cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Summer Circulation and Temperature Structure of Lake Kinneret

A three-dimensional lake model driven by wind stress and heat flux fields derived from an atmospheric model is applied to Lake Kinneret, Israel. The summer wind field over the lake has a strong diurnal and large spatial variation due to complex terrain surrounding the lake, the sharp temperature contrast between the arid land and the lake, and due to the penetration of the Mediterranean sea breeze (MSB) into the lake area. The daily mean wind curl field, which is predominantly determined by the penetration of the MSB, is responsible for the generation of three lake gyres. One of them dominates most of the lake and rotates counterclockwise. It is flanked to the north and to the south by two smaller ones that rotate clockwise. During the summer, the diurnal variation of the wind over the lake is repeated daily due to consistent forcing conditions during that season. Numerical tests show that the rectified flow induced by the diurnal winds plays a minor role in the lake circulation. The thermocline oscillation, which was believed to be the free propagation of internal Kelvin waves, mainly responds to the surface elevation set up by the time-dependent winds, and it appears that no systematic counterclockwise propagating waves with large thermocline displacements exist in the lake. The intense MSB over the lake in the late afternoon pushes the heated surface water toward the east, forcing the deep cooler water to be advected westward, and creating strong mixing over the shallow western shore. This results in higher temperature off the eastern shore and lower temperature off the western shore. However, a strong mean flow is constantly eliminating the temperature difference by counterclockwise transfer of the western cooler water eastward. The results are in good agreement with available observations.
RUNS RULES AND P-CHARTS FOR MULTISTREAM BINOMIAL PROCESSES

Process control schemes for multistream binomial processes are described. A multistream process is one in which the streams are uncorrelated or very weakly correlated. When each of the J streams are identical (a homogeneous multistream process) one can use a group control chart (a k-sigma p-chart on which only the largest and smallest of the J sample proportions nonconforming are plotted). A test (runs rule) that signals when the same stream produces the largest proportion nonconforming R consecutive times is investigated. Methods using Markov chains are developed for determining the average run length (ARL) of a runs test. ARL tables useful for designing runs rule control schemes are provided for selected values of J, stream sample size n, proportion of nonconforming units p, and R.
Limiting acoustic oscillations in T-burners

A simple model is used to analyze finite-amplitude standing modes in T-burners. Mean flow effects are neglected in the model and it is assumed that a limiting condition results owing to non-linear energy transfer from the more unstable fundamental mode of the burner cavity to its harmonic. Results for the limiting pressure of the fundamental mode and its harmonic are found in terms of the growth constant, and of the damping constant of the second mode. This quantity is calculated on the assumption that the second mode losses are mainly caused by wall effects, and by radiation from the vent. It is shown that, in general, the vent does not result in large amounts of energy losses, except when a resonant field is excited inside the vent. In that condition, the amplitude of the first mode can be quite large. The theoretical prediction for the limiting amplitudes is compared with available experimental data, and it is found that while the experimental data display a resonant-like behavior about the theoretically predicted condition, the width of the resonant peak is much broader than that predicted theoretically.
Compositional Streamline Simulation: A Parallel Implementation

Compositional reservoir simulators are needed to model oil recovery from petroleum reservoirs by miscible gas injection. This article describes the development and application of a parallel version of a compositional streamline simulator. A compositional streamline module is developed and integrated with an existing finite-difference simulator. Finite-difference calculations including pressure solution are performed on a single processor. The movement of fluids (which includes streamline tracing, mappings, flux calculations, and one-dimensional solver) is done along streamlines in the streamline module. The streamline module is parallelized by distributing streamlines among different processors because computations along any streamline are independent of other streamlines and no communication is required. Flux calculation along streamlines is computationally expensive primarily due to flash calculations that are performed to distribute components among the hydrocarbon phases. Simultaneous solution of this time-consuming step results in reduction of total CPU time. Communication (gathering) across the streamlines or processors is achieved by using message passing interface (MPI). Test runs are conducted for different examples to investigate the performance of the parallel streamline simulator. Results indicate that significant reduction in CPU time can be obtained by distributing streamlines on different processors.
Student-environment interaction in the development of physical symptoms

This study identifies personal characteristics which distinguish university students who conform to living group norms in complaints of physical symptoms from those who do not. Discriminant function analyses indicated significant differences between these two groups of students, and between males and females. For example, low-symptom females living in high-symptom living groups who did not themselves increase in symptoms (“environmental resisters”) were higher in dominance and religious concern and lower in social participation than those who increased in symptoms. For males, important discriminators between “conformers” and “resisters” were academic achievement and alcohol consumption. Further specification of psychological variables which relate to the degree of conformity or resistance to environmental influence is central to understanding the impact of educational settings such as student living groups and classrooms.
Near-Common-Path Self-Reference Quantitative Phase Microscopy

