cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-resolution magnetooptic imaging of the high-frequency magnetic behavior of ferrite recording heads

The magnetic response in the vicinity of the gap of a ferrite recording head has been imaged magnetooptically at frequencies of up to 50 MHz with a spatial resolution of under 0.5 mu m. The measurements show that different grains in the ferrite provide different amplitude and phase of response, presumably as a result of their different crystalline orientations. Magnetic activity across grain boundaries is evident, indicating small magnetic discontinuities between grains. The results graphically demonstrate the potential for magnetic nonuniformities in polycrystalline ferrites, and they show that heads using such ferrites may exhibit less than desirable behavior for track widths nearly as narrow as the grains. >
Declines in aquatic vegetation in Navigation Pool No. 8, upper Mississippi River between 1975 and 1991

The biomass and frequency of occurrence of aquatic macrophytes observed during 1975 and 1991 in Navigation Pool No. 8 of the upper Mississippi River were compared. Samples were collected from contiguous backwater, isolated backwater and impounded habitat types. Overall declines were observed in both frequency and biomass between the two years. Changes in depth, water clarity and bed sediment texture were also observed. About 50% of the samples collected in 1991 had no vegetation, compared with 20% in 1975. The greatest reduction in frequency occurred among submergent taxa (77% in 1975 to 31% in 1991), whereas only slight declines were observed for emergent taxa. However, the mean biomass of both lifeforms decreased substantially (48 to 1 g/m2 for submergent and 61 to 27 g/m2 for emergent lifeforms). The mean total biomass declined from 114g/m2 in 1975 to 35 g/m2 in 1991. Declines were most evident in the impounded habitat, where the frequency of occurrence of submergent taxa decreased from 83% in 1975 to 11% in 1991, and mean biomass decreased from 90 to 1 g/m2. Similar but less extensive reductions in frequency and biomass of submergent taxa were observed in the contiguous backwater habitat. In contrast, both the frequency and biomass of floating-leaved macrophytes increased slightly in contiguous backwater habitats. Changes in frequency and biomass of macrophytes in isolated backwater habitats were neligible between 1975 and 1991. It is hypothesized that changes in the macrophyte community structure may be related to physical changes associated with 57 years of impoundment.
Genetic factors and manganese-induced neurotoxicity.

Manganese (Mn), is a trace metal required for normal physiological processes in humans. Mn levels are tightly regulated, as high levels of Mn result in accumulation in the brain and cause a neurological disease known as manganism. Manganism shares many similarities with Parkinson’s disease (PD), both at the physiological level and the cellular level. Exposure to high Mn-containing environments increases the risk of developing manganism. Mn is absorbed primarily through the intestine and then released in the blood. Excessive Mn is secreted in the bile and excreted in feces. Mn enters and exits cells through a number of non-specific importers localized on the cell membrane. Mutations in one of the Mn exporters, SLC30A10 (solute carrier family 30, member 10), result in Mn induced toxicity with liver impairments and neurological dysfunction. Four PD genes have been identified in connection to regulation of Mn toxicity, shedding new light on potential links between manganism and PD.
GH1-family 6-P-β-glucosidases from human microbiome lactic acid bacteria

In lactic acid bacteria and other bacteria, carbohydrate uptake is mostly governed by phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems (PTSs). PTS-dependent translocation through the cell membrane is coupled with phosphorylation of the incoming sugar. After translocation through the bacterial membrane, the β-glycosidic bond in 6′-­P-­β-glucoside is cleaved, releasing 6-P-β-glucose and the respective aglycon. This reaction is catalyzed by 6-P-β-glucosidases, which belong to two glycoside hydrolase (GH) families: GH1 and GH4. Here, the high-resolution crystal structures of GH1 6-P-β-glucosidases from Lactobacillus plantarum (LpPbg1) and Streptococcus mutans (SmBgl) and their complexes with ligands are reported. Both enzymes show hydrolytic activity towards 6′-P-β-glucosides. The LpPbg1 structure has been determined in an apo form as well as in a complex with phosphate and a glucose molecule corresponding to the aglycon molecule. The S. mutans homolog contains a sulfate ion in the phosphate-dedicated subcavity. SmBgl was also crystallized in the presence of the reaction product 6-P-β-glucose. For a mutated variant of the S. mutans enzyme (E375Q), the structure of a 6′-P-salicin complex has also been determined. The presence of natural ligands enabled the definition of the structural elements that are responsible for substrate recognition during catalysis.
Protein partitioning in two-phase aqueous polymer systems.

Theories of protein partitioning in two-phase polymer systems which account for the effects of different aspects of system composition—such as the choice of materials, protein size, polymer molecular weight, polymer concentration, salt concentration, and affinity ligands—are reviewed. Although the present models provide some information about specific aspects of partitioning, a comprehensive and fundamental theory which can be used to predict protein partitioning behavior has not yet been developed. Some recommendations for future work are given.
Regulation of autoreactive B cell responses to endogenous TLR ligands.

