cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Group B Streptococcal Metastatic Endophthalmitis

Reports of invasive Group B Streptococcus infection in adults with underlying medical conditions have been increasing. Ocular infection with this organism is unusual. Metastatic endophthalmitis in adults caused by this organism has been reported rarely and has only been associated with endocarditis. We encountered two cases of Group B streptococcal metastatic endophthalmitis in adults who did not have endocarditis. These cases reflect the increasing incidence of invasive Group B Streptococcus infection with its varying manifestations. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of considering this pathogen as a cause of metastatic endophthalmitis in adults with predisposing illnesses.
Placebo adherence and its association with morbidity and mortality in the studies of left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND A provocative finding from several double-blind clinical trials has been the association between greater adherence to placebo study medication and better health outcomes. We used data from the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) Treatment Trial (SOLVD-TT) and the SOLVD Prevention Trial (SOLVD-PT) to examine whether such associations could be validated and to examine several sources of bias and potential confounding.
Efficient nonlinear static aeroelastic wing analysis

Abstract The objective of this work is to demonstrate a computationally efficient, high-fidelity, integrated static aeroelastic analysis procedure. The aerodynamic analysis consists of solving the nonlinear Euler equations by using an upwind cell-centered finite-volume scheme on unstructured tetrahedral meshes. The use of unstructured grids enhances the discretization of irregularly shaped domains and the interaction compatibility with the wing structure. The structural analysis utilizes finite elements to model the wing so that accurate structural deflections are obtained and allows the capability for computing detailed stress information for the configuration. Parameters are introduced to control the interaction of the computational fluid dynamics and structural analyses; these control parameters permit extremely efficient static aeroelastic computations. To demonstrate and evaluate this procedure, static aeroelastic analysis results for a flexible wing in low subsonic, high subsonic (subcritical), transonic (supercritical), and supersonic flow conditions are presented.
A review of experimental studies of crystal/liquid trace element partitioning

Experimental techniques for examining trace-element behavior are reviewed. Applications of these techniques are described for a variety of partition coefficients including: olivine/liquid, subcalcic pyroxene/liquid, calcic pyroxene/liquid, amphibole/liquid, plagioclase/liquid, alkali feldspar/liquid, garnet/liquid, apatite/liquid and whitlockite/liquid, ilmenite/liquid, armalcolite/liquid and pseudobrookite/liquid, magnetite/liquid and spinel/liquid, perovskite/liquid, and melilite/liquid partition coefficients. Partition coefficients between immiscible liquids are discussed and suggestions for further work are noted. A detailed bibliography is included.
Graphene nano-ribbon field-effect transistors as future low-power devices

The graphene nano-ribbon field effect transistor (GNRFET) is an emerging technology that received much attention in recent years. Recent work on GNRFET circuit simulations has shown that GNRFETs may have potential in low power applications. In this paper, we review the existing work on GNRFET circuit modeling, compare the two varieties of GNRFETs, Metal-Oxide-Semiconducting-(MOS-)type and Schottky-Barrier-(SB-)type GNRFETs, and thoroughly discuss and explore their respective strengths in terms of delay, power, and noise margin. From this point of view, we discuss their possible applications, especially the use towards low-power computing. Our simulations show that ideal (non-ideal) MOS-GNRFET consumes 18% (35%) and 54% (102%) total power as compared to high-performance (HP) Si-CMOS and low-power (LP) Si-CMOS, respectively. SB-GNRFET does not compare favorably to MOS-GNRFET in terms of power consumption. However, ideal (non-ideal) SB-GNRFET has 3% (5.4X) and 0.45% (83.5%) energy-delay product (EDP) compared to Si-CMOS (HP) and Si-CMOS (LP), respectively, while ideal (non-ideal) MOS-GNRFET has 8% (93%) and 1.25% (14.3%) EDP compared to Si-CMOS (HP) and Si-CMOS (LP), respectively.
Physical and functional interaction between the vitamin D receptor and hairless corepressor, two proteins required for hair cycling.

