cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local effects of the new land rush: How capital inflows transformed rural Russia

Rising global prices for agricultural commodities have led to the inflow of capital to rural economies and to transfers of land ownership to new agricultural operators (NAOs) in developing and post-Soviet countries. How capital inflows affect rural communities is often explained with the variable of institutional strength, an explanation aligned with the good governance approach to economic development: Capital inflows have positive developmental effects, if strong domestic institutions vet land deals and regulate NAOs. Contra the focus on institutional parameters as exogenous variables, this article highlights the role of political projects in shaping local outcomes and driving institutional change. Evolving political priorities are important to understand domestic rural transformations because they lead to interventions that privilege some actors as agents of change, while others are sidelined—hence transforming local economies. This theoretical suggestion is based on a study of Russia's rural transformation that followed a significant influx of capital.
Observability and sensor allocation for Boolean networks

Observability of Boolean networks uniquely determines an initial condition of Boolean networks with a given output sequence. The objective of this study is to simplify the observability determination of Boolean networks and to offer a strategy to reconstruct states of Boolean networks with partial states' measurement. For a given Boolean dynamics and its measurement function, we extracted implicit useful information and deleted the redundant information based on its boolean dynamics and measurement function. Then, the extracted information was transferred to an undirected graph. We derived the necessary and sufficient condition of observability determination based on the corresponding undirected graph. Such necessary and sufficient condition significantly reduced the computational cost comparing with current methods. Further, we proposed a design method to determine the measurement function and reconstruct the unmeasured states. The effectiveness of the method was illustrated with an example. In conclusion, our result established an effective tool to determine the observability for Boolean networks with arbitrary number of nodes and Boolean functions, which further provided a novel way to allocate sensors for partial state measurement and to reconstruct the entire states.
Liberal Dimensions of Structural Uniformity: Capitalism and National Power

This chapter analyzes the effective synonymity of democracy and capitalism in the twentieth century, as well as the growing synonymity between militarism and capitalism. The author also takes into account the individual’s role and contribution to capitalism, alongside an increasing emphasis placing ownership above any other human attribute.
Reproductive Tract Lesions in Aged Nonhuman Primates

Abstract Nonhuman primates serve as vital models for human disease. Aging nonhuman primates have many similarities to humans when it comes to lesions of the reproductive tract. Leiomyomas, endometriosis, ovarian atrophy, and endometrial changes are common to both women and nonhuman primates. On the other hand, endometrial carcinomas and ovarian carcinomas predominate in women, while granulosa cell tumors predominate in the most commonly used species of nonhuman primates in biomedical research. In males, testicular atrophy and degeneration is common to humans and other primates. In contrast to men, nonhuman primates do not suffer from prostatic hyperplasia and neoplasia commonly. The species that share certain aging lesions with humans can serve as valuable models to study these diseases. Furthermore, the differences in the observed reproductive tract lesions present an opportunity to study the reason for the discrepancies and further elucidate the mechanism of disease.
Connexin43 Carboxyl-Terminal Domain Directly Interacts with β-Catenin

Activation of Wnt signaling induces Connexin43 (Cx43) expression via the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, and results in the enhanced accumulation of the Cx43 protein and the formation of gap junction channels. In response to Wnt signaling, β-catenin co-localizes with the Cx43 protein itself as part of a complex at the gap junction plaque. Work from several labs have also shown indirect evidence of this interaction via reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation. Our goal for the current study was to identify whether β-catenin directly interacts with Cx43, and if so, the location of that direct interaction. Identifying residues involved in direct protein–protein interaction is of importance when they are correlated to the phosphorylation of Cx43, as phosphorylation can modify the binding affinities of Cx43 regulatory protein partners. Therefore, combining the location of a protein partner interaction on Cx43 along with the phosphorylation pattern under different homeostatic and pathological conditions will be crucial information for any potential therapeutic intervention. Here, we identified that β-catenin directly interacts with the Cx43 carboxyl-terminal domain, and that this interaction would be inhibited by the Src phosphorylation of Cx43CT residues Y265 and Y313.
Biochemistry of Halogenated Neuroactive Amines

