cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Missing data imputation for traffic flow speed using spatio-temporal cokriging

Abstract Modern transportation systems rely increasingly on the availability and accuracy of traffic detector data to monitor traffic operational conditions and assess system performance. Missing data, which occurs almost inevitably for a number of reasons, can lead to suboptimal operations and ineffective decisions if not remedied in a timely and systematic fashion through data imputation. A review of literature suggests that most traffic data imputation studies considered the temporal continuity of the data but often overlooked the spatial correlations that exist. Few of the studies explored the randomness of the patterns of the missing data. Therefore, this paper proposes two cokriging methods that exploit the existence of spatio-temporal dependency in traffic data and employ multiple data sources, each with independently missing data, to impute high-resolution traffic speed data under different data missing pattern scenarios. The two proposed cokriging methods, both using multiple independent data sources, were benchmarked against classic simple and ordinary kriging methods, which use only the primary data source. An array of testing scenarios were designed to test these methods under different missing rates (10–40% data loss) and different missing patterns (random in time and location, random only in location, and non-random blocks of missing data). The results suggest that using multiple data sources with the spatio-temporal simple cokriging method effectively improves the imputation accuracy if the missing data were clustered, or in blocks. On the other hand, if the missing data were randomly scattered in time and location, the classic ordinary or simple kriging method using only the primary data source can be more effective. Our study, which employs empirical traffic speed data from radar detectors and vehicle probes, demonstrates that the overall predictions of the kriging-based imputation approach are accurate and reliable for all combinations of missing patterns and missing rates investigated.
A Multiplexed Assay That Monitors Effects of Multiple Compound Treatment Times Reveals Candidate Immune-Enhancing Compounds

We previously developed a flow cytometry assay that monitored lytic granule exocytosis in cytotoxic T lymphocytes stimulated by contacting beads coated with activating anti-CD3 antibodies. That assay was multiplexed in that responses of cells that did or did not receive the activating stimulus were distinguished via changes in light scatter accompanying binding of cells to beads, allowing us to discriminate compounds that activate responses on their own from compounds that enhance responses in cells that received the activating stimulus, all within a single sample. Here we add a second dimension of multiplexing by developing means to assess in a single sample the effects of treating cells with test compounds for different times. Bar-coding cells before adding them to test wells lets us determine compound treatment time while also monitoring activation status and response amplitude at the point of interrogation. This multiplexed assay is suitable for screening 96-well plates. We used it to screen compounds from the National Cancer Institute, identifying several compounds that enhance anti-LAMP1 responses. Multiple-treatment-time (MTT) screening enabled by bar-coding and read via high-throughput flow cytometry may be a generally useful method for facilitating the discovery of compounds of interest.
Prevalence of Preoperative Opioid Use and Characteristics Associated With Opioid Use Among Patients Presenting for Surgery.

Importance Patterns of preoperative opioid use are not well characterized across different surgical services, and studies in this patient population have lacked important self-reported data of pain and affect. Objectives To assess the prevalence of preoperative opioid use and the characteristics of these patients in a broadly representative surgical cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional, observational study of patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary care academic medical center. Data were collected as a part of large prospective institutional research registries from March 1, 2010, through April 30, 2016. Exposures Preoperative patient and procedural characteristics, including prospectively assessed self-reported pain and functional measures. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient-reported opioid use before surgery. Results Of the total 34 186 patients recruited (54.2% women; mean [SD] age, 53.1 [16.1] years), preoperative opioid use was reported in 7894 (23.1%). The most common opioids used were hydrocodone bitartrate (4685 [59.4%]), tramadol hydrochloride (1677 [21.2%]), and oxycodone hydrochloride (1442 [18.3%]). Age of 31 to 40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.45), tobacco use (former use aOR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.22-1.42]; current use aOR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.48-1.78]), illicit drug use (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.16-2.60), higher pain severity (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.31-1.35), depression (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.33), higher Fibromyalgia Survey scores (aOR, 1.06, 95% CI, 1.05-1.07), lower life satisfaction (aOR, 0.95, 95% CI, 0.93-0.96), and more medical comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiology score aOR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.37-1.58]; Charlson Comorbidity Index aOR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.18-1.41]) were all independently associated with preoperative opioid use. Preoperative opioid use was most commonly reported by patients undergoing orthopedic (226 [65.1%]) and neurosurgical spinal (596 [55.1%]) procedures and least common among patients undergoing thoracic procedures (244 [15.7%]). After adjusting for patient characteristics, the patients undergoing lower extremity procedures were most likely to report preoperative opioid use (aOR, 3.61; 95% CI, 2.81-4.64), as well as those undergoing pelvic (excluding hip) (aOR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.88-5.08), upper extremity (aOR, 3.07; 95% CI, 2.12-4.45), and spinal or spinal cord (aOR, 2.68; 95% CI, 2.15-3.32) procedures, with the group undergoing intrathoracic surgery as the reference group. Conclusions and Relevance In this large study of preoperative opioid use that includes patient-reported outcome measures, more than 1 in 4 patients presenting for surgery reported opioid use. These data provide important insights into this complicated patient population that would appear to help guide future preoperative optimization and perioperative opioid-weaning interventions.
Feathers, Feather Meal and Other Poultry By-Products

