cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of registration on corpus callosum population differences found with DBM analysis

Deformation Based Morphometry (DBM) is a relatively new method used for characterizing anatomical differences among populations. DBM is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by non-rigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to one standard coordinate system. Although several studies have compared non-rigid registration algorithms for segmentation tasks, few studies have compared the effect of the registration algorithm on population differences that may be uncovered through DBM. In this study, we compared DBM results obtained with five well established non-rigid registration algorithms on the corpus callosum (CC) in thirteen subjects with Williams Syndrome (WS) and thirteen Normal Control (NC) subjects. The five non-rigid registration algorithms include: (1) The Adaptive Basis Algorithm (ABA); (2) Image Registration Toolkit (IRTK); (3) FSL Nonlinear Image Registration Tool (FSL); (4) Automatic Registration Tools (ART); and (5) the normalization algorithm available in SPM8. For each algorithm, the 3D deformation fields from all subjects to the atlas were obtained and used to calculate the Jacobian determinant (JAC) at each voxel in the mid-sagittal slice of the CC. The mean JAC maps for each group were compared quantitatively across different nonrigid registration algorithms. An ANOVA test performed on the means of the JAC over the Genu and the Splenium ROIs shows the JAC differences between nonrigid registration algorithms are statistically significant over the Genu for both groups and over the Splenium for the NC group. These results suggest that it is important to consider the effect of registration when using DBM to compute morphological differences in populations.
Ecological correlates of body size in relation to cell size and cell number : patterns in flies, fish, fruits and foliage

Body size is important to most aspects of biology and is also one of the most labile traits. Despite its importance we know remarkably little about the proximate (developmental) factors that determine body size under different circumstances. Here, I review what is known about how cell size and number contribute to phenetic and genetic variation in body size in Drosophila melanogaster, several fish, and fruits and leaves of some angiosperms. Variation in resources influences size primarily through changes in cell number while temperature acts through cell size. The difference in cellular mechanism may also explain the differences in growth trajectories resulting from food and temperature manipulations. There is, however, a poorly recognized interaction between food and temperature effects that needs further study. In addition, flies show a sexual dimorphism in temperature effects with the larger sex responding by changes in cell size and the smaller sex showing changes in both cell size and number. Leaf size is more variable than other organs, but there appears to be a consistent difference between how shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant species respond to light level. The former have larger leaves via cell size under shade, the latter via cell number in light conditions. Genetic differences, primarily from comparisons of D. melanogaster, show similar variation. Direct selection on body size alters cell number only, while temperature selection results in increased cell size and decreased cell number. Population comparisons along latitudinal clines show that larger flies have both larger cells and more cells. Use of these proximate patterns can give clues as to how selection acts in the wild. For example, the latitudinal pattern in D. melanogaster is usually assumed to be due to temperature, but the cellular pattern does not match that seen in laboratory selection at different temperatures.
The safety of radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein in patients with previous venous thrombosis

Background The safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients with previous history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has not been determined. Methods From April 2003 to June 2006, 274 patients (68% women; mean age, 60 years ± 15 years) underwent 293 consecutive RFA procedures. In the first 15 months, the temperature probe was maintained at 85°C, with a pullback rate of 2 cm/min (85 limbs, 30%); we subsequently changed the protocol to 90°C and a pullback rate of 2 to 3 cm/min (205 limbs, 70%). We identified 29 patients (10%) with a history of DVT or duplex scan evidence of post-thrombotic venous disease; these were compared with the remaining 264 (90%). Postprocedural acute thrombotic (AT) events were analyzed. By the CEAP classification, 204 limbs (70%) were C 2 to C 4 , and 89 (30%) were C 5 to C 6 . Thirty-seven patients (13%) had a history of superficial thrombophlebitis (SVT). Proximal mean GSV diameter was 0.95 ± 0.29 cm (range, 0.4-2.3 cm). Concomitant procedures included avulsion phlebectomy in 88 limbs (30%) and perforator vein surgery in 4 (1%). Results AT events after RFA were detected in 38 limbs (13%), including thrombus protrusion into the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) in 24 (8%), common femoral vein in 7 (2.5%), and calf vein DVT in 7 (2.5%). Overall incidence of AT events in limbs with and without evidence of previous DVT was 7% (2 of 29) and 14% (36 of 264), respectively ( P = .36). Variables significantly associated with AT events were previous SVT (10 of 37 [27%] vs 28 of 256 [11%], P = .01), a larger GSV diameter (mean 1.1 ± .39 vs 0.93 ± 0.27, P P = .02). Concomitant venous operations were associated with an increase in AT events (23% vs 9%; P P = .049 and P = .0135, respectively). All AT patients were successfully treated with standard anticoagulation. No pulmonary emboli occurred. Conclusion RFA of the GSV in patients with previous venous thromboembolic events is safe and should be offered as an alternative to surgical procedures. These data demonstrate that AT events increase when larger-diameter GSVs are treated.
Leptomeningeal metastases from genitourinary cancer: the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center experience.

