cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Depth Navigation Through Augmented Reality Depth Mapping in Patients with Low Vision

Patients diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) show, in the advanced stage of the disease, severely restricted peripheral vision causing poor mobility and decline in quality of life. This vision loss causes difficulty identifying obstacles and their relative distances. Thus, RP patients use mobility aids such as canes to navigate, especially in dark environments. A number of high-tech visual aids using virtual reality (VR) and sensory substitution have been developed to support or supplant traditional visual aids. These have not achieved widespread use because they are difficult to use or block off residual vision. This paper presents a unique depth to high-contrast pseudocolor mapping overlay developed and tested on a Microsoft Hololens 1 as a low vision aid for RP patients. A single-masked and randomized trial of the AR pseudocolor low vision aid to evaluate real world mobility and near obstacle avoidance was conducted consisting of 10 RP subjects. An FDA-validated functional obstacle course and a custom-made grasping setup were used. The use of the AR visual aid reduced collisions by 50% in mobility testing (p = 0.02), and by 70% in grasp testing (p = 0.03). This paper introduces a new technique, the pseudocolor wireframe, and reports the first significant statistics showing improvements for the population of RP patients with mobility and grasp.
Preferred dry-docking interval of corroded ship hull girders based on cumulative prospect theory

Abstract Ships are periodically dry-docked for inspection, corrosion elimination, and coatings to prevent corrosion of the hull. Managing the balance between the frequency of costly dry-docking and the ship structural safety level is of interests to all relevant stakeholders. The structural performance of a ship is uncertain because of the uncertainties associated with external loadings and deteriorating resistance due to corrosion, fatigue and other stressors. The minimum expected life-cycle cost rule and utility theories have been used to develop optimal maintenance planning for ships under uncertainty. However, the solutions dictated by these theories are inconsistent with the preference of decision-makers due to people's subjective perception of uncertainties and consequences. This paper investigates the preference over the dry-docking interval of corroded ship hull girders using the cumulative prospect theory. To this end, the reliability analysis and life-cycle cost evaluation of the corroded hull girder, considering the impact of dry-docking maintenance, is carried out through Monte Carlo simulation. The effect of risk perception on the selection of dry-docking time intervals is illustrated on two ship hull girders.
Observe and Accept: A Pathways Approach to Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease, marked by demyelination of the central nervous system and a wide variety of symptoms, including blurred vision, muscle weakness, and impaired motor con...
Effect of tillage and farming system upon VAM fungus populations and mycorrhizas and nutrient uptake of maize

Low-input agricultural systems that do not rely on fertilizers may be more dependent on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal [VAM] fungi than conventionally managed systems. We studied populations of spores of VAM fungi, mycorrhiza formation and nutrient utilization of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in moldboard plowed, chisel-disked or no-tilled soil under conventional and low-input agricultural systems. Maize shoots and roots were collected at four growth stages. Soils under low-input management had higher VAM fungus spore populations than soils under conventional management. Spore populations and colonization of maize roots by VAM fungi were higher in no-tilled than in moldboard plowed or chisel-disked soil. The inoculum potential of soil collected in the autumn was greater for no-till and chisel-disked soils than for moldboard plowed soils and greater for low-input than conventionally farmed soil. The effects of tillage and farming system on N uptake and utilization varied with growth stage of the maize plants. The effect of farming system on P use efficiency was significant at the vegetative stages only, with higher efficiencies in plants under low-input management. The effect of tillage was consistent through all growth stages, with higher P use efficiencies in plants under moldboard plow and chisel-disk than under no-till. Plants grown in no-tilled soils had the highest shoot P concentrations throughout the experiment. This benefit of enhanced VAM fungus colonization, particularly in the low-input system in the absence of effective weed control and with likely lower soil temperatures, did not translate into enhanced growth and yield.
Epistemic Injustice and Performing Know-how

In this paper, I expand our framework for epistemic injustice by shifting focus from epistemic evaluations of individuals in information exchange to epistemic evaluations of individuals engaging th...
The use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in the newborn nursery and its effect on health in the first six months of life: A retrospective observational case-control study.

