cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational structure of the solvated glycine zwitterion

Abstract The vibrational frequencies of glycine in aqueous solution are calculated. The effects of the water—glycine interactions on the forces and force constants of glycine, calculated using an ab initio SCF method, are treated by means of a molecular dynamics simulation of a system consisting of a glycine molecule surrounded by 253 water molecules. These interactions cannot be ignored because the isolated glycine zwitterion is unstable and is stabilized by the solvation. The fundamental frequencies of the glycine zwitterion and three of its deuterated isotopomers were calculated from the molecular dynamics forces and force constants. The resulting frequencies, after scaling with a single factor for the four isotopomers, are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Edits & credits: exploring integration and attribution in online creative collaboration

Attribution allows online reputations to be formed and motivates many contributions to online creative collaboration. Yet, we know little about attribution practices in online creative collaboration and the technologies that shape them. This paper describes a study of online collaborative animation projects, focused on the practices surrounding integration and attribution. We found that both tasks are closely related and often completed by a single person, a process we call "cr-editing." We also identify frustrations with existing practices and systems and propose design considerations for alleviating them. Our findings offer insights into the growing space of online remixing, mashups, and creativity.
Improving simulation management systems through ontology generation and utilization

Content from simulation systems is useful in defining domain ontologies. We describe a digital library process to generate and leverage domain ontologies to support simulation systems tasks. Workflow ontologies may be used to define compositions of simulation-related services. Simulation model ontologies may be used in customizing collection management systems for tasks such as organization, interface construction, and metadata record generation.
Forecasting decadal changes in sea surface temperatures and coral bleaching within a Caribbean coral reef

Elevated sea surface temperature (SST) caused by global warming is one of the major threats to coral reefs. While increased SST has been shown to negatively affect the health of coral reefs by increasing rates of coral bleaching, how changes to atmospheric heating impact SST distributions, modified by local flow environments, has been less understood. This study aimed to simulate future water flow patterns and water surface heating in response to increased air temperature within a coral reef system in Bocas del Toro, Panama, located within the Caribbean Sea. Water flow and SST were modeled using the Delft3D-FLOW© computer simulation package. Locally measured physical parameters, including bathymetry, astronomic tidal forcing, and coral habitat distribution were input into the model and water flow, and SST was simulated over a four-month period under present day, as well as projected warming scenarios in 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s. Changes in SST, and hence the thermal stress to corals, were quantified by degree heating weeks. Results showed that present-day reported bleaching sites were consistent with localized regions of continuous high SST. Regions with highest SST were located within shallow coastal sites adjacent to the mainland or within the interior of the bay, and characterized by low currents with high water retention times. Under projected increases in SSTs, shallow reef areas in low flow regions were found to be hot spots for future bleaching.
On the importance of protein phosphorylation in cell cycle control

This chapter is written as a contribution to a volume commemorating the work of Krebs and Fischer that led to awarding of the Nobel Prize in 1992. This award was made because of their fundamental discovery in the mid-1950s that protein phosphorylation was the underlying mechanism that accounted for the reversible modification of activity of glycogen phosphorylase in mammalian skeletal muscle. Although it could not be anticipated at the time that phosphorylation would turn out to be such a ubiquitous regulator of cellular functions, it is now evident that phosphorylation controls virtually every important reaction in cells and provides the basis for understanding how integrated cellular behavior is regulated by both extracellular signals and internal control mechanisms. This chapter relates the historical development in biochemical terms of protein phosphorylation as a regulator of the cell cycle in Xenopus oocytes and eggs.
Influence of blade-to-blade dissimilarity on alleviation of helicopter blade-vortex interactions

This paper numerically examines possible alleviation of parallel blade-vortex interaction (BVI), experienced by helicopters in low-speed descent, through the introduction of blade-to-blade dissimilarity. A four-bladed rotor with two sets of opposite blades is considered, and the radius of one set is reduced to 80% of the baseline radius. A free-wake analysis is developed for calculating the distorted wake geometry for such a rotor with dissimilar blades. Results indicate that with dissimilarity in blade length, the parallel BVI appear to be weaker due to factors such as increased miss-distance and increased angle (less parallel); so that the blade loading is generally less impulsive in nature. Increased miss-distances for the dissimilar rotor were attributed to the significantly different coning angle of the short and long blades, causing the tip vortices to be released from two different planes. The vortices from the longer blade are released higher, and tend to sail above the shorter blades with a low coning angle, and vice-versa. The acoustic code WOPWOP was used to calculate the BVI sound pressure level in a plane below the rotor disk. For the low-speed descent (severe BVI) flight condition examined, it was found that the peak BVI noise level was reduced by 4dB.
Explicit solutions to a class of mixed boundary value problem

Abstract The potential problem in the semi-infinite region 0⩽x⩽π,0⩽y⩽∞ is treated analytically for mixed Dirichlet and Neumann type boundary conditions on x = π . The existing techniques for such problems usually lead to integral equations requiring numerical inversion. A conformal mapping is developed to reduce the problem to sets of elementary Fourier series or dual series, from which the explicit solution may be found. Some closed form solutions are given as examples.
Disability, arthritis, and body weight among adults 45 years and older.

