cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myoferlin, a candidate gene and potential modifier of muscular dystrophy

Dysferlin, the gene product of the limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2B locus, encodes a membrane-associated protein with homology to Caenorhabditis elegans fer-1. Humans with mutations in dysferlin ( DYSF ) develop muscle weakness that affects both proximal and distal muscles. Strikingly, the phenotype in LGMD 2B patients is highly variable, but the type of mutation in DYSF cannot explain this phenotypic variability. Through electronic database searching, we identified a protein highly homologous to dysferlin that we have named myoferlin. Myoferlin mRNA was highly expressed in cardiac muscle and to a lesser degree in skeletal muscle. However, antibodies raised to myoferlin showed abundant expression of myoferlin in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Within the cell, myoferlin was associated with the plasma membrane but, unlike dysferlin, myoferlin was also associated with the nuclear membrane. Ferlin family members contain C2 domains, and these domains play a role in calcium-mediated membrane fusion events. To investigate this, we studied the expression of myoferlin in the mdx mouse, which lacks dystrophin and whose muscles undergo repeated rounds of degeneration and regeneration. We found upregulation of myoferlin at the membrane in mdx skeletal muscle. Thus, myoferlin ( MYOF ) is a candidate gene for muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy, or possibly a modifier of the muscular dystrophy phenotype.
Probability with Roulette

Summary This article describes how roulette can be used to teach basic concepts of probability. Various bets are used to illustrate the computation of expected value. A betting system shows variations in patterns that often appear in random events.
Evaluation and Treatment of the Deformed and Malformed Auricle

Auricular malformations begin within the first few weeks of intrauterine growth. Less severe deformational abnormalities occur from abnormal fetal positioning. They can be corrected early after birth by simple reshaping and molding. No longer should the pediatrician wait for minor deformities to resolve spontaneously. The protruding ear may not be present at birth but may develop and worsen during the first year. The most severe anomalies require complex multistage reconstructions after other concomitant anomalies are excluded. The pediatrician must be an integral part of this reconstructive team.
Interpretation of Interpersonal Interactions: The Influence of Loneliness

This study explored the relationship between scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale and perceptions and interpretations of interpersonal interactions. It compared 20 elderly females and 20 young females on the dimensions of loneliness, chronic loneliness, and negativeness of interpretation. No significant age differences were found, but a highly significant relationship was obtained among loneliness, chronic loneliness, and negative interpretations of interpersonal interactions. When the time elapsed since the occurrence of loneliness was taken into consideration, the correlation became even stronger. The relationship between loneliness scores and negative interpretations held true for interactions with a family member, neighbor, and authority figure. An inverse relationship was obtained between education and loneliness and between education and negativeness of interpretation. A developmental perspective of friendship and intimacy was proposed to explain severe or chronic loneliness.
Social science in a water observing system

[1] We set forth an argument for the integration of social science research with natural science and engineering research in major research infrastructure investments addressing water science. A program of integrated observation of water resources offers great opportunities to address several environmental “grand challenges” identified by the National Research Council, including climate variability, institutions and resource use, and land use dynamics, and their importance for hydrologic forecasting. We argue that such a program has the potential to advance both water science and the contributing disciplines. However, to realize this potential, it is essential to recognize that social science requires critical infrastructure funding on the scale of advanced research facilities in the natural sciences and engineering.
Hurts, insults and stigmas: a comment on Murphy

Both of the main points in Professor Murphy's paper seem to me clearly and effectively argued.1 It is incontrovertible that some people find hurtful the use of medical technologies to avoid the birth of children who, in the present order of things, would be disabled. No result from the philosophy of language, or anywhere else for that matter, can plausibly show otherwise. Indeed, even to speak of ‘legitimately interpreting’ events that cause one pain as ‘hurtful’, as Murphy does, seems a shade too conciliatory to any who has the temerity to doubt this matter: typically, at least, I don't interpret a state of affairs as hurtful. I experience it so—or not. He's quite right to point out as well that the fact that someone's actions cause another to feel hurt does not, on its own, imply much of anything about the action's propriety. There are many serious people who are deeply distressed by others' reproductive choices that have nothing to do with disability: terminating a pregnancy for any reason causes some people considerable pain. Yet there seems no reason whatever to regard that pain, considered on its own, as a reason that—at least in general terms—should bear on a person's decision concerning whether or not to give birth to the fetus that she is gestating. Expressivist arguments, so understood, then, seem to have had their measure taken. If anyone had the temerity to think that no one is hurt by choices to avoid or end pregnancies because they might lead to the birth of a child who would be disabled, they can drop that thought right now. On the other hand, if someone thought that the hurt suffered by such people constitutes a serious reason for restricting what others can find out about their potential or actual pregnancies, or …
The Photooxidation of Uric Acid by Anacystis nidulans.

