cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trip misreporting forecast using count data model in a GPS enhanced travel survey

As Global Positioning System (GPS) technology advances, it has been increasingly used to supplement traditional self-reported travel surveys due to its promising features in capturing travel data with better accuracy and reliability. Realizing the limitations of diary-based surveys, this paper presents a study that directly accounts for trip misreporting behavior in trip generation models. Travel data were obtained from prompted-recall assisted GPS survey along with a diary-based survey. Negative Binomial models for count data were developed to accommodate misreporting behavior by introducing interaction effects of the sample-indicator variable with various personal and household variables. The interaction effects indicate how the impacts of the socioeconomic and demographic variables on trip-making vary across the two samples. Assuming that the GPS sample represents the ground truth, the interaction effects actually capture the likelihood and the extent of trip misreporting by detailed personal and household characteristics. The model results reveal significant interaction effects of several personal and household variables, indicating misreporting behavior associated with these attributes. The addition of interaction coefficients to the main effect model represents the real impacts of the independent variables, after compensating for trip misreporting behavior, if any.
Impact of Sleep-Disordered Breathing Treatment on Quality of Life Measures in a Large Clinic-Based Cohort.

Study Objectives:This study aims to report the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on quality of life (QoL) measures in the clinical sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) population.Methods...
Modeling high-efficiency extreme ultraviolet etched multilayer phase-shift masks

Achieving high-throughput extreme ultraviolet (EUV) patterning remains a major challenge due to low source power; phase-shift masks can help solve this challenge for dense features near the resolution limit by creating brighter images than traditional absorber masks when illuminated with the same source power. We explore applications of etched multilayer phase-shift masks for EUV lithography, both in the current-generation 0.33 NA and next-generation 0.55 NA systems. We derive analytic formulas for the thin-mask throughput gains, which are 2.42× for lines and spaces and 5.86× for contacts compared with an absorber mask with dipole and quadrupole illumination, respectively. Using rigorous finite-difference time-domain simulations, we quantify variations in these gains by pitch and orientation, finding 87% to 113% of the thin-mask value for lines and spaces and a 91% to 99% for contacts. We introduce an edge placement error metric, which accounts for CD errors, relative feature motion, and telecentricity errors, and use this metric both to optimize mask designs for individual features and to explore which features can be printed on the same mask. Furthermore, we find that although partial coherence shrinks the process window, at an achievable sigma of 0.2 we obtain a depth of focus of 340 nm and an exposure latitude of 39.2%, suggesting that partial coherence will not limit the feasibility of this technology. Finally, we show that many problems such as sensitivity to etch uniformity can be greatly mitigated using a central obscuration in the imaging pupil.
Cottontail rabbits shed clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses.

During 2014-2015, clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza A viruses (IAV) were first detected in North America and subsequently caused one of the largest agricultural emergencies in U.S. history. Recent evidence has suggested that cottontail rabbits can shed multiple IAV subtypes. We experimentally infected cottontail rabbits with three HP H5Nx IAVs. All rabbits tested shed virus on at least one day by at least one route. Cottontail rabbits appear to be an exception to the limited capacity for replication that has been previously reported for certain other mammalian species inoculated with clade 2.3.4.4 HP H5Nx avian influenza A viruses.
Dancing with the Adversary: A Tale of Wimps and Giants (Transcript of Discussion)

The work reported here is based on some research that I have done with my students Min Suk Kang, Miao Yu, Jun Zhao, and Zongwei Zhou.
UmuC D Lesion Bypass DNA Polymerase V

DNA is continuously damaged, which can eventually lead to mutations and cell death. This damage is bypassed by Y family DNA polymerases which are conserved throughout evolution and have the specialized ability to copy damaged DNA. Escherichia coli DNA polymerase V (pol V) is a Y family polymerase composed of UmuC, which is the polymerase subunit, and the UmuD′2 accessory subunit. UmuD′2C is known to bypass thymine–thymine dimers caused by UV radiation, as well as abasic sites that arise via multiple mechanisms. UmuD′2C is regulated as part of the SOS response and performs potentially mutagenic translesion synthesis (TLS) to replicate damaged DNA. Pol V of E. coli is a member of the error-prone Y family of DNA polymerases, which have the specialized ability to copy damaged DNA in a process known as ‘translesion synthesis’ (TLS). Pol V consists of the 48-kDa UmuC subunit, which possesses the polymerase activity, and the homodimeric accessory subunit UmuD′2 (12 kDa each), and is written as UmuD′2C. UmuD′ results from the self-cleavage of the slightly larger protein UmuD (15 kDa). Environmental and chemical mutagens, for example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mitomycin C, respectively, can cause damage to DNA and stress to cells. When this occurs, the cell initiates a response known as the ‘SOS response’, causing a cascade of events. The expression of the umuDC genes, encoding pol V, is induced as part of this response. This specialized polymerase bypasses common lesions from UV radiation, such as thymine–thymine (T–T) cis–syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and T–T (6–4) photoproducts, as well as abasic sites. Pol V and other members of the Y family are characterized by low processivity, low fidelity when copying undamaged DNA, and a lack of proofreading. The cofactors RecA, SSB, β processivity clamp, and γ clamp loader all facilitate TLS.
A production and pricing decision model for the Korean agricultural cooperatives

