cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumer Comprehension of Environmental Advertising and Labeling Claims

Two national surveys, with a total of 2,004 respondents, were conducted to examine comprehension of the terms “recycled” and “recyclable.” Only about five percent of respondents exhibited a thorough understanding of “recycled” and “recyclable” consistent with EPA and FTC definitions. Moreover, respondents displayed a limited understanding of “pre-consumer waste,” assumed a high percentage of recycled content in products labeled “recycled,” and inferred widespread availability of recycling facilities whenever a “recyclable” claim was made. Less educated and lower income respondents displayed higher levels of miscomprehension than more advantaged respondents. These results suggest the need for regulation of environmental advertising and labeling claims and for consumer education.
Experience, consciousness, and learning: Implications for instruction

This chapter highlights the central role of experience in learning and consciousness; it also outlines experience-based instructional processes that adult educators can use.
Soft-Error Hardening Designs of Nanoscale CMOS Latches

As technology scales down in the deep sub-micron/nano ranges, CMOS circuits are more sensitive to externally induced phenomena to likely cause the occurrence of so-called soft errors. Therefore, the operation of these circuits to tolerate soft errors is a strict requirement in today’s designs. Traditional error tolerant methods result in significant cost penalties in terms of power, area and performance, and the development of low-cost hardened designs for storage cells (such as latches and memories) is of increasing importance. This paper proposes new hardened designs for CMOS latches at 32nm feature size. Three hardened latch circuits are proposed; two of these circuits are Schmitt trigger based, while the third one utilizes a cascode configuration in the feedback loop. These new hardened latches are shown to have superior performance in terms of power-delay product as well as highest tolerance to soft errors (measured by the critical charge) than existing hardened latches. Extensive simulation results are provided using the predictive technology file for 32nm feature size in CMOS.
Short predicting the strength and toughness of fiber composites

Predictions of strength and toughness for short-fiber-reinforced plastic systems are complex but industrially crucial problems. In this contribution, we utilize a new approach which accounts for the large stress concentration penalties in a perfectly aligned short-fiber composite. Although empirical, the approach permits calculation of a strength reduction factor which can then be utilized with an appropriate failure criterion to calculate the strength of a wide range of short-fiber composite systems. A similar approach is used for the toughness problem, with the fracture toughness of an isotropic, random-in-a-plane, short-fiber composite being expressed in terms of the fracture toughness of single unidirectionally oriented plies with cracks oriented along the two orthotropic axes. For both strength and toughness, a laminate analogy approach is used. The short-fiber system is thought of as being composed of several plies or layers, each containing uniaxially aligned short fibers. The plies are oriented in the laminate to replicate the actual system fiber orientation distribution, and the linear stress-strain or fracture toughness properties are calculated by analyzing the individual ply responses to the overall applied stress. Comparison with experimental data for random-in-a-plane fiber orientation and for biased in-plane orientations at practical fiber volume loadings shows good agreement. In the case of fracture toughness, there was qualitative agreement between theory and experiment, but the data scatter precluded a rigorous comparison.
Crystallization of calcia-gallia-silica glasses

A thermal image furance is presently used to study the critical cooling rate for glass formation, and the kinetics of crystallization, of the compositions 18.4CaO-(81.6-X)Ga2O3-XSiO2, where X = 3, 6, 9, and 13.8. Crystallization was studied nonisothermally, and the data were analyzed in light of the Avrami (1939) equation. Critical cooling rate and crystallization activation energy are both found to decrease with increasing silica content, and the results obtained by the present technique are noted to agree with those obtained on the basis of differential thermal analysis measurements.
Strategies of Human Mating

Modern humans have inherited the mating strategies that led to the success of their ancestors. These strategies include long-term mating, short-term mating, extra-pair mating, mate poaching, and mate guarding. This article presents empirical evidence supporting evolution-based hypotheses about the complexities of these mating strategies. Since men and women historically confronted different adaptive problems in the mating domain, the sexes differ profoundly in evolved strategic solutions. These differences include possessing different mate preferences, different desires for short-term mating, and differences in the triggers that evoke sexual jealousy. The study of human mating is one of the “success stories” of evolutionary psychology. Strategies of Human Mating No adaptive domain is more central to reproduction than mating. Those in our evolutionary past who failed to mate failed to become ancestors. Modern humans are all descendants of a long and unbroken line of ancestors who succeeded in the complex tasks involved required to mate successfully. As their descendants, modern humans have inherited the adaptations that led to the success of their ancestors. Successful mating requires solutions of a number of difficult adaptive problems. These including selecting a fertile mate, out-competing same-sex rivals in attracting a mate, fending off mate poachers (those who try to lure one’s mate away), preventing the mate from leaving, and engaging in all of the necessarily sexual and social behaviors required for successful conception to take place. As a consequence of the number and complexity of mating problems humans have recurrently faced over the long expanse of human evolutionary history, it is
An improved algorithm for the generalized min-cut partitioning problem