12. ORDIN, L., R. CLELAND, AND J. BONNER. 1957. Methyl esterification of cell wall constituents under the influence of auxin. Plant Physiol. 32: 216-20. 13. RAY, P. M. 1962. Cell wall synthesis and cell elongation in oat coleoptile tissue. Am. J. Botany 49: 928-39. 14. RAY, P. M. 1963. Sugar composition of oat coleoptile cell walls. Biochem. J. 89: 144150. 15. RAY, P. M. AND D. B. BAKER. 1962. Promotion of cell wall synthesis by indolylacetic acid. Nature 195: 1322. 16. RAY, P. M. AND D. B. BAKER. 1965. The effect of auxin on synthesis of oat coleoptile cell wall constituents. Plant Physiol. 40: 353-60. 17. RAY, P. M. AND A. W. RUESINK. 1962. Kinetic experiments on the nature of the growth mechanism in oat coleoptile cells. Develop. Biol. 4: 377-97. 18. SACHER, J. A., M. D. HATCH, AND K. T. GLASZIOU. 1963. Regulation of invertase synthesis in sugar cane by an auxinand sugar-mediated control system. Physiol. Plantarum 16: 836-42. 19. SATO, C. 1960. The effect of indole-3-acetic acid on formaldehyde metabolism. J. Biol. Chem. 235: 2087-91. 20. SUTCLIFFE, J. F. 1960. New evidence for a relationship between ion absorption and protein turnover in plant cells. Nature 188: 294-97. 21. SYPHERD, P. S. AND N. STRAUSS. 1963. The role of RNA in repression of enzyme synthesis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. 50: 1059-66. 22. TAGAWA, T. AND J. BONNER. 1957. Mechanical properties of the Avenia coleoptile as related to auxin and to ionic interactions. Plant Physiol. 32: 207-12. 23. UMBARGER, H. E. 1963. The integration of metabolic pathways. Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 14: 19-42. 24. UMBARGER, H. E. 1964. Intracellular regulatory mechanisms. Science 145: 674-79.
Constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy in the modern era.

The differentiation between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy can be clinically challenging. Pericardial constriction results from scarring and consequent loss of pericardial elasticity leading to impaired ventricular filling. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by a nondilated rigid ventricle, severe diastolic dysfunction and restrictive filling producing hemodynamic changes, similar to those in constrictive pericarditis. While constrictive pericarditis is usually curable by surgical treatment, restrictive cardiomyopathy requires medical therapy and in appropriate patients, the definitive treatment is cardiac transplantation. Sufficient differences exist between the two conditions to allow noninvasive differentiation, but no single diagnostic tool can be relied upon to make this distinction. Newer echocardiographic techniques such as speckle-track imaging, velocity vector imaging, as well as cardiac computed tomography and cardiac MRI can help differentiate constriction fro...
Differentiating therapy-induced leukoencephalopathy from unmyelinated white matter in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Reliably detecting subtle therapy-induced leukoencephalopathy in children treated for cancer is a challenging task due to its nearly identical MR properties and location with unmyelinated white matter. T1, T2, PD, and FLAIR images were collected for 44 children aged 1.7-18.7 (median 5.9) years near the start of therapy for ALL. The ICBM atlas and corresponding apriori maps were spatially normalized to each patient and resliced using SPM99 software. A combined imaging set consisting of MR images and WM, GM and CSF apriori maps were then analyzed with a Kohonen Self-Organizing Map. Vectors from hyperintense regions were compared to normal appearing genu vectors from the same patient. Analysis of the distributions of the differences, calculated on T2 and FLAIR images, revealed two distinct groups. The first large group, assumed normal unmyelinated white matter, consisted of 37 patients with changes in FLAIR ranging from 80 to 147 (mean 117m17) and T2 ranging from 92 to 217 (mean 144m28). The second group, assumed leukoencephalopathy, consisted of seven patients with changes in FLAIR ranging from 154 to 196 (mean 171m19) and T2 ranging from 190 to 287 (mean 216m33). A threshold was established for both FLAIR (change > 150) and T2 (change > 180).
Calculation and measurement of bianisotropy in a split ring resonator metamaterial

