cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between pollen tube and pistil control pollen tube identity and sperm release in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte.

Flowering plants have immotile sperm that develop within the pollen cytoplasm and are delivered to female gametes by a pollen tube, a highly polarized extension of the pollen cell. In many flowering plant species, including seed crop plants, hundreds of pollen tubes grow towards a limited number of ovules. This system should ensure maximal fertilization of ovules and seed production; however, we know very little about how signalling between the critical cells is integrated to orchestrate delivery of two functional sperm to each ovule. Recent studies suggest that the pollen tube changes its gene-expression programme in response to growth through pistil tissue and that this differentiation process is critical for pollen tube attraction by the female gametophyte and for release of sperm. Interestingly, these two signalling systems, called pollen tube guidance and pollen tube reception, are also species-preferential. The present review focuses on Arabidopsis pollen tube differentiation within the pistil and addresses the idea that pollen tube differentiation defines pollen tube identity and recognition by female cells. We review recent identification of genes that may control pollen tube–female gametophyte recognition and discuss how these may be involved in blocking interspecific hybridization.
APPROACHES TO REGIONAL ANALYSIS: A SYNTHESIS

(1964). APPROACHES TO REGIONAL ANALYSIS: A SYNTHESIS. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 2-11.
Long-term acceptance of renal allografts following prenatal inoculation with adult bone marrow.

Background. The aim was to investigate if intravascular in utero injection of adult bone marrow into swine fetuses could lead to macrochimerism and tolerance to the donor. Methods. Outbred Yorkshire sows and boars screening negative for MHC allele SLA c of MGH miniature swine were bred. A laparotomy was performed on the sows at 50 days gestation to expose the uterus. Bone marrow harvested from SLA cc miniature swine was T-cell depleted and injected intravascularly into seventeen fetuses. Flow cytometry was performed to detect donor cells (chimerism) in the peripheral blood after birth. Mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) and cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) assays were used to assess the response to donor MHC. Previously frozen skin grafts from the bone marrow donor were placed on the offspring from the first litter. Donor-matched renal transplant from SLA cc donors were performed on chimeric swine, with and without a short 12-day course of cyclosporine, and one nonchimeric littermate. Results. Nine inoculated offspring demonstrated donor cell chimerism in the peripheral blood and lymphohematopoietic tissues. All animals with detectable chimerism within the first three weeks were consistently nonreactive to donor MHC in vitro. Animals challenged with donor skin grafts displayed prolonged graft survival without producing antidonor antibodies. All chimeric animals accepted donor-matched kidney allografts, even one without cyclosporine. The kidney in the nonchimeric littermate rejected by day 21. Conclusions. Transplantation of allogeneic adult bone marrow into immunocompetent fetal recipients resulted in chimerism. In utero inoculation led to operational tolerance to the donor's major histocompatibility antigens and long-term acceptance to organ allografts.
Transmission Line Uprating 115kV to 230 kV Report on Operating Performance

Otter Tail Power Company uprated a 90-mile section of 115 kV wood-pole transmission line to 230 kV in 1967. This paper reports the operating performance of that line and additional uprated lines during the past four years.
Deletion of the Cul1 gene in mice causes arrest in early embryogenesis and accumulation of cyclin E.

Abstract The stability of many proteins is controlled by the ubiquitin proteolytic system, which recognizes specific substrates through the action of E3 ubiquitin ligases [1]. The SCFs are a recently described class of ubiquitin ligase that target a number of cell cycle regulators and other proteins for degradation in both yeast and mammalian cells [2–6]. Each SCF complex is composed of the core protein subunits Skp1, Rbx1 and Cul1 (known as Cdc53 in yeast), and substrate-specific adaptor subunits called F-box proteins [2–4]. To understand the physiological role of SCF complexes in mammalian cells, we generated mice carrying a deletion in the Cul1 gene. Cul1 −/− embryos arrested around embryonic day 6.5 (E6.5) before the onset of gastrulation. In all cells of the mutant embryos, cyclin E protein, but not mRNA, was highly elevated. Outgrowths of Cul1 −/− blastocysts had limited proliferative capacity in vitro and accumulated cyclin E in all cells. Within Cul1 −/− blastocyst cultures, trophoblast giant cells continued to endocycle despite the elevated cyclin E levels. These results suggest that cyclin E abundance is controlled by SCF activity, possibly through SCF-dependent degradation of cyclin E.
Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in an Occupational Health Clinic: Presentation and Follow-Up

Thirty-five people with work-related Multiple Chemical Sensitivities were studied to learn about the onset and progression of illness. The subjects were selected from patients at an occupational health clinic. Individuals were identified as subjects if they fulfilled a seven-point case definition for Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and if onset of symptoms was related to workplace exposures. Three occupational exposures to solvents, poor indoor-air quality, and remodeling were associated with onset of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in 63% of the subjects. Symptoms indicative of a nervous-system disorder topped the list of the most frequently reported symptoms. Commonalities in exposures and symptoms suggest that Multiple Chemical Sensitivities represents a distinct diagnostic category. Even with an incomplete understanding of etiology, it may be possible to limit the onset of work-related Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
Extravasation of contrast material during voiding cystourethrography.