Included for discussion in this chapter will be halogenated analogues of amine neurotransmitters, several of which analogues function as receptor agonists, and halogenated amines that can affect neuronal function in other, less direct ways. The medicinal and pharmacological importance of both peripheral and central nervous system (CNS)-acting analogues will be reviewed. Of obvious importance are compounds that can modulate CNS functions, either to the benefit or detriment of the subject. Accordingly, the role of halogenated analogues in the development of psychotherapeutic and psychotomimetic drugs will be discussed. Analogues that have peripheral cardiovascular action also will receive special attention.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare cause of spinal cord compression and acute para- or quadriplegia. Traumatic spinal epidural hematomas are usually seen in older men with a history of ankylosing spondylitis and vertebral fracture. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas are commonly associated with coagulopathies, tumors, or vascular malformations. There have been only five previously published case reports in the English-language literature of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas in conjunction with pregnancy. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 24-year-old woman at 20 weeks' gestation who presented to our service with a spontaneous cervicothoracic spinal epidural hematoma and complete quadriplegia. INTERVENTION: The patient was taken to the operating room for urgent surgical decompression and evacuation of the spinal epidural hematoma. CONCLUSION: The patient made a complete neurological recovery in long-term follow-up. In the meantime, she carried her pregnancy to term and gave birth to a healthy baby. Therefore, we advocate aggressive and early surgical intervention, similar to the five previously reported cases in the English-language literature, in the case of a spinal epidural hematoma causing cord compression and devastating neurological deficit in a pregnant woman.
Training and Decoding Speedup

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have many hidden layers each of which has many neurons. This greatly increases the total number of parameters in the model and slows down both the training and decoding. In this chapter, we discuss algorithms and engineering techniques that speedup the training and decoding. Specifically, we describe the parallel training algorithms such as pipelined backpropagation algorithm, asynchronous stochastic gradient descend algorithm, and augmented Lagrange multiplier algorithm. We also introduce model size reduction techniques based on low-rank approximation which can speedup both training and decoding, and techniques such as quantization, lazy evaluation, and frame skipping that significantly speedup the decoding.
The hometown cluster-based intergroup threat model: exploring conflict among internal migrant groups in Gebze, Turkey

ABSTRACTThis study examines threat perception amongst internal migrant groups in Turkey by proposing the ‘hometown cluster-based intergroup threat model.’ It contributes to the existing literature ...
Revisiting IS research practice in the era of big data

Abstract Through building and testing theory, the practice of research animates data for human sense-making about the world. The IS field began in an era when research data was scarce; in today's age of big data, it is now abundant. Yet, IS researchers often enact methodological assumptions developed in a time of data scarcity, and many remain uncertain how to systematically take advantage of new opportunities afforded by big data. How should we adapt our research norms, traditions, and practices to reflect newfound data abundance? How can we leverage the availability of big data to generate cumulative and generalizable knowledge claims that are robust to threats to validity? To date, IS academics have largely welcomed the arrival of big data as an overwhelmingly positive development. A common refrain in the discipline is: more data is great, IS researchers know all about data, and we are a well-positioned discipline to leverage big data in research and teaching. In our opinion, many benefits of big data will be realized only with a thoughtful understanding of the implications of big data availability and, increasingly, a deliberate shift in IS research practices. We advocate for a need to re-visit and extend traditional models that are commonly used to guide much of IS research. Based on our analysis, we propose a research approach that incorporates consideration of big data—and associated implications such as data abundance—into a classic approach to building and testing theory. We close our commentary by discussing the implications of this hybrid approach for the organization, execution, and evaluation of theory-informed research. Our recommendations on how to update one approach to IS research practice may have relevance to all theory-informed researchers who seek to leverage big data.
Long-term Patterns of Age-Related Facial Bone Loss in Black Individuals.

ImportanceFacial skeletal changes that occur with aging have critical importance to the aesthetics of the aging face and the field of facial rejuvenation. Patterns of bony change may differ based o...
A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis of Regorafenib and TAS‐102 in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Background Regorafenib at different dosing strategies and TAS-102 are treatment options for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness evidence supporting these different strategies. Materials and methods We searched different databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating TAS-102 or regorafenib in patients with refractory mCRC who failed prior oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and fluoropyrimidine. Outcomes of interest included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The overall effect was pooled using the DerSimonian random effects model. We conducted network meta-analysis based on White's multivariate meta-regression to pool evidence from direct and indirect comparisons. Results Six trials at low risk of bias (2,445 patients) were included. Direct comparisons showed that Rego 160 and TAS-102 as monotherapy were superior to best-supportive care (BSC) in terms of PFS (Rego 160: hazard ratio [HR], 0.4; 95% confidence ratio [CI], 0.26-0.63; TAS-102: HR, 0.46 CI, 0.40-0.52) and OS (Rego 160: HR, 0.67; CI, 0.48-0.93; TAS-102: HR, 0.67; CI, 0.57-0.80). Network analysis showed no statistically difference in PFS or OS between Rego 160 and TAS-102. Rego 80+ was superior to BSC in terms of OS (HR, 0.44; CI, 0.23-0.84) and PFS (HR, 0.37; CI, 0.21-0.66). Rego 80+ was associated with statistically nonsignificant improvement in OS and PFS compared with TAS-102 and Rego 160. Conclusion Regorafenib 160 and TAS-102 appear to have similar efficacy. Rego 80+ is shown to be superior to BSC. A trend for improved OS was observed with Rego 80+ versus Rego 160 or TAS 102. Implications for practice Regorafenib at a dose of 160 mg and TAS-102 appear to have similar efficacy in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Regorafenib with a dose escalation strategy is superior to best-supportive care. Given its tolerability and the observed trend in survival benefit compared with regorafenib 160, dose escalation strategy of regorafenib (80+) may be the preferred option in this setting.
The Upper Limb Remains

