cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The historical bridge between the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil: a study of molecular phylogeography with small mammals

Aim To examine how the genetic diversity of selected taxa of forest-dwelling small mammals is distributed between and within the major rain forest domains of Amazonia and Atlantic Forest and the intervening interior forests of Brazil, as inferred by the relationships between gene genealogies and geography. I also addressed the historical importance of the central Brazilian forests in connecting Amazon and Atlantic Forest populations of rodents and marsupials. Methods I evaluated variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to estimate the levels of sequence divergence between those taxa occurring throughout the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and forests in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions. I inferred the hierarchical relationships between haplotypes, populations and formal taxa using the cladistic approach of maximum parsimony. I compared areas and the clades identified by superimposing cladograms on the geographical distribution of samples. The degree of concordance both in phylogeny and the depth of the nodes in these phylogenies, in addition to patterns of geographical distribution of clades, permitted me to make inferences on how, when and where the taxa differentiated. Results Sequence similarity is often greater between samples from the Atlantic Forest and either Amazon or central Brazilian forests than it is within each of the two rain forest domains. The Atlantic Forest clades are either not reciprocally monophyletic or are the sister group to all the other clades. There is some indication of northern and southern components in the Atlantic Forest. Given the geographical distribution of clades and the relatively deep levels of divergence, the central Brazilian area does not behave as a separate region but is complementary to either Amazon or Atlantic Forest. Patterns of area relationships differ across taxa, suggesting that different processes and ⁄ or historic events affected the diversification within each lineage. Main conclusions The Amazon and the Atlantic forests are not exclusive in terms of their small mammal faunas; both overlap broadly with taxa occurring in gallery forests and dry forests in central Brazil. Central Brazilian forests are an integral part of the evolutionary scenario of lowland small mammals, playing an important role as present and past habitats for rain forest species. Therefore, representatives from this area should always be included in analyses of the evolutionary history of lowland rain forest faunas. The incongruence of branching patterns among areas is in agreement with recent results presented for Neotropical passerine birds and indicates that a single hypothesis of Neotropical area relationships is unlikely. These findings reinforce the idea that speciation in the Neotropics will not be explained by any single model of vicariance or climatic changes.
A framework for destabilization of dynamical systems and mixing enhancement

A framework is presented for the destabilization of dynamical systems that are subject to disturbances and controls. Such destabilizing controllers are designed using a methodology analogous to "gain scheduling". At each point in the state space, the controller is designed to destabilize the local linearization of the system. The local destabilization objective is formulated as a linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control problem with an indefinite performance objective, and is therefore similar to problems in differential games and H/sup /spl infin// norm calculations. Optimal feedback controls are thus readily computed by solving the appropriate Ricatti equations. This problem formulation is motivated by the objective of mixing enhancement in nonlinear dynamical systems, which in turn motivates the consideration of these LQ problems with finite-time horizons and exponentially discounted performance objectives.
Thymosin β4 and corneal wound healing: visions of the future

Persistent corneal epithelial defects and inflammation within the central cornea can directly distort visual acuity and may lead to permanent visual loss. Therefore, treatments with agents that enhance corneal reepithelialization and regulate the inflammatory response without the deleterious side effects of currently used agents such as corticosteroids would result in improved clinical outcome and would represent a major advance in the field. Despite much progress in the areas of corneal wound healing research, clinically available pharmacological therapies that can promote repair and limit the visual complications from persistent corneal wounds are severely limited and remains a major deficiency in the field. Prior studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the potent wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of thymosin beta4 (Tbeta(4); Tbeta4) in numerous models of corneal injury. We are studying the mechanisms by which Tbeta(4) suppresses inflammation and promotes repair. Herein, we discuss some of our new basic scientific directions that may lead to the use of Tbeta(4) as a novel corneal wound healing and anti-inflammatory therapy.
How Health Conditions Translate into Self-Ratings A Comparative Study of Older Adults across Europe

Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we examine how respondents translate morbidity and disability into self-rated health (SRH), how national populations differ in SRH, and how normative and person-specific reporting styles shape SRH. We construct proxy variables that allow us to specify cultural differences in reporting styles and individual differences in relative rating behavior. Using generalized logistic regression, we find that both of these dimensions of subjectivity are related to SRH; however, their inclusion does not significantly alter the connection between SRH and the set of disease and disability indicators. Further, country differences in SRH persist after controlling for all these factors. Our findings suggest that observed country differences in SRH reflect compositional differences, cultural differences in reporting styles, and perceptions of how health restricts typical activities. SRH also seems to capture underlying but unmeasured health differences across populations.
Application of Bayesian regression with singular value decomposition method in association studies for sequence data

