cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonnutritive factors in colostrum enhance myofibrillar protein synthesis in the newborn Pig

Colostrum is a complex source of nutrients, immune factors, and bioactive substances consumed by newborn mammals. In previous work, we observed that protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle of newborn piglets is enhanced when they are fed colostrum rather than a nutrient-matched formula devoid of growth factors. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this response, we contrasted the fractional rates of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein synthesis of newborn piglets that received only water with those fed for 24 h with colostrum, a nutrient-matched formula, or mature sow's milk. Compared with water, feeding resulted in a 2.5- to 3-fold increase in total skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and this increase was 28% greater in the colostrum-fed than either the formula- or mature milk-fed piglets. Feeding also stimulated muscle ribosome and total polyadenylated RNA accretion. Ribosomal translational efficiency, however, was similar across all fed groups. The greater stimulation of protein synthesis in colostrum-fed pigs was restricted entirely to the myofibrillar protein compartment and was associated with higher ribosome and myosin heavy chain mRNA abundance. Taken together, these data suggest that nonnutritive factors in colostrum enhance ribosomal accretion and muscle-specific gene transcription that, in turn, stimulate specifically the synthesis of myofibrillar proteins in the skeletal musculature of the newborn.
Endovascular treatment of hemodialysis access pseudoaneurysms

Objective Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation is a complication of hemodialysis access. Open repair requires PSA resection, interposition graft placement, and insertion of a catheter as a bridge. Endovascular stent graft repair is an alternative that permits immediate use of the access site. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of stent grafts for repair of arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft PSA. Methods A retrospective review of medical records from October 2007 to March 2011 revealed 24 patients with a PSA who underwent endovascular repair using a stent graft. Indications for repair included PSA with symptoms (n = 11), PSA with skin erosion (n = 8), PSA with failed hemodialysis (n = 3), and PSA after balloon angioplasty of a stenosis (n = 2). Outcome measures were technical success, 30-day and 180-day patency, secondary interventions, and complications. All the statistical analyses were conducted by using software SAS 9.1 (SAS, SAS Institute, Gary, NC). Results Twenty-seven self-expanding stent grafts (Viabahn, W. L. Gore, n=25; Fluency, Bard, n=2) were used to treat hemodialysis access (arteriovenous graft, n=13; arteriovenous fistula, n=11) PSA in 24 patients (16 females; mean age, 55.7 years; mean body mass index, 28.4; mean PSA diameter, 19.5 mm). Comorbidities included hypertension (n = 22; 91.7%), diabetes mellitus (n = 8; 33.3%), and coronary artery disease (n = 4; 16.67%). The median time from access creation to repair was 455 days. The technical success rate was 100%. Balloon angioplasty of an outflow stenosis was performed in 56% of stent grafts. The 30- and 180-day patency rate was 100% and 69.2%, respectively. Three secondary interventions were performed for treatment of unrelated stenosis. Treatment failure occurred in five (18.5%) stent grafts due to infection (n = 3) and thrombosis (n = 2). Treatment of PSA with skin erosion was associated with failure due to infection (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, .38, 66.01). The remaining 22 (81.5%) stent grafts remain patent. The mean follow-up time was 268.9 days (median, 97.5). Conclusions Endovascular therapy is an effective and durable treatment option for patients with dialysis access PSAs. This technique permits immediate use of the hemodialysis access site as well as identification and treatment of associated stenosis. It may be considered as an alternative to open repair in patients who are anatomically suitable candidates.
Production of high-titer stocks of the English strain of rat cytomegalovirus.

A simple technique to increase dramatically the yield of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) from infected monolayers of a rat embryo fibroblast-derived cell line is described. The method, which involves daily changes of the cell culture medium, can result in a 50 000-fold amplification of virus from cell monolayers inoculated with only a few RCMV particles. This modification of the standard in vitro culture technique to amplify viral yield can be used to increase the sensitivity of the plaque assay for detecting very small amounts of infectious virus in organ homogenates of RCMV infected animals.
Influence of Deformation Temperature on γ - α Phase Transformation in Nb–Ti Microalloyed Steel during Continuous Cooling

)The dynamic continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagrams of Nb–Ti microalloyed steel for four dif-ferent deformation temperatures of 850, 900, 950 and 975°C were plotted by means of a combinedmethod of dilatometry and metallography. The influence of deformation temperature on continuous cool-ing transformation behavior and transformation microstructure was elucidated. The reason that the polyg-onal ferrite transformation field is shifted to the right and moved down as the deformation temperature isincreased and the progress of transformation for lowest continuous cooling rate of 0.5°C/s was obviouslyretarded at the lowest deformation temperature of 850°C was discussed in details based on transforma-tion kinetics and strain-induced precipitation kinetics, respectively. Moreover, the polygonal ferrite grainsize for lowest continuous cooling rate of 0.5°C/s can be significantly refined from approx. 15.4 μm to9.4 μm as the deformation temperature is reduced from 975°C to 850°C. In addition, the empirical equa-tion to calculate γ-α phase transformation start temperature was established, and the calculated A
Nonlinear control of a large gap 2-DOF magnetic bearing system based on a coupled force model

