cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nop5p Is a Small Nucleolar Ribonucleoprotein Component Required for Pre-18 S rRNA Processing in Yeast

We have identified a novel nucleolar protein, Nop5p, that is essential for growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Monoclonal antibodies B47 and 37C12 recognize Nop5p, which has a predicted size of 57 kDa and possesses a KKX repeat motif at its carboxyl terminus. Truncations that removed the KKX motif were functional and localized to the nucleolus, but conferred slow growth at 37 degreesC. Nop5p shows significant sequence homology with yeast Sik1p/Nop56p, and putative homologues in archaebacteria, plants, and human. Depletion of Nop5p in a GAL-NOP5 strain lengthened the doubling time about 5-fold, and selectively reduced steady-state levels of 40 S ribosomal subunits and 18 S rRNA relative to levels of free 60 S subunits and 25 S rRNA. Northern blotting and primer extension analyses showed that Nop5p depletion impairs processing of 35 S pre-rRNA at the A0 and A2 cleavage sites. Nop5p is associated with the small nucleolar RNAs U3, snR13, U14, and U18. Depletion of Nop5p caused the nucleolar protein Nop1p (yeast fibrillarin) to be localized to the nucleus and cytosol. Also, 37C12 co-immunoprecipitated Nop1p. These results suggest that Nop5p functions with Nop1p in the execution of early pre-rRNA processing steps that lead to formation of 18 S rRNA.
Eddies in the third wave: Protracted transitions and theories of democratization

In the third wave's backwaters, where transitions are protracted and authoritarians seem unsinkable, incremental bargaining is the path for persistent opposition parties. This article outlines tentative propositions about actors and arenas of protracted transition, in reference to the under‐specified cases of transitions to democracy considered in this volume. It offers a general characterization of protracted transitions, drawing upon scant existing literature, but adding a more developed opposition‐based perspective to conventional depictions of authoritarian behaviour. Next, it specifies possible incentives for actors within opposition parties, and discusses the parties’ overall preferences in the trade‐off between short‐term co‐optation by the regime and longer‐term efforts to undermine the authoritarians. Finally it considers why the understudied electoral arena is so critical to these transitions, and offers four main reasons why opposition parties are such crucial actors. First, they have little to...
Interaction of Chemically Stratified Subducted Oceanic Lithosphere with the 660 km Discontinuity.

Subducted oceanic lithosphere is composed of two chemically distinct layers, namely basaltic (crustal) and peridotitic (mantle) layers. Recent mineral physics observations suggest that the crustal and mantle components of subducted oceanic lithosphere have distinct densities and viscosities. The deformation of such stratified oceanic lithosphere as it collides with the 660km discontinuity is examined using a simple analytical model. It is shown that the separation of the crustal component can occur through a small scale folding (10-20km) if the viscosity of the crustal (garnetite) layer is significantly higher than that of the surrounding mantle (-1021Pa s) but is less than -1023Pa s, leading to a garnet-enriched transition zone behind subduction zones.
Punctate sensitivity of the blue-sensitive mechanism

Abstract Thresholds were measured for a tiny, brief, violet flash on a long wavelength, B cone-isolating background in foveal locations spaced only 4 or 5′ of arc apart. Large spatial variations in B cone sensitivity were found just beyond the foveal tritanopic area even though thresholds for the same wavelength test flash hardly varied at all across these same retinal locations when the flash was detected by G cones. The relative constancy of G cone threshold suggests that these spatial variations are intrinsic to the blue-sensitive mechanism and cannot be explained by prereceptoral filtering. The spatial variations in B cone sensitivity are consistent with physiological evidence that B cones are scarce in the retina. In one observer, it was possible to discern discrete peaks in sensitivity spaced roughly 10′ of arc apart. A model is described which takes optical spread and eye movements into account to show that these peaks may represent individual B cones (or clumps of B cones).
Effects of storage temperature and time on the biogenic amine content and microflora in Korean turbid rice wine, Makgeolli.

We examined biogenic amine (BA) content and the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population in Korean rice wine, Makgeolli, stored at 4 and 20 °C. Among 8 BAs examined by HPLC, only putrescine was detected in low levels during 30 days of storage at 4 °C. However, at 20 °C, several BAs were detected and total BA concentration increased during storage. The numbers of LAB in 4 °C Makgeolli remained constant while those in 20 °C Makgeolli were markedly changed. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis shows the major LAB population in 4 °C Makgeolli to be Pediococcus acidilactici while that in 20 °C Makgeolli to be Lactobacillus plantarum, which has been known to produce BAs. The present study suggests that if Makgeolli is stored at an improper temperature, the diversity of LAB populations and BA formation can be markedly increased. Thus, low temperature storage and transport of the products are required to maintain a BA-free state.
Language and literacy development in individuals with velo-cardio-facial syndrome

