cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of visual spatial neglect. Absence of directional hypokinesia in spatial exploration.

This study examines whether visuospatial neglect derives from failure in directing hand movements to the left (directional hypokinesia), or from loss of mental representation of the left side of space. Forty right brain–lesioned patients, 28 of whom revealed mild, moderate, or severe neglect in clock drawing and cancellation tasks, were asked to search for concealed targets on a stimulus display board, by either (1) moving a covering panel with a small window until the target appeared, or (2) moving the stimulus display board beneath a stationary covering panel until the target became visible through the window. In the second procedure, the direction of physical space exploration and hand movement is reversed, so that in order to bring a target from the right side of the stimulus into view (under the window) the entire display board had to be moved to the left . This pair of procedures was supplemented by an analogous pair of visual tasks in which the entire display board was visible during the search. As expected, response times were generally longer for targets located on the left side of the display board; however, the direction of required hand movement (left vs right) did not have a significant effect on response times, irrespective of the degree of clinically assessed neglect.
Defects Arising From Whole-Genome Duplications in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Comparisons among closely related species have led to the proposal that the duplications found in many extant genomes are the remnants of an ancient polyploidization event, rather than a result of successive duplications of individual chromosomal segments. If this interpretation is correct, it would support Ohno's proposal that polyploidization drives evolution by generating the genetic material necessary for the creation of new genes. Paradoxically, analysis of contemporary polyploids suggests that increased ploidy is an inherently unstable state. To shed light on this apparent contradiction and to determine the effects of nascent duplications of the entire genome, we generated isogenic polyploid strains of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our data show that an increase in ploidy results in a marked decrease in a cell's ability to survive during stationary phase in growth medium. Tetraploid cells die rapidly, whereas isogenic haploids remain viable for weeks. Unlike haploid cells, which arrest growth as unbudded cells, tetraploid cells continue to bud and form mitotic spindles in stationary phase. The stationary-phase death of tetraploids can be prevented by mutations or conditions that result in growth arrest. These data show that whole-genome duplications are accompanied by defects that affect viability and subsequent survival of the new organism.
The electromagnetic filtration of molten aluminum using an induced-current separator

The production of clean metal, free from oxides and other types of nonmetallic inclusions, is central to product quality and performance. Toward this end, electromagnetic filtration is an emerging technology for the purification of molten metals. This paper reviews the theory and the mechanism of the electromagnetic separation of inclusions from molten metal and describes the induced-current electromagnetic separator developed at the University of Alabama. The results of laboratory and large-scale experiments on the purification of molten aluminum demonstrate the capability of the system for producing super clean metals.
Comments on “Modes of Immigration Politics in Liberal Democratic States”

The unassuming, unpolemical tone of Gary Freeman's article in some respects is overmodest and misleading. In its quiet way, the article sharply challenges conventional liberal wisdom about immigration policymaking. The conven? tional view is that immigration policymaking in Western liberal democracies, especially in Western Europe, is highly restrictive, driven by populist politi? cians seeking electoral advantage by appealing to the latent or manifest xenophobia of a disgrunded citizenry. While acknowledging the restrictive contours of immigration policy in Western Europe, of which he has been a keen analyst since his pioneering 1979 comparative study of France and Britain, Immigrant Labor and Racial Conflict in Industrial Societies, Freeman paints a fundamentally different picture of the underlying dynamics governing immigration policymaking in liberal democracies. There is much in Freeman's analysis with which I agree. Rather than dwell on these points of agreement, however, I want to raise some questions about the scope and explanation of the characteristics of immigration policymaking that Freeman identifies as common to liberal democracies. When, where and why do these commonalities exist? Consider first the temporal scope of the putative commonalities. Some of the features of immigration policymaking discussed by Freeman, I will argue, are period-specific and must be explained historically, by contextual rather than generalized structural features of liberal democratic politics. Another aspect of temporal scope involves cyclical time. Freeman observes that both business cycles and immigration cycles cycles linked to the development and maturation of immigration flows have some bearing on immigration policymaking, but does not develop this argument. To the extent that the characteristic features of immigration policymaking change over either or both of these cycles, they again cannot be attributed to the workings of liberal democratic politics as such. A fuller theoretical argu? ment would have to specify the interaction between structural features of liberal democratic politics and the temporal logic of economic and immigration cycles. A further dimension of scope is spatial. The issue here is the scope of commonality across groups of countries (such as the three groups examined by Freeman), across countries within groups, and within countries (especially
Parent-Adolescent Communication About Sexuality in Chinese Families

