cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The General Filtering Problem and the Stochastic Equation of the Optimal Filter (Part I)

Before discussing the filtering problem, we prove a number of results in preparation for the martingale approach to the stochastic differential equation of the optimal filter which will be derived in the later sections of this chapter. Let us recall that (Ω,A,P) is a complete probability space and (ℱ t ) (t ∈ R + ) is an increasing family of sub σ-fields of A, and that it will be assumed that all P-null sets belong to ℱ0. The following processes are given on Ω: (S t ) called the signal or system process; (Z t ), the observation process; and (B t ), the noise process. All three are related by the model $$Z_t = S_t + B_t $$ (?8.1.1?) .
Densification and strength evolution in solid-state sintering Part I Experimental investigation

Prealloyed bronze (Cu-10Sn) powder and a mixed elemental steel (Fe-2Ni-0.9C) powder were evaluated for strength evolution during sintering. For the bronze powder, test samples were fabricated using a loose powder casting method, while the steel powder was formed by injection molding. In situ strength during sintering was measured using a bending fracture test. Primary focus was on measuring the effects of sintering temperature and time on in situ strength evolution. Sintering temperature had the most significant effect, but the strength underwent significant gains prior to densification. The results are explained by the competition among interparticler neck growth, densification, and thermal softening. Sinter strengthening is initially governed by interparticle bonding, followed by a contribution from densification at high temperatures. However, high temperatures also lead to significant strength degradation due to thermal softening. Densification is favored by the declining in situ strength associated with thermal softening at high temperatures.
COMPARISON OF ILLNESS SEVERITY SCORING SYSTEMS IN THE VENTILATED NEWBORN IN RUSSIA

Background There are exist several different scoring systems for predicting neonatal morbidity and mortality: They have been infrequently compared, especially out of the countries where they have been designed. Objectives To compare neonatal mortality prediction models Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB), Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability Score (TRIPS) and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP-II) in the ventilated newborn in ICU of Voronezh Regional Children’s Hospital, Russia. Methods Data were collected on 221 ventilated newborns admitted in sequence to intensive care unit. The mean birth weight was 2272 (4400–760) g; gestational age 32 (27–41) weeks; male 139 (62,9%), female 82 (37,1%); 1 min Apgar score less than 4 was in 68 (30,8%) and 5 min Apgar score less than 6 was in 69 (31,2 %) babies. The mortality rate was 1,4%. Discrimination was quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). The calibration of the model with the best discrimination was assessed using the standardized mortality ratio. Results Discrimination of all the scales was good: AUC for CRIB 0,821+−0,03; TRIPS 0,797+−0,03; SNAP-II - 0,738+−0,04. The standardized mortality ratios for the CRIB was 1,45. Using logistic regression method we constructed a model for mortality prediction with the independent variables birth weight and CRIB (AUC = 0.879). Conclusion Discrimination for these illness severity scores is good. Published models for severity of illness under predict hospital mortality in the ventilated newborn in Russia and need recalibration.
THE DETERMINANTS OF REAL EXCHANGE RATES FLUCTUATIONS FOR GHANA

The study examined the main determinants of real exchange rates fluctuations in Ghana using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach [bound testing approach] and vector error correction model with annual time series data covering the period of 1970 to 2014. The findings from the study revealed that whereas increase in inflation rate, trade openness and government consumption expenditure cause the cedi to depreciate against the US dollar, an increase in real GDP growth was found to appreciate the cedi against the US dollar. Based on these findings, the study suggested these recommendations to enhance the performance of the cedi against the US dollar. First, the Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Food and Agriculture should adopt policies that will reduce inflation and increase real GDP growth. These policies include increase in food production, reduction of interest rates and corporate tax and increase privatisation. Again, the Ministry of Trade and Industry should encourage exports and discourage importation of basic consumer goods such as rice, tin tomatoes, chocolate etc. so as to prevent trade openness from depreciating the cedi. Finally, government consumption expenditure should target areas that will enhance productivity. For instance, the government can increase its spending on power generation, education and health.
Modelling of three-reactor system for chemical looping hydrogen generation: identifying a suitable operating range

Chemical-looping hydrogen generation can produce hydrogen from fossils fuels with inherent separation of CO2 . In this article, a novel compact fluidized bed is used for CLHG to solve the problem of low fuel gas conversion causing by thermodynamic limit. Based on the compact fluidized bed, a modelling of three-reactor system for CLHG process is built to study the operating range of this system. The results show that the low limit of the system temperature is 650°C, or else unexpected reaction will occur in reactors. The system can achieve heat-integrated by mixing a certain amount of inert support into oxygen carrier and adjusting a suitable temperature different among reactors. Moreover, an operational range of the oxygen carrier recycle rate between 6 and 8 mol Fe/mol CH4 is recommended for more extensive operating region and relative higher CH4 /H2 ratio can be obtain. Finally, a fitting formula described the operating range of this system is proposed to provide a reference for the experiment and simulation in further work.
Practice Patterns of Vascular Surgery's “1%”

