cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructures in Ll 2 Titanium Trialuminides Containing Iron

The microstructures of the L1 2 titanium trialuminides at low temperatures were studied using a number of single crystals with various Al-Ti-Fe compositions, all of which lie in the nominal single phase L1 2 Field at 1200 °C. Five different second phases were found to be in equilibrium with the L1 2 matrix, namely , (Al,Ti) 3 Fe, Al 3 Ti, Al 2 FeTi, Ti 2 NAl and Al 2 Ti+Fe. Small volume fractions of the first two phases are often seen in compounds containing relatively low Ti contents. The Al 2 FeTi, a so-called T phase, was observed at relatively high Fe contents. The Ti 2 NAl does not seems to be sensitive to the Al-Ti-Fe composition, it exists to some extent in all the alloys used in this study. Ti 2 NAl and the interface with the L1 2 matrix are found to be brittle and provide the sites for crack initiation. The Al 2 Ti+Fe phase has been observed in many compounds containing high Ti contents (>25 at.%), and has a large hardening effect. Like binary Al 2 Ti, the phase possesses a tetragonal structure of the Ga 2 Hf-type, and forms plates on the cube planes of the LI 2 matrix. The crystallographic relation between the Al 2 Ti and the Ll 2 matrix was determined to be (100)p//(100) m .and (010)p//(010) m . Porosity is also commonly seen in these alloys, and has a very destructive impact on ductility.
The TE Promoter Element of the Histone H1t Gene Is Essential for Transcription in Transgenic Mouse Primary Spermatocytes

Transcriptional activation of the testis-specific histone H1t gene occurs in pachytene primary spermatocytes during spermatogenesis. Specific binding of testis nuclear proteins to a rat histone H1t promoter sequence, designated the H1t/TE element, correlates with the onset of transcription. This element, located between the H1t/AC box and the H1t/CCAAT box, contains inverted repeats of a shorter element. When the native rat H1t gene along with flanking sequences, including 2453 base pairs (bp) upstream and 3784 bp downstream from the coding region, was microinjected into mouse embryos, the offspring of the resulting transgenic mice transcribed the transgene in a tissuespecific manner and only in primary spermatocytes. In the present study the TE promoter element was deleted and replaced with a heterologous stuffer DNA fragment. When the mutant rat DNA fragment was used to create transgenic mice, offspring of the mice bearing the promoter mutation did not transcribe the rat H1t gene in any tissue. On the other hand, transcription of the rat H4t transgene, which is located approximately 1.5 kilobases downstream from the H1t gene, occurred in these animals. Therefore, these studies support the hypothesis that the TE element is essential for enhanced testis-specific transcription of the H1t gene in primary spermatocytes.
Thermal expansion in (La0.62Pb0.38)MnO3: Possible evidence for a coupling between elastic and magnetic exchange forces

Abstract Using single-crystal, automated diffractometer techniques, the linear coefficient of thermal expansion has been determined for La 0.62 Pb 0.38 MnO 3 from 298 to 627 K. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion is observed to undergo a change from 7.2 × 10 −5 A/K for T T c to 10.8 × 10 −5 A/K for T > T c . It is concluded that while the rhombohedral distortion in the (La, Pb)MnO 3 system can be understood qualitatively on the basis of ionic size and polarizability considerations alone, the quantitative systematics of the distortion parameters and the change in the linear thermal expansion coefficient at T c indicate a significant coupling between the elastic and magnetic exchange forces.
Giant Adrenal Myelolipoma

Keywords Giantmyelolipoma .CongenitaladrenalhyperplasiaCase PresentationA 44-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the emergencydepartmentfor anevaluationof5 daysofprogressive abdom-inaldistention,nausea,andbiliousemesis.Thepatient’smed-ical history was notable for congenital virilizing adrenal hy-perplasia resulting in pseudohermaphroditism. She reported aremote treatment with steroid therapy terminated in adoles-cenceduetopoormedicalfollowupduetodepressionrelatedto her gender identity. Upon discontinuation of her therapy,she gradually manifested male phenotype resulting in malepattern baldness, coarse facial hair, and a baritone voice.Physical exam was notable for a firm, non-tender, distendedabdomen, hirsutism, and ambiguous genitalia. A contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan was obtaineddemonstrating a very large, 26 cm×24 cm×9.5 cm, left-sided retroperitoneal mass of unclear origin and a right lowerquadrant small bowel obstruction with pneumatosis (Fig. 1).The patient was taken emergently for an exploratorylaparotomywithcompleteexcisionoftheretroperitonealmassand reduction of a closed loop small bowel obstruction. Path-ologic examination of the mass resulted as a giant adrenalmyelolipoma measuring up to 34 cm in its largest diameterandweighing5,090g(Fig.2a, b).Adrenal myelolipomas are composed of mature adiposeand hematopoietictissues.The adipose and myeloid elementsare found in varied proportions. They are biochemically inac-tiveneoplasmsandbenigninnature.Theywerefirstdescribedby Gierke in 1905 and were formally termed myelolipoma in1929 by Oberling.
Intraoperative optical coherence tomography-assisted descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in the DISCOVER study.

