cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sprayable self-encapsulating starch formulations for Bacillus thuringiensis.

Under glasshouse conditions, various cornstarches and adjuvants were examined as encapsulating agents in sprayable formulations for Bacillus thulingiensis subsp. kurstaki Berliner. When these materials were suspended in water and tested for physical factors such as viscosity, clumping, and retention on plant surfaces, a range of responses was observed. All formulations tested had acceptable viscosity, but some formulations clumped. When applied to cotton leaves, certain formulations remained 2 wk. One of these formulations containing equal parts of Mira-sperse (a commercially available pregelatinized cornstarch) and sucrose (6% total solids) was selected for testing persistence of B. thulingiensis t insecticidal activity against Ostrinia nubilalis Hiibner neonate larvae. When encapsulating agents were present, insecticidal activity decreased over a 2-wk period significantly more slowly than when encapsulating agents were absent. This indicates an enhanced persistence of B. thuringiensis under glasshouse conditions. Implications of a sprayable self-encapsulating formulation for B. thulingiensis are discussed.
Face Recognition using a Cognitive Processing Model

In the conventional eigenface method, the principle component analysis (PCA) algorithm associates the eigen vectors with the changes in illumination. In this paper, we propose an improvement of facial image association for face recognition using a cognitive processing model. This method is based on the notion of multiple-phase associative memory. The Essex face database is used to verify our model for facial image recognition and compare the results of face recognition with conventional eigenface method. The simulation results show that the proposed cognitive processing model approach results in better performance than that of the conventional eigenface approach; while the computational complexity remains of the same magnitude as that of the eigenface method.
The state of Web services

Web services-based systems architectures could allow for the decomposition of a business process and its applications into modules that communicate and interact with one another. Effectively decoupling these software modules to make them more independent and properly encapsulating functionality within the modules would have several advantages. However service-provider support, semantic coherence, and workflow management are required for Web services to realize their potential.
Co-expression module analysis reveals biological processes, genomic gain, and regulatory mechanisms associated with breast cancer progression

Gene expression signatures are typically identified by correlating gene expression patterns to a disease phenotype of interest. However, individual gene-based signatures usually suffer from low reproducibility and interpretability. We have developed a novel algorithm Iterative Clique Enumeration (ICE) for identifying relatively independent maximal cliques as co-expression modules and a module-based approach to the analysis of gene expression data. Applying this approach on a public breast cancer dataset identified 19 modules whose expression levels were significantly correlated with tumor grade. The correlations were reproducible for 17 modules in an independent breast cancer dataset, and the reproducibility was considerably higher than that based on individual genes or modules identified by other algorithms. Sixteen out of the 17 modules showed significant enrichment in certain Gene Ontology (GO) categories. Specifically, modules related to cell proliferation and immune response were up-regulated in high-grade tumors while those related to cell adhesion was down-regulated. Further analyses showed that transcription factors NYFB, E2F1/E2F3, NRF1, and ELK1 were responsible for the up-regulation of the cell proliferation modules. IRF family and ETS family proteins were responsible for the up-regulation of the immune response modules. Moreover, inhibition of the PPARA signaling pathway may also play an important role in tumor progression. The module without GO enrichment was found to be associated with a potential genomic gain in 8q21-23 in high-grade tumors. The 17-module signature of breast tumor progression clustered patients into subgroups with significantly different relapse-free survival times. Namely, patients with lower cell proliferation and higher cell adhesion levels had significantly lower risk of recurrence, both for all patients (p = 0.004) and for those with grade 2 tumors (p = 0.017). The ICE algorithm is effective in identifying relatively independent co-expression modules from gene co-expression networks and the module-based approach illustrated in this study provides a robust, interpretable, and mechanistic characterization of transcriptional changes.
Molecular Genetic Strategies in the Study of Corticohippocampal Circuits

The first reproductively viable genetically modified mice were created in 1982 by Richard Palmiter and Ralph Brinster (Palmiter RD, Brinster RL, Hammer RE, Trumbauer ME, Rosenfeld MG, Birnberg NC, Evans RM. 1982. Dramatic growth of mice that develop from eggs microinjected with metallothionein-growth hormone fusion genes. Nature 300: 611-615). In the subsequent 30 plus years, numerous ground-breaking technical advancements in genetic manipulation have paved the way for improved spatially and temporally targeted research. Molecular genetic studies have been especially useful for probing the molecules and circuits underlying how organisms learn and remember—one of the most interesting and intensively investigated questions in neuroscience research. Here, we discuss selected genetic tools, focusing on corticohippocampal circuits and their implications for understanding learning and memory.
A new technique for the restoration of low resolution text images

Many problems in security and surveillance require the resolution expansion of a captured image. This paper introduces a new system for expanding the resolution of text images. The system inputs are single instances of low resolution text images which must be restored and transformed into data readable text. To achieve acceptable results, such systems require a robust restoration subsystem. The sub-system proposed in this paper creates a bimodal image which favors polygonal representations, consistent with the characteristics of scripts of most non-cursive languages. The resolution expanded image is generated by iteratively solving a non linear optimization equation in the Radon domain with the imposition of image domain constraints. To the best of our knowledge, the idea of Radon domain restoration is new.
Suitability of existing and novel spectral indices to remotely detect water stress in Populus spp.

