cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional dominance among Hox genes: repression dominates activation in the regulation of dpp

Here we investigate the mechanisms by which Hox genes compete for the control of positional identity. Functional dominance is often observed where different Hox genes are co-expressed, and frequently the more posteriorly expressed Hox gene is the one that prevails, a phenomenon known as posterior prevalence. We use dpp674, a visceral mesoderm-specific enhancer of decapentaplegic (dpp), to investigate functional dominance among Hox genes molecularly. We find that posterior prevalence does not adequately describe the regulation of dpp by Hox genes. Instead, we find that abdominal-A (abd-A) dominates over the more posterior Abdominal-B (Abd-B) and the more anterior Ultrabithorax (Ubx). In the context of the dpp674 enhancer, abd-A functions as a repressor whereas Ubx and Abd-B function as activators. Thus, these results suggest that other cases of Hox competition and functional dominance may also be understood in terms of competition for target gene regulation in which repression dominates over activation.
Option Valulation and Dividend Payments

This note shows how dividend payments affect option values owing to the effects of dividend payments on share price and resulting investor behavior. In addition to discussing the underlying logic, the note shows how to value options for dividend-paying stocks by adapting the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The note addresses issues of early exercise and the underlying incentives of investors who own call or put options.
On the Quasiparticle- and Super-Current at the Finite Temperature Josephson Junction

In the temperature dependent reconstructed quantum mechanics over the limiting Gibbs state for two weakly coupled superconductors the effective dynamics is worked out and the current operator is expressed in terms of gauge covariant quasi-particle and condensed Cooper pair fields, where only the latter exhibit macroscopic quantum features.
A Critical Praxis: Narrowing the Gap Between Identity, Theory, and Practice

Praxis is the balance of pedagogical theory and practice. This literature review explores praxis from a critical lens in terms of identity for both students and teachers. The authors center their framework on Hawkins and Norton's (2009) five principles for critical language teaching. The first principle relates to the situated nature of the program and practices, which involves contextualizing the plot and the characters of the classroom. Second, responsiveness to learners encourages teachers to identify students’ multiple identities and allow them to experiment with these. Third, dialogic engagement is the discussion of identity in the classroom. Fourth, reflexivity requires teachers to examine their practices and the ideologies that guide their beliefs about second language acquisition and learning. Fifth, praxis combines all of these elements to create and harmonize a critical classroom. The article ends with a call for teacher training that incorporates these principles to better assist English language learners.
EFFECTS OF TRYPSIN AND CHYMOTRYPSIN ON BLOOD GLUCOSE IN VIVO AND GLUCOSE UPTAKE IN VITRO.

SummaryExperiments have been undertaken to extend the observation of Rieser and Rieser that chymotrypsin and trypsin have insulin-like activity in vitro(1) and that insulin has some protease properties(2). Concentrations of trypsin and chymotrypsin equal to molar concentrations of insulin which cause a marked hypoglycemia in vivo were administered to rats and dogs. Neither trypsin nor chymotrypsin had any insulin-like activity in vivo. These enzymes were also tested on the in vitro glucose uptake of rat hemidiaphragms and epididymal fat pads. Only trypsin had a marginal effect on glucose uptake, an effect that was much less than the effect of an equimolar concentration of insulin.
Examining Home Learning Environments

This study uses a methodology originally developed by education researchers examining the homework environment and homework achievement of school pupils. We adapt the approach to make it relevant t...
Study on the Aqueous Environment Problems of the Bosten Lake,Xinjiang

The Bosten Lake is the rump lake of the Kaidu River(one of the 4 main source streams of the Tarim River) and the source of the Kongque River.It is located in the southeast Yanqi Basin,and is the largest and important inland lake in China,where lake water is clear and its temperature is moderate(18.2～19.7 ℃),the lake is rich in aquatic organism resources,and the large-area quagmire is a production base of high-quality Phragmites communis.The Bosten Lake plays an important role in regulating environment and maintaining sustainable development of local economy,society and environment in the Yanqi Basin and Kongque River Basin.In this paper,the actuality and causes of aqueous environment pollution and the current effect of aqueous environment improvement of the Bosten Lake are analyzed.The results reveal that there are some aqueous environment problems in the Bosten Lake area,such as the increasing water salinity and pollution,destruction of the quagmire entironment,reduction of biodiversity,eutrophication in some water areas,shortage of water resources,serious water pollution and soil salinization due to excessive water and land exploitation.Thus,some measures are put forward for improving the aqueous environment in the lake area.
Cation current activated by hyperpolarization (IH) in guinea pig enteric neurons.

Intracellular microelectrode and whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made from guinea pig enteric neurons in vitro. In most myenteric AH neurons (but not S neurons), step hyperpolarizations from...
The use of the full thickness skin graft in Dupuytren's contracture.

