cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genotypic variation in aluminum resistance, cellular aluminum fractions, callose and pectin formation and organic acid accumulation in roots of Populus hybrids

Abstract Soil acidity and aluminum (Al) toxicity are major factors limiting crop yield and forest productivity worldwide. Hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) was used as a model to assess genotypic variation in Al resistance and physiological stress responses to Al in a woody tree species. Eight hybrid crosses of P. trichocarpa, P. deltoides and P. nigra were exposed to Al in solution culture. Resistance to Al varied by genotype and hybrid cross, with P. trichocarpa × P. deltoides crosses being most resistant, P. trichocarpa × P. nigra being intermediate and P. deltoides × P. nigra being most sensitive to Al. Total root Al accumulation was not a good indicator of Al resistance/sensitivity. However, the partitioning of Al into apoplastic and symplastic fractions indicated that differences in sensitivity among genotypes were associated with Al uptake into the symplasm. Aluminum treatment increased callose and pectin concentrations of root tips in all genotypes, but more prominently in Al sensitive genotypes/hybrids. In Al sensitive genotypes, higher levels of symplastic Al accumulation correlated with elevated concentrations of citrate, malate, succinate or formate in root tips, whereas organic acid accumulation was not as pronounced in Al resistant genotypes. These findings suggest that exclusion of Al from the symplast is associated with Al resistance. Further screening of Al tolerant poplar genotypes could yield successful candidates to be utilized for sustainable reforestation/reclamation and carbon sequestration projects where soil acidity may limit tree growth.
For‐profit versus not‐for‐profit charter schools: an examination of Michigan student test scores

The role of for‐profit educational organizations in the predominantly public and not‐for‐profit K–12 US schooling system is being fiercely debated across our nation. Little empirical research is available to help policy‐makers develop informed decisions regarding the educational value that for‐profit schools provide to our students. This paper fills in part, for the first time in detail, this void. This paper uses a four‐year panel of charter schools from the state of Michigan to estimate a school‐level education production function and employ a random effects model that controls for student and district characteristics. The results find no evidence of a change in efficiency when a charter school is run by a for‐profit company (versus a not‐for‐profit company). The analysis developed in this paper takes the debate one step further as well, and examines the role that the size of for‐profit firms plays in the associated outcomes. There is some evidence that small for‐profit companies are either less efficie...
The evaluation of deductive argument: A process analysis

This paper presents a model of the processes involved in listener response to deductive arguments. The model stresses the function of situation and message stimuli as activating habit‐families of perceptual rules and evaluative strategies. A typology of responses to fallacious deductive arguments is included. The occurrence of these response types is used as a dependent measure in three studies of hypotheses derived from the model. It is suggested that the validity of an argument as well as the form of an argument is determined by the listener. External stimuli influence the perceptual rules and evaluative strategies activated within the listener. Concern should thus be upon the appropriateness of evaluative procedures for communication situations.
Sub-optimal proton pump inhibitor dosing is prevalent in patients with poorly controlled gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Summary Background Proton pump inhibitors are the most potent drug treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Premeal dosing maximizes efficacy while sub-optimal dose timing may limit efficacy. Aim To determine the prevalence of sub-optimal proton pump inhibitor dosing in a community-based gastro-oesophageal reflux disease population. Materials and methods One hundred patients on proton pump inhibitors referred for persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms were questioned about their proton pump inhibitor dosing habits and classified as optimal or sub-optimal dosers. Optimal dosers took proton pump inhibitors with or up to 60 min before meals. Sub-optimal dosers took proton pump inhibitors >60 min before meals, after meals, as needed, or at bedtime. Results Forty-six percent dosed optimally. Fifty-four percent dosed sub-optimally with 21 of 54 (39%) dosing >60 min before meals, 16 (30%) after meals, 15 (28%) at bedtime and two (4%) as needed. Only 6% of the subjects on once-daily proton pump inhibitor regimens and 33% of subjects taking proton pump inhibitors two- to three times daily dosed in a manner that maximized acid suppression (15–30 min before a meal). Conclusions In this study, 54% of patients dosed proton pump inhibitors sub-optimally and only 12% dosed in a manner that maximized acid suppression. As sub-optimal proton pump inhibitor dose timing can limit efficacy, patients with refractory symptoms should be asked about dose timing to avoid inappropriate and costly dose escalations.
On the Nature of Contemporary Prejudice: The Third Wave