Undetected water stress within poplar plantations can result in high economic losses. Although remotely sensed spectral measures associated with variations in plant water status have been developed for non-Populus species, little is known about the suitability of such spectral indices to identify water stress in Populusspecies. Our experiments assessed whether such spectral indices acquired at the leaf and canopy level were suitable for detecting water stress in Populus. Relationships between four spectral indices and four common measures of plant water status were analyzed for both low to moderate, and highly water stressed trees. The proposed maximum difference water index (MDWI) exhibited significant relationships (P 0.56, P 0.42, P < 0.001). On exclusion of the highly stressed plants, only MDWI exhibited low sensitivity to RWC (r 2 = 0.37, slope = 0.64) and leaf water potential at the canopy level(r 2 = 0.42,slope = 9.89)whereas noother indices exhibited sensitivity to changes in plant water status. MDWI, which incorporates short-wave infrared (SWIR, 1300‐2500 nm) spectral bands, is more suitable to detect more changes in plant water status as compared to NDWI, REIP, and WI that incorporate near infrared (NIR, 700‐1300 nm) spectral bands. These results suggest that such remotely sensed indices are not a viable option to detect low and moderate levels of water stress at a scale of a Populus spp. plantation, although further research is warranted to assess the broader applicability of MDWI and other SWIR wavelength incorporating indices to detect water stress in other species. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sore feet, sour rumens, clinical quandaries.

Clinical investigations of herds with a high prevalence of laminitis are complex. Laminitis has a multifactorial etiology. Visible signs of laminitis sometimes appear weeks or months after the inciting events. Once developed, some of the clinical signs of laminitis can remain with the cow throughout her lifetime.14 Ruminal acidosis is considered to be one of the primary causes of laminitis. The use of rumenocentesis as a diagnostic test by veterinarians has served to increase awareness of ruminal acidosis and has given them an ability to rule rumen acidosis "in-or-out" as a risk factor in a laminitis investigation. For this program, I was asked to present the clinical picture of laminitis and ruminal acidosis based upon the many investigations by the Food Animal Production Medicine group at the University of Wisconsin. Because of the nature of the request, this paper will be a clinician's report including findings, observations, and opinions.
Biased Against “Them” More Than “Him”: Stereotype Use In Group-Directed And Individual-Directed Judgments

Abstract This article examines whether stereotypes have stronger effects on group-directed judgments(which implicate the stereotyped group qua group) than on individual-directed judgments(which implicate a group member). In Study 1, participants made trait judgments regarding individual Black males and social policy judgments regarding both individual Black males and Black males as a group. Results suggested an individual-group dissociation: Stereotypes predicted group-directed social policy judgments but showed little relation to individual-directed impression or social policy judgments. Study 2 corrected for the fact that, whereas they captured elements of real-world social judgments, the judgment tasks in Study 1 differed in terms of more than just “individualness” versus “groupness.” Participants made hireability judgments regarding a Black male or Black males. Once again, results indicated that stereotypes predicted group-directed more so than individual-directed judgments. Taken together, these stud...
A Multiplex RT-PCR Test for the Differential Identification of Turkey Astrovirus Type 1, Turkey Astrovirus Type 2, Chicken Astrovirus, Avian Nephritis Virus, and Avian Rotavirus

Abstract Recent studies have revealed the presence of astroviruses and rotavirus in numerous poorly performing and healthy chicken and turkey flocks in the United States. The phylogenetic analysis of the sequence data produced during these studies has identified four groups of avian astroviruses circulating in the United States: turkey astrovirus types 1 and 2 (TAstV-1 and TAstV-2), avian nephritis virus (ANV), and a chicken-origin astrovirus (CAstV). As the molecular epidemiology of poultry enteric disease is poorly understood, the development of updated diagnostic assays is crucial to the continued surveillance and management of enteric disease in affected as well as healthy flocks. This report details the development of a multiplex reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for astroviruses and avian rotavirus in turkey-origin and chicken-origin samples. The assay consists of two multiplex tests, one for turkey-origin samples and one for chicken-origin samples. The turkey s...
Guided Imagery: Healing through the Mind’s Eye