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic disorder caused by a microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2. Although there is some variability, VCFS is associated with a characteristic physical, behavioral, and cognitive phenotype. This review article focuses on aspects of language and literacy development in VCFS, describing what is known and offering avenues for future research. The most consistently reported language and literacy findings in the VCFS population include reading, spelling, phonological processing, and auditory verbal rote memory abilities as areas of relative strength. Receptive language abilities are noted to be relatively stronger than expressive language abilities in individuals with VCFS. Speech disorders are very common in VCFS, and the most common compensatory articulation substitution in VCFS is the glottal stop.
Stability of the Gram Reaction

In the course of about 7000 examinations of Gram-positive aerobic bacteria, it was found that two distinct groups of Gram-positive organisms could be recognized. One group was illustrated by Micrococcus freudenreichii, the other by Bacillus anthracis. All individuals in a smear of the former remained positive even when the time of exposure to stain was greatly diminished and the time of exposure to decolorizer was greatly increased. Similar changes of technic when B. anthracis was used showed that about 70% of the individuals in a given smear became Gram-negative. The writer accordingly distinguishes between stable and unstable Gram-positive bacteria.
Estradiol induces partial desensitization of serotonin 1A receptor signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and alters expression and interaction of RGSZ1 and Gαz

Hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary mediated hormone responses, such as to stimulation with a serotonin 1A (5-HT(1A)) receptor agonist, are a feature of depression which are normalized with clinical improvement during drug therapy. We previously reported that SSRIs induce desensitization of 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) while estradiol benzoate (EB) produces a more rapid, partial desensitization. In the current study, time course and dose-response experiments demonstrated that two once daily doses of EB is the minimum needed to induce the desensitization response as indicated by 5-HT(1A) receptor-stimulated release of oxytocin and that 10 μg/kg/day EB produces the maximal response, a partial desensitization of approximately 40%. The effects of two once daily injections of 10 μg/kg/day EB on Gαz and RGSZ1 proteins were examined as components of the 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling system, which mediates the release of oxytocin and adrenocorticotropic hormone. RGSZ1 appears to be a major target for EB-mediated responses in the 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling system. A 55 kD membrane-associate RGSZ1 protein was greatly increased in the PVN and rest of the hypothalamus and moderately increased in the dorsal hippocampus and amygdala after EB treatment as well as after an acute dose of a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist. These results suggest that EB is a candidate for adjuvant therapy with SSRIs to hasten the therapeutic response and that RGSZ1 is a major target of EB therapy which could be explored as a target for novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of depression.
Mass transfer in a catalyst pellet during regeneration

Abstract The mass transfer associated with the regeneration of a single pellet of porous catalyst is described. Local carbon burning rate is taken to be first order with respect to local partial pressure oxygen. Oxygen and carbon concentration profiles in the pellet are obtained as functions of time for a spherical catalyst pellet surrounded by a gas film. From these results, over-all carbon burning rate equations for the pellet are obtained.
Allocentrism and Idiocentrism as Predictors of In-Group Perceptions: An Individual Difference Extension of Cultural Patterns

Abstract Cross-cultural research has shown that collectivists have more representations of others in their concepts of self and other persons than do individualists. Our research extends such research by investigating whether cultural variables of collectivism and individualism at the cultural level—conceptualized as allocentrism and idiocentrism at the individual level—could predict social referencing in cognitive representations beyond that of the cultural-level variables. We replicated the cross-cultural finding that collectivists generate more social references than do individualists. We also found that allocentrism was predictive of the number of social references generated by both European Americans and Mexican Americans. Thus, individual-level explanations in conjunction with cultural-level explanations may be required to better understand cognitive representations of social entities.
Performance of coastal structures against sequences of hurricanes

A synthesis of existing models and formulas is made to compute the virtual performance of rubble mound structures in shallow water under combined storm surge and breaking waves for sequences of hurricanes. The computed results for ten 500-year simulations are presented for a typical structure as an example. The crest height and armor weight of the structure are designed against the peak of a 100-year storm. The structure designed conventionally is exposed to approximately 350 storms for each 500-year simulation. The computed wave overtopping rate and volume during the entire duration of each storm are analyzed to assess the severity of flooding hazards. The computed progression of damage to the armor layer is caused episodically by several major storms but slows down as the structure ages. The computed results are also used to quantify the equivalent duration of the peak of a storm that yields the same overtopping water volume and damage increment as those computed for the entire storm duration.
Improved Prediction of Offset Ink Setting Rates Based on Experimental Data and Filtration Equations