Abstract Background Limitations of traditional medicine and rising interest in complementary medicine call for a closer look at the potential relevance of manual medicine, specifically osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in children. Objective To conduct a retrospective observational pilot study of babies who received OMT in the newborn nursery compared to those who did not, by quantifying their outpatient health issues in the first 6 months of life, and to determine the feasibility of further definitive randomized controlled trials of a similar nature. Design Retrospective chart review of the first 6 months of life from pediatric clinic records of 58 case-matched pairs of children, half of whom received OMT as part of their routine newborn care by virtue of their physician “call” assignment to the author. The sample from which the case-matched control group was chosen were babies who had received routine allopathic newborn care without OMT. Both groups received their pediatric care in the same academic ambulatory clinic and received no further OMT. Methods Outpatient paper chart review consisted of tabulation by points of the following variables: mention of spitting/vomiting, gassiness, food intolerance, irritability/sleeplessness, colic suggested or diagnosed, episodes of otitis media, frequency of antibiotics given, frequency of upper respiratory infections, frequency of lower respiratory problems, diarrhea, and rashes, separated by month of visit in which the variable was reported. Results Exploratory analysis by Pearson Chi-square yielded a few statistically significant differences between the 2 groups, in favor of the OMT-treated group, including Month 2 food intolerance (Χ21 = 4.14, P = .04), Month 3 colic suggested (Χ21 = 4.14, P = .04), Month 5 spitting/vomiting (Χ21 = 8.59, P = .003), and Month 5 antibiotic usage (Χ21 = 6.33, P = .012). Conclusions Findings point to the need for further research in this area based on the suggestion that OMT given to a newborn can positively affect that baby's short-term and quite possibly long-term health, specifically related to GI complaints and irritability. Other studies would benefit from a variety of methodologic changes, including correlation of timing of administration of OMT with possible symptoms and changes in those symptoms over longer periods of observation, as well as correlation of anatomic osteopathic findings with specific symptoms.
Spatial artistic displays of emotional valence

Background: While right-left hemispheric valence dichotomies have been demosntrated in various lesion stidues, it not entirely known if these dichotomies are portrayed in art. Methods: We examined ...
Nestlé Nigeria: Working Capital Management

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) typically is assumed to occur outside of firms' core operations, that is within context of responsibility for the environment and social contracts. Within this traditional context, CSR consists primarily of application of corporate profits to management of the environment and honoring of social contracts. This case study enables a discussion of CSR within context of management of core operations of a multinational publicly quoted company. An important novelty is linkage of the CSR event with pricing of the company's shares within stock markets, a novelty which enables a discussion of market efficiency. Teaching Notes are available to instructors upon request from the case study author.
Knotless Suture Anchors: A Comparative Biomechanical Study of Acetabular Rim Anchor Fixation with Implications for Hip Labral Repair

The purpose of this study was to analyze relevant initial-implantation biomechanical properties of five knotless suture anchors available for use in acetabular labral repair. Five knotless suture anchor constructs were tested: Arthrex PushLock 2.9, Arthrex PushLock 2.4, Arthrex SutureTak 3.0, Stryker CinchLock SS 2.4, and Stryker CinchLock Flex 2.4. Anchors were placed in synthetic bone blocks and in acetabular bone of cadaveric specimens. Constructs were subjected to cyclic and load-to-failure (LTF) testing. Displacement at 1, 100, 250, and 500 cycles, yield load, ultimate load, and failure mode were compared with statistically significant (p
smBEVO: A computer vision approach to rapid baseline correction of single-molecule time series

Single-molecule time series inform on the dynamics of molecular mechanisms that are occluded in ensemble-averaged measures. Amplitude-based methods and hidden Markov models (HMMs) frequently used for interpreting these time series require removal of low frequency drift that can be difficult to completely avoid in real world experiments. Current approaches for drift correction primarily involve either tedious manual assignment of the baseline or unsupervised frameworks such as infinite HMMs coupled with baseline nodes that are computationally expensive and unreliable. Here, we develop an image-based method for baseline correction using techniques from computer vision such as lane detection and active contours. The approach is remarkably accurate and efficient, allowing for rapid analysis of single-molecule time series contaminated with nearly any type of slow baseline drift.
Simulating X-ray Photoelectron Spectra With Strong Electron Correlation Using Multireference Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction Theory.

We present a new theoretical approach for the simulations of X-ray photoelectron spectra of strongly correlated molecular systems that combines multireference algebraic diagrammatic construction theory (MR-ADC) [J. Chem. Phys., 2018, 149, 204113] with core-valence separation (CVS) technique. The resulting CVS-MR-ADC approach has a low computational cost while overcoming many challenges of the conventional multireference theories associated with the calculations of excitations from inner-shell and core molecular orbitals. Our results demonstrate that the CVS-MR-ADC methods are as accurate as single-reference ADC approximations for predicting core ionization energies of weakly-correlated molecules, but are more accurate and reliable for systems with multireference character, such as ozone and isomers of benzyne diradical. We also highlight the importance of multireference effects for the description of core-hole screening that determines the relative spacing and order of peaks in the XPS spectra of strongly correlated systems.
Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Osteoarthritis

Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) experience a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities. Both OA and cardiovascular disease are characterized by obesity, hypertension, type II diabetes, and hypercoagulation and inflammatory proteins. This coincidence has suggested potentially important pathophysiological relationships between OA and the metabolic syndrome (MS). This chapter reviews epidemiologic, pathologic, and physiologic relationships among the MS and OA. Epidemiological and observational evidence suggests associations among OA, vascular pathology, and hypercoagulability. Concordance between peripheral vascular disease and OA is presented including changes in peripheral blood flow and velocity and intimal wall thickness. These observations suggest common mechanisms between OA and peripheral vascular disease as an end product of the MS.
The Effect of Youth Demographics on Violence: The Importance of the Labor Market

Recent uprisings in the Middle East have increased interest in the roots of moderate as well as severe political and social conflicts. One popular explanation for upticks in violence is the "youth bulge," the presence of disproportionately large youth cohorts. We refine that model using a panel dataset that includes more countries and years than previous literature and implement new measurement techniques to capture the relationship between large youth populations and violence. Contrary to prior literature, we find that the mere presence of a "youth bulge" is not enough to generate violence, but instead the causal roots of violence lie in the pressure youth cohorts exert on the total labor force. We use a new variable, the Youth Risk Factor (the ratio of the youth population to the total labor force), to measure the stress youth cohorts exert on labor markets, and find a significant and large effect on violence. These results have policy implications for countries that currently face large youth cohorts and help explain why conventional policy measures such as increasing educational access are likely not the answer to reducing violence. Language: en
Towards realizing the potential of malleable jobs

Malleable jobs are those which can dynamically shrink or expand the number of processors on which they are executing at runtime in response to an external command. Malleable jobs can significantly improve system utilization and reduce average response time, compared to traditional jobs. To realize these benefits, three components are critical — an adaptive job scheduler, an adaptive resource manager, and an adaptive parallel runtime system. In this paper, we present a novel mechanism for enabling shrink/expand capability in the parallel runtime system using task migration and dynamic load balancing, checkpoint-restart, and Linux shared memory. Our technique performs true shrink/expand eliminating the need of any residual processes, requires little application programmer effort, and is fast. Further, we establish a bidirectional communication channel between the resource manager and the parallel runtime, and present an asynchronous split-phase mechanism for executing adaptive scheduling decisions. Performance results using Charm++ on Stampede supercomputer show the efficacy, scalability, and benefits of our approach. Shrinking from 2k to 1k cores takes 16s while expand from 1k to 2k takes 40s. Also, we demonstrate the utility of our runtime in traditional as well as emerging scenarios, e.g., proactive fault tolerance and clouds.
Hand reconstruction following avulsion of all dorsal soft tissues: A cutaneo-tendinous free tissue transfer

Restoration of function following mutilating injuries to the extensor surface of the hand has traditionally involved staged reconstruction with distant pedicle flaps, followed by tendon grafting. Advances in microsurgery now permit the transfer, in one operation, of vascularized composite tissues such as skin and muscle, or skin and bone. For dorsal hand reconstruction a composite flap of skin, tendons and nerves from the dorsum of the foot was transferred in one stage soon after injury, avoiding unnecessary disabling scar formation, prolonged hospitalization and resulting in the rapid restoration of near normal function and appearance of the hand. Donor site morbidity was minimal.
SARS in pregnancy.

While severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is increasing in prevalence throughout the world, there had not been a documented case of SARS in pregnancy until early 2003, when a pregnant woman infected with SARS sought care at this New Jersey Hospital in March 2003. As this patient was the only known pregnant SARS patient in the U.S., there was a critical need to balance patient privacy, confidentiality, general care needs and support with a worldwide need for knowledge about the outcomes from SARS infections. Here's how the hospital staff worked with all of the agencies to develop protocols and coordinate this mother's and infant's care.
The outage capacity of BLAST for MIMO channels

This paper is concerned with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel that experience quasi-static flat fading and Gaussian noise. The information-theoretic quantity of outage capacity is precisely defined as it relates to the successive-decoding approach known as the BLAST (or Bell labs layered space-time) architecture. It is shown that finding the outage capacity of a BLAST system is equivalent to the solution of a K-parameter optimization problem, where K is the numbers of transmit antennas. This optimization is solved and the resulting outage capacity of BLAST is found to sustain a loss relative to the unconstrained (i.e., optimal) system, though it still provides for very high-rate data transmission.
Placental transfer of cholesterol into the human fetus

