cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an emerging disease that is distinguished from gastroesophageal reflux disease by the expression of a unique esophageal transcriptome and the interplay of early life environmental factors with distinct genetic susceptibility elements at 5q22 (TSLP) and 2p23 (CAPN14). Rare genetic syndromes have uncovered the contribution of barrier disruption, mediated in part by defective desmosomes and dysregulated transforming growth factor beta production and signaling, to eosinophilic esophagitis pathophysiology. Experimental modeling has defined a cooperative role of activated eosinophils, mast cells, and the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, mediated by allergic sensitization to multiple foods. Understanding these processes is opening the way to better treatment based on disrupting allergic inflammatory and type 2 cytokine–mediated responses, including anti-cytokine therapeutics and dietary therapy.
Fortifying the Foundation: Tools for Addressing Disability within the Multicultural Classroom.

In a 2007 issue of Multicultural Perspectives, Johnson and Nieto highlighted the need for more deliberate, robust, and balanced conversations regarding disability, especially within the context of multicultural education. Although researchers echo the importance of disability-based discussions and related curriculum, disability programming at the elementary and secondary levels is often sporadic or non-existent. This article melds Banks' (2004) five dimensions of multicultural education with disability-based constructs in order to provide a set of tools for fortifying teachers' knowledge base regarding disability and considering how disability can become a more integral part of the multicultural classroom.
The influence of intermetallic compounds on high speed shear testing with a specific interest in Electroless Palladium and Autocatalytic Gold

Increasing I/O counts have led to ever decreasing cross sectional contact areas or, by default, an increase in solder performance expectations. A recognized measure of solder joint integrity is gained through High Speed Shear testing, (HSS). This article will statistically evaluate the solderability of the dominant final finishes with reference to some real life variables. The only skew is that only lead free solder balls have been used in this exercise to simulate production. The following final finishes were selected: Immersion tin (i-Sn) • Organic Surface Protection (OSP) • Electroless Nickel/ Immersion Gold (ENIG) • Electroless Nickel /Electroless Palladium and Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) • Electroless Palladium /Semi Autocatalytic Gold (EPAG) • This evaluation will endeavor to relate HSS performance, specifically the total energy, to the physical characteristics of the resultant solder joint associated with final finishes selected. In the field, there are assertions that the IMC is a good indicator of the solder joint integrity. However this is usually as far as this particular statement is taken. A key question that is still outstanding is what particular attribute of the IMC is important for Solder Joint Reliability, (SJR). The shape, size and composition of the IMC are often cited as reliable tools for predicting SJR. To assess whether such indicators may be valid, this study will couple high resolution microscopy with HSS testing to artificially induce mechanical failure.
THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE KATRINA ON THE NURSE ANESTHESIA COMMUNITY IN NEW ORLEANS

v CHAPTER I: Introduction 1 Paper I: The Shared Experience of CRNAs Who Were on Duty in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina 6 Paper II: The Shared Experience of SRNAs whose Senior Year was Disrupted by Hurricane Katrina 7 Paper III: Did Hurricane Katrina have an impact on Self Evaluation Exam scores of senior-level students in the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program? 8 CHAPTER II: The Shared Experience of CRNAs Who Were on Duty in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina 10 Title Page 10 Abstract 1
PDA-Assisted Indoor-Navigation with Imprecise Positioning: Results of a Desktop Usability Study

Although most of today’s navigation systems are used for guidance of cars, recent progress in mobile computing made it possible for research and industry to develop various prototypes of indoor-navigation systems in combination with PDAs. Independent of the presentation mode of route instructions, it is desirable that such real-time route guidance system automatically delivers the correct piece of information to the user at the right time. This requires that the PDA knows the user’s position and orientation, which is not always available due to technical limitations of indoor sensing and positioning techniques, and potential signal dropouts. Using a desktop usability study, this chapter extends previous work on route instructions with mobile devices. The study explores the preferred modes of interaction between user and PDA in case of diluted position and orientation accuracies.
A Cognitive Network Controller Based on Spiking Neurons

Cognitive networks plan, decide, and act at different layers of the protocol stack, based on perceived conditions of the network state and assigned rules. We introduce a Cognitive Network Controller (CNC) that relies on a spiking neural network to implement artificial cognition. Based on the outcome of prior actions, the CNC learns how to improve future decisions to maximize its assigned objective. We present the design of the CNC and associated spiking neural network model, a decision encoding strategy based on the time-to- fire of spikes, a learning rule, and synapse weight management. Then, we evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method using an event-driven simulation of the online selection of end-to-end paths for file transfers over a network of mixed performance. The results indicate that the CNC effectively learns how to dynamically select paths for file transfers that produce lower latency than conventional methods for a broad range of network conditions. The proposed CNC potentially facilitates the integration of cognition and future network applications that require autonomous performance optimization.
Firewalls in general relativity

