cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulatory network refinement and quantification through kinetic modeling, gene expression microarray data and information theory

Gene expression microarray and other multiplex data hold promise for addressing the challenges of cellular complexity, refined diagnoses and the discovery of well-targeted treatments. A new approach to the construction and quantification of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) is presented that integrates gene expression microarray data and cell modeling through information theory. Given a partial TRN and time series data, a probability density is constructed that is a functional of the time course of transcription factor (TF) thermodynamic activities at the site of gene control, and is a function of mRNA degradation and transcription rate coefficients, and equilibrium constants for TF/gene binding. Our approach yields more physicochemical information that compliments the results of network structure delineation methods, and thereby can serve as an element of a comprehensive TRN discovery/quantification system. The most probable TF time courses and values of the aforementioned parameters are obtained by maximizing the probability obtained through entropy maximization. Observed time delays between mRNA expression and activity are accounted for implicitly since the time course of the activity of a TF is coupled by probability functional maximization, and is not assumed to be proportional to expression level of the mRNA type that translates into the TF. This allows one to investigate post-translational and TF activation mechanisms of gene regulation. Accuracy and robustness of the method are evaluated. A kinetic formulation is used to facilitate the analysis of phenomena with a strongly dynamical character while a physically-motivated regularization of the TF time course is found to overcome difficulties due to omnipresent noise and data sparsity that plague other methods of gene expression data analysis. An application to Escherichia coli is presented. Multiplex time series data can be used for the construction of the network of cellular processes and the calibration of the associated physicochemical parameters. We have demonstrated these concepts in the context of gene regulation understood through the analysis of gene expression microarray time series data. Casting the approach in a probabilistic framework has allowed us to address the uncertainties in gene expression microarray data. Our approach was found to be robust to error in the gene expression microarray data and mistakes in a proposed TRN.
Fast estimation of transcranial magnetic stimulation motor threshold

Background In Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), the Motor Threshold (MT) is the minimum intensity required to evoke a liminal response in the target muscle. Because the MT reflects cortical excitability, the TMS intensity needs to be adjusted according to the subject’s MT at the beginning of every TMS session. Objective Shorten the MT estimation process compared to existing methods without compromising accuracy. Methods We propose a Bayesian adaptive method for MT determination that incorporates prior MT knowledge and uses a stopping criterion based on estimation of MT precision. We compared the number of TMS pulses required with this new method with existing MT determination methods.
Biodiesel synthesis using calcined layered double hydroxide catalysts

Abstract The catalytic properties of calcined Li–Al, Mg–Al and Mg–Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were examined in two transesterification reactions, namely, the reaction of glyceryl tributyrate with methanol and the reaction of soybean oil with methanol. While the Li–Al catalysts showed high activity in these reactions at the reflux temperature of methanol, the Mg–Fe and Mg–Al catalysts exhibited much lower methyl ester yields. CO2 TPD measurements revealed the presence of sites of weak, medium and strong basicity on both Mg–Al and Li–Al catalysts, the latter showing higher concentrations of medium and strong base sites; by implication, these are the main sites active in transesterification catalyzed by calcined Li–Al LDHs. Maximum activity was observed for the Li–Al catalysts when a calcination temperature of 450–500 °C was applied, corresponding to decomposition of the layered double hydroxide to the mixed oxide without formation of crystalline lithium aluminate phases.
A mode-based supergain approach with closely coupled monopole pair

This paper focuses on a mode-based approach that can obtain the maximum gain from closely coupled antennas. Because of the small separation between the coupled dipole antennas, the antenna gain can potentially surpass the physical aperture limit and thus be called supergain. Traditional supergain antennas are actually superdirective only as the directivity can not be translated into real antenna gain because of severe impedance mismatching in those systems.
The desorption of ribonuclease A from charge density gradient surfaces studied by spatially-resolved total internal reflection fluorescence.

Abstract A quaternary amine surface gradient was prepared on fused silica by a three-step surface modification process. The gradient surface displayed a transition of surface charges along the gradient dimension from a net negative surface charge of silica to a net positive surface charge at the quaternary amine end. The gradient surface was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, colloidal gold decoration, and dynamic contact angle measurements. It displayed an increased adhesion of negatively charged gold particles towards the quaternary amine end. The water contact angles also increased with the increased surface density of aminopropylsilyl groups. The desorption of ribonuclease A labeled with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC-RNase) from the quaternary amine gradient surface was measured using spatially resolved total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) spectroscopy. The experimental FITC-RNase desorption results fitted exceptionally well to a two adsorbed protein populations model. A tentative assignment of the two adsorbed protein populations is proposed based on the effect of the ionic strength of the desorbing buffer. The faster desorption population interacted primarily with the quaternary amine gradient surface sites through electrostatic interactions. The slower desorption population interacted with the surface sites via hydrophobic and possibly some electrostatic interactions.
Identification of the dispersion behavior of surface treated nanoscale powders

