cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptide inhibition of the Prausnitz-Kustner reaction

A pentapeptide was synthesized with the same amino acid sequence that occurs in a unique region of the chaim of immunoglobulin E near the cysteine residue participating in the linkage between the two heavy chains. This pentapeptide has the capacity to block a standard Prausnitz-Kustner reaction as well as to inhibit a known positive skin test reaction. Other similar synthetic polypeptides had less or no inhibitory activity. The likelihood that this pentapeptide amino acid sequence does in fact represent the structure of the specific immunoglobulin E binding site for the mast cell and basophil is considered.
A national prediction model for PM2.5 component exposures and measurement error-corrected health effect inference.

Background: Studies estimating health effects of long-term air pollution exposure often use a two-stage approach: building exposure models to assign individual-level exposures, which are then used ...
Flow dynamics across end-to-end vascular bypass graft anastomoses.

In this article, a numerical simulation of steady flow across an end-to-end vascular bypass graft anastomosis is presented.In vitro experiments were performed to determine the variations in the conduit cross section at the anastomosis. Penrose surgical drainage tubing was used to simulate an artery and was anastomosed with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular grafts using a continuous suturing technique. Artery to artery anastomosis was simulated by suturing two Penrose tubing segments. The anastomotic specimens were subject to static transmural pressure in the physiologic range to determine the instantaneous diameter and compliance as a function of the distance from the anastomotic site. The experimentally determined geometries were used to simulate steady flow through an end-to-end anastomosis using the finite analytic (FA) numerical solution technique. The results demonstrated a region of flow separation 2 mm distal to the Penrose tubing-Penrose tubing anastomosis (simulating an artery-artery anastomosis) at higher transmural pressures. Moreover, wall shear stresses increased proximal to the anastomosis in flow from the Penrose tubing to the graft. In flow from the graft to the Penrose tubing, low wall shear stresses were observed distal to the anastomosis. Flow separation was observed distal to the anastomosis at higher transmural pressures with uniform inlet velocity condition. The region of low shear stress in flow from PTFE graft to the Penrose tubing was located nearer to the anastomosis with thin wall grafts than that with standard wall thickness grafts. Our steady flow model studies suggest a correlation between regions of low wall shear stress and the development of anastomotic neointimal fibrous hyperplasia in end-to-end anastomoses.
Gauss inequalities on ordered linear spaces

Markov inequalities on ordered linear spaces are tightened through the @a-unimodality of the corresponding measures. Modality indices are studied for various induced measures, including the singular values of a random matrix and the periodogram of a time series. These tools support a detailed study of linear inference and the ordering of random matrices, to include fixed and random designs and probability bounds on their comparative efficiencies. Other applications include probability bounds on quadratic forms and of order statistics on R^n, on periodograms in the analysis of time series, and on run-length distributions in multivariate statistical process control. Connections to other topics in applied probability and statistics are noted.
Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum, 1: The Idea and the Resource

This paper introduces Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum, a workshop-based educational materials development project to build a resource to facilitate connecting mathematics and context in undergraduate college courses where mathematical problem solving is relevant. The central idea is “spreadsheet modules,” which, in essence, are elaborate word problems in the form of short PowerPoint presentations with embedded Excel spreadsheets. Students work through the presentations on their own, making and/or completing the spreadsheets displayed on the slides in order to perform calculations or draw graphs that address the issue (context) posed in the word problem. The end result of the project is the resource: an online library of 55 modules developed by 40 authors from 21 institutions that touch on 26 subjects as differentiated by Library of Congress classification categories. Judging from online requests for instructor versions, the SSAC Web site disseminated the SSAC module idea to an additional 60 institutions via instructors of courses with 67 different titles. The disciplinary distribution of authors and requests for instructor versions shows that the SSAC resource serves both sides of the mathematics-in-context interpretation of quantitative literacy: mathematics educators seeking ways of bringing context into their teaching of mathematics; non-mathematics educators seeking to infuse mathematics into their teaching of disciplinary subjects. The SSAC experience suggests two answers to the question: “What works to spread teaching of QL across the curriculum?”—spreadsheet exercises in which students do math to solve problems, and workshops or workshop sessions that focus on educational materials.
A 1μW 85nV/√Hz pseudo open-loop preamplifier with programmable band-pass filter for neural interface system

