cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) to abamectin in Midsouth cotton

Abstract Many applications of abamectin for control of twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch), in Midsouth cotton have been made over the last ten years. Field-control failures and shortened residual control have recently been observed and may be an indication of resistance formation. The fast activity and relatively low costs of abamectin products have made repeat and consecutive applications more frequent as incidence of T. urticae infestations have increased in Midsouth cotton. Using a leaf-dip bioassay, studies were conducted to evaluate resistance levels to abamectin in 12 populations of T. urticae collected from the Midsouth. Two populations in Louisiana were highly resistant with corresponding LC50 values of 0.082 and 0.184 ppm and resistance ratios of 630 and 1415-fold. In contrast, one population from Mississippi was slightly resistant with an LC50 value of 0.0021 ppm and a resistance ratio of 11.1 compared with a susceptible control population. LC50 values for all colonies were significantly greater than the control population. These results demonstrate that variable levels of abamectin resistance exists in populations of T. urticae from Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Implications from this study emphasize the importance of implementing integrated pest management and judicial use of acaricides for control of damaging populations of T. urticae. This is the first documentation of abamectin resistance in T. urticae in the Midsouth.
H. P. LOVECRAFT NO CINEMA DOS ANOS 70 E 80: DA INADAPTABILIDADE AOS NOVOS REINOS IMAGINATIVOS

RECEBIDO EM 05 MAR 2017 APROVADO EM 30 MAR 2017 Neste trabalho, buscamos identificar em filmes de David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott, John Carpenter e outros realizadores o dialogo com a literatura de horror, mais especificamente com os contos de H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937). Revisitando a tese da inadaptabilidade de Lovecraft, veremos como os contos do escritor estadunidense exerceram grande apelo nas decadas finais do seculo XX, e tem se mostrado fonte recorrente para o cinema contemporâneo. Nesse sentido, propomos observar obras-chave do cinema de horror e ficcao cientifica dos anos de 1970 e 1980, relacionando-as aos temas filosoficos, esteticos e mitologicos elaborados por Lovecraft, dentro do momento historico em que foram produzidas. // In this paper, we seek to identify in the oeuvre of David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott, John Carpenter and other filmmakers the dialogue with horror literature, more specifically with the short stories of H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937). Revisiting the theory that considers Lovecraft unadaptable for the screen, we will see how the stories of the American writer exerted great appeal in the final decades of the twentieth century, and have proven to be a recurring source for contemporary cinema. In this sense, we propose to observe key works of horror and science fiction cinema of the 1970s and 1980s, relating them to the philosophical, aesthetic and mythological themes elaborated by Lovecraft, within the historical moment in which these films were produced. DOI: 10.12957/abusoes.2017.27810
UberHOP in Seattle: Who, Why, and How?

UberHOP is a commute-focused interpretation of the Uber suite of transportation services, with the goal of reducing personal vehicle commute trips. The service first launched in Seattle, Washington, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in December 2015 and expanded to Manila, Philippines, in early 2016. UberHOP is similar to vanpooling with fixed pickup and drop-off locations in the primary commute direction during peak hours, but it leverages Uber’s ridesourcing platform to replace fixed departure schedules with riders matched in real time. This paper reports on an intercept survey (83% response rate) to understand who rode, how they traveled to the pickup location, why they rode, and what modes UberHOP was replacing for all 11 UberHOP routes in Seattle during the morning and evening commute periods. In addition, detailed trip and total rider count data were collected during the survey administration process. The results show that many UberHOP riders made UberHOP their primary form of commute mode. Unlike stand...
Abstract 18229: HIV-NEF Modulates T-Cell Interaction With Endothelial Cells in a Rac-Dependent Pathway to Enhance Transfer of Nef Protein to Endothelium

Introduction: Anti-Retroviral therapy (ART) has reduced the incidence of AIDS but HIV+ patients face an increased risk of developing vascular pathologies including pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. We found Nef protein in PBMCs of HIV patients on ART and that this protein is transferred to vascular endothelium where it subsequently causes reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis. The mechanism through which Nef protein) transfers to endothelial cells (EC) is poorly understood. In this study, we will study how Nef affects T Cell-EC interaction in a Rac-dependent fashion and confirm these findings in PBMCs from HIV+ patients on ART. Methods: SupT1 cells expressing a Nef-ER fusion protein (AIDS reagent repository) serves as a model of inducible Nef activity. For adhesion assays, Nef-ER cells (stained green with calcein AM) were allowed to adhere to endothelial cell monolayer for 1 hr. Non-adhered cells were washed 1x with PBS and adhered cells quantified using flow cytometry & microscopy. For transmigration assays, Nef-ER SupT1 cells were allowed to transmigrate through an EC monolayer. The number of transmigrated cells were quantified using CyQuant Cell quantification kit. To study Nef-Rac interactions, Nef-ER cell lysate was immuneprecipitated using Rabbit anti-Nef serum (AIDS reagent repository) and then analyzed using western blotting. Results: Nef expression significantly increased T-Cell adhesion (1.5 fold, p = 0.01) to EC and T-cell migration (1.5 fold, p = 0.0005) through EC monolayer in response to 10% FBS gradient, CXCL12 and CCL21. These effects were neutralized when Nef+ T cells were treated with Rac inhibitor, NSC23766 and Atorvastatin (which pleotropically inhibits Rac activity). Immunoprecipitation of Nef from the cell lysate also pulled down Rac as shown by western blot. Conclusion: By upregulating adhesion and transmigration of T cells, Nef increases the time Nef+ T cells spend in contact with ECs allowing Nef to transfer into the vascular endothelium. We are currently confirming these assays in PBMCs of HIV patients on ART to characterize T-Cell - EC interaction in an ex vivo model of HIV.
A critical assessment of Pereboom’s Frankfurt-style example

