cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GreenLA: green linear algebra software for GPU-accelerated heterogeneous computing

While many linear algebra libraries have been developed to optimize their performance, no linear algebra library considers their energy efficiency at the library design time. In this paper, we present GreenLA - an energy efficient linear algebra software package that leverages linear algebra algorithmic characteristics to maximize energy savings with negligible overhead. GreenLA is (1) energy efficient: it saves up to several times more energy than the best existing energy saving approaches that do not modify library source codes; (2) high performance: its performance is comparable to the highly optimized linear algebra library MAGMA; and (3) transparent to applications: with the same programming interface, existing MAGMA users do not need to modify their source codes to benefit from GreenLA. Experimental results demonstrate that GreenLA is able to save up to three times more energy than the best existing energy saving approaches while delivering similar performance compared to the state-of-the-art linear algebra library MAGMA.
Myeloma Cell-Derived Runx2 Promotes Myeloma Progression and Bone-Homing

Background. Multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable plasma-cell malignancy, preferentially grows in bone marrow and frequently metastasizes to new bone sites. The molecular network responsible for progression and bone-metastasis of MM remains largely unknown. Recent work from our laboratory suggests that the Runx2 transcription factor, well-known for its essential role in osteoblast differentiation and bone development, is also required for coordinating the network of molecular signals in MM cells that drive MM progression and bone metastasis. Substantial evidence exists about expression of Runx2 in various cancer cells, including myeloma cells. Moreover, Runx2 is shown to promote tumor-to-bone metastasis, osteolytic bone disease, and tumor progression in solid tumors. However, the role of Runx2 in MM progression and bone metastasis remains unknown. In the present study, we determined the mechanism(s) governing the action of Runx2 in MM cell, especially during tumor growth and bone-homing. Methods. Molecular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches were used to assess the role of Runx2 in growth and homing of MM to bone tissue. Initially, bone marrow biopsies from 35 MM patients and 14 healthy bone marrow donors were examined for the expression of Runx2. For a mechanistic understanding of the role of Runx2 in MM, we over-expressed and knocked-down Runx2 expression in both murine 5TGM1 and human MM1S myeloma cells. The following methods and strategies were used to examine the Runx2 over-expression (Runx2 k/in), Runx2 knockdown (Runx2 k/d) and control MM cell lines in both ex vivo and in vivo models. (1) Assessment of tumor growth and homing in the 5TGM1 syngenic model of murine myeloma (for 5TGM1 cells) and SCID mice (for MM1S cells). (2) RNA-Sequencing, Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses to determine downstream genes/molecules regulated by Runx2 in MM cells. (3) Cytokine array and ELISA of the conditioned media to identify Runx2 regulated soluble factors secreted by MM cells. Results. Immunostaining of bone marrow biopsies indicated that Runx2 expression was significantly increased in both cytoplasm and nuclei of MM cells compared to normal plasma cells (p Conclusions. MM cell-derived Runx2 is a central regulator of MM progression. Runx2 expression promotes MM growth and bone-metastasis via upregulation of (i) Wnt/β-catenin and AKT signaling, (ii) the expression of multiple osteogenic genes, and (iii) the secretion of metastatic soluble factors, in MM cells. This activation could activate a pre-metastatic niche in bone thereby providing MM cells with the ability to avoid immune surveillance in the bone marrow, and supporting survival and growth of tumor cells that arrive in bone. These discoveries provide insights into MM pathology, help to predict the prognosis of MM patients, and identify novel therapeutic targets for MM. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Association between blood glucose level and outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background Increased blood glucose is associated with adverse clinical outcomes among patients with major illnesses. This study examined the association between blood glucose and adverse outcomes among hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for which limited prior data were available. Methods We studied a cohort of 209 hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses with backward elimination method were performed to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital complications, length of hospitalization, 30-day hospital readmission, and 90-day all-cause mortality. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis with backward elimination method revealed that lower blood glucose and age at hospital admission were the most significant risk factors for in-hospital complication. Received respiratory support and in-hospital complications were the most significant risk factors for the length of hospitalization. There were no significant risk factors associated with 30-day hospital readmission and 90-day all-cause mortality. Conclusion The analyses failed to reveal significant associations between higher blood glucose levels and adverse outcomes. We showed that lower glucose levels (hypoglycemia) results in higher risk for in-hospital complications. In-hospital complications results in longer length of hospitalization, which implies that lower glucose levels (hypoglycemia) indirectly may result in longer length of hospitalization. More studies are needed to better clarify the cause for these associations.
The Permian and Triassic Chronostratigraphic Scales—Framework for Ordering Events

