cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
20th Annual Feigenbaum Lecture: Echocardiography for Precision Medicine—Digital Biopsy to Deconstruct Biology

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome in need of improved classification given its high morbidity and mortality and few effective treatment options. HFpEF represents an ideal setting to examine the utility and feasibility of a precision medicine approach. This article (based on the 20th annual Feigenbaum Lecture, presented at the 2019 American Society of Echocardiography Scientific Sessions) describes the utility of echocardiography as a "digital biopsy" and how deep quantitative echocardiographic phenotyping, coupled with machine learning, can be used to identify novel HFpEF phenotypes. The cellular and ultrastructural basis of abnormal speckle-tracking echocardiography- (STE-) based measurements of cardiac mechanics can provide a window into cardiomyocyte calcium homeostasis. STE-based measurements of longitudinal strain can thus inform the extent of myocardial involvement in patients with HFpEF, which may help to determine responsiveness to cardiac-specific HF medications. However, classifying the complex, systemic, multiorgan nature of HFpEF appropriately likely requires more advanced methods. Using unsupervised machine learning, HFpEF can be classified into three distinct phenogroups with differing clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and outcomes: (1) natriuretic peptide deficiency syndrome; (2) extreme cardiometabolic syndrome; and (3) right ventricle-cardio-abdomino-renal syndrome. Each can be probed to determine their biological basis. The goal of improved classification of HFpEF is to match the right patient with the right treatment, with the hope of improving the track record of HFpEF clinical trials. This article emphasizes the central role of echocardiography in advancing precision medicine and illustrates the integration of basic, translational, clinical, and population research in echocardiography with the goal of better understanding the pathobiology of a complex cardiovascular syndrome.
Structural Test and Functional Test for Digital Acoustofluidic Biochips

A digital microfluidic biochip (DMB) is an attractive platform for automating laboratory procedures in microbiology. However, a major problem associated with today's DMBs is the risk of cross-contamination due to undesirable fouling of the electrode surface, i.e., droplet materials stick to the surface. To overcome the above problem, a contactless liquid-handling biochip technology referred to as acoustofluidics has recently been proposed, and droplet manipulations on acoustofluidic biochips have also been experimentally demonstrated. In order to ensure robust fluidic operations and high confidence in the outcome of biochemical experiments, acoustofluidic biochips must be adequately tested before they are used for bioassay execution. This paper presents the first approach for testing of an acoustofluidic biochip that includes an array of interdigital transducers (IDTs). We first present structural test techniques to evaluate the pass/fail status of each IDT, and identify the type of fault if it fails. In order to ensure correct operation of functional units, e.g., mixers and routers, we also present functional test techniques to address fundamental acoustofluidic operations such as droplet transportation and droplet mixing. We evaluate the proposed test methods using experiments on fabricated acoustofluidic biochips.
Application of single nuclei RNA sequencing to assess the hepatic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Cell-specific transcriptional responses are lost in the averages of bulk RNA sequencing. We performed single nuclei RNA sequencing (snSeq) on frozen liver samples from male C57BL/6 mice in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Approximately 19,907 hepatic genes were detected across 16,015 sequenced nuclei from control and treated samples. Eleven cell-(sub)types were identified including distinct hepatocyte sub-populations, consistent with the cell diversity of the liver. TCDD increased macrophages from 0.5% to 24.7%, while neutrophils were only present in treated samples. The number of differentially expressed genes correlated with the basal expression level of Ahr. In addition to expected functional enrichments within each cell-(sub)type, RAS signaling was enriched in nonparenchymal cells. snSeq also identified a Kupffer cell subtype highly expressing Gpnmb, consistent with a dietary NASH model. Overall, snSeq distinguished cell-specific transcriptional changes and population shifts consistent with the hepatotoxicity of TCDD.
Independent Set on P k -Free Graphs in Quasi-Polynomial Time.

We present an algorithm that takes as input a graph $G$ with weights on the vertices, and computes a maximum weight independent set $S$ of $G$. If the input graph $G$ excludes a path $P_k$ on $k$ vertices as an induced subgraph, the algorithm runs in time $n^{O(k^2 \log^3 n)}$. Hence, for every fixed $k$ our algorithm runs in quasi-polynomial time. This resolves in the affirmative an open problem of [Thomasse, SODA'20 invited presentation]. Previous to this work, polynomial time algorithms were only known for $P_4$-free graphs [Corneil et al., DAM'81], $P_5$-free graphs [Lokshtanov et al., SODA'14], and $P_6$-free graphs [Grzesik et al., SODA'19]. For larger values of $t$, only $2^{O(\sqrt{kn\log n})}$ time algorithms [Basco et al., Algorithmica'19] and quasi-polynomial time approximation schemes [Chudnovsky et al., SODA'20] were known. Thus, our work is the first to offer conclusive evidence that Independent Set on $P_k$-free graphs is not NP-complete for any integer $k$. Additionally we show that for every graph $H$, if there exists a quasi-polynomial time algorithm for Independent Set on $C$-free graphs for every connected component $C$ of $H$, then there also exists a quasi-polynomial time algorithm for {\sc Independent Set} on $H$-free graphs. This lifts our quasi-polynomial time algorithm to $T_k$-free graphs, where $T_k$ has one component that is a $P_k$, and $k-1$ components isomorphic to a fork (the unique $5$-vertex tree with a degree $3$ vertex).
Special issue on diagnosis of primary hematolymphoid disease of the lung and pleura

