cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variety is the Spice of Life: A Microlongitudinal Study Examining Age Differences in Intraindividual Variability in Daily Activities in Relation to Sleep Outcomes

Objective. The relative importance of mean timing of daily activities versus intraindividual variability in the timing of daily activities in relation to health outcomes such as sleep has yet to be established. Furthermore, age-related changes in sleep could affect this relationship. The study objective was to examine the extent that intraindividual variability in the timing of daily activities is associated with sleep outcomes in younger and older adults. Measures. A microlongitudinal observational study design was used with 14 consecutive days of diaries in community-dwelling younger and older adults. 50 younger and 50 older adults completed daily assessments of activities and sleep. Three activities (going outside, starting work, and eating dinner) and 5 sleep (sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, number of awakenings, total sleep time, and sleep quality rating) variables were used in the analyses. Results. Hierarchical regressions revealed variability in the timing of daily activities significantly predicted sleep, beyond mean timing of activities, for 4 of 6 models. Results differed depending on the type of activity and age group. Discussion. Intraindividual variability, not mean timing of daily activities, best-predicted sleep outcomes. Variability was associated with positive sleep outcomes for older, but not younger adults.
Loss of Motion Due to Graft Impingement (Roof Impingement and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Impingement)

This article discusses how to prevent loss of extension from roof impingement and loss of flexion from posterior cruciate ligament impingement while performing an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The definition, complications, and diagnosis of roof and posterior cruciate ligament impingement are discussed. The rationale and a proven technique for placing the tunnels with the transtibial technique in which the tibial tunnel is drilled first and the femoral tunnel is drilled through the tibial tunnel is presented. Clinical and biomechanical studies show that the key tunnel in the transtibial technique is the tibial tunnel. These studies also show that correct placement of the tibial tunnel in the sagittal and coronal planes, and subsequent drilling of the femoral tunnel through the tibial tunnel, avoids extension loss from roof impingement, avoids flexion loss from posterior cruciate ligament impingement, replicates the tension pattern of the intact anterior cruciate ligament, and restores anterior laxity to the reconstructed knee.
NextGen Sequencing as a Tool to Assist in Diagnosis and Expedite Treatment: RAPSN Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (P2.338)

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of a child that escaped proper diagnosis by experienced physicians in which whole exome sequencing (WES) using NextGen technology provided the diagnosis of a treatable congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) caused by RAPSN mutations. BACKGROUND: There are at least twelve genes involved in CMS. The clinical phenotype of CMS is not specific and routine neurological techniques can fail to provide a diagnosis. Some subtypes are pyridostigmine-responsive, while others are worsened by this medication. Thus, knowing the specific gene disorder is helpful. CASE REPORT: A boy was born with hypotonia, facial dysmorphism, and arthrogryposis. An older sister died at a few hours of life with a similar phenotype, and her muscle biopsy showed denervation atrophy. Several hospitalizations ensued because of ventilatory failure. The patient’s muscle biopsy was similar to that of his older sister, and a nerve biopsy was normal. A limited genetic evaluation including oligonucleotide microarray was not revealing, and other diagnostic studies were normal. After being evaluated by several neurologists and geneticists coupled with the patient’s unremarkable studies, WES was performed. Sequencing identified pathogenic in-trans mutations (c.264 C>A and c.1083_1084dupCT) in the RAPSN gene, which led to the firm diagnosis of a specific CMS subtype; OMIM 608931. Pyridostigmine treatment led to a marked improvement in motor tone and strength with continued improvement over the last six months. CONCLUSIONS: As with other rare childhood neurological conditions, CMS is often difficult to diagnose because of a broad differential diagnosis and lack of specific laboratory findings. Identification of the underlying mutation is critical, as certain mutations lead to treatment-responsive conditions while others do not. This case serves to highlight the importance of WES as a diagnostic tool that will assist in proper diagnosis, and in some circumstances, allow for initiation of specific treatment. WES should be considered as a tool of the practicing neurologist for cases that appear to have a genetic basis and have escaped clinical diagnosis. Disclosure: Dr. Das has nothing to disclose. Dr. Agamanolis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation for activities with the American Academy of Neurology, Motive Medical Intelligence, Transgenomic Laboratories. Dr. Cohen has received research support from Edison Pharma, and stands to receive research support from Raptor Pharma.
Anisotropic plasma boundary value problem for longitudinal waves

Abstract The linearized Vlasov-Maxwell equations describing anisotropic longitudinal plasma waves are studied using an operator theoretic approach. In this study, the Vlasov equation is coupled to Ampere's Law rather than Gauss' Law and consequently a scalar operator is analyzed as opposed to the more complicated matrix operator that had previously been analyzed. The Wiener-Hopf factorization of the fixed frequency, longitudinal mode plasma dispersion function is used in constructing the half range transport operator, whose resolution of the identity yields the solution in the form of a half range generalized eigenfunction expansion. New results are presented for the expansion coefficients for eigenfunctions corresponding to simple and second order real zeros of the plasma dispersion function.
Self-organization of domain structures by DNA-loop-extruding enzymes