Genetic association studies usually involve a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (k) and a relative small sample size (n), which produces the situation that k is much greater than n. Because conventional statistical approaches are unable to deal with multiple SNPs simultaneously when k is much greater than n, single-SNP association studies have been used to identify genes involved in a disease’s pathophysiology, which causes a multiple testing problem. To evaluate the contribution of multiple SNPs simultaneously to disease traits when k is much greater than n, we developed the Bayesian regression with singular value decomposition (BRSVD) method. The method reduces the dimension of the design matrix from k to n by applying singular value decomposition to the design matrix. We evaluated the model using a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampler constructed from the posterior densities driven by conjugate prior densities. Permutation was incorporated to generate empirical p-values. We applied the BRSVD method to the sequence data provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 and found that the BRSVD method is a practical method that can be used to analyze sequence data in comparison to the single-SNP association test and the penalized regression method.
Using knowledge‐based systems for estimating risks inherent in a proposed KBS project

Abstract: This article describes the development of a knowledge-based system (KBS) for guiding both technical and non-technical managers in estimating the risks inherent in proposed KBS development projects. The work described here is part of an ongoing research project studying the use of KBS both to teach and to do KBS development. So far, as part of this research project, over the past two years close to 150 non-technical and technical full-time business managers have developed some 75 KBS prototypes in conjunction with an MBA course in strategic planning. Based on replies to a survey of this test group, 17% of the KBS developed were reportedly used at work, 14% led to promotions, pay raises, or new jobs, and 14% led to participation in other KBS development projects at work. All but two of the survey respondents reported that their work on the KBS development project led to a substantial increase in their job knowledge or performance. The KBS work described here extends research work described by Cullen and Bryman [1988], Slagle and Wick [1988], Cohen and Howe [1988], Dologite [1988, 1989], and Mockler [1989(A) and (B)].
The winged helix transcription factor Foxc1a is essential for somitogenesis in zebrafish

Previous studies identified zebrafish foxc1a and foxc1b as homologs of the mouse forkhead gene, Foxc1. Both genes are transcribed in the unsegmented presomitic mesoderm (PSM), newly formed somites, adaxial cells, and head mesoderm. Here, we show that inhibiting synthesis of Foxc1a (but not Foxc1b) protein with two different morpholino antisense oligonucleotides blocks formation of morphological somites, segment boundaries, and segmented expression of genes normally transcribed in anterior and posterior somites and expression of paraxis implicated in somite epithelialization. Patterning of the anterior PSM is also affected, as judged by the absence of mesp-b, ephrinB2, and ephA4 expression, and the down-regulation of notch5 and notch6. In contrast, the expression of other genes, including mesp-a and papc, in the anterior of somite primordia, and the oscillating expression of deltaC and deltaD in the PSM appear normal. Nevertheless, this expression is apparently insufficient for the maturation of the presumptive somites to proceed to the stage when boundary formation occurs or for the maintenance of anterior/posterior patterning. Mouse embryos that are compound null mutants for Foxc1 and the closely related Foxc2 have no morphological somites and show abnormal expression of Notch signaling pathway genes in the anterior PSM. Therefore, zebrafish foxc1a plays an essential and conserved role in somite formation, regulating both the expression of paraxis and the A/P patterning of somite primordia.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Sensing in the Unfolded Protein Response

Secretory and transmembrane proteins enter the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as unfolded proteins and exit as either folded proteins in transit to their target organelles or as misfolded proteins targeted for degradation. The unfolded protein response (UPR) maintains the protein-folding homeostasis within the ER, ensuring that the protein-folding capacity of the ER meets the load of client proteins. Activation of the UPR depends on three ER stress sensor proteins, Ire1, PERK, and ATF6. Although the consequences of activation are well understood, how these sensors detect ER stress remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that yeast Ire1 directly binds to unfolded proteins, which induces its oligomerization and activation. BiP dissociation from Ire1 regulates this oligomeric equilibrium, ultimately modulating Ire1’s sensitivity and duration of activation. The mechanistic principles of ER stress sensing are the focus of this review.
Using DVB-S2 over asymmetric heterogeneous optical to radio frequency satellite links

The DVB-S2 coding standard has seen widespread use in many radio frequency (RF) communications applications. The availability of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) intellectual property (IP) that can be used to rapidly prototype and field communications systems makes this well-performing, standards-based approach to forward error correction (FEC) coding extremely attractive. In this paper, we evaluate the application of the DVB-S2 coding standard to an asymmetric satellite communications channel. The uplink comprises a fading optical link employing binary differential phase-shift keyed (DPSK) modulation, while the downlink comprises an RF link employing 16-ary amplitude and phase shift keyed (16-APSK) modulation. To simplify the payload implementation, hard-decision uplink demodulation is considered with uplink channel state information transmitted on the downlink for soft-decision decoding in the ground-based receiver. Additionally, we outline many of the tradeoffs in the overall system design, and some performance results of a baseline design are presented.
Patch antennas for VHF vs Ka-band The very large & the very small