We report a near-common-path self-reference quantitative phase microscope, wherein a quantitative phase image is formed through the off-axis interference of the sample wave with a 180-degree rotated version of itself. A pair of dove prisms, oriented in different directions, is used to effect the relative transformation between the beams. Our technique features a simple optical design that requires no maintenance, rendering it accessible to nonspecialists in the field of optics. Additionally, its variable magnification and low-noise phase measurement capabilities make it suitable for high-accuracy imaging of biological samples of different sizes.
Climate downscaling effects on predictive ecological models: a case study for threatened and endangered vertebrates in the southeastern United States

High-resolution (downscaled) projections of future climate conditions are critical inputs to a wide variety of ecological and socioeconomic models and are created using numerous different approaches. Here, we conduct a sensitivity analysis of spatial predictions from climate envelope models for threatened and endangered vertebrates in the southeastern United States to determine whether two different downscaling approaches (with and without the use of a regional climate model) affect climate envelope model predictions when all other sources of variation are held constant. We found that prediction maps differed spatially between downscaling approaches and that the variation attributable to downscaling technique was comparable to variation between maps generated using different general circulation models (GCMs). Precipitation variables tended to show greater discrepancies between downscaling techniques than temperature variables, and for one GCM, there was evidence that more poorly resolved precipitation variables contributed relatively more to model uncertainty than more well-resolved variables. Our work suggests that ecological modelers requiring high-resolution climate projections should carefully consider the type of downscaling applied to the climate projections prior to their use in predictive ecological modeling. The uncertainty associated with alternative downscaling methods may rival that of other, more widely appreciated sources of variation, such as the general circulation model or emissions scenario with which future climate projections are created.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction is Associated with Intraventricular Dyssynchrony by 3-Dimensional Echocardiography in Children

Introduction. We used 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography to identify and quantify left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in children with LV dysfunction compared with control subjects. Methods. The 3D echocardiography LV full volumes were acquired in 18 children, 9 with LV dysfunction and 9 control subjects. The LV was subdivided into 16 segments (apex excluded). Time from end diastole to the minimal systolic volume for each segment was expressed as a percent of the R-R interval. The SD of these times provided a 16-segment dyssynchrony index (16-SDI). The second index (12-SDI) was similarly calculated using 6 basal and 6 mid segments. The third index consisted of 6 basal segments (6-SDI). Results. The dysfunction group exhibited significantly increased 16-SDI (P .008) and 12-SDI (P .01). The 16-SDI was negatively correlated with 3D ejection fraction and 2-dimensional fractional shortening. Conclusions. Children with LV dysfunction demonstrate increased intraventricular LV dyssynchrony by 3D echocardiography, in a pattern that is negatively correlated with LV systolic function.
Testosterone propionate inhibits maternal aggression in mice.

Abstract Daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP) significantly decreased the number of attacks exhibited by lactating female mice toward male intruders. Treatment with TP also depressed the body weights of the dams as well as their lactation performance but these effects were observed long after deficits in aggression were noted. The results are discussed in terms of a direct effect of the steroid on central neural tissue mediating the behavior.
The Mass Budget of Planet Forming Discs: Isolating the Epoch of Planetesimal Formation

The high rate of planet detection among solar-type stars argues that planet formation is common. It is also generally assumed that planets form in protoplanetary discs like those observed in nearby star forming regions. On what timescale does the transformation from discs to planets occur? Here we show that current inventories of planets and protoplanetary discs are sensitive enough to place basic constraints on the timescale and efficiency of the planet formation process. A comparison of planet detection statistics and the measured solid reservoirs in T Tauri discs suggests that planet formation is likely already underway at the few Myr age of the discs in Taurus-Auriga, with a large fraction of solids having been converted into large objects with low millimeter opacity and/or sequestered at small disc radii where they are difficult to detect at millimeter wavelengths.
Primary aortoduodenal fistula: A case report and review of the literature

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can cause aortoenteric fistulae (AEF). AEF can either be primary, arising from the aneurysm or other diseases, causing the aorta to erode into the bowel, or secondary, from previous aortic grafting. Primary aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) is a rare clinical entity that usually presents with gastrointestinal bleeding that can be occult, intermittent, or massive. We report a 71-year-old woman with acute onset of abdominal pain and massive hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) and arteriography were nondiagnostic. The patient's condition became unstable, and she was brought emergently to the operating room where the diagnosis of an ADF was made. The ADF and AAA were surgically repaired, and the patient recovered without complications. This case represents an example of a rare complication of AAA with the unusual presentation of multiple aortic aneurysms. We will address the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management of AEF.
Career Counseling: Beyond "Test and Tell".

