cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortical contrast gain control in human spatial vision.

1. We evaluated human visual cortical contrast gain using visual evoked potential (VEP) measurements. The steady-state VEP was elicited by 7.5 Hz contrast modulation of a 6 cycles/deg sinusoidal grating. The stimulus may be regarded as the sum of a steady grating (C) and a counterphase grating of the same spatial frequency (delta C). The counterphase grating is modulated sinusoidally in time. 2. The VEP was measured to combinations of different modulation contrasts (delta C) and different mean levels of grating contrast (C) which produced stimuli with contrast modulation depths (delta C/C) ranging from 0.0625 to 1.0 ('on-off'). 3. The VEP signals were Fourier analysed and the amplitude and phase of the first (7.5 Hz) and second (15 Hz) harmonic frequency components were examined. The monocular VEP to a contrast-modulated grating contains significant first and second harmonic frequency components. 4. The amplitude and phase of the monocular VEP was plotted as a function of delta C for each mean level of contrast explored. The amplitudes of both the first and second harmonic frequency components grow with increasing delta C. However, the slope of each function depends on the mean contrast (C): with higher levels of C, the slope of the function is more shallow. Furthermore, at each level of C the amplitude of the first harmonic frequency saturates at a lower delta C than does the second harmonic frequency component. VEP amplitude is therefore not determined by the absolute contrast change (delta C) alone. The VEP phase of the first harmonic frequency shows less dependence on either modulation or on mean contrast; the phase of the second harmonic frequency component is strongly dependent on mean contrast (C) but not on delta C. 5. When the second harmonic amplitude component of the VEP response (R) is expressed as Ractual/Rmax, where Rmax is the response to C = delta C (i.e. 'on-off'), all second harmonic VEP functions can be well fitted with a power function. This is not the case for the function of the first harmonic amplitude data. 6. A dichoptic VEP was obtained by presenting the steady and counterphase gratings to opposite eyes. The dichoptic VEP, in distinction to the monocular VEP, contains only a second harmonic frequency component. The amplitude of the second harmonic frequency component grows with increasing delta C, similar to the function seen for the monocular VEP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Three-Point Bending Device for flexure testing of soft tissues

This 3-Point Bending Device is intended to provide the user with a novel tool used to obtain material property information for biological tissues. Specifically, the device is intended to provide the user with the stress-strain relationship of the tested tissue in the low-strain region (≪5% strain) and provide the location of the neutral axis. The stress-strain relationship is useful because it allows the user to predict the response of tissue to an applied load. The location of the neutral axis is important because it allows the user to estimate the contributions of different layers in a multi-layered tissue specimen. No patented device or device described in the literature is capable of carrying out both of these functions.
Protocols for processes: programming in the large for open systems

The modeling and enactment of business processes is being recognized as key to modern information managment. The expansion of Web services has increased the attention given to processes, because processes are how services are composed and put to good use. However, current approaches are inadequate for flexibly modeling and enacting processes. These approaches take a logically centralized view of processes, treating a process as an implementation of a composed service. They provide low-level scripting languages to specify how a service may be implemented, rather than what interactions are expected from it. Consequently, existing approaches fail to adequately accommodate the essential properties of the business partners in a process (the partners would be realized via services)---their autonomy (freedom of action), heterogeneity (freedom of design), and dynamism (freedom of configuration).Flexibly represented protocols can provide a more natural basis for specifying processes. Protocols specify what rather than how; thus they naturally maximize the authonomy, heterogeneity, and dynamism of the interacting parties. We are developing an approach for modeling and enacting business processes based on protocols. This paper describes some elements of (1) a conceptual model of processes that will incorporate abstractions based on protocols, roles, and commitments; (2)the semantics or mathematical foundations underlying the conceptual model and mapping global views of processes to the local actions of the parties involved; (3) methodologies involving rule-based reasoning to specify processes in terms of compositions of protocols.
Microwave frequency division and multiplication using an optically injected semiconductor laser

Nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor lasers is applied for microwave frequency division. Optical injection is used to drive a slave laser into the dynamical period-two state. A fundamental microwave frequency and its subharmonic are generated in the power spectrum. Both frequencies will be simultaneously locked when an external microwave near either frequency is applied on the bias. In our experiment, precise microwave frequency division is demonstrated by modulating the laser at the fundamental of 18.56 GHz. A locked subharmonic at 9.28 GHz with a low phase variance of 0.007 rad/sup 2/ is obtained from a 10-dBm input. A large locking range of 0.61 GHz is measured under a 4-dBm modulation. Similarly, precise frequency multiplication is demonstrated by modulating at 9.65 GHz. At an input power of -5 dBm, a multiplied signal at 19.30 GHz is obtained with a phase variance of 0.027 rad/sup 2/ and a locking range of 0.22 GHz.
Hearing Screening Practices Among a National Sample of Primary Care Pediatricians

