cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide alterations in bacteriophage T4 serine transfer RNA that affect the conversion of precursor RNA into transfer RNA.

We have determined the nucleotide sequences of the serine transfer RNAs that are specified by wild-type and psu1+ amber-suppressor strains of bacteriophage T4. The two transfer RNAs have the same sequence except for their anticodons, where NGA in the wild-type species is mutated to CUA in the psu1+ species (N is a modified residue of U). These mutations are believed to confer suppressor activity on the psu1+ serine tRNA. Three secondary mutants derived from psu1+ by loss of suppressor activity have been characterized. The mutants do not synthesize serine tRNA, although they do synthesize the large precursor RNA from which serine tRNA is normally derived. Nucleotide sequence determinations of the mutant precursor RNAs show that each one differs from the psu1+ species by a nucleotide substitution that occupies either the TΨC loop (one mutant) or the adjoining base pair of the stem supporting the TΨC loop (two mutants) in the usual cloverleaf arrangement of the serine tRNA molecule. The mutant precursor RNAs are defective in the first of three steps normally associated with the conversion of precursor RNA into serine tRNA. The mutations may directly cause this defect, or the defect may result from the lack of modified nucleotides that also characterizes the mutant precursor RNAs.
Attraction of Dendroctonus valens (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to ponderosa pines baited with Dendroctonus brevicomis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) pheromone.

From 1979 to 1981, the number of ponderosa pines attacked by Dendroctonus valens LeConte was monitored in conjunction with a series of experiments on Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte. During these experiments, over 100 trees were baited with D. brevicomis pheromone. In four replications, trees baited with pheromone were attacked in greater numbers than were unbaited trees. Thus, I suggest that D. valens is attracted to ponderosa pines by compounds released from the tree during D. brevicomis attack. Alternative explanations are offered.
Parental Involvement Moderates Etiological Influences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Behaviors in Child Twins

Although few would now contest the presence of Gene × Environment (G × E) effects in the development of child psychopathology, it remains unclear how these effects manifest themselves. Alternative G × E models have been proposed (i.e., diathesis–stress, differential susceptibility, bioecological), each of which has notably different implications for etiology. Child twin studies present a powerful tool for discriminating between these models. The current study examined whether and how parental involvement moderated etiological influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within 500 twin pairs aged 6–11 years. Results indicated moderation of genetic and nonshared environmental contributions to ADHD by parental involvement, and moreover, suggested both differential susceptibility and bioecological models of G × E. Results highlight the utility of child twin samples in testing different manifestations of G × E effects.
The Consequences of Objective and Subjective Status Inconsistency

The phenomenon of status inconsisitency, while having rich potential as an explanatory variable, has been beset with methodological problems and conflicting findings. Nelson has argued that the use of objective and subjective components of status inconsistency will allow for a more accurate test of its usefulness (1973). The present study, using a sample of 1971 male college graduates interviewed in 1974, analyzed the attitudinal and behavioral consequences of one type of status inconsistency (under-rewarded) incorporating objective and subjective techniques. The tentative conclusions were: (1) the use of subjective measures of inconsistency validates this phenomenon as an explanatory variable; (2) the use of subjective measures minimizes the methodological criticisms of the objective approach; and (3) both objective and subjective measures of status inconsistency should be incorporated in future research.
Dosimetric feasibility of sparing the primary site for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after transoral laser microsurgery in patients with unilateral positive neck nodes

Abstract Purpose To quantify the effect of sparing the primary site after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods and Materials We reviewed 4 patients with OPSCC who were treated with TLM and postoperative radiation. All patients had T1 base of tongue primaries with the following N stages: 1 N1; 2 N2a; and 1 N2b. Three were lateralized to the right and 1 lateralized to the left. The primary site was not spared initially. We created new intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) plans that spared the primary site. The prescribed dose to the high-risk (HR) and standard-risk (SR) planning target volumes (PTVs) was 60 Gy and 46 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction. PTV-SR and PTV-HR were adjusted to exclude the primary site. The primary site was maximally spared while maintaining similar PTV coverage and normal tissue avoidance as the initial plan. Dosimetric comparisons were made between the initial and primary-site sparing IMRT plans. Results Dosimetric coverage of the PTVs and normal tissues (pharyngeal constrictors, contralateral parotid, etc) were comparable. The mean dose to the primary site was reduced by 20 Gy. The mean dose to the oral cavity was reduced by 25 Gy. Conclusions This study suggests that omitting the primary site from the radiation therapy target volume is unlikely to reduce long-term swallowing function to a meaningful degree in patients who receive radiation therapy following TLM for base of tongue cancer.
Influence of cation size on ionic glass formation and ionic conductivity

