cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD44 and TLR4 mediate hyaluronic acid regulation of Lgr5+ stem cell proliferation, crypt fission, and intestinal growth in postnatal and adult mice

Hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix, binds to CD44 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). We previously addressed the role of hyaluronic acid in small intestinal and colonic growth in mice. We addressed the role of exogenous hyaluronic acid by giving hyaluronic acid intraperitoneally and the role of endogenous hyaluronic acid by giving PEP-1, a peptide that blocks hyaluronic acid binding to its receptors. Exogenous hyaluronic acid increased epithelial proliferation but had no effect on intestinal length. PEP-1 resulted in a shortened small intestine and colon and diminished epithelial proliferation. In the current study, we sought to determine whether the effects of hyaluronic acid on growth were mediated by signaling through CD44 or TLR4 by giving exogenous hyaluronic acid or PEP-1 twice a week from 3-8 wk of age to wild-type, CD44(-/-), and TLR4(-/-) mice. These studies demonstrated that signaling through both CD44 and TLR4 were important in mediating the effects of hyaluronic acid on growth in the small intestine and colon. Extending our studies to early postnatal life, we assessed the effects of exogenous hyaluronic acid and PEP-1 on Lgr5(+) stem cell proliferation and crypt fission. Administration of PEP-1 to Lgr5(+) reporter mice from postnatal day 7 to day 14 decreased Lgr5(+) cell proliferation and decreased crypt fission. These studies indicate that endogenous hyaluronic acid increases Lgr5(+) stem cell proliferation, crypt fission, and intestinal lengthening and that these effects are dependent on signaling through CD44 and TLR4.
V(D)J recombination frequencies can be profoundly affected by changes in the spacer sequence.

Each V, D, and J gene segment is flanked by a recombination signal sequence (RSS), composed of a conserved heptamer and nonamer separated by a 12- or 23-bp spacer. Variations from consensus in the heptamer or nonamer at specific positions can dramatically affect recombination frequency, but until recently, it had been generally held that only the length of the spacer, but not its sequence, affects the efficacy of V(D)J recombination. In this study, we show several examples in which the spacer sequence can significantly affect recombination frequencies. We show that the difference in spacer sequence alone of two V H S107 genes affects recombination frequency in recombination substrates to a similar extent as the bias observed in vivo. We show that individual positions in the spacer can affect recombination frequency, and those positions can often be predicted by their frequency in a database of RSS. Importantly, we further show that a spacer sequence that has an infrequently observed nucleotide at each position is essentially unable to support recombination in an extrachromosmal substrate assay, despite being flanked by a consensus heptamer and nonamer. This infrequent spacer sequence RSS shows only a 2-fold reduction of binding of RAG proteins, but the in vitro cleavage of this RSS is ∼9-fold reduced compared with a good RSS. These data demonstrate that the spacer sequence should be considered to play an important role in the recombination efficacy of an RSS, and that the effect of the spacer occurs primarily subsequent to RAG binding.
Detecting Changes in Novel, Complex Three-dimensional Objects

Four experiments assessed change detection performance for displays consisting of a single, novel, multipart object, leading to several new findings. First, larger changes (involving more object parts) were more difficult to detect than smaller changes. Second, change detection performance for displays of a temporarily occluded moving object was no more or less sensitive than detection performance for displays of static objects disappearing and reappearing; however, item analyses did indicate that detection may have been based on different representations in these two situations. Third, training observers to recognize objects before the detection task had no measurable effect on sensitivity levels, but induced different biases depending on the training conditions. Finally, some participants' performance revealed implicit change detection on trials in which they explicitly responded that they saw no change.
Creep and recovery behavior of a linear high density polyethylene and an ethylene‐hexene copolymer in the region of small uniaxial deformations

The results of creep and recovery experiments are reported for two types of polyethylene—one a linear high density homopolymer, and the other an ethylene-hexene copolymer. Data were obtained at temperatures in the range 23°C to 57°C and creep times of 10 s to 4.33 × 105 s. In order to approximate constant true stress conditions, all of the experiments were carried out at the same value of applied stress (4 MPa) and the change in strain during creep was in all cases less than 2 percent. Comparison of these results with the results from earlier work on an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene shows that there is a great similarity in the behavior of all three materials, and the behavior of all three can be described quite well by a one-dimensional equation consisting of two terms—one a hereditary term and the other a plasticity term. It is further shown that to a very good approximation the idea of time-temperature superposition can be applied to the description of the hereditary term.
Voodoo versus me–you correlations in relationship neuroscience