A medium that exhibits artificial magnetism can be formed by assembling an array of split ring resonators SRRs—planar conducting elements that exhibit a resonant response to electromagnetic radiation. The SRR exhibits a large magnetic dipole moment when excited by a magnetic field directed along its axis. However, the SRR also exhibits an electric response that can be quite large depending on the symmetry of the SRR and the orientation of the SRR with respect to the electric component of the field. So, while the SRR medium can be considered as having a predominantly magnetic response for certain orientations with respect to the incident wave, it is generally the case that the SRR exhibits magnetoelectric coupling, and hence a medium of SRRs arranged so as to break mirror symmetry about one of the axes will exhibit bianisotropy. We present here a method of directly calculating the magnetoelectric coupling terms using averages over the fields computed from full-wave finite-element based numerical simulations. We confirm the predicted bianisotropy of a fabricated SRR medium by measuring the cross polarization of a microwave beam transmitted through the sample. We also demonstrate that the magnetoelectric coupling that gives rise to the bianisotropic response is suppressed by symmetrizing the SRR composite structure and provide measurements comparing the cross polarization of the symmetric and asymmetric structures. © 2006 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2218033
A Bargaining Game for Channel Access in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

In this paper, we model the problem of dynamic spectrum access by a set of cognitive radio enabled nodes as an infinite horizon bargaining game. Each node (or, player) negotiates with its interfering nodes to obtain an agreeable sharing rule of the available channels. We investigate the subgame perfect equilibrium strategies of the bargaining game, abiding by which, each node can maximize its throughput against all its interfering nodes (opponents). We further study the issue of fairness in this model, in terms of the relative number of channels allocated to the nodes. Moreover, each node bargains with its interfering neighbors independently and in a distributed manner, making the system scalable.
Analysis of a flow control system for a combined input-crosspoint buffered packet switch

A flow control mechanism is used in combined input-crosspoint buffered (CICB) switches to avoid buffer overflow and underflow. Credit-based flow control is widely used in CICB switches to reduce the required crosspoint-buffer size. For simplification, we analyze an flow control mechanism with active queue management (AQM) and a proportional controller. We show that the flow control mechanism is stable for small crosspoint buffer sizes and non-negligible round-trip times. In addition, we observe the effect of an input shaper combined with a proportional controller. We show that the input shaper reduces the response time of the flow control mechanism.
SY16-4GABAERGIC MEDICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL USE DISORDER: THEIR EVOLUTION IN EUROPEAN PRACTICE

The present lecture will be focused on the role of the GABAergic drugs Sodium Oxybate (SO) and baclofen in the management of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). SO suppress alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in alcoholics, with an efficacy similar to that of diazepam, oxazepam and chlormethiazole. Moreover SO is effective to reduces alcohol intake and craving, and improves the abstinence rate. Non-responders benefited from a divided dosing schedule. Craving for and abuse of SO during treatment have been reported, but pharmaco-surveillance indicates that SO has limited abuse potential under medical surveillance. Recent studies have suggested that baclofen, the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, is a promising pharmacological compound for the treatment of AUD. Baclofen has been found to suppress symptoms of AWS with an efficacy comparable to that of diazepam. Moreover baclofen compared to placebo has proven to be effective in the prevention of relapse, likely because of its ability to reduce alcohol craving and intake. Baclofen displayed good manageability. Finally a recent study showed the efficacy and safety of baclofen in increasing abstinence rate also in AUD patients affected by liver cirrhosis and it was included in the EASL guideline for the treatment of these patients.
MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ADVANCED ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

This project deals with the material characterization of Al-Mg alloys namely AC300 and 7021 undergoing Shock Heat Treatment where the specimen is heated for 5 seconds to a temperature of 350°C. AC300 undergoes single stage shock heat treatment and the various material properties are considered like yield stress and temperature and elongation and temperature curves are plotted and that showed a different trend unlike the usual trend of decreasing yield stress with increasing temperature. Hence there was a need for modeling the material for optimization and improvement in the material properties. 7021 was also tested under single stage shock heat treatment and the two-stage heat treatment was also applied to it where there was certain amount of pre-strain given to the specimen before heat treating it. But it was seen that there was no effect of pre-strain on the specimen as the yield stress remains the same even for different values of pre-strains. Hence it was concluded that only the change in the properties of the materials is because of the heat treatment, Therefore, a mathematical model was devised for material characterization of the alloys. Thus curve fitting was done to determine the equation for modeling the alloys considering only single stage shock heat treatment. The characteristics curve equations could be varied by changing the values of the constants for further detailed experiment and study on various properties of AC300 and 7021.
Engaging Family Studies Students: Using a Self-Narrative to Improve One's Teaching

The process of teaching students in family studies courses presents unique challenges. With a conceptual framework that utilized a self-narrative process of collecting and analyzing student engagement during a family management theory course, I was able to construct particularizing questions to explore problematic experiences with teaching. Insights into student needs were documented using research found in a scholarly search of literature that later became the basis of critical reflection of personally held beliefs. Insights from research on characteristics of millennial students, meta programme, and Baumrind's parenting styles are presented.
The Study of Deep Levels in CdS/CdTe Solar Cells Using Admittance Spectroscopy and its Modifications

