cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental influence on ovulation and embryonic development in Rana pipiens.

The influence of photoperiod (8 hours light/16 hours dark) and exposure to cold (4 degrees C) on ovulation and embryogenesis in Rana pipiens was investigated. Ovulation was hormonally induced in 1 group prior to exposure to cold and in the 2nd group following exposure to cold and short photoperiod for an 8-week period. Exposure to low temperatures and 8 hours light increased the incidence of both ovulation and normal embryonic development. Animals showing incomplete ovulation prior to exposure to cold failed to respond to hormone treatment after exposure to low temperature. A much greater degree of oocyte resorption was found in these animals than in those whose initial ovulation was induced after exposure to cold. The incidence of ovulation was similar in animals captured in the wild and those conditioned in the laboratory though the latter had a much lower proportion of eggs developing to Shumway stage 20. This difference may be due to different environmental factors between the 2 groups.
The coherence problem with the Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity

The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity (UNTB), proposed as an alternative to niche theory, has been viewed as a theory that species coexist without niche differences, without fitness differences, or with equal probability of success. Support is claimed when models lacking species differences predict highly aggregated metrics, such as species abundance distributions (SADs) or species area distributions (SARs). Here, I summarize why UNTB generates confusion, and is not actually relevant to niche theory (i.e. an explanation for why and how many species coexist). Equal probability is not a theory, but lack of one; it does not include or exclude any process relevant to coexistence of competitors. Models lacking explicit species can make useful predictions, but this does not support neutral theory. I provide s suggestions that could help reduce confusion generated by the debate.
Effect of Interface Manipulation for MBE Growth of AlN on 6H-SiC

AlN layers were grown on 6H-SiC(0001) by molecular beam epitaxy using ammonia as the nitrogen source. Clean (√3×√3)R30° SiC surfaces was prepared by in-situ annealing alone and also by in situ annealing consisted of followed by Si deposition and subsequent annealing. The surface morphology of the AlN films observed by AFM was significantly changed by the nucleation procedure. When the AlN growth was initiated with Al flux exposure on a SiC surface prepared by thermal annealing, the surface roughness of the AlN was significantly reduced. Two-dimensional growth of AlN was observed with reflection high-energy electron diffraction from the very beginning. Atomically flat AlN surfaces with a RMS-roughness of ∼0.3 nm were obtained. On the other hand, when film growth was initiated with an ammonia flux exposure on a Si rich SiC surface, a high density of bumps was observed. The bumps seemed to originate from SiNx formation at the heteroepitaxial interface. It was found that control of the Si composition and the V/III ratio at the growth interface is crucial for the AlN film quality.
Fixed-Parameter Hierarchies inside PSPACE

Treewidth measures the "tree-likeness" of structures. Many NP-complete problems, e.g., propositional satisfiability, are tractable on bounded-treewidth structures. In this work, we study the impact of treewidth bounds on QBF, a canonical PSPACE-complete problem. This problem is known to be fixed-parameter tractable if both the treewidth and alternation depth are taken as parameters. We show here that the function bounding the complexity in the parameters is provably nonelementary (assuming P is different than NP). This yields a strict hierarchy of fixed-parameter tractability inside PSPACE. As a tool for proving this result, we first prove a similar hierarchy for model checking QPTL, quantified propositional temporal logic. Finally, we show that QBF, restricted to instances with a slowly increasing (log) treewidth, is still PSPACE-complete.
Prenatal cocaine exposure and school-age intelligence

Assessments of the possible consequences of prenatal exposure to cocaine have been limited by lack of control for socio-demographic confounders and lack of follow-up into the school years. We evaluated intelligence at ages 6-9 years in 88 children from a cohort of 280 born between September 1, 1985 and August 31, 1986 and identified at birth as cocaine-exposed, and in a group of unexposed (n = 96) births of comparable gender and birthweight. IQ scores did not differ between children with and without prenatal exposure to cocaine (mean 82.9 vs. 82.4, difference = 0.5 points, 95% CI-3.1, 4.1); results were unchanged with adjustment for child height, head circumference and prior residence in a shelter or on the street, and for caregiver IQ and home environment (mean difference = 2.2 points, 95% CI-1.5, 5.8).
The neurochemistry of behavior.

