cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MTD: a unique pipeline for host and meta-transcriptome joint and integrative analyses of RNA-seq data

RNA-seq data contains not only host transcriptomes but also non-host information that comprises transcripts from active microbiota in the host cells. Therefore, joint and integrative analyses of both host and meta-transcriptome can reveal gene expression of microbial community in a given sample as well as the correlative and interactive dynamics of host response to the microbiome. However, there are no convenient tools that can systemically analyze host-microbiota interactions by simultaneously quantifying host and meta-transcriptome in the same sample at the tissue and the single-cell level, which poses a challenge for interested researchers with a limited expertise in bioinformatics. Here, we developed a software pipeline that can comprehensively and synergistically analyze and correlate the host and meta-transcriptome in a single sample using bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data. This pipeline, named MTD, can extensively identify and quantify microbiome, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plasmids, and vectors in the host cells and correlate the microbiome with the host transcriptome. MTD is easy to install and run, involving only a few lines of simple commands. It empowers researchers with unique genomics insights into host immune responses to microorganisms.
Adaptive Behaviors in Complex Clinical Environments

In an ideal scenario, hospital systems would deliver care in a timely manner to a large number of patients with a variety of diseases. There would be no hospital-acquired infections, staff-related oversights or prescription errors that result in complications. As patients, we would want to be treated in such an institution. Insurance companies, a principal (financial) driving force in the healthcare industry, would prefer that their customers visit hospitals where reduced complications result in shorter hospital stays and lower overall costs due to better outcomes. From the clinicians’ point of view, working in a safe and efficient system increases their reputation and work morale. Such an institution would attract a large volume of patients. This will result in greater reimbursement, which would make a strong case for improving quality of care from a business perspective as well. Although not all the features described may be practicably achievable, quality of care is a fundamental concept that is critical to building a safe, cost-effective and sustainable healthcare system.
Lipid dysregulation in hepatitis C virus, and impact of statin therapy upon clinical outcomes

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and the leading indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Every aspect of the HCV life cycle is closely tied to human lipid metabolism. The virus circulates as a lipid-rich particle, utilizing lipoprotein cell receptors to gain entry into the hepatocyte. It has also been shown to upregulate lipid biosynthesis and impair lipid degradation, resulting in significant intracellular lipid accumulation and circulating hypocholesterolemia. Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are at increased risk of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease including accelerated atherosclerosis. HMG CoA Reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been shown to play an important role in the modulation of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and recent attention has focused upon their potential therapeutic role in CHC. This article reviews the hepatitis C viral life cycle as it impacts host lipoproteins and lipid metabolism. It then describes the pathogenesis of HCV-related hepatic steatosis, hypocholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, and finally describes the promising anti-viral and anti-fibrotic effects of statins, for the treatment of CHC.
Neutrino, by Frank Close: Scope: general interest. Level: general reader, undergraduate through professionals

Neutrino, by Frank Close, New York, Oxford University Press, 2012, 192 pp., £7.99 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-19-969599-7. Scope: general interest. Level: general reader, undergraduate through professi...
Identifying the 'go-to spots': using map surveys to elicit perceptions of space and place in an academic library

This paper presents results from a face-to-face survey that elicited users' perceptions of space and place in an academic library. The survey required respondents to annotate maps of an academic library, and to answer open-ended survey questions. The survey identified two overlapping sets of places and student practices in the library. These places and practices reflect two contrasting paradigms of library space provision: a current book-centered paradigm, and an emerging technologically-supported learning-centered paradigm.
Enterprise architecture advances in technical communication

The most significant advance in technical communications affecting many of the suggested topics for the conference is the impact of enterprise architecture and its development over the past thirty years since its inception. Enterprise architecture enables enterprises to fully align business strategies with the technological infrastructures that support them. It facilitates an organization's ability to communicate with all components that comprise it as well as strategically align with those with whom it interacts allowing, as The Open Group describes, boundryless information flow, more effective decision support and the alignment of business, application, data and technological architectures that comprise them. This promotes change management and enterprise transformation for communication structures and practices, multimodal communications and the effective management of disruptive technologies. One definition of EA is it is the organizing logic for business processes and IT infrastructure reflecting the integration and standardization requirements of the firm's operating model. It provides a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization. The intent of EA is determining how an organization can most effectively achieve its current and future objectives. We present a synthesis of EA frameworks and their relationship to the Zachman Framework as the underlying basis for their models.
Randomized disposal of unknowns and implicitly enforced bounds on parameters

We study two algorithmic techniques that have turned outto be useful in the recent development of parameterized algorithms: randomizeddisposal of a small unknown subset of a given universal set, andimplicitly enforced bounds on parameters in a branch-and-search process.These techniques are simple, effective, and have led to improvedalgorithms for a number of well-known parameterized problems.
A Vibrio cholerae LysR Homolog, AphB, Cooperates with AphA at the tcpPH Promoter To Activate Expression of the ToxR Virulence Cascade

