cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induced responses of common annual sunflower Helianthus annuus L. from geographically diverse populations and deterrence to feeding by sunflower beetle

The coumarins ayapin and scopoletin, which are expressed in leaves and other tissues of Helianthus annuus L., have a variety of effects on fungi and insects. The relative importance of these coumarins in the defenses of H. annuus against the sunflower beetle was investigated. Unstimulated leaves of 107 populations of wild annual sunflower from various states of the United States were analyzed for coumarin expression. Contralateral leaves were stressed with cytotoxic HgCl2 to provoke a typical wounding response (including the synthesis of defensive chemicals) and then were also analyzed. Some populations showed almost no increase in scopoletin content after stimulation, and others showed up to a 56-fold increase. The average increase of scopoletin content was about nine fold. Populations collected from the region where H. annuus ssp. texanus was prevalent had the highest concentration of scopoletin after stress. A subselection of those populations that had high coumarin content or that had been stimulated to high levels of coumarin was assayed for feeding deterrence against the sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis F.). A two-choice feeding bioassay was accomplished within a standard arena over 20 hr. When preferences for leaves of each sunflower population were tested against a commercial cultivar without leaf stress, only one of 11 populations was found to show significant deterrence when total leaf area eaten was analyzed. However, after leaf stress, eight of 11 populations became significantly deterrent, including the one that had been deterrent without stimulation. Differences between scopoletin content and between feeding deterrence before and after stimulation were displayed graphically to determine if a correlation could be made between coumarin content and feeding behavior. The plot showed that in six of 11 populations increased scopoletin content was indeed correlated with decreased feeding, but that in another two, these factors were not correlated; another two populations showed no difference in feeding from the control scores after stress and could not be used in this graphical correlation procedure. One population showed a decrease in both coumarins after stimulation along with decreased feeding, suggesting that additional unidentified deterrents were formed. From the analysis of coumarin distributions and the feeding results, we conclude that coumarins are widely occurring, inducible constituents in the wild common annual sunflower. Coumarins may be of general importance in H. annuus populations throughout their range either in deterring sunflower beetle or in additional effects on other organisms. Coumarins appear to be deployed typically in induced defenses and may not be important in constitutive defenses.
Biometric comparison of bur and electrosurgical retraction methods

A biometric comparison of two retraction methods was made on 20 adult patients who received complete crowns. Free gingival tissue height was recorded after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The conclusions were (1) the electrosurgical method showed more tissue loss at each time interval than the bur method, (2) electrosurgical retraction showed more subject variability than the bur method, (3) clinically, the tissue appearance of both groups was indiscernable at the time intervals tested, and (4) the electrosurgical method provided for a greater bulk of impression material at the margin than the bur method.
Radiative muon decay

Abstract Theoretical predictions for the radiative muon decay process μ a e + ν + ν + γ are given in some detail. The differential transition probability for polarized muons is obtained, and from it are calculated the angular correlations of electron and photon, the photon energy spectrum, and the branching ratio. The probability for internal conversion of the photon is estimated. The consequences of an intermediate vector boson are discussed.
Characterization of functional domains of human EB1 family proteins.

EB1 family proteins are evolutionarily conserved proteins that bind microtubule plus-ends and centrosomes and regulate the dynamics and organization of microtubules. Human EB1 family proteins, which include EB1, EBF3, and RP1, also associate with the tumor suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and p150glued, a component of the dynactin complex. The structural basis for interaction between human EB1 family proteins and their associated proteins has not been defined in detail. EB1 family proteins have a calponin homology (CH) domain at their N terminus and an EB1-like C-terminal motif at their C terminus; the functional importance of these domains has not been determined. To better understand functions of human EB1 family proteins and to reveal functional similarities and differences among these proteins, we performed detailed characterizations of interactions between human EB1 family proteins and their associated proteins. We show that amino acids 1–133 of EB1 and EBF3 and the corresponding region of RP1, which contain a CH domain, are necessary and sufficient for binding microtubules, thus demonstrating for the first time that a CH domain contributes to binding microtubules. EB1 family proteins use overlapping but different regions that contain the EB1-like C-terminal motif to associate with APC and p150glued. Neither APC nor p150glued binding domain is necessary for EB1 or EBF3 to induce microtubule bundling, which requires amino acids 1–181 and 1–185 of EB1 and EBF3, respectively. We also determined that the EB1 family protein-binding regions are amino acids 2781–2820 and 18–111 of APC and p150glued, respectively.
Reproductive health history of lesbians: implications for care.

