retrovirus gene therapy. The careful study of retrovirus integration sites (RIS) and the contribution of individual gene-modified clones to hematopoietic repopulating cells is of crucial importance for all gene therapy studies. Supporting this, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated the careful monitoring of RIS in all clinical trials of gene therapy. An invaluable method was developed: linear amplification mediated-polymerase chain reaction (LAM-PCR) capable of analyzing in vitro and complex in vivo samples, capturing valuable genomic information directly flanking the site of provirus integration. Linking this method and similar methods to high-throughput sequencing has now made possible an unprecedented understanding of the integration profile of various retrovirus vectors, and allows for sensitive monitoring of their safety. It also allows for a detailed comparison of improved safety-enhanced gene therapy vectors. An important readout of safety is the relative contribution of individual gene-modified repopulating clones. One limitation of LAM-PCR is that the ability to capture the relative contribution of individual clones is compromised because of the initial linear PCR common to all current methods. Here, we describe an improved protocol developed for efficient capture, sequencing, and analysis of RIS that preserves gene-modified clonal contribution information. We also discuss methods to assess dominant/overrepresented gene-modified clones in preclinical and clinical models.
Prosthesis-patient mismatch in bovine pericardial aortic valves: evaluation using 3 different modalities and associated medium-term outcomes.

Background— The prevalence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) and its impact on survival after aortic valve replacement have not been clearly defined. Historically, the presence of PPM was identified from postoperative echocardiograms or preoperative manufacturer-provided charts, resulting in wide discrepancies. The 2009 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines proposed an algorithmic approach to calculate PPM. This study compared PPM prevalence and its impact on survival using 3 modalities: (1) the ASE guidelines–suggested algorithm (ASE PPM); (2) the manufacturer-provided charts (M PPM); and (3) the echocardiographically measured, body surface area–indexed, effective orifice area (EOAi PPM) measurement. Methods and Results— A total of 614 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with bovine pericardial valves from 2004 to 2009 and had normal preoperative systolic function. EOAi PPM was severe if EOAi was ≤0.60 cm2/m2, moderate if EOAi was 0.60 to 0.85 cm2/m2, and absent (none) if EOAi was ≥0.85 cm2/m2. ASE PPM was severe in 22 (3.6%), moderate in 6 (1%), and absent (none) in 586 (95.4%). ASE PPM was similar to manufacturer-provided PPM ( P =1.00). ASE PPM differed significantly from EOAi PPM ( P <0.001), which identified severe mismatch in 170 (29.7%), moderate in 191 (33.4%), and absent (none) in 211 patients (36.9%). Irrespective of the PPM classification method, PPM did not adversely affect midterm survival (average follow-up, 4.1±1.8 years; median, 3.9 years; range, 0.01–8 years). There were no reoperations for PPM. Conclusions— In patients with normal systolic function undergoing bovine pericardial aortic valve replacement, the prevalence of PPM using the algorithmic-ASE approach was low and correlated well with manufacturer-provided PPM. Independent of the method of PPM assessment, PPM was not associated with medium-term mortality.
Sensitivity analysis in nonlinear programming under second order assumptions

In this paper basic results on sensitivity analysis in differentiable nonlinear programming are surveyed. Also, a simpler standard proof of a recent result due to Kojima is given.
Image-Guided Thermal Ablative Therapies in the Treatment of Sarcoma

Percutaneous thermal ablation, including microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and cryoablation, is a well-established focal treatment option for primary and metastatic malignancies. While published literature specific to ablation of sarcomas is relatively lacking compared with non-sarcomatous malignancies, what is available is promising. In situations where a focal treatment option is desired, strong consideration should be given to percutaneous thermal ablation, in addition to surgery and radiation therapy. A significant advantage of percutaneous thermal ablation over surgery and radiation includes the repeatability of ablation, as there is no absolute limit on the number of times an ablation can be performed. Compared with surgery, ablation offers the potential of decreased recovery time, a less invasive procedure, and is often performed in patients deemed not medically fit for surgery.
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for major abdominal venous injury in a porcine hemorrhagic shock model

