cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticonic models of brain mechanisms underlying cognition and intelligence

Abstract The concern of this review is brain theory or more specifically, in its first part, a model of the cerebral cortex and the way it: (a) interacts with subcortical regions like the thalamus and the hippocampus to provide higher-level-brain functions that underlie cognition and intelligence, (b) handles and represents dynamical sensory patterns imposed by a constantly changing environment, (c) copes with the enormous number of such patterns encountered in a lifetime by means of dynamic memory that offers an immense number of stimulus-specific attractors for input patterns (stimuli) to select from, (d) selects an attractor through a process of “conjugation” of the input pattern with the dynamics of the thalamo–cortical loop, (e) distinguishes between redundant (structured) and non-redundant (random) inputs that are void of information, (f) can do categorical perception when there is access to vast associative memory laid out in the association cortex with the help of the hippocampus, and (g) makes use of “computation” at the edge of chaos and information driven annealing to achieve all this. Other features and implications of the concepts presented for the design of computational algorithms and machines with brain-like intelligence are also discussed. The material and results presented suggest, that a Parametrically Coupled Logistic Map network (PCLMN) is a minimal model of the thalamo–cortical complex and that marrying such a network to a suitable associative memory with re-entry or feedback forms a useful, albeit, abstract model of a cortical module of the brain that could facilitate building a simple artificial brain. In the second part of the review, the results of numerical simulations and drawn conclusions in the first part are linked to the most directly relevant works and views of other workers. What emerges is a picture of brain dynamics on the mesoscopic and macroscopic scales that gives a glimpse of the nature of the long sought after brain code underlying intelligence and other higher level brain functions.
Multiple wavelength microwave observations of the RS Canum Venaticorum stars UX Arietis, HR 1099, HR 5110, and II Pegasi

The variabilities, core size and magnetic field of the RS CVn star UX Arietis was measured with the VLA at pairs of frequencies near 1415 MHz and 4835 MHz on June 10, 1985. Data were also gathered on HR 1099, HR 5110 and II Peg. UX Arietis exhibited variability on time scales ranging from 30 sec to 1 hr at 4835 MHz, but no detectable variations at 1415 MHz. An upper limit of 900 billion cm was placed on the size of the core emitting region, which is estimated to have a magnetic field strength of 15 G. The 30 sec variations are attributed to absorption by thermal plasma between the G5 and K1 companions of the UX Arietis system.
Development of primers to characterize the mitochondrial control region of Galápagos land and marine iguanas (Conolophus and Amblyrhynchus)

Primers were developed for the amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial control region of Galapagos land (Conolophus) and marine (Amblyrhynchus) iguanas. Sequences were obtained for four land iguana samples from two islands and for 28 marine iguana samples from three islands. A series of 70–80 bp tandem repeats adjacent to the control region are described and preliminary quantification of intra- and interspecific sequence divergence is included.
VH12 rearrangements in adult peritoneal B cells.

About half of the phosphatidylcholine (PtC)-binding peritoneal B cells of B10.H-2aH-4bp/Wts mice express the VH12 gene. In these cells the D-region gene segments are restricted in length and sequence and are always rearranged to JH1, suggesting that PtC-specific B cells are clonally selected. To assess the extent to which this VH gene is used by peritoneal B cells to encode antibodies of other specificities, we have analyzed the length and sequence of D-region gene segments of VH12-D-JH1 rearrangements in peritoneal B cells independent of antigen specificity by PCR. We find that all 34 randomly chosen VH12-D-JH1 rearrangements analyzed are productive and have D regions that are restricted identically to those of PtC-specific B cells. These data suggest that essentially the entire repertoire of VH12-D-JH1 rearrangements are used by B cells that bind PtC, further illustrating the degree to which this repertoire is shaped by antigen selection.
AGS3 Inhibits GDP Dissociation from Gα Subunits of the Gi Family and Rhodopsin-dependent Activation of Transducin *

Abstract A number of recently discovered proteins that interact with the α subunits of Gi-like G proteins contain homologous repeated sequences named G protein regulatory (GPR) motifs. Activator of G protein signaling 3 (AGS3), identified as an activator of the yeast pheromone pathway in the absence of the pheromone receptor, has a domain with four such repeats. To elucidate the potential mechanisms of regulation of G protein signaling by proteins containing GPR motifs, we examined the effects of the AGS3 GPR domain on the kinetics of guanine nucleotide exchange and GTP hydrolysis by Giα1 and transducin-α (Gtα). The AGS3 GPR domain markedly inhibited the rates of spontaneous guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) binding to Giα and rhodopsin-stimulated GTPγS binding to Gtα. The full-length AGS3 GPR domain, AGS3-(463–650), was ∼30-fold more potent than AGS3-(572–629), containing two AGS3 GPR motifs. The IC50values for the AGS3-(463–650) inhibitory effects on Giα and transducin were 0.12 and 0.15 μm, respectively. Furthermore, AGS3-(463–650) and AGS3-(572–629) effectively blocked the GDP release from Giα and rhodopsin-induced dissociation of GDP from Gtα. The potencies of AGS3-(572–629) and AGS3-(463–650) to suppress the GDP dissociation rates correlated with their ability to inhibit the rates of GTPγS binding. Consistent with the inhibition of nucleotide exchange, the AGS3 GPR domain slowed the rate of steady-state GTP hydrolysis by Giα. The catalytic rate of Gtα GTP hydrolysis, measured under single turnover conditions, remained unchanged with the addition of AGS3-(463–650). Altogether, our results suggest that proteins containing GPR motifs, in addition to their potential role as G protein-coupled receptor-independent activators of Gβγ signaling pathways, act as GDP dissociation inhibitors and negatively regulate the activation of a G protein by a G protein-coupled receptor.
Interference enhanced Raman scattering from very thin absorbing films

