cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral Persistence in Neurons Alters Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Functions without Destruction of Brain Cells

Abstract Neurons have a restricted expression of MHC heavy chain molecules which prevents presentation of antigens of infecting viruses. As a result, such infected cells escape immune surveillance and allow the establishment of noncytolytic persistent infection. Here we show that a chronic noncytolytic viral infection both in vitro and in vivo selectively perturbed the expression of GAP-43, a protein that plays a central role in neuronal plasticity processes accompanying learning and memory. GAP-43 expression was greatly decreased in the hippocampus, an area of heightened viral replication, while synaptic density was preserved. Concurrently, the ability to learn tasks was significantly impaired in these persistently infected mice. Yet, infected neurons remained free from structural injury.
Regular multigraphs and their application to the Monte Carlo evaluation of moments of non-linear functions of Gaussian random variables

Abstract This paper expands on the multigraph method for expressing moments of non-linear functions of Gaussian random variables. In particular, it includes a list of regular multigraphs that is needed for the computation of some of these moments. The multigraph method is then used to evaluate numerically the moments of non-Gaussian self-similar processes. These self-similar processes are of interest in various applications and the numerical value of their marginal moments yield qualitative information about the behavior of the probability tails of their marginal distributions.
Characterizing velocity fluctuations in partially resolved turbulence simulations

Many current turbulence model simulations follow the accuracy-on-demand paradigm to partially resolve the flow field for achieving optimal compromise between accuracy and computational effort. In many such approaches, the sub-grid viscosity is modeled using kinetic energy and dissipation of unresolved scales. It is of scientific value and practical utility to characterize the resolved velocity fluctuations of such flow fields to: (i) establish if the computed fields exhibit the self-similarity and scaling properties consistent with physical turbulence and (ii) demonstrate if the flow field tends to the limit of fully-resolved turbulence in a prescribed and controlled manner. Toward this end, we begin by characterizing partially-resolved flow computations as direct numerical simulations of non-Newtonian fluids. This paradigm permits the extension of the Kolmogorov and finite Reynolds number scaling to the computed fields. The statistical behavior of the intermediate and smallest computed scales is then postulated as a function of the degree of resolution. Then it is demonstrated that the flow field in partially-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations behaves in accordance with the adapted Kolmogorov hypotheses in isotropic turbulence computations. Further, the statistics of sub-Kolmogorov fluctuations are demonstrated to be self-similar over a range of resolutions.
The effect of rapid early growth on the physical and electrical properties of heteroepitaxial silicon

In an effort to optimize the semiconducting properties of heteroepitaxial silicon films less than 1 μm in thickness a procedure has been employed in which the substrate surface is covered at a rate in excess of 5 μm/min, and the remainder of the deposit is grown at a rate of 0.3 μm/min. The rapid surface coverage influences the crystallographic and electrical properties of the silicon within 0.9 μm of the sapphire substrate. Correlations are observed between X-ray diffraction profile half-widths, reflection electron (high-energy) diffraction, device mobilities and life time. The distance from the substrate over which aluminum contamination decreases to a constant bulk value, as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry, is in good agreement with the thickness at which complete surface coverage is realized.
DNA Probes for Unambiguous Identification of Listeria monocytogenes Epidemic Clone II Strains

Listeria monocytogenes epidemic clone II (ECII) strains have been responsible for two major multistate outbreaks of food-borne listeriosis in the United States, but their prevalence and ecology remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe DNA probes that unambiguously identify this clonal group. These probes were able to differentiate ECII strains of outbreak, sporadic, or environmental origin from other L. monocytogenes strains of the same serotype (4b).
Acute hydrodynamic forces and apoptosis: A complex question

A second generation flow contraction device was developed and modeled which allows cells to be subjected to well-defined hydrodynamic forces. Studies were conducted with this system on wild-type Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO-K1) and a strain of CHO cells which expresses the human Bcl-2 triangle gene (CHO-bcl-2). In this study, the following questions were asked: (1) Does an acute hydrodynamic force induce apoptosis in wild-type CHO and CHO-bcl-2 cells? (2) Does the type of culture media make a difference with respect to the induction of apoptosis or necrosis? and (3) Does culture history affect induction of apoptosis or necrosis? The results obtained with this new flow contraction device and corresponding computer simulations are consistent with previously published studies with respect to the level of energy dissipation rate (EDR) required to create significant cell lysis. Second, while detectable relative to the control in the T-flask experiments, only a small fraction of the cells become apoptotic when exposed to a sub-lysis level of EDR (<10(8) W x m(-3)). Third, cells cultured in suspension with serum free media do not exhibit any higher or lower sensitivity (with respect to apoptosis) to various levels of EDR when compared to control cultures grown in T-flask and serum containing media; on the other hand, necrosis is significantly increased in experiments performed on suspended cells without serum. Fourth, the addition of the Bcl-2 gene product might slightly reduce the occurrence of apoptosis in T-flask culture; however, the baseline response is so low that the difference is insignificant.
An iterative solution to the second order eigenvalue equation with periodic boundary conditions

