cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissecting Quasi-Equivalence in Nonenveloped Viruses: Membrane Disruption Is Promoted by Lytic Peptides Released from Subunit Pentamers, Not Hexamers

ABSTRACT Nonenveloped viruses often invade membranes by exposing hydrophobic or amphipathic peptides generated by a proteolytic maturation step that leaves a lytic peptide noncovalently associated with the viral capsid. Since multiple copies of the same protein form many nonenveloped virus capsids, it is unclear if lytic peptides derived from subunits occupying different positions in a quasi-equivalent icosahedral capsid play different roles in host infection. We addressed this question with Nudaurelia capensis omega virus (NωV), an insect RNA virus with an icosahedral capsid formed by protein α, which undergoes autocleavage during maturation, producing the lytic γ peptide. NωV is a unique model because autocatalysis can be precisely initiated in vitro and is sufficiently slow to correlate lytic activity with γ peptide production. Using liposome-based assays, we observed that autocatalysis is essential for the potent membrane disruption caused by NωV. We observed that lytic activity is acquired rapidly during the maturation program, reaching 100% activity with less than 50% of the subunits cleaved. Previous time-resolved structural studies of partially mature NωV particles showed that, during this time frame, γ peptides derived from the pentamer subunits are produced and are organized in a vertical helical bundle that is projected toward the particle surface, while identical polypeptides in quasi-equivalent subunits are produced later or are in positions inappropriate for release. Our functional data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that pentamers containing a central helical bundle, observed in different nonenveloped virus families, are a specialized lytic motif.
Manifestation of starvation on the integument and blood of the queen of the termite Odontotermes obesus

Abstract During starvation, the queens of the termite Odontotermes obesus become brown in color due to the deposition of melanins in the endocuticle on the 3rd day of starvation. The endocuticle becomes fuchsinophilic and more resistant to mineral acids and is impregnated with tanning precursors. Though tyrosine and tyrosinase coexist in the blood of the queens, they do not react until on the 3rd day of starvation. During this period the titer of ascorbic acid gradually declines, and when it reaches a specific threshold level, the tyrosinase seems to oxidize tyrosine resulting in the formation of melanin. Ascorbic acid plays an inhibitory role in preventing tyrosinase from oxidizing tyrosine. This is confirmed by the fact that injection into and topical application of ascorbic acid on the queen undergoing starvation delay melanosis. Corpora cardiaca do not show any changes in their secretory activity during starvation. On the other hand, there is a decrease in the volume of corpora allata in the starved queens.
Gait and the energetics of locomotion in horses

It seems reasonable that quadrupeds should change gait from a walk to a trot to a gallop in such a way as to minimize their energy consumption, as human beings are known1 to change from a walk to a run at a particular speed (2.4 m s−1) below which walking requires less energy than running and above which the opposite is true. Thus by changing gait, human beings keep the energy cost of locomotion to a minimum as their speed increases. One reason this relation holds is that in humans, metabolic rate increases curvilinearly with walking speed1. If metabolism were a curvilinear function of speed within each of the gaits used by quadrupeds, it would support the hypothesis that they also change gait to minimize energetic cost. There is an old controversy about whether metabolic rate increases linearly or curvilinearly in running humans1,2 but all previous reports have suggested that metabolic rate increases linearly with speed in quadrupeds. Extended gaits were an important experimental tool in the study of human gait changes; thus we have trained three small horses (110–170 kg) to walk, trot and gallop on a motorized treadmill, and to extend their gaits on command. We report here that, using measurements of rates of oxygen consumption as an indicator of rates of energy consumption, we have confirmed that the natural gait at any speed indeed entails the smallest possible energy expenditure.
On the Ranges of Nonlinear Set-Valued Accretive Operators in Banach Spaces

Abstract Let E be a real Banach space and A : D ( A ) ⊆ E → 2 E , B : D ( B ) ⊆ E → 2 E be two set valued accretive operators. We study the range problems of ( A + λ I ) and ( A + B + λ I ) for λ > 0. The results obtained in this paper generalize some other results.
Measles and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus proteins: Lack of antibodies to the M protein in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract Studies on the immunoprecipitation of the proteins of several different measles and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus strains from lysates of infected cells have revealed a relative lack of antibodies to the nonglycosylated viral membrane protein (M) in the sera of patients with SSPE, in contrast to a high level of antibodies to other viral proteins. No evidence was found for the existence of a large number of antigenically unique M proteins. In contrast to SSPE sera, other hyperimmune human or rabbit sera precipitated M protein as well as the other viral proteins. The results suggest that in patients with SSPE there is either diminished synthesis of M, or it is not recognized normally by the immune system, and that an abnormality in M protein is involved in the pathogenesis of SSPE. Although differences in electrophoretic mobility of the M proteins and several other viral proteins were observed among different SSPE and measles strains, there was no pattern characteristic of SSPE strains, nor could these strains be distinguished by peptide mapping.
Development, validation, and implementation of a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of five cytokines in human serum

