cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Xylem structure of four grape varieties and 12 alternative hosts to the xylem-limited bacterium Xylella fastidious

†Background and Aims The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf ), responsible for Pierce’s disease (PD) of grapevine, colonizes the xylem conduits of vines, ultimately killing the plant. However, Vitis vinifera grapevine varieties differ in their susceptibility to Xf and numerous other plant species tolerate Xf populations without showing symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the xylem structure of grapevines with different susceptibilities to Xf infection, as well as the xylem structure of non-grape plant species that support or limit movement of Xf to determine if anatomical differences might explain some of the differences in susceptibility to Xf. †Methods Air and paint were introduced into leaves and stems to examine the connectivity between stem and leaves and the length distribution of their vessels. Leaf petiole and stem anatomies were studied to determine the basis for the free or restricted movement of Xf into the plant. †Key Results There were no obvious differences in stem or petiole vascular anatomy among the grape varieties examined, nor among the other plant species that would explain differences in resistance to Xf. Among grape varieties, the more tolerant ‘Sylvaner’ had smaller stem vessel diameters and 20 % more parenchyma rays than the other three varieties. Alternative hosts supporting Xf movement had slightly longer open xylem conduits within leaves, and more connection between stem and leaves, when compared with alternative hosts that limit Xf movement. †Conclusions Stem–leaf connectivity via open xylem conduits and vessel length is not responsible for differences in PD tolerance among grape varieties, or for limiting bacterial movement in the tolerant plant species. However, it was found that tolerant host plants had narrower vessels and more parenchyma rays, possibly restricting bacterial movement at the level of the vessels. The implications of xylem structure and connectivity for the means and regulation of bacterial movement are discussed.
PLTP regulates STAT3 and NFκB in differentiated THP1 cells and human monocyte-derived macrophages

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) plays an important role in regulation of inflammation. Previously published studies have shown that PLTP binds, transfers and neutralizes bacterial lipopolysaccharides. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that PLTP can also regulate anti-inflammatory pathways in macrophages. Incubation of macrophage-like differentiated THP1 cells and human monocyte-derived macrophages with wild-type PLTP in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or interferon gamma (IFNγ) significantly increased nuclear levels of active signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, pSTAT3(Tyr705) (p<0.01). Similar results were obtained in the presence of a PLTP mutant without lipid transfer activity (PLTP(M159E)), suggesting that PLTP-mediated lipid transfer is not required for activation of the STAT3 pathway. Inhibition of ABCA1 by chemical inhibitor, glyburide, as well as ABCA1 RNA inhibition, reversed the observed PLTP-mediated activation of STAT3. In addition, PLTP reduced nuclear levels of active nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) p65 and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in conditioned media of differentiated THP1 cells and human monocyte-derived macrophages. Our data suggest that PLTP has anti-inflammatory capabilities in macrophages.
Demo of the medical device dongle: an open-source standards-based platform for interoperable medical device connectivity

Emerging medical applications require networked coordination between medical devices. However, most of the medical devices in use today do not support wireless communication or network connectivity. Currently, hospitals interested in coordinated medical care would have replace existing devices with expensive new devices. We believe that existing medical devices can be extended to support interoperable network connectivity. We demonstrate the Medical Device Dongle (MDD), an open-source platform that enables such extensions to current medical devices. The MDD can attach to any device that has a data output interface (RS-232 or USB) and enables it to connect wirelessly and in an interoperable manner for various applications. We show how multiple medical devices, including pulse oximeters and infusion pumps, can be connected and controlled together using an open-source platform, standards-based connectivity protocols, and model-driven software. The demo setup consists of medical devices attached to an MDD Agent, an MDD Manager device, and a mobile phone running monitoring applications. The MDD components can communicate over Bluetooth, WiFi and Ethernet.
Differing challenges of antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance.

DESPITE growing media, political and public attention on antimicrobial resistance, vets should not lose focus on tackling anthelmintic resistance too. It is clear when antimicrobial resistance guidelines, such as the BVA's eight-point plan (BVA 2009), are compared to anthelmintic use guidelines, like those available from the Sustainable Control Of Parasites in Sheep initiative (SCOPS 2014), that the challenges and principles of tackling both are often directly comparable. It is well known that livestock performance and productivity is detrimentally affected by worms and resistance is a widespread problem. Information collected from 62 sheep farms in south-west England suggests that between 38 per cent and 47 per cent of farms show evidence of resistance to all …
Development of oxacillin resistance in a patient with recurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Whole-genome sequencing was used to compare longitudinal isolates of Staphylococcus aureus that developed resistance to oxacillin (MIC up to 16 μg/ml). The mecA gene was absent. A novel 5-bp TATCC frameshift insertion in a gene encoding an ABC transporter similar to that of the teichoic acid translocation ATP-binding protein TagH and a 3-bp GCT nonframeshift insertion in the pdhA pyruvate dehydrogenase gene were detected in the oxacillin-resistant isolates.
Song type sharing and territory tenure in eastern song sparrows: implications for the evolution of song repertoires