We report an energy efficient pseudo open-loop amplifier with programmable band-pass filter developed for neural interface systems. The proposed amplifier consumes 400nA at 2.5V power supply. The measured thermal noise level is 85nV/√Hz and input-referred noise is 1.69μV rms from 0.3Hz to 1 kHz. The amplifier has a noise efficiency factor of 2.43, the lowest in the differential topologies reported up to date to our knowledge. By programming the switched-capacitor frequency and bias current, we could control the bandwidth of the preamplifier from 138 mHz to 2.2 kHz to meet various application requirements. The entire preamplifier including band-pass filters has been realized in a small area of 0.043mm2 using a 0.25µm CMOS technology.
Clopidogrel in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation are central to the pathophysiology of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Clopidogrel, an oral thienopyridine derivative, is a platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor antagonist capable of inhibiting platelet activation. The benefits of clopidogrel in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation ACS are well established. This article will review the results of recent clinical trials in which the utility of clopidogrel in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction was evaluated.
Periurethral Collagen Injection for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Children

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the efficacy and safety of periurethral collagen injection for urinary incontinence in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.Materials and Methods: We treated 11 children (mean age 10.6 years) who had incontinence and neurogenic bladder dysfunction with periurethral injections of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen. All patients were on anticholinergics and all but 1 were on clean intermittent catheterization preoperatively. Four patients had previously undergone augmentation cystoplasty. All patients were assessed before and after injection with a subjective continence scale and multichannel urodynamics. Followup ranged from 4 to 20 months from the last injection.Results: Mean group Valsalva leak point pressure was 34.5 cm. water. Four of the 11 patients had an identifiable detrusor leak point pressure. Overall success rate was 55% with 4 patients dry and 2 improved. Success correlated with a minimum increase in Valsalva leak point pressure of 20 to 25 cm. water to gr...
Determining the robot-to-robot 3D relative pose using combinations of range and bearing measurements (Part II)

In this paper, we address the problem of motion-induced 3D robot-to-robot extrinsic calibration based on different combinations of inter-robot measurements (i.e., distance and/or bearing observations) and ego-motion estimates, recorded across multiple time steps. In particular, we focus on solving minimal problems where the unknown 6-degree-of-freedom transformation between two robots is determined based on the minimum number of measurements necessary for finding a discrete set of solutions. In our previous work [1], we have shown that only 14 base systems need to be solved, and provided closed-form solutions for three of them. This paper considers the remaining systems and provides closed-form solutions to most of them, while for some of the most challenging problems, we introduce efficient symbolic-numerical solution methods. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our proposed solvers through extensive simulations.
The effect of entrance mixing on the size of density currents in Shaver Lake

The present paper discusses entrance mixing and presents data that were obtained during June 1944, at Shaver Lake, California. We believe that no previous attempt has been made to study entrance mixing under field conditions.
Using logging and asynchronous checkpointing to implement recoverable distributed shared memory

Distributed shared memory provides a useful paradigm for developing distributed applications. As the number of processors in the system and running time of distributed applications increase, the likelihood of processor failure increases. A method of recovering processes running in a distributed shared memory environment which minimizes lost work and the cost of recovery is desirable so that long-running applications are not adversely affected by processor failure. A technique for achieving recoverable distributed shared memory which utilizes asynchronous process checkpoints and logging of pages accessed via read operations on the shared address space is presented. The scheme supports independent process recovery without forcing rollback of operational processes during recovery. The method is particularly useful in environments where taking process checkpoints is expensive. >
An optimized computational technique for free space localization in 3-D virtual representations of complex environments

Modeling 3D objects as octrees has demonstrated considerable advantages which led to numerous applications in robotics where free space localization is critical. Efficient neighbor finding techniques in tree structures are required for such models to be used properly, especially for path planning and collision avoidance. In this paper, an optimized neighbor finding approach is presented that is based on a recursive addressing scheme which precludes any backtracking into the tree structure while preserving model compactness. Neighboring cell addresses are computed directly given a displacement direction in 3-D space and the address of the starting cell. Neighboring rule sets that have been previously derived for a quadtree representation are now extended to octrees. Given the algebraic rules that are defined, computation of a neighboring cell address in an octree comes down to basic arithmetic operations with carry. The algorithm complexity is kept low in order to provide good performances.
Characteristics and outcome of acute myeloid leukemia in patients with a prior history of autoimmune disease