We present spherically symmetric solutions to Einstein's equations, which are equivalent to canonical Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordstrom black holes on the exterior, but with singular (Planck-density) shells at their respective event and inner horizons. The locally measured mass of the shell and the singularity are much larger than the asymptotic Arnowitt-Deser-Misner mass. The area of the shell is equal to that of the corresponding canonical black hole, but the physical distance from the shell to the singularity is a Planck length, suggesting a natural explanation for the scaling of the black hole entropy with area. The existence of such singular shells enables solutions to the black hole information problem of Schwarzschild black holes and the Cauchy horizon problem of Reissner-Nordstrom black holes. While we cannot rigorously address the formation of these solutions, we suggest plausibility arguments for how ``normal'' black hole solutions may evolve into such states. We also comment on the possibility of negative-mass Schwarzschild solutions that could be constructed using our methods. Requirements for the nonexistence of negative-mass solutions may put restrictions on the types of singularities allowed in an ultraviolet theory of gravity.
Analysis of Dead Reckoning Accuracy in Swarm Robotics System

The objective of this paper is to determine the position of a single mobile robot in a swarm using dead reckoning techniques. We investigate the accuracy of navigation by using this process. The paper begins with the research background and social importance. Then, the specific experimental setup and analysis of experimental results are presented. Finally, the results are detailed and some potential improvements are provided.
Abstract WP30: Does Pretreatment With Intravenous Thrombolysis Prevent Infarct in a New Previously Unaffected Territory (INT) in Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO) Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT)?

Introduction: There are contradictory data concerning the preventive role of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in preventing infarct in a new previously unaffected territory (INT) in emergent large ve...
Ionic liquids from a fragmented perspective

The efficacy of using fragmentation methods, such as the effective fragment potential, the fragment molecular orbital and the effective fragment molecular orbital methods is discussed. The advantages and current limitations of these methods are considered, potential improvements are suggested, and a prognosis for the future is provided.
Capstone for Political Science Majors: The Content is the Service

Service learning is a type of experiential learning, a form of education that has become increasingly important at the college level as student bodies have changed. The authors present a review of their experiences with a course in which the content is a service learning project. The students carry out a project that enables them to hone their research skills and develop an appreciation of the political, economic, and social complexity of their community while at the same time providing a valuable service to that community. Writers have defined service learning as involving reflection on the service activity that is likely to increase understanding of course content (cf. Bringle and Hatcher, 1996). In this paper, we present a review of our experiences with a course in which the content is the service. We have taught this course three times thus far, and it has evolved somewhat, but the premise of the course has remained the same. The students carry out a project that enables them to hone their research skills and develop an appreciation of the political, economic, and social complexity of their community while at the same time providing a valuable service to that community. Service learning is a type of experiential learning, a form of education that has become increasingly important at the college level as student bodies have changed. The traditional college classroom involves a professor lecturing as students attempt to take notes while listening, with occasional interruptions for discussion. Today's student body is older than in the past, with many students already having had substantial "real world" experience; thus this approach may no longer be so suitable. Older students typically demand a role larger than that of largely passive absorbers of information; they want to be engaged in the subject and to explore how class content relates to their experience and current work situations. Technology has also prompted changes in the classroom as computers
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve the Quality and Safety of Radiation Therapy

Within artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML) efforts in radiation oncology have augmented the transition from generalized to personalized treatment delivery. Although their impact on quality and safety of radiation therapy has been limited, they are increasingly being used throughout radiation therapy workflows. Various data-driven approaches have been used for outcome prediction, CT simulation, clinical decision support, knowledge-based planning, adaptive radiation therapy, plan validation, machine quality assurance, and process quality assurance; however, there are many challenges that need to be addressed with the creation and usage of ML algorithms as well as the interpretation and dissemination of findings. In this review, the authors present current applications of ML in radiation oncology quality and safety initiatives, discuss challenges faced by the radiation oncology community, and suggest future directions.
High Throughput Screening Reveals Unique Sensitivity of CD34+CD38- AML Cells to Isotretinoin and Tretinoin