In this paper, I assess Derk Pereboom’s argument for the thesis that moral responsibility does not require the ability to do otherwise. I argue that the Frankfurt-style example Pereboom develops presupposes a prior act or omission which the agent was able to avoid. This undermines his argument. I propose a way for Pereboom to revise his example and thereby undercut this objection. Along the way, I also argue that Pereboom should supplement his account of what counts as a robust alternative—an alternative of the sort that should matter to those who argue for an ability-to-do-otherwise condition on moral responsibility.
Abstract 14080: Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Cardiac Protein Expression in Hypertrophy

Introduction: Whether gene expression is predominantly regulated by transcriptional or post-transcriptional processes is often debated. Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is associated with the dysregulation of protein homeostasis, but how this may affect the cardiac protein expression profile has not been examined. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the rates of protein turnover contribute to cardiac hypertrophy by acting as a post-transcriptional regulation of cardiac protein expression profile. Methods: We integrated stable isotope mass spectrometry, computational modeling and a systems genetics model to generate a large dataset on protein dynamics in six inbred mouse strains showing contrasting susceptibilities to cardiac hypertrophy. To identify candidate disease markers, we performed regression modeling of proteome parameters over phenotypic responses. A meta-analysis on existing transcriptomics datasets was performed to compare implicated disease genes from transcript and protein data. Results: We analyzed the turnover and abundance of 3,228 proteins in cardiac hypertrophy, encompassing 201 cellular pathways. The data were acquired from 1,404 mass spectrometry experiments. The data shows evidence that functionally-related proteins are co-regulated in turnover, with the turnover rate of glycolytic enzymes positively correlated with the severity of hypertrophy (r > 0.58), whereas the turnover of fatty acid oxidation pathways is negatively correlated (r Conclusions: We demonstrate that protein dynamics information provides independent and complementary insights into the regulation of gene expression in the diseased heart, and can avail in-depth elucidation of disease drivers and mechanisms.
Effects of a 4-Week Intrinsic Foot Muscle Exercise Program on Motor Function: A Preliminary Randomized Control Trial.

Context:Intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercises are utilized clinically in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions. However, the effectiveness of training on IFM motor function is unknown.Objective:To study the effects of a 4-week IFM exercise program on motor function, perceived difficulty, and IFM motor activation measured using ultrasound imaging (USI) during three IFM exercises.Design:Single-blinded randomized control trial.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:24 healthy, recreationally-active young adults without history of ankle-foot injury who have never performed IFM exercises participated (12 males, 12 females; mean age=21.5±4.8 years; BMI=23.5±2.9 kg/m2)Intervention:Following randomization, participants allocated to the intervention group received a 4-week progressive home IFM exercise program performed daily. Participants in the control group did not receive any intervention.Main Outcome Measures:Clinician-assessed motor performance (4-point scale: 0=does not initiate movement, 3=performs exercise ...
Hot subdwarfs formed from the merger of two He white dwarfs

We perform stellar evolution calculations of the remnant of the merger of two He white dwarfs (WDs). Our initial conditions are taken from hydrodynamic simulations of double WD mergers and the viscous disc phase that follows. We evolve these objects from shortly after the merger into their core He-burning phase, when they appear as hot subdwarf stars. We use our models to quantify the amount of H that survives the merger, finding that it is difficult for $\gtrsim 10^{-4}\;{\rm M}_\odot$ of H to survive, with even less being concentrated in the surface layers of the object. We also study the rotational evolution of these merger remnants. We find that mass loss over the $\sim 10^4\;\rm yr$ following the merger can significantly reduce the angular momentum of these objects. As hot subdwarfs, our models have moderate surface rotation velocities of $30-100\; {\rm km\,s^{-1}}$. The properties of our models are not representative of many apparently-isolated hot subdwarfs, suggesting that those objects may form via other channels or that our modelling is incomplete. However, a sub-population of hot subdwarfs are moderate-to-rapid rotators and/or have He-rich atmospheres. Our models help to connect the observed properties of these objects to their progenitor systems.
Methylmercury promotes breast cancer cell proliferation.