Quantification of biomarkers can provide important information about the safety and efficacy of candidate drugs. Unfortunately, limited sample volume and excess costs often limit analysis of multiple biomarkers. We developed, optimized, validated, and implemented a multiplex immunoassay for simultaneous measurement of multiple circulating cytokines: IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Multiplex immuoassays were performed using the Luminex LabMAP instrument. Capture antibodies for each cytokine were covalently bound to distinct microsphere subsets distinguished by differing dye ratios. The concentration of each individual cytokine determined by measuring orange fluorescence produced by a complex of a biotinylated cytokine-specific antibody and streptavidin-phycoerythrin. The lower limit of quantification for all assays was 20 pg/mL with the exception of IL-8 which was 100 pg/mL. The inter-assay precision was less than 25%CV for all analytes at all control levels both pre-study and in-study. The percent recovery ranged from 83 to 108% pre-study and 90 to 125% in-study. In a linearity assessment, a 15,000 pg/mL multi-analyte control could be diluted 1:50 and maintain expected accuracy. We measured the cytokine concentrations in more than 2000 serum samples from patients with sepsis. Multiplex results for IL-6 were compared to a conventional commercially available ELISA kit. The degree of agreement between the two methods as measured by the concordance correlation coefficient was 84.5%. Multiplex results were 2.36-fold higher than ELISA values on the average. After adjusting for this mean difference, the 95% empirical limits of agreement for the ratio of individual sample values were 0.33, 2.65. This multiplex immunoassay provided simultaneous measurement of circulating cytokines using 80% less patient specimen compared to traditional approaches and at a significantly decreased cost. Efficient use of this platform requires process improvements to fully maximize the positive impact of multiplex assays in clinical drug development.
Design of a fluorescence polarization assay platform for the study of human Hsp70.

The 70 kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are molecular chaperones that assist in folding of newly synthesized polypeptides, refolding or denaturation of misfolded proteins, and translocation of proteins across biological membranes. In addition, Hsp70 play regulatory roles in signal transduction, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Here, we present a novel assay platform based on fluorescence polarization that is suitable for investigating the yet elusive molecular mechanics of human Hsp70 allosteric regulation.
Growth, short stature, and the use of growth hormone: considerations for the practicing pediatrician.

Introduction Over the past 35 years knowledge has increased remarkably regarding the mechanisms controlling growth; the structure, function, and synthesis of the hormones involved in the growth system; and the clinical applications of this information. The presence of a pituitary growth-promoting factor was first demonstrated in the rat by Evans and Long, as reported in 1921.l It took 23 years before Li and coworkers’ extracted and characterized the function of bovine growth hormone (GH) and 7 more years before Raben and Westermeyer3 developed methods of extracting human pituitaries and produced an active human GH (hGH). By 1956 Li and Papkoff were able to purify hGH4 and during the next several years a number of investigators began to study the effects of hGH in children, evaluating metabolic changes5 and growth.‘j, 7 Before 1964 most of the hGH used for biochemical and physiologic study, as well as for evaluating clinical responses, was obtained from Drs. Raben and Wilhelmi, who traded GH for pituitaries with many of the pediatric endocrinologists throughout the United States. The process became more organized with the establishment of the National Pituitary
Automated eigenvector analysis for quantification of color M-mode Doppler filling patterns of the left ventricle in an ischemic canine model

The feasibility of an automated set of computer algorithms for quantification of color M-mode Doppler patterns of the left ventricle (LV) was investigated at baseline and during ischemia, and these parameters were related to invasive measures. Six open-chest anesthetized dogs were instrumented by a multisensor high fidelity catheter; with sensors at base of LV, in apex, and in left atrium. Early diastolic filling waves were processed by eigenvector analysis, with the parameters: centroid (s,t), eigenvalues (ss, tt), and angle of rotation (theta). Maximum -dP/dt decreased from 1114/spl plusmn/174 to 562/spl plusmn/91 mmHg/s (p<0.05), and tau increased from 73/spl plusmn/4 to 122/spl plusmn/16 ms (p<0.05). Timing parameters of the eigenvector analysis increased significantly, while theta, which is similar to flow propagation, decreased from -0.71/spl plusmn/0.30 to -3.39/spl plusmn/0.66 degrees (p<0.01). Tau showed a high correlation with theta (r=-0.95, p<0.0001). Automated eigenvector analysis of color M-mode patterns is feasible, and quantifies significant changes during ischemia.
Performance of the bit-interleaved frequency domain turbo equalization over experimental underwater acoustic channels