Abstract The salts Na[CF3SO2N(CH2)3OCH3] and K[CF3SO2N(CH2)3OCH3] form amorphous complexes with cryptand and crown ether macrocycles, which exhibit substantial ionic conductivity. The formation of an amorphous phase is thought to be favored by a mismatch between the cavity size of the macrocycle and the diameter of the cation. Complexes were examined by thermal, spectroscopic and conductivity methods to determine the role of the cation and the size mismatch with complexing macrocycles on ionic glass formation.
Solar Two Gamma-Ray Observatory

Abstract The field of high energy gamma-ray astronomy grew tremendously in the last decade due to the launch of the EGRET detector on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory in 1991 and the proliferation of ground-based air Cherenkov telescopes (ACTs) such as the Whipple 10 meter reflector. Interestingly, the ground-based telescopes only see 4–5 of the over 170 objects detected by EGRET. A simple extrapolation of the EGRET objects' energy spectra up to the energies which the ACTs are sensitive suggests that many of them should have been detected. The key to resolving this lack of detections is to observe these sources in the previously unobserved 20–250 GeV energy range. The Solar Two Observatory collaboration is developing a secondary optics system on the central tower of the world's largest solar energy pilot plant, Solar Two, to observe gamma-ray sources in this energy range. The progress in building the secondary optics system to be used to image ∼64 heliostats at Solar Two located in Barstow, California, is presented. We hope to design and build this detector over the next 2 years.
Precision Measurement of the n-3He Incoherent Scattering Length Using Neutron Interferometry

We report the first measurement of the low-energy neutron-$^{3}\mathrm{He}$ incoherent scattering length using neutron interferometry: ${b}_{i}^{\ensuremath{'}}=(\ensuremath{-}2.512\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012\text{ }\mathrm{\text{stat}}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.014\text{ }\mathrm{\text{syst}})\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}$. This is in good agreement with a recent calculation using the $\mathrm{AV}18+3N$ potential. The neutron-$^{3}\mathrm{He}$ scattering lengths are important for testing and developing nuclear potential models that include three-nucleon forces, effective field theories for few-body nuclear systems, and neutron scattering measurements of quantum excitations in liquid helium. This work demonstrates the first use of a polarized nuclear target in a neutron interferometer.
The Effect of Na + Impurities on the Conductivity and Water Uptake of Nafion 115 Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Membranes

Water uptake and ionic conductivities are reported for Nafion 115 membranes as functions of water activity and percentage of sulfonic groups occupied by sodium impurities. Water content was determined gravimetrically under liquid hydration and at 100, 75.3, and 11.3% relative humidity (RH). Water content exponentially decreased from the H{sup +}-form membrane water uptake isotherm to the Na{sup +}-form isotherm when hydrated by water vapor. Ninety percent of this decrease is reached at a substitution level of 0.2Na{sup +}/SO{sub 3}{sup -}. Water uptake under liquid water hydration decreased more gradually, only 50% to completion at 0.2Na{sup +}/SO{sub 3}{sup -}. Four-probe conductivity testing of Nafion 115 membranes, normalized against dry dimensions, revealed that although hydration decreases immediately with the introduction of sodium impurities, ionic conductivity at 100% RH remains constant up to 0.15Na{sup +}/SO{sub 3}{sup -}. Above 0.15Na{sup +}/SO{sub 3}{sup -} an exponential decrease in ionic conductivity is observed with higher sodium content. The dependence of ionic conductivity on water content is also reported for sodium contents of 0, 0.27, 0.62 and 1Na{sup +}/SO{sub 3}{sup -}.
Effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the characteristics of PQ/PMMA holographic filters

The good optical properties of PQ (phenanthrenequinone)-doped PMMA (poly methylmethacrylate) and its flexibility to fabricate different substrate configurations make this material attractive for holographic recording. In previous work, filters in PQ/PMMA for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) and Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) were demonstrated and shown to have a 0.03nm/°C thermal tuning range operating near 1550nm. In this paper we investigate the effect of adding silicon dioxide nanoparticles to PQ/PMMA in order to measure the thermal tuning range and investigate the performance of these filters.
The significance of beta2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in asthma.

Purpose of reviewThe gene that encodes the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is one of the most studied candidate genes in asthma. This review examines recent articles of the relationship between ADRB2 polymorphisms and asthma.Recent findingsCandidate gene association studies of ADRB2 and asthma have b
Internalization and degradation of natriuretic peptide receptor-A is stimulated by ligand binding

Background Natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) is a transmembrane receptor guanylyl cyclase that binds and mediates the effects of atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides (ANP/ BNP). Internalization and ligand-dependent degradation of NPR-A is controversial, in part due to the use of ligand binding studies to predict the cellular location of the receptor. Here, we used a more direct sequential immunoprecipitation-western blot assay to demonstrate that longterm ANP exposure increases NPR-A degradation in primary, immortalized, and transfected cells.
Bed conduction impact on fiber optic distributed temperature sensing water temperature measurements