Abstract The Permian and Triassic chronostratigraphic scales provide the basic temporal framework for understanding all geological and biotic events that took place during most of the Pangean interval of Earth history. Nearly two centuries of research have developed these chronostratigraphic scales, and their current integration with radioisotopic ages, magnetostratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy continues to refine and improve the resolution of geological age assignments and correlation during the Permo-Triassic. In 1841, Murchison coined the term Permian for strata in the Russian Urals. Recognition of the Permian outside of Russia and Central Europe soon followed, but it took about one century for Permian to be accepted globally as a distinct geological system. The work of the Subcommission on Permian Stratigraphy began in the 1970s and resulted in the current chronostratigraphic scale of nine Permian stages in three series: Cisuralian (lower Permian)—Asselian, Sakmarian, Artinskian, Kungurian; Guadalupian (middle Permian)—Roadian, Wordian, Capitanian; and Lopingian (upper Permian)—Wuchiapingian and Changhsingian. The first geological studies of Triassic rocks began in Germany in the late 1700s and culminated in 1834 when Friedrich August von Alberti coined the term Trias for the Bunten Sandsteins, Muschelkalk and Keuper, a thick succession of strata between the Zechstein and the Lias. Recognition of the Trias outside of Germany soon followed, and by the 1860s Austrian geologist Edmund von Mojsisovics began constructing a detailed Triassic chronostratigraphy based on ammonoid biostratigraphy. In 1895, Mojsisovics and his principal collaborators, Wilhelm Waagen and Carl Diener, published a Triassic timescale that contains most of the stage and substage names still used today. The work of the Subcommission on Triassic Stratigraphy began in the 1970s and resulted in current recognition of seven Triassic stages in three series: Lower Triassic—Induan, Olenekian; Middle Triassic—Anisian, Ladinian; Upper Triassic—Carnian, Norian, and Rhaetian. Further biostratigraphic development of the Permian and Triassic chronostratigraphic scales needs to focus on the remaining formal definition of some of the stages as well as definition and characterization of the substages, as these will provide a much more detailed basis for subdivision of Permian and Triassic time than do the stages. This chapter briefly reviews the development and current status of the Permian and Triassic chronostratigraphic scales.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a parkinsonism-plus syndrome and has no known cause. The clinical picture is characterized by a symmetric, akinetic-rigid syndrome, with vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, frontal deficits, postural instability, and falls. Dopaminergic therapy is beneficial but only for the first 1 or 2 years. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are of some benefit to the patient. From onset of initial symptoms to death the time is approximately 10 years.
‘Every household will be a micro-enterprise’: a youth micro-loan scheme’s role in restructuring Nepal

ABSTRACTLack of secure employment mobilized many young people into Nepal’s civil war and a decade of political opposition (1996–2006). As a result, both the post-war government and foreign donors invested in policies aimed to harness the productive capacities of young people in restructuring the nation. This article explores the theme of aspiration on the national and personal level and their convergence through a micro-finance program in post-war Nepal, the Youth, Small Enterprise, and Self-Employment Fund (YSEF). The national-level aspiration to make ‘new Nepal’ hinged on young people fulfilling their personal aspirations. I consider whether post-conflict pacification measures like YSEF can foster the sense of national belonging necessary by analyzing the challenges faced in instituting this loan scheme nationally and locally along Nepal’s open border with India. Analyzing YSEF’s institution from a borderland optic reveals assumptions inherent in peacebuilding intervention and limits YSEF’s ability to w...
Natural preservatives for superficial scald reduction and enhancement of protective phenolic-linked antioxidant responses in apple during post-harvest storage

Superficial scald during post-harvest storage is a serious problem for long-term preservation and shelf-life of some apple and pear cultivars. Development of superficial scald and related physiological disorders such as enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning are associated in part with oxidative breakdown and redox imbalance. Therefore, targeting natural antioxidants from food-grade sources as post-harvest treatment to reduce superficial scald has merit. Such natural antioxidants can potentially counter oxidation-linked damages associated with superficial scald through stimulation of antioxidant enzyme responses and biosynthesis of less-oxidized phenolics involving protective redox-linked pathway such as proline-associated pentose phosphate pathway. Based on this rationale, bioprocessed food-grade oregano extract (OX) and soluble chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) were targeted as post-harvest treatment (2 and 4 g L-1) and were compared with diphenylamine (DPA) (1 and 2 g L-1) to reduce superficial scald and to improve protective phenolic-linked antioxidant responses in "Cortland" cultivar stored at 4 °C for 15 weeks. Overall, significant reduction of superficial scald and conjugated triene was observed with DPA and OX (2 g L-1) post-harvest treatments. Furthermore, stimulation of antioxidant enzyme responses such as increases in superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activity was also observed, but was more evident with DPA and COS treatment. Overall, results of this study indicated that critical balance of less-oxidized phenolics and antioxidant enzymes and associated anabolic PPP-linked redox regulation is essential for improving post-harvest preservation and reduction of superficial scald in apple.
Reduced Order Energy Functions

