cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Augmented Osteolysis in SPARC-Deficient Mice with Bone-Residing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer preferentially metastasizes to bone, which is rich in structural and matricellular proteins capable of altering prostate cancer progression. This study explores the role of the bone stromal matricellular protein SPARC (osteonectin/BM-40) in the progression of bone metastatic prostate cancer. Quantification of bone destruction analyzed by micro-computed tomography showed augmented osteoclastic resorption, characterized by decreases in several morphometric bone parameters in SPARC knock out (KO) tibiae harboring RM1 murine prostate cancer cells compared with wild type (WT) animals. Tumor progression stimulated osteoclast formation, which was augmented in SPARC KO mice. In vitro differentiation of SPARC KO osteoclasts indicated accelerated progenitor expansion and formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclast-like cells with increased resorptive capacity, a mechanism resulting in enhanced tumor-induced bone loss in vivo. Whereas altered bone structure due to SPARC KO played a role in increased osteolysis, the enhanced osteolysis was primarily the result of increased resorption by SPARC KO osteoclasts. Our findings indicate that bone stromal SPARC suppresses tumor-induced bone lesion expansion by limiting osteoclast maturation and function.
Localization of cartilage linking protein 1 during primary neurulation in the chick embryo.

Abstract Primary neurulation is a form-shaping event during the early development of the vertebrate embryo in which the neural plate is rolled up into the neural tube, the rudiment of the central nervous system. In an effort to identify genes specifically expressed in tissues lateral to the chick neural plate—tissues known to generate extrinsic forces for primary neurulation—we designed a subtractive scheme and identified a positive clone as the gene encoding chick cartilage linking protein 1 (CRTL1). CRTL1 (also known as link protein) is a small glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that was originally identified for its role in stabilizing aggregates of aggrecan and hyaluronan in cartilage. In addition to being expressed in cartilage, CRTL1 is also immunolocalized in several noncartilaginous tissues as assessed with the 4B6 monoclonal antibody. Using the 4B6 antibody and the G9 riboprobe derived from our subtraction, we report the detailed distribution of CRTL1 protein and crtl1 transcripts during primary neurulation in chick embryos. This report emphasizes and briefly discusses important differences between the RNA expression pattern and the domains of accumulation of the protein. CRTL1 prominently accumulates in the basal lamina of the epidermal ectoderm just lateral to the neural plate. Based on the crucial role of the interface between this tissue and the neuroepithelium in the formation of the neural folds, and because of the biophysical role of hyaluronan in tissue morphogenesis, we propose that crtl1 represents is an excellent candidate neurulation gene, worthy of further study.
Enhanced sterol response element-binding protein in postintervention restenotic blood vessels plays an important role in vascular smooth muscle proliferation

Abstract Postintervention restenosis (PIRS) after balloon angioplasty or stent implantation is a limitation for these interventional procedures even with the advent of new drug-eluting stents. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) are transcription factors governing cellular lipid biosynthesis and thus critical in the regulation of the lipid-rich cell membranes. PIRS following injury results partially from newly proliferating cells expressing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) markers. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation are well recognized diverse mitogens for VSMC activation in PIRS. We examined whether PDGF, LPA and α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation with phenylephrine (PE) regulate SREBP expression and subsequently, VSMC proliferation. Our results show that PDGF, LPA and PE upregulate SREBP-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PDGF, LPA and PE-mediated proliferation is dependent on SREBP since inhibition of SREBP expression using targeted knockdown of the SREBP precursor SREBP activating protein (SCAP) by siRNA led to an attenuation of SREBP expression and decreased PDGF, LPA and PE induced proliferation. In two different in vivo PIRS models we found that SREBP-1 was enhanced in the injured blood vessel wall, especially within the neointima and co-localized with α-smooth muscle actin positive cells. Thus, SREBP is enhanced in the vessel wall following PIRS and is important in the regulation of pro-hyperplasia molecular signaling. SREBP inhibition may be a powerful tool to limit PIRS.
Interaction between Trapped Waves and Boundary Layers

Abstract The absorption of trapped lee waves by the atmospheric boundary layer (BL) is investigated based on numerical simulations and theoretical formulations. It is demonstrated that the amplitude of trapped waves decays exponentially with downstream distance due to BL absorption. The decay coefficient, α, defined as the inverse of the e-folding decay distance, is found to be sensitive to both surface momentum and heat fluxes. Specifically, α is larger over a rougher surface, associated with a more turbulent BL. On the other hand, the value of α decreases with increasing surface heating and increases with increasing surface cooling, implying that a stable nocturnal BL is more efficient in absorbing trapped waves than a typically deeper and more turbulent convective BL. A stagnant layer could effectively absorb trapped waves and increase α. Over the range of parameters examined, the absorption coefficient shows little sensitivity to wave amplitude. A relationship is derived to relate the surface reflecti...
Quantitative genetic variation in carbonic anhydrase isozymes from tissues of the pig-tailed macaque, Macaca nemestrina