Objectives: To examine the association between body weight and disability among persons with and without self-reported arthritis. Research Methods and Procedures: Data were analyzed for noninstitutionalized adults, 45 years or older, in states that participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Self-reported BMI (kilograms per meter squared) was used to categorize participants into six BMI-defined groups: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5 to <25), overweight (25 to <30), obese, class 1 (30 to <35), obese, class 2 (35 to <40), and obese, class 3 (≥40). Results: Class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was significantly associated with disability among participants both with and without self-reported arthritis. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for disability in participants with class 3 obesity was 2.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.22 to 3.40] among those with self-reported arthritis and 1.77 (95% CI = 1.20 to 2.62) among those without self-reported arthritis compared with those of normal weight (BMI 18.5 to <25). Persons with self-reported arthritis who were obese, class 2 (BMI 35 to <40) and obese, class 1 (BMI 30 to <35) and women with self-reported arthritis who were overweight (BMI 25 to <30) also had higher odds of disability compared with those of normal weight [AOR = 1.72 (95% CI = 1.47 to 2.00), AOR = 1.30 (95% CI = 1.17 to 1.44), and AOR = 1.18 (95% CI = 1.06 to 1.32), respectively]. Discussion: Our findings reveal that obesity is associated with disability. Preventing and controlling obesity may improve the quality of life for persons with and without self-reported arthritis.
The normative effects of higher education policy in France

Abstract This student survey was a response to the French youth unrest in 2005 and 2006. It considers the degree to which French higher and secondary education institutions create social cohesion. Focusing on three distinct higher-education institutions: L’institut d’etudes politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), Ecole Normale Superieure , Paris 8, and a lycee in the outskirts of Paris, it asks students their opinions on pressing national issues. It reflects on how the French education system was developed to create French citizens and the post-war use of quotas created for Algerians in the employment and education sectors. It draws comparisons with the controversial 2001 separate-admissions policy at Sciences Po and the more recent agenda to institute 30% set-asides for higher-education scholarship students.
A computational model for the biological underpinnings of infant vision and face recognition

Abstract A scientists’ challenge is to understand how an infant's brain learns to efficiently process visual information. An infant's range of focus is short for several months, and faces enter into this range more often than any other scene. Within a few months of birth, the brain can differentiate faces from other objects and an infant can recognize a known face from a stranger's. The repetition of face stimulus in conjunction with the relatively short time it takes for recognition to occur suggests there may be more regularity among facial stimuli, or perhaps a more sensitive information processing mechanism biased towards facial stimuli.
New Perspectives on Ancient Greece

The six books under review here all contribute to our knowledge and understanding of cultures from ancient Greece, ranging from the early phases of the Neolithic around 7000 BCE to the fifth century BCE Classical period. Some of the authors use archaeological evidence to reveal aspects of the ancient Greeks, others depend more on ancient texts, but all reveal in one way or another the alterity of the ancient inhabitants. Almost all the authors are analytic and theoretical although there is much descriptive data as well, especially in the archaeological works. These works represent new perspectives and new insights into the lives of the ancient Greeks.
Novel synthesis of 2-fluoroestradiol from 19-Cortestosterone: Biomimetic oxidative defluorination to 2-hydroxyestradiol

A new, short synthetic route to 2-fluoroestradiol from 19-nortestosterone is described which gives the target compound in an approximately 25% overall yield. Oxidative defluorination of 2-fluoroestradiol to 2-hydroxyestradiol via treatment with Fremy's salt/iodide ion is reported. This process is regarded as biomimetic with respect to cytochrome P-450-dependent oxidative defluorination.
Beam propagation in uniaxial anisotropic media

Paraxial wave equations are derived for the propagation of beams in uniform uniaxial anisotropic media. The equations are generalized to the case of nonuniform media with weakly varying refractive indices. An ordinary wave beam is governed by a standard paraxial equation, whereas an extraordinary wave beam is governed by a paraxial wave equation, which involves both a displacement relative to the position of an ordinary wave beam and a rescaling of one transverse coordinate. The solution to the latter equation for a propagating Gaussian beam displays a distortion of both shape and phase front. Numerical results for diffraction by a uniformly illuminated circular aperture in a calcite medium display various anomalies ascribable to a loss of circular symmetry.
Action of the chaperonin GroEL/ES on a non-native substrate observed with single-molecule FRET.

