cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kevin E. Trenberth Receives 2013 Climate Communication Prize: Response

I am delighted to be recognized with this prize. I want to first thank AGU and the prize committee and, especially, Nature's Own for establishing this prize in a field that has become contentious and highly political. It did not used to be this way. Following the media frenzy with the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, there was hope at the 2009 Conference of Parties meeting in Copenhagen that an international framework agreement on climate change might be achieved. It was not to be. Planned actions to address issues of climate change were undermined by huge funding of misinformation by vested interests. It was not helped by so-called “climategate” in which many emails illegally hacked from a computer server at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom were released, cherry picked, distorted, and misused by climate change deniers. Minor errors in the IPCC report were blown out of all proportion and ineffectively addressed. I was caught up in all this, and one of my many emails went viral: the “travesty” quote in which I bemoaned the inability to close the global energy balance associated with short-term climate variability but which was misinterpreted as saying there was no global warming. These examples highlight failures of communication.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Currently Fails to Fully Evaluate the Biceps-Labrum Complex and Bicipital Tunnel.

Purpose To determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for biceps-labrum complex (BLC) lesions, including the extra-articular bicipital tunnel. Methods A retrospective review of 277 shoulders with chronic refractory BLC symptoms that underwent arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) to the conjoint tendon was conducted. Intraoperative lesions were categorized as "inside" (labral tears and dynamic LHBT incarceration), "junctional" (LHBT partial tears, LHBT subluxation, and biceps chondromalacia), or "bicipital tunnel" (extra-articular bicipital tunnel scar/stenosis, loose bodies, LHBT instability, and LHBT partial tears) based on anatomic location. Attending radiologist–generated MRI reports were graded dichotomously as positive or negative for biceps and labral damage and then compared with intraoperative findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for MRI with respect to intraoperative findings. Results With regard to inside lesions, MRI had an overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for labrum lesions of 77.3%, 68.2%, 57.3%, and 84.5% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRI for junctional lesions were 43.3%, 55.6%, 73.1%, and 26.0%, respectively. For the bicipital tunnel, MRI had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 50.4%, 61.4%, 48.7%, and 63.0%, respectively. Conclusions MRI was unreliable for ruling out BLC lesions among chronically symptomatic patients, including when the bicipital tunnel was affected. Level of Evidence Level IV, diagnostic case-control study.
Radiation Pressure on Molecules in Mira Variable Atmospheres

Preliminary work on the inclusion of radiation pressure on molecules in the atmospheres of Mira variables is discussed. Parameterization of the radiation force is considered as an alternative to a simultaneous solution of the equation of radiative transfer and of the equations of hydrodynamics in order to simplify the treatment of gas motions in the outer envelopes of these long-period variables.
Germline repertoire of the immunoglobulin V(H)3 family in rhesus monkeys.

To facilitate molecular studies of antibody responses in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), we cloned and sequenced germline segments from its largest and most diverse immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene family, V H 3. Using a PCR-based approach, we characterized 29 sequences, 20 with open reading frames (ORFs) and 9 pseudogenes. The leader sequences, introns, exons, and recombination signal sequences of M. mulatta V H 3 gene segments are not strictly identical to those of humans, but the mature coding regions demonstrate, on average, greater than 90% sequence similarity. Although the framework regions are more highly conserved, the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) also show strong similarities, and their predicted three-dimensional structures resemble those of their human homologues. In one instance, homologous macaque and human CDR1 sequences were 100% identical at the nucleotide level, and some CDR2s shared nucleotide identity as high as 96.5%. However, some rhesus V H 3 ORFs have unusual structural features, including atypical CDR lengths and uncommon amino acids at structurally crucial positions. The similarity of rhesus and human V H 3 homologues reinforces the notion that humoral immunity in this nonhuman primate species is an appropriate system for modeling human antibody responses.
Kilham rat virus-induced type 1 diabetes involves beta cell infection and intra-islet JAK–STAT activation prior to insulitis

We used the LEW1.WR1 rat model of Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)-induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) to test the hypothesis that disease mechanisms are linked with beta cell infection and intra-islet immune activation prior to insulitis. KRV induces genes involved in type I and type II interferon pathways in islet cell lines in vitro and in islets from day-5-infected animals in vivo via mechanisms that do not involve insulitis, beta cell apoptosis, or impaired insulin expression. Immunohistochemistry studies indicated that KRV protein is expressed in beta cells 5 days following infection. KRV induces the phosphorylation of Janus Kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) in islet cells via a mechanism that could involve TLR9 and NF-κB pathways. These data demonstrate for the first time that KRV-induced islet destruction is associated with beta cell infection and intra-islet innate immune upregulation early in the disease process.
Geometrical description of the X-ray capillaries with assumed reflection features