Two isozymes of carbonic anhydrase (CA I and CA II) were quantified by a radio-immunoassay in 10 different tissues of the pig-tailed macaque. There were clearly differences in relative amounts of the two isozymes, indicating a differential regulation of these two different gene products. An inherited deficiency variant reduced red cell CA I and CA II 5000-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively. In nine other tissues, CA I was reduced from approximately twofold to 110-fold, and CA II was essentially unchanged. The CA I in deficient red cells was immunochemically and electrophoretically identical to common electrophoretic variants of CA I in the pig-tailed macaque and was enzymatically active.
Patterns of maltreatment and diagnosis across levels of care in group homes

Patterns of Axis I psychiatric diagnosis and maltreatment history were explored among youth in group homes, including match of clinical need to level or restrictiveness of care. Data on demographics, diagnoses, maltreatment, and group home level of care (Level I, II, or III homes, representing lower to higher intensity of supervision and treatment) were obtained from 523 youth who participated in a quasi-experimental study of group homes. Three quarters of youth had a diagnosis and two-thirds of youth had a maltreatment history. Youth in higher level homes had more diagnoses and higher rates of all disorders except adjustment disorders. Youth in Level I homes had a history of more maltreatment types, particularly high rates of neglect. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse were most common among youth in higher level homes. Regardless of diagnosis history, comparable proportions of youth had a maltreatment history, and similar patterns were found across levels of care. Together, findings indicate that group homes with varying degrees of restrictiveness serve youth with different psychiatric diagnosis and maltreatment histories. Youth triaged to higher level homes had more diagnoses, while youth placed in the least restrictive homes had a history of more maltreatment subtypes. Further, distinct patterns of diagnosis types and maltreatment subtypes were seen across homes. Implications include the importance of assessing unique clinical needs of youth to promote an appropriate match to level of care and treatment plan.
Structural elucidation of a gonadotropin-inhibiting substance from the bovine pineal gland.

Abstract A gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone has been isolated from the bovine pineal gland and its structure elucidated. This compound was characterized as the cyclic nonapeptide, 8-arginine vasotocin, the presence of which has been postulated from enzymatic and chromatographic data by previous workers. The peptide sequence was determined by degrading the molecule into two tetrapeptides, which were then examined by mass spectroscopy. Comparison of the spectra of the tetrapeptides obtained by degrading vasopressin confirmed the structure of the pineal hormone.
Parental Religious Socialization Practices, Connectedness With Others, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Life

This purpose of this study is to examine two constructs that have been largely overlooked in the study of religious involvement among older people: parental religious socialization practices and feelings of connectedness with others. The data are from an ongoing nationwide survey of older people. Findings from a latent variable model that was designed to examine the two focal constructs provide support for the following relationships: (a) older people whose parents encouraged them to become more involved in religion are more likely to attend worship services, (b) older people whose parents promoted religious involvement and older individuals who attend church more often are more likely to report that they see a fundamental connection among all human beings, (c) older adults who feel more closely connected to others will be more likely to forgive people for the things they have done, and (d) older people who are more forgiving are likely to experience fewer symptoms of depression over time.
Attractiveness and activity in Internet communities

Abstract Data sets of online communication often take the form of contact sequences—ordered lists contacts (where a contact is defined as a triple of a sender, a recipient and a time). We propose measures of attractiveness and activity for such data sets and analyze these quantities for anonymized contact sequences from an Internet dating community. For this data set the attractiveness and activity measures show broad power-law-like distributions. Our attractiveness and activity measures are more strongly correlated in the real-world data than in our reference model. Effects that indirectly can make active users more attractive are discussed.
Correlation of hardness with MFFT and CPVC of latex/ceramic coatings

Hardness, porosity, and microstructure of film-forming in polyvinyl acetate/alumina coatings from aqueous suspensions were investigated with a minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) bar, Vickers hardness tester, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hardness of opaque composite coatings (alumina:latex=1:2 by volume) increased abruptly at the MFFT of the latex, suggesting that the alumina particles did not change the latex film formation behavior and that the hardness measurement is an alterative to the optical criterion. Studies of coatings from latex particles that were smaller or larger than a common size of ceramic particles indicated that the composition of maximum hardness, called critical Vickers hardness concentration (CVHC), matched conventional critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC). More efficient polymer binding in the coatings from the smaller latex gave them higher peak hardness and CPVC.
Two-dimensional magnetic micro-module reconfigurations based on inter-modular interactions

We present a scheme of two-dimensional module reconfiguration based on interactions between microscale magnetic modules with potential applications in micro-robotics, particularly in automatic micro-fabrication, non-invasive diagnoses, micro-surgery, and drug delivery at unreachable sites. The approach taken is a mixture of a top-down engineering approach and a bottom-up self-assembly approach, where reconfiguration commands are delivered from outside the workspace in the form of a magnetic field, which directs configuration changes in the set of modules by changing the strengths of individual magnetic moments. The magnetic modules in the study, 750 μm in size, are constrained to a liquid surface, providing a simplified two degrees of freedom translational motion environment, where the laterally interacting inter-module magnetic force determines the assembly configuration. In this way, the relative distance of the magnets simply reflects the strength of the interactions, and thus easily enables the design of the system's reconfiguration scenario. Reconfiguration occurs when the magnetic attractive forces are changed. To direct the assembly morphology in a controlled manner, the modules are addressed magnetically by incorporating a different magnetic material into each module type, each with different magnetic hysteresis characteristics. For addressing different modules' magnetizations, we incorporate three different magnetic materials that feature different magnetic coercivities. This allows for the independent control of the magnetization of each material using applied external fields of varying strength, leading to arbitrary configuration change in a three-module set and limited control over a four-module set. General cases with more than five modules are further discussed.
Calligraphic poling for WGM resonators