Abstract Objective Parity and hormonal contraceptives modify the risk of reproductive cancers and cardiovascular disease. However, clinicians may not obtain reproductive histories from patients who self-identify as lesbian. We report lifetime pregnancy-related outcomes and hormonal contraception for 392 women who reported sexual activity with another woman in the preceding year. Study design Among self-referred volunteers, previous pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, contraceptive use, and sexual identity were assessed with self-administered questionnaire. Results One in 4 subjects had been pregnant, and more than 50% of the women had used oral contraceptives (mean duration, 40 months). Sixteen percent of all subjects and 63% of those who had been pregnant previously reported having 1 or more induced abortions. The most common pregnancy outcome for women younger than 25 years was induced abortion (59% of pregnancies). Identifying as “lesbian” or “bisexual” predicted neither the duration of oral contraceptive use nor a report of induced abortion. Conclusion Previous pregnancy, induced abortion, and hormonal contraceptive use are common among women who report sex with women, regardless of self-identification as lesbian.
Manipulation of fatty acid composition in animal cells which require serum.

Summary Animal cells with obligate serum requirements for proliferation in culture have been propagated under conditions which permit controlled manipulation of fatty acid composition of the cellular phospholipids. Avian fibroblasts and mammalian cell lines such as BHK21, 3T3, SV40-transformed 3T3 and VA-2 utilize fatty acids supplied as Tweens when a salt fractionated serum preparation is used to promote cell proliferation. It was possible to increase the saturated fatty acid content of the cellular phospholipids by approximately 2-fold without rendering the cells incapable of serial propagation.
Longitudinal Analysis of T-Cell Receptor Variable β Chain Repertoire in Patients with Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract T-cell receptor variable β chain (TCRBV) repertoire spectratyping involves the estimation of CDR3 length distributions for monitoring T-cell receptor diversity and has proven useful for analyses of immune reconstitution and T-cell clonal expansions in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We performed a longitudinal spectratype analysis of 23 TCRBV families in 28 patients who underwent allogeneic T cell–depleted peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Sixteen patients subsequently developed acute GVHD. We recently developed statistical methods that bring increased power and flexibility to spectratype analysis and allow us to analyze TCRBV repertoire development under appropriately complex statistical models. Applying these methods, we found that patients with acute GVHD demonstrated TCRBV repertoire development statistically distinct from that repertoire development in patients without GVHD. Specifically, GVHD patients showed spectratypes indicative of lower diversity and greater deviation from the spectratypes expected in healthy individuals at intermediate times. Most individual TCRBV subfamilies had spectratypes statistically distinguishable between GVHD and non-GVHD patients at 6 months after transplantation. These results suggest that the T-cell receptor repertoire perturbations associated with acute GVHD are widely spread throughout the TCRBV families.
Cross-cutting faultlines of location and shared identity in the intergroup cooperation of partially distributed groups

This paper reports the results of a study comparing the relative influence of location and shared identity in partially distributed work. Using an experimental task called Shape Factory, groups of eight participants were configured such that in the baseline 'strangers' condition only the location-based faultline was present while in the experimental 'intergroup' condition, participants from two different shared identity groups engaged in distributed collaboration, creating an additional, cross-cutting faultline. The results showed that participants in the intergroup condition, with both location-based and shared identity faultlines, performed at a higher level than participants in the strangers condition, with only the location-based faultline. In the intergroup condition, the performance effects of location and shared identity were roughly equal and did not affect each other differentially in combination.
Transmitter pointing loss calculation for free-space optical communications link analyses