Although associations between autoimmune disorders (AIs) and the development of myeloid neoplasms have been described, the pathologic features and natural history of these malignancies have not been well characterized. We evaluated whether patients with AIs with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were similar in nature to patients traditionally considered to have therapy-related AML (t-AML). Twenty-three patients with AML with a documented prior AI were included in our analysis. Median age at AML diagnosis was 59 years (range 32-78 years), and four patients were men (17%). Median latency between AI diagnosis and AML was 7.0 years. Ten patients (43%) had normal cytogenetics and six patients (26%) had favorable risk disease. In patients older than 65, all four patients had a normal karyotype. Median follow-up for all patients was 19.8 months (range 1.8-100.4 months), with 12 patients alive at last follow-up and median overall survival for all patients of 68.1 months. The encouraging survival data lend support to the notion that AML in patients with AIs appears to have characteristics and outcome more analogous to de novo than t-AML.
Internet Use for Prediagnosis Symptom Appraisal by Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background. This study explored the characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who accessed Internet-based health information as part of their symptom appraisal process prior to consulting a health care provider. Method. Newly diagnosed CRC patients who experienced symptoms prior to diagnosis were interviewed. Brief COPE was used to measure patient coping. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess Internet use and appraisal delay. Results. Twenty-five percent of the sample (61/242) consulted the Internet prior to visiting a health care provider. Internet use was associated with having private health insurance (odds ratio [OR] = 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-5.43) and experiencing elimination symptoms (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.14-1.80) and was marginally associated with age (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93-0.99). Internet use was not related to delayed medical care seeking. Conclusion. Internet use did not influence decisions to seek medical care. The Internet provided a preliminary in...
Correspondent Inference: Theoretical Framework for Viewing Clothed Appearances

Clothing and textiles researchers recognize the need for theory building, including borrowing ideas from root disciplines. Appearance has been treated as dressing for either a single role or a single situation. Yet single situation preparation is often unlikely in urban life. Sociologists recognize that role strain, created by demands of multiple-roles, is normal and actors find ways to minimize it. Appearance may either magnify or minimize role strain in multiple-role situations. Ideas from correspondent inference, an aspect of attribution theory, are presented as a basis for exploring multiple-role dressing, and they are illustrated with comments added by respondents in several studies in which the instruments focused on single situations. Potential research approaches, researchable questions from the points of view of actors and perceivers, and resources whose ideas seem appropriate to refocus on multiple-role dressing also are suggested. Potential explorations of multiple-role dressing seem as limitle...
Lines around fragments: effects of fencing on large herbivores

People construct fences to delineate land ownership and to control access to land. Fences accomplish several purposes, notable among these are containing livestock or wildlife raised for profit or subsistence, excluding use of vegetation within areas to be conserved and reducing conflicts between wildlife and humans. In addition, fences may offer unanticipated benefits such as vegetation within hedgerow fences providing cover to wildlife, or grazing by confined herbivores promoting native flora. However, because fences limit mobility of large herbivores, fenced areas become fragments within the landscape. Fences may entangle or electrocute herbivores, truncate migratory routes, excise important resources needed by large herbivores and allow resident herbivore populations to become too high and damage vegetation. More subtly, fencing parcels may reduce the carrying capacity of a landscape irrespective of habitat loss by eliminating access to heterogeneous forage patches. Normalised difference vegetation in...
Biological influences on seafloor carbonate precipitation

The sedimentary record reveals first-order changes in the locus of carbonate precipitation through time, documented in the decreasing abundance of carbonate precipitation on the seafloor. This pattern is most clearly recorded by the occurrence of seafloor carbonate crystal fans (bladed aragonite pseudomorphs neomorphosed to calcite or dolomite), which have a distinct temporal distribution, ubiquitous in Archean carbonate platforms, but declining through Proterozoic time and extremely rare in Phanerozoic basins. To understand better the potential influences on this pattern, we built a mathematical framework detailing the effects of organic matter delivery and microbial respiratory metabolisms on the carbonate chemistry of shallow sediments. Two nonunique end-member solutions emerge in which seafloor precipitation is favorable: enhanced anaerobic respiration of organic matter, and low organic matter delivery to the sediment-water interface. This analysis suggests that not all crystal fans reflect a unique set of circumstances; rather there may have been several different geobiological and sedimentary mechanisms that led to their deposition. We then applied this logical framework to better understand the petrogenesis of two distinct crystal fan occurrences—the Paleoproterozoic Beechey Formation, Northwest Territories, Canada, and the middle Ediacaran Rainstorm Member of the Johnnie Formation, Basin and Range, United States—using a combination of high-resolution petrography, micro X-ray fluorescence and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, C isotopes, and sedimentary context to provide information on geobiological processes occurring at the sediment-water interface. Interestingly, both of these Proterozoic examples are associated with iron-rich secondary mineral assemblages, have elevated trace metal signatures, and sit within maximum flooding intervals, highlighting key commonalities in synsedimentary geobiological processes that led to seafloor carbonate precipitation.
Enhanced parallel processing in wide registers

