cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An interior point method for nonlinear programming with infeasibility detection capabilities

This paper describes an interior point method for nonlinear programming endowed with infeasibility detection capabilities. The method is composed of two phases, a main phase whose goal is to seek optimality, and a feasibility phase that aims exclusively at improving feasibility. An important feature of the algorithm is the use of a step-decomposition interior-point approach in which the step is the sum of a normal component and a tangential component. The normal component of the step provides detailed information that allows the algorithm to determine whether it should transition from the main phase to the feasibility phase. We give particular attention to the reliability of the switching mechanism between the two phases. The algorithm proposed in this paper has been implemented in the knitro package as extensions of the knitro/cg method. Numerical results illustrate the performance of our method on both feasible and infeasible problems.
PYRENE EFFECTS ON RHIZOPLANE BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES

Certain plant species promote biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but few studies have examined the microbial populations that are associated with the rhizoplane of these plants. In this study, the bacterial composition of the rhizoplane were characterized for four plant species during in soils with different histories of exposure to PAH and in the presence or absence of a pyrene spike at 100 mg kg−1 pyrene. Three of the plant species including Andropogon gerrardii, Panicum coloratum and Melilotus officinalis were known to stimulate PAH degradation. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) was used as a reference species. Results showed that after 90 days, approximately 45% of the pyrene spike disappeared from soil without plants. In contrast, cultivation of plants resulted in 95% disappearance of pyrene. There were no significant differences in the extent of pyrene disappearance for different plants. In all cases, 16S rRNA gene profiles of the rhizoplane were less complex in the pyrene-spiked soi...
LIMITATIONS OF THE REY FIFTEEN-ITEM TEST IN THE DETECTION OF MALINGERING

Abstract The capacity of Rey's (1964) Fifteen-Item Test (FIT) to detect feigned memory impairment in a group of clinical malingerers was investigated. Seven malingerers were identified by significantly below chance performance on a forced-choice memory measure, the Recognition Memory Test, and were given the FIT. A reference group of 7 patients with acute moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries was also given the FIT. The brain-injured subjects recalled significantly more items on the FIT than the malingering subjects. Using a cutoff score of 7, the FIT was able to detect only 57% of the malingerers but did not misclassify any brain-injured subjects. Although possessing good specificity, the FIT appears to lack adequate sensitivity to detect feigned impairment when used as a single measure. The FIT may be sensitive primarily to blatant deceptive strategies.
A Two-Dimensional Potential Energy Surface and Associated Quantum States for the Ring-Puckering Vibrations of Two Equivalent Rings: A Study of Bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1,5-ene

of the form V ) a(x1 4 + x2 4 ) + b(x1 2 + x2 2 ) + cx1 2 x2 2 + dx1x2 for the ring-puckering vibrations of bicyclo- (3.3.0)oct-1,5-ene, with each coordinate representing the puckering motion of one ring. Polynomial expressions for the kinetic energy (reciprocal reduced mass) associated with the puckering motions of the rings were developed and utilized. These expressions were used together with the potential energy surfaces to calculate the quantum states and spectroscopic transitions for the puckering motions. The effect of varying the potential energy parameters c (ring-to-ring interaction) and d (cis-trans energy difference) on the energy levels and transitions was examined. The expected spectra are very rich and complex. In the preceding paper 1 we presented the vibrational spectra and ab initio calculations for bicyclo(3.3.0)oct-1,5-ene (BCO). The analysis of the infrared and Raman spectra together with the ab initio results demonstrated that the two five-member rings of this molecule are puckered in either the cis or trans configurations. The ab initio calculations also predicted relative energies for the C2V, C2h, D2h, and Cs structures of this molecule. In the present paper we derive two-dimensional potential energy surfaces for the ring-puckering using the ab initio computed potential energies of the different structures and use these surfaces to characterize the puckering quantum states and the vibrational spectrum of the large amplitude puckering motion. The ring-puckering far-infrared spectrum of BCO is expected to be weak as the out-of-plane ring-bending motions generate only a small dipole moment change. Moreover, the compound boils at 141°C and thus the sample must be heated substantially to obtain sufficient vapor pressure for recording the gas phase spectrum. This is not a trivial task for far-infrared spectra since the window materials either do not withstand high temperatures (polyethylene) or transmit poorly (silicon). In addition, upon heating the long-path cell, water adsorbed on the cell surfaces vaporizes and causes cluttering of the far-infrared spectrum with numerous strong water bands. Consequently, we have only been able to obtain some poor quality far-infrared (FIR) spectra of BCO showing a broad unresolved absorption maximum around 200 cm -1 and a few resolved bands not attributed to water, which can only support our theoretical findings in a general way. The nature of the potential energy surface, the puckering quantum states, and the spectral features derived in this work should be similar to those of other molecules with similar structure. The present results should thus provide a reasonable starting point for the analysis of far-IR spectra recorded for such molecules. The Vibrational Hamiltonian
Intercostal aneurysm causing spinal cord compression in an NF1 patient

