cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reply to Benito-Sanz et al.

To the Editor: We applaud the thorough characterization by Benito-Sanz et al. (in this issue)1 of deletions encompassing the SHOX gene (MIM 312865) in patients with Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (MIM 127300). Benito-Sanz et al. suggest a founder effect to explain the apparent recombination hotspot we observed among our probands with SHOX deletions.2 Indeed, four of our five probands who shared both 5′ and 3′ breakpoints were Hispanic. However, the same 3′ breakpoint was present in four non-Hispanic white probands, only one of whom had the common 5′ breakpoint. Additional studies will be required to determine whether the common SHOX deletion we observed was recurrent or arose only once. Benito-Sanz et al.1 also propose that diagnosis of SHOX disorders should include testing for deletion of downstream Xp-Yp pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) markers. It will be important to determine whether any of the SNP or microsatellite markers used in their study show deletion polymorphisms among unaffected individuals, since such variations could cause false-positive results in clinical testing. We agree with the statement by Benito-Sanz et al. that Xp deletions extending beyond PAR1 have important genetic counseling implications. Of the 49 deletions they mapped, 5 or 6 were large enough to be visible cytogenetically; our results were similar, but we excluded such deletions from our study. We suggest a low threshold for karyotyping patients with SHOX deletions, which may result not only from simple deletions but also from complex chromosomal rearrangements, such as unbalanced translocations or isodicentric chromosomes.3,4
Exploratory Longitudinal Analysis of Solo and Joint Trip Making Using the Puget Sound Transportation Panel

The Puget Sound Transportation Panel is used to study the propensity of people to make solo and joint trips. The analysis consists of trip-based models in which solo versus joint trip making is explained in terms of person and household sociodemographics, daily activity and travel patterns, dwelling unit and workplace level of service and land use characteristics, and trip attributes. The analysis is repeated for all the days and all the waves (years) of the panel at hand. The analysis reveals that the major factor that determines joint trip making is the life-cycle stage of the household. It is also observed consistently across all the waves that, as the age of the person increases, the number of joint trips he or she also increases. Other factors that consistently affect joint trip making are household size, age of the household members, number of vehicles in the household, daily activity and travel patterns, and certain accessibility measures such as the access from transit to auto.
A Really Simple Cryogenic Valve

We have designed a compact, normally closed diaphragm valve for use with sugierfluid helium. The valve can be operated from room temperature to low temperatures, and it opens with an actuator pressure well below the freezing pressure of 4He. The valve has a dead volume of 0.02 cm3, and the actuator has a volume of 0.2 cm3. These valves reliably work in various low temperature experiments. They open and close repeatedly at low temperature, and do not change characteristics on thermal cycling.
Solubility of Anthracene in Ternary Cyclohexane + Propanol + 2-Methyl-1-propanol and Cyclohexane + Butanol + 2-Methyl-1-propanol Mixtures

Experimental solubilities are reported for anthracene dissolved in ternary cyclohexane + 1-propanol + 2-methyl-1-propanol, cyclohexane + 2-propanol + 2-methyl-1-propanol, cyclohexane + 1-butanol + 2-methyl-1-propanol, and cyclohexane + 2-butanol + 2-methyl-1-propanol solvent mixtures at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. For each of the four ternary solvent systems, 19 compositions were studied. Results of these measurements are used to test the predictive ability of the ternary solvent form of the Jouyban−Acree model (also referred to in the literature as the Combined NIMS/Redlich−Kister model). Computations showed that the model predicted the observed solubility behavior to within an overall average absolute relative percentage deviation of about 1.3.
Uncertainties in track momentum and direction, due to multiple scattering and measurement errors

The effect of measurement errors and multiple scattering on the uncertainties in momenta and direction of bubble chamber tracks is reexamined. Results are given for the rms uncertainty in momentum and direction, and their correlation, for uniform weighting, and both uniform spacing and clustering of the measured points. It is shown that for measurement errors, clustering of measured points at the beginning, end, and center of the track leads to lower rms uncertainties. Estimates of the effect of multiple scattering include the contribution of single and plural small angle scattering outside the central Gaussian region. The contribution of atomic electrons to the multiple scattering is treated separately. In addition the effect of small angle nuclear scattering is included. Some numerical results are presented for a variety of projectiles in liquid hydrogen and propane chambers.
WAR, PEACE, AND RELIGION'S BIOCULTURAL EVOLUTION