This article examines how social and historical developments have influenced the intellectual climate surrounding the study of prejudice and illustrates how these advances are reflected in the study of one type of racial bias, aversive racism. Three waves of research are identified. In the first wave, prejudice was assumed to reflect psychopathology. In the second, it was viewed as rooted in normal processes. The third wave emphasizes the multidimensional aspect of prejudice and takes advantage of new technologies to study processes that were earlier hypothesized but not directly measurable. Research on aversive racism is presented to demonstrate the transition of research across the second and third waves and to show how unconscious biases can significantly influence race relations.
The Learning Outcomes Project: Not Business as Usual

Central Arizona College successfully defined student learning outcomes and is building a culture of evidence to support the Learning Paradigm. Recent data indicate great strides in the improvement of student learning. Qualitative research produced meaningful comparisons of leadership and faculty perceptions of the process of developing student learning outcomes.
21.4: Compensation for Stray Light in Projection Display Metrology

Electronic projection display specifications are often based on measurements made in ideal darkroom conditions and assume ideal measurement instrumentation. However, not everyone has access to such a facility, and the light-measuring devices may not necessarily provide the desired information. Simple tools are discussed that address some of these concerns.
Lateral diffusion in an archipelago : single-particle diffusion

Several laboratories have measured lateral diffusion of single particles on the cell surface, and these measurements may reveal an otherwise inaccessible level of submicroscopic organization of cell membranes. Pitfalls in the interpretation of these experiments are analyzed. Random walks in unobstructed systems show structure that could be interpreted as free diffusion, obstructed diffusion, directed motion, or trapping in finite domains. To interpret observed trajectories correctly, one must consider not only the trajectories themselves but also the probabilities of occurrence of various trajectories. Measures of the asymmetry of obstructed and unobstructed random walks are calculated, and probabilities are evaluated for random trajectories that resemble either directed motion or diffusion in a bounded region.
Direct analysis of radiation-induced chromosome fragments and rings in unstimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes by means of the premature chromosome condensation technique.

Abstract Development of the procedure to stimulate peripheral blood lymphocytes has greatly facilitated the understanding of chromosome aberration formation and repair mechanisms in human cells. Yet, because radiation induces far more initial chromosome breaks than are observed as aberrations in metaphase, it has not been possible to examine the kinetics of primary chromosome breakage and rejoining with this procedure. An improved method to induce premature chromosome condensation is unstimulated lymphocytes has been used to study primary chromosome breakage, rejoining, and ring formation at various times after irradiation with up to 800 rad of X-rays. The dose-response relations for chromosome fragments analyzed immediately or 1, 2, or 24 h after exposure were found to be linear. Rapid rejoining of chromosome fragments, which takes place in the first 3 h after X-ray exposure, was not correlated with a simultaneous increase in the formation of rings. The yield of rings per cell scored 24 h after irradiation, however, increased significantly and fit a linear quadratic equation. Both chromosome fragment rejoining and ring formation were completed about 6 h after irradiation. The frequency distributions of rings among cells followed a Poisson distribution, whereas chromosome fragments were overdispersed.
Training Patients to Educate Others in Chronic Disease

ABSTRACTThe Andalusian Patient School to improve quality of life for chronic disease patients is described. Methods used and patient types are discussed. Emphases are on patient safety and education, including a focus on medications for chronic pain.This feature is adapted from paineurope 2011; Issue 4, ©Haymarket Medical Publications Ltd., and is presented with permission. paineurope is provided as a service to pain management by Mundipharma International, Ltd., and is distributed free of charge to health care professionals in Europe. Archival issues can be accessed via the Web site: http://www.paineurope.com, at which European health professionals can register online to receive copies of the quarterly publication.
Growth, consumption, assimilation and excretion in the marine herbivorous fish Cebidichthys violaceus (Girard) fed natural and high protein diets

Laboratory feeding trials were conducted to determine the growth and food processing rates and gut retention times of a wild, cool-temperate zone fish fed its simulated summer diet of seaweeds and two higher protein diets more typical of those of carnivorous fishes. When this stichaeid fish, Cebidichthys violaceus (Girard), was fed for 12 wk on a pelleted natural summer diet (10% protein) and on this food modified to make two higher (30 and 50%) protein diets, the fish grew equally fast on the 10 and 50% protein diets but most rapidly on the 30% protein regimen. Rates of food consumption and assimilation and energy consumption were lower for fish on the highest protein diet than for those on the other two diets. The energy assimilation rate was lower for fish on the 10% protein diet than for those on the 30% diet, but neither rate was different from that for fish on the 50% protein diet. Gut retention times were shorter for fish on the lowest protein diet, yet nitrogen consumption, assimilation and excretion rates were not different for fish on the three diets, suggesting that C. violaceus feeds to meet a nitrogen (protein) requirement. That the nitrogen excretion rate did not increase with an increase in dietary protein content may be explained at least in part by the marked decrease in food consumption rates with increase in dietary protein levels.
Associations for change in physical and psychological factors and treatment response following exercise in knee osteoarthritis: An exploratory study