Relationships are an ideal context within which to explore correlations in psychophysiological and brain imaging data, but correlational analyses in functional magnetic resonance imaging are often poorly understood, and fears of non-independent correlational “voodoo” may arouse concern whenever they are used. This paper illustrates how correlations have been used to measure both within-relationship and within-subject covariance in ways that illuminate important relationship processes and linkages. We will outline historical and contemporary examples of correlational approaches that have been utilized in unique and important ways in relationship research, and discuss our own research using innovative correlational approaches to explore interpersonal empathy and identification.
Tobacco etch virus mRNA preferentially binds wheat germ eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4G rather than eIFiso4G

The 5′-leader of tobacco etch virus (TEV) genomic RNA directs the efficient translation from the naturally uncapped viral RNA. The TEV 143-nt 5′-leader folds into a structure that contains two domains, each of which contains RNA pseudoknots. The 5′-proximal pseudoknot 1 (PK1) is necessary to promote cap-independent translation (Zeenko, V., and Gallie, D. R. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 26813–26824). During the translation initiation of cellular mRNAs, eIF4G functions as an adapter that recruits many of the factors involved in stimulating 40 S ribosomal subunit binding to an mRNA. Two related but highly distinct eIF4G proteins are expressed in plants, animals, and yeast. The two plant eIF4G isoforms, referred to as eIF4G and eIFiso4G, differ in size (165 and 86 kDa, respectively) and their functional differences are still unclear. Although eIF4G is required for the translation of TEV mRNA, it is not known if eIF4G binds directly to the TEV RNA itself or if other factors are required. To determine whether binding affinity and isoform preference correlates with translational efficiency, fluorescence spectroscopy was used to measure the binding of eIF4G, eIFiso4G, and their complexes (eIF4F and eIFiso4F, respectively) to the TEV 143-nt 5′-leader (TEV1–143) and a shorter RNA that contained PK1. A mutant (i.e. S1–3) in which the stem of PK1 was disrupted resulting in impaired cap-independent translation, was also tested. These studies demonstrate that eIF4G binds TEV1–143 and PK1 RNA with ∼22–30-fold stronger affinity than eIFiso4G. eIF4G and eIF4F bind TEV1–143 with similar affinity, whereas eIFiso4F binds with ∼6-fold higher affinity than eIFiso4G. The binding affinity of eIF4G, eIF4F, and eIFiso4G to S1–3 was reduced by 3–5-fold, consistent with the reduction in the ability of this mutant to promote cap-independent translation. Temperature-dependent binding studies revealed that binding of the TEV 5′-leader to these initiation factors has a large entropic contribution. Overall, these results demonstrate the first direct interaction of eIF4G with the TEV 5′-leader in the absence of other initiation factors. These data correlate well with the observed translational data and provide more detailed information on the translational strategy of potyviruses.
Plasma electron measurements in the outer Jovian magnetosphere

The existence of the plasma electrons in the outer Jovian magnetosphere reported by Intriligator and Wolfe (1974) is consistent with (1) the additional pressure needed to supplement the magnetospheric magnetic field in the outer magnetosphere so as to balance the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field dynamic pressure across the magnetopause, (2) the drastic change in the plasma electron spectrum as soon as Pioneer 10 crossed the magnetopause from the magnetosheath into the magnetosphere, (3) the fact that the instrument aperture was at spacecraft ground, and (4) the fact that beyond about 2 AU the continuous observations of all ambient electron fluxes (solar wind electrons, secondary electrons, photoelectrons, etc.) are below the instrument threshold.
The Effects of Algorithmic Trading on Security Market Quality

We estimate in a systems framework the effect of algorithmic trading (AT) on security market quality, defined to include market manipulation at the close, information leakage prior to price-sensitive announcements, and effective spreads. Using cancellation proxies to identify AT, we show that greater AT can reduce market manipulation and information leakage as well as spreads. The data cover all securities on the London Stock Exchange and on NYSE-Euronext Paris four years before and after Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 1 (MiFID1).
The evolving role of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in follicular lymphoma

Treatment options for follicular lymphoma have expanded dramatically. The most important relate to the introduction of monoclonal antibodies and the completion of important studies regarding autologous and allogeneic transplantation. The EBMTR-sponsored "CUP Trial" (conventional Chemotherapy, Unpurged autograft, Purged autograft), demonstrated that for patients under age 60 years with recurrent chemotherapy-sensitive disease, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) provides a survival benefit over conventional therapy. Three randomized studies demonstrated that consolidation with autologous transplantation in first remission leads to improvement in progression free survival and perhaps in overall survival, but possibly with an increased risk for secondary MDS. Novel approaches involve the incorporation of rituximab as an in-vivo purging agent or as post-transplant therapy, and the use of radiolabelled monoclonals in the conditioning regimens. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) has become a more effective option but continues to have a high TRM. Reduced-intensity alloSCT procedures now are being performed at an increasing rate and may have advantages in particular situations. A CIBMTR analysis unfortunately did not show a major advantage in terms of TRM or EFS to non-myeloablative transplantation. Performance status and disease sensitivity remain the major predictors of outcome for allogeneic transplantation.
Positioned growth and spectroscopy of InP nanowires containing single InAsP quantum dots

