cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bright lines, blanket rules and the fourth amendment: The supreme court's half‐hearted endorsement of the knock and announce rule∗

The drug war is in full force in the United States. This “war” mentality has resulted in the Supreme Court displaying a willingness to surrender individual rights to the interests of law enforcement. An example is the Court's recent rulings on the applicability of the “knock and announce” rule to the Fourth Amendment. In Wilson v. Arkansas and Richards v. Wisconsin the Court gave the police tremendous latitude to ignore the comon law rule of announcement. The article examines the Court's rationale in Wilson and Richards, in light of the history and purpose of the knock and announce rule.
Commentary: In pursuit of the 'best' possible evidence in investigations of breast implants and connective tissue disease

Clinical medicine and public health organizations rely on epidemiology to play an integral role in evidencebased medicine. As epidemiologists, we are constantly striving to provide the best evidence with the goal of influencing public health and clinical practice for the better. With this overall objective in mind, studies are planned in excruciating detail and executed with painstaking care. After the data are collected and all analyses have been conducted, results are prepared for public dissemination. Sometimes, even when the optimal study has been conducted given the study population and subject matter, the investigators are left to excoriate their work in the ‘strengths and limitations’ section of the paper. The investigators do this even if their evidence is the best possible evidence and an improvement over prior evidence. In the current edition of the International Journal of
Insight into the mechanism of inhibition of adeno-associated virus by the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 complex.

ABSTRACT Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a dependent virus of the family Parvoviridae. The gene expression and replication of AAV and derived recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors are severely limited (>10-fold) by the cellular DNA damage-sensing complex made up of Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 (MRN). The AAV genome does not encode the means to circumvent this block to productive infection but relies on coinfecting helper virus to do so. Using adenovirus helper proteins E1B55k and E4orf6, which enhance the transduction of AAV via degradation of MRN, we investigated the mechanism through which this DNA damage complex inhibits gene expression from rAAV. We tested the substrate specificity of inhibition and the contribution of different functions of the MRN complex. Our results demonstrate that both single- and double-stranded rAAV vectors are inhibited by MRN, which is in contrast to the predominant model that inhibition is the result of a block to second-strand synthesis. Exploring the contribution of known functions of MRN, we found that inhibition of rAAV does not require downstream DNA damage response factors, including signaling kinases ATM and ATR. The nuclease domain of Mre11 appears to play only a minor role in inhibition, while the DNA binding domain makes a greater contribution. Additionally, mutation of the inverted terminal repeat of the rAAV genome, which has been proposed to be the signal for interaction with MRN, is tolerated by the mechanism of inhibition. These results articulate a model of inhibition of gene expression in which physical interaction is more important than enzymatic activity and several key downstream damage repair factors are dispensable. IMPORTANCE Many viruses modulate the host DNA damage response (DDR) in order to create a cellular environment permissive for infection. The MRN complex is a primary sensor of damage in the cell but also responds to invading viral genomes, often posing a block to infection. AAV is greatly inhibited by MRN and dependent on coinfecting helper virus, such as adenovirus, to remove this factor. Currently, the mechanism through which MRN inhibits AAV and other viruses is poorly understood. Our results reform the predominant model that inhibition of rAAV by MRN is due to limiting second-strand DNA synthesis. Instead, a novel mechanism of inhibition of gene expression independent of a block in rAAV DNA synthesis or downstream damage factors is indicated. These findings have clear implications for understanding this restriction to transduction of AAV and rAAV vectors, which have high therapeutic relevance and likely translate to other viruses that must navigate the DDR.
Control of stationary cross-flow modes in a Mach 3.5 boundary layer using patterned passive and active roughness

Spanwise-periodic roughness designed to excite selected wavelengths of stationary cross- ow modes was investigated in a 3-D boundary layer at Mach 3.5. The test model was a sharp-tipped 14deg right-circular cone. The model and integrated sensor traversing system were placed in the Mach 3.5 Supersonic Low Disturbance Tunnel (SLDT) equipped with a "quiet design" nozzle at the NASA Langley Research Center. The model was oriented at a 4:2deg angle of attack to produce a mean cross-fl ow velocity component in the boundary layer over the cone. Five removable cone tips have been investigated. One has a smooth surface that is used to document the baseline ("natural") conditions. Two had minute (20 - 40 micron) "dimples" that are equally spaced around the circumference, at a streamwise location that is just upstream of the linear stability neutral growth branch for cross- ow modes. The azimuthal mode numbers of the dimpled tips were selected to either enhance the most amplified wave numbers, or to suppress the growth of the most amplified wave numbers. Two of the cone tips had an array of plasma streamwise vortex generators that were designed to simulate the disturbances produced by the passive patterned roughness. The results indicate that the stationary cross-fl ow modes were highly receptive to the patterned roughness of both passive and active types. The patterned passive roughness that was designed to suppress the growth of the most amplified modes had an azimuthal wavelength that was 66% smaller that that of the most amplified stationary cross- ow mode. This had the effect to increase the transition Reynolds number from 25% to 50% depending on the measurement technique. The application of the research is on turbulent transition control on swept wings of supersonic aircraft. The plasma-based roughness has the advantage over the passive roughness of being able to be adaptable to different conditions that would occur during a flight mission.
A symbiotic relationship between formal methods and security

