cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary procyanidins selectively modulate intestinal farnesoid X receptor-regulated gene expression to alter enterohepatic bile acid recirculation: elucidation of a novel mechanism to reduce triglyceridemia.

Scope Understanding the molecular basis by which dietary procyanidins modulate triglyceride and cholesterol homeostasis has important implications for the use of natural products in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Methods To determine whether modulation of bile acid (BA) homeostasis contributes to the hypotriglyceridemic action of grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) we examined the effect on genes regulating BA absorption, transport and synthesis in vitro, in Caco-2 cells, and in vivo, in wild type (C57BL/6) and farnesoid x receptor knockout (Fxr(-/-)) mice. Results We provide novel evidence demonstrating that GSPE is a naturally occurring gene-selective bile acid receptor modulator (BARM). Mechanistically, GSPE down-regulates genes involved in intestinal BA absorption and transport in an Fxr-dependent manner, resulting in decreased enterohepatic BA recirculation. This correlates with increased fecal BA output, decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, increased hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1), and decreased intestinal fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) expression. GSPE also increased hepatic HmgCoA reductase (Hmgcr) and synthase (Hmgcs1) expression, while concomitantly decreasing sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (Srebp1c). Conclusion GSPE selectively regulates intestinal Fxr-target gene expression in vivo, and modulation of BA absorption and transport is a critical regulatory point for the consequential hypotriglyceridemic effects of GSPE.
Macroevolutionary patterns of ultraviolet floral pigmentation explained by geography and associated bioclimatic factors

Selection driven by biotic interactions can generate variation in floral traits. Abiotic selection, however, also contributes to floral diversity, especially with respect to patterns of pigmentation. Combining comparative studies of floral pigmentation and geography can reveal the bioclimatic factors that may drive macroevolutionary patterns of floral color. We create a molecular phylogeny and measure ultraviolet (UV) floral pattern for 177 species in the Potentilleae tribe (Rosaceae). Species are similar in flower shape and visible color but vary in UV floral pattern. We use comparative approaches to determine whether UV pigmentation variation is associated with geography and/or bioclimatic features (UV-B, precipitation, temperature). Floral UV pattern was present in half of the species, while others were uniformly UV-absorbing. Phylogenetic signal was detected for presence/absence of pattern, but among patterned species, quantitative variation in UV-absorbing area was evolutionarily labile. Uniformly UV-absorbing species tended to experience higher UV-B irradiance. Patterned species occurring at higher altitudes had larger UV-absorbing petal areas, corresponding with low temperature and high UV exposure. This analysis expands our understanding of the covariation of UV-B irradiance and UV floral pigmentation from within species to that among species, and supports the view that abiotic selection is associated with floral diversification among species.
Changes in hormone action during aging: glucocorticoid regulation of adipocyte glucose metabolism and catecholamine regulation of myocardial contractility.

AbstractMany responses to hormones are altered during aging. Almost all the cellular components involved in mediating hormone actions have, in one situation or another, been implicated in such responsiveness changes. Glucocorticoid inhibition of glucose oxidation in rat adipocytes and catecholamine stimulation of rat heart contractile performance are two examples of reduced hormonal responsiveness during aging. In the former system, age changes have been reported in glucocorticoid receptor concentrations, rates of putative receptor biosynthesis, regulation of the glucose transport system, and the sulfhydryl content of the plasma membrane. In the latter system, no changes have been observed in catecholamine receptors, cyclic AMP production, or protein kinase activation. Instead, the age-associated functional change appears to be related to control of calcium entry into the cell. The manifestations of aging at the level of hormone action, therefore, appear to be multifaceted.
The large aftershocks of the Northridge earthquake and their relationship to mainshock slip and fault-zone complexity

