cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic analyses of the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Anoplophora glabripennis), in North America, Europe and Asia

The Asian longhorned beetle, (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)), is endemic to China and Korea and an important invasive insect in North America and Europe. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequence data of invasive populations of A. glabripennis in North America and Europe, and microsatellite allele frequency data of beetles from North America. We show that populations in New York City and Long Island NY; New Jersey, Chicago, IL, and Toronto, Canada have limited genetic diversity compared to populations in China. In addition, the data suggest that separate introduction events were responsible for many of the populations in North America and for European populations in Austria, France, Germany and Italy. Populations on Long Island, NY are suspected to have been initiated by the transport of cut wood from New York City. A. glabripennis beetles found in Jersey City, NJ appear to be derived from an expansion of the New York City, NY population, whereas beetles found in Linden, NJ are an expansion from the Carteret, NJ population. Limited genetic diversity did not stop this invasive insect from establishing damaging populations in North America. Founders of introduced A. glabripennis populations in North America and Europe are likely derived from populations in China that are themselves invasive, rendering difficult the identification of source populations. Invasiveness in an insect’s natural range could be an important predictor of potential pest status of introduced populations.
Possible acceleration of age effects on cognition following menopause

Many cognitive functions have been shown to deteriorate with age. Because of the importance of the menopause as a milestone in the life cycles of women, we examined whether the aging-over-time process in some cognitive functions differs between women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. It is demonstrated here that in some cognitive tests, including driving simulation, reaction time and some visuospatial tests, there is a significant acceleration in deterioration of functioning following menopause. It is suggested that this acceleration might be associated with the lack of gonadal hormones or other reproduction-related factors which may play a protective role against age-related deterioration in some cognitive functions in women.
Biostereometrics In Ophthalmology For Measurement Of The Optic Disc Cup In Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by increased ocular pressure with optic nerve atrophy and loss of visual field or side vision which eventually leads to blindness. The surface of the portion of the optic nerve within the eye, the optic disc, becomes depressed and its contours are altered. The optic disc becomes more cupped with increasing progress of the disease. For measurement of the cup, retinal cameras can provide simultaneous stereo photographs of the optic disc taken through the pupil. However, the photographs have to be obtained at a narrow angle due to the limit of the size of the dilated pupil. Our studies of the geometry of the stereo photographs show a greater error in depth compared to horizontal dimensions because of this biological limit. Similarly, data for the optimal conditions for photography of the optic disc, including aperture size and magnification have been obtained. Since the changes in the optic disc can progress with increase of the desease, photogrammetric techniques for measuring relative changes in the dimensions of the cup have been developed. Both subsequent and initial photographs are measured after being similarly oriented in space. The photogrammetric measurement of changes in the optic disc cup in glaucoma has potential as a useful technique which can have wide clinical application.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anterior or posterior sacrospinous vaginal vault suspension: long-term anatomic and functional evaluation

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare vaginal anatomy and sexual function after the conventional posterior and anterior sacrospinous vault suspension. METHODS: A retrospective repeated measures cohort study included all 168 consecutive sacrospinous vault suspension procedures between July 1990 and February 1997. The posterior suspension (n = 92) used a posterior vaginal incision and pararectal dissection. Anterior suspension (n = 76) involved an anterior rather than posterior vaginal incision, retropubic perforation, and dissection of a paravaginal-paravesical rather than pararectal space to accommodate the vaginal vault. Two polytetrafluoroethylene (00) sutures anchored the anterior vaginal cuff (for the anterior sacrospinous suspension) or the posterior vaginal cuff (for the posterior sacrospinous suspension) to the ligament. Postoperative evaluation included an examination using the pelvic organ prolapse quantitative system, assessment of vaginal width and axis, and symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: Total vaginal length and apical suspension were slightly greater after the anterior suspension, and recurrent anterior vaginal relaxation was less likely. No differences were found in maximal dilator size or apical narrowing between the two groups. New onset dyspareunia was reported by two subjects in the anterior vault suspension group, and two in the posterior vault suspension group. Three of these four cases of de novo dyspareunia were attributable to either severe atrophy or recurrent prolapse, and none to vaginal narrowing or shortening. CONCLUSION: After anterior sacrospinous vault suspension, vaginal length and apical suspension were slightly increased, and recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse decreased compared with the posterior sacrospinous suspension technique. Upper vaginal caliber and sexual function appear well preserved using either technique.
Aluminum in the lung: the pyropowder conundrum.

