cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeochemical niches associated with hyporheic exchange beneath an acid mine drainage-contaminated stream

summary Biological low-pH Fe(II)-oxidation creates terraced iron formations (TIFs) that remove Fe(III) from solution. TIFs can be used for remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD), however, as sediment depth increases, Fe(III)-reduction in anoxic subsurface areas may compromise treatment effectiveness. In this study we used near-surface electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and in situ pore-water samplers to spatially resolve bulk conductivity changes within a TIF formed in a stream emanating from a large abandoned deep clay mine in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA. Because of the high fluid electrical conductivity of the emergent AMD (1860 lS), fresh water (42 lS) was added as a dilution tracer to visualize the spatial and temporal extent of hyporheic exchange and to characterize subsurface flow paths. Distinct hydrogeochemical niches were identified in the shallow subsurface beneath the stream by overlaying relative groundwater velocities (derived from ERI) with pore-water chemistry profiles. Niches were classified based on relatively ‘‘fast’’ versus ‘‘slow’’ rates of hyporheic exchange and oxic versus anoxic conditions. Pore-water concentrations and speciation of iron, pH, and redox potential differed between subsurface flow regimes. The greatest extent of hyporheic exchange was beneath the center of the stream, where a shallower ( 70 cm) Fe(II)-oxidizing zone. At these locations, relatively slower groundwater exchange may promote biotic Fe(II)-oxidation and improve the long-term stability of Fe sequestered in TIFs.
A simple derivation of the time‐dependent convective‐diffusion equation for surfactant transport along a deforming interface

A derivation of the convective‐diffusion equation for transport of a scalar quantity, e.g., surfactant, along a deforming interface is outlined. The direct contribution of interface deformation, giving rise to concentration variations as a result of local changes in interfacial area, is shown explicitly in a simple manner.
Solid-State NMR Ensemble Dynamics as a Mediator between Experiment and Simulation

Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) is a powerful technique to describe the orientations of membrane proteins and peptides in their native membrane bilayer environments. The deuterium (2H) quadrupolar splitting (DQS), one of the SSNMR observables, has been used to characterize the orientations of various single-pass transmembrane (TM) helices using a semistatic rigid-body model such as the geometric analysis of labeled alanine (GALA) method. However, dynamic information of these TM helices, which could be related to important biological function, can be missing or misinterpreted with the semistatic model. We have investigated the orientation of WALP23 in an implicit membrane of dimyristoylglycerophosphocholine by determining an ensemble of structures using multiple conformer models with a DQS restraint potential. When a single conformer is used, the resulting helix orientation (tilt angle (τ) of 5.6 ± 3.2° and rotation angle (ρ) of 141.8 ± 40.6°) is similar to that determined by the GALA method. However, as the number of conformers is increased, the tilt angles of WALP23 ensemble structures become larger (26.9 ± 6.7°), which agrees well with previous molecular dynamics simulation results. In addition, the ensemble structure distribution shows excellent agreement with the two-dimensional free energy surface as a function of WALP23's τ and ρ. These results demonstrate that SSNMR ensemble dynamics provides a means to extract orientational and dynamic information of TM helices from their SSNMR observables and to explain the discrepancy between molecular dynamics simulation and GALA-based interpretation of DQS data.
Verbal Descriptors for VoIP Speech Sounds

Laboratory studies with human observers were used to develop and apply a set of qualitative verbal descriptors for the sound of digital speech signals in a packet network under various loads of packet loss and jitter. The specific set of speech samples used were derived from 24 systems that were combinations of – G.729A vs. G.711 codecs, – Produced by two manufacturers, – With three levels of packet delay variation (“jitter”) introduced by a packet network emulator, and – Three levels of packet loss, also by means of the emulator. Each system was represented by a set of speech samples that had been recorded through it. A suite of verbal descriptors developed in a preliminary study was used to distinguish among the set of speech samples, and thereby the systems. Speech samples that had gone through one kind of system had a different profile of ratings than speech that had gone through other kinds of systems. Statistical analysis showed that the descriptors discriminated among all the experimental variables and most of their interactions. The system variables with the greatest effect on sound character were packet loss and a combination of codec and manufacturer. The qualitative descriptors also predicted overall subjective quality of the speech.
Costumes as Game Controllers: An Exploration of Wearables to Suit Social Play

We present an ongoing project exploring the use of costumes as game controllers. This collaboration between an artist and a researcher involves creating and evaluating a game for two players that uses costumes to drive core mechanics and interactions. We aim to give players a sense of transformation and connection, and to create an engaging spectacle for others. We discuss the design of the game, iterations in its form, and our plans for conducting user research with the finished game.
Momentum and mass exchange during refill in scaled models of a PWR

