cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prenatal prediction of small- and large-for-gestational age neonates.

Objective To test the predictive accuracy of five fundal height growth curves in the identification of twin gestations and small , appropriate , and large for gestational age neonates. Design Retrospective review of prenatal records. Setting: Perinatal clinic at a tertiary care center. Participants: Five hundred seven medically indigent women. Measures Fundal height measurements were tested against the limits of normal for each week of gestation on five fundal height curves. Neonates were classified as small , appropriate , or large for gestational age (based on weight for gestational age), except for twin gestations, which were classified as twins. Results The accuracy of the predictions depended on which curve was used and what criteria were used to classify fundal height measurements as abnormal. Small for gestational age neonates (n = 40) were correctly predicted in 27.5 70% of the cases, large for gestational age neonates (n = 74) in 36.5 98.6% of the cases, and all four twin gestations. Conclusions Clinicians should test the accuracy of any fundal height curve before using it in practice.
A New Bump in the Epigenetic Landscape

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Cheng et al. describe an unexpected role for the histone methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 in the repression of tissue-specific promoters, a function that prevents precocious cell differentiation in the skeletal muscle lineage.
Phantom limb pain in cancer‐related pediatric amputees: recent experience at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The purpose of this retrospective study in children and young adults having cancer-related amputation was to examine the incidence and factors associated with phantom limb pain. Of the 27 patients studied, most had osteosarcoma (59.3%), followed by the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (14.8%). During the year following amputation, 70.4% of patients had experienced phantom limb pain at some time. After 1 year, though, only 8.7% still had phantom limb pain. Patients 18 and older were somewhat more likely to have phantom limb pain after 1 year (P = 0.060). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who had phantom limb pain between the groups that did and did not have pre-amputation pain, but the patients with pre-amputation pain tended to have higher rates of moderate or severe pain.
North-south asymmetry of eolian features in Martian polar regions - Analysis based on crater-related wind markers

Crater-related wind markers in the north and south polar regions of Mars are analyzed in a study of possible north-south asymmetries in wind activity. Features including crater splotches and associated streaks, and depositional, erosional, frost and frost-sediment streaks were identified and analyzed as wind direction indicators on Viking Orbiter and Mariner 9 images of areas poleward of + or - 40 deg latitude. The wind streaks reveal eolian activity at present to be strongest in the north in winter and in the south in spring, due to the hemispherical asymmetry in climate. The alignment of the more massive intercrater dune fields with the presently strongest wind may reflect a longer-term asymmetry in spring flows, as the reorientation times of the dunes exceeded the period of climate asymmetry cycles. Finally, a wider distribution of dune latitudes in the southern polar region is noted to be suggestive of the greater effectiveness of windflow from the south pole.
The drug career of the older injector

Drug theorists have used the concept of a “career” to understand why some individuals enter and become deeply entrenched in a life organized around illicit drug-use. Previously career analyses have focussed on the lives and activities of chronic users at youth and middle age. We extend this work by examining the drug careers of life-long drug injectors (injection drug users, IDUs) of age 50 and more. Based on in-depth interviews with 40 active injectors between ages 50 and 68, we explore the interactional effects of aging and drug-use as they affect the lives of older injectors on the streets. We show that age forms a career contingency with the power to realign former roles and relationships. Retiring from the life career of chronic users seems doubtful for older users except through illness and death. Our findings point to the developmental aspects of a drug-dependent life style and why patterns and practices of drug-use change over time.
Continuous-discrete simulation-based decision making framework for solid waste management and recycling programs

Solid waste produced as a by-product of our daily activities poses a major threat to societies as populations grow and economic development advances. Consequently, the effective management of solid waste has become a matter of critical importance for communities. However, solid waste management systems are inherently large-scale, diverse, and subject to many uncertainties, and must serve numerous stakeholders with divergent objectives. In this study, we propose a simulation-based decision-making and optimization framework for the analysis and development of effective solid waste management and recycling programs. The proposed solution includes a database and two main modules: an assessment module and a resource allocation optimization module. The assessment module identifies the sources of uncertainties in the system, which are then parameterized and incorporated into the resource allocation optimization module. The resource allocation optimization module involves a novel discrete-continuous model of the system under consideration, in which the continuous nature of decision variables is maintained while inherently discrete processing and transfer operations are accurately captured. The model operates with respect to the waste types and characteristics, costs, environmental impacts, types, location and capacities of processing facilities, and their technological capabilities. Then, an optimization mechanism embedded in the resource allocation optimization module solves the multi-criteria problem of the allocation of limited resources by simultaneously optimizing all relevant decision variables, evaluating performance in real-time via the model. Here, the optimum solution is considered as the combination of parameters that will lead to the highest recycling rate with minimum cost. The proposed framework has been successfully demonstrated for the Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management System in the State of Florida.
Introduction of site-specific mutations into the genome of influenza virus.

