cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Backprojection-Based Parameter Estimation Technique for Skew-Slit Collimation

To estimate geometric parameters in a skew-slit single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan, a simple method is presented that uses a single point source and a backprojection process. The method employs one point source placed sufficiently far from the axis of rotation but in the field of view. A skew-slit geometry is considered where the estimated parameters include the focal lengths of both opaque planes and the location of multiple transaxial slits and a single axial slit. Computer simulations show that view-angle independent parameters can be uniquely estimated. Three experimental scans were performed, and the view-angle independent parameters were accurately estimated. Tilt, sagging, and mechanical shifts result in parameters that change depending on the view angle in the experimental scans. These view-angle dependent parameters were estimated using the single point-source technique, but reconstructed phantom images showed some error in the estimation of the view-angle dependent parameters.
Oral Tolerance in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

In work performed by a number of laboratories, it has become quite clear that the oral administration of autoantigens exerts a profoundly suppressive effect on the development and long-term clinical course of autoimmune disease. Specific peptide sequences derived from the autoantigens are similarly suppressive. An interesting sidelight to emerge from specificity studies is that oral administration of a self-protein or peptide sequence (i.e., rat MBP peptide administered to a rat) is markedly less tolerogenic than oral administration of a non-self or even closely related sequence (guinea pig MBP peptide administered to a rat). The dose of oral antigen is now known to play a critical role in determination of the mechanism of oral tolerance, with low doses of antigen causing active suppression with concomitant release of TGFbeta1. Studies outlined here suggest that oral administration of higher antigen doses (e.g., 20 mg MBP to rats or mice) results in deletion of specific antigen-reactive T lymphocytes. This conclusion stems from the fact that injections of IL-2 could not reverse high-dose tolerance while reversing low-dose oral tolerance. Moreover, feeding MBP to MBP-TCR transgenic mice caused trafficking of transgenic cells to the intestine followed by a profound depletion of transgene-positive cells and reduction in proliferative function in all peripheral lymphoid organs. Oral tolerance has proven to be of therapeutic benefit in other animal models of autoimmune disease as well, including uveitis, collagen-induced arthritis, adjuvant arthritis, thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, and diabetes. Initial human trials in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and uveitis show promising results.
Mounting and metallic brazing of crystal units, design history

In the early 1960's while working in the Crystal Design Laboratory at Hewlett-Packard, Don Hammond, the manager, and the author began to look into a new mounting system for quartz crystals. Their goal was to design a package that could be cleaned by H/sub 2/ firing at elevated temperatures, baked at temperatures greater than 300/spl deg/C, sealed while in vacuum with leak rates that were less than any container available at that time and be impervious to He diffusion. Cost was of secondary concern. The first crystal unit that they were to design the system for was for their LC cut temperature sensor operating over the range -50/spl deg/C to +250/spl deg/C. The unit was a 28 MHz 3rd OT unit that was required to fit into a package no larger than a TO-5 configuration and maintain its He integrity for the life of the product. The brazed mounting system described in this paper was a manageable process. Both HP and later Agilent Technologies put nearly 500,000 units in the field with this design. Its MTBF was greater than 1,000,000 hours with specifications that were always at the leading edge.
Acaricidal Properties of Spinosad Against Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to characterize the activity of the insecticide spinosad against the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae). T. urticae females and larvae were individually placed on bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae), leaf disks treated with four rates of spinosad (25, 55, 121, and 266 ppm) and a water control. Significantly fewer T. urticae completed development on any spinosad rates ( 85%), whereas spinosad exhibited no significant effects on P. ulmi development; 72.5 and 83.1% of P. ulmi completed development on apple (Malus pumila P. Mill, Rosaceae) leaf disks treated with 75 ppm spinosad and the control, respectively. T. urticae adult females placed on spinosad-treated disks had significantly higher mortality and lower oviposition rates compared with the water control; no significant mortality effects were observed until 3 d after placing adults on leaf disks. In choice tests where half of a bean leaf was treated with 55 ppm spinosad transversally or longitudinally, T. urticae females were repelled by spinosad and largely oviposited and fed on nonspinosad treated areas. Spinosad did not affect the behavior of P. ulmi females. When T. urticae females were released on potted bean plants (two-leaf stage) in which leaves received spinosad sprays on the adaxial or abaxial leaf surfaces, or complete spinosad coverage on one or two of the leaves, mite population increase lagged significantly behind those released on control plants. These results indicate that spinosad has significant acaricidal effects against T. urticae but not P. ulmi.
Suicide in Inpatient Settings: Are Our Hospitals Safe Enough?