We describe here a new member of the LysR family of transcriptional regulators, AphB, which is required for activation of the Vibrio cholerae ToxR virulence cascade. AphB activates the transcription of the tcpPH operon in response to environmental stimuli, and this process requires cooperation with a second protein, AphA. The expression of neither aphA or aphB is strongly regulated by environmental stimuli, raising the possibility that the activities of the proteins themselves may be influenced under various conditions. Strains of the El Tor biotype of V. cholerae typically exhibit lower expression of ToxR-regulated virulence genes in vitro than classical strains and require specialized culture conditions (AKI medium) to induce high-level expression. We show here that expression of aphB from the tac promoter in El Tor biotype strains dramatically increases virulence gene expression to levels similar to those observed in classical strains under all growth conditions examined. These results suggest that AphB plays a role in the differential regulation of virulence genes between the two disease-causing biotypes.
High-Efficiency Incorporation of Functional Influenza Virus Glycoproteins into Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Viruses

We derived recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing either influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) or neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins from extra genes inserted in the viral genome. The HA protein was expressed from a site downstream of the VSV glycoprotein (G) gene, while NA protein was expressed from a site upstream of the VSV G gene. The HA protein was expressed at lower levels than the VSV G protein, while the NA protein was expressed at higher levels, as expected from the gradient of VSV transcription that follows the gene order. The HA and NA proteins were transported to the cell surface and were functional as demonstrated by hemadsorption, hemolysis, and NA assays. Biochemical analysis showed that both HA and NA proteins were incorporated into VSV particles at high levels, although there was a preference for incorporation of the VSV G protein over either of the influenza virus proteins. Immunoelectron microscopy of the recombinants showed that the particles derived from the recombinants were mosaics carrying both the VSV G protein and the influenza virus membrane glycoproteins. These results extend earlier studies showing incorporation of the cellular glycoprotein CD4 and two other viral glycoproteins into VSV particles. Our results indicate that there is significant space in the VSV membrane that can accommodate foreign membrane proteins and that the foreign protein can represent as much as 35% of the total protein in the viral envelope. Incorporation of foreign proteins into VSV virions can, in many cases, occur passively in the absence of specific incorporation signals.
Anal encirclement with sphincter repair (AESR procedure) using a biological graft for anal sphincter damage involving the entire circumference

Aim The effect of a biological material to support an overlapping sphincter repair was investigated in patients with damage to the entire circumference of the external sphincter due to radiation or trauma. Method A tunnel is created under the damaged external anal sphincter muscle to encircle the anal canal. A biological graft (Surgisis™; 6 ply, 2 × 20 cm) is then inserted through the tunnel and sutured to the muscle after being pulled firmly to close the patulous anus. An overlapping repair is then carried out. Between January 2009 and June 2010, 13 patients underwent this procedure. Results The average age at surgery was 68.6 years. The mean follow up was 16.3 (range 6–24) months. The average length of stay was 1 day. No complications were reported. Postoperatively, incontinence severity scores and quality of life scales [39.22 (± 16.1) to 9.66 (± 11.9)] showed improvement. Incontinence episodes were markedly decreased to one per week. Conclusion Anal encirclement using a biological graft with sphincter augmentation may achieve continence in patients with circumferential anal sphincter damage.
The relationship between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease

Essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common tremor disorders encountered in a movement disorders clinic. Although distinct clinical-pathological entities, both disorders may share overlapping features in addition to rest and postural tremor, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, gait and balance impairment and some non-motor signs. A subset of patients may have a combination of long-standing ET with subsequent PD (ET-PD). There are several lines of evidence from clinical, epidemiologic, imaging, genetic and pathologic studies supporting a link between ET and PD, greater than by chance alone. In this review we will discuss the latest data supporting a relationship between ET and PD and the implications for possible pathogenic link and treatment.
The arginine deminase PAD2 is activated by ATP-induced P2X7R signaling in mast cells and modulates the disease course in an inflammatory arthritis model (BA3P.208)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease. Citrulline-containing proteins are generated through posttranslational modification of arginine residues in a reaction catalyzed by the Ca2+-dependent peptidyl arginine deiminases or PAD enzymes. Plasma and synovial biopsy specimens from RA patients contain high levels of citrullinated proteins. PAD2 is highly expressed in synovial tissue of RA patients, in close association with citrullinated protein deposits, and its expression correlates with inflammation intensity. The process by which PAD2 is activated and contributes to protein citrullination during RA is unknown. We have identified mast cells as a major source of the PAD2 enzyme. Activation of the P2X7 purinergic receptor by the inflammatory “danger” signal ATP induces PAD2 activity and robust protein citrullination in mast cells. P2X7-mediated activation of PAD2 is sensitive to p38 MAPK and protein kinase C inhibitors, and PAD2 regulates the expression of the TNFR2, Adamts-9, and Rab6b transcripts in mast cells. The PAD2 enzyme and its citrullinated substrate proteins are released from mast cells on activation with ATP. Importantly, mast cells have been shown to play a key role in the development of RA. Our results suggest that P2X7 activation of mast cells may play a role in inflammation by providing PAD2 and PAD2 substrates access to the extracellular space.
Congenital Defects of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Abdominal Wall