The setting rates of inks on paper influence the printing operation and the quality of the final product. Although much work has been reported on the effect of the coating structure on setting rates, much less work has been done understanding the ink parameters, especially the influence of emulsification. A series of four papers were tested with three inks. The inks were characterized in terms of printing properties, rheology, and their filtration behavior. The filtration rate is used to obtain a permeability value of the ink filtercake. The value of the maximum tack was determined to be more dependent on the smoothness of the paper tested than on the type of ink. The dynamics and magnitude of the tack test were dependent on the ink viscosity, but viscosity alone does not explain the results. The measured ink filtercake permeabilities are different between the ink types by a factor of 2. The setting rate is found to be primarily a function of the viscosity of the oil used in the ink, rather than a functio...
Spatial and temporal distribution of caulobacter spp in two mesotrophic lakes

The seasonal distribution of Caulobacter spp. has been determined in the water column of two mesotrophic lakes using most probable number (MPN) viable counting techniques from April, 1972 to March, 1973. Concentrations in Lake Washington, a monomictic lake, peaked at 1000–3300 per ml in the epilimnion during the late spring and summer and reached lows in October of less than 2 per ml prior to fall turnover. The reason for the decrease in viable numbers is not known. Caulobacter spp. began to increase gradually in December, during the winter mixing period well before the spring bloom. Concentrations in Hall Lake, a small kettle lake, were somewhat higher than in Lake Washington, ranging from 0.27 per ml in October to over 5000 per ml during May. In contrast to Lake Washington, the highest populations were found in the metalimnion and upper hypolimnion of Hall Lake. Caulobacter spp. were also found in the anaerobic depths of the hypolimnion. However, these did not grow anaerobically, suggesting that they had settled into the hypolimnion and survived in the cold anaerobic zone. The populations of Caulobacter spp. reached maximum numbers at the approximate times and depths at which algal biomass would be expected to be greatest.
Endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina. Report of a case with 7-year survival and literature review of so-called "mesonephromas".

The case of an 11-month-old female infant with an endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina is reported. Five months after hysterectomy and vaginectomy, a left obturator nodal metastasis was noted, and subsequently treated by bilateral pelvic node dissection, radiotherapy, and multiple courses of actinomycin D. She is alive and without evidence of disease 7 years following initial treatment. The world literature of “mesonephromas” of the vagina has been reviewed, and it is apparent that such cases can be divided into two groups which are distinct both pathologically and clinically. Clear cell carcinomas (currently thought to be of mullerian derivation) occur primarily in adolescents and mature women, are generally found in the anterior or lateral vaginal wall, and are associated with a relatively satisfactory prognosis (8 of 17 patients alive and tumor-free from 1 to 5 years after primary treatment). Endodermal sinus tumors (such as the present case) are predominantly tumors of infants, are usually found in the posterior vaginal wall or the fornices, and carry a dismal prognosis (only two other 2-year survivors, in addition to the present case, among 13 reported cases). It is suggested that the term “mesonephroma” be replaced by a more precise pathologic diagnosis, and that therapy for vaginal endodermal sinus tumors in infancy continue to be vigorous and aggressive.
Monte Carlo assessments of goodness-of-fit for ecological simulation models

One often develops stochastic ecologic simulation models based on local interactions between individuals or groups and bases systemic conclusions on trends summarized over multiple data sets generated from the model. In many cases, such models generate data sets (“realizations”) each violating the usual assumptions associated with traditional statistical tests of goodness-of-fit, most notably that of independent observations. Monte Carlo hypothesis tests applied to multiple realizations from such models provide appropriate goodness-of-fit tests regardless of within-model peculiarities. The Monte Carlo tests address the question “Do the observed data appear consistent with the model?” in contrast to the usual question “Does the model appear consistent with the observed data?”. In addition, such tests can make use of the same data sets used to draw systemic inference (i.e. the tests require no additional simulation runs). We illustrate the concept using Pearson’s chi-square statistic with correlated data. We also consider the behavior of a similar statistic and of “modeling efficiency” in assessing the fit of a simulation model for the spatial spread of raccoon rabies in Connecticut. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Neurogammon: a neural-network backgammon program

A description is given of Neurogammon 1.0, a complete backgammon program which uses multilayer neural networks to make move decisions and doubling decisions. The networks were trained by backpropagation on large expert data sets. Neurogammon appears to play backgammon at a substantially higher level than conventional programs. At the First Computer Olympiad in London, Neurogammon won the backgammon competition with a perfect record of five wins and no losses, thereby becoming the first learning program ever to win any tournament
Overview of the biology of type I interferons

Type I interferons are pleiotropic cytokines with antiviral, antitumor and immunoregulatory functions. An aspect of their complex biology is the paradox that, depending on context, type I interferons can be anti-inflammatory and tissue protective or can be proinflammatory and promote autoimmunity. Along these lines, the activation of type I interferon pathways is effective in suppressing disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis and in animal models of arthritis and colitis, while there is an expectation that blockade of the same pathways will be beneficial in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Lipopolysaccharide modulation of a CD14-like molecule on porcine alveolar macrophages