Pulmonary aluminosis is a disease first seen in Germany between 1938 and 1945 which then reappeared in the United Kingdom between 1952 and 1959. All cases were associated with exposure to a submicron-sized aluminum pyrotechnic flake which was lubricated with a non-polar aliphatic oil. Ordinarily, stearic acid, which chemically combines with aluminum to form aluminum stearate, was used as a lubricant to retard surface oxidation during milling of such flake. This new aliphatic lubricant, which simply physically coated the flakes to prevent elemental aluminum oxidation, could be easily washed off of such flakes. In the intracellular milieu, removal of such surface oil permits exposure of oxygen to elemental aluminum; this results in a vigorous exothermic reaction and the potential for tissue damage. It appears that cases occurred only where this oily lubricant was used to manufacture near submicron-sized pyrotechnic flake (ie, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden), but never where similar flake has been manufactured for almost a century using polar lubricants. 33 references.
Light-induced interconversion of violaxanthin and zeaxanthin in New Zealand spinach-leaf segments

Abstract The role of light in the interconversion of violaxanthin and zeaxanthin in New Zealand spinach-leaf segments (Tetragonia expansa) was investigated. De-epoxidation of violaxanthin in the dark under N2 was observed after illumination at high intensities from 4.5 · 104 to 1.5 · 103 lux. Dark de-epoxidation was more pronounced after illumination below 1 · 104 flux than after illumination at higher intensities. Epoxidation of zeaxanthin proceeded in the dark under air, was stimulated by light from 6·103 to 5·102 lux, and was inactivated by boiling. These results show that both de-epoxidation of violaxanthin and epoxidation of zeaxanthin are light-induced dark reactions as follows: Violaxanthin photoproduct → photoproduct + O 2 ←antheraxanthin photoproduct → photoproduct + O 2 ←zeaxanthin The above scheme indicates that epoxy-xanthophylls take up O2 through light-induced reactions. The maximum observed rates for the de-epoxidation of violaxanthin and epoxidation of zeaxanthin were 0.25 and 0.06 μmoles per μmole chlorophyll per h, respectively.
Architectural contesting: exposing and exploiting temperamental behavior

Previous studies have proposed techniques to dynamically change the architecture of a processor to better suit the characteristics of the workload at hand. However, all such approaches are prone to a fundamental trade-off between the architectural diversity they can provide and the latency of architectural change, their fixed-configuration performance and the complexity of finding the best architectural configuration for the workload at hand. In this study we argue that the full potential of dynamic architectural customization can only be achieved by diminishing the effect of the degree of available architectural diversity on the aforementioned performance factors.The performance of a statically designed processing core in a heterogeneous multi-core system is independent of the architectural diversity available. In addition, it is apparent that concurrent execution of code on differently architected cores automatically reveals which architecture is more suitable for the characteristics of a particular workload.We therefore propose architectural contesting; the redundant execution of code on a number of differently architected processors (each customized for a different set of workload characteristics) in a leader follower arrangement, such that the leader and follower cores continuously shift roles as one core or the other becomes more favorable for new code phases. In this manner effective execution is naturally transferred from one static architecture to the other with little latency.In this study, we show that the contesting of only processor width can yield an average speedup of 7.5% and up to 12.5% in integer SPEC benchmarks.
Restitution in mapping models with an arbitrary amount of memory

Restitution, the characteristic shortening of action potential duration (APD) with increased heart rate, has been studied extensively because of its purported link to the onset of fibrillation. Restitution is often represented in the form of mapping models where APD is a function of previous diastolic intervals (DIs) and/or APDs, A(n+1)=F(D(n),A(n),D(n-1),A(n-1),...), where A(n+1) is the APD following a DI given by D(n). The number of variables previous to D(n) determines the degree of memory in the mapping model. Recent experiments have shown that mapping models should contain at least three variables (D(n),A(n),D(n-1)) to reproduce a restitution portrait (RP) that is qualitatively similar to that seen experimentally, where the RP shows three different types of restitution curves (RCs) [dynamic, S1-S2, and constant-basic cycle length (BCL)] simultaneously. However, an interpretation of the different RCs has only been presented in detail for mapping models of one and two variables. Here we present an analysis of the different RCs in the RP for mapping models with an arbitrary amount of memory. We determine the number of variables necessary to represent the different RCs in the RP. We also present a graphical visualization of these RCs. Our analysis reveals that the dynamic and S1-S2 RCs reside on two-dimensional surfaces, and therefore provide limited information for mapping models with more than two variables. However, constant-BCL restitution is a feature of the RP that depends on higher dimensions and can possibly be used to determine a lower bound on the dimensionality of cardiac dynamics.
Rare Germline Mutations in Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Genes in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 and Related States