The double ring-shaped chaperonin GroEL binds a wide range of non-native polypeptides within its central cavity and, together with its cofactor GroES, assists their folding in an ATP-dependent manner. The conformational cycle of GroEL/ES has been studied extensively but little is known about how the environment in the central cavity affects substrate conformation. Here, we use the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein VHL as a model substrate for studying the action of the GroEL/ES system on a bound polypeptide. Fluorescent labeling of pairs of sites on VHL for fluorescence (Forster) resonant energy transfer (FRET) allows VHL to be used to explore how GroEL binding and GroEL/ES/nucleotide binding affect the substrate conformation. On average, upon binding to GroEL, all pairs of labeling sites experience compaction relative to the unfolded protein while single-molecule FRET distributions show significant heterogeneity. Upon addition of GroES and ATP to close the GroEL cavity, on average further FRET increases occur between the two hydrophobic regions of VHL, accompanied by FRET decreases between the N- and C-termini. This suggests that ATP- and GroES-induced confinement within the GroEL cavity remodels bound polypeptides by causing expansion (or racking) of some regions and compaction of others, most notably, the hydrophobic core. However, single-molecule observations of the specific FRET changes for individual proteins at the moment of ATP/GroES addition reveal that a large fraction of the population shows the opposite behavior; that is, FRET decreases between the hydrophobic regions and FRET increases for the N- and C-termini. Our time-resolved single-molecule analysis reveals the underlying heterogeneity of the action of GroES/EL on a bound polypeptide substrate, which might arise from the random nature of the specific binding to the various identical subunits of GroEL, and might help explain why multiple rounds of binding and hydrolysis are required for some chaperonin substrates.
Development and stability of grass/woody mosaics in a subtropical savanna parkland, Texas, U.S.A.

The potential natural vegetation of southern the following questions: (1) Have woodlands replaced Texas and northern Mexico has been classified by plant grasslands or savannas? (2) If there was a physiognomic geographers as savanna. However, many of the present conversion (a) what successional processes were involved; landscapes in this subtropical region are dominated by (b) what time scale would have been required; and (c) what thorn woodlands. Evidence for replacement of grasslands were the causes? and savannas by woodlands is based largely on historical accounts, many of which are conflicting. This paper
Unified theory of exciton and impurity states in semiconductors for an arbitrary magnetic field

Abstract We present a theory for exciton and impurity states in semiconductors, which is valid for all values of the magnetic field. The formalism is based on the introduction of tensor operators and includes the effect of the exchange interaction. Accurate solutions forthe ground state are presented and compared with the results of a previous adiabatic method, which is valid only for very large fields. We show that the present analysis is superior to all previously used methods for all values of the magnetic field.
VIBRATION AND TRANSONIC FLUTTER ANALYSIS FOR F-16 STORES CONFIGURATION CLEARANCE

This paper supports quick and accurate prediction of the flutter onset speed of an F-16 Block 40/50 configured with external stores in the transonic flight regime. Current flutter prediction methods are reviewed and hypothesized mechanisms for limit cycle oscillation (LCO) are summarized. New efforts to correlate transonic small disturbance (TSD) theory methods with flight tests are outlined. Vibration analysis and structural optimization of an F-16 finite element model were used to match ground vibration testing results. Frequency tuning was found to be critical for accurate flutter speed predictions. Sensitivity to nonlinear aerodynamic effects and store modeling was examined.
A Simple Cryomicroscopic Method to Measure the Size of Intracellular Ice Crystals

Investigating the factors influencing the characteristics of intracellular ice formation (IIF) is of critical importance for cryopreservation and cryosurgery techniques. However, for the detection of the size of intracellular ice crystals, ∼10nm-0.1μm, there exist serious technical and theoretical difficulties. In this study, a cryomicroscopic method was established to measure the size of intracellular ice crystals in mouse oocytes during their warming processes by investigating the melting point depression of the intracellular ice crystals from extracellular ones. Using the Gibbs-Thomson relation, the size of intracellular ice crystals was calculated and the results range from 4–28 nm, when the molality of the extracellular ethylene glycol and NaCl ranges from 0 to 4m and 0.15 to 0.6m, respectively, and the cooling rate is 100K/min.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Shetland Sheepdog Leukodystrophy

Three litters of Shetland Sheepdog pups born to the same bitch and 2 different sires were studied because of uncontrollable seizures or progressive neurologic dysfunction. Four pups from the 1st litter, 1 from the 2nd litter, and 4 from the 3rd litter had severe diffuse spongy degeneration of the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. An inherited basis for this syndrome was suspected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pups with currently available screening tests for the metabolic, biochemical, infectious, and toxicologic causes of leukodystrophy seen in humans and animals. Computed tomography scans revealed diffuse hypomyelination in the affected pup. Complete postmortem examination, including histopathology and electron microscopy, delineated a leukodystrophy resembling human Canavan's disease, but amino acid and organic acid metabolism abnormalities were not detected. No etiology for Shetland Sheepdog leukodystrophy has been found, but this condition represents another familial disease in the purebred dog population.
Cosmic shear with next generation redshift surveys as a cosmological probe