Security played a significant role in the development of formal methods in the 70s and early 80s. Have the tables turned? Are formal methods now ready to play a significant role in the development of more secure systems? While not a panacea, the answer is yes, formal methods can and should play such a role. In this paper we first review the limits of formal methods. Then after a brief historical excursion, we summarize some recent results on how model checking and theorem proving tools revealed new and known flaws in authentication protocols. Looking to the future we discuss the challenges and opportunities for formal methods in analyzing the security of systems, above and beyond the protocol level.
Import Tariffs and Price Formation in the World Wheat Market

A theoretical analysis of price formation in the world wheat market has been presented by McCalla; Taplin; and Alaouze, Watson, and Sturgess. McCalla and Taplin based their models on a duopoly arrangement between the United States and Canada. These models were extended by Alaouze, Watson, and Sturgess to include Australia, and a theoretical model of triopoly pricing in the world wheat market was developed. Canada is assumed to act as a price leader in the triopoly, and it is concluded that producer prices in wheatexporting countries will be higher under triopoly as opposed to duopoly pricing. The major thrust of these papers is that price formation in the world wheat market is largely determined by the major exporters. The purpose of this paper is to suggest and empirically test an alternative hypothesis; namely, that world wheat prices are essentially determined by the major wheat importers. Two major importers-Japan and the European Economic Community (EEC)-are used as the focal point for the analysis. The authors believe the world wheat market is usually a buyer's rather than a seller's market. By arguing the market is usually dominated by buyers, it is recognized that there are periodical exceptions to the argument over time, the major one being the commodity boom period of 1973-74. It is well known that the major importers are restricting trade in wheat. This paper suggests that the restrictive policies of the importers (whether consciously or not) are likely to result in a welfare gain to importing nations greater than that under free trade. This suggests that perhaps importing countries are using tariffs in an optimal sense (where all sectors of society are taken into account) rather than merely using them to protect domestic producers from low-priced competitive imports. This is not to argue that a duopoly or triopoly structure does not exist among the United States, Canada, and Australia but rather that the effect of such arrangements is minor relative to the buying power exerted by importers. Although this paper focuses on the world wheat market, the framework of analysis has application to other agricultural markets as well.
The Majority of Duck Hepatitis B Virus Reverse Transcriptase in Cells Is Nonencapsidated and Is Bound to a Cytoplasmic Structure

The hepadnavirus reverse transcriptase binds cotranslationally to the viral pregenomic RNA. This ribonucleoprotein complex is then encapsidated into nascent viral core particles, where the reverse transcriptase copies the viral RNA into DNA. Here we report that 75% of the duck hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase present in transfected LMH cells does not follow this well-known pathway but rather exists in the cell separate from the core protein or nucleocapsids. The nonencapsidated reverse transcriptase is also abundant in infected duck liver. The nonencapsidated reverse transcriptase exists as a complex set of isoforms that are most likely produced by posttranslational modification. Interestingly, only the smallest of these isoforms is encapsidated into viral core particles. The nonencapsidated reverse transcriptase is bound to a large cellular cytoplasmic structure(s) in a detergent-sensitive complex. The cellular distribution of the reverse transcriptase only partially overlaps that of the core protein, and this distribution is unaffected by blocking encapsidation. These observations raise the possibilities that the metabolic fate of the reverse transcriptase may be posttranscriptionally regulated and that the reverse transcriptase may have roles in the viral replication cycle beyond its well-known function in copying the viral genome.
Mentoring in online learning communities

Learners in university-level communication or technical communication web-enhanced classes should benefit from an online mentoring program. Mentors from several disciplines, geographic locations, and companies should be selected. An online mentoring program should provide learners with practical experience in communicating online with professionals, as well as provide learners with new perspectives and accurate information. Learners, mentors, and teachers should benefit from the program.
Optical Fibers With Tailored Acoustic Speed Profiles for Suppressing Stimulated Brillouin Scattering in High-Power, Single-Frequency Sources

In this paper, we discuss the design of optical fibers with tailored acoustic speed profiles to suppress stimulated Brillouin scattering in high-power, single-frequency sources. We demonstrate the ability of these fibers to achieve single-mode output powers of greater than 500 W and discuss the potential to achieve powers beyond 1 kW.
Thrombophilia, hypofibrinolysis, the eNOS T-786C polymorphism, and multifocal osteonecrosis.