Immune complexes containing DNA and RNA are responsible for disease manifestations found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B cells contribute to SLE pathology through BCR recognition of endogenous DNA- and RNA- associated autoantigens and delivery of these self-constituents to endosomal TLR9 and TLR7, respectively. B cell activation by these pathways leads to production of class-switched DNA- and RNA-reactive autoantibodies, contributing to an inflammatory amplification loop characteristic of disease. Intriguingly, self-DNA and RNA are typically non-stimulatory for TLR9/7 due to the absence of stimulatory sequences or the presence of molecular modifications. Recent evidence from our laboratory and others suggests that B cell activation by BCR/TLR pathways is tightly regulated by surface-expressed receptors on B cells, and the outcome of activation depends on the balance of stimulatory and inhibitory signals. Either IFNα engagement of the type I IFN receptor or loss of IgG ligation of th...
Elements of a decision-making framework for early-phase system of systems acquisition

Current guidance for the USA's defense acquisition processes have been formalized in the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS). The enhanced requirements from these policies and procedures have made system of systems (SoS) acquisitions more difficult as defense agencies try to implement the updated practices. Many of the associated challenges are a result of the fundamental characteristics of SoS, such as multiple-stakeholders with conflicting preferences, high levels of complexity, considerable uncertainty, large numbers of alternatives, multidimensional, etc. In turn, these attributes complicate the decision-making process found in almost every phase of SoS engineering (SoSE) activities. Various techniques and lessons learned from fields outside of the classic SoS purview have been explored and analyzed for feasibility in responding to the challenge to improve SoS acquisition decision making. The areas of corporate acquisition, cognitive psychology, strategic decision making, and visual analytics are described and considered for early-phase defense acquisition processes. When combined, these elements can support a significantly improved decision-making framework to facilitate evidence-based decision making in SoS acquisition challenges.
Effect of genotype and environment on branching in weedy green millet (Setaria viridis) and domesticated foxtail millet (Setaria italica) (Poaceae)

Many domesticated crops are derived from species whose life history includes weedy characteristics, such as the ability to vary branching patterns in response to environmental conditions. However, domesticated crop plants are characterized by less variable plant architecture, as well as by a general reduction in vegetative branching compared to their progenitor species. Here we examine weedy green millet and its domesticate foxtail millet that differ in the number of tillers (basal branches) and axillary branches along each tiller. Branch number in F(2:3) progeny of a cross between the two species varies with genotype, planting density, and other environmental variables, with significant genotype-environment interactions (GEI). This is shown by a complex pattern of reaction norms and by variation in the pattern of significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) amongst trials. Individual and joint analyses of high and low density trials indicate that most QTL have significant GEI. Dominance and epistasis also explain some variation in branching. Likely candidate genes underlying the QTL (based on map position and phenotypic effect) include teosinte branched1 and barren stalk1. Phytochrome B, which has been found to affect response to shading in other plants, explains little or no variation. Much variation in branching is explained by QTL that do not have obvious candidate genes from maize or rice.
SYNAPTIC POTENTIAL IN THE MOTOR GIANT AXON OF THE CRAYFISH

Some electrical properties of the synapses between central giant axons (presynaptic) and the motor giant axon (postsynaptic) of the crayfish abdominal nerve cord have been investigated. Postsynaptic potential change in response to presynaptic volleys contains two components: a spike potential and a synaptic potential of very long time course. Amplitude of the synaptic potential is graded according to the number of active presynaptic axons. Conductance increase in the synaptic membrane endures over most of the period of potential change, and it is this rather than the "electrical time constant" of the membrane that in large measure determines the form of the synaptic potential. Temporal summation of synaptic potential occurs during repetitive presynaptic stimulation, and after such stimulation the rate of decay of synaptic potential is greatly slowed.
Dietary Hypotheses and Human Evolution

Hypotheses concerning the diet of early hominids have played an important role in discussions on human evolution. Three investigations have helped define the extent to which dietary hypotheses may be taken and still be testable. Comparative anatomy is a fairly coarse approach, which despite convergences allows only the most specialized diets to be ruled out. A biomechanical analysis makes it clear that the changes in jaw and tooth form are subtle and outside the resolution given by present understanding of cranial function. Analysis of the microscopic tooth wear of extant species has been carried out. Major dietary types can be distinguished by their microwear. The microwear on fossil hominids appears to rule out certain diets that have been proposed for them.
Role of μ-Opioid Receptor in Modulation of Preproenkephalin mRNA Expression and Opioid and Dopamine Receptor Binding in Methamphetamine-Sensitized Mice

