cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Texture analysis of small renal cell carcinomas at MDCT for predicting relevant histologic and protein biomarkers.

To assess CT texture features of small renal cell carcinomas (≤ 4cm) for association with key pathologic features including protein biomarkers. Quantitative CT texture analysis (CTTA) of small renal cancers (≤ 4cm) was performed on non-contrast and portal venous phase abdominal MDCT scans with an ROI drawn at the largest cross-sectional diameter of the tumor using commercially available software. Texture parameters including mean pixel attenuation, the standard deviation (SD) of the pixel distribution histogram, entropy, the mean of positive pixels, the skewness (i.e., asymmetry) of the pixel histogram, kurtosis (i.e., peakness) of the pixel histogram, and the percentage of positive pixels were correlated with pathologic data from surgical resection, including histology and nuclear grade, as well as microarray analysis in a subset (n = 40) including Ki67 index, CRP, and neovascularization (CD105/CD31). Portal venous phase images were available in 249 patients (105 women, 144 men; mean age, 56.7 years) with tumors ≤ 4cm (mean, median, range, ± SD; 2.66, 2.60, 0.3–4.0 ± 0.85 cm). CT texture features of standard deviation, mean of the positive pixels, and entropy of the pixel histogram were significantly associated with histologic cell type (clear vs. non-clear; p < 0.001). Entropy and mean of the positive pixels also showed an association with nuclear grade, although not statistically significant. In the microarray analysis subset, kurtosis of the pixel histogram was associated with CD105/CD31 (p = 0.05). SD also showed some association with CD 105 positivity (p = 0.02) and CAIX expression (p = 0.01). Non-contrast CT images were available in 174 patients (72 women, 102 men; mean age, 57.5 years). Although the association with histology was not as strong as on the portal venous phase, in the subset of patients with microarray data, SD was found to correlate with CRP (p = 0.08), kurtosis with CRP (p = 0.004), CD105/CD31 (p = 0.002), and with Ki 67 index (p < 0.001). CT texture features were significantly associated with important histopathologic features in small renal cancers. These non-invasive measures can be performed retrospectively and may provide useful information when determining follow-up and treatment of small renal cancers.
Congenital melanocytic nevi: Where are we now?: Part II. Treatment options and approach to treatment

Treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is generally undertaken for 2 reasons: (1) to reduce the chances of cutaneous malignant melanoma and (2) for cosmetic reasons. Over the past century, a large number of treatments for CMN have been described in the literature. These include excision, dermabrasion, curettage, chemical peels, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and lasers. Only low-level evidence supporting these approaches is available, and large randomized controlled trials have not been published. This article explores therapeutic controversies and makes recommendations based on the best available evidence.
Design of the Organics Analysis in an Environmental Monitoring System

ABSTRACT Several recent United States Federal laws dealing with the environment require extensive measurements of the presence and concentration of a broad variety of toxic and persistent organic compounds. The concern for environmental pollution by organics expressed in these laws developed after the discovery of sensitive and reliable analytical techniques in the post World War II era. Because of the new legal requirements, the design of the organics analysis will become a far more significant aspect of an environmental monitoring system than it was in the past. A key aspect of the design of the organics analysis is the selection of the analytical methodology. Analytical method selection guidelines are presented and illustrated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's, “Sampling and Analysis Procedures for Screening of Industrial Effluents for Priority Pollutants.”
SQL streaming process in query engine net

The massively growing data volume and the pressing need for low latency are pushing the traditional store-first-query-later data warehousing technologies beyond their limits. Many enterprise applications are now based on continuous analytics of data streams. While integrating stream processing with query processing takes advantage of SQL's expressive power and DBMS's data management capability, it raises serious challenges in dealing with complex dataflow, applying queries to unbounded stream data, and providing highly scalable, dynamically configurable, elastic infrastructure. To solve these problems, we model the general graph-structured, continuous dataflow analytics as a SQL Streaming Process with multiple connected and stationed continuous queries; then we extend the query engine to support cycle-based query execution for processing unbounded stream data chunk-wise with sound semantics; and finally, we develop the Query Engine Net (QE-Net) over the Distributed Caching Platforms (DCP) as a dynamically configurable elastic infrastructure for parallel and distributed execution of SQL Streaming Processes. We extended the PostgreSQL engines for building the QE-Net infrastructure. Our experience shows its merit in leveraging SQL and query processing to analyze real-time, graph-structured and unbounded streams. Integrating it with a commercial and proprietary MPP based database cluster is being investigated.
Towards Improving the Naturalness of Social Conversations with Dialogue Systems