THE NEW STOREHOUSE OF NEUROSCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 77 THE QUEST FOR MEANINGFUL RESULTS IN PSyCHOPHARMACOLOGy . . . . . . . 83 FUNCTIONS OF MAJOR NEUROCHEMICAL SySTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Acetylcholine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 86 Serotonin . ... 87 Norepinephrine 88 Dopamine. .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 GABA and Other Amino Acids . . . ... . . . . ...... ... . .. . . . . . . . .... . . . ... . . . . .. . .. . . ..... 91 Nonopioid Peptides . 92 General Function of Brain Opioids 94 Other Transmitters 96 THE PROMISE OF NEW TECHNIQUES ...... . . . . ....... . .. . ... . . .. . ...... 96 CLOSING REMARKS, WITH A NOTE ON TRANSHYPOTHALAMIC "REWARD" CIRCUITS 98
Accuracy of modern global earthquake catalogs

We compare several modem (1977-present) worldwide earthquake catalogs to infer their completeness, earthquake origin time and hypocenter location accuracy, magnitude/scalar seismic moment errors, and difference between individual focal mechanism/moment tensor solutions. The Harvard centroid moment tensor (CMT), US Geological Survey (USGS) MT, USGS first-motion (FM) focal mechanism, PDE and ISC catalogs have been analyzed and compared. The catalogs' completeness and accuracy vary in time and depend on earthquake depth and tectonic environment. We propose a new statistical method for evaluating catalog completeness and show the results for the CMT dataset. A difference in frequency range of seismic waves used in earthquake processing leads to varying degrees of catalog completeness for foreshocks and aftershocks close in time. Earthquake origin time versus centroid time as well as hypocenter location versus centroid location can be explained well by earthquake scaling relations. Comparing moment magnitudes and regular earthquake magnitudes yields estimated magnitude uncertainties and shows that latter magnitudes poorly estimate earthquake size for large events. Moment errors reported in the CMT solutions are well correlated with the CMT/GS-MT magnitude difference, and hence indicate magnitude uncertainty well. A normalized seismic moment tensor has 4 d.f. and its accuracy can be represented as the non-double-couple (non-DC) component-value, the 3-D angle (Phi) of DC source rotation, and a position of the rotation pole. Our results suggest that a routinely determined non-DC component is in most cases only an artifact. The distribution of the Phi-value varies over catalog time, earthquake depth, focal mechanism, and magnitude. The seismic moment errors and the value of the non-DC component are indicative of the Phi-value; for the best solutions, the 3-D angle in the CMT catalog is on the order of 5-7degrees. The CMT catalog is obviously the best dataset in completeness and accuracy of its detailed solutions. Our results specifying uncertainties and completeness of global earthquake catalogs, can be used in studies of geodynamic processes, tectonic deformation associated with earthquakes, earthquake stress analysis and in many other applications of earthquake catalog data. Seismogram interpretation techniques can be reviewed and possibly revised in light of these results. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Strategic voting and strategic candidacy

Models of strategic candidacy analyze the incentives of candidates to run in an election. Most work on this topic assumes that strategizing only takes place among candidates, whereas voters vote truthfully. In this paper, we extend the analysis to also include strategic behavior on the part of the voters. (We also study cases where only candidates or only voters are strategic.) We consider two settings in which strategic voting is well-defined and has a natural interpretation: majority-consistent voting with single-peaked preferences and voting by successive elimination. In the former setting, we analyze the type of strategic behavior required in order to guarantee desirable voting outcomes. In the latter setting, we determine the complexity of computing the set of potential outcomes if both candidates and voters act strategically.
Fast flexible thin-film transistors with deep submicron channel enabled by nanoimprint lithography

The simplification of fabrication processes that can define very fine patterns for large-area flexible radio-frequency (RF) applications is very desirable because it is generally very challenging to realize submicron scale patterns on flexible substrates. Here we report a generic strategy for fabricating high-performance flexible Si nanomembrane (Si NM)-based RF thin-film transistors (TFTs) with nanoimprint lithography patterned deep-submicron-scale channel lengths which can be easily adapted for large-area and high throughput roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. A unique etched-channel configuration was used to allow for device fabrication compatible with flexible substrates. Optimal device parameters were obtained through device simulation to understand the underlying device physics and to enhance device controllability. Theoretically, the maximum frequency (fmax) of flexible Si NM TFTs can exceed 100 GHz. Experimentally, record breaking 5 GHz and 38 GHz ft and fmax values, respectively, have been successfully demonstrated on plastic substrates.
MYOCARDIAL NECROSES PRODUCED IN DOMESTICATED RATS AND IN WILD RATS BY SENSORY AND EMOTIONAL STRESSES.