We succeeded in rescuing infectious influenza virus by transfecting cells with RNAs derived from specific recombinant DNAs. RNA corresponding to the neuraminidase (NA) gene of influenza A/WSN/33 (WSN) virus was transcribed in vitro from plasmid DNA and, following the addition of purified influenza virus RNA polymerase complex, was transfected into MDBK cells. Superinfection with helper virus lacking the WSN NA gene resulted in the release of virus containing the WSN NA gene. We then introduced five point mutations into the WSN NA gene by cassette mutagenesis of the plasmid DNA. Sequence analysis of the rescued virus revealed that the genome contained all five mutations present in the mutated plasmid. The ability to create viruses with site-specific mutations will allow the engineering of influenza viruses with defined biological properties.
Hierarchical models for the probabilities of conception

In the last thirty years, there has been considerable interest in finding better models to fit data for probabilities of conception. An important early model was proposed by Barrett and Marshall (1969) and extended by Schwartz, MacDonald and Heuchel (1980). Recently, researchers have further extended these models by adding covariates. However, the increasingly complicated models are challenging to analyze with frequentist methods such as the EM algorithm. Bayesian models are more feasible, and the computation can be done via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We consider a Bayesian model with an effect for protected intercourse to analyze data from the California Women's Reproductive Health Study and assess the effects of water contaminants and hormones. There are two main contributions in the paper. (1) For protected intercourse, we propose modeling the ratios of daily conception probabilities with protected intercourse to corresponding daily conception probabilities with unprotected intercourse. Due to the small sample size of our data set, we assume the ratios are the same for each day but unknown. (2) We consider Bayesian analysis under a unimodality assumption where the probabilities of conception increase before ovulation and decrease after ovulation. Gibbs sampling is used for finding the Bayesian estimates. There is some evidence that the two covariates affect fecundability.
Computational Study of the Electronic Performance of Cross-Plane Superlattice Peltier Devices

We use a state-of-the-art non-equilibrium quantum transport simulation code, NEMO-1D, to address the device physics and performance benchmarking of cross-plane superlattice Peltier coolers. Our findings show quantitatively how barriers in cross-plane superlattices degrade the electrical performance, i.e. power factor. The performance of an In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As/In 0.52 Al 0.48 As cross-plane SL Peltier cooler is lower than that of either a bulk In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As or bulk In 0.52 Al 0.48 As device, mainly due to quantum mechanical effects. We find that a cross-plane SL device has a Seebeck coefficient vs. conductance tradeoff that is no better than that of a bulk device. The effects of tunneling and phase coherence between multi barriers are examined. It is shown that tunneling, SL contacts, and coherency only produce oscillatory behavior of Seebeck coefficient vs. conductance without a significant gain in PF. The overall TE device performance is, therefore, a compromise between the enhanced Seebeck coefficient and degraded conductance.
Reactions of N-pentafluorosulfanylurethanes and thiolurethanes with phosphorus pentachloride

Abstract Urethanes of the type SF 5 NHC(O)OR react with PCl 5 to give primarily SF 5 NCO. In only one case, where R = C 6 H 5 , was any evidence for an imine product observed. The corresponding reactions of SF 5 NHC(O)SR compounds give both SF 5 NCO and the imine product. The new compounds SF 5 N=C(Cl)SCH 3 and SF 5 N=C(Cl)SC 6 H 5 were identified by IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry.
CaO and SrO single crystal elastic constants and their pressure derivatives

Abstract Values for the elastic stiffness constants of CaO and SrO have been obtained at room temperature using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. Results are, in units of 10 12 dynes/cm 2 , B C C ′ CaO 1 ⋅ 14 ± 0 ⋅ 09 0⋅ 81 ± 0 ⋅ 02 0⋅ 82 ± 0⋅ 02 SrO 0 ⋅ 88 ± 0 ⋅ 07 0⋅ 56 ± 0 ⋅ 02 0⋅ 64 ± 0⋅ 02 Where the notation B = ( C 11 + 2 C 12 )/3, C = C 44 , C′ = ( C 11 − C 12 )/2 has been used. In addition the pressure derivatives of these constants were measured with the results d B /d P d C /d P d C ′ /d P CaO 6 ⋅ 0 ± 1 ⋅ 3 0⋅ 6 ± 0 ⋅ 1 3⋅ 4 ± 0⋅ 8 SrO 6 ⋅ 0 ± 0 ⋅ 7 −0⋅ 2 ± 0 ⋅ 1 4⋅ 0 ± 0⋅ 2. These results are combined with similar data for MgO and a detailed comparison is made between the elastic properties of the series MgO-CaO-SrO and the analogous alkali halide series NaF-KF-RbF. A simple (repulsion between nearest neighbors only) Born model for the cohesive energy is tested in both series of compounds and found to be less satisfactory for the oxides. The effects of modifying this model by addition of next nearest neighbor repulsion and by varying the ionic charge are considered: neither approach significantly improves theory-experiment agreement but the varying of the charge leads to the interesting effect of making the elastic properties and the Born model parameters of the oxides correlate more closely with those of the fluorides.
Increased cell diameter precedes chondrocyte terminal differentiation, whereas cell‐matrix attachment complex proteins appear constant