We describe an approach to improving the naturalness of a social dialogue system, Talkie, by adding disfluencies and other content-independent enhancements to synthesized conversations. We investigated whether listeners perceive conversations with these improvements as natural (i.e., human-like) as human-human conversations. We also assessed their ability to correctly identify these conversations as between humans or computers. We find that these enhancements can improve the perceived naturalness of conversations for observers "overhearing" the dialogues.
A LONG-RUN ECONOMIC GROWTH MODEL FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a long-run economic growth model for developing countries. A general equilibrium framework for approaching the long-run problems of economic development is obtained by emphasizing the supply rather than the demand for outputs. The economy of developing countries is first disaggregated into three producing sectors: the primary or agricultural sector, the secondary or manufacturing sector, and the tertiary or service sector. The industry production function at a given point in time is a function of capital in buildings and capital in equipment, labor, and (for agriculture) land. The two endogenous variables of the model that affect total exports are the exchange rate E and the general domestic price level P. A distinguishing characteristic of less-developed countries is that while producers do attempt to maximize profits, they are less accurate in achieving their goal than their counterparts in developed economies—the variance of actual profits around the point of profit maximization is greater in underdeveloped countries.
Mindfulness, Conflict Strategy Use, and Relational Satisfaction: a Dyadic Investigation

Research suggests that the capacity to be mindful is positively associated with constructive conflict strategy use and negatively associated with destructive conflict strategy use when individuals experience disagreement with a romantic partner. Conflict interactions are inherently dyadic however, signifying the importance of investigating whether a person’s own capacity for mindfulness is associated with their partner’s choice of conflict strategy. This exploratory study investigated whether individual’s mindful awareness had an association with partner conflict strategy use for 169 heterosexual couples. We assessed couple member’s mindfulness, conflict strategy use, and relational satisfaction. Actor-partner interdependence models (APIM) suggested that male mindfulness positively predicted their likelihood of compromising during conflict. Male mindfulness was also positively associated with female relationship satisfaction. Female mindfulness, on the other hand, predicted a lower likelihood of male dominance and reactivity during conflict. Actor-partner mediation models (APIMeM) suggested significant actor-actor effects such that mindfulness was positively associated with one’s own use of compromise, which in turn positively predicted one’s own relationship satisfaction. In addition, female mindfulness predicted lower male reactivity, which predicted higher male satisfaction. Implications and future research are discussed from a dyadic perspective.
The Dark Knight: Toward a Democratic Tragedy

Many understand Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy by placing it in contemporary historical context, rendering it a commentary on life in the post-September 11 world where terror is an ever-present possibility and security proves at best elusive. Life can end without warning, and democratic institutions find themselves at a disadvantage vis-a-vis fanatical adversaries that respect no rules or norms of any kind. Under such circumstances, what can—what must—a democratic society do to defend itself?
Do public officials exhibit social class biases when they handle casework? Evidence from multiple correspondence experiments.

Are public officials more responsive to requests from affluent or poor constituents? A growing body of evidence suggests that lawmakers are more responsive to the rich when they craft policy. However, some scholars theorize that officials also exhibit a corresponding bias in favor of the poor when they handle casework, essentially giving policy to the rich and services to the poor. In this paper, we test this casework prediction using four experiments in which confederates sent simple requests to state or local officials. In each, our confederates’ reported social classes were randomly assigned and signaled with a brief introductory statement mentioning the sender’s occupation or economic situation. Across our samples, we find precisely-estimated null effects of social class biases: the officials we studied were equally likely to respond regardless of the constituent’s class. These findings raise doubts about whether casework is really a class-biased process.
Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Resistance of Extensively Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

Antibiotic resistance has increased markedly in gram-negative bacteria over the last two decades, and in many cases has been associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs. The adoption of genotyping and next generation whole genome sequencing of large sets of clinical bacterial isolates has greatly expanded our understanding of how antibiotic resistance develops and transmits among bacteria and between patients. Diverse mechanisms of resistance, including antibiotic degradation, antibiotic target modification, and modulation of permeability through the bacterial membrane have been demonstrated. These fundamental insights into the mechanisms of gram-negative antibiotic resistance have influenced the development of novel antibiotics and treatment practices in highly resistant infections. Here, we review the mechanisms and global epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in some of the most clinically important resistance phenotypes, including carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae, extensively drug resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and XDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Understanding the resistance mechanisms and epidemiology of these pathogens is critical for the development of novel antibacterials and for individual treatment decisions, which often involve alternatives to β-lactam antibiotics.
‘Storytelling’ Natural Resource Conflict on U.S. Public Lands

Livestock grazing is an extensive and long-standing natural resource use on U.S. public lands that has become extremely controversial in recent decades. In this article, we approach the controversy...
Mastering Biblical History in the British Museum