A case of contrast extravasation during voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in a patient without a history of renal failure or “unused” bladder is presented. The subject of extravasation during VCUG is reviewed.
Relationship of somatic cell score and linear type trait evaluations of Holstein sires

Abstract Genetic evaluations of Holstein bulls for mean somatic cell score were compared with their standardized transmitting abilities for linear type traits. Based on first lactation daughter information from five dairy records processing centers, PTA for somatic cell scores for 712 sires ranged from –.50 to .56. Standardized transmitting abilities for 14 type traits were provided for these bulls by the Holstein Association. Mean transmitting abilities for udder traits were negative for the 100 bulls with highest PTA and positive for the 100 bulls with lowest PTA for somatic cell score. For all bulls, correlations of PTA for somatic cell score with udder trait evaluations were negative (–.31 for fore udder attachment, –.28 for udder depth, –.21 for front teat placement, –.17 for rear udder width, –.16 for udder cleft, and –.13 for rear udder height). The best five-trait model to predict PTA for somatic cell score consisted of transmitting abilities for fore udder attachment, thurl width, strength, dairy form, and body depth (R 2 = .142). If PTA for milk yield was included with evaluations for type traits, it replaced dairy form in the model. Inclusion of quadratic terms did not contribute greatly to prediction of PTA for somatic cell score. Selection for higher, more firmly attached udders should contribute to reducing somatic cell scores.
Egg Quality Studies at the New York Random Sample Test

Abstract RECENTLY egg quality has become an important consideration for the breeder as well as for the marketer. It would seem to be desirable to investigate the problem as it exists for the breeder, in order to see how important his role may be in presenting the consumer with a better product. The New York Random Sample Test provides an ideal source of data with which to analyze the importance of strain and breed differences, seasonal effects, relationships between different egg quality factors, relationships between egg quality and other productive traits, and methods of measurement of egg quality. Investigations of the relative importance of strain and breed differences in egg quality factors have been very limited. Van Wagenen, Hall and Wilgus (1937) surveyed the Western and Central New York standard egg laying tests and reported that the eggs of Barred Plymouth Rocks and White Plymouth Rocks were significantly poorer in condition …
Controversies in bilirubin biochemistry and their clinical relevance

Summary Despite a century of research, several clinically relevant areas of bilirubin biochemistry remain controversial, poorly understood, or unrecognized. These include: (i) The structure and molecularity of bilirubin under physiological environments such as membranes, brain tissue and when bound to proteins. Related to this is the large number of structurally different bilirubin species that may occur in blood under pathological conditions and their potential effects on measurements of bilirubin and free bilirubin. (ii) The mechanism of phototherapy, the neurotoxicity of the photoisomers produced and their influence on measurements of bilirubin and free bilirubin. (iii) The role of membrane transporters in the passage of unconjugated bilirubin across the placenta, intestine, vascular epithelium, blood–brain barrier, and into the liver. (iv) Biochemical mechanisms of bilirubin toxicity, pharmacologic prevention of kernicterus, the contribution of bilirubin to antioxidant defenses, and the practical value of free bilirubin measurements for identifying infants at most risk of kernicterus.
A Systematic Review of Complications of Implant-based Breast Reconstruction with Prereconstruction and Postreconstruction Radiotherapy

Purpose To conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess outcomes data on complications associated with implant-based breast reconstruction performed before or after chest wall radiation to assist in guiding the decision-making process for reconstruction of the irradiated breast.
A framework for studying differences in people’s digital media uses

Information technologies have become a staple of adolescents’ lives with young people among the most connected in countries that have seen high levels of Internet and cell phone diffusion by the first decade of the 21st century (Livingstone and Bober 2004; National Telecommunications and Information Administration 2004). However, merely knowing various digital media’s rates of use says little about how young people are incorporating IT into their everyday lives. Ignoring nuanced measures of use, it is difficult to determine whether digital media are leveling the playing field for youth or whether they are raising new barriers for some while advantaging the societal positions of others. While many have suggested that we must move past the binary classification of haves and have-nots when it comes to information technology uses, few have offered a detailed conceptual framework for such an undertaking, one that can then inform empirical studies of usage differences. This chapter considers the various domains in which users of the Internet may possess different levels of knowhow. In addition to presenting the conceptual framework, it also draws on unique data about a diverse group of young people’s Internet uses to illustrate existing differences along the lines of the discussed dimensions.
An oat coleoptile wall protein that induces wall extension in vitro and that is antigenically related to a similar protein from cucumber hypocotyls

