cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin fragment mediated cartilage chondrolysis. II. Reparative effects of anti-oxidants

Abstract In an accompanying manuscript, it was shown that the cartilage chondrolytic activities of fibronectin fragments (Fn-f), which are mediated through catabolic cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, could be suppressed by anti-oxidants (AOs). The AOs neutralized reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are known to mediate catabolic cytokine action. The objective in this work was to test whether AOs would promote restoration of proteoglycan (PG) in Fn-f treated cartilage, since under normal culturing conditions, PG is not restored after removal of the Fn-f. Cartilage was first cultured with an amino-terminal 29-kDa Fn-f to cause loss of about half of the total PG and then treated with NAC (1 and 10 mM) or glutathione (10 μM) or DMSO (0.1 or 1%). Treatment with NAC and glutathione maximally caused restoration of PG within 14 days to normal or supernormal levels, while DMSO was less effective. Catalase, but not superoxide dismutase, enhanced PG content to a small but significant extent. The restoration of PG in Fn-f treated cartilage occurred throughout the full depth of the cartilage slices as shown by histochemical analysis. However, removal of the AO allowed a subsequent decrease in PG content suggesting that the AOs had not blocked cytokine expression but had merely suppressed cytokine activities. Addition of NAC to IL-1 treated cartilage promoted a restoration of PG, while addition to chymopapain or trypsin treated cartilage was not very effective, suggesting that the effect of AOs requires a cytokine driven damage system. We conclude that the AOs promote a restoration of PG in the Fn-f treated cartilage by suppressing the effects of catabolic cytokines. The data suggest a potential for AOs in reversing tissue damage caused by cytokines.
Developmental approaches to kidney tissue engineering.

Recent advances in our understanding of the developmental biology of the kidney, as well as the establishment of novel in vitro model systems, have potential implications for kidney tissue engineering. These advances include delineation of the roles of a number of growth factors in the developmental programs of branching morphogenesis and mesenchymal differentiation, a new understanding of the roles of the extracellular matrix, identification of potential “renal” stem cells, the ex vivo propagation and subsequent recombination of isolated components of the kidney, and successful transplantation of renal primordia into adult hosts. This review will examine these advances in the context of approaches to tissue engineering. Finally, novel approaches that synthesize advances in both cell-based and organ-based approaches are proposed.
Polarization and Polar Codes

Despite remarkable advances in the algebraic and iterative codes used in modern communication systems, finding codes that operate at rates close to capacity; have low computational complexity; and have provable reliability guarantees was an elusive goal until recently. Polar Codes have all of these desirable properties. The design philosophy of polar codes is fundamentally different from those of both algebraic codes and iterative codes. The technique underlying polar codes is `channel polarization': creating extremal channels those that are either noiseless or useless from mediocre ones. Polarization and Polar Codes: A Tutorial is the first in-depth tutorial on this exciting new technique that promises to offer major improvements in digital communications systems. The tutorial is clearly written and is accessible for all researchers and engineers who want to understand the fundamental concepts used in polar codes. A whole chapter is devoted to demonstrating how polar codes prove reliability using low-complexity. Generalizations of the theory are then discussed that show how discrete memoryless processes of arbitrary alphabet sizes, not just binary ones, can be polarized by recursive transforms; how stronger codes can be obtained by combining more than two random variables in each recursion of a polarizing construction; and how polar coding theorems can be used in multi-user settings.
ANOXIA AND BRIGHTNESS DISCRIMINATION.

1. Brightness discrimination has been studied with individuals breathing oxygen concentrations corresponding to 7 altitudes between sea level and 17,000 feet. The brightnesses were 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 millilambert involving only daylight (cone) vision. 2. At these light intensities, brightness discrimination begins to deteriorate at fairly low altitudes. The deterioration is obvious at 8,000 feet, and becomes marked at 15,000 feet, where at low brightness, the contrast must be increased 100 per cent over the sea level value before it can be recognized. 3. The impairment of brightness discrimination with increase in altitude is greater at higher altitudes than at lower. The impairment starts slowly and becomes increasingly rapid the higher the altitude. 4. Impairment of brightness discrimination varies inversely with the light intensity. It is most evident under the lowest light intensities studied, but shows in all of them. However, it decreases in such a way that the deterioration is negligible in full daylight and sunlight. 5. The thresholds of night (rod) vision and day (cone) vision are equally affected by anoxia. 6. The quantitative form of the relation between brightness discrimination ΔI/I and the prevailing brightness I remains the same at all oxygen concentrations. The curve merely shifts along the log I axis, and the extent of the shift indicates the visual deterioration. 7. The data are described in terms of retinal chemistry. Since anoxia causes only a shift in log I it is shown that the photochemical receptor system cannot be affected. Instead the conversion of photochemical change into visual function is impaired in such a way that the conversion factor varies as the fourth power of the arterial oxygen saturation.
A Balancing Act: Experiences of Nurses and Physicians When Making End-of-Life Decisions in Intensive Care Units