By engineering the geometry of a nonlinear optical crystal, the effective efficiency of all nonlinear optical oscillations can be increased dramatically. Specifically, sphere and disk shaped crystal resonators have been used to demonstrate nonlinear optical oscillations at sub-milliwatt input power when cs light propagates in a Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) of such a resonant cavity. in terms of both device production and experimentation in quantum optics, some nonlinear optical effects with naturally high efficiency can occult the desired nonlinear scattering process. the structure to the crystal resonator. In this paper, I will discuss a new method for generating poling structures in ferroelectric crystal resonators called calligraphic poling. The details of the poling apparatus, experimental results and speculation on future applications will be discussed.
More on Methanol-Associated Matrix Effects in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Based on the observations reported by Annesley regarding methanol-associated matrix effects (1), I changed from the use of Burdick and Jackson (B&J)1 to EMD Chemicals (EMD) methanol in the mobile phases for tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and sirolimus procedures that used electrospray ionization on single LC-MS and tandem quadrupole LC-MS (LC-MS/MS) instrument systems. Presented herein are observations that supplement Annesley’s observations regarding the influence that brand of methanol can have on analytical performance. I routinely performed tacrolimus and cyclosporine procedures using LC-MS/MS and sirolimus using LC-MS. The tacrolimus and cyclosporine procedures have been described previously (2)(3). The sirolimus procedures (unpublished data) were similar to the others. The same sample preparation was used for both LC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis. Importantly, methanol supplemented with ammonium acetate and formic acid (prepared in and used directly from the manufacturer’s bottle) was the LC-MS/MS mobile-phase organic component, in which ammonium adducts were monitored. For LC-MS methods we used methanol (directly from the manufacturer’s bottle), and the aqueous component, water supplemented with sodium formate and formic acid, ensured sodium adduct signals for monitoring. The change in brand of methanol from B&J to EMD did not affect the performance of the tacrolimus or cyclosporine LC-MS/MS assay, although cyclosporine and cyclosporin D (internal standard) peak areas increased moderately (15%). However, there was …
Light and Electron Microscopic Pulmonary Lesions Associated with Retained Microfilariae in Canine Occult Dirofilariasis

Lungs from dogs infected with adult, gravid Dirofilaria immitis but without microfilaria circulating in systemic vessels were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Microfilariae were seen within the pulmonary microvasculature and in interstitial areas of interalveolar septa. An acute inflammatory reaction characterized by aggregates of eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes was associated with intact microfilariae. Necrotic and fragmented microfilariae were surrounded by macrophages and epithelioid cells. Other lesions in interalveolar septa of dogs with chronic occult dirofilariasis included endothelial degeneration and hypertrophy, perivascular aggregates of plasma cells, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells, and interstitial fibrosis. The findings suggest that a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction is at least partially responsible for retention of microfilariae in pulmonary parenchyma of dogs with occult dirofilariasis.
Kinetics of lead(IV) oxide (PbO2) reductive dissolution: Role of lead(II) adsorption and surface speciation

Lead(IV) oxide (PbO(2)) is a corrosion product on lead pipes used for drinking water distribution, and its dissolution can control lead release to drinking water. This study evaluated the adsorption of Pb(II) to PbO(2) and its impact on the dissolution rate of PbO(2). The dissolution rate of PbO(2) was determined as a function of pH in the absence and presence of free chlorine using continuously-stirred tank reactors. Pb(II) adsorption was examined as a function of pH and initial Pb(II) concentrations. The dissolution rate of PbO(2) increased with decreasing pH. The presence of free chlorine inhibited PbO(2) dissolution. The dissolution of PbO(2) involves a coupled reduction-detachment process, and a model was developed that accounts for the adsorption of Pb(II) from the reduction. The extent of Pb(II) adsorption to PbO(2) increased with increasing pH and Pb(II) concentrations until reaching a plateau. Adsorption was interpreted with a surface complexation model using the diffuse double-layer model and a single surface complex. The dissolution rate of PbO(2) was directly related to the distribution of the PbO(2) surface species predicted by the surface complexation model. The dissolution rate was predominantly controlled by >Pb(IV)OH(2)(+) for acidic conditions and by>Pb(IV)OH and>Pb(IV)O(-) at neutral to basic conditions.
Ultrastructure of normal and degenerating glomerular terminals of dorsal root axons in the substantia gelatinosa of the rhesus monkey