We examined mRNA expression of preproenkephalin (PPE), a precursor of the endogenous opioid peptide enkephalin, and ligand binding to opioid and dopamine receptors in the striatum and nucleus accumbens in methamphetamine (METH)-sensitized mu-opioid receptor (mu-OR) knockout mice and their wild-type controls. Animals received daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of METH (0, 0.625, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days to induce sensitization. Brain tissues were taken for biochemical analysis on experimental day 11 (4 days after the last injection). Expression of PPE mRNA and ligand binding were determined by in situ hybridization and autoradiography, respectively. Results indicate that there is an increase in PPE mRNA expression and a decrease in mu-OR ligand binding in METH-sensitized wild-type mice. These changes were not detected in METH-sensitized mu-OR knockout mice. A significant increase in delta-opioid receptor (delta-OR) ligand binding was found in mu-OR knockout mice. After repeated METH exposure, striatal and nucleus accumbal dopamine D1 receptor binding was decreased in mu-OR knockout mice but was not changed in wild-type mice. D2 receptor ligand binding was increased in wild-type mice and exhibited a biphasic change, with a decrease at 0.625 and 2.5 mg/kg doses of METH and an increase with 10 mg/kg of METH, in mu-OR knockout mice. These findings suggest that the mu-OR is involved in the regulation of METH-induced changes in an endogenous opioid peptide and dopamine receptors.
Riverine input of macronutrients, iron, and organic matter to the coastal ocean off Oregon, U.S.A., during the winter

Three cross-shelf transects were conducted off northern Oregon in February, 2003, coincident with flooding of Coast Range rivers, to assess the riverine impact on coastal ocean biogeochemistry. During downwelling conditions, low salinity river-influenced water was located in a narrow band near the coast and contained elevated macronutrient, iron, and organic carbon concentrations. Wind relaxation allowed the river-influenced water to spread out at the surface across the shelf. Nutrients supplied by the rivers could result in winter carbon fixation equating to ,20% of the summer upwelling carbon fixation if conditions are suitable for phytoplankton growth, which is likely on the basis of recent studies. This implies that wintertime production may be significant and requires further study. Iron supplied by the rivers is sufficient to support the entire summer upwelling production and because downwelling conditions prevail during the winter and minimize cross-shelf transport, this iron may be retained on the shelf to support the summer phytoplankton blooms. Of the major eastern boundary current systems, the northern California Current (including Oregon) and Portugal Current (i.e., Iberian Peninsula) have the highest riverine discharge rates normalized to coastline length. In contrast, riverine inputs to the central California, Canary (i.e., northwest Africa), Benguela and Peruvian Current systems averaged only 3–35% of that in Oregon. This patchy riverine input (and narrower shelves) might explain why iron limitation is more widespread off California and Peru than Oregon. These results show that small coastal rivers, characteristic of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, can significantly alter coastal biogeochemical cycles and influence ecosystem structure. The coastal ocean plays a key role in global biogeochemical cycles and marine food webs. In recent years, advances have been made in linking atmospheric and physical dynamics to ecosystem structure and function during the productive summer season in eastern boundary current systems. Unfortunately, that progress has not been matched by increased study or enhanced understanding of wintertime conditions. In fact, relatively little is known about wintertime biogeochemical or food web conditions in these types of systems. Results from modeling and field observations show that
Progress in the smart pixel technologies

The purpose of this paper is to review the recent progress in the developing smart pixel technologies. The paper begins by reviewing some of the rapidly evolving smart pixel terminologies. It then describes several of the smart pixel technologies that have recently emerged. Finally, it outlines the performance of these technologies in both device complexity and aggregate capacity. The reviewed SPA technologies include both the modulator-based FET-SEED, hybrid CMOS-SEED, and LCOS smart pixels and the source-based hybrid VCSEL/MSM, ELO, flip-chip-bonded VCSEL/MSM, and monolithic MSM/MESFET/VCSEL smart pixels.
A computer vision course for undergraduates - an object-oriented approach

The computer vision courses at Ball State University has been reconstructed so that it provides the basis for a semester-long project - a project analyzed, designed, and programmed using an object-oriented (O-O) approach. One of the original goals of the course remains intact, namely, to instruct the students in the basic principles of computer vision. However, those principles are now more tightly focused so that they relate very directly to the semester-long project. An added goal is to teach O-O analysis, design, and programming at a relatively in-depth level to the students and to do this within the framework of computer vision. Another goal is to enable the students to gain some degree of expertise in an O-O language. >
Doppler Artifacts and Pitfalls

With increasing technologic advances in ultrasound, its applications have continued to grow for the detection of pathology and physiology. To avoid misinterpretation of results, however, the Doppler US practitioner must understand the factors that produce a Doppler signal, whether vascular, motion, or artifact. Color or power Doppler artifacts can be verified by their atypical spectral waveform. Some artifacts, such as aliasing (for rapid detection of stenoses or arteriovenous fistulae) and the twinkle artifact (for identification of renal calculi and verification of other stones or crystals), are extremely useful diagnostically. Careful attention to the technical parameters of frequency, gain, filter and scale is required to correctly identify vascular patency or thrombosis, especially in slow-flowing vessels.
Research Evidence On The Miles-Snow Typology