ABSTRACTGiven that young people in China are faced with increased sex-related risks, it is important to understand from a communication perspective, the role of parents as a prominent sexual socialization agent for Chinese adolescents. Semistructured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with Chinese adolescents (N = 37) about their parents’ communication about sex and sexuality. Using a constant comparative method, four categories were identified with respect to Chinese parents’ direct/explicit communication about sexuality and in addition, four categories of indirect/implication communication (RQ1). Further, four categories regarding Chinese adolescents’ attitudes towards such communication were apparent (RQ2). Overall, Chinese parents attempted to transmit values and expectations about dating and sexual activities indirectly, implicitly, and/or nonverbally. Adolescents in the present study also expressed tendencies to avoid sex-related communication with parents. Some even explicitly stated that avoidi...
Blood flow and relative tissue PO2 of brain and muscle: effect of various gas mixtures

The effects of inspiring low O2 or high CO2, or low-O2-high-CO2 gas mixtures on tissue perfusion and tissue Po2 of brain and muscle were studied in 76 anesthetized rats. Under control conditions, relative tissue Po2 of cerebral white matter measured polarographically averaged 16.4 mmHg and 18.7 mmHg in the biceps brachii. With low-O2 gas mixtures, tissue Po2 declined in both brain and muscle, but more in muscle. Tissue Po2 increased under high-CO2 conditions, with the brain increasing to a greater extent. Control cerebral cortex tissue perfusion averaged 23.5 ml/min per 100 g and muscle was 18.3 ml/min per 100 g measured by H2 clearance. Brain perfusion increased under all experimental conditions. Muscle perfusion did not change with low O2 alone, but increased with low-O2-high-CO2 or high-CO2 gas mixtures. Brain perfusion increased under all conditions significantly more than muscle. The brain appeared better protected compared to skeletal muscle in terms of tissue Po2 and perfusion under the stress of hypoxia and hypoxic-hypercapnia. The effects of hypercapnia are also greater on the brain.
Determination of chromium in dairy products by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with microwave digestion

Objective To establish a method for determination of chromium content in dairy products by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS) with microwave digestion. Methods The sample was treated with microwave digestion firstly,then the chromium content was determined by GFAAS with 3 g /L Mg(NO3)2as the matrix modifier. Results The ashing temperature of chromium was greatly raised by 3 g /L Mg(NO3)2,then the matrix interference was eliminated and background absorption was reduced. The determination results of chromium by microwave digestion with HNO3-H2O2 were better than those with HNO3 only. The linear range of the method was 0 μg /L ~ 50 μg /L,with the correlation coefficient greater than0. 995. The limit of determination(LOD) was 0. 0022 mg /kg. The recovery rates were between 89. 5% and 105. 0%,and the relative standard deviations(RSDs) were between 1. 1% and 5. 4%. Conclusion The method is sensitive,accurate and suitable for determination of chromium content in dairy products.
Analysis of 218 cases of children's ADR reports

Objective To analyze the characters and influencing factors of children ADR monitoring in our hospital,and ensure the medical safety for children. Methods Retrospective study was used to analyze 218 cases of children ADR reports statistically in 2012,in accordance with the type of report and children's age,gender,weight,as well as drug types,routes of administration,clinical manifestation etc. Results In the 218 cases of ADR reports,the children' s average age was( 2. 99 ± 2. 89) years,the average weight was( 14. 18 ± 8. 51) kg,male to female ratio was 1. 32∶1,children of 0 ~ 3years old accounted for 58. 26%; new and severe ADR accounted for 33. 03%; most of the ADR was caused by antimicrobial drugs,which accounted for 67. 89%; intravenous infusion,the main route of administration,accounted for 92. 20%; ADR involving the skin and its appendages as well as systemic accounted for 80. 76%. Conclusion In order to get continuous improvement in children ADR monitoring,the hospital must continue to focus on enhancing training,and strengthening administrative supervision,increase the incentive efforts,strengthen the quality control of medicines,reduce the frequency of intravenous administration,strengthen medication monitoring and first aid measures.
Neuroanatomy and Neurological Examination

Components of the equine nervous system are described including classical anatomy and newer sensory innervation maps that are useful for localizing lesions to and within the nervous system. The key components in a neurological examination that help differentiate primary neurologic disease from musculoskeletal disorders are explained. Gait deficits associated with neurologic dysfunction are listed as well as diagnostic aids and an overview of differential diagnoses.
Nutritional needs of the acutely ill with acute wounds.

