cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tracy-Widom distribution for the edge eigenvalues of Gram type random matrices.

Large dimensional Gram type matrices are common objects in high-dimensional statistics and machine learning. In this paper, we study the limiting distribution of the edge eigenvalues for a general class of high-dimensional Gram type random matrices, including separable sample covariance matrices, sparse sample covariance matrices, bipartite stochastic block model and random Gram matrices with general variance profiles. Specifically, we prove that under (almost) sharp moment conditions and certain tractable regularity assumptions, the edge eigenvalues, i.e., the largest few eigenvalues of non-spiked Gram type random matrices or the extremal bulk eigenvalues of spiked Gram type random matrices, satisfy the Tracy-Widom distribution asymptotically. Our results can be used to construct adaptive, accurate and powerful statistics for high-dimensional statistical inference. In particular, we propose data-dependent statistics to infer the number of signals under general noise structure, test the one-sided sphericity of separable matrix, and test the structure of bipartite stochastic block model. Numerical simulations show strong support of our proposed statistics. The core of our proof is to establish the edge universality and Tracy-Widom distribution for a rectangular Dyson Brownian motion with regular initial data. This is a general strategy to study the edge statistics for high-dimensional Gram type random matrices without exploring the specific independence structure of the target matrices. It has potential to be applied to more general random matrices that are beyond the ones considered in this paper.
A parallel adaptive-resolution hydraulic flood inundation model for flood hazard mapping

There is a growing demand for improved high-resolution flood inundation modelling in large-scale watersheds for sustainable planning and management. In this work, a parallel adaptive-resolution hydraulic flood inundation model is proposed for large-scale unregulated rivers. This model utilised the public best available topographic data and streamflow statistics data from USGS. An adaptive triangular mesh is generated with fine resolution (~30 m) around streams and coarse resolution (~200 m) away from streams. The river flood-peak discharges are estimated using the regression equations from the National Streamflow Statistics (NSS) Program based on watershed and climatic characteristics. The hydraulic simulation is performed using a discontinuous Galerkin solver for the 2D shallow-water flow equations. The hydraulic model is run in parallel with the global domain partitioned using the stream link and stream length. The proposed model is used to predict the flooding in the Muskingum River Basin and the Kentucky River Basin. The simulated inundation maps are compared with FEMA maps and evaluated using three statistical indices. The results demonstrated that the model is capable of predicting flooding maps for large-scale unregulated rivers with acceptable accuracy.
Electrically Pumped Topological Insulator Lasers

We report on the first demonstration of electrically pumped topological insulator laser arrays. When pumping is applied to the elements along the perimeter, a sharp single-mode lasing peak can be detected across the array.
Comparative Analysis of Nasal Smear Eosinophilia and Serum IgE Levels for the Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE To compare and determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of nasal smear eosinophilia and serum IgE levels for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR). STUDY DESIGN Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION ENT and Pathology Departments, KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January 2018 to December 2019. Methodology: Two hundred and twenty-one patients presenting with recurrent rhinitis were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: group 1 presented with history suggestive of allergy for more than four weeks and confirmed to be AR on skin prick tests; group 2 patients with negative skin prick tests taken as controls. Both groups were subjected to serum IgE levels and nasal smear for eosinophilia. Prick test was taken as gold standard, and p<0.05 was taken statistically significant. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-one patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis on skin prick tests in group 1 and 100 patients as controls in group 2 had negative skin prick tests. Ninety-one (75.2%) patients had AR on nasal smear eosinophilia in group 1 and 89 (73.6%) patients had AR on serum IgE levels in group 1. Sixty-eight patients (56.2%) were males and 53 (43.8%) were females in group 1. In group 2, 51 (51%) were males and 49 (49%) were females. Mean difference in nasal smear eosinophil count and serum IgE levels in AR and control group was statistically significant (p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of nasal smear eosinophilia was 77.8%,71.2%, 75.2%, and 74%; and of IgE level was 82.4%, 71.7%, 73.6%, and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSION Serum IgE and nasal smear eosinophilia levels are helpful in diagnosing allergic rhinitis; however, serum IgE level has better sensitivity and higher NPV than smear eosinophilia. Specificity of both tests is comparable. Key Words: Allergic rhinitis, Nasal smear eosinophilia, Serum IgE level.
Method and Apparatus for Bug Free Rapid Silicon Bringup

Today SoC designs are complex and dense with millions of transistors. These designs have complex DFT architecture for testing. Thousands of DFT patterns are used during silicon bring up. All these patterns are going through multiple stages of pre silicon verification to ensure bug free design and meet higher pass rate on silicon. In this paper, we will talk about DFT pre silicon validation flow enhancements at different stages to verify design quality and ensure patterns quality delivered for post silicon validation with maximum patterns passing without re-generation in short duration of post silicon testing. This paper talks about enhancement done across different stages of verification cycle to meet rapid silicon bring-up with zero post silicon DFT bugs.
Risk analysis virtual ENvironment for dynamic event tree-based analyses