Context: Germline mutation in the MEN1 gene is the usual cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). However, the prevalence of identifiable germline MEN1 mutations in familial MEN1 cases is only 70%. Some cases may have a germline mutation in another gene such as the p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI). Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate cases of MEN1 or related states for germline mutations in all CDKI genes. Methods: A total of 196 consecutive index cases were selected with clear or suspected MEN1 and no identifiable germline MEN1 mutation. Every case was analyzed for germline mutation in each of the seven CDKI genes. Results: We identified benign polymorphisms of the CDKI genes and also 15 other initially unclassified sequence variants. After detailed gene/protein analysis, seven of these 15 variants were classified as probably pathological mutations. Three of these seven were probable mutations of p27. The remaining four were probable pathological mutations in three of the other CDKI genes, thereby implicating these three genes in the germline of human tumors. The identification rates for probably pathological mutations among the 196 index cases were similarly low for each of four CDKI genes: p15 (1%), p18 (0.5%), p21 (0.5%), and p27 (1.5%). No characteristic clinical subtype related to MEN1 was identified among the seven index cases and their families. Conclusion: Rare germline mutation in any among four (p15, p18, p21, and p27) of the seven CDKIs is a probable cause of MEN1 or of some related states.
Psychological predictors of functional outcome in people with schizophrenia

Background There is increasing evidence that psychological factors (e.g., defeatist performance beliefs, trait negative affect) contribute to poor functional outcome in people with schizophrenia. In the current study, we evaluated whether multiple psychological factors predict poor functional outcome in individuals with schizophrenia, and whether associations between psychological variables and functional outcome persist even after accounting for neuropsychological impairment and negative symptoms.
The use of a multilevel statistical model to analyze factors influencing land use: a study of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract This research introduces a novel application of a constrained multivariate response multilevel model of land use. Methodological objectives are (1) to examine the conceptual specification of a multilevel model of land use and (2) to incorporate constraints in multilevel model estimation to reflect the ipsative nature of land use as a response. The substantive objective is to demonstrate and report multilevel results from a representative sample of farm plots (fincas) in 1999 nested in 59 communities throughout the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Results indicate that population pressure, labor, and accessibility and proximity between households and communities are strong predictors of land use. Communities are seen to significantly influence land use at the finca level through unobserved and observed structural effects. We conclude with four recommendations to apply multilevel models: (1) consider alternative types of multilevel models to better match land use data distributions; (2) test and control for spatial autocorrelation; (3) collect the best data possible at higher levels; and (4) consider further integration of remotely sensed and household survey data using a multilevel framework.
Antecedents and consequences of reactions to developmental 360° feedback

Abstract This study investigated the factors that influence leaders’ reactions to 360° feedback and the relationship of feedback reactions to subsequent development activities and changes in leader behavior. For leaders with low ratings, those who agreed with others about their ratings were less motivated than those who received low ratings and over rated themselves. For leaders with high ratings, agreement between self and other did not influence their motivation. Individuals with more favorable attitudes toward using feedback were more motivated following feedback. We found minimal support for hypothesized relationships between personality characteristics and reactions to feedback. Leaders’ reactions to feedback were not related to the number of follow-up activities they reported, but were related to the degree of change in ratings over time.
CLONING AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AMMONIUM TRANSPORTERS FROM THE MARINE DIATOM CYLINDROTHECA FUSIFORMIS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

The general preference of phytoplankton for ammonium over nitrate as a nitrogen source has long been established, but the underlying molecular mechanisms controlling the uptake and utilization of these nutrients, and the preference for one over the other, are poorly understood. Insights are to be gained by cloning genes involved in nitrogen uptake and metabolism and characterizing the expression of these genes and their encoded proteins. I report the first cloning and characterization of ammonium transporter genes (AMT) from a marine diatom, Cylindrotheca fusiformis Reimann and Lewin. Two distinct types of AMT were isolated, which differed in their encoded amino acid sequences by 5%. A cDNA and genomic copy of AMT1 and three genomic copies of AMT2 were isolated. Analysis of mRNA levels in C. fusiformis cultures grown with different nitrogen sources revealed that AMT1 levels were much higher than AMT2 under all conditions. Highest mRNA levels were detected in nitrogen-starved cells, followed by nitrate-grown and then ammonium-grown cells. A substantial amount of mRNA degradation was observed, suggesting that transcripts for the AMTs are turned over rapidly, which may be a regulatory mechanism over their expression. Transporters AMT1 and 2 were cloned into a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression vector, and each was able to complement a yeast mutant that lacked all three of its native ammonium transporters. In addition to showing that the AMTs were functional, the data indicated that AMT1 was a much more efficient transporter than AMT2.
Bend to Avoid Breaking: Job Loss, Gender Norms, and Family Stability in Rural America