A procedure for determining the ground state eigenvalue and eigenfunction of the Sturm-Liouville equation with periodic boundary conditions has been developed. This procedure is based on Picard's method, which, through the use of Chebyshev polynomials, provides for an efficient computational scheme.
Intrinsic Torsional Viscosity in a Narrow Tube of Nematic Liquid Crystal

We dcscribe two phenomena which can occur in crystalline liquids and which are analogues of effects that occur in superconductors. The first concerns the acquisition of torsional viscosity. rather ...
The relationship between degree of acculturation and adjustment difficulties among Korean immigrants living in a Western society

ABSTRACT When immigrating to a new society individuals typically have different behavioural patterns and cultural values than the host country. These differences often lead to acculturation difficulties among immigrants. The purpose of this study was to examine how behavioural and value acculturation affects cultural adjustment problems among Korean immigrants living in a Western host country. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that a model combining fewer years living and being educated in the host country, less behavioural acculturation, and more strongly held traditional Asian values predicted increased cultural adjustment difficulties. Stronger adherence to traditional Asian values most significantly predicted adjustment problems among Korean immigrants. Implications for counselling are discussed.
Viscometric and conductivity studies of polyurethane anionomer solutions

Abstract Viscosity measurements of polyurethane anionomers were made in a number of solvents and mixed solvent systems at 25°C. At very low polymer concentration polyelectrolyte behavior was observed while at higher concentration ion-pair aggregation was noted in all cases. The metal ion, type of solvent and of polyol, and charge group concentration were varied to observe the effect on solution properties. These results show that the degree of dissociation of ion pairs depends on the polarity of the solvent and its solubility parameters. Conductivity measurements of alkali metal salts of polyurethane carboxylates were made in dimethylformamide at 25°C. For a given polymer the experimental specific conductance increases as the size of the metal ion increases. This is the same order that is observed for the ionic equivalent conductance of the metal ions.
MIXER VISCOMETER CONSTANT (k) FOR THE BROOKFIELD SMALL SAMPLE ADAPTER AND FLAG IMPELLER

The mixer viscometer constant (k') of a Brookfield viscometer equipped with a flag impeller and small sample adapter was determined using the slope and matching viscosity methods. Results showed that k' was equal to a constant value of 2.92 rad -1 using the slope method and found to be a function of angular velocity (Ω), k' = 2.54(Ω) - 0.176 , using the matching viscosity method. An example problem illustrating how the mixer viscometry principle can be used to determine the relationship between apparent viscosity and average shear rate is presented.
Progressive Accumulation of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations and Decline in Mitochondrial Function Lead to β-Cell Failure

A key adaptation enabling the fetus to survive in a limited energy environment may be the reprogramming of mitochondrial function, which can have deleterious effects. Critical questions are whether mitochondrial dysfunction progressively declines after birth, and if so, what mechanism might underlie this process. To address this, we developed a model of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the rat that leads to diabetes in adulthood. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress gradually increased in IUGR islets. ATP production was impaired and continued to deteriorate with age. The activities of complex I and III of the electron transport chain progressively declined in IUGR islets. Mitochondrial DNA point mutations accumulated with age and were associated with decreased mitochondrial DNA content and reduced expression of mitochondria-encoded genes in IUGR islets. Mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in impaired insulin secretion. These results demonstrate that IUGR induces mitochondrial dysfunction in the fetal β-cell, leading to increased production of ROS, which in turn damage mitochondrial DNA. A self-reinforcing cycle of progressive deterioration in mitochondrial function leads to a corresponding decline in β-cell function. Finally, a threshold in mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production is reached, and diabetes ensues.
Performance of global optimization models for dynamic site layout planning of construction projects

Abstract Dynamic construction site layout planning is a complex optimization problem that is characterized by nonlinear objectives and constraints, which impose great challenges in obtaining global and feasible solutions. This paper presents and compares between two global optimization models of dynamic site layout planning that were developed to overcome the limitation of previous models in the literature. The first model utilizes Genetic Algorithms (GA) while the second model utilizes Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP). The performance of these two optimization models is analyzed in terms of the effectiveness of reaching optimum solutions and the efficiency of reducing the computational time. This analysis is performed using a designed set of problems of dynamic site layout planning with changing size and complexity. It was found that ADP outperformed GAs in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. However, GAs still prove to be a viable optimization tool because of its simplicity and multi-objective optimization capabilities.
Babinet's principle for a perfectly conducting screen with aperture covered by resistive sheet