This chapter examines the British Museum’s state-sanctioned role as restorer and steward of ancient civilizations, particularly those mentioned in the Bible. In this chapter, I contend that the discovery of antiquities and their import to the Museum relied upon a complex machinery of social affiliations and synchronized networks of political power. Indeed, its acquisition of antiquities in the early nineteenth century marked a relational interplay between Trustees of the British Museum, scientific societies, and antiquarian explorers. This nexus of affiliations went beyond personal curiosities and upkeep of individual social privileges. For the Museum, these networks enabled it to transition from a domicile of curiosities to Britain’s master archive—especially as it pertains to the study of the Bible. In examining the British Museum’s archival development in the early nineteenth century, this chapter also looks at inscriptions of power in its architectural spaces and acquisition practices.
Aerial and ground-based optical gas imaging survey of Uinta Basin oil and gas wells

We deployed a helicopter with an infrared optical gas imaging camera to detect hydrocarbon emissions from 3,428 oil and gas facilities (including 3,225 producing oil and gas well pads) in Utah’s Uinta Basin during winter and spring 2018. We also surveyed 419 of the same well pads from the ground. Winter conditions led to poor contrast between emission plumes and the ground, leading to a detection limit for the aerial survey that was between two and six times worse than a previous summertime survey. Because the ground survey was able to use the camera’s high-sensitivity mode, the rate of detected emission plumes was much higher in the ground survey (31% of all surveyed well pads) relative to the aerial survey (0.5%), but colder air temperatures appeared to impair plume detection in the ground survey as well. The aerial survey cost less per facility visited, but the ground survey cost less per emission plume detected. Well pads with detected emissions during the ground and aerial surveys had higher oil and gas production, were younger, were more likely to be oil well pads, and had more liquid storage tanks per pad relative to the entire surveyed population. The majority of observed emission plumes were from liquid storage tanks (75.9% of all observed plumes), including emissions from pressure relief valves and thief hatches on the tank or from piping that connects to the tank. Well pads with control devices to reduce emissions from tanks (combustors or vapor recovery units) were more likely to have detected emissions. This finding does not imply that the control devices themselves were not functioning properly. Instead, gas was escaping into the atmosphere before it reached control devices. Pads with control devices tended to be newer and have higher oil and gas production, which probably explains their higher rate of detected emissions.
Sex Differences in Symptom Phenotypes Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is missed more frequently in young women than men, which may be related to the cognitive psychology of the diagnostic process. Physici...
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and the Last Mile.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived hormone that regulates phosphorus balance by enhancing urinary phosphorus excretion and inhibiting the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] ([1][1]). Its discovery and characterization could be considered a triumph for precision
Near-surface Measurements In Support of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Study

Abstract : The objectives of this project are 1) to characterize atmospheric conditions resulting in nonstandard EM propagation in the atmospheric boundary layer during Trident Warrior 2013 field campaign; 2) to support NPS ongoing research on numerical simulations of EM propagation using AREPS and COAMPS single column model.
Mycorrhiza: ecological implications of plant interactions

Mycorrhizal researchers have emphasized autecological studies. Plants benefit from the mycorrhizal condition by improved nutrient uptake, water relations and enhanced plant survival due to a decrease in environmentally-induced stress. Various mechanisms account for these responses including the advantageous spatial distribution of hyphae, differing uptake kinetics and access to nutrients less available to plants alone. On a broader scale, these mycorrhizal effects also alter plant-plant interactions. Here, we address the role of mycorrhiza in mediating plant competition, as well as beneficial plant-plant interactions, which both have potential significance at the community level. Herbivores and edaphic factors unrelated to nutrition, including allelochemicals and other microorganisms, may affect the outcome of these interactions. The examples we present demonstrate the complex nature of the synecological interactions.
Prescribed Opioid Use in Wisconsin 2008-2016: Findings From the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin.

Background The opioid epidemic is a national crisis. The objectives of this report were to describe prescription opioid use in Wisconsin from 2008 through 2016 using unique populationrepresentative data and to assess which demographic, health, and behavioral health characteristics were related to past 30-day prescribed opioid use. Methods Data were obtained from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), a statewide representative sample of 4,487 adults. Prescription medication use was ascertained via in-person interviews that included an inventory of all prescription medications used by the respondent in the past 30 days. The data were weighted to represent the adult population of Wisconsin, aged 21 to 74. Chi-square, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results From 2008 to 2016, 6.4% (95% CI, 5.5-7.3) of adults age 21 years or older reported using a prescribed opioid in the past 30 days. Hydrocodone was the most prescribed opioid class followed by oxycodone. People 50 years of age and older, self-identified black or Hispanic, urban dwellers, those with a high school education or less, and those having incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) reported significantly higher rates of prescribed opioid use relative to others. Participants reporting physician-diagnosed drug or alcohol abuse, current smokers, and those currently suffering from depression also reported significantly higher use. Conclusion These data from 2008-2016 demonstrate concerning levels of prescription opioid use and provide data on which population groups may be most vulnerable. While policies and clinical practice have changed since 2016, ongoing evaluation of prescribing practices, including consideration of behavioral health issues when prescribing opioids, is called for.
Estimating light-duty vehicles' contributions to ambient PM2.5 and PM10 at a near-highway urban elementary school via elemental characterization emphasizing rhodium, palladium, and platinum.

