cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exoquence DNA sequencing

Abstract We have developed a strategy for DNA sequencing based on exonuclease III digestion followed by double strand specific endonuclease digestion and direct dideoxynucleotide sequencing reaction. This strategy eliminates the need for subcloning, oligonucleotide primers, and prior knowledge of the DNA to be sequenced. All template and primer duplexes needed for sequencing a complete insert can be prepared in one day from uncharacterized starting DNA. Sequence information can be obtained from different regions of the DNA simultaneously. The method uses double-stranded DNA to generate single-stranded template and primer, and thus produces high quality sequence results. Commercially available dideoxy-sequencing kits are well suited for this method. The strategy should be applicable for both automatic and routine laboratory DNA sequencing.
Perceptual contributions of blocky, blurry, and fuzzy impairments to overall annoyance

In this work, we used two types of impairments in a psychophysical experiment to measure the overall annoyance and individual strength of three impairment features (fuzzy, blocky, and blurry). The impairments were generated by compressing the original videos with MPEG-2 at two different bitrates: 1.0 and 7.5 Mbps. The heavily compressed videos presented blurry and blocky impairments, while the lightly compressed videos presented 'fuzzy' impairments, using a word provided by our test subjects. These impairments were then linearly combined in different proportions and strengths, generating videos in which all three impairment features are present. Our goal was to determine how these impairment features combine to produce the overall annoyance. A modified Minkowski metric was used to describe the 'combination rule' which relates the strengths of the impairment features to the overall annoyance. For the data set containing all test sequences, the optimal value found for the Minkowski parameter p was 1.55. From the data obtained, we also estimated the psychometric and annoyance functions. We found that for blocky-blurry and fuzzy artifacts there is no consistent difference between either the thresholds or mid-annoyance strengths.
Purification of protein methylase II from human erythrocytes

Abstract Protein methylase II ( S -adensylmethionine:protein-carboxyl- O -methyltransferase, EC .2.1.1.24) which methyl esterifies free carboxyl groups of protein substrate using S- adenosyl - l - methione as the methyl donor, has been purified from human erythrocytes approximately 13 000-fold with a yield of 12%. The purified enzyme was over 95% pure as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A bulk of hemoglobin present in the erythrocyte lysate, which severely limited the use of affinity chromatography for purification, was effectively removed by ammonium sulfate precipitation and by the subsequent salt washing of the precipitates followed by molecular sieve chromatography on Sephadex G-75. This preparation can be further purified by affinity chromatography, in which S- adenosyl - l - homocysteine is covalently linked to Sepharose-4B, followed by Sephadex G-75 chromatography to yield an enzyme with an activity of 27 000 pmol methyl group transferred/mg/min at 37°C.
Ultrafast electroabsorption at the transition between classical and quantum response.

We report the first observation of unusually large induced absorption in semiconductors strongly driven by intense ultrashort midinfrared laser fields. This ultrafast electroabsorption has the largest extent below the band edge $(\ensuremath{\sim}1\mathrm{eV})$ ever observed, to our knowledge, which we interpret as being a manifestation of the dynamical Franz-Keldysh effect. The electroabsorption is observable when the ponderomotive potential is comparable to the photon energy of the applied field, i.e., when the applied field is at the transition between the classical and quantum regimes.
Xenobiotic receptor knockout mice.

Administration of certain foreign chemicals to animals elicits responses that are due to receptor-mediated activation of gene expression. Among the most well studied receptors are the Ah receptor (AHR) that binds 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, PPARs, that mediate gene activation by the diverse group of peroxisome proliferators. These receptors may also have critical roles in development or physiological homeostasis in addition to their abilities to allow animals to interact with exogenous chemicals or xenobiotics. To explore the function of AHR and PPARα and to determine whether they participate in the adverse effects of dioxins and peroxisome proliferators, gene knockout mice were developed.
Homogeneous detection of nucleic acids based upon the light scattering properties of silver-coated nanoparticle probes.

Herein we report the development of a simple, rapid, homogeneous, and sensitive detection system for DNA based on the scattering properties of silver-amplified gold nanoparticle probes. The assay uses DNA-functionalized magnetic particle probes that act as scavengers for target DNA, which can be collected via a magnetic field. Once the DNA targets are isolated from the initial sample, they are sandwiched via hybridization by a second set of probes. The latter probes are 13-nm gold nanoparticles modified with a different target complementary DNA. Excess probes are removed through repetitive washing steps. The gold particles are dispersed in solution by dehybridization, corresponding to an assumed 1:1 ratio with the target DNA. Electroless deposition of silver on the surface of the gold probes results in particle growth, which increases their scattering efficiency with time. The scattering efficiency and the extinction signatures of the particle sizes are monitored as a function of time and correlated with ...
Local effects of cortisol in the time course of eosinophilotaxis with the use of an improved technique.

