cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of postsynaptic GABAA receptor clusters leads to decreased GABAergic innervation of pyramidal neurons

We have used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down the expression of the c2 subunit of the GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in pyramidal neurons in culture and in the intact brain. Two hairpin small interference RNAs (shRNAs) for the c2 subunit, one targeting the coding region and the other one the 3¢-untranslated region (UTR) of the c2 mRNA, when introduced into cultured rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons, efficiently inhibited the synthesis of the GABAA receptor c2 subunit and the clustering of other GABAAR subunits and gephyrin in these cells. More significantly, this effect was accompanied by a reduction of the GABAergic innervation that these neurons received. In contrast, the c2 shRNAs had no effect on the clustering of postsynaptic a-amino-3-hydroxy5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) or presynaptic glutamatergic innervation. A c2-enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)subunitconstruct,whosemRNAdidnotcontain the3¢-UTR targetedbyc2 RNAi, rescuedboththepostsynaptic clustering of GABAARs and the GABAergic innervation. Decreased GABAAR clustering and GABAergic innervation of pyramidalneuronsinthepost-natalratcerebral cortexwas also observed after in utero transfection of these neurons with the c2 shRNAs. The results indicate that the postsynaptic clustering of GABAARs in pyramidal neurons is involved in the stabilization of the presynaptic GABAergic contacts.
Structural studies of the Nudix GDP‐mannose hydrolase from E. coli reveals a new motif for mannose recognition

The Nudix hydrolase superfamily, characterized by the presence of the signature sequence GX(5)EX(7)REUXEEXGU (where U is I, L, or V), is a well-studied family in which relations have been established between primary sequence and substrate specificity for many members. For example, enzymes that hydrolyze the diphosphate linkage of ADP-ribose are characterized by having a proline 15 amino acids C-terminal of the Nudix signature sequence. GDPMK is a Nudix enzyme that conserves this characteristic proline but uses GDP-mannose as the preferred substrate. By investigating the structure of the GDPMK alone, bound to magnesium, and bound to substrate, the structural basis for this divergent substrate specificity and a new rule was identified by which ADP-ribose pyrophosphatases can be distinguished from purine-DP-mannose pyrophosphatases from primary sequence alone. Kinetic and mutagenesis studies showed that GDPMK hydrolysis does not rely on a single glutamate as the catalytic base. Instead, catalysis is dependent on residues that coordinate the magnesium ions and residues that position the substrate properly for catalysis. GDPMK was thought to play a role in biofilm formation because of its upregulation in response to RcsC signaling; however, GDPMK knockout strains show no defect in their capacity of forming biofilms.
Effects of β‐Adrenergic Receptor Activation on Intracellular Calcium and Membrane Potential in Adult Cardiac Myocytes

β-Adrenergic Receptor Activation and Intracellular Ca2+. Introduction:β-Adrenergic receptor agonists have been shown to increase the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current in cardiac myocytes. Additionally, adrenergic receptor activation has been shown to increase intracellular Ca2+, to increase systolic Ca2+ transients and to enhance Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby accelerating relaxation. The present study was designed first to characterize the influences of β-adrenergic receptor activation on intracellular Ca2+ activity as well as membrane potential in ventricular myocytes characterized as normal based on rigorous morphologic and electrophysiologic criteria. The second objective was to assess whether the increase in intracellular Ca2+ activity elicited by β-adrenergic receptor activation could elicit afterdepolarizations and triggered activity. Methods and Results: Intracellular Ca2+ and whole-cell voltage recordings were measured in cells in which indo-1 free acid was delivered intracellularly through the recording pipette. Isoproterenol produced complex Ca2+ transients underlying both early and delayed afterdepolarizations during pacing as well as aftertransients underlying triggered action potentials and delayed afterdepolarizations in the absence of pacing. The coupling interval of Ca2+i aftertransients was frequency dependent and followed that of the delayed afterdepolarizations. Ca2+i after transient amplitudes, however, exhibited a biphasic response with frequency revealing that factors other than pacing frequency alone contribute to control of the amplitude of the aftertransients. Inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticular release of Ca2+ by ryanodine abolished Ca2+i aftertransients and afterdepolarizations otherwise elicited by isoproterenol. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that normal cells stimulated by β-adrenergic agonists exhibit marked changes in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis that may serve as the substrate for abnormal ion fluxes that ultimately contribute to electrophysiologic derangements underlying arrhythmogenesis in the intact heart. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 3, pp. 209–224, June 1992)
The Poverty of Trust in the Southern United States

