cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boundary vertices in graphs

The distance d(u, v) between two vertices u and v in a nontrivial connected graph G is the length of a shortest u-v path in G. For a vertex v of G, the eccentricity e(v) is the distance between v and a vertex farthest from v. A vertex v of G is a peripheral vertex if e(v) is the diameter of G. The subgraph of G induced by its peripheral vertices is the periphery Per(G) of G. A vertex u of G is an eccentric vertex of a vertex v if d(u, v)= e(v). A vertex x is an eccentric vertex of G if x is an eccentric vertex of some vertex of G. The subgraph of G induced by its eccentric vertices is the eccentric subgraph Ecc(G) of G. A vertex u of G is a boundary vertex of a vertex v if d(w,v) ≤ d(u,v) for all w ∈ N(u). A vertex u is a boundary vertex of G if u is a boundary vertex of some vertex of G. The subgraph of G induced by its boundary vertices is the boundary ∂(G) of G. A graph H is a boundary graph if H = ∂(G) for some graph G. We study the relationship among the periphery, eccentric subgraph, and boundary of a connected graph and establish a characterization of all boundary graphs. It is shown that per each triple a, b, c of integers with 2 ≤ a ≤ b ≤ c, there is a connected graph G such that Per(G) has order a, Ecc(G) has order b, and ∂(G) has order c. Moreover, for each triple r,s,t of rational numbers with 0 < r ≤ s ≤ t ≤ 1, there is a connected graph G of order n such that |V(Per(G))|/n=r, |V(Ecc(G))|/n = s, and |V(∂(G))| n=t.
Stress-induced interleukin-6 release in mice is mast cell-dependent and more pronounced in Apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Objective: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in the serum of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Intracoronary release of IL-6 was reported in ACS that can also be triggered by acute stress. In rats, acute restraint stress increases serum IL-6 and histamine, both of which may derive from mast cells. The current study was carried out in order to determine any possible difference in stress-induced IL-6 release in atherosclerotic mice and the contribution of mast cells, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (Ucn). Methods: C57BL/6J, W/Wv mast cell-deficient, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and CRH knockout (k/o) mice were stressed in plexiglass restraint chambers for 15 to 120 min. Serum corticosterone and IL-6 levels were measured. Some C57BL and ApoE k/o mice were pretreated with either the mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate (cromolyn) or the peptide CRH receptor (CRH-R) antagonist Astressin. Cardiac mast cell activation was studied in both C57BL and ApoE k/o mice using light microscopy. Results: Acute stress increased serum IL-6 in mice, an effect much greater in ApoE k/o atherosclerotic mice. Stress-induced IL-6 release was absent in W/Wv mast cell-deficient mice and it was partially inhibited by cromolyn in C57BL and ApoE mice. Mast cells were found adjacent to atherosclerotic vessels in ApoE k/o mice and were activated after stress. CRH k/o mice released more IL-6 in response to stress than their wild types, but Astressin significantly inhibited IL-6 release. Stress-induced IL-6 release may, therefore, be at least partly due to peripheral Ucn and/or CRH, with Ucn possibly overcompensation for CRH deficiency. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that acute stress leads to mast cell-dependent serum IL-6 increase that may help explain stress-related coronary inflammation.
Current Status of the Thermodynamic Data for Technetium and Its Compounds and Aqueous Species

{sup 99}Tc is a major fission product from nuclear reactors. Because {sup 99}Tc has few applications outside of scientific research, most of this technetium will ultimately be disposed of as nuclear waste. The radioactive decay of {sup 99}Tc to {sup 99}Ru produces a low energy {beta}{sup -} particle, but because of its fairly long half-life of t{sub 1/2} = 2.13 x 10{sup 5} years, {sup 99}Tc is a major source of radiation in low level waste. Technetium forms the soluble TcO{sub 4}{sup -} anion under oxic conditions and this ion is very mobile in groundwater, but technetium is reduced to less soluble Tc(IV) hydrolyzed species under anoxic conditions. Geochemical modeling of the dissolution of nuclear waste, and of the solubility and speciation of the dissolved radionuclides in groundwaters, is an integral part of the Performance Assessment of the safety of a nuclear waste repository, and this modeling requires a critically-assessed thermodynamic database. Such a database for technetium was published in the book Chemical Thermodynamics of Technetium, with literature coverage through 1998. This database is described herein, along with more recent relevant studies. Gaps in the knowledge of the chemical and thermodynamic properties of technetium are pointed out, and recommendations aremore » made for measurements that are needed to eliminate these gaps.« less
"Delayed" Right Diaphragmatic Rupture Because of Positive Pressure Mechanical Ventilation