The long chromosomal DNAs of cells are organized into loop domains much larger in size than individual DNA-binding enzymes, presenting the question of how formation of such structures is controlled. We present a model for generation of defined chromosomal loops, based on molecular machines consisting of two coupled and oppositely directed motile elements which extrude loops from the double helix along which they translocate, while excluding one another sterically. If these machines do not dissociate from DNA (infinite processivity), a disordered, exponential steady-state distribution of small loops is obtained. However, if dissociation and rebinding of the machines occurs at a finite rate (finite processivity), the steady state qualitatively changes to a highly ordered ‘stacked’ configuration with suppressed fluctuations, organizing a single large, stable loop domain anchored by several machines. The size of the resulting domain can be simply regulated by boundary elements, which halt the progress of the extrusion machines. Possible realizations of these types of molecular machines are discussed, with a major focus on structural maintenance of chromosome complexes and also with discussion of type I restriction enzymes. This mechanism could explain the geometrically uniform folding of eukaryote mitotic chromosomes, through extrusion of pre-programmed loops and concomitant chromosome compaction.
PEG‐Based Microgels Formed by Visible‐Light‐Mediated Thiol‐Ene Photo‐Click Reactions

Step-growth PEG-based microgels are produced via three liquid―liquid two-phase suspension polymerization systems: i) hexane with surfactants Span80/Tween80; ii) mineral oil with surfactant Pluronic F-68; and iii) surfactant-free dextran-rich aqueous solution. Following short vortexing to create monomer droplets, microgels are polymerized by a visible-light-initiated thiol-ene photo-click reaction using eosin-Y as the only photoinitiator. The use of hexane as the organic phase and Span-80/Tween-80 as the surfactants leads to PEG microgels with entrapped solvent droplets that dissolve rapidly with time. Microgels polymerized in mineral oil with surfactant Pluronic F-68 contain no entrapped droplets and are more uniform with smaller sizes. Visible-light-cured step-growth thiol-ene microgels can also be photopolymerized in a surfactant-free aqueous two-phase system. The sizes of the microgels formed in aqueous phase are one order of magnitude smaller than those formed in organic solvent. Dual-layer microgels are also prepared using two-step thiol-ene reactions.
Synchronized sampling uses for real-time monitoring and control

Real-time monitoring of power system conditions can help control center operators maintain adequate situational awareness. This paper addresses a set of visualization tools for future generation of switchable networks, with a particular emphasis on visualization used in the control center. While synchrophasor measurements are proven to enhance awareness of system operators, it remains unresolved how user interfaces that will aid operators in making decisions should be incorporated in existing interfaces for SCADA functions. This paper is aimed at developing an integrated visualization tool that will seamlessly incorporate time correlated information from synchrophasor measurements, SCADA and non-operational data. This will result in intelligent operator tools for alarm processing, fault analysis and breaker switching management, which will increase the effectiveness of power system visualizations and reduce the time needed to make decisions.
Neurologic prognostication and bispectral index monitoring after resuscitation from cardiac arrest

Objective: While the use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has improved outcomes after resuscitation from cardiac arrest, prognostication of survival and neurologic function remains difficult during the post-arrest time period. Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, a non-invasive measurement of simplified electroencephalographic data, is increasingly being considered for post-arrest neurologic assessment and outcomes prediction, although data supporting the technique are limited. We hypothesized that BIS values within 24 h after resuscitation would correlate with neurologic outcomes at discharge. Methods: We prospectively collected BIS data in consecutive patients initially resuscitated from cardiac arrest and treated with TH in one academic medical center. We assessed BIS values in context of cerebral performance category (CPC) assessment on the day of discharge. Results: Data were collected in 62 post-arrest patients, of whom 26/62 (42%) survived to hospital discharge. Mean BIS values at 24 h post-resuscitation were significantly different in the survivors with CPC 1–2 (“good” outcome) vs those with CPC 3–5 (“poor” outcome) or death during hospitalization (49 ± 13 vs 30 ± 20; p < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic analysis suggested that 24 h BIS was most predictive of CPC 1–2 outcome compared to the other timepoints; a BIS cutpoint of 45 exhibited a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 86%, with a positive likelihood ratio of 4.67. Sixteen patients exhibited a BIS of zero during at least one timepoint; all of these patients died during hospitalization. Conclusions: BIS monitoring values at 24 h post-resuscitation are correlated with neurologic outcomes in patients undergoing TH treatment. In 16/62 patients, a BIS of zero at any timepoint was observed, which was uniformly correlated with poor outcome after resuscitation from cardiac arrest; however, a non-zero BIS is insufficient as a sole predictor of good neurologic survival.
Species-specific differential cleavage and polyadenylation of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 hnRNA

