cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of the Herbert and AO Cortical Bone Screws for Compression of an Equine Third Carpal Bone Dorsal Plane Slab Osteotomy

Objective—To assess feasibility of insertion of 4.5-mm Herbert cannulated bone screws (HS) using fluoroscopic guidance and compare the mechanical shear strength of these HS and 4.5-mm AO cortical bone screws (AO) for fixation of dorsal plane slab osteotomies in equine cadaver third carpal bones (C3). Animals or Sample Population—Eight equine cadavers. Methods—Bone mineral composition and density of contralateral C3 were confirmed to be equivalent using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A standard 10-mm C3 slab osteotomy was reduced using HS or AO instrumentation under fluoroscopic guidance. Specimens were loaded in shear until failure, using a materials testing apparatus. Results—HS and AO instrumentation allowed accurate reconstruction of the osteotomy, but there was difficulty encountered seating the HS proximal self-tapping threads. There was no significant difference in maximal load to failure, stiffness, or mode of failure of constructs created with the HS and AO screws. Conclusions—Use of 4.5-mm HS for repair of C3 radial facet, dorsal plane slab fractures may result in a mechanically comparable fixation to a repair using a 4.5-mm AO. Equine dorsal C3 may be too dense, however, to allow placement of the proximal self-tapping threads of the HS without potentially excessive application of torque to the screw itself. Clinical Relevance—Dorsal plane, radial facet slab fractures of the equine C3 are a significant clinical problem. Accurate reconstruction and stabilization are necessary for return to athletic function.
Fetishizing the grotesque body: The images of Calvin Klein

This paper explores the representation of the body in popular imagery. Specific attention is given to two Calvin Klein print ad campaigns. The images are significant in that they appear to offer a ...
Distributed clock skew and offset estimation from relative measurements in mobile networks with Markovian switching topology

Abstract We analyze a distributed algorithm for the estimation of scalar parameters belonging to nodes in a mobile network from noisy relative measurements. The motivation comes from the problem of clock skew and offset estimation for the purpose of time synchronization. The time variation of the network was modeled as a Markov chain. The estimates are shown to be mean square convergent under fairly weak assumptions on the Markov chain, as long as the union of the graphs is connected. Expressions for the asymptotic mean and correlation are also provided.
Adolescents, Pregnancy, and Mental Health

Abstract Study Objective Pregnancy during adolescence is a risk factor for adverse medical and psychosocial outcomes, including psychiatric illness. Psychiatric illness is linked with obstetric complications along with impaired maternal functioning in the postpartum period. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research examining the intersection of psychopathology and adolescent pregnancy and the postpartum period. Design A literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), PsycINFO, and CINAHL for articles published between 1990 and 2013 that examined depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis during pregnancy and the postpartum period in adolescents age 21 years or younger. Articles were selected that covered the following topics: Prevalence or incidence, comorbidity, psychosocial correlates, birth outcomes, parenting, child outcomes, and psychosocial treatment. Forty articles were found and reviewed. Results There is a substantial research base examining self-reported depressive symptoms in adolescents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Existing research suggests that pregnant and parenting adolescents are at greater risk for experiencing depressive symptoms than pregnant and postpartum adult women. Depression in the perinatal period is also a risk factor for substance and alcohol abuse and a harsher parenting style in adolescents. Areas for future research in this population include investigating the prevalence, psychosocial correlates, and outcomes of clinically diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder, developing and empirically validating psychotherapeutic treatments, and focusing upon other psychiatric diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and psychosis.
Notch1 functions as a negative regulator of lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation in the venous endothelium.

In development, lymphatic endothelial cells originate within veins and differentiate via a process requiring Prox1. Notch signaling regulates cell-fate decisions, and expression studies suggested that Jag1/Notch1 signaling functions in veins during lymphatic endothelial specification. Using an inducible lymphatic endothelial Prox1CreERT2 driver, Notch signaling was suppressed by deleting Notch1 or expressing dominant-negative Mastermind-like in Prox1+ endothelial cells. Either loss of Notch1 or reduced Notch signaling increased Prox1+ lymphatic endothelial progenitor cell numbers in the veins, leading to incomplete separation of venous and lymphatic vessels. Notch loss of function resulted in excessive Prox1+ lymphatic cells emerging from the cardinal vein and significant lymphatic overgrowth. Moreover, loss of one allele of Notch1 in Prox1 heterozygous mice rescued embryonic lethality due to Prox1 haploinsufficiency and significantly increased Prox1+ lymphatic endothelial progenitor cell numbers. Expression of a constitutively active Notch1 protein in Prox1+ cells suppressed endothelial Prox1 from E9.75 to E13.5, resulting in misspecified lymphatic endothelial cells based upon reduced expression of podoplanin, LYVE1 and VEGFR3. Notch activation resulted in the appearance of blood endothelial cells in peripheral lymphatic vessels. Activation of Notch signaling in the venous endothelium at E10.5 did not arterialize the cardinal vein, suggesting that Notch can no longer promote arterialization in the cardinal vein during this developmental stage. We report a novel role for Notch1 in limiting the number of lymphatic endothelial cells that differentiate from the veins to assure proper lymphatic specification.
Flexible Regions within IκBα Create the Ubiquitin-independent Degradation Signal

