cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary insights into the role of the essential centromere protein CAL1 in Drosophila

Centromeres are essential cis-elements on chromosomes that are crucial for the stable transmission of genetic information during mitotic and meiotic cell divisions. Different species employ a variety of centromere configurations, from small genetically defined centromeres in budding yeast to holocentric centromeres that occupy entire chromosomes in Caenorhabditis, yet the incorporation of nucleosomes containing the essential centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A is a common feature of centromeres in all eukaryotes. In vertebrates and fungi, CENP-A is specifically deposited at centromeres by a conserved chaperone, called HJURP or Scm3, respectively. Surprisingly, homologs of these proteins have not been identified in Drosophila, Caenorhabditis, or plants. How CENP-A is targeted to centromeres in these organisms is not known. The Drosophila centromeric protein CAL1, found only in the Diptera genus, is essential for CENP-A localization, is recruited to centromeres at a similar time as CENP-A, and interacts with CENP-A in both chromatin and pre-nucleosomal complexes, making it a strong candidate for a CENP-A chaperone in this lineage. Here, we discuss the conservation and evolution of this essential centromere factor and report the identification of a “Scm3-domain”-like region with similarity to the corresponding region of fungal Scm3 as well as a shared predicted alpha-helical structure. Given the lack of common ancestry between Scm3 and CAL1, we propose that an optimal CENP-A binding region was independently acquired by CAL1, which caused the loss of an ancestral Scm3 protein from the Diptera lineage.
The synoptic climatology of polar low outbreaks

The evolution of the 500 mb height field has been analysed during outbreaks of well-developed polar lows over the Norwegian and Barents Seas using a “superposed epoch method” to composite the data. 42 cases were selected on the basis of synoptic and surface data. In addition, 10 independent cases were chosen on the basis of infrared satellite imagery. To further describe the synoptic climatology of polar low outbreaks, 500 mb temperature, 1000–500 mb thickness, and surface pressure data were each composited for the combined 52 cases of the superposed epoch studies. In order to provide a background from which to evaluate the results of the composite studies, a brief case study of a typical polar low development over the Barents Sea is given. The results of the composite studies reveal the presence of significant negative anomalies in both the temperature and height fields at the 500 mb level over the Norwegian and Barents Seas, indicating strong positive vorticity and very low static stability over the area on the days when mature polar lows were present. The evolution of the height anomaly pattern shows ridging along the west coast of Greenland, and the development of a trough north of Norway, resulting in a northerly component of the flow aloft and at the surface over the Norwegian Sea, as much as 3 days prior to the outbreak of polar lows. The northerly surface flow results in the development of low-level baroclinicity. Evidence suggests that a rapid deepening, characteristic of polar lows, occurs coincident with the outbreak of deep convection. It is suggested that the outbreak of convection is organized by the baroclinicity. The evolution of the negative height anomaly just prior to polar low outbreaks is suggestive of forcing by a migratory short wave aloft. The 1000–500 mb thickness composite supports this view, with the presence of some deeper baroclinicity across the Norwegian Sea. However, comparison of the surface and thickness composites reveals only slight asymmetries in the respective contours, indicating that the atmosphere was nearly equivalent barotropic on the days when strong polar lows were present over the region. The in-situ evolution, and wavelength of the height anomaly pattern suggest that topographical forcing by the high Greenland Plateau, juxtaposed with the warm water of the Norwegian Sea, may enhance the development of polar low outbreaks off the Norwegian coast. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1985.tb00441.x
Memory distribution: techniques and practice for CAD applications

Abstract We present a mechanism for exploiting the memory available in a network of workstations to run single-threaded, memory-bound applications. Such applications are common in the Computer Aided Design (CAD) area for integrated circuits. We experiment with two CAD applications and show that memory distribution enables these applications to process circuits that could not otherwise be processed. We achieve high locality of reference for applications with good temporal locality by using set-associative caches. To exploit spatial locality we utilized a technique called “Distributed Object Traversal” that transfers the thread of control to the process on which each object is stored (the converse operation to caching). Distributed object traversal is shown to provide excellent locality of reference for practical applications. The compound effect of the optimizations and integration of the memory distribution mechanism into the application provides efficient access to distributed memory. We compare our performance to that obtainable with the Treadmarks shared memory package and observe roughly 30% faster execution times for our system.
“Water drops” essays available for public radio

“Water Drops” are 90-second essays on water science, hydrology, culture, history, organizations, law, and policy that have aired weekly on radio station WRVO-FM in Oswego, N.Y., since January 2006. Created for the lay public with a basic understanding of Earth science, the 133 essays now are available on Public Radio Exchange (http://www.prx.org) for free use by public radio stations, according to terms set forth at the Exchange Web site that include citing appropriate credits. If aired weekly, there are enough essays for 2.5 years of radio programming. The essays were created and recorded by Peter E. Black, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Water and Related Land Resources, Emeritus, at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) at the State University of New York in Syracuse, and Christopher P. Baycura, a producer at ESF. Mark Lavonier of WRVO composed original music.
Dampening of adrenocortical responses during infancy: normative changes and individual differences