BACKGROUND Chondrocytes in specific areas of chick sterna have different developmental fates. Cephalic chondrocytes become hypertrophic and secrete type X collagen into the extracellular matrix, whereas middle and caudal chondrocytes remain cartilagenous throughout development, continuing to secrete collagen types II, IX, and XI. In this report, we ask if the cell size and cytoarchitecture of chondrocytes differ in cephalic, middle, and caudal portions of whole sterna prior to and during hypertrophy. In addition, what is the distribution of integrin subunits and actin associate proteins in differentiating chondrocytes? METHODS Phalloidin was used to stain filamentous actin, and immunohistochemistry was used to localize the distribution of collagen molecules, integrin receptor subunits, and actin-associated proteins. RESULTS Chondrocytes stained for filamentous actin demonstrated that on day 14 cephalic chondrocytes had a significantly larger diameter than middle and caudal chondrocytes. Day 17 chondrocytes in nonhypertrophic cephalic and middle regions of sterna were significantly smaller than hypertrophic chondrocytes and significantly larger than caudal chondrocytes. In contrast to day 14 chondrocytes, day 17 chondrocytes in the hypertrophic region demonstrated similar diameters at all cartilagenous depths. The beta 1 integrin subunit appeared punctate and associated with cell membranes, allowing nonpolarized interactions with extracellular matrix molecules. The distribution of alpha integrin subunits was similar to the beta 1 integrin subunit, although alpha integrin subunits also appeared cytoplasmic. Actin-associated proteins, vinculin, and alpha-actinin, were associated with F-actin, but vinculin was more specifically localized to the ends of the actin filaments. Focal adhesion kinase was diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm but also demonstrated areas of colocalization with vinculin. Zyxin and paxillin demonstrated a punctate distribution, although paxillin was slightly more diffuse. Using immunohistochemical detection, no difference in integrin subunit or actin associated protein distribution could be determined between chondrocytes and hypertrophic chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS The increased chondrocyte diameter observed in cephalic regions of sterna on day 14 suggests that intracellular changes may precede the specific hypertrophic marker, type X collagen, by several days. In addition, the presence of integrin subunits, which are known to interact with collagen and cytoskeletal proteins, suggests that communication may exist between chondrocytes and their extracellular matrix via these receptor molecules.
The Levels and Roles of Social and Institutional Support Reported by Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse

This article explores the roles of social (informal) and institutional (formal) support in the lives of 158 women whose intimate partner abuse (IPA) cases reached the courts in three jurisdictions in the United States.Women were asked who knew about the IPA and their levels of supportiveness. Data analysis includes comparisons across the women in terms of social support and institutional support, and how these were related to the women’s demographic characteristics, whether they were still in a relationship with their abusers, the severity of the violence, and the women’s mental health.
Creative Adult Learning-Teaching: Who's the Engineer of This Train?

Abstract Adult learning and teaching are developed in this paper through the analogy of a railway system. The learning environment is the immovable parts of the railway system. The student is the train, the engineer, and the conductor. The teacher is the dispatcher. The switchmen are those significant others related to or involved in the students' activities as learners. Presented are the issues of student self-direction, faculty responsibility for the educational process, and the concomitant concerns about quality control.
CHANGES IN THE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION DURING COMMERCIAL PROCESSING OF FROZEN POTATO PRODUCTS

Unit operations in several commercial processing operations of frozen potato products were evaluated regarding their effects on the protein and water-soluble vitamin composition of the products. The investigation included processing lines for French fries and preformed patties. Overall retention values ranged from a low of 53% for ascorbic acid in preformed patties to a high of 90% for vitamin B6, also in preformed patties. With the exception of the case of ascorbic acid in preformed patties, water blanching was the chief contributor toward the reduction of nutrients. The effects of the other unit operations were statistically nonsignificant. Retention values with small cut French fries were lower than those of the large size cuts. Retention values were significantly greater with steam blanching than with water blanching.
The topic of choice in psychology – Commentary on Hardy-Vallée (2011)

