cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Statistical Mechanical Basis of Cellular Motility

We have uncovered a statistical mechanical basis for recurring interactions of unit and ensemble biomolecules in motion. Motility is characteristic of life, but a common basis for movement has remained to be identified. Diverse systems in motion shift between two states depending on interactions that turnover at the rate of an applied cycle of force. Although one phase of the force cycle terminates the decay of the most recent state, a second phase of the cycle of force regenerates the original decay process in a recursive cycle. By completing a cycle, kinetic energy is transformed into probability of sustaining the most recent state and the system gains a frame of reference for discrete transitions having static rather than time-dependent probability. The statistical property of the system is captured by a Markov chain comprised of two equilibrium states and a kinetic intermediate. The probability of completing a recursive cycle is computed by a derived second chance mechanism (SCM), which accounts for the mole fractions of any number of components acting independently or in concert to couple mass action with regeneration by a recursive cycle. Units of SCM can be regulated, modulated, and combined in parallel or in series to provide stability, binary output, non-allosteric cooperativity, and fine spatial and temporal control. These emergent properties are selectable traits, which become the basis for diverse forms of motility over time. A recursive cycle is a prominent feature of processive motors, sliding filaments, and rolling cell adhesion. Two consecutive waiting times separate angular displacements of the F1-ATPase during a catalytic cycle. Cooperative ligand dependency of the most recent state of bacterial flagellar switching and muscle activation are described by an SCM-derived non-allosteric relationship. Hence, SCM can explain the behavior of diverse forms cellular motility.
Overall Fit Statistics as Assessment Tools of Model Usefulness

This paper emphasizes the need for complete assessment of our measures' convergent validity through analysis of statistics for overall model fit, as well as for each separate indicator. We demonstrate how strong overall fit statistics can be obtained even when individual measures suffer from a large amount of random error.
Further Paradoxes in Generalized Levy Problems

The classical solution of Levy's plate problem breaks down for a critical plate angle, with both stress and displacement fields becoming unbounded throughout the plate. The same sort of paradoxical response occurs in traditional solutions for other critical angles if the pressure in Levy's original problem is replaced by a constant shear traction. These breakdowns can be rectified by suitably supplementing classical fields. In this note, a further generalization of Levy's problem is considered. This entails clamping the plate edge without applied tractions. Critical angles for which traditional analysis breaks down are identified, and new solutions are developed for these angles.
Stabilisation of constrained uncertain systems by multi-parametric optimisation

This paper aims to construct a controlled invariant set while determining a stabilising piecewise linear control law for constrained uncertain systems. The proposed approach is based on the equivalence between the considered system and its Euler auxiliary system (EAS). The control law is obtained by the resolution of a constrained finite time optimal control (CFTOC) problem. Due to the exhaustive computing demands, a multi-parametric formulation and an offline resolution of the problem are considered to extend the set parameters variation.
Do parents play a role in the timing and process of fledging by nestling Mountain Bluebirds

What causes young birds to leave nests remains unclear for almost all altricial species. For many years, the assumption was that parents often controlled the time of fledging by coaxing young from nests, e.g., by holding food within view, but out of reach, of nestlings. This assumption, though, was based solely on scattered anecdotal reports of such behavior. We used continuous video-recording of nests to assess the role of parents, if any, in the timing and process of fledging of cavity-nesting Mountain Bluebirds (Sialis currucoides). We placed perches ~50 cm in front of nest-box entrances to give parents ample opportunity to display food to nestlings. We found no evidence that parents routinely initiated the fledging process. On the day of fledging, parents did not perch on supplemental perches with food more often, or for longer periods of time, than on the day before fledging. Also, after going to nest-box entrances, parents never held food away from a nestling reaching for the food. Parents were usually absent (16 of 19 cases) when the first nestling fledged. In the remaining three cases, a parent perched with food in view of a nestling for 8, 15 and 65 s, respectively, just before that nestling fledged. Although these might have appeared to be attempts at coaxing, in each case, the parent was encountering, for the first time, a nestling partially emerging from the nest entrance. Parents may simply have hesitated to approach nests because the nestling's position prevented parents from delivering food in the normal manner. Finally, the rate at which parents fed nestlings on the day of fledging did not differ from the rate the day before, suggesting that parents do not try to use hunger to induce fledging. Our results are consistent with previous research suggesting that, in Mountain Bluebirds, it is a nestling that initiates fledging, typically when it reaches some threshold state of development.
Toward Improving Migraine Management in Primary Care: The HAPPY Project (P1.155)

