cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amerindians, Europeans, Makiritare, Mestizos, Puerto Rican, and Quechua: Categorical Heterogeneity in Latin American Human Biology

The process by which scientists adopt and use socially constructed categories to classify their human subjects is complex. Scientists have used a wide variety of seemingly incongruous racial, ethnic, geographic, linguistic and national categories in their studies of human biological variation. This article details the epistemic rationale behind the system of classification found in mid-twentieth century human biology. The populationist rationale, I argue, entails agnosticism towards the reality of categories and supported the use of flexible standards around sampling and labeling. Looking closely at the categories used in projects in Latin America illustrates how the distinction between “primitive” and “industrialized” structured the classification system used by researchers to render populations productive.
Integrative view on how erythropoietin signaling controls transcription patterns in erythroid cells.

Purpose of review Erythropoietin (EPO) is necessary and sufficient to trigger dynamic transcriptional patterns that drive the differentiation of erythroid precursor cells into mature, enucleated red cells. Because the molecular cloning and Food and Drug Administration approval for the therapeutic use of EPO over 30 years ago, a detailed understanding of how EPO works has advanced substantially. Yet, the precise epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms by which EPO signaling controls erythroid expression patterns remains poorly understood. This review focuses on the current state of erythroid biology in regards to EPO signaling from human genetics and functional genomics perspectives. Recent findings The goal of this review is to provide an integrative view of the gene regulatory underpinnings for erythroid expression patterns that are dynamically shaped during erythroid differentiation. Here, we highlight vignettes connecting recent insights into a genome-wide association study linking an EPO mutation to anemia, a study linking EPO-signaling to signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) chromatin occupancy and enhancers, and studies that examine the molecular mechanisms driving topological chromatin organization in erythroid cells. Summary The genetic, epigenetic, and gene regulatory mechanisms underlying how hormone signal transduction influences erythroid gene expression remains only partly understood. A detailed understanding of these molecular pathways and how they intersect with one another will provide the basis for novel strategies to treat anemia and potentially other hematological diseases. As new regulators and signal transducers of EPO-signaling continue to emerge, new clinically relevant targets may be identified that improve the specificity and effectiveness of EPO therapy.
Intraoperative Resection Guidance with Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Using an Anti–B7-H3 Antibody-Indocyanine Green Dual Contrast Agent

Purpose: Breast cancer often requires surgical treatment including breast-conserving surgical resection. However, with current postsurgical histologic margin analysis, one quarter of breast cancer patients undergo reexcision to achieve negative margins corresponding to decreased local recurrence and better outcomes. Therefore, a method with high resolution and specificity for intraoperative margin assessment is needed.Experimental Design: First, quantitative immunofluorescence staining of B7-H3 expression was assessed in four pathologic stages of breast cancer progression of the MMTV-PyMT transgenic murine model. Next, an antibody-dye contrast agent, B7-H3-ICG, was injected into mice prior to surgical resection of breast cancer. Anatomic ultrasound, spectroscopic photoacoustic (sPA), and fluorescence imaging were used to guide resection of mammary glands suspected of containing cancer. Resected tissues were processed for HE 24(15); 3572-82. ©2018 AACR.
Bicuspid aortic valve repair in the setting of severe aortic insufficiency.

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common cardiac anomaly that affects 0.5–2% of adults. Valve sparing root replacement (VSRR) in bicuspid aortopathy is gaining popularity. We discuss the technical aspects of the procedure as well as the mid- to long-term results of performing VSRR in the setting of a bicuspid valve. Methods: A single institutional database identified 280 patients who underwent VSRR from 2005–2016. Outcomes were analyzed in 60 consecutive patients undergoing a VSRR in the setting of a BAV with aortic regurgitation (AR). Patients were followed prospectively and had annual echocardiograms. Results: The average age in this series was 42±11 years. Moderate or more AR was present in 50% of patients preoperatively. The incidence of operative death, stroke, and renal failure was 0%. Mean follow-up was 39±30 months. At latest follow-up, 62% of patients had zero AR and 87% of patients had 2+ AR was 97% and freedom from aortic valve repair (AVR) was 96%. Conclusions: VSRR can be safely and effectively performed in young patients with bicuspid valve anatomy regardless of degree of pre-operative AR. Valve function is durable and the incidence of valve-related complications is low. VSRR is an attractive and potentially superior option to conventional root replacement in appropriately selected patients with bicuspid aortopathy.
Creating fuzzy concepts: the one-sided threshold, fuzzy closure and factor analysis methods

The two main approaches to fuzzy concept lattice creation are the one-sided threshold approach and the fuzzy closure approach. These two methods are applied to gene annotation data files that are converted into fuzzy formal contexts by translating evidence codes into a degree of evidence strength in [0, 1]. Fuzzy factor analysis is also applied to this same test data. These three methods are briefly described and then compared based on their results using the gene annotation data files.
Theory of Dilute Macromolecular Solutions