In calculating the performance of free-space optical communications links, the transmitter pointing loss is one of the two most important factors. It is shown in this paper that the traditional formula for the instantaneous pointing loss (i.e., for the transmitter telescope far-field beam pattern) is quite inaccurate. A more accurate and practical approximation is developed in which the pointing loss is calculated using a Taylor series approximation. The four-term series is shown to be accurate to 0.1 dB for the theta angles not greater than 0.9 lambda/D (wavelength/telescope diameter).
RB1 SUPPRESSION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ACQUIRED CDK4/6 INHIBITOR RESISTANCE IN GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: The observation of glioblastoma (GBM) tumors acquiring resistance to treatment is a well-established clinical reality. Increased understanding of GBM adaptive mechanisms to specific therapies is important for achieving improved treatment, and treatment outcomes for GBM patients, by targeting GBM adaptive responses. Herein, we investigated GBM xenograft adaptation to sustained cdk4/6 inhibition, which we have previously shown to inhibit the growth of p16 deficient GBM xenografts. METHODS: Mice with intracranial U87 xenografts were given daily administration of cdk4/6 inhibitor PD0332991, which slowed, but did not entirely stop tumor growth. Resected tumors from three mice, at time of required euthanasia from tumor burden, were transplanted subcutaneously into the flanks of mice that received daily administration of PD0332991. At 34 to 145 days of continuously daily treatment, subcutaneous tumors began to grow rapidly. One of the subcutaneous tumors, that began to grow rapidly while being subjected to daily PD0332991 treatment, was resected and used to develop a cell suspension that was intracranially injected in a series of mice for analysis of tumor response to PD0332991 by bioluminescence imaging and survival analysis. Cells from resected subcutaneous tumors, subjected to sustained PD0332991 treatment, were also used for in vitro propagation and analysis of signaling mediator activations. RESULTS: Mice intracranially injected with cells from subcutaneous tumor that had been exposed to extended, daily PD0332991 treatment, experienced no survival benefit relative to untreated mice bearing the same tumors, supporting our development of a PD0332991 resistant derivative of U87. Each of three U87 cell lines, derived independently from subcutaneous tumors subjected to extended, daily PD0332991 treatment, did not exhibit growth arrest upon exposure to PD0332991, whereas previously untreated U87 cells arrested when treated with PD0332991. Western blot analysis revealed that each PD0332991 resistant cell line was deficient in Rb protein expression, in contrast to previously untreated U87, which is positive for Rb expression. One of the PD0332991-resistant cell lines has been examined by FISH and PCR, which revealed RB gene inactivation as being responsible for the lack of Rb protein. Protein lysates from PD0332991 resistant cells were examined using tyrosine kinase arrays, which showed that PD0332991 resistance is accompanied by increased Akt activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the ability of p16 deficient GBM to adapt to sustained cdk4/6 inhibition by inactivation of RB. In addition, our results suggest that concurrent inhibition of cdk4/6 and Akt, in treating p16 deficient tumors, could delay and potentially prevent tumor adaptation to cdk4/6 inhibitor monotherapy. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.
Utilization of Surimi-like Products from Pork with Sex-odor in Restructured, Precooked Pork Roast

Surimi-like materials from boar and sow muscle and Alaskan pollack fish surimi were evaluated as binders for sow muscle chunks in restructured roasts. Boar surimi-like material tended to have lower mi-crobial counts and less lipid oxidation than unwashed counterparts. Increasing salt content increased lipid oxidation (P<0.05), degraded color and improved (P<0.05) textural integrity. The surimi-like boar material had equal or better binding properties than fish surimi at a 5% level and did not consistently result in detectable boar odor. Roasts without binder were comparable or better in textural and microbial characteristics than those with binders. Restructured, precooked, pork roasts were successfully produced with 0.2% NaCI.
Secure network coding with minimum overhead based on hash functions

In order to achieve complete security in networks with network coding, it has been shown that at least k original information symbols must be substituted with k uniformly distributed random symbols chosen from the same code field, where k is the maximum number of independent coding vectors accessible to the adversary. Thus, sender nodes must dedicate a portion of the bandwidth to transmit noise, which could cause a significant signaling overhead. In this letter, we propose a scheme that requires only one noisy symbol to be embedded in the original information symbol vector to achieve complete secrecy. This scheme utilizes hash functions to generate different random noisy symbols by using the only uniformly distributed random symbol and the information symbols. It has two main advantages: (a) complete security is guaranteed regardless of the number of independent coding vectors acquired by the adversary; and (b) signaling overhead to obtain complete security is minimized.
Characterization of the Calcium Oxalate Crystal Growth Inhibitors in Human Urine

Although the concentration of inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystal growth in stone former’s urine does not appear to differ from that in normal urine1 the inhibitors must be characterized in order to better assess their role in stone disease. We have focused on the development of new methods for their separation and purification, concentrating our efforts on the high molecular weight inhibitors.
The Role Of Exchange Listing In The Initial And Aftermarket Performance Of IPOs

This article examines the role of the exchange listing on the initial and aftermarket performance ofInitial Public Offerings (IPOs). IPOs on the NA SDAQ had larger initial and aftermarket returns whencompared to IPOs on the NYSE. These results suggest that it may be important for individual investorspurchasing IPOs to consider the exchange on which the firm is listing. The results also suggest thatthe choice of exchange listing may affect the proceed s the issuing firm receives from the offering andshould be taken into consideration by firms contemplating an IPO.
Autoregressive modeling of EEG signals for monitoring anesthetic levels

Changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) were analyzed at different levels of halothane anesthesia. Five experiments were carried out on mongrel dogs. Four channels of EEG data were recorded, at different anesthetic levels. A tenth-order autoregressive (AR) model was used to represent the EEG signal. The AR model parameters were used as input to a three-layer perceptron feedforward neural network, and the network was trained and tested on different sets of data. The network was able to correctly classify the anesthetic levels in 83% of the cases with a testing tolerance of 0.1. The results indicate that the changes in AR model parameters representing the EEG signal can be used for decision-making during administration of general anesthetics. >
Integrating nonlinear output feedback control and optimal actuator/sensor placement for transport-reaction processes