Abstract Several workers have shown that the application of the appropriate allergenic extract to superficially denuded skin sites in patients with pollinosis is followed by the appearance of eosinophils in the exudate. Studies were done to determine the time course of migration of eosinophils to such sites. The influx of eosinophils was found to be most intense at about 12 hours, on the average, after application of the allergen and then to decrease significantly 24 hours after application. Since the administration of corticosteroids in the treatment of allergic and other conditions causes a rapid reduction in the number of eosinophils in the blood, studies were also done to determine whether cortisol applied locally would influence the accumulation of eosinophils at a skin site. The results indicate that cortisol has a pronounced inhibitory effect which appeared to be specific in that the inhibition could not be explained in its entirety as a mere consequence of an anti-inflammatory effect of the steroid.
Thermodynamics of the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate as a function of temperature, pH, pMg, and ionic strength

The hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate plays such an important role in energy metabolism that the thermodynamic properties of the species involved have been determined, including the standard Gibbs energies and enthalpies of formation of its magnesium complex ions. When the pH and pMg are specified in addition to temperature, pressure, and ionic strength, the criterion for spontaneous change and equilibrium is provided by the transformed Gibbs energy G‘ that is defined by a Legendre transform. The use of a Legendre transform makes it possible to express all the thermodynamic properties of a reactant by use of a single function of temperature, pH, pMg and ionic strength. The expression for the standard transformed Gibbs energy of formation of a reactant like ATP (a sum of species) is a function of temperature, pressure, pH, pMg, and ionic strength. Nine Maxwell relations are used to calculate various thermodynamic properties and relations between them. It is of particular interest to see that the derivat...
Generation and Tracking of Sinusoids for Shake Table Control via Extremum Seeking

We present the design and implementation of an extremum seeking based shake table controller, where the goal is to generate and track a sinusoid of given amplitude, frequency and phase. Advantages of an extremum seeking based controller over previous shake table controllers are that it is a modular design with respect to linear and nonlinear shaker-specimen dynamics, and with respect to different shaker-specimen combinations. In addition, it can handle time varying dynamics due to possible changes in the specimen during testing. Also, it does not require a plant model to operate, but has the capability to take advantage of minimal knowledge of the plant to improve transient performance.© 2007 ASME
Metabolism of aflatoxin B1 in cultured mouse hepatocytes: Comparison with rat and effects of cyclohexene oxide and diethyl maleate☆

Abstract The metabolism of aflatoxin B1 was studied in cultured hepatocytes from adult male mice. After a 10-hr incubation, 89% of the dose of [14C]aflatoxin B1 was converted to aqueous metabolites, while 0.77% was covalently bound to cellular macromolecules. In contrast, it has been previously shown that hepatocytes cultured from the rat and incubated with aflatoxin B1 form 57.2% aqueous metabolites and covalently bind 12.2% to cellular macromolecules. The nearly 16-fold greater covalent binding in rat hepatocytes correlates with the greater susceptibility of the rat to the hepatocarcinogenic effect of aflatoxin B1. Diethyl maleate and cyclohexene oxide each was shown to significantly increase the amount of covalent binding in hepatocytes from both species. At 10−3 m , diethyl maleate and cyclohexene oxide, respectively, produced 805 and 61% increase in covalent binding in mouse hepatocytes, suggesting that both diol formation and glutathione conjugation are important detoxification pathways for aflatoxin B1. Both pathways are apparently more active in mouse hepatocytes than in rat hepatocytes.
Coexistence for species sharing a predator

A class of equations describing the dynamics of two prey sharing a common predator are considered. Even though the boundary and internal dynamics can exhibit oscillatory behavior, it is shown these equations are permanent if only if they admit a positive equilibrium. Going beyond permanence, a subclass of equations are constructed that are almost surely permanent but not permanent; there exists an attractor in the positive orthant that attracts Lebesgue almost every (but not every) initial condition.
Toll-Like Receptor 9-mediated inflammation triggers alveolar bone loss in experimental murine periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a local inflammatory disease induced by a dysbiotic microbiota and leading to destruction of the tooth-supporting structures. Microbial nucleic acids are abundantly present in the periodontium, derived through release after phagocytic uptake of microbes and/or from biofilm-associated extracellular DNA. Binding of microbial DNA to its cognate receptors, such as Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), can trigger inflammation. In this study, we utilized TLR9 knockout (TLR9(-/-)) mice and wild-type (WT) controls in a murine model of Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis and report the first in vivo evidence that TLR9 signaling mediates the induction of periodontal bone loss. P. gingivalis-infected WT mice exhibited significantly increased bone loss compared to that in sham-infected WT mice or P. gingivalis-infected TLR9(-/-) mice, which were resistant to bone loss. Consistent with this, the expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and receptor-activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) were significantly elevated in the gingival tissues of the infected WT mice but not in infected TLR9(-/-) mice compared to their levels in controls. Ex vivo studies using splenocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages revealed significantly diminished cytokine production in TLR9(-/-) cells relative to the cytokine production in WT cells in response to P. gingivalis, thereby implicating TLR9 in inflammatory responses to this organism. Intriguingly, compared to the cytokine production in WT cells, TLR9(-/-) cells exhibited significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine production upon challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (TLR4 agonist) or Pam3Cys (TLR2 agonist), suggesting possible cross talk between TLR9, TLR4, and TLR2. Collectively, our results provide the first proof-of-concept evidence implicating TLR9-triggered inflammation in periodontal disease pathogenesis, thereby identifying a new potential therapeutic target to control periodontal inflammation.
Maturogenesis of a cariously exposed immature permanent tooth using MTA for direct pulp capping: a case report