We consider the generalization of the min-cut partitioning problem in which the nodes of a circuit C are to be mapped to the vertices of a graph G, and the cost function to be minimized is the cost of associating the nets of C with the edges of G. Vijayan (see IEEE Trans. on Computers, vol. 40, no. 3, 1991) recently presented an iterative improvement heuristic for the case when G is a tree T. Let P be the number of pins, t be the number of nodes of T, and d be the maximum number of cells on a net of C. The running time of a pass of the heuristic given in Vijayan's paper is O(P/spl middot/t/sup 3/). For a graph G, this approach requires O(P/spl middot/t/sup 4/) time per pass. We present a heuristic for this particular problem which guarantees exactly the same partitions in time O(P/spl middot/t min/spl lcub/d,t/spl rcub/) per pass, for any graph G. The problem finds important applications in a variety of situations that arise in VLSI physical design, and in distributed systems. >
BINDING OF THE RESPIRATORY CHAIN INHIBITOR ANTIMYCIN TO THE MITOCHONDRIAL bc1 COMPLEX: A NEW CRYSTAL STRUCTURE REVEALS AN ALTERED INTRAMOLECULAR HYDROGEN-BONDING PATTERN.

Antimycin A (antimycin), one of the first known and most potent inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, binds to the quinone reduction site of the cytochrome bc1 complex. Structure-activity relationship studies have shown that the N-formylamino-salicyl-amide group is responsible for most of the binding specificity, and suggested that a low pKa for the phenolic OH group and an intramolecular H-bond between that OH and the carbonyl O of the salicylamide linkage are important. Two previous X-ray structures of antimycin bound to vertebrate bc1 complex gave conflicting results. A new structure reported here of the bovine mitochondrial bc1 complex at 2.28 A resolution with antimycin bound, allows us for the first time to reliably describe the binding of antimycin and shows that the intramolecular hydrogen bond described in solution and in the small-molecule structure is replaced by one involving the NH rather than carbonyl O of the amide linkage, with rotation of the amide group relative to the aromatic ring. The phenolic OH and formylamino N form H-bonds with conserved Asp228 of cytochrome b, and the formylamino O H-bonds via a water molecule to Lys227. A strong density, the right size and shape for a diatomic molecule is found between the other side of the dilactone ring and the alphaA helix.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “Terahertz Spectroscopy of Carbon Nanomaterials”

Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene, have remarkable electrical and optical properties. The transport of charge carriers is ballistic for a long distance; the current density and the carrier mobility exceed the conventional values of semiconductors; the relaxation time of optically-injected carriers is unusually fast. These exceptional properties of carbon nanomaterials have sparked intensive searches for futuristic applications in a wide range from nanometer-scale switches to single molecule detection. In particular, the unique electronic properties lead to strong nonlinear electrodynamics, which implies great potential for high-speed electronics operating at terahertz (THz) switching rates. It is of great importance to understand the THz properties of carbon nanomaterials not only for practical applications but also for fundamental science. THz spectroscopy of carbon nanomaterials is still in its early stage, yet notable progresses have been made both in experimental and theoretical studies for the last several years. The main thrust of this special issue is to present the recent studies on THz carrier dynamics in low-dimensional carbon nanostructures demonstrating the remarkable THz properties of the unique material systems. The issue includes six invited articles, which review the outstanding progresses made for the last several years, providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamental THz properties of the carbon nanomaterials. The first article, “Terahertz properties of graphene” by Callum Docherty and Michael Johnston from University of Oxford, UK, reviews THz time-domain spectroscopy (THzTDS) and related THz measurements of graphene. The article shows that THz-TDS is a powerful tool not only to characterize the free carrier transport but also to probe the interband and intraband response of excited carriers in graphene. The second article, “Terahertz photon mixing effect in gapped graphene” by Chao Zhang and his colleagues from University of Wollongong, Australia, and Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai, China, presents theoretical calculations of the nonlinear frequency mixing in doped graphene with a bandgap. The theoretical study reveals that the intraband nonlinear THz responses of gapped graphene are highly sensitive to the bandgap energy. In the third article, “Spectroscopic study on ultrafast carrier dynamics and terahertz amplified stimulated emission in J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves (2012) 33:795–796 DOI 10.1007/s10762-012-9922-x
Perspectives of volunteers in emergency feeding programs on hunger, its causes, and solutions.