Plant cell walls expand considerably during cell enlargement, but the biochemical reactions leading to wall expansion are unknown. McQueen-Mason et al. (1992, Plant Cell 4, 1425) recently identified two proteins from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) that induced extension in walls isolated from dicotyledons, but were relatively ineffective on grass coleoptile walls. Here we report the identification and partial characterization of an oat (Avena sativa L.) coleoptile wall protein with similar properties. The oat protein has an apparent molecular mass of 29 kDa as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis. Activity was optimal between pH 4.5 and 5.0, which makes it a suitable candidate for “acid growth” responses of plant cell walls. The oat protein induced extension in walls from oat coleoptiles, cucumber hypocotyls and pea (Pisum sativum L.) epicotyls and was specifically recognized by an antibody raised against the 29-kDa wall-extension-inducing protein from cucumber hypocotyls. Contrary to the situation in cucumber walls, the acid-extension response in heat-inactivated oat walls was only partially restored by oat or cucumber wall-extension proteins. Our results show that an antigenically conserved protein in the walls of cucumber and oat seedlings is able to mediate a form of acid-induced wall extension. This implies that dicotyledons and grasses share a common biochemical mechanism for at least part of acid-induced wall extensions, despite the significant differences in wall composition between these two classes of plants.
Systematic underestimation of earthquake magnitudes from large intracontinental reverse faults: Historical ruptures break across segment boundaries

Because most large-magnitude earthquakes along reverse faults have such irregular and complicated rupture patterns, reverse-fault segments defined on the basis of geometry alone may not be very useful for estimating sizes of future seismic sources. Most modern large ruptures of historical earthquakes generated by intracontinental reverse faults have involved geometrically complex rupture patterns. Ruptures across surficial discontinuities and complexities such as stepovers and cross-faults are common. Specifically, segment boundaries defined on the basis of discontinuities in surficial fault traces, pronounced changes in the geomorphology along strike, or the intersection of active faults commonly have not proven to be major impediments to rupture. Assuming that the seismic rupture will initiate and terminate at adjacent major geometric irregularities will commonly lead to underestimation of magnitudes of future large earthquakes.
Gene Transfer into the CNS Using Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus: Analysis of Vector DNA Forms Resulting in Sustained Expression

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have shown significant promise as vehicles for in vivo gene transfer, particularly for transduction of organs composed primarily of non-dividing cells (i.e., muscle, CNS, and liver). However, the mechanistic basis for this desirable property remains unclear. To investigate the fate of rAAV genomes in mouse brain, we stereotactically injected an rAAV vector carrying the E. coli lacZ gene into the caudate of BALB/c mice and demonstrate efficient transduction of mouse brain cells that possess cellular morphology consistent with post-mitotic neurons. We observed a significant increase in beta-galactosidase expression from 5 to 56 days after injection that paralleled the disappearance of single-stranded DNA input genomes. Analysis of in vivo viral DNA forms over time out to 5 months after inoculation revealed that rAAV genomes associated with high molecular weight mouse chromosomal DNA by 14 days after injection and persisted for the length of this study. The pattern of Southern hybridization was consistent with random viral integration in predominantly head-to-tail concatameric arrays. Importantly, we also documented an additional DNA species that appears to be a monomeric episomal circular form based on nuclease sensitivity assays. These data are the first to document the existence of multiple vector DNA forms present within the adult murine brain following direct rAAV inoculation and therefore, provide insight into the molecular events that ultimately result in long-term rAAV mediated transgene expression.
Inhibition of bladder overactivity by a combination of tibial neuromodulation and tramadol treatment in cats.

Our recent study in cats revealed that inhibition of bladder overactivity by tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) depends on the activation of opioid receptors. TNS is a minimally invasive treatment for ...
The Role of Thrombolysis in the Clinical Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The cornerstones of current management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are the routine use of anticoagulant therapy, graduated elastic compression stockings, and early ambulation. Thrombolytic therapy was previously reserved only for patients with life-, limb-, or organ-threatening complications. However, the postthrombotic syndrome has been increasingly recognized as a frequent and serious long-term complication of DVT. In parallel, endovascular thrombolytic methods have evolved considerably in recent years, prompting discussion and controversy as to whether they should be more liberally used. In some centers, pharmacomechanical catheter–directed thrombolysis is now routinely used in the treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT. Randomized trials are currently under way to determine when the use of pharmacomechanical catheter–directed thrombolysis is appropriate in patients presenting with acute proximal DVT.
Propensity to high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats is associated with changes in the gut microbiota and gut inflammation

