cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A postharvest fruit rot in d'Anjou pears caused by Sphaeropsis pyriputrescens sp. nov.

ABSTRACT During a survey of postharvest diseases in stored pears conducted in the 2001-02 storage season, a new postharvest fruit rot in d'Anjou pears was discovered in Washington State. Symptoms of this disease were stem-end rot, calyx-end rot, and wound-associated rot, which presumably originated from infections of stem, calyx, and wounds on the fruit surfaces, respectively. The decayed area on the fruit was firm or spongy and appeared brown. During the late storage period from March to May 2002, this disease was observed in 19 of 39 lots and accounted for 2 to 21% of all decayed fruit. The causal agent, Sphaeropsis sp., was consistently recovered from decayed fruit with the symptoms described above. Two isolates of the fungus were used for pathogenicity tests on pear fruit. Decay symptoms developed on fruit inoculated with spore suspensions of the fungus on the stem, calyx, and wounds on the fruit surface. The fungus was reisolated from these decayed fruit. The fungus, Sphaeropsis pyriputrescens sp. no...
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of aluminum tetrahydroborate.

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of aluminum tetrahydroborate in D3 symmetry are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of seven types of motion (BH stretch, AlB stretch, BAlB bend, HBH bend, BH4 wag, BH4 rock, and BH4 twist) predicted by a group theoretical analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with infrared and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived. Theoretical infrared intensities and Raman activities are reported.
Evolution of reovirus genes: A comparison of serotype 1, 2, and 3 m2 genome segments, which encode the major structural capsid protein μ1c

Abstract The sequences of the M2 genome segments of reovirus serotypes 1 and 2 are presented and compared with that of the cognate genome segment of reovirus serotype 3. Genome segment M2 encodes protein μ1, a cleavage product of which, μ1C, is the major constituent of reovirus particles. The three M2 genome segments exhibit a serotype 1:3 relatedness pattern: the serotype 1 and 3, 1 and 2, and 2 and 3 genome segment pairs exhibit 15, 23, and 23% nucleotide mismatches, respectively. The vast majority of these mismatches (about 87%) occur in third base codon positions that do not cause amino acid changes; as a result the three μ1 proteins are very highly related (about 97%). The μl proteins are acidic proteins, low in cysteine, histidine, and methionine, and rich in proline; and they possess a rather low predicted α-helix content of 27%. The site where protein μ1 is cleaved to μ1C is predicted to be between residues 42 and 43 in a highly conserved portion of the molecule. The three M2 genome segments are related significantly more closely than the three S3 genome segments, and much more closely than the three S1 genome segments. We have analyzed the evolutionary divergence patterns of these three genome segments. The rate of mismatch accumulation in third base codon positions is roughly the same for all three genome segments, but the rates of mismatch accumulations in first, and particularly in second, base codon positions are quite different. For the S1 genome segments there is little difference between the rates of mismatch accumulations in all three codon positions, which indicates that retention of function is compatible with very extensive structural flexibility. By contrast, the rates of mismatch accumulations in first and second base codon positions are far less for the S3 genome segments, which encode the nonstructural protein σNS, and much lower still for the M2 genome segments, which suggests the existence of very stringent structural constraints for protein μ1C, which might be expected of a protein that is a capsomer component.
A Joint Estimation Algorithm for Multiple Sinusoidal Frequencies

Accurate estimation of sinusoidal frequencies from noisy observations is an important problem in many applications including radar, sonar, and data communications. Among many algorithms is the iterative filtering algorithm (IFA), proposed by Kay, which provides a computationally simple procedure yet capable of accurate frequency estimation especially at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, the convergence and other numerical/statistical properties of IFA have not been established beyond simulation. This paper makes several important contributions: (a) it shows that the poles of the AR filter must be reduced via a shrinkage parameter to accommodate possibly poor initial values; (b) it shows that the AR estimates in each iteration must be bias-corrected to produce more accurate frequency estimates; a closed-form expression is provided for bias correction; and (c) it shows that for a sufficiently large sample size, the resulting algorithm, called new IFA, or NIFA, converges to the desired fixed-point which constitutes a consistent frequency estimator. Numerical examples, including a radar data example, are provided to demonstrate the findings
The role of marital quality in physical health during the mature years.