Both the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and hairless (hr) genes play a role in the mammalian hair cycle, as inactivating mutations in either result in total alopecia. VDR is a nuclear receptor that functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor, whereas the hairless gene product (Hr) acts as a corepressor of both the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and the orphan nuclear receptor, RORα. In the present study, we show that VDR-mediated transactivation is strikingly inhibited by coexpression of rat Hr. The repressive effect of Hr is observed on both synthetic and naturally occurring VDR-responsive promoters and also when VDR-mediated transactivation is augmented by overexpression of its heterodimeric partner, retinoid X receptor. Utilizing in vitro pull down methods, we find that Hr binds directly to VDR but insignificantly to nuclear receptors that are not functionally repressed by Hr. Coimmunoprecipitation data demonstrate that Hr and VDR associate in a cellular milieu, suggesting in vivo interaction. The Hr contact site in human VDR is localized to the central portion of the ligand binding domain, a known corepressor docking region in other nuclear receptors separate from the activation function-2 domain. Coimmunoprecipitation and functional studies of Hr deletants reveal that VDR contacts a C-terminal region of Hr that includes motifs required for TR and RORα binding. Finally, in situ hybridization analysis of hr and VDR mRNAs in mouse skin demonstrates colocalization in cells of the hair follicle, consistent with a hypothesized intracellular interaction between these proteins to repress VDR target gene expression, in vivo.
Validation of a gamma-spectrometric method for the measurement of 226,228 Ra in environmental media relevant to the offshore oil and gas industry

The offshore production of oil and gas leads to naturally occurring 226,228 Ra being brought to the surface along with produced water. Assessment of potential environmental exposures, if any, requires accurate, precise and practical methods for the measurement of low concentrations of 226,228 Ra. A method for the simultaneous measurement of 226,228 Ra in marine sediments, biota and produced water at a sensitivity of 0.01 pCi/g using high-sensitivity, high-resolution gamma-spectrometry was subjected to an interlaboratory exercise using U.S. commercial laboratories to validate its accuracy, precision, robustness, and sample throughput. The prescribed method involves direct counting for solid samples and a simple Pb( 133 Ba,Ra)SO 4 co-precipitation procedure for water samples followed by gamma-counting. Analytical results received from the participating laboratories were subjected to data analysis and statistical evaluation to validate the overall performance of the prescribed method. Relatively good precision and high accuracy of data were achieved when the participating laboratories followed the prescribed procedure closely. The consistency of results among laboratories was not correlated to the 226,228 Ra concentrations in the samples. Most of the results that failed the acceptance criteria were either due to the absence of geometric and secular equilibrium between 226 Ra and its signature decay daughters, or due to insufficient counting statistics when laboratories are working close to their detection limits. No significant bias or systematic errors were observed, except for produced water samples where results were biased high compared to the known values.
Heat transfer to a continuous moving flat surface with variable wall temperature

Abstract Transient heat transfer from a continuous moving flat surface with varying wall temperature is studied. Numerical results are presented for the transient temperature profiles and heat transfer rates from the wall for Prandtl numbers varying from 0.01 to 1000. Asymptotic solutions for steady state heat transfer rates for large Prandtl number are also presented.
Backfire: lessons learned when the criminal justice system fails help-seeking battered women

In this analysis I use data from interviews with 22 battered women in two states to explore their criminal justice help-seeking experiences. First, I examine participants’ overwhelmingly negative experiences with three criminal justice help-seeking strategies: calling the police, pursuing prosecution of their abusers, and obtaining protection orders. Next, I contextualize these negative experiences by identifying two sources of conflict between help-seeking battered women and the criminal justice system: perception incompatibility and goal incompatibility. Here I also use the narrative data to evaluate women’s sense that use of the criminal justice system ‘backfired’ on them, and identify the consequences of this backfire for disrupting women's help-seeking pathways. I also present, as a counterpoint, women's uniformly positive experiences with two non-criminal justice resources: shelter and support groups services. Finally, I use these findings to identify specific lessons that can be learned to improve ...
Comparison of uptake of 99mTc-alkylisonitriles in the rat 9L gliosarcoma tumor model

The accumulation of three 99mTc(I) alkyl isonitriles was compared in vitro and in vivo using 9L gliosarcoma cells. In vitro, the uptake of 99mTc-EIBI and 99mTc-EPI was higher than that of 99mTc-MIBI. In vivo, however, there was no difference in the tumor concentration at 15 or 60 min postinjection and only a small difference at 24 h. The differences in uptake observed in vitro are apparently offset in vivo by differences in delivery of the tracers to the tumor.
Economic, Legal, and Hydrologic Dimensions of Potential Interstate Water Markets

The topic of interstate water sales, leases, or other forms of transfer has attracted great public interest recently. Private parties have proposed selling water claimed under Colorado state law to parties in other states. Other interstate lease or sale proposals have arisen in Utah, Montana, and South Dakota. These proposals have upset an equilibrium established by interstate compacts which allocated the waters of various western rivers to the riparian states. It has always been assumed that these allocations were fixed and could not be amended without unanimous consent nor
The relationship between degree of original learning and degree of transfer