In the previous chapter we discussed the system-wide energy functions using the classical model for both the internal node model and the structure preserving model. It is a well known fact, observed through numerous simulations that depending on the fault it is always a single machine or a group of machines that pull away from the rest of the machines. In some instances there may be several groups of machines pulling out from the rest of the system. A group of machines may even decelerate. These cases are illustrated in Figs. 3.1a, b, and c.
From Genetics to Genomics and Beyond

This chapter discusses a cluster of changes and other issues in the transition from genetics to “genomics” and “proteonomics.” When the first survey was completed in 1985, direct DNA testing was in an experimental stage. Older interactions between genetics and society are in the process of rapid change, especially in affluent nations. At its start and finish (1990–2001), the Human Genome Project (HGP) evoked competing metaphors to convey its impact on society. Alongside praise for the HGP, misplaced hopes, misunderstanding, and mistrust obstruct integration of genetic discoveries into mainstream medicine. If physicians are to use these discoveries in practice, traditional medical ethics needs to refit its “ship of morality” (Benjamin, 2003, 112) for more turbulent seas. Would a code of ethics help the world's geneticists earn more public trust? Or is there a more practical way?
Generation of Ultrashort Electron Bunches Using Table-Top Laser-Plasma-Based Electron Accelerators

As an ultrashort high-intensity laser pulse propagates in a plasma, an electron plasma wave with relativistic phase velocity is excited by stimulated Raman forward scattering instability. A low emittance, relativistic electron beam is produced when the electron plasma wave traps and accelerates hot background electrons. Such an electron beam itself, or an ultrashort x-ray pulse generated from it, can be used for studying ultrafast science.
Antibiotic Resistance in Neisseria Gonorrhoeae

The hostory epidemiology significance for treatment and future prospects of antibiotic resistance in the gonorrhea bacterium are discussed. Ressistance to sulfonamides developed so rapidly that they were ineffective by the end of World War 2. Since then resistance to penicillin has risen from a point when the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for penicillin ranged from .003-.03 units per ml and 95% cure rates were obtained with a dose of 150000 units to the present when the MIC is typically .5 units per ml in parts of Asia and Africa .1 in U.S.A. and less in northern Europe. Resistance appears to be increasing in places such as Asia where over-the-counter oral antibiotics are available and decreasing in countries such as Greenland where concerted treatment programs using high penicillin doses and probenecid (which prevents excretion of penicillin) have been mounted. Resistance to penicillin is usually associated with resistance to tetracycline erythromycin chloramphenicol fusicid acid rifampicin ethidium bromide and acridine orange. A common genetic mechanism for this multiple drug resistance is being sought. Fortunately spectinomycin or sulfa and trimethoprim therapy is effective against such multiple-drug resistant gonocci.
Ethnic and gender differences in alcohol use among a longitudinal sample of inner-city adolescents

The purpose of this study was to determine if ethnic and gender differences in alcohol use exist among a cohort of inner-city adolescents during each of the 3 years of middle school. Students in 22 urban schools completed self-report questionnaires with measures of alcohol use (frequency of drinking, amount of drinks per occasion, and frequency of drunkenness) at three annual assessments. Of the participating students, 2312 identified themselves as Asian, Black, Hispanic or White. Analyses of variance were conducted to test for ethnic group (Asian, Black, Hispanic, White) and gender differences in alcohol use. Ethnic differences were found for all three alcohol measures at each assessment point. Boys drank more frequently than girls during the first 2 years. Asian and Black adolescents appeared to be at lower risk for alcohol use.
Respiratory frequency plasticity during development.

Abstract Respiratory frequency plasticity is a long-lasting increase in breathing frequency due to a perturbation. Mechanisms underlying respiratory frequency are poorly understood, and there is little evidence of frequency plasticity in neonates. This hybrid review/research article discusses available literature regarding frequency plasticity and highlights potential research opportunities. Also, we include data demonstrating a model of frequency plasticity using isolated neonatal rat brainstem-spinal cord preparations. Specifically, substance P (SubP) application induced a long-lasting (>60 min) increase in spontaneous respiratory motor burst frequency, particularly in brainstem-spinal cords with the pons attached; there were no male/female differences. SubP-induced frequency plasticity is dependent on the application pattern, such that intermittent (rather than sustained) SubP applications induce more frequency plasticity. SubP-induced frequency plasticity was blocked by a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. Thus, the newborn rat respiratory control system has the capacity to express frequency plasticity. Identifying mechanisms that induce frequency plasticity may lead to novel methods to safely treat breathing disorders in premature and newborn infants.
Can we predict who lives long with ovarian cancer

