cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medicinal Mushrooms as Novel Sources for New Antiparasitic Drug Development

An estimate of 60 million to 3.4 billion people are infected with one or more of the globally neglected diseases, with the most vulnerable persons being HIV-AIDS and cancer patients; organ, tissue, and blood recipients; pregnant women and their fetus; children; and immunosuppressive individuals. Some of these diseases are either zoonotic or non-zoonotic in nature. These diseases continue to adversely impact public health, veterinary, and socioeconomic issues worldwide. Several medications are available in the market for the treatment of these parasitic infections. However, these drugs have serious clinical, geographical, and socioeconomic limitations such as high toxicity, parasite-drug resistance, partial absorption by infected sites due to poor solubility, and inability to transverse across the blood-brain barrier and are highly expensive. This chapter captures reports on antiprotozoal properties of medicinal mushroom extracts and secondary metabolites starting from 1990 to 2018 and proposes their possible mechanism of action(s). Here, we have focused on the antiparasitic activity of selected mushrooms against selected parasites (Plasmodium spp., Trypanosome spp., Leishmania spp., Schistosoma spp., Haemonchus contortus, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Heterodera glycines, and Pheretima posthuma). We observed that the minimum inhibitory concentration for 50% of parasites (IC50s) of most extracts from the common mushrooms and their isolated compounds tested were within the ranges (0.06–54 μg/mL) often reported for common antiparasitic drugs in vitro. The extracts and isolated compounds were found to be nontoxic to host cells in vitro or in vivo, but these extracts and their secondary metabolites targeted cell membrane and lysing cells, caused cell arrest, disrupted mitochondrion function and ribonucleic acid, damaged DNA, disrupted phospholipids, caused auto-oxidation degradation and metal chelation, and induced oxidative stress.
Bioinformatics strategy to advance the interpretation of Alzheimer's disease GWAS discoveries: The roads from association to causation

Abstract Introduction Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) discovered multiple late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD)-associated SNPs and inferred the genes based on proximity; however, the actual causal genes are yet to be identified. Methods We defined LOAD-GWAS regions by the most significantly associated SNP ±0.5 Mb and developed a bioinformatics pipeline that uses and integrates chromatin state segmentation track to map active enhancers and virtual 4C software to visualize interactions between active enhancers and gene promoters. We augmented our pipeline with biomedical and functional information. Results We applied the bioinformatics pipeline using three ∼1 Mb LOAD-GWAS loci: BIN1 , PICALM, CELF1 . These loci contain 10–24 genes, an average of 106 active enhancers and 80 CTCF sites. Our strategy identified all genes corresponding to the promoters that interact with the active enhancer that is closest to the LOAD-GWAS-SNP and generated a shorter list of prioritized candidate LOAD genes (5-14/loci), feasible for post-GWAS investigations of causality. Discussion Interpretation of LOAD-GWAS discoveries requires the integration of brain-specific functional genomic data sets and information related to regulatory activity.
Comprehensive assessment of legacy organic contaminants and trends in lake trout from Cayuga Lake, New York: 2011–2017

Abstract A seven-year assessment of lake trout contaminants and statistical trend modeling was conducted on Cayuga Lake, New York as the reference monitoring site for the USEPA Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program (GLFMSP). In all, over 200 individual compounds including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated napthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were monitored for the 2011–2017 study period. Legacy contaminants such as PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs dominate the whole-fish lake trout contaminant profile in the 24–147 ng/g mean concentration range. Total dioxin-like contaminants monitored included PCDD/Fs, CP-PCBs, and PCNs with a mean concentration range of 2.0–516 pg/g. TEQ concentrations for the dioxin-like compounds ranged between 0.3 and 5.3 pg-TEQ/g, and total TEQ averaged 7.2 pg-TEQ/g for whole-fish lake trout. Contaminant trends were modeled using log-linear correlations for both whole-fish lake trout and lake trout eggs. All select compounds modeled for whole-fish lake trout showed significant decreases (average −53.4%) over the study period. Tissue residue guidelines for the protection of wildlife were uniformly exceeded for both mammals and birds based on mean 2011–2017 total TEQ concentrations measured. All lake trout skin-on fillets from Cayuga Lake analyzed exceed the USEPA human health screening value of 0.15 pg-TEQ/g-ww. Whole-fish lake trout from Cayuga Lake have significantly lower mean total TEQs (6.5 pg-TEQ/g) as compared with the average total TEQ in the Great Lakes (range: 21.9–50.8 pg-TEQ/g) (U = 10.000, p
FORECASTING HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: Recent study details 90 percent accurate method

(1963). FORECASTING HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: Recent study details 90 percent accurate method. Hospital Topics: Vol. 41, No. 11, pp. 50-53.
Testing Numbs Us to Our Loss of Intellectual Control

