cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early expression and localization of rhodopsin and interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) in the developing fetal bovine retina.

Abstract Differentiation and maturation of the photoreceptor outer segments are key steps in the development of the visual system. Morphological studies presented here show that the cow and human are nearly identical in the timing of outer segment appearance during fetal development, implying that the bovine retina is a good model system for the final stages of human photoreceptor development. To study photoreceptor maturation, rhodopsin and interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBR) were quantified by ELISA in a developmentally staged series of fetal bovine retinas. In addition, their localization within these retinas was determined by immunogold electron microscopy. Rhodopsin, as detected by antibodies directed against either the N- or C-terminal portions of the molecule, is first found at about 5·5 months gestation. It is first detected on the plasma membrane of the immature cilia and on the earliest emergent outer segment membrane, even before organized disk membranes are apparent. In contrast, whereas rhodopsin levels and outer segments are nearly undetectable before 5 months gestation, IRBP accumulates to a significant level (4–5% of the adult) as early as 3 months gestation. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed this finding, with localization of IRBP predominantly in the subretinal space.
Beyond Autonomy to the Person Coping With Illness

Let us look at autonomy in a new way. Autonomy has a richly deserved place of honor in bioethlcs. It has led the set of principles that formed the basis of the discipline since the beginning. It is the leading principle In what is now regularly called “the Georgetown Mantra,” a phrase suggested by one of the first philosophers ever to be hired In a medical school, K. Danner Clouser. The phrase applies to the principled approach of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. This kind of bioethics was developed by scholars like Beauchamp and Childress, Veatch, and Engelhardt, during their association with Georgetown University.
Low-gravity superfluid transfer can be done: the results of the Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) flight demonstration

The Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) Flight Demonstration was designed to demonstrate the technology for resupplying space helium dewars on orbit. Secondarily SHOOT developed a number of components useful to other satellites using superfluid helium. SHOOT was launched on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of mission STS-57 on June 21, 1993. On orbit operations were conducted in three stages: pump down of the superfluid and electronics checkout, initial ground controlled helium transfers, and an astronaut controlled transfer. An overview of the SHOOT mission is given. A summary of experiences with a number of flight components developed specifically for SHOOT is presented. Questions that were answered by the flight are discussed.
Effect of different high-palladium metal-ceramic alloys on the color of opaque porcelain.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different high-palladium alloys on the resulting color of opaque porcelain. Three Pd-Cu-Ga alloys, Spartan Plus (S; Williams Dental Co/Division of Ivoclar North America, Amhest, NY), Liberty (B; J.F. Jelenko & Co, Armonk, NY), and Freedom Plus (F; J.F. Jelenko & Co); 4 Pd-Ga alloys, Legacy (L; J.F. Jelenko & Co), IS 85 (I; Williams Dental Co), Protocol (P; Williams Dental Co), and Legacy XT (X; J.F. Jelenko & Co); and a Pd-Ag alloy, Super Star (T; J.F. Jelenko & Co), were examined. The Au-Pd alloy Olympia (O; J.F. Jelenko & Co) served as the control. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three cast 16-mm discs, 1-mm thick, were prepared from each of the alloys. After metallurgically polishing and air-abrading, the specimens were oxidized following the manufacturer's recommendations. Shade B1 opaque porcelain (Vita-Omega; Vident, Baldwin Park, CA) was applied at a final thickness of 0.1 mm using a mold. After 2 opaque porcelain firing cycles, the surfaces were air-abraded. The colors of the specimens were measured using a colorimeter and expressed in Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* coordinates. Color differences (delta E) were determined between the control and each experimental group. Analysis of Variance and Tukey-Kramer tests were performed on the delta E data. RESULTS The 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys showed significantly greater (p < .01) delta E values (S = 2.8 +/- 1.1, B = 3.0 +/- 0.6, and F = 2.1 +/- 0.2) than the remaining 5 experimental groups (L = 0.7 +/- 0.5, I = 0.7 +/- 0.4, P = 0.7 +/- 0.2, X = 0.7 +/- 0.4, and T = 0.7 +/- 0.5). The directions of the significant color changes were relatively equally distributed along the L*, a*, and b* axes, and all delta L*, delta a*, and delta b* values were negative (lower value, more green and blue relative to control O). CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that a 0.1-mm-thick layer of opaque porcelain in the Pd-Cu-Ga alloys studied, did not reliably reproduce the color of porcelain.
Racial/Ethnic Variations in Women's Health: The Social Embeddedness of Health

This article provides an overview of the magnitude of and trends in racial/ethnic disparities in health for women in the United States. It emphasizes the importance of attending to diversity in the health profiles and populations of minority women. Socioeconomic status is a central determinant of racial/ethnic disparities in health, but several other factors, including medical care, geographic location, migration and acculturation, racism, and exposure to stress and resources also play a role. There is a need for renewed attention to monitoring, understanding, and actively seeking to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in health.
A hybrid vision + ladar rural road follower