In this paper, a more general form of Babinet's principle for electromagnetic waves and perfectly conducting screens with apertures covered by resistive sheets is presented. It shows that the field components parallel to the screens are now further related to one another by the resistance of the resistive sheets whereas the field components normal to the screens retain the same relationship as in the absence of the resistive sheets.
EFFECTS OF BETA -CAROTENE AND CANTHAXANTHIN ON AFLATOXICOSIS IN BROILERS

Abstract In 2 x 3 factorial experiments, 240 broiler chicks were fed diets containing 0, 0.01, and 0.02% beta-carotene or canthaxanthin with or without 5 ppm aflatoxin to determine the effects of these two carotenoids on the health and well-being of broilers subjected to aflatoxin poisoning. Neither beta-carotene nor canthaxanthin was effective at overcoming the growth-depressing effects of aflatoxin. Relative liver weights were significantly higher in broilers receiving dietary aflatoxin in the presence of beta-carotene but not canthaxanthin. beta-Carotene and canthaxanthin had no effect on antibody production against infectious bursal disease (IBD). Interestingly, secondary antibody production against IBD was enhanced by the presence of aflatoxin in the diet. Canthaxanthin significantly increased the concentrations of cholesterol, total protein, uric acid, and triglyceride, all of which were significantly depressed by aflatoxin. beta-Carotene did not effect any of the measured blood analytes. There was a significant interaction between canthaxanthin and aflatoxin with respect to creatine kinase activity. Creatine kinase activity decreased as dietary canthaxanthin increased in the presence of aflatoxin. The data suggest that beta-carotene is not effective at ameliorating aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens but that canthaxanthin may be somewhat effective with respect to certain clinical blood chemistry indicators.
Vascular staging of renal and adrenal malignancies with a noncontrast enhanced steady state free precession technique.

Purpose: To compare a noncontrast enhanced balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) MRI technique with a conventional dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) imaging in the vascular staging of renal and adrenal malignancies. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three MRIs with both bSSFP and DCE acquisitions performed for initial staging of renal and adrenal malignancies were retrospectively evaluated for presence and extent of thrombus in the renal veins and inferior vena cava (IVC). Thrombus characterization was also evaluated. DCE imaging was used as the standard-of-reference. Histopathology was available in 46 of 63 cases as an additional external standard. Results: There is very good agreement between bSSFP and DCE imaging for determining the presence or absence of thrombus in the renal veins (r = 0.95; P < 0.0001) and IVC (r = 0.91; P < 0.0001). BSSFP is less successful at distinguishing bland from tumor thrombus. Conclusion: Noncontrast enhanced bSSFP is an acceptable alternative to DCE imaging for vascular staging of locally advanced renal/adrenal malignancies, with somewhat limited ability to distinguish bland from tumor thrombus. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:1406–1413. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Study of Information Seeking and Retrieving. III. Searchers, Searches, and Overlap*

The objectives of the study were to conduct a series of observations and experiments under as real-life situation as possible related to: (1) user context of questions in information retrieval; (2) the structure and classification of questions; (3) cognitive traits and decision making of searchers; and (4) different searches of the same question. The study is presented in three parts: Part I presents the background of the study and describes the models, measures, methods, procedures and statistical analyses used. Part II is devoted to results related to users, questions and effectiveness measures, and Part III to results related to searchers, searches and overlap studies. A concluding summary of all results is presented in Part III.
High-resolution physically-windowed sensors for power electronics applications

This paper presents a high-resolution, physically-windowed sensor architecture that is well-suited for energy scorekeeping and diagnostic applications. The sensor can track a large-scale main signal while capturing small-scale variations. The prototype system measures a small current signal using a closed-loop Hall sensor, and extends the range by driving a compensation current through an auxiliary winding. The system combines the compensation command and the sampled output of the residual sensor to reconstruct the input signal. Results show that the prototype can measure both dc and ac currents with 10 mA resolution over a 160 A current range.
Design considerations for a large-scale wireless sensor network for substation monitoring

This paper describes the design and deployment of a large scale wireless sensor network (WSN) for monitoring the health of power equipment in a substation. The sensor network consists of 122 low power nodes that that are spread over an area approximately 1000 × 400 feet in size and perform monitoring of equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and compressors. All nodes communicate over a multihop wireless mesh network that uses a dynamic link-quality based routing protocol. A primary objective of this project is to develop effective monitoring applications for the substation using low-cost wireless sensor nodes that can sustain long periods of battery life. We study the battery consumption in the network and present a transmission scheme that conserves communication cost by enabling the sensor nodes to transmit observation samples only when their values are significantly different from those transmitted previously. Experimental results that demonstrate the performance of the sensor network for several monitoring applications are presented.
Delaying the onset of treadmill exercise following peripheral nerve injury has different effects on axon regeneration and motoneuron synaptic plasticity

