cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monosomal karyotype at the time of diagnosis or transplantation predicts outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome.

Abstract Various cytogenetic risk scoring systems may determine prognosis for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We evaluated 4 different risk scoring systems in predicting outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We classified 124 patients with MDS using the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (R-IPSS), Armand's transplantation-specific cytogenetic grouping, and monosomal karyotype (MK) both at the time of diagnosis and at alloHCT. After adjusting for other important factors, MK at diagnosis (compared with no MK) was associated with poor 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (27% [95% confidence interval, 12% to 42%] versus 39% [95% confidence interval, 28% to 50%], P = .02) and overall survival (OS) (29% [95% confidence interval, 14% to 44%] versus 47% [95% confidence interval, 36% to 59%], P = .02). OS but not DFS was affected by MK at alloHCT. MK frequency was uncommon in low-score R-IPPS and IPSS. Although IPSS and R-IPSS discriminated good/very good groups from poor/very poor groups, patients with intermediate-risk scores had the worst outcomes and, therefore, these scores did not show a progressive linear discriminating trend. Cytogenetic risk score change between diagnosis and alloHCT was uncommon and did not influence OS. MK cytogenetics in MDS are associated with poor survival, suggesting the need for alternative or intensified approaches to their treatment.
A Silencer-Proximal Intronic Region Is Required for Sustained CD4 Expression in Postselection Thymocytes

It has been proposed that differential kinetics of CD4/CD8 coreceptors regulate fate choice of selected thymocytes. Sustained signals by interaction between MHC class II and TCR/CD4 is required for commitment to the CD4 helper lineage. Although prematurely terminated MHC–TCR/CD4 interaction in transgenic mouse models results in lineage redirection, it is unclear whether CD4 expression is actively maintained by endogenous cis -elements to facilitate prolonged signaling under physiological conditions. In this article, we show that sustained CD4 expression in postselection thymocytes requires an intronic sequence containing an uncharacterized DNase I hypersensitivity (DHS) site located 3′ to the silencer. Despite normal CD4 expression before selection, thymocytes lacking a 1.5-kb sequence in intron 1 including the 0.4-kb silencer and the DHS, but not the 0.4-kb silencer alone, failed to maintain CD4 expression upon positive selection and are redirected to the CD8 lineage after MHC class II–restricted selection. Furthermore, CpG dinucleotides adjacent to the DHS are hypermethylated in CD8 + T cells. These results indicate that the 1.5-kb cis -element is required in postselection thymocytes for helper lineage commitment, presumably mediating the maintenance of CD4 expression, and suggest that inactivation of the cis -element by DNA methylation may contribute to epigenetic Cd4 silencing.
Chinese Prostitution: Consequences and Solutions in the Post-Mao Era

This paper examines the development of Chinese prostitution in pre–communist China during the Mao regime and the post–Mao era, drawing lessons from the Chinese Government's efforts to eradicate prostitution. It discusses the relationship between prostitution and sexual disease, and argues that China's market economy, lack of religious beliefs and diverse cultures have contributed to the revival of prostitution in the post–Mao era. In order to effectively control the problem, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive approach to change Chinese people's beliefs and ways of life.
The catch bond mechanism between von Willebrand factor and platelet surface receptors investigated by molecular dynamics simulations

The multi-domain protein von Willebrand factor is crucial in the blood coagulation process at high shear. The A1 domain binds to the platelet surface receptor glycoprotein Ibalpha (GpIb alpha) and this interaction is known to be strengthened by tensile force. The molecular mechanism behind this observation was investigated here by molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggest that the proteins unbind through two distinct pathways depending whether a high-tensile force is applied or whether unbinding happens through thermal fluctuations. In the high-force unbinding pathway the A1 domain was observed to rotate away from the C-terminus of GpIb alpha. In contrast, during thermal unbinding the A1 domain rotated in the opposite direction as in the high-force pathway and the distance between the terminii of A1 and the GpIb alpha C-terminus shortened. This shortening was reduced and the lifetime of the bond extended if a moderate tensile force was applied across the complex. This suggests that the thermal unbinding pathway is inhibited by a moderate tensile force which is in agreement with the catch bond property shown previously in single molecule experiments. A designed mutant of GpIb alpha is suggested here in order to test in vitro the thermal unbinding pathway observed in silico.
Research and research funding in vascular surgery

The presentation summarized the current status of funding available for vascular surgeons. In spite of the shrinking support for research by the federal government, there are opportunities for young investigators to pursue an academic career. Success of a grant application depends on preparation, design, and hypothesis. Potential applicants are encouraged to pay special attention to the many publications on how to prepare a research grant. Although there is an increase in participation by vascular surgeons in NIH-supported research, the funding support and focus on vascular surgery remains unsatisfactory. Despite the high ranking of death from aortic aneurysm, there is virtually no funded project on aortic aneurysm in either basic or clinical study. New technology such as laser has received some support, but clinical trial comparing this modality with standard treatment is lacking and not forthcoming. The participation by vascular surgeons in the American Heart Association-funded research activities remains unknown, even though the American Heart Association claims to have spent millions on research in heart and vascular diseases. To promote the study of and research in vascular disease, the members of this distinguished Society need to guide young vascular surgeons to submit grant proposals to various organizations.
Respiratory system loop gain in normal men and women measured with proportional-assist ventilation.