Abstract Context Metalloestrogens are small ionic metals that activate the estrogen receptor (ER). Studies have shown that when metalloestrogens bind to the ER, there is an increase in transcription and expression of estrogen-regulated genes, which induces proliferation of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Methylmercury (MeHg), a metalloestrogen, is present in the environment and is toxic at moderate to high concentrations. However, at lower concentrations MeHg may promote the proliferation of ER-positive breast cancers and protect cells against pro-apoptotic signals. Objective To investigate the effects of MeHg treatment on breast cancer cells in vitro. Materials and methods MCF7 breast cancer cells were treated with concentrations of MeHg ranging from 1 nM to 100 mM. Hg analysis was used to quantify intracellular mercury concentrations. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by cell counting and Annexin-V staining, respectively. Results We defined a protocol that maximizes cellular exposure to mercury. Treatment of human ER-positive breast cancer cells with 1 nM MeHg promoted proliferation, while treatment with a concentration of 100 nM induced apoptosis. Discussion and conclusions Clarifying the effects of MeHg on breast cancer will improve our understanding of how environmental toxins affect tumor progression and may lead to the development of future therapeutic strategies.
The Radsim Simulator

In this chapter we describe Radsim (Radar simulation), a simulation environment developed to support the ANTs common challenge problem. Topics discussed include the general simulation model used, the models of the Doppler sensors and moving targets, the communication model used among the agents, the control of the system through an external API, and the support for conducting experiments.
Science fiction as a value scenario for historical technology

The value scenario is a useful tool in the sheaf of methods within value sensitive design. When envisioning new technology, this tool supports the designer in speculatively considering relevant stakeholders, values expressed or rebuffed by an artifact’s design, and tensions that may exist between those values. This paper explores how science fiction stories can serve as value scenarios to supplement traditional historical methods, especially when informants are no longer accessible.
Fluctuating Light in Historic Houses and Museums with Natural Lighting: Developing Monitoring Strategies with Time-Lapse Photography: A Case Study

Historic houses and modern museums lit predominately with natural light face similar challenges of monitoring fluctuating daylight. Light monitoring campaigns aid conservators in implementing preve...
Generation of four five-membered rings in a one pot process. Studies directed toward the synthesis of dicyclopenta[a,d]pentalene via the tandem Pauson-Khand reaction

Abstract The synthesis of the four five-membered rings of a suitably functionalized parent system 15 of dicyclopenta[a,d]pentalene 2 has been accomplished via a tandem Pauson-Khand reaction in a one pot process.
Histone deacetylase 11 inhibition promotes breast cancer metastasis from lymph nodes

Lymph node (LN) metastases correspond with a worse prognosis in nearly all cancers, yet the occurrence of cancer spreading from LNs remains controversial. Additionally, the mechanisms explaining how cancers survive and exit LNs are largely unknown. Here, we show that breast cancer patients frequently have LN metastases that closely resemble distant metastases. In addition, using a microsurgical model, we show how LN metastasis development and dissemination is regulated by the expression of a chromatin modifier, histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11). Genetic and pharmacologic blockade of HDAC11 decreases LN tumor growth, yet substantially increases migration and distant metastasis formation. Collectively, we reveal a mechanism explaining how HDAC11 plasticity promotes breast cancer growth as well as dissemination from LNs and suggest caution with the use of HDAC inhibitors.
A fork in the road.

In this issue of Blood, Xavier-Ferrucio et al provide new insights into the mechanisms responsible for the well-documented finding of thrombocytosis in patients with iron deficiency anemia. By using mouse and human models, they document that a low iron content in the bone marrow environment affects the megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs). This occurs because of induced alteration in their metabolism, attenuation of ERK signaling, slowing of cell proliferation, and biasing of the MEPs toward megakaryocyte commitment, which ultimately results in thrombocytosis and anemia.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the symbiotic infaunal snapping shrimp Leptalpheus forceps (Decapoda, Alpheidae).

The snapping shrimp Leptalpheus forceps (family Alpheidae) has a unique natural history as an infaunal symbiont of larger burrowing crustaceans. The mitogenome of L. forceps was sequenced, the firs...
Angina Hospitalization Rates in Women With Signs and Symptoms of Ischemia But no Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Report from the WISE (Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation) Study

Background Recurrent hospitalization is prevalent in women with signs and symptoms of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease. We hypothesized that rates of angina hospitalization might...
Exosomes as Sentinels against Bacterial Pathogens.

The ability of cells to form and release multiple classes of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an increasingly well-recognized phenomenon. EVs are best known as mediators of intercellular communication. However, in a recent issue of Nature, Keller et al. show that they function as decoys to mitigate bacterial toxins.
Interindividual differences in memory system local field potential activity predict behavioral strategy on a dual-solution T-maze.