Abstract This commentary focuses on the article by Hardy-Vallee (2011) titled Decision-making in robotics and psychology: A distributed account, published in Volume 29 of this journal. This commentary was derived from an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the article. We provide a brief and more accurate description of some of the origins of the work within the topic of choice in psychology. Also, a brief presentation of recent developments of the topic of choice within behavior analysis serves as an illustration of how such a topic has not been neglected by psychologists, as proposed by Hardy-Vallee. This commentary also emphasizes the advantages of interdisciplinary exchanges in psychology attempted by Hardy-Vallee.
Use of Epidemiological Cutoff Values To Examine 9-Year Trends in Susceptibility of Candida Species to Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, and Micafungin

ABSTRACT The CLSI clinical breakpoint (CBP) for echinocandin susceptibility (S; MICs of ≤2 μg/ml) may classify isolates with acquired resistance (R) mutations as susceptible. Epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) have been established to distinguish wild-type (WT) Candida strains from those that may exhibit R mutations. The CLSI-developed ECVs for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin were applied to 15,269 isolates of Candida spp. collected from over 100 centers worldwide between 2001 and 2009 to determine the frequency of non-WT strains of each species. The collection included 8,378 isolates of Candida albicans, 2,352 isolates of C. glabrata, 2,195 isolates of C. parapsilosis, 1,841 isolates of C. tropicalis, and 503 isolates of C. krusei. The mean percentages of non-WT isolates per year for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively, were as follows: for C. albicans, 0.3, 0.1, and 2.1; for C. glabrata, 0.8, 1.3, and 1.6; for C. parapsilosis, 0.0, 1.5, and 0.5; for C. tropicalis, 0.9, 0.7, and 0.9; and for C. krusei, 0.5, 6.4, and 3.5. We noted increases in the percentage of non-WT isolates, from 0.5% (2001) to 3.1% (2009) for caspofungin and C. parapsilosis, from 0.4% (2004) to 1.8% (2009) for anidulafungin and C. glabrata, from 2.4% (2004) to 5.7% (2009) for micafungin and C. krusei, and from 0.0% (2004) to 3.1% (2009) for micafungin and C. parapsilosis. No trends were noted for any species and drug when we used the CBP. Echinocandin CBPs are insensitive for detecting emerging R. Although uncommon, decreased S among Candida isolates was observed for each of the echinocandins and varied by species. Using ECVs is important in determining R trends among echinocandins and Candida.
A mixed finite element for three-dimensional nonlinear analysis of steel frames

Abstract This paper develops and demonstrates a mixed beam finite element that can represent the inelastic three-dimensional stability behavior of frames composed of open-walled cross-section members. The kinematics of deformation of the element include finite rotation and warping of the cross-section due to torsion. The material inelasticity is based on a two-space model that includes the effect of shear stresses due to uniform torsion in addition to normal stresses due to axial force, biaxial bending, and bimoment. Initial geometric imperfections and residual stresses are accommodated. The formulation is based on a two-field (displacement and generalized stress) Hellinger–Reissner (HR) variational principle. The interpolation of the generalized stresses (i.e., cross-section stress resultants) along the element length is based on the geometrically-exact nonlinear governing differential equations of equilibrium. This leads to significant improvements in the accuracy over conventional displacement-based elements in problems involving highly nonlinear variations in the curvature along the member lengths due to geometric nonlinearity and/or distributed plasticity effects. Several numerical examples involving two- and three-dimensional elastic and inelastic stability behavior are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the formulation.
The HIV-1 Rev/RRE system is required for HIV-1 5' UTR cis elements to augment encapsidation of heterologous RNA into HIV-1 viral particles.

Background: The process of HIV-1 genomic RNA (gRNA) encapsidation is governed by a number of viral encoded components, most notably the Gag protein and gRNA cis elements in the canonical packaging signal (ψ). Also implicated in encapsidation are cis determinants in the R, U5, and PBS (primer binding site) from the 5’ untranslated region (UTR). Although conventionally associated with nuclear export of HIV-1 RNA, there is a burgeoning role for the Rev/RRE in the encapsidation process. Pleiotropic effects exhibited by these cis and trans viral components may confound the ability to examine their independent, and combined, impact on encapsidation of RNA into HIV-1 viral particles in their innate viral context. We systematically reconstructed the HIV-1 packaging system in the context of a heterologous murine leukemia virus (MLV) vector RNA to elucidate a mechanism in which the Rev/RRE system is central to achieving efficient and specific encapsidation into HIV-1 viral particles. Results: We show for the first time that the Rev/RRE system can augment RNA encapsidation independent of all cis elements from the 5’ UTR (R, U5, PBS, and ψ). Incorporation of all the 5’ UTR cis elements did not enhance RNA encapsidation in the absence of the Rev/RRE system. In fact, we demonstrate that the Rev/RRE system is required for specific and efficient encapsidation commonly associated with the canonical packaging signal. The mechanism of Rev/RRE-mediated encapsidation is not a general phenomenon, since the combination of the Rev/RRE system and 5’ UTR cis elements did not enhance encapsidation into MLV-derived viral particles. Lastly, we show that heterologous MLV RNAs conform to transduction properties commonly associated with HIV-1 viral particles, including in vivo transduction of non-dividing cells (i.e. mouse neurons); however, the cDNA forms are episomes predominantly in the 1-LTR circle form. Conclusions: Premised on encapsidation of a heterologous RNA into HIV-1 viral particles, our findings define a functional HIV-1 packaging system as comprising the 5’ UTR cis elements, Gag, and the Rev/RRE system, in which the Rev/RRE system is required to make the RNA amenable to the ensuing interaction between Gag and the canonical packaging signal for subsequent encapsidation.
The clinical content of preconception care: genetics and genomics