The authors illustrate a case where an intercostal aneurysm was observed in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis. A 32-year-old man with NF1 presented with thoracic back pain. The patient’s symptoms progressed to include myelopathic symptoms, including difficulty urinating, numbness in the lower extremities, and increased weakness. Imaging revealed what appeared to be a neurofibroma at the T4–T5 level and a plan to resect the mass was formulated. Upon initial limited hemilaminotomy, significant arterial blood was encountered. The patient was then taken to the interventional suite and angiography was performed, revealing a left T4 intercostal aneurysm. The aneurysm was coil-embolized with no residual filling. By 6 months post-surgery, the patient had regained full strength and sensation in his lower extremities and no longer had difficulty urinating. There has been no recurrence of symptoms 3 years postoperatively. Intercostal artery lesions must be considered as a possible diagnosis in NF1.
Mitigating Risks Associated with Long-term CCS: Characterizing the Geologic History and Heterogeneity of Sealing Strata.

Abstract Reducing the uncertainty of long-term storage at potential Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) sites is reliant on a thorough understanding of the heterogeneity of seals and caprocks. Assessing holding capacities and potential seal bypasses is necessary for reliable estimates of total storage and retention. This study examines the geologic heterogeneities of different lithologic seals, and defines processes that impact the likelihood of safe and effective carbon storage.
THREE DISTINCT STRUCTURAL ENVIRONMENTS OF A TRANSMEMBRANE DOMAIN IN THE INWARDLY RECTIFYING POTASSIUM CHANNEL ROMK1 DEFINED BY PERTURBATION

Abstract To probe the protein environment of an ion channel, we have perturbed the structure of a transmembrane domain by substituting side chains with those of two different sizes by using site-specific mutagenesis. We have used Trp and Ala as a high- and a low-impact perturbation probe, respectively, to replace each of 18 consecutive residues within the putative second transmembrane segment, M2, of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, ROMK1. Our rationale is that a change in the channel function as a consequence of these mutations at a particular position will reflect the structural environment of the altered side chain. Each position can then be assigned to one of three classes of environments, as grated by different levels of perturbation: very tolerant (channel functions with both Trp and Ala substitutions), tolerant (function preserved with Ala but not with Trp substitution), and intolerant (either Ala or Trp substitution destroys function). We identify the very tolerant environment as being lipid-facing, tolerant as protein-interior-facing, and intolerant as pore-facing. We observe a strikingly ordered pattern of perturbation of all three environmental classes. This result indicates that M2 is a straight alpha-helix.
Design for Cascade of Crossflow Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

The use of crossflow direct contact membrane distillation (XF-DCMD) modules allows lower velocities and volumetric flows on the brine side while still maintaining good heat-transfer coefficients. The key to using these modules in energy-efficient processes requires that the heat be recovered from the hot distillate exit stream with close temperatures of approach. This is best accomplished in a cascade of crossflow modules arranged in a manner approaching the behavior of countercurrent DCMD modules. A short-cut design method is presented to determine the number of such identical modules needed to extract maximum heat recovery between an inlet and exit brine temperature. This method is dependent on two observations: (1) existence of a unique relationship between brine temperature drop across a stage (ΔTstage) and the temperature of closest approach between brine and distillate streams at the top of the stage (ΔTend), which defines an operating line; (2) ΔTend remains relatively constant from stage to stage...
Cognitive Development in Language Acquisition

When one speaker of a language talks to another, we might say the listener is solving an equation with only one unknown. The listener knows the conventions of the language and has an understanding ...
Polymorphisms in the one-carbon metabolic pathway, plasma folate levels and colorectal cancer in a prospective study.

One-carbon (e.g., folate) metabolism plays a pivotal role in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT), methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) and glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) are key genes involved in this pathway. Several new polymorphisms have been identified and there is evidence implicating their functionality. We examined whether polymorphisms in these genes, i.e., cSHMT L474F, MTHFD1 R653Q and GCPII H475Y, modify the risk of CRC in the prospective Physicians' Health Study. Among the 270 incident CRC cases and 453 controls, none of the one-carbon polymorphisms were associated with risk of CRC. Compared to the wild-type genotype, the multivariate-adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were 1.14 [0.68, 1.93] for cSHMT 474FF, 1.04 [0.67, 1.62] for MTHFD1 653QQ and 1.00 [0.55, 1.82] for GCPII 474HY. Furthermore, we examined the associations between one-carbon polymorphisms and folate status in terms of plasma folate and homocysteine levels in this population. No independent gene effect was observed. Although compound homozygous variants at cSHMT and MTHFD1 loci had the lowest plasma folate levels compared to other compound genotypes, no significant gene-gene interactions were observed. Findings from our prospective investigation indicate that these newly identified polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolizing genes have limited functionality in modifying folate status and related CRC risk. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nonpeptide corticotropin releasing hormone type 1 receptor antagonists as medications and imaging agents