Background: We examined the hypothesis that thrombophilia, hypofibrinolysis, and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) T-786C polymorphism are common, potentially treatable, and similar pathophysiologic causes of multifocal (three sites or more) and unifocal (single-site) osteonecrosis. Methods: We prospectively evaluated twenty-six consecutively referred adults with multifocal osteonecrosis, who included thirteen with idiopathic multifocal osteonecrosis and thirteen with secondary multifocal osteonecrosis (resulting from steroid therapy in ten and alcoholism in three). We compared these patients with race, sex, and age-matched normal control subjects and with patients with idiopathic unifocal and secondary unifocal osteonecrosis, respectively. Using polymerase chain reaction and serologic measures, we studied thrombophilic and hypofibrinolytic mutations and the eNOS T-786C polymorphism. Results: The total number of polymerase chain reaction and serologic thrombophilic-hypofibrinolytic abnormalities and the eNOS T-786C polymorphism did not differ between patients with idiopathic (p > 0.5) or secondary (p > 0.5) multifocal and unifocal osteonecrosis. The frequency of low free protein-S levels ( 13.5 μmol/L) was higher in patients with idiopathic multifocal osteonecrosis (two of thirteen patients) than in normal controls (none of fifty-one) (p = 0.039, Bp = 0.004). A high level of factor VIII (>150%) was seen in four of eight patients with idiopathic multifocal osteonecrosis and in seven of forty-eight normal controls (risk ratio = 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 9.1; p = 0.04, Bp = 0.008). The eNOS T-786C mutant allele was present in seven of twelve alleles in the six patients with idiopathic multifocal osteonecrosis who were tested, compared with twenty-five of 108 alleles in fifty-four control subjects (risk ratio = 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 4.5; p = 0.015, Bp = 0.008). Conclusions: Limited by the small numbers of patients with multifocal osteonecrosis, this exploratory study suggested that thrombophilia was associated with both idiopathic multifocal osteonecrosis and secondary multifocal osteonecrosis, as was the eNOS T-786C polymorphism. Multifocal and unifocal osteonecrosis are similarly associated with thrombophilia, hypofibrinolysis, and the eNOS T-786C polymorphism, which are potentially treatable pathophysiologic conditions, requiring further study.
Maturative effects of hormones on the developing mammalian gastrointestinal tract.

In the past two decades there has been considerable interest in the development of gastrointestinal functions, both in man and experimental animals (1-3). A large body of data on the human fetus and infant is described in detail elsewhere (3, 4).
Combined small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer.

Nine (2%) of 429 small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients seen at Vanderbilt University between 1977 and 1983 had a combined subtype SCLC at diagnosis (ie, small-cell carcinoma plus squamous cell or adenocarcinoma). Staging procedures and chemotherapy treatment were uniform for all 429 patients. The diagnosis of combined histology was established via bronchoscopy (six patients), needle aspiration biopsy (one), lymph node biopsy (one), and thoracotomy (one). The clinical characteristics of the combined subtype patients were similar to patients with other subtypes of SCLC (ie, there were no differences in median age, sex, performance status, and stage of disease). However, patients with a combined subtype histology had a higher incidence of peripheral lesions on chest x-ray (56% v 14%, P less than .001) and a lower median lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (301 IU/L v 341 IU/L, P = .0002) at diagnosis. The overall response to chemotherapy (57% v 78; P = .5) and the median survival (8 months v 10 months; P = .4) of the combined subtype patients were similar to patients with other subtypes of SCLC. Two (22%) combined histology patients survived greater than or equal to 5 years. Both had had surgical resection in addition to chemotherapy. These data suggest that the combined subtype of SCLC is clinically similar to pure SCLCs and that surgery may play a prominent role in the management of these tumors. The possibility of a combined histology tumor should be considered in patients thought to have SCLC on the basis of limited biopsy material, such as a needle aspiration or bronchial biopsy, and when the primary lesion is peripherally located on chest x-ray.
Revascularization after acute myocardial infarction

