cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Up-regulation and activation of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor mediate neurite extension in IL-1β-treated mouse primary cortical neurons

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), whose levels are elevated in the brain in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, has been shown to have both detrimental and beneficial effects on disease progression. In this article, we demonstrate that incubation of mouse primary cortical neurons (mPCNs) with IL-1β increases the expression of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) and that activation of the up-regulated receptor with UTP, a relatively selective agonist of the P2Y2R, increases neurite outgrowth. Consistent with the accepted role of cofilin in the regulation of neurite extension, results indicate that incubation of IL-1β-treated mPCNs with UTP increases the phosphorylation of cofilin, a response absent in PCNs isolated from P2Y2R(-/-) mice. Other findings indicate that function-blocking anti-αv β3/5 integrin antibodies prevent UTP-induced cofilin activation in IL-1β-treated mPCNs, suggesting that established P2Y2R/αv β3/5 interactions that promote G12 -dependent Rho activation lead to cofilin phosphorylation involved in neurite extension. Cofilin phosphorylation induced by UTP in IL-1β-treated mPCNs is also decreased by inhibitors of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suggesting a role for P2Y2R-mediated and Gq-dependent calcium mobilization in neurite outgrowth. Taken together, these studies indicate that up-regulation of P2Y2Rs in mPCNs under pro-inflammatory conditions can promote cofilin-dependent neurite outgrowth, a neuroprotective response that may be a novel pharmacological target in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Antenna Requirements for Short Range High Speed Wireless Systems Operating at Millimeter-Wave Frequencies

Large amounts of worldwide unlicensed spectrum at 60 GHz may provide solutions for future short range very high speed wireless solutions. A number of challenges remain for this spectrum to be a viable solution for high volume consumer applications. In this paper, we look closely at requirements for antennas in indoor scattering environments with a focus on signal to noise ratio for fading multi-path channels. These requirements are compared with realistic received signal to noise ratios that can be expected with Si based RF front ends. This analysis shows that high gain adaptive antennas will be required to achieve acceptable performance. Though antennas do scale with frequency we show that they are still too large for easy integration into consumer electronics.
Correlations among the DNA binding/cleaving specificities of small molecules revealed by double-strand affinity cleaving

Abstract A DNA double-strand affinity cleaving assay reveals clear positive and negative correlations among the DNA cleavage specificities of a series of minor groove binding/cleaving agents: [SalenMn(III)]+, neocarzinostatin, bleomycin:Fe, and methidiumpropyl-EDTA:Fe.
Verbal and non-verbal working memory in aphasia: What three n-back tasks reveal

Background: Researchers have found that many individuals with aphasia (IWA) present with cognitive deficits that may impact their communication, and perhaps underlie their language-processing deficits (e.g., Erickson et al., 1996; Murray et al., 1997; Wright et al., 2003). However, many investigations of cognitive ability in aphasia have included measures that may be considered “language heavy”; they require overt lexical, semantic, and/or phonological processing to follow the task instructions and/or formulate a response. Few have considered the amount of linguistic processing required to perform the task. Subsequently, it is not clear if poorer performance by IWA on cognitive tasks compared to neurologically intact (NI) participants is due to a deficit in the respective cognitive domain or due to the inability of IWA to perform the task because of their language difficulties. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to explore the effect of varying linguistic processing demands in the context of a dyn...
Hepatitis C virus dynamics during natural infection are associated with long-term histological outcome of chronic hepatitis C disease

Background. The long-term dynamics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and their association with hepatitis C disease are unknown. Methods. Fifty-two treatment-naive subjects with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection were selected from the Alaska Natives and American Indians cohort. Viral RNA levels were measured in 223 specimens (mean, 4.3 specimens/subject) over 457 patient-years. Viral quasispecies diversity was analyzed in 187 specimens (mean, 3.6 specimens/subject) over 365 patient-years. Results. Thirty-three subjects had minimal hepatic fibrosis, and 19 developed bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. There was no significant difference in host variables, including alcohol consumption, between disease groups. Subjects with mild disease had higher serum RNA levels after 2 decades of infection (P = .013), greater fluctuations in RNA levels over time (P = .04), higher intraspecimen quasispecies diversity (P = .001), and higher rates of quasispecies diversification (P = .004) than did subjects with severe disease. On multivariate analysis, the odds of having severe disease were 15.3 (95% confidence interval, 2.3-99.6) times higher among persons with low quasispecies diversification rates compared with the odds among persons with high diversification rates. Conclusions. Histological progression of hepatitis C is tightly associated with homogenization of HCV quasispecies, perhaps reflecting immune failure and/or selective outgrowth of aggressive viral variants.
Transitory image sequences, asymptotic properties, and estimation of motion and structure

A transitory image sequence is one in which no scene element is visible through the entire sequence. This article deals with some major theoretical and algorithmic issues associated with the task of estimating structure and motion from transitory image sequences. It is shown that integration with a transitory sequence has properties that are very different from those with a nontransitory one. Two representations, world-centered (WC) and camera-centered (CC), behave very differently with a transitory sequence. The asymptotic error rates derived in this article indicate that one representation is significantly superior to the other, depending on whether one needs camera-centered or world-centered estimates. We introduce an efficient "cross-frame" estimation technique for the CC representation. For the WC representation, our analysis indicates that a good technique should be based on camera global pose instead of interframe motions. Rigorous experiments were conducted with real-image sequences taken by a fully calibrated camera system.
Outcome of endometrial carcinoma patients with involvement of the uterine serosa.