An experiment was performed to determine the relationship between the accuracy of the original learning and the accuracy of transposition. The usual method of comparison of the average number of errors in the transposition test made by a group of rats trained to a criterion of 10 consecutive errorless trials with the average number of errors made by a group of rats trained to a criterion of 30 consecutive errorless trials reveals no clear difference between the groups.
DECISION-MAKING IN THE SERVICE SECTOR — COMPARISON OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTES

This study explores differences in decision making processes of public and private organizations in the service industry when they acquire information technologies (IT). The service sector has become increasingly important for economic growth and wealth in the United States. It is the fastest growing sector among the three traditional sectors: goods, manufacturing and services. Aside from the fast growing privately organized service business, public organizations have played an important role as service providers for many years. The public sector has also undergone significant changes towards privatizations. Public service organizations have started to compete with the private sector. Thus, they are forced to improve the speed and efficiency of their decision making processes. The study accomplishes this by specifically investigating IT-purchasing decisions of three private corporations, one academic institution and the United Nations. The study makes use of expert interviews done on site or on line with mid and high-level decision makers of the five organizations.
Translesion synthesis of acetylaminofluorene‐dG adducts by DNA polymerase ζ is stimulated by yeast Rev1 protein

Translesion synthesis is an important mechanism in response to unrepaired DNA lesions during replication. The DNA polymerase z (Polz) mutagenesis pathway is a major error-prone translesion synthesis mechanism requiring Polz and Rev1. In addition to its dCMP transferase, a non-catalytic function of Rev1 is suspected in cellular response to certain types of DNA lesions. However, it is not well understood about the non-catalytic function of Rev1 in translesion synthesis. We have analyzed the role of Rev1 in translesion synthesis of an acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-dG DNA adduct. Purified yeast Rev1 was essentially unresponsive to a template AAF-dG DNA adduct, in contrast to its efficient C insertion opposite a template 1,N 6 -ethenoadenine adduct. Purified yeast Polz was very inefficient in the bypass of the AAF-dG adduct. Combining Rev1 and Polz, however, led to a synergistic effect on translesion synthesis. Rev1 protein enhanced Polz-catalyzed nucleotide insertion opposite the AAF-dG adduct and strongly stimulated Polz-catalyzed extension from opposite the lesion. Rev1 also stimulated the deficient synthesis by Polz at the very end of undamaged DNA templates. Deleting the C-terminal 205 aa of Rev1 did not affect its dCMP transferase activity, but abolished its stimulatory activity on Polz-catalyzed extension from opposite the AAF-dG adduct. These results suggest that translesion synthesis of AAF-dG adducts by Polz is stimulated by Rev1 protein in yeast. Consistent with the in vitro results, both Polz and Rev1 were found to be equally important for error-prone translesion synthesis across from AAF-dG DNA adducts in yeast cells.
Multiple Disadvantages? The Earnings of Asian Women Computer Scientists in the United States

This study examines the earnings of an under-researched group: Asian women in computer science, in the United States (U.S.). I distinguish three subsets of college-educated Asian female computer scientists working full time in the U.S.: 1) U.S.-born, U.S.-educated Asian Americans, 2) Asian-born, U.S.-educated Asian immigrants, and 3) Asian-born, Asian-educated Asian immigrants. Results from multivariate regression and quantile regressions (at the 10th, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles) show that U.S.- and Asian-educated Asian immigrant women earn less on average (at the mean level) and at the 10th, 50th, and/or 75th percentile levels than their white male counterparts. Only Asian American women do not earn less than their white male counterparts at any level. Further analysis reveals that Asian immigrant women earn less due to their gender, but not because of a combination of their gender and race. Neither the immigrant women’s birthplace or the origin of their degree further disadvantage their earnings. The lack of multiple disadvantages may be explained by white women earning less than expected, but not Asian immigrant women earning more than expected. Suggestions for further research are discussed.
Computationally efficient retrieval-based tracking system and augmented reality for large-scale areas

