cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Switchgrass genomic diversity, ploidy, and evolution: Novel insights from a network-based SNP discovery protocol

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial grass that has been designated as an herbaceous model biofuel crop for the United States of America. To facilitate accelerated breeding programs of switchgrass, we developed both an association panel and linkage populations for genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic selection (GS). All of the 840 individuals were then genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS), generating 350 GB of sequence in total. As a highly heterozygous polyploid (tetraploid and octoploid) species lacking a reference genome, switchgrass is highly intractable with earlier methodologies of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery. To access the genetic diversity of species like switchgrass, we developed a SNP discovery pipeline based on a network approach called the Universal Network-Enabled Analysis Kit (UNEAK). Complexities that hinder single nucleotide polymorphism discovery, such as repeats, paralogs, and sequencing errors, are easily resolved with UNEAK. Here, 1.2 million putative SNPs were discovered in a diverse collection of primarily upland, northern-adapted switchgrass populations. Further analysis of this data set revealed the fundamentally diploid nature of tetraploid switchgrass. Taking advantage of the high conservation of genome structure between switchgrass and foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.), two parent-specific, synteny-based, ultra high-density linkage maps containing a total of 88,217 SNPs were constructed. Also, our results showed clear patterns of isolation-by-distance and isolation-by-ploidy in natural populations of switchgrass. Phylogenetic analysis supported a general south-to-north migration path of switchgrass. In addition, this analysis suggested that upland tetraploid arose from upland octoploid. All together, this study provides unparalleled insights into the diversity, genomic complexity, population structure, phylogeny, phylogeography, ploidy, and evolutionary dynamics of switchgrass.
Fish Assemblage Dynamics in an Adventitious Stream: A Landscape Perspective

Abstract Recent studies of stream fish assemblages have begun to incorporate landscape properties in explaining the dynamics seen at individual sites in riverine systems. In this approach, stream and river landscapes (riverscapes) are viewed over greater spatial and temporal scales to understand the dynamics seen at individuals sites. Adventitious streams are feeder tributaries of mainstreams at least three orders greater in magnitude. Interface sites between adventitious streams and their mainstreams are often more diverse and variable than either the feeder stream or mainstream alone. We analyzed fish assemblage data from 21 sites over three periods (1967, 1995 and 2001) from an adventitious stream drainage (Piasa Creek: Jersey, Madison and Macoupin CO., IL) to test the hypothesis that assemblage variability and diversity would be greater at downstream interface sites than those further upstream. There was a correlation between distance from the mouth of the stream and assemblage variability over time, ...
Parasitic Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Parasitic bronchitis and pneumonia is often a serious problem on individual farms, despite the fact that the disease is easy to diagnose, easy to treat, and easy to prevent by anthelminthic control programs or by vaccination. This article presents the various phases of the primary infection as well as the reinfection syndrome.
The Limits of Explication

Part of logic consists in uncovering ways in which logical processes of great universality and utility are over-extended, e.g., in the misguided search for the cause of everything. It is suggested here that the search for missing premises defined as premises that make a deduction out of every argument has its own limits of sense. While often useful, it is sometimes just wrongly used by requiring that the reconstructed argument have the same categorical conclusion as the original one; and sometimes inappropriately used when the argument itself does not rest upon assumptions different from itself.
Perceived Organizational Dynamics and the Regulatory Focus of Entrepreneurial Behavior

Building on Regulatory Focus Theory, we examine whether senior executives’ perceptions of organizational dynamics are predictive of their firms’ entrepreneurial behavior and whether these relationships depend on perceived environmental hostility. Findings show chronic prevention focus to be a negative predictor of entrepreneurial behavior and situational regulatory focus as elicited by perceived firm expansion and contraction to be a positive predictor of entrepreneurial behavior. In addition, perceived firm contraction (situational prevention focus) is found to be a stronger predictor of entrepreneurial behavior than perceived firm expansion (situational promotion focus), especially when perceived environmental hostility is high. Implications for entrepreneurship, managerial cognition, and regulatory focus research are discussed.
Implementation and Use of the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment at US Schools of Pharmacy

Objective. To describe how schools and colleges of pharmacy use the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) in relation to student assessment and curricular feedback.Methods. A survey was distributed to all programs that have implemented the PCOA. The survey was designed to assess 3 domains regarding the use of the PCOA: rationale for use, logistics of administration, and performance data review and distribution.Results. A 79% response rate (41/52) was obtained. The mix of responses was 93% current PCOA users and 7% past users. The most common reasons for PCOA use were for programmatic assessment and benchmarking. The examination was most frequently administered during the P3 year, with minimal stakes attached to performance. Significant differences in responses based on public vs private institution were seen with respect to length of accreditation of current PCOA users, messaging to students regarding performance, inclusion of results in student advising, and distribution of results to stakeholde...
Long-Term Following Up and Curative Effect of Continuous Stosstherapy with Cyclophosphamide in Treatment of Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome in Children in Zhuang Nationality