The objective of this study was to describe variations in hearing screening using a survey mailed to a national sample of primary care pediatricians prior to the 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) hearing screening guidelines. Of the 390 primary care respondents, only 303 (78%) performed audiometry, routinely beginning at age 3 (32%), 4 (44%), or 5 (17%); 81% defined abnormal audiometry primarily as failure to hear at a specified decibel level: 15 dB hearing level (HL) (<1%), 16 to 20 dB HL (10%), 21 to 25 dB HL (23%), 26 to 30 dB HL (44%), 31 to 40 dB HL (16%), and more than 40 dB HL (6%). This study serves as a baseline for comparison with postguideline practices.
Advertising as a Consumer Issue: An Historical View

Since the early 20th century, advertising has been a focus of concern for the consumer movement. As advertising itself has changed, it has raised new issues for consumer advocates. Both self-regulation and external control have been utilized to deal with the consumer problems advertising has presented. With the rise of persuasive national advertising in the Progressive Era, advertising leaders launched a “Truth in Advertising” movement to establish their craft's credibility, but the industry's narrow concept of truth prevented it from dealing with some of the larger issues that advertising raised. State laws and the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accompanied this self-regulation. In the 1920s and 1930s, a consumer movement attacked deceptive advertising, but internal reform was limited. A reinvigorated consumer movement, a more active FTC, and advertising based on market segmentation characterized the 1960s and 1970s, and advertising interests initiated new self-regulatory procedures in 1971. More recently, deregulation has emerged as a rival method for promoting consumer well-being. The broadened focus of consumerism suggests that advertising will continue to be a matter of concern for consumer advocates.
Further experiments on steady separated flows past bluff objects

Detailed experimental results are presented for the steady separated flow past a variety of bluff objects. Included in this work are measurements of: rear stagnation point pressure coefficients; the pressure distribution along the base of a backward-facing step; velocity profiles within the circulating wake-bubble as well as in the outer flow; lengths, maximum widths and vortex centre locations of the corresponding wake-bubbles; and the local shear stress along the surface of a circular cylinder. In every case, the experimental data were found to be consistent with the theoretical model proposed by Acrivos et al. (1965) for the steady separated flow past bluff objects in the limit of large Reynolds numbers R.
Review of defense display research programs

Display research has comprised a substantial portion of the defense investment in new technology for national security for the past 13 years. These investments have been made by the separate service departments and, especially, via several Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) programs, known collectively as the High Definition Systems (HDS) Program (which ended in 2001) and via the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program (efforts ended in 2000). Using input from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to focus research and identify insertion opportunities, DARPA and the Title III Program Office have made investments to develop the national technology base and manufacturing infrastructure necessary to meet the twin challenge of providing affordable displays in current systems and enabling the DoD strategy of winning future conflicts by getting more information to all participants during the battle. These completed DARPA and DPA research and infrastructure programs are reviewed. Service investments have been and are being made to transition display technology; examples are described. Display science and technology (S&T) visions are documented for each service to assist the identification of areas meriting consideration for future defense research.
Palynological and bulk geochemical constraints on the paleoceanographic conditions across the Frasnian–Famennian boundary, New Albany Shale, Indiana

Abstract A down-core record of stable isotope and geochemical results is integrated with palynofacies (kerogen) data from the New Albany Shale (Indiana) to reconstruct environmental changes that occurred across the Frasnian–Famennian boundary. Preliminary interpretations are focused on developing several multiproxy linkages that will potentially lead toward a more robust understanding of the occurrence and significance of phytoplankton assemblage variations during the Late Devonian, a time of widespread black shale formation. Development of such linkages will potentially provide a more comprehensive assessment of the various controls on 1) primary production, and 2) carbon sequestration in a large, low-paleolatitude intracratonic basin. An abrupt change in the geochemical and biotic proxies for particulate organic matter across the Frasnian–Famennian boundary coincides with a distinct lithological change, characterized by laminated, brownish-black Famennian mudstones unconformably overlying alternating bioturbated, greenish-gray and non-bioturbated, dark-gray Frasnian mudstones. Elemental and isotopic profiles reflect different patterns of production, degradation, and removal of organic carbon in the two shale facies. A shift from acritarch- to prasinophyte-dominated waters across the boundary indicates the overall importance of bathymetric fluctuations, chemico-physical conditions, and nutrient availability related to eustatic sea-level change. A positive δ 13 C V-PDB shift of 1.1‰ across the boundary is interpreted to be correlative with the global Upper Kellwasser Event. A preliminary model is proposed to explain the sustainable primary production during times of maximum flooding, thereby enhancing organic preservation during black shale formation.
Overlapping Functions of Nuclear Envelope Proteins NET25 (Lem2) and Emerin in Regulation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling in Myoblast Differentiation