Homeostatic regulation of NF-κB requires the continuous synthesis of IκBα and its rapid degradation by the proteasome through a ubiquitin-independent pathway. We previously showed that the ubiquitin-independent degradation signal of unbound IκBα was located in the C-terminal PEST region, and we have now identified a single tyrosine, Tyr-289, and determined that the hydrophobic character of the tyrosine is important for the rapid turnover of IκBα. The sequence composition of the PEST peptide surrounding this Tyr-289 imposes a distinct polyproline II conformation. Enhancing the polyproline II helix formation correlates with slower degradation rates of unbound IκBα. We have further identified a degradation signal located within the 5th ankyrin repeat that is functional once the C terminus is removed. Both the C-terminal and 5th ankyrin repeat degradation signals have inherent flexibility and specific hydrophobic residue(s), which together constitute the ubiquitin-independent degradation signal for IκBα.
Analysis of propofol and low-dose ketamine admixtures for adult outpatient dentoalveolar surgery: a prospective, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic stability and efficacy of 3 different propofol-ketamine admixtures compared with a propofol–saline solution admixture for continuous-infusion intravenous general anesthesia in outpatient adult dentoalveolar surgery. Patients and Methods This was a prospective, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial between a propofol–saline solution admixture and 3 propofol-ketamine admixtures comprising 4 groups: group A (control), propofol and saline solution; group B, 10:1 propofol-ketamine ratio; group C, 5:1 propofol-ketamine ratio; and group D, 3:1 propofol-ketamine ratio. The bispectral index (BIS) was used to monitor all patients for time to induction (BIS 90). The outcome variables—noninvasive systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures; pulse; and BIS—were recorded at baseline and every 5 minutes during surgery. One-way analysis of variance and χ 2 analysis were conducted on the groups to determine statistical significance, set at P Results A total of 64 adult patients (37 men and 27 women; mean age, 27.3 years) who had dentoalveolar surgery under intravenous general anesthesia in an outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic setting were enrolled in this study. There were statistically significant differences between mean values of groups only for mean systolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure in groups A and D (127 mm Hg vs 146 mm Hg and 96 mm Hg vs 109 mm Hg, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in percent change from baseline measurements only between groups A and D for systolic blood pressure (−6.9% vs +1.3%), diastolic blood pressure (−5.4% vs +0.7), and mean arterial pressure (−0.5% vs +2.6%). All mean percent changes from baseline were within 20% of baseline. There were statistically significant differences between groups for number of boluses but not time to surgery start, movement on injection, or length of surgery. Statistically significant differences in recovery times were found between all groups except between groups A and C and groups C and D. There were no incidences of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions Through maintenance of hemodynamic stability and faster recovery time, the group B admixture (10:1 propofol-ketamine ratio) provided the greatest benefit for continuous intravenous general anesthesia in adults undergoing dentoalveolar surgery in an outpatient clinic setting.
Measurement Error and Misclassification in Statistics and Epidemiology

(2006). Measurement Error and Misclassification in Statistics and Epidemiology. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 101, No. 473, pp. 392-393.
Structure of REV-ERBβ Ligand-binding Domain Bound to a Porphyrin Antagonist

REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ are members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-regulated transcription factors that play important roles in the regulation of circadian physiology, metabolism, and immune function. Although the REV-ERBs were originally characterized as orphan receptors, recent studies have demonstrated that they function as receptors for heme. Here, we demonstrate that cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) are ligands that bind directly to the REV-ERBs. However, instead of mimicking the agonist action of heme, CoPP and ZnPP function as antagonists of REV-ERB function. This was unexpected because the only distinction between these ligands is the metal ion that is coordinated. To understand the structural basis by which REV-ERBβ can differentiate between a porphyrin agonist and antagonist, we characterized the interaction between REV-ERBβ with heme, CoPP, and ZnPP using biochemical and structural approaches, including x-ray crystallography and NMR. The crystal structure of CoPP-bound REV-ERBβ indicates only minor conformational changes induced by CoPP compared with heme, including the porphyrin ring of CoPP, which adopts a planar conformation as opposed to the puckered conformation observed in the heme-bound REV-ERBβ crystal structure. Thus, subtle changes in the porphyrin metal center and ring conformation may influence the agonist versus antagonist action of porphyrins and when considered with other studies suggest that gas binding to the iron metal center heme may drive alterations in REV-ERB activity.
Control of Sulfite Release of Carbon Dioxide Inhibition of Anaerobic Glycolysis by Bovine Spermatozoa