The object of this paper is to lay the foundations of the Theory of Dilute Macromolecular Solutions in a unified, simplified, and yet rigorous manner. It also aims to acquaint chemists and physicists with a field of rapidly increasing significance, in view of possible applications to biophysics (and biochemistry). The Introduction gives a brief outline of the historical development of macromolecular solution theory. Roughly, one can distinguish between (a) lattice- and (b) gas-type theories, just as in the theory of liquids. The former, because of their apparent simplicity, have enjoyed great popularity for a long time among polymer chemists. However, lately, again just as for liquids, the gas-type approach has been proven to be more fundamental.
Basic Pediatric Nutrition; Foundation of a Healthy Diet

Nutrition is a vital component to our lives. Although breathing is the most basic function for life, we cannot survive long without food and hydration. Proper nutrition is essential for bodily functions, normal growth, and improved overall health. Without adequate and balanced nutrition, fundamental body operations are diminished, growth is altered, and acute and chronic diseases develop. Throughout the cycle of life nutritional needs change, with popular focus on more critical times such as conception, birth, and end of life. When it comes to children, due to their complex, unique, and constantly changing needs, more than a basic understanding of nutrition is needed to assist professionals in identifying problems and implementing appropriate plans. Children with pulmonary disease have even greater challenges; therefore, nutrition is a primary aspect of immediate and long-term care.
Isolation and analysis of microbial communities in soil, rhizosphere, and roots in perennial grass experiments

Plant and soil microbiome studies are becoming increasingly important for understanding the roles microorganisms play in agricultural productivity. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide detail on how to rapidly sample soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere of replicated field trials and analyze changes that may occur in the microbial communities due to sample type, treatment, and plant genotype. The experiment used to demonstrate these methods consists of replicated field plots containing two, pure, warm-season grasses (Panicum virgatum and Andropogon gerardii) and a low-diversity grass mixture (A. gerardii, Sorghastrum nutans, and Bouteloua curtipendula). Briefly, plants are excavated, a variety of roots are cut and placed in phosphate buffer, and then shaken to collect the rhizosphere. Roots are brought to the laboratory on ice and surface sterilized with bleach and ethanol (EtOH). The rhizosphere is filtered and concentrated by centrifugation. Excavated soil from around the root ball is placed into plastic bags and brought to the lab where a small amount of soil is taken for DNA extractions. DNA is extracted from roots, soil, and rhizosphere and then amplified with primers for the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Amplicons are sequenced, then analyzed with open access bioinformatics tools. These methods allow researchers to test how the microbial community diversity and composition varies due to sample type, treatment, and plant genotype. Using these methods along with statistical models, the representative results demonstrate there are significant differences in microbial communities of roots, rhizosphere, and soil. Methods presented here provide a complete set of steps for how to collect field samples, isolate, extract, quantify, amplify, and sequence DNA, and analyze microbial community diversity and composition in replicated field trials.
Exploring the uptake and implementation of tele-monitored home-exercise programmes in adults with Parkinson's disease: A mixed-methods pilot study.

BackgroundPeople with Parkinson’s disease experience numerous barriers to exercise participation at fitness facilities. Advances in tele-monitoring technologies create alternative channels for mana...
Janus kinase 2 variants associated with the transformation of myeloproliferative neoplasms into acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND Canonical Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F and exon 12 mutations in myeloid neoplasms are well described. There are limited reports of other JAK2 variants of potential clinical relevance. This study was designed to survey JAK2 variants in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to determine their contributions to disease pathogenesis. METHODS Next-generation sequencing of the coding region of JAK2 and 27 other genes was performed on bone marrow DNA samples. The study population was classified into 3 cohorts: chronic MPNs only (the MPN cohort); MPNs transformed into AML (the MPN>>AML cohort); and AML only, with MPN>>AML patients excluded (the AML cohort). RESULTS Testing was performed for 2154 patients, and non-V617F/non-exon 12 JAK2 sequence variants were identified in 114 (5.3%). They included 35 unique JAK2 variants across all functional domains. Sixteen of the 114 JAK2 variants occurred without somatic mutations in the remaining 27 genes. JAK2 variants were detected at a higher frequency in the MPN>>AML cohort (15.3%) in comparison with the MPN (4.6%; P < .001) and AML cohorts (5.2%; P < .001). Detected variants occurred at higher than expected frequencies in patients with MPNs and AML in comparison with the population, and N1108S had a significantly increased prevalence in patients with AML. A JAK2 variant in addition to JAK2 V617F (n = 13) in myelofibrosis was associated with an increased cumulative risk of transformation into AML (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS Specific JAK2 variants detected in MPNs may be predictors for transformation into AML.
Achieving Baby-Friendly Designation at a Large Metropolitan Center

