cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin-stimulated glucose transport in cultured fibroblasts from normal and noninsulin-dependent (type II) diabetic human subjects

We have studied the effects of insulin on glucose transport in cultured fibroblasts obtained from six normal subjects and six patients with type II or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Initial rates of glucose transport were determined by measurement of 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake. In both normal and diabetic fibroblasts, insulin stimulated the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal level of insulin stimulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake (approximately 35% over basal uptake values) and the half-maximally effective insulin concentration (approximately 1 nM) were essentially the same for both the normal and diabetic fibroblasts. Furthermore, the absolute basal and maximally insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake values were also the same. These results demonstrate that cultured fibroblasts from patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus have normal basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport capacities. Thus, the postreceptor defects in the glucose transport system previously demonstrated in vivo and in freshly isolated adipocytes from type II diabetic patients are most likely due to in vivo environmental factors rather than to an intrinsic (genetic) cellular defect(s).
Differential Effects of Primary Fixation with Glutaraldehyde and Osmium Upon the Membranous Systems of the Strial and External Sulcus Cells

Ultrastructural preservation of the lateral cochlear wall differs between primary osmium fixation and primary glutaraldehyde fixation. Of significance in this study was the fact that whereas glutaraldehyde fixation preserves the parallel plasma membranes of interdigita-tions of the strial and external sulcus cells, fixation with osmium occasionally produces a breakdown of selected areas of membranes into apparent vesicles. The occurrence of these membrane artifacts was more common within the external sulcus cells. Reasons for the differential effects of the fixatives may include their differing modes of action. Care should be taken when evaluating unusual ultrastructure, since the type of fixative employed may be causal.
Robust V-blast MIMO-OFDM channel estimators in time-varying channels using iterativewiener filters

A robust iterative pilot symbol aided modulation (PSAM) channel estimation (CE) approach is proposed for vertical Bell Laboratories layered space-time (V-BLAST) multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems operating on time-varying wireless channels. Since the signals at receive antennas are the superposition of the transmitted signals from multiple transmit antennas in V-BLAST systems, accurate CE is crucial for good error rate performance. Furthermore, since the channel estimator is independently implemented for a MIMO system, the proposed iterative algorithm has an inherent iterative interference cancellation characteristic. Simulation results demonstrate excellent performance of the proposed algorithm on frequency selective fading channels
Low-power hardware synthesis from TRS-based specifications

Synthesis from guarded atomic actions used for high-level descriptions of hardware designs has been shown to be a successful methodology for generating efficient designs (Arvind et al., 2004). This methodology uses CAOS (concurrent action oriented specifications) for hardware description which is based on the idea of term rewriting systems (TRS's) (Baader and Nipkov, 1998; Hoe and Arvind, 1999). A prime example of CAOS is Bluespec where the behavior of a design is described using various guarded atomic actions. Hardware synthesis from such specifications can infer more parallelism than is possible from the traditional methods of behavioral synthesis using CDFGs (control data-flow graphs) (Gupta et al.; Chang and Pedram, 1999; Lakshminarayana et al., 1998). Hardware implementations generated from CAOS can exploit the parallelism germane in the computation and execute maximal set of actions concurrently in order to reduce the latency of the design. The concurrent execution of the actions enhances the performance of the hardware designs in terms of the delay but high power consumption may become an issue when multiple such actions are executed concurrently. Thus, there is a need to reduce power consumption during the CAOS-based synthesis. In this paper, we consider a CAOS similar to Bluespec's model of computation and present two strategies targeting the reduction of peak power and dynamic power in designs generated from such specifications. One strategy uses the re-scheduling of the atomic actions to generate a low-power schedule whereas the other exploits the factorization as well as the re-scheduling of the actions for power reduction.
Electromagnetic synthesis of overlap-gap-coupled microstrip filters

This paper presents a technique for electromagnetic synthesis of microstrip overlap-gap-coupled filters. The algorithm uses a rigorous analysis, which solves an electric field integral equation in the spectral domain using the method of moments, inside an outer loop that optimizes the filter dimensions. A piecewise synthesis procedure generates initial dimensions that provide a good starting point for direct electromagnetic optimization of the complete filter. Measured results for a five-section filter are shown that verify the accuracy of this design method. >
Autonomous Planning of Multigravity-Assist Trajectories with Deep Space Maneuvers Using a Differential Evolution Approach

The biologically inspired concept of hidden genes has been recently introduced in genetic algorithms to solve optimization problems where the number of design variables is variable. In multigravity-assist trajectories, the hidden genes genetic algorithms demonstrated success in searching for the optimal number of swing-bys and the optimal number of deep space maneuvers. Previous investigations in the literature for multigravity-assist trajectory planning problems show that the standard differential evolution is more effective than the standard genetic algorithms. This paper extends the concept of hidden genes to differential evolution. The hidden genes differential evolution is implemented in optimizing multigravity-assist space trajectories. Case studies are conducted, and comparisons to the hidden genes genetic algorithms are presented in this paper.
Fundamental Limitations on Designing Optimally Fault-Tolerant Redundant Manipulators