Objective Understanding how changes in physical and psychological factors following therapeutic exercise are associated with treatment outcome could have important implications for refining rehabilitation programs for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to examine the association of changes in these factors with changes in pain and function after an exercise program for people with knee OA. Methods In total, 152 people with knee OA completed an exercise program consisting of lower extremity strengthening, stretching, range of motion, balance and agility, and aerobic exercises. The change from baseline to the 2-month followup was calculated for physical and psychological factors, including self-reported knee instability, quadriceps strength, knee and ankle range of motion, lower extremity muscle flexibility, fear of physical activity, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Treatment response was defined as a minimum of a 20% improvement from baseline in both a numerical knee pain rating scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function scale. The association of each factor with treatment response was examined with logistic regression mutually adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, radiographic severity, and exercise group. Results Change in self-reported knee instability (odds ratio [OR] 1.67 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13–2.47]) and fear of physical activity (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88–1.00]) were the only 2 factors that were significantly associated with treatment response after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion Improvement in knee instability and fear of physical activity were associated with increased odds of a positive treatment response following therapeutic exercise in subjects with knee OA.
Line intensities in the 2ν3 band of 12C16O17O at 4655.2 cm−1

Abstract The absolute intensities of transitions in the 2 ν 3 vibrational band of 12 C 16 O 17 O at 4655.2 cm −1 have been measured in natural isotopic abundance; the spectra being obtained with a resolution of 0.012 cm −1 using a Bomem DA8 FTS at NASA/Ames and the McMath FTS at Kitt Peak National Observatory, AZ. About 45 transitions were fitted to obtain the rotationless band strength of S 0 vib = 8.489 × 10 −25 cm −1 /(molecule/cm 2 ) at 296 K. Although the current HITRAN line positions for this band do not have any defined uncertainties, our measurements average only about 0.0025 cm −1 smaller.
Prevalence, evaluation and management of overactive bladder in primary care

Patients with overactive bladder (OAB) are under-diagnosed in the primary care setting. Primary care physicians (PCP) approach to the patient and appropriate patient disclosure may contribute to under-diagnosis. An outpatient primary care setting was used to determine the prevalence and characteristics of OAB. Patients who visited the family medicine outpatient clinic were invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire. It included questions on evidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (modified Overactive Bladder-Validated 8-question Screener [OAB-V8]), relevant medical and surgical history, and demographic data. Relationship between OAB and other independent variables were analyzed using chi-square and risk ratio (RR) analysis. Of 325 questionnaires distributed, 311 were returned completed. Patients ranged from 18 to 97 years, the majority women (74.0%) and African American (74.3%). OAB was present in 60.5% of men and 48.3% of women (p = 0.058). OAB was significantly associated with obesity (BMI > = 30) in women (p = 0.018, RR = 1.72), specifically obese premenopausal women (age < 55 years) (p = 0.011, RR = 1.98). OAB prevalence is more than double and higher in men than previously reported. The relative risk for OAB is significantly greater in obese premenopausal women.
A Substitution in the Transmembrane Region of the Glycoprotein Leads to an Unstable Attenuation of Machupo Virus

Machupo virus (MACV) is the etiologic agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). Utilizing a reverse-genetics system recently developed, we report the rescue of a rationally modified recombinant MACV containing a single mutation in the transmembrane region of the glycoprotein. Following challenge of susceptible mice, we identified a significant reduction in virulence in the novel virus. We also identified an instability leading to reversion of the single mutation to a wild-type genotype.
Preparation of Group I Introns for Biochemical Studies and Crystallization Assays by Native Affinity Purification

The study of functional RNAs of various sizes and structures requires efficient methods for their synthesis and purification. Here, 23 group I intron variants ranging in length from 246 to 341 nucleotides—some containing exons—were subjected to a native purification technique previously applied only to shorter RNAs (<160 nucleotides). For the RNAs containing both exons, we adjusted the original purification protocol to allow for purification of radiolabeled molecules. The resulting RNAs were used in folding assays on native gel electrophoresis and in self-splicing assays. The intron-only RNAs were subjected to the regular native purification scheme, assayed for folding and employed in crystallization screens. All RNAs that contained a 3′ overhang of one nucleotide were efficiently cleaved off from the support and were at least 90% pure after the non-denaturing purification. A representative subset of these RNAs was shown to be folded and self-splicing after purification. Additionally, crystals were grown for a 286 nucleotide long variant of the Clostridium botulinum intron. These results demonstrate the suitability of the native affinity purification method for the preparation of group I introns. We hope these findings will stimulate a broader application of this strategy to the preparation of other large RNA molecules.
Let’s discuss: Teaching students about discussions

Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of employing classroom discussions; however, there has been less attention given to teaching students about discussions. The current research compared 2 advanced social psychology courses: 1 without (control) and 1 with (experimental) a week devoted to learning about and discussing discussions. Several different indicators showed marked improvements for the experimental group as compared to the control group. The differences between the two classes were particularly noticeable at the beginning of the semester. Even though the control group was able to eventually obtain similar scores, the differences at the beginning of the semester suggest that students in the experimental group benefitted early from the experimental condition. Additionally, measures provided directly by the students demonstrated higher ratings of self-assessment and course evaluations for students enrolled in the experimental class.
Which Telework? Defining and Testing a Taxonomy of Technology-Mediated Work at a Distance

Telework has been the subject of study for longer than a quarter century, yet its causes and consequences are poorly understood. A key reason for this shortcoming is that scholars define and use the concept in many different ways. This article presents a taxonomy of telework, distinguishing among three distinct forms: fixed-site telework, mobile telework, and flexiwork. It then offers a series of research questions about the associations among these three types of telework and a variety of other factors. Using data collected in a national telephone survey of more than 1,200 U.S. computer-using workers, the authors empirically demonstrate that the three types of teleworkers are unique along key dimensions regarding their individual characteristics, organizational and technological contexts, and the impacts on their work.
Soil N Management Impact on the Quality of Surface and Subsurface Water

Nitrogen (N) in the forms of nitrate or ammonium is a nutrient needed for plant growth. When the amount of soil-supplied N is considered deficient for satisfactory crop yields, N fertilizer is added to supplement the soil-supplied N. If N is supplied in excess of crop needs, a surplus is created that can cause significant water quality problems. Until recently, the main reason for investigations into the forms of N in soil systems below the rooting depth of plants was to evaluate the loss of nitrate to crops and to estimate the loss of production. In recent years, much attention has been focused on forms of N as potential pollutant sources of both groundwater and surface water. Nitrate concentrations above a certain level in drinking water may have critical health effects on animals and human infants. Alternately, N can also contribute to surface water contamination via surface water runoff and erosion. Excessive nitrate concentrations in surface water bodies, such as streams or lakes, can accelerate algae and plant growth, resulting in oxygen depletion. Nitrogen must be managed properly to protect water quality. Best management practices (BMPs) are methods that are the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing nutrient pollution from nonpoint sources. Nitrogen BMPs primarily involve a change in fertilizer management practices, such as changing the timing, placement method, and/or the amount of fertilizer applied to reduce the possibilities of contaminating water resources. In addition, conservation tillage practices, cover crops, and crop rotation all help reduce surface runoff, erosion, and leaching of soil N. It is imperative to continue the development and implementation of new and effective management practices that increase N recovery and reduce potential N losses to the environment. Keywords: nitrogen; fertilizer; water quality; eutrophication; management practices
Age, splanchnic vasoconstriction, and heat stress during tilting

During upright tilting, blood is translocated to the dependent veins of the legs and compensatory circulatory adjustments are necessary to maintain arterial pressure. For examination of the effect of age on these responses, seven young (23 +/- 1 yr) and seven older (70 +/- 3 yr) men were head-up tilted to 60 degrees in a thermoneutral condition and during passive heating with water-perfused suits. Measurements included heart rate (HR), cardiac output (Qc; acetylene rebreathing technique), central venous pressure (CVP), blood pressures, forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), splanchnic and renal blood flows (indocyanine green and p-aminohippurate clearance), and esophageal and mean skin temperatures. In response to tilting in the thermoneutral condition, CVP and stroke volume decreased to a greater extent in the young men, but HR increased more, such that the fall in Qc was similar between the two groups in the upright posture. The rise in splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR) was greater in the older men, but the young men increased forearm vascular resistance (FVR) to a greater extent than the older men. The fall in Qc during combined heat stress and tilting was greater in the young compared with older men. Only four of the young men versus six of the older men were able to finish the second tilt without becoming presyncopal. In summary, the older men relied on a greater increase in SVR to compensate for a reduced ability to constrict the skin and muscle circulations (as determined by changes in FVR) during head-up tilting.
Common Questions About Pacemakers