Individuals can use diverse behavioral strategies to navigate their environment including hippocampal-dependent place strategies reliant upon cognitive maps and striatal-dependent response strategies reliant upon egocentric body turns. The existence of multiple memory systems appears to facilitate successful navigation across a wide range of environmental and physiological conditions. The mechanisms by which these systems interact to ultimately generate a unitary behavioral response, however, remain unclear. We trained 20 male, Sprague-Dawley rats on a dual-solution T-maze while simultaneously recording local field potentials that were targeted to the dorsolateral striatum and dorsal hippocampus. Eight rats spontaneously exhibited a place strategy while the remaining 12 rats exhibited a response strategy. Interindividual differences in behavioral strategy were associated with distinct patterns of LFP activity between the dorsolateral striatum and dorsal hippocampus. Specifically, striatal-hippocampal theta activity was in-phase in response rats and out-of-phase in place rats and response rats exhibited elevated striatal-hippocampal coherence across a wide range of frequency bands. These contrasting striatal-hippocampal activity regimes were (a) present during both maze-learning and a 30 min premaze habituation period and (b) could be used to train support vector machines to reliably predict behavioral strategy. Distinct patterns of neuronal activity across multiple memory systems, therefore, appear to bias behavioral strategy selection and thereby contribute to interindividual differences in behavior.
Hierarchical Deep Learning Neural Network (HiDeNN): An artificial intelligence (AI) framework for computational science and engineering

Abstract In this work, a unified AI-framework named Hierarchical Deep Learning Neural Network (HiDeNN) is proposed to solve challenging computational science and engineering problems with little or no available physics as well as with extreme computational demand. The detailed construction and mathematical elements of HiDeNN are introduced and discussed to show the flexibility of the framework for diverse problems from disparate fields. Three example problems are solved to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and versatility of the framework. The first example is designed to show that HiDeNN is capable of achieving better accuracy than conventional finite element method by learning the optimal nodal positions and capturing the stress concentration with a coarse mesh. The second example applies HiDeNN for multiscale analysis with sub-neural networks at each material point of macroscale. The final example demonstrates how HiDeNN can discover governing dimensionless parameters from experimental data so that a reduced set of input can be used to increase the learning efficiency. We further present a discussion and demonstration of the solution for advanced engineering problems that require state-of-the-art AI approaches and how a general and flexible system, such as HiDeNN-AI framework, can be applied to solve these problems.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound-Based Delivery of Radiolabeled Copper Nanoclusters to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an invasive pediatric brainstem malignancy exclusively in children without effective treatment due to the often-intact blood–brain tumor barrier (BBTB), a...
Defining Reparative Justice and Global Examples of Its Implementation

This chapter provides definitions of reparative and restorative justice and situates them in the context of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. It provides an overview of global examples of reparative justice and programs of reparations implemented by various countries in response to mass human rights violations and mass atrocity such as Germany, Morocco, Argentina, and Chile. It discusses the vulnerability and human rights violations genocide survivors in Rwanda face today and in the 26 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It critically explores concepts such as retributive justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness from the perspective of genocide survivors and advances a theory of reparative justice that is survivor centered. It discusses the gap between UN proclamations calling for assistance to genocide survivors and the lack of respect and fulfillment of these proclamations by the UN, its agencies, and member states. It illustrates how the Trust Fund of the International Criminal Court provides a framework for reparative justice for survivors of egregious human rights abuses and mass atrocity.
Juvenile Selenium Deficiency Impairs Cognition, Sensorimotor Gating, and Energy Homeostasis in Mice

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient of critical importance to mammalian life. Its biological effects are primarily mediated via co-translational incorporation into selenoproteins, as the unique amino acid, selenocysteine. These proteins play fundamental roles in redox signaling and includes the glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. Environmental distribution of Se varies considerably worldwide, with concomitant effects on Se status in humans and animals. Dietary Se intake within a narrow range optimizes the activity of Se-dependent antioxidant enzymes, whereas both Se-deficiency and Se-excess can adversely impact health. Se-deficiency affects a significant proportion of the world's population, with hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, reduced immunity, and impaired cognition being common symptoms. Although relatively less prevalent, Se-excess can also have detrimental consequences and has been implicated in promoting both metabolic and neurodegenerative disease in humans. Herein, we sought to comprehensively assess the developmental effects of both Se-deficiency and Se-excess on a battery of neurobehavioral and metabolic tests in mice. Se-deficiency elicited deficits in cognition, altered sensorimotor gating, and increased adiposity, while Se-excess was surprisingly beneficial.
The efficacy of the use of presumptive antibiotics in tube thoracostomy in thoracic trauma-results of a meta-analysis.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of presumptive antibiotics, used in chest traumas requiring thoracostomies, in preventing infections such as empyema and pneumonia. Methods According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies evaluating the role of antibiotics were included. Results Antibiotic administration was associated with a lower incidence of overall infectious complications (OR:0.6, 95%CI: 0.43 to 0.84, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis revealing that the best protective effect against empyema (OR:0.35, 95%CI to 0.65, p = 0.001). When stratified by trauma type, antibiotic use was protective in penetrating injuries, against empyema (OR:0.14, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.47, p = 0.001) and pneumonia (OR:0.24, 95%CI:, 0.12 to 0.53, p = 0.001) while there was no protective effect in blunt trauma against empyema (OR:0.25 95%CI: 0.03 to 1.73, p = 0.16) or pneumonia (OR:1.22, 95%CI: 0.38 3.90, p = 0.72). Conclusion Presumptive antibiotic use in thoracostomies has a clear role in preventing infectious complications in trauma patients. This role is primarily attributed to their protective effect on penetrating trauma patients.
MOGONET integrates multi-omics data using graph convolutional networks allowing patient classification and biomarker identification

