cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smart Insole for Diabetic Foot Monitoring

Foot ulcer is a severe complication affecting about 25% of diabetes mellitus patients due to a lower blood supply and loss of foot sensitivity (neuropathy). A fast and reliable identification of foot pressure loads and temperature distributions changes on the plantar surface allows to prevent and reduce the consequences of ulceration such as foot or leg amputation. Several wearable technologies have been developed and tested by the scientific community, addressing the “diabetic foot” topic. However, the dimensions of the devices and the combined pressure/temperature monitoring capabilities don’t accommodate the requirements from both the end-users and caregivers: normally just one information—pressure loads or temperature map—is acquired, moreover the amount of thermal reading points is lower than 5 and the accuracy of thermal sensors is greater than 0.5 °C. This work presents a smart insole in which both temperature and pressure data in 8 reading points are monitored in remote way for the assessment of the health foot conditions by a caregiver. Minimally invasive and low power temperature and force sensors have been chosen and integrated into two antibacterial polyurethane-based layers architecture, designed in accordance with the typical requirements of diabetic foot. Based on the results, the developed system shows high performance in terms of temperature and pressure detection.
An Evaluation of Guideline-Discordant Ordering Behavior for CT Pulmonary Angiography in the Emergency Department

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to determine rates of and possible reasons for guideline-discordant ordering of CT pulmonary angiography for the evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 212 consecutive encounters (January 6, 2016, to February 25, 2016) with 208 unique patients in the emergency department that resulted in CT pulmonary angiography orders. For each encounter, the revised Geneva score and two versions of the Wells criteria were calculated. Each encounter was then classified using a two-tiered risk stratification method (PE unlikely versus PE likely). Finally, the rate of and possible explanations for guideline-discordant ordering were assessed via in-depth chart review. Results The frequency of guideline-discordant studies ranged from 53 (25%) to 79 (37%), depending on the scoring system used; 46 (22%) of which were guideline discordant under all three scoring systems. Of these, 18 (39%) had at least one patient-specific factor associated with increased risk for PE but not included in the risk stratification scores (eg, travel, thrombophilia). Conclusions Many of the guideline-discordant orders were placed for patients who presented with evidence-based risk factors for PE that are not included in the risk stratification scores. Therefore, guideline-discordant ordering may indicate that in the presence of these factors, the assessment of risk made by current scoring systems may not align with clinical suspicion.
My Grandmother Falls Asleep Watching TV. Is She Depressed

Advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD) is mainly seen in the elderly population with an estimated prevalence of 1–7%. Aging appears to impact the sleep-wake cycle. The elderly also appears to have reduced light exposure. This condition usually presents with excessive sleepiness in the evenings and insomnia in the early morning hours. Depression as a cause for early morning awakening should be ruled out. Treatment can include prescribed sleep-wake schedules, exercise, melatonin taken in the morning, and bright light exposure in the evening.
Botox injection into the lower esophageal sphincter induces hiatal paralysis and gastroesophageal reflux

The sphincter mechanism at the lower end of the esophagus comprises smooth muscle lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and skeletal muscle crural diaphragm (hiatus). Current thinking is that the endosc...
Cattle in the Backlands: Mato Grosso and the Evolution of Ranching in the Brazilian Tropics

Robert W. Wilcox. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 2017. xviii and 323 pp., selected timeline, maps, photos, illustrations, notes, glossary, index. $45.00 cloth (ISBN 978-1-4773-1114-1).Until...
Enhancement of Hot Spot Cooling by Capped Diamond Layer Deposition for Multifinger AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

The impact of a capped diamond layer for enhanced cooling of multifinger AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) has been investigated under the steady-state operating condition. By depositing a capped diamond thin film onto the HEMTs, the temperature distribution around the hot spots tends to be more uniform and the junction temperature can be suppressed significantly. The capped diamond serves as a highly effective heat spreader, and its thermal spreading ability depends on the structural design patterns and working conditions. Some key parameters affecting the thermal performance of the capped diamond have been examined, including the heat dissipation power density, gate pitch distance, embedding depth of the heat source, thermal boundary resistance, substrate material, as well as the cap thickness. For the 12-finger model with 20- $\mu \text{m}$ gate pitch distance and gate power density of 6 W/mm, a 20- $\mu \text{m}$ layer of capped diamond could reduce the junction temperature by 12.1% for GaN-on-diamond HEMTs and by 25.3% for GaN-on-SiC HEMTs. Even with a 1- $\mu \text{m}$ capped diamond layer, the reduction would be 7.6% and 9.9%, respectively. The temperature reduction for GaN-on-Si is more significant.
ECCI analysis of shear accommodations at grain boundaries in commercially pure alpha titanium