Behavior-oriented inventories need not be used in a static manner. This article presents a way of using John Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) as an illustration of how such an inventory can be employed dynamically within a developmental career counseling framework. Use of the SDS is discussed in terms of environmental exploration, self-exploration, and integration of information. The breadth of individual behavior styles and the flexibility of work environments are the key concepts in the approach to career counseling described here.
The Occupational Retention and Recruitment of Older Men: The Influence of Structural Characteristics of Work

This study examines the effects of structural characteristics of occupations on the occupational retention and recruitment rates of older male workers. Based on transition rates reflecting occupational labor force status movements, the results indicate that movement out of the labor force is lowest in occupations characterized by high growth, substantively complex work, and low physical demands; movement to a different occupation is lowest in occupations with high growth and low levels of self-employment. Entry into the labor force is highest in occupations characterized by high levels of manipulative skill, a high concentration of elderly workers, and a low gap in earnings between younger and older workers; older men leaving their current occupation for other occupations tend to enter occupations characterized by low levels of social skill, high growth, a high concentration of elderly workers, and a large gap in earnings between younger and older workers. This study examines factors influencing the occupational retention and recruitment of older male workers. The major aim is to provide information regarding the linkage between the retention and recruitment of this cohort and the nature of work in the occupation. Past research has shown how the maintenance of an occupation's work force is a consequence of its recruitment and retention of workers from different age cohorts (Simpson et al.) and that the specific age-patterns of occupational recruitment and
Action recognition using spatio-temporal regularity based features

In this paper, a novel feature for capturing information in a spatio-temporal volume based on regularity flow is presented for action recognition. The regularity flow describes the direction of least intensity change within a spatio-temporal volume. Our feature consists of weighted histograms of the computed regularity flow around selected interest points. We then apply this new feature to recognizing actions with experiments on known benchmark dataset. A more discriminating representation of spatio-temporal volume is obtained by using the feature descriptors with the bag of words model. Action recognition is performed by using this new representation with a trained support vector machine. We show that by utilizing regularity flow based features, recognition can be performed with better performance than the best known features. Additionally, results suggest that our descriptor captures information otherwise not harnessed by existing methods.
Arabidopsis TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN Interacts with RAPTOR, Which Regulates the Activity of S6 Kinase in Response to Osmotic Stress Signals

TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) kinase controls many cellular functions in eukaryotic cells in response to stress and nutrient availability and was shown to be essential for embryonic development in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrated that Arabidopsis RAPTOR1 (a TOR regulatory protein) interacts with the HEAT repeats of TOR and that RAPTOR1 regulates the activity of S6 kinase (S6K) in response to osmotic stress. RAPTOR1 also interacts in vivo with Arabidopsis S6K1, a putative substrate for TOR. S6K1 fused to green fluorescent protein and immunoprecipitated from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves after transient expression was active in phosphorylating the Arabidopsis ribosomal S6 protein. The catalytic domain of S6K1 could be phosphorylated by Arabidopsis 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), indicating the involvement of PDK1 in the regulation of S6K. The S6K1 activity was sensitive to osmotic stress, while PDK1 activity was not affected. However, S6K1 sensitivity to osmotic stress was relieved by co-overexpression of RAPTOR1. Overall, these observations demonstrated the existence of a functional TOR kinase pathway in plants. However, Arabidopsis seedlings do not respond to normal physiological levels of rapamycin, which appears to be due its inability to bind to the Arabidopsis homolog of FKBP12, a protein that is essential for the binding of rapamycin with TOR. Replacement of the Arabidopsis FKBP12 with the human FKBP12 allowed rapamycin-dependent interaction with TOR. Since homozygous mutation in TOR is lethal, it suggests that this pathway is essential for integrating the stress signals into the growth regulation.
Computerized preparation of two-way analysis of variance control charts for clinical chemistry.

A system of quality-control data analysis by computer is described, in which two-way analysis of variance is used for partitioning sources of laboratory error into day-to-day, within-day, betweenpools and additivity variation. The partition for additivity is described in detail as to its advantages and applications. In addition, control charts based on two-way analysis of variance computations are prepared each month by computer. This computer program is designed to operate with the IBM 1800 or 1130 computers or any computer with a Fortran IV compiler. Examples are presented of use of the control charts and of tables of analysis of variance.
Transmission Electron Goniometry and its Relation to Electron Tomography for Materials Science Apoplications