The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to describe end-of-life decision-making experiences as understood by critical care nurses and physicians in intensive care units (ICUs). A purposive sample of seven nurses and four physicians from a large teaching hospital were interviewed. Grounded theory analysis revealed the core category of "end-of-life decision making as a balancing act." Three interacting subthemes were identified: emotional responsiveness, professional roles and responsibilities, and intentional communication and collaboration. Balancing factors included a team approach, shared goals, understanding the perspectives of those involved, and knowing your own beliefs. In contrast, feeling powerless, difficult family dynamics, and recognition of suffering caused an imbalance. When balance was achieved during end-of-life decision making, nurses and physicians described positive end-of-life experiences. The consequence of an imbalance during an end-of-life decision-making experience was moral distress. Practice recommendations include development of support interventions for nurses and physicians involved in end-of-life decision making and further research to test interventions aimed at improving communication and collaboration.
Analog/RF physical layer issues for UWB systems

Ultra-wideband communications systems offer unique challenges and opportunities for RF circuit design. Proper understanding of the trade-offs that system specifications impose upon the circuit designer is essential in optimizing a system for UWB. The defining attribute of UWB is the wide fractional bandwidth of the signal. This wide bandwidth can be achieved in several ways: with carrierless systems, with a wide-bandwidth single carrier spread-spectrum system, with a multi-carrier system such as OFDM, via frequency hopping, or via some combination of these methods. This paper provides detailed impact analysis of wide fractional bandwidth on RF frontend circuits and examines the various tradeoffs. In particular, wide-bandwidth channels limit the instantaneous Q allowable in the signal path. This requires modifications of the traditional narrowband design methods. Some of the issues discussed in this paper include: issues of broadbanding, power impact, fast hopping tradeoffs, power amplifier, and antenna issues.
Progesterone Action in Mammalian Uterus

The present article describes some of the factors regulating progesterone action in mammalian uterus. The main emphasis is laid on the role of cytosol receptor concentrations in the ultimate expression of progestin action. In addition, recent findings on the regulation of uteroglobin (a progesterone-stimulated rabbit uterine protein) are dealt with, especially in the light of estrogen-progestin interaction in this regulation. The current evidence suggests that estradiol is able to mimic and modify progesterone action in a dose-related fashion: small doses of estradiol potentiate the progesterone effect, whereas higher concentrations of this steroid almost completely block expression of progestational response. These actions of estradiol seem to occur via mechanisms distal to progesterone receptor synthesis, since the doses of estradiol which most markedly inhibit progesterone action on uteroglobin synthesis bring about a significant increase in uterine progesterone receptor concentrations.
SmpB, a unique RNA-binding protein essential for the peptide-tagging activity of SsrA (tmRNA)

In bacteria, SsrA RNA recognizes ribosomes stalled on defective messages and acts as a tRNA and mRNA to mediate the addition of a short peptide tag to the C‐terminus of the partially synthesized nascent polypeptide chain. The SsrA‐tagged protein is then degraded by C‐terminal‐specific proteases. SmpB, a unique RNA‐binding protein that is conserved throughout the bacterial kingdom, is shown here to be an essential component of the SsrA quality‐control system. Deletion of the smpB gene in Escherichia coli results in the same phenotypes observed in ssrA ‐defective cells, including a variety of phage development defects and the failure to tag proteins translated from defective mRNAs. Purified SmpB binds specifically and with high affinity to SsrA RNA and is required for stable association of SsrA with ribosomes in vivo . Formation of an SmpB–SsrA complex appears to be critical in mediating SsrA activity after aminoacylation with alanine but prior to the transpeptidation reaction that couples this alanine to the nascent chain. SsrA RNA is present at wild‐type levels in the smpB mutant arguing against a model of SsrA action that involves direct competition for transcription factors.
Cation transport in yeast.

1. The distribution of azide added to suspensions of bakers' yeast was studied under various conditions. The recovery of azide was estimated in the volume of water into which low concentrations of electrolytes can readily diffuse (anion space). Considerable azide disappeared from this anion space. 2. The incomplete recovery of azide in the anion space is due to its uptake by the cells. This uptake occurs against a concentration gradient at 0°C., and is attributed to binding of azide by cell constituents. 3. Confirmatory evidence is presented that one such constituent is the K carrier in the cell membrane. The azide inhibition of K transport is not mediated by inhibition of cytochrome oxidase in the mitochondria. 4. From the amount of combined azide and the experimentally determined dissociation constant of the K carrier-inhibitor complex, the maximum value for the concentration of this carrier is calculated as 0.1 µM/gm. yeast. 5. The addition of glucose and PO4 causes a secondary K uptake which is not azide-sensitive and is clearly distinct from the primary, azide-sensitive mechanism. 6. The existence of a separate carrier responsible for Na extrusion is reconsidered. It is concluded that present evidence does not necessitate the assumption that such a carrier is active in yeast.
Silicon-substrate microelectrode arrays for parallel recording of neural activity in peripheral and cranial nerves

