cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient quantum circuits for binary elliptic curve arithmetic: reducing T-gate complexity

Elliptic curves over finite fields F2n play a prominent role in modern cryptography. Published quantum algorithms dealing with such curves build on a short Weierstrass form in combination with affine or projective coordinates. In this paper we show that changing the curve representation allows a substantial reduction in the number of T-gates needed to implement the curve arithmetic. As a tool, we present a quantum circuit for computing multiplicative inverses in F2n in depth O(n log2 n) using a polynomial basis representation, which may be of independent interest.
From Global Village to Virtual Battlespace: The Colonizing of the Internet and the Extension of Realpolitik

From the earliest years of the Internet’s creation, cyberspace has been distinguished from other types of political space because of three unique qualities: (i) its ability to mobilize users, particularly ‘‘outsiders’’ including those who have not been easily included in political systems using conventional means; (ii) its ability to quickly provide large quantities of information of uncertain or unregulated quality; and (iii) its ability to shrink distances between users, in some sense rendering conventional physical geography irrelevant. This paper presents three lenses for interpreting the significance of these developments: utopian, liberal, and realist. Evolving doctrines of cyberwarfare as put forth by China, Russia, and the United States in particular stress the ways in which cyberspace presents a unique security threat which may present greater advantages to nonstate actors engaged in unconventional warfare. Differing economic, political, and security policies derive from each lens.
The safety and antiviral effect of protease inhibitors in children.

Study Objective. To determine the safety and antiviral effect of protease inhibitors (PIs) over 36 months in pediatric patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Design. Observational study. Setting. Pediatric immunodeficiency clinic. Patients. Twenty-one children. Intervention. Demographics, dosage regimens, genotype data, viral RNA and CD4 + lymphocyte counts, adverse drug events (ADEs), laboratory tests, and compliance were evaluated over 3 years. Data were analyzed by x 2 , repeated measures analysis of variance, and paired t tests. Measurements and Main Results. Twenty-one pediatric patients (aged 3 mo-15 yrs) received Pls over the study period. Average daily doses were ritonavir 26 mg/kg in 12 patients, nelfinavir 94 mg/kg in 16, indinavir 49 mg/kg in 5, and saquinavir 43 mg/kg in 4. Five patients developed resistance to an existing PI. Overall compliance was 70%. Baseline HIV-1 RNA plasma concentrations were significantly higher than average follow-up concentrations during 3-36 months in patients taking ritonavir (p<0.001) and nelfinavir (p<0.001). Sample size was insufficient for indinavir or saquinavir. Sixty ADEs occurred, diarrhea being most common. Of patients with ADEs, 55% required increased monitoring and 43% treatment. Ritonavir was associated with the most ADEs (28), followed by nelfinavir (16), indinavir (11), and saquinavir (5). Significant increases between baseline and follow-up cholesterol levels were found with ritonavir (p=0.02) and nelfinavir (p=0.001), and for serum creatinine (p=0.02) and triglycerides (p=0.02) with ritonavir. Follow-up triglycerides were significantly higher than baseline for indinavir (p=0.003). Conclusion. Nelfinavir and ritonavir were effective in decreasing HIV-1 viral loads and improving CD4 + lymphocyte counts. Ritonavir was associated with more ADEs than other Pls. Changes in cholesterol, serum creatinine, and triglycerides were noted with some Pis.
The Infrared Spectra of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Excess Peripheral H Atoms (H(sub n)-PAHs) and their Relation to the 3.4 and 6.9 Micrometer PAH Emission Features

A population of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and related materials are thought to be responsible for the family of infrared emission features that are seen towards a wide variety of astrophysical environments. A potentially important subclass of these materials are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons whose edges contain excess H atoms (H(sub n)-PAHs). While it has been suggested that this type of compound may be present in the interstellar population, it has been difficult to properly assess this possibility because of a lack of suitable infrared laboratory spectra to assist with analysis of the astronomical data. We present the 4000-500 cm(exp -1) (2.5-20 micrometers) infrared spectra of 23 H(sub n)-PAHs and related molecules isolated in argon matrices, under conditions suitable for use in the interpretation of astronomical data. The spectra of molecules with mixed aromatic and aliphatic domains show unique characteristics that distinguish them from their fully aromatic PAH equivalents. We discuss the changes to the spectra of these types of molecules as they transition from fully aromatic to fully aliphatic forms. The implications for the interpretation of astronomical spectra are discussed with specific emphasis on the 3.4 and 6.9 micrometer features. Laboratory data is compared with emission spectra from IRAS 21282+5050, an object with normal PAH emission features, in addition to IRAS 22272+5435 and IRAS 0496+3429, two protoplanetary nebulae with abnormally large 3.4 micrometer features. We show that 'normal' PAH emission objects contain relatively few H(sub n)-PAHs in their emitter populations, but less evolved protoplanetary nebulae may contain significant abundances of these molecules.
Machining Test Specimens From Harvested Zion RPV Segments

