cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Dimensionality of Face Space

The dimensionality of face space is measured objectively in a psychophysical study. Within this framework, we obtain a measurement of the dimension for the human visual system. Using an eigenface basis, evidence is presented that talented human observers are able to identify familiar faces that lie in a space of roughly 100 dimensions and the average observer requires a space of between 100 and 200 dimensions. This is below most current estimates. It is further argued that these estimates give an upper bound for face space dimension and this might be lowered by better constructed "eigenfaces" and by talented observers.
The Theory of Pericyclic Reactions

Pericyclic reactions include thermal and photochemical cycloadditions and cycloreversions, electrocyclic reactions and sigmatropic shifts. Configuration interaction analysis can be used for making predictions about preferred reaction pathways, about reaction rates, about the nature of possible intermediate steps, and above all about the stereochemistry of such reactions.
A self-supervised learning framework for classifying microarray gene expression data

It is important to develop computational methods that can effectively resolve two intrinsic problems in microarray data: high dimensionality and small sample size. In this paper, we propose a self-supervised learning framework for classifying microarray gene expression data using Kernel Discriminant-EM (KDEM) algorithm. This framework applies self-supervised learning techniques in an optimal nonlinear discriminating subspace. It efficiently utilizes a large set of unlabeled data to compensate for the insufficiency of a small set of labeled data and it extends linear algorithm in DEM to kernel algorithm to handle nonlinearly separable data in a lower dimensional space. Extensive experiments on the Plasmodium falciparum expression profiles show the promising performance of the approach.
Modeling of the glottal flow derivative waveform with application to speaker identification

An automatic technique for estimating and modeling the glottal flow derivative source waveform from speech, and applying the model parameters to speaker identification, is presented. The estimate of the glottal flow derivative is decomposed into coarse structure, representing the general flow shape, and fine structure, comprising aspiration and other perturbations in the flow, from which model parameters are obtained. The glottal flow derivative is estimated using an inverse filter determined within a time interval of vocal-fold closure that is identified through differences in formant frequency modulation during the open and closed phases of the glottal cycle. This formant motion is predicted by Ananthapadmanabha and Fant (1982) to be a result of time-varying and nonlinear source/vocal tract coupling within a glottal cycle. The glottal flow derivative estimate is modeled using the Liljencrants-Fant (1986) model to capture its coarse structure, while the fine structure of the flow derivative is represented through energy and perturbation measures. The model parameters are used in a Gaussian mixture model speaker identification (SID) system. Both coarse- and fine-structure glottal features are shown to contain significant speaker-dependent information. For a large TIMIT database subset, averaging over male and female SID scores, the coarse-structure parameters achieve about 60% accuracy, the fine-structure parameters give about 40% accuracy, and their combination yields about 70% correct identification. Finally, in preliminary experiments on the counterpart telephone-degraded NTIMIT database, about a 5% error reduction in SID scores is obtained when source features are combined with traditional mel-cepstral measures.
A scalable learning system for video recognition

Learning has become an essential part of many image and video processing systems, but it is not often used as an end-to-end solution. Some of the most successful demonstrations of end-to-end learning have been with convolutional, or shared weight networks. We are interested in how this approach can scale and have developed a flexible framework for implementing and training large scale convolutional networks called Harpo. We present an overview of the Harpo framework and describe a multilevel learning strategy used to optimize convolutional networks for particular features of interest in video data streams. Harpo is designed to exploit reconfigurable hardware to accelerate massively parallel convolutional network components and achieve real-time processing speeds. In this paper, we present initial software experiments which use the system to segment exhaust plumes coming from military vehicles in unmanned aerial vehicle video data
Wound repair in Montipora capitata

We documented the microscopic morphology of tissue healing in Montipora capitata. Fragments from two healthy coral colonies were traumatized by scraping tissue and skeleton and monitored in flow-through seawater tables every 2–4 days for 40 days for gross and cellular changes. Grossly, corals appeared healed and repigmented by Day 40. Histologically, traumatized issues were undistinguishable from intact untraumatized tissues by Day 12. We suspect that the calicoblastic epidermis of basal body wall is pluripotential and can develop into surface epidermis when needed.
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy and Coronary Artery Spasm