Using ethnographic and interview data, this article explores how labor market transformations affect gender norms and family life in a rural community that has historically been tied to a single industry. It argues that the gender strategies pursued by couples heavily impact their relationships and families. Flexibility with regard to gender norms is key to creating stable relationships in a context of labor market change that threatens the existing gender order. For couples that are tied rigidly to traditional breadwinner/homemaker gender roles, men's inabilities to be the sole providers create marital and family tensions. On the other hand, couples in which men are able to refocus their conceptions of masculinity on more attainable goals such as active parenting experience less strife and more satisfaction. The research finds that rural men are more flexible with regard to masculine identity than found by previous scholars, particularly with regard to conceptions of fatherhood. The article explores in depth the processes and discourses that facilitate flexible gender identities in this conservative rural community.
Sensorimotor cortical projections to the marginal zone of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis

Abstract An ultrastructural investigation of the marginal zone (lamina I) of the spinal trigeminal subnucleus caudalis was carried out in 7 adult cats at 30 h through 7 days after ablations of face area of the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Corticofugal boutons were observed to undergo electron-dense degeneration in the marginal zone beginning 4 days after the cortical lesion. These boutons were small (1–2 μm), widely dispersed and made synaptic contacts onto small dendrites or dendritic spines. These new observations indicate that cortical inhibition and facilitation of ascending orofacial sensation may be mediated in part by a direct pathway to the marginal zone.
ICSE workshop on software visualization

This workshop looks at current work in the area of software visualization with an emphasis on software understanding through visualization. It explores new visualization techniques, addressing software problems through visualization, frameworks for gathering and analyzing data for software visualization, software visualization systems, and experiments and experiences with software visualization. In addition to providing an overview of current research in the area, it provides a forum for discussions and cooperation among researchers in this and related areas.
The Relative Pronoun ḏ- and the Pronominal Suffixes in Mandaic

The enclitic pronominal suffixes in Neo-Mandaic are affixed to nouns and prepositions via two separate strategies. Nearly all nouns and prepositions inherited directly from Classical Mandaic take pronominal suffixes directly. All loanwords, and an extremely circumscribed set of original Mandaic words, receive pronominal suffixes after an enclitic particle, -d-. Rudolph Macuch suggested in his Handbook of Classical and Modern Mandaic that this particle is derived from the Classical Mandaic relative pronoun, d-. The evidence, however, suggests that this particle is an innovation, which ultimately derives from the metathesis of the final two root consonants of Classical Mandaic qam / qadmia 'to, for' (Neo-Mandaic qam I qamdi-), from which it spread by analogy to new lexical items.
Relative frequency of knowledge of performance and motor skill learning.

Abstract This study examined the effects of variations in relative frequency of knowledge of performance (KP) on acquisition, retention, and transfer of form for a multilimb closed sport skill. Two groups received either 100% relative frequency of KP or 33% relative frequency of KP while learning the soccer throw-in skill. Participants were boys between the ages of 11 and 14 years who were unfamiliar with the skill. Participants performed a 30-trial acquisition phase in which KP was provided about one of eight aspects of form. Following acquisition, five trial retention and transfer (to a target at a different distance than experienced in acquisition) tests were administered at 5 min, 24 hr, and 72 hr. Although no group differences were found for accuracy scores, the 33% group had higher form scores in acquisition and all retention and transfer tests. It was concluded that reducing the relative frequency of KP eliminated a dependency on KP to guide performance in acquisition, which was beneficial for main...
A comparison of selected nutrient intakes derived from three diet assessment methods used in a low-fat maintenance trial.

Objective In the vast majority of surveys and research in humans, dietary data are obtained from self-reports: recalls; records; or historical methods, usually food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). This study provides a rare opportunity to compare data derived from all three methods. Design A crossover study of dietary fat in which data were collected using an average of 11.4 food records and 11.7 24-h diet recalls. Using simple subtraction and correlation, energy and nutrient intakes derived from the three methods were compared to each other and with those derived from a single FFQ. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate sources of variability in nutrient intakes estimated from the individual days of records and recalls. Setting An independent, free-standing medical research institute. Subjects 13 men who were compliant with study procedures. Results FFQ-derived estimates of energy and nutrient intake were highest (e.g. 1967 kcal versus 1858 kcal and 1936 kcal for the records and recalls, respectively). Mean differences in energy and nutrient intakes and their variances were lowest and correlation coefficients highest in comparing the records and recalls (e.g. for fat the mean difference was 5.0 g, and r = 0.85). Analysis of variance of individual days of record- and recall-derived data (n = 300) revealed that there was no effect due to either method (record or recall) or the sequence of administration. Conclusions Results of this study indicate that the FFQ overestimated dietary intake. Energy and nutrient results obtained from the records and recalls were interchangeable. However, based on smaller SDs around the means, it appears that the recalls may perform slightly better in estimating dietary intake in groups such as these well-educated, highly compliant men.
A power efficient reconfigurable system-in-stack: 3D integration of accelerators, FPGAs, and DRAM