A new method of obtaining Raman spectra from a very thin highly absorbing films (α≳105 cm−1) is described. The technique which is termed interference enhanced Raman scattering (IERS) is shown theoretically to produce a gain in the scattered intensity of 10–103 (depending on the optical constants of the material) over that expected from a thick sample using the conventional Raman backscattering configuration. The potential of the method is demonstrated experimentally using tellurium, and a gain of 20 is obtained.
Creating a Molecular Environment, Phase 4

When implementing molecular testing in the microbiology laboratory at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, we started with the more difficult laboratory-developed testing and then moved to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved assays, which are equally important but require a less rigorous evaluation process. FDA-approved molecular testing can be less difficult because the assays in question have already been developed and validated. Our responsibility is to make sure that these assays work for our laboratory, write up the protocol with our specifications, and perform training before we turn out results on patients. Using FDA-approved testing usually involves following certain guidelines, which takes most of the guesswork out of the evaluation process. In 2007, the Illinois legislature passed a law known as the MRSA Screening and Report Act, which required all hospitals in Illinois to implement screening criteria for patients to determine whether they are carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on admission. This did not involve all patients but included those that were, according to the MRSA Screening and Report Act, “in all intensive care units, and other at-risk patients identified by the hospital”. OSF established guidelines for screening that have change slightly over the years. The most current screening criteria are as follows: [↵][1]* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: stephanie.e.wallace{at}osfhealthcare.org [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Efficient template matching with variable size templates in CUDA

Graphics processing units (GPUs) offer significantly higher peak performance than CPUs, but for a limited problem space. Even within this space, GPU solutions are often restricted to a set of specific problem instances or offer greatly varying performance for slightly different parameters. This makes providing a library of GPU implementations that is adaptable to arbitrary inputs a difficult task. This research is motivated by a MATLAB lung tumor tracking application that relies on two-dimensional correlation and uses large template sizes. While GPU-based template matching has been addressed in the past, template sizes were limited to specific, relatively small sizes and not acceptable for accelerating the target application. This paper discusses a CUDA implementation that supports large template sizes and is adaptable to arbitrary template dimensions. The implementation uses on-demand compilation of kernels and compile-time expansion of various kernel parameters to improve the implementation adaptability without sacrificing performance.
Studies on aquatic Oxyrrhynchium (Brachytheciaceae), with an emphasis on O. pringlei n. comb

Abstract Platyhypnidium pringlei [≡ Eurhynchium pringlei] is an uncommon, montane species of aquatic Brachytheciaceae occurring across central Mexico and in Guatemala. A morphologically distinct form of this moss is found disjunctively in some sheltered coves of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southeastern United States. Both of these forms are sterile. A similar but more robust female plant is known from Arizona and California. In Himalayan India fertile forms of P. pringlei exist. These are apparently dioicous and have sporophytes with rostrate opercula and weakly roughened setae. Here we describe the sporophytes of P. pringlei for the first time and we discuss the variation, distribution and ecology of the species. Morphologically the several forms of P. pringlei intergrade, but in North America they appear to be geographically isolated. We tested the monophyly of Platyhypnidium using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data from 47 collections of Brachytheciaceae. Although most of Plat...
Reinventing Local Governments and the E‐Government Initiative

The Internet provides a powerful tool for reinventing local governments. It encourages transformation from the traditional bureaucratic paradigm, which emphasizes standardization, departmentalization, and operational cost-efficiency, to the “e-government” paradigm, which emphasizes coordinated network building, external collaboration, and customer services. Based on a content analysis of city Web sites and a survey of Web development officials, this article shows that many cities are already moving toward this new paradigm. These cities have adopted “onestop shopping” and customer-oriented principles in Web design, and they emphasize external collaboration and networking in the development process rather than technocracy. The article also analyzes the socioeconomic and organizational factors that are related to cities' progressiveness in Web development and highlights future challenges in reinventing government through Internet technology.
New real-time interactive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging system complements echocardiography.