Abstract The release of CO 2 inhibition of spermatozoan glycolysis by sulfite has been confirmed with further study. This effect of sulfite can, however, be controlled by the addition of organic sulfhydryl compounds, whereas compounds having similar chemical structure but lacking sulfhydryl or having it in bound form do not control the release of CO 2 inhibition.
Bernini and ovid: Expanding the concept of metamorphosis

Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598–1680) was influenced by a number of contemporary and ancient sources—including Ovid's Metamorphoses—and inspired by the very concept of changing forms. Two examples of the sculptor's early mythological works considered are the Apollo and Daphne, the most comprehensive demonstration of Ovid's influence in theme and concept, and the Neptune and Triton, in which we can observe perhaps the most subtle metamorphosis created by Bernini. From the front view the fleeting suggestion of an entire dolphin can be seen, with Neptune's foot forming the tail and the swirling end of his cloak suggesting the head. The spontaneous and unexpected appearance of this dolphin is Ovidian in concept, and the defiance of logic witnessed when a leg and a flying cloth suddenly form a leaping dolphin is likened thematically to the Metamorphoses, which recounts example after example of improbable happenings and appearances.
Rapid toxicity testing based on yeast respiratory activity.

Rapid and economical techniques are needed to determine the effects of environmental contaminants. At present, the main methods to assess the impact of pollutants are based on chemical analysis of the samples. Invertebrate and vertebrate exposures have been used over the last two decades in assessing acute and chronic toxicities. However, these tests are labor intensive and require several days to complete. An alternative to whole organism exposure is to determine toxic effects in monocellular systems. Another approach for assessing toxicity is to monitor sensitive, nonspecific, subcellular target sites such as mitochondria. Changes in mitochondrial function which could indicate a toxic effect can be demonstrated readily after addition of a foreign substance. In initial assessments of various chemicals, rat liver mitochondria (RLM) were evaluated as a biological sensor of toxicity. False toxicity assessments will result if these ions are present even though they are generally considered nontoxic. Because of these disadvantages, an alternative mitochondrial system, such as found in bakers yeast, was evaluated.
A Convex Optimization Approach to Blind Channel Shortening in Multicarrier Modulations

We study the problem of channel shortening in multicarrier modulation systems without training. We reformulate two existing methods, the sum-squared and the sum-absolute autocorrelation minimization algorithms (SAM and SAAM), into semidefinite programming to overcome their shortcoming of local convergence. We present the original SAM and SAAM cost functions into as a batch optimization problem before relaxing the original problem into globally convergent semidefinite programming algorithms. Our batch processor is superior to the original stochastic gradient algorithms in terms of achievable bit rate and signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR).
High-resolution non-parametric spectral estimation using the Hirschman optimal transform

The traditional Heisenberg-Weyl measure quantifies the joint localization, uncertainty, or concentration of a signal in the phase plane based on a product of energies expressed as signal variances in time and in frequency. Unlike the Heisenberg-Weyl measure, the Hirschman notion of joint uncertainty is based on the entropy rather than the energy [1]. Furthermore, its definition extends naturally from the case of infinitely supported continuous-time signals to the cases of both finitely and infinitely supported discrete-time signals, and, as we noted in [2], the Hirschman optimal transform (HOT) is superior to the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and discrete cosine transform (DCT) in terms of its ability to separate or resolve two limiting cases of localization in frequency, viz pure tones and additive white noise. In this paper we implement a stationary spectral estimation method using an orthogonal matching pursuit method whose dictionary members are constructed from the combination of HOT-based and DFT atoms (elements) [3] in combination with the interpolating procedure developed in [4]. We call the resulting algorithm the smoothed HOT-DFT periodogram. We compare its performance (in terms of frequency resolution) to Quinn's smoothed periodogram. In particular, we compare the performance of the HOT-DFT with that of the DFT in resolving two close frequency components in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). We find the HOT-DFT to be superior to the DFT in frequency estimation, and ascribe the difference to the HOT's relationship to entropy.
Durkheim's Theory of Mental Categories: A Review of the Evidence

Durkheim hypothesized that basic categories of thought are based on society as their model, and that these mental representations arise from participation in society's totemic rites. This proposition is evaluated in light of recent research on the cognitive architecture of newborns and infants. The evidence suggests that presocialized infants possess mental representations of not only the physical world but also the minds of others and even the sui generis quality of collectivities. This review concludes that the Durkheimian theory of the social origin of mind has little empirical support and suggests that the sociology of mental life needs to be radically retheorized.
Optical design and performance of an XUV FEL oscillator