Abstract In order to study the maternal-fetal transfer of cholesterol in human subjects, a tracer dose of cholesterol-4- 14 C was given intravenously to a woman three months pregnant some 13 days before therapeutic abortion and sterilization were performed. Serial maternal blood samples were obtained thereafter until the date of the operation to determine the decay of cholesterol radiospecific activity in the plasma. Fetal and maternal tissues were analyzed for cholesterol and radioactivity. As in previous subhuman primate studies, the significant amount of radioactivity found in fetal tissues indicated considerable transfer of the cholesterol-4- 14 C molecule from the mother into the fetus. All of the radioactivity in the fetus was found only in the cholesterol molecule. The cholesterol specific activity (S.A.) of the combined fetal tissues was 42 per cent of the S.A. of the maternal serum. With the assumption that the fetal-maternal "back-transter" of isotopic cholesterol across the placenta is low, our calculations indicated that over the period of 13 days 20.7 per cent of the fetal cholesterol was derived from maternal sources. The mean flux rate of cholesterol into the fetus was 458 μg per day. The cholesterol contents of the fetal organs were 20 and 29 mg. per gram of dried tissue for liver and brain, respectively. Desmosterol, a precursor of cholesterol biosynthesis, constituted 2 per cent of the brain sterois.
Does ego development increase during midlife? The effects of openness and accommodative processing of difficult events.

Objective Although Loevinger's model of ego development is a theory of personality growth, there are few studies that have examined age-related change in ego level over developmentally significant periods of adulthood. To address this gap in the literature, we examined mean-level change and individual differences in change in ego level over 18 years of midlife. Method In this longitudinal study, participants were 79 predominantly White, college-educated women who completed the Washington University Sentence Completion Test in early (age 43) and late (age 61) midlife as well as measures of the trait of Openness (ages 21, 43, 52, and 61) and accommodative processing (assessed from narratives of difficult life events at age 52). Results As hypothesized, the sample overall showed a mean-level increase in ego level from age 43 to age 61. Additionally, a regression analysis showed that both the trait of Openness at age 21 and accommodative processing of difficult events that occurred during (as opposed to prior to) midlife were each predictive of increasing ego level from age 43 to age 61. Conclusions These findings counter prior claims that ego level remains stable during adulthood and contribute to our understanding of the underlying processes involved in personality growth in midlife.
Access to reproductive genetic services for low-income women and women of color.

This article examines access to reproductive genetics services for low-income women and women of color. It explores implications of the use of reproductive technologies; access and barriers to general
Pretreatment with intracoronary mimosine improves postischemic myocardial functional recovery

Background Cytoprotective growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in myocardial protection from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Accumulating evidence suggests that the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway is a key regulator of VEGF production in the setting of I/R. The prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor mimosine can increase VEGF production through the HIF-1 pathway. We hypothesized that infusion of preischemic intracoronary mimosine would improve myocardial functional recovery after I/R. Methods Isolated male rat hearts were subjected to 15 minutes of equilibration, 25 minutes of ischemia, and 40 minutes of reperfusion. Immediately prior to ischemia, ischemic hearts received intracoronary infusions of vehicle or solutions of 0.3, 3, or 30 μM mimosine. Myocardial function was recorded throughout the experiments. Functional data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance adjusted with the Bonferroni correction. Results Preischemic myocardial function was equivalent. All hearts had significant reductions in function at the beginning of reperfusion. Hearts treated with 0.3 or 3 μM mimosine infusions exhibited greater recovery of left ventricular developed pressure compared to vehicle. The maximal positive value of the first derivative of pressure (+dP/dt) was greater in hearts treated with 0.3 μM mimosine compared to hearts treated with vehicle. No differences were observed in recovery of end-diastolic pressure or the maximal negative value of the first derivative of pressure (−dP/dt). Conclusion Preischemic intracoronary mimosine infusion improves myocardial functional recovery after I/R.
Demonstration of a Telecom-Band, 30-ps Window, Dual-In, Dual-Out, Entangled-Photon Switch

We present a dual-in, dual-out, optical-fiber-based entangled photon switch, capable of 30-ps operation. It improves upon a slower, three-port design and exhibits low-loss, low signal-band noise, and maintains the transmitted photons' quantum state.
Zero Models and Pole Models for Multivariable Systems

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of zero models and pole models for the multivariable systems. The definitions are different from the existing definitions of poles and zeros for multivariable systems, they reflect more structural informations for the systems, and can be used to study the external properties of the systems. The pole models and zero models in the closed-loops are also discussed. It will be shown that the zero models of the closed loop systems play a key role in the tracking and rejection problem.
Human herpesvirus-8-positive body cavity-based lymphoma involving the atria of the heart: A case report

Abstract We describe an unusual case of a body cavity-based lymphoma, otherwise termed primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), involving the atria of the heart of an HIV-seropositive patient. This is the first reported case of the involvement of the heart by this rare lymphoma. This HIV-related lymphoma represents a distinct B-cell malignancy associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. It is characterized by involvement of body cavities, with infrequent evidence of organ or bone marrow infiltration. The tumor cells are large, nucleolated with an immunoblastic or anaplastic appearance, positive for activation markers, such as CD30, and negative for B-cell and T-cell immunophenotypic markers. Integration of HHV-8 DNA sequences is considered the hallmark of PEL. The tumor demonstrates frequent association with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and uniform absence of c- myc oncogene rearrangement, unlike most other HIV-related lymphomas.
A DT-burning upgrade to MFTF-B