Three patients had hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and coronary artery spasm. The clinical diagnosis of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, in all patients, was confirmed by echocardiography and angiography. Significant spasm of the right coronary artery was demonstrated in each patient by selective coronary arteriography. One patient had atherosclerotic obstructive three vessel disease, while the other two showed no evidence of any fixed organic narrowing of the coronary arteries. ST segment elevation in the inferior ECG leads was documented in two of the patients in association with coronary spasm.
Invariants as a unified knowledge model for Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) consist of distributed computation interconnected by computer networks that monitor and control switched physical entities interconnected by physical infrastructures. Finding a common semantic among these diverse components that facilitates system synthesis, verification, and monitoring is a significant challenge of a CPS research program. In the emerging smart grid, for example, system state provides input into distributed computer algorithms that manage power and energy via local computation with messaging passing over a computer network collectively resulting in control signals to advanced power electronics. Computational correctness, network timing, and frequency response are all system aspects that conspire to impede design, verification, and monitoring. This paper seeks to unify the knowledge present in these diverse aspects through developing common semantics that span each aspect of a CPS. Specifically, a “smart grid” type system is considered. Power commands to various loads and alternative energy sources are stepped in response to cyber controllers that are networked. This paper shows the development of a physical invariant, based on the theory of Lyapunov-like functions, and a cyber invariant, the governs the correctness of a power dispatch algorithm, and couples the two to develop an overall system stability invariant. The invariant approach is tested with two scenarios. In the first case, the system is subjected to two commanded pulses beyond the stable limit, with the second perturbing pulse being of a magnitude greater than the first, which makes the system unstable. In the second case, the system is subjected to two commanded pulses beyond its stable limit but with a comparatively smaller magnitude of the perturbing second pulse, which allowed the system to remain stable. The measure of stability is an energy function which, under certain conditions, serves as a Lyapunov-like invariant that is used to prove stability.
A hybrid architecture for mobile robots based on decentralized, parallel path planning

A hybrid model that takes advantage of decentralization and parallelism is presented. It uses a decentralized massively parallel solution to the general path planning problem in the presence of obstacles. It is based on a cellular automaton, wavefront propagation model. Its applicability in planning the motion of autonomous robots is shown. The case study demonstrates the practical feasibility of the proposed model as an alternative to the existing approaches. >
Everolimus tablets for patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.

Introduction: Better understanding of aberrantly active molecular pathways in tumors offers potential to develop more specific and less toxic therapies. Abnormal mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex signaling and defects in TSC1 and TSC2 have been associated with the development of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients. Recently, mTOR inhibitors such as everolimus have shown encouraging benefit for patients with SEGAs. Areas covered: The authors discuss a molecular genetic pathway linked with TSC, specifically the role of two proteins whose functional absence is responsible for most SEGA tumors that arise in TSC patients. The authors also examine the rationale for targeted agents against this pathway therapeutically and describe the clinical evidence underlying the FDA approval of everolimus for patients with inoperable SEGAs. Expert opinion: Everolimus (Afinitor) selectively targets a molecular defect of SEGAs in TSC patients. Although surgery i...
Prenatal prediction of neonatal survival at the borderline viability.

Objective. Prenatal prediction of neonatal survival and survival without short term major morbidity (STMM) in babies born at the borderline of viability.Methods. Obstetric and neonatal records of 471 babies born from 22 0/7 to 25 6/7 weeks between the years 2000 to 2007 were reviewed. A total of 179 live-born nonanomaluos singleton infants with birth-weights of 300–1397 g, who underwent ultrasonographic examination <7days before delivery, qualified for the study. Ultrasound biometry, use of antenatal steroids, fetal gender, race, gestational age, estimated fetal weight, and maternal medical and obstetric characteristics were evaluated. Univariate analyses, logistic regression, and bootstrapping using 10,000 resamplings were performed to derive prediction formulas that projected neonatal outcomes. From these, quantitative patient-specific prenatal estimates of neonatal survival and survival without STMM were calculated.Results. On the basis of the use of prenatally available parameters, neonatal survival w...
Membrane TNF-alpha-activated programmed necrosis is mediated by Ceramide-induced reactive oxygen species

Background: Programmed necrosis is a form of caspase-independent cell death whose molecular regulation is poorly understood. While tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been identified as an activator of programmed necrosis, the specific context under which this can happen is unclear. Recently we reported that TNF-α can be expressed by human tumor cells as both a membrane tethered (mTNF-α) and a soluble (sTNF-α) form. Whereas low level, tumor-derived sTNF-α acts as a tumor promoter, tumor cell expression of mTNF-α significantly delays tumor growth in mice, in large part by induction of programmed necrosis of tumor associated myeloid cells. In this study we sought to determine the molecular mechanism involved in mTNF-α oxidative stress-induced cell death by evaluating the known pathways involved in TNF receptor-induced programmed necrosis. Methods: The source of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in mTNF-α treated cells was determined by coculturing RAW 264.7 monocytic and L929 fibroblasts cells with fixed B16F10 control or mTNF-α expressing-melanoma cells in the presence of inhibitors of NADPH and mitochondria ROS. To identify the down-stream effector of TNF-a receptors (TNFR), level of phospho-RIP-1 and ceramide activity were evaluated. To determine whether mTNF-mediated cell death was dependent on a specific TNFR, cell death was measured in primary CD11b myeloid cells isolated from wild-type or TNFR-1, TNFR-2, TNFR-1 and TNFR-2 double knockout mice, cocultured with various TNF-α isoform. Results: Tumor derived-mTNF-α increased ROS-mediated cytotoxicity, independent of caspase-3 activity. Although TNFR on target cells were required for this effect, we observed that mTNF-induced cell death could be mediated through both TNFR-1 and the death domain-lacking TNFR-2. ROS generation and cytotoxicity were inhibited by a mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitor but not by an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. mTNF-α mediated cytotoxicity was independent of RIP-1, a serine/threonine kinase that serves as a main adaptor protein of sTNF-α induced programmed necrosis. Instead, mTNF-α-induced ROS and cell death was prohibited by the ceramide-activated protein kinase (CAPK) inhibitor. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the mTNF-α isoform is an effective inducer of programmed necrosis through a caspase independent, ceramide-related pathway. Interestingly, unlike sTNFα, mTNF-induced programmed necrosis is not dependent on the presence of TNFR1.
Establishment of the Palearctic Heterogaster urticae (F.) (Hemiptera: Lygaeoidea: Heterogastridae) in North America, with New British Columbia Records of the Native H. Behrensii (Uhler)

