cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Status of Myotis grisescens in Florida

Myotis grisescens has previously been reported in Florida by Sherman (Jour. Mamm., 15: 156, 1934) on the basis of two specimens shot while they were flying over the Chipola River just north of the town of Marianna, Jackson County, on the evening of June 9, 1930. On May 8 and 9,1954, while engaged in investigations of Myotis austroriparius in the Marianna region, in company with a Florida Speleological Society field trip, I discovered colonies of M. grisescens in two of the eight caves explored by the party. The first was a large “nursery” colony in an unnamed cave (which the FSS has named “Mud Cave”) on the west bank of the Chipola River in the town of Marianna, about 300 yards upstream from the Louisville and Nashville Railroad bridge (T. 4 N., R. 10 W., Sec. 10). Here there were at least 4,000 M. grisescens and 11,000 …
Photoacoustic characterization of human ovarian tissue

Ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 30%, which represents the highest mortality of all gynecologic cancers. The reason for that is that the current imaging techniques are not capable of detecting ovarian cancer early. Therefore, new imaging techniques, like photoacoustic imaging, that can provide functional and molecular contrasts are needed for improving the specificity of ovarian cancer detection and characterization. Using a coregistered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system we have studied thirty-one human ovaries ex vivo, including normal and diseased. In order to compare the photoacoustic imaging results from all the ovaries, a new parameter using the RF data has been derived. The preliminary results show higher optical absorption for abnormal and malignant ovaries than for normal postmenopausal ones. To estimate the quantitative optical absorption properties of the ovaries, additional ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography images have been acquired. Good agreement between the two techniques has been observed. These results demonstrate the potential of a co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
The parasexual cycle in Aspergillus flavus.

(1973). The Parasexual Cycle in Aspergillus Flavus. Mycologia: Vol. 65, No. 5, pp. 1201-1205.
Diffusion of Ideas and Technology The Role of Networks in Influencing the Endorsement and Use of On-Officer Video Cameras

On-officer videos, or body cameras, can provide objective accounts of interactions among police officers and the public. Police leadership tends to view this emerging technology as an avenue for resolving citizen complaints and prosecuting offenses where victims and witnesses are reluctant to testify. However, getting endorsement from patrol officers is difficult. These incongruent cognitive frames are a cultural barrier to the utilization of innovative technologies. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the deconstruction of these barriers is essential for the integration of technology into organizations. Using affiliation data collected from a large police department in Southwestern United States over a 4-month period, we find that interactions with other officers provide a conduit for facilitating cognitive frames that increase camera legitimacy.
Epidemiology and Demographics of Underactive Bladder

Bladder emptying symptoms of underactive bladder (UAB) are prevalent and as common in men as it is in women. The National Library of Medicine defined urinary retention as “Inability to empty the urinary bladder with voiding (urination).” Bladder emptying problems are significantly associated with comorbidity and poor health and suggest that the burden and impact of underactive bladder may be significant. In addition to primary urodynamic contractility-based definition of detrusor underactivity, a syndromic concept of UAB can increase awareness among the medical community, general population, and governmental agencies worldwide.
Atomic-scale investigation of triple junction role on defects binding energetics and structural stability in α-Fe

Abstract Nanocrystalline (NC) metals (mean grain sizes d ≤ 100 nm) have enhanced mechanical strength as compared to coarse-grained metals (d ≥ 1 μm), and thus, are a promising alternative as structural materials for future high energy nuclear reactors. However, during extreme conditions, the NC microstructure has been found to be thermodynamically unstable, thereby limiting its applicability. Further, for materials with average grain size
Sample Size Calculations in Clinical Research

INTRODUCTION Regulatory Requirement Basic Considerations Procedures for Sample Size Calculation Aims and Structure of the Book CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION Confounding and Interaction One-Sided Test Versus Two-Sided Test Crossover Design Versus Parallel Design Subgroup/Interim Analyses Data Transformation Practical Issues COMPARING MEANS One-Sample Design Two-Sample Parallel Design Two-Sample Crossover Design Multiple-Sample One-Way ANOVA Multiple-Sample Williams Design Practical Issues LARGE SAMPLE TESTS FOR PROPORTIONS One-Sample Design Two-Sample Parallel Design Two-Sample Crossover Design One-Way Analysis of Variance Williams Design Relative Risk - Parallel Design Relative Risk - Crossover Design Practical Issues EXACT TESTS FOR PROPORTIONS Binomial Test Fisher's Exact Test Optimal Multiple-Stage Designs for Single Arm Trials Flexible Designs for Multiple-Arm Trials Remarks TESTS FOR GOODNESS-OF-FIT AND CONTINGENCY TABLES Tests for Goodness-of-Fit Test for Independence -Single Stratum Test for Independence -Multiple Strata Test for Categorical Shift Carry-Over Effect Test Practical Issues COMPARING TIME-TO-EVENT DATA Basic Concepts Exponential Model Cox's Proportional Hazards Model Weighted Log-Rank Test Practical Issues GROUP SEQUENTIAL METHODS Pocock's Test O'Brien and Fleming's Test Wang and Tsiatis' Test Inner Wedge Test Binary Variables Time-to-Event Data Alpha Spending Function Sample Size Re-Estimation Conditional Power Practical Issues COMPARING VARIABILITIES Comparing Intra-Subject Variabilities Comparing Intra-Subject CVs Comparing Inter-Subject Variabilities Comparing Total Variabilities Practical Issues BIOEQUIVALENCE TESTING Bioequivalence Criteria Average Bioequivalence Population Bioequivalence Individual Bioequivalence In Vitro Bioequivalence NONPARAMETRICS Violation of Assumptions One-Sample Location Problem Two-Sample Location Problem Test for Independence Practical Issues SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION IN OTHER AREAS Dose Response Studies ANOVA with Repeated Measures Quality of Life Bridging Studies Vaccine Clinical Trials Appendix: Tables of Quantiles References Index
zorder-lib: Library API for Z-Order Memory Layout:

This document describes the motivation for, elements of, and use of the zorder-lib, a library API that implements organization of and access to data in memory using either a-order (also known as "row-major" order) or z-order memory layouts. The primary motivation for this work is to improve the performance of many types of data- intensive codes by increasing both spatial and temporal locality of memory accesses. The basic idea is that the cost associated with accessing a datum is less when it is nearby in either space or time.
Instructional Scaffolding: Foundations and Evolving Definition

This chapter covers the definition of instructional scaffolding, as well as its theoretical bases, and how those bases are reflected in computer-based scaffolding. Computer-based scaffolding is defined as a computer-based tool that extends and enhances student capabilities as students engage with authentic and ill-structured tasks. Despite its original atheoretical nature, scaffolding was linked to many theoretical frameworks, including activity theory, Adaptive Character of Thought-Rational (ACT-R), and knowledge integration. This variation in theoretical frameworks has led to differing scaffolding strategies (e.g., fading, adding, and fading/adding strategies) and overall scaffolding approaches. These are described in depth in this chapter.
A Clinical Protocol for Goal Directed Cerebral Perfusion during Aortic Arch Surgery

Objective: The optimal strategy to deliver antegrade cerebral perfusion for cerebral protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest has not been established. The purpose of this review was to pre...
Analysis of Sub-synchronous Resonance (SSR) in Doubly-fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-Based Wind Farms

Wind power penetration is rapidly increasing in today's energy generation industry. In particular, the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) has become a very popular option in wind farms, due to its cost advantage compared with fully rated converter-based systems. Wind farms are frequently located in remote areas, far from the bulk of electric power users, and require long transmission lines to connect to the grid. Series capacitive compensation of DFIG-based wind farm is an economical way to increase the power transfer capability of the transmission line connecting the wind farm to the grid. For example, a study performed by ABB reveals that increasing the power transfer capability of an existing transmission line from 1300 MW to 2000 MW using series compensation is 90% less expensive than building a new transmission line. However, a factor hindering the extensive use of series capacitive compensation is the potential risk of subsynchronous resonance (SSR). The SSR is a condition w ere the wind farm exchanges energy with the electric network, to which it is connected, at one or more natural frequencies of the electric or mechanical part of the combined system, comprising the wind farm and the network, and the frequency of the exchanged energy is below the fundamental frequency of the system. This oscillatory phenomenon may cause severe damage in the wind farm, if not prevented. Therefore, this book studies the SSR phenomenon in a capacitive series compensated wind farm. A DFIG-based wind farm, which is connected to a series compensated transmission line, is considered as a case study. The book consists of two main parts: Small-signal modeling of DFIG for SSR analysis: This part presents a step-by-step tutorial on modal analysis of a DFIG-based series compensated wind farm using Matlab/Simulink. The model of the system includes wind turbine aerodynamics, a 6th order induction generator, a 2nd order two-mass shaft system, a 4th order series compensated transmissio line, a 4th order rotor-side converter (RSC) controller and a 4th order grid-side converter (GSC) controller, and a 1st order DC-link model. The relevant modes are identified using participation factor analysis. Definition of the SSR in DFIG-based wind farms: This part mainly focuses on the identification and definition of the main types of SSR that occur in DFIG wind farms, namely: (1) induction generator effect (SSIGE), (2) torsional interactions (SSTI), and (3) control interactions (SSCI).
Biographical Feature: Lynne S. Garcia, M.S., F(AAM).