Background Public focus on health care spending has increased attention on variation in practice patterns and overutilization of high-cost services. Mainstream news reports have revealed that a small number of providers account for a disproportionate amount of total Medicare payments. Here, we explore variation in Medicare payments among vascular surgeons and compare practice patterns of the most highly reimbursed surgeons to the rest of the workforce. Methods 2016 Medicare Provider Utilization Data were queried to identify procedure, charge, and payment data to vascular surgeons, identified by National Provider Identification taxonomy. Commonly performed services (>10/year) were stratified into categories (endovascular, open surgery, varicose vein, evaluation and management, etc.). Practice patterns of vascular surgeons comprising the top 1% Medicare payments (n = 31) were compared with the remainder of the workforce (n = 3,104). Results In 2016, Medicare payments to vascular surgeons totaled $589 M. 31 vascular surgeons—1% of the workforce—received $91 million (15% of total payments). Practice patterns of the 1% differed significantly from the remainder of vascular surgeons (P Conclusions One percentage of vascular surgeons receive an inordinate amount of total Medicare payments to the specialty. This discrepancy is due to variations in volume, utilization, and site of service. Disproportionate use of outpatient atherectomy in a small number of providers, for example, raises concerns regarding appropriateness and overutilization. Given current scrutiny over health care spending, these findings should prompt serious discussion regarding the utility of personal and societal self-regulation.
Nanobenders as efficient piezoelectric actuators for widely tunable nanophotonics at CMOS-level voltages

Tuning and reconfiguring of nanophotonic components are needed to realize systems incorporating many components. The electrostatic force can deform a structure and tune its optical response. Despite the success of electrostatic actuators, they suffer from trade-offs between tuning voltage, tuning range, and on-chip area. Piezoelectric actuation could resolve these challenges, but only pm-per-volt scale wavelength tunability has been achieved. Here we propose and demonstrate compact piezoelectric actuators, called nanobenders, that transduce tens of nanometers per volt. By leveraging the non-uniform electric field from submicron electrodes, we generate bending of a piezoelectric nanobeam. Combined with a sliced photonic crystal cavity to sense displacement, we show tuning of an optical resonance by ~ 5 nm V−1 (0.6 THz V−1) and between 1520 ~ 1560 nm (~ 400 linewidths) within 4 V. Finally, we consider tunable nanophotonic components enabled by the nanobenders. The ability to tune nanophotonic components is vital for their incorporation into complex on-chip architectures. Here, a fully-integrated LiNbO3 piezoelectric nanobender is presented, providing ~ 5 nm/V and permitting tuning of an optical cavity to a resonance in the infrared.
The Symbol of Justice: Bloodguilt in Kant

One of the more notorious passages in Kant occurs in the Doctrine of Right where he claims that ‘bloodguilt’ will cling to members of a dissolving society if they fail to execute the last murderer (MM, 6: 333). Although this is the most famous, bloodguilt appears in three other passages in Kant’s writings. These have received little attention in Kant scholarship. In this article, I examine these other passages and argue that bloodguilt functions as a symbol for the demandingness of justice. I then offer a sympathetic interpretation of the passage from the Doctrine of Right.
Missing work: absenteeism at Pepperell Manufacturing Co. in 1883

While factories are usually thought to have disciplined workers, I find that absence rates at a US textile factory in 1883 were fairly high—9% if breaks up to 4 weeks are considered absences. Women’s absence rates were about 50% higher than those of men. While I find only weak support for economic motives, I find strong support for leisure-related motives for absences. Absences were high near weekends and holidays, and for special events, and absences were less likely when it rained. When studying how much people worked, we should not assume that days worked by employees matched days of operation for the employer.
“Soy de Zoochina”: Transborder comunalidad practices among adult children of indigenous migrants

This study adds to the growing interdisciplinary field of Critical Latinx Indigeneities by examining comunalidad (communality or community collectiveness) in a transborder setting. Comunalidad, as Indigenous Oaxacan practices and beliefs, provides a collective understanding of how three Zapotec generations in the US diaspora shape and reinforce notions of Indigeneity and belonging to their lands in Zoochina. I refer to this idea of relational understanding among the US diaspora as transborder comunalidad, the Indigenous epistemology and practice of communal belonging and being across generations in diaspora. Based on oral histories and participant observation fieldwork in Los Angeles, this article looks at sociocultural practices that Zoochina Zapotecs use to challenge Latinidad, Mexicanidad, and Chicana/o identities. By organizing in traditional dances and playing in their Oaxacan brass band, generations in diaspora reinforce transborder communal ties to their homeland and identity as Indigenous peoples, specifically as young and adult children of Indigenous migrants.
Association of Surgeon Representation on NIH Study Sections With Receipt of Funding by Surgeon-scientists