This paper bridges two lines of research. One line shows that social relations in the southern United States are more "collectivist" than social relations in non-southern regions. The second line of work argues that collectivist social relations generate lower levels of general trust than individualist social relations. At the intersection of these two arguments is the prediction that Southerners are, on average, less trusting than non-Southerners. I test this prediction using trust measures taken from the General Social Survey. As expected, results from whites, but not blacks, show the predicted regional differences. Importantly, regional differences in trust occur after controlling for regional variation in other factors related to trust. I conclude by outlining various implications of the findings and questions for future research.
Africobra Manifesto?: "Ten in Search of a Nation"

In the AfriCOBRA manifesto Donaldson describes the origins of the group and its aesthetic principles: “The expressive awesomeness that one experiences in African art and life in the U.S.A. like the Holiness church . . . and the demon that is the blues, Alcindor’s dunk and Sayer’s cut . . . Symmetry that is free , repetition with change, based on African music and African movement . . . We want the work to look like the creator made it through us . . . We want the things to shine, to have the rich luster of a just-washed ’Fro, of spit-shined shoes . . . Color that shines . . . Color that defines, identifies and directs . . . Coolade colors for coolade images for superreal people.”
Reappraisal of the SIDS enigma: An epidemiological and clinicopathological approach

The possibility that most cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are caused by a transmissible agent is explored. A hypothesis of causation is developed using pathological and epidemiological data and our microbiological findings. The nature and distribution of vascular damage together with the consistent finding of liquid blood, in addition to the epidemiological features of SIDS, form the basis of the hypothesis that a bacterial toxin is a likely single cause of most cases of the syndrome. Future research ideas and a new definition of SIDS are proposed.
Blame contagion: The automatic transmission of self-serving attributions

Abstract When people blame others for their mistakes, they learn less and perform worse. This problem is magnified when blame becomes embedded in the shared culture of groups and organizations. Yet, little is known about whether—and, if so, how—the propensity to blame spreads from one person to another. Four experiments addressed this issue, demonstrating that blame is socially contagious: observing an individual make a blame attribution increased the likelihood that people would make subsequent blame attributions for their own, unrelated, failures (Experiments 1, 2, and 4). Results also indicated that this “blame contagion” is due to the transmission of goals. Blame exposure led to the inference and adoption of a self-image protection goal (Experiment 3), and blame contagion was eliminated when observers had the opportunity to alleviate this self-image protection goal via self-affirmation (Experiment 4). Implications for research on causal attributions, social contagion, and cultural transmission are discussed.
Damage, digestion, and defence : the roles of alarm cues and kairomones for inducing prey defences

Inducible defences are widely used for studying phenotypic plasticity, yet frequently we know little about the cues that induce these defences. For aquatic prey, defences are induced by chemical cues from predators (kairomones) and injured prey (alarm cues). Rarely has anyone determined the separate and combined effects of these cues, particularly across phylogenetically diverse prey types. We examined how tadpoles (Hyla versicolor) altered their defences when 10 different prey were either crushed by hand or consumed by predators. Across all prey types, crushing induced only a subset of the defences induced by consumption. Consuming vs. crushing produced additive responses for behaviour but synergistic responses for morphology and growth. Moreover, we discovered the first extensive evidence that prey responses to different alarm cues depends on prey phylogeny. These results suggest that the amount of information available to the prey affects both the quantitative and qualitative nature of the defended phenotype.
Effects of Constructing Identi-Kit Composites on Photospread Identification Performance

Previous research has found some forms of post-event activity, such as working with a sketch artist or viewing mugshots, to negatively affect the subsequent identification performance of an eyewitness. The present experiment examined potential carryover effects of forming an Identi-kit composite and writing a verbal description on the identification of an assailant from a photoarray. Both interventions were compared to a no-treatment (control) condition. Forming an Identi-kit composite increased witness sensitivity, causing subjects to be less likely to select any photo. In contrast, writing a description increased the likelihood that subjects identified the photo of the assailant. Neither intervention affected the likelihood of misidentification. Alternative theoretical explanations for the results and implications for field procedures are explored.
The Efficiency of Water Pricing: a Rate of Return Analysis for Municipal Water Departments

: The rate of return on invested capital can be used as a guide to resource allocation by municipal water departments (MWD's) in the same way it is used in the private sector. To achieve economic efficiency, the target rate of return for MWD's should be the market rate of return as an approximation to the opportunity cost of capital. The actual internal rate of return for a sample of 30 California MWD's for the period 1970-1982 is calculated for this study. The operating internal rate of return varies across the sample MWD's from less than 2 percent to 14 percent. If 10 percent is taken as the opportunity cost of capital, 25 of the 30 MWD's were inefficient; i.e., earned less than 10 percent. Half the sample earned less than 5 percent. An examination of potential causes of low rates of return shows that low average water prices are the primary reason for the low rates of return. For efficient operation, MWD's should set a target rate of return equal to the opportunity cost of capital and adjust water prices so as to achieve that target.
Robust, tunable genetic memory from protein sequestration combined with positive feedback.