Abstract The primary objective of this research is to accurately estimate light-duty vehicles' (LDVs') emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 over the course of a year within the property line of an inner-city school located adjacent to a heavily-trafficked interstate highway by measuring platinum group elements (PGEs – Rh, Pd, and Pt) along with 49 other major and trace elements. Amongst PGEs, ambient Pd concentrations were the highest, averaging 11 pg/m3 in PM10 and 4.0 pg/m3 in PM2.5 followed by Pt (3.5 pg/m3 in PM10 and 1.4 pg/m3 in PM2.5), and Rh (1.6 pg/m3 in PM10 and 0.52 pg/m3 in PM2.5). Simultaneous three-component variations in Rh, Pd, and Pt in both PM size classes at this surface site closely matched the composition of (i) a mixed random lot of recycled autocatalysts obtained from numerous LDVs and (ii) PM inside a proximal underwater tunnel open only to light-duty vehicles. Additionally, quantitative estimates of LDV contributions to ambient PM calculated by chemical mass balance modeling (CMB) were strongly correlated with PGE abundances. Therefore, PGEs predominantly originated from gasoline-driven motor vehicles validating them as unique LDV tracers. Further, CMB estimated that vehicles contributed 37% on average (12–67%) to PM10 and 49% on average (25–73%) to PM2.5. Evidence is also presented for a subset of other trace metals; i.e. Cu, As, Mo, Cd, and Sb to also be relatively strong LDV tracers. Results highlight the importance of measuring PGEs in addition to numerous other elements in PM to accurately apportion aerosols emanating from LDVs, which will better isolate public health and environmental impacts associated with the transportation sector.
An Assessment of the Applicability and Epistemic Uncertainties Inherent to Different Classes of Friction Models for Modeling Bolted Interfaces

Modeling the contact in bolted structures is a persisting challenge in the community. One of the greatest obstacles in developing predictive models is a lack of understanding of the relative epistemic uncertainties (model form errors) inherent to different choices of contact constitutive modeling approaches. The contact constitutive models affect the stiffness and hysteresis of the contact resulting in different frequency and damping properties. Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) is applied to find solutions that minimize the deviation in both frequency and damping from experimentally measured properties. Then the concept of non-domination of design parameter sets is used from MOO approaches to develop a quantitative understanding of the epistemic uncertainties, i.e., the inexactness of each approach to represent experimentally measured properties. The current study investigates the uncertainty associated with conventionally popular simplified approaches such as the use of phenomenological models (e.g., Iwan or Bouc-Wen models) and constitutive models (e.g., Jenkins models) within a whole-jointed framework.
Using Big Data and Machine Learning in Personality Measurement: Opportunities and Challenges:

This conceptual paper examines the promises and critical challenges posed by contemporary personality measurement using big data. More specifically, the paper provides (i) an introduction to the ty...
CAFE: An Instructional Design Model to Assist K-12 Teachers to Teach Remotely during and beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on schools was massive and unprecedented. Many schools were forced to close, and teachers were forced to deliver their instruction online with a very short notice. To assist K-12 teachers to teach remotely, a simple instructional design model, CAFE (Content, Activities, Facilitation, & Evaluation), was created. This article describes the context in which CAFE was created and the three stages of improvement it went through from a simple instructional design table to the instructional design model. It also shares a reflection on the creation and characteristics of CAFE and finally, it ends with the introduction of the CAFE model.
Exchange Site Visits And Their Role In Diffusion Agricultural Innovations In The Areas Of Wadi Al-Naqrah And Wadi Al-Saaida In Aswan Governorate

The main objectives of the research are to identify the role of the Exchange field visits as an extension education method in diffusion agricultural innovations in the areas of Wadi Al-Naqrah and Wadi Al-Saaida in Aswan Governorate. By identifying the aspects of the respondents' benefit from their exposure to field visits in the area of the West Nobareya project. The research was conducted on a comprehensive amount of 25 respondents from members of agricultural marketing cooperative societies in Wadi Al-Sa`idah and Al-Naqrah regions in Aswan Governorate. Data were collected by means of an interview questionnaire from October 2020. The results of this research revealed that: The respondents' benefits varied from the field visit: acquiring new knowledge and skills, and achieving social gains. Its upper limit was represented in the ability of the association to negotiate and contract with companies and farmers and conclude contracts with 100% of the respondents. The majority of the respondents have specific goals in performing field visits, which are to identify new marketing methods, and to communicate with officials of associations in Nobarea, 88% and 72% of the respondents. 96% of the respondents have the ability to implement the new developments that they were exposed to during the visit
Long-term ophthalmic outcomes in 120 children with unilateral coronal synostosis: a 20-year retrospective analysis

