cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IMG/M: a data management and analysis system for metagenomes

IMG/M is a data management and analysis system for microbial community genomes (metagenomes) hosted at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI). IMG/M consists of metagenome data integrated with isolate microbial genomes from the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system. IMG/M provides IMG's comparative data analysis tools extended to handle metagenome data, together with metagenome-specific analysis tools. IMG/M is available at http://img.jgi.doe.gov/m
Response Decision Processes and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Adolescents

Externalizing behavior problems of 124 adolescents were assessed across Grades 7-11. In Grade 9, participants were also assessed across social-cognitive domains after imagining themselves as the object of provocations portrayed in six videotaped vignettes. Participants responded to vignette-based questions representing multiple processes of the response decision step of social information processing. Phase 1 of our investigation supported a two-factor model of the response evaluation process of response decision (response valuation and outcome expectancy). Phase 2 showed significant relations between the set of these response decision processes, as well as response selection, measured in Grade 9 and (a) externalizing behavior in Grade 9 and (b) externalizing behavior in Grades 10-11, even after controlling externalizing behavior in Grades 7-8. These findings suggest that on-line behavioral judgments about aggression play a crucial role in the maintenance and growth of aggressive response tendencies in adolescence.
Continuity of eigenvalues of subordinate processes in domains

Let X={Xt,t≥0} be a symmetric Markov process in a state space E and D an open set of E. Let S(n)={S(n)t, t ≥ 0} be a subordinator with Laplace exponent ϕn and S={St,t≥0} a subordinator with Laplace exponent ϕ. Suppose that X is independent of S and S(n). In this paper we consider the subordinate processes Open image in new window and Open image in new window and their subprocesses Open image in new window and Xϕ,D killed upon leaving D. Suppose that the spectra of the semigroups of Open image in new window and Xϕ,D are all discrete, with Open image in new window being the eigenvalues of the generator of Open image in new window and Open image in new window being the eigenvalues of the generator of Xϕ,D. We show that, if limn→∞ϕn(λ)=ϕ(λ) for every λ>0, then
The Generation of Technology and Agricultural Efficiency

(1976). The Generation of Technology and Agricultural Efficiency. Review of Social Economy: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 217-224.
Clinical picture and treatment implication in a child with Capgras syndrome: A case report

Introduction Capgras syndrome is a delusional misidentification syndrome characterized by the patient’s belief that his or her relatives have been replaced by impostors.
Astrocytes Control Synapse Formation, Function, and Elimination

Astrocytes, through their close associations with synapses, can monitor and alter synaptic function, thus actively controlling synaptic transmission in the adult brain. Besides their important role at adult synapses, in the last three decades a number of critical findings have highlighted the importance of astrocytes in the establishment of synaptic connectivity in the developing brain. In this article, we will review the key findings on astrocytic control of synapse formation, function, and elimination. First, we will summarize our current structural and functional understanding of astrocytes at the synapse. Then, we will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which developing and mature astrocytes instruct the formation, maturation, and refinement of synapses. Our aim is to provide an overview of astrocytes as important players in the establishment of a functional nervous system.
Bayesian multi-camera surveillance

The task of multicamera surveillance is to reconstruct the paths taken by all moving objects that are temporally visible from multiple non-overlapping cameras. We present a Bayesian formalization of this task, where the optimal solution is the set of object paths with the highest posterior probability given the observed data. We show how to efficiently approximate the maximum a posteriori solution by linear programming and present initial experimental results.
Increase in outflow facility with unoprostone treatment in ocular hypertensive patients.

Objective To determine the mechanism by which 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl reducesintraocular pressure (IOP) by studying 33 patients with ocular hypertensionor primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods At baseline, IOP was determined by pneumatonometry, aqueous flow andoutflow facility by fluorophotometry, episcleral venous pressure by venomanometry,and uveoscleral outflow by mathematical calculation. Unoprostone was administeredto one eye and placebo to the fellow eye of each patient twice daily in arandomized masked fashion. In patients who demonstrated an IOP reduction of3 mm Hg or more in either eye on day 5 ± 1 (n = 29),determinations were repeated on that day and on day 28 ± 2.Treated eyes were compared with control eyes, and treatment days were comparedwith baseline by paired t tests. Results Compared with baseline, unoprostone significantly ( P P P ≤.001)increased outflow facility by 0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.02μL·min −1 ·mm Hg −1 on days5 and 28, respectively. The baseline-adjusted between-treatment differenceswere significant ( P ≤.04) on day 28 (0.06 ± 0.02μL·min −1 ·mm Hg −1 ). Othermeasures were not different from placebo. Conclusion In responsive patients, unoprostone decreased IOP by increasing outflowfacility.
Learning-by-Doing in Solar Photovoltaic Installations

