cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking watershed-scale stream health and socioeconomic indicators with spatial clustering and structural equation modeling

In this study, spatial clustering techniques were used in combination with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to characterize the relationships between in-stream health indicators and socioeconomic measures of communities. The study area is the Saginaw River Watershed in Michigan. Four measures of stream health were considered: the Index of Biological Integrity, Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, Family Index of Biological Integrity, and number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa. The stream health indicators were predicted using nine socioeconomic variables that capture vulnerability in population. The results of spatial clustering showed that incorporating clustering configuration improves the model prediction. A total of 510 Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFAs) and 85 multivariate regression models were developed for each spatial cluster within the watershed and compared with the model performance without spatial clustering (at the watershed level). In general, watershed level CFAs outperformed cluster level CFAs, while the reverse was true for the regression models. Relationships between stream health and socioeconomic measures were studied.Spatial clustering techniques and Structural Equation Modeling were integrated.Spatial clustering improved regression model prediction.Confirmatory Factor Analysis performed well at the watershed level.
Modeling and simulation of online reprocessing in the thorium-fueled molten salt breeder reactor

Abstract In the search for new ways to generate carbon-free, reliable base-load power, interest in advanced nuclear energy technologies, particularly Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), has resurged with multiple new companies pursuing MSR commercialization. To further develop these MSR concepts, researchers need simulation tools for analyzing liquid-fueled MSR depletion and fuel processing. However, most contemporary nuclear reactor physics software is unable to perform high-fidelity full-core depletion calculations for a reactor design with online reprocessing. This paper introduces a Python package, SaltProc, which couples with the Monte Carlo code, SERPENT2 to simulate MSR online reprocessing by modeling the changing isotopic composition of MSR fuel salt. This work demonstrates SaltProc capabilities for a full-core, high-fidelity model of the commercial Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR) concept and verifies these results to results in the literature from independent, lower-fidelity analyses.
The Catholic Grotesque: Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood

This paper proposes a comparison of Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia with Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood to consider the similar ways in which these two works of art employ the grotesque and how Gaud...
Seizures in glioma patients: An overview of incidence, etiology, and therapies

Gliomas are fatal brain tumors, and even low-grade gliomas (LGGs) have an average survival of less than a decade. Seizures are a common presentation of gliomas, particularly LGGs, and substantially impact quality of life. Glioma-related seizures differ from other focal epilepsies in their pathogenesis and in the likelihood of refractory epilepsy. We review factors that predict seizure activity and response to treatment, optimal pharmacologic and surgical management of glioma-related epilepsy, and the benefit of using newer anti-seizure medications in patients with gliomas. As surgery is so often beneficial with seizure reduction, we discuss oncologic and epilepsy surgery perspectives. Treatment of gliomas has the potential to ameliorate seizures and increase rates of seizure freedom. Prospective, well-powered studies are needed to provide more definitive answers for practitioners taking care of glioma patients with seizures.
Infections in Critically Ill Cirrhosis Patients

Hospitalized patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, infected by either bacterial or fungal organisms, are prone to get severely sick and may require ICU management. These infections are hard to treat given the emergence of multiple drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and lead to overutilizaton of already stressed hospital resources. Further on, despite optimal hospital management, these patients have higher morbidity and mortality. More focus needs to be put on the nosocomial infections, as these independently predict mortality and readmissions and seem to be target for prevention. The prevalence of MDROs in a liver cirrhosis patient in the United States is between 16% and 37%, and this trend holds true for Europe (23%–29.2%) as well. Fungal infections, which mainly develop in the nosocomial setting, portend poor short-term prognosis. The emerging role of disturbance in the microbiome to the pathogenesis of infections, both fungal and bacterial, is being recognized. Infections in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)-decompensated cirrhosis patients predict poor 30- day survival depending on the number of organ failures. There is currently lack of good prognostic tools to predict outcomes in these sick and septic patients. The key to successful management of these patients lies in proper initial triage to the intensive care unit or the floor level, appropriate and timely empiric antibiotic administration using local resistance patterns as a guide along with optimal fluid management and ancillary support. Multidisciplinary team approach is highly recommended for improving the outcomes in these patients. Preventive strategies to decrease the initial infection episode and to minimize the second infections are highly desirable.
Quasimetagenomic source tracking of Listeria monocytogenes from naturally contaminated ice cream.