A new process for the fabrication of regeneration microelectrode arrays for peripheral and cranial nerve applications is presented. This type of array is implanted between the severed ends of nerves, the axons of which regenerate through via holes in the silicon and are thereafter held fixed with respect to the microelectrodes. The process described is designed for compatibility with industry-standard CMOS or BiCMOS processes (it does not involve high-temperature process steps nor heavily-doped etch-stop layers), and provides a thin membrane for the via holes, surrounded by a thick silicon supporting rim. Many basic questions remain regarding the optimum via hole and microelectrode geometries in terms of both biological and electrical performance of the implants, and therefore passive versions were fabricated as tools for addressing these issues in on-going work. Versions of the devices were implanted in the rat peroneal nerve and in the frog auditory nerve. In both cases, regeneration was verified histologically and it was observed that the regenerated nerves had reorganized into microfascicles containing both myelinated and unmyelinated axons and corresponding to the grid pattern of the via holes. These microelectrode arrays were shown to allow the recording of action potential signals in both the peripheral and cranial nerve settings, from several microelectrodes in parallel. >
The NALP1 inflammasome controls cytokine production and nociception in a rat fracture model of complex regional pain syndrome

Tibia fracture followed by limb immobilization in rats evokes nociceptive and vascular changes resembling complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). Previously we observed that substance P (SP) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) signaling contribute to chronic regional nociceptive sensitization in this model. It is known that inflammasome multi-protein complexes containing caspase-1 and NALP1 are involved in the activation of the IL-1beta family of pro-nociceptive cytokines expressed in skin and other tissues. Therefore, we hypothesized that SP activated inflammasomes might contribute to mechanical allodynia after fracture. Using this model we observed that: (1) inflammasome components and products NALP1, caspase-1, IL-1beta and IL-18 were present in low levels in normal skin, but expression of all these was strongly up-regulated after fracture, (2) NALP1, caspase-1 and IL-1beta were co-expressed in keratinocytes, and the number of NALP1, caspase-1, and IL-1beta positive cells dramatically increased at 4 weeks post-fracture, (3) LY303870, an NK1 receptor antagonist, effectively blocked fracture-induced up-regulation of activated inflammasome components and cytokines, (4) IL-1beta and IL-18 intraplantar injection induced mechanical allodynia in normal rats, and (5) both a selective caspase-1 inhibitor and an IL-1 receptor antagonist attenuated fracture-induced hindpaw mechanical allodynia. Collectively, these data suggest that NALP1 containing inflammasomes activated by NK1 receptors are expressed in keratinocytes and contribute to post-traumatic regional nociceptive sensitization. These findings highlight the possible importance of neuro-cutaneous signaling and innate immunity mechanisms in the development of CRPS.
Multi-functional interconnect co-optimization for fast and reliable 3D stacked ICs

Heat removal and power delivery have become two major reliability concerns in 3D stacked IC technology. For thermal problem, two possible solutions exist: thermal-through-silicon-vias (T-TSVs) and micro-fluidic channel (MFC) based liquid cooling. In case of power delivery, a highly complex power distribution network is required to deliver currents reliably to all parts of the 3D stacked IC while suppressing the power supply noise to an acceptable level. However, these thermal and power networks pose major challenges in signal routability and congestion. This is because the signal, power, and thermal interconnects are all competing for routing space. In this paper, we present a co-optimization methodology for the signal, power, and thermal interconnects for 3D stacked ICs based on design of experiments (DOE) and response surface method (RSM). The goal is to improve performance, thermal, noise, and congestion metrics with our holistic approach. We also provide in-depth comparison between T-TSV and MFC based cooling method and discuss how to employ DOE and RSM to best co-optimize the multi-functional interconnects simultaneously. Categories and Subject Descriptors B.7.2 [Hardware]: Integrated Circuits-Design Aids General Terms Design, Reliability
Insulin and glucagon responses in plasma to intraportal infusions of propionate and butyrate in sheep (Ovis aries).