Abstract Conventional Event-Tree (ET) based methodologies are extensively used as tools to perform reliability and safety assessment of complex and critical engineering systems. One of the disadvantages of these methods is that timing/sequencing of events and system dynamics is not explicitly accounted for in the analysis. In order to overcome these limitations several techniques, also known as Dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment (DPRA), have been developed. Monte-Carlo (MC) and Dynamic Event Tree (DET) are two of the most widely used DPRA methodologies to perform safety assessment of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). Since 2012, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is developing its own tool to perform Dynamic PRA: RAVEN (Risk Analysis and Virtual ENvironment). RAVEN has been designed in a high modular and pluggable way to enable easy integration of different programming languages (i.e., Python, C++) and coupling with other application including, among the others, several thermal–hydraulic and severe accident codes (e.g., RELAP5-3D, MELCOR, MAAP5, TRACE, etc.). RAVEN is aimed to provide a framework/container of capabilities for engineers and scientists to analyze the response of systems, physics and multi-physics, employing advanced numerical techniques and algorithms. Moreover, RAVEN models stochastic events, such as components failures, and performs uncertainty quantification (UQ). Such stochastic modeling is employed by using sampling strategies among which both MC and DET algorithms, which are going to be employed in this paper. In addition, RAVEN processes the large amount of data generated by sampling the physical models using data-mining based algorithms and risk assessment techniques. This paper provides an overview of the DET methodologies that have been deployed within the RAVEN framework, showing the potential of such techniques for the analysis of complex systems. A brief background of classical methodologies and their limitation is also reported and represent the motivation for the deployment of such dynamic technique. In addition, results from a pressurized water reactor loss of coolant accident scenario, using RELAP5-3D as physical model, are reported.
Pulsed Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Paraffin-Embedded Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Paraffin-embedded murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and healthy pancreas tissues were investigated using pulsed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission geometry. A deconvolution procedure was employed to obtain the tissue impulse response from the raw Terahertz signals. We report a well-resolved differences between the tumor and healthy pancreas along with an enhanced absorbance in tumor tissue compared to its healthy counterpart.
Uniaxial and Coaxial Vertical Embedded Extrusion Bioprinting.

The three-dimensional bioprinting technologies have attracted increasing attention due to their flexibility in producing architecturally relevant tissue constructs. Here, we present an enabling vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting strategy using uniaxial or coaxial nozzles, which allows formation of vertical structures of homogeneous or heterogeneous properties in nature. By adjusting the bioprinting parameters, the characteristics of the bioprinted vertical patterns could be precisely controlled. Using this strategy, we demonstrated two proof-of-concept applications in tissue biofabrication. Specifically, intestinal villi and hair follicles, two liner-shaped tissue types in the human body, were successfully generated with the vertical embedded bioprinting method, reconstructing some of their key structures as well as restoring partial functions in vitro. Caco-2 cells in the bioprinted intestinal villus constructs proliferated and aggregated properly, also showing functional biomarker expressions such as ZO-1 and villin. Moreover, preliminary hair follicle structures featuring keratinized human keratinocytes and spheroid-shaped human dermal papilla cells were formed after vertical bioprinting and culturing. In summary, this vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting technique harnessing a uniaxial or coaxial format will likely bring further improvements in the reconstruction of certain human tissues and organs, especially those with a linear structure in nature, potentially leading to wide utilities in tissue engineering, tissue model engineering, and drug discovery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The correctional staff burnout literature

Correctional staff job burnout is costly to all involved. As such, it has generated a growing body of research. This study reviewed 53 empirical studies of correctional staff burnout and two review articles published between 1981 and 2014. The majority of studies focused on staff working in a variety of institutional positions, fewer studies focused exclusively on the subgroup of correctional officers, and even fewer focused on a different subgroup. The majority of studies also involved staff at US government-run adult prisons. Most but not all studies utilized Maslach’s Burnout Inventory. Research on the antecedents of job burnout among correctional staff is more common than research on the possible consequences or outcomes of job burnout. Interestingly, despite the empirical emphasis on antecedents of burnout, there has been almost no research on effective interventions designed to deal with correctional staff burnout. Based on this narrative review, significant gaps remain in the research on correction...
Epidemiology of proteinuria: A study of 4,807 schoolchildren

The test stix method of testing for proteinuria has been used on 4,807 schoolchildren. Using this screening method, there is a significant prevalence (5.4 per cent) of asymptomatic proteinuria in this group of children. There is a significantly increased prevalence of proteinuria with increasing age and a temporarily increased prevalence of proteinuria during puberty. The mean quantitative 24 hour urine protein excretion in the negative protein group is 100.5 mg., and the mean in the positive protein group is 171.6 mg.
Nasoduodenal vs. nasogastric feeding.

