cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-point to multi-point MIMO in wireless LANs

Distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) promises a dramatic capacity increase. While significant theoretical work has been done on distributed MIMO at the physical layer, how to translate the physical layer innovation into tangible benefits to real networks remains open. In particular, realizing multi-point to multi-point MIMO involves the following challenges: (i) how to accurately synchronize multiple APs in phase and time in order to successfully deliver precoded signals to the clients, and (ii) how to develop a MAC protocol to effectively support multi-point to multi-point MIMO. In this paper, we develop a practical approach to address the above challenges. We implement multi-point to multi-point MIMO for both uplink and downlink to enable multiple APs to simultaneously communicate with multiple clients. We examine a number of important MAC design issues, such as how to access the medium, perform rate adaptation, support acknowledgments in unicast traffic, deal with losses/collisions, and schedule transmissions. We demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness through a prototype implementation on USRP and SORA, two of the most well-known software defined radio platforms.
Magnetic anisotropy in density-functional theory

Magnetic anisotropy is discussed in the context of density-functional theory. A formula for the magnetic torque is derived. This formula includes the effects of the spin part of the exchange-correlation energy. All relativistic effects are taken into account, but assumptions are made for the direction of the spin magnetic moment. The nature of the torque is analyzed by expanding the formula in terms of inverse powers of the speed of light. This analysis shows how to include the effects of the spin-dependent part of the exchange-correlation potential together with the spin-orbit coupling. We find that extra terms exist in addition to the standard spin-orbit coupling.
Influence of Potassium Sorbate and pH on Ten Strains of Type A and B Clostridium botulinum

Growth of each of ten strains of C. botulinum was measured as the average A630nm of five replicate peptone-yeast extract-glucose (PYEG) broth cultures at 37°C. Media ranged in pH from 7.10–5.10 with potassium sorbate concentrations of 0–0.26%. Growth Ratios [GR = treatment/control] based on time to reach A630=0.35 were calculated. The linear regressions of log [GR] vs log [undissociated sorbic acid in mg/L] or [1/GR] vs [pH] were used to predict GR's at 250 mg/L undissociated sorbic acid (pH 5.65 and 0.26% sorbate) and at pH 5.65 (0% sorbate) respectively. Among the ten strains examined, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in resistance to pH and sorbate among strains and for the same strain from different spore suspensions were discovered. Resistance to pH and sorbate appeared to be correlated.
Soil carbon cycling and sequestration in a seasonally saturated wetland receiving agricultural runoff

Abstract. The fate of organic carbon (C) lost by erosion is not well understood in agricultural settings. Recent models suggest that wetlands and other small water bodies may serve as important long-term sinks of eroded C, receiving ~30 % of all eroded material in the US. To better understand the role of seasonally-saturated wetlands in sequestering eroded C, we examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of C and sediment accumulation in a 13-year-old constructed wetland used to treat agricultural runoff. The fate of C sequestered within deposited sediment was modeled using point-sampling, remote sensing, and geostatistics. Using a spatially-explicit sampling design, annual net rates of sedimentation and above-ground biomass were measured during two contrasting years (vegetated (2004) vs. non-vegetated (2005)), followed by collection of sediment cores to the antecedent soil layer, representing 13 years of sediment and C accumulation. We documented high annual variation in the relative contribution of endogenous and exogenous C sources, as well as absolute rates of sediment and C deposition. This annual variation, however, was muted in the long-term (13 yr) sediment record, which showed consistent vertical patterns of uniform C distribution (~14 g kg–1) and δ13C signatures in high depositional environments. This was in contrast to low depositional environments which had high levels of surface C enrichment (20–35 g kg–1) underlain by C depleted (5–10 g kg–1) sediments and an increasing δ13C signature with depth indicating increased decomposition. These results highlight the importance of sedimentation in physically protecting soil organic carbon and its role in controlling the long-term C concentration of seasonally-saturated wetland soils. While significant enrichment of surface sediments with endogenous C occurred in newly deposited sediment (i.e., 125 kg m2 in 2004), fluctuating cycles of flooding and drying maintained the long-term C concentration at the same level as inflowing sediment (i.e., 14 g kg–1), indicating no additional long-term storage of endogenous C. These results demonstrate that constructed flow-through wetlands can serve as important sinks for eroded C and sediment in agricultural landscapes, however, additional C sequestration via enrichment from endogenous sources may be limited in seasonally-saturated wetlands due to rapid decomposition during drying cycles.
Understanding Architectural Assets

