cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic divergence among disjunct populations of three Russula spp. from Africa and Madagascar

This study was a preliminary analysis of the genetic structure of the ectomycorrhizal species Russula discopus, R. pseudocarmecina and R. ochraceorivulosa with disjunct distributions in continental Africa and Madagascar. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ITS1/5.8S/ITS2 region and the mitochondrial atp6 gene were performed with specimens from both locations for each species along with a suitable outgroup for each of the three taxa. Additional analyses of the ITS1/5.8S/ITS2 region using the African and Malagasy specimens and additional taxa in the genus Russula also were performed. R. pseudocarmecina and R. discopus both exhibited genetic structure as shown by a relatively high percentage difference in ITS and atp6 sequences, high bootstrap support for African or Malagasy groups and the presence of indels in the ITS sequence that are unique to either Africa or Madagascar. African and Malagasy groups of each species were more closely related to each other than to other taxa in Russula. Genetic structure also existed in populations of R. ochraceorivulosa, but bootstrap support was weaker than in the other two species. In addition, there was less sequence divergence in R. ochraceorivulosa and this species was the only one for which the same atp6 haplotype was found in both Africa and Madagascar. Reciprocal monophyly for all three species was consistent with the hypothesis that the same vicariance event may be responsible for the genetic structure observed here, although shorter branch lengths, lower bootstrap support and the presence of the same atp6 haplotype in Africa and Madagascar for R. ochraceorivulosa suggested slower evolutionary rates or geographical isolation after the other two taxa. In addition to the geological events that separated Africa and Madagascar, environmental changes during the Miocene or later might have had an effect on the distribution of these species.
The dimension of two levels of the Boolean lattice

Abstract Let B(j, k; n) be the ordered set obtained by ordering the j element and k element subsets of an n element set by inclusion. We review results and proof techniques concerning the dimension dim(j, k; n) of B(j, k; n) for various ranges of the arguments j, k, and n.
Quasiparticle degrees of freedom versus the perfect fluid as descriptors of the quark-gluon plasma

The hot nuclear matter created at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider has been characterized by near-perfect fluid behavior. We demonstrate that this stands in contradiction to the identification of quantum chromodynamics quasiparticles with the thermodynamic degrees of freedom in the early (fluid) stage of heavy-ion collisions. The empirical observation of constituent quark 'n{sub q}' scaling of elliptic flow [PHENIX, A. Adare et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 162301 (2007)] is juxtaposed with the lack of such scaling behavior in hydrodynamic fluid calculations followed by Cooper-Frye freeze-out to hadrons. As the hydrodynamic fluid expands, increasing viscous effects may allow for a short time period of 'quasiparticle transport' prior to hadronization. However, without a detailed understanding of the transitions between these time stages, the 'n{sub q}' scaling is not a necessary consequence of this prescription. Also, if the duration of this stage is too short, it may not support well-defined quasiparticles. By comparing and contrasting the coalescence of quarks into hadrons with the similar process of producing light nuclei from nucleons, it is shown that the observation of 'n{sub q}' scaling in the final state does not necessarily imply that the constituent degrees of freedom were the relevant ones in the initial more » state. « less
Citrinin Toxicity in Growing Chicks

Abstract Male broiler chicks, from day-old to 3 weeks of age, were fed diets containing 0, 100, 220, 330, and 440 ppm citrinin produced by Penicillium lanosum grown on whole corn. Body weight decreased (P
Dual Binding of Chromomethylase Domains to H3K9me2-containing Nucleosomes Directs DNA Methylation in Plants

DNA methylation and histone modification exert epigenetic control over gene expression. CHG methylation by CHROMOMETHYLASE3 (CMT3) depends on histone H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), but the mechanism underlying this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we report multiple lines of evidence that CMT3 interacts with H3K9me2-containing nucleosomes. CMT3 genome locations nearly perfectly correlated with H3K9me2, and CMT3 stably associated with H3K9me2-containing nucleosomes. Crystal structures of maize CMT3 homolog ZMET2, in complex with H3K9me2 peptides, showed that ZMET2 binds H3K9me2 via both bromo adjacent homology (BAH) and chromo domains. The structures reveal an aromatic cage within both BAH and chromo domains as interaction interfaces that capture H3K9me2. Mutations that abolish either interaction disrupt CMT3 binding to nucleosomes and show a complete loss of CMT3 activity in vivo. Our study establishes dual recognition of H3K9me2 marks by BAH and chromo domains and reveals a distinct mechanism of interplay between DNA methylation and histone modification.
A viscoelastic model for turbulent flow over undulating topography