The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry in the United States has been the recipient of billions of dollars of subsidies at the federal and state level, often motivated by environmental externalities and dynamic spillovers from learning-by-doing in the installation of the technology. This paper investigates cost reductions due to learning-bydoing (LBD) using comprehensive data on all solar PV installations in California from 2002 to 2012. We develop a model of installer firm pricing behavior that allows for economies of scale, market power, and dynamic pricing to quantify both appropriable and non-appropriable LBD. We find strong evidence for both, suggesting a role for solar PV subsidies to improve economic efficiency by addressing a non-appropriable LBD positive externality. However, our results suggest that the California Solar Initiative cannot be justified by non-appropriable LBD alone.
Exploring new gauge bosons at a 100 TeV collider

The production of new gauge bosons is a standard benchmark for the exploration of the physics capabilities of future colliders. The $\sqrt{s}=100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ future hadron collider will make a major step in our ability to search for and explore the properties of such new states. In this paper, employing traditional models to make contact with the past and more recent literature, we not only establish in detail the discovery and exclusion reaches for both the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ within these models, but, more importantly, we also examine the capability of the future hadron collider to extract information relevant for the determination of the couplings of the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ to the fermions of the Standard Model as well as the helicity of the corresponding ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ couplings. This is a necessary first step in determining the nature of the underlying theory, which gave rise to these states.
The Proteus Hemolysin

The production of a hemolysin by organisms belonging to the proteus group was demonstrated by Kraus and Clairmont ' in 1900. Later reports have been made by Glaessner and Roscules,2 Bachrach and Grafe,3 Kostrzewski,4 Shuster,5 Baerthlein,6 Bach,7 Braun and Choa Shi-Tsing 8 and Ecker and Brittingham.' Only in rare instances does hemolysis occur when the organisms are grown on blood agar plates. Such an instance has been reported by Kline.10 The hemolysin, when present, is found in the medium, such as broth, used for culturing. Braun and Choa Shi-Tsing have shown its presence in highest concentration in 6-hour broth cultures. Ecker and Brittingham used 24-hour synthetic medium cultures. According to the latter investigators the hemolysin is heat labile, filtrable, is neutralized by proteus antiserums and is independent of the life of the organism. On the other hand Braun and Choa Shi-Tsing believed that the hemolytic activity was dependent on the active growth of the organism and were unable to demonstrate the presence of the lysin in filtered cultures. We have studied the production and properties of the proteus hemolysin formed by 26 cultures of organisms of the proteus group obtained from several sources. The series included 20 strains designated as Proteus vulgaris, three Proteus X strains, one labelled Proteus mirabilis, and one Proteus zenkeri. Only 6 of these strains, 4 Proteus vulgaris and 2 Proteus X, produced a demonstrable amount of lysin when first tested. As will be shown later, it was possible to cause all but one of the 26 strains to form hemolysin, and we believe that this lytic
LAZULINOSPORA, A NEW GENUS OF CORTICIACEAE, AND A NOTE ON TOMENTELLA ATROCYANEA

SUMMARY A new genus of the Corticiaceae, Lazulinospora, is proposed to accommodate Lazulinospora cyanea and Lazulinospora wakefieldii. The primary taxonomic characters of the genus are the septate, hyaline to pale yellow hyphae, without clamps, and subglobose to ovoid ornamented spores that become blue in 2% KOH. Specimens of Tomentella atrocyanea, whose spores also become blue in alkali solution, were recently found in Arizona. These specimens possess characters which adequately demonstrate the affinities of T. atrocyanea with the genus Pseudotomentella, but not with Lazulinospora, and the new combination, Pseudotomentella atrocyanea, is proposed. While collecting in central Florida in 1972, one of us (HHB) collected a specimen which resembled Hypochnus cyaneus Wakef. and Tomentella atrocyanea Wakef. in that it possessed spores whose walls became blue in aqueous 2% KOH and other strongly alkaline solutions. A comparison of the type specimens of the above two names with the material from Florida indicated that the latter was not conspecific with either of them. A search for a published description indicated that the fungus was undescribed; therefore, we propose the Florida species as new.
Optimal choice of cell geometry for a multicell superconducting cavity

An algorithm for optimization of the multicell cavity cells is proposed. Inner cells are optimized for minimal losses or minimal magnetic field, when the aperture diameter, ${E}_{pk}/{E}_{\mathrm{acc}}$---the ratio of peak electric field to the accelerating field, and the wall slope angle are given. Optimization of the end cells is done for minimal losses or maximal acceleration in them. Two shapes of the end cells---with and without the end irises---are analyzed. This approach facilitates further optimization for higher order modes extraction because it permits keeping the achieved optimal values nearly the same while changing some dimensions of the cells. Comparison of the proposed cavity geometry with the TESLA cavity geometry illustrates the traits of the presented approach. It is also shown that lower values of the wall slope angle, which lead to the reentrant shape for the inner cells, are also beneficial for the end cells. For the Cornell Energy Recovery Linac most dangerous are dipole modes causing the beam breakup (BBU). Minimization of power of higher order modes (HOMs) in a multicell cavity was done using derivatives of the BBU parameter with respect to geometric parameters of the cavity cells. As a starting point of optimization, the shape with minimal losses at the fundamental mode was taken. Further changing the shape for better propagation of HOMs was done with degradation of the fundamental mode loss parameter $G\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{R}_{\mathrm{sh}}/Q$ within 1% while decrease of the BBU parameter was nearly 3 orders of magnitude. The BBU threshold current tends to be inversely proportional to this parameter.
Interhemispheric spread and graded response in spreading cortical depression