A 21 year-old man, who was an unrestrained passenger in a high-speed motor vehicle crash with 2 fatalities and a prolonged extrication, was brought to the emergency department at Harborview Medical Center. The patient was intubated after arrival because of hemodynamic instability. The initial chest radiograph (CXR) showed a slight contour abnormality of the right hemidiaphragm (Fig 1). Diagnostic peritoneal lavage was grossly and microscopically negative for blood but did contain chyle, so he was taken for an emergent exploratory laparotomy. The CXR normalized by the time the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and remained as such while the patient was mechanically ventilated (Fig 2). During his first 4 days in the intensive care unit, his mechanical ventilator was set at assist control with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 10 cm of H 2 O, a tidal volume of 650 mL, and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. On hospital day 6, after extubation, a right hemidiaphragmatic contour abnormality was noted. This became more apparent 6 days post extubation (Fig 3), at which time a computed tomography scan showed herniation of a portion of the liver through a right hemidiaphragmatic rupture (Fig 4). At surgery, a large right anterolateral hemidiaphragmatic tear was identified extending from the central ligament across the dome that was subsequently repaired. Discussion
Comprehensive study of power quality criteria generated by PV converters and their impacts on distribution transformers

This paper investigates the impact of power quality criteria required by photovoltaic (PV) converters on legacy system transformers and its design procedure, since it is often argued that the use of traditional design for transformers in the PV integrated power systems is acceptable. The criteria studied in this paper are voltage amplitude variation (flicker), harmonics, frequency variation, power factor (PF) variation, DC bias, thermal cycling (loading), transients, inrush current, eddy current, and stray loss. Some of these problems will be simulated with a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) and Current Source Inverter (CSI) which are frequently used in PV integrated power systems as Distributer Generation (DG) by decentralized controlled PV inverters. In this type of power system configuration, transformers may be utilized for isolation and/or filtering or as a part of the feeder facility. On the other hand, if the transformerless PV inverters are used in PV systems, then only the distribution transformers will be affected by the PV converters power quality problems. These issues can reveal or change the allowable penetration level at a specific bus location along the feeder. Furthermore, output voltage of VSI and output current of CSI of PV systems have a faster dynamic response and more distorted output than legacy power system voltage and current outputs. This means that the VSI and CSI need stiff controllers to ensure a suitable power exchange to the utility network, particularly to sensitive equipment like transformers that are designed for legacy unidirectional power transformations with a cleaner voltage and current than that provided by PV inverter based systems.
Selection by a predispersal seed predator constrains the evolution of avian seed dispersal in pines

Summary 1Previous studies have demonstrated that wind dispersal is an effective mode of seed dispersal for pines (Pinus, Pinaceae) with seeds weighing <90 mg, but not for larger-seeded (≥90 mg) pines. Consequently, most large-seeded pines rely on birds in the family Corvidae for seed dispersal, but some do not, and most of their seeds fall near the parent tree. Why seeds of these pines are not dispersed by corvids, and have not evolved traits that facilitate seed dispersal by corvids, is enigmatic. 2One factor that may constrain the evolution of seed dispersal by corvids in pines, or in other plants that rely on birds for seed dispersal, is predispersal seed predation. The most important predispersal seed predators of pines are often tree squirrels in the genera Tamiasciurus and Sciurus, which have repeatedly been shown to drive the evolution of seed defences in conifers. 3We first use published data showing how selection on cone traits of two bird-dispersed pines by tree squirrels (Tamiasciurus) favouring increased seed defences, conflicts with selection by a corvid (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson) for cone traits that facilitate seed dispersal, to make predictions about changes in cone and seed structure of large-seeded pines that should evolve in response to selection by either tree squirrels or corvids. 4The cone and seed structures from several other large-seeded pines in regions with and without pine squirrels were consistent with these predicted changes. Consequently, large-seeded pines that co-occur with Tamiasciurus or other tree squirrels are well defended against both squirrels and corvids, and instead probably rely on other animals, such as ground-foraging rodents, that disperse fallen seeds (secondary seed dispersal). Only where tree squirrels are uncommon or absent are conifers likely to evolve traits that enhance seed harvest by corvids in large-seeded pines.
A new protocol for in situ dioxirane reactions: stoichiometric in oxone and catalytic in fluorinated acetophenones.

Dioxiranes made in situ from the commercially available tetrafluoroacetophenones (7, 8) and pentafluoroacetophenone (9) are reported for highly efficient epoxidation of olefins for the first time. Studies showed that ketone 7, 8, or 9 can be used in catalytic amount (0.2 equiv) with only 0.6 equiv of Oxone (equal to 1.2 equiv of peroxymonosulfate) to selectively oxidize diene 1 to epoxide 2. The epoxidation reactions of dioxiranes of fluoroacetophenones are compared with the recently described complementary aliphatic acyclic fluorinated ketones.
Applications of chemically defined diets to the solution of nutrition problems.