The purpose of nutritional support in the critically ill is to blunt the effects of the stress response, to preserve musculature and organ function, and to promote hepatic protein synthesis, tissue regeneration, and wound healing. Adequate nutritional support is vital to the patient with acute wounds. This article addresses the body’s response to physiologic stress and reviews means of supporting nutritional status and the substrates used to maximize nutritional therapy. The critical care nurse will have a better appreciation for how and when to implement nutritional therapy, appropriate nutrients, and methods for monitoring nutritional status.
Properties of a Proteolytic Enzyme From Rabbit Sperm Acrosomes

Acrosin is a proteolytic enzyme extractable from sperm acrosomes and essential for penetration of the zona pellucida of the ovum by spermatozoa. It has properties in common with both trypsin and plasmin having an optimum pH of 8.0, hydrolyzing benzoyl arginme ethyl ester (BAEE) and tosyl arginine methyl ester (TAME) but not benzoyl tyrosine ethyl ester (BTEE), or acetyl tyrosine ethyl ester (ATEE), being stimulated by calcium ions and stable at pH 3.0. Acrosin differs from pancreatic trypsin in that it hydrolyzes BAEE more rapidly than TAME, is less effectively inhibited by ovomucoid and pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, has a higher molecular weight, undergoes rapid loss of activity even in the presence of calcium and produces fewer peptides on incubation with oxidized nbonuclease. One of two trypsin inhibitors isolated from guinea pig seminal vesicles inhibits acrosin and trypsin but not plasmin, whereas the other inhibits all three enzymes. Acrosin further differs from plasmin in that it has a different molecular weight and is more unstable. Inhibition by diisopropyl fluorophosphate and tosyl lysine chloromethyl ketone shows a similarity to trypsins and lack of inhibition by tosyl phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone indicates that acrosin is not chymotrypsin-like. The enzyme is also inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. Acrosin appears to be a unique proteolytic enzyme and therefore deserves a specific name. Previously we described the purification of an acrosomal trypsin-like enzyme, acrosin, from epididymal sperm with a molecular weight of 55,000 (Polakoski et a!., 1971). The presence of such a proteolytic enzyme in sperm was first reported by Yamane (1935a, b) and shown to be trypsin-like by Buruiana (1956). Hartree and Srivastava (1965), and Srivastava, Adams, and Hartree (1965) showed that acrosomal extracts prepared from ram sperm removed the zona pellucida from rabbit ova in vitro. Stambaugh and Buckley (1968, 1969) confirmed these results using similar extracts prepared from epididymal rabbit sperm. These authors showed that the protease demonstrated to be localized in acrosomal extracts by Srivastava ci a!. (1965) was trypsin-like in nature and responsible for the removal of the zona. It is most likely the same enzyme studied by Buruiana (1956). In vitro fertilization was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (Stambaugh ci a!., 1969). Fertilization in vivo was inhibited by preincubation of capacitated sperm with pancreatic tryp
Fine Structural Studies of Leukocytes from Patients and Heterozygotes with the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

Fine structural studies of leukocytes from four patients with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome, including two in the accelerated phase, demonstrate a pleomorphism of substructure of the giant lysosome-like organelles pathognomonic of this syndrome. These organelles differ in composition in relationship to the cell type in which they occur. Many circulating lymphoid cells have altered nuclear chromatin and a diminution in cytoplasmic constituents. Virus-like particles are not seen and there is no evidence of abnormal cytoplasmic sequestration. Large abnormal lysosome-like organelles are present in a small percentage of lymphoid cells from the six parents of these patients, demonstrating that heterozygotes exhibit a cellular abnormality in vivo.
Computed Tomography of the Lung, Pleura, and Chest Wall

Because of rapid technologic advances, clearly defined clinical indications, and widespread availability, computed tomography of the lungs, pleura, and chest wall has become increasingly important in the imaging and subsequent management of numerous thoracic disorders. This article describes the current indications, common findings, and potential controversies in CT of the lung, pleura, and chest wall.
Multivariate Autocorrelated Processes: Data and Shift Generation

The comparison of out-of-control performance of multivariate control chart methods on autoregressive processes requires a consistent method of generating a multivariate process shift. By applying t...
Comparison of Life Cycle Greenhouse Gases from Natural Gas Pathways for Light-Duty Vehicles

Low prices and abundant resources open new opportunities for using natural gas, one of which is the production of transportation fuels. In this study, we use a Monte Carlo analysis combined with a life cycle analysis framework to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of a transition to natural gas-powered vehicles. We consider six different natural gas fuel pathways in two representative light-duty vehicles: a passenger vehicle and a sport utility vehicle. We find that a battery electric vehicle (BEV) powered with natural gas-based electricity achieves around 40% life cycle emissions reductions when compared to conventional gasoline. Gaseous hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles have comparable life cycle emissions with conventional gasoline, offering limited reductions with 100-year global warming potential (GWP) yet leading to increases with 20-year GWP. Other liquid fuel pathways (methanol, ethanol, and Fischer–Tropsch liquids) have larger GHG emi...
Comparative Efficacy and Adherence of Dimethyl Fumarate and Fingolimod in Clinical Practice at 12-Month Follow-Up (P6.163)