Objective This study aimed to describe the journey of obtaining Baby-Friendly designation as a large metropolitan center in an urban city and review the initial patient-related outcomes. Study Design Our medical center participated in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Breastfeeding Hospital Collaborative from 2012 to 2017. Monthly meetings were held to monitor data, and audits conducted among prenatal sites and maternity units. This hospital collaborative was established to help facilities through the designation process. Results Breastfeeding education in the prenatal setting was provided consistently at all outpatient sites. By 2017, 89.8% of patients had received appropriate education and support during their prenatal visits. There was a shift in feeding pattern from mostly formula feeding with some breastfeeding to primarily breastfeeding with fewer formula feeds. Baby-Friendly designation was achieved in June 2017 after a formal Baby-Friendly USA assessment. Conclusion Since embarking on this journey, there has been a consistent increase in antenatal patient education and a paradigm shift from some breastfeeding to mostly breastfeeding among the mother–baby dyads which combination feed. Our hospital center has continued to successfully maintain the workflow changes implemented during the Baby-Friendly process.
Exosomal miRNA Cargo as Mediator of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Neuroblastoma

Both natural killer (NK) cells and exosomes released from these cells induce tumor cell cytotoxicity by way of the cell killing proteins perforin and granzyme. TGFβ1 protein in the tumor microenvironment generates an immune escape mechanism rendering NK cells inactive. The tumor-suppressive miR-186 that is downregulated in neuroblastoma and in TGFβ-treated NK cells represses oncogenic proteins in neuroblastoma (MYCN and AURKA) and components of the TGFβ pathway. Restoration of miR-186 levels in neuroblastoma through NK cell-derived exosomes or by nanoparticle delivery reduces tumor burden, promotes survival, and restores the cell-killing abilities of NK cells, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of tumor-suppressive miRNAs in neuroblastoma.See related article by Neviani and colleagues; Cancer Res 79(6):1151-64.
Functions of Random Variables: Error Propagation

This chapter contains the core of engineering risk analysis, the central theme about which the rest of the material pivots. In Civil Engineering almost all designs involve some calculation using an equation that is based on the physics of the problem, empirical data of the phenomenon, or a combination of the two (often called semi-empirical equations). The parameters in these equations are routinely treated as deterministic and it is common to use mean or median values for calculation purposes. But if we treat these parameters as random variables and propagate the uncertainty through the equations we get a much better understanding of the most likely answer, as well as an understanding of how much confidence we should have in that most likely answer. Through this process of error propagation we fully characterize the problem by accounting for the uncertainty of the input variables and their mathematical interrelationship as described in the engineering equation. This sets the stage for determining how accurate the answer is, how much confidence we can have in the mean or median, and how best to proceed to ensure a reliable engineering design.
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenicity and Polymicrobial Interactions: Lessons beyond Koch's Postulates.

While Koch’s Postulates have established rules for microbial pathogenesis that have been extremely beneficial for monomicrobial infections, new studies regarding polymicrobial pathogenesis defy these standards. The explosion of phylogenetic sequence data has revolutionized concepts of microbial interactions on and within the host. However, there remains a paucity of functional follow-up studies to delineate mechanisms driven by such interactions and how they shape health or disease. That said, one particular microbial pairing, the fungal opportunist Candida albicans and the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, has received much attention over the last decade. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the multi-faceted mechanisms employed by these two ubiquitous human pathogens during polymicrobial growth, including how they: establish and persist in inter-Kingdom biofilms, tolerate antimicrobial therapy, co-invade host tissue, exacerbate quorum sensing and staphylococcal toxin production, and elicit infectious synergism. Commentary regarding new challenges and remaining questions related to future discovery of this fascinating fungal–bacterial interaction is also provided.
Bioactive Glasses in Orthopedic Applications

Bioactive glasses currently play a rather small role in orthopedic procedures when compared to metallic implants, despite its superior bioactivity within the body. Common metallic materials that are used to engineer and manufacture orthopedic implants generally consist of titanium and its alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and stainless steel 316L as they provide the best material properties based on their applications. However, these implants tend to carry the following risks: infection, surrounding tissue damage, and improper healing. Typically, it is not the implant that is directly responsible for the tissue damage or rejection, but the interaction between the bodily tissue and the implant. In some cases, when in contact with the physiological environment, a fibrous capsule of scar tissue has been known to form around the grafted implant, therefore interfering with the integration of the implant with the surrounding tissue. Bioactive glass presents as an alternative material that can be considered for surgical orthopedic applications. One major limitation that has prevented bioactive glasses dominance in the orthopedic surgical realm is its lack of ductility, strength, and ability to withstand load-bearing applications in supporting larger bones. This book chapter intends to showcase how bioactive glass is currently used in tissue engineering and its ability to improve and change current commonly used orthopedic implants.
The Linear Case: Random Walk and Harmonic Functions

This chapter presents the basic relation between the linear potential theory and random walks. This fundamental connection relies on the observation that harmonic functions and martingales share a common cancellation property, expressed via mean value properties. We cover the following topics: the Laplace’s equation and harmonic functions, construction of the ball walk, values of the ball walk as harmonic functions, walk-regularity of boundary points, the exterior cone condition as sufficient for walk-regularity, relation to Perron solutions and relation to Brownian motion.
An observational study and randomized trial of stress reactivity in cancer disparities.

