cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trichome Exudates as a Mechanism for Transporting Soil-Applied Disulfoton to Leaf Surfaces in Nicotiana Species

One of the more desirable characteristics of plant systemic insecticides is the fact that when applied to the soil they are generally unavailable to beneficial insects and to many predators and parasites of pest insects. Because they are absorbed by the roots and translocated within the plant tissues, there is little opportunity for nonphytophagous insects to come into direct contact with the toxicants. However, if a plant should possess a mechanism whereby the toxicant would be transported to the external surface, this advantage of soil systemic insecticides would be negated.
Application of Machine Vision Technique in Plate Camber Control System

In plate rolling, the existence of some asymmetry rolling conditions, affects the distribution of transversal thickness of rolling pieces, leading to the occurrence of camber phenomenon, which in turn seriously affect the product's material yield. In this paper, based on the images of plates in the production line collected by camera, taking into account the requirements for on-line measurement, filtering noise from image information, use edge detection operator, Hough transform methods and sub pixel edge location method to identify the steel plates, have achieved in-line measurement of camber curvature of plate side. At the same time, combined with camber control model, we have developed camber curvature measurement and control system, realized the automatic correction control of camber curvature of rolling pieces in the production process. Field applications show that this method can reduce the human intervention, will limit the camber curvature of rolling pieces within a certain range, which has great significance for improving the product’s yield.
Magnetism of Fe/Pd superlattices

A series of Fe/Pd superlattices of varying numbers of atoms per layer were fabricated. Structural properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction. Magnetic properties were studied by M\"ossbauer spectroscopy and transport properties by electrical-conductivity measurements. All properties studied could be explained by structural characteristics, such as grain size and interdiffusion, without the need of invoking superlattice effects.
Correlation of Measured and Computed Radiation Intensity Exiting a Packed Bed

The spectral and directional distribution of radiation intensity is measured, using a direct radiometric technique, at the exposed boundary of a packed bed of stainless steel spheres. The purpose of these measurements is to provide an experimental data base of radiation intensity with which to correlate intensity field solutions of the radiative transfer equation in participating media. The bed is considered to be one-dimensional, is optically thick, and has measured constant-temperature boundary conditions. Intensity exiting the bed is numerically simulated using a discrete ordinates solution to the radiative transfer equation, with combined mode radiation-conduction solution of the coupled energy conservation equation. Radiative properties for the bed are computed using the large size parameter correlated scattering theory derived by Kamiuto from the general theory of dependent scattering by Tien and others. The measured intensity results show good agreement with computed results in near-normal directions, though agreement in near-grazing directions is poor. This suggests that either radiative transfer near the boundaries of this medium might not be adequately represented by a continuous form of the radiative transfer equation, or that the properties derived from correlated scattering theory are insufficient. In either case, development of a more detailed radiation model for spherical packed beds appears warranted.
Venus mesosphere and thermosphere: 1. Heat budget and thermal structure

The calculation of a reasonable global average temperature structure is the first step in the simulation of the dynamics and observed characteristics of Venus's upper mesosphere and thermosphere. Various physical processes that influence Venus temperatures are examined, using updated inputs and new parameterizations. It is demonstrated, using a one-dimensional NLTE radiative transfer code, that temperatures observed during the Pioneer Venus mission can be reproduced using an O-CO2 collisional excitation rate coefficient of 4 x 10 to the -13th cu cm/s for strong 15-micron cooling, balanced by 9.5 percent-efficient EUV heating. Cooling by eddy mixing is at best a minor contribution to the total cooling required. Exospheric temperatures are calculated to vary by 60 K or less over a solar cycle, in rough agreement with observations. It is concluded that CO2 cooling effectively buffers against such solar perturbations, due to its nonlinear temperature dependence.
Co-generation of text and graphics

To reduce potential discrepancies between textual and graphical content in documentation, it is possible to produce both text and graphics from a single common source. One approach to co-generation of text and graphics uses a single logical specification; a second approach starts with CAD-based representation and produces a corresponding textual account. This paper explores these two different approaches, reports the results of using prototypes embodying the approaches to represent simple figures, and discusses issues that were identified through use of the prototypes. While it appears feasible to co-generate text and graphics automatically, the process raises deep issues of design of communications, including the intent of the producer of the documentation.
Long term use of metformin leading to vitamin B 12 deficiency

Metformin is a commonly used oral hypoglycaemic agent worldwide. Gastrointestinal side effects and lactic acidosis related to metformin usage are commonly recognized. However, the associated vitamin B12 deficiency is less well known. We present a case of long term metformin use resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency.
Biochemical and morphological events during okadaic acid-induced apoptosis of Tsc2-null ERC-18 cell line.