Consumption of diets high in fat and calories leads to hyperphagia and obesity, which is associated with chronic "low-grade" systemic inflammation. Ingestion of a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiota, pointing to a possible role in the development of obesity. The present study used Sprague-Dawley rats that, when fed a high-fat diet, exhibit either an obesity-prone (DIO-P) or obesity-resistant (DIO-R) phenotype, to determine whether changes in gut epithelial function and microbiota are diet or obese associated. Food intake and body weight were monitored daily in rats maintained on either low- or high-fat diets. After 8 or 12 wk, tissue was removed to determine adiposity and gut epithelial function and to analyze the gut microbiota using PCR. DIO-P but not DIO-R rats exhibit an increase in toll-like receptor (TLR4) activation associated with ileal inflammation and a decrease in intestinal alkaline phosphatase, a luminal enzyme that detoxifies lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Intestinal permeability and plasma LPS were increased together with phosphorylation of myosin light chain and localization of occludin in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Measurement of bacterial 16S rRNA showed a decrease in total bacterial density and an increase in the relative proportion of Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders in high-fat-fed rats regardless of phenotype; an increase in Enterobacteriales was seen in the microbiota of DIO-P rats only. Consumption of a high-fat diet induces changes in the gut microbiota, but it is the development of inflammation that is associated with the appearance of hyperphagia and an obese phenotype.
On the maximality of logics with approximations

?1.. Introduction. Inl this paper we analyze some aspects of the question of using methods from model theory to study structures of functional analysis. By a well known result of P. Lindstr6m, one cannot extend the expressive power of first order logic and yet preserve its most outstanding model theoretic characteristics (e.g., compactness and the L6wenheim-Skolem theorem). However, one may consider extending the scope of first order in a different sense, specifically. by expanding the class of structures that are regarded as models (e.g., including Banach algebras or other structures of functional analysis), and ask whether the resulting extensions of first order model theory preserve some, of its desirable characteristics. A formal framework for the-study of structures based on Banach spaces from the perspective of model theory was first introduced by C. W Henson in [8] and [6]. Notions of syntax and semantics for these structures were defined, and it was shown that using them one obtains a model theoretic apparatus that satisfies many of the fundamental properties of first order model theory. For instance, one has compactness, L6wenheim-Skolem, and-omitting types theorems. Further aspects of the theory, namely, the fundamentals of stability and forking, were first introduced in [10] and [9]. The classes of mathematical structures-formally encompassed by this framework are normed linear spaces, possibly expanded with additional structure, e.g.. operations, real-valued relations, and constants. This notion subsumes wide classes of structures from functional analysis. However, therestriction that the universe of a structure be a normed space is not necessary. (This restriction-has a historical. rather than technical origin;specifically, the development of the theory was originally motivated by questions in. B'anach space geometry.) Analogous techniques can be applied if the universe. is ametric space. Now, when the underlying metric topology is discrete, the resulting model theory coincides with first order model theory, so this logic extends first order inthe sense described above. Furthermore, without any cost in the mathematical complexity, one can also work-in multi-sorted contexts, so, for instance, one sort could be an operator algebra while another is, say, a metric space. Far the rest of this introduction, let us refer to the framework introduced in [8] as X and to the structures encompassed by a as analytic structures.
Comparison of Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, an Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay, and an Agglutination Test for the Direct Identification of Bovine Rotavirus from Feces and Coelectrophoresis of Viral RNA's

The dsRNA concentrated polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (CPAGE) detected rotavirus directly from 19% of 77 stool specimens from diarrheic calves. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected 25%, latex agglutination test, 23%, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), 19%. Establishing CPAGE as the "standard," the commercial ELISA and the latex agglutination test both had higher sensitivity (84%) than PAGE (79%). However, PAGE produced the highest specificity (100%), followed by agglutination (88%) and ELISA (84%). The commercial ELISA had a slightly higher sensitivity than agglutination, PAGE, and CPAGE, but the ELISA specificity was generally lower. The latex agglutination test had a lower sensitivity than ELISA, but specificity was higher. Agglutination had similar negative predictive values (94%), compared with agglutination and PAGE, but had the lowest positive predictive value (a measure of accuracy) (70%). Agreement with CPAGE was highest for PAGE (94.8%), followed by agglutination (87%) and ELISA (84.4%). The calculated percentages of total disagreement with all other tests indicated that ELISA differed from the other rotavirus detection assays in 10.4% of the cases, agglutination in 7.8%, PAGE in 2.6%, and CPAGE in 1.3%. The 2 PAGE assays allowed the detection of atypical rotaviruses from feces based on the characteristic "super-short" migration pattern of the 11 genomic segments of rotaviruses and of other members of the Reoviridae.
Evolutionary model of species body mass diversification.