Abstract Objective. The goal of this work was to evaluate the outcome of endometrial carcinoma patients undergoing primary surgery who have serosal involvement (SI). Methods. Between 1980 and 1998, 562 women underwent primary surgery for endometrial cancer at the University of Chicago. Thirty-nine were noted to have SI. FIGO stages were IIIA (19), IIIB (1), IIIC (7), and IV (12). Of the 19 IIIA patients, 15 had solitary SI. Twenty-six patients received pelvic radiation therapy (RT) with or without vaginal brachytherapy (VB). One patient received whole-abdomen radiation therapy, and 13, adjuvant chemotherapy. Solitary SI patients received pelvic RT with or without VB as their sole adjuvant therapy. Disease-free survivals (DFSs) were estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier and prognostic factors were analyzed by the log-rank test. Results. With a median follow-up of 30.3 months, the 5-year actuarial DFS of the entire group was 28.9%. Factors correlated with disease recurrence included tumor stage ( P = 0.003) and lymph node involvement ( P = 0.04). In addition, patients with solitary SI had a better 5-year DFS (41.5% vs 20%, P = 0.04) than patients with SI plus other extrauterine sites. Relapse occurred in 23 women overall and in 7 of 15 solitary SI patients. The most common site of disease recurrence was distant both in the entire group and in the solitary SI patients. While abdominal recurrences were common in the entire group, they were infrequent in solitary SI patients. Conclusion. Endometrial carcinoma patients with SI have a high rate of relapse and a poor outcome. Even when patients have extrauterine disease limited to SI, the outcome is relatively unfavorable. Nonetheless, our results demonstrate the need to distinguish patients with solitary SI and those with SI plus other extrauterine disease sites.
Carbon nanotube – molecular resonant tunneling diode

In the Rapid Research Letter [1] carbon nanotube (CNT) molecular resonant tunnel diodes (RTD) are proposed to complement bio-assembled CNT field effect transistors. The cover figure is a schematic representation of a model CNT–pseudopeptide–CNT device in its relaxed structure with hydrogen passivation at the CNT ends. The device has been shown to exhibit the typical current–voltage response of an RTD. The first author, Rajeev Pandey, works as a post-doctoral researcher in the Laboratory for Terascale and Terahertz Electronics, headed by Roger Lake, at Riverside. The current issue of physica status solidi (a) also contains the Feature Article “On the growth mechanisms of nanocrystalline diamond films” by Wilhelm Kulisch and Cyril Popov [2].
Diagnosis of Human Ehrlichiosis by PCR Assay of Acute-Phase Serum

A PCR assay of 43 acute-phase serum samples was evaluated as a method for early detection of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) and determination of etiology when serologic testing is inconclusive. Sequence-confirmed products of the HGE agent were amplified from three individuals residing or having exposure history in Minnesota or Wisconsin, and similarly confirmed products from Ehrlichia chaffeensis were amplified from three individuals from Florida or Maryland. Etiology, as determined by PCR and serology, was the same whenever there was a fourfold difference between the maximum titers of antibodies to both antigens, indicating that presumptive determination of etiology may be based on fourfold differences in titers. PCR testing determined that E. chaffeensis was the etiologic agent for one individual who had similar titers of antibodies to both agents. PCR assay of acute-phase serum in the absence of whole blood specimens may be a useful method for early detection of human ehrlichiosis and determination of etiology when serologic testing is inconclusive.
Violent video games and aggression: Causal relationship or byproduct of family violence and intrinsic violence motivation?

Two studies examined the relationship between exposure to violent video games and aggression or violence in the laboratory and in real life. Study 1 participants were either randomized or allowed to choose to play a violent or nonviolent game. Although males were more aggressive than females, neither randomized exposure to violent-video-game conditions nor previous real-life exposure to violent video games caused any differences in aggression. Study 2 examined correlations between trait aggression, violent criminal acts, and exposure to both violent games and family violence. Results indicated that trait aggression, family violence, and male gender were predictive of violent crime, but exposure to violent games was not. Structural equation modeling suggested that family violence and innate aggression as predictors of violent crime were a better fit to the data than was exposure to video game violence. These results question the common belief that violent-video-game exposure causes violent acts.
The Gospel of Jesus' Wife : Textual Evidence of Modern Forgery *