SUMMARY For those hand surgeons who have experienced early complications associated with limited fasciectomies (those who have not, have not done enough limited fasciectomies) and are frustrated by a high rate of recurrence or extension of the disease, incision of the cord and interposition of a full thickness graft is a technique to seriously consider. The procedure is not difficult to perform, but patience and attention to detail are prerequisites for success. That success is measured by complete or near complete release of the contracture with a minimum of morbidity, a nil recurrence rate, and extension rate of less than 10%. This technique is indicated for patients who have one or more elements of the Dupuytren’s diathesis. Usually people older than 65 who develop Dupuytren’s contracture do not have the diathesis, and their disease can be managed by limited fasciectomy and Z plasty skin lengthening. Finally, Dupuytren’s disease presenting with no contracture can be managed effectively and conservatively by a series of intralesional injections of triamcinolone into the nodules and cords, the treatment of choice for all plantar nodules and knuckle pads.
Effects of feedback availability upon generation of left- and right-branching sentence structures.

It was reasoned that the capacity of short-term memory places limitations upon the syntactic structures produced by the human speaker, but that such limitations would be compensated for if the encoder had a continuous record (feedback) of his production during the creation of a sentence. Accordingly, this experiment involved having subjects create left-branching and right-branching sentence patterns (the former presumed to impose more demands upon short-term memory than the latter) under typewriting conditions where feedback was either available or was denied. Results indicated that although left-branching took relatively more processing time than right-branching, the anticipated interaction with feedback conditions was not realized. Moreover, in terms of error-rate, it was found that right-branching, rather than the predicted left-branching, was facilitated by the presence of feedback.
Gated probabilistic matrix factorization: learning users' attention from missing values

Recommender systems rely on techniques of predicting the ratings that users would give to yet unconsumed items. Probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF) is a standard technique for such prediction and makes a prediction on the basis of an underlying probabilistic generative model of the behavior of users. We investigate a new model of users' consumption and rating, where a user tends to consume an item that emphasizes those features that the user seeks to enjoy, and the ratings of the users are more strongly affected by those features than others. We incorporate this new user model into PMF and show that the resulting method, Gated PMF (GPMF), improves the predictive accuracy by several percent on standard datasets. GPMF is widely applicable, as it is trained only with the ratings given by users and does not rely on any auxiliary data.
The role of epigenomics in personalized medicine.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Epigenetics is the study of reversible modifications to chromatin and their extensive and profound effects on gene regulation. To date, the role of epigenetics in personalized medicine has been under-explored. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the vast potential that epigenetics holds.Areas covered: We first review the cell-specific nature of epigenetic states and how these can vary with developmental stage and in response to environmental factors. We then summarize epigenetic biomarkers of disease, with a focus on diagnostic tests, followed by a detailed description of current and pipeline drugs with epigenetic modes of action. Finally, we discuss epigenetic biomarkers of drug response.Expert commentary: Epigenetic variation can yield information on cellular states and developmental histories in ways that genotype information cannot. Furthermore, in contrast to fixed genome sequence, epigenetic patterns are plastic, so correcting aberrant, disease-causing epigenetic marks hol...
In-Situ Observation of Damage Evolution in Quasi-Isotropic CFRP Laminates

In this work, a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) impaired with high resolution optical system is applied to capture the damage evolution in composites laminates in-situ. The developed method enables to measure the local (micro scale) deformation across the thickness on the free-edge (8-plies laminate) subjected to a quasi-static tension. Three groups of specimens are prepared by arranging plies at different stacking sequence, and the formation of strain localization, initiation of matrix crack, delamination and other damages are acquired. It is obtained that matrix cracking is the primary and dominant form of damage and it usually occurred in the 90°-plies. However, the orientation and quantity of matrix cracks are highly affected by the stacking arrangement of the plies.
Identifying and Addressing Medical Errors in Pain Mismanagement

Article-at-a-Glance Background There is strong evidence in the pain management literature that undertreatment of pain is pervasive despite several approaches, including use of national guidelines, to completely correct the problem. Although the concept of medical errors has primarily been concerned with adverse events, it is not unreasonable that mismanagement of pain could also be classified as a medical error. Errors of pain management Error types can be classified as errors in assessment and documentation, errors in treatment and management, and errors in patient education. Within each of these categories, errors may be skill-, rule-, and/or knowledge-based, as suggested by evidence of mismanagement in various aspects of the pain management process as found in the literature. An examination of the root causes of medical errors may be used to detect system failures. At least ten steps can be identified in the process of pain management in the acute care setting, starting with admission, and errors can potentially occur at any step. A redesigned system could help improve error rates by incorporating use of skills, rules, and knowledge for effective management. Conclusion A new approach to the unsolved problem of pain management in acute care settings is proposed; this approach uses the concept of mismanagement as a medical error.
Distracted doctoring: The role of personal electronic devices in the operating room