Abstract Objectives. We conducted an initial clinical trial of a newly developed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) system. We evaluated left ventricular (LV) function in 85 patients to compare the clinical utility of the CMRI system with echocardiography, the current noninvasive gold standard. Background. Conventional CMRI systems require cardiac-gating and respiratory compensation to synthesize a single image from data acquired over multiple cardiac cycles. In contrast, the new CMRI system allows continuous real-time dynamic acquisition and display of any scan plane at 16 images/s without the need for cardiac gating or breath-holding. Methods. A conventional 1.5T Signa MRI Scanner (GE, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) was modified by the addition of an interactive workstation and a bus adapter. The new CMRI system underwent clinical trial by testing its ability to evaluate global and regional LV function. The first group (A) consisted of 31 patients with acceptable echocardiography image quality. The second group (B) consisted of 31 patients with suboptimal echocardiography image quality. The third group (C) consisted of 29 patients with severe lung disease or congenital cardiac malformation who frequently have suboptimal echo study. Two independent observers scored wall motion and image quality using the standard 16-segment model and rank-order analysis. Results. CMRI evaluation was complete in less than 15 min. In group A, no significant difference was found between ECHO and CMRI studies (p = NS). In group B, adequate visualization of wall segments was obtained 38% of the time using ECHO and 97% of the time using CMRI (p Conclusions. The new CMRI system provides clinically reliable evaluation of LV function and complements suboptimal echocardiography. In comparison with the conventional CMRI, the new CMRI system significantly reduces scan time, patient discomfort and associated cost.
Reactivity of Vascular Smooth Muscle in Hypertensive Rats

The reactivity of vascular smooth muscle in helical strips from femoral arteries of normotensive, spontaneously hypertensive, renal hypertensive, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-- (DCA-) hypertensive rats was studied. Spontaneous rhythmic contractions occurred in 25 of the 30 strips from the three groups of hypertensive rats and in only 2 of the 10 strips from normotensive rats. Strips from renal and DCA hypertensive rats had lower thresholds to epinephrine and potassium chloride (KCl) than did strips from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. Lanthanum (2.5 mM) caused contraction of all 10 strips from spontaneously hypertensive rats but failed to cause contraction of any strip from the other three groups of rats. Strontium (5 mM) caused contraction in 8 of 10 strips from spontaneously hypertensive rats but caused contraction in only 7 of the 30 strips from the other three groups. The optimal calcium concentration for tension development in response to a KCl stimulus was approximately twice as high for strips from hypertensive rats as it was for strips from normotensive rats. Strips from DCA-hypertensive rats showed less tachyphylaxis to angiotensin II than did strips from the other three groups of rats. These results quantify our earlier observation that the reactivity of vascular smooth muscle from hypertensive rats is importantly different from that of normotensive rats. In addition, the study delineates individuality in vascular smooth muscle reactivity in different types of experimental hypertension. The results suggest that the cell membrane of the vascular smooth muscle in the hypertensive rat is more labile than that in the normal rat.
A Connectionist Approach to the Organization and Continuity of Working Models of Attachment

Most research on adult attachment dynamics has been conducted under the assumption that working models are generalized cognitive-motivational structures that are highly stable and activated in a wide array of circumstances. Recent research, however, suggests that people develop attachment representations that are relationship specific, leading them to hold distinct working models in different kinds of relationships. The objective of this article is to outline a connectionist approach to the working model construct that has the potential to explain how global and relationship-specific working models are organized within the same mental system and how different learning environments can support continuity in those representations over time.
Preventive vaccines for cervical cancer

The potential use of vaccines for the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer is a possibility in the near future. Close to 20 genotypes of HPV, of the 75 that have been identified, infect the femine genital tract, but four subtypes (16, 18, 31 and 45) have been associated in close to 80% of cervical cancers. this article proposes that in order to design an effective prophylactic vaccine against HPV infection, an adequate immune response should be guaranteed through four goals; a) activation of antigens present in the cell; b) overcoming the host response and viral genetic variability in the T cell response; c) generation of high levels of T and B memory cells; and d) persistence of antigens.
Dissociation as a Function of Child Abuse and Fantasy Proneness in a Substance Abuse Population

To our knowledge, no research has empirically assessed the relationships among dissociation, child abuse, and fantasy proneness in a single study. The present study assessed 1229 male substance abuse patients at a VA Medical Center on dissociation (measured by the Dissociative Experiences Scale, DES), child abuse (measured by the Child Abuse and Trauma scale, CAT), and fantasy proneness (assessed by the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings, ICMI). A regression analysis was used to predict dissociation with the five CAT subscales and fantasy proneness. The five CAT subscales accounted for 12 percent of the variance when predicting the DES from only the five CAT subscales. However, 22 percent of the variance was accounted for when using both the ICMI and the CAT subscales. Cross-validation regression analysis yielded very similar results. Regression analyses suggested that fantasy proneness is as important as sexual abuse in predicting dissociation. These results may shed light on the recent contr...
Currency crises: Are they all the same?☆