Abstract Interfacial momentum and mass exchange between the liquid and gas phases in a PWR downcomer were investigated. A new momentum transfer correlation was developed from air-water experiments in 1 15 - and 2 15 - scale models of a PWR with standard and distorted geometries. The correlation is based on the Kutateladze parameter and indicates that the overall momentum transfer between the phases does not depend on scale for geometrically similar models. Interphase mass exchange has been included by evaluating the effective gas flow for momentum transfer. Predictions of the modified correlation agree quite well with experimental results of steam-water flows in three different scaled models of PWR's.
EXERCISE AS A MODALITY IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is higher than 20 years ago in all racial–ethnic, age, and sex groups. 32,38,54 Evidence continues to support reduced physical activity and sedentary behaviors, such as television viewing, as primary causes of the current worldwide obesity epidemic. 15,28,30 Several researchers have published results of programs that target decreases in sedentary behaviors as methods to increase physical activity and reduce obesity in children. 12,30,36,55 It is possible that, for many children, increasing physical activity may be adequate to prevent the onset of childhood obesity. 28,35,47,55 Because young animals, including humans, are inherently active, young children will be active if given encouragement and opportunity. 21,62 Childhood activity is often intermittent and sporadic 4 ; thus, children likely will not participate in prolonged exercise without rest periods; however, if given the opportunity, young children will perform relatively large volumes of intermittent, nonstructured physical activity. 4,21,62 Generous periods of free play are recommended highly, together with frequent periods of adult-initiated moderate to vigorous activities, including the participation of parents and teachers. 35,42,62 Encouraging active play as a means for increasing overall energy expenditure has been shown to be effective in reducing obesity in 5- to 8-year-old girls. 21 Providing safe environments for young children to play actively outdoors is essential to increasing the physical activity patterns of overweight children and those at risk for obesity. 35 This provision may be accomplished only through policy changes, environmental planning, and school and community educational efforts. Motivating young, nonobese, physically active children to maintain activity patterns may be less challenging than increasing patterns in already obese older children. Javernick 42 suggests that just monitoring children during free play does not encourage the participation of heavier children. Heavier children often are ignored and ridiculed 1 and often choose indoor, sedentary activities to escape negative activity situations. 42 Therefore, encouraging sedentary, obese children to participate in physical activity is difficult. In addition, even mildly overweight children have a decreased exercise tolerance; movement may be uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful. 64,66,69 Structured and vigorous, aerobic-type activities when prescribed to overweight children, regardless of the individual's cognitive, physical, and emotional stage of development, may result in noncompliance or physical injury. Prior failure to motivate and maintain increased physical activity in overweight or obese children may be attributed to inappropriate exercise recommendations 64,65,71 and a lack of physical opportunities for overweight children in the traditional school environment. 42 In addition, emotional problems further may inhibit successful motivation of sedentary children. 1,38,64
2008 IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CIBCB 2008) [Conference Reports]

The 2008 IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology was held at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho on September 15?17.
Epinephrine volume reduction of giant colon polyps facilitates endoscopic assessment and removal.

Background Management of giant colon polyps (>3 cm) can be a challenge for the therapeutic endoscopist, especially the endoscopist in training. Challenges include the potential for bleeding and the difficult technical aspects of removing giant polyps. Years of clinically observing the effects of epinephrine injection to reduce bleeding revealed epinephrine's pronounced volume-reducing effect. This epinephrine volume reduction (EVR) greatly facilitates assessment and removal of giant polyps while decreasing the need for piecemeal resection. Objective Our purpose was to demonstrate the use of EVR in facilitating the evaluation and removal of giant colon polyps. Design Case reports defining the technique of EVR. Setting Busy ambulatory endoscopy center with more than 22,000 cases in 2006. Patients General population of patients treated in this ambulatory endoscopy center for giant colon polyps. Interventions EVR and polypectomy. Outcome Measurements Pre-EVR and post-EVR volumes in giant polyps. Relative ease of removal of pre-EVR versus post-EVR polyp and observations for complications. Results Typically greater than 80% reduction in polyp volume was achieved, greatly easing endoscopic evaluation and removal while virtually eliminating the need for piecemeal resection. EVR was associated with no acute or delayed bleeding complications. Limitations May be limited by inexperienced endoscopist's lack of injection and polypectomy skills. The technical difficulty in objective measurements of in vivo size and lack of blinded observations with a control group present the potential for observer bias. Conclusions The use of EVR is a simple, cheap, and practical tool that facilitates giant polyp assessment and removal. This technique may greatly benefit endoscopists in the management of giant colon polyps. A prospective controlled trial of EVR should be undertaken to further define the optimal methods and benefits for the removal of giant colon polyps.
Neandertal Pelves and Gestation Length: Hypotheses and Holism in Paleoanthropology

Neandertal pelves differed from those of modern humans in pubic morphology. Explanations of this difference are presented and evaluated. The gestation-length hypothesis proposed by Trinkaus is not supported by data and theories drawn from a number of different fields. Some of the alternative hypotheses seem more likely. Paleoanthropologists should utilize a wide variety of evidence to support or falsify their theories in order to increase their power to explain the events of human evolution.
Glycoproteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid identifies tumor-associated glycoproteins from lung adenocarcinoma