"The life of a software architect is a long and rapid succession of suboptimal design decisions taken partly in the dark. " [1] The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the darkness, by discussing a key characteristic of successful software architectures - the use of reusable assets. Reusable assets provide a valuable vehicle for capitalizing on the work of other successful architects, from fine-grained programming idioms to large- grained off-the-shelf packaged solutions. However, consideration of reusable assets can itself be a minefield. There are many different types of asset to consider, and it is not always clear what is meant by each of them, and the value they provide. What is the difference between an architectural style and a reference architecture? How does a mechanism differ from a framework? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the different types of reusable asset available to the architect, their characteristics, and their usage.
Balanced Strategies for Prisoner's Dilemma

When is a strategy cooperative, yet safe from invasion? A mathematical characterization of such strategies is given, which I call “balanced.” I show that tit-for-tat is balanced, and, in general, a strategy is balanced if and only if its probability of defection on a particular move is sufficiently large relative to the opponent's cumulative score and sufficiently low relative to its own cumulative score.
Pornography's Impact on Sexual Satisfaction1

Male and female students and nonstudents were exposed to videotapes featuring common, nonviolent pornography or innocuous content. Exposure was in hourly sessions in six consecutive weeks. In the seventh week, subjects participated in an ostensibly unrelated study on societal institutions and personal gratifications. On an especially constructed questionnaire, subjects rated their personal happiness regarding various domains of experience; additionally, they indicated the relative importance of gratifying experiences. Exposure to pornography was without influence on the self-assessment of happiness and satisfaction outside the sexual realm (e.g., satisfaction deriving from professional accomplishments). In contrast, it strongly impacted self-assessment of sexual experience. After consumption of pornography, subjects reported less satisfaction with their intimate partners—specifically, with these partners' affection, physical appearance, sexual curiosity, and sexual performance proper. In addition, subjects assigned increased importance to sex without emotional involvement. These effects were uniform across gender and populations.
A maximum likelihood detector for nonlinear magnetic recording

Extremely high density magnetic recording is not well modeled by linear superposition. A model for nonlinearities in thick particulate media is described, and a simple maximum likelihood detector to this channel is derived. The authors first review the nonlinear recording model of A. Armstrong et al., (1991) and then describe the architecture of the maximum likelihood sequences estimator for the channel. It is observed that further simplifications to the detector can be made when the channel can be described in terms of partial response signals. Some simulation results obtained for a simple channel model are reviewed. >
Students' Anti-Intellectual Attitudes and Adjustment to College:

Correlations between scores on the Student Anti-intellectualism Scale and scores on the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire were examined for a sample of 84 college students. Significant negative correlations were found between students' anti-intellectual attitudes and their Full Scale, Academic Adjustment, and Institutional Attachment scores but no correlation between anti-intellectual attitudes and the Social Adjustment and Personal-emotional Adjustment scores.
Auditory streaming of tones of uncertain frequency, level, and duration

Stimulus uncertainty is known to critically affect auditory masking, but its influence on auditory streaming has been largely ignored. Standard ABA-ABA tone sequences were made increasingly uncertain by increasing the sigma of normal distributions from which the frequency, level, or duration of tones were randomly drawn. Consistent with predictions based on a model of masking by Lutfi, Gilbertson, Chang, and Stamas [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 2160–2170 (2013)], the frequency difference for which A and B tones formed separate streams increased as a linear function of sigma in tone frequency but was much less affected by sigma in tone level or duration.
The Older Driver with Cognitive Impairment: Perceptions of Driving Ability and Results of a Behind the Wheel Test

Older adult drivers with cognitive impairment pose a potential safety risk to themselves and others. Providers are often uncertain about when to request a formal evaluation of driving ability, leaving subjective reports of concerns by the patient or family as common initiators of objective driving evaluation referral. This observational study evaluated the correspondence of patient and caregiver report of driving concerns relative to objective behind-the-wheel (BTW) testing. Data were analyzed from occupational therapy driving evaluations of older adult U.S. Veterans referred from cognitive disorder specialty clinics between 2005 and 2015 (n = 151). Driving ability was evaluated with a pre-testing interview of the patient and a knowledgeable caregiver, followed by objective BTW testing. Patients referred had a mean age of 77.6 (SD = 8.1) years, were 97% male, and 98% white. Results demonstrated that most patients are evaluated for driving concerns far too late, with only 3% of the sample being evaluated as independent to drive without restrictions, and 38% recommended to retire from driving. Although both patients and caregivers denied specific driving concerns (obey signs and lights) relative to objective testing, caregiver concerns were greater than their respective patient’s concerns (p < 0.001) and were associated with road test outcome (p = 0.001).
Patient Returns to the Emergency Department: The Time-to-Return Curve