Abstract. Error in distributed temperature sensing (DTS) water temperature measurements may be introduced by contact of the fiber optic cable sensor with bed materials (e.g., seafloor, lakebed, streambed). Heat conduction from the bed materials can affect cable temperature and the resulting DTS measurements. In the Middle Fork John Day River, apparent water temperature measurements were influenced by cable sensor contact with aquatic vegetation and fine sediment bed materials. Affected cable segments measured a diurnal temperature range reduced by 10% and lagged by 20–40 min relative to that of ambient stream temperature. The diurnal temperature range deeper within the vegetation–sediment bed material was reduced 70% and lagged 240 min relative to ambient stream temperature. These site-specific results illustrate the potential magnitude of bed-conduction impacts with buried DTS measurements. Researchers who deploy DTS for water temperature monitoring should understand the importance of the environment into which the cable is placed on the range and phase of temperature measurements.
A Powerful (Re)Purpose for Genome-Wide Association Studies

Drug discovery is an expensive and risky endeavor. Research and discovery pipelines are drying up. The costs of bringing a new pharmaceutical agent to the market are in excess of $3 billion and require nearly a decade of research. Therefore, innovative approaches are required to not only make better use of medications known to target specific diseases but also identify new indications for existing medications. The latter approach is often referred to as drug “repurposing” or “repositioning” and is often described as a more cost-effective route to bringing drugs to the market. Identifying additional uses for existing medications with known safety profiles has the potential to reduce the risk and to accelerate drug discovery. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex and multifactorial disease with several known genetic variants contributing to disease risk. Prior genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified ~60 genetic variants associated with RA. To expand the current list of genetic variants, Okada et al. performed a trans-ethnic GWAS using patients with RA from both European and Chinese descent. The authors identified 42 additional variants associated with RA and were able to explain the majority of the known heritability of RA. To identify the genes most likely represented by each of the genetic loci, the authors generated a systematic pipeline that incorporated a variety of publicly available resources. To demonstrate the translational potential of their GWAS findings, the authors then tested to what extent their candidate genes were enriched in known drug-target databases. Not surprisingly, they found that many existing drugs used to treat RA-targeted genes identified by the authors’ GWAS. In addition, the authors identified several additional drugs that target CDK6 and CDK4 and are already approved to treat malignancies. Although these agents have not yet been tested for RA in humans, one—flavopiridol—has effects in animal models of RA, thus demonstrating the validity of their approach. With more than 1700 published GWASs performed to date, the approach by Okada et al. provides an approach to use existing GWAS data to accelerate drug discovery across a spectrum of disorders. As a consequence, we can expect to shorten the length and to reduce the costs of the drug discovery process. Y. Okada et al. , Genetics of rheumatoid arthritis contributes to biology and drug discovery. Nature , published online 25 December 2013 (10.1038/nature12873). [[Abstract] ][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/full/nature12873.html
Palliation of recurrent endometriosis with radiotherapeutic ablation of ovarian remnants

Abstract Objective: To review the use of radiotherapy for relieving the symptoms of recurrent endometriosis caused by functioning ovarian remnants. Design: Retrospective study (case report). Patient(s): A woman with recurrent endometriosis of 14 years' duration. Intervention(s): After hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, hormonal management, and multiple explorations for recurrent endometriosis, cycling ovarian remnants were confirmed histologically. Pelvic irradiation was used to ablate this tissue. A dose of 15 Gy in 10 daily fractions was given through anterior and posterior opposed fields using 18-mV photons. Result(s): The patient had a prompt increase in FSH levels associated with castration levels of serum E 2 . A review of the literature on the use of radiotherapy in this clinical situation is presented. Conclusion(s): Radiotherapy should be considered in selected patients when ovarian castration is not a viable surgical option and hormonal therapies have failed.
Removal of Toxicity, COD, and Fe from a Metal-Working Facility UF Permeate

AbstractA metal-working facility employs two ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems to treat spent metal working fluids and oily waste from sumps and other nonpoint sources. The facility is regulated for oil/grease, toxicity and Fe. Chemical-oxygen demand (COD) will be added in future permits. Also, the facility’s domestic wastewater treatment plant is aging, requiring replacement. Short-term treatment solutions were developed for toxicity and total Fe. A long-term approach for addressing Fe, toxicity, and COD and treatment of the facility’s domestic wastewater in a single bioprocess was also investigated. In the short term, granular activated carbon (GAC) columns were selected to remove toxicity and an aeration/pH adjustment/settling process was selected for Fe. Toxicity, COD, and Fe were removed successfully in a biological sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process, and a packaged conventional wastewater treatment plant will most likely be the chosen long-term solution. Depending on the discharge COD limit,...
Egg Carton Field Tests