Chemically defined amino acid diets have been developed for most laboratory and meat-producing animal species as well as for humans. In many cases, growth performance of animals fed these diets equals that obtained with standard intact-protein diets. The pattern of both essential and nonessential amino acids is critical to obtaining excellent voluntary food intake. Other factors such as carbohydrate and fat type and level, acid-base balance (i.e., cation-anion ratio), and texture are important to the success of purified diets. Chemically defined diets provide amino acids, mineral elements and vitamins in forms that are maximally bioavailable. Also, virtually any nutrient can be manipulated at will for studies of a) requirements, b) bioavailability, c) factors affecting requirements and bioavailability, d) nutrient-nutrient interrelationships, e) nutrientdrug or nutrient-toxin interrelationships, f) absorption phenomena and g) efficiency and priority aspects of nutrient utilization. Requirements for essential nutrients are generally lower with purified diets than for practical diets because the nutrients in the former are more bioavailable, but also because purified diets generally lack antagonizing factors such as phytate and soluble fiber. That chemically defined diets for pigs, rats and dogs yield such excellent rates of growth suggests that a specific peptide requirement many not exist for these species. Also, this suggests that all known nutrients necessary for maximal growth must be present in the diet. Whether additional nutrients, or different levels, may be necessary for optimal health and immunocompetency, or for maximal life span, needs further study.
Selective role of calcineurin in haematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis

The calcineurin/NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) signalling pathway is essential for many aspects of vertebrate development and is the target of the widely used immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and cyclosporine A. The basis for the therapeutic specificity of these drugs has remained unclear, as calcineurin is expressed ubiquitously. By inactivating calcineurin during haematopoietic development, we found that although this signalling pathway has an important, non-redundant role in the regulation of lymphocyte developmental checkpoints, it is not essential for the development of blood myeloid lineages. These studies have shown that the specificity of calcineurin inhibitors arises from the selective use of calcineurin at distinct developmental stages. The requirement for calcineurin/NFAT in the development of the adaptive but not of the innate immune system is consistent with the idea that the evolutionary appearance of this pathway was involved in the emergence of vertebrates.
Pheromone-Induced Degradation of Ste12 Contributes to Signal Attenuation and the Specificity of Developmental Fate

The Ste12 transcription factor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulates transcription programs controlling two different developmental fates. One is differentiation into a mating-competent form that occurs in response to mating pheromone. The other is the transition to a filamentous-growth form that occurs in response to nutrient deprivation. These two distinct roles for Ste12 make it a focus for studies into regulatory mechanisms that impart biological specificity. The transient signal characteristic of mating differentiation led us to test the hypothesis that regulation of Ste12 turnover might contribute to attenuation of the mating-specific transcription program and restrict activation of the filamentation program. We show that prolonged pheromone induction leads to ubiquitin-mediated destabilization and decreased amounts of Ste12. This depletion in pheromone-stimulated cultures is dependent on the mating-pathway-dedicated mitogen-activated protein kinase Fus3 and its target Cdc28 inhibitor, Far1. Attenuation of pheromone-induced mating-specific gene transcription (FUS1) temporally correlates with Ste12 depletion. This attenuation is abrogated in the deletion backgrounds (fus3Delta or far1Delta) where Ste12 is found to persist. Additionally, pheromone induces haploid invasion and filamentous-like growth instead of mating differentiation when Ste12 levels remain high. These observations indicate that loss of Ste12 reinforces the adaptive response to pheromone and contributes to the curtailing of a filamentation response.
Nonverbal psychotherapy with infants

A psychoanalytically oriented nonverbal technique was developed to help four withdrawn infants. In three of the four cases, treatment began in the first year of life. Each case presents a different combination of infant/caregiver difficulties that contributed to the infant's withdrawal. After analysis of the difficulties in the infant's first relationship, appropriate preverbal sensory experiences served as a means to establish communication between mother and infant. Regression to the newborn stage gave mother and child a chance to reexperience the earliest stages of infancy. This process led to the recovery of the failing primary bond between mother and child and enabled the infants to compensate for constitutional deficits that prevented adequate attachment. Very early recognition and treatment of some mother-infant attachment disorders may prevent emotional withdrawal, functional retardation, and failure to form meaningful relationships.
Muir-Torre syndrome in patients with hematologic malignancies.

The Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is defined as the concurrent or sequential discovery of at least one sebaceous gland tumor and a minimum of one internal malignancy. A man with Hodgkin's lymphoma who subsequently developed an ocular sebaceous carcinoma in situ is described and the world literature of patients with the MTS and hematologic malignancies is reviewed. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneous ice nucleation on phase-separated organic-sulfate particles: effect of liquid vs. glassy coatings