Objectives: Although 72-hour emergency department (ED) revisits are increasingly used as a hospital metric, there is no known empirical basis for this 72-hour threshold. The objective of this study was to determine the timing of ED revisits for adult patients within 30 days of ED discharge. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all nonfederal ED discharges in Florida and Nebraska from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011, using data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). ED discharges were followed forward to identify ED revisits occurring at any hospital within the same state within 30 days. The cumulative hazard of an ED revisit was plotted. Parametric and nonparametric modeling was performed to characterize the rate
Posttransfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis in chimpanzees: Physicochemical evidence that the tubule-forming agent is a small, enveloped virus

Posttransfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis associated with the formation of hepatocyte cytoplasmic tubules was experimentally transmitted to chimpanzees by intravenous inoculation of a proven-infectious plasma that had been pelleted and microfiltrated, or purified by a combination of pelleting and rate-zonal banding. The results of these studies indicate that a factor VIII-derived non-A, non-B tubule-forming agent will pass through an 80-nm membrane filter and that it can be recovered from infected plasma by use of a purification procedure that assumes the non-A, non-B tubule-forming agent is a small, enveloped virus. Our findings, in combination with the known sensitivity of the non-A, non-B tubule-forming agent to chloroform and its apparent lack of nucleic acid homology with hepatitis B virus, further suggest that at least one etiologic agent of human posttransfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis may be a small, enveloped RNA virus.
The JDE’s Peer Education: Reviews of the Literature (PERLs)

This issue of the Journal of Dental Education includes the third set of Peer Education: Reviews of the Literature (PERLs), a new section introduced in January 2015. Its purpose is to call attention to research published in other journals that has particular relevance to dental education. Our scope
Evaluation on Management Module of CIIMS-Management Platform C/S Version

[Objective]To evaluate management module of Childhood Immunization Information Management System(CIIMS) management platform C / S version with national information management platform closed.[Methods]A stratified random sampling method was adopted to select 3 districts(counties) of Nanchang for evaluation of management module of CIIMS-management platform C/S version,the results were observed and analyzed.[Results]The 3 counties(districts) could achieve data sharing case information and off-site vaccinations,the number of repeat cases and card construction volumes decreased,with significant difference(P0.05),effectively improving the vaccine coverage rate with significant difference(χ2=104.5,P0.05).It reduced the workload improved work efficiency.[Conclusion]no independent CIIMS national platform,the municipal use of the management module,is conducive to EPI more scientific,standardized to carry out.
Improving Communication, Collaboration, and Faculty Comfort in Communicating Difficult News in the Pediatric Radiology Department

OBJECTIVE. When an unexpected or significant diagnosis is made while imaging a child, the pediatric radiologist and support staff are placed in the middle of a life-changing event for the patient and family. The process by which this situation is handled can be quite variable in part because of the lack of a preexisting relationship between the pediatric radiologist and the patient and family. Therefore, we developed a program to improve effective communication of unexpected or significant diagnoses to families called the Difficult News Program. CONCLUSION. By defining and coordinating roles, the Difficult News Program improves communication between radiology staff and other health professionals and families and optimizes the patient and family experience during an emotional and difficult time. The defined roles and teamwork approach allow timely, compassionate, and accurate information to be shared with families.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is accelerated by NASH involving M2 macrophage polarization mediated by hif-1αinduced IL-10.

ABSTRACTObesity-related inflammation promotes cancer development. Tissue resident macrophages affect tumor progression and the tumor micro-environment favors polarization into alternatively activated macrophages (M2) that facilitate tumor invasiveness. Here, we dissected the role of western diet-induced NASH in inducing macrophage polarization in a carcinogen initiated model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Adult C57BL/6 male mice received diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) followed by 24 weeks of high fat–high cholesterol–high sugar diet (HF-HC-HSD). We assessed liver MRI and histology, serum ALT, AFP, liver triglycerides, and cytokines. Macrophage polarization was determined by IL-12/TNFα (M1) and CD163/CD206 (M2) expression using flow cytometry. Role of hif-1α-induced IL-10 was dissected in hepatocyte specific hif-1αKO and hif-1αdPA (over-expression) mice. The western diet-induced features of NASH and accelerated HCC development after carcinogen exposure. Liver fibrosis and serum AFP were significantly increa...
Genetics: Genetic factors in the regulation of blood pressure.

Three large-scale association studies provide insights into the genetic architecture of blood pressure regulation, identifying new common variants of modest effect and providing insights into the impact of rare and low-frequency variants. The findings suggest that newly identified variants act through indirect disease pathways and suggest targeting of causal networks might improve outcomes in patients with hypertension.
A case of astroblastoma: Radiological and histopathological characteristics and a review of current treatment options.