Song repertoires are thought to have evolved by sexual selection, with larger repertoires being advantageous in both female choice and territory defence. While most hypotheses of repertoire evolution treat different song types as functionally equal, an alternative hypothesis is that song repertoires evolved to allow song sharing with multiple neighbours. In support of this hypothesis, song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, share high proportions of their repertoires with territorial neighbours in at least three west coast populations in North America, and song sharing is correlated with a territorial advantage in at least two of these. We studied song sharing and territory tenure in an east coast population of song sparrows in North America in which song sharing is significantly less common. We found no evidence for a territorial advantage of whole song sharing in our population. We also found no evidence for a territorial advantage for partial song sharing, even though partial song sharing is as common in our population as whole song sharing is in the west coast populations. Population demographics (such as annual survival and territory density) do not seem sufficient to explain different levels of sharing between populations. Thus, we found no evidence in our population to support song sharing as a target of selection in the evolution of song repertoires.
Nested hysteretic current-mode single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) boosting buck converter

Portable microsystems, which typically incorporate transceivers, analog/digital converters, microprocessors, and others, require several fast on-chip supplies to both function and save energy. Linear regulators are fast and compact, but also lossy, and although switched inductors are efficient, power inductors are bulky, which is why supplying several functions with one inductor is often an optimal compromise. Responding quickly to individual disruptions, however, is challenging when sharing one inductor with other loads, and bucking and boosting the battery voltage normally require more power switches. The 1.25-MHz single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) converter presented here employs a buck stage to buck and boost 3.6 V to 0.8, 1.2, and 4.5 V and uses nested hysteretic current-mode control to respond within 1 μs to 20-mA load dumps across 0.8 and 1.2 V and 2 μs to 5-mA load dumps across 4.5 V. Simulations show that efficiency peaks at 91% 0/0 with a combined load of 45 mA.
Data-driven estimation of the sensitivity of target-oriented time-lapse seismic imaging to source geometry

The goal of time-lapse imaging is to identify and characterize regions in which the earth’s material properties have changed between surveys. This requires an effective deployment of sources and receivers to monitor the region where changes are anticipated. Because each source adds to the acquisition cost, we should ensure that only those sources that best image the target are collected and used to form an image of the target region. This study presents a datadriven approach that estimates the sensitivity of target-oriented imaging to source geometry. The approach is based onthepropagation of the recordedbaseline seismic data backward in time through the entire medium and coupling it with the estimated perturbation in the subsurface. We test this approach using synthetic surface seismic and time-lapse VSP field-data from the SACROC field. These tests show that the useof the baseline seismic data enhances the robustness of the sensitivityestimatetoerrors, andcanbe used toselectdata that best image a target zone, thus increasing the signal-tonoise ratio of the image of the target region and reducing the cost of time-lapse acquisition, processing, and imaging.
Soziologie and Lebensanschauung: Two Approaches to Synthesizing ‘Kant’ and ‘Goethe’ in Simmel’s Work

Contrary to common perceptions of Simmel’s work as dividing into three stages of Darwinism, Kantianism, and Goethean/Bergsonian Life-Philosophy, consideration of the full scope of the Georg Simmel ...
Role of Institutional Climate in Fostering Diversity in Biomedical Research Workforce: A Case Study

This article reviews the barriers to diversity in biomedical research, describes the evolution and efforts to address climate issues to enhance the ability to attract, retain and develop underrepresented minorities (URM) - underrepresented minorities whose underrepresentation is found both in science and medicine, in the graduate school biomedical research doctoral programs (PhD and MD/PhD) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM). We also describe the potential beneficial impact of having a climate that supports diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce. MSSM diversity climate efforts are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan to increase diversity in all institutional programs PhD, MD/PhD, MD, and at the residency, post doctoral fellow, and faculty levels. Lessons learned from four decades of targeted programs and activities at MSSM may be of value to other institutions interested in improving diversity in the biomedical science and academic medicine workforce.
Evidence of gain enhancement in long wavelength strained quantum well laser diodes

Threshold current behaviour of InGaAs/InP quantum well laser diodes grown by atmospheric pressure MOCVD is measured and used as a means for determining characteristic modal gain constants. Structures incorporating 1.1% strain in the multiquantum well active region exhibit a threshold current density of 506 A/cm2 at a cavity length of 1498 μm, and are described by a characteristic modal gain constant that is 70% higher than in a similar device with 0.2% strain.
The inductive effect in π-electron systems