Measurements of an admittance over a wide frequency range were used to detect the defect electronic states and evaluate their properties in CdTe based solar cells. Cells prepared in various ways, from various facilities all exhibited a high defect state density (>10 14 cm -3 , and often >10 15 cm -3 ). Two distinct energy levels or bands were observed at approximately 0.37eV and 0.61eV above the valence band. These were tentatively attributed to Cu Cd - and V Cd -- respectively. Various post-CdTe deposition treatments, as well as stress tests, were applied to alter the defect state densities. The high defect concentration measured was not observed to inhibit cell performance in any way.
Dimensional isotropy of 6H and 3C SiC under neutron irradiation

Abstract This investigation experimentally determines the as-irradiated crystal axes dimensional change of the common polytypes of SiC considered for nuclear application. Single crystal α-SiC (6H), β-SiC (3C), CVD β-SiC, and single crystal Si have been neutron irradiated near 60 °C from 2 × 1023 to 2 × 1026 n/m2 (E > 0.1 MeV), or about 0.02–20 dpa, in order to study the effect of irradiation on bulk swelling and strain along independent crystalline axes. Single crystal, powder diffractometry and density measurement have been carried out. For all neutron doses where the samples remained crystalline all SiC materials demonstrated equivalent swelling behavior. Moreover the 6H–SiC expanded isotropically. The magnitude of the swelling followed a ∼0.77 power law against dose consistent with a microstructure evolution driven by single interstitial (carbon) mobility. Extraordinarily large ∼7.8% volume expansion in SiC was observed prior to amorphization. Above ∼0.9 × 1025 n/m2 (E > 0.1 MeV) all SiC materials became amorphous with an identical swelling: a 11.7% volume expansion, lowering the density to 2.84 g/cm3. The as-amorphized density was the same at the 2 × 1025 and 2 × 1026 n/m2 (E > 0.1 MeV) dose levels.
Impact of Solvent Quality on Nanoparticle Dispersion in Semidilute and Concentrated Polymer Solutions

We investigated how solvent quality affects the stability of polymer-grafted nanoparticles in semidilute and concentrated polymer solutions, which extends our previous studies on these types of dis...
GIFTS Radiance Validation from Ground-Based Sky-Viewing Comparisons to AERI

Spectral radiance validation of the Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) engineering design unit has been performed using zenith sky viewing comparisons with an Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI). Good agreement is demonstrated.
Toward a Pious Republic: Argentine Social Catholicism in Córdoba, 1895–1930

Since Argentina's 1983 return to constitutional government, the nation's Catholic Church has faced charges of abdicating moral leadership during the years of military repression. Instead of answering its critics directly, the hierarchy has renewed the Church's traditional defense of religious values in education, family life, and the communications media. The clergy's renewed assertion of its public significance reflects the attitude that the Church best serves Argentina by fostering national unity in faith and morality.1 This article argues that in the early twentieth century, the Church embraced social activism as a means of restoring prestige lost in the political and economic climate of the era. Catholic accion social tried to carve
DC magnetron sputtered polyaniline-HCl thin films for chemical sensing applications.

Thin films of conducting polymers exhibit unique chemical and physical properties that render them integral parts in microelectronics, energy storage devices, and chemical sensors. Overall, polyaniline (PAni) doped in acidic media has shown metal-like electronic conductivity, though exact physical and chemical properties are dependent on the polymer structure and dopant type. Difficulties arising from poor processability render production of doped PAni thin films particularly challenging. In this contribution, DC magnetron sputtering, a physical vapor deposition technique, is applied to the preparation of conductive thin films of PAni doped with hydrochloric acid (PAni-HCl) in an effort to circumvent issues associated with conventional thin film preparation methods. Samples manufactured by the sputtering method are analyzed along with samples prepared by conventional drop-casting. Physical characterization (atomic force microscopy, AFM) confirm the presence of PAni-HCl and show that films exhibit a reduce...
MEASUREMENTS OF FORCES ON DOLOS ARMOR UNITS AT PROTOTYPE SCALE

In-situ measurements of the structural bending moments and torque about the shank-fluke interface of the dolos armor unit have been made for 42-ton (36-metric tonne) dolosse at Crescent City, California jetty. The measurements include the static loads on the dolosse as well as wave induced forces. The data were obtained from internal strain gages cast into the dolos during construction along with a special data acquisition system. The measurement system was also capable of capturing impact forces caused by dolos rocking or movement. Measurements were made during the winter storm seasons from January 1987 through May 1988. Coincident with the structural measurements, wave height and period were measured at several water depths approaching the breakwater, including a site directly in front of the dolos test section. The Crescent City jetty is a shallow water breakwater with depth limited waves in about 10 meters of water depth. The structural measurements were made from 14 dolos units arranged in a rectangular section on the top layer of the trunk portion of the jetty. Four of these dolosse are also instrumented with an accelerometer platform to measure motion with six degrees of freedom. In addition, there are three instrumented dolosse on the bottom layer of the breakwater. These dolosse measure the static stress due to the units placed on top of them, as well as pulsating forces. The structural and wave measurements, reported here, are supplemented with hydrostatic pore pressure measurements in the core material of the breakwater, and by aerial photogrammetric motion analysis (Kendall, 1988), land based surveys, boudary condition surveys, hydrographic surveys, and side scan sonar surveys.
Some experimental evidence of production of adrenotrophin by the fetal hypophysis.