In this paper, the authors examine the problem of designing nominal manipulator Jacobians that are optimally fault tolerant to one or more joint failures. Optimality is defined here in terms of the worst-case relative manipulability index. While this approach is applicable to both serial and parallel mechanisms, it is especially applicable to parallel mechanisms with a limited workspace. It is shown that a previously derived inequality for the worst-case relative manipulability index is generally not achieved for fully spatial manipulators and that the concept of optimal fault tolerance to multiple failures is more subtle than previously indicated. Lastly, the authors identify the class of 8-DOF Gough--Stewart platforms that are optimally fault tolerant for up to two joint failures. Examples of optimally fault-tolerant 7- and 8-DOF mechanisms are presented.
Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a ubiquitous technique for data analysis and processing, but one which is not based upon a probability model. In this paper we demonstrate how the principal axes of a set of observed data vectors may be determined through maximum-likelihood estimation of parameters in a latent variable model closely related to factor analysis. We consider the properties of the associated likelihood function, giving an EM algorithm for estimating the principal subspace iteratively, and discuss the advantages conveyed by the definition of a probability density function for PCA.
Consumer Concerns of Senior Citizen Center Participants

The greater emphasis being given to the development of education programs and public policy dealing with the consumer problems of the elderly creates a need for systematically assessing the specific problems this group perceives. This paper reports an in-depth study that identified and compared consumer concerns and educational interests of senior citizen center participants in three age groups (55–64, 65–74, and 75 and over) living in rural and urban areas. The frequency with which participants expressed concern with particular areas differed relatively little between subgroups. Urban participants and younger participants expressed higher levels of concern than did rural or older participants. The areas about which the participants were most frequently interested in learning more were medical services and utilities, although many participants indicated they felt no need for consumer education. Television and newspaper articles were the most preferred media for receiving information.
Utilization of Time-Based Techniques in Research and Teaching

This article describes how computer animations, combined with cinematic techniques, have served as a teaching and research tool in architecture. Animations were used in the following areas: case studies of precedents in architecture using the animated modeling as a form of tectonic analysis; conceptualization of space through the study of film, specifically three approaches using film in the early stages of design: cinematic structure, film as site, and transcoding transparency; and mapping the urban fabric combining various time-based media.
Metamaterial-enhanced coupling between magnetic dipoles for efficient wireless power transfer

Nonradiative coupling between conductive coils is a candidate mechanism for wireless energy transfer applications. In this paper we propose a power relay system based on a near-field metamaterial superlens and present a thorough theoretical analysis of this system. We use time-harmonic circuit formalism to describe all interactions between two coils attached to external circuits and a slab of anisotropic medium with homogeneous permittivity and permeability. The fields of the coils are found in the point-dipole approximation using Sommerfeld integrals which are reduced to standard special functions in the long-wavelength limit. We show that, even with a realistic magnetic loss tangent of order 0.1, the power transfer efficiency with the slab can be an order of magnitude greater than free-space efficiency when the load resistance exceeds a certain threshold value. We also find that the volume occupied by the metamaterial between the coils can be greatly compressed by employing magnetic permeability with a large anisotropy ratio.
Changes in Leydig cell ultrastructure and function during pubertal development in the boar.

Changes in the ultrastructure of Leydig cells during pubertal development in the boar (40 to 250 days of age) were assessed using quantitative morphometric procedures, and the results were compared to the in vitro steroidproducing capacity and gonadotropin sensitivity of testicular tissue obtained from the same boars. Volume of individual Leydig cells declined through 100 days of age, increased rapidly to a peak at 130-160 days (i.e., puberty), and then declined to intermediate levels by 220-250 days of age. The pattern of change in the number of intracellular organelles per Leydig cell was very similar to the change that occurred in Leydig cell volume. Changes in the total intracellular volume occupied by each type of organelle were highly correlated with changes in Leydig cell volume (r=0.40-0.99, p<0.01), and this was particularly true for the nucleus (r=0.63), mitochondria (r=0.88), smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER; r=0.97), and total cytoplasm (r=0.99) of the boar Leydig cell. In vitro production of testosterone and estradiol, expressed per Leydig cell, also peaked at 130-160 days, and was highly correlated to average Leydig cell volume, volume of SER, and number and total volume of mitochondria (r=0.63-0.84, p<0.01). Observations in the present study indicated that onset of puberty in boars coincides with a dramatic increase in average Leydig cell size and SER volume per Leydig cell, accompanied by an increase in number of other intracellular organelles, including mitochondria, lysosomes, and lipid droplets, and a peak in the steroid-producing capacity per Leydig cell. A decline in Leydig cell size, intracellular organelles, and sensitivity to gonadotropin stimulation occurred postpubertally.
Methionine in the multifactorial etiology of neural tube defect affected pregnancies.