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is the primary physiologic inhibitor of the naturally occurring plasminogen activators. In higher primates two forms of mature PAI-1 mRNA (3.2 kb and 2.2 kb) arise by alternative cleavage and polyadenylation of PAI-1 hnRNA which is regulated in a tissue-specific fashion in humans. In other mammals only the 3.2 kb mRNA has been detected. The putative downstream polyadenylation site in humans that gives rise to the 3.2 kb PAI-1 mRNA consists of three overlapping copies of the consensus polyadenylation sequence while no consensus polyadenylation sequence is found upstream at a position that could generate the shorter mRNA species. To determine whether differential cleavage and polyadenylation of PAI-1 mRNA is due to species-specific differences in trans-acting factors that process PAI-1 mRNA or to the presence of a nonconsensus polyadenylation site acquired recently during primate evolution we prepared plasmids in which the 3' nontranslated region of the human PAI-1 gene or the mouse PAI-1 cDNA was inserted downstream of the neomycin gene in the plasmid pSV2neo. We show that the 3'-nontranslated region of the human PAI-1 gene but not the mouse PAI-1 cDNA conferred alternative cleavage and polyadenylation to the neomycin gene in transfected human Hep G2 cells as well as mouse NIH3T3 and rat L6 cells.
Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling regulates Bax and Bcl-w expression and apoptotic responses during intestinal adaptation in mice.

Background & Aims: Normal intestinal adaptation to massive small-bowel resection requires intact epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and consists of increased enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Although emphasis has been placed on understanding the regulation of proliferation, few studies have evaluated the mechanism and contribution of apoptosis to the adaptation response. We sought to test the hypothesis that epidermal growth factor receptor signaling regulates specific Bcl-2 family members (Bax and Bcl-w) to direct apoptosis and adaptation after massive small-bowel resection. Methods: Laser capture microdissection microscopy permitted measurement of Bax and Bcl-w messenger RNA expression in crypt and villus enterocytes in control conditions and under epidermal growth factor receptor–inhibited (waved-2 mice) or stimulated (epidermal growth factor transgenic mice) conditions after a 50% small-bowel resection or sham operation. Resection-induced adaptation was then studied in Bax-null and Bcl-w–null mice under control circumstances and after epidermal growth factor receptor stimulation. Results: When compared with Bcl-w, the most significant expression changes were observed with Bax and took place within crypt enterocytes. Epidermal growth factor receptor stimulation resulted in a decreased ratio of Bax to Bcl-w expression and decreased rates of apoptosis. Bax-null mice had no apoptosis response to small-bowel resection and displayed an amplified adaptation response to the administration of epidermal growth factor. Bcl-w–null mice had poor survival and impaired adaptation to small-bowel resection, an effect that was rescued by crossbreeding these mice with epidermal growth factor transgenic mice. Conclusions: The crypt expression of Bax and Bcl-w is influenced by epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and is key for the regulation of apoptosis. Epidermal growth factor receptor stimulation, coupled with apoptosis inhibition, may provide a novel strategy to amplify adaptation responses in patients after massive intestinal loss.
eNOS, NO, and the activation of ERK and AKT signaling at mid-gestation and near-term in an ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a disease responsible for neonatal morbidity and mortality and perinatal death affecting 8% of all pregnancies. In sheep, IUGR that mimics the human IUGR disease closely can be brought on by environmental hyperthermia. Endothelial nitric oxidase synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) are important in the regulation of blood flow in the fetal-placental circulation and are modulated by several factors including hypoxia. eNOS activity is also regulated by the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT proteins in various tissues. In a hyperthermic (HT) ovine model of IUGR with systemic hypertension and increased blood flow resistance, our objective was to determine the relationship between p-ERK, p-AKT, eNOS, and NO concentrations in the placenta, uterine, and umbilical vessels at mid-gestation and near-term. Eight pregnant ewes were exposed to hyperthermic conditions for either 55 or 80 days to induce IUGR. Sheep necropsies were performed at mid-gestation and near-term for collection of placentomes, umbilical vessels, and the uterine artery. Tissues were assessed for eNOS mRNA and protein, and p-ERK and p-AKT protein. Blood was collected for NO determination at the time of necropsy. Placental insufficiency and IUGR (PI-IUGR) pregnancies demonstrated: 1) reduced placental weight at mid-gestation and reduced placental and fetal weight near-term, 2) no changes in eNOS protein concentration in the uterine artery and umbilical vessels, but an increase in NO in umbilical vein blood at both time points, 3) no significant changes in signal transduction makers (ERK/AKT) in placental tissue at mid-gestation but a significant increase near-term in cotyledon tissues, and 4) an increase in p-AKT in the uterine vessels at term. The near-term findings of increased placental p-ERK and p-AKT proteins and umbilical vein NO concentration suggest one mechanism responsible for the increase in placental eNOS previously described in this PI-IUGR model characterized by fetal systemic hypertension and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.
RADICAL HOPE AND TEACHING: LEARNING POLITICAL AGENCY FROM THE POLITICALLY DISENFRANCHISED