Background. The optimal timing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial. Methods. We examined our experience retrospectively in 3,942 patients who underwent CABG between 1986 and 1993, including 2,296 patients after acute MI. Results. The operative mortality associated with increasing time intervals between MI and CABG were 9.1%, 8.3%, 5.2%, 6.5%, and 2.9%, for less than 6 hours, 6 hours to 2 days, 2 to 14 days, 2 to 6 weeks, and more than 6 weeks, respectively. In comparison, the operative mortality was 2.5% for patients with no history of acute MI. The incidence of permanent stroke and perioperative MI were greater and the length of postoperative hospitalization was longer for patients undergoing CABG early after MI. For patients undergoing operation electively, however, the operative mortality associated with increasing time intervals between MI and CABG were less, at 0.0%, 3.6%, 2.1%, 6.4%, and 2.1% for less than 6 hours, 6 hours to 2 days, 2 to 14 days, 2 to 6 weeks, and more than 6 weeks, respectively. For patients undergoing CABG within 14 days of MI, the operative mortality was 5.3% for those receiving an intraaortic balloon pump preoperatively for postinfarction angina, but 11.8% for those who underwent urgent/emergent operation without intraaortic balloon pump support. Conclusions. Elective CABG can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality early after acute MI if an elective operation is possible. In addition, the intraaortic balloon pump should be used aggressively in patients with postinfarction angina to allow for elective rather than urgent/emergent operation.
Density Functional Analysis of Geometries and Electronic Structures of Gold-Phosphine Clusters. The Case of Au4(PR3)42+ and Au4(μ2-I)2(PR3)4.

Geometries, ligand binding energies, electronic structure, and excitation spectra are determined for Au4(PR3)42+ and Au4(μ2-I)2(PR3)4 clusters (R = PH3, PMe3, and PPh3). Density functionals including SVWN5, Xα, OPBE, LC-ωPBE, TPSS, PBE0, CAM-B3LYP, and SAOP are employed with basis sets ranging from LANL2DZ to SDD to TZVP. Metal–metal and metal–ligand bond distances are calculated and compared with experiment. The effect of changing the phosphine ligands is assessed for geometries and excitation spectra. Standard DFT and hybrid ONIOM calculations are employed for geometry optimizations with PPh3 groups. The electronic structure of the gold–phosphine clusters examined in this work is analyzed in terms of cluster (“superatom”) orbitals and d-band orbitals. Transitions out of the d band are significant in the excitation spectra. The use of different basis sets and DFT functionals leads to noticeable variations in the relative intensities of strong transitions, although the overall spectral profile remains qua...
Toward a Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst: The Effect of Midgap-States-Induced Energy Gap of Undoped TiO2 Nanoparticles

TiO2 is one of the most promising candidate materials for clean-energy generation and environmental remediation. However, the larger-than 3.1 eV bandgap of perfectly crystalline TiO2 confines its application to the ultraviolet (UV) range. In this study, the electronic and the optical properties of undoped mixed-phase TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated using UV and inverse photoemission, low intensity X-ray photoelectron (XP), and diffused reflectance spectroscopy methods. The facile solution-phase synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a midgap-states-induced energy gap of only ∼2.2 eV. The diffused reflectance spectrum showed sub-bandgap absorption due to the existence of a large Urbach tail at 2.2 eV. The UV photoemission spectrum evidenced the presence of midgap states. The 2.2 eV energy gap enables the nanoparticles to be photoactive in the visible energy range. The gas-phase CO2 photoreduction test with water vapor under visible light illumination was studied in the presence of the synthesized TiO2 na...
Equine Total Carbon Dioxide Testing in Illinois in 2012

During prolonged strenuous exercise, racehorses can experience acidemia. To counteract this phenomenon, trainers can administer blood alkalizing agents that raise the plasma pH and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration. In Illinois, the administrative threshold for TCO2 in plasma is 37.0 mmol/L. Because accuracy in the reported measurement of TCO2 must be ensured, uncertainty measurements are often issued alongside the reported concentrations. We report a validated method for measuring TCO2 levels in equine plasma using the Beckman UniCel DxC 600. A six-point calibration curve ranging from 5 to 50 mmol/L is analyzed along with controls at four TCO2 levels with each set of samples. Using this method, we collected data from 5,199 race samples during 2012, with 134 being from thoroughbred horses and 5,065 from standardbred horses. During method validation, uncertainty was determined using the simplified Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement approach and was found to be 3% at 99.7% confidence level with eight measurements. Additionally, to investigate other variables that could have an effect on TCO2 levels, we collected the gender, breed, Lasix(®) status, strong ion concentration, pre- or post-race collection time and track location of all horses tested during that year. The samples had an overall mean TCO2 concentration of 30.5 ± 2.0 mmol/L. The other physiological and environmental data were analyzed using analysis of covariance tables. These results indicate gender, breed, furosemide status, collection time and track location to be strongly correlated (P < 0.0001) to TCO2 levels. Thoroughbred status was found to have no effect. Finally, TCO2 concentrations were highly correlated (P < 0.0001) to sodium and chloride ion concentrations. No correlation was found between TCO2 and potassium concentrations. The results show that there are several environmental and physiological factors that can affect TCO2 concentrations. The concentration of other strong ions present in the blood may indicate doping status.
Quantum cloaking based on scattering cancellation