Transection of a peripheral nerve results in withdrawal of synapses from motoneurons. Some of the withdrawn synapses are restored spontaneously, but those containing the vesicular glutamate transpo...
The Evolving Federal Substance Abuse Organization

(1974). The Evolving Federal Substance Abuse Organization. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 1-9.
Influence of Turkey Sires and Dams on the Level of Parthenogenesis in Eggs of Their Daughters

Abstract Parthenogenetic tests, involving 345 young, virgin Beltsville Small White (B.S.W.) turkey hens and 15,131 unfertilized eggs, were conducted during 1970 and 1971. The hens involved were daughters of inbred and outbred sires and dams and represented progeny from various types of matings. Average levels of total parthenogenesis and embryos in eggs of daughters appeared to be inversely correlated with degree of inbreeding. The lowest percentage of total parthenogenesis (42.8% in 1970 and 44.4% in 1971) and embryos (9.8% in 1970 and 6.6% in 1971) were encountered in eggs laid by daughters of inbred sires and inbred dams. The highest percentages of total parthenogenesis and recognizable embryos (47.7% and 19.1% in 1970 and 49.3% and 27.2% in 1971, respectively) were found in eggs laid by daughters of inbred sires and outbred dams. Gradual reduction in numbers of embryonic lethal genes through inbreeding is suggested as one possible explanation for the marked increases encountered in relative numbers of embryos in 1970 and 1971 as compared to levels found in prior years.
On the common (left,right) divisors of two polynomial matrices

The notions of common right and common left divisors of two polynomial matrices are well established. They can be used to characterize the unobservable and the uncontrollable modes of a system and to study polynomial matrix equations of the form a1V1 + a2V2 = V3. The new notion of common (right, left) divisors of two polynomial matrices is introduced here and it is used to characterize the modes of the system which are both uncontrollable and unobservable; it is also used to study polynomial matrix equations of the form Nx1 + x2D = V where N(qxp), D(rxm) and V(qxm) are given polynomial matrices; (1) has attracted recently considerable attention ([1] to [7]) mainly because of its importance in the output regulation problem with internal stability.
Building comparative efficacy and tolerability into the FDA approval process.

THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) “IS responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security” of drugs and medical devices and for helping provide the public with the “science-based information” it needs to use drugs and devices to improve health. Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), new drug approval is typically based on demonstration of efficacy in 2 or more randomized clinical trials (RCTs), often in comparison with placebo; high-risk device approval appears to be based on considerably weaker evidence of safety and efficacy. Given the continued progress of science, approval of a new drug or device implies to physicians and the general public that the product represents an advance over older treatments. The current FDA standards for approval fail to assess whether newly approved drugs and devices are less efficacious or less well-tolerated than existing alternatives. This raises the possibility that patients may be harmed by receiving a newly approved treatment instead of an alternative with established efficacy and safety.
The maximin gradual cover location problem

In this paper, we consider the multiple facility location problem with gradual cover. Gradual cover means that up to a certain distance from the facility a demand point is fully covered. Beyond another distance the demand point is not covered at all. Between these two distances the demand point is partially covered. When there are $$p$$ p facilities, the cover of each demand point can be calculated by a given formula. One objective in this setting is to find locations for $$p$$ p facilities that maximize the total cover. In this paper we consider another objective of maximizing the minimum cover of every demand point. This guarantees that every demand point is covered as much as possible and there are no demand points with low cover. The model is formulated and heuristic algorithms are proposed for its solution. We solved a real-life problem of locating cell phone towers in northern Orange County, California and demonstrated the solution approach on a set of 40 test problems.
An eddy covariance mesonet to measure the effect of forest age on land–atmosphere exchange

We deployed a mesonet of year-round eddy covariance towers in boreal forest stands that last burned in � 1850, � 1930, 1964, 1981, 1989, 1998, and 2003 to understand how CO2 exchange and evapotranspiration change during secondary succession. We used MODIS imagery to establish that the tower sites were representative of the patterns of secondary succession in the region, and Landsat images to show that the individual stands have changed over the last 22 years in ways that match the spatially derived trends. The eddy covariance towers were well matched, with similar equipment and programs, which maximized site-to-site precision and allowed us to operate the network in an efficient manner. The six oldest sites were fully operational for � 90% of the growing season and � 70% of the dormant season from 2001 or 2002 to 2004, with most of the missing data caused by low battery charge or bad signals from the sonic anemometers. The rates of midday growing-season CO2 uptake recovered to preburn levels within 4 years of fire. The seasonality of land–atmosphere exchange and growing-season length changed markedly with stand age. The foliage in the younger stands (1989, 1998, and 2003 burns) was almost entirely deciduous, which resulted in comparatively short growing seasons that lasted � 65 days. In contrast, the older stands (1850, 1930, 1964, and 1981) were mostly evergreen, which resulted in comparatively long growing seasons that lasted � 130 days. The eddy covariance mesonet approach we describe could be used within the context of other ecological experimental designs such as controlled manipulations and gradient comparisons.
Measurements of CD34+/CD45-dim Stem Cells Predict Healing of Diabetic Neuropathic Wounds