In Conclusionthese observations may be taken as experimental evidence of the production of adrenotrophin by the hypophysis of the fetal rat.
Second-Order Adjoint Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis of a Heat Transport Benchmark Problem—I: Analytical Results

This work presents an illustrative application of the second-order adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology (2nd-ASAM) to a heat transport benchmark problem that simulates the radial heat conductio...
Mandala Symbolism in Psychotherapy: The Potential Utility of the Lowenfeld Mosaic Technique for Enhancing the Individuation Process

Mandala symbolism historically has strong links to Jung's individuation process and transpersonal psychology. Although a variety of constructive techniques may be used for creating mandalas to reflect and/or enhance an individual's level of psychological wholeness and integration, the Lowenfeld Mosaic Technique (LMT) has received little attention for its potential utility in this area. The purpose of this article, which draws upon the literature as well as the author's experiences as a clinician, is to discuss mandala symbolism in the context of the LMT, and how the LMT might be used as an assessment procedure as well as a dynamic, interactive tool for promoting insight and self-understanding. A case example from the literature is provided, which illuminates how the technique was used and useful in enhancing the individuation process for a female client struggling with and exploring various per- sonal and transpersonal issues. Limitations of the technique are also discussed, as well as needs for future research. Carl Jung is widely considered to be the first prominent transpersonal psychologist, and ''his work in the transpersonal realm prefigured much of what is current in the field'' (Scotton, 1996, p. 39). Historically, therefore, a substantial degree of overlap has existed between Jungian analytical psychology and transpersonal psychology (Brookes, 1980; Levy, 1983). Both orientations emphasize that psychological development should include growth to increasingly higher levels of consciousness, that the transcendent lies within and is available to all persons, the integration of various wisdom traditions, and the importance of addressing transpersonal as well as personal issues, problems, and concerns (Scotton, 1996). Although there are also important differences between these two approaches (Levy, 1983; Walsh & Vaughan, 1980), it is useful for those who incorporate a transpersonal perspective in their work to be familiar with Jung, particularly his concept of individuation. Jung's psychology (like the psychologies of Grof, Wilber, Assagioli and others) may be viewed as one form of - or approach to - transpersonal psychology (Cortright, 1997). The purpose of this article is to discuss how the individuation process might be reflected and/or enhanced in psychotherapy through the construction of mandalas. While many readers may be familiar with Jung and the individuation process, as well as with mandalas, this article will illustrate this process by focusing on the
DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL PROCESS CONDITIONS OF X-RAY RADIATION SEPARATOR BY PEAK TO BACKGROUND RATIO PRE-SORTING LOW GRADE MOLYBDENUM ORE

The value of IP/IB is adopted to determine the optimal process conditions pro-sorting low grade molybdenum ore by X-ray radiation separator.The results indicates that when aimed molybdenum ore containing several size class,the optimal excited voltage of X-ray tube and the measurement distance are 45 kV and 4 cm respectively.
cAMP-dependent sulfate secretion by the rabbit distal colon: a comparison with electrogenic chloride secretion

The ability of a Cl-secreting epithelium to support net secretion of an anion other than a halide was investigated with 35SO4 flux measurements across the isolated, short-circuited rabbit distal colon. In most experiments, 36Cl fluxes were simultaneously measured to validate the secretory capacity of the tissues. Serosal addition of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP, 0.5 mM) stimulated a sustained net secretion of SO4 (about -3.0 nmol.cm-2.h-1 from a 0.20 mM solution) via an increase in the serosal-to-mucosal unidirectional flux, whereas Ca ionophore A-23187 (1 microM, serosal) produced a more transient stimulation of SO4 and Cl secretion. Net adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent SO4 and Cl secretion were strongly voltage sensitive, principally through the potential dependence of the serosal-to-mucosal fluxes, indicating an electrogenic transport process. Symmetrical replacement of either Na, K, or Cl inhibited cAMP-dependent SO4 secretion, whereas HCO3-free buffers had no effect on SO4 secretion. Serosal bumetanide (50 microM) or furosemide (100 microM) reduced DBcAMP-stimulated SO4 and Cl secretion, whereas serosal 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid or 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (50 microM) blocked DBcAMP-induced SO4 secretion while enhancing net Cl secretion and short-circuit current. Mucosal 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid partially inhibited SO4 secretion and completely inhibited Cl secretion. It is concluded that secretagogue-stimulated SO4 secretion, like Cl secretion, may be an electrogenic process mediated by diffusive efflux through an apical anion conductance. Cellular accumulation of SO4 across the basolateral membrane appears to be achieved by a mechanism that is distinct from that employed by Cl.
Trace fossils of possible parasites inside the gut contents of a hadrosaurid dinosaur, Upper Cretaceous Judith River Formation, Montana