Abstract 1430 Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease, originating from leukemic stem cells (LSCs). This relatively rare sub-population shows mostly a CD34+CD38- immunophenotype and has been proposed to be responsible for disease relapse and chemotherapy resistance. In order to identify effective drug(s) for clinical use that can eliminate LSCs, we have screened a library of 2000 compounds from the SPECTRUM collection (MicroSource Discovery Systems, Inc.) using a multi-parameter flow cytometry high-throughput screening. The drugs compiled in the library are 40% US FDA approved drugs, 30% natural products, 10% approved drugs for use in Europe and Japan, and the remainder consistent of bioactive compounds. The initial screen aimed to identify potential compounds that can decrease viability or increase differentiation of AML cells at 24 and 72 hours of treatment. Compounds demonstrating autofluorescence were eliminated as false positive hits. We found 137 compounds that decreased viability in all populations. Furthermore, 37 drugs demonstrated ability to increase cell death (more than 50%) in phenotypically described LSCs, progenitor and blasts populations, but with viability over 50% for normal residual lymphocytes within the same AML specimen. Interestingly, only 4 drugs displayed higher specificity to LSCs when compared to total blast populations. Surprisingly, two of these drugs are different forms of retinoic acid (isotretinoin and tretinoin). The selectivity of isotretinoin and tretinoin was confirmed in different primary AML samples. We observed that phenotypically described stem cell subpopulations were affected when exposed to retinoic acid in 4 out of 5 AML samples. LSC populations display increased apoptosis and differentiation assessed by flow cytometry. Characterization of what confers sensitivity to these types of drugs is under investigation. Together, a multiparameter flow cytometry screen revealed specific anti-LSC activity for retinoid acid, which was not detectable when analyzing total populations and would have been missed using traditional screening. These studies underscore the utility of LSC-based assays for defining novel therapies and suggest that retinoid-based therapies merit further investigation in AML. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Dissociative photodetachment dynamics of the oxalate monoanion

The dissociative photodetachment (DPD) dynamics of the oxalate monoanion are studied using photoelectron-photofragment coincidence (PPC) spectroscopy. Following photodetachment of C2O4H- at 4.66 eV HOCO + CO2 products are observed, indicating the facile decarboxylation of the radical driven by the thermodynamic stability of CO2. No evidence is seen for photodetachment to stable C2O4H or ionic photodissociation to produce HOCO-. Calculations indicate the stabilizing presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond in the anion via the formation of a strained five-membered ring. No intramolecular hydrogen bond is predicted in the radical due to the lower charge density on the oxygen atom. The PPC spectrum is consistent with a single direct two-body DPD channel that results in fragments of similar mass and is characterized by a large kinetic energy release (KER) and a broad photoelectron spectrum. The large KER is indicative of substantial repulsion in the radical following photodetachment. The form of the photoelectron spectrum is dominated by the bound to continuum Franck-Condon factors (BCFCF) and is suggestive of photodetachment to a repulsive potential energy surface. A lower bound for the electron affinity of C2O4H is reported as 4 eV. BCFCF calculations allow an approximate functional form of the repulsive surface along the C-C stretch coordinate to be extracted from the experimental photoelectron spectrum. PPC spectroscopy of the deuterated analogue (C2O4D-), at higher anion beam energies is used to increase the detectability of any possible D atom products, but none are observed.
Socio-emotional determinants of depressive symptoms in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review:

Co-occurring problems with mood and anxiety among adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum are highly prevalent and contribute to poor outcomes and diminished quality of life. The current stud...
The stress response protein REDD1 promotes diabetes-induced oxidative stress in the retina by Keap1-independent Nrf2 degradation.

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a critical role in reducing oxidative stress by promoting the expression of antioxidant genes. Both individuals with diabetes and preclinical diabetes models exhibit evidence of a defect in retinal Nrf2 activation. We recently demonstrated that increased expression of the stress response protein regulated in development and DNA damage 1 (REDD1) is necessary for the development of oxidative stress in the retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that REDD1 suppresses the retinal antioxidant response to diabetes by repressing Nrf2 function. We found that REDD1 ablation enhances Nrf2 DNA-binding activity in the retina and that the suppressive effect of diabetes on Nrf2 activity is absent in the retina of REDD1-deficient mice compared with WT. In human MIO-M1 Muller cell cultures, REDD1 deletion prevented oxidative stress in response to hyperglycemic conditions, and this protective effect required Nrf2. REDD1 suppressed Nrf2 stability by promoting its proteasomal degradation independently of Nrf2's interaction with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), but REDD1-mediated Nrf2 degradation required glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity and Ser-351/Ser-356 of Nrf2. Diabetes diminished inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) at Ser-9 in the retina of WT mice but not in REDD1-deficient mice. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 enhanced Nrf2 activity and prevented oxidative stress in the retina of diabetic mice. The findings support a model wherein hyperglycemia-induced REDD1 blunts the Nrf2 antioxidant response to diabetes by activating GSK3, which, in turn, phosphorylates Nrf2 to promote its degradation.
Fully Arbitrary Control of Frequency-Bin Qubits.