Management of neuropathic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes (DFUs) has changed little over the past decade, and there is currently no objective method to gauge probability of successful healing. We hypothesized that studies of stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) in the early weeks of standard wound management could predict who will heal within 16 weeks. Blood and debrided wound margins were collected for 8 weeks from 100 patients undergoing weekly evaluations and treatment. SPC number and intracellular content of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) were evaluated by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. More SPCs entered the bloodstream in the first 2 weeks of care in patients who healed (n = 37) than in those who did not (n = 63). Logistic regression demonstrated that the number of blood-borne SPCs and the cellular content of HIFs at study entry and the first-week follow-up visit predicted healing. Strong correlations were found among week-to-week assessments of blood-borne SPC HIF factors. We conclude that assays of SPCs during the first weeks of care in patients with DFUs can provide insight into how well wounds will respond and may aid with decisions on the use of adjunctive measures.
Synthesizing probabilistic composers

Synthesis from components is the automated construction of a composite system from a library of reusable components such that the system satisfies the given specification. This is in contrast to classical synthesis, where systems are always "constructed from scratch". In the control-flow model of composition, exactly one component is in control at a given time and control is switched to another when the component reaches an exit state. The composition can then be described implicitly by a transducer, called a composer, which statically determines how the system transitions between components. Recently, Lustig, Nain and Vardi have shown that control-flow synthesis of deterministic composers from libraries of probabilistic components is decidable. In this work, we consider the more general case of probabilistic composers. We show that probabilistic composers are more expressive than deterministic composers, and that the synthesis problem still remains decidable.
Adaptive Responses to Time Pressure: The Effects of Experience on Tax Information Search Behavior

Time pressure is an important feature of many accounting settings. This study describes a theoretical basis and provides supporting empirical evidence regarding how experience influences adaptation to time pressure in a tax information search task. Forty-three tax professionals and 53 graduate tax students participated in an interactive computer experiment in which subjects selected relevant key words relating to a partnership tax issue. Results are consistent with the idea that in response to time pressure, experienced decision makers are able to identify and encode information important in the context of an information search task to a greater extent than inexperienced decision makers. This increased selectivity allowed experienced subjects to respond to time pressure by (1) reducing the amount of time they spent initially assimilating the problem statement to a greater extent than inexperienced subjects, (2) decreasing the amount of time they referred back to the factual case information to a greater extent than inexperienced subjects, and (3) increasing the degree to which they searched more important areas of the index per unit of search time to a greater extent than inexperienced subjects. These findings provide new insights on how time pressure and experience interactively affect the way decision makers use their time at an information search task.
Video capsule endoscopy in left ventricular assist device recipients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Video capsule endoscopy in left ventricular assist device recipients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding
The Oligarchic Soul

By and large, being able to resist the motivational force of a desire is a good thing, but there can be too much of a good thing. Some desires provide legitimate reasons for action and some do not. When an agent resists the force of a desire that provides a reason for which he should act, he might very well be repressed. While such repression might seem to be the mark of his autonomous self-control, it could also be the greatest obstacle to it. This is especially the case if something like fear or shame prevents him from seeing the reason-giving force of his desire and causes him to resist its motivational force. Failing to recognize the reasons that his desires give him can be a form of practical irrationality. This book argues that agents, at least occasionally, have reasons to overcome repression so that they can be more capable and rational agents. These reasons, however, are unlike most others because, even though they relate to an agent’s desires, they are difficult or even impossible for him to see and deliberate about. Because of this odd feature of reasons to overcome repression, standard philosophical theories of reasons and rationality are unable to account for them.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Measurements of Breast Tumor Volume and Vascularity for Monitoring Response to Treatment