We present a vision- and ladar-based approach to autonomous driving on rural and desert roads that has been tested extensively in a closed-loop system. The vision component uses Gabor wavelet filters for texture analysis to find ruts and tracks from which the road vanishing point can be inferred via Hough-style voting, yielding a direction estimate for steering control. The ladar component projects detected obstacles along the road direction onto the plane of the front of the vehicle and tracks the 1-D obstacle "gap" due to the road to yield a lateral offset estimate. Several image- and state-based tests to detect failure conditions such as off-road poses (i.e., there is no road to follow) and poor lighting due to sun glare or distracting shadows are also explained. The system's efficacy is demonstrated with full control of a vehicle over 10+ miles of difficult roads at up to 25 mph, as well as analysis of logged data in diverse situations
Tuning servers, storage and database for energy efficient data warehouses

Undoubtedly, reducing power consumption is at the top of the priority list for system vendors, data center managers who are challenged by customers, analysts, and government agencies to implement green initiatives. Hardware and software vendors have developed an array of power preserving techniques. On-demand-driven clock speeds for processors, energy efficient power supplies, and operating-system-controlled dynamic power modes are just a few hardware examples. Software vendors have contributed to energy efficiency by implementing power efficient coding methods, such as advanced compression and enabling applications to take advantage of large memory caches. However, adoption of these power-preserving technologies in data centers is not straightforward, especially, for large, complex applications such as data warehouses. Data warehouse workloads typically have oscillating resource utilizations, which makes identifying the largest power consumers difficult. Most importantly, while preserving power remains a critical consideration, performance and availability goals must still be met with systems using power-preserving technologies. This paper evaluates the tradeoffs between existing power-saving techniques and their performance impact on data warehouse applications. Our analysis will guide system developers and data center managers in making informed decisions regarding adopting power-preserving techniques.
Experimental results of the ATF in-line injection system

The initial experimental results of the Brookhaven accelerator test facility (ATF) in-line injector is presented. The ATF in-line injector employed a full copper RF gun with a pair of solenoid magnets for emittance compensation. The maximum acceleration field of the RF gun was measured to be 130 MV/m. The electron yield from the copper cathode was maximized using p-polarized laser and the Schottky effect. The quantum efficiency under optimum conditions was measured to be 0.04%. The measured electron bunch length was less than 11 ps, which agreed with the laser pulse length measurement using a streak camera. The normalized RMS emittance for 0.25 nC charge is 0.9/spl plusmn/0.1 mm-mrad, which is almost four times smaller than the emittance predicted by the space-charge effect for a non-emittance compensation photocathode RF gun. The normalized RMS emittance for 0.6 nC charge was measured range from 1 to 3 mm-mrad. This measurement was first experimental demonstration of emittance compensation in a high-gradient, S-band photocathode RF gun.
Effects of different durations of pretreatment with losartan on myocardial infarct size, endothelial function, and vascular endothelial growth factor.

A previous study by our group showed that 10 weeks of pretreatment with losartan reduced myocardial infarct size and arrhythmias in a rat model of ischaemia-reperfusion. However, the effect of a differing time course of pretreatment has not been investigated. 104 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to four groups: a control, and three treatment groups in which losartan (40 mg/kg/day) was administered in drinking water for one day, one week, and four weeks respectively. After different durations of pretreatment, the rats were subjected to 17 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 120 minutes of reperfusion. Haemodynamic variables were not significantly different between the four groups. Myocardial infarct size was unchanged after one day and one week of pretreatment (52+/-7, 57+/-6% vs.control 55+/-3%), but was significantly reduced by four weeks of pretreatment with losartan (38+/-6, p<0.05). Endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation was significantly increased by four weeks of pretreatment (-81+/-4 vs.-62+7%, p<0.05). As an indicator of ischaemia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in ischaemic myocardium were decreased after one and four weeks of pretreatment (0.75+/-0.05, 0.58+/-0.10 vs. 1.0, p<0.05,0.01, respectively). In conclusion, losartan has time-dependent cardiovascular protective effects. Four weeks of pretreatment with losartan decreased infarct size and VEGF, and improved endothelial dysfunction.
A review and evaluation of stemflow literature in the hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles of forested and agricultural ecosystems