Abstract. A recent scientifically and historically grounded theory on human genetic and cultural evolution suggests why the religious elements of culture became the primary source of both peaceful cooperation within societal ingroups and at the same time of destructive wars with outgroups. It also describes the role of religion in the evolution of ape-men into humans. The theory indicates why human societal life is not long viable without the underpinning of a healthy, noncoercive, religious faith; why sound religious faith is weak now; and why we may hope both for better morals and for worldwide cooperation in peace.
Corneal opacities in Gaucher disease.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the corneal findings in a variant of Gaucher disease. METHODS: Case report. In an 18-year-old man, ophthalmic and general clinical evaluation, and enzymatic and molecular genetics studies were performed. RESULTS: Diffuse, well-defined, small, linear, or dotlike corneal opacities were observed throughout the posterior two thirds of the corneal stroma in both eyes. The patient had calcific valvular heart disease. Enzymatic and ultrastructural studies were consistent with Gaucher disease. Analysis of the glucocerebrosidase gene disclosed homozygosity for a D409H mutation. CONCLUSION: Corneal opacities are a distinguishing ocular feature of the variant of Gaucher disease associated with the D409H mutation and with calcific cardiac disease.
Chronic myeloid disorders: Classification and treatment overview.

Chronic myeloid disorders (CMD) are collectively characterized by monoclonal myeloproliferation that involves multiple lineages, retains a variable degree of cellular maturation, and has the potential to undergo clonal evolution. However, monoclonal hematopoiesis is neither essential nor specific to CMD. Morphologic and cytogenetic characteristics allow a working classification of these disorders that is clinically useful. There are four major divisions: chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which is easily identified by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (or its molecular equivalent); the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are characterized by trilineage dysplasia; chronic myeloproliferative diseases (CMPD), which include essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM); and atypical CMD, which includes chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, mast cell disease, and myeloid processes that display overlapping features of MDS and CMPD (hybrid CMD). In CMPD, a diagnosis of polycythemia vera requires evidence of an erythropoietin-independent increase in red blood cell mass; the diagnosis of both AMM and essential thrombocythemia requires the exclusion of reactive causes of bone marrow fibrosis and thrombocytosis, respectively. In addition, the Philadelphia chromosome, increased red blood cell mass, and dyserythropoiesis should also be absent. Semin Hematol 38(suppl 2):1-4.
Saturation of anomalous dispersion in cw HF lasers

The high gain and narrow linewidth of HF chemical lasers lead to a large resonant component of the refractive index. Calculations indicate that this (unsaturated) anomalous dispersion is at least as large as the nonresonant Gladstone-Dale dispersion. Possible deleterious effects of anomalous dispersion are briefly reviewed. These effects in a high-power device are mitigated by multimode operation, which acts to saturate homogeneously the anomalous dispersion at intensities considerably lower than those required for power broadening of the inhomogeneous Doppler line shape over to a homogeneous line.
Progress in Rehabilitation of Hemianopic Visual Field Defects

Visual field defects (VFDs) are common after stroke, affecting between 8 and 25% of all stroke survivors. The impact of VFDs on daily activities is significant, with poor mobility, collisions, impaired reading and driving. Up to recently, visual rehabilitation was neglected by rehabilitation specialists. Both compensatory and restitution therapies are available to improve visual function in those with VFDs. The data that support these interventions, with particular emphasis on restitution therapy, are reviewed. The possible mechanisms that underlie recovery of visual fields are explored. In summary, visual rehabilitation is available and should be considered for stroke survivors with VFDs.
Fundamental Effects of Boundary Structure on Nano-Scale Conductive Heat Transfer

Modeling of energy transport in nanostructures is very different from that in larger scaled materials. Researchers have reported considerably lower “thermal conductivity” in nano-scaled materials compared to the corresponding bulk material property. This observation is most often attributed to phonon-boundary interactions. However, in-depth explanations of this phenomenon are lacking. This study defines the fundamentals of low-dimensional phonon transport by relating the structural boundary characteristics of a material with the mechanisms of phonon transport. The structural boundary of a material controls phonon transport, creating a “boundary region” rather than a boundary surface, resulting in apparent differences in energy transport efficiency between the bulk material and the nano thin materials.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Optimized image-forming cemented-doublet concentrator

We consider the problem of designing an ultra-high-numerical-aperture rotationally symmetric monochromatic imaging concentrator that could be used for optical detection and tracking. This problem combines requirements for both high-efficiency flux transfer and low focal-plane aberrations. A solution has been previously demonstrated using the 2D SMS technique, resulting in the RX concentrator design. We review the RX concentrator and analyze its performance. We then describe a numerical test of the RX concentrator for optimality, performed using a global optimization procedure. We present the results of this test, which produced a counter-example possessing significantly improved imaging and nonimaging performance. The solution space was then extended to a globally optimized cemented-doublet comprising three aspheric surfaces, of which two are refractive and the third reflective. Compared with the original RX concentrator, the optimized doublet provides a threefold reduction in the mean aberration level within the field of view, combined with a significant improvement in flux-transfer efficiency, without any increase in the axial lens thickness.
Dynamic bandwidth allocation in integrated communication networks