BACKGROUND Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a rescue maneuver for unstable patients with noncompressible hemorrhage below the diaphragm. The efficacy of REBOA in the setting a major abdominal venous injury is unknown. Our objective was to examine the use of REBOA in a large animal model of major abdominal venous injury and characterize any impact on the hemodynamics, rate and volume of hemorrhage, and survival. METHODS Ten swine (35-55 kg) underwent a controlled and validated hemorrhage and ischemia/reperfusion injury protocol to produce shock physiology. Animals were randomly assigned to a control arm (N = 5) or a treatment (REBOA) arm (N = 5). An injury was then created in the common iliac vein. Bleeding was allowed for 60 seconds and the balloon was then inflated in the REBOA arm. Hemodynamics were recorded for 45 minutes or until death. Blood loss was verified post-mortem and bleeding rate calculated. RESULTS All animals demonstrated shock physiology at the time of randomization. There were no differences between control versus REBOA animals in baseline mean arterial pressure (42 vs. 50), pH (7.29 vs. 7.26), lactate (6.19 vs. 6.26), or INR (1.2 vs. 1.3, all p = NS). REBOA animals demonstrated immediate improvements in mean arterial pressure (50.6 vs. 97.2, p = 0.04). The mean survival time was 4.1 minutes for controls (100% died) versus 40.1 minutes for REBOA (p < 0.01). There was no difference in total blood loss (mean 630 mL for both). The rate of bleeding was significantly lower in the REBOA animals (control 197 mL/min vs. REBOA 14 mL/min, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION In the setting of an abdominal venous injury, REBOA improved hemodynamics and lengthened survival time. Blood loss was similar between groups but the rate of bleeding was markedly decreased with REBOA. REBOA appears effective for central venous injuries and provides a sustained period of stabilization and window for surgical intervention.
Forced NF-κB in T cells leads to tumor rejection (48.24)

NF-κB activity has been reported to be reduced in T cells from tumor-bearing hosts. Our previous results indicate that reduced NF-κB activation results in impaired T cell survival, decreased Th1 and Th17 differentiation and increased iTreg differentiation. Mice with reduced T cell-NF-κB activity fail to reject cardiac and pancreatic islet allografts in absence of any pharmacological treatment. We hypothesize that forced NF-κB activation in T cells may have the opposite effect and promote T cell survival, facilitate Th1/Th17 differentiation and prevent iTreg differentiation, which would be beneficial to reject tumors. We generated mice with constitutively active (CA) IKKβ in T cells (henceforth CA-IKKβ mice). Ectopic CA-IKKβ expression resulted in NF-κB phosphorylation. Transgene expression was limited to CD4, CD8 and NKT cells and T cells showed increased NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation. T cell numbers were comparable to littermate controls, but CA-IKKβ mice had fewer Tregs and increased frequency of activated T cells that produced IFNγ upon re-stimulation. When B16-SIY melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously, tumors grew progressively in control littermates, but were rejected by mice expressing CA-IKKβ in T cells. Furthermore, CA-IKKβ expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were necessary and sufficient for tumor control. Our results demonstrate NF-κB to be at the cross-roads of major T cell fate decisions that should uniquely synergize for control of tumor growth.
Mechanisms of Action and Resistance of the Antimycobacterial Agents

This chapter will review the mechanisms of action and resistance of the antimycobacterial agents, with an emphasis on the four first-line antituberculosis drugs isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The mechanisms of action of other drugs used to treat mycobacterial infections, including the fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and the macrolides, will be reviewed elsewhere in this book and this chapter will focus on specific mutations associated with resistance to these agents in M. tuberculosis and M. avium complex. This chapter includes mechanistic studies carried out in M. smegmatis, which, because of its relatedness to M. tuberculosis, its fast-growing nature and lack of pathogenicity, and its relative genetic tractability, is widely used as a model system to study mycobacterial physiology. The phenomenon of M. tuberculosis phenotypic drug tolerance will not be addressed in this section, and discussion will be limited to genotypic mechanisms of drug resistance.
Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Disease Events and Death: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

BackgroundGut microbial metabolites have been implicated as novel risk factors for cardiovascular events and premature death. The strength and consistency of associations between blood concentratio...
CYCLOALKYL AND CYCLOARYL ESTERS OF HYDROXYBENZENEACETIC ACID AS REPELLENTS OF ADULT TRIBOLIUM CONFUSUM IN THE LABORATORY

Twenty-two cycloalkane and two aryl esters of mandelic acid (α-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid) were tested for repellency against adult confused flour beetles, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. High ...
Online Estimation of Steady-State Load Models Considering Data Anomalies