Objective: This study examined the role of marital quality in the physical health of mature adults. Method: Participants were from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States aged 50+ years who were in their first marriage. Five dimensions of marital quality and four indicators of physical health were used. Results: Regression analyses indicated that marital quality indices accounted fo ra significant amount of explained variance in physical health. Most notably, higher levels of negative spousal behaviors uniquely contributed to physical health, predicting more physical symptoms, chronic health problems, and physical disability, and poorer perceived health. Discussion: The occurrence of negative spousal behaviors was consistently associated with poorer physical health. The negativity effect observed regarding the costs and benefits of social support in general also applies to the context of marriage in that negative spousal behaviors outweigh positive spousal behaviors in contributing to mature adults’ physical health.
Numerical analysis of a generalized plane ‘elastica’ with non‐linear material behaviour

This article presents a numerical procedure for the analysis of a planar, continuous, flexible member. Large displacements and rotations, non-linear material behaviour and general cross sections are admitted. A shooting method is utilized along with Newton-type iteration for improved estimates. The resulting computer program is used to compare with numerical and analytical solutions of problems solved by others, and to present the solution to a problem which brings out very clearly the effects of both geometric and material non-linearities.
The Quad-CIF Tree: A Data Structure for Hierarchical On-Line Algorithms

In this paper we describe the quad-CIF tree data structure and its application to hierarchical on-line computer-aided design algorithms. The main idea is to overlay a tree of coordinates on top of the hierarchical representation of an integrated circuit. The coordinate tree enables one to find quickly the set of all objects that intersect a given window. We outline how one can use the data structure in order to implement hierarchical, on-line design rule checking and node extraction. We also describe some applications to plotting.
Design of small molecule-responsive microRNAs based on structural requirements for Drosha processing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are prevalent regulatory RNAs that mediate gene silencing and play key roles in diverse cellular processes. While synthetic RNA-based regulatory systems that integrate regulatory and sensing functions have been demonstrated, the lack of detail on miRNA structure–function relationships has limited the development of integrated control systems based on miRNA silencing. Using an elucidated relationship between Drosha processing and the single-stranded nature of the miRNA basal segments, we developed a strategy for designing ligand-responsive miRNAs. We demonstrate that ligand binding to an aptamer integrated into the miRNA basal segments inhibits Drosha processing, resulting in titratable control over gene silencing. The generality of this control strategy was shown for three aptamer–small molecule ligand pairs. The platform can be extended to the design of synthetic miRNAs clusters, cis-acting miRNAs and self-targeting miRNAs that act both in cis and trans, enabling fine-tuning of the regulatory strength and dynamics. The ability of our ligand-responsive miRNA platform to respond to user-defined inputs, undergo regulatory performance tuning and display scalable combinatorial control schemes will help advance applications in biological research and applied medicine.
Liquid crystal polarization camera

We present a fully automated system which unites CCD camera technology with liquid crystal technology to create a polarization camera capable of sensing the partial linear polarization of reflected light from objects at pixel resolution. As polarization sensing not only measures intensity but also additional physical parameters of light, it can therefore provide a richer set of descriptive physical constraints for the understanding of images. Previously it has been shown that polarization cues can be used to perform dielectric/metal material identification, specular and diffuse reflection component analysis, as well as complex image segmentations that would be significantly more complicated or even infeasible using intensity and color alone. Such analysis has so far been done with a linear polarizer mechanically rotated in front of a CCD camera. The full automation of resolving polarization components using liquid crystals not only affords an elegant application, but significantly speeds up the sensing of polarization components and reduces the amount of optical distortion present in the wobbling of a mechanically rotating polarizer. In our system two twisted nematic liquid crystals are placed in front of a fixed linear polarizer placed in front of a CCD camera. The application of a series of electrical pulses to the liquid crystals in synchronization with the CCD camera video frame rate produces a controlled sequence of polarization component images that are stored and processed on Datacube boards. We present a scheme for mapping a partial linear polarization state measured at a pixel into hue, saturation and intensity producing a representation for a partial linear polarization image. Our polarization camera currently senses partial linear polarization and outputs such a color representation image at 5 Hz. The unique vision understanding capabilities of our polarization camera system are demonstrated with experimental results showing polarization-based dielectric/metal material classification, specular reflection and occluding contour segmentations in a fairly complex scene, and surface orientation constraints.
Path-following for a class of nonlinear systems with unstable zero dynamics

In the practical path-following problem formulated in this paper, it is required that the error between the system output and the desired geometric path be less then any prespecified constant. If in a nonlinear MIMO system the output derivatives do not enter the zero dynamics, a geometric condition on the path is given under which a solution to this problem exists. The solution is obtained by combining input-to-state stability and switched-system methodology.
Microinvasive Carcinoma of the Breast

Microinvasive carcinoma of the breast is a controversial entity for a number of reasons. First, the identification of areas of microinvasion is often problematic for the pathologist. Second, varying definitions for this lesion have been used by different authors. Third, studies of microinvasive carcinoma have been limited by small patient numbers. As a consequence, there are differences of opinion regarding both the clinical significance of microinvasion and the management of patients with this lesion. The purpose of this article is to review the controversies surrounding microinvasive carcinoma of the breast.
Phenology of Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Larvae in Round Bale Hay Feeding Sites in Eastern Nebraska

