cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive parametric analyses of thermally aged power MOSFETs for failure precursor identification and lifetime estimation based on gate threshold voltage

Thermal/power cycles are widely acknowledged methods to accelerate the package related extrinsic failures. Many studies have focused on particular failure precursor at a time and continuously monitored it using custom-built circuits. Due to the difficulties in taking sensitive measurements, the reported findings are more on the quantities requiring less sensitive measurements such as on-state resistance. In this paper, a custom-designed test bed is used to age a number of power MOSFETs and an automated curve tracer is utilized to capture parametric variations in I–V curves, transfer capacitances and gate charges at certain time intervals throughout the aging. The results suggest that the failure precursors which exhibit continuously increasing trend are the on-state resistance, body diode voltage drop, parasitic capacitances and threshold voltage. Based on the results, an exponential empirical model for the gate threshold voltage that fits successfully with the experimental data is proposed. Furthermore, Kalman Filter is employed to filter out the measurement noise and model uncertainties, which is also used to estimate the remaining useful lifetime of the degraded switches.
Effect on fertility of freezing large numbers of straws of bovine spermatozoa in a mechanical freezer.

Fertility of semen frozen in a mechanical forced-vapor freezer was compared with that frozen in static nitrogen (N) vapor. Semen from 10 Holstein bulls was extended in milk-10% glycerol at 30 x 10(6) progressively motile spermatozoa/ml and packaged in .5-ml French straws. Straws were divided into three equal groups . bull-1 . collection day-1 and frozen in a mechanical freezer at full or half loads (7,250 +/- 250 or 3,500 +/- 250 straws in 5-straw goblets on metal canes) or in static N vapor (330 +/- 30 straws held singly on horizontal racks). For field distribution, straws frozen in static N vapor also were placed in 5-straw goblets on canes after being frozen. Each of the two goblets on a cane held a different treatment. Based on 75-d nonreturn rates for 23,137 first service inseminations, fertility was 1.6 percentage points higher (P less than .05) for semen frozen in static vapor (66.3%) than that frozen in a fully loaded mechanical freezer (64.7%). The difference of 1.3 percentage points in fertility favoring static vapor over freezing a half load in a mechanical freezer (65.0%) approached significance (P = .06); half and full loads did not vary (P greater than .05). In conclusion, the small increase in fertility favoring static over forced-vapor freezing supports use of the static vapor method unless the savings in time and labor of freezing large numbers of straws at one time in a mechanical freezer are considered to offset the small difference in fertility.
The American People Decide

AS ELECTION DAY came closer, the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor announced that there would be no change in its previously announced policy of neutrality in the Presidential race.1 The declaration was not considered very newsworthy; indeed, labor had been little in the news, inasmuch as nothing dramatic like the formation of a farmer-labor or third-party movement had taken place during the year.2 In an editorial, the New York Times had observed correctly that there would be no new minor party of any importance in 1928. Farm unrest was too localized, the prohibition issue a source of dissention, third parties seldom popular in America anyway, and leadership lacking. Without a Colonel Roosevelt or a “Fighting Bob” La Follette, nothing could be done.
On Chip Bioelectric Impedance Spectroscopy Reveals the Effect of P-Glycoprotein Efflux Pumps on the Paracellular Impedance of Tight Junctions at the Blood–Brain Barrier

Bioelectric impedance spectroscopy was used to elucidate the influence of P-gp efflux pumps on the kinetics of tight junction down-regulation in confluent monolayers of Madine Darby Canine Kidney Epithelial Cells (MDCK) following administration of phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a molecule that inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) and induces matrix metalloproteinase activity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and phosphatase inhibitors induce modification of occludin tight junction proteins critical for the proper function of the blood–brain barrier. The addition of PAO to MDCKII cell lines resulted in a dramatic decrease in monolayer resistance. In contrast, MDCKII-MDR1 cells transfected with the MDR1 gene treated with PAO showed an initial decrease in monolayer resistance followed by a partial recovery and subsequent decrease. This resistance decay reversal was suppressed with the addition of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pump inhibitor elacridar, and is attributed to PAO efflux. These results illustrate impedance spectroscopy can be used to characterize the competing kinetics of efflux and down-regulation of tight junctions. In addition, the resistance decay reversal effect can be used to evaluate P-gp pump inhibitor efficacy.
The Bermuda assemblage: Toward a posthuman globalization

Taking Bermuda as an exemplary case for European expansion into the Atlantic rim, this essay re-narrates the discovery, mapping, and settlement of that island with attention to nonhuman as well as human forces. Rather than repeating or inverting simplistic, monocausal narratives about triumphant discoverers or evil colonizers, this multipolar and multiagent version of premodern history reframes the history of islands. The resulting narrative combines nonhuman forces such as the Gulf Stream and a summer hurricane in 1609 with the human histories of the Jamestown and Bermuda colonies. It juxtaposes mercantile expansion in the Anglophone Atlantic Rim with chance encounters with coral, ambergris, hogs, and other nonhuman actants in or around Bermuda.
Detecting Beam Blockage in Radar-Based Precipitation Estimates