OBJECTIVE: To expedite and improve pediatric migraine management in the community through targeted education and simple treatment algorithms. BACKGROUND: Pediatric migraine can become more frequent and disabling if not identified and treated early with evidence-based approaches. Education gaps in primary care, however, can result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal or incorrect migraine management. Data from our region indicate that fewer than 1 in 3 youth with migraine are started on any medication. DESIGN/METHODS: As part of an AAN Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum project, we synthesized evidence-based treatment recommendations for pediatric migraine into a website containing both a patient interface and provider portal. School nurses serving a large local school district refer youth seen in their offices for headache to the patient website, which provides developmentally-tailored education and management tools and gives guidance for setting up a PCP appointment for headache evaluation. PCPs serving the same school district have been educated on using the provider website, which features an easy-to-use treatment algorithm (“headache action plan”) enabling real-time access to recommended medications and dosages, printable handouts on suggested health behaviors and school accommodations, and a customizable headache diary. Data are being collected on proportion of migraine patients in the target school district that have been started on appropriate medications prior to referral to tertiary care, as well as on migraine and disability outcomes. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with migraine in the targeted school district on preventive medications has increased from 33[percnt] over the past 2 years to 49[percnt] during the first 3 months of project rollout; proportions for other school districts in the region remain unchanged. Data will continue to be collected through the 2015-2016 school year. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that equipping PCPs with a specific tool for treating pediatric migraine may lead to an overall improvement in evidence-based care. Disclosure: Dr. Bickel has received research support from Pfizer. Dr. Connelly has received research support from Pfizer.
Ladder Operators for the Harmonic Oscillator

The ladder operator method of solving the harmonic oscillator problem is not only elegant, but extremely useful. In fact, the general method transcends the harmonic oscillator inasmuch as there are other systems for which ladder operators exist, most notably angular momentum. We devote an entire section to these operators because of their importance for solving problems and for understanding how to use ladder operators (also known as raising and lowering operators).
A Tale of Two Imperial Residences: Aurangzeb's Architectural Patronage

While the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir is not well-known for his architectural commissions as his predecessors, there are still a few extant buildings associated with him. Two of these are residential sites, built almost fifty years apart, at the beginning and end of his career as an emperor. This essay examines these hitherto unpublished sites, and documents them as part of a Mughal legacy in the Deccan that has remained uncelebrated. The palace at Aurangabad and a royal residential compound just outside of Ahmadnagar are the two sites which bracket the emperor’s career and offer an insight into his political fortunes and religious life as it changed.
A Systematic Review of Isometric Lingual Strength-Training Programs in Adults With and Without Dysphagia

Purpose This systematic review summarizes the effects of isometric lingual strength training on lingual strength and swallow function in adult populations. Furthermore, it evaluates the designs of ...
Kripke on Functionalism

espanolEn el texto se exponen las opiniones de Saul Kripke acerca del funcionalismo en la filosofia de la mente, que aun permanecen en gran parte sin publicarse, con base en la transcripcion de una charla suya de 1984 sobre este tema, y se identifican algunas preguntas sin resolver. EnglishSaul Kripke’s still largely unpublished views on functionalism in the philosophy of mind are expounded on the basis of a transcript of a 1984 lecture of his on the topic, and some unresolved questions identified.
Obesity, Visceral Adipose Tissue, and Cognitive Function in Childhood.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of a 9-month physical activity intervention on changes in adiposity and cognitive control based on pretrial weight status (ie, healthy weight vs obese) in children. Study design Participants included obese (n = 77) and matched healthy-weight (n = 77) preadolescents (8-9 years) who participated in a 9-month physical activity randomized controlled trial. Cognitive function was assessed with an inhibitory control task (modified flanker task). Results After the 9-month physical activity intervention, participants exhibited a reduction in adiposity. In contrast, children in the waitlist-control condition, particularly children identified as obese pretrial, gained visceral adipose tissue (P = .008). Changes in visceral adipose tissue were related to changes in cognitive performance, such that the degree of reduction in visceral adipose tissue directly related to greater gains in inhibitory control, particularly among obese intervention participants (CI −0.14, −0.04; P = .001). Conclusions Participation in a daily physical activity program not only reduces adiposity but also improves children's cognitive function as demonstrated by an inhibitory control task. Furthermore, these findings reveal that the benefits of physical activity to improvements in cognitive function are particularly evident among children who are obese. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT01334359 and NCT01619826 .
Environmental Dignity Rights Primer