Background Prior studies comparing ophthalmic outcomes after treating unicoronal synostosis (UCS) by early endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) versus later fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) are modest in sample size, or lack consistent age adjustment. We report long-term, age-adjusted ophthalmic outcomes for a large cohort after nonrandomized treatment by one of these two options. Methods The following data was retrieved from a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with treated UCS born since 2000: cycloplegic refractions, sensorimotor examinations, and strabismus procedures before craniofacial repair and postoperatively at approximately 18 and 60 months of age. V-pattern strabismus was graded as mild (absent or + 1/−1 oblique dysfunction) versus moderate-to-severe (≥+2/−2 oblique dysfunction or left to right vertical alignment change of ≥20Δ or ocular torticollis >15°). Results A total of 120 infants were included: 60 treated by FOA and 60 by ESC. By the late examination, aniso-astigmatism was present in 72% of FOA-treated patients and 46% of ESC-treated patients (P Conclusions Our age-adjusted ophthalmic results confirm better long-term outcomes after treatment of USC by endoscopic strip craniectomy. Recognition and referral of affected infants by the earliest months of life facilitates the opportunity for endoscopic repair.
The Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Utilization of Bariatric Surgery.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid (ME) and instituted Essential Health Benefits (EHB) that included bariatric surgery coverage on a state-by-state opt-in basis, increasing insurance coverage of bariatric surgery. Using a difference-in-differences framework, changes in bariatric surgery rates, defined as utilization in the population of people with obesity, before and after the ACA were evaluated in four states. Bariatric surgery procedure data were taken from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s State In-patient Database 2012–2015. Adjusted multivariable regressions were run in the Medicaid and commercially insured populations. We identified 36,456 bariatric surgeries across the 286 Health Service Areas and time periods, with 31,732 covered by commercial insurers and 4724 covered by Medicaid. An unadjusted increase in utilization rates was seen in the Medicaid and Commercial populations in both ME- and EHB-covered states as well as non-expansion and EHB opt-out states over time. In the Medicaid population, after adjusting for confounders, there was a significant increase of 24.77 cases per 100,000 people with obesity (95% confidence interval: 12.41, 37.13) in the expansion states relative to the control and pre-period. The commercial population experienced a nonsignificant change in the rates of bariatric surgery, decreasing by 2.89 cases per 100,000 people with obesity (95% confidence interval: − 21.59, 15.81). There was a significant increase in bariatric surgery rates among Medicaid beneficiaries associated with Medicaid expansion, but there was no change among the commercially insured.
Computational Efficiency and Linear Problems of General Structure

The previous chapter presented an initial discussion of computational issues related to solving large scale multiobjective linear programming problems. The discussion was restricted to problems which can be structured as multiobjective network flow problems. This chapter will broaden the discussion to linear programming problems with general structure. The discussion will describe a study of the computational requirements for obtaining a representation of the ideal solution for large scale multiobjective linear programs.
Sums and Products of Linear Transformations

If T and S are linear transformations, then we may define a new transformation T + S by the condition $$ (T\; + \;S)(X)\;{\rm{ = }}\;T(X)\;{\rm{ + }}\;S(X)\;\;\;\;\;{\rm{for every vector }}X. $$ Then by definition, (T + S)(X + Y) = T(X + Y) + S(X + Y), and since T and S are linear transformations, this equals T(X) + T(Y) + S(X) + S(Y) = T(X) + S(X) + T(Y) + S(Y) = (T + S)(X) + (T + S)(Y). Thus for every pair X, Y, we have $$ (T\;{\rm{ + }}\;S)(X\;{\rm{ + }}\;Y) = (T\;{\rm{ + }}\;S)(X) + (T\;{\rm{ + }}\;S)(Y). $$
Emissions from a Light-Duty Diesel: Ambient Temperature and Fuel Effects

Exhaust emissions from a diesel passenger car were characterized and measured to examine the effect of ambient temperature on emissions performance. The vehicle was tested at three temperatures on a chassis dynamometer located within a cold cell. Three driving cycles and three fuels of varying quality were used. The effort included measurements of regulated exhaust gases and particles, particulate organic fractions and their molecular-weight distributions, particulate fractions under 2 microns in diameter, trace metal contents, and fuel economy. Results indicate that reductions in ambient temperature had little effect on emissions or fuel economy in the study. In some cases, statistically significant increases in NOx emissions were measured with decreases in ambient test temperature. Other differences related to temperature effects occurred more frequently with the lower quality fuels.
Protein synthesis in Artemia salina embryos: II. Resumption of RNA and protein synthesis upon cessation of dormancy in the encysted gastrula☆