Aspects of transmission electron goniometry are discussed. Combined with high resolution phase contrast transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic resolution scanning TEM (STEM) in the atomic number contrast (Z-STEM) or the phase contrast bright field mode, transmission electron goniometry offers the opportunity to develop dedicated methods for the crystallographic characterization of nanocrystals in three dimensions. The relationship between transmission electron goniometry and electron tomography for materials science applications is briefly discussed. Internet based java applets that facilitate the application of transmission electron goniometry for cubic crystals with calibrated tilt-rotation and double-tilt specimen holders/goniometers are mentioned. The so called cubic-minimalistic tilt procedure for the determination of the lattice parameters of sub-stoichiometric WC1-x nanocrystals with halite structure is demonstrated. The freely (openly) accessible, Internet based, Crystallography Open Database (COD) is briefly discusses because the ability to determine the lattice parameters of nanocrystals opens up the possibility of identifying unknown phases by comparing these lattice constants to the entries of comprehensive databases. Correspondingly, a search of the determined lattice parameters in the COD is shown as part of a screen shot. The enhanced viability of transmission electron goniometry in TEMs (and STEMs) with aberration corrected electron optics is illustrated on the WC1-x model system.
Extralobar pulmonary sequestration presenting as a mediastinal malignancy

Pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon congenital anomaly usually diagnosed in childhood. It frequently presents as a lower lobe mass with symptoms from vascular shunting, anatomic impingements, or associated anatomic defects. This case report describes an adult with asymptomatic extralobar sequestration involving the mediastinum and left upper lobe. The unusual location and radiographic appearance, suggestive of malignancy, led to prompt surgical exploration. We review the literature on this topic, focusing on anatomic variability and difficulties with preoperative diagnosis.
The ASN In-Training Examination and the ABIM Certifying Examination: Time for a New Testing Paradigm

In 2009, a new computer-based in-training examination (ITE) was created by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners to assess the medical knowledge of fellows training in nephrology. The ITE, patterned after the American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination for nephrology (ABIM-CE), allowed fellows and training program directors (TPDs) to compare their performance with programs in the nation. However, despite using case vignettes to simulate real-life clinical experiences, the nation9s graduating fellows answered a mean of only 69% of the questions correctly. Although unpublicized, the ABIM-CE passing grade can be estimated to be approximately 65%, resulting in the current passing rate of 94%. The ABIM states that they are testing 85% synthesis and clinical judgment, rather than recall memory. So are we to conclude from these two exams that the medical knowledge of our graduating nephrology fellows allows them to properly manage only about two-thirds of their patients? Rather, the construction of the test questions and their relevance to clinical practice should be reassessed. The time has come for a new testing paradigm, one that would require candidates passing the ABIM-CE to score 85% to 90% correct answers to more relevant “core” examination questions that assess the actual medical knowledge needed to practice competently in our subspecialty. If the ABIM-CE was revised, the ASN ITE, with no specific passing grade, could then test core and “factual” recall knowledge with feedback of questions to TPDs to assess and help fellows in training.
EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS FOR OPTICAL PURITY ANALYSIS OF AMINO ACID RESIDUES FROM A SYNTHETIC DECAPEPTIDE USING MARFEY'S REAGENT

An optimized liquid chromatographic system was developed to separate a mixture of Marfey's amino acid derivatives (1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-L-alanine amide, FDAA). Alanine, glutamic acid, isoleucine, proline, and tyrosine were the five natural amino acid residues from the synthetic decapeptide, Suc-Tyr-Glu-Pro-Ile-Pro-Glu-Glu-Ala-Cha-Glu-OH, which was analyzed for optical purity as part of this study. Excellent chromatographic resolution of the five pairs of natural amino acid derivatives, including D-alanine and D-proline, within a 70 minute gradient elution using an ODS (C-18) column, was obtained using acetonitrile as the organic modifier and sodium acetate buffer. The effects of the mobile phase pH with respect to peak retention factor (k) and separation factor (α) were studied in this chromatographic system.
Parameter identifiability and Extended Multiple Studies Analysis of a compartmental model for human vitamin A kinetics: fixing fractional transfer coefficients for the initial steps in the absorptive process.