The fine structure of primary sensory terminals within glomerular complexes of lamina II of Rexed (substantia gelatinosa Rolandi) in the spinal cord was investigated in normal adult rhesus monkeys and in monkeys subjected to thoracic or lumbosacral dorsal root transection. Three types “scalloped” primary sensory terminals were distinguished on the basis of their ultrastructural characteristics, size, and distribution of synaptic vesicle population: (1) dense sinusoid axon (DSA) terminals contain mediumsized (42–46 nm and 58–62 nm) and large (80 nm) clear synaptic vesicles; (2) large dense-core vesicles (LDCV) terminals are equipped with empty synaptic vesicles ranging from 30 to 106 nm, large, (80 nm) and very large, (100 nm) dense-core vesicles; and (3) regular synaptic vesicles (RSV) terminals contain a homogeneous population of 45–50 nm clear synaptic vesicles. Follwing transection of the dorsal roots, all three types of primary afferents degenerate and become engulfed and phagocytosed by glial cells. However, each type of terminal displays a different mode and tempo of degeneration as seen in monkeys sacrificed 36, 48, and 72 hours following rhizotomy. DSAs follow the osmiophilic degeneration pattern; LDCVs are characterized by a gradual increase in the number of “electron-dense bodies” and, less frequently, by a progressive osmiophilic process; RSVs exhibit signs of a filamentous degeneration, accompanied by clusters of synaptic vesicles. The three types of terminals are distributed in an overlapping but distinct pattern within posterior horn. Thus DSAs are present in highest numbers in lamina II where they constitute the most frequent terminal type. LDCVs also occur in lamina II in its outer half but are most concentrated in lamina I. RSVs predominate in the deepeer layers of the dorsal horn (lamina III) but are also found in the internal half of lamina II. On the basis of these ultrastructural data and a comparison with afferent profiles impregnated according to the Golgi method, it appears that DSAs and LDCVs correspond respectively to superficial and marginal collaterals of small, thin dorsal root fibers whereas RSVs represnt terminals of deep collaterals from large, thick dorsal root axons.
Testing for sex chromosome mosaicism in Turner syndrome

Abstract Ullrich–Turner syndrome (UTS) is frequently associated with chromosomal mosaicism. Conventional cytogenetic studies identify sex chromosome mosaicism in approximately 55% of patients. Roughly 2% of UTS patients who are mosaic exhibit a cell population with 46,XY or a structural rearrangement of the Y chromosome. Such patients are at an increased risk of gonadoblastoma and occasionally more clinically significant gonadal tumors. For UTS patients with a monosomy X karyotype result, we developed and validated a FISH assay to identify low level mosaicism for an XY or XX cell population, or an X or Y structural rearrangement. We have tested 44 patients with monosomy X for sex chromosomal mosaicism using FISH. A second cell line was identified in 10 patients (23%), 6 with X/XX, 1 X/i(X), and 3 X/dic(X). None of the patients studied thus far with FISH have exhibited a Y-chromosome cell population. FISH as an adjunct to karyotype analysis is useful to identify sex chromosome mosaicism in UTS patients, and has increased the rate of identification of mosaicism from 55% to 67%.
Botulinum toxin treatment of low back pain and fibromyalgia

Two prospective studies using the same technique reported on the effect of botulinum neurotoxin A (Botox, Allergan Inc.) in chronic back pain. One study was double blind and placebo controlled (Foster et al., 2001), and the other was open but provided data from repeat injections over a period of 14 months (Jabbari et al., 2006). In both studies BoNT-A was administered into the paraspinal muscles using a novel technique aimed to influence the whole length of the erector spinae at the lumbar region regardless of site(s) of tenderness or trigger points. BoNT-A was administered into the erector spinae (ES) at 5 levels (L1–L5) with 40–50 U/level. The total dose ranged from 200 to 500 U. In the first study (31 patients) 60% and in the second study (75 patients) 53% of the patients reported significant pain relief at 2 months (P The studies of fibromyalgia are limited and available data do not support pain relief from BoNT treatment.
An Experimental Model for the Sharp Flat Plate in Rarefied Hvnersonic Flow

Flowfield studies of the shock wave and boundary-layer development on a flat plate are presented for a region that bridges the gap between a classical hypersonic boundary layer downstream and a kinetic flow model at the leading edge. The measurements give a comprehensive picture of the flow pattern in the "merged" or "viscous layer" regime, which exists upstream of the region of validity of hypersonic viscous interaction theory. The results are derived from a combination of several probing and optical techniques and surface pressure measurements. Previous models of slip flow or wedge-like flow were not supported. The shock wave was found to be quite different in thickness and structure from the classical picture of an oblique Rankine-Hugoniot shock, and these effects have not been treated adequately in existing theories. A true scale diagram of the flowfield is given which now makes it possible to evaluate more realistically the theoretical models that have been proposed.
The UTAH/M.I.T. Dextrous hand: work in progress

The Center for Biomedical Design at the University of Utah and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachu setts Institute of Technology are developing a tendon-oper ated multiple-degree...
SU‐E‐T‐471: Potential of Using Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB) to Significantly Improve the Normal Tissue Sparing For Advanced Staged Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC)