The use of personal mental images to diagnose and modify bodily processes is an ancient part of the healing tradition. The healer/ physician/shaman/priest has always utilized the latent power of the imagination to alter the body, and many traditional health care systems have focused on the amazing power of the mind to promote the healing process (Beecher, 1955; Frank, 1975). With recent demonstrations that the autonomic nervous system can be modified through learning and various cognitive strategies, contemporary health practitioners have also begun to explore the applications of therapeutic guided imagery.
Estimating the power and decay rate of noisy optical reflectometer return signals

In a modern optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) the return signal due to backscattering is acquired and stored by a digital subsystem. Ideally, the (optical) power of this discrete time received signal obeys.
Optimizing European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infestation of Maize Ears for Kernel Damage Evaluations

Four maize, Zea mays , L., genotypes, ‘Jubilee,’ B52, W182E, and ‘Apache,’ were infested at the ear tip with 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 egg masses of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) and evaluated for kernel damage. Averaged across genotypes, kernel damage first increased and then approached a plateau as infestation level increased. Ability to differentiate among genotypes, measured as F in separate analyses of variance at each infestation level, was estimated to be maximized with ca. 9 egg masses per ear tip. A significant F ( P ≤ 1%) would have been achieved with three replications and four egg masses per ear tip.
Short Communication: Comments on the Role of Gas-Phase Axial Thermal Dispersion and Solid-Phase Thermal Conduction for Heat Transfer in a Packed Bed of Solid Particles

The effects of gas-phase axial thermal dispersion and solid-phase thermal conduction on gas–solid heat transfer in a packed bed of solid particles was numerically studied using a simplified conduction–dispersion model for heat transfer in conjunction with a realistic set of boundary conditions. It is reconfirmed that the exclusion of gas-phase thermal axial dispersion in the model analysis of gas–solid heat transfer coefficients can result in misleading interpretation of heat transfer in packed beds, particularly in the low Reynolds number gas flow region.
Inclusion of Antioxidants in Resuscitation Fluids

Hemorrhagic shock is, whenever possible, treated with rapid volume replacement. Such treatment is often initiated by paramedical personnel as soon as possible following blood loss, e.g., at the site of an accident and during transport to an emergency room. The fluids used for this type of volume replacement include crystalloids, i.e., solutions of sodium chloride and other inorganic salts. Other volume expanders include biocompatible polysaccharides, so-called colloids, such as hydroxyethyl starch, dextran and human albumin. A considerable amount of research is aimed at developing resuscitation fluids based on solutions of human and bovine hemoglobin. Such stroma-free hemoglobin solutions are intended to deliver oxygen to critical organs where severe hypoxia may lead to irreversible damage.
Regulation of medical practice in New Jersey

The New Jersey state Board of Medical Examiners (BME) is responsible for protecting the public from impaired, unethical, or incompetent practitioners. This article discusses the structure and function of BME as well as several new BME initiatives.
ATP-sensitive K+ currents in cerebral arterial smooth muscle: pharmacological and hormonal modulation.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), hypoxia, and synthetic activators of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels (e.g., pinacidil and levcromakalim) cause dilation of cerebral arteries that are attenuated by the KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide. We have identified and characterized KATP currents in smooth muscle cells isolated from rabbit cerebral arteries, using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Pinacidil (10 microM) and levcromakalim (10 microM) increased glibenclamide-sensitive currents about sixfold in cells dialyzed with 0.1 mM ATP. Glibenclamide-sensitive currents in the presence of pinacidil were potassium selective, voltage independent, and reduced about threefold by elevating intracellular ATP from 0.1 to 3.0 mM. External tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine at millimolar concentrations reduced pinacidil-induced currents, whereas iberiotoxin, a blocker of calcium-activated potassium channels, had no effect. The vasoconstrictors serotonin and histamine also inhibited pinacidil-induced currents. The vasodilators CGRP and adenosine, in contrast, increased glibenclamide-sensitive potassium currents. We conclude that cerebral artery smooth muscle cells have KATP channels that are regulated by endogenous vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. We propose that these channels are involved in the dilation of cerebral arteries to CGRP and synthetic vasodilators.
Experiential and Dispositional Resources and the Role of Negotiating Curriculum