We utilize a nonlinear coupled force model for a two degree-of-freedom large gap active magnetic bearing system to develop a nonlinear backstepping-type controller for the full order electromechanical system. The force coupled model mandates the design of a new commutation strategy to ensure that the desired force is applied to the rotor. The controller requires measurement of the rotor position, rotor velocity, and stator current and achieves global exponent rotor position tracking. Simulations are provided to illustrate the performance of the controller.
Program optimization and exception handling

Optimization of programs that may contain exception handling facilities requires new techniques. Program optimizations that do not account for exception handling facilities may incorrectly transform a procedure that can raise an exception, producing different results from the unoptimized version. Restricted exception handling mechanisms that allow optimization are discussed. Data flow equations for determining the effects of exception handling are presented.
Long-time behavior of orientation correlation functions

Abstract The long-time behavior of autocorrelation functions of Q 1 , the l th rank irreducible product of components of a unit vector fixed in a single tagged member of a pure fluid, is studied. The Q 1 couple to nonlinear products of the conserved hydrodynamic variables. The asymptotic time dependence is determined by the coupling to bilinear forms. The correlation function for 〈 Q 1 ( t ) Q 1 〉 decays as t -7/2 for l = 1 and t -5/2-(1−2) for l ≥ 2.
Differences in Stereotypic Behavior in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5

The purpose of the current study was to investigate differences in the frequency of stereotypic behavior (e.g., engaging in repetitive activities; repetitive body movements such as rocking, spinning, handflapping; repetition of words or sounds; and perseveration on specific topics) using a psychometrically sound measure, the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped, second edition (DASH-II). The sample investigated included 261 adults with severe or profound intellectual disability (ID), 51 of whom met criteria for ASD according to the DSM-5; 84 of whom met criteria for the DSM-IV-TR, but no longer qualify for an ASD diagnosis with the new criteria; and a control group of 126 adults who did not qualify for an ASD diagnosis according to either version of the DSM. The DSM-5 captured a more impaired population in terms of stereotypies, though a significant difference remains between those who no longer meet criteria and a control group with ID who did not meet criteria for ASD under either version of the DSM. Highlights • Approximately 38 % of adults with ID currently meeting criteria for autism under the DSM-IV-TR did not meet the DSM-5 criteria. • Those who continued to meet criteria for ASD had higher scores on the DASH-II stereotypy subscale. • People meeting DSM-IV but not DSM-5 criteria had significantly more stereotypic behavior than adults without ASD.
Firing Property of Inferior Colliculus Neurons Affected by FMR1 Gene Mutation

Abstract Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation affecting up to 1 in 4000 individuals. The syndrome is induced by a mutation in the FMR1 gene, causing a deficiency in its gene by-product FMRP. Impairment in the normal functioning of FMRP leads to learning and memory deficits and heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, including sound (hyperacusis). The molecular basis of fragile X syndrome is thoroughly understood; however, the neural mechanisms underlying hyperacusis have not yet been determined. As the inferior colliculus (IC) is the principal midbrain nucleus of the auditory pathway, the current study addresses the questions underlying the neural mechanism of hyperacusis within the IC of fragile X mice. Acute experiments were performed in which electrophysiological recordings of the IC in FMR1-KO and WT mice were measured. Results showed that Q-values for WT were significantly larger than that of FMR-1 KO mice, indicating that WT mice exhibit sharper tuning curves than FMR1-KO mice. We also found the ratio of the monotonic neurons in the KO mice was much higher than the WT mice. These results suggest that lack of FMRP in the auditory system affects the developmental maturation and function of structures within the auditory pathway, and in this case specifically the IC. The dysfunction observed within the auditory neural pathway and in particular the IC may be related to the increased susceptibility to sound as seen in individuals with fragile X syndrome. Our study may help on understanding the mechanisms of the fragile X syndrome and hyperacusis.
The Use of Thin-Layer Chromatography in Experimental Xenobiology

Abstract Studies of the metabolism and disposition of most drugs or other xenobiotics share one common feature: the need for an analytical method to measure the xenobiotic and/or its biotransformation products in biosamples. Although chromatographic methods such as GC and HPLC are important and preferred by some laboratories, initial investigations of new xenobiotic entities are often conducted using radiolabeled compounds, and, in such instances, TLC assay methods are frequently selected. TLC is utilized in xenobiotic metabolism and disposition studies to evaluate the radiochemical purity of labeled xenobiotics, the extent of metabolism, the profile of metabolites in blood and excreta, the concentrations of the xenobiotic and specific metabolites in blood and other biosamples, the stability of the xenobiotic and its metabolites in biosamples, and the relative behavior of metabolites and reference compounds. Preparative TLC is frequently used to isolate specific metabolites. Thin-layer radiochromatography...
Zeroes of zeta functions and symmetry