SummaryWild rats exposed after periods of isolation to frightening noises (tape recording of hissing cat and squealing rat) displayed myocardial necroses in nearly 70% of the experiments. In non-isolated, domesticated white rats, analogous frightening stimuli proved much less cardiotoxic, even after pretreatment with a sensitizing corticoid (fluorocortisol). Frustrating situations (compulsory jumping for food against increasing and confusing obstacles), on the other hand, elicited myocardial lesions in one-third to one-half of corticoid-sensitized white rats. With the exception of one white rat, none of the numerous untreated and corticoid-treated controls showed any myocardial lesions. The presumable joint role of adreno-sympathogenic catecholamine liberation and of adrenal corticoids in the myocardium-necrotizing mechanism of sensory and emotional stresses, and its clinical implications, are briefly discussed.
UTILITY OF IODINE-123-METAIODOBENZYLGUANIDINE IMAGING IN PREDICTING CLINICALLY RELEVANT VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Left ventricular ejection fraction remains the most useful predictor of sudden death and clinically relevant ventricular arrhythmias (CRVA), making it the cornerstone of current criteria for selecting implantable defibrillator (ICD) candidates. However, the utility of new tools like Iodine-123-
Abstract 5531: A bioluminescent cell viability assay optimized for 3D microtissues.

It has been well demonstrated that the morphology, gene expression, and overall biological response of cells assessed in 3-dimensional (3D) culture models are frequently more physiologically relevant than that of cells studied in standard 2D culture formats. In spite of rapidly growing interest, one hindrance to the use of 3D models for drug discovery and other research efforts is the lack of convenient and effective assays explicitly validated for application to 3D microtissues. Here we report on a bioluminescent ATP-detection assay comprised of both an improved formulation and an optimized protocol specifically designed to measure the viability of cells grown in 3D culture. The ability of the 3D-optimized reagent to effectively lyse cells from throughout the full thickness of 3D microtissues, including cancer cell spheroids, was clearly demonstrated by use of confocal laser fluorescent microscopy in conjunction with a fluorogenic, membrane-impermeant DNA-binding dye. Importantly, the assay9s ability to accurately report the ATP content, and therefore viability, of various 3D microtissues (including a range of cancer cell line spheroids) was demonstrated by comparison to a trichloroacetic acid ATP extraction method. In scaffold-free as well as scaffold-dependent 3D models, recovery and detection of greater than 80% of ATP present was routinely observed. In contrast, another frequently used ATP-detection assay was found to have greatly reduced lytic and ATP detection properties ( Citation Format: Michael P. Valley, Chad Zimprich, James J. Cali, Dan F. Lazar. A bioluminescent cell viability assay optimized for 3D microtissues. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5531. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5531
The Shochu Conundrum: Economics and GATT Article III

This paper will discuss the National Treatment (NT) obligation contained in Article III of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 as applied in precedential tax discrimination cases. Case law has not taken a firm stance on the economic versus legal interpretation of the likeness/directly competitive or substitutable (DCS) criterion or the principle of “so as to afford protection” (SATAP) captured in Article III.2. After examining the case law on discriminatory taxation, I conclude that the NT obligation in trade agreements is imperfect. Nonetheless, NT is a critical component of these agreements, and the international trade order would collapse under the weight of protectionism were it not imposed. In order to ensure the efficacy of NT, the determination of likeness/DCS and protective application must consider market forces in addition to legal precedent. Economic indicators including elasticity of substitution and cross-price elasticity of the products in question are suitable measures of substitutability and are therefore the most accurate method of quantifying Article III violations.
System Design Verification for Closed Loop Control of Oxygenation With Concentrator Integration

ABSTRACT Background: Addition of an oxygen concentrator into a control loop furthers previous work in autonomous control of oxygenation. Software integrates concentrator and ventilator function from a single control point, ensuring maximum efficiency by placing a pulse of oxygen at the beginning of the breath. We sought to verify this system. Methods: In a test lung, fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) levels and additional data were monitored. Tests were run across a range of clinically relevant ventilator settings in volume control mode, for both continuous flow and pulse dose flow oxygenation. Results: Results showed the oxygen concentrator could maintain maximum pulse output (192 mL) up to 16 breaths per minute. Functionality was verified across ranges of tidal volumes and respiratory rates, with and without positive end-expiratory pressure, in continuous flow and pulse dose modes. For a representative test at respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute, tidal volume 550 mL, without positive end-expiratory ...
Family history and disease outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease: A comparison between China and the United States.

Family history and disease outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease: A comparison between China and the United States
Late Relapses After High-dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in the Rituximab Era