Abstract PURPOSE: Research in the last 40 years has provided evidence of the role of dietary nutrients in the development of NTDs. Failure of the neural tube to close is one of the most frequent and severe fetal developmental defects. The etiology of NTDs is complex encompassing genetic, dietary, and environmental factors. With regard to diet, it appears that in humans, a combination of low levels of methionine, folate, and Vitamin B 12 may lead to the occurrence of NTDs. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal dietary intake of methionine and the risk of having a NTD affected pregnancy. METHODS: It was hypothesized that women with high maternal dietary methionine intake were at a decreased risk for NTDs. Combinations of methionine and folate without supplements, methionine and folate with supplements, and methionine and Vitamin B 12 and NTD risk were also examined. Data from a case-control study of 170 NTD-affected pregnancies and 269 controls were provided by a CDC sponsored NTD Surveillance, Prevention, and Research Project. RESULTS: There was an approximately 30–55% reduction in NTD risk among women whose average daily dietary intake of methionine was greater than the lowest quartile of intake (>1580 mg/day). The odds ratios (95% CI) associated with the 3 quartiles of methionine intake greater than 1580 mg/day after adjusting for Kcal, race, and BMI were 0.72 (0.4030–1.288), 0.68 (0.3390–1.347), and 0.45 (0.1830–1.088). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a reduction in the risk of having a NTD affected pregnancy is associated with maternal periconceptional dietary intake of methionine.
Analysis of Road Induced Loads in Bicycle Frames

A five degree-of-freedom model of a bicycle and rider was developed to investigate the system response to inputs from the road as the first step in a unique fatigue failure analysis of a bicycle frame. Transfer functions relating the induced frame loads and the road input spectra are given, as are the frame load spectra for realistic levels of road inputs. The transfer functions show that the system is lightly damped and responds more strongly to inputs at the rear wheel than to inputs at the front. The load spectra show that the load picture is one of small fluctuations around a relatively large static offset.
iLayer: Toward an Application Access Control Framework for Content Management Systems

Content Management Systems (CMS) simplify the process of web content creation, publication, and management. Many CMS platforms are extensible via third party developed applications providing additional functionality such as search, site navigation, and location services. However, most CMS platforms don't have manageable access control mechanisms that regulate third party applications. Unfettered and unchecked access of third party applications is a security vulnerability that puts web sites at risk. We introduce iLayer -- an Application Access Control Framework for Content Management Systems. iLayer is a least privilege based model that protects content management systems from third party developed applications. iLayer makes policy recommendations to CMS administrators for third party applications. These policies are reviewed and set by the CMS administrator and enforced by the iLayer Framework. To verify the feasibility of our approach, we implemented a prototype of our framework on a popular open source content management system.
The insect immune response and other putative defenses as effective predictors of parasitism

Parasitic wasps and flies (parasitoids) exert high mortality on caterpillars, and previous studies have demonstrated that most primary and secondary defenses do not protect caterpillars against parasitoids. We investigated the efficacy of tertiary defenses (i.e., immune responses) against parasitoids. Using a bead injection technique to measure the immune response and a 15-year database to measure parasitism, we compared the immune response for 16 species of caterpillars in nine different families. We found that caterpillar species with a strong immune response had the lowest incidence of parasitism, and when statistically compared to other defensive traits, the immune response was the best predictor of parasitism. Parasitoids either avoid attacking caterpillar species with a capacity for high levels of melanization or are killed once they have parasitized. In either case, the immune response is clearly one of the most effective defenses that caterpillars have against parasitism, and elucidating consistent predictors of variation in encapsulation could improve understanding of parasitism patterns in time and space and could enhance biological control efforts.
Regional tests of Okun's law

"Okun's law" describes an enduring empirical observation first made by Arthur Okun, relating departures from the natural rate of unemployment to changes in real output. This paper employs a recent development in trend-cycle decomposition of economic time series to measure the Okun coefficient using U.S. national and regional data. The key finding of this paper is that the value of the coefficient measuring the change in real output per unit of change in the unemployment rate, both measured as departures from equilibrium, is stable at a value of about 2 for all time periods and across regions of the U.S., irrespective of the method used to measure equilibrium output and employment.
Laser Surface Alloying and Cladding for Corrosion and Wear

In order to develop corrosion- and wear-resistant surfaces, two processes, laser surface alloying and laser surface cladding, were used. They are discussed in turn.
Initiation of Infection by Deoxyribonucleic Acid From Bacteriophage λ

