cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic mechanisms and constraints governing the evolution of correlated traits in drosophilid flies

Some morphological traits differ greatly between related species, but it is not clear whether diversity evolves through changes in the same genes and whether similar, independent (that is, convergent) changes occur by the same mechanism1,2. Pigmentation in fruitflies presents an attractive opportunity to explore these issues because pigmentation patterns are diverse, similar patterns have arisen in independent clades, and numerous genes governing their formation have been identified3,4,5 in Drosophila melanogaster. Here we show that both evolutionary diversification and convergence can be due to evolution at the same locus, by comparing abdominal pigmentation and trichome patterns and the expression of Bric-a-brac2 (Bab2), which regulates both traits in D. melanogaster3,6, in 13 species representing the major clades7,8 of the subfamily Drosophilinae. Modifications of Bab2 expression are frequently correlated with diverse pigmentation and trichome patterns that evolved independently in multiple lineages. In a few species, Bab2 expression is not correlated with changes in pigmentation but is correlated with a conserved pattern of trichomes, indicating that this locus can be circumvented to evolve new patterns when a correlated trait is under different constraints.
Errors of homeostasis and deregulated apoptosis

Apoptosis research has accelerated with the discovery of genes within a common cell death pathway and evidence for their inter-relationship. Breakthroughs include insights into the mechanism of action of the Bcl-2 family, caspases and their targets, and death receptor complexes. Deregulation of apoptosis is evident in tumors and viral infection, as well as in autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency, neurodegeneration, and infertility.
Thermoluminescence of rare earth activated CdSO4, SrSO4 and BaSO4

Abstract The thermoluminescence (TL) of rare earth (RE) activated sulfates of Cd, Sr and Ba was studied above room temperature. Many of the phosphors prepared exhibit an extremely bright TL following X-irradiation (most notably with Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy and Tm dopants), having an efficiency comparable to that of the highest sensitivity phosphors available for TL dosimetry, and exhibiting activator-induced glow peaks between 405 and 480°K. In a given lattice, the RE 3+ ions produce a characteristic glow peak at the same temperature (independent of the particular RE ion), whereas Eu 2+ produces a single glow peak at a different temperature. A decrease in glow peak temperature with increasing interatomic spacing was observed in the homologous SrSO 4 -BaSO 4 system - this shift being most pronounced in the Eu 2+ -doped materials. TL emission spectra were obtained for trivalent Sm, Tb, Dy and Tm and for divalent Eu in these sulfates (and also in CaSO 4 ).
Scapolite phenocrysts in a latite dome, northwest Arizona, U.S.A.

Abstract A latite dome in northwest Arizona contains a rare occurrence of primary SO 4 -rich scapolite phenocrysts. The total phenocryst assemblage consists of plagioclase (An 20 −An 33 ), hornblende, biotite, and scapolite (Me 68 ). Microphenocrysts include allanite and oxidized low-Ti magnetite. Electron microprobe analyses show that the scapolite contains about 1.74 wt.% S, which indicates an atomic S/(S + C) of 0.58. Although scapolite occurs in xenoliths in volcanic rocks and diatremes, as well as a metamorphic mineral in granulites, its occurrence as a primary igneous mineral is extremely rare. Ca-rich scapolite has been crystallized experimentally by others from melts with a wide range of SiO 2 , CaO, and Na 2 O contents, at temperatures above 825°C and pressures ranging from 3 to 15 kbar. Comparison of scapolite from this latite with synthetic scapolite crystallized from nepheline syenite melt suggests that the Arizona phenocrysts crystallized under conditions of 850 to 900°C, 3–6 kbar total pressure, and unusually high ƒ CO 2 and ƒ SO 2 . The rarity of scapolite as a phenocryst mineral suggests that high partial pressures of CO 2 and SO 2 are rare in the magmatic environment.
Self-administration enhances excitatory synaptic transmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

Understanding the neurobiology of motivation might help in reducing compulsive behaviors such as drug addiction or eating disorders. This study shows that excitatory synaptic transmission was enhanced in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of rats that performed an operant task to obtain cocaine or palatable food. There was no effect when cocaine or food was delivered passively, suggesting that synaptic plasticity in this area is involved in reward-seeking behaviors.
Comparisons of behavioral, motoric and electrical criteria for assessment of sleep-wake states in the rabbit