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is produced in the brain and in the periphery and coordinates the body's response to stress. When CRH is synthesized and released from the hypothalamus, it activates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary, which stimulates adrenal release of cortisol, the principal adrenal steroid hormone in primates. CRH and CRH-like molecules are produced in the CNS and act as peptide neurotransmitters. The regional actions of CRH in the CNS are varied and only partially understood. In addition to regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, CRH coordinates other hormones as well as autonomic, immune and behavioral responses to stress. Aberrant CRH action is implicated in many diseases including addiction, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. In order to understand the physiological role of CRH and the pharmacological actions of the CRHR1 antagonists, we have developed a radiolabeled CRHR1 ligand as an in vivo imaging agent.
The Failed Growth Economy, Stagnation, and Biophysical Limits to Growth

There are many indications that the era of economic degrowth has already begun, despite conscious policy efforts to maintain it. This indicated by a secular decline in the rate of GDP growth for essentially all OECD countries and many developing ones over the second half of the twentieth century. I believe that this phenomenon has occurred because the mature economies of the world have confronted a set of internal, or social, limits driven by the internal dynamics of capital accumulation and by approaching biophysical limits. These patterns are likely to continue. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the literature on internal limits to capital accumulation and economic growth with the emerging literature on biophysical limits. Growth-oriented mainstream economics is incapable of analyzing adequately the historical conjuncture of the internal and biophysical limits. A study of heterodox political economy and institutional economics is needed in order to understand the transition to sustainability. The paper surveys prior theories of the internal limits to economic growth and synthesizes them with future potential limits imposed by the decrease in availability and increase in cost of high-quality resources, climate change and peak oil.
Thermal performance of a liquid hydrogen tank multilayer insulation system at warm boundary temperatures of 630, 530, and 152 R

The results are presented of a study conducted to obtain experimental heat transfer data on a liquid hydrogen tank insulated with 34 layers of MLI (multilayer insulation) for warm side boundary temperatures of 630, 530, and 150 R. The MLI system consisted of two blankets, each blanket made up of alternate layers of double silk net (16 layers) and double aluminized Mylar radiation shields (15 layers) contained between two cover sheets of Dacron scrim reinforced Mylar. The insulation system was designed for and installed on a 87.6 in diameter liquid hydrogen tank. Nominal layer density of the insulation blankets is 45 layers/in. The insulation system contained penetrations for structural support, plumbing, and electrical wiring that would be representative of a cryogenic spacecraft. The total steady state heat transfer rates into the test tank for shroud temperatures of 630, 530, 152 R were 164.4, 95.8, and 15.9 BTU/hr respectively. The noninsulation heat leaks into the tank (12 fiberglass support struts, tank plumbing, and instrumentation lines) represent between 13 to 17 pct. of the total heat input. The heat input values would translate to liquid H2 losses of 2.3, 1.3, and 0.2 pct/day, with the tank held at atmospheric pressure.
Vitreoretinal Complications of the Boston Keratoprosthesis

The Boston Keratoprosthesis has allowed for visual restoration in patients with corneal blindness; however, vitreoretinal complications remain a significant cause of ocular morbidity. Retroprosthetic membranes, infectious endophthalmitis, sterile vitritis, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous opacities, retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, choroidal detachments, retinal vascular occlusion, and epiretinal membrane have all been described, may require the intervention of a vitreoretinal specialist, and are reviewed herein. A strong familiarity with associated posterior segment complications is important to maximizing patient outcomes.
Laser based techniques for addressing security issues

Laser based techniques can enhance security and protect the environment. Examples of the former include detection of trace explosive vapors or chemical warfare agents. The connection between security and environmental issues will be discussed.
Hindu Perspectives on the Thirst for Transcendence

Definitions of nature and transcendence are given, and the framework of Hindu thought is presented. The levels of reality as discovered by physics are then discussed, which leads us to revise our notions of reality and objectivity. Transcendence is defined as something beyond matter-energy in space-time and is explored in several contexts of modern science, as in pre-Big-Bang state, negative entropy, information, complexity, and others. Finally, a philosophical reflection on consciousness is presented.
A random, distributed algorithm to embed trees in partially faulty processor arrays

Abstract A random and distributed, yet simple, algorithm is presented to embed trees in rectangular processor arrays in the presence of faults and manufacturing defects. One major characteristic of the algorithm is its ability to obtain embeddings in the presence of defect clusters in the processor array. Another useful feature is that the algorithm can be executed on the processor array itself, requiring only limited interprocessor communication. The performance of random algorithms is very difficult to analyze. Therefore, extensive simulation experiments were conducted and are presented in this paper. We also suggest an approach to overlapping algorithm runs to reduce the time needed to obtain a good embedding. The proposed algorithm can easily be extended to embed trees in hexagonal as well as other types of processor arrays.
Georgia's Use of Cement-Stabilized Reclaimed Base in Full-Depth Reclamation