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) most commonly arise from breast and lung cancers, and melanoma. Genitourinary cancer (including ovarian, prostate, uterine kidney and bladder) rarely cause LM, with only case reports published. The aims of the study were to describe cases of patients with Genitourinary cancer and Leptomeningeal metastasis, to estimate its prevalence and describe its behavior and outcome. We queried the MD Anderson database for patients with LM and genitourinary cancer between 1978 and 2011. The files of all patients with genitourinary cancer and leptomeningeal disease were retrospectively reviewed. Out of 93960 GU cancer patients treated in MD Anderson (cervix cancer 13,289, ovarian cancer 13,126, bladder cancer 11,834, prostate cancer 41,830, and kidney 13,881), 31 cases (0.03 %) of GU cancer with LM were identified in MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) between 1978 and 2011. Eight patients had bladder cancer, 4 had cervical cancer, 4 had renal cancer, 8 had ovarian cancer and 7 had prostate cancer. Mean age of diagnosis of cancer was 55.9 ± 11.7 (range 20–74). Mean time from primary diagnosis to LM diagnosis was 141.46 ± 244 weeks (range 0.43–409.57). Median survival after LM diagnosis was 15.7 weeks (range 0.85–142.57). The patients presented with multiple signs and symptoms. Although rare—LM should be considered as a complication of GU cancer. Awareness of early neurological signs and symptoms may help the clinician to make an early diagnosis and possibly intervene to prevent neurological deficits.
A note on difference methods for the prediction of band-limited signals from past samples

Recent results are extended on difference methods for the prediction of bandlimited signals, obtained by D.H. Mugler and W. Splettstosser (1986, 1987) and by D.H. Mugler (1990), are extended to generalized bandlimited signals defined by M. Zakai (1965) and A.J. Lee (1975, 1976). This makes the difference method applicable to a wider class of signals. >
Reduced-complexity decoding of Q-ary LDPC codes for magnetic recording

Binary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes perform very well on magnetic recording channels (MRCs) with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). However, an MRC is subject to other impairments, such as media defects and thermal asperities. Binary LDPC codes may not be able to cope with these impairments without the help of a Reed-Solomon code. A better form of coding may be Q-ary LDPC codes, which have been shown to outperform binary LDPC codes and Reed-Solomon codes on the AWGN channel. In this paper, we report on our investigation of Q-ary LDPC coded MRCs, both with AWGN and with burst impairments, and we present a new reduced-complexity decoding algorithm for Q-ary LDPC codes. We show that Q-ary LDPC codes outperform binary LDPC codes in the presence of burst impairments.
APPLICATION OF MARK–RECAPTURE MODELS TO ESTIMATION OF THE POPULATION SIZE OF PLANTS

Mark-recapture models have been widely used in ecology to estimate pop- ulation sizes of animals. In contrast, estimation of plant population size has usually been assumed to be much easier. However, detection of individuals is difficult for perennial plants, such as the rare prairie plant Mead's milkweed ( Asclepias meadii), which does not produce aboveground parts every year and lives in dense vegetation where nonflowering stems are hard to observe. In these cases, a count of the number of plants observed in a particular year may greatly underestimate the true population size, just as a count of animals in traps does not adequately estimate the total number of animals in an area. Using a family of closed population models (CAPTURE), we applied mark-recapture methodology to estimate population size of A. meadii. Over a 4-yr period, a total of 129 patches (aggregated collections of stems) was observed, with 124 flowering in at least one year. In any one year, however, the number of flowering patches ranged from 15 to 105. Using model M th of CAPTURE with these data, the estimated number of patches capable of flowering was 219. Although the confidence interval is broad (95% confidence interval of 175-302), these results emphasize that the observed number of patches in any one year, or even over a 4-yr period, underestimates the actual population size.
Resuscitation of trauma-induced coagulopathy

For 30 years, the Advanced Trauma Life Support course of the American College of Surgeons taught that coagulopathy was a late consequence of resuscitation of injury. The recognition of trauma-induced coagulopathy overturns that medical myth and creates a rationale for procoagulant resuscitation. Analysis of the composition of currently available blood components allows prediction of the upper limits of achievable coagulation activity, keeping in mind that oxygen transport must be maintained simultaneously. RBCs, plasma, and platelets given in a 1:1:1 unit ratio results in a hematocrit of 29%, plasma concentration of 62%, and platelet count of 90,000 in the administered resuscitation fluid. Additional amounts of any 1 component dilute the other 2 and any other fluids given dilute all 3. In vivo recovery of stored RBCs is ∼90% and that of platelets ∼60% at the mean age at which such products are given to trauma patients. This means that useful concentrations of the administered products are a hematocrit of 26%, a plasma coagulation factor activity of 62% equivalent to an international normalized ratio of ∼1.2, and a platelet count of 54,000. This means there is essentially no good way to give blood products for resuscitation of trauma-induced coagulopathy other than 1:1:1. Because 50% of trauma patients admitted alive to an academic-level 1 trauma center who will die of uncontrolled hemorrhage will be dead in 2 hours, the trauma system must be prepared to deliver plasma- and platelet-based resuscitation at all times.
An Age-Related Deficit in Prefrontal Cortical Function Associated With Refreshing Information