Abstract Background The purpose of this paper is to identify personal electronic device (PED) use by cardiac team members during a series of cardiovascular surgeries. Authors make the case that these devices contribute to the cognitive disconnect between practitioners and their primary task of taking care of the surgical patient. Methods This prospective observational study took place over four months of data collection. Twenty-five cardiovascular procedures (totaling 139.06h) were observed for workflow disruptions and those related to the use of PEDs were further analyzed for frequency of occurrence and time spent attending to the PED. Results Data collection yielded 545 events for analysis; each requiring an average of 86.51s of attention. Most PED use events took place during bypass (n = 233) followed by pre-bypass (n = 197) and post-bypass (n = 115). Conclusion The results presented here indicate that mobile devices have infiltrated not just social interactions, but those situations that by their nature demand often times undivided attention to ensure safety and protection of others.
Stable Water Oxidation in Acid Using Manganese-Modified TiO2 Protective Coatings.

Accomplishing acid-stable water oxidation is a critical matter for achieving both long-lasting water-splitting devices and other fuel-forming electro- and photocatalytic processes. Because water ox...
Propranolol glucuronide cumulation during long‐term propranolol therapy: A proposed storage mechanism for propranolol

The comparative disposition of propranolol glucuronide (PG) and propranolol was determined in 35 patients with hypertension or coronary artery disease during initiation of propranolol therapy, during steady-state conditions, and after discontinuation of propranolol (dose range, 40 to 960 mg daily, every 6 hr). The 2.3-fold PG cumulation in plasma was identical to propranolol cumulation. PG plasma levels were about 4 times as high as propranolol levels over the whole dose range. Unexpectedly slow terminal elimination rate of propranolol (t1/2 approximately 16 to 24 hr) on discontinuation of propranolol appeared to be related to equally slow PG elimination. PG and propranolol could be detected in plasma and urine up to 3 to 5 days after propranolol discontinuation. The PG formed in man was deconjugated to propranolol in the dog after intravenous administration, suggesting that PG may serve as a storage pool for propranolol. Observations consistent with systemic and enteric deconjugation of PG, including enterohepatic recirculation, may, at least in part, explain the observed propranolol cumulation as well as the slow elimination of propranolol after its discontinuation. PG renal clearance (29 to 70 ml/min) and PG plasma levels were highly dependent on glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that PG may cumulate abnormally in patients with severe renal disease.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy to the Recipient of a Heart from a Brain-Dead Donor

Patients with various acute and chronic diseases have been documented to have a syndrome known as the euthyroid sick syndrome, the common factor in which would appear to be an increased output of circulating catecholamines associated with a generalized inflammatory response. These patients show a decrease in free T3 and an increase in reverse T3. A significant reduction in free T3 has also been documented in patients undergoing open-heart surgical procedures. Experimental data indicated that it was beneficial to the hemodynamic status of an animal or patient to receive treatment with T3 at the end of a period of cardiopulmonary bypass. This led to replenishment of myocardial energy stores and recovery of normal hemodynamic function more rapidly than if T3 was not administered. In view of the low levels of T3 observed in brain-dead potential organ donors and in patients undergoing heart transplantation on cardiopulmonary bypass, it is suggested that both donor and recipient should receive hormonal replacement therapy. Data suggest that T3 treatment to both heart donor and recipient is beneficial to outcome and is not associated with adverse side effects.
Distinguishing Between Conceptualizations of Attachment: Clinical Implications in Marriage and Family Therapy

Authors described four distinct conceptualizations of the construct of attachment and identified clinical implications associated with each. Three of the conceptualizations, which are influenced by the work of Bowlby and Ainsworth, seem to have some empirical support; these conceptualizations are compatible with systemic and social con- structionist approaches to family therapy. The other conceptualization— Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)—contradicts the extensive body ofliteratureassociatedwiththeBowlby/Ainsworthtraditionsandtends to pathologize children. Therefore, family therapists interested in at- tachmentareencouragedtomaintainconceptualclarityintheirclinical work and are further encouraged to rely on clinical conceptualizations and interventions that are consistent with the work of Bowlby and Ainsworth.
Operando X-Ray Diffraction for Characterization of Photovoltaic Materials

Understanding the structure-function relationship in photovoltaic materials is a key aspect in the optimization of new materials. Traditional characterization techniques often rely on measuring samples before and after synthesis or operation and then the subsequent comparison of these end points. Here we describe a methodology for X-ray diffraction of operational solar cell devices. In this work, we present, as an example, data investigating the structural tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition in CH3NH3PbI3, organic-inorganic perovskite solar cell devices during heating and operation. We also comment on the applicability of this technique beyond hybrid perovskite photovoltaics.
Picosecond Laser-Induced Damage in Transparent Media

A high degree of transparency is a material characteristic of great importance for all laser systems. For high-power systems, that characteristic becomes a vital requirement of many solid components.
Dietary Intake, D3Cr Muscle Mass, and Appendicular Lean Mass in a Cohort of Older Men.