The design of the VHF patch antenna was straight forward and the desired performance was easily achieved from the prototype. On the other hand, this was not the case for the Ka-band patch. While edge-fed Ka-band patch antennas and arrays of such patches have been successfully designed, the difficulty here seemed to be with the ldquoaperture-fedrdquo Ka-band patch. Regardless of these difficulties, there is no doubt that hardware requiring aperture-fed patches will remain in our future. Two important lessons were learned from this authorpsilas experience that may help in that regard. Namely, 1) computational modeling tools must take into account substrate-groundplane truncation, and 2) rigid substrate(s) with micrometer-tolerance circuitry (lines and spaces) are a must.
Small RNA Overcomes the Challenges of Therapeutic Targeting of Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein

The plasma level of apolipoprotein B (apoB) is among the strongest risk factors for coronary artery disease. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) plays a key role in the lipidation of nascent apoB and the secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins enriched with triglycerides and is thus a promising target for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Yet, the development of MTP inhibitors to lower plasma lipid concentrations has been hindered by adverse effects on hepatic steatosis. A study recently published in Nature Medicine identifies microRNA-30c (miR-30c) as a potent repressor of MTP that controls plasma apoB-containing lipoprotein levels, in addition to decreasing hepatic lipid synthesis through direct targeting of lysophosphatidylglycerol acyltransferase 1 ( LPGAT1 ). These findings identify miR-30c as a novel therapeutic target that coordinately reduces lipid biosynthesis and lipoprotein secretion to suppress circulating apoB lipoproteins, while sparing the liver from steatosis. Hyperlipidemia resulting from elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. The prevailing approach to decrease coronary artery disease risk has largely focused on lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, particularly through the use of statins. Although effective, a substantial disease burden remains in patients receiving statin therapy, and statin intolerance limits its use for others, highlighting the need for novel approaches to lower plasma lipids. In that regard, nucleic acid–based therapies targeting miRNAs provide a new approach to treat cardiovascular disease. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through mRNA translational repression or destabilization.1,2 These small, but powerful, regulators of gene expression have proven to be key regulators of diverse biological pathways, including lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.3–6 During the past few years, the roles of miRNAs in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport …
Evidence for an Elongation/Reduction/C1-Elimination Pathway in the Biosynthesis of n-Heptane in Xylem of Jeffrey Pine

The biosynthetic pathway to n-heptane was investigated by examining the effect of the [beta]-keto acyl-acyl carrier protein synthase inhibitor (2R,3S)-2,3-epoxy-4-oxo-7E,10E-dodecadienamide (cerulenin), a thiol reagent ([beta]-mercaptoethanol), and an aldehydetrapping reagent (hydroxylamine) on the biosynthesis of n-[14C]heptane and putative intermediates in xylem sections of Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) incubated with [14C]acetate. Cerulenin inhibited C18 fatty acid biosynthesis but had relatively little effect on radiolabel incorporation into C8 fatty acyl groups and n-heptane. [beta]-Mercaptoethanol inhibited n-heptane biosynthesis, with a corresponding accumulation of radiolabel into both octanal and 1-octanol, whereas hydroxylamine inhibited both n-heptane and 1-octanol biosynthesis, with radiolabel accumulation in octyl oximes. [14C]Octanal was converted to both n-heptane and 1-octanol when incubated with xylem sections, whereas [14C]1-octanol was converted to octanal and n-heptane in a hydroxylamine-sensitive reaction. These results suggest a pathway for the biosynthesis of n-heptane whereby acetate is polymerized via a typical fatty acid synthase reaction sequence to yield a C8 thioester, which subsequently undergoes a two-electron reduction to generate a free thiol and octanal, the latter of which alternately undergoes an additional, reversible reduction to form 1-octanol or loss of C1 to generate n-heptane.
A Hierarchical Model for the Skew-normal Distribution with Application in Developmental Neurotoxicology

The distribution of the mean of a random sample drawn from a skew-normal population was derived by Chen et al. (2004). Here, we consider a hierarchical structure and derive the distribution of the sample mean when the location parameter itself is a random variable with a normal distribution. In neurotoxicological bioassay experiments with laboratory animals, often the response of interest is continuous in nature and the mean of responses is used for inferential purposes (Chen, 2006). However, in developmental neurotoxicity experiments where the neurological effect of a compound on the developing fetus is of interest, because of the intra-litter correlation, the mean of the response distribution may vary from one litter to another. The unconditional distribution of the litter sample mean is derived and its application in the analysis of data from developmental neurotoxicology is described. An example with real experimental data is used to provide further illustration.
Were the Stock Pools Manipulative