Objective Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between surgeon representation on NIH study sections and success in grant funding. Summary of background data NIH funding for surgeon-scientists is declining. Prior work has called for increased surgeon participation in the grant review process as a strategy to increase receipt of funding by surgeon-scientists. Methods A retrospective review of surgeon (primary department: General, Urology, Orthopedic, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery) representation on NIH study sections and receipt of funding was performed using NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) and 2019 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research data. NIH chartered study section panels and ad hoc reviewers for each 2019 review date were also obtained. Results In 2019, 9239 individuals reviewed in at least 1 of the 168 study sections [190 (2.1%) surgeons, 64 (0.7%) standing members, 126 (1.4%) ad-hoc]. Most surgeons on study sections were male (65%) professors (63%). Surgeons most commonly served on bioengineering, technology, and surgical sciences (29.6% surgeons), diseases and pathophysiology of the visual system (28.3%), and surgery, anesthesiology and trauma (21%). In 2019, 773 surgeons received 1235 NIH grants (>$580 M) out of a total of 55,012 awards (2.2%). Funded surgeons were predominantly male (79%), White (68%), non-Hispanic (97%), full professors (50%), and 43% had additional advanced degrees (MPH/PhD/MBA). surgery, anesthesiology and trauma, diseases and pathophysiology of the visual system, and bioengineering, technology, and surgical sciences were the most common study sections that reviewed funded grants to surgeon-scientists. Ninety-two surgeons both received grant funding and served on study section. Study sections with higher surgeon representation were more likely to fund surgeon-scientists (P Conclusions Surgeon representation on NIH study sections is strongly associated with receipt of funding by surgeon-scientists. Increasing NIH study section representation by surgeons may help to preserve the surgeon-scientist phenotype.
Spatial Visualization of Human Anatomy through Art Using Technical Drawing Exercises

Spatial visualization, the ability to mentally rotate three-dimensional (3D) images, plays a significant role in anatomy education. This study examines the impact of technical drawing exercises on the improvement of spatial visualization and anatomy education in a Neuroscience course. First-year medical students (n = 84) were randomly allocated into a control group (n = 41) or art-training group (n = 43). Variables including self-reported artistic drawing ability, previous technical drawing experience, or previous anatomy laboratory exposure were gathered. Participants who self-identified as artistic individuals were equally distributed between the two groups. Students in the art-training group attended four 1-hour sessions to solve technical drawing worksheets. All participants completed two Mental Rotations Tests (MRT), which were used to assess spatial visualization. Data were also collected from two neuroscience written examinations and an anatomical "tag test" practical examination. Participants in the art-training and control groups improved on the MRT. The mean of written examination two was significantly higher (P = 0.007) in the art-training group (12.95) than the control group (11.48), and higher (P = 0.027) in those without technical drawing experience (12.44) than those with (11.00). The mean of the anatomical practical was significantly higher (P = 0.010) in those without artistic ability (46.24) than those with (42.00). These results suggest that completing technical drawing worksheets may aid in solving anatomy-based written examination questions on complex brain regions, but further research is needed to determine its implication on anatomy practical scores. These results propose a simple method of improving spatial visualization in anatomy education.
Characterization of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using patient-reported outcomes and quantitative sensory testing.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, debilitating side effect in cancer survivors. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and its correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cancer patients with and without CIPN. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from two clinical trials in solid tumor cancer survivors with no CIPN symptoms rated < 2 on a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) or moderate-to-severe CIPN rated ≥ 4 on the NRS. We collected PROs (NRS, Neuropathic Pain Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gynecologic Oncology Group/Neurotoxicity subscale at baseline. QST [Tactile Threshold (TT), Vibration Threshold (VT), Thermal Threshold (THT)] measurements were used to assess sensory fiber function; they were compared between patients with and without CIPN using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. We used Spearman correlation coefficients to estimate associations between PROs and QST in all patients. Among 116 participants with CIPN (median NRS 5.00) and 10 participants without CIPN (median NRS 0.00), the median (interquartile range) TT was 3.84 (3.47, 4.12) and 3.53 (3.00, 3.84) in feet, respectively (p = 0.043). The median VT was 17.90 (9.42, 26.95) and 7.73 (5.94, 11.11) in feet, respectively (p = 0.001). Thermal cool threshold was 30.00 °C (28.90, 30.57) and 30.67 °C (30.57, 30.93), respectively (p = 0.007). Correlation coefficients between PROs and QST measures ranged between 0.02 and 0.50 in absolute magnitude. Patients with moderate-to-severe CIPN had significantly impaired tactile, vibratory, and thermal thresholds compared to patients without CIPN. QST correlates with PROs, suggesting CIPN symptom severity may correspond to sensory fiber functionality. QST may be incorporated into future CIPN research.
Rubber—The Material of Possibilities