Pacemakers are indicated in patients with certain symptomatic bradyarrhythmias caused by sinus node dysfunction, and in those with frequent, prolonged sinus pauses. Patients with third-degree or complete atrioventricular (AV) block benefit from pacemaker placement, as do those with type II second-degree AV block because of the risk of progression to complete AV block. The use of pacemakers in patients with type I second-degree AV block is controversial. Patients with first-degree AV block generally should not receive a pacemaker except when the PR interval is significantly prolonged and the patient is symptomatic. Although some guidelines recommend pacemaker implantation for patients with hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome, recent evidence has not shown benefit. Some older patients with severe neurocardiogenic syncope may benefit from pacemakers, but most patients with this disorder do not. Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves mortality rates and some other disease-specific measures in patients who have a QRS duration of 150 milliseconds or greater and New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure. Patients with class II heart failure and a QRS of 150 milliseconds or greater also appear to benefit, but there is insufficient evidence to support the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with class I heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with a QRS of 120 to 150 milliseconds does not reduce rates of hospitalization or death.
Influence of a probiotic mixture on antibiotic induced microbiota disturbances

AIM: To study the effect of probiotic consumption on the faecal microbiota during and after antibiotic exposure. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study with a two species probiotic combination [Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) ATCC 700396 and Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) ATCC SD5220] on healthy adults during and after antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin 875 and 125 mg clavulanate). The dominant faecal microbiota was studied by real time-polymerase chain reaction to determine if this probiotic preparation could facilitate restoring the microbiota to its pre-antibiotic state and influence the prevalence of beta-lactam resistance. Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded by questionnaire and Bristol stool scale. RESULTS: Subjects on the probiotic combination had significantly higher faecal counts of L. acidophilus ATCC 700396 and B. lactis at day 8 (end of antibiotic treatment period) vs those on placebo. Furthermore, subjects on the probiotic combination had significantly higher faecal counts of L. acidophilus ATCC 700396 and B. lactis at Day 15 (end of probiotic treatment) vs those on placebo. Lactobacillus counts remained stable in the probiotic group over the course of the study, while Clostridium XIV group was higher at the end of the study and closer to baseline levels; this in contrast to the placebo group. Beta-lactam resistance in creased after antibiotic exposure and was not different between both treatment groups. Gastrointestinal symptoms were generally mild and did not differ between the treatment groups, which correlates with the generally small changes in the microbiota. CONCLUSION: Consumption of the probiotic combination mainly leads to an increase in the faecal levels of the species included in the preparation.
Examining Labor Substitution: Does Family Matter for U.S. Cash Grain Farmers?

The substitution of capital for labor and new labor-saving technologies has reduced the labor required for farming, yet many farms today depend on hired labor in some form. Common in the literature is the assumption of perfectly substitutable farm labor. This has implications for the operator's off-farm labor decision. Intuitively, different forms of farm labor have different impacts on production. We use the Agricultural and Resource Management Survey to estimate the elasticity of substitution between hired and family labor. The results provide little evidence to support the popular homogeneity assumption and find labor can be unitary and complimentary under certain scenarios.
Agreement Between Pharmacists for Problem Identification: An Initial Quality Measurement of Cognitive Services

Background:Recent changes in national reimbursement policies expand the ability of pharmacists to seek reimbursement for cognitive services. The quality of pharmacist-provided cognitive services has, until now, remained unassessed. Pharmacists should demonstrate the quality and value of their work to ensure the continued and expanded acceptance of reimbursement for their services. A preliminary step in assessing quality is to compare agreement between pharmacists for basic problem identification.Objective:To quantify agreement between pharmacist reviewers for problem identification among Utah Medicaid recipients.Methods:Five pharmacists retrospectively reviewed drug regimens, patient characteristics, diagnosis codes, and procedures for 80 Medicaid patients in September 2008 and identified drug-related problems (DRPs) in 15 predetermined categories. Data for each patient were reviewed twice, and each combination of 2 pharmacists reviewed the same 8 patients' information. We calculated a reliability coeffic...
Predictive modeling of spatial patterns of soil nutrients related to fertility islands

In arid shrublands, soil resources are patchily distributed around shrub canopies, forming well-studied “islands of fertility.” While soil nutrient patterns have previously been characterized quantitatively, we develop a predictive model that explicitly considers the distance from shrubs of varying canopy sizes. In 1-ha macroplots in both the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, we used Plant Root Simulator™ probes to measure nutrient availability along transects extending north and south from creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata). We modeled the decline of nutrients with distance from focal shrubs using hierarchical mixed models that included the effects of transect direction and shrub canopy size. Of the nutrients considered, nitrogen and potassium had the strongest response to distance from focal shrubs. In the Sonora, both depended on canopy size and had different patterns to the north versus the south. In the Mojave, potassium depended on size and direction, but nitrogen only on canopy size. We used the fitted model equations and the location and canopy size of all Larrea shrubs within the macroplots to estimate nutrient concentrations at a 20 cm resolution. This produced maps showing nutrient “hotspots” centered on Larrea. Our models predicted up to 60 % of the variation in nutrient availability the following growing season. Our models efficiently used a moderate number of sample locations to predict nutrient concentrations over a large area, given easily measured values of shrub size and location. Our method can be applied to many systems with patchily distributed resources focused around major structural landscape features.
Estimating Marginal Treatment Effects in Heterogeneous Populations