Changes in cortisol and behavioral responses were examined longitudinally in 83 infants (39 girls, 44 boys) tested at their well-baby exams with inoculations at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months (72 infants completed all testing). Another sample of 2-, 4-, and 6-month-olds (n = 18 per age) received mock exams without inoculations to determine early developmental changes to the exam procedures. Behavioral distress was coded every 30 sec during the exam, a 5-min inoculation period, and a 20-min recovery period. Salivary cortisol was obtained upon arrival at the clinic and 25 min after the beginning of the inoculation period. To the exam-inoculation procedures, cortisol responses were high at 2 months, decreased significantly between 2 and 4 months, remained comparable between 4 and 6 months, and then declined again between 6 and 15 months. Between 6 and 15 months there was also a decrease in pretest cortisol. By 15 months, significant increases in cortisol from pre- to posttest were no longer observed for most infants. To the exam-only procedures, cortisol responses decreased between 2 and 4 months, and by 4 months most infants failed to show pre- to posttest increases in cortisol. Behavioral distress decreased between 2 and 6 months, but increased again at 15 months. While crying and cortisol were modestly correlated during the 2- to 6-month exam-inoculation procedures, at 15 months no significant correlations were obtained. Behavioral and hormonal reactions thus followed different ontogenetic paths and may provide different information about infant functioning. There was some evidence that the emergence of the circadian rhythm in cortisol might be related to the early decrease in cortisol response.
Chronic pepsin exposure promotes anchorage-independent growth and migration of a hypopharyngeal squamous cell line.

Outcome Objectives(1) Investigate the role of reflux, specifically pepsin, in laryngopharyngeal carcinogenesis. (2) Evaluate effects of chronic pepsin exposure on cell migration, apoptosis, and colony-forming ability in hypopharyngeal cells.Study DesignTranslation research.SettingAcademic research laboratory.MethodsHuman hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma FaDu cells were chronically exposed to nonacidic pepsin (exposed for 24 hours, 4 times over 2 weeks at the following concentrations: 0.01 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, or 1 mg/mL). Precise wounds were created in confluent cell plates, and rates of cell migration into wounds were quantified. Separately, cell viability of chronic pepsin-exposed FaDu cells acutely treated with paclitaxel was measured. Finally, a clonogenic assay was performed on these cells to measure effects of chronic pepsin exposure on colony-forming ability.ResultsAn increased rate of relative wound density was observed in chronic pepsin-treated (0.01 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL) cells compared with control (P...
Fatal and hospitalized injuries resulting from the 1994 Northridge earthquake

BACKGROUND: The Northridge earthquake struck Los Angeles on 17 January 1994, originating from a previously unknown thrust fault. The earthquake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale and caused extensive damage to buildings, utilities and roadways. This report describes injuries occurring in the Northridge earthquake which resulted in death or hospital admission. METHODS : Earthquake-related deaths were identified by the Los Angeles Department of the Coroner. All 78 hospitals in Los Angeles County were screened for earthquake-related admissions and were found in 16 of them. Coroner's records and medical records from the 16 hospitals were individually reviewed to identify earthquake-related injuries and to obtain information about the injury. RESULTS: A total of 171 earthquake-related injuries was identified in Los Angeles County, 33 were fatal and 138 required hospital admission. Injury rates were approximately equal by gender and increased significantly with increasing age. Most of the fatalities were due to building collapse, and most of the hospital-admitted injuries were caused by falls or being hit by objects. Motor vehicle injuries and burns were also common causes of injury. Head and chest injuries were common among fatalities, and extremity injuries were the most common among those admitted to a hospital. CONCLUSION: Earthquakes cause injuries through many mechanisms, and a clearer understanding of these pathways can help focus prevention strategies. Research combining comprehensive surveillance with risk factor assessment can help identify behaviours and circumstances increasing the risk of injury in an earthquake.
Robust closed-form localization of mobile targets using a single sensor based on a non-linear measurement model

In this paper, we propose a robust novel approach with closed-form estimator for object tracking based on a non-linear measurement model over time from a single sensor with arbitrary noise degradation. Relying on the widely-used dynamic motion model for arbitrary moving targets, tracking of moving objects can be formulated using received signal strength (RSS) measurements. We provide a closed-form solution that integrates localization and filtering for both an ideal channel as well as noisy channel. We first derive an exact linear model from the non-linear system of equations provided by the RSS measurements. We subsequently present an iterative method to estimate the unknown parameters and the error covariance matrix. Moreover, we prove that the estimator gives more accuracy when the number of samples increases. The Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for the estimator are determined in Gaussian case. Computer simulation demonstrates that the proposed approach not only achieves more accuracy than traditional methods but also saves significant computation time.
The spectrophotometric determination of vanadium as thiocyanate in acetone-water medium