The authors discuss the implications of findings regarding suicides in hospitals. Language: en
The Dynamics of Earmark Requests for the Women and Men of the US House of Representatives

ABSTRACTData on the number of earmark requests made by men and women of the 111th House of Representatives provide a framework for predicting women’s substantive representation. Three main issue areas were examined: women’s health, women’s economic empowerment, and violence against women. Control variables for ideology, partisanship, race, committee member, and congressional tenure further clarify the relationship between gender and earmarks requests. These analyses of different categories of women’s issue earmark requests illustrated the complexity of women’s issues and the fluctuating effect of a representative’s gender on substantive representation.
Human Resources: Migration Processes in Kazakhstan

Background/Objectives: This article covers the peculiarities of human resource development in the Republic of Kazakhstan, factors influencing the development of human resources, economic growth and migration processes in the country. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The author analyzes population statistics by regions, in particular, giving information about the proportion of human resources in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period of 2010-2015, as well as migration statistics. The laws and regulations governing the migration policy in Kazakhstan are also analyzed. Findings: As a result of the study, the author formulated theoretical positions and recommendations for improving the current legislation in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the sphere of human resources development and migration processes. Applications/Improvements: In order to prevent the criminal effects of illegal migration and the degradation of human resources, it is necessary to develop a set of measures aimed at preventing the causes of migration and to create in the migration donor countries favorable conditions for migrants' stay, access to education, employment, health care and population control.
Oxalate-templated synthesis of di-zinc macrocycles

Abstract Herein we report that oxalate serves as a template in the formation of di-zinc macrocycles featuring bis(imino)pyridine chelating units linked by p-xylylene or m-xylylenes linkers. The resulting complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. NMR spectroscopy indicates highly symmetrical (C2v or D2h) structures of the macrocyclic complexes in solution. Solid-state structures, determined by X-ray crystallography (obtained only for the m-xylylene bridged macrocycles), revealed hexa-coordinate zinc centers with μ2-κ2,κ2-bound oxalate, meridional NNN chelates, and an additional ligand (DMF or H2O) bound to zinc centers. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrates series of reductions associated with the redox-active bis(imino)pyridine chelates; no oxidation was observed up to 1 V. We have attempted to extract oxalate from the macrocycle using calcium bromide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), trimethyl silyl chloride (TMSCl), acetic acid, or hydrochloric acid (HCl). Of the above, EDTA, TMSCl, acetic acid, and HCl in ether failed to remove oxalate or to form a new isolable product, while calcium bromide transformed μ2-κ2,κ2-bound oxalate into the μ2-κ1,κ2-bound form. The addition of aqueous HCl enables observation of the oxalate-free complex by mass spectrometry as one of the major products.
Characteristics of transmission of a horseradish brittle root isolate of Spiroplasma citri by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

Characteristics of transmission of a horseradish brittle root isolate of Spiroplasma citri from Illinois by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker), were determined in laboratory tests. Effects of acquisition access period (AAP), incubation period (IP), and inoculation access period (IAP) on vector efficiency were investigated. Turnip ( Brassica rapa L.) was used as the source and test plant species. Percentage of test plants developing infections was the criterion for determining percentage of inoculative leafhoppers (vector efficiency) per treatment. Nymphs given AAPs as brief as 45 min were inoculative when confined subsequently as adults on test plants. Transmission rates by leafhoppers given AAPs as nymphs peaked following an AAP of 5 d, remained fairly steady at AAPs of 9-17 d, and then dropped sharply at an AAP of 21 d. The minimum IP (which we define to include AAP) at which transmission of S. citri could be determined was from 7-9 d. Transmission frequencies did not increase significantly when insects were tested at periods longer than 17-23 d after the start of an AAP. The inoculation threshold period was ca. 15 min; percentage of inoculative leafhoppers did not increase significantly with IAPs longer than 2 d. Vector efficiencies of leafhoppers caged singly on test plants reached highs ranging from 41-90% in individual experiments. Males were generally more efficient vectors than were females. These findings indicate that C. tenellus can readily acquire and transmit S. citri at a high frequency.
Vertical Distribution of Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Eggs in Suboutbreak Conditions

Douglas-fir tussock moth egg masses were found throughout the foliar portions of the crowns of 12-m Douglas-fir trees, but there was a trend to higher density in the upper crown. In 1-min visual surveys taken before trees were sampled in detail, 11% of the total egg masses present on the trees were observed.
Safety of Propofol Used as a Rescue Agent During Colonoscopy.