Abstract Stemflow is a spatially localized point input of precipitation and solutes at the plant stem and is of hydrological and ecological significance in forested and agricultural ecosystems. The purpose of this review is to: (1) critically evaluate our current understanding of stemflow; (2) identify gaps in our present knowledge of stemflow; and (3) stimulate further research in areas where present knowledge is weak. The review begins by analyzing stemflow drainage and nutrient inputs under diverse vegetal cover. Stemflow inputs are then examined as a function of meteorological conditions, seasonality, interspecific and intraspecific differences among and within species, canopy structure, spatiality, and atmospheric pollutants in urban environments. Stemflow modeling studies are also reviewed and evaluated. Stemflow yield and chemistry are the result of the interaction of the many complex variables listed. By analyzing each separately, it may be possible to isolate their individual affects on stemflow production and chemistry. A comprehensive understanding of each influencing factor would enable the accurate modeling of stemflow water and nutrient inputs into agricultural and forest soils which may result in the optimization of timber and crop harvests. Some areas where present knowledge is particularly weak are: (1) stemflow production and nutrient transfers in northern boreal forests (aspen, birch, conifers) and desert cacti; (2) chemical enrichment of stemflow from live trees charred by forest fires; (3) stemflow yield and nutrient inputs during the winter season; (4) intraspecific variation in stemflow production and chemistry; (5) stemflow chemistry from standing dead trees; (6) influence of canopy structure on stemflow chemistry; (7) understory stemflow generation and nutrient transfer; and (8) stemflow enrichment associated with insect infestations.
Radiologic Monitoring of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Viability after Transhepatic Arterial Chemoembolization: Estimating the Accuracy of Contrast-enhanced Cross-sectional Imaging with Histopathologic Correlation

Purpose Cross-sectional diagnostic imaging studies such as contrast-enhanced quadruple-phase helical computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are routinely performed to evaluate tumor response to transhepatic arterial chemoembolization. However, the true correlation between imaging characteristics and histopathologic tumor viability is not known. The aim of the present retrospective study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced CT and contrast-enhanced MR imaging with use of histopathologic analysis. Materials and Methods Between February 2002 and October 2005, a total of 31 patients (age, 51–74 years; mean, 60 y) who had undergone chemoembolization underwent follow-up diagnostic cross-sectional imaging before transplantation. The mean time interval between the imaging study and transplantation was 32 days (range, 1–117 d). Imaging studies were assessed for residual or recurrent tumor and were then correlated to the findings of histopathologic analysis performed on the surgical specimens at the time of transplantation. Results The overall sensitivity and specificity rates of cross-sectional imaging studies were 35% and 64%, respectively. The overall accuracy rate of CT was 43%, with 36% sensitivity and 57% specificity. The overall accuracy rate of MR imaging was 55%, with 43% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Gross macroscopic disease was missed in one patient (9%) who underwent MR imaging and four patients (19%) who underwent CT. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced CT and MR imaging after chemoembolization are associated with high error rates. Between the two modalities, MR has higher sensitivity and specificity and may be a preferable imaging tool for patients who have undergone chemoembolization.
Handover protocols between metropolitan area networks

Inter-MAN handover protocols for the cellular packet switch are developed, based on interconnecting MANs via gateways. Inter-MAN handover protocols utilize the gateway to maintain a connection as a user moves across MAN boundaries. This greatly reduces the fixed-network signalling traffic while protecting information in data communications. >
Interferon-γ Protects against Chronic Viral Myocarditis by Reducing Mast Cell Degranulation, Fibrosis, and the Profibrotic Cytokines Transforming Growth Factor-β1, Interleukin-1β, and Interleukin-4 in the Heart

Inflammatory fibrosis is a characteristic feature of myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and congestive heart failure. Th1-type immune responses, mediated by interleukin (IL)-12-induced interferon (IFN)-γ, are believed to exacerbate autoimmune diseases including myocarditis. In this study, we examined the effect of IL-12Rβ1 and IFN-γ deficiency on the development of chronic CB3-induced myocarditis using knockout mice. We found increased chronic CB3-induced myocarditis (14.1 to 43.1%, P < 0.001); pericarditis (1.5 to 7.6%, P < 0.001); fibrosis (9.7 to 27.4%, P < 0.05); and the profibrotic cytokines transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, and IL-4 in the hearts of IFN-γ-deficient mice. All mice infected with CB3 developed DCM, but IFN-γ-deficient mice developed a fibrous, adhesive pericarditis associated with increased numbers of degranulating mast cells (MCs) in the pericardium (26.6 to 45.9%, P < 0.01), increased histamine levels (716 to 1930 ng/g of heart, P < 0.01), and reduced survival (100 to 43%). In contrast, IL-12Rβ1 deficiency did not significantly alter the development of chronic myocarditis. Thus, IFN-γ protects against the development of severe chronic myocarditis, pericarditis, and DCM after CB3 infection by reducing MC degranulation, fibrosis, and the profibrotic cytokines transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, and IL-4 in the heart.
A Historical Review of Occupational Therapy’s Role in Preventive Health and Wellness

The public is becoming increasingly cognizant of the importance of proactive health behavior and is seeking assistance from health care professionals in their pursuit of wellness. As occupational therapy strives to meet this growing consumer demand, a historical review of the profession's involvement in proactive health activities can enhance its response. Since its inception, occupational therapy has recognized the importance of both preventive action and the promotion of wellness. In this paper, the significant historical events in this area are discussed to stimulate future research and clinical application in health promotion.
Uncertainty quantification in state estimation using the probabilistic collocation method