With the advances in switching technology and network management, dynamic allocation of link bandwidth in logical networks built on top of the physical transmission network is possible. An algorithm for dynamic bandwidth allocation is proposed. The proposed algorithm integrates bandwidth allocation of the packet switched network and the circuit-switched network. Flexible channel assignment of logical links and inverse multiplexing are considered to ensure full flexibility. Extensive numerical results are obtained. A simulation system is built to test the dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm in discrete event simulation. >
A Microplasma Reactor for Chemical Process Intensification

A novel approach to chemical process intensification based on microplasma reactor systems is presented. Microplasmas (plasmas generated in sub-mm volumes) possess a favorable reaction environment because of high densities of reactive ions, radicals, and electrons. Moreover, operation under atmospheric pressure and near-room temperature makes them convenient for implementation. Experiments utilized a microfabricated microplasma reactor to intensify the reforming of methanol into a hydrogen-rich product stream useful for energy applications such as combustion or fuel cells. A reaction model elaborates the key mechanisms and demonstrates that reaction rates in the microplasma environment surpass those of conventional plasma reactors. The outcome is that microplasma chemical processing is a viable approach for hydrocarbon reforming and merits consideration for other chemical reaction applications.
Safety Planning in Focus Groups of Malawian Women Living With HIV: Helping Each Other Deal With Violence and Abuse

In this critical ethnography, 72 HIV-infected women in Southern Malawi participated in 12 focus groups discussing the impact of HIV and violence. Our analysis, informed by a postcolonial feminist perspective, revealed women's capacity to collectively engage in safety planning. We present our findings about women's experiences based on narratives detailing how women collectively strategized safety planning efforts to mitigate the impact of violence. This study helps to fill a gap in the literature on the intersection between HIV and violence in women's lives. Strategies discussed by the women could form a basis for safety planning interventions for women in similar circumstances.
Achieving computational intelligence by resource optimization

This paper presents a general resource management and optimization (RMO) paradigm, known as the constrained resource planning (CRP) model, which has been shown broadly suitable for solving most planning and scheduling applications under stringent solution requirements, tightly interacting constraints, as well as restricted resource availability and utilization. By effectively deploying two domain-independent guiding principles - the most-constrained strategy for task identification and the least-impact strategy for solution selection - the algorithmic procedure of CRP strikes a balance between resource utilization and task completion to allow a wide variety of RMO problems to be mapped into this model and solved. The broad applicability of CRP has been demonstrated for over 40 resource allocation and activity scheduling problems by mapping the problem specifics to the key concepts of the CRP model in order for the solution process to execute. The CRP system is offered as a general, problem-solving paradigm for complex RMO problems, with the possibility of even achieving solutions that are, sometimes, beyond human intelligence.
Care management increases the use of primary and medical care services by people with severe mental illness in community mental health settings.

Commentary on: BG Druss, SA von Esenwein, MT Compton, et al.. A randomized trial of medical care management for community mental health settings: the Primary Care Access, Referral, and Evaluation (PCARE) study. Am J Psychiatry2010;167:151–9.
Structures of HO(2)-Co(III)bleomycin A(2) Bound to d(GAGCTC)(2) and d(GGAAGCTTCC)(2): Structure-Reactivity Relationships of Co and Fe Bleomycins

HO(2)-Co(III)bleomycin is a model for HO(2)-Fe(III)bleomycin, which initiates single and double strand cleavage of DNA. In order to enlarge the understanding of its structure and reactivity, three-dimensional structures of HO(2)-Co(III)bleomycin bound to two DNA oligomers, d(GAGCTC)(2) (I) and d(GGAAGCTTCC)(2) (II), that have 5'-GC-3' binding sites, have been determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. Besides previously recognized determinants of binding selectivity, a probable hydrogen bond was detected between the pyrimidinyl acetamido NH(2) and the carbonyl of cytosine base paired to G at the recognition site. Another hydrogen bond between the NH of the dimethylsulfonium R group and N7 of guanine opposite cytosine at the GC site may contribute to specification of the pyrimidine. Substitution of G with inosine shifted HO(2)-Co(III)Blm A(2)[bond]I and Fe(III)Blm[bond]I into fast exchange on the NMR time scale, supporting the role of the 2-amino group in site specification for each molecule. The conformationally stable metal-domain linker established a close-packed adduct with the minor groove in which the hydroperoxide ligand occupies a sterically constrained pocket that is isolated from the solvent. The hydroperoxide group is directed toward one of the two cytosine H4' hydrogens but is sterically blocked from access to the other by the drug. These findings enlarge the structural understanding of selective binding of Co(III)/Fe(III)Blm species at G-pyrimidine sites. They also rationalize the instability of a number of ligands bound to Co(III)/Fe(III)Blm at specific binding sequences and the relative unreactivity of Fe(III)Blm[bond]I with ascorbate as well as its lack of interaction with spin labels.
The burn wound exudate-an under-utilized resource.