It seems that today, with all of our tests, we allow the code to grow woolly and complicated in ways that, in the past, with no automated regression tests, we never could have tolerated. We were forced to keep the code simple because if we didn't, the complexity of the special cases wouldn't fit in our heads. This leads me to the following idea, which I will dig into in the rest of this article: Software teams need a healthy balance of both intellectual control, which comes from reasoning, and statistical control, which comes from testing. Complexity is the enemy of reasoning; efforts to maintain intellectual control tend to push complexity down. In my experience, many teams let their intellectual control atrophy and then compensate with more testing. This approach works for a while, but without intellectual control to keep complexity down, progress becomes slower and more difficult. Once lost, intellectual control is expensive to recover, so the teams find themselves in a local maximum they cannot escape.
Story mapping and sea level rise: listening to global risks at street level

While interactive maps are important tools for risk communication, most maps omit the lived experiences and personal stories of the community members who are most at risk. We describe a project to develop an interactive tool that juxtaposes coastal residents' videorecorded stories about sea level rise and coastal flooding with an interactive map that shows future sea level rise projections. We outline project development including digital platform selection, project design, participant recruitment, and narrative framing, and tie our design decisions to rhetorical and ethical considerations of interest for others developing interactive tools with community participation.
Coupling surface flow with high-performance subsurface reactive flow and transport code PFLOTRAN

Abstract Water exchange between the surface and subsurface is important for both water resource management and environmental protection. In this paper, we develop coupled surface and subsurface flow simulation capability in a parallel subsurface flow and reactive transport code PFLOTRAN. We sequentially couple the diffusion wave-based surface flow with the subsurface flow governed by the Richards equation in PFLOTRAN. These two flow domains are linked with a boundary condition switching method that ensures the continuity of pressure and flux at the surface-subsurface interface. We verify the coupled code against other existing hydrologic models and observation data using a number of numerical experiments. The coupled hydrological model exhibits good performance in strong parallel scaling tests. The new coupled surface and subsurface simulator significantly advance community simulation capability towards improving integrated hydrologic and biogeochemical understanding of complex systems such as watersheds and river corridors.
Triaging abnormal cervical cancer screening tests using p16INK4a detection by ELISA on fresh cervical samples

PROBLEM Cervical cancer screening strategies in the United States include cotesting (human papillomavirus (HPV) with cytology), primary HPV with genotyping and reflex cytology, and cytology alone. An ongoing challenge is the appropriate triage of patients to colposcopy to those at highest risk. We investigated whether incorporation of p16INK4a immunodetection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on fresh cervical samples obtained at the time of screening could improve appropriate referral to colposcopy. METHOD OF STUDY A derivation group comprised of cervical swabs collected from subjects with high-grade dysplasia or cancer (positive control) and from subjects with negative screening history (negative control). Samples collected from colposcopy were used to evaluate the existing screening strategies individually and with incorporation of p16INK4a ELISA. Histology was used as the gold standard. RESULTS Among 163 subjects recruited, 138 were included. In the derivation group, mean p16INK4a level was 2.86 ng/mL (n = 31) and 0.58 ng/mL (n = 20) among positive and negative controls respectively (p = 0.002) with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.79 (p < 0.001). Among colposcopy subjects, sensitivity/specificity for cotesting, primary HPV, and cytology were 94%/42%, 88%/45%, and 88%/49%, respectively. Incorporation of p16INK4a resulted in similar sensitivity and improved specificity (cotesting+p16 88%/58%, primary HPV+p16 88%/57%, cytology+p16 81%/62%; p = 0.23/p = 0.008) with decrease in colposcopy referrals by 15% to 22% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying p16INK4a by ELISA in fresh cervical samples, and its potential as an adjunct to existing screening strategies in the identification of high grade-dysplasia while reducing the number of colposcopic referrals.
Development of Stay-in-Place Formwork Using GFRP Reinforced UHPC Elements

In this study, stay-in-place (SIP) formwork for structural elements subjected to aggressive environment, such as bridge columns and columns in parking structures subjected to deicing salt are developed by using prefabricated ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) elements reinforced with embedded glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) grids. Mechanical properties of UHPC and GFRP grids were determined experimentally. Novel designs of SIP formwork systems were presented and evaluated by numerical simulation in terms of strain and stress distributions and lateral deformation under gravity load and internal pressure due to concrete casting. Concrete damage plasticity model is incorporated to consider the post-cracking behavior in using the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The proposed FRP-UHPC composite is shown to be promising for the development of lightweight, high performance, and cost-effective SIP formwork system for column elements.
Predictors of Storage Symptom Improvement after Plasma Kinetic Enucleation of the Prostate.