This chapter begins with a visit to Manaus, once the rubber capital of the world. Entangled long molecular chains that stretch, deform, and reform made a material that was an important part of Maya political, religious, and social life well before the apogee of the rubber boom in Brazil. Rubber became a commercially important material when a technique was developed to permanently link the chains using heat and sulfur in a process called vulcanization. Vulcanized rubber became essential for tires in the rapidly growing automobile industry following the introduction of the Model T Ford. The material was so important for the war effort that President Franklin Roosevelt declared it a “strategic and critical material.”
Modeling TCP Loss Recovery Latency with the Number of Retransmissions

So far, several analytic models have been proposed to predict the performance of transmission control protocol (TCP) such as steady-state throughput. However, for more detailed performance analysis of various TCP implementations, the fast recovery latency during which packet losses are retransmitted should be considered based on the relevant strategy. In this paper, we derive the loss recovery latency of three TCP implementations including TCP Reno, NewReno, and when selective acknowledgement (SACK) option is used. Specifically, the number of lost packets each TCP sender detects and retransmits during fast recovery is considered. Thereby, the proposed model can differentiate the loss recovery latency of TCP using SACK option from TCP NewReno. By numerical results verified by simulations, we evaluate that the proposed model can capture the precise latency of TCP loss recovery period.
A Robust Model for Estimating and Testing for Means in Single Subject Experiments

The first order autoregressive model is proposed as a robust model for estimating and testing for means in single subject experiments. It has the advantage of mathematical simplicity, and it provides good approximations to a number of other models of the type typically encountered in behavioral research. Practical considerations on the use of the model are considered including: tests of hypotheses and confidence intervals, sample size requirements, normal approximations, and advantages of the model over the independent error term model. Inferences for means and differences of means are considered.
Crystal structure of a bacterial family-III cellulose-binding domain: a general mechanism for attachment to cellulose.

Abstract The crystal structure of a family-III cellulose-binding domain (CBD) from the cellulosomal scaffoldin subunit of Clostridium thermocellum has been determined at 1.75 A resolution. The protein forms a nine-stranded beta sandwich with a jelly roll topology and binds a calcium ion. conserved, surface-exposed residues map into two defined surfaces located on opposite sides of the molecule. One of these faces is dominated by a planar linear strip of aromatic and polar residues which are proposed to interact with crystalline cellulose. The other conserved residues are contained in a shallow groove, the function of which is currently unknown, and which has not been observed previously in other families of CBDs. On the basis of modeling studies combined with comparisons of recently determined NMR structures for other CBDs, a general model for the binding of CBDs to cellulose is presented. Although the proposed binding of the CBD to cellulose is essentially a surface interaction, specific types and combinations of amino acids appear to interact selectively with glucose moieties positioned on three adjacent chains of the cellulose surface. The major interaction is characterized by the planar strip of aromatic residues, which align along one of the chains. In addition, polar amino acid residues are proposed to anchor the CBD molecule to two other adjacent chains of crystalline cellulose.
Biochemical characterization and subcellular distribution of the glucose transporter from rat brain microvessels.

This study describes the biochemical characterization and subcellular distribution of glucose transporters from isolated rat brain cortical microvessels. The d-glucose inhibitable [3H]cytochalasin B binding assay was used to quantitate glucose transporter binding sites in plasma membranes, high-density microsomes and low-density microsomes prepared from basal and insulin-stimulated cells. Incubation with insulin for 30 min increased the number of glucose transporters in the high-density microsomes by around 33% but had no effect on the number of glucose transporters in the plasma membrane or low-density microsomes. Prolonged incubation with insulin (2 h), however, resulted in a small but significant redistribution of glucose transporters to the low-density microsomes. Preincubation of cells with cycloheximide blocked this insulin-induced increase in glucose transporter number, suggesting that this effect of insulin was due to the synthesis of new glucose transport proteins. Specific labeling of glucose transporters was achieved by photoincorporation of [3H]cytochalasin B. Labeled membranes from all fractions contained a single d-glucose inhibitable peak, migrating with a molecular size of 55 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing of the 55 kDa protein revealed one major peak of d-glucose inhibitable radioactivity focusing at pH 6.0 in all fractions.
Partial Rescue of the Amelogenin Null Dental Enamel Phenotype