Abstract. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.; Urticaceae), a Holarctic perennial herb, is a host plant of two lygaeoids of the family Heterogastridae: Heterogaster urticae (F.) in the Palearctic and H. behrensii (Uhler) in the Nearctic Region. We give the first published North American records (other than port-of-entry interceptions) of H. urticae, based on fieldwork in British Columbia in 2010 and 2011. We also give new distribution records for H. behrensii, a species of special concern in the province; it previously was known in Canada only from one site in British Columbia. Morphological characters are provided to distinguish the species. Both heterogastrids were collected from stinging nettle in British Columbia's Lower Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island; H. urticae also was taken in the Vancouver Metro Area. The species were syntopic in two nettle colonies. We suggest that the heterogastrids'syntopy provides an opportunity to determine whether the adventive H. urticae might adversely affect the nat...
Attributes of residents as teachers and role models - a mixed methods study of stakeholders.

Background: Residents are at the forefront of student education in the hospital, yet valid tools to assess their performance as teachers are lacking.Aims: To develop a valid evaluation tool for assessing resident performance as educators for clerkship students.Method: A mixed-methods design was used. Focus groups of residents and medical students explored desired behaviors in resident educators. Using grounded theory, a list of behaviors was generated inductively through iterative review and categorized into themes. After thematic saturation, behaviors were rated on a Likert scale by stakeholders based on “importance” and “accuracy of measurement.” Items which were both important and accurate were used in the final tool.Results: Eighty-five desirable behaviors for resident educators were identified and consolidated into a 14-item tool. Twenty met both “importance” and “accuracy” criteria and fell under themes of respect, safe environment, balancing supervision with autonomy, relevant teaching and feedback...
Glutathione and transferrin in rhesus monkeys1

Summary Transferrin types and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined for 38 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). Eight transferrin alleles were found: their gene frequencies were: TfA 0.04, Tfc 0.50, TfD 0.03, TfD 0.09, TF 0.11, TF 0.05, TfG 0.11, and Tf H' 0.08. The 16 phenotypes found and the number of each was: Tf AC 3, Tf CC 9, Tf CD‘ 2, Tf CD 2, Tf CF 5, Tf CF 3, Tf CH’ 3, Tf CG 2, Tf D'D‘ 1, Tf D'F 1, Tf D'G 1, TfD'H’ l, TfFG2, TfF'G ‘l.TfCG l.and Tf H'H’ 1. Mean GSH level was 310.6 mg/100 ml red cells. The Tf CC group had significantly lower GSH levels than Tfc heterozygotes or non-Tfc homozygotes. The Tfc heterozygotes had significantly lower GSH levels than non-Tfc homozygotes. Tfc, TfD' and TF alleles were associated with lower GSH levels. Glutathione levels were higher in older animals and were higher in September than in December. Sex differences in glutathione levels were not found.
Phylogenetic Comparative Analysis: A Modeling Approach for Adaptive Evolution

Biologists employ phylogenetic comparative methods to study adaptive evolution. However, none of the popular methods model selection directly. We explain and develop a method based on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) process, first proposed by Hansen. Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models incorporate both selection and drift and are thus qualitatively different from, and more general than, pure drift models based on Brownian motion. Most importantly, OU mod- els possess selective optima that formalize the notion of adaptive zone. In this article, we develop the method for one quantitative character, discuss interpretations of its parameters, and provide code implementing the method. Our approach allows us to translate hy- potheses regarding adaptation in different selective regimes into ex- plicit models, to test the models against data using maximum-like- lihood-based model selection techniques, and to infer details of the evolutionary process. We illustrate the method using two worked examples. Relative to existing approaches, the direct modeling ap- proach we demonstrate allows one to explore more detailed hy- potheses and to utilize more of the information content of com- parative data sets than existing methods. Moreover, the use of a model selection framework to simultaneously compare a variety of hy- potheses advances our ability to assess alternative evolutionary explanations.
Comparison of risk stratification tools in predicting outcomes of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes treated with azanucleosides