Accurate control of two-level systems is a longstanding problem in quantum mechanics. One such quantum system is the frequency-bin qubit: a single photon existing in superposition of two discrete frequency modes. In this Letter, we demonstrate fully arbitrary control of frequency-bin qubits in a quantum frequency processor for the first time. We numerically establish optimal settings for multiple configurations of electro-optic phase modulators and pulse shapers, experimentally confirming near-unity mode-transformation fidelity for all fundamental rotations. Performance at the single-photon level is validated through the rotation of a single frequency-bin qubit to 41 points spread over the entire Bloch sphere, as well as tracking of the state path followed by the output of a tunable frequency beam splitter, with Bayesian tomography confirming state fidelities ${\mathcal{F}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}g0.98$ for all cases. Such high-fidelity transformations expand the practical potential of frequency encoding in quantum communications, offering exceptional precision and low noise in general qubit manipulation.
Utilization of irrigating negative pressure wound therapy for breast implant salvage: Long-term results and success.

Abstract Introduction When an infected implant necessitates removal, a new device is typically not immediately inserted. This delay can be devastating for the patient and can result in soft tissue contracture that complicates reconstruction. We have previously reported on our technique for managing breast implants necessitating removal with the placement of an irrigating vac at time of explant followed by insertion of a new prosthetic within a week. The goal of this paper is to report on our long-term outcomes and success. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with breast prosthetic infection who were treated with an irrigating wound vac. When cellulitis of the breast prompted surgical exploration, the implant was removed and Alloderm was excised if not incorporated. An installation wound vac was placed with saline or dakins. Antibiotics were utilized as directed by culture. The patient returned within a week for wound vac removal, irrigation of the capsule and replacement of tissue expander or implant. Results Twelve patients and fourteen breasts were treated with this approach. The vac was utilized for an average of 5.2 days. Eight patients had intra-operative cultures return as positive. Ten of the fourteen implants were successfully replaced, three implants in two patients were unable to be salvaged and one patient, whose implants were originally placed for augmentation, opted not to pursue replantation. Patients with implants who were unable to be salvaged ultimately underwent autologous reconstruction and one patient who successfully underwent replantation chose to pursue autologous reconstruction. For patients who successfully underwent replantation and did not pursue autologous reconstruction, the mean follow-up was 322 days. Conclusion Our approach allows for continuous washout of the capsule to encourage a further reduction in bacterial load after explant. We have utilized this approach successfully on ten out of fourteen breasts without any complications. We now report on long-term outcomes with a high degree of success and without an additional infection in any patient. This approach is a powerful tool to allow for implant salvage after infection to prevent the psychological detriments and soft tissue contracture associated with implant loss.
A Two-Tier Control Architecture For Cybersecurity and Operational Safety

While the resilient control systems in Chap. 7 were shown to successfully mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks and re-stabilize the system upon detection, the control systems themselves are not inherently cyber-secure, which means they have to rely on redundant sensors or accurate state estimation in the presence of cyber-attacks. Although many advances have been made in improving efficiency of data-based detectors and in the development of resilient control schemes in response to cyber-attacks, it is possible that the control system has to be shut down due to unavailability of state measurements from redundant sensors or of reliable state estimation.
The Challenge of Noisy Classrooms: Speaker Detection During Elementary Students’ Collaborative Dialogue

Adaptive and intelligent collaborative learning support systems are effective for supporting learning and building strong collaborative skills. This potential has not yet been realized within noisy classroom environments, where automated speech recognition (ASR) is very difficult. A key challenge is to differentiate each learner’s speech from the background noise, which includes the teachers’ speech as well as other groups’ speech. In this paper, we explore a multimodal method to identify speakers by using visual and acoustic features from ten video recordings of children pairs collaborating in an elementary school classroom. The results indicate that the visual modality was better for identifying the speaker when in-group speech was detected, while the acoustic modality was better for differentiating in-group speech from background speech. Our analysis also revealed that recurrent neural network (RNN)-based models outperformed convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models with higher speaker detection F-1 scores. This work represents a critical step toward the classroom deployment of intelligent systems that support collaborative learning.
Extracellular cysteines C226 and C232 mediate hydrogen sulfide-dependent inhibition of Orai3-mediated store-operated calcium.

The gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) physiologically regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). The SOCE machinery consists of the plasma membrane-localized Orai channels (Orai1-3) and endoplasmic reticulum-localized STIM1 and STIM2 proteins. H2S inhibits Orai3- but not Orai1- or Orai2-mediated SOCE. The current objective was to define the mechanism by which H2S selectively modifies Orai3. We measured SOCE and STIM1/Orai3 dynamics and interactions in HEK293 cells exogenously expressing fluorescently-tagged human STIM1 and Orai3 in the presence and absence of the H2S donor GYY4137. Two cysteines (C226 and C232) are present in Orai3 that are absent in the Orai1 and Orai2. When we mutated either of these cysteines to serine, alone or in combination, SOCE inhibition by H2S was abolished. We also established that inhibition was dependent on an interaction with STIM1. To further define the effects of H2S on STIM1/Orai3 interaction we performed a series of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), colocalization, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. Treatment with H2S did not affect the mobility of Orai3 in the membrane, nor did it influence STIM1/Orai3 puncta formation or STIM1-Orai3 protein-protein interactions. These data support a model in which H2S modification of Orai3 at cysteines 226 and 232 limits SOCE evoked upon store depletion and STIM1 engagement, by a mechanism independent of the interaction between Orai3 and STIM1.
Elements of representation within Iowa soil