We hypothesized that increased chemical control instability (CCI) in men could partially explain the male predominance in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CCI was assessed by sequentially increasing ...
The set constraint/CFL reachability connection in practice

Many program analyses can be reduced to graph reachability problems involving a limited form of context-free language reachability called Dyck-CFL reachability. We show a new reduction from Dyck-CFL reachability to set constraints that can be used in practice to solve these problems. Our reduction is much simpler than the general reduction from context-free language reachability to set constraints. We have implemented our reduction on top of a set constraints toolkit and tested its performance on a substantial polymorphic flow analysis application.
Conceptual design of pion-capture magnets of up to 15 cm bore and 20 T peak field

For the Neutrino Factory and Muon Collider Collaboration, BNL has considered solenoidal magnet systems of several types to capture pions generated by bombarding a mercury jet with multi-GeV protons. The magnet systems generate up to 20 T, uniform to 5% throughout a cylindrical volume 0.15 m in diameter and 0.6 m long. Axially downstream the Held ramps gradually downward by a factor of sixteen, while the bore increases fourfold. The steady-state system needed for an accelerator has many superconducting coils and a radiation-resistant insert of mineral-insulated hollow conductor. Less costly, pulsed systems suffice to study pion capture and the effect of a magnetic field on a jet hit by a proton beam. BNL has explored three types of magnets, each with its principal coils precooled by liquid nitrogen. One type employs two sets of coils energized sequentially. Charged in 23 s by a power supply of 5 MVA, the 14-ton outer set generates 10 T and stores 28 NU, from which, in 1/3 s, to charge a half-ton inner coil that adds 12 1/2 T to the 7 1/2 T remaining from the outer set. An alternative design uses 25 MVA to energize, in 1.4 s, a single 3-ton set of coils. The third type bows to budgetary constraints and is more modest in size and performance. A magnet of 2-3 tons generates 10-11 T with only 2 MVA, in a bore big enough (11 cm) to accommodate the jet. It foregoes the field ramp that improves pion retention.
The Identification of Parameters in Large Linear Dynamic Systems

ABSTRACT The identification of parameters in large dynamic systems is difficult because of the excessive computational time required to solve the large number of differential equations occurring. A method of solving these equations is presented which for the identification problem enables solutions to be quiekly obtained. The identification of parameters is then achieved by hill climbing on the unknown parameters in the mathematical model.
Phytochemical complementarities among endophyte-infected tall fescue, reed canarygrass, birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa affect cattle foraging

Abstract We determined whether plant diversity and sequence of plant ingestion affected foraging when cattle chose from plants that varied in concentrations of alkaloids, tannins and saponins. We hypothesized cattle that ate high-alkaloid grasses (endophyte-infected tall fescue (TF) or reed canarygrass (RCG)) would prefer forages high in tannins (birdsfoot trefoil, BFT+) or saponins (alfalfa, ALF+), because tannins and saponins can bind to alkaloids, presumably reducing their absorption. We further hypothesized that forages with tannins or saponins consumed before, rather than after, foraging on high-alkaloid grasses would promote greater use of those grasses presumably by binding to alkaloids, thereby reducing their absorption. In Phase 1, cattle (n = 32) grazed on either high (+) or low (−) alkaloid grass (TF or RCG) pastures for 30 min each morning at 0600 h and were then offered a choice of BFT+, BFT−, ALF+ and ALF− for 60 min each day for 12 days. In Phase 2, cattle (n = 32) were first offered a choice of BFT+ or ALF+ for 30 min at 0600 h and then placed on grass (TF+ or −, or RCG+ or −) pastures for 60 min for 12 days. In both phases, we had four spatial replications of four treatments with 2 per calves assigned to each of the 16 replications per treatment combinations. Scan samples of individuals at 2-min intervals were used to determine incidence of foraging on each plant species (%). Cattle grazed more on RCG than on TF in Phases 1 (62% v. 27%; P = 0.0015) and 2 (71% v. 32%; P = 0.0005). In Phase 1, cattle that first foraged on RCG+ or TF− subsequently preferred ALF over BFT, whereas cattle offered RCG− or TF+ foraged on ALF and BFT equally. Foraging by cattle on RCG was cyclic during Phase 1, whereas cattle foraging on TF markedly decreased incidence of use of TF from 41% to only 16% by the end of the 12-day trial (P = 0.0029). Contrary to the cyclic (RCG) or steadily declining (TF) use of grasses in Phase 1, cattle steadily and dramatically increased foraging on both RCG and TF throughout Phase 2, when they first grazed BFT+ or ALF+ followed by high-alkaloid grasses (P = 0.0159). Our findings suggest that in plant species the sequence of ingestion influenced foraging behavior of cattle and that secondary compounds influenced those responses.
The web changes everything: understanding the dynamics of web content