Cytological examination of cells from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is commonly used for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Proteins released from lung cancer cells into BAL may serve as biomarkers for c...
Integrations remote sensing mapping with the environmental model to quantify emissions from rice paddies in Thailand

Wetland rice soils have been identified as an important source of GHG emissions at the global scale, particularly methane emissions. As paddy rice cropland in Thailand accounts for 52% of all cultivated land in the country and 6% of the world's rice paddies, accurately estimating emissions from rice paddies has become important in this country for GHG inventories or mitigation policies. This research integrated biogeochemical models with remote sensing technology to advance the DNDC regional application. This research identified spatio-temporal patterns of GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) from rice fields in Thailand (Lopburi province). New Method and database system were developed to increase accuracy of DNDC model; moreover, spatial and temporal characteristics of phenological information derived from remote sensing data (MODIS) were used in DNDC to quantify emissions. The results demonstrate the influence of human management, climate variation, and physical geography on the change of GHG emissions. Phenology of rice and human management were the major factors effecting the changes of CH4 emissions. The change of CO2 emissions showed rapid changes in extreme climate years. N2O emission was strongly related to climate variation, especially rainfall changes. Rice intensification with longer length of flooding period and high application rates of fertilizer extremely enhanced CH4 production. Light soil texture produces higher emission than heavy soil texture. The results suggest that practical mitigation options should be carefully regulated to more efficiently balance among the emission types as well as to maintain or improve grain yields.
A Systematic Investigation to Determine the Optimal Lipid Coating for Nanopore-Based Sensing Experiments

Despite the importance of proteins, nanopore sensing has so far been mostly focused on single molecule DNA and RNA characterization. One factor that limited experiments with proteins were nonspecific interactions of proteins with the walls of synthetic nanopores. We showed recently, that nanopores with fluid coatings of phospholipid bilayers circumvented this problem. In addition, anchoring proteins to lipid anchors slowed down protein translocation through nanopores and enabled determination of parameters such as the shape, volume, and dipole moment of individual non-spherical proteins. To slow down the translocation time of lipid-anchored proteins further, we have recently formed highly viscous coatings from archaea-inspired lipids. These synthetic lipids are composed of two hydrophilic head groups connected by a long hydrophobic chain; each head group is also attached to an acyl chain that spans half of the membrane thickness. As these lipids contain -in one molecule- the components of a typical lipid bilayer, a single layer is sufficient to form a stable membrane. Experimentation with many lipid coatings, including a variety of archaea-inspired lipids, has revealed differences in translocation of protein, bilayer stability and event frequency. Every bilayer composition tested has been designed to optimize each of these characteristics.
Current understanding and management of hidradenitis suppurativa

Purpose: To review the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in primary care. Data sources: Review of current literature from journals and textbooks as well as clinical experience. Conclusions: HS, a chronic disease causing scarring and pus formation to the skin bearing apocrine glands, requires continual management by the primary care manager and often deems referral to a dermatologist or surgeon. Implications for practice: If misdiagnosed or poorly managed, HS has detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life and self-esteem.
Nitrogen cycling at treeline: Latitudinal and elevational patterns across a boreal landscape

ABSTRACT We studied spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen pools and fluxes in soils at treeline and forested sites within three mountain ranges across a 785-km transect in Alaska during 2001–2002. We measured pools of soil mineral (ammonium and nitrate) and organic (amino acid and microbial biomass) nitrogen, in situ rates of net mineralization, net nitrification, net amino acid production, and decomposition, as well as soil carbon turnover in a laboratory incubation experiment. Soils at treeline were mostly colder than forested soils, particularly during fall and over winter, and had reduced rates of nitrogen cycling and litter decomposition relative to forested stands. Treeline soils also had lower rates of potential respiration per unit carbon, suggesting reduced soil organic matter quality relative to forest soils. Therefore, effects of both colder temperatures and poorer substrate quality appeared to suppress rates of nitrogen turnover at treeline. Seasonal patterns of nitrogen turnover were simi...
Poly(lactic-co-glycolide) polymer constructs cross-linked with human BMP-6 and VEGF protein significantly enhance rat mandible defect repair