Increasing computing power efficiency has become more important as more applications are moving to mobile platforms, which tend to have a limited power available. Being able to perform a wide variety of computations efficiently is especially important for power constrained embedded applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which may not be able to send the data out for processing and must perform some of the processing on-board. This paper describes a 3D FPGA-DRAM architecture that can not only deliver the necessary flexibility, by using FPGAs, but also provide the computing efficiency in the form of floating-point arithmetic accelerators that is required for UAVs. We examine the efficiency of this system in 65 nm, 90 nm, and 130 nm CMOS technologies and report simulation results showing a peak computing efficiency of 28.94 GFLOPs/W for a 4,096 point 1 dimensional FFT and 25.03 GFLOPs/W for a 1,024 point × 1,024 point 2 dimensional FFT.
Abstract 2947: PARP-1 regulates death receptor 5-mediated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor with limited therapy and poor prognosis. Activation of death receptors (DR)-induced apoptotic pathways using antibodies or agonists for the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising cancer therapy. However, most pancreatic tumors are resistant to TRAIL therapy. The present studies aimed to identify combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of TRAIL therapy by sensitizing resistant pancreatic cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Using TRA-8, a monoclonal agonistic antibody specific for DR5, we demonstrated that TRA-8 induced apoptosis of 60% and 83% of BxPc-3 and MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells in 24 hours. By contrast, only 20% and 24% of PANC-1 and Suit-2 cells underwent apoptosis in response to TRA-8 (n=3), despite the fact that they express high levels of the DR5 receptor. The expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) was higher in the PANC-1 and Suit-2 cells than that BxPc-3 and MiaPaCa-2 cells, which may contribute to their resistance to TRA-8-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of PARP-1 with a pharmacologic inhibitor (PJ-34) sensitized PANC-1 to TRA-8 induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, small interfering RNAs specifically knocking down PARP-1 in PANC-1 cells enhanced TRA-8-induced apoptosis in vitro by 2.5 fold, as well as the efficacy of TRA-8 therapy on tumorigenesis of PANC-1 cells in a mouse xenograft model by 3.8 fold (n=8, p<0.01). PARP-1 knockdown increased TRA-8-induced activation of caspase-8 in the death-induced signaling complex (DISC). Immuoprecipitation with DR5 antibody identified the recruitment of PARP-1 and PARP1-mediated protein poly-ADP-ribosylation(pADPr) modification in the DR5-associated DISC, which was associated with caspase 8 activation in the DISC. Our studies determined a novel function of PARP-1, independent of its known function in DNA repair, in regulating caspase 8 activation in the DISC. These results not only provide novel molecular insights into the function of PARP-1 in regulating the extrinsic apoptosis machinery, but also support the intervention of combining PARP inhibitors with death receptor agonists to enhance the efficacy of pancreatic cancer therapy. Citation Format: Kaiyu Yuan, Yong Sun, Tong Zhou, Jay McDonald, Yabing Chen. PARP-1 regulates death receptor 5-mediated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2947. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2947
Cardiomyocyte Expression of a Polyglutamine Preamyloid Oligomer Causes Heart Failure

Background— To determine whether soluble preamyloid oligomers (PAOs) are toxic when expressed internally in the cardiomyocyte, we tested the hypothesis that cardiomyocyte-restricted expression and accumulation of a known PAO is cytotoxic and sufficient to cause heart failure. Methods and Results— Intracellular PAOs, the entities believed to cause toxicity in many neurodegenerative diseases, have been observed in cardiomyocytes derived from mouse and human heart failure samples. Long (>50) polyglutamine (PQ) repeats form PAOs and cause neurotoxicity in Huntington disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, whereas shorter PQ peptides are benign. We created transgenic mice in which cardiomyocyte-autonomous expression of an 83 residue–long PQ repeat (PQ83) or a non–amyloid-forming peptide of 19 PQ repeats (PQ19) as a nonpathological control was expressed. A PQ83 line with relatively low levels of expression was generated, along with a PQ19 line that expressed ≈9-fold the levels observed in the PQ83 line. H...
Next-generation sequencing and microarray-based interrogation of microRNAs from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue: Preliminary assessment of cross-platform concordance

Next-generation sequencing is increasingly employed in biomedical investigations. Strong concordance between microarray and mRNA-seq levels has been reported in high quality specimens but information is lacking on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, and particularly for microRNA (miRNA) analysis. We conducted a preliminary examination of the concordance between miRNA-seq and cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, extension, and ligation (DASL) miRNA assays. Quantitative agreement between platforms is moderate (Spearman correlation 0.514–0.596) and there is discordance of detection calls on a subset of miRNAs. Quantitative PCR (q-RT-PCR) performed for several discordant miRNAs confirmed the presence of most sequences detected by miRNA-seq but not by DASL but also that miRNA-seq did not detect some sequences, which DASL confidently detected. Our results suggest that miRNA-seq is specific, with few false positive calls, but it may not detect certain abundant miRNAs in FFPE tissue. Further work is necessary to fully address these issues that are pertinent for translational research.
SNP Discovery and Development of a High-Density Genotyping Array for Sunflower