Abstract A method devised for the spectrophotometric determination of vanadium in acetone-water medium is based on the reaction between vanadium (IV) and thiocyanate. Within the concentration limits tested, Beers law is obeyed. This method is not as sensitive as the peroxide method, but the vanadium(IV)-thiocyanate reaction product shows greater absorbancy than the blue vanadyl ion. In the absence of interfering elements, the method can be used in place of the volumetric procedure for the determination of macro quantities of vanadium.
The virtual annotation system

Annotation is a key operation for developing understanding of complex data or extended spaces. We have developed a flexible set of annotation tools that can be placed in a variety of applications. These tools offer a full set of capabilities for inserting, iconizing, playing back and organizing annotations in a virtual space. They also have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for employing these capabilities while immersed in the virtual environment. We illustrate the annotation system with two diverse examples: a general data visualization/analysis application and an architectural walkthrough.
Mobilization and voter turnout: Should canvassers worry about the weather?

This article melds a well-studied area of research (political mobilization effects on voter turnout) with a subject rarely discussed in political science (the effects of meteorological variability on mood, productivity, and fatigue) to argue that weather at the time of mobilization influences individual voters' turnout odds relative to other contacted voters. Using panel data totaling 39,769 registered voters contacted by unions across 14 months and five elections, quantitative analysis is used to measure the effects of temperature, seasonableness, and precipitation during contact on vote likelihood, controlling for known turnout influences. Results indicate that variations in all three weather conditions during contact affect vote odds. Mobilization effects are weaker as temperatures rise and weather becomes unseasonably hot; mobilization is also less successful as precipitation increases. Outcomes vary by contact type; door-to-door visits are more negatively influenced by hotter and less seasonable temperatures, whereas phone calls are more negatively affected by higher precipitation.
Constrained nets for graph matching and other quadratic assignment problems

Some time ago Durbin and Willshaw proposed an interesting parallel algorithm (the “elastic net”) for approximately solving some geometric optimization problems, such as the Traveling Salesman Problem. Recently it has been shown that their algorithm is related to neural networks of Hopfield and Tank, and that they both can be understood as the semiclassical approximation to statistical mechanics of related physical models. The main point of the elastic net algorithm is seen to be in the way one deals with the constraints when evaluating the effective cost function (free energy in the thermodynamic analogy), and not in its geometric foundation emphasized originally by Durbin and Willshaw. As a consequence, the elastic net algorithm is a special case of the more general physically based computations and can be generalized to a large class of nongeometric problems. In this paper we further elaborate on this observation, and generalize the elastic net to the quadratic assignment problem. We work out in detail its special case, the graph matching problem, because it is an important problem with many applications in computational vision and neural modeling. Simulation results on random graphs, and on structured (hand-designed) graphs of moderate size (20-100 nodes) are discussed.
Anodic performance of vapor-derived carbon filaments in lithium-ion secondary battery

The electrochemical characteristics of vapor-derived carbon filaments of diameter 0.1 μm were studied by charge–discharge testing of a lithium-ion secondary cell with a lithium metal electrode. After activation, followed by either nitridation or reduction in hydrogen, vapor-derived carbon filaments show high reversible charge and discharge capacities. An ordered structure and a large pore size are favorable for a high capacity, as shown by comparison of vapor-derived and pitch-derived carbons. The combination of a high specific surface area and a large amount of oxygen-containing surface functional groups results in a high irreversible capacity. To improve the anodic performance, it is important to control the surface microstructure by decreasing the surface oxygen content by nitridation or reduction in H2, while maintaining order in the crystallographic structure with surface mesoporosity.
Diffusion of ferrous ion in silver chloride

The diffusion of Fe2+ ion in AgCl has been found to proceed substitutionally over the temperature range of measurement (232 to 449 °C). The standard serial sectioning technique was used. The temperature dependence of the diffusion can be represented by D = 15.1 exp (−1.27/kT) cm2/s. If the activation enthalpy of migration for Fe2+ is taken as 0.6 eV, the association enthalpy is about 0.07 eV for Fe2+ vacancy complexes. On a trouve que la diffusion de l'ion ferreux dans le chlorure d'argent procede par substitution dans toute l'entendue de la mesure de temperature (232 a 449 °C). On a employe la technique courante du sectionnement en serie. On peut representer la dependence de temperature de la diffusion par D = 15,1 exp (−1,27/kT) cm2/s. Si on choisit 0,6 eV pour l'enthalpie d'activation de la migration pour Fe2+, l'enthalpie d'association est aux environs de 0,07 eV pour les complexes de vacance de l'ion ferreux.
The effects of text drawing styles, background textures, and natural lighting on text legibility in outdoor augmented reality