To fully utilize the advances in omics technologies and achieve a more comprehensive understanding of human diseases, novel computational methods are required for integrative analysis of multiple types of omics data. Here, we present a novel multi-omics integrative method named Multi-Omics Graph cOnvolutional NETworks (MOGONET) for biomedical classification. MOGONET jointly explores omics-specific learning and cross-omics correlation learning for effective multi-omics data classification. We demonstrate that MOGONET outperforms other state-of-the-art supervised multi-omics integrative analysis approaches from different biomedical classification applications using mRNA expression data, DNA methylation data, and microRNA expression data. Furthermore, MOGONET can identify important biomarkers from different omics data types related to the investigated biomedical problems.
Building blocks of past, present and future BCD technologies

The critical building blocks that have enabled high-performance and high-reliability BCD technologies optimized for power management applications over the past 30 years are identified. These building blocks, which include process modules, equipment, measurement tools and devices, have been developed many decades ago and continue to enable new and improved technologies. In this report the significant impact of these building blocks on the industry’s BCD technology roadmap and performance is discussed.
The rapid diagnosis and effective inhibition of coronavirus using spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the coronavirus disease that began in 2019 (COVID-19), has been responsible for 1.4 million deaths worldwide as of 13 November 2020. Because at the time of writing no vaccine is yet available, a rapid diagnostic assay is very urgently needed. Herein, we present the development of anti-spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles for the rapid diagnosis of specific COVID-19 viral antigen or virus via a simple colorimetric change observation within a 5 minute time period. For rapid and highly sensitive identification, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was employed using 4-aminothiophenol as a reporter molecule, which is attached to the gold nanoparticle via an Au–S bond. In the presence of COVID-19 antigen or virus particles, owing to the antigen–antibody interaction, the gold nanoparticles undergo aggregation, changing color from pink to blue, which allows for the determination of the presence of antigen or virus very rapidly by the naked eye, even at concentrations of 1 nanogram (ng) per mL for COVID-19 antigen and 1000 virus particles per mL for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudotyped baculovirus. Importantly, the aggregated gold nanoparticles form “hot spots” to provide very strong SERS signal enhancement from anti-spike antibody and 4-aminothiophenol attached gold nanoparticles via light–matter interactions. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation data indicate a 4-orders-of-magnitude Raman enhancement in “hot spot” positions when gold nanoparticles form aggregates. Using a portable Raman analyzer, our reported data demonstrate that our antibody and 4-aminothiophenol attached gold nanoparticle-based SERS probe has the capability to detect COVID-19 antigen even at a concentration of 4 picograms (pg) per mL and virus at a concentration of 18 virus particles per mL within a 5 minute time period. Using HEK293T cells, which express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), by which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells, we show that anti-spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles have the capability to inhibit infection by the virus. Our reported data show that antibody attached gold nanoparticles bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, thereby inhibiting the virus from binding to cell receptors, which stops virus infection and spread. It also has the capability to destroy the lipid membrane of the virus.
An optimal mesh computer algorithm for constrained Delaunay triangulation

We present an optimal parallel algorithm that runs in O(/spl radic/n) time on a /spl radic/n/spl timesspl radic/n mesh to compute the constrained Delaunay triangulation of a planar straight line graph G whose vertices lie in an n-element set S. Implications of our result also include an efficient PRAM algorithm for the same problem, a new optimal mesh algorithm to compute a planar Voronoi diagram, as well as a partial solution to the problem of the geodesic Voronoi diagram of a point set inside a simple polygon. >
Application of autoradiographic methods for contaminant distribution studies in soils

In order to determine physical location of contaminants in soil, solidified soil "thin" sections, which preserve the undisturbed structural characteristics of the original soil, containing weapons-grade plutonium from Rocky Flats Environmental Test (RFETS), were prepared. Two autoradiographic methods were used in radionuclide mapping, contact autoradiography using CR-39® plastic alpha-track detectors and neutron-induced autoradiography that produced fission fragment tracks in Lexan® plastic detectors. The combination of the two autoradiographic methods allowed to distinguish alpha-emitting particles of natural U, 239+240Pu and non-fissile alpha-emitters. ocations of 990 alpha "stars" caused by 239+240Pu and 241Am "hot particles" were recorded, particles were sized, their size-frequency and depth distributions were analyzed. Several large colloidal conglomerates of 239+240Pu and 241Am "hot particles" were found in soil profiles.
Integrating adenovirus-adeno-associated virus hybrid vectors devoid of all viral genes.