Successful direct pulp capping of cariously exposed permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis and incomplete apex formation can prevent the need for root canal treatment. A case report is presented which demonstrates the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a direct pulp capping material for the purpose of continued maturogenesis of the root. Clinical and radiographic follow-up demonstrated a vital pulp and physiologic root development in comparison with the contralateral tooth. MTA can be considered as an effective material for vital pulp therapy, with the goal of maturogenesis.
An improved purification of ECF1 and ECF1F0 by using a cytochrome bo-deficient strain of Escherichia coli facilitates crystallization of these complexes.

A novel strategy, which employs a cytochrome bo-lacking strain (GO104) and a modified isolation procedure provides an effective approach for obtaining much purer preparations of ECF1F0 than described previously, as well as for isolating homogeneous and protein-chemically pure ECF1. ECF1 obtained in this way could be crystallized by vapor-diffusion using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a precipitant in a form suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with lattice parameters a=110, b=134, and c=269 A, and diffract to a resolution of at least 6.4 A.
Packet-by-packet all-optical burst-mode 3R regeneration in an optical-label switching router

This paper demonstrates 10 Gb/s packet-by-packet burst-mode optical 3R regeneration in an optical-label switching router, achieving bit-error-rates below 1/spl times/10/sup -9/ with the guard time ranging from 50 to 1000 ns despite clock-phase discontinuity between packets.
Parasites of Fish of Algonquin Park Lakes

Abstract In the study of the parasites of fish from lakes in Algonquin Park, Ontario, 560 fish of 22 species were examined and 84.3 per cent carried at least one form. Many of the fish carried larval trematodes which have fish-eating birds as their definitive hosts. Lakes containing smallmouth black bass had several species of fish infested with larval cysts of the cestode, Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy). Fish from lakes that did not contain smallmouth black bass did not carry this cestode. Proteocephalus fluviatilis Bangham, described previously only as a parasite of black basses in streams, was secured in black bass from seven Algonquin Park lakes. A leech, Actinobdella triannulata Moore, not previously reported as a parasite of fish was found on 24 per cent of the common suckers. Ten species of fish examined were of the family Cyprinidae. Of these minnows, 64.4 per cent were infested with at least one species of parasite. The parasites of the minnows were of few different species and the majority o...
Special neural network architectures for easy electronic implementations

An overview of various neural network architectures is presented. Depending on applications some of these architectures are capable to perform very complex operations with limited number of neurons, while other architectures, which use more neurons, are easy to train. There are neural network architectures which have very limited requirements for training or no training is required. The importance of the proper learning algorithm was emphasized because with advanced learning algorithm we can train these networks, which cannot be trained with simple algorithms. When simple training algorithms, such as EBP are used, neural networks with larger number of neurons must be used to fulfill the task.
CMOS scaling for high performance and low power-the next ten years

A guideline for scaling of CMOS technology for logic applications such as microprocessors is presented covering the next ten years, assuming that the lithography and base process development driven by DRAM continues on the same three-year cycle as in the past. This paper emphasizes the importance of optimizing the choice of power-supply voltage. Two CMOS device and voltage scaling scenarios are described. One optimized for highest speed and the other trading off speed improvement for much lower power. It is shown that the low power scenario is quite close to the original constant electric-field scaling theory. CMOS technologies ranging from 0.25 /spl mu/m channel length at 2.5 V down to sub-0.1 /spl mu/m at 1 V are presented and power density is compared for the two scenarios. Scaling of the threshold voltage along with the power supply voltage will lead to a substantial rise in standby power compared to active power and some tradeoffs of performance and/or changes in design methods must be made. Key technology elements and their impact on scaling are discussed. It is shown that a speed improvement of about 7/spl times/ and over two orders of magnitude improvement in power-delay product (mW/MIPS) are expected by scaling of bulk CMOS down to the sub-0.1 /spl mu/m regime as compared with today's high performance 0.6 /spl mu/m devices at 5 V. However, the power density rises by a factor of 4/spl times/ for the high-speed scenario. The status of the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) approach to scaled CMOS is also reviewed, showing the potential for about 3/spl times/ savings in power compared to the bulk case at the same speed. >
Identification of two new members of the CSMD gene family.