Representation is key to the field of Political Science. Behavior of representatives and conditional factors affect representation. Previous research is lacking in information about representation on a small scale. This paper hypothesizes that representation at the local rural level is also affected by behavior and conditional factors. This paper uses Iowa rural community and city council data to explore the relationship between behavioral and environmental factors and citizen satisfaction ratings. Correlation and regression analysis was run on data from the RDI project and CCS project. The results show relationships between economic factors and population and the dependent variables, citizen satisfaction with police services, and citizen satisfaction with overall government services. Relationships between representation and behavior or conditional factors exist, even at a rural level, and are worth adding to the field of Political Science.
Federal Solutions to Ethnic Problems: Accommodating Diversity

Introduction Chapter 1: Ethnic Federalism and the Consociational Tradition Chapter 2: In Defence of Ethnic Federalism Chapter 3. Anti-Ethnic Federalism and the Logic of Control Chapter 4: Territorial Federalism and the Logic of Centripetalism Chapter 5: Ethnoterritorial Federalism: A Compromise Model? Chapter 6: Autonomy and Federacy Chapter 7: Bringing it Together.
Efficient reward functions for adaptive multi-rover systems

This chapter focuses on deriving reward functions that allow multiple agents to co-evolve efficient control policies that maximize a system level reward in noisy and dynamic environments. The solution we present is based on agent rewards satisfying two crucial properties. First, the agent reward function and global reward function has to be aligned, that is, an agent maximizing its agent-specific reward should also maximize the global reward. Second, the agent has to receive sufficient “signal” from its reward, that is, an agent's action should have a large influence over its agent-specific reward. Agents using rewards with these two properties will evolve the correct policies quickly. This hypothesis is tested in episodic and non-episodic, continuous-space multi-rover environment where rovers evolve to maximize a global reward function over all rovers. The environments are dynamic (i.e. changes over time), noisy and have restriction on communication between agents. We show that a control policy evolved using agent-specific rewards satisfying the above properties outperforms policies evolved using global rewards by up to 400%. More notably, in the presence of a larger number of rovers or rovers with noisy and communication limited sensors, the proposed method outperforms global reward by a higher percentage than in noise-free conditions with a small number of rovers.
Data-Driven Graph Construction for Semi-Supervised Graph-Based Learning in NLP

Graph-based semi-supervised learning has recently emerged as a promising approach to data-sparse learning problems in natural language processing. All graph-based algorithms rely on a graph that jointly represents labeled and unlabeled data points. The problem of how to best construct this graph remains largely unsolved. In this paper we introduce a data-driven method that optimizes the representation of the initial feature space for graph construction by means of a supervised classier . We apply this technique in the framework of label propagation and evaluate it on two different classication tasks, a multi-class lexicon acquisition task and a word sense disambiguation task. Signicant improvements are demonstrated over both label propagation using conventional graph construction and state-of-the-art supervised classiers.
Radio occultation observations of the ionospheres of Mars and Venus

The availability of a large body of radio occultation data for the Mars and Venus ionospheres makes possible comparative studies of their structures and temporal behavior. On Venus, the nightside ionosphere is produced by the transport of ionization from the dayside, which operates at solar maximum when the ionopause is high, and impact ionization by energetic electrons, which operates at all times. On Mars, transport from the dayside would seem to be inhibited for the same reason as for Venus at solar minimum, although sufficient flux of energetic electrons is present to generate nightside ionization. The Venus ionosphere at solar minimum, and that of Mars at all times, are not in a state of diffusive equilibrium above the chemical equilibrium regions.
Molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation by food-associated bacteria

Abstract: This chapter discusses the role of cell-to-cell signaling processes, known as quorum sensing, on biofilm formation in food-borne pathogens. When bacterial populations reach the ‘quorum’ level, signaling molecules bind to appropriate transcription regulators resulting in the activation or repression of target genes. In many bacterial species, the effect of quorum sensing on gene expression is closely linked with biofilm formation, which may be either negatively or positively regulated by quorum sensing. A potential strategy to control biofilm formation is by modulating quorum sensing through the use of signal analogs or by enzymatic degradation of the signaling molecules.
Analysis of Bounds for Multilinear Functions