Natural regulatory networks contain many interacting components that allow for fine-tuning of switching and memory properties. Building simple bistable switches, synthetic biologists have learned the design principles of complex natural regulatory networks. However, most switches constructed so far are so simple (e.g. comprising two regulators) that they are functional only within a limited parameter range. Here, we report the construction of robust, tunable bistable switches in Escherichia coli using three heterologous protein regulators (ExsADC) that are sequestered into an inactive complex through a partner swapping mechanism. On the basis of mathematical modeling, we accurately predict and experimentally verify that the hysteretic region can be fine-tuned by controlling the interactions of the ExsADC regulatory cascade using the third member ExsC as a tuning knob. Additionally, we confirm that a dual-positive feedback switch can markedly increase the hysteretic region, compared to its single-positive feedback counterpart. The dual-positive feedback switch displays bistability over a 106-fold range of inducer concentrations, to our knowledge, the largest range reported so far. This work demonstrates the successful interlocking of sequestration-based ultrasensitivity and positive feedback, a design principle that can be applied to the construction of robust, tunable, and predictable genetic programs to achieve increasingly sophisticated biological behaviors.
Learning tracking controllers for unknown dynamical systems using neural networks

A tracking control architecture based on artificial neural networks is described. The architecture comprises two separate multilayer feedforward networks with tapped delay lines. One network is trained to represent the forward dynamic model of an unknown dynamical system, while another network learns to act as a feedforward controller to control the response of the unknown system to follow desired trajectories. During a learning process, the error backpropagation method and the delta rule are used to adjust the connection strengths in the networks. To adjust the connection strengths of the network that acts as a controller, the error signals are backpropagated through the network that models the unknown system to be controlled. The tracking control of a servomotor is used as an example, and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. >
Proximal Tibial Resection and Prosthetic Reconstruction

Summary: Proximal tibia resection with endoprosthetic reconstruction is a complex limb sparing procedure for tumors of the proximal tibia. Recent advances in implants and surgical techniques have made this option preferable to amputation for many patients. Long-term survival and recurrence rates are similar between limb salvage and limb ablation in the proximal tibia. Appropriate indications for limb salvage are imperative to mitigate disastrous outcomes such as loss of limb or life. A comprehensive perioperative evaluation should include a detailed history and physical, laboratory, and radiographic testing, along with a biopsy confirmed diagnosis before the definitive procedure. Once a patient has been appropriately evaluated, there are three steps critical to a successful procedure: proximal tibia resection, reconstruction of the proximal tibia and knee joint with a prosthetic component, and extensor mechanism reconstruction utilizing a gastrocnemius flap to improve implant coverage and enhance the patellar tendon repair. Proximal tibia resection with prosthetic reconstruction can be associated with significant complications; however, these can be minimized with appropriate preoperative planning and a meticulous technique.
Robust Fault Tolerant Control Strategy for a Class of Nonlinear Uncertain Systems

This paper describes a fault tolerant controller for a class of nonlinear systems. The systems considered here are nonlinear with model uncertainty and are subject to some specific faults due to loading and temperature variations, plus sensor faults. To achieve this goal, passive and active fault tolerant strategies are merged together to provide a robust algorithm against both internal and external factors. The proposed controller detects the occurrence of the fault in the closed loop system and switches itself between a control strategy designed for nominal operation and a robust control strategy designed for faulty conditions. The switching function serves as the fault indicator as well. The proposed approach is applied to the fault tolerant control of induction motors. Simulation experiments in terms of speed and flux responses show the effectiveness of the proposed approach
Formulation of buprenorphine for sublingual use in neonates.

OBJECTIVES The only medication used sublingually in the neonate is buprenorphine for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Compared with morphine, buprenorphine reduces the length of treatment and length of hospitalization in neonates treated for NAS. The objective of this study was to characterize the stability of ethanolic buprenorphine for sublingual administration. METHODS Buprenorphine solution was prepared and stored in amber glass source bottles at either 68°F to 77°F (20°C-25°C) or 36°F to 46°F (2.2°C-7.8°C). Samples were collected from each of these batches on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30. Additional samples were withdrawn at baseline from each batch and placed in oral dispensing syringes for 3 and 7 days. Buprenorphine concentration was assessed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Neither storage temperature (p=0.65) nor storage time (p=0.24) significantly affected buprenorphine concentrations. All of the mean concentrations, regardles...
Self-consistent approach to thermal effects in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