Several techniques have been developed to estimate the load parameters in power systems. Most of the existing algorithms mainly focus on estimating the parameters for offline studies. With on-going smart grid development, high-resolution data at faster rates are available to allow estimation of load parameters in real time. This paper addresses the challenges in online estimation of the load parameters using phasor measurement unit data. A novel adaptive search-based algorithm to estimate load model parameters is presented here. In this paper, a static load model is used with the Z (constant impedance), I (constant current), and P (constant power) components of the load. Developed estimation algorithms for the ZIP parameter estimation are validated using the IEEE 14-bus system and data provided by the industry collaborators. Simulation results demonstrate the accurate estimation of the ZIP load model using the developed method. Also, various techniques to eliminate anomalies in the input data for accurate estimation of the load parameters have been presented in this paper.
Long-term caregiving is associated with impaired cardiovagal baroreflex.

OBJECTIVE Caregiving stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inability to adequately regulate blood pressure is a possible underlying mechanism explaining this risk. We examined the relationship between length of caregiving and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) to better understand the link between caregiving and CVD risk. METHODS A total of 146 elderly individuals (≥55years) participated in this study, of whom 96 were providing in-home care to a spouse with dementia and 50 were healthy controls married to a non-demented spouse (i.e., non-caregivers). Among the caregivers, 56 were short-term caregivers (caring<4years) and 40 were long-term caregivers (caring≥4years). A multiple linear regression model, with contrast codes comparing short and long-term caregivers with non-caregivers was used to understand relationships between chronic caregiving and cBRS. RESULTS After controlling for relevant demographic and health characteristics, mean±SE log transformed cBRS for non-caregivers was 0.971±0.029. Relative to non-caregivers, the long-term caregivers had significantly impaired cBRS (0.860±0.033; p=0.013). However, mean cBRS for short-term caregivers did not significant differ from non-caregivers (0.911±0.028; p=0.144). CONCLUSION These results suggest that long-term caregiving stress is associated with an impaired cBRS. Accumulation of stress from years of caregiving could result in worse cBRS function, which could be a mechanistic explanation for the correlation between caregiving stress and the increased risk of CVD.
"Parallel Investments, Agency Theory, and Performance of New Ventures: a Mechanism-Based Approach"

Management studies rarely state what they mean by “theory”. Yet, theory is required for scientific generalizations beyond basic generalizations from sample to population. The study provides an example of how the mechanism-based approach to scientific theories can be used in the context of management research to address the generalization problem. I employ agency theory to draw hypotheses about performance of new ventures receiving funding from venture capital investors with equity stakes in competing ventures. Hypotheses are tested in a cross-industry sample of US-based ventures founded between 1995 and 2014. The paper demonstrates how the mechanism-based theory supports generalizations of empirical findings, and how it allows empirical findings to support generalizations of the theory.
Academic Agency and the Burden of Perfectionism

In this chapter, I offer my thoughts around academy agency and the burden of perfectionism that undocumented students face. I solidify my argument that undocumented students’ quest to achieve academically simultaneously provides an agentic space to cultivate an empowering self-identity while forcing them to involuntarily perform the role of infallible non-citizen citizen. Drawing from the borderland love ethic framework, I conclude by reconnecting my own personal experiences as once undocumented to now hyperdocumented immigrant to those of the participants, drawing conclusions and posing questions for the reader to ponder. Finally, using undocumented students and my own process as an example, I encourage readers to write themselves into academia.
Cell Type–Specific Contributions of the Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor to Aorta Homeostasis and Aneurysmal Disease—Brief Report