Comments provided by Mike Saubolle, medical director of the Infectious Diseases Division, Laboratory Sciences of Arizona, and clinical associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, set the stage for this biographical feature on Lynne S. Garcia, M.S., F(AAM), and
Platelets Protect Against Murine Pneumonia

Platelets have been called “ancient granulocytes” because they are capable of recognizing and destroying microbial invaders through their release of a variety of anti-microbial proteins. Experimental evidence indicates that this may involve direct platelet-microbial interactions or occur indirectly through platelet-leukocyte interactions, neutrophil histone-platelet interactions and/or platelet-directed neutrophil extracellular trap formation. To test the hypothesis that platelets contribute to innate lung immunity, we examined the clinical course, lung histopathology and pathogen burden of mice -/+ antibody-mediated platelet depletion who were subjected to aerosolized bacteria ( Streptococcus pneumoniae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa ). Mice (C57BL/6, 10 weeks) were injected by tail vein with a purified rat monoclonal antibody directed against mouse GpIbα (or control antibody) resulting in platelet depletion to ~ 20% at 3 hours that persisted for 48 hours. 30 minutes after GpIbα antibody injection mice were placed into a closed system for 60 minutes where they were exposed to 10 ml nebulized S. pneumoniae (2-6 x 10 11 CFU/ml) or P. aeruginosa (1-4 x 10 10 CFU/ml). All platelet depleted animals infected with S. pneumoniae died by day 4 after infection, whereas all platelet replete mice survived the infection. Infection with P. aeruginosa resulted in death of all animals, although the platelet replete mice lived longer than the platelet depleted mice. No platelet depleted sham-infected animals died. The lungs of animals were harvested, fixed and prepared for histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin staining; or harvested, homogenized and plated for bacterial CFU measurements. Whole lungs of platelet-depleted and infected mice were congested. Histopathology showed increased red cells in the venules of platelet-depleted S. pneumoniae -infected mice but no difference in air-space hemorrhage in comparison with platelet-depleted sham-infected lungs and platelet- replete S. pneumoniae -infected lungs. Platelet depletion resulted in ~ 5-fold increase in lung S. pneumoniae CFUs and ~ 10-fold increase in P. aeruginosa CFUs. These results indicate that platelets provide defense against pneumonia. The mechanism of this effect is not known. Experiments are ongoing to determine if it is a consequence of platelet-dependent hemostasis, platelet-leukocyte interactions and/or direct platelet-microbial interactions leading to the release of bactericidal compounds. Disclosures Kroll: Boerhinger-Ingelheim: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aplagon Therapeutics: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Editor’s Column: The Emotional Experiences of Librarians

The editor considers the emotional experiences of librarians. She ruminates on what the emotional dimensions of academic librarianship are, focusing on deselection.
Epigenetics of Malaria Parasites

Malaria parasites of the Plasmodium spp. have complex life cycles that include multiple stages in a vertebrate host and a mosquito vector, requiring strong regulation of their transcriptional programs for life cycle progression and survival. Epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression have been shown to be important for parasite proliferation during the intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle, and evidence is emerging for a role of such mechanisms in other life cycle stages. In particular, parasite-specific genes involved in pathogenesis, evasion of host immune responses, invasion of host cells, and life cycle progression are regulated at the epigenetic level. In this chapter, the various processes involved in the regulation of these parasite-specific genes and gene families will be discussed. In addition, the changes observed at the level of local chromatin structure and global nuclear organization will be described. Finally, the promise of epigenetic regulators as targets of novel antimalarial drugs will be addressed. Collectively, these topics provide insight into the unique biology of Plasmodium spp. and highlight the areas where additional research is necessary for an increased understanding of gene regulation in this deadly parasite.
An Eventful Interactionist Approach to Organizational Corruption

In this paper I address the plea for a "deep" and "long" view of organizational corruption put forth by Ashforth and colleagues (2008) by proposing a novel "eventful" way to approach corruption as ...
The gospel according to merit: from Virtue To Rationality To Production

The meaning of merit is complex and ambiguous. Originally defined as personal virtue, merit has evolved through scientific rationality into a measure of production, all the while retaining the nuance of moral virtue. The result of this “gospel of merit” is a framework where the value of a human being is derived from organizational performance rather than individual character.
σ Receptors: Historical Perspective and Background

The early history of σ receptors is characterized by classical pharmacological approaches which succeeded in defining a unique drug selectivity pattern and anatomical distribution for these proteins. σ Receptors are widely distributed in the body, where they mediate a variety of physiological functions. The chemical diversity of compounds that interact with σ receptors is vast and includes therapeutically relevant entities including psychotomimetic opiates, neuroleptics, antihistamines, and antidepressants. The recent revolution in molecular biology has provided additional information about σ receptors, including the sequence of one of its major subtypes and a host of experimental tools to aid in selectively deciphering its functions. We now know that σ receptors have important implications for a number of disease states and mounting evidence indicates that they are viable therapeutic targets for medication development. The remaining chapters in this book summarize our current knowledge regarding the medicinal chemistry, cell biological and clinical implications of σ receptors. It is hoped that this information will lay the groundwork for innovative future studies to stimulate new insights into the physiological and therapeutic relevance of σ receptors.
Oversensing of transthoracic excitation stimuli in contemporary pacemakers.