Abstract A study by numerical simulation of the performance of a multifacet metal mirror ring-resonator FEL is presented for several XUV wavelengths. Laser performance in the presence of mirror aberrations and thermal distortion is calculated for two different output coupling methods, a scraper mirror and a hole.
Multi-spectral plasmon induced transparency with hybridized metamaterials

We propose and demonstrate a scheme enabling construction of a scalable metamaterial supporting multi-spectral electromagnetically induced transparency-like effects through hybridization of coupled meta-atoms. Tailoring of intra- and inter-layer near-field interactions give rise to the discussed phenomenon.
Joint COMPSAC/SAINT 2011 Panel: International Perspectiveson Computed World: Software Beyond the Digital Society

Summary form only given, as follows. A record of the panel discussion was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings. Creating the digital society and beyond needs all aspects of computing, software development, and software systems engineering. The computed world embraces not only the information technology world, but also the physical world. Building on computationally smart environments, and trustworthy, secure, and dependable distributed software, this panel explores different perspectives on developing software beyond the digital society. Panelists will each address some international perspectives in a brief statement, with the bulk of the panel session being discussion and audience interaction. Panelists will address their vision for software beyond the digital society and the major impediments to achieving this vision; opportunities for collaboration across industry, academic, funding agency, and international boundaries; possible negative impacts or risks of developing software beyond the digital society, including societal, security, and ethical considerations; and educating students, architects, and society as users of the proposed vision.
Cutting Edge: Introduction of an Endopeptidase Cleavage Motif into a Determinant Flanking Region of Hen Egg Lysozyme Results in Enhanced T Cell Determinant Display

The choice of which determinants of a whole Ag will be presented on cell surface MHC class II molecules after uptake and processing by APC is the result of the interplay between structural characteristics of the Ag and the processing machinery of the APC. In this study, we demonstrate that introduction of a dibasic motif adjacent to a subdominant determinant enhances the presentation of this determinant from the whole molecule. This is the first report showing that a single amino acid substitution in a whole Ag, designed to introduce an endopeptidase recognition site, enhances display of class II-restricted determinants, most likely by creating a peptide chain cleavage in the antigenic molecule. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of immunodominance and for vaccine design.
The interactive effects of ketamine and nicotine on human cerebral blood flow

Aim The purpose of this study was to determine if acute nicotine attenuated ketamine-induced regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF).
Main chain and side chain dynamics of oxidized flavodoxin from Cyanobacterium anabaena.

Oxidized flavodoxin from Cyanobacterium anabaena PCC 7119 is used as a model system to investigate the fast internal dynamics of a flavin-bearing protein. Virtually complete backbone and side chain resonance NMR assignments of an oxidized flavodoxin point mutant (C55A) have been determined. Backbone and side chain dynamics in flavodoxin (C55A) were investigated using (15)N amide and deuterium methyl NMR relaxation methods. The squared generalized order parameters (S(NH)(2)) for backbone amide N-H bonds are found to be uniformly high ( approximately 0.923 over 109 residues in regular secondary structure), indicating considerable restriction of motion in the backbone of the protein. In contrast, methyl-bearing side chains are considerably heterogeneous in their amplitude of motion, as indicated by obtained symmetry axis squared generalized order parameters (S(axis)(2)). However, in comparison to nonprosthetic group-bearing proteins studied with these NMR relaxation methods, the side chains of oxidized flavodoxin are unusually rigid.
Are Informant Reports of Personality More Internally Consistent Than Self Reports of Personality

The present study examined whether informant-reported personality was more or less internally consistent than self-reported personality in an epidemiological community sample (n = 1,449). Results indicated that across the 5 NEO (Neuroticism–Extraversion–Openness) personality factors and the 10 personality disorder trait dimensions, informant reports tended to be more internally consistent than self reports, as indicated by equal or higher Cronbach’s alpha scores and higher average interitem correlations. In addition, the informant reports collectively outperformed the self reports for predicting responses on a global measure of health, indicating that the informant reports are not only more reliable than self reports, but they can also be useful in predicting an external criterion. Collectively these findings indicate that informant reports tend to have greater internal consistency than self reports.
The present, past and future of human-caused extinctions.