Estimating Marginal Treatment Effectsin Heterogeneous PopulationsRobert MoffittJohns Hopkins UniversityDecember, 2006Revised, October, 2007The author would like to thank Marc Chan for research assistance and Lorraine Dearden forgenerous help in obtaining and using the data. Comments from Joshua Angrist, JamesHeckman, Guido Imbens, Matthew White, Tiemen Woutersen, and participants at workshops atseveral universities, research institutes, and conferences are appreciated, as well as commentsfrom two anonymous referees, Thierry Magnac, and other participants at the Conference onEconometric Evaluation of Public Policies: Methods and Applications,” Paris, December, 2005on an earlier closely related paper. The author also thanks Steffen Reinhold for correcting twoerrors in the Appendix. Research support from the National Institute of Child Health and HumanDevelopment is gratefully acknowledged. welfls0_v4.wpd10/3/07
The use of FFT on sampled boundary distances

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is applied to the sampled boundary distances (SBD) of an object image for recognition. The SBD is an ordered collection of samples of distances defined from an axis to points located on the boundary of the object image. With the FFTSBD approach, any object image that undergoes affine transformations such as translation, rotation, scaling, and stretching (along and/or perpendicular to the stretching axis) can be recognized. Therefore, the FFTSBD can be used to recognize an object at various locations, orientations, and distances from the camera and various objects of the same family that are stretched along an axis. FFTSBD can also be used to recognize heavily occluded objects, provided that the endpoints of the major axis are visible, and to recognize family of objects stretching along an axis, provided that the endpoints of that axis are visible. SBD can be used to extract axis of symmetry and to detect symmetry from a partially occluded object provided that the endpoints of major axis and axis of symmetry are not occluded. >
Prospective associations between the cortisol awakening response and first onsets of anxiety disorders over a six-year follow-up – 2013 Curt Richter Award Winner

Summary Cross-sectional associations have been found between anxiety disorders (ADs) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, as measured by levels of salivary cortisol, but prospective data are lacking, as are studies examining specific ADs. We have previously shown that one aspect of the diurnal rhythm of cortisol, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), prospectively predicts both new onsets and recurrences of major depressive disorder (MDD). Here we sought to examine whether it also predicts ADs. Participants ( N = 232) were drawn from the larger Northwestern-UCLA Youth Emotion Project, a two-site, longitudinal study of older adolescents, which aims to identify common and specific risk factors for mood and anxiety disorders. After baseline interviews for mental health diagnoses, a subset of adolescents completed a three-day cortisol sampling protocol measuring the CAR and other diurnal rhythm indices. Participants with past or current anxiety disorders at the time of cortisol measurement were excluded and Cox regression (survival analysis) was used to predict first onsets of ADs over the subsequent six years. AD onsets ( N = 25), the largest subset of which were social anxiety disorder (SAD) onsets ( N = 11), were observed over six annual follow up diagnostic interviews. Even when statistically adjusting for past and prospective MDD onsets and other covariates, a higher CAR significantly predicted increased first onsets of ADs ( HR = 2.20, p HR = 5.37, p
Hemodynamic manipulation in the neuro-intensive care unit: cerebral perfusion pressure therapy in head injury and hemodynamic augmentation for cerebral vasospasm.

Purpose of reviewThe intent of this manuscript is to summarize the pathophysiologic basis for hemodynamic manipulation in subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, highlight the most recent literature and present expert opinion on indications and use.Recent findingsHemodynamic augmentation
Suvorexant in insomnia: efficacy, safety and place in therapy

Insomnia is a highly prevalent disorder that can occur in conjunction with other medical or psychiatric conditions or can occur in the absence of a coexisting disorder. Regardless, treatment of insomnia is beneficial to the patient and may benefit comorbidities if they exist. Nonpharmacologic modalities such as sleep hygiene and stimulus controls are important mainstays of insomnia therapy, but may not be sufficient to treat the disorder. Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) are a new class of insomnia medication that target wakefulness-promoting neuropeptides to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Suvorexant is the first DORA to be approved and has demonstrated efficacy at decreasing both time to sleep onset and increasing total sleep time compared with placebo. Suvorexant has a novel mechanism of action and may represent an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate or do not receive benefit from traditional sleep agents. Suvorexant is generally effective and well tolerated, but has not been compared head to head with traditional sleep agents and being only newly available, lacks a longer-term 'real-world' experience base.
Internet-Enabled High-Resolution Brain Mapping and Virtual Microscopy