Aviscoelastic model (a mixing-length model with relaxation) is developed to investigate the effect of turbulent advection on the mean flow perturbation and the drag force induced by turbulent shear flow over an undulating surface. The relaxation term is proportional to the ratio of eddy turnover time to travelling time; accordingly, near the surface, the relaxation model reduces to an eddy-viscosity or mixing-length model, while far from the surface it reduces to a rapid-distortion model. The linear governing equations are transformed into streamline coordinates and solved through matched asymptotic expansions. According to order-of-magnitude estimates in Belcher, Newley & Hunt (1993), the drag force contributed by nonlinear shear stress is of the same order as that contributed by asymmetric pressure arising from the leeward thickening of the perturbed boundary layer. The nonlinear analysis in the present model confirms this estimate in most cases. Our analytical results show a dip in shear stress at the interface between the inner and outer layers and provide evidence that this dynamical feature is related to eddy advection. Numerical calculation using a shooting method gives results that compare well with the analysis.
Asymptotic average redundancy of Huffman (and other) block codes

We study asymptotically the redundancy of Huffman (and other) codes. It has been known from the inception of the Huffman (1952) code that in the worst case its redundancy-defined as the excess of the code length over the optimal (ideal) code length-is not more than one. However, to the best of our knowledge no precise asymptotic results have been reported in literature thus far. We consider here a memoryless binary source generating a sequence of length n distributed as binomial (n, p) with p being the probability of emitting 0. Based on the results of Stubley (1994), we prove that for p - 1/2 )); (-(1/M(1-2/sup -1/M/))2/sup - /M/); (+O(/spl rho//sup n/), /spl alpha/=N/M rational); where /spl alpha/=log/sub 2/(1-p)/p and /spl beta/=-log/sub 2/(1-p), /spl rho/ =x-[x] is the fractional part of x. The appearance of the fractal-like function explains the erratic behavior of the Huffman redundancy, and its "resistance" to succumb to a precise analysis. As a side result, we prove that the average redundancy of the Shannon block code is as n/spl rarr//spl infin/: R~/sub n//sup S/{( 1/2 +o(1), /spl alpha/ irrational); ( 1/2 -1/M ( - 1/2 )); (+O(/spl rho//sup n/), /spl alpha/=N/M rational); where /spl rho/<1. Finally, we derive the redundancy of the Golomb (1966) code (for the geometric distribution) which can be viewed as a special case of the Huffman and Shannon codes, Golomb's code redundancy has only oscillating behavior (i.e., there is not convergent mode). These findings are obtained by analytic methods such as theory of distribution of sequences modulo 1 and Fourier series.
A state observer for LTI systems with delayed outputs: Time-varying delay

This paper analyzes the stability properties of a state observer estimating the system states from delayed measurements for a linear time invariant plant. The delay is assumed to be a known piecewise constant function of time. The observer construction is a two step procedure and has a "chain-like" structure, consisting of two cascaded dynamical systems. The manifestation of the time-varying delayed output on the observer stability is analyzed at both the "zeroth" and the "first" links in the chain of observers.
Multiple myeloma presenting with high-output heart failure and improving with anti-angiogenesis therapy: two case reports and a review of the literature

Common manifestations of multiple myeloma include osteolytic lesions, cytopenias, hypercalcemia, and renal insufficiency. Patients may also exhibit heart failure which is often associated with either past therapy or cardiac amyloidosis. A less recognized mechanism is high-output heart failure. Diuretic therapy in this setting has little efficacy in treating the congested state. Furthermore, effective pharmacotherapy has not been established. We report two patients with multiple myeloma and high-output heart failure who failed diuretic therapy. The patients were given dexamethasone in conjunction with lenalidomide and thalidomide, respectively. Shortly thereafter, each patient demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms. This is the first report of successful treatment of multiple myeloma-induced high-output failure via the utilization of these agents. Two patients with multiple myeloma were evaluated for volume overload. The first was a 50-year-old man with refractory disease. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffuse marrow replacement throughout the pelvis. Cardiac catheterization conveyed elevated filling pressures and a cardiac output of 15 liters/minute. He quickly decompensated and required mechanical ventilation. The second patient was a 61-year-old man recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma and volume overload. Skeletal survey demonstrated numerous lytic lesions throughout the pelvis. His cardiac catheterization also conveyed elevated filling pressures and a cardiac output of 10 liters/minute. Neither patient responded to diuretic therapy and they were subsequently started on dexamethasone plus lenalidomide and thalidomide, respectively. The first patient's brisk diuresis allowed for extubation within 48 hours after the first dose. He had a net negative fluid balance of 15 liters over 10 days. The second patient also quickly diuresed and on repeat cardiac catheterization, his cardiac output had normalized to 4.7 liters/minute. Multiple myeloma can cause high-output failure. The mechanism is likely extensive bony involvement causing innumerable intramedullary arteriovenous fistulas. Diuretic therapy is not effective in treating this condition. Lenalidomide and thalidomide, both of which inhibit angiogenesis, seem to be viable treatment options. Based on the rapid and effective results seen in these two patients, a potential novel mechanism of 'pharmacologic fistula ligation' with these agents may be the most effective way to treat this presentation.
Generic serial and parallel on-line direct-injection using turbulent flow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