Abstract The plethora of currency crises around the world has fueled many theories on the causes of speculative attacks. The first-generation models focus on fiscal problems while the second-generation models emphasize countercyclical policies and self-fulfilling crises. In the 1990s, models pinpoint to financial excesses. With the crisis of Argentina in 2001, models of sovereign default have become popular again. While the theoretical literature has emphasized variety, the empirical literature has supported the “one size fits all” models. This paper contributes to the empirical literature by assessing whether the crises of the last 30 years are of different varieties.
Preparing students for ABET a-k

The ABET EC2000 guidelines present specific behavioral outcomes for engineering graduates, commonly referred to as "a-k." While some of these criteria are standard in traditional engineering education - engineering problem solving, scientific knowledge - others, such as life-long learning, group effectiveness, and social awareness, are more abstract. To meet these criteria, we must actively promote student development in knowledge, skills and behavior in these areas and measure the effectiveness of our instruction. Measuring student behavior in these areas and showing positive change as a result of the time spent in the educational program creates a major challenge for educators. To address this, the authors have explored various psychological models used to describe student development: intellectual and ethical development, belief systems, emotional intelligence, and learning styles. In this paper, these models are used to describe the student growth required to promote development toward the professional engineer as defined by ABET, as well as instructional approaches that can promote the desired student growth
Becoming a Heterosexual Adult: The Experiences of Young Women

Adolescence brings new pressures on girls to adopt traditional genderroles and to become heterosexual adults in ways defined as appropriate by their peer group, their family, and the culture more broadly. We first review descriptive data on adolescent girls' early experiences with heterosexuality, including first intercourse and the experience of desire. Within a theoretical framework of cognitive social learning theory, we examine messages conveyed to girls by peers, parents, the mass media, and the schools. All four sources convey antigay attitudes while making homosexuality invisible; they also encourage traditional gender roles, an important component of which is heterosexuality.
Cracks: the hidden defect

Causes of cracks in surface-mounted multilayer ceramic (MLC) capacitors are discussed. Cracks due to thermal shock, pick-and-place machine damage, vacuum pickup bits, jaw damage, and warping are examined. Defects introduced by board depanelization and warpage after soldering are also considered. Three types of visible internal defects in MLC capacitors that impair reliability-interelectrode voids, firing cracks, and knit-line cracks- are described. It is suggested that lack of care during the surface-mount assembly process can result in damage that vitiates its benefits. >
Energy consumption and carbon footprint of high-speed rail projects: Using CAHSR and FHSR as examples:

During the past 2 years, high-speed rail (HSR) has become a popular concept in the United States partially because of its perceived environmental benefits. Many states are competing for HSR funding after the federal government made HSR a domestic priority. Of course, the allocation of funding is subject to many constraints. Among them, one of the necessary considerations should be the environmental efficiency of each HSR line. Using the proposed lines in California (CAHSR) and Florida (FLHSR) as examples, this article details a method that can be used to assess the life-cycle energy usage and carbon emission efficiency for new HSR lines. Ridership is forecasted based on data from existing HSR lines, and energy and emissions are analysed with the Economic Input–Output–Life-Cycle Analysis tool. Calculation shows that the construction of CAHSR is more environmentally efficient primarily due to its higher ridership predictions.
High-temperature equilibrium isotope fractionation of non-traditional stable isotopes: Experiments, theory, and applications

High-temperature partitioning of the stable isotopes of rock-forming elements like Mg, Si, Fe, Ni and others are useful new tools in geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Understanding the fundamental driving forces for equilibrium inter-mineral fractionation comes from basic crystal chemistry and is invaluable for interpreting data from natural systems. Both charge and coordination number are key factors affecting bond length and bond stiffness and therefore the relative proclivity of a mineral phase for concentrating heavy or light isotopes. Quantitative interpretation of the plethora of new data relies on refinements of equilibrium fractionation factors through a feedback between crystal chemical reasoning, ab initio predictions, experiments, and analyses of well-characterized natural samples. This multifaceted approach is leading to a rapid rate of discovery using non-traditional stable isotopes in high temperature systems. For example, open-system mass transfer in the mantle is becoming increasingly evident from departures from equilibrium Mg and Fe isotope ratio partitioning between minerals, and differences in isotope ratios between bulk silicate Earth and meteorites are elucidating the conditions for Earth's core formation quantitatively. These applications rely critically on accurate equilibrium fractionation factors.
Fast-Start: quick fault recovery in oracle

Availability requirements for database systems are more stringent than ever before with the widespread use of databases as the foundation for ebusiness. This paper highlights Fast-Start™ Fault Recovery, an important availability feature in Oracle, designed to expedite recovery from unplanned outages. Fast-Start allows the administrator to configure a running system to impose predictable bounds on the time required for crash recovery. For instance, fast-start allows fine-grained control over the duration of the roll-forward phase of crash recovery by adaptively varying the rate of checkpointing with minimal impact on online performance. Persistent transaction locking in Oracle allows normal online processing to be resumed while the rollback phase of recovery is still in progress, and fast-start allows quick and transparent rollback of changes made by uncommitted transactions prior to a crash.
Design of multicast protocols robust against inflated subscription