Hilbert and Polya suggested that there might be a natural spectral interpretation of the zeroes of the Riemann Zeta function. While at the time there was little evidence for this, today the evidence is quite convincing. Firstly, there are the “function field” analogues, that is zeta functions of curves over finite fields and their generalizations. For these a spectral interpretation for their zeroes exists in terms of eigenvalues of Frobenius on cohomology. Secondly, the developments, both theoretical and numerical, on the local spacing distributions between the high zeroes of the zeta function and its generalizations give striking evidence for such a spectral connection. Moreover, the low-lying zeroes of various families of zeta functions follow laws for the eigenvalue distributions of members of the classical groups. In this paper we review these developments. In order to present the material fluently, we do not proceed in chronological order of discovery. Also, in concentrating entirely on the subject matter of the title, we are ignoring the standard body of important work that has been done on the zeta function and L-functions. 1. The Montgomery-Odlyzko Law We begin with the Riemann Zeta function and some phenomenology associated with it.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of clubfoot: implications for patient counseling

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of prenatally, sonographically diagnosed clubfoot; the incidence of associated anomalies; and the correlation with postnatal findings. Cases of prenatally diagnosed clubfeet were abstracted from a prospectively entered ultrasound database. Scans were reviewed for the presence of associated anomalies. Available neonatal charts were reviewed for correlation with prenatal findings. The incidence of prenatally diagnosed clubfoot was 0.43%. This was isolated in 33% of the cases and associated with other anomalies in 67%. All cases with associated anomalies were identified prenatally. There was a 40% false-positive rate for isolated clubfoot, all diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Prenatally diagnosed clubfoot was seen in 0.43% of this high-risk population. The correct identification of associated anomalies facilitates prenatal counseling, but limitations of prenatal ultrasound must be remembered. This information should be helpful to orthopaedic surgeons involved in the counseling of these patients.
Oral Manifestations of Allergic, Infectious, and Immune-mediated Disease

Patients often have oral symptoms, and physicians frequently identify lesions during routine oral examination. Being able to associate these concerns and findings with systemic disease is important to providing effective management of these conditions. This review summarizes the etiology, presentation, and treatment of many oral lesions associated with systemic diseases and infections. The primary focus was on lesions associated with allergic, infectious, and immune-mediated disease; however, other common concerns are addressed as well as lesions that may be misinterpreted as disease and how to address unknown lesions.
Permanent medialization of the paralyzed vocal fold utilizing botulinum toxin and Gelfoam

Abstract Summary: The clinical picture of a paralyzed vocal fold often has the same appearance as a subluxated arytenoid, with anterior and medial displacement of the arytenoid and a foreshortened and lax vocal fold. Previous work by the authors has shown that a subluxated arytenoid may be permanently repositioned by reduction and selective injection of the intrinsic laryngeal musculature with botulinum toxin. The injection changes the forces within the larynx, allowing the arytenoid to be brought back to proper position on the cricoid cartilage. This concept has been extended to the paralyzed vocal fold. It has been noted that even a clinically paralyzed vocal fold has voluntary motor units that may still act on the arytenoid through residual action from the interarytenoid and synkinesis. These forces are significant enough to manipulate the arytenoid and, thus, the vocal fold, into its correct, adducted position. In this paper, the arytenoid is mobilized to free any fibrosis. The thyroarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are then injected to prevent any forward synkinetic pull on the arytenoid. Next, a Gelfoam injection medializes the vocal fold to create glottic closure. This rebalancing sufficiently positions the arytenoid, so that valvular function is permanently restored. In the ten patients studied for over 1 year, there was a 90% success rate as measured by videostroboscopy, phonation time, and V-RQOL analysis. There were no untoward complications. All the materials used are nonpermanent. The procedure does not limit other techniques from being performed at a later time.
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Perioperative Complications and Hospital Outcomes After Ankle Arthrodesis and Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Background:The aim of this investigation was to analyze a nationally representative admissions database to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus on the rate of perioperative complications and ho...
The influence of process parameters on in situ inorganic foaming of alkali-bonded SiC based foams

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) foams were developed with a low temperature process by using an inorganic alkali aluminosilicates binder, also known as geopolymer. The foaming agent was the metallic silicon present as impurity in the SiC powder. Si 0 in the alkaline solution led to gas evolution that induced the foaming of the slurries. The binder was a geopolymeric resin with atomic ratio Si/Al = 2 and potassium as alkaline cation, classified as (K)poly(silalate-siloxo). The geopolymeric resin was prepared using metakaolin as aluminosilicatic raw powder, while the alkali aqueous solution was KOH/K 2 SiO 3 . Metakaolin in alkaline conditions dissolved and re-precipitated to form geopolymeric nano-particulates that acted as a glue to stick together SiC particles (90 wt.%). Process parameters such as water addition, mixing time and curing temperature were correlated to the foam structure. The formation of prolate pores induced anisotropy in the compressive strength. The foams were studied by dilatometric analysis in inert and oxidative atmospheres up to 1200 °C.
Childhood leukemia around nuclear facilities: a commentary