To the Editor: The article by Drs. Van Caillie and Powell entitled “Nasoduodenal Versus Nasogastric Feeding in the Very Low Birthweight Infant” (Pediatrics 56:1065, December 1975) represents a phenomenon all too common in the literature: investigation of an important question with inadequate numbers of patients and poor statistical control, resulting in conclusions based on insufficient data. The issue of how to feed the very small premature infant is indeed a significant one. A valid physiological
NEUTROPHIL TRANSFUSION IN THE NEWBORN: RESPONSE OF SERUM NEUTROPHIL |[lpar]|SN|[rpar]| CONCENTRATION

Unpredictable responses in SN counts were observed in infants following the transfusion of irradiated neutrophils(11.6± 3.3cc/kg) during therapy for neonatal sepsis. Sixteen infants (BW.1880±770g, GA.33±44 wks) were transfused at a mean age of 65.5±43.8 hours. SN count pre(58.4±44.3 hours) and post(67.3±40.1 hours) transfusion was 1350±1070/cu.mm.,and 3177±2493/cu.mm., respectively (p<0.02). Three pre SN counts were used to calculate a rate of SN change. Using these values to predict expected counts without transfusion, four types of responses were noted among three post counts in survivors; full response (N=6),early response(N=3), late response(N=1), and no response (N=4).
Studies on the Metabolism of Adipose Tissue XIX. AN EVALUATION OF THE MAJOR PATHWAYS OF GLUCOSE CATABOLISM AS INFLUENCED BY ACETATE IN THE PRESENCE OF INSULIN

Abstract Rat epididymal fat pads were incubated at 37° in bicarbonate buffer, pH 7.4, with glucose (10 mm) or with glucose plus acetate (15 mm), in the presence of insulin (1000 microunits per ml). The net gas exchange, total CO2 production, O2 consumption, glucose utilization, lactate and glycerol production, and radioactive carbon incorporation into CO2 and fatty acids were measured, with the use of matched pieces of tissue, in the presence of (a) uniformly labeled glucose-14C, (b) uniformly labeled glucose-14C plus unlabeled acetate, (c) unlabeled glucose and acetate-1,2-14C, and (d) glucose-6-14C and unlabeled acetate. The results permitted the estimation of the quantitative flow of glucose and acetate carbon into the major metabolic pathways of adipose tissue. It was found that when glucose and acetate were present together the flow of glucose carbon through the pentose cycle increased 83% and total fatty acid synthesis 60% above that seen with glucose alone. Part of the increased fatty acid synthesis was due to a greater flow of glucose carbon to acetyl coenzyme A, brought about entirely by the increased production of glyceraldehyde phosphate in the pentose cycle. It was calculated that the pentose cycle provided 65% of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate needed for reduction to fatty acid of the acetyl-CoA formed from glucose, but that this cycle furnished all the extra reducing equivalents needed when acetate was also available as a precursor for fatty acid synthesis. This difference is attributed to the production of reduced coenzymes in the formation of acetyl-CoA from glucose but not from acetate. The conversion of a portion of these reduced coenzymes into NADPH for use in fatty acid synthesis, and the reaction of of the remainder with oxygen, are discussed. It is concluded that the rate of these reactions may limit conversion of glucose to fat in adipose tissue maximally stimulated by insulin. A limitation does not appear to be set by the rate at which any of the following processes can proceed: (a) glucose uptake, (b) NADPH formation by the pentose cycle, (c) conversion of acetyl-CoA to fatty acids, (d) consumption of oxygen and production of adenosine triphosphate.
Effects of Cimetidine on Gastric Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activity and Blood Ethanol Levels

Chronic use of cimetidine and alcohol are commonly associated, but studies on their interactions are the subject of controversy. To investigate this question, a small ethanol dose (0.15 g/kg body wt) was randomly administered on 2 consecutive days either orally or intravenously to 6 normal volunteers, before and after 1 wk of oral administration of 400 mg of cimetidine twice daily. Although cimetidine did not change the areas under the curve of blood ethanol concentrations after intravenous administration, those after oral alcohol intake were twice as large with cimetidine than without. Similar effects were reproduced in rats after intravenous administration of cimetidine (50 mg/kg body wt). In vitro, cimetidine was a noncompetitive inhibitor of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity at concentrations as low as 0.01 mM, 100-fold lower than those needed to inhibit the hepatic dehydrogenase. These results indicate that gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity governs, in part, the systemic bioavailability of ethanol. Consequently, systemic effects of alcohol may be exacerbated in patients receiving cimetidine.
Cleavage of Rat Prolactin Occurs Within Rat Mammary Tissue, and the Cleaved Form is Present in Serum but Not in Milk

AbstractThe present study was undertaken to determine whether cleavage of rat prolactin (rPRL) occurs within rat mammary tissue and to investigate whether the cleaved form and its 16-kDa amino terminal fragment are present in rat serum and milk. The relative abundance of the different forms of rPRL was determined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis using an antiserum to the 16-kDa fragment. Explants of mammary glands from lactating rats were incubated with intact rPRL. The tissue was then washed extensively to remove external PRL forms. The ratios of cleaved to intact rPRL in mammary tissue homogenate, in mammary-conditioned medium, and in serum from lactating rats were 4.2, 0.44, and 0.16, respectively. Although intact rPRL was found in milk, the cleaved form was not detectable. The 16-kDa fragment of rPRL was not detected in concentrated extracts of either serum or milk. These results indicate that lactating rat mammary tissue can internalize and cleave intact rPRL, but the cleaved form does not appear ...
Patterns of drug treatment entry by Latino male injection drug users from different national/geographical backgrounds.