Abstract This study uses a novel approach that couples electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) with controlled removal of surface material to investigate the slip system/grain boundary interactions by assessing the geometry of slip planes and grain boundaries as a function of depth. The comparison of spacing, relative distributions, and correlations of slip bands across grain boundaries reveals surface biasing on the slip band behavior in the grain boundary region. Furthermore, using analysis of the compatibility factor m’, the Schmid factor of each slip system, and the angles ϴ between slip planes, a more comprehensive understanding of the details of the mechanisms of strain transfer and heterogeneous deformation is developed. In general, the misalignment of primary slip systems on the grain boundary planes necessitates the activation of secondary accommodating slip systems close to the grain boundary area that are better aligned (higher m’ and lower ϴ) with respect to the incoming slip system across the grain boundary. Such systems have the same Burgers vector as the primary slip systems within the respective grains, but are typically on low mobility slip planes.
Association Between Healthy Eating Patterns and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Importance The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend multiple healthy eating patterns. However, few studies have examined the associations of adherence to different dietary patterns with long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective To examine the associations of dietary scores for 4 healthy eating patterns with risk of incident CVD. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study of initially healthy women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) (1984-2016) and the NHS II (1991-2017) and men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) (1986-2012). The dates of analysis were July 25 to December 4, 2019. Exposures Healthy Eating Index–2015 (HEI-2015), Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (AMED), Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (HPDI), and Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Main Outcomes and Measures Cardiovascular disease events, including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Results The final study sample included 74 930 women in the NHS (mean [SD] baseline age, 50.2 [7.2] years), 90 864 women in the NHS II (mean [SD] baseline age, 36.1 [4.7] years), and 43 339 men in the HPFS (mean [SD] baseline age, 53.2 [9.6] years). During a total of 5 257 190 person-years of follow-up, 23 366 incident CVD cases were documented (18 092 CHD and 5687 stroke) (some individuals were diagnosed as having both CHD and stroke). Comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles, the pooled multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of CVD were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79-0.86) for the HEI-2015, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79-0.86) for the AMED, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.89) for the HPDI, and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75-0.82) for the AHEI (Pfor trend Conclusions and Relevance In 3 large prospective cohorts with up to 32 years of follow-up, greater adherence to various healthy eating patterns was consistently associated with lower risk of CVD. These findings support the recommendations of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that multiple healthy eating patterns can be adapted to individual food traditions and preferences.
Political Discourse, Code-Switching, and Ideology

Language and Ideology is an area of critical discourse analysis that has increasingly gained importance in the linguistic sciences. The vast influence of the media has provided a need for the explicit analysis of common linguistic mechanisms, particularly those in political discourse. Codeswitching, general pattern in a speech community of switching between two or more available languages or dialects with respect to certain extralinguistic factors (Blom & Gumperz 1972) is strategically employed by politicians to gain support for elections (Jarraya 2013; Craig 2013). Senator Tim Kaine was one of the first White politicians to engage in code-switching during the 2016 presidential election, however his use of Spanish when engaging in political discourse was met with great resistance and skepticism by the media and voters, many of whom felt that he was pandering to Spanish-speaking citizens. Using a language ideologies framework, the present paper seeks to determine how code-switching was used as a political discourse device by Senator Kaine, and how its use varied based on the context of each speech. To answer these questions, four speeches given by Senator Tim Kaine during the 2016 presidential campaign were transcribed and translated. Following descriptive coding procedures by Saldana (2015), two raters coded instances of codeswitching in each speech for key features of political discourse: a) dissemination of personal information or background; b) repetition; c) hyperbole; d) metaphor; e) metonymy; f) comparisons; 1. promises for the future; h) solidarity; i) legitimization of self as authority; and j) florid verbiage. Results show that Senator Kaine relied most heavily on code-switching during his speech in Miami, Florida, and used it as a tactic to gain support and build solidarity between himself and members of the audience. Additionally, Senator Kaine engaged in much repetition through code-switching to emphasize key points of his speech and political goals. The present study illustrates how codeswitching can be used to cultivate political favor, forge alliances, and demonstrate cultural similarities between White politicians and biand multilingual voters.
Evaluation of Vascular Reactivity of Maternal Vascular Adaptations of Pregnancy With Quantitative MRI: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Abnormal maternal vascular function during pregnancy stemming from systemic endothelial dysfunction (EDF) has a central role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). PURPOSE To utilize quantitative MRI to investigate changes in physiological measures of vascular reactivity during normal pregnancy, and to explore EDF associated with preeclampsia. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION Healthy pregnant (HP) (n = 14, mean GA = 26 ± 7 weeks) and nonpregnant women (NP; n = 14); newly postpartum (PP <48 hours) women with severe PE (PP-PE; n = 4) and normotensive pregnancy (PP-HP; n = 5). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 1.5T/3T. RF spoiled multiecho gradient-recalled echo, 1D phase-contrast MRI, time-of-flight. ASSESSMENT The micro- and macrovascular function (vasodilatory capacity of arterioles and conduit arteries, respectively) of the femoral vascular bed was evaluated with MRI-based venous oximetry, arterial velocimetry, and luminal flow-mediated dilation quantification, during cuff-induced reactive hyperemia. Aortic arch pulse-wave velocity (aPWV) was quantified to assess arterial stiffness using an ungated 1D technique. STATISTICAL TESTS Two-tailed unpaired t-tests were performed to address our two, primary a priori comparisons, HP vs. NP, and PP-PE vs. PP-HP. Given the pilot nature of this study, adjustments for multiple comparisons were not performed. RESULTS In HP, microvascular function was attenuated compared to NP by a significant increase in the washout time (10 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2 sec; P < 0.05) and reduced upslope (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.8%HbO2 /s; P < 0.05), time of forward flow (28 ± 5 vs. 33 ± 6 sec, P < 0.05), and hyperemic index (11 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 4 cm/s2 ; P < 0.05), but luminal flow-mediated dilatation (FMDL )was comparable between HP and NP. PP-PE exhibited significant vascular dysfunction compared to PP-HP, as evidenced by differences in upslope (2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2%HbO2 /s, P < 0.05), overshoot (16 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 3%HbO2 , P < 0.05), time of forward flow (28 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 7 s, P < 0.05), and aPWV (7 ± 1 vs. 8 ± 1 m/s, P < 0.05). DATA CONCLUSION Attenuated vascular reactivity during pregnancy suggests that the systemic vasodilatory state partially depletes nitric oxide bioavailability. Preliminary data support the potential for MRI to identify vascular dysfunction in vivo that underlies PE. Level of Evidence 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:447-455.
Coarse-grained spectral projection: A deep learning assisted approach to quantum unitary dynamics