We investigate the performance of the bit-interleaved frequency-domain turbo equalization (Bi-FDTE) with spatial diversity over experimental underwater acoustic (UWA) channels. Our receiver combines the frequency domain minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalization with the soft interference cancellation with the bit-interleaved turbo equalization. Pilot symbols are periodically inserted and multiplexed with data symbols similar to that of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). We test our transmission system over a real UWA channel environment conducted at Narragansett Bay, RI. We develop three different transmission scenarios to investigate performance/data rate tradeoff. Results from the experiment show that without spatial diversity the bit error rate (BER) reaches 10-4 at the 5th iteration when signal-to-noise ratio is equal to 18.3 dB at 3.71 kbps data rate. The BER performance is improved by exploiting the spatial diversity of the UWA channels by combining and equalizing data from multiple receive channels.
NASA taps teachers' group for shuttle student project

NASA has selected the National Science Teachers Association in Washington, D.C, for negotiation for a contract to manage the Shuttle Student Involvement Project. The project is a nationwide competition to be conducted annually among secondary students for scientific and engineering experiments to be performed on a ‘space available’ basis aboard the shuttle. The space shuttle is expected to be operational in 1982.
Tracing influence through intranets of compliance

This paper introduces a new type of intranet-the compliance intranet-and describes its socio-technical shaping. Compliance intranets serve to enforce industry standards, to measure the performance of a company against industry or governmentally established standards, or to establish standards within the organization or within a larger domain. These intranets may be quality management systems used to achieve ISO 9000 certification; health, safety and environmental regulation support systems used to furnish data to OSHA, EPA and other agencies; or Y2K status tracking intranets. They differ in important ways from high profile intranet applications, such as knowledge management systems, most notably by enabling collaboration across organizations, industries and institutions. Compliance intranet applications are shaped largely by external, interorganizational influences and informational environments; but internal considerations regarding available skills and support also guide intranet choices.
To the Framingham Data, Turn, Turn, Turn

Beginning in the mid to late 1960s and continuing to the present, declines in the annual death rates attributed to coronary heart disease (CHD) have been observed in American men and women, reversing previously observed trends of steadily increasing mortality from CHD.1 Despite these encouraging trends, CHD continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in American men and women. It has been estimated that almost 1 in every 2 middle-aged American men and 1 in every 3 American woman will develop CHD during their lifetime.2 Article p 1203 Epidemiologists have provided extensive insights into the predictive and relative importance of a variety of predisposing factors for CHD. This has been accomplished through the conduct of a number of landmark longitudinal studies including the community-based Framingham Heart Study, the migrant Ni-Hon-San Study, and the international Seven Countries Study. Elevated blood cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, increased levels of blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, and high fat diets have been consistently linked to the occurrence of CHD. More recent investigations have suggested that there may be other factors involved in the pathogenesis of CHD including cell inflammation, disturbances in clotting and hemostasis, plaque vulnerability, and alterations in autonomic tone of the coronary vasculature. Concomitant with an enhanced understanding of the risk factors involved in the development of coronary atherosclerosis and its different clinical manifestations, and greater appreciation of the multidecade-long natural history of CHD, remarkable advances have been made in the primary and secondary prevention of acute coronary disease, especially during the past 2 decades. In the 1960s, prolonged bed rest and treating complications as they occurred were the mainstay approaches used for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the 1980s, however, coincident with new insights into the underlying pathophysiology of AMI …
Words and pictures in the news

We discuss the properties of a collection of news photos and captions, collected from the Associated Press and Reuters. Captions have a vocabulary dominated by proper names. We have implemented various text clustering algorithms to organize these items by topic, as well as an iconic matcher that identifies articles that share a picture. We have found that the special structure of captions allows us to extract some names of people actually portrayed in the image quite reliably, using a simple syntactic analysis. We have been able to build a directory of face images of individuals from this collection.
Efficient test case generation for validation of UML activity diagrams

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is widely used as a system level specification language in embedded system design. Due to the increasing complexity of embedded systems, the analysis and validation of UML specifications is becoming a challenge. UML activity diagram is promising to modeling the overall system behavior. However, lack of techniques for automated test case generation is one major bottleneck in the UML activity diagram validation. This article presents a methodology for automatically generating test cases based on various model checking techniques. It makes three primary contributions: First, we propose coverage-driven mapping rules that can automatically translate activity diagram to formal models. Next, we present a procedure for automatic property generation according to error models. Finally, we apply various model checking based test case generation techniques to enable efficient test case generation. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach can reduce the validation effort drastically by reducing both test case generation time and required number of test cases to achieve a functional coverage goal.
Harbor: software-based memory protection for sensor nodes