AbstractGridded radar-based quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs) are potentially ideal inputs for hydrological modeling and monitoring because of their high spatiotemporal resolution. Beam blockage is a common type of bias in radar QPEs related to the blockage of the radar beam by an obstruction, such as topography or tall buildings. This leads to a diminishment in the power of the transmitted beam beyond the range of obstruction and a systematic underestimation of reflectivity return to the radar site. A new spatial analysis technique for objectively identifying regions in which precipitation estimates are contaminated by beam blockage was developed. The methodology requires only a long-term precipitation climatology with no prerequisite knowledge of topography or known obstructions needed. For each radar domain, the QPEs are normalized by climatology and a low-pass Fourier series fit captures the expected precipitation as a function of azimuth angle. Beam blockage signatures are identified as rad...
Similarity Based Genre Identification for POS Tagging Experts & Dependency Parsing

POS tagging and dependency parsing achieve good results for homogeneous datasets. However, these tasks are much more difficult on heterogeneous datasets. In (Mukherjee et al. 2016, 2017), we address this issue by creating genre experts for both POS tagging and parsing. We use topic modeling to automatically separate training and test data into genres and to create annotation experts per genre by training separate models for each topic. However, this approach assumes that topic modeling is performed jointly on training and test sentences each time a new test sentence is encountered. We extend this work by assigning new test sentences to their genre expert by using similarity metrics. We investigate three different types of methods: 1) based on words highly associated with a genre by the topic modeler, 2) using a k-nearest neighbor classification approach, and 3) using perplexity to determine the closest topic. The results show that the choice of similarity metric has an effect on results and that we can reach comparable accuracies to the joint topic modeling in POS tagging and dependency parsing, thus providing a viable and efficient approach to POS tagging and parsing a sentence by its genre expert.
Implementation of machine-learning classification in remote sensing: an applied review

ABSTRACTMachine learning offers the potential for effective and efficient classification of remotely sensed imagery. The strengths of machine learning include the capacity to handle data of high dimensionality and to map classes with very complex characteristics. Nevertheless, implementing a machine-learning classification is not straightforward, and the literature provides conflicting advice regarding many key issues. This article therefore provides an overview of machine learning from an applied perspective. We focus on the relatively mature methods of support vector machines, single decision trees (DTs), Random Forests, boosted DTs, artificial neural networks, and k-nearest neighbours (k-NN). Issues considered include the choice of algorithm, training data requirements, user-defined parameter selection and optimization, feature space impacts and reduction, and computational costs. We illustrate these issues through applying machine-learning classification to two publically available remotely sensed dat...
Isomeric structures of isolated ammonium nitrate and its hydrogenated species identified through PES experiments and DFT calculations.

Anion photoelectron spectroscopic (PES) experiments in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations shed light on the electronic and geometric structures of gas phase, isolated ammonium nitrate related anionic species, as well as their hydrogenated species with up to five added hydrogens. These species are directly generated by laser ablation and cooled in a supersonic expansion. Their vertical detachment energies (VDE: Eneutral − Eanion, both at the anionic geometry) are experimentally determined and the corresponding anionic structures are characterized and assigned through calculations. Based on the experimentally evaluated calculation algorithm, the corresponding neutral structures are also determined. The parent anionic species exists as (NH2OH·HONO)− in the gas phase with the extra electron valence bound. Crystal structure anion NH4NO3− is not present in our experiments, as within this structure the extra electron is dipole bound (electron affinity ∼ 0 eV). The isomerization must therefore occur for ammonium nitrate upon capturing an extra electron or during the laser ablation process itself. The ammonium nitrate anion is apparently a very reactive species. The calculated global minimum for the isolated parent neutral species has an HNO3·NH3 structure, different from the crystal structure in the bulk phase. The hydrogenated cluster anions can evolve from the parent (NH2OH·HONO)− species and exhibit moieties, which bind together as a single unit through interactions between noncovalently bonded species and are stable on the experimental timescale. The hydrogenation process forms stable moieties in the cluster anions, including water (H2O), nitroxyl (HNO), ammonia (NH3), or (HNOH). The calculated global minimum structures for hydrogenated cluster neutrals (NH4NO3 + nH, n = 1,…,5) contain ammonia and water, along with stable moieties (HONO, NO, and HNO). These stable moieties, along with intermediate species NO2H2 and ONH2, offer new insights into the behavior of ammonium nitrate energetic materials.
NON-NEURONAL LOCALIZATION OF CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE IN BRAIN

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) (EC 2.1.1.6) was localized using fluorescence immunohistochemistry in rat, chinchilla, and bovine brains. Specific fluorescence was visible only in ventricular ependymal cells, cells of the choroid plexuses, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The patterns of localization observed in the non-neuronal elements suggest that this enzyme may function as a barrier to free diffusion of catechol compounds within the central nervous system.
A Method for Imaging the Spatial Coherence of Pulsed Ultrasound Fields

