cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunologic mechanisms of seasonal influenza vaccination administered by microneedle patch from a randomized phase I trial.

In a phase 1 randomized, single-center clinical trial, inactivated influenza virus vaccine delivered through dissolvable microneedle patches (MNPs) was found to be safe and immunogenic. Here, we compare the humoral and cellular immunologic responses in a subset of participants receiving influenza vaccination by MNP to the intramuscular (IM) route of administration. We collected serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 22 participants up to 180 days post-vaccination. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers and antibody avidity were similar after MNP and IM vaccination, even though MNP vaccination used a lower antigen dose. MNPs generated higher neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) titers for all three influenza virus vaccine strains tested and triggered a larger percentage of circulating T follicular helper cells (CD4 + CXCR5 + CXCR3 + ICOS + PD-1+) compared to the IM route. Our study indicates that inactivated influenza virus vaccination by MNP produces humoral and cellular immune response that are similar or greater than IM vaccination.
Fermi Surface Mapping and the Nature of Charge-Density-Wave Order in the Kagome Superconductor CsV 3 Sb 5

A new class of kagome compounds exhibits several intriguing properties, including a novel charge-density-wave state. Quantum oscillation experiments reveal the origin of this state.
Combined Targeted DNA Sequencing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Using UNCseq and NGScopy, and RNA Sequencing Using UNCqeR for the Detection of Genetic Aberrations in NSCLC

The recent FDA approval of the MiSeqDx platform provides a unique opportunity to develop targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) panels for human disease, including cancer. We have developed a scalable, targeted panel-based assay termed UNCseq, which involves a NGS panel of over 200 cancer-associated genes and a standardized downstream bioinformatics pipeline for detection of single nucleotide variations (SNV) as well as small insertions and deletions (indel). In addition, we developed a novel algorithm, NGScopy, designed for samples with sparse sequencing coverage to detect large-scale copy number variations (CNV), similar to human SNP Array 6.0 as well as small-scale intragenic CNV. Overall, we applied this assay to 100 snap-frozen lung cancer specimens lacking same-patient germline DNA (07–0120 tissue cohort) and validated our results against Sanger sequencing, SNP Array, and our recently published integrated DNA-seq/RNA-seq assay, UNCqeR, where RNA-seq of same-patient tumor specimens confirmed SNV detected by DNA-seq, if RNA-seq coverage depth was adequate. In addition, we applied the UNCseq assay on an independent lung cancer tumor tissue collection with available same-patient germline DNA (11–1115 tissue cohort) and confirmed mutations using assays performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory. We conclude that UNCseq can identify SNV, indel, and CNV in tumor specimens lacking germline DNA in a cost-efficient fashion.
Anatomy, Development, and Function of Sexually Dimorphic Neural Circuits in the Mammalian Brain

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the anatomy, development, and function of sexually dimorphic neural circuits in the mammalian brain. If structural sex differences promote as well as prevent sex differences in behavior and other centrally regulated functions in rodents, this may be true for human brains as well. Human brains show sex differences in the volume of several brain structures, including the anterior commissure, the left planum temporale, and several nuclei in the hypothalamus and BST. In addition, several neurotransmitter systems are sexually dimorphic. Although these differences are typically associated with differences in behavior, these sex differences may also normalize behavior in males and females. The effects of stroke support the possibility that similar functions indeed have a sexually dimorphic neural basis. Stroke affects language abilities differently in males than it does in females. Frontal lesions cause aphasias more frequently in females than in males, whereas the opposite is true for temporal lesions.
Characterization of the products of the U(L)43 gene of herpes simplex virus 1: potential implications for regulation of gene expression by antisense transcription.

The products, RNA or proteins, of the herpes simplex virus 1 open reading frame U(L)43 have not been previously identified. The expression of an open reading frame antisense to U(L)43, U(L)43.5 (P. L. Ward, D. E. Barker, and B. Roizman, J. Virol. 70:2684-2690, 1996), has been reported. We report the existence of a transcript corresponding to the domain of the U(L)43 open reading frame extending approximately 30 bp from the predicted TATA box to the predicted polyadenylation signal. The RNA of the U(L)43 open reading frame accumulates to higher levels in the presence of phosphonoacetic acid, an inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis, than in its absence, whereas the U(L)43.5 transcript accumulates in larger amounts in the absence of phosphonoacetic acid. The open reading frame tagged with a sequence encoding a 20-amino-acid epitope yielded a protein with an apparent Mr of 32,000, i.e., considerably lower than that predicted from the size of the open reading frame. The discovery of a pair of antisense genes expressed during productive infection raises the possibilities that additional antisense genes exist and that the antisense arrangement provides still another mechanism for regulation of gene expression.
Avoiding Sanctions at the E-Discovery Meet-And- Confer in Common Law Countries