A self-consistent theory for semiconductor lasers, in which plasma and lattice temperatures are treated as two independent variables, is presented. This theory consists of a set of coupled equations for the total carrier density, field amplitude, and plasma and lattice temperatures with the coupling that is due to phonon-carrier scattering and to the band gap’s dependence on lattice temperature. The self-consistent theory is then employed to study thermal effects in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. We first investigate the plasma heating by solving the stationary (cw) solution of the set of equations with a fixed lattice temperature. The solution is studied systematically with respect to different parameters for both bulk and quantum-well media. Significant plasma-heating effects are found. These include the carrier-density dependence on pumping, decrease of input–output efficiency, dependence of the cw frequency shift on pumping, and a pronounced Pauli-blocking effect that is due to plasma heating. Furthermore, we solve the whole set of equations, including that for lattice temperature. We show that the output power is strongly saturated or switched off with an increase of pumping. Details of the saturation depend on the position of the cavity frequency in the gain spectrum and on the heat transfer rate from the lattice to the ambient.
Atrioventricular sequential pacing: comparison with ventricular pacing using systolic time intervals.

Nine patients with programmable atrioventricular sequential pacers were studied using systolic time intervals (QS2--the total electrical and mechanical systole, left ventricular ejection time, and pre-ejection period). These measurements were obtained by simultaneous recording of the electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and carotid pulse tracing. There was a dramatic fall of left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and an increase of the pre-ejection time (PEP) in all patients when the pacers were programmed from the atrioventricular to the ventricular mode at constant heart rate. This resulted in an increase of the ratio PEP/LVET from .428 to .574 suggesting loss of ventricular function. These measurements all reversed to baseline values when the pacers were re-programmed back to the atrioventricular mode. This study suggests systolic time intervals might be useful to select non-invasively pacer parameters such as mode, rate, and effective PR interval in order to provide the best hemodynamics in a given patient.
Comparisons and Differences: A Commentary on Frost

This commentary on Frost's comparison of the meaning of intimacy in heterosexual and same-sex couples explores how the concept of differences between advantaged and disadvantaged groups has often been used to further stigmatize the latter group. The commentary notes that feminist critiques have provided a way to avoid this trap, which is reflected in Frost's study. This research represents a creative mix of theories and methods that provides important, nuanced findings while avoiding reifying the traditional heterosexual/same-sex hierarchy.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Pediatric Psoriasis: A Retrospective Case Series.

Background Psoriasis has an estimated prevalence of 0.5% to 2.0% in children. There is a paucity of data regarding the management and safety of treatments currently available for children with moderate to severe psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment response and safety of systemic therapies used to manage moderate to severe pediatric psoriasis in a single referral center. Despite a small sample size, it was hypothesized that multiple therapeutics used for adult psoriasis would have a similar side-effect profile and positive disease response when used in a pediatric population. Methods A retrospective case series evaluated 51 children with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with systemic therapies for adverse event occurrence and for disease response using a 5-point Physician Global Assessment scale. Results Fifty-one patients, some of whom used multiple treatment options, produced 80 treatment data points. Adverse events were reported in 29 of these 80 treatments, with most being minor, subjective side effects. Overall, the most commonly reported side effect was fatigue, which was reported in 7.5% of treatments. Because of the small sample size, the data collected are limited and may not represent a comprehensive safety profile, nor do they allow comparison of efficacy between therapies. This case series found that biologic and immunomodulating therapies provide well-tolerated treatments with positive disease response for moderate to severe pediatric psoriasis. Conclusion Although sample size and study design limit the data from this study, the study provides some guidance where little exists and helps to support the use of these treatments in this setting.
Electrochemistry of the Layered Manganese Dioxides: A x Mn1 − y ( Co , Ni , Fe ) y O 2 ( A = Li , K ) Rate Effects

Cobalt, iron, and nickel can be doped into the layered alkali manganese dioxides, for , , or and , , or , during the hydrothermal synthesis from the alkali permanganates. A single phase is obtained. The transition metal doping enhanced the electrochemical behavior in lithium cells. The manganese phases formed during cycling appear to depend on the rate of reaction; a spinel‐like phase was formed at whereas the layered phase is maintained at independent of whether potassium or lithium ions reside between the layers of the structure. Polarization is significantly less in the spinel‐like regime. ©2000 The Electrochemical Society
Principles, Virtues, or Detachment? Some Appreciative Reflections on Karen Stohr’s On Manners

Karen Stohr’s book On Manners argues persuasively that rules of etiquette, though conventional, play an essential moral role, because they “serve as vehicles through which we express important moral values like respect and consideration for the needs, ideas, and opinions of others” (Stohr 2012: 3–4). Stohr frequently invokes Kantian concepts and principles in order to make her point. In Part 2 of this essay, I shall argue that the significance of etiquette is better understood using a virtue ethics framework, like that of Confucianism, rather than the language of Kantianism. Within the Chinese tradition, Daoists have frequently been critics of Confucian ritualism. Consequently, in Part 3, I shall consider some possible Daoist critiques of Stohr’s work.
S07.3 Survival Strategies of Haemophilus Ducreyi: Role of Transporters