Many sensor nodes contain resource constrained microcontrollers where user level applications, operating system components, and device drivers share a single address space with no form of hardware memory protection. Programming errors in one application can easily corrupt the state of the operating system or other applications. In this paper, we propose Harbor, a memory protection system that prevents many forms of memory corruption. We use software based fault isolation ("sandboxing") to restrict application memory accesses and control flow to protection domains within the address space. A flexible and efficient memory map data structure records ownership and layout information for memory regions; writes are validated using the memory map. Control flow integrity is preserved by maintaining a safe stack that stores return addresses in a protected memory region. Run-time checks validate computed control flow instructions. Cross domain calls perform low-overhead control transfers between domains. Checks are introduced by rewriting an application's compiled binary. The sand- boxed result is verified on the sensor node before it is admitted for execution. Harbor's fault isolation properties depend only on the correctness of this verifier and the Harbor runtime. We have implemented and tested Harbor on the SOS operating system. Harbor detected and prevented memory corruption caused by programming errors in application modules that had been in use for several months. Harbor's overhead, though high, is less than that of application-specific virtual machines, and reasonable for typical sensor workloads.
Reconfigurable analog integrated circuit architecture based on switched-capacitor techniques

A reconfigurable analog integrated circuit architecture based on switched-capacitor techniques is proposed. The architecture consists of an array of opamps and programmable capacitor arrays (PCAs) interconnected by an interconnection network. The routing switches in the interconnection networks not only function as interconnection switches but also switches for charge transfer. This scheme minimizes the number of routing switches and the settling time of the embedded circuits. The architecture is also highly flexible and allows the implementation of various circuits including different types of data converters.
Extending ordinary inheritance schemes to include generalization

The arrangement of classes in a specialization hierarchy has proved to be a useful abstraction mechanism in class-based object oriented programming languages. The success of the mechanism is based on the high degree of code reuse that is offered, along with simple type conformance rules.The opposite of specialization is generalization. We will argue that support of generalization in addition to specialization will improve class reusability. A language that only supports specialization requires the class hierarchy to be constructed in a top down fashion. Support for generalization will make it possible to create super-classes for already existing classes, hereby enabling exclusion of methods and creation of classes that describe commonalties among already existing ones.We will show how generalization can coexist with specialization in class-based object oriented programming languages. Furthermore, we will verify that this can be achieved without changing the simple conformance rules or introducing new problems with name conflicts.
Determination of aging-model constants under high frequency and high electric fields

Polypropylene film is tested for life under HV, frequencies up to 30 kHz, and aging and breakdown studies are conducted. The life data obtained is applied to three different aging models relating electric stress to time to failure: the inverse power, the exponential and the thermodynamic model. The dependency of the constants of these models on the frequency of the applied voltage is determined. The results show that the aging model constants are dependent on applied voltage and frequency. >
Do Impacts Really Cause Most Mass Extinctions

For the past 28 years, the trendy “bandwagon” in the geosciences has attempted to explain most mass extinctions by extraterrestrial impact events. However, the past decade of research has shown no significant evidence of impacts at any mass extinction horizon except for the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary at 65 Ma. In fact, numerous paleontologists have even questioned whether the Cretaceous-Tertiary impact was as important as once supposed. Alleged impact horizons at the other major mass extinctions have proven to be of the wrong age or the wrong size. By contrast, there were many major impacts (especially in the late Eocene) that had no effect on life whatsoever, further falsifying the impact hypothesis as a general explanation. Explaining all the major mass extinctions by huge mantle-derived flood basalt eruptions has also failed, as such eruptions occur at only three of the extinction horizons. Attempts to find a general explanation that explains all mass extinctions are usually unsuccessful, because there are no common signals at every mass extinction. Each event shows a distinct and different pattern. Currently, the trendy model postulates high carbon dioxide and low oxygen in the atmosphere, although it only works for the Permo-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and possibly Paleocene-Eocene events, and no others, and it has not fared well in preliminary testing.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Down Syndrome-Associated Atrioventricular Septal Defects