Abstract This paper proposes a general and practical methodology for the integration of nonlinear output feedback control with optimal placement of control actuators and measurement sensors for transport-reaction processes described by a broad class of quasi-linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) for which the eigenspectrum of the spatial differential operator can be partitioned into a finite-dimensional slow one and an infinite-dimensional stable fast complement. Initially, Galerkin's method is employed to derive finite-dimensional approximations of the PDE system which are used for the synthesis of stabilizing nonlinear state feedback controllers via geometric techniques. The optimal actuator location problem is subsequently formulated as the one of minimizing a meaningful cost functional that includes penalty on the response of the closed-loop system and the control action and is solved by using standard unconstrained optimization techniques. Then, under the assumption that the number of measurement sensors is equal to the number of slow modes, we employ a procedure proposed in Christofides and Baker (1999) for obtaining estimates for the states of the approximate finite-dimensional model from the measurements. The estimates are combined with the state feedback controllers to derive output feedback controllers. The optimal location of the measurement sensors is computed by minimizing a cost function of the estimation error in the closed-loop infinite-dimensional system. It is rigorously established that the proposed output feedback controllers enforce stability in the closed-loop infinite-dimensional system and that the solution to the optimal actuator/sensor problem, which is obtained on the basis of the closed-loop finite-dimensional system, is near-optimal in the sense that it approaches the optimal solution for the infinite-dimensional system as the separation of the slow and fast eigenmodes increases. The proposed methodology is successfully applied to a representative diffusion–reaction process and a nonisothermal tubular reactor with recycle to derive nonlinear output feedback controllers and compute optimal actuator/sensor locations for stabilization of unstable steady states.
Burn size determines the inflammatory and hypermetabolic response

Increased burn size leads to increased mortality of burned patients. Whether mortality is due to inflammation, hypermetabolism or other pathophysiologic contributing factors is not entirely determined. The purpose of the present study was to determine in a large prospective clinical trial whether different burn sizes are associated with differences in inflammation, body composition, protein synthesis, or organ function. Pediatric burned patients were divided into four burn size groups: 80% TBSA burn. Demographic and clinical data, hypermetabolism, the inflammatory response, body composition, the muscle protein net balance, serum and urine hormones and proteins, and cardiac function and changes in liver size were determined. One hundred and eighty-nine pediatric patients of similar age and gender distribution were included in the study ( 80% TBSA burn, n = 21). Patients with larger burns had more operations, a greater incidence of infections and sepsis, and higher mortality rates compared with the other groups (P 80% TBSA group, followed by the 60–79% TBSA burn group (P 80% burns lost the most body weight, lean body mass, muscle protein and bone mineral content (P < 0.05). The urine cortisol concentration was highest in the 80–99% and 60–79% TBSA burn groups, associated with significant myocardial depression and increased change in liver size (P < 0.05). The cytokine profile showed distinct differences in expression of IL-8, TNF, IL-6, IL-12p70, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0.05). Morbidity and mortality in burned patients is burn size dependent, starts at a 60% TBSA burn and is due to an increased hypermetabolic and inflammatory reaction, along with impaired cardiac function.
Rethinking Global and Area Studies: Insights from Caribbeanist Anthropology

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the critical attention directed toward the area studies research paradigms that were institutionalized after World War II. This upsurge comes at a time when anthropologists are also developing increasingly sophisticated accounts of the intersections of global and local processes. Yet there has been less engaged consideration of the agendas propelling global studies over area studies curricula. In this essay, we argue that an analysis of the Caribbean and Caribbeanist anthropology allows us to trace the global in the local, thus illustrating the benefits of local area analyses for understanding global dynamics. We draw on theoretical assertions regarding global–local interactions in order to assess the relation of anthropology to Caribbean studies and to explore the implications of analytical trajectories and theoretical developments within Caribbeanist anthropology for social and cultural processes on a global level. [Keywords: area studies, anthropological theory, the Caribbean, transnationalism]
The Propeptide of the Metalloprotease of Listeria monocytogenes Controls Compartmentalization of the Zymogen during Intracellular Infection