The poultry industry recognized early in its development that to compete with the ruminant, feed costs would have to be kept as low as possible. So the industry turned to industrial and farm by-products that were considered waste as possible sources of cheap nutrients. These efforts have resulted in a regulatory system that consists of private (Association of the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), American Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA)), and state and federal regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to insure the cleanliness and wholesomeness of the products that are developed. The products are defined in the standards by AAFCO, and the scientific information on these products is based on reviews by the National Research Council, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences. Such reviews have led to publication of the nutritive quality of the products as in the latest edition of Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (NAS-NRC, 1984), now undergoing an updating. The products covered in this chapter, which would ordinarily be considered waste, if used for animal feeding purposes, go through thorough testing and evaluation before being used commercially. Thus, recycling an upgraded waste is a benefit to the public, industry, and the environment. Recent societal pressures on restrictions involving animal waste disposal in registered land fills, on farm lands, and general dumping that could harm the quality of soil and water, demand an urgent re-evaluation of what is considered waste and its possible recycling. This chapter indicates how older and newer techniques in recycling poultry wastes not only reduce contamination problems but also benefit all concerned with reduced costs and nutritional benefits.
Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis

Measures designed to reduce the incidence of cervicitis are those that make transmission of any STD less likely. Consistent and proper use of contraception, especially condoms, should be encouraged. Patients with a history of cervicitis or other STDs should be targeted for being at high risk and should have periodic screening tests to search for pathogens such as N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, even at times when they are asymptomatic. Other groups, including patients with multiple sexual partners, those with genitourinary symptoms, pregnant adolescents, and some adolescent clinic populations, also should be considered at increased risk and be monitored similarly. To be effective, encounters with adolescents around matters related to sexuality and STD must be done privately and with confidentiality assured. Special attention should be paid to the adolescent's family and cultural milieu, as well as to their level of psychosocial development, so that specific needs, fears, and misconceptions can be addressed. Cervicitis and other STDs are so common and have such important personal and public health implications that identification and effective treatment are of critical importance. The general tendency to be parsimonious when fitting together signs and symptoms into a medical diagnosis must be modified when dealing with STDs as multiple concomitant infections do occur routinely.
Trackable pill digital technology in PRM & pain: Hype or hope?

Background Technological advances in the domain of wearable rehabilitation medical technology holds promise to optimize delivery and efficiency of healthcare. In no area of PRM is this more evident than in acute pain management. The combination of wearable technology with a “digital ingestion tracking program” (DITP) embedded within a pain pill may allow patients, caregivers as well as healthcare providers to track ingestion of pills through the web or a smartphone app. Monitoring of pill consumption compliance and adherence may be optimized. Method This study will explore the DITP system and assess its clinical utility and applicability to rehabilitation medicine. A systematic review of the literature will be presented along with the illuminating case history of a PMR patient who's functional outcome was significantly impacted by the technology. Photos of DITP technology will be shared for didactic purposes. Results While there are many advantages of DITP including fostering enhanced compliance, improved adherence, empowerment of patients; several disadvantages exist such as cost and potential privacy concerns. Conclusions DITP can aide physiatrists in the daily management of pain patients by electronic verification of whether the patient has taken their prescribed pill and at what time. For patients on opioid medication, this is immensely important as compliance is a cornerstone of proper pain management. Enforcement and support of statutory safeguards can prevent improper diversion and abuse of pills. In an age of international concern over opioid abuse, DITP may offer an innovative strategy for enforcing proper use of pain medication in PRM.
The Rinderpest Campaigns: A Virus, Its Vaccines, and Global Development in the Twentieth Century

Amanda Kay McVety has written the first history of the international effort to eradicate rinderpest - a devastating cattle disease - which began in the 1940s and ended in 2011. Rinderpest is the only other disease besides smallpox to have been eradicated, but very few people in the United States know about it, because it did not infect humans and never broke out in North America. In other parts of the world, however, rinderpest was a serious economic and social burden and the struggle against it was a critical part of the effort to fight poverty and hunger globally. McVety follows the deployment of rinderpest vaccines around the globe, exploring the role of the environment in the understanding of development, internationalism, and national security. She expands the standard Cold War narratives to show how these concepts were framed not only by economic and political concerns, but also by biological ones.
Serial Reduction of an Extremely Large Gastroschisis using Vacuum-Assisted Closure

We herein describe a case of serial reduction of an extremely large and complex gastroschisis using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in a boy born at 35 5/7 weeks' gestation. A spring-loaded silicone silo was placed at birth. By day of life (DOL) 22, minimal visceral contents had been reduced, and the silo was difficult to maintain due to the size of the fascial defect and loss of abdominal domain. A bespoke VAC dressing was constructed, and biweekly dressing changes allowed gradual reduction of the gastroschisis until the viscera were consolidated. By DOL 50, the viscera were completely reduced, and VAC therapy was discontinued. Feeds were commenced on DOL 57 and increased to goal by DOL 86. The baby was discharged home on DOL 115. We conclude that VAC dressings can be used to aid gradual reduction of an extremely large gastroschisis, particularly in medical fragile infants.
Effects of elamipretide on skeletal muscle in dogs with experimentally induced heart failure.