The Web is a dynamic, ever changing collection of information. This paper explores changes in Web content by analyzing a crawl of 55,000 Web pages, selected to represent different user visitation patterns. Although change over long intervals has been explored on random (and potentially unvisited) samples of Web pages, little is known about the nature of finer grained changes to pages that are actively consumed by users, such as those in our sample. We describe algorithms, analyses, and models for characterizing changes in Web content, focusing on both time (by using hourly and sub-hourly crawls) and structure (by looking at page-, DOM-, and term-level changes). Change rates are higher in our behavior-based sample than found in previous work on randomly sampled pages, with a large portion of pages changing more than hourly. Detailed content and structure analyses identify stable and dynamic content within each page. The understanding of Web change we develop in this paper has implications for tools designed to help people interact with dynamic Web content, such as search engines, advertising, and Web browsers.
A new parametrized quantum distribution function and its time development

Abstract We discuss a new general class of quantum distribution functions characterized by an arbitrary parameter b . The values b = -1, 0, 1 correspond to the anti-standard (Kirkwood), the Wigner, and the standard distribution functions, respectively. An analytic form of the equation of motion is derived. We conclude that, for time-dependent problems involving a potential which is a function of coordinates only, the Wigner distribution function is the optimum one to use, from a simplicity standpoint.
Bias in gee estimates from misspecified models for longitudinal data

Consider the use of Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) for estimation of regression parameters from longitudinal series. Let Yit be the outcome for the ith series at time t and let Xi = (Xi1,…,Xini)′ be covariate vectors associated with ni observation times. We investigate bias of GEE estimates for population-average (PA) and conditional parameters under model mis-specification which takes the form of omission of past history from the model for Yit|Xi.We provide exact bias results for the identity link, a bias approximation for nonlinear links and simulation results. Bias for either parameter can be positive or negative and depends on the size of the series and the strength of association between observations at times t and t — 1.
Cost Factors for Institutional Laundry Services

(1971). Cost Factors for Institutional Laundry Services. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 41-43.
Bilateral digital artery thrombosis: a case report.

Blunt arterial trauma can cause digital arterial occlusion, and vein grafts may be required to restore adequate digital blood flow, as in the case of this 55-year-old man who developed thrombosis of both the radial and ulnar digital arteries of his ring finger.
A Clinical and Histopathologic Focus on Barrett Esophagus and Barrett-Related Dysplasia

Context.—Barrett esophagus is a metaplastic, premalignant lesion associated with approximately 0.5% annual incidence of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis and screening of Barrett ...
Rheology of polytetrafluoroethylene

The rheology of polytetrafluoroethylene above its melting point was studied by the technique of stress relaxation. The temperature shift for the maximum relaxation time at various temperatures fits the WLF equation, if the value of Tg is taken to be 110°C. Degradation of the polymer becomes appreciable above 380°C. Master stress relaxation curves were constructed from the data between 336 and 380°C. The continuous distribution of relaxation times was obtained, and also the discrete distribution of relaxation times by procedure X. The contribution of the maximum relaxation time to the total flow viscosity indicates that the molecular weight distribution of the sample used was narrow.
SOME EFFECTS OF A GLYCERIN EXTRACT OF SUPRARENAL CORTEX POTENT BY MOUTH

During the past five years we have been engaged in a study of the organic functions in schizophrenia. During the course of the work it has become rather apparent that subjects of this disorder are characterized by a generalized hypometabolism. The depression is manifested in a variety of functions directly or indirectly related to the oxygen metabolism. Among other characteristic features are secondary anemia, low blood pressure, reduced body temperature, and sub-normal oxygen consumption rate. These findings, among others, are suggestive of a condition of chronic, underfunction of the adrenal glands. Convincing differential diagnostic indications of that condition, however, have not been seen. On a purely empirical basis, we have made various attempts to normalize the organic functions of the patients by the use of various sorts of preparations of adrenal cortex. In a previous publication (1) the negative results obtained in a small series of patients from simple desiccated glandular material were report...
CCTA: Cardiothoracic Surgery Applications