The rules of civil procedure in common law countries have been amended to better deal with the requirements of electronic discovery. One of the key changes in case management is the scheduling of a meet-and-confer session where the parties to litigation must meet early in the case before any discovery procedures have begun to exchange information regarding the nature, location, formats, and pertinent facts regarding custody and control of a partyâ€™s electronically stored information (ESI). Failure to abide by the rules and participate in good faith at the meet-and-confer session can have dire consequences for the parties and lawyers involved. The authors discuss the importance of creating and maintaining an ESI data map as a means to demonstrate good faith and effectively comply with the requirements of the meet-and-confer.
Synthetic peptide analogs of DARPP-32 (Mr 32,000 dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1. Phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, and inhibitory activity

Synthetic peptides based on the threonine phosphorylation site and proposed inhibitory site of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr = 32,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) were prepared and analyzed as substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein phosphatases-1c, -2Ac (the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase-1 and 2A, respectively) and -2B, and as inhibitors of protein phosphatase-1c. Studies of the kinetics of phosphorylation of the peptides by cAMP-dependent protein kinase indicated an important role in facilitating phosphorylation for the region COOH-terminal to the phosphorylatable threonyl residue. Studies of the dephosphorylation of the phosphopeptides demonstrated that they were effectively dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase-2A and -2B and poorly dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase-1. The active inhibitory region of phospho-DARPP-32 was analyzed by determining the effects of synthetic phosphopeptides on the activity of protein phosphatase-1c. Phospho-D32-(8-48) and phospho-D32-(8-38) inhibited protein phosphatase-1c with IC50 values of 2 x 10(-8) and 4 x 10(-8) M, respectively, compared with an IC50 of 8 x 10(-9) M for intact phospho-DARPP-32. Phospho-D32-(9-38) was equipotent with phospho-D32-(8-38); however, further NH2-terminal deletions resulted in marked reductions in IC50 values. An analog of an active DARPP-32 phosphopeptide containing a phosphoseryl residue in place of the phosphothreonyl residue also exhibited a much reduced IC50. These data identify the essential inhibitory region of phospho-DARPP-32 as residues 9-38, which contains the phosphorylation site (Thr34). This region exhibits extensive amino acid sequence identity with phosphatase inhibitor-1, a distinct inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1. Kinetic studies of the inhibition of protein phosphatase-1c by phospho-D32-(9-38), a potent inhibitor, as well as by phospho-D32-(10-38), a weak inhibitor, indicated a mixed competitive/noncompetitive mechanism of inhibition, as has been previously found for both intact phospho-DARPP-32 and intact phospho-inhibitor-1. These findings support the hypothesis that a 30-amino acid domain in the NH2-terminal region of phospho-DARPP-32 is sufficient for the inhibition of protein phosphatase-1.
On the complexity of ML typeability with overloading

We examine the complexity of type checking in an ML-style type system that permits functions to be overloaded with different types. In particular, we consider the extension of the ML type system proposed by Wadler and Blott in the appendix of [WB89], with global overloading only, that is, where the only overloading is that which exists in an initial type assumption set; no local overloading via over and inst expressions is allowed. It is shown that under a correct notion of well-typed terms, the problem of determining whether a term is well typed with respect to an assumption set in this system is undecidable. We then investigate limiting recursion in assumption sets, the source of the undecidability. Barring mutual recursion is considered, but this proves too weak, for the problem remains undecidable. Then we consider a limited form of recursion called parametric recursion. We show that although the problem becomes decidable under parametric recursion, it appears harder than conventional ML typability, which is complete for DEXPTIME [Mai90].
Probabilistic Assignment of Movies to Storage Devices in a Video-On-Demand System

A video-on-demand server must satisfy a large customer base and a diverse archive of movies under changing movie popularity and daily load peaks. These requirements must be satisfied under the constraints imposed by storage device costs, capacities, I/O bandwidths, and geographic locations.
On Cyber Attacks and Signature Based Intrusion Detection for Modbus Based Industrial Control Systems

Industrial control system communication networks are vulnerable to reconnaissance, response injection, command injection, and denial of service attacks. Such attacks can lead to an inability to monitor and control industrial control systems and can ultimately lead to system failure. This can result in financial loss for control system operators and economic and safety issues for the citizens who use these services. This paper describes a set of 28 cyber attacks against industrial control systems which use the MODBUS application layer network protocol. The paper also describes a set of standalone and state based intrusion detection system rules which can be used to detect cyber attacks and to store evidence of attacks for post incident analysis. All attacks described in this paper were validated in a laboratory environment. The detection rate of the intrusion detection system rules presented by attack class is also presented.
Positive economic incentives: New behavioral economics and successful economic transitions