Author(s): Rogers-Soeder, Tara S; Peters, Katherine E; Lane, Nancy E; Shikany, James M; Judd, Suzanne; Langsetmo, Lisa; Hoffman, Andrew R; Evans, William J; Cawthon, Peggy M | Abstract: BackgroundWe examined cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns, macronutrient intake, and measures of muscle mass and lean mass in older men.MethodsParticipants in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort (n = 903; mean ± SD age 84.2 ± 4 years) completed brief Block food frequency questionnaires (May 2014-May 2016); factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. The D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution method was used to measure muscle mass; dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure appendicular lean mass (ALM). Generalized linear models were used to report adjusted means of outcomes by dietary pattern. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine associations between macronutrients and D3Cr muscle mass and DXA ALM. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, clinic site, education, depression, total energy intake, height, and percent body fat.ResultsGreater adherence to a Western dietary pattern (high factor loadings for red meat, fried foods, and high-fat dairy) was associated with higher D3Cr muscle mass (p-trend = .026). Adherence to the Healthy dietary pattern (high factor loadings for fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats) was not associated with D3Cr muscle mass or DXA ALM. Total protein (β = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.14) and nondairy animal protein (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.21) were positively associated with D3Cr muscle mass. Nondairy animal protein (β = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.11) was positively associated with DXA ALM. Associations with other macronutrients were inconsistent.ConclusionsNondairy animal protein intake (within a Western dietary pattern and alone) was positively associated with D3Cr muscle mass in older men.
Case Series: Late Postoperative Capsular Block Syndrome Causing Reduced Vision Years After Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery.

Significance Late postoperative capsular block syndrome is a treatable complication presenting months to years after cataract surgery using continuous curvilinear anterior capsulorhexis and a posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Patients may present to optometric practices because of symptom onset significantly after the immediate post-operative period. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the defining clinical features, proposed pathophysiology, and treatment of late postoperative capsular block syndrome. Case 1 was a 68-year-old man who presented with a sudden onset of blurry vision in the right eye 2 years after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Clinical examination revealed turbid fluid distending the posterior lens capsule, a 2-D myopic shift, and an absence of intraocular inflammation. Laser posterior capsulotomy successfully released the trapped fluid and reversed the myopic shift without complication. Case 2 was a 67-year-old man who presented with a gradual onset of hazy vision in the right eye 7 years after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Cloudy fluid was observed to be filling the space between the intraocular lens and the posterior lens capsule, and the refractive error was stable. The fluid was liberated and visual function was restored with uncomplicated laser posterior capsulotomy. Conclusions Patients with late postoperative capsular block syndrome may present with blurry vision months to years after cataract surgery performed with continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and posterior capsule intraocular lens implantation. The defining clinical sign is entrapment of turbid fluid between the intraocular lens and the posterior capsule that may result in reduced vision or refractive error shift. Late postoperative capsular block syndrome is distinguishable from other late complications of cataract surgery, including delayed endophthalmitis or phacoantigenic uveitis, by lack of concurrent robust ocular inflammation.
Soil and plant nutrient management and fruit production of papaya (Carica papaya) in Keaau, Hawaii

AbstractVariations in papaya yields and fruit quality between papaya growers in Keaau, Hawai’i are mainly caused by differences in nutrient management. The objectives of this study were to (1) iden...
Enhancing organizational performance via electronic customer relationship management

An Electronic Customer Relationship Management system or eCRM helps organizations shift from mass marketing of goods and services to customized marketing of personalized of­ fers. As consumers are constantly getting more technologically savvy and sophisticated, eCRM systems allow businesses to tune-in to their customers' needs and design appropriate personal­ ized marketing campaigns. They not only allow more intelligent customer interactions and responses, but also do it in a cost effective manner. The primary purpose of this paper is to explain the eCRM concept and describe the major organizational benefits of eCRM.
Do Marriage Markets Respond to a Natural Disaster? The Impact of Flooding of River Kosi in India

This paper studies the impact of flooding of river Kosi on the timing of marriage in Bihar, one of the poorest regions in the world. Using a difference-in-differences design, we show that Kosi floods reduced men’s age at marriage by almost a year and women’s age at marriage by over three months. Kosi floods also decreased secondary school completion rate of married men and women and labor force participation of married women. We interpret these results within a model of marriage markets, where in the absence of complete credit markets, local cultural practices, such as dowry, help smooth consumption in response to adverse income shocks. The impact of Kosi floods is more pronounced among Hindus (for whom dowry is the traditional marriage payment norm) and among the landless (who are more credit-constrained). Against the background of increased frequency of extreme floods in South Asia, this paper highlights a channel through which low mortality natural disasters can have long-lasting impacts.
Spectrum of findings on ventilation‒perfusion lung scintigraphy after lung transplantation and association with outcomes.