The more quickly bacterial pathogens responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks can be linked to a vehicle of transmission or a source, the more illnesses can be prevented. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) based approaches to source tracking have greatly increased the speed and resolution with which public health response can pinpoint the vehicle and source of outbreaks. Traditionally, WGS approaches have focused on the culture of an individual isolate before proceeding to DNA extraction and sequencing. For Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), generation of an individual isolate for sequencing typically takes about 6 days. Here we demonstrate that a hybrid, “quasimetagenomic” approach ie; direct sequencing of microbiological enrichments (first step in pathogen detection and recovery) can provide high resolution source tracking sequence data, 5 days earlier than response that focuses on culture and sequencing of an individual isolate. This expedited approach could save lives, prevent illnesses and potentially minimize unnecessary destruction of food. Naturally contaminated ice cream (from a 2015 outbreak) was enriched to recover Listeria monocytogenes following protocols outlined in the Bacteriological Analytic Manual (BAM). DNA from enriching microbiota was extracted and sequenced at incremental time-points during the first 48 h of pre-enrichment using the Illumina MiSeq platform (2 by 250), to evaluate genomic coverage of target pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Quasimetagenomic sequence data acquired from hour 20 were sufficient to discern whether or not Lm strain/s were part of the ongoing outbreak or not. Genomic data from hours 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 of pre-enrichments all provided identical phylogenetic source tracking utility to the WGS of individual isolates (which require an additional 5 days to culture). The speed of this approach (more than twice as fast as current methods) has the potential to reduce the number of illnesses associated with any given outbreak by as many as 75% percent of total cases and potentially with continued optimization of the entire chain of response, contribute to minimized food waste.
Starexec: A cross-community infrastructure for logic solving

We introduce StarExec, a public web-based service built to facilitate the experimental evaluation of logic solvers, broadly understood as automated tools based on formal reasoning. Examples of such tools include theorem provers, SAT and SMT solvers, constraint solvers, model checkers, and software verifiers. The service, running on a compute cluster with 380 processors and 23 terabytes of disk space, is designed to provide a single piece of storage and computing infrastructure to logic solving communities and their members. It aims at reducing duplication of effort and resources as well as enabling individual researchers or groups with no access to comparable infrastructure. StarExec allows community organizers to store, manage and make available benchmark libraries; competition organizers to run logic solver competitions; and community members to do comparative evaluations of logic solvers on public or private benchmark problems.
Mechanisms Regulating Hypoxia Tolerance in Drosophila and Humans

Abstract Consistent and stable oxygen supply is critical for animal development and survival. Oxygen deprivation, or hypoxic stress, is a common pathological factor for many human diseases. A better understanding of the fundamental genetic, epigenetic, and molecular basis for tolerance to low-oxygen environments will provide potential targets for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat hypoxia-related diseases. Different cells and organisms have evolved different ways to cope with life-threatening challenges, and the molecular and genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown. The current advances of biotechnology, such as next generation sequencing and iPSC-derived cell models, have significantly enhanced our ability to determine the basis of many diseases and conditions, including tolerance and susceptibility to hypoxic stress. In this chapter, we highlight the progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance to hypoxia stress in Drosophila melanogaster and human highlanders.
Teaching Ethics of Sex with Tenderness: Religious Literacy and Sexual Literacy in the Undergraduate Classroom

Critically reflecting on a “pedagogy of tenderness”, this essay delineates how to build a liberative community of learning in the undergraduate classroom of sexual ethics. The learning community ai...
Performance Evaluation and Loss Modeling of WBG Devices based on a Novel Double-Pulse Test Method for Current Source Inverter

Careful measurements of the power device characteristics are necessary to accurately estimate a power converter's losses and efficiency. The conventional double-pulse test (DPT) circuit is a well-known method to implement this laboratory characterization of power devices and power modules. However, the switching characteristics of a power device depend on the power electronics circuit in which it is connected as well as the power circuit's physical layout, in addition to the device's internal structure. Hence, the conventional DPT circuit configuration, which is tailored for a standard voltage-source inverter (VSI), is not well-suited for a current-source inverter (CSI). This paper demonstrates a previously-proposed CSI-based DPT measurement technique that is appropriate for normal CSI operation. The characteristics of SiC MOSFETs and series-connected SiC Schottky diodes used in a CSI are measured using this improved technique while taking temperature effects into account to yield more accurate loss predictions. The CSI losses, including the switching and conduction losses of SiC MOSFETs and SiC Schottky diodes, have been modeled using this approach. The total CSI losses and efficiency have been estimated based on the CSI DPT results and loss models.
Race and Vitamin D Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms Modify the Association of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Incident Heart Failure: The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine if low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is associated with incident heart failure (HF) and if the association is: 1) partly mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors; 2) stronger among whites than blacks; and 3) stronger among those genetically predisposed to having high levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Background Suboptimal 25(OH)D is a potential cardiovascular risk factor. Methods A total of 12,215 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study participants free of HF at baseline (1990 to 1992; median age, 56; 24% black) were followed through 2010. Total serum 25(OH)D was measured at baseline using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Incident HF events were identified by a hospital discharge code of ICD9-428 and parallel International Classification of Diseases codes for HF deaths. Results During 21 years of follow-up, 1,799 incident HF events accrued. The association between 25(OH)D and HF varied by race (p-interaction = 0.02). Among whites, risk was 2-fold higher for those in the lowest (≤17 ng/ml) versus highest (≥31 ng/ml) quintile of 25(OH)D. The association was attenuated but remained significant with covariate adjustment. In blacks there was no overall association. In both races, those with low 25(OH)D and the rs7041 G allele, which predisposes to high DBP, were at greater risk (p-interaction = 0.01). Conclusions Low serum 25(OH)D was independently associated with incident HF among whites, but not among blacks. However, in both races, low 25(OH)D was associated with HF risk among those genetically predisposed to high DBP. These findings provide novel insight into metabolic differences that may underlie racial variation in the association between 25(OH)D and cardiovascular risk.
Cycling of suspended particulate phosphorus in the redoxcline of the Cariaco Basin