This paper proposes a probabilistic collocation method (PCM) to quantify the uncertainties in state estimation. Comparing to classic Monte-Carlo (MC) method, the proposed PCM is based on sparse grid points and uses a smaller number of sparse grid points to quantify the uncertainty. Thus, the proposed PCM can quantify a large number of uncertain power system variables with relatively lower computational cost. The algorithm and procedure are outlined. The proposed PCM is applied to IEEE 14 bus system to quantify the uncertainty of power system state estimation. Comparison is made with MC method. The simulation results shows that the proposed PCM can achieve same accuracy as MC method with smaller ensemble size and thus is computationally more efficient than MC method.
Local data control and admission control for QoS support in wireless ad hoc networks

Wireless ad hoc networks consist of nodes having a self-centrically broadcasting nature of communication. To provide quality of service (QoS) for ad hoc networks, many issues are involved, including routing, medium-access control (MAC), resource reservation, mobility management, etc. Carefully designed distributed medium-access techniques must be used for channel resources, so that mechanisms are needed to efficiently recover from inevitable frame collisions. For ad hoc wireless networks with a contention-based distributed MAC layer, QoS support and guarantee become extremely challenging. In this paper, we address this challenging issue. We first consider MAC and resource-reservation aspects for QoS support in one-hop ad hoc wireless networks. We propose two local data-control schemes and an admission-control scheme for ad hoc networks with the IEEE 802.11e MAC standard. In the proposed fully distributed local data control schemes, each node maps the measured traffic-load condition into backoff parameters locally and dynamically. In the proposed distributed admission-control scheme, based on measurements, each node makes decisions on the acceptances/rejections of flows by themselves, without the presence of access points. The proposed mechanisms are evaluated via extensive simulations. Studies show that, with the proposed schemes, QoS can be guaranteed under a clear channel condition while maintaining a good utilization. Discussions on applying the proposed schemes into multihop ad hoc networks are also included.
Modeling the capacity of riverscapes to support beaver dams

Abstract The construction of beaver dams facilitates a suite of hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic, and ecological feedbacks that increase stream complexity and channel–floodplain connectivity that benefit aquatic and terrestrial biota. Depending on where beaver build dams within a drainage network, they impact lateral and longitudinal connectivity by introducing roughness elements that fundamentally change the timing, delivery, and storage of water, sediment, nutrients, and organic matter. While the local effects of beaver dams on streams are well understood, broader coverage network models that predict where beaver dams can be built and highlight their impacts on connectivity across diverse drainage networks are lacking. Here we present a capacity model to assess the limits of riverscapes to support dam-building activities by beaver across physiographically diverse landscapes. We estimated dam capacity with freely and nationally-available inputs to evaluate seven lines of evidence: (1) reliable water source, (2) riparian vegetation conducive to foraging and dam building, (3) vegetation within 100 m of edge of stream to support expansion of dam complexes and maintain large colonies, (4) likelihood that channel-spanning dams could be built during low flows, (5) the likelihood that a beaver dam is likely to withstand typical floods, (6) a suitable stream gradient that is neither too low to limit dam density nor too high to preclude the building or persistence of dams, and (7) a suitable river that is not too large to restrict dam building or persistence. Fuzzy inference systems were used to combine these controlling factors in a framework that explicitly also accounts for model uncertainty. The model was run for 40,561 km of streams in Utah, USA, and portions of surrounding states, predicting an overall network capacity of 356,294 dams at an average capacity of 8.8 dams/km. We validated model performance using 2852 observed dams across 1947 km of streams. The model showed excellent agreement with observed dam densities where beaver dams were present. Model performance was spatially coherent and logical, with electivity indices that effectively segregated capacity categories. That is, beaver dams were not found where the model predicted no dams could be supported, beaver avoided segments that were predicted to support rare or occasional densities, and beaver preferentially occupied and built dams in areas predicted to have pervasive dam densities. The resulting spatially explicit reach-scale (250 m long reaches) data identifies where dam-building activity is sustainable, and at what densities dams can occur across a landscape. As such, model outputs can be used to determine where channel–floodplain and wetland connectivity are likely to persist or expand by promoting increases in beaver dam densities.
Measuring Representational Style in the House: The Tea Party, Obama and Legislators' Changing Expressed Priorities