The purposes of this study were to introduce the idea that a farm cooperative is a decision unit in Korea, and to develop a short-run model of the cooperative which could be used to analyze its problems;In particular, an attempt was made to develop under certainty a normative-prescriptive model of a diversified multi-product marketing, supply inputs and consumption goods cooperative which served both member and nonmember patrons, and also develop a model of a multi-product marketing and supply cooperative under uncertainty;Development of the model under certainty began with the construction of a sub-model of a typical multi-product member patron. A similar sub-model of a typical nonmember patron was also developed;The cooperative decision-maker was assumed to maximize the welfare function whose elements were the individual members' indirect utility functions. The decision-maker determined the optimal prices for the products it marketed and supplied and optimal level of club goods it provided;Finally, a model of the cooperative was developed to consider the effects of price uncertainty on the objective function. The cooperative decision-maker was assumed to maximize its welfare function which is to increase the sum of individual members' expected profits, and decrease the member's risk. The optimality conditions for this model were analyzed.
Associations of state-level rates of depression and fatal opioid overdose in the United States, 2011-2015.

To assess the relationship between state-level depression and opioid overdose deaths between 2011 and 2015 in the United States. We assessed the association between percent of state populations reporting depression diagnoses and number of opioid analgesic-related deaths using negative binomial generalized estimating equations. A 1% point increase in state-level depression diagnoses was associated with a 26% (95% CI 1–58%) increase in opioid analgesic-related deaths. Addressing depression in the provider–patient relationship may be important, as may be addressing the mental health provider shortage in the United States.
Predictors of survival in rectal squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis from the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

672Background: Rectal squamous cell carcinoma (RSCC) is a rare form of gastrointestinal malignancy. Using the NCDB, we determined the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of RSCC in the United ...
(350) The Persistent Pain Transcriptome: Distinct Transcriptional Signatures of Post-Surgical and Inflammatory Models Define Convergent Pathways to the Transition to Hyperalgesia

Most models of induced hyperalgesia display stereotyped behavioral responses to modalities such as heat and low threshold mechanical stimuli. Despite this, the nociceptive apparatus and the subsequent subjective experiences that define hyperalgesia differ greatly, as do accompanying symptoms of the associated pain state. Based on several recent in-depth studies of the activation patterns of primary afferents, we predicted that divergent activation paradigms could trigger distinct plastic events at second-order neurons that converge to sensitize the spinal circuits to evoked stimuli. The spinal circuits engaged by inflammatory and post-surgical pain states can be elucidated based on multiplex labeling and time course evaluations of the transcriptional signatures using deep sequencing. These experiments revealed a population of neurons apparently undetected by single-cell and single-nucleus sequencing methods because of its sparse representation in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn. Investigations into the character and connectivity of these second order spinal neurons revealed that they participate similarly in at least two models of hyperalgesia. These models are driven by different transcriptional machinery at the level of the dorsal spinal cord, and the most transcriptionally evident neurons express very high levels of both the opioid peptide dynorphin and receptors that may be involved in phenotypic switching during hyperalgesia. We identified multiple cell populations, representing opponent processes acting to promote and abrogate hyperalgesia. Surprisingly, both neural and glial substrates of plasticity were divergent between the models, but converged at the pathway level. Examples of convergent pathways included immune-like activation and upregulation of the dynorphin precursor gene, whereas the activation of neuronal genes was divergent. These investigations outline a multidisciplinary strategy for identification of targets for analgesia and hyperalgesia research, and identify a set of neuronal receptors for future analgesic target development.
Variable thrust and high efficiency propulsion with oscillating foils at high Reynolds numbers