The temporal and spatial patterns of adult stable sy, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), emer- gence from six sites where large round baled hay had been provided to pasture cattle as winter feed were studied using emergence traps. The substrate at these sites, consisting of waste hay mixed with bovine manure and urine, provided an excellent developmental habitat for immature stable sies. Stable sies were the most frequently collected sy emerging from these sites with a yearly average of 1,581 emerging per square meter. Stable sy emergence from these sites began in early May (235 annual accumulated Day-Degree 10C (DD10)), peaked in late June and early July (400 Ð900 DD10) and then dropped to very low levels in late July (900 DD10). The temporal pattern of stable sy emergence from the hay feeding sites differed from that of adult populations measured with sticky traps. Adult populations increased in the spring before signiÞcant emergence from the hay feeding sites was observed, dipped in midsummer soon after the hay feeding sites became nonproductive, and then rebounded in the late summer when emergence from the hay feeding sites was very low. The drop in productivity of the hay feeding sites appeared to be because of endogenous factors associated with decomposition of the substrate rather than temperature or precipitation. Winter hay feeding sites appear to be primary sources of stable sies during the early summer, however, they are not responsible for late summer and fall stable sy populations. Overall, the inner most 2-m annulus of the hay feeding sites was the most productive, however, spatial variation among sites was observed. The sex ratio of emerging sies did not differ from 1:1 and the temporal pattern of emergence was similar for males and females. Although several other species of sies were collected emerging from the hay feeding site substrate, house sies (Musca domestica L.) were notably absent.
Expanding Acculturation Theory: Are Acculturation Models and the Adaptiveness of Acculturation Strategies Generalizable in a Colonial Context?.

Most acculturation research has been conducted in immigrant settings. The present study examined the generalizability of acculturation models and the adaptiveness of acculturation strategies in another bicultural environment — a colonial setting. The sample included 138 girls (M = 13.8 years) and their parents from Hong Kong, a former British colony. Results verified that both Chinese and western acculturation occurred on individual psychological levels and that the bidimensional model was a suitable acculturation framework. Using hierarchical multiple regression, results suggested that acculturation towards Chinese (majority) culture was related to better adaptation in terms of higher academic achievement and positive family dynamics (parental nurturance and closer family relationships). Acculturation towards western (minority) culture was related to poorer adaptation in terms of engaging in greater misconduct and negative family interactions (larger intergenerational value discrepancies and family confl...
Application of normal-mode refinement to X-ray crystal structures at the lower resolution limit

The structural refinement of large complexes at the lower resolution limit is often difficult and inefficient owing to the limited number of reflections and the frequently high-level structural flexibility. A new normal-mode-based X-ray crystallo­graphic refinement method has recently been developed that enables anisotropic B-factor refinement using a drastically smaller number of thermal parameters than even isotropic refinement. Here, the method has been systematically tested on a total of eight systems in the resolution range 3.0–3.9 A. This series of tests established the most applicable scenarios for the method, the detailed procedures for its application and the degree of structural improvement. The results demonstrated substantial model improvement at the lower resolution limit, especially in cases in which other methods such as the translation–libration–screw (TLS) model were not applicable owing to the poorly converged isotropic B-factor distribution. It is expected that this normal-mode-based method will be a useful tool for structural refinement, in particular at the lower resolution limit, in the field of X-ray crystallography.
Initial oxidation kinetics of Cu(100), (110), and (111) thin films investigated by in situ ultra-high-vacuum transmission electron microscopy

The initial oxidation stages of Cu(100), (110), and (111) surfaces have been investigated by using in situ ultra-high-vacuum transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to visualize the nucleation and growth of oxide islands. The kinetic data on the nucleation and growth of oxide islands shows a highly enhanced initial oxidation rate on the Cu(110) surface as compared with Cu(100), and it is found that the dominant mechanism for the nucleation and growth is oxygen surface diffusion in the oxidation of Cu(100) and (110). The oxidation of Cu(111) shows a dramatically different behavior from that of the other two orientations, and the in situ TEM observation reveals that the initial stages of Cu(111) oxidation are dominated by the nucleation of oxide islands at temperatures lower than 550 °C, and are dominated by two-dimensional oxide growth at temperatures higher than 550 °C. This dependence of the oxidation behavior on the crystal orientation and temperature is attributed to the structures of the oxygen-chemisorbed layer, oxygen surface diffusion, surface energy, and the interfacial strain energy.
Some reflections on the notion of hypotyposis in Kant

In the Critique of Judgement, Kant, despite his strong condemnation of rhetoric, introduces the figure of hypotyposis at the very moment he sets out to tackle the philosophical problem of presentation as such. This study holds that this choice of the rhetorical term is not fortuitous. Its connotations of vivid illustration, synopsis, and moral grandeur serve Kant in arguing that, on a transcendental level, presentation secures the mind's life, unity, and self-affection. Although of rhetorical origin, hypotyposis is thus shown to link up with a specifically philosophical meaning of the term in the writings of Aristotle.
Long term outcomes in octogenarians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: comparison of bare metal versus drug eluting stent.