Bilateral electroencephalograms were taken from rats during unilateral spreading cortical depression. Different levels of brain wave activity as well as an interhemispheric spread of depression were seen as a function of the strength of the eliciting stimulus.
PAC Studies of Defects in AgCI and II-VI Compounds

The Perturbed Angular Correlation (PAC) method has been used to study In -vacancy complexes in AgCl and II - VI compounds. Although these materials are quite different in structure and properties, they are related by photoconductive properties which make them interesting intrinsically and for application to photography (silver halides) and to the design of photodetectors and photovoltaic cells (II - VI compounds). We have obtained the first PAC results for silver halides and ternary II-VI compounds. For AgCl, measurement at 77 K clearly reveals two different 111In - vacancy complexes characterized by quadrupole interaction frequencies Vq1 = 21.5 MHz and Vq2=43 MHz, both having axially symmetric electric field gradient (EFG) tensors with principle axes along directions. Temperature dependence of the PAC signal allows a determination of the activation energy and attempt frequency for vacancy motion by measurement of the damping arising from dynamic effects. For 4% Zn - doped bulk CdTe samples, vacuum annealed in the range 400°C to 550°C, PAC shows that a large fraction of the 111 In probe atoms occupy non-cubic lattice sites having an EFG characterized by vQ = 60 MHz, η = 0.2. The concentration of this complex was decreased by annealing between 400°C and 600°C in a Cd overpressure, suggesting tha the observed EFG is caused by a 111In - cadmium vacancy complex. Similar measurements of Cd0.8Mn0.2Te showed an identical EFG which, however, appeared at a lower annealing temperature.
Can Optical Nanoantenna Links Compete with Plasmonic Waveguide Connections

By properly matching optical nanoantennas using nanocircuit elements, we theoretically demonstrate that the optical wireless link between two nanoantennas at a given distance may exhibit much less loss as compared with links via plasmonic waveguides.
Interface Structure and Solid State Reactions of Fe/Zr Multilayers

Iron zirconium multilayer films were prepared by electron beam evaporation and by sputter deposition. Layer thicknesses were varied from 50 monolayers of each constituent down to 2 monolayers. Conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Auger spectroscopy have been used to characterize multilayers in the as-deposited and annealed state. Amorphous phase formation occurs during thermal anneals, and samples with layer thicknesses of 5 monolayers or less of each constituent are amorphous as deposited. Amorphous interfaces are observed in all samples, with this interface region being larger in the electron beam evaporated samples than in the sputter deposited samples.
A spectral graph wavelet approach for nonrigid 3D shape retrieval

We propose a spectral graph wavelet approach for 3D shape retrieval using the bag-of-features paradigm.We present a three-step feature description framework to capture both local and global characteristics of shapes.We construct a global descriptor by aggregating mid-level features weighted by a geodesic exponential kernel.We demonstrate the better performance of our approach using various evaluation metrics.We conducted a comprehensive comparison with recent state-of-the-art algorithms. In this paper, we propose a spectral graph wavelet approach for 3D shape retrieval using the bag-of-features paradigm. In an effort to capture both local and global characteristics of a 3D shape, we present a three-step feature description framework. Local descriptors are first extracted via the spectral graph wavelet transform having the Mexican hat wavelet as a generating kernel. Then, mid-level features are obtained by embedding local descriptors into the visual vocabulary space using the soft-assignment coding step of the bag-of-features model. A global descriptor is subsequently constructed by aggregating mid-level features weighted by a geodesic exponential kernel, resulting in a matrix representation that describes the frequency of appearance of nearby codewords in the vocabulary. Then, we compare the global descriptor of a query to all global descriptors of the shapes in the dataset using a dissimilarity measure and find the closest shape. Experimental results on two standard 3D shape benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed shape retrieval approach in comparison with state-of-the-art methods.
Interrelationships between sex and exogenous growth hormone administration on performance, body composition and protein and fat accretion of growing pigs.

Forty-five pigs with an average initial live weight of 60 kg were used to investigate the effects of daily exogenous porcine pituitary growth hormone administration at two dose levels (pGH; 0, excipient buffer injected, and 100 micrograms.kg-1.d-1) for a 31-d period on the performance and body composition of boars, gilts and barrows allowed to consume feed ad libitum. Excipient boars consumed less feed, exhibited faster and more efficient growth (P less than .01) and produced less fat and more protein and water (P less than .01) in the empty body compared with excipient barrows, which in turn contained more fat and less water (P less than .05) in the empty body than did excipient gilts. These differences were largely eliminated by pGH administration, which induced differential effects in growth performance and body composition in boars, gilts and barrows. Growth hormone administration improved growth rate by 13, 22 and 16% and feed conversion efficiency by 19, 34 and 32% in boars, gilts and barrows, respectively. The reduction of body fat content (g/kg) elicited by pGH was 22, 36 and 33% for boars, gilts and barrows, respectively, with a corresponding increase (P less than .01) of body protein and water content. The magnitude of the pGH responses was greatest for gilts and barrows compared with boars, negating intrinsic sex-effect differences in growth performance and body composition of pigs. Pigs used in this study and treated with pGH exhibited a rate of protein deposition (approximately 225 g/d) far greater than previously reported, and as such redefine the genetic capacity for lean tissue growth by the pig.
Iterative Methods and Generalized g-Fractional Calculus