Objective To explore the curative effect and long-term sexual gland impairment of continuous stosstherapy with a large dose of cyclophosphamide(CTX) in treatment of nephrotic syndrome(NS) in children in Zhuang nationality.Methods CTX was given to 38 children with refractory NS in Zhuang nationality.The usage of CTX as followed: 8-12 mg/kg CTX and sodium chloride injection(or 10% glucose injection) 100 mL were given by intravenous drip for about 1 hour once a day,and last 8-10 days,the accumulated amount of CTX was less than 80-100 mg/kg.Prednisone was given 2 mg/(kg·d)at the same time.Results 1.Of 38 cases,28 were clinically cured(73.65%),7 complete remission(18.42%);2 partially remission(5.26%) and 1 died(2.63%).No obvious relationship could be seen between curative effect and clinical classification or pathological types(all P0.05).2.Two days after treatment,total protein(TP) and albumin(Alb) of hemotoplasma were significantly higher than before treatment(all P0.01);TP and Alb turned to normal level(P0.01) after 4 weeks, and total urine protein of 24 hours was decreased obviously(P0.01).Blood cholesterol had a significant reduction in 4 weeks after finishing treatment.Blood inosine,hemoglobin(Hb),white blood cell(WBC) and blood platelet(PLT) had no changes before and after treatment(all P0.05).3.Toxic side effects: gastrointestinal reaction was seen in 20 cases ((52.63%)),reduction of WBC in 2 cases(5.26%),baldness in 38 cases(100%) and heart impairment in 1 case(2.63%).The sperm test and menstrual onset were normal in 18 cases,whose ages ≥ 8 years at beginning of treatment,who were clinically cured and whose ages ≥17 years at the time of last following up,7 of them who had married could have children.Conclusions Combining CTX(conti-)(nuous) stosstherapy with prednisone standard scheme treated the children in Zhuang nationality with NS,We could got a good curative effect.By using this treatment,not only the plasma TP and Alb level could be increased rapidly and the urine protein could be conversed to negative quickly.The accumulated amount of CTX was less than 80 mg/kg,but the treatment was safety in the recent term, and no impairment of sexual gland was seen at long-term following up.
Appraisals and Reappraisals in the Courtroom

This article provides a brief introduction to psychological emotion theories, particularly appraisal theory. According to appraisal theory emotions are combinations of a person’s appraisal of the n...
Epidemiological analysis for measles in Miyun county,Beijing during 2005-2009

Objective To understand epidemiological characteristics and current situation of measles in Miyun county of Beijing to provide scientific evidence for measles elimination.Methods Epidemiological characteristics of measles in Miyun County during 2005-2009 were described and analyzed.Results One hundred and twenty-seven cases of measles were reported in Miyun County during 2005-2009,with an average annual incidence of 5.24/100000.Both sporadic and outbreak cases occurred there,with peaks in the last December to the next May,which accounted for 88.9 percent of the total annual cases.Indigenous measles occurred mainly in the groups aged less than one year and 30 years or over,and migrants'measles cases occurred mainly in those aged 15 to 30 years.Two outbreaks of measles occurred,both in factories aggregated with migrant workers.Twenty-two cases of measles were vaccinated previously,accounting for 20.56 percent of the total cases.Thirty-eight cases were from migrants and 89 from local residents.There was remarkable difference in immunization history between migrants and local residents.Conclusion Babies less than eight months old are still a key group in measles control and prevention.Measles vaccination should be prioritized at migrant group living in intersection of urban and rural areas and mountainous areas,with emphasis on prevention and control of alien measles outbreaks.And,revaccination in local adult residents of the suitable age for vaccination should be intensified to improve their coverage.
Ethanol-induced alterations of norepinephrine metabolism in man.

Abstract The ingestion of 60 ml. of ethanol altered the metabolism of C 14 norepinephrine administered intravenously to 2 normal men. The C 14 metabolites of norepinephrine were measured quantitatively in the urine collected in 8 hour periods for 48 hours following the administration of C 14 -norepinephrine. Alcohol ingestion at the beginning of the first, third, and fifth collection periods resulted in a decreased excretion of C 14 -3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-mandelic acid (VMA) and an increased excretion of C 14 -3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol. There was no alteration in the pattern of excretion of C 14 -norepinephrine, normetanephrine 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol. The altered metabolism of administered norepinephrine with alcohol probably occurs peripherally inasmuch as norepinephrine does not penetrate the blood brain barrier to a significant degree. However, a similar alteration of endogenous norepinephrine metabolism within the central nervous system may take place. The observed alteration of norepinephrine metabolism from the usual oxidative pathway to the reductive pathway could result in part from the increased NADH:NAD ratio resulting from ethanol metabolism or from competitive inhibition by acetaldehyde formed from the metabolism of alcohol.
Pauli Spin Matrices