The distribution of fault slip for the Northridge mainshock and two MW ≧ 6 aftershocks is estimated using an approach that inverts the far-field momentrate functions derived by empirical Green's function deconvolution. The slip for these events was found to have a strong negative correlation with the locations of small aftershocks, and there is a notable clustering of aftershocks near the edges of slip, suggesting that these events are triggered by a redistribution of stress following the mainshock rupture. The two largest aftershocks ruptured the updip regions adjacent to the leading edge of the mainshock rupture. One aftershock, 11 hr after the main event, initiated 8 km west of the mainshock slip terminus and ruptured east to the western edge of mainshock slip. This event was found to have ruptured the same south-dipping fault as the mainshock. The two events, however, are separated by a lateral offset in the depth of seismicity that serves as a geometrical barrier to through-going rupture. An MW 6.2 aftershock approximately 1 min after the main event is inferred to have ruptured an updip region of the mainshock fault that is relatively devoid of small aftershock seismicity. This event was located at the eastern edge of the sequence that overlaps with the north-dipping fault responsible for the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Although the south-dipping plane is favored for this aftershock, it is not possible to rule out that it occurred on the north-dipping fault structure, or within the hanging block of the mainshock.
Direct determination of glyphosate, glufosinate, and AMPA in soybean and corn by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Glyphosate, glufosinate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) are amphoteric, low mass, high water soluble, and do not have chromophore. They are very difficult to be retained on a reversed phase HPLC and detected by UV or fluorescence detectors. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine these analytes in soybean and corn using a reversed phase with weak anion-exchange and cation-exchange mixed-mode Acclaim™ Trinity™ Q1 column. The sample was shaken with water containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) and acetic acid for 10 min to precipitate protein and extract the analytes into the solution. The supernatant was passed thru an Oasis HLB SPE to retain suspended particulates and non-polar interferences. The sample was directly injected and analyzed in 6 min by LC-MS/MS with no sample concentration or derivatization steps. Three isotopically labeled internal standards corresponding to each analyte were used to counter matrix suppression effect. Linearity of the detector response with a minimum coefficient of determination (R 2) of more than 0.995 was demonstrated in the range of 10 to 1000 ng/mL for each analyte. Accuracy (recovery %) and precision (relative standard deviation or RSD %) were evaluated at the fortification levels of 0.1, 0.5, and 2 μg/g in seven replicates in both soybean and corn samples.
The Adolescent “Expanded Medical Home”: School-Based Health Centers Partner with a Primary Care Clinic to Improve Population Health and Mitigate Social Determinants of Health

Introduction: Access to high-quality health care is a crucial social determinant of health. We describe the implementation of an “expanded medical home” partnering a primary care practice (the Ypsilanti Health Center [YHC]) with local school-based health centers (the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools [RAHS]), and to assess whether this model improves access to and quality of care for shared patients. Methods: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we define the steps in, barriers to, and facilitating factors in implementing the expanded medical home model. Visits and quality measures were assessed for patients seen by YHC only versus YHC/RAHS at baseline and during the intervention. Results: At baseline, patients seen at YHC/RAHS had higher compliance with most quality metrics compared with those seen at YHC only. The proportion of shared patients significantly increased because of the intervention (P Conclusions: Thoughtful and intentional implementation of an expanded medical home partnership between primary care physicians and school-based health centers increases the number of shared high-risk adolescent patients. Shared patients have improved compliance with quality measures, which may lead to long-term improved health equity.
Outside the Battlefield In-Group Political Dynamics of Civil Conflict Negotiations and Settlements

What increases warring parties’ ability to reach a negotiated settlement? In this study, I answer this question by examining the political environment a government and rebel group leadership internally encounter during a peace process. I disaggregate in-group dynamics of governments and rebels into their respective political elements that either grant autonomy or create constraints for resolution, namely, their constituencies and elites. I argue that willingness to end fighting does not always translate into the ability to make concessions. Although battlefield-related indicators may increase the likelihood of negotiations, it is internal cohesion that increases combatants’ credibility as bargaining partners and improves the likelihood of settlement. To test these arguments, I introduce original data on negotiations for internal conflict-dyad-years between 1980 and 2005. Findings using two-stage censored probit models demonstrate that war-weariness increases willingness for negotiations whereas internal c...
The multiplication of staphylococci of bovine or human origin in cows' milk.

Summary Mild mastitis was produced experimentally in cows of various ages, stages of lactation and milk yields, by the infusion of staphylococcal culture filtrate into the teat canal. The multiplication in vitro of Staphylococcus aureus strain 280 in samples of mastitis milk from these cows was compared with the multiplication of the same organism in normal milk from the same cows. When the leucocyte count in the mastitis milk was greater than 1.0 X 106 cells/ml., there was inhibition of staphylococcal multiplication, although above this level the degree of inhibition produced by the milk of different cows was variable, and not directly related to the magnitude of the leucocyte counts. In milk from a single cow, a linear relationship between the leucocyte:bacteria ratio and the inhibitory index for strain 280 was demonstrated. Significant differences in multiplication rates in normal milk were not observed among 10 strains of staphylococci of bovine origin and 5 of human origin. While each strain was inhibited to a significant extent in mastitis milk, there was some variation among the strains. The inhibitory index of the mastitis milk for the bovine strains was usually somewhat greater than that for strain 280, while the multiplication of the human strains was inhibited less than that of strain 280. The multiplication rate of strain 280 in either normal or mastitis milk from each of 3 cows was slightly slower under anaerobic than under aerobic conditions.
Chapter 35 – Introduction to Pesticide Disposition