We have previously shown that the combined delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP-6) induces significantly more bone formation than that induced by the delivery of any single factor or a combination of any two factors. We now determine whether the exogenous addition of VEGF and BMP-6 is sufficient for bone healing when MSCs are not provided. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) microsphere-based three-dimensional scaffolds (P) were fabricated by thermal sintering of PLAGA microspheres. The scaffolds were chemically cross-linked with 200 ng recombinant human VEGF (P(VEGF)) or BMP-6 (P(BMP-6)) or both (P(VEGF+BMP-6)) by the EDC-NHS-MES method. Release of the proteins from the scaffolds was detected for 21 days in vitro which confirmed their comparable potential to supply the proteins in vivo. The scaffolds were delivered to a critical-sized mandibular defect created in 32 Sprague Dawley rats. Significant bone regeneration was observed only in rats with P(VEGF+BMP-6) scaffolds at weeks 2, 8 and 12 as revealed by micro-computer tomography. Vascular ingrowth was higher in the P(VEGF+BMP-6) group as seen by microfil imaging than in other groups. Trichrome staining revealed that a soft callus formed in P(VEGF), P(BMP-6) and P(VEGF+BMP-6) but not in P. MSCs isolated from rat femurs displayed expression of the bone-specific marker osteocalcin when cultured with P(VEGF), P(BMP-6), or P(VEGF+BMP-6) but not with P. Robust mineralization and increased alkaline phosphatase gene expression were seen in rat MSCs when cultured on P(VEGF+BMP-6) but not on P, P(VEGF), or P(BMP-6). Thus, unlike the delivery of VEGF or BMP-6 alone, the combined delivery of VEGF and BMP-6 to the bone defect significantly enhanced bone repair through the enhancement of angiogenesis and the differentiation of endogenously recruited MSCs into the bone repair site.
Development of a Framework for the Design Optimization of Unitized Structures

,A framework is developed for design optimization of unitized structures with curvilinear stiffeners. A typical stiffened panel from an aircraft structure subjected to combined compression-shear loading is optimized using two curvilinear stiffeners. The Response Surface Methodology is used for optimization. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out using commercial Finite Element software MD.PATRAN and MD.NASTRAN. The framework, for creating interfaces between parametric modeling, FEA, and Optimizer, is developed in PYTHON programming environment. While optimizing the mass of the stiffened panel, constraints are placed on critical buckling load and the Von Mises stress. The optimization consists of shape as well as sizing design variables. The design variables include stiffener orientations and dimensions and the panel thickness. The optimization results presented in this paper show the advantage of curvilinear stiffeners over conventionally used straight stiffeners, especially for non-uniform boundary conditions. This optimized stiffened panel will be fabricated and the experimental validation will be carried out in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and NASA Langley Research Center. To bring the FEA as close as possible to the experimental results, the experimental test fixtures are also modeled in detail to capture the boundary conditions used in experimental tests.
The Development of Anger from Preschool to Middle Childhood: Expressing, Understanding, and Regulating Anger

A review is provided of the developmental course of anger during the preschool years (3–5 years) and middle childhood (6 –12 years). In addition, individual differences in anger during these developmental periods are reviewed. Three main aspects of anger are the focus of this chapter: (a) expression of anger, (b) perception and understanding of anger, and (c) regulation of anger. From the preschool years through middle childhood and beyond, children make great strides in the perception and understanding of anger and in regulating the anger they feel and express. These developmental changes are supported by advances in children’s perceptual and cognitive development and by sensitive and responsive caregiving. The preschool years are a key time in the socialization of anger as perceptual, cognitive, and language development provide important tools for identifying, understanding, and regulating anger. Converging evidence demonstrates that, by the time of school entry, those children who have not mastered these skills are at risk for peer relations problems, poor adjustment to school, and a variety of externalizing problems.
Formation of benzofurans in a stoichiometric annulation reaction between stable Pallada (II) Cycles hypervalent vinyl- and alkynyl(phenyl)iodonium salts

Abstract Stable pallada(II)cycles featuring Csp 2 –Pd and Csp 3 –Pd bonds reacted with vinyl- and alkynyl(phenyl)iodonium salts to generate two new geminal carbon–carbon bonds to the terminal carbon of the vinyl and alkynyl substituents providing benzofuran and dihydrobenzofuran heterocycles. The new annulation process was rationalized by the involvement of Pd(IV) intermediates arising via an initial oxidative addition of hypervalent iodonium electrophiles to the Pd(II) center. Reaction monitoring via low temperature 1 H NMR spectroscopy was performed, and organopalladium(II) intermediates featuring a new Csp 2 –Csp 2 or Csp 2 –Csp bond were isolated and characterized, providing insights into the regiochemical course of the proposed mechanistic pathway.
Inhibition of cytomegalovirus replication by smooth-muscle relaxing agents.