A study has been made of the onset of RNA and protein synthesis in encysted gastrulae of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina, during their transition from an ametabolic (cryptobiotic) state to active life and renewed embryonic development. Discrete sedimentation classes of polyribosomes in very small amounts were demonstrated in extracts from dried and prehydrated (0°C) gastrulae by sucrose density-gradient centrifugation. An increase in polyribosome content occurs within 3 minutes after dormancy is terminated in prehydrated gastrulae, and within 30 minutes in gastrulae incubated from the dried state. The rate of incorporation of 14C-labeled leucine and phenylalanine into protein in vitro by preparations from dormant gastrulae is very low but increases markedly when metabolism is resumed, paralleling the increase observed in the polyribosome content of these preparations. Polyuridylic acid stimulates (120-fold) the incorporation of phenylalanine by ribosome preparations from dormant gastrulae; the extent of this stimulation appears to fluctuate during the resumption of development. Incorporation into RNA is roughly linear in gastrulae during the first 2 hours of incubation at 30°C using NaH14CO3 as labeled precursor. Most of the incorporated radioactivity is associated with the two major classes of ribosomal RNA (17 S and 26 S) and 4 S RNA. The presence of RNA of high molecular weight undergoing rapid turnover is indicated by the distribution of radioactivity and absorbance below the 26 S RNA peak of sucrose gradient profiles.
Cryopreservation in Populus functional genomics.

Summary The release of the first tree genome sequence for Populus tricocarpa, along with continuing rapid development of Populus EST, microarray and metabolomic technologies, promises to advance forest tree genomics. High throughput transformation by knockout or other gene manipulation strategies to generate large numbers of transgenic Populus for functional elucidation of the estimated 36 000 genes will soon follow. The efficacy of large-scale transformation approaches for advancing Populus genomics will ultimately depend on the availability of properly maintained transgenic germ lines for distribution. The Arabidopsis community has already demonstrated the value of shared genetic resources, especially mutant and transgenic seed stocks, in functional genomics research. Seed bank will not work for the Populus research community. Instead, a stock distribution center for transgenic Populus research will have to be based on long-term preservation of clonal germplasm. This review presents recent progress in applying cryogenic techniques for clonal preservation of long-lived trees and discusses the challenges facing Populus molecular geneticists in germplasm preservation.
Surgical management of complicated pancreatic pseudocysts after acute pancreatitis

Abstract Background Management of pancreatic pseudocysts (PP) is unclear when located in areas outside the lesser sac, infected, or when portal venous (PV) occlusion is present. Methods Patients having internal drainage of PP. Management and outcome were assessed relative to location, presence of infection, and/or PV occlusion. Results No patient required transfusion, and there were no readmissions in 9 patients with PV occlusion. Eleven patients had infected PP including 5 extending outside the lesser sac. Six had postoperative imaging, 4 readmission, and 3 required adjunct postoperative percutaneous drainage. All but 2 with PP beyond the lesser sac had Roux-en-Y cystjejunostomy including 4 with 2 anastomoses. Nine, 4, and 5 required reimaging, readmission, and postoperative therapeutic intervention, respectively. Conclusions (1) Open PP drainage in the face of PV occlusion confers a low risk of bleeding and a minimal need for reimaging or readmission; (2) internal drainage of infected PP is a viable option to external drainage; and (3) PP extending beyond the lesser sac can most often be managed successfully by Roux-en-Y drainage but may require additional intervention.
Vibration and Animal Communication: A Review

Vibration through the substrate has likely been important to animals as a channel of communication for millions of years, but our awareness of vibration as biologically relevant information has a history of only the last 30 yr. Morphologists know that the jaw mechanism of early amphibians allowed them to perceive vibration through the substrate as their large heads lay on the ground. Although the exact mechanism of vibration production and the precise nature of the wave produced are not always understood, recent technical advances have given answers to increasingly sophisticated questions about how animals send and receive signals through the substrate. Some of us have been forced to explore the use of vibration when all other attempts to manipulate animals in the field have failed, while others began to think about vibration to explain some of the puzzling behaviors of species they were studying in other contexts. It has thus become clear that the use of vibration in animal communication is much more widespread than previously thought. We now know that vibration provides information used in predator-prey interactions, recruitment to food, mate choice, intrasexual competition and maternal/brood social interactions in a range of animals from insects to elephants.
Generating conditional expectations from models with selectivity bias

Abstract This paper discusses how conditional expectations should be generated from models with sample selectivity. We argue that the conventional method ignores relevant and available information and produces unreliable results. An alternative approach is suggested and the empirical example of black/white wage differentials is presented.
Student Fights Proactive Strategies for Preventing and Managing Student Conflicts

Student conflicts are an inevitable part of classroom life. Teachers can, however, prevent most conflicts from escalating into fights among students. Proactive strategies exist to help teachers pre...
Rapid, semi-automated convergent synthesis of low generation triazine dendrimers using microwave assisted reactions