Sir. —In his recent article in theJournal(129:1145-1150, 1975), Raffensperger stated that for establishing the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease in the neonatal period, the clinical presentation and a barium enema showing clear transition between dilated and narrow bowel is sufficient, and that rectal biopsy is not routinely indicated. Recent reports of identical roentgenographic findings with normal rectal histology and spontaneous clinical improvement 1 suggest that a histologic diagnosis be established in every neonate suspected of having Hirschsprung disease prior to surgery. Suspicion of the small left colon syndrome should be particularly great for infants of diabetic mothers. 2
Predictive control based on multi-network for a deep seabed mining robot vehicle

A new path-tracking scheme for a deep seabed mining robot vehicle based on multi-neural predictive control is presented. A boosting algorithm is improved to fit for regress problem, then a BBMNN(Boosting Based Multi Neural Network) is constructed by the algorithm to model non-linear kinematics of the robot instead of a linear regression estimator. After that, the BBMNN model is employed to a model-based predictive control algorithm, which is used to control the robot run as desired path. Simulations shows that the controller can be used to control mining vehicle and better tracking accuracy can be get compared to traditional PID controller.
Rate constants for the quenching of metastable O2 (1Sigma g +) molecules

The O2 (1Sigma g +) rates for CO2, H2, N2, Cl2, CO, O3, and 2,3 DMB-2 are determined by monitoring the 762-nm emission in a fast-flow-discharge chemiluminescence detection system (Leu, 1984; Leu and Smith, 1981). The results are presented in tables and graphs and briefly characterized. The rate constants (in cu cm/s x 10 to the -16th) are 4600 + or - 500 for CO2, 7000 + or - 300 for H2, 17 + or - 1 for N2, 4.5 + or - 0.8 for Cl2, 45 + or - 5 for CO, 220,000 + or - 30,000 for O3, and 6000 + or - 100 for 2,3 DMB-2. The temperature dependence of the CO2 and O3 quenching reactions at 245-362 K is found to be negligible.
The application of porous-media theory to the investigation of time-dependent diffusion in in vivo systems.

Recent developments in solid-boundary porous-media theory have shown that useful structural information can be extracted from the time-dependent diffusion coefficient, D(t), of the fluid filling the interstitial space. This theoretical framework provides a basis from which to understand the results from diffusion experiments performed in other types of systems (e.g. biological). Structural information about porous media can be obtained from the short-time behavior of D(t) in the form of the ratio of the surface area to pore volume, S/V. The long-time behavior of D(t) in porous media provides an indirect measure of the macroscopic structure. In this case, the long-time diffusion coefficient, D(eff), reflects the tortuosity, T, of the medium; a property of both the connectivity of the diffusion paths and the volume fraction of the sample. Measurements of D(t) were performed in RIF-1 tumors, using both spectroscopy and imaging, and the data were used to calculate S/V and T. The results were compared with histological sections in order to correlate S/V and T with differences in tissue structure (i.e. necrotic vs non-necrotic tumor tissue). Based on spectroscopic measurements, there is a trend towards decreasing S/V and T with increasing tumor volume, consistent with the interpretation that water in necrotic tissue is experiencing relatively fewer restricting barriers (as compared to non-necrotic tumor tissue). Based on D(t) maps generated from RIF-1 tumors, D(eff), and hence T appears to be much more sensitive than S/V in differentiating between necrotic and non-necrotic tissue. In addition to characterizing diseased tissue, S/V and particularly T appear to be sensitive to structural changes that would accompany tumor treatment and should therefore provide a useful tool for monitoring the progress of therapeutic interventions.
Multivariate Facies Maps: ABSTRACT

Facies maps are constructed from paleontologic and lithologic data to depict major and subtle depositional environment differences across a region during a specified time span. Ratio maps and three-component maps exhibit a lack of discrimination because they cannot incorporate all available data. Factor analysis and cluster analysis techniques can be used to construct truly multivariate facies maps. Earlier attempts at factor or cluster analysis multivariate facies maps had one or more deficiencies: (1) inability to handle a sufficient number of variables and locations; (2) inability to handle mixed-mode data (presence-absence, coded states, integer counts, and continuously variable measurements); (3) inability to take into account redundant or highly correlated variables and (4) inability to accommodate to missing data. A new cluster analysis classification computer program has been written to overcome these deficiencies. The FORTRAN IV program can utilize up to 200 variables on as many as 1,000 stations. It performs a distance function principal components analysis to compute orthogonal (uncorrelated) factor measurements for a distance function cluster analysis of locations. This combination will handle mixed-mode data and will adjust to missing data. From the resulting multivariate classification of paleontologic and lithological data, a facies map showing the distribution of the various classes was constructed and compared with previously published facies maps. An example using multivariate lithologic data from coded AmStrat sample-description logs from central Montana demonstrates the potentialities of this method. End_of_Article - Last_Page 735------------
Detection of CD4+ and CD8 + T-lymphocytes with the optofluidic ring resonator (OFRR) biosensor