Established prognostic tools in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were largely derived from untreated patient cohorts. Although azanucleosides are standard therapies for higher-risk (HR)-MDS, the relative prognostic performance of existing prognostic tools among patients with HR-MDS receiving azanucleoside therapy is unknown. In the MDS Clinical Research Consortium database, we compared the prognostic utility of the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS (IPSS-R), MD Anderson Prognostic Scoring System (MDAPSS), World Health Organization-based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) and the French Prognostic Scoring System (FPSS) among 632 patients who presented with HR-MDS and were treated with azanucleosides as the first-line therapy. Median follow-up from diagnosis was 15.7 months. No prognostic tool predicted the probability of achieving an objective response. Nonetheless, all five tools were associated with overall survival (OS, P=0.025 for the IPSS, P=0.011 for WPSS and P<0.001 for the other three tools). The corrected Akaike Information Criteria, which were used to compare OS with the different prognostic scoring systems as covariates (lower is better) were 4138 (MDAPSS), 4156 (FPSS), 4196 (IPSS-R), 4186 (WPSS) and 4196 (IPSS). Patients in the highest-risk groups of the prognostic tools had a median OS from diagnosis of 11-16 months and should be considered for up-front transplantation or experimental approaches.
In vivo interactions of apoA-II, apoA-I, and hepatic lipase contributing to HDL structure and antiatherogenic functions

Studies with mice have revealed that increased expression of apolipoprotein A-II (apoA-II) results in elevations in high density lipoprotein (HDL), the formation of larger HDL, and the development of early atherosclerosis. We now show that the increased size of HDL results in part from an inhibition of the ability of hepatic lipase (HL) to hydrolyze phospholipids and triglycerides in the HDL and that the ratio of apoA-I to apoA-II determines HDL functional and antiatherogenic properties. HDL from apoA-II transgenic mice was relatively resistant to the action of HL in vitro. To test whether HL and apoA-II influence HDL size independently, combined apoA-II transgenic/HL knockout (HLko) mice were examined. These mice had HDL similar in size to apoA-II transgenic mice and HLko mice, suggesting that they do not increase HDL side by independent mechanisms. Overexpression of apoA-I from a transgene reversed many of the effects of apoA-II overexpression, including the ability of HDL to serve as a substrate for HL. Combined apoA-I/apoA-II transgenic mice exhibited significantly less atherosclerotic lesion formation than did apoA-II transgenic mice. These results were paralleled by the effects of the transgenes on the ability of HDL to protect against the proinflammatory effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL). Whereas nontransgenic HDL protected against oxidized LDL induction of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, HDL from apoA-II transgenic mice was proinflammatory. HDL from combined apoA-I/apoA-II transgenic mice was equally as protective as HDL from nontransgenic mice. Our data suggest that as the ratio of apoA-II to apoA-I is increased, the HDL become larger because of inhibition of HL, and lose their antiatherogenic properties.
Stoichiometry of neurally induced VIP release, NO formation, and relaxation in rabbit and rat gastric muscle

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) release, nitric oxide (NO) formation, and relaxation induced by nerve stimulation were examined in rabbit and rat gastric muscle. VIP stimulated NO formation in muscle strips, whereas NO stimulated VIP release. Nerve stimulation (0.025-16 Hz or 2-940 pulses) elicited frequency-dependent stimulation of VIP release, NO formation, and relaxation, all significant at two to three pulses. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NMA) abolished NO formation, abolished VIP release and relaxation at low frequencies, and partly inhibited them at higher frequencies. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) inhibited VIP release and relaxation by 80% at low frequencies and 20-30% at higher frequencies. VIP-(10-28) abolished NO formation and relaxation at lower frequencies and partly inhibited them at higher frequencies; in contrast, VIP-(10-28) augmented VIP release in both species. The pattern of inhibition was similar in both species. Inhibition of maximal NO formation by VIP-(10-28) (82% in rabbit; 48% in rat) implied that a major component of NO is formed in muscle cells by the action of VIP. Thus 1) inhibition of relaxation by L-NNA reflects suppression of NO and VIP release from nerve terminals and NO formation in muscle cells, 2) inhibition by VIP-(10-28) partly reflects suppression of NO formation in muscle cells, and 3) inhibition by oxy-Hb reflects neutralization of extracellular NO and suppression of VIP release. The study demonstrates the dual origin of NO from nerves and muscle and its interplay with VIP in regulating relaxation.
The World System According to Andre Gunder Frank: Hegemony and Domination