Older adults are slower than young adults to think of an item they just saw, that is, to engage or execute (or both) the simple reflective operation of refreshing just-activated information. In addition, they derive less long-term memory benefit from refreshing information. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we found that relative to young adults, older adults showed reduced refresh-related activity in an area of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (left middle frontal gyrus, Brodmann's Area 9), but not in other refresh-related areas. This provides strong evidence that a frontal component of the circuit that subserves this basic cognitive process is especially vulnerable to aging. Such a refresh deficit could contribute to poorer performance of older than young adults on a wide range of cognitive tasks.
Estimation of mechanical properties from gated SPECT and cine MRI data using a finite-element mechanical model of the left ventricle

A significant challenge in diagnosing cardiac disease is determining the viability of myocardial tissue when evaluating the prognosis of vascular bypass surgery. A finite element mechanical model of the left ventricular myocardium was developed to evaluate myocardial deformation, which is an important indicator of viable myocardial tissue. The model of the heart muscle mechanics was derived from the passive and active behavior of skeletal muscle, which is considered to be a quasi-incompressible transversely isotropic hyperelastic material of a specified helical fiber structure configuration. Contraction of the myocardium was replicated by simulating active contractions along the helical fibers, then solving (quasi-statically) for the associated boundary valued problem at a sequence of time steps between end-diastole and end-systole of the cardiac cycle. At each time step the finite element software package ABAQUS was used to determine the deformation of the left ventricle, which was loaded by intra-ventricular pressure. A cylindrical model of the left ventricle was developed under both passive loading and active contraction. Some parameters that describe the material properties of the myocardium were estimated by fitting the motion of the cylindrical model to gated SPECT and cine MRI data. Results from the finite element analysis were compared to those from a mathematical cylindrical model. In the future, more realistic meshes derived from imaging data will be used to perform the finite element analysis. The deformation of the mechanical model will be fitted to a complete strain map from tagged MRI or image warping. Finally, it is proposed to introduce electrical propagation into the finite element model.
Solar Polar Field Reversals and Secular Variation of Cosmic Ray Intensity

The profile of the well-known 11-year variation of the cosmic ray intensity appears to depend upon the emerging solar polar magnetic field regime in a very characteristic manner. During the solar activity cycle 19, the cosmic ray intensity takes about seven years to recover to its solar activity minimum level. But during the solar activity cycle 20, the recovery takes place in only about two years. It appears that these characteristic recovery modes are obtainable every other solar activity cycle. We are led to suggest two model configurations for the heliosphere. We believe that an “open” heliosphere model applies to solar activity cycles 18 and 20. A “closed” heliosphere model is obtainable during solar activity cycles 17 and 19. Our results are discussed.
Brown-Séquard syndrome of the cervical spinal cord after chiropractic manipulation.

We report a case of increased signal in the left hemicord at the C4 level on T2-weighted MR images after chiropractic manipulation, consistent with contusion. The patient displayed clinical features of Brown-Sequard syndrome, which stabilized with immobilization and steroids. Follow-up imaging showed decreased cord swelling with persistent increased signal. After physical therapy, the patient regained strength on the left side, with residual decreased sensation to pain involving the right arm.
Self-avoidance and Tiling: Mechanisms of Dendrite and Axon Spacing

The spatial pattern of branches within axonal or dendritic arbors and the relative arrangement of neighboring arbors with respect to one another impact a neuron's potential connectivity. Although arbors can adopt diverse branching patterns to suit their functions, evenly spread branches that avoid clumping or overlap are a common feature of many axonal and dendritic arbors. The degree of overlap between neighboring arbors innervating a surface is also characteristic within particular neuron types. The arbors of some populations of neurons innervate a target with a comprehensive and nonoverlapping “tiled” arrangement, whereas those of others show substantial territory overlap. This review focuses on cellular and molecular studies that have provided insight into the regulation of spatial arrangements of neurite branches within and between arbors. These studies have revealed principles that govern arbor arrangements in dendrites and axons in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Diverse molecular mechanisms controlling the spatial patterning of sister branches and neighboring arbors have begun to be elucidated.
The distribution of radioactivity from uracil mustard-2-14C in the hepatic subcellular particulates and nucleic acids of the rat.