We analyze four bounding schemes for multilinear functions and theoretically compare their tightness. We prove that one of the four schemes provides the convex envelope and that two schemes provide the concave envelope for the product of p variables over Rp+.
Chickens from lines selected for high or low body weight differ in adipocyte cellularity in several adipose tissue depots (814.3)

The Virginia lines of chickens are a model of obesity and hypophagia that resulted from long-term selection for high (HWS) or low (LWS) juvenile (56 days of age) body weight, respectively. We hypothesized that there are differences in adipocyte cellularity between HWS and LWS chickens. At day 65, abdominal and clavicular fat were collected from HWS and LWS males (n = 9) for histological analysis. The mean area and diameter, density and size distribution of adipocytes were analyzed using NIS-Elements Advanced Research Software (Nikon). The statistical model included main effects of fat depot (abdominal or clavicular fat), genetic line (HWS or LWS), and the interaction between them. Means were separated using Tukey’s Test. Adipocyte areas and diameters were greater in HWS than LWS in abdominal (P < 0.0001) and clavicular fat (P < 0.0001). Adipocytes were larger in clavicular fat than abdominal fat (P < 0.01). Overall cellular density was less (P < 0.0001) in HWS than LWS in both abdominal fat and clavicular...
Phylogeny and generic limits in New World Exosternini (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Histerinae)

Exosternini are a very species-rich group of Histeridae, occurring nearly worldwide, with particular concentrations in the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions. In the New World, the group comprises over 400 described species, in 12 genera, with approximately 250 additional species awaiting description. Generic limits in this group are poorly defined. A phylogenetic analysis of all known New World species, described and undescribed, with over 50 outgroup taxa from other genera and tribes of Histerinae was undertaken, based on 259 morphological characters, adding 18S, 28S and cytochrome oxidase I sequences for a subset of 150 taxa. The genera Hypobletus Schmidt, Yarmister Wenzel, Kaszabister Mazur, Mecistostethus Marseul and Megalocraerus Lewis were each supported as monophyletic. Baconia Lewis was rendered paraphyletic by the inclusion of Strigister Caterino et al. The bulk of Operclipygus Marseul was monophyletic, although the O. plicicollis group was not always included. The genus Phelister Marseul was paraphyletic many times over, with members of Operclipygus, Mecistostethus, Kaszabister, Pseudister Bickhardt, Conchita Mazur and Nunbergia Mazur nested within, indicating that Phelister is in need of significant revision.
Oral contraceptive use and the ECG: evidence of an adverse QT effect on corrected QT interval.

BACKGROUND: A prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval is a marker for an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. We evaluated the relationship between oral contraceptive (OC) use type of OC and QTc interval. METHODS: We identified 410782 ECGs performed at Northern California Kaiser Permanente on female patients between 15 and 53 years from January 1995 to June 2008. QT was corrected for heart rate using log-linear regression. OC generation (first second and third) was classified by increasing progestin androgenic potency while the fourth generation was classified as antiandrogenic. RESULTS: Among 410782 women 8.4% were on OC. In multivariate analysis after correction for comorbidities there was an independent shortening effect of OCs overall (slope = -0.5 ms; SE = 0.12 P < 0.0002). Users of first and second generation progestins had a significantly shorter QTc than nonusers (P < 0.0001) while users of fourth generation had a significantly longer QTc than nonusers (slope = 3.6 ms SE = 0.35 P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Overall OC use has a shortening effect on the QTc. Shorter QTc is seen with first and second generation OC while fourth generation OC use has a lengthening effect on the QTc. Careful examination of adverse event rates in fourth generation OC users is needed. (c)2013 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Calculation of the electronic properties of Mo in a first-principles nonlocal-pseudopotential approach

The first-principles nonlocal atomic pseudopotentials previously derived from the density-functional formalism are applied in a self-consistent study of the electronic properties of bulk Mo. Using a mixed-basis representation for the crystalline wave functions, both the localized and the extended features of the electronic states are efficiently described. We show that by use of a completely nonempirical approach the basic electronic properties of the system, such as the band structure, density of states, charge density, and Fermi surface, are favorably reproduced within the pseudopotential formalism.
Interaction of high molecular weight kininogen with plasminogen inhibits binding of plasminogen to cell surfaces