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a brief commentary on the cascade of chemical toxicity. It should also be emphasized that toxicity is not due to a single defining molecular event or interaction but rather a cascade of events beginning with exposure and culminating with the expression of one or more toxic endpoints. This cascade includes adsorption, distribution, metabolism, distribution of metabolites, interaction with cellular macromolecules, repair, and excretion. The processes involved may be reversible to a greater or lesser extent, they may be alternate pathways, and they may be modified by chemical and physiological interactions. It should be emphasized that, although pesticides and their use have many positive attributes, in terms of their interactions with living organisms, pesticides are xenobiotics and are processed in the same way as other xenobiotics such as clinical drugs and industrial chemicals. The aspects covered here include adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and are collectively known as disposition.
Current and former populations of Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) in the Caribbean region

ABSTRACT Cryptic species are often difficult to count and thus protect. Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) is a cryptic seabird that has disappeared from many colonies, but knowledge of the population's status is incomplete. This paper reviews the survey methods in detail and assesses the status. This species nests or once nested on at least 154 islands in the Caribbean and remains on 137 today, with most habitat just above sea level. Remaining colonies represent 1% of the former breeding area and are remote, with 98 sites lacking any estimate of density. In 16 plots searched on multiple nights using playback, the probability of detection of defended nests was 79 ± 5% (57 of 72 defended nests) in a single night of searching. Pairs were attempting to breed in 54 ± 6% (39 of 72) of defended nests. Average densities, adjusted for missed detections, ranged from 0.6 to 246 defended nests ha−1 (n = 21 colonies, median = 18.5 ha−1, area-weighted mean = 104 ha−1). Using the best data from every colony, a...
Adult Onset Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Intussusception: A Rare Presentation.

We present an unusual case of a young 26-year-old male who was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP). Initial presentation was primarily mild gastrointestinal symptoms, which progressed to a life threatening intussusception and subsequently resolved with prompt glucocorticoid use rather than typical surgical intervention. Of importance, the patient’s initial gastrointestinal symptoms without associated skin manifestations made the diagnosis difficult. In conclusion, it is important to recognize uncommon presentations of HSP as it may lead to life threatening complications and surgical intervention may be avoided with prompt treatment.
Improved synthesis of the C-glucuronide/glycoside of 4-hydroxybenzylretinone (4-HBR)

Improvements in the synthesis of carbon-linked glucuronide/glucoside conjugates of cancer chemopreventive retinoids have been achieved starting with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-D-glucopyranose. The revised approach demonstrates better yields, eliminates the use of an expensive, carcinogenic protecting group reagent, and avoids much painstaking chromatography. The new approach should allow synthesis of larger quantities of the agents for detailed animal and mechanistic studies.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Laser-Materials Interactions

Atomistic and coarse grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of laser-materials interactions are playing an increasingly important role in investigation of complex and highly non-equilibrium processes involved in short pulse laser processing and surface modification. This role is defined by the ability of MD simulations to reveal the microscopic mechanisms of structural and phase transformations induced by the laser excitation and, at the same time, to provide clear visual representations, or “atomic movies,” of laser-induced dynamic processes. In this presentation, the atomistic and coarse-grained (mesoscopic) computational methods developed for simulation of laser-materials interactions will be briefly reviewed and the capabilities and limitations of these methods will be discussed. The introduction to the computational methods will be followed by several examples of atomistic simulations of laser melting, generation of crystal defects and nanoscale surface morphology, photomechanical spallation, explosive boiling and molecular entrainment in laser ablation. The discussion of the results will be connected to the basic concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics of materials and will be aimed at providing a clear physical picture of the structural and phase transformations triggered by the rapid laser energy deposition. The results of the simulations will be related to experimental observations. The implications of the computational predictions for practical applications, as well as for the theoretical description and continuum-level modeling of the laser-induced processes will be discussed.
Effect of furniture and partitions on the surface temperatures in an office under forced flow

Abstract Computational Fluid Dynamics ( CFD ) simulations were performed to study the effects of surfaces typically found in an office, such as partitions and desks, on the temperatures of the surfaces surrounding the occupants. An accurate estimation of these temperatures is needed to assess the thermal comfort conditions in a space, thus ensuring that the occupants are satisfied with their thermal environment. A parameter quantifying the area available to convect heat to the air was proposed to account for the effect of surfaces of different sizes and positions. A higher amount of available convective area was found to decrease the temperatures of the surfaces in the room, and vice versa. Although the air temperature also increased with additional available convective area, this change was found to be small (typically below 15%). Moreover, the shape of the air temperature profile far from the surfaces remained unchanged when changing the amount of available convective area. Therefore, the operative temperature that the occupants experience is lower in spaces with a large amount of available convective area. Expressions to estimate the temperatures of the surfaces, generally within ±10% of the air temperature rise in the space, were proposed. These expressions can be useful during the early stages of the design process, when CFD simulations are impractical and the exact location and type of furniture in a space are not well known. Together with a model to predict the air temperature profile, these correlations can improve the accuracy of thermal comfort assessment.
Using the Game Boy Advance to teach computer systems and architecture