The main rationale that Congress provided for the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 was to eliminate manipulation, and the primary evidence of manipulation was the existence of "pools". Pools were concerted purchases and sales of a particular stock by a group of financiers who shared in the resulting gains or losses. Congress and most subsequent commentators have described the pools as efforts to manipulate the prices of the target stocks. This paper seeks to reevaluate the evidence relating to the pools. It argues that there is little or no evidence that they used such classically manipulative devices as wash sales or false publicity. The paper then uses event study methodology to analyze the price behavior of stocks that were the subject of pools. It finds that a sample of pool stocks earned abnormally high returns at the beginning of a pool, but that those abnormally high returns were not followed by abnormally low returns. That pattern is inconsistent with manipulation, although consistent with informed trading. The paper concludes that the evidence does not support either the notion that pools were a form of trade based manipulation or that they were a form of fraud.
Rapid detection of proteins in transgenic crops without protein reference standards by targeted proteomic mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry is increasingly used for protein detection for transgenic crops research. Currently this is achieved with protein reference standards which may take a significant time or efforts to obtain and there is a need for rapid protein detection without protein reference standards. RESULTS A sensitive and specific method was developed to detect target proteins in transgenic maize leaf crude extract at concentrations as low as ∼30 ng mg(-1) dry leaf without the need of reference standards or any sample enrichment. A hybrid Q-TRAP mass spectrometer was used to monitor all potential tryptic peptides of the target proteins in both transgenic and non-transgenic samples. The multiple reaction monitoring-initiated detection and sequencing (MIDAS) approach was used for initial peptide/protein identification via Mascot database search. Further confirmation was achieved by direct comparison between transgenic and non-transgenic samples. Definitive confirmation was provided by running the same experiments of synthetic peptides or protein standards, if available. CONCLUSION A targeted proteomic mass spectrometry method using MIDAS approach is an ideal methodology for detection of new proteins in early stages of transgenic crop research and development when neither protein reference standards nor antibodies are available. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Categorical spectral analysis of periodicity in nucleosomal DNA

DNA helical twist imposes geometric constraints on the location of histone-DNA interaction sites along nucleosomal DNA. Certain 10.5-bp periodic nucleotides in phase with these geometric constraints have been suggested to facilitate nucleosome positioning. However, the extent of nucleotide periodicity in nucleosomal DNA and its significance in directing nucleosome positioning still remain unclear. We clarify these issues by applying categorical spectral analysis to high-resolution nucleosome maps in two yeast species. We find that only a small fraction of nucleosomal sequences contain significant 10.5-bp periodicity. We further develop a spectral decomposition method to show that the previously observed periodicity in aligned nucleosomal sequences mainly results from proper phasing among nucleosomal sequences, and not from a preponderant occurrence of periodicity within individual sequences. Importantly, we show that this phasing may arise from the histones' proclivity for putting preferred nucleotides at some of the evenly spaced histone-DNA contact points with respect to the dyad axis. We demonstrate that 10.5-bp periodicity, when present, significantly facilitates rotational, but not translational, nucleosome positioning. Finally, although periodicity only moderately affects nucleosome occupancy genome wide, reduced periodicity is an evolutionarily conserved signature of nucleosome-depleted regions around transcription start/termination sites.
Proof of a Conjecture of Schoenberg on the Generating Function of a Totally Positive Sequence

Let be a sequence of real terms with which we associate the generating power series We consider the following definition due to Schoenberg [7, p. 362]:
In Vivo Lipogenesis in the Domestic Chicken

SummaryThe ability of chicks to utilize glucose-U-14C and acetate-1-14C as substrates for lipid synthesis has been studied. Chicks readily incorporated glucose and acetate carbon into fatty acids and nonsaponifiable lipids of liver and adipose tissue. Glucose-U-14C was also utilized for glyceride-glycerol formation. The relative importance of adipose tissue and liver as sites of fatty acid synthesis was estimated. Chick adipose tissue was found to be of minor importance as compared to liver, accounting for no more than 30% of total fatty acid synthesis.
Variation in energy available to populations of subsurface anaerobes in response to geological carbon storage.