In the existing compartmental models of human vitamin A metabolism, parameters related to the absorption of the isotopic oral dose have not been well identified. We hypothesised that fixing some poorly identified parameters related to vitamin A absorption would improve parameter identifiability and add statistical certainty to such models. In the present study, data for serum vitamin A kinetics in nine subjects given [2H8]retinyl acetate orally and a model with absorption fixed at 75 % were used to test this hypothesis. In addition to absorption efficiency, we fixed two other fractional transfer coefficients: one representing the initial processing of the ingested dose and the other representing the direct secretion of retinol bound to retinol-binding protein (RBP) from enterocytes into the plasma. The Windows version of Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software (WinSAAM) was used to fit serum tracer data v. time for each subject. Then, a population model was generated by WinSAAM's Extended Multiple Studies Analysis. All the parameters had fractional standard deviations 0·8 (accepted criteria for well-identified parameters). Similar to the values predicted by the original model, total traced mass for retinol was 1160 (sd 468) μmol, and the time for retinol to appear in the plasma bound to RBP was 31·3 (sd 4·4) h. In conclusion, we suggest that this approach holds promise for advancing compartmental modelling of vitamin A kinetics in humans when the dose must be administered orally.
Programming support for sensor-based scientific applications

Technical advances are enabling a pervasive computational ecosystem that integrates computing infrastructures with embedded sensors and actuators, and are giving rise to a new paradigm for monitoring, understanding, and managing natural and engineered systems - one that is information/data-driven. This research investigates programming systems for sensor-driven applications. It addresses abstractions and runtime mechanisms for integrating sensor systems with computational models for scientific processes, as well as for in- network data processing, e.g., aggregation, adaptive interpolation and assimilation. The current status of this research, as well as initial results are presented.
Alpha 3 ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibody associated refractory status epilepticus.

Autoimmune encephalitides are a group of syndromes that may present with subacute onset of disorientation, personality changes, memory loss and most prominently seizures. Earlier reports of this entity were from patients with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, however autoimmune etiologies have also been described in patients with non-paraneoplastic encephalitis [1]. The Alpha 3 ganglionic acetylcholine receptor autoantibody (a3-AChR Ab) mainly causes autoimmune dysautonomia that is either subacute or insidious in onset. A direct relationship betweenantibody titer and severity of dysautonomia occurs in both experimental animals and patients [2]. Most of these cases have been paraneoplastic (mainly adenocarcinomas) however a few cases have been linked to other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome. Patients who are seropositive for a3-AChR Ab may present with less common neurological manifestations such as peripheral neuropathies, encephalopathy and subacute neuropsychiatric presentations. This report presents a unique case of refractory new-onset status epilepticus associated with a3-AChR antibody which responded to immunotherapy.
A Finite-Dimensional Approach to Infinite-Dimensional Constraints in Stochastic Programming Duality

A new duality theory is developed for a class of two-stage stochastic programs in which the probability distribution is not necessarily discrete, providing a new framework for problems which do not necessarily have relatively complete recourse and do not satisfy the typical Slater conditions. The results instead rely on the much weaker constraint qualification of ‘calmness’ of certain finite-dimensional marginal functions to derive the existence of finite-dimensional Lagrange multipliers. In this way, strong duality results are established in which the dual problems are finite-dimensional, despite the possible infinite-dimensional character of the second-stage constraints. Numerical possibilities for this class of problems are highlighted.
Electrophysiological analysis of dorsal root ganglion neurons pre- and post-coexpression of green fluorescent protein and functional 5-HT3 receptor.

Smith, George M., Richard L. Berry, Jay Yang, and Darrell Tanelian. Electrophysiological analysis of dorsal root ganglion neurons pre- and post-coexpression of green fluorescent protein and functio...
Resistance Commutation

Thorburn Reid considered the commutation problem in rotating machines as arising from reactance in the coils being commutated by the varying brush contact resistance. This paper extends Reid's treatment to include the effects of reactance in the coils which are not being commutated, and shows that these noncommutating coils are an important factor in commutation performance. An equivalent circuit for a simplified commutator machine is developed and used as the basis for the analysis given in Appendixes I through VI. By means of this equivalent circuit, the average brush terminal voltage is seen to approach the value of the commutating reactance voltage under severe commutating conditions. Voltage pulses near the end of the commutation period are shown to be produced by a parallel influence of the noncommutating and the commutating coils. A testing device based on the equivalent circuit is described in Appendix VI, and consists of a mechanical inverter connected so as to separate the functions of the brushes in reversing current through the commutating coils, and in passing current through the noncommutating coils. When connected to the armature of a particular machine, the testing device is used to measure the commutating reactance and the brush contact resistance under simulated operating conditions. By means of this device, a correlation between brush electrical wear and severity of commutating conditions is established, which helps to confirm the basic theory.
Demystifying Insider Threat: Language-Action Cues in Group Dynamics

Written language as a symbolic medium of expression plays an important role in communications. In particular, written words communicated online can provide indications of an actor's behavioral intent. This paper describes an ongoing investigation into the interconnectivity between words and actions for a deceptive insider on group dynamics in virtual team collaboration. An experiment using an online game environment was conducted in 2014. Our findings support the hypothesis that language-action cues of group interactions will change significantly after an insider has been compromised. Deceptive actors tend to use more cognition, inclusivity and exclusivity words when interacting with group members. Future work will employ finely tuned complex Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) dictionaries to identify additional language-action cues for deception in various experimental conditions.
Assessing alternative techniques for scaling the Family Leisure Activity Profile: recommendations for future family leisure measurement.

