cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-Property-Comparisons of Clathrasils and Gas Hydrates

Clathrates are inclusion compounds formed by specific host molecules and elements such as water, silica, and silicon in the presence of suitably sized guest molecules at appropriate temperature and pressure conditions. Clathrate compounds are of fundamental importance as they illustrate how simple molecules can combine to form a variety of complex caged structures yielding unique and interesting properties. In this overview, structure, properties, and applications of clathrates formed by silica (called clathrasils) and water (called gas hydrates) are briefly reviewed. Similarities and differences between clathrasils and gas hydrates are discussed with the hope that cross-fertilization between these fields can result in future advancements and new science understanding guest–host crystalline structures.
JOINT SPARSE RECOVERY: DOES DIVERSIFYING SENSING MATRICES HELP?

In this paper, we study the effect of diversifying sensing matrices in a joint sparse recovery problem. To this end, we present identifiability analyses of jointly sparse signal vectors in compressive sensing problems with random sensing matrices. In particular, we compare the multiple measurement vector case, where we typically assume a fixed sensing matrix over time, with the generalized multiple measurement vectors where the sensing matrix is time-varying. Our theoretical and experimental analysis implies that diversifying random sensing matrices for joint sparse recovery might degrade identifi-ability condition of jointly sparse signals.
Efficient, Scalable Syntheses of Ginkgolic Acids:

Ginkgolic acids were directly synthesized from 6-methylsalicylic acid using a sequence involving protection of the phenol and acid as methoxymethyl ethers and esters, lateral alkylation and deprote...
Pharmacokinetic Models of Convection-Enhanced Drug Delivery

Abstract Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a direct infusion technique that bypasses the blood–brain barrier and provides controlled, large-volume coverage. This local delivery method is one of few methods available for delivering macromolecular agents to central nervous tissues, since intraparenchymal infusions drive extracellular (interstitial) flows that overcome slow diffusion limits. Pharmacokinetic models that account for spatial and temporal distributions within targeted tissues during and after CED are useful tools in the design of drug trials. In this chapter, we summarize major parameters needed to quantify pharmacokinetics and we review three representative cases for distribution of: (i) a small-molecular–weight compound (quinolinic acid) in the brain, (ii) a macromolecular biologic (substance P-diphtheria toxin) within a three-dimensional model of the spinal cord, and (iii) a macromolecule (GDNF) to gray matter regions considering variations in catheter geometry.
Optical design of a modular segmented space telescope

Space observatories have many advantages over ground-based telescopes. However, constructing and launching large space telescopes remains a significant challenge. A solution to this problem lies in autonomous, in-space assembly. To gain benefits from efficiencies of scale and mass production, a modular telescope assembled in space can be constructed from identical mirror segments. These identical segments must then be deformed to an appropriate shape in space. This work examines the optical feasibility of such a project, using a 31 meter Ritchey- Chretien telescope composed of about 1,000 1-m mirrors as a case study. In particular, this work examines the shape of the telescope optics through Zernike decomposition and computes the physical optics propagation of such a system to analyze the resultant PSF with simulation in Zemax OpticStudio.
'Old School' Law School's Continuing Relevance for Business Lawyers in the New Global Economy: How a Renewed Commitment to Old School Rigor and the Law as a Professional and Academic Discipline Can Produce Better Business Lawyers

Keynote address, 2013 Chapman Law Review Symposium: “The Future of Law, Business, and Legal Education: How to Prepare Students to Meet Corporate Needs”.
Application of no-tachometer time synchronous averaging (TSA) and relative signal strengths to localize gear and bearing faults in a helicopter gearbox

Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) installed on helicopters monitor a wide variety of input signals to track system conditions. Improving fault detection on existing platforms precludes installation of additional hardware such as shaft speed sensors and additional accelerometers. The application of no-tachometer TSA and bearing fault harmonic energy techniques can be used to improve HUMS detection ability. In this presentation I will present a case study of gear tooth and bearing fault detection for a helicopter intermediate gearbox (IGB). Gear-mesh frequency demodulation is used to determine angular zero-crossing to synthesize a tachometer signal for gear fault detection, allowing for TSA techniques to readily identify gear tooth faults. The methods presented in "Autonomous Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method based on Envelope Spectrum" (2017 Klausen et al.) are then applied to determine the presence of bearing faults inside the IGB. Due to overlapping fault frequencies from multiple bearings a detected fault could be attributed to several bearings, the use of two accelerometer signals to spatially localize faults is developed and presented.Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) installed on helicopters monitor a wide variety of input signals to track system conditions. Improving fault detection on existing platforms precludes installation of additional hardware such as shaft speed sensors and additional accelerometers. The application of no-tachometer TSA and bearing fault harmonic energy techniques can be used to improve HUMS detection ability. In this presentation I will present a case study of gear tooth and bearing fault detection for a helicopter intermediate gearbox (IGB). Gear-mesh frequency demodulation is used to determine angular zero-crossing to synthesize a tachometer signal for gear fault detection, allowing for TSA techniques to readily identify gear tooth faults. The methods presented in "Autonomous Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method based on Envelope Spectrum" (2017 Klausen et al.) are then applied to determine the presence of bearing faults inside the IGB. Due to overlapping fault frequencies from multiple bearings a detect...
HSolo: Homography from a single affine aware correspondence