The stability of highly acidic metal oxide surface treatments on rutile titanium dioxide nanopowders (40 nm nominal particle size) is examined. Dispersions are characterized in terms of their sedimentation behavior and light scattering pattern. Using elliptically polarized light scattering (EPLS), agglomerates are identified as fractal structures and size analysis is performed according to the measured fractal dimension. The effect of ultrasonication on agglomerate size and structure (compactness) is quantified for tungsten oxide and molybdenum oxide surface treatments, as well as untreated titanium oxide. Surface treatments are shown to increase dispersion stability, as witnessed by the decreased size of large agglomerates and sedimentation behavior. The EPLS fractal studies, combined with ultrasonication analysis, reveals information of agglomerate shapes, primary particle bonds and structures, and agglomerate growth mechanisms.
The Pursuit of Significance

The problem of significance is not limited to our era nor to our station in the world; it springs from man’s essential being and troubles him in all ages and wherever he exists. It is timeless, yet it has peculiar relevance to our times, whose confusion is characterized by loss of perspective and by misconceptions about the role of science in society and its threat to human values.
Application of Cellular Communications Models and Designs for Use in Disaster-Aftermath Related Scenarios

This paper is a pilot study on the concept of an aerial base station as a future strategy for restoring cellular communications in the aftermath of a major disaster. The strategy being studied makes use of low altitude platforms LAPs or unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs that can hover or orbit in a relatively fixed position and can act as an aerial base station. Unlike High Altitude Platforms HAP operating in a layer of the atmosphere above any existing air traffic, the LAPs or UAVs will be able to operate a few hundred to some thousands of meters above ground level. This paper also describes the functionality of the components comprising the aerial base station.
May-Thurner Syndrome With Pulmonary Embolism as the First Presentation Rather Than Deep Vein Thrombosis

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare disease that causes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in young females (age 20 to 50). DVT is caused by mechanical obstruction of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery resulting in stasis rather than a primary hypercoagulable state. Although MTS is found in 22% of cadavers, it causes <5% of lower extremity venous disorder. Greater than 70% compression is needed to cause DVT. MTS patients usually present with acute left leg edema. Many cases are recurrent with a past workup negative for other etiologies of DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE). Cases rarely present as PE rather than DVT. We present a case of this syndrome at a younger-than-typical age with PE as the first presentation. Femoral stick venogram is the gold standard for diagnosing MTS as therapeutic procedures can be done concurrently. Anticoagulation therapy alone is insufficient to prevent recurrence.
A structure theorem for posets admitting a strong chain partition

Suppose a finite poset P is partitioned into three non-empty chains so that, whenever p, q@?P lie in distinct chains and p
Registration of SR98 Sugarbeet Germplasm with Resistances to Rhizoctonia Seedling and Crown and Root Rot Diseases

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) germplasm SR98 (Reg. No. GP287; PI 655951) was developed and released by the USDA– ARS at East Lansing, MI, in cooperation with the Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Denver, CO, and Michigan State University AgBioResearch, East Lansing, MI, to provide improved resistance to seedling disease and crown and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn in a smooth-root genetic background that contributes to low soil tare. Previous smooth-root releases have been highly susceptible to diseases caused by R. solani. SR98 was derived from Rhizoctoniaresistant germplasm released from the USDA–ARS sugarbeet germplasm enhancement programs at Ft. Collins, CO, and East Lansing, MI, and has shown good yield potential in agronomic trials and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces blackleg (caused by Aphanomyces cochliodes Drechs.) and Cercospora leaf spot (caused by Cercospora beticola, Sacc.). SR98 can be used as a pollinator for hybrid production or a population from which breeders can select pollinators for developing Rhizoctonia-resistant hybrids adapted to the Great Lakes growing region.
Martin's Axiom

hItroduction. During the past decade, many new axioms of set theory have appeared. The principal object of these axioms is to settle important problems which cannot be settled without new axioms. Thus Godel and Cohen have shown that the Continuum Hypothesis cannot be settled on the basis of the presently accepted axioms; so it is natural to look for reasonable new axioms which will settle it. A second purpose of new axioms is more mundane: to assist in the proof of independence results. To see how this happens, we need a couple of definitions. Let ZFC be the usual set of axioms for set theory (including the Axiom of Choice). The reader need not be familiar with these axioms if he will accept the fact that such a set of axioms exists and leads to the usual results of set theory. We shall assume that ZFC is consistent, i.e., that no contradictions can be derived from the axioms of ZFC. The independence results in which we are interested have the form 'A is not provable from ZFC' (where A is some statement of set theory). We show that such a result can be reformulated as a result on consistency.
Quantifying Blockage in a Multistage Compressor for Different Tip Clearances using Steady and Unsteady Pressure Measurements