Abstract Objective To understand the social beliefs of volunteers in emergency feeding programs (EFPs) regarding hunger and whether volunteer experiences broadened understanding of hunger. Design An interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods were used. Subjects Seventeen volunteers were recruited and interviewed from three EFPs. Analysis Interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results Volunteering in EFPs increased volunteers' awareness of the prevalence of hunger in their communities. More involved volunteers had a greater understanding of the life situations of the hungry. The volunteers felt that increasing self-sufficiency and private responses were appropriate solutions to hunger. The volunteers' attitudes and social beliefs were similar to those of the general public. Implications Interventions that facilitate interaction between volunteers and clients, promote reflection on volunteer experiences, and provide alternative viewpoints on poverty are needed to broaden volunteers' understanding of hunger and food insecurity.
TFIIAα/β-Like Factor Is Encoded by a Germ Cell-Specific Gene Whose Expression Is Up-Regulated with Other General Transcription Factors During Spermatogenesis in the Mouse

Abstract TFIIAα/β-like factor (ALF) is a testis-specific counterpart of the large subunit of human general transcription factor TFIIA. Northern analysis shows that ALF mRNA first appears in mouse testis at Postnatal Day 14. Similarly, expression of the general transcription factors TBP, TRF2, TFIIAα/β, TFIIAγ, and TFIIIB90 is also increased beginning at Postnatal Day 14, suggesting that there is a coordinated induction of many general transcription factors during male germ cell differentiation. Analysis of male germ cells separated by Staput sedimentation shows that ALF is present in pachytene spermatocytes and haploid spermatids. In addition, in situ hybridization experiments with adult mouse testis shows that ALF is present in haploid spermatids. Searches of the human genome sequence database using the basic local alignment search tool reveal that the ALF and TFIIAα/β (GTF2A1) genes are both composed of nine exons, whereas the TFIIAγ (GTF2A2) gene is composed of five exons. Furthermore, nucleotide and a...
A single-chain TALEN architecture for genome engineering

Transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs) are tailor-made DNA endonucleases and serve as a powerful tool for genome engineering. Site-specific DNA cleavage can be made by the dimerization of FokI nuclease domains at custom-targeted genomic loci, where a pair of TALENs must be positioned in close proximity with an appropriate orientation. However, the simultaneous delivery and coordinated expression of two bulky TALEN monomers (>100 kDa) in cells may be problematic to implement for certain applications. Here, we report the development of a single-chain TALEN (scTALEN) architecture, in which two FokI nuclease domains are fused on a single polypeptide. The scTALEN was created by connecting two FokI nuclease domains with a 95 amino acid polypeptide linker, which was isolated from a linker library by high-throughput screening. We demonstrated that scTALENs were catalytically active as monomers in yeast and human cells. The use of this novel scTALEN architecture should reduce protein payload, simplify design and decrease production cost.
Bone discrepancy as a powerful indicator for early surgery in obstetric brachial plexus palsy

One of the unfortunate sequelae in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is upper limb length discrepancy. However, the influence of primary nerve reconstruction remains undetermined. In this study, the resultant discrepancy in children with OBPP who underwent primary reconstruction was analyzed in relation to the severity of the lesion, the timing of surgery, and the functional outcome following surgery. Fifty-four patients that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Preoperative and postoperative bilateral scanograms were obtained to document the effect of reinnervation on bone growth. The length of the humerus, ulna, third metacarpal, third proximal phalange, and total limb length were measured and the percentage between the affected and normal side were accessed. Correlations between all the measures of limb length and measures of active motion (i.e., three different classification systems) were performed. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations between limb length discrepancies and nearly all measures of active upper extremity movement. The timing of surgery and the severity of the lesion significantly influenced the resultant limb length discrepancy. The prevention of a non-acceptable upper limb discrepancy is fundamental for both the patient and family. The extent of the resultant discrepancy appeared to be strongly related to the time between injury and surgery, degree of severity, and the outcome of surgery. Patients with better functional recoveries of the affected upper extremities showed smaller differences in limb length.
Competition for shelter space causes density-dependent predation mortality in damselfishes

The long-standing interest in density dependence in demographic rates of organisms stems from its influence in bounding population fluctuations and in shaping spatial patterns of abundance. Despite growing evidence that early mortality of marine reef fishes can be density dependent and can involve predation, the underlying biological mech- anisms have not as yet been fully explored in any system. Here we examine the causes of density-dependent juvenile mortality for two tropical damselfishes, Dascyllus flavicaudus and D. trimaculatus. These species shelter in branching corals or anemones, and they feed on plankton above their microhabitats during the day. Field experiments confirmed that density-dependent juvenile mortality of both Dascyllus species arose from predation and that most of the density-dependent loss could be attributed to small-bodied, resident piscivores (e.g., sandperch, squirrelfish) rather than larger, tran- sient species (e.g., jacks). Over the diel cycle, mortality was strongly density dependent during the dark when damselfish were sheltering but not during daylight when fish were actively foraging. Infrared video recordings revealed the species of predators responsible for most losses and indicated that most predatory events occurred from late twilight to early night, when damselfishes were in shelters and not feeding. Individuals were most at risk when located near or just outside the perimeter of a shelter. The proportion of a cohort in the riskiest areas of a microhabitat increased with density. The cause of the increased fraction of individuals at risk with increasing density was intraspecific interactions among sheltering fish jostling for space in the safest regions; this resulted in the displacement of less aggressive individuals to riskier locations. Thus, density-dependent mortality in both damselfishes arose from interference competition for refuge space from crepuscular and nocturnal predators.
Drosophila Apc1 and Apc2 regulate Wingless transduction throughout development