A challenge in presenting augmenting information in outdoor augmented reality (AR) settings lies in the broad range of uncontrollable environmental conditions that may be present, specifically large-scale fluctuations in natural lighting and wide variations in likely backgrounds or objects in the scene. In this paper, we motivate the need for research on the effects of text drawing styles, outdoor background textures, and natural lighting on user performance in outdoor AR. We present a pilot study and a follow-on user-based study that examined the effects on user performance of outdoor background textures, changing outdoor illuminance values, and text drawing styles in a text identification task using an optical, see-through AP, system. We report significant effects for all these variables, and discuss user interface design guidelines and ideas for future work.
ENaC subunit-subunit interactions and inhibition by syntaxin 1A.

Amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) are subject to modulation by many factors. Recent data have also linked the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)...
Analysis of energy up-conversion in disordered solids

Abstract A microscopic energy transfer model is developed for the analysis of up-conversion for ions in doped crystals. Based on the Forster-Dexter theory, the energy transfer rate between ions in the excited state as well as the rates of migration and cross relaxation are configuration-averaged. Numerical results are compared with the exciton-exciton annihilation model and the modified Inokuti-Hirayama model.
Agile workforce evaluation: a framework for cross-training and coordination

This paper outlines approaches for assessing and classifying manufacturing and service operations in terms of their suitability for use of cross-trained (flexible) workers. We refer to our overall framework as agile workforce evaluation. The primary contributions of this paper are: (i) a strategic assessment framework that structures the key mechanisms by which cross-training can support organizational strategy; (ii) a tactical framework that identifies key factors to guide the selection of an architecture and worker coordination policy for implementing workforce agility; (iii) a classification of workforce agility architectures; (iv) a survey of a broad range of archetypical classes of worker coordination policies; (v) a survey of the literature with an operational perspective on workforce agility; and (vi) identification of opportunities for research and development of architectures for specific production environments.
Development of Fast High-Power Rf Vector Modulator Employing Tem Ferrite Phase Shifters

Recent charged-particle accelerator projects employ high power RF distribution systems to power superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerating cavities. Each cavity usually requires several hundred killowatts of pulsed power at relatively high duty cycle (roughly up to 10% in high-power proton linear accelerators) in low UHF bands for production of the particle beam. So far, one amplifier to one cavity configuration is common, since precise vector control of RF is done at the low power inputs of the amplifiers. If a fan-out configuration that feeds many cavities with a single very high-power amplifier klystron is realized, significant cost savings can be achieved in construction and installation. The fan-out configuration, however, requires independent control of RF amplitudes and phases to the cavities at high power level. A prototype high-power RF vector modulator for such applications has been built and tested. The vector modulator employs a quadrature hybrid and two fast ferrite phase shifters in square coaxial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission lines. The square coaxial format can provide the power-handling capability and thermal stability. RF properties of the design and results of high power system testing of the design are presented.
A Dialogue about Risk

But Is It True?: On the Relationship Between Knowledge and Action in the Great Environmental and Safety Issues of Our Time, Aaron Wildavsky, Harvard University Press, Cambridge (1994) (in press). Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity, Ulrich Beck, Sage Publications, Newbury Park (19921, 249 pp. (translated by Mark Ritter). Risk and Blame: Essays in Cultural Theory, Mary Douglas, Routledge, London and New York (1992), 313 pp. Organizations, Uncertainties, and Risk, James F. Short, Jr. and Lee Clarke (Eds.), Westview Press, Boulder (1992), 355 pp.
Domination Cover Pebbling: Structural Results

This paper continues the results of “Domination Cover Pebbling: Graph Families.” An almost sharp bound for the domination cover pebbling (DCP) number, (G), for graphs G with specified diameter has been computed. For graphs of diameter two, a bound for the ratio between �(G), the cover pebbling number of G, and (G) has been computed. A variant of domination cover pebbling, called subversion DCP is introduced, and preliminary results are discussed.
Effects of Gravity, Shear and Surface Tension in Internal Condensing Flows: Results From Direct Computational Simulations