Epidemiologic studies on the health effects of living near nuclear facilities have been rare and, indeed, radiobiological models would not predict any detectable increase in cancer risk to the general public from the very low levels of radioactivity emitted by nuclear installations. Thus the recent evidence suggesting an excess of childhood leukemias in the vicinity of certain nuclear sites in the United Kingdom has generated considerable controversy. To help resolve the uncertainty and enhance interpretability of results, future epidemiologic studies will need to be designed with great care (and within realistic cost limits). This commentary suggests three areas for methodologic consideration: (i) definition and modelling of radiation exposure; (ii) selection of cancer sites and sensitive subgroups; and (iii) use of incidence or mortality data. Specific suggestions for further epidemiologic research are offered as well.
Beta-adrenergic receptors in chronic alcoholic rat hearts

Properties of cardiac β-adrenergic receptors from chronic alcoholic and control rats were studied to determine whether alterations in the receptor contribute to the decreased responsiveness of isolated working alcoholic rat hearts to β-adrenergic stimulation. The receptors, assessed in crude membrane fractions by the binding of (−)[3H]dihydroalprenolol, did not differ significantly in either number or affinity in alcoholic rats (22.5± 1.9 fmol·mg protein−1; KD=0.49 ±0.03 nmol·litre−1; n=7) compared with control rats (25.9±1.3 fmol·mg protein−1; KD=0.55 ±0.04 nmol·litre−1; n=7). Competition experiments indicated that there was no difference in the binding affinity of (−)isoprenaline for the alcoholic and control rat heart receptors, nor in the affinity of (−)propranolol for the alcoholic and control rat heart receptors. In the presence of 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate, the affinity of (−)isoprenaline for the receptors was decreased the same amount in the alcoholic and control rat hearts. These results suggest that the β-adrenergic subsensitivity of chronic alcoholic rat hearts is mediated by a biochemical mechanism other than a direct alteration of the β-adrenergic receptor or coupling between the receptor and adenylate cyclase.
Comparative performance of CF3I, CD3I and CH3I in an atomic iodine photodissociation laser

Abstract We have compared the performance of CF3I, CD3I, and CH3I in an atomic iodine photodissociation laser over the pressure range 1–200 torr. At pressures below 5 torr, CD3I produces larger energy outputs, while above 5 torr CF3I gives superior performance. The crossing of the laser energy output versus pressure curves is explained on the basis of collisional quenching of I(2P 1 2 )(≡I*) by undissociated alkyl iodide.
Invited Review Article: Development of crystal lenses for energetic photons

This paper follows the development of crystal diffraction lenses designed to focus energetic photons. It begins with the search for a solution to the astrophysics problem of how to detect weak astrophysics sources of gamma rays and x-rays. This led to the basic designs for a lens and to the understanding of basic limitations of lens design. The discussion of the development of crystal diffraction lenses is divided into two parts: lenses using crystals with mosaic structure, and lenses that use crystals with curved crystal planes. This second group divides into two sub-groups: (1) Curved crystals that are used to increase the acceptance angle of the diffraction of a monochromatic beam and to increase the energy bandwidth of the diffraction. (2) Curved crystals used to focus gamma ray beams. The paper describes how these two types of crystals affect the design of the corresponding crystal lenses in different fields: astrophysics, medical imaging, detection of weak, distant, gamma-ray sources, etc. The designs of crystal lenses for these applications are given in enough detail to allow the reader to design a lens for his own application.
End-group effects on the properties of PEG-co-PGA hydrogels

A series of resorbable poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(glycolic acid) (PEG-co-PGA, 4KG5) macromonomers have been synthesized with the chemistries from three different photopolymerizable end-groups (acrylates, methacrylates and urethane methacrylates). The aim of the study is to examine the effects of the chemistry of the cross-linker group on the properties of photocross-linked hydrogels. 4KG5 hydrogels were prepared by photopolymerization with high vinyl group conversion as confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry using a 1D diffusion-ordered spectrometry pulse sequence. Our study reveals that the nature of end-groups in a moderately amphiphilic polymer can adjust the distribution and size of the micellar configuration in water, leading to changes in the macroscopic structure of hydrogels. By varying the chemistry of the cross-linker group (diacrylates (DA), dimethacrylates (DM) and urethane dimethacrylates (UDM)), we determined that the hydrophobicity of a single core polymer consisting of poly(glycolic acid) could be fine-tuned, leading to significant variations in the mechanical, swelling and degradation properties of the gels. In addition, the effects of cross-linker chemistry on cytotoxicity and proliferation were examined. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the three types of hydrogels (4KG5 DA, DM and UDM) were biocompatible and the introduction of RGD ligand enhanced cell adhesion. However, differences in gel properties and stability differentially affected the spreading and proliferation of myoblast C2C12 cells.
Differentiation of CD8+ T cells into effector cells is enhanced by physiological range hyperthermia