To disseminate data to a heterogeneous body of receivers efficiently, congestion control protocols for IP multicast compose a session from several multicast groups and prescribe guidelines that enable each re ceiver to subscribe to an appropriate subset of the groups. However, a misbehaving receiver can ignore the group subscription rules and inflate its subscription to acquire unfairly high throughput. In this paper, we present the first solution for the problem of inflated subscription. Our design guards access to multicast groups with dynamic keys and consists of two independent components: DELTA (Distribution of ELigibility To Access)-a novel method for in-band distribution of group keys to receivers that are eligible to access the groups according to the congestion control protocol, and SIGMA (Secure Internet Group Management Architecture)-a generic architecture for key-based group access at edge routers. We apply DELTA and SIGMA to derive robust versions of prominent RLM and FLID-DL protocols.
A Systematic Review of CPAP Adherence Across Age Groups: Clinical and Empiric Insights for Developing CPAP Adherence Interventions

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly efficacious treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but adherence to the treatment limits its overall effectiveness across all age groups of patients. Factors that influence adherence to CPAP include disease and patient characteristics, treatment titration procedures, technological device factors and side effects, and psychological and social factors. These influential factors have guided the development of interventions to promote CPAP adherence. Various intervention strategies have been described and include educational, technological, psychosocial, pharmacological, and multi-dimensional approaches. Though evidence to date has led to innovative strategies that address adherence in CPAP-treated children, adults, and older adults, significant opportunities exist to develop and test interventions that are clinically applicable, specific to sub-groups of patients likely to demonstrate poor adherence, and address the multi-factorial nature of CPAP adherence. The translation of CPAP adherence promotion interventions to clinical practice is imperative to improve health and functional outcomes in all persons with CPAP-treated OSA.
A detailed evaluation of TomoDirect 3DCRT planning for whole-breast radiation therapy

The goal of this work was to develop planning strategies for whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) using TomoDirect three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (TD-3DCRT) and to compare TD-3DCRT with conventional 3DCRT and TD intensity-modulated radiation therapy (TD-IMRT) to evaluate differences in WBRT plan quality. Computed tomography (CT) images of 10 women were used to generate 150 WBRT plans, varying in target structures, field width (FW), pitch, and number of beams. Effects on target and external maximum doses (EMD), organ-at-risk (OAR) doses, and treatment time were assessed for each parameter to establish an optimal planning technique. Using this technique, TD-3DCRT plans were generated and compared with TD-IMRT and standard 3DCRT plans. FW 5.0cm with pitch = 0.250cm significantly decreased EMD without increasing lung V20Gy. Increasing number of beams from 2 to 6 and using an additional breast planning structure decreased EMD though increased lung V20Gy. Changes in pitch had minimal effect on plan metrics. TD-3DCRT plans were subsequently generated using FW 5.0cm, pitch = 0.250cm, and 2 beams, with additional beams or planning structures added to decrease EMD when necessary. TD-3DCRT and TD-IMRT significantly decreased target maximum dose compared to standard 3DCRT. FW 5.0cm with 2 to 6 beams or novel planning structures or both allow for TD-3DCRT WBRT plans with excellent target coverage and OAR doses. TD-3DCRT plans are comparable to plans generated using TD-IMRT and provide an alternative to conventional 3DCRT for WBRT.
Implementation and Evaluation of A QoS-Capable Cluster-Based IP Router

A major challenge in Internet edge router design is to support both high packet forwarding performance and versatile and efficient packet processing capabilities. The thesis of this research project is that a cluster of PCs connected by a high speed system area network provides an effective hardware platform for building routers to be used at the edges of the Internet. This paper describes a scalable and extensible edge router architecture called Panama, which supports a novel aggregate route caching scheme, a real-time link scheduling algorithm whose performance overhead is independent of the number of real-time flows, a highly efficient kernel extension mechanism to safely load networking software extensions dynamically, and an integrated resource scheduler which ensures that real-time flows with additional packet processing requirements still meet their end-to-end performance requirements. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of the first Panama prototype based on a cluster of PCs and Myrinet.
Influence of Cotton Fruit Stages as Food Sources on Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Fecundity and Oviposition

Boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coloeoptera: Curculionidae), populations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas increase strongly during the squaring stage, and preemptive insecticide sprays at the pinhead square stage were designed to capitalize on that association. Laboratory assays showed that cotton plant volatiles, or leaves as a food source, do not elicit egg production in wild weevils. Boll weevils fed on large (5.5–8-mm diameter) squares for 7 d resulted in ≥3.8-fold more gravid females that developed 4.8-fold more chorionated eggs per female than weevils fed on match-head-sized squares, or postbloom, young (5–10-d-old), or old (3–5-wk-old) bolls. When presented with a choice, nongravid females preferred to feed on young and old bolls 4.7- and 8.4-fold more, respectively, than on large squares. In the field, large squares had 7.8- and 25-fold more feeding punctures than match-head-sized squares and bolls, respectively. Oviposition increased ≥2.7-fold when females fed on large squares compared with match-head-sized squares and bolls. Greater feeding on large squares during squaring and the associated greater fecundity explain rapid weevil population buildups shortly after large squares become well established.
Use of HCA in subproteome-immunization and screening of hybridoma supernatants to define distinct antibody binding patterns

Understanding the properties and functions of complex biological systems depends upon knowing the proteins present and the interactions between them. Recent advances in mass spectrometry have given us greater insights into the participating proteomes, however, monoclonal antibodies remain key to understanding the structures, functions, locations and macromolecular interactions of the involved proteins. The traditional single immunogen method to produce monoclonal antibodies using hybridoma technology are time, resource and cost intensive, limiting the number of reagents that are available. Using a high content analysis screening approach, we have developed a method in which a complex mixture of proteins (e.g., subproteome) is used to generate a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific to a subproteome located in a defined subcellular compartment such as the nucleus. The immunofluorescent images in the primary hybridoma screen are analyzed using an automated processing approach and classified using a recursive partitioning forest classification model derived from images obtained from the Human Protein Atlas. Using an ammonium sulfate purified nuclear matrix fraction as an example of reverse proteomics, we identified 866 hybridoma supernatants with a positive immunofluorescent signal. Of those, 402 produced a nuclear signal from which patterns similar to known nuclear matrix associated proteins were identified. Detailed here is our method, the analysis techniques, and a discussion of the application to further in vivo antibody production.
The structural diversity of artificial genetic polymers

Synthetic genetics is a subdiscipline of synthetic biology that aims to develop artificial genetic polymers (also referred to as xeno-nucleic acids or XNAs) that can replicate in vitro and eventually in model cellular organisms. This field of science combines organic chemistry with polymerase engineering to create alternative forms of DNA that can store genetic information and evolve in response to external stimuli. Practitioners of synthetic genetics postulate that XNA could be used to safeguard synthetic biology organisms by storing genetic information in orthogonal chromosomes. XNA polymers are also under active investigation as a source of nuclease resistant affinity reagents (aptamers) and catalysts (xenozymes) with practical applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we provide a structural perspective on known antiparallel duplex structures in which at least one strand of the Watson-Crick duplex is composed entirely of XNA. Currently, only a handful of XNA structures have been archived in the Protein Data Bank as compared to the more than 100 000 structures that are now available. Given the growing interest in xenobiology projects, we chose to compare the structural features of XNA polymers and discuss their potential to access new regions of nucleic acid fold space.
Abstract 26: PVN GaI2 Subunit Proteins - The Key to a Salt-resistant Phenotype?

Aim: Endogenous up-regulation of PVN Gαi 2 proteins facilitates sympathoinhibition and normotension during chronic Na + challenge in Sprague-Dawley rats via a renal-nerve dependent mechanism. Therefore, we examined the role of PVN Gαi 2 proteins in MAP regulation during high salt-intake in intact and renal denervated (RDNX) Dahl salt-resistant (DSR) & salt-sensitive (DSS) rats and naive Brown Norway (BN) and DSSBN8 congenic rats. Methods: Sham (S) or RDNX DSR & DSS rats receiving a continuous i.c.v. infusion of a scrambled (SCR) or Gαi 2 oligodeoxynucleotide (25 μg/day), and naive BN and DSSBN8 rats, were fed a 21-day normal 0.4% (NS) or high 8% NaCl (HS) diet. MAP was recorded continuously by radiotelemetry and Na + homeostasis was assessed via metabolic balance studies. On day-21 plasma norepinephrine (NE), autonomic function and PVN Gαi 2 protein levels were determined (N=6/gp). Results: HS-intake did not alter MAP, suppressed plasma NE (P 2 protein levels in BN & DSR (4.8 and 4.5-fold respectively, P 2 down-regulation evoked rapid renal nerve-dependent hypertension (MAP [mmHg] Day 4 HS S 121±2* vs RDNX 101±2, Day 21 HS S 127±2* vs RDNX 101±1), Na + retention and sympathoexcitation (plasma NE [nmol/L] S 87±7* vs RDNX 37±3, peak ΔMAP to chlorisondamine [mmHg] S -68±4* vs RDNX -37±3). In DSS rats, Gαi 2 down-regulation exacerbated salt-induced hypertension (MAP [mmHg] Day 4 HS S 148±5* vs RDNX 133±4, Day 21 HS S 175±4* vs RDNX 145±3), Na + retention, and sympathoexcitation (plasma NE [nmol/L] S 118±9* vs RDNX 88±6) in a renal nerve dependent manner. DSSBN8 rats exhibited PVN specific Gαi 2 protein up-regulation, attenuated hypertension (MAP [mmHg] Day 21 DSSBN8 HS 142±2 τ , DSS HS 155±4), Na + retention and global sympathoexcitation (plasma NE [nmol/L] DSSBN8 HS 52±4 τ , DSS HS 87±6). *p τ p Conclusion: PVN Gαi 2 protein-gated pathways represent a conserved central molecular pathway mediating sympathoinhibitory renal-nerve dependent responses evoked to maintain sodium homeostasis and a salt-resistant phenotype. Owing to SNP’s in the human GNAI2 gene (which encodes Gαi 2 ) correlating with hypertension our findings have translational implications.
Metabolic adaptation of fetal hindlimb to severe, nonlethal hypoxia.