Mutations in certain nuclear envelope (NE) proteins cause muscular dystrophies and other disorders, but the disease mechanisms remain unclear. The nuclear envelope transmembrane protein NET25 (Lem2) is a truncated paralog of MAN1, an NE component linked to bone disorders. NET25 and MAN1 share an ∼40-residue LEM homology domain with emerin, the protein mutated in X-linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. However, roles for NET25 and MAN1 in myogenesis have not yet been described. Using RNA interference in C2C12 myoblasts, we show for the first time that both NET25 and MAN1 are required for myogenic differentiation. NET25 depletion causes hyperactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 at the onset of differentiation, and pharmacological inhibition of this transient overactivation rescues myogenesis. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of both mitogen-activated protein kinase and transforming growth factor β signaling is required to rescue differentiation after MAN1 depletion. Ectopic expression of silencing-resistant NET25 rescues myogenesis after depletion of emerin but not after MAN1 silencing. Thus, NET25 and emerin have at least partially overlapping functions during myogenic differentiation, which are distinct from those of MAN1. Our work supports the hypothesis that deregulation of cell signaling contributes to NE-linked disorders and suggests that mutations in NET25 and MAN1 may cause muscle diseases.
Superstring theory and CP violating phases: Can they be related?

We investigate the possibility of large $\mathrm{CP}$-violating phases in the soft breaking terms derived in superstring models. The bounds on the electric dipole moments (EDM's) of the electron and neutron are satisfied through cancellations occurring because of the structure of the string models. Three general classes of four-dimensional string models are considered: (i) orbifold compactifications of perturbative heterotic string theory, (ii) scenarios based on Ho\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}ava-Witten theory, and (iii) type I string models (type IIB orientifolds). Nonuniversal phases of the gaugino mass parameters greatly facilitate the necessary cancellations among the various contributions to the EDM's; in the overall modulus limit, the gaugino masses are universal at the tree level in both the perturbative heterotic models and the Ho\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}ava-Witten scenarios, which severely restricts the allowed regions of parameter space. Nonuniversal gaugino masses do arise at one-loop in the heterotic orbifold models, providing for corners of parameter space with $\mathcal{O}(1)$ phases consistent with the phenomenological bounds. However, there is a possibility of nonuniversal gaugino masses at the tree level in the type I models, depending on the details of the embedding of the SM into the D-brane sectors. We find that, in a minimal model with a particular embedding of the standard model gauge group into two D-brane sectors, viable large phase solutions can be obtained over a wide range of parameter space.
Modulation of the Translational Landscape During Herpesvirus Infection

Herpesviral mRNAs are produced and translated by cellular machinery, rendering them susceptible to the network of regulatory events that impact translation. In response, these viruses have evolved to infiltrate and hijack translational control pathways as well as to integrate specialized host translation strategies into their own repertoire. They are robust systems to dissect mechanisms of mammalian translational regulation and continue to offer insight into cis-acting mRNA features that impact assembly and activity of the translation apparatus. Here, I discuss recent advances revealing the extent to which the three herpesvirus subfamilies regulate both host and viral translation, thereby dramatically impacting the landscape of protein synthesis in infected cells.
A quicker assessment of input uncertainty

"Input uncertainty" refers the effect of driving a simulation with input distributions that are based on real-world data. At WSC 2012, Ankenman and Nelson presented a quick-and-easy experiment to assess the overall effect of input uncertainty on simulation output. When their method reveals that input uncertainty is substantial, then the natural follow-up questions are which input distributions contribute the most to input uncertainty, and from which input processes would it be most beneficial to collect more data? To answer these questions Ankenman and Nelson proposed a sequence of additional experiments that are in no sense "quick." In this paper we provide a follow-up analysis that requires no additional simulation experiments beyond the overall assessment, and yet provides more information than Ankenman and Nelson. Numerical illustrations are provided.
12.2: Solution Processable Passivation Layer for Active Matrix Thin Film Transistors on Rigid and Flexible Substrates