Abstract This special issue is dedicated to the pathologic diagnosis of commonly encountered pulmonary hematolymphoid tumors and the reactive mimickers. The articles focused on the interesting topics of primary malignant hematolymphoid diseases of the lung and pleura. We hope this update is educational for general surgical pathologists and hematopathologists when dealing with challenging pulmonary lesions of lymphoid infiltrates in their daily practices.
Mobile Security: A Look into Android

Mobile devices are used almost every day by a large population of the world. If your device is not running Apple's operating system, it is most likely running Google's Android operating system. We see Android OS in phones, tablets, and e-readers. Since Android OS is so popular, it comes with a lot of security issues, being open source comes with a lot of threats from malicious users that have access to the software. Due to this, Android users must take extra precautions when it comes to protecting their devices. This paper will discuss what these threats to Android devices are and how someone would go about protecting their devices.
Validation of an oncology-specific opioid risk calculator in cancer survivors.

Background Clinical guidelines recommend that providers risk-stratify patients with cancer before prescribing opioids. Prior research has demonstrated that a simple cancer opioid risk score might help identify to patients with cancer at the time of diagnosis with a high likelihood of long-term posttreatment opioid use. This current project validates this cancer opioid risk score in a generalizable, population-based cohort of elderly cancer survivors. Methods This study identified 44,932 Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who had received local therapy. Longitudinal opioid use was ascertained from Medicare Part D data. A risk score was calculated for each patient, and patients were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups on the basis of the predicted probability of persistent opioid use. Model discrimination was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves. Results In the study cohort, 5.2% of the patients were chronic opioid users 1 to 2 years after the initiation of cancer treatment. The majority of the patients (64%) were at low risk and had a 1.2% probability of long-term opioid use. Moderate-risk patients (33% of the cohort) had a 5.6% probability of long-term opioid use. High-risk patients (3.5% of the cohort) had a 75% probability of long-term opioid use. The opioid risk score had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.869. Conclusions This study found that a cancer opioid risk score could accurately identify individuals with a high likelihood of long-term opioid use in a large, generalizable cohort of cancer survivors. Future research should focus on the implementation of these scores into clinical practice and how this could affect prescriber behavior and patient outcomes. Lay summary A novel 5-question clinical decision tool allows physicians treating patients with cancer to accurately predict which patients will persistently be using opioid medications after completing therapy.
Adenomyosis in Pregnancy: Diagnostic Pearls and Pitfalls

Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine disorder in which ectopic endometrial glands extend into the myometrium. Adenomyosis is increasingly diagnosed in young women, affecting 20%-35% of women of reproductive age. Features of adenomyosis can be seen with either US or MRI, especially with newer imaging technology. With advances in reproductive endocrinology as well as a trend toward later maternal age, adenomyosis is increasingly noted during pregnancy, often while performing imaging for other reasons. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the appearance of adenomyosis, which includes diffuse, focal, and cystic adenomyosis. Recognizing these imaging changes in pregnancy proves essential for accurately diagnosing adenomyosis as a benign condition, as it mimics serious placental and myometrial abnormalities. Using a lower-frequency US transducer or MRI can be helpful in distinguishing among these entities. Describing the location of adenomyosis in relationship to the site of placentation is also important. Diagnosing adenomyosis is crucial because it can be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Adenomyosis is also a risk factor for preeclampsia. Intramural ectopic pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can mimic cystic adenomyosis, and comparison with prepregnancy images can help differentiate the two conditions. The authors review the unique imaging characteristics of adenomyosis in pregnancy, focusing on accurate diagnosis of an underrecognized benign condition that can mimic myometrial and placental pathologic conditions.©RSNA, 2021.
Fibrinolytic Serine Proteases, Therapeutic Serpins and Inflammation: Fire Dancers and Firestorms