The relationship between dignity rights and environmental rights is historically interesting, conceptually complex, and multi-dimensional in practice. Both of them attend to life on earth, which is as old as the world itself, and yet both areas of law have emerged only within living memory, to address matters that had been previously thought unamenable to regulation. And yet both types of rights have proliferated in constitutions around the world. Dignity rights emanated from the founding architecture of modern international human rights law while environmental rights grew out of the fusion of international environmental law and human rights law, now embodied largely in global constitutionalism. In the last few decades, both types of rights have become so prevalent in domestic constitutional texts that hardly a new constitution is promulgated without reference to one or both. As a result, both dignity rights and environmental rights have increasingly gained the attention of domestic constitutional courts, as well as regional human rights tribunals, where they have been interpreted and applied in a vast array of settings.
Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Newborn Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Background: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of growth factor that promotes growth and survival of neurons. Fetal exposure to opiates can lead to postnatal withdrawal syndrome, which is referred as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Preclinical and clinical studies have shown an association between opiates exposure and alteration in BDNF expression in the brain and serum levels in adult. However, to date there are no data available on the effects of opiate exposure on BDNF levels in infant who are exposed to opiates in utero and whether BDNF level may correlate with the severity of NAS. Objective: To compare plasma BDNF levels among NAS and non-NAS infants and to determine the correlation of BDNF levels and the severity of NAS. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with no intervention involved. Infants ≥35 weeks of gestation were enrolled. BDNF level was measured using ELISA technique from blood samples drawn within 48 hours of life. The severity of NAS was determined by the length of hospital stay, number of medications required to treat NAS. Results: 67 infants were enrolled, 34 NAS and 33 non-NAS. Mean gestational age did not differ between the two groups. Mean birth weight of NAS infants was significantly lower than the non-NAS infants (3070±523 grams vs. 3340±459 grams, p=0.028). Mean BDNF level in NAS group was 252.2±91.6 ng/ml, significantly higher than 211.3±66.3 ng/ml in the non-NAS group (p=0.04). There were no differences in BDNF levels between NAS infants that required one medication versus more than one medication (254±91 vs. 218±106 ng/ml, p=0.47). There was no correlation between the BDNF levels and length of hospital stay (p=0.68) among NAS infants. Overall there were no significant correlation between BDNF levels and NAS scores except at around 15 hours after admission (correlation 0.35, p=0.045). Conclusion(s): Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased in NAS infants during the first 48 hours when compared to non-NAS infants. The correlations between plasma BDNF levels and the severity of NAS warrant further study. These results suggest that BDNF may play a neuromodulatory role during withdrawal after in utero opiate exposure.
Abstract WP163: Post-stroke Aphasia Severity is Determined by the Disorganization of Residual White Matter Networks

Introduction: Many stroke survivors who suffer from aphasia in the acute period experience spontaneous recovery within the first six months post-stroke. About 20% sustain permanent and disabling la...
A detection mechanism with text mining cross correlation approach

Text mining is a knowledge-intensive task. Text mining practitioner finds many analytics, statistics and linguistics concepts very difficult to deal with and it is compounded by additional difficulties inherent to the user's native language and culture. Correspondence analysis (CA), SVD plot and cross-correlation analysis (CCA) are used to analyze concepts and words, correlated in time and to create a warning/forecast mechanism. We apply CA and CCA to Toyota's quality control problems related sudden acceleration of their cars. The predictive model a “cross correlated autoregressive” created helps to determine the number of lags (weeks) which could have been used for the detection of Toyota Accidents.
The effect of inhibitors of photosynthesis on zooxanthellae in corals and other marine invertebrates

The effect of the selective photosynthesis inhibitors Monuron (CMU), Diuron (DCMU) and methyl viologen on intact algal-marine invertebrate symbiotic associations was studied. CMU or DCMU (5x10-4M) completely inhibited photosynthesis, both in intact branches, and in suspensions of isolated zooxanthellae from the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis. The inhibitory effect was totally reversible in 1 to 3 h after removal of the inhibitor. Similar inhibition of photosynthesis occurred in 8 other marine coelenterates symbiotic with zooxanthellae, and in 1 marine gastropod symbiotic with functional chloroplasts. Neither CMU nor DCMU appeared to affect behavior of the various hosts, such as swimming, phototaxis, phototropism, photoreception, tentacle contraction, ciliary beating and locomotion. Methyl viologen, however, was ineffective in inhibiting photosynthesis in intact P. damicornis at low concentrations, and lethal to the tissues at high concentrations. These observations indicate that CMU and DCMU are potential useful tools for investigation of symbiotic associations. DCMU (5x10-4M) also reversibly inhibited light-enhanced calcification in P. damicornis. This strongly suggests that light-enhanced calcification is largely photosynthesis dependent, and probably not dependent on some other photobiological effect.
Network randomization protocol: a proactive pseudo-random generator