Abstract Background Octogenarians have been under-represented in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials, thus making difficult to choose the best type of stent in this patient population. We compared the outcomes of drug eluting (DES) and bare metal stent (BMS) at one year after implantation in this special population. Methods A total of 320 consecutive patients over 80years undergoing PCI with BMS (n=218) or DES (n=102) were retrospectively studied. One year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization (TVR) were compared between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was used for data analysis. Results The one year incidence of MACE was higher in the BMS group (18.8% vs 9.8%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.33; 95% confidence interval [C.I.]: 1.12 to 4.86 p=0.02). Diabetes mellitus was an independent predictor for increased MACE (adjusted HR: 1.99; C.I. 1.06 to 3.77, p=0.03). One year incidence of TVR was higher in the BMS group (10.0% vs 3.9% adjusted HR: 2.94; C.I. 1.01 to 8.59 p=0.045). There was no difference in cardiac death between the two groups. Conclusion During one year follow-up, octogenarians treated with BMS had an increased risk of MACE compared with those treated with DES. DES should be preferred in indications recognized from current PCI guidelines.
Chronic effects of NMDA and APV on tectal output in Xenopus laevis.

In the South African clawed-toed frog Xenopus laevis, visual experience plays a crucial role in the formation of matching binocular maps in the tectum. The ipsilateral eye's projection, relayed through the crossed isthmotectal projection, displays marked plasticity in response to altered visual input during a critical period of development. This plasticity and the events responsible for the end of the critical period are mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. We have previously reported that chronic blockade of tectal NMDA receptors with the NMDA antagonist 5-amino-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) prevents plasticity of the crossed isthmotectal projection during the critical period, while chronic treatment with NMDA restores this plasticity after the end of the critical period. These results raise the question of whether the effects on plasticity are due to changes in electrical responsiveness of the treated tissue. In this study, we have quantitatively assessed the actions of APV and NMDA on certain aspects of tectal cell activity in Xenopus during and after the critical period by recording the output of the nucleus isthmi cells that are activated by the tectum after three weeks of treatment. We have found that chronic APV treatment does not alter tectal output, as indicated by the firing of isthmotectal axons, during the critical period and that chronic NMDA treatment increases tectal output in postcritical period Xenopus. Tectal output does not differ between normal Xenopus during and after the end of the critical period.These results indicate that the effect of APV on blocking isthmotectal plasticity is not due to a nonspecific inhibition of the segment of the retinotectal relay that activates the nucleus isthmi. The enhancement of tectal output in postcritical period Xenopus by chronic NMDA treatment may promote the effectiveness of NMDA in restoring isthmotectal plasticity after the end of the critical period, but the finding that tectal activity does not differ between normal Xenopus during and after the critical period implies that a reduction in tectal activity in not the cause of the loss of plasticity at the end of the critical period.
On the Linear Convergence of Distributed Optimization over Directed Graphs

This paper develops a fast distributed algorithm, termed \emph{DEXTRA}, to solve the optimization problem when~$n$ agents reach agreement and collaboratively minimize the sum of their local objective functions over the network, where the communication between the agents is described by a~\emph{directed} graph. Existing algorithms solve the problem restricted to directed graphs with convergence rates of $O(\ln k/\sqrt{k})$ for general convex objective functions and $O(\ln k/k)$ when the objective functions are strongly-convex, where~$k$ is the number of iterations. We show that, with the appropriate step-size, DEXTRA converges at a linear rate $O(\tau^{k})$ for $0<\tau<1$, given that the objective functions are restricted strongly-convex. The implementation of DEXTRA requires each agent to know its local out-degree. Simulation examples further illustrate our findings.
The Epsilon-Ritz method for solving optimal control problems on parallel computers

Using Balakrishnan’s Epsilon Problem [1] formulation and the Rayleigh Ritz method with an orthogonal polynomial function basis, optimal control problems are transformed from the standard two point boundary value problem to a nonlinear programming problem. The resulting matrix-vector equations describing the optimal solution have standard parallel solution methods for implementation on parallel processor arrays. The method is modified to handle inequality constraints and some results are presented under which specialized nonlinear functions, such as sin and cosines, can be handled directly. Some computational results performed on an Intel Sugarcube are presented to illustrate that considerable computational savings can be realized by using the proposed solution method.
Testimony on the Regulation of Indian Gaming, Oversight Hearing on Indian Gaming, before the United States Senate, Committee on Indian Affairs, 109th Congress, 1st Session