1. 1. The effects of infusions into the hepatic portal vein of propionate and butyrate at dosages approximating absorption rates on concentrations of glucose, insulin and glucagon were determined in sheep. 2. 2. Immunoreactive insulin in plasma increased significantly (P < 0.05) during infusion of propionate and butyrate. 3. 3. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucagon in plasma did not change significantly during propionate administration but increased during butyrate administration.
Understanding the software communications architecture

The Software Communications Architecture is an open architecture developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to standardize the development of software-defined radio, improve communication systems interoperability, and reduce development and deployment costs. The SCA facilitates software reuse and technology insertion by abstracting radio applications from the supporting platform and defining a common operational environment across platforms. The SCA relies on commercial standards, classic software engineering principles, and software design patterns. While some SCA design choices are controversial and tightly tied to the specific needs for which it was developed, the basic design principles of software reuse and abstraction are sound and necessary if SDR is to achieve its full potential. Some of the techniques and concepts used in the SCA may be foreign to a communications engineer, and can result in confusion and long learning curves. The understanding of these concepts is of great relevance for communications engineers independent of any opinion about the SCA itself. This tutorial is aimed at educating communication engineers on these software engineering principles and describing how the SCA applies them to achieve its goals. We describe the different interfaces of the SCA that provide a framework for the implementation of SDR. The tutorial provides introductory material to understand the basic operation of the SCA as implemented in the Open-Source SCA Implementation::Embedded developed by Wireless @ Virginia Tech.
Irreversible platelet activation requires protease-activated receptor 1-mediated signaling to phosphatidylinositol phosphates.

Thrombin induces platelet activation through an early, reversible stage of platelet aggregation, which is followed by a later, irreversible stage of platelet aggregation. Without intervention, events leading to pathological platelet activation can result in vessel occlusion, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. Therefore, a better understanding of events leading to platelet-mediated clot formation may provide insight into new therapeutic targets. Once activated, protease activated receptors (PARs) are essential in regulating events leading to platelet aggregation. We have determined a signaling cascade through PAR1, which involves phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinases, phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), and Rap1 activation (independent of P2Y12) in the formation of a stable platelet aggregate. The putative phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was found to reduce basal and PAR-stimulated PIP2 levels by mass spectrometry and to inhibit PAR1-mediated stable platelet aggregation. Rap1 activation in platelets (during time points corresponding to the late, irreversible phase of aggregation) was found to require the PI signaling pathway. Perturbation of PI3K signaling by isoform-selective inhibitors had differential effects on Rap1 activation through PAR1 and PAR4. Hence, it is possible to disrupt lipid signaling pathways involved in stable clot formation without inhibiting early clot formation, offering a new potential target for antiplatelet therapy.
Tracking outcomes after phonosurgery for sulcus vocalis: a case report

Abstract Summary Outcomes data after a surgical or behavioral intervention should be tracked until stability is reached. Often it is unclear how long patients should be followed and at what point an outcome can be considered stable. These issues have implications for treatment decision making, efficacy measurement, and the design of research studies. Vocal function data were collected 24 hours before and at 1, 6, and 12 months after phonosurgery for sulcus vocalis. One data series was collected daily during the first month after surgery, providing a unique opportunity to study voice changes in the immediate postoperative period. The different vocal function indices (acoustic, perceptual, videostroboscopic, aerodynamic, psychosocial) demonstrated a general pattern of improvement after intervention; however, they appeared to reach stability at different times. This report reinforces the value of following patients until complete outcome stability.
A test of neutrality based on interlocus associations.

The evolutionary processes governing variability within genomic regions of low recombination have been the focus of many studies. Here, I investigate the statistical properties of a measure of intrlocus genetic associations under the assumption that mutations are selectively neutral and sites are completely linked. This measure, denoted Z(nS), is based on the squared correlation of allelic identity at pairs of polymorphic sites. Upper bounds for Z(nS) are determined by simulations. Various deviations from the neutral model, including several different forms of natural selection, will inflate the value of Z(nS) relative to its neutral theory expectations. Larger than expected values of Z(nS) are observed in genetic samples from the yellow-ac-scute and Adh regions of Drosophila melanogaster.
Matrix metalloprotease triggered delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics from hydrogel matrixes.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly advanced and invasive brain tumor due to which current treatments cannot completely treat GBM or prevent recurrence. Therefore, adjunctive treatments are required. As part of the invasive and angiogenic nature of GBM, it has been well established that matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 are overactive. To better treat GBM using chemotherapy, we have designed a hydrogel-based delivery system that can control the release of drugs based on the activity of MMPs. A model chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin (CDDP), complexed to an MMP substrate (peptide-linker) was incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel wafers having different poly(ethylene glycol) chain lengths (Mn ≈ 574 and 4000). Hydrogel wafers were studied for physical characteristics and drug release in the presence and absence of MMPs. There was a substantial increase in CDDP release for the poly(ethylene glycol) 4000 hydrogel indicating that this chain length provides a mesh size that i...
Salt intake, knowledge of salt intake, and blood pressure control in Chinese hypertensive patients