Cardiovascular computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has great relevance for cardiothoracic surgical procedures, providing information essential to decisions regarding proceeding with surgical intervention, presurgical planning, as well as assessment for surgical efficacy and complications. In addition to visualization cardiovascular anatomy, CCTA provides a 3-D view of the relationships between thoracic skeletal, vascular, visceral, and cardiac structures (Figure 24.1). The spectrum of approaches to cardiovascular surgery has expanded to minimally invasively procedures [1, 2]. CCTA 3-D full field of view images with use of editing software enables visualization of multidimensional planes important to achieving access to target structures while avoiding important vascular and visceral thoracic structures for planning of these minimally invasive procedures.
Accumulation Variability in the Antarctic Peninsula: The Role of Large-Scale Atmospheric Oscillations and Their Interactions*

AbstractA new ice core drilled in 2010 to bedrock from the Bruce Plateau (BP) on the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) provides a high temporal resolution record of environmental conditions in this region. The extremely high annual accumulation rate at this site facilitates analysis of the relationships between annual net accumulation An on the BP and large-scale atmospheric oscillations. Over the last ~45 years, An on the BP has been positively correlated with both the southern annular mode (SAM) and Southern Oscillation index (SOI). Extending this analysis back to 1900 reveals that these relationships are not temporally stable, and they exhibit major shifts in the late-1940s and the mid-1970s that are contemporaneous with phase changes in the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). These varying multidecadal characteristics of the An–oscillation relationships are not apparent when only data from the post-1970s era are employed. Analysis of the longer ice core record reveals that the influence of the SAM on An depends...
Experimental evaluation of LDPC-coded OAM based FSO communication in the presence of atmospheric turbulence

A low-density parity check (LDPC)-coded orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based free-space optical (FSO) transmission system is experimentally studied in both the absence and presence of emulator-induced atmospheric turbulence. In the presence of turbulence, the coding gains larger than 6.8 dB are obtained at BER of 10−4 for single OAM mode and dramatic improvement is found in case of LDPC-coded OAM multiplexing of states ±2, ±5 as uncoded case enters into an early error floor phenomenon.
Compensatory strategies during manual wheelchair propulsion in response to weakness in individual muscle groups: A simulation study

Abstract Background The considerable physical demand placed on the upper extremity during manual wheelchair propulsion is distributed among individual muscles. The strategy used to distribute the workload is likely influenced by the relative force-generating capacities of individual muscles, and some strategies may be associated with a higher injury risk than others. The objective of this study was to use forward dynamics simulations of manual wheelchair propulsion to identify compensatory strategies that can be used to overcome weakness in individual muscle groups and identify specific strategies that may increase injury risk. Identifying these strategies can provide rationale for the design of targeted rehabilitation programs aimed at preventing the development of pain and injury in manual wheelchair users. Methods Muscle-actuated forward dynamics simulations of manual wheelchair propulsion were analyzed to identify compensatory strategies in response to individual muscle group weakness using individual muscle mechanical power and stress as measures of upper extremity demand. Findings The simulation analyses found the upper extremity to be robust to weakness in any single muscle group as the remaining groups were able to compensate and restore normal propulsion mechanics. The rotator cuff muscles experienced relatively high muscle stress levels and exhibited compensatory relationships with the deltoid muscles. Interpretation These results underline the importance of strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and supporting muscles whose contributions do not increase the potential for impingement (i.e., the thoracohumeral depressors) and minimize the risk of upper extremity injury in manual wheelchair users.
Tripolarity and the Second World War

This essay seeks to offer a new structural account of the outbreak of World War II and a more determinate balance-of-power theory based on two modifications of Kenneth Waltz's theory of international politics. First, the distribution of power in the international system is more precisely specified. Instead of simply counting the number of Great Powers to determine system polarity, units are divided into poles and middle powers and weighted according to their relative power capabilities. Second, states are coded as either status quo or revisionist. The revised theory more accurately reflects the twin foci of classical realist thought: the power and interests of states. Several deductions from the model, however, contradict basic tenets of balance-of-power theory. At the theoretical and empirical levels, the theory is used to examine the dynamics of tripolar systems and to explain the alliance strategies of the seven major powers (three of which were poles) shortly before and during the Second World War.
Translational Data from Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy of Hemophilia B in Dogs