Integral to the virulence of the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is its metalloprotease (Mpl). Mpl regulates the activity and compartmentalization of the bacterial broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC). Mpl is secreted as a proprotein that undergoes intramolecular autocatalysis to release its catalytic domain. In related proteases, the propeptide serves as a folding catalyst and can act either in cis or in trans. Propeptides can also influence protein compartmentalization and intracellular trafficking or decrease folding kinetics. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of the Mpl propeptide by monitoring the behavior of Mpl synthesized in the absence of its propeptide (MplΔpro) and of two Mpl single-site mutants with unstable propeptides: Mpl(H75V) and Mpl(H95L). We observed that all three Mpl mutants mediate PC-PLC activation when bacteria are grown on semisolid medium, but to a lesser extent than wild-type Mpl, indicating that, although not essential, the propeptide enhances the production of active Mpl. However, the mutant proteins were not functional in infected cells, as determined by monitoring PC-PLC maturation and compartmentalization. This defect could not be rescued by providing the propeptide in trans to the mplΔpro mutant. We tested the compartmentalization of Mpl during intracellular infection and observed that the mutant Mpl species were aberrantly secreted in the cytosol of infected cells. These data indicated that the propeptide of Mpl serves to maintain bacterium-associated Mpl and that this localization is essential to the function of Mpl during intracellular infection.
Constrained dynamical downscaling for assessment of climate impacts

[1] To assess climate change impacts on hydrology, conservation biology, and air quality, impact studies typically require future climate data with spatial resolution high enough to resolve urban-rural gradients, complex topography, and sub-synoptic atmospheric phenomena. We present here an approach to dynamical downscaling using analysis nudging, where the entire domain is constrained to coarser-resolution parent data. Here meteorology from the North American Regional Reanalysis and the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program data archive are used as parent data and downscaled with the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model to a 12 km × 12 km horizontal resolution over the Eastern U.S. Our results show when analysis nudging is applied to all variables at all levels, mean fractional errors relative to parent data are less than 2% for maximum 2 m temperatures, less than 15% for minimum 2 m temperatures, and less than 18% for10 m wind speeds. However, the skill of representing fields that are not nudged, such as boundary layer height and precipitation, is less clear. Our results indicate that though nudging can be a useful tool for consistent, comparable studies of downscaling climate for regional and local impacts, which variables are nudged and at what levels should be carefully considered based on the climate impact(s) of study.
Effect of perceived proximity to end of task upon end-spurt.

2 experiments employing different types of tasks (vigilance and rotary pursuit tracking) were carried out to determine the relationship between S‘s perceived proximity to the end of the task and th...
The kinetics of the return of motile sperm to the ejaculate after vasectomy reversal.

Purpose: In prior analyses we observed that the achievable patency rate after vasectomy reversal is a key factor in whether reversal surgery is more cost-effective than in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertility after vasectomy. Because pregnancies will occur sooner with an earlier time to patency, this clinical parameter becomes important with advanced maternal age. We hypothesize that there are predictors of time to patency after reversal that are valuable for patient counseling and intraoperative decision making in cases of advanced maternal age.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of consecutive men who underwent vasectomy reversal. Data obtained included patient demographics, semen analyses, intraoperative findings, patency rates and time to achieve patency.Results: A total of 150 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean patient age was 42.9 years (range 27 to 61) and mean followup was 12.5 months (range 1 to 90). The presence of motile sperm in vasa...
Harold Washington and the Black Urban Regime

Although commentators on the mayoral administration of Chicago's Harold Washington have typically described either a progressive-city government or a black machine, a third approach to characterizing Washington's political coalition and administrative program is offered by the black-urban-regime metaphor. By examining the Washington administration as a black urban regime, one can specify how local factors constrained the policymaking of Chicago's first African-American mayor and can identify lessons from the Washington experience applicable to minority municipal administrations in other U.S. cities.
Effects of nalorphine and morphine on the development of comb size, body weight and testes in cockrels.

Abstract The administration of nalorphine (10 mg/Kg) once a day for 26 days was found to promote comb and body growth in cockrels. Under the same condition morphine (60 mg/Kg) failed to cause any of these effects. Both drugs induced a greater development of testicular size than that seen in the control group. The release of LH in the nalorphine treated cockrels was suggested as one of the possible mechanisms for the androgen-like effects of nalorphine in the cockrels.
What Computing Is All About

This is a self-contained discussion of fundamental topics in computer science, which includes coverage of program semantics, automata theory, program and circuit design, concurrent programs and compilation. Formal proofs and practical applications are provided throughout the text.
Molecular Biology of Methanol Oxidation