The effect of the smooth-muscle relaxing agents, papaverine, sodium nitroprusside, and verapamil, on the replication of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) was investigated. At a con- centration of 100 pM, infectious yields of CMV were reduced by 1.23 to 5.72 log,, by these drugs (papaverine, 5.72 log,,; nitroprusside, 1.85 log,,; verapamil, 1.23 log,,). The EDso for papaverine was found to be somewhat less than 1 pM, a concentration which appears to be within the range achieved clinically. Papaverine did not irreversibly modify treated cells to a virus-resistant state since treatment of cells with papaverine from 24 hr before until immediately prior to CMV infection did not significantly reduce CMV yields. Replication of CMV was most sensitive to inhibition when papaverine was added at or before 6 hr after CMV infection. Addition of papaverine at later times resulted in a substantial reduction of the inhibitory effect on virus yields, suggesting that the phase of CMV replication sensitive to papaverine inhibition occurred early in the replication cycle. These results, particularly in light of the potency of papaverine, indicate that some smooth- muscle relaxing agents have significant antiviral activity toward the replication of CMV. o 1987 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Detection of bluetongue virus in bovine fetuses using the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase method.

The avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique was adapted for use in detecting blue- tongue virus (BTV) antigens in BTV serotype 1l-infected bovine fetuses. Fetuses were infected with BTV serotype 11 at 120 days of gestation and then removed 20 days later by Cesarean section. Blood and tissue samples were collected from each animal and used for virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs, the im- munofluorescent antibody test, and the avidin-biotin complex test. The avidin-biotin complex method suc- cessfully identified BTV antigens in both fresh and autolyzed fetal brains. Thus, the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase method has potential as a possible procedure for diagnosing bluetongue disease in aborted bovine fetuses. Laboratory diagnosis of bluetongue virus (BTV) in- fected ECE membranes. 2 The objective of this study fections has been based primarily on virus isolation was to adapt the ABC immunoperoxidase method to (VI) and serological tests. Problems have been en- detect BTV antigens in BTV-infected bovine fetal sec- countered in the use of these diagnostic procedures because of the great diversity of strains within BTV serogroups, thus corresponding variability in immu- nogenicity and pathogenicity of these strains, and the usual absence of clinical signs in many infected ani- mals. ll-l3
Antigen Responsive Hydrogels Based on Polymerizable Antibody Fab′ Fragment

Novel antigen responsive hydrogels were prepared by using polymerizable antibody Fab′ fragment from monoclonal anti-fluorescein BDC1 antibody (IgG2a). To form Fab′ containing hydrogels, the polymerizable Fab′ fragment was copolymerized with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBAAm; crosslinker) using redox initiators. The thermosensitivity of the hydrogels decreased with increasing Fab′ fragment content. The antigen responsiveness of the hydrogels depended on the Fab′ content, pH, and temperature. When the hydrogels were alternately exposed to antigens fluorescein (FL) and polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM)-fluorescein (FD), significant reversible volume changes were observed for the hydrogel containing 50% (w/w) Fab′ fragment at 33.7 and 36.8 °C in acetate buffer (10 mM, pH 5.0), respectively, but not at 27.7 °C or in PBS buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4). No noticeable reversible volume changes were observed with pure PNIPAAm hydrogel and the gel containing 10% (w/w) Fab′ fragment. Structure of Fab′ containing hydrogels.
Local-area mobility support through cooperating hierarchies of mobile IP foreign agents

Mobile IP presents an efficient solution to the wide-area host mobility problem in the Internet. Nevertheless, its home registration process introduces an overhead in the local-area mobility case. A mobile host is required to register with its possibly distant home agent, whenever it changes its point of attachment to the network. Foreign agent hierarchies have been introduced to perform regional mobile IP registration to minimize the home registration signaling overhead. We propose a novel configurable architecture to organize cooperating foreign agent hierarchies in the foreign domain. An attempt is made not to change the mobile host home registered care-of address as long as it is within the foreign domain. In such a manner, home registration signaling overhead is minimized, and the home agent is isolated from any local-area movement by the mobile host.
Reduction of risk for growers: methods for the development of disease-resistant crops

Summary Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) appears to be a ubiquitous higher plant defence response. Resistance is dependent on the high-level expression of SAR genes. Mutations, transgenes or chemicals that cause high-level SAR gene expression also cause resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, when SAR is eliminated, through the reduction of salicylic acid accumulation or activity, generalized severe disease-susceptibility occurs. Therefore, SAR appears to be an essential component of the defensive repertoire that ensures plant health in nature. Chemicals that activate SAR in the field, as well as crop varieties with constitutive SAR gene expression, will provide new solutions to disease problems for growers in the near future.
Improved retinal transduction in vivo and photoreceptor-specific transgene expression using adenovirus vectors with modified penton base.