Abstract The geometrical description of the capillary systems adjusted for controlled guiding of X-rays is presented. Simple relationships between the reflection angle ϑ , the angle α of the capillary wall inclination with respect to the capillary main axis and the angle γ of the ray inclination in relation to the main axis are proved. Once established, the relationships help in the small angle approximation to derive differential equations describing the constant reflection profile of the capillary wall. Alternatively, the system of algebraic relationships is established. The systems of equations correspond either to the control over reflection angle or to the control over the shape of the wall. The way for calculation of the forces to draw capillaries of desired shape is then demonstrated. Finally, complete relationship between capillary shape and variability of the reflection coefficient is suggested.
Optimal Collector Type and Temperature in a Solar Organic Rankine Cycle System for Building-Scale Power Generation in Hot and Humid Climate

The objective of this paper is to determine the optimal solar collector type and temperature of a building-scale power generation system employing solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engine for a geothermal air-conditioned net zero-energy building (NZEB) in a hot and humid climate. In the authors' previous work, 11 fluids have been suggested to be employed in solar ORCs that use low-temperature or medium-temperature solar collectors. In this paper, the system requirements needed to maintain the electricity demand of a commercial building have been compared for the 11 suggested fluids. The solar collector loop, building, and geothermal air conditioning system are modeled using TRNSYS with the required input for the ORC system derived from the previous study. The commercial building is located in Pensacola of Florida and is served by grid power. The building has been equipped with two geothermal heat pump units and a vertical closed loop system. The performance of the geothermal system has been monitored for 3 weeks. Monitoring data and available electricity bills of the building have been employed to calibrate the building and geothermal air conditioning system simulation. Simulation has been repeated for Miami and Houston in order to evaluate the effect of the different solar radiations on the system requirements.
Evaluation of some significant issues affecting trajectory and control management for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles

Horizontal takeoff airbreathing-propulsion launch vehicles require near-optimal guidance and control which takes into account performance sensitivities to atmospheric characteristics while satisfying physically-derived operational constraints. A generic trajectory/control analysis tool that deepens insight into these considerations has been applied to two versions of a winged-cone vehicle model. Information that is critical to the design and trajectory of these vehicles is derived, and several unusual characteristics of the airbreathing propulsion model are shown to have potentially substantial effects on vehicle dynamics.
Ultrathin, cross-linked polyimide pervaporation membranes prepared from polyelectrolyte multilayers

Abstract Alternating electrostatic adsorption of poly(amic acid) salts and polycations on porous alumina supports followed by heat-induced imidization yields ultrathin, polyimide membranes. Moreover, incorporation of additional carboxylic acid groups in the poly(amic acid) allows cross-linking via reaction of these groups with the amines of the polycation. FTIR spectroscopy confirms both full imidization and formation of amide cross-links after heating at 250 °C for 2 h, while scanning electron microscopy reveals uniform, ∼50 nm thick films based on 7.5–12.5 poly(amic acid)/polycation bilayers. Pervaporation was investigated as a function of cross-linking by varying either the polycation, i.e., poly(allylamine hydrochloride), polyethylenimine, or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), or the number of cross-linkable groups in the poly(amic acid). Maximum cross-linkage and selectivities occur with imidized films prepared from poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and a poly(amic acid) that contains diaminobenzoic acid in each repeat unit. Such membranes exhibit water/alcohol selectivities of 1100 and 6100 for solutions containing 10 and 90% isopropanol, respectively, and the minimal thickness of the multilayer films still allows these selectivities to occur at fluxes of 11 and 2 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. Fluxes are essentially the same for water/ethanol solutions, but selectivities decrease to 100 and 500 for 10 and 90% ethanol, respectively.
Endostatin Gene Transfer Inhibits Joint Angiogenesis and Pannus Formation in Inflammatory Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent example of an inflammatory angiogenic disease, which is mediated by pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To evaluate the effect of the potent anti-angiogenic factor endostatin on TNF-induced inflammatory arthritis, we injected an endostatin-expressing lentiviral vector directly into the joints of human TNF-transgenic mice before the onset of disease. Histological analysis of the injected joints 8 weeks later revealed that endostatin reduced blood vessel density within the synovial tissues and an overall mean arthritis index. In vitro and in vivo examination of the potential mechanism by which endostatin inhibited the arthritis revealed that endostatin blocks TNF-induced activation of JNK and JNK-dependent pro-angiogenic gene expression. These data suggest a novel mechanism by which endostatin inhibits angiogenesis, and demonstrates the potential utility of anti-angiogenic gene therapy for treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
Renal Failure and Deafness: Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition that may present with hearing loss, branchial cysts, and renal failure. The characteristic phenotypic expression of the full syndrome may be partial or complete, and a whole range of renal abnormalities may be present. Its similarity to Alport's syndrome may lead to misdiagnosis. We report here a case of adult-onset renal failure in a 44-year-old white man previously believed to have Alport's syndrome and a review the relevant literature.
Characterization of the mammalian miRNA turnover landscape