Inactivation of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor triggers the development of most colorectal carcinomas. APC is required for targeted degradation of beta-catenin, the central transcriptional activator in the Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signal transduction pathway; however, the precise biochemical functions of APC remain uncertain. The two Drosophila homologs of APC (Apc1 and Apc2) appear to have predominantly different tissue distributions, different subcellular localizations and mutually exclusive phenotypes upon inactivation. Unexpectedly, we have found that despite these differences, simultaneous reduction in both Drosophila Apc proteins results in the global nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and the constitutive activation of Wg transduction throughout development. This redundancy extends even to functions previously thought to be specific to the individual Apc homologs. Together, these results reveal that the combined activity of Apc1 and Apc2 allows a tight regulation of transcriptional activation by beta-catenin and suggest that APC proteins are required for the regulation of Wnt transduction in all cells.
The Advent of the Federal Reserve and the Efficiency of the Payments System: The Collection of Checks, 1915–1930

Abstract This paper investigates whether the services of the Federal Reserve System improved the efficiency of the system in the United States for collecting checks relative to the efficiency of the system used by banks just prior to the formation of the Federal Reserve. There are two types of evidence that the Fed's services improved efficiency. First, the Reserve Banks quickly became major processors of interregional checks, even though banks could have continued to use the prior payments arrangements. The timing of the growth in Reserve Bank collection services was not consistent with the view that banks simply took advantage of a subsidy provided by the Fed. The share of checks collected by the Reserve Banks increased rapidly during the period when the Fed charged banks fees to cover their collection expenses. Second, declines in the ratios of cash to total assets of banks can be attributed to the development of the Fed's check-collection services.
Parametric Representation of Speech Signals [DSP History]

This article presents a condensed summary of the Marconi presentation, devoted to parametric representation of speech signals. Regarding the future of speech coding. It is shown that "The future is certain to prove interesting!".
Literature Review: Sonographic Diagnosis of Schizencephaly

Schizencephaly is a congenital brain malformation in which clefts develop in the cerebral hemispheres. This aberration may be described as open lip (type I) or closed lip (type II) and may be further expressed as unilateral or bilateral. Using historical and current research, this article provides embryogenesis, pathogenesis, and possible etiologies of schizencephaly. Furthermore, the postnatal sonographic appearance is discussed, along with associated anomalies and possible outcomes for this exceedingly rare but disruptive brain malformation.
New method of detection and classification of yield-impacting EUV mask defects

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) advances printability of small size features for both memory and logic semiconductor devices. It promises to bring relief to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, removing the need for multiple masks in rendering a single design layer on wafer. However, EUV also brings new challenges, one of which is of mask defectivity. For this purpose, much of the focus in recent years has been in finding ways to adequately detect, characterize, and reduce defects on both EUV blanks and patterned masks. In this paper we will present an efficient way to classify and disposition EUV mask defects through a new algorithm developed to classify defects located on EUV photomasks. By processing scanning electronmicroscopy images (SEM) of small regions of a photomask, we extract highdimensional local features Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG). Local features represent image contents compactly for detection or classification, without requiring image segmentation. Using these HOGs, a supervised classification method is applied which allows differentiating between nondefective and defective images. In the new approach we have developed a superior method of detection and classification of defects, using mask and supporting mask printed data from several metallization masks. We will demonstrate that use of the HOG method allows realtime identification of defects on EUV masks regardless of geometry or construct. The defects identified by this classifier are further divided into subclasses for mask defect disposition: foreign material, foreign material from previous step, and topological defects. The goal of disposition is to categorize on the images into subcategories and provide recommendation of prescriptive actions to avoid impact on the wafer yield.
Sufficiency of Expert Testimony in Antitrust Litigation