Goal The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety of propofol when used by gastroenterologists in patients who have an inadequate response to standard sedation (narcotics and benzodiazepines). Background Many patients fail to achieve adequate sedation from narcotics and benzodiazepines during colonoscopy. The administration of propofol for colonoscopy is increasing, although its use by gastroenterologists is controversial. Study We performed a retrospective review of our hospital's colonoscopy records from January 2006 to December 2009 to identify 403 subjects undergoing screening colonoscopies who required propofol (20 to 30 mg every 3 min as needed) because of inadequate response to standard sedation. We also randomly selected 403 controls undergoing screening colonoscopies from the same time period that only required standard sedation. The incidence of adverse effects was then compared. Results There were no major adverse events in either group. The rates of minor adverse events in the propofol and control group were 0.02 and 0.01, respectively (P=0.56). Adverse effects in the propofol group included: transient hypotension (n=1), nausea/vomiting (n=3), agitation (n=2), and rash (n=1). Adverse effects seen with standard sedation included: transient hypotension (n=2), nausea/vomiting (n=1), and oversedation (n=2). Patients who received propofol were more likely to be younger, had a history of illicit drug use, and a longer procedure time (P Conclusions Adjunctive propofol administered by gastroenterologist for conscious sedation was not associated with increased incidence of adverse events. It may be of value in patients who do not respond to conventional sedation.
Immersed-Boundary Simulation of Fast Pitching Airfoils

Immersed-boundary methods have been proposed to provide powerful simulation tools for flow interacting with moving and morphing structures. They are therefore particularly useful for studying flapping-wing micro-aerial vehicles. However, the merit of this type of methods has yet to be approved by validation with measurement data or other types of simulation. On the other hand, the simulation can be used to investigate the applicability of the classical theoretical models for predicting unsteady aerodynamic behaviors of flapping airfoils. In this paper, a set of canonical cases of flapping airfoil motions are simulated using an improved immersed-boundary method. These cases have been selected as candidates for a group study using different measurement methods as well as simulation methods. The results of our simulation are compared with measurement and simulation results by other simulation methods to address the merit of our simulation. Furthermore, the results from classical theories, such as those of Theodorsen and Garrick for flapping wings, are compared to investigate the effect of circulatory and non-circulatory flow dynamics on the lift and drag of fast pitching airfoils.
Quality control results analysis of physical and chemical laboratory for drinking water of Zhengzhou institution of disease prevention and control

Objective:Finding out the existing problems so as to improve the quality of laboratory tests through the analysis and evaluation to the quality control results of the physical and chemical laboratory for drinking water of Zhengzhou institution of disease prevention and control.Methods: Using the comprehensive evaluation standard form which includes specific evaluation index and different weight to evaluate the testing laboratory to know the quality control level of the laboratory.Results:Through the comprehensive evaluation to the quality control of the laboratory,four laboratories(33%) are excellent,six laboratories(50%) are good,two laboratories(16.7%) are eligible.Results:Show that most laboratories testing results are good in accuracy,but in original records and report format,there still are some problems to be regulated.Conclusion:Through the comprehensive evaluation and feedback,the laboratory shall correct the deficiency in time,further strengthen the quality management and standardize the testing procedures,and constantly improve the quality of examination and technology level.
Content validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health Core Set for stroke from the perspective of community-dwelling older stroke survivors in China

Objective To explore the functional status of older persons with stroke living in the community by verifying the content validity of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health( ICF) Core Set for stroke. Methods Twenty-one participants with open-ended qualitative interviews were analyzed by using the approaches of qualitative content analysis. Concepts from qualitative analysis were linked to ICF categories based on the established ICF linking rules and compared to the ICF Core Set for stroke. Relative frequencies of interviews linked to ICF categories were calculated in the study. Results The eighty-eight categories( 67. 69%) of 130 second-level categories in the ICF Core Set for stroke were confirmed,and the 28 categories which had a frequency of 30% or more contained 8 categories of body functions,3 categories of body structures,12 categories of activities and participation and 5 categories of environmental factors. Conclusions The 28 categories with high frequencies of the ICF Core Set for stroke could reflect the functional problems of older stroke survivors living in the community and provide evidence to the community application of the ICF Core Set for stroke.
Engineering of Equity Instruments: Pricing and Replication

A large class of synthetic securities has been created using equity products, and the popularity of such instruments keeps increasing. This chapter begins by considering the earliest and best-known equity-linked instruments—“convertible bonds,” and their relative—warrant linked bonds. These instruments are well studied in the chapter and a brief discussion clarifies almost all the financial engineering issues in the equity-linked sector. Then it moves to index-linked products, which are a more recent variant. Here, even though the general structures are not much different, the synthetics are constructed for different purposes, using equity indices instead of individual stocks, which is the case in convertibles and warrant linked securities.
Hydropolitics of Afghanistan and Its Future