During human disease, Haemophilus ducreyi leads a primarily extracellular lifestyle, in which the organism is under constant pressure from the immune system. To survive in this environment, H. ducreyi expresses multiple mechanisms that counteract various antimicrobial activities of innate immunity. Key among these is secretion of LspA proteins to prevent phagocytosis, allowing H. ducreyi to reside extracellularly. When phagocytes cannot engulf bacteria, they secrete granule contents, including antimicrobial peptides (APs) such as cathelicidin and defensins, to kill the pathogens extracellularly. APs bind and destabilise cell membranes to lyse bacteria. Our laboratory is studying two transporter systems that protect H. ducreyi from human APs, including cathelicidin LL37 and beta-defensins. To prevent lethal interactions between LL37 and the inner membrane, H. ducreyi utilises the Sap (sensitive to antimicrobial peptides) transporter, which takes up periplasmic LL37 for cytoplasmic degradation. By mutagenizing structural components of the Sap transporter, we have found a direct correlation between the effectiveness of Sap-mediated LL37 resistance in vitro and the contribution of the transporter to virulence in humans. Further, we found that H. ducreyi OppA (oligopeptide binding protein A), the periplasmic component of another uptake transporter, appears to cooperate with the Sap transporter for LL37 uptake. For beta-defensin resistance, H. ducreyi utilises the MTR efflux transporter. MTR is a member of the resistance-nodulation-division family of multidrug resistance transporters that pump hydrophobic agents from the periplasm and cytoplasm out of the cell. Our data demonstrate that the H. ducreyi MTR transporter confers resistance to both LL37 and beta-defensins. Interestingly, we also found that the MTR transporter affects activation of CpxRA, which globally regulates virulence factors in H. ducreyi. The role of MTR in human virulence is under investigation. Together, these studies highlight the significance of AP resistance mechanisms to pathogen survival in the human host.
Introduction: Development of antimicrobial textiles

The development of antimicrobial textiles has been one of the most active and important research areas in recent years, involving activities in the discovery and applications of new antimicrobial agents, novel functional fibers, new chemical finishes, and nanotechnologies. Antimicrobial textiles are expected to be able to address many challenges ranging from increased spreading of infectious diseases, especially drug-resistant ones, across the world, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi, to the concerns on regular hygienic issues such as odor generating microbes on apparels and sportswear, as well as conservation needs of textile artifacts and the life of geotextiles. Because of vastly diversified applications of the antimicrobial textiles and expected functions for intended uses of the textiles, significant progresses in the development of novel antimicrobial agents and technologies have been achieved in recent years.
Complicated and messy politics of inclusion: Michfest and the Boston Dyke March.

ABSTRACTTo illustrate the challenge of political organizing that grapples with identity politics and inclusion, I focus on two women-centered annual events with very different politics of inclusion: the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and the Boston Dyke March. Main points: (1) arguments made by marginalized people for inclusion into established oppressed identity groups must be constructed with due care to avoid further marginalizing yet other liminal identities; (2) protesting/boycotting other oppressed groups for the purpose of achieving inclusion is often a problematic strategy; (3) the most effective strategy for honoring all people is to support organizations committed to the ideal of inclusion.
Addendum of Activated Carbon Detection Technology

The test method of tannic acid, preparation method of water sample, test method of ignition point and experiment method of head loss for activated carbon are introduced based on the abroad references and much year practice.
Analysis of monitoring results of plague insect vectors composition, Yushu Area

Objective To analyze the composition of insect vectors associated with plague using the data from the monitoring spot in plague natural foci of Marmota himalayana in Guoqing, Yushu Area from 2009 to 2013, and provide basis for establishing the strategies. Methods Following the National Program of Plague Monitoring in Key Spots and the Standard of Plague Diagnosis(WS279-2008), the insect vectors from marmots and mice were identified and counted. The data were analyzed by EPI INFO. Results In total, 498 insect vectors were identified, including 383 Callopsylla dolabris(76.91%, 383/498), 111 Oropsylla silantiewi(22.29%, 111/498) and 4 Ixodes crenulatus(0.80%, 4/498). The proportion of Callopsylla dolabris was significant higher than that of Oropsylla silantiewi(χ2=102.43, P0.001) and Ixodes crenulatus(χ2=360.16, P0.001). We investigated 1061 marmot caves, and found 109 insect vectors, including 67 Callopsylla dolabris(61.47%, 67/109) and 42 Oropsylla silantiewi(38.53%, 42/109). The proportion of Callopsylla dolabris was significant higher than that of Oropsylla silantiewi(χ2=3.85, P0.05). Conclusion In this area, Callopsylla dolabris, Oropsylla silantiewi and Ixodes crenulatus are the main vectors associated with plague, and Callopsylla dolabris is the dominant one. There is a stable natural circular chain of plague transmission formed by infected animals and insect vectors, which are high risk factors for human and domestic animals.
On the System of Compensation for Spiritual Damages in Our Country