Abstract The concentration of radioactivity in the liver particulates and in the nucleic acids of the liver, kidney, spleen, and small intestine of rats was measured after intravenous uracil mustard-2- 14 C. Of the injected radioactivity 2.6% was localized in the liver at 30 minutes; the level gradually declined to 0.26% at 96 hours. The cell sap: particulate ratio was 1.5 at 30 minutes and 0.4 at 96 hours. At most time periods the concentration of radioactivity in the renal nucleic acids was significantly higher than that in the nucleic acids of the liver, spleen, and small intestine. At 1 and 3 hours the concentration of radioactivity in duodenal and jejunal RNA was not significantly different from that in renal RNA and was also higher than the concentration in the liver and spleen. Based upon the concentration of radioactivity, uracil mustard appeared to have reacted with the various nucleic acids in the range of 16,400 to 65,000 nucleotide units per molecule of uracil mustard at 1 2 hour. Only 2–3% of the radioactivity present in the liver cell was localized in nucleic acids. There was, therefore, widespread association of the radioactivity with other cellular constituents.
Anatomic Geometry of Sound Transmission and Reception in Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris)

This study uses remote imaging technology to quantify, compare, and contrast the cephalic anatomy between a neonate female and a young adult male Cuvier’s beaked whale. Primary results reveal details of anatomic geometry with implications for acoustic function and diving. Specifically, we describe the juxtaposition of the large pterygoid sinuses, a fibrous venous plexus, and a lipid-rich pathway that connects the acoustic environment to the bony ear complex. We surmise that the large pterygoid air sinuses are essential adaptations for maintaining acoustic isolation and auditory acuity of the ears at depth. In the adult male, an acoustic waveguide lined with pachyosteosclerotic bones is apparently part of a novel transmission pathway for outgoing biosonar signals. Substitution of dense tissue boundaries where we normally find air sacs in delphinoids appears to be a recurring theme in deep-diving beaked whales and sperm whales. The anatomic configuration of the adult male Ziphius forehead resembles an upside-down sperm whale nose and may be its functional equivalent, but the homologous relationships between forehead structures are equivocal. Anat Rec, 291:353–378, 2008. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fingerprints of biocomplexity: Taxon‐specific growth of phytoplankton in relation to environmental factors

Phytoplankton and environmental conditions in Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington, are discussed from the perspective of dynamic relationships between taxon-specific growth rates and environmental variables. More than four decades of measurements permit inspection of conditions associated with net increase and decrease for 40 phytoplankton species or species groups. Reproducible patterns exist for growth responses to over 25 environmental factors including nutrient chemistry, physical variables, and herbivorous zooplankton species. There appear to be no more than six main modalities of response to environmental factors, and responses to chemical and physical variables show coherence across taxa. Diatoms show a near uniform positive growth response to abundant inorganic nutrients, cold and transparent water, deep mixing, and intolerance for virtually all zooplankton grazers. Many chlorophytes and cyanobacteria show equally uniform growth responses to chemical and physical variables, although their preferences are virtually opposite from the diatoms. They benefit from the presence of copepods but show highly specific growth rate responses to different cladocerans and rotifers. Growth rate variations among the diatoms sort out along gradients of resource and physical factors, but there is coherence to the rise and fall of multiple species. Among the other algal divisions, despite a common set of physical and chemical conditions that promote growth rates, the species do not increase and decrease together. Instead, the prevailing grazer community appears to shape the phytoplankton community by admitting only certain species from the large pool of contenders.
Evaluation of ERS-1 scatterometer winds with ocean buoy observations

Wind vectors observed by the ERS-1 AMI scatterometer are compared with wind and wave ocean buoy observations. Effects of oceanographic and atmospheric parameters on the scatterometry are also assessed by using the buoy data. Three ERS-1 AMI wind data products such as the JPL Value-Added Products, the ESA Fast Delivery Products and the IFREMER Off-Line Scatterometer Wind Products, were collocated with buoys located offshore and in deep water from the NDBC network, the TOGA-TAO arrays and the JMA buoys. Time difference and spatial separation between the ERS-1 and buoy observations were limited to less than 60 min and 25 km, respectively. Wind speed, air temperature and humidity measured by the buoys were adjusted to values corresponding to a height of 10 m. Wind speeds comparisons displayed rms differences 2 m s/sup -1/ or less for each data product. The IFREMER winds gave the best agreement among the three data products. Systematic biases depending on the wind speeds are found for the JPL and ESA winds. The JPL winds underestimate at low wind ranges and overestimate at high winds. For the wind directions, large deviations are primarily found at low wind speeds which may be due to less accurate performance of the ambiguity removal algorithms. The comparison of the wind direction for the JPL and IFREMER improves significantly when wind speeds less than 5 m s/sup -1/ are excluded. Dependencies of the wind speed residuals on oceanic and atmospheric parameters observed by the buoys exhibited negative correlations with the sea surface temperature and positive correlations with the significant wave height.
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN THE RATE OF EVOLUTION: EFFECT OF AVAILABLE ENERGY OR FLUCTUATING ENVIRONMENT?