The decommissioning of the Zion Nuclear Generating Station (NGS) in Zion, Illinois, presents a special and timely opportunity for developing a better understanding of materials degradation and other issues associated with extending the lifetime of existing nuclear power plants (NPPs) beyond 60 years of service. In support of extended service and current operations of the US nuclear reactor fleet, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), through the Department of Energy (DOE), Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program, is coordinating and contracting with Zion Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Solutions, an international nuclear services company, the selective procurement of materials, structures, components, and other items of interest from the decommissioned reactors. In this paper, we will discuss the acquisition of segments of the Zion Unit 2 Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV), cutting these segments into blocks from the beltline and upper vertical welds and plate material and machining those blocks into mechanical (Charpy, compact tension, and tensile) test specimens and coupons for microstructural (TEM, SEM, APT, SANS and nano indention) characterization. Access to service-irradiated RPV welds and plate sections will allow through wall attenuation studies to be performed, which will be used to assess current radiation damage models [1].Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Cakes: Types of Cakes

A wide range of cake products are found across the globe. Good quality cakes have a large volume and a crumb grain that is uniform with many small, fine cells and no large holes or tunnels. Batter preparation methods vary for different types of cakes and are one basis by which cakes are classified. The three most common types of cakes are layer cakes, foam cakes, and pound cakes. Layer cakes can be prepared using three different mixing procedures, which include multistage mix, single-stage mix, and continuous mix. There are three different types of foam cakes (angel food, sponge, and chiffon), which differ in the level and type of fat in the formula. Angel food cakes contain no fat, sponge cakes contain fat from the egg yolk in the formula, and chiffon cakes contain fat added in the form of butter, shortening, or oil in addition to the fat in the egg yolk. Pound cakes are the richest type of cake, containing high levels of sugar, fat, and eggs. They are made using a multistage (creaming) method.
Improvement of detection performance in STDR/SSTDR using sign detector

Novel fault detection schemes for sequence time-domain reflectometry (STDR) and spread-spectrum time-domain reflectometry (SSTDR) are proposed, which improve, the detection performance of far faults without increasing the computational complexity by positioning a sign detector at the front of the time correlator. Simulation results demonstrate that the detection performances of the proposed schemes for far faults are considerably better than those of the conventional ones regardless of sequence lengths and reference types.
Preventing motor vehicle-occupant and pedestrian injuries in children and adolescents

Injuries to young motor vehicle occupants and pedestrians continue to be a leading cause of childhood and adolescent mortality and morbidity. Recent articles relevant to childhood traffic injuries are reviewed here. Topics include infant passengers traveling on lap, effectiveness of seat belts for 4 to 14 year olds, passengers riding in the back of pickup trucks, and characteristics of young drivers. Socioecologic and geographic factors in pedestrian injuries are also discussed, along with parents' expectations of their children's street-crossing skills, the efficacy of a school-based pedestrian training program, and children's abilities to estimate safe intervals between traffic when crossing streets.
China: Law, Economy and Foreign Relations - A Symposium Introduction

The promise and challenges of Chinese law, economy, and foreign relations is nicely framed within the Chinese Constitution. From the time of the leadership of Deng Xiao-Ping, China has invested tremendous resources on the modernization of all sectors of its society while attempting to remain true to the founding ideology of the People's Republic. Chinese ideological and political systems ultimately shape the social, political, and economic culture of the People's Republic of China. In a state that takes political theory very seriously (at least officially) but in which development is still not at an advanced stage, theory and practice, aspiration, and reality serve as critical sites for study. This paper discusses a number of important contributions to the study of Chinese law, economy and foreign relations produced in connection with a symposium sponsored in February 2006 by the University of Iowa College of Law. Taken together, these articles paint a picture of a sophisticated state in substantial transition in its internal governance and its external relations. Examining various aspects of this transition, from both American and Chinese perspectives, these contributions touch on a range of important current issues, including the role of ideology in governance, to the state of the regulation of the finance sectors, the development of administrative law mechanisms, the evolution of rights in property, the delivery of "justice" services, and the construction of a policy on Taiwan, these contributions suggest the possibilities of Chinese-American dialogue. Both the United States and China remain ideologically dynamic in this latter sense. Their conversations, both internal and between them, will have tremendous effects. These effects will touch not only on the state of global norm making, but also the way in which the United States and China each comes to understand the other, and themselves.
Structural Change and Competitive Relationships Among Buying and Selling Firms

T HIS paper is concerned with changes in the "competitive structure" of agricultural factor markets. Major emphasis will be placed upon market structure which has been defined by Bain to mean "those characteristics of the organization of a market which seem to influence strategically the nature of competition and pricing within the market."1 Some consideration will be given to the related concept of market conduct.2 Rather than setting this paper in the framework of market structure, conduct, and performance, the approach will be to look at some of the major changes that have occurred in agricultural production and their effects on the farm firm (factor purchasers) and on factor suppliers. Then the implications of these changes upon the competitive structure will be considered. This will include a discussion of the relevant market areas
Management of Short Cervix during Pregnancy: A Review

Sonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix has evolved as one of the best clinical tools available for the prediction of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), particularly when combined with prior poor obstetric history. There is a growing body of evidence describing interventions for short cervix that reduce the risk of preterm delivery and improve neonatal outcomes. Yet, given the significant heterogeneity in the pathways that lead to PTB, understanding the specific clinical characteristics of women who may benefit from a given intervention is critical to appropriate implementation. The three primary management strategies that have demonstrated improvement in obstetric and/or perinatal outcomes for appropriately selected women with a sonographically short cervix (vaginal progesterone, cervical cerclage, and pessary) are the subject of this review. In addition, the unique considerations of multiple pregnancies are discussed separately from singletons.
The NASA Ultra Long Duration Balloon Vehicle

The NASA Ultra Long Duration Balloon Vehicle is a new challenge in balloon design. The program requires a balloon capable of flying for up to 100 days, with a minimum float altitude of 33.5 km, and carrying a 1,600 kg payload. The proposed design is a pumpkin balloon. The pumpkin balloon requires longitudinal tendons that carry both the pressure load and payload weight. The balloon shell material is required to only carry a minimal pressure load. The pumpkin design has been attempted previously, but failed to achieve its potential due to unavailability of strong, stiff, light weight tendons. The design and fabrication approach is presented. The schedule and proposed test flights are presented. Specific trades showing the design space are presented. The trades concentrate onmaterial area1 density, tendon denier, balloon volume, and altitude. Descriptions of balloon performance control via autonomous overpressure control and auto-ballast control are given. UV exposure of the balloon and parachute materials are addressed along with proposed testing methods. UV protection system of the recovery system using a sleeve is also presented.
Assembly of phosphide nanocrystals into porous networks: formation of InP gels and aerogels.

The applicability of sol–gel nanoparticle assembly routes, previously employed for metal chalcogenides, to phosphides is reported for the case of InP. Two different sizes (3.5 and 6.0 nm) of InP nanoparticles were synthesized by solution-phase arrested precipitation, capped with thiolate ligands, and oxidized with H2O2 or O2/light to induce gel formation. The gels were aged, solvent-exchanged, and then supercritically dried to obtain aerogels with both meso- (2–50 nm) and macropores (>50 nm) and accessible surface areas of ∼200 m2/g. Aerogels showed higher band gap values relative to precursor nanoparticles, suggesting that during the process of assembling nanoparticles into 3D architectures, particle size reduction may have taken place. In contrast to metal chalcogenide gelation, InP gels did not form using tetranitromethane, a non-oxygen-transferring oxidant. The requirement of an oxygen-transferring oxidant, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showing oxidized phosphorus, suggests gelat...
Modeling of Heat and Mass Transfer in a Cold Wall CVD Reactor for Large Area Poly-SiC Film Deposition

A two-dimensional mathematical model of transport processes for the deposition of large area silicon carbide thin film in cylindrical vertical cold wall reactor is developed by considering transport phenomena, gas phase chemistry and deposition of reacting species on the surface. The model is employed to simulate polycrystalline 3CSiC film (100mm in diameter) deposition process in moderate and near atmospheric pressure regime, providing knowledge of the flow field, temperature and species’ concentration, and deposition profile. The effects of buoyancy force on the flow pattern and the deposition rate are studied in two different reactor configurations: flat top reactor and cone top reactor. It is illustrated that the cone top geometry of the reactor can significantly modify the gas flow pattern, and subsequently, reduce the non-uniformity of the deposition rate. Simulations are performed for a wide range of processing parameters including the deposition pressure and substrate rotation rate. Understanding of the relationship between processing conditions and the uniformity of the film thickness is achieved. Reactor geometry and processing conditions that favor the deposition of uniform film are proposed.
Modulation by retinoic acid of spontaneous and benzo(a)pyrene-induced c-Ha-ras expression.

The effects of retinoic acid on the expression of the Ha-ras gene were studied in transformed rat hepatoma cells (H4IIE) and in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC) treated with benzo(a)pyrene (30 µM) in vitro. In H4IIE cells, a dose- dependent increase in steady state Ha-ras mRNA levels was observed upon exposure to retinoic acid for 24 hr. Exposure of ASMC to 10 µM retinoic acid under similar experimental conditions was also associated with increased Ha-ras expression. In contrast, retinoic acid (1 and 10 µM) inhibited benzo(a)pyrene-induced expression of Ha-ras in ASMC. These results suggest that retinoic acid modulates spontaneous and carcinogen-induced expression of Ha-ras in a differential manner.
Postsecondary Schooling and Parental Resources: Evidence from the PSID and HRS