The expansion of the Universe causes spacetime curvature, distinguishing between distances measured along and transverse to the line of sight. The ratio of these distances, e.g., the cosmic shear distortion of a sphere defined by observations of large scale structure as suggested by Alcock and Paczy\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski, provides a method for exploring the expansion as a function of redshift. The theoretical sensitivity to cosmological parameters, including the dark energy equation of state, is presented. Remarkably, sensitivity to the time variation of the dark energy equation of state is best achieved by observations at redshifts $z\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.$ While systematic errors greatly degrade the theoretical sensitivity, this probe may still offer useful parameter estimation, especially in complementarity with a distance measure such as the type Ia supernova method implemented by SNAP. Possible future observations of the Alcock-Paczy\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski distortion by the KAOS project on an 8-meter ground-based telescope are considered.
Magnitude of error introduced by application of heart rate correction formulas to the canine QT interval.

Background: Accurate detection of drug-induced QT interval changes is often confounded by concurrent heart rate changes. Application of heart rate correction formulas has been the traditional approach to account for heart rate–induced QT interval changes, and thereby identify the direct effect of the test article on cardiac repolarization. Despite numerous recent studies identifying the imprecision of these formulas they continue to be applied. Methods: Using a chronic atrioventricular dissociated His-paced canine model, heart rate correction methods were evaluated for their ability to generate a corrected QT interval independent of original heart rate. Additionally, His bundle pacing at a heart rate of 60 beats/min allowed calculation of the magnitude of error introduced by application of heart rate correction formulas. Results: Of the fixed parameter heart rate correction formulas, only Van de Water was able to predict corrected QT values independent of the original heart rate. The magnitude of error discovered by application of heart rate correction formulas varied, but in many cases was very large. Bazett's formula was associated with a mean overcorrection of 67.9 ms; Fridericia's 28.7 ms. Van de Water was the best fixed parameter formula with a mean error of 10.8 ms. As expected, group and individual corrections derived from linear regression of the HR-QT data offered improvement over the traditional formulas. Both were able to predict QTc values independent of the heart rate. However, errors of the magnitude of 10 and 6 ms, respectively, were still introduced. Conclusion: Van de Water and linear regression correction methods were superior to others in this study, but all methods generated QTc errors equal to or much greater than the magnitude of interest for drug safety evaluation.
Detection speeds for single-photon detectors based on photoconductive gain

We investigate the limits on detection speed for single-photon detectors based on photoconductive gain. We outline how to apply this approach to a quantum dot, optically gated, field-effect transistor photodetector.
Altered expression of plant lysyl tRNA synthetase promotes tRNA misacylation and translational recoding of lysine

*† ‡ § – Summary The Arabidopsis thaliana lysyl tRNA synthetase (AtKRS) structurally and functionally resembles the wellcharacterized prokaryotic class IIb KRS, including the propensity to aminoacylate tRNALys with suboptimal identity elements, as well as non-cognate tRNAs. Transient expression of AtKRS in carrot cells promotes aminoacylation of such tRNAs in vivo and translational recoding of lysine at nonsense codons. Stable expression of AtKRS in Zea mays causes translational recoding of lysine into zeins, significantly enriching the lysine content of grain.
Using R to Build and Assess Network Models in Biology

In this paper we build and analyze networks using the statistical and programming environment R and the igraph package. We investigate random, small-world, and scale-free networks and test a standard problem of connectivity on a random graph. We then develop a method to study how vaccination can alter the structure of a disease transmission network. We also discuss a variety of other uses for networks in biology.
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: An Opportunity for Clinical Faculty Members in Academic Pharmacy and Other Health Professions to Develop a Program of Scholarship

Expansion in academic pharmacy and other health professions has increased the demand for clinical faculty members. The requirement to provide clinical service is unique to clinical faculty and creates a competing demand with the expectation to excel in the tripartite missions of their institution. The efforts of clinical faculty are heavily focused towards the institution’s educational mission. However, often they lack formal training in educational methodology and require ongoing professional development to hone their teaching skills. Therefore, as clinical faculty develop as scholarly teachers, the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) represents an ideal form of scholarship for them to pursue. This essay provides guidance on how clinical faculty members in academic pharmacy and other health professions can transform the act of teaching into scholarly teaching to develop a program of scholarship in SoTL.
Socioeconomic heterogeneity of mining-dependent counties