Abstract The MFTF-B Upgrade will provide a conclusive demonstration of plasma confinement in the advanced tandem mirror geometry proposed for a fusion reactor and will also provide the capability for operating a power-producing section of a fusion reactor for periods up to 100 h with neutron wall loadings of 1–2 MW/m 2 . The necessary physics data base for reactor design will be obtained during initial operation at Q in the range of one to two in DT plasma at which point about one-third of the center cell heating is provided by the alpha particles. In the latter operation, the MFTF-B program will shift from resolution of physics issues to integration of all subsystems in a nuclear environment and development of reactor blankets.
Multipath TDOA and FDOA estimation using the EM algorithm

The author examines the use of maximum likelihood parameter estimation to determine the time- and frequency difference of arrival (TDOA/FDOA) between direct and multipath signals received at a single sensor. The source signal is assumed to be narrowband, and the additive noise is Gaussian with zero mean. An iterative procedure, based on the estimate-maximize (EM) algorithm, is developed. This procedure permits an unknown complex amplitude and the TDOA/FDOA parameters to be estimated in cases where the source signal and noise spectra are a priori unknowns. >
The influence of yogurt/Lactobacillus on the innate and acquired immune response.

An aura has surrounded the influence of yogurt and immunity for more than a century. In fact, although it has been studied in both humans and mice, there is a relative paucity of quality research examining the issue of yogurt and immunity. Despite such reservations, certain strains of Lactobacillus have potential health benefits. Future goals should be to identify the best strains, the mechanisms of their action, and their potential impact on human health.
Taking the hard line approach to hypertension education: do emergency department patients prefer it?

Study objectives: Emergency physicians have an opportunity to educate patients and improve health care, thereby reducing emergency department (ED) visits. It has been suggested that presenting worst-case scenarios causes patients to disconnect and does not improve treatment adherence. We aimed to determine what hypertension educational information ED patients report as most likely to improve treatment adherence. Methods: This written survey with 4-point Likert scale response was offered to all adults in an urban ED waiting room in 7 nonrandom 1-hour intervals. We provided 30 facts related to hypertension. Eight (26.7%) contained information about life-threatening complications of hypertension. We asked how likely each fact was to improve blood pressure monitoring and treatment adherence. Mean scores for responses to each fact were calculated and ranked for all respondents, hypertension patients, and those nonadherent with treatment. Two-tailed t test was used to compare mean scores for life threats versus non–life threat facts. Results: One hundred one surveys were completed; respondents were female, 51.9%; black, 62.5%; Hispanic, 20.2%; white, 6.7%; Asian, 3.8%; and other, 4.8%. The mean response rate for all facts was 79.1% (SD 1.5%). The highest-ranked facts for the overall group were life threats (means 3.56, 3.53; group mean 3.29, SD 0.16). The 50% with hypertension ranked life threats as the top 3 (means 3.62, 3.61, 3.59; group mean 3.34, SD 0.17). Only 67.3% of the hypertension group reported treatment adherence. The remainder (our target population) reported life threats as the top 3 (means 3.72, 3.69, 3.54; group mean 3.29, SD 0.19). All groups scored life-threat facts higher than non–life threats (overall P =.066; hypertension P =.03; target P =.009). Conclusion: We found that patients with hypertension, particularly those who are not adherent to treatment, rated life threats as most likely to improve treatment adherence. ED patients may share unique characteristics that alter their perception of life-threatening information. Taking the hard line on patient education may be the most effective approach in the ED.
Histogenesis of salivary gland neoplasms: a postulate with prognostic implications

In a continually renewing cell population, stem cells can be regarded as a reservoir of cells with a high capacity for self renewal that give rise to all differentiated progeny. They are the primary source for the generation and maintenance of cellular diversity and tissue homeostasis. In general, neoplasms manifest differentiation pathways similar to those found in the development and renewal of the normal tissues from which they arise. This feature serves as a basis for classification schemes of neoplasms and, as in the normal tissues, there is usually an inverse correlation between proliferative capacity and differentiation within the neoplasms. In our postulate of the histogenesis of salivary gland neoplasia, we evoke the stem cell model to account for the considerable phenotypic heterogeneity seen with these neoplasms. We further consider the neoplasms and, in particular, their myoepithelial constituencies to be manifestations of escape from normal regulatory mechanisms that determine differentiation pathways which a stem cell and its progeny can take. Clinical and basic scientific evidence are presented to support the postulate and also to point to the mitigating role that myoepithelial differentiation has in the biological course of salivary gland neoplasms.
The effects of pinealectomy on the activity levels in rats

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of pinealectomy on the activity of rats maintained with a light-dark cycle of illumination and then abruptly changed to the condition of continuous illumination. The analysis of the data revealed that pinealectomy had no effect on the activity cycle under the condition of light-dark illumination nor continuous illumination.
Identification of a gene that complements an Arabidopsis mutant deficient in chloroplast omega 6 desaturase activity.