Abstract Background The standard of care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapsing after front-line therapy is high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Evidence has suggested that early relapses (ie, within 1 year) after this approach portends exceptionally poor outcomes. However, data examining relapses > 1 year after ASCT for patients with refractory or relapsed DLBCL are limited, in particular, in the rituximab era. We sought to examine the effect of early (≤ 1 year) and late (> 1 year) relapse after ASCT in a single-institution cohort of patients with relapsed and refractory DLBCL treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the data from 85 consecutive patients who had undergone ASCT for biopsy-confirmed relapsed or refractory DLBCL from 2001 to 2010 at the University of Rochester Medical Center. All patients had received rituximab as a part of treatment. Of the 85 patients, 35 developed relapse after ASCT. These 35 patients were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of the relapse (≤ 1 year and > 1 year after ASCT). Results The median follow-up period was 6.4 years. For all patients, the overall survival (OS) from post-ASCT relapse was 5.2 years. For the 27 patients developing relapse at ≤ 1 year after ASCT, the median OS was 0.6 year and progression-free survival was 0.4 year. For the 8 patients developing relapse at > 1 year after ASCT, the median OS was 5.9 years and progression-free survival was 2.9 years. Conclusion Patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL experiencing relapse > 1 year after ASCT had good outcomes. Despite the relative rarity in incidence, a significant risk of relapse of DLBCL after ASCT remains, suggesting the need for continued monitoring because of the possibility of later progression.
Militarism runs deep in the United States, but historian Marilyn Young never gave up believing that it could be overcome

Editor’s Note: This tribute was originally published in Jacobin, February 24, 2017, accessible at: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/02/marilyn-young-obituary-vietnam-wars-feminism-imperialism/.Histo...
Controlling Oxygen Mobility in Ruddlesden-Popper Oxides.

Discovering new energy materials is a key step toward satisfying the needs for next-generation energy conversion and storage devices. Among the various types of oxides, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) oxides (A2BO4) are promising candidates for electrochemical energy devices, such as solid oxide fuel cells, owing to their attractive physicochemical properties, including the anisotropic nature of oxygen migration and controllable stoichiometry from oxygen excess to oxygen deficiency. Thus, understanding and controlling the kinetics of oxygen transport are essential for designing optimized materials to use in electrochemical energy devices. In this review, we first discuss the basic mechanisms of oxygen migration in RP oxides depending on oxygen nonstoichiometry. We then focus on the effect of changes in the defect concentration, crystallographic orientation, and strain on the oxygen migration in RP oxides. We also briefly review their thermal and chemical stability. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on potential research directions for future investigation to facilitate controlling oxygen ion migration in RP oxides.
Generating Synthetic Workloads for Real-Time Systems

Abstract In this paper, we describe a software system which generates synthetic workloads for use in the performance evaluation of distributed real-time computer systems. The software system consists of a high-level description language and its compiler. The language provides a flexible, easy-to-use description of the structure and behavior of the real-time workload. The compiler, called a synthetic workload generator (SWG), uses this description to produce an executable synthetic workload (SW). The SW may then be used to drive the system under evaluation while measurements are being made.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Lung Cancer Treated With PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors and Thoracic Radiotherapy

This cohort study evaluates the clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and thoracic radiotherapy.
Formal Behavioral Requirements Management

In this paper, we develop the mathematical foundation for a formal requirements management of a systems engineering (SE) methodology called the Responsive and Formal Design (RFD) process. The RFD process relates a set of requirements, associated models, simulations, and the relationship between them, by integrating model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to manage system modeling complexity with formal methods to ensure that designs are verifiably correct against their requirements. In this paper, we formally define basic notions of the RFD process, develop algorithms to extract a set of logical expressions from a set of requirements, and present a technique that is used to map a behavior model to its simulation. We also present a formal way of refining requirements in the RFD process and show how properties are preserved along the way in a fundamental fashion. We demonstrate our development using three small satellites measurement system that images the colorful auroral ovals around Earth's magnetic poles.
Pulmonary venous anastomosis in lung transplantation without donor left atrium. Experimental and clinical results.

Single lung transplantation now is a therapeutic option for some patients with end-stage lung disease. Cyclosporine immunosuppression and refinements in bronchial anastomosis have been responsible for recent successes. Since 1953, the usual pulmonary venous anastomosis, both in experimental animals and in humans, has been an atrium-to-atrium connection. This technique may limit the availability of usable donor lungs, since the donor heart, along with the atrium, is usually harvested for another recipient. Although techniques can be developed to allow both transplant teams to harvest atrial tissue, this study was undertaken to determine if, in fact, anastomosis with donor left atrium is necessary. Twenty-four dogs were anesthetized and a left thoracotomy performed. After heparinization (3 mg/kg), the pulmonary artery and left atrium were occluded. One of four different pulmonary venous anastomoses was performed at 3.5× magnification: superior pulmonary vein end to end (group I), inferior pulmonary vein end to end (group II), superior pulmonary vein implantation into left atrium (group III), and left atrium-to-left atrium anastomosis as control (group IV). Everting mattress sutures of 7–0 polypropylene were used in groups I, II, and III and 6–0 in group IV. Average crossclamp time for group I, group II, and group IV was 20 minutes. The average crossclamp time for group III was 10 minutes. All anastomoses were patent at the time of 1-week reevaluation. Gross and microscopic examination demonstrated establishment of an intimal lining; organized nonocclusive thrombus was present in only one anastomosis. We conclude that atrium-to-atrium anastomosis is not necessary for a successful single lung transplantation, and that transplantation of a single lobe is feasible. The best alternative is implantation of the pulmonary vein into the left atrium, which will easily allow use of the heart and both lungs from a single donor to different recipients. We have used this anastomosis in one patient without difficulty.
A Unified Model for Continuous and Categorical Data