Background Transthoracic impedance measurements (TIM) is primarily used for minute ventilation rate adaptive sensors in pacemakers. With elevated impedance, the TIM electrical signal itself is oversensed, causing device malfunction. Objective We report an increased incidence of TIM oversensing. Method Retrospective chart review. We review existing records of 18 patients who have demonstrated device malfunction with TIM oversensing. Results We have found a 1.8% incidence of TIM-related oversensing in our patient population of 959 patients with contemporary Boston Scientific (Marlborough, MA, USA) pacemakers and cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers. One patient experienced a syncopal episode. Conclusion Oversensing with pacing inhibition is apparent with the potential of adverse effects to patients.
Structure-Defined DNA-Carbon Nanotube Hybrids and Their Applications

In this paper, I present first our current understanding of structure-defined DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids, then a description of the DNA sequence selection problem, and finally utility of DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids in molecular sensing. An artificial perception system, i.e. molecular perceptron, is proposed to take full advantage of the structure diversity of DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids.
Linear accelerator-based radiosurgery and hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastasis secondary to gynecologic malignancies: A single institution series examining outcomes of a rare entity.

Abstract Objective The use of SRS and fSRT to determine overall survival, tumor control, and local-disease free progression in patient diagnosed with gynecologic brain metastasis. Methods In this retrospective review, 11 patients aged 50 to 85 (median age of 71) were treated with linear accelerator-based SRS and hypofractionated SRT for brain metastasis secondary to gynecologic malignancies. In total, 16 tumors were treated from 2007 to 2017. Patients were treated to a median dose of 24 Gy (range 15 to 30 Gy) in 3 Fx (range 1 to 5). Median follow-up from SRS or SRT was 4 months (range 3–38 months). Results The actuarial 1-year overall survival rate was 26% with a median overall survival of 8 months. In addition, 1-year actuarial local control rate was 83.3% and the 1-year distant brain control rate was 31%. One patient experienced toxicity that presented as seizures after 7 months (due to minimal edema) that required anticonvulsants. There was no other acute or late treatment-related toxicity. Conclusion: Linear-accelerator based SRS or fSRT is safe and effective for control of local tumor growth in brain metastases secondary to gynecologic malignancies. The course of disease remains aggressive as seen by poor overall survival and distant failure rate.
Evaluating parents’ decisions about next-generation sequencing for their child in the NC NEXUS (North Carolina Newborn Exome Sequencing for Universal Screening) study: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in newborn screening (NBS) could expand the number of genetic conditions detected pre-symptomatically, simultaneously challenging current precedents, raising ethical concerns, and extending the role of parental decision-making in NBS. The NC NEXUS (Newborn Exome Sequencing for Universal Screening) study seeks to assess the technical possibilities and limitations of NGS-NBS, devise and evaluate a framework to convey various types of genetic information, and develop best practices for incorporating NGS-NBS into clinical care. The study is enrolling both a healthy cohort and a cohort diagnosed with known disorders identified through recent routine NBS. It uses a novel age-based metric to categorize a priori the large amount of data generated by NGS-NBS and interactive online decision aids to guide parental decision-making. Primary outcomes include: (1) assessment of NGS-NBS sensitivity, (2) decision regret, and (3) parental decision-making about NGS-NBS, and, for parents randomized to have the option of requesting them, additional findings (diagnosed and healthy cohorts). Secondary outcomes assess parents’ reactions to the study and to decision-making. Participants are parents and children in a well-child cohort recruited from a prenatal clinic and a diagnosed cohort recruited from pediatric clinics that treat children with disorders diagnosed through traditional NBS (goal of 200 children in each cohort). In phase 1, all parent participants use an online decision aid to decide whether to accept NGS-NBS for their child and provide consent for NGS-NBS. In phase 2, parents who consent to NGS-NBS are randomized to a decision arm or control arm (2:1 allocation) and learn their child’s NGS-NBS results, which include conditions from standard (non-NGS) NBS plus other highly actionable childhood-onset conditions. Parents in the decision arm use a second decision aid to make decisions about additional results from their child’s sequencing. In phase 3, decision arm participants learn additional results they have requested. Online questionnaires are administered at up to five time points. NC NEXUS will use a rigorous interdisciplinary approach designed to collect rich data to inform policy, practice, and future research. clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02826694 . Registered on 11 July, 2016.
Lumbar Herniation of the Kidney

AbstractWe report a case of lumbar herniation of a kidney, resulting in intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Surgical repair of the lumbodorsal fascial defect resulted in resolution of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
Improving patient preparedness for the operating room: A quality improvement study in Winchester District Memorial Hospital - A rural hospital in Ontario.