ABSTRACTPsychometric properties of the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) were evaluated using family leisure and family functioning ratings from 884 parents and children residing in the United Kingdom. Review and critique of the FLAP resulted in identification and evaluation of three alternative scaling techniques. Scaling Technique 1 was current practice, Technique 2 focused on family leisure environments rather than family leisure activities, and Technique 3 involved generating an estimate of duration of participation in family leisure in natural units of time. Inter-rater agreement and reliability were strong for all three scaling techniques. Technique 3 yielded the best model fit. Empirical relations with family functioning variables were consistent with predictions, yet none of the scaling techniques resolved a longstanding problem regarding specific relations among core and balance patterns of participation, family cohesion, and family adaptability. Suggestions for improving the FLAP are provided.
Abstract A12: Web-based tools for visualization of the Human Papilloma Virus genome dynamics: A computational approach to cancer prevention and control

The implementation and widespread use of prophylactic Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines targeting the most common oncogenic HPV types (HPV 16/18), is expected to change the prevalence of high risk types in populations with high vaccination rates. The projected loss in the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of cytology in the post vaccination era suggests a need to rely on molecular markers of HPV infection and technologies, such as HPV genotyping. FDA approval of HPV genotyping tests has led to concerns about how typing can assist cervical cancer screening and clinical decisions in a cost-effective manner. Computational tools to visualize the dynamics of genetic material across related HPV genomes are lacking. Web-and Mobile-based tools, which make sequencing results easily accessible to clinicians, investigators, and patients, can be created to facilitate functional interpretations, spur biomarker development, and advance the deployment of medical devices for cancer prevention and control. To facilitate the visualization and functional interpretation of high risk genotypes in hpv-associated cancer patients we downloaded 21 HPV genomes from the NCBI public repository (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Treei 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A12.
Distribution of Radioactivity in Different Tissues of Pigs After 3H-Hydrocortisone Injection

SummaryThe concentration of radioactivity in different tissues of Yorkshire pigs 45 min after an iv injection of 3H-hydrocortisone was determined. Also, chromatographic separation of the tissue supernatant fractions was conducted. Only the liver was capable of concentrating radioactivity from the blood. Radioactivity in the brain, thymus, and heart was less than in the plasma, while activity in the spleen, skeletal muscle, testes, and pituitary was the same as plasma. Molecular-sieve chromatography of the supernatant fractions from the liver, spleen, and thymus on the Sephadex G-100 indicated part of the radioactivity was present in the macromolecular fractions excluded from the gel. It is possible that a relationship between the intracellular binding of the radioactive steroid and its physiological actions may exist.The authors express sincere appreciation to Jennifer Couts for technical assistance during the course of this investigation.
An Empirical Investigation of Ergonomics in the International Retail Workstations

A study as conducted to assess the impact of the International regulations on throughput in retail checkout workstations using “state-of-the-art” POS (Point Of Sale) equipment. Productivity measures were derived for the various workstation configurations recommended in the German guidelines as well as those designed from empirical sources. A cross-validation of these data to performances from domestic workstations was made to assess the potential impact of similar ergonomic standardization in the United States.
Quantification of the distal radial artery for improved vascular access.

Background: There is no consensus in the literature as to which point of the radial artery (RA) is the safest to attempt vascular access. The purpose of this study was to measure the diameter, tortuosity and branching patterns of the distal RA. Materials and methods: 140 cadaveric RAs (66 male, 74 female) were dissected and measured. The external diameter of the RA was measured at 2 cm increments starting at the radial styloid process (SP), moving proximally. The location and degree of 2-dimensional arterial tortuosity were recorded if > 35 degrees. Branches of the RA were recorded with respect to their distance from the SP. Results: We observed that the right RA significantly increased in diameter at distances beyond 4 cm proximal from the radial SP, regardless of the sex of the individual. This increase in size was not noted on the left RA’s. Muscular artery branches of the distal RA were noted on average 1.82 cm proximal from the SP. Clinically significant tortuosity was present on average 3.47 cm proximal from the radial SP. The left RA did not significantly change in size along its course, but its statistically similar diameter when compared to the right RA allows us to make a recommendation this is applicable bilaterally. Conclusions: Our data suggests that regardless of gender, vascular access of the RA could be safely performed at distances greater than 4 cm from the SP to yield a vessel with a larger diameter, less tortuosity, and fewer branches.
Subgenome-specific assembly of vitamin E biosynthesis genes and expression patterns during seed development provide insight into the evolution of oat genome.