CSMD1 is a putative suppressor of squamous cell carcinomas mapping to human chromosomal region 8p23. We have cloned two new members of this gene family, CSMD2 and CSMD3. The three CSMD proteins have very similar structures, each consisting of 14 CUB domains separated from one another by a sushi domain, an additional uninterrupted array of sushi domains, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. CUB and sushi domains are thought to be sites of protein–protein or protein–ligand interactions, suggesting that CSMD proteins are either transmembrane receptors or adhesion proteins. The cytoplasmic tail sequences are highly conserved within the vertebrate lineage. CSMD2 maps to a chromosomal region that may contain a suppressor of oligodendrogliomas, yet its expression is elevated in some head and neck cancer cell lines. Functional overlap between the CSMD1 and the CSMD2 proteins may modify the phenotype resulting from the loss of either protein in tumors.
Weights and Body Measurements of Purebred Holstein and Guernsey Females and Their Crossbreds

Abstract Body weights and five linear body measurements of purebred Holstein and Guernsey females and their crossbreds in generation 3 were analyzed and compared. The two crossbred groups in generation 3 were 5 8 Holstein- 3 8 Guernsey and 3 8 Holstein-5/8 Guernsey. Weights and measurements were taken at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 mo of age. Means of crossbreds exceeded means of purebreds in most cases at all ages for all variables even though in more than half the cases the differences between means were not significant. The percentage increase for weight ranged from 1.6 to 5.8%. Percentage increases were greater for weight than for body measurements. Mean squares associated with breed of sire, breed of dam, and purebred versus crossbred comparison were significant in 46, 43, and 18 out of the 48 cases. Nonadditive genetic effects from crossing Holsteins and Guernseys on linear body measurements and weights are small compared to the additive genetic differences between and within these two breeds.
Search-based Foot Placement for Quadrupedal Traversal of Challenging Terrain

A primary motivation for employing quadrupedal robots is that their morphology allows them to traverse difficult terrain. For example, a mountain goat, by carefully choosing its foot placements, is able to scale steep cliff sides. In contrast, wheeled robots have difficulty traveling over non-level terrain, and bipedal robots face stability challenges on rough terrain, even at low velocities. In order for quadrupeds to perform traversals over rough terrain in a stable manner, robust navigation strategies are needed that allow the robots to take full advantage of their physical capabilities. Foot placement and body pose planning is one of the most challenging problems associated with such navigation. We approach this problem as a combinatoric search over candidate foot placements and body poses. The search returns the sequence of kinematically feasible steps with the lowest cost as determined by their deviation from the terrain-independent nominal steps. Due to the large search domain in this problem and the speed required by real time robots, searching for the true optimal solution is computationally intractable. Therefore, we use a limited-horizon best-first search that quickly finds a near-optimal feasible solution. We show, through a series of tests, that this algorithm is sufficient for traversing challenging terrain, with obstacle heights approaching the leg length of the quadruped.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the silky short‐tailed bat Carollia brevicauda

We isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the silky short-tailed bat, Carollia brevicauda, from genomic libraries enriched for (AAGG)n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from six to 25 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.29 to 0.95. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation. Results of cross-species amplification in Carollia castanea and Carollia perspicillata are also reported.
Impairments in visual discrimination learning and recognition memory produced by neurotoxic lesions of rhinal cortex in rhesus monkeys.

Much work on the cognitive functions of the primate rhinal (i.e. entorhinal plus perirhinal) cortex has been based on aspiration lesions of this structure, which might disrupt fibres passing nearby and through the rhinal cortex in addition to removing the cell bodies of the rhinal cortex itself. To determine whether damage limited to the cell bodies of the rhinal cortex is sufficient to impair visual learning and memory, four rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were preoperatively trained on a battery of visual learning and memory tasks, including single-pair discrimination learning for primary reinforcement, single-pair discrimination reversals, concurrent discrimination learning and reversal, and delayed matching-to-sample. Following acquisition of these tasks and a preoperative performance test, ibotenic acid was injected bilaterally into the rhinal cortex, and the monkeys were retested. Consistent with the results of studies using aspiration lesions, the monkeys were impaired on single-pair discrimination learning as well as recognition memory performance postoperatively, although reliable reversal learning impairments were not observed. The magnitude of postoperative impairment in discrimination learning was not correlated with the magnitude of postoperative impairment in recognition memory, suggesting a possible dissociation between these functions within the rhinal cortex. The correspondence of behavioural deficits following aspiration and neurotoxic lesions of the rhinal cortex validates the attribution of various cognitive functions to this structure, based on the results of studies with aspiration lesions.
The real-time link between person perception and action: Brain potential evidence for dynamic continuity