Abstract Recent studies have shown that high molecular weight kininogen (HK) inhibits the binding of plasmin to platelets and thereby inhibits platelet activation by plasmin. We hypothesized that these results might be explained by HK binding to plasmin(ogen) in solution. Using ligand blotting, we showed that 125I-plasminogen (Pg) binds to immobilized HK and that 125I-HK binds to immobilized Pg. HK partially inhibited 125I-Pg binding to lysine-Sepharose. Non-covalent binding of HK to Pg in solution was demonstrated using the cross-linking agent, bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS3) . The cross-linking agent stabilized a 180kDa complex as determined by SDS-PAGE. The 180kDa complex was not observed in the absence of BS3 or when ϵ-amino caproic acid was added. In addition, excess unlabelled Pg or HK inhibited the binding of each radiolabelled protein to the other. The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for the binding of Pg to HK in solution was 0.8 μmol/L, as determined by BS3 cross-linking. Binding of Pg to C6 glioma cells in culture was inhibited by HK in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of approximately 0.4 μmol/L. Similar inhibition was observed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (IC50≈0.5 μmol/L). Binding of 125I-HK to C6 glioma cells was apparently saturable, zinc-dependent and inhibited by Pg (IC50≈0.9 μmol/L). The results presented here suggest that HK inhibits Pg binding to cell surfaces primarily by forming a complex with Pg in solution. Pg binding to HK may affect the localization of these proteins in the vascular compartment.
SU‐FF‐T‐372: Registration of Frameless High‐Field MRI to Low‐Field Frame‐Based MRI Images in Leksell Gamma‐Knife (LGK) Radiosurgery

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the frameless 3 Tesla MRIimages into the LGK planning through normalized mutual‐information image registration.Methods and Materials:Treatment planning at LGK facilities is typically done from relatively low‐field MRIimages since high‐field MRI equipment is rarely available. Yet, 3 Tesla MRI provides much higher resolution and would be better suited for treatment planning. To provide 3T image quality at LGK facilities, we have registered a frameless 3T MRI on a conventional low‐field image taken with the head ring in place. The registration was done by determining a best transformation matrix with six degrees of freedom through minimizing a cost function according to the simulated annealing algorithm. The properly transformed 3T images were superimposed on the low‐field images of the head, while leaving the fiducial markers in place. These ‘reframed’ 3T MRIimages were used like ‘standard’ MRIimages for contouring and treatment planning.Results: For an initial test of this approach, we obtained two conventional CT scans of an in‐house built head phantom that was equipped with a total of nine markers (six imbedded and three surface markers). When the second CT scan, which was obtained after the phantom had been rotated and shifted, was registered according to the described procedure, all 9 markers coincided within one or two pixels. In a subsequent clinical test using a 1.5T and a 3T MRI scan, the accuracy of registration was verified by comparing the registered superimposed images on a total of 56 slices. Prominent structures that could be clearly seen on both scans agree within 2–3 pixels. The whole procedure can be done in about 15 minutes. Conclusions: The proposed method allows the use of frameless 3T MRIimages for LGK procedures.
Novel poly(p-xylylenes): Thin films with tailored chemical and optical properties

Chemical vapor deposition polymerization is used to prepare submicron thin films of poly(p-xylylenes) with distinct chemical and optical properties. The polymers are prepared from 13 different [2.2]paracyclophanes with variable degrees of substitution and functionalities including hydroxy, methoxy, amino, triflate, or trifluoroacetyl groups. The chemical composition of the poly(p-xylylenes) is in good accordance with expected chemical structures as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, microanalysis, and reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy. For all polymers, basic optical properties, such as extraordinary and ordinary indices of refraction, are reported and reveal optical anisotropy of the coatings. Experimental data correlate well with data generated by a uniaxial Cauchy dispersion model. Furthermore, a distinct correlation between refractive indices and the electronic properties of the functional groups is observed. Similarly, optical birefringence depends on the nature of the functiona...
Dorsal lesions of the prefrontal cortex: effects on alcohol consumption and subcortical monoaminergic systems

Male Wistar rats were subjected to either bilateral aspiration lesions of the dorsal regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) or sham lesions and placed on a 6-week, modified sucrose-fading procedure. At the time of sacrifice, the size of the lesion, both in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral dimensions, was measured. Following sacrifice, levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and their metabolites were measured in the midbrain (raphe) and nucleus accumbens (NA). Lesioned animals had reductions in 5-HT in the NA, and DA and NE in the raphe. The lesioned group drank more of a solution of 5% alcohol than controls early in the sucrose fading, and less during the later stages. In the lesioned group, the size of the left- and right-hemisphere lesions predicted 5-HIAA levels in the NA, and 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in the raphe. A laterality effect was noted, such that the size of left-hemisphere lesions were positively associated with raphe 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels, and negatively associated with 5-HT levels in the NA, while right-hemisphere lesions showed the opposite relationships. In addition, the width of the left-hemisphere lesion predicted some measures of alcohol intake. These results suggest that, in the rat, the dorsal PFC is involved in the regulation of monoamines in subcortical regions known to be important in the regulation of reinforced behaviors, and that this regulation differs between hemispheres and shows a laterality effect. In addition, the dorsal PFC appears to have a subtle involvement in the regulation of alcohol intake.
Extended endoscopic endonasal approach for suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cysts