This paper presents an approach to teaching computer systems and architecture using Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld game console. In this approach, students learn to write programs in C and assembly for this system. The system is also used to illustrate concepts such as memory systems, memory-mapped I/O, direct memory access and bitwise operations, all of which are needed to effectively program the console. Intended benefits of this approach are to motivate interest by using a platform that many students know and own, and also to get students "closer to the metal" by writing code for a device where you must interact with the hardware more directly than most other systems.
TDC 2000 Digital Instrumentation System

Abstract The study starts with the new viewpoints used by Honeywell as basis for the development of the TDC 2000 Total Distributed Control System. Secondly, the system architecture is discussed, as follows: TDC 2000 Controller, a standard eight function multi input-output controller, capable of being configured on-site to users' requirements. The controller is interfaced to the Data Hiway, thus allowing remote supervisory equipment full access to local control data. Operator Station provides operator with relevant process information, accepts operator commands for a kayboard and makes necessary changes over the communication system. Interface with computers is arranged by communication through Data Hiway. Computer thereby may access and alter distributed data base of controllers to ascertain the status of each loop for data acquisition or to directly control the setpoints or outputs for supervisory and DDC operation. After that the scope of the TDC 2000 system at Kaipola Mills is introduced together with other instrumentation included as well as the operating principles of the system. As summary, a review of special actions required by the new system and an estimate of the success of the whole instrumentation.
A Unified Framework to Predict Movement

In the current data-centered era, there are many highly diverse data sources that provide information about movement on networks, such as GPS trajectories, traffic flow measurements, farecard data, pedestrian cameras, bike-share data and even geo-social movement trajectories. The challenge identified in this vision paper is to create a unified framework for aggregating and analyzing such diverse and uncertain movement data on networks. This requires probabilistic models to capture flow/volume and movement probabilities on a network over time. Novel algorithms are required to train these models from datasets with varying levels of uncertainty. By combining information from different networks, immediate applications of such a unifying movement model include optimal site planning, map construction, traffic management, and emergency management.
A NetCDF version of the two-dimensional energy balance model based on the full multigrid algorithm

Abstract A NetCDF version of the two-dimensional energy balance model based on the full multigrid method in Fortran is introduced for both pedagogical and research purposes. Based on the land–sea–ice distribution, orbital elements, greenhouse gases concentration, and albedo, the code calculates the global seasonal surface temperature. A step-by-step guide with examples is provided for practice.
Association between subjective memory assessment and associative memory performance: Role of ad risk factors.

Decline in associative memory abilities is a common cognitive complaint among older adults and is detectable in both normal aging and in prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Subjective memory (SM) complaints may serve as an earlier marker of these mnemonic changes; however, previous research examining the predictive utility of SM to observed memory performance yielded inconsistent results. This inconsistency is likely due to other sources of variance that occur with memory decline such as mood/depression issues, presence of apolipoprotein E (APOE e4) genotype, or beta-amyloid deposition. Here we examine the relationship between SM and associative memory ability in the context of factors that increase susceptibility to AD in 195 healthy adults (79 men) aged 20-94 years. Participants completed an SM questionnaire, a mood/depression scale, two associative memory tests (a word-pair and a name-face test), and were genotyped for APOE e4. PET-amyloid imaging data were collected for a subset of those over 50 years of age (N = 74). We found that SM predicted performance on both associative memory tests even after covarying for age, sex, mood, and APOE e4 status. Interestingly, for the name-face associative task, increased SM concerns predicted memory performance selectively in participants over the age of 60, with the APOEe4 risk group showing the strongest effect. Finally, men with higher beta-amyloid deposition reported more memory complaints. Our findings suggest that SM reliably tracks memory performance, even in cognitively healthy adults, and may reflect an increased risk for AD. (PsycINFO Database Record
Methods of Triplex Study

A number of physicochemical techniques have been used to study the properties of triple-stranded nucleic acids. Specific features of triplexes and relevant methods for their elucidation are compiled in Table 2.1. They will be briefly outlined below.
Writing Method Sections