Recent advances in next-generation DNA sequencing technologies have made possible the development of high-throughput SNP genotyping platforms that allow for the simultaneous interrogation of thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Such resources have the potential to facilitate the rapid development of high-density genetic maps, and to enable genome-wide association studies as well as molecular breeding approaches in a variety of taxa. Herein, we describe the development of a SNP genotyping resource for use in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). This work involved the development of a reference transcriptome assembly for sunflower, the discovery of thousands of high quality SNPs based on the generation and analysis of ca. 6 Gb of transcriptome re-sequencing data derived from multiple genotypes, the selection of 10,640 SNPs for inclusion in the genotyping array, and the use of the resulting array to screen a diverse panel of sunflower accessions as well as related wild species. The results of this work revealed a high frequency of polymorphic SNPs and relatively high level of cross-species transferability. Indeed, greater than 95% of successful SNP assays revealed polymorphism, and more than 90% of these assays could be successfully transferred to related wild species. Analysis of the polymorphism data revealed patterns of genetic differentiation that were largely congruent with the evolutionary history of sunflower, though the large number of markers allowed for finer resolution than has previously been possible.
Pumps and Pathways for Gastric HCl Secretion

Data reviewed herein show that the HCl-secreting parietal cell is an exaggerated example of dynamic membrane transformation. Recruitment and recycling of membrane provide the means for the massive redistribution of the gastric proton pump, the H,K-ATPase, from one membrane domain (cytoplasmic tubulovesicles) to another (apical plasma membrane) as a function of parietal cell activation and inactivation. Functional activation of HCl secretion requires not only the redistribution of pump protein, but also the participation of pathways for the rapid flux of K+ and Cl- across the apical membrane. In apical plasma membrane vesicles from stimulated cells these pathways appear to be conductive and can operate independently. Thus, our model for the parietal cell proposes that K+ and Cl- flux from cell to lumen, operating in parallel and in concert with ATP-driven H+/K+ exchange, provides the concentration and osmotic forces required for net HCl secretion. Whether and how the K+ and Cl- pathways are activated by stimulation and/or how they get to the apical membrane domain remain important questions. With respect to mechanisms of parietal cell activation, secretagogue-coupled elevation of cAMP and activation of protein kinase A form the basis of a well-established second messenger pathway. Several laboratories have identified various proteins that are phosphorylated concomitant with parietal cell stimulation, representing numerous candidates for effectors in stimulus-secretion coupling. Here, we emphasized the possible involvement of an 80-kDa protein whose phosphorylation was correlated with the cAMP pathway of HCl secretion. Immunocytolocalization of the 80-kDa phosphoprotein to the apical membrane and associated actin microfilaments prompted our suggestion that this protein might serve as a linkage between plasma membrane and cytoskeleton. Search for a possible role for the 80-kDa phosphoprotein in apical surface organization, stability, and turnover should represent an important thrust of research. Further understanding of the mechanism of cell activation will require a more complete elaboration of the functional role of many activation-related proteins.
Neurolytic nerve block for cancer pain.

Abstract Neurolytic nerve block is an important modality in the treatment of cancer-related pain. Its success depends on the selection of appropriate patients, pain location, the patient's general medical condition, and prognosis. In all patients, side effects must be weighed against potential benefits. This review describes types of neurolytic block, their indications, efficacy and side effects.
Calories and cachexia.

Purpose of review Anorexia and weight loss are associated with increased mortality in cachectic patients. The role of caloric supplementation is controversial. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of calorie supplementation in cachexia. Recent findings Caloric supplementation improves outcomes in malnourished hospital patients and malnourished older persons. It may improve the quality of life in cancer patients and for those persons receiving palliative care. Caloric supplementation should include a balanced essential amino acid supplement given at least twice a day. The role of eicosapentanoic acid as a supplement is controversial. All caloric supplements should be given between and not with meals. Summary Caloric supplementation rich in protein and with adequate vitamin D should be given between meals to all patients with cachexia.
The role of neurotrophins in major depressive disorder