Each of the sleep and wake states of animals are characterized by specific patterns of behavioral, motoric, and electrophysiological activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of agreement among these three patterns. Sleep-wake behavior of two adult rabbits was observed for 4 continuous hours by an experienced judge. At the same time, a single-channel analog recording of motility and an analog recording of the electrical activity of the hippocampus were obtained. Each recording was scored by assigning a state category to each 10-second epoch. The three descriptions were then compared for agreement using the 10-second epoch as the unit of statistical analysis. There was a mean agreement of 85.12% between the techniques of direct observation and judgment of motility recordings. A mean agreement of 95.64% was obtained when comparing the hippocampal recordings and those of direct observation; the hippocampal and motility recordings had a mean agreement of 85.38%. The high correlations among the three different procedures support the hypothesis that state is a construct representing a set of underlying neurophysiological properties of the organism which express themselves in a similar and invariant manner via behavior, motility, and electrical brain activity.
EXPLAINING THE DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTA RENTS FROM US CHEESE IMPORTS

A theoretical model is outlined to illustrate how rents are generated from import quotas. The model is used to estimate rents from US cheese import quotas; rents are substantial. Relative rent capture by importers and exporters is explained by estimating an industrial organisation-type model. Unequal market power is important in explaining the distribution of rents between importers and exporters. Exporters tend to maintain price-cost margins and let importers capture a larger share as rent size increases.
Desmin in Muscle Formation and Maintenance: Knockouts and Consequences

Desmin, the muscle-specific member of the intermediate filament (IF) family, is one of the earliest known myogenic markers in both skeletal muscle and heart. Its expression precedes that of all known muscle proteins including the members of the MyoD family of myogenic helix-loop-helix (mHLH) regulators with the exception of myf5. In mature striated muscle, desmin IFs surround the Z-discs, interlink them together and integrate the contractile apparatus with the sarcolemma and the nucleus. In vitro studies using both antisense RNA and homologous recombination techniques in embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrated that desmin plays a crucial role during myogenesis, as inhibition of desmin expression blocked myoblast fusion and myotube formation. Both in C2C12 cells and differentiating embryoid bodies, the absence of desmin interferes with the normal myogenic program, as manifested by the inhibition of the mHLH transcription regulators. To investigate the function of desmin in all muscle types in vivo, we generated desmin null mice through homologous recombination. Surprisingly, a considerable number of these mice are viable and fertile, potentially due to compensation by vimentin, nestin or synemin. However, desmin null mice demonstrate a multisystem disorder involving cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, beginning early in their postnatal life. Histological and electron microscopic analysis in both heart and skeletal muscle tissues reveals severe disruption of muscle architecture and degeneration. Structural abnormalities include loss of lateral alignment of myofibrils, perturbation of myofibril anchorage to the sarcolemma, abnormal mitochondrial number and organization, and loss of nuclear shape and positioning. Loose cell adhesion and increased intercellular space are prominent defects. The consequences of these abnormalities are most severe in the heart, which exhibits progressive degeneration and necrosis of the myocardium accompanied by extensive calcification. Abnormalities of smooth muscle included hypoplasia and degeneration. There is a direct correlation between severity of damage and muscle usage, possibly due to increased susceptibility to normal mechanical damage and/or to repair deficiency in the absence of desmin. In conclusion, the studies so far have demonstrated that though desmin is absolutely necessary for muscle differentiation in vitro, muscle development can take place in vivo in the absence of this intermediate filament protein. However, desmin seems to play an essential role in the maintenance of myofibril, myofiber and whole muscle tissue structural and functional integrity.
Work location, residence location, and the intraurban wage gradient

Abstract The monocentric city model implies that work and residence locations are likely to be positively correlated, and that wages decline with distance from the city center. The first implication has not been explicitly tested before; we provide strong support for it in Census data for Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Previous wage gradient estimates were hindered by lack of individual data on employment location and worker characteristics. We solve this problem by estimating probit models that predict optimal work location and using the results to explain wages. We find evidence of significant wage gradients.
Sensitivity studies in reliability-based analysis of redundant structures

Abstract A description is presented for extending computer-based methods of reliability analysis of structural systems so that both the magnitude and the sensitivity of the global safety of such systems are included in the results. In particular, redundant ductile structures are studied and the interest is mainly focused on obtaining the sensitivity of their overall safety with respect to those quantities which usually are kept constant as problem parameters during reliability analysis. Examples of solutions for both modal and global safety sensitivity with respect to changes in different problem parameters including correlation coefficients and load combinations are presented. The results could be used for indicating priorities in the future system reliability research.
10.5-eV photoionization mass spectrometry of aliphatic compounds.