Several tumor suppressor genes have been shown to regulate cellular susceptibility to proliferation or apoptotic cell death. An essential first step in studies with the long-range goal of determini...
From Samburu Heirloom to New Age Artifact: The Cross‐Cultural Consumption of Mporo Marriage Beads

Antique Venetian trade beads used in Samburu women's marriage necklaces (mporo) have recently undergone intense recommodif ication in the transnational trade bead market concurrent with their appropriation by Euro-American women in both religious and secular domains. The article offers duai ethnographies of this mporo bead in order to advance anthropological understandings of precious objects in the context of globalization. Samburu and Euro-American desires for the "same" bead have been both reciprocal and distinct: Whereas Samburu desires for and exchange of mporo beads have been rooted in Samburu cultural forms, Euro-American desires for the same bead are linked to a kind of "fictional inalienability" that is not embedded in Samburu social relations but is instead rich in spiritual associations imagined through Euro-American women's vague understandings of the bead's "original" African owners. [Keywords: material culture, globalization, United States, Kenya, pastoralists]
Oogenesis in Fundulus heteroclitus. V. The relationship of yolk vesicles and cortical alveoli

Yolk vesicles, which first appear in small oocytes, are morphologically indistinguishable from cortical alveoli, which are present in eggs. Both types of membrane-limited vesicles show identical staining properties with both classical dyes for acidic glycoproteins and with fluorescein-labeled lectins for specific carbohydrate moieties. Lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin)-affinity chromatography was used to isolate from yolk vesicle-stage follicles a > 200-kilodalton (kDa) glycoconjugate that had been shown previously to be synthesized within the oocyte and to reside within yolk vesicles. Antiserum was prepared against the > 200-kDa glycoconjugate and was used on immunoblots to demonstrate the presence of a substance both in yolk vesicle-stage follicles and eggs that was immunoreactive. Indirect immunolabeling of plastic sections of various size follicles and eggs demonstrated that the antibody reacted with a substance found only in yolk vesicles and cortical alveoli. Thus, a combination of approaches (morphological, biochemical, and immunological) have been used to confirm the earlier cytological observations that suggested that yolk vesicles of small oocytes give rise to cortical alveoli of eggs. We suggest, therefore, that the term “yolk vesicle” is a misnomer since these structures, when mature, ultimately release their contents into the perivitelline space at fertilization, rather than serve as a source of nutrients for the embryo.
Lung pathology in platelet-derived growth factor transgenic mice: effects of genetic background and fibrogenic agents.

We previously developed transgenic mice expressing human platelet-derived growth factor B chain (PDGF-B) from the lung-specific surfactant protein C (SPC) promoter. These mice developed enlarged airspaces, inflammation, and fibrosis of varying severity. In the present study we examined potential causes of this phenotypic variation and tested whether constitutive PDGF-B expression exacerbated fibrosis induced by bleomycin and silica. The SPC-PDGFB transgene construct was modified by replacement of the PDGF-B 3' UTR, which contains motifs known to mediate instability in other cytokine genes, with SV40 sequences containing an intron and polyadenylation signal. This modification resulted in an increase in the efficiency with which the construct was expressed, but no difference in lung pathology was observed compared to the original construct. Backcrossing of mice carrying the original SPC-PDGFB construct to C57BL/6 and SJL inbred strains resulted in a more severe phenotype in SJL-bred mice compared to C57BL/6...
Base Composition of Mononucleotide Runs Affects DNA Polymerase Slippage and Removal of Frameshift Intermediates by Mismatch Repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The postreplicative mismatch repair (MMR) system is important for removing mutational intermediates that are generated during DNA replication, especially those that arise as a result of DNA polymerase slippage in simple repeats. Here, we use a forward mutation assay to systematically examine the accumulation of frameshift mutations within mononucleotide runs of variable composition in wild-type and MMR-defective yeast strains. These studies demonstrate that (i) DNA polymerase slippage occurs more often in 10-cytosine/10-guanine (10C/10G) runs than in 10-adenine/10-thymine (10A/10T) runs, (ii) the MMR system removes frameshift intermediates in 10A/10T runs more efficiently than in 10C/10G runs, (iii) the MMR system removes −1 frameshift intermediates more efficiently than +1 intermediates in all 10-nucleotide runs, and (iv) the repair specificities of the Msh2p-Msh3p and Msh2p-Msh6p mismatch recognition complexes with respect to 1-nucleotide insertion/deletion loops vary dramatically as a function of run composition. These observations are relevant to issues of genome stability, with both the rates and types of mutations that accumulate in mononucleotide runs being influenced by the primary sequence of the run as well as by the status of the MMR system.
On improving service differentiation under bursty data traffic in wireless networks