Abstract Preclinical testing of new therapeutic strategies in relevant animal models is an essential part of drug development. The choice of animal models of disease that are used in these studies is driven by the strength of the translational data for informing about safety, efficacy, and success or failure of human clinical trials. Hemophilia B is a monogenic, X-linked, inherited bleeding disorder that results from absent or dysfunctional coagulation factor IX (FIX). Regarding preclinical studies of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy for hemophilia B, dogs with severe hemophilia B (<1% FIX) provide well-characterized phenotypes and genotypes in which a species-specific transgene can be expressed in a mixed genetic background. Correction of the hemophilic coagulopathy by sustained expression of FIX, reduction of bleeding events, and a comprehensive assessment of the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to the expressed transgene and recombinant AAV vector are all feasible end points...
Leafhopper Vectors of the Western X-Disease Pathogen: Collections in Central California

Seasonal population trends for 7 leafhopper vectors of the peach yellow leaf roll strain of Western X-disease were monitored in central California using yellow sticky traps. Collections were made weekly during 1970 and 1971 for Colladonus geminatus (Van Duzee), C. montanus (Van Duzee), Euscelidius variegatus (Kirshbaum), Fieberiella florii (Stal), Keonolla confluens (Uhler), Osbornellus borealis DeLong & Mohr, and Scaphytopius delongi Young. Of these species only C. montanus, O. borealis , and S. delongi were collected in numbers great enough to establish distinct population trends. Vector adults were collected throughout the year, although not in great numbers during the period from January to March.
Analysis of children affected by both BECT and ADHD

Objective To study the features of children affected by both benign epilepsy of childhood with centro-temporal spikes(BECT)and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),and the relationship between discharge from Rolandic area and ADHD subtypes.Methods Seventy-seven BECT patients without using antiepileptic drugs and no seizure for six months were divided,based on sharp/spike discharge indexes in Rolandic area in NREM Ⅰ and Ⅱ,into group A(≥ 20)and group B( 20),when EEG examination were performed to them.Forty children for routine physical examination were included in the control group.All children of the three groups were evaluated for ADHD and diagnosed as PIT,HIT and CT based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV published by the American Psychiatric Association.Results Group A had 39 patients,including 17 cases(43.6%)affected by both BECT and ADHD;Group B had 38 patient,including 8 cases(21.1%)affected by both BECT and ADHD.Control group had only 1 case of ADHD(2.5%).Detection rate of ADHD among the three groups was statistically significant difference(P 0.01).Discharged in the left Rolandic area was found in 29 BECT patients,and 9 of them were also diagnosed as ADHD with the detection rate of 31.0%(9/29);Discharged in the right Rolandic area was found in 33 BECT patients,and 10 of them were also diagnosed as ADHD with detection rate of 30.3%(10/30);Discharged in bilateral area was found in 15 BECT patients,and 6 of them were also diagnosed as ADHD with detection rate of 40.0%(6/15).The detection rate of ADHD in different parts had no significant difference(P 0.05).There was no significant difference in sub-type of ADHD between A and B groups(P 0.05).Conclusions Discharge from Rolandic area of BECT children had a high incidence of ADHD.The subtypes of ADHD in BECT children were related to the epileptic discharge.
A risk de-aggregation framework that relates community resilience goals to building performance objectives

AbstractResilience is often regarded as an attribute of communities rather than of individual buildings, bridges, and other civil infrastructure facilities. Previous research to support development of resilient infrastructure has considered, for the most part, actions and policies to achieve resilience objectives at the community level. While it is clear that a community cannot be resilient without resilient individual facilities, few attempts have been made to relate the performance criteria for individual facilities to community resilience goals in a quantitative manner. This paper presents a method for relating risk-informed performance criteria for individual buildings exposed to extreme hazards to broader community resilience objectives and illustrates the application of the method to two residential building inventories. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of de-aggregating community resilience goals to obtain design performance objectives for individual facilities and thereby relating community ...
Corrosion cast studies of the bronchial arteries

The bronchial a. are the nutrient vessels of the lung. Despite being high pressure (systemic) vessels they are of very small size compared to the pulmonary a and their side branches are normally so minute that they are extremely difficult to visualize during in vivo studies — yet these branches also supply many important mediastinal structures including the esophagus, trachea, lymph nodes, pericardium, aorta, and mediastinal parietal pleura [20, 21]. The bronchial a. can react vigorously to pathological changes in the lung by hypertrophy and increased flow [3, 6, 14] and their precise anatomy has become of increasing importance with the development of interventional techniques involving the systemic circulation of the lungs [1, 4, 8, 10, 17]. In order to demonstrate the distribution and extent of these vessels we have adopted a casting technique using injections of various colors of latex to distinguish between pulmonary a. and veins, bronchial a. and veins and their connections with the pulmonary vascular bed in both normal and diseased lungs.
CONFORMAL INVARIANCE - A SURVEY OF PRINCIPLES WITH APPLICATIONS TO STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND SURFACE PHYSICS