We describe two different approaches to growing precisely positioned and diameter controlled InP nanowires on InP wafers. Both of these approaches utilize the selective area growth capabilities of Chemical Beam Epitaxy (CBE), one using the Au catalysed Vapour-Liquid-Solid (VLS) growth mode, the other being catalyst-free. In both cases a SiO 2 masked substrate is used with the nanowire positions determined through e-beam lithography. In VLS growth the nanowire diameter is controlled by the size of the Au particle, whereas when catalyst-free the diameter is that of the opening in the SiO 2 mask. The orientation of the nanowires is also different, B when using Au particles and A when catalyst- free. For the catalysed growth the effect of the Au particle can be turned off by modifying growth conditions allowing the nanowire to be clad, dramatically enhancing the optical emission from InAsP quantum dots grown inside the nanowire. Photoluminescence from individual InAsP quantum dots is observed, and it is shown that the s- to p-shell splitting can be reproducibly controlled through the nanowire diameter.
Synchrotron study of poly[[di-μ-aqua­(μ-2,2′-bipyridyl-5,5′-dicarboxyl­ato)di­potassium] dihydrate]

The title compound, {[K2(C12H6N2O4)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n, forms a three-dimensional coordination polymer in the solid state. The asymmetric unit consists of one K+ ion, half of a 2,2′-bipyridyl-5,5′-dicarboxyl­ate ligand, one coordinated water mol­ecule and one solvent water mol­ecule. The K+ ion is 7-coordinated by the oxygen atoms of two water mol­ecules and by five oxygen atoms of four carboxyl­ate groups, one of which is chelating. The extended structure can be described as a binodal network in which each K+ is a six-connected node, bonding to four carboxyl­ate groups and two bridging water mol­ecules, and the 2,2′-bipyridyl-5,5′-dicarboxyl­ate linkers are eight-connected nodes, with each carboxyl­ate group bridging four metal centers. Overall, this arrangement generates a complex network with point symbol {34.412.512}{34.44.54.63}2. Both of the bridging water mol­ecules participate as donors in hydrogen-bonding inter­actions; one to solvent water mol­ecules and a second to an oxygen atom of a carboxyl­ate group.
The structural and process aspects of pharmacy quality: older adults' perceptions

Background Patients are increasingly playing an active role in healthcare and their definitions of healthcare quality are becoming more important to understand. The Donabedian model has been used to understand patients’ perceptions of quality in healthcare settings including hospitals and nursing homes; no research has applied the model to understand patients’ perceptions of pharmacy quality. Objective To describe older adults’ perception of a quality pharmacy including their expectations of a quality pharmacy and their preferences in a quality pharmacy. Setting Six focus groups held in community centers and senior residence facilities in Wisconsin. Methods The design was a descriptive, exploratory study. Participants were adults 65 years and older who filled a prescription at a community pharmacy in the 90 days prior to being contacted. Donabedian’s assessment of healthcare quality based on ‘structure,’ ‘process’ and ‘outcome’ was used to organize and categorize the focus group themes. Main outcome measure The focus groups explored older adults’ perceptions and expectations of a quality pharmacy. The factors that influenced their pharmacy choice were also examined. Results The older adults’ description of a quality pharmacy was based on the ‘structure’ and ‘process’ domain of the Donabedian model. However, most responses were focused on the ‘process’ domains and related to the application of patient-centered care (e.g., pharmacist interaction and communication) versus the structure domains (e.g., staff availability). The most frequently reported factor in the choice of pharmacies was the pharmacy’s location with some participants also reporting that their relationship and rapport with the pharmacist were also important. Older adults’ expectations were focused on the ‘process’ features of quality, including the provision of medication-related information, and the pharmacist facilitating medication safety and medication adherence. Conclusions In describing pharmacy quality, older adults mostly refer to the ‘process’ aspects of quality. Older adults perceive a quality pharmacy as one where the pharmacist provides patient-centered care. While location is important in pharmacy choices, the pharmacist’s patient-centeredness, and the quality features of the pharmacy are also relevant. Older adults’ expectations were related to their perception of a quality pharmacy. Pharmacists should publicize their pharmacies’ ‘process’ features in quality reporting systems.
Optimal Threshold Selection for Realized Volatility Forecasts in the Presence of Jumps

When estimating and forecasting realized volatility in the presence of jumps, a form of bias-variance tradeoff is present in the selection of the truncation threshold. We propose an optimal method for threshold selection that minimizes the out-of-sample forecasting loss. The use of a forecasting framework is fundamentally different from the testing framework in the literature. We find that a priori large truncation thresholds may not be optimal from a forecasting perspective and smaller thresholds should be used. An extensive simulation study and an empirical application to S&P 500 futures demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Throwing in the Towel: When Short Sellers Fail-to-Deliver Price Reversals