To test the hypothesis that an important aspect of the fetal response to severe, nonlethal hypoxia is a relatively large reduction in oxidative metabolism and small increase in lactate production by organs whose O2 supply is selectively reduced, net fluxes of O2, glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and CO2 derived from fetal plasma lactate carbon [(CO2)PL] were measured across the hindlimb and umbilical circulations in six sheep fetuses before and at 200-260 min of hypoxia. During hypoxia, blood lactate reached a high but steady level (15.2 +/- 2.2 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.2 mM; P < 0.001). Hypoxia was induced by reducing uterine blood flow. Limb O2 uptake and (CO2)PL decreased (P < 0.01) and lactate output increased (P < 0.05) (-83.1 +/- 13.9, -28.6 +/- 5.0, and +35.7 +/- 13.7 nmol.min-1 x g-1, respectively), while pyruvate and glucose uptakes remained similar to control. The increase in limb glycolysis was approximately 10% of the value that would compensate for the decrease in oxidative energy metabolism. The ratio of limb O2 uptake to fetus O2 uptake decreased significantly (0.247 +/- 0.029 vs. 0.447 +/- 0.036; P < 0.01). In contrast to fetal limb (CO2)PL, fetal (CO2)PL did not decrease. During severe, nonlethal hypoxia, fetal survival depends on uneven and counterbalancing organ O2 uptake and lactate metabolism.
Sox2-CreER mice are useful for fate mapping of mature, but not neonatal, cochlear supporting cells in hair cell regeneration studies

Studies of hair cell regeneration in the postnatal cochlea rely on fate mapping of supporting cells. Here we characterized a Sox2-CreER knock-in mouse line with two independent reporter mouse strains at neonatal and mature ages. Regardless of induction age, reporter expression was robust, with CreER activity being readily detectable in >85% of supporting cells within the organ of Corti. When induced at postnatal day (P) 28, Sox2-CreER activity was exclusive to supporting cells demonstrating its utility for fate mapping studies beyond this age. However, when induced at P1, Sox2-CreER activity was also detected in >50% of cochlear hair cells, suggesting that Sox2-CreER may not be useful to fate map a supporting cell origin of regenerated hair cells if induced at neonatal ages. Given that this model is currently in use by several investigators for fate mapping purposes, and may be adopted by others in the future, our finding that current protocols are effective for restricting CreER activity to supporting cells at mature but not neonatal ages is both significant and timely.
Improving Comfort and Throughput for Patients Undergoing Fractionated Laser Ablation of Symptomatic Burn Scars

Introduction Utilization of fractionated ablation with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has shown to be efficacious in the management of symptomatic burn scars. Although effective, this procedure is painful and burn patients traditionally evidence low pain tolerance. For this reason intravenous anesthesia is used during these procedures. However, operative anesthetics and intravenous opioids are associated with patient discomfort postoperatively and prolonged recovery times. The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) Task Force on Acute Pain Management for the perioperative setting recommends the use of multimodal anesthesia, including the use of regional blockade with a local anesthetic. A quality improvement project was implemented to incorporate this practice and evaluate outcomes. The main goal of this project was to improve patient comfort as evidenced by improved pain scores with a decreased requirement for intravenous opioids post-procedure. The secondary goal of this project was to improve patient throughput in the setting of an outpatient surgical facility as evidenced by decreased time in the facility. Methods A historic cohort of 36 cases was compared to 36 cases managed under the ASA guidelines for multimodal anesthesia utilizing a topical local anesthetic. Statistical analysis included a t-test for continuous variables while chi square was utilized to analysis dichotomous variables. Results Intravenous narcotic utilization and mean pain scores in the recovery phase of care were significantly reduced as a result of adoption of the ASA recommendations. Throughput time increased by 36 minutes; notably in the preoperative phase, while patient movement through the procedural phase was significantly decreased as was procedure to discharge times. Conclusions Implementing the use of a topical anesthetic as a component of multimodal anesthesia for patients undergoing fractionated laser ablation of symptomatic burn scars can significantly decrease patient pain and the need for intravenous opioids during the recovery phase of care. Increased overall throughput times were noted primarily in the preoperative period, while procedure to discharge times decreased. As operative and recovery phases represent higher operational costs, decreased time in these areas represent potential cost savings for the facility.
Nuclear Magnetic Susceptibility of Solid He 3 and of Dilute Solid Mixtures of He 4 in He 3