Wide computer registers offer opportunities to exploit parallel processing. Instead of using hardware assists to partition a register into independent non-interacting fields, the multiple data elements can borrow and carry from elements to the left, and yet be accurately separated. Algorithms can be designed so that they execute within the allocated precision. Their floating point or irrational constants (e.g., cosines) are converted into integer numerators with floating point denominators. The denominators are then merged into scaling terms. To control the dynamic range and thus require less bits of precision per element, shift rights can be used. The effect of the average truncation errors is analyzed and a technique shown to minimize this average error.
Bringing the Institutional Context Back In: A Cross-National Comparison of Alliance Partner Selection and Knowledge Acquisition

We suggest that firms' national institutional environments alter the logic of alliance partner selection and associated knowledge acquisition. We posit that cross-national variations in corporatist institutional structures which reflect differences in underlying cooperative norms influence the relative importance that firms place on a prospective partner's social value evidenced from the partner's connectedness with members of its industry and technological value reflected in the technological complementarity and novelty of the partner's knowledge. We expect that as prospective partners' technological value increases, the probability of alliance formation increases the most for firms residing in less corporatist countries. Likewise, as prospective partners' social value increases, the probability of alliance formation increases the most for firms in more corporatist countries. We further argue that norms regarding knowledge acquisition within an alliance vary across countries, with deliberate learning approaches serving as the norm in less-not more-corporatist settings. We expect that such differences will lead to more immediate interpartner knowledge acquisition in less corporatist environments. Analysis of a longitudinal cross-national data set of alliances in the emergent fuel cell technology industry supports our arguments. Our findings highlight the significance of particular national institutions in specific organizational domains and the complementarity between institutional theory and other strategic resource-based perspectives in the context of interorganizational alliances.
Ridge waveguide optical taps on silicon substrates

A compact, low loss, optical tap technology is critical for the incorporation of optical interconnects into mainstream semiconductor processes. Previously, we introduced a vertical multimode interference effect based tap device that had the potential for very high speed optical to electrical performance in compact, rectangular device geometries, and in CMOS compatible processes. In this work, we report on the fabrication and test of various ridge guide based optical tap structures on silicon substrates. The experimental results compared well with simulations. Optimized guide to substrate optical coupling was varied from 2 dB to 3 dB by insertion of a spacer layer. Substrate-isolated (passive) tap structure loss of less than 0.6 dB at 840nm wavelength was measured. Based on the device geometry, this result indicated actual tap excess losses (energy fraction not collected by the substrate) to be less than 0.3 dB. Overall, the test results confirm the low excess loss, multimode interference operation of the new tap design, and pave the way for integration of the tap structures with CMOS photo detector devices.
Nature of plasmalemmal functional "hemichannels".

Abstract The molecular identity of the protein forming “hemichannels” at non-junctional membranes is disputed. The family of gap junction proteins, innexins, connexins, and pannexins share several common features, including permeability characteristics and sensitivity to blocking agents. Such overlap in properties renders the identification of which of these protein species actually establishes the non-junctional membrane conductance and permeability quite complicated, especially because in vertebrates pannexins and connexins have largely overlapping distributions in tissues. Recently, attempts to establish criteria to identify events that are “hemichannel” mediated and those to allow the distinction between connexin- from pannexin-mediated events have been proposed. Here, I present an update on that topic and discuss the most recent findings related to the nature of functional “hemichannels” focusing on connexin43 and pannexin1. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
Ocean-Bottom Control Net-Unit Configuration

This paper describes and justifies the necessity of a four-transponder unit for ocean-bottom control net. It should be noted that although in the literature various transponder units have been mentioned — especially the classical three-transponder unit, four-transponder unit, and six-transponder unit — none of them could reasonably justify the need of the required number of transponders in each unit. This investigation explains by means of three-dimensional geometry the necessity of a four-transponder unit for an optimized system.
Evidence that 5-formyltetrahydropteroylglutamate has a metabolic role in one-carbon metabolism.

The metabolic function of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate and its polyglutamate forms (H4PteGlun) have not been elucidated. There are no known biosynthetic reactions in which it serves as the one-carbon donor, and until recently only a single enzyme was known to use this folate derivative as a substrate. Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase catalyzes the conversion of 5-CHO-H4PteGlun to 5,10-CH+-H4PteGlun as shown in Equation 1.1,2 This irreversible reaction was considered a salvage pathway for the reincorporation of one-carbon $$ \matrix{ 5 - CHO - {{H}_{4}}PteGl{{u}_{n}} + ATP \to 5,10 - C{{H}^{ + }} - {{H}_{4}}PteGl{{u}_{n}} + ADP{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}Pi{\text{ }} } $$ (1) units into those folate derivatives active in biosynthetic reactions. In 1984, when methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase was first purified to homogeneity from eucaryotic and procaryotic sources, it was not established that 5-CHO-H4PteGlun was a normal metabolite of the cell. Some believed that 5-CHO-H4PteGlun was an artifact of isolation, but this did not explain the existence of an enzyme that utilized it as a substrate. Since that time the presence of 5-CHO-H4PteGlun in cells has been firmly established, and methenyltetrahydrofolate activity has been shown to be present in a wide variety of cells.3,4
Widening of inter-Purkinje cell distances in association with corpora amylacea