Abstract If teaching is a political act, how can teachers hope to make a difference through their work? In this review essay, Julian Edgoose explores this question of hope in relation to three recent books: David Halpin’s Hope and Education, Jonathan Kozol’s Letters to a Young Teacher, and Jonathan Lear’s Radical Hope. Halpin describes how hope comes from our targeted efforts to connect our critical analysis of the present to a better, yet realistic, idea of the future. In contrast, Kozol (echoing Cornel West’s “tragicomic hope”) describes a hopefulness that sustains him despite and alongside his critical view of schools. Edgoose asks a further question: can one reasonably remain hopeful in the absence of that critical stance — in the absence of a sense that one can understand the situation one faces enough to know a way out? To Lear, this would be a case of “radical hope,” and Edgoose offers a second reading of Kozol through the lenses of Emmanuel Levinas and Hannah Arendt to show what such radical hope might look like for teachers.
Phase morphology of injection‐molded blends of nylon‐6 and polyethylene and comparison with compression molding

An experimental study is presented of the development of phase morphology in injection and compression molding of 80/20 and 60/40 nylon-6/polyethylene blends and its evolution during annealing. The phase morphology of the compression-molded part is isotropic, while that of both screw and ram injection-molded parts is both heterogeneous and anisotropic through the cross section. In the injection-molded parts, the morphology exhibits its greatest level of isotropy in the core and becomes increasingly anisotropic approaching the mold wall (through the thinnest cross section); i.e., the 2 direction. There is an intermediate position of maximum anisotropy. Sections made in various directions indicate that the dispersed phase forms platelets oriented in the plane of the machine and width directions. The position of maximum anisotropy seems to represent a frozen layer thickness that increases with decreasing mold temperature and with decreasing injection rate into the mold. Annealing studies show coalescence in both compression- and injection-molded bars. The greatest coalescence occurs in the injection-molded parts near the positions of greatest anisotropy of morphology. This suggests that coalescence is associated with collisions between dispersed phase globules as their sphericity increases.
Bipotential Actions of Estrogen on Progesterone Biosynthesis by Ovarian Cells. I. Relation of Estradiol's Inhibitory Actions to Cholesterol and Progestin Metabolism in Cultured Swine Granulosa Cells*

In short term, serum-free cultures of granulosa cells, estradiol inhibited basal progesterone production by more than 84% in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Half-maximal inhibition (ID50) was observed at a mean estradiol concentration of 70 ng/ml. The acute inhibitory effects of estradiol were independent of cell density or maturational status of the parent follicle (small, medium, or large follicles). Estrogen decreased total progesterone biosynthesis, rather than merely progesterone secretion by granulosa cells. In addition, the production of progesterone and its 20 alpha-reduced metabolite were suppressed in parallel over a 30-fold range of inhibitory effects. Moreover, estradiol inhibited progesterone production from both endogenous and exogenous (25-hydroxycholesterol) substrate. In contrast to its inhibition of progesterone production, estradiol acutely enhanced pregnenolone accumulation and led to a 14- to 20-fold increase in the ratio of pregnenolone to progesterone. Inhibition of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was confirmed by demonstrating estrogen's ability to antagonize the conversion of exogenously supplied pregnenolone to progesterone in intact granulosa cells (ID50, 74 ng/ml) and to directly inhibit enzymic activity in ovarian homogenates (ID50, 79 ng/ml). On the other hand, estradiol did not alter the incorporation of [14C]acetate into cholesterol and specific progestins or influence the time-dependent hydrolysis of prelabeled cholesteryl ester stores in granulosa cells. In summary, in short term cultures of swine granulosa cells, estradiol significantly inhibits basal progesterone biosynthesis in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, encompassing estradiol concentrations attainable in vivo. Estrogen's inhibition is accomplished by mechanisms that are independent of cytotoxicity, cell density, and maturational stage of the parent follicle. The predominant locus of estrogen action is blockade of pregnenolone's conversion to progesterone, rather than accelerated metabolism of progesterone to its 20 alpha-reduced metabolite. Moreover, estradiol simultaneously enhances functional cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity without suppressing de novo cholesterol biosynthesis or impairing the mobilization of cellular cholesteryl ester stores. Thus, we infer that increasing concentrations of estradiol attained in antral follicular fluid during the later stages of follicle maturation could effectively limit the premature secretion of large quantities of progesterone before ovulation without impairing the cell's capacity for de novo cholesterol biosynthesis or cholesteryl ester hydrolysis.
Progress in Executive-Function Research From Tasks to Functions to Regions to Networks

It has long been observed that damage to the frontal cortex affects a person's ability to control thought, behavior, and emotion while sometimes leaving fundamental processes such as vision, hearing, and long-term memory intact. Such observations have led theoreticians to suppose that a set of executive control functions exists, at the top of the hierarchy of mental processes. To study these executive functions and their relation to the frontal cortex and its subregions, researchers have long employed several now-classic cognitive tests in patients with brain damage. Yet until recently it has proved difficult to reliably localize the putative executive functions to discrete regions. This article illustrates how recent progress in executive-functions research has been driven by the coupling of sophisticated neuroscience techniques with advances in experimental psychology. Taking examples from recent studies, it shows how experimental tasks may be decomposed into cognitive components that can be localized t...
Familial granulomatous arthritis, iritis, and rash