Purpose To investigate the utility of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. Design Prospective consecutive interventional case series. Methods DISCOVER (NCT02423213) is a prospective consecutive interventional case series examining the feasibility and utility of microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT in ophthalmic surgery. This report focuses on those eyes in the DISCOVER study undergoing DMEK surgery. The 8 cases were the first DMEK cases performed by the primary surgeon (J.M.G.) with microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT feedback. Qualitative OCT analysis was performed at multiple surgeon-defined time points, including host and donor tissue preparation, graft orientation, graft apposition, and tissue interface fluid dynamics. Results Correct graft orientation was confirmed by intraoperative OCT prior to unscrolling in 100% of cases. Seven of 8 grafts were fully attached at the conclusion of surgery and on postoperative day 1. One graft had a linear paracentral fixed area of interface separation corresponding to posterior stromal irregularities that was visible during surgery and unchanged on postoperative day 1. Two eyes developed significant peripheral graft dehiscence visible by the first postoperative week. Both grafts were successfully reattached with repeat gas injection. All eyes demonstrated improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and there was a 100% graft survival rate at last follow-up (minimum 4 months). Surgeon feedback indicated that intraoperative OCT provided valuable information in all 8 cases. Conclusions Real-time intraoperative OCT can provide useful information that may directly impact surgical decision making during DMEK surgery. Intraoperative OCT may facilitate the transition for novice DMEK surgeons by increasing surgeon confidence and reducing the risk of iatrogenic graft failure.
POSSIBLE ENERGY SCALES IN THE DESERT REGION

Combining current suggestions for new interactions with the constraints of grand unification of all of the interactions, predictions are made for the mass scales of new (and sometimes, additionally required) interactions. The corresponding vector bosons are found to have masses in the range 107–1011 GeV. The conclusions drawn are that unless there are very many new unexpected degrees of freedom discovered below these scales: 1) It will be very difficult to distinguish among possible grand unified theories by direct tests and 2) The proton lifetime is likely to be near the presently predicted range.
On the mechanism by which epinephrine potentiates lidocaine's peripheral nerve block.

Background Adding epinephrine to lidocaine solutions for peripheral nerve block potentiates and prolongs the action, but by incompletely understood mechanisms. In an effort to discriminate the pharmacokinetic from the pharmacodynamic effects of epinephrine, the authors measured the lidocaine content of peripheral nerve over the course of block produced by 0.5% lidocaine, with and without epinephrine, and correlated it with the degree of analgesia. Methods Percutaneous sciatic nerve blocks were performed in 18 groups of rats (10 in each) with 0.1 ml of either 0.5% lidocaine or 0.5% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:100,000). Over the full course of nerve block, the authors regularly measured analgesia to toe pinch and then rapidly removed nerves to assay intraneural lidocaine content at 2-120 min after injection. Results The kinetics of lidocaine's clearance from nerve was composed of a fast-decaying transient superimposed on a very slowly decaying component. The effect of epinephrine on the intraneural lidocaine content was to increase the amount of lidocaine in the slow-decaying component by threefold to fourfold, although the total neural content was not altered by epinephrine for the first 10 min after injection. Epinephrine prolonged blockade by almost fourfold and enhanced the intensity of peak analgesia, as well as the fraction of rats with complete block, almost throughout the 2-120-min period of behavioral observation. Conclusions Adding epinephrine to lidocaine solutions increases the intensity and duration of sciatic nerve block in the rat. The early increase in intensity is not matched with an increase in intraneural lidocaine content at these early times, although the prolonged duration of block by epinephrine appears to correspond to an enlarged lidocaine content in nerve at later times, as if a very slowly emptying "effector compartment" received a larger share of the dose. The increase in early analgesia without increased lidocaine content may be explained by a pharmacodynamic action of epinephrine that transiently enhances lidocaine's potency, but also by a pharmacokinetic effect that alters the distribution of the same net content of lidocaine within the nerve.
A 56MΩ CMOS TIA for MEMS applications

We present the analysis, design, and measurement results of a high-gain, low-noise differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA) designed to interface with electrostatic Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) resonators. A capacitive-feedback current amplifier drives current into an active load to obtain a 56 Mμ transimpedance gain, 1.8 MHz bandwidth, phase response near 0°, and 65 fA/√Hz input-referred noise. The TIA was fabricated in 0.18 µm CMOS technology and dissipates 436μW from a 1.8V supply.
Pak4 induces premature senescence via a pathway requiring p16INK4/p19ARF and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.