The spectral inertness of the -NH3 + group is examined using a potential which has both short- and long-range characteristics. The positively charged nitrogen dominates the potential, although to obtain a satisfactory description account must be taken of the repulsion arising from overlap of substituent and ring orbitals. The substituent parameters for the potential are estimated. Using perturbation theory the shifts of bands associated with a re-arrangement of charge within the molecule are calculated assuming that only the inductive effect of the substituent is important. Finally the potential used in this paper is compared to that of Bishop and Craig [4].
Using an iPad Application to Promote Early Literacy Development in Young Children With Disabilities

This investigation evaluated the effects of using an iPad application to teach young children with developmental delays to receptively identify initial phonemes through 0- to 5-s constant time delay procedures in the context of a multiple-probe design across three sets of behaviors and replicated across three students. The dependent variable was the percentage of unprompted correct receptive identification responses for target phonemes during instruction and probes. All students mastered their target phonemes, generalized the skills across materials, and maintained the skills at or above 50% of accuracy 4 and 7 weeks after the intervention was completed. This study expands the knowledge on using touch screen iPad application for early literacy instruction of young children with disabilities.
Improving the UK's Contribution to International Policing

International police reform missions have largely underestimated the time and resources needed to successfully transfer policing norms to recipient police forces. Successful reform is extremely complex and contingent on local norms of justice and political situations. It should not be taken for granted that UK officers, mostly on one-year secondments, have enough time or the right training to be able to successfully engender change. Furthermore, the UK's current contribution to international policing is limited by structural constraints and a fragmented deployment system. This paper argues that the UK must create a body, possibly an International Policing Agency, to deploy more officers and act as an ‘institutional home’ for international policing that develops and improves the UK's ability to transfer its policing norms. This should be run by development practitioners who understand how policing systems in the developing world operate and who appreciate the complexity of reform.
Analysis of lscr 1 minimization in the Geometric Separation Problem

Modern data are often composed of two (or more) morphologically distinct constituents - for instance, pointlike and curvelike structures in astronomical imaging of galaxies. Although it seems impossible to extract those components - as there are two unknowns for every datum - suggestive empirical results have already been obtained especially by Jean-Luc Starck and collaborators. In this paper we develop a theoretical view-point, defining a Geometric Separation Problem and analyzing a model procedure. This procedure is inspired by work relating lscr1 minimization and sparsity. The procedure uses two deliberately overcomplete systems which sparsify the different components and decomposes by lscr1 minimization of the analysis (rather than synthesis) frame coefficients. We formalize two concepts - cluster coherence in place of the now-traditional singleton coherence and lscr1 minimization in frame settings, including those where singleton coherence within one frame may be high - and develop all the needed machinery to make these into fruitful tools. Our general approach applies to the problem of geometric separation of pointlike and curvelike structures in images by employing frames of radial wavelets and curvelets or orthonormal wavelets and shearlets. Our theoretical results show that at all sufficiently fine scales, nearly-perfect separation is achieved. We use microlocal analysis to understand heuristically why separation might be possible and to organize a rigorous analysis.
Identification of a β-casein-like peptide in breast nipple aspirate fluid that is associated with breast cancer

Aims: Nipple aspirate fluid was collected prospectively from women scheduled for diagnostic breast surgery in order to determine protein masses associated with breast cancer, subsets of women with a unique proteomic profile and a breast cancer predictive model. Materials & methods: Breast nipple aspirate fluid was collected preoperatively in 163 breasts from 125 women and analyzed for changes in cell morphology and by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry over approximately a 44 kDa range (1.5–45 kDa) using IMAC30, CM10 and Q10 ProteinChips. Results: Considering all samples, 16 protein masses were associated with the presence of cancer, the most discriminating being 3592, 6570/6580 and 15870 Da. Excluding women with pathologic nipple discharge or those with a papilloma identified an additional protein of 6383 Da. The best cancer detection models included Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, age, and either the 4262 (best sensitivity: >87%) or 3592 (best specificity: >94%) peak. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry demo...
Localized Corrosion of Nanocrystalline 304 Type Stainless Steel Films

Abstract Nanocrystalline (grain size approximately 25 nm) stainless steel films were prepared by sputter-depositing the conventional 304 type stainless steel on glass substrates. Despite the same chemical composition, the breakdown potential (Eb) of the sputtered stainless steel films is found to be approximately 850 mV higher than that of the conventional material. Also, the breakdown potentials of the sputtered nanocrystalline stainless steel films are close to those of the amorphous FeCr18Ni9W11 and FeCr10P13C7 alloys reported in the literature. The high corrosion resistance of the sputtered films is attributed to the smaller grain size of the films.
Enteric locus of action of prokinetics: ABT-229, motilin, and erythromycin.