The Miles-Snow (1978) typology is one of the most popular classifications of business-level strategies. Consequently, a great deal of attention has centered on examining the validity of the research used in its defense. In this paper previous research on the typology is reviewedfocusing on four issues: (a) identification and nature of strategic types, (b) testing the typology's predictions concerning dimensions of the "adaptive cycle," (c) the link between strategy and environment, and (d) performance differences among the strategic types. Limitations of prior research are identified and questions about validity of pastfindings are presented. Methodological and conceptual refinements are offered to help guide future research efforts.
The Annual Cycle over the Tropical Atlantic, South America, and Africa*

Abstract The annual cycle over land can be thought of as being forced locally by the direct action of the sun and remotely by circulations forced by regions of persistent precipitation organized primarily by SST and, secondarily, by land. This study separates these two sources of annual variability in order to indicate where and when the remote effects are important. Two main sets of AGCM experiments were performed: one with fixed SST boundary conditions and seasonally varying insolation, another with fixed insolation and seasonally varying SST. For each experiment, the evolution of the annual cycle is presented as the differences from the reference month of March. The comparison of other months to March in the fixed-SST runs separates out the direct response of the land–atmosphere system to the annual insolation changes overhead. Similarly, the same comparison in the annual cycle of the fixed-insolation runs reveals the response of the land–atmosphere system to changes in SST. Over most of the domain, in...
How should we estimate a missing exam score

In core engineering courses, instructors administer multiple examinations as major assessments of students' learning. When a student is unable to take an exam, the instructor must estimate the missing exam score in order to calculate the student's course grade. Using exam score data from multiple offerings of two large engineering courses, we compared the accuracy of several methods to estimate an exam score, including linear regression methods. The standard error of regression of the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was consistently about 0.5. For final exam scores, the standard errors of linear models with equal weights were nearly the same as the standard errors of the OLS regression models. For other exam scores, the equal weight model was somewhat less accurate. The results of this study provide practical guidance to instructors who need to estimate missing exam scores.
Are We Doing Too Many Inpatient Echocardiograms?: The Answer From Big Data May Surprise You!

In this era of health care reform, there is greater scrutiny than ever before of health care–related costs and appropriateness of testing services. There has been a noticeable shift from a practice of broad diagnostic screening to a more targeted testing approach. This new best practice is
Ferroanthophyllite in Rockport grunerite: A transmission electron microscopy study

A transmission electron microscopy study reveals the microstructure of polysynthetically twinned, near end-member grunerite from Rockport, Massachusetts. A small percentage of Pnma ferroanthophyllite of similar composition is present as thin slabs intergrown parallel to (100) of grunerite and as individual μ-size crystals. HRTEM imaging shows that grunerite is free of chain-multiplicity faults. The observed microstructures are interpreted as a result of partial transformation of ferroanthophyllite to grunerite, a mechanism that is also supported by microstructures observed in the Pnmn protoferroanthophyllite from Cheyenne, Colorado, with similar composition. This study supports the possibility that grunerite, ferroanthophyllite, and protoferroanthophyllite may all possess true stability fields.
Increased glucagon secretion in protein-fed rats: effects of refeeding a normal diet.

SummaryThis study was conducted to determine the length of time required for elevated glucagon secretion induced by protein feeding to be reversed upon resumption of a normal diet. Portal vein (PV) glucagon and glucagon secretion by isolated islets stimulated with arginine were determined in rats fed a high protein (HP) diet for 1 week, in control rats and in animals fed the HP diet for one week followed by the control regimen for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. Protein feeding caused a 500% rise of PV glucagon which was not reversed until day 7 on the control food. Arginine stimulated glucagon secretion by isolated islets which was almost doubled by protein feeding, returned to basal level on the fifth day of refeeding the control diet. These observations are in agreement with previous work which has demonstrated a slow change in the rate of glucagon synthesis.
A Research on the Adaptation to Harvard Tfu1 online Course in Intercultural background

This paper is based on the research hypothesis and survey,making an analysis of the teachers' adaptation to Tfu1 online course,providing some ideas about the qualifications of teachers who can be trained for the course,and,making some suggestions for the course's future development in China.
Breeding Direction of Food Crops in Henan Province