Andre Gunder Frank is still recognized world-wide for his research and activism, including his contributions to dependency theory in the 1970s and world-system debates in the 1980s, as well as for his book ReOrient: Global Economy in the Asian Age in the 1990s (Lauderdale and Harris 2008). 1 And now in his latest contribution, Frank further explores the argument that the contemporary world system is part of a continuous five-thousand-year-old history, providing yet more evidence to contest conventional theories that continue to place Europe at the center of economic development. In contrast, Frank contends that the rise of Western societies is a historical blip in an otherwise Asian-centered economy. As Frank's research challenges, for example, the Marxist and Weberian theories on the rise of capitalism as well as Wallerstein's world-systems analyses, there is no doubt that his work, at a minimum, continues to intrigue, provoke and excite scholars in multiple fields. Frank's research also impacts world-systems scholars by suggesting that they examine the world as one world system, rather than the current search for several world-systems, as he is critiquing theories of Eurocentrism and even the concept of capitalism ( cf. Wallerstein 1999). Al Bergesen, in his essay "World-System Theory After Andre Gunder Frank," aptly explains the differences between world-systems/PEWS (WST/PEWS) theory and Frank's perspective of the world economy. Bergesen (2015) notes:
Public Pension Crises and the Broken Promise of Black Representation

Black mayors are generally credited with helping to increase the number of black civil servants. As a result, black representation at the municipal level has been linked to a stabilization and/or expansion (if not outright creation) of a black middle class. However, as cities across the United States struggle to meet their obligations to public pensioners, there could be an impending disaster for that same black middle class. In this paper, we link pensions to a broader skepticism of black representation's historical record of delivering material benefits to black citizens. The threat of a crisis in public pension systems is just another example of how big city black mayors have not lived up to their representational promise.
Marketing Contracts and Crop Insurance

Contracts between farmers and intermediaries and crop insurers are important means for farmers to mitigate risks in modern U.S. agriculture. In this paper, we investigate the effect of crop insurance enrollment on contract terms and farmers’ participation in marketing contracts. Following Ligon (2003), we set up a mechanism design framework to demonstrate an intermediary's contract design problem, where farmers are assumed to be utility maximizing agents. We depict farmers’ optimal choices of insurance coverage using the specification developed by Babcock (2012). Our model shows that improved terms of crop insurance (lower premiums, higher subsidies) make contracts less appealing to farmers as mechanisms for mitigating risk. Therefore, intermediaries may revise their contract offers so that they are more attractive. However, improvements in contract terms are limited by their cost to the intermediaries and will not lead to expanded participation in contracts.
Alterations in Consciousness: Seizures, Coma and Sleep

Consciousness: The waking state in which the individual has awareness, with “the ability to perceive, interact and communicate with the environment and others in the integrated manner which wakefulness normally implies” (Zeman, 2001).
Flow Boiling of R-134a in Minichannels With Transverse Ribs

An experimental effort was undertaken to investigate the flow boiling of R-134a in minichannels with transverse ribs. The test channel consisted of two parallel plates; the lower plate was heated while the upper plate was adiabatic and fabricated from a clear material to facilitate the visualization and photography of the boiling process. A number of transverse ribs were deployed along the lower plate to form a meandering flow passage inside the minichannel. The ribs blocked 3/4 of the flow cross-section in the transverse direction and the hydraulic diameter of the channel was 1.93 mm. In these experiments, the range of test parameters were: mass flux 100 to 225 kg/m2 s, saturation temperature 15 to 30°C, heat flux 14 kW/m2 , and average vapor quality 0.12 to 0.86. With these parameters, the Convective and Boiling numbers ranged from 0.04 to 0.90 and 7.49 × 10−4 to 8.98 × 10−4 , respectively. Of a total of 60 data points recorded, 78% of the data fell in the convective boiling region, while the remaining 22% were in the nucleate boiling region. In an attempt to model and correlate the data, it was found that the Kandlikar’s correlation proposed for augmented tubes was a suitable model for the present minichannel. Using the least-squares procedure, this two-equation model was fit to a total of 60 experimental data, resulting in a correlation that predicted 58 data points to within ±10%.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
An AB Initio Calculation of the Pd-V FCC Superstructure Phase Diagram with Fourth Nearest Neighbor Cluster Interactions

The Monte Carlo technique was used to calculate the phase diagram of the fcc superstructures in the Pd-V system using up to fourth nearest neighbor, concentration independent, pair and multiplet interactions. The interactions were computed by the method of Direct Configurational Averaging using a Linearized Muffin-Tin Orbital Hamiltonian cast into the tight binding form. The phase diagram was computed with a fast Monte Carlo simulation technique using environment sampling. The two fcc ground states in experimental diagram are predicted to be stable. The computed transition temperatures are higher than those found experimentally.
Metabolism of furazolidone in swine.

SummaryOrally administered furazolidone is largely absorbed from the digestive tract by swine and excreted in the form of a large number of metabolic end products. Excretory half-times of products structurally related to furazolidone appear to be 30 min or less.
Effect of dietary protein and ascorbic acid levels on biosynthesis of collagen.