Vacuum ultraviolet photoionization by coherent 10.5-eV radiation is evaluated for soft ionization of organic molecules. Coherent 10.5-eV radiation is produced by frequency tripling the third harmonic of an Nd:YAG laser (355 nm) in a mixture of xenon and argon. A number of intermediate size, C6 to C8 , aliphatic compounds are studied to determine the extent and characteristics of fragmentation. Compared with 12-eV electron impact ionization, all show higher molecular ion abundances, less fragmentation, and signiftcant enhancement of low energy rearrangement ions. n-Alkanes, alkenes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and ethers all form predominant molecular ions. Aldehydes and amines show significant molecular ion abundances but also extensive fragmentation. Branched alkanes, dienes, alcohols, and esters show little or no molecular ion, but do have a single dominant fragment ion. Metastable broadening in these spectra gives qualitative information on the energetics of low energy rearrangements. (J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 1990, 1, 419-426)
Temperature dependence of specular and non-specular leed beams from Cu3 Au☆

Abstract The temperature dependence of intensities of the prominent diffraction peaks in the specular (00) and one non-specular ( 11 ) beam from the (100) surface of Cu3Au have been measured in the range of 300 to 673 K. The effective Debye temperature associated with the specular beam appears to increase continuously with energy below 50 eV but varies discontinuously at high energies. For the ( 11 ) beam, which was available only in the higher energy range of 65 to 136 eV, the effective Debye temperature varies discontinuously with energy. Parallel and normal components of the Debye temperature were deduced from the two sets of data from which it appears that the two mean square displacements are approximately equal, compared to the harmonic approximation which indicates a difference of 30 percent. The log of peak intensity versus temperature (Debye plot) deviates from the straight line at 60° below the disordering temperature for all beams and all energies.
Two Tandemly Linked Interferon-γ-Activated Sequence Elements in the Promoter of Glycosylation-Dependent Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Gene Synergistically Respond to Prolactin in Mouse Mammary Epithelial Cells

Previously, we reported that glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 (GlyCAM 1) was a novel target for prolactin (PRL) in the mouse mammary gland. However, the signaling pathway by which PRL regulates GlyCAM 1 expression has not been specified. In the present study, we showed that PRL induced GlyCAM 1 expression in primary mammary epithelial cells of mice through the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) pathway. Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis analyses of the GlyCAM 1 promoter demonstrated that the two tandemly linked Stat5 binding sites [interferon-gamma-activated sequence 1 and -2 (GAS1 and GAS2)] in the proximal promoter region were crucial and synergistically responded to PRL. GAS2, a consensus GAS site, was essential and, by itself, weakly responded to PRL, whereas GAS1, a nonconsensus site, failed to respond to PRL but was indispensable for the maximal activity of the GlyCAM 1 promoter. Gel shift assays showed that probe containing GAS1 and GAS2 bound two Stat5 complexes, which represent Stat5 dimer and tetramer, respectively, while GAS2, by itself, bound Stat5 as a dimer only, and GAS1 showed no apparent binding activity. Interruption of tetramer formation by mutation of a tryptophan to alanine (W37A), and a leucine to serine (L83S) in the N terminus of Stat5A attenuated the synergistic effect between the two tandemly linked GAS sites. Overexpression of W37A and L83S mutants in primary mammary epithelial cells suppressed endogenous GlyCAM 1 expression.
Thyroid hormone analogs for treatment of hypercholesterolemia and heart failure: past, present and future prospects

Thyroid hormone has the unique properties of lowering cholesterol in hypothyroid individuals and improving cardiac performance. Beginning in the 1950s, extensive efforts were made to develop thyroid hormone analogs that could utilize the cholesterol-lowering property in euthyroid individuals without affecting the heart. These efforts culminated in the development of analogs that selectively bind to beta1-type nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), which are responsible for cholesterol-lowering activity, without activating alpha1-type receptors in the heart. beta1-Selective compounds may be useful in lowering cholesterol in euthyroid individuals who are intolerant to treatment with 'statins'. Screening of compounds for those that might be suitable for improving cardiac performance in heart failure led to the identification of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid (DITPA). DITPA binds to both alpha- and beta-type TRs with relatively low affinity. In postinfarction models of heart failure and in a pilot clinical study, DITPA increased cardiac performance without affecting heart rate. This compound also lowers cholesterol and may be a useful adjunct to standard heart failure therapy. Although there is both experimental and clinical evidence indicating that thyroid analogs act differently than thyroid hormones, the details of their mechanism of action have not been completely elucidated. A number of potential mechanisms are reviewed, including serum protein binding, tissue disposition, receptor binding, and gene activation. Clinical trials for thyroid hormone analogs are in prospect.
Extent of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy and Its Impact On Outcome in Patients Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer: Analysis of Data From the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program Data Base

ABSTRACTPurpose: The benefit of pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with bladder cancer remains controversial. We analyzed the impact of lymphadenectomy on disease specific survival in a population based sample of patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods: Analysis included data on 1,923 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between 1988 and 1996 obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program cancer registry. We analyzed the impact of the number of lymph nodes examined, number of positive lymph nodes and ratio of positive-to-total number of lymph nodes resected on disease specific and overall survival independent of patient age, gender, stage, race, radiation and chemotherapy.Results: Median followup in cystectomy cases was 63.5 months (range 0 to 131). Patients with 0 to 3 lymph nodes examined were at significantly higher risk of death from bladder cancer than those with greater than 3 (HR 1 to 1.2 versus 0.41 to 0.58)....
Symptoms of schizophrenia and neurocognitive test performance.