OBJECTIVES Physiological stress responses have been suggested as a mechanism through which social and biological factors contribute to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. Many African Americans experience stressful life events and circumstances. These social factors may contribute to an increased risk of advanced stage disease at diagnosis and/or faster progression, but not all African American women exposed to adverse social factors develop advanced stage disease. Similarly, women who have a limited number of stressors can develop advanced stage breast cancer. Highly individualized stress reactivity may account for these inconsistent associations. METHOD This report describes the rationale, design, and methods for an exploratory study that uses the experimental medicine approach to: (a) characterize the nature and distribution of stress reactivity among African American breast cancer survivors based on socioeconomic, clinical, and social stressors; (b) examine the impact of stress reactivity on temporal discounting; and (c) determine the extent to which stress reactivity and temporal discounting are associated with adherence to recommendations for cancer control behaviors and treatment compliance as part of the Science of Behavior Change Network. RESULTS This study addresses several empirical gaps about the most effective ways to develop behavior change interventions for a medically underserved population that continues to experience disparities in cancer morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS Results from this research will provide the empirical and conceptual basis for future intervention protocols that target mechanisms that are critical to disparities in African American breast cancer survivors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Epidemiological Investigations of Bovine Protozoal Abortion in California Dairy Herds

Bovine protozoal abortion (BPA) is a newly recognized fetal infection caused by a Neospora- like protozoan parasite. Aborted fetuses have characteristic histologic lesions of focal nonsuppurative necrotizing encephalitis, nonsuppurative myocarditis and myositis. The diagnosis is confirmed by immunohistochemistry using antisera to Neospora caninum on the fetal tissues6,11. Neospora - like protozoa abortions were first reported from an abortion storm in a dairy in New Mexico14 and are now recognized as an important, widely distributed cause of abortion1-5,8,9,12-14. The infection has been identified in 413 fetal samples submitted to the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for immunohistochemistry. These samples represented 224 herds in 10 states in the United States as well as Mexico and Canada The infection is common in California where it is the most frequently diagnosed cause of bovine abortion2,5. In this study, data from bovine abortion submissions to the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL) from the San Joaquin Valley over a 6 year period are examined. The objectives were to determine the prevalence rate and temporal and seasonal patterns of occurrence of BPA.
FUS regulates autophagy by mediating the transcription of genes critical to the autophagosome formation

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a ubiquitously expressed RNA/DNA-binding protein that plays different roles in the cell. FUS pathology has been reported in neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mutations in FUS have also been linked to a subset of familial ALS. FUS is mainly localized in the nucleus although it shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. ALS-linked mutations cause the accumulation of the FUS protein in cytoplasm where it forms stress granule-like inclusions. The protein- and RNA-containing inclusions are reported to be positive of autophagosome markers and degraded by the autophagy pathway. However, the role of FUS in the autophagy pathway remains to be better understood. Using immunoblot and confocal imaging techniques in this study, we found that FUS knockout (KO) cells showed a decreased basal autophagy level. Rapamycin and bafilomycin A1 treatment showed that FUS KO cells were not able to initiate autophagy as efficiently as wild-type cells, suggesting that the autophagosome formation is affected in the absence of FUS. Moreover, using immunoblot and quantitative PCR techniques, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of the genes critical in the initial steps of the autophagy pathway (FIP200, ATG16L1 and ATG12) were significantly lower in FUS KO cells. Re-expressing FUS in the KO cells restored the expression of FIP200 and ATG16L1. Our findings demonstrate a novel role of FUS in the autophagy pathway, that is, regulating the transcription of genes involved in early stages of autophagy such as the initiation and elongation of autophagosomes.
The Vanishing Weight Gap: Trends in Obesity among Adult Food Stamp Participants (US) (1976-2002)

High rates of obesity among low-income populations have led some to question whether USDA's food assistance programs have contributed to this health problem. Using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), this study shows that the association between food assistance program participation and body weight measures has weakened over the past three decades. Earlier NHANES data show that program participants were more likely to be overweight than individuals who were eligible but not participating in the program. This was particularly true among white women. However, the more recent data show that these differences have vanished, as the BMI of the rest of the population has caught up to BMI levels of food stamps recipients.
Computer simulation of the SARS-CoV-2 contamination risk in a large dental clinic