We investigated the in vivo and in vitro locus of actions of prokinetics: motilin, erythromycin, and ABT-229. The test substances were infused close intra-arterially in short segments of the jejunu...
States vs. FDA

In the United States, food and drug safety is regulated in two ways: a stringent ex ante, national regime led by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and a robust ex post system of state-law enforcement. This federalist structure, operating on dual regulatory levels, sets the stage for synergy and for conflict. Two recent high-profile preemption lawsuits showcase a novel dimension of the dual regulatory structure: the role of states as competing and/or complementary actors vis-a-vis the FDA in regulating food and drug safety. In Zogenix, Inc. v. Patrick, a federal district court enjoined the Massachusetts government from enacting a statewide ban on Zohydro, an FDA-approved opioid analgesic drug, but upheld the state’s subsequent prescription and dispensation-related restrictions. In Grocery Manufacturers Association v. Sorrell, food industry representatives challenged a recently enacted Vermont law mandating labeling of genetically engineered food — labeling that the FDA had not required.Both cases explore how states can regulate drug and food safety without treading impermissibly upon the FDA’s turf. In doing so, they raise the issue of who should determine if state regulatory efforts advance or impede the federal regulatory scheme. Are courts or the regulating agencies the better arbiters? If the latter, when are their conclusions entitled to judicial deference, and how much?This Article advances two primary claims. First, courts, when facing implied obstacle preemption challenges to state regulations, should consider the FDA’s view on the matter — namely whether the agency itself considers the state-level regulation to conflict with its national regulatory agenda. In Zogenix, the court, strikingly, paid no attention to the FDA Commissioner’s overt support of Massachusetts’s proposed restrictions on the prescribing and dispensing of Zohydro. In Sorrell, the court had before it informal policy guidance from the FDA that suggested that the agency was somewhat open to state labeling mandates. Deference to the FDA’s position in each case would have provided clear resolution of the preemption challenge. Second, these cases reiterate and reinforce the argument at the heart of the ACUS 2010 Recommendation, Agency Procedures for Considering Preemption of State Law: if there is ever to be a coherent body of case law and regulatory policy in the realm of food and drug laws, courts must probe the FDA’s record on its examination and consideration of relevant state interests in the course of the federal regulation enactment process. Rather than blindly deferring to the federal agency’s view, courts should evaluate whether that view was the product of a responsible process that afforded states the chance to articulate how their own proposed state regulation fits with the federal regulatory scheme.
Transients in the Synchronization of Oscillator Arrays

The purpose of this note is threefold. First we state a few conjectures that allow us to rigorously derive a theory which is asymptotic in N (the number of agents) that describes transients in large arrays of (identical) linear damped harmonic oscillators in R with completely decentralized nearest neighbor interaction. We then use the theory to establish that in a certain range of the parameters transients grow linearly in the number of agents (and faster outside that range). Finally, in the regime where this linear growth occurs we give the constant of proportionality as a function of the signal velocities (see [3]) in each of the two directions. As corollaries we show that symmetric interactions are far from optimal and that all these results independent of (reasonable) boundary conditions.
Yield Maps for Single and Bilayer Thin Films Under Scratch

Finite element (FE) simulations were performed to study yielding in single and bilayer (BL) film systems using a “yield zone map” approach. Onset of yielding was observed at the interface, substrate, surface, and film in HfB2/silicon and HfB2/stainless steel systems. The interface yield zone in HfB2/stainless steel system was found to be larger due to the dominant effect of interfacial stress gradients. Based on the FE simulations, empirical equations were derived for the maximum contact pressure required to initiate yield at the interface. For BL/substrate systems, onset of yield at the lower film/substrate interface occurred when film thickness ratio was in the range 0.5–5. The maximum contact pressure associated with the initial yielding at this interface is minimum compared to other locations. From the design point of view, for a BL system the preferable film thickness ratio was found to be 20, whereas the optimum hardness ratio ranges from 2 to 4. For these values, maximum contact pressure is very high (∼30 GPa), and thus, yield onset can be avoided at lower film/substrate interfaces. In addition, based on the obtained results, the advantages and disadvantages of using a BL film as compared to a single film and their relevance to practical applications are discussed.
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION SOURCES