article i nfo The Cariaco Basin, located off the coast of Venezuela, is anoxic below ~250 m and has a productive redoxcline where several chemical gradients support multiple biogeochemical reactions. Thus, the Cariaco Basin is an ideal study site for investigating how redox chemistry influences phosphorus (P) biogeochemistry across oxic/ anoxic boundaries. While sinking particles in the Cariaco Basin have been investigated previously for P composi- tion and flux, this is the first study to describe P within suspended particulate particles, a key phase connecting particulate and dissolved P pools. Analysis of samples collected between April 2008 and April 2012, indicates that secondary peaks in total suspended particulate P (TSPP) concentrations (88 ± 60 nM) were present in the redoxcline and were similar in magnitude to those measured in the upper 100 m (84 ± 77 nM TSPP). However, the composition of TSPP was significantly different between the surface and the redoxcline. Suspended soluble reactive phosphorus (SSRP) was on average 3 ± 2 times greater in the redoxcline than observed in surface wa- ters. Furthermore, composition of the TSPP pool significantly changed from less biologically available P forms (~45% organic P) above and below the redoxcline to more biologically available P forms (~80% loosely/oxide- bound P) within the redoxcline. We argue that the abrupt increases and transformations in the TSPP pool within the redoxcline result from both abiotic reactions associated with a manganese and iron redox shuttle and biotic reactions associated with a large and diverse chemoautotrophic prokaryotic community. These results suggest that the biogeochemical cycling of P may be altered within oxygen depleted water columns in unexpected ways.
PROCEDURE FOR EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF 2,450-MEGAHERTZ MICROWAVES UPON STREPTOCOCCUS FAECALIS AND SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE.

Modifications of a commercial 2,450-megahertz microwave oven were made so that 6 ml of microbial suspension could be exposed to the microwave field for various periods of time. The microorganisms were contained in the central tube of a modified Liebig condenser positioned in the approximate geometric center of the oven cavity. Kerosene at -25 C was circulated through the jacket of the condenser during microwave exposure permitting microwaves to reach the microbial suspension. Flow rates of the kerosene were varied to permit the temperature of the suspension to range from 25 to 55 C during microwave exposure. Conductive heating experiments using similar temperatures were also conducted. A thermocouple-relay system was employed to measure the suspension temperature immediately after the magnetron shutoff. Continuous application of microwaves to suspensions of 10(8) to 10(9)Streptococcus faecalis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae per ml appeared to produce no lethal effects other than those produced by heat. Respiration rates of microwave-exposed Scerevisiae were directly related to decreases in viable count produced by increased microwave exposure times.
Effect of quinones on mitochondrial phosphorylation, Pi-ATP exchange, and ATPase activities. II. Vitamin K-2 homologues and K-1 derivatives.

Abstract The effect of vitamin K1, vitamin K2(5), vitamin K2(10), vitamin K2(15), vitamin K2(20), vitamin K3, naphthotocopherol, the 6-chromanyl phosphate of naphthotocopherol and the 6-chromanyl acetate of naphthotocopherol and Synkavit on rat liver mitochondrial phosphorylating systems was investigated. It was found that vitamins K2(5), K2(15), K3 and Synkavit inhibited oxidative phosphorylation, inhibited Pi-ATP exchange activity, stimulated ATPase activity and uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation with stimulation of oxidation. Vitamins K1, K2(20), the 6-chromanyl phosphate and the 6-chromanyl acetate of naphthotocopherol had no effect on these three phosphorylation reactions or on oxidation associated with oxidative phosphorylation. Naphthotocopherol had no effect on ATPase activity but inhibited Pi-ATP exchange activity and uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation, but without stimulation of oxidation. Neither Synkavit, naphthotocopherol, the 6-chromanyl phosphate of naphthotocopherol nor the 6-chromanyl acetate of naphthotocopherol could be oxidized by mitochondria and thus could not serve as substrates for oxidative phosphorylation. It was found that neither the phosphate group(s) of Synkavit nor the 6-chromanyl phosphate of naphthotocopherol were susceptible to hydrolysis by mitochondria. It was therefore concluded that the 6-chromanyl phosphate of naphthotocopherol could not be an intermediate in rat liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
The GRITSBot in its natural habitat - A multi-robot testbed