AIMS Elamipretide (ELAM), an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide, interacts with cardiolipin and normalizes dysfunctional mitochondria of cardiomyocytes. This study examined the effects of ELAM on skeletal muscle mitochondria function in dogs with chronic heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS Studies were performed in skeletal muscle biopsy specimens obtained from normal dogs (n = 7) and dogs with chronic intracoronary microembolization-induced HF (n = 14) treated with subcutaneous ELAM 0.5 mg/kg (HF + ELAM, n = 7) or vehicle (normal saline control, HF-CON, n = 7). After 3 months of therapy, triceps skeletal muscle samples were obtained from all dogs, and the proportion of type 1 and type 2 fibres was assessed. Mitochondria isolated from myofibrils of the vastus lateralis skeletal muscle exposed in vitro to ELAM for 1 h were used to assess mitochondrial function. The proportion of skeletal muscle type 1 fibres was lower in HF-CON dogs compared with normal dogs (23 ± 4 vs. 32 ± 5%, P < 0.05). Treatment with ELAM restored a near-normal fibre-type composition (31 ± 7%, P < 0.05 vs. HF-CON). Skeletal muscle mitochondria showed significantly lower levels of adenosine diphosphate-dependent mitochondrial respiration (100 ± 9 vs. 164 ± 15 natom O/min/mg protein, P < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (0.17 ± 0.03 vs. 0.53 ± 0.03 red/green fluorescence ratio, P < 0.05), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (38 ± 3 vs. 62 ± 2 relative light units, P < 0.05), maximum rate of adenosine triphosphate synthesis (3284 ± 418 vs. 8835 ± 423 RLU/μg protein, P < 0.05), and cytochrome c oxidase activity (1390 ± 108 vs. 2459 ± 210 natom O/min/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with normal dogs. Exposure of skeletal muscle myofibrillar mitochondria from HF dogs to ELAM showed a dose-dependent improvement/normalization of all measures of mitochondrial function. In mitochondria from skeletal muscle of HF dogs exposed to 0.10 μM ELAM, adenosine diphosphate-dependent mitochondrial respiration increased to 183 ± 18 natom O/min/mg protein, membrane potential increased to 0.30 ± 0.03 red/green fluorescence ratio, mitochondrial permeability transition pore increased to 54 ± 4 RLU, maximum rate of adenosine triphosphate synthesis increased to 4423 ± 414, and cytochrome c oxidase activity increased to 2033 ± 191 natom O/min/mg protein. Exposure of skeletal muscle myofibrillar mitochondria from normal dogs to ELAM had no effect on mitochondrial function parameters. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that ELAM, previously shown to positively influence mitochondrial function of the failing heart, can also positively impact mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle and potentially help restore skeletal muscle function and improve exercise tolerance.
Identity, Positionality, and Peer Social Networks: A Case Study of an Adolescent Refugee Background Student.

This study aims at better understanding how an Iraqi refugee-background English learner (Fawzi) is positioned by his teacher and his peers, and how he positions himself as a member of a culturally ...
Intensive Unimanual Training Leads to Better Reaching and Head Control than Bimanual Training in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy.

Aims: To quantify the changes in joint movement control and motor planning of the more-affected upper extremity (UE) during a reach-grasp-eat task in children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy...
Everyday Beliefs About Emotion Perceptually Derived From Neutral Facial Appearance.

The evolution of the human brain and visual system is widely believed to have been shaped by the need to process and make sense out of expressive information, particularly via the face. We are so attuned to expressive information in the face that it informs even stable trait inferences (e.g., Knutson, 1996) through a process we refer to here as the face-specific fundamental attribution error (Albohn, Brandenburg, & Adams, 2019). We even derive highly consistent beliefs about the emotional lives of others based on emotion-resembling facial appearance (e.g., low versus high brows, big versus small eyes etc.) in faces we know are completely devoid of overt expression (i.e., emotion overgeneralization effect: see Zebrowitz, Kikuchi, & Fellous, 2010). The present studies extend these insights to better understand lay beliefs about older and younger adults’ emotion dispositions and their impact on behavioral outcomes. In Study 1, we found that older versus younger faces objectively have more negative emotion-resembling cues in the face (using computer vision), and that raters likewise attribute more negative emotional dispositions to older versus younger adults based just on neutral facial appearance (see too Adams, Garrido, Albohn, Hess, & Kleck, 2016). In Study 2, we found that people appear to encode these negative emotional appearance cues in memory more so for older than younger adult faces. Finally, in Study 3 we exam downstream behavioral consequences of these negative attributions, showing that observers’ avoidance of older versus younger faces is mediated by emotion resembling facial appearance.
PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME-RELATED CARDIOGENIC SHOCK REQUIRING SHORT-TERM MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT

Short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is becoming increasingly utilized in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related refractory cardiogenic shock (rCS). Identifying patients at risk of short-term mortality can impact clinical management. We sought to identify predictors of 30-day all-cause
Institutional Outcomes Should Be a Determinant in Decision to Perform Laparoscopic Proctectomies for Rectal Cancer

Purpose Minimally invasive rectal cancer (RC) resection has become common, despite recent high-profile trials failing to show non-inferiority to open proctectomy. We hypothesized that at a high-volume center, laparoscopic resection may have superior outcomes compared to those seen in ALaCaRT and ACOSOG Z6051. Methods Retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic proctectomy from 2007 to 2015 for RC was performed at a high-volume center. Primary outcome was successful resection defined by negative circumferential resection margin (CRM) and distal margin (DM), and complete total mesorectal excision (TME). Results A total of 89 patients were included. Of 33 patients with TME grading, 31 (93.9%) had complete/near complete TME, and 29 (87.9%) had a "successful resection" compared with 81.7% in ACOSOG and 82% in ALaCART trials using same criteria. CRM was ≥1 mm in 87 (97.8%) of patients. Mean DM was 3.8 cm; 97.8% of patients had negative DM. Conclusion High-volume centers can achieve similar high quality RC outcomes to those demonstrated in recent trials. Institutional outcomes should determine optimal surgical technique.
Escalating complexity of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography over the last decade with increasing reliance on advanced cannulation techniques.

BACKGROUND At our academic tertiary care medical center, we have noted patients referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who increasingly require advanced cannulation techniques. This trend is noted despite increased endoscopist experience and annual ERCP volume over the same period. AIM To evaluate this phenomenon of perceived escalation in complexity of cannulation at ERCP and assessed potential underlying factors. METHODS Demographic/clinical variables and records of ERCP patients at the beginning (2008), middle (2013) and end (2018) of the last decade were reviewed retrospectively. Cannulation approaches were classified as "standard" or "advanced" and duodenoscope position was labeled as "standard" (short position) or "non-standard" (e.g., long, semi-long). RESULTS Patients undergoing ERCP were older in 2018 compared to 2008 (69.7 ± 15.2 years vs 55.1 ± 14.7, P 4 cm, pancreatic uncinate mass, and bilirubin > 10 mg/dL predicted use of advanced cannulation techniques (P < 0.03 for each). CONCLUSION Complexity of cannulation at ERCP has sharply increased over the past 5 years, with an increased proportion of elderly patients and those with malignancy requiring advanced cannulation approaches. These data suggest that complexity of cannulation at ERCP may be predicted based on patient/ampulla characteristics. This may inform selection of experienced, high-volume endoscopists to perform these complex procedures.
Arguing for Classical Critical Theory

In my view, making the case for a specific interpretation of Critical Theory is problematic. Although the term has a prestigious origin stemming from Horkheimer’s 1937 paper, Traditional and Critical Theory, given during his term as Director of the Institute for Social Research at Frankfurt University and generating the enthusiasm of its members, the term and the movement associated would be defined and radically redefined not only by subsequent generations but by its very author. One of the merits of the book under discussion is that even before the first chapter an ‘Interlude’ is presented entitled Arguing for Classical Critical Theory signifying to the reader that Horkheimer got it right when he defined the subject and that it is possible to return to that particular definition after 83 years. This paper challenges Professor Sorensen’s claims for the restoration of classical Critical Theory on three levels: the scientific, the historical and the political level.
Minimum tillage and no-tillage winter wheat–summer fallow for low precipitation regions

Dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the principal crop grown on 3.35 million ha (8.28 million ac) of the semiarid Inland Pacific Northwest of the United States. In areas with less than 300 mm (12 in) of annual precipitation, challenges for wheat production are similar to those found in the Mediterranean region and Australia. Successful crop production depends on adequate precipitation capture and storage and weed control, which prove problematic under no-tillage (NT), the most effective soil conservation practice. Sweep-tillage (ST) is proposed as an equally effective conservation system, with local conventional wisdom saying that it produces higher yields than NT systems. A study established in 2006 and concluded in 2018 evaluated the performance of NT and ST winter wheat–summer fallow production systems. The null hypothesis for this research assumed no statistically significant differences in any of the soil and plant characteristics measured between NT and ST treatments. Sixteen 0.04 ha (0.10 ac) plots were established in a randomized complete block design, with two rotation entry points for a total of four treatment plots per year replicated in four blocks. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. The NT system produced significantly higher crop yields and higher precipitation use efficiencies than the ST system (NT 3.38 ± 0.33, ST 2.66 ± 0.27 Mg ha–1 [NT 50 ± 5, ST 40 ± 4 bu ac–1]). Infiltration rates were higher and soil temperatures were lower in the NT system. The higher yields and lower soil temperatures in the NT system were unexpected and contrary to previous research conducted in this region.
Direct Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Objectives Obesity, a risk factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is often accompanied by a systemic increase in lipopolysaccharide (LPS; metabolic endotoxemia), which is thought to mediate obesity-associated inflammation. However, the direct effects of LPS on PDAC cells are poorly understood. Methods The expression of toll-like receptor 4, the receptor for LPS, was confirmed in PDAC cell lines. AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells were exposed to LPS, and differential gene expression was determined by RNA sequencing. The activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by LPS in PDAC cells was assessed by Western blotting. Results The expression of toll-like receptor 4 was confirmed in all PDAC cell lines. The exposure to LPS led to differential expression of 3083 genes (426 ≥5-fold) in AsPC-1 and 2584 genes (339 ≥5-fold) in PANC-1. A top canonical pathway affected by LPS in both cell lines was PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Western blotting confirmed activation of this pathway as measured by phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 and Akt. Conclusions The exposure of PDAC cells to LPS led to differential gene expression. A top canonical pathway was PI3K/Akt/mTOR, a known oncogenic driver. Our findings provided evidence that LPS can directly induce differential gene expression in PDAC cells.
Robotic surgery may improve overall survival for T1 and T2 tumors of the hypopharynx: An NCDB cohort study.

Abstract Background Hypopharyngeal cancer is associated with poor survival. Robotic surgery is emerging as a treatment for hypopharyngeal tumors, but no rigorous data are available to assess its effect on survival. Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify patients with T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal tumors undergoing robotic surgery, laser surgery, and primary radiation with or without chemotherapy from 2010 to 2016. All adult patients with available staging and no distant metastasis were included. Results We compared 57 patients undergoing robotic surgery, 236 undergoing laser surgery, and 5,742 undergoing primary radiation. Compared to laser surgery, patients undergoing robotic surgery were significantly more likely to have negative margins, neck dissection, lower incomes, and care at an academic center. Rates of robotic surgery also significantly increased from 2010 to 2015. After multivariate regression, robotic surgery was associated with significantly improved overall survival compared to laser surgery and primary radiation. Conclusion Robotic surgery improves overall survival for T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal tumors compared to laser surgery and primary radiation in this NCDB cohort. This effect may be mediated by decreased positive margin rates relative to laser surgery. Rates of hypopharyngeal robotic surgery are expected to increase with wider adoption of robotic platforms and may improve overall survival rates for hypopharyngeal cancer.
The Hypothetical Healthy Newborn

This chapter considers the hypothetical healthy newborn as a representation, an aspirational abstract ideal rendered through a variety of discourses. Exploring the cultural work of the hypothetical healthy newborn figure can help clarify the moral conflict at the heart of a pregnant woman's dual obligation to her own best interests and the best interest of her future child, and can help point us toward an alternative moral conception of full personhood as vitality, rather than conformity to the ideal of the healthy newborn.
Clonal analysis of corn plant development. I. The development of the tassel and the ear shoot

The development of the tassel and the ear shoot has been investigated in corn (Zea mays L.). X irradiation of dry kernels and seedlings heterozygous for anthocyanin markers or for factors altering tassel and ear morphology results in the formation of clones (sectors) from cells of the apical meristem. Most tassels develop from 4 +/- 1 cells of the mature embryo. The expression of ramosa-1, tunicate, tassel seed-6, and vestigial is cell autonomous in the tassel. These genes act late in development and modify the developmental fate or decision of an individual clone and not of the whole group of cells producing a tassel. The ear shoot develops from lineages of one to three cells derived each from the L-I (outmost cell layer) and L-II (second cell layer) of the apical meristem. Typically the clones start in the ear shoot (in the husks and possibly in the cob), extend upward in an internode, continue along the margin of the leaf sheath or leaf blade at the node above, and terminate in this or the next higher leaf. The separation of lineages for ear shoot and internode occurs in the period around 13 days after sowing. The analysis of clonal boundaries shows that a small number of embryonic cells become isolated in their developmental capacity. This commitment process appears to be analogous to the process of compartmentation in the imaginal disks of fruit flies. The extent of proliferation of individual cells within a group of highly flexible and any particular clone does not generate a specific part of a tassel or an ear shoot. There must be cellular communication between various clones so that the overall size and morphology of an organ remain normal and more or less fixed. Thus the process of development in plants is also highly regulative in nature and shares many features in common with development in fruit flies.
Survival of Microorganisms in Subsurface Sediments

Energy Sources in the Subsurface The Nature of Starved Subsurface Microorganisms Laboratory Studies of Microbial Survival Field-Based Studies of Microbial Survival Special Cases Keywords: starvation of microorganisms in subsurface sediments; survival of microorganisms in subsurface sediments; subsurface microbiology; subsurface sediments
Cabbage seed protease inhibitor: a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of trypsin with activity toward thrombin, activated Stuart factor (factor Xa), activated Hageman factor (factor XIIa), and plasmin