Afghanistan is the source of many rivers flowing into its neighboring countries. The last four decades of instability since 1970 have pushed Afghanistan into isolation and left it out of the benefits of the water-management structures established by its neighbors. Post-9/11 Afghanistan has been re-establishing itself, not only at regional level but also in the international arena. This would also increase Afghanistan's involvement in efforts for transboundary water management that will impact the mechanisms previously established by others in the absence of participation by Afghanistan. Moreover, increasing demand for water, and development plans of Afghanistan in its basins will have effects on the downstream riparian states that could incite negative reaction from them. This chapter explores and analyzes the history of hydropolitics inside Afghanistan and in regards to its relationship with neighbors. The chapter also discusses the current status of any available water-management mechanisms that will be impacted by Afghanistan's comeback to the transboundary water arena and the uncharted field of hydropolitics in the region.
Differential Effects of CaMKII Activity in HCM-Linked TNT Mutations

Mutations in human cardiac troponin T (hcTnT) account for approximately 5-10% of all Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Residue 92 (Arg) in cTnT is a mutational hotspot. Despite differing by only a single amino acid, Arg92Leu (R92L) and Arg92Trp (R92W) are associated with varying clinical presentations. In the course of studying the differential effects of the R92 mutations on Ca2+ homeostasis, an increase in phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation at Thr17 was observed only in R92W mice, suggesting a potential mutation-specific role for CaMKII activation in cTnT-linked HCM. To directly test this hypothesis we crossed CaMKII peptide inhibitor mice (AC3I) to both R92W and R92L transgenic mice to evaluate whether a partial inhibition of CaMKII activity could specifically alter the natural history of HCM via modulation of SERCA2 activity. In the AC3IxR92W mice, a compensatory increase in PKA-mediated PLB-Ser16 phosphorylation led to an increase SERCA2 activity coupled with a decrease in atrial mass, indicating improved cardiac function. AC3IxR92L mice did not show any change in SERCA2 activity or morphology, suggesting minimal role of CaMKII in the progression of R92L-linked HCM. R92W has been shown to cause an increase in the Ca2+ dissociation rate from the thin filament, leading to an increase in resting Ca2+ concentration. This increase in Ca2+ initiates aberrant and likely pathophysiologic CaMKII activity, contributing to the progression of HCM in these patients. Thus, targeting the activity of CaMKII may be a potential drug therapy for patients expressing the R92W mutation. Ongoing work aims to elucidate the effects of conventional drug therapies on mice expressing these two mutations to differentiate treatment for patients.
Osteology of the telescopefishes of the genus Gigantura (Brauer, 1901), Teleostei: Aulopiformes

The two species of the family Giganturidae are highly derived aulopiform fishes that inhabit the mesopelagic realm of the oceans. Giganturids are exceptionally modified morphologically and, in particular, are characterized by numerous skeletal reductions that render the identification of the remaining elements problematic. The most debated of these are the toothed elements of the upper jaw, which have played a significant role in hypotheses about the phylogenetic affinities of the family. The largest toothed element of the upper jaw has been considered to be the premaxilla (the general consensus for the last four decades), a fused premaxilla and maxilla, or the palatine. The goal of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the osteology of adult giganturids to resolve the identification and homology of skeletal elements, particularly those of the upper jaw. Based on topological evidence, we conclude that the premaxilla is absent and that the major tooth-bearing bone in the ‘upper jaw’ is the palatine.
Exploratory Study on the Stability of Consumer Rationality in Judging Online Reviews

Consumers are often asked valuate the quality of online reviews. However, they often misjudge the true value of reviews because their thoughts on reviews are not well formed with criteria. This exploratory study conducted stylized survey-based experiments using 217 consumers. Consumers typically underestimate the value of reviews because they do not always use valuation criteria when reading reviews. The extent of such underestimations ranges from 12% to 15% for goods with objective attributes like electronic products. In addition, nearly half of the consumers revised their review valuations upon taking a second look at the same review for these goods. Close to one-third of the consumers changed their review valuations for subjective goods like music albums. Such valuation changes are specific to consumer profiles. Their predominant emotional sentiment also has a varying effect on subjective and non-subjective goods.
Pulmonary complications post hematopoietic stem cell transplant in dyskeratosis congenita: analysis of oxidative stress in lung fibroblasts

Pulmonary complications post hematopoietic stem cell transplant in dyskeratosis congenita: analysis of oxidative stress in lung fibroblasts
Pneumocystis jirovecii immunostain versus Gomori/Grocott methenamine silver stain of bronchoalveolar lavage in cell blocks: an institutional experience.