In an era of continually diminishing judicial reliance on per se approaches to antitrust offenses, economic concepts associated with more elaborate inquiries into competitive effects have become increasingly central to the litigation of antitrust actions. To address those concepts, plaintiffs and defendants alike have increasingly turned to expert witnesses, most often economists, who have as a consequence become ever more essential players in antitrust actions. Antitrust litigators and courts, in turn, have become accustomed to evaluating the sufficiency of the expert evidence through procedural devices such as summary judgment and judgment as a matter of law. Because of the centrality of the expert's testimony, rejection of the expert frequently provided the basis for the entry of judgment in favor of the opposing party. That approach, however, was deficient, having ignored the crucial distinction between questions of admissibility, which are properly addressed under the Federal Rules of Evidence, and questions of sufficiency, which are addressed under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. This distinction recently was highlighted by the Supreme Court's 1993 decision in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, which mandates a new, multi-factored inquiry into the relevance and reliability of expert testimony under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The case is already being applied to economists in antitrust cases, and should provide the catalyst for transforming our approach to the treatment of testifying experts in antitrust cases. Evaluation of the admissibility of the expert's testimony should be more clearly separated from considerations of overall evidentiary sufficiency, and expert testimony deemed to be "relevant and reliable" under Daubert should more frequently prove to be impervious to the typical motion for summary judgment.
CytochromeP450 2D6 and Atomoxetine Metabolism

The relation of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity to metabolism, response and adverse effects of atomoxetine was determined by CYP2D6 genotyping in 10 out of 100 children treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.
Impact of Education on Weight in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Every Little Bit Helps.

Aims Highly structured, intensive behavioral lifestyle interventions have been shown to be efficacious in research settings for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. We sought to evaluate the benefit of participation in more limited counseling and/or education among individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in more modest real-world clinical settings. Methods Electronic Health Records of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients age 35–74 from a large ambulatory group practice were analyzed (n = 1,314). We examined participation in clinic-based lifestyle counseling/education and subsequent weight loss. Results Of the total cohort, 599 (45.6%) patients received counseling/education with (26.2%) and without (19.4%) medication, 298(22.7%) patients received a prescription for medication alone, and 417(31.7%) patients were only monitored. On average, those who participated in counseling/education attended 2.5 sessions (approximately 2–3 hours). The average weight loss of patients who received counseling/education alone during the follow-up period (up to three years post-exposure to participation) was 6.3 lbs. (3.3% of body weight), and, if received with medication prescription, 8.1lbs. (4.0% of body weight) (all at P<0.001). The weight loss associated with medication was only 3.5 lbs. (P<0.001). No significant weight change was observed in the monitoring only group. Conclusions While efforts to improve both the short-term and long-term effectiveness of behavioral lifestyle interventions in real-world settings are ongoing, it is important for clinicians to continue to utilize less intensive, existing resources. Even relatively small “doses” of health education may help in promoting weight loss and may potentially reduce cardiometabolic risk.
Upper and Lower Level Business Courses and Adult Learning Theory: Application Exercises in HRM, SCM, Marketing, and Finance

This paper presents an innovative approach to applying Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory in a sequence of uniquely integrated lower-level and upper-level undergraduate business courses. Traditional classroom teachings are enhanced with hands-on, small group, practitioner-oriented exercises that focus on student knowledge application, consequential reflection, and skill advancement. Both quantitative and qualitative student opinion data are presented as evaluative indicators
Competencies, Clusters, and Skews in Private Equity: Exploring the Investment Professional Competencies that Distinguish Extreme Outperformance at One Leading PE Firm

Using the real-world laboratory of one leading private equity (PE) firm, this paper attempts to directly connect professional competencies to performance outcomes, and more specifically, to skewed performance distributions. Though no published studies appear to focus on the shape of PE return distributions, data presented in multiple studies indicates that returns are right skewed at the levels of funds and individual portfolio company investments. At both levels, a small percentage of actors drive an outsized portion of returns. This paper finds that within one leading PE firm, this right skew exists at both the levels of individual investments and investment professional portfolios. The paper then leverages methods from organizational behavior, finance, and statistics to identify the mixes of investment professional competencies that distinguish right-tail outperformance within the firm, and then attempts to link these to investment outcomes. The paper finds that professionals who lead outperforming investments tend to excel in three different clusters of competencies and related style elements (identifiable behaviors that may be based upon groups of competencies), that they display more robust and varied toolkits within each cluster than do professionals who lead underperformers, and that these mixes of competencies contribute to investment outcomes in identifiable ways.
Relationship of Body Weight to Strength Body Weight Ratio in Championship Weightlifters

Abstract Analysis of the body weight to the strength/weight ratio in 121 championship weight-lifters shows a linear decrease in proportionate strength with increasing body weight for the weight classes 132 to 198 pounds. The greater agility and endurance usually found in smaller men may be the result of this phenomenon. Proportion of muscle tissue in the body, ratio of contractile to structural proteins in the muscle, or favorable skeletal proportions are suggested as some of the possible causes.
Electron-Phonon Scattering Rates in 2d Systems

Electron-phonon scattering is one of the most fundamental processes in solids. In clean bulk metals, it is well established that the electron-phonon energy relaxation rate, τ e-ph’ −1 , varies as T 3 at temperatures below the Debye temperature, θ D . However, our understanding in lower-dimensional and disordered systems is limited [1]. Experimental studies in metal films have yielded a range of different and conflicting results. Theoretical efforts to explain them have focused mainly on two issues.
Intersection Syndrome: The Subtle Squeak of an Overused Wrist