Purely suprasellar Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) treated with a microscopic endonasal approach have increased operative morbidity and poorer outcomes compared to purely sellar RCC. We sought to determine if the extended endoscopic endonasal approach improved outcomes for suprasellar RCC. We retrospectively reviewed RCC patients at our institution over a 10 year period comparing outcomes of purely sellar RCC treated microsurgically (n=68), purely suprasellar RCC treated microsurgically (n=22), and purely suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically (n=9). Suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically were similar in size to those treated microscopically (0.9 versus 1.1cm; p=0.4). Complete cyst drainage occurred in 78% of suprasellar RCC approached endoscopically versus 25% approached microsurgically (p=0.02), approaching the 84% complete drainage rate seen with sellar microsurgically approached RCC. Visual normalization occurred in 67% of suprasellar RCC patients treated endoscopically versus 29% treated microsurgically (p=0.5). Headache improved in 71% of suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, more than the 33% of suprasellar RCC treated microsurgically and the 53% of sellar RCC treated microsurgically (p=0.4). Diabetes insipidus (all temporary) occurred in 22% of patients with suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, slightly greater than the 14% in suprasellar microsurgical patients and 9% in sellar RCC treated microsurgically (p>0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak did not occur in any of the suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, while 14% treated microsurgically experienced a CSF leak (p>0.05). Suprasellar RCC are neurosurgically challenging due to their proximity to the optic chiasm and infundibulum. Compared to microsurgery, endoscopy improves rate of complete removal and visual outcomes.
FUNDAMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF LANDFILL GAS UTILIZATION FOR POWER GENERATION

Abstract Landfill gas (LFG) results from the biological decomposition of municipal waste and consists of mostly equal amounts of CO 2 and CH 4 , as well as trace amounts of a variety of other organic compounds. Upon removal of most of the trace organic compounds, LFG can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines and gas turbines for generation of heat and electricity. Producing energy from LFG has the additional benefit of preventing its release into the atmosphere, where it results into significant air pollution. The large quantity of CO 2 in landfill gas (typically 40–50%) presents problems with its utilization for energy production, since it negatively impacts combustion efficiency and stability. To improve the economics of LFG utilization for energy production, it is important to develop a better fundamental knowledge base about its burning characteristics. This has been the goal of this combined experimental and numerical investigation. Laminar flame speeds, extinction strain rates, temperature, and species concentrations profiles, including NO x , were experimentally determined. We have used a stagnation-flow experimental configuration, which makes it possible to simulate the experiments using a complete description of molecular transport and the detailed GRI 2.11 chemical kinetic mechanism. The experimental results from laminar flame speeds, extinction strain rates, species structure, and thermal structures compare generally well with the simulation results. As expected, it was found that the presence of CO 2 in LFG significantly decreases the laminar flame speeds and extinction strain rates. The study indicates that increased CO 2 concentrations in LFG increase the amount of NO emissions per gram of consumed CH 4 . Considering a number of detailed (DRM) and semi-detailed radiation models (SRM), we also assessed the effect of thermal radiation on laminar flame speeds, extinction strain rates, and flame structure. The optically thick (DRM) model resulted in higher laminar flame speeds, extinction strain rates, and maximum flame temperatures compared to the optically thin (SRM) model. Fundamental flammability limits were also calculated, and it was found that as the CO 2 concentration increases, the flammable range noticeably decreases. Analysis of the flame structure revealed that the effect of CO 2 on the flame response is of thermal rather than kinetic nature.
Multi-nuclear NMR studies of borosilicophosphate glasses and microfoams

Abstract Glasses in the ternary SiO2–B2O3–P2O5 system have a compositional region encompassed by 40–75 mol% SiO2, 10–40 mol% B2O3 and 10–35 mol% P2O5, in which glass-ceramics containing BPO4 crystallites can be formed. This system is also interesting in that all of the constituents are traditional glass formers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to examine the cation speciation and hydrogen evolution in this multi-glass former system. Spectroscopic results from 31P and 11B magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR show formation of the BPO4 crystalline phase in all heat-treated compositions, with structural differences between glasses that form traditional glass-ceramics and those that form the novel gas-ceramics. NMR studies of the microstructure of glasses with similar compositions, but different sources of glass formers (BPO4, NH4H2P2O4, Si, BN) have been performed to examine differences in the formation of the gas-ceramics. These data show that crystallization of BPO4 and a coordination change of boron, from trigonal to tetrahedral, accompany the nucleation of the hydrogen filled voids. In addition, the NMR results are consistent with hydrogen dissolved in the glasses as molecular H2, with little evidence for hydroxyl groups associated with the glass-forming cations.