We approximated solutions of some iterative methods on a generalized Banach space setting in [5].
Interrogating Fiber Formation Kinetics with Automated 2D-IR Spectroscopy

A new method for collecting 2D-IR spectra that utilizes both a pump-probe beam geometry and a mid-IR pulse shaper is used to gain a fuller understanding of fiber formation in the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). We extract structural kinetics in order to better understand aggregation in hIAPP, the protein component of the amyloid fibers found to inhibit insulin production in type II diabetes patients.
Empowered individualism in world culture: Agency and equality in Canadian textbooks, 1871–2006

ABSTRACTThe sacred status of individuals is a central pillar of world culture in research on education and beyond. The intended socialisation of students is increasingly to become empowered individuals who respect human equality and diversity in a globally interconnected world. At the same time we have little understanding of what exactly the concept of individual empowerment means or how to capture it empirically. This study builds on prior observations about the growing status of individuals by delineating the rise of two separate but related dimensions of empowerment – agency and equality – and outlining the rise of these dimensions in the Canadian educational context. To this end, it draws on a unique dataset consisting of a systematically designed coding of 80 history, civics, and social studies textbooks used in Canada from 1871 to 2006. Refining the concept of individual empowerment reveals that its manifestations are shaped by the local context, in addition to the influences that come from world c...
Dry-Steam Power Plants

Dry-steam plants were the first type of geothermal power plant to achieve commercial status. Large dry-steam reservoirs have been discovered only in two areas of the world: Larderello and The Geysers. The general characteristic of a dry-steam reservoir is that it comprises porous rock featuring fissures or fractures, either occluded or interconnected, that are filled with steam. The mechanism of fluid behavior in a dry-steam reservoir is complex and several models are proposed. These mechanisms are depicted schematically. The study cites close correlation between the observed temperatures in dry-steam reservoirs and the temperature that corresponds to the maximum enthalpy for saturated steam. A dry-steam reservoir owes its existence to a combination of highly fortuitous circumstances. The connection between the wells and the powerhouse for a dry-steam plant is relatively simple compared to a flash-steam plant. Furthermore, this chapter presents an example that helps to treat the problem of deciding on the optimum wellhead pressure for a dry steam plant receiving saturated vapor at the wellhead. The major equipment items found at dry-steam plants are quite similar to those used at a single-flash plant. The list is drawn for dry-steam plants with annotations applied only for items that differ from those at single-flash plants.
Abstract 2663: Insights into the oncogenic basis of long non-coding RNA PVT1 in human cancer

Though gain of 8q24.21 is a common mutation in human cancers, its functional annotation is limited to studying myelocytomatosis (MYC), the prominent oncogene in the amplicon. However, MYC is co-gained with an adjacent long non-coding RNA gene plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), the CCDC26 gene candidate and gasdermin C GSDMC. Whether copy number gain of one or more of these genes drives neoplasia is not known. We developed chromosome engineered mouse strains with an extra copy of 1) Myc, 2) Pvt1, Ccdc26, Gsdmc, and 3) Myc, Pvt1, Ccdc26, Gsdmc. When rat Neu was introduced to test the change in the latency in mammary tumor development, only the mice with an extra copy of Myc, Pvt1, Ccdc26, Gsdmc (but not with an extra copy of Myc or Pvt1, Ccdc26, Gsdmc) developed adenocarcinomas with reduced latency, suggesting that while an extra copy of Myc gene failed to measurably advance cancer, it may co-operate with Pvt1, Ccdc26 or Gsdmc to promote cancer. Si-RNA mediated knockdown of Pvt1/PVT1 reduced the proliferation rates in the tumors, and in SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231, two human breast cancer cell lines with 8q24 amplification. Ablation of PVT1 markedly decreased MYC protein levels, suggesting a PVT1-dependence of MYC protein in MYC amplified cancer cells. Analysis of the cancer genome atlas suggested 99% of tumors with increased MYC copy-number also harbor co-gain of PVT1. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that PVT1 RNA and MYC protein expression are correlated in primary human tumors. These data suggests that PVT1 can potentiate MYC in human cancers. CRISPR mediated deletion of PVT1 in colorectal cell line HCT116 impaired tumor formation in xenografts, and significantly reduced MYC levels. We further confirmed the oncogenic potential of PVT1 in cancers even without supernumerary 8q24. Additionally, we have identified the putative functional domain of PVT1 which confers its oncogenic potential. We propose that the dependence of high levels of MYC on lncRNA PVT1 provides a much-needed therapeutic window against MYC protein, known to be refractory to small molecule inhibition. Citation Format: Kojiro Tashiro, Robert Klink, Jon Zetterval, Veronica Diedrich, Yuen-Yi Tseng, Anindya Bagchi. Insights into the oncogenic basis of long non-coding RNA PVT1 in human cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2663.
A Dynamic Volumetric Method for Measuring Adsorption of Water on Glass Fibers