The present essay summarises textual evidence indicating that the Gospel of Jesus' Wife is essentially a ‘patchwork’ of words and short phrases culled from the lone extant Coptic manuscript of the Gospel of Thomas (Nag Hammadi Codex ii ), prepared by a forger using Michael W. Grondin's 2002 PDF edition of this manuscript. The text contains at least five tell-tale signs of its modern origin, including the apparent replication of a typographical (and grammatical) error from Grondin's edition. A direct link between it and Grondin's work also seems to be confirmed by the earliest known English translation of the fragment.
Nitrogen application influences the critical period for weed control in corn

rate and for three of the four site‐years when compared with the 60-kg N ha 21 rate. The addition of 120 kg N ha 21 also hastened the end of the CPWC at three of the four site‐years when compared with both reduced rates. The yield component most sensitive to both nitrogen and interference from weeds was seed number per ear. Practical implications of this study are that reductions in nitrogen use may create the need for more intensive weed management.
Intelligent help in a one-shot dialog: a protocol study

A database of 150 interactions conducted via electronic mail was analyzed. The database had been constructed as an on-line tool for users and advisors, but the interactions can also be regarded as modelling intelligent help dialog in which posing a query and providing a response are each accomplished in “one-shot”. The types of questions users ask and the advisory strategies employed for imcomplete queries without follow-up questioning are described. The goal is to understand this new on-line tool for advising and its implications as a model of one-shot intelligent help dialogs.
EXPECTED EFFECTS OF CORRELATED HABITAT VARIABLES ON HABITAT QUALITY AND BIRD DISTRIBUTION

Abstract Abstract. Habitats are composed of multiple variables, each of which may affect one or more population demographic rates. The patterns of correlation among habitat variables can introduce correlations among demographic rates, even if any single habitat variable affects only a single demographic rate and is independent of others. I present a simple model in which habitat is composed of two continuous habitat variables, one of which affects fecundity but not survival, and the other of which affects survival but not fecundity, such that correlations between survival and fecundity are due exclusively to correlations between the habitat variables. When individuals are able to select habitat with complete information about habitat quality, habitat selection always leads to higher growth rates at small population sizes. With complete information about habitat quality, patterns of distribution and population growth rates are strongly affected by the correlation between habitat variables. In contrast, whe...
Case-control study of self reported genitourinary infections and risk of gastroschisis: findings from the national birth defects prevention study, 1997-2003

Objective To assess the association between genitourinary infections in the month before conception to the end of the first trimesterand gastroschisis. Design Case-control study with self reported infections from a computer assisted telephone interview. Setting National birth defects prevention study, a multisite, population based study including 10 surveillance systems for birth defects in the United States. Participants Mothers of 505 offspring with gastroschisis and 4924 healthy liveborn infants as controls. Main outcome measure Adjusted odds ratios for gastroschisis with 95% confidence intervals. Results About 16% (n=81) of case mothers and 9% (n=425) of control mothers reported a genitourinary infection in the relevant time period; 4% (n=21) and 2% (n=98) reported a sexually transmitted infection and 13% (n=67) and 7% (n=338) reported a urinary tract infection, respectively. Case mothers aged Conclusion There is a significant association between self reported urinary tract infection plus sexually transmitted infection just before conception and in early pregnancy and gastroschisis.
Mechanical Property Determination of Bone Through Nanoindentation Testing and Finite Element Simulation

Measurement of the mechanical properties of bone is important for estimation of the local mechanical response of bone cells to loading experienced on a larger scale. An increasing number of measurements of the hardness and Young’s modulus of bone tissue have been undertaken using nanoindentation [1,2]. However, testing conditions have not been uniform. The interactions that can occur between testing condition parameters were considered in this study, and average hardness and Young’s modulus were obtained as a function of indentation creep testing conditions (maximum load, loading/unloading rate (both equal in magnitude), load-holding time, and indenter shape).Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Optimal pricing policies for air transport networks

Abstract This paper suggests how marginal cost pricing can be used to optimize the level of service provided by air transport. The analysis indicates: (1) that active governmental intervention is generally necessary to achieve a social optimum; (2) that fixed prices, as implied either by regulation of IATA, are largely ineffective by themselves at maximizing either the public good or private gain to the airlines; (3) that the governmental intervention should involve either taxes or subsidies, depending on the kind of externalities that exist, and that these should be applied differentially to the passengers and airlines; and (4) that it is optimal, for both the public and the airlines, to fly aircraft essentially full (load factor ap; 90 per cent) and that it would be desirable to institute a system of flexible prices for off-peak travel so that this could be achieved.
Convergence properties of sequential Bayesian D-optimal designs

We establish convergence properties of sequential Bayesian optimal designs. In particular, for sequential D-optimality under a general nonlinear location-scale model for binary experiments, we establish posterior consistency, consistency of the design measure, and the asymptotic normality of posterior following the design. We illustrate our results in the context of a particular application in the design of phase I clinical trials, namely a sequential design of Haines et al. [2003. Bayesian optimal designs for phase I clinical trials. Biometrics 59, 591--600] that incorporates an ethical constraint on overdosing.
Dynamically tuned push-relabel algorithm for the maximum flow problem on CPU-GPU-Hybrid platforms