In this chapter, I explore how Sarah and Sam (discussed also in Chap. 4) leveraged their experiential and disciplinary resources to negotiate and deepen curricula that were largely aimed at developing “college-ready” skills. I start with Sarah, whose experiences of living in Latin America and working as a translator for a landscaping company powerfully influenced her ability to create learning opportunities for her students that were more aligned with her larger vision of teaching skills for engaged and productive citizenship rather than the school’s emphasis on teaching skills for “college readiness” (as measured by the ACT). Sarah drew on these experiential resources in order to work with an almost entirely Latino student body in responsive and productive ways.
Regulatory B Cell Defects In Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Abstract 379 B lymphocytes participate in immune responses through production of antibodies, antigen presentation to T cells, and cytokine secretion. In ITP, B cells that produce platelet-specific autoantibodies play a major role in the pathogenesis of disease. Recent data from mouse models of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases suggest that B cells have regulatory functions mediated by the production of regulatory cytokines such as IL-10 and/or through inhibitory interactions with effector T cells. In humans, CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells, originally identified as immature transitional B cells, were recently shown to possess regulatory capacity mediated in part by IL-10. Given that ITP pathogenesis is in part related to defective T helper functions and since Bregs are important for controlling CD4+ T cell responses, we initiated studies to characterize the CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell compartment in ITP patients. Phenotypic analysis in patients with ITP showed statistically significant increases in the frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells (13.2± 1.5% versus 7.7±0.6%, p=0.0015) as well as in the percentage of CD19+CD24hiCD38int mature B cells (72.0± 1.7% versus 62.3±1.6%, p=0.0003). In contrast there was a pronounced decrease in CD19+CD24hiCD38− memory B cells (9.3± 2% versus 26.2±2%, p 30% increase in the frequency of CD4+IFN-g+ in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell-depleted compared with non-depleted PBMCs from healthy controls. However, depletion of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells from PBMCs of ITP patients did not alter CD4+IFN-g+ production in 3 /4 patients, indicating a possible defect in the suppressive activity of Bregs in those 3 patients. IL-10 secretion following CD40 engagement in human Bregs is pivotal in mediating their suppressive activity. Given that platelets express CD40L, we tested the ability of Bregs to respond to platelets. We found two-fold lower IL-10 production in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Bregs (1.9±2.1%, versus 5.0± 1.0%, p Disclosures: Bussel:Portola: Consultancy; Amgen: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ligand: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Shionogi: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Eisai, Inc.: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cangene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding.
Androgen Receptor Signaling in Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancers comprise a small subset of human malignancies, and are classified into multiple subtypes that exhibit diverse histology, molecular biology and clinical presentation. Local disease is potentially curable with surgery, which may be combined with adjuvant radiotherapy. However, metastatic or unresectable tumors rarely respond to chemotherapy and carry a poorer prognosis. Recent molecular studies have shown evidence of androgen receptor signaling in several types of salivary gland cancer, mainly salivary duct carcinoma. Successful treatment with anti-androgen therapy in other androgen receptor-positive malignancies such as prostate and breast cancer has inspired researchers to investigate this treatment in salivary gland cancer as well. In this review, we describe the prevalence, biology, and therapeutic implications of androgen receptor signaling in salivary gland cancer.
Flip-chip External-cavity Lasers in Si

We will review recent progress in high-density integration of photonics into switching systems and discuss future approaches to even tighter photonics integration to multi-chip modules and interposers highlighting critical challenges and opportunities.
Thermostat: Application-transparent Page Management for Two-tiered Main Memory

The advent of new memory technologies that are denser and cheaper than commodity DRAM has renewed interest in two-tiered main memory schemes. Infrequently accessed application data can be stored in such memories to achieve significant memory cost savings. Past research on two-tiered main memory has assumed a 4KB page size. However, 2MB huge pages are performance critical in cloud applications with large memory footprints, especially in virtualized cloud environments, where nested paging drastically increases the cost of 4KB page management. We present Thermostat, an application-transparent huge-page-aware mechanism to place pages in a dual-technology hybrid memory system while achieving both the cost advantages of two-tiered memory and performance advantages of transparent huge pages. We present an online page classification mechanism that accurately classifies both 4KB and 2MB pages as hot or cold while incurring no observable performance overhead across several representative cloud applications. We implement Thermostat in Linux kernel version 4.5 and evaluate its effectiveness on representative cloud computing workloads running under KVM virtualization. We emulate slow memory with performance characteristics approximating near-future high-density memory technology and show that Thermostat migrates up to 50% of application footprint to slow memory while limiting performance degradation to 3%, thereby reducing memory cost up to 30%.
Inhibitory Interneurons in the Retina: Types, Circuitry, and Function*

Visual signals in the vertebrate retina are shaped by feedback and feedforward inhibition in two synaptic layers. In one, horizontal cells establish fundamental center-surround receptive-field properties via morphologically and physiologically complex synapses with photoreceptors and bipolar cells. In the other, a panoply of amacrine cells imbue ganglion cell responses with spatiotemporally complex information about the visual world. Here, I review current ideas about horizontal cell signaling, considering the evidence for and against the leading, competing theories. I also discuss recent work that has begun to make sense of the remarkable morphological and physiological diversity of amacrine cells. These latter efforts have been aided tremendously by increasingly complete connectivity maps of inner retinal circuitry and new genetic tools that enable study of individual, sparsely expressed amacrine cell types.
Uncovering Suspicious Activity From Partially Paired and Incomplete Multimodal Data

Multimodal data can be used to gain additional perspective on a phenomenon. For applications, such as security and the detection of suspicious activity, the need to aggregate and analyze data from multiple modes is vital. Recent research in suspicious behavior detection has introduced methods for identifying and scoring dense blocks in multivariate tensors, which are consistent indicators of suspicious activity. None yet, however, have proposed a method for the merging and analysis of multiple modes of data for suspicious behavior, especially when the set of items described in each data set do not match—that is, the data is partially paired—which is common when data sets originate from different sources. Neither has a method been described for dealing with the similar case of incomplete data. This paper introduces a technique for multimodal data analysis for suspicious activity detection when the data are only partially paired and/or incomplete. The method is applied to synthetic and real data, demonstrating strong precision and recall even in poorly paired cases.
Wearable physiological monitoring for human thermal-work strain optimization.