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the protective capability of 10 commonly used 12-egg foam (F) and pulp (P) cartons when packed and shipped in 15-dozen wire or plastic baskets and 30-dozen fiberboard cases. The study included 42 truck shipments in seven states. Eggs were graded for shell damage in 8 large packing plants, 9 central distribution warehouses, and 11 retail supermarkets. Range of damage was greater among foam cartons than among pulp cartons, although damage rate differences between the two groups were generally minimal. Test cartons F1 (foam flattop) and F2 (foam posted) had significantly less total eggshell damage than three other cartons (two F and one P) when the effect of master container was not considered. When cartons were packed in 30-dozen cases, there was no significant difference in total eggshell damage rates between F and P; however, test carton F1 had significantly less total damage than four other cartons (two F and two P). When cartons were packed in 15-dozen baskets, however, eggs in the pulp group had significantly less total damage than eggs in the foam group, and test carton F2 had significantly less total eggshell damage than four other cartons (three F and one P). Throughout the study, cartons F1, F2, P1, and P2 consistently performed at or above average and did not differ significantly from each other.
Dependence of Regioregular Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Film Morphology and Field-Effect Mobility on Molecular Weight

Morphological characterization has been used to explain the previously observed strong correlation between charge carrier mobility measured with thin-film transistors and the number-average molecular weight (MW) of the conjugated polymer regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). Atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction show that the low-mobility, low-MW films have a highly ordered structure composed of nanorods and the high-mobility, high-MW films have a less ordered, isotropic nodule structure. Modifying the morphology for a constant MW by changing the casting conditions or annealing the samples strongly affects the charge transport and morphology in the low-mobility, low-MW films, but has little effect on the high-MW films. In-plane grazing incidence X-ray scattering shows the in-plane π-stacking peak increases when the mobility increases for a constant MW. When the MW is changed, this correlation breaks down, confirming that in-plane π-stacking does not cause the mobility−MW relationship. We believe a ...
A novel reception method to mitigate frequency offset in OFDM receivers

A novel reception method for OFDM systems, based on the use of multiple local oscillators at the receiver is proposed. In this method the received signal is down-converted using multiple oscillators with slightly different frequencies. The down-converted signals are then combined before the OFDM demodulation takes place. The signal-to-inference ratio and bit error rate performance of the proposed system has been obtained and compared to those of the existing systems. It has been shown that a higher frequency offsets the proposed method can provide better performance.
Feasibility of lorentz readout of a high-density fast magnetic memory

A random-access magnetic-film memory with a desired bit density ρ L of 108/cm2is postulated with writing and reading each to be performed with a deflectable electron beam within 1 μs. Curie point writing is suggested, while detection of the deflection of electrons due to the Lorentz force is proposed for readout. The transmission, reflection, mirror, and impact scanning methods of Lorentz microscopy are each explored as readout methods. Because of the absence of a heat-absorbing substrate, the transmission method is completely impractical, while the desired value of \rhoL is unattainable for the mirror and impact scanning methods because of the fields from other bits (ρ L must be reduced to 4 \times 10^{6} /cm2for these methods). Moreover, the small attainable Lorentz deflection angles and the low brightness of conventional electron emitters necessitate further reduction of the bit density to values much less than ρ L for the reflection and mirror methods, unless a field-emission source is used. Excessive power dissipation forces a reduction of density below ρ L for the impact scanning method. The reflection method may be feasible if a sufficiently high fraction of elastically scattered electrons can be demonstrated, if a reliable field emission source can be employed, and if the sophisticated electron optics involved can be built and installed in ultrahigh vacuum.
A path-based hub-and-spoke network design model and its linearization

The paper presents a general path-based hub-and-spoke network design model and shows that a simplification of it leads to O'Kelly's quadratic hub location model. Several linearization algorithms for solving the general model and its simplification are also discussed.
MMRM vs. LOCF: A Comprehensive Comparison Based on Simulation Study and 25 NDA Datasets

In recent years, the use of the last observation carried forward (LOCF) approach in imputing missing data in clinical trials has been greatly criticized, and several likelihood-based modeling approaches are proposed to analyze such incomplete data. One of the proposed likelihood-based methods is the Mixed-Effect Model Repeated Measure (MMRM) model. To compare the performance of LOCF and MMRM approaches in analyzing incomplete data, two extensive simulation studies are conducted, and the empirical bias and Type I error rates associated with estimators and tests of treatment effects under three missing data paradigms are evaluated. The simulation studies demonstrate that LOCF analysis can lead to substantial biases in estimators of treatment effects and can greatly inflate Type I error rates of the statistical tests, whereas MMRM analysis on the available data leads to estimators with comparatively small bias, and controls Type I error rates at a nominal level in the presence of missing completely at random (MCAR) or missing at random (MAR) and some possibility of missing not at random (MNAR) data. In a sensitivity analysis of 48 clinical trial datasets obtained from 25 New Drug Applications (NDA) submissions of neurological and psychiatric drug products, MMRM analysis appears to be a superior approach in controlling Type I error rates and minimizing biases, as compared to LOCF ANCOVA analysis. In the exploratory analyses of the datasets, no clear evidence of the presence of MNAR missingness is found.
Control of Raman Lasing in the Nonimpulsive Regime