Current multi-agent robotic testbeds are prohibitively expensive or highly specialized and as such their use is limited to a small number of research laboratories. Given the high price tag, what is needed to scale multi-agent testbeds down both in price and size to make them accessible to a larger community? One answer is the GRITSBot, an inexpensive differential drive microrobot designed specifically to lower the entrance barrier to multi-agent robotics. The robot allows for a straightforward transition from current ground-based systems to the GRITSBot testbed because it closely resembles expensive platforms in capabilities and architecture. Additionally, the GRITSBot's support system allows a single user to easily operate and maintain a large collective of robots. These features include automatic sensor calibration, autonomous recharging, wireless reprogramming of the robot, as well as collective control.
Microbial degradation of azo dyes

Publisher Summary Azo dyes are common synthetic colorants released into the environment. Their widespread use, coupled with the fact that azo dyes are not readily degraded in biological treatment systems makes this class of chemicals a significant environmental problem. Selected aspects of environmental problems, that are associated with the use of azo dyes documenting the biodegradation of azo dyes by bacteria and fungi, are reviewed. The most interesting finding is that the initial degradation of many azo dyes, in this system, is not a reduction of the azo linkage, but rather an oxidation reaction, mediated by lignin peroxidases or Mn peroxidases that are secreted by the fungus during idiophase metabolism. The observation, that other white rot fungi degrade azo dyes, suggests that this ability may be widespread among such fungi. The initial investigation of the ability of P. chrysosporium to degrade azo dyes showed that all three of the dyes assayed were degraded.
Characterization of novolac type liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde (LWPF) resin

Novolac type liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde (LWPF) resins were synthesized from liquefied wood and formaldehyde. The average molecular weight of the LWPF resin made from the liquefied wood reacted in an atmospheric three neck flask increased with increasing P/W ratio. However, it decreased with increasing phenol/wood ratio when using a sealed Parr reactor. On average, the LWPF resin made from the liquefied wood reacted in the Parr reactor had lower molecular weight than those from the atmospheric three neck flask. The infrared spectra of the LWPF resins were similar to that of the conventional novolac resin but showed a major difference at the 1800–1600 cm-1 region. These results indicate that liquefied wood could partially substitute phenol in the novolac resin synthesis. The composites with the liquefied wood resin from the sealed Parr reactor yielded higher thickness swelling than those with the liquefied wood resin from the three neck flask likely due to the hydrophilic wood components incorporated in it and the lower cross-link density than the liquefied wood resin from the three neck flask during the resin cure process.
A Comparison of the Citation Counts in the Science Citation Index and the Nasa Astrophysics Data System

From a comparison of 1000+ references to 20 papers in four fields of astronomy (solar, stellar, nebular, galaxy), we found that the citation counts in Science Citation Index (SCI) and Astrophysics Data System (ADS) agree for 85% of the citations. ADS gives 15% more citation counts than SCI. SCI has more citations among physics and chemistry journals, while ADS includes more from conferences. Each one misses less than 1% of the citations.
Isolation and In vitro Activation of Caenorhabditis elegans Sperm

Males and hermaphrodites are the two naturally found sexual forms in the nematode C. elegans. The amoeboid sperm are produced by both males and hermaphrodites. In the earlier phase of gametogenesis, the germ cells of hermaphrodites differentiate into limited number of sperm--around 300--and are stored in a small 'bag' called the spermatheca. Later on, hermaphrodites continually produce oocytes. In contrast, males produce exclusively sperm throughout their adulthood. The males produce so much sperm that it accounts for > 50% of the total cells in a typical adult worm. Therefore, isolating sperm from males is easier than from that of hermaphrodites. Only a small proportion of males are naturally generated due to spontaneous non-disjunction of X chromosome. Crossing hermaphrodites with males or more conveniently, the introduction of mutations to give rise to Him (High Incidence of Males) phenotype are some of strategies through which one can enrich the male population. Males can be easily distinguished from hermaphrodites by observing the tail morphology. Hermaphrodite's tail is pointed, whereas male tail is rounded with mating structures. Cutting the tail releases vast number of spermatids stored inside the male reproductive tract. Dissection is performed under a stereo microscope using 27 gauge needles. Since spermatids are not physically connected with any other cells, hydraulic pressure expels internal contents of male body, including spermatids. Males are directly dissected on a small drop of 'Sperm Medium'. Spermatids are sensitive to alteration in the pH. Hence, HEPES, a compound with good buffering capacity is used in sperm media. Glucose and other salts present in sperm media help maintain osmotic pressure to maintain the integrity of sperm. Post-meiotic differentiation of spermatids into spermatozoa is termed spermiogenesis or sperm activation. Shakes, and Nelson previously showed that round spermatids can be induced to differentiate into spermatozoa by adding various activating compounds including Pronase E. Here we demonstrate in vitro spermiogenesis of C. elegans spermatids using Pronase E. Successful spermiogenesis is pre-requisite for fertility and hence the mutants defective in spermiogenesis are sterile. Hitherto several mutants have been shown to be defective specifically in spermiogenesis process. Abnormality found during in vitro activation of novel Spe (Spermatogenesis defective) mutants would help us discover additional players participating in this event.
Influence of UV-IR filter in LCD projection system