Federal and tribal regulation is likely to be more successful than state regulation of Indian gaming because tribal governments and the federal government have a greater interest in the long term success of Indian gaming. Uniform federal minimum internal control standards can protect the integrity of the Indian gaming industry nationwide. While federal regulators should exercise a powerful role, they must be respectful of tribal governments.
COLLECTION OF GAMETES IN LABORATORY ANIMALS AND PREPARATION OF SPERM FOR IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Ova to be used for in vitro fertilization are routinely collected after superovulation. In small animals and depending on the species, 5–150 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) is administered 2–4 days prior to an ovulating dose (5–125 IU) of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (Yanagimachi, 1969; Iwamatsu and Chang, 1969; Barros et al., 1973; Brackett and Oliphant, 1975). Superovulation procedures, for example in rabbit, can produce as many as 60 ova per rabbit but will more commonly result in 20 ± 3.0 ova recovered from the oviduct. There is some evidence that superovulation may cause chromosomal abnormalities (Fugimoto et al., 1974; Maudlin and Fraser, 1977).
Complex stiffness quantification using ultrasound stimulated vibrometry

The propagation speed of shear waves is related to frequency and the complex stiffness (shear elasticity and viscosity) of the medium. A method is presented to solve for complex stiffness of a homogeneous medium by measuring shear wave speed dispersion. Harmonic radiation force, introduced by modulating the energy density of incident ultrasound, is used to generate shear waves of various frequencies in a homogeneous medium. The speed of shear waves is measured from phase shift detected over the distance propagated. Measurements of shear wave speed at multiple frequencies are fit with the theoretical model to solve for the shear elasticity and viscosity of the medium. A laser vibrometer is used in experiments to detect the vibration within gelatin phantoms, which shows promising results validated by an independent complex-stiffness quantification method. Practical considerations and challenges in possible medical applications are discussed.
Noninvasive Imaging of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Radiologic Perspective

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a relatively uncommon chronic cholestatic liver disease. It can be subclinical or present without and with symptoms of bile duct obstruction. Episodes of acute cholangitis are common. PSC tends to be progressive and can result in hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and complications of portal hypertension (PHTN). There is an associated increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancy, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Noninvasive radiologic imaging is used to detect and evaluate PSC and its complications. The modalities that can be used include transabdominal ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This chapter reviews the role of US, CT, MRI, MRC, and PET/CT in the detection and evaluation of PSC and its complications.
New Therapeutic Avenue for ALS: Avoiding a Fatal Encounter of TDP-43 at the Mitochondria

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common fatal neuromuscular disease in adults, and very limited options for clinical improvement are currently available.1 The etiology of ALS is complex and heterogeneous, with multiple genetic associations reported so far.2 Among these, the gene coding for TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) RNA/DNA binding protein was identified as the principal component of ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions, which are one of the main pathological hallmarks observed in most familial and sporadic cases of ALS as well as in frontotemporal dementia with ubiquitin inclusions (FTD-U).
Expression of the tumor suppressor gene ARHI induces autophagic cell death in ovarian cancer cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 844 ARHI, a Ras superfamily member, is expressed in normal ovarian epithelial cells, but markedly downregulated or lost in the majority of ovarian cancers. Introduction of this gene, by adenovirus-ARHI infection into cancer cells that lack ARHI expression inhibits cancer cell growth and motility, and triggers caspase-independent apoptosis. The mechanism by which ARHI inhibits ovarian cancer growth is still not clear. In the present study, we explored ARHI induced autophagy using a stable Tet-On SKOv3-ARHI inducible ovarian cancer cell line. Inducing modest expression of ARHI in SKOv3 cells markedly inhibited cancer cell proliferation, triggered G2M cell cycle arrest, and induced cell death. The growth arrest by induction of ARHI was accompanied by several specific features characteristic of autophagy in a time-dependent manner: 1) presence of numerous autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm, 2) development of acidic vesicular organelles, and 3) markedly increased expression of autophagosome membrane specific microtubular-associated protein light chain 3 protein (LC3-I and LC3-II). Electron microscopy revealed typical morphology and ultrastructural changes indicative of autophagic cell death. In contrast, only a few percent of cells developed apoptosis at 4 days after induction. Consistent with our previous data that the N-terminal plays an important role in ARHI induced cell growth, the N-terminal deletion (NTD) mutant ARHI produced very modest growth inhibition and a mild autophagic effect. Together, these findings show that a Ras family member and a tumor suppressor gene ARHI induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells through a mechanism of autophagic cell death, a mechanism distinct from apoptosis. Understanding this unique pathway would provide a novel insight on the therapy of ovarian cancers that are chemoresistant on the basis of ineffective apoptosis.
An experimental design to study decommitment in a collaborative multi-agent system in a scheduling domain