Objective— Two were the aims of this study: first, to translate whole-genome expression profiles into computational predictions of functional associations between signaling pathways that regulate aorta homeostasis and the activity of angiotensin II type 1a receptor (At1ar) in either vascular endothelial or smooth muscle cells and second, to characterize the impact of endothelial cell– or smooth muscle cell–specific At1ar disruption on the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm in fibrillin-1 hypomorphic mice, a validated animal model of early onset progressively severe Marfan syndrome. Approach and Results— Cdh5-Cre and Sm22-Cre transgenic mice were used to inactivate the At1ar-coding gene ( Agt1ar ) in either intimal or medial cells of both wild type and Marfan syndrome mice, respectively. Computational analyses of differentially expressed genes predicted dysregulated signaling pathways of cell survival and matrix remodeling in Agt1ar Cdh5 −/− aortas and of cell adhesion and contractility in Agt1ar Sm22 −/− aortas. Characterization of fibrillin-1 hypomorphic; Agt1ar Cdh5 −/− mice revealed increased median survival associated with mitigated aneurysm growth and media degeneration, as well as reduced levels of phosphorylated (p-) Erk1/2 but not p-Smad2. By contrast, levels of both p-Erk1/2 and p-Smad2 proteins were normalized in fibrillin-1 hypomorphic; Agt1ar Sm22 −/− aortas in spite of them showing no appreciable changes in thoracic aortic aneurysm pathology. Conclusions— Physiological At1ar signaling in the intimal and medial layers is associated with distinct regulatory processes of aorta homeostasis and function, and improper At1ar activity in the vascular endothelium is a significant determinant of thoracic aortic aneurysm development in Marfan syndrome mice.
GLIDE (Git-Learning IDE; Integrated Development Environment): In-class Collaboration in Web Engineering Curriculum for Youths (Abstract Only)

Despite software engineering's inherently collaborative nature, collaboration with others hasn't been the primary way for students to learn how to program. Although various collaboration frameworks, such as Git, are widely used in software engineering, they've been treated as separate skills to acquire in addition to learning programming languages, rather than ways of learning, working, and thinking while learning to program. One collaborative software development task that students often want to engage in is building websites. However, the complexity of web syntax and architecture has been a hurdle in teaching and learning web design and development, especially for beginners without sufficient technical background. Specifically, syntactic barriers in several different languages for a webpage, inherent coupling of content and design in HTML, difficulty in understanding server-client model, and need for hosting resources for deployment contribute to a steep learning curve in building websites "from scratch". This work aims to address these issues by developing GLIDE (Git-Learning Integrated Development Environment) - a set of tools and curriculum that support in-class collaborative development in web engineering courses. GLIDE structures the website development process as a teacher-guided Git workflow for a team of students collaborating in groups in a Git repository. The application also provides a web programming model that separates content, from design, from implementation, allowing students to take on different roles and responsibilities during the development process. This demo presents a tutorial on how a group of students can build websites collaboratively with teacher's assistance based on the GLIDE software platform and curriculum.
Flow regulation associated with decreased genetic health of a river-breeding frog species

River regulation, or the hydrological alteration of flow by dams and diversions, has been implicated as a cause of fundamental changes to downstream aquatic ecosystems. Regulation changes the natural flow regime which may restrict population connectivity and decrease genetic diversity in some species. Since population connectivity and the maintenance of genetic diversity are fundamental drivers of long-term persistence, understanding the extent which river regulation impacts these critical attributes of genetic health is an important goal. Foothill yellow-legged frog (FYLF; Rana boylii ) were historically abundant throughout many western rivers but have declined since the onset of regulation. However, the extent to which FYLF populations in regulated rivers are maintaining connectivity and genetic diversity is unknown. Here we use genetic methods to investigate the impacts of river regulation on FYLF to explore their potential for long-term persistence under continued regulation. We found FYLF in regulated rivers showed striking patterns of isolation and trajectories of genetic diversity loss relative to unregulated rivers. For example, river regulation explained the greatest amount of variance in population genetic differentiation compared with other covariates including geographic distance. Importantly, patterns of connectivity and genetic diversity loss were observed regardless of regulation level but were most prominent in locations with the greatest regulation intensity. Although our results do not bode well for long-term persistence of FYLF populations under current flow regulation regimes, they do highlight the power of genetic monitoring for assessing population health in aquatic organisms.
Exercise and non-pharmacological treatment of POTS

Recent research has demonstrated that cardiovascular deconditioning (i.e., cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia) contributes significantly to the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and its functional disability. Therefore, physical reconditioning with exercise training and volume expansion via increased salt and fluid intake should be initiated early in the course of treatment for patients with POTS if possible. The use of horizontal exercise (e.g., rowing, swimming, recumbent bike, etc.) at the beginning is a critical strategy, allowing patients to exercise while avoiding the upright posture that elicits their POTS symptoms. As patients become increasingly fit, the duration and intensity of exercise should be progressively increased, and upright exercise can be gradually added as tolerated. Supervised training is preferable to maximize functional capacity. Other non-pharmacological interventions, which include: 1) chronic volume expansion via sleeping in the head-up position; 2) reduction in venous pooling during orthostasis by lower body compression garments extending at least to the xiphoid or with an abdominal binder; and 3) physical countermeasure maneuvers, such as squeezing a rubber ball, leg crossing, muscle pumping, squatting, negative-pressure breathing, etc., may also be effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance and managing acute clinical symptoms in POTS patients. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacies of these non-pharmacological treatments of POTS.
Experimental Evaluation of Steel-Plate Composite Walls Subject to Blast Loads