Abstract Bio-inspired oscillatory foil propulsion has the ability to traverse various propulsive modes by dynamically changing the foil’s heave and pitch kinematics. This research characterizes the propulsion properties and wake dynamics of a symmetric oscillating foil, specifically targeting the high Reynolds number operation of small to medium surface vessels whose propulsive specifications have a broad range of loads and speeds. An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver with a k- ω SST turbulence model is used to sweep through pitch amplitude and frequency at two heave amplitudes of h 0 ∕ c = 1 and h 0 ∕ c = 2 at R e = 1 0 6 . At h 0 ∕ c = 2 , the maximum thrust coefficient is C T = 8 . 2 due to the large intercepted flow area of the foil, whereas at a decreased Strouhal number the thrust coefficient decreases and the maximum propulsive efficiency reaches 75%. Results illustrate the kinematics required to transition between the high-efficiency and high-thrust regimes at high Reynolds number and the resulting changes to the vortex wake structure. The unsteady vortex dynamics throughout the heave–pitch cycle strongly influence the characterization of thrust and propulsive efficiency, and are classified into flow regimes based on performance and vortex structure.
Identification of Knee Effusions With Ultrasound: A Comparison of Three Methods.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether simple methods can improve identification of suprapatellar joint fluid during sonographic evaluation of the knee. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Outpatient orthopaedic clinic. PATIENTS Fifty-two patients were sequentially recruited from an orthopaedic clinic. INTERVENTIONS Bilateral sonographic evaluation of the suprapatellar recess with static scanning, parapatellar pressure, or patient-initiated quadriceps contraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Identification of fluid in the suprapatellar recess. RESULTS Fifty-two patients (104 knees), consisting of 57 (54.8%) painful knees, were examined. Static scanning identified 45 effusions, parapatellar pressure identified 58 effusions, and quadriceps contraction identified 77 effusions. Quadriceps contraction was superior to parapatellar pressure for identifying an effusion {P < 0.001, proportion ratio [PR] = 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16, 1.52]}, painful knee effusions [P = 0.036, PR = 1.24 (95% CI = 1.06-1.44)], and painless knee effusions (P = 0.006, PR = 1.50 [95% CI = 1.16-1.93]). Both methods were superior to static scanning. Parapatellar pressure identified effusions in 16.9% of knees not seen on static scanning, whereas quadriceps contraction identified effusions in 54.2% of knees not seen on static scanning. Inter-rater reliability kappa values were 0.771 for static scanning (95% CI = 0.605-0.937), 0.686 for parapatellar pressure (95% CI = 0.531-0.840), and 0.846 for quadriceps contraction (95% CI = 0.703-0.990). CONCLUSIONS Parapatellar pressure and patient-initiated quadriceps contraction both improve sonographic detection of suprapatellar joint fluid with high inter-rater reliability; however, quadriceps contraction was superior to parapatellar pressure when assessing for grade 1 or occult effusions.
Early metazoan development: the origin of the Cambrian exuberance.

DESCRIPTION A number of common features can be observed in the earliest developing embryos of all animal phyla. A simple extant model of morphogenesis is outlined here, with the aim of giving a model of the relatively rapid appearance of Cambrian animals, 541-515 mya. Developmental patterning, elucidated by a simple linear model with only short-range diffusion of ligands, is given as the origin of the most primitive animals. The key aspect of the model involves the interaction between the emergence of the Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways. The non-canonical Wnt pathway is crucial in first establishing a sphere of cells, by way of cell-cell connection fi bers. A mutation in the Wnt pathway at the dawn of multicellular organisms is argued to have given rise to the early Hh pathway, and their interaction gives two spatially separate gene determination regions, the key goal of biological patterning.
Sequence-based bioprospecting of myo-inositol oxygenase (Miox) reveals new homologues that increase glucaric acid production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract myo-Inositol oxygenase (Miox) is a rate-limiting enzyme for glucaric acid production via microbial fermentation. The enzyme converts myo-inositol to glucuronate, which is further converted to glucaric acid, a natural compound with industrial uses that range from detergents to pharmaceutical synthesis to polymeric materials. More than 2,000 Miox sequences are available in the Uniprot database but only thirteen are classified as reviewed in Swiss-Prot (August 2019). In this study, sequence similarity networks were used to identify new homologues to be expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for glucaric acid production. The expression of four homologues did not lead to product formation. Some of these enzymes may have a defective “dynamic lid” – a structural feature important to close the reaction site – which might explain the lack of activity. Thirty-one selected Miox sequences did allow for product formation, of which twenty-five were characterized for the first time. Expression of Talaromyces marneffei Miox led to the accumulation of 1.76 ± 0.33 g glucaric acid/L from 20 g glucose/L and 10 g/L myo-inositol. Specific glucaric acid titer with TmMiox increased 44 % compared to the often-used Arabidopsis thaliana variant AtMiox4 (0.258 vs. 0.179 g glucaric acid/g biomass). AtMiox4 activity decreased from 12.47 to 0.40 nmol/min/mg protein when cells exited exponential phase during growth on glucose, highlighting the importance of future research on Miox stability in order to further improve microbial production of glucaric acid.
Exchanging the Myth of a Step-by-Step Scientific Method for a More Authentic Description of Inquiry in Practice

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) describes scientific inquiry as “the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work” (NRC 1996, p. 23). This emphasis on diverse ways is infrequently depicted in science textbooks which tend to emphasize a single scientific method to describe scientific inquiries (Anderson 2002; Sterner 1998; Bauer 1992; Conant 1947). One of the most prevalent myths about science is scientists use a single method to solve problems (Lederman 1998; McComas 1996; Bauer 1992; Duschl 1990; Conant 1947). There is some utility in discussing the single scientific method to identify the steps and characteristics of scientific investigations but this one-size-fit all model does not accurately reflect the diverse approaches that real-world scientists take when conducting investigations. This chapter will focus on the myth and reality of the scientific method so that science teachers can better provide students with accurate views on how scientists contribute to the scientific knowledge base. Before discussing the reality of the scientific method, it will be useful to examine how textbooks often portray knowledge production in science.
Gate-Driver Integrated Junction Temperature Estimation of SiC MOSFET Modules