Inter-Purkinje cell distances were determined in random routine cerebellums obtained at autopsies of adults over the age of 50. There was a significant increase in the inter-Purkinje cell distances proportionate to the increase in adjacent corpora amylacea. The possibility of replacement of Purkinje cells by corpora amylacea is discussed.
Channel Engineering of SiGe-Based Heterostructures for High Mobility MOSFETs

Strained Si- and SiGe-based heterostructure metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) grown on relaxed SiGe virtual substrates exhibit dramatic electron and hole mobility enhancements over bulk Si, making them promising candidates for next generation complementary MOSFET (CMOS) devices. The most heavily investigated heterostructures consist of single strained Si layers grown upon relaxed SiGe substrates. While this configuration offers significant performance gains for both n- andp-MOSFETs, the enhanced hole mobility remains much lower than the enhanced electron mobility. By contrast, a combination of buried compressively strained Si1− yGey layers and tensile strained Si surface layers grown on relaxed Si1− xGex (x <y), hereafter referred to as dual channel heterostructures, offers nearly symmetric electron and hole mobilities without compromisingn-MOSFET device performance. To investigate these heterostructures, we study the effects of alloy scattering on channel mobility in long channel MOSFETs. By using the combination of a buried Si0.2Ge0.8 channel and a strained Si surface channel grown on a relaxed Si0.5Ge0.5 virtual substrate, we have achieved nearly symmetric electron and hole mobility in the same heterostructure. By employing different virtual substrate compositions, we can decouple the effects of strain and alloy scattering in both tensile strained surface channels and compressively strained buried channels. We show that significant hole mobility enhancements can be achieved in dual channel heterostructures, even for buried channel compositions where alloy scattering is expected to be most severe. Furthermore, we show that alloy scattering in tensile strained SiGe surface channels impacts electrons much more severely than holes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dual channel heterostructures can offer symmetric carrier mobilities and provide excellent performance gains for CMOS applications.
Laboratory management of the bleeding patient.

1. Laura J Taylor, MT(ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. is a medical technologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 1. Address for correspondence: Laura J Taylor MT(ASCP), Department of Pathology, 619 South 19th Street, West Pavilion, P230, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35233. From the laboratory point of view, test results are only as reliable as the quality of the sample. It is imperative that the specimens received for coagulation testing are collected by a clean venipuncture with as little trauma to the tissues as possible. Clotted, hemolyzed, and contaminated specimens are not suitable and should not be used by the laboratory. The most common causes of erroneous results are related to the blood draw; therefore, special care must be taken to avoid any undue problems. Sodium citrate is the anticoagulant that is most commonly used for both routine and special coagulation testing. The citrated blood should be spun by routine centrifugation methods so that platelet free plasma is obtained.1 PROTHROMBIN TIME The prothrombin time (PT) monitors the factors that are in the extrinsic pathway – factors VII, X, V, and II. A PT is performed by adding synthetically prepared tissue factor, generally from brain or lung, and calcium to the test plasma and measuring the time it takes the clot to form. Prolongation of the PT is most often a result of deficiencies in factor VII but can also be caused by any of the aforementioned factors. Decreased fibrinogen, levels less than 100 mg/dL, will also prolong the PT; however, this test is not used to measure fibrinogen deficiency since most coagulation labs can perform a fibrinogen assay.1 ACTIVATED PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME The partial thromboplastin time reagent is a preparation of synthetic phospholipids, particulate activator, and calcium. The APTT, or simply PTT,… ABBREVIATIONS: APTT = activated partial thromboplastin time; DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation; PT = prothrombin time; PTT = partial thromboplastin time; TCT = thrombin clotting time; vWD = von Willebrand disease; vWF = von Willebrand factor. [1]: #corresp-1
Comprehending Speaker Meaning