Microwave assisted synthesis allows for the rapid access of low generation triazine dendrimers in high yields. Products include a macromonomer and alkyne functionalized dendrimers from generation one to three. Using a microwave assisted, convergent synthetic approach, two nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions are executed on cyanuric chloride in 10 min at 60 °C using primary amines. Substitution of the resulting monochlorotriazine with a diamine requires 95 °C for 30 min. Purifications are accomplished using an automated chromatography system such that the generation three dendrimer can be prepared from the starting materials in less than one day.
Impedance behavior of nanoporous SiC

Abstract A study was conducted of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) response of n-type (∼1018 cm−3 donor density) nanoporous 6H–SiC (PSC) with a ∼2000 nm porous layer created by anodic HF etching and non-porous SiC (NSC) controls in NaCl and Na2SO4 electrolytes. At intermediate potentials, PSC had much larger interfacial capacitance than the controls, consistent with the large effective area of the porous material. At high frequencies, the PSC showed transmission line behavior in approximate agreement with predictions of a simplified model that considered the extent and size of porosity and the properties of electrolyte and interface.
The Rearrangement of 2-Carbomethoxy-2-Phenylselenocyclohexanone1

Abstract In connection with a total synthetic study we prepared 2-carbomethoxy-2-phenylselenocyclohexanone (2)2 and attempted to alkylate the ketone at the 6-position. However, to our surprise, base-promoted enolization with lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA) led to some rearrangement to the lithium enolate of 2-carbomethoxy-6-phenyl-selenocyclohexanone (3).
Hypertensive encephalopathy, reversible occipitoparietal encephalopathy, or reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy: three names for an old syndrome.

Children with hypertension, seizures, lethargy, encephalopathy, headache, and occipital blindness are reviewed. After undergoing antihypertensive therapy, most children improve. Some patients have a similar syndrome associated with chemotherapy, transplantation, transfusion, or human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. These latter children can develop symptoms with only minimal or no discernible elevations in blood pressure and improve, in the case of cancer-associated encephalopathy, after discontinuing chemotherapy. The reported children with this distinctive clinical condition are compared to adults with reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Since both gray and white matter are involved, we had suggested previously that the name be changed to (reversible) occipitoparietal encephalopathy syndrome. However, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy has been used in the adult population and probably should be employed in children for the sake of uniformity, since both children and adu...
The Natural Occurrence of Riboflavin Deficiency in the Eyes of Dogs

In four dogs, the diarrhea, increased salivation and mucous membrane lesions characteristic of blacktongue were relieved within 24 hours following the administration of 150 mgs nicotinic amide, whereas the lacrimation, photophobia and extreme injection of the eye vessels did not diminish. These severe eye lesions regressed greatly 24 hours after the injection of 50 mgs of riboflavin, and in 72 hours had disappeared. The simultaneous occurrence of nicotinic acid and riboflavin deficiency in four dogs is evidence that such deficiencies occur as mixed diseases rather than as single entities. These findings are further evidence of the universality of nutritional deficiencies, since they suggest that deficiency diseases among the pets of families with deficiency diseases are not uncommon. In at least one instance the finding of nutritional deficiencies in a dog eating scraps from the family table led to a better understanding of the ill health of the family, none of whom had diagnostic lesions of deficiency disease at the time, although they all complained of weakness, nervousness, irritability and loss of appetite—the vague and ill-defined symptoms characteristic of deficiency diseases in the early stages.
A method for the fatigue testing of pedicle screw fixation devices

Spinal devices/instrumentation are used to augment the stability of a decompressed spinal segment during surgery. Like any other mechanical component, the device can fail. A standard in vitro test protocol, was developed to determine load vs number of cycles to failure curve for a pedicle screw-plate/rod type spinal device. The protocol based on the use of an 'artificial spine' model, is clinically relevant. The protocol was used to characterize the load-carrying capacities and failure modes of a specific pedicle screw-rod type fixation device to demonstrate its appropriateness. The devices (Kaneda) were tested in the quasi-static as well as fatigue bending modes. In the bending fatigue mode, the devices failed at loads significantly smaller than the corresponding quasi-static failure load magnitude (806 N). The device exhibited an endurance limit in the fatigue bending mode. The device is not likely to exhibit failure if subjected to cyclic loads which cause less than 380 N axial compression (and an accompanying bending moment relative to the device of less than 13.57 Nm). The failures observed in specimens subjected to the fatigue tests ranged from complete to partial breakage of the paraspinal rods as opposed to failure due to permanent deformation (yielding) of the rods in the quasi-static bending test specimens. The protocol developed can be used for any other screw-plate/rod type spinal instrumentation. The use of a standard protocol by researchers would enable a comparison of various devices currently available in the market. Such comparative data would be useful for the scientific community, and agencies such as the FDA and ASTM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Parallel logic programs on the Mayfly