A number of upper limb remains are preserved from the Shanidar Neandertals and many of them are either well preserved or sufficiently intact to permit the reasonable reconstruction of some of their missing portions. This is especially true for the bones of the forearm and hand. As a result, it is possible to evaluate many aspects of their upper limb morphology and its implications. This chapter discusses each of the shoulder and arm bones by a presentation of the hand bones and presents the osteometric data. The upper limb remains of the Shanidar adults depict a morphological pattern that is close to that evidenced by other Near Eastern and European Neandertals. They had strongly built shoulders, arms, and hands with especially well-developed muscles for grasping and rotating the limb. This hypertrophy is evident in the tuberosities and crests for various muscles on their arm and hand bones and in the increased breadths and axillary border morphologies of their scapulae. Several of them also show small differences in the proportions of their bones or the orientations of muscular attachments that would have increased the efficiency during powerful grasping of large or heavy objects.
Efficacy of a Lifestyle Program Designed to Help Indigent, Obese Adult Patients Lose Weight

Introduction. Modest weight loss (5 to 7%) reduced the incidenceof type II diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DDP) trial.A DPP-inspired lifestyle intervention requiring minimal patientself-data collection and tailored to low-SES patients throughminimal cost was developed for our indigent, obese patients. Methods. Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), indigent (≤ 200% FederalPoverty Level) adults (age 18 - 70) were offered a nocostweight loss intervention as an adjunct to their usual primarycare in a residency outpatient clinic. The interventionprovided options for diet plans and social support. The goalwas to achieve a 5% loss of body weight over six months. Results. The sample (n = 158) was 86% female and 62% white,with a median age of 45 and median BMI of 40.9. Two-thirds ofsubjects chose the 50% diet; YMCA membership was selected byall but one. The 5% weight loss goal was met by 12.8%; another8.7% gained that amount. Subjects who either had pre-existingYMCA membership or used their provided membership weresuccessful, relative to those who received but never used theirmembership (0.6% loss vs 0.9% gain; p < 0.05). Changes in weightover six months were observed in the youngest (gain of 3.9 lbs.,p < 0.05) and the oldest (loss of 4.0 lbs., p < 0.05) age quartiles. Conclusions. A DPP-inspired lifestyle intervention tailoredto low-SES patients did not lead to overall weight loss, reinforcingthat weight reduction programs must provide a significantamount of support for participants to see success.Older age and a behavioral commitment to physical activityimproved the likelihood of success. KS J Med 2016;9(4):83-87.
l-Histidine Crystals as Efficient Vehicles to Deliver Hydrophobic Molecules.

l-Histidine (l-His) molecules can form highly ordered fluorescent crystals with tunable size and geometry. The polymorph A crystal of l-His contains hydrophobic domains within the structure’s inter...
Discovery of amide-bridged pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as tumor targeted classical antifolates with selective uptake by folate receptor α and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis.

Abstract We previously showed that classical 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates bind to folate receptor (FR) α and the target purine biosynthetic enzyme glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase) with different cis and trans conformations. In this study, we designed novel analogs of this series with an amide moiety in the bridge region that can adopt both the cis and trans lowest energy conformations. This provides entropic benefit, by restricting the number of side-chain conformations of the unbound ligand to those most likely to promote binding to FRα and the target enzyme required for antitumor activity. NMR of the most active compound 7 showed both cis and trans amide bridge conformations in ~1:1 ratio. The bridge amide group in the best docked poses of 7 in the crystal structures of FRα and GARFTase adopted both cis and trans conformations, with the lowest energy conformations predicted by Maestro and evidenced by NMR within 1 kcal/mol. Compound 7 showed ~3-fold increased inhibition of FRα-expressing cells over its non-restricted parent analog 1 and was selectively internalized by FRα over the reduced folate carrier (RFC), resulting in significant in vitro antitumor activity toward FRα-expressing KB human tumor cells. Antitumor activity of 7 was abolished by treating cells with adenosine but was incompletely protected by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA) at higher drug concentrations, suggesting GARFTase and AICA ribonucleotide formyltransferase (AICARFTase) in de novo purine biosynthesis as the likely intracellular targets. GARFTase inhibition by compound 7 was confirmed by an in situ cell-based activity assay. Our results identify a “first-in-class” classical antifolate with a novel amide linkage between the scaffold and the side chain aryl L-glutamate that affords exclusive selectivity for transport via FRα over RFC and antitumor activity resulting from inhibition of GARFTase and likely AICARFTase. Compound 7 offers significant advantages over clinically used inhibitors of this class that are transported by the ubiquitous RFC, resulting in dose-limiting toxicities.
Tree-Ring Analysis and Rockfall Avalanches: The Use of Weighted Samples