Cluster of differentiation antigen 14 (CD14) functions as a receptor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) LPS-binding protein (LBP) complexes. Because LPS has varying effects on CD14 expression in vitro, we evaluated CD14 expression in response to LPS with a fully differentiated macrophage phenotype, the alveolar macrophage. By using flow microfluorometric analysis and a radioimmunoassay with an anti-human CD14 monoclonal antibody (My4) that cross-reacts with porcine CD14, we found that macrophages stimulated with LPS for 24 h exhibited a two- to fivefold increase in CD14-like antigen compared with unstimulated cells. At low concentrations of LPS, up-regulation of the CD14-like antigen was dependent on serum; at higher concentrations of LPS, serum was not required. In the absence of serum a 10-fold higher dose of LPS (10 ng/ml) was required to increase CD14-like expression. In addition, LPS-induced CD14-like up-regulation correlated with secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, regardless of serum concentration. Blockade with My4 antibody significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion at 1 ng/ml of LPS. However, inhibition decreased as we increased the LPS concentration, suggesting the existence of CD14-independent pathways of macrophage activation in response to LPS. Alternatively, My4 may have a lower affinity for the porcine CD14 antigen than LPS, which may have only partially blocked the LPS-LBP binding site at high concentrations of LPS. Therefore, these data suggest that LPS activation of porcine alveolar macrophages for 24 h increased CD14-like receptor expression. The degree of CD14-like up-regulation was related to LPS concentration, however, activation did not require the presence of serum at high concentrations of LPS.
Simple and fast inverse alignment

For as long as biologists have been computing alignments of sequences, the question of what values to use for scoring substitutions and gaps has persisted. While some choices for substitution scores are now common, largely due to convention, there is no standard for choosing gap penalties. An objective way to resolve this question is to learn the appropriate values by solving the Inverse String Alignment Problem: given examples of correct alignments, find parameter values that make the examples be optimal-scoring alignments of their strings. We present a new polynomial-time algorithm for Inverse String Alignment that is simple to implement, fast in practice, and for the first time can learn hundreds of parameters simultaneously. The approach is also flexible: minor modifications allow us to solve inverse unique alignment (find parameter values that make the examples be the unique optimal alignments of their strings), and inverse near-optimal alignment (find parameter values that make the example alignments be as close to optimal as possible). Computational results with an implementation for global alignment show that, for the first time, we can find best-possible values for all 212 parameters of the standard protein-sequence scoring-model from hundreds of alignments in a few minutes of computation.
Simple Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Guidance Strategies for Low-Thrust Spacecraft

Simple novel strategies are proposed for both the open-loop trajectory design and the closed-loop control of interplanetary low-thrust spacecraft. The open-loop design approach is based on constructing the acceleration vector so that certain characteristics of the trajectory follow desired proles. These proles are designed to guide a low-thrust spacecraft from an initial circular orbit to another coplanar circular orbit. In addition, the way in which the acceleration vector is constructed allows for its maximum magnitude to be adjusted to be arbitrarily small by making the total transfer time arbitrarily large. The closed-loop guidance strategy is to formulate the acceleration so that orbital characteristics will follow the proles constructed through the open-loop design process even with disturbances acting on the spacecraft.
DNA bending induced by the catabolite activator protein allows ring formation of a 144 bp DNA.

Abstract The effect of the catabolite activator protein, CAP, on the ligation of a 144 bp DNA was examined. This DNA has EcoRI ends and contains the lac operon CAP site and promoter-operator region. At low DNA concentrations (nM) and 37°C the presence of CAP and cAMP enables T4 ligase to convert the linear duplex to a covalently closed ring. Nuclease digestion and sedimentation equilibrium studies show that the ring is a monomer circle. Ring formation does not occur in the absence of either CAP or cAMP. The kinetics of ring closure, and the bimolecular joining of two fragments were measured. The presence of CAP decreased the rate of bimolecular joining of the EcoRI ends of linear DNAs. Thus the measured rates of ring closure are likely to be a lower limit for this process. Closure reactions carried out with ethidium bromide indicate that CAP induced bending rather than twisting is responsible for ring formation. The all or none nature of the closure reaction suggests that persistence length DNAs may be us...
A new model for circadian clock research