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has obtained favorable results from the initial use of cement-stabilized reclaimed base (CSRB) in a pilot full-depth reclamation (FDR) in rural southeast Georgia. CSRB is produced when portland cement is added to sand-clay base from an FDR, and it is used to underlie hot-mix asphalt. GDOT initiated its first FDR in 2004 on County Road (CR) 52 in Long County. A 4.8-km corridor of CR 52 was overlain with a 12.5-mm Superpave® mix, including a 1.8-km section reconstructed with FDR. Samples of the in situ sand-clay base and pavement were obtained for a mix design to determine if these materials would react satisfactorily with portland cement. With the same laboratory design strength requirement for a soil-cement base, the desired level of unconfined compressive strength was obtained at 6% cement. A provisional specification for CSRB was developed, and a 152-m trial section of 12.5-mm mix over CSRB was constructed in July 2004. Construction procedures were adjuste...
False Lock Performance of Quadriphase Receivers

Quadriphase receivers, like biphase receivers, have the ability to false lock on a sideband of the data modulation. The theory associated with this phenomenon for receivers of binary phase-shift-keying (BPSK), using Costas loop demodulation, has recently been documented in the literature. This paper considers the corresponding theory for receivers of balanced quadriphase-shift-keying (QPSK) employing a quadriphase Costas loop (or equivalent fourth-power loop) for demodulation. Specific closed form expressions for false lock performance are developed and numerically evaluated for the particular case of single pole arm filters and an NRZ data format for each of the two statistically independent quadrature modulations.
Epigenetic inactivation and aberrant transcription of CSMD1 in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Background: The p23.2 region of human chromosome 8 is frequently deleted in several types of epithelial cancer and those deletions appear to be associated with poor prognosis. Cub and Sushi Multiple Domains 1 (CSMD1) was positionally cloned as a candidate for the 8p23 suppressor but point mutations in this gene are rare relative to the frequency of allelic loss. In an effort to identify alternative mechanisms of inactivation, we have characterized CSMD1 expression and epigenetic modifications in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Results: Only one of the 20 cell lines examined appears to express a structurally normal CSMD1 transcript. The rest express transcripts which either lack internal exons, terminate abnormally or initiate at cryptic promoters. None of these truncated transcripts is predicted to encode a functional CSMD1 protein. Cell lines that express little or no CSMD1 RNA exhibit DNA methylation of a specific region of the CpG island surrounding CSMD1's first exon. Conclusion: Correlating methylation patterns and expression suggests that it is modification of the genomic DNA preceding the first exon that is associated with gene silencing and that methylation of CpG dinucleotides further 3' does not contribute to inactivation of the gene. Taken together, the cell line data suggest that epigenetic silencing and aberrant splicing rather than point mutations may be contributing to the reduction in CSMD1 expression in squamous cancers. These mechanisms can now serve as a focus for further analysis of primary squamous cancers.
Asymmetric pedunculopontine network connectivity in parkinsonian patients with freezing of gait

Freezing of gait is one of the most debilitating symptoms in Parkinson’s disease as it causes falls and reduces mobility and quality of life. The pedunculopontine nucleus is one of the major nuclei of the mesencephalic locomotor region and has neurons related to anticipatory postural adjustments preceding step initiation as well as to the step itself, thus it may be critical for coupling posture and gait to avoid freezing. Because freezing of gait and postural impairments have been related to frontal lesions and frontal dysfunction such as executive function, we hypothesized that freezing is associated with disrupted connectivity between midbrain locomotor regions and medial frontal cortex. We used diffusion tensor imaging to quantify structural connectivity of the pedunculopontine nucleus in patients with Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait, without freezing, and healthy age-matched controls. We also included behavioural tasks to gauge severity of freezing of gait, quantify gait metrics, and assess executive cognitive functions to determine whether between-group differences in executive dysfunction were related to pedunculopontine nucleus structural network connectivity. Using seed regions from the pedunculopontine nucleus, we were able to delineate white matter connections between the spinal cord, cerebellum, pedunculopontine nucleus, subcortical and frontal/prefrontal cortical regions. The current study is the first to demonstrate differences in structural connectivity of the identified locomotor pathway in patients with freezing of gait. We report reduced connectivity of the pedunculopontine nucleus with the cerebellum, thalamus and multiple regions of the frontal cortex. Moreover, these structural differences were observed solely in the right hemisphere of patients with freezing of gait. Finally, we show that the more left hemisphere-lateralized the pedunculopontine nucleus tract volume, the poorer the performance on cognitive tasks requiring the initiation of appropriate actions and/or the inhibition of inappropriate actions, specifically within patients with freezing. These results support the notion that freezing of gait is strongly related to structural deficits in the right hemisphere’s locomotor network involving prefrontal cortical areas involved in executive inhibition function.
Quantification and Characterization of Human Endothelial Cell–Derived Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor-2