We have demonstrated the use of the Opto-Fluidic ring resonator (OFRR) to achieve the label-free detection of CD4+ and CD8+ T-Lymphocytes. The OFRR sensing technology combines microfluidics and optical sensing in a small platform that achieves rapid detection. In this work, white blood cells were obtained from healthy blood and the concentration altered to reflect CD4 and CD8 concentrations of HIV infected individuals. The OFRR was modified to effectively capture these receptors located on T-Lymphocytes and obtain a sensing signal through interaction with an evanescent field. Results show isolation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-Lymphocytes at medically significant levels. This work will lead to a device that can provide a CD4 and CD8 count to measure HIV progression in a low cost sensing setup.
The alpha 1 Na(+)-K+ pump of the Dahl salt-sensitive rat exhibits altered Na+ modulation of K+ transport in red blood cells.

The properties of the alpha 1 Na(+)-K+ pump were compared in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) strains by measuring ouabain-sensitive fluxes (mmol/liter cell x hr = FU, Mean +/- SE) in red blood cells (RBCs) and varying internal (i) and external (o) Na+ and K+ concentrations. Kinetic parameters of several modes of operation, i.e., Na+/K+, K+/K+, Na+/Na+ exchanges, were characterized and analyzed for curve-fitting using the Enzfitter computer program. In unidirectional flux studies (n = 12 rats of each strain) into fresh cells incubated in 140 mM Na(+) + 5 mM K+, ouabain-sensitive K+ influx was substantially lower in the DS than in DR RBCs, while ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux and Nai were similar in both strains. Thus, the coupling ratio between unidirectional Na+:K+ fluxes was significantly higher in DS than in DR cells at similar RBC Na+ content. In the presence of 140 mM Nao, activation of ouabain-sensitive K+ influx by Ko had a lower Km and Vmax in DS as estimated by the Garay equation (N = 2.70 +/- 0.33, Km 0.74 +/- 0.09 mM; Vmax 2.87 +/- 0.09 FU) than in DR rats (N = 1.23 +/- 0.36, Km 2.31 +/- 0.16 mM; Vmax 5.70 +/- 0.52 FU). However, the two kinetic parameters were similar following Nao removal. The activation of ouabain-sensitive K+ influx by Nai had significantly lower Vmax in DS (9.3 +/- 0.4 FU) than in DR (14.5 +/- 0.6 FU) RBCs but similar Km. These data suggest that the low K+ influx in DS cells is caused by a defect in modulation by Nao and Nai. Na+ efflux showed no differences in Nai activation or trans effects by Nao and Ko, thus accounting for the different Na+:K+ coupling ratio in the Dahl strains. Further evidence for the differences in the coupling of ouabain-sensitive fluxes was found in studies of net Na+ and K+ fluxes, where the net ouabain-sensitive Na+ losses showed similar magnitudes in the two Dahl strains while the net ouabain-sensitive K+ gains were significantly greater in the DR than the DS RBCs. Ouabain-sensitive Na+ influx and K+ efflux were also measured in these rat RBCs. The inhibition of ouabain-sensitive Na+ influx by Ko was fully competitive for the DS but not for the DR pumps. Thus, for DR pumps, Ko could activate higher K+ influx in DR pumps without a complete inhibition of ouabain-sensitive Na+ influx.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Late Stage Strategy for the Functionalization of Triazolium-based NHC catalysts.

A strategy for the diversification of triazolium-based catalysts is presented. This method is based on the reduction to the triazoline, which serves as a suitable and stable substrate for palladium-mediated cross-coupling, followed by trityl cation mediated reoxidation to the triazolium.
Synthesis and x-ray crystallographic characterization of (μ3-Bi)2Fe3(CO)9: A reformulation of Hieber's Bi2Fe5(CO)20