A cross-sectional study involving 2502 subjects was conducted to evaluate salt intake, knowledge of salt intake, and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. The blood pressure control rate was 33.5% among the hypertensive patients. Of the patients, 69.9% had salt intake higher than 6 g/d. Overall 35.0% knew the recommended salt intake, and 94.9% knew that "excess salt intake can result in hypertension." Altogether, 85.8% of patients had received health education related to a low-salt diet at some time. Patients who consumed less than 6 g/d of salt had a higher control rate than those who consumed more than 6 g/d (48.7% vs. 27.0%; χ(2) = 111.0; P < .001). Patients with knowledge of the recommended salt intake had a higher control rate than those without (45.8% vs. 26.9%; χ(2) = 91.3; P < .001). Our findings suggest a high salt intake and low blood pressure control rate among Chinese hypertensive patients. Knowledge of recommended salt intake is inappropriate for patients with education of a low-salt diet.
Update in rheumatology: evidence published in 2012.

This Update summarizes studies published in 2012 that the authors consider highly relevant to the practice of rheumatology. Topics include treatment of rheumatologic disease, pharmacoepidemiology, ...
Quantifying parameter uncertainty and assessing the skill of exponential dispersion rainfall simulation models

The exponential dispersion model (EDM) has been demonstrated as an effective tool for quantifying rainfall dynamics across monthly time scales by simultaneously modelling discrete and continuous variables in a single probability density function. Recent applications of the EDM have included development and implementation of statistical software packages for automatically conditioning model parameters on historical time series data. Here, we advance the application of the EDM through an analysis of rainfall records in the North American Laurentian Great Lakes by implementing the EDM in a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework which explicitly acknowledges historic rainfall variability and reflects that variability through uncertainty and correlation in model parameters and simulated rainfall metrics. We find, through a novel probabilistic assessment of skill, that the EDM reproduces the magnitude, variability, and occurrence of daily rainfall, but does not fully capture temporal autocorrelation on a daily time scale. These findings have significant implications for the extent to which the EDM can serve as a tool for supporting regional climate assessments, for downscaling regional climate scenarios into local-scale rainfall time series simulations, and for assessing trends in the historical climate record. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Give Me My Father's Body: The Life of Minik the New York Eskimo, by Kenn Harper, Steerforth Press, South Royalton, VT, 2000

When Arctic explorer Robert Peary came home in September 1897, he brought with him a thirty-ton meteorite, an ethnological collection, and a group of Polar Eskimos for the American Museum of Natural History, which were immediately put on display. No matter that four of the six Eskimos died: the Museum just removed them from temporary exhibits and catalogued in them permanent collections. Of the two surviving, one returned to Greenland the following summer, the other remained in the household of a Museum administrator, William Wallace. This little orphan named Minik became the "New York Eskimo" of the title, and the phrase aptly summarizes his oxymoronic life.
Assessing conditions to enhance student success: How six campuses got started

The Inventory for Student Engagement and Success (ISES) uses evidence from educationally effective institutions to help campuses gain a better understanding of their work with students. Campuses of varying sizes, with diverse missions, are using ISES to solve problems and improve educational practices.
PPAR-δ is repressed in Huntington's disease, is required for normal neuronal function and can be targeted therapeutically.

PPAR-δ activity is impaired by mutant huntingtin, and a PPAR-δ agonist attenuates disease in a mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AGAINST THE GRAIN

Six or seven years ago, I began a quiet campaign to alert the trustees of the Folger Library that their eminent collection of special collections was well on the way to becoming what I called “road kill on the information highway.” Until that time, I had stood back and watched my colleagues in the independent research libraries invest large numbers of very scarce dollars in online cataloging, the attendant costs of retrospective conversion, and the cascading expenses of hardware and software purchases and upgrades. For quite a while, it had been clear to me that it was not in our . . .
Public Works and Government Services: Beautiful Theory Meets Ugly Reality

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) -- a new department that houses the government's major common service organizations (CSOs) -- is in the middle of dramatic restructuring. PWGSC has focused much of its attention on internal difficulties created after the department's establishment in June 1993. Changes to the government's policy on provision of common services, aimed at breaking up CSO monopolies on service delivery within government, have also created financial and political difficulties for the department, and provoked widespread doubts about the rationale for maintaining government-run common service organizations. Several recent reviews, including the 1994-95 program review exercise, have responded to these internal and external challenges. These reviews have remedied weaknesses in the 1993 reorganization plan but have been less successful in producing strong arguments for preserving the major CSOs. The department will be downsized substantially over the next five years.
Prediction measurement with mean acceptable error for proper inconsistency in noisy weldability prediction data