A major security threat to any security solutions based on a centralized server is the possibility of an adversary gaining access to and taking control of the server. The adversary may then learn secrets, corrupt data, or send erroneous messages. In practice, such an adversary may be more prevalent than one would like to admit. It may be a malicious hacker, a virus in an application program, or an unscrupulous system administrator. Proactive security is a novel approach to the server security problem. It uses the distribution of data and control to multiple servers and periodic refreshes between servers. By distributing data and control, one or more servers may be compromised without compromising the system. Periodic refreshes between servers allow a compromised server to "recover" after the attacker leaves, thereby contributing to the system security. A fraction (in some cases all) of the servers must be compromised simultaneously in order to compromise the system. This paper describes the Network Randomization Protocol (NRP) -- a proactive protocol for generating cryptographically secure pseudo-random numbers. The protocol is designed for operation in the Internet and includes defenses against clogging attacks. Issues related to the design and implementation of the protocol are discussed. As virtually no cryptographic task is possible without a source of randomness or pseudorandomness, NRP is an important basic building block for many cryptographic functions. Furthermore, it serves to illustrate the main ideas and intuitions of proactive security.
Innervation of Bone Marrow by Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive Nerve Fibers and Hemopoiesis-Modulating Activity of a β-Adrenergic Agonist in Mouse

The bone marrow is a primary lymphoid tissue and the site of origin for all blood cells in adult mammals. The presence of sympathetic fibers in bone marrow has been noted previously with histofluorescence staining for catecholamines. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of sympathetic fibers in murine bone marrow by immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines. Dense TH-immunoreactive nerve bundles were observed to take a winding course along the larger arterioles and gave rise to branches that travel in parallel with smaller arterioles. Some nerve bundles of varicose fibers course between the marrow sinuses, the site of the hemopoietic parenchyma. The proximity of nerve fibers to the hemopoietic parenchyma suggests a direct influence of sympathetic neurotransmitters on the bone marrow microenvironment. At least one such direct influence was demonstrated by examining the effect of exogenous isoproterenol (ISO), a catecholamine and β-adrenergic receptor agonist, on hemopoiesis in a three-dimensional long-term bone marrow culture (LTBMC) system. ISO significantly stimulated hemopoietic cell output (up to a 3-fold increase) at two of the concentrations tested (10-7 and 10-5M) under the experimental conditions. These results provide the anatomical basis for the nerve-hemopoiesis interactions and demonstrate the direct hemopoiesis-modulating activity of catecholamines at the same order of magnitude as that achieved by hemopoietic growth factors such as IL-3.
Program invariants as fixedpoints

We argue that soundness and relative completeness theorems for Floyd-Hoare Axiom Systems ([3], [5], [18]) are really fixedpoint theorems. We give a characterization of program invariants as fixedpoints of functionals which may be obtained in a natural manner from the text of a program. We show that within the framework of this fixedpoint theory, soundness and relative completeness results have a particularly simple interpretation. Completeness of a Floyd-Hoare Axiom System is equivalent to the existence of a fixedpoint for an appropriate functional, and soundness follows from the maximality of this fixedpoint. The functionals associated with regular procedure declarations are similar to thepredicate transformers of Dijkstra; for nonregular recursions it is necessary to use a generalization of the predicate transformer concept which we call arelational transformer.
Working Toward an Improved Understanding of Chronic Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 4

Chronic diseases of the heart and of the kidneys commonly coexist in individuals. Certainly combined and persistent heart and kidney failure can arise from a common pathologic insult, for example, as a consequence of poorly controlled hypertension or of severe diffuse arterial disease. However, strong evidence is emerging to suggest that cross talk exists between the heart and the kidney. Independent processes are set in motion when kidney function is chronically diminished, and these processes can have distinct adverse effects on the heart. The complex chronic heart condition that results from chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been termed cardiorenal syndrome type 4. This review will include an updated description of the cardiac morphology in patients who have CKD, an overview of the most likely CKD-sourced culprits for these cardiac changes, and the potential therapeutic strategies to limit cardiac complications in patients who have CKD.
Rescuing Human Rights: A Radically Moderate Approach

The development of human rights norms is one of the most significant achievements in international relations and law since 1945, but the continuing influence of human rights is increasingly being questioned by authoritarian governments, nationalists, and pundits. Unfortunately, the proliferation of new rights, linking rights to other issues such as international crimes or the activities of business, and attempting to address every social problem from a human rights perspective risk undermining their credibility. Rescuing Human Rights calls for understanding 'human rights' as international human rights law and maintaining the distinctions between binding legal obligations on governments and broader issues of ethics, politics, and social change. Resolving complex social problems requires more than simplistic appeals to rights, and adopting a 'radically moderate' approach that recognizes both the potential and the limits of international human rights law, offers the best hope of preserving the principle that we all have rights, simply because we are human.
The state of higher education leadership development program evaluation: A meta-analysis, critical review, and recommendations.