We present a quantitative model for the biological evolution of species body masses within large groups of related species, e.g., terrestrial mammals, in which body mass $M$ evolves according to branching (speciation), multiplicative diffusion, and an extinction probability that increases logarithmically with mass. We describe this evolution in terms of a convection-diffusion-reaction equation for $\mathrm{ln}﻿M$. The steady-state behavior is in good agreement with empirical data on recent terrestrial mammals, and the time-dependent behavior also agrees with data on extinct mammal species between 95--50 Myr ago.
Conceptual Framework for Mentoring Doctoral Students

In the research and professional literature, there are at least four lines of inquiry around mentoring: perceptions of successful mentoring in general, mentoring of doctoral dissertations in particular, mentoring specific to the online environment, and relative importance of mentoring behaviors. In each case, particular qualities that make for successful mentoring are identified and described but not coalesced into a conceptual model of mentoring. In examining this literature, the authors identified 94 mentor behaviors and characteristics of effective mentors, which were reduced for redundancies to 55. These were clustered into a conceptual model of mentoring with two domains, academic and psychosocial with four attributes in the academic domain (competence, availability, induction, and challenge) and three in the psychosocial domain (personal qualities, communication, and emotional support). The two domains and seven attributes of this model are described and discussed, outlining some of the implications of this model for further research.
Utilization of local and global hyperspectral features via wavelet packets and multiclassifiers for robust target recognition

In this study, the authors investigate the combination of the wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) and multiclassifiers and decision fusion (MCDF) for a robust hyperspectral classification system. The authors investigate the use of the WPD multiresolution feature grouping and selection, forming groups of local and global spectral features, where each group is input to a classifier, resulting in local and global classifications. Then the labels are fused to form one class label. The classification system was applied to hyperspectral data for an agricultural application, namely the detection of different soybean rust infestation levels. The system was compared to current state-of-the-art hyperspectral analysis techniques to determine its comparative efficacy as compared to more conventional approaches, such as stepwise-linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or discriminant analysis feature extraction (DAFE) and current state-of-the art approaches, like spectral-domain multiclassifiers and decision fusion (MCDF). The proposed system had a classification accuracy which was approximately 40% higher than the SLDA approach and approximately 15% higher than MCDF.
Educational Decision Making on Acceleration and Grouping

This article provides an overview of key issues emanating from research and practice on acceleration and grouping. The author focuses on the fundamental importance of these two provisions for the gifted, examines them in the current context of school reform, and recommends a set of decision-making guidilines for practitioners to adopt for each issue. Acceleration guidelines include an emphasis on progressive development of learning based on mastery in content areas, flexibility in entrance and exit requirements for courses, and opportunities for telescoping and grade skipping. Grouping guidelines stress flexibility, opportunities for various forms of grouping, and independent learning option.
Why the ITCZ Is Mostly North of the Equator

Abstract Although the distribution of sunshine is symmetrical about the equator, the earth's climate is not. Climatic asymmetries are prominent in the eastern tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans where the regions of maximum sea surface temperature, convective cloud cover, and rainfall are north of the equator. This is the result of two sets of factors: interactions between the ocean and atmosphere that are capable of converting symmetry into asymmetry, and the geometries of the continents that determine in which longitudes the interactions are effective and in which hemisphere the warmest waters and the intertropical convergence zone are located. 'The Ocean-atmosphere interactions are most effective where the thermocline is shallow because the winds can readily affect sea surface temperatures in such regions. The thermocline happens to shoal in the eastern equatorial Pacific and Atlantic, but not in the eastern Indian Ocean, because easterly trade winds prevail over the tropical Atlantic and Pacific wher...
50 years ago in the Journal of Pediatrics: poliomyelitis antibodies in human colostrum and milk.

Human milk was always thought to have specific factors to protect infants from poliovirus, but it wasn’t until this landmark study that definitive antibodies to the virus were described both in the mother’s milk and serum.1 These investigators sampled the milk and sera of four women in the colostrum phase and four women on the thirteenth day postpartum, and identified anti-poliovirus antibody using neutralization assays and micro-immunodiffusion methods. Similar methods of radial immunodiffusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays are still used today to identify antigen-specific antibodies in the milk after viral exposure. More specifically since the article 50 years ago, a functional relevance can be observed. Anti-influenza IgA in human milk can be identified by ELISA at a higher concentration with resultant fewer febrile illnesses in infants of women vaccinated with influenza vaccine during pregnancy compared to controls2; however, further study is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of human milk immunologic protection against these infectious diseases. New methods in the laboratory have recently been described by Lemay et al3 can determine pathways involved in the mammary gland by identifying the transcriptome in the milk fat globule. These remarkable findings will not just describe the milk properties but provide the opportunity to design interventional trials on the mother to influence milk production in beneficial ways for the infant.
What Studying Leadership Can Teach Us About the Science of Behavior