The fair queuing model has been widely used to provide QoS for flows sharing a wireless channel. In fluid fair queuing, a flow cannot reclaim its service loss due to absence. As a result, fair queuing models that emulate fluid fair queuing cannot provide good service differentiation under bursty data traffic. On the other hand, strict priority queuing (SPQ) can provide good service differentiation at the cost of QoS provision. To achieve both service differentiation and QoS provision, we propose a new service model called absence compensation fair queuing. The basic idea is to allow a flow to get compensation of its service loss due to absence. Since the proposed service model is based on fair queuing, QoS provision is guaranteed. We first verify these properties by analysis, and then evaluate the performance compared to weighted fair queuing (WFQ) and SPQ. Simulation results show that our service model can provide much better service differentiation than WFQ, and outperforms SPQ in terms of QoS provision.
Effect of Levamisole on the Phytohemagglutinin Induced Basophil Hypersensitivity Reaction in the Chicken Wattle

Abstract The potentiating effect of levamisole (L) on the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induced hypersensitivity skin reaction in the chicken's wattle was studied. The L increased the number of heterophils and basophils 10 and 6 times, respectively. The number of mononuclear phagocytic cells in the PHA skin reaction was unaltered. These results contrast slightly with those of mammals.
Coordinating Expertise Among Emergent Groups Responding to Disasters

In the aftermath of catastrophic events, when plans for organized and timely response break down, impromptu groups often emerge to provide disaster relief. Much remains to be learned about the internal dynamics of these emergent response groups whose representatives may include members from organizations with relief missions; private sector organizations offering resources; and private citizens with the information, relationships, or physical and mental stamina to help. Organizational theories have the potential to contribute to a better understanding of emergent response groups and how they efficiently coordinate knowledge, people, resources, tasks, and technology, thereby substantially improving disaster response for future catastrophes. We apply one organization science theory toward better understanding of these groups---transactive memory systems theory---which is a theory about knowledge coordination in groups. Our application of this theory to emergent response groups requires extending the theory in three ways: the role of expertise in task assignment, how groups function when credibility in member expertise cannot be validated, and how expertise is coordinated. By demonstrating how transactive memory systems theory can be extended to the unique operating conditions of emergent response groups, we hope to inspire organization science researchers to accept the challenge of adapting their theories to study this important problem of our time.
Scalable integration: from enterprise information management to real time process control using the metadatabase model

Integration in today's industrial enterprises requires an information technology that is scalable and adaptable. In particular, the technology must: 1) allow for multiple data and knowledge systems interoperating over distributed, heterogeneous, and concurrent environments; (2) support a hierarchy of functions ranging from shop floor processing systems all the way up to enterprise managerial systems; and (3) provide a core software paradigm capable of information management and real-time control of physical processes for comprehensive configuration and integration. Most of the integration technologies available now do not possess such scalability and adaptability. In this research, we extend the metadatabase model, which promises the properties of (1) and (2) mentioned above, with a core software paradigm to effect the third. In particular, the work develops a new real time rule-oriented programming environment capable of integration in both physical processes control and database processing environments. >
Involvement of the alginate algT gene and integration host factor in the regulation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa algB gene.

Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing pulmonary infection in cystic fibrosis patients are often mucoid because of the synthesis of a capsular polysaccharide called alginate. Regulation of alginate biosynthesis includes the algB gene product (AlgB), which belongs to a class of proteins that control gene transcription in response to environmental stimuli. In this study, a homolog of the DNA-binding-and-bending protein integration host factor (IHF) and the positive regulatory gene algT were shown to be involved in algB expression. An algB-cat gene fusion was constructed on a low-copy-number, broad-host-range plasmid. In alginate-producing (Alg+) P. aeruginosa, levels of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase from algB-cat were twofold higher than in spontaneous Alg- or algT::Tn501 mutant strains, indicating that the mucoid status of the cell influences algB transcription. An algB transcription initiation site was identified 286 nucleotides upstream of translation initiation and revealed an Escherichia coli sigma 70-like promoter. Sequences in the algB promoter region were highly similar to the consensus E. coli IHF binding site. In DNA gel band mobility shift assays, a protein present in extracts from IHF+ E. coli strains and IHF purified from E. coli bound specifically to these algB DNA fragments, while extracts prepared from isogenic IHF- E. coli strains failed to alter the mobility of algB DNA fragments containing the consensus IHF binding site. A protein in cell extracts prepared from P. aeruginosa strains also demonstrated binding to algB fragments containing the IHF binding site, and the position of the complex formed with these extracts was identical to that of the complex formed with purified IHF. Moreover, this binding could be inhibited by anti-IHF antibodies. To test the role of the IHF site in algB regulation, site-specific mutations in the algB IHF site, based on changes which severely affect IHF binding in E. coli, were generated. When either purified E. coli IHF or extracts from P. aeruginosa were used in DNA binding studies, the algB mutant DNAs were severely reduced in IHF binding. Mutations affecting IHF binding at the algB promoter were introduced into the algB-cat plasmid, and all resulted in severely impaired transcriptional activity in Alg- and algT mutant strains of P. aeruginosa. However, these mutations resulted in similar or slightly reduced algB-cat transcription in Alg+ and algB::Tn501 mutant strains. Thus, the algT product plays a positive role in the high-level expression of algB in mucoid cells, whereas as protein present in P.aeruginosa extracts which is likely an IHF homolog plays a positive role in maintaining a basal level of algB expression in nonmucoid strains.
Simultaneous Nonrigid Registration of Multiple Point Sets and Atlas Construction