Abstract Background This study examined patterns of treatment entry by Puerto Rican, Central American, Dominican, and other Latino male injection drug users (IDUs) in the state of Massachusetts over the time period 1996–2002. Specifically, it explored whether these populations had different patterns relative to three paths: entry into detoxification only, entry into residential treatment, or entry into methadone maintenance. Methods Using a state-level MIS dataset on all substance abuse treatment entries to all licensed treatment programs, bi-variate and logistic regression methods were employed to examine patterns of drug treatment utilization among Latino men residing in Massachusetts. Results Three logistic regression models, which controlled for age, education, homelessness, employment, history of mental health treatment, health insurance, criminal justice involvement, having injected drugs in the past month, and number of treatment entries, indicated that Puerto Rican men were significantly less likely to only use detoxification services and residential treatment services, and significantly more likely to enter methadone maintenance compared to Latino men from Central American, Dominican, or other Latino backgrounds. For example, Central American men were 2.4 times more likely to enter only detoxification programs and 54% less likely to enter methadone maintenance programs than Puerto Rican male IDUs. Implications For program planning, include the need to (a) develop varied drug treatment services to meet the needs of non-homogenous Latino groups within the population, (b) tailor outreach efforts to effectively reach all Latino groups, and (c) increase awareness among practitioners of differential patterns of treatment utilization.
The use of ultrasound during reconstructive arterial surgery of the lower extremities.

Real-time, B-mode ultrasonography is a dependable method of vascular imaging for use during arterial reconstruction. It has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies to detect accurately intimal flaps, arteriotomy stricture, and intraluminal thrombi. Sonographic images are 3-dimensional and dynamic. Scans can be repeated as often as necessary and in different views to characterize lesions fully. Operative sonography has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 94%, and accuracy of 94% compared to 68%, 85%, and 83%, respectively, for operative arteriography. There are limitations to sonography. It can only evaluate vessels in the operative field and is useless for assessment of the arterial run-off. The high sensitivity of sonography will lead to the discovery of defects that likely pose no threat to the success of the reconstruction. The surgeon will have to decide what lesions are significant and what lesions warrant reexploration. The role of operative ultrasonography in arterial surgery is to complement arteriography. This can be accomplished by assessing areas not readily visualized by arteriography and by providing additional information to assist the surgeon in obtaining a technically successful reconstruction.
FAITH AND U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE POLICY

Abstract The U.S. government plays a vital role, alongside private organizations, in aiding the world's poor. Faith-based organizations, especially those receiving federal funding, need to understand the climate in which they work, including competing funding motivations and clashing domestic political agendas. The recent shift toward soft power will bring new opportunities for foreign assistance, and NGOs will play a vital role in raising funds and executing programs. As faith-based NGOs and USAID continue to work together, the next president should engage religious leaders, make earmarks more transparent, and establish a new cabinet department for international aid.
Evidence that sabinene is an essential precursor of C(3)-oxygenated thujane monoterpenes

Abstract The volatile oil of immature Artemisia absinthium L. leaves contains sabinyl acetate (42%), 3-thujone (32%), sabinene (12%), and α-thujene (3%) as major constitutents, and label from the acyclic precursor [1- 3 H]geraniol was incorporated, under aerobic conditions, into these thujane-type monoterpenes in proportion to their natural abundance in this tissue. Light had little effect on the synthesis of these monoterpenes from exogenous geraniol; however, at reduced oxygen levels, label from geraniol accumulated in the olefin sabinene while much less sabinyl acetate and 3-thujone were formed, suggesting a route to the ester and ketone by the allylic, nonphotochemical, oxygenation of sabinene. Supporting evidence for the intermediary role of the olefin was provided by isotopic dilution studies in which sabinene, but not α-thujene, blocked formation of the oxygenated derivatives from the labeled precursor. [10- 3 H]Sabinene was incorporated directly as a substrate in A. absinthium leaves into both [10- 3 H]sabinyl acetate and 3-[10- 3 H]thujone. Furthermore, [ 3 H]sabinene was specifically incorporated into 3-thujone in Tanacetum vulgare and into the diastereomeric ketone 3-isothujone in Salvia officinalis , confirming the role of this bicyclic olefin as the essential precursor of C(3)-oxygenated thujane monoterpenes.
Highly dynamic fission–fusion species can exhibit leadership when traveling