This paper re-evaluates whether we are really at the start of a mass extinction caused by humans. I consider the present, past and future of human-caused extinctions. As regards the present, estimates of extinction rates based on Red Data Books underestimate real values by a large factor, because the books evaluate only those species that have attracted specific attention and searches. Especially in tropical areas with few resident biologists, many poorly known species go extinct without having been the object of specific attention, and others disappear even before being described. A 'green list' of species known to be secure is needed to complement 'red books' of species known to be extinct. As regards the past, it is now clear that the first arrival of humans at any oceanic island with no previous human inhabitants has always precipitated a mass extinction in the island biota. Well-known victims include New Zealand's moas, Madagascar's giant lemurs, and scores of bird species on Hawaii and other tropical Pacific islands. Late-Pleistocene or Holocene extinctions of large mammals after the first arrival of humans in North America, South America and Australia may also have been caused by humans. Hence human-caused mass extinction is not a hypothesis for the future but an event that has been underway for thousands of years. As regards the future, consideration of the main mechanisms of human-caused extinctions (overhunting, effects of introduced species, habitat destruction, and secondary ripple effects) indicates that the rate of extinction is accelerating. The basic reason is that there are now more humans than ever before, armed with more potent destructive technology, and encroaching on the world's most species-rich habitats: the continental tropical rainforests.
Molecular targets for retinal vascular diseases.

The elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of a disease in animal models provides candidate targets for treatment. As specific antagonists for a target are developed and tested in clinical trials, if benefit is achieved, the candidate becomes a validated target. Validated targets stimulate additional research to identify optimal ways of attacking the target and studies in related disease processes to determine if the molecule is also a target in that context. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a validated target for several retinal vascular diseases. This has led to a flurry of activity resulting in beneficial treatments for patients and intensification of the search for other targets. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical trial results obtained with VEGF antagonists and describes evidence supporting the candidacy of other molecules currently being tested or soon to be tested for target status. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 575–581, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF HFO2 AND HF-SILICATES

We have established in-line characterization techniques for analyzing the bulk and interface-charge properties of dielectric films, for process optimization. Surface charge analysis (SCA) is used to determine the densities of interface states, fixed charge, and near-interface traps in ultra-thin dielectrics, and is useful for tracking the influence of post-deposition processing on interface-charge properties. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is used to obtain the absorption spectra in the conduction band-tail region. The intensity of an extra absorption peak inside the bandgap of HfO2 is clearly correlated with leakage current density and near-interface trap density. Based on the observed process dependencies, defects within the HfO2 films are likely to be oxygen vacancies. The relative scalability of HfO2 and Hf-silicate films of various compositions is examined using a figure of merit based on the direct-tunneling leakage current model. Pure HfO2 is expected to be more scalable than Hf-silicates. However, it is typically accompanied by an interfacial layer which significantly increases the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT). A 20% Hf silicate with relative permittivity of 11 or higher can be more scalable than HfO2 with an interfacial layer. Alternatively, an ultra-thin interfacial Si3N4 diffusion barrier can be used with HfO2, to allow for more aggressive EOT scaling. The dependencies of interface-charge properties and surface roughness on the nitride barrier formation process are presented.
White adipose tissue contributes to UCP1-independent thermogenesis.

β3-Adrenergic receptors (AR) are nearly exclusively expressed in brown and white adipose tissues, and chronic activation of these receptors by selective agonists has profound anti-diabetes and anti...
Bending and kissing: Computing self-contact configurations of planar loops with revolute joints

In recent work, we introduced the notion of a construction tree of simplices for a linkage L under distance constraints, and showed that the deformation space DSpace(L) of such an L (i.e., its configuration space CSpace(L) modulo rigid motions of ambient space respecting all system specifications) carries geometrically-defined simplex-based parameters that endow it with a “practically piecewise-convex” structure. Here we present parametrizations of contact deformations of planar loops with revolute joints. We show that the bending and kissing loci, which include the self-contact subspace DSContact (generally as a strict subset) can be efficiently described by triangle-based parameters. These results further demonstrate the effectiveness of the simplex-based approach.
Calmodulin Is Essential for Estrogen Receptor Interaction with Its Motif and Activation of Responsive Promoter

Calmodulin (CaM) has been reported to have affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER). Observations reported here reveal a direct physical interaction between purified CaM and ER. This direct ER-CaM interaction may be an initial event preceding the assembly of ER plus auxiliary proteins into the active ER complex with its DNA motif, the estrogen response element. We demonstrate that CaM is an integral component of this complex by using a system reconstituted from purified ER and nuclear extract from ER-negative breast cancer cells and also with ER-depleted nuclear extract of an ER-positive breast cancer cell line. Although CaM is essential for formation of this complex, it is not sufficient, suggesting roles also of auxiliary proteins. CaM also is functionally required for activation of an ER-responsive promoter, in the 17beta-estradiol-ER pathway of hormone action and regulation of 17beta-estradiol-responsive gene expression that is associated with proliferation of mammary epithelial cells.
Cost benefits and vehicle-to-grid regulation services of unidirectional charging of electric vehicles