SummaryOur results indicate that on a diet containing 22% casein, extra amounts of dietary ascorbic acid caused a substantial increment in collagen synthesis which was significant during the first 2 weeks after sponge implantation. It was also increased by Vit. C supplementation of diets containing 8% casein but the results were less marked than with the higher protein level. The results also indicate that addition of extra amounts of Vit. C to these diets improved their biological value from the point of view of biosynthesis of collagen but not for growth.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Atherosclerosis—Brief Report

Objective—Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is present in many cell types of atherosclerotic lesions. This study determined whether ACE activity in endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), 2 major resident cell types of the aorta, contributes to hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Approach and Results—All study mice were in low-density lipoprotein receptor−/− background. To determine the contribution of ACE on endothelial cells to atherosclerosis, female ACE floxed mice were bred to male Tie2-Cre transgenic mice. Endothelial cell–specific deletion of ACE significantly decreased serum ACE activity, but had no effect on systolic blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Because ACE protein is present on SMCs, the most abundant cell type of the aorta, we then determined whether ACE on SMCs contributes to atherosclerosis. ACE was depleted from SMCs by breeding female ACE floxed mice with male SM22-Cre transgenic mice. SMC-specific deficiency of ACE did not affect ACE activity in serum, but ablated it...
The chopping board: real-time sample editor

"Chopping" is a compositional technique used by many hip-hop producers and other artists working with audio samples. This technique involves separating a sample into smaller segments and re-sequencing them into a new composition. The Chopping Board is a composition and performance tool designed specifically for this technique. It is meant to inject some of the elements of traditional musicianship into sample--based music.
Generic Performance Tests for the Fertilizer Sample Preparation Laboratory

Good sample preparation is an essential first step to almost all laboratory analytical procedures. The procedures presented are intended to stimulate interest in generic methods for performance testing of various steps in fertilizer sample preparation, including initial reduction of unground sample, grinding, and mixing. Sample reduction quality is measured by 2 types of procedures, the first using 2 sizes of glass beads for a more theoretical approach, and the second using 2 common fertilizer materials for a more empirical method. Grinding performance is measured by recovery and carryover methods, followed by particle size and uniformity estimates of the ground material. Mixing after grinding is tested by measuring time-to-blend of a segregated mixture
Formation of High-Aspect-Ratio through Silicon Vias (TSVs) with a Broad Range of Diameter by Uniform Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching (MaCE)

Through silicon vias are key components in 2.5D and 3D microelectronic packaging. Deep silicon etching is the critical step in fabrications of TSVs. Uniform metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) has been considered as a promising method to the conventional deep reaction ion etching for deep silicon etching. In this paper, we demonstrated that the uniform MaCE method is capable of fabricating vertical holes with a wide range of diameter of 5-100 µm for various TSVs applications. The Au catalysts in MaCE of large diameter features show slight deformation, possible due to a hindered transport of HF. We have further demonstrated that uniform vertical holes can be fabricated by MaCE using Au catalysts deposited from either e-beam evaporation or DC sputtering. The sputtered Au catalysts, reported for the first time, may carry separated Au particles etching laterally and produce pores on the sidewall of the etched holes. By optimizing the Au thickness, the sidewall etching could be minimized and uniform vertical etching profiles could be achieved. The DC sputtering method provides a fast and more accessible way for prototype tests in MaCE research and other researches where deep silicon etching is required.
On the Lengths of Intervals in a Stationary Point Process

SUMMARY The paper is concerned with the lengths of intervals in a stationary point process. Relations are given between the various probability functions, and moments are considered. Two different random variables are introduced for the lengths of intervals, according to whether the measurement is made from an arbitrary event or beginning at an arbitrary time, and their properties are compared. In particular, new properties are derived for the correlation coefficients between the lengths of successive intervals. Examples are given. A theorem is proved, giving conditions under which two independent stationary point processes with independent intervals may be superposed, giving a new point process which also has independent intervals. Mention is made of the application to the theory of binary random processes and to the zeros of a Gaussian process.
LPA receptor activity is basal specific and coincident with early pregnancy and involution during mammary gland postnatal development

During pregnancy, luminal and basal epithelial cells of the adult mammary gland proliferate and differentiate resulting in remodeling of the adult gland. While pathways that control this process have been characterized in the gland as a whole, the contribution of specific cell subtypes, in particular the basal compartment, remains largely unknown. Basal cells provide structural and contractile support, however they also orchestrate the communication between the stroma and the luminal compartment at all developmental stages. Using RNA-seq, we show that basal cells are extraordinarily transcriptionally dynamic throughout pregnancy when compared to luminal cells. We identified gene expression changes that define specific basal functions acquired during development that led to the identification of novel markers. Enrichment analysis of gene sets from 24 mouse models for breast cancer pinpoint to a potential new function for insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1r) in the basal epithelium during lactogenesis. We establish that β-catenin signaling is activated in basal cells during early pregnancy, and demonstrate that this activity is mediated by lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (Lpar3). These findings identify novel pathways active during functional maturation of the adult mammary gland.
Changes in inpatient payer-mix and hospitalizations following Medicaid expansion: Evidence from all-capture hospital discharge data