In a recent paper, Wright et al. (2003) argue for the hypothesis that greater biologically available energy elevates the rate of molecular evolution. However, their results are also consistent with alternative hypotheses that invoke either environmentally driven variation in effective population sizes, or natural selection, or both. The available energy gradient cited by Wright et al. is linearly correlated with temperature fluctuations, and the observed rate heterogeneity could be a consequence of this environmental variability. The distribution of phylogenetic branch lengths alone is insufficient to distinguish between the hypotheses, and complementary approaches are suggested.
Security challenges and data implications by using smartwatch devices in the enterprise

In the age of the Internet of Things, use of Smartwatch devices in the enterprise is evolving rapidly and many companies are exploring, adopting and researching the use of these devices in the Enterprise IT (Information Technology). The biggest challenge presented to an organization is understanding how to integrate these devices with the back end systems, building the data correlation and analytics while ensuring the security of the overall systems. The core objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview of such security challenges and data exposures to be considered. The research effort focuses on three key questions: 1. Data: how will we integrate these data streams into of physical world instrumentation with all of our existing data? 2. Security: how can pervasive sensing and analytics systems preserve and protect user security? 3. Usability: what hardware and software systems will make developing new intelligent and secure Smartwatch applications as easy as a modern web application? This area of research is in the early stages and through this paper we attempt to bring different views on how data, security and usability is important for Enterprise IT to adopt this type of Internet of Things (IoT) device in the Enterprise.
Soldercubes: a self-soldering self-reconfiguring modular robot system

Soldercubes are a self-reconfiguring modular robot (MR) system whose modules are light weight, low cost, and designed with manufacturability for large batch production in mind. The frequently cited promises of modular robotics--versatility, robustness, and low cost--assume the availability of large numbers of modules. However, modules in most MR prototypes are large, mechanically complex, expensive, and difficult to manufacture. Soldercubes partially overcome this contradiction through optimizing some components for volume manufacturing processes. With the integration of a soldering connector which weighs only 2 g and has no moving parts, Soldercubes are among the cheapest, lightest and smallest among comparable self-reconfiguring MR systems. This paper describes the Soldercube module design in detail, reports on experiments in a lattice configuration, explores non-lattice applications of the system, and discusses the effects of utilising volume manufacturing processes in module production. All Soldercubes design files are released as open source hardware.
Evidence of technetium and iodine release from a sodalite-bearing ceramic waste form

Abstract Sodalites have been proposed as a possible host of certain radioactive species, specifically 99 Tc and 129 I, which may be encapsulated into the cage structure of the mineral. To demonstrate the ability of this framework silicate mineral to encapsulate and immobilize 99 Tc and 129 I, single-pass flow-through (SPFT) tests were conducted on a sodalite-bearing multi-phase ceramic waste form produced through a steam reforming process. Two samples made using a steam reformer samples were produced using non-radioactive I and Re (as a surrogate for Tc), while a third sample was produced using actual radioactive tank waste containing Tc and added Re. One of the non-radioactive samples was produced with an engineering-scale steam reformer while the other non-radioactive sample and the radioactive sample were produced using a bench-scale steam reformer. For all three steam reformer products, the similar steady-state dilute-solution release rates for Re, I, and Tc at pH (25 °C) = 9 and 40 °C were measured. However, it was found that the Re, I, and Tc releases were equal or up to 4.5x higher compared to the release rates of the network-forming elements, Na, Al, and Si. The similar releases of Re and Tc in the SPFT test, and the similar time-dependent shapes of the release curves for samples containing I, suggest that Re, Tc, and I partition to the sodalite minerals during the steam reforming process.
Global Trends in Information Reporting and Canada's Approach

The panel participants discuss reporting requirements for uncertain tax positions and for authorities’ risk assessment of taxpayers in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada; disclosure requirements for specific transactions in those countries; and the potential impact of the requirements on taxpayers and tax advisers.
Prediction of aggregate and pavement polishing

Pavement life is determined by structural performance and degradation of the properties controlling wet friction between tires and pavement. Expulsion of the water from the interface is controlled by aggregate size, binder and mix design. Friction develops where most of the water has been displaced and depends on aggregate microtexture. Traffic reduces this fine texture, but the polishing is not a simple, continuous process. During certain periods the process reverses. Dust and other contaminants further complicate the process. Laboratory machines and procedures are described, which attempt to duplicate the process. Results are presented and the utility of the procedures for pavement management systems is discussed.
Tailoring the SERS Enhancement Mechanisms of Silver Nanowire Langmuir–Blodgett Films via Galvanic Replacement Reaction

We report a new facile route for preparing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with tailored enhancement mechanisms. Silver nanowires were assembled using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB)...
Temperature and Dose Dependence of Metal Colloid Production in Alpha-Irradiated CaF2 Single Crystals