Legislators use public communication to dene the type of representation they provide constituents. This chapter characterizes how legislators dene the type of representation they provide to constituents and shows how this denition of representation changes in response to shifts in electoral pressure and changes in party control of Congress. To demonstrate this change, I use a large collection of every House press release from 2005 to 2010 and a statistical topic model that measures legislators’ expressed priorities|their attention to salient topics. To increase substantive interpretability and address questions about the number of topics to include in the model, the model estimates a hierarchy of topics. A set of granular issue specic topics are nested in a set of coarse topics that capture broad dierences in the content of press releases. Using estimates of legislators’ attention to both types of topics, I show that, like senators, House members’ expressed priorities lie on a credit claiming/position taking spectrum. And where House members fall on this spectrum depends not only on who they represent, but also responds to broad political changes. After the 2008 election, representatives’ shift their expressed priorities|Republicans abandon credit claiming and articulate criticism towards Obama, while Democrats embrace credit claiming and defend the federal stimulus. Yet, even after responding to the changing conditions, legislators largely maintain the same broad style. The results in this chapter demonstrate the strategic ways legislators change how they communicate with constituents and demonstrates the utility of computational tools for studying representation.
A triplet code model of leptons and quarks

A triplet code model of leptons and quarks is proposed. If we assume the internalA-spin,B-spin andC-spin of particles, from fundamental symmetrySO4 the colourSU3, horizontalSU3, electroweakSU2×U1 and other higher composite symmetries are derived. By using composite-symmetry operators, the mass gap between the third generation and the first two can be derived. The modification to the standard electroweak gauge theory is also discussed in some detail.
IQGAP1 is a phosphoinositide effector and kinase scaffold

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2) is a lipid messenger that regulates a wide variety of cellular functions. The majority of cellular PI4,5P2 is generated by isoforms of the type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKI) that are generated from three genes, and each PIPKI isoform has a unique distribution and function in cells. It has been shown that the signaling specificity of PI4,5P2 can be determined by a physical association of PIPKs with PI4,5P2 effectors. IQGAP1 is newly identified as an interactor of multiple isoforms of PIPKs. Considering the versatile roles of IQGAP1 in cellular signaling pathways, IQGAP1 may confer isoform-specific roles of PIPKs in distinct cellular locations. In this mini review, the emerging roles of PIPKs that are regulated by an association with IQGAP1 will be summarized. Focuses will be on cell migration, vesicle trafficking, cell signaling, and nuclear events.
Challenging the political assumption that "Guns don't kill people, crazy people kill people!"

Presumptions that mental illness is causally tied to firearm violence and that guns are too easily acquired by such persons have given rise to laws that categorically restrict people with mental health concerns from exercising a Constitutional right. Underlying these reforms appears to be a revised idiom, "Guns don't kill people-crazy people kill people." The purpose of this commentary is to address these assumptions and provide suggestions for managing this critical threat. (PsycINFO Database Record Language: en
Deformation-induced mechanical anisotropy of gelatin films

Abstract Deformation-induced mechanical and structural anisotropy has been analyzed using a gelatin film model. Specifically, gelatin films cast from water and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) are stretched at various draw ratios, locked-in the extended conformations, crosslinked by glutaraldehyde, and then mechanically analyzed in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Notably, the longitudinal modulus of the gelatin films that are cast from water or TFE linearly increases with draw ratio λ , accompanied by a substantial reduction in transverse modulus. When normalized by the Young’s modulus of undrawn films, the transverse moduli as a function of draw ratio follow a power-law relationship E / E 0 ∝ λ α , where α ≈ − 2.5 for the water-cast films and α ≈ − 1.5 for the TFE-cast films. A Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis of the water- and TFE-cast films shows the formation of wrinkles and microcracks oriented in the drawing direction due to large deformations. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy reveals the dominance of aggregated strands and β -sheets in the secondary structures of the gelatin films and the deformation-induced renaturation of triple-helical structures in the films. A model is thus proposed relate the observed mechanical anisotropy of drawn gelatin films to deformation-induced structural anisotropy.
Fact segmentation

The FACT Compiler is Honeywell's English language narrative compiler used for commercial data processing applications. The program segments created by FACT have their position in memory dynamically relocated in order to make the most efficient use of the available core storage. The methods employed in this operation will be described as they are general in scope and of sufficient merit to find use in other applications.
Synthesis, isomer count, and nuclear spin relaxation of H2O@open-C60 nitroxide derivatives.

H2O@C60 derivatives covalently linked to a nitroxide radical were synthesized. The 1H NMR of the guest H2O revealed the formation of many isomers with broad signals. Reduction to the diamagnetic hy...
Psychopathology of Patients with Psychogenic Nonepileptic Spells (PNES) Referred for Video-EEG Monitoring (P01.041)