Abstract There is a widespread use of leadership development (LD) for students in higher education; however, less is known about the effectiveness of such practices. We provide a summative and meta-analytic review to identify the state of LD programs for students in higher education (i.e., undergraduate and graduate students). The overall objective is to demonstrate whether LD programs are implementing the most effective strategies with any discrepancy revealing a gap between management science and higher education practice. Our results suggest that LD programs within higher education work, but evaluation studies need to more effectively address endogeneity concerns. As a way moving forward, we provide recommendations for conducting a LD program evaluation study and for conducting a meta-analysis on evaluation studies. This meta-analysis can be used as a starting point for the discussion on these issues. We hope that our findings can guide the future development of LD programs.
Balancing Value and Risk in Early Discharge of Patients With Kawasaki Disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) continues to present clinicians with challenges and uncertainties. When diagnosing and treating KD, lack of a definitive diagnostic test, symptom overlap, and atypical presentations can perplex even experienced physicians. Treatment is costly because of hospitalization and subspecialist follow-up. Although concerns exist that KD may be overdiagnosed,1 a missed diagnosis of KD may have severe consequences. A particular challenge for clinicians caring for a child with KD is the timing of discharge. Because 10% to 20% of patients are refractory to initial therapy with intravenous immune globulin (IVIg),2 clinicians must decide how long to observe patients post-IVIg treatment and when to retreat if fever recurs, understanding that IVIg can also cause fever.3 The American Heart Association KD guidelines do not specify post-IVIg observation time,2 which varies between clinicians.4 KD is estimated to account for 5000 to 6000 hospitalizations a year in the United States5 with an average length of stay of 3 days.6 Identifying patients at low risk for IVIg resistance could characterize patients safe for early discharge and may reduce costs and resource use. In this month’s issue of Hospital Pediatrics , Hester et al7 present an IVIg nonresponse risk model from the angle of high-value …
Structural and functional contributions of lipids to the stability and activity of the photosynthetic cytochrome b6f lipoprotein complex.

The photosynthetic cytochrome b6f complex, a homodimer containing eight distinct subunits and 26 transmembrane helices per monomer, catalyzes proton-coupled electron transfer across the thylakoid membrane. The 2.5-Å-resolution structure of the complex from the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. revealed the presence of 23 lipid-binding sites per monomer. Although the crystal structure of the cytochrome b6f from a plant source has not yet been solved, the identities of the lipids present in a plant b6f complex have previously been determined, indicating that the predominant lipid species are monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG). Despite the extensive structural analyses of b6f–lipid interactions, the basis of the stabilization by lipids remains poorly understood. In the present study, we report on the effect of individual lipids on the structural and functional integrity of the b6f complex, purified from Spinacea oleracea. It was found that (i) galactolipids (MGDG, DGDG, and SQDG) and phospholipids dilinolenoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DLPG), 1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) structurally stabilize the complex to varying degrees; (ii) SQDG has a major role in stabilizing the dimeric complex; (iii) the b6f complex is stabilized by incorporation into nanodiscs or bicelles; (iv) removal of bound phospholipid by phospholipase A2 inactivates the cytochrome complex; and (v) activity can be restored significantly by the addition of the anionic lipid PG, which is attributed to stabilization of the quinone portal and the hinge region of the iron–sulfur protein.
Modelling pinniped abundance and distribution by combining counts at terrestrial sites and in-water sightings

Abstract Pinnipeds are commonly monitored using aerial photographic surveys at land- or ice-based sites, where animals come ashore for resting, pupping, molting, and to avoid predators. Although these counts form the basis for monitoring population change over time, they do not provide information regarding where animals occur in the water, which is often of management and conservation interest. In this study, we developed a hierarchical model that links counts of pinnipeds at terrestrial sites to sightings-at-sea and estimates abundance, spatial distribution, and the proportion of time spent on land (attendance probability). The structure of the model also allows for the inclusion of predictors that may explain variation in ecological and observation processes. We applied the model to Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Glacier Bay, Alaska using counts of sea lions from aerial photographic surveys and opportunistic in-water sightings from vessel surveys. Glacier Bay provided an ideal test and application of the model because data are available on attendance probability based on long-term monitoring. We found that occurrence in the water was positively related to proximity to terrestrial sites, as would be expected for a species that engages in central-place foraging. The proportion of sea lions in attendance at terrestrial sites and overall abundance estimates were consistent with reports from the literature and monitoring programs. The model we describe has benefit and utility for park managers who wish to better understand the overlap between pinnipeds and visitors, and the framework that we present has potential for application across a variety of study systems and taxa.
Here is something you can't understand: the suffocating whiteness of communication studies