Using event-related potentials, we investigated how the brain extracts information from another's face and translates it into relevant action in real time. In Study 1, participants made between-hand sex categorizations of sex-typical and sex-atypical faces. Sex-atypical faces evoked negativity between 250 and 550 ms (N300/N400 effects), reflecting the integration of accumulating sex-category knowledge into a coherent sex-category interpretation. Additionally, the lateralized readiness potential revealed that the motor cortex began preparing for a correct hand response while social category knowledge was still gradually evolving in parallel. In Study 2, participants made between-hand eye-color categorizations as part of go/no-go trials that were contingent on a target's sex. On no-go trials, although the hand did not actually move, information about eye color partially prepared the motor cortex to move the hand before perception of sex had finalized. Together, these findings demonstrate the dynamic continu...
THE ALLONEMOBIUS-WOLBACHIA HOST-ENDOSYMBIONT SYSTEM: EVIDENCE FOR RAPID SPECIATION AND AGAINST REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION DRIVEN BY CYTOPLASMIC INCOMPATIBILITY

Evidence for the evolution of fertilization incompatibilities and rapid speciation can be biased by the occurrence of hybridization and reproductive endosymbionts such as Wolbachia. For example, patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation can be obscured by mitotypes hitchhiking on extrachromosomal elements like Wolbachia, while such endosymbionts can also induce phenotypes that mirror the operation of intrinsic fertilization incompatibilities between species. Therefore, before strong inferences can be drawn concerning the rates and processes of speciation in arthropod systems, we must first assess whether extrinsic endosymbionts obscure patterns of speciation. Here, I use the Allonemobius fasciatus-socius species complex to determine what role Wolbachia has played in the presumed rapid divergence of this complex by analyzing patterns of mtDNA and nuclear DNA variation in conjunction with sequence and cytoplasmic incompatibility data on Wolbachia. Data on molecular variation suggest that Wolbachia has not induced a strong selective sweep of the mitochondrial genome; nor does Wolbachia appear to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility. Preliminary evidence indicates that a third species identified within this complex, A. sp. nov. Tex, is partially reproductively isolated from A. socius, its closest relative, via conspecific sperm precedence or some form of postzygotic isolation. Moreover, shared mitotypes between A. sp. nov. Tex and A. socius may indicate the occurrence of a hybrid zone between these species near the border of Texas and Louisiana, although they may also represent shared ancestral polymorphisms. Molecular data also indicate that all three species in this complex diverged from a common ancestor as recently as 3000-30,000 years ago. Finally, the radiation of this complex from its ancestral population likely occurred in the presence of one strain of Wolbachia, thus suggesting a minimal role for Wolbachia during this burst of speciation. In total, barriers to gene flow do appear to have evolved very rapidly in this group of crickets.
Civil-military engagement: an empirical account of humanitarian perceptions of civil-military coordination during the response to Typhoon Haiyan

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify how humanitarian actors in natural disasters coordinate (or communicate) with the military to identify the needs of disaster-affected populations, identify how coordination should be undertaken for the delivery of relief goods, perceive the effectiveness of such coordination, perceive the role that training played in preparation for coordinating with the military and the effectiveness of this training, and view the overall civil-military engagement and its implications for the independence of the humanitarian sector. METHODS: A survey instrument focused on participant perceptions of the civil-military engagement in response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines was sent to country directors and agency leads who played a role in the response. RESULTS: Although the data supported anecdotal accounts that the coordination between civilian and military actors during the disaster relief efforts in Typhoon Haiyan worked well, they also revealed that fewer than half of the respondents were familiar with the Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief (the "Oslo Guidelines") and only 12% of respondents thought that the Oslo Guidelines were used to develop organizational policy on humanitarian aid agency engagement with military actors. CONCLUSIONS: Humanitarians felt that international militaries and the Philippines Armed Forces played an important role in ensuring that aid reached people in need, particularly in the early days of the response. However, less than half of the respondents were familiar with the Oslo Guidelines. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;0:1-4). Language: en
Yat: a validation framework for persistent memory software

This paper describes the design and implementation of Yat. Yat is a hypervisor-based framework that supports testing of applications that use Persistent Memory (PM)--byte-addressable, non-volatile memory attached directly to the memory controller. PM has implications on both system architecture and software. The PM architecture extends the memory ordering model to add software-visible support for durability of stores to PM. By simulating the characteristics of PM, and integrating an application-specific checker in the framework, Yat enables validation, correctness testing, and debugging of PM software in the presence of power failures and crashes. We discuss the use of Yat in development and testing of the Persistent Memory File System (PMFS), describing the effectiveness of Yat in catching and debugging several hard-to-find bugs in PMFS.
The Spousal Bump Do Cross-Ethnic Marriages Increase Political Support in Multiethnic Democracies?