We propose the coarse-grained spectral projection method (CGSP), a deep learning assisted approach for tackling quantum unitary dynamic problems with an emphasis on quench dynamics. We show that CGSP can extract spectral components of many-body quantum states systematically with a sophisticated neural network quantum ansatz. CGSP fully exploits the linear unitary nature of the quantum dynamics and is potentially superior to other quantum Monte Carlo methods for ergodic dynamics. Preliminary numerical results on one-dimensional XXZ models with periodic boundary conditions are carried out to demonstrate the practicality of CGSP.
Observation impacts on the Mid-Atlantic Bight front and cross-shelf transport in 4D-Var ocean state estimates: Part I — Multiplatform analysis

Abstract A nested configuration of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) comprising three grids was used in conjunction with a 4-dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation system to compute ocean state estimates of the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB). The three nested grids have a horizontal resolution ranging from ∼ 7 km to ∼ 0.8 km and capture circulation regimes that span the Gulf Stream western boundary current, through the mesoscale eddy field, and down to the rapidly evolving and energetic sub-mesoscale. All of these circulation regimes are challenging for any data assimilation system, yet the 4D-Var system was found to perform well across this range of space- and time-scales. The observational data used to constrain the ocean state estimates comes from a wide range of remote sensing, in situ, and mobile platforms. An adjoint-based procedure was used to compute the impact of each observing platform on several different indexes that describe the position of the MAB front, stratification, and associated cross-shelf exchange processes in the vicinity of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative Pioneer Array. The impact of observations from each observing platform on the chosen indexes varies across the three grids. It is a function of several factors that include the nature of the background circulation and the level of error assumed for the background ocean state and the observations. The geographic distribution of the observation impacts is remarkably robust across the various indexes and the three grids. In addition, observations that are both local to and remote from the target regions that define each index can exert a significant influence on the circulation. Variations in the observation impacts through time can be used to identify observations that exert unexpectedly large influence on the 4D-Var analyses (i.e, outliers), and routine monitoring of observation impacts is a useful indicator of the efficacy of different components of the observing system. Also, the observation impacts were found to be a useful performance indicator for the data assimilation system.
A Physics-Informed Neural Network Framework For Partial Differential Equations on 3D Surfaces: Time-Dependent Problems.