These matrices represent the spin observables along the x(respective yand z-)axis of physical 3-space for a spin2 particle, relative to an orthonormal basis of spin space consisting of eigenvectors of σz. (Spin observables are measured, e.g., in the Stern– Gerlach experiment.) The spin observable along any direction in physical 3-space defined by the unit vector ~n = (nx, ny, nz) is given, relative to the same basis, by σ~n = nx σx + ny σy + nz σz = ~n · ~σ (2)
Linked List Algorithms Package

This is a generic algorithms package that provides 31 algorithms for manipulating a linked list representation of sequences. Only a singly-linked representation is assumed, but many of the algorithms can also reasonably be used with other representations such as circular or non-circular doubly-linked representations. As can be seen from the subprogram implementations in the previous chapter, even for a singly-linked representation these algorithms can be instantiated in various ways to produce a substantially larger collection of useful operations.
Desire: The unfolding of the other

ABSTRACTThe Confucian classic the Liji 禮記 defines ‘desire’ as ‘the arousal of nature’. In line with this classical definition, Dai Zhen 戴震 (1724–1777) sees desire as human nature in activation. However, while the Liji ascribes human deceits and debauchery to the susceptibility of human nature, Dai Zhen speaks highly of its responsiveness and receptivity. This article discusses Dai Zhen’s conception of desire and argues that Dai Zhen distinguishes himself from other Confucian moral thinkers by bringing to light the dimension of the Other in addressing the issue of desire. As the Confucian tradition has long been disturbed by an anxiety to keep desire in check, Dai Zhen draws our attention to how to cultivate the affective faculty inherent in human nature to develop our sensitivity to the needs and desires of others, especially those of the widow, the orphan, the solitary, the sick, and the weak.
Preoperative and postoperative features of macular holes on en face imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography

Abstract Purpose To characterize and quantify the pre- and postoperative foveal structural and functional patterns in full-thickness macular holes. Methods Subjects presenting with a full-thickness macular hole that had pre- and postoperative imaging were included. En face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) was performed. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, macular hole size, number and size of perifoveal cysts were measured. Results Five eyes from 5 patients were included in the study. The hole was closed in all eyes after the initial surgery. OCTA showed enlargement of the FAZ and delineation of the holes within the FAZ. Mean preoperative FAZ area was 0.41 ± 0.104 mm 2 . Visual acuity was improved and mean FAZ area was reduced to 0.27 ± 0.098 mm 2 postoperatively ( P Conclusions and importance Quantitative evaluation of vascular and cystic changes following macular hole repair demonstrates the potential for recovery due to neuronal and vascular plasticity. Perifoveal microstructural patterns and their quantitative characteristics may serve as useful anatomic biomarkers for assessment of macular holes.
Effect of Phase-Equilibrium Uncertainties on the Separation of Heterogeneous Azeotropes—Application to the Water + 1-Butanol System

This paper extends application of the Margules-based phase-equilibrium uncertainty method to a system exhibiting a heterogeneous azeotrope. The author developed the method in order to provide pract...
Influence of extent of lymphadenectomy on survival for localized non-small cell lung cancer.

6610 Background: Several studies suggest that more extensive lymph node dissection during surgery for localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with better prognosis. Given recent ...
Newly arrived immigrant youth in Sweden negotiate identity, language & literacy

Abstract Scholarship on social contexts of language learning and identity has illuminated how mastering a new language and literacy is central to experiences of migration and resettlement for many immigrants and refugees (Suarez-Orozco & Suarez-Orozco, 2001). In light of the historical and contemporary marginalization of linguistic minority students in classrooms around the world, many questions and concerns remain around the role of multilingualism in learning. This article presents findings from a qualitative study of the nature of language learning among newly arrived immigrant and refugee students attending a linguistically isolated urban elementary school in Sweden. The data were analyzed using an ecology of language framework and the principles of “context” and “affordance” in particular (Creese, Martin & Hornberger, 2008; Van Lier, 2004). By analyzing the perspectives and learning of these students within this sociolinguistic context, this research illustrates how language learning challenges and successes are intensely local to particular spaces and experiences, and are contingent upon access to knowledge and processes of social inclusion and exclusion.
Using FTIR spectral response signals to separate, characterize and quantify the effects of silicone or rubber-based adhesive materials on microsphere lens enhanced MWIR SLS photo detectors