The pulsed ultrasound fields employed in conventional medical ultrasound systems are considered to be ‘highly’ coherent. The development of concepts and definitions of coherence stem from the field of optics, and are well known. However, there are differences between optical fields and the acoustic fields employed in medical ultrasound applications, and the devices available for their measurement, which make direct application of the optical concepts to the acoustic case problematic. Abbott and Thurstone1 comment that the concept of coherence has been applied to acoustic energy without explanation and the definition of coherence is best taken “simply as the ability to interfere ”. Gehlbach2 notes that “the concept of incoherence in acoustic imaging is difficult to define due to the short pulse lengths involved”.
Sensorimotor Integration: Models

Our brain’s remarkable ability to solve very complex mechanical problems is evident whenever we execute a movement; from picking up a cup of coffee to skating in an ice-rink. Several approaches have been suggested to address the complexities of biological motor-control systems. A prominent approach describes the representation of the body–environment dynamics in terms of transformations (internal models); both from muscle activities to movement (‘forward model’), and from desired movement to muscle activities (‘inverse model’). These internal models are equivalent to the computation of dynamics’ equations but are based on elementary units, or primitives, that execute simple operations and that can be combined to generate a broader repertoire of behaviors. This article reviews some of the experimental evidence and theoretical arguments supporting the existence of such primitives and their role in the learning and generation of motor behavior.
Treating Children Whose Parents Refuse to Have Them Vaccinated

Rather than turning away children whose parents refuse to have them vaccinated, pediatricians should engage the parents in discussion about the importance and safety of vaccination.
Three Logics of Belief

From the point of view of the practical logician, we start in the middle of things. We consider what it is we ought to believe in the context of some issue that concerns us. In this paper I shall distinguish several sorts of such issues and shall argue that the basic current logics of belief are each serviceable with regard to one of these sorts of issues only. My conclusion will be that these logics are not incompatible with one another, as is usually supposed, but rather mutually supplementary, that a comprehensive analysis of rational belief must incorporate them all.
Finding news story chains based on multi-dimensional event profiles

Large amounts of information about news events are published on the Internet every day in online newspapers. While search engines like Google help retrieve information using keywords, the large volumes of unstructured search results returned by search engines make it hard to track the evolution of an event. A story chain is composed of a set of news articles that coherently connect together to help answer the question of how event A is related to event B. Previous algorithms for finding story chains do not utilize the fact that news events are composed of "Who", "What", "Where" and "When". In this paper, we extract structured information from unstructured news articles so that every news article is represented as a multi-dimensional event profile. News article relevance is computed base on the event profile. An improved story chain algorithm is further proposed based on the new relevance measure. Experimental results show that the proposed article representation can help to find relevant news articles and our proposed algorithm can generate better story chains.
Cholinergic Mechanisms, Adaptive Brain Processes and Psychopathology

The data reviewed in this book implicate central cholinergic mechanisms in many processes in the train of events that convert sensory inputs into behavioral outputs or what may be broadly described as “information processing.” Included among these are: electrocortical arousal, REM sleep, attention, perception, input-output association formation, retrieval of past memories, motivation, mood, and behavioral outputs. This cuts a wide swathe in the realm of higher brain functions.
Institutional Open Access Publishing as an Educational Vehicle

This article describes how The Levy Library at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai founded its institutional Publishing Press and journals to support scientific publishing education. By creating trainee-driven open access journals, the library was able to offer students, trainees and faculty an opportunity to edit, manage and publish scientific articles while learning first-hand about the many facets of scholarly publishing.
The Relationship between Streetcars and Development Activity: An Examination of Portland and Seattle:

In most U.S. cities, streetcars are not primarily pursued for the transportation benefits they might provide but instead for their anticipated development impacts. This paper examines the experienc...
Nanoparticles Bearing TSH Receptor Protein and a Tolerogenic Molecule Do Not Induce Immune Tolerance but Exacerbate Thyroid Autoimmunity in hTSHR/NOD.H2h4 Mice.