Recent typologies of U.S. counties differentiated by sustenance base suggest that mining-dependent counties are characterized by levels of socioeconomic well-being slightly above national averages. However, striking regional differences in well-being among mining-dependent counties are masked when such counties are considered as a single category. Comparison with nonmetropolitan nonmining-dependent counties in the same states reveals that the differences are only partly accounted for by overall regional effects. Further disaggregation demonstrates substantial effects of mining subsector and of subsector-region interaction on well-being. Of particular concern is the disadvantage associated with coal mining dependence in the South and Great Lakes regions contrasted with the advantage associated with such dependence in the West.
TRAF2 exerts its antiapoptotic effect by regulating the expression of krüppel-like factor LKLF

Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) is one of the key factors that mediate TNF signaling. The deletion of TRAF2 renders cells more sensitive to TNF-induced apoptosis. Although TRAF2 is known to be required for TNF-induced JNK and NF-kappaB activation, the underlying mechanism of the increased sensitivity of TRAF2 null cells (TRAF2(-/-)) to TNF-induced apoptosis is not fully understood. To study the underlying mechanism, we examined the difference in gene expression between TRAF2(-/-) and wild-type fibroblast cells by using microarray technology. We found that one of the genes whose expression was dramatically decreased in TRAF2(-/-) cells was the lung Kruppel-like factor (LKLF). Our results indicate that the expression of LKLF requires TRAF2 but is independent of TNF signaling. Although it appears that TRAF2 regulates the expression of the LKLF gene at the transcription level, TRAF2 does not function as a transcription factor itself. Our results suggest that TRAF2 regulates LKLF expression through the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 pathway. More importantly, ectopic expression of LKLF in TRAF2(-/-) cells protected cells against TNF-induced apoptosis. These results reveal a novel aspect of TRAF2 function: by regulating the expression of genes, such as LKLF, TRAF2 controls cell sensitivity to apoptosis.
Spatial latency reduction in GPR processing using stochastic sampling

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a promising technique for buried threat detection which provides a complimentary phenomenology to electro-magnetic induction (EMI) based sensing. However, many successful GPR-based buried threat detection algorithms require data collected both before and after an object of interest is encountered to make a declaration (typically this data is used to perform background normalization, or to adequately characterize the object's shape). Samples taken past an object of interest, but before a decision is made, constitute an algorithm's “spatial latency”. For vehicular mounted antennae arrays, where vehicle stopping distance is a function of vehicle dynamics, driver responsiveness, and algorithmic spatial latency, reducing an algorithm's spatial latency can increase overall system safety and help keep operators out of harm's way. In this work we propose a stochastic sampling algorithm that can help reduce spatial latency for a wide range of GPR-based buried threat detection algorithms.
Polymer/solvent interactions in dilute solution

Apparent specific volumes of two, previously well-characterized, polystyrene fractions were determined at 25° in solvents offering an interesting display of polymer/solvent interactions. Adaptations of differential pycnometry techniques permitted a sensitive detection of the small density differences between solvents and solutions, allowing four significant figures in the apparent specific volumes at concentrations as low as 0.20%. The measurements unambiguously confirm the solvent and concentration dependencies. The solvent dependency at high dilutions also confirms the anomaly that the extremes in polymer/solvent interactions causing very good and very poor polymer solubility yield higher values for the partial specific volumes of polystyrene than obtained for the intermediate range of interactions. The concentration dependency permits indirect approximations of the functions, ΔH1 and ΔH2vs. poIymer concentration. The deviations from athermal mixing are greater and more irregular than anticipated, and are shown frequently to complicate both experimental and theoretical studies of the properties of dilute solutions. The thermodynamic behavior of dilute solutions of polystyrene in butanone appears to be particularly complex.
The transmission-line model of an insulated antenna with a two-layer eccentric insulator

An eccentrically insulated dipole antenna with two layers of insulation behaves mathematically like a lossy transmission line when the antenna is immersed in a relatively dense medium. The parameters of the equivalent transmission line are obtained. They are found to be quite different from those of a similar antenna with a single insulation layer.
Changes in the risk of fine-root mortality with age: a case study in peach, Prunus persica (Rosaceae)

Previous studies suggest that younger roots are more vulnerable to mortality than older roots. We analyzed minirhizotron data using a mixed-age, proportional hazards regression approach to determine whether the risk of mortality (or "hazard") was higher for younger roots than for older roots in a West Virginia peach orchard. While root age apparently had a strong effect on the hazard when considered alone, this effect was largely due to different rates of mortality among roots of different orders, diameters, and depths. Roots with dependent laterals (higher order roots) had a lower hazard than first-order roots in 1996 and 1997. Greater root diameter was also associated with a decreased hazard in both 1996 and 1997. In both years, there was a significant decrease in the hazard with depth. When considered alone, age appeared to be a strong predictor of risk: a 1-d increase in initial root age was associated with a 1.26-2.62% decrease in the hazard. However, when diameter, order, and depth were incorporated into the model, the effect of root age disappeared or was greatly reduced. Baseline hazard function plots revealed that the timing of high-risk periods was generally related to seasonal factors rather than individual root age.
Educating primary care clinicians about health disparities