The maximum flow problem is a fundamental graph theory problem with many important applications. Max-flow algorithms based on the push-relabel method are known to have better complexity bound and faster practical execution speed than others. However, existing push-relabel algorithms are designed for uniprocessors or parallel processors that support locking primitives, thus making it very difficult to apply the push-relabel technique to CUDA-based GPUs. We present a first generic parallel push-relabel algorithm for CUDA devices. We model the parallelization efficiency of the algorithm, which reveals that, for a given input graph, the level of parallelism varies during the execution of the algorithm. To maximize the execution efficiency, we develop a dynamically tuned algorithm that utilizes both CPU and GPU by adaptively switching between the two computing units during run time. We show that algorithm finds the maximum flow with O(|V |2|E|) operations (summed over both the CPU and the GPU). Extensive experimental results show that the new algorithm is up to 2 times faster than the push-relabel algorithm by Goldberg et al.
Comparison of NWP prognosis and local monitoring data from NPPs

For four German nuclear power plant sites and for Riso, the site of the Danish nuclear research reactors now being decommissioned, Numerical Weather Predictions (NWP) of wind speed and direction have been compared to 10 minute averaged local measurements. For the German sites the comparison covers data for approximately three month, January to March 2009, for the Riso site for approximately two thirds of the year October 1998 to September 1999. For each site the comparison has been made for all measurement levels and both for the NWP analysis time and for the maximum available forecast time. Means and standard deviations of NWP minus measured data are given as tables for all measurement levels while scatter plots are presented for only a single measurement level at analysis time at each site. For Riso and for the site close to the North Sea plus for the inland site Philippsburg the predictions of wind speed are on average rather close to the measured, but for sites not far from the latter two, Krummel respectively Obrigheim, the discrepancies are substantial.
Epipolar Geometry for Humanoid Robotic Heads

Stereoscopic vision is a capability that supports the ability of robots to interact with visually complex environments. Epipolar geometry captures the projective relationship between the cameras in a stereo vision system, assisting in the reconstruction of three-dimensional information. However, a basic problem arises for robots with active vision systems whose cameras move with respect to each other: the epipolar geometry changes with this motion. Such problems are especially noticeable in work with humanoid robots, whose cameras move in order to emulate human gaze behavior. We develop an epipolar kinematic model that solves this problem by building a kinematic model based on the optical properties of a stereo vision system. We show how such a model can be used in order to update the epipolar geometry for the head of a humanoid robot.
Organic Acid Treatment of High Dry Matter Corn Silage Fed Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract In four experiments, lactating Holstein cows were used to evaluate the nutritive value of corn silages treated with organic acids. Propionic, formic, and acetic acid treatment of silage with medium dry matter (34 to 39%) in two experiments slightly increased silage intake but had little effect on milk yields. However, addition of propionic acid to silages with high dry matter (42 to 47%) in three experiments increased silage intake 12%, total intake 6%, and milk yields 5%. Formic acid added to high dry matter silages was less effective than propionic in increasing intakes. Decreasing dry matter of silage from 43% to 36% with water added at ensiling did not improve intakes or milk yields. Propionic treatment decreased silage temperatures during fermentation and feeding and lowered fungal counts of silage exposed to air. Normal concentrations of lactic and acetic acids and pH values resulted from propionic treatment. Propionic treatment of high dry matter silage appeared profitable.
Mutations in SID2, a novel gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cause synthetic lethality with sic1 deletion and may cause a defect during S phase.

SIC1 encodes a nonessential B-type cyclin/CDK inhibitor that functions at the G1/S transition and the exit from mitosis. To understand more completely the regulation of these transitions, mutations causing synthetic lethality with sic1 Δ were isolated. In this screen, we identified a novel gene, SID2 , which encodes an essential protein that appears to be required for DNA replication or repair. sid2-1 sic1 Δ strains and sid2-21 temperature-sensitive strains arrest preanaphase as large-budded cells with a single nucleus, a short spindle, and an ~2C DNA content. RAD9 , which is necessary for the DNA damage checkpoint, is required for the preanaphase arrest of sid2-1 sic1 Δ cells. Analysis of chromosomes in mutant sid2-21 cells by field inversion gel electrophoresis suggests the presence of replication forks and bubbles at the arrest. Deleting the two S phase cyclins, CLB5 and CLB6 , substantially suppresses the sid2-1 sic1 Δ inviability, while stabilizing Clb5 protein exacerbates the defects of sid2-1 sic1 Δ cells. In synchronized sid2-1 mutant strains, the onset of replication appears normal, but completion of DNA synthesis is delayed. sid2-1 mutants are sensitive to hydroxyurea indicating that sid2-1 cells may suffer DNA damage that, when combined with additional insult, leads to a decrease in viability. Consistent with this hypothesis, sid2-1 rad9 cells are dead or very slow growing even when SIC1 is expressed.
Binaural interaction component in children at risk for central auditory processing disorders