Purpose: To investigate advantages of SIB technique using IMPT for advanced stage NSCLC Method: The 4DCT data sets were randomly selected from 9 patients with stage IIINSCLC. The SIB volume (SIBV) was defined as GTV with 3mm expansion to account for uncertainties. PTV was defined as CTV with 5mm expansion. Conventional IMPT plan delivering 74Gy/37Fractions to at least 95% of PTV and IMPT SIB plans delivering 72Gy (BED:89.3Gy), 78Gy (BED:98.3Gy) and 84Gy (BED:107.5Gy) in 30 fractions to at least 95% of SIBV as well as 60 Gy to at least 95% of PTV were designed for each patient using robust optimization. TCP and NTCP were calculated and worst case robustness was analyzed for one patient. Results: The NTCP for lung and esophagus were 0.02 and 0.38 respectively for IMPT SIB 72Gy, 0.1 and 0.32 lower than those for IMPT 74Gy respectively, while TCP of PTV and SIBV are 0.87 and 0.9 for IMPT 74Gy, and 0.89 and 0.9 for IMPT SIB 72Gy respectively. The dose coverage of CTV and GTV in worst scenario was at least 95% of prescribed dose for both IMPT SIB 72Gy and IMPT 74Gy plans. The comparison of IMPT SIB plans showed no significant differences of normal structures sparing at different escalation dose level, such as percentage lung volume received 20Gy (V20, 29%) and mean dose (20Gy), esophagus V60 (16%), and maximum cord dose (36Gy). Our results suggest that dose escalation to SIBV only (TCP of SIBV are 0.9, 0.93 and 0.95 for SIB dose level 72Gy, 78Gy and 84Gy) in IMPT SIB technique will have minimal impact for normal structures sparing. Conclusion: IMPT SIB showed significantly advantages in target dose escalation with minimal impact on normal structures sparing. We are currently testing the impact of IMPT SIB on patient outcome in a prospective trial.
Smooth muscle tropomyosin paracrystals.

Ordered aggregates of chicken gizzard tropomyosin were obtained in solutions containing 50 mM MgCl2, 50 mM Tris—HCl, pH 8.0 (Solution A), 0.1 M Na acetate, 0.05 M (NH4)2SO4, 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), 1 mM ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA), pH 5.6 (Solution B), and 0.2 M KCl, 10 mM Na acetate, pH 5.6 (Solution C). The tropomyosin preparations, obtained by hydroxylapatite chromatography, contained equal proportions of α (35 000 daltons) and β (37 700 daltons) subunits. Negatively stained aggregates exhibited several patterns with a common periodicity of 40 nm; these included a Mg2+ tactoid formed in Solution A and four tactoid forms in Solution B. Lattice net structures formed in Solution B included 40-nm tetragonal nets with single and double nodes, a 40-nm square net with single lines, and 20-nm lattice nets with single lines in one direction and double, sometimes twisted, lines in the other. A 40-nm diamond net and 40-nm square nets with single or multiple lines were formed in Solution C. Several phase transitions occurred between the 40-nm single tetragonal nets and the tetragonal nets with double nodes, the 40-nm square nets, or the 20-nm lattice net forms. Similar transitional forms are rarely observed with skeletal muscle tropomyosin unless troponin-T is present.
Analysis of Cuscohygrine in Coca Leaves by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A novel high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for the determination of the alkaloid cuscohygrine [1,3-bis(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-2-propanone] in air-dried leaves of Erythroxylum coca var. coca. The analysis was performed on a weak cation exchange HPLC column using a mobile phase consisting of MeOH: 0.05 M KH2PO4, pH 7 (75:25, v/v) and with UV detection at 220 nm. Cuscohygrine content was determined as 0.21–0.23% in E. coca leaves.
Automating the Creation of Interactive Glyph-supplemented Scatterplots for Visualizing Algorithm Results

Ndaona is a Matlab toolkit to create interactive three-dimensional models of data often found in NLP research, such as exploring the results of classification and dimensionality reduction algorithms. Such models are useful for teaching, presentations and exploratory research (such as showing where a classification algorithm makes mistakes).Ndaona includes embedding and graphics parameter estimation algorithms, and generates files in the format of Partiview (Levy, 2001), an existing free open-source fast multidimensional data displayer that has traditionally been used in the planetarium community. Partiview supports a number of enhancements to regular scatterplots that allow it to display more than three dimensions' worth of information.
Evolution of a hot genome