In this study, we asked whether exposure to different physiologically relevant temperatures (33°C, 37°C, and 39.5°C) could affect subsequent antigen-specific, activation-related events of naive CD8(+) T cells. We observed that temporary exposure of CD62L(hi)CD44(lo) Pmel-1 CD8(+) cells to 39.5°C prior to their antigen-dependent activation with gp100(25-33) peptide-pulsed C57BL/6 splenocytes resulted in a greater percentage of cells, which eventually differentiated into CD62L(lo)CD44(hi) effector cells compared with cells incubated at 33°C and 37°C. However, the proliferation rate of naive CD8(+) T cells was not affected by mild heating. While exploring these effects further, we observed that mild heating of CD8(+) T cells resulted in the reversible clustering of GM1(+) CD-microdomains in the plasma membrane. This could be attributable to a decrease in line tension in the plasma membrane, as we also observed an increase in membrane fluidity at higher temperatures. Importantly, this same clustering phenomenon was observed in CD8(+) T cells isolated from spleen, LNs, and peripheral blood following mild whole-body heating of mice. Further, we observed that mild heating also resulted in the clustering of TCRβ and the CD8 coreceptor but not CD71R. Finally, we observed an enhanced rate of antigen-specific conjugate formation with APCs following mild heating, which could account for the difference in the extent of differentiation. Overall, these novel findings may help us to further understand the impact of physiologically relevant temperature shifts on the regulation of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell activation and the subsequent generation of effector cells.
On the global well-posedness theory for a class of PDE models for criminal activity

Abstract We study a class of ‘reaction–advection–diffusion’ system of partial differential equations, which can be taken as basic models for criminal activity. This class of models are based on routine activity theory and other theories, such as the ‘repeat and near-repeat victimization effect’ and were first introduced in Short et al. (2008) [11] . In these models the criminal density is advected by a velocity field that depends on a scalar field, which measures the appeal to commit a crime. We refer to this scalar field as the attractiveness field. We prove local well-posedness of solutions for the general class of models. Furthermore, we prove global well-posedness of solutions to a fully-parabolic system with a velocity field that depends logarithmically on the attractiveness field. Our final result is the global well-posedness of solutions the fully-parabolic system with velocity field that depends linearly on the attractiveness field for small initial mass.
Multiobjective telecommunication networks flow control

Pareto (1927) optimality is defined as the appropriate notion of optimality for resolving the conflict that arises in a multiclass telecommunications environment. The flow control problem in which each class of users has as a performance objective the maximization of throughput under an average delay constraint is considered. The nonlinear multiobjective problem that arises is transformed to a linear multicriteria program and is solved by standard techniques. Several properties of the efficient points are analyzed through a single queue example. >
Malnutrition and its impact on cost of hospitalization, length of stay, readmission and 3-year mortality--letter to the editor.

I would like to congratulate the Authors for such a thoroughanalysis of the impact of malnutrition on treatment outcome andhealth-care costs. It is of utmost importance nowadays to showthe way to improve the outcome and reduce costs using clinicalnutrition, particularly having in mind cost of disease-related mal-nutrition (over 14.6 billion Euros annually).
Dietary modulation of rat colonic cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity

Abstract Malignant transformation of cells is associated with enhanced proliferation and alterations in cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity. To investigate the role of PKA in normal colonic cell proliferation, PKA was characterized in rat colonic mucosa. In addition, rats were fed diets containing different fats (corn oil, fish oil) and fibers (pectin, cellulose, fiber free) to elicit varying levels of colonic cell proliferation in order to study this signaling system under normal physiologic conditions. Overall, PKA activities were higher in cytosolic compared to membrane fractions. PKA type II (PKA II) isozyme contributed 89 ± 1% and 96 ± 1% of total PKA activity in cytosolic and membrane fractions, respectively. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed the presence of mRNA for both the α and β isoforms of the regulatory subunits of PKA II. PKA activities were 21–33% higher in distal membrane and total distal fractions in rats fed a cellulose/corn oil diet compared to animals consuming the other fiber/fat diets. These effects were seen only in the distal colon, where the number of cells per crypt column was elevated only in animals fed the cellulose/corn oil diet relative to other diets. Diet-induced mitogenic responses did not involve significant changes in the relative activity of PKA I and II isozymes. These data demonstrate that dietary effects on PKA activity in the distal colon may be related to changes in cell differentiation as indicated by the number of cells per crypt column.
Behavior recognition in mobile robots using Symbolic Dynamic Filtering and language measure

This paper addresses dynamic data-driven signature detection in mobile robots. The core concept of the paper is built upon the principles of Symbolic Dynamic Filtering (SDF) that has been recently reported in literature for extraction of relevant information (i.e., features) in complex dynamical systems. The objective here is to identify the robot behavior in real time as accurately as possible. Two different approaches to classifier design are presented in the paper; the first one is Bayesian and the second is based on measures of formal languages. The proposed methods have been experimentally validated on a networked robotic testbed to detect and identify the type and motion profile of the robots under consideration.
The Flipped Class A Method to Address the Challenges of an Undergraduate Statistics Course