Abstract. Atmospheric ice nucleation on aerosol particles relevant to cirrus clouds remains one of the least understood processes in the atmosphere. Upper tropospheric aerosols as well as sub-visible cirrus residues are known to be enhanced in both sulfates and organics. The hygroscopic phase transitions of organic-sulfate particles can have an impact on both the cirrus cloud formation mechanism and resulting cloud microphysical properties. In addition to deliquescence and efflorescence, organic-sulfate particles are known to undergo another phase transition known as liquid–liquid phase separation. The ice nucleation properties of particles that have undergone liquid–liquid phase separation are unknown. Here, Raman microscopy coupled with an environmental cell was used to study the low temperature deliquescence, efflorescence, and liquid–liquid phase separation behavior of 2 : 1 mixtures of organic polyols (1,2,6-hexanetriol and 1 : 1 1,2,6-hexanetriol + 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol) and ammonium sulfate from 240–265 K. Further, the ice nucleation efficiency of these organic-sulfate systems after liquid–liquid phase separation and efflorescence was investigated from 210–235 K. Raman mapping and volume-geometry analysis indicate that these particles contain solid ammonium sulfate cores fully engulfed in organic shells. For the ice nucleation experiments, we find that if the organic coatings are liquid, water vapor diffuses through the shell and ice nucleates on the ammonium sulfate core. In this case, the coatings minimally affect the ice nucleation efficiency of ammonium sulfate. In contrast, if the coatings become semi-solid or glassy, ice instead nucleates on the organic shell. Consistent with recent findings that glasses can be efficient ice nuclei, the phase-separated particles are nearly as efficient at ice nucleation as pure crystalline ammonium sulfate.
Evaluation of a Microreservoir-Type Biodegradable Microcapsule for Controlled Release of Proteins

AbstractFor the controlled release of a model protein bovine serum albumin, a biodegradable microreservoir-type microcapsule was prepared. BSA was incorporated into the microcapsules with high efficiency of 96.1 (±3.1)%. The encapsulation did not cause any changes in the molecular weight and conformation of BSA, which was proven by biochemical analyses such as gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism, and HPLC.The compositions and fabrication technique of microcapsules were found to be closely related to the release of BSA from the microcapsules and their degradation. Depending on microcapsule formulations, the in vitro release profile of BSA was either monophasic or biphasic. The microcapsules provided various release rates. It was also possible to control the delay before the initiation of BSA release and total duration of its delivery.
Gender Issues in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Length, Offset, and Osteoporosis

Total hip arthroplasty is a highly successful operation, yet outcomes in women tend to be inferior to those in men. Many differences have been hypothesized to account for these outcomes. Anatomic differences between the male and female hip are important variables with significant impacts on appropriate reconstruction of leg length and offset. In addition, osteoporosis is significantly more prevalent in the female population, further impacting the anatomic differences. We present a classification system describing six female femoral subtypes and discuss the importance of recognizing gender differences in reconstructive hip surgery.
Ingenious Piety: Anglican Casuistry of the Seventeenth Century

In The Country Parson or the Priest to the Temple George Herbert portrays his ideal parish priest not only as a man learned in the works of the Church Fathers and contemporary theology but as one who “greatly esteems also of cases of conscience, wherein he is much versed,” because “herein is the greatest ability of a parson to lead his people exactly in the wayes of Truth.” The case of conscience which the pastor of Bemerton praised so highly was, in the seventeenth century, the characteristic form of casuistry, the branch of theology which attempts to provide the perplexed human conscience with a means of reconciling the obligations of religious faith with the demands of particular human situations. In the case of conscience, the casuist poses, or is posed with, a difficult moral problem and solves it, often with a startling display of erudition and logical ingenuity.
Mortuary practices at the Krapina Neandertal site

It has often been reported that the Krapina Neandertal remains bear incised linear striations which appear to be cutmarks. Here, the plausibility of the striations as cutmarks is tested by comparing them to Mousterian butchery marks on large fauna and to cutmarks on modern human skeletons known to have been defleshed with stone tools. The anatomical location, gross appearance, and frequency of occurrence of the striations on the Krapina material do not resemble Mousterian butchery marks on reindeer. The Krapina striations do closely match authenticated cutmarks on 22 modern human skeletons defleshed with stone tools after partial decomposition, preparatory to secondary burial. Data are presented supporting the hypothesis that the striations on the Krapina Neandertal remains are consistent with postmortem processing of corpses with stone tools, probably in preparation for burial of cleaned bones.
Wire Coating Under Vacuum

A numerical solution is presented for isothermal Newtonian wire coating under vacuum or with an externally applied pressure, Differential equations for the melt cone shape are derived from a force balance on the melt cone. Die design curves are then constructed from the solutions to these equations. These curves are helpful in predicting wire coating operating conditions.
LIFE PREDICTION OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES BY DAMAGE MECHANICS

This paper presents a review of the recent advances in damage mechanics aimed at developing a methodology for life prediction of composite structures. The discussion is organized in three areas: initiation of damage, evolution of damage and inelastic response caused by damage. A strategy for life prediction under long term loading is then discussed.
Insulin-like growth factor-I infusion increases in vivo skeletal muscle and mammary α-amino[1-14C]isobutyric acid accumulation in food restricted lactating rats