Organosiloxane based spin on planarizing dielectrics (PTS-E and PTS-R) were developed for application in flat panel displays as a replacement to conformal chemical vapor deposited SiNx. Here we demonstrate the successful use of siloxane-based material as a passivation layer for active matrix α-Si thin film transistors (TFT) on both rigid and flexible substrates.
Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings in the recipient twin before laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objectives In twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), persistent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery is a rare finding in the recipient twin, and the clinical implications of this finding are not well characterized. We sought to study the clinical importance of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms in recipient twins and determine the perinatal survival of these twins after laser surgery. Methods A retrospective study of patients with TTTS treated with laser surgery between 2006 and 2012 was conducted. Recipient twins with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow on preoperative sonography were identified, and clinical and perinatal outcomes were compared to the remaining cohort. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher exact and χ(2) tests. Results Of 369 consecutive TTTS cases, 14 (3.8%) had absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow in the recipient twin. The rate of hydrops was higher in this group compared to those without absent or reversed flow (35.7% [5 of 14] versus 10.1% [36 of 355]; P = .0125). The rate of recipient twin growth restriction was also higher in the absent or reversed flow group (28.6% [4 of 14] versus 3.9% [14 of 355]; P = .0029). There was an increased rate of recipient fetal demise within 24 hours after surgery in those with absent or reversed flow (21.4% [3 of 14] versus 2.5% [9 of 355]; P = .0078), although there was no statistical difference in 30-day survival between the groups (78.6% [11 of 14] versus 89.9% [319 of 355]; P = .1751). Conclusions Doppler findings of absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow are rare in recipient twins. Although immediate post-laser surgery survival is relatively decreased in this group, overall perinatal survival rates appear to be favorable.
Bidirectional data aggregation scheme for wireless sensor networks

In this paper, bidirectional data aggregation (BDA) scheme is proposed for wireless sensor networks. Traditionally, data aggregation bas been performed in backward direction (from source to sink) where each node in the network combines data from its child nodes. BDA algorithm, however, aggregates sensory data in both directions (sink to sources and sources to sink) when the sink is interested in gathering singular aggregates such as MAX and MIN. In forward aggregation (sink to sources), each node tags its sensor reading to the ongoing query only if its local reading is not redundant. Node receiving the tagged query suppresses its response if its local reading is redundant. By doing so, we can limit a number of redundant and unnecessary responses from the sensor nodes, saving energy. Performance evaluation shows that BDA algorithm significantly improves energy-efficiency as well as provides an accurate response for a given singular query in the presence of time-varying sensor readings.
USTUR WHOLE BODY CASE 0269: DEMONSTRATING EFFECTIVENESS OF I.V. CA-DTPA FOR PU

This whole body donation case (USTUR Registrant) involved a single acute inhalation of an acidic Pu(NO3)4 solution in the form of an aerosol 'mist'. Chelation treatment with intravenously (i.v.) Ca-EDTA was initiated on the day of the intake, and continued intermittently over 6 months. After 2.5 y with no further treatment, a course of i.v. Ca-DTPA was administered. A total of 400 measurements of 239+240Pu excreted in urine were recorded; starting on the first day (both before and during the initial Ca-EDTA chelation) and continuing for 37 y. This sampling included all intervals of chelation. In addition, 91 measurements of 239+240Pu-in-feces were recorded over this whole period. The Registrant died about 38 y after the intake, at age 79 y, with extensive carcinomatosis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland. At autopsy, all major soft tissue organs were harvested for radiochemical analyses of their 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am content. Also, all types of bone (comprising about half the skeleton) were harvested for radiochemical analyses, as well as samples of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle. This comprehensive data set has been applied to derive 'chelation-enhanced' transfer rates in the ICRP Publication 67 plutonium biokinetic model, representing the behaviour of blood-borne and tissue-incorporated plutonium during intervals of therapy. The resulting model of the separate effects of i.v. Ca-EDTA and Ca-DTPA chelation shows that the therapy administered in this case succeeded in reducing substantially the long-term burden of plutonium in all body organs, except for the lungs. The calculated reductions in organ content at the time of death are approximately 40% for the liver, 60% for other soft tissues (muscle, skin, glands, etc.), 50% for the kidneys and 50% for the skeleton. Essentially, all of the substantial reduction in skeletal burden occurred in trabecular bone. This modelling exercise demonstrated that 3-y-delayed Ca-DTPA therapy was as effective as promptly administered Ca-EDTA.
Editorial Misconduct—Definition, Cases, and Causes

Though scientific misconduct perpetrated by authors has received much press, little attention has been given to the role of journal editors. This article discusses cases and types of “editorial misconduct”, in which the action or inaction of editorial agents ended in publication of fraudulent work and/or poor or failed retractions of such works, all of which ultimately harm scientific integrity and the integrity of the journals involved. Rare but existent, editorial misconduct ranges in severity and includes deliberate omission or ignorance of peer review, insufficient guidelines for authors, weak or disingenuous retraction notices, and refusal to retract. The factors responsible for editorial misconduct and the options to address these are discussed.
Chestnut Shell as Unexploited Source of Fermentable Sugars: Effect of Different Pretreatment Methods on Enzymatic Saccharification