This paper reviews research on the comprehension of speaker meaning. The starting point for this review is Grice’s (1975) theory of conversational implicature, an extremely heuristic approach but one that is incomplete in several respects. The present review centers on the processes that are involved in the generation of conversational implicatures, and the specific inferences that recipients will tend to generate. In terms of processing, research suggests that the comprehension of implicatures varies as a function of implicature type (particularized vs. generalized), utterance conventionality, and relative status. For particularized implicatures (e.g., violations of the relevance maxim) the specific implicature that is generated is based on a process whereby the recipient reasons about why the violation occurred. Because face management is a major motive for speaking indirectly, it will play a parallel role in the interpretation of speaker meaning. Individual, cultural, and perspective differences in the...
Improved critical eigenfunction restriction estimates on Riemannian manifolds with constant negative curvature

Abstract We show that one can obtain logarithmic improvements of L 2 geodesic restriction estimates for eigenfunctions on 3-dimensional compact Riemannian manifolds with constant negative curvature. We obtain a ( log ⁡ λ ) − 1 2 gain for the L 2 -restriction bounds, which improves the corresponding bounds of Burq, Gerard and Tzvetkov [4] , Hu [10] , Chen and Sogge [6] . We achieve this by adapting the approaches developed by Chen and Sogge [6] , Blair and Sogge [3] , Xi and the author [19] . We derive an explicit formula for the wave kernel on 3D hyperbolic space, which improves the kernel estimates from the Hadamard parametrix in Chen and Sogge [6] . We prove detailed oscillatory integral estimates with fold singularities by Phong and Stein [12] and use the Poincare half-space model to establish bounds for various derivatives of the distance function restricted to geodesic segments on the universal cover H 3 .
Can personality predict individual differences in brook trout spatial learning ability

While differences in individual personality are common in animal populations, understanding the ecological significance of variation has not yet been resolved. Evidence suggests that personality may influence learning and memory; a finding that could improve our understanding of the evolutionary processes that produce and maintain intraspecific behavioural heterogeneity. Here, we tested whether boldness, the most studied personality trait in fish, could predict learning ability in brook trout. After quantifying boldness, fish were trained to find a hidden food patch in a maze environment. Stable landmark cues were provided to indicate the location of food and, at the conclusion of training, cues were rearranged to test for learning. There was a negative relationship between boldness and learning as shy fish were increasingly more successful at navigating the maze and locating food during training trials compared to bold fish. In the altered testing environment, only shy fish continued using cues to search for food. Overall, the learning rate of bold fish was found to be lower than that of shy fish for several metrics suggesting that personality could have widespread effects on behaviour. Because learning can increase plasticity to environmental change, these results have significant implications for fish conservation.
Transformational Leadership and Organizational Processes: Influencing Public Performance

Leaders are essential actors in public performance improvement and organizational change. However, a key question has not been adequately addressed in prior literature on the topic: how do leadership processes make a difference? Using data on New York City public schools, this article explores the organizational mechanisms by which a specific form of principal's leadership—transformational leadership—influences objective organizational outcomes as measured by standardized test scores. The empirical results indicate that a principal's transformational leadership style affects student test scores through the mediating effects of purposeful performance information use and stakeholder engagement.
Evolutionary and Functional Features of Copy Number Variation in the Cattle Genome