Racial and ethnic health disparities inarguably exist in the United States. It is important to educate primary care clinicians regarding this topic because they have the ability to have an impact in the reduction of health disparities. This article presents the evidence that disparities exist, how clinicians contribute to these disparities, and what primary care clinicians can do to reduce disparities in their practice. Clinicians are able to impact health disparities by receiving and providing cross-cultural education, communicating effectively with patients, and practicing evidence-based medicine. The changes suggested herein will have an impact on the current state of health of our nation.
Enhanced replication of HIV-1 in vivo in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

Non-human primate models for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are important for studies of prevention and intervention strategies. Ideally, such models would make use of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and animals that are readily available for research. HIV-1 was obtained from an infected macaque, and passaged sequentially in three groups of two Macaca nemestrina neonates each. Evidence for enhanced viral replication was first found in one of the group 2 animals, and in both group 3 animals. Observations that underlie this conclusion are sustained viral recovery from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), increased and accelerated production of antiviral antibodies, and the ability to detect plasma viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) months after infection. There was no evidence of CD4 depletion in any of the animals during the follow-up period. These data suggest that a useful non-human primate model for AIDS can be attained in pigtailed macaques (M. nemestrina).
A CMOS-memristive self-learning neural network for pattern classification applications

Memristors have proven to be powerful analogs of neural synapses. While there have been some efforts to exploit this feature, the intrinsic analog nature of the memristive element has not been fully utilized. This paper presents a hardware-efficient neuromorphic CMOS-memristor pattern classifier. The system takes advantage of the memristor as a true analog memory, and Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) is utilized to program memristors in a recurrent neural network. System co-simulations are performed in Verilog-AMS with CMOS devices and previously published memristive models. The results indicate the power of this approach in pattern classification using unsupervised learning.
Gene transfer from a bacterium injected into an aquifer to an indigenous bacterium

Two novel 3-chlorobenzoate-degrading bacteria were previously isolated from an aquifer in which no such bacteria could be enriched prior to the introduction of the 3-chlorobenzoate-degrading strain, Pseudomonas sp. B13. To understand the origin of 3-chlorobenzoate-degrading genes in the two novel isolates, the 16S ribosomal RNA, clcD (dienelactone hydrolase) and clcA (chlorocatechol oxygenase) genes from these bacteria were amplified and sequenced. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequences and REP-PCR patterns showed that these two novel isolates were identical but differed from strain B13. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the novel isolates were closely related to Alcaligenes eutrophus in the beta subclass of the Proteobacteria, whereas strain B13 was related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. mendocina in the gamma subclass of the Proteobacteria. In contrast, the clcD and clcA gene sequences were identical on strain B13 and these two isolates, indicating that the 3-chlorobenzoate-degrading genes were transferred from strain B13 to these isolates. What cannot be established is when this transfer occurred.
Development of Gene Therapy for Thalassemia

Retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells provides a potentially curative therapy for severe β-thalassemia. Lentiviral vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus have been developed for this purpose and have been shown to be effective in curing thalassemia in mouse models. One participant in an ongoing clinical trial has achieved transfusion independence after gene transfer into bone marrow stem cells owing, in part, to a genetically modified, dominant clone. Ongoing efforts are focused on improving the efficiency of lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer into stem cells so that the curative potential of gene transfer can be consistently achieved.
The conflicting impacts of export fluctuations and diversification programmes

Abstract While analyses of export instability and diversification policies typically focus on aggregate earnings, a conflict can arise between income instability at the aggregate and household levels. Diversification can reduce a country's aggregate income instability and simultaneously increase the instability experienced by many households, and perhaps by every household in the country. We demonstrate how alternative export portfolios can produce this conflict in instability. The conflict means that the conclusions from previous empirical studies need to be qualified and policy recommendations need to be carefully formulated.
Beneficiary Assessment: Improving the Design and Implementation of Development Projects.

Beneficiary assessment is a tool that can provide project personnel with information about community-based factors that may foster or limit social sector project success. The method is described as...
Phase I trial of systemic oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy with hepatic arterial infusion in patients with unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Purpose To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of concurrent systemic oxaliplatin (Oxal) combinations plus hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods Thirty-six patients (89% previously treated) with unresectable liver metastases were treated with concurrent HAI and systemic Oxal plus irinotecan (CPT-11; group A) or Oxal, fluorouracil (FU), and leucovorin (LV; group B). Systemic chemotherapy was administered every 2 weeks concurrent with 2 weeks of HAI floxuridine (FUDR) and dexamethasone (Dex) every 28 days. Results The MTD for patients in group A was Oxal 100 mg/m2, CPT-11 150 mg/m2, and FUDR 0.12 mg/kg × 30 mL divided by pump flow rate. The MTD for group B was Oxal 100 mg/m2, LV 400 mg/m2, and FU 1,400 mg/m2 by continuous infusion over 48 hours, with the same FUDR dose as in group A. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities in groups A and B included diarrhea (24% and 20%), neutropenia (10% and 7%), neurotoxicity (24% and 20%), an...
Adaptive look-ahead for robotic navigation in unknown environments