Introduction The burn wound exudate represents the burn tissue microenvironment. Extracting information from the exudate relating to cellular components, signaling mediators and protein content can provide much needed data relating to the local tissue damage, depth of the wound and probable systemic complications. This review examines the scientific data extracted from burn wound exudates over the years and proposes new investigations that will provide useful information from this underutilized resource.
Stable Isotope Geobiology

Stable isotopes are tools that geobiologists use to investigate natural and experimental systems, with questions ranging from those aimed at modern environments and extant microorganisms, to deep time and the ancient Earth. In addition to a wide range of timescales, stable isotopes can be applied over a vast range of spatial scales. Isotope studies inform our understanding of bulk planetary compositions, global element cycles, down to the metabolism of single cells. With roots extending back to the first half of the twentieth century (Urey, 1947), stable isotope geobiology recently emerged as a scientific discipline with questions rooted in geology and Earth history, with methods adopted from nuclear chemistry.
Disorder and Progress: Bandits, Police, and Mexican Development

Chapter 1 Introdouction: Badits, Real and Imagined Part 2 I The Balance of Order and Disorder Chapter 3 Ambitious Bandits: Disorder Equals Progress Chapter 4 The Aura of the King Chapter 5 The Spoils of Indpendence Chapter 6 Bent on Being Modern Chapter 7 Bandits into Police -and Vice Versa Part 8 II Toward the Western Model Chapter 9 Order, Disorder, and Development Chapter 10 The Limits to Dictatorship Chapter 11 A Kind of Peace Part 12 III A Political Police Performance Chapter 13 Constabulary of Campesinos and Artisans Chapter 14 The President's Police Chapter 15 It's the Image That Counts Part 16 IV Demons of Revolution Unleashed Chapter 17 The Rollercoaster Called Capitalism Chapter 18 Unraveling the Old Regime Chapter 19 Disorder in Search of Order
History in the Making: 10 Years of Ford Fuel Cell Vehicles

Accounting for more than 75% of the mass and more than 90% of the molecules (Air Products, 2001), hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. In the last decade, hydrogen has gained the attention of the automotive industry as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel. Additionally, growing hydrogen fuelling infrastructure is making hydrogen an increasingly appealing alternative to gasoline. In this paper, we present the major fuel cell vehicle accomplishments of the Ford Motor Company in the past 10 years.
Rapid consolidation processing of silicon nitride powders

Using a Plasma Assisted Sintering (PAS) process, submicron size, silicon nitride powders were consolidated to >99% of the theoretical density (TD) at 1750 °C in less than 5 min with retention of the a phase and the submicron grain size. The silicon nitride powders were sintered with 5 wt.% Y2O3 and 5 wt.% Y2O3 + 5 wt. % MgAl2O4 additives. The PAS processing method for the silicon nitride additive mixtures is attractive for retention of fine-grained microstructures favorable for superplastic deformation. Post superplastic forming heat treatments to transform the α−Si3N4 to lath-like, creep-resistant β−Si3N4 is another feature of the present processing method.
Optical buffers based on slow light in electromagnetically induced transparent media and coupled resonator structures: comparative analysis

The optical buffer is a key component in all-optical information processing systems. Recently a number of schemes that use slow light propagation in various media and structures have been proposed as means toward implementation of all-optical buffers. We rigorously analyze the similarities and differences in approaches that use electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and coupled resonant structures (CRS). We introduce the figure of merit, finesse, that is common to both approaches and obtain fundamental limitations on bit rates and storage capacities of optical buffers. We show that at very low bit rates and storage capacities EIT outperforms CRS, but at rates of 10 Mbits/s and above the EIT medium becomes quite inefficient, and the situation is reversed. Two types of CRS based on high-index-contrast fiber gratings and high-index semiconductor-air photonic crystals and (or) microring resonators are found to hold promise for applications in the 1-1000-Gbits/s range, but only if the losses can be drastically reduced.
The cost of US foods as related to their nutritive value.

Background: Comparisons of the cost of different foods relative to their energy and nutritive value were conducted in the 1800s by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Objective: The objective was to reestablish the relations between food cost, energy, and nutrients by using contemporary nutrient composition and food prices data from the USDA. Design: The USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 1.0 (FNDDS 1.0) and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion food prices database were used for analysis. For 1387 foods, key variables were as follows: energy density (kcal/g), serving size (g), unit price ($/100 g), serving price ($/serving), and energy cost ($/kcal). A regression model tested associations between nutrients and unit price ($/100 g). Comparisons between food groups were tested by using one-factor analyses of variance. Relations between energy density and price within food groups were tested by using Spearman's correlations. Results: Grains and fats food groups supplied the lowest-cost dietary energy. The energy cost for vegetables was higher than that for any other food group except for fruit. Serving sizes increased with water content and varied inversely with energy density of foods. The highest prices per serving were for meats, poultry, and fish, and the lowest prices per serving were for the fats category. Although carbohydrates, sugar, and fat were associated with lower price per 100 g, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals were associated with higher price per 100 g, after adjustment for energy. Conclusions: Grains and sugars food groups were cheaper than vegetables and fruit per calorie and were cheaper than fruit per serving. These price differentials may help to explain why low-cost, energy-dense foods that are nutrient poor are associated with lower education and incomes.
QUANTIFICATION OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN VECTOR MOSQUITO SALIVA