Eleven family members over four generations have had granulomatous disease of the skin, eyes, and joints. Ten have had arthritis; two had skin, eye, and joint involvement; one had skin and joint disease, and one had iritis only. The disease is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait and is not associated with HLA-B27. The disease resembles sarcoidosis in some ways but not in ashear, and is probably a new syndrome. The major long-term problems are iritis and joint contractures.
Composition and Chemistry of Mechanically Recovered Beef Neck-Bone Lean

The objective was to characterize basic chemical and functional differences among mechanically recovered neck-bone lean beef (MRNL), hand-trimmed neck-bone lean beef, a control of 85% beef lean trim and bone marrow. MRNL had higher (P < 0.05) metmyoglobin reducing ability and more total iron than the control and more fat (P < 0.05) than hand trim. Values for pH were higher (P < 0.05) for MRNL than for hand trim or the control (6.68, 6.33 and 5.80, respectively). MRNL also had higher (P < 0.05) nonheme iron, total pigment and water-holding capacity. Bone marrow had higher (P < 0.05) ash, cholesterol, total iron, total pigment and pH than any lean types.
Problems with Plate Tectonics: The Labrador Sea

ABSTRACT Stratigraphic data from exploratory wells on the Labrador Shelf permit an integrated interpretation to be made of two important subsurface features of the Labrador margin revealed by multichannel reflection seismic surveys. Firstly, a strong reflector buried deep beneath the slope and rise off northern Labrador is interpreted to represent an unconformity correlative with the Early Cretaceous unconformity beneath the continental shelf to the south. Secondly, a tentative Late Miocene age has been determined for a buried erosional surface represented by irregular seismic reflectors on the Labrador Shelf. These interpretations conflict with existing plate-tectonic models of the Labrador Sea region. The unconformity beneath the slope and rise off northern Labrador indicates that continental crust extends into a region that previously has been defined as oceanic on the basis of magnetic, gravity, and refraction seismic measurements interpreted in a plate-tectonic mode. The Late Miocene erosional surface on the shelf serves as a marker to illustrate the style of subsidence of the Labrador continental margin in Late Cenozoic time; it is apparent that this subsidence has not proceeded as predicted by conventional plate-tectonic models. These conflicts pose such questions concerning basic precepts of plate-tectonic theory as the source of linear magnetic anomalies on the seafloor, and the validity of refraction seismic criteria as a basis for defining crust as continental or oceanic. As the Labrador Sea is considered a 'typical' ocean, the problems with plate-tectonic models in this region may exist in other oceanic areas. For the Labrador margin, these conflicts with plate-tectonic models have important implications regarding the occurrence and extent of 'basement' rocks with potential for trapping or generating hydrocarbons.
Chemically defined medium and Caenorhabditis elegans

C. elegans has been established as a powerful genetic system. Use of a chemically defined medium (C. elegans Maintenance Medium (CeMM)) now allows standardization and systematic manipulation of the nutrients that animals receive. Liquid cultivation allows automated culturing and experimentation and should be of use in large-scale growth and screening of animals. We find that CeMM is versatile and culturing is simple. CeMM can be used in a solid or liquid state, it can be stored unused for at least a year, unattended actively growing cultures may be maintained longer than with standard techniques, and standard C. elegans protocols work well with animals grown in defined medium. We also find that there are caveats to using defined medium. Animals in defined medium grow more slowly than on standard medium, appear to display adaptation to the defined medium, and display altered growth rates as they change the composition of the defined medium. As was suggested with the introduction of C. elegans as a potential genetic system, use of defined medium with C. elegans should prove a powerful tool.
Reaction of sweet corn to inoculation with barley yellow dwarf virus RMV-IL

The reaction of five sweet corn hybrids to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-RMV-IL) was determined in 1992 and 1993. In 1992, symptoms were observed in three of the five hybrids planted 20 May and four of the five hybrids planted 20 June. No symptoms were observed in hybrids planted June or July 1993. The mean virus incidences of RMV-IL determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all plots for the May and June 1992 planting dates were 3.5 and 21%, respectively. The mean virus incidence for the inoculated plots for the June 1992 planting date was significantly higher than incidence for the control plots (29 versus 13%). Ear weights were significantly lower for inoculated plots than for the control plots (1.2 kg versus 1.4 k/10 ears). The mean virus incidences of RMV-IL in all plots for the June and July 1993 planting dates were 31 and 23%, respectively. The mean virus incidence for the inoculated plots for the June 1993 planting date was significantly higher than incidence for the control plots (49 versus 14%). Plots inoculated in June 1993 also had a significantly lower ear weight than the control plots (1.8 kg versus 2.0 kg/10 ears). A range of symptoms, infection levels, and yield responses of sweet corn hybrids to BYD-RMV-IL was demonstrated in this study. Hybrid susceptibility to this strain of BYDV should be considered when planting sweet corn from middle to late June in order to limit potential yield losses.
Ultrasound in abdominal trauma