BACKGROUND Air trapping (AT) is one of the hallmarks of allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation (LT). Inert gas‒based ventilation‒perfusion (VQ) lung scintigraphy has excellent sensitivity in the detection of AT. METHODS We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent single or double LT between January 2012 and December 2014 (N = 193). Patients without a VQ scintigraphy at the first annual visit (n = 16) and those who did not survive till 1 year (n = 26) were excluded (final n = 151, mean age = 55.8 [SD =14] years, male = 85, female = 66). VQ scintigraphy was independently reviewed and reconciled for the presence and severity of AT by 2 investigators blinded to the clinical data (D.F.P. and D.M.). A 3-year post-transplant survival was the primary end-point. RESULTS AT was common (n = 73, 48.3%). Patients with obstructive lung diseases as the underlying diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.36, 95% CI: 1.64‒11.6; p = 0.003) and those with lower body mass index (BMI) (BMI < 25 kg/m2 and 25‒30 kg/m2; p < 0.001) had an increased risk of developing AT in the allograft. The presence of AT (adjusted OR, 2.33, 95% CI: 1.01‒5.36; p = 0.04) and peak forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) <60% predicted during the first year after LT were independently associated with 3-year mortality. The association of AT with post-transplant mortality was the strongest among patients with BMI <30 kg/m2 and peak FEV1 <60% predicted. CONCLUSIONS The finding of AT on VQ scintigraphy at the first annual visit after LT is independently associated with worse post-transplant mortality. The sub-group of patients who fail to achieve a peak FEV1 of 60% predicted during the first year after LT appears to be the key driver of this association.
Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, apolipoprotein C-III, angiopoietin-like protein 3, and cardiovascular events in older adults: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Aims Despite statin and antihypertensive therapies, older Americans have high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Novel measures of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (LDL-TG), and remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C), are associated with ASCVD in middle-aged adults. Polymorphisms in genes encoding angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III), two proteins involved in triglyceride catabolism, are associated with increased risk for hypertriglyceridaemia and ASCVD and are potential therapeutic targets. We examined associations of LDL-TG, RLP-C, apoC-III, and ANGPTL3 levels with ASCVD events in older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Methods and results In 6359 participants (mean age 75.8 ± 5.3 years) followed for ASCVD events [coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischaemic stroke] up to 6 years, associations between LDL-TG, RLP-C, apoC-III, and ANGPTL3 and ASCVD events were assessed using Cox regression. With adjustment for age, sex, and race, RLP-C, LDL-TG, apoC-III, and ANGPTL3 (as continuous variables) were significantly associated with CHD. However, after adjustment for traditional risk factors and lipid-lowering medications, only LDL-TG and ANGPTL3 were significantly associated with ASCVD events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.37 per log unit increase in LDL-TG; HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.17-2.28 per log unit increase in ANGPTL3]. Conclusions In older adults, LDL-TG, RLP-C, apoC-III, and ANGPTL3 were associated with CHD events in minimally adjusted models; LDL-TG and ANGPTL3 remained independent predictors of ASCVD events with further adjustment. Future studies should assess potential benefit of lowering hepatic apoC-III or ANGPTL3 expression in patients with elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
Long-term cognitive and academic outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors treated with proton versus photon radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND Proton radiotherapy (PRT) may be associated with less neurocognitive risk than photon RT (XRT) for pediatric brain tumor survivors. We compared neurocognitive and academic outcomes in long-term survivors treated with XRT versus PRT. METHODS Survivors underwent neurocognitive evaluation >1 year after craniospinal (CSI) or focal PRT or XRT. Groups were compared using separate one-way analyses of covariance for the CSI and focal groups. RESULTS PRT (n = 58) and XRT (n = 30) subgroups were similar on gender (66% male), age at RT (median = 6.5 years), age at follow-up (median = 14.6 years), and government assistance status (32%). PRT and XRT focal groups differed on follow-up interval, shunt history, and total RT dose (all p < .05), whereas PRT and XRT CSI groups differed on follow-up interval, baseline neurocognitive performance score, boost volume, and CSI dose (all p < .05). The PRT focal group outperformed the XRT focal group on inhibition/switching (p = .04). The PRT CSI group outperformed the XRT CSI group on inattention/impulsivity (both p < .05). Several clinical variables (i.e., RT dose, boost field, baseline performance) predicted neurocognitive outcomes (all p < .05). The PRT focal group performed comparably to population means on most neurocognitive measures, while both CSI groups performed below expectation on multiple measures. The XRT CSI group was most impaired. All groups fell below expectation on processing speed, fine motor, and academic fluency (most p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest generally favorable neurocognitive and academic long-term outcomes following focal PRT. Impairment was greatest following CSI regardless of modality. Dosimetry and baseline characteristics are important determinants of outcome alone or in combination with modality.
Pronounced Postmating Response in the Drosophila Female Reproductive Tract Fluid Proteome.