With future gas turbine designs seeking increased overall pressure ratios, blade heights in the rear stages of high-pressure compressors are expected to decrease. As this will lead to an increase of relative tip clearance height, a detailed knowledge of the associated rotor tip leakage flows becomes increasingly important. In particular, the development of blockage due to large tip leakage flows can be an key component leading to an understanding of stage matching for multistage machines. To assess blockage related to increased tip clearance, a series of measurements are presented here from a three-stage compressor at two loading conditions on the 100% corrected speedline. These data correspond to three tip clearance configurations, up to 4% span. Initially, three-component velocities measured using hot-wire anemometry are analyzed. Following these initial calculations, a blockage definition technique related to gradient identification is introduced, by which the tip leakage flow size downstream of the rotors is directly related to the blockage in the tip region of the compressor. Further, steady pressures are used to calculate an approximate blockage downstream of the stators. Ultimately, these simplified pressure-based blockage calculation techniques reveal results which compare well with the velocity-based results, within three percent or better.
Characterization of subfractions of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins separated by gel chromatography from blood plasma of normolipemic and hyperlipemic humans

As judged from measurements of the diameters of particles fixed with osmium tetroxide and shadowed with platinum, gel chromatography on 2% agarose has been shown to be an effective quantitative method for separating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins according to particle size. Particles in the size range of chylomicrons, uncontaminated by lipoproteins smaller than about 700 A or by other serum proteins, emerged in the void volume of the column, and very low density lipoproteins with diameters between 400 and 700 A were separated into fractions with average standard deviation of 71 A from the mean. Systematic comparison of the relationship between diameter and chemical composition of fractions obtained from subjects with various hyperlipoproteinemic disorders demonstrated a precise correlation consistent with a spherical model for these lipoproteins in which phospholipids, free cholesterol, and protein occupy a surface monolayer with an invariant thickness of 21.5 A surrounding a liquid core of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. The chemical composition of very low density lipoproteins of given particle size in most recognized types of hyperlipemia was similar to that of normolipemic subjects, but particles in the size range of chylomicrons sometimes had higher contents of cholesteryl esters and free cholesterol. Results obtained in subjects with dysbetalipoproteinemia were consistent with the presence of three populations of particles. Two of these, with mean diameters of about 850 and 350 A, had unusually high cholesteryl ester content and reduced triglyceride content and may represent "remnants" of the metabolism of structurally normal chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins, respectively. The third, a heterogeneous group with intermediate range of particle size and pre-beta mobility, may represent a population of very low density lipoproteins with relatively normal composition.
Can you program ethics into a self-driving car?

IT’S 2034. A drunken man walking along a sidewalk at night trips and falls directly in front of a driverless car, which strikes him square on, killing him instantly. Had a human been at the wheel, the death would have been considered an accident because the pedestrian was clearly at fault and no reasonable person could have swerved in time. But the "reasonable person" legal standard for driver negligence disappeared back in the 2020s, when the proliferation of driverless cars reduced crash rates by 90 percent. Now the standard is that of the reasonable robot. The victim's family sues the vehicle manufacturer on that ground, claiming that, although the car didn't have time to brake, it could have swerved around the pedestrian, crossing the double yellow line and colliding with the empty driverless vehicle in the next lane. A reconstruction of the crash using data from the vehicle's own sensors confirms this. The plaintiff's attorney, deposing the car's lead software designer, asks: "Why didn't the car swerve?"
Consensus building in metastatic spine disease

Commentary on Arana E, Kovacs FM, Royuela A, Asenjo B, Perez-Ramirez U, Zamora J, the Spanish Back Pain Research Network Task Force for the Improvement of Inter-Disciplinary Management of Spinal Metastasis. Spine Instability Neoplastic Score: agreement across different medical and surgical specialties. Spine J 2016;16:591–9 ( in this issue ).
Receptoral Constraints on Colour Appearance

Goethe wrote: “All theory is gray,” and his complaint is particularly applicable to studies of the earliest processes in color vision — the events at the receptor level. The phenomena of color vision that impress us most are seldom traceable to receptor behaviour. But still it is important to be clear about the ways receptors constrain sensation and the ways they don’t. Most obviously, the receptors are the sole source of the information on which color vision depends. Radiation that fails to stimulate the receptors can’t be seen; and stimuli that are equal to one another in their effects on the receptors have to appear identical if viewed under similar conditions. We do tend to forget this, because we generally know the stimuli only through our own visual reactions to them; but, when we neglect the physical diversity of color stimuli in this way we can be seriously misled. For instance, we may fail to appreciate the basic point that surfaces that are visually indistinguishable under one source of illumination will in general appear different from one another when the illuminant is changed.
Dealing with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis-Associated Condom Migration: Changing the Paradigm for Men Who Have Sex with Men