Exposure of primary cells to mitogenic stimuli or oncogenes often causes them to undergo premature senescence. This is most likely a protective function that prevents uncontrolled proliferation. Pak4 is a target for the Rho GTPase Cdc42. Pak4 is overexpressed in human tumor cell lines, and it is the only member of the Pak family that is highly transforming in immortalized fibroblasts. Here we show that in primary fibroblasts, activated Pak4 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes premature senescence. Furthermore, Pak4 expression levels are upregulated in response to stimuli that promote senescence. Pak4-induced arrest appears to be mediated by a pathway that requires the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase, as well as the cell cycle inhibitors p16INK4 and p19ARF. These new results describing a role for Pak4 in senescence are important for understanding why this protein is associated with cancer and how it promotes transformation in immortalized cells.
Monolithically integrated active components: a quantum-well intermixing approach

As the demand for bandwidth increases, the communications industry is faced with a paradigm shift. Photonic integration is a key technology that will facilitate this shift. Monolithic integration allows for the realization of highly functional optical components, called photonic integrated circuits. Herein, we discuss the advantages and potential applications of photonic integration, and after a brief overview of various integration techniques, provide a detailed look at our work using a novel quantum well intermixing processing platform.
Digital RF processing: toward low-cost reconfigurable radios

RF circuits for multi-gigahertz frequencies have recently migrated to state-of-the-art low-cost digital CMOS processes. This article visits fundamental techniques recently developed that migrate RF and analog design complexity to the digital domain for a wireless RF transceiver. All-digital phase locked loop and direct RF sampling techniques allow great flexibility in reconfigurable radio design. Digital signal processing concepts are used to help relieve analog design complexity, allowing one to reduce cost and power consumption in a reconfigurable design environment. Software layers are defined to enable these architectures to develop an efficient software-defined radio. The ideas presented have been used to develop two generations of commercial digital RF processors: a single-chip Bluetooth radio and a single-chip GSM radio.
Irregular Fenestrae in Bahamian Eolianites: A Rainstorm-Induced Origin

ABSTRACT Fenestrae are primary or penecontemporaneous pores in the sediment framework that are larger than grain-supported interstices. These features have long been used to characterize peritidal environments and as a sea-level indicator in ancient successions. We report the occurrence of irregular (i.e., equidimensional) fenestrae in Pleistocene eolianites on San Salvador and Eleuthera (Bahamas), as much as 35 m above the coeval sea level. A rainstorm-induced origin is proposed as the mechanism for production of such voids in eolian deposits. We suggest that fenestrae should be used as a sea-level indicator only when they are associated with other intertidal or peritidal characteristics.
Software-based self-test methodology for crosstalk faults in processors

Due to signal integrity problems inherent sensitivity to timing, power supply voltage and temperature, it is desirable to test AC failures such as crosstalk-induced errors at operational speed and in the circuit's natural operational environment. To overcome the daunting cost and increasing performance hindrance of high-speed external testers, Software-Based. Self-Test (SBST) is proposed as a high-quality. low-cost at-speed testing solution for AC failures in programmable processors and System-on-Chips (SoC). SBST utilizes low-cost testers, applies tests and captures test responses in the natural operational environment. Hence SBST avoids artificial testing environment and external tester induced inaccuracies. Different from testing for stuck-at faults, testing for crosstalk faults requires a sequence of test vectors delivered at the operational speed. SBST applies tests in functional mode using instructions. Different instructions impose different controllability and observability constraints on a module-under-test (MUT). The complexity of searching for an appropriate sequence of instructions and operands becomes prohibitively high. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to conquer the complexity challenge by efficiently combining structural test generation technique with instruction-level constraints. MUT in several time frames is automatically flattened and augmented with Super Virtual Constraint Circuits (SuperVCCs), which guide an automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) tool to select. appropriate test instructions and operands. The proposed methodology enables automatic test-program generation and high-fidelity test solution:for AC failures. Experimental results are shown on a commercial embedded processor (Xtensa/sup /spl trade// from Tensilica Inc).
Adiabatic shear banding in a thick-walled steel tube

We analyze the initiation and propagation of adiabatic shear bands in a thick-walled 4340 steel tube with a V-notch in the middle. The material is modeled as strain hardening, strain-rate hardening and thermal softening. The deformations are assumed to be locally adiabatic and the effect of inertia forces is considered. Two different loadings, i.e., torsional, and combined torsional and axial pressure are considered. In each case, the load generally increases linearly from zero to the final value, is kept steady there for some time, then decreases to zero and is kept at zero; thus a finite amount of energy is input into the body. For the combined loading, the magnitude of the torsional loading pulse is kept fixed and the effect of varying the magnitude of the axial pressure preload is investigated. A shear band first initiates in the element adjoining the notch tip and propagates radially inwards. By recording the time when a shear band initiates at the centroids of different elements we determine its speed of propagation in the radial direction to vary from approximately 50 m/s at the instant of its initiation in an element abutting the notch tip, to nearly 90 m/s by the time it reaches the innermost surface of the tube; the speed also depends upon the overall loading rate, and whether or not the loading is multiaxial. The drop in the torque required to twist the tube at the initiation of a shear band is not as sharp as that in a thin-walled steel tube. We compute the distance through which a shear band propagates as a function of the energy input into the body and thus ascertain the energy required to drive a shear band through a unit distance.
Requests On E-Mail: a Cross-Cultural Comparison