Introduction: Full completion of the pre-operative checklist is important for proper preparation of patients before they enter the operating room (OR), thus increasing OR efficiency. It is also critical for patient safety and successful outcomes. According to various literature, full completion of pre-operative checklists varies widely between institutions and occurs anywhere between 21% and 92% of cases.[1],[2] Our pre-project audits revealed a suboptimal patient preparedness for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) OR, since only 25% of cases arriving at the OR had their pre-operative checklist completed in its entirety, with no omissions. Methods: WDMH performed a 12-month long quality improvement (QI) study to improve patient preparedness for the OR. Multiple QI initiatives were used to induce behavioural change by incorporating process mapping, enabling communication, adjusting the pre-operative checklist based on qualitative staff feedback and implementing a staff education plan. Interventions also included two post-implementation audits. Results: Remarkably, completion of the pre-operative checklist increased from 25% to 67% and finally to 94%. Furthermore, the previous chart's presence and completion of pre-operative orders improved from 87% to 100% and from 82% to 99%, respectively. Another significantly important secondary outcome was improvement in interdepartmental relationships and collaboration. With better communication and checklist completion rates, there came increased patient preparedness and improved efficiency. Conclusions: Multiple significant improvements and many additional minor improvements strongly suggest that the approaches were used were effective at improving patient preparedness.
On the Organization of Grid and Place Cells: Neural Denoising via Subspace Learning

Place cells in the hippocampus (HC) are active when an animal visits a certain location (referred to as a place field) within an environment. Grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) respon...
Physical Activity Level and Perception of Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: More patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer, and lifestyle-related behavior is becoming increasingly important for improving morbidity and mortality. Declining levels of exercise leads to low cardiorespiratory fitness, which is a strong, independent predictor of mortality in patients with CF. As a result, exercise training has become a commonly accepted form of treatment for patients with CF. The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity levels and perception of exercise in adult patients with CF. METHODS: Adult patients from an in-patient CF unit were recruited to participate. A structured interview and self-report questionnaires were used to collect information on levels of physical activity and exercise perception including preferences, readiness, and barriers. RESULTS: Forty-six adult patients with CF consented to participate in the interview and completed self-report questionnaires. Subjects self-reported that the majority (84%) of their time was spent performing physical activity at a moderate level, with mean ± SD of 11.8 ± 12.2 h per week of moderate physical activity. Vigorous physical activity was described as hard and very hard physical activity, with a mean ± SD of 1.8 ± 4.6 h (13%) and 0.4 ± 1.6 h (3%), respectively. Most of the adult subjects with CF preferred walking, and 65% of them felt that exercise was very important. Lack of energy, lack of good health, lack of self-discipline, and lack of time were noted as the most frequent barriers to exercise. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, adult subjects with CF self-reported performing an adequate amount of moderate physical activity, although only a small proportion of time was spent at a vigorous level of physical activity. Clinicians providing rehabilitation have an opportunity to improve adherence to prescribed exercise by understanding the impact that physiological and psychological factors have on patients with CF. Further, motivating patients with CF to engage in more vigorous physical activity may provide a stimulus that improves clinical outcomes and potentially survival.
Magic: the Gathering is as Hard as Arithmetic

Magic: the Gathering is a popular and famously complicated card game about magical combat. Recently, several authors including Chatterjee and Ibsen-Jensen (2016) and Churchill, Biderman, and Herrick (2019) have investigated the computational complexity of playing Magic optimally. In this paper we show that the ``mate-in-$n$'' problem for Magic is $\Delta^0_n$-hard and that optimal play in two-player Magic is non-arithmetic in general. These results apply to how real Magic is played, can be achieved using standard-size tournament legal decks, and do not rely on stochasticity or hidden information. Our paper builds upon the construction that Churchill, Biderman, and Herrick (2019) used to show that this problem was at least as hard as the halting problem.
Prenatal genetic analysis of three fetuses with abnormalities of chromosome 22

Objective To carry out genetic testing for 3 fetuses with abnormal prenatal screening. Methods Fetal ultrasound, karyotype analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed. Results Abnormalities of chromosome 22 were found with all 3 fetuses. Fetus 1 harbored a 7.1 Mb deletion in 22q13.2q13.33 region, which involved 54 OMIM genes including SHANK3 and FBLN1. Fetus 2 had a mosaicism karyotype, with 12% of cells harboring a 6.6 Mb deletion in 22q13.31q13.33, covering 48 OMIM genes such as SHANK3 and PPARA, and 5% of cells harboring a 26.1 Mb duplication in 22q11.1q13.2 involving 285 OMIM genes. Fetus 3 carried a tandem duplication of 1.7 Mb in 22q11.1q11.21, which involved 10 OMIM genes including CECR1, CECR2 and ATP6V1E1. No abnormality was found in the three couples by chromosomal karyotyping and SNP array analysis. Conclusion The severity of diseases caused by chromosome 22 abnormalities not only depends on the range of the deletion or duplication, but is also closely related to chromosome structure, gene dose and genetic environment. Combined ultrasonography and various genetic testing techniques in prenatal diagnosis can greatly increase the detection rate of genetic diseases with substantial phenotypic variation. Key words: Prenatal diagnosis; Chromosomal anomaly; Ring chromosome 22; Genomic microarray; Mosaicism trisomy 22
Image enhancement using hierarchical Bayesian image expansion super resolution

Multiframe super-resolution uses the information from a set of low resolution images to produce a high resolution output image. This process can prospectively be run several times with interim sets of enhanced images that can be further enhanced. This paper presents and discusses the results of this hierarchical technique on a sreated set of images and the results produced. When successful, this approach is able to produce a better quality image than the traditional single run super resolution approach. This provides a method for existing super resolution algorithms to further enhance image quality without modifying the underlying algorithm.
Susceptibility of crabapple cultivars to several diseases in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama.