Abstract Virtual microscopy involves the conversion of histological sections mounted on glass microscope slides to high-resolution digital images. Virtual microscopy offers several advantages over traditional microscopy, including remote viewing and data sharing, annotation, and various forms of data mining. We describe a method utilizing virtual microscopy for generation of internet-enabled, high-resolution brain maps and atlases. Virtual microscopy-based digital brain atlases have resolutions approaching 100,000 dpi, which exceeds by three or more orders of magnitude resolutions obtainable in conventional print atlases, MRI, and flat-bed scanning. Virtual microscopy-based digital brain atlases are superior to conventional print atlases in five respects: (1) resolution, (2) annotation, (3) interaction, (4) data integration, and (5) data mining. Implementation of virtual microscopy-based digital brain atlases is located at BrainMaps.org, which is based on more than 10 million megapixels (35 terabytes) of scanned images of serial sections of primate and non-primate brains with a resolution of 0.46 μm/pixel (55,000 dpi). The method can be replicated by labs seeking to increase accessibility and sharing of neuroanatomical data. Online tools offer the possibility of visualizing and exploring completely digitized sections of brains at a sub-neuronal level and can facilitate large-scale connectional tracing, histochemical, and stereological analyses.
3-D Deformation Guided On-Line Modification of Multi-leaf Collimators for Adaptive Radiation Therapy

Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) requires an on-line modification of the treatment plan to compensate for the motion of organs. In this paper, an improved multi-leaf collimator (MLC) deformation approach is proposed to accurately compensate for the organ motion between the planning and treatment scans for ART. Instead of using slice-by-slice 2-D deformation field as in the original MLC deformation method, 3-D deformation field is first recovered by a volumetric deformable registration method to guide the MLC modification. In order to minimize the toxicity on organ-at-risk (OAR), the deformation fields of the OAR and planning target volume (PTV) are jointly used to adjust the MLC sequence of the original plan. The proposed approach has been applied to the radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Preliminary experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed method outperformed the original MLC approach with much reduced toxicity on OAR while maintaining great radiation efficacy on PTV.
Introduction: Discerning the Real, the Possible, and the Impossible

A major goal of the present work is to increase public awareness and appreciation of science, but the approach is somewhat unorthodox. We will use science fiction as a vehicle for exploring actual science and as a springboard for discussing some of the exciting topics that are currently being researched. Our examples will be drawn primarily from film and television, with occasional reference to some of the classic works of science fiction literature. As we consider each one, we will attempt to discern whether what we see is plausible (solidly grounded in real science), possible in principle (but beyond our current technology), or total fantasy (impossible by any science we know). When it comes to science fiction, the advice of Benjamin Franklin may not be strict enough. We may end up believing even less than half of what we see. But there are some rare exceptions, in which the science is particularly well done, and you may be surprised at some of the things that are actually possible (at least in principle). We will also encounter a number of examples which fall into a fourth category: things that were purely science fiction at the time when the movie or television episode was produced, but are now reality, thanks to recent breakthroughs in science and technology.
Optical Properties of Molecular Crystals

A measurement of the optical properties of electronic systems is usually the best way to obtain information about energy levels. This is particularly true for molecules, since the excitation energies of the molecule are in the range of frequency suitable for optical measurement. There are, of course, many types of optical measurements: one and two photon absorption,1 reflection, and Raman scattering, to just name some common methods. All of these provide different types of information. These lectures will not be concerned with the different experimental methods. Instead, we will be mainly concerned with the general dielectric properties, which can be measured a number of ways.
A Scientific Review on the Ecology and Management of the Azalea Lace Bug Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott) (Tingidae: Hemiptera)

The azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott) (Tingidae: Hempitera), is a major pest of azaleas (Rhododendron L. spp.). Since its introduction from Asia in the 1940s, the pest has spread considerably within and outside the US. It causes severe economic damage to azaleas and also attacks other ericaceous hosts. The widespread acceptance and cultivation of its preferred host plants, azaleas, in landscapes and home gardens prompted extensive research on S. pyrioides with respect to biology, damage and management. This review summarizes the work done on this pest and provides directions for future research.
A clustering model for earthquake occurrences