Tiny sinuous trace fossils have been found within probable gut contents of an exceptionally preserved specimen of a hadrosaurid dinosaur, Brachylophosaurus canadensis, from the Judith River Formation of Montana. Approximately 280 examples of the trace fossils were observed in 19 samples of gut region material. The tubular structures typically are about 0.3 mm across. Many have thin calcareous linings or layers, and some exhibit fine surficial striae. At least two dozen of these trace fossils share walls with adjacent tubular traces, and this association can extend for several millimeters. While the trace fossils share some characteristics with fine rhizoliths, these features are most consistent with tiny burrows, or possibly body impressions, of worms (vermiform organisms) of uncertain biologic affinity. Such trace fossils have not been reported previously, and herein described as Parvitubulites striatus n. gen. n. sp. Either autochthonous (parasites) or allochthonous (scavengers) worms may have created the trace fossils, but taphonomic factors suggest that autochthonous burrowers are more likely. Several lines of evidence, such as constant diameters and matching directional changes, suggest that the paired trace fossils were made by two individuals moving at the same time, which implies sustained intraspecific contact. Parvitubulites striatus provides a rare record of interactions between terrestrial, meiofaunal-sized, soft-bodied invertebrates and a dinosaur carcass. The evidence that the worms may have parasitized a living hadrosaur and subsequently left traces of intraspecific behavior between individual worms adds unique information to our understanding of Mesozoic trophic interactions.
Clinical Perspectives in Head and Neck Cancer

Publisher Summary At first glance, head and neck cancers appear to be a heterogeneous group of tumors consisting of multiple histopathologies, primary sites, TNM stages, natural histories, and treatment outcomes. However, after clinical experience with these cancers, predictable and stable groupings, with recognizable patterns of tumor or host behavior, emerge. The degree and rate at which a tumor progresses are determined mainly by the molecular-genetic factors that control the rate of local growth and invasion, the ability of the cancer cells to migrate to and access local vasculature, and the ability of cancer cells to survive in and exit the vasculature and implant at distant sites. The microscopic appearance of the tumor is not particularly predictive of the natural or treatment outcome for patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, local tumor-host features, such as tumor-stromal borders, pattern of invasion, degree of stromal or inflammatory response, access to microvasculature, or vascularity (angiogenesis) and extracapsular lymph node involvement have been shown to have a marked effect on the ability to achieve and determine negative margins at surgery and the subsequent rates of local relapse and cure.
Assembly scaffold NifEN: A structural and functional homolog of the nitrogenase catalytic component

NifEN is a biosynthetic scaffold for the cofactor of Mo-nitrogenase (designated the M-cluster). Previous studies have revealed the sequence and structural homology between NifEN and NifDK, the catalytic component of nitrogenase. However, direct proof for the functional homology between the two proteins has remained elusive. Here we show that, upon maturation of a cofactor precursor (designated the L-cluster) on NifEN, the cluster species extracted from NifEN is spectroscopically equivalent and functionally interchangeable with the native M-cluster extracted from NifDK. Both extracted clusters display nearly indistinguishable EPR features, X-ray absorption spectroscopy/extended X-ray absorption fine structure (XAS/EXAFS) spectra and reconstitution activities, firmly establishing the M-cluster–bound NifEN (designated NifENM) as the only protein other than NifDK to house the unique nitrogenase cofactor. Iron chelation experiments demonstrate a relocation of the cluster from the surface to its binding site within NifENM upon maturation, which parallels the insertion of M-cluster into an analogous binding site in NifDK, whereas metal analyses suggest an asymmetric conformation of NifENM with an M-cluster in one αβ-half and an empty cluster-binding site in the other αβ-half, which led to the proposal of a stepwise assembly mechanism of the M-cluster in the two αβ-dimers of NifEN. Perhaps most importantly, NifENM displays comparable ATP-independent substrate-reducing profiles to those of NifDK, which establishes the M-cluster–bound αβ-dimer of NifENM as a structural and functional mimic of one catalytic αβ-half of NifDK while suggesting the potential of this protein as a useful tool for further investigations of the mechanistic details of nitrogenase.
Using Alliteration in Authorship Attribution of Historical Texts