Introduction Current approaches to Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCJ) screening on bronchioalveolar lavage samples (BAL) include Gomori/Grocott methenamine silver stain (GMS), toluidine blue O stain, Wright-Giemsa stain, immunofluorescent antibody stain, and polymerase chain reaction. Another method available is PCJ immunohistochemistry stain (PCJ IHC). There are no published series evaluating the efficacy of PCJ IHC in cell block preparation of BAL, we sought to compare GMS versus PCJ IHC at our institution. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective analysis at our institution of all BAL with cell blocks where PCJ IHC and GMS were done simultaneously since March 2015. Results 982 BAL samples were identified from 640 patients (median age: 54 years; range: 1-84 years). For 895 cases, GMS and PCJ IHC were performed simultaneously. PCJ was identified in 14 samples, from 13 patients (2.2% of patients) using PCJ IHC. GMS stains were read as positive in only 6 of these 14 cases (42.8%); in two of those cases, PCJ was easily identified on routine Papanicolaou stains. We repeated GMS staining on those 14 cases following before-schedule maintenance in our Ventana Benchmark Autostainer, identifying 12 cases positive. In addition, a significantly higher number of organisms was seen on repeat GMS (median: 58) than the original GMS (median: 8.7). Nevertheless, a statistically significant higher number of organisms was detected by PCJ IHC (median: 474). Conclusions PCJ IHC performed in cell block is more sensitive and specific than GMS and is a reliable marker when a low number of PCJ organisms are present.
A Time and Energy Efficient Routing Algorithm for Electric Vehicles Based on Historical Driving Data

A routing algorithm that leads to extended driving range and battery longevity of electric vehicles (EV) is proposed. In addition to locating the time and energy efficient routes, the proposed algorithm provides a desired speed profile to be tracked by the driver. Data mining techniques are employed for extracting the desired speed profile for the goal driver from a set of historical driving data. In order to select data with strong analogy to those of the goal driver's vehicle and driving conditions, driving and vehicle attributes are defined. The historical driving data are clustered and the class of the goal driver among clustered data is determined through classification. Eventually, the required travel time and energy consumption corresponding to historical speed profiles are evaluated and the time and/or energy efficient route along with the desired speed profile are determined. The proposed method is tested on a set of data gathered in the Warrigal project, which provides real vehicle state information. Since the consumed energy data are not available in this dataset, a detailed EV model is adopted to estimate the energy consumption. The obtained results verify the effectiveness of the proposed routing algorithm in locating the time and/or energy efficient routes.
Effects of a naturally occurring amino acid substitution in bovine PrP: a model for inherited prion disease in a natural host species.

The most common hereditary prion disease is human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), associated with a mutation in the prion gene resulting in a glutamic acid to lysine substitution at position 200 (E200K) in the prion protein. Models of E200K CJD in transgenic mice have proven interesting but have limitations including inconsistencies in disease presentation, requirement for mixed species chimeric protein constructs, and the relatively short life span and time to disease onset in rodents. These factors limit research on the mechanism by which the mutation drives disease development. Therefore, our objective was to provide the first assessment of cattle carrying the homologous mutation, E211K, as a system for investigating longer-term disease mechanisms. The E211K substitution was associated with a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy from 2006. We assessed the molecular properties of bovine E211K prion protein, characterized the molecular genetics of a population of cattle E211K carriers (offspring of the original EK211 cow) in relation to findings in humans, and generated preliminary evidence that the impacts of copper-induced oxidative stress may be different in cattle as compared to observations in transgenic mouse models. The cattle E211K system provides the opportunity for future analysis of physiological changes over time.
Effect of Age on Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Draining Vein Stenosis.

Objective The pathogenesis of venous intimal hyperplasia and venous outflow stenosis associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) draining veins is poorly understood. We sought to determine the relationship between venous stenosis and age. Methods All patients with an AVM seen at our institution between 1990 and 2016 who underwent a diagnostic cerebral angiogram were retrospectively reviewed. Draining vein stenosis was measured from angiograms before any treatment. The relationship between venous stenosis and age was assessed. Results We included 281 patients (mean age 39 years, age range 3–83 years, 55% male). Venous stenosis measuring ≥50% was present in 59 patients (21% of cohort). Peak age at presentation was 25–29 years, whereas peak frequency of venous stenosis ≥50% was 50–54 years. Venous stenosis was present in a significantly higher proportion of patients ≥50 years versus Conclusions Clinically significant cerebral AVM draining vein stenosis appears to be associated with older age, suggesting that venous stenosis is a progressive disease that occurs by the same process that leads to intimal hyperplasia. These results should be confirmed with a population-based longitudinal study.
A pilot study for distinguishing chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma using second harmonic generation imaging and convolutional neural network analysis of collagen fibrillar structure

A clear distinction between oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is critically important for clinical management of patients. But it may often be difficult to distinguish the two entities based on hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stained sections alone. In this study, second harmonic generation (SHG) signals which are very specific to collagen were used to image collagen fibril structure. We conduct a pilot study to develop a new diagnostic method based on the analysis of collagen associated with kidney tumors using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). CNNs comprise a type of machine learning process well-suited for drawing information out of images. This study examines a CNN model’s ability to differentiate between oncocytoma (benign), and chRCC (malignant) kidney tumor images acquired with second harmonic generation (SHG), which is very specific for collagen matrix. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that attempts to distinguish the two entities based on their collagen structure. The model developed from this study demonstrated an overall classification accuracy of 68.7% with a specificity of 66.3% and sensitivity of 74.6%. While these results reflect an ability to classify the kidney tumors better than chance, further studies will be carried out to (a) better realize the tumor classification potential of this method with a larger sample size and (b) combining SHG with two-photon excited intrinsic fluorescence signal to achieve better classification.
Nitrite potentiates the vasodilatory signaling of S-nitrosothiols.