Mol Syst Biol. 1: 2005.0014 From a closer and purer league between…the experimental and the rational…much may be hoped . (Bacon, 1620) Although Francis Bacon proposed the benefits of interdisciplinary science in 1620, only recently have molecular biologists and mathematicians talked with any frequency. Although no modern biologist would deny the validity of computational approaches in biology—just look at the burgeoning field of Genomics—how useful mathematical modeling will be to biologists remains debated (Lawrence, 2004; Tyson, 2004). An answer may be here with a study in this issue of MSB by Locke et al (2005), which highlights the advantages of being able to work effectively with models and molecules. The study by Locke et al (2005) focuses on circadian rhythms, daily rhythms of behavior and physiology found in most organisms. These rhythms range from human sleep/wake cycles to leaf movements in plants. The cyclical nature and the precision of these internally driven rhythms has intrigued mathematicians and biologists alike. Yet despite working on the same questions for decades, most circadian molecular biologists have not embraced mathematical modeling. The following dialogue highlights similarities and differences in the views of a biologist (B) and a mathematician (M): B: I don't understand how ‘Math‐Biology’ will help my research—mathematical models seem more descriptive than predictive. M: Well, I have an excellent paper for you to read in which the authors move freely between computer simulations and experiments. Locke et al (2005) used experimental data to build a model, and …
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Spent Osmotic Solution (SOS) Generated from Osmotic Dehydration of Blueberries

Hydrothermal carbonization of spent osmotic solution (SOS), a waste generated from osmotic dehydration of fruits, has the potential of transformation into hydrochars, a value-added product, while reducing cost and overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal. Osmotic solution (OS) and spent osmotic solution (SOS) generated from the osmotic dehydration of blueberries were compared for their thermo-chemical decomposition behavior and hydrothermal carbonization. OS and SOS samples were characterized for total solids, elemental composition, and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, hydrothermal carbonization was performed at 250 °C and for 30 min to produce hydrochars. The hydrochars were characterized for elemental composition, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, particle shape and surface morphology. TGA results show that the SOS sample loses more weight in the lower temperature range than the OS sample. Both samples produced, approximately, 40%–42% (wet-feed basis) hydrochar during hydrothermal carbonization but with different properties. The OS sample produced hydrochar, which had spherical particles of 1.79 ± 1.30 μm diameter with a very smooth surface. In contrast, the SOS sample produced hydrochar with no definite particle shape but with a raspberry-like surface.
A variable gain CMOS amplifier with exponential gain control

A variable gain amplifier architecture suitable for foundry CMOS is constructed using linearized transconductance blocks. The use of a four-transistor transconductance cell allows for wider gain range and larger signal swing under low supply conditions than the simple differential pair used in previous work. Experimental results with 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS show -5 to 35 dB gain and 20 MHz bandwidth at 21 mW.
Addressing the critical health problem of adolescent substance use through health care, research, and public policy.

Abstract The use of addictive substances—tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs—during adolescence interferes with brain development and increases the risk of serious health and mental health conditions, including addiction. Yet, adolescents live in a culture in which family, social, community, and media influences regularly bombard them with pro-substance use messages, creating an environment in which substance use is considered an expected behavior, rather than a considerable health risk. To prevent the significant harm that falls to teens and young adults because of substance use, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA Columbia) undertook a study to explore how adolescent brain development relates to the risk of substance use and addiction; the cultural influences that create an environment in which substance use is considered normative behavior; individual factors that make some teens more disposed to substance use and addiction; and evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies for addressing this problem. The recently published report Adolescent Substance Use: America's #1 Public Health Problem concludes that risky substance use is a major public health problem that can be ameliorated through evidence-based public health measures, including education about the disease and its risk factors, screenings, and clinical interventions, and that addiction can be treated and managed effectively within routine health care practice and specialty care.
Privacy Protection in Pervasive Healthcare Monitoring Systems with Active Bundles

The main problem in pervasive healthcare monitoring systems is protection of patient privacy without compromising their safety. Current solutions have two main limitations: (1) they require an extensive exchange of messages among patient's caregivers and devices in order to protect data, and (2) they depend on using data decryption keys that must be provided to specific caregivers. The second limitation compromises safety of patients who need urgent help while their ad hoc caregivers have no access to their health data (since they have no needed decryption keys). This paper proposes an approach for protecting privacy of patients based on active bundles. An active bundle encapsulates sensitive data, metadata, and a virtual machine. In healthcare monitoring systems, "sensitive data" are monitored health data. To avoid compromising of safety of patients who need urgent help, our approach does not depend on the use of decryption keys provided to specific caregivers (which is a commonly used approach). Instead, it combines the use of privacy policies and protection mechanisms included within active bundles, such as evaporation and apoptosis. In our approach, ad hoc caregivers are able to access urgently needed patients' data. Their authorizations are provided via privacy policies encapsulated in metadata of an active bundle including health data.
Thigh muscle stiffness assessed with magnetic resonance elastography in hyperthyroid patients before and after medical treatment