We explore coherent control of stimulated Raman scattering in the nonimpulsive regime. Optical pulse shaping of the coherent pump field leads to control over the stimulated Raman output. A model of the control mechanism is investigated.
Let‘s Dance! The Equivocation in Chalmers‘ Dancing Qualia Argument

David Chalmers‘ dancing qualia argument is intended to show that phenomenal experiences, or qualia, are organizational invariants. The dancing qualia argument is a reductio ad absurdum, attempting to demonstrate that holding an alternative position, such as the famous inverted spectrum argument, leads one to an implausible position about the relation between consciousness and cognition. In this paper, we argue that Chalmers‘ dancing qualia argument fails to establish the plausibility of qualia being organizational invariants. Even stronger, we will argue that the gap in the argument cannot be closed. .
Adipose tissue stem cells meet preadipocyte commitment: going back to the future

White adipose tissue (WAT) is perhaps the most plastic organ in the body, capable of regeneration following surgical removal and massive expansion or contraction in response to altered energy balance. Research conducted for over 70 years has investigated adipose tissue plasticity on a cellular level, spurred on by the increasing burden that obesity and associated diseases are placing on public health globally. This work has identified committed preadipocytes in the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue and led to our current understanding that adipogenesis is important not only for WAT expansion, but also for maintenance of adipocyte numbers under normal metabolic states. At the turn of the millenium, studies investigating preadipocyte differentiation collided with developments in stem cell research, leading to the discovery of multipotent stem cells within WAT. Such adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are capable of differentiating into numerous cell types of both mesodermal and nonmesodermal origin, leading to their extensive investigation from a therapeutic and tissue engineering perspective. However, the insights gained through studying ASCs have also contributed to more-recent progress in attempts to better characterize committed preadipocytes in adipose tissue. Thus, ASC research has gone back to its roots, thereby expanding our knowledge of preadipocyte commitment and adipose tissue biology.
REGULATION OF LEUKOCYTE FUNCTION BY NITRIC OXIDE DONORS: THE EFFECT OF S-NITROSO-THIOL COMPLEXES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel protein-bound S-nitroso-thiol, S-nitroso-albumin (S-NO-alb), in modulating neutrophil-endothelial cell adhesion, activation, and interactions. Due to the highly variable kinetics of NO release from the low-molecular-weight thiol adducts S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-nitroso-glutathione (GSNO), we expected S-NO-alb to be a more effective modulator of inflammatory interactions through its slow, steady, and prolonged release of NO. Human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) demonstrated upregulated adhesion of neutrophils that was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with S-NO-alb (1.0-100 microM) (p < .05), but not SNAP or GSNO. Pretreatment with S-NO-alb, SNAP, or GSNO attenuated tumor necrosis factor-alpha primed *O2- release from neutrophils and increased neutrophil cGMP accumulation. On a molar basis, S-NO-alb expressed a 10-fold greater potency than SNAP or GSNO at modulating these effects. Kinetics studies confirmed the relative stability of spontaneous NO release from S-NO-alb compared with highly variable kinetic profiles of SNAP and GSNO. Our results demonstrate that S-NO-alb more effectively modulates endothelial-cell and neutrophil immunoinflammatory responses versus its related low-molecular-weight thiol complexes.
Do Equity Financing Cycles Matter? Evidence from Biotechnology Alliances

While the variability of public equity financing has been long recognized, its impact on firms has attracted little empirical scrutiny. This paper examines one setting where theory suggests that variations in financing conditions should matter, alliances between small R&D firms and major corporations: Aghion and Tirole [1994] suggest that when financial markets are weak, assigning the control rights to the small firm may be sometimes desirable but not feasible. The performance of 200 agreements entered into by biotechnology firms between 1980 and 1995 suggests that financing availability does matter. Consistent with theory, agreements signed during periods with little external equity financing that assign the bulk of the control to the corporate partner are significantly less successful than other alliances. These agreements are also disproportionately likely to be renegotiated if financial market conditions improve.
Heat-Flux Gauge Studies of Compressible Dynamic Stall

Compressible dynamic stall was studied using 148 closely spaced heat-flux gauges distributed over the surface of an oscillating, 15.24-cm chord NACA 0012 airfoil. The study has revealed the various surface flow features of compressible dynamic stall. These include the rapid movement of the transition onset point over the airfoil upper surface on the upstroke with increasing angle of attack, the signature of the convecting dynamic-stall vortex, and the relaminarization of the reattaching shear layer on the downstroke. The imprint of a leading-edge shock has been captured for the first time in the surface flow signature. Even though compressible dynamic stall can originate from several causes depending upon flow conditions, the study led to the conclusion that a deterministic precursor of dynamic-stall onset is a sharp rise in the surface shear stress in the leading-edge adverse pressure gradient region, which is a common and singular flow feature at all conditions tested
Incubation periods of viral gastroenteritis: a systematic review