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2), also known as placental protein 5, is a serine protease inhibitor consisting of three tandemly-arranged Kunitz-type protease inhibitor domains. While TFPI-2 is a potent inhibitor of trypsin, plasmin, kallikrein, and factor XIa in the test tube, the function of this inhibitor in vivo remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the synthesis and secretion of TFPI-2 by cultured endothelial cells derived from human umbilical vein, aorta, saphenous vein, and dermal microvessels to gain insight into its biological function. While all endothelial cells examined synthesized and secreted TFPI-2, dermal microvascular endothelial cells synthesized threefold to sevenfold higher levels of TFPI-2. Approximately 60% to 90% of the TFPI-2 secreted by endothelial cells was directed to the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM). When cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with inflammatory mediators such as phorbol 12-myristate,13-acetate; endotoxin; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TFPI-2 synthesis by these cells increased twofold to 14-fold. Recombinant TFPI-2 bound to dermal microvascular endothelial cell monolayers and its ECM in a specific, dose-dependent, and saturable manner with Kd values of 21 and 24 nmol/L, respectively. TFPI-2 interacted with 4.5 X 10(10) sites/cm2 (3 X 10[5] sites/cell) and 2.3 X 10(11) sites/cm2 on endothelial cells and ECM, respectively. In the presence of rabbit anti-TFPI-2 IgG, but not preimmune IgG, endothelial cells dissociated from the culture flask in a time- and IgG concentration-dependent manner. Our findings provide evidence that endothelial cell-derived TFPI-2 is primarily secreted into the abluminal space and presumably plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the ECM essential for cell attachment.
Sensitivity and specificity of electrocardiographic diagnosis of ventricular motion disorders. Studies in patients recovered from myocardial infarction.

Angiographic-electrocardiographic correlations were studied in 253 patients with coronary arterial disease. Left ventriculograms were examined for various motion disorders (local hypokinesia, akinesia, dyskinesia or aneurysm, and generalized hypokinesia). Electrocardiograms were reviewed for the presence of Q waves indicative of transmural myocardial infarction and for the presence of upward convex ST-segment elevation of at least 2 mm. Of 27 consecutively studied subjects with normal coronary arteries and normal ventriculograms, none had Q waves, giving a specificity of 100 percent for the Q wave. Pathologic Q waves (? 0.04 second) were found in 20 percent (19) of 96 patients with coronary arterial disease having normal ventricular motion, reducing the specificity for the Q wave to 80 percent in patients with documented coronary disease. Of 157 patients with coronary disease and ventricular dyssynergy, 118 had pathologic Q waves, yielding a sensitivity of 75 percent. Concomitant Q waves plus 2 mm ST-segment elevation were present in 45 of the 118 postinfarction patients with ventricular dyssynergy, giving a sensitivity of 38 percent. The specificity of this combination in coronary patients was 84 percent.
Paediatric tricyclic antidepressant overdose

A case of paediatric tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) ingestion is discussed in this article. Ingestions, especially from TCAs, are potentially life-threatening, requiring prompt recognition and treatment. Successfully treating a TCA ingestion hinges on the recognition of both the availability of TCAs to the patient and the signs and symptoms of TCA ingestion. Unfortunately, once TCA ingestion is identified, there is variability in management by emergency medical services (EMS), leading to variability in outcomes. The diagnosis and management of TCA ingestion are reviewed in this case study, as well as barriers that prehospital care providers encounter in diagnosing and treatment.
Examining the Effect of Three Low-Intensity Pediatric Obesity Interventions: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Primary care is an ideal setting to treat pediatric obesity. Effective, low-intensity (≤25 contact hours over 6 months) interventions that reduce standardized body mass index (z-BMI) and can be delivered by primary care providers are needed. Objective. This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of 3 low-intensity (≤25 contact hours over 6 months) pediatric obesity treatments on z-BMI. Methods. Twenty-two families (children 8.0 ± 1.8 years, z-BMI of 2.34 ± 0.48) were randomized into 1 of 3, 6-month, low-intensity conditions: newsletter (N), newsletter and growth monitoring (N + GM), or newsletter and growth monitoring plus family-based behavioral counseling (N + GM + BC). Anthropometrics and child eating and leisure-time behaviors were measured. Results. Mixed-factor analyses of variance found a significant (P < .05) main effect of time for z-BMI and servings per day of sugar sweetened beverages, with both decreasing over time. Conclusion. Low-intensity obesity treatments ca...
Genetic incorporation of the protein transduction domain of Tat into Ad5 fiber enhances gene transfer efficacy