The authors utilize a modernity-coloniality framework to highlight practices of whiteness and white dominance within the academy and the field of communication studies in particular. The article gr...
Functional characterization of extrinsic tongue muscles in the Pink1-/- rat model of Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with speech and swallowing difficulties likely due to pathology in widespread brain and nervous system regions. In post-mortem studies of PD, pathology has been reported in pharyngeal and laryngeal nerves and muscles. However, it is unknown whether PD is associated with neuromuscular changes in the tongue. Prior work in a rat model of PD (Pink1-/-) showed oromotor and swallowing deficits in the premanifest stage which suggested sensorimotor impairments of these functions. The present study tested the hypothesis that Pink1-/- rats show altered tongue function coinciding with neuromuscular differences within tongue muscles compared to wildtype (WT). Male Pink1-/- and WT rats underwent behavioral tongue function assays at 4 and 6 months of age (n = 7-8 rats per group), which are time points early in the disease. At 6 months, genioglossus (GG) and styloglossus (SG) muscles were analyzed for myosin heavy chain isoforms (MyHC), α-synuclein levels, myofiber size, centrally nucleated myofibers, and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) innervation. Pink1-/- showed greater tongue press force variability, and greater tongue press forces and rates as compared to WT. Additionally, Pink1-/- showed relative increases of MyHC 2a in SG, but typical MyHC profiles in GG. Western blots revealed Pink1-/- had more α-synuclein protein than WT in GG, but not in SG. There were no differences between Pink1-/- and WT in myofiber size, centrally-nucleated myofibers, or NMJ innervation. α-synuclein protein was observed in nerves, NMJ, and vessels in both genotypes. Findings at these early disease stages suggest small changes or no changes in several peripheral biological measures, and intact motor innervation of tongue muscles. Future work should evaluate these measures at later disease stages to determine when robust pathological peripheral change contributes to functional change, and what CNS deficits cause behavioral changes. Understanding how PD affects central and peripheral mechanisms will help determine therapy targets for speech and swallowing disorders.
Searching for Diffuse Light in the M96 Galaxy Group

We present deep, wide-field imaging of the M96 galaxy group (also known as the Leo I Group). Down to surface brightness limits of μ{sub B} = 30.1 and μ{sub V} = 29.5, we find no diffuse, large-scale optical counterpart to the 'Leo Ring', an extended H I ring surrounding the central elliptical M105 (NGC 3379). However, we do find a number of extremely low surface brightness (μ{sub B} ≳ 29) small-scale streamlike features, possibly tidal in origin, two of which may be associated with the Ring. In addition, we present detailed surface photometry of each of the group's most massive members—M105, NGC 3384, M96 (NGC 3368), and M95 (NGC 3351)—out to large radius and low surface brightness, where we search for signatures of interaction and accretion events. We find that the outer isophotes of both M105 and M95 appear almost completely undisturbed, in contrast to NGC 3384 which shows a system of diffuse shells indicative of a recent minor merger. We also find photometric evidence that M96 is accreting gas from the H I ring, in agreement with H I data. In general, however, interaction signatures in the M96 Group are extremely subtle for a group environment, and provide somemore » tension with interaction scenarios for the formation of the Leo H I Ring. The lack of a significant component of diffuse intragroup starlight in the M96 Group is consistent with its status as a loose galaxy group in which encounters are relatively mild and infrequent.« less
Placental genomic risk scores and early neurodevelopmental outcomes

Tracing the early paths leading to developmental disorders is critical for prevention. In previous work, we detected an interaction between genomic risk scores for schizophrenia (GRSs) and early-life complications (ELCs), so that the liability of the disorder explained by genomic risk was higher in the presence of a history of ELCs, compared with its absence. This interaction was specifically driven by loci harboring genes highly expressed in placentae from normal and complicated pregnancies [G. Ursini et al., Nat. Med. 24, 792-801 (2018)]. Here, we analyze whether fractionated genomic risk scores for schizophrenia and other developmental disorders and traits, based on placental gene-expression loci (PlacGRSs), are linked with early neurodevelopmental outcomes in individuals with a history of ELCs. We found that schizophrenia's PlacGRSs are negatively associated with neonatal brain volume in singletons and offspring of multiple pregnancies and, in singletons, with cognitive development at 1 y and, less strongly, at 2 y, when cognitive scores become more sensitive to other factors. These negative associations are stronger in males, found only with GRSs fractionated by placental gene expression, and not found in PlacGRSs for other developmental disorders and traits. The relationship of PlacGRSs with brain volume persists as an anlage of placenta biology in adults with schizophrenia, again selectively in males. Higher placental genomic risk for schizophrenia, in the presence of ELCs and particularly in males, alters early brain growth and function, defining a potentially reversible neurodevelopmental path of risk that may be unique to schizophrenia.
Segmental evolution of ultraviolet weathered polyurea