Context The Affordable Care Act resulted in unprecedented reductions in the uninsured population through subsidized private insurance and an expansion of Medicaid. Early estimates from the beginning of 2014 showed that the Medicaid expansion decreased uninsured discharges and increased Medicaid discharges with no change in total discharges. Objective To provide new estimates of the effect of the ACA on discharges for specific conditions. Design, setting, and participants We compared outcomes between states that did and did not expand Medicaid using state-level all-capture discharge data from 2009–2014 for 42 states from the Healthcare Costs and Utilization Project’s FastStats database; for a subset of states we used data through 2015. We stratified the analysis by baseline uninsured rates and used difference-in-differences and synthetic control methods to select comparison states with similar baseline characteristics that did not expand Medicaid. Main outcome Our main outcomes were total and condition-specific hospital discharges per 1,000 population and the share of total discharges by payer. Conditions reported separately in FastStats included maternal, surgical, mental health, injury, and diabetes. Results The share of uninsured discharges fell in Medicaid expansion states with below (-4.39 percentage points (p.p.), -6.04 –-2.73) or above (-7.66 p.p., -9.07 –-6.24) median baseline uninsured rates. The share of Medicaid discharges increased in both small (6.42 p.p. 4.22–6.62) and large (10.5 p.p., 8.48–12.5) expansion states. Total and most condition-specific discharges per 1,000 residents did not change in Medicaid expansion states with high or low baseline uninsured rates relative to non-expansion states (0.418, p = 0.225), with one exception: diabetes. Discharges for that condition per 1,000 fell in states with high baseline uninsured rates relative to non-expansion states (-0.038 95% p = 0.027). Conclusions Early changes in payer mix identified in the first two quarters of 2014 continued through the Medicaid expansion’s first year and are distributed across all condition types studied. We found no change in total discharges between Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states, however residents of states that should have been most affected by the Medicaid expansion were less likely to be hospitalized for diabetes.
Source apportionment of particulate matter and trace gases near a major refinery near the Houston Ship Channel

Abstract From February 7 to 27, 2015, a mobile air quality laboratory was deployed to a location proximate to a major refinery, the Port of Houston, and several neighborhoods to conduct measurements of atmospheric trace gases and particulate matter. Two statistical models were utilized to apportion the sources of pollution impacting this site and the denizens of the nearby neighborhoods. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was performed on the organic signal of the aerosol mass spectra, resulting in five factors totaling an average of 4.1 μg/m3 of the organic aerosol: hydrocarbon-like (0.67 μg/m3), cooking (0.35 μg/m3) biomass burning (1.14 μg/m3), low-volatility oxidized (1.15 μg/m3), and semi-volatile oxidized (0.78 μg/m3). Principal component analysis was performed on daytime and nighttime data, including concentrations from PMF output, of other PM1 components, and of trace gases. This generated five daytime and five nighttime factors that explained 74.5% and 73.0% of the variance, respectively. The most important factors impacting this site were from mobile source exhaust and petrochemical aromatic compound emissions. Together these two factors also constitute most of the observed carcinogens.
Energy-Efficient RRH Sleep Mode for Virtual Radio Access Networks

Network functions virtualization (NFV) has become a strategic tool that facilitates mobile network resource sharing and management by mobile network operators (MNOs). Cloud radio access network (C- RAN) virtualization allows agglomeration of multiple radio access networks (RANs) functions in a single resource pool. In this paper, Virtualized Radio Access Network (VRAN) is utilized as the enabler of inter-operator traffic offloading. To explore the energy saving potential of sleep mode scheme in base stations of cooperating MNOs, we leverage on inter-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation and put forward spectrum sharing into private and shared bands. We formulate an optimization problem to obtain the optimal intra- operator and inter-operator beamforming design for realizing energy-efficient virtual RAN. Inter- operator base station load transfer algorithm is proposed as well as inter-operator BS sleep-mode energy saving algorithm. Simulations results show a significant reduction of total inter-operator power consumption as compared to other algorithms.
Educator Preparation for Developing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive MTSS in Rural Community Elementary Schools.

Special educators assume an essential leadership role in school-wide multilayered instructional systems for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse learners with and without disabilities, in...
Modeling HIV persistence and cure studies.