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) virus, has been rapidly spreading worldwide since December 2019, causing a public health crisis. Recent studies showed SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect humans via airborne routes. These motivated the study of aerosol and airborne droplet transmission in a variety of settings. This study performs a large-scale numerical simulation of a real-world dentistry clinic that contains aerosol-generating procedures. The simulation tracks the dispersion of evaporating droplets emitted during ultrasonic dental scaling procedures. The simulation considers 25 patient treatment cubicles in an open plan dentistry clinic. The droplets are modeled as having a volatile (evaporating) and nonvolatile fraction composed of virions, saliva, and impurities from the irrigant water supply. The simulated clinic's boundary and flow conditions are validated against experimental measurements of the real clinic. The results evaluate the behavior of large droplets and aerosols. We investigate droplet residence time and travel distance for different droplet diameters, surface contamination due to droplet settling and deposition, airborne aerosol mass concentration, and the quantity of droplets that escape through ventilation. The simulation results raise concerns due to the aerosols' long residence times (averaging up to 7.31 min) and travel distances (averaging up to 24.45 m) that exceed social distancing guidelines. Finally, the results show that contamination extends beyond the immediate patient treatment areas, requiring additional surface disinfection in the clinic. The results presented in this research may be used to establish safer dental clinic operating procedures, especially if paired with future supplementary material concerning the aerosol viral load generated by ultrasonic scaling and the viral load thresholds required to infect humans.
iRQC, a surveillance pathway for 40S ribosomal quality control during mRNA translation initiation

Summary Since multiple ribosomes can engage a single mRNA, nonuniform ribosome progression can result in collisions. Ribosome collisions during translation elongation elicit a multifaceted ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) response. Despite advanced mechanistic understanding of translation initiation, a parallel RQC pathway that acts on collided preinitiation complexes has not been described. Here, we show that blocking progression of scanning or elongating ribosomes past the start codon triggers uS3 and uS5 ribosomal ubiquitylation. We demonstrate that conditions that activate the integrated stress response can also induce preinitiation complex collisions. The ubiquitin ligase, RNF10, and the deubiquitylating enzyme, USP10, are the key regulators of uS3 and uS5 ubiquitylation. Prolonged uS3 and uS5 ubiquitylation results in 40S, but not 60S, ribosomal protein degradation in an autophagy-independent manner. This study identifies a distinct arm in the RQC pathway, initiation RQC (iRQC), that acts on pervasive ribosome collisions during translation initiation to modulate translation activity and capacity.
Multiphysics approaches for modeling nanostructural evolution during physical vapor deposition of phase-separating alloy films

Abstract Physical vapor deposition of phase-separating alloy films yields a rich variety of distinct self-assembled nanostructures depending on the deposition rate and temperature. However, the role of grain boundaries, elastic imhomogeneity, and anisotropy, and surface tension, in the formation of such nanostructures is currently not well understood. Here, we employ a phase-field approach that couples the multiphysics of elemental diffusion, elastic misfit and anisotropy, surface tension, and grain boundaries with processing parameters, namely deposition rate and temperature, to investigate phase separation and grain boundary evolution in binary alloy films. We develop phase-field deposition models of increasing complexity to isolate and analyze the influence of processing parameters on nanostructural transitions in vapor co-deposited films. While it is found that such transitions are primarily guided by a minimization of total free energy, our simulation-based insights strongly indicate the phenomena of nanostructure selection at faster deposition rates. It is anticipated that the insights gained from this study will provide the much-required knowledgebase for establishing nanostructure-level control in the physical vapor deposition of alloy films.
The promise and deceit of genomic selection component analyses.

Selection component analyses (SCA) relate individual genotype to fitness components such as viability, fecundity and mating success. SCA are based on population genetic models and yield selection e...
Quantum Monte-Carlo Calculations on Real Materials

Quantum Monte Carlo methods can calculate exact or nearly exact ground state properties of many body systems. The subject of this paper is a brief outline of some of the current developments in applying such methods to general materials and results of recent calculations. A critical issue which we discuss is the accurate treatment of core electrons, which is crucial to ab initio calculations on materials.
Electroneurodiagnostic (END) Intensive Care Monitoring

ABSTRACT.In the cardiac care unit (CCU), every physician expects to see ECG continuously monitored. ECG monitoring is considered a standard part of patient care in the CCU. For many individual patients, serious cardiac abnormalities do not occur. In these patients, ECG monitoring does provide reassurance that the patient's heart is doing well. In some patients, ECG monitoring provides critical information on developing complications, sometimes allowing early intervention to prevent disastrous, permanent complications before they occur.The neurological application of long-term EEG and evoked potential (EP) monitoring in the neurologic intensive care unit (ICU) has only recently been implemented in a few institutions. Nevertheless, there are many potential uses of EEG and EPs as ICU monitoring tools. Some of these uses include the identification of seizures, the assessment of coma, and the determination of brain death.
Modulation spectrogram features for improved speaker diarization.