Transgenic NOD.H2h4 mice that express the human (h) TSHR A-subunit in the thyroid gland spontaneously develop pathogenic TSHR autoantibodies resembling those in patients with Graves disease. Nanoparticles coupled to recombinant hTSHR A-subunit protein and a tolerogenic molecule (ligand for the endogenous aryl-hydrocarbon receptor; ITE) were injected i.p. four times at weekly intervals into hTSHR/NOD.H2h4 mice with the goal of blocking TSHR Ab development. Unexpectedly, in transgenic mice, injecting TSHR A-subunit-ITE nanoparticles (not ITE-nanoparticles or buffer) accelerated and enhanced the development of pathogenic TSHR Abs measured by inhibition of TSH binding to the TSHR. Nonpathogenic TSHR Abs (ELISA) were enhanced in transgenics and induced in wild-type littermates. Serendipitously, these findings have important implications for disease pathogenesis: development of Graves TSHR Abs is limited by the availability of A-subunit protein, which is shed from membrane bound TSHR, expressed at low levels in the thyroid. The enhanced TSHR Ab response following injected TSHR A-subunit protein-nanoparticles is reminiscent of the transient increase in pathogenic TSHR Abs following the release of thyroid autoantigens after radio-iodine therapy in Graves patients. However, in the hTSHR/NOD.H2h4 model, enhancement is specific for TSHR Abs, with Abs to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase remaining unchanged. In conclusion, despite the inclusion of a tolerogenic molecule, injected nanoparticles coated with TSHR A-subunit protein enhanced and accelerated development of pathogenic TSHR Abs in hTSHR/NOD. NOD.H2h4 These findings emphasize the need for sufficient TSHR A-subunit protein to activate the immune system and the generation of stimulatory TSHR Abs in genetically predisposed individuals.
Animal Models in Surgical Research

For centuries, scientists have used model organisms to answer fundamental questions about biology. Model organisms ranging from yeast to worms, fruit flies, rodents, and primates represent basic tools for biomedical research and are critically important in translational research and advancing our knowledge of human disease. For surgeon-scientists, modeling the conditions that affect our patients is essential to elucidating the underlying pathophysiology and to discovering novel therapies. Familiarity with the various model organisms available and their respective strengths is therefore essential so that the best system is selected to answer a scientific question. Here we present a selection of model organisms and the uses, drawbacks, and practical aspects thereof to provide a brief review for the surgeon-scientist.
Preclinical Refinements of a Broadly Protective VLP-based HPV Vaccine Targeting the Minor Capsid Protein, L2

An ideal prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine would provide broadly protective and long-lasting immune responses against all high-risk HPV types, would be effective after a single dose, and would be formulated in such a manner to allow for long-term storage without the necessity for refrigeration. We have developed candidate HPV vaccines consisting of bacteriophage virus-like particles (VLPs) that display a broadly neutralizing epitope derived from the HPV16 minor capsid protein, L2. Immunization with 16L2 VLPs elicited high titer and broadly cross-reactive and cross-neutralizing antibodies against diverse HPV types. In this study we introduce two refinements for our candidate vaccines, with an eye towards enhancing efficacy and clinical applicability in the developing world. First, we assessed the role of antigen dose and boosting on immunogenicity. Mice immunized with 16L2-MS2 VLPs at doses ranging from 2 to 25 μg with or without alum were highly immunogenic at all doses; alum appeared to have an adjuvant effect at the lowest dose. Although boosting enhanced antibody titers, even a single immunization could elicit strong and long-lasting antibody responses. We also developed a method to enhance vaccine stability. Using a spray dry apparatus and a combination of sugars & an amino acid as protein stabilizers, we generated dry powder vaccine formulations of our L2 VLPs. Spray drying of our L2 VLPs did not affect the integrity or immunogenicity of VLPs upon reconstitution. Spray dried VLPs were stable at room temperature and at 37 °C for over one month and the VLPs were highly immunogenic. Taken together, these enhancements are designed to facilitate implementation of a next-generation VLP-based HPV vaccine which addresses U.S. and global disparities in vaccine affordability and access in rural/remote populations.
Standardized Templates for Ultrasound Reports Improve Care and Resource Utilization for Children with Appendicitis

PURPOSE: Ultrasound (US) of the right lower quadrant (RLQ) is the recommended initial imaging modality for evaluating appendicitis in children. Unfortunately, appendix visualization rates on US remain low, and overall accuracy is user dependent resulting in equivocal US results that often prompt subsequent computer tomography scans (CT) or admissions for observation. The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of a standardized US report …
Linkage structure of cell-wall polysaccharides from three duckweed species

Rapid growth and easily digestible walls that are naturally low in lignin make the aquatic plant family Lemnaceae, or duckweed, a promising feedstock for biofuel production. Monosaccharide and linkage analysis of cell walls from three species of duckweed: Spirodela polyrhiza, Lemna gibba, and Wolffia australiana showed that apiogalacturonans and/or xylogalacturonans, and smaller amounts of rhamnogalacturonan I, constituted 57%, 51% and 48% of their respective wall mass. Hemicellulosic xylan, xyloglucan, and glucomannan made up lesser amounts wall mass across the three species. Apiose residues were either non-reducing terminal or 3'-linked, but their ratios varied substantially from nearly 1:1 for S. polyrhiza and 2:1 for L. gibba, to 10:1 for W. australiana. These findings will help guide future research to design efficient strategies for disassembly of duckweed cell walls into sugars and uronic acids for conversion of duckweed biomass into usable fuel, and to facilitate extraction of other bioproducts from its polysaccharides.
High Throughput Targeted Metabolomics Panels to Support Large Studies.