Groupwise registration of a set of shapes represented by unlabeled point sets is a challenging problem since, usually, this involves solving for point correspondence in a nonrigid motion setting. In this paper, we propose a novel and robust algorithm that is capable of simultaneously computing the mean shape, represented by a probability density function, from multiple unlabeled point sets (represented by finite-mixture models), and registering them nonrigidly to this emerging mean shape. This algorithm avoids the correspondence problem by minimizing the Jensen-Shannon (JS) divergence between the point sets represented as finite mixtures of Gaussian densities. We motivate the use of the JS divergence by pointing out its close relationship to hypothesis testing. Essentially, minimizing the JS divergence is asymptotically equivalent to maximizing the likelihood ratio formed from a probability density of the pooled point sets and the product of the probability densities of the individual point sets. We derive the analytic gradient of the cost function, namely, the JS-divergence, in order to efficiently achieve the optimal solution. The cost function is fully symmetric, with no bias toward any of the given shapes to be registered and whose mean is being sought. A by-product of the registration process is a probabilistic atlas, which is defined as the convex combination of the probability densities of the input point sets being aligned. Our algorithm can be especially useful for creating atlases of various shapes present in images and for simultaneously (rigidly or nonrigidly) registering 3D range data sets (in vision and graphics applications), without having to establish any correspondence. We present experimental results on nonrigidly registering 2D and 3D real and synthetic data (point sets).
Micropower Data Converters: A Tutorial

In many applications, such as in battery-operated medical devices or in habitat monitoring sensor networks, special data converters are needed, which can operate on battery or even harvested power. The available power in these devices is very limited, often only a few tens of microwatts. This tutorial discusses some of the design options for such micropower digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters.
Evidence for showing gene/protein name suggestions in bioscience literature search interfaces.

This paper reports on the results of two questionnaires asking biologists about the incorporation of text-extracted entity information, specifically gene and protein names, into bioscience literature search user interfaces. Among the findings are that study participants want to see gene/protein metadata in combination with organism information, that a significant proportion would like to see gene names grouped by type (synonym, homolog, etc.), that most participants want to see information the system is confident about immediately, and see less certain information after taking additional action. These results inform future interface designs.
Studies in Ceratostomella Montium

For many years the genus Ceratostomella has been an interesting subject for investigation because of the presence, in some of its species, of the phenomenon of deliquescence of asci. Investigations of this phenomenon have brought to light several interesting observations as to the method of development in such " deliquescent type" species. The publication of two reports on the species C. fimbriata, one of which describes a new and unique process of ascus multiplication (2) and the other (7) typical ascomycetous development, makes it evident that further work on the " deliquescent type " species of Ceratostomella is desirable. The present paper reports an investigation of ascus development in a new species of Ceratostomella of the " deliquescent type".
Usefulness of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Levels to Predict Myocardial Infarction in Men With and Without Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), or stromelysin-1, is a matrix metalloproteinase which is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of the human MMP-3 gene resulting in an increased expression of MMP-3 have been shown to predict the risk of incident myocardial infarction (MI). However, there have been no studies that have specifically examined the utility of baseline plasma MMP-3 levels for the prediction of long-term MI. In this study, baseline plasma MMP-3 levels were measured in 355 male patients who were referred for coronary angiography and followed prospectively for the development of enzymatically confirmed MI out to 5 years. After adjustment for a variety of baseline clinical, angiographic, and laboratory parameters, plasma MMP-3 levels were an independent predictor of MI at 5 years (hazards ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.79; p = 0.0023). Furthermore, in 5 additional multivariate models that included a variety of contemporary biomarkers associated with adverse outcomes and MI, MMP-3 remained an independent predictor of MI at 5 years. Similar results were obtained when the analyses were restricted to the subpopulation of patients presenting with ACS. In conclusion, elevated levels of MMP-3 are associated with an increased risk of long-term MI in patients with and without ACS referred for coronary angiography. Furthermore, this association is independent of a variety of clinical, angiographic, laboratory variables, including biomarkers with established prognostic efficacy for the prediction of MI.
Human Capital and Asset Pricing