Abstract When [HFe(CO) 4 ] − is treated first with NaBiO 3 and then dilute H 2 SO 4 , a complex mixture of neutral metal carbonyl clusters results, some of which can be extracted into petroleum ether. Upon prolonged standing the extract yields a precipitate which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography as Bi 2 Fe 3 (CO) 9 . The complex Bi 2 Fe 3 (CO) 9 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Cmcm ( D 2 h 17 ; No. 63) with a 10.616(2) A, b 13.458(3) A, c 11.347(3) A, V 1621.1(7) A 3 and Z = 4. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (Mo- K α , 2θ = 4.5–55.0°) were collected on a Syntex P2 1 four-circle diffractometer and the structure was refined to R F 5.4% and R W F 4.5% for all 1039 independent data ( R F 4.5% and R W F 4.5% for those 851 reflections with | F 0 | > 3.0σ(| F 0 |)). The molecule lies on a site of crystallographic C 2 v symmetry and is disordered. The individual molecules have a trigonal bipyramidal Bi 2 Fe 3 core with the bismuth atoms occupying the apical sites (BiFe 2.617(2)–2.643(2) A, FeFe 2.735(5)–2.757(5) A). Each iron atom is linked to three terminal carbonyl ligands and the molecule has approximate C 3 h symmetry. The nine peripheral oxygen atoms are ordered and define a tricapped trigonal prism. The equatorial iron atoms are disordered with the two Fe 3 triangles mutually displaced by approximately 30°; the disordered ensemble has approximate D 3 h symmetry.
Anamorphic integral field spectrometer for diffuse ultraviolet astronomy

We present the design of a novel anamorphic integral field spectrometer for diffuse ultraviolet astronomy. The system is designed to be able to measure emissions from faint diffuse astrophysical sources across a large field with good spectral resolving power. The design uses a standard focal plane image slicer and an anamorphic relay mirror and spectrometer to achieve an exceptional area, field of view, resolving power (AΩR) product, the key figure of merit for a spectroscopic system intended to study line emission from extended or diffuse sources. We present a typical design with R∼1000 and an effective etendue (AΩ) of 1.5×10−4 cm2 sr.
Variable Stars in the Original CCD/Transit Instrument Survey

The existing CCD/Transit Instrument (CTI-I) survey database was searched for variable stars with 12 < V < 18.5. This magnitude range corresponds to the saturation limit and the practical faint limit of the original survey (1987-1992). The CTI-I imaged a strip of the sky with a narrow spread of declination over all right ascensions. The resulting survey area covers a large range of both Galactic latitude and longitude, and includes approximately 50 deg2. Numerous challenges created by the automated photometry pipeline and associated solutions to these problems implemented during the variable suspect selection process are described. The final list contains 1807 stars. Details and the photometry of each are provided to facilitate selection for follow-up observations and subsequent analysis. Known variable stars listed in the General Catalog of Variable Stars are identified, and follow-up observations at the US Air Force Academy Observatory of selected brighter suspects (V < 15) previously not identified as variable are also described.
Distribution of Pneumocystis jirovecii in lungs from colonized COPD patients.

Abstract Pneumocystis jirovecii has been detected in lung tissue from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with disease severity. The regional distribution of the organism in lungs is unknown, but differences in distribution of Pneumocystis could affect estimates of colonization prevalence. We examined the distribution of Pneumocystis in the lungs of 19 non–HIV-infected patients with COPD who were undergoing lung transplantation. DNA was extracted from explanted lungs. We found Pneumocystis colonization in lung tissue of 42.1% of patients with advanced COPD; however, there was significant regional variation in colonization between lung segments of individual patients. Colonization was detected more commonly in the lower and middle lobes than in the upper lobes. These findings suggest that single samples from an individual may underestimate the prevalence of Pneumocystis colonization and future studies may obtain a higher yield of Pneumocystis colonization detection when sampling the lower lobes.
Classroom Inquiry in Pre-Service Training: The Experiences of Six Teacher Interns

Abstract This article of a qualitative study records the experiences of six, first-year full-time interns as they completed teacher inquiry projects in K-8 California public school classrooms during the 2001–2002 school year. Each intern conducted a yearlong cycle of inquiry that involved self-reflective problem posing, collaborative investigation, implementation of interventions, evidence collection, analysis of results, and determination of findings, reporting and next steps. These inquiry components were modified for practical on-the-job implementation and time effectiveness. For example, in lieu of a written summary report, data sheets established an “audit trail” (Hopkins, 1999) of the intern's inquiry work. Interns shared their reactions and practical experiences in tape-recorded interviews, focus group sessions, and written reflections. Although the data suggested some challenges around time constraints and project design and delivery in the pre-service training context, the study found that classr...
Sticky States in Banyan Network Queues and Their Application to Analysis

A finite-buffered banyan network analysis technique designed to model networks at high traffic loads is presented. The technique specially models two states of the network queues: queue empty and queue congested (roughly, zero or one slots free). A congested queue tends to stay congested because packets bound for the queue accumulate in the previous stage. The expected duration of this state is computed using a probabilistic model of a switching module feeding the congested queue. A technique for finding a lower arrival rate to an empty queue is also described. The queues themselves are modeled using independent Markov chains with an additional congested state added. The new analysis technique is novel in its modeling the higher arrival rate to a congested queue and a lower arrival rate to an empty queue. Comparison of queue state distributions obtained with the analysis and simulation shows that an important feature of congestion is modeled.
The threshold region of the methane carbon K-absorption spectrum