Background Astroblastoma is a rare neuroepithelial tumor that often originates in the cerebral hemisphere of children and young adults. Diagnosis of this obscure neoplasm can be difficult because these tumors are so infrequently encountered and share common radiological and neuropathological features of other glial neoplasms. As such, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of astrocytoma and ependymoma if the clinical and radiographic features suggest it. Standardized treatment of astroblastomas remains under dispute because of the lack of knowledge regarding the tumor and a paucity of studies in the literature. Case description We present a case of a low-grade astroblastoma diagnosed in a 30-year-old female with seizures, headache, and vision changes. She underwent gross total resection and, without evidence of high-grade features, adjuvant therapy was not planned postoperatively. Post-operative surveillance suggested early recurrence, warranting referral to radiation therapy. Patient ended up expiring despite adjuvant therapy secondary to extensive recurrence and tumor metastasis. Conclusions Astroblastoma must be considered in the differential of supratentorial tumors in children and young adults. Treatment of such, as suggested by most recent literature, includes gross total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy for lesions exhibiting high-grade features.
Trash Returns to Being // La basura vuelve a ser

Poem written while observing trash on beach at Huanchaco, Peru. Resumen Poema escrito mientras observaba la basura en la playa en Huanchaco, Peru.
Calculation of the cross-sectional shape of a fibril from equatorial scattering.

An alternate formulation of helical diffraction theory is used to generate cross-sectional shapes of fibrous structures from equatorial scattering. We demonstrate this approach with computationally generated scattering intensities and then apply it to scattering data from Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and in vitro assembled fibrils of Aβ40 peptides. Refining the cross-sectional shape of TMV from SAXS data collected on a 26mg/ml solution resulted in a circular shape with outer diameter of ∼180A and inner diameter of ∼40A consistent with the known structure of TMV. We also utilized this method to analyze the equatorial scattering from TMV collected by Don Caspar from a concentrated (24% ∼295mg/ml) gel of TMV as reported in his Ph.D. thesis in 1955. This data differs from the SAXS data in having a sharp interference peak at ∼250A spacing, indicative of strong interparticle interactions in the gel. Analysis of this data required consideration of interatomic vectors as long as 2000A and resulted in generation of images that were interpreted as representative of local organization of TMV particles in the sample. Peaks in the images were separated, on average by about 250A with a density consistent with Caspar's original measurements. Analysis of SAXS data from Aβ fibrils resulted in a cross-sectional shape that could be interpreted in terms of structural models that have been constructed from ssNMR and cryoEM. These results demonstrate an unexpected use of the small-angle region of fiber diffraction patterns to derive fundamental structural properties of scattering objects.
Trans‐acting oligodeoxythymidine phosphorothioate triester reagents for transient transfection optimized and facilitated by a high‐throughput microbioreactor system

A rapid and cost-effective transient transfection method for mammalian cells is essential for screening biopharmaceuticals in early stages of development. A library of 25 amphipathic trans-acting oligodeoxythymidine phosphorothioate triester (dTtaPS) transfection reagents, carrying positively charged and lipophilic groups, has been constructed for this purpose. High-throughput screening of the library, using an imaging cytometer and an automated microbioreactor system, has led to the identification of dTtaPS10+ as a potent transfection reagent. This reagent efficiently delivers a plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein in adherent HeLa cells while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. The microbioreactor system has been particularly useful for assessing the ability of dTtaPS10+ to deliver a plasmid encoding immunoglobulin IgG1 in a fed-batch serum-free suspension CHO cell culture; dTtaPS10+ -mediated transfection resulted in the production of IgG1 in yields comparable to or better than those obtained with commercial lipid-based transfection reagents under similar conditions. The ability of dTtaPS10+ to deliver plasmids is essentially unaffected by the presence of a silicone-based antifoaming reagent, which is commonly used in bioreactor cell cultures. The transfection efficiency of lyophilized dTtaPS10+ -plasmid complexes has been significantly restored upon aqueous reconstitution when compared to that achieved while using commercial transfection reagent complexes under similar conditions. The results of all experiments underscore the potential of dTtaPS10+ for transient transfection of plasmids into adherent cells and fed-batch serum-free suspension CHO cells and rapid screening of reagents in a microbioreactor system.
Retos y oportunidades de los conflictos humanos y la transformación ambiental en las montañas de Ecuador