Chestnut shell (CS) is an agronomic residue mainly used for extraction of antioxidants or as adsorbent of metal ions. It also contains some polysaccharide that has not been considered as potential source of fermentable sugars for biofuel production until now. In this study, the effect of different pretreatment methods on CS was evaluated in order to obtain the greatest conversion of cellulose and xylan into fermentable sugars. Hot acid impregnation, steam explosion (acid-catalysed or not), and aqueous ammonia soaking (AAS) were selected as pretreatments. The pretreated biomass was subjected to saccharification with two enzyme cocktails prepared from commercial preparations, and evaluation of the best pretreatment and enzyme cocktail was based on the yield of fermentable sugars produced. As AAS provided the best result after preliminary experiments, enhancement of sugar production was attempted by changing the concentrations of ammonium hydroxide, enzymes, and CS. The optimal pretreatment condition was 10 % ammonium hydroxide, 70 °C, 22 h with CS at 5 % solid loading. After saccharification of the pretreated CS for 72 h at 50 °C and pH 5.0 with a cocktail containing cellulase (Accellerase 1500), beta-glucosidase (Accellerase BG), and xylanase (Accellerase XY), glucose and xylose yields were 67.8 and 92.7 %, respectively.
Blood Pressure Reactivity to Psychological Stress: A New Risk Factor for Coronary Disease?

The report by Matthews et al1 in this issue of Hypertension that increased systolic blood pressure reactivity while playing a video game predicts increased incidence of having some coronary calcification 13 years later is consistent with prior research they cite showing associations between cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress and various indices of atherosclerotic disease in human and animal studies. What sets this report apart from the prior research, however, is (1) the prediction of increased coronary artery calcification by blood pressure (BP) reactivity in a large, diverse sample of healthy young adults; (2) the demonstration that this prediction is independent of resting blood pressure and other established coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors measured at the same time; and (3) the demonstration that the prediction is not mediated by interim development of hypertension or the metabolic syndrome. The authors are appropriately cautious in noting that final appraisal of the full implications of their findings will depend on results obtained when “BP reactivity protocols are added to future epidemiological protocols.” As one who has previously joined with other behavioral and social science advocates in what seemed, in many cases, to be an uphill battle to convince those in charge of designing large-scale …
The adaptive response of mouse tumours to anaemia and retransfusion.

SummaryWe have developed exchange transfusion methods to alter the haematocrit of tumour-bearing mice. The effects of anaemia and its correction by blood transfusion on the radiosensitivity of two mouse tumours (SCCVII/St and RIF-1) were studied using excision, in vivo/in vitro assay. An acute reduction in haematocrit caused a high degree of radioresistance equivalent to an increase in the hypoxic fractions by factors of 10 (SCCVII/St) and 30 (RIF-1). As the duration of the anaemia was prolonged, radioresistance was lost until within about 6 h normal radiosensitivity was observed even though the anaemia persisted. The restoration of the normal haematocrit by red blood cell transfusion after 24 h of anaemia caused increased radiosensitivity equivalent to a reduction in the hypoxic fraction by factors of 5 (SCCVII/St) and 10 (RIF-1), but again the effect was transient and normal radiosensitivity was re-established within 24–48 h of retransfusion. Measurements of 14C misonidazole (MISO) binding to RIF-1 tumo...
Life, Death, and Advocacy: Rules of Procedure in the Contested End-of-Life Case

The end-of-life case comes in many forms. It can involve disputes over a child's medical treatment, the care of an elderly patient, or the decision to terminate life-sustaining treatment for an adult rendered incompetent by illness or accident. In this Article, I explore the uses and abuses of various rules of procedure in contested end-of-life cases from the perspective of both judges and lawyers. Using the recent high profile case concerning Terri Schiavo, I first explore the important role procedure plays in the end-of-life case. Next, I address the ethical dangers that can arise when advocates feel compelled to misuse procedural devices. Finally, I consider procedural rules from the perspective of judges handling end-of-life disputes. I argue that judges in these highly emotional cases should resist the temptation to craft ad hoc procedural rules. Instead, judges should follow neutral, generally applicable procedural rules that apply to most civil litigation matters.
PP04.4 – 2897: SMART syndrome: A rare complication of cranial radiotherapy

Objective SMART syndrome (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy) is a rare complication of cranial radiotherapy characterized by migraine-like headache and transient neurological deficits with typical gyriform enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. Potential underlying mechanisms are endothelial damage or dysfunction, vascular instability, vasospasm and, neuronal dysfunction. Patients We report an 11-year-old girl with primary diagnosis of medulloblastoma presented with acute-onset severe headache and left sided weakness 20 months after completion of cranial radiotherapy. MRI demonstrated unilateral cortical swelling and concomitant leptomeningeal, gyral contrast enhancement, and increased cortical perfusion in the right temporoparietooccipital region. Her symptoms resolved spontaneously over several days. Conclusion SMART syndrome appears to be a reversible and long-term complication of cranial radiotherapy. Up to now, a limited number of pediatric patients with SMART syndrome have been reported. Awareness and recognition of clinical signs and radiological imaging of SMART syndrome is important for preventing unnecessary interventions, appropriate diagnostic workup and management.
Production of functional small interfering RNAs by an amino-terminal deletion mutant of human Dicer