In this paper, we show a physics-informed neural network solver for the time-dependent surface PDEs. Unlike the traditional numerical solver, no extension of PDE and mesh on the surface is needed. We show a simplified prior estimate of the surface differential operators so that PINN's loss value will be an indicator of the residue of the surface PDEs. Numerical experiments verify efficacy of our algorithm.
Bibliometric Analysis of the 50 Most Cited Publications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has historically been a neglected disease. However, research in this field has grown exponentially in the past decade. Methods The top-cited HS articles from 1950 to 2020 were analyzed for authorship, study topic, study design, and senior author country of origin. Results We found that nearly half of the top 50 cited articles were published in the last decade, with a recent increase in the number of highly cited randomized controlled trials. Medical treatment is the most cited topic, with more attention on biologics over time. The past decade has seen an increase in highly cited articles on HS comorbidities, pathogenesis, and clinical practice guidelines. There has been a predominance of highly cited HS research from Europe; highly cited studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America are lacking. Conclusions Recent advances in HS research have focused on investigating HS pathogenesis and drug development, highlighting disease comorbidities, and improving evidence-based care. Studies in pathogenesis have translated into a paradigm shift in medical treatment from antibiotics to incorporation of targeted therapies in recent years. Encouraging growth of HS research in countries outside of North America and Europe may help to optimize HS care globally.
Scalp Reconstruction after Mohs Cancer Excision: Lessons Learned from More Than 900 Consecutive Cases.

Background Scalp reconstruction has evolved over time. Given the large surface area, location, and high likelihood of sun exposure, the scalp is particularly prone to sun damage and skin cancer. Resection of scalp cancers often leaves a large defect that can be challenging for reconstruction. The authors present objective data and recommendations based on more than 10 years of consecutive scalp reconstructions performed by the senior author (J.F.T.). In addition, the authors describe each method of reconstruction and delineate an algorithm based on the senior author's approach and the cases assessed. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent scalp reconstruction after Mohs cancer excision over a 10-year period. Each case was evaluated for key patient characteristics, defect location, defect size, defect composition, reconstructive modality, and complications. Results The senior author (J.F.T.) performed 913 scalp reconstruction procedures. Defects most commonly involved the forehead or vertex of the scalp, with a wide range of sizes. A significant majority of the patients' defects were repaired with the use of adjacent tissue transfer or Integra dermal regeneration templates. There were 94 complications (12.5 percent) noted, ranging from graft loss to cancer recurrence. Conclusions Reconstruction of scalp defects after Mohs cancer excision presents the plastic surgeon with numerous patient and defect preoperative variables to consider. Each defect should be evaluated, and a plan based on composition of the defect and the needs of the patient should be developed. Scalp reconstruction is safe to perform in an outpatient setting, even in elderly patients. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.
Diversity begets diversity through shared adaptive genetic variation: discovery of a cryptic wide-mouthed scale-eater

Adaptive radiations involve astounding bursts of phenotypic, ecological, and species diversity. However, the microevolutionary processes that underlie the origins of these bursts are still poorly understood. We report the discovery of a cryptic intermediate wide-mouth scale-eating ecomorph in a recent radiation of Cyprinodon pupfishes which provides crucial information about the evolutionary and ecological transition from a widespread algae-eating generalist to a novel microendemic scale-eating specialist. We first show that this ecomorph occurs in sympatry with generalist C. variegatus and scale-eating specialist C. desquamator across several hypersaline lakes on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, but is genetically differentiated, morphologically distinct when reared in a common garden, and sometimes consumes scales. We then compared the timing of selective sweeps on shared and unique adaptive variants in both scale-eating species to characterize the evolutionary path to scale-eating. We predicted that adaptation to the intermediate wide-mouth scale-eating niche aided in the rapid divergence of the more specialized scale-eater C. desquamator. Therefore, selection for shared adaptive variants would occur first in wide-mouth. Contrary to our prediction, four of the six sets of shared adaptive alleles in both scale-eating species swept significantly earlier in C. desquamator. Adaptive introgression from the specialist into the wide-mouth ancestor may have resulted in parallel evolution of their dietary niche. Conversely, no adaptive alleles for scale-eating were reused in a third sympatric specialist C. brontotheriodes, despite sharing 9% of hard selective sweeps. Our work provides a microevolutionary framework for investigating how diversity begets diversity during adaptive radiation.
Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis and Management: Past, Present, and Future Directions

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has been identified as a distinct disease entity since the 1800s. Increasing rates, which paralleled industrialization in the west, are now being observed worldwide. While the disease presentation has changed little over time, our ability to diagnose UC has progressed from simple rigid instruments to advanced high-definition video colonoscopes. Advances in diagnostics have been matched by increasing options for medical therapy. The advent of effective therapies, beginning with systemic corticosteroids and sulfasalazine/mesalamine derivatives, lead to an era of nonspecific immunosuppressive therapy and to increasingly targeted biologic and small molecule treatments in the present day. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive guide to current evidence-based diagnosis and medical management of UC, from its mildest to most severe presentations, highlighting areas of agreement/standard of care in each section. Additional focused discussion is provided on advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-colon cancer screening/surveillance, as well as a review of the new “treat to target” paradigm, which is designed to move beyond symptomatic management to deep tissue healing and improved long-term outcomes.
Regulators unite to enable plant entry.