These lectures are a brief survey of the basic principles of conformal invariance with examples and applications to statistical mechanical models, mainly in two-dimensions, and real surface systems. Given the amount of time available, we cannot even hope to be complete—note that the introductory lectures by Ginsparg [1] took up more than 13 hours! We will attempt only to outline the basic theory and present some consequences and examples of interest to the author. Hopefully this will suffice to convey a feeling for the subject, some appreciation of its implications, and more importantly stimulate the reader to further study. To this end, more exhaustive treatments may be found in various review articles [1–6]. A few comments on the approach and level of these papers are given below.
Gleaning Insights from Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Probiotic Studies for the Rational Design of Combination Microbial Therapies

Beneficial microorganisms hold promise for the treatment of numerous gastrointestinal diseases. The transfer of whole microbiota via fecal transplantation has already been shown to ameliorate the severity of diseases such as Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and others. However, the exact mechanisms of fecal microbiota transplant efficacy and the particular strains conferring this benefit are still unclear. Rationally designed combinations of microbial preparations may enable more efficient and effective treatment approaches tailored to particular diseases. Here we use an infectious disease, C. difficile infection, and an inflammatory disorder, the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, as examples to facilitate the discussion of how microbial therapy might be rationally designed for specific gastrointestinal diseases. Fecal microbiota transplantation has already shown some efficacy in the treatment of both these disorders; detailed comparisons of studies evaluating commensal and probiotic organisms in the context of these disparate gastrointestinal diseases may shed light on potential protective mechanisms and elucidate how future microbial therapies can be tailored to particular diseases.
The Sturm Liouville Problems with a random variable in Boundary Conditions

We discussed the Sturm-Liouville problems with random variable I¾ involving in bound ary conditions which represent a support coei¬ƒcient for elastic rope. We have a conclusion that if the random variable in the boundary condition have convergence property, then the eigenvalues will also have a similar convergence property. We also give an asymptotic formula to approximate the large eigenvalues. This formula give an asymptotic relationship between eigenvalues and the support coei¬ƒcient I¾ when the eigenvalues are very large.
Identidad nacional y globalización: falacias contemporáneas

tesis se opone radicalmente a la "sabiduria" convencional ampliamente difundida de que el nacionalismo se opone directamente a la globalizacibn. El argumento se sitia dentro de la discusi6n de lo que es probablemente mejor conocido como polietnicidad -mds especiJicamente, la polietnicidad del moderno Estado-nacion. Dicha discusion hace particular referencia a la comparacidn entre Brasil y los Estados Unidos y sostiene que, a pesar de los numerosos ejemplos de resistencia militante al Estado-naci6n polietnico, las formas de poietnicidad se estdn convirtiendo en las caracteristicas definitorias de las identidades nacionales. Abstract: It is argued in this paper that globalization -in its multidimensional, as opposed to its recently acquired unidimensional and reductionist, economistic senseoccurs in tandem with assertions of nationality and national identity. This thesis sharply tpposes the widespread conventional "wisdom" that nationalism stands in direct opposition to globalization. The overall argument is situated within a discussion of what is probably best called polyethnicily--more specifically, the polyethnicity of the modern nation-state. This discussion is undertaken in particular reference to a comparison between Brazil and the USA. It is maintained that, in spite of numerous examples of militant resistance to the polyethnic nation-state, forms of polyethnicity are becoming the definingfeatures of national identities.
Single-ended retroreflection sensors for absorption spectroscopy in high-temperature environments

Novel single-ended sensor arrangements are demonstrated for in situ absorption spectroscopy in combustion and related test articles. A single-ended optical access technique based on back-reflection from a polished test article surface is presented. H2O vapor absorption spectra were measured at 10 kHz in a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine using a sensor of this design collecting back-reflection from a polished piston surface. The measured spectra show promise for high-repetition-rate measurements in practical combustion devices. A second sensor was demonstrated based on a modification to this optical access technique. The sensor incorporates a nickel retroreflective surface as back-reflector to reduce sensitivity to beam steering and misalignment. In a propane-fired furnace, H2O vapor absorption spectra were obtained over the range 7315–7550 cm− 1 at atmospheric pressure and temperatures up to 775 K at 20 Hz using an external-cavity diode laser spectrometer. Gas properties of temperature and mole fraction were obtained from this furnace data using a band-shape spectral fitting technique. The temperature accuracy of the band-shape fitting was demonstrated to be ±1.3 K for furnace measurements at atmospheric pressure. These results should extend the range of applications in which absorption spectroscopy sensors are attractive candidates.
Wind Load Factors for Use in the Wind Tunnel Procedure.