Purpose: To measure the stiffness of the vastus medialis (VM) in hyperthyroid patients before and after treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of five healthy euthyroid patients and five hyperthyroid patients were tested using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), which involves the induction of shear waves in the thigh muscles using a pneumatic driver at 90 Hz. Results: Among the pretreatment hyperthyroid cohort a lower stiffness was found when the muscle was relaxed (2.11 0.61 kPa) compared the stiffness following treatment of hyperthyroidism (5.52 1.52 kPa), which was accompanied by an improvement in the contractile function of the VM. Pretreatment muscle stiffness was also less than that of age matched healthy volunteers (4.56 0.40 kPa). The behavior of the waves was sensitive to the stage of this myopathy and to the amount of free thyroxine (FT4). Conclusion: The MRE technique provides a new tool to gain new insights into pathophysiology of thyroid associated and other muscle diseases and their response to treatment.
Sequences of Non-Gegenbauer-Humbert Polynomials Meet the Generalized Gegenbauer-Humbert Polynomials

Here, we present a connection between a sequence of polynomials generated by a linear recurrence relation of order 2 and sequences of the generalized Gegenbauer-Humbert polynomials. Many new and known transfer formulas between non-Gegenbauer-Humbert polynomials and generalized Gegenbauer-Humbert polynomials are given. The applications of the relationship to the construction of identities of polynomial sequences defined by linear recurrence relations are also discussed.
Electrochemical characterization and in vivo biocompatibility of a thick-film printed sensor for continuous in vivo monitoring

This paper assessed the material biocompatibility and investigated the temporal modulation in electrochemical performance of printed thick-film electrochemical sensing devices (ESDs) that can serve as the basis of various enzymatic sensor in detecting an electrochemically potent species. The sensors were placed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), human serum, or implanted subcutaneously in rats, free or in stainless steel cages. The exudate collection allowed the evaluation of inflammatory cell populations, up to 21 days. The ferrous/ferric redox electrode reactions were used to assess the electrode elements performance for up to 49 days. Following testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated cell surface adhesion, while fibrous capsules were examined by histology. It was determined that the exudates leukocyte concentration due to the presence of sensors was comparable to the empty cage controls. For the length of the study, the sensors functionality appeared not to be influenced by the in vivo environment, when tested ex vivo, without the surrounding fibrous capsule. Surface imaging (SEM) indicated temporal focal dissolution of the Ag/AgCl electrodes with no apparent local toxicity. We concluded that the ESDs were biocompatible and their ex vivo functionality was not lost when maintained in vivo for up to 49 days.
Enhanced Functional Brain Imaging by Using Adaptive Filtering and a Depth Compensation Algorithm in Diffuse Optical Tomography

Reflectance diffuse optical tomography (rDOT) of brain function is limited by its high sensitivity to the superficial tissues (i.e., the scalp and skull) and by its severe decrease in measurement sensitivity with increased depth. Significant interference in rDOT results from spontaneous fluctuations that are embedded in both the superficial tissues and brain, such as arterial pulsation and vasomotion. In this study, first we investigate coherence and phase shift of the spontaneous fluctuations in the resting state, within the superficial tissues and at various depths of the brain, respectively. We demonstrate that the spontaneous fluctuations originating from arterial pulsations (~ 1 Hz) are spatially global and temporally coherent, while the fluctuations originating from vasomotion (~ 0.1 Hz) tend to have less coherence with increased depth. Second, adaptive cancellation of spontaneous fluctuations with a frequency-specific strategy is utilized and validated in both resting and activation (evoked by a finger-tapping task) states. Third, improved depth localization of motor activation in reconstructed rDOT images is achieved by combining adaptive cancellation with a depth compensation algorithm that we recently reported.
Trends in Meniscus Repair and Meniscectomy in the United States, 2005-2011

Background:Meniscus deficiency may lead to degenerative arthritis in the knee. There is a significant emphasis on meniscus preservation, particularly in the young patient, to reduce the risk of arthritis.Purpose:To report on the incidence of meniscus repair and meniscectomy, with and without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, in the United States (US) over the past 7 years.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 29880 and 29881), meniscus repair (CPT codes 29882 and 29883), and ACL reconstruction (CPT code 29888) for the years 2005 through 2011 were identified using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. Age group and sex were collected for each patient. Patient groups included meniscectomy alone, meniscus repair alone, meniscus repair followed by meniscectomy, ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair, and ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair followe...
A New Polymer-Based Hydrogen Getter

Styrene-butadiene triblock copolymer PS-PB-PS was hydrogenated in the bulk using the Crabtree catalyst [Ir(COD)(py)(tcyp)]PF6 (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, py = pyridene, tcyp = tricyclohexylphosphine). Since this polymer/catalyst mixture reacts rapidly with hydrogen at ambient temperature and low hydrogen pressures, it should act as an effective hydrogen getter.
Development of a Model System to Evaluate Local Recurrence in Osteosarcoma and Assessment of the Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