Women with ovarian cancer benefit from individualized management that incorporates advanced imaging technologies, sophisticated cytoreductive surgery integrated with combination chemotherapy, genetic risk assessment, and tumor molecular profiling. However, advanced ovarian cancer remains a highly lethal disease because of early peritoneal dissemination, rapid development of resistance to key therapeutic agents, and evasion of the host immune response. Over the last 15 years, several models and nomograms have been developed to predict surgical outcomes, progression-free survival, or overall survival on the basis of clinical and pathologic data available at the primary diagnosis and recurrence. Each of these models has its strengths and limitations, and they provide a basis for future models that will incorporate functional imaging and molecular characteristics.
Analysis of a Circuit by Solving Differential Equations

In the time domain, the “Ohm’s law” (that is, the relationship between voltage and current) for capacitors and inductors involves the derivative. If the circuit contains capacitors or inductors, the KCL and KVL equations are differential equations. If the order of a differential equation is 1 and the input is a constant, the solution of the first-order differential equation is an exponential function. When you see a capacitor in a circuit, first find the voltage across the capacitor. If you see an inductor, first find the current through the inductor.
Filtration Efficiency of Air Conditioner Filters and Face Masks to Limit Exposure to Aerosolized Algal Toxins

ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can generate toxins that can be aerosolized and negatively impact human health through inhalation. HABs are often found in waterways near residences, therefore, aerosolized HAB toxins can potentially affect both indoor and outdoor air quality. Given that HABs are predicted to increase worldwide, effective mitigation strategies are needed to prevent the inhalation of aerosolized HAB toxins. In this work, we characterized both the particle filtration efficiency using particle sizing instruments as well as the mass concentration of different congeners of aerosolized microcystin (MC) toxins that penetrate through commercially available face masks and air conditioner (AC) filters. Particles were generated from cultures of the toxin-producing cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Hydrophobic congeners of microcystin including MC-LF and MC-LW were enriched in aerosols compared to water, with MC-LR being the most abundant, which has implications for the toxicity of inhalable particles generated from HAB-contaminated waters. Particle transmission efficiencies and toxin filtration efficiencies scaled with the manufacturer-provided filter performance ratings. Up to 80% of small, microcystin-containing aerosols were transmitted through AC filters with low filter performance ratings. In contrast, both face masks as well as AC filters with high filter performance ratings efficiently removed toxin-containing particles to below limits of quantification. Our findings suggest that face masks and commercially available AC filters with high filtration efficiency ratings are suitable mitigation strategies to avoid indoor and outdoor air exposure to aerosolized HAB toxins. This work also has relevance for reducing airborne exposure to other HAB toxins, non-HAB toxins, pathogens, and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare utilization following minimally invasive apical prolapse repair in a large integrated healthcare system

We sought to describe healthcare utilization (HU) following minimally invasive apical prolapse repair (MIAR) and its association with duration of hospital stay, patient characteristics, and perioperative factors. This retrospective study included women undergoing MIAR within a large managed care organization between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2018, and aimed to quantify HU within 30 days of surgery. HU was dichotomized into two groups: normal and high, based on typical postoperative utilization of healthcare resources. The primary outcome was the rate of normal versus high HU overall and by duration of hospital stay [discharge home on day of surgery versus postoperative day (POD) 1–2]. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors predictive of high HU. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 4208 patients in our final cohort, 17% had high HU, while 83% were normal utilizers. High utilizers were more likely to have multiple comorbidities (p < 0.01) and a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (p = 0.02) and were less likely to be discharged on day of surgery (p < 0.01). A higher burden of disease, a concurrent mid-urethral sling or posterior colporrhaphy, and discharge on POD 1–2 were independently predictive of high HU. Within the high HU cohort, the most common type of unanticipated healthcare encounter was emergency department visit for urinary retention or pain. Same-day discharge after MIAR does not result in increased HU, even after adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical characteristics. Pre-existing chronic pain diagnoses, multiple comorbidities, and concurrent mid-urethral sling are associated with high HU in this population.
The VAT: Coming Soon to a Campaign Stop Near You

Two 2016 Republican presidential candidates — Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rand Paul, R-Ky. — have proposed replacing much of the federal tax system with a VAT. Cruz’s proposed VAT would have a 16 percent tax-inclusive rate, and Paul’s proposed VAT would have a 14.5 percent tax-inclusive rate. Replacing much of the income tax system with a VAT has the potential to increase investment and long-run economic growth. However, part or all of the beneficial effects may be lost if the plans’ revenue losses are not offset by spending cuts. The biggest problem with the Cruz and Paul plans is their pronounced lack of tax transparency. The senators have consistently described their proposed levies as business taxes rather than VATs and have underplayed or denied the burden that the VATs would place on workers.
Examining Adolescent Family Experiences as Risks for Young Adulthood Intimate Partner Violence in Two Longitudinal Samples.