A significant amount of dendrogeomorphic research has focused recently on the effects of isolated rockfall activity on tree growth and annual rings (reviewed in Stoffel 2006, and Schneuwly and Stoffel 2008). By comparison, however, only a few studies have used tree-ring analysis in the dating of large-scale rockfall avalanches, or bergsturz (see Butler et al. 1986). Butler et al. (1986, 1991, 1998) examined a number of rockfall avalanches in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, and used tree-ring analysis of trees severely tilted and/or scarred along the margins of the rockfall-avalanche deposits to date three of those deposits – Slide Lake at 1910 (Fig. 1), Slide Pond at 1946 (Fig. 2), and Napi Point at 1954.
Effects of constant and fluctuating incubation temperatures on hatching success and hatchling traits in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in the context of the warming climate.

Abstract As global temperatures continue to rise, so too will the nest temperatures of many species of turtles. Yet for most turtle species, including the estuarine diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), there is limited information on embryonic sensitivity to elevated temperature. We incubated eggs of M. terrapin at three, mean temperatures (31, 34, 37 °C) under two thermal exposure regimes (constant or semi-naturally fluctuating temperature) and measured hatching success, developmental rate, and hatchling size. Hatching success was 100% at 31 °C and 67% at 34 °C, respectively; at 37 °C, all eggs failed early in the incubation period. These values were unaffected by exposure regime. The modeled LT50 (temperature that was lethal to 50% of the test population) was 34.0 °C in the constant and 34.2 °C in the fluctuating thermal regime, reflecting a steep decline in survival between 33 and 35 °C. Hatchlings having been incubated at a constant 34 °C hatched sooner than those incubated at 31 °C under either constant or fluctuating temperature. Hatchlings were smaller in straight carapace length (CL) and width after having been incubated at 34 °C compared to 31 °C. Larger (CL) hatchlings resulted from fluctuating temperature conditions relative to constant temperature conditions, regardless of mean temperature. Based upon recent temperatures in natural nests, the M. terrapin population studied here appears to possess resiliency to several degrees of elevated mean nest temperatures, beyond which, embryonic mortality will likely sharply increase. When considered within the mosaic of challenges that Maryland's M. terrapin face as the climate warms, including ongoing habitat losses due to sea level rise and impending thermal impacts on bioenergetics and offspring sex ratios, a future increase in embryonic mortality could be a critical factor for a population already experiencing ecological and physiological challenges due to climate change.
Structure and function of polycystin channels in primary cilia.

Abstract Variants in genes which encode for polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 cause most forms of autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD). Despite our strong understanding of the genetic determinants of ADPKD, we do not understand the structural features which govern the function of polycystins at the molecular level, nor do we understand the impact of most disease-causing variants on the conformational state of these proteins. These questions have remained elusive because polycystins localize to several organelle membranes, including the primary cilia. Primary cilia are microtubule based organelles which function as cellular antennae. Polycystin-2 and related polycystin-2 L1 are members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family, and form distinct ion channels in the primary cilia of disparate cell types which can be directly measured. Polycystin-1 has both ion channel and adhesion G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) features—but its role in forming a channel complex or as a channel subunit chaperone is undetermined. Nonetheless, recent polycystin structural determination by cryo-EM has provided a molecular template to understand their biophysical regulation and the impact of disease-causing variants. We will review these advances and discuss hypotheses regarding the regulation of polycystin channel opening by their structural domains within the context of the primary cilia.
Current situation of research on praziquantel residue in environment and its ecotoxicity

Praziquantel as a highly effective antihelminthic drug with low toxicity has been widely used in breeding productions.The problems about praziquantel residues in environment and its ecotoxicity have increasingly attracted attention.This paper briefly reviews the research progress on the aspects of praziquantel residues in animals and its ecotoxicity. Key words: Praziquantel; Enviromental residue; Ecotoxicology
Polanyi’s Minskyian Monetary System

Karl Polanyi sees the collapse of the gold standard as a sign of the end of the 19th-century liberal order. Understanding the gold standard as primarily a payment system shows continuity rather than disjuncture with the financial crisis of the 20th century studied by Hyman Minsky.
Closure modeling for the conditional Reynolds stresses in turbulent premixed combustion