OBJECTIVE: To assess real-world efficacy and adherence of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and fingolimod (FTY) over 12 months in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND: DMF and FTY are approved oral disease modifying therapies (DMT) for relapsing MS. Phase 3 trials established these agents as effective and generally well tolerated, though comparative adherence and efficacy remain unknown. Observational studies are valuable to compare DMTs but are subject to confounding and bias. Propensity score (PS) analysis can lessen effects of potential confounders on outcomes in observational studies. DESIGN/METHODS: We identified 458 DMF and 317 FTY patients in a large academic MS center. Discontinuation rates and measures of disease activity were assessed using unadjusted comparisons and PS weighting. Covariates used in the PS model included demographics and baseline clinical and MRI characteristics within 12 months of DMF or FTY initiation. Outcome measures included annualized relapse rate (ARR), drug discontinuation, and new brain MRI lesions at 12 months. RESULTS: Prior to PS analysis, there were no significant differences in discontinuation rate [OR=1.39, 95[percnt] CI (0.99, 1.92)], ARR [OR=1.27, 95[percnt] CI (0.82, 1.98)], GdE lesions [OR=1.52, 95[percnt] CI (0.78, 2.95)], or new T2 lesions [OR=1.54, 95[percnt] CI (0.93, 2.55)]. PS weighting, which showed excellent covariate balance, confirmed lack of differences between groups on discontinuation rate [OR=1.30, 95[percnt] CI (0.84, 1.99)], ARR [1.63, 95[percnt] CI (0.82, 3.25)], and new T2 lesions [OR= 1.33, 95[percnt] CI (0.71, 2.49)]. A greater proportion of patients treated with DMF had GdE lesions compared to FTY patients [OR=2.90, 95[percnt] CI (1.24, 6.57)]. DMF patients had earlier time to first clinical relapse [OR=1.64, 95[percnt] CI (1.10, 2.46)] and discontinuation [OR=1.35, 95[percnt] CI (1.05, 1.74)]. CONCLUSIONS: At 12 months, DMF and FTY have similar overall efficacy and adherence. DMF may have greater radiographic disease activity and side effects early after treatment initiation. Disclosure: Dr. Hersh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hara-Cleaver has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, TEVA, EMD Serono, Acorda, Novartis, and Genzyme. Dr. Bermel has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec., Novartis, Teva, Genzyme and Questcor. Dr. Fox has received personal compensation for activities with Actelion, Biogen Idec, MedDay, Novartis, Questcor, Teva, and Xenoport as a consultant; served on advisory committees for Actelion, Biogen Idec and Novartis. Dr. Fox has received research suppo Dr. Cohen received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Genzyme, Novartis, and Teva as a consultant or speaker. Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Multiple Sclerosis Journal-Experimental, Translationa Dr. Ontaneda has received personal compensation for activities with Teva, Mallinckrodt, and Genzyme as a consultant.
Neuropsychological Performance in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of attention, impulsivity, and overactivity; it is estimated to affect 5–10% of children and adolescents and 3–4% of adults (1,2). ADHD was previously considered a disorder of childhood; however, follow-up studies suggest that the majority of individuals continue to exhibit ADHD symptoms throughout adolescence and adulthood. Longitudinal studies also indicate that these individuals are at greater risk for academic, social, and behavioral difficulties during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, as well as psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., antisocial behavior, drug use, mood disorders) (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Relative to what is known about ADHD in children and adolescents, less empirical information is available concerning ADHD in adults. In fact, some researchers have questioned the validity of adult ADHD and have asserted that ADHD typically remits in adulthood (8). Many others, however, disagree with this notion and attest to the persistence of ADHD throughout adolescence and adulthood (9,10). Recently Faraone et al. (11) sought to determine whether ADHD is a valid disorder in adulthood, using the validity criteria of Robins and Guze (12). Faraone et al. reviewed clinical, family, psychopharmacological, neurobiological, and adult ADHD outcome studies and concluded that adult ADHD is a valid disorder, although the authors emphasized that additional studies are needed to clarify the specific nature of ADHD in adulthood.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair Versus Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability: Two-Year Results of an Algorithm-Based Approach

Background:Patellar instability remains a challenging problem for both the patient and surgeon. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair has historically had poor results, and due to this, there is currently a trend toward reconstruction.Purpose/Hypothesis:This study was undertaken to investigate experience with repair versus reconstruction of the MPFL using a multifactorial treatment algorithm approach. Our hypothesis was that there will be no significant difference in outcome scores between patients in the MPFL repair and reconstruction groups.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 24 patients with recurrent (≥2) lateral patellar dislocations were included. All had failed nonoperative treatment for more than 6 months, and all were observed for a minimum of 2 years. First, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to find the location of the MPFL tear. A tilt test was used to determine whether a lateral retinacular lengthening was required to allow the patella to have neut...
GOVERNING KNOWLEDGE COMMONS – Introduction & Chapter 1