Purpose: It is increasingly relevant to better define what constitutes an adequate surgical margin in an effort to improve reconstructive longevity and functional outcomes following osteosarcoma surgery. In addition, nonunion remains a challenging problem in some patients following allograft reconstruction. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) could enhance osseous union, but has been historically avoided due to concerns that it may promote tumor recurrence. Experimental Design: An orthotopic xenograft murine model was utilized to describe the natural temporal course of osteosarcoma growth. Tumors were treated either with surgery alone, surgery and single-agent chemotherapy, or surgery and dual-agent chemotherapy to assess the relationship between surgical margin and local recurrence. The effect of BMP-2 on local recurrence was similarly assessed. Results: Osteosarcoma tumor growth was categorized into reproducible phases. Margins greater than 997 μm resulted in local control following surgery alone. Margins greater than 36 μm resulted in local control following surgery and single-agent chemotherapy. Margins greater than 12 μm resulted in local control following surgery and dual-agent chemotherapy. The application of exogenous BMP-2 does not confer an increased risk of local recurrence. Conclusions: This model reliably reproduces the clinical, radiographic, and surgical conditions encountered in human osteosarcoma. It successfully incorporates relevant chemotherapy, further paralleling the human experience. Surgical margins required to achieve local control in osteosarcoma can be reduced using single-agent chemotherapy and further decreased using dual-agent chemotherapy. The application of BMP-2 does not increase local recurrence in this model. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 3003–12. ©2014 AACR . See related commentary by Weiss, p. 2889
Design considerations for a GaAs pipelined A/D converter

A steadily improving GaAs MESFET technology warrants investigation into opportunities for high-speed analog signal processing, in particular analog-digital (A/D) converter design. With the knowledge developed for silicon A/D converter design, it is possible to devise strategies for GaAs. Pipelined architectures are a likely candidate for successful implementation in GaAs. >
Costs and benefits of allomothering in wild capped langurs (Presbytis pileata)

Data from a 15-month field study of the capped langur monkey, Presbytis pileata, in Bangladesh indicate that allomothering behavior is restricted to particular female-infant dyads. Primary allomothers were all parous adult females; nulliparous females rarely allo-mothered, Newborn infants were transferred from the mother to other females within a short time of birth, as reported for some other colobine species, but over the first 3 months of life each neonate's contact with nonmothers was largely restricted to a single allomother in each of five study groups. Capped langur mothers with newborn infants spent more time feeding when the infant was being allomothered than when it was in the mother's care. The model of allomothering as a selfish behavior by nulliparous or pregnant females used to enhance maternal skills at the expense of mothers is not supported by this study. Rather, allomothering may have adaptive significance as altruistic behavior among group females, in that it enables lactating females to increase feeding time. Capped langur allomothering is best interpreted as a low-cost behavior that can benefit recipients that may or may not be related.
Why Risk Analysis Isn't Working

Abstract In this article the author argues that despite its popularity among researchers and managers alike, Risk Analysis as a management tool has not been successful. He postulates that in the end managers will give up attempting to make formal analysis of risks, substituting more effective means of living with the ‘results’ of those risks as they arise.
Orientation transfer in vernier and stereoacuity training

Human performance on various visual tasks can be improved substantially via training. However, the enhancements are frequently specific to relatively low-level stimulus dimensions. While such specificity has often been thought to be indicative of a low-level neural locus of learning, recent research suggests that these same effects can be accounted for by changes in higher-level areas–in particular in the way higher-level areas read out information from lower-level areas in the service of highly practiced decisions. Here we contrast the degree of orientation transfer seen after training on two different tasks—vernier acuity and stereoacuity. Importantly, while the decision rule that could improve vernier acuity (i.e. a discriminant in the image plane) would not be transferable across orientations, the simplest rule that could be learned to solve the stereoacuity task (i.e. a discriminant in the depth plane) would be insensitive to changes in orientation. Thus, given a read-out hypothesis, more substantial transfer would be expected as a result of stereoacuity than vernier acuity training. To test this prediction, participants were trained (7500 total trials) on either a stereoacuity (N = 9) or vernier acuity (N = 7) task with the stimuli in either a vertical or horizontal configuration (balanced across participants). Following training, transfer to the untrained orientation was assessed. As predicted, evidence for relatively orientation specific learning was observed in vernier trained participants, while no evidence of specificity was observed in stereo trained participants. These results build upon the emerging view that perceptual learning (even very specific learning effects) may reflect changes in inferences made by high-level areas, rather than necessarily fully reflecting changes in the receptive field properties of low-level areas.
Impact of Wind Energy Installations on Domestic Manufacturing and Trade

This paper analyzes the impact of the increase in wind turbine demand from 2005 to 2009 on U.S. production and trade. The results of this analysis indicate that wind turbine imports rose substantially, but not as fast as U.S. production. Rising demand for wind turbines led to both a significant expansion of domestic production capacity and an increase in imports through 2008. The financial crisis and recession, however, depressed both domestic production and wind turbine imports in 2009. Overall, imports peaked as a share of the market in 2006 and U.S. production in 2008 and 2009 was significantly higher than in 2005, indicating a growing role for domestic producers. The number of foreign and domestic wind turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) producing nacelles or blades at one or more locations in the United States increased from one in 2005 to nine by the end of 2009, with six more OEMs planning to begin U.S. production. Other companies increased investment in U.S. wind turbine blade and tower production. If planned manufacturing plants come online in the next few years, U.S. capacity will continue to expand.
The State of State Courts: Efforts to Improve Interbranch Relations in the Wake of Perceptions of Crisis