In recent years it has become apparent that the development of genetic techniques in the obligate methanotrophs would greatly enhance studies of metabolism in these bacteria. Gene isolation and characterization are needed to help define the functions involved in key biochemical systems, and basic information concerning the organization and expression of genes is essential to understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie physiological responses. In addition, the development of genetic manipulation capabilities is important for commercial exploitation of methanotrophic metabolism, and the development of gene probes will aid ecological studies.
Third-Trimester Fetal Biometry and Neonatal Outcomes in Term and Preterm Deliveries.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether specific biometric thresholds for head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated fetal weight can identify neonates at risk for adverse outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of women with sonographic biometry after 26 weeks' gestational age (GA) followed by delivery of term and preterm neonates from 2007 through 2011. The head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated fetal weight were obtained. Sonographic data were merged with birth certificate and neonatal data. Biometry and estimated fetal weight were divided into percentile thresholds: 10th and above (reference), below 10th, below 5th, and below 3rd. Neonatal outcomes included neonatal intensive care unit admission, 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, and a composite of any morbidity/mortality (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, renal failure, or death). Logistic regression yielded odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for biometry and outcome, then adjusted for GA at delivery. RESULTS A total of 2237 patients delivered at term, and 455 delivered before term. Neonatal intensive care unit admission was not associated with any biometric threshold in the term and preterm groups. Five-minute Apgar score less than 7 was associated with head circumference below 10th, abdominal circumference below 3rd, and estimated fetal weight below 5th percentiles in the term group and head circumference below 10th, abdominal circumference below 10th, and femur length below 10th percentiles in the preterm group (P < .05). Composite morbidity/mortality was associated with abdominal circumference below 5th, femur length below 10th, and femur length below 3rd percentiles in the term group and head circumference below 5th, abdominal circumference below 10th, and femur length below 5th percentiles in the preterm group (P< .05). Adjustment for GA did not affect outcomes for term deliveries but did affect nearly all outcomes for preterm deliveries. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of GA, no one biometric threshold can accurately predict adverse neonatal outcomes.
Rates of convergence for empirical spectral measures: a soft approach

Understanding the limiting behavior of eigenvalues of random matrices is the central problem of random matrix theory. Classical limit results are known for many models, and there has been significant recent progress in obtaining more quantitative, non-asymptotic results. In this paper, we describe a systematic approach to bounding rates of convergence and proving tail inequalities for the empirical spectral measures of a wide variety of random matrix ensembles. We illustrate the approach by proving asymptotically almost sure rates of convergence of the empirical spectral measure in the following ensembles: Wigner matrices, Wishart matrices, Haar-distributed matrices from the compact classical groups, powers of Haar matrices, randomized sums and random compressions of Hermitian matrices, a random matrix model for the Hamiltonians of quantum spin glasses, and finally the complex Ginibre ensemble. Many of the results appeared previously and are being collected and described here as illustrations of the general method; however, some details (particularly in the Wigner and Wishart cases) are new.
Academic Technology Licensing: Bayh-Dole and Beyond

Academic technology licensing differs markedly from commercial licensing. This paper looks at those differences, concentrating on the culture, goals and practices of academic and commercial licensing programs.
An Introduction to Two-Photon Spectroscopy

The basic theory and selected experimental methods of two-photon spectroscopy are presented. Two-photon absorption probabilities and the effect of photon polarization on the absorptivities are analyzed using a single intermediate state approximation. We demonstrate, however, that electronic transitions which involve large changes in dipole moment will have enhanced two-photon absorptivities due to contributions from the initial and final states. The two-photon excitation, thermal lens and double resonance techniques are briefly described.
Role of Boundary Layer Diffusion in Vapor Deposition Growth of Chalcogenide Nanosheets: The Case of GeS

We report a synthesis of single-crystalline two-dimensional GeS nanosheets using vapor deposition processes and show that the growth behavior of the nanosheet is substantially different from those of other nanomaterials and thin films grown by vapor depositions. The nanosheet growth is subject to strong influences of the diffusion of source materials through the boundary layer of gas flows. This boundary layer diffusion is found to be the rate-determining step of the growth under typical experimental conditions, evidenced by a substantial dependence of the nanosheet’s size on diffusion fluxes. We also find that high-quality GeS nanosheets can grow only in the diffusion-limited regime, as the crystalline quality substantially deteriorates when the rate-determining step is changed away from the boundary layer diffusion. We establish a simple model to analyze the diffusion dynamics in experiments. Our analysis uncovers an intuitive correlation of diffusion flux with the partial pressure of source materials, ...
High-Pass Optical Filters Based on Gold-Coated Nanochannel Glass Materials

We have fabricated high-pass optical filters from thin nanochannel glass (NCG) wafers coated with sputtered and evaporated gold films. The near-infrared (IR) transmission spectra of these filters have a sharp cutoff at a wavelength that scales linearly with the channel diameter, as expected for hollow metallic waveguides. Cutoff wavelengths approaching 1 um have been achieved to date using NCG materials with sub-micron channel diameters. The spectra are dominated by a strongly resonant transmission peak just above the cutoff wavelength, where the peak transmission can be as much as twice that predicted based on the geometrical open area of the NCG structure. The NCG wafers were typically less than 20 urn thick, and the Au films ranged in thickness up to 600 nm.
Coomassie blue staining.