The making and breaking of clots orchestrated by the thrombotic and thrombolytic serine protease cascades are critical determinants of morbidity and mortality during infection and with vascular or tissue injury. Both the clot forming (thrombotic) and the clot dissolving (thrombolytic or fibrinolytic) cascades are composed of a highly sensitive and complex relationship of sequentially activated serine proteases and their regulatory inhibitors in the circulating blood. The proteases and inhibitors interact continuously throughout all branches of the cardiovascular system in the human body, representing one of the most abundant groups of proteins in the blood. There is an intricate interaction of the coagulation cascades with endothelial cell surface receptors lining the vascular tree, circulating immune cells, platelets and connective tissue encasing the arterial layers. Beyond their role in control of bleeding and clotting, the thrombotic and thrombolytic cascades initiate immune cell responses, representing a front line, "off-the-shelf" system for inducing inflammatory responses. These hemostatic pathways are one of the first response systems after injury with the fibrinolytic cascade being one of the earliest to evolve in primordial immune responses. An equally important contributor and parallel ancient component of these thrombotic and thrombolytic serine protease cascades are the serine protease inhibitors, termed serpins. Serpins are metastable suicide inhibitors with ubiquitous roles in coagulation and fibrinolysis as well as multiple central regulatory pathways throughout the body. Serpins are now known to also modulate the immune response, either via control of thrombotic and thrombolytic cascades or via direct effects on cellular phenotypes, among many other functions. Here we review the co-evolution of the thrombolytic cascade and the immune response in disease and in treatment. We will focus on the relevance of these recent advances in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a "respiratory" coronavirus that causes extensive cardiovascular pathogenesis, with microthrombi throughout the vascular tree, resulting in severe and potentially fatal coagulopathies.
Species and season affect response of container-grown shade trees to pre-plant root modifications

Abstract Container-grown shade trees make up an increasing proportion of nursery stock, yet arborists and urban foresters are often concerned about root defects associated with trees grown in smooth-sided containers, such as circling roots, persisting in the landscape post-transplant. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of root modifications (shaving or bare-rooting) at planting on establishment, survival, and growth of container-grown Acer rubrum L. ‘October Glory’, Liriodendron tulipifera L. ‘Fastigiatum’, and Platanus x acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. ‘Bloodgood’. Trees were planted on two dates (May and July) in 2018 and evaluated for two growing seasons. Modifying roots before planting resulted in increased occurrence of leaf scorch for L. tulipifera and A. rubrum trees. Nearly all trees bare-rooted before planting in July had severe die-back. Survival was excellent (>75 %) for all A. rubrum and P. x acerifolia trees planted in May regardless of treatment. Survival for L. tulipifera trees that were bare-rooted in May was 50 %; all L. tulipifera trees that were bare-rooted in July died. Bare-rooting increased predawn leaf water potential (Ψw) immediately after planting. However, Ψw did not differ among root treatments for the rest of 2018 and throughout 2019. This suggests that trees with modified root systems achieved a functional equilibrium by adjusting leaf area to reduce whole-tree water loss. Root biomass outside the original root-ball did not differ among root modification treatments two years post-transplant. However, bare-rooting reduced the proportion of circling roots compared to control trees for all species. Shaving root systems reduced circling roots compared to the control for L. tulipifera and P. x acerifolia trees. For practitioners interested in trialing these techniques, we advise performing root modifications in the dormant season and avoiding species known to be difficult to transplant bareroot.
TCube: Domain-Agnostic Neural Time-series Narration.

The task of generating rich and fluent narratives that aptly describe the characteristics, trends, and anomalies of time-series data is invaluable to the sciences (geology, meteorology, epidemiology) or finance (trades, stocks, or sales and inventory). The efforts for time-series narration hitherto are domain-specific and use predefined templates that offer consistency but lead to mechanical narratives. We present TCube (Time-series-to-text), a domain-agnostic neural framework for time-series narration, that couples the representation of essential time-series elements in the form of a dense knowledge graph and the translation of said knowledge graph into rich and fluent narratives through the transfer-learning capabilities of PLMs (Pre-trained Language Models). TCube's design primarily addresses the challenge that lies in building a neural framework in the complete paucity of annotated training data for time-series. The design incorporates knowledge graphs as an intermediary for the representation of essential time-series elements which can be linearized for textual translation. To the best of our knowledge, TCube is the first investigation of the use of neural strategies for time-series narration. Through extensive evaluations, we show that TCube can improve the lexical diversity of the generated narratives by up to 65.38% while still maintaining grammatical integrity. The practicality and deployability of TCube is further validated through an expert review (n=21) where 76.2% of participating experts wary of auto-generated narratives favored TCube as a deployable system for time-series narration due to its richer narratives. Our code-base, models, and datasets, with detailed instructions for reproducibility is publicly hosted at https://github.com/Mandar-Sharma/TCube.
Learning non-holonomic object models for mobile manipulation