Leadership by specific individuals is thought to enhance the fitness of followers by allowing them to take advantage of the knowledge or skills of key individuals. In general, consistent leadership is expected to occur primarily in stable groups of related individuals where the benefits enhance the inclusive fitness of a leader. Societies with less stability in group composition (i.e., fission–fusion groups) are less likely to feature unshared decision making. However, in situations where frequent interactions among individuals occur (e.g., small population size and small range of movement) and/or the complexity of the environment requires substantial experience and knowledge, consistent leadership might be expected. We tested if a highly dynamic fission–fusion population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), inhabiting a complex environment, exhibited leadership when traveling. A small number of specific individuals led group travel more often than expected by chance, and were more likely to initiate successful direction changes of groups than following individuals. The number of leaders in a group remained relatively constant across a wide range of group sizes and was not affected by the number of potential leaders (i.e., those that had led previously) present in the group. Together, these results suggest that leadership can occur in species with high rates of group fission and fusion. Therefore, the loss of key individuals could have disproportionate effects on population dynamics.
Structure and reactivity of illudins

Abstract An X-ray crystallographic analysis of illudin S, an anitumor sesquiterpene from Omphalotusilludens, has been carried out. Crystal data: C15H20O4, orthorhombic, space group P21212, a = 15.103(5), b = 10.574(5), c = 8.917(3) A, Z = 4, F(000) = 568, λ (Cu) = 1.54184 A. Final residual index R = 0.037. Interatomic distances indicate nonbonded repulsive interactions between the methylenes of the cyclopropane ring and the adjacent tertiary hydroxyl and methyl groups. Relief of this interaction may explain the ready isomerization of illudins to isoilludins. Molecular mechanics calculations show isoilludin M to be ∼5 kcal/mol more stable than illudin M in agreement with this postulate. Reaction of illudin M with dilute HCl gives two chloroindantriols by nucleophilic attack of chloride on the cyclopropane ring leading to a quinoid intermediate which is trapped by solvent. mudins can thus act as bifunctional alkylating agents.
''This Is the Story of Why My Military Career Ended Before It Should Have'': Premature Separation From Military Service Among U.S. Women Veterans

Women who serve in the military benefit from unique opportunities but face strains as a minority population and, compared to men, report greater dissatisfaction with their service and have shorter military careers. We interviewed 35 U.S. women veterans about their decisions to enter and leave military service. Premature separation—leaving military service before one plans, expects, or wants to—was a prominent theme and was often precipitated by gender-based experiences, including interpersonal violence, harassment, and caregiving needs. Findings can inform efforts to improve the length and quality of women’s military careers and support women during and after service.
Ion calorimetry: Using mass spectrometry to measure melting points.

Calorimetry measurements have been used to probe the melting of aluminum cluster cations with 63 to 83 atoms. Heat capacities were determined as a function of temperature (from 150 to 1050 K) for size-selected cluster ions using an approach based on multicollision-induced dissociation. The experimental method is described in detail and the assumptions are critically evaluated. Most of the aluminum clusters in the size range examined here show a distinct peak in their heat capacities that is attributed to a melting transition (the peak is due to the latent heat). The melting temperatures are below the bulk melting point and show enormous fluctuations as a function of cluster size. Some clusters (for example, n=64, 68, and 69) do not show peaks in their heat capacities. This behavior is probably due to the clusters having a disordered solid-like phase, so that melting occurs without a latent heat.
An Exposure‐Response Method for Assessing the Long Term Health Effects of the Bhopal Gas Disaster

Approximately 200,000 persons were exposed to methyl isocyanate in the Bhopal Gas leak in Bhopal, India. 4037 deaths have resulted and 30 per cent of the population are estimated to be suffering from long-term health effects. Though inflammatory damage to the eyes and lungs is the main cause of morbidity, other systems are also reported to be affected. For a disaster of this magnitude, there is a relative paucity of medical information. Very little information has been published on the late recovery period, a phase in which the detection of chronic and long-term effects is vital. Early cross-sectional studies suffer from a number of defects in study design, including validity and precision of exposure and outcome variables, selection of study and control groups, etc. By using exposure concentrations derived from Singh's analytic dispersion model, this paper outlines a strategy for doing community epidemiology in Bhopal using exposure strata for sampling. Pulmonary dose can be estimated from exposure concentration, duration and activity during exposure. For respiratory end-points, a sample size of 100/stratum will ensure study power of 90 per cent. Using multiple linear regression, data from the study can be used to build a model for prediction of lung function parameters. Exposure-stratified sampling techniques may provide valid estimates of exposure-response without including the total exposed community.
Evidence for marked sensitivity to the antilipolytic action of insulin in obese maturity-onset diabetics