Based on previous multi-agent research, this paper describes the experimental design of extending that research to an additional domain. The original work used collaborative agents, each controlling a radar, to negotiate with each other to perform the task of target tracking. Agents were allowed to schedule their own tasks, commit to tasks requested by other agents, and then, dependent on experimental condition, either always honor commitments, unilaterally decommit if another higher priority commitment occurs, or negotiate whether to drop a commitment or not is another apparently higher priority request is received. In the original research, the domain was highly time constrained, and agents were required to operate in a real-time environment. This research extends the concept of agent decommitment into a resource scheduling domain. The problem is no longer time constrained, however, the number of agents is increased dramatically. In this paper, we describe the theoretical background and experimental design of the new research.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the physics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for undergraduate students. The first part of the chapter will introduce the reader to the basics of MRI including the MR imaging principle using a static magnetic field B0, radiofrequency field B1, gradient magnetic fields and MRI pulse sequences. The second part explains the MRI contrast parameters T1, T2, proton density ρ and T2*. The third part describes physiological and functional MR imaging including cardiac MRI, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, perfusion MRI, functional MRI, diffusion weighted MRI and MR Spectroscopy. The focus of the fourth part is on MRI safety. The fifth part highlights future MRI applications such as Ultrahigh-Field MRI, Ultrafast sequences, MRI-guided interventions and Hybrid MR Imaging.
Interrogation and Smoothing

We discussed many methods for curve and surface generation. In this chapter, we shall discuss some ways to inspect the geometric quality of those curves and surfaces and develop a few ideas on how to remove shape imperfections.
Status and Distribution of the Cave-Obligate Land Snails in the Appalachians and Interior Low Plateau of the Eastern United States

Cave-obligate (troglobiotic) land snails are among the most understudied taxa inhabiting cave systems because of their small size and cryptic nature. Other than locality records and general descriptions of species' morphology, information regarding most cave snail taxa is minimal. Given the importance of land snails as indicator species and as important drivers of ecosystem processes, this lack of knowledge on cave-obligate taxa impedes conservation management of subterranean snails and subterranean ecosystems in general. As a first step, we compiled and georeferenced all available distributional records for troglobiotic snail species within two major karst regions in the United States: The Interior Low Plateau (ILP) and Appalachians. We identified 16 new localities among these species from caves in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia from 2012 to 2016, yielding 8 new occurrences of two species in the ILP and 8 new occurrences of three species in the Appalachians. In total, we report 143 occurrences for five species in 124 caves, representing the most comprehensive dataset on the distribution of caveobligate snails in the eastern United States to date. We also provide the first IUCN Red List conservation assessments for all five troglobiotic taxa and reexamine NatureServe conservation ranks. Our assessments indicate that three of the five species are considered at an elevated risk of extinction. Given these ranks and the threats identified to each species, we offer recommendations concerning the conservation and management of these cave snails and outline future areas of research for these taxa.
Coating and laminating processes and techniques for textiles

Abstract: Coating and laminating are an essential part of highly functional and technical textile development. This chapter discusses general features of coating and laminating process and materials preparations. It also introduces the basic concept of adhesion in the multilayer structure production. Then, the chapter reviews different techniques used to produce coated and laminated fabrics.
A New Marketing Strategy for E-Commerce

The purpose of this article is to explore e-commerce issues, such as marketing and logistics problems, and create viable recommendations. The issues that e-commerce faces will be examined through the marketing mix. Exploring the ideas of product, place, price and promotion, and applying them to ecommerce problems is the main focal point of this article. It is believed that the four concepts of the marketing mix equally play a critical part in the success of e-commerce. Therefore, concentrating on these concepts will prove to be of the utmost importance as an e-commerce provider.
System issues in information system failure

Recently several major events (e.g., Three Mile Island, the Challenger Shuttle accident, Chernobyl) have shocked man’s consciousness as to the possible consequences that advanced technology could impart. Unfortunately, some interpretations of these events as technological failures (accidents) have masked the important role that information plays in such occurrences. On a more positive note however, these occurrences provide the basis for studies that are directed specifically to the significant role that information plays in such events.
Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism by Intravenous Calcitriol