Starting with the intension and extension of compensation for spiritual damages and its peculiar properties, this paper expounds the system of compensation for spiritual damages in our country, and further approaches how to perfect the system .
Helping When They Are Listening: A Midterm Study Skills Intervention for Introductory Psychology

This study examined the effectiveness of a study skills training session offered at midterm to students enrolled in a large section of Introductory Psychology. In the training session, students wat...
Retroviruses and Cancer

All RNA viruses that cause cancer under natural conditions fall into the “retro” category, meaning that the first step in their replication is the “reverse transcription” of RNA into DNA. This peculiarity of their biologic behavior has helped explain other intriguing features of these viruses and opened new directions for future research into the role of viruses in altering the infected cell's genetic material and in oncogenesis.
Murine coronavirus spike glycoprotein. Receptor binding and membrane fusion activities.

The mature Coronavirus spike is a large, oligomeric, type I integral membrane glycoprotein that projects about 20 nm from the surface of infected cells and virions. In this extracellular position, the spikes function to bind the cellular receptors extending from opposing membranes. Following receptor binding, largely hypothetical structural changes take place to generate spike conformations that are capable of mediating fusion of the juxtaposed membranes. Membrane fusion creates pores for entrance of genomes into uninfected cells.
Stochastic Scheduling for a Network of Flexible Job Shops

In this chapter, we address the problem of optimally routing and sequencing a set of jobs over a network of flexible machines for the objective of minimizing the sum of completion times and the cost incurred, assuming stochastic job processing times. This problem is of particular interest for the production control in high investment, low volume manufacturing environments, such as pilot-fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. We model this problem as a two-stage stochastic program with recourse, where the first-stage decision variables are binary and the second-stage variables are continuous. This basic formulation lacks relatively complete recourse due to infeasibilities that are caused by the presence of re-entrant flows in the processing routes, and also because of potential deadlocks that result from the first-stage routing and sequencing decisions. We use the expected processing times of operations to enhance the formulation of the first-stage problem, resulting in good linear programming bounds and inducing feasibility for the second-stage problem. In addition, we develop valid inequalities for the first-stage problem to further tighten its formulation. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of using these strategies within a decomposition algorithm (the L-shaped method) to solve the underlying stochastic program. In addition, we present heuristic methods to handle large-sized instances of this problem and provide related computational results.
Civil Claims Remain in Maine West Hazing Case

An examination of the result of the Maine West hazing trial while also discussing the similarities and differences between the criminal trial and the impending civil trial.
Radiation dosimetry using three-dimensional optical random access memories

Three-dimensional optical random access memories (3D ORAMs) are a new generation of high-density data storage devices. Binary information is stored and retrieved via a light induced reversible transformation of an ensemble of bistable photochromic molecules embedded in a polymer matrix. This paper describes the application of 3D ORAM materials to radiation dosimetry. It is shown both theoretically and experimentally, that ionizing radiation in the form of heavy charged particles is capable of changing the information originally stored on the ORAM material. The magnitude and spatial distribution of these changes are used as a measure of the absorbed dose, particle type and energy. The effects of exposure on 3D ORAM materials have been investigated for a variety of particle types and energies, including protons, alpha particles and 12C ions. The exposed materials are observed to fluoresce when exposed to laser light. The intensity and the depth of the fluorescence is dependent on the type and energy of the particle to which the materials were exposed. It is shown that these effects can be modeled using Monte Carlo calculations. The model provides a better understanding of the properties of these materials. which should prove useful for developing systems for charged particle and neutron dosimetry/detector applications. c2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
A dual-mode wireless power transfer system using multi-frequency programmed pulse width modulation

Multi-frequency wireless power transfer (WPT) is advantageous in facilitating compatibility with different WPT standards. However, implementing a multi-frequency transmitter often requires compromises in system size, complexity, power transfer capability, or output regulation. In this paper, a single-inverter based dual-mode WPT system is proposed. The system employs a multi-frequency programmed pulse width modulation (MFPWM) scheme. This dual-frequency modulated inverter can simultaneously generate and regulate 100 kHz and 6.78 MHz outputs, which facilitates the development of multi-standard WPT technology for consumer electronics. In addition, the principle of the proposed modulation is illustrated, where two different frequencies are concurrently modulated in the programmed pulse train of square waveforms, while eliminating certain harmonics in between. Design tradeoffs and constraints are examined through analytical circuit models. Finally, experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed WPT system.
Exploring Text and Icon Graph Interpretation in Students with Dyslexia: An Eye‐tracking Study