This study investigates differences in request e-mails written in English by Chinese English learners and native American English speakers The results show that while Chinese English learners treat...
Translocation of Threatened Tiger Beetle Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) to Sandy Hook, New Jersey

The two key objectives of the recovery plan for the Federally threatened tiger beetle Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis Say are to protect populations within the Chesapeake Bay and to establish by reintroductions new populations in the U.S. northeast (New Jersey to Massachusetts). This article reports on the development and implementation of translocation work to establish a population of C. d. dorsalis at Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook, NJ, by using larvae from Chesapeake Bay populations. Previous experimental translocation trials in Virginia by using adults were unsuccessful because the adults dispersed from the translocation sites within 1–2 wk. Experimental translocations were conducted to test methods with larvae from several Virginia sites to Sandy Hook in September 1994 and 1995. The translocated larvae readily dug burrows, many survived the winter, and some emerged as adults the following summer. Additional translocations of >475 larvae each year were conducted in early May 1997, 1999, and 2000. Peak numbers of emerging adults counted each year in July increased from 178 in 1997 to 749 in 2001. Adults exhibited normal behaviors in the field (foraging, thermoregulation, and mating) and recruited larvae each year. A population seemed to be successfully established, but adult numbers declined sharply after the 2001 peak to 142 in 2002, 43 in 2003, and six in 2004. We have little evidence for the cause of this sharp decline in adult numbers, but it may have resulted from predation by gulls, dispersal triggered by the high gull densities where beetles occurred, or perhaps from coastal storm impacts causing a progressive decline in survival and recruitment of the beetle population. The initial success of this translocation suggests that efforts using these methods should be continued, but closer monitoring at the translocation site is needed to determine the fate of the population. These methods also may be applicable to the recovery of other threatened or endangered tiger beetles.
O papel da ictioterapia no tratamento da psoríase: relato de caso

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common condition affecting 1 to 3% of the Portuguese population. It has a chronic course and lesions may cover the whole surface of the skin. With obviously visible lesions, the disease is seen as stigmatizing and patients may feel embarrassment and rejection by others. It can affect social contacts, self-image, and self-esteem. Treatment aims at reducing the number and severity of skin lesions using phototherapy, topical treatment and systemic medications. Some treatments may be contraindicated, some may lose efficacy, some cause serious adverse effects, while others may not be readily available. All this may cause patients to seek alternative therapies. Icthyotherapy, using the freshwater fish Garra rufa, has been discussed as an option. This treatment is currently available in several places in Portugal and deserves the attention of health professionals. Case description: A 35 year-old sailor with severe psoriasis diagnosed in childhood is described. He was treated by a dermatologist and a psychologist. He presented with lesions covering 60% of the skin surface, resistant to multiple treatments, and was receiving only topical therapy. He had recently been given systemic acitretin with good results during treatment but with recurrence of lesions when treatment ended. When he came to the family health unit he was discouraged by his current condition and doubtful about the possibilities for future treatment. He mentioned that he had seen icthyotherapy in a shopping centre and expressed interest in trying it. After five sessions of icthyotherapy, with total immersion of the body in a water tank and simultaneous application of calcipotriol and betamethasone, he noted a reduction in scaling and itching. He also noted an improvement in his mood and was satisfied with the early results of treatment. Comments: Icthyotherapy may be useful in refractory and disfiguring cases of psoriasis. This case also demonstrates benefits of its use. It appears to be safe. There are a few reports of cases of patients with skin infections from exposure to G. rufa.
Convex Active Contour Segmentation Model of Strip Steel Defects Image Based on Local Information

In order to solve problems existing in Chan-Vese model and local binary fitting(LBF) model,such as model sensitivity to the initial contour position and running slow in the segmentation of strip steel defect image,a novel model local information-based convex active contour(LICAC) is proposed.By converting non-convex optimization problem to a convex optimization problem via convex optimization technology,and applying the Split Bregman method for fast solution,the issues of the sensitivity to the initial contour position occurring in Chan-Vese model and LBF model are solved.With introduction of the local information,the new model is efficient in the segmentation of the strip surface defect image which is non-uniform gray.By using this model to segment single-target region strip defect image,four common defect categories,including weld,rust,holes and scratches are experimented,and experimental results show that the segmentation effect and operation time of the proposed model are better than the rest two kinds.In addition,this model can also be used to segment multi-target regions defect image,four common defect categories are experimented,including scratches,inclusion,pitting,and wrinkles,and experimental results have verified the validity of the model.
Perirenal Hemorrhage in Ureter Ligated Dogs Receiving Phthalyl-sulfathiazole