In democratic Africa, where ethnicity is a key driver of vote choice, politicians must attract voters across ethnic lines. This article explores one way politicians can do this: by appealing to a coethnic bond through their spouse. We propose that cross-ethnic spouses can help candidates send credible signals of coalition building before an election. We test this argument with a survey experiment in Benin, where President Yayi has married across ethnic lines. Our results confirm that priming the first lady’s ethnicity increases support for President Yayi among her coethnics. We generalize these results by combining new data on leader-spouse ethnicity with Afrobarometer survey data. Our results suggest that cross-ethnic marriages are one tool leaders can use to shore up support in multiethnic elections.
Artificial Intelligent Models for Improved Prediction of Residential Space Heating

AbstractUsing artificial intelligence (AI) models, cost effective electricity meter, and easily accessible weather data, this paper discusses a methodology for improved prediction of hourly residential space heating electricity use. Four AI models [back propagation neural network (BPNN), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), general regression neural network (GRNN), and support vector regression (SVR)] were used for predicting hourly residential heating electricity use. For this study, a typical single-family house was used to obtain the data used for AI prediction models. Results showed SVR’s ability to predict hourly residential heating electricity use was better when compared with other AI models. Furthermore, through comparison of prediction performance in different time periods, additional investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of dynamic human behaviors on the prediction accuracy of the AI models. Results revealed that dynamic human behaviors have a negative effect on the predict...
Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs Tess Chakkalakal and Kenneth W. Warren, Editors. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2013.

Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs Tess Chakkalakal and Kenneth W. Warren, Editors. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2013.To the general reader, the prolific writer Sutton E. Griggs is a complete unknown. Even the student of nineteenth century African-American history and literature may only be familiar with his best known work, Imperium in Imperio (1899). In this novel, Griggs creates an underground black society fighting for independence and equality. As in much of his fiction, Griggs focuses on competing strategies: will violence or nonviolence prevail? In an entertaining and pointed 2002 essay published in the summer issue of Social Text, Kali Tal placed Imperium in a genre she dubbed "black militant science fiction.. .far too important to overlook... delineating] the extent of the rage and violent potential in a long-oppressed population... in its will to freedom and equality" ("That Just Kills Me: Black Militant Near-Future Fiction," 67-68).The editors of Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs explore Griggs's works within the particular historical, cultural, and geographical conditions that shaped Jim Crow America. Tess Chakkalakal and Kenneth Warren have assembled eight essays (only one of which has been previously in print) in an impressive work with the expressed objective of connecting Griggs to his "political present" in order to offer "ways of understanding the formal and political objective of this important but underappreciated writer" (12). In so doing, they have put together a book of remarkable breadth and scholarship. Not only Griggs's enthusiasts, but, indeed, anyone interested in the Jim Crow Era, the history of Texas and the Mexican-American War, manifest destiny and American imperialism, and the interplay of writing and reading between blacks and whites during the nineteenth century should include this work on his or her book shelf.The essays are organized chronologically according to the works considered, the first three focusing on Imperium and Imperio. The only article reprinted from an earlier source is Caroline Levander's excellent "Sutton Griggs and the Borderlands of Empire," in which she (along with John Guesser in his contribution) offers a larger cultural context for viewing his work than the usual lens of the African American fight for equality. Their analyses consider both the history of Texas as a borderland and the growth of American imperialism in the nineteenth century. The third essay begins a discussion that continues through many of the subsequent pieces-how Sutton Griggs's broad reading of works by both black and white authors affected the style and substance of his writing. The next essays look at his lesser known novels: Overshadowed (1901), Unfettered (1902), The Hindered Hand (1905), and his last work of fiction, Pointing the Way (1908). …
Lamotrigine-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis-atypical Cogan syndrome.