We present a retrieval-based tracking system that requires less computational time and cost. The system tracks a user's location through a small portion of an image captured by the camera, and then refines the camera pose by propagating matchings to the whole image. Augmented information such as building names and locations will be delivered to the user. The progressive way to process image data not only can provide the user with location information at real-time speed, but more importantly, it reduces the feature matching time by limiting the searching ranges. The proposed system contains two parts, offline database building and online user tracking. The database is composed of image patches with features and location information. The images are captured at different locations of interests from different viewing angles and distances, and then these images are partitioned into smaller patches. The location of a user can be calculated by querying one or more patches of the captured image. Moreover, the system is capable to handle large occlusions in images due to the patch approach. Experiments show that the proposed tracking system is efficient and robust in many different environments.
Dynamic Chromatin Remodeling Mediated by Polycomb Proteins Orchestrates Pancreatic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic development is characterized by dynamic changes in gene expression, yet the role of chromatin remodeling in these cellular transitions remains elusive. To address this question, we profiled the transcriptome and select chromatin modifications at defined stages during pancreatic endocrine differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. We identify removal of Polycomb group (PcG)-mediated repression on stage-specific genes as a key mechanism for the induction of developmental regulators. Furthermore, we discover that silencing of transitory genes during lineage progression associates with reinstatement of PcG-dependent repression. Significantly, in vivo- but not in vitro-differentiated endocrine cells exhibit close similarity to primary human islets in regard to transcriptome and chromatin structure. We further demonstrate that endocrine cells produced in vitro do not fully eliminate PcG-mediated repression on endocrine-specific genes, probably contributing to their malfunction. These studies reveal dynamic chromatin remodeling during developmental lineage progression and identify possible strategies for improving cell differentiation in culture.
Victims and Offenders: Accounts of Paybacks, Invulnerability, and Financial Gain among Homeless Youth

Previous research has suggested that “victim” and “offender” are not mutually exclusive categories but rather represent a homogeneous pool in which offenders are victimized and victims also offend. Little is known, however, about the specifics of the victim and offender process. The current study formally addresses the following research questions: why are some individuals at higher risk for victimization compared to others; why do some young people offend while others do not; and finally, why are criminal victims likely to retaliate? Given that homeless young people generally have high rates of offending and are also exceedingly vulnerable to crime, they represent an ideal sample for examining this process. The purpose of this investigation is to examine, in depth, the victimization and offending experiences of 40 homeless males and females in the Midwest and to place such experiences in a larger context by including an examination of both their early life histories and their current street exposure.
Activation of Intracellular Signaling Pathways by the Murine Cytomegalovirus G Protein-Coupled Receptor M33 Occurs via PLC-β/PKC-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms

The presence of numerous G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) homologs within the herpesvirus genomes suggests an essential role for these genes in viral replication in the infected host. Such is the case for murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), where deletion of the M33 GPCR or replacement of M33 with a signaling defective mutant has been shown to severely attenuate replication in vivo. In the present study we utilized a genetically altered version of M33 (termed R131A) in combination with pharmacological inhibitors to further characterize the mechanisms by which M33 activates downstream signaling pathways. This R131A mutant of M33 fails to support salivary gland replication in vivo and, as such, is an important tool that can be used to examine the signaling activities of M33. We show that M33 stimulates the transcription factor CREB via heterotrimeric G q/11 proteins and not through promiscuous coupling of M33 to the G s pathway. Using inhibitors of signaling molecules downstream of G q/11 , we demonstrate that M33 stimulates CREB transcriptional activity in a phospholipase C-β and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner. Finally, utilizing wild-type and R131A versions of M33, we show that M33-mediated activation of other signaling nodes, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase family member p38α and transcription factor NF-κB, occurs in the absence of G q/11 and PKC signaling. The results from the present study indicate that M33 utilizes multiple mechanisms to modulate intracellular signaling cascades and suggest that signaling through PLC-β and PKC plays a central role in MCMV pathogenesis in vivo.
Affiliation, Gender, and Parental Status Among Homeless Persons

Affiliation, loss of affiliation, and the associated effects on homeless individuals were assessed via a survey of 230 homeless adults in Florida. Women accompanied by dependent children, unaccompanied women, and unaccompanied men were compared regarding levels of affiliation and associations among affiliation, self-esteem, and locus of control. The women accompanied by children maintained more family contacts and had higher levels of self-esteem; for that group, locus of control was more external than for either the unaccompanied women or the unaccompanied men. Women with children also had the lowest median number of days homeless and the highest average monthly incomes.
The effect of CGX-1007 and CI-1041, novel NMDA receptor antagonists, on kindling acquisition and expression