Abstract Food deprivation in lactating rats causes a significant decrease in circulating levels of IGF-I, which is likely to mediate nutrient partitioning for milk production. To test if circulating IGF-I mediates amino acid uptake and milk production in food-restricted lactating rats, IGF-I was infused using osmotic pumps from d 8 to 14 of lactation into rats which were food restricted during pregnancy and lactation (RPL) or solely during lactation (RL). Amino acid uptake was measured by intravenous infusion of α-amino[1- 14 C]isobutyric acid ([ 14 C]-AIB) for 20 min and AIB accumulation was measured in liver, muscle, mammary gland and milk. Milk production was determined by the isotope transfer method using tritiated water. Between d 1 and d 14 postpartum, mean body weight change of control, RL and RPL dams were 26 ± 21 g, −18 ± 24 g and −2 ± 15 g, respectively. Mean milk production of RL and RPL dams were 67% and 57% of control, respectively, and pups of RL and RPL weighed ∼75% and 67% of control on d 14 postpartum. Serum IGF-I concentrations of RL and RPL dams receiving IGF-I infusion were not significantly different from control levels, while serum IGF-I of untreated RL and RPL dams were 72% and 52% of control (p≤0.05), respectively. IGF-I infusion increased AIB uptake by 30% in muscle of RL and RPL dams and 57% in mammary gland of RL dams, but had no effect on mammary uptake of RPL dams. Milk production was decreased by food restriction, but was not influenced by IGF-I infusion. The results of this study showed that tissue AIB accumulation in lactating rats is influenced by the duration of food restriction and that the effect of exogenous IGF-I on AIB uptake is tissue specific. © 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.
Reproductive physiology, dominance interactions, and division of labour among bumble bee workers

Abstract. Bumble bee workers (Bombus bifarius, Hymenoptera: Apidae) exhibit aggression toward one another after the colony begins producing female reproductive offspring (the competition phase). Workers in competition phase colonies must continue to perform in-nest tasks, such as nest thermoregulation, and to forage for food, to rear the reproductives to maturity. Therefore, competition phase workers are faced with potentially conflicting pressures to work for their colonies, or to compete for direct reproduction. The effects of reproductive competition on worker task performance were quantified by measuring relationships of worker body size, reproductive physiology, and aggression with their rates of task performance. If worker division of labour was strongly affected by competition, it was predicted that fecund workers would avoid performing nest maintenance and foraging tasks, focusing instead on reproductive behaviour. Furthermore, it was predicted that fecund workers would dominate their nest mates, and that subordinate workers would perform nonreproductive tasks at higher rates. Worker aggression was associated closely with direct reproductive competition. Both aggression and brood interaction rates were related positively with ooctye development. Furthermore, foraging was associated negatively with ovarian development. However, in-nest and foraging task performance rates were not associated with social aggression. The results support a partial role for reproductive competition in worker polyethism. Although worker aggression did not directly affect polyethism, reproductively competent workers avoided foraging tasks that would remove them from egg-laying opportunities. Reproductively competent workers did perform in-nest tasks, suggesting that these tasks entail little cost in terms of reproductive competition.
The risk factors of median sternotomy infection: a current review.

Sternal sepsis following median sternotomy is an infrequent yet devastating complication of cardiac surgery, leading to prolonged hospitalization, increased hospital expense, and a high associated morbidity and mortality. The development of sternotomy infection is multi-factorial. Numerous prospective and retrospective studies have pointed to a multitude of clinical and perioperative variables as being causative, with as many other studies presenting evidence to the contrary. This has led to confusion about which clinical variables should be modified so as to minimize the individual patient's risk for developing this severe complication. Other less obvious factors also come into play. Malnutrition, whether overt or subclinical, is not uncommon in cardiac patients. Immune competency is affected by operative trauma, as well as a variety of perioperative factors including underlying nutritional status, transfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass, and anesthesia. This creates a complex milieu for the development of postoperative infection. In this review, the multiple risk factors of median sternotomy infection are studied and treatment options briefly discussed.
Standing on Principles: Collected Essays

The idea that medical research and practice ought to be governed by the four principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-malfeasance, and justice is a notion that is (or should be) familiar to any law...
Adaptive Agents in Combinatorial Prediction Markets

DAGGRE is a research project that aims to improve the forecasting methods of world events using the first combinatorial prediction market in the world. The DAGGRE prediction market aggregates estimates from hundreds of participants to forecast the outcomes considering potential links between events. This market also aggregates estimates from a series of autotraders (algorithms) that trade live alongside of human users. The combinatorial prediction market allows Bayes Net models to be implemented and tested against the aggregate information extracted through crowdsourcing. On several of these Bayes Nets, we implemented a Bayes Net autotrader and this research shows the forecasting results of the Bayes Net autotrader in a combinatorial prediction market.
Timing and synchronization of droplets on ratchet conveyors

We report on a novel anisotropic ratchet conveyor (ARC) system that can transport liquid droplets using silicon dioxide (SiO2) patterns and applied vibrations. We have discovered that the threshold acceleration amplitude can be modulated by a transition in the duty cycle of recurring SiO2 features. From this observation we have developed ‘droplet gates’, or devices that can selectively pause droplet motion. These devices are essential for timing, synchronization, and mixing of droplets in automated ARC systems.
A Sensorimotor Model for Computing Intended Reach Trajectories

The presumed role of the primate sensorimotor system is to transform reach targets from retinotopic to joint coordinates for producing motor output. However, the interpretation of neurophysiological data within this framework is ambiguous, and has led to the view that the underlying neural computation may lack a well-defined structure. Here, I consider a model of sensorimotor computation in which temporal as well as spatial transformations generate representations of desired limb trajectories, in visual coordinates. This computation is suggested by behavioral experiments, and its modular implementation makes predictions that are consistent with those observed in monkey posterior parietal cortex (PPC). In particular, the model provides a simple explanation for why PPC encodes reach targets in reference frames intermediate between the eye and hand, and further explains why these reference frames shift during movement. Representations in PPC are thus consistent with the orderly processing of information, provided we adopt the view that sensorimotor computation manipulates desired movement trajectories, and not desired movement endpoints.
Evaluation of mammography based upon correlation of specimen mammograms and histopathologic findings.