This mini-review details how the application of computational techniques borrowed from signal processing and control theory can provide meaningful advances for the applied physiological problem of ...
A comprehensive approach for quantifying environmental costs associated with unpaved roads dust

This study attempted to quantify the environmental damage costs associated with unpaved roads dust in Wyoming. Dust has profound impacts on human health, agriculture, and livestock. Incorporating t...
The Use of Sports Imagery and Terminology on Cigarette Packs from Fourteen Countries

ABSTRACTBackground: Tobacco companies have historically associated their products with sports through event sponsorship and sports-themed advertising campaigns. Such linkages serve to enhance brand image by connecting cigarette brands to ideals associated with sports such as strength, individual accomplishment, and a healthy body. Public health policy progress has created restrictions for tobacco sponsorship and restricted traditional advertising avenues for tobacco products. Nonetheless, the pack itself remains as a mechanism by which to link cigarettes to sports and sporting prowess. Thus, we analyze depictions of sport and references to sports terminology on cigarette packs. Objectives: To describe the sports-related marketing appeals on cigarette packages purchased in 14 low and middle income countries. Methods: In 2013, we collected and coded cigarette packs from 14 low and middle income countries and we returned to four of these countries for further data collection in 2015. Packs from both years we...
O19 Cortical activation variability is altered in individuals with chronic ankle instability during single limb postural control

Study Design Cross-sectional. Objectives Assess differences in cortical activity during single-limb stance (SLS) among controls, copers and chronic ankle instability (CAI) groups. Background Repetitive sprain characterises CAI and may predispose individuals to early onset osteoarthritis. While, the causes and perpetuation of CAI is often disputed, functional weaknesses in cortical-motor functioning may contribute to perceived dysfunction. Methods and Measure 31 individuals (10male, 21female: age=22.3±2.4 years, height=169.6±9.7 cm, mass=70.6±11.6 kg) participated in this study. Subjects were classified into CAI (n=11), coper (n=7), and control (n=13) groups. Participants performed a SLS on a force platform (100 Hz) for 60 s while wearing a 24-channel fNIRS system (ETG-4000 Optical Topography System). Oxy-haemoglobin (OxyHb) and deoxy-haemoglobin (DeoxyHb) changes over the superior parietal lobe (SPL), pre-central gyrus (PreCG), post-central gyrus (PostCG), and supplementary motor areas (SMA) were recorded. Differences in average and standard deviations of OxyHb and DeoxHb were assessed with analysis of variance, Tukey’s post-hoc tests and cohen’s d effect sizes for each area of the cortex among groups (p Results No differences in average OxyHb or DeoxyHb were present for any cortical areas (p>0.05). However, the CAI group displayed greater standard deviations of OxyHb in the SMA (0.58±0.73 mml/L) and PostCG (0.25±0.22 mml/L) compared to Controls (SMA:0.15±0.12 mml/L, p=0.028,d=0.82; PostCG:0.12±0.10 mml/L, p=0.043,d=0.76) and Copers (SMA:0.09±0.03 mml/L, p=0.044,d=0.95; PostCG: 0.12±0.10 mml/L, p=0.030, d=0.76). Conclusion Individuals with CAI demonstrated large differences in SMA and PostCG cortical activation variability. Changes in PostCG activity show that during SLS, somatosensory perceptions may be significantly affected in those with CAI. For the SMA, which is important for postural stabilisation and coordination, the results suggest the CAI group may have greater variations in order to provide similar postural outcomes in relation to copers and controls. Consequently, for both the PostCG and SMA, variations in cortical activation provides evidence for an altered neural mechanism of postural control in CAI populations.
Development of a Conceptual Model to Explore Consumers' Motivations To Collaboratively Consume Fashion

The phenomenon of "collaborative consumption (CC)" or "sharing economy", where people coordinate acquisition and distribution of a resource for a fee or other compensation has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. The popularity of CC practice has also been observed in the fashion retail industry through two distinct forms: online fashion rental services and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms that allow for selling and exchanging of goods. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to develop a conceptual framework for studying various motivations of consumers who collaboratively consume fashion. Drawing on extant literature, a conceptual framework incorporating utilitarian and hedonic motives, sustainability motive, and the moderating role of perceived risk on the attitude toward CC is proposed.
Diversity, Taxonomic versus Functional