The behavioural aspects of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are challenging, particularly the issue of condom migration. Three vital questions are: (1) at the population-level, will condom migration lead to increases in non-viral sexually transmissible infections?; (2) how can clinic-based counselling best promote the dual use of condoms and PrEP?; and (3) in future PrEP trials, what are the 'best practices' that should be used to avoid type 1 and type 2 errors that arise without accounting for condom use behaviours? This communication piece addresses each question and suggests the risk of a 'PrEP only' focus to widening health disparities.
Inherited and Acquired RUNX1 Mutations in Hematologic Disorders

RUNX1, a DNA binding subunit of core binding factors, is frequently mutated or rearranged in hematopoietic malignancies, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Mutations in RUNX1 can be early events in leukemia, and generate a long-lived pre-leukemic stem cell (pre-LSC). Additionally, it has been reported that loss of function RUNX1 mutations are particularly frequent in radiation-associated MDS and AML, suggesting that pre-existing RUNX1 mutations in a pre-LSC may predispose patients to MDS/AML following DNA damage. Discussion will focus on the phenotypic properties of Runx1-deficient pre-LSCs, and the mechanisms by which Runx1 deficiency contributes to these phenotypes. Pan-hematopoietic Runx1 loss in mice causes a G1 to S-cell cycle delay and decreases apoptosis of pre-LSCs. Runx1-deficient pre-LSCs are radiation- and chemotherapy-resistant, and this correlates with decreased p53 protein levels and an attenuated p53 pathway response. Both p53 protein levels and apoptosis are increased following treatment with Nutlin-3. Runx1-deficient pre-LSCs are smaller, consume less glucose, and produce less ATP than normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Runx1-deficient stem and progenitor cells have lower overall ribosomal content and skewing in the relative amounts of rRNA and mRNA encoding ribosomal proteins. Analysis of AKT pathway components suggests that the decreased ribosome biogenesis is unlikely to be primarily caused by lower AKT signaling. We hypothesize that one or more of the above-mentioned properties (low p53 levels, decreased metabolism) render Runx1-deficient pre-LSCs less sensitive to genotoxic stress than normal HSCs, allowing a Runx1-deficient pre-LSC population to both perdure and expand in the bone marrow. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The impact of after-school childcare arrangements on the developmental outcomes of low-income children

Abstract Even though after-school programs (hereafter ASPs) and other types of childcare arrangements have long been implemented, childcare for school-aged children remains a patchwork made up of ASPs, relative care, parental care, and self-care, also with many families opting to use some combination of these types of care. Few studies, however, have examined the impact of various childcare arrangements for school-aged children aside from those focused substantially on ASPs. This study aims to examine how five different after-school childcare arrangements, ASPs, relative care, parental care, self-care, and combinations of care, are related to the academic and behavioral outcomes among low-income, school-aged children. The present study utilized data from the National Household Education Survey Programs: after-school programs and Activities (2005) (NHES: ASPA). Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted using 717 low-income households with children who utilized one of five childcare arrangements. Children's academic performance—academic scores and whether having schoolwork problems or not—and their behavioral outcomes that included whether having behavioral problems or not and whether having experience of suspension, detention, or expulsion, were examined. Findings from the study indicate that, compared to children in ASPs, those in relative care and parental care had better academic performance (fewer schoolwork problems). Parental care was also positively associated with children's behavioral outcomes (fewer behavioral problems). The study demonstrates that relative and parental care have a more positive association with children's developmental outcomes, compared to ASPs. Based on the study findings, practice and policy implications are discussed for low-income children's development. Several methodologies are also suggested for future research.
The clinical utility of anthropometric measures to assess adiposity in a cohort of prematurely born infants: Correlations with MRI fat quantification.

OBJECTIVE To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of body fat in preterm infants at the time of hospital discharge with same-day anthropometric measures, and to assess the clinical utility of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and WC/length ratio as indicators of visceral fat. STUDY DESIGN MRI performed prior to NICU discharge in 25 infants born preterm at <32 weeks gestation. Total body fat and visceral fat were quantified using a commercial software program. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r, 95% C.I.) was used to describe strength of association between MRI fat and anthropometric measures. RESULTS BMI and weight at discharge were strongly correlated with total body fat (r = 0.95 and 0.89 respectively; p < 0.001). Total body fat as a % of body weight was moderately correlated with weight (r = 0.53), WC (r = 0.52), and BMI (r = 0.47). Weight, BMI, and ponderal index all were found to correlate with total visceral fat (r = 0.65, 0.64, 0.55 respectively) but WC did not (r = 0.28). WC/length ratio was not correlated with any MRI fat measurements. CONCLUSIONS BMI and weight at discharge both correlate with MRI fat measurements. Our findings do not support the usefulness of measuring WC or WC/length ratio in preterm infants at term-equivalent age.
Creating Supportive Environments for Children Who have had Exposure to Traumatic Events