For a mobile manipulator to interact with large everyday objects, such as office tables, it is often important to have dynamic models of these objects. However, as it is infeasible to provide the robot with models for every possible object it may encounter, it is desirable that the robot can identify common object models autonomously. Existing methods for addressing this challenge are limited by being either purely kinematic, or inefficient due to a lack of physical structure. In this paper, we present a physics-based method for estimating the dynamics of common non-holonomic objects using a mobile manipulator, and demonstrate its efficiency compared to existing approaches.
Nonzero helicity states in jellium in connection to the I33 group. I: S=0 states

Abstract The full symmetry group I33 of the jellium Hamiltonian is used in order to derive the excitation spectrum of the electron gas. In the frame of the G.R.P. approximation an integral equation is produced which is the quantum counterpart of the Landau-Silin equation. It is shown that two types of solutions exist, namely localized quasiparticle states and extended states of nonzero helicity. The spin zero case will be treated in this paper.
Convergence of the policy iteration algorithm with applications to queueing networks and their fluid models

The average cost optimal control problem is addressed for Markov decision processes with unbounded cost. It is found that the policy iteration algorithm generates a sequence of policies which are c-regular (a strong stability condition), where c is the cost function under consideration. Furthermore, under these conditions the sequence of relative value functions generated by the algorithm is bounded from below, and "nearly" decreasing, from which it follows that the algorithm is always convergent. These results shed new light on the optimal scheduling problem for multiclass queueing networks. Surprisingly, it is found that the formulation of optimal policies for a network is closely linked to the optimal control of its associated fluid model. Moreover, the relative value function for the network control problem is closely related to the value function for the fluid network. These results are surprising since randomness plays such an important role in network performance.
A pilot study of Brief IPT-A delivered in primary care

Abstract Objective The objective was to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief version of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (BIPT-A) in low-income Latino adolescents treated in an urban pediatric primary care setting. Method Ten adolescents, ages 12 to 19 years, who were referred by their pediatric providers and met criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, depression diagnosis participated. Participants received 6 weekly sessions of BIPT-A. Acceptability and feasibility were measured by examining session attendance, treatment completion and treatment satisfaction. Paired-samples t tests were used to preliminarily examine treatment outcome as measured by both self-report and clinician-administered assessments of depression, social functioning and global impairment. Results Ninety percent of adolescents completed treatment, with 60% of parents having participated in at least one session. Adolescents attended 82% of their treatment sessions, and all participants were very satisfied with the treatment they received. Significant improvement was found for all outcome measures. Conclusion The open trial provides preliminary evidence suggesting that BIPT-A may be a feasible and acceptable treatment model capable of engaging adolescents with mild to moderate depression and impairment in treatment in a primary care setting.
New Methodology for Control of Nonlinear Unstable Multivariable Systems

AbstractIn this paper, a new methodology for control of nonlinear unstable multivariable systems is developed. The method involves stabilization of the nonlinear plant followed by generation of sinusoidal input describing function (SIDF) models of the stabilized closed-loop system. With the known SIDF model of the closed-loop system and the known stabilizing controller, the model of the unstable nonlinear multivariable system is extracted; then a controller for the model is designed. Finally, the design is verified by simulation. Stability is demonstrated by successful generation of SIDF models of the designed closed-loop system for various amplitudes of excitation. The method is applied to a two-input/two-output (TITO) model of a nonlinear unstable robotic arm, and the results are compared with an alternative approach.
Language and Mind: Linguistics and philosophy

The methods and concerns of linguists and philosophers are similar in so many respects that it would be folly, I believe, to insist on a sharp separation of these disciplines, or for either to maintain a parochial disregard for insights achieved in the other. A number of examples might be cited to illustrate the possibility of fruitful interchange between the two. Zeno Vendler, in his recent book Linguistics and Philosophy , goes so far as to maintain that “the science of structural linguistics” provides “a new technique” for analytic philosophy, one that “is nothing but the natural continuation of the line of development that goes through the philosophers of ordinary language to J. L. Austin.” For reasons to which I will return in a moment, I am a bit skeptical about the contribution that linguistics might make to philosophy along the lines that he sketches, but I think that he has shown that certain concepts of linguistics can be used in a rewarding way in the investigation of problems that have arisen in analytic philosophy. Conversely, as the attention of linguists begins to turn to problems of meaning and use, there is no question that they can learn much from the long tradition of philosophical investigation of such problems, although here too, I think, a note of skepticism is in order.
Economic and Financial Feasibility of Truck Toll Lanes

The economic and financial feasibility of heavy-truck toll lanes was analyzed. This research expanded the line of inquiry of previous researchers by analyzing toll lanes for exclusive use by heavy trucks (i.e., large size and capacity). Implementation of such a toll system was studied relative to productivity changes, toll-lane fees, users' travel time and vehicle operating cost savings, and impact on infrastructure costs. The economic benefits were estimated using the Highway Design and Maintenance Standards Model developed by the World Bank. The analyses, complemented with sensitivity analyses of key variables, indicate that heavy-truck lanes are economically and financially viable.
Modeling trichloroethylene degradation by a recombinant pseudomonad expressing toluene ortho-monooxygenase in a fixed-film bioreactor