The performance of existing robust homography estimation algorithms is highly dependent on the inlier rate of feature point correspondences. In this paper, we present a novel procedure for homography estimation that is particularly well suited for inlier-poor domains. By utilizing the scale and rotation byproducts created by affine aware feature detectors such as SIFT and SURF, we obtain an initial homography estimate from a single correspondence pair. This estimate allows us to filter the correspondences to an inlier-rich subset for use with a robust estimator. Especially at low inlier rates, our novel algorithm provides dramatic performance improvements.
Polygenic prediction of PTSD trajectories in 9/11 responders.

BACKGROUND Genetics hold promise of predicting long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outcomes following trauma. The aim of the current study was to test whether six hypothesized polygenic risk scores (PRSs) developed to capture genetic vulnerability to psychiatric conditions prospectively predict PTSD onset, severity, and 18-year course after trauma exposure. METHODS Participants were 1490 responders to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster (mean age at 9/11 = 38.81 years, s.d. = 8.20; 93.5% male; 23.8% lifetime WTC-related PTSD diagnosis). Prospective longitudinal data on WTC-related PTSD symptoms were obtained from electronic medical records and modelled as PTSD trajectories using growth mixture model analysis. Independent regression models tested whether six hypothesized psychiatric PRSs (PTSD-PRS, Re-experiencing-PRS, Generalized Anxiety-PRS, Schizophrenia-PRS, Depression-PRS, and Neuroticism-PRS) are predictive of WTC-PTSD outcomes: lifetime diagnoses, average symptom severity, and 18-year symptom trajectory. All analyses were adjusted for population stratification, 9/11 exposure severity, and multiple testing. RESULTS Depression-PRS predicted PTSD diagnostic status (OR 1.37, CI 1.17-1.61, adjusted p = 0.001). All PRSs, except PTSD-PRS, significantly predicted average PTSD symptoms (β = 0.06-0.10, adjusted p < 0.05). Re-experiencing-PRS, Generalized Anxiety-PRS and Schizophrenia-PRS predicted the high severity PTSD trajectory class (ORs 1.21-1.28, adjusted p < 0.05). Finally, PRSs prediction was independent of 9/11 exposure severity and jointly accounted for 3.7 times more variance in PTSD symptoms than the exposure severity. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatric PRSs prospectively predicted WTC-related PTSD lifetime diagnosis, average symptom severity, and 18-year trajectory in responders to 9/11 disaster. Jointly, PRSs were more predictive of subsequent PTSD than the exposure severity. In the future, PRSs may help identify at-risk responders who might benefit from targeted prevention approaches.
The Role of Alcohol Dehydrogenase in Drug Metabolism: Beyond Ethanol Oxidation

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are most known for their roles in oxidation and elimination of ethanol. Although less known, ADHs also play a critical role in the metabolism of a number of drugs and metabolites that contain alcohol functional groups, such as abacavir (HIV/AIDS), hydroxyzine (antihistamine), and ethambutol (antituberculosis). ADHs consist of 7 gene family numbers and several genetic polymorphic forms. ADHs are cytosolic enzymes that are most abundantly found in the liver, although also present in other tissues including gastrointestinal tract and adipose. Marked species differences exist for ADHs including genes, proteins, enzymatic activity, and tissue distribution. The active site of ADHs is relatively small and cylindrical in shape. This results in somewhat narrow substrate specificity. Secondary alcohols are generally poor substrates for ADHs. In vitro-in vivo correlations for ADHs have not been established, partly due to insufficient clinical data. Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole) is a nonspecific ADH inhibitor currently being used as an antidote for the treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. Fomepizole also has the potential to treat intoxication of other substances of abuse by inhibiting ADHs to prevent formation of toxic metabolites. ADHs are inducible through farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and other transcription factors. Drug-drug interactions have been observed in the clinic for ADHs between ethanol and therapeutic drugs, and between fomepizole and ADH substrates. Future research in this area will provide additional insights about this class of complex, yet fascinating enzymes.
Fraudulent Joinder, Federalism, and the Twombly/Iqbal Problem