Although RNA interference (RNAi) functions as a potent antiviral innate-immune response in plants and invertebrates, mammalian somatic cells appear incapable of mounting an RNAi response and few, if any, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be detected. To examine why siRNA production is inefficient, we have generated double-knockout human cells lacking both Dicer and protein kinase RNA-activated. Using these cells, which tolerate double-stranded RNA expression, we show that a mutant form of human Dicer lacking the amino-terminal helicase domain can process double-stranded RNAs to produce high levels of siRNAs that are readily detectable by Northern blot, are loaded into RNA-induced silencing complexes, and can effectively and specifically inhibit the expression of cognate mRNAs. Remarkably, overexpression of this mutant Dicer, but not wild-type Dicer, also resulted in a partial inhibition of Influenza A virus-but not poliovirus-replication in human cells.
Fostering Inclusion and Positive Physical Education Experiences for Overweight and Obese Students.

Overweight and obese students are often socially and instructionally excluded from physical education and school physical activity opportunities. This article describes teaching strategies from a study of middle school physical education teachers who are committed to providing effective teaching and positive experiences for overweight and obese students in their physical education programs. Tables list simple and complex strategies that these teachers use in their physical education classes to prevent or address social difficulties for these students, and to help them experience success in skill development, game play and fitness activities. Starting with a mindset that all students can learn, and that physical educators have a responsibility to address students' various needs, teachers can apply strategies at multiple levels of the students' ecology to create more positive experiences for overweight students in their own unique situations.
Empirical formula for coating-induced excess loss in fiber waveguides

Recently, work began to seal fiber waveguides hermetically by coating them with metal.1 This initial work was done using an aluminum coating that perturbs the waveguide geometry, resulting in microbending and loss. This paper describes an empirical formula that has been found to predict accurately the excess loss exhibited by fibers coated with aluminum.
Thyroiditis, simple goiter and carcinoma of the thyroid.

Subacute thyroiditis appears to be becoming more common, but because of the diversity of the manifestations of this disease it is often unrecognized. Appropriate treatment gives prompt relief of the symptoms. Low grade carcinomas of the thyroid are common in young patients, and all discrete nodules of the thyroid occurring in younger patients should be suspected of being carcinoma and should be removed along with all of the thyroid lobe on the affected side.
Weight Loss: A Patient and Physician’s Perspective

This article, co-authored by a patient affected by obesity and an obesity medicine specialist, discusses the patient's experience of living with the disease and using many different weight loss approaches until finding a lifestyle program that was appropriate for her metabolism. The physician discusses the scientific basis of insulin resistance, and why the chosen lifestyle program worked so well for this individual.
Epidemic features of notifiable infectious diseases in Jilin province 2012

Objective To describe the epidemic features of notifiable infectious diseases in Jilin Province in2012. Methods The data were used from the China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention and performed a descriptive analysis of notifiable infectious diseases in Jilin Province in 2012. Results Twenty- two kinds of notifiable infectious diseases were reported in 2012. The incidence rate was 325. 30 /100 000,it was 10. 32% lower than that in2011. 34. 47% was respiratory infectious diseases. 54. 79% was blood and sexually transmitted diseases. Sex ratio of the incidence rate was 1. 59∶ 1. The incidence rate in the population under 6 years old and aged 60- 85 years old was over1 000 /100 000 and 300 /100 000 respectively. The proportion of farmers was 32. 06%. Conclusion The incidence rate of notifiable infectious diseases in Jilin province decreases in 2012. Respiratory infectious diseases and blood and sexually transmitted diseases are the majority. The incidence rate of male is higher than female. The incidence rate is higher in the population under 6 years old and aged 60- 85 years old. The proportion of farmers is highest.
Optimization of current waveform tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments.

The Thor pulsed power generator is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The design consists of up to 288 decoupled and transit time isolated capacitor-switch units, called “bricks,” that can be individually triggered to achieve a high degree of pulse tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments (ICE) [D. B. Reisman et al., Phys. Rev. Spec. Top.–Accel. Beams 18, 090401 (2015)]. The connecting transmission lines are impedance matched to the bricks, allowing the capacitor energy to be efficiently delivered to an ICE strip-line load with peak pressures of over 100 GPa. Thor will drive experiments to explore equation of state, material strength, and phase transition properties of a wide variety of materials. We present an optimization process for producing tailored current pulses, a requirement for many material studies, on the Thor generator. This technique, which is unique to the novel “current-adder” architecture used by Thor, entirely avoids the iterative use of complex ...
MPA Alumni Assessment of Perceived Educational Outcomes: The "Value" of the MPA