We examine the association between young adult postsecondary schooling and parental financial resources using two datasets that contain high-quality data on parental resources: the Panel Study of I...
Imaging on nodal staging of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and is the second highest cause of cancer death in men of all races. Accurate lymph node staging is essential to ensure adequate treatment of prostate cancer. Historically, conventional imaging methods have demonstrated limited sensitivity and specificity in the detection of lymph node metastases. There are many emerging PET tracers that have recently proven to be effective. In addition, the use of ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticle-enhanced MRI has demonstrated promising results. This review outlines the strengths and limitations of each of the different imaging modalities as well as individual tracers used, including preclinical and clinical agents.
12 Electromyographic Responses to Sudden Torques About the Ankle Joint in Man

Measurements of the myotatic reflex in soleus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles show a latency of about 40 ms and an amplitude which is linearly and highly correlated with the rate of muscle stretch. The reflex gain is linearly proportional to the level of tonic voluntary activation and is proportionately reduced by the tonic contraction of the antagonist. The anterior tibial muscle behaves similarly except the myotatic reflex latency is on the order of 80 ms in relaxed foot and the latency decreases with tonic contraction. The EMG responses in these muscles in the interval beyond that of the myotatic reflex (> 100 ms) depend on the stimulus parameters, prior instructions, and subject expectation. These post-myotatic responses are voluntary, triggered reactions and unlike myotatic reflexes, they are relatively insensitive to prior tonic muscle activity. Vibration inhibits the myotatic reflex to a degree proportional to the vibration frequency. The post-myotatic component is not influenced by vibration. During phasic voluntary flexions of the ankle, prior to and at the movement's onset, myotatic responses are facilitated but post-myotatic reactions are not. Both responses are suppressed during the movement and for some time after its completion. We conclude that phasic movement is not assisted by effective load-compensating reflex mechanisms. If the planned movement is in error because of misjudgement or unexpected perturbation, effective correction requires a new and separate action.
Uncovering the Digital Divide and the Physical Divide in Senegal Using Mobile Phone Data

In this research, we first aim at developing data analytics that can derive insights about how people from different regions communicate and connect via mobile phone calls and physical movements. We uncover the digital divide (geographical segregation of phone communication patterns) and the physical divide (geographical limits of human mobility) in Senegal. The research also demonstrates that the chosen spatial unit and temporal resolution can affect the community detection results of spatial interaction graphs when analyzing human mobility patterns and exploring urban dynamics in the mobile age. We find that the daily detection has generated a more stable partition structure than an hourly one, while monthly changes also exist over time. The presented framework can help identify patterns of spatial interaction in both cyberspace and physical space with phone call detailed records in some regions where census data acquisition is difficult, especially in African countries.
PI3-Kinase Inhibition Decreases the Proliferation of ALL Cells, Potentiates mTOR Inhibition, and Abrogates Growth Factor-Mediated Reversal of mTOR Inhibition.

Biologically targeted cancer agents, including signal transduction inhibitors, have shown great promise in treating hematologic malignancies. However, used as single agents, these drugs may not be curative secondary to innate or acquired cellular resistance. Thus, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other cancer cells may become resistant to rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor (MTI), following extended exposure to the drug. A strategy to overcome such resistance is to combine targeted agents, and thereby inhibit multiple targets simultaneously. Previously, we have shown activity of MTI in models of both human and murine ALL. In mouse models, treatment of ALL with MTI prolongs survival but may not cure disease. IL-7, a lymphoid growth factor important in the regulation of progenitor B cell development and proliferation, can reverse the inhibitory effects of MTI on human and murine pre-B ALL cells. We wished to further explore the mechanisms by which IL-7-mediated signaling protects ALL cells from the inhibitory effects of MTI, through the investigation of modulators of growth factor signaling in ALL. Thus, we have evaluated the impact of LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K). PI3K is a critical signaling molecule in cell survival and proliferation, with one of its central roles being signal transduction from growth factor receptors to the activation of AKT (an upstream regulator of mTOR). PI3K/AKT pathway over-activation has been implicated in many different cancers. Treatment of ALL cell lines with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 markedly decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, the inhibitory effects of LY294002 were additive or synergistic with the inhibitory effects of MTI, and prevented the ability of IL-7 to reverse the inhibitory effects of rapamycin. Treatment of pre-B ALL cell lines with 2.5 μM LY294002 resulted in decreased proliferation to 20–45% of baseline as compared to untreated cells, whereas treatment with a higher dose (5 μM) reduced cell proliferation to 10–20%. Combinations of LY294002 and rapamycin, even at low doses, inhibited cell proliferation to a greater degree than each drug individually. Co-treatment with 2.5 μM LY294002 and low dose rapamycin (1 ng/ml) resulted in profound inhibition of proliferation to the PI3K signaling pathway serves as a potential rescue pathway from mTOR inhibition, mediating the ability of growth factors to rescue cells from rapamycin; PI3K itself is a therapeutic target for ALL; and combination therapy with MTI and PI3K inhibitors may be more active than either agent alone.
Clinical Outcome and Prognosis of Young Patients with Mycosis Fungoides.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Mycosis fungoides (MF) in young patients is rare and may have atypical presentations. There are limited data in these patients. The objective was to determine the clinical outcome and prognosis of young patients with MF. METHODS A search of our institutional cancer registry database was conducted for patients diagnosed with MF at younger than 30 years of age. RESULTS Our study included 74 patients (median age at diagnosis 25.5 yrs). Sixty-five (88%) presented with early stage disease and variants of MF (n = 44 [59%]), leading to a median delay in diagnosis of 2.5 years. Hypopigmented MF (n = 27 [36.5%]) was the most common variant, affecting predominantly African American (44.4% vs 19%; p = 0.02) and younger (20 vs 26 yrs; p 20 yrs) (31% vs 13%; p = 0.08), African American race (52.6% vs 20%; p = 0.009), and poikilodermatous presentation (p < 0.01). Overall survival was good (97.2% at 5 yrs, 95.9% at 10 yrs) despite the delay in diagnosis and atypical presentation. CONCLUSIONS Progressive disease is associated with older age, African American race, the poikilodermatous variant, and advanced-stage disease. The hypopigmented variant is a common presentation in young patients and has an indolent disease course. Our study confirms an overall favorable prognosis in young patients with MF.
Association of Physical Function, Anxiety, and Pain Interference in Nonshoulder Upper Extremity Patients Using the PROMIS Platform.