The fine varieties are the basis for food production,and the proper breeding direction is essential for breeding good varieties.Based on the circumstances and grain production reality in Henan province,the statistic data of grain production were used to analyze the current situation of grain production and the influencing factors.The result showed that,in Henan,the increase of total grain output mainly relied on the growth of yield per unit area,which was realized by inceasing the wheat and corn output.The meteorological disasters were frequent,the anti-disaster ability was weak,the chemical fertilizer investment was excessive,the material transformation efficiency was low,and the agricultural non-point source pollution became serious.The quality and distribution of farm land were unbalanced,and the medium and low yielding farmland had the increasing potential of production.In the process of crop breeding,much attention was put on the yield characters while the related characters were neglected;the germplasm resources were narrow,leading to the simplification of leading varieties.The number of farmers decreased because of the shift of rural labor force.Based on above analysis,the crop breeding direction was proposed:high yield,high efficiency,adaptability,stress resistance,special-purpose and security.Through the adjustment of breeding direction,the breeding level of food crops could be improved and fine varieties could be bred,so as to realize the intensive use of land,the intensive cost-saving of material,the intensive substitution of labour force,the intensive loss reducing of environment and the intensive high-efficiency of technology in grain production,and promote the sustainable and stable development of grain production.
Improved Fixation of Tissues with a Combination of Buffered Neutral Formalin and Mercuric Chloride

The fixation of tissues fo l lowed by rapid overnight processing for light microscopy is best achieved on a routine daily basis by the use of a combinat ion of coagulant and noncoagulant fixatives.Mercuric chloride (HgCI2) has been recognized for many years as one of the best coagulant fixatives. Zenker's and Helly's are two widely known examples of combinat ion fixatives uti l izing HgCI2, and they are considered by some to give the best histologic results for light microscopy.
Concepts of magnet wire film material costs

Evaluation of a new magnet wire film insulation involves three factors: a. Will it meet the technical requirements of the application? b. Is it manufacturable without loss of productive capacity and without excessive manufacturing losses? c. Is it the most economical material available that will meet the technical and manufacturing criteria above? This paper will concentrate on the third of these factors — material cost. Its purpose is to present a method of determining the cost of any given film insulation in finished form on wire. Thus, any film insulation will be directly comparable to any other film insulation for comparison of material cost.
Hemagglutination-Inhibition Assay for Influenza Virus Subtype Identification and the Detection and Quantitation of Serum Antibodies to Influenza Virus

Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assay is a classical laboratory procedure for the classification or subtyping of hemagglutinating viruses. For influenza virus, HI assay is used to identify the hemagglutinin (HA) subtype of an unknown isolate or the HA subtype specificity of antibodies to influenza virus. Since the HI assay is quantitative it is frequently applied to evaluate the antigenic relationships between different influenza virus isolates of the same subtype. The basis of the HI test is inhibition of hemagglutination with subtype-specific antibodies. The HI assay is a relatively inexpensive procedure utilizing standard laboratory equipment, is less technical than molecular tests, and is easily completed within several hours. However when working with uncharacterized viruses or antibody subtypes the library of reference reagents required for identifying antigenically distinct influenza viruses and or antibody specificities from multiple lineages of a single hemagglutinin subtype requires extensive laboratory support for the production and optimization of reagents.
Mini-thoracotomy and chest tube insertion for children with empyema

In contrast to the two prior decades, empyema in children has become a rare disease during the past 10 years. Thirty-two children with empyema from all causes were treated at The Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the 11 years between 1970 and 1982. Twenty cases followed postinfectious pneumonia, most commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. The remaining patients had either an esophageal leak or a pleural infection following an intrathoracic operation. Fourteen of our patients were managed with a "mini-thoracotomy," which allowed accurate drainage of purulent material, debridement of fibrinous exudate, and rapid expansion of the lung with prompt relief from fever and toxicity. In our hands, this procedure provided results which were superior to those obtained with simple closed chest tube drainage. In addition, during this period of time, ultrasound examination of the chest has provided a rapid, accurate technique for the early detection and localization of fluid accumulations within the pleural cavity. Pre-drainage thoracentesis can be accurately guided by ultrasonic imaging.
Bioinspired, roughness-induced, water and oil super-philic and super-phobic coatings prepared by adaptable layer-by-layer technique

Coatings with specific surface wetting properties are of interest for anti-fouling, anti-fogging, anti-icing, self-cleaning, anti-smudge, and oil-water separation applications. Many previous bioinspired surfaces are of limited use due to a lack of mechanical durability. Here, a layer-by-layer technique is utilized to create coatings with four combinations of water and oil repellency and affinity. An adapted layer-by-layer approach is tailored to yield specific surface properties, resulting in a durable, functional coating. This technique provides necessary flexibility to improve substrate adhesion combined with desirable surface chemistry. Polyelectrolyte binder, SiO2 nanoparticles, and silane or fluorosurfactant layers are deposited, combining surface roughness and necessary chemistry to result in four different coatings: superhydrophilic/superoleophilic, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic, superhydrophobic/superoleophobic, and superhydrophilic/superoleophobic. The superoleophobic coatings display hexadecane contact angles >150° with tilt angles 160° with tilt angles <2°. One coating combines both oleophobic and hydrophobic properties, whilst others mix and match oil and water repellency and affinity. Coating durability was examined through the use of micro/macrowear experiments. These coatings display transparency acceptable for some applications. Fabrication via this novel combination of techniques results in durable, functional coatings displaying improved performance compared to existing work where either durability or functionality is compromised.
Direct Preparation of Few Layer Graphene Epoxy Nanocomposites from Untreated Flake Graphite