Abstract The core hypothesis of this paper is that, despite adverse economic effects of custom, tradition, command economies and their aftermath, implementation of well-considered macroeconomic policies has rapidly generated successful economic transition—and conversely. The hypothesis has been tested for Russia, East Germany, selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Western Hemisphere. Key factors of behavioral economics have helped to explain results that are often different from those of neo-classical analysis. It has been shown that relations between the presently evolving global economy and national macroeconomic policies have had fundamental effects on the propensity of economic entities to utilize positive incentives for optimal economic outcomes.
The Role of Domestic Allergens

The documented increase in asthma has been almost entirely in perennial asthma and a large proportion of the cases are allergic to one of the common allergens found all year round in houses, i.e. house dust mites, cats, dogs or cockroaches. In population and case-control studies sensitization to one of these allergens is the strongest risk factor for asthma (adjusted odds ratios > or = 4). Using monoclonal antibody-based assays for the major indoor allergens it has been shown that sensitization to house dust mites is directly related to the concentration of Group 1 mite allergen in dust. This led to the hypothesis that increases in mite allergen secondary to changes in houses were responsible for increases in asthma. However, asthma has also increased in areas of the world where mites do not flourish. In these dry areas sensitization to one of the other indoor allergens is the major risk factor for asthma. Although sensitization of asthmatics reflects the concentration of allergens in their houses, these measurements of exposure do not accurately predict severity of symptoms. Other factors that can contribute to the symptoms of asthma may also have increased. In particular, diesel particulates, ozone, beta 2-agonists, endotoxin and rhinovirus infection have each been shown to enhance the inflammatory response to inhaled allergens. Increases in asthma must relate to some aspect of our predominantly sedentary indoor lifestyle; this could be either increased exposure to allergens or an increase in factors that enhance the response of the lungs to foreign proteins.
Diagnostic values of cerebrospinal fluid t-tau and Aβ42 using Meso Scale Discovery assays for Alzheimer’s disease

Background Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) recently established electrochemiluminescence-based assays to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of total tau (t-tau) and amyloid-β 1-42 peptide (Aβ42) that can aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal of this investigation is to independently evaluate this platform and establish cut-off values of these biomarkers for AD diagnosis. Objective To validate the analytical and clinical performance of the MSD t-tau and Aβ42 kits and propose diagnostic cut-off values for the field. Methods The analytical performance of the CSF t-tau and Aβ42 assays was determined, followed by assessment of diagnostic performance of CSF t-tau, Aβ42, and t-tau/Aβ42 in three clinically characterized cohorts. Results Both MSD assays demonstrated consistent and stable analytical performance, as well as resistance to several important pre-analytic variables. Diagnostically, t-tau/Aβ42 performed the best. Conclusions Our results independently confirm the analytical and clinical performance of the MSD CSF t-tau and Aβ42 assays. Based on a large, multi-center, clinically-diagnosed cohort, we propose for the first time candidate diagnostic cut-offs for MSD measured CSF t-tau, Aβ42, and t-tau/Aβ42. However, these values needs to be refined as more subjects are included and the assays are tested by other laboratories.
Female Leadership Capacity and Effectiveness: A Critical Analysis of the Literature on Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

In light of the progressive changes occurring in Saudi Arabia, developing female leadership capacity and effectiveness in the country’s higher education is vital. This literature review examines the scholarship and research on female leadership in higher education in Saudi Arabia, describes the major barriers for female leaders, and provides a critique on the available literature regarding efforts in developing and sustaining female leadership capacity and effectiveness in Saudi Arabia’s higher education. The literature review concludes by identifying major limitations and needs for research on this particular topic.
Crude protein content in tubers of starch processing potato cultivars in dependence on different agro-ecological conditions.

Crude protein content in dry matter of processing potato tubers cultivated in the Czech Republic in 2004-2005 on three sites with different altitudes and two variants of N fertilization ranged from 5.86 to 11.16%. Differences in crude protein content between doses of 100 kg N ha-1 and 200 kg N ha-1 were significant (P<0.05), resulted at average in 7.5 and 8.4% of dry matter of potato tubers, respectively. The variability of crude protein content was above all affected by cultivar (34.3%). The yield of crude protein per area unit ranged from 426 to 1279 kg ha-1 and was affected mainly by the year (24.1%) and by interaction of the year and the site (41.5%). The increasing altitude caused at average increasing of tuber yield and consequently increasing of crude protein yield per area unit. However, crude protein content showed opposite trend and the lowest concentration (7.5%) was achieved on the site with the highest altitude.
V‐Effekt: Death, Mortality, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival

Summary: On 16 October 2009, a friend died. He was the first person I knew of my generation to die. That night, I saw a play in the Melbourne International Arts Festival (MIAF), one which dealt with the messy realities of sudden death. Almost a year to the day later, I saw another MIAF production about the dangers of holding onto ghosts. They were chaotic, transcendent, heart-stopping experiences. In this paper, I use them to explore my personal engagements with death, grief, and release. Part criticism, part exorcism, it is my attempt to understand what happened to me in the same theater across two very different Octobers. This paper further engages with the limits of semiosis, presenting a recount and analysis of Pornography and Opening Night drawing on both the semiotics of the productions and my own very particular embodied experience of them. How do we make sense of what it is to die? Even with that knowledge, how do we comprehend someone's actual death? And what might theater have to do with it?.
Procedural justice in mental health court: an investigation of the relation of perception of procedural justice to non-adherence and termination

Mental health courts (MHCs) operate on the principles of procedural justice (PJ). PJ highlights the importance of process over outcomes in encounters with authority. Subjective perceptions of having voice, being heard by decision-makers, and being treated with respect and concern by figures of authority are influential in assessment of fairness and in cooperation with decisions, regardless of favorability of the outcome. In this paper, we investigate MHC participant perception of PJ in interactions with MHC staff and the association between perceptions and recidivism (i.e. time in jail, new arrests, and probation violations), treatment adherence, and MHC termination. Participants from two MHC programs (n = 80) took part in this study. Results suggest that perception of PJ during interactions with the entire MHC team is significantly associated with program termination, but not with participant behaviors during MHC. Implications for MHC practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Quantitative trait locus-specific genotype × alcoholism interaction on linkage for evoked electroencephalogram oscillations

We explored the evidence for a quantitative trait locus (QTL)-specific genotype × alcoholism interaction for an evoked electroencephalogram theta band oscillation (ERP) phenotype on a region of chromosome 7 in participants of the US Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. Among 901 participants with both genotype and phenotype data available, we performed variance component linkage analysis (SOLAR version 2.1.2) in the full sample and stratified by DSM-III-R and Feighner-definite alcoholism categories. The heritability of the ERP phenotype after adjusting for age and sex effects in the combined sample and in the alcoholism classification sub-groups ranged from 40% to 66%. Linkage on chromosome 7 was identified at 158 cM (LOD = 3.8) in the full sample and at 108 in the non-alcoholic subgroup (LOD = 3.1). Further, we detected QTL-specific genotype × alcoholism interaction at these loci. This work demonstrates the importance of considering the complexity of common complex traits in our search for genes that predispose to alcoholism.
The Analysis of Escort Requirements for Tank Vessels in Prince William Sound

ABSTRACT The Prince William Sound Risk Assessment was a joint project of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and The George Washington University (GWU). The aim of the...
Positive and negative forms of social support: Effects of conversational topics on coping with stress among same-sex friends

Abstract We examined the value of various conversational topics among same-sex friends on coping with stress. Talking about one's feelings with a friend in anticipation of a stressful event (guiding a spider through a maze in a participant-modeling task) did less to reduce stress than did talking about problem-solving or unrelated content. Talking about one's feelings was associated with a relatively high level of negative affect (as measured by Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist Today Form scores on anxiety and depression). The results indicate that the nature of social interactions must be assessed to determine whether social support will be beneficial or not. Interaction with friends may help or hinder how well one copes with stress depending on the type of contact that occurs.
Where is the Limit to Abduction's Explanatory Power?

Abduction, also known as, inference to the best explanation, is employed in factual and normative inquiry. In this paper, I answer the question: where is the limit to abduction’s explanatory power? To answer this question, I examine Hobbes’s Leviathan and Descartes’s Discourse on Method. I compare Hobbes’s empirical beliefs about human psychology and Descartes’s micro mechanical explanations with Hobbes’s discussion of religion. As a result of this analysis, I argue that there is at least one case where religion is the limit to abduction’s explanatory power, and that case is Hobbes’s discussion of religion.
The Influence of Lateral Wall Vibrations on the Ultrasonic Welding of Thin-Walled Parts

The welding of thin-walled thermoplastic parts by ultrasonic vibrations is often seriously impaired by variability in bond strength along the interface of the welded parts. This study shows that the strength of the weld is related to the vibrations in a direction normal to the walls of the parts. Specifically, for the typical thin-walled part studied, the strength has been found to have an inverse dependence on the amplitudes of the relative lateral motion at the interface. Free vibration experiments and finite element calculations for natural frequencies have also been conducted that provide supporting evidence of the vibration modes observed.
A Note on Fisher Information and Imperfect Ranked-Set Sampling

We show by example that the Fisher information in an imperfect ranked-set sample may be higher than the Fisher information in a perfect ranked-set sample. This corrects certain misconceptions in the literature. The example also provides an additional counterexample to a common claim about the relationship between imperfect rankings and perfect rankings.
Vapor-phase association of n-aliphatic carboxylic acids

Abstract Vapor-phase association greatly affects the pure-component properties of carboxylic acids. This study uses density functional theory (DFT) calculations to quantify the size and distribution of oligomers present in n-aliphatic carboxylic acid vapors and includes recommendations on how this information may be used in modeling the acids. Acids from C2 to C6 were studied using B3LYP/6-31++G(2d,p). New association equations were developed for the acids from C4 to C10 using the family trend obtained from the B3LYP calculations. Dimers were found to be the dominant oligomer in the vapor-phase, with little association of larger oligomers. Association in acids larger than C10 is negligible at modest temperatures and pressures. There is a notable difference in the dimerization enthalpy between acids with an even number of carbon atoms and those with an odd number of carbon atoms.
Electromagnetic response of a static vortex line in a type-II superconductor: A microscopic study.