Saliva was collected from 4 species of mosquitoes intrathoracically inoculated with West Nile virus (WNV). The amount of infectious virus in the saliva was quantified by plaque assay and the number of WNV genomic equivalents (GE) was measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Ochlerotatus triseriatus had the greatest mean amount of infectious virus per saliva collection, followed by Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens, and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The mean GE/saliva collection was also greatest in Oc. triseriatus, followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. pipiens, and Ae. albopictus. The variance of log GE/saliva collection for Ae. albopictus was significantly lower than the variance for the other 3 species. This study provides a basis for comparing this component of vector competence and for determining the amounts of virus inoculated into vertebrates in experimental host competence studies.
Electrohydrodynamic mixing in microchannels

Electrohydrodynamic flow generated by the motion of charge carriers in an electric field was investigated for rapid mixing in microchannel devices. A “tee” geometry of channels ranging from 40 to 110 μm in width and 30 to 60 μm in depth was used to contact two miscible fluids, such as alcohols. A fluorescent dye (Rhodamine B) was used to quantify mixing. A potential difference ranging from 0 to 900 V was applied between two electrodes separated by a distance of 450 μm, resulting in field strengths ranging from 0 to 2 × 106 V/m. Results show that when no electric field is applied, mixing of the two streams is driven by diffusion and is, therefore, slow. The mixing length, at which the concentration across the channel becomes essentially uniform, decrease significantly as the applied voltage was increased. There seems to be a threshold of applied voltage below which mixing is not enhanced by the electric field under the conditions studied. In strong electric fields, the mixing length was less than 150 μm, while in the absence of an electric field, the mixing length was greater than 5,000 μm.
Status of low and intermediate velocity superconducting accelerating structures

Several types of reduced velocity (0.1 - 0.6c) superconducting accelerating structures are being developed for ion linacs to be used for spallation sources, exotic beam facilities, and other applications. This paper briefly reviews the characteristics and development status of some of the cavity types currently under development. Two different structure choices for the high-energy section of the proposed RIA driver linac are discussed.
A study of rhythmic ability and movement performance.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate selected spatial and temporal characteristics of movement. Forty-one subjects were administered the rhythm test of the Drake Musical Aptitude Tests. From the resulting distribution of scores, 10 subjects with a high level and 10 subjects with a low level of rhythmic ability were filmed while performing a simple rhythmic movement task. The task, done to a fixed metronomic rate of 66 beats/minute, consisted of a forward lunge in which the arm was swung forward and upward until the hand was directly in line with a target. The subject had to stop the motion of her arm in such a position that her hand was in line with the target on every other beat of the metronome, and recover to a starting position on the alternate beats. The subjects responded to eight beats while standing in place and to eight while responding in the described manner. The movement task was recorded on film; deviations in the time and space at the moment of the stimulus were estimated in a fra...
Safety and Effectiveness of Stent Placement for Iliofemoral Venous Outflow Obstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Endovenous recanalization of iliofemoral stenosis or occlusion with angioplasty and stent placement has been increasingly used to maintain long-term venous patency in patients with iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine safety and effectiveness of venous stent placement in patients with iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction. Methods and results We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies evaluating safety or effectiveness of stent placement in patients with iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction. Data were extracted by disease pathogenesis: nonthrombotic, acute thrombotic, or chronic post-thrombotic. Main outcomes included technical success, periprocedural complications, symptom relief at final follow-up, and primary/secondary patency through 5 years. A total of 37 studies reporting 45 treatment effects (nonthrombotic, 8; acute thrombotic, 19; and chronic post-thrombotic, 18) from 2869 patients (nonthrombotic, 1122; acute thrombotic, 629; and chronic post-thrombotic, 1118) were included. Technical success rates were comparable among groups, ranging from 94% to 96%. Complication rates ranged from 0.3% to 1.1% among groups for major bleeding, from 0.2% to 0.9% for pulmonary embolism, from 0.1% to 0.7% for periprocedural mortality, and from 1.0% to 6.8% for early thrombosis. Patient symptom relief data were reported inconsistently. At 1 year, primary and secondary patency were 96% and 99% for nonthrombotic, 87% and 89% for acute thrombotic, and 79% and 94% for chronic post-thrombotic. Conclusions Stent placement for iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction results in high technical success and acceptable complication rates regardless of cause of obstruction.
Organization of vestibular inputs to nucleus tractus solitarius and adjacent structures in cat brain stem