The goal of this study was to identify the contribution of common genetic variants to Down syndrome−associated atrioventricular septal defect, a severe heart abnormality. Compared with the euploid population, infants with Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, have a 2000-fold increased risk of presenting with atrioventricular septal defects. The cause of this increased risk remains elusive. Here we present data from the largest heart study conducted to date on a trisomic background by using a carefully characterized collection of individuals from extreme ends of the phenotypic spectrum. We performed a genome-wide association study using logistic regression analysis on 452 individuals with Down syndrome, consisting of 210 cases with complete atrioventricular septal defects and 242 controls with structurally normal hearts. No individual variant achieved genome-wide significance. We identified four disomic regions (1p36.3, 5p15.31, 8q22.3, and 17q22) and two trisomic regions on chromosome 21 (around PDXK and KCNJ6 genes) that merit further investigation in large replication studies. Our data show that a few common genetic variants of large effect size (odds ratio >2.0) do not account for the elevated risk of Down syndrome−associated atrioventricular septal defects. Instead, multiple variants of low-to-moderate effect sizes may contribute to this elevated risk, highlighting the complex genetic architecture of atrioventricular septal defects even in the highly susceptible Down syndrome population.
Strictissimi Juris: The First Amendment's Defense Against Conspiracy Charges

Criminal defense attorneys have long been troubled by the threat that some conspiracy charges pose to First Amendment rights. This practitioner-oriented article is a shorter version of Morrison, "Strictissimi Juris," 67 Ala. L. Rev. 247 (2015), and details how defense attorneys can use the doctrine of strictissimi juris to protect their clients' First Amendment rights against conspiracy charges and ensure just and accurate outcomes.
Constants of the 5s 1 Σg+ state of Na 2 from two-photon spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy is used as an aid in the identification of two-photon transitions in Na2. Several methods are introduced and used to identify the transitions and analyze the spectra. By using these methods, the upper-level rotational quantum number, energy, and electronic character may be determined without any assumptions about the state to which the upper level belongs. Twenty-nine two-photon transitions were observed and analyzed. A Dunham expansion for the energy levels allowed 18 of the 29 to be associated with the Σ1g+ (3s+5s) state. They were used to calculate new values of the Dunham coefficients for that state. These were in close agreement with values obtained in polarization-labeling experiments.
Blood Coagulation During Infancy.

SummaryA study of 38 normal infants confirms previous work from this laboratory that the plasma prothrombin level is low in early infancy. It is also shown that an additional fall, not previously recognized, occurs between the second and sixth days of life. Evidence is presented to indicate that the rate of thrombin formation during coagulation depends upon convertibility of prothrombin as well as upon the amount of the latter. In newborn infants rapid convertibility of prothrombin compensates for deficient quantity of prothrombin. Evidence also suggests that variations in thromboplastin serve, in some circumstances, to compensate for a deficiency in the amount of prothrombin.
Sensitive, Selective Analysis of Selenium Oxoanions Using Microchip Electrophoresis with Contact Conductivity Detection

The common selenium oxoanions selenite (SeO32–) and selenate (SeO42–) are toxic at intake levels slightly below 1 mg day–1. These anions are currently monitored by a variety of traditional analytical techniques that are time-consuming, expensive, require large sample volumes, and/or lack portability. To address the need for a fast and inexpensive analysis of selenium oxoanions, we present the first microchip capillary zone electrophoresis (MCE) separation targeting these species in the presence of chloride, sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, chlorate, sulfamate, methanesulfonate, and fluoride, which can be simultaneously monitored. The chemistry was designed to give high selectivity in nonideal matrices. Interference from common weak acids is avoided by operating near pH 4. Separation resolution from chloride was enhanced to improve tolerance of high-salinity matrices. As a result, selenate can be quantified in the presence of up to 1.5 mM NaCl, and selenite analysis is even more robust against chloride. Using co...
Insecticidal Activity of Selected Fungicides: Effects on Three Lepidopterous Pests of Soybean

Four fungicides were tested for insecticidal activity against Heliothis Zea (Boddie), Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), and Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) by incorporation into an artificial diet. Triphenyltin hydroxide exhibited the greatest degree of activity followed by chlorothalonil, thiabendazole, and benomyl in that order. The LC50 values of these fungicides indicated that only triphenyltin hydroxide possessed any appreciable insecticidal value.
A review of: “Methods of modern mathematical physics, Volume II. Fourier analysis, self-adjointness. by Michael Reed and Barry Simon. Academic Press, New York (1975).”