In this chapter, we generalize agreement assessment for continuous and categorical data to cover multiple raters (k ≥ 2), and each with multiple readings (m ≥ 1) from each of the n subjects. In Chapters 2 and 3, we discussed agreement statistics for continuous and categorical data, respectively, based on the basic model of two raters with a single measure each per subject. In the terminology of this chapter, those earlier chapters discussed primarily the case k = 2 and m = 1. We utilize the results from Barnhart, Song, and Haber (2005), who first proposed the within-rater CCC, between-rater CCC based on the average of replicates, and between-rater CCC based on individual replicate, and used GEE methodology for estimation and statistical inference. We then combine the GEE methodology with the knowledge gained from Robieson (1999) and Carrasco and Jover (2003), and propose a unified approach that is applicable to continuous and categorical data.
Electromechanical Delay During Goal-directed Movements in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM 1) (P5.444)

Objective: To document possible electromechanical coupling defects during voluntary activity in DM 1 Background: DM 1 is the most common inherited muscular dystrophy. Pathogenic splicing changes in DM 1 affect many proteins involved in electromechanical coupling. Recent evidence suggests that the electromechanical delay (EMD), which is the transformation of the neural signal to muscle force is longer in DM1. However, the mechanism of the longer EMD and relation to functional capacity remain unknown Design/Methods: Eight individuals diagnosed with DM1 (38.6 ± 12.2 years, 3 women) and 8 age-matched controls (36.6 ± 16.8 years, 3 women) performed 50 trials of fast goal directed movements with ankle dorsiflexion aiming at a spatiotemporal target (9° at 180 ms). We recorded the mechanical and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the primary agonist (tibialis anterior; TA) and antagonist (soleus; SOL) muscles and quantified the following: 1) EMD: latency from the onset of TA EMG to onset of movement; 2) time to peak TA EMG (ttpTA): latency from the onset to the peak of TA EMG; 3) time to peak movement (ttpM): latency from onset of movement to peak spatial displacement. We assessed function in DM1 with the 6-minute walk test. Results: EMD was significantly longer in DM1 patients than healthy controls (158.7 ± 18.4 vs 82.6 ± 9.5 ms; P Conclusions: The longer EMD in DM1 is associated primarily with the electrophysiological (assessed with ttpTA) than a mechanical (assessed with ttpM) deficiency and contributes to slower walking Study Supported by: DM-Wyck Foundation Disclosure: Dr. Subramony has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yacoubi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casamento-Moran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lott has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with PTC Therapeutics. Dr. Christou has nothing to disclose.
An Experimental Ketogenic Diet for Alzheimer Disease Was Nutritionally Dense and Rich in Vegetables and Avocado.

Background The ketogenic diet (KD) has gained interest as a potential therapy for numerous conditions; however, studies rarely report the food and micronutrient profile of the diet. Objective The aim of this study was to report changes in food selection and nutritional quality from the baseline diet (BD) to a KD therapy in participants with Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods Fifteen AD patients participated in a single-arm clinical trial to assess the feasibility of a 3-mo KD intervention. A registered dietitian instructed participant study partners to assist participants with a self-selected, nutritionally dense KD. We collected food and nutrient intake via monthly 3-d food records. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate was measured within 48 h of each 3-d food record to assess ketosis status. Food records before KD initiation characterized the BD. Food records during the intervention coincident with the most robust ketosis characterized the KD. Principal components analysis identified foods affiliated with the BD and KD. Mean food and nutrient intake change was tested by the Kruskal-Wallis test for variance with significance set at P ≤ 0.025. Results Ten participants adhered to the KD. Study partners provided complete food records for 6 KD-adherent individuals. The KD was characterized by increased medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, nonstarchy vegetables, butter, eggs, olive oil, avocados, and nuts and seeds with practical elimination of potatoes, grains, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and desserts. Fruit intake, including avocado, was similar between diets. Nonstarchy vegetable intake increased from 1.2 servings/d to 4.3 servings/d (P < 0.01) on the KD. Micronutrient intake was similar between diets, meeting Dietary Reference Intakes for most nutrients. Between diets, the KD was associated with increased intake of choline and vitamin K and decreased intake of manganese and fiber. Conclusion As a potential therapy in AD, the KD can be nutritionally dense with high intake of vegetables and substantial variety. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03690193.
X-Ray Structure of Human Sulfide:Quinone Oxidoreductase: Insights into the Mechanism of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation.