The goal of this paper is to show that with proper power-draw scheduling and dynamic pricing, a unidirectional charger can provide cost benefits and regulation services to the grid. In this work, power scheduling aspects of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are addressed. The use of electric vehicles (EVs) as demand response resources and unidirectional vehicle-to-grid benefits are investigated. Power draw can be scheduled with the EV charger in control of charging or via control by a utility or an aggregator. Charging cost functions suitable for charger- and utility-controlled power-draw scheduling are presented. Ancillary service levels possible with unidirectional vehicle-to-grid are quantified using different charging scenarios. Impacts of various power-draw schedules and vehicle participation as a demand-response resource on electricity prices are evaluated. These include cost benefits to both owners and load-serving entities. Ideas to encourage vehicle-to-grid participation are discussed.
Invited Commentary: Human Cytomegalovirus, Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a human herpesvirus, and infection is widespread in the human population. Prevalence of seropositivity for human CMV increases with age. CMV establishes persistent infection in vascular arterial and venous endothelial tissue. It has been associated with atherosclerosis and graft rejection in heart transplant recipients. The antiviral drug ganciclovir prevents CMV disease in heart transplant patients, and valganciclovir and CMV immune globulin reduce rejection rates and cardiovascular disease. Human CMV infection has been associated with proinflammatory cytokine increases and nonresponsiveness to antiinfluenza vaccine in the elderly. Enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines has also been associated with enhanced mortality in the elderly. In this issue of the Journal, Roberts et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2010;000(00):000-000) report that, in a large population-based cohort of elderly Sacramento area Latino subjects in California followed from 1998 to 2008, more than 95% were seropositive for human CMV. In that study, Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested worse cardiovascular disease survival for individuals in the highest quartile of human CMV immunoglobulin G antibody titers over 9 years of follow-up. Theirs is the first study known to report a relation between high human CMV antibody levels and mortality.
Effect of CdCl2 Treatment of CdS Films on CdTe/CdS Solar Cells

We investigated the effect of CdCl 2 treatment of CdS films on the photovoltaic performance of polycrystalline CdTe/CdS solar cells. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the diffusion of S into CdTe is qualitatively the same for CdTe/CdS films fabricated with both as-deposited and CdCl 2 -treated CdS. A major difference was observed in the extent of Te diffusion into CdS for the two types of CdS films. Full conversion of CdS into CdS 1-y Te y ; was observed for films prepared with asdeposited CdS, while the formation of the ternary phase was below the detection limit for films prepared with CdCl 2 -treated CdS. Photoluminescence measurements confirmed this result. The difference in interdiffusion leads to differences in optical transmission of CdS films and spectral response of CdTe/CdS solar cells. An increase of 2.7 mA/cm 2 in short-circuit current density was observed as a result of improved spectral response in the wavelength range of 500–600 nm for the CdCl 2 -treated CdS.
Efficient power conversion for ultra low voltage micro scale energy transducers

Energy harvesting has emerged as a feasible and attractive option to improve battery lifetime in micro-scale electronic systems such as biomedical implants and wireless sensor nodes. A key challenge in designing micro-scale energy harvesting systems is that miniature energy transducers (e.g., photovoltaic cells, thermo-electric generators, and fuel cells) output very low voltages (0--0.4V). Therefore, a fully on-chip power converter (usually based on a charge pump) is used to boost the output voltage of the energy transducer and transfer charge into an energy buffer for storage. However, the charge transfer capability of widely used linear charge pump based power converters degrades when used with ultra-low voltage energy transducers. This paper presents the design of a new tree topology charge pump that has a reduced charge sharing time, leading to an improved charge transfer capability. The proposed design has been implemented using 65nm technology and circuit simulations demonstrate that the proposed design results in an increase of up to 30% in harvested power compared to existing linear charge pumps.
Scotty: a web tool for designing RNA-Seq experiments to measure differential gene expression

Motivation: A common question arises at the beginning of every experiment where RNA-Seq is used to detect differential gene expression between two conditions: How many reads should we sequence? Results: Scotty is an interactive web-based application that assists biologists to design an experiment with an appropriate sample size and read depth to satisfy the user-defined experimental objectives. This design can be based on data available from either pilot samples or publicly available datasets. Availability: Scotty can be freely accessed on the web at http://euler.bc.edu/marthlab/scotty/scotty.php Contact: ude.cb@htram.robag Supplementary information: Supplementary data are is available at Bioinformatics online.
A Framework for Developing Wireless Mobile Online Applications

Online applications based on the HTTP protocol are shifting from wired networks, known as Web applications and Web services, to wireless networks, known as wireless mobile online applications, due to the rapid growth of mobile devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants and cell phones. Among the enabling technologies, J2ME is the dominant and the most potential one for building up these wireless mobile online applications. This paper presents a framework that makes the modeling, implementation, and maintenance of wireless mobile online applications intuitive and easy, especially for students and beginners.
Temperature dependence of spin wave auto-oscillations in Sc-substituted yttrium iron garnet films