A complex network of fungal transcription factors regulates plant invasion by Magnaporthe oryzae.
Factors affecting groundwater quality used for domestic supply in Marcellus Shale region of North-Central and North-East Pennsylvania, USA

Abstract Factors affecting groundwater quality used for domestic supply within the Marcellus Shale footprint in north-central and north-east Pennsylvania are identified using a combination of spatial, statistical, and geochemical modeling. Untreated groundwater, sampled during 2011–2017 from 472 domestic wells within the study area, exhibited wide ranges in pH (4.5–9.3), total dissolved solids (TDS, 22–1960 mg/L), sodium (0.3–760 mg/L), chloride (0.3–1020 mg/L), bromide ( 8.5) and elevated concentrations of TDS (>250 mg/L), bromide (>0.15 mg/L), methane (>7.0 mg/L), and lithium (>60 μg/L). Geochemical models indicate these characteristics could result from progressive mineral dissolution combined with cation exchange, plus mixing with locally important salinity sources, including as much as 0.7 percent Appalachian Basin brine and/or road-deicing salt. Multivariate correlation models suggest the observed variability in methane concentrations may be attributed to several environmental factors, such as geochemical evolution along groundwater flow paths, redox conditions, and/or mixing with saline groundwater or brine. Most samples having elevated methane were from shale aquifers, which were mainly in the Susquehanna River basin and had the greatest density of gas wells compared to other lithologies. Samples having elevated methane were also observed in the Delaware River watershed and other areas outside gas development. Isotopic compositions of methane for a subset of 39 samples (selected because of elevated methane) and relatively high ratios of methane to ethane in those samples indicated methane could be derived from microbial gas mixed with thermogenic gas that may have undergone degradation and/or fractionation during migration. The methods used in this study could be broadly applicable to understanding major factors affecting groundwater quality, particularly for explaining variations in ionic composition with pH and identifying sources of salinity and associated constituents (e.g. sodium, chloride, bromide, lithium, methane) that may have geogenic or anthropogenic origins.
Changing Course in Latin America: Party Systems in the Neoliberal Era

1. Introduction: party system change in the neoliberal era Part I. Explaining Regional Patterns: 2. Partisanship and the puzzle of party system stability 3. Critical junctures and party system change 4. Antecedent conditions: party system differentiation in twentieth-century Latin America 5. Neoliberal critical junctures and party system stability 6. Programmatic (de-)alignment and party system stability in the aftermath period Part II. National Experiences in Comparative Perspective: 7. Critical junctures in elitist party systems 8. Critical junctures in labor-mobilizing party systems 9. Aftermath: reactive sequences and institutional legacies 10. Conclusion: political legacies and the crisis of representation Appendix: election results in Latin America.
Promoting Literacy and Protection with Solar Lamps in Yemen

By distributing solar lamps to vulnerable rural women in Yemen, we promoted enrollment in literacy programs, as well as reading among their children. We saw a number of secondary benefits as well: safer households where dangerous kerosene lamps were used less frequently in the evening; a number of livelihood activities - cooking, husbandry, handicrafts - continued safely into evening hours; children found it easier to work on their homework using the solar powered lamps; and children found it easier and safer to walk in dark, rural streets in the evening with the solar lamps slung around their necks.
Visual fatigue and spatial frequency adaptation to video displays of text

This article proposes that adaptation to the fundamental spatial frequency of lines of text on a video display terminal (VDT) provides a single explanation for a wide variety of reports of visual fatigue by VDT users. Reliable contrast threshold elevations at spatial frequencies of 2, 3, and 5 cycles/deg were found after subjects read single-spaced text on a VDT. This adaptation also reduces sensitivity to spatial frequencies in the range (2 to 6 cycles/deg) largely responsible for the reflexive accommodative response (Bour, 1981. Charman and Heron, 1979), and therefore could account for objective optometric measures of disturbed accommodation as well as some subjective effects of VDT viewing. Implications for video display design and for further research are discussed.
Quantized Fields and Chronology Protection

Several recent possible counterexamples to the Chronology Protection Conjecture are critically examined. The ``adapted'' Rindler vacuum state constructed by Li and Gott for a conformal scalar field in Misner space is extended to nonconformally coupled and self-interacting scalar fields. For these fields, the vacuum stress-energy always diverges on the chronology horizons. The divergence of the vacuum stress-energy on Misner space chronology horizons cannot be generally avoided by choosing a Rindler-type vacuum state.
The combinatorics of certain group-invariant mappings

We study combinatorial and number-theoretic issues arising from group-invariant CR mappings from spheres to hyperquadrics. Given an initial complex analytic function, we define two sequences of complex numbers. We derive formulae for these sequences in terms of the Taylor coefficients of the initial function and, in the polynomial case, also in terms of the reciprocals of the roots. We connect these formulae to CR mappings invariant under arbitrary representations of finite cyclic subgroups of the unitary group. We prove that the resultant of the m-th polynomial (which in all cases has integer coefficients) and any of its partial derivatives is divisible by m m .
Nucleus to Synapse Nesprin1 Railroad Tracks Direct Synapse Maturation through RNA Localization.