Abstract Fertility depends on the progression of complex and coordinated postmating processes within the extracellular environment of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Molecular interactions between ejaculate and FRT proteins regulate many of these processes, including sperm motility, migration, storage, and modification, along with concurrent changes in the female. Although extensive progress has been made in the proteomic characterization of male-derived components of sperm and seminal fluid, investigations into the FRT have remained more limited. To achieve a comparable level of knowledge regarding female-derived proteins that comprise the reproductive environment, we utilized semiquantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study the composition of the FRT tissue and, separately, the luminal fluid, before and after mating in Drosophila melanogaster. Our approach leveraged whole-fly isotopic labelling to delineate female proteins from those transferred male ejaculate proteins. Our results revealed several characteristics that distinguish the FRT fluid proteome from the FRT tissue proteome: (1) the fluid proteome is encoded by genes with higher overall levels of FRT gene expression and tissue specificity, including many genes with enriched expression in the fat body, (2) fluid-biased proteins are enriched for metabolic functions and (3) the fluid exhibits pronounced postmating compositional changes. The dynamic mating-induced proteomic changes in the FRT fluid informs our understanding of secretory mechanisms of the FRT, serves as a foundation for establishing female contributions to the ejaculate-female interactions that regulate fertility and highlights the importance of applying proteomic approaches to characterize the composition and dynamics of the FRT environment.
Statistical Properties of Eigenvalues of the Hecke Operators

Two basic questions concerning the Ramanujan τ-function concern the size and variation of these numbers: (i) Ramanujan conjecture: \(\left| {\tau (p)} \right| \leqslant 2\text{p}^{11/2}\) for all primes p. (ii) “Sato-Tate” conjecture: \(\text{a}_\text{p} = \frac{{\tau (\text{p})}}{{\text{p}^{11/2} }}\) is equidistributed with respect to $$\text{d}\mu (\text{x}) = \left\{ \begin{gathered}\frac{1}{{2\pi }}\sqrt {4 - \text{x}^2 } \text{dx}\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\text{if}\,\,\left| \text{x} \right| \leqslant 2 \hfill \\0\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\text{otherwise} \hfill \\\end{gathered} \right.$$ as p → ∞. We refer to the last as the semicircle distribution.
Effects of handheld games on students learning in mathematics

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of handheld gaming on student learning in mathematics. During the four-month instructional period, 50 2nd grade students from three classes used a handheld Skills Arena software program or paper-based flash cards under various conditions depending on their teacher's preference. Overall results proved that the handheld game activity in the classroom was beneficial to students in learning mathematics, especially for low-ability students, regardless of gender and ethnic background. In a non-experimental, correlational analysis, the results reveal that handheld game scores and attitude toward mathematics correlated significantly to students' scores on a mathematic test. In the results of a quasi-experimental control-group design with Repeated Measures, handheld gaming students outperformed students who did not use a handheld game on a mathematic test. Additionally, handheld low-level students outperformed those who did not use a handheld game on the same test.
Spatial and numerical regulation of flagellar biosynthesis in polarly flagellated bacteria

Control of surface organelle number and placement is a crucial aspect of the cell biology of many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yet mechanistic insights into how bacteria spatially and numerically organize organelles are lacking. Many surface structures and internal complexes are spatially restricted in the bacterial cell (e.g., Type IV pili, holdfasts, chemoreceptors), but perhaps none show so many distinct patterns in terms of number and localization as the flagellum. In this review, we discuss two proteins, FlhF and FlhG (also annotated FleN/YlxH), which control aspects of flagellar assembly, placement, and number in polar flagellates, and may influence flagellation in some bacteria that produce peritrichous flagella. Experimental data obtained in a number of bacterial species suggest that these proteins may have acquired distinct attributes influencing flagellar assembly that reflect the diversity of flagellation patterns seen in different polar flagellates. Recent findings also suggest FlhF and FlhG are involved in other processes, such as influencing the rotation of flagella and proper cell division. Continued examination of these proteins in polar flagellates is expected to reveal how different bacteria have adapted FlhF or FlhG with specific activities to tailor flagellar biosynthesis and motility to fit the needs of each species.
Analysis and visualization for clone refactoring

Clone analysis and visualization help in understanding characteristics of clones and indicate potential clones as cost-effective candidates for refactoring. Many studies have analyzed clones and their evolution while a number of techniques have also been proposed for visualizing clones for aiding clone analysis. However, clone analyses and visualizations with respect to inheritance hierarchy and call graphs have remained ignored so far. In this position paper, we argue that such analyses and visualizations are necessary to help in dealing with clones for refactoring.
Rational Fraction Approach and Attitude Control of Spinning Satellite using Gyrotorquer