Microorganisms can strongly influence the chemical and physical properties of the subsurface. Changes in microbial activity caused by geological CO2 storage, therefore, have the potential to influence the capacity, injectivity, and integrity of CO2 storage reservoirs and ultimately the environmental impact of CO2 injection. This analysis uses free energy calculations to examine variation in energy available to Fe(III) and SO42– reducers and methanogens because of changes in the bulk composition of brine and shallow groundwater following subsurface CO2 injection. Calculations were performed using data from two field experiments, the Frio Formation experiment and an experiment at the Zero Emission Research and Technology test site. Energy available for Fe(III) reduction increased significantly during CO2 injection in both experiments, largely because of a decrease in pH from near-neutral levels to just below 6. Energy available to SO42– reducers and methanogens varied little. These changes can lead to a gre...
Least Squares Isogeometric Analysis for Stokes Equation

Additional independent variables are needed in the least squares finite element method(LSFEM) using C0 element.An improved method,the least squares isogeometric analysis(LSIGA) was proposed to substitute LSFEM.In LSIGA,the high continuity non-uniform rational B-spline(NURBS) was applied as the basis function and only the primitive variables in the Stokes equation were adopted to define the least squares functional.LSIGA does not need additional independent variables,and it can generate the mesh automatically in analysis and the mesh represents the domain geometry exactly.An incompressible 2D Stokes flow was solved with the present method.The numerical solution agrees well with the analytical solution.The results show that the method proposed is applicable for solving the Stokes equation and its k-refinement increasing the NURBS continuity in analysis has an exponential convergence rate.
Reduction of nicotine self-administration by chronic nicotine infusion with H1 histamine blockade in female rats.

Chronic nicotine infusion via transdermal patches has been widely shown to assist with smoking cessation. In particular, transdermal nicotine treatment prior to quitting smoking helps reduce ad libitum smoking and aids cessation Rose et al. (Nicotine Tob Res 11:1067–75, 2009). However, despite this success, the majority of smokers who use transdermal nicotine fail to permanently quit smoking. Additional treatments are needed. Tobacco addiction does not just depend on nicotinic receptor systems; a variety of neural systems are involved, including dopamine, norepinepherine, serotonin, and histamine. Given the involvement of a variety of neural systems in the circuits of addiction, combination therapy may offer improved efficacy for successful smoking cessation beyond single treatments alone. We have found that pyrilamine, an H1 histamine antagonist, significantly decreases nicotine self-administration in rats. The current study was conducted to confirm the effect of chronic nicotine infusion on ongoing nicotine self-administration and resumed access after enforced abstinence and to determine the interaction of chronic nicotine with an H1 antagonist treatment. Chronic nicotine infusion via osmotic minipump (2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day for 28 days) significantly reduced nicotine self-administration in a dose-dependent manner. Chronic nicotine infusion also reduced the resumption of nicotine self-administration after enforced abstinence. Chronic pyrilamine infusion (25 mg/kg/day for 14 days) also significantly reduced nicotine self-administration. The combination of chronic nicotine and pyrilamine reduced nicotine self-administration to a greater extent than treatment with either drug alone.
Conceptualising ERP systems' value as a multidimensional formative construct

More than two decades of research on information technology IT value still leaves us with limited understanding of IT value and how to measure it in an organisation. In particular, for systems such as enterprise resource planning ERP systems where value can be realised across different dimensions at different points in time, the issue of measuring IT value becomes even more complicated. ERP systems have the potential to provide value across multiple dimensions from operational to managerial to strategic level. As with any other information technology, the value of ERP systems can be assessed using different metrics. The available methods of ERP value assessment such as financial performance indicators for the organisation do not provide multidimensional contribution of ERP systems. Very few studies in ERP value literature have quantitatively measured and validated ERP value across multiple dimensions. Using the balanced scorecard BSC approach, this study conceptualises and validates measures of ERP value across four dimensions of BSC: internal business oriented ERP value, customer-oriented ERP value, learning and growth-oriented ERP value, strategic and financial-oriented ERP value. The measurement model for ERP value indicates the robustness of measures used in the study.
Patient-reported Quality of Life after Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Background The purpose of this study is to assess patient-reported physical and emotional well-being during follow-up after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Methods All patients were treated in the context of a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption clinical study for patients at high risk for open TAAA repair. The short form 36 (SF-36) instrument was administered preoperatively, and at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results were analyzed using paired t-tests, with subgroup comparisons to assess the impact of adverse events and technical results on quality of life. Results Twenty-two patients (77% male) with a history of prior aortic surgery (60%), chronic kidney disease (23%), and age >75 years (77%) underwent endovascular TAAA repair. The majority of patients presented with extent III (41%) or IV (41%) aneurysms. Cumulative branch/fenestration patency was 100% and 96% and 1 and 6 months, respectively. At 1 month, patients reported lower scores across most of the SF-36 domains. Scores in role functioning, vitality, and social functioning were significantly lower than preoperatively (P Conclusions Endovascular TAAA repair results in reduced physical and mental health in the acute setting, irrespective of technical success or adverse events. By 6 months, however, patient-reported well-being returns to baseline levels. Ongoing efforts will continue to assess the effectiveness of endovascular TAAA repair from the patient-centered standpoint.
Noise reduction in planar imaging using stereoscopic image acquisition