From the optimal behavior of arbitrary number of consumer-investors who act as to maximize their life-time utility of consumption and leisure, this paper derives a continuous-time intertemporal asset pricing model with stochastic human capital, leisure, consumption, and investment opportunities. Explicit demand functions for assets are derived and it is shown that, with heterogeneous human capital, the classic fund separation results may no longer hold. The human capital is modeled to include not only its marketed benefits but also its non-market benefits by the use of aggregate labor income and three macro variables in labor statistics: the average weekly employment hours, the unemployment rate, and the labor participation rate. Three flexibility parameters are introduced to explicitly account for the hidden unemployment, the self-employment, and the time spent on job-related activity such as work-commute and so on. Although a formal and comprehensive test is left as a future research task, two pieces of evidence are provided. First, a quick revisit of the equity premium puzzle shows that my model is plausible to explain the observed equity premium with the actual data. Then a preliminary test using returns of the 25 Fama-French size B/M portfolios shows that my model captures about 75% of the total variation in the cross-section returns and that the unemployment rate plays a critical role in explaining the cross-section returns.
Differences among astrocytes

Astrocytes are diverse in morphology and molecular makeup ( 1 , 2 ), potentially enabling them to provide for the varying needs of their diverse neuronal counterparts ( 3 ). What accounts for and maintains astrocyte heterogeneity are only beginning to be explored. One possibility is that the signals specifying astrocyte subpopulations might operate only during the critical phases of development, after which the cell is hardwired. Alternatively, these signals might be operational at all times. On page 849 of this issue, Farmer et al. ( 4 ) reveal that neuronal signals drive the molecular programs of astrocytes even during adult stages of life. This challenges the idea that astrocyte function is hardwired during development and provides a new mechanism for cellular plasticity in the adult brain.
Short communication: possible association of newly absorbed serotonin with nonmetabolic, granule-located adenine nucleotides in human blood platelets

[3H]-adenine-labeled human platelets in plasma were incubated with or without nonradioactive serotonin. Release reaction was then induced by ADP, epinephrine, collagen, or thrombin. Platelets that had been incubated with serotonin released four times as much serotonin as platelets incubated without serotonin. The specific radioactivities of the ATP and ADP released to plasma during release reaction induced with all four inducers were the same in both systems. This shows that when serotonin is taken up by human platelets, it enters the compartment containing nonmetabolic, granula-stored ATP, and not the compartment with metabolic extragranular ATP. These results suggest that the mechanism of serotonin storage in human platelets is similar to that in other species investigated, i.e., rabbit, guinea pig, and pig.
Iliocaval Compression Syndrome

The iliocaval compression syndrome is a disorder, frequently found in young women, in which extrinsic compression of the left iliocaval junction produces signs and symptoms of lower extremity venous insufficiency.The anatomic variant which gives rise to this syndrome consists of compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery, near its junction with the vena cava. Additional reduction of outflow results from intraluminal venous webs and tight adhesions between the iliac artery and vein.Pain, swelling, pigmentation, and venous claudication characterize this syndrome, which affects predominantly the left leg. The syndrome may progress to iliofemoral thrombosis, phlegmasia cerulea dolens, and venous gangrene. Longstanding iliocaval stenosis may produce valvular incompetence.Exercise plethysmography is a non-invasive test useful in screening patients for iliocaval compression. The definitive diagnosis is made by venography, both ascending and descending, to determine the d...
Recurrence of lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Nine years after a bilateral lung transplantation

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, slowly progressive lethal lung disease primary afflicting young women. LAM is characterized by proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells that target the lungs, causing cystic destruction and eventual respiratory failure leading to death. Recent ten year mortality due to end stage LAM has been reported to be approximately 10%-20%, but may vary. The decline in lung function in LAM is gradual, occurring at a rate of about 3% to 15% per year but can vary from patient to patient. But recently therapy with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors such as sirolimus has shown promising results in the stabilization of lung function and reduction of chylous effusions in LAM. Lung transplantation is a viable option for patients who continue to have decline in lung function despite mTOR therapy. Unique issues that may occur post-transplant in a recipient with LAM include development of chylous effusion and a risk of recurrence. We describe a case of LAM recurrence in a bilateral lung transplant recipient who developed histological findings of LAM nine years after transplantation.
Art for twins: Yorùbá artists and their statues/twin research studies: twins' education and conceptions; diurnal preference; inherited eye diseases; ultrasound counseling when twins are conjoined/popular twin reports: twin sisters (the film); rare pregnancy; diet test; French twins reared apart and reunited.