Abstract The carbon K-absorption of CH 4 is analyzed with the help of an ab initio calculation of the Rydberg states of la 1 −1 hole state. The strong absorption peak at 288.3 eV is identified as the first Rydberg 2 t * ← la 1 , whose calculated ionization potential is in good agreement with experiment. Also, the oscillator strength for this transition was calculated to be f = 1.9 × 10 −2 , which is within the estimated margin of error of the experimental f = 0.6 × 10 −2 . The weak peak at 287.2 eV is interpreted as a vibronic transition to the 3a 1 (3s) Rydberg. An estimate of its oscillator strength as 10% of the allowed 2t(3p) Rydberg line is consistent with experiment. For the case of CD 4 , this weak forbidden transition was estimated to be 20% of the allowed 2t(3p) Rydberg line.
The Numerical Solution of Integral Equations of the Second Kind

Preface 1. A brief discussion of integral equations 2. Degenerate kernel methods 3. Projection methods 4. The Nystrom method 5. Solving multivariable integral equations 6. Iteration methods 7. Boundary integral equations on a smooth planar boundary 8. Boundary integral equations on a piecewise smooth planar boundary 9. Boundary integral equations in three dimensions Discussion of the literature Appendix Bibliography Index.
Diversity and relationships of Bradyrhizobia from Amphicarpaea bracteata based on partial nod and ribosomal sequences.

Summary Partial sequences of three nod genes ( nodC, nodD1 , and nodA 5′ flanking region) and of 16S and 23 S rDNA were obtained from isolates of Bradyrhizobium sp. associated with the native North American legume Amphicarpaea bracteata . Isolates from Amphicarpaea had identical sequences in the three nod gene regions, but differed from all other Bradyrhizobium taxa at >10% of nucleotide sites. Parsimony analysis of all nod gene segments indicated a phylogenetic relationship of these bacteria to B. elkanii , with B. japonicum diverging prior to the diversification of these taxa. All Bradyrhizobium isolates from Amphicarpaea were also identical to B. elkanii in the size of the intervening sequence (IVS) in the 5′ region of the 23S rRNA gene, while B. japonicum had an IVS length variant with 29 additional nucleotides. Parsimony analysis of both 16S and 23S partial rDNA sequences grouped Bradyrhizobium sp. isolates from Amphicarpaea into a clade together with B. elkanii , consistent with the relationships inferred from nod sequences.
Glomerular Tip Lesion Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug–Induced Nephrotic Syndrome

Glomerular tip lesion and its relation to different glomerular diseases is a subject of controversy. The therapeutic and prognostic clinical implications of glomerular tip lesions are ambiguous. We present a case of glomerular tip lesion associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–induced nephrotic syndrome that further complicates this issue. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of glomerular tip lesion associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–induced nephrotic syndrome.
HIV/AIDS AND DRUG ABUSE : EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION

Summary In the United States, the AIDS epidemic is a dynamic process with increasing rates of AIDS reported among women, minority populations, heterosexual men, and users of drugs by routes other than injection. The 1993 CDC AIDS definition change has created some difficulties in interpreting trends in the United States. Drug use continues to represent a significant problem among HIV-infected persons. Several strategies have been advanced to decrease transmission of HIV among drug users, their sexual partners and children. However, more effective and comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies are needed.
Wave structure in oscillatory couette flow of a dusty gas

Using the Laplace transform technique, general solution is obtained for the velocity distribution in a time dependent Couette flow of a dusty gas for small times. The dusty gas contained between two parallel plates is disturbed by the motion of the lower plate with an arbitrary velocityF(t). WhenF(t) contains a factor of the type exp [−(λ2−iω], two distinct types of waves are generated, one of which is oscillatory and the other is non-oscillatory which disappears for λ=0. Reflections of these waves are studied and graphs for the wave speeds are presented. Long time approximations for this type ofF(t) are evaluated, and steady state solutions are obtained forF(t) of the type exp (iωt).
A Modified “Best Maximum Likelihood” Estimator of Line Regression with Errors in Both Variables: An Application for Estimating Genetic Admixture

The problem of estimation when both variables are subject to error in a linear regression model has been discussed in the literature and it has wide applications in econometrics and other social sciences. In this paper we consider the relaxation of the assumption of homoscedasticity and introduce the covariance structure of errors of measurements in the analysis to obtain a Modified Best Maximum Likelihood (MBML) estimator of the regression coefficient. We also provide an application of the above modification to estimate the extent of genetic contribution of a parental population in an admixed population. With data on frequencies of “unique” African and Caucasian alleles in US Blacks, it is shown that US Blacks have 30.9·2.2 percent genes that are of Caucasian origin.
Central nervous system control of interactions between vocalization and respiration in mammals