In our prior work we have analyzed, proposed global performance metrics, and shown how MWIR microsphere lens-enhanced single detectors have exhibited an increase in detector sensitivity and reduction in Noise to Signal Ratio (NSR). We have shown that, in general, the microsphere lens reduces the detector NSR independently of the increase in the enhanced detector sensitivity. We have also shown how microsphere lens material absorptions and misalignments can affect and reduce the microsphere lens-enhanced MWIR detector sensitivity. When placing a microsphere lens on a photo-detector, usually an optical silicone-or rubber adhesive is used to adhere and hold the microsphere lens on the single photo-detector. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid model-based and experimental data driven-based technique for analysis and characterization of the effect of the adhesive material on microsphere-lens-enhanced SLS single photo-detector sensitivity. In this work these adhesive material characteristics are modeled and compared to experimental microsphere-enhanced single detector FTIR spectral data. As we demonstrate here, based on the data considered, the results show that the adhesive material appears to adversely affect and decrease the detector overall sensitivity, and in some instances, by more than 40% depending on the adhesive material index of refraction, even with a high adhesive material transmittance/transparency.
TRENDS IN TRANSCATHETER AND SURGICAL REPAIR OF SECUNDUM ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT: INSIGHTS FROM A NATIONAL DATABASE

Transcatheter (TC) closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) has made rapid strides and is the modality of choice for clinicians. We investigated temporal trends and in-hospital outcomes of transcatheter and surgical(S) ASD closure in adult patients using the National Inpatient Sample database
Implications of the ABCD study for developmental neuroscience.

Abstract The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) will capture a breadth of multi-faceted biobehavioral, environmental, familial, and genetic longitudinal developmental open-access data from over 11,000 9–10 year olds throughout the United States of America (USA) for an envisioned ten-year span. This will subsequently represent the largest study ever attempted with this level of brain phenotypic detail. This study holds the opportunity for exciting advances in the understanding of typical adolescent neurodevelopment, discovery of neurodevelopmental underpinnings of mental illness, as well as the neurodevelopmental influences of (and on) social factors, substance use, and critically – their interaction. This project will certainly take unprecedented steps in informing the nature of adolescence and the developing brain. The scale and open-access features of ABCD also necessarily entail areas for consideration to enhance the integrity of the ABCD study, and protect against potential misuse and misinterpretation of ABCD data. Ultimately, with the open-source data, all scientists in the broader community have as much responsibility as the investigators within the Consortium to treat these data with care. It will be fascinating to see what dynamic data these paths generate. ABCD is poised to exemplify how large-scale longitudinal developmental neuroscientific studies can be designed and efficiently conducted.
Introduction: “Press as Corrected, G.B.S.”

The author traces Shaw’s use of the word “advertisement” and its variants in his literary and journalistic writing over the course of his career in order to gauge his definition of the word and understanding of the concept. For Shaw, “advertising” provided a vocabulary for various critiques (theater, the middle-classes, capitalism) but also a context within which the relationship between the individual and overarching authority could be negotiated. Indeed, sedulous self-promotion was essential for his valorized “world betterers” who successfully harnessed marketing as a vehicle towards advancement and sought to stave off being harnessed into a mere hoarding, complicit with oppressive economic forces. For his part, Shaw was so adept at creating a lucrative brand that “G.B.S.” became a marketing tool for other entities within public campaigns. Always his own best copywriter, he and his early biographers had to fend off critics who charged him with vulgar self-advertisement. More recently, his appearances across media throughout his professional career have been affirmed as remarkably prescient. Marketing Shavian physical, mental, and spiritual fitness via “G.B.S.,” Shaw was a master of the “near-testimonial” in which he managed to retain integrity and individual autonomy apart from client and product within the space of the advert.
Detecting spam blogs: a machine learning approach

Weblogs or blogs are an important new way to publish information, engage in discussions, and form communities on the Internet. The Blogosphere has unfortunately been infected by several varieties of spam-like content. Blog search engines, for example, are inundated by posts from splogs - false blogs with machine generated or hijacked content whose sole purpose is to host ads or raise the PageRank of target sites. We discuss how SVM models based on local and link-based features can be used to detect splogs. We present an evaluation of learned models and their utility to blog search engines; systems that employ techniques differing from those of conventional web search engines.
X-RAY PHOTOACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS

We describe experiments dealing with the characterization of x-ray generated photoacoustic signals in materials and their application to the imaging of material inhomogeneities. A linear relationship is established between the x-ray photon power and the generated ultrasonic signals. Intensity and spatial modulation measurement techniques are described by which the magnitude and phase of the photoacoustic signals are measured. Use of these techniques is explored to image fabricated defects in various materials. The measured images exhibit features which appear to be dominated by the effects of the transducer and elastic resonances of the specimen. Procedures are described by which these artifacts can be reduced to permit the imaging of subsurface inhomogeneities in materials.
Structure and Biosynthesis of the Mycobacterial Cell Wall

The compositional complexity of the mycobacterial cell envelope, which is made up of a plasma membrane, a covalently linked mycolic acid, arabinogalactan, and peptidoglycan complex (MAPc), a polysaccharide-rich capsule-like material, and a variety of extractable lipids and proteins, differentiates Mycobacterium species from most other prokaryotes. The composition of the mycobacterial cell envelope is thought to provide an extraordinary permeability barrier, which renders mycobacteria resistant to many drugs. Overall, the primary structures of the unusual oligosaccharides found in the cell envelope of mycobacteria are reasonably well understood; although, a number of questions still need to be resolved. The biosynthesis of these polymers is much less well defined but current studies are rapidly closing the gap. It is the definition of the ultrastructure of the mycobacterial cell envelope and reconciling the data with the known chemistry that currently seems to present the greatest challenge in understanding the mycobacterial cell envelope.
Tissue engineering: Vascular system