Although there is some agreement in the public administration education community about the goals and purposes of graduate work in public administration, there appears to be significant disagreement as to how we go about meeting these goals. This disagreement is manifested in the myriad of NASPAA accredited and affiliated programs with apparently different program foci, ideologies, and values. The convenience study reported here involved surveying alumni from two seemingly disparate MPA programs in order to compare alumni perceptions of their programs. Although the rhetoric of the programs would lead one to think that the alumni's program experiences would be very different, these two groups were more similar than expected with regard to their perceptions about what is important in their careers and how a MPA program can contribute to their careers. Implications for educational strategies of MPA programs are discussed.
Where the two shall meet: Exploring the relationship between teacher professional culture and student learning culture

This study focuses on the understudied connection between teachers’ and students’ perceptions of school culture. Utilizing a longitudinal sample of approximately 130,000 students and 9000 teachers in 225 New York City traditional public schools, we investigate how professional culture among teachers intersects with students’ collective emotional engagement—that is, the extent students together view the school environment as trusting and respectful, both between teachers and students and among students (i.e., student learning culture). We find that when the teachers report a strong collaborative culture, believe they have adequate materials, and feel physically safe, students report a stronger and more positive learning culture. Our results thus fill a gap in prior research on school change that has looked at either teacher or student perceptions of school culture but not the two together. Here, because our results demonstrate such a positive relationship between the collective views of teachers and the collective views of students regarding the environment in which these groups work, they suggest new avenues for research to examine how such subcultures within a school may, together, act as critical and interdependent levers for school change.
Von vulnerablem Plaque bis Infarktheilung : neue Perspektiven in der Kardiologie mit molekularer Bildgebung

Fortschritte in Bildgebungstechnik, Kontrastmittelchemie, Molekularbiologie und Nanotechnologie lassen uns zu Zeitzeugen eines Paradigmenwechsels in der kardiovaskularen Diagnostik werden. Anstatt wie bisher die passive Verteilung konventioneller Kontrastmittel zu verfolgen, werden spezifische biologische Prozesse wie Oberflacheneigenschaften, Enzymaktivitaten, Genexpression oder Zellbewegungen in vivo dargestellt. Hierdurch eroffnet die molekulare Bildgebung neue Wege in der kardiologischen Grundlagenforschung, die ein schnelleres Entwicklungstempo ermoglichen. In der Klinik kann zukunftig die Patientenversorgung durch einen Quantensprung in der Diagnostik verbessert werden: eine biologisch orientierte Diagnostik wird die prophylaktische Medizin starken und masgeschneiderte, rechtzeitig initiierte Therapien ermoglichen. Im Folgenden schildern wir ausgewahlte molekulare Bildgebungsstrategien in 2 kardiovaskularen Themengebieten und folgen hierbei dem naturlichen Krankheitsverlauf von Arteriosklerose und myokardialer Ischamie sowie Infarktheilung.
Leiomyosarcoma: a rare but fatal tumour of the inferior vena cava.

Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are a rare entity. Signs and symptoms vary greatly, such as abdominal pain, weight loss/gain, fever, weakness, anorexia or vomiting. CT scan is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of retroperitoneal LMS, but biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. A 62-year-old woman presented with intermittent, diffuse, dull and sharp abdominal pain radiating to the lower back, associated with nausea, bloating and constipation. She also had a 15-pound weight gain in 6 months. Prior work-up did not reveal any acute …
Milking the Customers: The High Cost of U.S. Dairy Policies

The U.S. dairy program, administered through federal and state governments, subsidizes milk production and regulates dairy prices. By boosting prices, the dairy program encourages overproduction. It also penalizes more efficient farmers in the futile attempt to prop up smaller dairy farmers and stem the tide of decades of changes in the dairy market. A better policy would be to have farmers respond to market signals, supplying milk and milk products that are truly in demand and exiting dairy production if the market reveals that production is excessive. With world milk prices unusually high, now is an ideal time for the United States to move to a more rational dairy policy.
Action of Rat Brain Sialidase on Synaptic Membrane Components in Situ

To provide further information on the characteristics of synaptic membrane sialidase, leading to some understanding of its biological role, we have examined the susceptibility of intrinsic sialo compounds of the synaptosomal membrane to the action of synaptic membrane sialidase in situ. Sialo compounds were labeled in vivo by the intracranial injection of radioactive N-acetylmannosamine during rapid synaptogenesis in rats (1) which is marked by ganglioside synthesis (2) and appearance of electrophysiological function (3). The high levels of sialo compounds and sialidase in mammalian nerve ending membranes lend importance to an understanding of their metabolism. Specific radioactive labeling has permitted sensitive and accurate observation of the behavior of intrinsic synaptic membrane sialidase and the various sialic acid-containing components.
The Nature and Structure of Semantic Hierarchies