The question to be answered or the hypothesis to be tested now has to be turned into a practical project, which will consist of making observations on some form of biomedical material, performing clinical trials on patients, or carrying out experiments on animals or in vitro. The planning stage for the research should be described in the method section.
Talking with NPCs: towards dynamic generation of discourse structures

Dialogue in commercial games is largely created by teams of writers and designers who hand-author every line of dialogue and hand-specify the dialogue structure using finite state machines or branching trees. For dialogue heavy games, such as role playing games with significant NPC interactions, or emerging genres such as interactive drama, such hand specification significantly limits the player's interaction possibilities. Decades of research on the standard pipeline architecture in natural language generation has focused on how to generate text given a specification of the communicative goals; one can imagine beginning to adapt such methods for generating the lines of dialogue for characters. But little work has been done on the problem of procedurally generating dialogue structures, that is, dynamically generating dialogue FSMs or trees (more generally, discourse managers) that accomplish communicative goals. In this paper we describe a system that uses a formalization of backstory, character information, and social interactions to dynamically generate interactive dialogue structures that accomplish desired dialogue goals.
Knowledge-Based Graphic User Interface Management Methodology

We have developed a methodology of using visual graphic knowledge base representation for user interface design and implementation. Expert knowledge of the underlying software system for user interface design and implementation is represented visually using workstations. User interface designers can easily understand and utilize the knowledge bases to design user interfaces. The design specification created by a designer together with the source codes in the knowledge base arc used by a source code generating engine to assemble the source code for the designed system. The methodology is not limited to user interface design and in fact can be extended to the design and implementation of other types of software systems.
Granulocyte Kinetic Studies in Patients with Proliferative Disorders of the Bone Marrow

Granulocyte kinetic studies with DFP32 were done in four patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia, three patients with polycythemia vera, one patient with essential thrombocythemia, and one patient with persistent, unexplained granulocytosis. The increased blood granulocyte concentration found in the patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and unexplained granulocytosis was at least in part the result of increased granulocyte production. Precise calculations of granulocyte pool sizes and turnover rates in the patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia were not possible because of unresolved problems related to the non-uniform population of myeloid cells in the blood of these patients. However, within the limitations of the method, a greater number of myeloid cells were turned over per day through blood than in normal subjects. The findings support the concept that a widespread disorder of marrow proliferation exists in chronic myelocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia.
Abstract 5628: Measurement of Fc-mediated ADCC and CDC activity of anti-TNFA and anti-VEGF therapeutic antibodies using reporter-based bioassays and engineered TNFA+ and VEGF+ target cells

Fc-mediated effector functions are critical to the efficacy and safety of therapeutic antibodies. Measurement of Fc-mediated antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) during antibody drug discovery and development is not only important for antibodies that harness ADCC and/or CDC as their primary mechanism of action (e.g. rituximab, trastuzumab), but also for antibodies designed to target and block soluble ligands such as TNFA and VEGF. We previously reported the development of a cell-based reporter bioassay platform which has been used to measure ADCC and ADCP mediated through FcΓRI, FcΓRIIa and FcΓRIIIa. These reporter bioassays exhibit the specificity, accuracy, precision, and robustness necessary for qualification according to ICH guidelines and have been used extensively to characterize and measure the potency of antibody-based biologics drugs that target cell surface immune receptors. In the current study, we sought to evaluate Fc-mediated ADCC and CDC activities of therapeutic antibodies designed to target and block soluble ligands including TNFA and VEGF. To measure ADCC activity of anti-TNFA and anti-VEGF blocking antibodies, we developed engineered target cells that express either membrane-bound TNFA or VEGF. When used as target cells with reporter-based effector cells expressing a relevant FcΓR, ADCC activity of adalimumab (anti-TNFA) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) was detected in a specific and dose-dependent manner. Similarly, when used in a luminescence-based CDC assay, the engineered target cells elicited an appropriate FcΓR-mediated response. The assay signals demonstrated IgG isotype specificity as IgG4 variants showed minimal activity in both ADCC and CDC assays. Our results demonstrate that the combined use of cell-based reporter bioassays with target cells engineered to express membrane-bound soluble ligands can provide a simple, specific, and quantitative platform to measure Fc-mediated effector functions of therapeutic antibodies targeting soluble ligands. Citation Format: Denise Garvin, Jamison Grailer, Rich Moravec, Jim Hartnett, Vanessa Ott, Frank Fan, Mei Cong, Zhi-jie Jey Cheng. Measurement of Fc-mediated ADCC and CDC activity of anti-TNFA and anti-VEGF therapeutic antibodies using reporter-based bioassays and engineered TNFA+ and VEGF+ target cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5628.
Bluetooth Based Indoor Localization Using Triplet Embeddings