Synchrotron radiation is a very bright, broadband, polarized, pulsed source of light extending from the infrared to the x-ray region. It is an extremely important source of Vacuum Ultraviolet radiation. Brightness is defined as flux per unit area per unit solid angle and is normally a more important quantity than flux alone particularly in throughput limited applications which include those in which monochromators are used. It is well known from classical theory of electricity and magnetism that accelerating charges emit electromagnetic radiation. In the case of synchrotron radiation, relativistic electrons are accelerated in a circular orbit and emit electromagnetic radiation in a broad spectral range. The visible portion of this spectrum was first observed on April 24, 1947 at General Electric's Schenectady facility by Floyd Haber, a machinist working with the synchrotron team, although the first theoretical predictions were by Lienard in the latter part of the 1800's. An excellent early history with references was presented by Blewett and a history covering the development of the utilization of synchrotron radiation was presented by Hartman. Synchrotron radiation covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from the infrared region through the visible, ultraviolet, and into the x-ray region up to energies of many 10's of kilovolts. If the charged particles are of low mass, such as electrons, and if they are traveling relativistically, the emitted radiation is very intense and highly collimated, with opening angles of the order of 1 milliradian. In electron storage rings there are three possible sources of synchrotron radiation; dipole (bending) magnets; wigglers, which act like a sequence of bending magnets with alternating polarities; and undulators, which are also multi-period alternating magnet systems but in which the beam deflections are small resulting in coherent interference of the emitted light.
Cation/Anion Associations in Ionic Liquids Modulated by Hydration and Ionic Medium

In order to understand the unique solvation and conduction properties of ionic liquids (ILs), we explore their interionic associations modulated by hydration level and ionic medium. Pulsed-field-gradient NMR allows sensitive measurement of separate cation and anion diffusion coefficients, which combine to reflect ionic aggregation. With increasing hydration of ILs, the anomalous ratio of cation to anion diffusion coefficients reverses, then plateaus to values consistent with expected hydrodynamic radii ratios (rcation/ranion = 1.4 for [C2mim][BF4]). When ILs diffuse inside an ionic polymer, ion associations are modulated by ionic interactions between mobile cations and anions, and drag from fixed −SO3− lining the polymer’s hydrophilic channels. Surprisingly, cations diffuse substantially faster (≤3×) at low hydration inside membranes, revealing prevalent anionic aggregates. At high hydration, isolated anions diffuse faster (≤4×) than cations. Probing ionic interactions provides pivotal insight into these ...
On higher-degree bivariate stop-loss transforms, with applications

The bivariate extension of the higher degree stop-loss transforms is considered. The logarithmic partial derivatives of the higher degree bivariate stop-loss transforms define useful higher degree stoploss rate couples, which are related to the hazard rate and mean excess couples in the lower degrees. We show that the higher degree stop-loss rate couples determine the higher degree bivariate stop-loss transforms uniquely, and that the latter ones determine a bivariate survival function uniquely. As illustration, the set of all non-negative bivariate distributions with semi-linear affine mean excess couple is characterized. The higher degree bivariate stop-loss orders, which extend the well-known higher degree stop-loss orders to the bivariate case, are also considered. These orderings are weaker than the concordance or correlation order and define a hierarchy of orderings, which becomes weaker as the total degree increases. Concrete illustrations for bivariate diatomic risks, with an actuarial application to excess-of-loss on two lives, and for a class of bivariate risks with continuous margins are included.
Presumed Guilt in the Anthrax Case—Response

![Figure][1] Bacillus anthracis CREDIT: CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION In my review of American Anthrax , I sought to highlight the valuable contributions of this book to the public understanding of this complex and controversial case, as well as the book's shortcomings. It is
Role of carotid chemoreceptors in hypoxic cardiac acceleration.

Summary and Conclusions1. Changes in heart rate were recorded during the application of hypoxic stimuli limited to the carotid chemoreceptors. 2. The direct reflex change in heart rate initiated by hypoxia at the carotid chemoreceptors was a slowing of moderate degree. 3. It is concluded that the cardiac acceleration of generalized hypoxia does not arise chemoreflexly at the carotid bodies.
Building Educational Infrastructures for Broadening Participation in Computing

This chapter addresses the issue of what makes for a successful higher education program to attract women into a science or technology department. The first section describes the characteristics of a successful program for attracting women into its STEM education programs, based on the research of social scientists Mary Frank Fox and Gerhard Sonnert. The next section, based on the work of education professor Frances Stage and her colleague Steven Hubbard, identify colleges and universities that have done the best job of attracting women into science and technology education. The final section, based on oral histories with participants as well as a wide public literature, provides case studies of departments that have been successful at recruiting and retaining women. These include the general engineering major at Olin College, both the engineering and computer science department at Smith College, the combined department of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California at Berkeley, and the computer science departments at Carnegie Mellon University and Harvey Mudd College. More abbreviated accounts are given of computer science at Bryn Mawr, Mills, and Wellesley Colleges, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Georgia Tech.
Queue and power control for rechargeable sensor networks under SINR interference model