The Mayfly, a parallel processor being built at HP Labs in Palo Alto, has architectural support for several important aspects of the OM virtual machine for parallel logic programs. Each node has an extra processor that is able to relieve the main processor of a significant amount of the “housekeeping” work of memory management, task switching, and message handling. This paper describes how the second processor implements kernel level functions in OM, with particular attention to the operations that support task switching and task allocation. The paper includes detailed timing data from a program with interleaved parallel threads to show that while the main processor is busy in one thread the kernel processor can effectively build the context for the next thread, significantly reducing task switching time.
Specific interaction of type I receptors of the TGF-beta family with the immunophilin FKBP-12

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members bind to receptors that consist of heteromeric serine-threonine kinase subunits (type I and type II). In a yeast genetic screen, the immunophilin FKBP-12, a target of the macrolides FK506 and rapamycin, interacted with the type I receptor for TGF-beta and with other type I receptors. Deletion, point mutation, and co-immunoprecipitation studies further demonstrated the specificity of the interaction. Excess FK506 competed with type I receptors for binding to FKBP-12, which suggests that these receptors share or overlap the macrolide binding site on FKBP-12, and therefore they may represent its natural ligand. The specific interaction between the type I receptors and FKBP-12 suggests that FKBP-12 may play a role in type I receptor-mediated signaling.
Auditory driving of the autonomic nervous system: Listening to theta-frequency binaural beats post-exercise increases parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal

Binaural beats are an auditory illusion perceived when two or more pure tones of similar frequencies are presented dichotically through stereo headphones. Although this phenomenon is thought to facilitate state changes (e.g., relaxation), few empirical studies have reported on whether binaural beats produce changes in autonomic arousal. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of binaural beating on autonomic dynamics (heart-rate variability (HRV)) during post-exercise relaxation. Subjects (n = 21; 18-29 years old) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study during which binaural beats and placebo were administered over two randomized and counterbalanced sessions (within-subjects repeated-measures design). At the onset of each visit, subjects exercised for 20-min; post-exercise, subjects listened to either binaural beats (‘wide-band’ theta-frequency binaural beats) or placebo (carrier tone) for 20-min while relaxing alone in a quiet, low-light environment. Dependent variables consisted of high frequency (HF, reflecting parasympathetic activity), low frequency (LF, reflecting sympathetic and parasympathetic activity) and LF/HF normalized powers, as well as self-reported relaxation. As compared to the placebo visit, the binaural beat visit resulted in greater self-reported relaxation, as well as increased parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal. By the end of the 20-min relaxation period there were no observable differences in HRV between binaural beat and placebo visits, although binaural-beat associated HRV significantly predicted subsequent reported relaxation. Findings suggest that listening to binaural beats may exert an acute influence on both LF and HF components of HRV and may increase subjective feelings of relaxation.
Toward Statistical Literacy: A Paradigm for Technology-Embedded Instructional Reform

In preparing business majors, schools of business have a special responsibility to ensure that students are equipped with the technological and mathematical skills they will need to compete in the worldwide marketplace. This article describes an innovative instructional paradigm for teaching business statistics. This paradigm harnesses the latest classroom technologies and integrates these technologies with established principles of learning. The paradigm also implements the mathematical and technological recommendations put forward by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Science. Evaluation data from both instructor and student perspectives are reported.
Quantitative mass spectrometry reveals the epigenome as a target of arsenic

Recent studies reveal that posttranslational modifications on chromatin proteins, especially histones, organize genomic DNA and mediate various cellular responses to environmental influences. Quantitative mass spectrometric analysis is a powerful approach to reveal these dynamic events on chromatin in a systematic manner. Here, the effects of arsenic exposure on histone epigenetic state were investigated in human UROtsa cells, and a reduction in acetylation level on several histone H3 and H4 lysine residues was detected. Furthermore, MYST1 was shown to be the major histone acetyltransferase for H4 Lys16 and protect UROtsa cells from arsenic toxicity.
Characteristics of school bullies and victims as perceived by public school professionals

Abstract A large body of international research substantiates the concern with problems of peer-on-peer violence in schools and its common beginnings as taunting, harassment and other forms of bullying. One common difficulty in developing better ways of handling these problems is the professional literature's inconsistency in the identification of bully and victim characteristics. This study surveyed school professionals (teachers and counselors) who work with youth on a daily basis to see how closely their perceptions of victims and bullies matched the criteria commonly found in the literature. Participants rated 70 characteristics as to their importance in recognizing the potential for children to become bullies or victims. The results demonstrated strong agreement on five characteristics as being exclusively those of victims, 11 as exclusively those of bullies, and 15 as strongly associated with both victims and bullies. These characteristics and additional ones identified by an earlier study of intern...