(1976). A review of: “Methods of modern mathematical physics, Volume II. Fourier analysis, self-adjointness. by Michael Reed and Barry Simon. Academic Press, New York (1975).”. Transport Theory and Statistical Physics: Vol. 5, No. 2-3, pp. 205-206.
The Hazard Analysis and the Treating Measures of the Voids in the Composite Linings of Railway Tunnels

The voids in the composite lining of railway tunnel and the deficiency of the support thickness take up very high proportion of tunnel defect and disease.Taking a double-track tunnel of 200 km·h-1 passenger and freight railway as an example,using ANSYS finite element analysis software,the influence of the voids on the structural bearing capacity is calculated and analyzed according to the "common deformation" force model.When there are voids between the primary support and the surrounding rocks,under different deformation stress of surrounding rock,the inward compression bending at the vault of the primary support tends to increase,which is one of the main causes resulting in the inward crack(crush) and even the collapse of the primary support.When there are voids between the primary support and the secondary lining,the outward compression bending at the vault of the secondary lining or at its corresponding void edge tends to increase,which gives rise to the outward crack of the secondary lining and even may lead to the lateral and longitudinal crack at the outer zone of the void horizontal projection area.Serious voids may result in the crushing,beyond-limit deformation,radial crack and collapse of the tunnel structure during construction or service stage,and the harmfulness of void between the primary support and the surrounding rocks is more serious than that of the void between the primary support and the secondary linings.By analyzing the forms and causes of voids,in association with the experiences of engineering practices,concrete measures and suggestions for the prevention and treatment of voids are put forward from the angles of construction and construction management.
Ubiquitinated Inclusions Link Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Frontotemporal Dementia

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often viewed as a motor systems disorder, evidence has surfaced indicating that ALS patients may develop cognitive losses. In particular, clinical and histopathological studies suggest a predominance of frontotemporal pathology in some ALS patients. Pick-like ubiquitinated inclusions have been described in hippocampal dentate granule cells and in small cortical neurons of the frontal and temporal cortices. However, these inclusions are distinctive from those of Pick’s disease because they do not contain tau protein and they lack argyrophilia. We report a case from a kindred with familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with identical ALS-like, ubiquitin-positive lesions. Tau-immuno-reactive Pick bodies and other specific pathological changes were absent. This case lacked clinical signs of ALS and showed few histopathological features of ALS. We review the literature describing the clinical and pathological link between ALS and FTD, and propose that tau-negative, ubiquitinated inclusions similar to those of ALS may be seen in familial forms of FTD, even in the absence of typical clinical or pathological features of ALS. These ubiquitinated inclusions may be a common biological link underlying dementia in some ALS and FTD cases.
Voice range profile of Taiwanese normal young adults: a preliminary study.

Background This project investigated the physiological frequency range of phonation and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency of Taiwanese normal young adults as the clinical diagnostic criteria for voice populations in Taiwan. The physiological frequency range of phonation, and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency, are important indicators of vocal function; both can be expanded after vocal training. If a tonal language, Mandarin, is regarded as a daily pitch exercise, the physiological frequency range of phonation and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency of native Mandarin speakers could be greater than those of non-tonal language speakers. Thus it is inaccurate to use voice data of non-tonal language speakers as a reference for native Mandarin speakers in Taiwan. Methods This study determined the physiological frequency range of phonation and the sound pressure level of softest and loudest phonation over the entire fundamental frequency range of a voice, and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency in reading passage produced by native Mandarin speakers of normal young adults in Taiwan. Results The result revealed that in reading female native Mandarin speakers in Taiwan have a significantly higher mean speaking fundamental frequency, higher mean highest speaking fundamental frequency and larger maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency than male native Mandarin speakers. In vocal range profile, female native Mandarin speakers showed significantly higher mean highest tone and higher mean lowest tone than male native Mandarin speakers. The physiological frequency range of phonation in voice-range-profile for both sexes exceeded three octaves. Conclusions The differences of pitch data between the female and male groups can be explained by the larger amplitude of vocal fold vibration for males resulting in lower fundamental frequency, and the more emotional voice used by female speakers when reading resulted in a larger maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency. The data obtained in this study can be applied clinically to voice populations as a diagnostic tool of vocal function for Mandarin speakers.
Legacy effects of drought in the southwestern United States: A multi‐species synthesis