Polyurea has been integrated in various applications ranging from moisture and chemical resistant coatings to improving the impact mitigation of structures. These applications imply that extended exposure to the sun is imminent. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation with energies higher than the activation energy of polyurea can be detrimental to the mechanical and physical properties based on changes in its segmental microstructure. In this paper, the evolution of the phase-segregated microstructure of polyurea was evaluated as a function of extended ultraviolet exposure at an accelerated factor of 4.28 of artificial weathering, where one year of natural weathering was accomplished in less than 15 weeks. Several sets of exposed samples were removed from the exposure environment at various times within 15 weeks and were characterized using atomic force microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. First, analysis of the phase morphology using the atomic force microscope demonstrated the segmental evolution of the polyurea surface, where the hard segments had agglomerated, and the soft segments appeared to etch away as ultraviolet radiation increased. The concentration of the hard segments increased from 12% within 3 weeks of exposure to 23% at the 15th week of exposure. Second, gravimetric analysis of the pyrolysis of polyurea samples related the exposure duration and penetration depth of the degraded layer. The thermogravimetric results showed a reduction in the weight percent of the soft segment, i.e., the degradation of the soft segment occurring at ~300°C, with increasing UV exposure duration. At 15 weeks, the weight loss at ~300°C was 22% compared to the ~80% of pyrolyzed virgin polyurea. The gravimetric reporting of the hard segments was in good agreement with phase data from the atomic force micrographs.
Obsolescence of the obsolescing bargain: Why governments must get investor-state contracts right

Gone are the days when governments could easily renegotiate natural resource and other investment contracts if foreign investors, e.g., reaped bonanzas from rising resource prices, surprisingly rich discoveries, or terms that were too favorable. Today, international investment agreements protect investors from renegotiation if they do not wish to do so. Hence, governments must get initial contracts right, including providing for possible future events.
Negative-Parity States in 196 Pt

A detailed level scheme of 196Pt has been constructed based on extensive (n,γ) measurements. Most of the states populated have Jπ=0+,1+,2+. A number of candidates for negative-parity states are discussed in terms of partially decoupled bands.
Complex Risk and Uncertainty Modeling for Emergent Aviation Systems: An Application

Modeling complex systems is a very broad area of research where, more often than not, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to achieve a meaningful representation of the subject matter. The analytical methods employed along the process remain as much an art as science, especially, if the subject matter is safety and risk analysis of a real-world system. One aspect that particularly increases the complexity of modeling is the fact that many real-world systems naturally include both discrete and continuous variables.
Combined Clinic-Home Approach for Upper Limb Robotic Therapy After Stroke: A Pilot Study.

Abstract Objective To investigate the feasibility of a combined clinic-home intervention using a robotic elbow brace and, secondarily, to collect preliminary data on the efficacy of this clinic-home intervention. Design Nonrandomized pre-/postinterventional study. Setting Outpatient clinic and participants' homes. Participants Individuals at least 6 months after stroke (N=11; 5 women and 6 men; mean age, 51.7y; mean time since stroke, 7.6y; mean Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity [FMA-UE] score, 22 of 66) were enrolled from the community. Interventions Participants received training in an outpatient clinic from an experienced occupational therapist to gain independence with use of the device (3–9 sessions) followed by a 6-week home program using the device at home. Main Outcome Measures Five instruments were administered before and after the study intervention: Modified Ashworth Scale, Box and Blocks test, FMA-UE, Arm Motor Ability Test, and Motor Activity Log-Amount of Use and Motor Activity Log-How Well subscales (MAL-AOU, MAL-HW). Results Nine participants completed the study. Participants used the device on average 42.9min/d, 5.3d/wk. The FMA-UE ( t =3.32; P =.01), MAL-AOU ( t =4.40; P =.002), and MAL-HW ( t =4.02; P =.004) scores showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to discharge; the MAL-AOU ( t =2.61; P =.035) and MAL-HW ( t =2.47; P =.043) scores were also significantly improved from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Conclusions This combined clinic-home intervention was feasible and effective. Participants demonstrated improvements in arm impairment and self-reported use of the arm from baseline to discharge; they continued to report significant improvement in actual use of the arm at 3-month follow-up.
D-ERYTHRONIC ACID 3-PHOSPHATE. A SUBSTRATE FOR ENOLASE.

Abstract The synthesis of d -erythronic acid 3-phosphate is described. Its activity as a substrate for enolase is demonstrated and discussed.
Genetic counseling in prenatally diagnosed trisomy 18 and 21: psychosocial aspects.

Aminocentesis detected 15 fetuses with trisomy 18 or 21 during a three-year period. Of the 15 families, 14 elected to terminate the pregnancy; 12 of the 15 families responded to a questionnaire that explored the various psychosocial aspects and the effectiveness of genetic counseling associated with their decisions.
On the power of randomness in the decision tree model

Results suggest that there are relations between the decision tree complexity of a Boolean function and its symmetry. A central conjecture is that for any monotone graph property the randomized decision tree complexity does not differ from the deterministic one with more than a constant factor. The authors improve on V. King's Omega (n/sup 5/4/) lower bound on the randomized decision tree complexity of monotone graph properties to Omega (n/sup 4/3/). The proof follows A. Yao's (1977) approach and improves it in a different direction from King's. At the heart of the proof is a duality argument combined with a new packing lemma for bipartite graphs. Consideration is also given to the question of what distinguishes graph properties from other highly symmetric Boolean functions, where randomization can help significantly. Open questions concerning this problem are discussed. >
Tribological Behavior of Near-Frictionless Carbon Coatings in High- and Low- Sulfur Diesel Fuels