Low frequency oscillations, often called auto-oscillations, are observed in the microwave power absorbed by ferrimagnetic oxides such as yttrium iron garnet (YIG). This report is concerned with the temperature dependence of frequency of auto-oscillations f/sub osc/ for parallel pumping in Sc-substituted YIG. Data on f/sub osc/ vs. the static field H were obtained for a 35 /spl mu/m thick film for temperatures t ranging from 80 K to 300 K. For a specific t-value, f/sub osc/ vs. H data resemble the butterfly curve for parallel pumping. As t is decreased, auto-oscillations appear at low H-values and f/sub osc/ increases. Data on f/sub osc/ vs. t are compared with our recent theoretical model in which the t-dependence is assumed to arise mainly from variations in the spin wave group velocity and the interaction parameters. The model gives a very good qualitative description of the observed t-dependence of f/sub osc/.
Effect of A Renal Prostaglandin on Distribution of Blood Flow in the Isolated Canine Kidney

In isolated blood-perfused canine kidneys, progressive increases in renal blood flow and its fractional distribution to the inner cortex were correlated with increases in perfusate concentrations of a prostaglandin E-like (PGE-like) substance. The ratio of blood flow to the outer and inner halves of the renal cortex measured by the radioactive-microsphere method changed from 77:23 to 68:32 ( P P P P P 2 was infused to determine whether substitution for the loss of circulating PGE-like substance could prevent the effects of indomethacin on the distribution of renal blood flow. Despite administration of exogenous PGE 2 , renal blood flow redistributed after administration of indomethacin, and the ratio of outer cortical blood flow to inner cortical blood flow increased from 68:32 to 80:20 ( P 2 determines its action as a local hormone affecting deep cortical blood flow.
Seismic‐Hazard Map of Southeast Missouri and Likely Magnitude of the February 1812 New Madrid Earthquake

Abstract The New Madrid seismic zone lies beneath the upper Mississippi Embayment, straddling the border between southeastern Missouri and northwestern Tennessee. In late 1811 and early 1812, it produced five earthquakes of magnitudes >6.5, violently shaking the central and eastern United States (CEUS). Its magnitude and recurrence are of concern to today’s central United States regions. By considering the effects of local geology, deterministic scenario maps ( M w 7.3 and 7.7) were produced for ground motions intended to simulate the 7 February 1812 event (NM3), which was the largest felt. These maps include spatial estimates of peak ground acceleration and of 0.2 s and 1.0 s spectral acceleration (SA). Compared with the isoseismic map of modified Mercalli intensities (MMIs) in southeast Missouri, the MMIs converted from 0.2 s SA suggest that M w 7.7 is a plausible scenario for NM3. To better constrain its magnitude, other CEUS sites shaken during NM3 were also examined. Local site conditions were studied and evaluated before calculating the threshold magnitude for the reported MMIs. These results indicate that the magnitude of NM3 was at least M w 7.6, which validates our estimated size of M w 7.7 for southeastern Missouri.
Identification of Disease Genes

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has developed several web-based mini-courses (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Class/minicourses) illustrating the applications of NCBI resources. This chapter describes the problem-based minicourse called "Identification of Disease Genes." The mini-course guides us through one of the several ways to identify disease related genes, starting from the expressed sequence data such as that may have been obtained from patients. The chapter first provides an introduction to the human genome assembly and the resources such as the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, Map Viewer, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. The chapter then demonstrates the practical application of these resources to the identification of genes related to two diseases, hemochromatosis and sickle cell anemia. The chapter also provides links to the mini-course web pages and includes the screen images of the results of the applied steps.
A Combined Geometric-Control-Averaging to Optimum Trim of Hovering FWMAVs and Insects

In this work, a combined geometric-control-averaging approach is proposed to formulate performance optimization problems of flapping-wing micro-air-vehicles (FWMAVs) accounting for its flight dynamics. Moreover, in such a framework, the two major simplifying assumptions (neglecting the wing inertial effects and averaging the dynamics over the flapping cycle) usually adopted in the analysis of flapping flight dynamics are relaxed. The formulated problem is to balance/trim FWMAVs at hover with minimum actuating torque amplitudes.
Record current density of 344 A mm −2 at 4.2 K and 17 T in CORC ® accelerator magnet cables