This protocol describes Coomassie brilliant blue staining, one of the most common methods of detecting proteins in polyacrylamide gels (PAGE).
Design and Analysis of Second Order Passive Filters for Grid Connected Inverter with Series and Parallel Damping Resistors

Background/Objectives: Grid connected inverters are widely used to integrate renewable sources into the grid. The suitable power quality is required which can be either achieved using active or passive filters. This paper focuses on second order passive filters such as inductor capacitor (LC) and LC inductor (LCL) which can be used to attenuate harmonics for grid connect inverters. Methods/Statistical Analysis: To overcome the resonance of LCL filters passive damping 6-8 or active damping can be used. Active power filters are more expensive because of sensors and control systems additional cost. Passive damping strategies due to simple circuit and low cost are more favored. A LCL filter equipped with series or parallel resistor with a capacitor forms a LCL filter with damped resistor Addition of resistor to filter circuit will cause an increase in power losses. The peak resonance of LCL filter depends upon the value of resistor so select a value of resistor which decline peak resonance of filter. Findings: At resonance frequency they have some issues related to stability. LCL filter can be equipped with damping resistor but there are some power loss and introduction of voltage, current harmonic. Mathematical characteristics of passive filters such as LC, LCL, LCL with series resistor and LCL with parallel resistors are discussed in terms of effectiveness and stability in this paper. Application/Improvements: It is very useful for industrial application and power electronic converter.
The Application of Minority Influence Theory in Computer-Mediated Communication Groups:

Using computer-mediated communication (CMC) groups as a context, this theoretical study aims at providing further specifications for the application of minority influence theory in small group rese...
Adaptive Priority Oriented Token Bus

The Token-Passing Bus specified in IEEE Standard 802.4 has two disadvantages. It requires idle stations to handle the token on each token cycle reducing throughput of data frames. Second, the token passing order is basically static. Stations with high priority frames cannot acquire bus control at the beginning of a token cycle. To overcome these disadvantages a new bus access method, Adaptive Priority Oriented Token Bus (APOTB), was developed. APOTB uses a token table concept to control access to the bus. Each station maintains its own token table, in a distributed manner. The token table allows APOTB to overcome the disadvantages of the standard method. It automatically removes idle stations from the token cycle, allowing an increase in data packet throughput. The token passing order is updated on each token cycle, allowing stations with high priority packets to access the bus early in the next token cycle. The APOTB concept is developed in this paper. It's basic structure, similarities to, and differences from the IEEE 802.4 standard are treated.
Shared and unique influences on age-related cognitive change.

OBJECTIVE Decompose cognitive change into influences unique to particular cognitive domains, and influences shared across different cognitive domains. METHOD A total of 2,546 adults between 18 and 95 years of age performed a battery of 12 cognitive tests on 2 occasions separated by an average of 3 years. An estimate of general cognitive functioning based on the first principal factor was regressed from the observed cognitive scores to derive an estimate of specific influences on each measure, and this value was subtracted from the observed score to provide an estimate of general influences on the measure. Longitudinal change was assessed by the (T2 - T1) difference between scores on the 2 occasions. RESULTS Although increased age was associated with specific influences on speed in cross-sectional comparisons, and in memory change in longitudinal comparisons among older adults, most of the relations between age and cognitive functioning in both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons were manifested as general influences shared with other cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS Differences in cognitive functioning associated with aging are often attributed to domain-specific effects, but results from this and other recent studies suggest that large proportions of the age differences are associated with general influences shared across different types of cognitive measures. (PsycINFO Database Record
Ten new species of Oreophryne (Anura, Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea.

Oreophryne presently represents the second-most-diverse genus of microhylid frogs, with 57 named species, most occurring on New Guinea and its satellite islands. Nonetheless, a diversity of species remains to be described. Using morphological, color-pattern, and advertisement-call data, I describe ten new species of Oreophryne from the Papuan Peninsula of New Guinea and adjacent islands, which together form the East Papuan Composite Terrane. All but two of these species can be placed into two species groups based on call type. I refer to these species groups as the O. anser group and the O. equus group, both being based on species described herein. Members of the O. anser group produce calls reminiscent of a goose honk, whereas members of the O. equus group produce calls reminiscent of a horse’s whinny. Description of three new species in the O. anser group requires me to first rediagnose O. loriae , which has previously been interpreted as including the frogs named herein as O. anser sp. nov. The honk call type has not previously been reported within Oreophryne , and the whinny call may be novel as well, although it is possibly derived from other New Guinean species having calls consisting of a slower series of peeps. Based on their unique call types, I hypothesize that both species groups are monophyletic. If true, each would appear endemic to the East Papuan Composite Terrane. Only five additional species of Oreophryne are known from this region that do not belong to one or the other of these two species groups; hence, these newly identified species groups represent the majority of diversity in Oreophryne from the Papuan Peninsula and its satellite islands.
Modulation of opioid receptor affinity and efficacy via N-substitution of 9β-hydroxy-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)morphan: Synthesis and computer simulation study.