The natural availability of flake graphite and the exceptional properties of graphene and graphene–polymer composites create a demand for simple, cost-effective, and scalable methods for top-down graphite exfoliation. This work presents a novel method of few layer graphite nanocomposite preparation directly from untreated flake graphite using a room temperature ionic liquid and laminar shear processing regimen. The ionic liquid serves both as a solvent and initiator for epoxy polymerization and is incorporated chemically into the matrix. This nanocomposite shows low electrical percolation (0.005 v/v) and low thickness (1–3 layers) graphite/graphene flakes by TEM. Additionally, the effect of processing conditions by rheometry and comparison with solvent-free conditions reveal the interactions between processing and matrix properties and provide insight into the theory of the chemical and physical exfoliation of graphite crystals and the resulting polymer matrix dispersion. An interaction model that correla...
Hydroxy metabolite concentrations: role of renal clearance

It is generally emphasized that basic lipophilic psychoactive drugs are cleared primarily through metabolism, not renal clearance (Potter et al., 1981). Kidney disease or other sources of alterations of renal clearance are not reported to affect plasma concentrations of drugs such as the tricyclic antidepressants, although the clearance of unmetabolized drugs such as lithium will clearly be affected (Amdisen, 1977). From any but an academic point of view this would be the limit of interest in renal clearance if extensively metabolized parent drugs were the only biologically active forms.
Altered Glutamate and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Levels in Schizophrenia: A 1 H-MRS and pCASL study

The neurobiology of schizophrenia (SZ) may be altered in older versus younger adults with SZ, as less frequent episodes of symptom exacerbation and increased sensitivity to medications are observed in older age. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of age and diagnosis on glutamate and cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in adults with SZ and healthy controls. Young and older adults with SZ and healthy controls were recruited to participate in this study. Participants completed a neuropsychological battery and neuroimaging that included optimized magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure anterior cingulate (AC) glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) and arterial spin labeling evaluation for rCBF. Regression analyses revealed significant effects of age with Glu, Gln, Gln/Glu, and AC white matter (WM) rCBF. Glu and WM rCBF decreased linearly with age while Gln and Gln/Glu increased linearly with age. Glu was lower in adults with SZ compared with healthy controls and in older adults versus younger adults but there was no interaction. Glu and WM rCBF were correlated with the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA) and processing speed, and the correlations were stronger in the SZ group. In the largest sample to date, lower Glu and elevated Gln/Glu levels were observed in adults with SZ and in older subjects. Contrary to expectation, these results do not show evidence of accelerated Glu aging in the anterior cingulate region in SZ compared with healthy controls.
Screening Hospitalized Patients for Low Health Literacy Beyond the REALM of Possibility

As patient-centered education efforts increase, assessing health literacy (HL) becomes more salient. The verbal Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) may have clinical and feasibility advantages over written tools, including the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Revised (REALM-R) and Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA); however, the BHLS's utility among inpatients remains unresolved. Hospitalized adults were enrolled; HL was assessed using three tools. Categorical comparisons used chi-square; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated (reference: REALM-R). The prevalence of low HL among participants ( n = 260) was higher for the BHLS than S-TOFHLA (29% vs. 17%, p < .001) and higher for the REALM-R than both the BHLS (44% vs. 29%, p = .004) and S-TOFHLA (44% vs. 17%, p < .001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were .58 for BHLS and .66 for S-TOFHLA. The different prevalence of low HL among the participants based on each tool likely reflects the complexity of measuring HL and differing domains captured by each tool. The BHLS can be considered a viable inpatient HL screening tool, given its increased feasibility and verbal administration.
Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland arising in the tonsil with metastasis to a cervical lymph node: A case report with description of fine needle aspiration cytology

Cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland (CAMSG) is a rare tumor of the head and neck. We report a case of a 70-year-old female who presented with a 4-5-month history of a left neck mass. CT scan of the neck showed a left neck mass just inferior to the angle of the mandible and left tonsillar prominence. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the neck mass showed epithelial groups with focal cribriform architecture. The cells had round to oval nuclei and fine chromatin. The background contained scattered lymphocytes. A preliminary diagnosis of low grade adenocarcinoma with cribriform features metastatic to a lymph node was made. Subsequent biopsy of the tonsil mass showed a tumor with a combination of tubular, solid, and papillary architecture containing round to ovoid nuclei with very fine chromatin, consistent with cribriform adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland. Cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland has a documented tendency to metastasize to cervical lymph nodes. Since this neoplasm can cytologically and histologically resemble other neoplasms of the head and neck, including polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and occasionally adenoid cystic carcinoma, being aware of and familiar with the cytologic features of CAMSG on FNA smears is important for patient management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:468-471. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Data Integration and Web Mapping for Extreme Heat Event Preparedness