Summary An important mechanism underlying synapse development and plasticity is the localization of mRNAs that travel from the nucleus to synaptic sites. Here we demonstrate that the giant nuclear-associated Nesprin1 (dNesp1) forms striated F-actin-based filaments, which we dubbed "railroad tracks," that span from muscle nuclei to postsynaptic sites at the neuromuscular junction in Drosophila . These railroad tracks specifically wrap around immature boutons formed during development and in response to electrical activity. In the absence of dNesp1, mRNAs normally localized at postsynaptic sites are lacking and synaptic maturation is inhibited. This dNesp1 function does not depend on direct association of dNesp1 isoforms with the nuclear envelope. We also show that dNesp1 functions with an unconventional myosin, Myo1D, and that both dNesp1 and Myo1D are mutually required for their localization to immature boutons. These studies unravel a novel pathway directing the transport of mRNAs from the nucleus to postsynaptic sites during synaptic maturation. Video Abstract
Polarimetric scattering analysis of snow and ice particles using field measurements by 2D-video disdrometer

In general, it is very difficult to explain all of the polarimetric radar measurables in winter precipitation simultaneously using spheroidal shape models with specified densities and orientation distributions. In fact, even for Rayleigh scattering, where the spherical or spheroidal shape assumption is reasonable for reflectivity computation, it is not sufficient for computing the full scattering matrix and related radar measurables, required for radar-based particle classification. So, even at the S-band (all WSR-88D radars), some radar observables significantly depend on the shape and composition of particles, and sophisticated computational electromagnetics (CEM) methods are needed for scattering computations. With the advent of optical imaging disdrometers that can measure fall speed along with projected particle views in two planes, we can reconstruct more realistic 3D shapes of hydrometeors when compared to spheroidal approximations.
Semiparametric analysis of linear transformation models with covariate measurement errors

We take a semiparametric approach in fitting a linear transformation model to a right censored data when predictive variables are subject to measurement errors. We construct consistent estimating equations when repeated measurements of a surrogate of the unobserved true predictor are available. The proposed approach applies under minimal assumptions on the distributions of the true covariate or the measurement errors. We derive the asymptotic properties of the estimator and illustrate the characteristics of the estimator in finite sample performance via simulation studies. We apply the method to analyze an AIDS clinical trial data set that motivated the work.
Fast dynamic flow volume rendering using textured splats on modern graphics hardware

Dynamic flow volume rendering of three-dimensional vector fields offers better insights into the continuum and dynamics of the data field under investigation. Consumer graphics cards have seen a rapid explosion of performance and capabilities over the past few years. This paper explores the development of the Textured Splats algorithm for direct flow volume rendering of vector fields, that utilizes this new hardware. This paper presents the technique using the new hardware features like vertex programs, OpenGL multi-textures and register combiner extensions to implement fast dynamic flow volume rendering on a PC equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce4 display card. Several anisotropic textured splats are investigated to implement flow volume rendering.
H II regions as probes of galaxy evolution and the properties of massive stars

The use of H II regions as probes to study the chemical evolution of galaxies and the spectral properties of hot, massive stars is reviewed. The observable parameters for this task are the physical conditions, elemental abundances, and ionization balance in the ionized gas. Some outstanding uncertainties in the determination of these parameters and some approaches to remedy or circumvent the problems are discussed.
EVIDENCE THAT CALCIUM ACTIVATES THE CONTRACTION OF ACTOMYOSIN BY OVERCOMING SUBSTRATE INHIBITION.

IT is believed that muscle contracts or relaxes depending on the concentration of calcium in the sarcoplasm: when the concentration rises to some required level the muscle contracts; when it falls below this level the muscle relaxes1–4. The sarcoplasmic reticulum, which can take up calcium actively, seems to play a major part in controlling the level of calcium available to the contractile protein5–7.
January: National Hobby Month>

A hobby is any purposeful use of leisure time. Due in part to an increase in the amount of leisure time available to most Americans, the hobby and recreation industries have grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years. There are countless publications on hobbies ranging from genealogy to doll collecting, from painting to needlepoint. Obviously, a compilation such as this cannot include publications on every imaginable hobby, so rather than appear biased, this author has attempted to include primarily publications that discuss many different hobbies, or deal with one major group of hobbies.
Indicators of Performance on Two-Lane Rural Highways: Empirical Investigation