There is increasing need for throughput as the metabolomics studies are getting larger. Throughput can be achieved on the analytical side by using rapid methods or speeding up the data analysis and metabolite identification steps. Series of rapid UPLC-MS/MS methods have been developed on a single platform with identical analysis workflow for high throughput measurement of derivatized amino acids, acylcarnitines, bile acids, free fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites in human serum to support metabolomics research. The separation of isomers (amino acids and bile acids) are achieved in analytical runtimes of <4mins making these methods powerful and are well suited for a Core laboratory. Here we discuss these methods and demonstrate their usability for the analysis of metabolites in patient derived serum samples during targeted multi-omics analysis. Sample preparation involved protein precipitation with methanol (1:4 serum:methanol) for the extraction of acylcarnitines, bile acids, and free fatty acids. For amino acid analysis, serum samples were prepared using the Waters™ AccQTag Kit following the Kit protocol. Tryptophan metabolites sample preparation was achieved using Oasis HLB PRiME µElution Plate. UPLC separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC I-Class System (fixed loop), equipped with a CORTECS T3 2.7 µm (2.1 x 30 mm) analytical column. A 2 µ Lextract was injected at a flow rate of 1.3 mL/min. Mobile phase A was 0.01% formic acid (aq) and Mobile phase B was 50% isopropanol in acetonitrile containing 0.01% formic acid. The LC gradient and column equilibration times were optimized for each class of metabolites. The analytical column temperature was maintained at 60°C. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) analyses were performed using a Xevo TQ-S micro mass spectrometer. All experiments were performed in electrospray ionization mode. Data processing was done using in TargetLynx and Skyline.
Nanostructural Rearrangement of Lamellar Block Polymers Cured in the Vicinity of the Order–Disorder Transition

The application of large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) to block polymers near their order–disorder transition temperature (TODT) has previously been shown to induce morphological transitions a...
The Effect of Hearing Loss on Localization of Amplitude-Panned and Physical Sources.

Background Clinics are increasingly turning toward using virtual environments to demonstrate and validate hearing aid fittings in “realistic” listening situations before the patient leaves the clinic. One of the most cost-effective and straightforward ways to create such an environment is through the use of a small speaker array and amplitude panning. Amplitude panning is a signal playback method used to change the perceived location of a source by changing the level of two or more loudspeakers. The perceptual consequences (i.e., perceived source width and location) of amplitude panning have been well-documented for listeners with normal hearing but not for listeners with hearing impairment. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptual consequences of amplitude panning for listeners with hearing statuses from normal hearing through moderate sensorineural hearing losses. Research Design Listeners performed a localization task. Sound sources were broadband 4 Hz amplitude-modulated white noise bursts. Thirty-nine sources (14 physical) were produced by either physical loudspeakers or via amplitude panning. Listeners completed a training block of 39 trials (one for each source) before completing three test blocks of 39 trials each. Source production method was randomized within block. Study Sample Twenty-seven adult listeners (mean age 52.79, standard deviation 27.36, 10 males, 17 females) with hearing ranging from within normal limits to moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study. Listeners were recruited from a laboratory database of listeners that consented to being informed about available studies. Data Collection and Analysis Listeners indicated the perceived source location via touch screen. Outcome variables were azimuth error, elevation error, and total angular error (Euclidean distance in degrees between perceived and correct location). Listeners' pure-tone averages (PTAs) were calculated and used in mixed-effects models along with source type and the interaction between source type and PTA as predictors. Subject was included as a random variable. Results Significant interactions between PTA and source production method were observed for total and elevation errors. Listeners with higher PTAs (i.e., worse hearing) did not localize physical and panned sources differently whereas listeners with lower PTAs (i.e., better hearing) did. No interaction was observed for azimuth errors; however, there was a significant main effect of PTA. Conclusion As hearing impairment becomes more severe, listeners localize physical and panned sources with similar errors. Because physical and panned sources are not localized differently by adults with hearing loss, amplitude panning could be an appropriate method for constructing virtual environments for these listeners.
On the consistency relation of the three-point function in single-field inflation

The consistency relation for the three-point function of the cosmic microwave background is a very powerful observational signature which is believed to be true for every inflationary model in which there is only one dynamical degree of freedom. Its importance relies on the fact that deviations from it might be detected in next generation experiments, allowing us to rule out all single-field inflationary models. After making more precise the already existing proof of the consistency relation, we use a recently developed effective field theory for inflationary perturbations to provide an alternative and very explicit proof valid at leading non-trivial order in slow roll parameters.
Synthesis of 11C-labeled DNA polymerase-β inhibitor 5-methoxyflavone and PET/CT imaging thereof