This article critically analyzes the relationships among resource scarcity, conflict, and the transformation of the environment, positing several conceptual tools that provide a nuanced explanation for environmental transformation through human conflict and which overcome some of the limitations of the existing literature of political conflict. After proposing the idea of nonlinear cycles of violent degradation and demonstrating empirically how this has transformed landscapes and societies in the Ecuadorian highlands, the article examines the sociopolitical processes that occur at each of the nodes of the cycle. Specifically, it argues that the political incentives for cooperative environmental management can build confidence and be instrumental in the de-escalation of violence related to natural resource conflicts. When cooperative environmental management and dispute resolution fails, it is frequently the result of a gap between the short-term political incentives for decision makers to intervene and craft institutional solutions and the long-term pay-offs of these institutional measures for their constituents. The article argues that the destructive cycle is not deterministic, and that at each of the nodes of the cycle, opportunities exist to reach a stage of constructive negotiation, either by building on technical cooperation, mobilizing external allies and pressure agents, or by equalizing the gap in political time windows through conflict escalation so that decision makers find it in their interest to engage and help manage the conflict and mitigate global change.
Organ localization and identification in thoracic CT volumes using 3D CNNs leveraging spatial anatomic relations

In this paper, we present a model to obtain prior knowledge for organ localization in CT thorax images using three dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs). Specifically, we use the knowledge obtained from CNNs in a Bayesian detector to establish the presence and location of a given target organ defined within a spherical coordinate system. We train a CNN to perform a soft detection of the target organ potentially present at any point, x e [r,Θ,Φ]T. This probability outcome is used as a prior in a Bayesian model whose posterior probability serves to provide a more accurate solution to the target organ detection problem. The likelihoods for the Bayesian model are obtained by performing a spatial analysis of the organs in annotated training volumes. Thoracic CT images from the NSCLC–Radiomics dataset are used in our case study, which demonstrates the enhancement in robustness and accuracy of organ identification. The average value of the detector accuracies for the right lung, left lung, and heart were found to be 94.87p, 95.37p, and 90.76p after the CNN stage, respectively. Introduction of spatial relationship using a Bayes classifier improved the detector accuracies to 95.14p, 96.20p, and 95.15p, respectively, showing a marked improvement in heart detection. This workflow improves the detection rate since the decision is made employing both lower level features (edges, contour etc) and complex higher level features (spatial relationship between organs). This strategy also presents a new application to CNNs and a novel methodology to introduce higher level context features like spatial relationship between objects present at a different location in images to real world object detection problems.
Transforming the Garment Industry in Bangladesh: Sharing Responsibility

This chapter introduces the concept of Shared Responsibility as a paradigmatically new approach to the immense systemic challenges and ethical shortcomings of large parts of the garment industry in Bangladesh. The chapter starts with an in-depth problem analysis of the situation in Bangladesh after the collapse of Rana Plaza. Industry and Multi-stakeholder Initiatives such as the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety or the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety are being critically assessed and their shortcomings are being identified. Building on this critique the authors suggest an approach of transformative change including the assessment of total cost of remediation as well as collaboration with a greater pool of stakeholders and local actors. The authors stress the crucial role of the Bangladesh government and illustrate their approach based on existing applications of Shared Responsibility. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the transferability of the new approach to other industrial contexts with similar human rights deficiencies as in the textile sector.
M13 bacteriophage spheroids as scaffolds for directed synthesis of spiky gold nanostructures

The spherical form (s-form) of a genetically-modified gold-binding M13 bacteriophage was investigated as a scaffold for gold synthesis. Repeated mixing of the phage with chloroform caused a 15-fold contraction from a nearly one micron long filament to an approximately 60 nm diameter spheroid. The geometry of the viral template and the helicity of its major coat protein were monitored throughout the transformation process using electron microscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy, respectively. The transformed virus, which retained both its gold-binding and mineralization properties, was used to assemble gold colloid clusters and synthesize gold nanostructures. Spheroid-templated gold synthesis products differed in morphology from filament-templated ones. Spike-like structures protruded from the spherical template while isotropic particles developed on the filamentous template. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), gold ion adsorption was found to be comparatively high for the gold-binding M13 spheroid, and likely contributed to the dissimilar gold morphology. Template contraction was believed to modify the density, as well as the avidity of gold-binding peptides on the scaffold surface. The use of the s-form of the M13 bacteriophage significantly expands the templating capabilities of this viral platform and introduces the potential for further morphological control of a variety of inorganic material systems.
Drug Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Psychotropic drugs are probably the most common form of treatment for anxiety and anxiety disorders. However, they are not necessarily the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Their extensive use is due, in part, to the fact that one of the first places people go for help with anxiety problems is to their family physician. Most of the psychotherapeutic drug prescriptions are written by nonpsychiatric physicians who are not trained in the treatment procedures described in the previous two chapters, nor do they have the time to devote to the treatment of anxiety disorders. Many of these drugs provide rapid relief from anxiety and are useful and effective as a first step to dealing with anxiety and stress responses. Since they often relieve anxiety, the person may look no further for other treatments. These drugs, together with psychologically based treatments described previously, provide a wide array of treatment alternatives to those individuals who are suffering from anxiety, fear, and panic disorders.
High-LET-Emitting Radionuclides for Cancer Therapy