Kinetic studies conducted on the early stages of infection of Escherichia coli K-12 by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from bacteriophage lambda indicate a rapid adsorption of the phage DNA to receptor sites at the bacterial surface prior to deoxyribonuclease-insensitive incorporation. A direct relationship found between the number of DNA molecules adsorbed per bacterium and the multiplicity of helper phage infection indicates a requirement for helper function during the attachment process. An apparent lack of attachment specificity with regard to the source of the DNA preparation, to the size of the inhibiting fragment, to the base ratio of the inhibiting DNA molecule, and to "cohesive" ends suggests a nonspecific interaction between the infectious DNA and the sites of helper phage attachment.
Simplified technique for combined silicone oil removal during phacoemulsification with standard or toric intraocular lens implantation

We describe a simple automated technique for silicone oil removal at the time of phacoemulsification combined with standard or toric intraocular lens implantation using the phacoemulsification handpiece in irrigation/aspiration mode. No additional corneal or scleral incisions are needed, and no specialized vitreoretinal instrumentation is required.
Ethanol and Distiller’s Grain: Implications of the Multiproduct Firm on United States Bioenergy Policy

The use of corn for ethanol production has spawned considerable debate. There is little agreement among economists as to whether U.S. ethanol policy generates a welfare net loss or welfare net gain to society [16]. In modeling the impact of ethanol policy, there are several key components, including, for example, the impact of increased ethanol output on gasoline prices. If the impact is positive, the benefits from ethanol policy exceed the costs, but the reverse can be true if the impact is small or nonexistent [15]. More recently, the potential effect of an ethanol byproduct (distiller’s grain) has become increasingly important. According to Dennis Conley “We’re set on ethanol as the product and distiller’s grain as the byproduct, but that could shift. Distiller’s grain may become the product and ethanol the byproduct” [2]. Given that the ethanol process removes nutritional content from the corn in the process of creating ethanol, the primary profit center for distillers will likely continue to be ethanol. However, the potential value of distiller’s grain undoubtedly affects the profitability of ethanol producers. This chapter incorporates some of the effects of distiller’s grain into the benefit-cost of ethanol policy. It is possible that some of these considerations may yield a benefit-cost ratio greater than one if that is not already the case in the absence of distiller’s grain.
A Comparison of Surface Wave- and SPT-Derived Shear-Wave Velocity

Shear wave velocity (Vs) calculated from Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and from multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) are consistent in their prediction of Vs. This analysis was based upon SPT and MASW data from ten localities representing four different depositional environments across North America. Homogeneous deposits then to produce the closest agreement between MASW- and SPT-derived Vs. Poorly sorted deposits produce the least consistent agreement between MASW- and SPT-derived Vs. Further, at depths of greater than 20 meters (m) below grade, the prediction of Vs between the 2 methods can differ.
Translational regulation of oskar mRNA occurs independent of the cap and poly(A) tail in Drosophila ovarian extracts.

Translational regulation plays a prominent role in Drosophila body patterning. Progress in elucidating the underlying mechanisms has been limited by the lack of a homologous in vitro system that supports regulation. Here we show that extracts prepared from Drosophila tissues are competent for translation. Ovarian extracts, but not embryonic extracts, support the Bruno response element- and Bruno-dependent repression of oskar mRNA translation, which acts in vivo to prevent protein synthesis from transcripts not localized to the posterior pole of the oocyte. Consistent with suggestive evidence from in vivo experiments, regulation in vitro does not involve changes in poly(A) tail length. Moreover, inhibition studies strongly suggest that repression does not interfere with the process of 5′ cap recognition. Translational regulation mediated through the Bruno response elements is thus likely to occur via a novel mechanism.
The Alpha Subunit of Nitrile Hydratase Is Sufficient for Catalytic Activity and Post-Translational Modification

Nitrile hydratases (NHases) possess a mononuclear iron or cobalt cofactor whose coordination environment includes rare post-translationally oxidized cysteine sulfenic and sulfinic acid ligands. This cofactor is located in the α-subunit at the interfacial active site of the heterodimeric enzyme. Unlike canonical NHases, toyocamycin nitrile hydratase (TNHase) from Streptomyces rimosus is a unique three-subunit member of this family involved in the biosynthesis of pyrrolopyrimidine antibiotics. The subunits of TNHase are homologous to the α- and β-subunits of prototypical NHases. Herein we report the expression, purification, and characterization of the α-subunit of TNHase. The UV–visible, EPR, and mass spectra of the α-subunit TNHase provide evidence that this subunit alone is capable of synthesizing the active site complex with full post-translational modifications. Remarkably, the isolated post-translationally modified α-subunit is also catalytically active with the natural substrate, toyocamycin, as well...
DksA-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation in Salmonella Experiencing Nitrosative Stress