150 Background: Alzheimer9s disease (AD) imposes a huge economic burden and induces an unbearable psychological pressure, thus being a major reason for concern for society and a topic for intensive research. According to “cell-cycle hypothesis”, only partial DNA replication can be performed by postmitotic neurons which have resumed cell cycle, while the cell division can’t be completed, thus leading to a remarkable genetic disequilibrium which is likely to be the primary cause of neuronal apoptosis. Experimental evidence is accumulating to suggest that neuronal DNA replication during cell cycle re-entry is carried out by DNA polymerase-β (DNA pol-β). DNA pol-β, therefore, constitutes a promising target for AD treatment. Objective: Recently, 5-methoxyﬂavone was identified as a candidate molecule endowed with good biological activity and selectivity on the DNA pol-β in multiple in vitro AD models. However, in vivo assays, especially the brain uptake of 5-methoxyﬂavone, were not examined. To investigate the in vivo properties of 5-methoxyﬂavone, 11C-labeled 5-methoxyﬂavone needs to be developed, and the distribution of 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone in rodent brain needs to be evaluated by PET/CT imaging. Method: 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone was radiolabeled in one step by treating precursor 5-hydroxyﬂavone with [11C]CH3I and KOH in anhydrous DMF at 100 °C for 3 min and was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, in vivo PET/CT imaging was conducted to evaluate the biodistribution of 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone in mice. Results: The 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone was synthesized conveniently in an average decay corrected yield of 22% (n = 3) with a radiochemical purity greater than 99%. The average molar radioactivity of 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone was 383 GBq/μmol. The average concentration was 0.107 μg/mL. PET/CT imaging in mice showed 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone rapidly passed through the blood-brain barrier with 8.36 ± 0.61 %ID/g at 2 min post injection, and the radioactivity accumulation in brain was still noticeable with 2.48 ± 0.59 %ID/g at 28 min post injection. The clearance rate was 3.37 (brain2 min/brain28 min ratio). The blood and muscle uptakes were low. The lung displayed high initial uptake and subsequent rapid clearance, while the liver and kidney displayed a relatively slow clearance. Real-time imaging showed that 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone accumulated immediately in the heart, then transferred to the liver and intestine, and was not observed in lower digestive tract. Conclusion: 5-[11C]Methoxyﬂavone was synthesized conveniently in one step. The results of PET/CT imaging in C57BL/6 mice suggested 5-[11C]methoxyﬂavone possesses appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and favorable brain uptake, thus being proved to be suitable for further development for AD treatment.
Differences in functional improvement based on history of substance abuse and pain severity following spinal cord injury.

Background: This study explored the relationship between history of substance abuse and pain severity during inpatient rehabilitation following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study. An adjusted general linear model was used to examine differences in functional improvement based on history of substance abuse and pain severity. Results: Over 50% of the sample had a history of substance abuse, and 94% reported moderate or severe pain. There was a significant interaction between the history of substance abuse and pain severity (p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.012). A difference in functional improvement was found among individuals who reported low pain; those with a history of substance abuse achieved less functional improvement than those without a history of substance abuse, M = 5.32, SE = 1.95, 95% CI 0.64-10.01. Conclusions: A history of substance abuse and post-injury pain are prevalent among individuals with SCI in rehabilitation, and there may be a meaningful relationship between these two patient characteristics and functional improvement. The results provide potential new insights into the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations during SCI rehabilitation. Furthering our understanding of these results warrants future investigation to prevent and minimize poor outcomes among vulnerable SCI patients.
Evoked Potentials in Severe Head Injury Patients

(1982). Evoked Potentials in Severe Head Injury Patients. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 125-134.
Prophecy and Progress: Christianity and Dissent in Modern America

The categories of left and right, and the standard interpretive alignments of progressive Christianity with postmillennialism and of right-wing Protestantism with premillennialist fatalism in US historiography, are far from adequate. Prophetic politics, calling contemporary society to account for its ungodly ways, was widely dispersed among modern American Christians along the whole political spectrum. Moreover, there were many prophetic postmillennialists, who denounced society's iniquity while working to realize God's Kingdom, and there were reform premillennialists, who lamented a fallen world even as, paradoxically, they worked to make it more godly and less satanic.
Older is colder: temperature range and variation in older people.

Objectives To ascertain body temperatures in older people. Design Analysis of oral temperatures obtained from elderly subjects residing in the community and nursing home. Setting A single nursing home, office setting, and community center. Participants One hundred nursing home residents and 50 subjects residing in the community. Measurements Three oral temperatures were measured in nursing home residents and once in community dwellers using an electronic digital thermometer. Results The average age of subjects was 80.7. Temperatures ranged from 94.0 degrees F to 99.6 degrees F. In nursing home subjects, the 6 a.m. mean temperature was 97.3 degrees F, 4 p.m. mean was 97.4 degrees F, and 10 p.m. mean was 97.8 degrees F. The single midday mean temperature in community dwellers was 97.7 degrees F. Ninety-seven of 100 (97%), 94 of 100 (94%), and 83 of 96 (86%) recordings were below 98.6 degrees F in nursing home residents at 6 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m., respectively. Similarly, 45 of 50 (90%) community dwellers had midday temperatures below 98.6 degrees F. Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated an increase in temperature during the day. The increase was greatest in the youngest old, with no significant change in body temperature over the course of the day in the oldest old. Conclusion Older subjects have mean oral body temperatures lower than 98.6 degrees F. Relatively few even achieve this temperature. In nursing home residents, the oldest were coldest and failed to demonstrate a diurnal rise in body temperature.
Acute pulmonary embolism as the cause of global T wave inversion and QT prolongation: A case report