Abstract CGX-1007, a 17-amino acid polypeptide isolated from the venom of Conus geographus , is a novel NMDA receptor antagonist that is selective for the NR2B subunit. CI-1041 (PD 196860; Co 200461) is a novel, orally available NR2B selective antagonist. Both compounds possess anticonvulsant activity in a variety of well-established animal seizure models. The present study was designed to assess the effects of CGX-1007 and CI-1041 on the acquisition and expression of kindled seizures. In the corneal kindled rat, CGX-1007 [Epilepsia 36 (1998) 39] and CI-1041, administered p.o., 2h prior to the kindling stimulation displayed time- and dose-dependent block of fully expressed corneal kindled seizures (ED 50 =300pmol and 2.5mg/kg for CGX-1007 and CI-1041, respectively). In amygdala kindled rats, acute treatment with CGX-1007 blocked the secondarily generalized kindled seizure in a dose-dependent manner. Complete protection against the secondarily generalized seizure was only observed at a dose that produced behavioral impairment (4nmol). Acute treatment with CI-1041 did not provide any notable protection against secondarily generalized seizures. Neither compound provided protection against the focal kindled seizure. Chronic i.c.v. infusion of CGX-1007 or chronic oral administration of CI-1041 did not delay the acquisition of amygdala kindling. The results from these studies suggest that NMDA receptors containing the NR2B subunit may contribute to the expression of fully kindled secondarily generalized seizures; however, they appear less important for the development of kindling. The differential results obtained with CGX-1007 and CI-1041 suggest that several classes of mechanistically distinct NR2B antagonists may exist and that CGX-1007 may be less specific as a NR2B receptor antagonist than initially reported.
Five‐Factor Model Personality Traits and the Objective and Subjective Experience of Body Weight

Research on personality and adiposity has focused primarily on middle-aged and older adults. The present research sought to (a) replicate these associations in a young adult sample, (b) examine whether sex, race, or ethnicity moderate these associations, and (c) test whether personality is associated with the subjective experience of body weight and discrepancies between perceived and actual weight. Participants (N = 15,669; Mage = 29; 53% female; ∼40% ethnic/racial minority) from Wave 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health completed a Five-Factor Model personality measure and reported their weight, height, and perception of weight category (e.g., overweight); trained staff measured participants’ height, weight, and waist circumference. Conscientiousness was associated with healthier weight, with a nearly 5 kg difference between the top and bottom quartiles. Neuroticism among women and Extraversion among men were associated with higher adiposity. Neuroticism was also associated with misperceived heavier weight, whereas Extraversion was associated with misperceived taller and leaner. The associations were similar across race/ethnic groups. Personality is associated with objective and subjective adiposity in young adulthood. Although modest, the effects are consistent with life span theories of personality, and the misperceptions are consistent with the conceptual worldviews associated with the traits.
Acute septic arthritis of the hip in children.

Thirty-three cases of acute septic arthritis of the hip in children were treated at our hospital from 1986 to 1997. The average follow-up period was 6 years (range 2–¶11 years). In 17 cases the right hip was affected, and in 16 the left hip. The average duration of symptoms was 5 days (range 1–14 days). Microorganisms were isolated from the blood, joint aspirate, or surgical specimens in 25 cases (76%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria found (44%). Those patients with S. aureus infection were older than 1 year of age. There was no significant difference in the final outcome between the younger and the older age groups. Twenty-six out of 33 patients (89%) had a satisfactory outcome. Satisfactory results can also be expected with arthrocentesis and medical treatment if the diagnosis is made early, and antibiotic treatment affords a good clinical response. Four out of 7 cases with an unsatisfactory result were associated with osteomyelitis of the proximal femur. The two most important factors associated with poor results included a delay of definite treatment lasting longer than 5 days and the presence of osteomyelitis of the proximal femur.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Dynamics and Brain Metabolism

The deleterious effects of elevated pressure in the head have been known since the time of the ancient Egyptians, and the poor outcome associated with a tight dura following open cranial injury is alluded to in the Smith papyrus. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) can occur in association with many pathological conditions in the brain (e.g., infection, trauma, neoplasm). The signs and symptoms of elevated ICP may be florid, with severe headache and vomiting followed by the onset of deep coma, or they may be minimal, with occasional morning headache. The height of the pressure in the head will be only one determinant of the pathological consequences of raised ICP. The rate of rise of pressure, the preexisting state of the brain, the presence or absence of brain edema, and the length of time during which pressure is elevated will all play a role. It is unusual for the pressure to be continuously high; more frequently, the pressure rises and falls episodically (pressure wave).26 High static pressures have not been found to interfere with cell metabolism until levels of 2000–3000 lb/sq. in. are reached, and mitosis can still occur at pressures of 2000 lb/sq. in. Thus, we ask, why does elevated ICP interfere with cerebral metabolism? The purpose of this chapter is to explore and, it is hoped, to answer this question.
A BACKPROPAGATION ALGORITHM FOR A NETWORK OF NEURONS WITH THRESHOLD CONTROLLED SYNAPSES

Neurons with threshold controlled synapses are easier to implement in VLSI technology than the more commonly studied multiplicative-type synapses. In this paper I derive a backpropagation algorithm which is suitable for networks using this type of neuron. The decision surface obtained from this type of network is composed out of elementary hyperoctahedra centered on each point in decision space. Simulations of a simple two-layer feedforward network are used to show that a network with one hidden layer can learn the logical AND, OR, and XOR functions, and in addition solve the eight-bit parity problem and the four-bit problem.
Activation State-Dependent Interaction between Gαi and p67phox