Vitamin E is essential for humans and thus must be a component of a healthy diet. Among the cereal grains, hexaploid oats (Avena sativa L.) have high vitamin E content. To date, no gene sequences in the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway have been reported for oats. Using deep sequencing and orthology-guided assembly, coding sequences of genes for each step in vitamin E synthesis in oats were reconstructed, including resolution of the sequences of homeologs. Three homeologs, presumably representing each of the three oat subgenomes, were identified for the main steps of the pathway. Partial sequences, likely representing pseudogenes, were recovered in some instances as well. Pairwise comparisons among homeologs revealed that two of the three putative subgenome-specific homeologs are almost identical for each gene. Synonymous substitution rates indicate the time of divergence of the two more similar subgenomes from the distinct one at 7.9-8.7 MYA, and a divergence between the similar subgenomes from a common ancestor 1.1 MYA. A new proposed evolutionary model for hexaploid oat formation is discussed. Homeolog-specific gene expression was quantified during oat seed development and compared with vitamin E accumulation. Homeolog expression largely appears to be similar for most of genes; however, for some genes, homoeolog-specific transcriptional bias was observed. The expression of HPPD, as well as certain homoeologs of VTE2 and VTE4, is highly correlated with seed vitamin E accumulation. Our findings expand our understanding of oat genome evolution and will assist efforts to modify vitamin E content and composition in oats.
Cigarettes, Smokeless Tobacco, and Poly-Tobacco Among Workers in Three Dusty Industries.

Background:Tobacco use remains high among blue-collar workers, the health consequences of which may be compounded by occupational dust exposure. Detailed data on tobacco use among workers in dusty industries are lacking.Methods:The 2006 to 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was used to comp
Roles of the novel coiled-coil protein Rng10 in septum formation during fission yeast cytokinesis

The regulation of Rho-GAP localization is not well understood. A novel coiled-coil protein Rng10 is characterized that localizes the Rho-GAP Rga7 in fission yeast. Rng10 and Rga7 physically interac...
On Cross-Script Information Retrieval

We address the problem of cross-script retrieval in the context of a microblog system such as Twitter. Specifically, we explore methods for using native Arabic script queries to retrieve Arabic tweets written in a Roman script known as Arabizi. For example, a query for “كتاب” would not match “kitab” even though an Arabic reader would see them as the same word. Moreover, because of the lack of Arabic script, automatic language identification methods fail to recognize the Arabizi text as Arabic and label it as English, Polish, or the like. We propose a cross-script retrieval system using automatic rule-based mapping and statistical selection of transliteration keywords. We show that our system can achieve effective cross-script retrieval with minimal knowledge of the target language and without the need to rely on external translation or transliteration tools or lexica. With minimal human annotation, our technique can be applied to other languages such as Hindi and Greek, which are commonly converted to a Roman character set similarly.
Exploring empathy and callous-unemotional traits as predictors of animal abuse perpetrated by children exposed to intimate partner violence

We explored the relation between empathy, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and animal abuse in a sample of 290 seven- to twelve-year-old children whose mothers were exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The sample comprises mostly Latino and White participants, and 55% of the children's mothers were born outside the United States (primarily Mexico). To our knowledge, among studies examining child-perpetrated animal abuse, this study is the first to examine empathy levels and one of only a few to examine CU traits. When comparing Griffith Empathy Measure (empathy) and Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (callous-unemotional [CU] traits) scores with those from studies of White schoolchildren, our sample scored lower on affective empathy, higher on cognitive empathy, and lower for overall CU scores as well as Callous and Unemotional subscales. Of 290 children, 47 (16.2%) harmed an animal at least once according to either mother or child report. There were no significant sex or age differences between Abuse and No Abuse groups. The Abuse group scored significantly higher on affective empathy, CU, and Callousness/Unemotional subscales, and significantly lower on cognitive empathy. However, in regression analyses that controlled for income, only lower cognitive empathy and higher CU significantly predicted having abused an animal. In summary, low cognitive empathy (but not affective empathy) and CU traits may serve as reliable predictors of child animal abuse. However, replication of these results is necessary. A larger sample with a high percentage of Latino children whose mothers were exposed to IPV, along with a non-exposed comparison group, would be ideal.
Computer-Based Models of tDCS and tACS