Abstract Changes in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) observed during oral glucose tolerance tests in 12 obese maturity-onset diabetic Pima Indians with insulin response to oral glucose averaging only 7 ± 19 μU/ml above fasting were compared to those of 11 obese nondiabetic Pima Indians and 10 obese nondiabetic Caucasions who had mean insulin responses of 252 ± 34 and 73 ± 18 μU/ml, respectively. Fasting free fatty acid levels in the diabetics were higher, but they showed decreases similar to controls (278 ± 55 versus 284 ± 32 for nondiabetic Pima controls and 262 ± 43 μeq/liter below fasting for nondiabetic Caucasions). Plasma glycerol levels showed decreases parallel to those of free fatty acids, indicating that the FFA changes in the diabetics were attributable to inhibition of lipolysis rather than to increased removal. During intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) in these diabetics, insulin levels decreased initially and there was no decline in FFA. In a second group of less severe diabetics (N = 6), whose increments in insulin during intravenous glucose tolerance tests averaged 15 ± 4.1 μU/ml above fasting, FFA decreases were again comparable to Pima and Caucasion nondiabetics (214 ± 53, 234 ± 37, and 183 ± 51 μeq/liter below fasting, respectively). These findings demonstrate marked sensitivity to the antilipolytic effects of insulin in individuals considered to be resistant to its glucose-lowering action.
Enhanced spatial performance following 10 minutes exposure to music: a replication

Previous research has demonstrated that 10 min. exposure to classical music can influence performance on a spatial task. The effect, however, has not been robust, suggesting a sensitivity to individual differences and task operationalization. The present study involved a further replication of this effect. 16 female and 16 male undergraduates completed two equivalent spatial tests, one following a control procedure and one following the presentation of Mozart's Sonata for two pianos in D major. Performance showed a small but significant improvement immediately following presentation of the music.
Fast near duplicate detection for personal image collections

Due to the rapid growth in personal image collections, there is increasing interest on automatic detection of near duplicates. In this paper, we propose a novel fast near duplicate detection framework that takes advantages of heterogeneous features like EXIF data, global image histogram and local features. To improve the accuracy of local feature matching, we have developed a structure matching algorithm that takes into account of a local feature's neighborhood which can effectively reject mismatches. In addition, we developed a computation-sensitive cascade framework to combine stage classifiers trained on different feature spaces with different computational cost. This method can quickly accept easily identified duplicates using only cheap features without the need to extract more sophisticate but expensive ones. Compared with existing approaches, our experiments show very promising results using our new approach in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness.
Overproduction of bacteriophage Qβ maturation (A2) protein leads to cell lysis

Abstract Double-stranded cDNA from the maturation (or A 2 ) protein gene of the RNA bacteriophage Qβ has been cloned such that its expression is regulated by the E. coli lac promoter/operator. Induction of the A 2 clone is lethal to the host. The basis of this lethality is cell lysis, which is correlated with synthesis of the A 2 protein. No other major proteins appear to be made from the A 2 gene when inducer is added. Plasmid-derived A 2 protein specifically complements infecting Qβ A 2 amber mutants. Lysis activity is abolished in clones that synthesize truncated or internally deleted A 2 polypeptides ranging from 10% to 95% of the length of wild-type protein. We conclude that host lysis is promoted by the maturation protein itself, rather than by a separate lysis protein. The A 2 protein probably allows for the release of progeny Qβ phage particles following normal infection.
Storage and retrieval of coded patient diagnoses and data on a clinical laboratory computer system.

Abstract A system has been developed which allows for easy storage and retrieval of patient diagnoses using ICD-9-CM codes. Entered codes are automatically interpreted by the computer and then both the code and the interpretation are stored as an integral part of the patient record. Teaching clinicians may use an automated, keyword-search algorithm to display the code for a diagnosis of interest and then use that code to find any hospitalized patient with such a primary or secondary diagnosis. Entered diagnoses automatically appear on worksheets in the clinical laboratory. Retrospective studies also may be performed whenever a pathologist wants to compare diagnoses with laboratory results.
Topology-Based Failure Diagnosis Algorithm in Space Information Networks

The space information networks are easy to be disturbed and destroyed, which is due to their hostile operational environments and results in a decrease in network quality of service. Given their characteristics, a distributed topology failure diagnosis scheme composed of failure detection node election and failure diagnosis is proposed. First, a proper number of nodes are elected to detect faults in a coordinated and distributed way by using minimum dominating set algorithm. Then elected diagnosis nodes detect faults around based on the theory of dependency-graph. The technology of minimum Huffman tree is used to preliminarily locate failures and on that base the further location is fulfilled through sending detection messages on purpose. Simulation results from NS2 demonstrate that high accurate diagnosis rate can be reached at the expense of low cost by this failure diagnosis algorithm.
Herbivore-induced blueberry volatiles and intra-plant signaling.