Due to the complex nature of the welding process, the data used to construct prediction models often contain a significant amount of inconsistency. In general, this type of inconsistent data is treated as noise in the literature. However, for the weldability prediction, the inconsistency, which we describe as proper-inconsistency, may not be eliminated since the inconsistent data can help extract additional information about the process. This paper discusses that, in the presence of proper-inconsistency, it is inappropriate to perform the same approach generally employed with machine learning algorithms, in terms of the model construction and prediction measurement. Due to the numerical characteristics of proper-inconsistency, it is likely to achieve vague prediction results from the prediction model with the traditional prediction performance measures. In this paper, we propose a new prediction performance measure called mean acceptable error (MACE), which measures the performance of prediction models constructed with the presence of proper-inconsistency. This paper presents experimental results with real weldability prediction data, and we examine the prediction performance of k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) measured by MACE and the different characteristics of data in relation to MACE, kNN, and GRNN. The results indicate that using a smaller k on properly-inconsistent data increases the prediction performance measured by MACE. Also, the prediction performance on the correct data increases, while the effect of properly-inconsistent data decreases with the measurement of MACE. Display Omitted Mean acceptable error (MACE) measures noisy weldability data for prediction accuracy.The effect of noisy data on prediction accuracy is investigated using MACE.k nearest neighbor regression and generalized regression neural network are compared.Three different acceptance levels for MACE allow the level of acceptable prediction.
Simulations of Stretching a Strong, Flexible Polyelectrolyte: Using Long Chains To Access the Pincus Scaling Regime

We present simulations of the stretching of a strongly charged, flexible polyelectrolyte chain for long chain lengths particularly focusing on the intermediate force regime, where the Pincus scaling regime occurs. We performed Monte Carlo simulations using the screened Coulomb potential for 200 mM added salt. The number of monomers ranges from 200 to 25000, which includes the experimental value of 5000 for measurements on ssDNA. The simulation force–extension data matches the experimental data over the whole range of forces. For these long chains, the equilibrium structure factor S(k) shows that the chain has two structural regimes. At long length scales, where the electrostatics is fully screened, the chain is a self-avoiding random walk with Flory exponent of 3/5. At short length scales the structure exhibits polyelectrolyte character and is stretched relative to a neutral chain. Under an applied force, S(k) ∼ k at low k and the range of the linear scaling expands monotonically to lower k as the force i...
Refined structure of the doubly intercalated d(TATAFBGCATA)2 aflatoxin B1 adduct.

The refined solution structure for the 8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 adduct was refined from the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex d(TATAFBGCATA)2 using a molecular dynamics protocol restrained by NOE data obtained from 1H NMR and compared with the refined structure of the unmodified oligomer, d(TATGCATA)2. The two aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) moieties were symmetry related by the pseudodyad axis of the self-complementary oligodeoxynucleotide. Each AFB1 intercalated into the helix above the 5‘-face of the modified guanine, corroborating NMR spectroscopic data [Gopalakrishnan, S., Harris, T. M., and Stone, M. P. (1990) Intercalation of Aflatoxin B1 in Two Oligodeoxynucleotide Adducts: Comparative 1H NMR Analysis of d(ATCAFBGAT)·d(ATCGAT) and d(ATAFBGCAT)2 Biochemistry 29, 10438−10448]. Molecular dynamics calculations restrained with 292 experimentally and empirically derived distances refined a family of structures characterized by pairwise root mean square differences of <1.3 A. Complete relaxation ma...
Martin Bucer. Briefwechsel/Correspondance, vol. 9: September 1532-Juni 1533

The ninth volume of Martin Bucer's correspondence in the Opera Latina series contains eighty-one letters written between September 1532 and June 1533. This was an eventful period of Bucer's life, w...
Principled Neglect and Compliance: Responses to NCLB and the CCSS at an Expeditionary Learning Middle School

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study explored educators’ sense making of and responses to No Child Left Behind and the Common Core State Standards at one urban Expeditionary Learning middle school. Sense-making theory (Spillane, Reiser, & Reimer, 2002) and inquiry as stance (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 2009) were used as complementary conceptual frameworks to unpack and analyze teachers’ and administrators’ conceptions, critiques, and responses to these federal initiatives. Analysis revealed that principled neglect and principled compliance were the primary responses to these initiatives, which enabled educators at the school to maintain hands-on, authentic student-centered curriculum and instruction aligned with the Expeditionary Learning philosophy.
Optimal pesticide scheduling in precision agriculture

Agricultural automation presents challenges typically encountered in the realm of cyber-physical systems, such as incomplete information (plant health indicators), external disturbances (weather), limited control authority (fertilizers cannot make a plant mature arbitrarily fast), and a combination of discrete events and continuous plant dynamics. In this paper, we investigate the problem of optimal pesticide spray scheduling. Regulations impose strict requirements on scheduling, e.g., individual pesticides are only effective during certain seasons and pesticides cannot be sprayed too close to the harvest time. We show how to translate these requirements to a metric temporal logic formula over the space of schedules. We next use the theory of optimal mode scheduling to generate a schedule that minimizes the risk of various infestations over time while guaranteeing the satisfaction of the constraints. We demonstrate this methodology via simulation with scheduling constraints based on recommendations and regulations from agricultural experts. Our case study considers blueberries, a crop whose cultivation currently involves little automation.
The Importance of Interspecific Interactions on the Present Range of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Persistence of Resident Container Species in the United States.