Human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) has been widely explored as a gene delivery vector for a variety of diseases. Many target cells, however, express low levels of Ad5 native receptor, the Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), and thus are resistant to Ad5 infection. The Protein Transduction Domain of the HIV Tat protein, namely PTDtat, has been shown to mediate protein transduction in a wide range of cells. We hypothesize that re-targeting Ad5 vector via the PTDtat motif would improve the efficacy of Ad5-mediated gene delivery. In this study, we genetically incorporated the PTDtat motif into the knob domain of Ad5 fiber, and rescued the resultant viral vector, Ad5.PTDtat. Our data showed the modification did not interfere with Ad5 binding to its native receptor CAR, suggesting Ad5 infection via the CAR pathway is retained. In addition, we found that Ad5.PTDtat exhibited enhanced gene transfer efficacy in all of the cell lines that we have tested, which included both low-CAR and high-CAR decorated cells. Competitive inhibition assays suggested the enhanced infectivity of Ad5.PTDtat was mediated by binding of the positively charged PTDtat peptide to the negatively charged epitopes on the cells' surface. Furthermore, we investigated in vivo gene delivery efficacy of Ad5.PTDtat using subcutaneous tumor models established with U118MG glioma cells, and found that Ad5.PTDtat exhibited enhanced gene transfer efficacy compared to unmodified Ad5 vector as analyzed by a non-invasive fluorescence imaging technique. Genetic incorporation of the PTDtat motif into Ad5 fiber allowed Ad5 vectors to infect cells via an alternative PTDtat targeting motif while retaining the native CAR-mediated infection pathway. The enhanced infectivity was demonstrated in both cultured cells and in in vivo tumor models. Taken together, our study identifies a novel tropism expanded Ad5 vector that may be useful for clinical gene therapy applications.
Approach for sub pT, room temperature magnetic sensors

Some of the major contributions to noise in magnetic sensors can only be reduced by increasing the size of the sensor. Here we present an approach for reducing 1/f noise in large magnetic sensors. The approach is based on modulating the field by rotating a disc containing permalloy flux concentrators or flux guides. The disc rotation is driven by an air turbine. Modulation frequencies as high as 76 Hz have been achieved, but higher modulation frequencies will be achieved in our new design. Low frequency signals appear as sidebands around the modulation frequency. The magnetic sensor used is a magnetoelectric sensor. Magnetoelectric sensors have achieved sensitivities of 2nT at 1 Hz. By using modulation to operate at the mechanical resonance frequency of magnetoelectric sensors it should be possible to achieve sub pT/Hz1/2 at 1 Hz. Here we discuss the progress and problems in achieving this goal.
The MaizeGDB Genome Browser tutorial: one example of database outreach to biologists via video.

Video tutorials are an effective way for researchers to quickly learn how to use online tools offered by biological databases. At MaizeGDB, we have developed a number of video tutorials that demonstrate how to use various tools and explicitly outline the caveats researchers should know to interpret the information available to them. One such popular video currently available is ‘Using the MaizeGDB Genome Browser’, which describes how the maize genome was sequenced and assembled as well as how the sequence can be visualized and interacted with via the MaizeGDB Genome Browser. Database URL: http://www.maizegdb.org/
Conservation and Purifying Selection of Transcribed Genes Located in a Rice Centromere

Recombination is strongly suppressed in centromeric regions. In chromosomal regions with suppressed recombination, deleterious mutations can easily accumulate and cause degeneration of genes and genomes. Surprisingly, the centromere of chromosome8 (Cen8) of rice (Oryza sativa) contains several transcribed genes. However, it remains unclear as to what selective forces drive the evolution and existence of transcribed genes in Cen8. Sequencing of orthologous Cen8 regions from two additional Oryza species, Oryza glaberrima and Oryza brachyantha, which diverged from O. sativa 1 and 10 million years ago, respectively, revealed a set of seven transcribed Cen8 genes conserved across all three species. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis with the centromere-specific histone CENH3 confirmed that the sequenced orthologous regions are part of the functional centromere. All seven Cen8 genes have undergone purifying selection, representing a striking phenomenon of active gene survival within a recombination-free zone over a long evolutionary time. The coding sequences of the Cen8 genes showed sequence divergence and mutation rates that were significantly reduced from those of genes located on the chromosome arms. This suggests that Oryza has a mechanism to maintain the fidelity and functionality of Cen8 genes, even when embedded in a sea of repetitive sequences and transposable elements.
Vitamin D and glucose metabolism in chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of review Impaired glucose metabolism is common in chronic kidney disease and contributes to poor clinical outcomes. Vitamin D may improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and death.
On the combination of evidence from the eye and ear.