Projection system utilized liquid crystal display (LCD) module has become a modern trend of large screen viewing system. The display is normally ranged from 40 to 100 inches in diagonal. This is a great advantage over conventional CRT display that is very difficult to have size more than 40 inches. The LCD projection system consists of different optical components in order to have high intensity of illumination as well as good image quality. The arrangement of main optical components is typically following; light source, cold mirror, condenser, UV- IR filter, polarizer, then objective lens. In the work, we have studied the influence of UV-IR filter spectrum toward the picture quality. Three kinds of UV-IR filters with different spectrums were used. The selection rules of UV-IR filter are based on emitting spectrum of metal halide lamp, and the transmitting spectrum of LCD module. The optical performances of different spectrum in UV-IR filters were analyzed with NTSC standard in CIE (U,V) chart. Our result indicated that the chromaticity and illumination efficiency were varied by spectrum profile of UV-IR filter.
Effects of college educational debt on graduate school attendance and early career and lifestyle choices.

This paper examines how college educational debt affects various post-baccalaureate decisions of bachelor’s degree recipients. I employ the Baccalaureate and Beyond 93/97 survey data. Using college-aid policies as instrumental variables to correct for the endogeneity of student college debt level, I find that for public college graduates, college debt has a negative and significant effect on graduate school attendance. This negative effect is concentrated on more costly programs associated with doctoral, MBA, and first professional (FP) degrees, and debt has no effect on the choice of a master’s program. For private college students, debt does not have an effect on the overall graduate school attendance, but this absence of effect conceals the differential effects of debt on different graduate programs – debt has a positive and significant effect on the choice of an MBA or an FP program, and a zero effect on other programs. For both public and private college students, debt has no effects on early career ...
High-Fat Diet-Induced Neuropathy of Prediabetes and Obesity: Effect of PMI-5011, an Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L.

Artemisia species are a rich source of herbal remedies with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We evaluated PMI-5011, an ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L., on neuropathy in high-fat diet-fed mice, a model of prediabetes and obesity developing oxidative stress and proinflammatory changes in peripheral nervous system. C57Bl6/J mice fed high-fat diet for 16 weeks developed obesity, moderate nonfasting hyperglycemia, nerve conduction deficit, thermal and mechanical hypoalgesia, and tactile allodynia. They displayed 12/15-lipoxygenase overexpression, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid accumulation, and nitrosative stress in peripheral nerve and spinal cord. PMI-5011 (500 mg kg(-1) d(-1), 7 weeks) normalized glycemia, alleviated nerve conduction slowing and sensory neuropathy, and reduced 12/15-lipoxygenase upregulation and nitrated protein expression in peripheral nervous system. PMI-5011, a safe and nontoxic botanical extract, may find use in treatment of neuropathic changes at the earliest stage of disease.
Unamuno en Cuba, Cuba en Unamuno

En carta de 1909, Miguel de Unamuno le hacia saber a su amigo Ernesto Guzman que llevaba mas de cinco anos tomando notas para escribir un libro sobre el movimiento intelectual hispano-americano con...
Decreased glucose transporter expression triggers BAX-dependent apoptosis in the murine blastocyst.

We report that a decrease in facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT1) expression and reduced glucose transport trigger apoptosis in the murine blastocyst. Inhibition of GLUT1 expression either by high glucose conditions or with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides significantly lowers protein expression and function of GLUT1 and as a result induces a high rate of apoptosis at the blastocyst stage. Similar to wild-type mice, embryos from streptozotocin-induced diabetic Bax −/− mice experienced a significant decrease in glucose transport compared with embryos from non-diabetic Bax −/− mice. However, despite this decrease, these blastocysts demonstrate significantly fewer apoptotic nuclei as compared with blastocysts from hyperglycemic wild-type mice. This decrease in preimplantation apoptosis correlates with a decrease in resorptions and malformations among the infants of the hyperglycemicBax −/− mice versus the Bax +/+ and +/− mice. These findings suggest that hyperglycemia by decreasing glucose transport acts as a cell death signal to trigger a BAX-dependent apoptotic cascade in the murine blastocyst. This work also supports the hypothesis that increased apoptosis at a blastocyst stage because of maternal hyperglycemia may result in loss of key progenitor cells and manifest as a resorption or malformation, two adverse pregnancy outcomes more common in diabetic women.
Geologic drivers of late ordovician faunal change in laurentia: investigating links between tectonics, speciation, and biotic invasions.