Renewable energy sources can be attached to sensor nodes to substantially improve the performance of sensor networks. In networks with renewable energy sources, conservative energy expenditure may lead to missed recharging opportunities due to the batteries being full, while aggressive usage of energy may cause the network to be intermittently disconnected and reduction in coverage. Thus, new techniques and algorithms must be developed for networks with replenishment to balance these seemingly contradictory goals. In this paper, we consider an uplink wireless senor network with renewable energy sources attached to sensor nodes under the SINR interference model, where the achievable transmission rate of each sensor node depends on its SINR. We develop a provably efficient solution to maximize the total sensing rate subject to quality of service constraints.
Strain-specific Fibril Propagation by an Aβ Dodecamer

Low molecular weight oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) have emerged as the primary toxic agents in the etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Polymorphism observed within the aggregation end products of fibrils are known to arise due to microstructural differences among the oligomers. Diversity in aggregate morphology correlates with the differences in AD, cementing the idea that conformational strains of oligomers could be significant in phenotypic outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to determine the ability of strains to faithfully propagate their structure. Here we report fibril propagation of an Aβ42 dodecamer called large fatty acid-derived oligomers (LFAOs). The LFAO oligomeric strain selectively induces acute cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in neonatally-injected transgenic CRND8 mice. Propagation in-vitro occurs as a three-step process involving the association of LFAO units. LFAO-seeded fibrils possess distinct morphology made of repeating LFAO units that could be regenerated upon sonication. Overall, these data bring forth an important mechanistic perspective into strain-specific propagation of oligomers that has remained elusive thus far.
Rapid Physiological Fluctuations in Nucleus Accumbens Oxygen Levels Induced by Arousing Stimuli: Relationships with Changes in Brain Glucose and Metabolic Neural Activation.

Proper entry of oxygen from arterial blood into the brain is essential for maintaining brain metabolism under normal conditions and during functional neural activation. However, little is known about physiological fluctuations in brain oxygen and their underlying mechanisms. To address this issue, we employed high-speed amperometry with platinum oxygen sensors in freely moving male rats. Recordings were conducted in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a critical structure for sensorimotor integration. Rats were exposed to arousing stimuli of different nature (brief auditory tone, a 1-min novel object presentation, a 3-min social interaction with a conspecific, and a 3-min tail-pinch). We found that all arousing stimuli increased NAc oxygen levels. Increases were rapid (4-10-s onset latencies), modest in magnitude (1-3 M or 5-15% over baseline) and duration (5-20 min), and generally correlated with the arousing potential of each stimulus. Two strategies were used to determine the mechanisms underlying the observed increases in NAc oxygen levels. First, we showed that NAc oxygen levels phasically increase following intra-NAc microinjections of glutamate that excite accumbal neurons. Therefore, local neural activation with subsequent local vasodilation is involved in mediating physiological increases in NAc oxygen induced by arousing stimuli. Second, by employing oxygen monitoring in the subcutaneous space, a highly-vascularized area with no metabolic activity, we determined that physiological increases in NAc oxygen also depend on the rise in blood oxygen levels caused by respiratory activation. Due to the co-existence of different mechanisms governing oxygen entry into brain tissue, NAc oxygen responses differ from fluctuations in NAc glucose, which, within a normal behavioral continuum, are regulated exclusively by neuro-vascular coupling due to glucose’s highly stable levels in the blood. Finally, we discuss the relationship between physiological fluctuations in NAc oxygen and metabolic brain activation assessed by intra-brain heat production.
Expression pattern of the Ets-related transcription factor Elf-1.

Members of the Ets family of winged helix-loop-helix transcription factors play important roles in the development and function of multiple mammalian cell lineages. Elf-1 is an Ets-related transcription factor that is expressed at high levels in T cells and is known to regulate the expression of several T cell genes, including the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene, the interleukin-2 receptor alpha subunit (H-2Ra) gene, and the CD4 gene. In the studies described in this report, we have characterized the pattern of expression of Elf-1 in the developing mouse embryo and in adult mouse tissues as well as in multiple immortalized human and murine cell lines. Elf-1 is expressed at high levels throughout thymocyte development, with equivalent levels of Elf-1 expression seen in all subsets of maturing thymocytes and T cells. Somewhat surprisingly, however, Elf-1 is also expressed at high levels in epithelial cells lining the oral cavity, the lung, the CNS, and the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts as well as in the skin of the developing mouse embryo and at lower levels in the adult mouse testis and liver. Western blot analyses of a large number of immortalized cell lines demonstrated high-level Elf-1 expression in T and B lymphocyte and macrophage cell lines as well as in two prostate carcinoma cell lines. Low-level expression was observed in fibroblasts, embryonic stem cells, and myoblasts. Taken together, our data suggest that in addition to its role in regulating T cell development and function, Elf-1 may regulate gene expression in the B cell and myelomonocytic lineages, as well as in multiple epithelial cell types during murine embryonic development.
Coherent structures, uniform momentum zones and the streamwise energy spectrum in wall-bounded turbulent flows