We set the theoretical basis for scattering cancellation and cloaking of quantum particle waves. We discuss the possibility of cloaking a spherical object from an impinging matter wave by using a homogeneous monolayer with properly tailored effective mass and potential. The method, based on cancellation of scattered s and p waves, is the quantum analog of plasmonic cloaking of electromagnetic waves. We show that it may be possible to use this cloaking mechanism to make semiconductor quantum dots effectively invisible to impinging electrons, providing interesting venues in nano-optics, quantum computing, and furtive quantum sensing.
Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary tumors

TSH tumors are associated with both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid states. The proposed mechanism of thyrotroph secretion is illustrated in Figure 8. Pituitary enlargement in hypothyroidism is usually due to reactive hyperplasia and correlates with the degree of TSH elevation. Although this often translates to long-standing hypothyroidism and severe symptoms, this is not always the case. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with other endocrine syndromes. Children may have precocious puberty, and adults may have amenorrhea or decreased libido. One important message to remember is that whenever a patient has evidence of a pituitary tumor, a serum T4 and TSH level must be obtained. The dramatic reduction in pituitary size and resolution of endocrine dysfunction with thyroid hormone is gratifying. Thyrotropinomas producing thyrotoxicosis are autonomous tumors. Given their infrequent occurrence, one could question the cost effectiveness of ordering a serum TSH on all new patients with hyperthyroidism. Features that might favor the possibility of there being a tumor include male sex, headaches, visual impairment, and the absence of ophthalmopathy. Unfortunately, these are not reliable clinical features to suggest the presence of this disorder, and the diagnosis requires a serum TSH determination. Fortunately, the newer assays available are able to provide the sensitivity needed. Therapy should be aimed at the pituitary gland, but currently it is less than optimal. Surgery with or without external irradiation offers the best prognosis and, hopefully, will yield better results when cases are identified earlier. Medical therapy to suppress TSH is still in its infancy. More effective agents will hopefully be discovered in the near future.
Plasma oxalate levels in prevalent hemodialysis patients and potential implications for ascorbic acid supplementation.

Abstract Objectives Ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation may increase hemoglobin levels and decrease erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose requirement in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). While plasma AA levels > 100 μM may be supratherapeutic, levels of at least 30 μM may be needed to improve wound healing and levels may need to reach 70 μM to optimize erythropoiesis. Of concern, oxalate (Ox), an AA metabolite, can accumulate in ESRD. Historically, if plasma Ox levels remain ≥ 30 μM, oxalosis was of concern. Contemporary hemodialysis (HD) efficiencies may decrease the risk of oxalosis by maintaining pre-HD Ox levels Design and methods A prospective, observational study of 197 HD patients with pre-HD AA levels and pre-HD and post-HD Ox levels. Results Mean plasma Ox levels decreased 71% during the intradialytic period (22.3 ± 11.1 μM to 6.4 ± 3.2 μM, P Conclusions Pre-HD plasma AA levels up to 100 μM in HD patients do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing secondary oxalosis, as the corresponding pre-HD plasma Ox level appears to be maintained at tolerable levels.
In vivo regulation of rat muscle glycogen resynthesis after intense exercise

Time courses of the glycogen synthesis rate and of the glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P) concentration after an electrically induced exercise were followed in the anesthetized rat gastrocnemius by in vivo 13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. The ratio of glycogen synthase I to glycogen synthase I and D (I/I+D) and allosteric activation by G-6-P were also studied in vitro on muscles sampled at rest and 10 min (early recovery) and 100 min (late recovery) after exercise. From early recovery to late recovery, the in vivo glycogen synthesis rate dropped from 0.46 +/- 0.06 to 0.11 +/- 0.04 mmol.kg wet tissue-1.min-1, the G-6-P concentration from 0.83 +/- 0.08 to 0.32 +/- 0.05 mmol/kg wet tissue, and I/I+D from 83 +/- 4 to 47 +/- 1%. The combination of the changes in G-6-P concentration and in I/I+D quantitatively describes the fourfold decrease in glycogen synthesis rate from early to late recovery. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation, determining glycogen synthase I/I+D, and allosteric control of glycogen synthase by G-6-P contribute approximately equally to the regulation of the postexercise in vivo glycogen synthesis rate.
Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Neonatology Success Story