Geologic process, including tectonics and global climate change, profoundly impact the evolution of life because they have the propensity to facilitate episodes of biogeographic differentiation and influence patterns of speciation. We investigate causal links between a dramatic faunal turnover and two dominant geologic processes operating within Laurentia during the Late Ordovician: the Taconian Orogeny and GICE related global cooling. We utilize a novel approach for elucidating the relationship between biotic and geologic changes using a time-stratigraphic, species-level evolutionary framework for articulated brachiopods from North America. Phylogenetic biogeographic analyses indicate a fundamental shift in speciation mode—from a vicariance to dispersal dominated macroevolutionary regime—across the boundary between the Sandbian to Katian Stages. This boundary also corresponds to the onset of renewed intensification of tectonic activity and mountain building, the development of an upwelling zone that introduced cool, nutrient-rich waters into the epieric seas of eastern Laurentia, and the GICE isotopic excursion. The synchronicity of these dramatic geologic, oceanographic, and macroevolutionary changes supports the influence of geologic events on biological evolution. Together, the renewed tectonic activity and oceanographic changes facilitated fundamental changes in habitat structure in eastern North America that reduced opportunities for isolation and vicariance. They also facilitated regional biotic dispersal of taxa that led to the subsequent establishment of extrabasinal (=invasive) species and may have led to a suppression of speciation within Laurentian faunas. Phylogenetic biogeographic analysis further indicates that the Richmondian Invasion was a multidirectional regional invasion event that involved taxa immigrating into the Cincinnati region from basins located near the continental margins and within the continental interior.
Different Patterns of Expansion/Contraction During the Evolution of an mtDNA Simple Repeat

*Departments of Radiation Oncology and Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; †MitoKor, San Diego, California; and ‡Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Australia; Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; and the Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Occurrence of oculomotor dysfunctions in acquired brain injury: a retrospective analysis.

Abstract Background The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of oculomotor dysfunctions in a sample of ambulatory outpatients who have acquired brain injury (ABI), either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), with associated vision symptoms. Methods Medical records of 220 individuals with either TBI (n = 160) or CVA (n = 60) were reviewed retrospectively. This was determined by a computer-based query spanning the years 2000 through 2003, for the frequency of occurrence of oculomotor dysfunctions including accommodation, version, vergence, strabismus, and cranial nerve (CN) palsy. Results The majority of individuals with either TBI (90%) or CVA (86.7%) manifested an oculomotor dysfunction. Accommodative and vergence deficits were most common in the TBI subgroup, whereas strabismus and CN palsy were most common in the CVA subgroup. The frequency of occurrence of versional deficits was similar in each diagnostic subgroup. Conclusion These new findings should alert the clinician to the higher frequency of occurrence of oculomotor dysfunctions in these populations and the associated therapeutic, rehabilitative, and quality-of-life implications.
Photodynamic therapy of hypervascular cutaneous tissues in animal models using porphyrin or phthalocyanine activated by red light

Continued iraprovement in the results of laser treatment of portwine stain (PWS) , with reduction in scarring, will depend on the ability to use lasers to induce selective injury of only the abnormal blood vessels in the dennis . Photodynamic therapy (PDT), using an exogenous photosensitizing drug specifically activated by a certain wavelength of light, may be used to destroy selectively certain targets in biological systems. The current study demonstrates, in the chicken comb animal model, that PDT using porphyrins and phthalocyanines activated by red light could be used to treat hypervascular derinal tissues.
An optimal-control-based framework for trajectory planning, threat assessment, and semi-autonomous control of passenger vehicles in hazard avoidance scenarios

This paper formulates the vehicle navigation task as a constrained optimal control problem with constraints bounding a traversable region of the environment. A model predictive controller iteratively plans an optimal vehicle trajectory through the constrained corridor and uses this trajectory to establish the minimum threat posed to the vehicle given its current state and driver inputs. Based on this threat assessment, the level of controller intervention required to prevent departure from the traversable corridor is calculated and driver/controller inputs are scaled accordingly. Simulated and experimental results are presented to demonstrate multiple threat metrics and configurable intervention laws.
Ultrastructure of spermatozoa of the cockroach, Pycnoscelus indicus (fabricius) (Dictyoptera: Blattarta: Blaberidae)