A new dynamic volumetric method (DVM) is described for measuring adsorption isotherms on small surface area solids such as glass fiber. The experimental setup of the method is the same as that of frontal analysis (FA) chromatography. However, whereas FA analysis is based on the local mass balance equation (mass balance in each cross section of the column), this DVM is based on the global mass balance between the inlet and outlet of the system. It differs from the static volumetric method in that the latter measures an adsorption isotherm in the state of adsorption equilibrium, whereas the DVM does the same in the steady state. This difference creates a problem of determining equilibrium adsorption concentration in the DVM which does not exist in the static method. It is shown how to resolve that problem. The DVM is more general than FA and is applied here for determination of the BET specific surface areas (SSA) of glass fibers using water. The results are compared with those obtained by standard SSA dete...
School Choice in Indianapolis: Effects of Charter, Magnet, Private, and Traditional Public Schools

School choice researchers are often limited to comparing one type of choice with another (e.g., charter schools vs. traditional public schools). One area researchers have not examined is the effect...
Physical Activity of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

AbstractA preliminary study was conducted to investigate the physical activity status of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related demographic characteristics. Thirty-four parents completed the IPAQ-S and demographic survey. Mean metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/week) across participants was 3371. Significant correlations were found between parent’s age and moderate (τ = .287, p = .034) and vigorous (τ = .318, p = .020) physical activity minutes as well as vigorous (τ = .308, p = .021) and total (τ = .366, p = .005) MET-min/week. Similarly, significant correlations were found between child’s age and walking minutes (τ = .412, p = .002), walking MET-min/week (τ = .380, p = .005) and total MET-min/week (τ = .342, p = .010). This study provides current evidence about the physical activity participation of parents of children with ASD, and demonstrates a need for further research exploring barriers and facilitators towards physical activity for this population.
Combination of Proteasome Inhibitor PS 341 (Velcade®) with Histone Acetylase Inhibitor (HDAC) PXD 101 Shows Superior Anti-Myeloma Activity and Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis.

Background: PS 341 has demonstrated activity in multiple myeloma (MM), and PXD 101 is a new HDAC inhibitor, currently being evaluated in Phase II clinical trials for MM. In addition to the anti-myeloma activity of PS 341 and PXD 101, HDAC inhibitors are strong inhibitors of osteoclast formation. Therefore, the combination of the two agents, targeting both the tumor and the development of osteolytic lesions should lead to an optimal treatment strategy for MM. Methods: MM cell lines (MM.1S, OPM 2, RPMI 8226) were exposed to serial dilutions of PS 341 (1–1000 nM) and PXD 101 (10–1000 nM) for 48 hours. Thymidine uptake was measured to assess inhibition of proliferation. To evaluate the effects of PS 341 and PXD 101 on the formation of osteoclasts from mononuclear hematopoietic precursors, we used a human bone marrow culture system from healthy donors and MM patients to generate osteoclasts using in vitro RANKL/M-CSF stimulation. Results: Dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation was achieved in all MM cell lines after a 48-hour treatment with PS 341 and PXD 101. For further experiments we used PS 341 at a fixed low concentration (10 nM), which showed no significant inhibition of proliferation of MM cell lines. PXD 101 was used at 100 nM and demonstrated median inhibition of 46% (range 0–48%). The combination of PS 341 with PXD 101 induced synergism with inhibition of proliferation of median 73% (range 44–73%). Although 100 nM PXD 101 and 50 nM PS 341 used as single agents were required to inhibit the proliferation of MM cells, combination of 25 nM PXD 101 and 1 nM PS 341 was sufficient to inhibit OCL formation completely, indicating that the drug combination results also in a highly synergistic inhibition of osteoclast formation. Conclusions: These studies provide the framework for clinical evaluation of PS 341 combined with PXD 101 in patients with MM and supports the hypothesis that the drug combination targets both the tumor and osteoclastic activity. (Drugs provided by NIH/NCI; Support: UO1 CA099168)
The rate of metabolism of the spiny rat, Proechimys semispinosis, with comments on the ecological factors that influence the basal rate of metabolism in rodents and lagomorphs

O metabolismo foi medido no rato-de-espinho, Proechimys semispinosis, que e tropical em distribuicao e de habito frugivoro. O peso e o fator mais importante na determinacao do nivel do metabolismo. Proechimys tem um valor que e um pouco mais alto do que e o esperado em relacao ao seu peso. Muito da variacao do metabolismo independente de peso, em roedores e coelhos, resulta dos habitos e da distribuicao dessas especies. Necessitamos de mais estudos de especies tropicais para avaliar a influencia do clima e restricao alimentar na regiao tropical.
Factors Associated with Visceral Fat Loss in Response to a Multifaceted Weight Loss Intervention.