The Yoruba of Nigeria are well known for their high twinning rate and the statues they create to commemorate deceased twins. An impressive collection of this artwork was displayed at the University of California's Fowler Museum in Los Angeles between October 13, 2013 and March 2, 2014. An overview of this exhibit is provided. Next, twin research on maternal education and conception, diurnal preference, inherited eye diseases, and ultrasound counseling for couples with conjoined twins are briefly summarized. This article concludes with a discussion of media-based items related to twins. The topics include an award-winning twin film, a rare pregnancy, a diet test, and the separation and chance reunion of monozygotic female twins.
Assessment of community pharmacy residents' opinions regarding training beyond postgraduate year 1 residency.

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy and ASHP have a shared vision for postgraduate residency training as a prerequisite for direct patient care.[1][1],[2][2] While the number of residency programs has increased, this growth will need to rise exponentially to achieve this vision,[2][2]
A Reply to Murphy and Coney

Lessig provides the reader with a veritable garden of multivariate analytical techniques. Cluster analysis was applied to the output of factor analysis to generate categorical data for use in discriminant analysis. Predictor variables used in the discriminant analysis were generated through the application of factor analysis to a set of original measures. In addition, canonical analysis was used to provide a justification for the use of discriminant analysis. The use of one multivariate technique to provide input data for another is not new.'3 In the process, however, data are altered, reduced, and/or lost to some extent. As researchers move
Neurodegenerative disease: MRI biomarkers - a precision medicine tool in neurology?

Two new studies highlight the potential of neuroimaging to aid the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease, for both clinical practice and emerging trials. Although this approach holds great promise, meaningful implementation of neuroimaging as part of a tailored precision medicine strategy may require additional imaging and non-imaging biomarkers.
Obesity in Children Untreated for ADHD

The prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity was determined by cross-sectional analysis of 62,887 children aged 5 to 17 years from the 2003-2004 National Survey of Children’s Health, in a study at Brown Medical School, Providence, RI.
Isolated coronary arterial dissection: a complication of cardiac operations.

Dissecting aneurysm limited to the coronary artery is described in 4 patients in whom cardiac operations had been performed. A tear into the dissected artery was identified in the 1 patient in whom coronary bypass grafting was performed. In the other 3, each of whom had undergone aortic valve replacement, no tear into the dissected coronary artery was observed. However, in 2 of them, the caged-ball aortic prosthesis was stenotic. It is speculated that the presumed sudden development of systolic hypertension in the coronary arteries of these 2 patients was an important factor underlying the dissection.
Latino Attitudes Toward Ballot Propositions That Target Immigrants

In response to an increase in undocumented immigrants in the United States, several states have proposed and passed ballot measures that are intended to target immigrants, particularly Latinos. Yet...
Educators' Perceived Role of Occupational Therapy in Secondary Transition

The purpose of this study was to gain information regarding special educators' perceptions of occupational therapy's role in secondary transition planning in the state of Arkansas. Non-experimental design, using survey methodology with open-ended questions, was used to explore participants' responses to the topic. Forty-one participants who attended a statewide transition conference completed the survey over a two year period. Using exploratory analysis, the responses were examined for common constructs and reported quantitatively. Limited involvement of occupational therapy in secondary transition services was reported but respondents seemed to be fairly knowledgeable of the possible roles of occupational therapy in this area. In addition, the participants were receptive to the possibility of the inclusion of occupational therapy in the process. The results provide implications and possibilities for future growth in this area of practice.
Compression of acoustic inventories using asynchronous interpolation

A compression method is proposed that takes advantage of a powerful property of acoustic unit inventories: In the appropriate acoustic space, units that share a (context-dependent or -independent) phoneme label must be close to a vector phoneme template associated with the phoneme. The method approximates units by interpolation between templates. The interpolation operation involves two asynchronous weight functions operating on the template. One is associated with spectral peak locations, the second with spectral balance. This enables approximating transitions such as [i:]/spl rarr/[v], in which formant movement precedes frication onset. The algorithm guarantees smooth concatenation points.
Performance analysis of system-on-chip architectures for ultrasonic data compression

Ultrasonic NDE and imaging applications utilize a large amount of information. Most of these applications demand real-time data processing with low power consumption. Compression of the collected ultrasonic data helps to reduce the storage, as well as rapid data transmission to remote locations for expert analysis. The objective of this study is to develop embedded system-on-chip architectures for ultrasonic data compression, and analyze the performance of different design methods according to the application requirements. The system is implemented using Xilinx Zynq System-on-Chip (SoC), which combines both ARM processor and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) on the same chip. The major parameters analyzed in this study are signal fidelity, hardware resource utilization and computational processing speed. The hardware and software co-design implementation is about five times faster compared to software only implementation using Zynq SoC.
Design, structural diversity and properties of novel zwitterionic metal–organic frameworks