The electromagnetic response of a pinned Abrikosov fluxoid is examined in the framework of the Bogoliubov--de Gennes formalism. The matrix elements and the section rules for both the single photon (emission-absorption) and two photon (Raman scattering) processes are obtained. The results reveal striking asymmetries: light absorption by quasiparticle pair creation or single quasiparticle scattering can occur only if the handedness of the incident radiation is opposite to that of the vortex core states. We show how these effects will lead to nonreciprocal circular birefringence, and also predict structure in the frequency dependence of conductivity and in the differential cross section of the Raman scattering.
Violence exposure, sleep disturbance, and poor academic performance in middle school

Violence has been linked to poor academic outcomes in youth, but there is little understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relation. This longitudinal survey study investigated whether sleep disturbance potentially mediates the associations between academic achievement and two forms of violence exposure--community violence and peer victimization-- in 498 seventh-grade youth. Structural equation models showed that community violence was associated with lower grade point average (GPA) directly and indirectly via sleep problems, whereas peer victimization was associated with lower GPA just indirectly via sleep problems. The structural models controlled for potential confounds, including depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts and absenteeism. The findings suggest that failing grades and sleepiness in school may be signs that youth are exposed to violence. Interventions to improve sleep hygiene and reduce violence exposure may help to improve academic outcomes for youth.
Synthesis and evaluation of photolabile insulin prodrugs

Abstract We have developed two photolabile insulin prodrugs, insulin-2P and insulin-3P. These prodrugs were synthesized by protecting GlyA1 (NαA1), and one or both of the PheB1 (NαB1) and LysB29 (NeB29) amino groups in insulin using 5′-(α-methyl-nitro-piperonyl)oxy-carbonyl as the protecting group. These insulin prodrugs were efficiently activated by exposure to longwave UV light to produce insulin quantitatively. Using 2-deoxyglucose uptake assays, both di- and tri-protected compounds were less active than native insulin in the protected state, and showed comparable activity to native insulin upon photoactivation.
Performance evaluation of a virtual refrigerant charge sensor

Abstract The primary goal was to evaluate and enhance a virtual refrigerant charge (VRC) sensor developed by Li and Braun (2006 , 2009) . Based on the evaluation, the VRC sensor was found to work well in estimating refrigerant charge for systems that do not utilize accumulators when using the default parameters. For systems with accumulators, however, the parameters needed to be improved for better accuracy. To overcome those limitations, a simulation method for estimating parameters was developed that depends on test data at rated conditions and system information. The simulation parameters decreased the errors between the actual and predicted charge. Even better performance was achieved for the VRC sensor when the parameters were tuned by minimizing charge prediction errors using test data and linear regression. The overall RMS error for the VRC sensors using tuned parameters was 3.8% over a wide range of operating conditions for different types of systems.
Wide complex rhythm and cardiac arrest

m h p b w e e ( s t r. Peter Pang: Today’s case is that of a 54-year-old oman who presented to the Emergency Department ED) in respiratory distress. Paramedics were called for hortness of breath and weakness. At the scene the paient complained of worsening shortness of breath hroughout the day, increasing significantly over the past our, and generalized weakness over the past week. ccording to the paramedics, the patient denied chest, ack, or abdominal pain. There were no fevers, chills, ausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The past medical history ncluded depression and a pulmonary embolism (PE). ital signs in the field were: blood pressure 104/60 mm g, heart rate 70 beats per minute (bpm), and respiratory ate 24 breaths per minute. During transport, the patient ecame increasingly short of breath and lethargic. Upon rrival in the ED, the patient deteriorated rapidly. She ad clear lungs, a slow regular heart rate, soft abdomen, nd bilateral lower extremity edema. The patient was ethargic, minimally responsive to verbal stimuli, and oving all four extremities. During transport from the aramedics’ gurney to the hospital stretcher, the patient’s espiratory effort ceased, and no pulses were palpable. Dr. Eric Nadel: Are there any questions about the nitial presentation? Dr. Emily Senecal: You mentioned the past medical istory included pulmonary embolism and depression. as the patient taking any medications? Were any pill ottles found in the house? Was there any family mem-
SNPs, SSRs and inferences on cassava's origin.