The prevalence of paternal and maternal genetic conditions that affect pregnancy varies according to many factors that include parental age, medical history, and family history. Although some genetic conditions that affect pregnancy are identified easily early in life, other conditions are not and may require additional diagnostic testing. A complete 3-generation family medical history that includes ethnicity information about both sides of the family is arguably the single best genetic "test" that is applicable to preconception care. Assessment of genetic risk by an experienced professional has been shown to improve the detection rate of identifiable risk factors. Learning about possible genetic issues in the preconception period is ideal, because knowledge permits patients to make informed reproductive decisions. Options that are available to couples before conception include adoption, surrogacy, use of donor sperm, in vitro fertilization after preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and avoidance of pregnancy. Future technologic advances will increase the choices that are available to couples.
Nostalgia and Strange Tales #180

Brian Cremins examines the relationship between nostalgia and comics scholarship as well as his memories of Strange Tales #180 (June 1975).
The Education of a Leader: Educational Credentials and Other Characteristics of Chief Executive Officers

The authors identified and described the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in terms of several education-related and other demographic variables. Specifically, they identified the type and level of degrees earned, including specific majors, and additionally explored several demographic variables, including age, gender and ethnicity. They also identified trends among CEOs and across industries in order to further understand the educational profile of these leaders. Secondary data covering more than 50 variables and 500 cases were collected from various business-related and research databases.
Some Observations on the Morphology and Activities of a New Ameba from Citrus Wastes, Flamella citrensis n.sp.

SUMMARY. Great numbers of a new ameba have been collected from freshwater, lagooning, disposal tanks for citrus pulp wastes. The ameba is morphologically similar to the marine Flamella magnifica (Schaeffer, 1926), and clearly belongs to the genus. It differs sufficiently in the formation and characters of locomotor organelles, and in habitat, to be considered a separate species, Flamella citrensis n. sp.
iFoldRNA v2: folding RNA with constraints

Summary: A key to understanding RNA function is to uncover its complex 3D structure. Experimental methods used for determining RNA 3D structures are technologically challenging and laborious, which makes the development of computational prediction methods of substantial interest. Previously, we developed the iFoldRNA server that allows accurate prediction of short (<50 nt) tertiary RNA structures starting from primary sequences. Here, we present a new version of the iFoldRNA server that permits the prediction of tertiary structure of RNAs as long as a few hundred nucleotides. This substantial increase in the server capacity is achieved by utilization of experimental information such as base-pairing and hydroxyl-radical probing. We demonstrate a significant benefit provided by integration of experimental data and computational methods. Availability and implementation: http://ifoldrna.dokhlab.org Contact: ue.cnu@hkod
Recent Advances Provide Improved Tools for Measuring Children's Food Security

Food security, or consistent access to adequate food, is important for children's health and development. The first U.S. assessment of children's food security was conducted in 1995 using the U.S. Household Food Security Scale, a measure based on 18 survey questions developed by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Three recent developments have improved on that early measurement method and expanded the scope for assessing children's food security. 1) Development of the Children's Food Security Scale, based only on the 8 child-referenced questions in the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, improved the measurement of children's food security and was found to have excellent internal validity. 2) Questions indicating severe ranges of food insecurity and referenced to an individual child (answered by an adult proxy) were tested in a national health survey and found to have acceptable internal validity. 3) A food security measure based on a self-administered module was validated (internal validation only) for children > or =12 y of age. Children's food security is correlated with that of adults in the same household, but the relation depends on the ages of children, such that separate measures of children's and adults' food security appear to provide better assessment than a single measure that attempts to represent both. Further research is needed to assess the relation between food security and children's diet quality/variety and the effects of children's food security on their health and development.
How individuals coping with HIV/AIDS use the Internet