Adenovirus (Ad) vectors can be injected into human ocular tissues without producing adverse events and are therefore a promising means of gene transfer to the retina. However, when administered subretinally, Ad vectors primarily transduce the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), whereas the majority of mutant gene products that cause photoreceptor (PR) degeneration are expressed exclusively in the PR cells. While it has been shown previously that pseudotyping of Ad can partially overcome the limited PR transduction by Ad5, we found that pseudotyping of Ad is not necessary for transduction of PR cells. We determined that, in the context of Ad, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter is not significantly active in PRs. We compared expression levels from CMV and chicken beta actin (CBA) promoters in neural retina and found that CBA has a 173-fold greater potency than CMV. We also investigated the nature of the Ad–RPE interaction in murine retina and determined that the RGD domain in Ad penton plays a key role in RPE tropism. Deletion of the RGD domain coupled with use of the CBA promoter permitted transgene expression in neural retina approximately 667 times more efficiently than with Ad5 vectors. The use of these vectors in combination with a 4.7 kilobase (kb) rhodopsin promoter enabled transgene expression exclusively in PR cells in vivo.
Ventilation imaging of the lung: Comparison of hyperpolarized helium-3 MR imaging with Xe-133 scintigraphy1

Abstract Rationale and objectives To compare hyperpolarized helium-3 (HHe) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung with standard Xe-133 lung ventilation scintigraphy. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of 15 subjects who underwent HHe MRI and Xe-133 lung ventilation imaging. Coronal MRI sections were acquired after a single inhalation of HHe gas, and standard posterior planar lung ventilation scintigraphy was performed during continuous breathing of Xe-133 gas. The first breath scintigram of each patient was compared with a composite MR image composed of the sum of the individual MR images and with the individual helium-3 MR images. Ventilation defects on the two imaging modalities were compared for size, conspicuity, and concordance in presence and location. Assessment was done separately for each of four lung quadrants. Results Comparing the composite HHe MR images with Xe-133 scintigraphy, ventilation defect size, conspicuity and concordance were the same in 67% (40/60), 63% (38/60), and 62% (37/60) quadrants, respectively. Comparing the individual HHe MR image sections with the Xe-133 ventilation scan, there was concordance between the ventilation defects in 27% (16/60) of quadrants. More defects were identified on the individual HHe MR images in 62% (37/60) of quadrants. Conclusion There was good agreement between composite HHe MR image and first breath Xe-133 scintigraphic images, supporting the widely held assumption that HHe MRI likely depicts first breath lung ventilation.
Biotechnology at the Dinner Table: FDA's Oversight of Transgenic Food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has statutory authority for protecting the safety and quality of the food supply, provides the oversight for genetically modified foods cultivated and marketed within the American agricultural system. This article examines the FDA's policies on genetically modified foods including its voluntary consultation program and its proposed rule on premarket notification and data submission. The FDA's consultations of foods modified for delayed ripening and herbicide tolerance are reviewed. The article also discusses the FDA's science-based approach for evaluating whether there are any potential adverse health effects of genetically modified food products. The agency has chosen an approach to risk assessment that takes account of both product characteristics and the process through which the food is developed.
The Use of Sample Ranges in Setting Exact Confidence Bounds for the Standard Deviation of a Rectangular Population

Abstract A discussion is given of point estimates and interval estimates of the population standard deviation σ, based on the sample range and quasi-ranges. In the case of a rectangular population, the efficient point estimate and the most effective interval estimates are those based on the sample range, so it is not necessary to consider estimates based on sample quasi-ranges. The coefficients of the sample range w in the exact confidence bounds for the population standard deviation σ are found by taking the reciprocals of percentage points of the (standardized) range W = w/σ. A six-decimal-place table of percentage points for the range corresponding to selected cumulative probabilities and sample sizes is presented. A second table shows coefficients of the sample range in exact lower confidence bounds.
A tauberian condition and skew product flows with applications to integral equations

Abstract In a recent paper Levin and Shea give sufficient conditions in order that a bounded solution x(t) of an integral equation can be expressed in the form x(t)= ∑ m− ∞ ψm (t) ym (t) +η (t) , (E) where {ym} is a sequence of solutions of the limiting equations, {ψm} is a “ψ sequence” and η(t) → 0 as t → ∞. In this paper we show that the expansion (E) is really a consequence of a topological-dynamical principle when one views the solutions of the integral equation as generating a semiflow in the sense of Miller and Sell.
Students' Misconceptions About Medium-Scale Integrated Circuits

To improve instruction in computer engineering and computer science, instructors must better understand how their students learn. Unfortunately, little is known about how students learn the fundamental concepts in computing. To investigate student conceptions and misconceptions about digital logic concepts, the authors conducted a qualitative interview-based study. In the interviews, students verbalized their thinking while they solved digital logic problems. The interviews were analyzed to identify students' misconceptions. This paper presents five classes of students' misconceptions and methodological weaknesses concerning medium-scale integrated (MSI) circuits. These misconceptions were used to create a multiple-choice conceptual assessment, called a concept inventory, that is being used to test for the prevalence of the misconceptions discovered through the interviews. Although the misconceptions documented in the paper are primarily intended for the construction of the concept inventory, they can also point to potential ways to improve instruction.
Is there a common upstream link for autophagic and apoptotic cell death in human high-grade gliomas?