Fraudulent joinder exists when a plaintiff joins a non-diverse defendant to defeat removal to federal court based on diversity jurisdiction. The Supreme Court has held that federal courts can disregard the citizenship of fraudulently joined defendants when determining whether diversity jurisdiction exists. The federal courts have not adopted a uniform test for fraudulent joinder, but all analogize it to the test used to decide a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Twombly and Iqbal arguably imposed a heightened pleading standard in federal court but many states continue to apply a notice pleading standard. The federal courts are split on whether fraudulent joinder analysis should be conducted with an eye toward the Twombly/Iqbal standard or the state notice pleading standard. This article proposes that federal courts apply the state court pleading standard when analyzing questions of fraudulent joinder and determine whether the claim against the non-diverse defendant would survive a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted in state court. If so, then the non-diverse defendant has not been fraudulently joined. Applying this standard will ensure that federal courts respect state sovereignty and do not impermissibly expand their jurisdiction beyond the limits set by Article III and Supreme Court precedent.
Performance of temperature changes and dosage for enhancement of nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater: A comparative study

The development in Iraq, in addition to the increase in the population and the increase in the standard of living, has led to a marked increase in the demand for water, as the shortage of fresh water resources has become a problem that concerns specialists and decision-makers as it affects the water deficit, especially in the provision of drinking water (the basis of life) in addition to other requirements such as agriculture. Which led to the search for other possible solutions available. One of these solutions is the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture or any other uses to save fresh water and expand agricultural areas after removing high concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. The aim of the study is to improve the performance of the treatment method used by the sewage treatment plant to achieve the removal of nutrients from the treated water. The dual use of a biological treatment and chemical precipitation process to remove phosphorous compounds from wastewater was studied. To avoid instability in the biological treatment method due to temperature changes during the year, especially in the summer. The obtained wastewater treatment plant validation was verified by applying the existing plant planning in GPS-X 8.0 modeling and simulation software, by combining biological and chemical removal methods to improve the performance of a wastewater treatment plant in Khairy in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq (KWWTP). The results showed that a series of conditions for anaerobic, oxygen and aerobic reactors help to remove biological nutrients efficiently. The concentration of COD, BOD and TSS were below the permissible environmental parameters. The removal rate of nitrogen as N-NH3 is 92.96; 94.93; 97.60% respectively. The phosphorous removal rate is 80.22, 86.55, 92.30 respectively Except for the release of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds during the summer (July and August) due to the sensitivity of phosphorous-containing organisms to the influence of temperature. The increasing concentrations of phosphorous produced in the summer were treated by adding doses of chemicals (alum) at different stages of the wastewater treatment plant, and the required dose of Alum ranges in the range of 0.5-0.9 kgAl / kg P, according to the dose strategy that achieves the highest efficiency of the KWWTP.
Real-Time Walking Gait Estimation for Construction Workers using a Single Wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Real-time gait detection and pose estimation are critical for safety monitoring and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders for construction workers. We present a single wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based gait detection and pose estimation for human walking on flat and sloped surfaces. The gait detection algorithm is built on a recurrent neural network-based method and its outcome is then used in the full-body pose estimation. The detection scheme also predicts the terrain slope information in real-time. The pose estimation is obtained through learned motion manifold in latent space with the Gaussian process dynamic model. Extensive experiments of different walking patterns and speeds on the level and sloped surfaces are conducted to validate and demonstrate the design. The proposed algorithm can detect gait activities with 96% accuracy, the estimated human pose errors are within 8.30 degs, and the detection latency is within 18.6 ms using only a single IMU attached to a human shank.
Stressful life events and openness to experience: Relevance to depression.

Abstract Background Stressful life events are known as risk factors for depression, though there is considerable heterogeneity in how people respond to stress. Previous studies have found an association between experience of stressful life events and the personality trait of openness to experience, which itself has been associated with intelligence, creativity, risk-taking, and other clinically relevant behaviors. In this study we explore the association between stressful life events and openness to experience as a potential developmental pathway to depression in the Amish and Mennonites, rural populations with high degree of social and environmental homogeneity. Methods Participants in the Amish Connectome Project (n=531) were assessed with the NEO personality inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Maryland Trait and State Depression scales, a Life Stressors Inventory, and cognitive tests. Results We found that stressful life events were significantly associated with openness to experience; that participants with a history of depression exhibited higher levels of openness; and that openness to experience was related to overall intelligence but not processing speed or working memory. We found evidence that openness to experience partially mediates the relationship between stressful life events and depression. Limitations This was a cross-sectional study, limiting interpretation of causal pathways. High levels of inter-relatedness among participants may have led to exaggerated effects compared to the general population. Conclusions Together these findings indicate a complex developmental influence of major stressful life events, which paradoxically by enhancing openness may be associated with both greater intellectual engagement as well as psychopathology.
Role models, compatibility, and knowledge lead to increased evolution acceptance.