Accurate knowledge of incubation period is important to investigate and to control infectious diseases and their transmission, however statements of incubation period in the literature are often uncited, inconsistent, and/or not evidence based. In a systematic review of the literature on five enteric viruses of public health importance, we found 256 articles with incubation period estimates, including 33 with data for pooled analysis. We fit a log-normal distribution to pooled data and found the median incubation period to be 4.5 days (95% CI 3.9-5.2 days) for astrovirus, 1.2 days (95% CI 1.1-1.2 days) for norovirus genogroups I and II, 1.7 days (95% CI 1.5-1.8 days) for sapovirus, and 2.0 days (95% CI 1.4-2.4 days) for rotavirus. Our estimates combine published data and provide sufficient quantitative detail to allow for these estimates to be used in a wide range of clinical and modeling applications. This can translate into improved prevention and control efforts in settings with transmission or the risk of transmission.
Nucleotide selection by the Y-family DNA polymerase Dpo4 involves template translocation and misalignment

Y-family DNA polymerases play a crucial role in translesion DNA synthesis. Here, we have characterized the binding kinetics and conformational dynamics of the Y-family polymerase Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) using single-molecule fluorescence. We find that in the absence of dNTPs, the binary complex shuttles between two different conformations within ∼1 s. These data are consistent with prior crystal structures in which the nucleotide binding site is either occupied by the terminal base pair (preinsertion conformation) or empty following Dpo4 translocation by 1 base pair (insertion conformation). Most interestingly, on dNTP binding, only the insertion conformation is observed and the correct dNTP stabilizes this complex compared with the binary complex, whereas incorrect dNTPs destabilize it. However, if the n+1 template base is complementary to the incoming dNTP, a structure consistent with a misaligned template conformation is observed, in which the template base at the n position loops out. This structure provides evidence for a Dpo4 mutagenesis pathway involving a transient misalignment mechanism.
Effects of X Chromosome Number and Parental Origin on X-Linked Gene Expression in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos

Diploid androgenetic mouse embryos, possessing two sets of paternally inherited chromosomes, and control fertilized embryos were used to examine the relative effects of X chromosome number and parental chromosome origin on androgenone viability and X-linked gene expression. A significant difference in efficiency of blastocyst formation was observed between XX and XY androgenones in some experiments, but this difference was not uniformly observed. Significant effects of both X chromosome number and parental origin on X-linked gene expression were observed. Male and female control embryos expressed the Xist RNA initially. This expression was followed by a preferential reduction in Xist RNA abundance in male embryos, indicating that dosage compensation for the X chromosome may normally require the downregulation of Xist RNA expression in male embryos, in conjunction with the production of stable Xist transcripts in female embryos. By the late blastocyst stage, XX control embryos expressed significantly more Xist RNA than did XY embryos. Unlike their normal counterparts, XX androgenones did not express significantly more Xist RNA than did XY androgenones at the late blastocyst stage. Androgenones exhibited severe repression of the Pgk1 gene, but during development to the late blastocyst stage Pgk1 mRNA expression increased in XX androgenones and decreased in XY androgenones. Thus, the initial repression of the Pgk1 gene in XX androgenones was lost as the Xist RNA declined in abundance, and this loss was correlated with a failure of XX androgenones to express significantly more Xist RNA than did XY androgenones. These results indicate that androgenones may lack a factor that is expressed from the maternal genome and required for dosage compensation in preimplantation embryos. The results also indicate that early dosage compensation in preimplantation embryos may normally be reversible, thus providing flexibility to meet different developmental requirements of the embryonic and extraembryonic lineages.
Wire-Bond Free Technique for Right-Angle Coplanar Waveguide Bend Structures

This paper presents a new wire-bond free technique for suppressing slot-line mode excitation in coplanar waveguides (CPWs) bends. The suppression of slot-line mode is obtained by applying a slow wave structure to the shorter slot of the right-angle bend. The structure is modified into a circular-shaped bend where the slow wave compensation is then used to equalize the electrical length of the inner and outer slots. The insertion loss of the modified CPW bend with slow wave structure is evaluated on a silicon substrate and is similar to straight CPW lines with return loss ( S 11) values below -20 dB over a 50-GHz bandwidth.
Enhanced Synchronized Medium Access Control Protocol for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