The binaural interaction component (BIC) occurring in the latency range of peak V of the auditory brainstem responses (ABR) was investigated in nine normal children, comprising the control group, and nine children at risk for central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), comprising the CAPD group. All children tested had normal hearing, normal intelligence and normal ABR thresholds. Averaged BIC obtained from the difference between the summed and binaural ABR waveforms was compared between the two groups for amplitude and latency measures. Results indicated a significant reduction in the amplitude of the BIC occurring in the latency domain of ABR peak V, in the CAPD group.
Attenuation margin requirements in a networked radar system for observation of precipitation

In recent years, it becomes increasingly possible to move the operating frequency of weather radar systems from non-attenuating lower frequencies, such as at S-band, to attenuating higher frequencies, such as at X-band. However, wave is more easily extinct in rain at higher frequencies in which case there will be missing observations. Therefore, rain attenuation is one of the important metrics in radar system design and an extra attenuation margin needs to be applied to the allocation of power budget to meet the required sensitivity. The NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Collaborative and Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) is advancing a new sensing paradigm using networked short-range radar systems to avoid problematic earth curvature blockage. The CASA ERC has developed a networked radar test bed — Integrated Project 1 (IP1) — in southwestern Oklahoma, using 4 X-band radar of 40 km range to cover an area of 7, 000 km2. In this paper the attenuation margin performance are analyzed in the network context and the metric to design a networked radar system is formed.
Fiber-optic photoelastic pressure sensor with fiber-loss compensation

A new fiber-optic pressure sensor is described that has high immunity to the effects of fiber-loss variations. This device uses the photoelastic effect to modulate the proportion of the light from each of two input fibers that is coupled into each of two output fibers. This four-fiber link permits two detectors to be used to measure the sensor's responses to the light from each of two independently controlled sources. These four detector outputs are processed to yield a loss-compensated signal that is a stable and sensitive pressure indicator.
Examining the Effects of External or Internal Radiation Exposure of Juvenile Mice on Late Morbidity after Infection with Influenza A.

A number of investigators have suggested that exposure to low-dose radiation may pose a potentially serious health risk. However, the majority of these studies have focused on the short-term rather than long-term effects of exposure to fixed source radiation, and few have examined the effects of internal contamination. Additionally, very few studies have focused on exposure in juveniles, when organs are still developing and could be more sensitive to the toxic effects of radiation. To specifically address whether early-life radiation injury may affect long-term immune competence, we studied 14-day-old juvenile pups that were either 5 Gy total-body irradiated or injected internally with 50 μCi soluble 137Cs, then infected with influenza A virus at 26 weeks after exposure. After influenza infection, all groups demonstrated immediate weight loss. We found that externally irradiated, infected animals failed to recover weight relative to age-matched infected controls, but internally 137Cs contaminated and infe...
Consumer Response to Food Safety Crises

For marketers, health professionals, and parents, improving nutrition is essentially a process of encouraging consumers to make healthful choices that improve their well-being. What happens, however, when we believe contamination, terrorism, or a genetic incidence threatens a part of the food supply? Sometimes such crises influence the recall, redesign, and communication efforts of individual companies; other times they threaten entire industries. After showing how consumer attitudes toward food safety are formed, this review distinguishes four different segments of consumers who would be most influenced and most influential during a food crisis. De-coupling the risk response behavior of consumers into the separate components of risk perception and risk attitude shows how they will react differently in a food safety crisis situation. Using these insights, suggestions are made as to the implications this has for pre-crisis preparations and post-crisis responses. While pre-crisis preparations can eliminate the crisis altogether, post-crisis responses can help manage a crisis when it does occur.
PREVENTIVE CARE IN PREGNANCY

Pregnancy provides unique opportunities for the initiation of preventive practices that can have long-standing implications for a pregnant woman, her infant, and the entire family. The physician has an obligation to evaluate the safety and appropriateness of interventions. This article examines routine prenatal care and its rationale.
Technologies from Classroom to e-learning

Many new technology devices hit the market each year. Most of them are targeted at traditional, face-to-face settings. This article takes a look at recent technologies that might be adapted in the future for an e-learning setting.
Place of Commercial Banks in Agricultural Finance