The development of turbulent flow chromatography (TFC) has enabled considerable growth in the utility of on-line direct-injection technologies. TFC has now become established in a large number of varied analytical environments, particularly drug discovery/pharmacokinetics, metabolite profiling, combinatorial library purification, pre-clinical and clinical GLP applications. The utility of turbulent flow technology for in-house pre-clinical and clinical quantitative applications has necessitated extensive valve-cleaning procedures, and consequently lengthy cycle-times, to effectively remove the system carry-over. In-house requirements for assay validation require carry-over less than 20% of the lowest level of quantification (LLOQ), corresponding to 0.02% carry-over for a linear calibration range incorporating 3 orders. A generic turbulent flow chromatography protocol has been developed for drug discovery that incorporates polymeric turbulent flow extraction (cyclone) with C18-based reverse-phase chromatography. Further, multiple wash steps are incorporated within the methodology to meet in-house requirements for carry-over. Selection of novel switching-valve materials based on polyarylethyl ketone (PAEK) and Hastelloy/Valcon E autosampler injection hardware has enabled us to significantly impact the cycle-time required to reduce carry-over. Consequently, optimal usage of switching valves has enabled parallel operation for a generic on-line direct-injection methodology to successfully reduce the total cycle-time. Overall reductions from 4 min per sample to 90 s per sample are shown with comparable data quality using a proprietary target molecule from 0.1-100 ng/mL. This paper describes the hardware configuration and methodologies utilized to perform generic serial and parallel on-line direct-injection using a Turboflow HTLC 2300 system.
Introduction: Antisense Oligonucleotides: Strategies and Successes

New approaches to examining the nervous system are applicable to studies of the chemical senses. Various technical interventions have been developed to alter or 'delete' a gene product to provide insight into the role of a particular macromolecule during development, during cell-cell signaling or in a behavioral context. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) delivery to the cell nucleus prevents translation of an mRNA of interest, thus eliminating the protein product from the cell. This approach offers certain advantages over other technologies that modify gene products. In theory, expression of proteins of interest may be decreased at will at any time by introduction of an antisense ODN that interferes with synthesis of the protein from its mRNA. In its optimal embodiment, antisense 'knockout' of a protein through eliminating its cognate mRNA is reversible, and the strategy could be used in a range of species at any time during the development or life of the animal. At the desired time point, gene blockade could be tested for its effects on development, on responses to particular signals, or on learning or behavior before or after a training paradigm. This approach circumvents some of the disadvantages of other technologies that modify protein levels. For example, transgenic techniques have been widely utilized to introduce new genes that result in a 'knockout' or 'knock-in' animal. Genes are deleted or replaced by swapping new genetic material for an endogenous gene through homologous recombination events (van der Neut, 1997). The new construct may delete the reading sequence of the target gene or contain a stop signal to eliminate translation into protein, or produce a truncated, non-functional protein product. However, production of 'knockouts' is technically demanding, time-consuming and expensive. Results are sometimes disappointing, yielding deficiencies that are lethal to the embryo so that no viable animals are born. Further, gene deletion sometimes appears to have no apparent consequences, perhaps because the protein product is redundant or because alternative pathways activated during development replace the function of the missing gene or increase expression of a compensatory gene(s).
Bone and Joint Infections in Intravenous Drug Abusers

An analysis of data on 45 intravenous drug abusers treated for skeletal infection in 1982-1983 is presented. Eighty percent of patients were younger than 40 years old. None had any serious underlying illnesses. Septic arthritis was noted in 33 patients, osteomyelitis in seven, and both in five. Bone or joint infection involved the extremities in 78% of patients. The knee joint (left, 11 patients; right, four) was most commonly affected, and the left groin was the most frequent site of drug injections, a finding that suggests a relationship between the sites of injection and infection. Fever was absent in 16 (36%) of 45 patients. The predominant pathogens isolated were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and groups A and G streptococci. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was much less common (11% of patients). Treatment included bed rest, intravenous antibiotics, and arthrocentesis when needed. Surgery was required in only seven (16%) of 45 patients. The immediate prognosis for intravenous drug abusers with skeletal infection was excellent. Attempts to obtain follow-up information from most patients, however, were unsuccessful.
Factors of Marital Satisfaction among African American Couples and Nigerian Male/African American Female Couples