Four signals varying in frequency (1001 or 1201 cps) and beat-rate (2 or 3 beats per sec) were presented for identification in noise over an oscilloscope (V), over earphones (A), or over both systems simultaneously (AV). Four models were used to predict AV performance from performances on A and V. The most successful model assumed that the eye and ear behave as independent ‘ observers ’, that the sensors present both a discrete decision and a measure of confidence to the decision system, that the certainty is proportional to the probability of the discrete decision and that an optimal weighting of certainties occurs in case3 of conflict between A and V. Reasons for divergencies between bi-modal word recognition and detection studies are discussed
Depth Dependence of Dopant Induced Features on The Si(100)2x1:H Surface and Its Application for Three Dimensional Dopant Profiling

The lack of surface states within the band gap of the perfect Si(100)2x1:H surface opens the way to scanning tunneling microscopy studies of dopant atom sites in Si(100). In this paper, Boron and Arsenic induced features are studied by ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy. The values of their amplitudes naturally group such that several subsurface layers can be identified. This technique for producing atom-resolved three-dimensional maps of electrically active dopants in silicon may be a useful metric for characterizing dopant profiles in ultra-small electronic device structures.
Packet loss behavior of homeplug AV traffic at video bit rates

HomePlug AV is a recent version of the popular HomePlug powerline networking standard. An inhome HomePlug AV network was sampled between 1 and 6 Megabits per second (Mbps) with and without added noise and analyzed with respect to packet losses. Our experimental results indicate that the distribution of the number of consecutive error bursts is a combination of the classic Gilbert-Elliot model and a long-tailed distribution caused by ambient electrical noise.
Milk intake during childhood and adolescence, adult bone density, and osteoporotic fractures in US women

Background Calcium supplements increase bone mass in children, but the effect does not persist once supplementation is discontinued. Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether milk intake during childhood and adolescence, when controlled for current calcium intake, is associated with adult bone mass (ie, bone mineral content), bone mineral density, and the incidence of osteoporotic fracture. Design We used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 3251 non-Hispanic, white women age >or=20 y. Bone density was measured at the hip. History of fracture of the hip, spine, or forearm was classified as a lifetime fracture (occurring after age 13 y) or an osteoporotic fracture (occurring after age 50 y). Subjects reported frequency of milk consumption during childhood (aged 5-12 y) and during adolescence (aged 13-17 y). Regression models controlled for weight, height, age, menopause and use of estrogen, physical activity, smoking, and current calcium intake. Results Among women aged 20-49 y, bone mineral content was 5.6% lower in those who consumed 1 serving/d (high intake) during childhood (P or=50 y, there was a nonlinear association between milk intake during childhood and adolescence and hip bone mineral content and bone mineral density (P Conclusion Women with low milk intake during childhood and adolescence have less bone mass in adulthood and greater risk of fracture.
Improvisational Therapy Methods May Help Alleviate Music Performance Anxiety Symptoms in College Musicians

Musical performance anxiety (MPA) is a prominent disorder among musicians (Kirchner, 2004/2005). Music therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy for anxiety in non-musicians; however, it has been overlooked as a coping method for anxious musicians (Martinez, 2009). This study included five sessions of improvisational exercises with college wind musicians. As a result, MPA symptoms subsided, and self-awareness of the body was improved during performances. Anxiety levels were measured via self-reported surveys and personal journals of progress from participants. Research in improvisational practice techniques provided performing artist with a form of self-therapy that may lead to more successful performances and careers.
State estimation for electric power distribution systems in quasi real-time conditions

This paper proposes a new method for the state estimation of electric power distribution system conditions oriented towards working with minimum number of remote measurements available in the network. This approach will require information concerning the network reconfiguration, remote measurements of voltages, real and reactive power as well as feeder currents in distribution substations. All kinds of statistical information pertaining to distribution transformer loads are used together with real-time remote measurements. In the proposed method, the existing scheme configuration is examined by a configuration pre-screening process based on the addressed references in an oriented graph. The permissible intervals for remote measurement errors and the reliability of statistical information are discussed. A practical example is presented and the exploitation of results has proved its accuracy and efficiency. >
A new approach to intensity-dependent normalization of two-channel microarrays.

SUMMARY A two-channel microarray measures the relative expression levels of thousands of genes from a pair of biological samples. In order to reliably compare gene expression levels between and within arrays, it is necessary to remove systematic errors that distort the biological signal of interest. The standard for accomplishing this is smoothing “MA-plots” to remove intensity-dependent dye bias and array-specific effects. However, MA methods require strong assumptions, which limit their general applicability. We review these assumptions and derive several practical scenarios in which they fail. The “dye-swap” normalization method has been much less frequently used because it requires two arrays per pair of samples. We show that a dye-swap is accurate under general assumptions, even under intensity-dependent dye bias, and that a dye-swap removes dye bias from a single pair of samples in general. Based on a flexible model of the relationship between mRNA amount and single-channel fluorescence intensity, we demonstrate the general applicability of a dye-swap approach. We then propose a common array dye-swap (CADS) method for the normalization of two-channel microarrays. We show that CADS removes both dye bias and array-specific effects, and preserves the true differential expression signal for every gene under the assumptions of the model.
The Development of Medical Student Competence: Tracking Its Trajectory Over Time