Background: Visceral adipose tissue is more metabolically active than other fat depots and is more closely associated with obesity-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, than indicators of obesity, such as body mass index. Across various strategies to promote weight loss, including energy-reduced diet and exercise, variable effects on VAT compared to loss of total body fat have been reported. Methods: To examine the effect of a behavioral weight loss intervention using portion-controlled prepackaged entrees on VAT, we examined data and measurements from overweight/obese men and women (N=183) who were assigned to a weight loss intervention and prescribed a reduced-energy diet with either portion-controlled prepackaged entrees or self-selected meals in a randomized clinical trial. VAT was estimated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and study end (12 weeks). Results: VAT loss was greater for the prepackaged entrees group (p=0.02), with an average loss of 29% compared to an average loss of 19% among participants consuming self-selected meals. VAT (mean [SEM]) was 1651 (71) g and 1546 (157) g at baseline and 1234 (59) g and 1278 (118) g at study end in the prepackaged entrees and self-selected meal groups, respectively. Greater VAT loss was associated with higher baseline weight and VAT, and greater weight loss, but not associated with age or physical activity. Conclusion: Prescribing portion-controlled prepackaged entrees in a behavioral weight loss intervention promotes a reduction in VAT, which should promote improved metabolic profile and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
Reflections of a Latino Associate Professor

The following reflection essay is about my experiences as a Latino Associate Professor who focuses on criminology, youth violence, juvenile justice, and the associated disparities with race, ethnic...
Residential and Non-Residential Biomass Combustion: Impacts on Air Quality

Biomass combustion emissions contribute significant amounts of particulate matter (PM), inorganic species (e.g., CO, CO2, elements, and ions), and thousands of organic compounds to ambient air. Wood smoke emissions from residential fireplaces and woodstoves have been shown to be a major source of PM in a number of communities worldwide, especially in the residential neighborhoods where winters are long and firewood is available. Approximately a couple of billion people use biomass fuels for their energy needs. In addition, emissions from wildfires, prescribed fires, and agricultural burning are responsible for occasional severe episodes of air pollution. This article briefly reviews the main constituents of biomass burning emissions from these sources and outlines the differences between them. The impact of each kind of biomass burning on ambient air quality is discussed. The effect of biomass burning on human health and climate is also briefly discussed.
Orthogonal Matrix Polynomials

An overview is given of some classical and recent results concerning zeros of orthogonal matrix polynomials on the unit circle. The basic questions are: How these zeros are located in the complex plane? Conversely, what conditions on the location of the zeros of a given matrix polynomial ensure that the polynomial is orthogonal?
Spatial regulation of gene expression in nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVECranial suture patterning and development are highly regulated processes that are not entirely understood. While studies have investigated the differential gene expression for different sutures, little is known about gene expression changes during suture fusion. The aim of this study was to examine gene expression in patent, fusing, and fused regions along sagittal suture specimens in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients.METHODSSagittal sutures were collected from 7 patients (average age 4.5 months) who underwent minimally invasive craniotomies at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU under IRB approval. The sutures were analyzed using micro-CT to evaluate patency. The areas were classified as open, fusing, or fused and were harvested, and mRNA was isolated. Gene expression for bone-related proteins, osteogenic and angiogenic factors, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, and Wnt signaling was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared with normal sutures collected from fetal demise tissue (control).RESULTSMicro-CT demonstrated that there are variable areas of closure along the length of the sagittal suture. When comparing control samples to surgical samples, there was a significant difference in genes for Wnt signaling, TGF-β, angiogenic and osteogenic factors, bone remodeling, and nuclear rigidity in mRNA isolated from the fusing and fused areas of the sagittal suture compared with patent areas (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIn nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis, the affected suture has variable areas of being open, fusing, and fused. These specific areas have different mRNA expression. The results suggest that BMP-2, FGFR3, and several other signaling pathways play a significant role in the regulation of suture fusion as well as in the maintenance of patency in the normal suture.
Strategies for near-term scale-up of cellulosic biofuel production using sorghum and crop residues in the US

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) initially set ambitious goals for US cellulosic biofuel production and, although the total renewable fuel volume reached 80% of the established target for 2017, the cellulosic fuel volume reached just 5% of the original goal. This shortfall has, in part, been ascribed to the hesitance of farmers to plant the high-yielding, low-input perennial biomass crops identified as otherwise ideal feedstocks. Policy and market uncertainty also hinder investment in capital-intensive new cellulosic biorefineries. This study combines remote sensing land use data, yield predictions, a fine-resolution geospatial modeling framework, and a novel facility siting algorithm to evaluate the potential for near-term scale-up of cellulosic fuel production using a combination of lower-risk annual feedstocks more familiar to US farmers: corn stover and biomass sorghum. Potential strategies include expansion or retrofitting of existing corn ethanol facilities and targeted construction of new facilities in resource-rich areas. The results indicate that, with a maximum 10% conversion of pastureland and cropland to sorghum in suitable regions, more than 80 of the 214 existing corn ethanol biorefineries could be retrofitted or expanded to accept cellulosic feedstocks and an additional 71 new biorefineries could be built. The resulting land conversion for bioenergy sorghum totals to 4.5% of US cropland and 3.7% of pastureland. If this biomass is converted to ethanol, the total increase in annual production could be 17 billion gallons, just over the original RFS 2022 cellulosic biofuel production target and equivalent to 12% of US gasoline consumption.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose: The developmental evolution of flowers.