Abstract Turbulence is significantly affected by combustion-induced dilatation in low Karlovitz number premixed flames. Conventional turbulence modeling approaches based on traditional unconditional averaging are limited in accurately capturing combustion heat release effects since they must capture both the direct influence of combustion heat release on turbulence and the flame dynamics. Solving momentum transport equations conditionally averaged with respect to a flame structure variable (progress variable for premixed combustion) could provide a superior framework for modeling combustion-affected turbulence since the flame dynamics are embedded into the flame structure variable conditioning. However, the conditional momentum equations contain numerous unclosed terms that evolve in both physical and phase spaces. Of the many unclosed terms, the conditional Reynolds stresses (conditional analog of the Reynolds stresses) represent the influence of turbulent transport on the conditional velocities. In this work, a new model consisting of two components for the conditional Reynolds stresses in turbulent premixed flames is developed to capture heat release effects on turbulence. The first component is the conditional analog of the Boussinesq model that characterizes turbulent shear effects in physical space. The second component depends on the conditional velocity gradient not in physical space but in phase space and captures the anisotropy in the conditional Reynolds stresses driven by thermal expansion effects that vary within the flame structure. The model is validated a priori using DNS databases of turbulent premixed jet flames at low and high Karlovitz numbers. At low Karlovitz number, the phase space term enables the model to capture direct heat release effects on all conditional Reynolds stress components, specifically the correct anisotropy of the normal components and the sign of the shear component. At high Karlovitz number where heat release effects on turbulence are insignificant, turbulent shear effects are dominant, and the phase space term has a nearly negligible effect.
A Complex Convolution Based Optical Displacement Sensor

During the last decade a variety of optical displacement measurement techniques have been developed, commercialized and widely used. This paper presents a new type of optical displacement sensor that improves on the prior art with higher sub-pixel resolution, better accuracy, and better computation efficiency. The Complex Convolution Kernel Based Optical Sensor (KBOS) developed in this paper leverages the magnitude phase representation of a complex valued kernel function to achieve a superior optical displacement sensor for 2D motion measurements. The design is then validated through controlled experimentation over a range of operating conditions and prove the effectiveness of the technique. Finally, the sensor’s abilities will be compared against the state of the art as found in the literature.
Influence of Macro- and Microfouling on Corrosion of Steel Bridge Piles Submerged in Natural Waters

AbstractAnomalous localized corrosion of submerged steel H-piles was detected in a Florida bridge. Microbiological analysis at the site indicated a high population of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB...
PieceNet: A Redundant UNet Ensemble

Segmentation of gliomas is essential to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment; however, imaging artifacts and heterogeneous shape complicate this task. In the last few years, researchers have shown the effectiveness of 3D UNets on this problem. They have found success using 3D patches to predict the class label for the center voxel; however, even a single patch-based UNet may miss representations that another UNet could learn. To circumvent this issue, I developed PieceNet, a deep learning model using a novel ensemble of patch-based 3D UNets. In particular, I used uncorrected modalities to train a standard 3D UNet for all label classes as well as one 3D UNet for each individual label class. Initial results indicate this 4-network ensemble is potentially a superior technique to a traditional patch-based 3D UNet on uncorrected images; however, further work needs to be done to allow for more competitive enhancing tumor segmentation. Moreover, I developed a linear probability model using radiomic and non-imaging features that predicts post-surgery survival.
Projective Splitting as a Warped Proximal Algorithm

We show that the asynchronous block-iterative primal-dual projective splitting framework introduced by P. L. Combettes and J. Eckstein in their 2018 Math. Program. paper can be viewed as an instantiation of the recently proposed warped proximal algorithm.
Forest cover change in Miombo Woodlands: modeling land cover of African dry tropical forests with linear spectral mixture analysis

Abstract Dry tropical forests are experiencing some of the highest rates of change among the globe's forests. In sub-Saharan Africa, gross (loss, gain) and net changes in dry tropical forest areas are difficult to quantify at sub-national scales because of high spatio-temporal variability in land cover conditions due to vegetation phenology and land use practices. In this project, we developed new, field-validated remote sensing characterizations of dry season surface components to separate forest from non-forest land cover, and assessed forest changes from the 1990s–2010s in a Tanzanian Miombo Woodland landscape. Using a linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA) approach with Landsat 5–8 data, we examined the hypothesis that higher proportions of substrate and non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV) at non-forest regions distinguished them from forest cover against seasonally variable land cover conditions. Subsequently we evaluated the efficacy of multi-temporal classification and single-date image thresholding for identifying forest from non-forest cover. We found significantly greater proportions of substrate and NPV over non-forest compared to forest areas that enabled identification of forest cover across dry season images. Single-date, forest/non-forest maps based on an LSMA-derived metric attained overall accuracies of 81.0–85.3%, which approached multi-temporal unsupervised classifications (86.5% for forest/non-forest maps). Applying the LSMA-derived metric to study forest changes, our study region experienced a net 15.0% loss of 1995 forest area, and a 7.0% overall reduction in the total forest-occupied land cover from 1995–2011. Areas of gross forest gain were substantial, totaling 13.6% of the 1995 forest area. We found differing patterns in gross forest losses and gains among sub-regions and through time in our Tabora study area, which provide bases for testable hypotheses in future research on regional and localized drivers affecting forest cover. Our finding that non-green surface components distinguished forest from non-forest via an LSMA approach may be widely applicable to studying forest conversions in Miombo Woodlands and other dry tropical forests. This approach may also be useful for evaluating how land cover conditions change in response to potential land use or climate driving variables, or the impact of land changes for carbon balance and other ecosystem processes.
The effect of severe bedsores on bone and its forensic implications.

Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers and pressure sores, are continual problems for the debilitated and disabled but are often not regarded with the seriousness they deserve. Pressure sores arise when localized areas of the body are subjected to prolonged pressure that occludes vascular flow. When blood flow is obstructed for a sufficiently long period, the mechanism of reactive hyperemia cannot compensate for inadequate cell nutrition and soft tissue necrosis begins. Pressure sores develop under bones that are close to the skin, where soft tissues are compressed by concentration of body weight. Particularly vulnerable areas are those over the sacrum, heel, greater trochanter, elbow, lateral and medial malleoli, scapula, and occiput in the bedfast patient and over the ischial tuberosities in the chairfast.
Structure-Based Assignment of Ile, Leu, and Val Methyl Groups in the Active and Inactive Forms of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 2.

Resonance assignments are the first step in most NMR studies of protein structure, function, and dynamics. Standard protein assignment methods employ through-bond backbone experiments on uniformly 13C/15N-labeled proteins. For larger proteins, this through-bond assignment procedure often breaks down due to rapid relaxation and spectral overlap. The challenges involved in studies of larger proteins led to efficient methods for 13C labeling of side chain methyl groups, which have favorable relaxation properties and high signal-to-noise. These methyls are often still assigned by linking them to the previously assigned backbone, thus limiting the applications for larger proteins. Here, a structure-based procedure is described for assignment of 13C1H3-labeled methyls by comparing distance information obtained from three-dimensional methyl–methyl nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) spectroscopy with the X-ray structure. The Ile, Leu, or Val (ILV) methyl type is determined by through-bond experiments, and the methyl...
Vitamin D3 selectively suppresses RelB to enhance radiation sensitivity of prostate cancer

4421 The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) protein, RelB, is uniquely expressed at a high level in prostate cancer with high Gleason scores. We have previously shown that RelB level was increased in prostate cancer cell after exposure to ionizing radiation and that overexpression of RelB enhanced the intrinsic radiation resistance of aggressive prostate cancer. In the present study we demonstrate that 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit D3) sensitizes prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation-induced toxicity by selectively inhibiting RelB functions. To confirm the effect of Vit D3 on suppression of RelB, specific inhibition of RelB was achieved with siRNA. The results demonstrate that RelB siRNA suppresses radiation-induced RelB expression and sensitizes prostate cancer cells to radiation in the presence or absence of Vit D3. Importantly, Vit D3 significantly sensitized prostate cancer cell to radiation doses from 0.5 to 4.0 Gy, demonstrating the potential efficacy of Vit D3 for enhancing radiation treatment with clinical relevant doses. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with Vit D3 suppresses the expression of RelB but not RelA. Interestingly, Vit D3-mediated selective inhibition of RelB expression resulted in reduced levels of several presurvival NF-κB target genes including the primary antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the anti apoptotic protein BclXL and the prosurvival protein Survivin. Using DNA binding assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR), we confirmed that the radiation sensitizing effect of Vit D3 was mediated by reduction of transcriptional function of RelB. This mechanism has major implications for a selective sensitization of prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation. Thus, Vit D3 may serve as an effective pharmacologic agent that selectively sensitizes prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation.
Effect of Multiple Scattering of Electrons on e− — γ Directional Correlations