As we have seen in the last chapters, the structure of our type hierarchy is essential to both literal and figurative speech. The structure of the hierarchy, that is, the linkages and relations between our concept nodes, is what controls the possible mappings between two domains in metaphor. The type hierarchy, along with the associated conceptual graphs and schemata, represents our internal conception of things and how they can interrelate, but such a representation raises many questions: what exactly is the relation between the concept nodes, how do we decide which concepts are supertypes and which are their respective subtypes in the hierarchy, and what is the exact nature of the inheritance relation from the higher levels to the lower? I will try to address these questions in the following chapter.
Did Canada geese or other birds spread Cylindrocladium Black Rot of peanuts

The initial appearance of Cylindrocladium black rot (Cylidrocladium crotalaria) of peanuts in Virginia was quite disperse and suggestive of having been spread by birds. Bird utilization of twenty peanut fields was observed at monthly intervals for one year. The 20 fields were located in two areas of southeastern Virginia. A total of 30 bird species were observed using these fields. Fecal material, soil from feet, and crop contents were taken from six bird species collected in the fields and analyzed forC. crotalariae. Soil samples from a blackbird (Icteridae spp.) winter roost in the area were also analyzed forC. crotalariae. None of the samples taken showed presence of the fungus. Microsclerotia of the fungus were force-fed by intubation to three species (12 birds each) of captive birds (Canada geese, Japanese quail, northern bobwhite) to determine viability after passage through the gastrointestinal tract. No viable microclerotia were detected (based on cultivation trials) in fecal material taken from birds intubated with microsclerotia. Two of 15 Canada geese each force-fed a porous bag container with 5000 microsclerotia yielded 3 and 2 viable microsclerotia each in feces. It was concluded that birds were not significant factors in spreading the Cylindrocladium black rot disease.
The geometric challenge of testing gravity with wide binaries

Wide binaries provide promising laboratories for testing general relativity (GR) in the low-acceleration regime. Recent observational studies have found that the difference in the proper motions and/or radial velocities of the components of nearby wide binaries appear larger than predicted by Kepler's law's, indicating a potential breakdown of GR at low accelerations. These studies have not accounted for projection effects owing to the different position of the two stars on the celestial sphere. I show that two stars in a wide binary with identical 3D space velocities often have significantly different proper motions and radial velocities purely due to projection effects. I construct a sample of simulated binaries that follow Kepler's laws and have similar phase-space distributions to the observed samples of nearby binaries. Beyond separations of $\sim$0.1 pc, direct comparison of the components' proper motions would suggest strong tensions with GR, even though the simulated binaries follow Kepler's laws by construction. The magnitude of the apparent disagreement is similar to that found observationally, suggesting that the apparent tension between observations and GR may largely be due to projection effects. I discuss prospects for constraining gravity at low accelerations with wide binaries. Robust tests of GR are possible with current data but require measurements of 3D velocities. Further work is also needed to model contamination from unbound moving groups and unrecognized hierarchical triples.
“Right Insula: Maintaining language and speech qualities”. A review of literature and a case report on Foreign Accent Syndrome. (P4.025)

Objective: To establish a correlation of right insula with the intonation and prosody of speech, with a case report and literature review. Background: Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) is a condition where a person’s native language with a “default” accent is perceived as foreign (non-native speakers) due to alterations in the details of segmental articulation, intonation, and rhythm. Left cortical-cortical connections and left cortical-subcortical projections have established associations with language and speech related disorders. Here we have a unique case of an isolated right insular lesion on MRI brain changing the intonation, phonetics and prosodic features of the language, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of FAS. Design/Methods: We present a case report in addition to literature review on Pubmed and Cochrane using key words such as “Foreign Accent Syndrome” and “Insula”. 39-year-old African-American woman who was previously diagnosed with Neurosarcoidosis presented with non-specific sensory paresthesias in the left upper and lower extremities. Initial neurological examination was normal but on subsequent day she developed a distinct accent (Jamaican) which was assessed with subjective linguistic analysis by 4 observers. Results: MRI brain scan revealed T2 Flair changes of right insula which was suggestive of Neurosarcoidosis flare up and it showed rapid clinical improvement with steroid treatment. Conclusions: Most studies have revealed left hemispheric lesions and its association with FAS. Lesions in language areas of the brain predominantly left premotor/motor cortex and areas of the speech production network (insula, basal ganglia, pre-SMA and SMA) have been described. Few studies have elicited role of right hemisphere in production of affective prosody. With our current review and a case report of FAS, we conclude that right insula may play a vital role in the language processing subserving speech qualities. Further studies are needed to assess the structural and functional organization of insula in relation to the speech and language connectomes. Disclosure: Dr. Chauhan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tripathi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saber has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seraji-Bozorgzad has nothing to disclose.