Abstract Ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of Pycnoscelus indicus (F.) is described. Structural differences as compared to spermatozoa of other insects are as follows: dilations in the head, an electron transparent space in the mitochondrial derivatives, and an outer row of 9 pairs of fine fibers, which alternate between the coarse fibers lying outside the doublet tubules of the axial filament.
Conspecific Plant-Soil Feedbacks of Temperate Tree Species in the Southern Appalachians, USA

Many tree species have seedling recruitment patterns suggesting that they are affected by non-competitive distance-dependent sources of mortality. We conducted an experiment, with landscape-level replication, to identify cases of negative distance-dependent effects and whether variation in these effects corresponded with tree recruitment patterns in the southern Appalachian Mountains region. Specifically, soil was collected from 14 sites and used as inocula in a 62 day growth chamber experiment determining whether tree seedling growth was less when interacting with soil from conspecific (like) than heterospecific (other) tree species. Tests were performed on six tree species. Three of the tree species had been previously described as having greater recruitment around conspecifics (i.e. facilitator species group) compared to the other half (i.e. inhibitor species group). We were then able to determine whether variation in negative distance-dependent effects corresponded with recruitment patterns in the field. Across the six species, none were negatively affected by soil inocula from conspecific relative to heterospecific sources. Most species (four of six) were unaffected by soil source. Two species (Prunus serotina and Tsuga canadensis) had enhanced growth in pots inoculated with soil from conspecific trees vs. heterospecifics. Species varied in their susceptibility to soil pathogens, but trends across all species revealed that species classified as inhibitors were not more negatively affected by conspecific than heterospecific soil inocula or more susceptible to pathogenic effects than facilitators. Although plant-soil biota interactions may be important for individual species and sites, it may be difficult to scale these interactions over space or levels of ecological organization. Generalizing the importance of plant-soil feedbacks or other factors across regional scales may be especially problematic for hyperdiverse temperate forests where interactions may be spatially variable.
The Effect of Polymeric Substances on Apatite Reactivity in the Presence of a Freshwater Cyanobacterium

Marine cyanobacteria have evolved phosphate uptake systems to live where P is limiting. Ultimately, P derives from apatite in rocks but little is known about apatite solubilization by cyanobacteria. Fluorapatite (FAP) was added to a P-free culture medium with and without Anabaena, as well as in cell-free supernatant to test reports that the cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120 enhances the dissolution of fluorapatite (FAP). Anabaena, a fresh-water organism, is an analogue to harder-to-grow marine cyanobacteria. The initial abiotic release rate ratios (Ca/P) are significantly higher than the similar stoichiometric ratio of apatite. The majority of the “missing” P in abiotic experiments is sorbed to precipitates formed from Fe added as a nutrient to the culture medium. In contrast to literature reports, Ca release from FAP in the presence of Anabaena or culture supernatant was lower than abiotic release. However, Anabaena cultures aggregate and cells attach to the FAP when P-limited. Adhesion is explained by su...
Neurites Can Remain Viable after Destruction of the Neuronal Soma by Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis)

During the development of the nervous system extensive programmed neuronal death occurs that is regulated by neurotrophic factors. Invariably, degeneration and death of the neuronal soma as a result of trophic factor deprivation is accompanied by concurrent degeneration of the neurites. By examining the degeneration of sympathetic neurons after deprivation of their physiological trophic factor nerve growth factor, we show that the "slow Wallerian degeneration" allele (Wld6) expressed by homozygous mutant C57BL/Ola mice alters the normal time course of programmed neuronal death by selectively and dramatically delaying the onset of neurite disintegration. In contrast, degenerative events affecting the neuronal soma are not altered: Atrophy of the soma, apoptotic disintegration of the nucleus, commitment to die, and loss of viability occur normally. The enucleate neurites remaining after death of the soma have an intact plasma membrane, are metabolically active, and require an active metabolism for physical integrity. We suggest that the degeneration of neurites during developmentally occurring neuronal death is controlled by events confined to the neurites and occurs autonomously from the neuronal soma. Furthermore, programmed neuronal death of the soma proceeds independent from any influence exerted by degenerating neurites.
Associations of plasma phospholipid omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and MRI measures of cardiovascular structure and function: The multiethnic study of atherosclerosis

Background. The association between plasma omega-6 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unclear, and discrepancy remains concerning the cardiovascular benefit of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Methods. Associations of plasma phospholipid fatty acid levels (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measures of left ventricular (LV) mass, LV volume, ejection fraction, stroke volume, and aortic distensibility were investigated in 1,274 adults. Results. Results of multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant associations of plasma omega-6 or omega-3 levels with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measures. Stratification by gender revealed a positive association between DHA and LV mass in women (, ; P interaction = 0.003) and a trend for a positive association between DHA and ejection fraction in men (, ; P interaction = 0.03). Conclusion. Additional research is warranted to clarify the effects of plasma DHA on cardiac structure and function in women versus men.
The optic lobe projection pattern of polarization-sensitive photoreceptor cells in Drosophila melanogaster