In directional correlation studies involving conversion electrons or β-radiations, an important systematic effect arises due to scattering of the particles in the source material. These effects are often rendered negligible by the use of ‘thin’ sources. However, there are several practical situations requiring use of liquid or implanted sources, or sources of low specific activity for which quantitative corrections need to be applied to obtain the true correlations. In such cases, the effective directional distribution function W (θ) is given by W (θ) ∝ 1 + ∑ CK AKPK (θ), (K ⩾ 2, even) where the coefficients AK are the true correlation coefficients and CK represents the effect of scattering. According to Frankel1), CK is given by (1-e −a K t) aK t for a uniform disc source of thickness t, and for a thin source with an external scattering foil, we have CK = e −a K t. The coefficients aK depend on the details of the scattering. Assuming elastic multiple scattering as the most dominant process, Golden and Frankel2) gave an explicit expression for aK using the theoretical results of Goudsmit and Saunderson3). According to them, aK is essentially proportional to Z2/A of the scatterer and varies roughly as (1/e)2, e being the kinetic energy of electrons in mc2 units. It is customary to evaluate the influence of scattering on measured correlations using nomograms4) prepared on the basis of these expectations. However, few systematic experimental studies are reported in the literature2,5). The purpose of this paper is to present preliminary results of an investigation of the validity of the above theoretical expectations. Specifically, the a2 coefficients are reported for internal conversion electrons of average kinetic energies of 500 and 990 keV from 207Pb for three elements: aluminium (Z = 13), niobium (Z = 41) and gold (Z = 79).
Vaginal discharge due to trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract This report deals with 56 patients who complained of a persistent, irritating, foul, vaginal discharge, the cause of which was the Trichomonas vaginalis. Among 48 patients followed up, 89.6 per cent were cured after one or more series of treatments. The duration of the cure varies from two to forty-eight months. Failures were encountered in 10.4 per cent. While the results are fairly good, other forms of treatment are being studied in an attempt to help those patients who do not yield to the green soap-methylene blue-glycerine-lactic acid treatment. The point to be especially emphasized is that when a patient complains of a persistent, itching or burning, vaginal discharge which is yellow-green and bubbly and the vaginal mucosa is reddened, the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis vaginitis can be made with great probability. To make the diagnosis certain, the simplest procedure is to examine a drop of the fresh discharge either as a hanging drop or on a flat slide.
Simplified medium/high frequency transformer isolation approach for multi-pulse diode rectifier front-end adjustable speed drives

Typical medium voltage (MV) adjustable speed AC drive (ASD) systems employ a line frequency transformer isolation front-end followed by a ‘multi-pulse’ rectifier (12-pulse, 18-pulse, etc.) system to improve input current quality compared to a 6-pulse rectifier. This paper proposes a medium/high frequency transformer isolation approach that can serve as a direct replacement to existing bulky line frequency transformers in high power multi-pulse rectifier system. The paper presents a simplified strategy that can significantly improve power density of MV ASDs. In the proposed approach, the line frequency utility AC voltage is converted to medium frequency (MF) or high frequency (HF) voltage via AC-AC converters. The three 1-phase MF or HF outputs from AC-AC converters are fed to the primary sides of three 1-phase multi-winding transformers. The secondary and tertiary output windings from the MF or HF transformers are in star-delta configuration (for 12-pulse rectifier), which are connected to the inputs of the 3-phase diode rectifier system similar to the front-end of a typical ASD. Overall, the proposed topology improves power density by reducing weight/volume of the required input isolation transformer while maintaining the same utility input current quality. This paper explains the proposed concept using mathematical modeling, simulation and experimental results from a scaled down laboratory prototype system.
Comparative Risk Sensitivity with Reference-Dependent Preferences

Experimental evidence suggests that individuals are risk averse over gains and risk seeking over losses (i.e., they have S-shaped utility functions in an expected utility setting) and that they are loss averse. Furthermore, the evidence leads to a single definition of S-shaped utility, but it has led to several alternative specifications of loss aversion. This paper characterizes the relations “more S-shaped than” and “more loss averse than” for a utility function, and in so doing arrives at a new definition of loss aversion based on average instead of marginal utility.
Continuous Dispenser for Multiple-Well Serological Plate

Materials and methods are described for the construction of an inexpensive multiple-well dispensing apparatus for use in serological microtitration. Images
Providing End-to-End Quality of Service with Optimal Least Weight Routing in Next-Generation Multiservice High-Speed Networks

Routing algorithms play a critical role in meeting both the stringent quality of service (QoS) requirements of guaranteed services and the certain QoS requirement of assured services over next-generation multiservice high-speed networks. In this paper, we propose the use of optimal least weight routing (OLWR) algorithm for routing QoS flows in high-speed networks. The main principle of our algorithm is that the choice of the most appropriate route is based on a set of parameters (least weight parameters) that estimate and consider the impact that the acceptance and routing decision of a call request belonging to a specific class would have on the network and other classes of service. Effective bandwidth, bandwidth and trunk reservation techniques, along with load balancing and packing trade-off considerations, are also introduced in the proposed routing algorithm. The performance evaluation of our algorithm is achieved via modeling and simulation of multiclass service routing in various network topologies. The performance results demonstrated that OLWR outperforms both the multihop least-loaded routing algorithms and the multihop most-loaded routing algorithms in terms of both revenue and carried load.
Congenital idiopathic gingival fibromatosis in the deciduous dentition. Report of a case.