Schizophrenic in-patients were rated on factor-derived symptom dimensions based on negative and positive symptom ratings. Participants were administered neuropsychological tests (digit span, digit vigilance, logical memory, and Trails A and B) and then instructed on how to improve performance on the tests. Follow-up tests were administered shortly after coaching. Comparisons of pre- and post-instruction test scores indicated that the patient group was able to improve significantly their performance on the tests after coaching. Symptom dimensions were predictive of improved post-instruction test performance beyond the impact of the level of pre-instruction scores. Symptoms of disorganization and negative symptoms were related to lack of ability to improve performance on one or more of the tests, and positive symptoms and premorbid adjustment were associated with improved post-instruction performance. The symptom dimensions provide a potentially useful approach to reducing heterogeneity within samples of schizophrenic patients.
RESPONSES OF MALE TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRDS (MIMUS GILVUS) TO VARIATION IN WITHIN-SONG AND BETWEEN-SONG VERSATILITY

Abstract Despite their large vocal repertoires and otherwise highly versatile singing style, male mockingbirds (Mimus spp.) sometimes sing in a highly repetitive fashion. We conducted a playback experiment to determine the possible signal value of different syllable-presentation patterns during simulated male intrusions in the Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus), testing the hypothesis that more repetitive singing represents a stronger threat and generates a stronger aggressive response. Responses were measured in terms of approach and singing behavior and were analyzed using McGregor’s (1992) multivariate method. We also introduce the use of survival analysis for analyzing response variables for which subjects do not perform the behavior in question in at least one of the replicates (known as “right-censored variables” in the statistical literature). As predicted by theory, experimental subjects responded more aggressively to songs composed of a single note than to variable ones. However, versatility at ...
Optically-controlled reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna

An optically controlled frequency reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna is presented in this paper. S11 measurements show that greater than 85% power is transmitted at each of the three resonant frequencies. Measured radiation patterns for patch antennas using ideal switch states agree with HFSS simulations.
Conditional gene targeting in mouse pancreatic β-cells: Analysis of ectopic Cre transgene expression in the brain

OBJECTIVE Conditional gene targeting has been extensively used for in vivo analysis of gene function in β-cell biology. The objective of this study was to examine whether mouse transgenic Cre lines, used to mediate β-cell– or pancreas-specific recombination, also drive Cre expression in the brain. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Transgenic Cre lines driven by Ins1 , Ins2 , and Pdx1 promoters were bred to R26R reporter strains. Cre activity was assessed by β-galactosidase or yellow fluorescent protein expression in the pancreas and the brain. Endogenous Pdx1 gene expression was monitored using Pdx1 tm1Cvw lacZ knock-in mice. Cre expression in β-cells and co-localization of Cre activity with orexin-expressing and leptin-responsive neurons within the brain was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS All transgenic Cre lines examined that used the Ins2 promoter to drive Cre expression showed widespread Cre activity in the brain, whereas Cre lines that used Pdx1 promoter fragments showed more restricted Cre activity primarily within the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis of the hypothalamus from Tg(Pdx1-cre) 89.1Dam mice revealed Cre activity in neurons expressing orexin and in neurons activated by leptin. Tg(Ins1-Cre/ERT) 1Lphi mice were the only line that lacked Cre activity in the brain. CONCLUSIONS Cre-mediated gene manipulation using transgenic lines that express Cre under the control of the Ins2 and Pdx1 promoters are likely to alter gene expression in nutrient-sensing neurons. Therefore, data arising from the use of these transgenic Cre lines must be interpreted carefully to assess whether the resultant phenotype is solely attributable to alterations in the islet β-cells.
Rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures of a microwave-frequency microplasma

Integration of microplasma sources in portable systems sets constraints in the amount of power and vacuum levels employed in these plasma sources. Moreover, in order to achieve good power efficiency and prevent physical deterioration of the source, it is desirable to keep the discharge temperature low. In this paper, the thermal characteristics of an atmospheric argon discharge generated with a low-power microwave plasma source are investigated to determine its possible integration in portable systems. The source is based on a microstrip split-ring resonator and is similar to the one reported by Iza and Hopwood, 2003. Rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures are measured by means of optical emission spectroscopy. It is found that the discharge at atmospheric pressure presents a rotational temperature of /spl sim/300 K, while the excitation temperature is /spl sim/0.3 eV (/spl sim/3500 K). Therefore, the discharge is clearly not in thermal equilibrium. The low rotational temperature allows for efficient air-cooled operation and makes this device suitable for portable applications including those with tight thermal specifications such as treatment of biological materials.
The Impact of Situation and Outlook Information in Corn and Soybean Futures Markets: Evidence from WASDE Reports