SiC MOSFET power modules are becoming global solution in environment harsh systems. Achieving reliability of such systems is of upmost importance due to large economic implications. Thereby, focus of this paper is ultimately improving the reliability of the SiC MOSFETS by bringing intelligence on the gate-driver (GD) with providing insight on real-time behaviour of relevant switch information. Device switch-current I d , apart from being used for short-circuit detection assessing the short-term reliability, in the combination with the on-state drain-to-source V ds,on enables possibility for the online junction temperature (T J ) estimation. The knowledge of T J can enable active thermal control and condition monitoring of the SiC MOSFET device such as state-of-health, remaining useful life, maintenance scheduling, etc. tackling the long-term reliability aspect. The T J model is obtained through calibration procedure, and stored in the FLASH memory located on the GD. With the aid of FPGA, developed look-up table is assessed, enabling real-time junction temperature monitoring for both devices in the commercial SiC MOSFET half-bridge module configuration.
Digital Phenotyping and Digital Psychotropic Drugs: Mental Health Surveillance Tools That Threaten Human Rights

Digital technologies and tools hold much promise. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how helpful telehealth platforms and mental health applications (apps) can be in a time of quarantine and social distancing. However, such technologies also pose risks to human rights at both the individual and population levels. For example, there are concerns not just about privacy but also about the agency and autonomy of the person using mental health apps. In this paper, we describe what digital phenotyping is, how it is used to predict mood, and why we ought to exercise caution before embracing it as a means of mental health surveillance. We also discuss the United States' recent regulatory approval of the first-ever "digital" drug, an antipsychotic (aripiprazole) embedded with a sensor. Digital aripiprazole was developed in order to increase medication compliance, but we argue that it may undermine a rights-based approach in the mental health field by reinforcing coercive practices and power imbalances. The global dissemination and promotion of these apps raise human rights concerns.
Psychiatric comorbidity as predictor and moderator of binge-eating disorder treatment outcomes: an analysis of aggregated randomized controlled trials.

Background Psychiatric comorbidity is common in binge-eating disorder (BED) but effects on treatment outcomes are unknown. The current study aimed to determine whether psychiatric comorbidity predicted or moderated BED treatment outcomes. Methods In total, 636 adults with BED in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed prior, throughout, and posttreatment by doctoral research-clinicians using reliably-administered semi-structured interviews, self-report measures, and measured weight. Data were aggregated from RCTs testing cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral weight loss, multi-modal (combined pharmacological plus cognitive-behavioral/behavioral), and/or control conditions. Intent-to-treat analyses (all available data) tested comorbidity (mood, anxiety, 'any disorder' separately) as predictors and moderators of outcomes. Mixed-effects models tested comorbidity effects on binge-eating frequency, global eating-disorder psychopathology, and weight. Generalized estimating equation models tested binge-eating remission (zero binge-eating episodes during the past month; missing data imputed as failure). Results Overall, 41% of patients had current psychiatric comorbidity; 22% had mood and 23% had anxiety disorders. Psychiatric comorbidity did not significantly moderate the outcomes of specific treatments. Psychiatric comorbidity predicted worse eating-disorder psychopathology and higher binge-eating frequency across all treatments and timepoints. Patients with mood comorbidity were significantly less likely to remit than those without mood disorders (30% v. 41%). Psychiatric comorbidity neither predicted nor moderated weight loss. Conclusions Psychiatric comorbidity was associated with more severe BED psychopathology throughout treatment but did not moderate outcomes. Findings highlight the need to improve treatments for BED with psychiatric comorbidities but challenge perspectives that combining existing psychological and pharmacological interventions is warranted. Treatment research must identify more effective interventions for BED overall and for patients with comorbidities.
Changing Latino Adolescents' Substance Use Norms and Behaviors: the Effects of Synchronized Youth and Parent Drug Use Prevention Interventions.

While parent and youth substance use prevention interventions have shown beneficial effects on preadolescents, many programs have typically targeted US born European American and African American families while overlooking the unique factors that characterize recent immigrant Latino families. This article presents the results on youth substance use when adding a culturally grounded parenting component, Familias Preparando la Nueva Generacion (FPNG), to the existing and already proven efficacious classroom-based drug abuse prevention intervention, keepin’it REAL (kiR). Data come from youth (N = 267) participating in the randomized control trial of the interventions who were surveyed at baseline (beginning at 7th grade) and 18 months later (end of 8th grade). Using multivariate linear regression path analyses, results indicate when FPNG and kiR are combined, youth had significantly lowered alcohol and cigarettes use at the end of 8th grade, mediated through anti-drug norms, when compared with youth who only participated in kiR without parental participation in FPNG. These findings indicate that adolescent normative beliefs and related behaviors can be changed through synchronized culturally grounded parent and youth interventions and together can play an important role in reducing adolescent substance use.
Assessment of total silver and silver nanoparticle extraction from medical devices