A 57-year-old man without prior history of organic heart disease was admitted with a diagnosis of unstable angina because of chest pain and new electrocardiographic (ECG) changes of global T wave inversion and QT interval prolongation. Left and right heart catheterization with coronary angiography, pulmonary angiography, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy, and echocardiography showed absence of coronary artery disease but unequivocally acute pulmonary embolism. Within days following anticoagulant therapy, the lengthened QT interval became normalized while the global T wave inversion persisted. A follow-up ECG 15 months later revealed complete resolution of the T wave inversion. The possible pathophysiologic mechanism of the ECG changes is discussed.
John Wesley's Conflict with James Hervey and Its Effects in Scotland

The assumption among historians is that Wesley's ministry in Scotland had largely failed because of his conflicting theological views. But upon a more thorough investigation, his problems stemmed from an earlier debate with the Anglican clergyman James Hervey, which was continued by the Scottish minister John Erskine. In his published response to Hervey, Wesley inadvertently included offensive comments about certain Reformed doctrines which Erskine exploited in order to highlight the discrepancies between Wesleyan Methodism and Scottish Presbyterianism. Erskine's insinuation in 1765 that Wesley intentionally concealed his beliefs in order to gain ascendancy in Scotland resulted in the immediate suppression of Methodist growth.
Highly robust self-compliant and nonlinear TaO X /HfO X RRAM for 3D vertical structure in 1TnR architecture

Owing to NAND flash technology facing its scaling limit, resistive random access memory (RRAM) with simple film stack and no cross coupling issue between cells is a promising candidate for future high density memory application [1,2]. The 1TnR architecture with 3D vertical RRAM (VRRAM) structure realizes ultra-low bit cost for high compact density array [3,4]. However, this novel 1TnR structure and processes have not been proved yet. To meet requirements of VRRAM array operation, the nonlinear resistive memory with an excellent self-compliance and low current operation is indispensable [5,6]. A large voltage margin for the device operated with compliance current (ΔV COMP ) and high nonlinearity for the device at low resistance state (LRS) with reliable read voltage should be addressed.
Segregation of geniculocortical afferents during the critical period: a role for subplate neurons

To investigate the cellular interactions within the mammalian visual cortex that are important in ocular dominance column formation, we have examined the role of subplate neurons in this process. LGN axons segregate in layer 4 of the cat's visual cortex between the third and sixth postnatal weeks to give rise to the adult pattern of ocular dominance columns. Subplate neurons are a transient population of neurons that sit in the white matter but have extensive projections into the overlying cortex, particularly layer 4, during neonatal life. Many subplate neurons are present at birth, but most are gone by the end of the period of LGN axon segregation. To examine whether these neurons are required for the segregation of LGN axons, we deleted them by intracortical injections of kainic acid either just after LGN axons had grown into layer 4 (first postnatal week) or later, just before the onset of segregation (third postnatal week). The consequences for the patterning of geniculocortical terminals were evaluated by transneuronal transport of 3H-proline injected into one eye at times when segregation would normally be complete. Following deletion of subplate neurons at either age, LGN axons failed to segregate into ocular dominance columns. Following the late deletions only, geniculocortical axons lost their laminar restriction to layer 4 and projected to layers 2 and 3 as well. Deletion of subplate neurons also resulted in long-term changes in the cytoarchitecture of layer 4. These observations suggest that the interactions that mediate segregation of LGN axons within layer 4 of visual cortex are susceptible to influences from subplate neurons. Although the mechanisms by which subplate neurons exert their effect are not yet clear, these experiments strongly suggest that interactions between LGN axons and layer 4 neurons are not sufficient for column formation, and that subplate neurons most likely play a critical role in interactions leading to ocular segregation.
Magnetic properties of stage-2 NicMn1-cCl2-graphite intercalation compounds.