The incidence of calcification and appearance of opacities in specimen roentgenograms of 228 consecutive breast specimens representing a variety of disorders are presented. Although some diseases manifest distinctive roentgenographic features, overlapping is noted. This, as well as an inherent technical difficulty, appears to be reflected by the relatively high incidence of false-negative and false-positive diagnoses conveyed by clinical mammography. The detection of only 0.7% occult carcinomas (clinically and pathologically non-palpable) by specimen mammography in calcifications unassociated with a dominant mass and only 7.4% of all calcifications, including those in the latter group, tends to minimize the practical significance of clinical mamography for the detection of occult cancer of the breast. The occult carcinomas detected by specimen mammography in this study were found only in breasts with overt carcinomatous lesions, which represents an incidence of 9% multicentric cancers. Recognition of a similar incidence of such lesions by the histopathologic study of single sections from randomly selected blocks obtained from the uninvolved quadrants of breasts harboring an overt carcinoma, and the detection of such noninvasive carcinomas in benign breast disease by “extended” histopathologic study, signify the limitations of specimen mammography for the detection of these occult cancers. It is concluded that specimen mammography represents a useful but not essential adjunct to the pathologic study of mammary disease.
Effect of Synergists on Organophosphate and Permethrin Resistance in Sweetpotato Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

A field strain of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) from California, resistant to malathion, methyl parathion, sulprofos, permethrin, and DDT, showed increases in resistance levels (ranging from 1.1- to 8.9-fold) in a subsequent survey. Selective synergists were used to study the involvement of hydrolytic or oxidative enzymes (or both) in the resistance mechanism of the resistant strain. Resistance levels were decreased markedly when DEF (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate) synergized three organophosphate (OP) compounds (malathion, methyl parathion, and sulprofos) and one pyrethroid (permethrin), suggesting the involvement of increased detoxication by esterases as part of the resistance mechanism. In addition, malathion was synergized by triphenyl phosphate (TPP), indicating the influence of carboxylesterases in malathion resistance. No highly active esterases were associated with organophosphate (OP) resistance. Piperonyl butoxide (PB) synergized the three OPs, permethrin, and DDT to different degrees in both susceptible and resistant strains, thus indicating the importance of enhanced oxidative metabolism in B. tabaci resistance. Because use of DEF, PB, and TPP did not increase the toxicity in the resistant strain to that of the susceptible strain, an unidentified resistance factor, possibly insensitive acetylcholinesterase, may be of importance in OP resistance. DEF antagonized DDT toxicity in the resistant strain, which increased the resistance ratio from 12.0- to 16.7-fold. DDT was synergized to a limited extent by diethyl maleate (DEM), thus suggesting limited metabolism by DDT-dehydrochlorinase in the resistant strain. A nonmetabolic knockdown resistance mechanism (kdr) may be a factor in DDT resistance because neither PB nor DEM supressed resistance completely.
Quaternion-Based Partial Derivative and State Transition Matrix Calculations for Design Optimization

A quaternion-embedding algorithm is presented that permits a single function evaluation of a vector-valued function to simultaneously produce the function value and the columns of the Jacobian matrix corresponding to the embedded variables. The algorithm is shown to provide state transition matrix partial derivatives when quaternion embedded vector functions are numerically integrated. The quaternion embedding algorithm transforms Cartesian coordinates by adding a small parameter, h, times a hyper-imaginary direction. An error analysis is presented that demonstrates that the partial derivatives are accurate to O(h2). Several examples are presented to demonstrate the methodology and solution accuracy for scalar, vector, and matrix quaternion functions.
Argon tungsten arc welding of rapid-solidfied heat-resistant aluminum alloy AA8009

Welding technology of the heat-resistant aluminum alloy is very important to the application of the alloy.Three kinds welding wires ER5356、ER4043 and AA8009 were prepared to weld heat-resistant aluminum alloy AA8009 plate with chemical composition of AL-8.5Fe-1.3V-1.7Si and 2mm in thickness by tungsten arc welding.The results show that:the bresk of the welded joint occurs within the fusion boundary region;when the welding wire ER5356 is used the welding coefficients is 52.6%;the cooling rate of the argon tungsten arc welding welds is about 20℃/s;there are many acicular phase separating out in the fusion zone boundry.
Steam Turbine Rotor Thermal Stress Calculation with Thermo-Structural Coupled Model