Redox-based signaling is fundamental to the capacity of bacteria to sense, and respond to, nitrosative and oxidative stress encountered in natural and host environments. The conserved RNA polymerase regulatory protein DksA is a thiol-based sensor of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. DksA-dependent transcriptional control promotes antinitrosative and antioxidative defenses that contribute to Salmonella pathogenesis. The specific adaptive changes mediated by DksA in response to reactive species, however, have not been elucidated. Herein, we characterize DksA-dependent changes in gene expression in Salmonella enterica experiencing nitrosative stress. Genome-wide expression analysis of wild-type and ΔdksA Salmonella exposed to the nitric oxide ((•)NO) donor DETA NONOate demonstrated (•)NO- and DksA-dependent regulatory control of 427 target genes. Transcriptional changes centered primarily on genes encoding aspects of cellular metabolism. Several antioxidants and oxidoreductases important in redox buffering, (•)NO detoxification, and damage repair were also observed to be up-regulated in an (•)NO- and DksA-dependent manner. Compared to wild-type bacteria, (•)NO-treated ΔdksA Salmonella exhibited a de-repression of genes encoding components of iron homeostasis and failed to activate sulfur assimilation and cysteine biosynthetic operons. As cysteine is integral to efficient antinitrosative and antioxidative defense and repair programs, we further examined the redox-responsive transcriptional control of cysteine biosynthesis by DksA. These investigations revealed that the activation of genes comprising cysteine biosynthesis also occurs in response to hydrogen peroxide, is dependent upon the redox-sensing zinc finger motif of DksA, and requires the transcriptional regulator CysB. Our observations demonstrate that DksA mediates global adaptation to nitrosative stress in Salmonella and provide unique insight into a novel regulatory mechanism by which cysteine biosynthesis is controlled in response to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
The association of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in placental cells.

SummaryA characteristic complex of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum occurs in the yolk sac epithelium of carnivores and guinea pigs, and in the cytotrophoblastic cells of Langhans in the human placenta. In this complex, ribosomes are located predominantly on the cisternal membrane facing the mitochondrion. The significance of this complex is discussed briefly with respect both to protein synthesis and to fetal physiology.
Hierarchical porous activated carbon for supercapacitor derived from corn stalk core by potassium hydroxide activation

Abstract Hierarchical porous activated carbon (AC) was obtained from corn stalk pith with a hierarchical macroporous nature, which is composed of cells of soft and spongy texture. The high specific surface area (2495 m 2 g −1 ) of the activated carbon (AC) was produced by the activation of corn stalk core (CSC) using potassium hydroxide at 700 °C. SEM, TEM and XRD were used to test the microstructure and crystallographic orientation of the carbon samples. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were measured based on CSC-700. This sample had relatively low inner resistance of 1.0 Ω. The specific capacitance was 323 F g −1 in 6 mol L −1 KOH electrolyte at a current density of 0.1 A g −1 , and it still maintained very good cyclic stability with capacitance retention ratio of 97.9% (from 265.0 to 262.4 F g −1 ) at current density of 1.0 A g −1 for 1000 cycles.
Nasals and Nasalization in Spanish and Portuguese: Perception, phonetics and phonology

Nasality, whether part of a consonant or vowel, has certain phonetic and phonological characteristics that lead to outcomes seen time and again in languages with and without common ancestries. Spanish and Portuguese constitute a particularly fruitful language pairing for studying phonological aspects of synchronic and diachronic variation, given their intimate relationship as well as the array of dialectal variation in each. This research monograph offers a comprehensive exploration of nasals and nasalization in Spanish and Portuguese with a special focus on the role of perception in order to provide insight into how perception informs models of phonetics, phonology and language change. Of interest to researchers and advanced students alike, this volume integrates phonetic and phonological models of speech perception and production, and discusses these with regards to original empirical research on the perception of nasal place features and vowel nasalization by listeners of Peninsular Spanish, Cuban Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
Media Concentration and Democracy: Solutions and Responses

It is now time to take stock. Chapter 1 provides three main reasons to favor maximum feasible dispersal of media ownership. This dispersal provides for a presumptively more egalitarian distribution of power within the public sphere, reflecting normative premises of democracy. Dispersal also provides various democratic safeguards – both safeguards against undemocratic, potentially demagogic abuse of power and safeguards in the form of likely better performance of the media's watchdog role. Finally, a major cause of media dysfunction reflects market incentives to focus maximally on the bottom line rather than on quality and media that people value. Structural economic theory and sociological theory, both reinforced with empirical evidence, suggest that media conglomerates, especially publicly traded media conglomerates, are more likely than other ownership patterns to exhibit this collectively dysfunctional profit-maximizing behavior. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 consider and reject counterarguments that assert that media concentration is not today a real problem or that restricting this concentration creates First Amendment objections. In response to this final point, however, chapter 4 emphasizes a theory of complex democracy that had been only marginally discussed in chapter 1. Complex democracy supports not only the argument of chapter 1 for maximum dispersal of ownership but also a reason to favor inclusive and presumptively larger media entities capable of supporting societal-wide discourses. With this background, which media policies related to ownership are best? That question is the subject of this chapter. The first issue is identifying ideal ownership restrictions. Two initial observations should be made.
Comprehensive identification and clustering of CLV3/ESR-related (CLE) genes in plants finds groups with potentially shared function