The paper presents accurate numerical solutions of the full two-dimensional governing equations for steady and unsteady laminar/laminar internal condensing flows. The results relate to issues of better design and integration of condenser-sections in thermal management systems (looped heat pipes, etc.). The flow geometry, in normal or zero gravity, is chosen to be the inside of a channel with film condensation on one of the walls. In normal gravity, film condensation is on the bottom wall of a tilted (from vertical to horizontal) channel. It is found that it is important to know whether the exit conditions are constrained or unconstrained because nearly incompressible vapor flows occur only for exit conditions that are unconstrained. For the incompressible vapor flow situations, a method for computationally obtaining the requisite exit condition and associated stable steady/ quasi-steady solutions is given here and the resulting solutions are shown to be in good agreement with some relevant experimental data for horizontal channels. These solutions are shown to be sensitive to the frequency and amplitude of the various Fourier components that represent the ever-present and minuscule transverse vibrations (standing waves) of the condensing surface. Compared to a vertical channel in normal gravity, shear driven zero gravity cases have much larger pressure drops, much slower wave speeds, much larger noise sensitive wave amplitudes that are controlled by surface tension, and narrower flow regime boundaries within which vapor flow can be considered incompressible. It is shown that significant enhancement in wave-energy and/or heattransfer rates, if desired, are possible by designing the condensing surface noise to be in resonance with the intrinsic waves. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1777586#
Mutual Information Metric Evaluation for PET/MRI Image Fusion

Image fusion developments has paved way for new approaches like image overlay, image sharpening, and image cueing through pixel, feature, or region/shape combinations. The applicability of these new techniques differs on the image content, contextual information, and generalized metrics of image fusion gain. An image fusion gain can be assessed relative to information gain or entropy reduction. In this paper, we are interested in exploring the performance metric evaluation of the fused images. The metric evaluation method for the fused image is done by studying the mutual information content of the images of interest. The registered MR/PET images are used for demonstration. Mutual Information is proposed as an information measure for evaluating image fusion performance. The proposed measure represents how information obtained from the fused image can be used to assess the information of different image fusion algorithms. The results show that the measure is meaningful and explicit.
Application-aware virtual machine migration in data centers

While virtual machine (VM) migration is allowing data centers to rebalance workloads across physical machines, the promise of a maximally utilized infrastructure is yet to be realized. Part of the challenge is due to the inherent dependencies between VMs comprising a multi-tier application, which introduce complex load interactions between the underlying physical servers. For example, simply moving an overloaded VM to a (random) underloaded physical machine can inadvertently overload the network. We introduce AppAware—a novel, computationally efficient scheme for incorporating (1) inter-VM dependencies and (2) the underlying network topology into VM migration decisions. Using simulations, we show that our proposed method decreases network traffic by up to 81%compared to a well known alternative VM migration method that is not application-aware.
Surgical pathology of 104 tricuspid valves (2000-2005) with classic right-sided Ebstein's malformation

Abstract Background Ebstein's anomaly has been described extensively in autopsy material. However, there have been no large surgical pathology series of this malformation. Objective To review clinical and surgical pathologic features of a large number of cases of Ebstein's anomaly from a single institution. Methods Review of medical histories, surgical reports, and surgical pathology reports at the Mayo Clinic (2000–2005). Results Among 104 patients, the mean age was 31 years (2 months–79 years), and 57% were female. Common ECG abnormalities included right bundle branch block (58%), first-degree heart block (31%), preexcitation (18%), and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay/block (15%). Moreover, 74% had inter-atrial communication, 13% mitral valve prolapse, and 5% bicuspid aortic valve. Clinically, all had tricuspid regurgitation (severe in 74%), and 17% of anterior leaflets were fenestrated. No tricuspid valve was calcified. Surgically, tricuspid tissue was removed during replacement in 99% and repair in 1%. The anterior tricuspid leaflet was resected in 98%, and its length was 0.81–9.3 cm/m 2 body surface area (mean, 3.3). Characteristically, leaflets were large and had irregular shapes and numerous short cordal or direct myocardial insertions. One tricuspid valve had two papillary fibroelastomas. None had clinical or pathologic evidence of active or healed endocarditis. Conclusions Among patients with Ebstein's malformation, tricuspid valve tissue almost exclusively was removed during valve replacement and represented the anterior leaflet. Valve tissue was generally large, irregularly shaped, and associated with insertion of short cords or myocardial stumps. Interestingly, although appreciably deformed, Ebstein valves were not associated with infective endocarditis.
Progress in retinal sheet transplantation

The aim of retinal transplantation is to prevent blindness and to restore eyesight, i.e. to rescue photoreceptors or to replace damaged photoreceptors with the hope of re-establishing neural circuitry. A promising experimental paradigm is the sub-retinal transplantation of sheets of fetal retina, with or without its attached retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), into recipient rats with retinal degeneration. Sheets of fetal retina have already developed their primordial circuitry. Such transplants can develop lamination resembling a normal retina dependent on the presence of healthy RPE either from the host or from the graft. In several retinal degeneration models, transplants have been shown to restore visually evoked responses in an area of the superior colliculus corresponding to the placement of the transplant in the retina. The functional effect of transplants may be due to transplant/host connectivity and/or rescue of host photoreceptors. In summary, sheets of fetal retina can morphologically repair an area of a degenerated retina, and there is evidence to suggest that transplants form synaptic connections with the host and restore visual responses in rats with retinal degeneration.
Footprint Analysis in Gait Documentation