Undergraduate statistics courses are perceived as challenging by both students and instructors. Students’ attitudes, motivation, math anxiety, and preparedness can negatively impact the student and instructor experience and have the potential to negatively impact student learning. This article describes an attempt to address some of these challenges through structural and procedural changes to an undergraduate statistics course that is required for social science majors. The traditional lecture/homework structure of the course was “flipped” so that the majority of basic knowledge acquisition moved out of the classroom, making room for interactive activities during class time. The described changes had a positive impact on students’ attitudes toward the class and instructor as well as on students’ performance in the class.
Racial meanings and scientific methods: changing policies for NIH-sponsored publications reporting human variation

Conventional wisdom holds that race is socially constructed and not based on genetic differences. Cutting-edge genetic research threatens this view and hence also endangers the pursuit of racial equality and useful public health research. The most recent incarnation of racial genetics is not due to scientific discoveries about population differences per se, but follows from how the United States and other governments have organized racial categories. This article explains tensions in U.S. government guidelines and publications on the study of human genetic diversity, points out the absence of any compelling public health benefits that might justify this research, introduces conceptual tools for addressing the complicated heuristic and policy problems posed by medical population genetics, and offers two policy proposals to remedy the current problems.
Minimally important differences of the gout impact scale in a randomized controlled trial

Objective. The Gout Impact Scale (GIS) is a gout-specific quality of life instrument that assesses impact of gout during an attack and impact of overall gout. The GIS has five scales and each is scored from 0 to 100 (worse health). Our objective was to assess minimally important differences (MIDs) for the GIS administered in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing rilonacept vs placebo for prevention of gout flares during initiation of allopurinol therapy. Methods. Trial subjects (n = 83) included those with two or more gout flares (self-reported) in the past year. Of these, 73 had data for Weeks 8 vs 4 and formed the MID analysis group and were analysed irrespective of the treatment assignment. Subjects completed the GIS and seven patient-reported anchors. Subjects with a one-step change (e.g. from very poor to poor) were considered as the MID group for each anchor. The mean change in GIS scores and effect size (ES) was calculated for each anchor’s MID group. The average of these created the overall summary MID statistics for each GIS. An ES of 0.20.5 was considered to represent MID estimates. Results. Trial subjects (n = 73) were males (96.0%), White (90.4%), with mean age of 50.5 years and serum uric acid of 9.0 mg/dl. The mean change score for the MID improvement group for scales ranged from 5.24 to 7.61 (0100 scale). The ES for the MID improvement group for the four scales ranged from 0.22 to 0.38. Conclusion. The MID estimates for GIS scales are between 5 and 8 points (0100 scale). This information can aid in interpreting the GIS results in future gout RCTs.
The semantics and acquisition of number words: integrating linguistic and developmental perspectives

This article brings together two independent lines of research on numerally quantified expressions, e.g. two girls. One stems from work in linguistic theory and asks what truth conditional contributions such expressions make to the utterances in which they are used ‐ in other words, what do numerals mean? The other comes from the study of language development and asks when and how children learn the meaning of such expressions. My goal is to show that when integrated, these two perspectives can both constrain and enrich each other in ways hitherto not considered. Specifically, work in linguistic theory suggests that in addition to their ‘exactly n’ interpretation, numerally quantified NPs such as two hoops can also receive an ‘at least n’ and an ‘at most n’ interpretation, e.g. you need to put two hoops on the pole to win (i.e. at least two hoops) and you can miss two shots and still win (i.e. at most two shots). I demonstrate here through the results of three sets of experiments that by the age of 5 children have implicit knowledge of the fact that expressions like two N can be interpreted as ‘at least two N’ and ‘at most two N’ while they do not yet know the meaning of corresponding expressions such as at least/most two N which convey these senses explicitly. I show that these results have important implications for theories of the semantics of numerals and that they raise new questions for developmental accounts of the number vocabulary. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Characterization and implications of Ca2+ binding to pectate lyase C

Ca(2+) is essential for in vitro activity of Erwinia chrysanthemi pectate lyase C (PelC). Crystallographic analyses of 11 PelC-Ca(2+) complexes, formed at pH 4.5, 9.5, and 11.2 under varying Ca(2+) concentrations, have been solved and refined at a resolution of 2.2 A. The Ca(2+) site represents a new motif for Ca(2+), consisting primarily of beta-turns and beta-strands. The principal differences between PelC and the PelC-Ca(2+) structures at all pH values are the side-chain conformations of Asp-129 and Glu-166 as well as the occupancies of four water molecules. According to calculations of pK(a) values, the presence of Ca(2+) and associated structural changes lower the pK(a) of Arg-218, the amino acid responsible for proton abstraction during catalysis. The Ca(2+) affinity for PelC is weak, as the K(d) was estimated to be 0.132 (+/-0.004) mm at pH 9.5, 1.09 (+/-0.29) mm at pH 11.2, and 5.84 (+/-0.41) mm at pH 4.5 from x-ray diffraction studies and 0.133 (+/-0.045) mm at pH 9.5 from intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence measurements. Given the pH dependence of Ca(2+) affinity, PelC activity at pH 4.5 has been reexamined. At saturating Ca(2+) concentrations, PelC activity increases 10-fold at pH 4.5 but is less than 1% of maximal activity at pH 9.5. Taken together, the studies suggest that the primary Ca(2+) ion in PelC has multiple functions.
Advanced backcross QTL analysis of a hard winter wheat × synthetic wheat population