Nitrite and S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) are both byproducts of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and are proposed to cause vasodilation via activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). We have previously reported that while SNOs are potent vasodilators at physiological concentrations, nitrite itself only produces vasodilation at supraphysiological concentrations. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sub-vasoactive concentrations of nitrite potentiate the vasodilatory effects of SNOs. Multiple exposures of isolated sheep arteries to S-nitroso-glutathione (GSNO) resulted in a tachyphylactic decreased vasodilatory response to GSNO but not to NO, suggesting attenuation of signaling steps upstream from sGC. Exposure of arteries to 1 μM nitrite potentiated the vasodilatory effects of GSNO in naive arteries and abrogated the tachyphylactic response to GSNO in pre-exposed arteries, suggesting that nitrite facilitates GSNO-mediated activation of sGC. In intact anesthetized sheep and rats, inhibition of NO synthases to decrease plasma nitrite levels attenuated vasodilatory responses to exogenous infusions of GSNO, an effect that was reversed by exogenous infusion of nitrite at sub-vasodilating levels. This study suggests nitrite potentiates SNO-mediated vasodilation via a mechanism that lies upstream from activation of sGC.
Rapid Expansion of Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus across Northern Illinois: Dramatic Recovery or Invasive Species?

The distribution of the Illinois state-threatened Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus has remained largely unchanged in Illinois from 1880 to 2000, being restricted mainly to the northeastern corner of the state. One population identified as Western Banded Killifish F. d. menona has remained stable in the glacial lakes region along the southeastern Wisconsin–northeastern Illinois border. Starting in 2001 a second population began to spread and become more common along the Lake Michigan shoreline. From there the population expanded through the Chicago Area Waterway System into the Des Plaines River and eventually the Illinois River. Historical museum specimens from this region are identified as F. d. menona, but recent specimens are identified as hybrids between F. d. menona and Eastern Banded Killifish F. d. diaphanus. Subsequently, a third population appeared in the Mississippi River near the mouth of the Rock River in 2009 and has spread from there. These individuals are also identified as F. d. menona. The rapid expansion of Banded Killifish from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River appears to be an invasion of the Eastern subspecies F. d. diaphanus and the subsequent hybridization with the native Western subspecies. It is unknown where the Banded Killifish in the Mississippi River originated, possibly from populations 160 kilometers upstream or human introductions. As the Illinois River and Mississippi River populations continue to expand their ranges, their ecological impacts are unknown at this time.
Role of Molecular Modeling in the Development of CO2–Reactive Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained considerable attention in recent years as CO2-reactive solvents that could be used to improve the economic efficiency of industrial-scale CO2 separations. Researchers have demonstrated that IL physical and chemical properties can be optimized for a given application through chemical functionalization of both cations and anions. The tunability of ILs presents both a great potential and a significant challenge due to the complex chemistries and the many ways in which ILs can be made to react with CO2. However, computer simulations have demonstrated great potential in understanding the behavior of ILs from the underlying molecular interactions. In the present review, we examine how computer simulations have aided in the design of ILs that chemically bind CO2. We present the historical development of CO2-reactive ILs while highlighting the insights provided by molecular modeling which aided in understanding IL behavior to further experimental findings. We also provide a brief d...
A Comparison of Consequences of Different Types of UF6 Accidents

The objective of the investigations reported here is to compare the chemical toxic hazard associated with the road transportation of UF6 with the handling hazard of UF6 on enrichment or conversion plant sites. The reason for such a comparison is to get a better understanding of the risks of different phases of UF6 treatment. UF6 has a somewhat exceptional position within the nuclear fuel cycle because HF may be generated; HF is highly toxic and may occur as a heavy gas. This paper investigates only the UF6 releases from the transport container. In principle the performance of a hazard analysis for dangerous materials can be subdivided into the following steps: definition of the system, investigation of initiating events, fault tree analysis, release analysis, dispersion calculation consequence analysis. For the two cases mentioned above we will analyse the system according to the above mentioned steps.
Optimal Direct and Indirect Covering Trees