408 Objectives We performed an initial evaluation of a new planar imaging protocol which is applicable to most planar techniques such as bone scans, myocardial perfusion planar imaging, lymphoscintigraphy, gastric emptying etc. Methods We modeled a planar imaging protocol in which the gamma camera would be positioned sequentially at two locations, six degrees apart, instead of in a single position. The imaging time for each of the two stereo positions would be halved, resulting in the same total acquisition time for both protocols. The stereoscopic monitor provides a 3D view of the imaged object. Computer simulations were used to create two noiseless projections corresponding to a planar bone scan. A computer program was written to display both the stereo and standard views side-by-side, and to provide the capability of changing the total number of counts from 1.5·106 to 4·106. Four viewers were asked to match noise levels in 48 image pairs for various display parameter settings and for a wide range of initial noise levels. Results All users were easily able to visualize the bone images in three dimensions, and could clearly distinguish between image regions located at different depths. We found that the perceived image noise with stereoscopic viewing corresponds to noise levels of regular scans with 60±80% more counts due to binocular summation. This noise reduction was highly dependent on the gray-scale settings and the initial noise level, and varied slightly between viewers. Conclusions Stereoscopic acquisition provides an alternative to standard planar protocols used in emission imaging. Three-dimensional perception of the object is easily achievable at the noise levels investigated. Binocular summation was shown to decrease perceived noise levels. Research Support This work was supported in part by the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health under Grant R21 CA123057 and American Heart Association, Scientist Development Grant, Grant 0735328N.
Abscisic acid improves tomato fruit quality by increasing soluble sugar concentrations

ABSTRACTAbscisic acid (ABA) is crucial in fruit maturation and senescence and is considered as the other ripening control factor other than ethylene. Important components in ripening fruit are soluble sugars, which make the fruit sweeter and carotenoids, important flavor compounds in ripened fruit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of foliar ABA and calcium (Ca) fertilizer treatments (individually and in combination) on determinate beef-steak greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids, fruit carotenoids, and soluble sugar concentrations. Foliar spray treatment of 500 mg L−1 ABA increased zeaxanthin (ZEA) and β-carotene (BC) in tomato leaf tissue. Increases in Ca fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tomato leaf violaxanthin (VIO), but no effect on other carotenoids. The application of 500 mg L−1 ABA foliar spray significantly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in tomato fruit tissue. Foliar application of ABA treatments can increase ove...
Some more average distance results

The purpose of this study is to present a taxonomy of expected distance functions (EDFs). An EDF is the expected (where expected is used in the strict probabilistic sense) distance formula for a given metric between two algebraically defined regions (e.g., the expected Euclidean distance between a semi-circle of radius r centred at (x1, y1) that has a known bivariate probability density function in r and θ and a line segment beginning at (x2, y2) and ending at (x3, y3) that has a known probability density function along its length). A modest library of EDFs for various metrics (rectilinear, Euclidean, Tchebychev, etc.) between pairs of common geometric shapes (e.g., lines, semi-circles, rectangles, etc.) is presented. The taxonomy of EDFs contained herein is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list. Indeed, it is limited in scope to those considered to be of practical importance to geographic information, transportation science, and mathematical modelling professionals.
Tendon and Ligaments

The term “musculoskeletal system” suggests that muscles and bones are the key components of this system. However, without ligaments and tendons, the supportive and locomotor functions of this system would be impossible to use. Tendons serve as connections between muscle and bone, thereby allowing the muscles to exert their contractile action. Most muscles in the human body have a tendon between the muscle and its distal bony attachment site. In some instances, the proximal part of the muscle appears to connect directly to the bone. The shape and size of the tendon can vary greatly. Flat and broad muscles tend to have flat and short tendons, such as the deltoid muscle of the shoulder. Long and often slender muscles tend to have long and round tendons such as finger flexor tendons. Ligaments provide stability for a joint as the muscle-tendon units can move that joint through a certain range of motion. Most ligaments can be found outside the joint cavity as separate structures or as thickened bands in the capsule. Some ligaments have an intra-articular location and are entirely within the joint cavity. The anterior cruciate ligament of the knee is an example of an intra-articular ligament. For a long time, both tendons and ligaments have been considered rather passive structures with simple anatomic features. During the past two decades, there has been a remarkable increase in research interest in ligaments and tendons largely because of the high prevalence of injuries to these structures. Tendon and ligament injuries comprise the majority of all musculoskeletal injuries seen both in sports and occupational medicine [ 1].
Measures of immune recovery following autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma and outcome.