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) established in the United States over 30 yr ago and quickly spread throughout the entire eastern half of the country. It has recently spread into western regions and projected climate change scenarios suggest continued expansion to the west and north. Aedes albopictus has had major impacts on, and been impacted by, a diverse array of resident mosquito species. Laying eggs at the edges of small, water-holding containers, hatched larvae develop within these containers feeding on detritus-based resources. Under limited resource conditions, Ae. albopictus has been shown to be a superior competitor to essentially all native and resident species in the United States. Adult males also mate interspecifically with at least one resident species with significant negative impacts on reproductive output for susceptible females. Despite these strong interference effects on sympatric species, competitor outcomes have been highly variable, ranging from outright local exclusion by Ae. albopictus, to apparent exclusion of Ae. albopictus in the presence of the same species. Context-dependent mechanisms that alter the relative strengths of inter- and intraspecific competition, as well as rapid evolution of satyrization-resistant females, may help explain these patterns of variable coexistence. Although there is a large body of research on interspecific interactions of Ae. albopictus in the United States, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of the most important species interactions. Addressing these gaps is important in predicting the future distribution of this species and understanding consequences for resident species, including humans, that interact with this highly invasive mosquito.
Equivalent Clinical Outcomes Following Favored Treatments of Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Tear.

Background Optimal treatment of chronic scapholunate (SL) instability remains controversial. Many surgical techniques have been proposed with varied results in subsequent case series; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating the relative effectiveness of the different treatment options.
Low cotinine glucuronidation results in higher serum and saliva cotinine in african American compared to white smokers

Background: Tobacco exposure is often quantified by serum or saliva concentrations of the primary nicotine metabolite, cotinine. However, average cotinine concentrations are higher in African Americans (AA) compared with Whites with similar smoking levels. Cotinine is metabolized by UGT2B10 and CYP2A6, and low UGT2B10 activity is common in AA, due to the prevalence of a UGT2B10 splice variant. Methods: UGT2B10 activity was phenotyped in 1,446 smokers (34% AA) by measuring the percentage of cotinine excreted as a glucuronide. Urinary total nicotine equivalents (TNE), the sum of nicotine and 6 metabolites, were determined to quantify smoking dose, and cotinine and 3′-hydroxycotinine were quantified in saliva (study 1) or serum (study 2). Results: Ninety-seven smokers (78% AA) were null for UGT2B10 activity, and the saliva and serum cotinine levels, after adjustment for TNE and cigarettes per day (CPD), were 68% and 48% higher in these smokers compared with nonnull smokers ( P Conclusions: UGT2B10 activity significantly influences plasma cotinine levels, and higher cotinine concentrations in AA versus White smokers (after adjustment for smoking dose) result from lower levels of UGT2B10-catalyzed cotinine glucuronidation by AA. Impact: UGT2B10 activity or genotype should be considered when using cotinine as a tobacco exposure biomarker, particularly in populations such as AA with high frequencies of UGT2B10 nonfunctional variants. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1093–9. ©2017 AACR .
Serum phosphate and cognitive function in older men

Objective Determine whether serum phosphate is associated with concurrent cognitive impairment and subsequent cognitive decline in older men independent of demographic covariates and atherosclerotic risk factors. Methods In a prospective study of 5529 men enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study, we measured baseline serum phosphate, baseline cognitive function, and change in cognitive function between baseline and follow-up exams an average of 4.6 years later using the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) Examination and Trails B. Results There was no association between serum phosphate and odds of cognitive impairment as assessed by baseline 3MS score or risk of cognitive decline as assessed by longitudinal change in 3MS score. Higher baseline serum phosphate was associated with higher odds of poor executive function as assessed by Trails B with fully adjusted odds ratios 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.83-1.52), 1.31 (0.97-1.77), and 1.45 (1.08-1.94) for men in the second, third, and fourth versus the bottom quartile (referent group) of serum phosphate (p-trend 0.007). However, higher phosphate level was not associated with risk of decline in executive function as assessed by longitudinal change in Trails B score with fully adjusted odds ratios 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.69-1.28), 0.96 (0.70-1.32), and 1.21 (0.89-1.66) for men in the second, third, and fourth versus the bottom quartile (referent group) of serum phosphate (p-trend 0.22). Conclusions Higher serum phosphate in older men was associated with a higher likelihood of poor executive function, but not with impaired global cognitive function or decline in executive or global cognition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Real Time Monitoring of Damage by Acoustoultrasonic NDE Technique to Study Failure Mechanisms in SiC/CAS Ceramic Composites