This study examined factors related to the marital satisfaction of African American couples and Nigerian male/African American female couples. The sample was composed of 19 homogeneous and 19 intermarried couples. Each couple participated in the research by completing the Marital Satisfaction Inventory, a researcher-designed demographic data sheet, and a follow-up questionnaire. A 2 x 2 analysis of variance procedure was performed to investigate the differences between the homogeneous and intermarried dyads. The intermarried couples consistently expressed greater dissatisfaction than their African American counterparts in the areas of global distress, time together, disagreement over finances, and conflict over child rearing. There was no interaction effect. The implications of these findings for cross-cultural therapists are discussed. Implications for future research are also examined.
Memory Formation in Tritonia via Recruitment of Variably Committed Neurons

Prior studies have found that functional networks can rapidly add neurons as they build short-term memories, yet little is known about the principles underlying this process. Using voltage-sensitive dye imaging, we found that short-term sensitization of Tritonia's swim motor program involves rapid expansion of the number of participating neurons. Tracking neurons across trials revealed that this involves the conversion of recently discovered variably participating neurons to reliable status. Further, we identify a candidate serotonergic cellular mechanism mediating this process. Our findings reveal a new mechanism for memory formation, involving recruitment of pre-positioned, variably committed neurons into memory networks. This represents a shift from the field's long-term focus on synaptic plasticity, toward a view that certain neurons have characteristics that predispose them to join networks with learning.
Becoming the Lamp Bearer: The Emerging Roles of the Chief Risk Officer

Enterprise risk management, under the leadership of chief risk officers (CROs), has the promise to bring enterprise-wide risks, which threaten the achievement of the firm's strategic objectives, into the open and under control. Its organizational significance is that, by providing a process to identify, measure, monitor, and manage uncertainty in strategic decision-making, strategic planning, performance management, and deal-approval processes, it enables top management to maintain or alter patterns in risk-taking. This chapter addresses the question: How may CROs realize that organizational significance? I draw on the existing practitioner and academic literature on the role of CROs and on a number of case studies from my ongoing research program on the evolution of the role of the CRO. I outline and illustrate four major roles that senior risk officers may fulfill: compliance champion, modeling expert, strategic controller, and strategic advisor and discuss the contingencies that shape the mix and effectiveness of these roles in actual organizational settings.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor Expression by the Bovine Corpus Luteum

Communication between cells of the corpus luteum (CL) is thought to be necessary for normal luteal function. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is produced by mesenchymally derived cells in numerous tissues and acts on epithelial cells. In bovine follicles, theca cells produce KGF, which can stimulate granulosa cell proliferation. Whether KGF is produced by ovarian cells after luteinization is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether KGF mRNA and protein were present in bovine luteal tissue, and if so, to determine what type(s) of luteal cells contains KGF. CL (n 5 3‐4/day) were obtained from specific days throughout diestrus. Presence of KGF mRNA in CL was determined using a porcine KGF anti-sense cRNA probe. Northern analyses of luteal tissue poly(A)1 RNA revealed a single transcript (;2.0 kilobases), the quantity of which did not change throughout diestrus. Western analysis revealed an immunoreactive band (28 kDa) in luteal tissues and theca cell homogenates that was absent from granulosa cell homogenates. Immunocytochemistry showed KGF predominantly in theca and small luteal cells. Results indicate that bovine CL produce and contain KGF, which is primarily localized in small luteal cells. Therefore, KGF may participate in paracrine communication within the bovine CL.
How Animals Classify Friends and Foes

A model of stimulus equivalence, which describes how non-similarity-based categories are formed, is used to describe aspects of animal social and communicative interactions such as kinship, friendship, coalitions, territorial behavior, and referential calling. Although this model was originally designed to deal with stimulus relations in linguistic behavior, it can be readily applied to understanding the cognitive mechanisms that underlie social as well as non-social categorizations in numerous taxa. This approach provides a new, parsimonious, and experimentally based understanding of how animals without language deal with problems of classification in their environment.
Teaching inter-object design patterns to freshmen

The benefits of object-oriented programming apply only to programs consisting of multiple objects. Inter-object design patterns make it, in theory, possible for beginning programmers to create well-understood forms of such programs. However, their descriptions have been targeted at experienced programmers with knowledge, for instance, of the implementation of compilers. We show that it is possible to explain and motivate several of these patterns including the iterator, model-view-controller, model-interactor, observer, facade, composite, and factory patterns by showing them working "in the small" in simple examples. We have effectively used this approach to teach an undergraduate class including several college freshmen and one high-school junior, who were able to exercise the patterns "in the medium.
How Clinical Diagnosis Might Exacerbate the Stigma of Mental Illness