While major advances have been made in the field of clinical vascular surgery, a confounding problem remains that small diameter (< 6 mm) vascular grafts continue to exhibit poor, clinically unacceptable long term patency. The conspicuous complications which lead to this poor performance are the occurrence of intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. The basic inherent problem with these prosthetic grafts, that is grafts constructed of synthetic polymeric materials (e.g. ePTFE and Dacron), is the relative lack of biocompatibility of these polymeric materials. Numerous solutions have been hypothesized, developed and tested toward improvement in polymeric graft function. Some of these solutions are provided in Table 1.
Exact solution to the problem of acoustic wave propagation in a semi-infinite waveguide with flexible walls

Abstract Two boundary value problems for the Helmholtz equation in a semi-infinite strip are considered. The main feature of these problems is that, in addition to the function and its normal derivative on the boundary, the functionals of the boundary conditions possess tangential derivatives of the second and fourth orders. Also, the setting of the problems is complemented by certain edge conditions at the two vertices of the semi-strip. The problems model wave propagation in a semi-infinite waveguide with membrane and plate walls. A technique for the exact solution of these fluid–structure interaction problems is proposed. It requires application of two Laplace transforms with respect to both variables. The parameter of the second transform is a certain function of the first Laplace transform parameter. Ultimately, this method yields two scalar Riemann–Hilbert problems with the same coefficient and different right-hand sides. The dependence of the existence and uniqueness results of the physical model problems on the index of the Riemann–Hilbert problem is discussed, and numerical results for the membrane walls model are reported.
Learning from Northern clingfish (Gobiesox maeandricus): bioinspired suction cups attach to rough surfaces

While artificial suction cups only attach well to smooth surfaces, the Northern clingfish can attach to surfaces ranging from nanoscale smooth to rough stone. This ability is highly desirable for technical applications. The morphology of the fish's suction disc and its ability to attach to rough and slimy surfaces have been described before, and here we aim to close gaps in the biomechanical understanding, and transfer the biomechanical principles to technical suction cups. We demonstrate that the margin of the suction disc is the critical feature enabling attachment to rough surfaces. Second, friction measurements show that friction of the disc rim is increased on rough substrates and contributes to high tenacity. Increased friction causes a delay in failure of the suction cup and increases the attachment force. We were able to implement these concepts to develop the first suction cups bioinspired by Northern clingfish. These cups attach with tenacities up to 70 kPa on surfaces as rough as 270 µm grain size. The application of this technology is promising in fields such as surgery, industrial production processes and whale tagging. This article is part of the theme issue 'Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.
Fluctuations in progesterone moderate the relationship between daily mood and alcohol use in young adult women

Abstract Background Research has demonstrated associations between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and women’s alcohol use. This association has been explained by mood changes that, for some women, accompany decreasing levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle, particularly during the late luteal/premenstrual phase. The current study examined whether participants’ daily ratings of mood interact with changing levels of progesterone to predict alcohol use. Method Young adult women attended two sessions scheduled two weeks apart, during which they completed questionnaires and provided salivary samples for the assay of progesterone levels. In the intervening two weeks, participants completed daily logs of their mood, alcohol use, and menses. Ordered Generalized Linear Mixed Models assessed the effects of daily mood (examined as both a within- and between-subject variable) on the likelihood of drinking, as a function of menstrual cycle phase and changes in progesterone across the two weeks. Results One standard deviation increase in progesterone corresponded to a 1.61 decrease in the odds of drinking. This main effect was moderated by daily mood. Women were more likely to drink during a decrease in progesterone on days they rated their mood as negative, whereas during an increase in progesterone they were more likely to drink on days they reported a positive mood. Between-subject analyses showed that women who reported lower overall mood during the two-week period were more likely to drink with an increase in progesterone and less likely with a decrease. Conclusions Women’s likelihood to drink increased when they experienced negative mood in the context of decreasing levels of progesterone, whereas the negative-mood/drinking association was mitigated among those with increasing levels of progesterone. However, compared to women who on average had an overall more positive mood, women with an overall lower mood (and corresponding higher levels of depression and anxiety at baseline) did not experience the protective effects of rising progesterone levels on drinking.
Assessing structural and functional response of murine vasculature to acute β-adrenergic stimulation in vivo during hypothermic and hyperthermic conditions.