We propose a novel algorithm for indoor localization using triplet embeddings through Bluetooth connectivity streams obtained in very noisy settings with irregular sampling schemes using environmental sensors distributed ad hoc inside buildings. We pose the problem as a matrix completion problem, where a single row and column is added to the (noisy) distances matrix of sensors. Since this is an underdetermined problem, we use information from connectivity between the sender and the trackers to find the missing distances with the help of triplet comparisons. We test our algorithm in a busy hospital setting, where locations such as patient rooms, intensive care units and nursing stations have been equipped with Bluetooth trackers, that are capable of sending Bluetooth packets as well. We assign the sender role to three different trackers, and estimate their locations. We achieve a mean error of 4.01m in indoor localization for three different senders.
A multi-subject accuracy study on granular jamming for non-invasive attachment of fiducial markers to patients.

This short communication describes experimental evaluation of a new granular jamming cap (GJC) recently introduced in Wellborn et al. (Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 12(6):1069–1077, 2017). The contributions beyond [8] are (1) to evaluate accuracy across multiple human subjects, and (2) to determine how much of the accuracy improvement is attributable to improved fiducial marker arrangement alone, and how much is due to granular jamming. The motivation for this GJC is to improve the accuracy of image-guidance interfaces in transnasal skull base surgery. Accuracy depends on a rigid connection between tracked fiducial markers and the patient. By molding itself to the unique contours of the individual patient’s head and then solidifying, the GJC can firmly attach fiducial markers to a patient, increasing accuracy in the presence of disturbances. A multi-subject study ($$n=8$$) was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the GJC compared to a clinically used headband-based fixation device, in the presence of simulated accidental bumping (light force and impact events) that could occur in a real-world operating room. The GJC reduced the average target registration error at the pituitary gland by 66% in our force experiments and 78% in our impact experiments, which were statistically significant reductions ($$p< 0.001$$). Maximum target registration error was similarly reduced by 55% and 78% in the same two perturbation tests. The GJC increases the accuracy of transnasal image-guidance under force and impact perturbations by more firmly, yet non-invasively, attaching fiducial markers to the patient. We find that granular jamming provides accuracy improvement beyond that associated with improved fiducial marker arrangement.
One-year stability of prospective memory symptoms and performance in aging and HIV disease.

Introduction: HIV disease and aging can both affect prospective memory (PM), which describes the complex process of executing delayed intentions and plays an essential role in everyday functioning....
Survey of anesthesiologists on anesthetic maintenance techniques and total intravenous anesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background Inhalational anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) are techniques used for maintenance of general anesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Growing evidence exists that TIVA may be associated with decreased bleeding and improved surgical fields, yet data suggest it is used in a minority of sinus surgery cases. The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions and approaches to anesthetic maintenance techniques in ESS among anesthesia providers. Methods A total of 719 anesthesiology residents, faculty, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at 3 tertiary academic centers in the United States were invited to participate in a survey of considerations and practice patterns for inhalational anesthesia and TIVA for ESS. Results Responses were received from 200 participants (28%). Sixty-five percent of respondents reported a lack of familiarity with current literature on TIVA for ESS. Many considered factors other than surgical field visualization when choosing a maintenance technique. Most were comfortable with performing TIVA but stated they would participate in additional training. Conclusion The majority of anesthesiology providers were unaware of the existing literature demonstrating advantage in improved surgical visualization with TIVA. Many used a combination of inhaled and intravenous anesthetics for maintenance. These findings suggest that future opportunities may exist to develop education, training, and practice approaches specific to anesthetic techniques for ESS.
Liposclerosing Myxofibrous Tumor in a Patient with Prostate Cancer: A Case Report.

Case A 64-year-old man diagnosed with prostate cancer was incidentally found to have a lesion in his distal femur. Although initially concerning for metastatic prostate cancer, after biopsy by an orthopaedic oncology specialist, a diagnosis of liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor (LSMFT) was confirmed. The lesion was treated with curettage and demineralized bone matrix grafting with close follow-up. Conclusions This case report illustrates that LSMFT is not confined to the proximal femur and highlights the differences in radiographic appearance between LSMFT and more common metastatic bone lesions.
Development of an IoT-Driven Building Environment for Prediction of Electric Energy Consumption