Genomic structural variations are an important source of genetic diversity. Copy number variations (CNVs), gains and losses of large regions of genomic sequence between individuals of a species, have been associated with a wide variety of phenotypic traits. However, in cattle, as well as many other species, relatively little is understood about CNV, including frequency of CNVs in the genome, sizes and locations, chromosomal properties, and evolutionary processes acting to shape CNV. In this work, we focused on copy number variation in the bovine genome, with the aim to detect CNVs in Bos taurus coding sequence and explore potential evolutionary mechanisms shaping these CNV. We identified and characterized CNV regions by utilizing exome sequence from 175 influential sires used in the Germplasm Evaluation project, representing 10 breeds. We examined various evolutionary and functional aspects of these CNVs, including selective constraint on CNV-overlapped genes, centrality of CNV genes in protein-protein interaction networks, and tissue-specific expression of CNV genes. Patterns of CNV in the Bos taurus genome reveal that reduced functional constraint and mutational bias may play a prominent role in shaping this type of structural variation.
Vertebral Artery Origin Stenosis as a Cause of Ischemic Stroke in a Multi-Ethnic Population (P05.240)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of vertebral artery origin stenosis in a multi-ethnic population with posterior circulation stroke. BACKGROUND: Vertebral Artery origin (VAo) stenosis is an important etiology for stroke in the posterior circulation. Data from the New England Registry showed a prevalence of VAo disease of 25% with a direct causal association in 9% of cases. In the Oxford Vascular Study the prevalence of VAo disease was 12%. These populations are largely comprised of Caucasians. The prevalence of VAo disease in the Hispanic community is unknown. DESIGN/METHODS: The Miami Stroke Registry is a prospective hospital-based registry which has enrolled 992 consecutive patients to date. Of these, 214 (21.6 %) strokes/TIAs involved the posterior circulation. All stroke cases and the associated neuroimaging were reviewed and adjudicated using TOAST classification by vascular neurologists. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 62.7+/- 12.6 years; 70.4% were men; 57.8% Hispanic, 32.4% African American, 7.0% white, and 2.8% unknown. Hypertension was found in 74.2%, hyperlipidemia 63.8%, and diabetes in 34.2% of cases. The most common etiology of posterior cirulation strokes was small vessel disease (28.6%), followed by large vessel disease (28.2%), cardioembolism (18.8%) and crytogenic stroke (12.2%). VAo stenosis/occlusion was present in 28 (13.1%) patients of whom only 2 (0.9%) were bilateral; it was attributed as the direct cause of stroke in 11 (5.2%) patients. In univariate analysis patients with any VAo stenosis/occlusion were older (66+/-12 vs. 61+/-12, p=0.028) and whites had more VAo stenosis (20%) than Hispanics (11.4%, p=0.018), but no differences were found in hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In a multivariate model, only age remained independently associated with VAo stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: We found a lower prevalence of VAo stenosis in a predominately non-white population with posterior circulation stroke than previously reported. VAo stenosis was a direct cause of posterior circulation stroke in only 5.2% of patients. Disclosure: Dr. Gordon-Perue has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zangiabadi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Narayan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Katsnelson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Romano has received personal compensation for activities with NovaVision. Dr. Romano holds stock and/or stock options in NovaVision. Dr. Romano has received research support from NovaVision. Dr. Rundek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sacco has nothing to disclose. Dr. Koch has nothing to disclose.
Ligand induced shape transformation of thorium dioxide nanocrystals

Nanocrystals (NCs) with size and shape dependent properties are a thriving research field. Remarkable progress has been made in the controlled synthesis of NCs of stable elements in the past two decades; however, the knowledge of the NCs of actinide compounds has been considerably limited due the difficulties in handling them both experimentally and theoretically. Actinide compounds, especially actinide oxides, play a critical role in many stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Recently, a non-aqueous surfactant assisted approach has been developed for the synthesis of actinide oxide NCs with different morphologies, but an understanding of its control factors is still missing to date. Herein we present a comprehensive study on the low index surfaces of thorium dioxide (ThO2) and their interactions with relevant surfactant ligands using density functional calculations. A systematic picture on the thermodynamic stability of ThO2 NCs of different sizes and shapes is obtained employing empirical models based on the calculated surface energies. It is found that bare ThO2 NCs prefer the octahedral shape terminated by (111) surfaces. Oleic acid displays selective adsorption on the (110) surface, leading to the shape transformation from octahedrons to nanorods. Other ligands such as acetylacetone, oleylamine, and trioctylphosphine oxide do not modify the equilibrium shape of ThO2 NCs. This work provides atomic level insights into the anisotropic growth of ThO2 NCs that was recently observed in experiments, and thus may contribute to the controlled synthesis of actinide oxide NCs with well-defined size and shape for future applications.
The System for Integrating Multiplatform Data to Build the Atmospheric Column (SIMBA) Precipitation Observation Fusion Framework

AbstractResearchers now have the benefit of an unprecedented suite of space- and ground-based sensors that provide multidimensional and multiparameter precipitation information. Motivated by NASA’s...
Preclinical biomarker associations with both incident rheumatoid arthritis and its subsequent mortality: sex effects in a 41-year, community-based, case-control cohort study.

Objectives To identify sex effects and preclinical serum biomarker associations with both incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its subsequent mortality, using a 41-year, community-based, case-control cohort. Methods After cohort entry in 1974, incident RA cases (n=54) had clinical onsets between 1977 and 1994. Cohort control (CN) subjects were individually matched on entry to cases (4 CN:1 RA, n=216). All subjects were followed for survival from 1995 through 2015. Ranks (1-5) of preclinical z-scores within each set of 1 RA and 4 matched CN were analysed for associations with incident RA and mortality. Survival was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Preclinical serum IgG RF z-score ranks associated with incident RA in 90 males (18 RA, 72 CN). Cigarette smoking, androstenedione, pregnenolone, and sIL-2Rα ranks associated with incident RA in 180 females (36 RA, 144 CN). Total percentile mortality was greater (p=0.003) in RA (70.4) vs. CN (49.9) and equivalently increased in female RA (69.4) vs. CN (49.3) and in male RA (72.2) vs. CN (43.1) subjects. Percentile respiratory-related CODs were greater (p=0.009) only in the female RA cases (16.7) vs. CN (3.5). Ranks of preclinical hsCRP (p=0.028) and sIL-2Rα (p=0.030) independently associated with 140 total deaths, as did sTNF-R1 (p=0.003) and hsCRP (p=0.005) with 50 CVD deaths. Latter biomarker association were significant in females. Therapy responses in 1995 significantly associated with subsequent mortality. Conclusions Sex effects were important in preclinical biomarker associations with incident RA, total and CVD mortality as well as occurrence of respiratory deaths.
Developing a high-fidelity simulation and training to improve coordination between aerospace specializations