Background Evolution acceptance is still low in the United States, especially among religious students. Due to low acceptance, researchers have used a wide variety of methods to increase evolution acceptance. Six culturally competent methods for teaching evolution to religious students have been identified, this manuscript looks specifically at the method of reconciliation between religion and evolution. The reconciliation module has been shown to effectively increase evolution acceptance while allowing students to maintain their religious views. However, we lack an understanding of why this method is effective. We measure evolution acceptance and religiosity at eight religiously affiliated institutions in the United States to again measure the effects of a reconciliation model in biology classrooms. This manuscript also attempts to address classroom influences that allowed students to reconcile evolution with their religious beliefs. Results Of the eight schools that participated, there were no statistically significant decreases in the religiosity of the students over the semester. Five of the eight institutions had statistically significant increases in their evolution acceptance scores over the semester. We identified three major influences students mentioned as reasons for change towards evolution acceptance: the presence of a role model, discussions on religion and science compatibility, and learning about evolution. Conclusions We identified influential practices instructors could integrate into their classrooms to help students better incorporate evolution into their personal views. Having a role model and talking about compatibility between religion and evolution are influential in changing students' views about evolution. Learning the mechanisms of the theory of evolution is also important in changing students' views about evolution and might be more impactful when used in conjunction with a role model or a compatibility discussion. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12052-021-00155-x.
Induction and protective effect of innate interferons during human astrovirus infection (VIR1P.1003)

Members of the relatively new Astroviridae family are non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause diarrheal disease in a wide range species. Human astroviruses, of which there are eight canonical strains, are a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children <2 years old, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Because of the lack of a small animal model of astroviral gastroenteritis, little is known about the host response to infection. The role of type I and type III interferons (IFN), IFN-α/β and IFN-λ respectively, in mediating innate antiviral immune responses through a STAT1-dependent mechanism have been well established. Using human astrovirus type 1 (HAstV-1), the most common serotype isolated from human cases of gastroenteritis, we investigated the innate IFN response to astrovirus in cultured colonic epithelial cells (Caco2). HAstV-1 induced modest levels of IFN-β in Caco2 cells by 24 hours post-infection. Pre-treatment of cells with IFN-β protected Caco2 cells from HAstV-1 infection in a dose-dependent manner. Further, viral titers were significantly elevated in the presence of a neutralizing antibody to IFN-β. These data are in contrast to IFN-λ, which is induced by HAstV-1 to levels approximately 10-fold greater than those of IFN-β. However, IFN-λ pretreatment was not protective. Consistent with this, IFN-λ treatment did not induce STAT1 phosphorylation, suggesting that Caco2 cells are not responsive to IFN-λ.
Estimates of the Output Gap in Armenia with Applications to Monetary and Fiscal Policy

This paper employs several econometric techniques to estimate the Armenian output gap. The findings indicate that the output gap is significantly positive in 2007 and 2008 and decreased dramatically in 2009. The paper uses these results to estimate a New Keynesian Phillips curve for Armenia, suggesting a significant role of the output gap and inflation expectations in determining current inflation. Finally, the underlying fiscal stance over the period 2000-09 is assessed by estimating the cyclically-adjusted fiscal balance. Most of Armenia’s fiscal deficit is found to be structural. Fiscal policy, while providing counter-cyclical support in 2009, has been largely pro-cyclical in the past.
Small Noise in Power System Dynamics and its Relation to Security Assessment

This work develops a new method of quantifying the security of a stable operating point in an electric power system with respect to small random variations in load demand. For a nonlinear model of the power system dynamics which includes a white noise disturbance in the loads, the expected exit time of trajectories of the system from a set approximating the deterministic region of attraction is calculated in the small noise limit. This expected exit time is proposed as a security measure.
Anesthesia and organic aciduria: is the use of lactated Ringer's solution absolutely contraindicated?

SummaryBackground Organic acidurias (OAs) are rare inborn errors of metabolism that can present with various neurologic manifestations, propensity for acute metabolic decompensation with anion-gap metabolic acidosis, developmental delay, poor feeding, and failure to thrive. Objective In this case series, we outline the anesthetic management and perioperative outcomes of OA patients. Methods We reviewed demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and perioperative course of patients with four different OAs who underwent anesthetic care at our institution between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013. Results Eleven patients with OA underwent 19 anesthetic procedures, of which 13 were <2 h in duration and seven were outpatient procedures. One patient with methylmalonic acidemia developed metabolic acidosis during a 10-h procedure with substantial blood loss but lacked evidence that this acidosis could be attributed to his underlying metabolic disease. The patients who received hydration with lactated Ringer's solution and/or nitrous oxide anesthetic had a perioperative course free of metabolic complication. Two patients died within 30 days of surgery from causes likely to be unrelated to anesthetic exposure. Conclusions Our patients with various forms of metabolically compensated OAs tolerated anesthetics for surgical procedures without metabolic decompensation, even when lactated Ringer's solution was used for hydration. Measures to prevent protein catabolism and intraoperative events that may precipitate metabolic acidosis, in addition to close monitoring of acid-base status during more extensive procedures, must be part of perioperative treatment of these patients.
Use of ultrasonic models in the design and validation of new NDE techniques