“Knowledge commons” describes the institutionalized community governance of the sharing and, in some cases, creation, of information, science, knowledge, data, and other types of intellectual and cultural resources. It is the subject of enormous recent interest and enthusiasm with respect to policymaking about innovation, creative production, and intellectual property. Taking that enthusiasm as its starting point, Governing Knowledge Commons argues that policymaking should be based on evidence and a deeper understanding of what makes commons institutions work. It offers a systematic way to study knowledge commons, borrowing and building on Elinor Ostrom’s Nobel Prize-winning research on natural resource commons. It proposes a framework for studying knowledge commons that is adapted to the unique attributes of knowledge and information, describing the framework in detail and explaining how to put it into context both with respect to commons research and with respect to innovation and information policy. Eleven detailed case studies apply and discuss the framework exploring knowledge commons across a wide variety of scientific and cultural domains.
Adjusted Diets of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Breeding In An Altered Estuary

Abstract Diet of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Florida Bay estuary was determined from prey remains from nest sites and used to evaluate differences between two time periods, the 1972 and 1973 breeding seasons compared with 2009 and 2010. Between these two time periods, Florida Bay underwent a well-documented series of ecological changes beginning in the late 1980s, which significantly altered the ecosystem. To examine the hypothesis that ecological changes may have shifted Bald Eagle diets, we compared 571 remains (30 species) collected in 1972/1973 from 21 nest sites, to 419 remains (22 species) collected sites in 2009/2010 from 11 nest sites. Fish made up the majority of prey in 1972/1973 and 2009/2010 (80.7% and 69.5% by number, respectively) and birds were second (15.8% and 29.1%). Hardhead catfish (Arius felis) skulls made up the majority of individual prey remains in both time periods (55% and 54%). Bald Eagles also ate significantly larger catfish in the 1972/1973 seasons, as the m...
Exposure to advertising and perception, interest, and use of e-cigarettes among adolescents: findings from the US National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Objective:US adolescents are exposed to high levels of advertisements for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). This study aimed to examine the associations between exposure to e-cigarette advertis...
Proyecto “Neomestizo”: un ejercicio transdisciplinar en la escena teatral universitaria

En el presente articulo se abordara, mediante la descripcion de nuestra experiencia practica en la fase de laboratorio del proyecto “Neomestizo”, el proceso transdisciplinar en el cual trabajamos como investigadoras-interpretes, el que nos permitio vincularnos a una forma particular de trabajo textual y corporal. Entendemos que ambos elementos determinan y coartan la creacion teatral, por lo que nos vemos en la necesidad de modificar el acercamiento hacia ellos mediante un ejercicio de cruce con las areas de danza y fotografia.
Specification of Change Mechanisms in Pregnant Smokers for Malleable Target Identification: A Novel Approach to a Tenacious Public Health Problem.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) continues to be a leading modifiable risk factor for perinatal complications and a range of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic outcomes across the lifespan. Despite substantial intervention research over the past 40 years, less than 1 in 5 pregnant smokers receiving interventions are able to quit by delivery. Within this context, recognition of pregnancy is commonly associated with abrupt suspension or reduction of smoking in the absence of intervention, yet has not been investigated as a volitional target. The goal of this article is to provide the empirical foundation for a novel direction of research aimed at identifying malleable targets for intervention through the specification of behavior change mechanisms specific to pregnant women. To do so, we: (1) Summarize progress on MSDP in the United States generated from conventional empirical approaches to health behavior change; (2) Discuss the phenomenon of spontaneous change in the absence of intervention among pregnant smokers to illustrate the need for mechanistic specification of behavior change motivated by concern for fetal well-being; (3) Summarize component processes in neurobiological models of parental and non-parental social behaviors as a conceptual framework for understanding change mechanisms during pregnancy; (4) Discuss the evidence for the malleability of these processes to support their translational relevance for preventive interventions; and (5) Propose a roadmap for validating the proposed change mechanism using an Experimental Medicine approach. A greater understanding of social and interpersonal processes that facilitate health behavior change among expectant mothers and how these processes differ inter-individually could yield novel volitional targets for prenatal interventions. More broadly, explicating other-oriented mechanisms of behavior change during pregnancy could serve as a paradigm for understanding how social and interpersonal processes positively influence health behaviors across the lifespan.
Fabry-Perot resonant switch using electro-optic polymer

An electro-optic (EO) switch based on a Fabry-Perot resonator design was fabricated and tested. The switch is comprised of two high index glass substrates with indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Bragg mirrors, surrounding an electro-optic polymer layer. The ITO top layers were patterned, the electro-optic polymer, SEO100 (Soluxra Inc.), was spun coat onto each of the two Bragg substrates, and the two samples were wafer bonded. The sandwich device was then electric field poled using a field between 80 and 90 V/μm in order to induce a second-order nonlinear optical activity in the electrooptic polymer. The experimental results done at 1.31 micron laser wavelength with a drive voltage of ±200 volts yielded a modulation depth of around 86% and 80% for frequencies of 1kHz and 10kHz, respectively.
A new murine model for colon cancer using non-operative trans-anal rectal injection