Although identified 20 years ago, HIV/AIDS remains among the most serious disease epidemics of modern times. Because of the stigmatization associated with infection, no health crisis has rivaled HIV/AIDS in underscoring the need for emotional, informational and instrumental support. The critical role that support plays in coping with HIV/AIDS is well documented. Adults with HIV/AIDS have utilized traditional means of support--family, friends and community-based service organizations--in coping with their illness. Recently, however, the Internet has been recognized as a potential avenue for support. Although the Internet may prove promising, little is known about how the wide array of resources available via the Internet is used. The purpose of this study was to investigate how individuals with HIV/AIDS use the Internet in coping with their illness. This research study employed a descriptive qualitative design that used in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews for data collection. The sample of 10 purposefully selected individuals living with HIV/AIDS reflected diversity in gender, age, race, education, employment, number of years living with HIV/AIDS and Internet use. Data analysis guided by the constant comparative method revealed four themes. Individuals with HIV/AIDS use the Internet for finding information, making social connections, advocating and escaping.
Use of Bacillus subtilis and Related Organisms as Biofungicides

Use of a strain of Bacillus subtilis (designated B-3) as a biological control agent is reviewed, with emphasis on the post-harvest application to stone fruit for control of brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola. Included are studies on the antifungal peptides (identified as Iturin antibiotics) produced by B-3, laboratory tests to determine compatibility of the organism with current commercial procedures, and a pilot test on simulated and commercial peach-packing lines. In the pilot test, B-3 (2 × 108 to 7 × 108 colony-forming units kg−1 fruit) in commercial wax was equal to benomyl (1-2 mg kg−1 fruit) in controlling brown rot. The bacterium was screened for use against other fungal pathogens of stored plant products. In-vivo activity against fungi was shown for apple rots caused by M. fructicola, Botrytis cinerea, and Glomerella cingulata, and for grey mould of grapes caused by B. cinerea.
Modulation transfer functions: a comparison of the results of three methods.

Modulation transfer functions (MTFs) were measured with three different psychoacoustical paradigms in the same normal-hearing subjects. In the temporal-probe method, the threshold of a 4-ms probe t...
Top-down modulation of visual feature processing: The role of the inferior frontal junction

article i nfo Distinct areas within the visual association cortex are specialized for representing specific stimulus features, such as V4 for color and V5/hMT+ for motion. Recent studies have demonstrated that areas associated with attended features exhibit enhanced cortical activity, whereas those associated with ignored features elicit reduced activity. However, the source of this attentional (or top-down) modulation remains uncertain. A network of fronto-parietal cortical regions has been proposed as the prime candidate underlying this top- down modulation. Here, we evaluate whether there are distinct or overlapping top-down network regions for attention to different stimulus features. To this end, we explored functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) functional connectivity data, electroencephalographic (EEG) source localization, and phase coherence that were obtained while participants attended or ignored motion and color stimuli. Functional connectivity analysis indicated that attention to color relies strongly on prefrontal regions, whereas attention to motion recruits both prefrontal and parietal areas. Although these networks are generally topologically segregated, both color and motion processes recruit right inferior frontal junction (IFJ). However, the IFJ may be more critical for color processing, as only connectivity with V4 predicted the degree of attentional modulation. Source localization at the time range of attentional modulation of the event related potential corroborated the role of the right IFJ and indicated that feature-based, top-down modulation occurs early during processing (b 200 ms post-stimulus onset). Furthermore, long-distance alpha (8-12 Hz) phase coherence between the IFJ and visual cortices may serve as a mechanism underlying anticipatory, top-down modulation of color feature processing.
Multiple intraosseous lipomatosis: a case report

Introduction Intraosseous lipoma is an uncommon entity that presents almost exclusively as a solitary lesion. Multiple intraosseous lipomas are exceedingly rare with only a few cases being reported in the literature.
Influence of stress and texture on soft magnetic properties of thin films

This paper presents the relationship among stress, crystallographic texture, and soft magnetic properties of thin films. The magnetic properties considered are those affected by the formation of stripe domains and by the formation of magnetization ripple. In practice, one of these two undesirable domain structures is almost always the impediment to improving the soft magnetic properties. The theoretical analysis accounts for the contribution from stress through magnetostrictive anisotropy, and calculates the resulting total, stress-dependent anisotropy of the film. This anisotropy is then analyzed to yield the effective perpendicular and local in-plane anisotropy constants. These constants allow the calculation of the stripe domain onset thickness through Murayama's stripe domain theory, and the ripple coercivity through Hoffmann's ripple theory. The influence of stress and texture on the stripe domain onset thickness and ripple coercivity is theoretically calculated and experimentally verified for the examples of sputtered CoFe and FeAlN films, two of the most promising and widely studied materials for high-density recording head poles. The results indicate that the interactions between stress and soft magnetic properties depend on the details of composition, growth texture, growth morphology (whether the film is grown in columnar fashion or as equiaxial crystallites), grain size, and thickness of the film under consideration. On the basis of these results, the paper offers a systematic approach to choosing the appropriate composition, texture, and thickness so that low stresses simultaneously promote magnetic states in which stripe domains are suppressed and coercivities are low. The calculations presented here can be easily extended to other aspects of soft magnetic properties addressed by the ripple theory, such as initial permeability.
Comparison of Poisson‐Boltzmann and condensation model expression for the colligative properties of cylindrical polyions