The prevalence of trauma among young children and its impact on educational outcomes is gaining attention. It is probable that the needs of children who have experienced or been exposed to trauma have long gone unmet due to identification challenges and a lack of knowledge concerning best practices. For this study, qualitative interviews were conducted to gather perspectives of 14 community-based service providers who worked with children and families regarding trauma-related concerns. Each shared his or her perspectives on knowledge and skills early childhood education teachers need to support children who have experienced traumatic events and partner with their families. Research questions were: What should early childhood teachers know about (1) trauma experiences among young children; (2) the emotional and behavioral patterns of children who have experienced traumatic events; and (3) supporting the social and emotional well-being of children in the classroom setting, including partnering with families, who have experienced or been exposed to traumatic events? Participants indicated that teachers might not readily connect children’s behaviors and emotions to trauma. However, teachers can use approaches and strategies (e.g., being attuned and supporting positive social and emotional and communicative responses) that promote social and emotional well-being for children who experience trauma. Participants also noted that teachers can resist re-traumatization by making adaptations to social, physical, and temporal aspects of the classroom environment. Findings indicate that trauma-informed care might be viable in early childhood classroom settings. Implications for research are discussed.
Neonatal, infant, and under-5 mortality and morbidity burden in the Eastern Mediterranean region: findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2015 study

Although substantial reductions in under-5 mortality have been observed during the past 35 years, progress in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has been uneven. This paper provides an overview ...
Chronic School Absenteeism and the Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Abstract Objective To examine the association between chronic school absenteeism and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among school-age children. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2011–2012 National Survey of Children's Health including children 6 to 17 years old. The primary outcome variable was chronic school absenteeism (≥15 days absent in the past year). We examined the association between chronic school absenteeism and ACEs by logistic regression with weighting for individual ACEs, summed ACE score, and latent class analysis of ACEs. Results Among the 58,765 school-age children in the study sample, 2416 (4.1%) experienced chronic school absenteeism. Witnessing or experiencing neighborhood violence was the only individual ACE significantly associated with chronic absenteeism (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–2.01). Having 1 or more ACE was significantly associated with chronic absenteeism: 1 ACE (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02–1.79), 2 to 3 ACEs (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.39–2.36), and ≥4 ACEs (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.32–2.43). Three of the latent classes were also associated with chronic absenteeism, and children in these classes had a high probability of endorsing neighborhood violence, family substance use, or having multiple ACEs. Conclusions ACE exposure was associated with chronic school absenteeism in school-age children. To improve school attendance, along with future graduation rates and long-term health, these findings highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address child adversity that involves pediatricians, mental health providers, schools, and public health partners.
Improv for Geeks

This workshop will teach participants some of the basics of improvisation and ideas on how it can be used in class. There are studies that suggest improv does help us all to become better, learners, innovators and communicators. Companies are using the improv methods as a way of creating more innovative and collaborative teams, for brain storming, and creating a work environment that says "Yes" before "No". Improv training can help students become better learners and make learning more enjoyable. Come and learn about improv and why companies such as IDEO, Google, Marriott, and Twitter have embraced this to build a culture that promotes better communication, collaboration, and team building. This workshop is an interactive workshop. Please attend and have fun learning how to be more positive, vulnerable, attentive, and playful in your daily grind.
Student Pedagogical Teams: Students as Course Consultants Engaged in Process of Teaching and Learning

Faculty engage in “pedagogical solitude,” in which they plan, teach, and assess their work alone. To optimize teaching environments and learning outcomes, students can serve as “student pedagogical...
Reliable and resilient coordinated multi point fronthaul networks

Very fast link failure recovery and high throughput can be achieved via the synergistic combination of Diversity and Network Coding (DC-NC), an open-loop coding technique, in a wide variety of network architectures. In this paper, DC-NC is applied to enable recovering from a wireless link/node failure in the fronthaul portion of downlink Coordinated Multi Point (CoMP) 5G wireless network in a C-RAN environment. Our results demonstrate that by utilizing DC-NC coding in CoMP systems, resource consumption is reduced by about one-third and ultra-reliability with near-instantaneous fault recovery is achieved.
Dwarf Mistletoe Pruning May Induce Douglas-Fir Beetle Attacks