Recently, we demonstrated that inverted repeat sequences inserted into first-generation adenovirus (Ad) vector genomes mediate precise genomic rearrangements resulting in vector genomes devoid of all viral genes that are efficiently packaged into functional Ad capsids. As a specific application of this finding, we generated adenovirus–adeno-associated virus (AAV) hybrid vectors, first-generation Ad vectors containing AAV inverted terminal repeat sequences (ITRs) flanking a reporter gene cassette inserted into the E1 region. We hypothesized that the AAV ITRs present within the hybrid vector genome could mediate the formation of rearranged vector genomes (ΔAd.AAV) and stimulate transgene integration. We demonstrate here that ΔAd.AAV vectors are efficiently generated as by-products of first-generation adenovirus-AAV vector amplification. ΔAd.AAV genomes contain only the transgene flanked by AAV ITRs, Ad packaging signals, and Ad ITRs. ΔAd.AAV vectors can be produced at a high titer and purity. In vitro transduction properties of these deleted hybrid vectors were evaluated in direct comparison with first-generation Ad and recombinant AAV vectors (rAAVs). The ΔAd.AAV hybrid vector stably transduced cultured cells with efficiencies comparable to rAAV. Since cells transduced with ΔAd.AAV did not express cytotoxic viral proteins, hybrid viruses could be applied at very high multiplicities of infection to increase transduction rates. Southern analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggested that ΔAd.AAV integrated randomly as head-to-tail tandems into the host cell genome. The presence of two intact AAV ITRs was crucial for the production of hybrid vectors and for transgene integration. ΔAd.AAV vectors, which are straightforward in their production, represent a promising tool for stable gene transfer in vitro and in vivo.
Effects of different cardiac steroids on intracellular sodium, inotropy and toxicity in sheep purkinje fibers

The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences between cardiac steroids that might underlie the variations in toxic/therapeutic ratios that have been reported to occur in vitro as well as in vivo. We used Na(+)-sensitive microelectrodes to measure changes in intracellular Na+ activity (aiNa) associated with positive inotropic and toxic effects of acetylstrophanthidin (AS) and a semisynthetic agent, actodigin. Measurements of aiNa, twitch tension and transmembrane potential were made in sheep Purkinje fibers stimulated at 0.03, 1 and 2 Hz. Ca(+)+i overload toxicity was indicated by the presence of transient depolarizations (TD). The following results were obtained: 1) at a stimulation frequency of 1 Hz, aiNa was significantly higher at peak tension with AS (13.6 +/- 1.1 mM) than with actodigin (11.0 +/- 0.4 mM, P less than .01), yet TD occurred at the same aiNa (10.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 11.9 +/- 0.7 mM, respectively, N.S.); 2) at frequencies of 1 to 2 Hz, aiNa was lower when TD occurred (10.4 +/- 0.9 mM at 2 Hz) than at peak tension (12.1 +/- 0.8 mM, P less than .05) during exposure to AS, whereas aiNa was the same at peak tension (10.6 +/- 1.1 mM) and when TD occurred (10.5 +/- 1.1 mM, N.S.) during exposure to actodigin; 3) the degree of positive inotropy at a high stimulation frequency (2 Hz) was significantly greater with actodigin (about 12-fold increase in force compared to control) than with AS (about 6-fold increase in force).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exploring common mode voltage stress and circulating currents in offshore wind turbine to MVDC collection grid interfaces

This work investigates common mode (CM) voltage stress and circulating ground currents in two proposed power electronic interfaces for integrating next-generation offshore wind turbines (WTGs) to medium voltage DC (MVDC) collection grids. In addition to the DC CM voltage imposed by the MVDC grid, the use of switching power electronics results in high frequency (HF) CM voltage applied to the HF isolation transformers used in the proposed approaches. While DC CM voltages stress transformer insulation, HF CM voltages also cause current to flow through parasitic capacitances between transformer primary and secondary windings, as well as between transformer windings and the grounded chassis where it then circulates back to the WTG grounded neutral. Detailed simulation results indicate that use of a per-pole interface architecture leads to lower and more balanced CM voltage stress on isolation transformers, which would reduce cost and increase reliability of the interface. A CM filter and transformer shield are applied as mitigation strategies; corresponding simulation results show a reduction in the common mode current in the WTG neutral in both per-phase and per-pole interfaces.
Computational Modeling Predicts IL-10 Control of Lesion Sterilization by Balancing Early Host Immunity–Mediated Antimicrobial Responses with Caseation during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Although almost a third of the world’s population is infected with the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis , our understanding of the functions of many immune factors involved in fighting infection is limited. Determining the role of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 at the level of the granuloma has proven difficult because of lesional heterogeneity and the limitations of animal models. In this study, we take an in silico approach and, through a series of virtual experiments, we predict several novel roles for IL-10 in tuberculosis granulomas: 1) decreased levels of IL-10 lead to increased numbers of sterile lesions, but at the cost of early increased caseation; 2) small increases in early antimicrobial activity cause this increased lesion sterility; 3) IL-10 produced by activated macrophages is a major mediator of early antimicrobial activity and early host-induced caseation; and 4) increasing levels of infected macrophage derived IL-10 promotes bacterial persistence by limiting the early antimicrobial response and preventing lesion sterilization. Our findings, currently only accessible using an in silico approach, suggest that IL-10 at the individual granuloma scale is a critical regulator of lesion outcome. These predictions suggest IL-10–related mechanisms that could be used as adjunctive therapies during tuberculosis.
Energy level structure of Sc42