Abstract The enantiomers of a variety of N-alkyl-, N-aralkyl-, and N-cyclopropylalkyl-9β-hydroxy-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)morphans were synthesized employing cyanogen bromide and K2CO3 to improve the original N-demethylation procedure. Their binding affinity to the μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors (ORs) was determined and functional (GTPγ35S) assays were carried out on those with reasonable affinity. The 1R,5R,9S-enantiomers (1R,5R,9S)-(−)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenethyl)-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ol (1R,5R,9S-16), (1R,5R,9S)-(−) 2-cinnamyl-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ol (1R,5R,9S-20), and (1R,5R,9S)-(−)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenethyl)-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ol (1R,5R,9S-15), had high affinity for the μ-opioid receptor (e.g., 1R,5R,9S-16: Ki = 0.073, 0.74, and 1.99 nM, respectively). The 1R,5R,9S-16 and 1R,5R,9S-15 were full, high efficacy μ-agonists (EC50 = 0.74 and 18.5 nM, respectively) and the former was found to be a partial agonist at δ-OR and an antagonist at κ-OR, while the latter was a partial agonist at δ-OR and κ-OR in the GTPγ35S assay. The enantiomer of 1R,5R,9S-16, (+)-1S,5S,9R-16 was unusual, it had good affinity for the μ-OR (Ki = 26.5 nM) and was an efficacious μ-antagonist (Ke = 29.1 nM). Molecular dynamics simulations of the μ-OR were carried out with the 1R,5R,9S-16 μ-agonist and the previously synthesized (1R,5R,9S)-(−)-5-(9-hydroxy-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl-2-phenylethyl)-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (1R,5R,9S-(−)-NIH 11289) to provide a structural basis for the observed high affinities and efficacies. The critical roles of both the 9β-OH and the p-nitro group are elucidated, with the latter forming direct, persistent hydrogen bonds with residues deep in the binding cavity, and the former interacting with specific residues via highly structured water bridges.
Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome Affecting 3 Families

Importance Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is an increasingly recognized cause of hearing loss and vestibular symptoms, but the etiology of this condition remains unknown. Objective To describe 7 cases of SCDS across 3 families. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective case series included 7 patients from 3 different families treated at a neurotology clinic at a tertiary academic medical center from 2010 to 2014. Patients were referred by other otolaryngologists or were self-referred. Each patient demonstrated unilateral or bilateral SCDS or near dehiscence. Interventions Clinical evaluation involved body mass index calculation, audiometry, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing, electrocochleography, and multiplanar computed tomographic (CT) scan of the temporal bones. Zygosity testing was performed on twin siblings. Main Outcomes and Measures The diagnosis of SCDS was made if bone was absent over the superior semicircular canal on 2 consecutive CT images, in addition to 1 physiologic sign consistent with labyrinthine dehiscence. Near dehiscence was defined as absent bone on only 1 CT image but with symptoms and at least 1 physiologic sign of labyrinthine dehiscence. Results A total of 7 patients (5 female and 2 male; age range, 8-49 years) from 3 families underwent evaluation. Family A consisted of 3 adult first-degree relatives, of whom 2 were diagnosed with SCDS and 1 with near dehiscence. Family B included a mother and her child, both of whom were diagnosed with unilateral SCDS. Family C consisted of adult monozygotic twins, each of whom was diagnosed with unilateral SCDS. For all cases, dehiscence was located at the arcuate eminence. Obesity alone did not explain the occurrence of SCDS because 5 of the 7 cases had a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) less than 30.0. Conclusions and Relevance Superior canal dehiscence syndrome is a rare, often unrecognized condition. This report of 3 multiplex families with SCDS provides evidence in support of a potential genetic contribution to the etiology. Symptomatic first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with SCDS should be offered evaluation to improve detection of this disorder.
Religion, Spirituality, Belief, and Culture

This chapter discusses the similarities and differences between the concepts of spirituality and religion. The role of culture in the development and transformation of religious belief and practices is discussed. Militant atheism and secular humanism are discussed in the context of belief systems and culture.