ABSTRACT: Fresh attacks of Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) by Douglas-fir beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) were found in a campground that had trees pruned to remove Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) infections. AllDouglas-firs with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of at least 12.7 cm were examined. Beetle attacks were found on 41% of the pruned trees and 5% of the unpruned trees. Among pruned trees, both the average number of branches pruned and the average dbh were greater in trees attacked by Douglas-fir beetles than in unattacked trees. West. J. Appl. For. 15(1):34-36. Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is a common and destructive pathogen that infects Douglas-firs throughout the western United States. Infection results in the formation of witches' brooms that can become large and heavy (Tinnin and Knutson 1980). Branches with large witches' brooms tend to break, especially when they accumulate snow and ice (Hadfield 1999, Weir 1916). Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe obtains water and nutrients from the host trees, weakening
An Elementary Method for Tablet.

This paper proposes the creation of a method book for tabletbased instruments, evaluating pedagogical materials for traditional instruments as well as research in human-computer interaction and tablet interfaces.
Critical issues in sediment bioassays and toxicity testing

During the past few years there has been a tremendous increase in sediment bioassay and toxicity testing and research. The increased activity has paralleled the development of regulatory interest and realization of the role of contaminated sediments in ecosystem degradation. Many critical issues which affect test responses, data interpretation, and extrapolation to in situ conditions, have not been adequately addressed or recognized by the scientific community. Some of these issues may significantly affect contaminant fate and effects and thereby affect the accuracy of data interpretations. Examples of these interferences are disruptive sample collection, extended sample storage, designs which alter exposure routes, improper spiking conditions and sediment dilution, and inadequate validation of laboratory responses against in situ conditions. Over-simplification of complex sediment interactions may lead to erroneous conclusions concerning the significance of moderate to low levels of contamination.
Gender, Nonverbal Communication, and Televised Debates: A Case Study Analysis of Clinton and Trump’s Nonverbal Language During the 2016 Town Hall Debate

This case study analyzed nonverbal cues during the 2016 town hall debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Variables were facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and spatial distance. Clinton was friendlier, took more expansive postures, and maintained more eye contact. The candidates largely kept within social distance, except for an instance that created postdebate controversy. Whereas some of Clinton’s nonverbal behavior conformed to established gendered cues, her nonverbal behavior largely transcended gender norms. Also addressed are the media’s shortcomings in contextualizing debate visuals.
A Systematic Review of Radiofrequency Treatment of the Ankle for the Management of Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain

Chronic pain of the lower extremity remains challenging to manage. Radiofrequency treatment applies heat to nerve fibers with the goal of mitigating chronic pain conditions. The clinical efficacy has not yet been adequately established for pathologies of the ankle and foot. In this review paper, we report the use and efficacy of radiofrequency treatment applied to foot and ankle pain. PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (final search 30 March 2018) using the MeSH terms “radiofrequency ablation,” “neurolysis,” “radiofrequency therapy,” “pain syndrome,” “analgesia,” “plantar heel pain,” “plantar fascitis,” and “chronic pain” in the English literature. Of the 23 papers screened, 18 were further investigated for relevance. Our final search methodology yielded 15 studies that investigated the use of radiofrequency treatment at the ankle. Of these 15 studies, there were three randomized control trials, four prospective studies, three retrospective studies, and five case reports. The quality of selected publications was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias instrument. The evidence from our studies suggests that radiofrequency treatment can be used safely for the management foot and ankle pain. The technique (continuous vs pulsatile), temperature, location of treatment, and duration of administration need more thorough evaluation. Randomized control trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety profile of radiofrequency ablation and its long-term benefits in patients with chronic pain of the foot and ankle. The evidence from our studies suggests that radiofrequency treatment can be used safely for the management foot and ankle pain. The technique (continuous vs pulsatile), temperature, location of treatment, and duration of administration need more thorough evaluation. Randomized control trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety profile of radiofrequency ablation and its long-term benefits in patients with chronic pain of the foot and ankle.
Ischemic Preconditioning, O2 Kinetics, and Performance in Normoxia and Hypoxia.