Single crystals of CaF 2 were irradiated with 5.8 MeV alpha particles from a 244 Cm source, and the absorbance spectra were recorded as a function of dose and temperature. Absorbance from the metal colloid band increases with dose at all temperatures. The colloid band exhibits a sharp increase in rate of growth over a narrow temperature range with a peak at 150°C. After a dose of 1.4 x 10 16 α/cm 2 at 150°C, the intensity of the colloid band is a factor of 7 to 8 higher than the intensity produced at 100 and 200°C. The optimum temperature (150°C) for colloid formation in CaF 2 under the alpha-irradiation conditions (σ5 x 10 8 rad/h) of this study is significantly higher than the peak temperature (60°C) reported for colloid production in electron irradiated CaF 2 at slightly higher dose rates (σ10 9 rad/h). Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy of the irradiated crystals reveals dislocation loops and small dark clusters as the dominant microstructural features.
Life History and Gall Development of Mordwilkoja vagabunda (Homoptera: Aphidae) on Populus deltoides

A review of the taxonomy of this species is followed by descriptions of all the known stages, some of which are newly described, and by an account of the life history in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota. Fundatrices hatched from overwintered eggs between May 10 and 16, most commonly within old galls remaining from previous infestations. First-instar fundatrices fed gregariously on growing stem-apices to produce a visible gall within a week. Plant growth continued so as to enclose a fundatrix in a gall, where she completed development and produced fundatrigeniae. The fundatrigeniae likewise developed within these galls, with nymphs first recorded on June 8, pupae on June 18, and alate adults on June 25. Over 80,000 fundatrigeniae were recovered from 458 galls that were collected in one season. Migration of alate fundatrigeniae from the galls to an undiscovered secondary host began on June 26 and continued for 51 days. Twenty galls kept under observation during this period produced 12,294 alates. The seasonal peak of migration occurred between July 5 and 8, the daily maximum about 90 minutes after sunrise. Probably two (possibly three) generations of alienicolae on the secondary host preceded the return, beginning on September 15, of alate sexuparae to the old galls on the cottonwoods and their production there of male and female sexuales. The larger galls, particularly those higher in the trees, became more heavily infested with sexuparae than smaller galls at lower levels. Sexuales completed four molts, then mated; and each female laid one egg in the old gall, 3 to 5 days after mating.
Forty Years of Dengue Surveillance at a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 1973–2012

Long-term observational studies can provide valuable insights into overall dengue epidemiology. Here, we present analysis of dengue cases at a pediatric hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, during a 40-year period from 1973 to 2012. Data were analyzed from 25,715 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue virus (DENV) infection. Several long-term trends in dengue disease were identified including an increase in mean age of hospitalized cases from an average of 7-8 years, an increase after 1990 in the proportion of post-primary cases for DENV-1 and DENV-3, and a decrease in the proportion of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome cases in primary and post-primary cases over time. Exploratory mechanistic analysis of these observed trends considered changes in diagnostic methods, demography, force of infection, and Japanese encephalitis vaccination as possible explanations. Thailand is an important setting for studying DENV transmission as it has a "mature" dengue epidemiology with a strong surveillance system in place since the early 1970s. We characterized changes in dengue epidemiology over four decades, and possible impact of demographic and other changes in the human population. These results may inform other countries where similar changes in transmission and population demographics may now or may soon be occurring.
Mission analysis for a micro RF ion thruster for cubesat orbital maneuvers

The performance of a micro RF ion thruster is analyzed for several CubeSat orbital maneuver strategies. Mission simulations are performed for various types of trajectory control, including thrust at perigee only; intermittent thrust for a passive, magnetically stabilized spacecraft; and constant and pulsed thrust along the velocity vector. For each case, the propulsion system efficiency and maximum orbit change are evaluated. Constraints on power, fuel mass, and mission duration are considered. The most effective combinations of thruster operational modes and trajectory control strategies are discussed.
VISION -- Interactive and Selective Visualization for Management of NFV-Enabled Networks

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) enhances the flexibility of network service provisioning and reduces the time to services deployment. NFV and SDN promises transform the carrier networks, introducing innovation in the network core. NFV moves packet processing from dedicated hardware middleboxes to Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs), which run on virtual machines hosted on commercial off-the-shelf servers. However, in NFV-enabled networks, the amount of data managed grows in a fast way. Based on this, the network operator must understand and manipulate a lot of information to effectively manage the network. In this paper, we introduce the VISION, a platform to help the network operator to determine the cause of problems based on visualizations techniques. Our platform implements a set of interactive and selective visualizations to assist in the NFV management. Finally, we conducted three cases studies to provide evidences of the feasibility of our platform.
L-arginine decreases infarct size caused by middle cerebral arterial occlusion in SHR.

L-Arginine, but not D-arginine, serves as a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a potent dilator of cerebral blood vessels. We examined the effects of administering L-arginine (300 mg...
Assessment of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as a predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) in metastatic melanoma (MM) patients (pts) treated with high-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2).