2941 Background: Currently, the most accurate orthotopic representation of human colon cancer is a cecal injection. However this requires a surgical incision and therefore limits the ability to accurately measure immune responses to any subsequent colon resections. Therefore, in order to study the immunological response following large bowel resection on mice with colon cancer, the traditional cecal injection model must be modified. In this study we designed an alternative orthotopic model for primary colon cancer by using a trans-anal approach. Methods: Anesthetized Balb/c mice were injected with 25,000 murine colon cancer CT26 cells using a 30-gauge syringe, submucosally into the distal, posterior rectum. Care was taken not to pass transmurally into the pelvic cavity. Seven mice were injected using operating loupes with 10x magnification and sacrificed on post-injection day 17. An additional 10 mice were injected using 100 x magnifications and sacrificed on day 20. The rectum, rectal wall and lungs were photographed, measured, and processed for histology and reviewed by a pathologist. Results: Three of seven mice in the initial study had notable, large tumor originating from the rectal wall, all showing poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. In the second group, eight out of ten mice had gross tumor originating from the rectal wall. Four of these mice had abnormal lung tissue, suggesting metastasis. Slides from the second group of mice are under review. A 10x magnification resulted in a 43% tumor growth. In contrast and an 80% tumor growth rate was observed with 100x magnification. The overall success rate of tumor growth was 65% using the trans-anal, submucosal tumor injection model. Conclusion: Trans-anal injection of colon cancer cells offers an alternative non-operative orthotopic murine model for colon cancer. By using an orthotopic model that does not require abdominal surgery for implantation, more aspects of inflammation and immune response can be evaluated without the influence of a previous abdominal surgery.
The role of social community and individual differences in minority mentoring programs

Researchers have examined various outcomes of undergraduate minority mentoring programs. However, there is a significant gap in research about how program members with different demographic backgro...
Comparison of lesional skin c-KIT mutations with clinical phenotype in patients with mastocytosis.

Background Activating c-KIT mutations cause abnormal mast cell growth and appear to play a role in mastocytosis. However, the correlation of c-KIT mutations with disease phenotypes is poorly characterized. Aim To evaluate the correlation of c-KIT mutations with clinical presentations and laboratory findings. Methods Total cellular RNA was isolated from the skin lesions of 43 adults and 7 children with mastocytosis, and PCR amplicons of cDNA were sequenced for c-KIT mutations. Results The most common activating mutation, KIT-D816V, was identified in 72% of adults and 57% of children. Additional activating mutations, namely, V560G and the internal tandem duplications (ITDs) 502-503dupAY, were detected in 12% of adults and 8% of children. V560G occurred more commonly in our patients than previously reported, and it appeared to be associated with more advanced disease. Otherwise, the presence or absence of activating mutations did not correlate with skin lesion morphology, disease extent or total serum tryptase levels. Four adults had expression only of wild-type KIT, while two others had expression of a truncated KIT lacking tyrosine kinase activity; yet these patients were clinically indistinguishable from those patients with activating c-KIT mutations. Conclusions Activating c-KIT mutations exist in a significant portion of patients with mastocytosis, but not all patients showed expression of these mutations. Except for V560G, the presence or absence of activating c-KIT mutations did not predict the extent of disease. These observations suggest that although activating c-KIT mutations are associated with mast cell growth, other genes probably play a role in the cause of mastocytosis.
Surprise-based learning of state representations

Abstract There is an ever-increasing need for autonomous robots that are capable of adapting to and operating in challenging partially-observable and stochastic environments. Standard techniques for autonomous learning in such environments are often fundamentally reliant on human-engineered features, one of the most important of which is an a priori specification of the agent’s state space. Designing an appropriate state space demands extensive domain knowledge, and even minor changes to the task or the agent might necessitate re-engineering. These limitations have given rise to end-to-end, predictive approaches, such as Predictive State Representations (PSRs) and our Stochastic Distinguishing Experiments (SDEs), that learn a representation of state encoded in the probabilities of key sequences of raw actions and observations (i.e., experiments the agent can perform). Discovering these experiments remains a key challenge, in part because existing techniques lack a formal relationship between predictive experiments and latent states in the agent’s model of its environment. In this paper, we extend our SDE representation into a novel hybrid latent-predictive cognitive architecture in which each latent state is created and uniquely represented by the result of a predictive experiment that statistically distinguishes it from other states. We prove that deterministic environments and a useful subclass of POMDP environments can be perfectly represented with equivalent compactness by such models and provide an active algorithm for autonomously learning such models in unknown environments from experience based on the biologically-inspired notion of surprises. The agent begins using only its observations as a state space and splits those states into a hierarchy of additional latent states when it is surprised by high entropy resulting from repeatedly executing experiments that are automatically designed and selected to statistically disambiguate identical-looking states. We present experimental results demonstrating the feasibility of this learning procedure.
Nuclear Facility Licensing, Terrorist Threats, and NEPA Section 102(2)(C) Compliance