This article demonstrates the importance of integrating the Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and technologies for efficient energy management in a building environment. An Elman recurrent neural network (RNN) model and an exponential model are developed for electric energy consumption prediction in an IoT-driven building environment. The models predict electric energy consumption by electric loads in the near future by: 1) recognizing the existence of a relationship between the net electric energy consumption of the building’s electric loads and the ambient temperature along with the occupancy state of the building and 2) employing the detected relationship to predict electric energy consumption using the forecasted temperature and the scheduled occupancy state. The building environment under consideration is the Real-Time Power and Intelligent Systems (RTPIS) laboratory integrated with intelligent monitoring and control capabilities using IoT devices and technologies. The electric loads under consideration include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and light panels. The developed Elman RNN and exponential models are also compared. These prediction capabilities are beneficial in overcoming variabilities in electric energy consumption by supplying electric energy as needed to meet the demands of the electric loads, thereby minimizing wasted electric energy, reducing carbon emissions, and generating cost savings.
Two sides of the same coin: The role of developmental pathways and pluripotency factors in normal mammary stem cells and breast cancer metastasis

Breast cancer initiation and progression are often observed as the result of dysregulation of normal developmental processes and pathways. Studies focused on normal mammary stem/progenitor cell activity have led to an understanding of how breast cancer cells acquire stemness-associated properties including tumor initiation, survival and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous tumors that become difficult to target therapeutically. Importantly, more recent investigations have provided valuable insight into how key developmental regulators can impact multiple phases of metastasis, where they are repurposed to not only promote metastatic phenotypes such as migration, invasion and EMT at the primary site, but also to regulate the survival, initiation and maintenance of metastatic lesions at secondary organs. Herein, we discuss findings that have led to a better understanding of how embryonic and pluripotency factors contribute not only to normal mammary development, but also to metastatic progression. We further examine the therapeutic potential of targeting these developmental pathways, and discuss how a better understanding of compensatory mechanisms, crosstalk between pathways, and novel experimental models could provide critical insight into how we might exploit embryonic and pluripotency regulators to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis.
Separation of Vowel Sequences by Consonant Addition in a Child’s Bilingual Development

Studying infrequent variants in child developmental speech is insightful for language representation and processing. Phonological processes like anticipation and perseveration account for such productions in children. How children process such infrequent variants during development has not been fully explored. In particular, there is no study on the separation of within-word vowel sequences by consonant addition in monolingual or bilingual children. The present study investigates this in a bilingual child’s phonological development in English and Greek, from age 2;7 to 3;9. Sufficient data were obtained for English diphthongs and hiatus and Greek hiatus. Results show that Greek, the stronger language by 1 MLU, interferes with perseverations in English between code-switched utterances. Such consonant additions, which are more frequent in the stronger language, decrease with age in both languages. While anticipation overall increases with age in both languages, within-word perseveration also increases. Word-position frequency of vowel sequences and of their added consonants in the words triggering them, as well as processing distance, are language and process (anticipation/perseveration) dependent. The results offer insights into error processing in child monolingual and bilingual speech.
Fuel economy benefit analysis of pass-at-green (PaG) V2I application on urban routes with STOP signs

In this paper, the fuel economy benefit of a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) algorithm called Pass-at-Green (PaG) was analysed and compared with different speed profile characteristics. The fuel-optimal speed profile calculated offline using Dynamic Programming (DP) was used for benchmarking. Manual Driving Speed Profile was included in the analysis as the human driver. Intelligent Driver Model (IDM), whose parameters were modified to model cautious, normal and aggressive behaviour, was also used for comparison. The state-of-the-art connected and autonomous driving Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setup enabled the use of Electronic Horizon (eHorizon), which provided localisation and detailed map information to the simulated test vehicle. An eHorizon Informed Manual Driving speed profile, where the eHorizon HIL system provided upcoming STOP sign location information, was also modelled. The results showed that having V2I capability in the longitudinal speed control of a vehicle has potential for substantial fuel consumption reduction while navigating through signalised and non-signalised intersections.
Safety First: The Potential Pitfalls of Telehealth.

In a burgeoning number of publications, including the Perspective by Chuo et al,1 researchers have described the benefits of using “telecommunication technologies to support long distance clinical healthcare delivery,” commonly referred to as telehealth or telemedicine.2 The potential advantages of remote health care include benefits to families with limited access to physicians, cost-effective health care delivery, equity, convenience and flexibility, provided that Internet service and electronic technologies are available.1,3 Although regulatory standards have been relaxed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to facilitate virtual visits, the same standard of care applies to telehealth visits as in-person consultations. Chuo et … E-mail: ian_michelow{at}brown.edu
Electret behavior discovered in solder, specifically tin–silver