This paper presents an empirical investigation into performance indicators on two-lane rural highways. Field data from four study sites in the state of Montana were used in this investigation. Six performance indicators were investigated: average travel speed, average travel speed of passenger cars, average travel speed as a percent of free-flow speed, average travel speed of passenger cars as a percent of free-flow speed of passenger cars, percent followers, and follower density. The study examined the level of association between the selected performance indicators and major platooning variables, namely, traffic flow in the direction of travel, opposing traffic flow, percent heavy vehicles, standard deviation of freeflow speeds, and percent no-passing zones. Among all platooning variables investigated, traffic flow in the direction of travel was found to have the highest correlation with performance indicators. Other platooning variables exhibited only weak correlations with performance indicators. Also...
Some effects of quiet geomagnetic field changes upon values used for main field modeling

Abstract The effects of three methods of data selection upon the assumed main field levels for geomagnetic observatory records used in main field modeling were investigated for a year of very low solar-terrestrial activity. The first method concerned the differences between the year's average of quiet day field values and the average of all values during the year. For H these differences were 2–3 gammas, for D they were −0.04 to -0.12′, for Z the differences were negligible. The second method of selection concerned the effects of the daytime internal Sq variations upon the daily mean values of field. The midnight field levels when the Sq currents were a minimum deviated from the daily mean levels by as much as 4–7 gammas in H and Z but were negligible for D. The third method of selection was designed to avoid the annual and semi-annual quiet level changes of field caused by the seasonal changes in the magnetosphere. Contributions from these changes were found to be as much as 4–7 gammas in quiet years and expected to be greater than 10 gammas in active years. Suggestions for improved methods of improved data selection in main field modeling are given.
The Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome

The Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is an infrequently recognized disorder with distinctive characteristics. The eruption, which lasts for two to eight weeks, consists of large, flat-topped, nonpruritic papules on the face, buttocks, and limbs. Its onset may be preceded by fever and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Associated findings include generalized lymphadenopathy, anicteric hepatitis, and HBs antigenemia. Two children with the syndrome are described to bring this entity to the attention of pediatricians.
Patterns of child sexual abuse knowledge among professionals

Abstract To better understand knowledge and perceptions of child sexual abuse, a survey was conducted of 902 professionals attending child sexual abuse educational programs during 1986–1987. About half (50.8%) of the group reported seeing at least two child sexual abuse cases a month, while 20.5% reported seeing five or more. Almost half (48.9%) of the respondents reported previous formal training regarding child sexual abuse. Professionals were generally knowledgeable about child sexual abuse; however, at least 20% of the professionals were not knowledgeable about some items that are important in the identification of child sexual abuse and that might hamper the legal and medical investigation of a case. Those with formal training, more years of professional practice, and who see five or more victims per month answered more questions correctly, but the differences were not always statistically significant. Further training for both medical and non-medical professionals is needed to ensure appropriate care of child sexual abuse victims and to improve communication and coordination of efforts between professions.
Information representation with an ensemble of Hodgkin-Huxley neurons

Motivated by the natural representation of stimuli in sensory systems, we investigate the representation of a bandlimited signal by an ensemble of Hodgkin-Huxley neurons with multiplicative coupling. We show that such a neuronal ensemble is I/O equivalent with an ensemble of integrate-and-fire neurons with variable threshold. The value of the threshold sequence is explicitly given. We describe a general algorithm for recovering the stimulus at the input of the neuronal ensemble.
Human monocyte interactions with non-enzymatically glycated collagen

We have previously shown that receptors for advanced glycation end products are expressed on activated human monocytes. We now report that activated human monocytes exhibit increased adhesion to non-enzymatically glycated collagen substrates (+32% +/- 1, p less than 0.001), and the increased adhesion can be competitively inhibited with non-enzymatically glycated albumin. Non-activated monocytes, which do not express receptors for advanced glycation end products, exhibit decreased adhesion (-16% +/- 1, p less than 0.001). Similar results were observed with substrates of fibronectin and endothelial cell matrix proteins. As the presence of glycation adducts on collagen interferes with the normal binding of monocytes/macrophages, one possible role for advanced glycation adduct receptors on activated monocytes is to counterbalance such decreased adherence. Overcompensation for long periods of time may lead to pathological changes. Additionally, such receptors may play a role in monocyte-mediated remodelling of glycated matrix proteins, as we have observed increased degradation of non-enzymatically glycated collagen substrates by activated human monocytes at 2 h (+52% +/- 11, p = 0.01), 3 h (+49% +/- 10, 10, p = 0.01), and 4 h (+36% +/- 6, p less than 0.01) after adding activated monocytes to 125I-labelled substrates.
Relationship of Serum Transferrin to Total Iron Binding Capacity for Nutritional Assessment