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are commonly emitted from plants after herbivore attack1,2. These HIPVs are mainly regulated by the defensive plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA) and its volatile derivative methyl jasmonate (MeJA)3,4,5. Over the past 3 decades researchers have documented that HIPVs can repel or attract herbivores, attract the natural enemies of herbivores, and in some cases they can induce or prime plant defenses prior to herbivore attack. In a recent paper6, I reported that feeding by gypsy moth caterpillars, exogenous MeJA application, and mechanical damage induce the emissions of volatiles from blueberry plants, albeit differently. In addition, blueberry branches respond to HIPVs emitted from neighboring branches of the same plant by increasing the levels of JA and resistance to herbivores (i.e., direct plant defenses), and by priming volatile emissions (i.e., indirect plant defenses). Similar findings have been reported recently for sagebrush7, poplar8, and lima beans9.. Here, I describe a push-pull method for collecting blueberry volatiles induced by herbivore (gypsy moth) feeding, exogenous MeJA application, and mechanical damage. The volatile collection unit consists of a 4 L volatile collection chamber, a 2-piece guillotine, an air delivery system that purifies incoming air, and a vacuum system connected to a trap filled with Super-Q adsorbent to collect volatiles5,6,10. Volatiles collected in Super-Q traps are eluted with dichloromethane and then separated and quantified using Gas Chromatography (GC). This volatile collection method was used n my study6 to investigate the volatile response of undamaged branches to exposure to volatiles from herbivore-damaged branches within blueberry plants. These methods are described here. Briefly, undamaged blueberry branches are exposed to HIPVs from neighboring branches within the same plant. Using the same techniques described above, volatiles emitted from branches after exposure to HIPVs are collected and analyzed.
On genetic variation in menarche and age at first sexual intercourse: A critique of the Belsky–Draper hypothesis

Abstract The association of age of menarche, nonvirginity status, and age of first sexual intercourse was investigated in teenage, female twins (mean age, 17 years) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The sample sizes were all relatively small, so complex biometric models were not fit to twin covariance matrices; rather, rough estimators of genetic effects were used. Accordingly, all three characteristics were influenced by genetic variation, with higher heritabilities on nonvirginity status and age of menarche than on age of first sex. In MZ twins, the phenotypic (i.e., on individuals) correlation between menarcheal age and age of first sexual intercourse was .27. The association of menarcheal age in identical (MZ) Twin 1 and sexual onset age in MZ Twin 2, and vice versa, was .25. The genetic correlation between them, r g , was roughly estimated to be .72. These findings weaken a conditional adaptation interpretation of this association as proposed by Belsky and Draper, suggesting instead that heritable individual differences may give rise to this association.
Secretion of collagenous stroma by isolated epithelium grown in vitro.

Summary Corneal epithelium from embryonic chicken was isolated in organ culture on various nonliving substrata in the presence of 3 H-proline. Autoradiographs showed that the epithelium secreted into the substrata, radioactive material resistant to extraction by sodium hydroxide. In certain explants it was possible to demonstrate by electron microscopy that the radioactivity was associated with striated fibrils and sheets that had the repeat period and interband pattern typical of native collagen. A newly formed basement lamina was also seen.
Myelodysplasia in the rat: status of the involved musculature.

SUMMARY 351 rat fetuses between 16 and 22 days gestation were examined clinically, histologically and histochemically, including 165 with gross abnormalities after trypan blue induction of myelodysplasia. The usual varieties of gross abnormalities of the tail and spine were seen, but there was no consistent picture of fixed limb deformities. Histological appearance on H. & E. staining was normal. There were varying degrees of deficiency of motor end-plates in the paralysed muscles and there was a dramatic deficit in muscle bulk. The spectrum of abnormal neuromuscular junctions is felt to be secondary to the nature and timing of the spinal cord deficit. The deficiency in the number of myoblasts and myotubes appears to be secondary to the more basic mesodermal deficit. No consistent relationship could be found between the microscopic abnormalities and the open and closed myelodysplastic lesions. RESUME Myelodysplasie du rat: elat de la musculature impliquee 351 foetus de rat de 16 a 22 jours de gestation, parmi lesquels 165 presentant des anomalies importantes apres creation d'une myelodysplasie par bleu de trypan, ont ete examines cliniquement, histologiquement et histochimiquement. Les diverses formes habituelles d'anomalies de la queue et de la colonne ont ete observees mais on n'a pas relevt d'apparition reguliere de deformations definitives des membres. L'apparence histologique apres coloration H & E etait normale. Il a ete observe des degres varies de dtficience des plaques motrices dans les niuscles paralyses et une diminution considerable du volume musculaire. La disposition des jonctions neuro-musculaires anormales semble etre secondaire a la nature et au moment d'apparition du deficit medullaire. Une chute du nombre des myoblastes et des myotubes semble etre secondaire au deficit mesodermique le plus fondamental. Aucune relation significative n'a ete observee entre les anomalies microscopiques et le caractere expost ou ferme des lesions myelo-dysplasiques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Myelodysplasie bei der Ratte: Status der beteiligten Muskulatur 351 Rattenfeten mit einem Gestationsalter zwischen 16 und 22 Tagen wurden klinisch, histologisch und histochemisch untersucht, einschlieslich 165 mit deutlichen Misbildungen nach Trypanblau induzierter Myelodysplasie. Es wurden die verschiedenen bekannten Misbildungen der Wirbelsaule und des Schwanzes beobachtet, aber es gab keine einheitlichen Extremitatenmisbildungen. Das histologische Bild auf HE Praparaten war normal. Das Fehlen der motorischen Endplatten in den gelahmten Muskeln war unterschiedlich stark und es fiel eine erhebliche Muskelatrophie auf. Das Spektrum der abnormen neuromuskularen Verbindungen scheint von der Art und dem Einsetzen des Ruckenmarkausfalls abzuhangen. Die geringe Anzahl von Myoblasten und Muskelfasern beruht auf einem Defizit des Mesoderms. Es konnten keine klaren Beziehungen zwischen den mikroskopischen Veranderungen und den offenen und geschlossenen myelodysplastischen Lasionen gefunden werden.
Cardiovascular sex differences influencing microvascular exchange