This article reviews current issues regarding the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination. Technical performance issues, decision-making and practice algorithms, fluid volume and scoring systems, proficiency and training, and the role of the FAST in pediatric trauma are covered. This article examines the FAST examination from a practical, evidenced-based stand-point.
Automated assembly in the presence of significant system errors

A primary source of difficulty in automated assembly is the uncertainty in the relative position of the parts being assembled. A logic branching approach to solving this problem is discussed. Force sensor information, responses to recent moves, and results from previous assemblies are used to generate the branching decisions. Several heuristic assembly algorithms are presented. The proposed approach generates efficient compliant motion strategies for any set of hard, smooth parts that can be modeled as a peg and hole. Two of the algorithms converge to acceptable performance levels in less than 100 assembly trials. This implies that a real assembly cell using these algorithms would converge quickly enough for the learning to be done online. This would eliminate the modeling errors introduced by learning with an assembly simulator. Logic branching is compared with other machine learning and expert system techniques. >
Internet Capacity, Network Traffic And Net Neutrality

The majority of Internet traffic is exchanged directly on private lines through mutual peering agreements, and although bandwidth usage is growing by about 50% per year, content publishers have invested in services, such as Akamai to ensure online content is transmitted faster. This means some traffic is already being sent on less crowded connections, and some are cached downstream. So, what about Net Neutrality. Is all Internet traffic really created equal, or is some traffic more equal than others?
Where Is Citizenship Education in the Age of Common Core State Standards

There was a time in United States history when the central argument for investing in public education was to ensure that voters were sufficiently informed about the issues of the day to make wise decisions: education for self-governance. According to multiple sources, voter ignorance remains a serious concern and this may be a factor in why the political system in the United States is not more responsive to the needs and preferences of the electorate. Based on an analysis of political discourse and educational policy initiatives, this essay argues that democratic citizenship education has been sidelined by the focus on education for jobs and the economy and outlines what a serious focus on education for active democratic citizenship should entail.
New species and records of Melaloncha ( Udamochiras ) bee-killing flies (Diptera: Phoridae)

Nine new species of Neotropical Melaloncha (Udamochiras) bee-killing flies are described: M. altobenia, atribiseta, concavella and sarmientoi from Bolivia, M. ancistra from Colombia, M. corniculata and schiaffinoae from Argentina, M. cucharella from Honduras, and M. stenotes from Costa Rica. The first host information is given for M. (U.) colossia, which attacks introduced honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in northern Argentina.
Abbreviations and Mathematical Notation

Abbreviations for states: For those not familiar with geography, I mentioned British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, without saying that they are provinces of Canada, I mentioned England, Scotland, and Wales, without saying that they are part of the UK (United Kingdom), and for the United States of America I used DC = District of Columbia, and among the fifty states, CA = California, CT = Connecticut, GA = Georgia, IL = Illinois, IN = Indiana, KS = Kansas, KY = Kentucky, MA = Massachusetts, MD = Maryland, MI = Michigan, MN = Minnesota, MO = Missouri, NC = North Carolina, NJ = New Jersey, NM = New Mexico, NY = New York, OH = Ohio, PA = Pennsylvania, RI = Rhode Island, SC = South Carolina, TX = Texas, UT = Utah, VA = Virginia,WA =Washington, WI = Wisconsin.
Conditional Relevance Under IRE 104(b) in Relation to Uncharged Misconduct Covered by IRE 404(b) and Related Problems Requiring Fact Analysis

One of the most challenging problems facing criminal defense counsel in an anticipated trial arises when the state attempts to introduce uncharged misconduct (other crimes) evidence pursuant to Rule 404(b) for a relevant purpose other than “propensity” evidence barred by Rule 404(a). Often this evidence will involve alleged crimes for which the defendant has not nor will not be tried. As defense counsel we know that this type of evidence is highly prejudicial. Despite the state’s lofty claims that the evidence is independently relevant to show, “motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, or absence of mistake or accident,” (and the availability of limiting instructions via Rule 105), jurors are more than likely to draw the, “he’s a bad guy so he is probably guilty,” inference.Often misunderstood and underutilized are the foundational requirements specified by Rule 104(b), (the so-called “conditional relevance” rule), that can be employed to inhibit misuse of evidence of uncharged misconduct under Rule 404(b).The techniques outlined below are useful also in addressing a variety of issues arising under Rule 401, 402, and 403; as well as claims of “harmless error” and insufficiency of evidence.
DNA methylation modifies the association between obesity and survival after breast cancer diagnosis