The problem of joint stabilization and tracking of a spinning satellite system in addition to its regulation are considered. Rational Fractional approach is used to obtain coprime equations in a multivariate setting. Parameterized compensators are obtained for regulation and, simultaneous stabilization and tracking cases. Simulation results are presented to show the accomplishment of attitude control in different settings with simple control inputs.
Composition and Dynamics of Lipids in Biomembranes

The basic idea underlying much of today’s research on biological membranes was formulated by Singer and Nicholson in 1972.(1) This construct, known as the fluid mosaic hypothesis, contains two essential elements. The first of these, a derivative of the Danielle and Davson model,(2) requires that the lipid component of the membrane be a bilayer in structure and con-tribute to the membrane its basic barrier properties. Although the lipid molecules are confined to the bilayer, they are free to exhibit a variety of motional modes such as vibration, rotation, and translation. The second element of the fluid mosaic hypothesis deals with the disposition of the protein components of the membrane. These components are immersed to varying degrees in the lipid bilayer. Some may be only superficially associated with the polar faces of the bilayer, some embedded in its hydro-phobic core, and others may completely span the bilayer. The fluid nature of the bilayer permits the protein components to move in both rotational and translational modes. These diffusional motions of the individual protein components may give rise to time-dependent patterns in the compositional mosaic.
The Cost of Affluence: A Closer Look at the Food Industry

There is often much confusion among consumers in the U.S. as to which food products are healthy for humans and which products are not. One reason why this occurs may be seen in the disconnect among results of various scientific research studies. A prominent example involves one set of research results that indicate that meat and dairy products are healthy for humans to consume (Biesalski, 2005; Pereira & Vincente, 2013), while results from other research indicate that animal-based foods are detrimental to human development and can lead to health issues (Campbell & Campbell, 2006; Esselstyn, 2001). This paper aims to define and identify some externalities/internalities that exist within the food industry as well as utilize a behavioral systems approach, including an analysis of the relevant meta and macrocontingencies and the interlocked relationship formed between the two. Additionally, the three processes of selection within the metacontingency (leadership practices, aggregate product by consumers, and group rules) are addressed as they relate specifically to the food industry in hopes of offering potential solutions for change initiatives at each level. Various strategies for changing the current practices surrounding the production and consumption of potentially harmful food products are also addressed, with a focus on the altering of leadership practices and changes in consumer behavior. By utilizing what we know about organizational practices and how to better those practices through incentives (i.e., tax breaks, cooperatives), we can hope to see healthier options for food available to all U.S. consumers.
On the Computational Complexity of Stochastic Scheduling Problems

In this paper we consider stochastic scheduling models where all relevant data (like processing ,times, release dates, due dates, etc.) are independent random variables, exponentially distributed. We are interested in the computational complexity of determining optimal policies for these stochastic scheduling models. We give a number of examples of models in which the optimal policies can be determined by polynomial time algorithms while the deterministic counterparts of these models are NP-complete. We also give some examples of stochastic scheduling models for which there exists no polynomial time algorithm if P ≠ NP.
Accelerated dissolution of diatom silica by marine bacterial assemblages

Downward fluxes of biogenic silica and organic matter in the global ocean derive dominantly from the productivity of diatoms — phytoplankton with cell walls containing silica encased in an organic matrix1,2. As diatoms have an absolute requirement for silicon (as silicic acid)3, its supply into the photic zone — largely by silica dissolution and upwelling — controls diatom production (and consequently the biological uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the ocean) over vast oceanic areas4. Current biogeochemical models assume silica dissolution to be controlled by temperature, zooplankton grazing and diatom aggregation4,5, but the role of bacteria has not been established. Yet bacteria utilize about half of the organic matter derived from oceanic primary production6 by varied strategies, including attack on dead and living diatoms by using hydrolytic enzymes7,8, and could adventitiously hasten silica dissolution by degrading the organic matrix which protects diatom frustules from dissolution9,10. Here we report the results of experiments in which natural assemblages of marine bacteria dramatically increased silica dissolution from two species of lysed marine diatoms compared to bacteria-free controls. Silica dissolution accompanied, and was caused by, bacterial colonization and hydrolytic attack. Bacteria-mediated silicon regeneration rates varied with diatom type and bacterial assemblage; observed rates could explain most of the reported upper-ocean silicon regeneration5,11. Bacteria-mediated silicon regeneration may thus critically control diatom productivity and the cycling and fate of silicon and carbon in the ocean.
Weathering effects on the structures of mica-type clay minerals