Receding horizon control strategies have proven effective in many control and robotic applications. These methods simulate the state a certain time horizon into the future to choose the optimal trajectory. However, in many cases, such as in mobile robot navigation, the selection of an appropriate time horizon is important as too long of a time horizon can amplify the detrimental effects caused by environmental uncertainties in the prediction of the future state while too of a short horizon will lead to reduced performance. In this paper we strike a balance between these two conflicting objectives by first introducing a receding horizon method for navigation founded on schema-based behaviors. We then suggest a method of adapting the time horizon by minimizing a cost function which balances the performance of the underlying control problem (which prefers longer horizons) with the performance of our state prediction (which prefers shorter time horizons). We illustrate the operation with an example which shows the usefulness of our navigation scheme with an adaptive time horizon.
Population model-based optimization with sequential Monte Carlo

Model-based optimization algorithms are effective for solving optimization problems with little structure. The algorithms iteratively find candidate solutions by generating samples from a parameterized probabilistic model on the solution space. In order to better capture the multi-modality of the objective function than the traditional model-based methods which use only a single model, we propose a framework of using a population of models with an adaptive mechanism to propagate the population over iterations. The adaptive mechanism is derived from estimating the optimal parameter of the probabilistic model in a Bayesian manner, and thus provides a proper way to determine the diversity in the population of the models. We develop two practical algorithms under this framework by applying sequential Monte Carlo methods, provide some theoretical justification on the convergence of the proposed methods, and carry out numerical experiments to illustrate their performance.
Effect of iontophoretically delivered dexamethasone on muscle performance in a rheumatoid arthritic joint. A case study

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that has been used to decrease inflammation and pain in inflammed joints. The method of delivery has conventionally been through joint injection. The subject (female, age 36) in this investigation, has a 2-year history of rheumatoid arthritis in the wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. The joints treated in this study were the knees, and a double-blind procedure was utilized to determine the experimental (E) (dexamethasone and lidocaine) left; versus the control (C) (lidocaine only) right. Treatment consisted of iontophoresis onto the knee joint; and then repeated on the other knee joint, three times a week over an 8-week period. Prior to the initial treatment session baseline data were collected for peak torque (knee extension [KE] at high omnikinetic resistance (PT); KE angular velocity at low resistance (AV); and total KE work at low resistance (20 repetitions). The subject was subsequently reassessed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks. The results, (E vs. C, percentage change from baseline to 8 weeks): PT (20.8% vs. −6.7%); AV (22.3% vs. 13.4%); and TW (54.0% vs. 17.2%). The results indicate that delivery of dexamethasone via electrical current may be effective in improving muscle/joint performance in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dynamic pricing with constant demand elasticity

The celebrated model of Gallego and van Ryzin is specialized to the case of constant elasticity of demand. A closed form is developed, which has an even simpler form than that arising with exponential demand and which possesses an excellent approximation. In this environment, monopoly is efficient, which means that all the behavior usually attributed to monopoly pricing is actually a consequence of efficient pricing and would arise even in a perfectly competitive environment. If the initial supply is not too large, consumers have no incentive to delay their purchases to get a lower price at the average inventory prevailing at any time.
Computing exact Fourier series coefficients of IC rectilinear polygons from low-resolution fast Fourier coefficients

We present a novel, accurate and fast algorithm to obtain Fourier series coecients from an IC layer whose description consists of rectilinear polygons on a plane, and how to implement it using o-the-shelf hardware components. Based on properties of Fourier calculus, we derive a relationship between the Discrete Fourier Transforms of the sampled mask transmission function and its continuous Fourier series coecients. The relationship leads to a straightforward algorithm for computing the continuous Fourier series coecients where one samples the mask transmission function, compute its discrete Fourier transform and applies a frequency-dependent multiplicative factor. The algorithm is guaranteed to yield the exact continuous Fourier series coecients for any sampling representing the mask function exactly. Computationally, this leads to signicant saving by allowing to choose the maximal such pixel size and reducing the fast Fourier transform size by as much, without compromising accuracy. In addition, the continuous Fourier series is free from aliasing and follows closely the physical model of Fourier optics. We show that in some cases this can make a signicant dierence, especially in modern very low pitch technology nodes.
Metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed in a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen: An unusual presentation of a common tumor

Metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma presenting as a primary lung disease is rare. We present a 52-year-old male with a 3-month history of cough, shortness of breath, and weight loss with clinical and radiological findings suggestive of a primary lung disease: Bilateral interstitial and alveolar opacities with blunting of the costophrenic angles, multiple diffuse foci of consolidations and nodules, predominantly subpleural and located in the lower lobes, and diffuse interlobular septal thickening and peribronchial thickening. The patient underwent bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was obtained. Cytospin smears were diagnostic for a low-grade adenocarcinoma. Clinically, the patient had elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels greater than 5,000 ng/mL. Because of this, immunocytochemistry for PSA was performed which was positive, confirming the diagnosis of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma. This unusual case of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate first diagnosed by BAL highlights the significance of available clinical information and the use of immunocytochemistry for proper diagnosis.
η6-Tetramethylfulvene and μ-η3:η3-Benzene Complexes of Iridium

The reaction of Cp*Ir(NHC)Me2 (Ir-Me2) with [CPh3]+[B(C6F5)4]— in dichloromethane resulted in conversion of the Cp* ligand to an η6-tetramethylfulvene ligand via apparent hydride abstraction (Cp* = η5-C5Me5; NHC = 1,3-N,N-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene). The products of this reaction are triphenylmethane and the η6-tetramethylfulvene complex [(η6-C5Me4═CH2)Ir(NHC)(Me2)]+[B(C6F5)4]— (fulv-Ir+). When dichloromethane solutions of the related complex [Cp*Ir(NHC)(Ph)(solv)]+[MeB(C6F5)3]− were allowed to stand at room temperature, crystals of the unusual sandwich complex [{Cp*Ir(NHC)}2(μ-η3:η3-C6H6)]2+ (Ir-C6H6-Ir2+) were obtained. Complexes fulv-Ir+ and Ir-C6H6-Ir2+ represent unique architectures in the Cp*Ir(NHC) family. Both compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Biology and Ecology of the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica in Maryland and New Jersey. 1961 to 1967

The life history of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Maryland and New Jersey was determined by making periodic surveys for eggs, larvae, and adults from 1961 to 1967. Populations were expressed as number per square foot. The survival of overwintered eggs varied markedly with year and location, but major damage appeared to develop from spring-laid eggs. All larvae developing in spring produced adults that entered diapause. The populations of adults in either November or March correlated closely with peak larval populations in the succeeding generation. Thus, surveys for adults can be used to predict potential damage. The study of adult dispersal did not reveal the location of the aestivation sites. The incidence of 6 adult, egg, and larval parasites was determined, but their effect on host populations is unknown.
Quantification of Linked Column Frame Seismic Performance Factors for Use in Seismic Design

Previous research has proposed the Linked Column Frame (LCF) as a lateral load-resisting system capable of providing rapid return to occupancy for buildings impacted by moderate earthquake events and collapse prevention in very large events. The LCF consists of flexible moment frames (MF) and linked columns (LC), which are closely spaced dual columns interconnected with bolted links. The linked columns (LC) are designed to limit seismic forces and provide energy dissipation through yielding of the links, while preventing damage to the moment frame under certain earthquake hazard levels. The proposed design procedure ensures the links of the linked column yield at a significantly lower story drift than the beams of the moment frame, enabling design of this system for two distinct performance states: rapid repair, where only link damage occurs and quick link replacement is possible; and collapse prevention, where both the linked column and moment frame may be damaged.Here, the seismic performance factors fo...
Epidemiological Analysis of Pertussis in Gaoxian County,1976-2013

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of pertussis in Gaoxian county and thus to provide references for formulating prevention and control measures. Methods Descriptively epidemiology method was employed to analyze the epidemic data of pertussis in Gaoxian in 1976-2013. Results During the period,altogether 4467 cases were reported,with two cased died. The annual average rate of morbidity and mortality was respectively 25. 09 /105and 0. 01 /105,trend test showed statistical difference( χ2= 7882. 38,P 0. 01). In the initial period,the morbidity was fluctuating in 17. 11 /-437. 13 /105,with statistical trend difference( χ2=212. 29,P0. 01),and the annual average rate was 96. 75 /105. In the planned immunization cold chain operation period,the morbidity was fluctuating in 0. 21-35. 50 /105,the annual average morbidity rate was 11. 16 /105,showing a declining of 86. 89% compared with the rate in initial period; the morbidity rate trend showed difference( χ2= 549. 57,P 0. 01). In regular outpatient vaccination period,the morbidity rate was fluctuating in 0. 01-0. 42 /105,with the average annual rate 0. 08/105,showing a declining rate of 98. 65%. The disease occurred all through the year and peaked in Feb. to Jul.,which accounted for 68. 30% of the total cases. A proportion of72. 64% of the cases were kindergarten children,scattered children,peasants and student. The male to female ratio was 1. 04 ∶ 1. Conclusion The morbidity rate of pertussis is declining with the increasing of the vaccination rate. The peak season of morbidity is in Spring and Summer and the vulnerable populations are kindergarten children,scattered children,peasants and student.