Patient histories that include wrist pain can be pivotal in the distinction between intersection syndrome (IS) and the more common de Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT). Presented here is a 26-year-old pregnant woman with a history of rowing who developed left radial/dorsal wrist pain and a rubbing/squeaking sensation. Nine months of conservative DQT therapy and a landmark-guided corticosteroid injection failed to relieve her symptoms. An in-clinic ultrasound showed tenosynovitis at the intersection of the first and second compartments, confirming a diagnosis of IS. She found immediate relief with ultrasound-guided saline hydrodissection, the injection of saline into the intercompartmental space to reduce adhesions. Both DQT and IS are overuse injuries caused by repetitive wrist extension, as occurs in rowing, and either condition can worsen after pregnancy. Distinguishing the subtleties between DQT and IS can be challenging. Close attention to the patient's description of the pain can guide treatment, potentially expediting recovery. In addition, saline hydrodissection can be both a diagnostic tool and a potentially therapeutic alternative to steroid injections for such tendinopathies.
Abstract 18255: Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation: Role of STAT3

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening degenerative vascular disease that affects 6-9% of men over 65. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate the innate immune response resulting in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the site of a range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns; they have also been implicated in many other inflammatory diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. It has been suggested by others that TLR4 might play a role in AAA formation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether TLR4 and its related Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway contributed to the development of angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAA formation. Methods and Results: AngII (750 ng/kg/min) was infused into either ApoE-/- or ApoE-/-TLR4-/- male mice at 4 month old for 28 days using osmotic minipumps. The expression of TLR4 protein was significantly increased in aneurismal tissues compared to control aorta. TLR4 deficiency profoundly reduced AAA, with incidence of AAA formation of 82% versus 39%, with external aortic diameters of 1.88±0.13 mm versus 1.28±0.20 mm (n=18) respectively. STAT3 activation as measured by levels of pSTAT3 was increased in AngII treated ApoE-/- mice compared to vehicle treated, and was markedly reduced in AngII treated ApoE-/-TLR4-/- mice. Furthermore, the TLR4 antagonist, Eritoran attenuated AAA formation, with incidence of AAA formation of 80% versus 50%, with external aortic diameters of 1.92±0.15 mm versus 1.35±0.18 mm (n=9) respectively. Eritoran treatment also decreased pSTAT3 in AngII-treated ApoE-/- mice. The JAK/STAT3 can be driven by both AngII and TLR4 signaling. In order to determine the role of STAT3 in AAA formation, S3I-201, an inhibitor of STAT3 was administrated. AngII-induced AAA formation in ApoE-/- was significantly prevented by S3I-201 treatment (5mg/kg, IP, QOD) with incidence of AAA formation of 85% versus 40%, with external aortic diameters of 1.90±0.16 mm versus 1.15±0.10 mm (n=15) respectively. Conclusions: These studies demonstrated that inhibition of TLR4 reduces AngII-induced AAA via a STAT3 dependent mechanism suggesting that selective targeting of STAT3 may have substantial therapeutic potential.
Stressed-out ROS take a silent death route.

Detrimental levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species engage a caspase-independent and non-inflammatory cell death called ‘oxeiptosis’ that serves as an important mechanism in diminishing inflammation.
The poetic language of David Foster Wallace

A detailed analysis of a short phrase demonstrates that David Foster Wallace manipulated linguistic variables on all levels of language (phonological, orthographical, morphological, syntactic, sema...
Modeling of Reinforced Concrete Two-Way Floor Slab Deflections due to Construction Loading

AbstractAn analytical algorithm was developed to compute the midpanel deflection history for reinforced concrete two-way floor slabs in multistory buildings. Midpanel deflection was determined usin...
It???s not you, it???s me: corollary discharge in the precerebellar nuclei of sleeping infant rats

In week-old rats, somatosensory input arises predominantly from stimuli in the external environment or from sensory feedback associated with myoclonic twitches during active (REM) sleep. A previous study of neural activity in cerebellar cortex raised the possibility that the brainstem motor structures that produce twitches also send copies of motor commands (or corollary discharge, CD) to the cerebellum. Here, by recording from two precerebellar nuclei—the inferior olive and lateral reticular nucleus—we demonstrate that CD does indeed accompany the production of twitches. Within both structures, the CD signal comprises a surprisingly sharp activity peak within 10 ms of twitch onset. In the inferior olive, this sharp peak is attributable to the opening of slow potassium channels. We conclude that a diversity of neural activity is conveyed to the developing cerebellum preferentially during sleep-related twitching, enabling cerebellar processing of convergent input from CD and reafferent signals.
Scanning N Uniform Distributed Points: Bounds