To evaluate the relationship of serum transferrin, serum albumin, and total iron binding capacity, 100 patients were selected and simultaneous measurements of each parameter were made. In contrast to some studies, the relationship of serum transferrin to total iron binding capacity was found to be linear. The relationship was: Serum transferrin = (total iron binding capacity X 0.76) + 18. Serum transferrin was also seen to correlate with transferrin and total iron binding capacity. The measurement of total iron binding capacity, because of its relationship to transferrin, may be used to aid in the determination of the nutritional assessment of hospitalized patients.
A Novel Protease-activated Receptor-1 Interactor, Bicaudal D1, Regulates G Protein Signaling and Internalization

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays critical roles in cancer, angiogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of PAR1 generates a tethered ligand that activates PAR1 in an unusual intramolecular mode. The signal emanating from the irreversibly cleaved PAR1 is terminated by G protein uncoupling and internalization; however, the mechanisms of PAR1 signal shut off still remain unclear. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified Bicaudal D1 (BicD1) as a direct interactor with the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of PAR1. BICD was originally identified as an essential developmental gene associated with mRNA and Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum transport. We discovered a novel function of BicD1 in the modulation of G protein signaling, cell proliferation, and endocytosis downstream of PAR1. BicD1 and its C-terminal CC3 domain inhibited PAR1 signaling to Gq-phospholipase C-β through coiled-coil interactions with the cytoplasmic 8th helix of PAR1. Unexpectedly, BicD1 was also found to be a potent suppressor of PAR1-driven proliferation of breast carcinoma cells. The growth-suppressing effects of BicD1 required the ability to interact with the 8th helix of PAR1. Silencing of BicD1 expression impaired endocytosis of PAR1, and BicD1 co-localized with PAR1 and tubulin, implicating BicD1 as an important adapter protein involved in the transport of PAR1 from the plasma membrane to endosomal vesicles. Together, these findings provide a link between PAR1 signal termination and internalization through the non-G protein effector, BicD1.
Effect of Warning on Feigned Malingering on the Wais—R in College Samples:

Research indicates claimant malingering of cognitive deficits to be common in personal injury litigation. Efforts have been made to either detect such tendencies or deter efforts at malingering. The present study examined whether warning people that feigned malingering efforts would be detected results in more valid profiles on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. Undergraduates (N = 48) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: feigned malingerers without warning, feigned malingerers with warning, and controls. Analysis indicated both feigned malingerer groups performed significantly worse than the control group; however, feigned malingerers with warning did not perform significantly better than those without warning. Unlike previous research using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, results did not support effectiveness of warning in reducing feigned malingering scores.
TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION OF TISSUE PROPERTIES AND TEMPERATURE INCREASE FOR HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND APPLICATIONS

The acoustic and thermal properties as well as the temperature change within a tissue volume during high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation are critically important for treatment planning and monitoring. Described in this article is a tomographic reconstruction method used to determine the tissue properties and increase in temperature in a 3-D volume. On the basis of the iterative finite-element solution to the bioheat equation coupled with Tikhonov regularization techniques, our reconstruction algorithm solves the inverse problem of bioheat transfer and uses the time-dependent temperature measured on a tissue surface to obtain the acoustic absorption coefficient, thermal diffusivity and temperature increase within the subsurface volume. Numerical simulations were performed to validate the reconstruction algorithm. The method was initially conducted in ex vivo experiments in which time-dependent temperature on a tissue surface was measured using high-resolution, non-invasive infrared thermography.
Effects of maternal restraint stress and sodium arsenate in mice

Either maternal restraint stress or sodium arsenate treatment during pregnancy can cause adverse effects on the mouse conceptus. The current study assessed the effects of both factors administered concurrently. Five treatment groups were used initially: (1) vehicle (H2O) control [C], (2) feed/water deprived [FWD], (3) sodium arsenate [SA], (4) restraint only [R], and (5) sodium arsenate plus restraint [SA+R]. A sixth group, arsenate plus feed/water deprived [SA+FWD], was added later, along with (7) a concurrent arsenate-only control [SAC]. Mated female CD-1 mice in Groups 3, 5, 6, and 7 were injected ip with sodium arsenate (20 mg/kg) on gestation day (GD) 9 (plug = day 1). Group 5 mice were restrained for 12 h beginning immediately after dosing. Groups 4 and 5 were restrained in the supine position from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on GD 9; FWD mice were deprived during that time. All females were killed on GD 18 and subjected to teratologic examination. Significantly increased exencephaly and decreased fetal weight were seen in SA+R Group fetuses. The incidence of supernumerary ribs was significantly higher in the SA+R Group than in the SA Group but did not differ from the R Group. These results add to the evidence that maternal stress combined with a chemical teratogen may have a greater effect on the conceptus than would exposure to either agent alone.