Future materials used in fuel efficient engines and certain space power applications must be able to withstand higher operating temperatures than required for present materials. Furthermore, future materials should offer the distinct advantages of higher strength to weight ratio, higher stiffness to weight ratio and better damage tolerance. Although ceramic materials possess these attractive features, they have inherent shortcomings limiting their usefulness in many applications. Poor material reliability make these materials unacceptable for use, even though these materials have excellent mechanical integrity and chemical stability at high temperatures. There is a need to develop NDE techniques that can assess and quantify the damage present in ceramic composites and relate a quantifiable parameter directly to strength or long time serviceability of the component. The present challenge in the field of NDE is to assess initial integrity and also damage accumulation and residual strength during service.
Prevalence of hyperdense paraspinal vein sign in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension without dural CSF leak on standard CT myelography.

PURPOSE A recently identified and treatable cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistula, and a recently described computed tomography myelogram (CTM) finding highly compatible with but not diagnostic of this entity is the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign. We aimed to retrospectively measure the prevalence of the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign on CTMs in SIH patients without dural CSF leak, in comparison with control groups. METHODS Three CTM groups were identified: 1) SIH study group, which included dural CSF leak-negative standard CTMs performed for SIH, with early and delayed imaging; 2) Early control CTMs, which were performed for indications other than SIH, with imaging shortly after intrathecal contrast administration; 3) Delayed control CTMs, which included delayed imaging. CTMs were retrospectively reviewed for the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign by experienced neuroradiologists, blinded to the group assignment. All CTMs deemed by a single reader to be positive for the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign were independently reviewed by two additional neuroradiologists; findings were considered positive only if consensus was present among all three readers. For positive cases, noncontrast CTs and prior CTMs, if available, were reviewed for the presence of the sign. RESULTS Seven of 101 (7%) SIH patients had contrast in a spinal/paraspinal vein consistent with the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign; no patient in either control group (total n=54) demonstrated the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign (P = 0.0463). The finding occurred only at thoracic levels. Each patient had a single level of involvement. Six (86%) occurred on the right. Four occurred in female patients (57%). The sign was seen on early images in 3 of 7 cases (43%) and on both early and delayed images in 4 of 7 cases (57%). In 2 of 7 patients (29%), a noncontrast CT covering the relevant location was available and negative for the sign. A prior CTM was available in 2 of 7 patients (29%), and in both cases the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign was also evident. CONCLUSION The prevalence of the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign in SIH patients with dural CSF leak-negative standard CTM was 7%. As the sign was not seen in control groups, this sign is highly compatible with the presence of CSF-venous fistula. Since the CTMs were not specifically dedicated to identifying hyperdense paraspinal veins (i.e., they were not dynamic and were not preceded by digital subtraction myelography), the true prevalence of the sign may be higher. Radiologists should scrutinize conventional CTMs for this sign, especially in patients in whom a traditional dural CSF leak is not identified.
Antibiotic Resistance in Group A Streptococci

Although erythromycin resistance in GABHS has been a major problem in Japan and in Finland, it has not been a problem in the United States. The susceptibility of GABHS to the newer macrolide antibiotics seems to be similar to that of erythromycin. Comprehensive, community-wide programs to continuously monitor for erythromycin resistance in GABHS would be difficult to justify; however, because little is known about how erythromycin resistance in GABHS is acquired or spread, it would be reasonable to periodically monitor isolates of GABHS for erythromycin resistance. Despite more than four decades of use of penicillin in treating GABHS infections, no significant change has occurred in the in vitro susceptibility of GABHS to penicillin. The resurgence of severe, invasive GABHS infections and of acute rheumatic fever is not attributable to the emergence of strains of GABHS with increased resistance to penicillin. A substantial proportion of GABHS are currently resistant to tetracyclines, and these agents are inappropriate for treating GABHS infections. Although little recent information is available about the susceptibility of GABHS to sulfonamides, these agents have been shown to be ineffective in eradicating GABHS form the upper respiratory tract regardless of the in vitro sensitivities. GABHS have not been shown to be resistant to any of the commonly used oral cephalosporins; however, a great deal of variability exists among these agents in their activity against GABHS. Clindamycin resistance in GABHS has remained unusual. This agent is an alternative for treating GABHS infections due to macrolide-resistant strains in patients who cannot be treated with beta-lactam antibiotics.