In the study of bounds for scan statistic probabilities two methods have been employed. The first method utilizes the scanning process representation of the scan statistic that has been discussed in Naus (1982), Wallenstein (1980), and Wallenstein and Neff (1987). The second method is based on the order statistics representation of the scan statistics investigated in Berman and Eagleson (1985), Gates and Westcott (1984), Glaz (1989, 1992), and Krauth (1988). The class of inequalities that we will present here is known in the statistical literature as Bonferroni-type inequalities. For a thorough treatment of these inequalities and many interesting references and applications, see a recent book by Galambos and Simonelli (1996). The Bonferroni-type inequalities that we will use for developing bounds for scan statistic probabilities are usually tigher than the classical Bonferroni inequalities introduced in Bonferroni (1936). Therefore, the classical Bonferroni inequalities will not be discussed here.
Feeder space availability and dried distillers grains with solubles inclusion rate effects on nursery and finishing pig performance and total tract digestibility in a commercial setting

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Thesis Organization 2 Literature Review 2 Literature Cited 12 CHAPTER 2. FEEDER SPACE AVAILABILITY AND DRIED DISTILLERS GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES INCLUSION RATE EFFECTS ON NURSERY AND FINISHING PIG PERFORMANCE AND TOTAL TRACT DIGESTIBILITY IN A COMMERCIAL SETTING Abstract 18 Introduction 19 Materials and Methods 20 Results and Discussion 26 Conclusion 33 Acknowledgements 34 Literature Cited 34 Tables 39 Figures 46
Profiling of short RNAs using Helicos single-molecule sequencing.

The importance of short (<200 nt) RNAs in cell biogenesis has been well documented. These short RNAs include crucial classes of molecules such as transfer RNAs, small nuclear RNA, microRNAs, and many others (reviewed in Storz et al., Annu Rev Biochem 74:199–217, 2005; Ghildiyal and Zamore, Nat Rev Genet 10:94–108, 2009). Furthermore, the realm of functional RNAs that fall within this size range is growing to include less well-characterized RNAs such as short RNAs found at the promoters and 3′ termini of genes (Affymetrix ENCODE Transcriptome Project et al., Nature 457:1028–1032, 2009; Davis and Ares, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103:3262–3267, 2006; Kapranov et al., Science 316:1484–1488, 2007; Taft et al., Nat Genet 41:572–578, 2009; Kapranov et al., Nature 466:642–646, 2010), short RNAs involved in paramutation (Rassoulzadegan et al., Nature 441:469–474, 2006), and others (reviewed in Kawaji and Hayashizaki, PLoS Genet 4:e22, 2008). Discovery and accurate quantification of these RNA molecules, less than 200 bases in size, is thus an important and also challenging aspect of understanding the full repertoire of cellular and extracellular RNAs. Here, we describe the strategies and procedures we developed to profile short RNA species using single-molecule sequencing (SMS) and the advantages SMS offers.
Early Indivisibles and Infinitesimal Techniques

During the late middle ages Euclid’s Elements and the works of Archimedes had been extant, but not always generally accessible and never fully mastered. The sixteenth century saw, finally, the wide dissemination and serious study of these Greek mathematical masterworks. By the latter part of the century, the understanding of Archimedes’ work had reached the point that further progress along the lines of classical Greek mathematics was possible. During the century preceding Newton and Leibniz the method of exhaustion was refined and applied by numerous mathematicians to a wide variety of new quadrature, cubature, and rectification problems (see the reviews of this work by Baron [2], Chapter 3, and Whiteside [12], pp. 331–348).
Ketone body modulation of ligand-gated ion channels

Abstract Ketogenesis is a metabolic process wherein ketone bodies are produced from the breakdown of fatty acids. In humans, fatty acid catabolism results in the production of acetyl-CoA which can then be used to synthesize three ketone bodies: acetoacetate, acetone, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Ketogenesis occurs at a higher rate in situations of low blood glucose, such as during fasting, heavy alcohol consumption, and in situations of low insulin, as well as in individuals who follow a ‘ketogenic diet’ consisting of low carbohydrate and high fat intake. This diet has various therapeutic indications, including reduction of seizure likelihood in epileptic patients and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying these therapeutic benefits are still unclear, with studies suggesting various mechanisms such as a shift in energy production in the brain, effects on neurotransmitter production, or effects on various protein targets. Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes was used to investigate the actions of ketone bodies on three ionotropic receptors: GABAA, glycine, and NMDA receptors. While physiologically-relevant concentrations of acetone have little effect on inhibitory GABA or glycine receptors, β–hydroxybutyrate inhibits the effects of agonists of these receptors at concentrations achieved in vivo. Additionally, both acetone and β-hydroxybutyrate act as inhibitors of glutamate at the excitatory NMDA receptor. Due to the role of hyperexcitability in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal, the inhibitory actions of acetone and β-hydroxybutyrate at NMDA receptors may underlie the therapeutic benefit of a ketogenic diet for these disorders.
Alternative Means of Posterior Cervical Stabilization