Declining budgets, the need for court reforms and efforts to rein in court power necessitate examining how courts work with or lobby other branches of government. This article examines existing research on how courts do intergovernmental relations work and focuses on the need for the development of best practices.
Repeat readmission following major surgery among patients with employer-provided health insurance

METHODS: Patients discharged after any one of ten major surgical procedures (CABG, AAA, carotid endarterectomy, aortic valve replacement, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, pulmonary resection, hepatectomy, colorectal resection) between 2010-2012 were identified from a large employer-provided health plan. Maximum number of unplanned readmissions experienced within 365-days of discharge was assessed and factors associated with repeat readmission were evaluated.
Evidence of seabird guano enrichment on a coral reef in Oahu, Hawaii

Seabirds and coral reefs are two of the most threatened marine communities on earth, and they co-occur on many tropical islands and subtropical islands and atolls. Seabirds concentrate marine-derived nutrients on breeding islands in the form of feces (guano), and these nutrients dramatically alter terrestrial ecosystem ecology. Recent work in the remote Pacific indicates seabird-derived nutrients may also subsidize nearshore coral reefs, but the consequences of guano on complex, anthropogenically modified coral reefs are unknown. The impact of seabird guano on nearshore coral reefs around Moku Nui, an islet with a large seabird colony in Oahu, Hawaii, was investigated in comparison with coral reefs around three islets with lower seabird abundance. Reefs in close proximity to Moku Nui (where thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, Puffinus pacificus, breed) had greater concentrations of dissolved phosphate in seawater and greater δ15N in adjacent subtidal macroalgae relative to reefs next to smaller breeding colonies. However, dissolved nitrate was not different among islets. These results indicate that seabirds may be a source of nutrients for the waters surrounding Moku Nui that are already inundated with local and global stressors.
REGIONAL RIGHT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION AND CARDIAC OUTPUT IN REPAIRED TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) have changes in global and regional right ventricular (RV) function due to residual pulmonic valve stenosis and insufficiency, anatomic defects, surgical scar or conduction delays. Global RV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) obtained from
ATMOSPHERIC DENSITY CORRECTIONS FOR DIFFERENTIAL CORRECTION AND PREDICTION IN AN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

One of the most pressing problems in operational orbit determination is the error due inaccurate estimates for atmospheric density. This study will outline a method used to derive density scale factors from Space Surveillance Network data for satellites with known theoretical or average ballistic coefficients. The goal is to work toward a rapid, near real time method of obtaining density scalars to improve density estimates in operation catalog updates. Density scalars are derived for the orbits of five satellites for a period of approximately three months beginning day 300 of 1999. The quality of the scalars and the correlation between the data obtained from different satellites are examined. Methods of calculating daily scalar values for application to the full drag catalog are examined as well as a method for predicting scalar values for use in satellite state propagation. The scalars will be obtained using a prototype version of SPECTR, the orbit determination and prediction software in the Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW). Both the USSPACECOM Modified Jacchia 70 and the MSIS 90 atmospheric density models will be used in derivation of density scalars in successive orbit determinations over the study time period.
Magnetoresistance of Silver-Amorphous Alloy Thin Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering

The magnetoresistive Ag-Fe (amorphous alloy system) thin films were deposited on silicon substrates at room temperature by an rf magnetron sputtering system. The magnetoresistive properties of the samples was investigated in relation to the sputtering conditions, to increase the magnetoresistance of the as-deposited thin films at room temperature. The maximum magnetoresistance of 1.9% (at 200 kA/m) was found in the sample with sputtering rf power at 125 W, gas pressure at 2 Pa, and film thickness of about 200 nm.
Inverted flags in plains indian art : A hidden transcript

During the late 1800s Plains Indian women produced a vast amount of beaded art and many of the items created and used by the Lakotas and Cheyennes of this day were embellished with American flags. This seemingly paradoxical tradition, one where subordinated peoples employed the preeminent symbol of their oppressors as a design element in their expressions of ethnic identity, has attracted the scholarly attention of several anthropologists and art historians. While much has been published on this practice, no one to date has systematically explored why so many native artists of the past chose to render the flag in an inverted position. Historic photographs of this period also reveal scenes of daily life where Indian peoples displayed flags upside down. Contrary to what some authors have claimed, such occurrences were not accidental. Rather, they arose as a hidden transcript through which Plains Indians could safely convey their deep displeasure with U.S. Indian policies that so adversely affected them.