Abstract The occurrence and severity of fireblight (Erwinia amylovora), apple scab (Venturia inequalis), cedar rust diseases (Gymnosporangium sp.), powdery mildew (Podosphaeria leucotricha) and frogeye leaf spot (Botryosphaeria obtusa) were assessed on 60 cultivars of flowering crabapple (Malus sp.) in Brewton, AL (Plant Hardiness Zone 8). Of these diseases, fireblight was the most widespread and damaging over the four-year test period. Noticeable and sometimes damaging levels of frogeye leaf spot and apple scab were seen on a few select crabapple cultivars. Surprisingly, none of the cedar rust diseases commonly found in Alabama on members of the apple family caused significant damage. The signs or symptoms of powdery mildew were never seen on any of the 60 crabapples. Of the crabapple cultivars screened, ‘Eleyi’, ‘Radiant’, ‘Adams’ dwarf, and ‘Velvet Pillar’ had the highest survival rates, as well as resistance to fireblight and frogeye leaf spot. However, ‘Radiant’ and, particularly, ‘Eleyi’ are sensiti...
CHAPTER 5 – Oil

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on oil. Petroleum is a thick, viscous liquid of brown-dark green or, sometimes, light color with a characteristic smell. It is made up of carbon and hydrogen. Small amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen are also common in most oils. The carbon-hydrogen compounds appearing in crude oil are in the thousands. In the paraffin oils, there is a higher hydrogen content in relation to carbon, and in the naphthene oils, this relation is reversed. Naphthene oils are heavier and are richer in viscous lubricating oils. Distillation of naphthene oils results in significant amounts of solid or semisolid asphaltic residues. Oils of Mexico are rich in sulfur (5%), while Pennsylvania oils contain little sulfur (0.5%). In spite of the variation of carbon-hydrogen compounds in oils, the carbon-hydrogen elements percentage distribution is constant in most oils. Chemical and physicochemical analyses of petroleum show the presence of cholesterol, indicating that it is formed from the fats, waxes, and resins of marine animals, planktons, and vegetation. Clay, silt, and limestone deposited during the petroleum-forming process form the source rock. To retain the crude oil, it is necessary that the bays, gulfs, or entrapped seas remain separated from the open seas, which can decompose the organic substance into carbon dioxide gas. Oil shale is a sedimentary rock deposited in layers. It can be mined either on the surface or underground.
Twenty one years after the publication of the generalized Faustmann formula

Abstract In this paper, I discuss developments of the generalized Faustmann formula since its publication in 1998. They included the formula for even-aged plantation management, uneven-aged management and forest valuation. These formula were followed by those for forest property taxation and valuation under taxation, the generalized van Kooten model, and the generalized Reed model as well as the uneven-aged management formula with carbon sequestration. The dynamic, incremental solution for the generalized Faustmann formula was then discussed. Pressler's indicator rate formula turned out to be equally applicable under the generalized Faustmann formula. Further, it enables the incorporation of risk preference to deal with the down side stumpage price risk. Lastly, modern financial instruments enables forestland owners/managers to outsource both stumpage price uncertainties and stand volume risks. With a put option, they can lock in a specific stumpage price at a future harvest date for a specific volume. With a timber insurance, they are guaranteed to get paid if the timber stand is lost in a catastrophe. The cost of the former reduces the stumpage value while the annual premium of the latter acts as an increase in the discount rate. As a result, they enable forest management decisions to be made under a certainty equivalent environment.
Contraceptive Use by Women Across Multiple Components of Sexual Orientation: Findings from the 2011–2017 National Survey of Family Growth

Purpose: We estimated sexual orientation-related disparities in contraceptive outcomes among women across multiple components of sexual orientation. Methods: Using pooled National Survey of Family Growth data, 2011-2017, we performed multivariable logistic and multinomial regression analyses (adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, education, and income) to estimate the independent associations between multiple components of sexual orientation (sexual identity, behavior, and attraction) and two contraceptive outcomes-any contraceptive use and type of method used at last intercourse with a male partner. Results: Women who reported any attraction to females had increased odds of having used any contraceptive method compared with those only attracted to males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.44). For the type of contraception outcome, we present age-stratified results due to effect modification. Among 15- to 25-year-olds, bisexual-identified females had higher odds of having used a low efficacy method compared with heterosexual females (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01-2.19). Among 26- to 35-year-olds, women with male and female partners had increased odds of having used a low efficacy method compared with women with male partners only (AOR 3.31, 95% CI 1.46-7.51). Conclusion: Sexual minority women, defined by sexual identity and sexual behavior, may be at increased risk for unintended pregnancy due to increased use of low efficacy contraceptive methods compared with their non sexual minority peers. These outcomes vary by age group.
Cell-Type-Specific Optogenetic Techniques Reveal Neural Circuits Crucial for Episodic Memories