8581 Background: Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) improves survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Recent studies have elucidated the relationship in ASCT between absolute lymphocyte...
Accuracy of Limited-Montage Electroencephalography in Monitoring Postanoxic Comatose Patients.

Background. Continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring may help to identify the small percentage of adults with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who will regain consciousness if allowed sufficient time....
Combined Catalase and ADH Inhibition Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction Despite Causing Oxidative Stress in Conscious Female Rats.

Background Ethanol-evoked oxidative stress, which contributes to myocardial dysfunction in proestrus rats, is mediated by increases in NADPH oxidase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Whether these biochemical responses, which are triggered by alcohol-derived acetaldehyde in non-cardiac tissues, occur in proestrus rats’ hearts remains unknown. Therefore, we elucidated the roles of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) and catalase, which catalyze alcohol oxidation to acetaldehyde, in these alcohol-evoked biochemical and hemodynamic responses in proestrus rats. Method Conscious proestrus rats prepared for measurements of left ventricular (LV) function and blood pressure (BP) received ethanol (1.5 g/kg, i.v infusion over 30 min) or saline 30 min after an ADH and CYP2E1 inhibitor, 4-MP (82 mg/kg, i.p), a catalase inhibitor, 3-AT (0.5 g/kg, i.v), their combination or vehicle. LV function and BP were monitored for additional 60 min after ethanol or saline infusion before collecting the hearts for ex vivo measurements of LV reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase activity, MDA, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Results Ethanol reduced LV function (dP/dtmax and LVDP) and BP, and increased cardiac NADPH oxidase activity, ROS and MDA levels, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Either inhibitor partially, and their combination significantly, attenuated these responses despite the substantially higher blood ethanol level, and the increased cardiac oxidative stress and reduced BP caused by 3-AT alone or with 4-MP. The inhibitors reduced cardiac MDA level and reversed ethanol effect on cardiac and plasma MDA. Conclusions Ethanol oxidative metabolism plays a pivotal role in the ethanol-evoked LV oxidative stress and dysfunction in proestrous rats. Notably, catalase inhibition (3-AT) caused cardiac oxidative stress and hypotension. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
On Lagrange Multiplier Tests in Multidimensional Item Response Theory: Information Matrices and Model Misspecification:

Lagrange multiplier (LM) or score tests have seen renewed interest for the purpose of diagnosing misspecification in item response theory (IRT) models. LM tests can also be used to test whether parameters differ from a fixed value. We argue that the utility of LM tests depends on both the method used to compute the test and the degree of misspecification in the initially fitted model. We demonstrate both of these points in the context of a multidimensional IRT framework. Through an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study, we examine the performance of LM tests under varying degrees of model misspecification, model size, and different information matrix approximations. A generalized LM test designed specifically for use under misspecification, which has apparently not been previously studied in an IRT framework, performed the best in our simulations. Finally, we reemphasize caution in using LM tests for model specification searches.
Defect Detection in LENS AM Using In Situ Thermal Camera Process Monitoring

This study utilizes in situ thermal imaging to monitor the melt pool during a LENS additive manufacturing (AM) process. A software tool is created which gathers metrics for each frame and summarizes them over every build. Plotted metrics allow a user to visually inspect the data, but the software tool also automatically identifies anomalies and flags them for further review. Anomalies are then correlated to physical locations in the build which are inspected for defects. This type of process monitoring could lead to fast detection of defects during a build, thus increasing the confidence in production quality and eliminating the acceptance of parts with abnormalities. An anomalous event was identified by the software tool and investigated with X-ray computed tomography. Defects were observed in the location identified by the software tool.
Perioperative Management of Temporomandibular Joint and Myofascial Pain

Current evidence suggests that arthrocentesis without the instillation of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid remains an effective treatment for many patients with temporomandibular joint pain. The treatments for bruxism and myofascial pain have less evidence to support or refute commonly employed management strategies. The use of an occlusal splint, muscle relaxants, and occasionally botulinum toxin appears to be reasonable choices for bruxism. Myofascial pain may also benefit from the same treatments although jaw exercises, heat, spray and stretch, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dry needling, trigger point injections (TrP) with local anesthesia, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuromodulators may be equally effective. Supplemental analgesics should also be employed to reduce pain and improve quality of life, while the use of opioids is generally not supported.
Bridges of Understanding: Global Inclusion in Religious Studies (Lovern)