Abstract Objective To investigate which preoperative findings portend poor improvement in storage symptoms in patients undergoing plasma kinetic enucleation of prostate (PKEP). Methods A single surgeon series of patients who had undergone PKEP with minimum one year follow up were evaluated. Patients were grouped into those with less than 33% improvement in storage symptoms (LIS) according to the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and those with greater than 33% improvement in storage symptoms (GIS). Pre and postoperative factors were evaluated, along with IPSS, storage symptoms percentage (the total from frequency, urgency and nocturia divided by the total IPSS), bother index (BI), and post void residual (PVR) at 6 weeks, 4 months, and yearly. Results 268 patients had a minimum one year of follow up and had completed the IPSS. IPSS and BI improved significantly from preoperatively to all time points post operatively in both groups, but the difference was greater in the GIS group. Patients in the GIS group had significantly larger prostates, more prostatic ingrowth, higher preoperative PVR, and a higher overall IPSS compared to the LIS group. Those in the LIS group had a higher incidence of prior prostate surgery, and a higher BMI. However, storage symptom percentages were equal between the GIS and LIS groups at all time points. Conclusion Greater prostatic ingrowth, larger prostate volume, higher preoperative PVR volume, and a higher overall IPSS was associated with greater improvement in storage symptoms. Prior prostate surgery and higher BMI portend less improvement in storage symptoms.
Computer ethics and type of computer used

The widespread use of microcomputers has introduced the issue of computer ethics to a larger and more diverse population than was the case with traditional mainframe computing. An ever-increasing larger number of people must now deal on a daily basis with ethical issues involving the use of information technology. This paper addresses the question of whether the ethical views of computer users is dependent on the type of computer used. The results should be of value in focusing institutional efforts on addressing the ethical uses of technology.
Identifying Uncertain Words within an Utterance via Prosodic Features

We describe an experiment that investigates whether subutterance prosodic features can be used to detect uncertainty at the word-level. That is, given an utterance that is classified as uncertain, we want to determine which word or phrase the speaker is uncertain about. We have a corpus of utterances spoken under varying degrees of certainty. Using combinations of sub-utterance prosodic features we train models to predict the level of certainty of an utterance. On a set of utterances that were perceived to be uncertain, we compare the predictions of our models for two candidate ‘target word’ segmentations: (a) one with the actual word causing uncertainty as the proposed target word, and (b) one with a control word as the proposed target word. Our best model correctly identifies the word causing the uncertainty rather than the control word 91% of the time. Index Terms: prosody, spoken language understanding, uncertainty, emotion detection.
Massive calcification of the myocardium

Abstract Two cases of massive myocardial calcification are reported, one associated with nephrocalcinosis. They presented similar radiologic and electrocardiographic findings. In one, a middle-aged man with a clinical diagnosis of ischemic heart disease for years, the etiology of coronary arteriosclerosis is assumed. In the second patient, a 30 year old man, the postmortem examination revealed an extensive area of necrosis with calcification of the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. Aneurysmal formation was present although no external bulge was recognized on the roentgenogram taken ante mortem. The coronary arteries were normal in distribution and patent throughout. The remaining myocardium showed hypertrophy. Upon review and discussion of the available literature, it is concluded that the etiology of this noncoronary myocardial disease is unknown. The association of nephrocalcinosis due to chronic glomerulonephritis with massive myocardial calcification is considered unique.
Crucial based curriculum balancing: A new model for curriculum balancing

The Balanced Academic Curriculum Problem (BACP) aims at scheduling the courses of a curriculum to their respective terms while meeting the prerequisite conditions and balancing the workloads of terms. Different variants of the BACP have been proposed in literature in an attempt to improve the performance and solution quality. In this work, we extend the BACP model by adding a new criterion related to course cruciality. We argue that this work has a direct impact on student success and graduation rates. The proposed framework tends to design a curriculum that will better fit to real life situations by moving the courses with relatively higher crucial values to closest possible terms while meeting all the constraints of BACP. To achieve this goal, curriculum balancing is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem using linear objective functions which is another advantage over other proposed models implemented using quadratic non-linear functions.
A vision-based system for a UGV to handle a road intersection

We propose a real-time computer vision system that enables a UGV to safely cross urban road-intersections. Specifically, when the UGV approaches the stop sign at a 4-way intersection, it must be aware of the vehicles at the other three roads and adhere to traffic rules by waiting for its turn to proceed. The proposed solution consists of three main components: a vehicle detector, a tracker, and a finite-state-machine to model the traffic. We use an OT-MACH filter to detect the leading vehicle in each of three camera-views of the corresponding roads. Then, we track the vehicles using an edge-enhanced dynamic correlation tracker, which estimates the current and next positions, velocities, and accelerations of the vehicles. Finally, the finite-state-machine describes the traffic in each road with one of four possible states (i.e. No Vehicle Waiting, Arriving, Waiting, and Passing), and signals an autopilot system when it is safe to pass the intersection. We provide the results from an actual intersection with real traffic to demonstrate that the UGV is able to automatically navigate the intersection using the proposed system.
TECHNOLOGY IN DANCE EDUCATION