Burkholderia cepacia PR1{sub 23}(TOM{sub 23C}), expressing constitutively the TCE-degrading enzyme toluene ortho-monooxygenase (Tom), was immobilized on SIRAN{trademark} glass beads in a biofilter for the degradation and mineralization of gas-phase trichloroethylene (TCE). To interpret the experimental results, a mathematical model has been developed which includes axial dispersion, convection, film mass-transfer, and biodegradation coupled with deactivation of the TCE-degrading enzyme. Parameters used for numerical simulation were determined from either independent experiments or values reported in the literature. The model was compared with the experimental data, and there was good agreement between the predicted and measured TCE breakthrough curves. The simulations indicated that TCE degradation in the biofilter was not limited by mass transfer of TCE or oxygen from the gas phase to the liquid/biofilm phase (biodegradation limits), and predicts that improving the specific TCE degradation rates of bacteria will not significantly enhance long-term biofilter performance. The most important factors for prolonging the performance of biofilter are increasing the amount of active biomass and the transformation capacity enhancing resistance to TCE metabolism.
A quasi-equilibrium model for the prediction of interlayer chemistry during diamond chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The chemistry of the intermediate layer that develops at the interface between diamond and a non-diamond substrate during diamond chemical vapor deposition is analyzed using a thermodynamic quasi-equilibrium model. Substrates of Si, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Fe and Ni are examined, and the physical parameters such as substrate temperature, reactor pressure, and CH4/H2 ratio in the gas phase required for the growth of respective metal carbides/solid carbon as intermediate layers between the substrate and diamond is predicted. The intermediate layers that are considered to be formed on Si, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Fe, and Ni are SiC, Mo2C, WC, TiC, TaC, Fe3C, and Ni3C, respectively, in addition to diamond and graphite. A quasi-equilibrium treatment of heterogeneous reactions at the gas–substrate interface is used to compute the desorption rates of volatile species formed in the reaction of gaseous H2/H with the substrate. A phase diagram is obtained for the hydrogen and metal carbides/solid carbon (graphite, diamond). Good qualitative agreement is obtained between the model predictions and existing experimental data for the chemistry of the intermediate layer formed on the substrate at various temperatures and pressures commonly employed during diamond chemical vapor deposition.
Contributions of three subsystems of a freshwater marsh to total bacterial secondary productivity.

Rates of bacterial production were measured in the water column, on the surface of plant detritus, and in the surface sediments of a freshwater marsh in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, USA. Bacterioplankton production rates were not correlated with several measures of quantity and quality of dissolved organic matter, including an index of the relative importance of vascular plant derivatives. Bacterioplankton productivity was high (mean: 63 μg C liter−1 day−1) compared with rates reported for other aquatic ecosystems. Somewhat paradoxically, bacterial productivity on plant detritus (mean: 13 μg C g−1 day−1) and sediments (mean: 15 μg C g−1 day−1) was low relative to other locations. On an a real basis, total bacterial productivity in this marsh ecosystem averaged 22 mg C m−2 day−1, based on sample dates in May 1990 and February 1991. Marsh sediments supported the bulk of the production, accounting for 46% (May) and 88% (February) of the total. The remainder was contributed approximately equally by bacteria in the water column and on accumulated stores of plant detritus.
Effect of Capacitor Discharges on the Heart [includes discussion]

This paper reports the results of the defibrillation of the dog's heart by means of capacitor discharges. It was found that if the heart had been in fibrillation for a period not exceeding 30 seconds, a capacitor of suitable value charged to the proper voltage would arrest the fibrillation. In cases where the chest was open and the heart exposed, a discharge of 5 joules or more at a potential of not less than 500 volts would restore normal heart action. In cases where the chest was not opened, but the discharge was sent through electrodes on opposite sides of the chest, a discharge of 500 joules or more at several thousand volts was required. If the heart remained in ventricular fibrillation, without cardiac massage, for from 1 to 3 minutes, a capacitor discharge could not be relied upon to resuscitate the heart and restore normal rhythm. It was also found that capacitors charged to lower values would produce fibrillation when discharged through a normal heart.
Comparative genomics of small RNA regulatory pathway components in vector mosquitoes