The formation and maintenance of episodic memories are important for our daily life. Accumulating evidence from extensive studies with pharmacological, electrophysiological, and molecular biological approaches has shown that both entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus (HPC) are crucial for the formation and recall of episodic memory. However, to further understand the neural mechanisms of episodic memory processes in the EC-HPC network, cell-type-specific manipulation of neural activity with high temporal resolution during memory process has become necessary. Recently, the technological innovation of optogenetics combined with pharmacological, molecular biological, and electrophysiological approaches has significantly advanced our understanding of the circuit mechanisms for learning and memory. Optogenetic techniques with transgenic mice and/or viral vectors enable us to manipulate the neural activity of specific cell populations as well as specific neural projections with millisecond-scale temporal control during animal behavior. Integrating optogenetics with drug-regulatable activity-dependent gene expression systems has identified memory engram cells, which are a subpopulation of cells that encode a specific episode. Finally, millisecond pulse stimulation of neural activity by optogenetics has further achieved (a) identification of synaptic connectivity between targeted pairs of neural populations, (b) cell-type-specific single-unit electrophysiological recordings, and (c) artificial induction and modification of synaptic plasticity in targeted synapses. In this chapter, we summarize technological and conceptual advancements in the field of neurobiology of learning and memory as revealed by optogenetic approaches in the rodent EC-HPC network for episodic memories.
Cortical excitability threshold can be increased by the AMPA blocker Perampanel in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Cortical hyperexcitability is a feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cortical excitability can be measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Resting motor threshold (MT) is a measure of cortical excitability, largely driven by glutamate. Perampanel, a glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor blocker, is predicted to increase the cortical excitability threshold. This study aimed to evaluate TMS to functionally assess target engagement in a study of perampanel in ALS. METHOD: We studied the MT of ALS patients randomized to a single dose of perampanel or placebo 5:1 hourly for 4 h. Twelve patients participated at 4 mg and 7 returned for dosing and retesting at 8 mg. The study was terminated in April 2020 due to coronavirus disease 2019-related restrictions, after 7 out of 12 planned patients had received the 8 mg dose. Serum concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: Ten patients received the 4 mg dose (2 received placebo) and 5 received the 8 mg dose (2 received placebo). Motor Threshold increased at 2 h after dosing in the combined treatment group +7% of maximal stimulator output (P < .01). Change could be detected in the larger 4 mg group (P = .02), but not in the smaller 8 mg dose group (P = .1). No side effects were reported after single dose exposure. DISCUSSION: This study shows that perampanel effects the physiology of upper motor neurons. Studies aiming at gauging the effect of perampanel on ALS disease progression are already ongoing. Motor threshold may serve as a marker of biological target engagement.
Production of Transgenic Birds Using Lentiviral Vectors

The generation of transgenic birds using lentiviral vectors is an efficient procedure that is relatively simple compared to the production of transgenic mice and other mammals. Most tools and reagents required are available in a typical molecular biology laboratory, and the procedure can be performed on a laboratory bench without special concerns for sterility. The method for avian transgenesis described here is similar to previous methods used to produce transgenic chickens by the microinjection of recombinant oncoretroviruses into the early embryo of freshly laid eggs (Bosselman et al. 1989). However, lentiviral transgenesis has a number of important advantages over previous methods. The primary advantage of using lentiviral vectors is that they are not subject to the silencing that oncoretroviral-based vectors undergo in the developing embryo. Previous studies of transgenic chickens and quails produced with oncoretroviral vectors reported low or undetectable levels of transgene expression (Mozdziak and Petitte 2004). In contrast, we and others have demonstrated that lentiviral vectors allow for high levels of transgene expression in quails and chickens (Scott BB, Lois C: Tissue-specific expression in transgenetic birds. PNAS in press). Additionally, we have shown that lentiviral vectors allow for tissue-specific expression in transgenic birds. Transgenesis using lentiviruses has been shown to be a versatile and powerful genetic tool in mice (Lois et al. 2002). In this chapter we describe the application of this tool to birds. Although this system has only been tested in chickens and quails, we anticipate that lentiviral transgenesis will be possible in a wide variety of avian species.
Hydrolytic and transgalactosylic activities of commercial beta-galactosidase (lactase) in food processing.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on hydrolytic and transgalactosylic activities of commercial β -galactosidase (lactase) in food processing. Food enzyme technology is the use of commercial sources of these biocatalytic compounds in the processing of food. The enzymes used for this purpose may be derived from plant, animal, or microbial sources, but generally do not require much refining to reach food-grade status. The functionality and stability of commercial and potential commercial sources of β -galactosidases for hydrolytic processes must be improved to use the enzymes under conditions that are safe from microbial contamination. To realize this goal, research is required to develop lactases that are resistant to normal processing temperatures, such as that of pasteurization. The continuing development of new microencapsulation technologies could result in a variety of heat-resistant enzymes and more research is needed. The products formed, which are addressed in this chapter, vary with the starting substrates and microbial source of the enzyme. The complete analysis of the oligosaccharides formed requires separation procedures, such as paper chromatography (PC), column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). In addition, the identification of new products and the glycosidic linkages formed by the enzyme requires techniques such as mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Imposed Queries in the School Library Media Center: A Descriptive Study.