The prognosis of patients with human high-grade gliomas (HGGs) remains dismal despite major advances in their management, due mainly to the high resistance of these infiltrative tumor cells to programmed cell death (PCD). Most therapeutic strategies for HGGs are aimed to maximize PCD type I, apoptosis or type II, autophagy. These are predominantly distinctive processes, but many studies suggest a cross-talk between the two. A better understanding of the link between PCD types I and II might allow development of more effective therapies for HGGs. In this study, we examined whether there is a common upstream signaling event responsible for both apoptotic and autophagic PCD using 3 chemotherapeutic agents in human HGG cells. Our study shows that each agent caused a significant decrease in cell viability in each of the HGG cell lines tested. The increase rate of apoptosis and autophagy varied among cell lines and chemotherapeutic agents used. Increased expression of cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (C)/enhancer binding protein (EBP) homologous transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)/growth arrest and DNA damage–inducible gene 153 (GADD153) was documented after use of either pro-autophagic or pro-apoptotic agents. The involvement of CHOP/GADD153 in both type I and type II PCD was confirmed by overexpression and gene-silencing studies. Gene silencing by small-interfering RNA–mediated CHOP/GADD153 resulted in increased cell viability, decreased upregulation of microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3′ type II (LC3II) and cleaved caspase-3, and inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy. Exogenous expression of CHOP/GADD153 triggered apoptosis and autophagy in the absence of other stimuli. The clinical significance of these findings was supported by the evidence that celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug known to induce GADD153-mediated apoptosis, strongly increases both type I and type II PCD in HGG cells when combined with another inducer of GADD153. These data suggest that CHOP/GADD153 should be investigated as a novel targetable signaling step to improve therapies for HGGs.
Analysis of human backscattering in buildings for through-wall radar applications

A hybrid simulation of wideband polarimetric radar backscatter of humans within a building is introduced. The model is composed of a full-wave simulation tool that can accurately predict the scattering from a realistic human model, and an accurate indoor wave propagation and scattering model, known as bricktracer. These two models are efficiently connected using a Huygen's interface box that encloses the entire human body. Sample backscattering results for a human walking in a small building were presented. It was shown that the backscatter response of human can be completely obscured by the building backscatter clutter. Time-sequenced subtraction of the backscattered responses using a stationary transceiver was proposed to detect a mover. This method can be used for the development and testing of highly sophisticated location and detection algorithms of humans inside building.
Capital Inflows, Dutch Disease Effects, and Monetary Policy in a Small Open Economy

This paper studies the role of monetary policy in a small open economy that experiences Dutch disease effects as a result of capital inflows, and examines the issue of whether such a policy should seek to address these effects from a welfare perspective. I find that Dutch disease effects occur under a fixed nominal exchange rate regime. However, a monetary policy regime characterized by generalized Taylor interest rate rules featuring either the real exchange rate or the nominal exchange rate avert Dutch disease effects. Welfare results reveal that the optimal rule is a generalized Taylor rule consistent with nominal exchange rate flexibility.
Fabry's Disease with LVOT Obstruction: Diagnosis and Management

A 46-year-old male was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Genetic testing revealed that this was a "mimic of HCM" and the true diagnosis was Fabry's disease, although there were no other clinical features of Fabry's. Despite maximal medical therapy he remained symptomatic from the outflow tract gradient and required surgical myectomy for symptom relief. This case illustrates the diagnosis of an HCM mimic by genetic testing.
Effect of continuous enhanced vagal tone on atrioventricular nodal and sinoatrial nodal function in humans

A constant intravenous infusion of phenylephrine (0.74 +/- 0.41 micrograms/kg/min) was given to 10 patients to cause a continuous augmentation in reflex vagal tone. After the infusion, the diastolic blood pressure increased from 76 +/- 7 to 89 +/- 11 mm Hg (p less than 0.01). The sinus cycle length and atrial-His (AH) interval were measured, and incremental atrial pacing was performed before and during phenylephrine infusion until atrioventricular (AV) nodal block was achieved. For each patient, the AV nodal function curve (i.e., the AH interval plotted as a function of the atrial pacing cycle length) was compared during both the control state and phenylephrine infusion; the AH intervals during each condition at chosen short (AHS) and long (AHL) cycle lengths were compared. The sinus cycle length increased during phenylephrine infusion from 941 +/- 294 to 1,115 +/- 347 msec (p = 0.013). The AH interval during sinus rhythm was not significantly prolonged (77 versus 82 msec, p = NS). The shortest atrial pacing cycle length yielding 1:1 AV nodal conduction increased during phenylephrine infusion from 412 +/- 120 to 575 +/- 211 msec (p less than 0.01). Of note, the degree of sinus cycle length prolongation did not correlate with the degree of prolongation in the shortest atrial pacing cycle length yielding 1:1 AV nodal conduction. The AV nodal function curve was shifted markedly to the right and only slightly upward.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Reconstructiton of Ancient Ceramic Technology Through the Comparative Analysis of Ancient and Contemporary Potters′ Materials: A Case Study from the Central Tiber Valley of Italy