The amelogenins are the most abundant secreted proteins in developing dental enamel. Enamel from amelogenin (Amelx) null mice is hypoplastic and disorganized, similar to that observed in X-linked forms of the human enamel defect amelogenesis imperfecta resulting from amelogenin gene mutations. Both transgenic strains that express the most abundant amelogenin (TgM180) have relatively normal enamel, but strains of mice that express a mutated amelogenin (TgP70T), which leads to amelogenesis imperfecta in humans, have heterogeneous enamel structures. When Amelx null (KO) mice were mated with transgenic mice that produce M180 (TgM180), the resultant TgM180KO offspring showed evidence of rescue in enamel thickness, mineral density, and volume in molar teeth. Rescue was not observed in the molars from the TgP70TKO mice. It was concluded that a single amelogenin protein was able to significantly rescue the KO phenotype and that one amino acid change abrogated this function during development.
Using Molecular Dynamics To Simulate Electronic Spin Resonance Spectra of T4 Lysozyme

The stochastic Liouville formalism (SLE) allows for electronic spin resonance (ESR) spectra to be computed for proteins and lipids, using a stochastic model for the motion of the nitroxide spin probe. The present work reports a molecular dynamics (MD) study of spin-labeled T4 lysozyme, where information extracted from the atomically detailed trajectories is used within the framework of the Liouville equation. Sets of 10 MD trajectories, with two force fields, were produced for each of the T4 mutants N40C and K48C, previously used in ESR experiments. Fluctuations of the local relevant degrees of freedom, order parameters for the spin probe, free induction decay profiles, and finally high-field ESR line shapes were calculated for the two proteins. Sampling probabilities for the nitroxide rotational degrees of freedom are in agreement with the traditional model of Brownian rotational diffusion in a restricting potential. Present results suggest that improved sampling (longer time scale, more averaging over i...
GATA-3 up-regulation in CD8+ T cells as a biomarker of immune dysfunction in systemic sclerosis, resulting in excessive interleukin-13 production.

Objective Despite the importance of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other fibrotic diseases, its mechanisms of action are not understood. We have reported that excessive amounts of IL-13 are produced by peripheral blood effector CD8+ T cells from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). The aim of the present study was to establish the molecular basis of IL-13 dysregulation in the pathogenesis of SSc. Methods Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and intracellular staining were used to study the transcription factors that control naive peripheral blood CD8+ T cell differentiation into type 1 and type 2 cytokine-secreting cells. Intracellular staining revealed that GATA-3 levels in freshly isolated naive CD8+ T cells correlated with specific clinical manifestations. We therefore assessed the effects of GATA-3 inhibition on IL-13 production in CD8+ T cells from the SSc patients. Results Freshly isolated naive peripheral blood CD8+ T cells expressed high levels of GATA-3 and failed to down-regulate IL-13 production when cultured under type 1–skewing conditions, but maintained adequate levels of interferon-γ production. Cellular GATA-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with dcSSc and early inflammatory disease. Silencing of GATA-3 with small interfering RNA significantly reduced IL-13 production by CD8+ T cells, demonstrating a causal relationship between GATA-3 and IL-13. Conclusion These results provide important new insights into SSc pathogenesis and suggest that increased GATA-3 expression in CD8+ T cells could be a highly relevant biomarker of immune dysfunction in patients with dcSSc. GATA-3 could be a novel therapeutic target for this currently incurable disease.
Radiation from a line charge source located near an air-piezoelectric interface

The ray optical solution to the problem of a time harmonic line charge source radiating acoustic energy into a semi-infinite piezo-electric half space is outlined. This ray optical technique differs from the approach employed in recent publications [1], [2], and leads to a better understanding of bulk-wave radiation in SAW devices. PZT ferroceramic materials have been chosen for this study and numerical results are obtained and given.
New drug development during and after a period of regulatory change: Clinical research activity of major united states pharmacxeutical firms, 1958 to 1979

The 1962 drug amendments fundamentally changed the way in which U.S. pharmaceutical firms could test new drugs in man and receive New Drug Application (NDA) approval. Although it is well known that the amendments and associated events caused a profound decline in the annual number of new drugs receiving NDA approval, the amendments' effects on clinical research into new chemical entities (NCEs) have not been investigated because data were unavailable. To study this we requested drug development information dating back to 1958 from most major United States–owned pharmaceutical firms and obtained complete responses from nine. The results showed that the introduction rate of NCEs into human testing dropped sharply in the early 1960s and declined substantially thereafter. The number of NCEs entering human testing fell from a mean of 89 a year in 1958–1962, to 35 a year in 1963–1972 (a reduction of 61%), and to 17 a year in the last 5 years of the survey, 1975–1979 — an overall reduction of 81%. The number of NDA approvals received by these firms fell sharply by 49% in the early 1960s and more slowly for 10 years thereafter, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. In the case of self-originated NCEs, the size of this later fall was 71%. Causes of these changes in NCE flow include the amendments and the events that prompted them; changes in scientific philosophy, standards, and state of the art; and economic factors. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 33, 691–700; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.95
Origins of inner ear sensory organs revealed by fate map and time-lapse analyses.