Small RNA regulatory pathways (SRRPs) control key aspects of development and anti-viral defense in metazoans. Members of the Argonaute family of catalytic enzymes degrade target RNAs in each of these pathways. SRRPs include the microRNA, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and PIWI-type gene silencing pathways. Mosquitoes generate viral siRNAs when infected with RNA arboviruses. However, in some mosquitoes, arboviruses survive antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) and are transmitted via mosquito bite to a subsequent host. Increased knowledge of these pathways and functional components should increase understanding of the limitations of anti-viral defense in vector mosquitoes. To do this, we compared the genomic structure of SRRP components across three mosquito species and three major small RNA pathways. The Ae. aegypti, An. gambiae and Cx. pipiens genomes encode putative orthologs for all major components of the miRNA, siRNA, and piRNA pathways. Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens have undergone expansion of Argonaute and PIWI subfamily genes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for these protein families. In addition, sequence pattern recognition algorithms MEME, MDScan and Weeder were used to identify upstream regulatory motifs for all SRRP components. Statistical analyses confirmed enrichment of species-specific and pathway-specific cis-elements over the rest of the genome. Analysis of Argonaute and PIWI subfamily genes suggests that the small regulatory RNA pathways of the major arbovirus vectors, Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens, are evolving faster than those of the malaria vector An. gambiae and D. melanogaster. Further, protein and genomic features suggest functional differences between subclasses of PIWI proteins and provide a basis for future analyses. Common UCR elements among SRRP components indicate that 1) key components from the miRNA, siRNA, and piRNA pathways contain NF-kappaB-related and Broad complex transcription factor binding sites, 2) purifying selection has occurred to maintain common pathway-specific elements across mosquito species and 3) species-specific differences in upstream elements suggest that there may be differences in regulatory control among mosquito species. Implications for arbovirus vector competence in mosquitoes are discussed.
Fiducial versus nonfiducial neuronavigation registration assessment and considerations of accuracy.

Objective For frameless stereotaxy, users can choose between anatomic landmarks (ALs) or surface fiducial markers (FMs) for their match points during registration to define an alignment of the head in the physical and radiographic image space. In this study, we sought to determine the concordance among a point-merged FM registration, a point-merged AL registration, and a combined point-merged anatomic/surface-merged (SM) registration, i.e., to determine the accuracy of registration techniques with and without FMs by examining the extent of agreement between the system-generated predicted value and physical measured values. Methods We examined 30 volunteers treated with gamma knife surgery. The frameless stereotactic image-guidance system called the StealthStation (Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies, Louisville, CO) was used. Nine FMs were placed on the patient's head and four were placed on a Leksell frame rod-box, which acted as a rigid set to determine the difference in error. For each registration form, we recorded the generated measurement (GM) and the physical measurement (PM) to each of the four checkpoint FMs. Bland and Altman plot difference analyses were used to compare measurement techniques. Correlations and descriptive analyses were completed. Results The mean of values for GMs were 1.14 mm for FM, 2.3 mm for AL, and 0.96 mm for SM registrations. The mean errors of the checkpoints were 3.49 mm for FM, 3.96 mm for AL, and 3.33 mm for SM registrations. The correlation between GMs and PMs indicated a linear relationship for all three methods. AL registration demonstrated the greatest mean difference, followed by FM registration; SM registration had the smallest difference between GMs and PMs. Differences in the anatomic registration methods, including SM registration, compared with FM registration were within a mean +/- 1.96 (standard deviation) according to the Bland and Altman analysis. Conclusion For our sample of 30 patients, all three registration methods provided comparable distances to the target tissue for surgical procedures. Users may safely choose anatomic registration as a less costly and more time-efficient registration method for frameless stereotaxy.
A multi-stream adaptation framework for bandwidth management in 3D tele-immersion

Tele-immersive environments will improve the state of collaboration among distributed participants. However, along with the promise a new set of challenges have emerged including the real-time acquisition, streaming and rendering of 3D scenes to convey a realistic sense of immersive spaces. Unlike 2D video conferencing, a 3D tele-immersive environment employs multiple 3D cameras to cover a much wider field of view, thus generating a very large volume of data that need to be carefully coordinated, organized, and synchronized for Internet transmission, rendering and display. This is a challenging task and a dynamic bandwidth management must be in place. To achieve this goal, we propose a multi-stream adaptation framework for bandwidth management in 3D tele-immersion. The adaptation framework relies on the hierarchy of mechanisms and services that exploits the semantic link of multiple 3D video streams in the tele-immersive environment. We implement a prototype of the framework that integrates semantic stream selection, content adaptation, and 3D data compression services with user preference. The experimental results have demonstrated that the framework shows a good quality of the resulting composite 3D rendered video in case of sufficient bandwidth, while it adapts individual 3D video streams in a coordinated and user-friendly fashion, and yields graceful quality degradation in case of low bandwidth availability.
MHD modeling of magnetotail instability for localized resistivity