Continuous-wave NMR was used to study the temperature dependence of the static nuclear magnetic susceptibility of solid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ and solid mixtures of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ in ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$. Measurements were performed in the purest sample (3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ in ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$) at four molar volumes (21, 22, 23, and 24 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole) in the bcc phase, and at several ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ concentrations ranging from 3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ to 2.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ at 21 and 23 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole. The temperature range of the measurements was from 0.95 to 0.32 K. The data were fitted to a Curie-Weiss law with an rms deviation from best fit of less than ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and best values of the Weiss constant $\ensuremath{\theta}$ were obtained. Susceptibilities and temperatures were measured to better than 0.1%. The temperature scale was based upon the susceptibility of the purest, most-dense sample. The desired accuracy in the susceptibility measurements necessitated a new method of data reduction. The accuracy in the extracted values of $\ensuremath{\theta}$ was better than \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 mk. The values of $\ensuremath{\theta}$ in the purest sample (-0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.82 mK at 21 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, -1.03\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.06 mK at 22 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, -1.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.27 mK at 23 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, and -3.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.78 mK at 24 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole) agreed within experimental uncertainty with those of earlier workers, operating at lower temperatures. They provide a high-temperature check on those measurements. The measured effects on $\ensuremath{\theta}$ of the ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ impurity are consistent with the work of Richards and Homer, but the measurements show an improved accuracy. The data, as a function of $x$, the atomic fraction of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$, have been fitted to the equation $\ensuremath{\theta}(x)={\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}(1+Kx)$. Values of $K$ of -430\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}450 and -19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 were obtained at 21 and 23 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, respectively.
The effects of hearing impairment in older adults on communication partners: a systematic review.

Background: Hearing impairment is highly prevalent in older adults and can affect the daily activities of a person who is hard of hearing (HOH). The impact of hearing impairment may also have collateral effects on the primary communication partner (CP; e.g., spouse, close family member, or caregiver) of the person who is HOH. Purpose: We aimed to characterize the impact of hearing loss in a person who is HOH on his or her CP. Research Design: We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts examining the consequences of hearing loss in a person who is HOH on the CP. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PyscINFO, CINAHL Plus with full text, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles using a predefined search string and hand-searched reference lists of relevant articles. Data Collection and Analysis: We initially screened abstracts blinded for author and journal to eliminate irrelevant and duplicate articles. Descriptive information on study populations, hearing assessments, outcome metrics, and study findings were extracted from full-length manuscripts. Results: Of the 1,047 abstracts retrieved from database searching and 5 hand-searched articles, 24 articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included observational clinical studies, randomized clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies. Overall, CPs experienced a restricted social life, increased burden of communication, and poorer quality of life (QOL) and relationship satisfaction. Effects of hearing impairment on a CP’s mental health were unclear. Treatment of hearing loss in the person who is HOH tended to improve QOL, communication, feelings toward the person who is HOH, and activity participation of the CP. Conclusions: This review highlights the broad effects of hearing impairment and the importance of involving CPs in hearing loss treatment decisions.
Seer Grid: Privacy and Utility Implications of Two-Level Load Prediction in Smart Grids

We propose “Seer Grid”, a novel two-level energy consumption prediction framework for smart grids, aimed to decrease the trade-off between privacy requirements (of the customer) and data utility requirements (of the energy company (EC)). The first-level prediction at the household level is performed by each smart meter (SM), and the predicted energy consumption pattern (instead of the actual energy usage data) is reported to a cluster head (CH). Then, a second-level prediction at the neighborhood level is done by the CH which predicts the energy spikes in the neighborhood or cluster and shares it with the EC. Our two-level prediction mechanism is designed such that it preserves the correlation between the predicted and actual energy consumption patterns at the cluster level and removes this correlation in the predicted data communicated by each SM to the CH. This maintains the usefulness of the cluster-level energy consumption data communicated to the EC, while preserving the privacy of the household-level energy consumption data against the CH (and thus the EC). Our evaluation results show that Seer Grid is successful in hiding private consumption patterns at the household-level while still being able to accurately predict energy consumption at the neighborhood-level.
Isoimmunization with Human γG∗ Immunoglobulins:

Summary1. Human volunteers immunized with human γG-immunoglobulins emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant have responded by producing non-precipitating iso-antibodies to γG-immunoglobulins. 2. These iso-antibodies, uniquely specific against Gm and Inv. antigens, were demonstrated by sensitive hemagglutination methods. 3. During 2 years observation of 7 volunteers, no evidence of immunologic disease was discerned. 4. Local reactions were such as to deter use of Freund's complete adjuvant in human immunization.