Secondary hyperparathyroidism resulting in osteitis fibrosa is the most common bone abnormality observed in dialysis patients. Most recent data strongly suggest that a deficit of calcitriol is an important factor in the high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of these patients (1, 2). Thus, it is not surprising that the administration of calcitriol orally (3, 4) has resulted in the amelioration or even dramatic improvement of secondary hyperparathyroidism. What makes the use of intravenous calcitriol an attractive modality of therapy is the recent observation that calcitriol per se, in the absence of hypercalcemia inhibit both synthesis and secretion of PTH (5, 6). In the present chapter we will briefly review the physiological action of calcitriol in dialysis patients in regard to divalent ion metabolism, then we will discuss new data on calcitriol and PTH interaction and finally, the available clinical data on the intravenous use of calcitriol will be reviewed.
The effect of chain stiffness and salt on the elastic response of a polyelectrolyte

We present simulations of the force-extension curves of strong polyelectrolytes with varying intrinsic stiffness as well as specifically treating hyaluronic acid, a polyelectrolyte of intermediate stiffness. Whereas fully flexible polyelectrolytes show a high-force regime where extension increases nearly logarithmically with force, we find that the addition of even a small amount of stiffness alters the short-range structure and removes this logarithmic elastic regime. This further confirms that the logarithmic regime is a consequence of the short-ranged "wrinkles" in the flexible chain. As the stiffness increases, the force-extension curves tend toward and reach the wormlike chain behavior. Using the screened Coulomb potential and a simple bead-spring model, the simulations are able to reproduce the hyaluronic acid experimental force-extension curves for salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 mM. Furthermore, the simulation data can be scaled to a universal curve like the experimental data. The scaling analysis is consistent with the interpretation that, in the low-salt limit, the hyaluronic acid chain stiffness scales with salt with an exponent of -0.7, rather than either of the two main theoretical predictions of -0.5 and -1. Furthermore, given the conditions of the simulation, we conclude that this exponent value is not due to counterion condensation effects, as had previously been suggested.
Intracranial Response to Anti‐Programmed Death 1 Therapy in a Patient with Metastatic Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer with Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

Central nervous system metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer remains a therapeutic challenge and confers a poor prognosis. Here we describe a patient with lung adenocarcinoma, parenchymal brain metastases, and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis who demonstrated a sustained response to programmed death 1 inhibition combined with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Atomic Absorption Line Diagnostics for the Physical Properties of Red Supergiants

Red supergiants (RSGs) are evolved massive stars that represent extremes, in both their physical sizes and their cool temperatures, of the massive star population. Effective temperature ($T_{\rm eff}$) is the most critical physical property needed to place a RSG on the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, due to the stars' cool temperatures and resulting large bolometric corrections. Several recent papers have examined the potential utility of atomic line equivalent widths in cool supergiant spectra for determining $T_{\rm eff}$ and other physical properties (dorda2016b, dorda2016a) and found strong correlations between Ti I and Fe I spectral features and $T_{\rm eff}$ in earlier-type cool supergiants (G and early K) but poor correlations in M-type stars, a spectral subtype that makes up a significant fraction of RSGs. We have extended this work by measuring the equivalent widths of Ti, Fe, and Ca lines in late K- and M-type RSGs in the Milky Way, Large Magellanic Cloud, and Small Magellanic Cloud, and compared these results to the predictions of the MARCS stellar atmosphere models. Our analyses show a poor correlation between $T_{\rm eff}$ and the Fe I and Ti I lines in our observations (at odds with strong correlations predicted by stellar atmosphere models), but do find statistically significant correlations between $T_{\rm eff}$ and the Ca II triplet (CaT) features of Milky Way RSGs, suggesting that this could be a potential diagnostic tool for determining $T_{\rm eff}$ in M type supergiants. We also examine correlations between these spectral features and other physical properties of RSGs (including metallicity, surface gravity, and bolometric magnitude), and consider the underlying physics driving the evolution of atomic line spectra in RSGs.
Adolescent food insecurity and risky behaviors and mental health during the transition to adulthood

Abstract American teens make risk and reward calculations under conditions of scarcity, which psychologists recognize as an environment that distorts cognitive abilities. Most of the research on adolescent food insecurity looks at contemporaneous associations with data from a point in time, sometimes on non-representative samples and without controlling for poverty. In this study, we explore how exposure to food insecurity during adolescence might change one's life trajectory (separately from poverty). We estimate the relationship between exposure to food insecurity from ages 12–15 and the life choices reported by young adults aged 18–25 across a number of domains including sexual risk taking, drug/alcohol use, delinquent behaviors, and mental health. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and controlling for permanent income and a host of sociodemographic variables, including race, gender, age, maternal education, neighborhood conditions, and early family environments, we present consistent evidence that experiences of food insecurity are positively associated with the number of children for whom a respondent is responsible. In addition, food insecure adolescents have a higher conditional probability of clinically significant psychological distress.
Alternative Splicing of FN (Fibronectin) Regulates the Composition of the Arterial Wall Under Low Flow.