AbstractBackground: Because of the importance of adrenoreceptors in regulating the cardiovascular (CV) system and the role of the CV system in thermoregulation, understanding the response to these ...
Mechanisms of in vivo resistance to decitabine in myelodysplatic syndromes

1634 Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are malignancies of the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. Progression from MDS to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is accompanied by aberrant DNA methylation of multiple genes. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors such as 5-azacytidine and 5-aza-29-deoxycytidine (decitabine, DAC)have shown efficacy in MDS patients, but resistance eventually develops in most patients. The mechanisms of resistance to DAC are unknown; possibilities include pharmacologic resistance (e.g. inactivation of deoxycytidine kinase or dCK, required for DAC incorporation into DNA), mutations in DNA methyltransferases or activation of parallel genetic pathways. To study this issue, we evaluated 8 MDS patients who had an initial complete response to DAC therapy and eventually relapsed and/or progressed to AML. The patients were 6/8 males; median age at diagnosis was 62 yr (55-79 yr); 5/8 patients had RAEB (refractory anemia with excess of blasts), 2/8 CMML (chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and 1/8 had unclassifiable MDS/MPD. Complete remission was achieved after an average of 3 cycles (1-7 cycles). Average duration of remission was 28 weeks (11-44 weeks). In these patients, expression of dCK by quantitative PCR was not lost at resistance, and no dCK mutation was found upon direct sequencing of cDNA at relapse. We studied methylation of the 6 following genes: p15INK4b, PGRA, PGRB, C1orf102, OLIG2 and CDH13 by bisulfite pyrosequencing within the transcription start area. Using a 15% cutoff for positive methylation, an analysis of all the genes showed 18/48 (38%) positive methylation results at baseline and 10/48 samples (21%) positive methylation results at relapse. Paired t-test analysis comparing methylation levels at baseline and relapse showed no significant differences in PGRA, OLIG2, CDH13, and p15. C1orf102 was unmethylated both at baseline and at relapse. PGRB showed an average methylation decrease at relapse of 15% (range 2-32%, p=0.008). Finally, cytogenetics showed abnormalities in 3/8 patients at baseline that persisted in relapse. Two of the patients with normal baseline cytogenetics showed abnormalities at relapse: +8 and del(16)(q), respectively. Three patients continued to have normal cytogenetics at relapse. These results suggest that relapse after achieving complete remission on DAC is not associated with dCK mutations, loss of dCK expression or methylation progression. Thus, in-vivo resistance to DAC is likely mediated by activation of parallel pathways to neoplasia, such as chromosomal changes.
Relationship Between Hospital Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Volume and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to examine whether hospital surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) volume was associated with corresponding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes. Background Recent studies have demonstrated a volume-outcome relationship for TAVR. Methods In total, 208,400 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries were analyzed for all aortic valve replacement procedures from 2012 to 2015. Claims for patients Results A total of 65,757 SAVR and 42,967 TAVR admissions were evaluated. Among TAVR procedures, 21.7% (n = 9,324) were performed at hospitals with Conclusions Total hospital SAVR volume appears to be correlated with TAVR outcomes, with higher 30-day and 1-year mortality observed at low-volume centers. These data support the importance of a viable surgical program within the heart team, and the use of minimum SAVR hospital thresholds may be considered as an additional metric for TAVR performance.
Artificial Intelligence Ethics: Governance through Social Media

A proposal is presented to facilitate machine self-learning of ethical behavior via human-curated training using online human behavioral data such as that found on social media and related sites. The proposed training data set is a mixture of human behavioral data found on social media and related sites that exhibit a wide variety of both ethical and unethical behavior which can help an artificially intelligent machine make ethical decisions during the process of solving real-world problems. The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications worldwide highlights the need for normativity to protect individual rights, such as privacy, and the promotion of the common good; in other words, ethics. Governance of such widespread applications of AI as speech recognition, facial recognition, tracking of individuals using their personal electronic devices, etc., is needed to prevent abuses of such technologies by corporations or national governments. This paper presents a systemic view of the complexity of using principle-based governance to promote the ethical use of AI without unnecessarily hindering technological innovations needed to advance the state of the art in AI technology.
Teaching Strategies for Beginning High School Students Afraid in Water

The intent of this article is to discuss how gradual water exposure, also known as systematic desensitization, coupled with the concept of mindfulness can serve as teaching strategies when working ...
From Narrative Scarcity to Research Plenitude for Asian Americans

In Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War , Pulitzer Prize–winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen ([2016][1]) asserts that all wars are fought twice—first on the battlefield and then in our collective memory. Our collective memory of the Vietnam War is constructed from manifold narratives,
Personality testing in employment settings: Problems and issues in the application of typical selection practices

Complex issues arise when personality variables are incorporated into traditional approaches to personnel selection. Personality assessment and testing in employment contexts is more complicated than it would appear. Rather than arguing against considering personality variables, wefocus on five problematic issues associated with their use in personnel selection. These issues are: the appropriateness of linear selection models; the problem of personality‐related self‐selection effects; the multi‐dimensionality of personality; bias associated with social desirability, impression management, and faking in top‐down selection models; and the legal implications of personality assessment in employment contexts. Recommends that practitioners and researchers be cognizant of these issues in the use of personality tests in employment decisions.
Sexual sterilization by elective hysterectomy.