Stigma can greatly exacerbate the experience of mental illness. Diagnostic classification frequently used by clinical social workers may intensify this stigma by enhancing the public's sense of "groupness" and "differentness" when perceiving people with mental illness. The homogeneity assumed by stereotypes may lead mental health professionals and the public to view individuals in terms of their diagnostic labels. The stability of stereotypes may exacerbate notions that people with mental illness do not recover. Several strategies may diminish the unintended effects of diagnosis. Dimensional approaches to diagnosis may not augment stigma in the same manner as classification. Moreover, regular interaction with people with mental illness and focusing on recovery may diminish the stigmatizing effects of diagnosis.
Brain Basis of Phonological Awareness for Spoken Language in Children and Its Disruption in Dyslexia

Phonological awareness, knowledge that speech is composed of syllables and phonemes, is critical for learning to read. Phonological awareness precedes and predicts successful transition from language to literacy, and weakness in phonological awareness is a leading cause of dyslexia, but the brain basis of phonological awareness for spoken language in children is unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify the neural correlates of phonological awareness using an auditory word-rhyming task in children who were typical readers or who had dyslexia (ages 7--13) and a younger group of kindergarteners (ages 5--6). Typically developing children, but not children with dyslexia, recruited left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) when making explicit phonological judgments. Kindergarteners, who were matched to the older children with dyslexia on standardized tests of phonological awareness, also recruited left DLPFC. Left DLPFC may play a critical role in the development of phonological awareness for spoken language critical for reading and in the etiology of dyslexia.
Composite Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators

Composite materials have found a number of structural applications, but their use in the electronics industry has been relatively limited. As the function of electroceramic composites are better understood, we can expect this picture to change. In this paper some of the piezoelectric composite sensor and actuator studies carried out in our laboratory during the past decade will be reviewed. The ideas that provide a basic understanding of functional composites have previously been discussed [1]. This paper describes recent advances in the processing and properties of composites possessing 0-3, 1-3, and 2-2 connectivity made of polymers, metals and ferroelectric ceramics. The introduction of open spaces in the previous connectivity patterns allows the development of new designs of several piezoelectric composites with connectivity patterns of 0(0)-3, 1(0)-3, 2(0)-2-2, and 2-0-2. As in most electronic systems that are developed with improved properties a push toward lower cost and smaller sizes of the piezoelectric ceramics, together with improved reliability and performance occurs. The piezocomposites with open spaces in their structures clearly demonstrate the growth of the functional ceramics into the field of the smart ceramics as the materials for the beginning of the next century.
Black Politics, the GOP Southern Strategy, and the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act

The extension of the temporary provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act sailed through Congress and was signed into law by President George Bush on July 27, 2006 without any major turbulence. The absence of major politics over its renewal in 2006 is striking when compared to the partisan battles in its 1982 extension. President Bush and the Republicans had an opportunity to water down the VRA, given that Blacks appear less politically radical or extremely liberal than in the 1980s. But GOP leaders did not pursue a southern strategy by contesting the VRA. Their reluctance confirms that Black power is solid. Black members of Congress framed the issue in a way that the administration recognized that blacks and minorities would mobilize if VRA renewal was challenged in a significant way. ∗Katherine Tate is Professor of Political Science and a member of the African American Studies Program at the University of California, Irvine. She is also the author of Black Faces in the Mirror, African Americans and Their Representatives in the U.S. Congress (Princeton University Press,
A Method for Assessing the Planimetric Accuracy of Historical Maps: The Case of the Colorado-Green River System*

The position of linear elements on historical maps can be digitized and numerically compared with similar features on modern maps. This allows for the evaluation of amounts and rates of improvement in cartographic accuracy and of the primary sources used for the generation of subsequent maps. A case study of the Colorado-Green River system illustrates the method and documents the pace of improvement in the cartographic depiction of the river system as a function primarily of the historical pressures of westward expansion.
MANAGEMENT OF NEPHROLITHIASIS: New Approaches to "Surgical" Kidney Stones

The major ity of kidney stones that come to clinical attention are large enough to causc symptoms but small enough to pass spontaneously. Recent technological developments have revolutionized the approach to kidney stones that heretofore required surgery. Percutaneous removal of stones through a nephrostomy tract, with or without ultrasonic or electrohydraulic lithotripsy, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) have all but eliminated indications for open surgical procedures. These new techniques have their own advantages and are complementary. Despite these advances, any change in accepted indications for stone removal should await further evidence of the long-term safety of per­ cutaneous techniques and ESWL.
STUDIES ON NORTH AMERICAN PECOPTERIDS. III. PECOPTERIS BUTTSII D. WHITE FROM THE EARLY PENNSYLVANIAN OF ALABAMA