Objective: Exposure of the arterial endothelium to low and disturbed flow is a risk factor for the erosion and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques and aneurysms. Circulating and locally produced pro...
Isotretinoin and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Adults with Acne: A Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study

Case reports have suggested isotretinoin exposure may be associated with adverse cardiac events. There are limited data where the cardiovascular safety of isotretinoin is systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the strength of association between isotretinoin exposure and adverse cardiovascular events. This was a population-based retrospective cohort study within an integrated healthcare delivery system. Adults ≥ 18 years of age with acne between 2009 and 2018 were included. Exposure to isotretinoin was identified using pharmacy records, and propensity score 1:1 matching was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular outcomes, including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and all-cause death. The cohort consisted of 12,140 adults (10.5%) exposed to isotretinoin and 103,126 adults who were never exposed. Mean follow-up was 7.1 ± 2.9 years. After propensity score 1:1 matching, 23,844 patients were included. The rates of the composite cardiovascular outcomes were 0.47 versus 0.48 per 1000 person-years in the isotretinoin and non-exposed groups, respectively. No significant association was observed between isotretinoin treatment and the composite cardiovascular outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.58), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.62–1.95), acute myocardial infarction (adjusted HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.33–3.09), congestive heart failure (adjusted HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.14–1.40), or atrial fibrillation (adjusted HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.12–1.65). Among adult patients with acne, no association was found between exposure to isotretinoin and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Physicians should not be discouraged from prescribing isotretinoin out of concern for cardiovascular effects.
Kinetics of Asian and African Zika Virus Lineages over Single-cycle and Multi-cycle Growth in Culture: gene expression, cell killing, virus production, and mathematical modeling

Since 2014, an Asian lineage of Zika virus has caused outbreaks, and it has been associated with neurological disorders in adults and congenital defects in newborns. The resulting threat of the Zika virus to human health has prompted the development of new vaccines, which have yet to be approved for human use. Vaccines based on the attenuated or chemically inactivated virus will require large-scale production of the intact virus to meet potential global demands. Intact viruses are produced by infecting cultures of susceptible cells, a dynamic process that spans from hours to days and has yet to be optimized. Here, we infected Vero cells adhesively cultured in well-plates with two Zika virus strains: a recently isolated strain from the Asian lineage, and a cell-culture-adapted strain from the African lineage. At different time points post-infection, virus particles in the supernatant were quantified; further, microscopy images were used to quantify cell density and the proportion of cells expressing viral protein. These measurements were performed across multiple replicate samples of one-step infections every four hours over 60 h and for multi-step infections every four to 24 h over 144 h, generating a rich data set. For each set of data, mathematical models were developed to estimate parameters associated with cell infection and virus production. The African-lineage strain was found to produce a 14-fold higher yield than the Asian-lineage strain in one-step growth and a sevenfold higher titer in multi-step growth, suggesting a benefit of cell-culture adaptation for developing a vaccine strain. We found that image-based measurements were critical for discriminating among different models, and different parameters for the two strains could account for the experimentally observed differences. An exponential-distributed delay model performed best in accounting for multi-step infection of the Asian strain, and it highlighted the significant sensitivity of virus titer to the rate of viral degradation, with implications for optimization of vaccine production. More broadly, this study highlights how image-based measurements can contribute to the discrimination of virus-culture models for the optimal production of inactivated and attenuated whole-virus vaccines.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the strawberry aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from California, USA.

The aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 is an agricultural pest and known vector of strawberry viruses. To better understand its biology and systematics, we performed a genomic analysis on C. fragaefolii collected from Quinalt strawberry plants from Pacific Grove, Monterey county, California, USA using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. The resulting data were used to assemble the aphids complete mitogenome. The mitogenome of C. fragaefolii is 16,108 bp in length and contains 2 rRNA, 13 protein-coding, and 22 tRNA genes (GenBank accession number LC590896). The mitogenome is similar in content and organization to other Aphididae. Phylogenetic analysis of the C. fragaefolii mitogenome resolved it in a fully supported clade in the tribe Macrosiphini. Analysis of the cox1 barcode sequence of C. fragaefolii from California found exact and nearly identical sequences to C. fragaefolii and Chaetosiphon thomasi Hille Ris Lambers, 1953, suggesting the two species are conspecific.
Informing, Enrolling, and Reenrolling CalWORKs Leavers in Food Stamps and Medi-Cal

Describes and analyzes the process of continuing enrollment in the Food Stamp and Medi-Cal programs after leaving cash aid.