Developmental theories recognize that there is a progression of competence over time. However, despite growing interest in the developmental trajectories of medical students, little research exists that longitudinally documents their gains across domains. Our goal was to track students’ perceived competence over time and to identify different patterns across competencies. At the end of each of their four academic years, four successive cohorts of Harvard Medical School (HMS) students were surveyed to indicate how much they had learned in each of 28 areas. Nineteen items mapped onto the six competency areas defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and competency cluster scores were calculated for each. Medical knowledge, patient care, and systems-based practice increased significantly each year from the prior year’s baseline, with the other competencies demonstrating less consistent patterns of growth. At the end of year 1, interpersonal skills, problem-based learning and improvement, and professionalism were rated highest. By the end of year 4, interpersonal skills remained the most highly rated, and systems-based practice, which grew considerably from years 1 to 4, was still rated lowest. Medical education results in a progressive trajectory of overall competence, with increases, some small and some large, found for every domain for every year. However, the six domains start from differing baselines and progress at different rates over students’ undergraduate careers.
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Salivary Gland A Review of a Rare Tumor

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical, demographic, and prognostic features of salivary gland mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare head and neck malignancy.Study DesignPopulation-based national cancer regis...
The black citizen-subject: black single mothers in US military recruitment material

ABSTRACTThis article examines how the US military uses race inequalities to mobilize black single mothers for enlistment of their children in the Armed Forces. Through an analysis of military recruitment materials during the height of the US War on Terrorism, I demonstrate how the military disproportionately shows black single mothers going through a process of reacting to their child's enlistment (with fear and worry), welcoming the military institution as the co-parent, and accepting enlistment as a venue for education and career opportunities (productive citizenship). The military models a citizen-mother who supports their child's enlistment, while unquestionably supporting the war. This exploits the obligations of citizenship for black single mothers, whose citizenship is already under scrutiny. By targeting the children of these mothers for recruitment, the military encourages a higher burden of military participation on an already underprivileged segment of the population.
Early effects of temperature-dependent yield stress in a transient analysis of fracture

A semi-infinite crack grows due to stress wave diffraction in a thermoelastic solid. A rudimentary inelastic zone at the crack edge acts both as a heat flux site and as a crack-blunting mechanism. The first-step transient analysis treats constant crack/zone extension speeds and elastic properties. The yield stress, however, is allowed to vary with temperature.
Old Fields: Photography, Glamour, and Fantasy Landscape

Old Fields: Photography, Glamour, and Fantasy Landscape. By John Stilgoe. xv and 517 pp.; ills., bibliog., index. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2014. $34.95 (cloth), isbn 978081393...
Hanji, the Mulberry Paper Yarn, Rejuvenates Nature and the Sustainable Fashion Industry of Korea

Sustainable production and consumption in the fashion industry has become an imminent and crucial phenomenon globally. Adoption of natural fibers is an eco-design approach to accomplish sustainable product development capitalizing on environmentally conscious characteristics such as renewability and biodegradability. Therefore, several Korean textile companies (e.g., Ssang-Young, Oh-Sung) and textile research institutions (e.g., Korea Institute for Knit Industry) have led the development of Hanji yarn, a yarn made from cellulosic fibers of the inner bark of the mulberry paper trees (IBMP) using manufacturing processes adapted from traditional Korean paper production methods. The unique raw materials and novel production processes used to produce Hanji yarn has resulted in a textile product that can increase the aesthetics and functionality of apparel and products of other product categories. Fabrics created from Hanji yarn have been adopted by several global apparel companies, specifically within the activewear market. The success of Hanji yarn within the apparel and textile industry is a prime example of integrating sustainable materials and technology to promote green fashion in the global market.
Radiobiological models of tissue response to radiation in treatment planning systems.

AIMS To present several biological concepts and models of tissue response to fractionated radiotherapy. To describe practical implementation of these models in three-dimensional treatment planning systems. METHODS Models of cell survival, Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD) and Tumor Control Probability (TCP) are discussed. These models are based on the target-cell hypothesis which assumes that response of organs and tissues to radiation therapy can be explained and mathematically described in terms of survival of the specific target-cells. RESULTS Several formulae for deriving and calculating EUD and TCP for a given three-dimensional dose distribution are presented and discussed. CONCLUSIONS Biological models of tissue response to radiation, when used wisely, have a potential to be useful in radiation therapy treatment planning. The models can advance our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms, and may help in designing new and better treatment strategies. They should be particularly useful in modern conformal radiotherapy where treatment strategy for each patient can be individualized and optimized according to patient characteristics and available technology of delivering sophisticated treatment plans.
Trade, Environment and Comparative Advantage

Our discussion of the international aspects of environmental management has thus far focused exclusively on short-run competitive considerations, both in the aggregate and in terms of their differential impact on individual firms and industries. The emphasis was on pollution control as a disturbance to international competitive relationships, which tends to generate certain adjustment costs for the various economies involved and which promotes a reallocation of productive factors, both nationally and internationally.