Steady state cellular microRNA (miRNA) levels represent the balance between miRNA biogenesis and turnover. The kinetics and sequence determinants of mammalian miRNA turnover during and after miRNA maturation are not fully understood. Through a large-scale study on mammalian miRNA turnover, we report the co-existence of multiple cellular miRNA pools with distinct turnover kinetics and biogenesis properties and reveal previously unrecognized sequence features for fast turnover miRNAs. We measured miRNA turnover rates in eight mammalian cell types with a combination of expression profiling and deep sequencing. While most miRNAs are stable, a subset of miRNAs, mostly miRNA*s, turnovers quickly, many of which display a two-step turnover kinetics. Moreover, different sequence isoforms of the same miRNA can possess vastly different turnover rates. Fast turnover miRNA isoforms are enriched for 5′ nucleotide bias against Argonaute-(AGO)-loading, but also additional 3′ and central sequence features. Modeling based on two fast turnover miRNA*s miR-222-5p and miR-125b-1-3p, we unexpectedly found that while both miRNA*s are associated with AGO, they strongly differ in HSP90 association and sensitivity to HSP90 inhibition. Our data characterize the landscape of genome-wide miRNA turnover in cultured mammalian cells and reveal differential HSP90 requirements for different miRNA*s. Our findings also implicate rules for designing stable small RNAs, such as siRNAs.
On the Inversion of Time-lapse Seismic Data

As the number of time-lapse (4D) seismic applications increases; so do the prospects for quantitative estimates of dynamic reservoir properties, such as fluid saturation and pressure, based on time-lapse seismic data. These estimates can be obtained by the application of appropriate rock physics models that map seismic-derived estimates of timelapse Pand S-impedance changes to changes in the dynamic properties. Therefore, it is important that reliable 4D impedance models are available for this process. There are, however, a number of ways to estimate impedance change from 4D seismic data. The purpose of our study was to assess the merits of different inversion workflows by using a synthetic 4D data set and comparing models resulting from the inverse calculations with actual impedance models. This study demonstrates the importance of coupling the inversion of base and monitor surveys to mitigate the impact of inherent non-uniqueness in seismic data inversion. The results from uncoupled inversions can mislead time-lapse interpretation and compromise reservoir management decisions.
Experiments on turbulence in soap films

Grid turbulence in a freely suspended soap film is investigated. The energy spectrum and the velocity difference on a given scalelare examined by fiber velocimetry and by homodyne photon-correlation spectroscopy. While the velocity field shows self-similarity over many different length scales, the energy spectrum, E(k), deviates strongly from the k−5/3 law, which is predicted for the energy inverse cascade in two dimensions. Our experimental data can be satisfactorily fit to k−3 over a range of wave numbers that are smaller than the wave number kinj, at which the energy is injected into the system.
Computer Pattern Recognition: Spontaneous Motor Activity Studies of Rats Following Acute Exposure to Triethyltin

A computer pattern recognition system, RAPID, was used to measure the spontaneous activity of male Sprague-Dawley rats during six observational periods distributed over 11 days after a single oral dose of triethyltin bromide (TET) at 3 or 5 mg/kg. These observational periods were distributed between those taken under red light conditions during the animals normal dark cycle (Days 2, 7, and 10 after exposure) and those taken under white light conditions during the animals normal light cycle (Days 3, 6, and 11 after exposure). Significant disruption of the normal behavioral patterns were observed on Days 2 and 7 for the 3 mg/kg-exposed group and on Days 2, 3, 6, 7, and 10 for the 5 mg/kg-exposed group.
Motives for using: A comparison of prescription opioid, marijuana and cocaine dependent individuals

Identification of the motives for drug use is critical to the development of effective interventions. Furthermore, consideration of the differences in motives for drug use across substance dependent populations may assist in tailoring interventions. To date, few studies have systematically compared motives for substance use across drug classes. The current study examined motives for drug use between non-treatment seeking individuals with current prescription opioid, marijuana, or cocaine dependence. Participants (N = 227) completed the Inventory of Drug-Taking Situations (IDTS; Annis, Turner & Sklar,1997), which contains eight subscales assessing motives for drug use. The findings revealed that prescription opioid dependent individuals scored significantly higher than all other groups on the Physical Discomfort, Testing Personal Control and Conflict with Others subscales. Both the prescription opioid and cocaine dependent groups scored significantly higher than the marijuana group on the Urges or a Temptation to Use subscale. In contrast, marijuana dependent individuals scored highest on the Pleasant Emotions and Pleasant Times with Others subscales. The marked differences revealed in motives for drug use could be used in the development and implementation of specific treatment interventions for prescription opioid, marijuana and cocaine dependent individuals.
Channeling in solid Xe, Ar and Ne direct dark matter detectors