Stage-2 ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{\mathit{c}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{c}}$${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$-graphite intercalation compounds (with 0\ensuremath{\le}c\ensuremath{\le}1) are two-dimensional random-spin systems with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. The magnetic properties of these compounds have been studied by dc and ac magnetic susceptibilities. The Curie-Weiss temperature increases monotonically with increasing Ni concentration, suggesting that both Ni and Mn ions are randomly distributed on the triangular-lattice sites of the ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{\mathit{c}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{c}}$${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$-intercalate layers. Its sign changes from negative to positive around c\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.22. The exchange interaction between Ni-Mn spin pairs is ferromagnetic and is described by J(Ni-Mn)=1.09[\ensuremath{\Vert}J(Ni-Ni)J(Mn-Mn)\ensuremath{\Vert}${]}^{1/2}$=1.44 K. The critical temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ decreases rapidly with a dilution of Mn. In spite of ferromagnetic J(Ni-Mn), the ferromagnetic long-range order of ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ disappears below c\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.6. The large initial slope of [dln${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$/dc${]}_{\mathit{c}=1}$=2.38 is ascribed to the two-dimensional Heisenberg-like character of stage-2 ${\mathrm{NiCl}}_{2}$-graphite intercalation compound. The critical behavior of these compounds shows a two-dimensional XY character. The critical exponent \ensuremath{\gamma} appears to be independent of c for c\ensuremath{\ge}0.7. It is determined that \ensuremath{\gamma}=2.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 at c=0.9.
Metabolic network analysis demystified

Metabolic networks are a representation of current knowledge about the metabolic reactions available to a given organism. These networks can be placed into various mathematical frameworks, of which the constraintbased framework [1] has received the most attention over the past 15 years. This results in a predictive model of metabolism. Metabolic models can yield predictions of two types: quantitative, such as the growth rate of an organism under given experimental conditions [2], and qualitative, such as the viability of a mutant [3] or minimal media required for growth [4]. Qualitative predictions, on which we focus, tend to be more robust and reliable than quantitative ones, while remaining experimentally testable and biologically relevant.
Crosstalk between Desmoglein 2 and Patched 1 accelerates chemical-induced skin tumorigenesis

Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is causative of BCCs and has been associated with a fraction of SCCs. Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) is an adhesion protein that is upregulated in many cancers and overexpression of Dsg2 in the epidermis renders mice more susceptible to squamous-derived neoplasia. Here we examined a potential crosstalk between Dsg2 and Hh signaling in skin tumorigenesis. Our findings show that Dsg2 modulates Gli1 expression, in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of Dsg2 on Ptc1+/lacZ background enhanced epidermal proliferation and interfollicular activation of the Hh pathway. Furthermore, in response to DMBA/TPA, the Dsg2/Ptc1+/lacZ mice developed squamous lessons earlier than the WT, Ptc1+/lacZ, and Inv-Dsg2 littermates. Additionally, DMBA/TPA induced BCC formation in all mice harboring the Ptc1+/lacZ gene and the presence of Dsg2 in Dsg2/Ptc1+/lacZ mice doubled the BCC tumor burden. Reporter analysis revealed activation of the Hh pathway in the BCC tumors. However, in the SCCs we observed Hh activity only in the underlying dermis of the tumors. Furthermore, Dsg2/Ptc1+/lacZ mice demonstrated enhanced MEK/Erk1/2 activation within the tumors and expression of Shh in the dermis. In summary, our results demonstrate that Dsg2 modulates Hh signaling, and this synergy may accelerate skin tumor development by different mechanisms.
USING TASK DEFINITION TO MODIFY RACIAL INEQUALITY WITHIN TASK GROUPS

This study developed and tested a particular strategy to modify racial inequality in task groups. The strategy is suggested within an expectation states framework: If a group task is presented as one comprised of many skills that do not necessarily relate to one another, this complexity will decrease the effects of race. Thirty groups of three women, one black woman, and two white women were randomly assigned to either a condition in which the group members knew only that some people did better than others on the task (the baseline condition) or a condition in which the complexity of the task was emphasized (the incompatible complexity condition). In fact, only the descriptions of the task varied; the task was exactly the same in both conditions. Relative to the baseline condition, incompatible complexity decreased the inequality between black and white people for the time of verbal interaction and for procedural operations. The results suggest that changes in the perceived structure of the task can decrease inequality. Further, changes in inequality did not lead to decreased group effectiveness.
The effect of familiarity on the processing of fragmented figures

The processing of fragmented figures was investigated in a same-different reaction time task with pairs of intact and pairs of fragmented alphabet letters. The effect of fragmentation was significantly larger for pairs of letters rotated into an unfamiliar orientation than for pairs of normally oriented letters. Since this significant interaction was obtained for subjects emphasizing a structural mode of processing (Hock, 1973), it was concluded that familiarity had a direct effect on the structural/ organizational processing of the fragmented figures.
Designing Video Narratives to Contextualize Content for ESL Learners: A Design Process Case Study.

In this paper we discuss how the Brigham Young University Technology Assisted Language Learning Group (BYU TALL Group) develops video-based dramatic narratives to increase the amount of context we provide to English as a second language (ESL) learners. First, we discuss the problem of decontextualization in education, the contextualism alternative, and how narrative can provide crucial context. Next, using ESL instruction as a case study, we compare non-narrative video-based language models with narrative models and discuss some of the potential benefits of narrative models. We then discuss issues to consider when using narrative models, and outline a narrative-focused design and development process with particular attention to those aspects critical to creating narratives that are simultaneously pedagogically sound, aesthetically credible, and engaging for learners to watch.