INTRODUCTION Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) before exercise has been shown to be a novel approach to improve performance in different exercise modes in normoxia (NORM). Few studies have been conducted examining potential mechanisms behind these improvements, and less has been done examining its influence during exercise in hypoxia (HYP). Oxygen uptake and extraction kinetics are factors that have been implicated as possible determinants of cycling performance. We hypothesized that IPC would lead to improvements in oxygen extraction and peripheral blood flow kinetics, and this would translate to improvements in cycling time trial (TT) performance in both NORM and HYP. METHODS Thirteen men (age, 24 ± 7 yr; V˙O2max, 63.1 ± 5.1 mL·kg·min) participated in the study. Subjects completed trials of each combination of normobaric HYP (FiO2 = 0.16, simulating ~8000 ft/2500 m) or NORM (FiO2 = 0.21) with preexercise IPC protocol (4 × 5 min at 220 mm Hg) or SHAM procedure. Trials included submaximal constant load cycle exercise bouts (power outputs of 15% below gas exchange threshold, and 85% of V˙O2max), and a 5-km cycling performance TT. RESULTS Ischemic preconditioning significantly improved 5-km TT time in NORM by 0.9% ± 1.8% compared with SHAM (IPC, 491.2 ± 35.2 s vs SHAM, 495.9 ± 36.0 s; P < 0.05). Ischemic preconditioning did not alter 5-km TT performance times in HYP (P = 0.231). Ischemic preconditioning did, however, improve tissue oxygen extraction in HYP (deoxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin: IPC, 21.23 ± 10.95 μM; SHAM, 19.93 ± 9.91 μM; P < 0.05) during moderate-intensity exercise. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm that IPC is an effective ergogenic aid for athletes performing 5-km cycling TT bouts in NORM. Ischemic preconditioning did mitigate the declines in tissue oxygen during moderate-intensity exercise in HYP, but this did not translate to a significant effect on mean group performance. These data suggest that IPC may be of benefit for athletes training and competing in NORM.
Reduced frequency of resistance-type exercise training promotes adaptation of the aged skeletal muscle microenvironment

Decreasing resistance-type exercise training frequency in old rodents led to adaptation through enhancements in performance, fiber areas, and myonuclear domains. Modifying frequency influenced the ...
Antinuclear antibodies in the general population: positive association with inflammatory and vascular biomarkers but not traditional cardiovascular risk factors

OBJECTIVES Patients with clinically evident autoimmune disease are at increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Markers of serological autoimmunity such as anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are found in approximately 25% of the general population. Yet, the vast majority will not develop clinical autoimmune disease. Serological autoimmunity is a risk factor for CVD death in individuals without autoimmune disease; however, the mechanisms mediating this excess CVD risk have not been elucidated. METHODS We examined associations of ANA with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory mediators, and vascular biomarkers in the Dallas Heart Study - a large, representative multiethnic population-based cohort. Plasma ANA were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 3,488 Dallas Heart Study participants aged 30 to 65 years who do not have known rheumatologic disease. Associations of ANA with demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and biomarkers were assessed using univariable and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Factors independently associated with higher ANA include female sex, African-American race/ethnicity, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble CD40 ligand, chemokine CXCL-2, and Cystatin C (p<0.05 for each). ANA was not associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, coronary artery calcium scores, or aortic wall thickness. CONCLUSION ANA are associated with inflammatory mediators and biomarkers of vascular activation, but not with traditional cardiovascular risk factors in a multiethnic population-based cohort. These findings suggest that the cardiovascular risk associated with ANA may involve pathways distinct from traditional risk factors and include dysregulation of endothelial cells and the immune system.
Distributed Control of Multiagent Systems with Heterogeneity in Synchronization Roles

This paper introduces a new definition of the linear cooperative output regulation problem in order to allow the common output synchronization (regulation) together with an additional output synchronization for a proper subset of all agents. The solvability of this problem with an internal model based distributed dynamic state feedback control law is first investigated based on a global condition. An agent-wise local sufficient condition is then presented under standard assumptions. A numerical example is finally provided to illustrate the considered problem and the proposed approach in this paper.
Effect of aeration intensity on the biofilm nitrification process during the production of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) in Biofloc and clear water systems

Abstract Artificial substrates have great importance for the establishment of the biofilm, and their use in the culture systems represents a complementary source of food, increase space for animals and aid in the metabolism of nitrogen compounds. Nitrifying bacteria present in biofilm play an important role in the maintenance of water quality, and several factors such as pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen can interfere in the establishment and efficiency of these bacterial communities. However, there is not much information in the literature on the influence of aeration intensity on the bacterial community present in the biofilm. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the response of nitrifying bacteria present in the biofilm submitted to different aeration intensities during the production of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) in a clear water system and also with bioflocs. The study was composed of two experiments, where the first experiment was carried out without shrimp and consisted of four treatments with three replicates, in 800 Liter tanks distributed in: 1) W/Air (control - without aeration); 2) V7.5 (flow rate 7.5 L/min); 3) V33.75 (flow rate of 33.75 L/min) and V75 (flow rate of 75 L/min). All treatments use “Needlona®” as artificial substrate (Needlona® - 100% polyester fiber; 250 g/m2 weight; 1.4 mm thickness; 0.18 g/cm3 density), in the proportion of 200% of the lateral area of the tank. Experiment two was established after the results of the previous experiment, with three treatments and three replicates each: 1) BFT (biofloc, with flow rate of 20.00 L/min); 2) BFT + BF (biofloc and biofilm with flow rate of 33.75 L/min) and 3) BF (biofilm with flow rate of 33.75 L/min), in which the shrimp (7.89 ± 0.24 g) were stocked in 9 tanks (800 L) with a density of 500 shrimps m−3. In both experiments Ammonia and nitrite were measured daily, while nitrate was analyzed weekly. The first experiment showed no difference in the ammonia concentrations of the different treatments, whereas nitrite showed higher concentrations in the treatment without aeration. The 33.75 L/min flow rate was chosen for experiment 2 to be compared with the aeration normally employed in our systems (20.00 Liter/min). The nitrification process was more efficient in the treatments with biofilm and bigger air flow rate, presenting smaller concentrations of ammonia and nitrite in comparison to the BFT treatment. Similarly, treatments with biofilm and stronger flow rate showed better zootechnical performance of the shrimp.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Heart-Lung Transplant Recipient Outcome: An Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Database.