Taxonomic diversity refers to the number and the relative abundance of species in a community. Functional diversity refers to the different types of processes in a community that are important to its structure and dynamic stability. Taxonomic and functional diversity have been presented as being different and, as the title implies, competing approaches to the study of biodiversity. This article will provide specific examples of how taxonomic and functional diversity are interrelated and how information from both perspectives can be used to estimate biodiversity and propose mechanisms that govern biodiversity.
Hypnotic Susceptibility, EEG-Alpha, and Self-Regulation

Hypnosis is probably more popularly known, revered, feared, and mystified than any other informational control known to man. Its methods, motives, and outcomes have been bent out of shape by hundreds of old movies and old wives’ tales. The mass media have formed popular knowledge of hypnosis largely from improbable clinical applications and naively effective coercive control by bad guys.
A quantitative model for prediction of Phomopsis seed decay of soybeans

The Iowa pod test predictive method has been used since 1984 to predict seed infection levels of Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) and thus aid seed growers in making decisions for fungicide use. However, the method has a limitation in that it cannot account for effects of weather conditions on seed infection after pod infection has been assayed. The moisture and temperature conditions during the period from growth stage R7 to R8 that affect seed infection are well defined. This study was undertaken to incorporate short-term weather forecasts with that pod test predictive method. Weather and disease data were collected in Iowa during the growing season of 1987 and 1988. A mathematical model was developed for prediction of PSD by incorporating into a regression equation pod inoculum levels at R6 growth stage (full pod), a coded number for consecutive days with rain during growth stages R7 to R8 (physiological maturity), and daily maximum and minimum temperatures for this rainy period. The weather data to be used with this model are obtained through short term (1 to 5 days) weather forecasts as reported by weather stations for the area. Results from this study clearly indicate that the predictive ability of the Iowa pod
Information Flow in the Calcium Messenger System

Work in the past 20 years has led to an ever-expanding appreciation of the intracellular messenger function of calcium ion [Ca2+]. What began as an interest in the role of Ca2+ in stimulus-response coupling in skeletal muscle has expanded to the point where Ca2+ is recognized as one of the few universal intracellular messengers involved in coupling a wide variety of stimuli to an equally diverse range of responses: Ca2+ participates in the control of neuro-, exocrine, and endocrine secretion, the contraction of all forms of muscle, fluid and electrolyte transport, energy and fuel metabolism, and growth and development. The control of these diverse tissue responses requires a considerably more elaborate system than simply a rise and fall in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration—the original model of the way Ca2+ was thought to serve its messenger function. Hence, it is more appropriate to introduce the concept of the calcium messenger system. Encompassed within this term are the cellular components involved in generating, terminating, transmitting, and receiving the Ca2+ message.
Health after cancer: Early patient experience in a pilot survivorship clinic embedded in primary care.

180Background: Prior research has identified barriers to provision of quality survivorship care in primary care settings such as lack of expert knowledge and training, primary care burden and insuf...
Optical Properties of $\text{CdSe}_{1-x}\mathrm{S}_{x}$ and $\text{CdSe}_{1-y}\text{Te}_{y}$ Alloys and Their Application for CdTe Photovoltaics

Opto-electronic property gradients in CdTe solar cells can lead to improved photovoltaic (PV) device performance. Near infrared to ultraviolet complex optical response (e) is measured for polycrystalline CdSe1-xSx and CdSe1-yTey alloys. Monotonic variation in e and the bandgap are observed for CdSe1-xSx, whereas bandgap bowing is observed for CdSe1-yTey. Spectroscopic e serves as input for simulations of external quantum efficiency (EQE) for CdTe PV incorporating Se. Comparison with experimental EQE indicates increases at short wavelengths are due to current generated in CdSe1-xSx and CdSe1-yTey components and increases at long wavelengths arise from red-shifting of the CdSe1-yTey bandgap relative to CdTe.
From bedside to bench and back again: translational studies of mechanical unloading of the left ventricle to promote recovery after acute myocardial infarction.

Heart failure is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a primary cause of heart failure due in large part to residual myocardial damage despite timely reperfusion therapy. Since the 1970’s, multiple preclinical laboratories have tested whether reducing myocardial oxygen demand with a mechanical support pump can reduce infarct size in AMI. In the past decade, this hypothesis has been studied using contemporary circulatory support pumps. We will review the most recent series of preclinical studies in the field which led to the recently completed Door to Unload ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (DTU-STEMI) safety and feasibility pilot trial.
Tissue Response to Subcutaneous Infusion Catheter

Insulin infusion pump, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and insulin infusion set (IIS) have been developed to be increasingly feasible for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Several recently ap...
The purine biosynthesis regulator PurR moonlights as a virulence regulator in Staphylococcus aureus.