Publisher Summary Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a valuable tool for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer detection on MRI requires the use of an intravascular contrast agent, exploiting tumor neoangiogenesis to produce high-detection sensitivity. The increased density and leakiness of microvessels associated with cancer growth is reflected by an early, significant increase in signal intensity after contrast is injected, the basis of cancer detection using MRI. The high-spatial-resolution volumetric MRI techniques provide detailed depiction of disease extent and are the preferred imaging strategy for disease staging and monitoring changes in tumor size with treatment. Technical requirements for disease staging include a contrast-enhanced T1-weighted acquisition with full breast coverage and no gap between slices, fat suppression, and high spatial resolution (<1 mm/pixel in-plane). Contrast-enhanced MRI allows characterization of the vascular properties of breast tumors, and changes in tumor vascularity with treatment may precede detectable changes in tumor size. This is particularly important for evaluating new antiangiogenic treatments that work to control cancer by preventing the formation of neovasculature but may not cause substantial reductions in tumor size. Monitoring the functional effects of these drugs requires imaging-based approaches such as contrast-enhanced MRI that reflect changes in tissue vascularity. Contrast-enhanced MRI can be a valuable tool for monitoring neoadjuvant treatment response by providing sensitive detection of alterations in both tumor size and vascular function for early indication of treatment efficacy.
Plant-mediated effects on an insect–pathogen interaction vary with intraspecific genetic variation in plant defences

Baculoviruses are food-borne microbial pathogens that are ingested by insects on contaminated foliage. Oxidation of plant-derived phenolics, activated by insect feeding, can directly interfere with infections in the gut. Since phenolic oxidation is an important component of plant resistance against insects, baculoviruses are suggested to be incompatible with plant defences. However, plants among and within species invest differently in a myriad of chemical and physical defences. Therefore, we hypothesized that among eight soybean genotypes, some genotypes would be able to maintain both high resistance against an insect pest and high efficacy of a baculovirus. Soybean constitutive (non-induced) and jasmonic acid (JA)-induced (anti-herbivore response) resistance was measured against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (weight gain, leaf consumption and utilization). Indicators of phenolic oxidation were measured as foliar phenolic content and peroxidase activity. Levels of armyworm mortality inflicted by baculovirus (SfMNPV) did not vary among soybean genotypes when the virus was ingested with non-induced foliage. Ingestion of the virus on JA-induced foliage reduced armyworm mortality, relative to non-induced foliage, on some soybean genotypes. Baculovirus efficacy was lower when ingested with foliage that contained higher phenolic content and defensive properties that reduced armyworm weight gain and leaf utilization. However, soybean genotypes that defended the plant by reducing consumption rate and strongly deterred feeding upon JA-induction did not reduce baculovirus efficacy, indicating that these defences may be more compatible with baculoviruses to maximize plant protection. Differential compatibility of defence traits with the third trophic level highlights an important cost/trade-off associated with plant defence strategies.
Field Experiments in Education in Developing Countries

Abstract The study of education in developing countries has been transformed by the rapid increase in the feasibility and prevalence of field experiments over the past 15 years. This paper comprises three main sections. First, it illustrates the very broad range of research questions regarding education in developing countries that have been addressed using field experiments, and summarizes the most important patterns of findings from this body of research. Second, it discusses some of the limitations of field experiments and strategies for mitigating them through better design. Third, it provides a practical toolkit on design, implementation, measurement and data collection, analysis, and interpretation of field experiments in education. The main goal for this chapter is to serve as a reference for students, researchers, and practitioners by summarizing lessons learned, highlighting key open questions for future research, and providing guidance on how to design and implement high-quality field experiments in education in a way that maximizes what we learn from them.
Deletion of the extracellular membrane-distal cytokine receptor homology module of Mpl results in constitutive cell growth and loss of thrombopoietin binding.

The thrombopoietin receptor, Mpl, is a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. The extracellular domain of Mpl contains two copies of the cytokine receptor homology module (CRM). Mpl is encoded by c-mpl, the cellular homologue of the oncogene v-mpl.The oncogenic potential of v-mpl may arise from deletion of all but the 43 most membrane-proximal amino acids of the extracellular domain of the wild-type receptor. To test the hypothesis that the extracellular domain of Mpl plays a role in controlling receptor activity, we created mutants of murine Mpl in which the membrane-distal CRM was either deleted or replaced by the membrane-proximal CRM. Introduction of these mutant receptors into factor-dependent BaF3 cells led to constitutive cell growth in the absence of growth factor. Both mutant receptors failed to bind 125I-Tpo. These results suggest that the membrane-distal CRM of Mpl acts as a brake on cell proliferation and that this region is required for ligand binding.
Design as Learning, Learning as Design

The opportunity to design new physical environments for learning opens new opportunities to reconceive the way societies construct their understanding of learning, in a least three ways: (1) a movement away from the existing “normal science” of education toward the practice of design, intended to create learning environments based on continuous learning about learning over time ; (2) a stronger relationship between the design of learning environments and the emerging discipline of the neuroscience of learning; and (3) the deliberate creation of environments that are built to be continuously modified in light of new understandings and insights about learning.
Civilian inattention and democratization: the Chilean military and political transition in the 1930s