Abstract The channeling of the ion recoiling after a collision with a WIMP changes the ionization signal in direct detection experiments, producing a larger scintillation or ionization signal than otherwise expected. We give estimates of the fraction of channeled recoiling ions in solid Xe, Ar and Ne crystals using analytic models produced since the 1960s and 1970s to describe channeling and blocking effects.
Controlled Assembly of Hetero-binuclear Sites on Mesoporous Silica: Visible Light Charge-Transfer Units with Selectable Redox Properties

Mild synthetic methods are demonstrated for the selective assembly of oxo-bridged heterobinuclear units of the type TiOCrIII, TiOCoII, and TiOCeIII on mesoporous silica support MCM-41. One method takes advantage of the higher acidity and, hence, higher reactivity of titanol compared to silanol OH groups towards CeIII or CoII precursor. The procedure avoids the customary use of strong base. The controlled assembly of the TiOCr system exploits the selective redox reactivity of one metal towards another (TiIII precursor reacting with anchored CrVI centers). The observed selectivity for linking a metal precursor to an already anchored partner versus formation of isolated centers ranges from a factor of six (TiOCe) to complete (TiOCr, TiOCo). Evidence for oxo bridges and determination of the coordination environment of each metal centers is based on K-edge EXAFS (TiOCr), L-edge absorption spectroscopy (Ce), and XANES measurements (Co, Cr). EPR, optical, FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy furnish additional details on oxidation state and coordination environment of donor and acceptor metal centers. In the case of TiOCr, the integrity of the anchored group upon calcination (350 oC) and cycling of the Cr oxidation state is demonstrated. The binuclear units possess metal-to-metal charge-transfer transitions that absorb deep in the visible region. The flexible synthetic method for assembling the units opens up the use of visible light charge transfer pumps featuring donor or acceptor metals with selectable redox potential.
Cognitive Functioning in Parallel and Sequential Processing Conditions

Summary Male and female decision time with parallel and sequential processing problems, under control, distraction, and irrelevant cue conditions were studied. Males were superior in all sequential processing control conditions, and in all parallel processing control conditions. For both sexes processing was most efficient in control conditions, without distractions or irrelevant cues. Females showed less of a decline in efficiency than males when irrelevant visual cues were present in the sequential processing condition.
Statistical considerations for in vitro research: I — Birth of an idea to collecting data

This manuscript is the first of two that discuss statistical methods applicable to in vitro research. This paper focuses on topics to consider when planning experiments and provides examples of several experimental designs that are suitable for plant tissue culture and biotechnology projects. Use of factorial treatment designs and designing sequential experiments are also discussed. The second paper deals with data handling. Several key references are provided at the end of each manuscript as sources of additional information for readers’ perusal.
Integrating climate change and sustainable development in a place-based context

This paper reports on investigations of two propositions. First, it is easy to overestimate the importance of climate change in the larger picture of sustainable development while at the same time underestimating the potential for climate change concerns to be a catalyst for progress toward sustainable development. Second, these imbalances in perceptions are more likely to be addressed effectively at a local scale than at a global or national scale.
Towards more effective liver allocation criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma: tumor response to locoregional therapy.

Yiing Lin, MD and William C. Chapman, MDDepartment of Surgery, Section of Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MOSince the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS)implemented the Milan criteria in 2002 to assign listingpriorities for liver transplantation in patients with hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC), the ﬁeld of liver transplantationhas actively searched for further reﬁnements to optimizeorgan allocation for this indication.
Early prediction of complex midgut volvulus in neonates and infants

Prognosis of midgut volvulus in neonates and infants younger than 1 year remains poor, as diagnostic findings may not be apparent until gut infarction had occurred. To characterize factors that help to predict complex midgut volvulus early was aim of this study. Institutionally approved retrospective analysis of all children younger than 1 year treated for midgut volvulus at the author’s center from January 2002 to December 2011. Medical history, symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings as well as sequelae of midgut volvulus were evaluated. In 10 years, 37 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 43 % developed complications, and mortality rate was 16 %. In 30 % of the patients, the only clinical sign was a sudden worsening of the general condition and abdominal distension (complex 19 % vs. simple 38 %). In one child with simple midgut volvulus, all clinical, laboratory and radiologic signs were negative. CART analysis identified a base excess below −1.70 and preterm birth ( 1pt (comprised of these two factors) was found in all children with complex and in 14 % of simple midgut volvulus (p 1pt) offers a sensitivity of 100 % (81.7–100 %), specificity of 85.7 % (71.8–85.7 %), a PPV of 84.2 % (68.8–84.2 %) and NPV 100 % (83.8–100 %). The study shows that midgut volvulus has a substantial morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, not all affected children get picked up by history, laboratory and imaging. However, the proposed score helps to identify subject with increased risk of complications. It has the potential to facilitate and accelerate diagnosis of complex midgut volvulus; ultimately, it might help to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Localization of the Major NF-κB-activating Site and the Sole TRAF3 Binding Site of LMP-1 Defines Two Distinct Signaling Motifs