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of situation and outlook information from World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) in corn and soybean futures markets over the period 1985 to 2006. Results indicate that WASDE reports containing National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop production estimates and other domestic and international situation and outlook information have the largest impact; causing return variance on report sessions to be 7.38 times greater than normal return variance in corn futures and 6.87 times greater than normal return variance in soybean futures. WASDE reports limited to international situation information and domestic and international outlook information have a smaller impact. The results sho wt hat the impact of WASDE reports has increased over time.
Human Population Structure and Its Effects on Sampling Y Chromosome Sequence Variation

The excess of rare variants in global sequencing studies of the nonrecombining portion of the Y chromosome (NRY) has been interpreted as evidence for the effects of human demographic expansion. However, many NRY polymorphisms are geographically localized and the effect of different geographical sampling on patterns of NRY variation is unknown. We use two sampling designs to detect population structure and its effects on patterns of human NRY polymorphism. First, we sequence 26.5 kb of noncoding Y chromosome DNA from 92 globally distributed males representing 35 populations. We find that the number of polymorphisms with singleton variants is positively correlated with the number of populations sampled and that there is a significant negative correlation of Tajima's D (TD) and Fu and Li's D (FD) statistics with the number of pooled populations. We then sequence the same region in a total of 73 males sampled from 3 distinct populations and find that TD and FD values for the 3 pooled and individual population samples were much less negative than those in the aforementioned global sample. Coalescent simulations show that a simple splitting model of population structure, with no changes in population size, is sufficient to produce the negative values of TD seen in our pooled samples. These empirical and simulation results suggest that observed levels of NRY population structure may lead to an upward bias in the number of singleton variants in global surveys and call into question inferences of population expansion based on global sampling strategies.
Emergent stent-graft treatment for rupture.

rupture in the EUROSTAR registry. 5 This may be a factor of relatively limited dissemination of technology. Examination of clinical trial enrollment shows that 10 sites in the United States account for approximately 50% of the cumulative implantations. Endoluminal repair provides several advantages over traditional surgical repair, including the avoidance of aortic cross-clamping and thoracotomy, limited blood loss, short procedural time, and single-lung ventilation. Published reports indicate that less than 50% of patients with ruptured thoracic aortas reach a medical facility and only 24% are alive more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms without intervention. 6 Mortality rates for open repair for ruptured TAAs have been as high as 67%, and associated paraplegia is present in 20% of individuals. 7,8 Surgical mortality for perforated type B dissections may be as high as 60%, and paraplegia is present in one fifth of patients. 9 Ruptured thoracic aortic pathologies can be categorized into two types: traumatic and nontraumatic. Each is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In general, trauma patients are younger and succumb to the injuries sustained from the trauma, whereas nontrauma patients are older and usually die from complications associated with pre-existing medical conditions. This chapter focusesonthemanagementofnontraumaticthoracicaortic ruptures, whereas the endovascular management of thoracic transection is discussed in Chapter 5.
Technique for vertical positioning of the maxilla after Le Fort osteotomy

Precise repositioning of the mobilized maxilla before the placement of rigid fixation is a critical step in achieving the predetermined movement and the desired surgical outcome. Clinical experience has shown that traditional intraoral reference lines scored in the wall of the maxilla can be difficult to visualize intraoperatively even with optimal hemostasis. Furthermore, placement of these lines can be somewhat problematic, especially in patients with a hypoplastic maxilla. Extraoral methods such as a tattooing or percutaneous pin placement may eliminate this shortcoming in some instances. However, they are invasive and may interfere with surgical draping.‘” We describe a simple technique that has many advantages over traditional techniques.
A simple synthesis of compounds with the benz[h]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline ring system

The ureas obtained from 1-amino-3(or 4)-methyl-2-naphthalenecarbonitrile and 2-chloroethyl isocyanate, or ethyl isocyanatoacetate undergo a double cyclization upon thermal decomposition, or treatment with base to yield compounds with the benz[h]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline ring system.
An Assessment of the Results of Stuttering Therapy.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the results of stuttering therapy for adults when a carefully delineated approach was utilized. Evaluations and measurements of the therapy groups were made nine months before therapy began, again at the end of this “waiting period” before therapy was initiated, at the end of the nine-month therapy period, and nine months after the close of therapy. Viewing all sixteen subjects as one group, there was a statistically significant reduction in stuttering during the therapy period. Taking severity into consideration, Group I (more severe) showed a significant improvement during therapy but regressed slightly during the follow-up period. Group II (less severe) improved during therapy and continued to improve during the follow-up period; however, the change never reached statistical significance. Responses to self- report procedures revealed significant decreases in avoidance behavior and stuttering, significant increases in the enjoyment of speaking, and significant improvement in attitudes toward stuttering, which was not related differentially to stuttering severity. Certain changes to make therapy more effective are discussed.
Exact linearization of discrete-time nonlinear systems using state space transformation