SummaryThe ureters were ligated in 6 dogs, and phthalylsulfathiazole was administered orally in doses of 0.5 to 0.75 g/kg/day for 3-6 days pre-operatively and postoperatively until death. Two of these animals showed at autopsy an increased vascularity of the fascial sheath covering the perirenal fat, 5 animals showed perirenal sheath hemorrhage, and 3 animals had fresh free blood in the abdominal cavity.The ureters were ligated in 6 control dogs, and they received no phthalylsulfathiazole. Four of these animals showed at autopsy an increased vascularity of the perirenal sheath. None of the animals showed perirenal hemorrhage.It was found that both ureter ligation and phthalylsulfathiazole administration are necessary for production of the perirenal lesions. It appears that the perirenal hemorrhage is due to vascular changes since no abnormalities in prothrombin time, bleeding, clotting, and clot retraction time, red blood cell counts or platelet counts were demonstrated. The average total blood sulfathiaz...
Scientists: Can They Read What They Write?

We evaluated scientists' abilities to process two writing styles, active and nominal in comprehension and reading speed, and determined their preferences for these styles. International scientists (with English as a first, second, or third language) were tested. Results show scientists comprehend nominal style as well as active style but process nominal style more slowly. Scientists with lower levels of English experience have proportionately greater difficulty processing nominal style than active style. Scientists prefer active writing to nominal writing and rate scientists who write actively higher than those who write nominally. Scientists should use more active style and technical editors should apply a heavy hand to nominal style.
434 REGULATION OF CUTANEOUS LYMHOCYTE-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN EXPRESSION ON CD4+ HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS-SPECIFIC HUMAN MEMORY T CELLS BY INTERLEUKIN-12 AND TYPE 1 INTERFERON

Background Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a disease of increasing importance in the United States. Researchers are attempting to design a vaccine, but two recent high quality trials of prophylactic vaccines showed inadequate results. Cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), linked with T-cell homing to the skin, is highly expressed on T cells infiltrating HSV lesions and on HSV-specific CD8+ T cells. The ability to induce expression of CLA on HSV-specific T cells may improve vaccine efficacy. In conjunction with TCR stimulation, cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and type 1 interferon (IFN) appear to stimulate CLA expression. We hypothesize that blocking IL-12 and IFN-α receptor will reduce CLA expression on CD4+ HSV-specific memory T cells in immunocompetent patients. Study Design and Methods After culturing CFSE-stained human PBMCs with UV killed HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the presence of absence of anti-IL-12, anti-IFN-αR, or control antibodies, CLA expression on HSV-reactive large, granular, CFSElow, CD4high cells was detected using flow cytometry. Results Individually, neither anti-IFN-αR antibody or anti-IL-12 antibody significantly reduced CLA expression on CD4+ HSV-specific T cells. The combination of both antibodies, however, significantly reduced (p=0.002) CLA expression from 32.4% to 13.2% among individuals with a strong reaction to HSV. Conclusion These preliminary data suggest IL-12 and type 1 IFN synergistically contribute to the expression of CLA on CD4+ HSV-specific T cells in vitro upon re-stimulation by recall antigen. These innate responses to HSV may also amplify the expression of skin-homing molecules during recurrent HSV infection in vitro.
Cognitive and metabolic responses to metrifonate therapy in Alzheimer disease.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the relation between the cognitive benefit seen with the cholinesterase inhibitor metrifonate and changes in brain metabolism as visualized with [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Background: The regional metabolic correlates of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors are poorly understood. Methods: Six patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (AD) were evaluated before and after treatment with the long-lasting cholinesterase inhibitor metrifonate. Patients were given 60 or 80 mg of metrifonate per day (based on weight) for 6 to 12 weeks. Clinical evaluations included the cognitive portion of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Imaging was carried out using FDG-PET. The PET studies, registered to a probabilistic anatomic atlas, were normalized across the group's mean intensity levels and subjected to voxel-by-voxel subtraction of the posttreatment minus pretreatment studies. Subvolume thresholding corrected random lobar noise to produce a three-dimensional functional significance map. Results: The criteria for cognitive improvement with treatment were met for the MMSE (>2 points improvement from baseline), and the drawing subscale of the ADAS-cog was significantly improved with treatment. The three-dimensional significance map revealed a significant metabolic increase of the dorsolateral frontoparietal network on the left and bilateral temporal cortex with metrifonate treatment. Conclusion: The clinical benefits observed in AD with cholinesterase inhibitor therapy are associated with a metabolic increase of heteromodal cognitive and medial temporal networks.
WHOLE-BODY MR IMAGING: Practical Issues, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions

Whole-body MR imaging is in evolution, and although accepting and recognizing limitations, it is likely that both technique and incurred acquisition times will shorten over the next decade. Although the development of dedicated whole-body MR scanners appears to offer the greatest promise for the future, the development of moving table tops, optimized pulse sequences, and advances in gradient technology now facilitate practical whole-body MR imaging using existing clinical systems.
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROXIES | Terrigenous Sediments