The subject assigned for this paper is so broad that obviously it will be necessary to limit the discussion to certain aspects of the problem. The striking changes that have taken place in the banking situation since 1920, which make it particularly appropriate to reappraise the functioning of commercial banks in the field of agricultural finance, will be briefly reviewed. In addition, it is proposed to confine the scope of this paper to a brief discussion of three major aspects of the functioning of commercial banks in agricultural financing: First, the services performed by banks in agricultural areas and some of the costs involved in rendering such services; second, the future functioning of commercial banks as influenced by the competition of the federally sponsored credit agencies; and third, the influence of commercial bank loan policies upon the economic stability of agriculture. According to a survey made at the end of 1934, approximately 84 per cent of all insured commercial banks are located in places of less than 15,000 population, and 74 per cent of the agricultural loans of all commercial banks are held by banks located in such population centers.' Hence the functioning of commercial banks in the field of agricultural finance resolves itself primarily into a consideration of the problem of commercial banks located in the smaller centers, the so-called country banks. Since 1920 there has been a drastic reduction in the number of banking institutions serving agricultural communities. In the period from 1921 through 1936 there were 12,378 bank suspensions in places under 10,000 population, largely in agricultural communities. This reduction was equivalent to slightly more than 50 per cent of the number of banks in operation on June 30, 1920 in such towns or cities. While the number of banking institutions was being rapidly reduced, there was also a sharp decrease in the volume of outstanding agricultural loans held by operating commercial banks. In 1920 and the years immediately preceding, commercial banks were the most important institutional source of farmmortgage credit. At the end of 1920 loans secured by farm real estate held by operating commercial banks were estimated at $1,447,483,000. By the end of 1936 this total had decreased to
Scapholunate kinematics of asymptomatic wrists in comparison with symptomatic contralateral wrists using four-dimensional CT examinations: initial clinical experience

Using four-dimensional CT scan (4DCT), we aimed at showing the kinematics of scapholunate (SL) interval in asymptomatic wrists in comparison with symptomatic contralateral wrists with inconclusive radiographic findings. This is an IRB approved, HIPPA compliant, retrospective study. Patients suspected of SL interosseous ligament (SLIL) injuries were referred for further evaluation of chronic wrist pain (>3 months). Twelve wrists (11 subjects) with chronic symptoms and inconclusive plain radiographs and 10 asymptomatic wrists (in 10 different subjects) were scanned using 4DCT. The minimum SL interval was measured during three wrist motions: relaxed-to-clenched fist, flexion-to-extension, and radial-to-ulnar-deviation. Changes were recorded using double-oblique multiplanar reformation technique. We extracted the normal limits of the SL interval as measured by dynamic CT scanning during active motion in asymptomatic wrists. In asymptomatic wrists, the average SL interval was observed to be smaller than 1 mm during all motions. In symptomatic wrists, during exams performed with clenched fist (SL interval (mean ± SD) = 2.53 ± 1.19 mm), extension (2.54 ± 1.48 mm) or ulnar deviation (2.06 ± 1.12 mm), the average SL interval was more than 2 mm. In contrast to symptomatic wrists, no significant change in SL interval measurements was detected during wrist motions in asymptomatic wrists. There was a mild to moderate correlation between SL interval change and presence/absence of symptoms (point-biserial correlation coefficients: 0.29–0.55). In patients with wrist pain suspicious for SLIL injury and inconclusive radiographs, SL interval increase can be detected with 4DCT in the symptomatic wrist compared to the asymptomatic wrist.
Heat Production by Bacterial Magnetosomes Exposed to an Oscillating Magnetic Field

In this work, we examined mechanisms of heat production by whole intact cells of the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum strain AMB-1, as well as by their extracted chains of magnetosomes or extracted individual magnetosomes when exposed to an oscillating magnetic field of frequency 108 kHz and field amplitudes 23 and 88 mT. In this study, magnetosomes did not contain magnetite as the magnetite oxidized to maghemite. For intact bacterial cells that contain chains of magnetosomes, heat is generated through hysteresis losses, yielding specific absorption rates (SARs) of 115 ± 12 W/gFe at 23 mT and 864 ± 9 W/gFe at 88 mT. When the chains of magnetosomes are extracted from the bacterial cells and exposed to the same magnetic field, the heat-producing mechanism includes an additional contribution that is due to their rotation in the magnetic field. This contribution appeared to result in higher observed SARs of 864 ± 13 W/gFe at 23 mT and 1242 ± 24 W/gFe at 88 mT. SAR values of 529 ± 14 W/gFe a...
Multicolor Quantum dot-based Fluorescence Excitation for Cellular Micro-array Screening

We have developed a colloidal quantum dot (QD)-based multicolor excitation light source array designed for high throughput lab-on-a-chip cell screening and imaging. We have demonstrated preliminary measurements of fluorescence excitation that is suitable for the arrayed fluorescence immunoassay. Our low-cost light source array is highly compatible with commercially available fluorescence microscopes and fluorescent markers commonly used for biomedical imaging and screening.
Geometric effects in olefinic cation-π interactions with alkali metals: a computational study.