This chapter examines the ways in which Religious Studies function to bridge inclusion gaps. Using Huston Smith’s model of exoteric and esoteric paths and an understanding of beauty in all wisdom traditions, the chapter advances the inclusion of all religious and spiritual traditions as a means of developing critical thinking skills. It establishes strategies for dealing with the high-risk teaching in Religious Studies. It discusses the difficulties that can be encountered when students first encounter global religions. The chapter further advances the epistemic claims of global Indigenous traditions as a means for critiquing Western epistemic claims. The argument is that global Indigenous paradigms offer a solution to the problems established in Western dichotomous paradigms.
Aborto en Chile: avances en derechos humanos

Aquest article descriu el proces politic i legal de l'aprovacio de la Llei N°21.030 sobre la interrupcio voluntaria de l'embaras en tres suposits a Xile des d'un enfocament de respecte als Drets Humans. S’hi descriuen i analitzen dades sobre la situacio de l'avortament al pais, una breu ressenya historica del proces politic i del debat de la llei i els desafiaments en materia de drets sexuals i reproductius per al compliment de la normativa.
Pilot Study Comparing Nasal vs Oral Intubation for Dental Surgery by Physicians, Nurse Anesthetists, and Trainees

The purpose of this article was to determine if pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia utilizing orotracheal intubation takes longer than using nasotracheal intubation techniques. Twenty-six American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification I and II pediatric dental patients, ages 2-8 years treated under general anesthesia, were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (a) nasotracheal intubation (control, n = 13), (b) orotracheal intubation (experimental, n = 13). Times for intubation, radiographic imaging, and dental procedures, as well as total case time were quantified. Data were collected on airway difficulty, numbers of providers needed for intubation, intubation attempts, and intubation trauma. There was a significant difference in mean intubation time (oral = 2.1 minutes versus nasal = 6.3 minutes; p < .01). There was no difference in mean radiograph time (oral = 4.2 minutes versus nasal = 3.4 minutes; p = .144), and overall radiograph image quality was not affected. There was no difference in dental procedure time ( p = .603) or total case time ( p = .695). Additional providers were needed for intubation and more attempts were required for nasotracheal intubation versus orotracheal intubation (6 additional providers/22 attempts vs 0 additional providers/15 attempts, p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). Nine of 13 nasotracheal intubations were rated as traumatic (69%) versus 0 of 13 for orotracheal intubations (0%) ( p < .01). In 7/9 orotracheal intubation cases (78%), the tube was not moved during treatment ( p < .01). Orotracheal intubation does not increase case time, does not interfere with radiographic imaging, and is less traumatic for the patient when performed by physician anesthesiologists, emergency and pediatric medicine physician residents, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and student nurse anesthetists, all with variable nasotracheal intubation experience.
Acetylcholine receptors in the retinas of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor knockout mouse

Purpose The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is widely expressed in the nervous system, including in the inner retinal neurons in all species studied to date. Although reductions in the expression of α7 nAChRs are thought to contribute to the memory and visual deficits reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and schizophrenia , the α7 nAChR knockout (KO) mouse is viable and has only slight visual dysfunction. The absence of a major phenotypic abnormality may be attributable to developmental mechanisms that serve to compensate for α7 nAChR loss. We hypothesized that the upregulation of genes encoding other nAChR subunits or muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtypes during development partially accounts for the absence of major deficiencies in the α7 nAChR KO mouse. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the deletion of the α7 nAChR subunit in a mouse model resulted in changes in the regulation of other cholinergic receptors or other ion channels in an α7 nAChR KO mouse when compared to a wild-type (WT) mouse.
Medication Errors: Preventing Untimely Deaths

Medication adverse events play a huge role in hospital deaths and morbidity in the US. This plays a large role in the public health of the US at large. Health education is a primary target for those taking medications. A quality assurance or improvement program that is appropriate to capture drug events and measure quality data is essential to prevent these untimely and mostly preventable deaths. This study examines medication errors, the cause and effect and what leaders can do to prevent untimely patient deaths.
The Kraton Revolution: Religion, Culture, Regime Change and Democracy in Yogyakarta

This chapter explores the interplay of kebudayaan and agama in Yogyakarta at the end of the New Order and the ways in which Sultan Hamengkubuwana X used the kraton as a stage for cultural/religious/political drama that figured significantly in the process of Reformasi that led to the democratic transformation of 1998.
The Effect of the Time Constant of Radiosonde Sensors on the Measurement of Temperature and Humidity Discontinuities in the Atmosphere

The time constant of the sensing elements prevents the radiosonde from indicating the exact height, thickness and gradient of temperature and humidity discontinuity layers in the atmosphere. The error in the indicated value of these layer parameters is derived as a function of layer thickness and time constant. The importance of the assumptions and the ability to determine accurately the time constant of the temperature and humidity sensors are briefly discussed. It is concluded that significant improvement in the accuracy of these layer parameters could be obtained by correcting this source of error.