We present results of a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of magnetotail evolution initiated by a sudden occurrence or increase of spatially localized resistivity as the major expected concequence of some localized microinstability. Because of the absence of a quantitative model, possible variations of resistivity levels with current density, or the reduction thereof, are not incorporated in the present investigation. The emphasis of the study is on an investigation of the changes to the overall evolution brought about by this localization, in particular, on the disruption and diversion of the cross-tail current and the nonlinear evolution of the magnetotail instability. The immediate consequences of the occurrence of the localized resistance and the resulting electric field are a reduction and diversion of the electric current around the region of high resistivity, associated with an increase of B(sub z) ('dipolarization') at the earthward edge and a decrease of B(sub z) at the tailward edge of this region. These effects, however, are localized and do not involve a reduction of the total cross-tail current and hence do not lead to the global development of a 'substorm current wedge,' which includes not only the reduction of the cross-tail current but also the buildup of a global field-aligned current system of 'regional 1' type (toward the Earth on the dawnside and away on the duskside of the tail). Such signatures develop at a later time, as consequences of a three-dimensional tearing instability, which is triggered by the occurrence of the resistivity. These features are found in combination with plasmoid formation and ejection, quite similar to results of earlier simulations with uniform resistivity. Differences are found in the timescale of the evolution, which tends to be shorter for localized resistivity, and in the propagation of the dipolarization effects in the equatorial plane. Whereas for uniform resistivity the temporal increase in B(sub z) tends to propagate tailward, apparently due to a pileup effect in the near-Earth region, an earthward propagation is found for the localized resistivity. This propagation results from an earthward convection of the gradient in B(sub z), which is set up by the reconnection process further tailward.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-Of-the-Science Conference on Preventing Violence and Related Health-Risking Social Behaviors in Adolescents — A Commentary

Although youth in the United States remain substantially more violent than adolescents and young adults in most industrial countries, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) State-of-the-Science Conference on Preventing Violence and Related Health-Risking Social Behaviors in Adolescents identified many reasons for optimism about our capacity to develop effective prevention and intervention responses. The research is getting better and contrary to popular opinion we do know a lot about what does work. Future advances will depend upon our insistence on the use of effectiveness evidence and the development of a taxonomy which will facilitate cross disciplinary communication.
THE INTERPENETRATION OF TECHNICAL AND LEGAL DECISION-MAKING FOR THE INTERNET

Not long after computer scientists first began working on the technical design of the network that ultimately became known as the Internet, in 1969, they began to document their discussions, information shared, and decisions made in a series of documents known as the Internet requests for comments that is still being used for this purpose 40 years later. A comprehensive inductive reading of these documents reveals that legal and policy issues were often raised or confronted in the course of resolving technical problems. In many of these instances, the technical decisions that resulted had law-like effects in the sense that they constrained or enabled the ways in which users can communicate and can access and use information over the Internet, whether or not such decisions supported or subverted legal decision-making, and whether or not legal decision-makers understood the societal implications of the technical decisions that were being made. This is one of the two ways in which technical and legal decisio...
Psychopharmacology for the elderly

Abstract 1. 1. The use of tricyclic antidepressant agents in the elderly is limited by their anticholinergic and cardiovascular action. Newer compounds, such as mianserin, maprotiline and trazadone may provide advantages in this respect. 2. 2. In the control of agitation and/or psychosis antipsychotic and β-blockers have been successfully employed. 3. 3. Cerebral vasodilators, metabolic enhancers, and neuropeptides have been studied but their place in the treatment of psychogeriatric patients has not been clearly established. 4. 4. Dihydroergotoxine has been extensively documented as providing significant benefit to patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. 5. 5. The cholinergic system may serve important functions in memory, although findings about the therapeutic effect of cholinergic agents are consistent.
Experimental analysis and flow visualization of a thin liquid film on a stationary and rotating disk

The mean thickness of a thin liquid film of deionized water with a free surface on a stationary and rotating horizontal disk has been measured with a nonobtrusive capacitance technique. The measurements were taken when the rotational speed ranged from 0-300 rpm and the flow rate varied from 7.0-15.0 lpm. A flow visualization study of the thin film was also performed to determine the characteristics of the waves on the free surface. When the disk was stationary, a circular hydraulic jump was present on the disk. Upstream from the jump, the film thickness was determined by the inertial and frictional forces on the fluid, and the radial spreading of the film. The surface tension at the edge of the disk affected the film thickness downstream from the jump. For the rotating disk, the film thickness was dependent upon the inertial and frictional forces near the center of the disk and the centrifugal forces near the edge of the disk.
A Vantage from Space Can Detect Earlier Drought Onset: An Approach Using Relative Humidity