There is concern over the release of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from medical devices due to their potential toxicological consequences inside the body. Towards developing the exposure component of a risk assessment model, the purpose of this study was to determine the amount and physical form of silver released from medical devices. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm that three of five marketed medical devices contained nanosilver coatings (mean feature sizes 115-341 nm). Aqueous device extracts (water, saline and human plasma) were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The amount of silver extracted from the devices ranged from 1 × 10(-1) to 1 × 10(6) ng/cm(2) (conditions ranged from 37 to 50 °C, over one hour to seven days). The results further indicated that one of the five devices (labeled MD1) released significantly more AgNPs than the other devices. This data suggests that some but not all devices that are formulated with nanosilver may release detectable levels of AgNPs upon extraction. Further work is underway to quantitate the proportion of silver released as AgNPs and to incorporate this data into a risk assessment for AgNP exposure from medical devices.
Association and linkage with quantitative traits

This paper examines two approaches for the analysis of quantitative traits: (1) association studies and (2) linkage studies. The trait studied was Q1 from simulated Problem 2 data set in Genetic Analysis Workshop 9. Our purpose was to evaluate associations present in the data, to identify nongenetic and genetic predictors of the trait, and to explore the simulated genome for linkage. Through the association study, we found evidence for the primary major gene associated with this trait. The linkage study found evidence of residual genetic effect acting through other traits. Adjustments of Q1 for Q2 and Q3 led to a failure to find significant effects of MG2 and MG3. This supports the suggestion that adjustment for genetically influenced traits for effects of other genetic traits can reduce the power to detect major gene effects. In summary, we detected the major gene directly associated with the trait of interest through association studies. Linkage analysis detected evidence for two other genes associated to a lesser degree with the trait.
Improved Device for the Administration of Fungal Spores to Small Animals via the Respiratory Route

An improved device has been designed and constructed for the administration of fungal spores or other air-suspended particles to mice via inhalation. Fabricated from Lucite [0.25 inch (0.63 cm)], the device was built in the shape of a 6-inch (15.2-cm) cube with two 1-inch (2.5-cm) holes drilled in each side. Mice are restrained in plastic conical centrifuge tubes which fit into the holes by friction. The device is safe, easily cleaned and sterilized, and can accommodate up to eight animals at a single exposure.
A stream-based methane monitoring approach for evaluating groundwater impacts associated with unconventional gas development.

Gaining streams can provide an integrated signal of relatively large groundwater capture areas. In contrast to the point-specific nature of monitoring wells, gaining streams coalesce multiple flow paths. Impacts on groundwater quality from unconventional gas development may be evaluated at the watershed scale by the sampling of dissolved methane (CH4 ) along such streams. This paper describes a method for using stream CH4 concentrations, along with measurements of groundwater inflow and gas transfer velocity interpreted by 1-D stream transport modeling, to determine groundwater methane fluxes. While dissolved ionic tracers remain in the stream for long distances, the persistence of methane is not well documented. To test this method and evaluate CH4 persistence in a stream, a combined bromide (Br) and CH4 tracer injection was conducted on Nine-Mile Creek, a gaining stream in a gas development area in central Utah. A 35% gain in streamflow was determined from dilution of the Br tracer. The injected CH4 resulted in a fivefold increase in stream CH4 immediately below the injection site. CH4 and δ(13) CCH4 sampling showed it was not immediately lost to the atmosphere, but remained in the stream for more than 2000 m. A 1-D stream transport model simulating the decline in CH4 yielded an apparent gas transfer velocity of 4.5 m/d, describing the rate of loss to the atmosphere (possibly including some microbial consumption). The transport model was then calibrated to background stream CH4 in Nine-Mile Creek (prior to CH4 injection) in order to evaluate groundwater CH4 contributions. The total estimated CH4 load discharging to the stream along the study reach was 190 g/d, although using geochemical fingerprinting to determine its source was beyond the scope of the current study. This demonstrates the utility of stream-gas sampling as a reconnaissance tool for evaluating both natural and anthropogenic CH4 leakage from gas reservoirs into groundwater and surface water.
Epicentral location based on Rayleigh wave Empirical Green's Functions from ambient seismic noise