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase consists of multiple protein subunits that interact with each other to form a functional superoxide-generating complex. Although the essential components for superoxide production have been well characterized, other proteins potentially involved in the regulation of NADPH oxidase activation remain to be identified. We report here that the Galphai subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins is a novel binding partner for p67phox in transfected HEK293T cells and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes. p67phox preferably interacted with inactive Galphai. Expression of p67phox caused a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration, suggesting altered function of Galphai. We identified a fragment of p67phox, consisting of the PB1 domain and the C-terminal SH3 domain, to be critical for the interaction with Galphai. Because these domains are involved in the interaction with p47phox and p40phox, the relationship between the respective binding events was investigated. Wild-type Galphai, but not its QL mutant, could promote the interaction between p67phox and p47phox. However, the interaction between p67phox and p40phox was not affected by either Galphai form. These results provide the first evidence for an interaction between p67phox and an alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, suggesting a potential role for Galphai in the regulation or activation of NADPH oxidase.
Fast and robust group-wise eQTL mapping using sparse graphical models

Genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies have emerged as a powerful tool to understand the genetic basis of gene expression and complex traits. The traditional eQTL methods focus on testing the associations between individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene expression traits. A major drawback of this approach is that it cannot model the joint effect of a set of SNPs on a set of genes, which may correspond to hidden biological pathways. We introduce a new approach to identify novel group-wise associations between sets of SNPs and sets of genes. Such associations are captured by hidden variables connecting SNPs and genes. Our model is a linear-Gaussian model and uses two types of hidden variables. One captures the set associations between SNPs and genes, and the other captures confounders. We develop an efficient optimization procedure which makes this approach suitable for large scale studies. Extensive experimental evaluations on both simulated and real datasets demonstrate that the proposed methods can effectively capture both individual and group-wise signals that cannot be identified by the state-of-the-art eQTL mapping methods. Considering group-wise associations significantly improves the accuracy of eQTL mapping, and the successful multi-layer regression model opens a new approach to understand how multiple SNPs interact with each other to jointly affect the expression level of a group of genes.
Feature Based Variability for Service Oriented Architectures

Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) has emerged as a paradigm for distributed computing that promotes flexible deployment and reuse. A software product line (SPL) is a family of software systems that have some common functionality and some variable functionality. During application derivation, the common functionality is reused and a selection is made among the variable functionality. The challenge in SPL is to manage variability among the SPL members -- feature modeling is frequently used for this purpose. SOA systems currently lack a systematic approach for managing variability in service requirements. The approach described in this paper addresses this problem by applying SPL concepts to model SOA systems as service families. In this paper, we describe how to model variability in the architectural views of a multiple-view SOA variability model. The approach integrates feature modeling with service views using UML and SoaML, the newly released SOA standard. Such a framework facilitates variability modeling of service family architectures in a systematic and platform independent way.
Neural representation of hand kinematics during prehension in posterior parietal cortex of the macaque monkey.

Studies of hand manipulation neurons in posterior parietal cortex of monkeys suggest that their spike trains represent objects by the hand postures needed for grasping or by the underlying patterns of muscle activation. To analyze the role of hand kinematics and object properties in a trained prehension task, we correlated the firing rates of neurons in anterior area 5 with hand behaviors as monkeys grasped and lifted knobs of different shapes and locations in the workspace. Trials were divided into four classes depending on the approach trajectory: forward, lateral, and local approaches, and regrasps. The task factors controlled by the animal—how and when he used the hand—appeared to play the principal roles in modulating firing rates of area 5 neurons. In all, 77% of neurons studied (58/75) showed significant effects of approach style on firing rates; 80% of the population responded at higher rates and for longer durations on forward or lateral approaches that included reaching, wrist rotation, and hand preshaping prior to contact, but only 13% distinguished the direction of reach. The higher firing rates in reach trials reflected not only the arm movements needed to direct the hand to the target before contact, but persisted through the contact, grasp, and lift stages. Moreover, the approach style exerted a stronger effect on firing rates than object features, such as shape and location, which were distinguished by half of the population. Forty-three percent of the neurons signaled both the object properties and the hand actions used to acquire them. However, the spread in firing rates evoked by each knob on reach and no-reach trials was greater than distinctions between different objects grasped with the same approach style. Our data provide clear evidence for synergies between reaching and grasping that may facilitate smooth, coordinated actions of the arm and hand.
Apical Budding of a Recombinant Influenza A Virus Expressing a Hemagglutinin Protein with a Basolateral Localization Signal