Little research has examined multiple family risks that may act as precursors to the cycle of violence, or the link between child maltreatment and subsequent intimate partner violence perpetration. Scholarly work that addresses this gap has important implications for early prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing family violence in adolescence and young adulthood. Based upon the family stress model and the cycle of violence hypothesis, it was hypothesized that adolescent experiences of economic pressure, caregiver depressed mood, and caregiver conflict would increase risk for abusive parenting and that abusive parenting in adolescence would link these family experiences to partner violence perpetration in young adulthood. The model was tested using longitudinal data spanning 12 years from two studies: The Iowa Youth and Families Project (N = 306, 56.2% women), a sample of White, married-parent families, and the Family and Community Health Study (N = 213, 53.3% women), a sample of Black families diverse in terms of family structure. Path model analyses provided support for the proposed model in each sample, highlighting the importance of considering several adolescent family experiences in work on the etiology of partner violence. Policy and practice interventions are offered, such as the need for economic supports for families, accessible mental health care, and relationship education programming for youth.
Ring Formation Maneuvering with Double Integrator Dynamics

Conventional leader-follower formations restrict the follower to a single desired position relative to the leader. To give the follower more flexibility in motion and to replicate typical human pilot operations, in this paper we propose a control architecture allowing the follower to converge to a ring, which is a set of desired points, relative to the leader. The follower is considered subject to a point-mass aircraft model, which can be transformed into the double integrator kinematics. For that reason, the nonlinear backstepping method is first utilized to design the controller for the double integrator kinematics with input saturation constraints being taken into account. The controller is then converted into control variables for the point-mass model. The stability of the proposed architecture is analyzed. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed controller.
Varieties of resonance: The subjective interpretations and utilizations of media output in France

Abstract The resonance of media output plays an important role in the age of misinformation and fake news. While scholars have extensively studied resonance, they have mostly focused on whether and why particular messages align with the predispositions of their intended audience rather than systematically analyzing how they are interpreted by the wider population. Based on computational text analyses of the news media coverage from 118 outlets in France and weekly surveys of what people retained from the news during the same period, this paper investigates the ways in which the frames used by the media trigger different types of resonance in accordance with people’s diverse interpretations and utilizations of the messages to which they have been exposed. We theoretically argue that resonance is not just an objective alignment between a message and one’s predispositions, but a subjective interpretation and utilization of the message heard. We empirically identify three different types of subjective resonance: problem-solving, problem-aggravating, and problem-generating. This research contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of resonance by expanding on previous works on the cognitive and emotional dimensions of resonance.
Transformation of flow structure on a rotating wing due to variation of radius of gyration

The flow structure on a rotating wing (rectangular plate) is characterized over a range of travel distance at different radii of gyration. Travel distance is defined as the length of the arc subtended by the radius of gyration. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry is employed to determine the volumetric flow structure, in the form of three-dimensional surfaces of the q-criterion, helical density, and downwash velocity. These representations are complemented by sectional patterns of vorticity and tangential velocity. An increase in the radius of gyration reduces the influence of rotation on the flow structure. At small radius of gyration, a coherent leading-edge vortex develops rapidly and then persists over a range of travel distance. At moderate radius of gyration, this leading-edge vortex is replaced by an arch vortex, which develops relatively slowly over a larger travel distance, and is eventually swept into the wake of the wing. The foregoing classes of vortical structures are associated with distinctive patterns of: helical density, which represents the axial vorticity flux through the three-dimensional vortex system; downwash related to the strengths of the components of the vortex system; and tangential velocity associated with the extent of reverse flow, or stall.
Chapter 21 Portooncogene Expression following Lymphocyte Activation

Publisher Summary The studies reviewed in this chapter illustrate that the measurement of proto-oncogene transcript abundance in stimulated lymphocytes is unlikely to shed light on the physiological control of lymphocyte activation. Lymphocytes interact with a large variety of cytokines and cell-associated regulatory molecules. The end result of the encounter of any individual T lymphocyte with an antigen-presenting cell probably depends on the sum of these modulatory signals as well as the specific interaction of the T cell antigen receptor with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-associated ligand. Thus, the analyses of proto-oncogene expression during lymphocyte activation underestimate the complexity of lymphoid cell behavior. The chapter summarizes what is known about oncogene expression in lymphocytes exposed to a variety of activating stimuli and deduces general patterns from these studies, which have been pursued in very heterogeneous experimental systems. It discusses the hazards in directly interpreting changes in oncogene messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance by considering changes in Ick mRNA and p56 lck protein expression in activated T cells.
Neutron diffraction studies of the structure of filamentous bacteriophage Pf1: Demonstration that the coat protein consists of a pair of α-helices with an intervening, non-helical surface loop☆