One of the biggest challenges in developing conductor on round core (CORC®) magnet cables for use in the next generation of accelerator magnets is raising their engineering current density J E to approach 600 A mm−2 at 20 T, while maintaining their flexibility. One route to increase J E could be to add more RE-Ba2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors to the cable, but this would increase the cable size and reduce its flexibility. The preferred route to higher J E is a reduction in diameter of the CORC® cable, while maintaining the number of tapes wound into the cable. The availability of very thin tapes containing substrates of 30 μm thickness enabled us to wind a 5.1 mm diameter CORC® cable from 50 coated conductors, while maintaining a tape critical current I c of about 97% after cabling. The cable I c was 7030 A at 4.2 K in a background field of 17 T, corresponding to a J E of 344 A mm−2, which is the highest performance of any CORC® cable so far. The magnetic field dependence allowed us to extrapolate the cable performance to 20 T to predict an I c of 5654 A and a J E of 309 A mm−2. The results clearly show that rapid progress is being made on overcoming the J E hurdle for use of CORC® cables in the next generation of accelerator magnets. Further optimization of the cable layout will likely increase J E towards 600 A mm−2 at 20 T in the near future, while further reduction in cable size will also make them even more flexible.
A model for coordinating nuclear mechanics and membrane remodeling to support nuclear integrity

A polymer network of intranuclear lamin filaments underlies the nuclear envelope and provides mechanical stability to the nucleus in metazoans. Recent work demonstrates that the expression of A-type lamins scales positively with the stiffness of the cellular environment, thereby coupling nuclear and extracellular mechanics. Using the spectrin-actin network at the erythrocyte plasma membrane as a model, we contemplate how the relative stiffness of the nuclear scaffold impinges on the growing number of interphase-specific nuclear envelope remodeling events, including recently discovered, nuclear envelope-specialized quality control mechanisms. We suggest that a stiffer lamina impedes these remodeling events, necessitating local lamina remodeling and/or concomitant scaling of the efficacy of membrane-remodeling machineries that act at the nuclear envelope.
Neural Correlates of Vocal Production and Motor Control in Human Heschl's Gyrus.

The present study investigated how pitch frequency, a perceptually relevant aspect of periodicity in natural human vocalizations, is encoded in Heschl9s gyrus (HG), and how this information may be used to influence vocal pitch motor control. We recorded local field potentials from multicontact depth electrodes implanted in HG of 14 neurosurgical epilepsy patients as they vocalized vowel sounds and received brief (200 ms) pitch perturbations at 100 Cents in their auditory feedback. Event-related band power responses to vocalizations showed sustained frequency following responses that tracked voice fundamental frequency (F0) and were significantly enhanced in posteromedial HG during speaking compared with when subjects listened to the playback of their own voice. In addition to frequency following responses, a transient response component within the high gamma frequency band (75–150 Hz) was identified. When this response followed the onset of vocalization, the magnitude of the response was the same for the speaking and playback conditions. In contrast, when this response followed a pitch shift, its magnitude was significantly enhanced during speaking compared with playback. We also observed that, in anterolateral HG, the power of high gamma responses to pitch shifts correlated with the magnitude of compensatory vocal responses. These findings demonstrate a functional parcellation of HG with neural activity that encodes pitch in natural human voice, distinguishes between self-generated and passively heard vocalizations, detects discrepancies between the intended and heard vocalization, and contains information about the resulting behavioral vocal compensations in response to auditory feedback pitch perturbations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The present study is a significant contribution to our understanding of sensor-motor mechanisms of vocal production and motor control. The findings demonstrate distinct functional parcellation of core and noncore areas within human auditory cortex on Heschl9s gyrus that process natural human vocalizations and pitch perturbations in the auditory feedback. In addition, our data provide evidence for distinct roles of high gamma neural oscillations and frequency following responses for processing periodicity in human vocalizations during vocal production and motor control.
Reconstructing Fort Union

Fort Union, North Dakota, was built in 1828 and was demolished in 1867. For almost 40 years, it was the center of the fur trade on the upper Missouri. This book presents some background history of the site for context, but it is neither history of the fort nor a technical manual on how to reconstruct a fort. Rather, Reconstructing Fort Union is a history of the political and bureaucratic machinations of rebuilding the fort. The book also attempts to explain the context for the real dichotomy between the preservationists and the recontructionists. The idea of interpreting the past to the public is not always as straightforward as it may seem. In addition to the 13 numbered chapters, the book contains a list of illustrations, list of maps, acknowledgments, intro duction, 2 appendices, list of abbreviations, notes, selected bibliography, and index. The chapters cover historical recon struction and the National Park Service, historic Fort Union, the neighboring ruin, Ralph Budd and the Upper Missouri Historical Expedition, depression years, state ownership, a new national historic site, winning congressional authoriza tion, reenergizing the project, winning the appropriation, groundwork for reconstruction, reconstructing Fort Union, and the business of a park. The two appendices cover the "old tunnel" and the Snowden Bridge. While the chapter on historical reconstruction may only be just over eight pages long, it is well referenced and does an excellent job of presenting the broad history of historical reconstructions. Historical reconstruction is defined as the complete rebuilding of an historic structure that no longer exists on its original location for interpretive purposes. Renovation of historical structures and their environments are currently referred to as historic preservation. Readers who are unfamiliar with the terms should realize that reconstruc