The composition of a terrigenous sediment sample depends on many variables related to the lithology and age of the source rock, as well as the weathering and transport history of the resulting sediment. Tying a deep-sea sediment sample to its continental source region (provenance) can yield important information about the processes responsible for its transport and deposition, including important paleoclimate variables such as wind speed and direction, aridity, glacial activity, and both surface and deep ocean currents.
In vitro cytokine licensing induces persistent permissive chromatin at the Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase promoter.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being investigated as therapies for inflammatory diseases due to their immunosuppressive capacity. Interferon (IFN)-γ treatment primes MSC immunosuppression partially through induction of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase ( IDO1 ), which depletes tryptophan necessary to support proliferation of activated T cells. We investigated the role of histone modifications in the timing and maintenance of induced IDO1 expression in MSCs under clinical manufacturing conditions, such as cryopreservation. Methods We used chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assay levels of transcriptionally permissive acetylated H3K9 and repressive trimethylated H3K9 histone modifications surrounding the transcriptional start site for IDO1 , and reverse transcriptase PCR and immunoblotting to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. Results MSCs derived from three donors approached maximum IDO1 mRNA levels following 24 hours of in vitro cytokine treatment. Induction of IDO1 expression correlated with increased acetylation of H3K9 concomitant with reduction of trimethylated H3K9 modifications at the promoter. Examination of two additional donors confirmed this result. While induced IDO1 levels decreased within 2 days after cytokine removal and freeze thawing, the activated chromatin state was maintained. Upon re-exposure to cytokines, previously primed MSCs accumulated near-maximum IDO1 mRNA levels within 4–8 h. Discussion Our data indicate that in vitro priming of MSCs causes chromatin remodeling at the IDO1 promoter, that this alteration is maintained during processing commonly used to prepare MSCs for clinical use and that, once primed, MSCs are poised for IDO1 expression even in the absence of cytokines.
Navigating with a Visual Impairment: Problems, Tools and Possible Solutions

In this paper we discuss various navigational aids for people who have a visual impairment. Navigational technologies are classified according to the mode of accommodation and the type of sensor utilized to collect environmental information. Notable examples of navigational aids are discussed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Operational and design considerations for navigational aids are suggested. We conclude with a discussion of how multimodal interaction benefits people who use technology as an accommodation and can benefit everyone.
Can an imbalance in vergence and accommodative adaptation induce myopia in some children

Our laboratory has shown that myopic children accommodate less than emmetropic children of the same age to lens-induced blur (Gwiazda et al, 1993).
Language Regression in Childhood Autism

The clinical characteristics of 177 children (82% male and 18% female) with language regression were identified and studied prospectively at four medical centers: Montefiore and Albert Einstein, New York, NY; St Louis Children’s, MO; Miami Children’s, FL; and Yale University, CT.
Mental Health Services in NCAA Division I Athletics: A Survey of Head ATCs.

Background:There is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health care in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes; however, there is a lack of literature on mental health resources in collegiate settings. Identifying current practices can set the stage to improve the delivery of care.Hypothesis:There is great variability in resources and current practices and no “standard of care” exists.Study Design:Observational, quantitative.Level of Evidence:Level 5.Methods:One hundred twenty-seven (36% response rate) head athletic trainers at Division I NCAA member colleges completed a web-based survey. Questions assessed several aspects of mental health clinicians, perception of care coordination, and screening.Results:Seventy-two percent of respondents noted that counseling took place in a counseling center, and 20.5% of respondents indicated that they had a mental health provider who worked in the athletic training room. Mental health clinician credentials included marriage and fa...
An empirical investigation of analytical procedures using mixture distributions

Summary Analytical procedures are evaluations of account and transaction flow information made by a study of plausible relationships between both accounting and non-accounting data. This study investigates the performance of Tweedie distributions (which have Gaussian distributions as members) in improving fit of zero-inflated, non-negative, kurtotic and multimodal analytical review data. The study found that account valuations are more informative than marginal data in analytical review, that mixture Poisson–Gamma distributions offer better fit than Gaussian distributions, even under assumptions of central limit theorem convergence, and that mixture Poisson–Gamma distributions provide better predictions of future account and transaction volumes and values. Model performance improvement with price versus returns data in this empirical study was substantial: from less than one-quarter of variance, to almost two-thirds. Tweedie generalized linear model risk assessments were found to be a magnitude smaller than traditional risk assessments, lending support to market inefficiency and increased risk from idiosyncratic factors. An example with several differing distributions shows that use of mixture distributions instead of point estimation can reduce sample size while retaining the power of the audit tests. The results of this study are increasingly important as accounting datasets are growing exponentially larger over time, requiring well-defined roles for models, algorithms, data and narrative which can only be achieved with statistical protocols and algorithmic languages.
Advanced Models of Black Hole–Neutron Star Binaries and Their Astrophysical Impact