The TRAF3 molecule interacts with the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus (COOH terminus) of the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded oncogene LMP-1. NF-κB activation is a downstream signaling event of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) molecules in other signaling systems (CD40 for example) and is an event caused by LMP-1 expression. One region capable of TRAF3 interaction in LMP-1 is the membrane-proximal 45 amino acids (188–242) of the COOH terminus. We show that this region contains the only site for binding of TRAF3 in the 200-amino acid COOH terminus of LMP-1. The site also binds TRAF2 and TRAF5, but not TRAF6. TRAF3 binds to critical residues localized between amino acids 196 and 212 (HHDDSLPHPQQATDDSG), including the PXQX(T/S) motif, that share limited identity to the CD40 receptor TRAF binding site (TAAPVQETL). Mutation of critical residues in the TRAF3 binding site of LMP-1 that prevents binding of TRAF2, TRAF3, and TRAF5 does not affect NF-κB-activating potential. Deletion mapping localized the major NF-κB activating region of LMP-1 to critical residues in the distal 4 amino acids of the COOH terminus (383–386). Therefore, TRAF3 binding and NF-κB activation occur through two separate motifs at opposite ends of the LMP-1 COOH-terminal sequence.
OPTIMIZATION OF PARTIALLY PRESTRESSED CONCRETE GIRDERS UNDER MULTIPLE STRENGTH AND SERVICEABILITY CRITERIA

A comprehensive study on the optimization of simply supported partially prestressed concrete girders is presented. Using sequential quadratic programming a set of optimal geometrical dimensions, amounts of prestressing and non-prestressing steel, and spacing between shear reinforcements are obtained. The constraints used are based upon flexural stresses, fatigue stresses, crack width, ductility, initial camber, deflection due to both dead and live loads, ultimate moment capacity of the section with respect to cracking moment and factored loads, and the ultimate shear strength. Results point to the need for non-prestressing steel to obtain economical designs. Minor savings on the material occur when the section is allowed to crack. The ultimate moment capacity and the fatigue stress controlled the design in the cracked case. The tensile stress at service and the ultimate moment capacity were the binding constraints in the uncracked case. This study automates the design of partially prestressed concrete girders and provides needed design solutions to problems which are of importance to practicing engineers.
An ambient tax approach to invasive species

Abstract Invasive species have become an issue of increasing concern in recent years. Invasive species are species that are not native to an area but are imported either intentionally or unintentionally and become established. A primary pathway for introduction is the ballast water of ships. Although not all imported species become invasive, those that do cause extensive damage to ecosystems and have been blamed for the endangerment of numerous native species. In many cases, release of non-native species can be prevented, either through open-ocean ballast water exchange, retention of ballast water, or other biosecurity measures. However, policies designed to encourage such actions face several specific challenges. The difficulty of linking an invasion to a specific vessel and of monitoring individual vessels' care makes using standard environmental liability plans difficult if not impossible. In this paper, we present an alternative policy option, that of an ambient tax. Building on the work of Segerson [Segerson, Kathleen, 1988. Uncertainty and incentives for nonpoint pollution control. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 15: 87–98.], we show that an ambient tax can ensure socially optimal behavior in both the short-run and the long-run with minimal vessel specific information.
Prototype protein assembly as scaffold for time-resolved fluoroimmuno assays.

Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) is an icosahedral plant virus with an average diameter of 28 nm and can be isolated in gram quantities from turnip or Chinese cabbage inexpensively. In this study, it was selected as a prototype bionanoparticle for time-resolved fluoroimmuno assay (TRFIA). Two types of reactive amino acid residues were employed to anchor luminescent terbium complexes and biotin groups based on orthogonal chemical reactions. While terbium complexes were used as luminescent signaling groups, biotin motifs acted as a model ligand for protein binding. The bioconjugation results were confirmed by MS and Western blot analysis. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence study of the dual-modified viruses demonstrated that the spectroscopic properties of the Tb complex are unperturbed by the labeling procedure. The dual-modified particle was probed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments using avidin labeled with an Alexa488 fluorophore, which bound to the biotin on the surface of the particle, as an energy acceptor, and terbium complexes as an energy donor. The emission and excitation spectra of the dual-labeled TYMV particle displayed residual virus fluorescence and Tb luminescence upon ligand-centered excitation. The Tb luminescence lifetime was 1.62 ms and could be effectively fitted with a single-exponential behavior. In the TRFIA, an efficient transfer of 66% was observed, and the calculation using the Forster radius of 41 A allowed for an estimation of the average donor-acceptor distance of 36 A. Our studies show that the two reactive sites can communicate with each other on the surface of a nanoscale biological assembly. In particular, the ligand-receptor binding (biotin and avidin in this paper) was not interfered with when anchored to the surface of TYMV. Therefore, as a prototype of polyvalent bionanoparticles, TYMV can be used as scaffold for sensor development with TRFIA.
Deceased-donor split-liver transplantation in adult recipients: is the learning curve over?