Historically, as artists have grown dissatisfied with the current tools available, they have created, expanded, invented, and defined new technology to enhance their art. In the last 45 years, many choreographers and dance educators have investigated methods for implementing computer technology. Technology presents new methods for creating, instructing, and assessing dance as well as opportunities to expand dance resources and redefine the learning process. Some exciting innovations, which are discussed in this chapter, include LifeForms animation, networked performances, and distributed choreography that transport dances to new audiences around the world. This chapter identifies five major themes in the areas of technology for dance education: choreography, dynamic environments, multimedia, and online and distance pedagogy. The chapter discusses each theme and concludes with their implications for dance pedagogy and a discussion of future trends in each area.
TQCA A Technique for Adding Temporality to Qualitative Comparative Analysis

As originally developed by Charles Ragin in The Comparative Method (1987), qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) has been used extensively by comparative and historical sociologists as an effective tool for analyzing data sets of medium-N populations. Like many other methods, however, QCA is atemporal and obscures the sequential nature of paths of causation. QCA ignores the order of events by treating combinations of attributes as though they occur simultaneously rather than as unfolding over time. While preserving the essential strengths of QCA, the authors present a modification that is capable of capturing the temporal nature of causal interactions. This modification involves a hybrid of Boolean algebra and sequence analysis to create a parsimonious set of solutions. This technique is referred to as temporal qualitative comparative analysis, or TQCA.
A concurrent on-board vision system for a mobile robot

Robot vision algorithms have been implemented on an 8-node NCUBE-AT hypercube system onboard a mobile robot (HERMIES) developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Images are digitized using a framegrabber mounted in a VME rack. Image processing and analysis are performed on the hypercube system. The vision system is integrated with robot navigation and control software, enabling the robot to find the front of a mockup control panel, move up to the panel, and read an analog meter. Among the concurrent algorithms used for image analysis are a new component labeling algorithm and a Hough transform algorithm with load balancing.
Wave group statistics from numerical simulations of a random sea

Two commonly used methods of simulating random time series, given a target power spectrum, are discussed. Wave group statistics, such as the mean length of runs of high waves, produced by the different simulation schemes are compared. The target spectra used are obtained from ocean measurements, and cover a wide range of ocean conditions. For a sufficiently large number of spectral components, no significant differences are found in the wave group statistics produced by the two simulation techniques.
A mouse model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a hepatic manifestation of the growing metabolic syndrome epidemic that could progress to cirrhosis. Animal models adequately mimicking this condition in humans are scanty. Aim The objective of our study was to investigate whether high-fat diets (HFD) with adequate methionine and choline levels can induce pathophysiological features typical of human NASH in C57BL/6J mice. Methods Forty C57BL/6J mice, divided into control and high-fat (HF) groups, were fed low-fat diet and HFD, ad libitum respectively for 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks, animals were sacrificed and assays were performed for blood biomarkers typical of human NASH. Adipose tissue depots were collected and liver samples were processed for histological examination. Results High-fat feeding led to increased triglyceride accumulation in the liver (8.9 μmol/100 mg liver tissue vs. 2.6 μmol/100 mg for control) and induced histopathological features of human NASH including hepatic steatosis, ballooning inflammation and fibrosis. Expressions of proteins and chemokines predominant in NASH including collagens I, III and IV and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) A and B were significantly higher in animals fed the HFD. Liver enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P<.05) elevated in the HF group compared to controls. Mice on HFD also developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypoadiponectinemia along with elevated tumor necrosis factor α, resistin, leptin, free fatty acids, transforming growth factor β and malondialdehyde levels that characterize NASH in humans. Conclusion Long-term HF feeding with adequate methionine and choline can induce many of the pathophysiological features typical of human NASH in C57BL/6J mice.
Use of the autolaunch method of dispatching a helicopter.

Abstract Introduction: Autolaunch is a method of dispatching whereby the dispatcher can send the helicopter to a scene, as opposed to traditional request-driven dispatch. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in patient outcomes when autolaunch was used. A 2-year period, July 1997 through June 1999, was studied. Methods: A case control design was used. A retrospective chart review included 17 autolaunch and 16 traditionally dispatched patients. Patients were matched using Injury Severity Scores, Glasgow Coma Scale, and age. Eight matched pairs were used for statistical analysis. Three research questions were answered. Results: The difference in time from accident to helicopter arrival was 3.64 minutes faster for autolaunch (statistical significance P = .336). Mortality data showed no statistical significance difference ( P = .302). Intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stays were both decreased with the use of autolaunch, although not statistically significantly. Discussion: Sample size was small, making statistical significance difficult to achieve despite decreased length of stays and quicker time to the scene. Conclusion: Although statistical significance was not found with the use of autolaunch, patient outcomes still were improved by this method. Information provided could be used by helicopter programs considering implementing autolaunch.
Synthesis and reactions of 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyllithium

Abstract The lithiation of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene with n-butyllithium to yield 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyllithium (I) and by-products is described. Reactions of this organolithium with water, carbon dioxide, trimethylchlorosilane, dimethylchlorosilane, mercuric chloride and cuprous iodide indicate the synthesis utility of this organolithium intermediate.
A Cultural Politics of Bedchamber Construction and Progressive Dining in Antananarivo: Ritual Inversions During the Fandroa.Na of 1817

L'A. montre que l'arrivee de Hastie, envoye special du gouvernement anglais, a Antananarivo en aout 1817, fut mise en scene par le souverain de Merina, Radama I, pour coincider avec le cycle rituel du Fandroana ou bain royal. Ce bain royal survient a un moment de grande tension politique ou Radama est sur le point de briser le pouvoir des conseillers de son pere en passant une alliance avec l'Angleterre et en mettant fin a la traite des esclaves noirs. L'A. montre comment Radama introduit des inversions symboliques dans le processus pour communiquer ses intentions politiques a la cour royale
Alkaloids from Pelea barbigera

Abstract From the rutaceous Hawaiian shrub Pelea barbigera we have isolated the furoquinoline alkaloid kokusaginine, the 4-quinolone isoplatydesmine, and a
Mechanism of neurotoxic action of β,β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN): N-hydroxylation enhances neurotoxic potency

The molecular mechanism(s) whereby β,β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) induces an excitatory behavioral syndrome and a distinct alteration of the axonal cytoskeleton in experimental animals is not known. We demonstrate here that upon intraperitoneal administration to rats, the N-hydroxy analog of IDPN (HOIDPN) induces a parallel spectrum of both neurotoxic effects of IDPN and is approximately 8 times more potent than IDPN in this regard. This is consistent with the involvement of a flavin monooxygenase-mediated N-oxygenation pathway in the toxic activation of IDPN.
NIST NSLS-II spectroscopy beamline optical plan for soft and tender X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy (100 eV to 7.5 keV)

Abstract We describe the NIST multi-station beamline complex planned for NSLS-II. The beamline complex is based on two canted undulators, one for soft X-rays (0.1–2.0 keV) and one for tender X-rays (2–7.5 keV). The complex will have a total of six experimental stations, three on the soft X-ray branch and three on the tender X-ray branch, thereby serving a variety of soft and tender X-ray spectroscopy experiments. Two of the tender X-ray branch experimental endstations (HAXPES/NEXAFS and the XPS nanoscope) can be illuminated by both the soft and tender X-ray undulators, either sequentially or simultaneously, providing a continuous selection of X-rays from 100 eV to 7.5 keV. In this paper, the expected beamline performance at the XPS nanoscope endstation, for both the soft and tender X-ray sources, is presented.
Rayleigh-Bénard convection in large-aspect-ratio domains.

The coarsening and wave number selection of striped states growing from random initial conditions are studied in a nonrelaxational, spatially extended, and far-from-equilibrium system by performing large-scale numerical simulations of Rayleigh-Benard convection in a large-aspect-ratio cylindrical domain with experimentally realistic boundaries. We find evidence that various measures of the coarsening dynamics scale in time with different power-law exponents, indicating that multiple length scales are required in describing the time dependent pattern evolution. The translational correlation length scales with time as t0.12, the orientational correlation length scales as t0.54, and the density of defects scale as t(-0.45). The final pattern evolves toward the wave number where isolated dislocations become motionless, suggesting a possible wave number selection mechanism for large-aspect-ratio convection.
Genome-wide profiling of the C. elegans dsRNAome

Recent studies hint that endogenous dsRNA plays an unexpected role in cellular signaling. However, a complete understanding of endogenous dsRNA signaling is hindered by an incomplete annotation of dsRNA-producing genes. To identify dsRNAs expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline that identifies dsRNA by detecting clustered RNA editing sites, which are strictly limited to long dsRNA substrates of Adenosine Deaminases that act on RNA (ADAR). We compared two alignment algorithms for mapping both unique and repetitive reads and detected as many as 664 editing-enriched regions (EERs) indicative of dsRNA loci. EERs are visually enriched on the distal arms of autosomes and are predicted to possess strong internal secondary structures as well as sequence complementarity with other EERs, indicative of both intramolecular and intermolecular duplexes. Most EERs were associated with protein-coding genes, with ∼1.7% of all C. elegans mRNAs containing an EER, located primarily in very long introns and in annotated, as well as unannotated, 3' UTRs. In addition to numerous EERs associated with coding genes, we identified a population of prospective noncoding EERs that were distant from protein-coding genes and that had little or no coding potential. Finally, subsets of EERs are differentially expressed during development as well as during starvation and infection with bacterial or fungal pathogens. By combining RNA-seq with freely available bioinformatics tools, our workflow provides an easily accessible approach for the identification of dsRNAs, and more importantly, a catalog of the C. elegans dsRNAome.
Developmental expression of SP-A and SP-A mRNA in the proximal and distal respiratory epithelium in the human fetus and newborn