Membrane lipids of the fad6 (formerly fadC) mutant of Arabidopsis, which is deficient in chloroplast [omega]6 desaturase activity, have increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and are deficient in trienoic fatty acids. A putative fad6 cDNA clone was isolated by probing a cDNA library with a degenerate oligonucleotide based on a conserved region within known [omega]3 desaturase genes. Expression of the cDNA in transgenic plants of a fad6 mutant restored normal levels of all fatty acids. When used as a hybridization probe, the cDNA identified a restriction fragment-length polymorphism that co-segregated with the fad6 mutation. Thus, on the basis of a genetic complementation test and genetic map position, the fad6 gene is encoded by the cDNA. The cDNA encoded a 418-amino acid polypeptide of 47,727 D that displayed a high degree of sequence similarity to a [delta]12 desaturase from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. The fad6 gene exhibited less sequence homology to any known higher plant desaturase, including an endoplasmic reticulum-localized [omega]6 desaturase corresponding to the Arabidopsis fad2 gene.
Impact of diversification on agricultural cooperatives in Wisconsin

Agricultural cooperatives often face internal and external pressures to diversify their businesses. Factors associated with a decision to diversify were examined in this study; results suggest that cooperatives that were larger and involved in input supply were more likely to diversify. In addition, the impact of diversification on key performance measures for the cooperatives was examined. Diversification had no statistical association with key performance areas (profitability, patronage refunds, or equity redemption). Diversification was associated with larger membership. On the basis of this study, diversification appears to have a neutral to modestly positive impact on cooperative performance. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The development of hydrops fetalis in the ovine fetus afterlymphatic ligation or lymphatic excision

Summary Sixteen ovine fetuses underwent either ligation or excision of the left thoracic, leftcervical, and left brachiocephalic lymphatic ducts. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that interruption of lymphatic flow would lead to hydropic changes in the ovine fetus. Of the 11 animals in the group that underwent ligation, hydrops developed in 1. All five of the fetuses that underwent excision of these major lymphatic ducts were hydropic at the time of autopsy (3 to 7 days), with 62 to 502 ml of free fluid collected from the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The mean edema fluid total protein concentration in the hydropic fetuses was 2.6 gm /dl. This value was 71% to 94% of that found in the plasma, suggesting that the fetus is capable of producing new plasma proteins at a high rate. The observation that lymphatic excision led to hydropic changes in the ovine fetus, whereas ligation did not consistently produce hydrops, suggests that fetal lymph vessels may be capable of very rapid regrowth over short distances. Thus lymphatic excision, but not ligation, produces an animal model for the study of hydrops fetalis
eXclusion: Toward Integrating the X Chromosome in Genome-wide Association Analyses

The X chromosome lags behind autosomal chromosomes in genome-wide association study (GWAS) findings. Indeed, the X chromosome is commonly excluded from GWAS analyses despite being assayed on all current GWAS microarray platforms. This raises the question: why are so few hits reported on the X chromosome? This commentary aims to examine this question through review of the current X chromosome results in the National Human Genome Research Institute Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies (NHGRI GWAS Catalog). It will also investigate commonly cited reasons for exclusion of the X chromosome from GWAS and review the tools currently available for X chromosome analysis. It will conclude with recommendations for incorporating X chromosome analyses in future studies.
Measurement and correlation of volumetric heat transfer coefficients of cellular ceramics

Abstract The volumetric heat transfer coefficients (hv) between cellular ceramics and a stream of air were measured using the single-blow transient experimental technique in conjunction with an inverse analysis. Test specimen made of mullite, YZA, SiC, cordierite and cordierite with LS-2 coating was studied. The number of pores per centimeter (PPC) ranged from 4 to 26 and the specimen thickness ranged from 6 to 12 mm. Based on the experimental data, the volumetric heat transfer coefficients were generalized by developing Nusselt number vs. Reynolds number correlations of the form Nu v =C Re m for the materials studied. The effects of pore length-scale and specimen thickness on the volumetric heat transfer coefficients are presented and discussed.
Targeting Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP) Anandamide Transporters - A Novel Strategy for Development of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Drugs