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize Prader-Willi syndrome in the neonate. 2. Recognize the hallmarks of disorders due to imprinted genes. 3. Interpret the results of diagnostic testing. 4. Initiate appropriate management to avoid long-term sequelae of massive obesity. 5. Explain the risks and benefits of growth hormone treatment in Prader-Willi syndrome. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is one of the better known genetic syndromes, mostly because of the striking phenotype in older children of massive obesity, hyperphagia, and severe behavior problems, often involving food. Clinicians have recognized for some time that early diagnosis, during the equally striking neonatal hypotonic phase of the disorder, allows for a head start in the management and the avoidance of many of the eating and behavior problems that occur in unmanaged disease. Neonatologists and pediatric neurologists have greatly developed their skills in diagnosing PWS, leading to substantial improvements in the lives of affected children and their families. This is a true success story. This review describes both the neonatal and the later phenotype of PWS, examines the differential diagnosis, discusses current therapy for the disorder, examines the molecular and biologic bases for the disorder, and reviews the tests used to confirm the diagnosis. PWS initially was described in 1956 in children who had short stature, obesity, and mental retardation. Later, it became the first recognized disorder caused by a microdeletion of a chromosome and one of the first examples of a disorder of genomic imprinting. The incidence of PWS is about 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 live births, with no particular geographic or ethnic predilection. Most cases occur sporadically, although rare cases due to primary defects of the imprinting mechanism or resulting from familial translocations involving chromosome 15 may recur. The clinical phenotype of PWS has two distinct phases: the “neonatal hypotonia” phase and the later …
Sanitary Evaluation of Target Flowmeter Used in a Dairy Processing Plant.

A target flowmeter, used to measure raw milk flow, was examined for sanitary conditions in a university dairy plant 10 times over a period of eight weeks. The flowmeter connection was swabbed at four different locations along the dairy plant connection at four different times during the work day: i) after chlorine sanitization, before product; ii) after product, before cleaning in place (CIP); iii) after CIP, before acid sanitization; and iv) after acid sanitization, at end of day. Samples were plated in duplicate on standard plate count agar and on violet red bile agar. After routine CIP cleaning and sanitization procedures, bacterial counts were low. Additionally, no finished product contamination problems were detected over the 7 months of flowmeter use as shown by routine quality control tests on pasteurized milk which had flowed past the in-line meter as raw milk. These results indicate that normal cleaning and sanitization procedures were adequate for the in-line flowmeter.
An (Accidental) Exploration of Alternatives to Evolutionary Algorithms for SBSE

SBSE researchers often use an evolutionary algorithm to solve various software engineering problems. This paper explores an alternate approach of sampling. This approach is called SWAY (Samplying WAY) and finds the (near) optimal solutions to the problem by (i) creating a larger initial population and (ii) intelligently sampling the solution space to find the best subspace. Unlike evolutionary algorithms, SWAY does not use mutation or cross-over or multi-generational reasoning to find interesting subspaces but relies on the underlying dimensions of the solution space. Experiments with Software Engineering (SE) models shows that SWAY’s performance improvement is competitive with standard MOEAs while, terminating over an order of magnitude faster.
Poly(GR) in C9ORF72-Related ALS/FTD Compromises Mitochondrial Function and Increases Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons.

GGGGCC repeat expansions in C9ORF72 are the most common genetic cause of both ALS and FTD. To uncover underlying pathogenic mechanisms, we found that DNA damage was greater, in an age-dependent manner, in motor neurons differentiated from iPSCs of multiple C9ORF72 patients than control neurons. Ectopic expression of the dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein (GR)80 in iPSC-derived control neurons increased DNA damage, suggesting poly(GR) contributes to DNA damage in aged C9ORF72 neurons. Oxidative stress was also increased in C9ORF72 neurons in an age-dependent manner. Pharmacological or genetic reduction of oxidative stress partially rescued DNA damage in C9ORF72 neurons and control neurons expressing (GR)80 or (GR)80-induced cellular toxicity in flies. Moreover, interactome analysis revealed that (GR)80 preferentially bound to mitochondrial ribosomal proteins and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, poly(GR) in C9ORF72 neurons compromises mitochondrial function and causes DNA damage in part by increasing oxidative stress, revealing another pathogenic mechanism in C9ORF72-related ALS and FTD.
Low ratios of silica to dissolved nitrogen supplied to rivers arise from agriculture not reservoirs

Coastal marine systems are greatly altered by toxic marine algae, eutrophication and hypoxia. These problems have been linked to decreased ratios of dissolved silica to inorganic nitrogen (Si : DIN) delivered from land. Two mechanisms for this decline under consideration are enhanced nitrogen (N) fertiliser losses from agricultural lands or Si sequestration in reservoirs. Here we examine these mechanisms via nutrient concentrations in impoundments receiving water from 130 watersheds in a landscape representative of the agriculture that often dominates coastal nutrient inputs. Decreased Si : DIN was correlated with agriculture, not impoundment. Watersheds with > 60% agricultural land yielded highest DIN, whereas Si was uncorrelated with agricultural intensity. Furthermore, eutrophic lakes were dominated by Cyanobacteria that use little Si, so reservoirs did not diminish Si : DIN. Instead, Si : DIN increased slightly as reservoir residence time increased. These data suggest that impoundments in agricultural watersheds may enhance the water quality of coastal ecosystems, whereas fertiliser losses are detrimental.
Management of neuroendocrine tumors