Purpose of review To provide a summary of the contributions of mathematical modeling to understanding of HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy. Recent findings Although HIV persistence during therapy could be caused by continual viral replication or slow-decaying latent infection, most evidence points toward the latter mechanism. The latent reservoir is maintained by a balance of cell death, proliferation, and reactivation, and new methods to estimate the relative contributions of these rates use a wide range of experimental data. This has led to new quantitative predictions about the potential benefit of therapies such as latency-reversing agents or antiproliferative drugs. Summary Results of these mathematical modeling studies can be used to design and interpret future trials of new therapies targeting HIV persistence.
Introduction: Ecologically Unequal Exchange in Comparative and Historical Perspective

At a time of increased societal urgency surrounding ecological crises from depleted fisheries (Longo, Clausen, and Clark 2015) to mineral extraction (Bunker and Ciccantell 2005) and potential pathways toward environmental justice (Martinez-Alier et al. 2016; Smith, Plummer, and Hughes 2016), this collection of papers re-examines ecologically unequal exchange (EUE) in historical and comparative perspective. The theory of EUE, grounded in Wallerstein’s (1974–2011) world-systems perspective and the work of Amin (1976), Bunker (1985), and Emmanuel (1972), posits that core or northern consumption and capital accumulation are based on peripheral or southern environmental degradation and extraction. In other words, structures of social and environmental inequality between the Global North and Global South are founded in the extraction of materials from, as well as the displacement of hazardous production processes and wastes to, the Global South (Frey, Gellert, and Dahms 2017; Hornborg and Martinez-Alier 2016; Jorgenson 2016a, 2016b; Jorgenson and Clark 2009a). These unequal relations underscore a large ecological debt owed to the periphery by the core countries; this debt is a key source for many of the previous and current environmental distribution conflicts that have taken place and continue to take place throughout the world-system (Hornborg and Martinez-Alier 2016; Martinez-Alier et al. 2016).
Crystalline Block Copolymers

Most of the polymer blends, grafts, and blocks examined in the preceding chapters formed two amorphous phases. When one phase was plastic and stiff, and the other rubbery and soft, we observed that toughened materials resulted. In this chapter we examine several types of block copolymers in which one or both components crystallize; in particular we consider three possible combinations of such blocks: 1 A glassy/crystalline combination in the form of polystyrene/poly-(ethylene oxide), PS/PEO. This block copolymer, which has been examined in some detail in the literature, will also serve as a model system. 2 A rubbery/crystalline combination consisting of poly(dimethyl siloxane)/poly(diphenyl siloxane). The crystalline, high-melting diphenyl siloxane blocks alternate with rubbery dimethyl siloxane blocks, and the resulting copolymer behaves like a thermoplastic elastomer. 3 A crystalline/crystalline combination, polyethylene/polypropylene. This type of crystalline/crystalline block copolymer is sometimes referred to as a “polyallomer.”
Assessment and evaluation issues regarding Native American elderly adults.

This paper will detail assessment and evaluation issues with Native American elderly adults. Recommendations and implications of such assessment and evaluation follow and include areas such as general background factors, cultural and family issues that impact assessment, problems to overcome, and finally a look into neuropsychological assessment. These issues will converge on the notion that mental health and neuropsychological assessment issues are relevant to Native American elderly, not because of the paucity of research in this area, but because Native American elderly are a fast-growing population, most in need of such vital services.
Subsurface Flow Dynamics

Transport models in the preceding chapters focused on contaminant, or solute, transport. We derived basic conservation laws that governed how the solutes were advected and dispersed throughout the medium, and we imposed relations that governed the kinetics of adsorption of those solutes. The subject of contaminant transport is just one aspect of porous media flow, and the development of the theory of these processes is fairly recent in the overall history of the study of ground water processes, beginning roughly in the last third of the twentieth century. Long before contaminants were of interest, researchers were interested in how the groundwater itself behaved as it seeped through porous structures. Questions involving water levels in wells, springs, and reservoirs, seepage through earthen dams, and the effects of pumping water out of wells occupied the early investigators, even back in the mid-nineteenth century.
Flexible multi-dimensional indexing server for searching non-textual diagnostic annotations

In many industrial applications, non-textual annotations are used on top of the raw images to provide diagnostic information on regions of interest, diseases, defects, evaluations, comments, and etc. These applications pose several challenges: (a) network latency of large data transfer (b) content-based queries to 3D graphical annotations, and (c) synchronization of local image data and annotations with a remote central database. These non-traditional database management requirements are limitedly supported in commercial DBMS. In our work, we develop a distributed multidimensional data management system that achieves these goals. The system is now used to support image-based inspection and diagnosis applications such as global part inspection and knowledge database guided medical diagnosis
Optimising rumen health and the effect this will have on ketosis

The transition from the dry period to lactation means dairy cows need to adapt to management, social and nutritional changes. The key to reducing the risk of ketosis in a herd is optimising these three areas, and implementing on farm protocols to ensure maximum dry matter intakes pre and post calving. Understanding rumen function is one aspect to be considered to help the transition and, therefore, health and productivity of dairy cows, ensuring a minimum incidence of ketosis within a herd.