A growing body of research suggests that individuals with dyslexia struggle to use graphs efficiently. Given the persistence of orthographic processing deficits in dyslexia, this study tested whether graph interpretation deficits in dyslexia are directly related to difficulties processing the orthographic components of graphs (i.e. axes and legend labels). Participants were 80 college students with and without dyslexia. Response times and eye movements were recorded as students answered comprehension questions about simple data displayed in bar graphs. Axes and legends were labelled either with words (mixed-modality graphs) or icons (orthography-free graphs). Students also answered informationally equivalent questions presented in sentences (orthography-only condition). Response times were slower in the dyslexic group only for processing sentences. However, eye tracking data revealed group differences for processing mixed-modality graphs, whereas no group differences were found for the orthography-free graphs. When processing bar graphs, students with dyslexia differ from their able reading peers only when graphs contain orthographic features. Implications for processing informational text are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language architecture and its import for evolution

Inquiry into the evolution of some biological system evidently can proceed only as far as its nature is understood. Lacking such understanding, its manifestations are likely to appear to be chaotic, highly variable, and lacking significant general properties; and, accordingly, study of its evolution cannot be seriously undertaken. These truisms hold of the study of the human faculty of language FL just as for other biological systems. As discussed below, FL appears to be a shared human capacity in essentials, with options of variation of a kind to which we return. After a long lapse, the problem of evolution of language arose in mid-twentieth century when the first efforts were made to construct accounts of FL as a biological object, internal to an individual, with particular internal languages - I-languages in current terminology - as manifestations of FL.
Effect of perioperative complications on recurrence and survival after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases: Analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial.

3620 Background: Perioperative outcomes such as blood loss, transfusions and morbidity have been associated with cancer specific survival, but this is unsupported by prospective data. Methods: Pati...
Collisions feel the cold

For many years atomic-collision experiments basically involved measuring the deflection of fast projectiles that had passed through gaseous targets, or measuring the amount of light given off by atoms and molecules as they were bombarded with different projectiles. In recent years, however, the atomic-physics community has aspired to much more: we want to prepare a target of non-interacting atoms or molecules in a particular quantum state, strike it with projectiles of perfectly known speed, direction and internal state, and then record the time, frequency, speed, energy, direction, spin and internal state of every fragment that emerges from the collisions.
Optimization of voltage output of energy harvesters with continuous mechanical rotation extracted from human motion (Conference Presentation)

With increasing popularity of portable devices for outdoor activities, portable energy harvesting devices are coming into spot light. The next generation energy harvester which is called hybrid energy harvester can employ more than one mechanism in a single device to optimize portion of the energy that can be harvested from any source of waste energy namely motion, vibration, heat and etc. In spite of few recent attempts for creating hybrid portable devices, the level of output energy still needs to be improved with the intention of employing them in commercial electronic systems or further applications. Moreover, implementing a practical hybrid energy harvester in different application for further investigation is still challenging. This proposal is projected to incorporate a novel approach to maximize and optimize the voltage output of hybrid energy harvesters to achieve a greater conversion efficiency normalized by the total mass of the hybrid device than the simple arithmetic sum of the individual harvesting mechanisms. The energy harvester model previously proposed by Larkin and Tadesse [1] is used as a baseline and a continuous unidirectional rotation is incorporated to maximize and optimize the output. The device harvest mechanical energy from oscillatory motion and convert it to electrical energy through electromagnetic and piezoelectric systems. The new designed mechanism upgrades the device in a way that can harvest energy from both rotational and linear motions by using magnets. Likewise, the piezoelectric section optimized to harvest at least 10% more energy. To the end, the device scaled down for tested with different sources of vibrations in the immediate environment, including machinery operation, bicycle, door motion while opening and closing and finally, human motions. Comparing the results from literature proved that current device has capability to be employed in commercial small electronic devices for enhancement of battery usage or as a backup power source. [1] Larkin, Miles, and Yonas Tadesse. "HM-EH-RT: hybrid multimodal energy harvesting from rotational and translational motions." International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials 4.4 (2013): 257-285.
Partial Nephrectomy versus Thermal Ablation for Clinical Stage T1 Renal Masses: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of More than 3,900 Patients.