Neurotrophins and other growth factors have been advanced as critical modulators of depressive behavior. Support for this model is based on analyses of knockout and transgenic mouse models, human genetic studies, and screens for gene products that are regulated by depressive behavior and/or antidepressants. Even subtle alteration in the regulated secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), for example, due to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-encoded Val-Met substitution in proBDNF that affects processing and sorting, impacts behavior and cognition. Alterations in growth factor expression result in changes in neurogenesis as well as structural changes in neuronal cytoarchitecture, including effects on dendritic length and spine density, in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. These changes have the potential to impact the plasticity and stability of synapses in the CNS, and the complex brain circuitry that regulates behavior. Here we review the role that neurotrophins play in the modulation of depressive behavior, and the downstream signaling targets they regulate that potentially mediate these behavioral pro-depressant and antidepressant effects.
Talking (and not talking) about race, social class and dis/ability: working margin to margin

In this article we examine some of the omnipresent yet unacknowledged discourses of social and economic disadvantage and dis/ability within schools in the US. First, we document ways that social class, race, and dis/ability function within schools to further disadvantage and exclude already marginalized students. Next, we show how particular ways of talking about student ability and achievement rarely addresses this important connection. We then illustrate specific ways that race, social class, and dis/ability are elided even within more critical academic discussions. Finally, we argue for a more critical and sustained scholarly engagement that would necessarily entail reaching out margin-to-margin in order to fully understand and interrupt the myriad ways that race, economic disadvantage and dis/ability work to justify exclusion and inequality in schools.
Designing closed-loop brain-machine interfaces using optimal receding horizon control

We develop a control-theoretic analysis of a brain-machine interface (BMI)-based neuroprosthetic system for voluntary single joint reaching task in the absence of visual feedback. Using synthetic data obtained through the simulation of an experimentally validated psycho-physiological cortical circuit model, an adapted Wiener filter based linear decoder is developed. We analyze the performance of the decoder in the presence and the absence of natural proprioceptive feedback information. Through simulation, we show that the decoder performance degrades significantly in the absence of the natural proprioception. Finally, an optimal artificial sensory feedback is designed in the receding horizon control framework to stimulate appropriate cortical sensory area neurons. Our results show the recovery of natural performance of the reaching task during the online operation of the designed BMI.
A polynomial nodal model using Legendre expansions

Abstract A polynomial nodal model which uses Legendre expansions was developed for the multi group diffusion equation in 1-D. The development depends upon a least-squares minimization of the approximate functions over the node. Analytical expressions were developed for the polynomial coefficients. Diffusion theory interface and boundary conditions have been applied. Sample problems with analytical solutions and fine-mesh finite-difference solutions have been compared with the method. For most reactor-type problems, fourth-order polynomial expansions appear to be adequate.
RATIONALE FOR THE USE OF ANTICHOLINERGIC AGENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DUODENAL ULCER.

There is no standard dose of anticholinergic agents which can be relied upon to affect gastrointestinal function. The optimal effective dose must be established for each patient individually and there is no anticholinergic capable of selective action on the stomach. Anticholinergic drugs suppress basal gastric secretion and, in many cases, nocturnal acid secretion. Alleviation of ulcer pain by anticholinergics is not consistently related to inhibition of gastric secretion. Under conditions of actual clinical use, they do not decrease gastric acidity but their possible effect on total acid and pepsinogen output remains unknown. There is no convincing evidence that anticholinergic medication favorably influences the course of duodenal ulcer disease.
Comparison of Sleep Spindles and Theta Oscillations in the Hippocampus

Several network patterns allow for information exchange between the neocortex and the entorhinal–hippocampal complex, including theta oscillations and sleep spindles. How neurons are organized in these respective patterns is not well understood. We examined the cellular–synaptic generation of sleep spindles and theta oscillations in the waking rat and during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by simultaneously recording local field and spikes in the regions and layers of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC). We show the following: (1) current source density analysis reveals that similar anatomical substrates underlie spindles and theta in the hippocampus, although the hippocampal subregions are more synchronized during spindles than theta; (2) the spiking of putative principal cells and interneurons in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus subregions of the hippocampus, as well as layers 2, 3, and 5 of medial EC, are significantly phase locked to spindles detected in CA1; (3) the relationship between local field potential (LFP) phase and unit spiking differs between spindles and theta; (4) individual hippocampal principal cells generally do not fire in a rhythmic manner during spindles; (5) power in gamma (30–90 Hz) and epsilon (>90 Hz) bands of hippocampal LFP is modulated by the phase of spindle oscillations; and (6) unit firing rates during spindles were not significantly affected by whether spindles occurred during non-REM or transitions between non-REM and REM sleep. Thus, despite the similar current generator inputs and macroscopic appearance of the LFP, the organization of neuronal firing patterns during spindles bears little resemblance to that of theta oscillations.
The effects of tobacco exposure on children's behavioral and cognitive functioning: implications for clinical and public health policy and future research