Closed-form expression have been derived for the polyelectrolyte contribution to the colligative properties of solutions containing rodlike polyions in the presence of excess added salt. The derivations are based on: the conventional Poisson-Boltzmann equation for cylindrical symmetry; the thermodynamics of the cell model developed by Marcus [J. Chem. Phys.23, 1057–1068 (1955)]; and an equation derived from the cylindrical Poisson-Boltzmann cell model by Anderson and Record [Biophys. Chem.11, 353–360 (1980)]. Subject to the inherent limitations of the Poisson-Boltzmann approximation [Fixman (1979) J. Chem. Phys.70, 4995–5005], the resulting expressions are nevertheless applicable outside the “limit of infinite dilution.” They conform over a range of salt concentrations to the limiting laws deduced by Manning from the hypothesis of counterion condensation [J. Chem. Phys.51, 924–933 (1969)]. This hypothesis is found to be compatible with the Poisson-Boltzmann cell model but is not required in the derivation of the thermodynamic coefficients presented here. It is demonstrated that the magnitude of the polyion axial charge density plays a critical role in determining the low-salt limiting forms of the colligative properties obtained from the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, in close analogy with Manning's model.
Acting Globally but Thinking Locally? The Enduring Influence of Local Communities on Organizations

Abstract We develop an institutionally oriented theory of how and why local communities continue to matter for organizations in a global age. Since globalization has taken center stage in both practitioner and academic circles, research has shifted away from understanding effects of local factors. Our approach runs counter to the idea that globalization is a homogeneity-producing process, and to the view that society is moving from particularism to universalism. We argue that with globalization, not only has the local remained important, but in many ways local particularities have become more visible and salient. We unpack the market, regulative, social, and cultural mechanisms that result in this enduring community influence while reviewing classic and contemporary research from organizational theory, sociology, and economics that have focused on geographic influences on organizations. In this paper, our aim is to redirect theoretical and empirical attention back to understanding the determinants and importance of local influences. We suggest that because organizations are simultaneously embedded in geographic communities and organizational fields, by accounting for both of these areas, researchers will better understand isomorphism and change dynamics.
Freeze damage detection in oranges using gas sensors

Three volatile sensing systems and two sampling methods were evaluated to determine their ability to detect freeze damage in Valencia oranges (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck ‘Valencia’) 24 h after laboratory-simulated freezing. Carbon dioxide and ethanol were measured using hand-held gas sensors, and an electronic nose was employed to measure the overall headspace or internal gas profile of each orange. For carbon dioxide, best classification was obtained using internal gas sampling with a classification accuracy of 87 and 47% for unfrozen and partially frozen Valencia oranges. Discrimination using ethanol was best using headspace gas sampling and correctly classified 100% of sound fruit but only 37% of the partially frozen fruit. In general, sensing of the overall volatile composition using an electronic nose resulted in a more balanced classification with errors of similar magnitudes, than by sensing carbon dioxide and ethanol. The electronic nose correctly classified approximately 73 and 74% of sound fruit and 70 and 67% of the partially frozen fruit with headspace and internal gas sampling methods, respectively. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Markedly Reduced Apparent Blood Volume on Bolus Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Predictor of Hemorrhage After Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Accurate assessment of the risk of hemorrhage could help to improve patient selection for thrombolytic therapy and reduce hemorrhagic complications, especially for patients with longer or uncertain time after symptom onset. This study sought to define characteristics of hemodynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which best predict hemorrhage. Methods— Bolus contrast and diffusion MRI were performed before intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy in 20 patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms within the first 6 hours after symptom onset. Hemorrhage was assessed on follow-up MRI (n=15) and computed tomography (n=5) scans. Results— Of the 20 patients studied, 5 had detectable hemorrhage on follow-up scans. Blood volume maps demonstrated virtually no signal within much of the hemorrhagic region, indicating contrast did not arrive by the end of the imaging series (80 seconds). Within the hemodynamically abnormal region, a threshold of at least 126 voxels with bloo...
Analysis of methotrexate polyglutamate derivatives in vivo

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the methodology for the extraction, separation, and quantitation of methotrexate polyglutamates, methotrexate (MTX)( glutamate, Glu n ) formed in vivo . The method is based on a radioligand binding assay for MTX (and polyglutamates) detection and either an isocratic phosphate buffer solution with a molecular sieve column or a newer methodology using a C 18 μ-Bondapak column to effect separation of MTX(Glu n ). These procedures have been used to quantitate MTX polyglutamates in clinical samples and to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of MTX given to laboratory animals for periods up to 1 year. The I-60 column is placed in line with the U6K injector and the M45 solvent delivery system with a guard column. The column is equilibrated in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7). Buffers are degassed and filtered prior to use. The flow rate is 1.0 ml/min (pressures 500–1000 psi are generated). The I-60 column appears to retain the lower chain length methotrexate derivatives. Thus, methotrexate elutes significantly later than where it should by strict molecular sieve chromatography. This allows more complete separation between the lower and higher methotrexate polyglutamates.
Prediction of Periventricular Leukomalacia Occurrence in Neonates Using a Novel Support Vector Machine Classifier Optimization Method