Fully general relativistic simulations of black hole–neutron star (BHNS) binary inspiral and merger indicate that the NS simply plunges into the BH over much of the likely binary parameter space, without leaving a remnant disk. Plunging mergers are unlikely to generate useful information about the NS equation of state (EOS) from the gravitational waves (GWs) alone. However, when the initial BH possesses a moderate to high spin, aligned with the orbital angular momentum, or when the NS possesses a low compaction, the NS may tidally disrupt outside the BH’s innermost stable circular orbit radius, generating a massive accretion disk and a long tidal tail. When observed by Advanced LIGO/VIRGO, the GWs from this scenario may in fact constrain the NS EOS. After disruption, some of the neutron-rich tidal tail may be unbound, favoring formation of r-process elements. The subsequent decay may be observable in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. Meanwhile, the remnant BH accretion disk may provide the energy reservoir for a short gamma-ray burst. Finally, even in cases for which no EOS information may be gleaned, the BHNS binary is expected to act as a unipolar inductor during inspiral, potentially releasing an EM signature that distinguishes certain binary parameters. Taken together, these phenomena make BHNS binary mergers rich and exciting systems for theoretical modeling, and we outline the latest results from the most advanced, fully general relativistic simulations.
Protocol for the Solid-phase Synthesis of Oligomers of RNA Containing a 2'-O-thiophenylmethyl Modification and Characterization via Circular Dichroism

Solid-phase synthesis has been used to obtain canonical and modified polymers of nucleic acids, specifically of DNA or RNA, which has made it a popular methodology for applications in various fields and for different research purposes. The procedure described herein focuses on the synthesis, purification, and characterization of dodecamers of RNA 5'-[CUA CGG AAU CAU]-3' containing zero, one, or two modifications located at the C2'-O-position. The probes are based on 2-thiophenylmethyl groups, incorporated into RNA nucleotides via standard organic synthesis and introduced into the corresponding oligonucleotides via their respective phosphoramidites. This report makes use of phosphoramidite chemistry via the four canonical nucleobases (Uridine (U), Cytosine (C), Guanosine (G), Adenosine (A)), as well as 2-thiophenylmethyl functionalized nucleotides modified at the 2'-O-position; however, the methodology is amenable for a large variety of modifications that have been developed over the years. The oligonucleotides were synthesized on a controlled-pore glass (CPG) support followed by cleavage from the resin and deprotection under standard conditions, i.e., a mixture of ammonia and methylamine (AMA) followed by hydrogen fluoride/triethylamine/N-methylpyrrolidinone. The corresponding oligonucleotides were purified via polyacrylamide electrophoresis (20% denaturing) followed by elution, desalting, and isolation via reversed-phase chromatography (Sep-pak, C18-column). Quantification and structural parameters were assessed via ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and circular dichroism (CD) photometric analysis, respectively. This report aims to serve as a resource and guide for beginner and expert researchers interested in embarking in this field. It is expected to serve as a work-in-progress as new technologies and methodologies are developed. The description of the methodologies and techniques within this document correspond to a DNA/RNA synthesizer (refurbished and purchased in 2013) that uses phosphoramidite chemistry.
Effect of Pyroxasulfone Formulation on Dissipation from a Winter Wheat Field in Tennessee

Field studies were conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Tennessee to examine pyroxasulfone dissipation under field conditions of winter wheat production. Three formulations were examined: (1) a single component active ingredient in an 85% dry flowable, (2) dry flowable formulation in combination of pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin, and (3) a liquid SC formulation of pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone. The liquid formulation is a suspo-emulsion. When averaged across the three studies, the DT 50 were 34.4, 30.2 and 29.9 d for pyroxasulfone plus carfentrazone, pyroxasulfone, and pyroxasulfone plus flumioxazin, respectively. These trends would indicate that formulation had little or no effect on pyroxasulfone dissipation in this experiment. Pyroxasulfone DT 50 in all studies ranged from a low of 15.4 d to a high of 53.3 d, and loss was more rapid under warm, moist conditions. These results indicate that pyroxasulfone would last long enough to provide residual weed control, but would not persist excessively to injure rotationa...
The Origin and Growth of Geography as a Discipline at South African Universities

Gustav Visser, Ronnie Donaldson, and Cecil Seethal, eds. Stellenbosch, South Africa: Sun Press, 2016. iv and 465 pp., acknowledgments, maps, photos, footnotes, tables, references, bibliography. 450...
High-Speed Transfer Optimization Based on Historical Analysis and Real-Time Tuning