The conflicting decisions for the Courts of Appeals for the Third and Ninth Circuits in New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection v. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace v. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, respectively, leave it an open question outside those jurisdictions whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) must account for the environmental impacts of terrorism under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(C). Courts should follow the Ninth Circuit’s approach of requiring such an analysis because the impacts of terrorism are not too far removed from the underlying agency action. Although programmatic treatment of the environmental effects of terrorism satisfies NEPA’s mandate, the NRC’s current approach of implicitly accounting for terrorism within its “accident” analysis is insufficient. This Note argues that the NRC should supplement its Generic Environmental Impact Statement with a section explicitly addressing the potential environmental impacts of terrorism. Accounting for a wider array of reasonably foreseeable impacts in this manner will ensure statutory compliance and promote environmental preservation.
Combat Injuries of the Elbow

Improvements in the design of combat body armor have made injuries to the chest, abdomen, and head much less common than in any other conflict in history. Unfortunately, the extremities remain largely exposed due to weight and mobility considerations. As a combat surgeon, you will see more extremity injuries than any other type of injury. For this reason, surgeons who are involved with acute combat casualty care should have a working knowledge of extremity war injury management. Specifically, this chapter will focus on elbow injuries.
Automatically Synthesized Controllers for Distributed Assembly

We consider the task of assembling a large number of self controlled parts (or robots) into copies of a prescribed assembly (or formation). In particular, we describe a computationally tractable way to synthesize, from a specification of the desired assembly, local controllers to be used by each part, which when taken together, have the global effect of assembling the parts. We then prove that the controlled discrete dynamics of the system are correct with respect to a simplified model of the dynamics-meaning that a maximal number of parts are correctly assembled into copies of the desired assembly.
Professional Development Focused on Children's Algebraic Reasoning in Elementary School

A yearlong experimental study showed positive effects of a professional development project that involved 19 urban elementary schools, 180 teachers, and 3735 students from one of the lowest performing school districts in California. Algebraic reasoning as generalized arithmetic and the study of relations was used as the centerpiece for work with teachers in Grades 1?5. Participating teachers generated a wider variety of student strategies, including more strategies that reflected the use of relational thinking, than did nonparticipating teachers. Students in participating classes showed significantly better understanding of the equal sign and used significantly more strategies reflecting relational thinking during interviews than did students in classes of nonparticipating teachers
Mechanism for Amplitude Alternans in Electrocardiograms and the Initiation of Spatiotemporal Chaos

It is widely believed that one major life-threatening transition to chaotic fibrillation occurs via spiral-wave breakup that is preceded by spatiotemporal dispersion of refractoriness due to alternations in the duration of the cardiac action potential (AP). However, recent clinical and experimental evidence suggests that other characteristics of the AP may contribute to, and perhaps drive, this dangerous dynamical instability. To identify the relative roles of AP characteristics, we performed experiments in rabbit hearts under conditions to minimize AP duration dynamics which unmasked pronounced AP amplitude alternans just before the onset of fibrillation. We used a simplified ionic cell model to derive a return map and a stability condition that elucidates a novel underlying mechanism for AP alternans and spiral breakup. We found that inactivation of the sodium current is key to developing amplitude alternans and is directly connected to conduction block and initiation of arrhythmias. Simulations in 2D where AP amplitude alternation led to turbulence confirm our hypothesis.
Fountain-Coded Broadcast Distribution in Multiple-Hop Packet Radio Networks

We devise and evaluate five methods for fountain-coded broadcast distribution of a file from a source to multiple destinations in an ad hoc wireless network that consists of half-duplex packet radios. The methods differ in their use of intermediate nodes, their use of forwarding, and their reliance on a network spanning tree. All five methods employ continued fountain coding to prevent nodes from receiving duplicate fountain-coded packets. We derive an analytical approximation for the throughput of fountain-coded broadcast file distribution in a four-node network with time-varying radio links modeled by independent two-state Markov chains, and we show that our approach to fountain-coded file distribution gives throughput that is very close to the approximation. We employ simulations to examine larger networks in which each radio link has correlated Rayleigh fading and the radios use adaptive modulation and channel coding.
Alternative Water Transfer Methods: Review of Colorado Experiences

AbstractTransfers of the right to use water can provide flexibility in regions where cities and farms compete for supplies. For example, the state of Colorado’s prior appropriation water law allows...
LGBTQ Health Disparities