To accurately estimate the thermal stress of rotor during processes of steam turbine start-up and shut-down,an axisymmetric thermo-structural coupling model of rotor is established.The model considers the effect of the temperature field on the stress field,and the effect of stress field on the temperature field at the same time.The transient temperature field and thermal stress field of a high pressure rotor for a 660MW steam turbine are calculated with thermo-structural coupled finite element method.The calculated results from the coupled model and from uncoupling model are compared.It indicates that the coupling effect between temperature and deformation enhances with increasing temperature difference between the steam temperature and the surface temperature of the rotor in star-up process.When the temperature difference reaches 280℃,the difference of maximum thermal stress with two models approximately gets 6.6%.Therefore,in the case of higher rotor surface heat shock,the thermostructural coupled model ought to be chosen to calculate transient thermal stress of rotor.
A Hybrid Approach for Segmentation and Tracking of Myxococcus Xanthus Swarms

Segmentation and tracking of moving cells in time-lapse images is an important problem in biomedical image analysis. For Myxococcus xanthus, rod-like cells with highly coordinated motion, their segmentation and tracking are challenging because cells may touch tightly and form dense swarms that are difficult to identify accurately. Common methods fall under two frameworks: detection association and model evolution. Each framework has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid framework combining these two frameworks into one and leveraging their complementary advantages. Also, we propose an active contour model based on the Ribbon Snake and Chan-Vese model, which is seamlessly integrated with our hybrid framework. Our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art cell tracking algorithms on identifying completed cell trajectories, and achieves higher segmentation accuracy than some best known cell segmentation algorithms.
Using the M-CHAT-R/F to Identify Developmental Concerns in a High-Risk 18-Month-Old Sibling Sample.

Objective Given the high autism spectrum disorder (ASD) recurrence risk in younger siblings, it is important to identify early ASD markers within this high-risk population. Although there is increasing evidence that the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised, with Follow-Up Interview can identify many low-risk children during the second year of life, there has yet to be a study of how the M-CHAT-R/F functions in a high-risk sibling population at very young ages. Methods As part of a larger population-based study, the authors screened 74 infant siblings with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised, with Follow-Up Interview at 18 months and assessed diagnoses between the ages of 18 and 43 months. Results The M-CHAT-R/F had the highest positive predictive value for identifying children at risk of any developmental concern (i.e., ASD, language delay). Overall, 33% of siblings who presented for follow-up evaluations received ASD diagnoses with an additional 22% showing other developmental concerns. Conclusion Failing the M-CHAT-R/F at 18 months of age raises significant concern that a child will show some degree of developmental difference or delay over time. These findings highlight the need for close developmental monitoring of this high-risk sample.
Implicit Prosody and Cue-based Retrieval: L1 and L2 Agreement and Comprehension during Reading.

This project focuses on structural and prosodic effects during reading, examining their influence on agreement processing and comprehension in native English (L1) and Spanish-English bilingual (L2) speakers. We consolidate research from several distinct areas of inquiry—cognitive processing, reading fluency, and L1/L2 processing—in order to support the integration of prosody with a cue-based retrieval mechanism for subject-verb agreement. To explore this proposal, the experimental design manipulated text presentation to influence implicit prosody, using sentences designed to induce subject-verb agreement attraction errors. Materials included simple and complex relative clauses with head nouns and verbs that were either matched or mismatched for number. Participants read items in one of three presentation formats (whole sentence, word-by-word, or phrase-by-phrase), rated each item for grammaticality, and responded to a comprehension probe. Results indicated that while overall, message comprehension was prioritized over subject-verb agreement computation, presentation format differentially affected both measures in the L1 and L2 groups. For the L1 participants, facilitating the projection of phrasal prosody onto text (phrase-by-phrase presentation) enhanced performance in agreement processing, while disrupting prosodic projection via word-by-word presentation decreased comprehension accuracy. For the L2 participants however, phrase-by-phrase presentation was not significantly beneficial for agreement processing, and also resulted in lower comprehension accuracy. These differences point to a significant role of prosodic phrasing during agreement processing in both L1 and L2 speakers, additionally suggesting that it may contribute to a cue-based retrieval agreement model, either acting as a cue directly, or otherwise scaffolding the retrieval process. The discussion and results presented provide support both for a cue-based retrieval mechanism in agreement, and the function of prosody within such a mechanism, adding further insight into the interaction of retrieval processes, cognitive task load, and the role of implicit prosody.
Implications of the 2013 Python Challenge® for Ecology and Management of Python molorus bivittatus (Burmese Python) in Florida