This paper describes the various technological elements used to create and support a simulated flight operations control center for the purpose of collegiate aviation training. The simulation center also serves as a platform to research team dynamics, educational efficacy, and individual occupational stereotypes. The simulation facility relies on the harmonious integration of technologies to meet operational requirements including realism, flexibility, and capability.
Intravesical Chemodenervation and Toxins

Treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) with oral pharmacologic therapy can be unsatisfactory, and alternative options should be considered when patients fail. Intravesical therapy with botulinum neurotoxin should be introduced as a third-line treatment option in those OAB patients refractory to oral therapy or intolerant to its systemic side effects. The popularity of intravesical therapy with botulinum toxin has continuously increased due to the literature-supported safety, effectiveness, facile administration, adaptable learning curve, and reproducible effect with repeated use. While vanilloids (capsaicin and resiniferatoxin) are also an available therapeutic option, they are not regularly utilized due to their lack of FDA approval and documented efficacy and safety. The aim of this chapter is to describe the clinical applications of injectable intravesical agents for OAB and discuss their mechanism of action, outcomes, and safety.
Muscle material properties in passive and active stroke-impaired muscle

Abstract Stroke survivors routinely experience long-term motor and sensory impairments. In parallel with neurological changes, material properties of muscles in the impaired limbs, such as muscle stiffness, may also change progressively. However, these stiffness measures are routinely derived from individual joint stiffness, representing whole muscle groups. Here, we use shear wave (SW) ultrasound elastography to measure SW velocity, as a surrogate measure of stiffness, to quantify material properties in individual muscles. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to compare muscle material properties of the bicep brachii in stroke survivors and in age-matched control subjects by measuring SW velocity at rest and different voluntary activation levels. Our main findings show that at rest, the SW velocity was on average 41% greater in the paretic muscle compared the contralateral non-paretic muscle. The mean passive SW velocity across all subjects were 2.34 ± 0.41 m/s for the non-paretic side, 3.30 ± 1.20 m/s for the paretic side, and 2.24 ± 0.18 for controls. SW velocity was significantly different in muscles of the paretic and non-paretic side (p These findings suggest that stroke-impaired muscles have potentially altered muscle material properties, specifically stiffness, and that passive and active stiffness may contribute differently to total muscle stiffness.
Why Congress Drafts Gibberish — With Illustrations Concerning Threats to Fire a Special Counsel, Presidential Tax Audits, and Obstruction of Justice Statutes

We are so used to Congressional gibberish that we take it for granted as though it were caused by nature. Congress doesn’t know how to create logically coherent statutes. An example is the Vacancies Reform Act of 1998. If, while violating the Act, a President purportedly appoints a person — perhaps to be an Acting Attorney General or Acting Deputy Attorney General — every decision and action of that person is void because the person does not actually hold the office. The Act is crystal-clear that such a person would have no power, for example, to fire a Special Counsel. But the Act is far less than clear on issues concerning the circumstances that might constitute a violation. Congress enacts so much gibberish that we have become accustomed to waiting patiently for courts to tell us, years after enactment, what Congress’s words mean. Not only is that wasteful, but in a national crisis, it can be a disaster. We must be able to know instantly, within minutes, whether a purported appointment violates the Act. The article also examines Congress’s drafting inconsistencies, illustrated by, among other things, a Tax Code section that criminalizes Presidential interference in tax audits. The federal obstruction of justice statutes are incoherent. Reading them is like wading through glue. We can know what they mean only because courts have spent more than 130 years trying to figure them out. (As an exercise in clarity, I redrafted them, cutting their word count in half without changing the meaning. The redraft, in one of the article’s appendices, will help the reader follow the action as various people are exposed, indicted, and tried.) The article hypothesizes some of the causes of Congressional gibberish. The main hypothesis is that legislating is two functions — creating law and enacting it. Creating law is designing it so that it works. Enacting is deciding that words will become law. Legislators are good at the enacting part but have few, if any, law-creation skills. Judging by their output, almost no one in Congress has the most important of law-creation skills — simplicity.