The form genus Pecopteris Brongniart is rare in Lower Pennsylvanian strata. Those species originally described from North America need to be reinvestigated to determine their relationship to the more extensively described European forms. The occurrence of early Pennsyl- vanian pecopterids is significant because they represent the early history of this group, which becomes dominant in the Westphalian D. Pecopteris buttsii D. White was originally established for a lobate pinnuled pecopterid from the Brookwood coal horizon (New River equivalent, Westphalian A), Warrior coalfield, Alabama. The species was invalidly published and a study of the type specimen was initiated to discern its affinity. Attempts at collecting additional specimens from the type area have failed and the formal descrip- tion is based upon fragments of seven third or possibly fourth order (?) pinnae. Additional specimens of P. buttsii (?) from Tennessee were also examined to discern their relationship with the holotype. Consideration of parameters necessary to erect form taxa is highly complex and many factors must be assessed prior to establishment of a new form. These parameters include the degree of morphological homology between specimens and their reported temporal isolation or continuation. Frequency of occurrence should not be considered as a delimiting character nor should size or preservational configuration. Comparison of the holotype of P. buttsii with other Westphalian pecopterids reveals that P. buttsii is conspecific with P. volkmannii Sauveur and that certain forms of P. vestita Lesquereux and P. pseudovestita D. White may also be synonymous. Based on the continual reported occurrence of P. volkmannii throughout the Westphalian and the indistinguishable character of P. volkmannii and P. lamuriana Heer, P. lamuriana is reduced to a synonym of P. volkmannii. The Tennessee specimens which may have been classified as P. buttsii and curated in the Department of Geology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are not conspecific with P. volkmannii and are poorly preserved so that clear identification is not possible. These fragmentary specimens are tentatively assigned to P. unita Brongniart and the P. miltonii Artis complex.
Second trimester dilation and evacuation: a risk factor for preterm birth?

To evaluate whether second trimester pregnancy termination with dilation and evacuation (DE P<0.01). This held true for a low risk subset without obstetric risk factors. There was no statistical difference in preterm birth rates for women who had undergone a D&E as compared with national averages, nor between the rates of preterm birth for women with 0, 1, 2 or 3 or more prior first or second trimester procedures. We did not find that D&E was a risk factor for preterm delivery when compared with women with a prior IOL or national rates.
Symbolic processing

Is Symbolic processing the messenger of a new era in computing, or is it the newest hype that may eventually survive only in the encyclopedia of information processing as another passing historical reference …? Neither of these extremes however would seem to be the likely fate for symbolic processing. In reality, this technology may become the next evolutionary plateau that will open sorely missing new avenues for increasing computing efficiency, improving programming productivity and enhancing the bandwidth of man-machine interactions. As such symbolic processing presents a set of new problems, proper and timely solutions of which will determine the extent of the impact symbolic processing may eventually have on the information processing industry as a whole. One such problem seems to be the limitations of current methods for knowledge acquisitions and knowledge representation. Given the human tendency of narrowing the gap between naturally intelligent and artificially intelligent systems, the presently used tools for knowledge acquisition and representation quickly became inadequate as the knowledge domain boundaries begin to expand. Obviously, much research needs to be done in this area. Another subject of major concern is the lack of formalism and semantics of symbols for representing complex objects, concepts and relationships. Such a formalism should allow to minimize, if not eliminate ambiguities, "shadow" effects and contradictions in representation and interpretation, and thus contribute to the coherency of inferences when large data/knowledge bases are processed. Meanwhile full explicitness of inferencing as the ultimate goal, may always remain elusive … Design issues in the field of symbolic processing are among the most debated subjects by researchers and practitioners. Current research toward the solution of critical problems involve the whole system design space - algorithms, languages, architecture and implementation. The effective solution of these problems supported by demonstrable practical results will further enhance the commercial viability and the broad based applications of the symbolic processing technology.
Studies on the exocrine secretions

The present work attempts to throw further light on the field of exocrine secretion in general and on the salivary gland function in particular. Special attention has been paid to the synthetic products of the mucous-secreting and protein-producing cells making up the submaxillary and the parotid glands. To this end, several exotic animals have been utilized for these experiments, among which tapirs, giant and small ant eaters, two-toed sloths, skunks, racoons, neonatal and adult opossums, armadillos, flying squirrels and South American porcupines. The data reported in this paper concerns the tapirs, ant eaters, opossums, two-toed sloths, skunks and racoons. The histochemical experiments carried out endeavored to identify the chemical products elaborated by the salivary gland cells. In general terms it was found that serous-producing structures synthesize, along with the enzymatic proteins, different amounts of glycoprotein material. These carbohydrate-protein molecules are both of the neutral and acidic type. The parotid glands of ant bears, sloths and skunks secreted an acid mucin identified as a sialoglycoprotein; the parotids of the opossums, racoons and tapirs did not elaborate histochemically detectable acidic polyanions.
Prediction of air-side particulate fouling of HVAC&R heat exchangers