Background Infants have the highest wait-list mortality of all liver transplantation candidates. Deceased-donor split-liver transplantation, a technique that provides both an adult and pediatric graft, might be the best way to decrease this disproportionate mortality. Yet concern for an increased risk to adult split recipients has discouraged its widespread adoption. We aimed to determine the current risk of graft failure in adult recipients after split-liver transplantation. Study Design United Network for Organ Sharing data from 62,190 first-time adult recipients of deceased-donor liver transplants (1995–2010) were analyzed (889 split grafts). Bivariate risk factors (p Results Split-liver recipients had an overall hazard ratio of graft failure of 1.26 (p Conclusions The risk of graft failure is now similar between split and whole-liver recipients in the vast majority of cases, which demonstrates that the expansion of split-liver allocation might be possible without increasing the overall risk of long-term graft failure in adult recipients. Additional prospective analysis should examine if selection bias might account for the possible increase in risk for recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma or designated status 1.
Real-world vision: Selective perception and task

Visual perception is an inherently selective process. To understand when and why a particular region of a scene is selected, it is imperative to observe and describe the eye movements of individuals as they go about performing specific tasks. In this sense, vision is an active process that integrates scene properties with specific, goal-oriented oculomotor behavior. This study is an investigation of how task influences the visual selection of stimuli from a scene. Four eye tracking experiments were designed and conducted to determine how everyday tasks affect oculomotor behavior. A portable eyetracker was created for the specific purpose of bringing the experiments out of the laboratory and into the real world, where natural behavior is most likely to occur. The experiments provide evidence that the human visual system is not a passive collector of salient environemental stimuli, nor is vision general-purpose. Rather, vision is active and specific, tightly coupled to the requirements of a task and a plan of action. The experiments support the hypothesis that the purpose of selective attention is to maximize task efficiency by fixating relevant objects in the scene. A computational model of visual attention is presented that imposes a high-level constraint on the bottom-up salient properties of a scene for the purpose of locating regions that are likely to correspond to foreground objects rather than background or other salient nonobject stimuli. In addition to improving the correlation to human subject fixation densities over a strictly bottom-up model [Itti et al. 1998; Parkhurst et al. 2002], this model predicts a central fixation tendency when that tendency is warranted, and not as an artificially primed location bias.
Role and Regulation of σs in General Resistance Conferred by Low-Shear Simulated Microgravity in Escherichia coli

Life on Earth evolved in the presence of gravity, and thus it is of interest from the perspective of space exploration to determine if diminished gravity affects biological processes. Cultivation of Escherichia coli under low-shear simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions resulted in enhanced stress resistance in both exponential- and stationary-phase cells, making the latter superresistant. Given that microgravity of space and SMG also compromise human immune response, this phenomenon constitutes a potential threat to astronauts. As low-shear environments are encountered by pathogens on Earth as well, SMG-conferred resistance is also relevant to controlling infectious disease on this planet. The SMG effect resembles the general stress response on Earth, which makes bacteria resistant to multiple stresses; this response is σs dependent, irrespective of the growth phase. However, SMG-induced increased resistance was dependent on σs only in stationary phase, being independent of this sigma factor in exponential phase. σs concentration was some 30% lower in exponential-phase SMG cells than in normal gravity cells but was twofold higher in stationary-phase SMG cells. While SMG affected σs synthesis at all levels of control, the main reasons for the differential effect of this gravity condition on σs levels were that it rendered the sigma protein less stable in exponential phase and increased rpoS mRNA translational efficiency. Since σs regulatory processes are influenced by mRNA and protein-folding patterns, the data suggest that SMG may affect these configurations.
A note on fragile graphs

In this note, we show that every graph on n vertices and at most 2n - 4 edges contains a vertex-cut S which is also an independent set of G. The result is best possible and answers a question proposed by Caro in the affirmative.
Commentary on "Changes in the aetiological spectrum of leg ulcers after a broad scale intervention in a defined geographical population in Sweden".

Lower extremity ulceration can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in all societies. Forssgrenn et al. have nicely documented a decreased rate of arterial and venous ulcer with a program instituted in a small region in Sweden. They also demonstrate a decreased rate of amputation. Although this data is impressive and I would like to congratulate the authors for their excellent work, I have some concerns about the study. My two biggest concerns relate to the timeframe evaluated during the study and the population utilized for the study. The study datawas accumulated after a programwas initiated to reduce the rate of ulceration. Data was collected until 2002. Therefore, the data is a decade old. But, there is clearly still value to the improvement in the rate of ulcerations seen in this region of Sweden after the implementation of their program. In addition, the authors have responded to this concern in an appropriate fashion and believe that the ulceration and amputation rates may be even further decreased in 2012 as the program has continued to grow and is widely accepted. The morbidity of interventions may be decreased since the study was completed as well. A similar number of interventions (228 in 2002 as compared to 234 in 2011) were performed, but the number of interventions being completed in an endovascular fashion has increased significantly (21% in 2002 as compared to 52% in 2011). As for the study population, this is a relatively homogenous group and likely the program may be difficult to widely apply
On the existence of zero rest mass particles