In implementing fracture mechanics based techniques for the design and life extension of structural components, it is necessary to establish the reliability with which various flaw sizes and types can be detected and characterized. Traditionally, this has been accomplished through extensive experimental demonstration programmes. This paper discusses present efforts to use model predictions to reduce the required amount of experimentation, and hence the cost, of such programmes. Formalisms whereby the extensive elastic-wave theoretical scattering effort of the last decade can be applied to practical problems are first reviewed. This is followed by several specific examples which have occurred in the nuclear and aerospace industries. The paper concludes with the identification of some important remaining theoretical problems and a discussion of possible strategies for future implementation of model calculations as tools in structural integrity programmes.
Digital image correlation through a rigid borescope.

There occasionally occur situations in field measurements where direct optical access to the area of interest is not possible. In these cases the borescope is the standard method of imaging. Furthermore, if shape, displacement, or strain are desired in these hidden locations, it would be advantageous to be able to do digital image correlation (DIC) through the borescope. This paper will present the added complexities and errors associated with imaging through a borescope for DIC. Discussion of non-radial distortions and their effects on the measurements, along with a possible correction scheme will be discussed.
Intercity Differnces In Home Price Appreciation

The rate of home price appreciation varies substantially among cities. Yet, no prior research on the subject has been uncovered. This paper develops and tests an equilibrium model seeking to explai...
Reply [to “‘Flat‐Venus Society” organizes”]

The Magellan Project appreciates David Morrison's reminder that our vertically exaggerated (22.5 times) images and videos are produced by combining images with altimetry, a fact that we try to point out on both videos and images released to the public. The computer-generated scenes are produced as part of a solar system visualization project that combines various data sets for scientific computer visualization and analysis. We felt that the images would be of interest to others. Part of the reason that we use vertical exaggeration is that we are trying to show topographic variations over very large areas, the scale at which we have accurate topographic information. (There is a disparity between the 120–300 m resolution of the images and the greater than 10 km resolution of the topography.)
Professor Chris P. Tsokos: a brief review of statistical, mathematical and professional contributions and legacies

Professor Chris P. Tsokos' contributions to statistics, mathematical sciences, engineering and international education over a period of almost a half century are well-known, well-recognized and well-documented in the literature. In particular, his most notable work in the Bayesian reliability, stochastic dynamic systems and statistical modeling in a nonlinear and nonstationary world is well-recognized and well-established. He is one of the few Distinguished University Professors at the University of South Florida. Professor Tsokos is a highly dedicated and highly effective teacher. He is preacher and Socratic type of interactive teaching and learning process. Professor Tsokos is truly outstanding educational leader with highly exceptional organizational and communicational skills. In fact, he is king maker. Professor Tsokos has rendered service to international education, cultural, governmental and professional organizations. In fact, he is the founder of the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture, a non-profit public educational organization. He has established the USF Urban Scholars Outreach Program in 1998 to academically assist African American and Hispanic students. Furthermore, Professor Tsokos is a very flank and straightforward colleague, educator, friend and teacher in the sense of word and deed. He has initiated and nurtured academic programs in statistical sciences with a sound and active intellectual learning environment, a dignity and personal sacrifices. He is warrior who has fought cancer twice courageously during the past 5 years. These are a few of his legacies.
New faces of the familiar clathrin lattice.

The clathrin triskelion self-assembles into a lattice that coats transport vesicles participating in several key membrane traffic pathways. A new model of a clathrin lattice at approximately 8 A resolution, generated by Fotin et al. (Nature 2004;432:573) confirmed the basic structural features of clathrin that were defined over many years of biochemical and structural analysis. In addition, new structural features of the clathrin trimerization domain were modelled for the first time, and the predictions correlated well with previous biochemical studies. A second model, placing auxilin within the lattice suggested a possible lattice contact targeted during lattice disassembly (Fotin et al. Nature 2004;432:649). This contact predicts interactions of the newly modelled trimerization domain with a newly defined extension of the clathrin triskelion, the ankle domain. These aspects of the new models were emphasized in the published reports describing them and in recent commentary (Brodsky, Nature 2004;432:568). Also emerging from the new models is a better picture of how the clathrin structure is distributed throughout the lattice, allowing the first predictions of interacting molecular interfaces contributing to contacts in the assembled lattice. The focus of this interchange is to emphasize these additional features revealed by the recently published models from Fotin and colleagues.
Procedure for measurement of amino acid transport from blood to brain in small animals