Heat waves are occurring more frequently and contributing to more deaths. While the use of geographic information systems is widespread among emergency management and disaster response professionals, the incorporation of new geospatial data sources and tools has not proceeded at the same rate with significant differences across geographic contexts and types of hazards. This chapter highlights the growing danger posed by heat waves to the health and safety of urban residents and argues that new geospatial data sources and tools as well as enhanced data integration and data sharing offer a promising way forward in addressing this issue.
Analysis of the dv/dt transient of enhancement-mode GaN FETs

The higher switching speed of wide bandgap devices requires new analysis to interpret voltage waveforms during turn-on and turn-off transients. Although the Miller effect remains a dominant feature, the conventional Miller plateau equations do not accurately model the dvds/dt for fast-switching devices such as GaN FETs. This paper derives equations for instantaneous dvds/dt based on static datasheet parameters, considering the Miller effect and the displacement of junction capacitance charges through the saturated channel. These equations will be verified with experimental results for an enhancement-mode GaN FET across a range of operating conditions. Furthermore, the peak dvds/dt is predicted using the derived equations, and shown to be more accurate than other models when compared to GaN experimental results.
Centromere inheritance through the germline

The centromere directs chromosome segregation and genetic inheritance but is not itself heritable in a canonical, DNA-based manner. In most species, centromeres are epigenetically defined by the presence of a histone H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP-A), independent of underlying DNA sequence. Therefore, centromere inheritance depends on maintaining the CENP-A nucleosome mark across generations. Experiments in cycling somatic cells have led to a model in which centromere identity is maintained by a cell cycle-coupled CENP-A chromatin assembly pathway. However, the processes of animal gametogenesis pose unique challenges to centromere inheritance because of the extended cell cycle arrest and the massive genome reorganization in the female and male germline, respectively. Here, we review our current understanding of germline centromere inheritance and highlight outstanding questions.
Adjoint-based constant-mass partial derivatives

Abstract In transport theory, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to mass density are constant-volume derivatives. Likewise, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to surface locations (i.e., internal interface locations and the outer system boundary) are constant-density derivatives. This paper derives the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to an internal interface location or the outer system boundary and the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to the mass density of a region. Numerical results are given for a multiregion two-dimensional ( r - z ) cylinder for three very different responses: the uncollided gamma-ray flux at an external detector point, k eff of the system, and the total neutron leakage. Results from the derived formulas compare extremely well with direct perturbation calculations.
Formal modeling and verification for pre-charge half buffer gates and circuits

A formal modeling and verification methodology for Pre-Charge Half Buffer (PCHB) gates and circuits is presented. PCHB gates have hysteresis and incorporate a handshaking protocol. Thus, we model gates as transition systems and provide correctness property templates that capture safety and liveness. The methodology is demonstrated using several circuits.
Highly conserved molecular pathways, including Wnt signaling, promote functional recovery from spinal cord injury in lampreys

In mammals, spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to dramatic losses in neurons and synaptic connections, and consequently function. Unlike mammals, lampreys are vertebrates that undergo spontaneous regeneration and achieve functional recovery after SCI. Therefore our goal was to determine the complete transcriptional responses that occur after SCI in lampreys and to identify deeply conserved pathways that promote regeneration. We performed RNA-Seq on lamprey spinal cord and brain throughout the course of functional recovery. We describe complex transcriptional responses in the injured spinal cord, and somewhat surprisingly, also in the brain. Transcriptional responses to SCI in lampreys included transcription factor networks that promote peripheral nerve regeneration in mammals such as Atf3 and Jun. Furthermore, a number of highly conserved axon guidance, extracellular matrix, and proliferation genes were also differentially expressed after SCI in lampreys. Strikingly, ~3% of differentially expressed transcripts belonged to the Wnt pathways. These included members of the Wnt and Frizzled gene families, and genes involved in downstream signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of Wnt signaling inhibited functional recovery, confirming a critical role for this pathway. These data indicate that molecular signals present in mammals are also involved in regeneration in lampreys, supporting translational relevance of the model.
Nonlinear-mirror mode-locked Er3+: ZBLAN fiber laser

We report the first nonlinear-mirror mode-locked Er3+:ZBLAN fiber laser at 2.8 μm. Continuous-wave mode-locking with an 88-mW average power at 33 MHz is observed. Simulation suggests a 300-fs pulse duration, which remains to be characterized.
Evaluating implementation supports delivered within problem-solving consultation.