Abstract Air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers used in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems routinely experience air-side fouling due to the presence of particulates in outdoor and indoor environments. The influence on the performance of the heat exchanger, in terms of heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop imposed, depends on the extent of air-side fouling. Fouling of a heat exchanger is determined by a variety of parameters such as the dimensions of the heat exchanger, physical properties of the airborne particulates, and airflow conditions over the heat exchange surfaces. A comprehensive model is developed to deterministically calculate the extent of fouling of a heat exchanger as a function of these parameters by accounting for each of the possible deposition mechanisms. The study enhances modeling approaches previously employed in the literature by accounting for time-dependent accumulation of particles as well as the effects of the streamwise distribution of accumulated dust on subsequent fouling; the calculations for the deposition due to several of the mechanisms are also refined to improve prediction accuracy. Particulate matter deposits already present on the surface are found to accelerate the process of fouling by decreasing available area for airflow; an existing deposit layer effectively decreases the distance that a particle must travel to collide with a surface and increases the surface area available for deposition. The modified model predictions are compared against extant experimental deposition fraction data; an improved agreement is observed compared to previous models in the literature.
Microstructure and Properties of Al-Mg-Si-Mn-Cr Alloys

The effects of trace Mn and Cr on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si alloys have been studied. The results indicate that by adding Mn and Cr to Al-Mg-Si alloys, sphere or rod shaped Mn and Cr dispersoids are formed. So recrystalization of the alloys has ben prohibited and the fibrous structure been obtained in extruded condition. By homogenization, Mg2Si phase is dissolve and rod-shaped β-AlFeSi particles transformed to sphere-shaped α-AlFeSi. The same treatment help the ageing phases precipitate at the ageing stage, therefore increase the strength of the alloys.
Integrating visual information across camera movements with a visual-motor calibration map

Facing the competing demands for wider field of view and higher spatial resolution, computer vision will evolve toward greater use of foveal sensors and frequent camera movements. Integration of visual information across movements becomes a fundamental problem. We show that integration is possible using a biologically-inspired representation we call the visual-motor calibration map. The map is a memory-based model of the relationship between camera movements and corresponding pixel locations before and after any movement. The map constitutes a self-calibration that can compensate for non-uniform sampling, lens distortion, mechanical misalignments, and arbitrary pixel reordering. Integration takes place entirely in a retinotopic frame, using a short-term, predictive visual memory.
Urological Applications of Computerized Axial Tomography: A Preliminary Report

AbstractComputerized tomography scanning of the chest and abdomen has been used as a diagnostic technique in more than 4,500 patients since 1974, 190 of whom had histologically proved disorders of the genitourinary system and retroperitoneum. On the basis of this experience computerized tomography scanning has been found to be safe and effective, and offers certain advantages over conventional techniques. The number, extent and content of renal mass lesions can be determined with relatively great accuracy. The presence and extent of metastases into the retroperitoneum, liver and chest can often be shown by computerized tomography scanning when other tests are negative. Placement of needles for aspiration, biopsy, injection of contrast medium or insertion of drainage tubes can be done more accurately under computerized tomography control. Computerized tomography in itself is non-invasive, carries a low radiation exposure comparable to other radiographic procedures and therefore, can, be valuable in followi...
Pipe-Z Optimization

This chapter outlines the optimization methodology for a single-branch tubular structure created with Pipe-Z system. In this process the geometrical properties of the Pipe-Z module (PZM), and the shape of the entire structure comprised of PZM replicas are simultaneously optimized. The total number of modules to follow a given guide path is minimized under constraints. The algorithm is illustrated with planar simplification of the three-dimensional problem. The results produced by random search are presented and discussed. Additionally, the search domain has been sampled and visualized. Finally, as an example for three-dimensional shape optimization, \(6_{3}\) knot is constructed with the minimal number of congruent modules.
Land of Hope and Glory

In 1965, Taylor published his first and only comprehensive study of a major period of English history. With English History, 1914–1945 he embraced the history of his own time and place — came home, so to speak. The Origins of the Second World War would be his last offering in the field that made his scholarly reputation, and to which he had contributed as much as any modern historian. Some thought it had been a remarkable contribution. Douglas Cameron Watt, writing in 1977, described Taylor’s work as diplomatic history written with extraordinary skill, and focused on the key elements of the subject, ‘the role of individuals in history, the influence of personality, the role of deceit and misrepresentation, the “accidental”, and the “unpredictable”’.1 After 1961, Taylor turned his attention primarily to English political and, so far as he could master it, social and even cultural history — written, of course, in narrative form and style.
Tag Team Ubiquitin Ligases

Cullin-RING (CRL) and RING1-IBR-RING2 (RBR) are two distinct types of ubiquitin ligases. In this issue, Scott et al. show that CRLs activate the RBR enzyme ARIH1 to initiate ubiquitin chains on CRL substrates, thereby marking an unexpected and important advance in our understanding of both enzymes.
Evidence Basis for Hysterectomy