It is shown that no concrete particle can have zero rest mass. A separate photon is proven to be a concrete particle. The nonexistence of the electromagnetic field as an independent physical reality is demonstrated. The existence of a subatomic electromagnetic particle of a very small rest mass, theemon, instead of the electromagnetic field, is stated. The compatibility of the notion of the emon with the special relativity theory is elucidated. Some corollaries of the existence of the emon as well as the possibilities of determining its rest mass are discussed. The explanations of the relativity aberration and Doppler effect in terms of the emon are given. The importance of the principle of concreteness of experiments is emphasized and illustrated. Some related problems are noticed.
Single pass sequencing and physical and genetic mapping of human brain cDNAs.

We have performed single pass sequencing of 1,024 human brain cDNAs, over 900 of which seem to represent new human genes. Library prescreening with total brain cDNA significantly reduced repeated sequencing of highly represented cDNAs. A subset of sequenced cDNAs were physically mapped to their chromosomal locations using gene–specific STS primers derived from 3′ untranslated regions. We have also determined that human brain cDNAs represent a rich source of gene–associated polymorphic markers. Microsatellite–containing cDNAs can be physically mapped and converted to highly informative genetic markers, thus facilitating integration of the human physical, expression and genetic maps.
Scoping implementation in National Environmental Policy Act processes in US transportation agencies

Scoping efforts are conducted at the beginning of National Environmental Policy Act processes and focus on preliminary efforts to engage stakeholders, gather information, and identify issues to focus on during the environmental impact statement. Based on a study of state departments of transportation in the US, a number of challenges in conducting scoping are identified including data availability, public opposition, getting other agencies to participate, and staff and time constraints. At the same time, agencies note important effects of scoping efforts on later steps laid out under the including influencing impact statement content and improving the identification of environmental impacts.
Biological Activity of Follistatin Isoforms and Follistatin-Like-3 Is Dependent on Differential Cell Surface Binding and Specificity for Activin, Myostatin, and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

Follistatin (FST) and FST-like-3 (FSTL3) are activin-binding and neutralization proteins that also bind myostatin. Three FST isoforms have been described that differ in tissue distribution and cell-surface binding activity, suggesting that the FST isoforms and FSTL3 may have some nonoverlapping biological actions. We produced recombinant FST isoforms and FSTL3 and compared their biochemical and biological properties. Activin-binding affinities and kinetics were comparable between the isoforms and FSTL3, whereas cell-surface binding differed markedly (FST288 > FST303 > FST315 > FSTL3). Inhibition of endogenous activin bioactivity, whether the FST isoforms were administered endogenously or exogenously, correlated closely with surface binding activity, whereas neutralization of exogenous activin when FST and FSTL3 were also exogenous was consistent with their equivalent activin-binding affinities. This difference in activin inhibition was also evident in an in vitro bioassay because FST288 suppressed, whereas FST315 enhanced, activin-dependent TT cell proliferation. Moreover, when FSTL3, which does not associate with cell membranes, was expressed as a membrane-anchored protein, its endogenous activin inhibitory activity was dramatically increased. In competitive binding assays, myostatin was more potent than bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 6 and 7, and BMPs 2 and 4 were inactive in binding to FST isoforms, whereas none of the BMPs tested competed with activin for binding to FSTL3. Neutralization of exogenous BMP or myostatin bioactivity correlated with the relative abilities of the isoforms to bind cell-surface proteoglycans. These results indicate that the differential biological actions among the FST isoforms and FSTL3 are primarily dependent on their relative cell-surface binding ability and ligand specificity.
Identification of vibrotactile patterns: building blocks for tactons

Vibrotactile stimuli vary along a number of dimensions including frequency, amplitude, waveform and temporal profile all of which can be varied to create tactons. The objective of the present experiment was to measure tactile pattern recognition using eight vibrotactile stimuli that varied with respect to frequency, amplitude and pulse duration. An absolute identification paradigm was used in which each stimulus was presented eight times to the index finger or forearm and participants had to identify the visual image associated with the tacton. The results from the experiment indicated that in the absence of spatial cues, tactons were relatively difficult for participants to identify, with an overall mean recognition rate of 57% correct and an IT of 1.72 bits. However, there were significant differences in the identification rates among the tactons, with mean scores ranging from 30% to 83 % correct. Tactons created using higher frequencies and amplitudes were easier to identify than those with lower frequencies and amplitudes. Surprisingly, there was no difference between the finger and the forearm in tacton identification. The dimension that appeared to be most difficult to encode was amplitude, as reflected in the patterns of misidentification in the confusion matrices. These findings indicate that the specific dimensions and stimulus ranges selected to create tactons can profoundly affect the ability to identify tactile patterns and that differences in spatial and temporal acuity across the skin are not predictive of these abilities.
Maternal weight and sire group, not caloric intake, influence adipocyte volume in infant female baboons.