Advanced backcross quantitative trait locus (AB-QTL) analysis was used to identify QTLs for yield and yield components in a backcross population developed from a cross between hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Karl 92 and the synthetic wheat line TA 4152-4. Phenotypic data were collected for agronomic traits including heading date, plant height, kernels per spike, kernel weight, tiller number, biomass, harvest index, test weight, grain yield, protein content, and kernel hardness on 190 BC2F(2:4) lines grown in three replications in two Kansas environments. Severity of wheat soil-borne mosaic virus (WSBMV) reaction was evaluated at one location. The population was genotyped using 151 microsatellite markers. Of the ten putative QTLs identified, seven were located on homologous group 2 and group 3 chromosomes. The favorable allele was contributed by cultivated parent Karl 92 at seven QTLs including a major one for WSBMV resistance, and by the synthetic parent at three QTLs: for grain hardness, kernels per spike, and tiller number.
Lexical and affective prosody in children with high-functioning autism.

Purpose To investigate the perception and production of lexical stress and processing of affective prosody in adolescents with high-functioning autism (HFA). We hypothesized preserved processing of...
Control of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Alternative Activation by Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor

Tumor stromal alternatively activated macrophages are important determinants of antitumor T lymphocyte responses, intratumoral neovascularization, and metastatic dissemination. Our recent efforts to investigate the mechanism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in antagonizing antimelanoma immune responses reveal that macrophage-derived MIF participates in macrophage alternative activation in melanoma-bearing mice. Both peripheral and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) isolated from melanoma bearing MIF-deficient mice display elevated proinflammatory cytokine expression and reduced anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and proangiogenic gene products compared with macrophages from tumor-bearing MIF wild-type mice. Moreover, TAMs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells from MIF-deficient mice exhibit reduced T lymphocyte immunosuppressive activities compared with those from their wild-type littermates. Corresponding with reduced tumor immunosuppression and neo-angiogenic potential by TAMs, MIF deficiency confers protection against transplantable s.c. melanoma outgrowth and melanoma lung metastatic colonization. Finally, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, that our previously discovered MIF small molecule antagonist, 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine, recapitulates MIF deficiency in vitro and in vivo, and attenuates tumor-polarized macrophage alternative activation, immunosuppression, neoangiogenesis, and melanoma tumor outgrowth. These studies describe an important functional contribution by MIF to TAM alternative activation and provide justification for immunotherapeutic targeting of MIF in melanoma patients.
Post‐partum weight loss and glucose metabolism in women with gestational diabetes: the DEBI Study

Aims Women with gestational diabetes are at high risk for developing diabetes; post-partum weight loss may reduce the risk of diabetes. We evaluated the association of post-partum weight change with changes in glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in a subsample (n = 72) of participants from Diet Exercise and Breastfeeding Intervention (DEBI), a randomized pilot trial of lifestyle intervention for women with gestational diabetes. Methods Glucose and insulin were measured fasting and 2 h after an oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks and 12 months post-partum. Women were categorized by weight change (lost > 2 kg vs. maintained/gained) between 6 weeks and 12 months post-partum. Results Compared with women who maintained or gained weight, women who lost > 2 kg experienced significantly lower increases in fasting glucose [age-adjusted means: 0.1 mmol/l (95% CI –0.03 to 0.3) vs. 0.4 mmol/l (95% CI 0.3–0.6); P < 0.01] and 2-h insulin [10.0 pmol/l (95% CI –56.9 to 76.9) vs. 181.2 pmol/l (95% CI 108.3–506.9); P < 0.01] and a significant reduction in 2-h glucose [–0.9 mmol/l (95% CI –1.4 to –0.3) vs. 0.3 mmol/l (95% CI –0.3 to 0.9); P < 0.01]. In multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, Hispanic ethnicity, medication use, meeting the Institute of Medicine's recommendations for gestational weight gain, breastfeeding and randomized group, a 1-kg increase in weight was significantly associated with increases in fasting and 2-h glucose (P < 0.05), but was not associated with insulin or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Conclusions In women with gestational diabetes, modest post-partum weight loss may be associated with improvements in glucose metabolism.
Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry in Analytical Clinical Chemistry