Despite its importance as a staple food throughout the tropics, the root crop cassava (it Manihot esculenta ssp. esculenta) has traditionally not been a major focus of research. One basic question about cassava that remained unresolved until recently concerns the crop’s origin. This paper describes analyses of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and SSR (simple sequence repeat) variation as a means of tracing cassava’s evolutionary and geographical origins. Genetic diversity was examined in a sample of 20 cassava varieties that are representative of germplasm diversity within the crop, and in 212 individuals collected from wild populations of two closely related Manihot species. SNP and indel variation was examined in portions of two low copy nuclear genes, BglA and Hnl. Inferences from these genes were compared to those from previously examined loci, including the low copy nuclear gene G3pdh and 5 SSR loci. For all genes examined, SNPs and SSR alleles are shared between domesticated cassava and a specific geographical subset of wild Manihot populations, which suggests the following: (1) Cassava was likely domesticated from a single wild Manihot species, M. esculenta ssp. flabellifolia, rather than from multiple hybridizing species, as traditionally believed; and (2) the crop most likely originated in the southern Amazon basin.
Proteolytic specificity of hemorrhagic toxin b from Crotalus atrox (western diamondback rattlesnake) venom.

Abstract In our effort to identify the proteolytic specificity of various hemorrhagic toxins isolated from western diamondback rattlesnake venom, hemorrhagic toxin b was isolated in homogeneous form by previously published methods. Hemorrhagic toxin b hydrolyzed glucagon, producing six fragments. The proteolytic sites were identified as Thr(5)-Phe(6), Thr(10)-Ser(11), Asp(15)-Ser(16), Asp(21)-Phe(22) and Try(25)-Leu(26). When oxidized insulin B chain was used, proteolysis occurred at four sites: Asn(3)-Gln(4), His(10)-Leu(11), Tyr(16)-Leu(17) and Gly(23)-Phe(24). The proteolytic specificity of hemorrhagic toxin b is quite different from those of the nonvenom proteases such as thermomycolin, aspergillopeptidase c , alkaline protease from Aspergillus flavus , elastase, subtilisin and papain.
Electric field probes--A review

Electric field probes consisting of a dipole antenna, RF detector, nonperturbing transmission line, and readout device have been implemented in a variety of ways. Three orthogonal dipoles are generally used in an E -field probe to provide a response which is nearly isotropic for all polarizations of the incident field. Diode detectors have been used with electrically short or resistivity loaded dipoles to produce very broadband devices (0.2 MHz to 26 GHz). Thermocouple detectors are used to provide true time-averaged data for high peak-power modulated fields. Optical fibers, together with a suitably modulated light source, may be used to form a wide-band nonperturbing data link from the dipole and detector to a remote readout. Application of E -field probes range from the measurement of fields in living animals exposed to nonionizing radiation to the measurement of fields in air for electromagnetic compatability or radiation safety purposes. Probes are available that can measure field strengths from less than 1 V/m to over 1000 V/m (rms).
Worlds within worlds: evolution of the vertebrate gut microbiota

In this Analysis we use published 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences to compare the bacterial assemblages that are associated with humans and other mammals, metazoa and free-living microbial communities that span a range of environments. The composition of the vertebrate gut microbiota is influenced by diet, host morphology and phylogeny, and in this respect the human gut bacterial community is typical of an omnivorous primate. However, the vertebrate gut microbiota is different from free-living communities that are not associated with animal body habitats. We propose that the recently initiated international Human Microbiome Project should strive to include a broad representation of humans, as well as other mammalian and environmental samples, as comparative analyses of microbiotas and their microbiomes are a powerful way to explore the evolutionary history of the biosphere.
Lymphoid cell functions during copper deficiency

Abstract Male weanling Lewis rats were fed diets either adequate (5.6 μg/g) or low (0.6 μg/g) in copper, either and libitum or in restricted amounts for 14–70 days. Measurements were made of food intake; growth rate; hematocrits; Cu and Fe concentrations of plasma or serum; ceruloplasmin activity of plasma or serum; plasma cholesterol and whole blood lactate concentrations; cytochrome c oxidase activity of spleen lymphoid cells (SLC); and proliferation of SLC, cervical lymph node cells (CLNC) and plastic nonadherent-SLC (NASLC) following stimulation with concanavalin-A (Con-A). Cu-deficient (CD) rats exhibited upon completion of dietary regimen days: 14–18, reduced hematocrits, plasma Cu and Fe, plasma ceruloplasmin activity and cytochrome c oxidase activity of SLC; 28–32, elevated plasma cholesterol and blood lactate, decreased proliferation of Con-A stimulated SLC, but increased proliferation of Con-A stimulated CLNC; and 42–46, reduced food intake and growth. Suppressed proliferation of Con-A stimulated SLC from CD rats was not alleviated following removal of plastic-adherent lymphoid cells from the SLC suspension. Equivalent proliferation was exhibited by Con-A stimulated SLC from CD rats and NASLC from CD and CA rats. In conclusion, reduced T-lymphocyte proliferation in copper-deficiency: is influenced by the tissue source of lymphoid cells; is not due to impaired ability of T-lymphocytes to proliferate; and may be due to imparied enhancer function for T-lymphocyte proliferation by macrophages.
Rapid fragmentation of neuronal networks at the onset of propofol-induced unconsciousness