We used immunolocalization and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution of SP-A and SP-A mRNA in lungs of human fetuses and normal newborn infants. Early in the second fetal trimester a few immunostained cells were observed in tracheal epithelium, often in mucosal folds near the origin of submucosal gland ducts. Non-mucous tracheal gland cells were immunostained for SP-A as they became differentiated. Expression of SP-A mRNA was similar to that of immunolocalization in the second trimester. Immunostained cells and SP-A mRNA also appeared about the same time in gestation in isolated cells of bronchial epithelium and glands. SP-A mRNA was seen in bronchiolar cells and pre-Type II cells lining terminal airways of fetuses at 19-20 weeks of gestation. Only in liveborn infants did cells of bronchioloalveolar portals and mature Type II cells contain SP-A mRNA or immunostain for SP-A. In postnatal infants, luminal material was also stained for SP-A. Although some alveolar macrophages contained immunoreactive material, SP-A mRNA was never detected. The abundance of SP-A in tracheal and bronchial glands and epithelium of conducting airways supports the importance of non-surfactant-associated functions for SP-A and may be related to a role in host defense.
Programmable Controllers in Process Control Applications

The capability of the special-purpose computer called the programmable controller (PC) has been increased to the point where it has to be considered a viable alternate when selecting a controller to perform operational logic functions in chemical control applications. Guidelines used in the application of PC's in process control are described. The advent of the PC in chemical process applications provides new challenges for the manufacturer, application engineer, and user. What position in the control family hierarchy (e. g., relay sequencers, logic, microcomputers, direct digital control, mini-computers, etc.) the PC presently holds is defined.
Dramatic Improvement in Catalyst Loadings and Molar Ratios of Coupling Partners for Ni/Cr-Mediated Coupling Reactions: Heterobimetallic Catalysts

Two new ligands 1a,b are reported. Upon treatment with 1 equiv of NiCl2·(MeOCH2)2, 1a,b give the corresponding Ni complexes. X-ray analysis of 1a·NiCl2 established that the NiCl2 is selectively coordinated to the phenanthroline nitrogens. Ni/Cr heterobimetallic catalysts 1a,b·CrCl2/NiCl2, prepared from 1a,b·NiCl2, have been shown to behave exceptionally well in catalytic asymmetric Ni/Cr-mediated couplings, with highlights including the following: (1) 1−2 mol % catalyst is sufficient to complete the coupling; (2) only negligible amounts of the dimers, byproducts formed through the alkenyl Ni species, are observed; (3) the coupling goes to completion even with a 1:1 molar ratio of the coupling partners; and (4) the asymmetric induction is practically identical with that obtained from the coupling with the Cr catalysts prepared from (S)-sulfonamides 2a,b. The scope of the new Ni/Cr heterobimetallic catalysts was briefly studied using four additional aldehydes. The applicability of the new catalysts to polyf...
Rationing and rationality

Abstract This paper investigates a simple three-good two-sector macromodel with fixed prices. In order to omit any ad hoc assumptions about the market outcomes we analyse the model as a game played by (fully) rational players. Whereas the notion of rationality underlying the concept of Nash equilibria implies a multiplicity of solutions (with different trades and different excess demands) the refined notion of uniformly perfect equilibria yields uniqueness. Interestingly, the unique solution implies excess demands differing from previously discussed suggestions. Accordingly, the amount of involuntary unemployment may here be different from those in former models even though transactions are the same. In principle, the model provides a reasonable basis to interpret the magnitude of excess demands, what seems important since excess demands serve as signals not only for markets but also for policy makers.
Utility preference score measurement in women with fecal incontinence.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the construct validity of 3 multiattribute health status classification system instruments, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring utility scores for women with fecal incontinence (FI). Study Design Utility scores were measured in 200 women with 1 or more of the following diagnoses: fecal or urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor symptom severity was measured using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), and quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). Construct and concurrent validity were evaluated. Results After adjusting for age, comorbidities, urinary incontinence, and prolapse, utility scores were significantly lower for women with FI than women without FI for all health status instruments but not the VAS. All health status instruments had significant correlations with PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores. Conclusion The health status instruments provide valid utility scores in women with FI and would be useful in clinical trials and cost-effectiveness research.
On structured digraphs and program testing