Abstract The inner ear develops from a simple ectodermal thickening called the otic placode into a labyrinth of chambers which house sensory organs that sense sound and are used to maintain balance. Although the morphology and function of the sensory organs are well characterized, their origins and lineage relationships are virtually unknown. In this study, we generated a fate map of Xenopus laevis inner ear at otic placode and otocyst stages to determine the developmental origins of the sensory organs. Our lineage analysis shows that all regions of the otic placode and otocyst can give rise to the sensory organs of the inner ear, though there were differences between labeled quadrants in the range of derivatives formed. A given region often gives rise to cells in multiple sensory organs, including cells that apparently dispersed from anterior to posterior poles and vice versa. These results suggest that a single sensory organ arises from cells in different parts of the placode or otocyst and that cell mixing plays a large role in ear development. Time-lapse videomicroscopy provides further evidence that cells from opposite regions of the inner ear mix during the development of the inner ear, and this mixing begins at placode stages. Lastly, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, is expressed in all sensory organs of the frog inner ear, as it is in the developing chicken ear. Inner ear fate maps provide a context for interpreting gene expression patterns and embryological manipulations.
Scalp and Intracranial EEG in Medically Intractable Extratemporal Epilepsy with Normal MRI

Purpose. To investigate EEG and SPECT in the surgical outcome of patients with normal MRI (nonlesional) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Methods. We retrospectively identified 41 consecutive patients with nonlesional extratemporal epilepsy who underwent epilepsy surgery between 1997 and 2007. The history, noninvasive diagnostic studies (scalp EEG, MRI, and SPECT) and intracranial EEG (iEEG) monitoring was reviewed. Scalp and iEEG ictal onset patterns were defined. The association of preoperative studies and postoperative seizure freedom was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard. Results. Thirty-six of 41 patients had adequate information with a minimum of 1-year followup. Favorable surgical outcome was identified in 49% of patients at 1 year, and 35% at 4-year. On scalp EEG, an ictal onset pattern consisting of focal beta-frequency discharge (>13–125 Hz) was associated with favorable surgical outcome (𝑃=0.02). Similarly, a focal fast-frequency oscillation (>13–125 Hz) on iEEG at ictal onset was associated with favorable outcome (𝑃=0.03). Discussion. A focal fast-frequency discharge at ictal onset identifies nonlesional MRI, extratemporal epilepsy patients likely to have a favorable outcome after resective epilepsy surgery.
Male Diachasma alloeum parasitoids from two host species of tephritid fruit flies respond equally to female-produced sex pheromone

. Diachasma alloeum is a braconid wasp that parasitizes hawthorn-infesting Rhagoletis pomonella and blueberry-infesting Rhagoletis mendax, both tephritid fruit fly sibling species. The behavioural responses of male D. alloeum originating from both fruit fly host species to hexane extracts of conspecific females originating from both host species and females of various mating status are investigated in a laboratory Y-tube olfactometer. Male D. alloeum originating from either R. mendax or R. pomonella respond to one whole-body, female equivalent hexane extract in equal frequency as to a live, virgin female; this response is at least 7.5-fold greater than to solvent controls. Male D. alloeum originating from R. mendax or R. pomonella are attracted to hexane extracts of female D. alloeum abdomens but not to extracts of the head and thorax regions. Virgin D. alloeum females attract significantly more male D. alloeum originating from either host species compared with mated females of the same age. Copulation behaviour between same host and mixed host pairs appears to be identical. Male D. alloeum are equally responsive to the female-produced sex pheromone of female D. alloeum, irrespective of females' host-species origin, suggesting that these host-specific populations can potentially interbreed.
Determining linkage and mode of inheritance: Mod scores and other methods

The lod score method remains a popular approach for detecting linkage and estimating the recombination fraction theta between a marker locus and a trait locus. However, its implementation requires knowledge of all parameters of the genetic mechanism, including the number of loci involved and the genotype specific penetrance, which could depend on factors such as age. When some of the penetrance parameters phi are unknown, several methods are available, and have been reviewed by Hodge and Elston [(1994) Genet Epidemiol 11:329-342]. These include the "wrod score" (lod score maximized over theta under a wrong value of phi) and "mod score" (lod score maximized over both theta and phi) methods for inference on theta. It has further been proposed that the mod score also be used for estimating phi. In this paper, we review and assess the adequacy of these two methods for inferences on both phi and theta. In particular, all of the methods can be seen as variations on likelihood inference, using the information in the conditional likelihood for the marker data, given the trait data. The loss of efficiency of the mod is compared to that of the full likelihood, which utilizes all information available in the trait data. We also propose an alternative, based on the pseudo-likelihood, where phi is estimated via the trait information and plugged into the conditional likelihood. This method is compared to the mod score method, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are elucidated. In particular, it is seen that the pseudo-likelihood method can be more efficient than the mod score method if the ascertainment scheme can be modeled. As examples, both a random sample and a multiplex ascertainment scheme are considered. In addition, the pseudo-likelihood method leads to likelihood ratio tests for detecting linkage with a simple, known asymptotic reference distribution, a feature not shared by the mod score. Finally, we discuss the advantages of using the pseudo-likelihood method over the full likelihood method, both of which are valid when the ascertainment scheme is known.
Continuing Inequity through Neoliberalism: The Conveyance of White Dominance in the Educational Policy Speeches of President Barack Obama