Mechanisms underlying the poor breast cancer prognosis among obese women are unresolved. DNA methylation levels are linked to obesity and to breast cancer survival. We hypothesized that obesity may work in conjunction with the epigenome to alter prognosis. Using a population-based sample of women diagnosed with first primary breast cancer, we examined modification of the obesity-mortality association by DNA methylation. In-person interviews were conducted approximately 3 months after diagnosis. Weight and height were assessed [to estimate body mass index (BMI)], and blood samples collected. Promoter methylation of 13 breast cancer-related genes was assessed in archived tumor by methylation-specific PCR and Methyl Light. Global methylation in white blood cell DNA was assessed by analysis of long interspersed elements-1 (LINE-1) and with the luminometric methylation assay (LUMA). Vital status among 1308 patients (with any methylation biomarker and complete BMI assessment) was determined after approximately 15 years of follow-up (N = 194/441 deaths due to breast cancer-specific/all-cause mortality). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using two-sided p values of 0.05. Breast cancer-specific mortality was higher among obese (BMI ≥ 30) patients with promoter methylation in APC (HR = 2.47; 95 % CI = 1.43-4.27) and TWIST1 (HR = 4.25; 95 % CI = 1.43-12.70) in breast cancer tissue. Estimates were similar, but less pronounced, for all-cause mortality. Increased all-cause (HR = 1.81; 95 % CI = 1.19-2.74) and breast cancer-specific (HR = 2.61; 95 % CI = 1.45-4.69) mortality was observed among obese patients with the lowest LUMA levels. The poor breast cancer prognosis associated with obesity may depend on methylation profiles, which warrants further investigation.
On the Measurement of Purchase Data: Surveys versus Purchase Diaries

The first large-scale marketing study in which individual consumers’ survey responses could be linked to their panel diary recordings is reported. The results, for the margarine category only, indi...
Trombicula jamesoni Brennan, 1948 (Acarina, Trombiculidae) placed in the genus Euschoengastia.

Trombicula jamesoni Brennan, 1948, a chigger collected on shrews in the state of New York, is placed as Euschoengastia (Famllioides) jamesoni . The new combination involves transfer from the Trombiculini to the Schoengastini. Both Farrellia and Farrellioides Vercammen-Grandjean, 1960 are now considered subgenera of Euschoengastia . Reliance on the type of sensillae is not always a good criterion and should be combined with other morphological characters.
Meeting renewable energy and land use objectives through public–private biomass supply partnerships

Bioenergy is a significant source of renewable energy in the U.S. and internationally. We explore whether creation of localized bioenergy markets near existing military installations in the southeastern U.S. could simultaneously address military renewable energy generation objectives while reducing urban encroachment. We model the use of public–private partnerships to stimulate the creation of these markets, in which stable installation demand is paired with stable supply from surrounding landowners. We employ two economic models – the SubRegional Timber Supply (SRTS) model and the Forest and Agricultural Sector Model with Greenhouse Gases (FASOMGHG) – to assess how markets influence forest and agriculture land use, renewable energy production, and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation at the regional and national levels. When all selected installations increase bioenergy capacity simultaneously, we find increased preservation of forest land area, increased forest carbon storage in the region, and increased renewable energy generation at military installations. Nationally, however, carbon stocks are depleted as harvests increase, increasing GHG emissions even after accounting for potential displaced emissions from coal- or natural gas-fired generation. Increasing bioenergy generation on a single installation within the southeast has very different effects on forest area and composition, yielding greater standing timber volume and higher forest carbon stock. In addition to demonstrating the benefits of linking two partial equilibrium models of varying solution technique, sectoral scope, and resource detail, results suggest that a tailored policy approach may be more effective in meeting local encroachment reduction and renewable energy generation objectives while avoiding negative GHG mitigation consequences.
Simulation of Turbulent Channel Flow Using a Linear and Non Linear realizable Unified RANS-LES Model

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is computationally expensive at high Reynolds numbers (Re), especially for the accurate resolution of the near-wall region in wall-bounded flows. Hence, hybrid turbulence models have been developed to reduce the computational cost of LES. In the hybridmodeling approach, the near-wall region is modeled using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methods while regions away from the wall are modeled using LES. The most commonly used hybrid models do not accurately predict the mean streamwise velocity and the Reynolds normal stresses for attached flows without empirical modifications. Hence, there is a need for the development of unified turbulence models which can be used continuously as LES or RANS methods for both attached and separated flows. The current study investigates the performance of a unified turbulence model derived using stochastic analysis. Turbulent channel flow is used as the test case to evaluate the performance of the unified turbulence model. The current study provides encouraging results for the use of the unified turbulence model considered to investigate complex turbulent flows.
The late prognosis after localized resection for fixed (discrete and tunnel) left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

We studied the follow-up status of 56 patients after operation for fixed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), 42 with discrete LVOTO consisting of an obstructing membranous ring in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and 14 with tunnel (diffuse) LVOTO. Forty-one of the 56 patients were available for long-term follow-up. Patients with discrete LVOTO fared better than patients with tunnel LVOTO postoperatively in their functional class status (discrete: 21 in Class I, five in Class 13; tunnel: one in Class I, four in Class II; p 50 mm Hg, (4) significant aortic regurgitation, (5) bacterial endocarditis, or (6) complete heart block (discrete: 43% ±9% at 4 years, 36% ± 9% at 10 years, and 15% ± 9% at 20 years; tunnel: 0% at 4 years; p
The purification and properties of butyryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase from Peptostreptococcus elsdenii.

Butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase prepared by a simple procedure from Peptostreptococcus elsdenii has a molecular weight of approx. 150000. The enzyme has FAD as its prosthetic group. The amino acid analysis is reported. This enzyme, like most of the corresponding mammalian ones, is green. The absorption band at 710nm can be abolished irreversibly by dithionite reduction and air reoxidation; it can be abolished reversibly by phenylmercuric acetate or potassium bromide. The enzyme as isolated appears to be a mixture of a green and a yellow form, both of which are active. This view is supported by the variable `greenness' of different preparations and the biphasic curve obtained in anaerobic spectrophotometric titrations with dithionite. It can be calculated from the titration results that fully green enzyme would have a peak-to-peak absorption ratio (E710/E430) as great as 0.54. The green form is much less rapidly reduced by dithionite than the yellow form, but is nevertheless much more readily reduced by dithionite than the enzyme from pig liver. It is also more readily reoxidized by air and shows less tendency to form a semiquinone. Treatment with sodium borohydride produces an unusual reduced species that is probably the 3,4-dihydroflavin.
Treatment of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy by Descemet Stripping Without Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Purpose:To evaluate the effect of deliberate removal of the central Descemet membrane on endothelial function and morphology in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) and cataract undergoing phacoemulsification.Methods:In this retrospective case series, patients with FED and visually signif
Preoperative and Perioperative Management of Cardiac Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

Identifying patients at highest risk for cardiac complications during noncardiac surgery requires use of clinical stratification and, under special circumstances, specialized cardiac testing. Active clinical conditions should be stabilized, and the surgical team should have guidance in managing cardiac medications and perioperative cardiac monitoring and in postoperative management of any cardiac complications. The impact of interventions to preempt cardiac complications is largely unstudied. When considering coronary revascularization prior to elective noncardiac surgery, the clinician should consider whether revascularization would be advised if the patient were not undergoing the planned surgery, and the relative urgency of the noncardiac surgery.
ICU Use and Quality of Care for Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure

Background Quality of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF) varies across hospitals, but the factors driving variation are incompletely understood. We evaluated the relationship between a hospital's ICU or coronary care unit (CCU) admission rate and quality of care provided to patients with AMI or HF. Methods A retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized in 2010 with AMI or HF was performed. Hospitals were grouped into quintiles according to their risk- and reliability-adjusted ICU admission rates for AMI or HF. We examined the rates that hospitals failed to deliver standard AMI or HF processes of care (process measure failure rates), 30-day mortality, 30-day readmissions, and Medicare spending after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. Results Hospitals in the lowest quintile had ICU admission rates 61% for AMI or > 24% for HF. Hospitals in the highest quintile had higher process measure failure rates for some but not all process measures. Hospitals in the top quintile had greater 30-day mortality (14.8% vs 14.0% [ P = .002] for AMI; 11.4% vs 10.6% [ P Conclusions Hospitals with the highest rates of ICU admission for patients with AMI or HF delivered lower quality of care and had higher 30-day mortality for these conditions. Hospitals with high ICU use may be targets to improve care delivery.
PANDA: Extreme Scale Parallel K-Nearest Neighbor on Distributed Architectures

Computing k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) is oneof the core kernels used in many machine learning, datamining and scientific computing applications. Although kd-treebased O(log n) algorithms have been proposed for computingKNN, due to its inherent sequentiality, linear algorithms arebeing used in practice. This limits the applicability of suchmethods to millions of data points, with limited scalabilityfor Big Data analytics challenges in the scientific domain. In this paper, we present parallel and highly optimized kdtreebased KNN algorithms (both construction and querying) suitable for distributed architectures. Our algorithm includesnovel approaches for pruning search space and improvingload balancing and partitioning among nodes and threads. Using TB-sized datasets from three science applications: astrophysics, plasma physics, and particle physics, we showthat our implementation can construct kd-tree of 189 billionparticles in 48 seconds on utilizing ~50,000 cores. We alsodemonstrate computation of KNN of 19 billion queries in12 seconds. We demonstrate almost linear speedup both forshared and distributed memory computers. Our algorithmsoutperforms earlier implementations by more than order ofmagnitude, thereby radically improving the applicability of ourimplementation to state-of-the-art Big Data analytics problems.
Nonlinear Time-Delay Systems

In this chapter, the basic theory of nonlinear time-delay dynamical systems will be introduced. Local theory and bifurcation theory for nonlinear time-delay dynamical systems will be discussed. The stability switching and bifurcation on specific eigenvectors of the linearized, time-delayed system at equilibrium will be discussed. The higher-order singularity and stability for nonlinear time-delay systems on the specific eigenvectors will be developed. The lower dimensional, nonlinear, time-delay systems will be discussed for a better understanding of the stability and bifurcation theory.