Purpose The relationship between psychosocial factors and self-reported physical function among hand and upper extremity patients is complex. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) platform has attempted to create a variety of specifically targeted metrics that can be administered using computer adaptive testing (CAT). Three metrics measuring self-reported physical function (herein referred to in combination as "functional" metrics) include the PROMIS Physical Function (PF) CAT, PROMIS Upper Extremity (UE) CAT, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ( Quick DASH). Two metrics assessing psychosocial factors include the PROMIS Anxiety and Pain Interference (PI) CATs ("nonfunctional" metrics). This study evaluates whether the functional metrics were correlated with nonfunctional metrics. Methods The 5 questionnaires were administered prospectively on a tablet computer to all consecutive adult patients presenting to an outpatient hand and upper extremity (nonshoulder) clinic at a tertiary academic medical center from January 1 to November 1, 2014. For patients with multiple visits during the study period, only the first was included. Data were evaluated retrospectively to assess the relationship between functional and nonfunctional measures, with Pearson correlation coefficients to understand the relationship between continuous variables, and 1-way analysis of variance to examine for differences in outcome measures across demographic groups. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine factors predicting functional disability. Results We included 1,299 patients: mean age was 46.8 years, 53% were female, and 23% were unemployed or on disability. The PROMIS PF CAT, PROMIS UE CAT, and Quick DASH scores were all significantly correlated with PROMIS Anxiety CAT (Pearson correlation coefficients, –0.46, –0.48, and 0.53, respectively) and PROMIS PI CAT (–0.60, –0.65, and 0.76, respectively) scores. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that increased PROMIS Anxiety and PI CAT scores each independently and adversely influenced PROMIS PF CAT, PROMIS UE CAT, and Quick DASH scores. Conclusions Increasing levels of patient anxiety and pain interference are independently associated with decreased patient-reported upper extremity function. Clinical relevance This study provides further support of the biopsychosocial model by highlighting that increased anxiety is associated with decreased self-reported function using the PROMIS platform.
Stereospecific Formation of Z-Trisubstituted Double Bonds by the Successive Action of Ketoreductase and Dehydratase Domains from trans-AT Polyketide Synthases

Incubation of (±)-2-methyl-3-ketobutyryl-SNAC (3) and (±)-2-methyl-3-ketopentanoyl-SNAC (4) with BonKR2 or OxaKR5, ketoreductase domains from the bongkrekic acid (1) and oxazolomycin (2) polyketide synthases, in the presence of NADPH gave in each case the corresponding (2R,3S)-2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-SNAC (5) or (2R,3S)-2-methyl-3-hydroxypentanoyl-SNAC (6) products, as established by chiral gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the derived methyl esters. Identical results were obtained by BonKR2- and OxaKR5-catalyzed reduction of chemoenzymatically prepared (2R)-2-methyl-3-ketopentanoyl-EryACP6, (2R)-2-methyl-3-ketobutyryl-BonACP2 (12), and (2R)-2-methyl-3-ketopentanoyl-BonACP2 (13). The paired dehydratase domains, BonDH2 and OxaDH5, were then shown to catalyze the reversible syn dehydration of (2R,3S)-2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-BonACP2 (14) to give the corresponding trisubstituted (Z)-2-methylbutenoyl-BonACP2 (16).
ORIGIN, ADAPTATION AND EVOLUTIONARY PATHWAYS OF FUNGAL VIRUSES