9096 Background: HD IL-2 is an approved immunotherapy that can achieve durable cures in MM pts. Due to toxicity and low ORR, identification of predictors of clinical benefit would enhance pt select...
Brustkrebs und Schwangerschaft

Ist die Prognose eines Mammakarzinoms an und fur sich vielfach zweifelhaft, so wird sie beim Zusammentreffen mit einer Graviditat noch wesentlich unsicherer.
Utilizing the Zebrafish Neurophenome Project (ZNP) Database for Analyses of Complex Neurophenotypes in Zebrafish Models

As the rate of biomedical discovery is rising exponentially, electronic databases have become particularly effective in organizing and sharing scientific knowledge. Due to a well-characterized genome, robust behavioral responses and physiological similarity to humans, the zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) has emerged as a useful species for neurobehavioral research. The growing utility of this model organism requires the development of specialized databases of zebrafish neurophenotypes, such as the Zebrafish Neurophenome Project (ZNP) ( http://www.tulane.edu/~znpindex/search ). Representing a new bioinformatics-based tool, the ZNP interactive searchable database consolidates neurobehavioral and related physiological phenotypes obtained in various zebrafish models and tests. This chapter outlines the contribution of the ZNP to increased accessibility of current zebrafish neurobiological knowledge, and discusses how this database may be used for various research projects.
Biological Control of the Psychodidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Simuliidae (Diptera), Including New Data on the Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Israelensis on Simuliidae

Biological control of the Psychodidae (moth flies and sand flies) and the Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) by pathogens or parasites will require a more intensive research effort in the future if their potential as biocontrol agents is to be realized. Numerous pathogenic and parasitic organisms have been described associated with these Diptera, but limited effort has been made to study and develop them for use. Indeed, an active search for biocontrol agents of these two families must be a continuing effort. In contrast, a number of pathogens and parasites affecting the Simuliidae (blackflies) have been described and tested successfully, especially Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (see Undeen and Nagel, 1978). Other potential agents for biocontrol of the Simuliidae include viruses, fungi, micro-sporidia, and mermithid nematodes.
Experimental evaluation of anode surface cooling on self-organization pattern formation in atmospheric DC glows

Plasma self-organization patterns have been experimentally observed on both liquid and metal anode surface in atmospheric pressure glows. However, the origin of the self-organized pattern formation is still poorly understood and is currently under study. Computational modeling of free burning arcs most recently by Trelles suggests that pattern formation is sensitive to anode cooling and thus the pattern formation may be a consequence of a thermally driven instability.1 In this present work, active anode surface cooling was implemented for both liquid and metal surfaces to study its effect on self-organization pattern formation. In particular, the power deposited into the anode surfaces was investigated as a function of discharge parameters (current and voltage) and anode work function. An effective anode fall voltage is inferred from the power deposition measurements, which allows for a local estimation of the reduced electric field in the region of the anode spots. Fast camera imaging along with emission spectroscopy is used to document changes in the character of the anode spot plasma with operating condition.
Variability of Blazars and Blazar Models over 38 Years

Since 1978, when BL Lac objects and violently variable quasars were married to become “blazars”, physical interpretations of the phenomenon have evolved. Remarkably, though, the general picture of relativistic jets beaming their radiation in our direction, proposed that year by Blandford and Rees, remains intact. The main stress on theoretical models has come from observations that reveal ever more extreme variability requiring rampant particle acceleration on time-scales of minutes, often parsecs away from the central black hole. Here the author reviews many of the observations and theoretical ideas that have shaped his studies of blazars over about 40 years. This leads to his preferred scenario that blazar jets contain a helical magnetic field close to the black hole, turbulent plasma on parsecs scales, and both standing and moving shock waves. Particle acceleration can then occur in multiple stages involving the second-order Fermi process, magnetic reconnections, and modest jumps in energy at shock fronts. The most extreme variability, as well as brightness temperatures ~100 times the inverse Compton limit, probably require occasional exceptionally high bulk Lorentz factors. These can result, for example, from supersonic, relativistic turbulence, or ultra-relativistic flows propelled from sites of magnetic reconnection. Future efforts in these and other areas can determine whether these potential solutions are valid.
Highly Preorganized Ligand 1,10-Phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic Acid for the Selective Recovery of Uranium from Seawater in the Presence of Competing Vanadium Species.