An enhanced synchronized medium access protocol, named ES-MAC, for wireless ad hoc networks is proposed in this paper. ES-MAC employs a binary-countdown scheme to resolve contentions between wireless stations. Multiple contention periods and hidden station elimination periods are adopted to increase the throughput and channel utilization of the system. Our simulation and analysis show that ES-MAC can achieve a promising performance in terms of throughput, fairness and channel utilization. With channel utilization as high as 96%, ES-MAC can also be employed as an alternative MAC protocol in wireless access network.
Diagnosis of cow milk allergy in the gut, never an easy task

The paper by Lins et al. 1 is an important study because it highlights several key features of cow milk protein allergy. The investigators identified 66 patients who had adverse reactions to cow’s milk protein by history. These included a variety of cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and systemic complaints. Total and allergen specific serum immunoglobulin IgE levels were measured including casein, beta lactoglobulin and alpha lactalbumin. Patients were instructed to follow a cow’s milk free diet for at least 2 weeks using a soy protein based formula. After symptoms remitted, an in-hospital cow’s milk protein challenge was performed and weekly follow-up visits were continued for 4 consecutive weeks following the in-hospital challenge, during which time patients continued to consume cow milk. About half of the patients did not have a positive reaction to cow’s milk protein. In those who did, a delayed reaction was common, occurring in 77% of those testing positive. Patients relapsed as late as the third week on cow milk protein. Specific IgE levels of two subfractions of cow’s milk protein were elevated in only a very small percentage of patients testing positive by challenge. The obvious conclusion of the paper is that many children in whom symptoms are thought to be related to cow’s milk protein allergy probably have another cause for their symptoms. Other not so obvious but equally important conclusions to be remembered from the study include the observation that most cow’s milk protein allergy in infancy and early childhood is not IgE mediated. This form of allergy is characterized by delayed hypersensitivity as is nicely illustrated by the relapse in symptoms rather late in the course of challenge, up to 3 weeks. Therefore,
Improved cryptographic hash functions with worst-case/average-case connection

(MATH) We define a new family of collision resistant hash functions whose security is based on the worst case hardness of approximating the covering radius of a lattice within a factor O(πn2log n), where π is a value between 1 and √ \over n that depends on the solution of the closest vector problem in certain "almost perfect" lattices. Even for π = √ \over n, this improves the smallest (worst-case) inapproximability factor for lattice problems known to imply the existence of one-way functions. (Previously known best factor was O(n3+e) for the shortest independent vector problem, due to Cai and Nerurkar, based on work of Ajtai.) Using standard transference theorems from the geometry of numbers, our result immediately gives a connection between the worst-case and average-case complexity of the shortest vector problem with connection factor O(πn3}log n), improving the best previously known connection factor O(n4+e), also due to Ajtai, Cai and Nerurkar.
Comorbidity burden and its impact on psychosocial morbidity in depressed outpatients.

Abstract Background: Many studies have examined the co-occurrence of depression and one or two nondepressive disorders; however, little research has looked at broad spectrum comorbidity (i.e., comorbidity across several diagnostic categories) in depressed patients. Research on diagnostic practices in routine clinical settings – in which unstructured interviewing is the norm – suggests that comorbid conditions are often not detected [Zimmerman, M., Mattia, J. 1999. Psychiatric diagnosis in clinical practice: Is comorbidity being missed? Compr. Psychiatry, 40, 182–191]. In this study we examined the independent impact of different comorbid diagnostic categories on psychosocial morbidity in psychiatric outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Methods: Participants were drawn from a pool of 1000 psychiatric outpatients interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnoses (SCID-IV; [First, M.B., Spitzer, R.L., Williams, J.B.W., Gibbon, M., 1995. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C.]). We compared the demographics, clinical characteristics, and psychosocial functioning of depressed outpatients with and without different axis I comorbidities, then conducted multivariate analyses to determine the respective impact of comorbid axis I disorders. Results: Three hundred and seventy-three patients had a principal diagnosis of unipolar MDD. One hundred twenty-nine (34.6%) were diagnosed with MDD only, and 244 (65.4%) had MDD and at least one other axis I disorder. Comorbidity was associated with longer duration of index episode, more psychiatric morbidity, and more social and occupational impairment. There was also a significant relationship between increasing number of comorbid axis I disorders and greater psychiatric and psychosocial impairment. In regression analyses, comorbidity burden (i.e., the number of comorbid axis I disorders) showed the strongest relation to psychiatric and psychosocial impairment. Limitations: This is not a random sample of depressed outpatients and, thus, may not be generalizable to all outpatients with depression. Second, Axes II and III comorbidity were not assessed. Conclusions: Comorbidity burden showed the strongest relation to impairment over and above the presence of any particular class of disorders.
Throughput and Delay Analysis of Multihop IEEE 802.11 Networks with Capture