Fungal viruses or mycoviruses are widespread in fungi and are believed to be of ancient origin. They have evolved in concert with their hosts and are usually associated with symptomless infections. Mycoviruses are transmitted intracellularly during cell division, sporogenesis and cell fusion, and they lack an extracellular phase to their life cycles. Their natural host ranges are limited to individuals within the same or closely related vegetative compatibility groups. Typically, fungal viruses are isometric particles 25-50 nm in diameter, and possess dsRNA genomes. The best characterized of these belong to the family Totiviridae whose members have simple undivided dsRNA genomes comprised of a coat protein (CP) gene and an RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) gene. A recently characterized totivirus infecting a filamentous fungus was found to be more closely related to protozoan totiviruses than to yeast totiviruses suggesting these viruses existed prior to the divergence of fungi and protozoa. Although the dsRNA viruses at large are polyphyletic, based on RDRP sequence comparisons, the totiviruses are monophyletic. The theory of a cellular self-replicating mRNA as the origin of totiviruses is attractive because of their apparent ancient origin, the close relationships among their RDRPs, genome simplicity and the ability to use host proteins efficiently. Mycoviruses with bipartite genomes (partitiviruses), like the totiviruses, have simple genomes, but the CP and RDRP genes are on separate dsRNA segments. Because of RDRP sequence similarity, the partitiviruses are probably derived from a totivirus ancestor. The mycoviruses with unencapsidated dsRNA-like genomes (hypoviruses) and those with bacilliform (+) strand RNA genomes (barnaviruses) have more complex genomes and appear to have common ancestry with plant (+) strand RNA viruses in supergroup 1 with potyvirus and sobemovirus lineages, respectively. The La France isometric virus (LIV), an unclassified virus with multipartite dsRNA genome, is associated with a severe die-back disease of the cultivated mushroom. LIV appears to be of recent origin since it differs from its host in codon usage.
Uncertainty Modeling: The Computational Economists’ View on Cyberwarfare

The current research scenario shows considerable work on the fundamental considerations for Cybersecurity. The physical world will fuse with the digital world in the future through enhanced technologies. However, there still exists the problem of radical uncertainty, particularly in the form of information theft. In this project we provide an analysis of the critical factors affecting the security of internet-based businesses; we also present a casual model-based security system that affects and helps the central characteristics of contemporary internet-based businesses.
On Clitics, Prepositions and Case Licensing in Standard and Macedonian Greek

Doubling in Romance languages is subject to Kayne’s generalisation, which states that a doubled object must be introduced by a preposition.
LARKSPUR TOXICOSIS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH

I. ABSTRACT The factors influencing the toxicity of larkspur plants (Delphinium spp.) and the effect of larkspur toxicosis on animals are reviewed. The changes in total alkaloid concentration in various parts of the plant are discussed in relation to stage and year of growth. A bioassay to estimate and compare relative toxicity of larkspur plants showed considerable promise. The toxicity of an extract from larkspur was similar to that of the original ground plant when given to sheep and cattle. Any stage of toxicosis can now be induced by controlled infusion of larkspur extract into the rumen of cattle. This laboratory model will be very useful for studying pathophysiological effects produced by larkspur and also for testing methods of alleviating the toxicosis.
Introduction: Bridging the Solitudes as a Critical Metaphor

Canadian literature of the fantastic exposes the limitations of the “two solitudes” concept so often applied uncritically to the Canadian experience. The essays in this volume examine Francophone and Anglophone Canadian literature of the fantastic, across its genres—sf, fantasy, horror, Indigenous futurism, and others—through the lens of the bridge metaphor, interrogating their representations of colonialism, nationalism, race, and gender. The contemporary world is increasingly one in which the global rather than the national context is central to an understanding of self and place; the fantastic (especially sf, but other genres, as well) is ready-made for exploring in non-literal terms the complex and problematic nature of intercultural engagement.
Readmission Rates Associated with Pharmacist Involvement in a Geriatric Transitional Care Management Clinic.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a post-discharge pharmacist telephone call on 30- and 90- day readmission reates as part of a transitional care management (TCM) service in a geriatiric patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Methods: Adults 60 years of age and older who had established primary care at the PCMH for at least one year and were discharged from the hospital between 7/1/2013 and 2/21/2016 were included. Readmission rates for patients who received and did not receive a pharmacist TCM phone call were compared. Secondary data analysis was conducted between individuals who received all three components of the service compared with those who received on a nurse navigator plus primary care provider (PCP) visit. Results: Among 513 discharges of unique patients (mean age, 80.4 years; women 63%), 269 (52.4%) received a pharmacist phone call. Readmission rates at 30 days were 8.9% for patients who received a pharmacist TCM phone call compared to 12.7% for those who did not receive this service (OR 0.67 [95% CI, 0.38-1.18; P=0.17]). When comparing only those individuals who received all three components of the service (pharmacist, nurse navigator, and PCP) (n=215) compared to those who received only a nurse navigator plus PCP visit (n=66), there was no difference in 30-day readmission rates (7.9% vs. 10.6%, p=0.49). However, there were significantly fewer readmissions within 90-days (16.3% vs. 31.8%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Pharmacist phone calls as part of an interdisciplinary TCM service did not result in a statistically significant difference regarding readmission rates at 30 days; however, patients who received all three components of the service had significantly fewer readmissions at 90 days, compared to patients who did not speak with a pharmacist but did complete a visit witha nurse navigator and physisian. Future research is needed to determine which patients may benefits the most from this service and to identify strategies to increase patient participation. Article Type: Student Project
Crossroads+: A Time-aware Approach for Intersection Management of Connected Autonomous Vehicles