Purpose Current strategies for managing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adult patients are reviewed, with a focus on medication safety concerns. Summary NETs usually originate in the gastrointestinal or bronchopulmonary tract. Symptoms due to hormonal hypersecretion often occur in patients with foregut or midgut NETs or liver metastases. Surgical resection is recommended for most localized NETs, while systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy is typically used for high-grade and pancreatic tumors. The standard of care for metastatic NETs is somatostatin analog therapy with octreotide (available in both short- and long-acting formulations) or a depot formulation of lanreotide. Everolimus and sunitinib are targeted therapies with approved indications for use in treating advanced pancreatic NETs. Some patients with liver-predominant disease or liver metastases may undergo regional chemoembolization procedures. Pharmacists should be cognizant of differences between newer and older chemoembolization agents and procedures, as well as differences between somatostatin analog products used as medications and the radiolabelled forms used in diagnostic scintigraphy. Other medication safety issues in NET management arise during perioperative supportive care, patient education, compliance counseling, and management of adverse effects of targeted therapies and chemotherapy, including stomatitis, hyperthyroidism, and hand-foot skin reaction. Conclusion Somatostatin analog therapy is the mainstay for management of locally advanced or metastatic NETs. Liver-directed therapy is an option for localized unresectable disease; platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for poorly differentiated tumors. Optimal sequencing of these treatments and targeted therapies such as everolimus and tyrosine kinase inhibitors remains to be elucidated.
Pathogenesis of Experimental Tuberculosis in Animal Models

Pathogenesis, in the context of an infectious disease, can be defined as the temporal interplay between the microbe and its host which ultimately results in clinical illness. An understanding of pathogenesis requires knowledge of the precise aggressive and/or evasive strategies employed by the microbe and the elucidation of the beneficial and detrimental responses which the host develops upon infection. The kinetics of the host-microbe interaction are at least as important as the isolated activities of either protagonist, since the effectiveness of the strategies and counterstrategies is likely to depend upon the context and environment in which the confrontation occurs. For this reason, the pathogenesis of a disease like tuberculosis will only be revealed by studies of the course of infection in a suitable host.
2003: OpenSound Control: State of the Art 2003

OpenSound Control (“OSC”) is a protocol for communication among computers, sound synthesizers, and other multimedia devices that is optimized for modern networking technology. OSC has achieved wide use in the field of computer-based new interfaces for musical expression for wide-area and local-area networked distributed music systems, inter-process communication, and even within a single application.
Theory of surface-enhanced Raman scattering from a molecule adsorbed on a cluster of metallic nanoparticles and nanoshells

The Raman cross-section from a molecule is believed to enhance by more than 10 orders of magnitude when it is adsorbed on a cluster of silver nanoparticles. These large enhancements are attributed to the resonant excitation of the surface plasmon modes of the cluster those have very large localized electric field near its surface. The resonant position and the electric field of these modes are very sensitive to the structure of metal particles and the size and shape of the cluster. Using multiple scattering in the wave-vector space between the individual particles in the cluster we have calculated the resonant position of these modes and their enhanced electric field for clusters of different shape formed from two, three, and four nanospheres and nanoshells. We find the maximum enhancement in the cross-section can reach up to 10 orders of magnitude for silver particle clusters. We also find important new results for the chain like clusters of three or more particles where there is a dramatic increase in the enhancement due to very sharp resonant features of the modes. These features may be helpful in identifying the cluster shape and size in the surface enhanced Raman scattering experiments.
For the Love of a Mother—Henry Moseley’s Rare Earth Research

In December 1913 and April 1914, Henry Moseley, a British physicist, published data that is now famed for being the first experimental evidence for the atomic number as a physical property of the nucleus. Shortly after, in June 1914, Moseley used x-ray spectroscopy to analyze several rare earth elements provided by Georges Urbain. Moseley failed to publish his conclusions before his death in the First World War. Despite the efforts of his mother and colleagues, a posthumous publication never materialized. This essay explores the question of why. An in-depth evaluation of extant artifacts and archival materials at the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford related to Moseley’s rare earth research reveals nuances in the process by which he collected and corrected data to form his conclusions. Whereas Moseley was confident his data did not support the claim that Urbain isolated the element with atomic number 72, it failed to inspire Ernest Rutherford to see the work through publication after Moseley’s death. Archival materials reveal some of the pressures that could have prevented publication, including Rutherford’s unfamiliarity with Moseley’s process—but more importantly, the fact that this data would influence the debate over the discovery of element 72. Interestingly, it is likely this controversy led to the retention of relevant archival material. By tracing the actors that created and curated a particular collection of documents and spectra, one can explore how rare earth knowledge was produced and verified in the first few decades of the twentieth century.
Directed fusion of cardiac spheroids into larger heterocellular microtissues enables investigation of cardiac action potential propagation via cardiac fibroblasts