SUMMARY A new method to locate the epicentre of regional seismic events is developed with strengths and limitations complementary to existing location methods. This new technique is based on applying empirical Green's functions (EGFs) for Rayleigh waves between 7 and 15 s period that are determined by cross-correlation of ambient noise time-series recorded at pairs of seismic receivers. The important advantage of this method, in comparison with standard procedures based on use of body wave traveltimes, is that it does not rely on an earth model. Rather it is based on interpolating the EGFs to arbitrary hypothetical event locations. The method is tested by locating well known ‘Ground Truth' crustal events in the western United States (magnitude 4 earthquakes in California, magnitude 3 earthquakes in Utah, and a mine collapse) as well as locating seismic stations as virtual events. In these applications, location errors average less than 1 km, but are expected to vary with event mechanism and depth. Numerical simulations show that the method optimizes when source depth is less than 1 km or more than 5 km, and when the source mechanism is nearly purely strike-slip, thrust or normal.
Bilateral ovarian fibromas in a 5-year-old

ferentiated anaplastic malignant tumor of the cervix. No tumor was found in twenty-nine excised lymph nodes.” The slides were submitted for consultation tu the Committee on Gynecologic Pathology of the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Four of the Committee diagnosed the lesion as adenocarcinoma of the cervix. One member diagnosed it as pleomorphic sarcoma, probably mixed mesodermal tumor. However, another of the Committee said that he would not diagnose sarcoma. Another examiner suggested a mesonephric origin. The patient has been examined regularly since leaving the hospital. She has no clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrence. The Papanicolaou smears have remained normal. She has had a normal growth pattern and normal development iIf secondary sex characteristics.
Laparoscopic intracorporeal ultrasound versus fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography: after the learning curve.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic intracorporeal ultrasound (LICU) to those of fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (FIOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after the initial learning curve for LICU. Methods: Data were prospectively collected on patients undergoing LC. A consecutive series of 394 LICU patients was compared to a consecutive series of 400 FIOC patients when each imaging procedure was preferentially performed. Patients during the transition period, including the first 100 LICU patients, were excluded. Results: Demographics and preoperative diagnoses were similar in the two groups. Excluding those who were converted to open cholecystectomy and those in whom an imaging exam was not attempted, FIOC was successful in 361 of 374 (97%) patients and LICU was successful in 377 of 380 (99%) patients (p < 0.03). The mean times (±SEM) to complete FIOC and LICU were 16.0 (±0.5) min and 5.1 (±0.1) min (p < 0.0001), respectively, Choledocholithiasis was detected in 25 patients (7%) undergoing FIOC and in 39 patients (10%) undergoing LICU (p = 0.1). During LICU the common bile duct was visualized in continuity from the cystic duct to ampulla in 90% of cases. The common bile duct could not be completely visualized in continuity at the middle or distal portion of the common bile duct in 5% and 6% of LICU cases, respectively. One LICU patient (0.3%) with an incompletely visualized duct had a suspected stone confirmed by postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). One patient with negative FIOC (0.3%) had a retained stone treated by postoperative ERCP. Conclusion: LICU is safe and accurate, and it permits a more rapid evaluation of bile duct stones than FIOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The false-negative rate of both imaging techniques is less than 1%.
Repression of somatostatin gene transcription mediated by two promoter silencer elements.

Abstract We report that expression of the somatostatin gene in pancreatic islet and in non-islet cells is negatively regulated by two proximal silencer elements, PS1 and PS2. Transient transfection assays showed that PS1 decreases somatostatin gene promoter activity stimulated by an upstream enhancer in the islet D-cell line RIN-1027-B2, but not in the islet B-cell line RIN-1046-38, whereas PS2 inhibits gene transcription in both B- and D-cell lines. In BHK fibroblasts, both PS1 and PS2 independently inhibit somatostatin gene promoter activity, suggesting that both elements are involved in preventing the expression of the somatostatin gene in non-islet cells. DNA-binding studies revealed that both PS1 and PS2 bind similar nuclear protein complexes in islet and non-islet cells (120 and 130 kDa). PS1 also binds a 100-kDa protein present in islet B- and D-cell lines. In addition, both PS1 and PS2 bind three D-cell-specific protiens (40, 43 and 45 kDa). These observations support a direct involvement of both positive and negative transcriptional control mechanisms in the regulation of the islet cell-specific expression of the somatostatin gene.
The Trail of Votes in Ukraine's 1998, 1999, and 2002 Elections

Despite allegations of fraud and elite manipulation, voting in Russia since 1993, including its Duma and presidential elections, follows a largely consistent and understandable pattern. The question is whether the same can be said of Ukraine, which has been the target of many of the same allegations of electoral manipulation. Using an analysis based on official data aggregated up to the level of individual rayons, two political scientists investigate whether a similarly consistent pattern emerges in Ukraine between the parliamentary elections of 1998 and 2002, including the Ukrainian presidential election of 1999.
Kernel Feature Space Based Low Velocity Impact Monitoring

Impact damage has been identified as a critical form of defect that constantly threatens the reliability of composite structures, such as those used in aircrafts and naval vessels. Low energy impacts can introduce barely visible damage and cause structural degradation. Therefore, efficient structural health monitoring methods, which can accurately detect, quantify, and localize impact damage in complex composite structures, are required. In this paper a novel damage detection methodology is demonstrated for monitoring and quantifying the impact damage propagation. Statistical feature matrices, composed of features extracted from the time and frequency domains, are developed. Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) is used to compress and classify the statistical feature matrices. Compared with traditional PCA algorithm, KPCA method shows better feature clustering and damage quantification capabilities. A new damage index, formulated using Mahalanobis distance, is defined to quantify impact damage. The developed methodology has been validated using low velocity impact experiments with a sandwich composite wing.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Life history and the evolution of human maturation