Abstract The study of floral developmental evolution may be as old as the study of botany itself, but its history as a modern field largely dates to the characterization of the ABC model of floral organ identity. As we have come to understand more about the wide range of genetic programs that influence floral development, the potential for comparative studies has increased, leading to a steady expansion of research questions. This review attempts to take a broad view of these many questions, highlighting classic and recent findings that are shaping the way we think about floral evolution. Conservation of genetic pathways is a common theme, but there are often differences, whether due to drift or co-option, that have the potential to surprise. On the whole, the field of floral evo-devo is in transition, as we apply new approaches that allow us to move away from our reliance on candidate genes and, potentially, discover genuinely new developmental mechanisms.
Dental microwear of living Hadza foragers.

OBJECTIVES Studies of dental microwear of bioarchaeological assemblages and extant mammals from museum collections show that surface texture can provide a valuable proxy for reconstructing diets of past peoples and extinct species. However, no study to date has focused on occlusal surface microwear textures of living hunter-gatherers. Here we present the first such study of the Hadza foragers of Tanzania. METHODS We took high-resolution dental impressions of occlusal surfaces for a total of 43 molds representing 25 men and women, 1-3 samples each, at different times during the rainy and dry seasons. Dental replicas were prepared and scanned by confocal profilometry and standard microwear texture parameters were calculated. Central tendencies and dispersions of variable scores were compared by season and by sex. RESULTS We found no differences between sexes or seasons in texture attribute central tendency, but some for dispersion. Females had notably low microwear texture dispersion in the dry season while males had higher dispersion in some attributes, particularly in the dry season. These differences seem to be driven primarily by low variance among females in the dry season. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates microwear texture data can be generated for living foragers. Given caveats of small samples available and consideration of foraging groups in transition, this study hints at variation in microwear texture dispersion between sexes and seasons for the Hadza, suggesting that such analyses might be of value for assessing hunter-gatherer diet.
Increased morphine requirements are predictive of acute compartment syndrome in adults with tibia fractures

The purpose of this study was to determine if increased milligram morphine equivalent (MME) requirements are a predictor of adult compartment syndrome in patients with tibia fractures. A retrospective case-control study at a level-1 trauma center was performed over a five year period. Patients with tibia fractures who had acute compartment syndrome (ACS) requiring fasciotomy (n = 26) were matched with controls (n = 25). MME and pain scores were assessed within the 24 hour period preceding fasciotomy (cases) or fixation (controls). The presence or absence of the “6 Ps” and other clinical signs (diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) were also analyzed. Mean MMEs two hours before surgery was 25.5 ± 39.2 for ACS patients versus 8.6 ± 11.1 in controls (P = 0.043), while the mean pain scores were 8.8 ± 1.8 and 7.0 ± 2.5 (P = 0.049), respectively. Multivariable regression showed patients with ACS consumed 16.9 MME more than controls within two hours of surgery (P = 0.043) and scored 1.8 points higher on the numeric pain rating scale (P = 0.049). The mean number of clinical signs of compartment syndrome in the ACS patients was 3.4 ± 1.3 compared to 0.84 ± 0.85 in controls (P < 0.001). DBP was significantly higher in ACS patients within two to four hours of surgery (P = 0.005). Increased MME requirements and pain scores within two hours of surgery were significant predictors of ACS following tibia fracture. Increased narcotic requirements, pain scores, and DBP may be useful objective indicators of evolving ACS, in addition to the traditional signs, and should be closely monitored in the at-risk patient.
Electrocochleography During Translabyrinthine Approach for Vestibular Schwannoma Removal.

Hypothesis Intraoperative electrocochleography (ECochG) can differentiate hair cell and neural dysfunction caused by a vestibular schwannoma (VS) and help define the site of lesion as peripheral or central to the spiral ganglion. Background Hearing loss in patients with a VS can be caused by both sensory (cochlear) and neural dysfunction. Methods Round-window ECochG using low and high-frequency tone bursts was performed in 49 subjects with a VS. Responses were analyzed for magnitude, spectrum, and shape of the time waveform. Components examined included the cochlear microphonic, auditory nerve neurophonic, compound action potential (CAP), and summating potential (SP). Results Variability in the summed response magnitudes across frequency, or "total response" (ECochG-TR), varied from 0.1 to 100 μV. Responses were larger for lower frequencies. Subjective estimates revealed a wide range of neural contributions from the auditory nerve neurophonic to low frequencies and the CAP to high frequencies. Cases with larger CAPs had smaller SPs. The correlation of ECochG-TR, with word recognition score (WRS), was moderate (r = 0.67), as well as the correlation between pure-tone averages and ECochG (r = 0.63). The cochlea remained functional in two cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with 0% WRS. Conclusion Reduced ECochG-TR and neural activity in many cases indicates both sensory and neural deficits. Smaller SPs when CAPs are present indicate a neural contribution to the SP. Good cochlear function with 0% WRS, and cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with retained cochlear function, indicate retrocochlear effects, typically proximal to the spiral ganglion cells.
Neurotensin stimulates the sperm acrosome reaction and reduces percentages of fertilization in vitro