The chile pepper has a long and important human history. Chiles, members of the plant genus Capsicum in the Solanaceae family, evolved in the New World and were domesticated there several millennia ago (1). Although it is hard to imagine a Mexican, Szechuan, or Indian dinner without chiles, these characteristic cuisine elements are a relatively recent development, having only achieved their enormous Old World culinary impact in the centuries after Columbus. Indeed, several other Solanaceae crops are of entirely New World origin, with tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) and potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) of particular importance, but also pepino ( Solanum muricatum ) and tomatillo ( Physalis philadelphica ) (Fig. 1 A ). In testimony to the importance of this plant group, whole-genome sequences of tomato (2) and potato (3) were among the first 50 plant genomes available for study. Now, we can add chile pepper to the mix, as published in PNAS by Qin et al. (4) and independently by Kim et al. (5). Although both papers provide excellent resources to the plant science community and share several similar findings (e.g., on the enormous expansion of the chile pepper genome by proliferation of mobile elements and on the biochemical genetics of the fruit’s characteristic pungency), the work of Qin et al. (4), which includes considerable genomic resequencing of multiple cultivated varieties and a wild pepper, the chiltepin, provides important added data for evaluating the (in part artificially derived) adaptive landscape of cultivated peppers. Fig. 1. The genome of chile pepper in an evolutionary context. ( A ) A phylogeny of lamiid angiosperms, the family Solanaceae in yellow and chile pepper in red. ( B ) Syntenic dotplot of tomato chromosome 2 (vertical) versus chiltepin pepper chromosomes 2 ( Upper ) and 4 ( Lower ), with syntenic gene duplicates colored according to their Ks values (synonymous substitutions per synonymous site), as plotted in the x axis of C … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: vaalbert{at}buffalo.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Stages of increased cerebral blood flow accompany stages of rapid brain growth.

The existence of stages of rapid brain growth implies the existence of associated stages of increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) to supply the substances and energy needed for the added brain weight. Studies in the literature give developmental data for CBF in humans which show stages of increased cerebral blood flow at ages starting just preceding and/or coincident with the ages of the rapid brain growth stages. Confirmation of the implication for one of the earliest stages is also found in PET data. Additionally, data for rodents show a similar association of stages of increasing CBF and their brain growth stages. Thus, to the accuracy of the data, the implication is confirmed. Finding stages in cerebral blood flow predicts the existence of stages of brain growth. In addition; finding correlated blood flow stages also supports the age spans of the stages of rapid brain growth in both species. Such correlations also suggest that measurements of blood flow anywhere in the body might serve to reveal rapid growth stages in particular localities or organs if the blood flow shows significant stages. The ratio of energy consumed in brain to that in total body decreases from close to 100% at birth to the adult value of about 20% by age 18 years.
Magnet Hospitals: Higher Rates of Patient Satisfaction.

Patient satisfaction with care is an important indicator of quality of care. As of 2013–2014, 30% of the Value-Based Purchasing score Medicare is using to determine hospital reimbursement is based ...
The effects of sterilization techniques on the properties of intracanal instruments

Three common sterilization techniques, namely, autoclaving (15 and 25 minutes at 250 degrees F.), salt sterilization (5 and 10 seconds at 480 degrees F.), and dry heat (one hour at 340 degrees F.), were used to sterilize 420 root canal reamers and files, both carbon and stainless steel. These intracanal instruments were then tested in tension. An extra eighty-four intracanal instruments were tested without being subjected to any sterilization techniques and served as controls. It was found that carbon steel intracanal instruments were affected more by the different modes of sterilization than were the stainless steel instruments. Time of sterilization did not seem to have an effect on the properties of either instrument.
The Vredefort structure: estimates of energy for some internal sources and processes

Abstract The conspicuous features of the Vredefort structure are the concentric arrangement of gneissose core, steeply dipping metasediments and metavolcanics and a peripheral rim syncline; the alkali intrusive suite and its metamorphic aureole; the indicators of fracturing and high pressure (shatter cones, coesite and stishovite, and microscopic deformation textures); and the predominance of CO 2 over H 2 O in fluid inclusions in the gneissose core. The cause of the Vredefort structure lies in either external or internal agencies; possible internal agencies and sources of energy are discussed here. In reviewing possibilities, a continuum is recognized between two extremes: at one extreme the major sources of energy are taken to be the density inversion (metasediments overlying granitic gneiss) and the alkali intrusions, whereas at the other extreme the major source of energy is taken to have a deep-seated and explosive character, most of the energy being liberated in one or two short, but very great, bursts. Between the extremes lie scenarios in which violent energy releases form substantial, but not overwhelming contributions to the total. Attention is focused initially on the less explosive end of the range: the hypothesis explored is that the gneiss rose because of buoyancy, while being disturbed and accelerated by the alkali intrusions. The aspect selected for emphasis is the energy budget; quantities of energy are estimated as follows: (1) Gravitational energy available from the density inversion, —10 21 J, (2) thermal energy associated with the alkali intrusions—10 21 J, and (3) energy consumed in forming shatter cones—10 15 J. (By comparison, for Mount St. Helens in April–May 1980 the estimates are: thermal energy associated with magma—10 18 J, and energy released in four major seismic events—10 13 J.) In addition to the energy budget, aspects requiring attention are the apparent compressive stress intensities (8–10 GPa to form stishovite) and the form and distribution of the shatter cones. Possibilities are (1) for stishovite, that sufficient compressive stress developed locally at asperities on fracture surfaces, and (2) for the cones, that they formed by quasi-static Mohr-Coulomb fracture in radially symmetrical local stress fields produced by seismic pulses of magmatic origin imposed on rocks already prestressed during gravity doming. With regard to the role of compressed volatiles, they may have been important in affecting fracture behavior, preserving stishovite by quenching and promoting development of certain microdeformations at low stress levels. Their relative importance as a source of energy, in comparison with the other sources mentioned, is not brought out by the calculations. Nothing in the above is intended to exclude other possible reconstructions from consideration, the method of multiple working hypotheses being upheld.
Motor perseveration and long-term memory for visual forms