The Chilean political transition that took place in 1932 is commonly viewed as positive for civil-military relations. This article argues that the very means used to restore stable civilian rule in...
$\mathcal{H}_2(t_f)$ Optimality Conditions for a Finite-time Horizon

In this paper we establish the interpolatory model reduction framework for optimal approximation of MIMO dynamical systems with respect to the $\mathcal{H}_2$ norm over a finite-time horizon, denoted as the $\mathcal{H}_2(t_f)$ norm. Using the underlying inner product space, we derive the interpolatory first-order necessary optimality conditions for approximation in the $\mathcal{H}_2(t_f)$ norm. Then, we develop an algorithm, which yields a locally optimal reduced model that satisfies the established interpolation-based optimality conditions. We test the algorithm on various numerical examples to illustrate its performance.
Parkinson's Disease and Language

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that afflicts primarily persons older than 50 years of age. Motor speech abnormalities are common, but frank aphasia is rare, even in patients with severe cognitive deficits and dementia. Language abnormalities demonstrated in PD include diminished verbal fluency, diminished syntactic comprehension and production, mild changes in visual confrontation naming, and possibly alterations in pragmatic aspects of communication. These language changes are thought to be related to brain changes involving basal ganglia and frontal cortex, though the underlying cognitive mechanisms often remain a matter of debate. Surgical treatments for PD may also be associated with reductions in verbal fluency.
Greater Antillean Grackle ( Quiscalus niger ) preys on Anolis grahami

A female Greater Antillean Grackle ( Quiscalus niger ) was observed to dismember and consume a large male Anolis grahami in Kingston, Jamaica. The entire dismemberment sequence lasted 57 minutes. The large size of the anole indicates that the geographically-widespread grackle may be capable of preying on all size classes of the seven Jamaican Anolis species, with the possible exception of adult male Anolis garmani , the largest species on the island . This observation also suggests that individual grackles may exhibit handedness. Una hembra de Chichinguaco ( Quiscalus niger ) fue observada desmembrando y consumiedo un gran macho de Anolis grahami en Kingston, Jamaica. La secuencia completa duro 57 minutos. El gran tamano del lagarto indica que esta ave, ampliamente distribuida es capaz de depredar todas las tallas de las siete especies de Anolis de Jamaica, con la posible excepcion de los machos adultos de Anolis garmani , la mayor de las especies de la isla. Esta observacion tambien sugiere que Quiscalus individuales pueden tener lateralidad. Une femelle de Quiscale noir ( Quiscalus niger ) a ete observee en train de demembrer et de consommer un grand mâle d’ Anolis grahami a Kingston en Jamaique. La duree complete du demembrement a ete de 57 minutes. La grande taille de cet anolis confirme que ce quiscale a large aire de repartition est capable de capturer toutes les classes de taille des sept especes d’ Anolis jamaicains, a l’exception, peut-etre, du mâle adulte de l’ Anolis garmani , la plus grande espece de l’ile. Cette observation suggere aussi que des individus de quiscales peuvent montrer une certaine adresse “manuelle”.
RESILIENT PROPERTIES OF LABORATORY COMPACTED SUBGRADE SOILS

The subgrade of road bed soils is generally constructed near the optimum moisture content-dry density combination standard Proctor tests. However, environmental and seasonal variations alter the design moisture contents and the resilient properties of subgrade soils. These changes influence structural performance of pavements. Recent pavement design guides, which use the resilient modulus for characterizing pavement materials, require additional information on seasonal moisture content variations and their influence on resilient properties. This report presents results from an experimental study which investigated the influence of moisture content variations on the resilient modulus of soils. Two soil types, sand and silty clay compacted at above, and below optimum moisture content levels, were tested using the AASHTO T-294 procedure. Two in-cell displacement measurement systems measured displacements with respect to the ends of the specimen and the middle one-third of the specimen. Results indicated that the influence of moisture content on moduli appears to be more evident in clays than in sands. The effect of moisture content on the resilient modulus computed from both measurement systems is discussed. The measurement coefficients used to convert end system moduli to middle system moduli are provided for various moisture content levels in both soils. The influence of conditioning confining stresses and moisture contents on accumulated plastic deformations is also evaluated. The regression model results for the tests conducted in the investigation are also included.
Preservation of Portal Pressure Improves Growth and Metabolic Profile in the Male Portacaval-Shunted Rat