The purpose of this review is to examine what is known regarding the competition and synergy between respiratory and airway protective systems with vocalization for speech. It was demonstrated that there are integrative neural mechanisms between vocalization for speech and upper airway protective mechanisms at both the brainstem levels and within cerebral networks. When there is competition between cortical control of learned volitional tasks, usually the upper airway protective systems predominate (eg, the laryngeal adductor response overrides laryngeal muscle control for voice and respiratory tasks). On the other hand, volitional swallowing overrides the laryngeal adductor response. Possible mechanisms for enhanced control of upper airway systems and rehabilitation of abnormal other upper airway systems was also examined. Recently, intensive clinical training using volitional breathing and swallowing tasks has been shown to modulate hyper-reactive sensory driven reflexes such as cough and paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder secondary to laryngeal hypersensitivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Outage predictions of electric power systems under Hurricane winds by Bayesian networks

The stability and reliability of electric power grids are essential to the continuous operation of modern cities as well as for the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in disaster management. Power systems must be assessed in order to identify and address component and system-level weaknesses while supporting their rapid restoration. This paper proposes a Bayesian Network (BN)-based framework to predict outages in an electric power grid that is exposed to a hurricane event. The inherent capabilities of BNs, including its intuitive and graphical representation of probabilistic information, and its ability to allow information updating with ease, make it an effective tool for this application. The framework is coupled with a DC-flow model that captures the physics of the electrical system and also reduces the computational complexity of building conditional probability tables needed in the BN model. The framework relies on component fragilities and topology of the grid, and predicts outages at substations and distribution points within the electric power system. Its application is demonstrated using Harris County's electric power system under the 2008 Hurricane Ike winds that battered the Gulf Coast of the United States. The model captured well the field system response, where low outage probabilities are observed in the transmission system while the outage risks at distribution load points are significantly higher. The developed BN framework can seamlessly integrate transmission and distribution systems, inform disaster management, and suggest restoration strategies, while supporting decision-making for pre- or post-event intervention actions.
An analytical approach to deformation of anisotropic ice-crystal aggregates

Deformation rates of single hexagonal crystals, deforming by glide on the basal plane, are described as a function of stress state and crystal orientation. These results are used to infer the deformation rate of crystal aggregates assuming that the stress distribution within the crystal aggregate is homogeneous. Analytical equations for the deformation rate of anisotropic ice aggregates are derived for vertically symmetric girdle fabric. This type of fabric is approximated by a uniform distribution of c-axis orientations between a cone angle and a smaller girdle angle relative to the symmetry axis. For simple shear stress acting on a single-maximum fabric there is a slight de-enhancement for cone angles of 60-90°. In uniaxial compression a maximum enhancement of ∼1.7 occurs at a cone angle of 57°. A pure shear stress state has similar features, with the additional complication that it causes a non-zero transverse strain rate, except for perfect vertical alignment of crystals and isotropic fabric. In combined states of stress the contribution of each stress component to the strain rate depends on fabric. A single enhancement factor is not adequate to describe the effects of anisotropy for complex stress states.
The Validity of Quasi-Steady-State Approximations in Discrete Stochastic Simulations

In biochemical networks, reactions often occur on disparate timescales and can be characterized as either fast or slow. The quasi-steady-state approximation (QSSA) utilizes timescale separation to project models of biochemical networks onto lower-dimensional slow manifolds. As a result, fast elementary reactions are not modeled explicitly, and their effect is captured by nonelementary reaction-rate functions (e.g., Hill functions). The accuracy of the QSSA applied to deterministic systems depends on how well timescales are separated. Recently, it has been proposed to use the nonelementary rate functions obtained via the deterministic QSSA to define propensity functions in stochastic simulations of biochemical networks. In this approach, termed the stochastic QSSA, fast reactions that are part of nonelementary reactions are not simulated, greatly reducing computation time. However, it is unclear when the stochastic QSSA provides an accurate approximation of the original stochastic simulation. We show that, unlike the deterministic QSSA, the validity of the stochastic QSSA does not follow from timescale separation alone, but also depends on the sensitivity of the nonelementary reaction rate functions to changes in the slow species. The stochastic QSSA becomes more accurate when this sensitivity is small. Different types of QSSAs result in nonelementary functions with different sensitivities, and the total QSSA results in less sensitive functions than the standard or the prefactor QSSA. We prove that, as a result, the stochastic QSSA becomes more accurate when nonelementary reaction functions are obtained using the total QSSA. Our work provides an apparently novel condition for the validity of the QSSA in stochastic simulations of biochemical reaction networks with disparate timescales.
Success at publishing in biomedical journals: hints from a journal editor.

Scholarly activity is what distinguishes the academic physician from the nonacademic physician. Because decisions concerning hiring, as well as academic promotion and tenure, are generally based on such scholarly activity, there is considerable cynicism expressed by physicians about the process: ‘‘the object of science is publication,’’ ‘‘publish or perish,’’ or ‘‘promotion committees can count but not read.’’ The system of physician education is partly to blame for this situation. From entry into medical school, students are tasked with memorizing the vast knowledge base of biomedical sciences and are given little opportunity for creative scientific thinking. As clinical clerks, and then as house officers, their tasks are to follow protocols for obtaining the symptom history, doing the physical examination, and performing various procedures or surgery. More senior trainees acquire some experience in teaching their junior colleagues. Thus, by the completion of training programs, physicians are good at clinical service activities and have done some teaching, and therefore, are well-equipped to enter a nonacademic practice. However, those choosing an academic career find that scholarly activity is more prized than the clinical service and teaching activities. Too often, the new academic faculty physician receives no mentoring on scholarly activities and is basically in a ‘‘sink or swim’’ situation. Even more problematic is the fact that scholarly activity is generally equated with publication in scientific journals. The need for the published documentation of scholarly activity has resulted in a proportional growth in scientific journals. Since the publication of the first widely-circulated scientific journal 1 —the Philosophical Transactions of the
Aldosterone-related genetic effects in hypertension.