This study examines shorting activity, returns, and failures-to-deliver at the daily level. We find evidence that failures occur after periods of positive returns, which is consistent with the idea that short sellers are contrarian traders (Diether et al., 2009). We also find that the direct relation between failures and past returns is increasing is past shorting activity. We present two possible explanations for this observation. First, the increased demand for shorting activity dries up the fixed supply of lendable shares thus resulting in the inability of short sellers to borrow and deliver shares. Second, when short sellers are unable to predict price reversals, failures will occur. Our tests support the latter explanation as the direct relation between failures and past returns that is increasing in past shorting activity is driven by stocks with the greatest equity loan supply. Further, we find that abnormally high failures do not predict negative returns. Our results therefore support the argument that failures occur because short sellers have given up on predicting price reversals.
Name Perplexity

The accuracy of a Cross Document Coreference system depends on the amount of context available, which is a parameter that varies greatly from corpora to corpora. This paper presents a statistical model for computing name perplexity classes. For each perplexity class, the prior probability of coreference is estimated. The amount of context required for coreference is controlled by the prior coreference probability. We show that the prior probability coreference is an important factor for maintaining a good balance between precision and recall for cross document coreference systems.
Developing and Implementing a Diversity Plan at Your Academic Library

Many articles deal with diversity in academic libraries. Some include information on diversity initiatives and plans, or incorporating diversity into the structure of an academic library. This article outlines the steps that librarians can take to develop and implement diversity plans in academic libraries. In general and adaptable language, the article focuses on information gathering, communication, committee formation, contextualization, endorsement and implementation. Deliberately broad in scope, the intent is to provide a basic roadmap for libraries undertaking the development of a diversity specific plan for the first time.
Review Essay: Objectivity and Subjectivities: Oral Narratives from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

(1993). Review Essay: Objectivity and Subjectivities: Oral Narratives from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The Oral History Review: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 89-98.
Human Factors in Cybersecurity and the Role for AI

In this paper, we review the pervasiveness of cyber threats and the roles of both attackers and defenders (i.e. the targets of the attackers); the lack of awareness of cyber-threats by users; the complexity of the new cyber environment, including cyber risks; engineering approaches and tools to mitigate cyber threats; and research to identify proactive steps that users and teams can take to reduce cyber-threats. In addition, we review the research needed on the psychology of human users that pose risks to all users from cyber-attacks. For the latter, we review the available theory at the individual and group levels that may help individual users, groups and organizations take actions against cyber threats. We end with future research needs and conclusions.
Electrochemical pilot scale study for reduction of 2,4-DNT

An electrochemical pilot scale reactor was used to treat simulated munitions wastewater containing 100 mg/L of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Experiments were conducted by using a glassy carbon (zero porosity) coated graphite cylinder as the cathode and a platinum wire as the anode. All experiments were conducted under dissolved oxygen concentration of less than 1.5 mg/L. Initially, simulating batch conditions were conducted to obtain the optimum operating conditions for the reactor. During this batch-mode study, the effects of various parameters such as applied current, electrolyte concentration, and type of electrolyte on the reduction of DNT were evaluated. Results obtained showed that the rates of reduction of DNT increased with an increase in current or concentration of electrolyte. Based on the results obtained from the batch simulation experiments, continuous flow experiments were conducted at three different currents. The ionic strength of the feed solution was maintained at 0.027 M. A current of 200 mA was found to provide a stable reduction of DNT at the 80% level for a period of 14 days after which reactor cleaning is necessary for removal of solids that were formed within the reactor. End products determined for the continuous flow experiments showed 100% molar balance conversion.
Understanding Retirement Community Employees’ Perceived Benefits and Concerns of Smart Presence Technology

The goal of this study was to understand the perceived benefits and concerns of smart presence technology from continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) employees. We define smart presence tech...
Control of a recuperative vapor- recompression air separation process