Throughout history, individuals have changed the world in significant ways, forging new paths; demonstrating remarkable capacity to inspire others to follow; and repeatedly showing independence, resilience, consistency, and commitment to principle. However, significant cultural change is rarely accomplished single-handedly; instead, it results from the complex and dynamic interaction of groups of individuals. To illustrate how leaders participate in cultural phenomena, I describe how a few individuals helped to establish the Cold War. In this analysis, I distinguish two types of cultural phenomena: metacontingencies, involving lineages of interlocking behavioral contingencies, and cultural cusps, involving complicated, unique, and nonreplicable interrelations between individuals and circumstances. I conclude that by analyzing leaders’ actions and their results, we can appreciate that cultural and behavioral phenomena are different, and although cultural phenomena are inherently complex and in many cases do not lend themselves to replication, not only should the science of behavior account for them, cultural phenomena should also constitute a major area of behavior analysis study and application.
Heartbeats Arrhythmia Classiﬁcation Using Quadratic Loss Multi-Class Support Vector Machines

The support vector machines (SVM) are a powerful approach which has been applied in many diﬃcult applications. However, they are principally designed for binary classiﬁcation problems, and usually their extension for multiclass problems involves only bi-class SVM. In this study, a recently developed machine named the quadratic loss multi-class SVM (M-SVM2), which considers all classes simultaneously, is proposed to classify ﬁve diﬀerent arrhythmia, in addition to normal beat. The M-SVM2 is compared with both decomposition methods involving 2-norm binary SVM (l2-SVM) based on 1-against-1, and 1-against-all approach. The proposed model achieved an average accuracy of (99.73%), which was better compared to the other implemented classiﬁers. On the other hand, the study showed that post-processing the outputs of the M-SVM2 in terms of probability can signiﬁcantly improve the classiﬁcation decision. This results have shown the eﬀectiveness of the proposed approach to enhance the performance of Electrocardiogram (EEG) classiﬁcation methods.
Predicting the Effect of Pulse Duration on Fatigue During Electrical Stimulation

Pulse characteristics should be considered when predicting the optimal stimulation strategy to minimize fatigue during Functional Electrical Stimulation. Our previous mathematical model of non-isometric muscle fatigue accounted for the effect of applied load, but not the effect of pulse duration. Therefore, our objectives were to: 1) further develop our model of non-isometric fatigue and 2) experimentally validate the model. A computer-controlled stimulator sent electrical pulses to surface electrodes on the thighs of 25 able-bodied human subjects. Isometric and non-isometric non-fatiguing and fatiguing leg extension ankle forces and/or knee angles were measured. The independent variable was pulse duration (170, 200, 250, 400, and 600 μs) and the dependent variables were angular excursion, velocity, and train duration. The model was fit to measurements from 13 subjects. The equation for one fatigue model parameter was modified. Two other fatigue model parameters were unnecessary and removed. The modified parameter is a function of other parameters within the model. To validate the model, we predicted fatigue at two other pulse durations using the same subjects, at all five pulse durations in a set of new subjects, and at one pulse duration but different applied loads in ten subjects from a previous study. More than 65% of the variability in the measurements was explained by the new force-fatigue model.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Collision-Aware Decision Fusion in Distributed Detection Using Reliability-Splitting Algorithms

We consider a large, single-hop, wireless sensor network performing distributed detection under time and bandwidth constraints. The fusion center (FC) has a limited time to collect binary local decisions, which are sent through a shared transmission channel. Assume that the allocated collection time is not large enough to collect the local decisions from all sensor nodes. The considered distributed detection applies a sensor selection strategy called the reliability-based splitting algorithm to collect the local decisions. By using this strategy, the sensor nodes are divided into groups according to their observation reliabilities. The sensor nodes in the same group will compete for packet transmissions with each other by exploiting slotted ALOHA. In addition, we propose a modified algorithm called the two-level reliability-based splitting algorithm, where the sensor nodes are divided into groups based on both observation reliabilities and local decisions. Unlike other distributed detection with random access protocols, where the packet collisions are treated as errors and ignored, we derive collision-aware fusion rules, where the numbers of successful and collision time slots are also exploited in making a global decision. The numerical results show that both algorithms outperform TDMA-based distributed detection.
Quantitative evaluation of left ventricular contractility in patients with volumetric overload by strain and strain rate imaging

Objective To evaluate the effect of volumetric overload on myocardial contractility of left ventricle(LV) using strain and strain rate imaging(SRI) and to provide useful information for therapeutic strategies.Methods The subjects included 44 patients with LV volumetric overload and 45 normal volunteers as controls.Based on LV end-diastolic volume index(LVEDVI),the patients were divided into three groups:LVEDVI normal group,LVEDVI augmentation group and marked LVEDVI augmentation group.The peak systolic strain rate(PSSR) and the peak systolic strain(PSS) from SRI curve were obtained and compared among the groups.In addition,the change of these parameters pre-and post-operation was also analyzed.Results ① Compared with control group,PSSR and PSS showed no change in LVEDVI normal group both pre-and post-operation but they were significantly higher in LVEDVI augmentation group and marked LVEDVI augmentation group Ⅰ pre-operation and returned to normal level post-operation as LVEDVI decreased significantly.In marked LVEDVI augmentation group Ⅱ,PSSR and PSS were lower both pre-and post-operation and showed no change post-operation although LVEDVI decreased after operation.② PSSR and PSS were correlated positively to LVEDVI(r=0.80 and 0.83,P0.05) in LVEDVI normal group but negatively to LVEDVI(r=-0.72 and-0.53,P0.05) in marked LVEDVI augmentation group while in LVEDVI augmentation group,no significant correlation was found(r=0.46 and 0.42,P0.05).Conclusion SRI can be used for assessment of myocardial contraction in clinical setting and LV PSSR and PSS change periodically according to LV volumetric overload.
Spontaneous bladder rupture following enterocystoplasty.