Abstract A 27-month-old patient with extreme gingival hyperplasia was found to have idiopathic congenital gingival fibromatosis. The treatment was excision of the excess gingival tissue and gingivoplasty to produce normal gingival contours. The philosophy of the timing of therapy has been explored. The similarity of gingival fibromatosis and keloid has been noted.
A Factor Analysis of Selected Wartime Fitness Tests

Abstract In this study Thurstone's method of multiple factor analysis was utilized to factor the intercorrelations of 26 selected wartime fitness test items administered to 116 male Freshmen enrolled at Indiana University. Four factors isolated were identified in terms of the resultant correlations between the individual test items and the factors. Isolated factors were identified with reservation as: I Arm Extensor Endurance, II Power of Leg Extensors, III Power of Hip Extensors, and IV Power of Thigh Flexors. Low communalities of each of the test items indicated the presence of a specific factor or factors not isolated in the study.
The psychological impact of diabetes: A practical guide for the nurse practitioner

AbstractPurpose:To describe the psychological impact of diabetes and to present a number of practical ways that nurse practitioners (NPs) can assess and address these concerns in the context of primary care.Data sources:Theory and research articles are reviewed from the fields of nursing and psychol
Optimal design of op amps for oversampled converters

The power consumption for various op amps used in /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulators is considered. We first classify the different op amp topologies used in such modulators. We then develop a generalized integrator model that allows us to compare the power consumption for all these topologies. We also derive an expression for the minimum theoretical bound on the power dissipation. We illustrate our results with two design examples: a class A and a class AB op amp. It is shown that class A op amps are the best choice for /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulators.
Reversed laminar appearance of articular cartilage by T1‐weighting in 3D fat‐suppressed spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) imaging

PURPOSE To investigate the reversed intensity pattern in the laminar appearance of articular cartilage by 3D fat-suppressed spoiled gradient recalled echo (FS-SPGR) imaging in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS The 3D SPGR experiments were carried out on canine articular cartilage with an echo time (TE) of 2.12 msec, a repetition time (TR) of 60 msec, and various flip angles (5 degrees to 80 degrees ). In addition, T1, T2, and T2* in cartilage were imaged and used to explain the laminar appearance in SPGR imaging. RESULTS The profiles of T2 and T2* in cartilage were similar in shape. However, the T2 values from the multigradient-echo imaging sequence were about 1/3 of those from single spin-echo sequences at a pixel resolution of 26 mum. While the laminar appearance of cartilage in spin-echo imaging is caused mostly by T2-weighting, the laminar appearance of cartilage in fast imaging (ie, short TR) at the magic angle can have a reversed intensity pattern, which is caused mostly by T1-weighting. CONCLUSION The laminar appearance of articular cartilage can have opposite intensity patterns in the deep part of the tissue, depending on whether the image is T1-weighted or T2-weighted. The underlying molecular structure and experimental protocols should both be considered when one examines cartilage images in MRI.
A relaxation method for the computation of model stellar atmospheres

A general Monte Carlo relaxation method has been formulated for the computation of physically self-consistent model stellar atmospheres. The local physical state is obtained by solving simultaneously the equations of statistical equilibrium for the atomic and ionic level populations, the kinetic energy balance equation for the electron gas to obtain the electron temperature, and the equation of radiative transfer. Anisotropic Thomson scattering is included in the equation of transfer and radiation pressure effects are included in the hydrostatic equation. The constraints of hydrostatic and radiative equilibrium are enforced. Local thermodynamic equilibrium (L.T.E.) is assumed as a boundary condition deep in the atmosphere. Elsewhere in the atmosphere L.T.E. is not assumed.
Long-range interaction between rare-gas atoms or simple molecules and the surfaces of LiF, CaF2, sapphire, and BN.

An atom or a molecule approaching a surface experiences an attractive potential given by V(z)\ensuremath{\sim}-${C}_{3}$/${z}^{3}$. We have computed ${C}_{3}$ for rare-gas atoms and simple molecules interacting with surfaces of various insulators. Our calculation utilizes (frequency-dependent) atomic polarizabilities and dynamic dielectric functions obtained from optical data. A comparison is made with ${C}_{3}$ values deduced from multilayer adsorption data on ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$. We show that a simple formula can be used to evaluate ${C}_{3}$ that utilizes readily available constants. We have also computed the long-range surface-mediated interaction between two adsorbed atoms on a surface. We then present a discussion on adsorption of adatoms on hexagonal BN as compared to that on a graphite substrate.
Combining preventive maintenance and statistical process control: a preliminary investigation

The economic design of control charts and the optimization of preventive maintenance policies are two research areas that have recently received a great deal of attention in the quality and reliability literature. Both of these research areas are focused on reducing the costs associated with operating manufacturing processes. In addition, it is widely recognized that the maintenance of manufacturing equipment and the quality of manufactured product are related. However, these two research areas are rarely integrated. In this paper, a combined control chart–preventive maintenance strategy is defined for a process which shifts to an out-of-control condition due to a manufacturing equipment failure. An X¯ chart is used in conjunction with an age-replacement preventive maintenance policy to achieve a reduction in operating costs that is superior to the reduction achieved by using only the control chart or the preventive maintenance policy. This superior cost performance is demonstrated using a simulation-optimization approach.