We propose the use of modulation spectrogram features in speaker diarization. These features carry longer term characteristics of the acoustic signals than the widely used MFCCs, thus providing potential improvement by using both features in combination. Using the state-of-the-art ICSI speaker diarization system, an improvement of 20.77% relative DER is obtained on the NIST Rich Transcription 2007 task with respect to the MFCC only system.
Fractography and Estimates of Fracture Origin Size from Fracture Mechanics

Fracture mechanics should be used routinely in fractographic analyses in order to verify that the correct feature has been identified as the fracture origin. This was highlighted in a recent Versailles Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) fractographic analysis round robin. The practice of using fracture mechanics as an aid to fractographic interpretation is codified in a new ASTM Standard Practice. Conversely, very good estimates for fracture toughness often come from fractographic analysis of strength tested specimens. In many instances however, the calculated flaw size is different from the empirically-measured flaw size. This paper reviews the factors which may cause the discrepancies.
A girl with 46, XX, t(1;15) karyotype. Cytogenetic and clinical observations

Results are presented of karyotype analysis with autoradiography and Q-banding of a mentally retarded dwarf. A reciprocal (1p -;15q+), de-novo translocation was observed.
Temperature dependence of the reactions of singlet and triplet diphenylcarbene. Evidence for reversible ylide formation in the reaction with alcohols

Abstract The temperature dependences of the reaction of singlet diphenylcarbene are consistent with reversible intermediate formation.
Studies of lipide synthesis in cell-free yeast extracts.

Abstract Yeast cell fractions prepared in buffer show a random distribution of lipide-synthesizing enzymes. When the cell fractions are obtained with the aid of a saturated lactose solution to afford protective conditions, most of these enzymes are found in the particulate, or mitochondrial, fraction which is sedimentable by a centrifugal force of 11,500 × g. A requirement of coenzyme A (CoA) for sterol synthesis from acetate by cell-free yeast extracts can be demonstrated only when the extracts are partially depleted of the cofactor by treatment with Dowex 1-Cl. Further supplementation with CoA is required for the conversion of squalene to the fatty acids.
The effects of exchange-rate volatility on industry trade between the US and Egypt

Recent instability in Egypt has brought attention to the role of risk in this important economy. At the same time, there is room in the ever-expanding literature on the link between exchange-rate volatility and trade flows, particularly for individual commodities, in Egypt. This study examines 36 separate export and import industries vis-a-vis the United States, from 1994 to 2007. An application of cointegration analysis and error-correction modeling finds evidence of long-run relationships for many import and export industries, with exports increasing due to higher risk in a large proportion of cases. Although most industries, particularly in imports, are nevertheless unaffected, our results differ from other studies in the literature. An analysis of our industry-level results shows that chemical imports, and exports of industries with large trade shares, are more likely to increase than are other products or imports.
Laterally deformable optical NEMS grating transducers for inertial sensing applications

This paper discusses the use of laterally deformable optical nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) grating transducers for sensor applications. For very small changes in the spacing of the nanostructured grating elements, a large change in the optical reflection amplitude is observed, making this an ideal transducer element for detecting very small amounts of relative motion. These devices are also very sensitive to wavelength, and could thus be used as tunable elements for spectrometry, as well as communications or inertial sensing. This anomalous diffraction property was predicted in previous work; here, we experimentally verify operation of these devices and demonstrate a motion detection sensitivity of 10 fm/ Hz 1/2 , comparable to the most sensitive MEMS transducer. As optical devices, these sensors have additional advantages over electrical sensors, including high immunity to electromagnetic interference and the possibility of integration with fiber optics to create a network of sensors with a single remote optical source and detector.
Estrogen Receptor Activation and the Dissociation Kinetics of Estradiol, Estriol, and Estrone*

The relationship among estrogen binding to the receptor of hormones of differing biological activities was investigated using estradiol, estriol, estrone, and the calf uterine estrogen receptor. For the three estrogens with different biological activities several kinetic parameters were similar. The association rate constants (k+1) at 25 C were 0.9–1.1 × 108 m−1 min−1. The rate constants of receptor activation (kact) were 2.1-3.1 × 107 m−1 min−1. The equilibrium association constants (Ka) at 0 C were: estradiol, 5.9 × 109 m−1; estriol, 3.8 × 109 m−1; and estrone, 1.3 × 109 m−1 (less than a 5-fold difference exists between estradiol and estrone). The dissociation rate constants were the only parameters distinguishing the three estrogens. The dissociation of estradiol and estriol from the estrogen receptor occurs in two exponential phases: the faster phase (k−1) from the nonactivated state of the receptor and the slower phase (k−2) from the activated state. Estrone dissociation from the receptor occurs as a...
Electroweak data and the Higgs boson mass: A case for new physics