A set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a coordinate transformation that renders a given nonlinear system exactly state-equivalent to a linear, reachable system is presented. When it exists, the transformation can be obtained from the solution to a set of partial differential equations that represent rectification conditions for a set of commuting vector fields that are defined for the nonlinear system.
"The Thing about Work": Gendered Narratives of a Transnational, Trilingual Mexicano.

Through narratives taken from life history interviews with an indigenous Mexican male immigrant in California, this paper examines the connection between masculinities and the learning of dominant languages associated with access to economic opportunities. In portraying the teller's engagements with work and education in both countries, these life history narratives index the way changing social contexts have caused him to emphasise different masculinities at different times in his life. Specifically, this paper explores the way a serious work injury led the teller to place new emphasis on learning English and computer skills in order to reconstruct a kind of ‘technical masculinity’' that he had previously found little scope for in the United States.
Clofarabine Does Not Negatively Impact the Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Background Clofarabine is actively being investigated as a component of frontline chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Hepatotoxicity is 1 of the primary adverse events associated with clofarabine and can occasionally can include severe venoocclusive disease (VOD). Patients and Methods Many patients with AML undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), a procedure that is also associated with hepatotoxicity. We identified AML patients undergoing allo-SCT and stratified them according to whether they received clofarabine-containing (clofarabine, idarubicin, and cytarabine [CIA]) or non–clofarabine-containing cytarabine-based induction/consolidation chemotherapy (idarubicin and cytarabine [ara-C] [IA]). We compared both groups for differences in posttransplantation hepatotoxicity, VOD, and other transplantation outcomes. Forty-two patients were identified (20 receiving CIA and 22 receiving IA). Patient and transplant characteristics were similar. All patients receiving clofarabine-based treatment received CIA within 2.5 months of their allo-SCT. Results There was no difference in the incidence of VOD in the 30 days after transplantation (0 CIA, 1 IA; P = 1.0). Rates of grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity also did not differ between groups. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), early relapse, and survival were also not significantly different. Conclusions We conclude that clofarabine-containing chemotherapy does not adversely impact the outcome of allo-SCT. Specifically, it does not predispose patients to an increased risk of hepatotoxicity, VOD, GVHD, or relapse.
Perioperative care of an infant with pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency

The authors present the anaesthetic management of two infants with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a rare genetic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism leading to lactic acidosis and neurological impairment. In the first case, a seven-month-old infant, undergoing closed reduction of a dislocated hip, received general anaesthesia with a volatile agent. In the second case, spinal anaesthesia was administered to a six-month-old infant undergoing Achilles tendon lengthening. There were no adverse outcomes in both cases. Key components of perioperative care included minimising perioperative stress, and avoiding exacerbation of the lactic acidosis. Previous reports regarding the perioperative care of such patients are reviewed, and recommendations for anaesthetic care discussed.
Death Anxiety in Physicians: Defensive Style, Medical Specialty, and Exposure to Death:

This study explores certain aspects of death anxiety in the physician. The participants of the study were seventy-seven male physicians actively practicing their profession in the New York metropolitan area, Twenty-nine were internists, twenty-eight were psychiatrists, and twenty were surgeons. The results confirmed an inverse relationship between the use of repression and overt report of death anxiety for the physicians tested. Frequency of exposure to death seemed to have no effect on defensive style. The physicians most frequently exposed to death (internists) did not employ the most repression, as expected. Other significant differences between the three tested medical specialties were noted. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between age, experience, and death anxiety. It was the younger and less experienced physician who. displayed the greatest death anxiety. It was also the younger physician who was most frequently confronted with death.
Insect development. VIII. Maturation and early development of unfertilized grasshopper eggs

Maturation and early cleavage in unfertilized Melanoplus differentialis eggs have been followed with material secured immediately before as well as after oviposition, and (1) fixed at once, or (2) held in an incubator at 25°C. and, subsequently, fixed at selected intervals. Eggs ready to be laid were all found in the metaphase of the first maturation division. The second polar body is given off (at 25°C.) within 5 to 7 hours after laying. Meiosis appears to be unaffected by the absence of the sperm nucleus and proceeds at the same rate as in fertilized eggs. No morphological differences could be found between the process here and in eggs from mated females. During early cleavage, or later, the diploid number of chromosomes may be restored in some (or perhaps all) cells of the embryo. Development begins in the greater number of these unfertilized eggs but is successfully completed in only a very few.
PET/CT Image Navigation and Communication