Objective: To determine if psychogenic nonepileptic spells can be differentiated from epileptic seizures based on psychological issues as well as intelligence levels. Background Psychogenic Nonepileptic Spells (PNES) are recurrent paroxysmal events that are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Neuropsychological variables may discriminate PNES and epilepsy, helping physicians to suspect PNES earlier. We tested the hypothesis that patients with PNES, when compared to those with epilepsy, differ in personality characteristics and will have elevated levels of psychological distress (as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory [MCMI]), but will not differ in intelligence (as measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III [WAIS-III]). Design/Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 280 patients diagnosed with either PNES or epilepsy in UPMC9s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit from 2009 to 2011. MCMI and WAIS-III scores were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Patients with PNES (N=158), compared to those with epilepsy (N=122), scored higher on every MCMI variable. Many of these differences reached statistical significance (Avoidant [p=0.011], Passive-Aggressive [p 0.05) between both groups, suggesting similar intelligence levels. Conclusions: PNES patients, when compared to epilepsy patients, have significantly elevated levels of psychological distress as measured by the MCMI, but do not differ in intelligence as assessed by the WAIS-III. These results confirm the utility of the MCMI, but not the WAIS-III, as an instrument in suspecting spells as either PNES or epileptic seizures. Disclosure: Dr. Popescu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dixit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bagic has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ghearing has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hendrickson has nothing to disclose.
Conceptualizing reform judaism in an age of religious pluralism

Introduction The acculturation of Jews in the United States has been both a blessing and a curse. As Jews have become more accepted in American society, the rates of intermarriage have increased while religious observance has decreased. Intermarriage has created much conflict within the Jewish community because many fear that the children of intermarried couples will not be raised as Jews and the continuity of the Jewish faith and people is under threat. As Egon Mayer writes, "The potential for extinction this time, however, is not the result of hate and persecution but rather of love and absorption-by-matrimony into a benignly accepting majority."1 Not only are Jews intermarrying in large numbers, many are also marrying converts to Judaism. This development has alarmed many Orthodox and Conservative Jews who fear that these converts are choosing Judaism for romantic reasons rather than for spiritual convictions. Immanuel Jakobovits writes that most people convert "not because they fall in love with Judaism, but because they fall in love with a Jewish person."2 He concludes that "conversion for the sake of the family" rather than spirituality is harmful to Judaism.3 Both intermarriage and conversion have been viewed as the result of assimilation and secularization. According to secularization theory, modernity has dramatically altered the function and significance of religion. This does not mean that religion holds no importance today, but that the institution of religion no longer holds the same authority as it once did over economic, political, and social structures. Bryan Wilson writes:
Ovipositional Specificity and Feeding Habits of the Waterhyacinth Mite, Orthogalumna terebrantis, in Argentina

Female Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork oviposited only on their natural host plant, waterhyacinth—Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, in group tests with 22 species of plants. The nymphs fed on waterhyacinth and only slightly on 3 other test plants. In the field, O. terebrantis was common and often abundant on waterhyacinth, occasionally was found on Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth, and rarely on Pontederia lanceolata Nutt. In laboratory tests, adults survived longer on waterhyacinth when the leaves bore feeding spots of weevils of the genus Neochetina or had patches of epidermis removed manually, or on algae than on waterhyacinth leaves with unbroken epidermis; adults did not penetrate the unbroken epidermis of waterhyacinth to feed.
Experimental human inoculations with filtered nasal secretions from acute coryza

Foster2 succeeded in confirming the experiments of Kruse. Cultivating the filtrate by the method of Noguchi, he obtained a minute active organism visible with the dark field, which he states he successfully transplanted to the 4th generation, and which when then inoculated into the nostrils of 11 volunteers produced acute coryza in all. Schmidt3 from a series of 196 filtrate inoculations from 16 different subjects suffering with coryza concludes that his investigations do not support the filtrable virus theory of "colds." Branham and Hall4 state that in attempting to cultivate filtrable viruses from nasopharyngeal secretions in colds and influenza on the various mediums employed by them, no bodies were found in the cultures which could not be found also in those from normal persons, in controls, in all simple mediums examined, and on blank slides. This work does not support the work of Fpster,2 who contends that definite bodies were found when cultivated according to Noguchi's method. Bloomfield 5 states that in a review of the literature he has found no convincing evidence that any known organism is the primary cause of colds, and cultural studies in his report fail to show in uncomplicated
Quantitative Estimation of Error Level in Amplitude Inversion

The magnetic amplitude method is an effective tool in the exploration of remanently magnetized materials, and 3D inversion plays an important role in the quantitative interpretation of magnetic data arisen from such applications. However, a methodology for determining the error statistics relating to amplitude data and associated inversion has not been well developed, hindering the ability to properly estimate the data misfit associated with an inverse model and therefore the model itself. To overcome these challenges, we investigate amplitude error statistics.
First Charge-discharge Curves of Mn-Based Li-Rich Cathode Material Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.2)Mn_(0.59)Co_(0.01)O_2