As vehicles become autonomous and connected, intelligent management techniques can be utilized to operate an intersection without a traffic light. When a Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) approaches an intersection, it shares its status and intended direction with the Intersection Manager (IM), and the IM checks the status of other CAVs and assigns a target velocity/reference trajectory for it to maintain. In practice, however, there is an unknown delay between the time a CAV sends a request to the IM and the moment it receives back the response, namely, the Round-Trip Delay (RTD). As a result, the CAV will start tracking the target velocity/reference trajectory later than when the IM expects, which may lead to accidents. In this article, we present a time-aware approach, Crossroads+, that makes CAVs’ behaviors deterministic despite the existence of the unknown RTD. In Crossroads+, we use timestamping and synchronization to ensure that both the IM and the CAVs have the same notion of time. The IM will also set a fixed start time to track the target velocity/reference trajectory for each CAV. The effectiveness of the proposed Crossroads+ technique is illustrated by experiments on a 1/10 scale model of an intersection with CAVs. We also built a simulator to demonstrate the scalability of Crossroads+ for multi-lane intersections. Results from our experiments indicate that our approach can reduce the position uncertainty by 15% in comparison with conventional techniques and achieve up to 36% better throughputs.
Radiomic mapping model for prediction of Ki-67 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma

AIM To determine the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-derived radiomic features in the preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and to detect significant associations between radiomic features and Ki-67 expression in ACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this retrospective analysis, patients with histopathologically proven ACC were reviewed. Radiomic features were extracted for all patients from the preoperative contrast-enhanced abdominal CT images. Statistical analysis identified the radiomic features predicting the Ki-67 index in ACC and analysed the correlation with the Ki-67 index. RESULTS Fifty-three cases of ACC that met eligibility criteria were identified and analysed. Of the radiomic features analysed, 10 showed statistically significant differences between the high and low Ki-67 expression subgroups. Multivariate linear regression analysis yielded a predictive model showing a significant association between radiomic signature and Ki-67 expression status in ACC (R2=0.67, adjusted R2=0.462, p=0.002). Further analysis of the independent predictors showed statistically significant correlation between Ki-67 expression and shape flatness, elongation, and grey-level long run emphasis (p=0.002, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively). The area under the curve for identification of high Ki-67 expression status was 0.78 for shape flatness and 0.7 for shape elongation. CONCLUSION Radiomic features derived from preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images show encouraging results in the prediction of the Ki-67 index in patients with ACC. Morphological features, such as shape flatness and elongation, were superior to other radiomic features in the detection of high Ki-67 expression.
Diurnal feeding as a potential mechanism of osmoregulation in aphids

Diurnal variation in phloem sap composition has a strong influence on aphid performance. The sugar-rich phloem sap serves as the sole diet for aphids and a suite of physiological mechanisms and behaviors allow them to tolerate the high osmotic stress. Here, we tested the hypothesis that night-time feeding by aphids is a behavior that takes advantage of the low sugar diet in the night to compensate for osmotic stress incurred while feeding on high sugar diet during the day. Using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, we examined the effects of diurnal rhythm on feeding behaviors of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) on wheat. A strong diurnal rhythm in aphids as indicated by the presence of a cyclical pattern of expression in a core clock gene did not impact aphid feeding and similar feeding behaviors were observed during day and night. The major difference observed between day and night feeding was that aphids spent significantly longer time in phloem salivation during the night compared to the day. In contrast, aphid hydration was reduced at the end of the day-time feeding compared to end of the night-time feeding. Gene expression analysis of R. padi osmoregulatory genes indicated that sugar breakdown and water transport into the aphid gut was reduced at night. These data suggest that while diurnal variation occurs in phloem sap composition, aphids use night-time feeding to overcome the high osmotic stress incurred while feeding on sugar-rich phloem sap during the day.
Strategic Management in State Government Two Servants of the Same Master: Procurement and Finance

This paper investigates the interaction between procurement and finance functions of an organization. Traditionally, procurement has been seen as a back-room operation that helps the finance perfor...
Ecological fitting: Chemical profiles of plant hosts provide insights on selection cues and preferences for a major buprestid pest