Data-intensive scientific and commercial applications increasingly require frequent movement of large datasets from one site to the other(s). Despite growing network capacities, these data movements rarely achieve the promised data transfer rates of the underlying physical network due to poorly tuned data transfer protocols. Accurately and efficiently tuning the data transfer protocol parameters in a dynamically changing network environment is a major challenge and remains as an open research problem. In this paper, we present a novel dynamic parameter tuning algorithm based on historical data analysis and real-time background traffic probing, dubbed HARP. Most of the previous work in this area are solely based on real-time network probing or static parameter tuning, which either result in an excessive sampling overhead or fail to accurately predict the optimal transfer parameters. Combining historical data analysis with real-time sampling lets HARP tune the application-layer data transfer parameters accurately and efficiently to achieve close-to-optimal end-to-end data transfer throughput with very low overhead. Instead of one-time parameter estimation, HARP uses a feedback loop to adjust the parameter values to changing network conditions in real-time. Our experimental analyses over a variety of network settings show that HARP outperforms existing solutions by up to 50 percent in terms of the achieved data transfer throughput.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound identifies early extrahepatic collateral contributing to residual hepatocellular tumor viability after transarterial chemoembolization

Abstract The mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is locoregional therapy including percutaneous ablation and transarterial chemo- and radioembolization. While monitoring for tumor response after transarterial chemoembolization is crucial, current imaging strategies are suboptimal. The standard of care is contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography imaging performed at least 4 to 6 weeks after therapy. We present a case in which contrast-enhanced ultrasound identified a specific extra-hepatic collateral from the gastroduodenal artery supplying residual viable tumor and assisting with directed transarterial management.
Mode of action of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on mammalian cells in culture.

The effects of 5-bromouracil, an analogue of thymine, have been extensively studied in microbial systems. The incorporation of this analogue into the deoxyribonucleic acid of several strains of bacteria has been demonstrated (l-5). This phenomenon was shown to be associated with morphological changes caused by unbalanced growth (1,2,5), with decrease in viability (1, 5) and with the occurrence of 6-methylaminopurine as a structural part of DNA (2). The deoxyribonucleoside of 5-bromouracil, an analogue of thymidiie, has also been studied in bacterial systems and found to be both an inhibitor (6-8) and a growth factor (8). This compound has been shown to inhibit the incorporation of labeled formaldehyde (Q), formate, erotic acid, and thymidine (10) into DNA-thymine of mammalian tissues in vitro and of labeled formaldehyde into DNA-thymine of spleen and tumor t,issues in u-iuo (9). In the present study, the incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine into DNA of HeLa cells was demonstrated and this phenomenon was shown to be associated with unbalanced growth and loss of viability of the cell. A preliminary report on these findings has been presented (11).
Environmental and biological context modulates the physiological stress response of bats to human disturbance

Environmental and biological context play significant roles in modulating physiological stress responses of individuals in wildlife populations yet are often overlooked when evaluating consequences of human disturbance on individual health and fitness. Furthermore, most studies gauge individual stress responses based on a single physiological biomarker, typically circulating glucocorticoid concentrations, which limits interpretation of the complex, multifaceted responses of individuals to stressors. We selected four physiological biomarkers to capture short-term and prolonged stress responses in a widespread cave-roosting bat, Hipposideros diadema, across multiple gradients of human disturbance in and around caves in the Philippines. We used conditional inference trees and random forest analysis to determine the role of environmental quality (cave complexity, available roosting area), assemblage composition (intra- and interspecific associations and species richness), and intrinsic characteristics of individuals (sex and reproductive status) in modulating responses to disturbance. Direct cave disturbance (hunting pressure and human visitation) was the primary driver of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, with lower ratios associated with increased disturbance, while context-specific factors were more important in explaining total leukocyte count, body condition, and ectoparasite load. Moreover, conditional inference trees revealed complex interactions among human disturbance and modulating factors. Cave complexity often ameliorated individual responses to human disturbance, whereas conspecific abundance often compounded responses. Our study demonstrates the importance of an integrated approach that incorporates environmental and biological context when identifying drivers of physiological responses, and that assesses responses to gradients of direct and indirect disturbance using multiple complementary biomarkers.
Comparative Evidence of an Exceptional Impact of Gene Duplication on the Developmental Evolution of Drosophila and the Higher Diptera

The importance of gene duplication in developmental body plan evolution is well established, but for many megadiverse clades such as true flies (Diptera), a comprehensive understanding is still just emerging through comparative genomics. In a survey of 377 developmental gene families, we found that in addition to the pea aphid, which has been previously shown to be genome-wide enriched with gene duplicates and was included as positive control, more than twice as many expanded developmental gene families were observed in Drosophila (49) compared to mosquito (21), flour beetle (20), and honey bee (14). Synonymous sequence divergence estimates and ortholog conservation analyses in additional dipteran genomes revealed that most Drosophila gene duplicates are ancient and accumulated during a time window that reaches back to the origin of brachyceran flies, approximately 180 million years ago. Further, available genetic data suggest that more than half of the Drosophila developmental gene duplicates remained partially or even fully redundant despite their ancient separation. We therefore speculate that the exceptional accumulation of developmental gene duplicates in Drosophila and the higher Diptera was proximally driven by the evolution of fast development, benefiting from increased genetic robustness. At the same time, the concomitant increase of opportunities for gene duplicate diversification appears to have been a source for developmental and phenotypic innovation during the unparalleled diversification of brachyceran Diptera.