A growing body of literature indicates that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with neurotoxic effects on children. Both animal model studies and human epidemiologic studies demonstrate similar effects in terms of increased activity, decreased attention, and diminished intellectual abilities. Epidemiologic studies also suggest that prenatal tobacco exposure is associated with higher rates of behavior problems and school failure. These findings are explored and their implications for child health policy and practice, and for research, are discussed.
Antenna design for improving shielding effectiveness of a Humvee

Summary form only given. Electronic Attack (EA) antennas operating over HF and VHF frequency bands are physically quite large and their design pose a significant challenge for antenna engineers. An interesting approach for their concealment is to consider the vehicles' underbelly as a possible mounting location. The required output power of EA antennas can be a few hundred Watts; therefore they can produce strong electromagnetic (EM) radiation, which is dangerous for the crew members when antennas are placed on a vehicle. Because of that, it is important to make sure the exposure limits set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are not crossed when these antennas and systems are operational. Previous studies have shown that the bottom antenna location has the lowest EM exposure inside the vehicle cabin, or granted highest Maximum Permissible Power (MPP) compared with the top and rear antenna locations.The purpose of this work is to show the design of an antenna operating in the desired frequency range, which has the advantage of concealment and lower EM exposure inside the cabin due to the placement on the bottom of the vehicle's platform. The results from extensive method of moments computational studies are thoroughly validated using the finite element method. Impact of antenna placement on antenna parameters including impedance, patterns, and efficiency is studied. The EM exposure inside the cabin is also analyzed and compared with other antenna locations on the vehicle. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) between the designed bottom antenna and other antennas on the same vehicle is also analyzed. Finally, effects of flat grounds including PEC, asphalt, dry sand and wet soil on the antenna performance are also evaluated.
α1-Adrenergic Receptors Mediate the Locomotor Response to Systemic Administration of (±)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats

Abstract The recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) increases locomotor activity when administered to rats. Although the published pharmacology of MDMA has focused almost exclusively on the roles of serotonin and dopamine, in vitro studies indicate that MDMA induces serotonin and norepinephrine release with equal potency. The present experiments tested the hypothesis that blockade of α 1 -adrenoceptors with systemic or local administration of the antagonist prazosin would attenuate the locomotor response to systemic administration of (±)-MDMA. Pretreatment with systemic prazosin (0.5 mg/kg) or microinjections into either the prefrontal cortex or ventral tegmental area completely blocked the locomotor stimulant effects of 5 mg/kg (±)-MDMA, assessed using a computerized Behavioral Pattern Monitor. Prazosin was more potent in blocking the locomotor stimulant effects of (±)-MDMA than a 2 mg/kg dose of (+)-amphetamine that produced a similar locomotor activity increase. These results indicate that activation of α 1 -adrenoceptors in both the prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental areas modulates the locomotor response to MDMA.
Some remarks on Buchsbaum bundles

Let E be a vector bundle on Pn . We say E is Buchsbaum if Hp(EM(∗)) has trivial module structure for each linear space M and for all 1≤p≤dimM−1. In this note, we show that a Buchsbaum bundle is either an Ω-bundle (i.e. a direct sum of Ωp(h)'s, where Ωp is the pth exterior power of the contangent bundle of Pn) or the quotient of an Ω-bundle by a direct sum of line bundles. We also give a strategy to characterize/construct Buchsbaum bundles, give conditions for an Ω-bundle to be extendable.
Knockout mouse models and mammary tumorigenesis.

The generation of transgenic mice overexpressing activated forms of oncogenes has greatly advanced our understanding into their roles in mammary tumor initiation, promotion and progression. However, targeted disruption of tumor suppressor genes often results in lethality at stages prior to mammary tumor formation. This obstacle can now be overcome using several approaches including conditional knockouts that delete genes of interest in a spatial and temporal manner. This review summarizes recent studies on tumor suppressor genes, including APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, PTEN and p53, in knockout mouse models and our understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying mammary tumorigenesis.
Coherent Image Layout using an Adaptive Visual Vocabulary

When querying a huge image database containing millions of images, the result of the query may still contain many thousands of images that need to be presented to the user. We consider the problem of arranging such a large set of images into a visually coherent layout, one that places similar images next to each other. Image similarity is determined using a bag-of-features model, and the layout is constructed from a hierarchical clustering of the image set by mapping an in-order traversal of the hierarchy tree into a space-filling curve. This layout method provides strong locality guarantees so we are able to quantitatively evaluate performance using standard image retrieval benchmarks. Performance of the bag-of-features method is best when the vocabulary is learned on the image set being clustered. Because learning a large, discriminative vocabulary is a computationally demanding task, we present a novel method for efficiently adapting a generic visual vocabulary to a particular dataset. We evaluate our clustering and vocabulary adaptation methods on a variety of image datasets and show that adapting a generic vocabulary to a particular set of images improves performance on both hierarchical clustering and image retrieval tasks.