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), in particular FABP5 and FABP7, have recently been identified by us as intracellular transporters for the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). Furthermore, animal studies by others have shown that elevated levels of endocannabinoids resulted in beneficial pharmacological effects on stress, pain and inflammation and also ameliorate the effects of drug withdrawal. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that FABP5 and FABP7 would provide excellent pharmacological targets. Thus, we performed a virtual screening of over one million compounds using DOCK and employed a novel footprint similarity scoring function to identify lead compounds with binding profiles similar to oleic acid, a natural FABP substrate. Forty-eight compounds were purchased based on their footprint similarity scores (FPS) and assayed for biological activity against purified human FABP5 employing a fluorescent displacement-binding assay. Four compounds were found to exhibit approximately 50% inhibition or greater at 10 µM, as good as or better inhibitors of FABP5 than BMS309403, a commercially available inhibitor. The most potent inhibitor, γ-truxillic acid 1-naphthyl ester (ChemDiv 8009-2334), was determined to have Ki value of 1.19±0.01 µM. Accordingly a novel α-truxillic acid 1-naphthyl mono-ester (SB-FI-26) was synthesized and assayed for its inhibitory activity against FABP5, wherein SB-FI-26 exhibited strong binding (Ki 0.93±0.08 µM). Additionally, we found SB-FI-26 to act as a potent anti-nociceptive agent with mild anti-inflammatory activity in mice, which strongly supports our hypothesis that the inhibition of FABPs and subsequent elevation of anandamide is a promising new approach to drug discovery. Truxillic acids and their derivatives were also shown by others to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects in mice and to be the active component of Chinese a herbal medicine (Incarvillea sinensis) used to treat rheumatism and pain in humans. Our results provide a likely mechanism by which these compounds exert their effects.
The relationship between relapse and involvement in alcoholics anonymous.

Recovering alcoholic members (N = 59) of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the occurrence of relapse and its correlation to their level of involvement in the A.A. program. The questionnaire was distributed to five different A.A. groups. Subjects were asked to rate themselves, using a Likert scale, on their level of involvement in the A.A. program and were also asked to state if they had relapsed during the course of their involvement with A.A. and if so, to indicate their most recent relapse. Depending on their answers to the relapse question, subjects were placed in either a relapse or a no relapse group. The level of involvement in A.A. was found to be related to whether relapse occurred. Those in the relapse group rated themselves lower in every area of involvement listed on the questionnaire than those in the no relapse group. The most significant area of involvement, where the greatest differences between subjects in each group were found, was in reaching out to other members of A.A. for help and in the use of a sponsor.
Reduction in percolation threshold of injection molded high‐density polyethylene/exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets composites by solid state ball milling and solid state shear pulverization

Previous work showed that high density polyethylene (HDPE)/exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) nanocomposites fabricated with melt extrusion followed by injection molding had a relatively high percolation threshold of between 10 and 15 vol % GNP loading. To lower the percolation threshold of injection molded HDPE/GNP nanocomposites, two special processing methods were investigated: solid state ball milling (SSBM) and solid state shear pulverization (SSSP). Results have confirmed that the percolation threshold of HDPE/GNP nanocomposites could be reduced to between 3 and 5 vol % GNP loading by these two approaches. The mechanism by which SSBM and SSSP are capable of producing lower percolation is to coat the polymer surface with GNP platelets which facilitates the formation of conductive networks during injection molding. However, it was found that HDPE/GNP nanocomposites obtained from these two techniques exhibited lower mechanical properties at high GNP loadings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of academic self-regulation, critical thinking, and age on online graduate students’ academic help-seeking

Academic help-seeking is an invaluable learning strategy that has not yet received much attention in the distance education research literature. The asynchronous nature of distance education and many online courses presents an inherent roadblock to help-seeking. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of academic self-regulation, critical thinking, and age on online graduate students’ help-seeking. Results indicate that these variables did significantly influence help-seeking, and that as self-regulation and critical thinking increased so did help-seeking. However, as age increased, help-seeking decreased. These results and implications for practice are discussed.
FLT3-activating mutations in acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a rationale for risk-adapted therapy with FLT3 inhibitors

Abstract Our understanding of the genetic basis of acute myeloid leukaemias has been enhanced through cloning of recurring chromosomal translocation breakpoints. However, the remarkable observation, more than a decade ago, that all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induced remission in patients with t(15;17) acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) was a driving force in the subsequent cloning and characterization of the PML–RARα fusion that is causally implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. Major improvements in treatment and outcome of APL patients have been made since that time by incorporating ATRA in conventional chemotherapy but 30% of APL patients still succumb to complications of their disease or their therapy. Recent information that the haematopoietic receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 is mutated in about 30% of APL patients suggests strategies for further improving treatment and outcome in this subset of APL patients using small-molecule inhibitors of FLT3. The role of FLT3 mutations in APL and other AML will be discussed.
Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type: Changes in Hippocampal L‐[3H]Glutamate Binding