AbstractPublished standards may be incomplete because they provide no guidance on wind load factors appropriate for use with the wind tunnel procedure. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to...
Hypermelanosis (melanocyte activation)

Melanonychia due to melanocyte activation may present as a longitudinal, horizontal, or diffuse band of gray, brown, or black pigmentation extending from the nail matrix to the free margin of the nail plate. Hypermelanosis is responsible for the majority of adult cases of longitudinal melanonychia, especially in patients with darker skin phototypes. Hypermelanosis is defined by increased melanin production and pigmentation of the nail matrix epithelium and nail plate without an increase in the number of melanocytes on histological examination. Most etiologies of hypermelanosis are benign and can be identified by a thorough history and physical examination. Failure to identify a cause of melanonychia should raise concern with regard to nail apparatus melanoma and requires histopathological evaluation.
Towards noise-aware surrogate models of carrier population dynamics in optically excited GaN

Monte Carlo (MC) methods have been shown to capture the ultrafast dynamics of carriers and resulting luminescence in photo-excited GaN. These calculations have assumed a homogeneous material under uniform illumination. We investigate the development of surrogate models to represent the carrier dynamics with fewer degrees of freedom, with the ultimate goal of computing the response of structured materials under inhomogeneous illumination profiles. These models are presently based on the extraction of mean and variance information from single data sets, through the use of fits to s piece-wise linear basis. Two models are then developed, one based on the mean and variance directly, and one on a Gaussian process regression model. New carrier populations with similar statistical profiles are then generated from these models to determine the amount of data reduction that can be obtained.
The Morphology of Minicolumns

The cerebral cortex is composed of minicolumns, which are vertically oriented arrays of neurons. The minicolumns can be demonstrated both physiologically and morphologically. Physiologically, the minicolumns become evident when a recording electrode is advanced through the cortex in a horizontal direction. It is then found that as the electrode is advanced there are shifts in the receptive field properties of neurons. These shifts occur every 50 microns or so, as the electrode moves from one minicolumn to the next one. The anatomical correlates of the minicolumns are neuronal units based on vertically organized groups of pyramidal neurons, whose apical dendrites cluster together as they ascend through the layers of the cortex. The clusters of apical dendrites define the central axes of the three-dimensional minicolumns, which are similar in size to the physiological ones. Recently, digitized images of vertically oriented Nissl stained sections have been used to determine if there are changes in organization of minicolumns in aging and in some behavioral disorders such as autism. In Nissl sections vertically oriented strings of neurons are seen to be separated by clear spaces and it is assumed that these spaces correspond to the locations of the clusters of apical dendrites seen in the three-dimensional reconstructions of minicolumns. By analyzing digitized images of the Nissl stained sections it has been found that there is some disorganization of the minicolumns as a consequence of aging, and that in Alzheimer’s disease the minicolumns are almost completely disrupted. In autism the minicolumns are narrower than in control brains, suggesting that the minicolumns are more numerous than normal. Since the minicolumns are generated as the pyramidal neurons migrate into the cortex along radial glia fibers, it is suggested that autistic changes in cerebral cortex must have their origins during development.
Stacking with Auxiliary Features for Visual Question Answering

Visual Question Answering (VQA) is a well-known and challenging task that requires systems to jointly reason about natural language and vision. Deep learning models in various forms have been the standard for solving VQA. However, some of these VQA models are better at certain types of image-question pairs than other models. Ensembling VQA models intelligently to leverage their diverse expertise is, therefore, advantageous. Stacking With Auxiliary Features (SWAF) is an intelligent ensembling technique which learns to combine the results of multiple models using features of the current problem as context. We propose four categories of auxiliary features for ensembling for VQA. Three out of the four categories of features can be inferred from an image-question pair and do not require querying the component models. The fourth category of auxiliary features uses model-specific explanations. In this paper, we describe how we use these various categories of auxiliary features to improve performance for VQA. Using SWAF to effectively ensemble three recent systems, we obtain a new state-of-the-art. Our work also highlights the advantages of explainable AI models.
Leptin regulation of core body temperature involves mechanisms independent of the thyroid axis.