The 2013 Python Challenge® provided an opportunity to learn more about the ecology and management of Python molorus bivittatus (Burmese Python). Goals of the 2013 Python Challenge were to raise awareness about Burmese Pythons, remove pythons, increase public participation and agency cooperation in removal and reporting of pythons, increase knowledge of python ecology, and examine effectiveness of incentives to increase public participation in invasive wildlife management. Over 1500 participants registered for the competition. Sixty-eight Burmese Pythons were removed during the Challenge. Thirteen females (19%), 54 males (79%), and 1 young-of-the-year (1%) python of undetermined sex were captured. More pythons—73 (68 from the Challenge and 5 incidental)—were removed during the 2013 Python Challenge period than during similar time periods during 2008–2012. We found no evidence of unintended consequences such as removal of native species. We identified 13 prey species: 6 mammals (46%), 6 birds (46%), and 1 alligator (8%). The potential of recreational-harvest incentive programs to impact python populations is uncertain. Incentive programs are potential tools in invasive-species management programs, but they should be managed diligently and evaluated for effectiveness.
Effect of Disease Duration on Motor Outcomes After Bilateral Subthalamic Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease (P3.361)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the duration of diagnosis has an impact on motor function and quality of life in Parkinson9s disease (PD) patients after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). BACKGROUND: Bilateral STN-DBS improves motor function and quality of life in patients with PD. Typically, DBS is performed in patients with advanced PD, particularly those with disabling levodopa-induced motor complications. Performing DBS earlier in the disease course may spare the side effects of medical therapy and decrease ineligibility for DBS due to cognitive dysfunction. In addition, it is not clear if earlier DBS would result in better outcomes. DESIGN/METHODS: PD patients with bilateral STN-DBS and annual post-surgical evaluations for at least three but up to five years were included. Patients were divided into two groups (Early: diagnosis 10 years). Motor function was assessed with the Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and quality of life with the Parkinson9s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). RESULTS: There were 169 PD patients with 71 in the early group and 98 in the late group. Significant improvements were noted after surgery in both groups in UPDRS motor medication-off/stimulation-on scores (Early: Baseline 39.3, 5yrs 26.3; Late: Baseline 41.9, 5yrs 29.8), UPDRS ADL medication-off/stimulation-on scores (Early: Baseline 18.2, 5yrs 14.8; Late: Baseline 20.4, 5yrs 17.0), and PDQ-39 total scores, along with significant reductions in levodopa dose, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesia throughout the five year follow-up period. There were no significant differences in mean change from baseline in any of these measures between the two groups at any visit up to five years. CONCLUSION: Bilateral STN-DBS results in improvement of motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson9s disease in the setting of appropriate patient selection, regardless of disease duration at the time of surgery. Supported by: Helen Gold PD Fund. Disclosure: Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lyons has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the International Journal of Neuroscience. Dr. Gronseth has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology. Dr. Gronseth has received research support from the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Nazzaro has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pahwa has received research support from the University of Kansas Medical Center from Abbvie, Acorda, Adamas, Avid, Biotie, Boston Scientific, Kyowa, National Parkinson Foundation, and NIH/NINDS.
Non-Fermi surface nesting driven commensurate magnetic ordering in Fe-doped S r 2 Ru O 4

$\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}\mathrm{Ru}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, an unconventional superconductor, is known to possess an incommensurate spin-density wave instability driven by Fermi surface nesting. Here we report a static spin-density wave ordering with a commensurate propagation vector ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathrm{c}}=(0.25\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}0.25\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}0)$ in Fe-doped $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}\mathrm{Ru}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, despite the magnetic fluctuations persisting at the incommensurate wave vectors ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathrm{ic}}=(0.3\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}0.3\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}L)$ as in the parent compound. The latter feature is corroborated by the first-principles calculations, which show that Fe substitution barely changes the nesting vector of the Fermi surface. These results suggest that in addition to the known incommensurate magnetic instability, $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}\mathrm{Ru}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ is also in proximity to a commensurate magnetic tendency that can be stabilized via Fe doping.
Radiation-sensitizing effect of DcR3 siRNA on human colon cancer SW480 cells

4151 A major problem in radiation therapy is the emergence of resistance, in which the cancer cells express molecules that prevent the induction of apoptosis. In this study, we examine the potential role of DcR3, a secreted decoy receptor in the tumor necrosis factor receptor family that can bind to FasL, block its interaction with Fas and prevent apoptosis. In initial experiments, we found that when SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma cells were irradiated with 10 Gray, there was a three to four fold increase in DcR3 in the media after 24 to 48 hours. On this basis, we hypothesized that the down-regulation of DcR3 could sensitize tumor cells to irradiation. To test possibility, we prepared siRNA for DcR3 and tested it on Sw480 cells. After 24 to 48 hours, the expression of both mRNA and protein of DcR3 in the treated cells was blocked as indicated by RT-PCR and ELISA. In addition, the cells treated with DcR3 siRNA were more sensitive to the killing by IFN-r (5 ng/ml) and membrane bound Fas-ligand (50 ng/ml). Importantly, when irradiated at a dose of 5 to 10 Gray, the proliferation of DcR3 siRNA treated cells was much lower and the extent of apoptosis was greater than that of control cells. The results suggest that the down-regulation of DcR3 sensitizes tumor cells to irradiation, which may be clinically useful if DcR3 siRNA could be delivered to tumor site effectively.