The neurophysiological mechanisms by which anesthetic drugs cause loss of consciousness are poorly understood. Anesthetic actions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels have been studied in detail at steady states of deep general anesthesia. However, little is known about how anesthetics alter neural activity during the transition into unconsciousness. We recorded simultaneous multiscale neural activity from human cortex, including ensembles of single neurons, local field potentials, and intracranial electrocorticograms, during induction of general anesthesia. We analyzed local and global neuronal network changes that occurred simultaneously with loss of consciousness. We show that propofol-induced unconsciousness occurs within seconds of the abrupt onset of a slow (<1 Hz) oscillation in the local field potential. This oscillation marks a state in which cortical neurons maintain local patterns of network activity, but this activity is fragmented across both time and space. Local (<4 mm) neuronal populations maintain the millisecond-scale connectivity patterns observed in the awake state, and spike rates fluctuate and can reach baseline levels. However, neuronal spiking occurs only within a limited slow oscillation-phase window and is silent otherwise, fragmenting the time course of neural activity. Unexpectedly, we found that these slow oscillations occur asynchronously across cortex, disrupting functional connectivity between cortical areas. We conclude that the onset of slow oscillations is a neural correlate of propofol-induced loss of consciousness, marking a shift to cortical dynamics in which local neuronal networks remain intact but become functionally isolated in time and space.
the utility of pluralism: M. G. Smith and plural theory

This paper reevaluates plural theory and its implications through an analysis of M. G. Smith's contribution. Difficulties encountered stem from Smith's preoccupation with political causality and his assignment of conflict and consensus theory to two different kinds of society. We conclude that neither of these assumptions is integral to plural theory per se. Plural theory is capable of asking the appropriate questions concerning how the vertical corporations of a plural society are created, maintained, and transformed.
The Very High Premature Mortality Rate among Active Professional Wrestlers Is Primarily Due to Cardiovascular Disease

Purpose Recently, much media attention has been given to the premature deaths in professional wrestlers. Since no formal studies exist that have statistically examined the probability of premature mortality in professional wrestlers, we determined survival estimates for active wresters over the past quarter century to establish the factors contributing to the premature mortality of these individuals. Methods Data including cause of death was obtained from public records and wrestling publications in wrestlers who were active between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 2011. 557 males were considered consistently active wrestlers during this time period. 2007 published mortality rates from the Center for Disease Control were used to compare the general population to the wrestlers by age, BMI, time period, and cause of death. Survival estimates and Cox hazard regression models were fit to determine incident premature deaths and factors associated with lower survival. Cumulative incidence function (CIF) estimates given years wrestled was obtained using a competing risks model for cause of death. Results The mortality for all wrestlers over the 26-year study period was.007 deaths/total person-years or 708 per 100,000 per year, and 16% of deaths occurred below age 50 years. Among wrestlers, the leading cause of deaths based on CIF was cardiovascular-related (38%). For cardiovascular-related deaths, drug overdose-related deaths and cancer deaths, wrestler mortality rates were respectively 15.1, 122.7 and 6.4 times greater than those of males in the general population. Survival estimates from hazard models indicated that BMI is significantly associated with the hazard of death from total time wrestling (p<0.0001). Conclusion Professional wrestlers are more likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular disease compared to the general population and morbidly obese wrestlers are especially at risk. Results from this study may be useful for professional wrestlers, as well as wellness policy and medical care implementation.
Capillary pressure: Centrifuge method revisited

The approximate equations of Hassler and Brunner and of van Domselaar are often used to deduce the capillary pressure curve of a porous medium from centrifuge data. The use of these equations restricts the centrifuge method to short samples. Also, these equations require differentiation of data. We report here methods to determine the capillary pressure curve by the midpoint and least-squares solution of the fundamental equation, relating the average saturation S1 of liquid in the porous medium to the capillary pressure Pc1 at the end of the sample nearest the axis of rotation. The methods do not require differentiation of data and are not restricted to short samples. We introduce and evaluate an approximation based on an exact result derived by Rajan. This new approximation requires the same inputs as do the Hassler-Brunner and the van Domselaar approximations, but it is accurate over a wider range of sample sizes. In addition, an approximate solution which can be used to estimate capillary pressure curves for long cores is developed.
Surface molecular imprinting by atom transfer radical polymerization.