An inhibitor of procoagulant and fibrinolytic enzymes was derived from cabbage seeds by a procedure using acetone precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The cabbage seed inhibitor was a 10-Kd monomeric protein with intrachain disulfide bonds. This preparation prevented clot formation in whole blood and blocked the ability of thrombin to induce clot formation in plasma and to induce platelet aggregation. A number of proteases were inhibited, as demonstrated by using purified enzymes in amidolytic assays. Tight-binding inhibition was observed for activated Stuart factor (factor Xa) and plasmin. Inhibition of thrombin and activated Hageman factor (factor XIIa) was observed with a molar excess of inhibitor. No inhibition was detected for activated plasma thromboplastin antecedent (factor XIa), plasma kallikrein, or C1 esterase. Reaction progress curves for trypsin indicated slow, tight-binding inhibition, with an apparent inhibition constant in the nanomolar range or less. The electrophoretic mobility of trypsin was altered by the inhibitor in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) but not in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE, indicating noncovalent bonding. Only partial reversal of trypsin inhibition could be demonstrated by washing the inhibitor from enzyme immobilized on solid beads. A dot-blot technique with cabbage seed inhibitor was capable of detecting 10 ng nitrocellulose-bound trypsin. The dot-blot technique also appeared capable of detecting plasmin. These findings demonstrated the potential utility of this inhibitor as a probe for detection of tightly bound proteases. In summary, cabbage seed extracts contain an inhibitor with activity toward a broad range of proteases important to hemostasis. To our knowledge, this agent represents the first inhibitor isolated from a plant source that inhibits thrombin.
Whatever or as You like It, Part Two

While the alcoholic department chair is squeezing your thorax, you remember the answer to number eleven on the quiz about Egypt you took in the fifth grade. The word scarab comes to mind, and that's what he looks like?a desiccated entomological specimen carved in stone. You think, what if God ended the world at this very moment? Frozen, the breath in your throat is like an elephant in the herd of a grand maharaj killed one morning by a freak tornado from Borneo or Nepal. Miss Harriet Nichiguchi was your teacher, but that was long ago on O'ahu, and he's not really strangling you, but it feels like it. Pop quiz?why are you sitting here anyway? Think of the million other stupid things you could be doing: shopping for dust, perfecting that ulcer, watching Joan Crawford's kabuki mask crack on TV.
Fiber optic data bus for solid state sensors

A sensor system is described which is immune to EMI (electromagnetic interference) by combining a fiber-optic data bus with existing solid-state sensors. By optimizing the electrical design, through the wide variety of standardized circuits, this system allows for using a relatively inexpensive optical design based on standard optical components. Also power consumption can be traded off with added functions at the transducer end. With low-power electronics the options to address individual sensors, multiplex between sensors, change the sensor sample rate, and set threshold alarms are relatively simple compared to performing these functions with an optical scheme. >
Neurofibromatosis type 1: the evolution of deep gray and white matter MR abnormalities.

PURPOSE To investigate the evolution of deeply located high-signal-intensity abnormalities of the brain on T2-weighted MR images of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). METHODS The study consists of two patient groups: 1) retrospective evaluation of MR scans of 24 symptomatic NF-1 patients, 10 of whom were sequentially studied, and 2) prospective MR evaluations of 20 asymptomatic NF-1 subjects from 14 families; 2 of these families were sequentially studied. RESULTS Deeply located, high-signal-intensity abnormalities on T2-weighted images were noted in 34 of 44 NF-1 subjects (77%). If NF-1 patients are grouped according to age, 28 of 30 subjects (93%) younger than 15 years had the lesions, whereas 4 of 7 subjects (57%) between 16 and 30 years, and 2 of 7 subjects (29%) older than 31 years had lesions. High-signal lesions in basal ganglia and brain stem were demonstrated in all decades with relatively high frequency. Lesions in the cerebellar white matter and dentate nuclei were mainly found in the patients younger than 10 years, and never found after the third decade. In 13 sequential studies (mean interval, 24 months), lesions appeared to increase in size in 3, remain unchanged in size in 2, and decrease in size in 7. One subject showed a mixed pattern of lesion size change. CONCLUSIONS Deeply located high-signal-intensity lesions on T2-weighted MR images are more evident in young NF-1 patients. The underlying brain abnormality, while pathologically unproved, is probably transient.
Remaking a World: Violence, Social Suffering, and Recovery

Remaking. World: Violence, Social Suffering, and Recovery. Veena Das. Arthur Kleinman. Margaret Lock. Mamphele Ramphele. and Pamela Reynolds. eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2001. 294 pp.
Effect of Pressure on the Lattice Parameters of Manganese Antimonide

The lattice parameters and relative volume of MnSb have been measured as functions of pressure to 100 kbar. The initial compressibilities are (1/a0) (da/dp) = − (4±1)×10−4 kbar−1, (1/c0) (dc/dp) = − (14±3)×10−4 kbar−1, and (1/V0) (dV/dp) = − (22±5)×10−4 kbar−1. It was found that the high‐pressure Curie‐point data reported by Samara and Giardini and by Hirone et al. do not fit a simple interaction curve defined by the Curie points of MnAs, MnSb, and MnBi. A calculation using an equation proposed by Bean and Rodbell indicates that the thermal demagnetization of MnSb at constant pressure may become a first‐order process at a pressure of about 45 kbar. However, no evidence of a first‐order transformation could be seen in this work.
Palatal fusion in vitro in the mouse.