LGBTQ populations worldwide experience disparities and inequities in health and in health care. In the United States, the landscape of LGBTQ health disparities and inequities has evolved from the early history of LGBTQ persons in society (before LGBTQ identity categories existed as such) to the present day. In this chapter we will review the historical roots of disparities, identify disparities, and discuss how to provide a better standard of care for LGBTQ patients.
Resource Stress Predicts Changes in Religious Belief and Increases in Sharing Behavior

We examine and test alternative models for explaining the relationships between resource stress, beliefs that gods and spirits influence weather (to help or harm food supply or punish for norm violations), and customary beyond-household sharing behavior. Our model, the resource stress model, suggests that resource stress affects both sharing as well as conceptions of gods' involvement with weather, but these supernatural beliefs play no role in explaining sharing. An alternative model, the moralizing high god model, suggests that the relationship between resource stress and sharing is at least partially mediated by religious beliefs in moralizing high gods. We compared the models using a worldwide sample of 96 cultures from the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS), newly coded data on supernatural involvement with weather, and previously coded data on food and labor sharing. We conducted three types of analysis: multilevel and society-level regressions, and mediational path modeling using Monte Carlo simulations. Resource stress shows a robust effect on beliefs that high gods are associated with weather (and the more specific beliefs that high gods help or hurt the food supply with weather), that superior gods help the food supply through weather, and that minor spirits hurt the food supply through weather. Resource stress also predicts greater belief in moralizing high gods. However, no form of high god belief that we test significantly predicts more sharing. Mediational models suggest the religious beliefs do not significantly explain why resource stress is associated with food and labor sharing. Our findings generally accord with the view that resource stress changes religious belief and has a direct effect on sharing behavior, unmediated by high god beliefs.
Time-Resolved Cooperative Motions in the Solid-State Dehydration of Thymine Hydrate

Many organic compounds can exist in hydrated and anhydrous crystalline forms, each of which exhibits its own different set of physical properties. This makes dehydration–rehydration processes an im...
A survey on cloud-based video streaming services

Abstract Video streaming, in various forms of video on demand (VOD), live, and 360 degree streaming, has grown dramatically during the past few years. In comparison to traditional cable broadcasters whose contents can only be watched on TVs, video streaming is ubiquitous and viewers can flexibly watch the video contents on various devices, ranging from smartphones to laptops, and large TV screens. Such ubiquity and flexibility are enabled by interweaving multiple technologies, such as video compression, cloud computing, content delivery networks, and several other technologies. As video streaming gains more popularity and dominates the Internet traffic, it is essential to understand the way it operates and the interplay of different technologies involved in it. Accordingly, the first goal of this paper is to unveil sophisticated processes to deliver a raw captured video to viewers’ devices. In particular, we elaborate on the video encoding, transcoding, packaging, encryption, and delivery processes. We survey recent efforts in academia and industry to enhance these processes. As video streaming industry is increasingly becoming reliant on cloud computing, the second goal of this survey is to explore and survey the ways cloud services are utilized to enable video streaming services. The third goal of the study is to position the undertaken research works in cloud-based video streaming and identify challenges that need to be obviated in future to advance cloud-based video streaming industry to a more flexible and user-centric service.
Potential economic values of low-vapor-pressure gasoline-range bio-blendstocks: Property estimation and blending optimization

Abstract Adding bio-blendstock into gasoline can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and potentially enhance fuel properties and boost engine efficiencies. A competitive bio-blendstock should have lower prices and/or superior properties. Gasoline is specified by final blended properties rather than compositions, while adding bio-blendstocks, most likely oxygenates, will modify the property mixing rules due to the non-ideal interactions between polar and nonpolar components. This paper presents an equation-of-state model for predicting Reid vapor pressure, non-linear blending models for computing key properties of final products, and an optimization approach to identify key economic drivers. Those models are used to estimate the potential economic value of bio-blendstocks, which is presented by its calculated break-even value as a feedstock to petroleum refineries for gasoline blending without any government subsidy or renewable tax credit. In additional to ethanol, six low-vapor-pressure bio-blendstock candidates were evaluated: i-propanol, n-propanol, i-butanol, diisobutylene, cyclopentanone, and a mixture of furans. Reid vapor pressure, distillation temperatures, and octane numbers were identified as the key economic drivers of adding bio-blendstock to a petroleum-derived base fuel. The calculated economic value ranks as furan mixture (4.9) > cyclopentanone > n-propanol ≈ iso-propanol > iso-butanol > diisobutylene (2.4) in US dollar per gasoline gallon equivalent ($/gge) in 2013 to 2017 5-year averaged price basis. The bio-blendstocks with higher octane numbers may have higher potential economic values. The uncertainties in property predictions may lead to roughly 15% deviation in the potential economic value.