A statistical analysis of the time occurrence of the earthquakes listed in the USCGS catalog was performed. Except for the deep earthquakes, goodness of fit tests have rejected the simple Poisson process as a model of earthquake occurrences at a very low significance level. It was inferred that another parameter related to the Poisson index of dispersion is required to describe earthquake occurrences. Attempts to fit the distribution of the number of days with n earthquakes with standard two-parameter distributions like the lognormal and the γ distribution were not very successful. The data were tested with respect to the generalized Poisson process, a model in which there are finite probabilities for more than one event occurring at the same time instant. It was deduced that the distribution of the number of earthquakes generated in an aftershock sequence is reasonably approximated by an inverse power law distribution with exponent E being between 2.5 and 4.0. Good fits were obtained with respect to the generalized Poisson distribution, and regional variations in the parameter E could be detected. Estimates of the autocovariance function and power spectra failed to detect definite periodicities of earthquake occurrences in the range of 2 to 256 days. Positive correlations of earthquake activity were observed for time intervals as long as 10 days.
Device-transparent personal storage

Users increasingly store data collections such as digital photographs on multiple personal devices, each of which typically presents the user with a storage management interface isolated from the contents of all other devices. The result is that collections easily become disorganized and drift out of sync. This thesis presents Eyo, a novel personal storage system that provides device transparency: a user can think in terms of "file X", rather than "file X on device Y", and will see the same set of files on all personal devices. Eyo allows a user to view and manage the entire collection of objects from any of their devices, even from disconnected devices and devices with too little storage to hold all the object content. Eyo separates metadata (application-specific attributes of objects) from the content of objects, allowing even storage-limited devices to store all metadata and thus provide device transparency. Fully replicated metadata allows any set of Eyo devices to efficiently synchronize updates. Applications can specify flexible placement rules to guide Eyo's partial replication of object contents across devices. Eyo's application interface provides first-class access to object version history. If multiple disconnected devices update an object concurrently, Eyo preserves each resulting divergent version of that object. Applications can then examine the history and either coalesce the conflicting versions without user direction, or incorporate these versions naturally into their existing user interfaces. Experiments using Eyo for storage in several example applications—media players, a photo editor, podcast manager, and an email interface—show that device transparency can be had with minor application changes, and within the storage and bandwidth capabilities of typical portable devices. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Constriction Resistance and Current Crowding in Electrically Pumped Semiconductor Nanolasers with the Presence of Undercut and Sidewall Tilt

We evaluate the constriction resistance and current crowding in nanolasers using the finite-element method based calculations. We examine both the vertical contact and horizontal contact structures, representing the typical top contact and bottom contact of nanolasers, respectively. We find that, in general, constriction resistance and the degree of current crowding in the bottom horizontal contact in nanolasers are much larger than those in the top vertical contact. For both contacts, constriction resistance and, therefore, the degree of current crowding increase as the nanolaser radius decreases, the amount of undercut increases, or the angle (either positive or negative) of the sidewall tilt increases. The location where most current crowding and most Joule heating occur is identified. The results may provide insights into the design optimization of nanolasers.
Genetics of Common Endocrine Disease: The Present and the Future

Context: In honor of the 75th issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the author was invited to present his perspectives on genetics in human endocrinology. This paper reviews what the field has achieved in the genetics of common endocrine disease, and offers predictions on where the field will move in the future and its impact on endocrine clinical practice. Evidence Acquisition: The October 2015 data release of the National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute (NHGRI-EBI) Catalog of Published Genome-wide Association Studies was queried regarding endocrinologic diseases and traits. PubMed searches were focused on genetic prediction of disease, genetic findings and drug targets, functional interrogation of genetic loci, use of genetics to subtype disease, missing heritability, systems genomics, and higher order chromatin structures as regulators of gene function. Evidence Synthesis: Nearly a quarter of genome wide association study findings concern endoc...
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF TEST CODE AGAINST FEATURE CODE ON POPULAR JAVASCRIPT LIBRARIES

A large number of web applications today leverage freely available third-party JavaScript libraries. However, in doing so, there is an increased reliance on not just the core library or feature code, but also any accompanying test code – so that regressions can be found when the feature code is modified, new tests can be written for proposed extensions code using the existing tests as a sample, etc. Thus, it is crucial that both the feature and the test code, that comprise a distributable library, be of high quality. We empirically investigate whether this is the case in practice by virtue of a case study, conducted on 10 large, popular and freely available JavaScript libraries, that compares the quality of test code against that of feature code, using several static quality metrics (size in terms of Source/Compiled Lines of Code, Commenting Ratio, Cyclomatic Complexity, Maintainability Index and Difficulty Measure). Our results are intriguing in that while they support some expectations: we find that feature code is more extensively commented than test code; we also find that more test code is actually written (in terms of compiled lines of code) than the feature code; and yet on average the test code is of a higher quality based on its complexity, maintainability and difficulty.