Abstract The exponential plasma specific activity curve 2.5 to 12.5 min after injection (sc) of [14C]tyrosine was integrated and divided by time to obtain the mathematical relationship between the average equivalent specific activity S and the measured specific activity S in any individual animal. S is the constant, average value of S that is equivalent to the curvllinearly varying quantity that the body tissues are actually exposed to. Dividing the total brain radioactivity by S gave the tissue Tyr uptake U. The function dU dt is linear from 2.5 to 12.5 min and represents the rate of uptake of the amino acid. Incorporation into protein was similarly measured. Brain uptake of Tyr averaged 7.06, and the apparent protein incorporation was 1.99 nmol/g of brain per min. The γ-glutamyl cycle inhibitor l -methionine-RS-sulfoximine reduced total brain uptake of tyrosine by 42.8% and the apparent rate of protein incorporation by 39.0%.
Does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy In The Context Of A Rural School Mental Health Programme Have An Impact On Academic Outcomes

Given the prevalence of mental health difficulties among children and adolescents, schools have become a suitable context for providing psychological services to those who may otherwise go untreated. The co-occurrence of mental health impairments and academic problems has been widely cited, and many school mental health (SMH) programmes have begun to assess academic variables in treatment outcome. The current study evaluated a rural SMH programme's success at treating symptoms of psychological distress among high school participants and the potential association with participants' attendance, grade point averages (GPAs) and discipline referrals. Participants were 58 high school students between 14 and 18 years old. Results indicate that non-manualized cognitive behavioural therapy administered for an average of 14.88 sessions was successful at treating mental health concerns, as measured by a self-report questionnaire collected several times throughout treatment. In addition, a large proportion of student...
A lightweight dynamic optimization methodology for wireless sensor networks

Technological advancements in embedded systems due to Moore's law have lead to the proliferation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in different application domains (e.g. defense, health care, surveillance systems) with different application requirements (e.g. lifetime, reliability). Many commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) sensor nodes can be specialized to meet these requirements using tunable parameters (e.g. voltage, frequency) to specialize the operating state. Since a sensor node's performance depends greatly on environmental stimuli, dynamic optimizations enable sensor nodes to automatically determine their operating state in-situ. However, dynamic optimization methodology development given a large design space and resource constraints (memory and computational) is a very challenging task. In this paper, we propose a lightweight dynamic optimization methodology that intelligently selects initial tunable parameter values to produce a high-quality initial operating state in one-shot for time-critical or highly constrained applications. Further operating state improvements are made using an efficient greedy exploration algorithm, achieving optimal or near-optimal operating states while exploring only 0.04% of the design space on average.
Jet-medium interactions at Quark Matter 09

Abstract The suppression of the yield of high transverse momentum p T hadrons in heavy-ion collisions, referred to as “jet-quenching”, has now developed into a comprehensive science. Jets are now used as probes of a variety of properties of the dense medium through which they propagate. Major theoretical improvements include jet modification in a 3-D fluid dynamical medium, the first set of in-medium Monte-Carlo implementations, an understanding of multi-hadron observables and energy flow within perturbative QCD, along with improvements in the AdS/CFT description of energy loss. On the experimental side, high statistics data are allowing for the first discriminatory test of various theoretical models and approximations while the new measurements of full jet reconstruction pose a challenge to theory.
Interferon γ–Inducible Protein 10 Selectively Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Endothelial Cells

Interferon γ–inducible protein 10 (IP-10) has antitumor effects in various murine models. The IP-10 receptor has two distinct splice variants, CXCR3A and CXCR3B, that have paradoxical effects after ligand-receptor interaction. To characterize the putative antiangiogenic effects of IP-10, we measured proliferation rates and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), fibroblasts, and A375 melanoma or WIDR adenocarcinoma cell lines after exposure to the recombinant protein. CXCR3A (activating) and CXCR3B (inhibitory/proapoptotic) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in fibroblasts, 2 human tumor cell lines, T lymphocytes, and HUVECs of varying cell densities were characterized. IP-10 resulted in dose-dependent and selective inhibition of proliferation and countered the proliferative effects of vascular endothelial growth factor in HUVECs but did not affect fibroblasts or 2 human tumor cell lines. In addition, IP-10 resulted in potent and selective induction of apoptosis in HUVECS but had no effect on fibroblasts or A375 melanoma. Confluent HUVECs had a predominance of mRNA for the CXCR3B splice variant by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and the ratio of CXCR3B to CXCR3A mRNA was >40 in HUVECs, compared with ≤10 in the other cell types. Moreover, CXCR3B mRNA levels were significantly higher in proliferating compared with confluent HUVECs. In vivo, systemic IP-10 administration resulted in slower A375 xenograft growth rates compared with control-treated animals, and immunohistochemical staining showed decreased microvessel density in xenografts of IP-10–treated mice. IP-10 has antiangiogenic properties and selective effects on endothelial tissue that may be secondary to higher levels of the CXCR3B inhibitory/proapoptotic receptor in that cell type, particularly in its actively proliferating state.
Seasonal presentation of keratoacanthomas in Rhode Island