The pathogen Staphylococcus aureus colonizes and infects a variety of different sites within the human body. To adapt to these different environments, S. aureus relies on a complex and finely tuned regulatory network. While some of these networks have been well-elucidated, the functions of more than 50% of the transcriptional regulators in S. aureus remain unexplored. Here, we assess the contribution of the LacI family of metabolic regulators to staphylococcal virulence. We found that inactivating the purine biosynthesis regulator purR resulted in a strain that was acutely virulent in bloodstream infection models in mice and in ex vivo models using primary human neutrophils. Remarkably, these enhanced pathogenic traits are independent of purine biosynthesis, as the purR mutant was still highly virulent in the presence of mutations that disrupt PurR’s canonical role. Through the use of transcriptomics coupled with proteomics, we revealed that a number of virulence factors are differentially regulated in the absence of purR. Indeed, we demonstrate that PurR directly binds to the promoters of genes encoding virulence factors and to master regulators of virulence. These results guided us into further ex vivo and in vivo studies, where we discovered that S. aureus toxins drive the death of human phagocytes and mice, whereas the surface adhesin FnbA contributes to the increased bacterial burden observed in the purR mutant. Thus, S. aureus repurposes a metabolic regulator to directly control the expression of virulence factors, and by doing so, tempers its pathogenesis.
Thoracolumbar Vertebral Column Resection With Rectangular Endplate Cages Through a Posterior Approach: Surgical Techniques and Early Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Thoracolumbar pathology can result in compression of neural elements, instability, and deformity. Circumferential decompression with anterior column reconstruction is often required to restore biomechanical stability and minimize the risk of implant failure. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and viability of wide-footprint rectangular cages for vertebral column resection (VCR). METHODS We performed VCR with wide-footprint rectangular endplate cages, which were designed for transthoracic or retroperitoneal approaches. We present our technique using a single-stage posterior approach. RESULTS A total of 45 patients underwent VCR with rectangular endplate cages. Mean age was 58 yr. Diagnoses included 23 tumors (51%), 14 infections (31%), and 8 deformities (18%). VCRs were performed in 10 upper thoracic, 17 middle thoracic, 14 lower thoracic, and 4 lumbar levels. Twenty-four cases involved a single level VCR (53%) with 18 two-level (40%) and 3 three-level (7%) VCRs. Average procedure duration was 264 min with mean estimated blood loss of 1900 ml. Neurological outcomes were stable in 27 cases (60%), improved in 16 (36%), and worse in 2 (4%). There were 7 medical and 7 surgical complications in 11 patients. There were significant decreases in postoperative thoracic kyphosis (47° vs 35°, P = .022) and regional kyphosis (34° vs 10°, P < .001). There were 2 cases of cage subsidence due to intraoperative endplate violation, neither of which progressed on CT scan at 14 and 35 mo. CONCLUSION Posterior VCR with rectangular footprint cages is safe and feasible. This provides improved biomechanical stability without the morbidity of a lateral transthoracic or retroperitoneal approach.
The trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine induces progressive mitochondrial dysfunction in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblasts

Abstract Trichloroethylene is an industrial solvent and common environmental pollutant. Despite efforts to ban trichloroethylene, its availability and usage persist globally, constituting a hazard to human health. Recent studies reported associations between maternal trichloroethylene exposure and increased risk for low birth weight. Despite these associations, the toxicological mechanism underlying trichloroethylene adverse effects on pregnancy remains largely unknown. The trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in a trophoblast cell line. To gain further understanding of mitochondrial-mediated DCVC placental toxicity, this study investigated the effects of DCVC exposure on mitochondrial function using non-cytolethal concentrations in placental cells. Human trophoblasts, HTR-8/SVneo, were exposed in vitro to a maximum of 20 μM DCVC for up to 12 h. Cell-based oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification assays were used to evaluate key aspects of mitochondrial function. Following 6 h of exposure to 20 μM DCVC, elevated oxygen consumption, mitochondrial proton leak and sustained energy coupling deficiency were observed. Similarly, 12 h of exposure to 20 μM DCVC decreased mitochondrial-dependent basal, ATP-linked and maximum oxygen consumption rates. Using the fluorochrome TMRE, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential was detected after a 12-h exposure to 20 μM DCVC, and (±)-α-tocopherol, a known suppressor of lipid peroxidation, attenuated DCVC-stimulated mitochondrial membrane depolarization but failed to rescue oxygen consumption perturbations. Together, these results suggest that DCVC caused progressive mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in lipid peroxidation-associated mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Our findings contribute to the biological plausibility of DCVC-induced placental impairment and provide new insights into the role of the mitochondria in DCVC-induced toxicity.
Expedited TR Band Removal for Transradial Approach for Noncoronary Visceral Procedures: Initial Experience.