Results are presented that demonstrate the successful preparation of ultrathin (<10 nm), surface-confined, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) films on model gold substrates using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). 2-Vinylpyridine (2Vpy) was investigated as the functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was the cross-linking monomer. Fluorescently labeled N,N‘-didansyl-l-cystine and N,N‘-didansyl-l-lysine were used as the template molecules to form the MIPs. Spectroscopic and ellipsometric results are presented that follow film formation and growth rates. Results are also presented from fluorescence experiments used to quantify and compare the adsorption capacities of MIP surface films and nonimprinted (NIP) control films. MIP films exhibited higher binding capacities than the control NIP films at all solution concentrations of N,N‘-didansyl-l-cystine and N,N‘-didansyl-l-lysine. Furthermore, template removal from these imprinted films appears to be 100% efficient. Selectivity...
Strategic command taking the long view for organizational success

Organizations can best gain an advantage over their competitors by practicing strategic leadership. But how is strategic leadership accomplished, and who in an organization should be responsible for it? Strategic leadership is a complex process of thinking, acting, and influencing, and it can be exercised not just by individuals but also by teams.
Linezolid-induced lactic acidosis.

To the Editor: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic used to treat a variety of gram-positive infections, including those due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, as well as nocardia species.1,2 Lactic acidosis is an adverse effect that has been associated with other drugs, including metformin and the nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors,3 but not with linezolid. We report a case in which severe lactic acidosis developed as an adverse effect of linezolid treatment. A 52-year-old woman presented with fever, chills, and a two-week history of intermittent cough. Computed tomography (CT) of her chest revealed an infiltrate in the right middle . . .
Ignition Temperature of Bulk 6061 Aluminum, 302 Stainless Steel and 1018 Carbon Steel in Oxygen

Abstract Abstract-Measurements has been made of the ignition temperature of three structural metals in bulk form in a pure oxygen environment. Cylindrical specimens 5 mm in diameter and 5 mm high were ignited by a focused cwCOz laser beam in a static oxygen environment at pressures from 0.084 to 6.895 MPa. A two-color pyrometer was designed and used to measure the ignition temperature of the specimens. The temperature of a spot approximately 0.5 mm in diameter located at the center of the specimen top surface was recorded with a maximum time resolution of 25 μs and with an accuracy of a few percent. The results showed that 6061 aluminum alloy ignited at temperatures well above the melting temperature of pure aluminum but below the melting temperature of Al2o3 The ignition temperature of 302 stainless steel was approximately at the melting temperature of the alloy and the ignition temperature of 1018 carb on steel was slightly below the melting temperature of the alloy. In all three cases there was a mild ...
Asymptotics of Daubechies Filters, Scaling Functions, and Wavelets

Abstract We study the asymptotic form as p → ∞ of the Daubechies orthogonal minimum phase filter h p [ n ], scaling function φ p ( t ), and wavelet w p ( t ). Kateb and Lemarie calculated the leading term in the phase of the frequency response H p (ω). The infinite productφ p (ω) = ∏ H p (ω/2 k ) leads us to a problem in stationary phase, for an oscillatory integral with parameter t . The leading terms change form with τ = t / p and we find three regions for φ p (τ):[formula]The numbers τ 0 ≃ 0.1817 and τ 1 ≃ 0.3515 are known constants. The function G and its integral G (−1) are independent of p . Regions 1 and 2 are matched over the interval p −2/3 ⪡ τ − τ 0 ⪡ 1. The wavelets have a simpler asymptotic expression because the Airy wavefront is removed by the highpass filter. We also find the asymptotics of the impulse response h p [ n ]—a different function g (ω) controls the three regions. The difficulty throughout is to estimate the phase.
Fluid and Penicillin G Dynamics in Polyethylene Chambers Implanted Subcutaneously in Rabbits

Chemical and cellular characteristics of fluid within subcutaneously implanted polyethylene chambers in rabbits were studied over a 3-month period. The fluid attained a relatively stable protein and cellular composition which was consistent with a mononuclear exudate. After a single dose of intramuscular penicillin G, the antibacterial activity of chamber fluid was found to be dynamic and similar to the serum antibacterial activity. This animal model may be useful for in vivo studies of the interaction of microorganisms with antimicrobial agents.
Signatures of γ softness or triaxiality in low energy nuclear spectra

Abstract Signatures of γ softness or rigid triaxiality in low energy, low spin nuclear spectra are discussed. Two classes of signatures, relating to γ-band energy staggering, are found to provide clear distinctions between these shapes. The data for even-even nuclei are compared to predictions for potentials with varying γ dependence. It is found that nuclei with large asymmetries can be characterized by potentials that are nearly γ flat, with, at most, a few percent deviation from γ independence.
The Role of Perceptions in Collaborative Relationships: Implications for Forensic Social Work Practice

This study aims to explore the perceptions held by law students who work collaboratively with social work students. Findings from the focus group data indicate that law students' perceptions of social work may be influenced by stereotypes. Implications for students preparing to enter into forensic social work practice are considered.