The paper describes the use of alliteration, by itself or in combination with other features, in training machine learning algorithms to perform attribution of texts of unknown/disputed authorship. The methodology is applied to a corpus of 18th century political writings, and used to improve the attribution accuracy.
Radio circuitry calibration for reciprocal channel-based secret key establishment

Successful establishment of secret encryption keys based on bidirectional estimates of the multipath propagation channel depends critically on the reciprocity of the observed channel coefficients. Since typical radio circuitry is not reciprocal, calibration is required to remove the impact of non-reciprocal channel contributions. This paper reports on the impact of circuit non-reciprocity on key establishment performance and demonstrates calibration to recover the lost performance.
Assessing diffusion of spatial features in Deep Belief Networks

Deep learning has recently gained popularity in many machine learning applications, but a theoretical grounding for the strengths, weaknesses, and implicit biases of various deep learning methods is still a work in progress. Here, we analyze the role of spatial locality in Deep Belief Networks (DBN) and show that spatially local information is lost through diffusion as the network becomes deeper. We then analyze an approach we developed previously, based on partitioning of Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs), to demonstrate that our method is capable of retaining spatially local information when training DBNs. Specifically, we find that spatially local features are completely lost in DBNs trained using the “standard” RBM method, but are largely preserved using our partitioned training method. In addition, reconstruction accuracy of the model is improved using our Partitioned-RBM training method.
Clinical Trials for Sarcomas

A clinical trial is a study done in human subjects to investigate a potential new drug, device, or biologic product. Primary investigators, sponsors, and the institutional review board come together to create a research design and take a clinical trial through several phases until it is approved or disapproved for widespread use in patients. While there are risks for participants in clinical trials, they can be limited with good study design; furthermore, the benefits for participants and the scientific community are great. Although there have been many clinical trials in cancer, clinical trials specifically for sarcoma have been relatively uncommon.
Analysis of Building Frames with Semi-Rigid Connections

Methods applicable to the analysis of building frames with semi-rigid riveted or welded connections between the beams and columns are presented in this paper. The methods of analysis are too comple...
Status of Global Pearl Millet Breeding Programs and the Way Forward

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a warm-season, C4 annual cereal primarily grown in Africa and India for food and fodder. It is also grown in the United States, mainly as a forage crop on a limited area. It is the sixth most important cereal crop in the world. More than 90 million people around the world rely on it as a food grain. It is known for its drought and heat tolerance to reliably produce crops in arid environments. This review is meant to assess the current status of pearl millet breeding and its future prospects globally, with major emphasis on breeding efforts in the United States and India. The topics discussed relate to improvements in plant stature, maturity, photoperiod insensitivity, discovery of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), and transfer of apomixis from wild relatives. These improvements have led to increased grain and forage yields, nutritional quality, and enhanced disease resistance. Hybrids developed using CMS reportedly have an average of 50% higher grain yield than openpollinated cultivars. We discuss important genetic and breeding achievements in pearl millet for different traits and their implications for further improvement as a potential crop. Additional research is needed to enhance its productivity, early stand establishment, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality for growing it as a grain crop in moisture-limited areas. The application of advanced genomics and markerassisted selection tools is needed to accelerate pearl millet breeding and accomplish targeted breeding goals.
Hands, Heart, and Spirit

This chapter revisits how far motivating language has come and about its integration with a bigger picture, namely a culture of mindful, collaborative communication. Motivating language is an important expression of respectful leadership, where speakers consciously own and take responsibility for their language. This talk is a relational, socially constructed reality that emerges when someone tries to influence behavior. Jeremiah Sullivan created motivating language as an individual's contribution to dialog. ML is optimally partnered with feedback-seeking inquiry and implies active, responsive listening. Collectively, when adopted by most leaders in an organization, motivating language embodies a positive communication culture.
Combining Machine Learning and Nanofluidic Technology To Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer Using Exosomes

Circulating exosomes contain a wealth of proteomic and genetic information, presenting an enormous opportunity in cancer diagnostics. While microfluidic approaches have been used to successfully isolate cells from complex samples, scaling these approaches for exosome isolation has been limited by the low throughput and susceptibility to clogging of nanofluidics. Moreover, the analysis of exosomal biomarkers is confounded by substantial heterogeneity between patients and within a tumor itself. To address these challenges, we developed a multichannel nanofluidic system to analyze crude clinical samples. Using this platform, we isolated exosomes from healthy and diseased murine and clinical cohorts, profiled the RNA cargo inside of these exosomes, and applied a machine learning algorithm to generate predictive panels that could identify samples derived from heterogeneous cancer-bearing individuals. Using this approach, we classified cancer and precancer mice from healthy controls, as well as pancreatic cance...
Basic Technique In Land Snail Analysis