Abstract Palatal shelves from seventy-two A/Jax mouse embryos were dissected at three gestational ages, namely 12 1 2 , 13 1 2 , or 14 1 2 days. Pairs of shelves were placed on the surface of a semi-defined medium for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hr. After incubation, each explant was examined on histological sections, to determine the degree of fusion obtained. The results show that all the explants removed at 13 1 2 and 14 1 2 days did fuse in vitro. However, most of the explants dissected at 12 1 2 days did not fuse. Thus, we can consider that the potentiality to fuse in that species is acquired at least 40 hr before the actual closure of the secondary palate.
Active reflection phase surfaces for cognitive radar

Metamaterial and electromagnetic band gap (EBG) surfaces exhibit reflection phase characteristics that are different than perfect electric conducting surfaces. The reflection phase can contribute to enhancing the gain of an antenna placed on the top of such surface. It also contributes to changing the radar cross section of the object that is covered with the active surface. This characteristic may have applications in cognitive radar systems. It also has applications in radar jamming systems. The adaptive reflection phase off the active surface may be used to introduce false target information in high range resolution (HRR) radar and other high resolution imaging radar.
SRF-dependent gene expression is required for PI3-kinase-regulated cell proliferation

Recent evidence indicates that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a central regulator of mitosis, apoptosis and oncogenesis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which PI3K regulates proliferation are not well characterized. Mitogens stimulate entry into the cell cycle by inducing the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) that in turn trigger the expression of G1 cyclins. Here we describe a novel PI3K- regulated transcriptional cascade that is critical for mitogen regulation of the IEG, c-fos. We show that PI3K activates gene expression by transactivating SRF-dependent transcription independently of the previously described Rho and ETS TCF pathways. PI3K-stimulated cell cycle progression requires transactivation of SRF and expression of dominant- negative PI3K blocks mitogen-stimulated cell cycle progression. Furthermore, dominant-interfering SRF mutants attenuate mitogen-stimulated cell cycle progression, but are without effect on MEK-stimulated cell cycle entry. Moreover, expression of constitutively active SRF is sufficient for cell cycle entry. Thus, we delineate a novel SRF-dependent mitogenic cascade that is critical for PI3K- and growth factor-mediated cell cycle progression.
A theoretical estimate of O3 and H2O2 dry deposition over the northeast United States

Abstract Estimates of short-term, regional-scale spatial distributions of ozone (O 3 ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) dry deposition over the northeast U.S. are presented. Dry deposition fluxes to surfaces are computed using a regional tropospheric chemistry model with deposition velocities which vary with local meteorology, land type, insolation, seasonal factors and surface wetness. A compilation of O 3 surface resistances is presented based on a survey of O 3 dry deposition measurements. The surface resistance for H 2 O 2 is assumed to be small under most conditions, causing H 2 O 2 to dry deposit at a rate which is frequently limited by surface-layer turbulence. Regional patterns of dry deposition velocities for these oxidants over the northeast U.S. are computed using landuse data and meteorological information predicted using a mesoscale meteorology model. Domain-averaged O 3 deposition velocities during a spring period reach a mid-day peak of 0.7–0.8 cm s −1 and drop to 0.1–0.2 cm s −1 at night. Domain-averaged H 2 O 2 deposition velocities at a height of approximately 80 m are predicted to reach a mid-day peak of 1.6–2.0cm s −1 , and fall to 0.6–0.9 cm s −1 at night. Time-averaged surface-layer H 2 O 2 concentrations show a latitude dependence, with higher concentrations in the south. H 2 O 2 concentrations are significantly reduced due to efficient wet removal and chemical destruction during the passage of a cyclonic frontal system. In contrast, O 3 concentrations are predicted to rise during the passage of a frontal system due to efficient vertical exchange of midtropospheric air into the boundary layer during convective conditions, followed by synoptic-scale subsidence occurring in the high pressure airmass following a cyclone. Maximum O 3 deposition during this 3-day springtime period occurs in polluted agricultural areas. In contrast, H 2 O 2 dry deposition exhibits a latitude dependence with maximum 3-day accumulations occurring in the south. Domain-averaged mid-day deposition rates for O 3 and H 2 O 2 were 45–50 μmol m −2 h −1 and 4–5 μmol m −2 h −1 . At night, deposition rates were approximately 5–10 μmol m −2 h −1 and 1.5–2.5 μmol m −2 h −1 for O 3 and H 2 O 2 . These model results show that regional patterns of oxidant dry deposition are strongly influenced by oxidant concentrations, atmospheric stability, surface roughness and numerous other surface and meteorological factors. Each of these factors must be well-characterized before regional patterns of biological damage associated with oxidant dry deposition can be quantified.
Wave propagation in a truncated conical shell

Abstract In this paper, the problem of wave propagation in a thin conical shell is considered. The material is assumed to be bilinear with rate-independent mechanical properties. A computational technique is proposed for solving the governing hyperbolic system of equations. This technique is a synthesis of a Laplace transform approach and the method of characteristics. Some numerical results are shown and the effect of geometrically induced non-homogeneity is discussed in terms of plastic wave attenuation.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF GASEOUS AMMONIA IN THE TEMPERATURE RANGE 358-925 K.