The posterior approach is commonly performed in the treatment of multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) with spinal cord compression. Both posterior laminoplasty and laminectomy with fusion can achieve adequate decompression of the spinal cord and obtain satisfactory neurologic outcomes. Lateral mass screw (LMS) fixation is the prevalent fixation technique for the posterior cervical approach. LMS fixation achieves a high fusion rate and is associated with a low complication profile. Neurologic injury, vascular injury, and hardware failure rarely occur in LMS cases. LMS has become the standard technique for posterior fixation in the subaxial cervical spine for various pathologies. Nevertheless, LMS fixation has its own limitations and isn’t indicated under certain circumstances. In such circumstances, alternative techniques including cervical pedicle screw, translaminar screw, and transfacet screw can be very useful for posterior cervical fixation instead of LMS. In this chapter, we will give a comprehensive explanation of these common alternatives for posterior cervical fixation.
E-078 Advance study: automated detection and volumetric assessment of intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction Intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are a source of significant mortality and morbidity worldwide, and even those who survive the insult have a higher future mortality than the general population.1 Given this, prompt recognition, hematoma volume and location, differentiation from intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and the presence of hydrocephalus are known features related to unfavorable outcomes. An artificial intelligence (AI) fully automated detection system is thought to ameliorate ICH detection and measurement, which could potentially improve condition recognition and patient prognosis. Methods A retrospective analysis of non-contrast CTs (NCCTs) from a single center, randomly picked from prospective cohort of acute stroke patients, was done to compare the semi-automated expert-based (OsiriX MD v.9.0.1) ratings versus AI algorithm ratings. NCCTs from 2014 to 2017, for both ICH (presence and volume) and other neuroimaging findings (such as IVH) and non-ICH subjects were analyzed. Same scans were rated by Viz-ICH® v2.0 – an Artificial Intelligence Automated Convolutional Neural Network. Results Preliminary analysis of subjects: 689 NCCTs were evaluated – of those, 537 had ICH and 152 were non-ICH (control group). ICH group findings: mean age 59.3±13.5, bNIHSS 13[4–22], ICH volume of 26.6±36 cc, males 56.4% hypertension 86.2% and presence of IVH 51.7% of them. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (uncontrolled for IVH): α=96.1% (IC95%=0.900–0.933; p≤0.001) and sensitivity 94.5%. Maximal running time of the algorithm was under 15s. Conclusion The presence and volume of ICHs can be accurately predicted by AI Viz-ICH Algorithm, with good differentiation from IVH and other neuroimaging findings. The software has the potential for appropriate and rapid diagnosis of these patients. Disclosures C. Barreira: None. M. Bouslama: None. J. Ratcliff: None. G. Pradilla: None. H. Rahman: None. A. Al-Bayati: None. D. Haussen: None. J. Grossberg: None. M. Frankel: None. R. Nogueira: None.
Rainfall and habitat interact to affect the condition of a wintering migratory songbird in The Bahamas

On the subtropical and tropical wintering grounds of migratory birds, variation in moisture levels and habitat can influence the availability of food resources and subsequently impact overwintering birds. Using stable carbon isotopes in blood samples as a measure of moisture, we assessed the interactive effects of rainfall, vegetation, and moisture on the demographics and condition of Prairie Warblers (Setophaga discolor) wintering in The Bahamas. Carbon isotopes in Prairie Warbler blood were more depleted in taller, wetter habitats; we additionally detected novel temporal effects of rainfall on isotope values. During a winter with more rainfall, most birds maintained mass and pectoral muscle regardless of the habitat type occupied. In a winter with less rainfall, birds lost mass and pectoral muscle, and this effect was more pronounced in birds with enriched isotope values and birds that occupied drier, shorter habitat. Prairie Warblers exhibited strong patterns of sexual habitat segregation with males disproportionately observed in areas with taller vegetation and females in shorter vegetation. During the drier winter, older males had better maintenance of pectoral muscle compared to females and younger individuals. Also in the drier winter, daily rainfall patterns explained more of the variation in body condition compared to the date of capture; pectoral muscle was best explained by recent precipitation (during the previous 30 days), while size-corrected mass was more a function of longer-term (90-day) rainfall and habitat moisture. Our findings along with other studies suggest that Prairie Warblers and other migratory birds are sensitive to interactions between annual variation in winter rainfall, within-season daily rainfall patterns, and habitat quality. Increasing drought and habitat loss in the Caribbean may be having a negative impact on wintering bird populations. To best conserve Nearctic-Neotropical migratory passerines in the region, we recommend prioritizing the protection of the least drought-prone wintering areas.