The maximal covering subtree problem has applications in transportation network design and extensive facility location. A subtree of a network is a tree that is not a full spanning tree. Finding an optimal subtree may involve the two objectives, minimizing the total arc cost or distance of the subtree, and maximizing the subtree's coverage of population or demand at nodes. Coverage may be defined as direct or indirect: indirect coverage requires that a node be within a distance threshold s>0 of the subtree, and direct coverage requires that a node be connected to the subtree (s=0). Previous approaches to this problem have sought to identify optimal subtrees of a “parent” network that is itself a tree (e.g., a minimum spanning tree). In this paper four new bi-objective zero–one programming models are presented. The first two are models for the problem of finding optimal subtrees on a single spanning tree parent under conditions of (1) direct and (2) indirect coverage. These problems have been addressed previously in the literature. In the third and fourth models, the subtree can be selected from among multiple candidate parent spanning trees simultaneously. The latter models address a new generalization of the first problem and offer both increased flexibility and the potential for a more diverse array of solutions. The models have “integer-friendly” solution properties and are relatively small in terms of the number of decision variables and constraints. Computational experience is reported for a demonstration problem and results are compared to the results of previous models.
Bladder Exstrophy: Increase in Capacity Following Epispadias Repair

AbstractThe achievement of satisfactory continence in the management of classical bladder exstrophy remains a surgical challenge. This may be particularly difficult in the patient with a small bladder capacity after initial closure. The 12-year experience at our institution with bladder exstrophy is reviewed and attention is focused on the approach to those patients with a small bladder capacity. A total of 155 children with bladder exstrophy were treated. Of these 155 patients 28 boys were believed to have a bladder capacity inadequate for satisfactory bladder neck reconstruction (less than 60cc). All patients have undergone staged reconstruction with a urethroplasty for epispadias and they are available for evaluation. After a median interval of 22 months bladder capacity increased by a median 54.5cc. No child had hydronephrosis after the epispadias repair or bladder neck reconstruction. Of the 28 patients 25 have undergone bladder neck reconstruction with a median followup of 4.5 years and 88 per cent ...
Economic characterization of reciprocal isoperimetric control problems revisited

Theorem 2.1 of Caputo (Ref. 1) linking the optimal solution functions and optimal value functions of reciprocal pairs of isoperimetric control problems is correct, but requires stronger assumptions than those used explicitly to establish its veracity. One such set of stronger assumptions is provided in this note.
High-Performance Double Node Upset-Tolerant Non-Volatile Flip-Flop Design

Emerging spin-based devices are introduced as an intriguing candidate to alleviate leakage currents and continue the scalability of CMOS technology. However, their immunity to radiation-induced transient faults needs to be adequately addressed. In this work, a radiation-immune hybrid Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Tunnel Junction (STT-MTJ)/CMOS flip-flop is designed and evaluated for nonvolatile applications. The proposed nonvolatile flip-flop circuit achieves attractive features, such as low standby power dissipation (21% less than CMOS-based design), high computing performance, and superior soft-error resilience (concurrently can tolerate DNU) to potentially become as a mainstream solution for the aerospace and avionic nanoelectronics.
A Self Sustaind 6LoWPAN of a Sleepy Multi-Sensors with OND Support

The IPv6 Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN) is a key technology to the realization of Wireless Embedded Internet [1]. However, the 6LoWPAN link [2] is characterized as lossy, low power, low-bit-rate, and short-range communications. It is common with such constraints that many nodes attempts to save their energy through long sleeping periods. This paper presents a novel deployment strategy for a self-sustained network of IPv6 devices. The major focus is on the optimization of the communication protocol stack for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) to support nodes on sleeping mode. Recently, significant efforts have been made towards the standardization of the IoT protocol stack [3], which mostly has been implemented on the popular Contiki operating system. The protocol stack has been enhanced by implementing an optimized version of the Neighbor Discovery Protocol [4]. The usage of the Contiki MAC Radio Duty Cycling Protocol notably reduces and improves the energy consumption of network nodes. In our deployment prototype, each node is equipped with a rechargeable battery and a small solar panel to harvest the ambient light while performing measurements. Preliminary results demonstrate that the proposed node architecture and protocol stack optimization provide 15x fold of energy saving compared to base architecture with no stack optimization.
Helper T cells are required for the development of IgM memory cells, but not IgM bone marrow plasmablasts

The processes and factors that regulate B cell fate decisions during IgM memory cell development and differentiation are unknown, and may differ from those required by canonical memory cells. In our experimental model of Ehrlichia muris infection, we have characterized two long-lived B cell populations: IgM memory cells, and IgM bone marrow (BM) antibody secreting cells (ASCs). The IgM+ memory B cells are required for recall IgG responses, while the BM ASCs produce antigen-specific IgM responsible for maintaining long-term immunity. Both populations are derived from an early AID-expressing CD4 T cell-independent splenic CD11c+ plasmablast population. Because abundant T follicular helper cells are generated in the spleen during early infection, we investigated whether T cell help regulates B cell fate. Infection of MHC class II-deficient mice revealed that the IgM+ memory B cells required CD4+ T cell help, while the IgM+ BM ASCs did not. Moreover, IgM memory cell transfer studies indicated that T cell help was required for the generation of IgM+ memory cells, but not for the generation of BM ASCs. On the basis of these observations, we propose that T cells drive B cell fate: developing spleen plasmablasts that receive T cell signals mature to become IgM memory cells, while cells that do not receive these signals follow a default pathway to become long-lived IgM BM ASCs.
Dual Band Octagonal Microstrip Antenna Design Method for Energy Harvesting