Abstract Specific cues used by emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) to select hosts are largely unknown. Attractants are likely general and the use of novel host plants provides an opportunity to investigate the commonality of these cues. We examined volatile profiles emitted by five plants that can host EAB and estimated their importance in explaining known oviposition preferences. Foliage volatiles were collected from potted black ash (Fraxinus nigra), Manchurian ash (F. mandshurica), blue ash (F. quadrangulata), white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), and olive (Olea europaea) and analyzed using GC-MS. Fifty-nine compounds were detected including eight green leaf volatiles (GLV), 12 monoterpenes, and 21 sesquiterpenes. Ordination plots show separation of species by full foliage profiles, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and known antennally active compounds, but GLVs were similar across hosts. Random Forest (RF) analysis revealed eight compounds that separated plant species with an error rate of ~19%, consisting mostly of sesquiterpenes. Similarity of GLV profiles among known hosts suggests they serve as general cues for host selection. Manchurian ash, a resistant host, produced the highest quantities and variety of sesquiterpenes indicating that some of these chemicals may be antixenotic. All compounds identified by RF have been implicated as deterrents or attractants to woodborers in other studies and should be investigated for adult antennal activity and attraction.
Examining the success of the central banks in inflation targeting countries: the dynamics of the inflation gap and institutional characteristics

This paper analyzes the performance of central banks in 27 inflation targeting countries by examining their success in achieving their explicit inflation targets. For this purpose, we decompose the inflation gap, the difference between actual inflation and inflation target, into predictable and unpredictable components. We argue that the central banks are successful if the predictable component in the inflation gap diminishes over time. The predictable component of inflation gap is measured by the conditional mean of a time-varying autoregressive model. Our results find considerable heterogeneity in the success of these IT countries in achieving their targets at the start of this policy regime. Our findings also suggest that the central banks of the IT adopting countries started targeting inflation implicitly before becoming an explicit inflation targeter. The panel data analysis suggests that the relative success of these countries in reducing the gap is influenced by their institutional characteristics particularly by fiscal discipline and macroeconomic performance.
The Dispositional Construction of Theories

Since the conception of (nomically significant) causal explanations for singular events advanced in Chapter 5 depends in part upon the construction of scientific explanations as deductive arguments, i.e., as always deductive and as sometimes probabilistic, the adequacy of that conception requires the acceptability of an interpretation of this kind. Although we have discovered that Stegmiiller’s “paradox of the explanation of the improbable” poses no insurmountable obstacles to this conception, perhaps there arc other important reasons Tor doubting its adequacy; in particular, Salmon [1977a] and [1978] has suggested that deductive arguments possess certain characteristics which are not appropriate for scientific explanations, which therefore dictate the necessity to abandon this interpretation. In order to defend the propriety of the dispositional construction, therefore, we shall consider Salmon’s views on this and related matters; for, as will soon become apparent, the position which he has begun to develop in these recent publications is not only inconsistent with his previous conception of scientific explanation (as he himself candidly concedes), but also incompatible with the distinction between causal and non-causal scientific explanations which emerges from a dispositional interpretation of lawlike sentences, as we shall subsequently ascertain.
The guanine‐hypoxanthine permease GhxP of Erwinia amylovora facilitates the influx of the toxic guanine derivative 6‐thioguanine

Aim Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight, a devastating disease of apples and pears. This study determines whether the E. amylovora guanine-hypoxanthine transporter (EaGhxP) is required for virulence and if it can import the E. amylovora produced toxic analogue 6-thioguanine (6TG) into cells. Methods and results Characterization of EaGhxP in guanine transport deficient Escherichia coli reveals that it can transport guanine, hypoxanthine and the toxic analogues 8-azaguanine (8AG) and 6TG. Similarly, EaGhxP transports 8AG and 6TG into E. amylovora cells. EaGhxP has a high affinity for 6TG with a Ki of 3·7 µmol l-1 . An E. amylovora ⊿ghxP::Camr strain shows resistance to growth on 8AG and 6TG. Although EaGhxP is expressed during active disease propagation, it is not necessary for virulence as determined on immature apple and pear assays. Conclusions EaGhxP is not required for virulence, but it does import 6TG into E. amylovora cells. Significance and impact of the study As part of the disease establishment process, E. amylovora synthesizes and exports a toxic guanine derivative 6TG. Our results are counter intuitive and show that EaGhxP, an influx transporter, can move 6TG into cells raising questions regarding the role of 6TG in disease establishment.
Existence of multiple solutions to a discrete boundary value problem with mixed periodic boundary conditions

A second-order discrete boundary value problem with mixed periodic boundary conditions is studied. Sufficient conditions on the multiplicity of solutions in a weak sense are obtained by using the critical point theory. An example is given to demonstrate the applications of our results as well.
East Africa After Liberation Conflict, Security and the State Since the 1980s: By Jonathan FisherCambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020, 332 pp., $99.99 (hardback), ISBN: 9781108665070

In East Africa After Liberation, Fisher presents a fascinating and detailed account of the evolution of the Tigrayan People’s Liberation front (TPLF), Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), National Resist...