Although cation−π interactions commonly involve aromatic or heteroaromatic rings as the source of π-electrons, isolated and nonconjugated olefins are equally effective donors of π-electron density. Previous comparisons of these π-electron sources have indicated that the net energy of the binding interactions is not a simple additive function of the number of π-bonds involved. For instance, the enthalpy of binding (ΔH°) of Li+, Na+, or K+ cations to two ethylene molecules or to one benzene molecule is approximately the same, despite the 4:6 ratio of π-electrons involved. This present density functional theory study indicates that geometric factors can partially account for the proportionally greater interaction energies of olefins, but whether they are symmetrically placed around the cation or grouped on one hemisphere has little effect on the binding energy. Instead, flexible ligands that permit olefinic π-electrons to be oriented more favorably toward the metal than those in rigid aromatic rings can be c...
TCTAP C-215 “Pseudo Fogarty Thrombectomy” Using Sheathless OPTIMO (Temporary Occlusion Balloon Guiding Catheter) in Patient with Acute Limb Ischemia Due to Thrombotic Occlusion in Artificial Graft

### Patient initials or identifier number K.K. ### Relevant clinical history and physical exam The patient was a 70-year-old male on hemodialysis due to diabetes. He underwent Y-graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysm in 2004. In January 2013, bilateral external iliac artery (EIA)
A Comparative Study of Perioperative Complications with Kock Pouch Urinary Diversion in Highly Irradiated Versus Nonirradiated Patients

AbstractTo define the nature and risk of complications associated with Kock pouch urinary diversion after high dose radiation (more than 4,500 rad), we analyzed the clinical course of 44 irradiated patients and a comparable group of 42 selected retrospectively from the nonirradiated patient cohort. Of the 42 patients in the irradiated group 18 had received 4,500 to 5,700 rad and 24 had received 6,000 to 8,700 rad. With standard statistical methods we found no difference between the irradiated and control groups when compared for age, sex ratio, followup interval, surgical procedure, operative time or estimated blood loss. There were 2 operative mortalities in the irradiated and 1 in the control groups.In the immediate postoperative period there was no difference between the irradiated and control groups when compared for hospital stay, incidence of urine leak or fascial dehiscence. The irradiated group had 8 urine leaks (20 per cent) and 3 patients (7.5 per cent) required surgical repair. The control grou...
Paradigms of Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness

This chapter defines a paradigm for preventive medicine and offers a framework for physicians and allied health-care professionals to apply lifestyle medicine and wellness in the clinic. Strategies are identified to improve the physician’s ability to provide effective lifestyle medicine within a busy clinical practice. This includes education in preventive medicine and ongoing support for the physician that begins in medical school and prepares them to deliver team-based models of wellness.
French Homosexuals Build a more Stately Closet (The 1980s–2000s)

In their founding myths most contemporary gay organizations in France have sought to portray themselves as heirs of the revolutionary ideas introduced by the gay political groups that were formed in the early 70s. However, this teleological interpretation is misleading in at least two respects. It does not recognize the magnitude of the disruption to French gay organizations that occurred in the late 70s and early 80s, and it fails to account for the ethos of assimilation that now prevails in many of France’s active gay groups. Immediately following the repeal of the 1960 law and the 1942 law, the political and cultural arenas of French homosexuality changed markedly. As the timeline (Figure 3.1) indicates, virtually all of the then extant French gay cultural and political organizations were abruptly dissolved and new groups were formed.3 Moreover, as representations of homosexuals fell into alignment with the French Republic’s longstanding requirements for assimilation and acceptance, the legal and public constraints of the earlier period were replaced with internalized, private, self-controls.
Representations: From Words to Images

We have a set of criteria; next, we must test their extended applicability. This requires examining the roles of perception and categorization, and relating them. Instead of aiming to suppress any differences from the conceptual vagueness of linguistic predicates, I intend to bring them out and exploit them. After pointing to a few distinctive features, I examine representation in visual perception and then continue on to the perception of pictures.
Alteration in hypoplasia of the hindfoot structures during early growth in clubfeet treated using the Ponseti method.

AbstractPurposePrevious reports have demonstrated diminished size of the hindfoot bones in patients with idiopathic clubfoot deformity. However, no study has quantified the percentage of hypoplasia as a function of early growth, during the brace phase of Ponseti treatment.MethodsWe measured the dimensions of ossified structures on radiographs in patients with unilateral Ponseti-treated clubfeet to determine changes in the percentage of hypoplasia between two and four years of age.Results The degree of hypoplasia varied among the osseous structures in Ponseti-treated clubfeet at age two years, with greater hypoplasia being observed in the talus (7.3%), followed by calcaneus (4.9%) and the cuboid (4.8%). Overall, the degree of hypoplasia diminished by four years, such that the degree of hypoplasia was greatest in the talus (4.2%) and the calcaneus (4.2%) followed by the cuboid (0.6%). At four years of age, the greatest degree of hypoplasia persisted in the talus and calcaneus.ConclusionsChanges occurred in ...
Vertical machining center accuracy characterization using laser interferometer: Part 2. Angular errors