The vestibular system is involved in maintaining stable blood pressure and respiration during changes in posture and is essential for eliciting motion sickness-related vomiting. Because the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) participates in the regulation of sympathetic and inspiratory outflow and the triggering of emesis, we tested the hypothesis that this region receives vestibular inputs in cats. In one set of experiments, microinjections of the tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the medial and inferior vestibular nuclei labeled projections to the middle and lateral regions of the NTS. In electrophysiological experiments, electrical stimulation of the vestibular nerve modified the firing rates of neurons located in the same regions. Some neurons with vestibular inputs received convergent signals from the abdominal vagus nerve and could potentially mediate motion sickness-related vomiting. Others received convergent baroreceptor inputs and could act as a substrate for some components of vestibulosympathetic reflexes. In contrast, inspiratory neurons in the dorsal respiratory group received little vestibular input, suggesting that vestibulorespiratory reflexes are mediated by cells located elsewhere.
Narcolepsy and ROHHAD Syndrome

Investigators at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium; Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, and Sleep Medicine Centre, Heeze, Netherlands, report a 7-year-old girl with rapid-onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD syndrome).
Transmission of bovine TB

ON the basis of analysis by the Epidemiology Unit at Weybridge of the TB99 disease investigation reports 1986 to 1995, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) declared in 1995 that 90 per cent of new herd incidents were considered to be of badger origin (Clifton-Hadley and others 1995, MAFF 1995). More recently, in a Viewpoint article in Veterinary Record in March this year, Rosie Woodroffe (2014) declared, on the basis of a recent analysis by Donnelly and Nouvellet (2013), that badger-to-cattle transmission accounts for at least 38 per cent of herd breakdowns and that cattle-to-cattle …
The ‘General Safety of the State’: Treason from 1816 to 1820

During the 22 years of war with France, structural changes in industry and commerce that had slowly been emerging became recognized as permanent alterations in the socio-economic landscape. The merchants and laborers had supplied money and toil to support the war effort, but in peace these Britons suffered economically and believed they lacked a voice in the legitimate halls of power. Returning servicemen wondered how it was that poor men were expected to fight for their country and yet be denied a share of the prosperity and a role in the governing of it.1 Compounding the economic problem, the old Dissenters (Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Baptists), Catholics and even Methodists continued their pressure to dismember the church-state establishment.2
Images, Videos, and BigData

Images and videos are really BigData, even before the concept of BigData was initiated or created. For many companies, image related data occupies 80 % of their storage. Therefore, data processing related to images is an essential topic in data science. The tasks concerning images and videos are mainly object search, recognition, and tracking. Current and future applications of images and videos include security and surveillance, medical imaging, traffic monitoring, industrial measurements, document recognition, automated driving, and more. In this chapter, we focus on massive image data processing and computer vision. We will still focus on machine learning algorithms. Images and video always require most of the storage space and by having applications over the Internet, we can say that image related problems are always BigData problems. Even with other applications, we still need to consider massive data processing. For instance, automated driving is a challenge to data science.
Expression of P10, Bcl-2, and Fas mRNA in thymus tissue of patients with myasthenia gravis

Aim: To study the expression of P10, Bcl-2,and Fas mRNA in the thymus tissue of patients with myasthenia gravis(MG). Methods: The mRNA expression levels of P10, Bcl-2, and Fas in thymus tissue of 21 MG patients and 20 normal thymuses were analyzed using RT-PCR .Results: The expression of P10, Bcl-2,and Fas mRNA in the thymus tissue of MG was significantly higher than that of normal control (P0.05).Conclusion: The higher expression of P10, Bcl-2, and Fas mRNA in the thymus tissue of MG may associate with the pathogenesis of MG.
DC Component Time Constant and Zero Offset Phenomena of Breaking Current for 1000 kV Circuit Breaker

In order to determine DC component of rated short-circuit current break for UHV circuit breaker, the factors that influence DC component time constant and current zero offset are studied with EMTP simulation calculation. The simulation is based on 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen pilot project in 2009 and in the future time 2015 when national UHV network interconnect to pilot project. This paper presents a formula to covert DC component time constant calculated by simulation into UHV circuit breaker test time constant. The statistic calculated longest 3 phase short circuit DC component time constant converted by the formula is 112 ms, so that it is suggested that UHV circuit breaker DC component time constant can select 120 ms and this suggestion is accepted by pilot project. In the four cases, which are 2 or 3 phases ground fault, energizing transmission line, single phase ground fault before transmission line connecting grid and transformer energizing, the current zero offset could occur during breaking time of UHV circuit breaker. The 4 cases do not damage the UHV breaker and no preventive measures should be taken,such as breaker with opening resistance.
Romantic relationships and alcohol use: A long-term, developmental perspective.