Certain graph theoretic problems dealing with the testing of structured programs are treated. A structured digraph is a digraph that represents a structured program. A labelling procedure which characterizes structured digraphs is described. An efficient algorithm for finding a minimum path cover for the vertices of digraphs that belong to an important family of structured digraphs is given. To model interactions among code segments the notions of `required pairs' and `must pairs' are introduced and the corresponding constrained path cover problems are shown to be NP-complete even for acyclic structured digraphs.
The effects of material rotations in tension-torsion testing

Abstract A new vector technique is presented for calculations appropriate to multiaxial testing configurations. An especially important feature of the technique is the explicit inclusion of material rotations associated with simple shear. The technique is applied to the prediction of axial extension rates accompanying torsional deformation. The predictions of two types of inelastic constitutive theories are compared. It is shown that analysis of axial extension generated by torsion is a very sensitive test of the multiaxial form of inelastic constitutive equations.
Complexities in the Analysis of Pressure-Transient Response in Faulted Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

Pressure-transient modeling for bulk testing of naturally fractured systems requires consideration of the effect of no-flow barriers on the pressure response. This study shows that, depending on the distance to the fault and under certain reservoir conditions, the presence of a linear barrier can affect the duration and the nature of the transition interval and estimation of interporosity parameters and reservoir transmissivities. Typical semilog plots for naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR`s) may not be observed unless the fault is at a large distance away from the test well. In most cases, a double reflection is predicted -- i.e. fracture response and the total system response. A correlation is developed to estimated the distance to the fault from the early fault reflection data. A critical wellbore storage constant can also be identified above which the detection of the fault becomes impractical.
Fourth generation computer systems

This paper is presented as a discussion of fourth generation computer systems. To predict future developments in the computer industry is to speculate -- to theorize on the basis of observable trends and anticipated needs. Numerous questions arise. We do not know the answers to all questions nor do we know how to obtain all the answers. The intent of this paper is to suggest reasonable approaches to developments and to offer a solution to a fundamental EDP problem. How can computers and applications be integrated within a communication and control system?
Polarizing beam splitters constructed of form-birefringent multilayer gratings

We introduce a novel polarizing beam splitter that uses the anisotropic spectral reflectivity (ASR) characteristics of a high spatial frequency multilayer binary grating. By combining the form birefringence effect of a high spatial frequency grating with the resonant reflectivity of a periodic multilayer structure, the ASR characteristics for the two orthogonal linear polarizations are obtained. Such ASR effects allow us to design an optical element that is transparent for TM polarization but reflective for TE polarization. The properties of the polarizing beam splitter are investigated using rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The design results show that an ASR polarization beam splitter can provide a high polarization extinction ratio for optical waves from a wide range of incident angles and a broad optical spectral bandwidth. Such ASR polarizing beam splitters are uniquely suitable for image processing and optical interconnection applications.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sensitivity Analysis of Nonlinear Models to Parameter Perturbations for Small Size Ensembles of Model Outputs

A new technique for nonlinear sensitivity analysis of geophysical models for small size ensembles of model outputs has been developed. Such an analysis utilizes the following metrics: (a) Sobol–Saltelli sensitivity indices and cumulative distribution functions if perturbations of model parameters are random, and (b) a Hartley-like measure if perturbations of model parameters are nonrandom and parametrized through fuzzy sets. The indices and the Hartley-like measure allow for ranging model parameters along their significance to the model output. Our calculations demonstrate that accurate estimates of the sensitivity indices are possible even if an ensemble of random perturbations contains considerably less than 100 members. Some calculations were successfully provided for random ensembles with 20–30 members only but, in general 50–100 member ensembles are required to get robust and significant estimations of model sensitivity. The fuzzy set concept allows for robust estimations for small size nonrandom ensembles of model outputs (50–100 members) and accounts for additional a priori information on model sensitivity coming from different sources. The Lorenz 63 model (a few degrees of freedom) and the ocean component (POP) of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM3) (several thousand degrees of freedom) are used to illustrate the sensitivity analysis based on this approach.
A Survey of Undergraduate Student Reactions to Academic Advising

At the midwestern land-grant university under study, undergraduate academic advising is part of the teaching mission and under the purview of the academic deans. In the decentralized system used, a...
Anharmonic Models and Thermal-Expansion Calculations for KBr

The mode-Gr\"uneisen parameters, the macroscopic Gr\"uneisen function $\ensuremath{\gamma}(T)=3\ensuremath{\alpha}{B}^{\mathrm{is}}\frac{V}{{C}_{V}}$, and the coefficient of thermal expansion $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ are calculated for KBr. Three anharmonic models are used: the rigid-ion (RI) model, a deformation-dipole (DD) model in which the deformability of the ions does not depend on the volume $V$, and a DD model in which the deformability does depend on $V$. Allowing the deformability to depend on $V$ significantly improves the agreement with experiment. A definite minimum in the low-temperature values of $\ensuremath{\gamma}(T)$ is predicted by the DD models, but not by the RI model. The distance between nearest neighbors $r$ at which the potential energy of the lattice has its minimum value is found self-consistently. This value of $r$ is used in the determination of the derivatives of the short-range overlap potential $\ensuremath{\nu}(r)$. The force constants obtained differ significantly from those obtained by substituting room-temperature experimental data into formulas derived using the equilibrium condition. Significantly larger values for $\ensuremath{\gamma}(T)$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, which are in better agreement with the experimental results, are obtained by allowing for the temperature dependence of the zero-pressure values of ${B}^{\mathrm{is}}$ and $r$.
Graft Copolymerization of Cellulose with Structopendant Unsaturated Ester Moieties in Homogeneous Solution