Prior work has documented that Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers can be powerful tools in predicting clinical outcomes of complex diseases such as Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL). Our previous study showed that SVM performance can be improved significantly by optimizing the supervised training set used during the learning stage of the overall SVM algorithm. This study fully develops the initial idea using the reliable Leave-One-Out Cross-validation (LOOCV) technique. The work presented in this paper confirms previous results and improves the performance of the SVM even further. In addition, using the LOOCV technique, the computational time is decreased and the structure of the algorithm simplified, making this framework more feasible. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of the resulting optimized SVM classifier on an unseen set of data. This demonstrates that the developed SVM algorithm outperforms normal SVM type classifiers without any loss of generalization.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Functional Surfaces on Performance Polymers

Abstract The demand for surfaces with new (stimulus-triggered) properties is becoming more and more prominent in many industrial branches. Biological species like the lotus leaf or the gecko foot often have remarkable surface structures and extraordinary properties such as self-cleaning, self-healing and anti-(bio)fouling. Mimicking nature has therefore become a central strategy to confer functionality to man-made surfaces. Firstly, challenges and opportunities to produce these surfaces on plastic in industrially relevant ways are discussed. Secondly, artificial aerodynamic, self-cleaning and sticky surfaces are presented, together with the natural surfaces which inspired them. The working principle, pros and cons of each technology is explained.
Spacecraft Trajectory Design Strategies Based on Close Encounters with a Smaller Primary in a 4-body Model

In spacecraft trajectory design, ΔV is limited and it becomes necessary to alter the characteristics of an orbit through other means. For example, close encounters of one or several moons in a planetary system can be employed to alter the shape of the orbit. Also, if the spacecraft is oriented favorably with respect to the sun, the solar gravity can be employed to alter the shape of the planetary orbit. When combined, the results can be dramatic. In this investigation, an efficient strategy to incorporate multiple gravity fields in the initial trajectory design process is explored.
The Neotropical Coccid-Tending Ants of the Genus Acropyga Roger

Recent studies by Bunzli (1935) have demonstrated the importance of ants of the genus Acropyga (subgenus Rhizomyrma ) to the cultivation of coffee in Surinam. The ants ( Rhizomyrma paramaribensis Borgmeier and R. rutgersi Bunzli) tend coccids on the roots of the Liberian coffee trees and these coccids transmit an infectious phloemnecrosis. This phloemnecrosis in epidemic years caused a loss of 20–40 per cent of the coffee production in many fields in Surinam (Stahel, in Bunzli, p. 559). Earlier studies by GOldi (1892), Pickel (1927) and Costa Lima (1928) showed that coccids ( Rhizoecus coffeae Laing) tended by other species of this subgenus caused severe injury to coffee trees in northeast Brazil. According to Donisthorpe (1936) a species of Rhizomyrma has recently been taken associated with a coccid at the roots of coffee in Colombia.
Active Motor Training Has Long-term Effects on Infants' Object Exploration.

Long-term changes in infants’ behavior as a result of active motor training were studied. Thirty-two infants completed three visits to the laboratory. At the first visit, infants were three months old and completed an object exploration assessment. Then the experimenter demonstrated the motor training procedures appropriate for the infant’s experimental condition, and parents took home custom infant mittens (either sticky or non-sticky) and a bag of lightweight toys to practice with their infants. Over the course of the following two weeks, infants participated in ten sessions of either active (sticky) or passive (non-sticky) mittens training at home with their parents. Infants who participated in active mittens training wore mittens with the palms covered in Velcro, allowing them to pick up and move around small toys. Infants who participated in passive mittens training wore non-sticky mittens, and their parents moved the toys through their visual fields on their behalf. After completing the training, infants returned to the lab for the second visit. At visit two, infants participated in another object exploration assessment as well as a reaching assessment. Parents returned the training materials to the lab at the second visit, and were told not to continue any specific training regimen from this point forward. Two months later, when infants were about five and a half months of age, they returned to the lab for a third visit. At the third visit, infants completed the same two assessments as during the second visit. The results of this study indicate that infants who participated in active motor training engaged in more sophisticated object exploration when compared to infants who received passive training. These findings are consistent with others in the literature showing that active motor training at 3 months of age facilitates the processes of object exploration and engagement. The current results and others reveal that the effects of early experience can last long after training ceases.