During the last 15 years, alpha-particle emitting radionuclides have been investigated as a possible new class of radionuclides for targeted therapy. Alpha-particles can deposit DNA damaging energy 100 to 1,000 times greater than beta-particles. In this chapter, the background and clinical experiences of targeted alpha-particle radioimmunotherapy use are discussed.
Do We Need Multicultural Counseling Competencies

Weinrach and Thomas (2002) have shown rather conclusively that the Competencies are irreparably flawed. The attempt to develop such a document was misguided in the first place. There is no need for such a document, and thus no purpose in attempting to remedy its flaws. In the present discussion, I consider the more general problems with multicultural counseling. In addition, I propose a general solution to the problems of counseling clients who are members of a wide variety of culturally distinct groups. The Competencies are lacking any philosophical or theoretical foundations and are based on two untenable assumptions.
Markov model variants for appraisal of coding potential in plant DNA

Markov chain models are commonly used for content-based appraisal of coding potential in genomic DNA. The ability of these models to distinguish coding from non-coding sequences depends on the method of parameter estimation, the validity of the estimated parameters for the species of interest, and the extent to which oligomer usage characterizes coding potential. We assessed performances of Markov chain models in two model plant species, Arabidopsis and rice, comparing canonical fixed-order, χ2-interpolated, and top-down and bottom-up deleted interpolated Markov models. All methods achieved comparable identification accuracies, with differences usually within statistical error. Because classification performance is related to G+C composition, we also considered a strategy where training and test data are first partitioned by G+C content. All methods demonstrated considerable gains in accuracy under this approach, especially in rice. The methods studied were implemented in the C programming language and organized into a library, IMMpractical, distributed under the GNU LGPL.
Performance of Discretization Modules

The goal of the performance evaluations in this chapter is to show how the discretization error decreases as the grid is refined and more computer time is used. Standard error analyses estimate the discretization error as a function of the grid sizeN (i.e., for anN byN grid), or, respectively, the grid steph = 1 /N. Thus, asecond order method, such as 5 POINT STAR uses, has error = O(h 2 ) = O(l/N 2 ).
Stronger prediction of motor recovery and outcome post-stroke by cortico-spinal tract integrity than functional connectivity.

Objectives To examine longitudinal changes in structural and functional connectivity post-stroke in patients with motor impairment, and define their importance for recovery and outcome at 12 months. Methods First-time stroke patients (N = 31) were studied at 1–2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months post-injury with a validated motor battery and resting-state fMRI to measure inter-hemispheric functional connectivity (FC). Fractional anisotropy (FA) of the cortico-spinal tract (CST) was derived from diffusion tensor imaging as a measure of white matter organization. ANOVAs were used to test for changes in FC, FA, and motor performance scores over time, and regression analysis related motor outcome to clinical and neuroimaging variables. Results FA of the ipsilesional CST improved significantly from 3 to 12 months and was strongly correlated with motor performance. FA improved even in the absence of direct damage to the CST. Inter-hemispheric FC also improved over time, but did not correlate with motor performance at 12 months. Clinical variables (early motor score, education level, and age) predicted 80.4% of the variation of motor outcome, and FA increased the predictability to 84.6%. FC did not contribute to the prediction of motor outcome. Conclusions Stroke causes changes to the CST microstructure that can account for behavioral variability even in the absence of demonstrable lesion. Ipsilesional CST undergoes remodeling post-stroke, even past the three-month window when most of the motor recovery happens. FA of the CST, but not inter-hemispheric FC, can improve to the prediction of motor outcome based on early motor scores.
Introduction to Kidney Transplantation

Dialysis, which is the treatment of end stage renal disease, is associated with poor quality and quantity of life. On the other hand, kidney transplant recipients enjoy better quality and quantity of life. However, the limited organ supply is the main hurdle. Kidney transplant recipients are a unique subset of patients with multiple traditional and transplant-specific risk factors. This book will provide a summary of different problems, transplant physicians face every day while treating this complex group of patients.
The aspartic proteinase is expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and localized in the protein bodies