Manganese-based lithium-rich cathode materials Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.59Co0.01O2 were prepared via a sol-gel method. Three groups of coin cells were assembled with Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.59Co0.01O2 as the cathode and metal lithium as the anode. The 13 cells were cycled galvanostatically between 2.0–4.8 V, and the first cycle curves were analyzed. The ratio of the high voltage charging plateau capacity(CP) to the total charge capacity(CT) is a Gauss faction of the Coulomb efficiency of the first cycle. In the differential(d Q/d U) curves of the discharge process, there are two peaks, named PB and PC, respectively. The ratio of P B/PC is a linear faction of the Coulomb efficiency of the first cycle. A model was proposed to explain the electrochemical behavior of the first cycle for the cathode material of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.59Co0.01O2.
Effects of 5-HT alone and its interaction with TRH on neurons in rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) enhances the excitatory effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on motoneurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) as described in whole animal studies. For this purpose we used the patch-clamp technique applied to rat brain stem slices. Exposure of DMV motoneurons to concentrations of 5-HT (0.1-3 microM) resulted in a concentration-related increase in spontaneous firing rate. As previously described by Travagli et al. [Am. J. Physiol. 263 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 26): G508-G517, 1992], TRH (1-30 microM) increased action potential firing rate. Indeed, when TRH perfusion increased the firing rate, addition of 5-HT to the perfusing solution exerted no further excitation of the DMV motoneuron, indicating that there was no summation of response. Studies using whole cell current recordings showed a common action of 5-HT and TRH in antagonizing the Ca(2+)-dependent afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP). Again, interaction studies between TRH and 5-HT indicated no enhancing effect of TRH on 5-HT-induced antagonism of IAHP. In conclusion, our data indicated that the enhancement of 5-HT-induced excitation of DMV motoneurons by TRH described by in vivo rat experiments is not due to an interaction of TRH and 5-HT directly on the DMV motoneuron.
The use of a Foley catheter for removal of blunt foreign bodies from the esophagus

Summary A jackstone and a coin have been removed from the esophagus of 2 patients with the use of a Foley catheter. After the tip of the catheter was passed distal to the object, the balloon was partially inflated with radiopaque contrast medium in order to dilate the esophagus and disimpact the foreign body under fluoroscopic guidance. The foreign body was then easily lifted out of the esophagus on the platform of the balloon. Advantages to the use of this method for removal of blunt foreign bodies from the esophagus are presented.
Loss of C9orf72 Enhances Autophagic Activity via Deregulated mTOR and TFEB Signaling

The most common cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72. Here we report a study of the C9orf72 protein by examining the consequences of loss of C9orf72 functions. Deletion of one or both alleles of the C9orf72 gene in mice causes age-dependent lethality phenotypes. We demonstrate that C9orf72 regulates nutrient sensing as the loss of C9orf72 decreases phosphorylation of the mTOR substrate S6K1. The transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal and autophagy genes, which is negatively regulated by mTOR, is substantially up-regulated in C9orf72 loss-of-function animal and cellular models. Consistent with reduced mTOR activity and increased TFEB levels, loss of C9orf72 enhances autophagic flux, suggesting that C9orf72 is a negative regulator of autophagy. We identified a protein complex consisting of C9orf72 and SMCR8, both of which are homologous to DENN-like proteins. The depletion of C9orf72 or SMCR8 leads to significant down-regulation of each other’s protein level. Loss of SMCR8 alters mTOR signaling and autophagy. These results demonstrate that the C9orf72-SMCR8 protein complex functions in the regulation of metabolism and provide evidence that loss of C9orf72 function may contribute to the pathogenesis of relevant diseases.
Persisting in-memory databases using SCM

Big Data applications need to be able to access large amounts of variable data as fast as possible. Emerging Storage Class Memory (SCM) fit this need by making memory available in large capacity while making changes endure as a seamless continuation of load-store accesses through processor caches. However, when writing values into a persistent memory tier, programmers are faced with the dual problems of controlling untimely cache evictions that might commit changes prematurely, and of grouping changes and making them durable as a unit so that consistency can be guaranteed in the event of sudden failure. In this paper, we present various methods to achieve high-performance byte-addressable persistence for an in-memory data store. We chose Redis, a popular high-performance memory oriented key value database. We modified its source code to use SCM such that updates to data and structures are performed in a failure resilient manner. We evaluated the changes using both internal benchmarks and the Yahoo! Cloud Servicing Benchmark (YCSB). We found that even though Redis uses many SCM read operations, it can benefit from highly optimized persistent SCM write based approaches, especially when SCM write times are longer than DRAM write times. The paper presents an innovative Local Alias Table Batched (LATB) method, and shows that it outperforms the alternatives.
Packing of cylindrical particles: DEM simulations and experimental measurements

Abstract In order to achieve efficient particle packing, minimizing the space of occupation and maximizing the strength of packing, it is important to understand the best methods of fill and the effects of various particle properties, including particle shape. In this study, the packing behavior of cylindrical particles is studied via both Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations and complementary experiments. The effects of coefficient of friction, coefficient of restitution, drop height, fill height, packing method, deposition intensity (number of particles deposited per second), container size, surface roughness, and Young's modulus are investigated. In addition, two methods of packing density analysis from DEM simulations - a center of particle method and a top grid analysis method - are introduced. It is found that the packing density increases with fill height, container diameter, coefficient of restitution and drop height and decreases with coefficient of friction, surface roughness and Young's modulus. Different packing methods are explored, and it is found that the most efficient packing scheme is to pouring particles over the whole cross-section with low deposition intensity and at a variable drop height. Finally, DEM simulation predictions for particle packing of cylinders show good agreement with experimental measurements.
Active transport by the cecropia midgut. V. Loss of potassium transport during larval-pupal transformation