The purpose of this critical discourse analysis is to examine how the political speeches and statements of President Barack Obama knowingly or unknowingly continue practices and policies of White privilege within educational policy and practice by constructing education in a neoliberal frame. With presidents having the ability to communicate unencumbered with their citizens, the impact of Presidential communication can either set or rupture the status quo. President Obama, as the first non-White President of the United States of America, is now at the center of continuing or breaking the status quo in educational policy which has been historically harmful to racial minorities. Through this critical discourse analysis studying the statements and remarks of President Obama in seven speeches pertaining to pk-12 education, there was evidence that suggested President Obama maintains the status quo. This paper argues that President Obama views education as a neoliberal enterprise, with its main focus on education serving economic purposes. Such a view reinforces racial stratification throughout society. Other evidence suggests that President Obama also reinforces individualistic approaches concerning race which could serve to further embed the institutional and internalized racism in public education. This research can serve to continue and strengthen educational discussions of the impact of whiteness and racism on public education. While steps are continually taken to ensure legal equality, generational and institutionalized measures are often ignored when discussing race and racism. This research can provide for further conversations on the impact that leaders have on continuing and promoting aspects of racism to their constituents.
A mathematical model for the infectivity-dilution curve of tobacco mosaic virus: theoretical considerations.

Abstract Previous interpretations of infectivity-dilution curves, as obtained with plant viruses, do not account satisfactorily for some experimental observations. A new model based on theoretical considerations was derived to explain the infectivity-dilution curves obtained with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). While a single viable TMV particle may initiate infection in any epidermal cell of a leaf, each cell is assumed to have an associated probability that a given TMV particle will establish infection; it is assumed that these probabilities are not necessarily the same for all cells, but may vary from cell to cell. A mathematical expression for the infectivity-dilution curve is derived from additional assumptions about the distribution of the cell infection probabilities. An approximation, which is appropriate when a small fraction of the total number of cells develop lesions, is developed as a limiting case of the derived expression. The approximation, which is of the form y = A log (1 + BV), in which y is the expected number of lesions per half leaf, V is virus concentration, and A and B are constants, is valid under a much broader class of descriptions of the distribution of cell probabilities than that used in deriving the complete equation. In terms of the approximation, the number of lesions is proportional to the concentration at low concentrations, and is proportional to the logarithm of the concentration at high concentrations. Comparison of experimental data with the developed equations is made in a succeeding paper (Furumoto and Mickey, 1967) , in which biological implications of the model are discussed.
Behind the mask: machine morality

We consider machines that have the ability to masquerade as human in the context of Floridi's information ethics and artificial evil. We analyse a variety of different robots and contexts and the ethical implications for the development of such robots. We demonstrate numerous concerns that arise due to the ambiguity introduced by masquerading machines, suggesting a need for careful consideration regarding the development of masquerading robots.
Electrocardiographic Patterns of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy

Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ARVD/C are common. Differentiation between idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is of utmost importance. Baseline sinus rhythm electrocardiography as well as electrocardiographic differences during ventricular arrhythmias (VT or PVCs) can be helpful in differentiating the two disease states. The pathological fibrofatty myocyte replacement in ARVD/C as well as ventricular arrhythmia origin are likely responsible for these differences.
Sex differences in platelet toll-like receptors and their association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective—Platelets contribute to thrombosis, and platelet toll-like receptors (TLRs) are central in pathogen detection, potentially mediating infection-induced vascular occlusion. Using a large community-based cohort study, we sought to examine if platelets express all known TLR transcripts and analyze their association with cardiovascular risk factors. Approach and Results—mRNA levels for TLRs were measured in isolated platelets by high-throughput quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 1625 participants (mean age, 66.6±9; 54% women) of the Framingham Heart Study. We measured circulating inflammatory and thrombotic markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, intracellular cell adhesion molecule 1, soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1, and soluble p-selectin) and analyzed TLRs and their association with sex and cardiovascular risk factors by multivariable logit regression model adjusted for confounding factors. Platelets expressed all 10 T...
A new volumetric source mathematical model for pressure behavior around horizontal wells in dual media reservoirs