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are noninvasive neuromodulatory techniques that deliver low-intensity currents facilitating or inhibiting spontaneous neuronal activity. These techniques have a number of advantages that have been applied in clinical settings; in particular, tDCS/tACS dose in principle is easily customized by varying electrode number, position, size, shape, and current. However, the ability to leverage this customization depends on how tDCS/tACS dose modulate the underling brain current flow. This relationship is not simple and can benefit from the use of computational models of current flow, personalized to individual subjects and cases. Tools for modeling range from Finite Element Method models to stand-alone GUI based software for clinicians. Many software packages can load individual’s MRI scans, allowing individualized therapy design. However, the challenge remains to design and interpret these models while remaining aware of their limitations. Current flow models alone cannot “make dose decisions,” but rather inform the rational design of electrotherapy. This is evidenced in exemplary studies combining computer modeling and clinical data, several examples of which are outlined in this chapter. Though modeling software is now widely available, newer generations of algorithms promise more precision and flexibility, and thus it is predicted that with increased validation, dissemination, simplification and dissemination of modeling tools, computational forward models of neuromodulation will become useful tools to guide the optimization of clinical electrotherapy. Essential for this adoption and refinement is an appreciation by clinicians of the uses and limitations of computational models, and conversely understanding by engineers and programmers of what software functions are relevant to clinical practice.
Non-exclusive dynamic contracts, competition, and the limits of insurance

Abstract We study how the presence of non-exclusive contracts limits the amount of insurance provided in a decentralized economy. We consider a dynamic Mirrleesian economy in which agents are privately informed about idiosyncratic labor productivity shocks. Agents sign privately observable insurance contracts with multiple firms (i.e., they are non-exclusive). Contracts specify both labor and savings requirements. Firms have no restriction on the contracts they can offer and interact strategically. In equilibrium, contrary to the case with exclusive contracts, a standard Euler equation holds, and the marginal rate of substitution between consumption and leisure is equated to the worker's marginal productivity. Also, each agent receives zero net present value of transfers. These conditions imply the equilibrium allocation is equivalent to a standard incomplete markets model. To sustain this equilibrium, more than one firm must be active and must also offer latent contracts to deter deviations to more profitable contingent contracts. In this environment, the non-observability of contracts removes the possibility of additional insurance beyond self-insurance.
A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Sub-Dissociative Dose Ketamine Pilot Study in the Treatment of Acute Depression and Suicidality in a Military Emergency Department Setting.

ABSTRACTBackground: Rates of completed suicide in the military have increased. Options are limited for acute relief of depression and suicidal ideation. Traditional treatments' effects take weeks to months. A novel, rapid, therapeutic target has emerged with the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine. Previous studies suggest that a single dose of intravenous (IV) ketamine rapidly alleviates depression and suicidality. Methods: In this proof of concept study, an active duty convenience sample population presenting to the emergency department (ED) meeting criteria for inpatient psychiatric admission as a result of depression and suicidal thinking were randomized to receive either a subdissociative dose (0.2 mg/kg) of IV ketamine or equivalent volume of normal saline (placebo). Subjects were evaluated for symptoms throughout a 4-hour ED course, at hospital discharge, and 2 weeks postdischarge. Results: Methodological problems limited analyzable data to 10 subjects. Two of three who received ketamine exper...
Unsupervised learning of video content using Self-Organizing Maps

Video classification and retrieval is currently performed manually by individuals adding semantic annotation or creating a description of the videos. Current algorithmic methods often suffer from semantic gap between visual content and human interpretation. This paper proposes a biologically inspired system that automatically cluster videos based on visual attributes. For feature extraction, each video frame is processed with a multi-scale, multi-orientation Gabor filter. The resulting Gabor-filtered sub-band images are down-sampled on a regular grid to achieve global representation of the image. For clustering, the system employs an unsupervised, adaptive algorithm, the Self-Organizing Map, resulting in the automatic discovery of video content. SOM's are single layer, two-dimensional neural networks that use the delta update rule and competition based on-line learning scheme to learn internal relationship of input data without supervision. The baseline framework is deployed and evaluated using a small dataset. Initial system results reveal effective mapping of input video frames and topological regions on SOM.
Dissection of Microtubule Mediated Mechanical Forces in Mitosis

During cell division, dynamic microtubule plus-ends associate with kinetochores to align and stretch duplicated sister chromatids at the center of a metaphase mitotic spindle, generating a tension force that is thought to be important for ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during mitosis. However, the number of microtubules that are associated with the kinetochore varies widely between organisms. A mechanistic understanding for how tension may scale with increasing numbers of kinetochore microtubule attachments is unknown. In this work, we manipulated the average number of microtubules per kinetochore within a single organism, and found that average tension was coordinately increased with increasing numbers of kinetochore microtubules. Computational modeling of our experimental results suggested that tension-dependent microtubule dynamics combined with increasing numbers of microtubule attachments may provide a seamless method for scaling up tension magnitudes from a simple organism such as yeast to a more complex organism with multiple microtubules per kinetochore.