PurposeTo report a case of lamotrigine-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU)-atypical Cogan syndrome.MethodsCase report.ResultsA 16-year-old boy with traumatic brain injury and seizures presented to the emergency department with facial swelling, rash, and back pain several days after increasing lamotrigine dose secondary to a breakthrough seizure. Creatinine, urine β2 microglobulin, and eosinophils were elevated. Antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and complement were normal. Renal biopsy showed acute granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis. Lamotrigine was discontinued, intravenous steroids were initiated, and the patient was discharged on Ativan and prednisone. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral anterior uveitis (vision 20/30 bilaterally) and started on prednisolone and cyclopentolate. Two months later, he developed a branch retinal artery occlusion in the right eye (vision 20/70) and bilateral ocular hypertension ...
Notes on the Chinese Buddhist Writings from Karakhoto Site

The writings the Karakhoto Site kept in Russisn 俄藏黑水城文献 (Chinese section, vols. 15), publishing by Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House since 1996, includes a large number of the Buddhist writings. Most of them has been identified and made appropriate titles while the few have not been distinguished. This paper identifies most of the Buddhist Canons among the later part, and then gives their titles respectively, except ones broken seriously. In the meantime, some incorrect titles of the Buddhist canons are put right.
Imaging Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer with PET

175 Objectives Noninvasive technologies that measure the pathobiology of the androgen receptor could be broadly useful in the detection and management of prostate cancer. We have identified three "imageable" androgen receptor target genes-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), prostate specific antigen (PSA), and STEAP1-and exploited these antigens for imaging with immunoPET in preclinical human prostate cancer models. Methods Mice bearing human prostate cancer models with imaged with 64Cu-J591 to target PSMA, 89Zr-5A10 to target PSA, or 89Zr-2109A to target STEAP1. Separate cohorts were treated with Enzalutamide or orchiectomy to modulate androgen receptor activity, and imaged with the radiotracers to assess expression changes in the respective antigens. Results Enzalutamide and orchiectomy increased the uptake of 64Cu-J591 in LNCaP-AR xenografts. Enzalutamide and orchiectomy decreased the uptake of 89Zr-5A10 in LNCaP-AR xenografts. Finally, orchiectomy decreased the uptake of 89Zr-2109A in CWR22Pc xenografts. All effects were observed within seven days after the initiation of therapy, and well prior to the onset of dramatic tumor volume changes. Conclusions Relative changes in androgen receptor activity can be assessed with several human ready radiotracers in human prostate cancer models of castration resistant prostate cancer treated with clinically relevant therapies. These findings argue strongly for first in human studies for validaton. Research Support This work was supported by the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the 2013 David H. Koch Young Investigator Award from the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
LEARNING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY: PERCEPTIONS AMONG EDUCATORS

Public educators of adults, because of their locally based programs, are strategically positioned to facilitate the learning of large numbers of older people. Little is known, however, about how these educators view the learning needs of elders who live in their communities. We conducted a telephone interview survey, using fixed‐response and open‐ended questions, with 30 directors of public adult education programs in Maine. The instrument assessed how important particular educational goals were for these directors at the time of the interview and how important each should be in the future. We examined both outcome and process variables. Health education was the outcome factor with the largest discrepancy between present and future program goals. Outreach to elders not presently participating in adult education programs was the process factor with the largest discrepancy. We discuss implications of this research for adult education and for potential partnerships between local educators and gerontologists.
Evaluation of a multimodal strategy to accelerate drug evaluations in early-stage metastatic prostate cancer.

187Background: The paradigm of first testing systemic treatments in advanced disease followed by development in earlier disease states and finally large-scale trials evaluating whether the approach, in combination with local therapy, can prevent or delay the time-to-event measures of disease progression or death in patients with “high-risk” tumors is no longer practical now that 6 life-prolonging systemic therapies in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer are available. New strategies are needed to rapidly evaluate and prioritize regimens for large-scale phase 3 testing. Methods: We conducted a pilot study of twenty men with oligometastatic M1a (extrapelvic nodal disease) or M1b (bone disease) at diagnosis. All sites of disease were treated using a multimodal approach that included androgen deprivation (ADT), radical prostatectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy (retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in the presence of clinically positive retroperitoneal nodes), and stereotactic body radiotherapy to osseo...
The prevalence of socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and their impact on very low birth weight in black and white infants in Georgia.

Objectives: We examined possible reasons for the disparity in the rate of very low birth weight (VLBW) delivery (<1500 g) in the United States between black women and white women. Methods: Using data from a population-based, case–control study of very low birth weight infants, we compared the prevalence of sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics between black and white mothers of normal birth weight infants; the difference in these characteristics between case and control mothers; and, using logistic regression, calculated odds ratios for VLBW for black versus white infants, adjusting for these characteristics. Results: Although black women were disadvantaged on every variable examined, they did not report more behavioral risk factors. Among white women, several traditional risk factors were associated with VLBW, while among black women, only marital status, cigarette smoking, and vitamin nonuse were associated with VLBW delivery. Controlling for the socioeconomic and behavioral factors reduced the odds ratio for VLBW delivery among black mothers from 3.7 to 3.3. Conclusions: Racial disparity in socioeconomic status may be greater than our current ability to adjust for it in epidemiologic studies. The fact that traditional risk factors were not associated with VLBW delivery in black women may be due to the very high prevalence of these risk factors among black women or to different or additional risks or stresses experienced by black women.
Separation of craniopagus Siamese twins using cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest

Occipitally joined craniopagus Siamese twins were separated with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest. The 7-month-old infants shared a large sagittal venous sinus that precluded conventional neurosurgical approach because of risk of exsanguination and air embolism. After craniotomy and preliminary exposure of the sinus, each twin underwent sternotomy and total cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermia. Hypothermic circulatory arrest allowed safe division and subsequent reconstruction of the sinus remnants. Several unusual problems were encountered, including transfusion of a large blood volume from one extracorporeal circuit to the other through the common venous sinus, deleterious warming of the exposed brain during circulatory arrest, and thrombosis of both pump oxygenators. Both infants survived, although recovery was complicated in each by neurologic injury, cranial wound infection, and hydrocephalus. This case demonstrates the valuable supportive role of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest in the management of complex surgical problems of otherwise inoperable patients.
Comparison of indocyanine green fluorescence and parathyroid autofluorescence imaging in the identification of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy

Background: Indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) and parathyroid autofluorescence (AF) are two new techniques that aid in the identification of parathyroid glands (PG) intraoperatively during thyroidectomy. There is no study comparing the efficacy of these techniques. Methods: This was an IRB-approved clinical study comparing the utility of ICGF and AF for identification of PGs during thyroidectomy. Data were collected prospectively. Both techniques were compared to naked eye (NE) for PG detection. Standard statistical methods were used for data analysis. Results: Twenty-two patients in each group underwent a total of 39 total thyroidectomies and 5 thyroid lobectomies. AF and ICGF had similar detection rates for PGs [98% (61 of 62) and 95% (60 of 63) of PGs, respectively; P=0.31]. The location of PGs was suggested before detection with NE more frequently by AF than ICGF [52% (32 of 62) vs. 6% (4 of 63) of PGs; P 0.99]. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comparative study between parathyroid AF and ICGF in detection of PGs during thyroidectomy. Our data suggest both techniques have similarly high detection rates and that the main difference lies in the timing of detection. AF more frequently detects PGs before recognition with NE compared to ICGF.
Abstract 16704: Epigenetic and Morphofunctional Changes in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes Carrying a Mutation Causative of Premature Aging

Introduction: Aging is derived from accumulation of molecular and cellular damage resulting in loss of physiological reserves, individual capacity, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and death. Life expectancy has been increasing and age related diseases are becoming more prevalent. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is disease that results in severe age-associated complications starting early in development. Patients with HGPS die at young age of diseases normally seen in the elderly population including cardiovascular complications. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) generated from patients carrying a mutation in the gene encoding Lamin A/C (LMNA2) causative of HGPS provide a unique in vitro model of aging. Hypothesis: HGPS-specific iPSC-CMs provide an unlimited source of cells that recapitulate hallmarks of advanced aging and age-related altered electrophysiology. Methods: iPSC-CMs from a control (MCH iPSCM) and HGPS-specific (167 iPSCM) cell lines were submitted to magnetic bead-assisted cell sorting and plated on PDMS coverslips for formation of matured iPSC-CMs functional syncytia. These cells were compared with single cell patch clamp and optical mapping for analysis of action potentials. Also, samples were submitted to western blot and immunofluorescence for assessment of Lamin A/C, heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and chromatin repression marker (H3K9me3). Results: HGPS-specific iPSC-CMs presented hallmarks of HGPS (Figure 1), including nuclear lamina folding and blebbing (arrows and panels E and F); and nuclear fragmentation - arrow head on panel E. There was a 70% decrease in HP1 associated reduction in heterochromatin. HGPS-specific iPSC-CMs had increased action potential duration (panel G). Conclusions: iPSC-CMs carrying a mutation causative of a premature aging syndrome have hallmarks of HGPS that are also present in normal aging and may be used as a model for human heart aging.
Promoting Information Literacy of Pre-Medical Students through Project-Based Learning: A Pilot Study

This study describes the implementation of information literacy (IL) skills through the use of the project-based learning (PjBL) method in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. Participants were Arabic speaking students enrolled in the Foundation Program that prepares them for the premedical curriculum in a U.S. medical college in the State of Qatar. A mixed methods approach consisting of a survey, three focus groups, and instructors' observations was used to gather the needed data. The results showed a significant increase in students' advanced research skills. This study emphasizes the benefit of using the PjBL method to develop students' IL skills. It also reinforces the vital role of faculty-librarian partnership in designing learning activities that engage students, foster their critical thinking, and develop their metacognitive skills.