Glutamate or a related excitatory amino acid is thought to be the major excitatory neurotransmitter of hippocampal afferents, intrinsic neurons, and efferents. We have used an autoradiographic technique to investigate the status of excitatory amino acid receptors in the hippocampal formation of patients dying with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). We examined L-[3H]glutamate binding to sections from the hippocampal formation of six patients dying of DAT and six patients without DAT and found marked reductions in total [3H]glutamate binding in all regions of hippocampus and adjacent parahippocampal cortex in DAT brains as compared to controls. When subtypes of excitatory amino acid receptors were assayed, it was found that binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive receptor was reduced by 75-87%, with the greatest loss found in stratum moleculare and stratum pyramidale of CA1. Binding to quisqualate (QA)-sensitive receptors was reduced by 45-69%. There were smaller reductions (21-46%) in GABAA receptors in DAT cases. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors assayed in adjacent sections of hippocampal formation were unchanged in DAT. Benzodiazepine receptors were reduced significantly only in parahippocampal cortex by 44%. These results suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission within the hippocampal formation is likely to be severely impaired in Alzheimer's disease. Such impairment may account for some of the cognitive decline and memory deficits that characterize DAT.
Measurements of the magneto-optic Kerr effect and the extraordinary Hall effect on grooved glass substrates coated with amorphous TbFeCo

Kerr loops measured in the 0th, −1st, and −2nd diffraction order beams on deep magneto-optic gratings show constructive and destructive interference of the beams reflected from grooves and lands as a function of effective phase depths and relative widths of grooves and lands. Hall-effect measurements yielded coercivities of grooves, lands, and sidewalls at different angles of the applied field. Sidewall reversals appear clearly in Kerr loops measured in the various diffracted beams, with signal amplitude depending on groove depth and the angle between the sidewall and the diffracted beam.
Effect of day length and reproductive state on diel rhythms of luteinizing hormone levels in the plasma of white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii

Plasma levels of LH were measured through the course of 24 hours in photosensitive and photorefractory, adult male white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, exposed to both long (20L, 4D) and short (8L, 16D) days. In photorefractory birds held on both long and short days there is an increase in plasma levels of LH late in the subjective day or soon after the onset of the scotophase. These levels remain high for most of the night and decline to low levels just after the onset of the photophase. In addition there is a second increase in circulating LH, 3–5 hours after the onset of the photophase, with a second minimum about 10 hours later. A similar rhythm occurs in photosensitive birds held on short days. Plasma levels of LH increase late in the day and remain high throughout most of the night. Lowest levels were measured just after onset of photophase. In contrast, circulating LH in photosensitive birds exposed to long days showed no discernable diel rhythm. During the night, plasma levels of LH of photorefractory birds, and also photosensitive birds on short days, are as high as those of photosensitive birds on long days.
NMR relaxation times in the human brain at 3.0 tesla.

Relaxation time measurements at 3.0 T are reported for both gray and white matter in normal human brain. Measurements were made using a 3.0 T Bruker Biospec magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in normal adults with no clinical evidence of neurological disease. Nineteen subjects, 8 female and 11 male, were studied for T1 and T2 measurements, and 7 males were studied for T2. Measurements were made using a saturation recovery method for T1, a multiple spin-echo experiment for T2, and a fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence with 14 different echo times for T2. Results of the measurements are summarized as follows. Average T1 values measured for gray matter and white matter were 1331 and 832 msec, respectively. Average T2 values measured for gray matter and white matter were 80 and 110 msec, respectively. The average T2 values for occipital and frontal gray matter were 41.6 and 51.8 msec, respectively. Average T2 values for occipital and frontal white matter were 48.4 and 44.7 msec, respectively. ANOVA tests of the measurements revealed that for both gray and white matter there were no significant differences in T1 from one location in the brain to another. T2 in occipital gray matter was significantly higher (0.0001 < P < .0375) than the rest of the gray matter, while T2 in frontal white matter was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). Statistical analysis of cerebral hemispheric differences in relaxation time measurements showed no significant differences in T1 values from the left hemisphere compared with the right, except in insular gray matter, where this difference was significant at P = 0.0320. No significant difference in T2 values existed between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Significant differences were apparent between male and female relaxation time measurements in brain.
An overview of health and human service robotics

Abstract Application of robotic technology to health and human service areas requires considerations along several dimensions. This paper will present an overview of the variables that could impact on the successful use of robotic and artificial intelligenece technologies in health and human service domains. The challenging question: how do robotic scientists begin to research in a domain that is ill-defined and rapidly changing and for innovations that are not yet developed but rapidly evolving? Our work has taken a process approach. First, we work interdisciplinary to identify needs by working directly with potential end-users and simultaneously to examine whether there are existing or future planned technologies that can fill/address these needs. This method also serves to illuminate clinical and technical functional and performance capabilities that will be required. It is a dynamic, iterative process called Interactive Evaluation.