We have been studying a seed aspartic proteinase, termed AtAP, from Arabidopsis thaliana. In previous work, we purified the proteinase, analysed its activity and isolated the cDNA sequence. In this paper, the expression of the mRNA for the aspartic proteinase was analysed in seed tissues both by Northern blots for overall regulation and by in situ hybridization to follow cell-specific localization of message. We found a 1.9 kb aspartic proteinase message in dry seeds and seed pods. This message was expressed in many different cell types of the mature dry seed. The localization of the protein within these cells was also determined. Antibodies were raised against the AtAP and purified using affinity chromatography on an AtAP–immobilized-pepstatin A–agarose column. This purified antibody recognized several AtAP peptides in seeds. To localize the enzyme in cells, we isolated protein bodies from the dry seeds of Arabidopsis using a non-aqueous isolation method. The AtAP activity and antigenic peptides were found to be highest in the protein body fraction and co-localized with the seed storage protein 2S albumin and the vacuolar marker enzyme α-mannosidase. This protein body localization of the AtAP was confirmed with immunocytochemical localization by electron microscopy and shows that the protein is not secreted by these cells.
Formation and evaluation of highly uniform aluminate interface coatings for sapphire fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (FRCMCs) using carboxylate-alumoxane nanoparticles

Sapphire fibers have been dip-coated in aqueous and CHCl3 solutions of carboxylate-alumoxane nanoparticles and calcium-, lanthanum-, and yttrium-doped carboxylate-alumoxane nanoparticles and fired up to 1400°C to form uniform, conformal and contiguous, aluminate coatings. Optimum solvent, dip/dry, and firing sequences were determined for the formation of crack-free coatings. Both carboxylate-alumoxane and ceramic coated fibers were examined by field emission scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, microprobe analysis and optical microscopy. Coatings produced were stable to thermal cycling in air up to a temperature of 1400°C. The ability of the carboxylate-alumoxanes to provide crack infiltration and repair was demonstrated. Sapphire fiber/alumina matrix FRCMCs have been prepared with calcium-, lanthanum-, and yttrium-aluminate interphase layers. Microscopy and fiber push-out data confirm that the calcium- and lanthanum-aluminate coatings provide a means for controlling failure properties at the fiber-matrix interface. However, FRCMCs containing YAG-coated fibers failed catastrophically before interfacial debonding and/or sliding occurred.
Local Public Health Policymakers’ Views on State Preemption: Results of a National Survey, 2018

Objectives. To learn about local health policymakers’ experiences and responses to preemption—the ability of a higher level of government to limit policy activity at a lower level.Methods. Between ...
Investigating Gut Microbiota-Host Interactions in a Microaerobic Environment

The gut microbiota has an important role in maintaining intestinal health and protecting against enteric infections (colonisation resistance). Nevertheless the majority of these interactions haven't been explored, largely due to a lack of experimental model systems that can culture oxygen-sensitive commensals alongside intestinal cells. In this project, we have established a novel in vitro model system of the human intestinal epithelium (Vertical Diffusion Chamber, VDC) which also supports growth of strictly anaerobic bacteria. We have applied this system to investigate the interactions of gut symbiont Ruminococcus gnavus with a functioning mucus-producing epithelium, established using T84 and goblet-like LS174T cell lines, and its effect on infection with foodborne pathogen enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Initial work focused on identifying a culture medium that supports R. gnavus and EPEC growth whilst maintaining epithelial integrity and barrier function. This has been achieved by establishing bacterial growth curves in different media and assessing epithelial barrier function by transepithelial electrical resistance and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) of tight-junction protein occludin. Further IFS demonstrated that introduction of LS174T cells to the epithelium causes mucin secretion and facilitates colonisation by R. gnavus. Co-culture of EPEC with R. gnavus reduces numbers of viable and adherent EPEC, but only when LS174T are present. These data indicate potential colonisation resistance activity by R. gnavus, discovered by utilising a model system that supports anaerobic culture and a functioning epithelium side-by-side. Future work will investigate colonisation resistance activity for a panel of R. gnavus strains and attempt to elucidate mechanisms behind this activity.
Calibrating Generative Models: The Probabilistic Chomsky-Schützenberger Hierarchy

Abstract A probabilistic Chomsky–Schutzenberger hierarchy of grammars is introduced and studied, with the aim of understanding the expressive power of generative models. We offer characterizations of the distributions definable at each level of the hierarchy, including probabilistic regular, context-free, (linear) indexed, context-sensitive, and unrestricted grammars, each corresponding to familiar probabilistic machine classes. Special attention is given to distributions on (unary notations for) positive integers. Unlike in the classical case where the ”semi-linear” languages all collapse into the regular languages, using analytic tools adapted from the classical setting we show there is no collapse in the probabilistic hierarchy: more distributions become definable at each level. We also address related issues such as closure under probabilistic conditioning.
Financial Well-Being Program Development