We have developed a method of gait documentation using footprints. Written in the format of an instructional sheet, it serves as a useful training aid for new staff, students, and volunteers. The sheet has illustrations next to the instructions, and the wording is intentionally simplified. It enables performance of the test with little or no further instruction. Many of our staff members have used the original instruction sheet, which has been revised according to their feedback during the past year. Footprint analysis can be performed quickly; is economical; is quantitative and objective; allows visualization of uneven weight-bearing distribution or pressure areas, of toe drag, and of asymmetry of anatomical structures; and serves as a permanent record for later comparison and for motivating the patient to walk more effectively. Cost for equipment is two to three dollars per month for the paper and paint.…
Kudzu-deprived First-generation Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) Are Capable of Developing on Alternative Legume Species1

ABSTRACT The biology of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) is not well understood in its new North American distribution, especially its development on alternative host plant species. We investigated whether overwintered M. cribraria could directly feed and oviposit on other legume species (Fabales: Fabaceae) without feeding on kudzu, Pueraria montana (Loureiro) Merrill var. lobata (Willdenow) Maesen & S. Almeida, and subsequently complete a first-generation on these species in no-choice greenhouse assays. Overwintered M. cribraria successfully oviposited on mung bean, Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek; black-eyed pea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp; lima bean ( = butter bean), Phaseolus lunatus L.; soybean, Glycine max L. Merrill; and kudzu. There were no differences in oviposition or the hatch rates on different legume species, although hatch rate was highest for soybean followed by kudzu, lima bean, mung bean, and black-eyed pea, respectively. First-generation M. cribraria developed on all l...
'Leadership for the Arctic' Speakers Urge U.S. Accession to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention

Challenges and opportunities facing leaders in the Arctic domain were the focus of a two-day conference convened by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.C. Berkeley Law of the Sea Institute. A number of speakers and members of the audience expressed concern that U.S. leadership within the Arctic Council and more generally on Arctic maritime issues of concern to the nation will be undermined by the fact that the U.S. is the only member of the Arctic Council who has not ratified the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
Mechanisms of NH3 and NO2 detection in carbon-nanotube-based sensors: An ab initio investigation

The mechanisms of NH3 and NO2 detection by single-walled carbon nanotube-based devices are investigated by ab initio calculations and the non-equilibrium Greens function (NEGF) methodology. While both NH3 and NO2 can physisorb to a pristine carbon nanotube, we show that their adsorption only results in small current changes through the device. For a carbon nanotube (CNT) attached to gold nanowire leads, the most sensitive detection site is at the CNT near the CNT-Au contact, where chemisorption occurs. The resulting change in electron transmission and low-bias current can lead to over 30% sensitivity. While both NH3 and NO2 can also chemisorb at the Au electrodes, their adsorption results in only a small change in the plurality of the conducting levels of the gold layers, and thus a small effect on current. In order to enhance the detection sensitivity, it is thus beneficial to mask the electrodes to prevent chemisorption. Furthermore, the length of the pure CNT segment does not strongly affect the relative sensitivity. Our results suggest that a short-CNT device with exposed contact regions and masked electrodes would have the greatest sensitivity.
Genealogical databases as a tool for extending follow‐up in clinical reviews

Background Long-term follow-up in clinical reviews often presents significant difficulty with conventional medical records alone. Publicly accessible genealogical databases such as Ancestry.com provide another avenue for obtaining extended follow-up and added outcome information. No previous studies have described the use of genealogical databases in the follow-up of individual patients. Methods Ancestry.com, the largest genealogical database in the United States, houses extensive demographic data on an increasing number of Americans. In a recent retrospective review of esthesioneuroblastoma patients treated at our institution, we used this resource to ascertain the outcomes of patients otherwise lost to follow-up. Additional information such as quality of life and supplemental treatments the patient may have received at home was obtained through direct contact with living relatives. Results The use of Ancestry.com resulted in a 25% increase (20 months) in follow-up duration as well as incorporation of an additional 7 patients in our study (18%) who would otherwise not have had adequate hospital chart data for inclusion. Many patients within this subset had more advanced disease or were remotely located from our institution. As such, exclusion of these outliers can impact the quality of subsequent outcome analysis. Conclusion Online genealogical databases provide a unique resource of public information that is acceptable to institutional review boards for patient follow-up in clinical reviews. Utilization of Ancestry.com data led to significant improvement in follow-up duration and increased the number of patients with sufficient data that could be included in our retrospective study.
Colony stability in least terns

Etude de la fidelite au site occupe par la colonie, du taux de renouvellement et des causes d'echec de la reproduction chez Sterna antillarum nidifiant sur la cote du New Jersey, de 1976 a 1982
Nature of the metabolic products of C14-cholesterol excreted in bile and feces.