The Taung child, like fossils of other individuals who died before reaching adulthood, is a piece of the puzzle of the evolution of human growth and development, the puzzle of when, how, and why human “life history” evolved into its modern form. With regard to Taung, interest focuses on both its rate of growth (maturation of the child in relation to its age) and its pattern of growth (synchrony of the elements of maturation). The meaning of rates and patterns of growth, as well as the interpretation of maturation of Taung or any other fossil mammal, are best understood through the broad perspectives provided by comparative study of mammalian life history and the techniques of allometry.
Images of Success and the Preference for Luxury Brands

This research examines the impact of media depictions of success (or failure) on consumers’ desire for luxury brands. In a pilot study and three additional studies, we demonstrate that reading a story about a similar/successful other, such as a business major from the same university, increases consumers’ expectations about their own future wealth, which in turn increases their desire for luxury brands. However, reading about a dissimilar successful other, such as a biology major, lowers consumers’ preferences for luxury brands. Furthermore, we examine the role of ease of imagining oneself in the narrative as a mediator of the relation between direction of comparison, similarity, and brand preference.
The myopic eye of the black moor goldfish

Optical and anatomical methods were used to establish the refractive state of the eye of the Black Moor variety of goldfish. The eye is strongly myopic. The refractive error in 12 eyes from 6 fish ranged from 89 to 268 D.
An evaluation of mercury levels in Louisiana fish: Trends and public health issues

To characterize statewide fish tissue mercury levels in edible finfish the first comprehensive analysis of Louisiana's fish tissue mercury database was conducted. Analyses were based on fifteen years of fish tissue mercury data collected from 368 waterbodies between 1994 and 2008 (n=14,344). The overall objectives of this study were to establish baseline fish tissue mercury levels; and evaluate species-specific temporal and spatial trends in fish tissue mercury levels. Fish tissue mercury levels ranged from 0.001 ppm (the detection limit) to 5.904 ppm for king mackerel; with an overall geometric mean of 0.218 ppm. Ninety-five percent of samples had mercury levels below the FDA's action level of 1.0 ppm for methylmercury in commercial food. Forty-four percent of all samples had mercury levels above the U.S. EPA's methylmercury fish tissue criterion of 0.3 ppm for sportfish. Species of potential concern include cobia, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, greater amberjack, spotted bass, bowfin, largemouth bass and freshwater drum. There was a significant but small decline in statewide length-adjusted largemouth bass mercury levels between 1994-1999 to 2003-2008 (p<0.05). The highest fish mercury levels were observed in Pearl, Calcasieu, Mermentau, Ouachita, Pontchartrain and Sabine basins. Length-adjusted largemouth bass mercury levels were significantly higher in wetlands and rivers/streams vs. lakes; and in wetlands vs. estuaries (p<0.05). Data were analyzed from a public health perspective to make recommendations for optimizing monitoring and outreach.
Improved resistively-loaded vee dipole for ground-penetrating radar applications

A new RVD has been designed. The new RVD has curved arms and is loaded with a modified Wu-King resistive profile. The RVD showed improved responses in a broad range of frequency, which make it more suitable to use in a GPR system than a typical RVD. One way of implementing the antenna was shown.
Rational design of a three‐heptad coiled‐coil protein and comparison by molecular dynamics simulation with the GCN4 coiled coil: Presence of interior three‐center hydrogen bonds

alpha-Helical coiled coils have a 7-residue repeating pattern (abcdefg) where a and d are usually hydrophobic. We have designed a 2-stranded 44-residue coiled-coil protein (P44) consisting of 2 22-residue alpha-helices linked by 2 terminal disulfide groups to test whether the disulfide bridges could stabilize a 3-heptad coiled coil. P44 should be stabilized by intrahelical hydrogen bonds, interhelical disulfide and salt bridges, and interior hydrophobic interactions. A computer model of P44 was built and its stability was studied by molecular dynamics simulation with explicit water. This doubly crosslinked 3-heptad coiled coil did not unfold during a 300-ps simulation with explicit water. This doubly crosslinked 3-heptad coiled coil did not unfold during a 300-ps simulation. But reduced P44 with 4 thiol groups did unfold. For comparison, the 62-residue crystal structure of the 4-heptad coiled coil of transcription activator GCN4 did not unfold during a 300-ps simulation. Thus P44 may be a stable folded protein in aqueous solution. These simulations revealed the presence of 2 local hydrogen bond networks involving intra-helical 3-center hydrogen bonds in the hydrophobic interior of the coiled coils of GCN4 and P44. The NH hydrogen at d makes a 3-center hydrogen bond whose major component is to the i - 4 C = O oxygen at g and minor component is to the solvent-inaccessible i - 3 C = O oxygen at a. Likewise, the NH hydrogen at g makes a 3-center hydrogen bond with the i - 4 C = O oxygen at c and the buried i - 3 C = O oxygen at d.
A conditional feedback loop regulates Ras activity through EphA2