The structure of filamentous bacteriophage Pf1 has been studied using neutron diffraction from magnetically oriented gels of native and specifically deuterated phage. These methods have been used to determine the positions of the two methionine, two tyrosine and six isoleucine residues of the coat protein. Combined with the positions of the five valine residues previously determined, they represent one third (15 of 46) of the residues of the coat protein. These 15 amino acid residue positions have been used as the basis for constructing a model for the protein consisting of two alpha-helices with an intervening surface loop. The first helix extends from near the amino terminus to Ile12. The second helix extends from Lys20 to at least Met42, and may contain a bend between Ile32 and Val35. The two helices are tilted by about 15 degrees relative to one another, and are positioned in such a way that they appear to be bound end-to-end by main-chain hydrogen bonds. The intervening, non-helical loop, made up of Thr13 to Met19, connects the two helices without disrupting the pattern of main-chain hydrogen bonding, but does not result in a bend in the otherwise continuous helical structure. This model is used to predict the approximate positions of all amino acid residues in the Pf1 protein coat, providing a basis for further understanding of a number of viral properties including the symmetry transitions, the non-isomorphism of heavy-atom derivatives, and the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in the virion.
The Leibnizian Cosmological Argument

A cosmological argument takes some cosmic feature of the universe – such as the existence of contingent things or the fact of motion – that calls out for an explanation and argues that this feature is to be explained in terms of the activity of a First Cause, which First Cause is God. A typical cosmological argument faces four different problems. If these problems are solved, the argument is successful. The fi rst problem is that although some features, such as the existence of contingent things, call for an explanation, it can be disputed whether an explanation exists. I shall call this the Glendower Problem in honor of the following exchange from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1, Act III:
Genetics of PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome

The PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS) represents a group of clinically related syndromes caused by germline mutations in the PTEN gene. These include Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome, adult Lhermitte–Duclos disease and autism spectrum disorders with macrocephaly. PTEN mutations lead to increased cancer risks (including breast, thyroid, uterine, renal cell and colon cancers) and benign overgrowth of multiple tissues, presenting in part as dermatologic lesions, gastrointestinal polyps, thyroid structural lesions, lipomas and vascular lesions. Historically, data on the clinical features of PHTS have been based primarily on collected case reports from the literature. More recently, findings from several large United States and European cohorts have added greatly to our understanding of PHTS. The bulk of these data are on patients with CS, the most common of the PHTS component syndromes. Testing and management criteria and recently revised clinical diagnostic criteria have been established for PHTS. Key Concepts: PHTS is an important group of clinical disorders, including Cowden syndrome and Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome, which are defined by presence of a mutation in the PTEN gene. These conditions are of relevance to many clinical specialties because of significantly increased risks for benign and malignant tissue overgrowth. The data that are available on risks for malignancy and other features of the syndrome have been almost entirely obtained on cohorts of patients who presented to medical attention and were tested because they demonstrated a significant number of PHTS features. This inherently should lead to overestimates of the prevalence of these features. Projected lifetime cancer risks in recent studies have been approximately 77–85% for breast cancer (women only), 20–38% for thyroid cancer, 20–30% for uterine cancer, 15–34% for renal cell carcinoma and 9–16% for colon cancer. Common nonmalignant features include gastrointestinal polyps, macrocephaly, specific skin lesions and structural thyroid lesions. Less common features include Lhermitte–Duclos disease, autism spectrum disorder, mental retardation/developmental delay, testicular lipomatosis and vascular anomalies. Criteria for making a clinical diagnosis of this syndrome have been recently updated to reflect current literature. The US National Comprehensive Cancer Network has developed testing criteria and medical management criteria which are updated annually. Keywords: PTEN; PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome; Cowden syndrome; Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome
Transmission EBSD from 10 nm domains in a scanning electron microscope

Summary The spatial resolution of electron diffraction within the scanning electron microscope (SEM) has progressed from channelling methods capable of measuring crystallographic characteristics from 10 μm regions to electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) methods capable of measuring 120 nm particles. Here, we report a new form of low-energy transmission Kikuchi diffraction, performed in the SEM. Transmission-EBSD (t-EBSD) makes use of an EBSD detector and software to capture and analyse the angular intensity variation in large-angle forward scattering of electrons in transmission, without postspecimen coils. We collected t-EBSD patterns from Fe–Co nanoparticles of diameter 10 nm and from 40 nm-thick Ni films with in-plane grain size 15 nm. The patterns exhibited contrast similar to that seen in EBSD, but are formed in transmission. Monte Carlo scattering simulations showed that in addition to the order of magnitude improvement in spatial resolution from isolated particles, the energy width of the scattered electrons in t-EBSD is nearly two orders of magnitude narrower than that of conventional EBSD. This new low-energy transmission diffraction approach builds upon recent progress in achieving unprecedented levels of imaging resolution for materials characterization in the SEM by adding high-spatial-resolution analytical capabilities.
Logical structural filters