An electret is a permanent electric dipole exhibited by a material. This work provides the first report of the electret behavior of a solder, which is Sn–4Ag in the form of a fluxless unpoled wire of diameter 2.79 mm. The electret voltage increases linearly with the inter-electrode distance l, due to Ohm’s Law. The electret’s electric field also increases with l, increasing by 2.8% upon increasing l from 100 to 1000 mm. The electret discharges upon short-circuiting (with the electric field decreasing to zero) and charges back upon subsequent open-circuiting (with the electric field fully restored). For l = 1000 mm, the voltage is 0.77 µV, the electric field is 0.77 µV/m, the current is 32 µA, the discharge/charge time is 45 s, and the fraction of valence electrons that participate is 3.5 × 10−9, which is much greater than the fraction of valence electrons that participate in the AC permittivity (up to 3.6 × 10−14, decreasing with increasing l), which is in turn much greater than the fraction of valence electrons that participate in DC-current-induced polarization (up to 5.4 × 10−21). The electret’s electric field is lower for solder than previously reported copper or steel. The fraction of carriers that participate in the discharge is much smaller for solder than copper. The discharge time is shorter for solder than copper, but the discharge time per unit participating charge is longer for solder than copper. The microstructure is believed to primarily govern the electret behavior, though the resistivity affects the permittivity and discharge time.
Activation of distant replication origins in vivo by DNA looping as revealed by a novel mutant form of an initiator protein defective in cooperativity at a distance

We have isolated mutants of the pi initiator protein of the plasmid R6K that are defective in DNA looping in vitro but retain their normal DNA binding affinity for the primary binding sites (iterons) at the gamma origin/enhancer. One such looping defective mutant called R6 was determined to be a proline to leucine change at position 46 near the N terminus of the pi protein. Using a set of genetic assays that discriminate between the activation of the gamma origin/enhancer from those of the distantly located alpha and beta origins, we show that the looping defective initiator protein fails to activate the alpha and beta origins but derepresses initiation from the normally silent gamma origin in vivo. The results conclusively prove that DNA looping is required to activate distant replication origins located at distances of up to 3 kb from the replication enhancer.
Radiative corrections to muon decay in an intermediate vector-boson theory

The radiative corrections to the decay spectrum for polarized muons are evaluated by means of an intermediate vector-boson theory. The vector-boson propagator has a form that makes all integrals renormalizable by conventional means. The renormalization of the weak by the electromagnetic interactions is discussed. It is shown how a prescription given by Durand, Landovitz and Marr facilitates the proper cancellation of infra-red divergences in the finite residues of the vertex and self-energy parts after ultraviolet infinities have been absorbed into the renormalized coupling constants. The results of the calculation are in good agreement with the radiatively corrected Fermi-coupling theory and show great insensitivity to the mass of the intermediate vector-boson in the large-mass regime.
Use of the Internet for Community Practice

ABSTRACT The Internet is a relatively new community practice tool with immense potential for more effective and efficient delivery of services. The lack of research about Internet community practice is an obstacle to the effective and efficient use of Internet tools. This research used the Delphi technique to elicit the opinions of experts on how the Internet tools of email, newsgroups, text, listservs, search engines, and chat are used by the four primary models of community practice found on the Internet (information dissemination, organization building, mobilization, and community planning). Findings show that a substantial number of people use community practice sites. The most useful Internet tools for the four Internet community practice models studied were text presentation and email. The least useful tools were newsgroups and chat. Barriers to Internet community practice include quality and currency of information, bandwidth, staff time, agency support, rapid technological change, marketing, brows...
Linkage detection tests under heterogeneity

A two-parameter (admixture) test (Lod2) for the detection of linkage which allows for heterogeneity is described. Lod score values for this test which lead to comparable type 1 error probabilities as the conventional (homogeneous) single-parameter lod score test (Lod1) are derived. For example, a Lod2 value of 3.70 corresponds to the conventional lod score (Lod1) value of 3.0. In terms of power to detect linkage, the Lod2 test is advantageous only for moderate to large pedigrees (autosomal dominant inheritance with high penetrance) and when the proportion of linked families is low (less than 40%). Otherwise, there appears to be no serious disadvantage in using the conventional Lod1 test when heterogeneity is present.
Sheet Steel Welding

Light, cold formed steel sections have been arc welded without the benefit of a general guiding specification for many years. By the late 1960’s the structural use of the fastening was sufficient to create a demand for a more systematic approach. In a series of tests at Cornell University, the behavior of the most common types of arc welds in sheet steel has been studied, and strength prediction equations have been derived. The strength prediction equations can be converted into design equations through the use of appropriate safety factors. Except for the case of the arc spot welds, the correlation between the test results and the computed results is quite satisfactory. In the case of the arc spot welds, the variability of the quality of welds has led to a rather large scatter in the test results.
A Comparison of the Learning Styles of High School and College/University Students.

(1995). A Comparison of the Learning Styles of High School and College/University Students. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 68, No. 4, pp. 257-261.