Our basic understanding of Na+ transport mechanisms provides unique insights into epithelial transport processes. Unusual clinical syndromes can arise from mutations of these ion transporters. These genetic disorders affect Na+ balance, resulting in both Na+ retaining and Na+ wasting conditions. A major focus has been the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which can be activated by mutations (eg, Liddle’s syndrome), changes in the response to mineralocorticoids (apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome), or production of mineralocorticoids (glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism). As a result, we now have clearly defined Mendelian syndromes in which ENaC activity is "dysregulated." This dysregulation leads to systemic hypertension associated with suppressed plasma renin activity, which can be attributed to a primary renal mechanism. Applying these insights to the far more common disorder of low-renin hypertension may shed new light on the underlying pathophysiology of this common form of human hypertension.
Scattering of a plane scalar wave by fundamental surfaces with mixed boundary conditions

The problem of scattering of an arbitrarily directed scalar incident plane wave by a fundamental surfacE, of orthogonality with mixed linear boundary conditions is solved for arbitrary separable coordinate system. From the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind, derived from the Helmholtz solution, a simple linear relationship is found between the unknown coefficients in the expansions of the wave potential function and its normal derivative on the fundamental surface of orthogonality, in terms of the eigenfunctions of the separable coordinate system. By applying the mixed linear boundary conditions on the fundamental surface of orthogonality another set of simple linear relationships between the unknown coefficients is found. From the two sets of linear equations, the unknown coefficients may be determined and the scattered field calculated. The above method may be applied to both Laplace and Helmholtz equations. Since we require for the solution only the free space Green’s function expansion, the problem of finding explicit representations of the various specialized Green’s functions is avoided.
THE USE OF LAMINARIA JAPONICA IN INTRACAVITARY RADIATION THERAPY WHEN ANESTHESIA IS CONTRAINDICATED

Laminaria tents have been used to dilate the cervix for interruption of pregnancy and other intrauterine procedures. Their use is presented in 5 patients with cervical and endometrial carcinoma where general anesthesia was contraindicated. Cervical dilation was sufficient with a single Laminaria to carry out intrauterine and intravaginal instrumentation for radiation therapy with no local or general anesthesia.
Children's sentence planning: Syntactic correlates of fluency variations

This paper argues for broader consideration of children’s language production systems and, in that context, describes research on children’s planning of syntactic structures. The research presented here measures non-fluency patterns in elicited utterances of varied syntactic type. We describe and interpret several regularities in these patterns for two groups of children (‘young’: three‐five-year-olds; and ‘older’: six‐eight-year-olds) and an adult comparison group. The evidence indicates a strong correspondence of adult and child responses to structural complexity, both in terms of global fluency measures and in terms of more detailed indicators of planning load. In addition, we report some specific contrasts in the patterning for children and adults that suggest disparities in processing resources and/or in local planning strategies. Children’s utterances are typically used to evaluate their knowledge of words and structures. Their utterances are less often studied for what they reveal about language processing per se or to address the e!ects of interactions between a performance system and the linguistic competence that
Salicylic acid inhibits pathogen growth in plants through repression of the auxin signaling pathway.

Summary The phytohormone auxin regulates almost every aspect of plant development. At the molecular level, auxin induces gene expression through direct physical interaction with the TIR1-like F box proteins, which in turn remove the Aux/IAA family of transcriptional repressors [1–4]. A growing body of evidence indicates that many plant pathogens can either produce auxin themselves or manipulate host auxin biosynthesis to interfere with the host's normal developmental processes [5–11]. In response, plants probably evolved mechanisms to repress auxin signaling during infection as a defense strategy. Plants overaccumulating the defense signal molecule salicylic acid (SA) frequently display morphological phenotypes that are reminiscent of auxin-deficient or auxin-insensitive mutants, indicating that SA might interfere with auxin responses. By using the Affymetrix ATH1 GeneChip for Arabidopsis thaliana , we performed a comprehensive study of the effects of SA on auxin signaling [12]. We found that SA causes global repression of auxin-related genes, including the TIR1 receptor gene, resulting in stabilization of the Aux/IAA repressor proteins and inhibition of auxin responses. We demonstrate that this inhibitory effect on auxin signaling is a part of the SA-mediated disease-resistance mechanism.