The ability to maintain core temperature within a narrow range despite rapid and dramatic changes in environmental temperature is essential for the survival of free-living mammals, and growing evid...
Neuro-endocrine Mechanisms in Insects

One of the more important questions upon which present interest in endo-crinology is focused concerns Chose factors which control the activities of the glands of internal secretion. What are these factors, and in which way is their influence transmitted to the endocrine organs so as to result in integrated action ? Known factors of this kind are either external, such as light, temperature, and humidity, or internal, such as a given metabolic condition or the functional state of a specific effector organ.
BAYESIAN CREDIBILITY WITH A NONINFORMATIVE PRIOR

A full Bayesian approach to the basic credibility problem is introduced. A solution is obtained for the balanced case and the results are compared to those obtained by empirical Bayes methods. The unbalanced case is also examined, resulting in a pseudo-estimator for the between variance.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BIOLOGY PRACTICAL LESSONS IN SELECTED WELL-ENDOWED AND LESS-ENDOWED SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN GHANA

The teaching and learning of biology in the Senior High Schools has of late not been very effective since the practical aspect of the subject is seemingly neglected by many teachers. The main objective of this study was to investigate and compare how biology practical lessons were conducted in some well-endowed and less-endowed Senior High Schools in Ghana. The main instruments used for gathering the data for the study were questionnaires, document analysis and informal observation of some biology lessons. This enabled the Researchers to capture as closely as possible, the real picture of what happened during the observed lessons. The sampled population for the study consisted of 408 students and 24 biology teachers from twelve selected Senior High Schools in the Eastern and Central Regions of Ghana. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The research findings showed that the time allotted to practical lessons in biology varied from one school to another, as 35.8% of students from well-endowed schools complained of insufficiency of time as against 78.9% of students from less-endowed schools. The study also found that the teaching strategies employed in the two categories of Senior High Schools were not different. However, students from the selected well-endowed schools tend to have a greater advantage than their counterparts from the less-endowed schools, as they were exposed to less lecture method 7.4% compared to 27.9% from the low-endowment schools . To ensure efficiency in the teaching of the practical aspect of biology in the Senior High Schools, the study recommends that the government and all other stakeholders in education must supply laboratories in all Senior High Schools with the necessary equipment, materials and chemicals to enable students to develop the necessary skills, attitudes, and interest in science. Article visualizations:
On a Conjecture of Hanna Connecting Distinct Part and Complete Partitions

Complete partitions are a generalization of MacMahon’s perfect partitions; we further generalize these by defining k-step partitions. A matrix equation shows an unexpected connection between k-step partitions and distinct part partitions. We provide two proofs of the corresponding theorem, one using generating functions and one combinatorial. The algebraic proof relies on a generalization of a conjecture made by Paul Hanna in 2012.
Take me to your leader: Reporting structures and equity in academic gynecologic oncology.

Abstract Objective Gynecologic oncology includes increasing percentages of women. This study characterizes representation of faculty by gender and subspecialty in academic department leadership roles relevant to the specialty. Methods The American Association of Medical Colleges accredited schools of medicine were identified. Observational data was obtained through institutional websites in 2019. Results 144 accredited medical schools contained a department of obstetrics and gynecology with a chair; 101 a gynecologic oncology division with a director; 98 a clinical cancer center with a director. Women were overrepresented in academic faculty roles compared to the US workforce (66 vs 57%, p 50% women faculty (90.2 vs 9.8%, p 20 faculty, p = 0.02). The cancer center director gender did not correlate to departmental characteristics. A surgically focused chair was also associated with >50% women faculty (85.7 vs 68.3%, p = 0.03); faculty size >20 (85.7 vs 61.4%, p Conclusion Within academic medical schools, women remain under-represented in obstetrics and gynecology departmental and cancer center leadership. Potential benefits to gynecologic oncology divisions of inclusion women and surgically focused leadership were identified.
Visual object recognition

Object recognition concerns itself with two questions: What is the form of object representation? and How do observers match object percepts to object representations? Many objects look similar and most contain no single feature that uniquely identifies them. Furthermore, objects are rarely seen under identical viewing conditions: Objects change their size, position, orientation, and relations between parts, viewers move about, and sources of illumination turn on and off or move. Successful object recognition requires generalizing across such changes. Two different approaches to these issues have been adopted. Viewpoint-invariant theories assume that there are specific invariant cues to object identity that may be recovered under almost all viewing conditions. Viewpoint-dependent theories suggest that no such general invariants exist and that object features are represented much as they appeared when originally viewed, thereby preserving shape information and surface appearance. Despite many differences, theories of object recognition include some common principles. These include the decomposition of an image into component features, the coding of the spatial relations between such features, multiple views to represent feature sets arising from different object viewpoints, generalization mechanisms to normalize over changes in viewing conditions, and the flexibility to support recognition tasks ranging from item-specific individuation to basic-level categorization. Keywords: frames of reference; image normalization; image-based models; structural description models; viewpoint-dependent recognition; viewpoint-invariant recognition
Engineering Military Rubbish: The Ethics of Waste in and around a Lockheed Martin Facility in New York State

In critiques of the American Military Industrial Complex, social actors in the weapons industry are often depicted as wasteful. For many years, and across the political spectrum, it has been common...