Abstract The use of oxy-combustion for producing furnace stack gases with low nitrogen and high carbon dioxide concentrations is a potential method for economical sequestration of green house gases. A conventional air separation unit to provide oxygen compresses all the air feed and operates with one of the two cryogenic distillation columns at elevated pressure so heat integration can be employed. The use of recuperative vapor recompression has been recently proposed in which only a portion of a nitrogen stream is compressed to provide liquid reflux to two columns, which both operate at low pressure where the separation is easier. Steady-state designs have been developed and economically optimized. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic controllability of this type of vapor recompression system for air separation.
Simulating adverse event spontaneous reporting systems as preferential attachment networks: application to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Background: Spontaneous Reporting Systems [SRS] are critical tools in the post-licensure evaluation of medical product safety. Regulatory authorities use a variety of data mining techniques to detect potential safety signals in SRS databases. Assessing the performance of such signal detection procedures requires simulated SRS databases, but simulation strategies proposed to date each have limitations. Objective: We sought to develop a novel SRS simulation strategy based on plausible mechanisms for the growth of databases over time. Methods: We developed a simulation strategy based on the network principle of preferential attachment. We demonstrated how this strategy can be used to create simulations based on specific databases of interest, and provided an example of using such simulations to compare signal detection thresholds for a popular data mining algorithm. Results: The preferential attachment simulations were generally structurally similar to our targeted SRS database, although they had fewer nodes of very high degree. The approach was able to generate signal-free SRS simulations, as well as mimicking specific known true signals. Explorations of different reporting thresholds for the FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System suggested that using proportional reporting ratio [PRR] > 3.0 may yield better signal detection operating characteristics than the more commonly used PRR > 2.0 threshold. Discussion: The network analytic approach to SRS simulation based on the principle of preferential attachment provides an attractive framework for exploring the performance of safety signal detection algorithms. This approach is potentially more principled and versatile than existing simulation approaches. Conclusion: The utility of network-based SRS simulations needs to be further explored by evaluating other types of simulated signals with a broader range of data mining approaches, and comparing network-based simulations with other simulation strategies where applicable. Citation: Scott J, Botsis T, Ball R. Simulating adverse event spontaneous reporting systems as preferential attachment networks: Application to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 206–218 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-11-RA-0097
Madison, Lincoln, and Civic Education

All political regimes face the challenge of preserving themselves. External threats can be dangerous but in most cases they are also obvious; the more subtle challenge is sustaining the integrity of the regime itself. In a constitutional republic such as the United States, this requires maintenance of political institutions to be sure, but also—and more fundamentally—the proper attachment of the people to the Constitution. Can such attachment be cultivated without undermining the principles of self-government? While democratic theorists in America going back at least as far as Jefferson have worried that enduring constitutional forms prevent authentic democratic rule, my purpose here is to compare two well-known texts that answer the question in the affirmative, James Madison’s Federalist 49 and Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address.
A DFT study on the hydrogen desorption from the lithium borohydride and aluminohydride upon the addition of nanostructured carbon catalyzing agent

Abstract Here we study in van der Waals-corrected DFT calculations the dehydrogenation mechanism of the light metal hydrides LiBH4 and LiAlH4 by focusing on the effect of the addition of the carbon fullerene C60 as catalyzing agent. The results show a rather significant gain in the energy cost for H desorption in the presence of the catalyst, which is substantially even more pronounced when considering boron-doping the fullerene. In the source of this effect is the disturb introduced in the distribution of bonding charge upon the hybridization of states in the interplay cluster-fullerene with a consequent weakening of the hydrogen bonds, leading therein to an enhanced kinetics for the hydrogen release.
Tunable two dimensional optical beam steering with reconfigurable indium tin oxide plasmonic reflectarray metasurface

In this paper, an electrically tunable reflectarray metasurface for two dimensional (2D) beam steering is designed by integration of a thin layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) material into a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic unit-cell. The reflectarray is composed of square-shaped patch nanoantennas placed on a stack of insulator-ITO-metallic ground plane. The resonant characteristic of unit-cell and the accumulation of carrier density at the interface of ITO-insulator play key roles in obtaining over 250° of phase agility at around 218 terahertz (THz), by electrically varying the bias voltage. An array of unit-cells with integrated ITO and 2D voltage biasing distribution (from the side) offer the possibility of designing a reconfigurable antenna in which the main beam can be steered to relatively large angles in both θ- and - planes at carefully selected operating frequency. The significant advantage of this design is the dynamically adjustable radiation pattern in both azimuth and elevation planes even after fabrication.
Low-grade waste heat recovery using the reverse magnetocaloric effect

According to a recent study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, about 59.1 quadrillion BTU of energy produced in the United States is rejected to the atmosphere, mostly in the form of waste heat. A major portion of the total rejected thermal energy has a low temperature (less than 230 °C), classified as low-grade waste heat. This energy loss is the result of the fact that current thermal energy harvesting technologies, primarily thermoelectric generators, have poor efficiency at low temperature gradients and therefore are not cost-effective. This study investigates the possibility of low-grade waste heat recovery using magnetocaloric materials, which were developed mainly for magnetic refrigeration. The working principle of energy harvesters using the reverse magnetocaloric cycle is described using thermodynamic analysis and the performance of more than 60 magnetocaloric materials is compared under different operating temperature conditions. Considering the ambient atmosphere as the heat sink (temperature ∼ 25 °C), it was found that oxide-based magnetocaloric materials, such as La2/3Ba1/3MnO2.98 (Curie temperature ∼ 38 °C), have a working potential as high as 53.5 J per kg per cycle at a heat source temperature of 50 °C. The working potential increases to 77.4 J per kg per cycle, when the heat source temperature is increased to 75 °C, and it further increases to 87.8 J per kg per cycle at a heat source temperature of 100 °C. The working potential up to 100 J per kg per cycle at a heat source temperature of 100 °C was estimated for a few other materials with higher Curie temperature, such as Gd5Si4 (Curie temperature ∼ 65 °C) and La2/3Ba1/3MnO3 (Curie temperature ∼ 63 °C).
Phenotypic Innovation and Adaptive Constraints in the Evolutionary Radiation of Palaeozoic Crinoids.