CLV3/ESR (CLE) proteins are important signaling peptides in plants. The short CLE peptide (12-13 amino acids) is cleaved from a larger pre-propeptide and functions as an extracellular ligand. The CLE family is large and has resisted attempts at classification because the CLE domain is too short for reliable phylogenetic analysis and the pre-propeptide is too variable. We used a model-based search for CLE domains from 57 plant genomes and used the entire pre-propeptide for comprehensive clustering analysis. In total, 1628 CLE genes were identified in land plants, with none recognizable from green algae. These CLEs form 12 groups within which CLE domains are largely conserved and pre-propeptides can be aligned. Most clusters contain sequences from monocots, eudicots and Amborella trichopoda, with sequences from Picea abies, Selaginella moellendorffii and Physcomitrella patens scattered in some clusters. We easily identified previously known clusters involved in vascular differentiation and nodulation. In addition, we found a number of discrete groups whose function remains poorly characterized. Available data indicate that CLE proteins within a cluster are likely to share function, whereas those from different clusters play at least partially different roles. Our analysis provides a foundation for future evolutionary and functional studies.
An improved model for droplet solidification on a flat surface

An existing model of the deformation and solidification of a single droplet impinging on a cold surface has been revised and improved. The original model is based on a two-dimensional axisymmetric flow approximation of the velocity field, the Neumann solution to the one-dimensional Stefan solidification problem, and an integral mechanical energy balance. The improved model features a more appropriate velocity field which satisfies the no-shear boundary condition at the free surface, and an accurate derivation of the dissipation term from the mechanical energy equation. This equation has been solved numerically. Comparisons of the original and the improved models have been performed. Results show that the original model over-estimates the final splat size by about 10%. The discrepancy is more pronounced at larger Weber numbers, where viscous effects dominate. The effects of the Weber number, We, the Reynolds numbers, Re, and the solidification parameter have been investigated through detailed numerical calculations. Two regimes of spreading/solidification have been identified. If Re/We is small, the process is one of dissipation of the incident droplet kinetic energy; whereas for large values of Re/We the process can rather be characterized as a transfer between kinetic and potential energy. In the latter case, the variations of the final splat size versus the solidification constant exhibit a non-monotonic behaviour. This indicates that, for a given material, the deposition process can be optimized. Correlations relating the final splat size to the process parameters are given.
Formation of square lattices in coupled pattern-forming systems

A wide variety of natural and labo-ratory systems can produce patterns of ripples, hexagons, or squares. The formation of stable square patterns from partial differential equation models requires specific cubic nonlinearities involving higher-order derivatives. Motivated by plant phyllotaxis, we demonstrate that the coupling of more than one pattern-forming system can produce square patterns without these special nonlinearities.
Parking distributions on trees

Abstract We consider a generalization of parking functions to parking distributions on trees and study the unordered version and a q -analogue. We give an efficient way to form generating functions to compute these values and establish the positivity and log-concavity of a related polynomial. We also connect the unordered parking distributions on caterpillars (trees whose removal of leaves results in a path) to restricted lattice walks.
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Pain, Fatigue, Depressive, and Cognitive Symptoms Reveals Significant Daily Variability in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective To describe the daily variability and patterns of pain, fatigue, depressed mood, and cognitive function in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Extreme Weather, Biotechnology, and Corn Productivity

U.S. agriculture has made impressive strides over the past 50 years in crop yield and input productivity growth, especially since the advent of genetically-modified crops in 1996. However, future growth rates could decline if U.S. agriculture does not sufficiently adapt to climate change. We examine the magnitudes of weather impacts on U.S. corn yields during 1960–2011—with a focus on intense precipitation and nitrogen use efficiency—and use the empirical results to forecast yields for the subsequent 20 years (2012-2031). We improve upon past methodologies by employing dynamic Bayesian regressions. These dynamic models permit rapid updating of new information, consistent with both pronounced yield growth in recent years and agricultural adaptation to changing growing conditions. We find that corn yields will increase by 27–41% over 2011 yields in top-growing states, though yields will gradually decline in less-productive states where climate change impacts could be among the most harmful. Our forecasts are generally robust to the empirical specification and assumptions about the econometric disturbance term, and have similar out-of-sample performance. To the extent that increasingly intense rainfall could contribute to nitrogen and other nutrient leaching, farmers may need to adjust nutrient applications in response to changing production environments.
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction: Widening the Net.

Accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk in the clinical setting is important for appropriate management and counseling of patients and for identification of biological pathways. Classic models, including the Framingham risk score,1 have combined strong correlates of risk, such as age, with modifiable factors, such as blood pressure and lipids, into a single model. That structure has been retained by the most recent pooled cohort equations from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines.2 The article by Ambale-Venkatesh et al3 in the current issue uses a different framework for prediction and risk factor identification and results in an array of identified risk factors across multiple outcomes. Article, see p 1092 Ambale-Venkatesh et al build on the strengths of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), which collected extensive baseline and outcome data on the participants and included an ethnically diverse cohort by design. The MESA cohort has been a source of key insights in the use of markers, such as coronary calcium to predict risk,4 and the findings in MESA have been widely replicated in other cohorts. In this article, the authors took advantage of as much of the information as possible, examining 735 variables across a range of different domains, including …
Explaining technological impacts without determinism: Fred Cottrell’s sociology of technology and energy

Abstract Fred Cottrell’s pioneering work on the energy-society interface is built on a sociology able to explain technology’s social and environmental impacts without relying on technological determinism. While technology conditions the types of possible social structures and value hierarchies that are amendable to its physical feedback and the range of ends that can be pursued through its use, societies choose whether or not to adopt technologies, and how they are used, based on preexisting social structures, values, ecological and geographical conditions, and, as stressed by Cottrell, power inequalities. Through this framework, Cottrell made substantial and still pertinent contributions, including a call for a social science that is conscious of the likelihood of future shrinking energy throughput relevant to discussions surrounding planned economic contraction (“degrowth”). To help illuminate the unique elements of his approach, Cottrell is compared to the following overlapping figures: Leslie A. White, Julian Steward, Lewis Mumford, and Howard T. Odum.
Management of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers at Primary Care Level in Qatar :An Alternative Paradigm in Wound Healing

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic Diabetic footulcers (CDFU) are associated with increased morbidity, mortality especially indeveloping countries. This cohort study assess the efficacy (CDFU)management at primary care & identifypredictive criteria of failure. METHODS: We conducted a 5-year retrospective cohort study withprospective long-term follow-up of all patients with (CDFU) who presented to Umgwalinah Health Centre, Doha, Qatar. Average follow-up was 1 year. Failure of healing of (CDFU) was themain outcome measure.Independent predictor variables were selected by logisticregression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients with diabetes were managed forvarious foot lesions as follows. Five patients (4%) of 126 underwent immediate amputation. Primary care led approach was successful for 91(92.86%) of 98 neuropathic ulcers, 3(30%) of 10 neuro-ischemic ulcer, 2(66%) of 3 Charcot foot ulceration, 4(100%) of 4 patients with second degree burns & 6(100%) of 6 traumatic foot ulceration or (Pl.001,chi2 for trend).Independent factors predictive of failure to heal were presence of osteomyelitis(odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.3), increased Hemoglobin A1C level (OR = 1.002; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3), severe peripheral vascular disease(OR = 1.0, 95% CI,1.0-1.03),prior hospitalization for(CDFU) (OR = 1.4; 95%CI, 1.2-1.6) & gangrenous lesion(OR = 1.7; 95% CI,1.3-2.1). No side effects were reported and there was a high level of satisfaction (patients and staff). CONCLUSIONS: Primary care based management of (CDFU) is efficacious, safeand acceptable. These findings may lead to a substantial reduction in the costof (CDFU) in the third world. Future comparative studies utilizing randomized controlled trials must be conducted in order to accurately assess the efficacy of primary care in managing (CDFU).
Crowding Affects Health, Growth, and Behavior in Headstart Pens for Agassiz's Desert Tortoise

Abstract Worldwide, scientists have headstarted threatened and endangered reptiles to augment depleted populations. Not all efforts have been successful. For the threatened Agassiz's desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), one challenge to recovery is poor recruitment of juveniles into adult populations, and this is being addressed through headstart programs. We evaluated 8 cohorts of juvenile desert tortoises from 1 to 8 yrs old in a headstart program at Edwards Air Force Base, California, for health, behavior, and growth. We also examined capacities of the headstart pens. Of 148 juveniles evaluated for health, 99.3% were below a prime condition index; 14.9% were lethargic and unresponsive; 59.5% had protruding spinal columns and associated concave scutes; 29.1% had evidence of ant bites; and 14.2% had moderate to severe injuries to limbs or shell. Lifetime growth rates for juveniles 1–8 yrs of age were approximately two times less than growth rates reported for wild populations. Tortoises in older cohorts...
Analysis and application of the En transposable element and genetic study of resistance to Bipolaris maydis in maize