Seasonal presentation of skin cancers has been previously described, but the seasonal presentation of keratoacanthomas is less well documented. Pathology reports and dermatology clinic visits were examined from the Roger Williams Medical Center, the major dermatopathology service in Rhode Island, U.S.A., from 199() to 1992. Seasonal presentation was defined as the ratio of keratoacanthomas during the summer months (June-September) to the number diagnosed during the winter months (December-March). A peak incidence of keratoacanthomas was noted in the summer and early autumn months. The summer/winter ratio (1.38) was statistically significant (P = (J.002). The summer/winter ratio of office visits was smaller at 1.12, but also significant (P < 0.001). There appears to be a seasonal presentation of keratoacanthoma in southern New England. This suggests that ultraviolet radiation has an acute effect on the development of keratoacanthoma.
Formulation of joint probability density functions of velocity for turbulent flows: an alternative approach

Abstract This work presents an alternative technique in formulating an analytical form of the joint probability density function (pdf) of velocity for turbulent flows. The technique was rigorously developed by Koehler and Symanowski (J. Multivariate Anal. 55 (1995), 261–282), by which a joint pdf is constructed based on the prescribed or given knowledge of marginal distributions and strictly conserves the original shape of each marginal density. The technique also provides flexibility in estimating parameters required in the pdf to fit a specified correlation. The scope of work is limited to the formulation for two velocity components due to less difficulty in examining correlation structures. Illustrated and discussed are a number of pdfs, with emphasis on atmospheric turbulence where the vertical velocity is assumed to be positively skew and negatively correlated with the horizontal velocity.
Grit: a marker of residents at risk for attrition?

Background Attrition from general surgery residency remains constant at approximately 20% despite nearly a decade of work-hour reform and studies aiming to identify common risk factors. High rates of attrition from training have a wide impact, from the overall quality of trainees produced to implications on public health and the broader surgical work force. We set out to evaluate a novel character trait, grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, as a marker and potential risk factor for resident attrition. Methods Twelve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved general surgery residency programs participated in a prospective, multi-institutional, survey-based analysis of grit and attrition during the 2012–2013 academic year. Participating individuals were blinded with regards to the primary outcome of the study. Participating institutions were blinded to the responses of their trainees. Participating residency programs were located in a variety of settings, from university-based health systems to community hospitals. Results Sixty-eight percent (68%) of residents (180 of 265) at participating institutions completed the study. The primary end point for this study was attrition from residency as a function of grit. Secondary end points included an evaluation of the utility of the grit score in surgical residents, variability of grit according to postgraduate year, sex, measurements of resident satisfaction with current program, lifestyle, and career goals. Finally, the study included an analysis of key resident support strategies. The attrition rate across 12 institutions surveyed was approximately 2% (5 residents). Of those five, three participated in our study. All three had below-median levels of grit. Those residents with below-median grit were more likely to contemplate leaving surgical residency. Given the low attrition rate, no variable surveyed reached statistical significance in our analysis. Key support strategies for residents responding included family, friends outside of residency, co-residents, and formal mentorship through their particular residency. Conclusion In this preliminary underpowered study, grit appears to be a promising marker and risk factor for attrition from surgical residency. In an effort to retain residents, programs should consider screening for grit in current residents and directing support to those residents with below-median values, with a focus on building family, friend, and formal mentor relationships.
Evaluation of aerosol distribution and optical depth in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory coupled model CM2.1 for present climate

[1] This study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of aerosol distributions and optical depths that are used to force the GFDL coupled climate model CM2.1. The concentrations of sulfate, organic carbon, black carbon, and dust are simulated using the MOZART model (Horowitz, 2006), while sea-salt concentrations are obtained from a previous study by Haywood et al. (1999). These aerosol distributions and precalculated relative-humidity-dependent specific extinction are utilized in the CM2.1 radiative scheme to calculate the aerosol optical depth. Our evaluation of the mean values (1996–2000) of simulated aerosols is based on comparisons with long-term mean climatological data from ground-based and remote sensing observations as well as previous modeling studies. Overall, the predicted concentrations of aerosol are within a factor 2 of the observed values and have a tendency to be overestimated. Comparison with satellite data shows an agreement within 10% of global mean optical depth. This agreement masks regional differences of opposite signs in the optical depth. Essentially, the excessive optical depth from sulfate aerosols compensates for the underestimated contribution from organic and sea-salt aerosols. The largest discrepancies are over the northeastern United States (predicted optical depths are too high) and over biomass burning regions and southern oceans (predicted optical depths are too low). This analysis indicates that the aerosol properties are very sensitive to humidity, and major improvements could be achieved by properly taking into account their hygroscopic growth together with corresponding modifications of their optical properties.
Ethylene formation from α-keto-γ-methylthiobutyrate by tomato fruit extracts