Multicellular spheroids generated through cellular self-assembly provide cytoarchitectural complexities of native tissue including three-dimensionality, extensive cell-cell contacts, and appropriate cell-extracellular matrix interactions. They are increasingly suggested as building blocks for larger engineered tissues to achieve shapes, organization, heterogeneity, and other biomimetic complexities. Application of these tissue culture platforms is of particular importance in cardiac research as the myocardium is comprised of distinct but intermingled cell types. Here, we generated scaffold-free 3D cardiac microtissue spheroids comprised of cardiac myocytes (CMs) and/or cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and used them as building blocks to form larger microtissues with different spatial distributions of CMs and CFs. Characterization of fusing homotypic and heterotypic spheroid pairs revealed an important influence of CFs on fusion kinetics, but most strikingly showed rapid fusion kinetics between heterotypic pairs consisting of one CF and one CM spheroid, indicating that CMs and CFs self-sort in vitro into the intermixed morphology found in the healthy myocardium. We then examined electrophysiological integration of fused homotypic and heterotypic microtissues by mapping action potential propagation. Heterocellular elongated microtissues which recapitulate the disproportionate CF spatial distribution seen in the infarcted myocardium showed that action potentials propagate through CF volumes albeit with significant delay. Complementary computational modeling revealed an important role of CF sodium currents and the spatial distribution of the CM-CF boundary in action potential conduction through CF volumes. Taken together, this study provides useful insights for the development of complex, heterocellular engineered 3D tissue constructs and their engraftment via tissue fusion and has implications for arrhythmogenesis in cardiac disease and repair.
RF Energy Harvesting for Ubiquitous, Zero Power Wireless Sensors

This paper presents a review of wireless power transfer (WPT) followed by a comparison between ambient energy sources and an overview of different components of rectennas that are used for RF energy harvesting. Being less costly and environment friendly, rectennas are used to provide potentially inexhaustible energy for powering up low power sensors and portable devices that are installed in inaccessible areas where frequent battery replacement is difficult, if not impossible. The current challenges in rectenna design and a detailed comparison of state-of-the-art rectennas are also presented.
Contents of hopes and duties: A linguistic analysis

People in a prevention focus tend to view their goals as duties and obligations, whereas people in a promotion focus tend to view their goals as hopes and aspirations. The current research suggests that people's attention goes to somewhat different experiences when they describe their hopes vs. duties. Two studies randomly assigned participants (N = 953) to describe a hope vs. duty. Specifically, Study 1 asked participants to describe a personal experience of pursuing a hope vs. duty, and Study 2 asked participants to describe a current hope vs. duty they had. I analyzed these descriptions with Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) 2015. Consistent with earlier research on regulatory focus, participants wrote more about positive outcomes when describing hopes and social relationships when describing duties. The current research suggests that the effectiveness of common regulatory focus and regulatory fit manipulations could depend on participants' freedom to choose the experiences they bring to mind when they describe their hopes and duties.
HIV in Lymph Node and Thymus

CD4, the receptor for HIV-1 on host immune cells, is expressed at varying levels on a wide variety of immune cell types. Many of the stromal and lymphoid cell types of the thymus and lymph nodes express CD4 and are infected by HIV during the course of systemic HIV infection. However, a variety of cell types in lymph node and thymus are damaged in HIV infection either as a direct consequence of HIV infection, or as a consequence of being targeted for damage by anti-HIV immune responses.
Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia

Abstract A synthesis of published paleoglacial research and cartographic overview of landscape features in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia indicate three broadly synchronous glacial advances: two during MIS 2, culminating at 25–20 and ~ 16 ka, and one at 13.0–12.5 ka, possibly associated with the Younger Dryas chron.
Crawlets: Agents for High Performance Web Search Engines

Some of the reasons for unsatisfactory performance of today's search engines are their centralized approach to web crawling and lack of explicit support from web servers. We propose a modification to conventional crawling in which a search engine uploads simple agents, called crawlets, to web sites. A crawlet crawls pages at a site locally and sends a compact summary back to the search engine. This not only reduces bandwidth requirements and network latencies, but also parallelizes crawling. Crawlets also provide an effective means for achieving the performance gains of personalized web servers, and can make up for the lack of cooperation from conventional web servers. The specialized nature of crawlets allows simple solutions to security and resource control problems, and reduces software requirements at participating web sites. In fact, we propose an implementation that requires no changes to web servers, but only the installation of a few (active) web pages at host sites.
Simulation via implementation with applications in computer communication

The traditional approach to performing discrete digital simulation has been one of developing a mathematical or statistical model to represent a process, programming this model on a large scale computer, and then executing the model to obtain performance results. In this study, the authors have developed a simulation of a computer communication network by simulating the users in a central computer and implementing the remainder of the network in actual network processors. This allows for authentic measurements on physical computers and reduces costs since one buys reusable computers instead of buying computer time.