Summary Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter exhibiting pivotal functions in diverse biological processes, including activation of multiple cardioprotective pathways. Sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR) is an integral membrane flavoprotein that catalyzes the first step in the mitochondrial metabolism of H2S. As such, it plays a critical role in controlling physiological levels of the gasotransmitter and has attracted keen interest as a potential drug target. We report the crystal structure of human SQOR, unraveling the molecular basis for the enzyme's ability to catalyze sulfane sulfur transfer reactions with structurally diverse acceptors. We demonstrate that human SQOR contains unique features: an electropositive surface depression implicated as a binding site for sulfane sulfur acceptors and postulated to funnel negatively charged substrates to a hydrophilic H2S-oxidizing active site, which is connected to a hydrophobic internal tunnel that binds coenzyme Q. These findings support a proposed model for catalysis and open the door for structure-based drug design.
Algorithms for Tower Placement on Terrain

We review existing algorithms for the placement of towers for illuminating 1.5D and 2.5D terrains. Finding the minimum number of towers of zero height to illuminate 1.5D terrain is known to be NP-Hard. We present an efficient algorithm for solving a variation of the tower placement problem in which we are required to place a tower of given height to maximize the coverage. The main ingredient of the proposed algorithm is based on discretizing the problem domain by using a novel method for identifying feasible placement points.
ECE quality indicators and child outcomes: Analyses of six large child care studies

Abstract Practice and policy in early childhood education rely heavily on professional expertise and guidelines developed from research on early care and education (ECE) quality, but these guidelines have not been extensively researched. Data from six large studies of ECE quality were analyzed to relate structural and process quality indicators based on professional guidelines to children’s language, literacy, math, and social outcomes. Results indicated small gains related to some quality indicators (e.g., quality of teacher–child interactions, curriculum, and teacher and director education) for some of the preschoolers’ outcomes, but not other indicators (e.g., global quality, group size). Combining quality indicators into a single index also predicted gains in preschoolers’ language and literacy scores, but effect sizes for the quality rating were smaller than for individual indicators.
Dogramaci, Burcu, and Elizabeth Otto, eds. Passagen des Exils/ Passages of Exile.

Passagen des Exils/Passages of Exile brings together innovative essays and stories concerning the liminal space and time after leaving a familiar place and before arriving as a refugee in another c...
Geometric surface feature detection using statistical based metrics

Abstract The nature and quality of a component's surface affects its final functionality, expected life span, and perceived value. The economic advantage gained by achieving the desired surface quality drives interest in methods capable of detecting and quantifying surface topography features. This paper presents a new statistically based approach capable of providing insights on the geometric characteristics of a surface, and both detecting and quantifying isolated geometric surface features. In this approach an areal surface measurement, post removal of form and waviness components, is considered as a set of constituent profile measurements, i.e. each column of data is considered as a single profile. Analysis of this data set's variance can detect the presence of surface anisotropy, the spatial wavelength of repeating features, the presence of scratches and localized surface imperfections (dirt or digs). The paper outlines the method's capabilities and limitations, and draws parallels with surface texture parameters described within the ISO 25178-2 standard.
A Machine Learning Model for Exploring Aberrant Functional Network Connectivity Transition in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with a hallmark of functional dysconnectivity between numerous brain regions. With an implicit assumption of stationary brain interactions during the scanning period, most of the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies are conducted on static functional network connectivity (sFNC). Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) that explores temporal patterns of functional connectivity (FC) might provide additional information to its static counterpart. In this work, we first estimate latent features (called connectivity states) by applying k-means clustering on dFNC. Next, using the estimated latent features, we trained and tested a classifier, which can differentiate SZ from healthy control (HC) subjects with 71% accuracy. Using a feature selection method embedded in the classifier, we have highlighted the role of transition probabilities between states as potential biomarkers and identified the role of lightly modularized transient connectivity state in pulling healthy subjects out of both highly modularized and very disconnected states. This will offer some new understandings about the way the healthy brain shifts between the most and the least connected states of whole brain connectivity.
A general continuous time Markov chain approximation for multi-asset option pricing with systems of correlated diffusions

Abstract Continuous time Markov Chain (CTMC) approximation techniques have received increasing attention in the option pricing literature, due to their ability to solve complex pricing problems, although existing approaches are mostly limited to one or two dimensions. This paper develops a general methodology for modeling and pricing financial derivatives which depend on systems of stochastic diffusion processes. This is accomplished with a general decorrelation procedure, which reduces the system of correlated diffusions to an uncorrelated system. This enables simple and efficient approximation of the driving processes by univariate CTMC approximations. Weak convergence of the approximation is demonstrated, with second order convergence in space. Numerical experiments demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method for various European and early-exercise options in two and three dimensions.
Generalized Stable User Matching for Autonomous Vehicle Co-Ownership Programs