15 Introduction 16 Materials and Methods 17 Resiilts 19 Discussion 21 Acknowledgments 25 2. CHROMOSOME LABELING WITH TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN MAIZE 28 Abstract 28 Introduction 29 Materials and Methods 30 Results 31 Discussion 3328 Introduction 29 Materials and Methods 30 Results 31 Discussion 33 3. INSTABILITY OF THE MAIZE DISEASE-RESISTANCE GENE, R p l , m TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT-LADEN LINES 44 Abstract 44 Introduction 45 Materials and Methods 46 Results 48 Discussion 50 Acknowledgments 5244 Introduction 45 Materials and Methods 46 Results 48 Discussion 50 Acknowledgments 52
Social-psychological correlates of adolescent and youthful suicide.

Recently it has been suggested that social-psychological profiles of suicide attempters are useful to identify high-risk persons. There also is evidence that the complexity of interpersonal and intrapersonal factors constrict the extent to which such identification can be made. Using data from a nonprobability sample of 455 adolescent and youthful committers to test the hypothesis that attempters and committers do not differ with respect to environmental and stress-producing factors, the results reveal some differences between committers and attempters. Social-psychological characteristics of committers and factors relating to their social support systems are also discussed in the context of these differences. Language: en
Tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and therapy resistance: an opportunity for multitargeting therapy

Heterogeneity within the cell population is a feature of many tumors. This lack of cellular homogeneity may originate from a number of sources, including differential nutrient status due to the de novo microcirculations of tumors, to infiltration of normal cells into the tumor, and to the hierarchical natures of the cell populations from which cancers arise. Tumors are thought to arise from one or more tumor initiating cells (TIC) within the population and to found hierarchies of progenitors and more differentiated cancer cells. TIC are often derived from tissue stem cells and these cancer stem cells are characterized by resistance to most cytotoxic treatments and by a high metastatic rate. Many of the properties of tumor populations, including the ability to express mutated oncogenes and to evolve new features such as treatment resistance and invasive and metastatic potential appear to depend on the molecular chaperone Hsp90. We discuss the potential of targeting the heterogeneous cell population with Hsp90 inhibitory drugs and its potential ability to inactivate TIC and to block the evolution of new phenotypes in cancer.
The Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Experience

The pandemic H1N1 influenza that began in Mexico in the spring of 2009 spread rapidly to southern California within days and around the world within a few months. Because the genetic make-up of the new virus was novel, several months of lead-in time were required before a suitable vaccine for human use could be produced and distributed. The effort to confront the virus on the part of the World Health Organization which included almost every nation on earth and a vast array of scientists and public health officials was extensive and timely. However, it was the moderate severity of the virus itself that saved global public health from catastrophe. Because of the extensive publicity and research that occurred during the H1N1 pandemic, many lessons were learned that will be useful in confronting future influenza pandemics. A “One Health” approach to prevent, detect, and combat future pandemics is essential.
Detection of firearm discharge residue from skin swabs using trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry

In the present work, a novel workflow for the detection of both elemental and organic constituents of the firearm discharge residue from skin swabs was developed using trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry. The small sample size (<10 μL), high specificity and short analysis time (few min) permits the detection of inorganic residues (IGSR; inorganic gunshot residues) and organic residues (OGSR) from one sample and in a single analysis. The analytical method is based on the simultaneous extraction of inorganic and organic species assisted by the formation organometallic complexes (e.g., 15–5 crown ethers for the sequestering of metals and nitrate species), followed by fast, post-ionization, high resolution mobility (RIMS ∼ 150–250) and mass separations (RMS ∼ 20–40k) with isotopic pattern recognition. The analytical performance is illustrated as a proof of concept for the case of the simultaneous detection of Ba+2, Pb+2, Cu+, K+, NO3−, diphenylamine (DPA), ethyl centralite (EC) and 2,4 dinitrotoluene (DNT) in positive and negative nESI-TIMS-MS modes. Candidate structures are proposed and collisional cross sections are reported for all organic and organometallic species of interest.
Accelerometer based Active Snore Detection for Behavioral Modification

Habitual snoring has been known to increase the risk for serious health problems in addition to affecting the quality of others' sleep. Several recent consumer products aim to automatically detect snoring events and wake the snorer to elicit a posture change. In this paper, we present a study comparing two of the methods, electromyography vs. accelerometry, proposed for automated snoring detection and incorporation of these into a wearable system. The study includes (a) the testing of various sensor configurations and placements to obtain optimal electromyography and accelerometry signals, (b) a review of the accuracy of a variety of snore detection algorithms from previously attained biological signals, and (3) design of an embedded device with integrated sensors and haptic feedback capability. Our preliminary results indicate superiority of accelerometry over electromyography. Further research opportunities to prove the concept and improve the design are then detailed for future work.