To better understand the patterns and processes shaping large-scale phenotypic diversification, I integrate palaeobiological and phylogenetic perspectives to investigate a ~200-million-year radiation using a global sample of Palaeozoic crinoid echinoderms. Results indicate the early history of crinoid diversification is characterized by early burst dynamics with decelerating morphologic rates. However, in contrast with expectation for a single “early burst” model, morphospace continued to expand following a slowdown in rates. In addition, I find evidence for an isolated peak in morphologic rates occurring late in the clade’s history. This episode of elevated rates is not associated with increased disparity, morphologic novelty, or the radiation of a single subclade. Instead, this episode of elevated rates involved multiple subclade radiations driven by environmental change toward a pre-existing adaptive optimum. The decoupling of morphologic disparity with rates of change suggests phenotypic rates are primarily shaped by ecologic factors rather than the origination of morphologic novelty alone. These results suggest phenotypic diversification is far more complex than models commonly assumed in comparative biology. Furthermore, palaeontological disparity patterns are not a reliable proxy for rates after an initial diversifying phase. These issues highlight the need for continued synthesis between fossil and phylogenetic approaches to macroevolution.
Reduction of Measurement Error due to Survey Length: Evaluation of the Split Questionnaire Design Approach

Long survey instruments can be taxing to respondents, which may result in greater measurement error. There is little empirical evidence on the relationship between length and measurement error, possibly leading to longer surveys than desirable. At least equally important is the need for methods to reduce survey length while meeting the survey’s objectives. This study tests the ability to reduce measurement error related to survey length through split questionnaire design, in which the survey is modularized and respondents are randomly assigned to receive subsets of the survey modules. The omitted questions are then multiply imputed for all respondents. The imputation variance, however, may overwhelm any benefits to survey estimates from the reduction of survey length. We use an experimental design to further evaluate the effect of survey length on measurement error and to examine the degree to which a split questionnaire design can yield estimates with less measurement error. We found strong evidence for greater measurement error when the questions were asked late in the survey. We also found that a split questionnaire design retained lower measurement error without compromising total error from the additional imputation variance. This is the first study with an experimental design used to evaluate split questionnaire design, demonstrating substantial benefits in reduction of measurement error. Future experimental designs are needed to empirically evaluate the approach’s ability to reduce nonresponse bias.
Abstract 17553: Hypocaloric, but Not Isocaloric, Low Fat Diets Improve Microvascular Nitric Oxide Dependent Vasodilation in Obese Subjects

Introduction: Obesity is associated with microvascular dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide (NO). While low fat diets improve cardiovascular risk, the contributions of macronutrients, independent of weight loss (WL) on microvascular function is not known. We tested the hypothesis that NO-dependent, vasodilator function in microvessels is improved by low fat diets designed for weight loss (LFWL) compared to low fat weight maintenance (LFWM). Methods: Obese adults (BMI= 34 + 4 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either an energy-restricted LFWL diet (n=11, 500 calorie/day deficit) or an isocaloric LFWM diet designed to maintain weight (n=10). All meals were prepared and delivered for 6 weeks and were modeled after the AHA LF diet (50% CHO; 30% protein; 20% fat). Microvessels (internal diameter, 133±38 μm) were obtained from gluteal subcutaneous fat pad biopsies at weeks 1 (pre) and 6 (post) for vascular reactivity measurements to acetylcholine (ACh; 10-9-10-4 M), and flow (pressure gradients: Δ10-Δ100 cmH2O), with and without L-NAME (10-4 M, NOS inhibitor) or Indomethacin (INDO, 10-5 M, cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Vascular NO was measured by fluorescence microscopy. Results: LFWL diet reduced BMI (29.3 + 2.0, p Conclusion: We found that 1) low fat diets designed for WL improve microvascular reactivity compared to similar diets not designed for WL and 2) increased vascular NO contributes to the improved microvascular dilation to flow and ACh after 6 weeks of WL on low fat diet. These data suggest that weight reduction (and not the associated changes in macronutrient content) on low fat diet is critical for improved microvascular function.
Cataract Surgery after Penetrating Keratoplasty