Thermal conductivity of research grade pure ammonia gas has been measured by the column method at pressures of 12.9, 26.5, and 45.0 kN/m2 over the temperature range 358 to 925 K. The maximum probable error of measurement is 1.5% at 874 K and it increases in magnitude as the temperature decreases. At 405 K, it is about 4.8%. The experimental data are correlated by the following cubic polynomial in temperature: k(T)=5.237× 10-3 + 5.179 × 10-4 T + 8.404 × 10-7 T2 + 1.557 × 10-10 T3. Here k is in mW/cm-K and T is in K. The experimental values are compared with three kinetic theory expressions for thermal conductivity of polyatomic gases in conjunction with the Stockmayer (12-6-3) potential. It is concluded that none of the theories can accurately predict the thermal conductivity of ammonia and probably of polar gases in general. The diffusion coefficient characterizing the transport of vibrational energy is computed as a function of temperature and on the basis of experimental data and the theory due to Ahtye...
Future trends in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The strategic approach to the management of asthma and reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease employs the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other agents. A stepped therapeutic approach based upon inhaled beta agonists, long-acting oral methylxanthines and practical steroid strategies is valuable for most patients with reversible asthma and a considerable number of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The goals of therapy are a complete or acceptable relief of symptoms and the achievement of the highest possible level of human function, maximal improvement in airflow, and minimal or no side effects from the pharmacologic agents used. The response to therapy from each agent should be carefully assessed by objective measurements of one-second forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity using simple, practical spirometers. Future trends in asthma therapy include new inflammatory mediator blockers, combined pharmacologic strategies, and other new agents. Future trends in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include the early identification and intervention with drugs that could reduce or minimize nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity.
Phase-transfer energetics of small-molecule alcohols across the water-hexane interface: molecular dynamics simulations using charge equilibration models.

Abstract We study the water–hexane interface using molecular dynamics (MD) and polarizable charge equilibration (CHEQ) force fields. Bulk densities for TIP4P-FQ water and hexane, 1.0086 ± 0.0002 and 0.6378 ± 0.0001 g/cm 3 , demonstrate excellent agreement with experiment. Interfacial width and interfacial tension are consistent with previously reported values. The in-plane component of the dielectric permittivity ( ɛ || ) for water is shown to decrease from 81.7 ± 0.04 to unity, transitioning longitudinally from bulk water to bulk hexane. ɛ || for hexane reaches a maximum in the interface, but this term represents only a small contribution to the total dielectric constant (as expected for a non-polar species). Structurally, net orientations of the molecules arise in the interfacial region such that hexane lies slightly parallel to the interface and water reorients to maximize hydrogen bonding. Interfacial potentials due to contributions of the water and hexane are calculated to be −567.9 ± 0.13 and 198.7 ± 0.01 mV, respectively, giving rise to a total potential in agreement with the range of values reported from previous simulations of similar systems. Potentials of mean force (PMF) calculated for methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol for the transfer from water to hexane indicate an interfacial free energy minimum, corresponding to the amphiphilic nature of the molecules. The magnitudes of transfer free energies were further characterized from the solvation free energies of alcohols in water and hexane using thermodynamic integration. This analysis shows that solvation free energies for alcohols in hexane are 0.2–0.3 kcal/mol too unfavorable, whereas solvation of alcohols in water is approximately 1 kcal/mol too favorable. For the pure hexane–water interfacial simulations, we observe a monotonic decrease of the water dipole moment to near-vacuum values. This suggests that the electrostatic component of the desolvation free energy is not as severe for polarizable models than for fixed-charge force fields. The implications of such behavior pertain to the modeling of polar and charged solutes in lipidic environments.
Myxomycetes from Jamaica

This paper lists thirty-eight species of Myxomycetes collected in Jamaica, B.W.I., from 29 June to 30 August 1952. Among those recorded is a species, Comatricha martinii Alexopoulos & Beneke, recently described as new by us from this collection, and a number of unusual or rarely collected species such as Ceratiomyxa sphaerosperma, Physarum nicaraguense and Didymium intermedium . Also included are Licea biforis and Comatricha elegans , which constitute new records from the American tropics, and a number of other species such as Trichia affinis and T. favoginea which are common in temperate regions, but which are said to be unusual in the tropics.