Background: Heart-lung transplantation (HLTx) is an effective treatment for patients with advanced cardiopulmonary failure. However, no large multicenter study has focused on the relationship betwe...
Facial muscle activity in the production of Swedish vowels: an electromyographic study

Abstract: The traditional division of the Swedish long rounded vowels into two groups, one containing [y:] and [o:] and the other containing [ω:] and [u:] was confirmed, on the basis of electromyographic measurements of the output of several locations in the facial muscles. The vowel [o:] does not group with [o:], as has been suggested, and [α:], although rounded, has a pattern dissimilar to all other vowels. The short vowels show patterns similar to their long counterparts with reduced activity and duration.
Practice with people experiencing homelessness: an analysis of secondary traumatic stress in the workplace

People experiencing homelessness often present to social service providers with trauma histories. As they seek services, their service providers may be secondarily exposed to their clients’ trauma,...
Functional implications of impaired bimanual force coordination in chronic stroke.

Abstract Background The ability to coordinate forces with both hands is crucial for manipulating objects in bimanual tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of bimanual force coordination on collaborative hand use for dexterous tasks in chronic stroke survivors. Methods Fourteen stroke survivors (63.03 ± 15.33 years) and 14 healthy controls (68.85 ± 8.16) performed two bimanual tasks: 1) Pegboard assembly task, and 2) dynamic force tracking task using bilateral index fingers. The Pegboard assembly task required collaborative use of both hands to construct a structure with pins, collars, and washers. We quantified bimanual dexterity with Pegboard assembly score as the total number of pins, collars, and washers assembled in one minute. The force tracking task involved controlled force increment and decrement while tracking a trapezoid trajectory. The task goal was to match the target force with the total force, i.e., sum of forces produced by both hands as accurately as possible. We quantified bimanual force coordination by computing time-series cross-correlation coefficient, time-lag, amplitude of coherence in 0 – 0.5 Hz, and 0.5–1 Hz for force increment and decrement phases. Results In the Pegboard assembly task, the stroke group assembled fewer items relative to the control group (p = 0.004). In the bimanual force tracking task, the stroke group showed reduced cross-correlation coefficient (p = 0.01), increased time-lag (p = 0.00), and reduced amplitude of coherence in 0–0.5 Hz (p = 0.03) and in 0.5–1 Hz (p = 0.00). Multiple regression analysis in the stroke group revealed that performance on Pegboard assembly task was explained by cross-correlation coefficient and coherence in 0.5–1 Hz during force increment (R2 = 0.52, p = 0.00). Conclusions Individuals with stroke show impaired bimanual dexterity and diminished bimanual force coordination. Importantly, stroke-related deterioration in bimanual force coordination was associated with poor performance on dexterous bimanual tasks that require collaboration between hands. Re-training bimanual force coordination in stroke survivors could facilitate a higher degree of participation in daily activities through improved bimanual dexterity.
Moral Hazard in VC Syndicates

Syndicates are good but not always. A number of studies have looked into the benefits of syndication and enumerated the various factors that lead to the positive outcome. There are few studies that allude to the negative side of syndication. Adding to the latter string of papers, this paper analyzes the interaction among VC partners using partnership model and derives conditions that lead to inferior performance of the venture funded by the syndicate. Syndications with large number of partners, entering the later rounds of financing, already overseeing big portfolio of investments do not add expected value to the ventures and render rather inferior performance. The empirical findings support the theoretical claims.
Can Insider Trading Information Be a Useful Tool for Investment Managers? A Review

Predominant finance theories by academics suggest that achieving consistent outsized returns in the stock market is not possible because the market is efficient. Can legal insider trading disclosure data reported to the SEC provide an effective tool for identifying investments?