Seven new zwitterionic metal–organic frameworks (ZW MOFs) of compositions {[Cd(L1)(OH2)]·2H2O}n (1), {[Mn(L1)(OH2)2]·H2O}n (2), {[Cu(HL1)2(OH2)3]·9H2O}n (3), {[Mn2(L2)2(OH2)4]·3H2O}n (4), [Co(L2)(OH2)4]·H2O (5), [Ni(L2)(OH2)3]n (6), and {[Cd(L2)(OH2)3]·4H2O}n (7), where H3L1Br = 3-carboxy-1-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyl)pyridinium bromide and H3L2Br = 4-carboxy-1-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyl)pyridinium bromide, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. We demonstrate that the diversity of these crystal structures suggests that the tridentate and flexible nature of ZW ligands L1 and L2 make them excellent candidates for the synthesis of new ZW MOFs. A multi-charged anionic nature is a common feature of L1 and L2, and therefore, allows the rational design of ZW MOFs without the presence of additional counterions for charge compensation. All materials were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and adsorption measurements. Most interestingly, permanent porosity could be observed for 1, originated from 4 A channel pores and confirmed by methanol adsorption experiments, which yielded an uptake of 7.43 wt% at 25 °C; and respectively, anhydrates of 1, 2, 4 and 6 can be rehydrated upon exposure to ambient air, as evidenced by TGA and PXRD measurements. In addition, we report an in-depth CSD analysis of selected structural parameters, coordination modes and topologies exhibited by MOFs based on ZW ligands L1 and L2 along with the regio-isomeric analogue L3, where H3L3Br = N-(4-carboxybenzyl)-(3,5-dicarboxyl)pyridinium bromide.
Abstract 17995: NT-proBNP Predicts Myocardial Damage and Correlates With Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients With ST-Eelevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: N-Terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released from cardiomyocytes during injury. However, the relationship between plasma levels, extent of myocardial damage and its correlation with bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) mobilization are poorly understood. Methods: Plasma levels of NT-proBNP (pg/ml), troponin I (ng/ml) and CK (IU/L) were assessed in 76 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at baseline (time of successful primary percutaneous intervention) then at 6, 12, 24, and 48-hour intervals. Levels of circulating Lin-/CD45- cells that are positive for CXCR4, CD34 and CD133 (BMSCs) were examined at the same time points using flow cytometry. Echocardiography and cardiac MRI (CMR) were performed prior to hospital discharge for assessment of cardiac function and scar size. Extent of myocardial damage was quantified using peak biomarker levels and gadolinium enhancement on CMR. Results: Patients characteristics were consistent with the typical demographics for STEMI population (Panel A). Plasma levels of NT-proBNP increased steadily following STEMI to peak at 24 hours (Panel B). Peak NT-proBNP levels correlated positively with indices of myocardial damage such as peak troponin I (r=0.6, P<0.001), peak CK (r=0.3, P=0.04) and late gadolinium enhancement on CMR examination (r=0.54, P=0.02) (Panels C-E). NT-proBNP levels correlated negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction and volume on echocardiography and CMR. There was strong correlation between peak NT-proBNP levels and peak numbers of circulating BMSCs such as Lin-/CD45-/CXCR4+ BMSCs (r=0.6, P<0.001) (Panel F). Conclusion: Peak levels of NT-proBNP following STEMI are predictive of the extent of myocardial damage quantified by cardiac biomarkers or CMR. NT-proBNP levels are also associated with the extent of BMSC release, raising the possibility that it has a role in initiating the myocardial reparative process following STEMI. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Magnetorotational collapse of supermassive stars: Black hole formation, gravitational waves, and jets.