Abstract In a large medical center, utilization of hysterectomy for sterilization has increased by 293 per cent over a 2½ year period. If only elective hysterectomies not associated with a pregnancy are counted, the increase is 742 per cent. Although the operative results were generally satisfactory, it is far from clear whether the additional risks of hysterectomy are outweighed by the potential benefits to be gained.
Discourse, Learning, and Schooling

Discourse, Learning, and Schooling. Deborah Hicks, ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996. 282 pp.
Media for the detection of Bacillus larvae spores in honey

Bacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honey bees completes its life cycle of germination, outgrowth and sporulation in young honey bee larvae by killing them and often bringing about the destruction of the entire hive. While B. larvae germinates and outgrows on complex organic media in vitro, the literature suggests, for reasons that are not at all clear, that a relatively large number of spores of B. larvae are required to yield each visible colony (colony forming units, CFU) on media. Various researchers have reported that from 16 to 3,000 or more spores of B. larvae are required to yield a single colony on an agar plate. HANSEN in Denmark designed a useful method of spreading approximately 80 mg of honey directly on the surface of a PETRI plate containing “J” agar medium to determine if B. larvae spores are present in the honey. In the present study, selected media were tested for the ability to recover B. larvae spores in honeys in the form of visible colonies (CFU) using HANSEN's strek method. A modification of a medium (TMYGP) developed by DINGMAN and STAHLY, (T-HCL-YGP agar), recovered considerably more viable B. larvae spores in the form of visible colonies (CFU) than HANSEN's “J” medium. When “J” medium was fortified with 0.1% sodium pyruvate, it was comparable to modified T-HCL-YGP medium in its recovery of B. larvae spores. Brain heart infusion agar (BHIA) with the addition of thiamine recovered more spores in the form of viable colonies than did “J” medium but it was not as efficient as T-HCL-YGP medium. Serial dilution from 100 to 10,000 times of weighed samples of honey with deionized water led to higher spore counts (CFU per g honey) than that indicated by undiluted honeys plated at 80 mg levels directly onto the surface of media by the HANSEN procedure.
Total-body irradiation with 25-MV photons in advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Preliminary results and complications

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with total-body irradiation (TBI). One group was treated after chemotherapy failed, while the other group received TBI initially. TBI was ineffective against CLL after chemotherapy failed. All patients with lymphocytic lymphoma who initially responded to chemotherapy but later relapsed were helped by TBI, as were 88% of patients with previously untreated lymphocytic lymphomas.
Time-Shift Theorems for Walsh Transforms and Solution of Difference Equations

Several time-shift theorems for Walsh transforms of functions subject to nondyadic as well as dyadic time displacements are presented. Spectrum-conversion matrices are defined and a relation between a function with an ordinary shift and that with a dyadic shift is established. Procedures for solving difference equations by Walsh transformation are given.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Benchmarks for Nutrition in Child Care 2011: Are Child-Care Providers across Contexts Meeting Recommendations?

Abstract The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) recommends feeding practices for child-care providers to establish nutrition habits in early childhood to prevent obesity. With >12 million US children in child care, little is known about child-care providers' feeding practices. The purpose of this study was to examine child-care providers' feeding practices to assess whether providers met the Academy's benchmarks and whether attainment of benchmarks varied across child-care contexts (Head Start, Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP], and non-CACFP). Cross-sectional data was collected in 2011 and 2012 from 118 child-care providers who completed self-administered surveys regarding their feeding practices for 2- to 5-year-old children. χ 2 tests and analysis of variance were used to determine variation across contexts. Head Start providers sat more frequently with children during meals ( P =0.01), ate the same foods as children ( P =0.001), and served meals family style ( P P =0.002), parents ( P =0.001), and children ( P =0.01) received more nutrition-education opportunities compared with CACFP and non-CACFP. Head Start providers encouraged more balance and variety of foods (P (P P P P
NONCONJUGATED CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS

Conjugation is not a prerequisite for a polymer to be conductive. A polymer must have at least one double bond in the repeat to become conductive. Interaction with a dopant (e.g., electron acceptor) causes transfer of an electron from the double bond to the dopant creating a hole at the double bond site. Electrical conduction occurs via intersite hopping of holes. Various spectroscopic methods (FTIR, optical absorption, solid-state 13C NMR, etc.) along with electrical measurements have been used to elucidate the mechanism of conduction in specific nonconjugated conductive polymers. Examples of these polymers include 1,4-polyisoprene which has one double bond and three single bonds in the repeat. The conductivity of polyisoprene increases 100 billion times upon doping with iodine to a maximum value of 10 S/m. Polyisoprene (natural rubber) is used nonconjugated conductive polymers have a wide range of applications in antistatics, various sensors and optoelectronics.
Photodissociation of Peroxynitric Acid in the Near-IR