While there is a growing body of literature treating methods and theory in land snail analysis, few sources give evenbrief treatments of techniques, equipment, and procedures which allow effective ...
Evolutions of SAR ADC: From high resolution to high speed regime

•SAR ADCs become faster and finer — Enable higher speed: asynchronous SAR, massive GSLA TI, pipelined — Enable higher resolution: extra LSB comparisons, DSM SAR — Enable both high speed∗resolution: Flash SAR •More innovations to come for SAR or SAR-enabled ADC architecture! •Asynchronous conversion technique is gaining more attentions even in other ADC topologies.
Kinematic Analysis of Mechanisms

Branch of theoretical mechanics dealing with the geometry of motion, irrespective of the causes that produce the motion.
Abstract 5547: Durable remission with nivolumab, anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, in a patient with advanced thymic carcinoma

Thymic carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis that forms on the outside surface of the thymus. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are no randomized clinical trials that guide therapy. Currently, there are clinical trials under way to assess the efficacy of anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of advanced thymic carcinomas. However, the role of PD-1 inhibitors in treating thymic carcinoma remains mostly unknown. Here we present a case of a patient with thymic carcinoma who showed durable remission when treated with nivolumab. 61-year-old male was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma during an episode of COPD exacerbation in April 2015. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen consisting of four cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel every three weeks from June to September 2015. The mass was resected in October 2015. Margins were found to be grossly positive. The patient was deemed a poor candidate for adjuvant chemotherapy, and in February 2016 the decision was made to begin 3 mg/kg nivolumab therapy considering the poor prognosis of disease and high risk of recurrence. Close to two years after initiating therapy, he currently has no measurable disease and tolerates the medication without side effects. This is the first report demonstrating durable remission of thymic carcinoma with nivolumab treatment. Our case suggests that prospective trials evaluating the use of nivolumab in patients with thymic carcinoma are warranted. Citation Format: Young Kwang Chae, Anderson Cho, Kyunghoon Rhee, Andrew Davis, Wade Iams, Manali Bhave, Marcelo Cruz, Lee Chun Park. Durable remission with nivolumab, anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, in a patient with advanced thymic carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5547.
Intelligence Retrieval from a Centralized IoT Network

A social media network such as Twitter can be considered as a centralized IoT network. The sensors consist of its users and their computing devices. All of the data is sent to a centralized data center, the database of the social media site. Like other types of IoT networks, the social network monitors the human social continuously by collecting data from all of the connected sensors (active users). This paper presents a method to analyze the collected data to predict the status of the social network. Our results show that R can be a very useful tool to retrieve such intelligent information from the collected data as user ideas about a topic, effects of geographical location and differences between communities, in addition to the basic functions provided by other tools.
Health Care Expenditures of Medicare Beneficiaries with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Background Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition affecting the elderly population and with costs associated with its surgical management reported to be less than those associated with conservative management. Objective To determine if the rate of diagnosis of NPH has improved over the last decade, the rate of treatment has increased, and if surgical treatment costs and socioeconomic factors related to receipt of treatment have changed over time compared with conservative therapy. Methods A retrospective study based on data from a nationally representative random sample of 2,378,637 Medicare beneficiaries (2006–2010) was performed. Shunt surgery, shunt revision, replacement, and removal were analyzed as independent variables. Results A total of 2321 patients with NPH were included, with 580 (24.99%) receiving a first shunt procedure. The adjusted effect of the procedure is that total 5-year expenditures are $11,676 more per patient (P Conclusions There was a 1.66-fold increase in the rate of diagnosis of NPH, from 0.12% in 1999 to 0.2% in 2008. The total costs per surgical patient rose by approximately 145% to 160% comparing 2001 and 2010. This increase was mainly due to hospital (by 167% to 168%) and home health costs (by 118% to 148%). Providing appropriate care across the socioeconomic spectrum warrants further study and requires identifying the factors that limit access to care.
Reed-Solomon Codes II

This chapter begins by defining the discrete Fourier transform, a square matrix \(\mathcal {F}\) whose entries are roots of unity of some field, and whose inverse is easy to write down and has almost the same form as \(\mathcal {F}\). We then look at two examples of Reed-Solomon codes, based on fields with 8 and 13 elements, respectively. For each example, encoding is done by evaluating the plaintext word W(x) at a complete set of roots of unity. As a consequence, the computational effort required in decoding to solve the set of equations to recover the original word W(x) can be substantially reduced by first multiplying the matrix of coefficients by the inverse of a discrete Fourier transform.
Selective Halogenation of Pyridines Using Designed Phosphine Reagents.

Halopyridines are key building blocks for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and ligands for metal complexes, but strategies to selectively halogenate pyridine C–H precursors are lacking....