The advent of multimodality imaging scanners combining PET and CT has led to a new paradigm in image display and presentation that raises new challenges in workstation interpretation software, image navigation, and communication. The essence of multimodality imaging is the ability to overlay imaging information from different modalities in a visually compelling fashion. This is accomplished by combining functional and anatomic data into multidimensional views using color-encoding techniques that provide visual clues on the spatial distribution of image data. Discussion: Combined PET/CT scanners provide spatially registered images from the two modalities acquired simultaneously in a single imaging session. Special reconstruction software and image display programs are required to rescale the native images from different spatial resolution into orthogonal or oblique reformatted planes in which data from PET images are color coded and superimposed on corresponding anatomic CT images. The color overlay technique allows the user to visually identify areas of high tracer activity and determine the underlying anatomic structure. Because of the multidimensional nature of the data, visualization requires interactive multidimensional navigation techniques that allow the viewer to move the visualization planes through three spatial directions and two additional dimensions. The fourth dimension is the continuum blend from PET to CT fusion, and the fifth is the dynamic range of the CT images that can be adjusted to display different tissue characteristics, such as bones, soft tissue, and lungs. Software tools currently available are often relatively complex, requiring the user to perform cumbersome maneuvers and time-consuming image manipulation to navigate through all dimensions and obtain adequate image settings and plane positioning for diagnostic interpretation of the image data. Moreover, the ability to convey these images to referring physicians is usually limited because of the lack of adequate viewing software. Distribution of results is usually performed instead through static “snapshots” of the fused images generated by the interpreting radiologist. The ability of the referring physician to navigate through the set of multimodality image data is thus limited. Conclusion: The wider adoption of multimodality PET/CT imaging techniques in routine clinical use will depend heavily on the development of more adequate image display and navigation tools that allow interpreting physicians to navigate easily and efficiently through multiple dimensions of data. Distribution of results to referring physicians and care providers also requires new tools for interactively reviewing the multimodality data, and current static images obtained from fused image data remain inadequate for proper visualization of the true content of images.
Application of succulent plant leaves for Agrobacterium infiltration-mediated protein production

When expressing plant cell wall degrading enzymes in the widely used tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) after Agrobacterium infiltration, difficulties arise due to the thin leaf structure. Thick leaved succulents, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and Hylotelephium telephium, were tested as alternatives. A xyloglucanase, as well as a xyloglucanase inhibitor protein was successfully produced.
Appendix: Huizhou Studies in China: Scholarship and Sources

This appendix essay surveys the rise of Huixue (Huizhou scholarship) in post-Mao China as background for the main theme of this special Nan Nu issue: the chastity cult in Huizhou. It discusses works by China’s leading Huizhou specialists on a number of key aspects of Huizhou socioeconomic history, especially lineage institutions and mercantile groups in the late imperial period. It also calls attention to the enormous richness of Huizhou source materials, especially the newly uncovered Huizhou wenshu (Huizhou documents) which include contracts, wills, personal letters, tax records, rent books, and local liturgies.
Crisis nursery services and foster care prevention: An exploratory study

Abstract Objective To examine whether receiving crisis nursery services reduces the chances of subsequent placement of children into foster care. Method The study includes a sample of 322 children from the administrative data from a crisis nursery in Ohio. Generalized estimating equations analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between crisis nursery services (case management and parenting education) and subsequent foster care placement. Results The generalized estimating equations analyses indicated that case management and parenting education provided from the crisis nursery were associated with reduced likelihood of subsequent foster care for children who were placed in the crisis nursery. Foster care placement during the previous 12 months and Caucasian race were also associated with higher odds of subsequent foster care placement. Conclusions Crisis nursery services delivered with case management and parenting education may be an effecive intervention to reduce children's subsequent foster care placement.
Consistent bosonization-debosonization. II. The two-lead Kondo problem and the fate of its nonequilibrium Toulouse point

Following the development of a scheme to bosonize and debosonize consistently [N. Shah and C. J. Bolech, Phys. Rev. B 93, 085440 (2016)], we present in detail the Toulouse-point analytic solution of the two-lead Kondo junction model. The existence and location of the solvable point is not modified, but the calculational methodology and the final expressions for observable quantities change markedly as compared to the existent results. This solvable point is one of the remarkably few exact results for nonequilibrium transport in correlated systems. It yields relatively simple analytical expressions for the current in the full range of temperature, magnetic field, and voltage. It also shows precisely, within the limitations of the Toulouse fine-tuning, how the transport evolves depending on the relative strengths of interlead and intralead Kondo exchange couplings ranging from weak to strong. Thus its improved understanding is an important stepping stone for future research.
Reducing the risk of music-induced hearing loss from overuse of portable listening devices: understanding the problems and establishing strategies for improving awareness in adolescents.