Objective To determine the impact of neurotensin (NTS), a naturally occurring peptide, on the function of human and nonhuman primate sperm. Design Experimental study. Setting University-based research laboratory. Patient(s)/Animal(s) Consenting normozoospermic human donors and cynomolgus macaques. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Sperm acrosome status was assessed. Computer-assisted semen analysis assessed sperm motility, progression, and velocity. Immunocytochemistry and receptor selective agonists were used to identify specific NTS receptors on sperm. Monkey oocytes were obtained after ovarian stimulation, and NTS-treated monkey sperm were used for in vitro fertilization. Results Neurotensin treatment of human sperm stimulated the acrosome reaction in both a dose-dependent (0.1–10 μmol/L) and time-dependent (5–30 minutes) manner. Neurotensin treatment did not alter sperm motility or progression. Both a general NTS receptor antagonist (SR142948) and a NTSR1 selective antagonist (SR48692) reduced the ability of NTS to stimulate the acrosome reaction. The neurotensin receptor NTSR1, but not NTSR2 or SORT1, was detected in monkey sperm using immunostaining. Neurotensin treatment also compromised the ability of sperm to fertilize an oocyte. Percentage of fertilization with untreated monkey sperm and monkey oocytes was 72%. Sperm pre-treated with NTS yielded a significantly lower fertilization rate of 18%. Conclusion(s) Neurotensin effectively stimulates the acrosome reaction in human and monkey sperm. Neurotensin produced by the oviduct or cumulus cells may promote natural fertilization. Pretreatment of sperm with NTS significantly reduces fertilization. Exposure of sperm to NTS prior to reaching the oviduct has the potential for contraceptive development. Identification of NTSR1 as the mediator of NTS action provides a specific target for future studies.
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of measles in Ma'anshan during 2000-2006

Objective To study measles epidemiological characteristics in Ma'anshan,Anhui province during 2000-2006 and provide evidence for strategies and measures of measles prevention and control.Methods The data of measles epidemiological characteristics during 2000-2006 was analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.Results The average annual incidence rate of measles in Ma'anshan was 5.50/100 000 population during 2000-2006,with the highest rate being 10.90/100 000 in 2000 and the lowest rate being 2.94/100000 in 2005.The measles incidence showed a decreasing trend.The youngest case was more than 1 month old.The incidence rates of measles in groups aged≤8 months,9-24 months,3-6 years,7-19 years,and 20-39 years were 30.53/100000,51.60/100000,6.18/100000,18.19/100000,an obvious distribution of seasons with the peak from March to June.The incidence rate in downtown was higher than that in suburb and the highest rate(9.60/100000)was found in Jinjiazhuang district.60.92% of the subjects with immunization history and 39.08% of those with unknown immunization history occurred measles.The nationwide epidemic surveillance system and the measles surveillance system tended to be similar after 2004.Conclusions The measles incidence are increasing in populations aged≤8 months,9-24 months,and 7-19 years.Routine vaccination should be strengthened for prevention and control of measles.Measles vaccination campaign can be conducted in children entering school or in students at schoot at proper time.The surveillance and intervention of the measles cases should be implemented. Key words: Measles; Epidemiology; Vaccination
Low-Noise GaN p-i-n Avalanche Photodiodes for Ultraviolet Applications using an Ion-Implantation Isolation Technique

We report high-performance GaN avalanche photodiodes using a novel ion implanted isolation technique. The devices showed low dark current, an equivalent noise power of < 5 × 10−16 WHz−0.5 and avalanche gain of 7 × 105 at λ = 280 nm.
Simone Weil, Sara Ahmed, and a Politics of Hap

This chapter develops an account of Simone Weil’s problematization of happiness given its dependency upon the void-filling imagination, revealing her philosophic departure on this subject from the ideas of her famous teacher Alain. Weil’s insights are placed in conversation with Sara Ahmed’s feminist-political critiques of the “promises” of happiness which Ahmed regards as marginalizing forces for certain persons. Such promises of happiness amount to an ideology that, as Weil and Ahmed realize, is conducive to complicity with hegemonic structures and unjust practices. As this essay indicates, both thinkers describe estrangement from the mandates of happiness as symptomatic of heightened consciousness and ethical attentiveness. However, they do not fetishize or endorse unhappiness as an aim. Instead, it is argued, they affirm what Ahmed calls a genuine “politics of hap”—a way of discovering an unexpected sense of joy that can displace regulative happiness.