We investigate a new form of car-sharing system that can be introduced in the market for autonomous vehicles called fractional ownership or co-ownership. Although dynamic ride sharing provides ad h...
A probability density function model describing height estimation uncertainty due to image pixel intensity noise in digital fringe projection measurements

Abstract Digital fringe projection is a surface-profiling technique used for highly accurate non-contact measurements. As with any measurement technique, a variety of sources degrade to the measurement accuracy of the method. This paper presents an analytically-derived probability density function that explicitly models the surface height measurement error due to inevitable phase measurement error, and it includes the specific case of pixel noise inducing the phase measurement error that ultimately leads to the height estimation error. The accuracy of the model was validated through Monte-Carlo simulations of resultant height distributions subject to arbitrarily correlated pixel intensity noise and experimental digital fringe projection measurements where the pixel-by-pixel height uncertainty estimations were compared to the predictions of the derived model.
Association of Spectral-Domain OCT With Long-term Disability Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate whether a retinal spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) assessment at baseline is associated with long-term disability worsening in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), we performed SD-OCT and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments among 132 PwMS at baseline and at a median of 10 years later. Methods: In this prospective, longitudinal study, participants underwent SD-OCT, EDSS, and visual acuity (VA) assessments at baseline and at follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race, MS subtype, and baseline disability. We defined clinically meaningful EDSS worsening as an increase of ≥2.0 if baseline EDSS score was Results: 132 PwMS (mean age: 43 years; n=106 patients with relapsing remitting MS) were included in analyses. Median duration of follow-up was 10.4 years. In multivariable models excluding eyes with prior optic neuritis, relative to patients with an average baseline ganglion cell+inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness ≥70µm (the mean GCIPL thickness of all eyes at baseline), an average baseline GCIPL thickness Conclusions: Lower baseline GCIPL thickness on SD-OCT is independently associated with long-term disability worsening in MS. Accordingly, SD-OCT at a single time-point may help to guide therapeutic decision making among individual PwMS. Classification of Evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that lower baseline GCIPL thickness on SD-OCT is independently associated with long-term disability worsening in MS.
The Role of Multiliteracies in Changing Learning Spaces and Promoting Self-Advocacy for Students with Complex Support Needs.

Traditional literacy practices using print-based texts exclude students with complex support needs from the full range of literacy activities provided to peers without disabilities, which may limit...
Modeling opportunistic exploitation: increased extinction risk when targeting more than one species

Abstract Extinction rates are increasing globally, and direct exploitation is an important driver. Many pathways have been proposed to explain how exploitation can lead to extinction. One of these proposed but understudied multispecies pathways is opportunistic exploitation, which occurs when a highly valuable but rare species is encountered and targeted during exploitation of a less valuable, but more common, target species. Using individual-based simulations of exploiters in a two-species spatial model, we contribute evidence which supports that opportunistic exploitation increases depletion when compared to single-species exploitation, and is as detrimental to the more valuable, rare species as the anthropogenic Allee effect (where price increases with rarity) and the Allee effect (where population growth declines at low abundance). The most important factors affecting the impact of opportunistic exploitation are gross revenue and abundance of the more common, less valuable species, while ease of capture and growth rate of the more common, less valuable species are less important. Thus, valuable but rare species are most at risk when harvested alongside low-value abundant species; this information is relevant for managers focused on protection of rare species in multispecies systems.
Design of a New Cruciform-Like Specimen for Combined Tension and Shear of Metal Sheets

This paper is concerned with the design of a new cruciform-like specimen to measure plastic flow under combined tension and shear loading conditions. An AA6013-T4 aluminum sheet is used as example material. The specimen design borrows from the “smiley” shear specimen, which is commonly used for the simple shear experiment, but has four arms, as a cruciform specimen: two arms are used to induce shearing, while the other two induce tension. The details of the geometry are determined by FEA to promote stress uniformity in the gage-section under combined loading conditions with the force ratio of 1 to 1. Parametric studies are conducted to determine the final design in terms of notch shape, gage-length, gage-width and offset of the notch. The dimensions of the final design are suggested with good uniformity in stress distribution along the gage-length.
Weighted entropies

We present an axiomatic characterization of entropies with properties of branching, continuity, and weighted additivity. We deliberately do not assume that the entropies are symmetric. The resulting entropies are generalizations of the entropies of degree α, including the Shannon entropy as the case α = 1. Such “weighted” entropies have potential applications to the “utility of gambling” problem.
Separating the BRCA1 and BRCA2 phenotype: a genomic pathway analysis