Abstract Motor perseveration observed in patients with anterior lesions can be clustered into at least four different types, each of which reflects a breakdown at a particular (executive, motor, or semantic) level of cognitive processing. The phenomenology of motor perseveration is used to make inferences about two aspects of normal cognition: hierarchic organization of executive processes, and units for the encoding of visual information.
Misidentification of Candida parapsilosis as C famata in a Clinical Case of Vertebral Osteomyelitis

A case of vertebral osteomyelitis involving misidentification of Candida parapsilosis as C famata by the VITEK 2 compact is described. Species-specific primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction to correctly identify the clinical isolate. When uncommon species of Candida are reported using automated systems, heightened clinical suspicion is warranted.
Microcephaly is associated with early adverse neurologic outcomes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Microcephaly is associated with early adverse neurologic outcomes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
The photoionization of allyl chloride from onset to 20 eV

Abstract Photoionization efficiency data have been obtained for the parent ion and two fragment ions (C 3 H 5 + and C 3 H 3 + ) of allyl chloride. Onset energies are determined for these ions and heats of formation calculated for the fragment ions. The structures of the fragment ions are discussed in relation to their heats of formation.
Birth-related, psychosocial, and emotional correlates of positive maternal–infant bonding in a cohort of first-time mothers

Abstract Objective to describe the development of a shortened 10-item version of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (S-PBQ) and examine the relationship between birth-related, psychosocial, and emotional factors and maternal–infant bonding. Design cross-sectional interview study. Setting women having their first baby in Pennsylvania, USA. Participants we interviewed 3005 women in their third trimester and at one month post partum who were enroled in the First Baby Study. Measurements and findings for the S-PBQ, we completed factor analysis and examined instrument properties. We examined the relationship between birth-related, psychosocial, and emotional factors and maternal–infant bonding using adjusted linear regression models. The S-PBQ demonstrated acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach׳s α =0.67). Analysis revealed a socio-economic bias such that women who were older, more educated, not living in poverty, and married reported lower bonding scores. Maternal–infant bonding was significantly negatively correlated with maternal stress, maternal pain, and post partum depression, and positively correlated with partner support with the infant, and social support. Key conclusions and implications for practice For researchers who wish to measure maternal–infant bonding but are in need of a relatively short scale, the 10 item S-PBQ may be a useful alternative to the original version. However, it is important that researchers measuring maternal–infant bonding also investigate socio-economic bias in their studies and adjust for this effect as needed. Our results also indicate that clinicians should be aware of life stressors that may impact the maternal–infant relationship, in order that intervention may be provided to improved health outcomes for mothers, infants, and families.
Infrared spectroscopy of the ν3 band of H2O

Abstract The ν3 band of the H2O+ ion was detected in absorption in the region 3100–3400 cm−1 using a tunable difference frequency spectrometer and the velocity modulation technique for detection. About 70 transitions were measured and analyzed in a two-stage fit in order to obtain information on the rotational constants of both ground and excited vibrational states. Combination differences obtained from our measurements and from the optical spectrum observed earlier by Lew were fit using the A-reduced expression of the Hamiltonian and 16 molecular parameters of the ground state: the rotational constants, the centrifugal distortion constants, and the spin-rotation constants were determined. The band origins of the ν3 band (ν0 = 3253.031(3) cm−1) and of the rovibrationally coupled ν1 band (ν0 = 3213.00(9) cm−1) were determined together with the rotational parameters and the spin-rotation constants of the ν3 band and the vibration-rotation interaction constant.
Genetic counseling: the development of a new interdisciplinary occupational field.

Abstract A power approach to the study of occupations is used to understand the development of a new occupation—the Masters level genetic counselor. The internal dimension of the power perspective is utilized in analyzing this new health care provider's efforts to gain a place alongside practitioners who possess medical or doctoral degrees. The external dimension is used to focus on the relationship between occupational control and other institutional bases of power in the society. The status of genetic counselor is compared to that of the nurse-practitioner and nurse-midwife. Claims of expertise regarding control over indetermination and uncertainty are discussed as well as society's willingness to accept these assertions.
Tetrathiophenalenyl radical and its disulfide-bridged dimer.