We perform magnetohydrodynamic simulations in full general relativity of uniformly rotating stars that are marginally unstable to collapse. These simulations model the direct collapse of supermassive stars (SMSs) to seed black holes that can grow to become the supermassive black holes at the centers of quasars and active galactic nuclei. They also crudely model the collapse of massive Population III stars to black holes, which could power a fraction of distant, long gamma-ray bursts. The initial stellar models we adopt are $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}=4/3$ polytropes initially with a dynamically unimportant dipole magnetic field. We treat initial magnetic-field configurations either confined to the stellar interior or extending out from the stellar interior into the exterior. We find that the black hole formed following collapse has mass ${M}_{\mathrm{BH}}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.9M$ (where $M$ is the mass of the initial star) and dimensionless spin parameter ${a}_{\mathrm{BH}}/{M}_{\mathrm{BH}}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.7$. A massive, hot, magnetized torus surrounds the remnant black hole. At $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}t\ensuremath{\sim}400--550M\ensuremath{\approx}2000\ensuremath{-}2700(M/{10}^{6}\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}})\mathrm{s}$ following the gravitational wave peak amplitude, an incipient jet is launched. The disk lifetime is $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}t\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{5}(M/{10}^{6}\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}})\mathrm{s}$, and the outgoing Poynting luminosity is ${L}_{\mathrm{EM}}\ensuremath{\sim}1{0}^{51\ensuremath{-}52}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ergs}/\mathrm{s}$. $\text{If}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}1%\ensuremath{-}10%$ of this power is converted into gamma rays, Swift and Fermi could potentially detect these events out to large redshifts $z\ensuremath{\sim}20$. Thus, SMSs could be sources of ultra-long gamma-ray bursts (ULGRBs), and massive Population III stars could be the progenitors that power a fraction of the long GRBs observed at redshift $z\ensuremath{\sim}5--8$. Gravitational waves are copiously emitted during the collapse and peak at $\ensuremath{\sim}15({10}^{6}\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}/M)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{mHz}$ [$\ensuremath{\sim}0.15({10}^{4}\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}/M)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Hz}$], i.e., in the LISA (DECIGO/BBO) band; optimally oriented SMSs could be detectable by LISA (DECIGO/BBO) at $z\ensuremath{\lesssim}3$ ($z\ensuremath{\lesssim}11$). Hence, $1{0}^{4}\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ SMSs collapsing at $z\ensuremath{\sim}10$ are promising multimessenger sources of coincident gravitational and electromagnetic waves.
Structural Rearrangement upon Fragmentation of the Stability Core of the ALS-Linked Protein TDP-43.

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult degenerative motor neuron disease. Experimental evidence indicates a direct role of transactive-response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the pathology of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43 has been identified as a major component of cytoplasmic inclusions in patients with sporadic ALS; however, the molecular basis of the disease mechanism is not yet fully understood. Fragmentation within the second RNA recognition motif (RRM2) of TDP-43 has been observed in patient tissues and may play a role in the formation of aggregates in disease. To determine the structural and dynamical changes resulting from the truncation that could lead to aggregation and toxicity, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the full-length RRM2 domain (the stability core of TDP-43) and of a truncated variant (where residues 189–207 are deleted to mimic a site of cleavage within RRM2 found in ALS patients). Our simulations show heterogeneous structural reorganization and decreased stability of the truncated RRM2 domain compared to the full-length domain, consistent with previous experimental results. The decreased stability and structural reorganization in the truncated RRM2 result in a higher probability of protein-protein interactions through altered electrostatic surface charges and increased accessibility of hydrophobic residues (including the nuclear export sequence), providing a rationale for the increased cytoplasmic aggregation of RRM2 fragments seen in sporadic ALS patients.
Politic sacrifice in Lucrecia y Tarquino

This paper analyses Francisco de Rojas Zorrilla's comedia, Lucrecia y Tarquino, in relation to the fraught body politics of an absolutist age. Diverging both from the eroticized Lucretias of Renaissance painting and from the antique Roman portrayal of Lucretia's martyrdom as a pathos-ridden public spectacle that fueled Republican revolution, Rojas's Lucrecia is adapted to a conservative courtly milieu in which corporeal display is ridden with problematic connotations. By combining compelling performance and stringent decorum, Lucrecia embodies the ideals of an epoch marked at once by the recognition that the incitement of truculent emotion is a powerful political tool and by the belief in strict disciplining of the senses. While some have read Lucrecia's embodiment of female modesty as denoting a lack of agency, I show her to be a model of heroic action well suited to the conflicted post-Machiavellian world where messianic idealism coexists with political pessimism.
Improving Retrieval Effectiveness for Temporal-Constrained Top-K Query Processing

Large-scale Information Retrieval systems constantly need to strike a balance between effectiveness and efficiency. More effective methods often require longer query processing time. But if it takes too long to process a query, users would become dissatisfied and query load across servers might become unbalanced. Thus, it would be interesting to study how to process queries under temporal constraints so that search results for all queries can be returned within a specified time limit without significant effectiveness degradations. In this paper, we focus on top-K query processing for temporally constrained retrieval. The goal is to figure out what kind of query processing techniques should be used to meet the constraint on query processing time while minimizing the effectiveness loss of the search results. Specifically, we propose three temporal constrained top-K query processing techniques and then empirically evaluate them over TREC collections. Results show that all of the proposed techniques can meet the temporal constraints, and the document prioritization technique can return more effective search results.