Background: The impact of financial well-being on health is significant. Research connects individual and organizational well-being to the strength of financial knowledge and sound finance practices among employees. Learning more about financial topics is critical for comprehensive well-being yet few articles exist which describe implementation of such initiatives within organizations. Aim: While traditional worksite wellness programs have emphasized physical activity, stress management and nutrition, an increasingly larger number of organizations want to expand beyond those categories to topics such as community health and financial well-being. Methods: A Midwestern research-intensive university has offered financial well-being programs for faculty and staff over the last three years. A description of the initiative, and each programming effort, is included within this article. Results: Numerous positive, qualitative outcomes have been experienced by program participants. Conclusions: Learn more about the evidence and practical efforts easily implemented within higher education institutions through this description of one university’s program experience and outcomes.
Development of an Innovative Tool to Appraise Big Data for Best Evidence.

Background Datum from electronic sources has accumulated and resulted in the establishment of big data and data science. Big data consists of data sets that are larger than traditional data processing applications can manage. Data science is the research method used to analyze big data. Researchers are applying research methods to harness large and complex data sets to increase our understanding of population health by creating predictive models of patients using a variety of key variables or characteristics. Evidence-based practice relies on the appraisal of research to ensure rigor prior to implementation in clinical settings. Consistent with other research methods, papers based on data science should be subject to appraisal for determination of best evidence. The purpose of this paper is to present a tool that can be used to appraise research papers based on large data sets and data science research methods. Methods The following approach was used to develop the Data Science Appraisal Tool (DSAT). Despite an exhaustive search, we were unable to locate an appraisal tool for papers based on data science research methods. We then synthesized the extant literature to form the tool. The tool is based on the common characteristics of big data: (a) verification that the data set is representative of big data; (b) preparation of the data for analysis; (c) methodology used for data analysis; (d) results; and (e) theoretically based. Linking evidence to action Appraisal tools currently exist for traditional and well-known research methods. The DSAT provides a method to appraise papers based in data science for best evidence.
Treating Cystic Fibrosis with mRNA and CRISPR

Less than 20% of the protein coding genome is thought to be targetable using small molecules. mRNA therapies are not limited in the same way since in theory, they can silence or edit any gene by encoding CRISPR nucleases, or alternatively, produce any missing protein. Yet not all mRNA therapies are equally likely to succeed. Over the past several years, an increasing number of clinical trials with siRNA- and antisense oligonucleotide-based drugs have revealed three key concepts that will likely extend to mRNA therapies delivered by nonviral systems. First, scientists have come to understand that some genes make better targets for RNA therapies than others. Second, scientists have learned that the type and position of chemical modifications made to an RNA drug can alter its therapeutic window, toxicity, and bioavailability. Third, scientists have found that safe and targeted drug delivery vehicles are required to ferry mRNA therapies into diseased cells. In this study, we apply these learnings to cystic fibrosis (CF). We also describe lessons learned from a subset of CF gene therapies that have already been tested in patients. Finally, we highlight the scientific advances that are still required for nonviral mRNA- or CRISPR-based drugs to treat CF successfully in patients.
Thermal Hydraulic Performance of High Porosity High Pore Density Thin Copper Foams Subject to Array Jet Impingement

Metal foams have shown promise in enhancing heat dissipation from heated surfaces and find applications in forced convection cooling environments like electronics cooling. The thermal and hydraulic performance of metal foams have a strong correlation to its pore density (pores per inch: PPI) and porosity. While high pore density is desired to enhance heat dissipation (due to higher effective heat transfer area), high porosity is suitable to maintain low pressure drop in forced convective cooling applications. Towards this end, an experimental study was carried out to evaluate the thermal-hydraulic performance of high pore density (90 PPI), high porosity (95%), thin Copper foams (3 mm thick) strategically placed over a heated surface of base area 20 mm x 20 mm. Heat transfer was facilitated with air as the working fluid impinging through a 3x3 array (x⁄d j = y⁄d j = 4) of circular nozzles of diameter, d j = 1.5 mm. Two metal foam-heated surface configurations were tested, a full foam configuration; where the metal foam covered the entire heated surface area, and a foam stripes configuration, where metal foam stripes were strategically placed over the heated surface, were studied for their heat transfer, pressure drop and thermal hydraulic performance at Reynolds numbers (Re j ) between 3000 and 12000. A smooth surface, without metal foam, served as the baseline case. Additionally, the effect of varying jet-to-target plate distance (z) as z⁄d j = 2, 3, 5, 7 was studied. From experiments, it was observed that the stripes configuration had highest heat transfer enhancement of about 1.45 times that of the smooth surface target, at the expense of a marginal increase in pumping power, thereby making it the best configuration in terms of thermal hydraulic performance.