Understanding impacts of drought on tree growth and forest health is of major concern given projected climate change. Droughts may become more common in the Southwest due to extreme temperatures that will drive increased evapotranspiration and lower soil moisture, in combination with uncertain precipitation changes. Utilizing ~1.3 million tree-ring widths from the International Tree Ring Data Bank representing 10 species (eight conifers, two oaks) in the Southwest, we evaluated the effects of drought on tree growth. We categorized ring widths by formation year in relation to drought (pre-drought, drought year, and post-drought), and we used a mixed-effects model to estimate the effects of current and antecedent precipitation and temperature on tree growth during the post-drought recovery period. This allowed us to assess changes in sensitivity of tree growth to precipitation and temperature at multiple timescales following multiple droughts, and to evaluate drought resistance and recovery in these species. The effects of precipitation and temperature on ring widths following drought varied among species and time since drought. Across species, 16% of the climate effects (i.e., “sensitivities”) were significantly different from their pre-drought values. Species differed, with some showing increased sensitivities to precipitation and temperature following drought, and others showing decreased sensitivities. Furthermore, some species (e.g., Abies concolor and Pinus ponderosa) showed low resistance and slow recovery, with changes in growth sensitivities persisting up to 5 yr; others (e.g., Juniper spp.) showed high resistance, such that their climatic sensitivities did not change. Among species, the importance of different antecedent climate variables changed with time since drought. Though a majority of species responded positively to same-year precipitation pre-drought, all 10 species were positively affected by same-year precipitation the second year after drought. Our results demonstrate tree growth sensitivities vary among species and with time since drought, raising questions about physiological mechanisms and implications for forest health under future drought.
Low loss SAW RF ID tags for space applications

NASA has identified the need for wireless, passive sensors for ground, in-flight, and space exploration. In general, devices must simultaneously sense and tag measurands, such as temperature or pressure, in a multi-sensor environment. SAW sensor devices are ideally suited since they are passive, small, rugged, operate over broad temperatures, and are radiation hard. In a passive, wireless multi-sensor environment, the communication distance of the sensor-tag is related to its insertion loss and the processing gain of the system. To maximize the tag readable distance, the reduction of tag insertion loss is critical. Single frequency CDMA tags for high volume commercial applications must have universal coding schemes and large numbers of codes. The large number of bits for coding and CDMA operation necessitates reflector banks with > 30 dB loss. The relaxation of these parameters allows the design emphasis to be shifted to low-loss reflectors. The use of multiple frequency coded tags reduces adjacent reflector interactions for low insertion loss (< 4dB), increased system operation distance, complex coding, and system processing gain. The semi-custom SAW sensor devices provide low loss platforms for multi-sensor integration and diverse embodiments are possible. The goal of the current research is to develop a very low loss SAW tag-sensor platform for use in a broad range of sensing applications. The paper will discuss the reflector design aspects with respect to a communication platform, without reference to any particular sensor. The goal is to reduce the coded reflector bank insertion loss to less than 4 dB by investigating long reflector banks that use a pseudo-orthogonal frequency coding (P-OFC) definition that reduces intra-chip reflections and optimizes spectral bandwidth of the device. The new coding approach is defined and contrasted with the previously defined orthogonal frequency coded (OFC) technique. Auto- and cross- correlation properties of the chips and their relation to reflectivity per strip and reflector length are discussed. Frequency and time-domain inter-symbol interference will be compared and quantified with respect to system performance. Results at 250 MHz of a single frequency CDMA tag will be compared to 8 chip OFC, and pseudo-orthogonal frequency coded P-OFC SAW tags. The key parameters of insertion loss, cross-correlation and auto-correlation of the two types of frequency coded tags will be analyzed, contrasted and discussed. It is shown that coded reflector banks can be achieved with near zero loss and still maintain good coding properties. Experimental and COM model predicted device results with varying reflector designs and codes are presented.
Osteopathic approach to treating a patient with new onset low back pain following injury reveals unusual presentation of bilateral and symmetric symptoms: A case report

Abstract This case suggests the efficacy of Counterstrain techniques in the immediately acute setting. What is unusual in this case is the bilateral and symmetric nature of the patient's tender points and symptoms. There appears to be an absence of this particular discussion within the osteopathic literature regarding this. This may indicate a more medial somatic dysfunction; however, no posterior or spinous process tender points were appreciated in this patient. The case illustrates that further research as to the prevalence of similar presentations of symptoms, and to the efficacy of a purely flexed counterstrain treatment for bilateral symmetric conditions, is warranted.
Impact of Prognostic Uncertainty in System Health Monitoring