AbstractWe treated 2 male patients with spontaneous bladder rupture following enterocystoplasty. Both adolescents had neurogenic bladders that were managed with enterocystoplasty and an artificial urinary sphincter. With prompt aggressive therapy including intravenous antibiotics, laparotomy and closure of the perforation serious sequelae were averted. Cystography failed to demonstrate the lesion in either case. The failure of cystography to diagnose these ruptures is especially disturbing. These patients demonstrate that in augmented bladders a high index of suspicion may be necessary to diagnose ruptures clinically. Early diagnosis is critical so that aggressive therapy may be instituted.(J. Urol, part 2, 140:1157-1158, 1988)
SU-F-T-291: Development of Physician-Driven, Clinically-Relevant Pass/fail Criteria for a DVH-Based IMRT Patient Specific QA Program

Purpose: To derive and implement physician driven metrics for dose volume histogram (DVH)-based patient specific quality assurance (QA) for prostate radiation therapy based on clinically relevant deviations. Methods: An observership study presented 3 radiation oncology physicians from our institution with a series of artificial DVH-based IMRT QA results, each generated by introducing iteratively larger perturbations from a planned DVH (from our pool of 20 real patient plans) to portions of the bladder, rectum, and planning target volume (PTV) DVHs. Physician responses were quantified by recording acceptable deviations from both in-house defined clinical goals (e.g. V70Gy 90% (absolute dose). In addition, 4 intentionally perturbed plans were measured, all with close to 90% 2D-Γ passing rates (relative dose). We compared physician derived constraints against 2D-Γ results to establish the relationship with an accepted IMRT QA metric. Results: Of the 14 clinical patients measured, 7 were flagged for physician review (i.e. did not pass physician-derived DVH constraints). The rectum and bladder ΔD0.1cc constraint was the root cause of 5/7 of these QA failures. Of the 4 perturbed plans, 3/4 patients failed multiple DVH criteria in the bladder and rectum. Observership results from one physician-derived metric (PTV ΔD0.1cc) were found to be too strict and excluded from analysis. Conclusion: We derived clinically relevant physician driven criteria for DVH-based patient specific QA at our institution. In N=14 patient plans, implementation of these criteria reduced the need for physician review of patient QA results by 50%. Further refinement of PTV D0.1cc constraint is needed. Partially funded by Sun Nuclear Corporation research agreement.
Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Seniors Aged 75+ Living in Home Environment in Selected Regions of the Czech Republic.

Background and Aim: Nutrition is an important social determinant of health that influences the ageing process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional condition of a group of seniors and identify the bio-psycho-social factors that increase the risk of malnutrition. Methods: The research was conducted using a quantitative method. The standardised scales Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA-SF) and the Geriatric depression scale (GDS-5) were used to evaluate the nutritional condition and tendency towards depression of the tested group. This group consisted of seniors aged 75 and above living in home environment in the Ceske Budějovice region. The group was comprised of 320 seniors, 115 men (35.9%) and 205 women (64.1%), which corresponds to the composition of the population in the chosen region of the Czech Republic. Statistical data analysis was conducted using SASD 1.4.10 and SPSS 15.0 programs. Pearson's chi-squared test (Χ2) and Cramer's V were chosen for statistical testing. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The average BMI value of the seniors was 26.2 kg/m2 (overweight). This value decreased with age. More than one third of the respondents were evaluated as being at risk of malnutrition (36.3%). Unintended weight loss was determined as the strongest risk factor of malnutrition. Seniors who had lowered their food intake stated unintended weight loss 10 times more often than respondents with no noticeable reduction in food intake. Seniors who showed signs of depression indicated weight loss three and a half times more often than respondents without depression. Meanwhile acute illness increased the risk by three times. Depression was found to be the cause and also the consequence of malnutrition. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, a large proportion of the respondents were running the risk of malnutrition. It was concluded that the strongest risk factors for malnutrition in the respondents were unintended weight loss, depression and lowered food intake. Compared to biological factors, social and economic factors were less significant in causing malnutrition in seniors.
Validation of the radiobiology toolkit TOPAS-nBio in simple DNA geometries.