Because of two $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ anomalies, the standard model (SM) fit of the precision electroweak data has a poor confidence level, $\mathrm{C}.\mathrm{L}.=0.010.$ Since both anomalies involve challenging systematic issues, it might appear that the SM could still be valid if the anomalies resulted from underestimated systematic error. Indeed the C.L. of the global fit could then increase to 0.65, but that fit predicts a small Higgs boson mass, ${m}_{H}=43\mathrm{GeV},$ that is only consistent at $\mathrm{C}.\mathrm{L}.=0.035$ with the lower limit, ${m}_{H}g114\mathrm{GeV},$ established by direct searches. The data then favor new physics whether the anomalous measurements are excluded from the fit or not, and the Higgs boson mass cannot be predicted until the new physics is understood. Some measure of statistical fluctuation would be needed to maintain the validity of the SM, which is unlikely by broad statistical measures. New physics is favored, but the SM is not definitively excluded.
Steroid-monoamine feedback interactions in discrete brain regions using as a model the monosodium glutamate (MSG)-lesioned rat

The present studies examine the effects of neonatal treatment with monosodium glutamate (MSG) on dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) metabolism in discrete brain regions and correlate them with steroid receptor kinetics in the anterior pituitary (PIT), preoptic hypothalamus (POA) and caudal hypothalamus (HYP), and with steroid negative and positive feedback effects on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Substantial decreases in the neuronal activity of all three amines in the arcuate nucleus, decreased DA and 5-HT metabolism in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and, surprisingly, increased metabolism of 5-HT and NE in the median eminence was observed in adult ovariectomized (OVX), MSG-treated versus OVX, vehicle-treated litter mate controls. Measurement of estradiol receptors in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of the POA, HYP and PIT from MSG- and vehicle-treated rats killed during diestrus or 2 weeks after OVX revealed no differences. Similarly, no differences in cytosolic progestin receptors between control and MSG unprimed or estradiol-primed, OVX rats or on progestin receptor translocation induced by progesterone in Eb-primed rats were observed. Negative and positive feedback effects of estradiol or the positive feedback of progesterone on LH secretion were not significantly impaired in MSG rats, and indeed, MSG animals actually were hyper-responsive to the administration of the steroids or of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. These results indicate that the MSG-induced damage to DA, 5-HT and NE elements observed within several preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei does not impair estrogen and progestin receptor kinetics, nor does it prevent adequate negative or positive steroid feedback responses, if appropriate steroid regimens are employed, and that the impaired gonadal function reported in these animals does not result primarily from inadequate steroid feedback mechanisms.
Rate constants for the reactions of chlorine atoms with a series of unsaturated aldehydes and ketones at 298 K: structure and reactivity

The kinetics and mechanisms of chlorine atom reactions with the products of organic oxidations in the atmosphere are of interest for understanding the chemistry of coastal areas. We report here the first kinetics measurements of the reactions of atomic chlorine with 4-chlorocrotonaldehyde and chloromethyl vinyl ketone, recently identified as products of the reaction of chlorine atoms with 1,3-butadiene. The reactions with acrolein, methacrolein, crotonaldehyde, methyl vinyl ketone and crotyl chloride were also studied to probe structure-reactivity relationships. Relative rate studies were carried out at 1 atm and 298 K using two different approaches: long path FTIR for the acrolein, methacrolein, crotonaldehyde and methyl vinyl ketone reactions with acetylene as the reference compound, and a collapsible Teflon reaction chamber with GC-FID detection of the organics using n-butane or n-nonane as the reference compounds for the entire series. The average absolute rate constants (in units of 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) determined using these techniques are as follows: acrolein (2.5 ± 0.7); methacrolein (2.9 ± 0.8); crotonaldehyde (3.2 ± 0.9); methyl vinyl ketone (2.0 ± 0.5); 4-chlorocrotonaldehyde (1.6 ± 0.4); chloromethyl vinyl ketone (2.0 ± 0.2); crotyl chloride (2.5 ± 0.2). The reported errors are ±2σ and include a reference rate constant error of 20% for acetylene, 10% for n-butane and 3% for n-nonane. These values are in good agreement with previous literature reports for the acrolein, methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone reactions, while that for crotonaldehyde is 33% larger. The rate constant for acetylene using n-butane as the reference compound was also measured to be (5.23 ± 0.91) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (2σ), in excellent agreement with the currently recommended value at 1 atm and 298 K. The effect of structure on reactivity of these compounds is discussed and it is shown that these fast reactions will be a major loss process for these compounds in coastal marine areas at dawn.
A fast algorithm for power grid design