1. The electrical potential across the isolated midgut of five developmental stages of the Cecropia silkworm was studied by changing the concentration of single cations in solutions bathing each side of the midgut. The stages included feeding fourth-instar insects, insects moulting from the fourth to the fifth instar, feeding fifth-instar insects, insects which had evacuated their midguts, and insects spinning cocoons. 2. Average values of the initial maximal potential exhibited by the midgut in solutions containing K, Mg, and Ca but no Na, for the stages mentioned above, were 68, 83, 90, 124, and 2 mV., respectively. 3. In all of the developmental stages studied except the ‘spinning larva’, reducing the potassium concentration from 32 to 2 mM/l. on the blood-side of the isolated gut lowers the potential, on the lumen-side of the gut raises the potential and on both sides gives an intermediate value. 4. When the potential prior to a decrease in concentration of potassium on the blood-side is over 100 mV., the Nernst slope approaches 59 mV. 5. A tenfold reduction in the concentration of magnesium or the addition of 32 mM/l. sodium to the solutions bathing the isolated gut has no systematic effect on the potential. 6. A tenfold drop in the concentration of calcium in the solutions causes changes in the potential in the opposite direction from those predicted by the Nernst equation. 7. The pH of the midgut contents rises from early fourth instar to late fifth instar. The hydrogen-ion concentration of the blood is about 1000 times more than that of midgut contents in fifth-instar insects. 8. Neither synthetic ecdysone, partially purified natural ecdysone nor juvenile hormone has an effect on the potential or current of the isolated midgut over periods as long as 30 min.
Physiological responses to heat stress in two genetically distinct chicken inbred lines.

ABSTRACT High ambient temperature is one of the most important environmental factors negatively impacting poultry production and health. Genetics is an important contributor in mitigating the stress response to heat. Two genetically distinct highly inbred lines of similar body size (Leghorn and Fayoumi) were characterized for phenotypic differences in response to heat. At 14 days of age, birds were exposed to 38°C with 50% humidity for 4 hours, then 35°C until the conclusion of the experiment. Non-treated individuals were kept at 29.4°C for the first week and then 25°C throughout the experiment. Birds in the heat-stress group were inoculated at day (d) 21 with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) La Sota strain to investigate the effects of heat stress and NDV infection. Thirteen blood parameters were measured using the iSTAT blood analyzer at three stages: 4 h, 6 d, and 9 d post heat-stress treatment, representing acute heat (AH) exposure, chronic heat (CH1) exposure, and chronic heat exposure after virus infection (CH2), respectively. Most blood parameters were significantly changed with heat stress in Leghorns at AH and in Fayoumis at CH1 and CH2. The Leghorn line had significant acute responses with disrupted acid-base balance and metabolic disorders. The heat-resilient Fayoumis maintained a relatively well-balanced acid-base balance. The current study provides the comprehensive profile of biomarker signatures in blood associated with heat tolerance and suggests that PO2, TCO2, HCO3, and base excess can be served as potential biomarkers that can be used to genetically improve heat tolerance in poultry.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Its Contribution to Morbidity and Mortality in Left Ventricular Heart Failure.

In patients with left-sided HF, there has been less emphasis on the pathophysiology of the RV in terms of diagnostic evaluation and treatment, versus focus on structural abnormalities of the LV. This review seeks to delineate the importance of RV dysfunction in terms of its contribution to symptomatic limitations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with left-sided HF. Recent studies have demonstrated that RV dysfunction is common in both HFpEF and HFrEF, but more pronounced in HFrEF. LV dysfunction and atrial fibrillation are most commonly associated with RV dysfunction in left-sided HF. RV dysfunction may develop due to afterload-dependent and afterload-independent pathways. Regardless, RV dysfunction is strongly associated with functional limitations and worsened survival in patients with left-sided HF. In patients with HFpEF, a recent study showed that RV failure was the most common cause of overall mortality. Among LVAD patients and patients post-cardiac transplantation, RV dysfunction is also strongly associated with survival. Despite a number of previous and ongoing clinical trials that target the RV directly or decrease RV afterload in left-sided HF, there are no definitive therapies specifically targeting RV dysfunction in left-sided HF patients RV dysfunction is an important determinant of symptomatic limitations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with left-sided HF. Further research is needed to developed pharmacotherapy that may target the RV specifically in left-sided HF patients.
Blacktino queer performance

How do you define blacktino? If fact, how do you endeavor to define the performance of and/or the potentiality for queer of color lives? In Blacktino Queer Performance, editors E. Patrick Johnson a...