Binary granulometric filters are formed from unions of parameterized openings, a point passing the filter if and only if a translate of at least one structuring element fits in the image and contains the point. A granulometry induces a reconstructive granulometry by passing any image component not eliminated by the granulometry. As historically studied in the context of Matheron's granulometric theory, reconstructive granulometries appear as unions of reconstructive parameterized openings. The theory is extended to a much wider class of filters: a logical structural filter (LSF) is formed as a union of intersections of both reconstructive and complementary reconstructive openings. A reconstructive opening passes a component if and only if at least one translate of the structuring element fits inside; a complementary reconstructive opening passes a component if and only if no translate of the structuring element fits inside. The original reconstructive granulometries form the special class of disjunctive LSFs. Complement-free LSFsform granulometries in a slightly more general sense; LSFs containing complements are not increasing and therefore not openings. Along with the relevant algebraic representations for LSFs, the theories of optimal and adaptive granulometric filters are extended to LSFs, a systematic formulation of adaptive transitions is given, transition probabilities for adaptation are found, and two applications to biological imaging are presented.
Chapter 1 Sceletium Alkaloids

Publisher Summary The plant genus Sceletium is made up of about 20 species that are found in the southern regions of Africa, principally in the South-West Cape Province. An interest in these plants stems from early reports of the use of certain species of these plants by the Hottentots and the Bushmen of Namaqualand in the preparation of a drug known as Channa . Bodendorf and Krieger described the isolation of mesembrine along with two other bases from S. tortuosum, and although the ketonic nature of the alkaloid was revealed by its IR spectrum, no significant progress was made in determining the structure of the alkaloid. The structure of mesembrine as N-methyl-3a-(3’, 4’-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-oxo-cisoctahydroindole was adduced by Popelak and co-workers. The elucidation of the structure of mesembrine has provided the foundation for the studies continued during the past 20 years on the chemistry and biosynthesis of the Sceletium alkaloids that is described in this chapter.
The impact of web-based diabetes risk calculators on information processing and risk perceptions.

As consumer demand for online health information grows, many organizations are providing personalized and interactive health risk communication tools. In response, there is a need to better understand how effective these features are in influencing user attention, information processing and risk perceptions. This study randomly assigned 100 middle-aged and elderly adult users to one of three versions of an experimental type 2 diabetes “risk calculator” in order to determine if personalized risk estimates and interactive risk feedback impact usage behavior and beliefs about future diabetes onset. Results suggest that personalization and interactive features did not lead to increases in user attention or systematic information processing. The experiment provided only modest evidence that personalization was related to increased accuracy in absolute diabetes risk perceptions. Future studies are warranted to more precisely explain the descriptive and normative implications when laypersons use web-based risk communication tools.
Effects of Preschool Integration for Children with Disabilities

This study examined the effects of integration and segregation in a special education preschool program for children with mild to moderate disabilities to determine whether initial level of development differentially influenced gains achieved. No main-effect differences between the two groups appeared on several pretest and pastiest measures. Aptitude-by-Treatment analyses revealed that higher performing students gained more from integrated classes, whereas lower performing students gained more from segregated classes. The data suggest careful monitoring of lower functioning students to ensure appropriate academic and social stimulation.
Cortical and Subcortical Cerebrovascular Resistance Index in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

Author(s): Nation, Daniel A; Wierenga, Christina E; Clark, Lindsay R; Dev, Sheena I; Stricker, Nikki H; Jak, Amy J; Salmon, David P; Delano-Wood, Lisa; Bangen, Katherine J; Rissman, Robert A; Liu, Thomas T; Bondi, Mark W | Abstract: BackgroundReduced regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is a well-established finding in Alzheimer's disease (AD), although fewer studies have examined the role of increased regional cerebrovascular resistance. By calculating the ratio of mean arterial pressure to rCBF, it is possible to estimate an index of regional cerebrovascular resistance (CVRi) that may be a sensitive measure of occult cerebrovascular disease.ObjectiveTo compare probable AD patients to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normal control (NC) participants on CVRi, the ratio of mean arterial pressure to rCBF.MethodsEighty-one participants (12 AD, 23 MCI, 46 NC) were compared on CVRi using voxel-wise analyses. Region-of-interest analyses examined correlations between subcortical CVRi and both cognition and white matter lesion (WML) volume.ResultsVoxel-wise analyses revealed CVRi elevation in AD relative to NCs (subcortical, medial temporal, posterior cingulate, precuneus, inferior parietal, superior temporal) and MCI (subcortical, posterior cingulate). MCI participants exhibited intermediate CVRi values within cortical and medial temporal areas. Significant CVRi clusters were larger and more widespread than those of parallel CBF analyses. Among MCI and AD participants, subcortical CVRi elevation was associated with lower Dementia Rating Scale score (r = -0.52, p = 0.001, for both thalamus and caudate), and caudate CVRi correlated with WML volume (r = 0.45, p = 0.001).ConclusionsCortical and subcortical CVRi is elevated in AD, particularly within the caudate and thalamus, where it is associated with decreased cognitive performance and increased WMLs. Findings suggest CVRi may play a role in cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease in MCI and AD.
Consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods by adult Americans: nutritional and health implications. The third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994