There are three chief indications for cataract extraction performed after penetrating keratoplasty. The most common of these is the progression of a pre-existing, immature cataract. The other two causes are iatrogenic: damage to the lens capsule at the time of the keratoplasty (rare), and drug-induced cataract from the use of topical steroid.
Let's make a deal: Exploring plea acceptance rates in the guilty and the innocent

Research on juror decision-making has been vast. Research on plea-bargaining, in contrast, has been scarce. This fact runs in opposition to the reality that less than 10% of cases in most jurisdictions ever make it to trial. Typically, plea-negotiations rather than jurors determine the outcome of cases. The present research examines the willingness of people to accept plea-bargains when guilty or innocent. All participants were paired with a confederate-participant. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the guilty condition and the other half were in the innocent condition. Those in the guilty condition were induced by the confederate-participant to cheat on a problem that was supposed to be solved individually. All participants (whether guilty or innocent) were then accused of having cheated on one of the problems. Participants were then told that they could choose to sign a statement agreeing to work in the research lab for 20 hours (the plea deal) or risk a charge of academic dishonesty. Although guilty participants were expected to accept the plea more often than innocent participants, individual differences were expected to moderate the magnitude of this effect. The plea acceptance results confirmed the hypotheses—guilty people accepted the plea deal at a rate of 79%, which was significantly more often than innocent individuals. More importantly, innocent participants were still willing to accept the plea agreement at a significant rate of 52%. Among the innocent, belief in a just world had no moderating effects on the rate of plea acceptance. Among the guilty however, those with stronger endorsement of belief in a just world were significantly more likely to accept the plea than those weaker in belief in a just world. Individuals with higher perceived intelligence and ACT scores were generally more likely to reject the plea than those who scored lower on these measures, but only among the innocent.
Dynamic Uncoupling of a System Model for Component Identification

System model description from component modes is a common approach for model development. Dynamic uncoupling of a system model to obtain component information is very useful and currently under significant research. Uncoupling can be performed different ways and several approaches are considered for the evaluation of component uncoupling from the system. These approaches are compared with several models to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of the techniques often employed. Several cases using both analytical models and experimental data sets are studied and shown in the paper.
Automated image registration using mutual information for both affine and thin-plate spline geometric transformations

In this presentation we describe the methodology and clinical implementation of a mutual information-based automated image registration system for conformal radiotherapy treatment planning. This system estimates the transformation that relates the coordinate systems of diagnostic MR or PET/SPECT image datasets with the treatment planning x-ray CT dataset. This transformation can then be applied to map volumes of interest, such as tumor volumes, defined on one dataset to the reference. Unlike many other studied registration systems, this system is not limited to affine transformations [1]. Instead, the option of a thin-plate spline warping transformation can also be applied to model possible distortions as a result of tissue deformations, as well as those that are imaging device related. This feature allows a wider range of imaging studies to be incorporated into the treatment planning process. Since the system uses the native image data rather than extracted surfaces or ridges, very little user interaction is required to perform the registrations.
Earthquake Preparedness Collaboration

Not all states are exposed to seismic hazards. Nonetheless, the exposure is far greater than many people seem to believe. All or parts of thirty-nine states lie in regions classified as having major or moderate seismic risk. Within these states, more than seventy million people are exposed to seismic hazards including ground shaking, surface faulting, earthquake ground failures, and tsunamis (Hayes, 1981). According to figures collected by the United States Geological Survey (1984a, 3), since the turn of the century earthquakes in the United States have resulted in some 1,400 deaths and have caused more than $5 billion in property damage (1979 dollars).
11C-Choline PET guided resection of thoracic metastases from prostatic adenocarcinoma.

e16528Background: 11C-choline positron emission tomography (11C-PET) is an FDA approved test for the identification of recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer in patients with biochemical recurren...
A Cross cultural study of college age females rsquo body satisfaction and clothing choices

This survey based cross cultural study was conducted to explore college age females rsquo concerns and appreciation of their physical bodies in two countries dominated by different beauty standards It also investigated the relationship between body satisfaction of college age women and their clothing choices in two different cultural settings Three hundred and thirteen valid responses were collected in the United States and one hundred and ninety four valid ones were collected in China Findings suggest that United States participants are in a complicated love hate relationship with their middle to lower body parts while Chinese participants are clearer about their favorite and least favorite body parts The clothing choices of both groups were greatly affected by their perception and satisfaction level of their own physical body However neither group believed that body perceptions and clothing choices were influenced by media
Abstract TP176: Carotid Arterial Diameters as an Effect Modifier of Pulsatile Hemodynamics and Brain Perivascular Spaces

Introduction: Brain perivascular spaces (PVS) are associated with higher pulse pressures and may be imaging biomarkers of systemic arterial stiffness. We hypothesized that larger proximal arterial ...
Mode Transitions in Hollow-Cathode Disharges