Large-scale motions (LSMs) in wall-bounded turbulent flows have well-characterised instantaneous structural features (Kovasznay et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 41 (2), 1970, pp. 283–325; Meinhart & Adrian, Phys. Fluids, vol. 7 (4), 1995, pp. 694–696) and a known spectral signature (Monty et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 632, 2009, pp. 431–442). This work aims to connect these previous observations through the development and analysis of a representative model for LSMs. The model is constructed to be consistent with the streamwise energy spectrum (Monty et al. 2009) and amplification characteristics of the Navier–Stokes equations (McKeon & Sharma, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 658, 2010, pp. 336–382), and is found to naturally recreate characteristics of instantaneous turbulent structures, including a bulge shape (Kovasznay et al. 1970) and the presence of uniform momentum zones (Meinhart & Adrian 1995) in the streamwise velocity field. The observed structural similarity between the LSM representative model and instantaneous experimental data supports the use of travelling wave models to connect statistical and instantaneous descriptions of coherent structures, and clarifies a simple general equivalency between symmetry in a Reynolds-decomposed velocity field and asymmetry in the laboratory frame.
Short communication: Evaluation of an automated method for assessing white blood cell concentrations in Holstein dairy cows.

Assessing white blood cell (WBC) differentials is one way to assess cow health and well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the agreement between WBC populations identified by manual evaluation via microscopy and an automated approach. Data were collected from mid-to-late lactation dairy cows sampled at 6-h intervals starting at 2100 over a 48 period (n = 192). The agreement between the two methods was calculated using a regression model in SAS (v9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) to construct limits of agreement. Data were analyzed by comparing the mean response of the methods for each sample against the difference between the methods The maximum allowable difference (MAD) was set at ±10% for each response variable. Agreement between methods was evident for neutrophils and lymphocytes, but not for monocytes and eosinophils. Agreement for these factors was established from an insignificant P-value, a low R2 value, and concentration of the data within the MAD. This data indicates that the automated method is appropriate for analysis of neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations. However, accuracy needs to be improved for analysis of monocytes and eosinophils if differentiation of all WBC populations is necessary.
Ectopic Thymic Cyst of the Subglottis: Considerations for Diagnosis and Management.

Objectives:To share the diagnostic and management challenges created by an extremely rare airway lesion—the subglottic ectopic thymic cyst.Study Design:Case report and literature review.Methods:We review the presentation, management, and clinical course of an infant who presented with a subglottic mass that was histologically confirmed as a thymic cyst. A brief literature review supplements the case presentationResults:We present the third described case of an ectopic thymic cyst presenting as a subglottic mass. The differential diagnosis of subglottic masses in neonates consists primarily of subglottic hemangioma and mucous retention cysts. Otolaryngologists must be prepared for unexpected findings when dealing with critical airways. We compare the presentation and management of our patient with the 2 previously described cases. We propose an embryologic theory for the origin of these rare lesions.Conclusions:An ectopic thymic cyst is a rare and unexpected cause of neonatal stridor. Management of pediatr...
Principle A and feature valuation

Traditional binding theory is largely incompatible with minimalist assumptions. In this paper I propose an analysis of anaphoric binding based on a feature-checking mechanism (Pesetsky and Torrego 2007), by introducing the feature ⟨ρ⟩, a formalization of the reflexivity proposal of Reinhart and Reuland 1993. I argue that the ⟨ρ⟩ feature is responsible for establishing coreference between an anaphor and its antecedent, by being present and valued on reflexives while being unvalued on a higher phrasal head. Valuation of ⟨ρ⟩ under Agree results in the introduction of a λ -operator, which binds the reflexive variable, thereby establishing the coreference between an anaphor and its antecedent. I further demonstrate how this revision of binding theory can derive subject orientation of monomorphemic anaphors, Barss- Lasnik effects, and restrict at which moment of derivation binding theory can apply. In conclusion I show some novel asymmetries observed in wh-dislocated reflexives in English vs. Russian indirect questions.
A new wrinkle on the brain

The folded structure of the human brain is a hallmark of our intelligence — an optimized packing of neurons into a confined space. Similar wrinkling in brain-on-a-chip experiments provides a way of understanding the physics of how this occurs.
Spatially Constrained Geodesign Optimization (GOP) for Improving Agricultural Watershed Sustainability