The portacaval anastomosis (PCA) rat model and human cirrhosis have many metabolic and nutritional abnormalities in common, such as growth retardation, hepatic and gonadal atrophy, and hyperammonemia. The severity of these abnormalities is variable and may be related to a number of factors, including portal pressure, portosystemic shunting, dietary intake, and how efficiently food is used. Therefore, this rat model was used to study these variables with the intent of gaining insights for improving the management of portal hypertension and malnutrition in human cirrhosis. A nonsuture end-to-side PCA (N = 100) or sham surgery (N = 71) was performed in 100 male rats. Four weeks after surgery, body and organ weights, food intake, serum ammonia, and serum amino acids were measured at death. In a subgroup of rats, (sham 7; PCA 34) portal venous pressure, degree of portosystemic shunting, and organ and body weights were obtained at death. Growth, liver weight, and testes weight were decreased, ammonia levels were higher, and the ratios of branched chain to aromatic amino acid (BCAA/AAA) were lower in the PCA group compared to the sham animals (P < 0.05). Since spleen weights correlated with portal pressure (P = 0.01), the PCA animals were then divided into those with preserved and those with low portal pressures based on spleen weight. The PCA group with preserved portal pressure had better growth, larger livers and testes, lower serum ammonia, and higher BCAA/AAA levels than the PCA group with low portal pressure; improvements associated with normal amounts of food intake and better food efficiency than the low pressure animals (P < 0.05 or better). Sham animals had no portosystemic shunting, while 100% shunting occurred in both PCA groups regardless of the portal pressure. In conclusion, preservation of portal pressure after portacaval anastomosis provides metabolic and nutritional benefits, which are independent of portosystemic shunting and associated with normal dietary intake and better preserved food efficiency.
Inquiry and Introspection for Non-deterministic Queries in Mobile Networks

This paper focuses on the information gathering support needs for enterprises that operate over wireless mobile ad hoc networks. While queries are a convenient way to obtain information, the highly dynamic nature of such networks makes it difficult to ensure a precise match between the results returned by a query and the actual state of the enterprise. However, decisions can be made based on the perceived quality of the information retrieved; specialized query support is needed to control and assess the accuracy of the query results. In this paper, we introduce the notion of inquiry mode to allow the user to exercise control over the query processing policy so as to match the level of accuracy to the requirements of the task. In addition, we describe the use of query introspection, a process for assessing the fitness of a particular inquiry mode. Both concepts are formalized, illustrated, and evaluated.
Prognostic significance of weight loss and nutritional markers during induction chemotherapy of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

e21591Background: A wide landscape of factors exists to stratify the prognosis of patients (pts) with newly diagnosed AML including age, race, cytogenetics, and functional status. However, weight l...
Rehabilitation After Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury and stroke, the two most well-known types of brain injuries, are reviewed in this chapter in the context of rehabilitation across the continuum of care. Characteristic deficiencies in motor and cognitive systems often have a disabling impact on an individual’s ability to participate in activities of daily life. The individual’s road to recovery – beginning in the hospital and continuing through community-based programs – is supported by a team effort including medical and rehabilitation professionals as well as family and friends. Contemporary rehabilitation approaches with the underlying scientific principles of neuroplasticity are emphasized, “best practices” to promote recovery are highlighted, and practical applications for post-brain injury lifestyle engagement are presented.
The natural use of imagery in story comprehension and recall: Replication and extension.

The purpose of this study was to reexamine the findings of Sadoski (1983) regarding the relationships of imagery self-reports to a variety of story comprehension and recall measures. The present study substantially replicates the methodology of the original study using a different story with students at different grade levels; it also extends this line of research to unillustrated text while attempting to exceed certain methodological limitations in the original exploratory study.
Four patients with a clinically significant radial artery anomaly

Abstract The superficial radial artery is an anatomic variant in which the radial artery passes superficial to the tendons of the anatomic snuffbox. Cadaver studies have shown its incidence to be 0.5% to 1%. Four patients with this anatomic variation were encountered in our practice, and their clinical courses and anatomy are described. One patient presented with digital ischemia after catheter placement in the anomalous radial artery. Three patients with end-stage renal disease were found to have a superficial radial artery incidentally, and this was used for inflow in the creation of hemodialysis fistulas.
Relative age effects in American professional football

We test for the existence of relative age effects in professional American football. In a sample of 18,898 football players born on or after 1940, there is an excess of January and February births – consistent with a relative age effect associated with calendar year – as well as a slight increase in September births – consistent with the fact that some football players we analyze attended high school in states with fall school cutoff dates. We consider the possibility that relative age effects may affect skilled football positions more than positions relying heavily on player weight, and we find suggestive evidence of this. Lastly, and contrary to what has recently been shown in professional hockey, we find no evidence that misguided preferences for relatively older players lead to selection-based inefficiencies in football player drafting. Our results have implications for evaluating potential football players and speak broadly to the role of physiological factors beyond player control on athletic success.
The Triumph of the Will: Evolutionary Psychology and the Conceptual Incoherence of Enhancement:

Recent decades have witnessed a profound increase in scholarly work and scientific research conducted under the banner of evolutionary psychology. Although evolutionary psychologists typically disa...