Abstract This paper presents the results of accuracy characterization of a vertical machining center (VMC) in the form of angular errors and temperature variation using a low powered He–Ne (Renishaw ® ) laser calibration system along with environmental controller unit. The machine investigated is Cincinnati Milacron Sabre 750 3-axes VMC with Acramatic 2100 CNC open architecture controller. During angular error measurements, pitch and yaw errors of the X -, Y - and Z -axes were obtained. The accuracy of the VMC is characterized in the form of geometric and thermal errors as a function of machine tool nominal axis position, temperature distribution and environmental effect (air temperature, air pressure and relative humidity). The measured temperatures in conjunction with the geometric models are used to predict machine tool geometric and thermal errors. Results show that axis drive motors are the major heat sources. X -, Y - and Z -axes pitch errors are all sinusoidal in nature with an approximate wavelength of 4 in. X -axis pitch and Y -axis yaw errors are highest angular errors of the VMC.
Genetic Pathogenesis of Hypertrophic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Sarcomere cardiomyopathies are genetic diseases that perturb contractile function and lead to hypertrophic or dilated myocardial remodeling. Identification of preclinical mutation carriers has yielded insights into the earliest biomechanical defects that link pathogenic variants to cardiac dysfunction. Understanding this early molecular pathophysiology can illuminate modifiable pathways to reduce the emergence of overt cardiomyopathy and curb adverse outcomes. Here, the authors review current understandings of how human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy- and hypertrophic dilated cardiomyopathy-linked mutations disrupt the normal structure and function of the sarcomere.
Test-retest reliability of open-loop bithermal caloric irrigation responses from healthy young adults.

Objective To determine normal caloric responses and test-retest correlations of caloric responses in a group of otologically normal persons using an open-loop caloric irrigation system. Study design An open-loop bithermal caloric irrigator was used to obtain maximum slow component speed caloric responses of healthy young persons with a repeat caloric test occurring- 1 week later. Setting The caloric examination took place in a university speech and hearing clinic. Subjects Twenty healthy young adults (10 men and 10 women, ranging in age from 18 to 33 years) who reported no history of dizziness or hearing loss were recruited at a university. They had thresholds of 25 dB HL or better for frequencies 250 of 8000 Hz and had passed an examination performed by an otologist. Results The mean unilateral weakness (UW) response was 1.73% with a standard deviation of 12.1%. Test retest correlations were 0.82 for UW and 0.80 to 0.90 for individual ear responses. Conclusions The results indicate that a minimum of a 25% UW should be present when identifying a significant UW. Also the test-retest correlations were considerably higher using an open-loop irrigator than those obtained using a closed-loop irrigation system in a previously reported study.
Living on the Edge: Neighborhood Boundaries and the Spatial Dynamics of Violent Crime

Neighborhood boundaries are a defining aspect of highly segregated urban areas. Yet, few studies examine the particular challenges and spatial processes that occur at the bordering region between two neighborhoods. Extending the growing literature on spatial interdependence, this article argues that neighborhood boundaries-defined as sharp changes in the racial or socioeconomic composition of neighborhoods-are a salient feature of the spatial structure with implications for violent crime and other outcomes. Boundaries lack the social control and cohesion of adjacent homogeneous areas, are contested between groups provoking intergroup conflict, and create opportunities for criminal behavior. This article presents evidence linking racial neighborhood boundaries to increased violent crime. The findings illustrate the importance of neighborhood boundaries for our understanding of spatial dimensions of population dynamics above and beyond the characteristics of neighborhoods.
Cell-Based Methods for Determination of Efficacy for Candidate Therapeutics in the Clinical Management of Cancer

Determination of therapeutic efficacy is a major challenge in developing treatment options for cancer. Prior to in vivo studies, candidate therapeutics are evaluated using cell-based in vitro methods to assess their anti-cancer potential. This review describes the utility and limitations of evaluating therapeutic efficacy using human tumor-derived cell lines. Indicators for therapeutic efficacy using tumor-derived cell lines include cell viability, cell proliferation, colony formation, cytotoxicity, cytostasis, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Cell panel screens, 3D tumor spheroid models, drug-drug/drug-radiation combinatorial analysis, and invasion/migration assays reveal analogous in vitro information. In animal models, cellular assays can assess tumor micro-environment and therapeutic delivery. The utility of tumor-derived cell lines for efficacy determination is manifest in numerous commercially approved drugs that have been applied in clinical management of cancer. Studies reveal most tumor-derived cell lines preserve the genomic signature of the primary tumor source and cell line-based data is highly predictive of subsequent clinical studies. However, cell-based data often disregards natural system components, resulting in cell autonomous outcomes. While 3D cell culture platforms can counter such limitations, they require additional time and cost. Despite the limitations, cell-based methods remain essential in early stages of anti-cancer drug development.
PV Lifetime Project: Measuring PV Module PerformanceDegradation: 2018 Indoor Flash TestingResults

Photovoltaic (PV) module and system performance degradation is being measured by periodic flash testing of fielded PV modules at three sites. As of early 2018, results from modules fielded in New Mexico and Colorado are now available. These data indicate that module degradation varies significantly between module types and can also vary between modules of the same model. In addition, degradation rates for some module types appear to vary over time. Great care is made to control for stability and repeatability in the measurements over time, but there is still a +/-0.5% uncertainty in flash test stability. Therefore, it will take several more years for degradation rate results to be known with higher confidence.