Given an agricultural watershed containing a set of spatial units, and a set of land management practices, the Geodesign Optimization (GOP) aims to find a land management practice for each spatial unit that optimizes overall water quality improvements in the watershed under both budget constraint and spatial constraints (e.g., minimum contiguous area, shape) arising from farm equipment operation practicalities. GOP is important for redesign of agricultural watersheds in Midwestern US to mitigate soil and water quality degradation and loss of habitat. The problem is computationally challenging as a large-scale combinatorial problem (NP-hard) under spatial constraints. Existing optimization techniques do not address spatial constraints, and lead to impractical solutions requiring frequent farm equipment reconfiguration. In this paper, we formalize the spatially-constrained GOP and propose a novel spatial optimizer which explores optimal solution without constraint violations. Our approach is further validated through a Geodesign case study at Seven Mile Creek watershed in Midwestern US.
Mechanics of a two-fiber model with one nested fiber network, as applied to the collagen-fibrin system.

Abstract The mechanical behavior of collagen-fibrin (col-fib) co-gels is both scientifically interesting and clinically relevant. Collagen-fibrin networks are a staple of tissue engineering research, but the mechanical consequences of changes in co-gel composition have remained difficult to predict or even explain. We previously observed fundamental differences in failure behavior between collagen-rich and fibrin-rich co-gels, suggesting an essential change in how the two components interact as the co-gel’s composition changes. In this work, we explored the hypothesis that the co-gel behavior is due to a lack of percolation by the dilute component. We generated a series of computational models based on interpenetrating fiber networks. In these models, the major network component percolated the model space but the minor component did not, instead occupying a small island embedded within the larger network. Each component was assigned properties based on a fit of single-component gel data. Island size was varied to match the relative concentrations of the two components. The model predicted that networks rich in collagen, the stiffer component, would roughly match pure-collagen gel behavior with little additional stress due to the fibrin, as seen experimentally. For fibrin-rich gels, however, the model predicted a smooth increase in the overall network strength with added collagen, as seen experimentally but not consistent with an additive parallel model. We thus conclude that incomplete percolation by the low-concentration component of a co-gel is a major determinant of its macroscopic properties, especially if the low-concentration component is the stiffer component. Statement of significance Models for the behavior of fibrous networks have useful applications in many different fields, including polymer science, textiles, and tissue engineering. In addition to being important structural components in soft tissues and blood clots, these protein networks can serve as scaffolds for bioartificial tissues. Thus, their mechanical behavior, especially in co-gels, is both interesting from a materials science standpoint and significant with regard to tissue engineering.
Investigation of transition metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions in water

Abstract Transition metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer is a powerful method for incorporating new C N bonds into relatively unfunctionalized scaffolds. In this communication, we report the first examples of site- and chemoselective C H bond amination reactions in aqueous media. The unexpected ability to employ water as the solvent in these reactions is advantageous in that it eliminates toxic solvent use and enables reactions to be run at increased concentrations with lower oxidant loadings. Using water as the reaction medium has potential to expand the scope of nitrene transfer to encompass a variety of biomolecules and highly polar substrates, as well as enable pH control over the site-selectivity of C H bond amination.
Ngram Search Engine with Patterns Combining Token, POS, Chunk and NE Information.

We developed a search tool for ngrams extracted from a very large corpus (the current system uses the entire Wikipedia, which has 1.7 billion tokens). The tool supports queries with an arbitrary number of wildcards and/or specification by a combination of token, POS, chunk (such as NP, VP, PP) and Named Entity (NE). The previous system (Sekine 08) can only handle tokens and unrestricted wildcards in the query, such as * was established in *. However, being able to constrain the wildcards by POS, chunk or NE is quite useful to filter out noise. For example, the new system can search for NE=COMPANY was established in POS=CD. This finer specification reduces the number of outputs to less than half and avoids the ngrams which have a comma or a common noun at the first position or location information at the last position. It outputs the matched ngrams with their frequencies as well as all the contexts (i.e. sentences, KWIC lists and document ID information) where the matched ngrams occur in the corpus. It takes a fraction of a second for a search on a single CPU Linux-PC (1GB memory and 500GB disk) environment.
Enlargement of salivary glands: Review of the literature

Abstract A review of the literature indicates that salivary gland enlargement may be associated with a number of factors, including neural conditions, endocrine problems, vitamin deficiencies, and various systemic diseases.
Working in Pediatrics

Nowhere does the interface between clinical psychology and the medical experience pose as many interesting challenges and opportunities as in the field of pediatric psychology. Here, factors such as developmental level and the particularly strong influence of systems on children need to be considered in addition to other behavioral medicine variables. This chapter will review a variety of behavioral health issues in both acute and chronic medical experiences that children commonly encounter, and present evidence-based interventions designed to assist children and their families in managing these situations with an emphasis on both developmental and systems perspective.