In this paper, we present an analytical model for the approximate calculation of the throughput and end-to-end delay performance in single hop and multihop IEEE 802.11 networks under uniform traffic distribution while accounting for the effect of aggregate interference and capture. We do this using a "major interferer approximation" approach where we approximate the aggregate interference by the interference caused by the closest interferer only. We then calculate the network throughput rate by modeling the CSMA/CA MAC channel state process as a regenerative stochastic process. To compute the distribution of the incurred packet end-to-end delay, we use the regenerative process modeling approach to calculate the moments of the effective packet service time; we then apply the latter through the use of an M/G/1 queuing system model to calculate the average and standard-deviation of the packet's waiting time in each node's queue The effect of capture is taken into account in calculating the probability of successful reception by accounting for the effect of the aggregate interference detected at the corresponding receivers. We also introduce an analytical approach for calculating an approximation to the throughput and packet delay performance in multihop networks. The network's throughput level is calculated in terms of the underlying values for the network's spatial reuse factor and average path length. Consequently, we model the multihop network as a congregation of smaller, single hop subnetworks, which allows us to derive an effective method for the approximate mathematical evaluation of the network throughput rate and end-to-end packet delay performance.
Modeling the fifth dimension with scalars and gravity

A method for obtaining solutions to the classical equations for scalars plus gravity in five dimensions is applied to some recent suggestions for brane-world phenomenology. The method involves only first order differential equations. It is inspired by gauged supergravity but does not require supersymmetry. Our first application is a full nonlinear treatment of a recently studied stabilization mechanism for interbrane spacing. The spacing is uniquely determined after conventional fine-tuning to achieve a zero four-dimensional cosmological constant. If the fine-tuning is imperfect, there are solutions in which the four-dimensional branes are de Sitter or anti--de Sitter spacetimes. Our second application is a construction of smooth domain wall solutions which in a well-defined limit approach any desired array of sharply localized positive-tension branes. As an offshoot of the analysis we suggest a construction of a supergravity c function for nonsupersymmetric four-dimensional renormalization group flows. The equations for fluctuations about an arbitrary scalar-gravity background are also studied. It is shown that all models in which the fifth dimension is effectively compactified contain a massless graviton. The graviton is the constant mode in the fifth dimension. The separated wave equation can be recast into the form of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The graviton wave function is then the supersymmetric ground state, and there are no tachyons.
Corporate Power and Instrumental States: Toward a Critical Reassessment of the Role of Firms, States, and Regulation in Global Governance

In this chapter, the author critically examines the view, commonly held among political liberals and conservatives alike, of the nation-state as the primary institutional safeguard against economic instability, and the correlative conception of “economic crises” as primarily the result of “regulatory failure,” either in the form of too much or too little oversight by states over the economy. Building on the author’s recent work exploring the “global economic order” as a complex co-production of states and economic actors bargaining over and adapting in relation to the rules that govern them, the author suggests that the modern nation state might be better understood as a participant and enabler of the capitalist economy rather than its other or limit. In this view, state regulatory deference to “private” market ordering and market deference to limited state regulatory authority comprise a regime of global political and economic governance, rather than symptomatic evidence of the failure of the political sphere to govern the economic one. The article then explores some of the ramifications of this revised conception of global governance for our understanding of the role of states and regulation in economic crises. In so doing, the author resists simple narratives of “state capture” or “conspiracies of capital” as explanations or justifications for the current global order, while suggesting that the very complexity and ungovernability of the global system as “system” may provide the key to progressive resistance and transformation.
Real Estate Ownership and Operating Businesses: Does Combining Them Make Sense for REITs?

Executive Summary. Variance in returns and riskadjusted returns of six real estate investment trust (REIT) property types were analyzed for rent’s connection to operating business. We find that hot...
Taxes, Patents and the Nuclear Option

Periodically, as industries discover that the patent statute applies to them, there are calls for industry-specific exemptions or special treatment, based on a perception that the patent system is ill-suited to the particular industry. The tax planning industry is the latest to encounter the patent system, and has reacted according to the general pattern. The reaction is all the more understandable in this particular case: while patent practitioners inhabit a world governed by a statute of broad principles and few specific exceptions, tax practitioners may be more familiar and comfortable with the concept of industry-specific rules. The concerns expressed by those who fear that tax strategy patents pose a significant threat result from a fundamental misunderstanding of patent law. As a system which can grant government sanctioned monopolies, the patent statute includes significant hurdles to patentability to ensure that such monopolies are granted only in exchange for meaningful contributions to the public. Those hurdles are particularly well-suited to deal with tax strategy patents. To explain why tax strategy patents pose no serious threat, this article begins with a brief history of the emergence of and reactions to tax strategy patents, followed by an overview of the U.S. patent system's objectives and methods. Then this article traces how a tax strategy patent application would be handled by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and, if issued, the rights it would confer on its owner. Although the analysis demonstrates that tax strategy patents are likely to be valueless, suggestions are offered for helping to assure that the patent system responds appropriately in evaluating tax strategy patent applications.