SummaryCholesterol-4-C14 was administered intravenously to normal rats and the C14 end products in feces and bile were fractionated. 1. From 4 to 10% of the total C14 in bile and from 17 to 23% of fecal C14 were recovered in the nonsaponifiable fraction which includes cholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, coprosterol, etc. 2. Little if any of the C14 in either bile or feces was recovered in the fatty acid fraction. 3. Evidence is presented to show that about 80% of the fecal C14 and about 90% of the bile C14 are present in the form of bile acids. 4. The major metabolic pathways for the nucleus carbons of cholesterol are outlined.
Notes on the snake eels of the genera Apterichtus and Ichthyapus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) of the Central and South Pacific, with the description of a new species

Apterichtus australis, new species, collected by dredge and rotenone in 12–100 m is described from Rapa, Pitcairn, Easter and Kermadec islands. It is closely related to A. flavicaudus (Snyder) but differs from it and all congeners in its high vertebral number, cephalic pore condition, and dentition. Ichthyapus from Easter Island and Pitcairn are recognized as I. acutirostris Brisout de Barneville. Caecula (Sphagebranchus) platyrhyncha Gosline from Hawaii is resurrected from the synonymy of I. vulturis (Weber & de Beaufort). First records of I. vulturis and Apterichtus klazingai (Weber) from Hawaii are reported.
DE NOVO DEVELOPMENT OF A CORTISOL-PRODUCING ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITH PRIMARY ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY

ABSTRACT Objective: This case report describes the unusual transition from primary adrenal insufficiency to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome (CS) associated with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Methods: We report the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological findings from a 57-year-old man with a history of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease) who subsequently developed endogenous ACTH-independent CS associated with ACC. Results: Eight years after the patient was diagnosed with Addison disease, he developed features of CS, which led to cessation of the steroid replacement therapy he had been taking for his adrenal insufficiency. Hormonal tests, performed while the patient was not receiving corticosteroids, revealed elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol (458 μg/24 h) and suppressed plasma ACTH. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a 10-cm heterogeneous right adrenal mass that did not exist on imaging studies performed 8 years earlier. The patient unde...
Segmentation of 3D Pulmonary Trees Using Mathematical Morphology

We propose algorithms to automate the segmentation of pulmonary tree structures in the lung, using tools from Mathematical Morphology. This involves segmenting three different types of three-dimensional tree structures (airway tree, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein) from a stack of grayscale Computed Tomography (CT) images. The proposed algorithms rely on the grayscale reconstruction operator to extract potential tree regions in each of the CT images. A three-dimensional seeded region growing is performed on the processed stack of images to obtain the segmented tree volumes. We first segment the airway tree, and use the geometric features (shape & size) of its segmented output to segment the pulmonary arterial and veinous trees. Segmentation results of pulmonary tree volumes obtained from CT image stacks of a static dog lung are very encouraging and we intend to apply these techniques on dynamic lung data in a clinical setting.
In Vitro Intestinal and Liver Models for Toxicity Testing

The human body is exposed to hundreds of chemicals every day. Many of these toxicants have unknown effects on the body that can be deleterious. Furthermore, chemicals can have a synergistic effect, resulting in toxic responses of cocktails at relatively low individual exposure levels. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the liver are the first organs to be exposed to ingested pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals. As a result, these organs often experience extensive damage from xenobiotics and their metabolites. In vitro models offer a promising method for testing toxic effects. Many advanced in vitro models have been developed for GI and liver toxicity. These models strive to recapitulate the in vivo organ architecture to more accurately model chemical toxicity. In this review, we discuss many of these advances, in addition to recent efforts to integrate the GI and the liver in vitro for a more holistic toxicity model.
High Frequency Market Making: Optimal Quoting

We propose an inventory-based model of market making where a strategic high frequency trader exploits his speed and informational advantages to place quotes that interact with low frequency traders. We characterize the optimal market making policy analytically, illustrate that it generates endogenous order cancellations, and compute the long-run equilibrium bid-ask spread and other liquidity measures. The model predicts that the high-frequency trader provides more liquidity as he gets faster and shies away from it as volatility increases due to a higher risk of his stale quotes being picked by arbitrageurs. Competition with another liquidity provider increases improves the overall liquidity. Finally, we provide the first formal, model-based analysis of the impact of four widely discussed policies designed to regulate high frequency trading: imposing a transactions tax, setting minimum-time limits before quotes can be cancelled, taxing the cancellations of limit orders, and replacing time priority with a pro rata or random allocation. We find that these policies are largely unable to even out the speed and informational advantages of high frequency market makers.
A New Perspective on Method Variance: A Measure-Centric Approach:

A widespread methodological concern in the organizational literature is the possibility that observed results are due to the influence of common-method variance or mono-method bias. This concern is...
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of a Measure of Child Irrationality

The article describes results from two studies that examined the psychometric properties of a measure of irrational thinking, the Child and Adolescent Scale of Irrationality (CASI), based on the model of REBT. Participants were 1034 children and parents recruited through schools and clinical settings. While the internal consistency of the total scale was quite high, the reliability of the proposed irrational subscales were considerably lower and an exploratory factor analysis failed to yield interpretable factors. Discriminative validity was demonstrated between subjects in clinical settings and school-based subjects on the total scale score and two of the irrational subscales. The total scale score and irrational subscales were correlated with ratings of behavior and emotion, with higher irrationality being correlated with higher levels of emotional and behavioral disturbance. Overall, while problems exist with the factor structure and reliability of the irrational subscales, the CASI appears to adequately measure irrational beliefs. Therefore, it may be clinically useful as a screener when working with children and adolescents.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) in Ambulatory Thromboprophylaxis (ATP) in Patients with Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is the commonest cause of cancer mortality in USA. Thromboembolism (TE) is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients. The ambulatory thromboprophylaxis (ATP) in solid cancer patients remains uncertain. However, LC is at least an intermediate risk for TE according to Khorana scoring system. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to determine the benefit and risk of ATP with low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in LC patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through June 30, 2016. The RCTs with reduction in TE as a primary or secondary endpoint and the major bleeding (MB) as a safety outcome were included in the analysis. Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the estimated pooled risk ratio (RR), and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Fixed effects model was applied. Results: A total of 4315 patients with LC from 4 RCTs and a subgroup of another 2 RCTs were included in our analysis. The prophylactic doses of dalteparin, nadroparin, certoparin, semuloparin and bemiparin were used in the studies. The ATP duration ranged from 3 to 6 months. The randomization ratio was 2 to 1 in PROTECHT study and 1 to 1 in other studies. The TE incidence was 89 (4.007%) in ATP group and 166 (7.927%) in control group with a RR of 0.510 (95% CI: 0.397 to 0.654, P Conclusions: In our study, the relative risk reduction for TE is 49% with a NNT of 25 to prevent one TE without increasing MB. Nevertheless, CRNM bleeding episodes were significant at a ratio of 3.253. Based on the findings, selection of LC patients who are at high TE risk is important. Further studies are necessary to define a subset of LC patients who may benefit from ATP. Download : Download high-res image (111KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (116KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (185KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures Oo: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding.
Psoriasiform graft-versus-host disease distributed along Blaschko's lines

This case presents an unusual manifestation of cutaneous chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) mimicking psoriasis along Blaschko's lines. Such a presentation may pose a particular challenge to providers as it is quite rarely reported, and, therefore, it is possibly misdiagnosed. cGVHD may mimic psoriasis and should be considered in any patient previously transplanted even with a previous history of psoriasis. A Blaschkoid pattern of cGVHD is unusual and may be the manifestation of an immune reaction unveiling a previously masked mosaicism.
Macrosegregation Due to Convection in Al-19Cu Alloy Directionally Solidified Through an Abrupt Expansion in Cross-Section: A Comparison with Al-7Si

Hypoeutectic Al-19 wt.% Cu alloys were directionally solidified at two different growth speeds in cylindrical molds that featured an abrupt increase in cross-section, from 3.2 to 9.5 mm in diameter. The effects of thermosolutal convection and shrinkage flow induced by the cross-section change on macrosegregation were investigated. Dendrite clustering and extensive radial macrosegregation were seen, particularly in the larger cross-section after expansion. Negative longitudinal macrosegregation right after the cross-section increase was observed; the extent of macrosegregation, however, decreases with increasing growth speed. Both thermal and flow effects due to cross-section change were seen to influence the radial macrosegregation immediately before, and after the expansion. Radial macrosegregation pattern was found to be changing as the mushy zone enters the larger cross-section region above the cross-section change where the solidification is in its unsteady state. The effect of the solutal expansion coefficient on macrosegregation was studied by comparing the degree of thermosolutal convection in Al-19 wt.% Cu with a previous study in which we investigated Al-7 wt.% Si. A two-dimensional model accounting for both shrinkage and thermosolutal convection was used to simulate the resulting steepling, as well as the axial and radial macrosegregation. The experimentally observed macrosegregation associated with the expansion during directional solidification is well predicted by the numerical simulations.