Objectives: Emerging data suggests that key differences exist between BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated ovarian cancer, including response to therapy and survival outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify gene expression profiles and interacting pathways unique to BRCA1- and BRCA2- associated high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) samples compared to one another as well as to BRCA wild type, homologous recombination proficient (HRP) tumors. Methods: Of 657 total HGSOC samples, 15 BRCA2 mutated (2.2%), 16 (2.4%) BRCA1 mutated, and 375 (57%) HRP samples were analyzed. BRCA mutated was defined as somatic variants that result in loss of function. The HRP control group was defined as samples negative for aberrations in BRCA1/2 and 28 HR genes. Gene expression data was collected from Tempus and unpaired t-tests were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) with p-value Results: From 18,284 genes with measured expression, 843 (4.6%) DEG were found between BRCA2 vs BRCA1, 748 (4.1%) between BRCA2 vs HRP and 1,858 (10.2%) between BRCA1 and HRP. 8,296 mutated genes were similarly expressed in both BRCA2 and BRCA1 groups with FC Download : Download high-res image (139KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Our study identified genomic signatures for BRCA2 versus BRCA1 associated ovarian cancer, not shared by control HRP tumors in a sample representative of HGSOC tumor heterogeneity. Results suggest BRCA1/2 should not be considered a single entity, but rather separate phenotypes each with unique opportunities for targeted therapy.
Sex-dependent acrolein sensitivity in mice is associated with differential lung cell, protein, and transcript changes

Acrolein is a reactive inhalation hazard. Acrolein's initial interaction, which in itself can be function-altering, is followed by time-dependent cascade of complex cellular and pulmonary responses that dictate the severity of the injury. To investigate the pathophysiological progression of sex-dependent acrolein-induced acute lung injury, C57BL/6J mice were exposed for 30 min to sublethal, but toxic, and lethal acrolein. Male mice were more sensitive than female mice. Acrolein of 50 ppm was sublethal to female but lethal to male mice, and 75 ppm was lethal to female mice. Lethal and sublethal acrolein exposure decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) total cell number at 3 h after exposure. The cell number decrease was followed by progressive total cell and neutrophil number and protein increases. The BAL total cell number in female mice exposed to a sublethal, but not lethal dose, returned to control levels at 16 h. In contrast, BAL protein content and neutrophil number were higher in mice exposed to lethal compared to sublethal acrolein. RNASeq pathway analysis identified greater increased lung neutrophil, glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress responses, and CCL7 (aka MCP-3), CXCL10 (aka IP-10), and IL6 transcripts in males than females, whereas IL10 increased more in female than male mice. Thus, the IL6:IL10 ratio, an indicator of disease severity, was greater in males than females. Further, H3.3 histone B (H3F3B) and pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP aka CXCL7), transcripts increased in acrolein exposed mouse BAL and plasma at 3 h, while H3F3B protein that is associated with neutrophil extracellular traps formation increased at 12 h. These results suggest that H3F3B and PPBP transcripts increase may contribute to extracellular H3F3B and PPBP proteins increase.
Effect of crosslinking on the physicochemical properties of polydimethylsiloxane-based levonorgestrel intrauterine systems

Abstract Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) such as Mirena® are long-acting drug-device combination products designed to release LNG for contraceptive purposes up to 6 years. LNG-IUSs consist of a hollow cylindrical drug-PDMS reservoir mounted with a polyethylene frame and covered by an outer PDMS membrane. PDMS is the release-controlling excipient present in both the matrix and the outer membrane. The degree of PDMS crosslinking is a key parameter in LNG-IUS manufacturing, dictating the elasticity and mechanical strength (which are critical parameters in molding and demolding of the cylindrical reservoirs). In addition, elasticity and mechanical strength are also important to prevent deformation during insertion into the uterine cavity. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of PDMS crosslinking on the physicochemical properties of LNG-IUSs and to develop appropriate testing methods for characterization of their mechanical strength. Formulations with different degrees of crosslinking were prepared by varying the ratio of the PDMS elastomer base and the crosslinking agent. A novel solvent swelling and extraction method was developed to determine the degree of PDMS crosslinking. The extent of crosslinking was also characterized via FTIR, Raman, 1H NMR, DSC, TGA and dynamic mechanical analysis. As expected, formulations with higher degrees of crosslinking showed lower crystallinity. Interestingly, the less crystalline formulations showed higher Tg values and storage moduli compared to the high crystalline formulations, implying that crosslinking is the predominant parameter governing the physicochemical and mechanical properties in LNG-IUSs. Correlations were established between PDMS crosslinking and the physicochemical properties of LNG-IUSs which will be useful for quality control purposes during formulation screening and development. A better understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of these complex products will facilitate drug product development.