This article is intended to provide a basic understanding of the principles and current configurations of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) technologies used in clinical laboratories. Multidimensional liquid chromatography (LC), interfacing with mass spectrometry (MS) using soft ionization systems, and the principles of modern mass spectrometers, quadrupole, time-of-flight (TOF), and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance, are discussed. The principles of ion traps and orbitraps are discussed as these technologies are increasingly being applied in clinical laboratories. As LC/MS/MS applications in the clinical laboratory continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, it is critical for clinical pathologists and laboratorians to understand the principles, design, and limitations of the technologies involved.
Baculovirus host-range

Baculoviruses are used as microbial insecticides, protein expression vectors, epitope display platforms, and most recently as vectors for gene therapy. Understanding the mechanisms that control baculovirus host-range and tissue tropisms are important for assessing their safety and for improving their properties for these biotechnology applications. In the past two decades some progress has been made and several baculovirus genes that influence host-range have been identified. Despite this progress, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that restrict baculovirus host-range is still limited. Here we review what is currently known about baculovirus genes that influence virus host-range.
Cryptococcal lymphadenitis: an unusual initial presentation of HIV infection

Lymphadenopathy can occur at any stage of HIV infection, with multiple aetiologies including reactive, infectious and malignant. An accurate and timely diagnosis has obvious implications for treatment. We report cryptococcal lymphadenitis as the presenting manifestation of HIV infection. The diagnosis in our patient was eventually confirmed with a lymph node biopsy. Fine needle aspiration cytology has been shown to be a rapid and cost-effective method, which has been used in the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in HIV infection, and could have been used to make an earlier diagnosis in our patient.
Prognostic value of normal regadenoson stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Regadenoson is a vasodilator stress agent that selectively activates the A2A receptor. Compared to adenosine, regadenoson is easier to administer and results in fewer side effects. Although extensively studied in patients undergoing nuclear perfusion imaging (MPI), its use for perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is not well described. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of a normal regadenoson perfusion CMR in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled to receive perfusion CMR (Philips 1.5 T) with regadenoson. Three short-axis slices of the left ventricle (LV) were obtained during first pass of contrast using a hybrid GRE-EPI pulse sequence (0.075 mmol/kg Gadolinium-DTPA-BMA at 4 ml/sec). Imaging was performed 1 minute after injection of regadenoson (0.4 mg) and repeated 15 minutes after reversal of hyperemia with aminophylline (125 mg). Perfusion defects were documented if they persisted for ≥2 frames after peak enhancement of the LV cavity. CMR was considered abnormal if there was a resting wall motion abnormality, decreased LVEF (<40%), presence of LGE, or the presence of a perfusion defect during hyperemia. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year for major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) defined as coronary revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. 149 patients were included in the final analysis. Perfusion defects were noted in 43/149 (29%) patients; 59/149 (40%) had any abnormality on CMR. During the mean follow-up period of 24 ± 9 months, 17/149 (11.4%) patients experienced MACE. The separation in the survival distributions for those with perfusion defects and those without perfusion defects was highly significant (log-rank p = 0.0001). When the absence of perfusion defects was added to the absence of other resting CMR abnormalities, the negative predictive value improved from 96% to 99%. Regadenoson perfusion CMR provides high confidence for excellent prognosis in patients with normal perfusion.
Strengthening mechanisms of graphene- and Al2O3-reinforced aluminum nanocomposites synthesized by room temperature milling

Powder metallurgy (PM) is a widely used processing method to synthesize ultrafine and nanometric grain-sized alloys and composites. While most previous work on synthesizing nanocrystalline (NC) metal-matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) has used cryomilling technique with liquid nitrogen and stearic acid followed by high temperature/high vacuum drying, we employed an advanced room temperature method that involves milling in ethanol followed by low temperature atmospheric drying – a much less expensive process. To understand the strengthening mechanisms of MMNCs, pure NC Al was reinforced with varying concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The results show that i) room temperature milling in ethanol followed by a relatively low temperature drying treatment can produce NC Al and NC Al MMNCs with grain sizes comparable to materials produced by cryomilling, ii) grain boundary strengthening as described by the Hall–Petch relation accounts for the strength of Al‐Al2O3 MMNCs, and iii) grain boundary strengthening and solute strengthening seem to account for the strength in Al‐GNP MMNCs.
Microbial Uses in the Remediation of Metal-Impacted Soils

Metal(loid)-impacted soils represent one of the more difficult environmental systems to remediate. Physicochemical heterogeneities combined with varying environmental conditions challenge both abiotic and biotic mitigation efforts. Yet, metal toxicities within soil systems are a growing concern that due to the recalcitrance of metals and metalloids will continue to persist. With renewed efforts, microbial-based technologies are being examined in the identification, prevention and remediation of metal-impacted soils, resulting in a re-emergence of old technologies with new perspectives and novel microbial uses. This chapter summarizes some of these efforts and provides a look into the future of microbial-based soil remediation.
A Perspective on Materials Informatics: State-of-the-Art and Challenges

We review how classification and regression methods have been used on materials problems and outline a design loop that serves as a basis for adaptively finding materials with targeted properties.