Abstract Computational simulations offer a powerful tool for quantitatively investigating radiation interactions with biological tissue and can help bridge the gap between physics, chemistry and biology. The TOPAS collaboration is tackling this challenge by extending the current Monte Carlo tool to allow for sub-cellular in silico simulations in a new extension, TOPAS-nBio. TOPAS wraps and extends the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit and the new extension allows the modeling of particles down to vibrational energies ( ∼ 2 eV) within realistic biological geometries. Here we present a validation of biological geometries available in TOPAS-nBio, by comparing our results to two previously published studies. We compare the prediction of strand breaks in a simple linear DNA strand from TOPAS-nBio to a published Monte Carlo track structure simulation study. While TOPAS-nBio confirms the trend in strand break generation, it predicts a higher frequency of events below an energy of 17.5 eV compared to the alternative Monte Carlo track structure study. This is due to differences in the physics models used by each code. We also compare the experimental measurement of strand breaks from incident protons in DNA plasmids to TOPAS-nBio simulations. Our results show good agreement of single and double strand breaks predicting a similar increase in the strand break yield with increasing LET.
The Role of Ionic Liquid Electrolyte in an Aluminum–Graphite Electrochemical Cell

Using first-principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulation, we study the working mechanism in an aluminum–graphite electrochemical cell, which was recently reported to exhibit attractive performance. We exclude the possibility of Al3+ cation intercalation into graphite as in standard Li-ion batteries. Instead, we show that the AlCl4– anion intercalation mechanism is thermodynamically feasible. By including the ionic liquid electrolyte in the overall redox reaction, we are able to reproduce the high voltage observed in experiment. The active involvement of electrolyte in the reaction suggests that the evaluation of energy density needs to take the electrolyte into consideration. Our proposed structural model is consistent with the new peaks appearing in X-ray diffraction from the intercalation compound. The high rate capability is explained by the ultralow diffusion barriers of the AlCl4 intercalant. With the clarified working mechanism, it becomes clear that the high voltage of the Al–graphite ...
ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF ECO-TOURISM

Ecotourism involves travel to destinations with a recognizable preserved flora and fauna that are the primary attraction for tourists, with minimal environmental impact. There are two economic concepts in eco-tourism. These are the economic impact and economic value. The impacts of eco-tourism as an economic activity may be direct or indirect. Rural tourism is closely linked to ecotourism, which primarily reflected the favorable conditions of preserved nature, the environment, clean air, unpolluted rivers and lakes, rich flora and fauna, while spending time outdoors gives tourists the opportunity for walking, recreation, sports, organized tours to nearby caves, waterfalls, hunting and fishing, horseback riding, picking wild fruits and herbs, and other recreational and entertainment activities as well. The authors analyze the main economic activities in eco-tourism such as energy efficiency and creating conditions for community development, emphasizing the connection between eco and rural tourism.
Investigating the Effects of Bison Grazing on Grassland Songbirds

The National Bison Range (NBR) in the Mission Valley of Montana manages a herd of 325-350 bison (Bison bison). Bison are rotated through eight grazing pastures, which consist mostly of intermountain grassland. This creates different grazing intensities, based on length of time grazed, season grazed, and density of bison. Grazing is considered to be an important source of disturbance in grassland systems. However, different grazing intensities may create more or less favorable conditions for grassland breeding songbirds, a suite of birds that has declined drastically over the last few decades. This research investigates the interaction between bison grazing and songbird abundance. We used double-dependent observer transects to record grassland songbird observations during the pilot season of 2015. We present preliminary results from the pilot season of grassland songbird abundance and density. The outcomes will culminate into a concrete, local monitoring program for the NBR to support conservation of grassland songbirds, and will allow them to adjust management activities to maintain suitable grassland songbird habitat. Furthermore, the research will illuminate the relationship between a native grazer and grassland birds. While domestic livestock have largely replaced native grazers on grasslands, numerous reintroduction efforts of bison have been proposed. This study will help inform the expected outcomes and management objectives of those reintroduction efforts.
Toll-like receptors and their role in persistent pain

One of the fundamental mechanisms whereby the innate immune system coordinates inflammatory signal transduction is through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which function to protect and defend the host organism by initiating inflammatory signaling cascades in response to tissue damage or injury. TLRs are positioned at the neuroimmune interface, and accumulating evidence suggests that the inflammatory consequences of TLR activation on glia (including microglia and astrocytes), sensory neurons, and other cell types can influence nociceptive processing and lead to states of exaggerated and unresolved pain. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how different TLRs and their accessory or adaptor molecules can contribute to the development and maintenance of persistent pain. The challenges and opportunities of targeting TLRs for new treatment strategies against chronic pain are discussed, including the therapeutic context of TLR-mediated signaling in opioid analgesia and chemotherapy-induced pain. Considering the prevalence of persistent pain and the insufficient efficacy and safety of current treatment options, a deeper understanding of Toll-like receptors holds the promise of novel therapies for managing pathological pain.