BACKGROUND Current dietary guidance recommends limiting the intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods, but little is known about recent consumption patterns of these foods. OBJECTIVE The contribution of EDNP foods to the American diet and the associated nutritional and health implications were examined. DESIGN Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 15611; age >/=20 y) were used. EDNP categories included visible fats, nutritive sweeteners and sweetened beverages, desserts, and snacks. The potential independent associations of EDNP food intake with intakes of energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and serum vitamin, lipid, and carotenoid profiles were examined with linear and logistic regression procedures. RESULTS EDNP foods supplied approximately 27% of energy intake; alcohol provided an additional 4%. The relative odds of consuming foods from all 5 food groups and of meeting the recommended dietary allowance or daily reference intake for protein and several micronutrients decreased with increasing EDNP food intake (P: < 0.0001). Energy intake and percentage of energy from fat were positively related to EDNP intake. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, E, C, and B-12; folate; several carotenoids; and HDL cholesterol were inversely related (P: </= 0. 0005) whereas serum homocysteine concentration was positively related (P: = 0.02) to EDNP food intake. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that EDNP foods were consumed at the expense of nutrient-dense foods, resulting in 1) increased risk of high energy intake, 2) marginal micronutrient intake, 3) poor compliance with nutrient- and food group-related dietary guidance, and 4) low serum concentrations of vitamins and carotenoids.
Breakfast Skipping, Extreme Commutes, and the Sex Composition at Birth.

A growing body of literature has shown that environmental exposures in the period around conception can affect the sex ratio at birth through selective attrition that favors the survival of female conceptuses. Glucose availability is considered a key indicator of the fetal environment, and its absence as a result of meal skipping may inhibit male survival. We hypothesize that breakfast skipping during pregnancy may lead to a reduction in the fraction of male births. Using time use data from the United States we show that women with commute times of 90 minutes or longer are 20 percentage points more likely to skip breakfast. Using U.S. census data we show that women with commute times of 90 minutes or longer are 1.2 percentage points less likely to have a male child under the age of 2. Under some assumptions, this implies that routinely skipping breakfast around the time of conception leads to a 6 percentage point reduction in the probability of a male child. Skipping breakfast during pregnancy may therefore constitute a poor environment for fetal health more generally.
Impact of terrestrial weather on the upper atmosphere

[1] A whole atmosphere model has been developed to demonstrate the impact of terrestrial weather on the upper atmosphere. The dynamical core is based on the NWS Global Forecast System model, which has been extended to cover altitudes from the ground to 600 km. The model includes the physical processes responsible for the stochastic nature of the lower atmosphere, which is a source of variability for the upper atmosphere. The upper levels include diffusive separation, wind induced transport of major species, and uses specific enthalpy as the dependent variable, to accommodate composition dependent gas constants and specific heats. A one-year model simulation reveals planetary waves explicitly up to 100 km altitude. At higher altitude, multi-day periodicities in the dynamics appear as a modulation of tidal amplitudes, particularly the migrating semi-diurnal tide in the lower thermosphere dynamo region. The penetration of planetary wave periodicities from tropospheric weather into the upper atmosphere can explain terrestrial weather sources of variability in the thermospheric and ionospheric.
Fabrication, characterization and simulation of 3-D inverse-opal photonic crystals using laser-assisted imprinting

Three-dimensional (3-D) photonic crystals were fabricated by laser-assisted imprinting of self-assembled silica particles into silicon substrates. The multilayer self-assembly of silica particles were formed on the silicon substrates using isothermal heating evaporation approach. A KrF excimer laser pulse with a wavelength of 248 nm and a duration of 23 ns was used to melt the silicon substrate surface, which infiltrated and solidified over the assembled silica particles. By removing the silica particles embedded in the silicon using hydrofluoric (HF) acid, inverse-opal photonic crystals were fabricated This technique is capable of fabricating structures with complete photonic bandgaps (PBG), and engineering the photonic bandgaps by flexibly varying the silica particle size.