This study considers the developmental origins of alcohol use in young adulthood. Despite substantial evidence linking committed romantic relationships to less problematic alcohol use in adulthood, the uniformity of these protective benefits across different romantic relationships is unclear. Further, the extent to which the establishment and maintenance of these romantic relationships is preceded by earlier adolescence alcohol use remains unknown. To address these gaps in the literature, the current study utilized multitiple-dimensional, multiple-informant data spanning 20 years on 585 individuals in the Child Development Project. Findings from both variable- and person-centered analyses support a progression of associations predicting adolescent alcohol use (ages 15–16), drinking, and romantic relationships in early adulthood (ages 18–25), and then problematic young adult alcohol use (age 27). Although adolescent alcohol use predicted greater romantic involvement and turnover in early adulthood, romantic involvement, but not turnover, appeared to reduce the likelihood of later problematic drinking. These findings remained robust even after accounting for a wide array of selection and socialization factors. Moreover, characteristics of the individuals (e.g., gender) and of their romantic relationships (e.g., partner substance use problems and romantic relationship satisfaction) did not moderate these findings. Findings underscore the importance of using a developmental–relational perspective to consider the antecedents and consequences of alcohol use early in the life span.
Alcohol and Drugs and Criminal Career Continuity in the 1955 Cohort

Our numerous examples and analyses of how drug involvement may be intertwined with delinquent and criminal behavior are the kinds of evidence upon which less sophisticated citizens and many powerful politicians would build a case for a war on drugs from marijuana to cocaine and heroin. Their goal is, if not to eradicate drugs and crime, to at least reduce their prevalence in patterns so visible that the community has great concern.
A random access scheme for satellite packet communication with intentional interference

We study a random access scheme for satellite packet communication with intentional interference. A modified Slotted ALOHA protocol is used with interferer power sensing to achieve maximum user throughput. For a malicious interferer who ignores the control parameters broadcast by the satellite (such as the back-off parameter), we show that the degradation of channel throughput is inversely proportional to the rate at which the interferer transmits on time slots. Next, we provide a new set of feedback parameters using dynamic estimates of the number of backlogged packets in the system as well as the estimated power of the interferer. We then estimate the transmission rate of the interferer using authentication and observed channel feedback. Finally, we simulate the performance of an ALOHA channel subjected to an interferer using both the original and a modified Rivest algorithm. We show that the unmodified Rivest algorithm performs close to the maximum achievable throughput for most interferer transmission rates despite an increasing overestimation of the number of backlogged packets in the system. We also show that the modified Rivest algorithm achieves slightly higher throughput and a much better estimate of the number of backlogged packets in the system under the same conditions. For the stationary interferer considered, the propagation delay of the channel has little effect on achievable throughput.
Concomitant mitral repair and continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: Is it warranted?

Abstract Background Pre-existing mitral pathology is common in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation. We sought to investigate whether concurrent mitral repair confers any advantage. Methods From March 2004 to October 2014, 374 patients received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. Of these, a total of 115 patients with pre-existing mitral regurgitation (MR) greater than moderate were identified and included in the analysis. Outcomes were compared between patients with concurrent mitral repair (n = 52 [45.2%]; Group A) and without repair (n = 63 [54.8%]; Group B). Results The mean age was 56.8 years and 25 (21.5%) were women. Patients in Group A were more likely to have undergone destination therapy (48.1% vs 11.1%; P P P P = .039)—developed late right heart failure requiring a total of 13 readmissions (0.03 vs 0.15 readmissions per patient-year; P = .011). Multivariable competing risks regression revealed mitral repair to be a protective factor (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.94; P = .042) for late right heart failure occurrence. Conclusions Concurrent mitral repair appears to be efficacious in controlling MR after device implant. The fact that repaired patients developed late right heart failure less frequently than did patients without repair challenges the notion that concurrent mitral repair is unwarranted.
A Framework for Preparing Teachers for Classrooms That Are Inclusive of All Students

The changing student population in developed nations resulting from higher birth rates among racial/ethnic minority groups, increased worldwide migration related to economic globalization, and the adoption of educational policies of placing students with disabilities in the 'least restrictive' learning environment possible have pressured university-based teacher education programs over the past 15-years or so to prepare all teachers for classrooms that are inclusive of all students. Teacher education has typically responded to this call for change by adding a course or two on diversity while leaving the rest of the curriculum largely intact or by having individual teacher educators infuse some attention to issues of diversity into the courses they teach—approaches that have been found unproductive because they lead to a fragmented teacher education experience. We argue instead for a coherent approach to rethinking the teacher education curriculum, one that is guided by a broad vision or framework for preparing general education teachers who are inclusive of all learners in their teaching. In this chapter we present such a framework. Although originally developed to address student diversity primarily related to race, ethnicity, class and language, we show the framework’s broader applicability to the preparation of general education teachers for students with disabilities.
Engineering RGB color vision into Escherichia coli