Abstract Threshold measurements of the beta decay activity from the residual nucleus in the reaction K 39 ( α , n)Sc 42 yield a ground state Q value of −7.455±0.030 MeV and energy levels of Sc 42 at 0.526±0.020, 0.600±0.030, 1.42±0.030, 2.22±0.030, 2.96±0.030 and 3.57±0.040 MeV. Position end-point energies calculated from threshold values are 5.525±0.030 MeV for the superallowed decay of the Sc 42 ground level to the Ca 42 ground level and 2.820± 0.030 MeV for the allowed decay of Sc 42m to the 3.191 MeV level of Ca 42 . The total cross section is 2.2±0.2 mb for the K 39 ( α , n)Sc 42 reaction and 6.6±0.6 mb for the K 39 ( α , n)Sc 42 m reaction at alpha-particle energies 1.45 MeV above the respective thresholds. The half-life is 0.65±0.01 sec for the superallowed decay and 60.6±0.4 sec for the allowed decay. The experimental levels compare reasonably well with those predicted by a jj coupling shell model. The energy difference between the isometric levels of Sc 42 is in accord with a systematic tendency of the energy difference between the lowest T = 0 and T = 1 levels in odd nuclei with N = Z .
Gender factor in lane keeping and speech comprehension dual tasks

Driving-related dual-task performance has been studied by many transportation human factors studies; however, previous studies on the effects of cognitive load on driving performance have obtained mixed results. In the current study, we focus on the analysis of the effect of gender factor on lane keeping and speech comprehension dual-task performance with improved experimental control of potential confounding factors. The results showed that the speech comprehension task did not significantly affect lane keeping performance when priority was given to lane keeping, at least within the approximate 80 min of the experiment. The speech comprehension performance in dual-task showed a speed-accuracy tradeoff that sacrificed accuracy for speed. Males showed better lane keeping ability in single-task, because the increase of standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) with higher driving speed was less dramatic in males than females. Females showed better speech comprehension ability indicated by higher comprehens...
Reliability and performance studies of DC-DC conversion powering scheme for the CMS pixel tracker at SLHC

The upgrades of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) introduce a significant challenge to the power distribution of the detectors. DC-DC conversion is the preferred powering scheme proposed to be integrated for the CMS tracker to deliver high input voltage levels and performing a step-down conversion nearby the detector modules. In this work, we propose a step-up/step-down powering scheme by performing voltage step up at the CAEN supply unit and voltage step down near the detector. We designed step-up converters and investigate the pixel performance and power loss on the FPIX power distribution system. Tests are performed using the PSI46 pixel readout chips on a forward pixel panel module and the DC-DC converters developed at CERN and Fermilab. Reliability studies include the voltage drop measurements on the readout chips and the power supply noise generated from the converter. Performance studies include pixel noise and threshold dispersion results. Comparison between step-down only and step-up/step-down conversion powering schemes are provided.
Blended Linear Multistep Methods

The accuracy of linear multistep formulas suitable for stiff differential systems is limited. Greater accuracy can be attained by including higher derivatives in the formula, but this is not practical for all problems. It is possible however, to duplicate the absolute stability region for any given m-derivative multistep formula by taking a combination of m multistep formulas. These blended formulas are similar to Lambert and Sigurdsson's linear multistep formulas with variable matrix coefficients, but the approach is different. Implementation details and numerical results are presented for a variable-order, variable-step blend of the Adams-Moulton and the backward differentiation formulas. 7 tables.
Management of fulminant ulcerative colitis by primary restorative proctocolectomy