The vital role of the cardiovascular (CV) system is maintenance of body functions via the matching of exchange to tissue metabolic demand. Sex-specific differences in the regulatory mechanisms of CV function and the metabolic requirements of men and women, respectively, have been identified and appreciated. This review focuses on sex differences of parameters influencing exchange at the point of union between blood and tissue, the microvasculature. Microvascular architecture, blood pressure (hydrostatic and oncotic), and vascular permeability, therefore, are discussed in the specific context of sex in health and disorders. It is notable that when sex differences exist, they are generally subtle but significant. In the aggregate, though, they can give rise to profoundly different phenotypes. The postulated mechanisms responsible for sex differences are attributed to genomics, epigenetics, and sex hormones. Depending on specific circumstances, the effect of the combined factors can range from insignificant to lethal. Identifying and understanding key signalling mechanisms bridging genomics/sex hormones and microvascular exchange properties within the scope of this review holds significant promise for sex-specific prevention and treatment of vascular barrier dysfunction.
In the beginning was H2+: Mass spectrometry and the molecular spectroscopy of gas-phase ions

Abstract The marrying of mass spectrometry with spectroscopic techniques for the study of mass selected ions corresponds closely to the half century, as the first mass-spectrometer based photodissociation spectrum experiment identified in this account was described in 1964. Starting from primitive beginnings, the field witnessed an explosion of techniques and interest in the 1970s and 80s, and has been further enriched in succeeding eras by the influx of new ion production approaches (like electrospray and MALDI), the development of new ion manipulation approaches such as supersonic beam expansion cooling and ion traps, and by the emergence of laser light sources in many varieties. A somewhat personal account of the evolution of this half century is given, with mention of many of the contributors.
Seeking Qualitative Rigor in Inductive Research: Notes on the Gioia Methodology

For all its richness and potential for discovery, qualitative research has been critiqued as too often lacking in scholarly rigor. The authors summarize a systematic approach to new concept development and grounded theory articulation that is designed to bring “qualitative rigor” to the conduct and presentation of inductive research.
Atherosclerotic coronary plaque in subjects with diabetic neuropathy: the prognostic cardiovascular role of Charcot neuroarthropathy-a case-control study

The aim of this study was to investigate the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the plaque composition in neuropathic type 2 diabetic subjects with and without Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) undergoing multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA). The study was a single-center, observational, with unmatched case–control design. We selected 17 CN patients and 18 patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN) without CN. In all the patients, multidetector computed tomography was performed to assess the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and degree of coronary artery stenosis. Patients were classified as positive in the presence of significant CAD if there was at least one stenosis >50 % on MDCT-CA. The invasive coronary angiography was performed in case of significant stenosis detected with MDCT-CA, both as reference to standard and eventually as treatment. Groups were matched for age, sex, and traditional CAD risk factors. As compared to DN individuals, CN exhibited higher rates of significant coronary stenoses (p = 0.027; OR 7.7 [1.3–43.5]). However, no significant differences were observed in the CACS, which reflects plaque burden, in the two groups (p = 0.759). No significant differences were observed comparing CACS distribution in all subjects for stenosis higher/equal or lower than 50 % (p = 0.320). Finally, no significant differences were observed comparing CACS distribution in CN and DN subjects for coronary stenoses higher/equal or lower than 50 %. Our results suggest that CN patients have a higher prevalence of severe coronary plaques compared to DN patients. Nevertheless, coronary plaques in CN patients did not exhibit an increased degree of calcification.
An updated Antarctic melt record through 2009 and its linkages to high‐latitude and tropical climate variability

[1] A 30-year minimum Antarctic snowmelt record occurred during austral summer 2008–2009 according to spaceborne microwave observations for 1980–2009. Strong positive phases of both the El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) were recorded during the months leading up to and including the 2008–2009 melt season. The 30-year record confirms that significant negative correlations exist at regional and continental scales between austral summer melting and both the ENSO and SAM indices for October–January. In particular, the strongest negative melting anomalies (such as those in 2008 and 2009) are related to amplified large-scale atmospheric forcing when both the SAM and ENSO are in positive phases. Our results suggest that enhanced snowmelt is likely to occur if recent positive summer SAM trends subside in conjunction with the projected recovery of stratospheric ozone levels, with subsequent impacts on ice sheet mass balance and sea level trends.