Cellulose esters of cinnamic acid, vinyl acetic acid, and fumaric acid monoethyl ester with moderate degrees of substitution were copolymerized with styrene, butyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid, respectively. Although high grafting ratios were obtained, crosslinked systems were formed despite attempts to manipulate pendant group reactivity vs. that of the grafting comonomer or the polymerization time and temperature. However, addition of a simple thiol chain-transfer agent resulted in soluble, noncrosslinked graft copolymers with moderate conversion (>40%) and grafting ratios to 170%. Structural elucidation of the graft copolymers was accomplished by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 307–317, 1997
Democratic Criticism and the Importance of the Islamic Hermeneutics of Reading in the Twenty-First Century

Relying on major debates in reception and reader response theory, this essay attempts to explore the possibilities of reading metropolitan texts about Islam and Islamic culture with an understanding of the Islamic modes of meaning-making and interpretation. Geared toward scholars and students of literature and culture, the essay hopes to foster a more nuanced and complex approach to reading texts that appropriate Islamic raw materials in order to represent a mostly Western poetics and politics.
Simultaneous assessment of pharyngeal wall and velar displacement for selected speech sounds.

Velar and pharyngeal wall displacements were studied simultaneously by using conventional lateral-view radiography and frontal-view tomography. Twenty-five normal adult male and female subjects wer...
Decomposing CMB lensing power with simulation

The reconstruction of the cosmic microwave background lensing potential is based on a Taylor expansion of lensing effects which is known to have poor convergence properties. For lensing of temperature fluctuations, an understanding of the higher order terms in this expansion which is accurate enough for current experimental sensitivity levels has been developed in Hanson et al. (2010), as well as a slightly modified Hu and Okamoto quadratic estimator which incorporates lensed rather than unlensed spectra into the estimator weights to mitigate the effect of higher order terms. We extend these results in several ways: (1) we generalize this analysis to the full set of quadratic temperature/polarization lensing estimators, (2) we study the effect of higher order terms for more futuristic experimental noise levels, (3) we show that the ability of the modified quadratic estimator to mitigate the effect of higher order terms relies on a delicate cancellation which occurs only when the true lensed spectra are known. We investigate the sensitivity of this cancellation to uncertainties in or knowledge of these spectra. We find that higher order terms in the Taylor expansion can impact projected error bars at experimental sensitivities similar to those found in future ACTpol/SPTpol experiments.
A computerized MIS to support the administration of quality patient care in HMOs organized as IPAs

All federally qualified HMOs must develop and implement quality assurance programs for monitoring the quality of care, the quality of services, and the costs of inpatient and ambulatory care. Such quality assurance programs are diverse and vary in administrative structure, criteria, review procedures, feedback, and decision making. This paper describes a computerized quality assurance reporting system operating in an HMO organized as an IPA network. The design and use of various MIS reports containing information on inpatient utilization and costs, physician office visits and physician practice patterns, physician productivity, physician referral patterns and costs, and the health problems of members are presented. The importance of these MIS-generated reports on the operations of IPA medical groups and the HMO and how they are used by medical directors, HMO management, and committees charged with quality assurance responsibilities is also included.
Flow properties of saturated rubber‐modified polymer melts

The flow properties of saturated rubber-modified polymer melts were studied using a capillary rheometer. The two-phase polymer consists of styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer as matrix and ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) as rubber component. When the rubber concentration increases, melt viscosity of the polymer increases appreciably and activation energy for the viscous flow decreases. When the degree of grafting of EVA rubber increases, melt viscosity of the polymer increases, but activation energy is nearly constant at a given shear rate. It is shown that the superposition principle of shear rate–temperature is applicable to polymer containing from 0 to 12 wt-% rubber at a temperature from 180 to 280°C and that the superposition principle of shear rate–concentration is also applicable only in the shear rate range of above 70 sec−1. Die swell ratio decreases monotonically with increasing rubber concentration. A master curve is obtained for the reduced variables of die swell ratio and shear rate using the method described by Petraglia et al. Assuming the polymer melt as a generalized Maxwell body, relaxation spectra were evaluated from die swell ratio and dependence of viscosity on shear rate.