Hearing loss from the overuse of portable listening devices (PLDs), such as MP3 players or iPods, is of great concern in the popular media. This review aims to discuss the current state of scientific knowledge about music-induced hearing loss from PLD use. This report evaluates the literature on the risk to hearing from PLD use, the individual and psychological factors that influence PLD usage, and strategies for reducing exposure to music through PLDs. Specific interventions are reviewed, and several recommendations for designing interventions and for individual intervention in clinical practice are presented. Clinical recommendations suggested include the “80–90 rule” and the use of isolator-style earphones to reduce background noise.
Atomic force microscopy and micro-ATR-FT-IR imaging reveals fungal enzyme activity at the hyphal scale of resolution

We have combined the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (micro-ATR-FT-IR) imaging to show the extent of exoenzyme influence around individual hyphae of three fungal species growing on cellophane. AFM data show that surface roughness of the cellophane substrate is significantly lower adjacent to hyphae of Armillaria and Aspergillus, which produce cellulase enzyme, than for Mucor, which has lower cellulase activity. Additionally, the adhesive properties of the cellophane surface are significantly altered within the sphere of influence of the hyphae of Armillaria and Aspergillus. Micro-ATR-FT-IR imaging indicates that the cellophane substrate changes composition immediately adjacent to the hyphae of Armillaria and Aspergillus, but similar spectral changes do not occur in the presence of Mucor. This is consistent with the difference in cellulase enzyme activity in these fungal species. The appearance of new spectral peaks, consistent with tho...
On Optical Flow Models for Variational Motion Estimation

The aim of this paper is to discuss and evaluate total variation based regularization methods for motion estimation, with particular focus on optical flow models. In addition to standard $L^2$ and $L^1$ data fidelities we give an overview of different variants of total variation regularization obtained from combination with higher order models and a unified computational optimization approach based on primal-dual methods. Moreover, we extend the models by Bregman iterations and provide an inverse problems perspective to the analysis of variational optical flow models. A particular focus of the paper is the quantitative evaluation of motion estimation, which is a difficult and often underestimated task. We discuss several approaches for quality measures of motion estimation and apply them to compare the previously discussed regularization approaches.
Abstract 19721: Circulating miR-146a Shows Positive Correlation with Arterial Stiffness and Negative Correlation with Aerobic Exercise Capacity Among Healthy Adults

Background: miR-146a is a micro-RNA expressed in many cell types, with increased expression in response to inflammation via TLR activation, leading to negative feedback regulation of inflammatory pathways. miR-146a has been associated with atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm and ischemic stroke. Circulating miR-146a (c-miR-146a) levels are higher in hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and acute coronary syndrome. c-miR-146a levels may change variably in response to exercise in healthy individuals. We hypothesized that c-miR-146a will be associated with sub-clinical vascular disease and explored its relationship with measures of arterial stiffness and cardiopulmonary fitness. Methods: In 39 healthy (no medications, screened for absence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and obesity) non-smoking volunteers, 56% male, aged 46.53 ± 11years, enrolled in Emory’s preventive health initiative study, we performed qPCR (TaqMan) for serum miR-146a levels and normalized to miR-346 (shown to have stable levels...
Numerical Study to Quantify the Effects of Struts and Central Hub on the Performance of a Three Dimensional Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using Sliding Mesh

A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of struts and central hub in 3D on the overall performance prediction of a three dimensional vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with three Darrieus H-type blades. The VAWT has the outer diameter of 2.5m and finite unit length height with expected output of 2KVA. This type of small VAWT are expected to perform better on roof tops of the built-up urban area. The analysis is carried out using sliding mesh concept in commercial CFD software ‘Ansys Fluent 13’. It is observed that the struts and central hub assembly induce additional drag and generate strong vortices which caused a substantial decrease in the performance parameters of the turbine. The numerical simulation are carried out over a three dimensional VAWT with and without struts and central hub. It is found that both the cases show a similar trend of the torque ripple for any one blade while for the upstream path, on the contrary the blades experience a drop in performance from 220° to 360° due to the struts and central hub assembly. A detailed comparative analysis between both the cases is made over the TSR values range from 1.5 to 4.5. At TSR = 1.5, the performance coefficient of the cases with and without struts and central hub are same. However, for the case of struts and central hub, TSR 4 and above show negative values of power coefficients.Copyright © 2013 by ASME