Abstract A new mathematical model is presented to describe the pressure behavior around a horizontal well in dual media heterogeneous reservoirs. An exact solution of the model is derived by means of orthogonal transformation, methods of images and the theory of matrix differential equations. Through comparison of the results of this model with those of the areal source models, it is shown that the new model presented here can be used to characterize pressure behavior more precisely than other models, especially when the formation thickness is small, or heterogeneity is severe.
Surface tension of HCl-based stimulation fluids at high temperatures

Abstract Surface tension of hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions plays a key role in matrix stimulation of gas wells. A low surface tension is required to reduce the capillary forces that trap the aqueous phase in the formation. Accumulation of the aqueous phase near the well-bore area, known as water blockage, leads to a significant reduction in gas production. This work provides, for the first time, surface tension of acid-stimulating fluids at temperatures up to 120 °C, HCl concentrations up to 28 wt.%, and pressures up to 220 bar. A pendant drop apparatus specially designed for corrosive fluids was used to measure the surface tension between acid solutions and nitrogen. The effects of commonly used acid additives on the surface tension of HCl solutions were also studied in detail. These additives included corrosion inhibitors, acetic acid, formic acid, methanol, mutual solvent, a nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant, iron control chemicals, and hydrogen sulfide scavengers. In addition to surface tension values of HCl up to 28 wt.% HCl at temperatures up to 120 °C, experimental results indicated that several acid additives are capable of significantly lowering the surface tension of HCl solutions. The trends discussed in this study can be used to better design acid formulae used to stimulate deep gas wells.
Diagnostic Value of Pleural Fluid Obtained from a Chest Tube Collection System

Pleural fluid is typically drawn directly from the pleural space for diagnostic studies, but occasionally analyses are desired when a chest tube is already in place and a traditional approach is not feasible. The diagnostic value of analyzing fluid samples obtained from the pleural fluid collection system after chest tube insertion is unknown. We performed a prospective observational study of patients in whom chest tube placement was planned for clinical indications. Diagnostic studies were performed on fluid obtained from the pleural space at the time of tube insertion and then repeated 2, 6, and 24 h later on samples obtained from the fluid collection system. Fifty-five percent of the 23 effusions studied met light’s criteria for exudate at baseline. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) varied considerably over time from baseline measures with only 25 % of measures at 24 h falling within 25 % of baseline levels. The sensitivity for exudate by LDH remained 100 % with poor specificity ranging 50–69 % with repeat measures. Total protein exhibited less variability with 85 % of measures at 24 h falling within 25 % of baseline measure. Sensitivity and specificity at 24 h were 88 and 82 %, respectively. Repeat measures of cholesterol, albumin, and triglycerides generally correlated well (Spearman’s rho > 0.90) with baseline values. Measures of glucose and cell counts varied considerably from baseline. Analysis of pleural fluid from a chest tube collection system is feasible and can provide useful diagnostic information. Practitioners should consider the test characteristics of each measure when interpreting samples obtained.
Tertiary structure around the guanosine-binding site of the Tetrahymena ribozyme

A cleavage reagent directed to the active site of the Tetrahymena catalytic RNA was synthesized by derivatization of the guanosine substrate with a metal chelator. When complexed with iron(II), this reagent cleaved the RNA in five regions. Cleavage at adenosine 207, which is far from the guanosine-binding site in the primary and secondary structure, provides a constraint for the higher order folding of the RNA. This cleavage site constitutes physical evidence for a key feature of the Michel-Westhof model. Targeting a reactive entity to a specific site should be generally useful for determining proximity within folded RNA molecules or ribonucleoprotein complexes.
A Quantitative Fuzzy Approach to Assess Mapped Vegetation Classifications for Ecological Applications

Ecologists frequently employ classifications derived from satellite imagery and aerial photography to interpret patterns of the composition and distribution of vegetation. Such maps can be used in conjunction with ecological data to extend locally intensive analyses to the landscape and watershed scale and beyond. In many cases, however, the field data used to produce and validate map classifications are not designed for ecological applications. The objective of this study is to present the fuzzy similarity index assessment method for evaluating the accuracy of maps of natural vegetation based upon methods in plant ecology. Using an example classification and associated data from field plots, a similarity index is employed to compare validation data against the defined composition for each map class, thereby producing a quantitative measure of the similarity of each observation to all classes. Fuzzy membership among classes is quantitatively evaluated using the differences in similarity between validation plots and all classes in the classification. The nature of the gradients in vegetation composition among the map classes can therefore be identified. Consequently, some classes are interpreted as compositionally distinct while others may share traits with many classes. Additional analyses determined the detail of field data collection necessary to produce consistent results using the fuzzy similarity index assessment method. Complete inventories of the presence and abundance of species are not required; rather, a field sampling method biased toward the 12 to 20 most important species in a given class is acceptable.