Hollow-Cathode Discharges (HCD) have been studied for many years.1 A major cause for the interest in these discharges is the relatively high current densities that can be conducted through the HCD; currents of over 100 kA with rates of rise of 2 ×1012 A/s have been observed.2 This ability to carry high currents, plus the observation of sharp impedance changes with pressure,3-7 seem to make the HCD a candidate for a high-power switch. Furthermore, the observation that an axial magnetic field of sufficient strength ВZ, can be used to suppress the transition from the high-impedance mode to its low-impedance mode,7 could indicate a means of switch control. To put these possibilities on a firmer footing, it is desirable to simulate the HCD computationally, to see if these HCD phenomena can indeed be explained on the basis of first principles. Once this is achieved, it is much easier to understand the underlying physical mechanism causing these mode transitions. The nature of this mechanism could then suggest confirming experimental tests, and suggest a means of control of these impedance transitions, and hence lead the way toward the development of a high-power switch. In this paper, substantial improvements in our ability to simulate the HCD are reported, and the results of some preliminary calculations are compared with experimental results.
A Deep Learning Solvent-Selection Paradigm Powered by a Massive Solvent/Nonsolvent Database for Polymers

Polymer solubility is critical for a variety of industrial and research applications such as plastics recycling, drug delivery, membrane science, and microlithography. For novel polymers, it is oft...
Negative reviews in the troubadour vidas

An analysis of the negative critical vocabulary found in the Occitan vidas or mini-biographies of the troubadours. Of the 109 troubadours and trobairitz described in 101 vidas, roughly one-quarter ...
Arsenic trioxide dose capping to decrease toxicity in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combination therapy yields high complete remission and disease-free survival rates in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). ATO is dosed on a...
Scale effects on the prediction of rare events in mature second-growth oak forests: a simulation study of cavity trees

The abundance of cavity trees varies greatly due to the stochastic nature of cavity formation processes and involved disturbance agents. At small spatial scales such as a stand or plot, cavity tree abundance is extraordinarily difficult to predict precisely using tree and stand factors. In this study we used resampling methods to simulate the effect of spatial scale on cavity tree density (CTD) estimation using cavity tree data collected from a long-term forest experimental project. More than 53,000 measured trees were randomly divided into two approximately equal parts: the construction and test datasets, to construct classification and regression tree (CART) and logistic regression (LR) models to predict cavity probability and to test the accuracy of CTD estimation across varying spatial scales, respectively. Simulation results showed that when the spatial scale was
Lithospheric structure beneath the High Lava Plains, Oregon, imaged by scattered teleseismic waves

[1] We compute high-resolution seismic images from scattered wavefield to detect discontinuities beneath the High Lava Plains (HLP), using data recorded at a dense broadband array. Our images of the HLP and surrounding regions reveal (1) a prominent Moho discontinuity with varying depth, with thinnest crust of 35 km beneath the volcanic track, and thickened crust of ∼45 km beneath the Owyhee Plateau (OP); (2) distinct intracrustal velocity reversals beneath regions of pre-2.0 Ma volcanism and within the OP; and (3) intermittent negative velocity discontinuities in the uppermost mantle beneath regions of Holocene volcanism and volcanic centers near Steens Mountain and Newberry volcano. These features exhibit remarkable similarity with those seen in the surface wave tomography and Ps receiver functions. We fail to find evidence for a ubiquitous regional lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). In concert with petrological constraints on the equilibration depths of primitive basaltic melts, our results suggest that the present-day HLP mantle lithosphere is thin or absent, perhaps a consequence of episodes of extensive mantle inflow, lithospheric extension, and possibly melting induced by rapid slab rollback and trench retreat. It remains possible, however, that strong E-W seismic anisotropy reported across this region may reduce the effective S-wave velocity contrast to render the LAB less detectable. In contrast, the Owyhee Plateau exhibits a clear LAB, consistent with it being a block of older preexisting lithosphere. Our images demonstrate the complexity of mantle dynamics in the Cascadian back-arc and the close casual link between subduction-related processes and the origin of HLP volcanism.
Automatic Discovery of Heuristics for Non-Deterministic Programs

This paper discusses one way to limit the cost of executing declaratively specified nondeterministic programs. The approach we take is to develop control heuristics for a family of problems from traces of sample solutions generated during a training session with a human expert. Algorithms have been developed which recognize a set of patterns in the sequence of 'knowledge applications' and which compile descriptions of these patterns in a control language, called CRAPS. The CRAPS descriptions generated are then used for guidance in solving subsequent problems. We describe an implementation of this approach and give the results of several experiments.
The mechanics and energetics of macromolecular interfaces

Abstract The fundamental concepts indicative of macromolecular interfaces are developed in a self consistent manner. The interfacial literature dealing with pure polymers and polymer solutions is reviewed in detail. Some of the difficulties associated with the definition and measurement of surface tension of macromolecular systems are discussed. An attempt is made to assess the level of development of the entire subject.