A practical method to design dual-band octagonal patch antenna IS introduced. The antenna consists of an octagonal patch with a proximity coupling feed designed to radiate at 900 MHz and 1.8 GHz, respectively. The octagonal dual band patch antenna that is designed using the method introduced is then simulated with 3D FEM based electromagnetic simulator. The proposed antenna design can be used to harvest radio frequency (RF) energy from Wi-Fi and widely spread mobile networks. The simulated and analytical results are compared and good agreement is observed.
Muscarinic modulation of spike-timing dependent plasticity at recurrent layer 2/3 synapses in mouse auditory cortex

Cholinergic systems contribute to the refinement of auditory cortical receptive fields by activating muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). However, the specific cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying acetylcholine9s effects on cortical circuits are not fully understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of muscarinic receptor modulation on spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) at synapses onto layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in mouse auditory cortex (AC). Synapses onto layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons exhibit a STDP rule for pairing of postsynaptic spike bursts with single presynaptic stimuli. Pre-before-post pairing at +10 ms results in a timing-dependent long-term potentiation (tLTP), whereas pre-before-post pairing at +50 ms intervals, and post-before-pre pairing at -10 to -20 ms produce a timing-dependent long-term depression. We also characterize how mAChR activation affects plasticity at these synapses, focusing on the induction of tLTP. During pre-before-post pairing at +10 ms, mAChR activation by either carbachol or oxotremorine-M suppresses tLTP. mAChR activation also reduces the NMDA-receptor dependent synaptically evoked increase in calcium in dendrites, apparently without affecting presynaptic transmitter release. Pharmacological experiments suggest that M1 and M3 receptors are not involved in the mAChR-mediated suppression of tLTP. Taken together, these results suggest activating mAChRs in layer 2/3 intracortical circuits can modify the circuit dynamics of AC by depressing tLTP mediated by NMDA receptors, and depressing calcium influx at excitatory synapses onto layer 2/3 pyramidal cells.
Operative Intervention Does Not Change Pain Perception in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Researchers investigated pain perception in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) by analyzing pre- and postoperative physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and depression domains of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS). They hypothesized that 1) because of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a majority of patients with DFUs would have high PROMIS PI scores unchanged by operative intervention, and 2) the initially assessed PI, PF, and depression levels would be correlated with final outcomes. Seventy-five percent of patients with DFUs reported pain, most likely because of painful DPN. Those who reported high PI and low PF were likely to report depression. PF, PI, and depression levels were unchanged after operative intervention or healing of DFUs.
Dissociable Effects of Monetary, Liquid, and Social Incentives on Motivation and Cognitive Control

Humans are social creatures and, as such, can be motivated by aspects of social life, like approval from others, to guide decision-making in everyday contexts. Indeed, a common view is that people may have stronger orientation towards social goals or incentives, relative to other incentive modalities, like food or money, however, to date little work has addressed how or if social incentives compare to other types of rewards in motivating goal-directed behavior. The current study tested this claim; across two separate experiments, we compared the effects of two primary incentive types, liquid and social incentives, and their subsequent impact on task performance and self-reported affect and motivation. Critically, the valenced social incentives offered both ecological validity (short video clips-Experiment 1) and continuity with prior stimuli used in the social reward and motivation literature (static images-Experiment 2) when examining their effect on behavior. Across both studies, the results replicate and extend prior work, demonstrating robust effects of liquid incentives on task performance and self-reported affect and motivation, while also supporting an interpretation of weaker motivational and affective effects for social incentives. These patterns of results highlight the complex and wide-ranging effects of social incentives and call into question the effectiveness of social incentives, relative to other incentive modalities, in motivating behavior.
Corporate social irresponsibility and boards: The implications of legal expertise

Abstract In this study, we examine whether Corporate Social Irresponsibility (CSIR) affects the appointment of directors with legal expertise on the board and whether the presence of legal directors has implications for the CSIR-stock return relationship. Using a large sample of publicly traded U.S. firms, we find that firms involved more in CSIR have more directors with legal expertise on the board in subsequent years. Our additional tests suggest that this relationship is not driven by omitted variables or reverse causality. We further find that board legal expertise helps to mitigate the negative stock performance arising from CSIR. Overall, our findings suggest that boards with legal expertise are better able to respond to CSIR and mitigate its damage.