A synthetic biology system composed of light-wavelength-responsive genetic regulators, signal-processing circuits and pigment-production pathways have resulted in an Escherichia coli strain that can record color images in RGB format. Optogenetic tools use colored light to rapidly control gene expression in space and time. We designed a genetically encoded system that gives Escherichia coli the ability to distinguish between red, green, and blue (RGB) light and respond by changing gene expression. We use this system to produce 'color photographs' on bacterial culture plates by controlling pigment production and to redirect metabolic flux by expressing CRISPRi guide RNAs.
Replacing the Estate Tax with a Re-Imagined Accessions Tax

This article proposes replacing the federal estate and gift tax system with an accessions tax. An accessions tax is a tax, at progressive rates, on the aggregate lifetime gratuitous receipts of an individual in excess of a specified exemption. The main thesis of this article is that an accessions tax is not simply a reverse image of the current estate tax system, but is significantly different both in purpose and effect. An accessions tax should be an easier pill to swallow than the estate tax, because it is a tax on the unearned income (accessions to wealth) of individuals. In operation, the accessions tax can avoid many of the loopholes in the estate tax, because the accession can occur after the transferor's death. Accessions would be taxed only when realized in cash or assets that are not hard to value. Thus, only trust distributions (as opposed to the acquisition of trust interests) would be taxed. Accordingly, actuarial tables would be irrelevant, and general powers of appointment would be ignored. Taxation of qualified hard-to-value property (such as interests in a closely-held business) would be deferred to conversion to cash (or other event whereby qualification lapses). Accessions by charities and by the spouse of the transferor would be excluded, as would transactions (such as one person purchasing the consumption of another) that do not involve true wealth transfers. Elaborate qualification rules for the spousal and charitable exclusions would not be necessary.
The interactive effects of created salt marsh substrate type, hydrology, and nutrient regime on Spartina alterniflora and Avicennia germinans productivity and soil development

Recent salt marsh and barrier island restoration efforts in the northern Gulf of Mexico have focused on optimizing self-sustaining attributes of restored marshes to provide maximum habitat value and storm protection to vulnerable coastal communities. Salt marshes in this region are dominated by Spartina alterniflora and Avicennia germinans, two species that are valued for their ability to stabilize soils in intertidal salt marshes. We conducted a controlled greenhouse study to investigate the influences of substrate type, nutrient level, and marsh elevation on the growth and biomass allocation of S. alterniflora and A. germinans, and the consequent effects on soil development and stability. S. alterniflora exhibited optimal growth and survival at the lowest elevation (− 15 cm below the water surface) and was sensitive to high soil salinities at higher elevations (+ 15 cm above the water surface). A. germinans performed best at intermediate elevations but was negatively affected by prolonged inundation at lower elevations. We found that although there was not a strong effect of substrate type on plant growth, the development of stressful conditions due to the use of suboptimal materials would likely be exacerbated by placing the soil at extreme elevations. Soil shear strength was significantly higher in experimental units containing either S. alterniflora or A. germinans compared to unvegetated soils, suggesting that plants effectively contribute to soil strength in newly placed soils of restored marshes. As marsh vegetation plays a critical role in stabilizing shorelines, salt marsh restoration efforts in the northern Gulf of Mexico and other storm impacted coasts should be designed at optimal elevations to facilitate the establishment and growth of key marsh species.
Atresia delle vie biliari

L’atresia biliare e una condizione rara nei neonati, che insorge entro i primi 3 mesi di vita ed e caratterizzata da obliterazione o discontinuita del sistema biliare extraepatico, con conseguente ostruzione al flusso biliare. E una delle cause piu comuni di colestasi neonatale, che conduce invariabilmente alla cirrosi biliare quando la patologia non e corretta chirurgicamente. Inoltre, e responsabile di piu della meta dei trapianti epatici in eta pediatrica.
Fungi: Preservation of cultures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses preservation of microbial cultures. Storing fungi, at ambient temperatures rather than in refrigeration, may require fewer resources than any other preservation strategy. Storing culture, slants under a layer of sterile mineral oil, is one of the oldest, simplest and least expensive methods for long-term culture preservation. Cultures kept under mineral oil may remain viable for decades. Pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi may be undiminished after several months of storage. Storage of metabolically inactive fungi under sterile distilled water may be least technologically demanding of any preservation techniques. Lyophilization may be one of the most widely used technologically sophisticated approaches to preserve fungal germplasm and is the primary technique used in most general service culture collections. Standard domestic freezers might seem to be an ideal and economical tool for keeping frozen cultures. The use of anhydrous silica gel crystals as a carrier for culture propagules is limited to aerobic bacteria and fungi that grow on solid culture media. The choice of cryoprotectant determines the temperature, the heat of fusion, at which the cryoprotectant freezes with a strongly exothermic reaction. It is observed that the laboratory that relies on nitrogen storage facilities has made a long-term and expensive commitment to maintain cultures perceived as having a very high intrinsic value.