This work replicates and builds on a pilot study designed to test the theoretical model of information-seeking behavior called the imposed query. The same cross-sectional approach was used to collect data at the pilot site and at two other similar schools, and interviews were conducted with the school library media specialist, teachers, and students at the pilot site. Major quantitative findings include the persistence of a relationship between grade level and question type, gender difference in library use at the pilot site, and a significant difference in prevalence rate for one school as compared with the other two. Qualitative findings identify teachers, the school library media specialist, parents, and children as imposers. Children were most hindered by limited reading skills, showed a preference for browsing and known items, demonstrated a limited ability to assess information critically, and used a wider variety of sources for imposed queries than for self-generated questions.
Allosteric negative regulation of smt O/P binding of the zinc sensor, SmtB, by metal ions: a coupled equilibrium analysis.

The Synechococcus PCC 7942 smt operon is responsible for cellular resistance to excess zinc and consists of two divergently transcribed genes, smtB and smtA. SmtB is the Zn(II)-sensing metal-regulated repressor of the system and binds to a 12-2-12 imperfect inverted repeat in the smtA O/P region. Using fluorescence anisotropy to monitor SmtB-smt O/P multiple equilibria, we show that four SmtB homodimers bind to a 40 bp oligonucleotide containing a single 12-2-12 inverted repeat. The binding affinities of the first two dimers are very tight (K(int) = 2.9 x 10(9) M(-1)) with the affinities of the third and fourth dimers lower by approximately 10- and approximately 30-fold, respectively. A single monomer equivalent of Zn(II), Cd(II), or Co(II) promotes disassembly of the oligomeric complex to a mixture of (P(2)).D and (P(2))(2).D SmtB dimer-DNA complexes with the intrinsic affinity of all SmtB homodimers for DNA greatly reduced by approximately 500-2000-fold. Substitution or derivatization of cysteines which comprise the alpha3N metal binding site (Cys14 and Cys61) [VanZile, M. L., et al. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 9765-9775] has no effect on allosteric negative regulation by Zn(II); in contrast, H106Q SmtB, harboring a single zinc-liganding substitution in the alpha5 metal binding site, is refractory to zinc-induced disassembly of SmtB-DNA complexes. The alpha5 metal binding sites are therefore regulatory for Zn(II) sensing in vitro and in vivo, while the high-affinity alpha3N sites play some other role. This finding for SmtB is the opposite of that previously determined for Staphylococcus aureus pI258 CadC, a Pb(II)/Cd(II)/Bi(III) sensor [Busenlehner, L. S., et al. (2002) J. Mol. Biol. 319, 685-701], thus providing insight into the origin of functional metal ion selectivity in this family of metal sensor proteins.
Early results with cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts for infrainguinal bypass

Abstract Purpose: Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts (CSVA) are available for use in arterial reconstructions; however, patency rates in the infrainguinal position are not well described. Methods: We reviewed our experience with 38 patients who underwent 43 infrainguinal bypasses with CSVA as the conduit. The group includes 21 women and 17 men with a mean age of 69 ± 11 years. Mean follow-up is 8.2 ± 5.5 months. Logistic regression was used to analyze five variables in an attempt to identify predictors of success or failure: distal anastomosis to the popliteal artery. versus a crural artery, one-vessel versus two- or three-vessel runoff, postoperative anticoagulation versus none, primary reconstructions versus reoperations, and one segment versus two segments of CSVA required. Results: The cumulative patency rate at 12 months by life-table analysis is 66%. Logistic regression revealed that primary reconstructions were more likely to succeed than reoperations ( p = 0.03) and operations completed with one segment of CSVA were more likely to succeed than those requiring more than one segment of vein ( p = 0.03). Conclusions: We conclude that (1) the short-term patency of infrainguinal bypasses with CSVA suggests that they may be acceptable alternatives to prosthetic grafts in the below-knee position, and (2) primary reconstructions performed with one segment of CSVA are more likely to succeed. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:965-71)
CFTR channels and wound healing. Focus on “Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is involved in airway epithelial wound repair”

cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by severe loss-of-function mutations in the CFTR chloride channel ([9][1]). The predominant life-limiting pathology in CF patients is recurrent bacterial infections in the airways, which is attributable at least in part to reduced mucociliary clearance by the