The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed in many cancers, including 40% of breast cancers. Here, we show that EphA2 is a direct transcriptional target of the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway and that ligand-stimulated EphA2 attenuates the growth factor-induced activation of Ras. Thus, a negative feedback loop is created that regulates Ras activity. Interestingly, the expression of EphA2 and ephrin-A1 is mutually exclusive in a panel of 28 breast cancer cell lines. We show that the MAPK pathway inhibits ephrin-A1 expression, and the ligand expression inhibits EphA2 levels contributing to the receptor-ligand reciprocal expression pattern in these cell lines. Our results suggest that an escape from the negative effects of this interaction may be important in the development of cancer.
STEELEX: A coupled expert system for integrated design of steel structures

Abstract Most expert systems developed so far are concerned with symbolic processing of a knowledge base. Solution of complex engineering problems often requires substantial numerical processing in addition to symbolic processing of heuristics and experiential knowledge. In this paper, we present STEELEX, a prototype knowledge-based expert system for integrated design of building structures consisting of moment-resisting steel frames. STEELEX is a coupled system in which AI symbolic processing is combined with conventional numerical processing. STEELEX produces the final detailed design including the beam-column connections ready for fabrication. In addition, it can explain the basis of design and the principles behind the design specification. STEELEX has been developed using a domain-specific tool called SDL (for Structural D esign L anguage). Implemented in the INTERLISP environment, SDL provides a design problem-solving environment using a hierarchical cooperating specialists paradigm. STEELEX has a debugging facility and provides a multiwindow graphics interface for drawing isometric as well as orthographic views of the steel frame and beam-column connections.
Observations on the Fine Structure of the “Cyst Stage” of Besnoitia jellisoni

SYNOPSIS. Light and electron microscope studies of the “cyst” of Besnoitia jellisoni indicate that it consists of an extracellular wall, a large, sometimes multinucleate, host cell, and an intracellular vacuole containing the parasites. The “cyst” wall has fine fibrils and small dense granules embedded in an election-lucid matrix. The wall may be formed from a secretion of the enclosed host cell. The plasma membrane of the host cell is very irregular, being modified into microvillar or pseudopodial extensions. Small vesicles and invaginations of the plasma membrane indicate mioropinocytosis. The one to several large lobular nuclei lie in a thick area of cytoplasm which is filled with rough endoplasmic reticulum and many mitochondria with lamellar cristae. The parasite-containing vacuole is limited by a vacuolar membrane which has many blebs suggesting a transfer of materials into the vacuole. The “cyst” organisms are crescentic or piriform and are enclosed by a pellicle consisting of outer and inner membranes. Twenty-two subpellicular fibrils extend longitudinally adjacent to the inner membrane from the anterior polar ring to a posterior ring. A micropyle is situated laterally in the pelliole near the level of the nucleus. A conold and several associated paired organelles are present at the anterior end. Microuemes, more abundant in older organisms, are also present in the anterior portion of the parasite. A Golgi apparatus lies adjacent and anterior to the nucleus. One or more mitochondria with saccular cristae, ovoid glycogen bodies, free ribosomes and occasional vacuoles are also present. Organisms within the “cyst” multiply by endodyogeny.
The Increasing English Homicide Rate

In England and Wales from 1980 to 1987, the increasing homicide rate did not appear to be associated with an increase in the proportion of 15- to 24-yr.-olds.
Personality differences between sick and rarely sick individuals.

Abstract Personality differences between sick and rarely sick individuals were measured. There was no difference between these groups in amount or type of life change experienced indicating that the population as a whole was very stable and homogeneous. There were significant differences of frustration and satisfaction. Satisfaction appeared to be linearly related to health status: as satisfaction decreased, frequency of illness increased. Finally, differences in worrying indicated that the rarely sick people seldom worried or felt “uptight”, while sick individuals reported feeling chronically “uptight” and worried. These findings are discussed in terms of the stability of the population, the relationship of psychological and physiological symptoms of illness, and the personality profile of a rarely sick individual.
An efficient constraint to account for mistuning effects in the optimal design of engine rotors

Blade-to-blade differences in structural properties, unavoidable in practice due to manufacturing tolerances, can have significant influence on the vibratory response of engine rotor blade. Accounting for these differences, also known as mistuning, in design and in optimization procedures is generally not possible. This note presents an easily calculated constraint that can be used in design and optimization procedures to control the sensitivity of final designs to mistuning.
Some Basic and Clinical Challenges in the Pulmonary Circulation

Iis a special honor to deliver the Simon Rodbard lecture. Si Rodbard was an intense, bright person with a fine critical mind. His early analysis of the hemodynamic properties of the pulmonary circula- tion provided a major advance and led to the later contributions of John West and Solbert Permutt. I do not believe it an exaggeration to suggest that he anticipated the zonal distribution of blood flow in the lung as a function of gravity, the application