AbstractSteel-plate composite (SC) walls consist of a concrete infill sandwiched between two steel faceplates. The faceplates are anchored to the concrete using stud anchors or ties, and connected ...
Miniaturization of Waveguide Structures by Coupled Transmission Lines

We introduce a new method to significantly reduce the size and thickness of waveguides using a new class of coupled transmission lines (CTLs). By increasing CTLs into the waveguide, new modes are generated that lower the cutoff frequency, and therefore reducing size for the same operational frequency. We considered circular as well rectangular waveguides. Due to their cutoff frequency CTL-loaded waveguides can be used at much lower frequencies and realized as extremely thin or sheet like transmission lines.
Evaluation of Technology Concepts for Energy, Automation, and System State Awareness in Commercial Airline Flight Decks

A pilot-in-the-loop flight simulation study was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to evaluate flight deck systems that (1) provide guidance for recovery from low energy states and stalls, (2) present the current state and expected future state of automated systems, and/or (3) show the state of flight-critical data systems in use by automated systems and primary flight instruments. The study was conducted using 13 commercial airline crews from multiple airlines, paired by airline to minimize procedural effects. Scenarios spanned a range of complex conditions and several emulated causal and contributing factors found in recent accidents involving loss of state awareness by pilots (e.g., energy state, automation state, and/or system state). Three new technology concepts were evaluated while used in concert with current state-of-the-art flight deck systems and indicators. The technologies include a stall recovery guidance algorithm and display concept, an enhanced airspeed control indicator that shows when automation is no longer actively controlling airspeed, and enhanced synoptic pages designed to work with simplified interactive electronic checklists. An additional synoptic was developed to provide the flight crew with information about the effects of loss of flight critical data. Data was collected via questionnaires administered at the completion of flight scenarios, audio/video recordings, flight data, head and eye tracking data, pilot control inputs, and researcher observations. This paper presents findings derived from the questionnaire responses and subjective data measures including workload, situation awareness, usability, and acceptability as well as analyses of two low-energy flight events that resulted in near-stall conditions.
Chocolate cities: A brief note from a race and capitalism perspective

Marcus Hunter and Zandria Robinson have provided us with an innovative methodology for analysing “maps” of African Americans’ lived political, social and cultural experiences past and present. Thei...
The Importance of Intimate Partner Violence in Within-Relationship and Between-Person Risk for Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy.

Background Preconceptual prevention programs geared toward reducing alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) typically emphasize behavioral change of alcohol use and birth control exclusively, but rarely consider other important AEP predictors that may affect behavioral change. Intimate partner violence (IPV) substantially relates to AEP and to AEP predictors; however, few studies have tested if IPV is a unique indicator of prospective AEP risk, as both a main effect and a contextual influence on alcohol use or birth control. Methods Using Waves II and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, multilevel logistic regression models were estimated, in which IPV and birth control (both within-person and between-person) and adolescent alcohol use (between-person only) were examined as unique predictors of AEP compared to both nonpregnancy and non-AEP (nAEP) outcomes over up to 5 sexual relationships. Interactions between within-person and between-person IPV, and birth control or alcohol use were also tested. Results Within-person and between-person IPV significantly related to higher odds of AEP compared to nonpregnancy and nAEP. Adolescent alcohol use had similarly increased odds for AEP when compared to nonpregnancy or nAEP outcomes. Only between-person birth control use related to higher odds for AEP compared to nonpregnancy and nAEP. Between-person IPV also moderated adolescent alcohol use on odds of AEP, such that infrequent adolescent drinkers had higher odds of AEP compared to nonpregnancy or nAEP if they experienced IPV over their relationships. Conclusions IPV is a substantial predictor for AEP as both a direct influence within relationships (within-person) and between individuals (between-person). Intervention and prevention programs focused on reducing AEP may benefit from including IPV-specific curricula.