Severe acute ulcerative colitis unresponsive to medical management is characterized by multiple associated risk factors including anemia, hypoproteinemia, and high steroid requirements when urgent surgery is required. Current surgical options include use of primary ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) vs. historic trends favoring colectomy with ileostomy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of primary IPAA in patients with severe colitis, we reviewed our own experience in 20 patients with this condition. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary restorative proctocolectomy included 13 males and 7 females (mean age, 30.5±2.4 years). Exclusion criteria for primary reconstruction included septic patients and patients with associated medical conditions such as pulmonary or cardiovascular disease. History of ulcerative colitis averaged 3.1±1.1 years (range, 1 month to 19 years). Preoperative mean total serum protein concentration was 5.0±0.2 g/dl, and mean albumin concentration was 2.1±0.2 g/dl, reflecting disease severity. The average daily steroid requirement at the time of urgent colectomy was 58.0±4.4 mg of prednisone (or intravenous equivalent). Primary IPAA included 18 “W” reservoirs, 1 “S” reservoir, and 1 “J” reservoir. RESULTS: Major surgical complications included mild pancreatitis (10 percent), anastomotic leak (5 percent), adrenal insufficiency (15 percent), an upper gastrointestinal bleed (5 percent), and small bowel obstruction (15 percent). There were no deaths, and no patients developed pelvic sepsis or required IPAA removal. At three and twelve months, 24-hr stool frequency averaged 7.3±0.4 and 4.9±0.3, respectively. Overall day and night continence was excellent and not different from patients who underwent elective IPAA procedures for ulcerative colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Improved options such as primary IPAA may be safely used in selected patients requiring urgent surgery for severe or fulminant ulcerative colitis. Medical management should be abbreviated when disease control cannot be promptly achieved.
PR32 WHAT I’VE LEARNED IN HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Over a long career in both ablative and reconstructive surgery in the head and neck, the author has identified certain factors which help in the management of these patients and has learned many lessons. Such lessons include the importance of multi-disciplinary management, excellence in anaesthesia, the importance of anatomy, concepts of ablative surgery such as marginal mandibular resection, and many of the concepts of reconstructive surgery which have enabled rapid one stage reconstructions, such that palliative surgery for massive tumours can be sometimes worthwhile. These and other experiences will be discussed.
Reply to "Comment on 'Operational approach to the phase of a quantum field' "

In response to Hradil's Comment [preceding Comment, Phys. Rev. A 47, 4532 (1993)], we point out that his prescription for putting both the cosine and sine equal to zero when the data yield ${\mathit{n}}_{3}$=${\mathit{n}}_{4}$ and ${\mathit{n}}_{5}$=${\mathit{n}}_{6}$ can lead to meaningless results. Moreover, Hradil's Eq. (5) for obtaining ${\mathit{D}}^{2}$ from the measured variance leads to disagreement with experiment. Finally, it is possible to obtain a continuous spectrum of phases with our technique.
U.s. Water resources versus an announced but uncertain climate change.

The problems that arise in global temperature caused by the greenhouse gases are very troublesome for all of the 21 American water-resource regions. Five warning signals of vulnerability of water supplies to climate changes are the ratio of consumption and storage to supply, the ratio of vulnerability to runoff, dependence on hydroelectric power, and overdrawing of ground water. The leverage of climate upon future water resources is generally known, but the lack of the needed predictions of climate at hand or in the very near future frustrates the determination of future water resources. It is predicted that 10 to 50 years will pass before a concensus is reached about predictions of regional precipitation and runoff, and this lack of imminent prediction of water supplies (related to climate changes) necessitates the immediate need for coping with present variability to prepare for climate changes. Conservation and diversification also constitute practical precautions for water shortages. Thus the need for more accurate forecasting for a single season is of paramount importance.
Optimal battery energy storage system (BESS) charge scheduling with dynamic programming

A dynamic programming algorithm for the optimal charge/discharge scheduling of BESS energy storage is presented. It ensures the minimisation of the electricity bill for a given battery capacity, while reducing stress on the battery and prolonging battery life. Optimal scheduling of the battery charge state is in itself unique; the methods of multipass dynamic programming are used to accomplish this. Maximum payoff for load redistribution and peak load shaving is determined while accounting for charging rate, battery voltage fluctuation and internal losses as a function of charge state. The optimal charging curve is significantly different from the curve conventionally published for BESS.
PREY SIZE SELECTION BY THE MOSQUITOFISH: RELATION TO OPTIMAL DIET THEORY'

We investigated size—selective predation upon Daphnia pulex and D. magna by the mosquitofish (Gambusia). The independent variables were the relative size of predator and prey, prey density, and predator satiation. Gambusia actively chose to attack small prey (which we showed to be more profitable). Gambusia's preference increased monotonically, or decreased, or peaked at an intermediate prey size, depending upon fish size, prey size, and fish satiation level. These results contrast with the hypothesis the "gape—limited predators" select the largest prey available, and "size—limited predators" select small or intermediate—sized prey. Optimal diet theory predicts that a predator should drop less profitable prey items from the diet at higher prey densities. In contrast, Gambusia maintained a mixed diet and its preferences did not change in response to changes in either the absolute or the relative abundance of prey. Moreover, the ingestion rate would have been higher if less profitable (larger) prey types had been ignored. Gambusia did sharply alter its size—selective feeding behavior in response to its own satiation level, and we expect that this factor is correlated with prey density in the field. Well—fed fish concentrated their attacks, to a greater degree than starved fish, on small, more profitable prey. They also ingested less biomass per unit time. This last result suggests that maximizing food intake per unit time may not be the goal of well—fed fish, and that different criteria may determine the profitability of prey at different prey densities.
LYNCH ON THE VALUE OF TRUTH

This is a penultimate draft; final version published by Blackwell Publishing in Philosophical Books 46.4, 302-310, October 2005. The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com