Histological staining of wild-type and sevenless transgenic Drosophila melanogaster bearing Rh3-lacZ fusion genes permits the selective visualization of polarization-sensitive R7 and R8 photoreceptor cells located along the dorsal anterior eye margin. Diffusion of β-galactosidase throughout these cells reveals that they project long axons to the two most peripheral synaptic target rows of the dorsal posterior medulla, defining a specialized marginal zone of this optic lobe. Comparison of the staining patterns of marginal and nonmarginal Rh3-lacZ-expressing photoreceptor cells in the same histological preparations suggests that the marginal cells possess morphologically specialized axons and synaptic terminals. These findings are discussed with reference to the neuroanatomy of the corresponding dorsal marginal eye and optic lobe regions of the larger dipterans Musca and Calliphora, and in relation to the ability of Drosophila to orient to polarized light.
The value of perfect information in nonlinear utility theory

Wakker (1988) has recently shown that, in contrast to an expected utility maximizer, the value of information will sometimes be negative for an agent who violates the independence axiom of expected utility theory. We demonstrate, however, that the value ofperfect information will always be nonnegative if the agent satisfies a weak dominance axiom. This result thus mitigates to some degree the normative objection to nonlinear utility theory implicit in Wakker's finding.
Patient safety and the widespread use of herbs and supplements

Though herbs and supplements are included in the realm of alternative and non-traditional medical treatments, their use is common. Over 4 billion people, or 80% of the world's population, use herbal remedies as their source of primary care (Ekor, 2014). This wide use offers an explanation for the prevalent concomitant intake of herbal remedies and supplements with prescribed medications. Patients who ingest herbs and supplements while taking prescription medicine may be putting themselves at risk, especially if they are preparing to undergo a surgical procedure (Dickinson, 2014). As a routine part of preoperative care, physicians review patients' past medical history, based on patient reports, as well as any prescribed medications. Though some physicians ask patients if they are taking herbal medications or supplements, patients may not freely disclose the ingestion of “natural” supplements unless specified to do so (Goldstein et al., 2007).
A spectral approach to analyzing slice selection in planar imaging: Optimization for through‐plane interpolation

Interpolation between slices is necessary whenever reslicing a volume of data into a different coordinate frame. This may be done to view the data from different perspectives, to align data from different sessions, or to remove the effects of head movement in functional imaging studies. In this paper, issues surrounding slice-selection in two-dimensional imaging are examined in the context of through-plane interpolation and a spectral framework is introduced to describe the sources of error when interpolating between slices. This framework suggests that there is a trade-off between precision in localization, which requires high spatial frequencies, and interpolation, which requires a narrow spectrum of spatial frequencies. An analysis of the sources of error has lead to several approaches to reducing interpolation error including elimination of interslice gaps or making slices overlap, use of a slice profile with a narrower spatial frequency bandwidth such as a Gaussian profile, and use of high-order interpolation. The simulation and experimental data demonstrate significant reductions in interpolation error for these approaches.
Nonparametric Bayes Decision Theory

A summary of the seminar with the same title is presented. Ferguson’s fundamental work on the theory of Dirichlet processes is elucidated and their shortcomings are discussed. Some modifications are also proposed and illustrated. Some of the intricate mathematical issues related to the definitions and the proofs are not discussed for the sake of clarity and brevity. The development related to unimodal processes, briefly mentioned in the last section, will appear as a joint work with Professor W.J. Hall elsewhere.
A multisample chamber for dehydration and critical point drying

The principles and methods for constructing an improved chamber for dehydration and critical point drying of multiple biological samples are described. The specimen chamber design is based on vertical positioning of the electron microscope grids or coverslips and permits minimal perturbation of laminar solvent flow past the specimens. This condition is requisite for optimal exposure of samples to solvents, which is necessary for complete dehydration and drying. Fragile samples, including chromosomes, critical point dried in the multisample chamber demonstrate crisp, well-preserved, three-dimensional morphology.
Expressed and inventoried vocational interests as predictors of college graduation and vocational choice

Abstract This is a follow-up study of 195 agricultural students originally tested when they entered college in 1970. Students whose Strong Vocational Interest Blank (SVIB) patterns were consistent with their stated choice of major were the congruent sample. Students whose SVIB patterns were inconsistent with their stated choices of major were the discrepant sample. A follow-up was made on graduation rates, eventual major, and job placement. Discrepant subjects changed major more often but graduated at the same rate as congruents. The SVIB did not seem to add anything to the student's expressed interests in predicting college continuation. There was a trend for congruent graduates to more frequently take jobs which matched their majors.