Abstract : Mica-type clay minerals are subjected to an intensive weathering process in the basin of the Willard Reservoir, north of Ogden, on the playa margin of Great Salt Lake. Weathering attacks the interlayer region of the layer lattice silicates most intensively where the bonds are weakest. A continuous scattering in the lower angle region of the (001) - reflection with some sharp superimposed maxima shows the heterogeneity along the c-axis of the mica-type layers; it also shows the genetic relation between the mica-type layers with different basal spacings. The pronounced continuous scattering accompanying the (02,11) diffraction band on the Guinier photographs and the absence of (hkl) reflections show that the layer silicates in the Willard clays possess an intensive disorder in their a-b planes. The values of the b-dimensions, high SiO2/Al2O3 ratios and appreciable amounts of MgO + FeO + Fe2O3 indicate the mica-type layers are possibly derived from tetrasilicic members of dioctrahedral mica. The latter are often overlooked because of their easy alteration. (Author)
Hydrocarbon Metabolism by Brevibacterium erythrogenes: Normal and Branched Alkanes

Branched- and straight-chain alkanes are metabolized by Brevibacterium erythrogenes by means of two distinct pathways. Normal alkanes (e.g., n-pentadecane) are degraded, after terminal oxidation, by the beta-oxidation system operational in fatty acid catabolism. Branched alkanes like pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) and 2-methylundecane are degraded as dicarboxylic acids, which also undergo beta-oxidation. Pristane-derived intermediates are observed to accumulate, with time, as a series of dicarboxylic acids. This dicarboxylic acid pathway is not observed in the presence of normal alkanes. Release of 14CO2 from [1-14C]pristane is delayed, or entirely inhibited, in the presence of n-hexadecane, whereas CO2 release from n-hexadecane remains unaffected. These results suggest an inducible dicarboxylic acid pathway for degradation of branched-chain alkanes.
Mathematics and World View

Spengler, more than any other student of mathematics as a sociocultural phenomenon, carries us to, if not over, the threshold of a sociology of mathematics that is free of transcendental and idealist assumptions. Bloor notes that the main barrier to a sociology of mathematics is “the idea that mathematics has a life of its own and a meaning of its own”.1 He is sympathetic to Spengler’s viewpoint; but his own version of a naturalistic approach to number contains some contradictions. He believes, on the one hand, in an eternal, material world that is the source of “permanent” truth. On the other hand, he argues that belief in a material world “does not justify the conclusion that there is any final or privileged state of adaptation to it which constitutes absolute knowledge or truth”.2 This statement is at odds with what Bloor has christened “the strong program in the sociology of knowledge”. The strong program is (a) causal (what conditions “bring about belief or states of knowledge”?); (b) “impartial with respect to truth and falsity, rationality, or irrationality, success or failure”, (c) symmetrical: true and false beliefs are explained in terms of the same types of causes, and (d) reflexive: the explanatory patterns in the strong program apply to sociology itself.3 Bloor’s “methodological relativism” is unhinged, however, by the scientistic basis of the strong program: “only proceed as the other sciences proceed”, Bloor asserts, “and all will be well”.4
Evapotranspiration measurement by chloride translocation

Abstract Profiles in 3.05-meter-square evapotranspiration tanks were sampled at the start and end of the 1968 growing season to determine chloride ion translocation into the top 90 cm of the soil to estimate seasonal evapotranspiration. Four 9.0-cm diameter profiles were volumetrically sampled in each tank in 15-cm increments. Total chlorides in the water supply reservoirs and at the bottom of each evapotranspiration tank were calculated and tabulated weekly. The weekly amounts of reservoir supply water and the calculated chloride content at the base of the 90-cm profile were used to calculate the weekly chloride translocation into the 90-cm profile. Calculated seasonal totals of chlorides thus translccated were compared with the measured mean increase of chlorides in the soil profile. Generally there was poor agreement, except when the results from tanks 1 and 2 were pooled, which then differed by about 20 percent. The variability of total chlorides of adjacent profile samples illustrate the heterogeneity of chloride distribution in vegetated profiles. It also emphasizes the problem of obtaining a valid mean chloride profile measurement. Coefficients of variation between profile totals ranged from 0.11 to 0.21 for the profiles sampled in April and from 0.39 to 0.45 for profiles sampled in October. The lower variation in April is attributed to the pre-season leaching. The greatest increase in chlorides in the vegetated tanks occurred in the top 15 cm; however, there was significant increase in all sample increments down to 60 cm, which is about the depth of the meadow grass rooting. We conclude that variability of total chlorides in adjacent soil profiles of vegetated surfaces makes the method of determining seasonal or long-term evapotranspiration from chloride translocation only a rough estimate. To obtain valid mean chloride profiles from which good evapotranspiration estimates could be expected would require very extensive soil sampling and nonchanging ground water quality below the root zone during the measuring interval or season.