Studies of the complexation of new promising ligands with uranyl (UO22+) and other seawater cations can aid the development of more efficient, selective, and robust sorbents for the recovery of uranium from seawater. In this work, we propose that the ligand design principles based on structural preorganization can be successfully applied to obtain a dramatic enhancement in UO22+ ion binding affinity and selectivity. This concept is exemplified through the investigation of the complexes of UO22+, VO2+, and VO2+ with the highly preorganized ligand 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid (PDA) using a combination of fluorescence and absorbance techniques, along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The measured stability constant value, log K1, of 16.5 for the UO22+/PDA complex is very high compared to uranyl complexes with other dicarboxylic ligands. Moreover, PDA exhibits strong selectivity for uranyl over vanadium ions, since the determined stability constant values of the PDA complexes of ...
MLL -Rearranged ALL Cells Are Highly Dependent On the Expression of EP300-Interacting Inhibitor of Differentiation 1 (EID1)

Abstract 1462 MLL -rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a difficult to treat type of leukemia, for which alternative and more adequate treatment options are still urgently needed. Various genome-wide transcriptome studies, including ours, have shown that MLL -rearranged ALL patients display highly unique gene expression profiles. In search of new and valid therapeutic targets to which more adequate treatments could be developed, we constantly screen our gene expression profiling data for potential candidates. In the present study we set out to investigate EID1 (EP300-interacting inhibitor of differentiation 1), which we found highly and specifically expressed in MLL -rearranged ALL cells. Validating this observation, quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed that EID1 expression was significantly higher in MLL -rearranged ALL cells as compared with other ALL subtypes or healthy bone marrow samples. Next, we performed shRNA-mediated knockdown of EID1 in MLL -rearranged ALL cells, which resulted in a dramatic reduction of viable cells. Subsequently, flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that this rapid reduction of cell viability was due to massive induction of apoptosis as well as an abrupt cell cycle arrest. Consequently, it appeared difficult to study the actual function of EID1 over-expression in MLL -rearranged ALL cells. On the other hand, these features make EID1 an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in MLL -rearranged ALL. Hence, further studies on the function of EID1 in MLL -rearranged ALL and exploring the possibilities to inhibit it are warranted. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Active Integrated Antenna Supporting Linear and Circular Polarizations

A patch antenna and class B power amplifier are integrated for size reduction and high power added efficiency (PAE) through harmonic suppression. Harmonic suppressing slits are etched on the patch such that both linear and circular polarizations are supported. The mechanism of the slits is explained, and both components are characterized and examined for performance validation. Measured results show that the harmonic suppression leads to up to 5% improvement in PAE and that the antenna’s radiation pattern is not disturbed by the added harmonic suppressing slits for all supported polarizations.
Chapter 4 – 1700s Classifying Life

The life forms on earth can be arranged hierarchically, based on degrees of similarity. The highest levels of the hierarchy, microbes, fungi, plants, and animals, represent fundamental roles of life on earth. Species, the lowest level in the scheme, are placed within genera. Species in the same genus typically have structures and behavior that vary only in small details. This concept is particularly valuable in helping us to understand the evolution of behavior.
The Dam Breaks: Secular Kant-Interpretation Begins in Earnest

This chapter covers the intensifying look at Kant by two Moscow University professors, one of whom criticized Kant from a rationalist perspective and the other from a perspective deeply indebted to Solov’ev. We also look at the emergence of a small group of young philosophers who attempted to fuse Kant with Marx.
Outcomes of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma with and without association of inverted papilloma: A multi-institutional analysis.

Introduction Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for Methods A retrospective review of patients with SCC and those with IPSCC at Cleveland Clinic and Indiana University from 1995 to 2015. The records were analyzed for demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Results The study comprised 117 patients with SCC, of whom, 29 had IPSCC. The mean age at diagnosis was similar: 63 and 64 years for patients with SCC and patients with IPSCC, respectively; with female patients representing 36% and 34%, respectively (p > 0.99).Smokers represented 64% of the patients with SCC and 55% of patients with IPSCC (p = 0.3); excessive alcohol intake was noted in 16% of the patients with SCC and 21% of the patients with IPSCC (p = 0.56).The maxillary sinus was most commonly involved, followed by the nasal cavity (51% versus 35% SCC, 45% versus 38% IPSCC). Frontal ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses contained primary tumors only in patients with SCC. Upfront treatment was surgery in 84% of patients with SCC and 97% of patients with IPSCC (p = 0.18); 68 and 55% received radiation, respectively, and 25 and 21% received chemotherapy, respectively.Overall survival averaged 5.5 and 3.4 years for patients with SCC and patients with IPSCC, respectively (p = 0.12); disease-free survival was 4.8 and 2.9 years, respectively (p = 0.18). Nodal metastasis was more likely in patients with SCC (18 versus 0%; p = 0.02). When divided into high- and low-stage disease: more common nodal metastases were demonstrated in high-stage SCC than in low-stage disease (p = 0.03). Overall survival was decreased between high- and low-grade disease but not when subdivided between SCC and IPSCC. Conclusion Although SCC with and without IP association are considered different diseases, their demographics and outcomes seem similar. Nodal metastasis was noted to be higher in the SCC cohort, which may indicate different tumor biology. Further study is warranted.
Remembrances from an early follower and leader of the Association for Academic Surgery

Abstract This reflection retraces the evolution of early followers and leaders. Social change and early contributions set the stage for the current Association for Academic Surgery. Perhaps the most important contribution was Dr. George Zuidema's theme of inclusiveness. AAS was a decade ahead of its time in that regard.