The presence of two disulfide groups in the tetrathiophenalenyl radical TTPLY leads to a highly delocalized spin distribution and the lowest cell potential ever observed for a monofunctional phenalenyl derivative. While the heteroatom substituents successfully block C−C bond formation, TTPLY nonetheless associates in the solid state to afford the hypervalent S−S-bonded dimer (TTPLY)2.
XML-based RDF data management for efficient query processing

The Semantic Web, which represents a web of knowledge, offers new opportunities to search for knowledge and information. To harvest such search power requires robust and scalable data repositories that can store RDF data and support efficient evaluation of SPARQL queries. Most of the existing RDF storage techniques rely on relation model and relational database technologies for these tasks. They either keep the RDF data as triples, or decompose it into multiple relations. The mis-match between the graph model of the RDF data and the rigid 2D tables of relational model jeopardizes the scalability of such repositories and frequently renders a repository inefficient for some types of data and queries. We propose to decompose RDF graph into a forest of semantically correlated XML trees, store them in an XML repository and rewrite SPARQL queries into XPath/XQuery queries to be evaluated in the XML repository. In this paper, we discuss the basic idea of RDF-to-XML decomposition and the criteria of such decomposition in term of correctness, redundancy and query efficiency, then propose two RDF-to-XML decomposition algorithms based on these criteria. Our experimental evaluation results illustrate that our approach is capable of improving both the storage efficiency and query processing efficiency compared to the existing RDF techniques.
The reality of virtual schools: A review of the literature

Virtual schooling was first employed in the mid-1990s and has become a common method of distance education used in K-12 jurisdictions. The most accepted definition of a virtual school is an entity approved by a state or governing body that offers courses through distance delivery - most commonly using the Internet. While virtual schools can be classified in different ways, the three common methods of delivery are by independent, asynchronous or synchronous means. Presently, the vast majority of virtual school students tended to be a select group of academically capable, motivated, independent learners. The benefits associated with virtual schooling are expanding educational access, providing high-quality learning opportunities, improving student outcomes and skills, allowing for educational choice, and achieving administrative efficiency. However, the research to support these conjectures is limited at best. The challenges associated with virtual schooling include the conclusion that the only students typically successful in online learning environments are those who have independent orientations towards learning, highly motivated by intrinsic sources, and have strong time management, literacy, and technology skills. These characteristics are typically associated with adult learners. This stems from the fact that research into and practice of distance education has typically been targeted to adult learners. The problem with this focus is that adults learn differently than younger learners. Researchers are calling for more research into the factors that account for K-12 student success in distance education and virtual school environments and more design research approaches than traditional comparisons of student achievement in traditional and virtual schools.
PHOTOINDUCED ELECTRON TRANSFER IN ETHIDIUM-MODIFIED DNA DUPLEXES : DEPENDENCE ON DISTANCE AND BASE STACKING

Long-range photoinduced electron transfer has been systematically examined in a series of small DNA duplexes covalently modified with ethidium and Rh(phi)2bpy3+ through time-resolved and steady-state measurements of fluorescence quenching. Fast fluorescence quenching (k ≳ 1010 s-1) is observed for this donor/acceptor pair noncovalently bound to DNA, and transient absorption studies allow the assignment of this quenching to an electron-transfer mechanism. In the duplexes modified with tethered intercalators, intrahelix fluorescence quenching attributed to electron transfer occurs at distances up to 30 A. Over a donor/acceptor separation of ∼20 A, approximately 30% of the ethidium fluorescence is quenched, while at a separation of ∼30 A, approximately 10% quenching is observed. Time-resolved measurements indicate that this quenching is primarily static. Fluorescence polarization and melting studies indicate that the intercalators are rigidly bound, enhance helix stability, and the duplex populations are str...
The Physical Basis for the Silicate Dust Sequence

Using a series of radiative transfer models of circumstellar dust shells, we explore the physical origins of the variety of shapes of the 10 μm silicate feature seen in the spectra of oxygen-rich circumstellar dust shells. In order to match the full range of observed spectral shapes, the models explore four parameters: the relative abundance of amorphous alumina and amorphous silicates, the inner dust shell radius, the optical depth, and the geometric thickness of the shell. Optically thin shells dominated by amorphous silicate grains reproduce the classic narrow silicate feature at 10 μm. Increasing the optical depth of the shell produces spectral features at 10 μm with stronger components at 11 μm, but to match the [12]-[25] IRAS colors, these optically thick shells must be geometrically thin (i.e., have a truncated outer radius). Spectra with broad, low-contrast emission features peaking at wavelengths longer than ~11 μm originate from optically thin shells composed of amorphous alumina. These findings provide a physical basis for the silicate dust sequence defined by Sloan & Price. We suggest that the [12]-[25] color is an indicator of geometric shell thickness. Thin shells can only arise if the star ejects mass and forms dust in a noncontinuous process.
Self-Concept in Hearing and Prelingual, Profoundly Deaf Students: A Comparison of Teachers' Perceptions

A self-concept measure was administered to a group of 68 deaf students aged 8-19 years and a comparison group of 68 hearing students. Teachers for both of the groups completed observer reports of self-concept. Although tentative, the findings indicate that hearing teachers' perceptions of students' self-concepts are in closer agreement for hearing students than they are for deaf students. At the same time, the results show that deaf students do not appear markedly different from hearing students in their own reports of self-concept.