Influenza virions bud preferentially from the apical plasma membrane of infected epithelial cells, by enveloping viral nucleocapsids located in the cytosol with its viral integral membrane proteins, i.e., hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and M2 proteins, located at the plasma membrane. Because individually expressed HA, NA, and M2 proteins are targeted to the apical surface of the cell, guided by apical sorting signals in their transmembrane or cytoplasmic domains, it has been proposed that the polarized budding of influenza virions depends on the interaction of nucleocapsids and matrix proteins with the cytoplasmic domains of HA, NA, and/or M2 proteins. Since HA is the major protein component of the viral envelope, its polarized surface delivery may be a major force that drives polarized viral budding. We investigated this hypothesis by infecting MDCK cells with a transfectant influenza virus carrying a mutant form of HA (C560Y) with a basolateral sorting signal in its cytoplasmic domain. C560Y HA was expressed nonpolarly on the surface of infected MDCK cells. Interestingly, viral budding remained apical in C560Y virus-infected cells, and so did the location of NP and M1 proteins at late times of infection. These results are consistent with a model in which apical viral budding is a shared function of various viral components rather than a role of the major viral envelope glycoprotein HA.
A Ka-band MMIC array feed transmitter for deep space applications

A Ka-band solid-state transmitter capable of power greater than 5 W is being developed. The transmitter consists of an array of 21 elements each driven by a single stage MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) power amplifier, a MMIC three-stage preamplifier, and a MMIC four bit phase shifter. The design of the array, measurements of the antenna pattern of the full array, and an electronically beam steered subarray are reported. >
A general framework for developing adaptive fault-tolerant routing algorithms

It is shown that Cartesian product (CP) graph-based network methods provide a useful framework for the design of reliable parallel computer systems. Given component networks with prespecified connectivity, more complex networks with known connectivity and terminal reliability can be developed. CP networks provide systematic techniques for developing reliable fault-tolerant routing schemes, even for very complex topological structures. The authors establish the theoretical foundations that relate the connectivity of a CP network, the connectivity of the component networks, and the number of faulty components: present an adaptive generic algorithm that can perform successful point-to-point routing in the presence of faults: synthesize, using the theoretical results, this adaptive fault-tolerant algorithm from algorithms written for the component networks: prove the correctness of the algorithm: and show that the algorithm ensures following an optimal path, in the presence of many faults, with high probability. >
Modelling during an emergency: the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic

During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, decision-makers had access to mathematical and computational models that were not available in previous pandemics in 1918, 1957, and 1968. How did models contribute to policy and action during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic? Modelling encountered six primary challenges: (i) expectations of modelling were not clearly defined; (ii) appropriate real-time data were not readily available; (iii) modelling results were not generated, shared, or disseminated in time; (iv) decision-makers could not always decipher the structure and assumptions of the models; (v) modelling studies varied in intervention representations and reported results; and (vi) modelling studies did not always present the results or outcomes that are useful to decision-makers. However, there were also seven general successes: (i) modelling characterized the role of social distancing measures such as school closure; (ii) modelling helped to guide data collection; (iii) modelling helped to justify the value of the vaccination programme; (iv) modelling helped to prioritize target populations for vaccination; (v) modelling addressed the use of antiviral medications; (vi) modelling helped with health system preparedness planning; and (vii) modellers and decision-makers gained a better understanding of how to work with each other. In many ways, the 2009 pandemic served as practice and a learning opportunity for both modellers and decision-makers. Modellers can continue working with decision-makers and other stakeholders to help overcome these challenges, to be better prepared when the next emergency inevitably arrives.
Childhood abuse and family obligation in middle adulthood: findings from the MIDUS II National Survey

This study examined associations between reported histories of childhood abuse and later reports of obligation towards their family of origin from a family life cycle perspective. Data from this study included a subsample of 725 single and married, English-speaking adult participants (57.1% female, M age = 49.8 years) from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II): Biomarker Project. Findings suggest that childhood abuse impacts later family obligation in many ways, and that different categories of abuse (e.g. emotional, neglect, physical and sexual) and severity levels (e.g. none, less severe, more severe) differ in their impacts on adults’ reports of obligation to their families. Implications for future research and clinical practice are suggested. Practitioner points Clinicians should be aware that different categories of childhood abuse may have unique effects on clients' feelings of obligation towards their families later in life The intersection between severity of childhood abuse and category of childhood abuse is important to explore in therapy due to nuanced effects on feelings of family obligation later in life
An Experimental Demonstration of GaN CMOS Technology