Across many industries, systems are exceeding their intended design lives, whether they are ships, bridges or military aircraft. As a result failure rates can increase and unanticipated wear or failure conditions can arise. Health monitoring research and application has the potential to more safely lengthen the service life of a range of systems through utilization of sensor data and knowledge of failure mechanisms to predict component life remaining. A further benefit of health monitoring when combined across an entire platform is system health management. System health management is an enabler of condition based maintenance, which allows repair or replacement based on material condition, not a set time. Replacement of components based on condition can enable cost savings through fewer parts being used and the associated maintenance costs. The goal of this research is to show the management of system health can provide savings in maintenance and logistics cost while increasing vehicle availability through the approach of condition based maintenance.This work examines the impact of prediction accuracy uncertainty in remaining useful life prognostics for a squadron of 12 aircraft. The uncertainty in this research is introduced in the system through an uncertainty factor applied to the useful life prediction. An ARENA discrete event simulation is utilized to explore the effect of prediction error on availability, reliability, and maintenance and logistics processes. Aircraft are processed through preflight, flight, and post-flight operations, as well as maintenance and logistics activities. A baseline case with traditional time driven maintenance is performed for comparison to the condition based maintenance approach of this research.This research does not consider cost or decision making processes, instead focusing on utilization parameters of both aircraft and manpower. The occurrence and impact of false alarms on system performance is examined. The results show the potential availability, reliability, and maintenance benefits of a health monitoring system and explore the diagnostic uncertainty.
558. Second Generation Vaccinia Carrier for Scalable and Efficient Production of Recombinant AAV Vectors

Recent successes of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors in clinical trials demand a more efficient system for scalable production of high-quality rAAV vectors. Our recently developed rAAV production employed a novel concept by utilizing cytoplasmic carriers, vaccinia viruses carrying AAV rep and cap genes; nuclear carrier, an adenovirus carrier with AAV transgene expressing cassette and suspension Hela cells to produce rAAV vectors. In this prototype production system, two vaccinia virus carriers are necessary to provide the required Rep and Cap functions, with one containing Rep78 and VP2(Rep78-VP2) and another containing Rep52 and VP1(Rep52-VP1). This scheme is necessary due to the sequences identity between rep genes and cap genes. To further reduce the vaccinia carriers necessary for rAAV production, we developed a novel vaccinia carrier (VW22) which is capable of all necessary rAAV production gene products, Rep 78, Rep52, VP1, VP2 and VP3. Despite the VP1 and VP2, Rep78 and Rep52 all have identical amino acids in the C-termini, VW22 is stable for at least 12 continuous replication and production cycle. The rAAV packaging efficiency using VW22 is 2≈3 times higher than the previous generation using two vaccinia carriers expressing Rep78-VP2 and Rep52-VP1 separately.In the initial system, a wild type adenovirus was shown to increase rAAV yield significantly in the production cell line, HeLa cells. We made first improvement of the production system by making a HeLa cell line expressing adenovirus E1A and E1B (HE1 cells). HE1 cells were able to support rAAV replication efficiently without supplying wtAd. Higher rAAV yield in HE1 cells than that in Hela cells in the presence of wtAd were observed.Our new progresses reduced the numbers of vaccinia carrier and adenovirus helper. This new simplified system not only reduce the production cost, but also improved rAAV production yield and make the vector purification easier. We are able to further optimize other parameter for rAAV production such as the MOI of VW22 and Ad, the infection interval between Ad and VW22, the serum level and also the harvest time. In summary, the new development in using cytoplasmic carrier for packaging rAAV vectors showed great promise for a new system which is scalable, reliable, efficient and versatile for producing any serotype of AAV vectors.
Probable Zika virus-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome: Challenges with clinico-laboratory diagnosis.

Abstract A 55 year old woman in New York City presented in May 2016 with progressive weakness, ataxia, paresthesia, and areflexia, shortly after returning from the Dominican Republic. Lumbar puncture revealed cytoalbuminological dissociation. Due to her recent travel, Zika-associated Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) was suspected and she underwent evaluation for recent flavivirus exposure. Zika virus RNA was not detected in serum, but Zika virus immunoglobulin M (IgM) was detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Dengue virus IgM in serum was equivocal and dengue virus IgG was detected in the serum. Plaque-reduction neutralization testing showed elevated titers to both Zika virus and dengue virus, providing evidence of recent infection with a flavivirus. The patient was diagnosed with probable Zika virus-associated GBS based on clinical findings, ancillary testing, and laboratory assays according to current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Zika virus transmission in the Americas is resulting in increasing numbers of patients presenting with Zika virus-associated neurological syndromes. Clinical and laboratory diagnosis in these cases can be challenging and may be aided by consultation with CDC, and state and local public health agencies.
Integrating Commercial Fisheries Registration, Education, and Social Science in the U.S. Virgin Islands

AbstractThe collection of economic data on commercial fisheries without a formal dealer network often requires time and labor-intensive field research. Previous fisheries social and economic research in the Caribbean has embraced stratified or cluster sampling techniques as an efficient alternative to seeking large random samples. We explore an alternative approach wherein fisheries education and research are incorporated into a registration process structured around small group interactions in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). We find that this approach can raise response rates and save considerable effort, but the surveys themselves must be very brief.Received February 11, 2016; accepted October 28, 2016 Published online March 1, 2017