ABSTRACT: We tested the hypothesis that overfeeding with a high caloric (concentrated) formula increases growth without influencing adipocyte volume in preweaning infant baboons. Female infant baboons from three sires and 25 dams were fed either 67.5 kcal (normal formula) or 94.5 kcal (concentrated formula)/100 g Similac formula. Immediately before weaning (19 wk), adipocyte volume was measured in biopsied adipose tissue from omentum, flank, and popliteal depots. From birth until weaning, infants fed the concentrated formula consumed 20% more total calories, averaged 15% more calories/kg/wk, and gained 14% more weight than normally fed infants. Adipocyte volume differed significantly among different sites (omentum > popliteal > flank) and among different sire groups. Increased caloric intake alone did not increase adipocyte volume. There was a small but significant sire by infant formula interaction on adipocyte volume. When fed the concentrated formula, progeny from one sire had larger adipocytes than normally fed infants, whereas progeny from the other two sires had smaller adipocytes or adipocytes that were comparable to infants fed normal formula. Variability in adipocyte volume at 19 wk of age was best accounted for by maternal weight and sire group (omentum R2 = 0.334, p = 0.026; flank R2 = 0.532, p = 0.01; popliteal R2 = 0.482, p = 0.01) and not by caloric intake. These results suggest that the level of triglyceride deposition into adipocytes attained during preweaning growth is determined to a greater extent by genetic and other factors rather than caloric intake.
Stereological measurement and error estimates for three-dimensional fiber orientation

A method is presented for measuring three-dimensional fiber orientation in fiber-reinforced polymers and placing confidence limits on the results. The orientations of individual fibers are determined from the elliptical intersections between the cylindrical fibers and a polished section. This can be done using either manual digitization or automated image analysis. Volume averages for the sample are computed using an orientation-dependent weighting function that corrects for the bias of an area-based sample. Equations are developed for nonuniform fiber lengths, using both number-average and weight-average measures of orientation. Sources of systematic, measurement, and sampling error are discussed and equations for sampling error and the propagation of measurement error are derived. The results use a second-rank tensor to characterize fiber orientation, but the error analysis can be applied to any type of orientation parameter. We implement the technique using manual digitization of optical micrographs. Our implementation accurately measures samples with known orientation, and produces identical results from two perpendicular sections of a glass fiber/nylon injection-molded sample.
Numerical methods for simulation of high-intensity hadron synchrotrons☆

Abstract Numerical algorithms for PIC simulation of beam dynamics in a high-intensity synchrotron on a parallel computer are presented. We introduce numerical solvers of the Laplace–Poisson equation in the presence of walls, and algorithms to compute tunes and twiss functions in the presence of space-charge forces. The working code for the simulation here presented is SIMBAD, that can be run as standalone or as part of the Unified Accelerator Libraries (UAL) package.
Co-application of the GABA B receptor agonist, baclofen, and the mGlu receptor agonist, L-CCG-I, facilitates [ 3 H]GABA release from rat cortical nerve endings

Interaction between different transmitter receptor systems is an emerging feature of neurotransmission at central synapses. G protein-coupled receptors’ ability to form dimers or larger hetero-oligomers probably serves to facilitate the integration of diverse signals within the cell. We found that, in nerve terminals isolated from the cerebral cortices of rats, co-application of the GABAB agonist, baclofen, and of the non-selective mGlu agonist, L-CCG-I, potentiates the basal and depolarization-evoked release of [3H]GABA via a mechanism that involves mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ ions. The effect of L-CCG-I + baclofen was abolished by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, reduced by Xestospongin C (an IP3 receptor blocker), and blocked by 2-APB, an IP3 receptor antagonist. Pretreatment of the synaptosomes with the lipid-soluble Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM also inhibited the effects of L-CCG-I + baclofen. Subtype-selective non-competitive group I mGlu receptor antagonists, MPEP and CPCCOEt, had no effect on the release enhancement produced by baclofen + L-CCG-I. The enhancement was reversed by the GABAB receptor antagonist, CGP54626, and by the group I/group II mGlu receptor antagonist (R,S)-MCPG. The GABA release-enhancing effects of L-CCG-I + baclofen in our model might reflect the presence on cortical nerve endings of GABAB/group I mGlu receptor heteromers with pharmacological properties distinct from those of the component receptors. Activation of these heteromeric receptors might modify the function of the GABAB receptor in such a way that it facilitates GABAergic transmission, an effect that might be useful under conditions of excessive glutamatergic activity.