Abstract Teachers participating in problem-solving consultation often struggle to maintain adequate treatment fidelity, which is necessary to improve student outcomes. Low levels of treatment fidelity may result from implementation barriers, such as intervention compatibility, implementer skill, and implementer motivation. This study involves the evaluation of five implementation supports designed to address implementation barriers (i.e., Implementation Planning, Role Play, Participant Modeling, Raising Awareness, Motivational Consulting) within problem-solving consultation. Across 14 randomized individual single-case AB intervention designs, we evaluated the impact of these implementation supports on teacher treatment fidelity of classroom management plans and class-wide academic engagement and disruptive behavior. Visual analysis, descriptive statistics, and randomization test analyses suggest that these implementation supports have the potential to be broadly effective in improving teachers' fidelity and student outcomes. Teachers required a different number of supports to increase fidelity levels and rated the implementation supports positively. Implications of the study's findings are described.
Multilevel Rasch Modeling: Does Misfit to the Rasch Model Impact the Regression Model?

Multilevel Rasch models are increasingly used to estimate the relationships between test scores and student and school factors. Response data were generated to follow one-, two-, and three-paramete...
Hookworm infection in veterans, with some notes on Strongyloides stercoralis and other parasites.

Summary 1.Hookworm infection was relatively common in exposed veterans. 2.Hookworm disease was rare. 3.The eventual prognosis for cure in hookworm infection is good in this area, although the immediate therapeutic results were poor. 4.Infections with Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuria were relatively uncommon. 5.The public health problem is minor because of climate and the relatively good hygienic habits in this region. (Michigan). 6.Multiple parasitic infections were not uncommon. 7.Strongyloidiasis is difficult to treat and the infection may persist indefinitely due to the mechanism of hyper (auto-) infection. 8.Severe psychiatric disability as a result of parasitic infection may persist indefinitely.
Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula.

Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistulas are rare. The authors found nine cases reported since 1959. Seven have been secondary to trauma and two following thoracotomy. One patient's death is thought to be directly related to the fistula. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with a pleural effusion and associated vertebral trauma. The diagnosis can usually be confirmed with contrast or radioisotopic myelography. Successful closure of the fistula will usually occur spontaneously with closed tube drainage and antibiotics; occasionally, thoracotomy is necessary to close the rent in the dura.
Bottom-Up Approach for High Speed SRAM Word-line Buffer Insertion Optimization

The delay of a square SRAM array is dominated by the bit line delay due to the high capacitance per unit length attached to the bit line. Hence, SRAM arrays are usually longer in the word line direction. However, the word line delay also increases dramatically in a simple naive topology and can be a dominating factor when the word line dimension is much longer than that of the bit line. Therefore, word line optimization is an important part of SRAM delay optimization. Buffer insertion, which is commonly used for long interconnects, can also be used to improve word line delay. This paper proposes an approach to place and size the buffers to reduce word line and overall SRAM delay. The proposed methodology improves the read critical path delay by 15.7%, at the cost of only 5.26% extra area in a 128 Kbit SRAM.
Hyperhomocysteinemic Mice Have Increased Susceptibility to Carotid Artery Thrombosis.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and venous thrombosis. In animal models, hyperhomocysteinemia produces endothelial dysfunction due to decreased bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). Because NO has antithrombotic properties, we tested the hypothesis that hyperhomocysteinemia accelerates photochemically-induced carotid artery thrombosis induced in mice. Mice heterozygous for a targeted disruption of the cystathionine β-synthase ( Cbs ) gene ( Cbs +/−) and wild type littermates ( Cbs +/+) were fed either a control diet or a high methionine/low folate (HM/LF) diet for 8 months. Plasma total homocysteine was elevated by the HM/LF diet compared with the control diet in both Cbs +/+ (11.6±1.2 vs. 3.7±0.5 μmol/L; p Cbs +/− mice (26.4±3.8 vs. 6.2±0.6 μmol/L; p Cbs+/+ and Cbs+/ − mice, respectively) compared with mice fed the control diet (44.0±9.1 and 31.4±4.7 minutes for Cbs+/+ and Cbs +/− mice, respectively; p Cbs+/+ and Cbs+/ − mice fed the HF/HM diet compared with the control diet. To determine whether lack of endothelium-derived NO may accelerate carotid artery thrombosis, mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( Nos3 −/ −) were also studied. Time to occlusion did not differ between Nos3 −/ − mice and wild type mice (55.0±10.2 vs. 42.1±7.1 minutes, p=0.31). We conclude that hyperhomcysteinemia increases susceptibility to experimental thrombosis through a mechanism that is independent of endothelium-derived NO, but may involve oxidative stress.
Maxillary Frenulum in Newborns: Association with Breastfeeding.

ObjectiveTo relate maxillary and lingual frenulum configuration to breastfeeding success.Study DesignCross-sectional study.SettingNewborn nursery in tertiary care academic hospital.Subjects and Met...