This paper presents an efficient heuristic algorithm to design a power distribution network of a chip by employing a successive partitioning and grid refinement scheme. In an iterative procedure, the chip area is recursively bipartitioned, and the wire pitches and the wire widths of the power grid in the partitions are repeatedly adjusted to meet the voltage drop and current density specifications. By using the macromodels of the power grid constructed in the previous levels of partitioning, the scheme ensures that a small global power grid system is simulated in each iteration. A post-processing step at the end of the optimization is employed to maximize the alignment of wires in adjacent partitions. The effectiveness of the scheme is demonstrated by designing various power grids with real circuit parameters and realistic input current values. The proposed algorithm is able to design power grids comprising thousands of wires and more than a million electrical nodes in about 7-16 minutes. The proposed design scheme as compared to a multigrid-based power grid design scheme saves about 7%-12% of wire area.
Genetic disease detection and DNA amplification using cloned thermostable ligase

Polymerase chain reaction, using thermostable DNA polymerase, has revolutionized DNA diagnostics. Another thermostable enzyme, DNA ligase, is harnessed in the assay reported here that both amplifies DNA and discriminates a single-base substitution. This cloned enzyme specifically links two adjacent oligonucleotides when hybridized at 65 degrees C to a complementary target only when the nucleotides are perfectly base-paired at the junction. Oligonucleotide products are exponentially amplified by thermal cycling of the ligation reaction in the presence of a second set of adjacent oligonucleotides, complementary to the first set and the target. A single-base mismatch prevents ligation/amplification and is thus distinguished. This method was exploited to detect 200 target molecules as well as to discriminate between normal beta A- and sickle beta S- globin genotypes from 10-microliters blood samples.
Effect of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium salt cations on pH, proteolysis, organic acids, and microbial populations during storage of full-fat Cheddar cheese1

Sodium reduction in cheese can assist in reducing overall dietary Na intake, yet saltiness is an important aspect of cheese flavor. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of Na with K on survival of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and nonstarter LAB (NSLAB), pH, organic acid production, and extent of proteolysis as water-soluble nitrogen (WSN) and protein profiles using urea-PAGE, in Cheddar cheese during 9mo of storage. Seven Cheddar cheeses with molar salt contents equivalent to 1.7% salt but with different ratios of Na, K, Ca, and Mg cations were manufactured as well as a low-salt cheese with 0.7% salt. The 1.7% salt cheeses had a mean composition of 352g of moisture/kg, 259g of protein/kg and 50% fat-on-dry-basis, and 17.5g of salt/kg (measured as Cl(-)). After salting, a faster initial decrease in cheese pH occurred with low salt or K substitution and it remained lower throughout storage. No difference in intact casein levels or percentage WSN levels between the various cheeses was observed, with the percentage WSN increasing from 5% at d 1 to 25% at 9mo. A greater decrease in intact αs1-casein than β-casein was detected, and the ratio of αs1-casein (f121-199) to αs1-casein could be used as an index of ripening. Typical changes in bacteria microflora occurred during storage, with lactococci decreasing gradually and NSLAB increasing. Lowering the Na content, even with K replacement, extended the crossover time when NSLAB became dominant. The crossover time was 4.5mo for the control cheese and was delayed to 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, and 6.2mo for cheeses with 10, 25, 50, and 75% K substitution. Including 10% Mg or Ca, along with 40% K, further increased crossover time, whereas the longest crossover time (7.3mo) was for low-salt cheese. By 9mo, NSLAB levels in all cheeses had increased from initial levels of ≤10(2) to approximately 10(6)cfu/g. Lactococci remained at 10(6) cfu/g in the low-salt cheese even after 9mo of storage. The propionic acid concentration in the cheese increased when NSLAB numbers were high. Few other trends in organic acid concentration were observed as a function of Na content.
Interactions among Dogs, People, and the Environment in Boulder, Colorado: A Case Study

ABSTRACTFrom September 1995 to April 1996 we studied interactions among dogs, people, and the environment in Boulder, Colorado. Data on behavioral disturbances by off-leash dogs who were accompanied by a person were collected with respect to dog-dog and dog-human interactions, dog-wildlife encounters, dogs trampling vegetation, and dogs entering and disturbing bodies of water. A questionnaire also was administered. Behavioral data showed that off-leash dogs generally did not travel far off trail, that when they did it was for short periods of time, and that they rarely were observed to chase other dogs, disturb people, chase wildlife, destroy vegetation, or enter bodies of water. Results from analyses of the questionnaire (skewed toward non-dog owners) showed that dog owners and non-dog owners agreed that people were more disruptive to the environment than dogs and that unruly people were more problematic than unruly dogs. We conclude that the well-being and interests of dogs should not summarily and dism...
Sparse matrices, and the estimation of variance components by likelihood methods

It is generally considered that analysis of variance by maximum likelihood or its variants is computationally impractical, despite existing techniques for reducing computational effect per iteration and for reducing the number of iterations to convergence. This paper shows thata major reduction in the overall computational effort can be achieved through the use of sparse-matrix algorithms that take advantage of the factorial designs that characterize most applications of large analysis-of-variance problems. In this paper, an algebraic structure for factorial designsis developed. Through this structure, it is shown that the required computations can be arranged so that sparse-matrix methods result in greatly reduced storage and time requirements.