This paper presents the results of a program of mineralogical analysis aimed at the elucidation of raw material acquisition and paste preparation practices among Roman-period potters in the Orte/Vasanello area of the central Tiber Valley of Italy. A study of modern folk potters at Vasanello revealed a complex pattern of clay utilization. A selection of local clays, pottery produced by Vasanello potters, and ceramics from two Roman ceramic production sites was subjected to mineralogical analysis (x-ray diffraction, petrographic) for purposes of comparison. The results indicate that similar clay sources were exploited by potters in both periods, and that the materials obtained from these were likely employed for similar functional varieties of pottery.
A projection based approach for radar and telecommunication systems coexistence

We propose projecting radar waveform onto the null space of an interference channel matrix between the radar and a communication system as a solution for coexistence of radar and communication systems in the same band. This approach assumes that the cognitive radar has full knowledge of the interference channel and tries to modify its signal vectors in such a way that they fall in the null space of the channel matrix. We investigate the effects of null space projections on radar performance and target parameter identification both analytically and quantitatively by using maximum likelihood and Cramer-Rao bound performance bounds to estimate target direction in the two cases of no null space projection and null space projection. Through simulation we demonstrate that by optimal choice of the number of antennas, the performance and target identification capabilities of radar in our method are competitive with that of traditional radar waveforms, while simultaneously guaranteeing coexistence between radar and communication systems.
Contemporary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Alternative Bearings

Abstract In the 1990s, growing concern over long-term osteolysis provoked by UHMWPE wear debris led to the development and adoption of alternative bearings for hip arthroplasty. In the 2000s, hip bearings incorporating metal-on-metal (MOM) or ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) articulations were widely adopted in orthopedics due to their “ultra-low” wear rates in hip simulator studies, even when clinical factors such as subluxation are taken into account. A novel ceramic-on-metal bearing (COM) combination was also, for a brief period, clinically introduced. In the laboratory, MOM, COC, and COM bearings were reported to reduce the production of wear debris by two to three orders of magnitude relative to conventional UHMWPE. When compared against highly cross-linked UHMWPE (HXLPE) bearings articulating with a metal femoral head (i.e., M-PE bearings), COC, and COM (but not necessarily MOM) exhibit substantially lower wear in a laboratory setting.
Response to comment on "One health, one literature: Weaving together veterinary and medical research".

ht://stm sc D ow nladed from The concern I raised in the Focus article “One health, one literature: Weaving together veterinary and medical research” (1) on implications of the failure of researchers to incorporate veterinary pathology expertise and to cite relevant reports and terminology was founded in the 2008 article by Cardiff et al. (2). In this article (appropriately titled “‘One medicine—one pathology’: Are veterinary and human pathology prepared?”), the authors, on the basis of analysis of the literature and current practices, warned of an “impending catastrophe” with regard to the Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP). Those were strong words, and it’s gratifying to know that their concerns have been taken to heart in KOMP2. A lot can change in 7 years. Although workforce and training needs for mouse pathologists remain an ongoing challenge, integrating specialty input from multiple disciplines into the fabric of KOMP demonstrates commitment to the scientific value of doing so. Misinterpretations in animal pathology in the general scientific community beyond KOMP remain a concern and warrant continuing efforts to augment awareness and integration of veterinary specialty expertise.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP): Richardson syndrome and other PSP variants

Phenotypic heterogeneity of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has been increasingly reported in the literature and can be the source of incorrect clinical diagnosis particularly in the early stages of the disease when the classically associated symptoms of early falls and supranuclear gaze palsy may not be apparent. In addition to Richardson syndrome (RS), several atypical clinical phenotypes have been described. Advances in genetic, neuroimaging, and biochemical/molecular technologies contribute to the identification of these clinical subtypes in the context of typical PSP pathological findings. Our goal is to review the phenomenology reported in the literature that is associated with confirmed histopathological changes consistent with a PSP diagnosis and to highlight the clinical spectrum of PSP. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed through July 2015 using MeSH terms and key words related to PSP was conducted. Articles describing PSP classifications, diagnostic criteria, and case reports were reviewed and summarized. Additional PSP phenotypes not seen in recent clinicopathological studies are included. These include primary lateral sclerosis, pallido-nigro-luysian degeneration, axonal dystrophy, and multiple system atrophy in the spectrum of atypical PSP variants beyond the traditionally classified PSP subtypes. This review is intended to help with the diagnostic challenges of atypical PSP variants. We believe that large multicenter clinicopathological studies will help expand our understanding of etiology and specific mechanisms of neurodegeneration and will aid in the appropriate interpretation of outcomes when conducting clinical and basic science research.
Update to Data Resources for Real Estate and Business Geography Analysis

(2003). Update to Data Resources for Real Estate and Business Geography Analysis. Journal of Real Estate Literature: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 195-204.