This letter reports the first demonstration of gallium nitride (GaN) complementary metal–oxide–semi-conductor (CMOS) field-effect-transistor technology. Selective area epitaxy was employed to have both GaN N-channel MOSFET (NMOS) and P-channel MOSFET (PMOS) structures on the same wafer. An AlN/SiN dielectric stack grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition served as the gate oxide for both NMOS and PMOS, yielding enhancement-mode N- and P-channel with the electron mobility of 300 cm2/V-s and hole mobility of 20 cm2/V-s, respectively. Using the GaN CMOS technology, a functional inverter integrated circuit was fabricated and characterized.
Orígenes del Cristianismo: Memoria para una reforma de la Iglesia

El presente ensayo se propone reconstruir los origenes del cristianismo en sus primeros 500 anos, como propuesta para una futura reforma de la Iglesia Catolica. En esta reconstruccion es necesario entender a Jesus en su plena humanidad e incluir los cristianismos disidentes, perdidos o marginados. El trabajo contiene tres partes: a. Memoria de los origenes del cristianismo; b. Reforma y contra-reforma en la Iglesia Catolica; y c. Los origenes como memoria, credo y canon para una reforma actual de la Iglesia. Termina el autor advirtiendo sobre la necesidad de superar el vacio profetico actual y caminar hacia un reforma de la Iglesia.
Abstract 3829: Inducible silencing of PKD3 reveals a critical role for PKD3 in prostate cancer growth and metastasis

Protein kinase D is a family of novel serine/threonine kinases that act as major mediators of several signaling pathways related to cancer development. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that specific PKD isoforms are deregulated in human cancers and that PKD plays an active role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Here, we present evidence on the development of a PC3 tetracycline-inducible PKD3 knockdown prostate cancer cell line and its application in both the study of PKD3 function in cells and the validation of PKD3 as a therapeutic target in vivo. We show that tetracycline treatment results in >50% knockdown of endogenous PKD3 expression in two distinct clones expressing PKD3 shRNA (shPKD3-C7 and shPKD3-C26), but has no effect on cells expressing scrambled shRNA (shSCR). Furthermore, endogenous PKD1 or PKD2 expression levels are not altered in PKD3 knockdown cells treated with tetracycline, supporting the specific targeting of the shRNA to the PKD3 isoform. Phenotypic analysis revealed that, similar to studies utilizing PKD siRNAs or novel PKD inhibitors, tetracycline-induced silencing of PKD3 causes potent arrest in cell growth and motility. Additionally, we found that conditioned media collected from tetracycline-treated shPKD3-C7 cells causes a reduction in PC3 cell migration, and we observed increased secretion of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) protein, which has important anti-angiogenic functions, from tetracycline-treated shPKD3-C7 cells. Western blotting revealed that both siRNA-mediated transient knockdown of PKD2 or PKD3 or treatment with novel PKD inhibitors led to decreased levels of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9, MMP-11, and MMP-14 in PC3 cells. Finally, we found that reduction of PKD3 expression by tetracycline-inducible shRNA significantly retarded both tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model as well as tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic prostate cancer xenograft model. Taken together, these data suggest that PKD is a critical signaling protein that modulates prostate cancer cell growth and motility through a pathway involving multiple secreted factors, and that PKD3 is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3829. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3829
Black walnut, Osage orange and eastern redcedar sawmill waste as natural dyes: effect of aluminum mordant on color parameters

The triple bottom line can be impacted in both positive and negative ways by the use of tree sawmill waste as a natural dye. Trees contain a biomordant in the form of tannin which may eliminate the need for metallic mordants, thus reducing water, thermal energy, residual waste, and exposure to a mordant chemical. Dyeing with mill waste provides an economic option for an existing timber manufacturing byproduct. This research analyzed the impact of potassium aluminum sulfate (PAS) on dye concentration, hue, and colorfastness to light and laundering for three regional dyewoods (black walnut, Osage orange, and eastern redcedar) on wool yarn. Dye concentrations were pre-tested to find a standard depth of shade between mordanted and nonmordanted yarns. Tests for colorfastness to light and laundering were performed according to AATCC methods. Resulting colors for exposed and unexposed specimens were rated using CIE L*a*b* values and descriptive statistics were used to examine directional relationship within independent variables mordant and exposure (light and laundering). Two-sample t test was performed to investigate the effect of a PAS mordant versus no mordant on overall color difference between specimens exposed to light and laundering. Findings indicated that dye absorption was improved with the use of a PAS mordant. For yarns premordanted with PAS the dyewood colors became warmer. A PAS mordant slightly improved colorfastness to light for black walnut and eastern redcedar, but did not influence Osage orange which had a color change from bright yellow to warm brown after exposure to light. Colorfastness to laundering improved only for Osage orange with a PAS mordant.