The sulfur content in diesel fuel has a significant effect on diesel engine emissions, which are currently subject to environmental regulations. It has been observed that engine particulate and gaseous emissions are directly proportional to fuel sulfur content. With the introduction of low-sulfur fuels, significant reductions in emissions are expected. The process of sulfur reduction in petroleum-based diesel fuels also reduces the lubricity of the fuel, resulting in premature failure of fuel injectors. Thus, another means of preventing injector failures is needed for engines operating with low-sulfur diesel fuels. In this study, the authors evaluated a near-frictionless carbon (NFC) coating (developed at Argonne National Laboratory) as a possible solution to the problems associated with fuel injector failures in low-lubricity fuels. Tribological tests were conducted with NFC-coated and uncoated H13 and 52100 steels lubricated with high- and low- sulfur diesel fuels in a high-frequency reciprocating test machine. The test results showed that the NFC coatings reduced wear rates by a factor of 10 over those of uncoated steel surfaces. In low-sulfur diesel fuel, the reduction in wear rate was even greater (i.e., by a factor of 12 compared to that of uncoated test pairs), indicating that the NFC coating holds promise as a potential solution to wear problems associated with the use of low-lubricity diesel fuels.
The Development and Evaluation of Protocol Films of Teacher Behavior.

RATIONALE The belief that teachers ought to be competent interpreters of behavior is fundamental in teacher education. Psychological concepts are taught, for example, with the clear expectation that teachers will use them to describe and interpret pupil behavior. Whether or not that expectation is generally realized, of course, is open to question. It is probably safe to say that much of the conceptual content of teacher education never does become functional (in the sense of being used to describe and interpret classroom events). One way to increase the probability that concepts will become functional is to teach them with greater clarity in defini-
Mediating Abolition: The Collaborative Consciousness of Liverpool's William Roscoe and James Currie

This essay examines the collaborative relationship and networking strategies of the Liverpool abolitionists William Roscoe and James Currie. Specifically, through close readings of poetry, pamphlets and letters, the essay considers three aspects of the partnership: its logistical (networking) strategies; its rhetorical and collaborative strategies, including how individual writings mutually reinforced each other; and how collaboration fostered a deeply intimate bond between the two men. I introduce the term ‘collaborative consciousness’ to denote not only the intimacy generated by shared writing and activism but also the consciousness-raising that occurred among and within activist networks of abolition and Dissent.
Two-Frequency Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov Instabilities

When a flat interface between an incompressible, inviscid fluid and vacuum is driven by a pressure gradient in the direction opposite to that of the density gradient, it is linearly unstable to any sinusoidal perturbation. The nonlinear evolution of a single frequency has been studied in the past using boundary integral methods. In practice, the interface is usually randomly perturbed, but this case presents great difficulty to numerical studies because the interface soon becomes severely distorted. However, it is possible to study the evolution of two modes long enough to gain some understanding of their interaction in the nonlinear regime. The behavior is different depending on whether the pressure gradient is externally imposed (Rayleigh-Taylor instability) or internally present (Richtmyer-Meshkov instability).
Minimally manipulated autologous adherent bone marrow cells (ABMCs): a promising cell therapy of spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating ailment that results in drastic life style alterations for the patients and their family members (McDonald and Sadowsky, 2002). Damage post injury causes necrosis, edema, hemorrhage and vasospasm. Post injury, secondary damage is caused by ischemia, excitotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, free radicals production, and inflammation. Collectively, damage to multiple neuronal and glia sub-types leads to severed axonal connections, demyelination and scar tissue formation. Interventions therefore require regeneration of multiple axonal projections to recreate the lost neuronal diversity originally achieved through an elaborate, tightly regulated transcriptional code during development. Neuronal repair and regeneration post injury is impeded due to absence of such supportive environment in the adult spinal cord (Misra et al., 2014).
Circumcision Updated—Indicated?

The current issue of Pediatrics presents evidence indicating that from 1985 through 1992, frequency of postnewborn circumcision, which is more risky and expensive than newborn circumcision, has increased.1 Wiswell,1 the principal author, has again used the database of United States Army hospitals to provide valuable information on this topic. His studies in the 1980s, which found that neonatal circumcision prevented urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first year of life,2,3 stimulated the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reexamine indications for the procedure. The 1989 AAP Task Force on Circumcision report4 concluded that newborn circumcision has definite medical benefits as well as disadvantages: the report provided a reasonable rationale on which parents could base a decision about the procedure.