Abstract Purpose A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was undertaken to compare percutaneous thermal ablation versus partial nephrectomy (PN) for stage T1 renal tumors. Materials and Methods A comprehensive search of major databases was conducted from October 2000 to July 2016. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Incidences of all-cause mortality (ACM), cancer-specific mortality (CSM), local recurrence (LR), and metastases, as well as complication rates and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were evaluated. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 15 of 961 papers. These studies represented 3,974 patients who had undergone an ablative procedure (cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation; n = 1,455; 37%) or PN (n = 2,519; 63%). ACM and CSM rates were higher for ablation than for PN (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54–2.87 [ P P P = .22]; HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.67–5.01 [ P = 0.23], respectively). Complication rates were lower for ablation than for PN (13% vs 17.6%; odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25–0.94; P 2 ) vs ablation therapy (4.47 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Conclusions Thermal ablation showed no significant difference in LR or metastases compared with PN. Thermal ablation was associated with a lower morbidity rate and a lesser reduction in eGFR compared with PN, but with higher ACM and CSM rates.
Kriegskorrespondenten, das Militär und Propaganda

Wenn eine Nation in den Krieg zieht, ist es fur die Medien eine gro\e Herausforderung, eine akkurate und faire Berichterstattung zu liefern, insbesondere angesichts des Drucks von Staat und Militar, die die Kriegsziele der Nation unterstutzt sehen wollen. Kriegsberichterstatter mussen im Spannungsfeld von widerstreitenden journalistischen Idealen, einer haufig militar- und kriegsfreundlichen Offentlichkeit und den vielfach propagandistischen und zensorischen Anstrengungen von Staat und Militar vermitteln. Im Folgenden werde ich diskutieren, wie sich Kriegskorrespondenten in der Berichterstattung uber die beiden Golfkriege geschlagen haben, und dabei aufzeigen, dass einige Kriegsberichterstatter Instrumente staatlicher und militarischer Propaganda wurden, wahrend sich andere als respektable Kritiker offizieller Propaganda und unverblumter Lugen erwiesen.
Effect of optical aberrations on intraocular pressure measurements using a microscale optical implant in ex vivo rabbit eyes.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable major risk factor of glaucoma. Recently, accurate and continuous IOP monitoring has been demonstrated in vivo using an implantable sensor based on optical resonance with remote optical readout to improve patient outcomes. Here, we investigate the relationship between optical aberrations of ex vivo rabbit eyes and the performance of the IOP sensor using a custom-built setup integrated with a Shack–Hartmann sensor. The sensor readouts became less accurate as the aberrations increased in magnitude, but they remained within the clinically acceptable range. For root-mean-square wavefront errors of 0.10 to 0.94 μm, the accuracy and the signal-to-noise ratio were 0.58 ± 0.32 mm Hg and 15.57 ± 4.85 dB, respectively.
Effects of Perinatal Exposure to Dibutyltin Chloride on Fat and Glucose Metabolism in Mice, and Molecular Mechanisms, in Vitro.

Background: The organotin dibutyltin (DBT) is used in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, in construction materials, and in medical devices. Previous animal studies showed detrime...
Mammary Gland as a Sensitive Tissue to Developmental Exposures of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in the Mouse

The persistence in the environment, combined with the ubiquity of ­perfluorinated products in the marketplace, has caused what is now recognized as the widespread contamination of human and wildlife tissues with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The global presence of PFOA has raised concern about adverse health effects that may result from unavoidable human exposures. In this review, we cover the sources of PFOA, its prevalence, and current knowledge about human PFOA exposures and associated health consequences. Examined in detail are PFOA-induced effects on mammary gland in animals. Studies of other environmental agents indicate that late fetal and early postnatal mammary gland development is particularly sensitive to environmental insult. Early life exposures that alter mammary gland development are thought to have a potential impact on the development of mammary cancers later in life in animal models. This is also thought to be the case in humans. Recent research in the mouse examining the effects of in utero, lactational and peripubertal exposures, impact of genetic background, and putative mechanisms of action has made substantial discoveries regarding the effects of PFOA exposure on the mammary gland with high relevancy to human health.
Circadian Clock, Cell Cycle and Cancer

The circadian clock is a fundamental biological process that is pervasive in living organisms. Over the past decade, much has been learned about the molecular mechanism of the mammalian circadian clock. Studies have also led to the revelation of various connections between the circadian clock function and other basic biological processes, including the cell cycle and the DNA damage response. Several key regulators of circadian function have been identified to interact with regulators of DNA damage response pathways. In addition, expression of many key regulators of the cell cycle and the DNA damage response pathways display circadian rhythmic profiles, and these temporal expression profiles are altered in circadian clock deficient animals. Clinical studies have revealed deregulation of several core clock genes expression in different type of human cancers. Genetic studies from mice and Neurospora further suggest that the integration of the circadian clock with the cell division and the DNA damage response is very ancient. Understanding of the mechanistic details of how these basic processes are integrated and coordinated to achieve homeostasis will lead to new ideas for healthier life styles, and develop novel therapeutic strategies for many human disorders, including cancers.