Abstract Cell-free extracts prepared from tomato fruits ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were not capable of catalyzing ethylene production from α-keto-γ-methylthiobutyrate, in the presence of Mn 2+ , sulfite, and phenol, until an endogenous heat-stable and dializable inhibitor was removed. After its removal, the enzyme-catalyzed formation of ethylene was readily demonstrated. Many of the properties of this tomato enzyme system relevant to ethylene production were found to be similar to those of the horse-radish peroxidase system.
Regulation of human osteoclast development by dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP).

Osteoclasts (OC) are bone-resorbing, multinucleated cells that are generated via fusion of OC precursors (OCP). The frequency of OCP is elevated in patients with erosive inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone diseases. Although many cytokines and cell surface receptors are known to participate in osteoclastogenesis, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of this cellular transformation are poorly understood. Herein, we focused our studies on the dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), a seven-pass transmembrane receptor-like protein known to be essential for cell-to-cell fusion during osteoclastogenesis. We identified an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) in the cytoplasmic tail of DC-STAMP, and developed an anti-DC-STAMP monoclonal antibody 1A2 that detected DC-STAMP expression on human tumor giant cells, blocked OC formation in vitro, and distinguished four patterns of human PBMC with a positive correlation to OC potential. In freshly isolated monocytes, DC-STAMPhigh cells produced a higher number of OC in culture than DC-STAMPlow cells and the surface expression of DC-STAMP gradually declined during osteoclastogenesis. Importantly, we showed that DC-STAMP is phosphorylated on its tyrosine residues and physically interacts with SHP-1 and CD16, an SH2-domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase and an ITAM-associated protein, respectively. Taken together, these data show that DC-STAMP is a potential OCP biomarker in inflammatory arthritis. Moreover, in addition to its effect on cell fusion, DC-STAMP dynamically regulates cell signaling during osteoclastogenesis. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
USE OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT DEXTRAN PROVIDES SIMILAR OPTICAL COHERENCE IMAGING RESULTS COMPARED TO RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST MEDIA

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) coronary imaging requires displacement of the red blood cells from the vessel lumen during image acquisition. This is usually accomplished using radiographic contrast, which is costly and carries risk for contrast nephropathy. Low molecular weight dextran has low
Control of the Colorado potato beetle with Bacillus thuringiensis variety Thuringiensis

Field tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of an experimental preparation ofBacillus thuringiensis var.thuringiensis against Colorado potato beetle infestations on potatoes and tomatoes. Applications were made weekly with a tractor-towed commercial sprayer at the rates of either 473, 946, or 2,838 ml. ofB.t.t. in 378.41 of water per 0.4 hectare. Significant reductions were observed in treated plots of all stages of the beetle. All untreated plants were completely defoliated by the end of the test due to beetle feeding. No significant differences were observed among the different treatment levels.
Cyclic AMP does not alter taurine accumulation by rat renal brush border membrane vesicles

Secondary hyperparathyroidism has been attributed to be responsible for the generalized aminoaciduria and phosphaturia of vitamin D deficiency. Since PTH acts in the kidney to generate cAMP, we explored the possibility that its synthetic analog, dbcAMP, would alter the renal transport of taurine (an amino acid lost in the urine in vitamin D deficiency) and Pi. Exposure of renal BBMV prepared from normal and vitamin D-calcium-deficient rats to dbcAMP at concentrations ranging between 10(-4) and 10(-7) M did not alter taurine uptake by these vesicles. Higher dbcAMP concentrations blunted uptake, but these concentrations reduced intravesicular volume, thus representing an artifact of osmolarity. Preincubation of BBMV with dbcAMP for times between 0 and 60 min at 0 or 25 degrees C also did not alter taurine accumulation. Hypotonic lysis of BBMV, allowing entry of the cyclic nucleotide, followed by isotonic resealing did not influence taurine uptake. The addition of potassium fluoride (to inhibit phosphodiesterase activity) and ATP (as an energy source) did not alter taurine accumulation at 60 sec. The uptake of Pi, which is influenced by PTH, was decreased by 25% following exposure to dbcAMP on the internal surface of the vesicle. These data indicate that the taurinuria observed in vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to be related to a PTH-induced increase in intracellular cAMP, unlike the changes in Pi transport, which is sensitive to cyclic nucleotides.