Each year, droughts cause significant economic and agricultural losses across the world. The early warning and onset detection of drought is of particular importance for effective agriculture and water resource management. Previous studies show that the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), a measure of precipitation deficit, detects drought onset earlier than other indicators. Here we show that satellite-based near surface air relative humidity data can further improve drought onset detection and early warning. This paper introduces the Standardized Relative Humidity Index (SRHI) based on the NASA Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) observations. The results indicate that the SRHI typically detects the drought onset earlier than the SPI. While the AIRS mission was not originally designed for drought monitoring, we show that its relative humidity data offers a new and unique avenue for drought monitoring and early warning. We conclude that the early warning aspects of SRHI may have merit for integration into current drought monitoring systems.
Some Effects of ω-Methyl Analogues of Vitamin B6 in Rats:

Summaryω-Methylpyridoxal, ω-methylpyridoxamine and ω-methylpyridoxine support growth of rats for several weeks following deletion of vit. B6 from the ration. Eventually, however, growth rate in the presence of these compounds slows, and becomes equal to or less than that of vit. B6-deficient control animals. The period of growth promotion is decreased greatly when the compounds are administered to depleted rats. Following this period of growth-promotion, growth with high concentrations of ω-methylpyridoxine is distinctly less than that in control animals; and death results well before any deaths are noted in the control group. In uncomplicated vit. B6 deficiency on this ration convulsive seizures are infrequent and were observed only following approximately 6 weeks on the deficient diet. In contrast, in the animals fed the ω-methyl analogues of vit. B6 convulsions occurred frequently, in all animals, starting about 2 weeks after supplementation while substantial weight gains were still occurring. All of t...
Individuals v. states: The correlates of Human Rights Committee rulings, 1979–2007

Abstract This paper examines the outcomes of individual abuse claims filed against states under the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as decided by the Human Rights Committee (HRC). Results from selection models that account for a country’s initial decision to join the Optional Protocol and an individual’s subsequent decision to file a complaint under it show that the substantive nature of complaints were more determinative of HRC outcomes than were country-level characteristics. Claims relating to due process rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms most often resulted in violations, whereas claims pertaining to discrimination, suffrage rights, and the rights of women and children were much less successful. Only two country-level characteristics robustly affected HRC outcomes, net of rights claims: democratizing countries were found in violation at higher rates than were other countries, while violation rates declined as a function of aggregate wealth.
Asymptomatic gonorrhea: Prevalence in apopulation of urban adolescents

During a 12-month period, 2,672 sexually active youths, 12 to 16 years of age, had genital bacteriologic cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae . Anterior urethral cultures were obtained from 2,098 males of whom 2,064 had no symptoms or signs of genitourinary disease. Forty cultures (1.9%) were positive for gonorrhea. Of 574 females studied, 374 were asymptomatic and 26 (7.0%) had positive gonorrhea cultures from the cervix. Since adolescent boys are more likely to be sexual adventurers, the 1.9% carrier rate represents an important reservoir of gonorrhea and equal in importance to that found in the asymptomatic adolescent girl.
Prediction of raptor resting metabolism: Comparison of measured values with statistical and biophysical estimates

Abstract 1. 1.| V O 2 values were measured on American kestrels, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles perched in a wind tunnel. Resting metabolism of each species is described by a regression equation as a function of body mass ambient temperature, wind speed and radiant flux density. 2. 2.|Resting metabolism is also described by a heat transfer model as a function of feather thermal conductance. 3. 3.|Resting metabolism computed from multiple regression and heat transfer models were similar, but the latter estimates paralleled actual values better than regression estimates. 4. 4.|Biophysical modelling may provide a more accurate estimate of metabolic heat production than contemporary statistical approaches such as multiple regression and least-squares analysis.
The turnover times of photosynthesis and redox properties of the pool of electron carriers between the photosystems.

Abstract The turnover time of photosynthesis was measured by periodic and aperiodic flashes over a wide range of pulse frequencies and background oxygen concentration. The turnover can be described by a sequence of relaxation times and is slowed upon reduction of the pool of electron carrier between the two photosystems. The exclusive reaction of the pool components with non-ionic oxidants supports their identification as plastoquinone. An argument is presented that the first acceptor of the pool is a chromanol. Several models are discussed that explain the truncation of the oxygen flash yield versus flash period in anaerobic repetitive single-flash experiments.
EXCITONIC PROPERTIES OF ZNSE/ZN1-XCDXSE STRAINED LAYER QUANTUM WELLS

Abstract The optical propeties of strained layer ZnSe/Zn 0.86 Cd 0.14 Se single quantum wells have been studied. The photoluminescence (PL) under direct and indirect excitation are investigated in detail. The temperature dependence of PL and resonant Raman scattering (RRS) are investigated. Very strong 2LO phonon scattering has been observed with Zn 0.86 Cd 0.14 Se quantum wells, where the scattered photon energy is in resonance with the exciton transition. Experimental exciton energies are compared with a finite square potential quantum well model including band nonparabolicity and the strain effect. Based on Hill's theory we have computed the bandgap of Zn 1−x Cd x Se as a function of composition x .