Temperature-dependent near-IR photodissociation spectra were obtained for several vibrational overtone transitions of peroxynitric acid (HNO4) with a tunable OPO photolysis/OH laser-induced-fluorescence system. Band-integrated photodissociation cross-sections ( ∫σdiss), determined relative to that for the 3ν1 OH stretching overtone, were measured for three dissociative bands. Assuming unit quantum efficiency for photodissociation of 3ν1 we find 2ν1 + ν3 (8242 cm-1) = (1.21 × 10-20) (independent of temperature), 2ν1 (6900 cm-1) = 4.09 × 10-18 * e(-826.5/T) (295 K > T > 224 K), and ν1 + 2ν3 (6252 cm-1) = 1.87 × 10-19 * e(-1410.7/T) (278 K > T > 240 K) cm2 molecule-1 cm-1. The photodissociation cross-sections are independent of pressure over the range 2 to 40 Torr. Temperature-dependent quantum yields (φ) for these transitions were obtained using integrated absorption cross-sections (∫σabs) of HNO4 overtone vibrations measured with a FTIR spectrometer. In the atmosphere, photodissociation in the infrared is ...
A Diagnosis of Alligator mississippiensis Bite Marks with Comparisons to Existing Crocodylian Datasets

Crocodylians are known to consume and modify bones, but actualistic observations of their bite marks have been limited to forensic case studies and surveys of two taxa: Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus porosus. To further explore patterns of crocodylian bite mark expression, we conducted a survey of traces left by Alligator mississippiensis. We compared the results to pre-existing crocodylian datasets regarding the potentially diagnostic traits of bisected marks, hook scores, and a lack of furrows. Mark type did not correlate with vital statistics of the sampled animals or collections protocol. Bisected marks were found in rates similar to those seen in one previous survey of C. niloticus, and rates of hook scoring and bone breakage were higher. These traces were all present in higher rates than those reported in C. porosus. Unlike results seen in Crocodylus, furrows were identified in the A. mississippiensis samples. Hook scores were also identified, but recent surveys of non-crocodylian taxa have sho...
Variability and trends in sea ice extent and ice production in the Ross Sea

Salt release during sea ice formation in the Ross Sea coastal regions is regarded as a primary forcing for the regional generation of Antarctic Bottom Water. Passive microwave data from November 1978 through 2008 are used to examine the detailed seasonal and interannual characteristics of the sea ice cover of the Ross Sea and the adjacent Bellingshausen and Amundsen seas. For this period the sea ice extent in the Ross Sea shows the greatest increase of all the Antarctic seas. Variability in the ice cover in these regions is linked to changes in the Southern Annular Mode and secondarily to the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave. Over the Ross Sea shelf, analysis of sea ice drift data from 1992 to 2008 yields a positive rate of increase in the net ice export of about 30,000 sq km/yr. For a characteristic ice thickness of 0.6 m, this yields a volume transport of about 20 cu km/yr, which is almost identical, within error bars, to our estimate of the trend in ice production. The increase in brine rejection in the Ross Shelf Polynya associated with the estimated increase with the ice production, however, is not consistent with the reported Ross Sea salinity decrease. The locally generated sea ice enhancement of Ross Sea salinity may be offset by an increase of relatively low salinity of the water advected into the region from the Amundsen Sea, a consequence of increased precipitation and regional glacial ice melt.
Stabilization of resistive switching with controllable self-compliant Ta 2 O 5 -based RRAM

Ta/Ta 2 O 5 RRAMs show self-compliant characteristics in some Ta or Ta 2 O 5 thickness range but Ti/TaOx RRAMs always need current compliance due to totally consumption of SC conduction layer.
Behaviour of aluminium during the passage of large-amplitude plastic waves

Abstract The measurements in an experiment which makes possible simultaneous studies of tensile and compressive wave profiles in the same specimen are discussed. The results have been shown to demonstrate that the strain-rate independent, one-dimensional theory of finite amplitude waves applies to the propagation of tensile waves in fully annealed 1100-F aluminium. The dynamic response function of the material is shown to be the same in tension and compression. This same dynamic response function is shown further to give the quasi-static tensile response of the material.
Grouping and forming quantitative descriptions of image features by a novel parallel algorithm

Grouping disconnected edgels and forming quantitative descriptions of structural entities are fundamental tasks in image understanding. Our newly developed grouping algorithm, the Distributed Hough Transform (DHT), is capable of performing both of these tasks. The DHT uses the principle of proximity weighted symmetry (PWS). PWS is based upon non- accidentalness, viewpoint invariance, and new probabilistic models of projected angles and distances which use the assumption that boundaries of man-made objects can be represented by circular arcs and straight lines. Experimental results show that the DHT is a robust algorithm.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.