Purpose:For transradial interventions, most published studies report an initial Terumo Radial (TR) band placement time of 60 minutes, with gradual deflation over 30 to 90 minutes. We aimed to deter...
Partial Nephrectomy for Patients with Severe Chronic Kidney Disease-Is It Worthwhile?

Purpose:Partial nephrectomy is prioritized over radical nephrectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease whenever feasible. However, we hypothesized that some patients with severe chronic kidney...
Cardioembolic stroke in a young male with cor triatriatum sinister: a case report.

Background Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly defined by a fibromuscular membrane which bisects the left atrium. Cor triatriatum sinister has been associated with cardioembolic stroke through mechanisms including stagnation of blood flow within the left atrium, an association with atrial fibrillation (AF), and/or an accompanying atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale. We describe a case highlighting the role that CTS may play in cardioembolic stroke, provide high-quality computed tomography angiography and two- and three-dimensional echocardiography of the CTS membrane, and outline management strategies for this uncommon clinical scenario. Case summary A 35-year-old man with no prior medical history presented with acute onset weakness and aphasia. He was found to have an embolic stroke with left M1 and A1 occlusions and received tissue plasminogen activator followed by mechanical thrombectomy with successful recanalization. A thorough stroke workup revealed CTS with an associated ASD as well as potential protein C deficiency. He was managed with indefinite anticoagulation with apixaban. Discussion This is the 13th reported case of CTS associated with stroke. In most previous cases evidence of blood stasis or frank thrombus was associated with the CTS membrane, and/or existing AF was noted. In this case, none of these were identified, particularly highlighting the surreptitious risk of CTS. In addition, the presence of potential protein C deficiency in this case compounded the risk for thromboembolism and factored into multidisciplinary management decisions.
Linear Discrete Systems and the Z-Transform

The primary new component of discrete (or digital, we won’t treat the effects of quantization) systems is the notion of time discretization. No longer are we dealing with variables which are functions of time, now we have sequences of discrete numbers. These discrete numbers may come from sampling a continuous variable, or they may be generated within a computer. In either case, the tools that were used in the analysis of continuous variables will no longer work. We need new methods.
The Endometrioma Treatment Paradigm When Fertility Is Desired: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective To establish an endometrioma treatment paradigm (decision tree) in the treatment of an ovarian endometrioma through the review of current literature. Data Sources A thorough literature search, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, was performed from April 2020 to July 2020. The review was completed by using the following keywords: • Endometriosis and Pain (pre and post-surgery) • Endometriosis and Infertility (pre and post-surgery) • Endometriosis and ART (with and without surgery) • Endometriomas and IVF (with and without surgery) • Effect of endometriomas on implantation • Effect of endometriomas on antral follicle count (pre and post-surgery) • Evaluating the complex ovarian cyst (to rule out malignancy) • Resistive index in evaluation of the ovarian cyst • Endometriosis and BCL6 All relevant articles were assessed. The references of the assessed articles were then reviewed, and if pertinent, evaluated. Methods of Study Selection Articles published in English that addressed the endometrioma in regard to the following were included: (1) diagnosis, (2) treatment of pain on the basis of size and/or surgical intervention, (3) treatment of fertility on the basis of size and/or surgical intervention, (4) surgical technique, (5) in vitro fertilization success on the basis of size and/or surgical intervention, (6) risk of rupture at the time of egg retrieval, (7) impact on the antimullerian hormone and antral follicle count postsurgery, and (8) impact on implantation. Tabulation, Integration, and Results Fifty-six articles were included in this systematic review. While conducting this literature review, several themes were noted. In general, the literature on the ovarian endometrioma seems to be homogeneous in regard to imaging the endometrioma, excision rather than desiccation for an endometrioma ≥3-cm causing pain and/or infertility, minimal use of bipolar energy at the time of ovarian surgery, and risk of severe infection secondary to inadvertent rupture of cysts during egg retrieval. Conversely, studies on the ovarian endometrioma are much more heterogeneous in terms of surgery and assisted reproductive technology, that is, whether surgery should be performed. Certainly, an endometrioma ≥5-cm should be excised before assisted reproductive technology. Moreover, it seems that the antral follicle count and implantation may be enhanced with surgery. Conclusion By completing an extensive literature review, an easy-to-use algorithm for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of endometriomas was developed to help clinicians in their treatment of patients with endometriosis in the short and long terms.
Corporate Social Responsibility in the United States of America

This chapter offers a review of literature on corporate social responsibility in the United States of America and provides examples of institutional and strategic CSR practices. The review examines corporate social responsibility definitions as well as definitions of corporate social responsibility reporting. The review and the discussion highlight that American CSR is a two faceted construct. On one hand it is an informal mechanism for the control of business; on the on hand, it is a mainstream business practice that corporations use to enhance their competitiveness and further their interests.