Although vaginal hysterectomy has long been championed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as the preferred mode of uterine removal, nationwide vaginal hysterectomy utilization has steadily declined. This article reviews the evidence comparing vaginal with other modes of hysterectomy and highlights areas of ongoing controversy regarding contraindications to vaginal surgery, risk of subsequent prolapse development, and impacts of changing hysterectomy trends on resident education.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells Fuse with Vascular Endothelium

Abstract Abstract 504 The hematopoietic niche supports both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We have evaluated the functional interactions between leukemic cells and the endothelial cell component of the hematopoietic niche. Highly enriched populations of circulating human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells were obtained by therapeutic leukapheresis. These primary AML cells rapidly homed to and associated with pre-existing vascular tubes in vitro. Co-culture of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) with AML cells both inhibited AML apoptosis by ∼50% (p 50% human AML cells in the bone marrow) we observed leukemic infiltration into the perivascular region of both large and small vessels of the mouse liver, and AML cells were frequently integrated into the vascular endothelium. Confocal microscopy surprisingly revealed the co-expression of human CD45 and the mouse endothelial cell marker CD31. To evaluate these apparently fused leukemia/endothelial cells further, single cell suspensions from the livers of mice engrafted with AML cells were FACS sorted based on the co-expression of human CD33 and mouse CD31. Multiplex PCR analysis of single hCD33+/mCD31+ cells verified the presence of both mouse genes (fah and tspy or D2Mit206) and human genes (flt3 and tty-15). The presence of the patient specific, leukemia-associated Flt3-ITD mutation confirmed that fusion occurs between malignant cells and vascular endothelium. AML and endothelial cell fusion was also confirmed by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with species specific centromeric probes. In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that the functionally important cross-talk between normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and vascular endothelium extends to malignant hematopoiesis. The fusion of primary AML cells with normal endothelial cells raises the possibility that vascular endothelium may serve as a reservoir for occult leukemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Origin and Evolution of the Major Constituents of Milk

Accumulating evidence indicates that the evolutionary novelty known as milk, and its constituents, is of ancient origin, dating back 300+ million years. Milk may derive from the secretion of apocrine-like skin glands that produced water- and antimicrobial-rich fluids of benefit to attended eggs. The casein micelle evolved from much simpler secretory calcium-binding phosphoproteins. The milk fat globule evolved by co-opting membrane (butyrophilin), cytosol (xanthine oxidoreductase), and intracellular lipid droplet (adipophilin) proteins of secretory cells into new or expanded functions. Milk sugar secretion required structural and functional modification of a secreted antibacterial protein into a Golgi regulatory protein (α-lactalbumin). Other whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, whey acidic protein) apparently lost prior functions in becoming nutrient sources for suckling young.
Combined Variable Speed Limit and Lane Change Control for Highway Traffic

Variable speed limit (VSL) control of highway traffic is expected to improve traffic mobility, safety, and environment, especially during incidents. However, most existing VSL controllers show significant benefits in macroscopic analysis but little improvement in microscopic simulations in terms of traffic mobility. We demonstrate that the lack of improvement for travel time in many incident cases is due to lane changes that are taking place close to the bottleneck leading to severe capacity drop, which is not adequately captured by most macroscopic models. In this paper, we develop a combined lane change and VSL control scheme, which generates consistent improvements both with macroscopic and microscopic models. The lane change controller generates lane change recommendations upstream the incident or bottleneck in order to reduce the effect of the capacity drop. The VSL controller is developed using a feedback linearization approach based on the cell transmission macroscopic model and is shown analytically to guarantee exponential convergence to the optimum equilibrium point. Microscopic Monte Carlo simulations of traffic on the I-710 freeway were used to demonstrate that this combined control strategy is able to generate consistent improvements with respect to travel time, safety, and environmental impact under different traffic conditions and incident scenarios.
Nonlinear UV absorption properties of bulk 4H-SiC

The intensity-dependent light absorption in bulk high-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC at above band gap photon energies has been studied. In particular, 3.49 eV (355 nm) UV absorption of 160 μm-thick samples of varying recombination lifetimes in the intensity range of 1 mJ/cm2–30 mJ/cm2 is addressed. The effective absorption coefficient was found to vary up to 30% within this range. Assuming deep level trapping, interband absorption, and free carrier absorption as dominant processes, a four energy level model reproduces the experimentally observed absorption behavior. While nonlinearities in the optical absorption behavior of SiC have been studied previously as function of wavelength α(λ), temperature α(T) and, to a very limited extent, at below bandgap optical intensities, the presented elucidates the UV intensity-dependent nonlinear absorption behavior, α(I), of SiC at above bandgap photon energies.
Developing a methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of pavement treatments applied to low-volume paved roads

A significant number of agencies allocate low funding levels for their low-volume roads (LVRs) as part of their pavement management system (PMS) funding strategies. Although agencies have been appl...